A Not So Scary Halloween

I love Halloween. I do not love horror movies. Mostly because after watching one I don't sleep for weeks because I am scared that girl from The Ring is going to come in my room or that Reagan from The Exorcist is going to spider-walk across my ceiling.

So, in the spirit of the season, I would like to present "Jenny Babich's not-so scary Halloween movie list." These films will get you in the holiday spirit without disturbing your slumber. So, grab a cup of cider, a bowl of candy corn and enjoy!

Monster House

Not enough people know about this movie. It's got a delightful story and is funny, heartwarming, and in some parts, genuinely scary. The story centers around a house that eats kids. Do I need to sell it further? Steve Buscemi is one of the voice actors in the film. That alone should have sent you running out of your house to your nearest Best Buy to purchase this Academy Award nominated movie. You won't be disappointed.

Corpse Bride

Although "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is also on my list, "Corpse Bride" is starting to become my favorite of these two Tim Burton concoctions. The design of the characters and the sets is gorgeous. On the eve of his wedding, Victor accidentally marries the Corpse Bride while practicing his vows. With the voices of Johnny Depp, Emily Waston, Helena Bonham Carter, Joanna Lumley, Tracey Ulman and Albert Finney, this all star cast can't be beat. There is love, betrayal, goth-fabulousness and the masterful storytelling that only a Tim Burton tale can bring you.

The Witches

If I only have time for one film each Halloween, this is the one I watch. I can't guarantee that when you watch it you will feel the same way, but for me, this is the film I grew up on, so it's nostalgic for me to see it every year. After losing his parents, a young boy moves in with his grandmother and they encounter a band of horrific witches at a vacation spot. Angelica Houston heads up the witches in a sultry yet cackling performance.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

This tv special is like a nice warm blanket and a cup of cocoa. Just watch it.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

No Halloween list would be complete without the stop-motion animated film that brought us the new renaissance of stop-motion animation. Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, gets a little hum-drum about the same old Halloween tricks and decides to take over Christmas. So, you really get your Christmas preview with this film too. It's a great way to start off the fall/winter holiday seasons.

Other films/specials I recommend (but haven't watched in a while, so I can't speak to how they hold up):

• Mad Monster Party (from the people who brought you Hermie the elf who wants to be a dentist, a stop-motion animation classic)
• The Worst Witch (I watched this non-stop as a kid but can guarantee the special effects will seem awful now, as I remember them being awful at the time. But Tim Curry is in it, and I think that is why I loved it so much.)
• The Monster Squad (This one was right up my alley - as a kid I would have loved to have hung out with Frankenstein while fighting scarier monsters. I need to get this one again)

District 9 and a rant on 2008

I respect everyone's right to disagree with this, but District 9 is one of my favorite movies of 2009 (along with Up!, which is my top pick for 2009). In the past year, with the writer's strike, and with the fact that there are a lot of Hollywood movies that are based on books/toys/remakes, District 9 was a breath of fresh (yet horrifying) air.

Other than The Dark Knight, I really don't feel that there was a "great" film of 2008. I did see Slumdog Millionaire, and it was good, but I didn't get the "life changing experience" feel that so many others claim to have. (And I would like to apologize in advance for the excessive use of quotes that are sure to ensue in this review). I feel that in any other film year, Slumdog would have probably been nominated but certainly wouldn't have won the Oscar.

And don't get me started on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Beautifully filmed? You bet. Some great acting performances (from Brad Pitt and Tilda Swindon)? Of course. What else? Not much. This movie to me was a story that was trying so hard to be Forest Gump (and many have noted the similarities in the stories), but I am talking even more about the fact that BB tried SO hard to have quirky characters (like the two brothers on the ship that fought the second they got on land) that felt contrived. The characters in Forest Gump flowed well and were written well, and didn't feel forced. The other thing I just couldn't get over were the distracting and overacted (which shocked me considering it was Cate Blanchet, who can't do wrong typically) scenes with Cate Blanchet's character as an older woman in the hospital. I could go on for days, but I won't. It's one of the few movies I have ever seen that I couldn't even get through. I know there are a lot of people who did like it, but I am a script girl, and this one failed in that aspect, and thus lost me.

Even in 2009 so far, I haven't seen many films (other than Up! - and Pixar, I believe, is never going to do me wrong) that I felt excited about. I was even let down a bit by Harry Potter 6 (I liked it, but I liked the last movie better). So, needless to say, Bryan has had to all but drag me to the theatre anymore to see anything. That was the case today too with District 9 (which I actually WANTED to see).

I won't expand more on the plot other than what the trailer shows you, but I can say that I think it is one of the most original stories you will ever see. I also think it was the most different sci-fi and just film in general that I have seen in a long time. It was filmed in a documentary style, and the first five minutes create such a mystery. They describe how the aliens came, what District 9 is, introduce and tell us quite a bit about our lead male character, and let us know that he does something horrible. Something that those interviewed will never forgive him for. But they don't say what. That is the brilliance.

I also liked that the aliens were treated in a way that I (at least) have never seen before. Most alien movies the aliens are either friends or attacking us. In this movie, they are hostages. It's a sci-fi film that takes place in South Africa and makes some huge (and not hidden in any way) social commentary on what takes place in these slums, but I think that choosing aliens to show this is really inventive.

I have to give a huge amount of accolades to Sharlto Copley, who I believe gave one of the best acting performances I have seen in a while. The range of emotion he had to show in this film is remarkable, and I am completely impressed with his performance.

The effects were also amazing. I think that the gritty hand-held camera work helped to make the prawns (aliens) seem a little more blended into the scene. And the ship hangs over the city in a very ominous (but almost natural) way throughout the film.

One of the biggest criticisms I have read about this film is that the end turns into more of a shoot-em-up type movie, and I am not going to lie, it does. However, the first half is so incredibly intense, I feel that the filmmaker was almost helping the audience by doing this. It was almost a little bit of a release from such a tense beginning.

I would give this a recommendation to those of you that like sci-fi films and can deal with some gore. I will definitely be seeing it again. Until next time, happy viewing!

Embrace Change

Ok, so I set a resolution for myself two weeks ago to see a new film in the THEATRE every week. Well, frankly, there isn't much I want to see in the theatre right now, so I am amending my resolution. It now stands that I am going to see a new film every week (be it on DVD or at the theatre). Last week I watched Blade Runner (blog to come on that), and tonight I will be picking a new film at Blockbuster. One of my company's values is "Embrace Change" - so I am going to embrace this change. Get ready for some reviews!

The Toy Box: The Dude Abides

I am a huge Coen Brothers film fan. One of my favorites is The Big Lebowski. Bryan and I always joke that I am like The Dude (laid back and always buy rugs for our house that I say, and I quote "tie the whole room together") and Bryan is Walter (and often says "I'm calmer than you."). So, naturally, when I saw that there was a toy of The Dude, I HAD to have it. He comes complete with a caucasian, his rug, a carton of half and half, and a Ralph's Discount Card. He now resides in the library on my bookcase.

New Year's Resolution: A Film a Week

Now those of you that know me know that I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions because I view them as goals I will never achieve. I am going to make a valiant effort this year to keep ONE resolution - see one movie, every week, in a theatre, preferably the Saturday matinee. 

I am a film buff, and although the theatre experience for me has become a dreadful thing (from teenagers laughing through dramatic scenes to the man who yelled "He's right behind you!" at the screen when I went to see King Kong). If you ARE a film buff, the best way to enjoy film is in the theatre. So, I am going to suck it up, and by the end of the year, hopefully will have 47 new films under my belt.

My first film of 2009 will be the incredibly dark and stunning stop-motion animated film Coraline, directed by Henry Selik (who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas) and based on a story by Neil Gaiman. With those two at the helm, I am sure I am in for a dark and twisted ride - OH - I forgot the best part - I get to see it in 3D!

So, here's to 2009 and a year of happy viewing!

If you voted for me change is on the way, know it!

So, on The Office last night, Michael Scott commented that when he discovered YouTube he didn't work for FIVE days and just watched Cookie Monster sing Chocolate Rain all day.

I am having a similar problem - I CANNOT stop watching this. It's hysterical!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PqI12R8YNU

A Healthier 2009 - Step 1

Switch from this (chemicals are bad, mmmkay):


To this (made from a leaf):

Jenny's Film Pick: Slumdog Millionaire

I finally saw Slumdog Millionaire after solid recommendations from two people who I trust completely with having good taste in film - Wes Johnson (who is an incredible visual artist in both photography and film), and Anita Hildreth (who I work with). It is a film that about 30 minutes in, I wasn't sure I would like in the end. It was raw and harsh, but when it ended, I loved it, and the more I think about it, and talk to Bryan about it, the better it becomes.

One thing that I loved about this film is that I went into it knowing little to nothing about the story - and I highly recommend doing so if you haven't looked into it already. Why am I happy about this? It is so rare anymore that one can go to a film without having seen dozens of trailers for said film, and thus knowing a good bit about what the plot is going to be, and what impression one will get upon viewing. So, any chance I can get to go into a film in this manner, I will take it and run with it. 

So, what can I tell you? I can say that you should see it if you can take films that aren't all sunshine and rainbows. I can say that this film is intense, and beautifully filmed. I can say the editing of the story is brilliant, and incredibly enjoyable (as well as the acting and cinematography). I can say that the film can provide you with intense post-viewing discussions of poverty, gangs, money, and love. I can also say that one of the most brilliant things about this film is that it could take place anywhere - the themes are universal - but it happens to take place in India. Finally, I can say that you should stick with the film through the hardships to its main character, as the destination is worth the trip.

If you have seen this film and enjoyed it as I did, I would like to recommend that you view Monsoon Wedding. It is much lighter, but a wonderful film and I guarantee that you will love it as much as I do. 

Until next time, happy viewing!

Friends, Food, and Futurama

Tonight I had my maid of honor, and best friend, Amy over for a day of noshing and Futurama watching. It's just another day where I feel lucky to have the life I do.

Menu:

• Mini roasted pepper and goat cheese pizzas
• Homemade salsa, french onion dip, and chips
• Chive cream cheese croissants
• Strawberries and bananas with chocolate ganache
• Lemon cupcakes with whipped frosting

I am ending the night with a few extra cupcakes, a Diet Coke, and Season 4 of The Office. 

The Toy Box: Sweeney Todd?

Those of you that know me know that I love me some toys. In 3-5 business days I will be the proud owner of the Sweeney Todd Bearbrick set above (how could I NOT get a Sweeney Todd toy?). My favorite place for toys? Red Hot Robot - it is owned by a former McMurry-ite, and it is the coolest store. It is located at 7th Ave. & Camelback here in Phoenix. Support local businesses and either head on down there, or visit the Web site at www.redhotrobot.net.

The Recipe Box: Easy Salsa

This recipe is courtesy of Jenn (the QUEEN of salsas):

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can Rotel (you can pick the spicy level you prefer)
• 1/2 can diced jalapenos (or one diced fresh jalapeno)
• 1/2 can diced green chiles
• 1 tbs minced garlic (or if you're me, 3 heaping tbs)
• Salt & Pepper
• Lime juice (which I often forget and its still good)
• Cilantro (you can leave this out if you don't care for it, or load up if you do)

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until thorougly mixed. Enjoy!

For Lyndsay - Penny Lane Babich

By popular request (aka Lyndsay Johnson of the excellent blog Lyndsay and the Johnsons), here are some pictures of Penny, our newest family member (as of Halloween):

Mr. & Mrs. Randy & Mary Luster - January 3, 2009

My dad and my stepmom got married last Saturday, January 3, 2009. They have been together for SEVEN years. I couldn't ask for a better stepmom. She is amazing and has been a real rock during some of our family's rougher times. She brings with her my stepsister, Aarika, and my stepbrother, Zack who are also awesome. Aarika has the amazing ability of getting anyone to do whatever she wants. She is my hero because of this. :)

We also got an amazing extended family because of this. Mary, my stepmom, has an amazing set of sisters and brothers in Wisconsin, who have come to visit on many occasions. Her mom is the best of all. I have NEVER seen her get mad, and upon arriving in Vegas, she hugged me and directed me to "call her grandma from now on." I couldn't be luckier.

So, last week, we all descended on Vegas for a celebration of the nuptuals of Mary and my dad. It was the most fun trip I have ever taken to Vegas. But it didn't start out that way. 

We spent our first day here: (in the lobby of Paris)

Why did we spend a whole day in the lobby? Well, to be helpful, Mary's sister arranged for all of our rooms to be on the same floor when she arrived. At 4pm, our rooms were still not ready, and after asking 4 times, we were not offered any solutions, and were treated with short sticatto pissy responses everytime we asked. DO NOT ever stay at Paris. Every interaction with their staff (with the exception of the girls in the lounge and the wedding staff) was frustrating to the point of ridiculousness. They are the model of BAD customer service. The shocking thing is that I have stayed there before, as has Mary, and this service was completely opposite of what we had received before.

On the other hand, the Planet Hollywood Casino was fabulous. It isn't too "themed" and just looks like a hip place to hang out. Next time I go to Vegas, I am staying there. 

Here is Bryan after winning $160 (we subsequently lost it in the same machine the next day - c'est Vegas).

The day of the wedding, we started with a breakfast buffet at Planet Hollywood (where Aarika was dared to eat about a whole scoop of soft-serve ice cream, and failed).

We then spent the afternoon gaming at Gameworks with Zack, and eating sushi.

And ended the day with the wedding (me & Bryan, the happy couple, me & my dad, and the couple heading out of Paris) Oh, if you like my awesome coral necklace, you can find more work from the designer Laura Marlowe (who I work with) here:

We then went to The Palm at Ceasar's Palace for dinner and it was so wonderful. I had a filet Oscar style (with asparagus, bernaise sauce and crab meat), Aarika and I demanded three cheese potatoes at our end of the table, and we had a delicious desert of white wedding cake with bavarian cream filling. The meal was perfect.

Congratulations to my dad and Mary!