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Finding “The One”-Top 5 Films that put your Love Life in Perspective

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 11, 2015

Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

Tags:500 days of Summer, couples, Don Jon, Love, love life, movies, perspective, relationships, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Ruby Sparks, singles, Susan Kamyab, The Fault in our Stars, TiMER, top 5, Valentines Day

Are you looking for “The One” this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe, you’ve already found that person. In honor of this heart-filled holiday, I’ve made a list of the top 5 films that can put your love life in perspective. These films are geared toward everyone, whether you’re in a relationship or not. For couples, these movies could shed light on issues you may be having, or just make you appreciate that special someone in your life. For singles, this list can maybe help you better understand what you’re realistically looking for in a relationship. Either way, all 5 romantic movies are great choices to watch this V-Day.

Here’s what I take away from these films…

5. Don Jon (2013)

Listen and Connect

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon, discusses how the media can often lead us to objectify people and treat them more like things instead of humans. A lot of times movies and television can give us a false expectation of what we’re looking for in a partner. Though it can be fascinating to watch a Hollywood romance or adult films, we must separate fantasy from reality. Maybe the person you’re dating or crushing on fits the mold of what you expect in a partner, but is it really what you want? Truly listen to that person and make sure you connect with them on both, a psychical and emotional level.

4. Ruby Sparks (2012)

Nobody’s Perfect

We’ve almost all had that check list which bullet points the requirements for our partners. Whether it’s based on their looks, or their jobs, or even their sense of humor, it DOES NOT matter. That list needs to be deleted from your brain. We have no idea what we want until we meet “that someone.” Ruby Sparks is about a novelist (Paul Dano) who writes an ideal female character (Zoe Kazan) that comes to life overnight. The film focuses on how there is no perfect person. Part of really loving someone is seeing their imperfections and dealing with them in a way that isn’t bothersome to you. When you wish your partner was a different way, it can actually speak more about something in you.

3. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Different Points of View

I’m aware I’ve referenced this film a few times for my top 5 lists, but that’s only because you can take away so many lessons from the story and characters. In 500 Days of Summer, Tom (Gordon-Levitt) believes his entire relationship with Summer (Deschanel), up until they break up, was perfect. He’s in love and she’s almost so clearly not. I truly believe the cruelest feeling we can experience is strongly caring for someone who doesn’t reciprocate that same feeling. It makes you wonder how it was even possible to have those feelings in the first place. Unfortunately, people are stuck in this situation all the time. In the film, Tom copes with his heartache by reflecting back and noticing the signs. For the most part, entering a relationship shouldn’t be that complicated, both people need be on the same page. If one person is stalling to commit, then he or she may not be right for you.

2. TiMER (2009)

Do you Believe in Soul Mates?

If you could install a device that counts down the exact moment you’re going to meet your soul mate, would you want to? Oona (Emma Caulfield) got one. Only problem is her TiMER is blank, meaning her soul mate hasn’t yet signed up for the service. This film raises the question of whether or not you believe that there is ONE perfect person out there for each of us. And for those who have doubts in their own relationships, do you think there is someone else out there better suited for you? Though very few have heard of this movie, TiMER is a charming, thought-provoking story that everyone should make time for.

1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Life is Too Short

I’m sure many people don’t want to ball their eyes out this Valentine’s Day, but I assure you The Fault in Our Stars is much more than a movie about teens with cancer. Gus (Ansel Elgort) and Hazel’s (Shailene Woodley) inspiring, genuine love story reminds us to make the most of each day. In a romantic aspect, life is too short to not be with someone you care about. If you’re lucky enough to truly fall in love, then don’t take that love for granted. Because even if it’s short-lived, you won’t regret the time spent with each other.

Top 5 Appetizing Scenes from Films

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Besides watching football and spending time with family, we will also be stuffing our faces. If you’re looking to get that hunger started and ready for a turkey day feast, then be sure to watch my top 5 most appetizing scenes from films!

5. Honey I Shrunk the Kids– Cookie Scene

After Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) accidentally shrinks his son, daughter and two other neighborhood teens, the children end up taking a long sweaty, dirty, journey in the backyard trying to get home. It’s a rough voyage without food or water. So when the four kids stumble upon a giant oatmeal cream pie, we’re not only relieved for them; we’re wishing we too could be scooping gallops of cream on our cookies.

4. Harold& Kumar Go to White Castle– Eating White Castle Burgers Scene

Nothing makes the hunger grow fonder than being under a certain influence. Once Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) make it their mission to have some White Castle burgers, the audience must endure an endless amount of ridiculous obstacles which creates anxiety and angers our stomachs. Spoiler Alert: When the two finally make it to White Castle, the concluding gorge is deliciously satisfying.

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory– “Pure Imagination” Scene

Let’s face it, as a kid (hell, even as an adult) we wished we could have tasted the scenery of this factory. Chocolate waterfalls, giant gummy bears, and even an editable tea cup flower! “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it”—Valid lyrics toward an epic scene, because we can only hope that Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory is a replica of heaven. Until then, visits to underwhelming candy stores will have to do.

2. Hook– The Imaginary Dinner Scene

As we ache for Peter (Robbin Williams) and these children, our stomachs begin to growl watching a character that is starving get taunted by children mock eating invisible food. Thankfully, we receive a massive payoff when Spielberg pulls the camera back to reveal a real-life spread of piping hot meats, fruits, cheeses and colorful pudding-type desserts.
This scene is quickly followed by an unforgettable food fight.

1. Chef– Grilled Cheese Sandwich Scene

Most of you haven’t heard of this movie and might be wondering why a film released just this year has landed in the top spot. Chef is the definition of food porn! I challenge anyone to see this movie and not feel tormented by the close up shots of Chef Carl Casper’s (Jon Favreau) delectable dishes. This entire film features continuous scenes of enticing meals, but the masterful preparation of a simple grilled cheese will make you long for that very sandwich. Watching the Chef and his son take a crunchy, cheese-oozing bite, gets your mouth watering and leaves your taste buds in envy.

Honorable Mentions: Pulp Fiction: Five-dollar Milkshake Scene, A Little Princess: Waking Up to Breakfast Scene, Julie and Julia: I Love Butter Scene

Top 5 Heroines Of Horror

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : October 31, 2014

For those of you who prefer to make Halloween a “scary movie night,” deciding on what to watch can be a difficult. However, I have narrowed down a few choices that are equally entertaining.

Some of the best horror flicks include a fierce heroine that you don’t want to piss off. Here are the top five bad ass “scream queens.”

5. Anna Peterson (Maika Monroe) – The Guest

Fights the Beautiful Beast

Though this film is fairly new, The Guest is an inevitable cult classic and it features a quite memorable Anna Peterson, the teenage daughter that seems to be the only one in her family that has suspicions about their recent house guest, David. Once she discovers the unsettling truth about David, she admirably overlooks his blazing baby-blues and irresistible charm so that she may take matters into her own hands and protect her family.

4. Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) – Halloween

Selfless Fighter

Laurie Strode is considered by many to be the first true horror heroine. She is a regular “girl next door” who fights off her psychotic murderous brother, Michael Myers, time and time again. Although she struggles with her own war against Michael, helping children in danger is her first priority before her own safety.

3. Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) – I Know What You Did Last Summer

Haunted by Regrets

Julie and her friends thought keeping the secret of their deadly hit-and-run would prevent damage to any of the teens’ future plans. Little did they know the man they “thought” they killed was already a wanted for murder. Julie deals with the regrets of not calling the cops in the first place, which has led her to be stalked by a killer seeking revenge. She stands out as the heroine who could have prevented this terror. And of course, we can’t forget this classic line… “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, HUH? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOOOOORRRR?”

2. Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) – A Nightmare On Elm Street

Sleepless in Battle

Nancy battled it out with Wes Craven’s monster masterpiece, Freddy Krueger, a burnt serial killer who uses a glove armed with razors to kill his victims in their dreams. Being the only one of her friends that was able to stay awake, Nancy drove Freddy into a realm where he could be defeated.

1. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) – Scream

Wrestles the Ghostfaces of her Past

In the course of four films, Sidney is terrorized by various killers who claim the Ghostface mask. Each time these murderers make his or her way into Sidney’s life, it’s a guilty reminder of what started this crime wave to begin with. Having your mother’s infidelity be the reason why your own boyfriend turned into a psychotic killer is a traumatic experience all in itself. But, Sidney is forced to relieve this horror through copycat killers and a cheesy, mimicking, Hollywood slasher with infinite sequels. Suffice it to say, there’s no escaping this never ending nightmare. And sadly, repeatedly getting betrayed by the people you trust most and continuously making it out alive earns this heroine our top spot!

Top 5 Best Shows on ABC’s TGIF

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 7, 2014

Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

Tags:ABC, Boy Meets World, Comedy, Dinosaurs, Family Matters, Friday night line-up, Full House, Girl Meets World, Hangin with Mr. Cooper, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Step by Step, Susan Kamyab, TGIF, Thank Goodness It's Funny, The 90's, top 5, Two of a Kind

Like most kids in any decade, Fridays were always the days I felt most anxious to be let free from school. But growing up in the 90’s, the anticipation wasn’t from the thoughts of finally sleeping in the next morning or going outside to play with friends. No, instead every Friday I eagerly awaited getting home, sitting in front of the TV, and watching new episodes of ABC’s Friday night line-up! Also known as TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Funny). In honor of the upcoming Boy Meets World spin-off, Girl Meets World, I have decided to look back, and recognize my top 5 shows that aired on the popular program.

5. Full House (1987-1995)

This was an extremely campy show about a single dad who recruits his best friend and brother-in-law to help raise his 3 daughters. Even though it wasn’t always the best writing and unfunny jokes were supported by laugh tracks, they still attempted to tackle some tough issues like, DJ’s eating disorder and the usual peer pressures of smoking/drinking. But with such a star studded cast, including the Olsen twins’ first break out roles, it was impossible not to fall in love with all these characters.

4. Family Matters (1989-1998)

Steve Urkel is probably one of the most annoying characters to this date. His “Did I do that?” catchphrase still makes me cringe. Despite all this, the writers somehow managed to have us root for him. A part of us always wanted him with Laura, and we desperately wanted the Winslows to accept him as a second son. And with the father’s occupation as cop, Family Matters allowed audiences to see a different type drama and sometimes the most suspenseful episodes out of the line-up.

3. Step By Step (1991-1998)

Here’s a story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls…oh wait, I mean two lovely girls and brainy son. So maybe Step by Step didn’t follow The Brady Bunch’s exact formula with their kids, but it was basically the modern version of the show. Surprisingly enough, that decade made for a much more entertaining family. Realistically, it wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows when two single parents marry and want their teenage children to treat each other like family. Needless to say, there would be a significant amount of fighting, which this sitcom was not afraid to show. We got to enjoy watching these kids go from hating each other, to gradually caring for one another other as siblings.

2. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

It’s crazy to think that a show about a teen witch would become one of the longest lasting series on TGIF. So long in fact, that it moved Sabrina’s adult years to The WB. But the show was truly its best when it was on ABC. I think what made Sabrina a hit, was the fact that Melissa Joan Hart was so relatable. She was a “normal” girl trying to fit in. She had all the same problems any teenager would deal with in high school: A mean girl, tough teachers, a secret crush, etc. It was just fun watching her solve those problems with magic. I guess we could all live vicariously through her and only wish we had those powers.

1. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Boy Meets World isn’t in first place because its new spin-off. In fact the, only reason anyone is watching that potential disaster is because we all want to see Cory and Topanga as parents. That and we also hope to see all the other original cast members make guest appearances. Boy Meets World easily takes the top spot because it was and still is a GREAT show. The acting was solid, the writing was smart, and it was genuinely funny. To this day you can still laugh when you hear Eric say “Feeny? Fa-fa-fa-fa-feeny!” Growing up to a sitcom like this one, I can truthfully say it had an impact on my childhood. They hit issues that most family kid shows wouldn’t even mention today: Divorce, death, abuse, true love, and so much more. We can only hope that the Girl Meets World, set to air June 27^th, will at least try to touch on some honest age appropriate topics. So basically nothing like what Disney channel has been producing. And please don’t give Cory Matthew’s daughter a recording contract!

Honorable Mentions: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Dinosaurs, Two of a Kind

Top 5 Christmas Movie Rentals

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 23, 2013

With Christmas 2 days away, one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to watch some great Christmas classics. And like most everyone, I have my favorite Christmas movies I must watch every year as part of the holiday tradition. For all you who might be wondering what to rent for Christmas Eve/Day, here are my top 5 suggestions!

5. Elf

For the Santa: If you’re looking for a comedy that includes a great storyline involving Santa and the magic of the Christmas spirit, look no further. Watching Buddy (Will Ferrell) try to adapt in New York with his biological father (James Caan) is entertaining for adults and children. Elf has so many unforgettable scenes, including an awkwardly hilarious scene with Games of Thrones star, Peter Dinklage.

4. Just Friends

For the Anna Faris: This may not seem like the typical holiday film, but I assure it’s one of the best. While visiting his hometown during Christmas, Chris Brander (Ryan Renolds) comes face-to-face with his old high school crush, Jamie (Amy Smart), with whom he was best friends. Since being rejected by Jamie, Chris has become a handsome ladies man and hopes to finally win her over. But not with out some obstacle…Que Anna Faris as the psycho, conceded pop star who’s obsessed with Chris. Be prepared for Faris to provide, quotable lines, WTF moments, and numerous laughs.

3. The Family Stone

For the Tears: The majority of Christmas movies tend to tug at our heart strings, and though films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34^th Street might be the more traditional holiday tear- jerkers, I prefer to grab the tissues for the all-star cast in The Family Stone. It’s not all sad, there’s plenty of comic relief and romance to make you feel all kinds of emotions while watching. Most importantly we see a true example of a free-spirited family who love each other unconditionally.

2. Scrooged

For the Adaptation: There have been numerous versions of the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. From the big screen hits, to some even more dreadful TV movies. But no matter what remake I have seen, nothing beats the 1988 adaptation, Scrooged. Bill Murray does a fantastic job as the heartless TV executive who is visited by 3 spirits to help change his ways on Christmas Eve.

1. While You Were Sleeping

For the Family: I call this film the “whole package family Christmas movie.” Original, smart, funny, romantic, and heartwarming. After Lucy (Sandra Bullock), a lonely ticket collector, saves Peter’s (Peter Gallagher) life; he falls into a coma. While at the hospital, Peter’s family accidentally mistakes her as his fiancé. As they welcome her into the family with open arms, she is unable to resist the kindness and love of a family she has always hoped to be a part of. But of course not everyone in the family buys her story, leading to comical encounters and a blossoming romance. It’s the perfect film that showcases what Christmas is really all about- spending time with your family. And remember, you don’t necessarily have to be born into a family to be apart of one.

Honorable Mentions: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause