Taken is Bad Ass

I have seen the movie, Taken, 3 times now. I have loved it every time. I hope to see the extended version and I'm thinking, in time, that it might be a worth while purchase. 

The first time I saw the film, I went with Jeff for a random late night venture to the theatre. Liam Neeson kicked so much ass in the film that we were blown away. We were light hearted after the film, mocking a couple lines and scaring each other with stuff like: "Good Luck," "I'll tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to!" and "It's only a flesh wound."

Jeff said if someone stole his pomeranian, Peanut Butter, that he would "Tear down the Statue of Liberty to find him."-- all true and funny. 

The second time I saw the film, my mood was different. I was in North Carolina with my Dad and my sister, Erin, and we were looking for something to do. They hadn't seen the movie and I actually wasn't sure I wanted to see it again. It was March 18th, the day Liam's wife, Natasha Richardson (of whom, and we know this, I am a HUGE fan), died. I was more focused and noticed a lot of the really spectacular camera work, and details that this film had to offer. 

I didn't realize, until the third time I saw the film, that, we, in America, are not the first to have this extrodinary piece of film. It actually premiered a year before in France and the filmmakers are French! Extra points, Taken. Extra points.  

I just read a blog, posted by someone I follow on twitter (@mysmallpotatoes)  about this movie. The post lists 10 Things I Learned From Watching Taken. The list is hysterical and he also truly is a fan of this film. I am going to piggyback off of Jason, the blogger's, post with my own "Reasons to Watch Taken." Check it out.

Happy Birthday Natasha Richardson

(Natasha Richardson and husband Liam Neeson)

Today would have been Natasha Richardson's 46th birthday (May 11, 1963 - March 18, 2009). She was such a fabulous actress, activist and person. I suggest you check out her work today--whether it's on itunes, youtube, netflix or about AMfar. It's all worth while :)

Natasha Richardson

This past weekend I watched quite a few Natasha Richardson films. She was amazing and her death was sad and probably preventable. 

I watched her Charlie Rose interviews-- and she seemed to have a sense of accomplishment but also a sense of mortality. She said to live each day to the fullest and I believe this to be true, so I hope she was living that way. 

Her films were wonderful. You should netflix them if you haven't or go to amazon and buy one or two. I think, so far, my favorite is Widow's Peak she and Mia Farrow are marvelous in this film.

I think what I find saddest about her death, is her work ethic and ambitions must now be carried on by others. She was a real force in the fight against AIDS. Her father died from the disease, and she was one of the biggest propenents for amFAR to help raise money to find  a cure for the illness. 

She was also a Tony award winning stage actress. I think when someone dies and can no longer be seen on the live stage, is one of the saddest things in the world. I think most theatre goers and enthusiasts might agree with me here. There is no replacing an actor or actress who fills the room when they walk on stage. The stage and theatre are so intimate, emtional, jaw droppingly brilliant and irriplacable-- it's hard to think one could never have the opportunity to see a grand performance ever again.

In tribute to Natasha Richardson--I'd like to post this video of her work in the theater. 

I hope her spirit carries on and wherever she is she knows how appreciated her work was (and in film/television, is).