How to Properly Watch a Movie

Blog

It’s easy to plop in bed with the same clothes you’ve have had on since yesterday and binge watch all episodes of Tiger King.

I love SUV: Special Victims Unit as much as the next person. HOWEVER, this is serious people. Society is trying to dilute the power of cinema. As more people plop in front of their screens after a long day at work, watching a movie at home is now seen as “escapism.” Let’s do more than mindlessly exist in front of ours screens.

Here are three ways steps to ensure you watch a movie properly:

First: Set the scene

I like to start with fixing up my bed and making some tea. This week’s favorite has been Peppermint with a dash of honey.

I love the Traditional Medicinal teas, especially during this time of year because it helps keep me hydrated and the peppermint smells super fresh :). Read some article the other day about the benefits of turmeric so I bought it. Also saw a YouTube video about how honey makes a wonderful natural face mask. You probably weren’t interested in that but I decided to tell you anyway.

If you are looking for the BEST detox facemask while you are watching a movie I recommend this one by teami 🙂

You’re welcome.

After, I like to dim the lights to prevent glare and turn the volume at just the right speed.

Make sure your pillows are nice and fluffed and the temperature is just right. This isn’t just binge watching. You are watching art come to life.

SECOND: HAVE FOOD READY

Cook your third dinner before you press play. I know this seems simple but when I watch movies with my family they be cooking dinner in the background and it is BEYOND annoying. I love them dearly but trust me, they take cooking noodles to another level.

I don’t know about you but I HAVE to snack on something while I am watching. But the snack depends on Genre.

  • If Romantic . . . chocolate or a tub of Halo Top ice cream
  • If comedy . . . pop corn, soda and pizza
  • If action . . . something light like fruit because I snack in higher frequency as the suspense builds
  • Thriller . . . nothing but water because I’m most likely going to scream and if I get anything on the furniture I will be pissed.
  • Any self exploration movie like Under the Tuscan Sun or Eat Pray Love/ any Sex and the City . . . Thai Food. Always Thai food. Always.

FINALLY HAVE ON THE PERFECT MOVIE OUTFIT

Find your Quarantine Chic

I call this, ” I woke up late and realized I ran out of food so I had to stop by Trader Joes but didn’t feel like getting dressed so I sewed this together and owned it”

Nailed it.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. I usually go for a large college hoodie and some sweat pants to be comfortable 🙂

We can all use a little self care. So tonight (or right now) I encourage you to not only watch your favorite movies/ tv shows but savor them.

Movies touch our hearts, awaken our vision and change the way we see things”

Director Martin Scorsese

Until next time,

Lauryn

Put the QT back in Quarantine

Blog, TV Shows
Screen Shot 2020-03-22 at 2.58.53 PM

Hey family!

This COVID-19 has me out here trying some new stuff. Don’t worry I am staying 6 feet away from people. But after eight days of being in the house, fresh air was definitely needed.

During my time of hibernation social distancing, I decided to watch a new show on Netflix called GLOW UP.

Instead of enchanting you with my rhetoric, this review was made with a dash of iMovie skills and my iPhone 7.

WATCH BELOW:

WARNING: You will want to take cinematography lessons from me after watching this video.

It’s only 5-6 minutes because I have the attention span of a 6-year-old child. Can we talk about this thumbnail image people… someone better take me out the library and teach me this hip YouTube thing.

If you watched my video until the end…you are amazing. Seriously, hats off to you. There are some pretty good bloopers in there. I think the bloopers are longer than the video…

Definitely inherited my father’s cinematography skills.

ANYWAY

Glow Up is breathtaking show about art and beauty coming to life.

What is beauty, you ask? (damn that’s a deep philosophical question that society has been grappling with for centuries…)

Confucius said “Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.”

Popular opinion has told us “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” or “beauty is only skin deep”

I think a freshly printed paper of my final essay the day I have to turn it in to my professor is beautiful. Come on, there is something attractive about a nice looking document. Am I right? #official.

Pizza is also pretty cool. And chocolate too. Damn, do I only see beauty in food? That’s probably because my Quarantine schedule is:

Screenshot 2020-03-20 at 12.30.35

It be like that sometimes.

Glow Up shattered my stereotypical opinions of this through makeup. This show is simply inviting. A cheerful reminder that our colorful collection experiences are worth celebrating. Since we are social distancing, you can try out new looks in the comfort of your home and no one has to know 😉

So change your sweat pants and comb your hair. After watching GLOW UP you’ll be putting the “QT” back in Quarantine.

Stay healthy and home my friends <3

Until next time,

Lauryn 🙂


BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you read? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Click directly on your branded credit card, gift card or debit card logo and donate as a guest! If any problems arise, send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

$5.00

Return of the Matrix!!

Blog

Hello beautiful humans,

Today, Warner Bros. has officially announced that the Keanu Reeves will return for the 4th Matrix.

Literally me right now

This is ground breaking!! I am so excited! As you already know, The Matrix Trilogy has been celebrated since the early 2000s.

And let me reminder you that it will forever be one of the coolest movies of all time.

In school, I remember a group of friends asking me what I wanted to be when I grow up and I honestly said “Trinity.”

Little did I know that being a young adult does not consist of jumping off of buildings, being in love with “THE ONE” and having a closet filled with endless amounts of black leather.

At least I can pay my cellphone bill…

Not to mention, this is one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

BTW: If you didn’t do this while playing dodge ball, during water ballon fights or playing with NERF guns, then who are you?

Was I the only one that started bending metal spoons in restaurants? I felt pretty cool about this until the manager came around and told me that it wasn’t the Matrix and spoons cost money.

To this day, my mother believes I have no table manners…

To make this day even more spectacular, it is rumored that the Matrix reboot will include my man Michael B. Jordan.

sup.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store!! More news to come, and if you hear anything then PLEASE let me know.

In the meantime…I will search the internet for a black leather outfit. . .

Couple Goals


And The Nominees Are….THE SAG AWARDS

Blog

Heyy Reel Family!

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild Awards! I’m so excited partly because I will be attending the viewing party on Jan 27, 2019! ( and they have free popcorn…#goals)

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @laurynrobinson to catch up on all the details! It is going to be an amazing night of awards, friendly faces and great food. Would love for you to be a part of it! (:

SAG-AFTRA is a combination of Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Together, these two labor unions are a collection of actors, journalists, dancers, DJs, directors, hosts, singers, stunt professionals…you name it!

source
TUNE IN JAN 27 8pm EST, 5pm PST on TNT and TBS!

 

In case you have been living under a rock out of the loop, I decided to give you A COMPLETE list of all the nominees for each category….with a spice of commentary. Enjoy!

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

  • A-LIST CELEBRITY EMILY BLUNT ( MARY POPPINS RETURNS)
  • GLENN CLOSE (THE WIFE)
  • OLIVIA COLMAN (THE FAVOURITE)
  • LADY GAGA (A STAR IS BORN)
  • MELISSA MCCARTHY (CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

  • CHRISTIAN BALE (VICE)
  • BRADLEY COOPER ( A STAR IS BORN)
  • RAMI MALEK (BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY)
  • VIGGO MORTENSEN (GREEN BOOK)
  • JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON (BLACKKKLANSMAN)

OH MY GOODNESS….THIS IS A TOUGH ONE. On one hand, Rami Malek was excellent in Bohemian Rhapsody. But Bradley Cooper is Bradley Cooper.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

  • AMY ADAMS (VICE)
  • EMILY BLUNT (A QUIET PLACE)
  • MARGOT ROBBIE (MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS)
  • EMMA STONE (THE FAVOURITE)
  • RACHEL WEISZ (THE FAVOURITE)

Emily Blunt did an excellent job in A Quiet Place. She was so good I thought she was actually in labor during the film!

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

  • MAHERSHALA ALI (GREEN BOOK)
  • TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET (BEAUTIFUL BOY)
  • ADAM DRIVER (BLACKKKLANSMAN)
  • SAM ELLIOT (A STAR IS BORN)
  • RICHARD E GRANT (CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?)

OH MY GOODNESS. I’m conflicted yet again. Mahershala Ali is literally one of the best actors I have seen. But…I bet everyone has a crush on Timothée Chalamet. Who else can rock floral suits and a sparkle harness-ish thing?

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

  • A STAR IS BORN
  • BLACK PANTHER
  • BLACKKKLANSMAN
  • BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
  • CRAZY RICH ASIANS

I can’t. Such amazing choices. What do you do when all the cast members were so charismatic and had wonderful chemistry on screen?! Ugh, can we just know already….

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

  • ANT-MAN AND THE WASP
  • AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
  • THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
  • BLACK PANTHER
  • MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE- FALLOUT

#WAKANDAFOREVER

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

  • AMY ADAMS (SHARP OBJECTS)
  • PATRICIA ARQUETTE (ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA)
  • PATRICIA CLARKSON (SHARP OBJECTS)
  • PENÉLOPE CRUZ ( THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE : AMERICAN CRIME STORY)
  • EMMA TONE (MANIAC)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

  • DARREN CRISS (THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY)
  • HUGH GRANT (A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL)
  • ANTHONY HOPKINS (KING LEAR)
  • BILL PULLMAN (THE SINGER)
  • ANTONIO BANDERAS (GENIUS: PICASSO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

  • LAURA LINNEY (OZARK)
  • ELISABETH MOSS (THE HANDMAID’S TALE)
  • JULIA GARNER (OZARK)
  • SANDRAH OH (KILLING EVE)
  • ROBIN WRIGHT (HOUSE OF CARDS)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

  • JASON BATEMAN (OZARK)
  • BOB ODENKIRK (BETTER CALL SAUL)
  • JOHN KRASINSKI (TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN)
  • JOSEPH FIENNES (THE HANDMAID’S TALE)
  • STERLING K. BROWN ( THIS IS US)

I hope Sterling K. Brown is a winner and gets a chicken dinner because every time I watch This is Us  I can’t help but spontaneously burst into happy tears.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

  • ALEX BORSTEIN (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL)
  • ALISON BRIE (GLOW)
  • LILY TOMLIN (GRACE AND FRANKIE)
  • JANE FONDA (GRACE AND FRANKIE)
  • RACHEL BROSNAHAN (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

  • ALAN ARKIN (THE KOMINSKY METHOD)
  • BILL HADER (BARRY)
  • HENRY WINKER (BARRY)
  • TONY SHALHOUB (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL)
  • MICHAEL DOUGLAS (THE KOMINSKY METHOD)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

  • THIS IS US
  • THE AMERICANS
  • BETTER CALL SAUL
  • THE HANDMAID’S TALE
  • OZARK

Can’t decide between Better Call Saul, Ozark and This Is Us….thoughts?

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

  • ATLANTA
  • BARRY
  • THE KOMINSKY METHOD
  • BARRY
  • THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
  •  

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble In a Comedy or Drama Series

  • GLOW
  • MARVEL’S DAREDEViL
  • TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN
  • THE WALKING DEAD
  • WEST WORLD
  •  

 

That’s all! Thanks for scrolling down all the way to the bottom reading! Please feel free to comment on your thoughts, feelings, emotions, life goals, what you had for dinner, literally whatever (: Also, follow my Instagram @laurynrobinson and tune into the 25th Annual SAG AWARDS on JAN 27 8pm EST, 5pm PST on TNT and TBS!

 


BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you see? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Click directly on your branded credit card, gift card or debit card logo and donate as a guest! If any problems arise, send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

$5.00

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE REEL FAMILY

Glass Movie Review: How M. Night Shyamalan Teaches Us How To Be Our Own Superhero

Blog

*** warning this review contains a few spoilers about the films Split, Unbreakable and Glass 

Writer/Director M. Night Shyamalan is redefining what it means to be a superhero with an unexpected twist. It’s no surprise that Shyamalan is a fan of developing movies with a shared cinematic universe.  Together, Split, Unbreakable and Glass are the “Eastrail 177” Trilogy. It’s a new story. One that appears to be a psychological thriller but uses elements of a classic superhero movie to study the psyche of three very unique characters.

Bruce Willis is David Dunn in Unbreakable, a story about former football player turned unconventional superhero when he discovers his superhuman strength, invulnerability and the ability to see crimes others have committed simply by touching them. Later, the denouement of Split reveals that Kevin Wendell Crumb, the main antagonist, lives in the same world as David Dunn. 

THE ACTORS 

source

Before we get into the storyline let’s talk about the characteristics of the film. Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis were amazing!! But I cannot get over James McAvoy’s performance. OH. MY. GOODNESS.  I don’t know about you, but McAvoy’s ability to play 21 different personalities still gets me EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. Truly a top-rate performance. Homeboy even had a personality that spoke Spanish! Fue incredible y no me lo esperaba. My favorite personalities are Hedwig, Dennis, and Patricia. Dennis acts like he’s the boss. Hedwig’s dialogue is funny and relatable. While Patricia reminds us all that she’s really the HBIC. Although THE BEAST is supposed to give me nightmares, I couldn’t help but notice McAvoy’s abs and biceps. 

Every time he had to take off his shirt to become the beast I was terrified yet intrigued all at the same time….

M O O D
source

I love how the film kept the original cast from the movies! That was an amazing detail and really helped tie all the movies together. There was even footage of Unbreakable that was used as a flashback! Once I saw young Bruce Willis on screen I screamed in the movie theater. “YESSSS THIS IS WHAT EVERY MOVIE NEEDS.” The “This” I am referring to is 1) young Bruce Willis <3 and 2) ACTUAL flashbacks.

*Note: I’m a loud movie watcher so if you ever hear someone screaming at a theater, its probably me. 

ROMANTIC INTEREST?!

When Kevin is placed in a mental institution, Casey Cooke, the sole survivor from Split, visits Kevin…and his 24 other personalities. During the visit, there’s a bit of chemistry between Casey and Kevin. Hedwig, one of the other personalities has a crush on Casey so naturally, he doesn’t like this. But to be real, Casey needs to back up off my man James McAvory. With his incredible performances in Split, Wanted and Glass, he’s shaping up to be one of the hottest actors in 2019. SO HANDS OFF.  

Getting touchy there…
source

THE BIG TAKE AWAY: Don’t let the haters stop you from doing yo thang. EMBRACE YOUR INNER SUPERHERO

There are four Twists in the film:

  1. Kevin’s dad and David Dunn were on the same Eastrail 177 Train 
  2. Mr. Glass is responsible for the Eastrail 177 explosion, killing Kevin’s father.
  3. Dr. Staple is apart of a secret organization dedicated to eliminating superheroes and villains. 
  4. Kevin and Dunn were never supposed to make it to Osaka Tower


All of these are excellent twists in the film, but I’m going to focus on number 3. 

Dr. Ellie Staple is a psychiatrist that specializes in people who believe they are superheroes. Throughout the entire film, she is trying to convince Mr. Glass, Kevin, and David that they don’t have superpowers. According to her, David Dunn is a man with a heightened sense of intuition. Kevin, although he suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), does not have the animalistic “BEAST” personality seen in the last moments of Split. 

But she’s wrong. 

We discover that the crazy Mr. Glass was right. They were all superhumans and Dr. Staple reveals that her organization is responsible for destroying these special types of beings. 

The message: believe in yourself and the superhero in you will rise. 

It sounds cliché, but why does it have to be? There are many times where we loose faith in ourselves. People question our character, ideas, identity and worth. In a split second, we have someone else tell us not to believe in ourselves… and sometimes we listen. We spend years developing the strength to be comfortable in our own skin and for what? Just to have some random person or even a close fake friend tell you something otherwise. I started reflecting. I have experienced some “Dr. Staples” in my own life. People who have tried to list some B.S. reasons why I am not super. Wanna know what I think?

Bish I am super. We don’t have to bust through walls, have 24 personalities or even one good personality for that matter. Embrace who you are and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

I know what you are thinking. This is a lot taken from a film. But you know what? I don’t care. You know why? Because this is who I am. And if you read this far obviously you like what I have to say.

(I appreciate you reading btw, you rock).

Moral of this superhero story: Don’t let the haters stop you from doing your thang. 


BUY ME COFFEE

Like what you see? Donate $5 to buy me coffee so I can have the fuel I need to keep producing great content! If you want to give more, feel free to up the quantity (: No Pay Pal, no worries! Send an email to reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com and you can donate through Square, Inc.

$5.00

If Beale Street Could Talk: Q & A with Barry Jenkins

Blog

Love.

Mr. Barry Jenkins, recognized from his 2016 Oscar Award winning film Moonlight, adapted his incomparable skill of creativity in his newest film If Beale Street Could Talk. Mr. Jenkins was inspired to develop the film after he read James Baldwin’s novel If Beale Street could talk.

The movie centers around two childhood friends: Tish and Fonny.  As they grow up, their dedicated friendships transforms into a warm, deep love and commitment to each other. The film shows loving scenes of Tish and Fonny bathing together. Splashing water around freely and laughing unapologetically. Flashbacks of these moments throughout the movie remind the audience of their genuine respect for eachother.  A positive, pure view of black love.

As their love has become realized, Fonny is accused of rape and sent to jail. Tish’s world is turned upside down and as the audience we are taken on an Tish’s emotional rollercoaster as the love of her life is unexpectedly ripped from her life.

I love how Director Barry Jenkins, chooses to cinematically set the story from Tish’s point of view. Even at her lowest moments, the dialogue of the film brings us back to a positive reality.  

When Tish becomes pregnant with Fonny’s child, there is a scene where her optimism seems to be dwindling away. Regina King, (Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actress) leans over and says to her “ Love is what brought you here. And if you trusted love this far, trust it all the way.”

In a Q & A with Director Barry Jenkins, he responds that the fundamental aspect of the story is Love. I’m guessing he is a pretty big romantic himself  (I mean obvi so am I). Tish and Fonny look at each other in a way that is indescribable (Basically the way I look at food when I’m really…really hungry).  In a world where the institutionalization of the black male is crippling America’s black youth, against all odds, Tish and Fonny remain the same. Even at prison visits, they refer to themselves as “Husband” and “Wife” even though they did not formally become married.

The film’s paradoxes are interesting. Although there is a decent amount of profanity, a hint of nudity, and grim look at an oppressive racial climate, it’s a powerful love story that is appealing to all audiences.


BUY ME A COFFEE

Donate $5 to buy me a coffee so I have the fuel I need to continue producing great content! 🙂

$5.00