The Spectacular Now is a romantic drama that premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It stars Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and is directed by James Ponsoldt. As college gets closer, a student must face his past and present to decide his future.

Sutter (played by Teller) seems to have it all. He is popular, the light of the parties, and has a beautiful girlfriend named Cassidy (Larson). However, that changes once she breaks up with him. But worse of all, he must face reality once the parties are over.

At home, he lives with his mother Sara (Leigh) with whom he always has had an arduous relationship. Namely, because she has prohibited him from contacting his estranged father. To numb the pain, he is a heavy drinker.

One day, after passing out in a yard, he meets Aimee (Woodley). Despite not knowing who she is, she does. Hence as they acquaintance each other, they realize they might be a great team. After all, Sutter needs help with his math class whereas Aimee needs that extra push to pursue her dreams.

After much work, Aimee has been accepted to a college in Philadelphia. Therefore, once their relationship becomes more serious, she asks Sutter to come along so they can start a new future together.

“You think beauty is in some class or textbook and it is not.
This right here is beautiful.”

-Sutter, The Spectacular Now (2013)

Does Sutter accompany Aimee and is he ready to attend college? Nevertheless, before taking that big step, he is willing to get a hold of his father, for better or worse.

Luckily for Shailene and Miles, after going back and forth over the script for three years, they got the part. TSN is their breakthrough role.

Afterward, Shailene Woodley went on to appear in the summer blockbuster “The Fault In Our Stars” (2014) and Miles Teller in the highly acclaimed “Whiplash” (2014). His other features together include the Divergent series.

“The Spectacular Now” won the “Jury Prize Award” at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and is based on the book by Tim Tharp (2008).

Happy Birthday, Shailene!

Watch the look inside “The Spectacular Now” in the link below.

1. “The Spectacular Now” movie. Directed by James Ponsoldt (21 Laps Entertainment, A24, 2013). ↩︎

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Before Sunset trilogy is a romantic movie released in February of 2004. Directed by Linklater, the movie finds American actor Ethan Hawke and French actress Julie Delpy reprising roles. After two acquaintances reencounter in Paris, they resume where they left off.

-Paris, France, 2003. Jesse (played by Hawke) has become a successful writer. After a 10-city-book tour, his last stop is the city of love, Paris. As he glances over during the Q&A, he sees Céline (Delpy).

Despite not seeing each other in 9 years, they resume their conversation. Nevertheless, the clock is ticking because he has a plane to catch to N.Y. before the sunset.

Can you imagine not seeing a friend in almost a decade? Where do you start? What do you ask? How do you make up for all the lost time?

In that department, they do what they do best. That is, they walk across the city where the wind takes them while sparking communication. A familiar scenario to them.

Their first stop is “Le Pure Café,” where they enjoy a warm beverage. Afterward, they continue wandering across a park and also take a boat ride.

While walking, they tackle topics such as religion, beliefs, destiny, love, memories, and so forth. Surprisingly, the conversation is as fluent as 9 years ago.

If anything has changed, it is their age. They are no longer the teenagers they once were and have moved on with their lives.

For instance, Jesse is married and has a son. On the other hand, Céline is also in a relationship. And they seem happy with their respective partners.         

Yet as the sunset sets in, the truths start to appear. Admittedly, Jesse’s marriage is in shambles and the only thing keeping it together is his son. Just like on “Blue Valentine“.

• “Blue Valentine”: A real love story (Side B)

For Céline, it is an identical tale. Unfortunately, they haven’t felt a connection with anyone else in almost a decade. Thus, settling with their partners just for commitment instead of love.

“I guess when you are young, you believe there will be many people with whom you will connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times.”

– Céline, Before Sunset (2004)

Afterward, the what-ifs start to appear. So, what if they would have met on December 16, 1994? Or imagine they would have walked next to each other in ’98 when they both were living in N.Y.C.?

For some reason, they were not meant to cross paths again until now. Undoubtedly, they can’t change the past, but they can alter the present and thus the future.

For more information on how their lifetime journey continues, make sure to watch “Before Sunset” and the last part of the trilogy, “Before Midnight.”

1. “Before Sunset” trilogy movie. Directed by Richard Linklater (Castle Rock Entertainment, 2004). ↩︎
2. “Before Sunset” trilogy movie. Directed by Richard Linklater (Castle Rock Entertainment, 2004). ↩︎

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Before Sunrise trilogy is a romantic movie released in January 1995 at the Sundance Film Festival. It is directed by Richard Linklater and it stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. When two strangers meet on a train, their life journey has just begun.

Sitting across each other are two strangers. The girl is reading French philosopher Georges Bataille’s “Madame Edwarda- Le Mort- Historie de l’oile,” whereas the boy is focused on German actor Klaus Kinski’s “All I Need Is Love.”

After sparking a light conversation, they head towards the lounge car to grab some food, where they learn the whereabouts of their respective holidays.

For instance, Céline (played by Delpy) is a French tourist going back to Paris after visiting her grandmother in Budapest, whereas Jesse (Hawke) is a voyager returning to the United States after being in Madrid.

As they begin scratching the surface of their respective personas, unfortunately, the next stop is Vienna, where Jesse will be taking his flight the next day at 9:30 am to his homeland.

Not wanting to say goodbye mid-conversation, he makes a bold proposition. That is, for her to get off the train with him and spend the day together. Bravely enough, she accepts.

So, what to do in Vienna, the largest city in Austria? Well, with no itinerary planned, they head where the wind takes them.

Their first stop is at a music store, where they listen to Vinyl records. Later on, they visit the graveyard named “Friedhof der Namenlosen.”

For Céline, it is not just another cemetery. She sees a silver lining in the nameless gravestones, which allows people to “invent the best and the worst for you.”

Next, they go to the Risenrad Ferris wheel, go to church, hit the club, and have dinner. As the night transcends, reality hits them. Namely, this could be their only night together.

“If there is any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone.
It is almost impossible to succeed but the answer must be in the attempt.“

– Céline, Before Sunrise Trilogy (1995)

Eventually, to avoid the what-ifs in the future, they make a pact to meet again in Vienna, on December 16, 1994, exactly in 6 months. Do they keep their promise?

The beauty of “Before Sunrise” trilogy is the topics that are tackled such as childhood, religion, reincarnation, love, and traditions. All while two foreigners wander across the city.

• “500 Days of Summer” movie: A fictional love story (Side A)

A movie set in chronological order, unlike “500 Days of Summer.” The truth is, that everything starts with a conversation. And that could be the beginning of a lifetime journey.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Part 2 of the “Before Sunset Trilogy” premiers 28/02.

Revisit the 1995 trailer of “Before Sunrise” movie below.

1. “Before Sunrise” trilogy movie. Directed by Richard Linklater (Columbia Pictures, 1995). ↩︎
2. “Before Sunrise” trilogy movie. Directed by Richard Linklater (Columbia Pictures, 1995). ↩︎
3. “Before Sunrise” trilogy movie. Directed by Richard Linklater (Columbia Pictures, 1995). ↩︎

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Blue is the Warmest Colour (known as “The Life of Adèle,”) is a French romantic drama movie directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and released in 2013. It stars French actors Adèle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux, and Jérémie Laheurte. When a teenager is at the peak of her puberty, she explores sexuality like never before.

Adèle (played by Exarchopoulos) is a typical 16-year-old. She spends most of her time at school, lives with her parents, and has an inner circle of friends who mostly gossip about sex. One day, her gals hype her about a boy named Thomas (Laheurte).

Firstly, she learns that he aims to be a musician. On the other hand, she loves reading and analyzing books. Eventually, they start dating. On one occasion, she crosses paths with a blue-haired woman.

Although losing her virginity to him, the mysterious female lingers in the back of her mind to the point of having sexually vivid dreams. A rush she has never felt before. Ultimately, she breaks up with her boyfriend.

On a night out, she witnesses an ambient where same-sex people are free. That evening, Adèle re-encounters the woman of her dreams, Emma (Seydoux). In the foreseeable future, the aspiring teacher and the sketch artist plan a happily ever after.

To her disbelief, her friends aggressively confront her regarding her sexual preferences. So, how will this impact their relationship? But most importantly, will they remain together?

Even though drawing criticism over its explicit sex scenes in the three-hour film, the motion picture is about exploring sexuality and having the freedom to choose despite what society opines.

“The Life of Adèle– Chapters 1 and 2“, is based on the book “Blue is the Warmest Color” written by Jul Maroh (2010). Lastly, the director and both actresses won the prestigious award “Palme d’Or” at the Cannes Film Festival (2013).

Watch the trailer in the link below.

1. “Blue is the Warmest Colour” / “The Life of Adèle” movie. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche (Wild Brunch, 2013). ↩︎
2. “Blue is the Warmest Colour” / “The Life of Adèle” movie. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche (Wild Brunch, 2013). ↩︎

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Blue Valentine is a romance movie drama directed by Derek Cianfrance starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. The movie premiered at the “Sundance Film Festival” in January 2010. This is a story of “boy meets girl” (or vice versa), and you should know upfront, that this is a real love story.

Dean (played by Ryan Gosling) works for a moving company and like Tom, he is a sucker for love. One day, as he finishes his shift of unpacking at a nursing home, he meets Cindy (Michelle Williams). Upon laying eyes on her, he knows she is the one.

“Maybe I have seen too many movies, love at first sight.
Do you think you can love somebody just by looking at them?”

-Dean, Blue Valentine (2010)

However, as he approaches her to ask for her number, she rejects him. But as faith would have it, they coincide on a bus ride, where he takes his shot.

Blue Valentine – (1/5 years)

As time passes by, they begin a new relationship. On one hand, Cindy aspires to become a doctor, whereas Dean is a school dropout but is ready to provide for her.

Moreover, just like any first love-stages, they spend the days together, are lovey-dovey, get married, and have their first child.

Fast forward five years later, their marriage seems to be in shambles, and the only string keeping them together is their daughter, Frankie (Faith Wladyka).

(5/5 years)

Unfortunately, her dream of becoming a doctor has not panned out, and she works as a nurse. On the other hand, he is a painter.

To revive the spark, Dean shares the idea of going to a motel. Nonetheless, once they are there, Cindy questions life. Just like Summer, she believes he has more potential than being just a painter.

What was supposed to be a romantic getaway, turns into a blue valentine and there is no turning back. Despite their efforts, the flaming spark has vanished. So, is this what love (coincidence/destiny) comes down to once the lovey-dovey phase exits the picture?

To conclude, “500 Days of Summer” and “Blue Valentine” have similarities. As the audience watches flashbacks and present times, they must puzzle the pieces together to contemplate the big picture (Side A and B).

We all have expectations in life and live in a fictional world where the core existence of love exists, yet reality overshadows it.

Revisit the trailer in the link below.

The post “Blue Valentine”: A real love story (Side B) appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

500 Days of Summer movie is a romantic comedy-drama released at the “Sundance Film Festival” on January 17th, 2009. The flick is directed by Marc Webb and it stars Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Geoffrey Arend, Matthew Gubler, and Chloë Grace Moretz. This is a story of “boy meets girl” (or vice versa), and you should know upfront, that this is a fictional love story.

Firstly, let me introduce you to Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) from New Jersey. A greeting card writer who works at a card company in Los Angeles, California.

One day, he meets Summer (Zooey Deschanel) from Michigan. The distance between these two states is over 1,000 Kilometers. Therefore, what are the odds of them ever meeting in life?

500 Days of Summer Movie – (1/500 Days)

Upon laying eyes on her, Tom asserts she is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. One morning, they coincide at the elevator where she eavesdrops on what he is listening to, “The Smiths.” Despite their taste in music, they learn they have different beliefs.

“I have been in relationships before and I have never seen it.
There is no such thing as love, it’s a fantasy.”

-Summer, 500 Days of Summer (2009)

On one side, Tom believes in the existence of love, whereas Summer assures it is fiction. More specifically, he considers that true happiness can only be reached with a significant other. Consequently, they agree to disagree.

However, in the upcoming days, they start hanging out and become more intimate. From walks to the parks to window shopping at Ikea to sharing secrets.

(290/500 Days)

The push comes to shove when on day 290, Summer wants to break up. After all, she doesn’t want to put any label and believes he has way more potential than being just a card writer.

Despite his friends’ (Geoffrey and Matthew) advice to move on, he wants to have a say. Nonetheless, things have changed and Tom learns about the “Expectations vs. Reality” effect.

As a consequence, Tom realizes what his little sister/love guru, Rachel (Chloë Grace), had told him. All along he focused on the fictional world instead of acknowledging the reality. Lastly, he ditches the greeting cards and follows his true passion, which is architecture.

So, what happens after the 500-day mark? Moreover, is love pure coincidence, or is a person already destined to be with a significant other?

Well, there are always two sides to every story, right? Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Revisit the trailer in the link below.

1. “500 Days of Summer” movie. Directed by Marc Webb (Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2009). ↩︎
2. “500 Days of Summer” movie. Directed by Marc Webb (Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2009). ↩︎

The post “500 Days of Summer” movie: A fictional love story (Side A) appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) is a romantic movie starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, and Willem Dafoe, and was released on June 6, 2014. When two teenagers bond through cancer, they ride the roller coaster of their lives.

Shailene Woodley plays Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl who has lung cancer. (I know what you are thinking, another cancer movie). She is introverted and spends most of her time indoors watching movies and reading books.

After one of her regular check-ups, her mother, Frannie (Laura Dern), points out that Hazel is depressed. Thus, her idea is to encourage her out into the world and make new friends by attending a cancer support group.

This is where Hazel meets Agustus Waters and Isaac (played by Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolf). They seem to have different mindsets. She is more down-to-earth and realistic about her disease, whereas he is on a “roller coaster that only goes up.”

Thereafter, Augustus approaches Hazel. Furthermore, she reveals her favorite book is “An Imperial Affliction,” and he names “Counter Insurgence.” They exchange the books for the others to read. Afterward, he ends up as fascinated as she is.

“An Imperial Affliction” is a book about cancer written by Peter Van Houten (Willem Dafoe). Nonetheless, it ends up in the middle of the sentence. Therefore, they embark on a mission to find out what happens to the characters. This leads them to contact Van Houten via email, who is kind enough to invite them to Amsterdam.

Upon meeting him, they find out that he is the opposite of what they had in mind. Apparently, he seems to have derailed in life and is no longer the promising writer he once was. Worst of all, they will not get any answers.

Nevertheless, they don’t let this affect their once-in-a-lifetime trip. In fact, they do some sightseeing and visit the Anne Frank Museum. However, reality hits once he reveals his cancer has worsened.

At Augustus’ funeral, Peter Van Houten explains to Hazel that the main character of his book is his daughter. But at this point, she is no longer interested in the book or its meaning. Angrily, she tells him to go away but not before him handing her a letter.

“What did Dom Perignon say to fellow monks after he invented champagne?
Come quickly, I am tasting the stars.“

-John Green, The Fault in Our Stars (2012)

The letter is a eulogy for Hazel, written by Gus. Once she starts reading it, this shit still hurts, everything. “The Fault in Our Stars” is so real: happy scenes, sad ones, love, death. It’s something we all can and will relate to at one point in life.

Jonn Green is an American author. To know more about his catalog, visit johngreenbooks.

Watch the sneak peek of “TFIOS” in the link below.

1. “The Fault In Our Stars” movie. Directed by Josh Boone (20th Century Fox, 2014). ↩︎
2. “The Fault In Our Stars” movie. Directed by Josh Boone (20th Century Fox, 2014). ↩︎

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