Movie Review: Funny Girl

Last night, the rental of the night was Funny Girl (starring Barbara Streisand and Omar Sharif). I haven't seen (or at the very least, don't remember) watching any Streisand films, aside from like -- Meet the Fockers. But, she's an American Treasure, and the dvd case was an unmissable hot pink. So I thought, 'why not rent it and see what the big deal is?'

Every so often, I see a movie that I just know will go into my permanent collection and get a million views. And as most of you know, I'm a sucker for musicals. Funny Lady is about a young girl who wants to break into a world of fame as a Ziegfeld girl -- and she turns out to be a comic! And along the way she meets a man...I want to elaborate, but I don't want to give too much away.

The entire time I was watching it, though, I couldn't help but think about the first time I ever saw My Fair Lady as a young boy. The first time I saw Audrey Hepburn walk into the Ascot Opening Race scene with the elaborate black and white Cecil Beaton gown and that to-die-for hat, I was mesmerized -- it was my first glimpse into the world of old Hollywood glamor, and would eventually lead to an obsession with the lifestyle therein. Funny Girl had the clothes, the music, the lovable main character -- everything I want in a film.

I can't bring myself to return the film just yet. I may have to watch it one more time.

I was just about done with writing movie reviews for this blog. I'd rather just enjoy movies and then give you suggestions when you ask for them. But this movie was way too good not to write about.

Ollllld Blog Entry

I wrote this in Tenth Grade (we had to write our own poem influenced by the poem "The White Man's Burden"). I found it on my Xanga (lol).

The Indian Mans Burden

Get to the party, the whole world is there

And every single girl has long black hair

You might think that’s funny, you might think that’s nice

Then you see your wannabe black cousins wearing their bootleg “ice”

One drunk uncle who tries to tell a joke

Another dumb uncle is tryin’ to get a smoke

You just wanna leave before they serve the curry

That stuff is nasty so you better hurry

Soon they bring out the mic

The keyboard plays “dang dong”

All the aunties call you

To sing the titanic song

Aunty one wants you to eat her “delicious ledoo”

Aunty two wants you to pray to holy Vishnu

You’re forced to hide, your little cousin seeks

But you can’t stand to hide in a house that wreaks

The smell could kill you, spice and fish

Yet again, your cousins’ acting so blackish

Mummy says it’s time to go

While she “says bye” for an hour or so

Go hug your grandma, and your cousin Tootie

Then from your aunty get a box of frooty

Take home some tupperware filled with sweets

You know that’s the only thing you’re gonna eat

It’s tough being Indian as you can tell,

But according to Kipling, being white can be like hell

So next time you’re at the airport, and make us take off our shoes

Don’t think of us all as just plain hindus

Cuz we’re the best race, and you can’t deny it,

Whether you’re white or black, don’t dare defy it

We’re Indian and we’re here to stay,

Three cheers for us “hip hip, hooray”

I was such a clever writer in 10th grade. Not much has changed, no?


Make an observation.
Stop to sing a song.
Don't wear crocs.

Road Observations

After a fun weekend in New York with the family, it was back to business. Well not really, considering I don't resume work until next week. But I was back to my normal everyday routine.


Have you ever been zooming down the left lane when all of a sudden someone get right in front of you and maintains a snail-paced speed? On the way home from Long Island, a motorcycle got in front of me and went the speed limit. Not above it! It honestly took a bit out of me not to just go a bit faster and knock him and his girlfriend off that bike and just continue on my way. I can't stand it. ESPECIALLY when the person's on a motorcycle. I mean come on! They usually go so fast and like weave through traffic. Of course the one biker who follows the rules would cut in front of me.

And then today, when I was leaving the grocery store, this girl was walking in the MIDDLE of the parking lot. And I was like right behind her in my car and she didn't move at all. I waited a while for her to move over, but then I lost my patience. I muttered an obscenity under my breath and eased my foot down on the peddle and drove right for her ("PINK" was splashed across her butt. ps. TRYING TOO HARD). Obviously, she realized if she didn't move, she'd die, so she moved. Don't worry. I wasn't going fast, and I had enough room and even swerved around her in the end so I wouldn't like clip her or whatever. But I put my foot down hard enough that it would make the engine growl at her.

I swear. Pedestrians and slow drivers need to get their ish together. It's like the rest of the world is trying to play 'chicken' with me on the road, but I never really lose. You can always tell who the road crazies are, and I can see them coming from a mile away. Everyone else shouldn't bother trying.

ps. I don't have road rage. I may be impatient, but I'm a great driver.

Make an observation.
Stop to sing a song.
Don't wear crocs.

Crazy Movie Post

Ok the Moviepass has served me well. In the past 48 hours, I've watched seven movies.
I will review each for you here:

Saawariya: Saawariya is like any typical Bollywood film. Man wants girl, something goes wrong, music ensues. The only thing that makes THIS Bollywood film different, is that it's the first one to ever be produced by a Hollywood production company -- Columbia Pictures/Sony Entertainment. And it certainly shows. The sets, the lights, the shots -- it's all very un-Bollywood. And I could honestly see this film being turned into a Broadway show. It was a bit annoying, however, at times -- there were five songs in the first half hour. My mom kept giving me the "Why did you rent this" look. If you are a Bollywood lightweight, or a longtime connoisseur, Saawariya isn't a bad choice - I definitely recommend it. The soundtrack wasn't terrible, there were even a few songs that I'd love to add to my collection! 4/5 stars

Fire: One of the controversial films directed by Deepa Mehta, Fire depicted the story of two sisters-in-laws who have to hide their Lesbian relationship from a society who could never accept an alternative lifestyle. It was banned in India! What do I have to say about it? It was pretty good. It was a bit slow at times, but it was well executed. It really went where no other Indian film had gone at that time. It didn't try to sugar-coat anything about their taboo relationship. I'm not particularly fond of Drama films, so I am sure I didn't appreciate this film as much as I should have. 3/5 stars

Water: The next controversial film by Deepa Mehta. I enjoyed this film much more than Fire. It shows the story of a girl who was widowed by the age of eight and sent to live in an ashram for widows (as was customary in accordance with Hindu texts). It is set in the time of Mohandas Gandhi's revolutionary movement in India. And the woman who played Kalyani is absolutely gorgeous. The movie shined a light on a facet of India I didn't know existed -- one that plagues the country even today. I enjoyed this film very much! 4/5 stars

Moulin Rouge: It seems everyone has seen this movie, so I find it pointless to write anything about it. It was fun, dark, and glamorous. It almost made me cry, and made me want to get up and sing along. Musicals are always a safe bet with me. And I love Ewan McGregor (watch Down with love!!!!!). Nicole Kidman isn't really on my list of favorite actresses, and she sure wasn't put on this planet to sing, but I guess I can accept it just this once. It's not a bad film, and I love the demonic circus/bordello type of decor and whatnot. Period clothes are a definite plus in my book. I'm surprised I waited this long to watch it! 4/5 stars

La Cage Aux Folles: This is the French 1979 film that lead to the American remake "The Birdcage" staring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams. The Birdcage is one of my favorite films, and I've seen it numerous times. Imagine my surprise while viewing La Cage Aux Folles. The Birdcage was an exact replica of the original. Each scene, almost all of the jokes/punchlines, even some of the decor involved was the same as the American version. If I had seen this film before I had seen the American version, I would have loved it. But since I've seen the Birdcage so many times, nothing was really shocking (aside from the fact that Agador Spartacus has been replaced by a black man -- which honestly provided for some crazy outfits and a hearty laugh or two). For the record, I prefer the Birdcage much more -- besides, there's no reading required! 5/5 stars (only because I love the Birdcage so much and they are essentially the same movie)

American Graffiti: I purchased the soundtrack to American Graffiti about 6 years ago at a yard sale because I wanted records. I have not, since then, come in contact with or purchased a record player, so I haven't heard my purchase being played. But I know a lot of the music on it already, so I'm glad I purchased it anyway! One day, I'll buy a record player and listen to it, but until then, I'll have to settle for having seen the film. I wasn't impressed. It jumped around, and had so many (some would argue too many) storylines. Of course, it kept me interested, but I just wasn't feeling it completely. The soundtrack, however, was beyond amazing. If you love classic oldies from the 50s-60s, you'll love this film. 4/5 stars

Summer Movie Tour 08'

It's movie season.
And I got a Blockbuster movie pass.
So in addition to the movies I'll be seeing in theaters, I'll be seeing quite a few movies at home!

I've seen a few movies already, but I don't really remember what I liked or disliked about them, so it would be difficult for me to give you a good review.
But to make it simple:

Baby Mama -- Good movie. Unexpected twists and turns. Good laughs. See it.
Mad Money -- Pretty good. A few giggles. Maybe see it, but it's not for everyone.
Alvin and the Chipmunks -- It's OKAY. I was expecting more. I laughed a few times. A good movie to watch with the kids.
The Waterhorse - I just love little British kids with British accents, so this movie was great. I liked it, and I wouldn't be opposed to adding this movie to my wishlist. I'm a sucker for a good kids movie.
How to Murder your Wife (1965) -- Good movie! I actually laughed, which is rare when I watch old movies. And Jack Lemmon movies are always spot on. See it!!!


Today, I rented The Godfather. I didn't really want to see it. I'm not big on 'gangster' movies, but I figured it's one of "those" movies that everyone needs to see. I wasn't crazy about it. It was nearly three hours long, but nothing particularly fabulous. I'm probably not going to even bother renting Part's II and III. See it or not. It's your choice. I wish I had more to write about this move, but I was too disappointed to really keep anything particular in mind to mention about it.

Hmph.
Tonight I'm watching an Indian movie and American Graffiti, so hopefully I'll have something excited to write about those two movies tomorrow!


Make an observation.
Stop to sing a song.
Don't wear crocs.

Squeeze it.

In the past few weeks, we've hosted quite a few visitors at our humble home. Cousins have floated in and out of this house, and I couldn't be happier. There's nothing I love more than spending time with my family. I spend hours cleaning my home just for these happy occasions. There's no way I'll have (or my mom will have) people in the house with a messy room! You know me (swiffering my dorm weekly, etc.).

Everyone has been in that situation. You spend hours, even days cleaning your house and room, but once everyone is gone, you sit back and observe(!) the damage done. Paper plates and cups throughout the house, your movies and bedroom all disheveled. But I mean -- that's all in a day. Clean-up takes only minutes. But there is ONE thing, that I simply can't stand about having people staying over. It's the surprise left for me in the bathroom.

Okay, I know you're thinking ew. But it's not what you think. My bathroom will look pristine even after everyone's left, but it's one little habit that no one in my family has learned that has gotten my knickers in a bunch. The morning (or night) after they've left, I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth, pick up the tube of toothpaste, and to my complete and utter horror, my once beautiful tube of paste has been squeezed right in the middle.


Can I stress to you just how much this annoys me? I don't think I can. I hate it, I loathe it. I just don't understand why no one can squeeze from the bottom. No 'rolling and clipping' required, like the picture suggests, but rather just a simple squeeze from the bottom -- it assures that you will get all the paste out of the tube. And, simply put, it looks better. Every time a visitor leaves our home, I have to go into the bathroom and squeeze that tube of toothpaste from the bottom again to fix the visitor's mistake. Yes, it only takes me about ten seconds to right this wrong, but it is in essence a wrong that I shouldn't HAVE to right. The void in my heart isn't unlike the one left in that sad pathetic tube of toothpaste.

And it's not just at my house. Even when I'm visiting other people's homes, the toothpaste dilemma is one that plagues me wherever I go. I keep meaning to take my OWN tube of travel toothpaste with me whenever I go somewhere, but always seem to forget.

I know what you're thinking. I know what you think of me. Am I really that obsessive? The answer, clearly, is yes. I like things a certain way, and don't want to have to tolerate anything less. If you know me at all, you know how much I spend on cosmetics and beauty products each year. And that doesn't stop at hair gels and face cream. I won't bat an eyelash at spending a little extra for that tube of designer Marvis brand toothpaste. And after spending 10-15 dollars on a tube of toothpaste, I don't want someone to tarnish that tube of toothpaste by expelling its contents improperly.

But it annoys me nonetheless. For the past few months, I've even gone so far as to have my own tube of toothpaste tucked neatly away in my bathroom for my own personal use. Yes, I have a "guest toothpaste," JUST so I won't have to use a tube of toothpaste tainted by a society who is incapable of learning basic manners.

There is no one in particular who does this that annoys me. And I know it's not just a family thing. It happens everywhere. Tubes of toothpaste are being destroyed by people all over the world, it just so happens that my examples are of my family. If YOU are a toothpaste-sinner, it is not too late to heal yourself.

Make an observation.
Stop to sing a song.
Don't wear crocs.

Summertime, and the livin' is easy...

Yay! I'm done with school, finally!! It has been a LONG year. That first semester at Maryland nearly wiped me out. This second semester was MUCH better, and I may have even pulled out another 4.0!! Holla!

I did absolutely nothing today. I took my Art History final, which went quite smoothly, and then came home. After a two hour nap, I went to the bank, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Blockbuster.

I got a bunch of goodies at Bed Bath and Beyond, including the most amazing candle ever. The Buttercream scented candle by Yankee Candle company. I'm hoping I'll take one whiff and my blood sugar will spike so high that my desires for sweets will diminish. God. I'm going to end up eating the candle, I can see it now. I ended my day watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with my mama...not too bad, to be honest. I giggled a few times. Maybe even a medium-strength laugh once or twice. Not too bad. Maybe I should start rating movies a la Escalefter style?

I wish I had more to write, but nothing really upset me today enough to write about, and nothing upset me in the past week that kept me upset enough to want to write about it tonight. I am, however, excited for tomorrow! I'm seeing Baby Mama with Pat! I saw a clip or two on Oprah yesterday, and it looks like it'll be good fun. I'll be sure to report tomorrow (for the 2-3 of you who actually read this)!!! Muy caliente!

Tip of the day: Download a version of 'Summertime,' online. I suggest the Billie Holiday version (of course), the Fantasia Barrino version, the Eva Cassidy version, or the Scarlett Johannsen version, or for the ultimate classic/original, the George Gershwin version. Good song -- I'll have to sing it for you some day.



Make an observation.
Stop to sing a song.
Don't wear crocs.