My Thoughts:  I wanted to see Sunshine Cleaning when it first came out in 2008, but unfortunately, it was not playing in my area.  Just like I thought it would be, Sunshine Cleaning is a wonderful film.  The script and the actors combine a sense of humor concerning a very morbid topic with a piece of vulnerability.  Sunshine Cleaning is a great example of how overlooked, mundane lives can be transformed through meaningful experiences – even if they are a contrary to societal norms.  When watching the film, I urge viewers to overlook the stereotypical lifestyle of these women – their values and virtues are what you should be paying attention to.

For the Single Girl:  Sunshine Cleaning is the type of film that can inspire the people who watch it.

• First, Amy Adams and Emily Blunt have a wonderful chemistry – making their sisters relatable in an unrelatable situation (I don’t know any crime scene cleaning professionals – do you?).
• The Rose character takes control of her situation and mundane life – she creates something that she is proud of.  She is incredibly enterprising and resourceful – great characteristics for an SG.
• Both Rose and Nora take responsibility for their actions, which is very rare in films these days (I think is a direct reflection on society).  Seeing two adult women stand up for themselves and when mistakes are made, they make efforts to rectify those errors, such as taking bio-hazard class for certification and working to pay $40,000 when a house burns down.

My Thoughts:  Initially, I didn’t want to see Julie & Julia.  I’ll be honest – I’m not a fan of Julia Child.  But this movie is funny, tender, and inspiring.  Stanley Tucci is amazing as Paul Child – he steals every scene he is in.  Now, this is completely off-topic, but I feel it needs to be said:  Tucci is an outstanding character actor who never seems to get noticed for his on-the-mark portrayal of every character he plays.  I sincerely hope his work in this film gets acknowledged.  Amy Adams is adorable and narcissistic at the same time – an Everywoman in today’s generation of doubt.  Meryl Streep is…well, Meryl Streep.  That women does not know how to give only 98% in a film.  She completely commits to playing Julia Child, and actually acts as the comic relief to an extent.  Definitely a “chick flick”, but worth every penny.

For the Single Girl:  Well, SGs, this is definitely a different movie. 

• I would say this film is in the same vein as “Under the Tuscan Sun”.  This film is about finding yourself when you feel completely lost and don’t know where to go next.  Julie Powell’s story is inspiring – it makes you want to go out and find something that completely defines you…or at least something that makes you feel good.
• The relationships in this film are very genuine and emotionally binding.  Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep do a wonderful (and convincing) job showcasing the Child’s marriage as loving, funny, and sweet – the type of relationship I think everyone wants to be in.
• SGs, if you love food, this is a good movie to see.  The food in the film becomes the third revolving character (which I’m sure it was meant to).  However, sometimes the food outshone the actors (not necessarily something it was meant to do).  The film definitely makes you want to go home and starting cooking, but not in a “women should only be in the kitchen” way – more like a “cooking is going to make me feel empowered” way.

My Thoughts:  I initially felt The Ugly Truth was being marketed so it appeared similar to Knocked Up (another Heigl film) and Superbad.  I didn’t like either of these films because I felt they completely degraded women and encouraged bad behavior toward each of the sexes.  But I wanted to see The Ugly Truth because I do like Heigl and Butler.  I actually thought this film was incredibly funny!  Yes, the film is playing to gender stereotypes and plays the joke to get the easy laugh.  But the lines were delivered just right and in one scene (which I won’t spoil for you), Heigl really commits to the necessary acting.  Heigl and Butler have good chemistry, and while not a great rom-com (which it is), you do have to consider how films have evolved in order to be successful with contemporary audiences.

For the Single Girl:  So, SGs, Gerald Butler – he’s the (really) bad guy who helps Abby experience a new relationship – love it!  And he does it so well.  It’s also great to see more women in executive-type workplace roles.  Abby doesn’t want to compromise her career goals in order to find a guy – yes, you can have both!  She doesn’t apologize for being herself and she doesn’t want a guy who doesn’t want the real her – that is a great message.

My Thoughts:  If you haven’t read the Harry Potter series, you probably aren’t going to realize some of the important (and best, in my opinion) elements from the text that don’t make it into the movie.  Regardless, the movie was phenomenal!  I even jumped in the cave scene (which tells you how much I gotten into the film).  I still love the HP movies even though things get cut.  Readers/viewers have to realize that not everything can be in the films – they would just be too long.  I also love how the young actors have developed – they have grown up so nicely!

For the Single Girl:  Well, if you are one of the many SGs who are crushing on Daniel Radcliffe, this is a good movie for you.  I, however, can’t get behind that because we first saw Radcliffe when he was 11 – that just seems wrong…  Emma Watson has also brought Hermonie into the heroine age – not only is Watson a good role model for young girls (and maybe older starlets), she has portrayed Hermonie as a strong, smart and cunning young adult who is not afraid to fight for what she thinks is right.

My Thoughts:  I know there were a lot of negative reviews about this film, but I loved Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.  It was exactly was a summer blockbuster sequel is supposed to be: bigger battles, more explosions, a (limited) exploration of feelings lead characters have never felt before, and a similar, but different plot from the original.  Unfortunately, there is a downfall of having a feature film rest on the shoulders of young Hollywood.  I think it is imperative that actors under interview training (how to speak in public, answer questions about the topic at hand, and how to effective portray their product, studio, etc).  Reading various magazines, I was severely (and repeatedly) disappointed in Megan Fox’s comments about the film and the studio that spent millions of dollars featuring her.  While freedom of speech is incredibly important and vital, Fox comes across as self-absorbed, inarticulate, ungrateful, and just plain unintelligent in every interview I read.  Whether they want to be or not, public figures are role models – they should act like it.

For the Single Girl:  SGs, some of my following comments are not about the film itself, but about the actors and publicity of the film.

• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a good action film for women.  There are likable characters and a storyline driven by the need to protect others – it’s not just about blowing things up and sex.  There is humor, relationships, and good, old fashion action.
• It is important to note the racial stereotypes for which the film is getting publicity.  If you have seen the film, there are twin Autobots and an African American mechanic who have been portrayed with caricatures of the African American population.  Some movie goers did not notice the characterization, while some were so offended that they have boycotted the film. 

My Thoughts:  I have always been a Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds fan, so I was excited for the pairing.  Bullock’s natural physical comedy combined with the sarcastic wit and delivery of Ryan Reynolds made for an delectable comedy.  The supporting cast was great, but I do think a little too much emphasis was placed on Betty White’s role.  While White has good comedic timing, there is a limit on stereotypical characterizations.  Maybe it was the writing or the acting, but White character quickly moved from funny, slightly quirky grandmother to annoying, irritating older woman – not exactly intelligent comedy.

For the Single Girl:  The Proposal has several great messages for SGs, but you have to look close for some of them:

• While explaining his relationship with Margaret to his father, Andrew mentions the outstanding professional achievements that his boss has accrued in such a male-dominated field.  Until that moment, Margaret had been described as a hard-ass, ball-busting bitch of a boss.  It’s important to remember how working women are perceived by different parties in the media compared to the real world.  The Proposal shows both sides, which is often forgotten by Hollywood in an effort to perpetuate stereotypes that sell tickets.
• As a freelance image consultant, I am also interested in the clothing worn by professionals in films and TV.  Margaret’s wardrobe shows the importance of dressing for success.  Love the clothes, and the shoes…
• Ryan Reynolds is an incredibly versatile actor and he is great in the rom com genre.  As an everyday working woman, you wish you had someone like him in your office – sweet, considerate, and good-looking.