gigantic

Gigantic – 5/5


genre: drama/comedy/romance
director: Matt Aselton
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 39 min.
language: English
RT rating: 38%
my keywords: love, quirky, funny, adoption

a 28-year old man plans to adopt, but doesn't expect to find love.

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i loved this film! i didn't expect much of it and was pleasantly surprise. i was laughing from the first scene - cracking up actually. i think the sense of humor in this movie is hit or miss. it definitely hit me. also i can't recall the last time i saw a film in which every single character was individually unique AND funny in their own way. i loved the realism as well. definitely thought this was a not-so-predictable, cute, funny - and yes very "quirky" - film. i don't think it was trying too hard to be anything, it just was. John Goodman is a pleasant, and very funny, surprise, and i adored Zooey Deschanel's character, which for some reason i associate with a Winona Ryder type. the most i've laughed at a film in a little while.

: similar movies : Then She Found Me, Garden State

paris, texas

Paris, Texas – 5/5


genre: drama
director: Wim Wenders
year: 1984
length: 2hr. 30 min.
language: English
RT rating: 100%
my keywords: true love, silence, family, small town

a man and his past are discovered.

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this film is truly a gem and i can see why it is such a classic loved by most. the landscape scenery captured is stunning and creates an opening i will never forget. i was quickly sucked into the little world of the characters whom i adored. also one of the most realistic child roles i've seen in terms of acting and dialogue. part of the beauty of this film is that the complexity of their situation all plays out in such a minimalist way. it is so easy to be captured by the ambiguity and every move the main character, Travis, makes - from his first step in front of the camera to his exit in the end ... and to follow along the path leading to the entire "big picture." some of the most endearing moments i've seen in film. for drama lovers who don't mind slower-paced, this is a must see.

: similar movies : Trucker, Clean, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Gas Food Lodging

crazy/beautiful

Crazy/Beautiful – 3.5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: John Stockwell
year: 2001
length: 1hr. 39 min.
language: English
RT rating: 63%
my keywords: romance, true love, mental illness

story of two teens who love each other despite the complications of life and one of them living with a mental health problems.

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i just recently discovered this movie and was not too disappointed. what i thought could have ended up being added to my cheese bomb list wasn't, but barely.  i was a little annoyed with Kirsten Dunst's character at first, but after learning more about her, i understood. i know it was the fantasy world of a movie, but i guess i admired the depth of Jay Hernandez's character and how he dealt with the situation. i thought the acting was pretty well done in this film, though it seems to be almost a replica of Mad Love. great soundtrack, though.

: similar movies : Mad Love, Adam

bright star

Bright Star – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Jane Campion (The Piano, In the Cut)
year: 2009
length: 2hrs.
language: English
RT rating: n/a
my keywords: romance, true love, poetry, tragedy

British period film about the love between young poet, John Keates, and Fanny Brawne.

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so glad i finally watched this. a sweet, yet passionate love affair and outstanding performances by the actors. i easily wanted to cry, laugh, smile right along with them. i am glad to have learned about the existence of this relationship and to also be reminded of what a great poet John Keats was. heartbreaking performance by Abbie Cornish.

: similar movies : The Piano, Jane Eyre, Titanic

affinity

Affinity – 5+/5

THIS POST HAS BEEN MOVED TO MY LESBIAN MOVIE BLOG HERE.




genre: drama/romance/lesbian
director: Tim Fywell (Half Broken Things, Turn of the Screw)
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 34 min.
language: English
RT rating: n/a
my keywords: lesbian, beautiful, deep, moving, passion, soul mates

British period film about a wealthy woman who visits a local womens prison and becomes extremely close with one of the inmates.

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another Sarah Waters gem!! this is quite an interesting, unique addition to her other awesome works, Tipping the Velvet (still my favorite) & Fingersmith. all three films, based on Waters' novels, have a lot in common, including shocking twists and characters to fall in love with. at the same time, each story is so unique and outstanding on it's own. this one is not to miss!! for fellow fans, i don't want to give anything away, you just have to watch it! also such a tasteful, well-done production.

: similar movies : Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith

unrelated

Unrelated – 4/5


genre: drama
director: Joanna Hogg
year: 2007
length: 1hr. 40 min.
language: English
RT rating: 85%
my keywords: poignant, loneliness, friends, getaway, relationship problems

British film about a shy woman goes on vacation with a friend's family.

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i love minimalist, poignant style films and found this one interesting. there is nothing extraordinary about it, and it almost annoyed me, yet i effortlessly drifted through the movie, along with the main character, and will probably always remember seeing it. most might find it boring, bland and much like watching someone's vacation home movie, but maybe a few, like me, might find something about the character or situation they can relate to. i know i did - needing a break, to be engaged with people in a different environment, but also realizing sometimes how "home," despite all it's dysfunctions, is missed.

: similar movies : for some reason this reminded me of Swimming Pool

funny people

Funny People – 5/5


genre: drama/comedy
director: Judd Apatow (40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad)
year: 2009
length: 2hr. 43 min.
language: English
RT rating: 68%
my keywords: funny, comedians, fame, sadness, illness, dysfunctional relationships

a popular comedian is faced with terminal illness and struggles with his personal relationships.

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i used to steer away from Adam Sandler movies, but some of his recent films have shown what incredible range he has as an actor. i think this film also exemplifies his great talent. a few of his characters have left such lasting impressions with me, and George Simmons is no exception. i'm wondering if this character could be considered borderline personality. i really enjoyed watching this unique film that made me laugh consistently and almost tear up a few times. i'm also finding that i really like Judd Apatow's sense of humor.

: similar movies : still searching ...

a walk to remember

A Walk to Remember – 3.5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Adam Shankman (The Wedding Planner)
year: 2002
length: 1hr. 42 min.
language: English
RT rating: 28%
my keywords: young, in love, illness, loss, sadness, fairytale romance

story of two teens, one troubled and the other angelic, in North Carolina who meet and change each other's lives.

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it took me a while to finally watch this one. i could already sense it would be a little cheesy - and it was. but there were still some moments that had my attention, such as Mandy Moore's solo scene, and overall, i wasn't too disappointed. something for a sappy hopeless romantic (like me) to give a try. there were a few other movies that did this before (and after), though.

: similar movies : Dying Young, Here on Earth (2000), Sweet November (a favorite), Keith (liked this one more)

downloading nancy

Downloading Nancy – 5/5


genre: drama
director: Johan Renck
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 42 min.
language: English
RT rating: 18%
my keywords: sadism/masochism, suicide, love, marital problems

a masochistic woman struggling with deep personal issues leaves her husband for another man she meets online.

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i don't want to give away too much about this movie. i don't agree with some of the critics that this movie is very predictable. that said, i think if you can survive it, you might be as interested as i was to see what happens. not for the faint of heart. i'll admit it wasn't spectacular, but i do respect the fact that this movie "goes there" and i don't think enough movies do. i know there are people out there who can relate to this story and its characters. definitely glad i watched.

: similar movies : Secretary, Sweethearts

Adam

Adam - 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Max Mayer
year: 2009
length: 99 min.
language: English
RT rating: 65%
my keywords: shyness, love, codependency, disorder

A man with Asperger Syndrome finds love.

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i was very pleased to discover this film. it hit close to home. i thought the acting was great and the movie was successful in truthfully showing the challenges of having a relationship with someone who suffers from a disorder. the romance was never cheesy, the characters & plot were not shallow, and i think the unique, unexpected ending speaks for itself pretty well. this one left a lasting impression.

: similar movies : Crazy/Beautiful, Benny & Joon, The Other Sister

Trucker

Trucker - 4.5/5


genre: drama
director: James Mottern
year: 2009
length: 90 min.
language: English
RT rating: 58%
my keywords: independent woman, rough around the edges, dysfunctional parent, loneliness

A female truck driver is suddenly forced to face her past and take care of her 11-year old son.

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i really enjoyed watching this movie. i found it to be moving and just what i was in the mood for at the time. a bit of grit, but not overdone. i thought some of the acting moments between the mother and son were a little off, but mostly during some of the lighter, more humorous scenes. overall, not phenomenal, but definitely worth a watch for those who enjoy slower paced independent style dramas.

: similar movies : Sherry Baby, Clean, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Paris, Texas