Forever-A-Critic: Empire State of Mind... by Jay-Z & featuring Alicia Keys

Monday, September 14, 2009

Empire State of Mind... by Jay-Z & featuring Alicia Keys

Being that both Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are from NY - this only seems right! I was trying to find the video of last night's performance at the VMAs, but no luck.

It was the best performance by far... Pink did awesome as always, Green Day really got the crowd going and Taylor Swift did a pretty cool performance too.

Empire State Of Mind [Jay-Z + Alicia Keys] (Amended Album Version) - Jay-Z

What's playing on my iPod....

Favorite Lines....

"There's no point to any of this. It's all just a... a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know... a Quarter-Pounder with cheese, those are good, the sky about ten minutes before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter become a cackle... and I, I sit back and I smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt."~~Reality Bites [Ethan Hawke portraying Troy Dyer]

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ~~Ferris Bueller's Day Off [Matthew Broderick portraying Ferris Bueller]

"...But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a gran... and an athlete... and a basket case... a princess... and a criminal..." [Breakfast Club, written by John Hughes]

"Every day I come by your house and I pick you up. And we go out. We have a few drinks, and a few laughs, and it's great. But you know what the best part of my day is? For about ten seconds, from when I pull up to the curb and when I get to your door, 'cause I think, maybe I'll get up there and I'll knock on the door and you won't be there. No good bye. No see you later. No nothing. You just left. I don't know much, but I know that." ~~Good Will Hunting [Ben Affleck portraying Chuckie]

"...this is all we need. A couple of smokes, a cup of coffee, and a little bit of conversation. You and me and five bucks."~~Reality Bites [Ethan Hawke portraying Troy Dyer]

"If you see me getting smaller, I'm leaving, don't be grieving, just gotta get away from here. If you see me getting smaller, don't worry, and no hurry, I've got the right to disappear" ~~Country Strong [Gwyneth Paltrow portraying Kelly Canter, quoting Waylon Jennings]

Quotes from FAVORITE actors or musicians....

Literary Quotes

'...if he didn't leave, it would never be his life. It would be theirs.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
'Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.' ~ Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs." - Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
'Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life' ~Tennessee Williams
'Not everyone has a sob story, Charlie, and even if they do, it's no excuse.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower
'And we could all sit around and wonder and feel bad about each other and blame a lot of people for what they did or didn't do or what they didn't know. I don't know. I guess there could always be someone to blame.' ~Stephen Chbosky, the perks of being a wallflower

Films 2012

Argo
Your Sister's Sister
The Amazing Spider Man - Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are really amazing actors and are wonderful together. Any scene with the two of these characters together made the film better.
People Like Us
Savages
Snow White and the Huntsman - wow. it was a great fun film! It dragged a little bit towards the end... but other than that - awesome movie! Loved the film visually and the cast was so perfect. Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and so forth and so forth!
Friends with Kids - One of the best films I've seen this year!
Being Flynn
Haywire - great great cast, but have to admit - i was a disappointed! Maybe I was in a weird mood to watch it but really thought it was going to be a kick ass film.. is it me or did anyone really enjoy this film? Again, love the cast!
The Avengers - Fun film! Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk are my favs (in that order)! I was sad about one part of the film, but don't want to spoil it for anyone. I would highly recommend seeing this on a huge screen.
Bully
The Hunger Games - Good film... the cast was really great. Especially Jennifer Lawrence, who had to carry the movie, just as her character 'Katnis' carried the book and Lawrence succeeded with flying colors. Someone else who stood out for me, Woody Harrelson (always been a fan) - just a real treat. This is why movie theatres were built..to watch films this massive on a massive screen. Go check it out when you get a chance!
Contraband - Film was good.. loved the cast, besides the cool Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale - it was awesome to see Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi, Lukas Haas, David O'Hara, J.K. Simmons and Diego Luna.
The Vow - Huge fan of Rachel McAdams and I think I put too much on this film. The film was good, very sweet. At times, I felt it was dragging a bit, but it was definitely a sweet movie. Not a total chick flick so thats cool if you end up watching it with a boyfriend or someone who isn't really into 'chick flicks'. I was super happy to see Scott Speedman in a big film (he does a lot of small independent films) - so that was a great bonus!
Man on the Ledge - good cast.. but have to admit I was a bit disappointed.
The Five Year Engagement
Dark Shadows
Red Tails
No One Is Safe
Mirror Mirror
The Raven
American Reunion
The Lucky One
The Woman in the Fifth
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Butter
The Dark Knight Rises
The Gangster Squad
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II
Django Unchained
Les Miserables

Most Anticipated Films of 2011

The Descandants - George Clooney was really wonderful in this film! The entire cast was great especially the two kids and the oldest daughters' boyfriend. Just really humorous but yet real. If you haven't seen this yet, please do.
Jane Eyre - wow. really really enjoyed this film! Enjoyed it SO much, ended up picking up a copy of the book and read it within 5 days! Mia Wasikowska as Jane did a FANTASTIC job - really. And my latest obsession, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester - FANTASTIC as well! I really enjoyed him in the X-Men film but wow...can't wait to see him in Haywire, Shame. Literally my favorites scenes were any dialogue between these two - they were just really great to watch and when they were speaking you couldn't turn away for a second.
The Company Men - Really enjoyed this film.. this is not a fast paced film - its about real concerns, real problems. Great cast, Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Craig T. Nelson and the list goes on! Really did enjoy this film...
Beginners - Great film with the legendary Christopher Plummer, the always wonderful & talented Ewan McGregor, playing father & son. Love these guys both - Plummer since I was a child watching him in Sound of Music and McGregor since A Life Less Ordinary & so many others as well. And McGregor's love interest was played by the beautiful newcomer (in the US - known in Europe) miss Melanie Laurent. Great performances, heart warming & at times, emotionally draining - but good movie.
One Day - Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are great actors but something in the first half of the film was a bit off. The first half of the film they were apart alot, because when they were together, it was great. The second half they were on together much more although more tragic than I thought it was going to be; still the second half was much more in sync for me. Jim Sturgess needs to be in more films...
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 - Okay, good movie, but not my favorite. I know I'm not the first or the last but the books are so much better. I am a romantic but trust me I don't read any romantic novels or anything like that - Twilight was the first book that I read that wasn't an audiobiography since my second year of college (and that was mandatory reading). Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are fun to watch on screen - big future for those two.
50/50 - Good movie. I did like how they were trying to make such a sad and dramatic thing intertwine with some humor here and there. Really like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and he never fails. Just make sure you have some tissues.
Conspirator - Good, good movie. I was finally able to watch this film and really wish I had seen it at the theater but I missed it. The legendary & iconic Robert Redford directed this film and the cast is wonderful. One of my favorite actors, James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline and so many others. It was just so intense and to think this is facts - this did happen in America. Crazy, crazy. Now I'm already anticipating my next trip to Washington to visit some of these landmarks.
Drive - I had to dedicate a whole post to this film. It would have been too much for the side panel. Ryan Gosling is amazing in this film and I highly recommend watching it on a big screen just because of all the driving Gosling does and for the violent scenes. The entire cast was great, but Carey Mulligan and Gosling's chemistry was really lovely and yet heartbreaking - but chemistry was definitely there. Some parts might frustrate you, especially in the beginning because I think they director really wanted you to be attached to the characters and did not want to rush it. Check it out and judge for yourself and please let me know what you thought.
Colombiana - It's a cool movie - its always fun to watch a chick kick ass! Zoe Saldana is an awesome actress and can handle action films and the romance between her character and Michael Vartan was nice.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - SO good... enjoyed it much more than Part 1. I cried, giggled and got a little frightened during a few scenes. I was SO happy that I was able to see this one at the theater - missed Part 1 and was so upset, because it's such a HUGE film that as a fan of the series, you deserve to watch it on the biggest screen possible. It's definitely bittersweet to see this end but what accomplishments and what records haven't they broken. It's such a real great iconic film for the film books. If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out. Performances were outstanding!
Crazy, Stupid, Love - Ryan Gosling was so charismatic in this film, totally fell for him all over again! The entire cast was very cool and I really enjoyed Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's chemistry and I enjoyed watching Gosling and Steve Carell's dynamic back and forth. One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the younger love story - thought there was a lot of air time that couldn't have been skipped. Really think Gosling should do more comedies!
Friends With Benefits - Wow, Mila Kunis is really beautiful. The movie itself wasn't as funny as I was hoping. I actually enjoyed the chemistry between Mila and Justin Timberlake - they seemed to be old friends just having a ton of fun making out. However, Justin is funny - his skits and performances on SNL prove that every time he is on. But when it comes to being serious or show some affection, unfortunately he does not have that chip. Every time he was trying to be serious - it appeared as his lips were in early stages of a smirk or a smile. Don't get me wrong, still a huge fan of his and will also want him to be a guest on SNL and I am hoping he makes another album, but maybe he should stick to comedies. The rest of the cast were very cool; the always great Patricia Clarkson, Bryan Greenberg, Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins, who played Timberlake’s father – there is one scene that totally got me tearing up, a real fine actor that Jenkins. I enjoyed the cameos by Shaun White, funny Andy Samberg, and funny girl Emma Stone.
Horrible Bosses - Jason Bateman is always a winner in my book, even when the movie doesn't turn out as funny as they originally thought it would and it doesn't matter the awesome cast (i.e., Extract w/Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck). But the star for me in this funny movie was Charlie Day - HILARIOUS. The entire cast was funny, great actor Kevin Spacey, the cool Jennifer Aniston and funny Jason Sudeikis were entertaining, but Charlie Day.. just funny. Go check it out if you can, fun movie for boys and girls!
Barney's Version - wow, did not realize it was supposed to be so sad and kinda tragic. but yet strong, hopeful, and Barney is full of determination. Paul Giamatti and Scott Speedman were SO good. real powerful scenes...especially at the lake house. The entire cast was real good as well.
Cars 2 - good movie. leaned more towards the adults than kids. Wish Owen Wilson (Lightening McQueen) had more scenes
The Adjustment Bureau - disappointed. strong actors but the film felt like an underachiever copy cat of Inception.
Country Strong - I know I'm a bit behind on this.. but finally got to rent this film and let me tell you Garrett Hedlund shines in this film - this film is ALL HIM! I usually get inspired by country films and although it was a good story, and the entire cast was great - only a few songs were good for me, so I was disappointed in that aspect. Hedlund completely shines and you have to see this movie to fall in love with this guy! I must admit, I've liked him ever since Troy and Four Brothers, but just really great in this and the chemistry with Gossip Girl Leighton Meester... go rent that ASAP!
X-Men - First Class - Great Movie! Big fan of James McAvoy (loved him as professor xavier) he was just SUPER great and really enjoyed Michael Fassbender... the two guys had a cool thing back and forth! Really hope to see another film with these two guys leading the story... SO GOOD. Oh and the cool Kevin Bacon was SO good and two cameos, but one was really awesome and caught me off guard. So go check it out on the big screen ASAP!
The Hangover 2 - Funny movie, Bradley Cooper is adorable again of course, some funny stuff.
Bridesmaids - Funny movie! Love Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph but Chris O'Dowd and Melissa McCarthy were also real funny!
Something Borrowed - Good movie! I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the movie! It was funny, sweet and real... go check it out if you can!
Fast Five - great, great, awesome fun film! The cast was insanely good and let's not forget funny. Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster - just a cool trio and can't wait to see what happens next with them!!
Jumping the Broom - Ok, the cast was funny. but something was off... a little disappointed.
Scream 4 - Big fan of the Scream films and this latest installment was good. A little disappointed at the end but up to that part I was good. You guys should definitely go see it... Wes Craven had mentioned he has ideas for a few more - imagine?! I wanna see where he can take these films next!
Water for Elephants - Real good movie. The entire cast was phenomenal, but Christoph Waltz was insanely good! Robert Pattinson is so young still (mid 20s) but he is definitely a handsome guy and so talented - really think he will get better and better and even move to more behind the scenes to always being the starring actor. For a 2 hour movie, did not feel it, which always a great sign. The film was very pretty and very old school feel, which is very cool. A good movie to see on the big screen...so check it out when you get a chance!
Your Highness - okay, james franco & natalie portman were funny! love that they can still show their comedic chops even after their nominations and wins for their dramatic roles.
Thor - well, that was a fun movie! The cast was fun and cool... and I actually liked it more than I expected to.
Limitless - okay, a little disappointed. the beginning was so good, but towards the end - it was dragging a little. a few of my friends enjoyed the movie. i will say one thing, Bradley Cooper is adorable!
Red Riding Hood - good movie. really enjoyed the film, was a little worried when I realized it was a 2 hr movie, but went by fast. Well done and if you have seen other Catherine Hardwicke films, you would be able to tell she is involved. Also, one of my favs, Leonardo DiCaprio was an executive producer on this project. Very cool...
The Lincoln Lawyer - the entire cast rocked and the movie was very good - definitely interesting!
Take Me Home Tonight -- it was cute... love me some Topher Grace
No Strings Attached - cute fun movie...
Blue Valentine - good, good movie. ryan gosling and michelle williams were so good. very intimate and not just about sex, but emotional the dialogue - real.
The Dilemma - it was okay, love all the actors, but something was missing
Black Swan - i know, this was released 2010, but only got to watch it January and let me say fantastic, crazy good. Alot scarier than I thought it would be...but wonderful performances, natalie killed it and director did an awesome job.
Hall Pass
Winnie The Pooh
Fright Night (remake)
Restless
I Don't Know How She Does It
Like Crazy

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Monday, September 14, 2009

Empire State of Mind... by Jay-Z & featuring Alicia Keys

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