to do list: movies

I'm not really a fan of summer releases since most of them are spectacle-laden stereotypes with bloated budgets and mindless plots.  Ok, so that's a total generalization and harsh, but what can I say, it's not really my style.  Thankfully, there are still some quality films that I can't wait to see.  While most are set to come out this fall/winter, there are a few summer releases that will hopefully make up for Killers and The A-Team.  I'll keep adding to the list as trailers are released.


NEVER LET ME GO (sept. 15)

Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly star in this erie film about a mysterious English boarding school and the students who attend.  The trailer makes me feel completely depressed and freaked out, which is weirdly a good thing when it comes to my trailer barometer.  It's based on a critically acclaimed novel that is also next on my reading list.




SOMEWHERE (dec. 22)

Sofia Coppola's lastest film follows similar patterns to her past films, but that is far from a complaint.  This also means another stellar soundtrack, this time created by her fiance Thomas Mars' band Phoenix.  Even though the trailer doesn't give too much away plot-wise, i think it's perfect and highlights the themes and tone.




INCEPTION (july 16)

One of the only tent-pole movies on my list due to its impressive cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Cane, Cillian Murphy....) and director (Christopher Nolan).  I still have no idea of what it's entirely about, but I have faith that it'll be easier to understand upon viewing even if leo had some troubles.



HARRY POTTER (nov. 19)

Come on, it's "the motion picture event of a generation."

DIY, Ly-style

arts and crafts is getting a whole new rep thanks to one iowan and her equally passionate DIY-ers.  gone are the days of disgusted sneers and disbelieving scoffs at the idea of spending a night bedazzling sweaters and stitching spandex.  thanks to leslie and the lys, crafts are cool and could possibly be mistaken for rock and roll.  front woman leslie hall has taken her love of sparkles, spandex and sweaters and translated it into a seriously unique experience.  no, that is by no means an overstatement; that truly is the only way to describe leslie and all her glory.  i was given the opportunity to see hall and her backup dancers in person a few months ago in madison and words really can't do it justice.  everything about the concert has a crafty feel, from her ly-operated pedestal to the american apparel-heavy wardrobe complete with smears of drugstore makeup.  that's not really a dis considering that's what transforms the regular iowa-native into her onstage persona.  i do appreciate that she sticks to a signature style instead of trying to constantly reinvent herself in some new crafty ways.  it's also allowed her to attract some rabid fans, fashioning their own sweaters and lookalike outfits in hopes of winning her approval.  

what has all this led to?

29 days

Summering on Amity Island

What you need to survive at this notorious summer spot.  

(Or at least look good trying if nothing else)

Unfortunately, it won't be all rest and relaxation there--but where else can you wear an all-over print blazer without question?

Copying: Janelle Monae

Tuxedos are no longer reserved for men or cater waiters thanks to Janelle Monae, an indie-soul performer  never without a perfectly coiffed pompadour that would make Prince envious.  Originially from Kansas City, Monae moved to NYC to study and make it on Broadway.  She eventually switched her focus to music, moved to Atlanta, met Big Boi (one-half of OutKast), and signed with Bad Boy Records (Diddy's brainchild) in 2007.  She's somewhat of an anamoly at first glance, personified by her penchant for structured blazers, crisp white button ups, 80's-esque plastic studs, and patten leather saddle shoes.  On anyone else it would look ridiculous but somehow, Monae makes it cool and totally rock and roll thanks to keeping it classy in either black or white only.  Her latest album, dubbed The ArchAndroid, was just released and is already getting attention.  She'll definitely be a presence this summer (at least on my iPod) and I'm already inspired by her polished, androgynous style.