Unicorn Store, directed by and starring Brie Larson, was the first film I got to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year, and one that I was super excited to see...I mean, it's Brie Larson and something to do with unicorns! How could I not be excited?? In reading the logline and based on the photo used on TIFF's site, I thought, this could be really cute or really indie arthouse weird. Of course, there's nothing wrong with indie arthouse weird, I've enjoyed a number of such films. I am an emotional film watcher, so I enjoy almost anything I emotionally connect with, but I honestly had no idea what to expect, because you just never know with some of these films at film festivals. I guess what I was really hoping for was just not the kind of depressing ending or an ending that leaves you with a sort of vacant and unsatisfied feeling that many of these more arthouse films tend to leave you with. Let's just say at the end of the movie, I was pretty happy and satisfied, and ready to let my inner unicorn out if I hadn't already.
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As I read the reviews of this movie after screening it myself, I was disappointed in many of the reviews. This is the story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, produced by their now grown son, Jonathan. Robin (Andrew Garfield) was stricken with polio in 1958 and lived the rest of his life fully paralyzed but for being able to make facial expressions and move his head just enough to ding a bell. This no doubt was the performance of a lifetime for Garfield, being limited to using only his face for most of the movie, and most critics focused on his performance. However, it is very clear that this movie was made as a tribute by Jonathan to both of his parents, and perhaps even a thank you letter to express utmost gratitude for his mother in particular.
 There was a time after law school my aunt sat with me, and for the first time in my life I could tell she was somewhat disappointed in me. She said, "I just don't understand how someone with your legal background and language background is not working for the UN, making international law for the greater good." I love the UN. To work for the UN and fight for human rights has always been a dream of mine. I just knew in my gut there was somewhere else I needed to be first.
 When the Oscar nominations were first announced, the first thing I looked for among the list of nominees was Beasts of No Nation, because how could that not be nominated for some kind of Oscar? It had to be recognized in at least one category, but deservedly more than one.
 I've got another FABULOUS film for you!!! Film lovers, you must check out this beautifully written indie movie that integrates a very real message with a twist of fantasy. I've been hesitant to tell people what it's about, because I know when they hear the general logline they'll assume something totally different from what they'll get. I always have to tell them to trust me...it's magical.
 Go see this movie when it hits theaters. I screened this at TIFF last week, and walked into the screening for Kate Winslet and dresses, but walked out with so much more. It was a far more wickedly, riveting story. It starts off with a bang (a literal percussion), and ends with an even bigger bang. The ending I must admit, is rather cruel, yet invigoratingly fiery. For a major studio film, there was a touch of indie flare to the ending that really took this film to another level of awesome.
 I had the wonderful opportunity to screen Thomas Vinterberg’s recreation of Thomas Hardy’s first major literary success, Far From the Madding Crowd, starring the beautiful Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, and Juno Temple.
 Ever since I was a child, celebrating my birthday was always traumatizing for me. However, a couple years ago I discovered both COLCOA and Brit Week—both of which take place the week of my birthday. In case you’re not familiar, COLCOA is the City of Lights, City of Angeles Film Festival, a nine-day French Film Festival that takes place in LA, premiering some of France’s well-received and/or much anticipated films of the year. Brit Week is a number of events spread throughout LA celebrating the Brits. It’s my favorite thing—films, fun, and fabulousness. So now, I always look forward to my birthday, because instead of saying “nothing” in response to questions about my birthday plans, I now have a less pathetic response.
 I’ve been really excited to see “Cake,” because I’m such a big fan of Jen Aniston’s. She’s just one of those women you wish you could be friends with, and I always find myself rooting for. Since this role is much uglier, darker, and complex, as opposed to the beautiful, fun, and lovable characters we are used to seeing her play, I was rooting for her even more, and suspected I would not be disappointed with her performance or the movie. And I was right.
 In my hometown, there is a little airfield about 5 minutes from my house, called “Zamperini Field.” It’s barely noticeable and sometimes you’ll find strawberry fields, cornfields, or what have you, on the far perimeters. It wasn’t until tonight did I know the great history behind the name Zamperini, after watching “Unbroken,” directed and produced by Angelina Jolie.
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