Armchair Commentary

"Slumdog Millionaire": Best DVDs of April 2009

What it is: We all agreed that it may seem redundant to name Slumdog Millionaire as the best film of the month, but it just really is that good of a film. The golden child of this year’s award season (hands down), this story is unlike any other films of 2008. For those of you who have been living off the grid in a small hovel in the woods (because that’s probably the only circumstance in which you might not know about Slumdog), it revolves around a teen growing up in the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Arrested under suspicions of cheating, events from his life are shown in a series of flashbacks that explain how he knew the answers to all the questions on the show.

Why it's significant: Needless to say, with all the hype and buzz, I had high expectations going into this film and therefore prepared myself for the inevitable disappointment. But Slumdog prevailed over my pessimism. It was both humorous and tragic, creative but honest. Boyle did a superb job of portraying an exquisite but tormented modern-day Mumbai where the beauty of its citizens is offset by stunning images of poverty and conflict. The film could have very easily come across as almost cheesy in a sense, but maintained itself as realistically hopeful. Director Danny Boyle (Sunshine, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) earned his first Oscar as Best Director for Slumdog and I must say, it is well-deserved. If you are like me and keep a list of movies (new and old) to see, bump Slumdog to the top. It is not to be missed. ---Kelsey

You don’t spend $1,000 on clothes, that you’re never gonna wear

Whoever writes for CSI: Miami is my hero. Who else could craft an actor David Caruso? Nobody, that’s who. With such grace he continually removes and reapplies his shades and delivers one-line zingers. It’s hard to describe the amazingness that is David Caruso. In fact, I may just let him do the explaining. And let me tell you it looks like a drive by…. Miami style. --Kelsey

Why WOULDN'T You Want To Watch an 80 Year Old Sing Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia"?

Last night I watched a group of 80-somethings sing rock ‘n roll covers for two hours. And loved it. Yep, I know, “nerd alert” right? Well, I challenge you to watch Young @ Heart and NOT enjoy it. A huge hit at the Los Angeles Film Festival, Young @ Heart is a documentary that follows a singing group of senior citizens (with an average age of 81 – the oldest being 92) who do covers of everything from The Rolling Stones and James Brown to David Bowie and Radiohead.  They were filmed during the weeks leading up to a sold out show in their home town of North Hampton, MA. Rehearsing up to three times a week, it was hilarious and I have to say, pretty touching to watch WWII vets and great great grandmas spend countless hours memorizing  the words to Sonic Youth’s "Schizophrenia" (their version by the way, is awesome) and discuss topics such as still being a “sexy beast” (I won't elaborate any further about that). Young @ Heart was a surprisingly up close and personal peak into the lives of a group of people who refuse to let their age prevent them from doing what they love, even when faced with the inevitable challenges of growing older. I’ll admit, along with the laughing came a few tears (but I'm kind of a crier in general), and overall it was a lazy weeknight well spent. Even if the whole senior-citizens-singing-covers-of-Clash-songs isn’t your cup ‘o tea (definitely can’t say that it’s mine) watch this movie and I bet you'll like it, simply because it's good. --Kelsey

Best DVDs of September 2008: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" - Season Three

Do you love quirky and sometimes awkward comedies? Were you a fan of Arrested Development? Then you should watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The quick wit, obscure humor and underdog appeal have definitely made this FX comedy a hit. With it's third season about to release on DVD (9/9) and fourth season about to premier (9/10), you still have time to catch up on all the ridiculousness of a show that is surely ahead of its time. Want to know more? Check out an interview with the cast of this self-proclaimed "snorf" comedy. Have no idea what that means? Well then, like I said, you better watch the interview below and get in with the cool kids.

--Kelsey