Awesome-O Media Reviews!

Buppah Rahtree

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

How's it going? I just watched a movie a few days ago that really made an impression on me because it was part horror, funny, sad, and dramatic. I have rarely seen any movies that successfully combine all of those genres while managing to honestly be scary and really funny and sad. As you can tell, this movie is called Buppah Rahtree (2003).

The movie is from Thailand and is about a young woman named Buppah Rahtree who is a studious med student and loner. One day things change as a classmate shows interest in her and she gives him a chance. Basically, Buppah gets played, winds up pregnant, has an abortion-gone-wrong and winds up bleeding to death in her apartment. That's actually when the hilarity of the movie begins. Her apartment complex is filled with weirdos--there's the overbearing landlady, the gossipy hairdressers, the funny restaurant crew and some gangsta wannabes. There's a really funny part when they try to take Buppah's body out of the apartment and her body bolts right up and then moves. It was kind of scary, but then it was really funny when the two men yell "Ghost, ghost!" and run the hell out of the apartment.

After Buppah begins haunting everyone out rage and sadness we see that her ex lover has come back to her, not knowing she is dead. You just have to see the reactions when he says he's staying in apartment 609. So I don't just keep ranting I will give you reasons why I like the movie and why you may like it as well:

Female protagonist is very convincing in her pain/anger and not freakish along the lines of The Ring of The Grudge. I felt more connected to her. And she is a really powerful, no-nonsense spirit.
The movie makes fun of itself by having characters say "People only like movies with ghosts that chase people down the hall"...then someone gets chased down the hall by Buppah.
Landlady's husband and his prayer room...just enough said! Hilarious!
Great reference/homage to The Exorcist
Awesome twist in the ending...definitely was not expecting it! So, if you like movies with twists or endings that are unexpected then you really should catch this movie.
Moving corpses, people yelling "ghost!" while flailing their arms and running
If you like a movie that is hilarious, but manages to scare you as well
If you like foreign movies/reaidng subtitles

If none of those apply, I'm not saying you won't like it. It's just something you have to try. The
movie was good and apparently has a sequel, with a third one in the plans but I haven't seen them yet. I'll let you know if I do.

If you wanna see the movie, it can be ordered here or watched online at asian horror films, but I recommend actually getting it cuz it's cheap and better quality...I checked the online version and it's pretty bad quality, so unless you can stand that, just buy it!

That's all for now. Peace!

Jolene (2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:34:00 +0000

I'm talking about the movie Jolene (2008), not the song by Dolly Parton. It's directed by Dan Ireland...I know he's done other movies with central female characters, probably most notably The Whole Wide World (1996) with Renee Zellweger.

The movie is about an orphan named Jolene who looks for love in all the wrong places and goes through 10 years of roaming the country. It starts with her getting married at the age of 16, in order to escape the foster care system. Reality she finds is quite grim, when she gets involved with her husband's uncle, ending with consequences that land her in a juvenile loony bin. Needless to say, she gets out of that one with a lesbian affair to top it all off. Then, she flees to Arizona, eventually winds up in Las Vegas, then in Tulsa and eventually in Los Angeles. I'm not going to focus so much on the intricacies of what happened, in case you haven't seen the movie.

And honestly I can't even say whether I liked or disliked the movie. I know what the director was trying to do by showing the way some foster children turn out, but also showing a disadvantaged woman who thinks that objectifying herself will somehow be an ends to her means. However, Jolene seemed to have a very long learning curve and didn't seem to learn her lesson after the first, second, third time, etc. I guess that some people don't learn that easily, but I really felt that Jolene *always* left herself vulnerable, alone and with nothing. That's why I'm not sure if I enjoyed the movie because it makes a good point of how screwed up a person in the system can become, but I think that we should have seen a lot more personal growth for Jolene, especially after 10 years. At least the very end leaves us with a glimmer of hope.

The movie wasn't boring and moved at a good pace, but I was annoyed by how the movie portrayed a domestic violence shelter that Jolene went to. It made it seem as though the staff were completely unattached, unaware and uncaring. That is personally offensive to me because I worked at a DV shelter and I know that the movie portrayal was no where close to the truth.

Either way, you should check out the movie whether you like the song Jolene, by Dolly Parton (yes, the character has red hair), or if you like movies featuring central female characters. Jessica Chastain played Jolene and she was very good in the role; she really carried the movie. Also, I like Michael Vartan and he always plays good guys. This is a good chance to catch him playing an eccentric bad guy. Good stuff!

Well, enjoy and take care. Peace!

The Gits Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

It's taken me a while to post back here because it's been busy. I barely got to post on the other blog yesterday about Riot Grrrl costumes for children. Teh cute.

Anyway, I also got around to watching a documentary that I had wanted to watch forever *said just like in The Sandlot* lol. But yeah, I was so happy to finally get to see The Gits Movie. If you don't know who The Gits are, then you best be checking them out girls and boys! Here's a link to The Best of the Gits album:

Best Of The Gits

If you are familiar with The Gits, then I'm pretty sure you'll like what the documentary makers tried to do with the film. It was nice hearing from former band members, Joan Jett, former 7 Year Bitch band members, family, friends, and other bands. I really wish I had been of the age to appreciate the genius of The Gits and of Mia Zapata (RIP). Any one who likes women singers, Riot Grrrl, or just pure awesome voices in general, then you will love The Gits. If you're already a fan, then more power to you and I know you will like this.

Ok..I will leave you all to check out this wonderful documentary and to be hypnotized by the wonderful Mia. Enjoy! Goodnight and peace to all.

The Gits

Women's Studies and Riot Grrrl

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:46:00 +0000

This is a repost of a post that was in my other blog Ra Ra Riotgrrrl but I feel that it is pertinent to this blog as well. Enjoy, if you haven't read it already.

As you know, I am into riot grrrl, but I bet some of you didn't know that I was a Women's Studies major in college. This was parly influenced by my love for Riot Grrrl and all things associated with it, mainly the feminism part and the music (duh!). I'm sure many people have questions about Women's Studies and are probably apprehensive about approaching the subject.

There are MANY misconceptions regarding Women's Studies...it's probably because people are often weary when the word 'woman' is involved. In fact, lots of people make random assumptions or tell you that it's pointless to be a Women's Studies major. However, the program is an awesome one and I would not change my mind if I were given a second chance. I know what you're thinking...

How do I know this is my type of major?

I can give you an idea:

You like...
-feminism
-Riot Grrrl
-learning about women through history, I mean Herstory!
-learning how women have worked to create change
-learning how to be a stronger woman
-unlearning many biased things you may have learned about women, men, people of color, etc.
-being open-minded
-being creative
-writing neat papers that need not be so rigidly intellectual (depends on the teacher, but in general lol)
-doing things in class that are out of the 'norm'--think along the lines of watching semi-pornographic movies, looking at erotic exhibitions, going outside and looking at the sky, observing, etc., performing for the class, etc.
-most of all: meeting awesome teachers who really know what they're talking about and want you to learn!
-if you are liberal in general
-men can do it to...there were a few male majors in my program

I don't know what else to say...that was a long list, but I can probably think of more reasons why I like Women's Studies. They were the best teachers I ever had!
Ok that's enough of my ramblings. Feel free to email me at nourishandflourish@gmail.com and I'll answer any questions you may have. :)

I will be posting again within a few days. Be on the lookout!
Peace.

Girl In A Coma Review

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:14:00 +0000

What's cracking dudettes and dudes?

As promised I'm back with a review for the group Girl In A Coma. They are teh awesome and one of my recent favorites! You may have heard one of their song Say, which gained some radio and MTVU airplay last year. It may have been on Fuse and others, but I dunno. The leader singer, Nina Diaz, has a soulfull, crooning voice that is often likened to Morrissey. I was thinking more Eddie Vedder with how she pronounces some words, but she is all her own. Her voice is beautiful and I cannot describe it without you actually listening to her

The song Say is absolutely infectious! This is one of the friskiest, most fun songs on their album. There's something about the way Nina says

"Say I Say In Say"

"everyone will quote me on this line"

Just check out the video. It's so neat! ^__^

While Say is the song that most people know by them, there is also Their Cell, which is one of the first songs of theirs that I heard. You can cut the emotion in that song with a knife and the instrumental portion is perhaps what I like the best. My two favorite lines of the song are when Nina says:

"Tatooed lovers, they don't like to reminisce"

and

"Oh, no, you lost the combination. Oh, no, you have the wrong address."

My explanation can't do this song justice. Please just check out the video for the song:

The song that I first heard by GIAC is called Consider and it is what got me hooked!!

These girls can seriously play and I <3 Nina's voice.

I am going nowhere
sulking in days i now laugh over

My other fav. is:

and would you cry for every nite i am gone?
We long for those special people
who pull away when we start to figure them out

Don't just take my word for it, you have to listen to Nina singing. These girls are awesome and it's even better because they are Latinas who are out in the industry trying to make it. I really hope you will check their stuff out!

Check out the video for Consider...it's not very good quality, but it's a live performance.

I have included links if anyone is interested in purchasing their album Both Before I'm Gone. It is an incredible album and I enjoy every song.

Here is a link to their first album...it's a really good buy!

I will also include the link to their second album which just came out. I have to listen to it! There will be a review as soon as I get to it.

Hope you enjoy the review and that you will like GIAC, too! Peace.

Women Rock Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:04:00 +0000

I was looking around at people's profile and whatnot and I made a little discovery that some of you may have heard of. It's called Women Rock Radio and it's a website that plays streaming music by women artists. What's not to like here?...unless you don't like women artists, but then why would you even be reading my blog? lol.

So, it's completely free but they do suggest donations, which is pretty fair considering they are providing a neat service. They want to add more functionality to the site as well, which will be even more awesome. While you check it out, I will work on my review of Girl In A Coma...one of my recent favs!

Whatcha waiting for? Listen, listen, listen!
Click Here

Long Time No See...I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Hello Hello!

Well, there probably isn't anyone that reads this blog because it hasn't been updated in forever, but I finally got my password for this account back. Woooooo!

So I will update with something. I have another blog that I use as well. It's not the same thing...it's about internet marketing from a newbie's perspective. It's called Heartsmoney. It's new but I hope to really keep blogging this time around. All righty see you around! Peace.
-Moni

90s Lyrics Quiz Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:17:00 +0000

So, while talking to my friend Briann while at work today, she told me about this kewl quiz online where you fill in the blank lyrics to about 103 90s songs. It's kinda hard, but definitely worth a try for you 90s music buffs out there.

I will also definitely be updating tomorrow with a new review. Stay tuned!

http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/90s.html

Good luck!

Update:

I've added the other quiz as well. This one is the 80s quiz. I think it's a bit easier. Try it out:

http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/80s.html

Jack Off Jill

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:50:00 +0000

Seeing as Jack Off Jill is one of my favorite bands, it would be hard not to include them in a review of some sort. They were in existence from 1992-2000 with Jessicka Fodera as the lead singer. Now, Jessicka has another band named Scarling., which I will probably review sometime in the near future.

In high school, I guess I was kinda one of the kids that you would call 'emo' today. Please don't judge me! hehe. So, I first heard of Jack Off Jill when I was about 15, just after the release of their second and final album "Clear Hearts, Grey Flowers." The first album is called "Sexless Demons and Scars." This alludes somewhat to the dark content of the album, but what is excellent about the album is the way that Jessicka can sing almost lullingly and then suddenly start screaming. The songs have a childish innocence about them, even with titles like: Angels Fuck, Super Sadist, and Cumdumpster. Most notably is Angels Fuck, with some awesome piano in the background and Jessicka alternating from her soft voice to a serious scream. Her feelings show through so much in this song, especially when she says at the end when she says in a painful voice: " I will never make it better. It will always hurt, you fucking asshole!" It's a great song for anyone who has gone through a breakup, or just feels angry. Talk about powerful emotion.

Cumdumpster is a feminist outcry on the way women are treated by men. Example: C-c-c-c-call me cumdumpster
C-c-c-c-call me a cunt
C-c-c-call me clever Is that still ok

It's ok when a woman is a cunt, or bitch, but being clever..nah! It's just a great song pointing out the verbal everyday violence against women.

Just listen to the album and songs like Lollirot, Girlscout, Poor Impulse Control, Covet and American Made are all about our own human defects. And Devil With The Black Dress On is a perfect cruising song. It has an awesome beat, fun lyrics and it's great to speed to (yeah, I've done it -__-).

Their other album "Clear Hearts, Grey Flowers" was released in 2000 just before they disbanded. It starts with the track 'When I Am Queen,' which also has some awesome piano instrumentation. Again, Jessicka amazes me with her sweet/screaming voice. It's a song about self-destruction, rebirth and reclamation. Just listen! Two of my favorite JOJ songs are also on this album. They are 'Strawberry Gashes' and 'Vivica,' both are about saving someone from that which they cannot escape. Strawberry gashes is about a woman who cuts herself, and Vivica could possibly be about a woman who is abused by her significant other. You really have to listen to the songs because they have such powerful lyrics and awesome instrument-playing. Two other songs worth listening to first are 'Nazi Halo' and 'Author Unknown.' Both are indictments on someone or something. 'Nazi Halo' is Jessicka shouting out those who have hurt her, but it is a song I've listened to in the past when I've been really angry at someone. And 'Author Unkown' could be an indictment on religion or on anyone who tries to assert authority without the right. 'I met a man who was once on my side. He wrote a book and now everyone lies! NOOOOO!" So yeah, very powerful and awesome group, who unfortunately only released two studio albums, but there are remixes and hard-to-find EPs out there. I must go, but let me know if you liked the review.

If you would like to be able to hear some JOJ just throw me a line on here or email me at feministmovieblog@gmail.com

^__^

She's the Man

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:45:00 +0000

This is not a new movie by any means, but I will include many movies on here that I like (or am recommended) not just new ones. She's the Man is appropriate because I just watched it the other day on HBO and they're gonna give it again tomorrow (Friday) at 1015am! So, if anyone has HBO they can catch it there, or if you're familiar with finding movies online, then yeah. I have links if anyone wants, but you have to contact me. I'm available at feministmovieblog@gmail.com

Now, to the movie. This is definitely a movie to watch if you are in the mood for a light-hearted comedy, extremely bored, or easily amused. Either way, it's funny, but I know how critical people are. Basically, Amanda Bynes plays a girl named Viola, who plays soccer at her school. Unfortunately, her team is cut; she has a fight with her boyfriend and she decides to crossdress as her brother so she can continue to play soccer. She falls for her roommate, played by Channing Tatum, while he has a thing for Olivia, played by Laura Ramsey. It gets tricky because Olivia has a thing for Sebastian, who is actually Viola in drag.

It's a crazy, twisty turney movie on gender and its role in our lives. None of us really realizes what it's like to be a person of the opposite sex until we've tried it. Amanda Bynes shows that in quite a hilarious manner. It really is comedic and the movie reminds me of my own friends. It was comedic, cheesy and a full of mishaps. Like in every high school movie, all of the people were pretty and didn't really look like high school students, but what can ya do? At least the idea was cool, especially since the movie is based on Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night.

In no way does this movie deal as deeply with the gender issues underlying Shakespeare's work, but it does at least deal with the way women and girls are still treated unfairly in sports, despite the passing of Title IX in the United States. Women are still looked down upon in sports and it is really unfortunate, especially now that we're in the year 2008. Not to mention that women still earn only 75-77 cents for every dollar that a man earns. So, this movie is good, if only because of the comedy and kick ass-ness of a girl being shown playing soccer just as good as the guys!

Feel free to leave a comment or question or whatever. ^__^

Heath Ledger

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:58:00 +0000

As many of you already know, the actor Heath Ledger died today. It is so unfortunate. He seemed to have such a bright career ahead of him. I wanted to see what he would come up with in the future, especially his role as The Joker in the new Batman movie. It is especially sad for his daughter.

The first time I ever saw him was in 10 Things I Hate About You. Not the best cinematic masterpiece, but certainly a great teen flick. He was good in his role as a bad ass in that movie. He was also ass-kicking in Brokeback Mountain. Well, I just wanted to mention to you about his death and say: Goodbye Heath Ledger. I wish you a pleasant afterlife. More movies reviews will be coming soon. Hold tight or leave me a message or something. Byes!

I Am Legend

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Yesterday, while very tired, I wound up watching a bootleg DVD of I Am Legend, with Will Smith. I've heard mixed reviews, but here's my take: The movie was pretty much a one-man-show with Mr. Smith. The title for the movie is pretty lame. It all seems like a self-aggrandizing, egotistical venture for Will Smith. However, I decided to give the movie a fair chance. Apparently, it was actually a 1954 sci-fi novella by Richard Matheson, which has influenced works by George Romero and even the British film 28 Days Later. I don't know much about the novella that Matheson wrote, but this movie was easy as hell to predict!

Bottom line: If you don't like watching movies that are ridiculously predictable, then just stay away.

Or, if you really like Will Smith, do watch. The movie is very Will Smith-centric. But I still think the dog stole the show from him! She is so cute...oh German Shepards! Anyway, the vampire baddy people were also kinda cool, but that's just cuz I like to see zombie/vampire baddies. Only other point of contention is that sometimes the movie seemed to drag on and on with Will Smith and a few character-related flashbacks.

There's not much to say. The plot is quite simple and predictable, especially if you are already familiar with vampire/zombie/disaster movies. But it is worth watching if you like Will Smith or are a vampire/zombie movie freak. Give it a try, but don't expect anything extremely new or different.

Juno

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Who hasn't seen Juno yet? If you're into slightly cheesy, yet witty comedies then I say go watch it. You've got nothing to lose. The cast is superb! Ellen Page is awesome as Juno. Her speech seems very advanced for her age, which is good. She's portrayed as a smart chick who happens to get pregnant. The one thing that I did not necessarily care for was the abortion clinic scene in this movie. Let's just say it carries on a definite anti-choice, or pro-life if you choose to call it, entendre. I can respect those who are anti-choice and leave them to their own feelings, but it would be nice if they could do the same. As a woman, I feel that the right to choose SHOULD be an essential freedom as part of living in a "free" country, but that's beside the point.

Otherwise, the movie had definite strong points. The filming was well-done, the opening was cutely animated. The characters delivered witty lines and Allison Janney is awesome! It's almost like she's always in every movie I watch. Music in the movie is also noteworthy. Who can resist some good stuff from The Moldy Peaches? If you don't know who they are, you should check them out! http://www.themoldypeaches.com There was other stuff by Belle and Sebastian, Katastrophy Wife and other sweet acts.

Overall, the movie plays out well and is not unnecessarily sugary or over-the-top and it does not show pregnancy as something adorable or enviable. There is one funny scene involving a blue slushie. Hehehe. Check it out. Leave some comments and junk, too. :)

Cloverfield

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Maybe this is not the best movie to start off with, but fudge it! Lots of people have been comparing this shizz to the Blair Witch Project. After a minute, I could easily tell why--and was almost reaching for the barf bag. I was watching it with my boyfriend because we didn't know what else to watch, so nyah!

*spoilers alert - if you don't want anything at all spoiled, then just get lost*

Anyway, it begins with this U.S. Government thing, saying that the video cam was found in what used to be known as Central Park, now known as "Cloverfield." Cut to a guy holding his damn video cam, filming out of a window way high up in the nosebleed section of some fancy apartment in NYC. Then, it shows the girl he's with and how they spent their day together, etc.

It skips ahead about a month to some going away part for this guy. So, the basic premise is that this guy is going to Japan, but he loves this elite Manhattan socialite he slept with about a month ago. Big monster thing from outer space strikes. Big shebang. I won't give much else away, but basically the whole movie follows four characters through Manhattan, as the alien rampages through the city.

The reason for the march through the city was pretty lame. I mean, sure, love is a powerful thing, but if some huge monster were attacking my city I would definitely not be saying "Oh, let's go back for the person I love!" It's a bit idealistic, but the one thing that was refreshing about this was that for once it was a guy doing it! The main guy defies the stereotype of a rich player dude who just wants some ass. His character genuinely cared for the rich socialite shown earlier. That department does earn the movie major proppage. At least these characters were honestly written. I, as a viewer, did not want them to die because despite the unreality of it all, the actors actually pulled me in to their story. Suspension of disbelief is key when watching this. Otherwise, it's easy to pull out every stupid moment, unreality and other mistake in this movie. Just watch it for the nice action shots if anything! You even get to see mini monsters and the monster itself. Kinda kewl.

Likable characters were a definite plus in this movie. It's also good to see a movie once in a while that does not have a happy ending. Also, stay after the credits and you'll hear something. Maybe you can decipher what the hell it says. That's it for now! Toodles!

What's Feminism Got to Do With It?

noreply@blogger.com (Moni the Reviewer) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Ok, so this is the intro to my blog. Unfortunately, feminism still seems to have a nasty connotation given to it, especially by some radical right-wing nuts! Do many people even know what it really is? I don't know, but I just wanted to say that YOU are a feminist if you believe in equal rights for everyone and in the humane treatment of people. Feminism is for men, women, children or whoever could benefit from being freed from oppression in their lives. Sounds good?

I'm here to write about my experiences with watching movies. Yes, as a feminist, but I like to be fair in my assessments of things I watch. My reviews will be aimed at you, the regular viewer of movies, but I hope to bring a different prospective on movie reviews. Many movies really amuse me. Read my reviews and feel free to agree, disagree, make a suggestion, or whatever. Everyone is welcome! ^__^