Love and Other Drugs

I thought it was a typical boy-meets-girl and then boy-gets-girl movie. The story surprised me. The acting was top-notch and the chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal was palpable. The end part was unexpectedly touching and heart-wrenching. It was a good mix of comedy, drama and romance with a dose of witty lines in between.

127 Hours

Based on a true story, this movie is simple yet gripping. The plot revolved in a life-and-death situation that can trigger something natural within, like a reflex to a threat. I found myself screaming and getting thirsty while watching this. I love the cinematography and the movie lines. I am not a James Franco fan, but the acting was superb. It's not really spectacular, but it is emotional. There are no special effects and scary makeup or costumes, but it can take you to the edge of your seat.

10 Simple Truths Smart People Forget

Click this to view the web page.

#1 – Education and intelligence accomplish nothing without action.

#2 – Happiness and success are two different things.

#3 – Everyone runs their own business.

#4 – Having too many choices interferes with decision making.

#5 – All people possess dimensions of success and dimensions of failure.

#6 – Every mistake you make is progress.

#7 – People can be great at doing things they don’t like to do.

#8 – The problems we have with others are typically more about us.

#9 – Emotional decisions are rarely good decisions.

#10 – You will never feel 100% ready when an opportunity arises.

Thanks!

Thanks to those who hated me, you made me feel stronger.

Thanks to those who loved me, you made my heart grow fonder.

Thanks to those who cared, you made me feel important.

Thanks to those who entered my life, you made me who I am today.

Thanks to those who left, you showed me that nothing lasts forever.

Thanks to those who stayed, you showed me true friendship.

Thanks to those who listened, you made me feel I was worth it.

***edited some of the words from the photo attached. Credits included on the photo itself. =)

Mary and Max

"Mary and Max" will always be one of those claymation (clay animation) that has a special place in my heart. I didn't have an idea what this film was about at first. I was attracted to the cover illustration and got more curious when I read the blurb. The movie is about an unusual but long-lasting and meaningful friendship. It all started when an 8-year old girl from Australia had an impulse to write to and a man who has Asperger's Syndrome in New York. Despite the age differences and being continents apart, the characters are rather quite similar in more ways than one. The beginning was light, funny and enjoyable, but as the story goes on, it plot evolves and discusses heavy themes including a psychological eye-opener. The animation was wonderfully crafted. The story is sweet, touching, and heartbreaking. I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat at the end of it. =)