One on One with Daybreakers

[WARNING: SASS AND SPOILERS AHEAD]

Daybreakers: So, Daybreakers (2009).

Miz Moffatt: Yes.

Daybreakers: Well, in 2019, a plague turns almost everyone into vampires, right? Vampires need blood, and the "superior" race has bled their human sources dry. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) is a researcher for this human farming corporation, and he's engineering a blood substitute to save the world. Well, he actually wants a cure for vampirism and has morals against drinking human blood and all that. But, oh man, shit goes down.

Miz Moffatt: Sure, yeah -- shit ought to go down.

Daybreakers: For sure. See, if the vampires are deprived of their blood rations, they degenerate into these disfigured, orc versions of vampires. Check it:

Miz Moffatt: Gorgeous. There better be a hot woman to distract me from that.

Daybreakers: We're gettin' there. So, low blood stocks + degenerative condition from blood deprivation = wicked cocktail for trouble. Edward gets tangled up with humans, blah blah, turns out there's a cure for vampirism.

Miz Moffatt: A cure?

Daybreakers: Yeah, a cure. Intense, right? Controlled sun exposure turns 'em human.

Miz Moffatt: ....... Wait, what? So, sunlight doesn't kill them--

Daybreakers: No, sunlight can kill them. The vampires' cars have like, tinted glass to protect them from the sun. And there are underground tunnels and a warning system about dawn approaching and stuff.

Miz Moffatt: .... But the sun can make vampires human.

Daybreakers: Yeah. Well, not on an overdose. You control the burn, and it restarts the heart.

Miz Moffatt: All right, I'll roll with you on that one.

Daybreakers: But get this -- after the human conversion, their blood can turn other vampires back into humans.

Miz Moffatt: .....Like a.... vaccine?

Daybreakers: No, like a cure.

Miz Moffatt: Oh.

Daybreakers: Yeah, right? Ol' Corporate Hot Shot gets his ass owned. He thinks he's been poisoned, but no -- he's alive. His plans to sell a blood substitute AND to sell real human blood for a higher price is shattered!

Miz Moffatt: I'm having trouble following you on this one --

Daybreakers: And the blood bath at the end, whoa. All these starving military vamps swamp this one dude, but the first wave's turned into humans. And then those humans are torn apart by the other hungry vamps, and then those guys are humans! It's just a cyclical hunter-to-hunted deal. And the other scientist who succeeded in finding the blood substitute's gonna kill Ethan Hawke's character because this other science dude doesn't want a cure, he just wants to make cash off the substitute. But Willem Dafoe offs the lunatic, and the group roll into the sunrise with the cure.

Miz Moffatt: .........

Daybreakers: Awesome, I know.

Miz Moffatt: The heroes have the cure. But no one is cured.

Daybreakers: Ethan Hawke was cured. Most of the military dudes were, too, but then they were gunned down and like, bled to death.

Miz Moffatt: But the survivors with the cure are left in a world of starving vampires. Who don't know about the cure. And are starving.

Daybreakers: Sure.

Miz Moffatt: ..... Oh--

Daybreakers: Did I mention Claudia Karvan plays Audrey Bennett, one of the lone pure-blood humans in the film?

Ethan Hawke and Claudia Karvan

Miz Moffatt: I-- oh. Oh, I ..... wow.

Daybreakers: Oh, and look, Miz Moffatt -- she looks like she could use your help in this shot, huh?

Claudia Karvan

Miz Moffatt: Ohwowthepretty....

Daybreakers: Even crucified, it seems.

Miz Moffatt: Yesthepretty.....

Daybreakers: She's Australian, too. And she wields a crossbow for most of the film.

Miz Moffatt: Theaccentandthecrossbowandthepretty?

Daybreakers: Oh, what are these photos doing over here? Someone must have left them out by accident.

Miz Moffatt: *Paralyzed with drool*

Daybreakers: Awesome -- we look forward to the review on Cute, Queer, Canadian.

Miz Moffatt: KHHAAAHHH.....

***

Shameless. What? Shame? No, there is none. But, I can tell you, there is plenty of drool for Claudia Karvan. I wish I could have found a shot of her in that tank top 'cus damn. Damn it hard.

So, Daybreakers -- questionable plot with a Hottie McHott. Hear, hear.

Inside Out Film Festival: Shift Two

As promised toward the tail end of last night's post, here is the rundown of the Inside Out Film Festival chez Buddies in Bad Times on May 24th. Toronto is a blur of creative, innovative queer filmmakers, writers, actors, and other glitterati at the moment and donning the official volunteer t-shirt at these screenings is quite the trip. I've had the distinct privilege of viewing a stellar cross-section of classic queer cinema and the two films from Monday night fit firmly in this category.

So, let's get started, shall we?

The Watermelon Woman (1996)

The Watermelon Woman marked Cheryl Dunye's first feature debut on the film festival circuit of the late 90s even while it ignited fierce political debates on American soil for its queer content and government-aided funding. Dunye's film crosses the boundaries between traditional movie and documentary-influenced techniques thus creating a disorienting, delightful blur between the concepts of truth and fiction. The Watermelon Woman charts Cheryl's research of an unnamed, uncredited black actress from the golden era of 1930s Hollywood, a woman who adopted "mammy" roles under the title "The Watermelon Woman." As Cheryl delves further into the details of the actress's life and sexual identity, the hopeful filmmaker's life grows complicated after she falls for a rich, white girl (Guinivere Turner) which in turn stresses her relationship with best friend, Tamara.

Dunye occupies a vital place in LGBT film -- she is one of the few queer filmmakers to portray the lives of black, queer women and to explore interracial relationships and the threat of racism present in queer communities across North America. Despite the loaded issues she incorporates into her scripts, Dunye is able to find subtle humour and offers a loving, insider's critique of lesbian culture.

Viewers at the Buddies in Bad Times screening were treated to a private Q&A session with Cheryl Dunye herself once the film finished. She was engaging, intelligent, and sharp with her observations on her place in queer cinema and her message was one of encouragement to all the queers with cameras in the audience. Her overarching theme was one of action -- in the digital age, kids with cameras can chart their own experiences or create artistic visions on a thin dime. Rather than reserving her place with the glitterati, she wanted to inspire others to enter the medium and launch new debates of their own. Dunye also held her Canadian premiere of her new film, The Owls (2010), at the Isabel Bader Theatre later that evening. I would have loved to catch it, but there was another flick waiting for me at Buddies....

20 centímetros (2005)

Inside Out revisted their 2006 Closing Gala film, 20 centímetros, the vivid, colourful, and stunning gem from filmmaker Ramón Salazar. The Inside Out Festival Guide describes the film's cinematic appeal as a fusion of "Spanish camp, Hollywood musicals and neo-realism in a Technicolor wrapping" -- I can imagine no clearer description of such a wild and delightful film as this.

20 centímetros charts the life of Marieta (Mónica Cervera), a narcoleptic pre-op trans woman who works the streets of Madrid as a prostitute to earn the cash she needs for her operation. While she dreams of a stable future and the promise of a reliable income, Marieta's narcoleptic slips prevent her from holding down traditional work. Instead, her blackouts cast her into a world of elaborate, brightly-choreographed numbers set to the classics performed by Queen, Madonna, Dusty Springfiled, and Ani DiFranco among others.

After collapsing at a local market one morning, Marieta meets Raul (Pablo Puyol), a fruit stocker also known as El reponedor with "an ass like a perfect peach." Their first connection ignites into an intense physical relationship in which Raul celebrates those same 20 centimetres Marieta is so anxious to leave behind.

In the end, Marieta must decide what she desires most: a chance at love with a gentle, gorgeous man, or the chance to become the woman she dreams of.

Though the plot might sound dark and ominous at first glance, Salazar injects his film with energetic flamboyance and a hopping soundtrack for fans with a taste for musical movies and theatre flare. Even the skeptics will find the film both charming and colourful, a perfect wrap-up to an exciting long weekend.

***

So there -- another volunteer shift down and more fun to follow. Oh, and P.S. -- I know I missed the beloved Tunes for Tuesdays segment this week. Trust me, I will more than make up for that gaffe next Tuesday. Stay tuned because there is something very, very special in the works.

'Til then, bonne nuit.

Fine with "Nine"

First order of business: Check out Nine with Chantal before she heads back to Scotland. I am glad to declare the mission was accomplished with great vigour and much drool on both of our parts.

I knew we would stake out cinema seats for this film the moment I hit "Play" on the Internet trailer months ago.

To start, Chantal is dedicated to Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis. When it comes to Harem hierarchy, he holds a golden place in her ranks. See, he doesn't have an official title within the Harem Proper -- no. He cannot be contained by the standard Harem rules. Instead, Mr. Day-Lewis sails to our villa where he chops firewood and instructs the members of Chantal's Harem on important issues like wooing a lady (and yeah, I occasionally ask for lessons, too. Hey, gotta stay sharp for the women of my Harem.) He travels with the wind and the fog, similar to Johnny Depp and the Irish river folk of Chocolat.

Anyway, I am rambling now.

Of course, the second reason to catch this film: Um, well, you saw that poster, right? Who needs to visit the concession stand with that much eye candy sprinkled throughout the film?

I know, I know -- I'm offline for all of two weeks and the first two posts back showcase my inklings toward all things debauch. What? There are sparkle-infused women belting out musical numbers like Sirens and compelling me to Be Italian and seduce them all. I am only one woman, I can't resist this.

Now, all that gushing aside, I did have certain issues with the film. Or, rather, I guess the plot. I admire Daniel Day-Lewis and I love the women featured in this film -- but, well, I'm getting tired of the whole one man + five trillion women flicks. Yes, I get it -- straight men are given the spotlight AND the bevy of women who should be unattainable to them but the script tells these ladies to throw themselves at him.

Yawn.

Show me something I haven't seen before.

Now, Daniel Day-Lewis is suave and commands quite a bit of respect from me, so I had an easier time suspending my usual irritation for this film. But still, it's frustrating for a single gay girl to watch, especially when she tends to fail at A) Meeting other queer girls and B) Convincing other queer girls that she is attractive and dateable.

But, I digress.

I think the greater part of this film's target audience was more than likely looking forward to one particular scene. If I mention Penelope Cruz, I imagine the first image to slide its way into your mind is this one:

And OH, GIRL -- I don't remember breathing throughout her number. In fact, I don't even recall blinking, either. Once I regained consciousness, I wondered how on EARTH the crew managed to hold it together during filming. Serious, I even wonder how the movie screen and the DVD did not spontaneously combust as a direct result of this dance. It's so odd because I never quite took notice of Ms. Cruz prior to Nine. I was mistaken and I have corrected all former opinions.

Despite the utter hotness that was Penelope Cruz as the Mistress, I found myself drawn more toward the subdued and delicate presence of Marion Cotillard as Luisa Contini, Guido Contini's dejected wife. Even while her character was treated as a walking joke and was continually lied to by her husband, she carried herself with such elegance. Protective Moffatt kicked in quite a few times throughout the film and I was wanting to leap through the screen and whisk Ms. Cotillard away on a cute little Vespa. But alas -- I have yet to perfect the Film/Reality Transfer. *Pout*

I know I'm a touch biased here, but I would still recommend Nine to all the ladies out there. I might even have a new Harem addition here with Marion Cotillard -- if that's not proof enough for you to check the film out, then I don't know what is.

So Be Italian and show those ladies what's what!

The Fountain: Life and Love, Forever?

At last -- I can cross The Fountain off the list of Films I Need To See. Since its release in 2006, this film has stalked me.

And yes, I have a tendency to draw media stalkers.

Novels, blogs, albums, films -- I am not safe from media. I run into reviews for The Fountain even now in 2009. I went through a phase where the movie channel seemed to have this movie on round-the-clock, yet it was always half over by the time I found it. Friends have mentioned it on a regular basis and even family members have seen it multiple times.

Yet, I never could cross paths with it.

Now, the wait is over. The end credits have rolled and I may strike it off the list.

***

What if you could live forever? What if your love could not? Through space and through time, one man embarks on a one-thousand-year odyssey to defy death and to save the life of his one love.

In the past, a conquistador sets out to the ancient lands of the Mayans to find the Tree of Life and save the Queen of Spain from a tragic end at the hands of the Grand Inquisitor.

In the present, a scientist struggles to unlock the healing properties of a plant found in South America before his wife dies from a brian tumor that is slowly snuffing out her life.

In the future, a space traveler carries an aged tree through the universe toward a dying star wrapped in a nebula, all in an attempt to find eternity with the ghost of his lover.

The sacrifices are great and it is difficult to find the success through the sorrow. Can death be defeated? Can our bonds exist without the flesh? Or can we return to the ones that matter most?

***

I know -- it's not the lightest material imaginable. I admit now, I didn't quite grasp the futuristic scenes. It went so far over my head, I think the stars could feel it. And the past segments felt underdeveloped to me. I wasn't sure how the Tree of Life could save the Queen or save Spain for that matter.

But the moments from the present were outstanding. I was always torn about Rachel Weisz. I mean, I'm not blind -- I know she's an attractive woman. I know there are numerous folks out there who would be shocked to hear about the former complacency I felt toward her.

Ah, but the key word here is "former." I, like Hugh Jackman, have been converted.

She was stunning. I can think of no other word to describe her throughout this film. I understand why all three of Hugh Jackman's incarnations would extend themselves for her, why they would seek her throughout one thousand years of human history.

If I could find that one person, I wouldn't doubt I would spend the rest of my lives seeking her out and fighting for her.

The Fountain has tapped into the melodramatic Moffatt this evening it would appear. Perhaps that's exactly what I was looking for at this moment, especially considering I have just started reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman series.

I never questioned Jackman's dedication to her and I could sense the same heartbreak his characters felt when their efforts failed. I could also understand their hollow sense of triumph as their missions were renewed. But wow -- Rachel Weisz. She inspires people to pursue her through time. I mean, if that's not Harem material, I am not fit to judge anymore.

I would recommend giving this film a whirl, but I warn you now -- get ready to fall HARD for Ms. Weisz. I don't think there's a way to lift yourself after this kind of fall, let me tell you.

Consider Me 'Whip'ped

Yes, the Internetz are ablaze with initial reactions to the highly-anticipated Whip It! film-- and here I am, adding my voice to the rabid choir of praise.

But serious, did I have any choice in the matter?

Feminism and pure fun mix for an energetic flick dedicated to the women of Austin's derby circuit (and heck, it's a dedication to the the strength of any and all women coming-of-age in this twenty-first century North American scene). I could hear snippets of conversation as I left the theatre and the general consensus was, "I NEED TO BUY ROLLER SKATES NOW, WHY ARE WE NOT AT THE STORE YET?!"

Methinks derby teams across the continent are about to experience an overflow of sassy, young things wanting to "become [their] own hero," if you'll let me pilfer/paraphrase from the movie.

Serious, though -- there were a number of elements I hadn't foreseen despite the fact I've been following the press on Whip It! quite closely for the past few months:

• Alia Shawkat as best friend, Pash: Serious. Why is this girl not getting more press for the film? She was fantastic, just a delight from the moment she appeared on the screen. She managed to strike this amazing balance between the spontaneous and the level-headed as she tried to encourage Bliss (played by Ellen Page) in her pursuit of all things derby. I'm a tad unnerved that Ms. Shawkat is the same age as my brother, though... I'm feeling older by the day, I tell you....

 Ellen Page and Alia Shawkit

• The core father-daughter relationship that runs throughout the film: Folks weren't lying when they said the parents (played by Marcia Gay Harden and Daniel Stern) are scene stealers. And, perhaps it's the fact that I watched this movie with my Dad that this particular plot line is hitting closer to home. I mean, watching a father fight for his daughter's happiness gets me all choked up no matter what the context, really. And Daniel Stern carried himself well. 
• Eve and Ari Graynor.... together.... in a hot tub....ALONE...: Why can I not find pictures of this one on the Internet? It is a travesty to all the women reading this. And to me. ESPECIALLY to me, people.

Eve and Ari Graynor

• ZOE BELL DID NOT GET NEARLY ENOUGH SCREEN TIME -- though, she did a damn fine job with what she was given. I promise I'll get over this obsession. Just not now. And probably not for a few more years after that.

Are you a gay gal?

Do you like your women tough, DIY, and full of spunky feminist ideology?

Have you SEEN the stills from this film?

All I can say is: DO IT. Shell out that cash and watch Whip It! on the big screen.

Serious, why are you still reading this post, GONOWGOWATCHWHIPITNOW!

(Last) Weekend Updates

Lazy Summer, izzycarasmillie

At last -- here it is. I find myself in the throes of summer as I write this.

Weekend plans? I GOT 'EM.

Friends returning from their adventures abroad? OH YES, IN DROVES.

Optimism returning? YOU BET.

.... Hence my blogging negligence. Granted, I can't be too apologetic considering May, June, AND July were write-offs. I took advantage of nothing mainly because... well, there wasn't much going on. But now, late summer is unfurling before me and I am excited to say that life is turning around.

I've been meaning to update about last weekend for this entire week, so I thought I should elaborate a bit on that front. Most of my time was spent at the gym or watching the first season of Heroes (which I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE NEVER WATCHED BEFORE LAST WEEKEND), but Monday was chock full of summer-y goodness.

That's right -- Ontario residents were blessed with a Civic Holiday on Monday, August 3 and, so, I was liberated from the beige life of the office. Dad and I headed down to the Kelso Conservation Area to practice our canoeing skillz. And, apparently, everyone else in the area decided upon the same thing. We spent about... maybe half an hour trying to get IN to the parking lot and then we spent another half an hour waiting to rent our canoe. 

It was definitely worth it though, let me tell you. 

We spent an hour on the water getting familiar with the paddles (it's been a while for us both) and just generally exploring the little inlets across the lake. Our plan is to work ourselves up to the point where we can cruise down the Grand River on one of their tours. Haha, after reading that paragraph, all I can think is, "GOD... that sounds so freakin' Canadian." All we need to do is portage a little and we are SO THERE.

Anyhow, all Canadiana aside for the moment, I met up with Ms. Chantal who is BACK HOME SINCE LIVING IN JAPAN FOR THE PAST YEAR! It was so surreal to return to our usual haunts after an absence of 365 days. It's amazing how easily you can fall back into familiar routines, though. Chantal even commented that by the time she reached her neighbourhood after her flight, it was like she'd never been gone in the first place. Weird how the memory functions.

Anyhow, I brought over a special 'Welcome Home' gift of champagne and Turkish delight and she gave me some cute/delicious souvenirs from Japan and from her short trip to Thailand. After that, we headed over to Boston Pizza for some "real pizza," as Chantal now calls it. (Yeah, I know Japan's not famous for their pizza, so, Chantal was definitely excited for the Real Deal.) I know she and I have been reflecting on our friendship as of late -- I mean, we've know each other since we were 14 and now, we've been to Japan and back and are planning a European extravaganza for next year. (Oh, yeah -- P.S. I went to Japan in March to visit with Chantal for 2 weeks.... that's an important bit of detail there, I do believe). It's amazing to think about your connection with other people, just to see how much you've accomplished together. 

Look at me getting all sentimental. I blame the gorgeous weather for all this.

AND, side note: We had quite the hottie spotting while at Boston Pizza. Her name was Jessy and she was our waitress. I've been out to Chantal for a year now, but I've only ever talked about female celebrities I have crushes on. So, to acknowledge the fact that I check out women around me on a regular basis was... well, perhaps a revelation to her. 

Mmm, Jessy... she had a crazy accent. I couldn't place where she was from, which leads me to believe it was a South African accent. (It's my default when I can't pin down an accent... and it seems to be accurate quite often). Chantal and I were chatting a bit about where I was in the coming out process and a bit about O'Neill, so I think Ms. Jessy overhead the fact that I'm a gay gal. I noticed she was making eye contact with me quite a bit and she randomly came over to ask me specifically how I was enjoying my multigrain pizza crust. I know, specific, right? And she kind of ignored Chantal a little which was hilarious to reflect upon.

BUT -- to end the experience, she wrote little messages on both of our receipts, right? I looked at mine only to find she'd written "Thank you very much! XO Jessy". <-- THAT'S AN 'XO,' people. I gloated over that one. Chantal pouted over her lack of an 'XO' and slyly said, "Maybe Jessy thought you were pretty damn hot!" I might have go back there -- AND SOON. Oh, ego boosts, how I love thee.

We caught the film Fifty Dead Men Walking and it was shocking, brilliant, amazing, and randomly funded by Canadian sources...? It details the story of Martin McGartland, a young man from west Belfast who was recruited by the British Police to spy on the IRA during the 1980s. He managed to survive his capture/torture at the hands of the IRA by throwing himself from a tower block window. And he's still in hiding as we speak. It was an excellent movie, I've got to say. But yeah, it was funded not only by Canadian sources, but by QUEBEC sources, if you can imagine it. Random indeed, but I'm glad they did.

... And here I am, standing on the brink of another August weekend with a few odd plans and a desire for improvisation. We'll see what I make of it.

P.S. -- I also have a LOT of blog updates to catch-up on. Prepare thyself for a deluge of comments.