Oscar Noms

Photo via Dustjacket Attic

What do you think about the Academy Award nominations?

I was pleasantly surprised for the most part. I am equal parts shocked and thrilled that Melissa McCarthy was nominated for Bridesmaids. I can't think of someone I enjoyed watching more last year, except maybe Viola Davis in The Help, also nominated.

I also really like The New York Times Oscar ballot. You can submit your votes and share it with your friends. One thing is for sure, I have some serious movie watching to do before February 26!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 3

You've done your shopping, everything has been crossed off your list and carted home--or if you're like me is being shipped to your home via UPS. At any rate, it's time for some R&R. You deserve it. So, kick back, relax and let's watch some movies. 

Herewith, my humble list of favorite Christmas movies....

10. Little Women (1994)
Not a traditional Christmas movie, but it begins during the Christmas season with the classic story of the March girls. Sometimes I get really bogged down in the materialism of Christmas and this story (also one of my very favorite books) is a great way to keep things in perspective. Family, generosity, faith. These are things that matter on Christmas and always.

Beth, Meg and Jo March take Christmas to others

9. Home Alone (1990)

Any child born in the eighties saw this movie (probably too many times) and thought about what it might be like to be left home at the holidays while putting pranking to good use (to foil the bad guys, I hope that's not giving anything away). More than that, it's just a great nineties movie, so indicative of the pre-9/11 "good old days." 

8. The Family Stone (2005)

Before the days of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve there was this all-star cast: Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, etc., made a fantastic little movie about a wacky family at Christmas. I love how this movie (despite it's cheesier moments) depicts a real family, warts and all.

One of the cheesier moments, I want to say they dropped a turkey...

7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The original Christmas Carol was always a little bit dark for me. The Muppets do it a little lighter (although the frog-version of Tiny Tim still makes me teary). The resurgence of Muppet popularity this year is beyond awesome and why not celebrate with an original. Which reminds me, I need to see the new Muppet movie, have you?

The Cratchits, Muppet style

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

It's impossible not to believe in Santa after watching this one. 

Little Virginia and Kris Kringle

5. Elf (2003)

If I cared less about what people thought of me, I would answer my phone "Buddy the Elf, Whats your favorite color?" Will Ferrell is at his best as the bumbling human raised as an elf who travels to New York to find his real papa. 

Will Ferrell enjoys spagetti with maple syrup in Elf

4. A Christmas Story (1983)

I saw this movie for the very first time three years ago. I know, gasp. My husband grew up watching it, but I never had. Basically, I wasn't completely celebrating Christmas prior to seeing it. This movie, to me, is everything both magical and scary about being a kid. Everything is more important through the eyes of a little one, especially Christmas. 

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I was really surprised to learn that this movie was a big flop when it came out. Apparently, it made less than it cost to film. Sure, the premise is a little dreary: man wonders what life would be like if he never existed, but it's just so good. The incomparable Jimmy Stewart plays the lead. 

2. Love Actually (2003)

Another dynamic ensemble cast featuring separate rom-com plot lines, British accents and a rendition of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." What more could you possibly want from a movie?

1. White Christmas (1954)

The ultimate. A Christmas musical featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two retired GIs who put on shows at an Inn and find love with two sisters (Rosemary Clooney and the utterly amazing Vera-Ellen). Not only are the musical numbers and costumes are just too much fun, but it's also traditional and patriotic. An American classic!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Valentine's Day Movie List

If all goes as Mother Nature plans, we may have yet another snow day on our hands in the coming days. This past week I watched The Social Network and Wall Street Money Never Sleeps and feel I need a slight change of pace. With that in mind, I have made a Valentine's Day movie list consisting of the most saccharine chick flicks ever put to film. To be enjoyed with hot chocolate and the one you love...for as long as he can stand it.

Love Story (1970)

Ali McGraw is at her most fabulously iconic as the fun free-spirited yin to Ryan O'Neal's "Preppy" yang. Some of the greatest late '60s early '70s collegiate fashion around in my book.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Meg Ryan rocks my world, as evidenced by my semi-frightening obsession with Sleepless in Seattle (also on this list). Great movie, especially for those couples who started out as friends--or enemies--first.

High Society (1956)

You knew there had to be a Grace Kelly movie on this list, right? This one stars Frank Sinatra as a journalist sent to cover a high society wedding and Bing Crosby as Grace Kelly's ex-husband, who decides he must win her back. It was filmed right before Grace married Prince Ranier, the ring she wears in the movie is actually her own engagement ring (well, the second one, the first was a band of rubies and diamonds, rough stuff being a princess bride, people).

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

I prefer the Keira Knightley version, but Colin Firth is equally amazing. One of my favorite books and movies for sure. Plus, who doesn't need a little Mr. Darcy on Valentine's Day?

The Notebook (2004)

If you haven't seen this movie, get in your car right now and go rent it...assuming there is a video store within 40 miles of your present location. Ryan Gossling and Rachel McAdams are thrilling as a young couple who reunite after years apart.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Jennifer Gray is so fantastic as Baby and Patrick Swayze makes the movie. I took about a decade of ballet and am a complete sucker for a dance movie, particularly one that features so many lifts.

Say Anything (1989)

John Cusack at his slacker best. You can't help but root for him as the underachiever courting Ione Skye the valedictorian.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

I don't know what the best part about this movie is, the amazing wardrobe Kate Hudson wears (which somehow manages to be classic and super cute) or the chemistry between Ms. Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. Or, it might be the abundance of Carly Simon. Either way, it's one for the list.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

I watched this movie again for about the millionth time and just cannot get over how much I love it. Meg Ryan is so precious as the engaged neurotic and Tom Hanks is the sweetest. But, probably the best part is the performance of Ross Malinger, the sweet little boy. Also a fantastic New York movie.

Casablanca (1942)

Old school romance, foreign intrigue, Bogart, Bergman. A recipe for fabulousness.

Sabrina (1954)

Another Bogart movie. Audrey Hepburn stars as a chauffeur's daughter with a crush on her father's employer's son, William Holden. She studies at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and returns a fashion plate and wins the heart of both Holden and maybe his brother (played by Bogey) as well.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2003)

Just because I love this movie. Also a good one to watch with a boy.

That's an even dozen, so I'll leave it at that. Honorable mention goes to both The Proposal and Titanic. 

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

A Hitchcock Primer

A friend of mine, who is considered something of a film buff, recently confided to a shocking secret. He had never seen North by Northwest. I know. Gasp! Then I realized there aren't many twenty-somethings who have seen most of Hitchcock's movies. Even if you were born after Hitchcock died (1980) there is no reason to remain in the dark. Just in time for Halloween, herewith is a Hitchcock primer. Put these in your queue now.

Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier in Rebecca

Rebecca (1940) A classic ghost story...if said ghost lives in a ridiculously amazing manse in England. Laurence Olivier stars as the troubled husband and Joan Fontaine as his sheltered second wife who slowly realizes Rebecca, his first wife, may still be around. Judith Anderson is amazing as Mrs. Danvers. A plus, everything in the house is monogrammed.

North by Northwest (1959) Cary Grant stars as a Mad Men style ad man who is mistaken for a killer. Mistaken identity is a big theme throughout Hitchcock's films and this example is just perfection. He is chased all over the U.S., which makes it even more of a must see. Eva Marie Saint epitomizes the icy Hitchcock blonde as a double agent.

Grace Kelly and James Stewart in Rear Window

Rear Window (1954) The incomparable Grace Kelly makes this the best movie on the list in my book. James Stewart is a photographer recuperating from a recent accident that has him wheelchair bound. Kelly is his girlfriend Lisa Fremont who works at Bazaar (of course!) and delivers him meals from 21 while dreaming of an engagement. While under house arrest, Stewart entertains himself by surveying the view outside his window and peeking into the lives of his neighbors. One such neighbor he finds may have killed his wife. And so the whodunit begins.

To Catch a Thief (1955) Cary Grant is the "cat burglar" accused of a string of robberies in Monte Carlo. Grace Kelly is an American vacationing with a yen for adventure. This movie is amazing for so many reasons, the acting, the double entendres, but most of all Kelly's wardrobe and jewelry. I'm still trying to find gloves similar to the ones she wears on the drive up the cliffs.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) Another James Stewart film. This one co-stars Doris Day and involves an amazing chase scene through Morocco. Definitely worth a viewing.

Vertigo (1958) Yet another with James Stewart. In my opinion, the best one with him in it. A detective is investigating his friend's suicidal wife. After she kills herself Stewart becomes obsessed with a woman who looks just like her. An amazing movie and the shopping scene is so beyond.

Psycho (1960) I hope I don't need to explain this one. Scariest shower scene ever.

Tippi Hedren in The Birds

The Birds (1963) Hitchcock had something of a thing for blondes as you may know. His obsession was probably the creepiest during this movie with Tippi Hedren (Melanie Griffith's mom). She scorned his advances and he threw live birds at her. So there you go. This movie is so amazingly stylish despite the fact that Hedren wears the same outfit throughout the entire thing. Her manicure and cigarette case to me epitomize '60s chic.

I hope you'll see at least one Hitchcock movie, if not the whole bunch. There are so many more great ones.

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries