Movie List- October 24, 2009

Recap:
(500) Days of Summer
I didn't fall back in love with love, movies about love, or the world in general. While some movies aim to turn the viewer into a cynical pragmatist, (500) is not one of them. Overall, it is a product showcasing less of its creators and actors' talents and more of their insecurities and posturings. While the soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks in recent years, the script is trite, the acting is overdone, and the cliches are straight out of a textbook. The same way "modern dance" shouldn't be used to justify bad choreography and lack of artistic direction, "indie cinema" doesn't give filmmakers and actors the artistic capital to produce subpar work. For a real movie about the ups and downs of love, choose one of (500)'s earlier contemporaries, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Closer.

Coco avant Chanel (Coco before Chanel)
Although not particularly outstanding in any way, Coco avant Chanel is a worthwhile movie to watch for anyone interested in fashion, feminism, or French culture.

Movies to Watch:
An Education
Joe Morgenstern, the WSJ film critic, gives "An Education" two big thumbs up in his review of the movie (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703746604574461011289453516.html). The review exalts Carey Mulligan's portrayal of the 16-year-old heroine and praises the film for being a coming-of-age work that moves beyond the traditional limits of the genre while still grappling with the familiar issues of class and privilege.

Where the Wild Things Are
The September Issue

Heirloom-Worthy Accessories

Rush over to your nearest Banana Republic and snatch up all the accessories you can. Currently available at BR is the most amazing accessories collection I have seen to date from any store or retailer. These pieces are uniquely designed, well constructed, and, best of all, totally affordable. While most of the collection has a Gastbian aesthetic, there is still something for everyone and every mood. BR's fall accessories line includes crystal, chandelier earrings, statement rings with a feminine edge, beautiful Greco-Roman inspired bracelets, and multi-chain necklaces in all shapes and sizes. Banana Republic rarely offers pushing-the-envelope designs and is usually relegated to the realm of boring work attire, but their fall accessories collection proves to anyone with a progressive attitude that truly inspired works of art can come from anywhere. If you have any money to spare on accessories this season, forget J Crew, Club Monaco, and even Henri Bendel; you'll be hard pressed to find accessories of similar beauty and quality at a price point anywhere near BR's. This is one long-term investment you should not pass up.