I love watching series and movies and/or reading literature. They inspire me and when that happens I love to write and/or talk about it. That's what you will find in this blog, connected to my life or the lessons I get from them.
FYI: The quote is from Buffy Summers. It's about her not being ready ('done baking') whoever she is going to turn out to be. I figured it fits.
I've been very busy with work and roommates and other fun stuff, that's why I didn't really have time to work on a new blog. So, no extensive new blog today, but I did add a little something to the Awesomeness of quotes page of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (or check the list on the right). Namely some quotes but also a couple of vids with funny moments. But I do have some nice plans. In the upcoming weeks I will review a couple of movies again, like 21 Jump Street. I also realized that my quotes pages (three till now) are mainly of shows with females in the lead. Nothing wrong with that of course, but I would like to focus on a male lead next time. So that might mean Angel (a show that is also cancelled, like the others) or perhaps Castle (which is still going). Something to look forward to next month ;-).
The fun stuff
The fun stuff includes me going with a wonderful friend to the new Batman movie (yes, there might be a review coming about it soon on my blog as well): Dark Knight Rising. In short, it was very nice, but Bane just wasn't the same villain as The Joker was for me in the last movie (played by the awesome Heath Ledger). Other fun stuff was having friends over and that my sister crashed here for a couple of nights because she did some volunteering in Amsterdam. It was great to have her here and have late night chats before going to bed. Kinda like a sleepover and that has definitely been a while, so I really enjoyed it.
Yesterday I went to the tenth Summer Darkness Festival in Utrecht. I had never been there before, but it was very cool. It's this underground festival full of (musical) performances, fashion shows and a market with mostly clothing and jewelry all gothic or cyber stuff... Some of the clothing was really great, while others were just a little to daring for me. Either way, it was a lot of fun to see the models dancing on stage to their own music and showing of the boots and dresses, shirts and pants. I actually would have liked to see some of the shows or performances, but since I'm still looking for a full time/permanent job I decided not to do that just know. There's always next year ;-). What I did like were the stands. They had some beautiful jewelry, even Elena's necklace (replica) from The Vampire Diaries, which was kinda cool. They also had a lot of LP's, which my sister's boyfriend would have been interested in I think, but he wasn't there. Maybe I'll ask him to come next year. But what I was most impressed about, was all the steampunk stuff. I think that it just looks really amazing and interesting. It always makes me think of the Castle-ep and one vlog by Felicia Day :). I really love those hats and corsets and stuff... In case you don't really know what steampunk is, you might just wanne check out this episode 'cause it's funny.
Anyway, that was some of the fun stuff of the last weeks. Now I'm back to chores again :P.
I started watching the show Pretty Little Liars because I knew Holly Marie Combs played in it. I was curious to know what she was doing now. After Charmed that is. And it turned out the be pretty awesome. So here's a short review of the show so far. But first: a promo!
'Got a secret. Can you keep it?'
The show is based on popular books by the same name, written by Sara Shepard, and focuses on a group of friends in high school. These young girls, Spencer, Hanna, Aria and Emily, were brought together by their friend Allison. Allison, or Alli, is the most popular of the bunch and one night when they are all together in a lake house (from Spencer's parents), she disappears. A year later the girls have driven apart - 'Friendly, but not friends' - and right before the body of Allison is found, they start getting text messages from someone calling his/herself "A". It soon becomes clear that "A" knows a lot about them and threatens to expose their secrets if the girls don't do as he/she says. These secrets are secrets from a long time ago, that only Alli would know about. But even after Alli's funeral, the girls keep recieving texts, so the big question is... who's "A"????
This one you'll save
Pretty Little Liars is a show to save. Like the theme song will tell, it's a show where teenage girls have big secrets. In the first episode a lot of the old secrets - the ones Alli knew about - will be revealed to the audience, but not to the rest of the group. The more secrets you know about, the more you will find out about their personalities. Intrigued yet?
But there's another interesting storyline: the death - more specifically murder - of Allison DeLaurentis. The girls start their own investigation, after getting some clues from "A"... This is an ongoing storyline which leads to many more questions, without losing interest. The secrets and storylines get more absurd the farther you get in the show/seasons. It makes one thing really clear, that it's total fiction. It's fun to see these absurd storylines play out and get beyond your imagination. From crazy love interests who the girls don't trust and some of the time fear, to the mistery about Alli's murder involving more and more people. Full on paranoia, but then again... Who wouldn't be paranoid, when there's a crazy anonymous person harassing you? You don't know who you can trust, and that's the same for the audience. Even though you may sometimes know a little more then the characters, there's a lot you don't know.
Lock it, in your pocket
These four girls (and actually also their parents and/or boyfriends) have their own secrets for each other. It keeps it interesting and divers, because that way a lot of stories can be told. Fortunatly they don't all last very long. There's someone that finds out, or one of the girls can't take it anymore and decides to tell either a parent or a friend. But keeping a secret, means having to lie sometimes. So there's a question that will keep coming up in the viewers mind: Why not just tell someone? A parent? The police maybe? Good question! They ask it themselves a couple of times. You will get frustrated, because it seems so stupid to not just do it. They are teenagers after all, so what do they know about murder or all this blackmailing? These are things for the cops. But they feel like they can't tell the truth to anyone. And to be fair... yes, there's a legitimate reason for that (or at least as legitimate as there can be). That would be that "A" is freaking scary. The girls get caught in a web of lies, of which there is probably no way out anymore, because it gets way to tangled. All these secrets and the lying causes problems in relationships, especially in the parental form. A lot of parents will know it when their daughter is lying and they will get frustrated, grounding them and what not. It's kind of typical high school, teenager stuff, but because of their big and out of the ordinary secrets, also not entirely. Of course - the girls being teenagers and all - the parents do get involved and they start asking questions. It makes the storylines a little better, but the girls' lips remain sealed...
Take it to the grave
The threatening texts are send by mobile phone, notes or they recieve e-mails. The number is untraceble, because it's 'unknown'. That's why the "A" could stand for Allison in the first episode, but it later becomes clear that it's really an anonymous person. The use of cell phones in this way is very clever, because who doesn't have one now a days? It shows the darker side of modern technology. Namely the power it can give someone. This power has also been displayed by Allison herself in flashbacks. She used to be the 'It-girl' and could persuade anyone to do anything. Not just her four friends, but also other people at school, or even grown-ups. Talk about peer pressure and blackmail! In the first episode she mentions that secrets are what keeps friends close. She is the one person that knows about all of their secrets (until she dies) and she used that information when she wanted to. It could be what let to her murder... But then again, how will we know that? Without given too many spoilers away, it's safe to say that the storyline gets more complicated as we go along. It makes us understand the boyfriends that much better, because they aren't in the know as well.
If I show you, then I know...
Talking about boyfriends.... there's a lot to say about the love stories. They go back and forth, due to the threats from "A". The girls push their boyfriends back, without telling them why, but teenage love is a thing that will not be denied. Their love won't go away, and so won't their boys. Or in Emily's case girls... (Yep, she's a lesbian... it's not a big spoiler, don't worry).
The girls get worried about dating, they take the jump, get scared and pull away. Leaving the boys hanging and in serious need of an explanation, which the girls can't give them. But it's not all bad. The boyfriends are sweet and understanding (of course they have a right to an explanation) and they actually turn out to be helpful a lot of the time. They also have their own backstory, which makes them more interesting. Except for Ezra, Aria's boyfriend, or lover... well, he's her teacher. Why is it that nowadays every high school series has a love story involving a teacher and a student? I don't get it. That's what gets old real fast. Ezra and Aria go back and forth, because it's illegal to be together, because there's the age difference, because Aria couldn't tell her parents (or in the beginning her friends), because... well, there's a lot more. They end up breaking up and getting back together a lot of the time. It's supposed to be this epic love story, but it's just annoying. If there's one thing they should change in the series the upcoming season, it's that.
Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead
But who killed Alli? That remains the big question. And that person is the one in the black hoodie. You see this person at the end of a lot of episodes, preparing something to affect the girls. You don't see a face... sometimes just gloves. But as the girls get closer to finding out the identity, you see a full on person in a black hoodie that keeps to the shadows or the dark. It's pretty clear that this person is "A", but you don't get the satisfaction of knowing it for sure. What a mystery!
It never stops being intriguing, though they sometimes go a little overboard. And the moments where all of their cellphones ring at the same time, never stops being fun. All in all, it's a good show to watch, with extra's such as having Holly Marie Combs (as Aria's mother) and Bianca Lawson (as Maya - Kendra on Buffy) on the cast. I'm not sure where they go from here, but for now I'm still caught in their web of Pretty, Little, Liars.
One of the things in quotes that I like about the show is how Veronica keeps saying these things that just sound totally awesome when she says them. But, no one else can pull it of. Believe me I've tried. No that's a lie. I would love to have tried, but I know it would never work. I do hear them in my head sometimes. Fo Shizzle! (yes, that's one of them) You gotta love a girl (and a show) that can make something like that work. There's another thing that doesn't really work a lot of the time, but it does in this show, and that's voice-overs. Any show that can make that work is top notch in my book! The words are just one of the reasons, but the word's out: I love Veronica Mars!
There were only three seasons of this amazing show, but a lot of amazing quotes. If you don't feel like reading all of them (I couldn't help myself and went a little overboard), simply watch the couple of YouTube vids I also posted on this. They are really great and fun ;-).
Let's just start with the credits, cos the song pretty much sets the theme.
Season 1
1x01 - Pilot
Mrs. Murphy: [to a sleeping Veronica] "Congratulations, you're my volunteer. Pope. An Essay on Man. Epistle I."
Veronica: "Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man
never is, but always to be blest: the soul, uneasy and confined from
home, rests and expatiates in a life to come."
Mrs. Murphy: "And what do you suppose Pope meant by that?"
Veronica: "Life's a bitch until you die."
Weevil: "Sister, the only time I care what a woman has to say is
when she's riding my big old hog. But even then, it's not so much words -
just a bunch of 'oohs' and 'aahs,' you know?"
Veronica: "So it's big, huh?"
Weevil: "Legendary."
Veronica: "Well, let's see it. I mean, if it's as big as you say,
I'll be your girlfriend. [gasps] We could go to prom together! What?
What seems to be the problem? I'm on a schedule here, vato."
Felix: "Dude, Weevil, don't let blondie talk to you like that."
Veronica: "Sounds like your buddy here wants to see it, too."
Veronica: [Keith walks in] "And...?" Keith: "Who's your daddy?!" Veronica: "I hate it when you say that." Keith: "This is important, you remember this, I used to be cool." Veronica: "When?" Keith: "'77. Trans-Am, Blue Oyster Cult in the 8-track, foxy, stacked blond riding shotgun, racing for pink slips. Wait a minute. I'm thinking of a Springsteen song. Scratch everything. I was never cool."
Wallace: "I suddenly feel like I'm in a scene from The Outsiders." Veronica: "Be cool, Soda Pop."
1x02 - Credit Where Credit's Due
Veronica (to Lamb): "Smell ya later!"
Veronica: "I need you to copy all of Weevil's attendance records from this past month and get them to me."
Wallace: "Do I look like James Bond to you?"
Veronica: "Am I asking you to retrieve a nuclear warhead? No. Just copy the attendance records."
Ms. Dent: "Do you have any experience with a camera?"
Veronica: "Yeah. Some."
Ms. Dent: "This is a 35mm camera. Now, my suggestion, as you're starting out, is to set it on auto and that way -"
Veronica: "I'd really be more comfortable if I could just use my
own camera. Uhm, the swivel LCD really comes in handy when you're doing
overhead shooting or ground-level macro-shooting. The optical zoom
actually goes up to 71.2 mm. And it's good to have the raw-file option
because you can mess with the images post exposure without nearly the
loss of image quality you'd get with a JPEG file."
Ms. Dent: "And... when it's dark outside, you should use a flash."
Troy: "Flat?"
Veronica: "Just as God made me."
Troy: "Are you always this persnickety?"
Veronica: "Sometimes I'm even persnicketier."
Troy: "When sexy, sassy girls can't come to a shindig of mine, it's time for all parties involved to stand up and just admit that, hey, maybe I was a little bit wrong or sorry. I mean, let bygones be bygones. Screw pride. Let's dance, baby, let's dance!" Wallace: "That was beautiful man."
1x03 Meet John Smith
Veronica: "You know, Dad. I'm Old School. An eye for an eye."
Keith: "I think that's actually Old Testament."
Keith: "So, how was your date?" Veronica: "Oh, you know. Lousy conversation, but the sex was fantastic!" Keith: "That's not funny." Veronica: "I don't know. I'm pretty sure it was."
1x04 - The Wrath of Con Lilly: "Oh, whoop-de-friggin-doo, Veronica."
Veronica: "Ownage!"
Keith: "So, you're going to the homecoming dance?"
Troy: "Oh yes, sir. If that's okay with you."
Keith: "Oh, of course. And after the dance?"
Troy: "Well I think that Veronica said that she had to be right home after."
Keith: "Yeah, good. And you're gonna stay for the whole dance. I
mean, you're not gonna leave early and go to a party or a hotel, and
still make it back by curfew?"
Troy: "No, uh, I mean, the whole point of going to the dance... is to go to the dance."
Keith: "Good. Good. So you won't mind then, that I cancelled your reservation at the Four Seasons?"
1x05 - You Think You Know Somebody
Veronica: "Dude, where's your car?"
Logan: "Thanks for the ride. Does this mean you're gonna play nice now?" Veronica: "Walk in front of the car, we'll see."
Wallace: "All right then, Velma. Why don't you see what you can find on, say, me."
Veronica: "It's Daphne, thank you very much."
1x06 - Return of the Kane
Veronica: "Why would he have wanted to kill you?" Lilly: "Honestly. I was awesome, right?"
Lilly: "Check you out, Veronica Mars. You're like a rocker chick now. You and I? We'd have a lot of fun together... yeah... if, um, you know, if I wasn't dead and stuff." Veronica: "Why are you here?" Lilly: "Don't you watch any horror movies? My soul is doomed to walk the earth until justice has been served." Veronica: "Really?" Lilly: "Yeah, that, and, as kind of a side project, I dispense fashion advice."
1x07 - The Girl Next Door
Clemmons: "Mr. Echolls, I was wondering if I could have a word?"
Logan: "'Anthropomorphic.' All yours, big guy."
Clemmons: "Oh. [fake laugh] Your father has generously offered to donate a pair of boots for our school fundraising auction."
Logan: "Not the ones made for walking? God, I love those boots."
Veronica: "Think I've got a future in the biz?"
Keith: "I think you've got a future as a highly paid Ivy League-educated executive of some sort who never thinks about private investigation again in her perfect life. Now... let's do something normal fathers and daughters do."
Veronica: "Buy me a pony?!"
Keith: "I was thinking I'd watch TV and you'd rub my feet."
Veronica: "Hmm, yeah, that's normal."
1x08 - Like a Virgin
Veronica: "Well, does this towel make me look fat?"
Meg: "You need something to wear? [they walk out of school with
Veronica wearing a cheerleading uniform] I usually have sweats in my
locker. Sorry."
Veronica: "No, this is perfect. I just have to resist the urge to do a cartwheel."
Meg: "You believe me?"
Veronica: "Meg, you're the last good person at this school. I'd
believe cartoon birds braided your hair this morning. If you want, I can
find who posted that test for you. We'll clear your name and make
somebody pay."
Meg: "Really?"
Veronica: "Unless there's a fairy godmother already on it."
Wallace: "My mom thinks I'm staying at Norman's house." Veronica: "Who's Norman?" Wallace: "Norman is my imaginary, straight-A, Eagle Scout, mama's boy friend." Veronica: "He sounds boring for an imaginary friend." Wallace: "Mom seems to like him."
Veronica: "I need to change the
password on my email account. Someone managed to figure out the old one."
René: "That's why your password
should always include numbers as well as letters. Everyone thinks its fun
to use the name of your dog or boyfriend, but that actually makes it easy
to crack."
Veronica: "My old password was
GJ7B!X."
Veronica: "Am I naked? Because
in my nightmares, I'm usually naked."
Veronica [in voice-over]: "There's something seedy
about being the interruptus in someone else's coitus."
1x09 - Drinking the Kool Aid
Veronica: [voiceover] "Forbidden barn? Check. Implied polygamy? Check. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a cult."
Veronica voice-over: "Do not roll your eyes,
Veronica. You're undercover."
1x10 - An Echolls Family Christmas
Veronica: [tilts head] "Hey."
Weevil: "See, there you go with that head tilt thing. You know,
you think you're all bad-ass, but whenever you need something,
it's all [mimics Veronica's head tilt] 'Hey.'" Veronica: "Just be glad I don't flip my hair. I'd own you."
Logan: "Do you even know how to play poker?" Veronica: "No. But it must be really hard if all you guys play."
1x11 - Silence of the Lamb
Jackson Douglas: "I hear you do detective stuff for people."
Veronica: "I do favours for friends."
Jackson Douglas: "I can pay."
Veronica: "Sit down, friend."
1x12 - Clash of the Tritons Veronica: "I need to ask another favour." Wallace: "This mission better involve me seducing the head cheerleader." Veronica: "I need you to poke around and see if you can get me a fake ID. If you must seduce the head cheerleader in order to accomplish your mission, so be it." Wallace: "No sweat! How do I do it?" Veronica: "Play on her insecurity." Wallace: "I meant getting the fake ID."
Veronica: "Who framed me?"
Rick: "They're called the Tritons. It's a secret society at school."
Veronica: "Why haven't I heard of them? (pauzes) Stupid question."
Veronica: "Hi Dad. Their case is fuzzy and circumstantial." Keith (to Cliff): "You know the odd thing? Those were also her very first words."
Veronica: [surprising the Tritons with a camera] "Hi, everyone! Say 'respressed homosexuality'!"
Veronica: "And I'll be sittin' over here, chillin' like a villain."
Lamb: [reading off of a $50 bill] "Veronica Mars is... smarter than me." Veronica: [slaps Lamb playfully] "Oh, you stop it!"
(Just something to liven it up a bit. Love this song and great vid!)
1x13 - Lord of the Bling
Veronica: "We used to be friends... a long time ago." (Yep, that's from the credits!)
Keith: "How's your sorority
speak?"
Veronica: "Like awesome! Why?"
1x14 - Mars vs. Mars Keith [after Veronica came across his paint bom]: "Honey, you don't have to get all blue in the face." Veronica: "You're patronising me?" Keith: "To be fair, I am your patron."
Weevil: "Look, I got some information for you." Veronica: "Finally! A Deep Throat to call my own." Weevil: "I'm not going to touch that one."
1x15 - Ruskie Business Wallace: "What is it with you girls and your girly-girl drama? What are you now, a love detective?"
Logan's voicemail: "This is Logan with today's inspirational greeting. 'The
future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.'
-Eleanor Roosevelt. Leave a message."
Veronica: "How hard can it be to find an actor named Tom Cruz?"
Wallace: "Tom Cruise? Not as good a private I as I thought"
Veronica: [voiceover] "J. Geils was right. Love stinks. You can
dress it up with sequins and shoulder pads, but one way or another,
you're just gonna end up alone at the spring dance strapped into
uncomfortable underwear."
1x16 Betty and Veronica
Mr. Clemmons: "Veronica. My office. Now." Veronica [sarcastic]: "I love this school." > Mr. Clemmons: "When we arrived this morning, we discovered that Polly was gone." Veronica: "Missing, or ...ffft?" Mr. Clemmons: "Missing!" Veronica: "Someone stole our mascot? Well, let's get to it. You 'know' it was me and I know it wasn't and now I'm suspended or expelled, tarred, feathered..." > Mr. Clemmons: "We don't really have the money to hire a professional, but I have noticed you have certain... skills." > Mr. Clemmons: "And what do you normally charge for something like this?" Veronica: "A lot. Yeah, it's gonna set you back." Mr. Clemmons: "How far back?" Veronica: "Personal letter of recommendation: I'll write it, you'll sign it. My own parking space and... a different locker, preferably in the east hall." Mr. Clemmons: The letter and the locker, fine. But you're not getting your own parking space." Veronica: "Can you get me out of PE?" Mr. Clemmons: "No." Veronica: "How about a few excused absences?" Mr. Clemmons: "How about one?" Veronica: "I'm thinking three." Mr. Clemmons: "Miss Mars...!" Veronica: "You're the one with the missing bird." Mr. Clemmons: "Fine. Two."
Veronica: [as Betty] "At my old school I was Horny! [receives odd looks] We were the Rhinos. I was the mascot."
Veronica voice-over (on the PI life): "A day in the life of a human google. Always in search mode."
Leo: "Just so you know, in my mind that daydream was about me." Veronica: "Oh yeah?" Leo: "I was a little suprised you had me in full armor but... whatever."
Veronica: "Can you do me a weird favour without asking any questions?" Wallace: "Isn't that the bedrock upon which our friendship was founded?"
Leo: "I hate to bribe you, but... I'm fairly certain that aiding and abetting qualifies me for a dinner date." Veronica: "Actually, it qualifies you for a dinner and a movie, but you undershot, so..." Leo: "Damn!"
Duncan: "Students Against Animal Cruelty... They threw the bucket of blood on the homecoming queen a couple of years ago for wearing fur." Veronica: "Bucket of blood. Have we learned nothing from Carrie?"
Veronica voice-over: "What's it gonna be, girly-girl?"
1x17 - Kanes and Abel's
Keith: Guess who stopped by today?"
Veronica: "If you say Josh Hartnett, I'm gonna be so bummed."
1x18 Weapons of Class Destruction
[Veronica enters the house after kissing deputy Leo goodnight.]
Keith: "Veronica, we need to talk."
Veronica: [in Southern accent] "He's a fine gentleman, Pa. He'll come up with the dowry to marry me, just you wait."
Logan (to undercover agent Ben): "Dream on, Jump Street."
Mac: "What did you ever do before you met me?" Veronica: "Ever see the first ten minutes of 2001: A Space Odyssey? It was a lot like that."
Norris: "So, this is my weapon collection." Veronica: "You must feel really safe at night, when the dragons come." Veronica: "Mac, if you were planning the Apocalypse on Friday, would you ask someone out on a date for that weekend?" Mac: "Me? That's the only way I'd ask someone out."
1x19 - Hot Dogs
Logan: "So, what do you think?" Veronica: "Like, in general? Or is there a specific arena on which you'd like my opinion?" Veronica: "You prank-called Mandy?" Lenny: "What if I did?" Veronica: "Well, I want to congratulate you. Shake your hand. Congratulations! You've been named the world's biggest cockroach. This award is given in recognition in your unparalleled lack of decendy and humanity. Bravo. You're going to die friendless and alone." Lenny: "Hey, everyone knows you're the biggest..." Veronica: "Shut up! If I want you to speak, I'll wave a snausage in front of your nose. You use Mandy again to convince yourself you're not a loser, I will ruin your life. Got it?"
Logan: "Hey, I need your help." Veronica: "Would it be weird for me to start my own drinking game? Like, I have to do a shot every time someone asks for my help?"
Veronica: "Can I ask you kind of a weird question?" Leo: "Do you ask any other kind of questions?"
Mac: "So... the bounty on Duncan. What's my share? Eight? Ten?" Veronica: "Ten! (holds out a ten dollar bill) But you drive a hard bargain." Mac: "I meant percent."
Mac: "Man, Veronica. Have you ever asked for help with anything normal?" Veronica: "What fun would that be?"
Veronica: "It's all fun and games until one of you gets my foot up your ass."
Logan [with Veronica's car]: "But why take the bus when you can drive your very own rustbucket? I had my dad's driver pick it up. Full of fresh stolen parts, ready to go."
1x21 - A Trip to the Dentist Keith: "Buenos dias. I know. Of all the countries under military dictatorship in all the world..." Duncan: "So, did they give you the jet to take me back home? Or am I supposed to click my heels? Veronica: "You wrote 'slut' on my car last year at Shelly's party. Why?" Madison: "Because 'whore' had too many letters." Veronica: "Ugh. This is why I need to keep my walkie-talkies in my car. Muck." Wallace: "Really? The dirt? See, I find I hardly need my walkie-talkies at school at all. But that's me."
1x22 - Leave it to Beaver
Wallace [after being pulled into the girls bathroom by Veronica]: "My 'blonde pulling me into the girls bathroom'-fantasy? Ruined." Veronica and Wallace (simultaneously): "Do me a favor?"
Veronica (to Keith): "You're not trying
to burn a hole through a stack of paper using only the power of your stare
again?"
(Some quotes you might recognize by now -
some are also from season two and three,
so you know what's in store :P)
Season 2
2x01 - Normal is the Watchword Veronica: "Give me your hands, look into my eyes and swear to that fact." Kelvin: "Veronica, I swear that there is no possible way I could've failed that drug test." Veronica: "Hm." Kelvin: "So am I lyin'?" Veronica: "I don't know." Kelvin: "Then what was all that for?" Veronica: "I just wanted to see if you'd do it."
Wallace: "You didn't call me back last night." Veronica: "Don't go gettin' all girl on me."
Keith: "So. Senior year. How was your first day of school, honey?" Veronica: "Great. I beat up a freshman, stole his lunch money, and then skipped out after lunch." Keith: "What, no premarital sex?" Veronica: "Oh, yeah. Yes. But don't worry, Dad. I swear you're gonna like these guys." Keith: "That's my girl." Veronica: "I missed you." Keith: "Ah, I missed you too. Now where's my turkey pot pie, woman?"
Keith: "What's up, honey?" Veronica: "Wallace is having a little trouble giving me a urine sample." Keith: "Can't you talk on the phone and paint your nails like other girls?"
Wallace: "So, what's the plan?"
Veronica: "We're gonna scare 'em."
Wallace: "How is that gonna help me?"
Veronica: "Well... it'll be fun."
2x02 - Driver Ed Wallace: "Watcha doin'?" Veronica: "Remembering why I'm a misanthrope."
Student: "This chick just came out of nowhere, slammed into it. Just pow!" Wallace: "You know who it was?" Student: "Some blonde chick. She had a nice ass, but I'd never seen her before." Wallace: "See, but now if that's all you got, I gotta go look at every decent-assed blonde chick in the school."
Lamb: "What are you up to, Veronica?"
Veronica:
"Last question, actually. 'Why do you want this
position?' Honestly - and really tell me the truth - how much of an
ass-kiss would I be if I admit it's to be close to you? [Lamb
pulls out her chair] Seriously, why do birds suddenly appear everytime
you're near?"
2x04 - Green-eyed Monster Veronica [in voice-over]: "Every day. That's what Meg's dad said. What's Duncan doing at the hospital?" (phone rings)
Julie: "Do you think he still loves her?" Veronica: "I don't know... What? Who is this?"
Veronica [to Duncan when they hear a knock on the door and he doesn't want her to be seen]: "Oh, sorry, should I hide in the bedroom like a hooker? Perfect!"
2x05 - Blast from the Past
Mr. Wu: "As you know, Homecoming season is upon us." Veronica: "Much like the plague."
Jackie: "I think she hit every store in the mall." Veronica: "Except for Unicornicopia!"
2x06 - Rat saw God
Cliff: "My name is Cliff and I'll be your 'If you cannot afford an attorney'-attorney."
Douglas (played by Joss Whedon!!!!): "Okay, uh, that's a LeSabre." Veronica: "What did they call that awesome colour? It was..." Douglas: "White? That's called white." Veronica: "Yup." Douglas: "Yeah. That particular car is rented right now, but I can get you a Regal with moonroof in teal for two-fifty a week, not including tax and liability, which'd be a great way to go and see Stain." Veronica: "Duh. Stain-duh. Gosh, that is more than I thought. Um, you wouldn't happen to have anything like... forty?" Douglas: "No." Veronica: "Oh." Veronica: "Wow. Where'd you learn that interrogation technique?" Wiedman: "Harvard. That's a pretty convincing hysterical routine you got. Where'd you learn that?" Veronica: "Watching cheerleading tryout results."
2x08 - Ahoy, Mateys!
Veronica: "What's this four-week gap here?"
Mac: "Oh, they went on a little sabbatical."
Veronica: "Do you know why?"
Mac: "I suspect to torture me. Then they came back and Cap'n Krunk wasn't on anymore and it blew. So I stopped listening."
Veronica: "The show's still on?"
Mac: "A bastardized sub-par version of the show's still on."
Veronica: "Any way to find out where they're broadcasting from?"
Mac [pauzes, stares at Veronica, who looks quizzically at Mac's failure to proceed. Veronica nods her head forward in an 'and...?']: "Yes. ...Sorry, I was just seeing how long we could have a
conversation with your side only being questions."
[Veronica scoffs in an 'as if' manner]
Mac: "We can track the
signal."
Veronica: "Wow."[takes a breath to ask another question, then catches herself, thinking quickly how to rephrase it] I'd be interested to know if you had the capabilities to track said signal." [nods her head in satisfaction as Mac narrows her eyes and stares at her. They both laugh]
Mac: "Look, I'm happy to be the Q to your Bond, but crime
pays. Technologically-assisted mystery solving? Costs. You wanna play
find the crappy radio broadcast, momma's gonna need a few things from
Radio Shack."
2x09 - My Mother, the Fiend Trina: "You... should audition for the play! You can audition using anything. Frankly, we need some pretty girls." Veronica: "Yeah, thanks anyway, I don't act." Trina: "Oh, acting's overrated. You've got a presence, sweetie. Listen, we'll catch up later. Right now, my company needs me. The play is my master and I am its whore!"
2x12 - Rashard & Wallace go to the White Castle Logan: "Look, Veronica, can you just once save my ass without comment?" Veronica: "No. Because saving your ass with comment, it just... it works better for me."
2x13 - Ain't No Magic Mountain High Enough
Mrs. Hauser: "What wonderful mountains, Madison!"
Madison: "Thank you, Mrs. Hauser!"
Veronica: "Oh, Madison, you have a little..."
Madison: "What? Brown? Because I'm a brown-noser?"
Veronica: "No. Glitter. Because you're a fairy princess!"
2x16 - The Rapes of Graff
Dick: "My suspicion is you're afraid to embrace your true nature."
Logan: "Yeah, which is?"
Dick: "We are lone wolves, dude. High-plains drifters, life takers and heart breakers."
Logan: "Who play video games all day."
2x17 - Plan B
Weevil: "Need your help."
Veronica: "Augh, if I had fifty bucks every time someone said that..."
Weevil: "Look, I know it's a drag being you -"
Veronica: "No, seriously, I'm gonna need fifty bucks if you expect me to keep listening."
Weevil: "Well, I'm banking on, uh, curiosity getting the better of you."
Veronica: [walks away, starts to slow down and turns around] "... All right, tell me! Damn my curiousity!"
Mac: "This serves as a pre-emptive apology for the conversation that's about to take place. Okay. And... Beaver and I occasionally, you know... uh, make out." Veronica: "Mmm. I made out once. Back in the day... I think he had me pinned up against a wooly mammoth." Mac: "So not that I'm an expert in this sorta stuff, but four months, typical high school boy, there should be some... under the... bra action, no?" Veronica: "Let me consult my Idiot's Guide to Wanton Behaviour. Basically, you're asking me because I'm the sluttiest person you know?" Mac: "Uh, 'slutty' is your word choice. Mine was 'worldly'."
2x18 - I Am God
Ms. James: "Something you want to talk about?"
Veronica: "Yeah, but Jennifer Love Hewitt might be more qualified."
Ms. James: "How's that?"
Veronica: "I'm being haunted. And.......she's the Ghost Whisperer. These are the jokes."
Veronica [in voiceover]: "Sometimes, opportunity doesn't knock. It waits for everyone to go to lunch and sneaks in using a key."
2x20 - Look Who's Stalking
Veronica: "Mac, you really do look—"
Mac: "Don't distract me. I'm planning how to kill you and make it look like an accident."
(Another fun one, just to get the intonation right ;-))
Season 3 3x01 - Welcome Wagon
Veronica: "Boom goes the dynamite."
Veronica: "They were magically delicious. And they served me! Boo-yeah!"
3x05 - President Evil
Veronica: "Thank you! Good night! Here all week. Try the veal. And, scene."
Veronica: "Say hallo to my leettle friend." 3x08 - Lord of the Pi's Veronica: "Hey, Fern. What up, girl?" Fern: "What do you want, Buffy... Tiffany... whatever your name is?" Veronica: "The Female Voice in Celtic Literature." I am woman, hear me bore."
3x14 - Mars, Bars
Veronica: "Yo, pops, check it out. This girl ain't gonna be nobody's bitch. You better reco'nize."
Keith: "What's that on your arm?"
Veronica: "I've had some free time. And, no, I didn't help
Josh escape. Not intentionally. It turns out he's allergic to peanuts.
His plan was to take advantage of my kindness."
Keith: "That's got to be the first time that's worked for anybody."
Veronica [to her dad]: "You bring my harmonica? I've got the blues, pa, the sittin'-in-my-jail-cell blues."
Cliff: "Who wants out of jail?"
Veronica: "I do! I do!"
3x15 - Papa's Cabin
[In the cafeteria, Veronica looks bemused as Wallace reports on Logan and Parker's lunchtime tête-à-tête]
Wallace: "I'm just telling you this because it looked like it was something, like they were connecting... What?"
Veronica: "I'm just trying to figure out which Gilmore Girlyou are."
3x17 - Debasement Tapes
Wallace: "So, are you surviving?"
Veronica: "Surviving what?"
Wallace: "Helping Piz. You know, his puppy dog eyes on you all the time."
Veronica: "It's weird. Like you said, normal Piz. Like nothing ever happened."
Wallace: [amused] "Which bothers you, because making out with you is supposed to be some life-changing experience."
Veronica: "I don't know. I just... Why are we talking about this?"
Wallace: "I thought you liked these kind of conversations"
Veronica: "No."
Wallace: "I was hoping we could follow it up with a cuteness countdown of the Baldwin brothers."
Veronica: "I hope we're still friends after I taser you."
3x20 - The Bitch is Back
Chip: "What do you want"?
Veronica: "Who sent you that video?"
Chip: "Don't know, don't care."
Veronica: "You don't care now. But holy crap! Are you gonna care when I start to get my revenge on. You'll be doing all sorts of carin'."
Mac: "You're like Kirk in Wrath of Khan. You refuse to believe in the no-win scenario."
Veronica: "You're like one of the nerds from Revenge of the Nerds with your Star Trek references."
Piz: "You know, you're adorable when you surveil."
(Wish I could make vids like this! This one also reminds me of the great acting... Awesome!)
I'm also reading a book right now about Veronica Mars, it's where the inspiration for this blog came from (as well as a rewatch ;-) ). It's full of extra information with introductions to every paper by Rob Thomas - the creator. So if you're interested it's Neptune Noir: Unauthorized investigations into Veronica Mars. Edited by Rob Thomas with Leah Wilson, published by SmartPop.
Note: A lot of people have mentioned that Buffy and Veronica (talking about the shows now) have similarities. And they are absolutly right. The book mentioned before, also mentions Buffy and/or Joss Whedon several times. Joss Whedon himself has starred in it, so have Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and several others. So if you are a Buffy fan and haven't seen Veronica Mars yet, be sure to give it a try!
For more quotes, because there are simply too many to name here:
Sometimes I feel really down. There's no real cause of it, but it just overcomes me. Writing about it in some kind of poem is what helps me feel better. And this is one of those creations that came out of it. Afterwards I felt happy again. It's so weird... Anyway, I guess that's the background story on this one.
It’s one of
those days
Where there’s
nothing you want
Nothing
seems good or fun
While in
the back of your mind
You know
that your life has just begun
The world
is filled with wonderful things
Possibilities
for adventures
Choices
that can make or break your life
But today
is one of those days
that you
can’t seem to take that dive
You’re
young and at the prime of your life
Yet you sit
in a chair or lie in your bed
Thinking
about how lucky you should feel
While you
just hit rock bottom,
and it’s
one of those days
You can be
happy with sunshine
Or simply
enjoy the wetness of the rain
But it’s
like your heart is breaking inside your chest
Without
reason, without cause
Because
today is just one of those days
Then it gets better and there's light in your life. Some kind of weight has been lifted, And you're hoping it stays. I guess... it's just one of those days.
On June 30th the Viva Las Vega's Food Festival took place. It was the last day of the Veggie Challenge for me (though you can also try a month longer or start on July first) and it was a day to look at all the delicious alternatives there are for animal food products... and more!
That's a month
The Veggie Challenge ended for me that weekend. A month without any meat at all and once a week as a vegan. As mentioned in my previousblogs (note: two links here :P), it doesn't have to be so difficult. But there were some challenges that I failed to conquer. One of them was one I spend a couple of days with my parents. My mother knows I love this very difficult and time consuming recipe with fish and she made it for me. I then told her that I really love it, but that I couldn't eat it because I entered the Challenge. She looked so hurt and tired that I said I'd make an exception and just pick the pieces of fish out. But as it turned out, they were really small and I ended up eating some.
There was another incident, also at my parents house. We got home late after the Viva Las Vega's Food Festival and ordered Chinese. I ordered some things that could have been veggie, but we forgot to say it and I ended up eating some chicken :S. I found out to late, and we had people over, so I couldn't exactly spit it out... So I ate it, even if I didn't really like it. So those are my little challenges/mistakes during the past month. But all in all I think I did really well. Unfortunatly - and I'm really bummed about this - I didn't succeed in the Challenge :(, but I did eat less meat and other animal products (like honey, eggs and cheese) than I would have so that's still a win in my book.
As for my last vegan meal. I loved it. I made Mexican wraps, with very easy products and it was very nice. I did make it with soy product instead of meat of course, but it was really good. It had a lot of taste and I'll definitely make it again. Other than that, I love the different spreads and salades I had during this month. So even though the Challenge ended, I'll keep eating something vegan every now and then. Just because it's good for the environment, the animals and of course my own body. I also like being creative with food and finding new recipes and these are all fun things to be busy with when you have the time (and of course money). Because I entered this Challenge I know where to find some recipes and I'm really excited to try some of those out. So that's another reason for doing it. I don't think I'll ever eat completely vegan, I won't overdo it (in my own words and no offense), but within my limits I'll keep eating/drinking vegan food and drinks. Because they are just as delicious and every little bit helps ;-). It will also keep me healthy (more vegetables for one), which is always good in my book. One thing I learned and will probably keep doing is looking at ingredients. Just knowing what I'm actually eating was very interesting for me. So that's what I'm taking with me from this past month.
Food, Films and other Festivities!
But of course the main activity was the festival. An initiative of young vegans to introduce people to a vegan and/or veggie life style. And even though it was a Food Festival it had so much more. It started around noon and until five there would be stands. Then at six o'clock they organised a vegan BBQ, after which there was time to party at Club V. Now that's a full day!
The market was free for everyone, but they also organised several workshops in which professional cooks would teach the people who signed up for it (bought tickets) to make certain delicious foods. Like cupcakes, but also some kind of vegan pigs in a blanket. It was sold out weeks before the festival, with the exception of kid workshops. So it was a very busy day for some people.
The 'market' (?) consisted of stands with a lot of people promoting their business. Most of them were for food: delicious cupcakes, burgers, sushi, chocolates, spreads, popsicles and much more. Some of them you could try out for free, but others you had to pay for. And it proved to be a succes, because some had sold out or had to get extra because they didn't bring enough. We also had really good weather, and that's always a plus. It was outside and rain wouldn't help with that. But - as I said - it wasn't just about food. One stand sold vegan shoes! Can you believe that? You could also traid your clothes for other ones (kind of second hand, but you wouldn't have to pay for it) and there were natural beauty products. I don't remember all the names, but one of them was LUSH. A brand/company I've know for a couple of years now. They have really amazing things!
(for more information: check www.lush.nl)
Then there's my (extra) reason for being there: My sister got in touch with this company in New York that makes totally vegan clothing (they even use PET-bottles for some of the clothes). It's called Vaute Couture and it's so cool! Anyway, they are thinking about branching out I believe and my sister arranged for them to get a stand. Her boyfriend and me would stand there and sell it for them. That way we could see if people were interested. And that's what we did. We had a lot of smaller sizes, so that was a little unfortunate, but we sold about half of what we had. I'd say it was a succes! It was so much fun to talk to people about it and see how other people also cared so much about this cause. And the clothes were absolutely amazing, so why wouldn't people like it ;-).
One other thing I helped my sister with was the movies. They showed a film program, because after walking all day or taking part in the workshops people may want to sit down for a while. So I helped to find some (short) movies that put vegans and/or animals in a positive light (instead of all those documentaries that would scare you out of eating fish or meat). I really wanted to see them myself (of course!), but unfortunately I was so busy selling clothes that I just didn't have the time. Several titles were Tegan the Vegan, Charlotte's Web and Vegan Love. The maker of this movie has his own blog and tries to use vegan film material as well, which is really interesting.
Check out his blog www.veganfilmmaker.com, you can also see Vegan Love there!
My sister was a volunteer and in the organisation, so she was busy a lot of the time. Good thing we could help her out. I was there around eleven in the morning and helped out until half past three. Then I walked around a bit myself (with my parents who had just finished with a workshop/meal themselves) and them we went home. So I didn't go to the BBQ, even though I was really curious and it sounded heavenly. And I didn't go to Club V, but then again, it wasn't really for me I think. Could have been fun, but I had a lot of busy days (with graduating, my dad's birthday and helping out at the festival) so I could use an early night.
The festival was definitely a succes and I really hope there will be another one next year! It really succeded my expectations, because they showed how much is out there and how easy and fun all this veggie/vegan stuff can be. They really deserve a round of applause and I'm glad I was a part of it.
So it's finally official. I graduated in february, but I now have my diploma :). It's one of the reasons why I haven't blogged as much the last couple of weeks. Other than my graduation I've also been busy with the Viva Las Vega's Food Festival and, well... work. It's not a great job and just a summer job, but at least it pays some bills. It's very hard work and I have to get up early for it, so by the time I get home I'm exhausted. But now that I'm officialy graduated, who knows, I might have better luck finding a job I actually studied for.
Celebrating
In all the job searching and other work, as well as having my parents, sisters and my sisters fiancé over for lunch, I completely forgot how big this actually is. I knew there would be a small ceremony with a couple of other graduates and of course some professors would be there, but I've been so busy that I totally forgot to be nervous. My luck was actually that I didn't have to defend my thesis. Also, I had been graduated on paper since February, so I didn't make it into a very big deal. My family coming over for lunch was a bigger deal at the moment, because we have workers in our house who are building an extra room. My job was to clean everything for my family as well as making sure I had enough room for everyone. And it totally worked out. I had to borrow an extra chair, but other than that it was a lot of fun. It was also my Dad's birthday, so I gave him my presents during lunch. I think sharing this day with family and friends is really the way it should be. They were there for me during all my hard work and problems and cramm sessions (?). After lunch we went to the city (we had some time to kill) and shopped a little. Then we went to where the graduation ceremony was being held. There we would meet one of my best friends and my uncle, who both got me flowers :). We catched up and took some pictures. Oh, and did I mention it was a beautiful day? It really was wonderful! Of course in all my distraction I forgot that I was supposed to wear something fancy. With it being a sunny and warm day and my family coming over, I was wearing short jeans and a top. Not exactly graduation clothing and it's probably the only thing I would change about that day if I could :P.
Kind words
The ceremony began with a nice introduction by one of my professors. The ceremony was also in small groups, so we could bring our family and friends. Our group consisted of four other graduates and I was fourth (it's a last name thing... what else?). I was actually a little bit surprised that I wasn't last. One by one we were being called up there. First the mentor (or if he/she couldn't make it, one of the professors present) would read/give a speech he/she wrote for the graduate which told something about that persons character, studies and of course thesis. In some cases also something extra: one of the graduates also found a job, another one got a boyfriend out of her internship - always fun. During this speech the graduate had to sit in a chair, while of course family or friends would walk around taking pictures. After the speech was finished we had to go from one chair to another and sign our diploma - another picture moment, shake hands and we got a bag with a present, a list of our grades and something to keep our diploma safe.
My turn: I really love my family and they even cheered for me when my name was called out (it made me think of one of those moments in Gilmore Girls, haha). Unfortunatly my own mentor couldn't be there, but he did write a laudatum which I was kinda nervous about. You never know what someone is going to say about you. His really was a treat! He talked about good qualities, my internship (me working overtime) and my interest, such as social media and fan culture. He even brought up my being a fan of Buffy. And once again my family (especially my sisters I believe) couldn't keep quiet and said something like 'she still is'. Anyway, my fandom also is what brought my attention to the subject of my thesis and that's why he mentioned it. It was a really funny, entertaining and personal speech, which added to my happiness of the day. One thing that totally made me blush is that he called me a 'doctor'. It just sounds so cool! As of that moment I am now a Master of the Arts, Film and Television Studies :D.
After everyone got their diploma, the professor also spoke to the guests, because he knows how much support they must have given the graduates and he is so right about that. They deserve some credit too!
Afterwards I went to the professors, because I really liked to have the written speech. I also spoke to him about Buffy. Years ago he was my professor and I mentioned that I am a massive Buffyfan. He then told me that he didn't 'get' it or the fans, so now I wanted to talk about it again. He said that he still didn't get it, though he's warming up to it. He even told me that he used one episode 'the one in which they don't talk' ('Hush') in one of his classes. I really love that and I even told him something like 'well, there you go. Wisdom comes with age'. Yep, it was pretty awesome.
Cocktails
After the ceremony we went to the 'reception area' and I was congratulated by everyone officially and I got my flowers. Afterwards we walked my friend to the bus stop and me and my family went to Hemingway's to get a drink and celebrate. First I ordered tea cos my uncle was buying, but I did feel like celebrating so... My uncle bought me my first cocktail :P. And I wasn't the only one. My sister, her fiancé and my uncle all had a cocktail. I really liked it. It's something extra to remember this day by. We did have to drink fast though, because we had reservations for dinner. We went to this asian/tapas place and it was absolutely delicious. They had lots of little 'tapas' to choose from, like meat, fish and/or veggie so there was something for everyone. At dinner I also wanted to thank everyone, because I care a lot about my family and it was amazing that they were all there. It was a Friday afternoon, so they had to take the day off and that hasn't always been easy in the past. Of course, when I said this to my family, I got comments from them about 'how much I must have been drinken' or 'how easily I get drunk'. Well, what are families for right?
Now the real world can begin
Well, sort of. Like I said, I've been looking for a job for months. I kinda have been living in the real world since then, worrying about finding a job to pay the bills and maybe even save something so I can go on a nice vacation or something. Part of me still wants to be a kid and have nothing to worry about, but silly things. Part of me actually loves looking forward to having a job and my own life where I am totally self sufficient. For months I have been sitting at home writing letters and it's good to have summer job now so I can be active again, useful. But of course I much rather have a (dream) job, writing about films and such. Let's hope I'll get there soon enough ;-). At least this day - my graduation day - was a wonderful one I got to enjoy without thinking about all this stuff and just celebrating with the people I love.
I'm kind of a cinephile. It's why I wanted to study movies and television and I'm amazed by how far those media have come in the past couple of 100 years. That's right, movies have been around for more than hundred years. But you don't really get to see the classics that much, nor do they get that much attention. So - to me - it's amazing when a famous director shares his love for movies and finds a way to reach millions of viewers. Does anybody know where I'm going with this? Of course, Martin Scorsese's HUGO! I love this movie and I'll try to make it clear in this review. I hope you enjoy it, because it's a really good movie that I think everyone should see.
The stories (SPOILERS) Hugo Cabaret is the main character in the beginning of the movie. He is twelve year old boy living in Paris of 1931 in the walls of the station. His father, a widower, was a clockmaker working in his own shop as well as a museum. But a fire in the museum killed him and Hugo was taken to the station to work on the clocks there by his uncle. But his uncle soon leaves and Hugo is left all alone, stealing food and drinks, working on his own while staying out of the hands of the station inspector. When he is not working on the clocks, he desperately tries to fix an automaton that his father found at the museum. Hugo believes that that automaton, that looks like a person, has a final message for him from his dad. In order to fix it, he steals parts from the toy store owner 'Papa Georges'. But he gets caught and Papa Georges makes him hand over the notebook with notes about how to fix the automaton and Georges says he will burn it. Hugo can't let that happen and follows him to his home. There he meets Isabelle, an orphan from about his age and Papa Georges' goddaughter. Hugo wants her to get the book back. At first she doesn't want to help without him telling her the big secret, but she sees how much it means to him and agrees the help. The next day, with Isabelle's help, Hugo convinces Georges to give it back. But he will have to work for it. He also learns magic tricks from him and Isabelle and Hugo grow closer together, until one day he finds the heart-shaped key that will fit his automaton around her neck. He takes her to where he lives - in the walls - and shows the automaton. Isabelle is crazy for adventure - 'like in the books' - so they use the key. The automaton starts to draw a picture... of the man of the moon with a rocket in his eye socket. The same movie Hugo's father once described to him. To their bigger suprise, the drawing gets signed by 'Georges Méliès'. That's Papa Georges full name! And that's how the second adventure, leading them to the past, really starts.
They bring the picture to Mama Jeanne and she gets very emotional, but also afraid because Georges can't find out. In order to hide this from him, she tells the children to get in a room and be really quiet. When they go looking in the room they find a box full of drawings, pictures and screenboards from Georges work. At that moment Papa Georges walks in and is very distraught. Hugo must leave, but this isn't the end for Isabelle and Hugo. They go to the book store and the owner recommends a film book. While they are debating the fact that Méliès' death is described in the book, they meet the writer, Rene Tabard. He brings them to a room full of props, a projecter, camera and the last film still remaining as far as they know from Méliès: Le voyage dans la Lune. The children are filled with wonder and convince him to come meet Méliès himself. Mama Jeanne wants to send him away at once, but after finding out that he has brought the movie with him, the curiousity gets the better of her. While watching the movie Georges walks in and finally opens up. About how he started as an illusionist and experimented with film. How succesful his business was and how World War One destroyed it all. Nothing of his creations still exist and that's what also destroyed him. Hugo knows that this isn't true, because he has the automaton. So he quickly runs home to get it, but is cought by the station inspector. At that moment Méliès turns up and takes Hugo in his care. The movie ends with a ceremony that pays tribute to Méliès his creations, stating that by that time more than 80 films of his have been recovered and restored (out of the 531).
What started out as a sweet and innocent story about a boy living in a train station, turns into a beaufitul homage to the history of moving pictures. For those who know more about it, there are specific references to some of the first movies ever made. One of the things I love about it. But there is so much more. Like the great acting skills, especially by Chloe Grace Moretz and Ben Kingsley. Chloe's Isabelle is very touching and inspiring, because she sees the adventure in everything (and yes, she does make you think of Audrey Hepburn from time to time). There's an interesting dynamic between books and movies and so many other themes, that I can go in to detail about. But that would simply take to long, so I'll focus on the award winning part of the movie: The technology.
From the first experiments to the latest technology When movies have some kind of extra message or meaning in.behind them (either in general or just to me) that makes me love them that much more. All About Steve is one of them and Hugo is another. The beautiful thought behind this movie is in bringing together the history of movies in one film. It's not the entire history, but the beginning. Hugo focuses on the story of Méliès. A man who started as an illusionist and began using film after a while. During my studies I have learned about him and I saw some of his movies. This movie not only tells his story, but also shows his (short) movies in the picture.... in 3D! Scorsese actually found a way to turn some of the very first movies EVER into 3D picture. Talk about bringing things to a full circle. He also manipulated some of the material to put Helen McCrory (who plays Georges' wife/Jeanne in the movie) in the 'old' footage. One of the wonderful things about this movie is also the fact that movies back then were shot in black and white. Later they would paint them frame by frame (yes, that is also an actual line from the movie). It brings it more to life, but it's never as good as the real thing. Because Scorsese focused on the life of Méliès and goes back to the beginning through flashbacks, we also get a (fake) look behind the scenes of one of the first fantastical filmmakers of all time. And this just looks magical. All the colours are so bright and festive and it's seriously a treat. Like you're at a carnaval or a spectaculair theatre show, while actually being in the movies. And yes, the 3D-effect totally helps in this case.
That what's it made for I have seen my share of 3D movies. And more than not, I found it completely pointless. It's just a way of getting the audience to spend more money on movies and getting them away from the tv/computer screen where people can watch movies illegally - because you can't get 3D at home. I've seen Step Up 3D, where it didn't add anything... and that's usually the case. But then there's Hugo...In the first minute I knew this was better. Because in those minutes you already feel like you're in the movie. And that's what this technology was invented for. The way the camera flies over Paris and towards the station, you feel like you're doing it. For real! So it's no suprise that Hugo took home the five Oscars for Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Art Direction and Visual Effect, because they all make this experience happen. It's so well deserved. And I just realized I wrote it now, but seeing this movie it's not just seeing a movie. It goes back to the wonder of cinema: experiencing the story, instead of simply watching. That's the way it was intended a centennial ago and that's what Scorsese brought back. Hugo truly is a masterpiece with no equal.
EYE Film Institute Netherlands The first time I came across this movie was at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam. Unfortunatly it was already sold out, so later I went with my uncle. It was his first 3D movie, and let me tell you, it's probably the best way to start with this movie (as I explained above). But of course this is a movie you can watch over and over, especially if you love movies and it's history. So when I got a chance to go to a special 'Magical Méliès night' at the new EYE Film Insitute Netherlands in Amsterdam, I took it!
This night truly was magical, because just as about 100 years ago, we got to watch two of Méliès's restored films: Le voyage dans la Lune (1902) and Les quatre cent farces de diable (1906). Of this last one, Scorsese actually used 30 seconds in the movie itself of EYE's own collection. That's pretty cool! And even better was that we got to experience it the way that the audience did back them: with live piano music. That was so amazing. The music was really beautiful and to see a movie like that, was something you don't get to do everyday. We also got an introduction by Jan Doense, a fantastical film expert, which was both interesting and fun. One of the fun facts? Méliès was half Dutch! Who knew right? Well, apparently it's on Wikipedia, so that means everybody. But still a nice fun fact. All in all, this was a night to remember, or in one word: magical!
