That’s Jentertainment

Based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist has just hit screens here in Ireland even though it’s been out in the States since October. I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while and I’m delighted that I finally got the chance to see it. Directed by Peter Sollett and starring Michael Cera as Nick and Kat Dennings as Norah, the casting is perfect. You probably know Michael Cera from Arrested Development, Juno and Superbad and Kat Dennings from Charlie Bartlett and The House Bunny.

Nick and Norah’s infinite playlist was a great showcase of New York nightlife and New York itself. It made the city look so alive with a night full of possibilities that for once, seemed like realistic possibilities. You can relate to the characters, they’re not claiming to be heroes or hysterically funny characters. They’re just people who say and do silly things, get jealous, angry, disappointed and rejected like the rest of us. I found Ari Gaynor’s portrayal of the drunk friend throughout this movie hilarious. She reminded me of a few friends of my own and I think that opinion might apply to a lot of people.

The music plays a huge part in this movie of course- it’s an infinite playlist of its own!  A big favourite of mine- Vampire weekend did an original song for the film which is great to hear. Chris Bell, We Are Scientists, Richard Hawley and Army Navy are some of the other artists involved in the soundtrack of this movie. According the the director Peter Sollett, a lot of the cast were suggesting different music all the way through filming and the soundtrack has a great mix of songs that I’m going to put in my car and sing along to.

Packed full of humour and sweet moments, I’d definitley recommend checking out this movie. It’s one of those few films that leave you feeling genuinely smiley at the end. I didn’t put up the trailer here on purpose. Honestly, if you haven’t already watched the trailer, then avoid it. It spoils some of the best parts. If you must watch it then do what I do, as soon as you like what you’re seeing- close it.

United States of Tara is a new TV show that premiered on January 18th. I caught the first episode after hearing it was from Diablo Cody, writer of Juno. I wondered if it would live up to my expectations and I’m excited to say that it did. Toni Collette is an amazing actress. I’ve always liked her and I’m sure it’s a real challenge to pull off a multiple personalities role but she does so wonderfully. She’s a great comic. I was delighted to see John Corbett  back on my screen again. I always liked him as Aidan in Sex and The City so it’s nice to see him settled into another TV role so well. Take that Carrie Bradshaw!

The show itself is centered around a working mother of two with dissociative identity disorder. When she gets stressed out, she takes on a different personality with amusing results as you can gather. This week we met Tara herself, ‘T’, the fifteen year old destructive teenager and Buck, my personal favourite, a smoker, drinker, fighter and young lady lover. This first episode set up the characters nicely- caring husband dealing with his wife’s issues and trying not to be unfaithful with one of her alter egos, a typical teenage daughter that likes sex, has a bad taste in men and irrational mood swings and a caring, Martha Stewart-like son who I found very endearing.

I don’t usually bond so much with the characters of a show on the first episode but I’ve got a good feeling about United States of Tara. I laughed all the way through until it ended much too soon for my liking. Hopefully it can keep up the great standard. So check it out if you think you might enjoy it. It might give you a few laughs too.

It’s January and I thought I’d start this first post retrospectively. I want to look back at my favourite time of year and since it’s still winter- absolutely freezing and snowing out, I feel that it is appropriate. This December was great. I had no exams from college since I’m on continuous assessment this semester. For the first time in a couple of years, I felt I was able to enjoy the holidays properly. I remember being so depressed last year being in work on Stephen’s day and New Year’s day. Why is is necessary to open shops these days? Can’t people take a little holiday from shopping too? I really appreciated my time off. I got to go to a Christmas fare- the one in the IFSC, play lots of guitar hero, spend time with my family, annoy the hell out of everybody by constantly blasting Christmas FM in the kitchen and in the car and watch lots of Christmas movies . It was wonderful.

My favourite quote of the season would have to be my mother, walking into the sitting room on Christmas day looking concerned. My immediate thought was that she was having some sort of crisis in the kitchen. She breaks the tension by asking “Is the internet open today?”

Here are some photos I took over the season. Even when it’s dull outside, you can get some bright, happy shots.

tinsel toes

Bare Tree

Santa Spying

Santa Shaker