Guess Who...

is going to the Oscar's again this year?!?  ME!  I feel so lucky to have this incredible opportunity again. Thanks to my friend (maybe best friend now) Debbie Peters.  Debbie works at the Academy and has graciously given me one of her tickets.  I'll be walking the red carpet and laughing hysterically (I'm sure) as Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin take the stage to host.  Also it's the first year, the Oscars are trying something new and have nominated 10 films in the Best Picture Category.

Here's what I'll be wearing, without the shoulder cover...
Thank you Nordstrom Rack for providing me with a $300 dress for $100. (gotta love a deal!) 

Nursery University

1/2 a review, for 1/2 a movie.

I stumbled across this documentary while flipping through the higher channels on my Uverse. It was probably about halfway through when I tuned in, but nonetheless I was hooked.

"War zone" - Probably not a phrase you'd expect to hear when discussing preschools. However, in Nursery University, a documentary depicting the competitive world of Manhattanites desires to get their children into prestigious nursery schools - it's "Toddler versus Toddler" and everyone is for themselves...or rather, their child.

The belief among the elite is that you have to start your children out early, the best nursery school allows them to get into the best Kindergarten, which sets them up for success when the real application for college comes. These nursery schools are teaching Mandarin to 2 year olds, while half of the children "applying" aren't potty trained and can barely speak English! Oh, and did I mention that cost for one year at the one of the profiled schools is upwards of $20,000?

The documentary follows 5 different families and goes "behind the scenes" at some of the schools with Admissions Directors candid quips.

Two scenes stole my heart.

The first, during a "behind the scenes look" at the selection process one of the teachers laments to the a room full of teachers, " Ugh, did you see (Child X)? She had a temper tantrum and had to be calmed down with a lollipop!"

Guess what? Child X's fate is sealed...not getting in.

The second - When acceptance letters are finally sent out - the film captures one dad literally 'freaking out' and 'breaking down' when the envelopes arrive. To his standards, the envelopes are "far to thin". He can barely open them he's so sure of rejection. This scene captures the movie's theme entirely. (And is hilarious as well!)

It's an interesting look into a world I will never know and be a part of. From the application process through the acceptance/rejection, this doc shines a light on the ultra-competitveness and determination of NYC parents.

The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pppEdSmTkB4

Disclaimer: I didn't even go to Pre-School.

Oscar Nomination Day!!!

Today is the day!! One of my favorites!! Oscar nominations were announced early this morning. YAY!! While I usually spend hours purusing the list and figuring out how I'm going to see all nominations before the REALLY big day (this year March 7th), I jumped straight to the Documentary features and provided the list below. The good news is I've already seen one (review coming shortly) and was already planning on seeing The Cove (which for anyone with On Demand...is currently available.) I'll do my research and see if I can fit in the other three...

Happy Tuesday and most of all Happy Oscar Nomination Day!!!!

(The photo to the right was taken at last year's Oscars which I was lucky enough to attend, thanks to my awesome friend Debbie who works for the Academy - Love her!)

Best documentary feature

"Burma VJ"

"The Cove"

"Food, Inc."

"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers"

"Which Way Home"

Trouble The Water

After seeing the buzz this documentary gained at Sundance in 2008. (I was lucky enough to be positioned working at the theatre showing it) I knew this documentary was a must! This film depicts the horror and chaos that was Hurricane Katrina. The film's heroine is Kim a 24 year old aspiring rap artist who bravely captured what she could of the storm, the community around her, and her survival all while it was happening. Her video camera battery dies shortly after the levees fail.

Trouble The Water gives first hand account of what it was like to live it. Comfortably wrapped up in my heated apartment in San Diego, my chest closed a little tighter with each inch the water rises. You honestly cannot possibly begin to imagine what these people went through. Your mind races to put yourself in the situation and to imagine what you would have done, were you there. The bravery and kindness and open hearted gestures acted out by several of the films players is unlike anything you've ever witnessed. To see a community who has nothing but give everything is indescribable.

The tag line for the documentary: "It's not about a hurricane. It's about America." rings true throughout the films entirety. Several discussions can be raised following the films closing credits. Topics of race, class level, and government are just the tip of the iceberg. (I will say, as moderately comfortable white girl living in Southern California) the film maybe shows the faces of four white people. Not because (I believe) it didn't want to, but because the number of white people effected was limited.

Not only did it win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, it was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009. These are merely two of a long list of awards and accolades.

This happened here, in America. Watch the Documentary. You will not be disappointed.

(And if you're excuse is you don't have any money or you don't want to pay to rent it.) I rented it from the library, hence, free. No excuses. See it!

Mirn's Rating: A MUST!
Film's Website: http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com/