Monday, December 31, 2012

December 2012 Books and Movies

Young People F*cking

The title says it all. There is a whole lot of graphic sex and nudity in this film. Be that as it may, the film itself isn't very well acted (with the exception of Sook Yin Lee), written or shot, although I loved the NYC setting.  I applaud the Canadian filmmaker Martin Cero's attempt to make something real that doesn't shy away from what some see as a taboo subject.

This is 40

I wasn't expecting more than a big budget Hollywood comedy with a few cheap laughs that were already given away in the trailer, but I was pleasantly surprised. Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann (who is director Judd Apatow's wife) have fantastic chemistry and great sparring scenes. I was really touched by the scenes with the kids and how real they seemed, then found out why. They are Apatow and Mann's own children. :) I laughed quite a bit, which is not usual for a Hollywood comedy, which can only be a good sign. Definitely check it out on Netflicks or similar.

The Mystery of Mercy Close
Marian Keyes

Reading the long anticipated 5th book in the Walsh sister series was absolutely delicious. Keyes is in fine form once again and it was a delight from start to finish. It was really good to finally find out why Helen was so quirky in all the other books. Her depression was prominent to the storyline, but didn't detract from the plot. The Laddz characters tied over from Sushi For Beginners was a brilliant choice. The only thing that makes me sad is that there won't be any more books in this series unless maybe there is one about Mammy Walsh. I'm so glad Marian Keyes is feeling better and writing again, but as I've said before, even if she never wrote another page, it was great to have had the chance to enjoy her work.