CECILY KNOBLER

2019 and 2020 Best Movies!

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 23:38:00 +0000

Because I never BOTHERED to get around to updating film reviews last year. (And by last year, I mean 2019 because WTF was 2020?) - here we go...

A quick list of favorite films from 2019:

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

JoJo Rabbit

Pain and Glory

Knives Out

Joker

(For 2020, we've just got The Trip to Greece, and uh...um...Hamilton? Oh and I loved Soul but it's Pixar, so obviously.)

2018 BEST MOVIES

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:13:00 +0000

As we near the end of 2019, here are my favorite films of 2018. (I'M SO BAD AT THIS!) Though to be fair, I had open heart surgery smack dab in the middle of 2018, so cut me some slack. Actually, please don't cut me at all. No more cutting.

Here we go...

Science Fair (documentary) A

The best little doc you've never seen. Nat Geo killed it this year and this little film about a group of extraordinary high school kids who enter a science fair, their families and one special teacher got me right in the heart. (Hence, the heart surgery. I'm not blaming them per se, but well...)

Can You Ever Forgive Me A

Melissa McCarthy was robbed of Best Actress for this wonderfully moving and sad character study of hardened alcoholic writer, Lee Israel. Richard E. Grant, who also got nominated for supporting, was at his best. This was just a pleasure to watch.

Mary Poppins Returns A/A-

Emily Blunt pulled off quite a difficult feat filling the shoes of Julie Andrews and I think she captured it perfectly. New songs, new dance numbers, a tap dance from (yes!) Dick Van Dyke, a dash of Lin-Manuel Miranda and a spoonful of sugar made the medicine go down...and now I'm singing. Sorry.

Jane Fonda in Five Acts (doc) A

Believe it or not (I don't care!) documentaries aren't usually my favorite. Mainly because the brilliant Bill Hader and Fred Armisen have spoofed them so hard in their IFC hit Documentary Now, it's hard to watch them without laughing. So when they actually make me FEEL, that really says something. I've always loved Jane (and her whole family) and this film cut out the small talk and cut right to the chase. (Again with the cutting.) Worth checking out!

Green Book A -

Though this won Best Picture, there was some controversy about this film. First, Viggo Mortensen is not the kind of actor you want on a press tour. He's just not. Don't ask questions. Secondly, some were offended by its existence, but I'm not entirely sure why. I argued the beauty of this film with many, some who believe this was the worst "best picture" ever. (We all know that honor goes to Crash.) But I stand by it, especially Mahershala Ali's portrayal of Don Shirley.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Vice, What They Had, Deadpool 2, Tully

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:22:00 +0000

TOP FOUR MOVIES OF 2017

When I was 12, my aunt asked me what I wanted for my 13th birthday. "Lipstick? A new purse? Jewelry?" (This was Dallas in the 80s.) "No. No. No," I'd replied. I want a blue and red oversized Angora sweater, reminiscent of what Howard Jones wore in his "New Song" video. And I wanted a little cap "like hobos wear." She stared at me blankly and asked who Howard Jones was. The next time I saw her, I showed her a picture of him on the cover of his album. I also brought along a photo of Adam Ant and said, "I like boys who wear makeup!"

Years later, I'm still single. And I never did get that sweater. My aunt had been genuinely perplexed by my request, as I've been genuinely perplexed by this whole year. Trump, fires, monsters, Weinstein, Trump. What it a year this was! And until November, I honestly thought this would go down on record as the worst year for film ever. But as Hollywood often does, they threw us a few bones. It's still not the best collection of films I've ever seen, but here are a three gems that stood out.

THE DISASTER ARTIST

The first movie ever that comes with homework. Before you shell at cash, YOU HAVE TO SEE "THE ROOM." (It's often free online.) It's lauded as the "worst film ever made" and I'm not sure that's true. But it's awful in the most beautiful way. You'll get to know Tommy Wiseau and it will confuse you. How old is he? Where is he from? What is that accent? WHY, LISA, WHY? You'll see. You won't be able to stop saying "Oh hi doggie" to everyone you meet. It will change your life. And THEN when your life is good and changed, you can see THE DISASTER ARTIST and be awe-struck at what James Franco (who both directs and stars as Tommy) is able to do. James' brother Dave Franco plays the man who wrote the book on which this is all based. The other cameos are gold as is the balance the film strikes between satire, mockery and adoration for its subject.

LADY BIRD

Originally entitled "Mothers and Daughters," Greta Gerwig set out to explore exactly that. (The original script was 200 pages, which for those who don't know, would have been about 3 and a half hours long. There's a lot of stuff between moms and daughters, I can attest.) But she finally edited it down and what we got as an audience was just lovely. Gerwig directs but does not star, opting to instead cast Saoirse Ronan in her place. I thought Ronan, whose Irish accent sometimes seeped through, was a tad too old for the role, but the film is so good, it doesn't matter. The real star here is Laurie Metlcalf as the mother who sees so much of herself in her daughter and yet, nothing at all. There's a scene where Mother and Daughter are shopping in a discount clothing store - fighting. "Are you tired? You're dragging your feet," "Why not just stay I'm dragging my feet? You're so passive aggressive." "No, I'm not, I just wondered if you were tired." And then, smack dab in the middle of this, they find a dress and the bond is instant. I'm honestly crying just writing this. Maybe it's a mom daughter thing. Maybe not. But I loved this movie. (Oh and Lucas Hedges and Tracy Letts are perfection as well.) Note: You HAVE to see THE ROOM before seeing this film! Kidding. Kind of. Not kidding.

I, TONYA

First of all, see THE ROOM. Secondly, I didn't think I wanted a dark comedy about Tonya Harding. No, no, I was pretty sure I didn't. I lived through it in the 90s and tired of it then. And as someone who has a major issue with hearing the wrong accent seep through in a part, I thought there was no way Margot Robbie could get the job done. But in more than one moment of brilliance, she smiles through the tragic ice skater's tears and it's just an absolute "wow." Allison Janney as Harding's mom will give Metlcalf a run for her money in the supporting actress category. (I want Metcalf to win.) This film is so dark and sad, but also really funny. The standout here, for me, was Paul Walter Hauser as Shawn, "The bodyguard." (Remember HIM?) It takes a minute to kick in, but trust me - it's worth it.

(And yes, I liked Spielberg's THE POST and Pixar's COCO and THOR and JEDI and a handful of others. But just like the rest of 2017, they could have all been a tiny bit better. But still worth it too!)

INGRID GOES WEST

Adding this last minute, as I was late to the screener. What a strange little memorizing commentary on modern obsession. Aubrey Plaza now has my attention. (O'Shea Jackson Jr. always did. He's really someone to look out for.) As exemplified by this short list of movies, I guess I'm a sucker for character-driven, quirky films. If you liked The Talented Mr. Ripley, this is a great update! (Not as beautifully shot, but certainly more consistent and entertaining.)

FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 03:03:00 +0000

I see movies. I tell you about the movies. Agree. Don't agree. But one thing we can ALL agree on is: my neighbors are super loud meth addicts. (Unrelated.)

1) LA LA LAND

Ryan Gosling, who plays a jazz pianist and Emma Stone, an aspiring actress star as two hot people trying to make it in this crazy City of Angels. Fun fact: When I was 22 and just off the proverbial bus with my horrifically posed, Texas headshots (one in which I was wearing Palazzo pants,) I met a beautifully poetic jazz pianist! We dated for six months before he got a job on an Alaskan cruise ship and left me for an Inuit woman. I bring this up because I didn't just love La La Land…I lived it! (Except substitute the wacky best friend for the ingénue and change the outcome.) I loved this film, not just because of its homage to Singin' in the Rain (among other 30s/40s/50s musicals) but because it had this strange and perfect mix of hope and melancholy - two words that describe Los Angeles in a nutshell. It kind of lives in this purple (which is smog, by the way) light by which Angelinos are perpetually confused and enamored. And the opening number is the best I've seen in years!

2) MOONLIGHT

A stunning, gentle story told in three parts about a boy/man from a Miami hood navigating the world and his identity. Fun fact: I was once a boy from a Miami hood. Wait, that's not true. But I really enjoyed this film and highly recommend it. Plus, I just love the word moonlight. Say it. Moon. Light. You can't not feel calm when you utter that. Unless you're, by nature, a highly anxious person. Then you probably need Valium.

3) ZOOTOPIA

A bunny (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) wants to go against "type" and become a cop in the crazy big city. Some think Zootopia is L.A. I think it's New York. Hey, maybe it's my hometown of Waco. No matter where it is, it's delightful. This film is so laugh-out-loud funny, I saw it in the theater twice. It doesn't hurt that one of my favorites, Jason Bateman, voices the sly fox. Good for all ages! (Note: I could have done without the Shakira songs. Let's all calm down with the Shakira business, people. She makes no sense.)

4) HELL OR HIGH WATER

I never thought a shoot-em-up film about bank heists would make my top five. Not because they can't be great films - it's just that I don't tend to enjoy the subject matter. This film proved me wrong. Jeff Bridges, who doesn't do his usual eating-while-talking-while-running-fingers-through-hair thing, is so good, you kinda can't believe it's not a documentary. Chris Pine and Ben Foster are excellent too. Two things make this movie a stand out. One) the dialogue is surprisingly funny. Two) The morality question posed - what will we do to save our family - is a poignant one.

5) LIFE, ANIMATED

This little documentary slipped in right under the radar. A man, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at an early age, learns to communicate using Disney films. This really happened and the movie is truly inspiring, without being manipulative.

TOP 11 OF 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 13 May 2016 07:44:00 +0000

Yeah, sure it's May of 2016, but in case anyone is looking for some Netflix or the like, here's a quick list of my top 11 favorite movies of 2015. Love and Mercy A, Mr. Holmes A, I'll See You in My Dreams A, Infinitely Polar Bear A -, The Big Short A -, Straight Outta Compton A-, While We're Young A -, Amy A -, The Lady in the Van A-, Bridge of Spies A -, Listen to Me Marlon A - (Jesus, I'm bad at updating this site. Working on it!)

WRITING FOR THE EMMYS MAGAZINE

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 13 May 2016 04:46:00 +0000

I've had the honor of writing for the Television Academy's online magazine. Here are a couple of my pieces: Interview with producer/director Anthony Hemingway http://m.emmys.com/news/online-originals/building-legacy-anthony-hemingway and interview with actor, Jay Hayden http://m.emmys.com/news/online-originals/catching-jay-hayden

Ridiculous

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 13 May 2016 04:26:00 +0000

The silliest thing my friend Henry and I have done yet. I think! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brWVyqYvx1Y

TOP FIVE FILMS OF 2014 (SO FAR!)

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 01:18:00 +0000

I realize it's only November and we have some excellent films coming up! But I feel certain that my Top Five so far will remain at least in the Top Ten. And I also realize that some of these indies have only opened in limited release. So just so you know, I also loved St. Vincent and Gone Girl, both which are already out in theaters. (I recently said to my now ex-boyfriend, I'm gonna "Gone Girl" the hell out of you, which might be why we broke up.)

TOP FIVE AS OF NOVEMBER 2014

BIRDMAN A+

A movie about a play which stars an actor from the movies, played by a real-life actor who semi walked away from movies to just live life (and maybe do some plays.) Ya dig? It's art imitating life imitating art on an endless loop and I loved every single second of it. From the moment I heard that drum-score over a black screen to the last breath/smile of every actor, this movie had me by the knees. Is that an expression? (Fun Fact: Michael Keaton - - who by the way stars in the film - - and I were once seated next to each other at a dinner party thrown by Dennis Dugan. That's the very same Dugan I often mock for directing the worst Sandler films, but I found him gracious and charming. The delicious Chilean Sea Bass he served will never, however, make up for Problem Child or Problem Child 2. Cut to: years later and I'm at a reception following the Birdman screening and I get up the nerve to talk to Keaton. I remind him of the party and we have a nice laugh and I feel good about it. Five minutes later, I look in a mirror to see that not only do I have chocolate on my face from a recently eaten cookie, I have it on my neck. I digress.) This co-stars Ed Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis (offering one of his most profound performances,) and every single one of them deserves an Oscar nod. The not-so-subtle commentary on both film/stage critics and The Comic Book Action Hero saturation of today's movies was spot-on, and somehow provided emotional context to the often "effed" up Hollywood machine. (And one more fun fact? If you say "Birdman" three times, Beetlejuice will appear and wipe chocolate from your neck.)

THE TRIP TO ITALY A+

Contrary to the review directly above, I tend to like movies that are smaller in scope. By smaller, I mean, "not Inception." (Sorry Nolan lovers, get over it.) My love for this sequel to the equally hilarious and brilliant 2011 film The Trip seems to have grown. Once again Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon travel together, this time to Italy, to taste food and do dueling Michael Caine impressions. But this time, there's even more of a heartbeat as the two comedians wrestle with real-life problems in their marriages, finances and/or relationships with their kids. I laughed from the opening credits to the closing ones. Granted, I'd huffed some Nitrous Oxide directly before the film. No. Wait, did I? It felt like it. Director Michael Winterbottom is one those guys who always gets it right, but does it in a really non-pretentious, unassuming kind of way. I wish a lot of other, more popular directors could take a page from his book. (Not naming names, but one rhymes with Bristopher Bolan.)

LOVE IS STRANGE A -

Another tiny film you might not have heard of yet, this stars John Lithgow and Alfred Molina as older newlyweds in New York. The performances, the direction/dialogue (from Ira Sachs) is so understated and sincere, I was drawn in from the opening shot. And what really stood out for me is that ALL of the characters seemed truly fleshed out. You know how in some movies, there's the wacky best friend whose only purpose seems to be to make sassy, but supportive comments to the protagonist? This person is usually played by Sandra Oh or Judy Greer or maybe if you're lucky, even Rosie O'Donnell ala Sleepless in Seattle or Beautiful Girls. They're always saying stuff like, "Grrrl, you don't need HIM" or "Grrrrl, you need some serious chocolate chip ice cream STAT." Yeah, well, this movie didn't have any of that. Marisa Tomei, specifically, gives such a layered performance, rounding out an overall perfect cast for such a sweet film. (And P.S. Love IS strange, in case anyone is asking.)

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING A -

One time in high school, I wanted to impress this guy named Austin Crothers. He was an art student and he wore lace-up Doc Martins and for these reasons, I somehow got into my head he'd be impressed by my (pretend) knowledge of astrophysics. So I took Einstein's "Relativity" from my Dad's bookshelf, brought it to school, and attempted to read it during lunch when I knew he'd walk by. He didn't say a word. Didn't even glance my way. (I later passed him a note in World History and he respectfully declined my advances.) So I decided, screw it, I'm gonna read this book anyway. By the time I got the "fourth equation of the Lorentz Transformation," I kind of shut down. But not so much so that I didn't continue expanding my curiosity about all things on the space/time continuum. Which brings me to my complete adoration and respect for Stephen Hawking. When I heard they were making a biopic of sorts, my first thought was "Man, I hope they don't cast it-boy Matthew McConaughey as Hawking. I know he's big money right now, but please." My second thought was "I'm craving Funyons," but I'm pretty sure that was unrelated. Luckily, Matthew was never considered and they instead cast Eddie Redmayne as Stephen, who gave one of the most heart-wrenching performances I've seen all year. Felicity Jones, who plays his wife for whose book this screenplay is based, is pretty darn phenomenal too. "What a story, what a mind, what an inspiration, what a movie!" is what I'd say to the studio if they ever asked me for quotes, which they don't.

BOYHOOD A -

So Richard Linklater had an idea, which was, "What if I shoot a movie over a 12 year span and keep the same actors throughout?" His plan finally came to fruition and…seriously…how friggin cool is THAT? I was not a fan of Linklater (and star Ethan Hawke's) recent film Before Midnight and by "not a fan," I mean, I broke my screener in half with a steak knife. I think I may have some biochemical things going on.) But they completely redeemed themselves with this utterly unique and thoughtful and beautiful movie. On a personal (and maybe biased) note, this was shot in Texas near where I grew up, so the scenery hit such a note of nostalgia that I was moved by even the slightest shot of a willow tree or those dusty Texas highway roads. And while yes, the idea is a gimmick, the film doesn't rest solely on this stunt. It's just good in that "Holy shit, this is really good" kind of way.

MY FAVORITE JUNKET INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 03:46:00 +0000

I got to interview one of the greatest comedic geniuses of all time, Carol Burnett (as well as the wonderfully funny Amy Poehler) for a delightful animated film junket. (I was ridiculously nervous, but they both made me feel right at ease!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npf_VaIMj5Y&feature=youtu.be

CECILY ON HER BOOK TOUR

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 03:33:00 +0000

Here are the links to most of my TV morning show appearances on the book tour. (Please note: it was usually around 7:00am, not my finest hour.)

Cecily Knobler - DC Fox 5 Morning WTTG - FOX.wmv

Cecily Knobler - Good Day Philadelphia - Fox

Cecily Knobler - CW Everyday Show Colorado 5-12-10

Cecily Knobler - Denver FOX Daybreak 5-12-10

Cecily Knobler - Phoenix Good Morning Arizona 5-11-10

Cecily Knobler - Minn Fox 9 Morning News 5-6-10

Cecily Knobler - Las Vegas FOX More Show 5-13-10

Cecily Knobler - FOX Good Day Colorado 5-12-10

Cecily Knobler - Phoenix CW - Your Life A-Z 5-12-10

Cecily Knobler - San Diego Living - Fox

Cecily Knobler - DC Daily Connection - NBC.wmv

Cecily Knobler - Tampa's Daytime Show WFLA-NBC

Cecily Knobler - DC Let's Talk Live NC8 Cable.wmv

Cecily Knobler - Indianapolis Fox59 Morning News.wmv

Cecily Knobler-South Florida Today

Cecily Knobler-The WSFL Morning Show

LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 03:05:00 +0000

I had a cool stint writing for Los Angeles Magazine.

Here's a link that will bring you to all of my articles.

And if you don't want to sift through all that, here's a link to one of my favorites!

Cecily At The Improv

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:29:00 +0000

Film Corner with Cecily and Henry

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:28:00 +0000

Henry's Kitchen - Episode 7 Part 2, pt. 2 - Closure

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:26:00 +0000

Eulogy Auditions

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:21:00 +0000

BEFORE PAGE ONE

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 20:19:00 +0000

(I used to have a column in the NOHO LA news. Here's one of them, unedited, because why not, right?)

Waco, Texas was my prologue. No one ever wants to read those, as we’d so much rather jump to the first chapter, but sometimes they’re significant to the story. Mine was full of roller-skating parties, “Do Jews have horns?” and the best BBQ chicken in the South. It was lovely and slow and judgmental. The Texas air was thick and loyal and eerily still, as if someone just said to it, “Don’t move, you have a bee in your hair.” And believe me, it never moved.

As a kid, I was obnoxious and precocious and while my family was starting to show signs of its weak seams, we just bided our time until Chapter One. I clearly remember the haunted playroom where I'd play with my Barbies; (note: I always insisted they live in the New York style town-house over the ranch "dream-house," as I thought the latter was gaudy and dripping with "new money.") I will never forget the look on my Mother's face when she overheard me role-playing Barbie telling Ken, "I do not accept your marriage proposal, if you do not accept my dreams of writing novels in London." She exemplified her worry by buying me lipstick and sticker collections and early morning wake-up calls to watch Princess Diana throw her life away.

Despite her disapproval, ironically one sticker in particular was her attempt to teach me self-acceptance. It was a glittered rainbow with the phrase, "To Know Me is to Love Me." It never sat well with me and now, as an adult, I realize it doesn't quite hold true. I always seem to make great first impressions, but after say a few lunches or cocktails, I turn inside out and the grotesque neuroses that is supposed to stay hidden under layers of thick skin bounces to the surface like a floatie. I’m like a clock that someone had taken apart and forgotten to put back together, so that the wires and tiny nuts and bolts are always exposed. I can hide them for a little while, but not for long. To know me is to tolerate me would be more apropos.

Back to that prologue. When you’re reading a book, I find it often helps to page back to the intro, as every now and then, the author may shed some light on a character or two. I go home whenever I can to touch down from this California high and to see if I can piece together some of the holes in my story. Unfortunately, it tends to raise more questions than answers like, “Yeah, why aren't I married?” and “Where is my Serotonin?” and “Wait, acid wash jeans are ugly, right?” Instead of confirming who I was it, challenges who I’ve become.

In Los Angeles, we're shoved off into a quantum void of virtual photons, popping in and out of existence like non-union actors. It gets exhausting to live in a town where everyone's seemingly in an improv troupe with a ridiculous name like "Tom Cruise Control" or "Jack Black Swan." I go on dates and listen to men tell me random things about themselves without reciprocity: “I'm reading The Artist's Way,” “I’m an INFP personality type,” “I’m allergic to pecans,” "Charlie Sheen sponsors me in AA." I listen for awhile and then tune out, my mind wandering to strange places like how I might be able to crack my neck without him noticing. Lather, rinse, repeat. Groundhog Day is every day when it's always 72 degrees and you're dating narcissists.

And so twice a year, I go to Texas to get some answers. I’ve had quite a lot of alone time on this last trip home and may have come up with a few. Here goes: I’m not married because I get bored way too easily and I would rather have a fucking fabulous rendezvous with someone who can use his hands to touch me or play a heartbreaking piano tune than ever settle for mediocrity. My Serotonin didn’t have much of a fighting chance, what with inheriting my Mom and Dad’s dramatic and sad genes, respectively. And yes, acid wash jeans are very, very ugly.

Maybe the key is to move past the prologue and start looking at that epilogue. I love those National Geographic articles about say, mummies, where scientists come up with some crazy-ass back-stories for their discoveries. It seems pretty far-fetched that they can tell just by observing a Neanderthal’s bones, that he "wore fuschia” or “hated his brother.” I hope that in ten thousand years, when they unravel my perfectly preserved body, they’ll make me sound fabulous. “See, you can tell by the shape of the feet that THIS Homosapien was an excellent dancer. In fact, it looked like she died doing a Fosse-styled 'kick-ball-change.' See how her ankle is disjointed here?”

But as for the present chapter, my surreal California life and its literal shaky ground and transient people still intrigues me. Folks here have survived the “big one” and the heat-waves and the bad drivers and their scars show it with leathery skin and month-to-month leases. But my life here has been all about sound: microphones and radio transmissions and car alarms. The speed of sound has become too slow for me and sometimes I feel ready for light again. But for now, I'll keep writing in the dark. And when I need to refer to my lead character, that page is only 1400 miles away.

MY FAVORITE FILMS OF 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:32:00 +0000

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Sometimes I kind of go against the grain. And sometimes I completely go against the grain, which seems to be the case for this Ben Stiller-directed adaptation of James Thurber's short-story and the subsequent 1940s film which starred Danny Kaye. A movie about a guy going through a mid-life crisis who wishes he could shake up his life? I'm in. Have that guy jump into a helicopter while David Bowie's "Major Tom" digs itself into the best kind of ear-worm? I'm double in. Throw in Kristen Wiig, a stellar soundtrack, Patton Oswalt and Shirley MacClaine and it's a triple. I absolutely loved this movie and so I implore you to give it a chance, despite those "other" critics. Remember, most movie reviewers hated Lawrence of Arabia (RIP Peter O'Toole) and look how wrong they were there. What I just said is possibly a lie, but you get my point. A.

THE WAY, WAY BACK

There is a sweetness to this movie (about a 14 year old boy figuring out his place in the world) that I haven't seen since the original Meatballs. And while there's technically no "Run, Rudy, run" moment, Sam Rockwell gives a layered performance, oscillating between a stunted Peter Pan and a wise, hilarious guru. Steve Carell plays against type as the "prick" and Toni Collette, as usual, is sweet and heartbreaking. A.

NEBRASKA

Oh Alexander Payne. Thank you for letting me spend two hours relaxing in your strange and quiet world. The previews make this look like the worst NYU student film ever. (Side note: I once sent in a headshot to audition for a USC student film where I was simply supposed to utter the words "chicken" over and over again. And I didn't get the part. And I was actually sad about that. And that student film director today? James Cameron.) The good news is the previews don't do this film justice. This might just be Bruce Dern's Oscar year as a crotchety, old man who simply wants a new truck and will go to great lengths to get it. Will Forte (whom I normally love) was an odd choice, but somehow it all came together. A. (And an A++ for A Chicken in Paradise, the most poignant student film of all time.)

BLUE JASMINE

Very few writer/directors can make neuroses so absolutely beautiful. This is one of Woody Allen's best in 20 years and if Cate Blanchett doesn't get a "Best Actress" nomination, I'll eat my hat. Then I'll spit my hat out and eat it again. (I've learned this behavior from my dog.) If you'd have told me a few years ago that Andrew Dice Clay could hold his own in an Allen film, I'd have punched you. Now I've seen it with my own eyes, (and have also enrolled in some anger management courses.)

SHORT TERM 12

The greatest little movie you've never heard of. If I described the plot as it really is - a young couple navigate the wonders and complexities of working at a home for at-risk teenagers - you might tune out. But if I describe the plot as some magical elves team up with some tinier elf-like thingies to fight a cray cray dragon, perhaps you'll tune in? Let's break this down: A) I just said "cray-cray," like it's the year 2000 whatever. B) Dragons really are crazy, if you stop and think about it. C) Short Term 12 is so well written, directed and acted, it's a shame I muddied up this blurb with dragon-talk. Keep your eyes peeled for Brie Larson. She's excellent in the movie's leading role. A.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

I mean. (Sigh.) It's just. (Gasp.) It's like….(Holy Wow.) If watching a lot of unlikable people do cocaine off of prostitutes is not your thing, you should probably stay away. Luckily it's my thing. I mean, not the coke/prostitute part, although I guess never say never. This movie, based on Jordan Belfort's autobiography, is one wallop of a flick, (I'd say if I were reviewing for the Dallas Morning News in 1976.) It's Scorsese at his Scorsese-est and for me as an uber fan, that's a good thing. And can we talk about Leo DiCaprio for a minute? CAN WE TALK ABOUT LEO DICAPRIO? There's a scene where he tries to get into a Lamborghini while on Quaaludes that seems to go on for 45 glorious minutes and that's just the tip of the iceberg, (Titanic reference intended.) The supporting cast including Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and a wonderfully understated Kyle Chandler round out this over-the-top and frankly magnificent frat-boy festival of debauchery. It's three hours long, but the original director's cut had a running time of 79 hours! (When asked for comment, a Paramount spokesman said "Please get out of my office.") A -

PHILOMENA

Dame Judi Dench! (Said shaking fist at sky.) Is there anything she can't do? Funnily enough, as great as she is in this role as an older woman on the hunt for the son she put up for adoption, it's really Steve Coogan who steals the show. This is a heartwarming (and sometimes even true!) story of friendship and closure. Yes there are moments of manipulation, but when it works, who cares? A -

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks and pirates, arrrrgh!), Gravity, (George Clooney and a jet pack, arrrrrgh!), American Hustle (Bradley Cooper with a perm that makes him look like the tiny baby of Daryl Hall and John Oates, if they could produce a tiny baby!), Frozen (I now love talking snowmen!), Enough Said (Tony Soprano and Elaine finally fall in love!), Her (Come on now, it's Spike Jonze directing Joaquin Phoenix!), Fruitvale Station (Straightforward and tragic, like most of my break-ups), The World's End (A comedy that acts like it's about robot-zombies, but really is about something much darker!) and Anchorman 2 (It's Ron Burgundy, y'all!)

OH AND…

I decided to separate the documentaries from the other films this year, as there are so many of them worth mentioning.

CUTIE AND THE BOXER

Two married aging Japanese artists living in New York. That's what you need to know. And if you're a talented woman who has ever struggled with a less-talented male ego, this will get you in the gut. (I'm of course not saying all women are more talented than men, just that some men don't recognize it when we are. That was a clunky sentence. I'm too lazy to fix it, but for some reason, I'm not too lazy to stop typing this thought.)

STORIES WE TELL

Often, I don't like digging into other people's dysfunctional families because obviously I have my own with whom to contend. (That's such a false statement. I watch 58 hours of Bravo every week and the only reason is for the schadenfreude) So Sarah Polley's investigative peek inside the secrets and rumors of her own family is really quite intriguing. I never anticipated where it was going, which was a nice departure from many typical, modern-day documentaries. A -

BLACKFISH

Not only will you not be a fan of SeaWorld (and other animal-themed parks) after seeing this, you'll actively want to protest them. I don't say this often and I don't care if this makes me a tree-hugging, hippie-esq, crunchy-granola whale-saver…this movie changed my life. (I do draw the line at wearing patchouli, however.) I not only felt emotions I never thought I had toward sea creatures, I learned so much along the way. This is something everyone should see. A.

56 UP

There's not much to say about this film, but if you're a fan of Michael Apted's "Up" series, I strongly recommend it. It's a bit on the long side, but watching people just be people through the years, without scripts or an agenda is truly lovely. I especially loved catching up with Neil, for whom I have the softest spot in my heart.

Some 2013 Top Ten Teasers

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 07:59:00 +0000

And here we are in 2013. One of my New Year's resolutions was to take less than a year to post my movie reviews. (Another was to slow-down on the stalking of Ricky "Rick" Schroder. K, one more was to stop throwing various items at my television when Tony Romo throws an interception. We all have goals and dreams.) So while this here isn't a Top Ten of the year (it's only September) here are three movies that have stood out for me so far:

Blue Jasmine: A -

The World's End A-

Yes, I'm an Anglophile and yes I have a particular affinity for Martin Freeman*. (*From the original "Office" not "The Hobbit.") But bias aside, this latest installment from the Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg/Nick Frost gang is my favorite yet. It's not only funny, it's got a backbone. If one were to lift the veil of the light, English zombie/robot comedy-romp gauze, they'd see the story of a man fighting addiction and an inability to grow up. It's lovely and weird and I loved it.

Cutie and the Boxer A-

Oh and note: if you're a fan of Michael Apted's "Up" series, I strongly recommend "56 Up." I especially loved catching up with Neil, for whom I have the softest spot in my heart.

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:01:00 +0000

2012 Top 6 Movies

Why not a top 10, you may ask? Because as evidenced by the lack of posts here, I am lazy. And I'm not quite finished watching all of my screeners. I'll be sure to add the rest in later, right after I put all those old electronics (Sony Disc-men, a Sega Genesis) up on eBay. (Seriously, I've been saying I would do that for years.) By the way, anyone want to buy an old Sega Genesis? I'll throw in a 1994 Madden if you're itching to see the Cowboys in their heyday. For now, please enjoy these 2012 film picks…

Silver Linings Playbook: Bipolar disorder has never been sexier…or funnier. Director David O. Russell has done it again; dug deep into darkness and pulled out a common thread amongst those who aren't perfect…in other words, all of us. This is funny and raw, with elements of a classic 60s love story mixed with a little bit of Gene Kelly where you'd least expect it, with just a dash of mental instability. Bradley Cooper filled in nicely for D.O.R.'s usual muse, (Mark Wahlberg) and Jennifer Lawrence is inspiring. A.

Argo: ...and to think, we all thought Matt Damon was the smart one. Ben Affleck has once again shown off his directorial skills with this clever, informative and oddly witty story of Hollywood heroism during the Iran hostage crisis. (That’s right, I said "Hollywood heroism": believe it.) Not sure Affleck needed to star in this; (didn't quite buy him as "Tony Lopez") but the pacing, writing and supporting actors, especially Alan Arkin and John Goodman, were so good, it didn't matter. A

Frankenweenie: My love of Tim Burton has waned over the years, so I went into this cynically. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This animated, black and white film is the story of a dachshund mix who's brought back to life Frankenstein-style due to the sheer determination and love from a young boy and it brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats. (It was Dogs!) A.

Beasts of the Southern Wild: This might sound cheesy, but this was literally a poem in cinematic form. The perspective of a young girl in Louisiana during Katrina reminds us that even during enormous macro-disasters, one's will and point-of-view remains myopically micro-focused. In other words, it doesn't matter what the earth brings…it matters what's going on inside your own heart. If that has to be labeled cheese, it's Gouda. (Good-a.) I'm sorry. I'm so, so, sorry. A.

The Master: Sometimes I'm not sure if it's my preconceived love of P.T. Anderson that makes me adore his movies or if he really is a genius. Here's what I do know: Philip Seymour Hoffman is flawless and to a slightly lesser extent, so is Joaquin Phoenix. Based not-so-loosely on L. Ron Hubbard and his church which will not be named, this is eerie and chilling and oh-so-very good. It's missing something I can't quite put my finger on, but it still works. A-

A Royal Affair: Based on the true story of a nutty Danish king, a depressed queen and a brilliant German doctor influenced by the French Enlightenment movement, this incredible story has passion, lust, and humor for characters with tragic repercussions. In Danish, with English sub-titles, I never wanted to take my eyes away from the screen. A-

The last four best-picture picks are TBD and I'll put them up when I've screened everything. But so far, some contenders are: "Flight", "Hello, I Must Be Going" and (don't yell at me) "The Hunger Games." Stay tuned.

And Now for Some Movies...

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

I usually post my movie review stuff on www.cecilyknobler.net, but I figured, hey, it's Christmas..

Based on this year's top ten movie list, I've been accused of either having no heart (due to my elimination of "Hugo" and "War Horse") or being a big old softie girl (due to literally every choice on my list.) Well let me set your minds at ease: I am a girl. I am not a softie. "Hugo" is actually very loosely based on Hugo Chavez (false statement) and the War Horse purposely kills like eight people. Now are you judging?

So without further adieu, here's my list of favorite movies for 2011.

Top Ten, 2011

The Trip A+
I loved this Steve Coogan road-trip dramady across Northern England, not just because I'm an Anglophile or because there's a Joy Division song in it. I loved it because what other movie has dueling Michael Caine impressions? Riddle me that!

Beginners A+
This is one of those films that was somewhat killed by its own PR campaign. It was marketed as a quirky rom-com (with a feisty dog!) when in fact, it was a quiet, thoughtful movie about relationships, (father/son, man/woman, man/man.) Ewan McGregor is perfectly cast and okay yes, there's a really adorable dog involved.

The Artist A+
Based on this, I hope silent movies replace 3D as the future of film. These actors (most of them French) do more with their facial expressions than most can do using everything, (I'm talking to you, Scarlett "Flat Affect" Johansson.) An homage to the silent days of film, plus a little 40s-era Gene Kelly thrown in for good measure. I'm getting giddy just writing about it. (Please note: I might have just switched bodies with Rex Reed.)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close A
I'm still crying and I saw this a week ago. Eric Roth (who wrote the screenplay) has this way of making you think that your two hours spent with him unlocks some sort of existential key to everything. Sure, it's manipulative, but so were most of my boyfriends and that didn't stop me. Tom Hanks seems a little miscast, but everything else fits as tightly as Roth's screenplays always seem to. Still…crying…

Moneyball A
Look, those who know me know I'm strictly a football-chick. (You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't make Romo win in December. Wait, what?) But baseball will do, especially when you mix in writer Aaron Sorkin and "Capote" director Bennett Miller. Plus, Brad Pitt doesn't hurt matters. It's exactly what it needed to be: smart.

Bridesmaids A-
With the exception of one scene in a wedding dress shop (which may have scarred me for life) this was clever, absurd and just an all around great time. Written by women, for women. (I used to be a copywriter for a tampon company.)

The Muppets A-
What I'm about to say may upset some of you. As a kid, I enjoyed the Muppets (but keep in mind, I also had a crush on Charles Grodin, true story!) But then there were a couple of decades where I did not like them at all. Fozzy's awful stand-up paralleled the hell I was going through while watching comics at open mic nights. I flip-flopped on wanting to strangle Miss Piggy or sprinkle her on my Cobb salad, (She's lucky I don't eat bacon.) But then Jason Segal came along and restored my faith in this magical Jim Henson creation. And the songs! "Flight of the Conchords" Bret McKenzie wrote some of the catchiest tunes ever and the classics (e.g., "The Rainbow Connection") are simply heart-wrenching.

Tabloid B+
A fascinating documentary from Errol Morris about a woman you've probably never heard of…and that's what makes it work. You've got your standard kidnapping, sex-games and dog cloning (you know, the basics) and it will keep you on your toes (or on the edge of your seat, your choice) till the end.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey B+
We’re back to Jim Henson. Frankly, I never asked myself, "Who is the puppeteer behind Elmo?" but I'm glad this movie came along to tell me. Kevin Clash does for puppets (and Muppets) what Steve Wiebe did for Donkey Kong. (Check out "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" if you don't know what that means.)

Midnight in Paris B+
Sharp, quaint and the casting of Owen Wilson in the "Woody" role was a good call. If nothing else, check this out to see Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway.

De-Evolution

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:47:00 +0000

Well it's now a year after my book tour and I've decided it might be a good time to re-visit this blog. (It was either that or continue watching Hoarders and frankly, even my television needs a break.) The entry below is from a column I once wrote for the NoHo Los Angeles News. Some of it found its way into the book and even another blog entry from months ago. This was it in its entirety and like most things I write...it exemplifies my insanity. Enjoy!

I am de-volving and I’d like to prove it to you.

I’ll start by sharing a “poem” I wrote in the 8th Grade. Mind you, it was the 80s and I was inspired by shoulder pads, Yaz, a guy we'll call "Vance" and clearly Pink Floyd lyrics. Here goes: “The bloody tears of a clown slide from my smile. Too many eyes, blue, green, brown, middle child stands aside and looks upon a frown." (Quick aside: I was not a middle child.) "Let us say goodbye to the silver worms of reality and welcome our reward…death.” Now as you can no doubt see, I was a well-adjusted, healthy middle-schooler. And while I never read that poem out loud to "Vance," I did sing Depeche Mode’s “Somebody” directly to him at the talent show…in front of 900 kids…while wearing an Angora sweater inspired by Howard Jones from the “What is Love” video.

Obviously, I had to leave that school system shortly after and luckily was accepted to the performing arts high school wherein I became a mime, but we’ll come back to that. Now years later, I am no different. I mean, the “bloody tears of clowns are not still sliding from my smile:” that would be ridiculous. And technically, I’m not still obsessed with miming. But I am still an adolescent and I don’t know what to do about it. I see adult friends around me with problems that derive from real grown up issues, like mortgage payments and kids having the flu. But I’m so stuck in my childhood that my fears are the same fears I had in 5th grade. Most of them stem from playing games like Pitfall and Adventure on my Atari, so I literally stay up nights worrying about alligators and quicksand and dragons and bats stealing my sword.

And that’s weird, right?

I’m struggling with what it means to be a 30-something. Oh by the way, I recently was so spaced out that as I was pondering this very subject I thought, “There should be a TV show called 30-Something. I should pitch that.” Yes, I’ll pitch that, right after I write my treatment f or M.A.S.H. But there are things I know that aren’t typical for a woman my age. For example, I still watch the Real World/Road Rules Challenge and I don’t mean casually. I don’t mean, like oh it’s 11:00pm and there’s nothing on, so I guess I’ll watch this old thing on MTV. I mean I set my Tivo, but don’t really have to because I always make it a point to be home at 10:00 on Wednesdays. I get nervous when the team I’m rooting for is losing and my heart races when CT or Johnny Bananas look like they’re about to take someone out. Now most of you probably don’t know of whom I speak…because you’re not 15.

Speaking of being 15, let's go back to my mime days. Being in the high school mime-troupe was a big honor at Arts Magnet High. You had to audition by writing a short, obviously silent play-let in which you had to show off your “space-work.” I wrote mine about “peer pressure and saying no to drugs.” Now in order to have the honor of a mime troupe, we did have to give up football at my school, which in Texas is a nightmare. I think because I never to got to show off my school spirit, except obviously at mime-offs, I have what some might call a juvenile love of the Dallas Cowboys. It’s like I’m still in ninth grade, rooting for that quarterback I never knew. I wear my team colors, I cry when they lose, I get wasted at the after-parties and by that I mean, I drink alone in my kitchen.

The point is, I feel there has been no evolution for me. It was so much easier in the good old days because we had John Hughes to tell us who we were. We could fit so neatly into one of his clichéd categories: the jock, the brain, the princess, the basket case, the richie or Duckie. But somehow I’ve gotten stuck in defining the world around me this way. I’m still begging the question, “What about prom, Blane? What about prom?” What’s sad is even Jon Cryer has moved on (quite successfully) but I just can’t. In fact, because of John Hughes, I can see that my life is so off-balance. I don’t have any Blanes around me, but I have at least 100 Duckies. That’s too many and that could be my problem.

All of this gets even worse when I go home to Texas. My friends from high school are all now either divorced or married with three kids. (There seemingly is no in-between.) And when I go to visit them and their children and their grown up lives, I feel like I’m perceived as the “wacky” spinster aunt-like character. I might as well just wear a purple cape. I was there not long ago, hanging with my friend Annie and her three year old son, Dylan. Annie told him “Cecily lives in L.A.” Dylan threw a Spaghettio at me. “Dylan, don’t do that. Cecily is a big writer in L.A.” Dylan then asked “Do you have babies?” “No, but I live in LA” I said back to him, defensively. He didn’t seem impressed and I know this because he then threw his Barney doll on the floor and started crying. (To be fair, that’s how most of my relationships have ended in Los Angeles, but I digress.)

I recall my parents seeming a bit worried about that 8th grade poem, but like most parents who have rebellious, silly teenagers, they always claim “Oh they’ll grow out of it.” Well…TA DA! Maybe I’m just not cut out for adult issues. Maybe I’ll always just be that Cowboys-obsessed mime who won’t settle for anything less than a Jake Ryan.

TOP FIVE OF 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:52:00 +0000

1) THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Facebook the movie? Surely, they're kidding. But put Aaron Sorkin in a room with David Fincher and of course they make a little genius baby. And I loved that Justin Timberlake played the part of "Mafia War." A+

2) ANOTHER YEAR

Mike Leigh once again give us a glimpse into the lives of working class English folk. It's a lovely tale of friendship and sadness. A+

3) EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP

If you're unfamiliar with Banksy, get with it! This hilarious documentary invites us into the underground world of graffiti art and gets us into the heads of people we'll probably never meet. Plus, it's hip and funny. A

4) KICK ASS

Finally, superheroes who are just regular people, like you and me. It almost inspired me to find my own inner hero, but I forgot to keep that purple cape from elementary school. Cool kids, awesome action, this movie is indeed Kick ass. A-

5) TOY STORY 3

We get it Pixar…you're the best at making me cry. While this one wasn't quite as magical as "Up" or "Wall E," they certainly get it right. I was surprised that they gave Buzz Lightyear a heroin addiction, however. B+

TOP TEN WORST DATES...JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:27:00 +0000

For those of you bad-date-survivors who have been patiently waiting to hear our top ten, we're only a couple of days away. Hang tight and we'll soon reveal the worst of the worst, as picked by me! Thank you again to everyone who entered the contest. Your stories were funny and insightful and you all made me laugh!

Any other stories you want to share, please do. Email me!

Linked up to Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Wanted to share a link to my interview on Fox in Las Vegas last month. The host, Rachel Smith, was/is so much fun and I had a great time on her show... click here to watch!

More TV appearances are on the way. Thanks for watching! If you want to share your thoughts, have a question or just want to say hi, email me at Shescrazyhesaliar@gmail.com, won't you?

More from the Hometown

noreply@blogger.com (Cecily Knobler) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Just a few more snippets from my trip back home to Dallas...

Apparently, when I was on "Good Day, Dallas" I said the following, "Men like it when your breasts are this big!"

After I filmed the morning show at Fox, I decided to cab it over to my old high school, Arts Magnet in the Arts District. I kid you not, I had the greatest cab driver of all time as he drove what's called a karaoke cab! Yes, when I got in at 8:55am, he put on a fog machine, flashing lights and made a TV screen come down in the backseat, so I could sing along. He then produced a microphone and I think he sang "Baby, I Love your Way"...but I was so overwhelmed by his amazingness, I'm not quite sure. If you're ever in Dallas and need a cab, call Karaoke Cab. It will make your day better!

Lastly, I ended up having a lovely time at my book signing at Borders in Uptown. Here's a quick picture of me before the "signings" began.