Things I Miss About Milwaukee: The Green Line

As many of you know, I am an avid supporter and frequent rider of public transportation. Though I have a license, I have been fortunate enough to live in cities with decent public transportation and am thankful I can use it to get from place to place.

Moving to Minneapolis has welcomed me to a new routes, more expensive bus passes, a lightrail and “rush hour fare.” Though Minneapolis is big and beautiful and home, its bus system, I am learning, is far from what I have been use to.

I miss the Green Line. I miss how it connected the North side of Milwaukee to the South side. It got me everywhere I needed to go. It is the best bus route Milwaukee County Transit could have ever created—running from Bayshore Mall, down Oakland, Brady, Water and eventually Howell, all the way to the airport. And the more exciting thing about it…I lived right on it! In some ways I considered the Green Line my lifeline. It was my personal pulse that connected me with the entire city. It allowed me to go shopping, get to work, meet friends for dinner and drinks, and get me to the airport to fly back home. It was my saving grace and I didn’t realize how thankful I was for it until I came back home to bus routes like the “5F,” or the “5M,” or the “46C,” or “23H.” How confusing! I need to make sure to not take the “5B” when coming from downtown because it only takes me to 38th and Chicago Ave, when I need to go all the way to 48th Street. And don’t get me started on the infrequency of routes. Most buses here only run every half hour, which makes getting to work a hassle I wasn’t ready to face.

I shouldn’t complain, but for someone who loves riding the bus and the ability to get from place to place without asking to borrow my parent’s car, this is a pain. I miss dragging my groceries on the bus. I miss not being to get to Target in five minutes. I miss waiting out in the rain, sleet, snow, and sweltering heat. It humbled me and made me appreciate this thing that so many people take for granted. I am in no way saying that Milwaukee County Transit is perfect. And I have had some harrowing experiences taking the bus…but I never want to give up riding the bus. It connects me to the place I call home.

So thank you Green Line for being the keeper of memories and the pulse of my city. I miss you every time I hop on the “5L”…

Things I Miss About Milwaukee: Cafe Lulu

If there is one thing I am craving on a daily basis since moving home, it is the deliciousness that is Cafe Lulu. Those delicious homemade chips with that phenomenal bleu cheese dip…excuse me while I cry pure tears of sadness that it isn’t in front of me right now.

Cafe Lulu became my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee by random selection. One day I was aimlessly wandering around in Bayview and decided to do a bit of writing while hanging out in the Colectivo on KK and Lincoln Ave (also my favorite Colectivo—they have duck racing on the side of the building and swinging benches which make for a fun afternoon). As I was writing, I noticed the usually gnawing around lunch time that was my tummy complaining that it was time to be fed. I saw the colorful “Lulu” sign pointing me to food heaven and decided to finish up my notes and trounce over to grab a bite.

I was immediately in love. From that point on I proceeded to make sure each one of my close friends ate there with me at least once. The Smokehouse Chicken sandwich is pure perfection. Juicy, tender chicken breast, blackened, and served on a savory toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheddar and bacon. It is to die for! During my last year in Milwaukee I am almost certain I ate that sandwich at least six times, with absolutely no shame. Most people enjoy trying a new plate every time they go to a restaurant, but once I sink my teeth into something that blows my mind, I am hypnotized. The Smokehouse Chicken captured my heart, as did Lulu’s cozy inside and (usually) friendly staff, quickly ascending to the top of my restaurant list for Milwaukee.

For those who have not had the opportunity to delight in Lulu’s funky menu and delicious homemade bleu cheese dip, don’t walk, RUN to the nearest Green Line and devour whatever you can find on the menu that you enjoy. If you can’t decide, I hear the Smokehouse Chicken is delicious.

Austin's Music Scene: A Daunting Task For Even An Avid Music Lover

As many of you know, in July I ventured back to my charmingly diverse hometown of Minneapolis. Though the goodbyes were hard and the transition has proven to be a bit more difficult then I was expecting, Minneapolis is a gem in the summer and I have taken advantage of my time off to do a bit of exploring with family, friends and loved ones.

It didn’t take me very long to leave again. At the beginning of July, I ventured out of the state to visit my friend Angela, who relocated to Austin some time ago. Though I was there for a week, we jam packed that week with as much Austin food, fun, and music as we stomach (and then some….). We even managed a trip to Houston in there. It was an exhausting, but fulfilling time spent exploring a city that my best friend has come to love so dearly.

While in Austin I had the chance to bask in many live music performances, and I love live music, so this was definitely one of the best things we had the chance to partake in. The night after I arrived we had the chance to enjoy some live music and local brews from a cozy picnic blanket at Unplugged at the Grove, where we swayed to the acoustic sounds of Jonathan Tyler. For my Milwaukee friends, think Jazz in the Park, but much more intimate and without sneaking in a bottle of wine. My favorite part was the twinkle lights hanging in the trees creating a rustic ambiance near the stage. But if I had to chose a favorite musical performance it would hands down be Tahoma with special guest Drew Davis.

If I thought Unplugged at the Grove had an intimate vibe, The Cactus Cafe was the definition of intimate. Cute tables meant for two to three people filled this 50 person cafe located on the University of Texas campus, and made for the perfect date night. Angela and I decided to take a trip back in time, and relive our college days, considering that Marquette never had anything nearly as cool as The Cactus Cafe (besides maybe the once a year concert that came to the AMU Ballroom). I stumbled upon this band called Tahoma on Spotify while exploring things to do in Austin and saw they were playing at a venue near where Angela lived, so it was must to check out. Tahoma captures tangy bluegrass with earthy sounds and Brandon Aguilar’s hip, laid back charm. Combine that with Sarah Oermann’s smooth harmonies and you have the perfect mix of Austin and Texas twang.

What came as a surprise though was jazzy blues singer, Drew Davis, coming along for the ride. She played a stripped down show, just her keyboard and two vocalists providing back up harmony. As much as I enjoyed Tahoma’s performance, Davis stole the night with her soulful voice and honest lyrics. It was quite obviously the girl was meant to be a songwriter, even displaying her skills by performing a song about a brick. Though the song may have been about an inanimate object, Davis brought life to the object with strong vocals and catchy chords. It almost was my favorite song out of her set, but it is hard to pick just one.

The evening was complete with a stroll through UT’s campus and walk back to the apartment. Nothing better then being able to rehash the night’s events with your bestie (and making a quick stop to grab a cinnamon roll at a local co-op).

Austin’s music scene will forever mystify me. How they manage to pack this city with so many new and talented artists, I will never understand. But I will most certainly continue to enjoy it.

Welcome to Austin, Folks!

My best friend and I thought it would be completely necessary to take advantage of my current employment situation and figured I should spend a week down in the Texas heat. So, I packed my bag and jetsetted to the lovely city of Austin, the live-music, beer guzzling, capital city of Texas.

We wasted no time to get to the live music or the beer for that matter. She picked me up from the airport (which also had a live band playing in the atrium. I don’t think they compare to the piano players who indulge us with soft melodies in Milwaukee’s airport, but still pretty cool) and headed straight to the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. It was sticky outside, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a cold brew outside in their garden. 

Complete with large picnic tables, jumbo artistic bike rack, and lights strung up in trees, this place is beaming with rustic charm. They have five standard brews and five rotational taps, which gives any beer guru a plethora of options. I settled for a Czech-style pilsner, while Angela went with an American pale ale; both were delicious. Though happy hour prices were a bit steeper than expected, I am always game to spend good money on beer that is well crafted.

While enjoying our brews we decided we were hungry, so we order the Smoked Turkey Melt, which was piping hot and yummy! As soon as it was set in front of us my mouth was watering. The sandwich was topped with gooey cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, their own house-made barbecue sauce (hello, this is Texas), and a roasted garlic mayo on sourdough. Toasted to perfection and served with a side of coleslaw, this sandwich would hold us over until our next meal and was delectable!

Once we downed the rest of our beers, we snuck off to Opa!, a small coffee shop and wine bar tucked away from a busy street boasting with board games, ping-pong, and greek fare. We enjoyed a couple more beers and devoured a plate of baked feta, which is as delicious as it sounds! Baked to perfection and served with warm pita, cool cucumbers, tomatoes, and topped with herbs, this was a Grecian dish of perfection! And perfect to hold us over for another brew back at the Beer Garden. We also had a chance to divulge our inner-child with a couple rounds of Connect 4. We won’t talk about who won more games…

We returned to the beer garden to meet up with some of Angela’s friends, and enjoyed the beautiful evening outside (and the all night happy hour). They had a live band playing by the time we returned, but we wanted the opportunity to chat, so we returned outside where they had a speaker piping the music outside. The vibe was still incredibly chill. The tables were filled with friends chatting and enjoying pizza, as well as individuals studying with a cold one. This place definitely catered to all needs.

For sure a neat place to check out! And as a beer connoisseur, it was great to see the variety of taps they had. Can’t wait to see what else Austin has in store for me!

A Most Glamorous Night in Hollywood is Always One To Remember

The Oscars is Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. Actors, celebrities, producers, editors, writers and families from around the globe come to celebrate the many accomplishments of the year’s film industry. Running an hour and eight minutes over last night, I was not disappointed. And though viewership was down, this might be the first telecast of The Academy Awards that I truly enjoyed (Eddie Redmayne may have helped a bit in that). These are some of my most memorable moments.

1. Anna Kendrick continued to remind us why the world adores her.

Kendrick stepped on stage with host Neil Patrick Harris to remind us that she indeed has a set of pipes and a Tony nomination back it up. Both Harris and Kendrick were getting along swimmingly, when Jack Black interrupted from the audience and jumped on stage to do his bit. In the end, Kendrick threw her beloved Jimmy Choo and Black hustled of stage, allowing us to get back to the show.

2. Neil Patrick Harris/Barney Stinson kept things moving.

Though not everything he said or did was drop dead hilarious, I think Neil Patrick Harris did a great job hosting the 87th Academy Awards. He was both charming and sassy, which in turn reminded me so much as to why people love to hate/adore Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. He dropped some classic lines including “Tonight we honor some of Hollywood’s best and whitest…sorry, I mean brightest” and then dropping the “Oh, now you love him” after he introduced David Oyelowo in the audience. People have been noticeable upset over the past month, noting that this is the least diverse group of nominated actors they have seen in two decades (well it has happened once more in twenty years). And though I have my own personal opinions about it, I do appreciate NPH being ballsy enough to address it. Of course there were the not so funny gags (the briefcase and Octavia Spencer…), I think he did a great job and I certainly enjoyed how he kept the show flowing.

3. Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews shared a moment that touched all hearts.

Lady Gaga came to the stage paying tribute to one of the greatest, if not the greatest musical of all time, The Sound of Music. The epic film of romance and family set in war-torn Austria is in my top ten favorite movies and is celebrating its 50th anniversary since winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 1966. Of course we all know Gaga for her outrageous outfits and poppy-techno music, but Gaga toned it down, dressing in a flowing princess ballgown and belting out in perfect tune the hits that Julie Andrews brought to life in 1965. The entire performance sent shivers down my spine and catapulted me back to my childhood and the countless Saturday nights I spent watching The Sound of Music on ABC, admiring the ever-captivating Julie Andrews. The true tears came when Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews embraced at the end of her performance. Andrews looked like she truly enjoyed the medley and was thankful for the walk down memory lane.

4. The Lego Movie got its recognition with the coolest statue ever.

Not only did Tegan & Sara with The Lonely Island kill their performance of “Everything is Awesome,” which looked like the most epic dance party to ever happen on stage, but the Oscar shaped Lego Statue helped remind viewers that The Lego Movie refuses to be forgotten. Not only that, but that statue was flippin’ awesome. Nominees that were not able to take home the actual thing, were given a Lego Oscar as a consolation prize.

5. Whiplash was snubbed the top prize, but J.K. Simmons reminded us to love the people who matter most…our parents.

Though I have been on my own personally crusade for The Theory of Everything because of Eddie Redmayne’s tour-de-force performance as Stephen Hawking, Whiplash is certainly the most overlooked movie of 2014. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons deliver fast-paced, passionate, and anxiety-provoking performances surrounded by a wonderful and hauntingly real story. I am so happy that Simmons is getting the recognition he deserves, and wish that Teller had received more. Simmons speech was heartwarming, recognizing his wife and their “extraordinary children.” But what stood out was Simmons telling the world to “Call your mom. Call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call ‘em. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call them on the phone. Tell ‘em you love them.” It definitely made me scramble to my phone this evening and make sure I called the people that have supported me most throughout my life. Thanks Mom and Dad, and J.K. Simmons I guess.

6. Eddie Redmayne reminded the world what it looks and feels like to be genuinely happy.

The best actors race was the closest race The Academy has seen in years. There were some phenomenal roles, with some challenging and inspiring performances given by all five actors nominated. The sheer joy that Redmayne’s entire body emitted when his name was announced was enough to have the entire world grinning ear to ear. He was giddy, boyish, and charmingly eloquent on stage thanking his wonderful team, Felicity Jones, James Marsh, the Hawking family and, of course, his beautiful wife Hannah. He reminded the world that hard work and dedication pays off and that it is important to live in these moments, but not let them dictate you and where you go. So much humble swag, so much to admire.

7. Boy…what?

Though I think Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a test to film-making and everything it can be, I was happy to see something other than this film take home the top prize of the evening. A directorial challenge being filmed over 12 years, the movie lacked the depth I was longing for as I watched a boy grow-up in almost three hours. The dialogue felt clunky and forced, and overall the movie felt pointless, which is that what we are to expect from life? Though Birdman was not my favorite film of the year, it definitely made me think, and I mean really think about life and what one wants to be. A cinematic beauty when it came to editing and directing, Birdman really did combine everything into one to make an magnificent and alluring film. Many people may think Boyhood was snubbed, but for me the film was easily forgotten in a group of epic stories.

8. I am happy to “Stay Weird” for Graham Moore.

Graham Moore was brutally honest in his speech, admitting to his suicide attempt at 16 when he just felt like he didn’t belong. Now, he is an Academy Award Winning Screenwriter. Moore encouraged anyone who has ever felt weird, or different, to “stay weird, and stay different.” I would say out of anyone in the night, he made the best use of his 60 seconds on stage.

9. John Legend and Common give a performance to remember for the ages.

The powerfully moving song featured in the film Selma was the musical performance of the night, bringing audience members to tears and reminding what a linguist Common is, not only as a rapper, but as a human being. Though Selma was overlooked this awards season (some blame the late release, some blame the "white" Academy, to each their own) I am glad that Legend and Common had the opportunity to show of their musical genius, while raising awareness to the fact that Selma is now. The performance was a showstopper, and along with Gaga's, I recommend everyone to watch it now.

Academy Award Winning Actor....Eddie Redmayne!

Three months ago, a friend and I walked into our busy neighborhood theatre on a foggy Saturday night to witness a film that would change my life. As I watched The Theory of Everything, I cried with profound sadness, but also with pure joy. The story of Jane and Stephen Hawking was intriguing, touching, and heartbreakingly real. As tears ran down my face and breath was taken from my lungs, I took in two astonishing performances that made my heart swell with emotion that nearly caused it to burst.

I left the theatre, my mind clouded and occupied by what I had just seen, fascinated by the story of Jane and Stephen Hawking and distracted by the visceral performances that had graced the screen. Recognizing Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones from other independent films, I was taken aback by the tenacity and ferociousness that these two people had while fulfilling such career altering roles. There are no words to describe their performances other than embodiment. I would go on to see the film twice more in theaters, trying desperately to have my friends see the genius that I had seen.

For three months now I have been on a quest to find a performance quite as moving as Redmayne’s, and tonight solidified why I had not. Eddie Redmayne accepted his Oscar with the same happiness and passion that he emitted while playing Stephen Hawking. His beaming smile, shaky hands, and eloquent words poured out to the billions watching The Academy Awards and the euphoria he must have felt resonates with me while I type this.

Many of my friends over the past couple of months have listened to me drone on about the talent that is Eddie Redmayne. They have put up with endless Facebook and Tumblr posts and countless tweets about my love for Redmayne and his astonishing performance. And his win tonight only shows that everything I have said is true. He is a rare talent. When you watch him on screen you can truly feel his drive and his deep appreciation for his craft. The man is a gifted actor that brings so much life to any role he plays and he should be recognized for that. That is what acting is all about.

Many may think I am insane. Maybe I am, but I cannot help but be beaming with delight. Congratulations Eddie, you have inspired and empowered many and to know that you will continue to stun the world with your charming brilliance is a gift to all. Cheers.

And the Best Dressed Goes To...My Fave (and not so favorite looks) from the SAG Awards 2015

It has been a week since actors came together to celebrate their craft and each other for the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The evening was star studded and filled with gorgeous gowns and fitted tuxedos. Some stars really outdid themselves, while other’s struggled to hit the mark. Here are my picks for Best/Worst Dressed last Sunday.

My Star Stunners:

Keira Knightley

This women hit the nail on the head after her disastrous “porcelain doll” look from the Golden Globes earlier this year. She by far was my favorite dressed for the evening, and even though she didn’t take away an award for her portrayal of Joan Clarke (which is phenomenal by the way), she for sure hit the red carpet turning heads in her plum lace covered gown by Erdem. She looked absolutely stunning in the flowy gown, perfect for the mom-to-be.

Lupita N’Yongo

Anything Lupita wears is breathtaking, and she did it again with this gorgeous floral-patterned gown with bold black stripes from Elie Saab. Some could argue that it was too loud, but I thought this was exactly the statement piece I love to see Lupita wear. She herself is quiet, but so eloquent and extraordinary that it was like this dress was made just for her.

Julia Roberts

Combined with her million watt smile and signature red locks, her simple black pantsuit from Givenchy was all she needed to impress the crowd. Elegant and poised, Julia sure knows how to win the crowd and she doesn’t need bold statement pieces to do so. Her pantsuit reminded me what a classic Hollywood legend she has become and I appreciate her keeping it simple, letting just her talent shine.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese has been rocking the white this award season and I have no complaints about it. Wearing a form fitting, one-shouldered dress from Giorgio Armani, Reese paired her SAG outfit with some statement red lips and a simple pulled back hairdo. She looked as if she herself just went through a life-changing journey, like her character Cheryl Strayed in Wild, in less of a “sweetheart look” and more of a “I’m a grown women look.” Either way, I love this more grown up version of Reese.

Felicity Jones

Springing onto the red carpet this year rocking some pretty fantastic ensembles, Felicity Jones stunned in a pastel pink off-the shoulder crossover gown from Balenciaga last Sunday. Felicity has splashed onto the Hollywood scene after her breathtaking performance as Jane Wilde in The Theory of Everything. Always eloquent, Felicity stayed sophisticated in her choice for the evening, and even though it didn’t turn heads, it certainly caught my attention.

The Maybe Next Timers…:

Rosamund Pike

After her captivating performance in Gone Girl, I have been slightly disappointed in this women’s choice of outfits on the red carpet. Wearing white to both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, Rosamund went for a complete opposite look in a black frumpy, moo-moo like dress by Christian Dior. The dress looked heavy and too hot to be wearing on the Hollywood Red Carpet. I wanted to get the girl a fan.

Uzo Aduba

I have never been a fan of yellow on anyone, and even though I think Uzo could have pulled off this statement better than others, I still was not a fan. Made of an odd mesh material, the dress from Angel Sanchez just was a huge turn off for me. Though I am extremely happy for her win, I do hope in the future she will stick to something a little less…yellow.

Julianne Moore

Ask anyone, I think Julianne Moore is a showstopper in anything she does, but her green sparkly dressed pair with a fur jacket from Givenchy Haute Couture made me feel like a mermaid sprung itself out of the ocean to find a green bear. Green and red-heads is usually a winning combo, but the tank straps are what turned me away from the gown (plus the fur). Better luck at the Oscars.

Emma Stone

I am usually applauding Emma Stone for bold statement choices not only in life, and choice of words (she literally dropped the F-Bomb where she heard she was nominated for an Oscar), but in outfit ensembles. Wearing a black blazer with a sheer bottom from Dior, I was left asking where was the rest of it? Of course she was stunning with bright red lips and a simple pulled back hairdo, similar to Reese, she failed to captivate me with her tuxedo dress.

Lorelei Linklater

I don’t want to put the young star on blast, but her black dress with large bell sleeves from NYC Label Honor personally brought me back to the Salem Witch Trials. I am not sure I have words for this ensemble, other then it was atrocious.

A Candid, Poignant Recall of Love, Passion, and Courage, Jane Hawking Shares Her Side in “Travelling to Infinity”

Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen is a touching and realistic tale of love, passion, and the will to live and keep living. Jane Hawking portrays life with her ex-husband in extreme honesty and with such recall that it leaves your body aching.

Before seeing The Theory of Everything, I knew very little of Stephen Hawking, including the fact that he had been married, twice. He married his nurse, Elaine Mason in 1995, later to divorce in 2006. But before Elaine, there was the tour de force Jane Wilde, who’s heart was captured by Stephen’s charm, wit, and brilliance in 1963.

Married for 26 years, Jane and Stephen built a life together in Cambridge, England. They have three children, Robert, Lucy, and Timothy, and as we know, Stephen is a highly acclaimed Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in England. But Traveling to Infinity brings us to a time before children, before wheelchairs, before professorship, before depression, and before marriage. She allows us to see from courtship to proposal, from marriage to family, from new homes to professorship, to heartache and separation. Jane describes in haunting detail the crushing tole that Motor Neuron Disease (more commonly known as ALS in the United States) not only took on her husband, but on their family.

Through a majority of the book I am writhing in pain. Jane works with tremendous strength and determination to keep her family from shattering into a million pieces. From having Stephen on one arm and Robert in the other, she would move with grace across campus to make sure that Stephen could fulfill his duties for his Fellowship at Gonville and Caius College. She cooked, cleaned, redecorated, shopped for and fed her loved ones. Often times penning her exhaustion and longing to complete her degree, Jane persevered against all odds. She knew Stephen had little time and she wanted to guarantee the best with what little time he had.

In many ways you could say that she sacrificed much of her life for Stephen, but as I read, I never got the slightest feeling of anger or regret. Even as Stephen had less and less mobility and used fewer and fewer words to communicate, she trudged through the disease and family life, despite often being overlooked for her enormous efforts. That was the toughest for me. Stephen and Jane had genuinely warm and caring friends, but there were also the individuals who did not feel for Jane and her difficult situation. They would remind her that some have it much worse and she should be thankful for what she has. Even Stephen came off as ungrateful at times, and that drove me mad.

But even though the book is riddled with tough moments and sometimes tragic events, Jane offers us smiles and laughter when she can. Her warmth shines through most in moments shared about her family. One moment I particularly enjoyed is when her and Stephen are traveling with newly-born Robert to Seattle. Jane quickly runs off for food, leaving Stephen holding Robert in his lap. She returns to a horrified look on Stephen’s face only to look down to see that Robert had indeed peed in his lap. Dropping the food, she quickly whisks the boy off his lap and to change him, only to worry about what to do with Stephen’s pants. Needless to say, he sat in soaked pants for the flight. This trip eventually led to a daunting fear of flying, but again offers a lighter side to her family life.

Jane’s spirit is awe-inspiring. Truly a remarkably kind and gentle woman, she uses Travelling to Infinity to share her journey. Never is there a hint of cruelty against Stephen or friends of the family, she just wants an opportunity to share her side and I am glad she did. Her passion for not only Stephen, but family, music, language, and travel never failed to shine through the prose. She was a dedicated wife, but she did all of this out of love, not obligation. Though their story is a remarkable one, with Stephen living well past his timelime, raising three children, and fighting Motor Neuron Disease with messy finesse, it is Jane’s story that will leave you breathless. The pain will wreak havoc on your body, but the love is what ultimately heals you.

"Birdman," Where Fame Stifles Hopes and Dreams

Teetering between sanity and insanity, I am trying to decide whether Birdman was the most genius thing I have ever seen this year, or the most ridiculous. Was this film some uncanny way to capture life as it is today, or was it Michael Keaton’s schizophrenic break on screen? Equipped with rambunctious drum solos and daring cinematography, Birdman allows us to explore the life of fame in a different light and through mediums that we have come to love and treasure so much.

Opening up to jellyfish and the swish of the sea tide, we are instantly snapped to the cramp, out of date stylings of St. James Theatre in the theatre district of New York City. From here, director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu takes us on a wild journey of human emotion and how dire the need for attention is to the human being. Iñarritu’s talent with a camera shines its absolute brightest with long tracking shots through twisty turny hallways of St. James. The shots are designed perfectly, placing us in every character’s head, getting a first hand look at what they see. If Iñarritu is trying to get us to walk a mile in someone’s shoes, he has successfully done it here. Delighting us with extreme close ups, we are given a front row seat to all the ugly that human emotion can show us; and it is illuminating, painful, and real.

Though the cinematography is brilliant and artistic, the screenwriting is subpar. The story is lost through a slew of curse words that made me feel like I was talking to a twenty year old at a bar. We get it, these characters are pissed. They want to be noticed. They want to make a name for themselves. The vile language doesn’t make me feel your pain any less or more, and honestly took away from the colorfulness of the characters. It made me forget that these characters were grown adults, with jobs. And maybe that was the point.

What made this film earth-shatteringly profound for me was its in your face message to society today. It plays with the idea of fame and notoriety like putty in its hands. It plays with the idea of how we all long for it. Aim for it. Do wild things for it. And in the end, how it eats away at us. Chews us up and spits us out. We all want to be famous. That’s why we all write, tweet, blog, Instagram, and share every little detail of our lives with the world. 

Enter Sam. Played by the wonderfully talented Emma Stone, Sam represents everything Riggan Thomas (Keaton) can’t be: calm, cool, and collected (somewhat). Sam is our generation; the young twenty to thirty year olds snapping selfies and swapping mindless thoughts through social media. Her understanding of our life is harrowing and eye-opening. Thomas, on the other hand, has lost touch with reality. He struggles to understand the way art, film and theatre work today. He longs for the same fame he once had as “Birdman”, but has no clue how to achieve such prominence again. Going back to what inspired him to be an actor in the first place, he hopes to find what he is missing, only to be slapped in the face when he finally gains his stardom through the minutiae of social medium and crazy stunts. Birdman’s look into celebrity and the idea of becoming a star is intriguing and enlightening.

I could not help but get a laugh or two from the consistent and rowdy jazz drum that was used throughout the film as score. Somewhat distracting, I thought it was an interesting example of the human psyche. Jazz music can often be bumpy, sporadic and all over the place. Thomas’ mind and thoughts throughout the film are scattered and fantastical, sometimes catching him flying around New York City or throwing objects with the flick of a finger. The jazz music can be annoying at times, taking away again from the story and the script, but it does give us another opportunity to walk in the characters shoe’s.

Keaton, Stone, and Edward Norton, who plays Mike Shiner, all deliver wonderfully reckless performances. Keaton, trying to make the comeback of the decade, loses me at some points. He in no one stunned me like Eddie Redmayne’s performance in The Theory of Everything and makes me question The Academy’s desire to nominate him for Best Actor. His performance is almost too exotic, and at times unbelievable. Stone and Norton steal the show, giving us characters that make us question life and the meaning of it. They are full of anguish, and are spiteful and mean to the point where their dialogue is so delicious you want to sink your teeth into it. I basked in the few moments we shared with them and drank it up like sunlight on a cold winter day.

Birdman was in no way revolutionary. Lost through the cacophonous drums and poor language, Iñarritu’s cinematography managed to shine through, giving us some respite. And though the premise and idea was there, my mind was too busy playing catch up with all the oddities that at some point, I just gave up and hoped for the film to be done so I could head home to my bed. I do appreciate the interesting take on fame though. I think I will go tweet about it now.

Redmayne Is A Talent To Be Reckoned With!

“The British are coming, The British are coming!” And I mean that in the best way possible.

If you were unaware of who Eddie Redmayne was last year, you are certainly aware of the Golden Globe winning actor now. Redmayne has splashed onto the Hollywood film scene with his brilliant portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and has graced us with a talent that is vivacious and astounding. Even though a London native and a Brit at heart, I hope Redmayne is ready to grace Hollywood with his presence a bit more frequently in the future.

Redmayne’s performance in The Theory of Everything is nothing short of astonishing. He embodies Stephen Hawking on screen and for two hours we are swept into this turbulent, yet remarkable love story of two very strong willed people. I have seen the film three times and each time I appreciate the performances from all of the actors more and more. But, it is Redmayne’s physical performance of this debilitating Motor Neuron Disease, combined with overwhelming emotion that sweeps me off my feet. He portrays Hawking’s tenacity and passion for physics and family with what almost seems like ease. The British star himself is found stating in several interviews that though it was an extreme honor to get the role, he was incredibly grateful for all of the people he had the opportunity to work with and the amount of time he was given to prepare. Well, the rest of the world is also glad he got the part, because he hit a grand slam.

But it isn’t Redmayne’s performance in Theory that should be getting all of the attention. This British actor has had a stunning career so far, partaking in films like Les Miserables (2012) and My Week With Marilyn (2011). He has acted alongside greats like Judi Dench, Michelle Williams, Hugh Jackman, Julianne Moore, Robert De Niro and Matt Damon. And despite his incredible singing voice and awe-inspiring acting chops, he hasn’t achieved star status of this proportion yet. Could we deem it unfair? Maybe. But Redmayne doesn’t seem to mind, which makes him all the more impressive. In interviews he comes off a bit nervous, but incredibly endearing and exceptionally poised. He never fails to acknowledge the crazy amount of support he gets from loved ones and the fact that it truly is about the “collaboration” on set. He is a true talent.

Though my love for the actor has only come about recently, I have a lot of respect for this man that I have never met. Of course, if I do ever have the opportunity to meet him I would love for it to be in a London pub, over a pint or two, discussing art and theatre, and without a doubt, beer. He is charming, intelligent, and sincere, and that truly comes across in all of his roles. I was first introduced to his tremendous talent in The Yellow Handkerchief (2008), where Redmayne acted beside Kristen Stewart and William Hurt. I stumbled upon the movie on Netflix during an indie film binge over finals week and instantly was intrigued by the several different performances I was taking in on my computer screen. I ended up loving the complicatedness of the film so much that I wrote a final paper for one of my communications classes on it. Redmayne plays the dorky, socially-awkward Gordy, who is on a road trip across rural Louisiana, and is desperately seeking company and acceptance. He delivers an honest performance, full of missed social cues and unnatural outbursts. If you have not checked it out, I recommend it solely for the candid performances given by Hurt, Stewart and Redmayne.

The thing about Redmayne that captivates myself, and hopefully audiences everywhere, is the sheer diversity in the roles he has under his belt. From the charming, yet misguided Colin Clark, to the brilliant Stephen Hawking, to his upcoming role as Balem Abrasax in the space opera, Jupiter Ascending, Redmayne is always up for a challenge. And that is what makes him someone actors should be on the look out for. Redmayne truly gives his all in every performance. And though his portrayal of Hawking should be example enough, I want to commend his performance in the two-part BBC mini-series Birdsong (2012), which I feel is highly under-appreciated. Playing the lovesick and war-torn Stephen Wraysford, Redmayne acts his heart out, and with so few words exchanged, makes the film come to life.

Of course, Redmayne’s splash onto the Hollywood scene comes on a wave of British talent, including Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). It is almost like a second British Invasion, which I feel we in America don’t mind. I am instantly bewitched by the British’s effervescent personalities and charming demeanor. And, needless to say, they have a sense of style American’s sometimes seem to lack (Redmayne was named GQ’s best dressed of 2015), which isn’t hard on the eyes. But it has less to do with fashion and more to do with enormous talent and supreme performances. Redmayne has proven that he is worthy of many accolades and I hope he continues to put the same feverish love into all of his future performances. 

Captivating Performances, “The Imitation Game”, Leaves Minds Thirsty for More

We are upon another British invasion. Actors from across the pond are flying to the United States to dazzle us with their breathtaking performances on screen this year, and all one can do is watch in amazement. The Imitation Game is yet another jewel that has been presented to us filled with British talent. The film gives us a glance into Alan Turing’s world, the British mathematician who’s impeccable code breaking skills led to an early end to WWII.

There were strong performances across the board. Benedict Cumberbatch filled the shoes of the socially awkward and arrogant Alan Turing, who despite his rough personality, is as charming, as he is smart. Cumberbatch delivers a solid performance, capturing a man so many know so little about. He dishes up a wonderfully dry, and often brash sense of humor that makes film watchers twinge and chuckle. Extremely strong willed, and filled with emotion, Cumberbatch opens up our eyes to a world so few of us know about, and leaves us wanting to explore more of Turing’s world.

Along with Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, delivers a stunning and driven performance as the brilliant Joan Clark. Often times Knightley gets caught in period roles and struggles to become a convincing character, but she brought life to Joan Clarke, the witty, charismatic, kind-hearted counterpart to Turing’s haughty personality. It was a pleasure to watch Cumberbatch and Knightley convey two people, despite certain circumstances, hold such vehement love for one another. It was touching to see the support Clarke provided Turing and it spoke volumes to the human heart.

Though the acting was superb, the storyline often became muddled with flashbacks and flash-forwards, and often threw off the flow of the movie. Though Turing’s past played large importance to his interest in mathematics and code breaking, it was lost through time hops. It was a struggle to keep up with where they were in breaking the Nazi code “Enigma” and also the timeline of friendships. At times the storyline seemed rushed, and felt as if they were only giving a brief overview of what really happened. Recalling the fact that Turing at one point in the film is asked to become a Soviet spy, it is unclear if he ever fulfilled that role and also how it led to the ending of his engagement with Joan. When you are covering as much time as 30 years, it can be difficult to supply a clear explanation of everything that happened in a man’s life, so the film definitely had its challenges.

Alexandre Desplat again enchants us with a rich score that leaves a haunting aura around the film. Heavy and dark, the orchestra hums with deep bass and rhythms, while alluring us in with taunting strings. The score is beautifully written and plays a vital role in the film, constantly reminding us the dark days that plagued Europe during WWII. Though often low and dreary, the higher strings provide a sense of urgency, or anxiety. What was most remarkable where the times that Desplat left silence in the film, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath and admire the artistry before them. The score is emotional and poignant, leaving a deep sense of longing mixed with a desire to fulfill our inquisitive minds.

Director Morten Tyldum grants us the opportunity to discover a world that for many years was forbidden. Alan Turing for many is still an enigma. Tyldum breaks down some of that wall and cracks open that brilliant mind, allowing other hungry minds to follow an impulse. To investigate the man behind “Enigma.” Keep exploring my friends, keep exploring.

The Imitation Game is in theaters now. Watch trailer here.