Enemy

Director: Denis Villeneuve
With: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini

My thoughts on doppelgangers have changed ever since I became a fan of How I Met Your Mother where it turned out to be one of the series' running joke and eventually a vital storyline. Doppelgangers, which I thought was double gangers when I first heard it lol, are actually portrayed as harbinger for bad luck. Thanks to HIMYM, its context became a little lighter but after watching Enemy, I'm afraid that it returned to its bad name.

French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve is quickly becoming a favorite. After directing two films (Incendies, Prisoners) that made him popular in my book :3 and internationally as well, here's another film that's insanely compelling, mysterious and thought provoking.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a university professor named Adam Bell who discovered that he has a double, thoroughly identical in physical appearance, only with a completely different life and personality - and just when you think you've figured this out by saying "Ohh it's a psychological thing, etc", I'm pretty sure that you're mistaken. Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent in the dual role, bringing each man their own distinctiveness and personality. The challenge for Gyllenhaal here is to make the viewers tell the two different men apart and he did it successfully only with his use of facial expressions and body language.

I'm having flashbacks of my writeup for Prisoners because I'm bound to use similar statements again to describe Enemy but it's just really becoming a recurring thing for Villeneuve's films, the mystery. Like what he did to Prisoners, Villeneuve is more focused on the story rather than the lesson. He sure knows how to grip his audience by providing answers but ironically, those answers also keep on providing questions. He never leaves his viewers hanging but at the same time, he prolongs the mystery by providing many angles. He sure knows how to grip, he most definitely knows how to play with the viewers' psyche as well.

In Enemy, Villeneuve is never misleading but he sufficiently piques the curiosity of the viewer to create their own hypothesis and thus, his viewers create their own misleadings. It's an enigma in a way that the clues are handed both subtly and visibly but in the end, the craziness may or may not make sense depending on one's understanding and to an extent, attentiveness. I don't want to ruin one's viewing so let's just leave it at these warnings.

There are so many things to commend about this film, Villeneuve's stylish direction of illuminating Toronto's cityscape enhanced with yellow & black colors - to make it more sickly as if the story is not sick enough. Other than that, the thing to rave about in this film is its ENDING. I literally voiced out the words "WHAT.THE.FUCK" with matching jaw drop and surprised big eyes because of it. It's reminiscent of the nightmare in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive and thinking about it, Enemy actually has a lot of similarities with Mulholland Drive except I think I've figured Enemy much easier while I'm still stuck in the conundrum of the latter.

The ending makes you want to research for answers and a second viewing might be required but it won't have the same intriguing effect of the first. Still, it might provide clearer answers if you want a closure from this film. Because that ending is truly startling that it needs some visual and mind purging.

Enemy also stars three other stunning actresses - Mélanie Laurent and Sarah Gadon as the partners of the doubles, and Isabella Rossellini as Adam's mother. They helped on emphasizing Jake Gyllenhaal's character's flaws and their actions and words are also not devoid of clues. Not to mention, they have some sexy scenes that probably made this film labeled as homoerotic.

I can't wait to discuss this film with more people. It might not be for everyone but if you're into riddles, then this is a puzzle for you and I may suggest, start with the poster. Good luck!

My favorite songs from 'How I Met Your Mother'

One reason why I watch movies and TV series is because of the awesome songs they feature. For me, a song becomes more memorable if it's incorporated with a scene. Happy scenes become happier, sad scenes become sadder and when it's all over, these songs remind us of scenes that made us laugh, cry, fall in love, or any other emotion that we felt when we heard those songs for the first time. These songs, they never fail to trigger nostalgia.

How I Met Your Mother is one of my favorite series to discover new songs and now that it had just wrapped up, it reminded me how much I've discovered so many songs in some of the most memorable scenes in the series.

Aside from their incredible originals such as Let's Go To The Mall which is clearly the best song ever, Sandcastles in the Sand, Beaver, You Just Got Slapped, Marvin's Lullaby, Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit; their own versions of Stand By Me, La Vie en Rose, and Don't Go Breakin' My Heart and featuring popular songs like I Will Remember You by Sarah Mclachlan, You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi, Nice Dream by Radiohead, Eternal Flame by Bangles, Oxford Comma by Vampire Weekend and Simple Song by The Shins, they also featured a lot of songs I've never heard of before.

And since I love the last song that they used in the whole series and I still have remaining feels from the finale, it inspired me to list some of my favorite songs along with their respective scenes from the series and here they are:

"Spit on a Stranger" - Pavement

Victoria and Ted's theme song
Season 1, Episode 13 - "Drumroll, Please"

Who would forget this awesome song? Victoria and Ted may not ended up together but this song always reminds us that aside from Robin and Tracy (the Mother), Victoria will always be Ted's best ex-girlfriend. The sweet melody in this song gives a certain sweetness and sincerity in their tender moments. We also heard this song in a different version when Victoria returned in Season 7.

"Good Feeling" - Violent Femmes

Marshall and Lily's theme song
Season 1, Episode 20 - "Best Prom Ever"

Marshall and Lily both love this song and I also do love this song. This song played in Lily's stereo after Marshall fixed it when they first met. It turned out that they also want this song to be their wedding song. The 88 played this live in the Best Prom Ever episode and it was beautiful. Robin and Ted also danced to this song.

"Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby" - Islands
Barney's apartment makeover c/o of Lily
Season 2, Episode 5 - "World's Greatest Couple"

This song was used in a montage of Lily decorating Barney's apartment to make it more homey and welcoming to women. I just thought it's a fun and catchy song. I remember downloading it right after seeing the episode.

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" - The Proclaimers 
Ted and Marshall's roadtrip song
Season 2, Episode 17 - "Arrideverci, Fiero"

This is probably the most classic HIMYM song ever and I only discovered this through the show. It's only recent when I found out that this is actually kind of a popular song and was featured in other movies like Benny & Joon. Since I heard this in HIMYM, it became one of my favorite songs to listen to. Even my nephew digs this. Plus, this song reminds us Marshall and Ted's awesome friendship. I also like when they used this song when teenager Lily pretended to be pregnant to stole some canned goods. Good and fun times!

"Waiting for an Invitation" - Benji Hughes

Stella runs away from her wedding with Ted

Season 4, Episode 5 - "Shelter Island"

This song has a dark tone and message to it that's very suitable for Ted's situation with Stella. But even with its gloomy vibe, I really like it and it's one of the most memorable songs in the series. Laidback but creates a huge impact to the scene.We'll forever despise Stella, and this song will always haunt us of what Stella did to our beloved protagonist, Ted.

"Gorgeous Behavior" - Marching Band

Song at the elevator in the episode The Naked Man

Season 4, Episode 9 - "The Naked Man"

The song is not that prominent in the scene but the first time I heard this in HIMYM, I immediately downloaded it and it's now one of the most played song in my playlist ever since. When I first saw The Naked Man episode, the only song I know from Marching Band was Feel Good About It which I discovered from Zombieland. I thought it's one of those bands that only have 1 good song so when I heard Gorgeous Behavior in HIMYM, I was delighted to find out that it's sung by the band. I love the instruments in it and the playful arrangement of the song is very well suited for The Naked Man which is one of my favorite HIMYM episodes.

"Prophets" - A.C. Newman

The gang jumps from one roof to another

Season 4, Episode 24 - "The Leap"

Of course everyone remembers The Leap and even though I don't remember exactly the whole episode, I remember how inspired I was when I first watched it. The "Leap" was supposed to be a metaphor for some of their issues and Marshall took it literally which prompted the rest to take a leap as well from one building to another. I remember that this scene left me with a great feeling and I must say, it's a great scene to end a season. Prophets is one of those songs that made better by the scene instead of the other way around. I appreciate this song. Man, A.C.  Newman's songs are amazing. I also just recently discovered his song from Walking Dead, "Be Not So Fearful" and even if it's not his original composition, it's great nevertheless.

"Night Moves" - Bob Seger

Barney and Ted's Mom's car make out song

Season 5, Episode 20 - "Home Wreckers"

Ted's mom love this song and Barney played it in his car to turn on Ted's mom. This song was used as a comic relief in the show but it's actually a great song. Isn't it? I love its vibe. I'm thankful to HIMYM for introducing me this song. Also, lol at Mike Hannigan from Friends having the same mom as Ted. Theodore... Bitsy... what a delight!

"Our House" - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Slow mo wrecking of Ted's newly bought house in the suburb; Revealed to be the house in the future

Season 5, Episode 20 - "Home Wreckers"

This episode has so many feels. Ted bought this house in impulse because of sadness. But the gang was there to console him... Lily even told him this: "Usually in life when you make a stupid decision you just have to live with it. But how often do you get the chance to pick up a sledgehammer and bash the living hell out of it". Nuff said. Then, they wrecked the house while this song was playing in the background. It's one of the most iconic scenes for me and the jolly tone of this song sorta helped us endure the sad feeling of Ted. This is one of those scenes that made me feel like they're also my friends. /cheesy :3 Damn, I love this scene, I love them and I miss them already. :(

"Xmas Time Is Here Again" - My Morning Jacket

Song at the end of the episode when Ted convinced the gang to reconsider their decisions when they found out that Marshall and Lily are expecting a baby, only to find out that it's a false alarm

Season 6, Episode 12 - "False Positive"

This is a Christmas song but it has a melancholic vibe to it which made me appreciate it more. I instantly loved the song when I first heard it. It's obviously for a Christmas episode but I don't remember much about it, I just downloaded this song right after watching this episode. I remember liking this episode, though.

"Nothing Shows" - Keegan Dewitt

Marvin Eriksen's Funeral

Season 6, Episode 14 - "Last Words"

Marvin's funeral is one of the saddest point of the series but is also one of the most unforgettable. Marshall's mourning for his father's loss probably made most of the fans cry. I can't help but remember this song from the scene because it's beautiful and heart clutching. Its unfortunate I couldn't find a better copy but the song is too good, it doesn't matter if it has Barney/Robin in them.

"Heavy Hours" - Crooked Fingers

Barney is heartbroken because Robin chose to stay with Kevin

Season 7, Episode 10 - "Tick Tick Tick"

We rarely see Barney sad so when he's sad, there's a huge impact. Barney cleaning his supposed surprise for Robin is probably one of the saddest scenes in the series and this song helped in making the scene even sadder. It's not my favorite song from this list but Barney's heartbreak will always be remembered because of this song. Hence, why I like it. It's sad and memorable and I'm an emotional loser so... ;_;

"Rivers and Roads" - The Head and the Heart

Robin tells Ted that she broke up with Kevin and Ted confessed that he still has feelings for Robin

Season 7, Episode 16 - "The Drunk Train"

Ugh, this is one of the best songs in HIMYM and one of my favorites ever. It's sad and perfect for this sad HIMYM scene. And even though Ted's confession to Robin felt a little random because this was supposed to be the rebirth of Ted's love for Robin this season, the song made it more earnest. Also, Robin was crying in the scene so it made the sad song even more effective.

"Shake It Out" - Florence + the Machine

Robin moves out from Ted's apartment and more

Season 7, Episode 17 - "No Pressure"

Ted alone on the roof lamenting, staring deeply in nowhere, lol. It was a very dramatic scene, almost cheesy to be quite honest, but the use of Florence + the Machine's Shake It Out made the whole Robin moving out of Ted scene serious and memorable. It was sort of corny, yes, and annoying because I was starting to get tired of the Robin-Ted love thing at this point of the series but the montage of their relationship as friends and lovers with this song in the background surely made this scene unforgettable and electrifying. This song was kind of new when they aired it in this episode so thank you HIMYM for introducing this song to me. I will always incorporate this song to Ted and Robin.

"If The Hudson Overflows" - Goldspot

Coming to terms with their "pit person"

Season 8, Episode 11 - "The Final Page - Part I"

Remember the pit? It's one of those HIMYM lessons that stayed with me and even if the lyric of the song has nothing to do with the scene, I find this song really good! Listen.

"Let Your Heart Hold Fast" - Fort Atlantic

Barney proposes to Robin

Season 8, Episode 12 - "The Final Page - Part II"

This is one of the most magical moments of HIMYM may it be the song or the scene, it is AMAAAAAAAAAZINGGGGGG. Goosebumps! and I know all HIMYM fans are astounded by the beauty of this scene and the effect of this song. I'm over the moon just thinking about this scene.

"Heaven" - The Walkmen

Ted arrives at Robin's apartment with the Blue French Horn in his hand. The end of the series

Season 9, Episode 24 - "Last Forever Part II"

This finale is made more memorable because of this song. I'm pretty sure that months from now, I'll get sad and nostalgic if I listen to this song. It's so beautiful! This song was also played in the part where I was about to cry but tried to hold back my tears because I'm watching it in the office. lol. It's just bittersweet seeing the cast one by one at the very end with their pictures from the first season. I was almost hyperventilating. True story. Also, I thought this song was old only to find out that this actually only came out 2 years ago. It has 90s vibe, right?

As a fan myself, I'm pretty sure that these songs made us all nostalgic and there are a couple of songs I forgot to include in this list. I actually can name a few more like Someday by Haroula Rose and the funny Robin-Barney dance tune, Groove is in the Heart. The abovementioned songs are just way more special. Oh well, it's probably time to rewatch the entire series, yes? haha

Thank you Andy Gowan for HIMYM's music. You rock!!!

Tweet me @jaynormouskid or comment here for your favorite HIMYM songs. Post a comment if I forgot to include other amazing HIMYM songs. :)

Don Jon: Not all about sex, porn and comedy

Don Jon

Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

With: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore

It makes me wonder why Joseph Gordon-Levitt would direct, write and star in a film like Don Jon aside from the fact that it's about porn and his leading lady is Scarlett Johansson, which is pretty self-explanatory. I am not sure about the message he wants to address though. Is it about the bad sides of being addicted to porn? Is it about love, life and the internet? Is he trying to create the funny and light version of Steve McQueen's Shame? or he just wants to create a film with a subject that he knows people will enjoy? Why choose New Jersey as the setting? I should probably do my research on that. But I just find it odd that he chooses to direct something like this.

'Don Jon' is about an old-fashioned, disciplined, vain, Jersey guy, Jon Martello, who cares only for a few things: his pad, his car, his family, his church, his boys, his chicks and most importantly, his porn. He finds watching porn better than doing the actual 'deed' with, as he refers to, "the real pussies". When Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson) came to his life, he struggles between his true love and new love - porn and Barbara.

This is Gordon-Levitt's writing-directing full feature film debut and while it's far from being perfect, he showed his distinctive and playful style in his screenplay and direction which is pretty admirable. The film showed repetitive sitcom styled plots with hints of mystery c/o Julianne Moore's character, Esther, wherein at first, one would think that the course of the film is going nowhere. But Gordon-Levitt surely knows where the film is heading and he succeeds in putting a closure, or should we say, a 'development', to Jon's porn addiction.

Gordon-Levitt created a variety of characters in this film which is easily my favorite aspect of the film. Each character is unique and they all bring something to the table -- from Don Jon's friends who always look for women in bars and grade them from zero to dime, to Don Jon's family consisting of a tough father who mirrors his love for chicks, a gentle loving mother and a quiet sister who always checks her smart phone like the usual teenagers in this generation. But the real gems are Don Jon, Barbara and Esther to which Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore humorously characterized in this film. Gordon-Levitt displayed his never failing charisma. This time, as a porn addict, chick magnet that's very reminiscent of Neil Patrick Harris' Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. It also helps that NPH and JGL have the same overconfident and naughty expressions on their faces whenever they turn on their manly buttons. While I saw nothing new in Julianne Moore's performance in this, she's proven in so many films already, that whenever a casting director needs a middle aged woman willing to be fucked by a woman, a man or whoever and whatever his/her age is, she's always open ;) to portray that role with no shame, and her character in Don Jon is not an exception. Scarlett Johansson is my favorite though. Whatever she's doing with her accent, which the film has implied that it is a heavy Jersey accent, she played it pleasantly entertaining. She is almost effortless with this flirtatious and sexy yet kind of obnoxious JAP from hell character, but managed to make it fun and lovable. She's 75% why this film is entertaining. And her hotness still leaves everyone breathless, especially in one of her scenes with JGL in the hallway. Oh my! It is apparent that they all enjoyed their characters.

My friend said that this is a guy-flick but thinking about it, it's actually no different to other chick flicks. While the first half reeks of machismo, sex and grown men stuff, the second half kind of negates all of those things by including sappy and serious materials in the film. It would have been better if Gordon-Levitt maintained the level of virility throughout the movie. He obviously tried to stay that way but he focused more on the turnaround of Jon-Barbara-Esther's relationships and Don Jon's overall growth. We should have been warned before watching the film that this is not all about sex and comedy.