Boyhood | A Movie Review

Boyhood (2014) is a movie directed by Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater. This movie definitely doesn't stray far from the title, truly feeling like you are watching a documentary of young Mason's life, from the time he's 5 through his first few days of college at age 18. As many already know, the movie was filmed with the same cast over the course of 12 (!!!) years. This in itself is an amazing feat. I mean, how many actors would sign a contract for a twelve year movie? Not many. Technically, I believe they only signed on for 8 years, because the contract couldn't be any longer. And what if something had happened to any of them? Making this movie was a huge gamble on everyone's parts. So many things could have gone wrong, but instead the movie turned out so right.

While the run time is at almost 3 hours, it didn't feel that long to me. Some have said they found the movie boring and dull, but I think that is what was so captivating to me about it. I didn't feel like I was watching a movie. I really felt like I got to see this kid grow up into an awesome young man. I was rooting for Mason, cheering him on the whole time. Plus, high school me would have totally been crushing on high school Mason, no lie.

For me, the movie was like a giant throwback to my childhood. While Mason is technically a few years younger than me, so many of the stages he went through were stages that I did growing up. At one point some of the kids go to a Harry Potter premiere all dressed up. I have definitely done that. Mason's younger sister starts out the movie singing Britney Spears. Are there any of us who can say we didn't do that? And while I may have laughed at some of the outfits worn by all the characters, I know I was wearing the same thing back in the mid-2000s.
Mason is an introspective kid who isn't afraid to challenge authority when he needs to. While only seeing snippets of his life you come to understand who Mason is, watching him grow and mature into someone who is dealing with many of the same questions most of us are. What do I want with life? Where am I going? How can I do everything I want to do? It really hit home with me.

And don't get me started on the cast. Ellar Coltrane as Mason was amazing to watch. So understated and wonderful, especially because he started so young and hasn't done much work outside of the movie. I hope to see him in more movies in the future! And obviously Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette were incredible, as evidenced by their mutual Golden Globes noms and a win for Patricia. Patricia even went on to sweep the awards show season with her stellar performance. Also, A+ to the casting department, because Ellar and Ethan look like they could be father and son. It's almost a bit creepy, but made the movie all the more believable.

But overall I would absolutely recommend you see this movie. You'll laugh, cry, and take a walk down memory lane. While this movie may not be for everyone, seeing it once is well worth it. This movie is incredible. The only reason I'm giving it 4 1/2 stars out of 5 is because I won't give anything a perfect score.

BOYHOOD:

Goodbye Glee

I'm currently in denial a bit about Glee officially ending tonight. It's been six seasons, six years since this show came on the air. There have been good seasons and some not so good seasons, but it's always been there. I can honestly say that Glee has changed my life. Sure, it's just a tv show, but to me it's always been more than a tv show. Glee has inspired me; I've laughed, cried, and sang these six years thanks to the little show that could. I've grown to love not only the characters but the cast as well. I can't imagine a life without Glee.

I thought about writing about my favorite songs, episode, or something along those lines but I truly don't know how I can choose. There are moments that I will always have strong memories of. I'll remember the first character I fell in love with, Sam Evans (I started in season 2 and then spent a week catching up!). I'll remember the exact moment I found out that Cory Monteith had passed away. I'll remember all of the duets and crazy mash-ups that have occurred. Who can forget that amazing Adele mash-up in season 3?!? I'll remember the tears streaming down my face during the Cough Syrup montage. How giddy I got seeing all of my favorite couples getting together on the screen. How epic the Bohemian Rhapsody sequence was. The rawness of the episode where there was a school shooting. I'll always remember how much I cheered for this little band of misfits who at times only had the Glee Club in common.

This is one of those shows that is always going to stay with me. It taught me to never give up on my dreams, and to get back up when I get knocked down. That my size doesn't determine my self-worth. That even being in the background is an integral part of any group. That someone you initially hate may end up being your greatest ally. Take chances. Be free. Go your own way. That my differences make me special and valuable. That my self-worth is not dictated by others but by myself. To not be afraid of who I truly am.

So thank you, Glee. Thank you for six wonderful years. May the memories never fade, and don't stop believing.

England On My Mind | pt. 1

photo credit: London - London phone box via photopin (license)

Next spring I will be student teaching to finish out my degree, and through my university I have the amazing opportunity to spend 10 weeks teaching in ENGLAND. AHHHHHH. I literally cannot contain my excitement. I've known about this since November, but each month as it gets closer it is the only thing on my mind. And honestly, going to England is my main source of motivation at the moment. But, in honor of this impending trip (only a year away), I wanted to share some of my favorite songs from British musicians!

I might also share a few other England faves throughout the upcoming months. There may also even be a part two to this list because seriously, so many amazing British musicians.

Ed Sheeran | Lego House

Not only does the video have Rupert Grint in it (hello to my two favorite gingers) but its a killer song.

Oasis | Wonderwall 

Anyways, here's Wonderwall. All jokes aside, I know it's over-mentioned and played but I seriously can't get enough of this song. Also, checkout Champagne Supernova.

Coldplay | Clocks

I could honestly choose any Coldplay song to put here because they have so many great ones.

Amy Winehouse | Valerie

Such an amazingly talented woman who gave us some amazing music while she was here. Forever jamming to any and all versions of this song. 

Cat Stevens | Lady D'Arbanville

I grew up listening to Cat Stevens, and I'm pretty sure we own all of his albums multiple times at home. I don't think he's made a bad record. But this has always been one of my favorites, especially growing up. And I was forever convinced as a child that her name was pronounced Darbandi.

I've made the executive decision, there will definitely be a part two (and maybe three) to this because seriously, so many great musicians from this country! 

Who are some of your favorite musicians from England? Any songs by these artists that you love? Let me know!

I'm ALIVE

Hello again blogging world! I've been gone for awhile, just staying on the background. For a small period of time I honestly wasn't even checking bloglovin and let me tell you, I got behind really quickly with reading everyone's amazing content. But, I am back and ready to go. Life got in the way in all aspects, and while I'm not perfect I'm definitely doing much better than I was for a few months.

Let's Talk About Stress

I'm not going to lie, every time I say that title, I sing it. Mostly because I've been listening to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack a lot recently and it goes perfectly with the riff-off. Anyways, we should seriously talk about stress. Because if you're in college, you're probably stressed. If you are living and breathing right now, you've probably experienced stress, are currently dealing with it, or will be in the future. It's an unfortunate part of life that we all have to deal with.