Best Movies of 2011

It's that time of year again. The time of year where we all tend to look back and pick "The Best" of anything and everything. I'm not kidding. I swear to something really important to you, that just today I came across a list of the Top Cupcakes of 2011. Okay, I didn't actually see that, I just made it up to make a point. But now that I think about it isn't  a half bad idea. But I digress. This particular list of best stuff isn't about tasty treats or pancakes or video games. This is Alicia's Blog therefore the list is about... you got it, movies. 

I picked 11 for 2011 (clever, I know). Now, I haven't seen Hugo yet, or The Descendents, and I am sure they are both list worthy but I can't include them since I haven't seen them with my own eyes. 

1.  Tree of Life - I have been a Malick fan since I saw "Badlands" back when I was an impressionable teenager. I was blown away. And I was blown away by Tree of Life as well. I give the man credit for making such beautiful movies that are still able to tell a story. I know a lot of people "didn't get it" and even left before the first thirty minutes were up. To those people I say "Ppppppbbbttttt!" (That is the sound one makes when sticking out ones tongue and making a raspberry.) If you couldn't sit through a film that asks you to think for yourself then go home and just watch Dancing with the Stars. You do not like art. Oh, and you probably missed the part where a dinosaur steps on this other dinosaurs face. Yeah, it was so good that it had dinosaurs in it.
2. The Beaver - I know I will be crucified for this one, but Mel (call me Crazy) Gibson or not, it was a remarkable film. It is directed by Jodie Foster, and she costars as Mel's long-suffering but loving wife. Mel Gibson gives a remarkable performance. Check it out then tell me I was wrong. 
3. The Trip - It stars comedian Steve Coogan and his friend Rob Byrdon as themselves. They take a trip and review restaurants along the way. The movie is funny and a little unsettling. If you like really awesome impressions of Micheal Caine and watching people eat incredible food, then this one is for you. A little gem not many have heard of. 
4. Midnight in Paris - Yet another great romantic comedy from Woody Allen. Owen Wilson plays the "Woody Allen" character in this fun little movie. He is engaged to a superficial and horrid woman (played by Rachel McAdams) and discovers a door to the past while vacationing with her and her family in Paris. I don't know if it's because I always fancied being an expat in the 1920's and getting to hang out with Picasso and Zelda - but this movie was absolutely pitch perfect. 
5. Moneyball - Yep, I'm on team Moneyball. I loved this movie, and not just because it is about the underdog. And not just because it takes place in Oakland, Ca. And not just because Brad Pitt is awesome in it. I liked it because it was a simple story of faith and redemption. Everybody likes sports movies and this one does not disappoint. It is certainly Brad Pitts year. Again. 
6. Hanna - There is only one word to describe this movie: BADASS. A teenage girl who was raised as assassin by her loving dad is unleashed on the word at large. Eric Bana is in it doing that broody thing he does in movies, and usually that would be rad. But this movie is all about the little girl. You like watching teenaged girls kick ass? Then forget that piece of poo movie "Suckerpunch" and watch this instead. It's awesome, and Cate Blanchet is in it. Can't miss. 
7. The Skin I Live In - I have two words for you: Pedro Almodovar. That should be more than reason enough to watch this film. I won't try to explain it, because it just doesn't work that way. It's beautiful, harsh and horrific. I loved it. 
8. Rise of the Planet of the Apes - This mainstream movie was good enough to make me forget that they actually cast James Franco as a super smart science guy. I am a HUGE fan of the original movie and I was very critical of the prequel going in. Well, I  loved it. The apes were awesome, and Andy Serkis was pretty incredible as Caesar the ape.
9. Melencholia - I put off watching this movie until last night because I dislike Kirsten Dunst THAT much. But, I also knew the film was directed by the always weird and always startling Lars Von Trier. His film "Breaking the Waves" changed the way I look at cinema and the way I look at love. This movie was his meditation on depression and the end of the world and it rocked. Maybe it's because I understand what its like to be a depressed bride, or maybe it's because the film also star the ultra awesome Charlotte Gainsbourg but the movie is great. It might be a good one for those of you who hate Von Trier, or haven't seen any of his films yet. It has all the female suffering, social failures (i.e. marriage, jail, community) and crazy of his other films but it isn't as hard to handle. 
10. The Muppets - Okay, I am cheating a little here. I haven't actually seen this movie yet. But, I am the biggest fan of the Muppets
11. Cave of Forgotten Dreams - I know, watching an old German film maker go exploring an old french cave sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, but rust me. When the film maker is the quirky, smart, talented Werner Herzog then you know you will get something original. The cave is about 30,000 years old and no access has been granted to film makers prior to this. It is astonishing, and you should see it.

2012 - Looking Forward: "The Year of Cage"

Usually I am the first person to trumpet the words, "Last year sucked. This year will be way better." But I can't really claim that this year. I think 2011 was pretty darn good, and in the last two weeks of said year I find myself happier than I have been in a long time. I know the trend, the common response at the end of the year is to look back and take stock of what you have done, but I am not going to do that this year. Nope, I am going to resist the temptation to list all the crazy, (Cain, Gingrich, Bachmann, AND Perry all running - who left the doors of crazy town ajar?) amazing, (OWS, I actually completed NaNoWriMo) and downright absurd (Rebecca Black sings about days of the week and becomes famous) things that happened this year. Instead, I am going to jump in my time machine and look forward to 2012. Come with me!

Jan. 1, 2012 - I ring in the New Year while singing karaoke in Prague. I kiss my fella and raise a glass to toast the new year. I also look incredibly fabulous in a floor length purple Halston style gown.

Jan. 3, 2012 - I wake up groaning at 6:22am and head back to work after my winter break come screeching to a halt. 

Jan.11, 2012 - It's my Birthday! I go out to dinner with my friends, and see a movie. 

Jan. 14, 2012 - My Birthday Party! Through a miracle, I find karaoke on this night and dedicate it to myself. I sing all night while consuming many cocktails, none of which I purchased for myself.  And, I look incredible again.

Jan. 15, 2012 - I don't leave the house. I stay in bed all day and watch movies to cure my hangover. My always sweet fella surprises me with Phó. I do not look incredible.

Jan. 20, 2012 - I remember that I vowed to read at least 60 books this year and stop playing Angry Birds. 

Jan. 28, 2012 - The day I stop writing the year as "20112"

Feb.8 - I cook a birthday dinner for my man. He is happy and thinks I am rad. Later this week I will try to throw him an understated, adult Birthday party which quickly turns into a night of drinking and debauchery.

Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day. I make a card for my guy and take him to the movies.

March 16 - I realize that my plan to wait out the New Year rush at the gym was a good one, but I could probably have gone back a month ago.

March 17 - I go back to the gym.

April 3 - The secret plot i am hatching for a new career is coming along smoothly and I start getting motivated.

April 27 - I find 100kc on the ground and do not look for the owner. 

May 8 - I go to the park at Riegrovy Sady and read for three hours. It's Spring in Prague, and therefore time to be out in the nature. 

May 22 - I buy an outfit for the two weddings I will be attending next month.

June 12 - Leave for Cesky Krumlov!

June 13 - Attend Allie and Davey's wedding with my guy. We have a great time, and I am surprised by seeing a slew of old friends. I sleep happy.

June 16 - Attend wedding number two in Prague!

July 27 - Summer Olympics begin

July 28 - I realize that I have little to no national pride and resume playing Angry Birds

August 4 - I land in the USA where I am on a road trip taste testing sandwiches across the country. (What?! It could happen...)

September 7 - I eat a sandwich that is so good it disrupts the space-time continuum. I blog about it, and then quickly delete the post out of pure selfishness. 

September 27 - I wonder what I am still doing in America.

October 1 - I start planning my Halloween costume and vow it will be "dope".

October 23 - I re think my "dope" Halloween costume when I notice that I haven't done any shopping or planning for it. I decide to dig out that old French Maid outfit and that's that. 

October 31 - I end up going as a Zombie French Maid and feel less like a slutty 25-year-old in her underwear on Halloween.

November 1 - NaNoWriMo begins and I am off to a great start!

November 30 - I complete another consecutive National Novel Writing Month! <Streamers are thrown and I get a book deal>

December 2 - I start watching a bunch of "end of the world" movies to get tips on what not to do. 

December 3 - I try to track down Nick Cage as he is obviously the only person who will survive the Mayan Apocalypse. I vow to become his accomplice and sassy side kick. 

December 22 - The world didn't end, but I am now friends with Nick Cage and feel all the better for it.

December 25 - Christmas Day! All is well and I am happy. I Skype with Nick and he sings "Deck the Halls" dressed up as Santa Claus for me. 

December 31 - New Year's Eve and I look incredible yet again. I vow to make THIS year count and no more procrastinating. Nick Cage just smiles and laughs, he knows me better than that. 

One More Sleep Til Christmas

It's December 24, and for the first time in the last ten years I have a Christmas tree in my home. It's a small tree and it's sitting in an old cardboard box rather than a stand because stands were just too expensive. The little tree took a tumble in the middle of the night so my flatmate anchored it to the  wall with some pretty Christmas ribbon. The tree is lit with red Ikea stars and tiny green lights, and the little guy even has some presents 'neath it. Sure most of those presents are gifts from my students, but a gift is a gift. The decorations are all paper ones that my students colored for me, including the little angel perched atop of the tree. It is meager, but still beautiful and Christmasy. I don't know how it happened, but somehow, someway I got a little Christmas spirit this year. A true Christmas miracle. 

And now its December 24th. Here in Prague that means it's Christmas Day. For us Expats it is a very quiet day as most shops and stores are closed, and most Czechs are at the cottage in the nature with their families. I plan on spending the day with my flatmate and my fella relaxing, and then later this evening raising a glass of Christmas cheer with a few of my closest friends. I have my Christmas playlist all ready, Monopoly and other assorted games and lot's of chocolates. By the time Santa gets here, he just might not want to leave. 

And I have been a good girl this year. No matter what has happened I have met my challenges with grace and positivity. Or, at least as much as I could muster. I have tried to be both a giving and forgiving person, and I have done my best to do as Mr. Dickens says and keep Christmas in my heart all year. In fact, the tree was not something I really did for myself, but for my flatmate. She was excited for the holidays so I thought it would be nice for her to have a tree. I never thought that I would be the one enjoying it so much. My inner cynic, who is usually the vocal one on this blog, seems to have settled down for a long winter's nap.

We sat together next to our little tree and watched "It's a Wonderful Life" - the first time for her - and I couldn't help but smile. And I guess that's what Christmas is all about. I look at my counterparts in America with their big families and their big trees without envy. I am happy and content to celebrate the holiday watching "Bad Santa" and eating Chinese food. I am happy walking the streets of Prague with a steaming cup of mulled wine in my hands. I am happy. Period.

So, with just one more sleep til Christmas I want to wish you all the happiest of holidays. I hope that no matter how you celebrate that you are even a tenth as happy as I am today. 

Top 10 Christmas Movies

I know! I can't believe I haven't done this before now either! Well, there is no time like the (Christmas) present. So, I hope you have been good, here is my top 10 holiday films.

1. Die Hard - Sure, it isn't a warm fuzzy holiday movie, but isn't there enough of those? I say bring on the explosions and the pithy one liners! I want to see evil "Europeans" taking over high rise in L.A.! And of course there is the added bonus of Bruce Willis. Making fists with his toes.
2. A Muppet Christmas Carol - Hands down my favorite film Scrooge. Sir Michael Cane kills as the old miser, and never for a second does he let on that he is acting against Muppets. The songs are awesome, The Great Gonzo plays Charles Dickens, and it leaves you with a happy, sappy feeling. I watch it every year.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas - You got your Whos down in Whoville just chillin, waiting to devour some roast beast, when along comes Mr. Grinch. (Voiced, of course by Boris Karloff) I still get a little teary when the grinch's heart grows three sizes and breaks that little measuring device. It just doesn't get any better. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51qNBFBVtUE&feature=related]
4. A Christmas Story - I recently found out that I live with someone who "hates" this movie. I didn't know that was possible. Between the outstanding writing, Melinda Dillon as the best mom ever, and little Randy eating those mashed potatoes - I can't see what there is not to like. And, since I have been teaching kids in Prague, every time I get a kid dressed to go out in the winter I think of Randy yelling, "I can't put my arms down!"
5. White Christmas - Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye team up for a great movie with some outstanding numbers. One of my favorites is "Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man..." And, unlike "Holiday Inn" (Where the title song debuted) you don't have to put up with a really  uncomfortable number done in black face. 
6. The Ref - Nothing says "The Holidays" quite like a dysfunctional family.
7. Elf - I like this movie because it is a throw back to all of my favorite holiday specials when I was a kid, and it has Bob Newhart. It's sweet, it's funny, and it had claymation. I'm sold. 
8. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians - Okay. I am fully aware that this is a horrible film, but I used to love watching it every year non the less. It is cheesy, and silly and B movie fantastic. Martian kids and earth kids join forces with Santa to defeat the bad guys. Badass. 
9. It's a Wonderful Life - Jimmy Stewart and Zuzu's petals get me every time. And nobody ever mention what a fantastic romance this is! George and Mary loved each other, and you could feel it in every frame of the movie. 
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas - I just love watching the Peanuts gang sing at the end.   I love the music, and I love that sad little tree.  And Christmas isn't Christmas without Linus making me feel like a bad person.
11. I JUST watched this movie and I HAD to add it to my list. It was simply one of the most clever, fun and original Christmas films I have seen in a very long time. It is called "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" I don't want to give anything away, so just read the blurb on IMBD, or just trust me and watch it. 

Gilligan's Seven Deadly Sins

I have always been a fan of Gilligan's Island. When I was a kid, that show held a little of everything - comedy, people being chased, and someone inevitably being hit with a hat. What more could you want? It had pretty girls, (and I had notions of growing up to be Marilyn Monroe) action and adventure, and it made living in a grass hut look glamorous and pretty fun. I think the coconut industry owes a debt of gratitude to that show. But alas, poor castaways. Each week they would devise a way off the island. And each week Gilligan would screw things up resulting in nobody going anywhere.

The man responsible for the show (and The Brady Bunch! I guess I owe him a debt of gratitude!) is Sherwood Schwartz.  It is rumored that he once said that each of the characters represented one of the seven deadly sins Pride (the Professor), Anger (Skipper), Lust, (Ginger), "and the rest". Gilligan was supposed to be Sloth.

An interesting analogy. A great little piece on NPR (which you can read here) claims that it may even go further than that, that the Island itself was actually HELL and the red shirt wearing Gilligan was the devil. And if the gang wanted to get off the island all they needed to do was murder Gilligan. Poor guy. 

I don't know if all of that is true, but it sure got that little hamster that runs in that little wheel in my head moving. What if Prague was "Gilligan's Island" and my friends and I had to embody the seven deadly sins? Who would we be? It's kind of a hard question since living in Prague inspires many of the sins to move front and center.  I mean folks come here to indulge in gluttony, lust and sloth and then end up with a little envy, pride and wrath.

I thought a lot about it and I can honestly say that nobody comes to Prague, or stays here for greed - unless it is for beer - which then just becomes gluttony. No, Prague is not the destination for those seeking the wealth of The Howells. Greed is pretty much useless here since you don't really make any money working in this country. 

So I moved on to sloth. Now there is something I could wrap my life around. I feel that I am sloth, a lot. I come home from work and put on my softies and write or watch TV, or a movie. I love nothing more than to sit in bed reading or watching The Daily Show. SLOTH incarnate. But then I got to thinking about why I like sitting so much. The answer is because I work my ass off. I work 40hours a week, I go to the gym, I come home and -  for the last month -  I spent my spare time writing a novel. So, I don't think I am sloth. I think I am resting after working pretty hard. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I am pretty well rounded. Sure, I have my moments of lust or vanity; even envy and gluttony rear their ugly heads. Just ask  my flat-mate about the amount of cookies I can consume in one sitting. But I don't think that I live my life around one of those ideals.

I know some people here (and in the states) that do. I know people that live for money. I know people who exist to consume - whether it is alcohol, or "stuff" they just gotta have it. I know some people that live life to serve the mistress lust, and luckily I only know of a few people who lead a very prideful life, or who are filled with wrath. 

My little island of Prague isn't so much filled with seven deadly sins, but rather seven mildly annoying habits. We have laziness, hangover, malaise, frustration, lack of ambition, public drunkenness,  and ardor. Not so bad. I'll take my annoying little habits over sins any day of the week.

And as for Gilligan being the devil? No way. The devil isn't some nimrod stranded on an island with a bunch of people who got lost on a three hour tour. He's got better things to do. Like toss back back a few with his pals Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich. Sorry I couldn't resist. 

What Next?

As all of you know, a rousing huzzah was sounded yesterday when, for the first time in 8 years I finished my NaNoWriMo novel. It felt good. Heck, it felt awesome. I wrote 50,000 words in a single month and I could have kept going. In fact, I might keep going. I have nothing better to do, and now I am feeling a sense of loss. The competition is over and I am ... bored. I got into a habit of writing everyday, and now I am left with a big hole in my world. 

Truth be told, I do not have a "finished" product. I validated my novel at 50,327 words and it still has no ending. But, the goal was to write at least 50,000 words, and I did that. It is a pretty big deal for me since it means I didn't give up, I didn't quit and I learned a valuable lesson in focus and discipline. And I actually had fun doing it. 

So, I guess I could spend December finishing my novel and editing it, but I have a feeling that no one will ever read it. It might just be a waste of my time. Maybe I should spend December at the gym, losing that ten pounds that crept up on me. I don't know. What i do know is that if you start anything, and keep with it, stuff happens. Good stuff happens. I began last month with less than an idea and I ended with a novel. Maybe if I begin this month with a first draft, I'll end with an awesome novel. Or, maybe if I start this month in the gym I'll end up with a rocking body. But whatever I decide to do, I know that I can finish it. I have the pudding, and the proof is in there.