Best line of The Breakup, and so true. It’s not about the actual act of helping, it’s about the desire to help. In Vince Vaughn’s case, it’s not about putting down the video game controller, getting off of the couch, and helping Jennifer Aniston clean up after the dinner party. No, it’s about her not having to ask for his help. It’s about him wanting to do it because he loves her.
Same goes for Rosie Perez in White Men Can’t Jump. She doesn’t really want a glass of water, she just wants Woody Harrelson to understand how it feels to want a glass of water.
“If I’m thirsty, I don’t want a glass of water. I want you to sympathize. I want you to say, ‘Gloria, I, too, know what it feels like to be thirsty. I, too, have had a dry mouth.’ I want you to connect with me through sharing and understanding the concept of dry mouthedness.”
Got it, guys?
In other movie news…
Scoop
A Woody Allen film with Scarlett Johansson shared many similarities with “Match Point.” Same London backdrop. Same sultry Scarlett. Same “perfect murder.” But Woody Allen (a.k.a. Sid) was really the highlight for me. His quirky character added humor, and his interaction with Scarlett was embarrassingly father-like. Otherwise, a predictable ending.
Little Miss Sunshine
Didn’t get the Oscar hype until I saw it for myself. Typical storyline of a highly dysfunctional family trapped inside a Volkswagen bus driving cross-country. But the script and emotions were real. Seven-year-old Abigail Breslin was incredible. An ordinary girl who dreams of becoming Little Miss Sunshine. One of the best scenes involved her and the brother. No words necessary to portray this touching family moment. But I won’t spoil it.
The Illusionist
Mysterious and magical. Paul Giamatti was fantastic (and no red wine was consumed). I do love a movie that keeps me thinking after the last credit rolls. In this case, I was left considering love and life and death.