A Single Man

January 15.

Even if I hadn't seen the name Tom Ford scroll across the screen before the first image appeared I would have known he made "A Single Man." Every gorgeous frame looked like a glossy spread in a fashion magazine.

The fashion icon wrote, produced, and directed the movie, which takes place during one November day in 1962 Los Angeles. Each scene is another game with color. Whenever we see George's (Colin Firth) reality the colors are muted and grainy, but when he fantasizes or thinks about the past the colors grow bright and pop.

The story is about George and his struggle with day-to-day life after his long-time partner dies. The British, English professor spends his day going to the bank, visiting his best friend, Charley (Julianne Moore), getting picked up by a hot, Spanish prostitute, and making a connection with one of his students. Nicholas Hoult plays the confused but confident teenager brilliantly and gives George some much needed hope.

This is a good place to thank the movie gods for answering my movie prayers and bring more Matthew Goode to the big screen. He's more than just eye candy in the flash back scenes as George's lost-love, Jim. So, thank you, movie gods.

Leap Year

January 8.

Ehh, OK, I knew I wasn't going to like this, but my friend Gigi and I had plans to see "Youth in Revolt" at Town Square. So, we met for some wine and food at The Grape first and by the time we got our tickets and popcorn the theater was packed. The only seats left in the tiny room were in the front row. Instead of getting a neck injury we stepped into "Leap Year" (I seriously thought it was called Leap Day until just now) with a few other friends we ran into just a few minutes before.

Gigi couldn't get over the ridicolous high-heels Anna (Amy Adams, who I usually love) ran around in the entire movie, and I didn't understand why no one was wearing a coat in Ireland in February. Although, the way every scene looked as if people were standing in front of a green screen, I'm sure no one went to Ireland to film this.

The movie had a serisouly dumb story line about a control freak (Bitch as Gigi called her) chasing her doctor boyfriend to Ireland to propose to him on leap day - because in 2010 you couldn't propose to a man on say, June 3. It's also stupid to think two people who are buying an apartment together in a wealthy neighborhood in Boston wouldn't have discussed marriage at this point of their four year relationship.

The only thing goode about this movie is Matthew Goode. His character is whatever, but he is hot with his accent and sneaky smile. More Matthew Goode, less stupid Chick Flicks!

Gigi and I both thought we should have had at least one more glass of wine or brought the flask for this one.