Favorite Movies: 2000 to Present

Today marks the final installment for my Favorite Movies by the Decade series, and it begins with "Chocolat," (2000) a rich little film that will definitely make your sweet tooth ache. A little uneven at times, overall it is a highly enjoyable story with a little touch of magic to it. Need I even mention how wonderful Dame Judith Dench is in this film? No...I didn't think so.



"My Dog Skip" (2000) is a beautiful story of how a dog helped a little boy transition through his awkward childhood. As always, Diane Lane is a treasure to watch, even though she has tough competition from Skip and Frankie Muniz.



"Best in Show" (2000) is one of Christopher Guest's "mockumentaries." I typically get bored with the rambling improvisation that are a hallmark of his films, but for once, it all clicks. Jennifer Coolidge's bits are a highlight for me; I'd watch her in just about anything.



I had no idea what to expect when I first saw "Amélie" (2001), and enjoyed every moment of it. Audrey Tautou's signature role as the girl in the title of the film is pure magic. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.



"Legally Blonde" (2001) is "Clueless" for the next generation. Reese Witherspoon portrays a not-so-dumb blonde who is determined to get her boyfriend back, even if it means she has to get into Harvard.



Do yourself a favor though; skip the sequel. No lightning striking twice in this franchise.



"Sweet Home Alabama" (2002) is another Reese cream puff. Not much to think about in this movie; just sit back and enjoy the fireworks as two guys (Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas) fight over Reese. For once, both guys are nice.



"The Incredibles" (2004) blew me away; I thought it was one of the most refreshing and well done movies to come out of the Pixar Studio. Absolutely loved the fresh take on what happens to Super Heroes (and Heroines) in "the later years."



"Dreamgirls" (2006) was a long time in the making, but well worth the wait. Jennifer Hudson made an impressive debut on the silver screen and nabbed a Best Supporting Oscar along the way.



"The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) succeeds because of Meryl Streep. With her consummate skill as an actress, Streep avoids the temptation of making the lead character (the editor-in-chief of a style magazine) a one-sided b#$%h. Anne Hathaway makes a good foil as her fresh-faced assistant.



Pixar had another winner with "Ratatouille" (2007). A fresh story, classic (albeit computer-generated) animation, and memorable characters. I still remember how great I felt walking out of the theater after watching this one.





I doubt that I would ever get tired of watching "Enchanted" (2007). Amy Adams is the damsel in distress in this one as an animated fairy tale princess-to-be who finds herself in present-day New York City thanks to a spell from her wicked mother-in-law to be (Susan Sarandon). The only misstep in this film is (surprisingly) Sarandon, who fails to provide the right note of menace.

"It's Complicated" (2009) is another feel-good adult romantic comedy. The most surprising performance in this one came from Steve Martin, who plays a very low-key suitor of Streep's. Gone is the "wild and crazy" guy, and instead we have a very convincing performance of a recently divorced man who is fearful about getting his heart broken again. Wonderful film!



"Up" (2009) is the only movie I can think of that created an emotional bond during the first few minutes of the film and produced a tear from my eye ducts. And it only got better as the film progressed. Pixar's finest work. Ever.



"Midnight in Paris" (2011) is somewhat familiar territory for Woody Allen, but who cares...I enjoyed it and was swept up in its magical time traveling story which shows that the past (and fantasy) are not always all that we credit them for.



"The Artist" (2011) put a smile on my face with its combination of "Singin' In The Rain" and "A Star Is Born." No dialogue necessary for this silent film to be a winner!



And there you have it. Until the next decade...

See more Classic Movie and TV photos on my Classic Movie and TV web page.

Trip Report: Disney Construction Adventure, Pt .2

The main reason I stopped by Disney California Adventure on Thursday was to get some interior shots of The Little Mermaid attraction.



When I went during the cast member preview, cameras were not allowed. I know, I know...when has that ever stopped me before? There actually are times when I pay attention to the rules and respect what's being asked. Of course that didn't stop me from being steamed when I saw others with their iPhones shooting away; a quick reprimand from a cast member to them made it all better though! Enough of the griping; here are some shots that I got from my 2 ride throughs (count 'em, two...right in a row...no waiting at all).

It is really nice that Imagineering has followed through with the tradition of murals in the attraction as an introduction and teaser to what lies within.







It appears that the gull serves as somewhat of a bookend storyteller on this attraction:



And then the clamshell takes you under the sea; or at least this attractions attempts to make it seem that way with a bubble projection on the clamshells in front of you.





Ariel herself makes many appearances in the attraction:



There are many whimsical characters throughout as well, making it fun to notice different ones each time you ride:







The Imagineering Marketing video breathlessly described how they labored to achieve the effect of Ariel's hair actually looking like it was floating in the water. In person, it just looks like a mass of rubber sticking straight up on her head.



Now we approach my very favorite scene; Evil Ursula and her crystal ball. Call me dark, but I love this menacing part of the show. Walt himself knew that kids actually enjoyed having the living crap scared out of them, and thus had Mr. Toad & Hell, and Snow White and the scary forest. C'mon Imagineers...bring on a storm...bring on more evil Ursula! Help wake this attraction up from its boredom.





Those poor unfortunate souls!



A happy ending quickly rolls out to bring us back from the depths of despair:





Poor Ursula is foiled again.



The attraction ends with a bang; a joyful celebration by all the main characters from the film amidst fireworks.







Our storyteller gull makes his final appearance as we exit.



After I exited the attraction the first time, cast members were polling guests about their opinion on the attraction. I have a feeling that Imagineering knows something isn't quite right as the lines are almost nonexistent. The publicity machine is attempting to say it's because of the attraction's ability to handle high capacity ridership; personally, I think it's because it's kind of blah. Pirates of the Caribbean has many interesting scenes that bear repeat viewing because they feature interesting tableaus with multiple story lines going on. The Little Mermaid attraction features large scenes, but the stories being told do not bear repeat viewing.

Elsewhere in the park, the Condor Flats sign is now rotating again (trust me, even if you can't see the movement in my photo!).



The Redwood Creek Challenge area has now taken on a new theming layer by inserting the characters from the Pixar classic, "Up."







For only an hour, it was definitely worth my visit!

See more vintage & current Disney California Adventure photos at my regular website.

Up & The El Capitan

On Thursday night, I headed up to Hollywood for the D23 showing of “Up” at the El Capitan. Wowie-kazowie...that movie blew me away (pun partially intended). Definitely one of Pixar’s best. I was so engrossed in the film that I rarely thought about the computer animation. And what a story; just trust me on this one. I really don’t want to give away any details. I will say that there were audible sobs throughout the theater, as well as loud laughter and cheering. This movie had me hook, line, and sinker throughout the entire time. Anyone who knows me knows that I fall asleep during 75% of the movies that I go to. Add in the fact that the film started after 11pm and I figured I’d miss the majority of it; not the case. I stayed awake through the whole thing. GO SEE IT! And if you can, check it out at the El Cap for the full effect: 3D, Wurlitzer pre-show by Rob Richards, and a live stage show with Mickey, Minnie, and a gaggle full of dancers.





For the D23 preview, D23 head Stephen Clark gave a nice opening speech and introduced actor John Ratzenberger.



Best known as Cliff Clavin from “Cheers,” Ratzenberger has done voiceover work in each of Pixar’s films.



And then of course there’s the fantastic nostalgic atmosphere of the El Cap. They just don’t build ’em like that anymore!









Now hurry up and get to your local theater to see “Up”! See more El Capitan photos at my website.