Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Five Fun Quirky Films



As you all know, I love quirky stuff. Including movies!

The weirder it is, the better.

I especially respect film makers who are willing to take a risk and break out of the generic mold...even if it means the movie won't experience huge blockbuster status.

Here are some of my favorite quirky films, including some horror/sci fi in the honorable mention category.



STRICTLY BALLROOM

This 1992 Baz Luhrmann film has all of my favorite things wrapped up with a bow. Quirky kooky Australian humor, wacky characters, an adorably sweet romance, fabulous soundtrack, and spine-tingling dance scenes. The costumes, the music, the whole ballroom dance vibe is the perfect backdrop for a bizarre Australian movie with one of the greatest happy endings ever.

Ever.

Watch it!



MOONRISE KINGDOM


Wes Anderson is all about quirk. Just the stunning visual component of his films is a good enough reason to watch. The colors, the composition. Swoony goodness! But it's the bittersweet characters, all struggling in their own way, that draw you in and make you hope for a happy ending. This is another crazy love story with a superb ending that will satisfy any romance lover.

Bonus: Bruce Willis!



WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

This 1971 film based on the Roald Dahl book is pure gold. It captures the whimsy and wackiness of the original story, and casting Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka is one of the greatest casting decisions in the history of film. (And I'm not even going to discuss Johnny Depp. Just...no) Everything about this movie is perfection...the crazy story, the fantastic characters, the Oompa Loompas, the music, the SPECTACULAR scenery. This film is brilliant in every way. A+ QUIRK!

Also, so many quotes! "The suspense is terrible...I hope it'll last." Hee hee!



THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY


2013 film with Ben Stiller. There is a sweetness to this quirky movie that I adore. Walter Mitty's life is so miserable he spends most of his time fantasizing in a dream world instead of dealing with the tedium of his real life. What happens when this poor schmo finally gets the courage to break out of his shell? So many wonderful things! Great music, kooky scenarios--including a hilarious scene with a shark that made me snort laugh--and a sweet romance. 

Bonus: Gorgeous Icelandic scenery, which inspired our family trip to Iceland.

Whenever I need a dose of happy, I watch this one again. It's a keeper!



BEST IN SHOW


If you love dogs, and you love dog shows, and you love comedy, then BEST IN SHOW is your quirky selection! This is the perfect setting for a bunch of nutso characters obsessed with their pets and this canine competition. It includes laugh-out-loud humor and hilarious performances by Christopher Guest and his comedy group. Clever, snarky, and snort-laugh fun.

Bonus: Eugene Levy


Looking for more quirky options? If you like horror, I would recommend TREMORS, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, and SLITHER. If you enjoy sci fi parodies, try SPACE BALLS and GALAXY QUEST.

I also recently watched and loved THE SHAPE OF WATER, a creepy quirky fantasy.

Some oldies-but-goodies include GROUNDHOG DAY, FARGO, FANTASTIC MR. FOX, RAISING ARIZONA.

Do you have any favorite quirky films? Let me know!

Have a quirky day!

xoxoxo

Penny/Nina




Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Happy Valentine's Day!



Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope all of you have a wonderful day. I just bought myself some chocolate. 

Some 2018 updates...I have workshops coming up!

See my 2018 Calendar.

April: Southwest Florida Romance Writers Workshop
Title: THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A 
ONE-OF-A-KIND WRITING CAREER

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May: Cambridge School of Weston
Title: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ROMANCE WRITER

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June: Three Rivers Romance Writers Workshop
Title: TIPS FOR SIMPLE LIVING

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September: Toronto Romance Writers 
Northern Hearts Conference
Title: TIPS FOR SIMPLE LIVING: HOW TO FIND YOUR HAPPY


For more info about workshops, see this link.


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Have a wonderful Valentine holiday.

Love, Nina/Penny