Polite and (paranoid)

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 6 Months Awaitin’

18 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, An Affair to Remember, Cary Grant, classic, Deborah Kerr, film, movie, tear jerker

Please, tell me you’ve seen An Affair to Remember (or at the very least have heard of it). Have you heard of Sleepless in Seattle? It was inspired by An Affair to Remember.

Cary Grant plays Nickie Ferrante, a womanizing playboy who has just been engaged to an American heiress. While on a cruise to visit his grandmother abroad, he meets Terry McKay, played by Deborah Kerr. She’s engaged to a wealthy businessman. Although they are not trying to be anything more than friends, they fall in love on their voyage. Cary Grant’s character asks for six months to learn how to make a living so he will prove himself worthy to have Terry as his wife. They agree to meet up in six months on the top floor of the Empire State Building.

The most poignant scene, to me, that does not give away the plot, is when they leave the boat. Nickie and his heiress pose for paparazzi and Terry gets between them saying she has “an important meeting to get to.” Terry finds her fiance and hugs him. Nickie walks by with his heiress. He stops and watches the embrace, glaring jealously. Terry motions him to keep going. Before he does, he kisses his fingers and taps them on Terry’s glove. She pulls away from the embrace, immediately brushing her glove against her lips.

I love this movie poster. The French title is translated, “She and Him,” which I think fits the film. If anyone is still wondering what they should get me for Christmas… Here you go.

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 5 Jilted Dogs or (101 Dalmatians)

17 Dec 2011 2 Comments

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 101 Dalmatians, 12 Days of Christmas, Christmas, classic animation, Disney, film, love, movie

I recently watched the animated version of 101 Dalmatians with Cupcake. I forgot that the movie was set around Christmastime, so I had to include it in the 12 Days of Christmas.

In the beginning of the movie, Pongo is looking for a mate for his pet human, Roger. Five humans with their dogs walk by the apartment:

one set is an unusual breed,

one set is a little short coupled,

one set is too fancy,

one is too old,

and the last set is too young.

That is when Perdita and Anita walk past.

They are the perfect pair for Roger and Pongo.

*sigh* Cartoon love. Gets me every time.

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 4 Loving Sisters or (Little Women)

16 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Claire Danes, Elizabeth Taylor, film, Frances Dee, Jean Parker, June Allyson, Katharine Hepburn, Kirsten Dunst, Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, movie

Another story that must to be read before any film adaptation is watched. This heartwarming book produced three screen versions and one television movie in 1978 (I want to watch that one because all the big 70′s TV stars are in it: Jan Brady, the Partridge Family girl, the mom from Family Ties, and William Shatner!).

Instead of rating the movies, I’m going to share with you the best and worst performances of each character. First up, Josephine March.

Worst Jo – Katharine Hepburn

Before you cry “cinematic sacrilege,” I dare you to watch this movie and enjoy her performance. You won’t. Her campy overacting is awful. I know this film was made closely after the silent era, but please. Aunt March isn’t over acting. Meg isn’t over acting. Get your act together, Hepburn!

Best Jo – June Allyson

June Allyson would have made Louisa May Alcott proud. The story may be named Little Women, but it really is Jo’s story (As it should be, this is a semi autobiographical story about Alcott’s life). June Allyson played Jo perfectly – brash but lovable, headstrong and loyal.

Worst Beth – Jean Parker

Beth is not a psychotic girl. She’s a sweet and caring person, who puts others above herself. Jean Parker played her as a crazy eyed loon. I think she was trying for a far away look in her eyes, but it came off as coo coo.

Best Beth – Claire Danes

Oh. My. Gosh. Is Claire Danes the best crier in American cinema or what? Seeing her cry kills me. Her face gets all red and blotchy, and her tears cascade from her eyes. Heartbreaking. I knew she was dying, but it hurt me to watch her grapple with the illness and her mortality.

Worst Amy – Elizabeth Taylor

Before you think that I’m hatin’ on Liz, read this post. I think she was a phenomenal actress, but this role wasn’t her best. What’s up with the crazy wig? I know Amy is blonde. Why didn’t they get a blonde actress? Or they could have cast her in a different role. I think she would have been a good Beth.

Best Amy – Kirsten Dunst

Can she play a brat or what? I didn’t like Amy in the book, and I always hated it that she ended up with Laurie. Poor Laurie. But I detested this version of Amy. That is some good casting right there, and this is a decade before she complained in an interview about being in the wildly successful Spiderman franchise.

Worst Meg – Trini Alvarado

Honestly, I thought all three Megs were well cast and well acted. Meg is the least featured sister in this story, most likely because she runs off and gets married against Jo’s wishes. I thought they were all equally good, but I had to make a choice…

Best Meg – Frances Dee

It was tough. I think Frances Dee was the best Meg. She played the oldest March with command and grace.

Have you seen any of these films? Which is your favorite?

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 3 Spirits Visit or (A Christmas Carol)

15 Dec 2011 2 Comments

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray, Charles Dickens, Christmas, Disney, film, Jim Carrey, Mickey Mouse, movie, Scrooged

How many adaptations of this story have you seen? Take a moment to think about it… Three, four? Or is it closer to ten? How many times have you read the Dicken’s story? One? Never?! If you haven’t read it, stop reading this blog and get your booty to the library. There is no film version that captures what you get when you read the story for yourself. I know you may think that you can’t get anything new from it. Believe me. Just read it.

Now that I got that out of my system, I have to say that the Mickey Mouse version is my favorite Christmas Carol adaptation. Scrooge McDuck was named for the Dicken’s character afterall, so he’s perfect in the role. Mickey Mouse is pretty much type cast as the loving underdog Crachett. Goofy is hilarious as Scrooge’s pal Marley. I could go on and on about how great this version is, but that would be boring.

I really wanted to see the 3D version of A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey in the theaters, but Hunny never took me. Well, it’s not all his fault. The closest theater showing it was 45 minutes away, which is even longer when you factor in holiday traffic. I could have gone by myself. Hunny’s not into 3D anything, so I should have gone by myself. I watched this version for the first time last year, and I didn’t care for it. I think it would have been better in 3D, which isn’t saying much. I was distracted by all the voices Jim Carrey did. Did the Disney people look over his salary and think, Hey! We’re getting ripped off here. Let’s make him do more voices. That’ll make up for the money. They were wrong.

If you like Bill Murray and enjoy dark comedies, you have to see Scrooged. Bill Murray plays a TV executive who has to make a television adaptation of A Christmas Carol. He hates Christmas and is an all around bad guy, so the Christmas spirits visit him. It’s hilarious and horrifying all at the same time. I’m not a horror fan, but I think this film should be included in the genre. Don’t watch it late at night. You won’t be able to sleep.

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 2 Charlie Brown Specials

14 Dec 2011 2 Comments

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Charlie Brown, Christmas, Christmas Special, Christmas tree, Snoopy, storyline

Cupcakes LOVES Snoopy. I don’t mean she has a fondness for Snoopy or enjoys Snoopy’s company. She adores that dog. She’s been watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special DVD since July, which means I have been watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special DVD (JULY, PEOPLE! JULY!).

The first several times that I watched this DVD, I wondered why the 1965 TV Special is the one that is shown on TV every year. Why didn’t I remember the Christmas Special that was made in 1992? I know I would have seen it when it aired. I remember watching the reruns of the 1965 version as a child. Here’s something else that was bothering me: Cupcake does not like the 1992 version. She doesn’t even watch it when it is on.

What is the difference between these two versions? STORYLINE. The 1965 Christmas Special has a storyline. The 1992 Christmas Special has none.

In the 1965 Special, Charlie Brown has a problem. He’s depressed and he doesn’t understand why. He wants to know why he’s sad during “the happiest time of the year” for everyone else. His quest to change his sadness to happiness is the core of the story. The cute antics of the children were the icing on the storyline cake.

The 1992 Special is all icing. Charlie Brown is trying to sell Christmas wreaths. Then we go to Peppermint Patty who is avoiding her homework at all costs. Then we go to Linus who is trying to talk to Sally about the Biblical meaning of Christmas. Then we go back to Charlie Brown who wants to buy gloves for the girl he likes. The we go back to Peppermint Patty who wants to be Mary in the school play, but is cast as a sheep. As Charlie would say, “Good grief.” There is nothing holding this hodge-podge of stuff together. And there isn’t much Snoopy in it, either.

This is our Christmas tree. It’s also kind of a metaphor for our life right now. It doesn’t look like much, but it is full of hope. Not to mention, Cupcake loves it.

12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style} 1 American Sweetheart or (While You Were Sleeping)

13 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, Bill Pullman, christmas movies, classic, film, movie, review, Sandra Bullock, While You Were Sleeping

I love While You Were Sleeping. It is the first Sandra Bullock movie I ever saw. I immediately fell in love with the story and the characters. Especially Sandra Bullock’s character, Lucy, a lonely train ticket person without a family on Christmas. How many lonely cat ladies can you name that have charmed the world? I can only name one. Lucy is such a lovable character. She’s pining over Peter, a guy who doesn’t know her name. She’s nice to Joe Jr. even though he lies about her. When Joe Jr. is upset about Phyllis from the third floor dumping him, she lets him try on her shoes (I know that sounds weird, but he likes trying on her shoes. It’s a sweet gesture). When she’s invited to spend Christmas with Peter’s family, she’s given a gift. We never know what the gift is because she doesn’t open it. She just sits there and enjoys the company of his family.

The best part of the movie is her relationship with Jack, Peter’s brother. She tells Peter that she’s never met someone she can laugh with, which is part of the reason why she is single. Jack and Lucy laugh together through much of the film. When they aren’t laughing together, they are trying to hide the fact that they like each other. One of the most gut wrenching scenes for me to watch is when Jack stops by Lucy’s apartment before she marries Peter. As he’s leaving, Lucy asks him if there is any reason she shouldn’t marry Peter. Jack, looking conflicted, pauses before saying no. The disappointment on both their faces is too much! But that only heightens the excitement of Jack proposing later on.

(On a side note, I’d like to say Happy Anniversary to one of my favorite couples! God bless you and your marriage.)

Christmastime is Here or (I’m Overwhelmed, Charlie Brown)

25 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: 12 Days of Christmas, birthday, bridesmaid, Christmas, family, Thanksgiving, wedding

With all the birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrating Jesus’ birth, this is one of the busiest times of the year for my family (I mentioned a little bit about it here). Throw in a couple of weddings, and I’m stressed out. As in right now.

Did you know that I’m a bridesmaid? And I’m wearing this in the wedding…

It’s a lovely dress, but shoulders and arms are its main focus. Neither of which are one of my assets (How many women walk around thinking their arms look amazing? Other than Michelle Obama and Kelly Rippa, not many). So I need to start working on them. I honestly have been trying to start an arm exercise regimen for several month now. It’s just so hard for me to exercise. I have to trick myself into it, and there isn’t an arm exercise that makes you think you’re having fun.

There are two more bridal showers before the wedding. Then the wedding is on a Friday, which complicates things for Hunny job-wise. He was supposed to be in a wedding two years ago. He asked off for that Thursday and Friday because it was out of state. He was told he conditionally had those days off, then they were taken from him. We weren’t able to attend, and our friends had to find someone else to fill his spot. This wedding isn’t out of state, but we’re kind of in the dark about where we are supposed to be and when. I’m just praying it all works out.

Then there are the birthdays I have to get ready for. My father’s is probably the most nerve-wracking. I love him dearly, but he drives me crazy sometimes. I ask him what he wants for his birthday and I get, “I haven’t really thought about it.” Last year for Christmas, I bought him one of his favorite TV shows from the 90′s on DVD. It sat on the shelf, intact in its shrink-wrap, for months.

I also have to gather the Christmas decorations from my parents garage and put them up in our apartment. I have to put together some handmade Christmas gifts and gather the materials I need to wrap them. Thinking of all the things I need to do makes me feel physically sick, which brings me to you.

I don’t want you to get lost in the mix. I want to share what little is left of my Christmas cheer with you. So I devised a plan. I am going to give you 12 Days of Christmas {Polite and (paranoid) Style}. Starting December 13th, I’m going to share something with you daily leading up to the most important day – Christmas. Between now and then, I’m taking a hiatus from posting.

I hope all my American readers had a blessed Thanksgiving. A blessed weekend to all! I’ll see you next month!

30 Days, 30 Movies {Day 29} John Hughes or (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles)

21 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: John Candy, John Hughes, movie, movie review, Steve Martin, Thanksgiving

My quest to watch this movie is eerily similar to that of Neal Page’s quest to get home for Thanksgiving. Our local video rental establishment had the movie in their selection, but it was checked out. That didn’t bother me. I just kept trying until it was available to rent. I had no idea that it would take this long. Two months later, they tell me that they longer carry it because the person who rented it never returned it. That made me mad. When Hunny and I had a DVD stolen from our car, we had to replace the movie… Yes, that actually happened to us. That’s what happens when you live in Statesvegas. So I found another way to obtain the movie to watch and share with you (Although it took forever, it’s kind of serendipitous that I’m sharing this movie near the holiday).

I didn’t have much respect for John Hughes until recently. I always thought that he did teen flicks in the 80′s (I don’t care for any of them). Then I found out that he did Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and this film. On the DVD extras for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, he explained how he came up with the idea for The Breakfast Club. The first two scripts he did were not teen films. He knew that he had to write a cheap script if he wanted to be allowed to direct one of his own movies, so he thought that he would have all the characters in one room. After brainstorming, he came up with kids in detention. The idea for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles came to him when his flight was rerouted to Wichita and it took him five days to get home.

I noticed something when I watched this film on DVD. Most 80′s movies are very dated because of the crazy 80′s music that was in them. All of the movies John Hughes did in the 80′s have that weird synthesized music with the strange voices over it (Like the “oh yeah” in Ferris Beuller’s Day Off). I think it takes away from the movie. All the corny 60′s beach bum movies have the same problem. They have dated soundtracks that forever keep them frozen in their decade.

Where do you stand on this? Do you think that music can date a movie? Do you think it enhances the film or do you feel that dated music takes away from the movie?

Favorite Line: Why do I feel like I’m back in summer camp?

Favorite Character: Del Griffith

Favorite Scene: When Del sells curtain rings as earrings to the people at the bus station.

Thirsty Thursday: Searching for You

17 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Spirituality, Thirsty Thursday Tags: Bible, found, God, Jesus, lost, repentance, truth

When Hunny and I went on our long trek to see his family, I lost my engagement ring.

Hunny found my wedding band and the other ring I had been wearing that weekend on the floor in our hotel room. Unfortunately, my engagement ring was not with them. I knew it had to be in the room somewhere. I went through both trash cans taking out every single item. I looked through our dirty clothes. I searched the ten inches of carpet between my side of the bed and the window. I looked in drawers. I looked everywhere.

This ring means a great deal to me and to Hunny. When he offered to have it replaced, I cried, “We don’t have the money for that, and it won’t be the ring you proposed with.” Then we did what we should have done when I realized the ring was missing: we prayed. We asked God that we would find the ring in the room before we had to check out.

After looking everywhere, and now doubting that I even had it in the room, our time was up. We had to check out. We prayed one last time. Hunny hugged me and he dropped what he had in his hands on the floor. I bent over to pick it up, and there was the ring! It was under the bed in a spot I hadn’t looked before (and I would have sworn that I checked every inch of that carpet). We were so happy! I wanted to call everyone I knew right then and there to share my joy.

God feels the same way about us. Jesus was hanging out and some people with bad reputations came to Him. The “religious” people, Pharisees, were there and were unhappy that Jesus wanted to spend time with the “bad” people. Jesus said:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15: 3-10

More often than not, I’m the lady with the lost coin. Searching frantically for something I’ve misplaced. I can attest to how exciting it is to find what you are looking for. I can’t begin to imagine how awesome it is in heaven when one of us turns to Jesus. He is right there with us waiting for us to turn around and say, “I can’t do this life thing on my own. I need Your help.”

God tells us He is easy to find.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

To learn more go here.

A Screenwriter’s Christmas Wish List or (If I Were a Rich Man…)

15 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment

by politeandparanoid in Life, Screenwriting Tags: beetle, Christmas, daydreaming, ipad, pink, presents, typewriter, wish list

I love Christmas. Especially because it is the season of giving. I love buying presents. It is one of my favorite things to do. I put a lot of thought into it and try to find something that they will really enjoy. My favorite part is seeing the look on their face when they open the present. It’s magical. Hunny and I bought our first present for this Christmas in January (I know that’s early, but it is the perfect gift for his parents. They won’t even believe it). Needless to say, most of our family Christmas shopping is done, but we still need to buy things for each other.

Even though I adore gift giving, I am not the easiest person for whom to shop. I never know what I want. My brother asked me last month what I wanted for Christmas, and I said, “I don’t know. Let me think about it.” I still haven’t gotten back to him. Hunny had me favorite things on etsy so he could surprise me with something. I started out looking at vintage costume jewelry that was in our price range, and then I just started looking around and I saw this:

I want that pink Royal typewriter. Really bad. But the cheapest one I found on etsy was around $500. Definitely not in our price range. What fun is looking at things for Christmas if you can’t dream a little, right? So I decided that I would share my Christmas wish list if I had an unlimited supply of money and no one else needed anything.

It looks like an ordinary typewriter…