Safe Haven (2013)

Directed by Lasse Hallström (1)

Cast: Josh Duhamel (2), Julianne Hough (3), and Cobie Smulders (4)

(Watch the trailer)

My favourite quotes - "Are you staying or you just passing through or what's your story?", "Look Katie, the great thing is, life is full of second chances", "Listen to me, I'm in love with you. I'm in love with you. And if you stay I promise... there's no safer place in the world than right here with me.", "Take a lot of pictures. You'll only regret the ones that you didn't take.", & "To the woman my husband loves. If you're reading this, then it must be true. He loves you, beyond a shadow of a doubt or else he wouldn't have given this to you. I can only hope that you feel the same way about him as he does about you. But I wanted to write this letter because I wanted you to know one very very important thing; I'm so glad he's found you. I only wish I could be there some how to meet you, and maybe in some ways I am. (Inside the envelope is also a photo of Jo and Josh) Outside of my husband and my two beautiful children, you are the most important person in the world to me. Because I am gone and they're yours now. You need to take care of them; make them laugh, hold them when they cry, stand up for them, and teach them wrong from right. The thought of you... it gives me hope; hope that Alex remembers what it feels like to be young and in love, hope that Josh finds somebody to fish with again, hope that Lexie has someone to help her on her wedding day. I hope that one day my family is whole again. But most of all hope that somehow I'm there with all of you, watching over all of you."


Jo: Look I, I moved out here, same as you, I think, to get some peace and quiet. So I get it if you...
Katie: Yeah. I like the fact that I can hear myself think.
Jo: Yes. Thank you. I mean, isn't it so nice to be away from all that noise and that chatter? I mean it can be a little deafening sometimes, so it is, it is nice to meet somebody as rustically inclined as I am. 
Katie: Okay.
Jo: Well it's nice to meet you.
Katie: Yeah you too.

I am in between with regards to how I feel about the city and the countryside. I love hustle and bustle of the city. It fascinates me. It helps that cities are oftentimes very convenient and easy to get around in. Perfect for travelers who like to walk from point to point. But I also hate crowds. Especially crowds that are rude and like to shove you around on the trains. 

I remember vividly, a time long ago, on a holiday with my family in New Zealand. I was a teenager, and I was going through a rough patch, I can't remember what about anymore. And for the first time on the trip, I had a room to myself. It was quiet. And tranquil. It was on the second floor and I was sitting at the bay window. Although it was chilly, I left the window open and I could feel the breeze and I could smell the ocean and taste the salty seawater even from where I was sitting. That kind of peace was a godsend. And just like that, I too fell in love with the quiet countryside. 

While I am not "rustically inclined" like Jo, I do enjoy the occasional escape into the peace and quiet of the countryside. Which explains why I really loved being in Santorini during the off peak winter season last year. And I think I'd want to have a bay window in my house, should I be able to afford a house in the future.

"Are you staying or you just passing through or what's your story?"
- Alex 

Everyone has a story, a past. What's yours? Littered throughout this blog, you've been privy to bits and pieces of my story and my character. So in some ways, this is a part journal, part review blog. When I watch an episode of my favourite television series I get transported into a new world, theirs. And I find meaning in their story. That is what I love about films and television series. That is what they're for, to show us a new world full of different possibilities.

Katie: You just become dark... like there's... the life is just sucked out of you. You just felt worthless. Like there's no point. And I just stuck up for him all the time. Cause it wasn't his fault, it was mine. Feel completely alone... 
Alex: It's okay. It's okay. You're okay now.
Katie: I never really talked about.
Alex: Well I'm so glad you're here.
Katie: I am too.
Alex: Everything's gonna be okay.
Katie: Yeah.

With Safe Haven, the most recent adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' books, the topic of domestic abuse and starting over is the focal point of the story. When I realised that Julianne Hough's character Katie (aka Erin in her old life) was being abused by her cop husband, it reminded me of the Flashpoint episode 'Asking For Flowers'. Is it that cops are more prone to dishing out domestic violence? Or is it just a plot point to up the stakes for the abused women in the show?

"Look Katie, the great thing is, life is full of second chances"
- Jo

Katie ran away to escape her husband's abusive ways. But it was also a chance to start afresh and to rebuild her life. Her second chance at living a full and happy life. It's the same with Josh Duhamel's Alex who lost his wife to cancer a few years back and has to raise his 2 young kids alone. So ultimately, it's a story about 2 lost or damaged souls who find their way towards each other and a better life. Hmm... sounds like a couple of Nicholas Sparks adaptation. It's a similar tale as found in The Lucky One, The Last Song, and Nights In Rodanthe.

Alex: I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... please just... just stay. 
Katie: No. You were right. I have to go. He's gonna find me. He's gonna find us. 
Alex: Whoa whoa whoa. Wait... Just tell me the truth, just tell me what happened. And if you're in trouble we can get the police involved. I can talk to Ray.
Katie: You don't understand Alex, he is the police. My husband's a cop in Boston. That's why he can do all that.
Alex: I don't care aright. I'm not going to let him hurt you anymore. I'm not gonna let him hurt you anymore.
Katie: It doesn't even matter. I can't put you through that. I can't put your family through that. He's always gonna be there. He doesn't quit.
Alex: Katie... Listen to me, I'm in love with you. I'm in love with you. And if you stay I promise... there's no safer place in the world than right here with me. 
Katie: I'm so scared.
Alex: I know you are. But you don't have to be. You don't have to be scared... I love you... please stay.

But this is what gives us hope. Hope that no matter how damaged or lost we are, we can find that special someone who will keep us safe and will brave the storm with us. I want someone like that. Someone who will make me feel safe and loved. Someone I can depend on. 

Safe Haven brings up 2 serious topics - abuse and recovering from the loss of a loved one. It's pretty cool the way Nicholas Sparks combines these 2 subjects through the characters of Katie and Alex. 

The only other show I've seen Julianne Hough in was the 2011 remake of Footloose. And I think she did a pretty descent job in Safe Haven as Katie. She was able to bring a certain depth to the character and I was with her throughout the whole film; through her fear, her apprehension, and gradually, her joy. 

With Josh Duhamel's performance as Alex, it was nothing I haven't seen before in his other films like Ramona And Beezus and Life As We Know It. He wasn't bad. He just didn't give me anything different from his previous performance which isn't so much a reflection of his acting abilities but perhaps the kind of roles he plays. 

However, of all of his performances in romantic comedies or dramas, I enjoyed his take of Alex in Safe Haven the most.

When I was younger, I declared that if possible I'd like to die before my husband does. Why? Because I'm selfish and don't want to live a lifetime alone without my partner. Maybe if I have children I'd find the strength to live on and not be a wreck. But now that I'm older, while I hope I am able to live on after my partner is gone, I hope if he does die before me, that he doesn't leave me too soon.

Katie: Does it get better... with time? 
Alex: Yeah... Yeah... Yeah, at first I tried to avoid every place that we went together. I tried to forget. I tried to put it behind me. I tried to... just look forward. But it just didn't work. And I realised that if I'm not thinking about her then who is. You know... and she didn't deserve that; she was an amazing woman and I loved her, and I want my children to know that. I want them to know her. So... I just... we're just keeping our heads down. Getting to play mum and dad, which is... interesting. Just trying to keep it all together really. But today with you, this is probably the first time that I've looked up.
Katie: It's a perfect day.

Although it's not the same, but after my breakups, I was like Alex, I avoided places we went to, and tried to forget every memory I have of him and when we were together. But that's denial. And denial will only cause all the hurt and pain to suddenly come back and bite you in the butt. 

And just after a breakup, I recall telling my friends that I feel as if I will never find someone as good as he is again. But that isn't always true. Yes, some people never find someone else as amazing as their one true love. But some do. And for some, the person that they meet next is even better than the person they were with before. Every person's story is different. 

What To Expect When You're Expecting (2012)

Directed by Kirk Jones (1)

Cast: Cameron Diaz (2), Matthew Morrison (3), Jennifer Lopez (4), Rodrigo Santoro (5), Elizabeth Banks (6), Ben Falcone (7), Anna Kendrick (8), Chace Crawford (9), Brooklyn Decker (10), Dennis Quaid (11), Chris Rock (12), Thomas Lennon (13), Rob Huebel (14), Amir Talai (15), Rebel Wilson (16), Joe Manganiello (17)

(Watch the trailer)

My favourite quotes - "End of the day, family's all that matters. Not the races and the trophies and the endorsements. Not the money and the women, and the sex and the drugs, and partying with Jimmy Buffett at the back of Willie Nelson's bus. None of that means jack shit when I'm gone. But you guys, my kids, that's all we really leave behind.", "There's no such thing as ready. You just jump on a moving train and try not to die.", "Dude, you're gonna be fine. You just got to get over your fear of babies. They can smell fear, like bears or wives.", "You just don't get it do you? We love being dads. When I was young, I used to think I was so happy. But now I know I'm happy. Exhausted, but happy. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.", & "You don't know true love until you wipe someone's butt."

Did You Know? - The film is based on a self-help book of the same name written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.


In the past month, whenever I could spare the time in between my own work commitments, I've been on an 'Emma' binge with posts like We Can Fly Away (Emma Townshend), Aquamarine (Emma Roberts), and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Emma Watson). My baby cousin Emma turns 1 month old today and my uncle held her 'man yue' celebration over the weekend. But we Chinese have a special way of celebrating a baby's one month (man yue) celebration. If you're confused, think of 'man yue' as a Chinese version of the Western baby shower. 

When a baby turns one month old, according to traditional Chinese customs, parents hold a party to celebrate the baby's first full moon (man yue). It is when both mother and baby are formally introduced after the end of the mother's confinement period. Part of the customs include the giving of red eggs and traditional cakes called ang ku kueh (a red glutinous cake with peanut fillings), shaving the baby's head (some people even shave off the baby's eyebrows), and selecting a Chinese name for the baby. Guest attending the celebrations give gifts of jewellery to baby girls and ang baos (red packets with money inside). If you want to know more about these interesting traditions, read about it here. 

Truth be told, this year has been a year of many babies. Well, for me at least. in the last 4 months, there has been so much talk of babies around me. 

Baby #1 - My friend and colleague, Gurmit, has a new baby girl named Mikeala (born February 26). Baby #2 - My little cousin Emma was born on 9th April. And Baby #3 will arrive any time now, in the month of May. Because another friend and colleague of mine, Alaric, is going to become a father to a baby boy. The baby's intended name starts with an 'E' too - Elijah. Actually, the name Elijah reminds me of the vampire featured in the television series The Vampire Diaries and new series The Originals. On top of that, I have a friend who is trying for a baby. 

So for months now I've been wanting to write about my thoughts on the film What To Expect When You're Expecting. 

What To Expect When You're Expecting was based on a pregnancy guide of the same name. I knew about the book even before the film was ever conceived because I used to work at the Children & Lifestyle department at the Kinokuniya in town so I know the book. I know it's cover and weight all too well actually. I had to shelve boxes and boxes of them! Needless to say, it was a very popular book for mums to be. So how does one turn a self-help book into a film with a storyline? Much like the film He's Just Not That Into You I guess - create an ensemble film. And with any ensemble film, you like some of the stories and characters but probably not all of them.

In What To Expect When You're Expecting, we encounter 5 couples with various concerns about having children and parenting. And it covers various possible scenarios. There's Wendy & Gary, a couple trying hard to get pregnant, and that story is tied in with the concept of step-families and parenting styles with Skyler & Ramsey. Then there's Rosie & MArco, a couple who get pregnant after a one night stand and, to add to that complicated mess, also go through a miscarriage. Also, there's Holly & Alex, a couple who adopt because they can't have kids. Which leads to my favourite characters in the film - The Dudes. And the film also talks about the concerns and issues a couple faces when expecting a baby through couple number 5 Jules & Evan. 

Elizabeth Banks and Ben Falcone as Wendy & Gary
Brooklyn Decker and Dennis Quaid as Skyler & Ramsey

Wendy: Ga!
(Wendy's iPhone app shows a flashing sign with the words "You are ovulating" with Tarzan-like sound effects)
Gary: Yeah?
Wendy: Ha!
Gary: Oh. Shoo...
Wendy: 2 minutes.
Gary: I gotta go.
Wendy: Honey.
Gary: Honey I gotta go. I got...
Wendy: Honey. 
(Wendy gives Gary a look and he relents)
Wendy: Janice!
Janice: Yeah?
Wendy: I'm taking Gary in the back.

Like Wendy & Gary, a friend of mine wants to start a family with her husband. Now Wendy & Gary have been at it for 2 years, but my friend and her husband haven't been trying very long. It's funny cos even before watching, What To Expect When You're Expecting, my friends and I have already been talking about how there are apps that tell you when you're ovulating. So seeing an app pop up in the film really tickled me. Plus, this early scene between Wendy and Gary tells us a lot of the dynamics of their relationship. 

Gary: Oooh... what do you got?

Wendy: Some wine, cheese and crackers, your favourite.
Gary: Oh that's a real treat. So what's the movie anyway?
Wendy: Dirty Dancing.
Gary: Oh... alright. That's a good one. 
Wendy: Um-hmm.
Gary: Yeah. Whoa... what are you...?
Wendy: I would like to propose a toast.
Gary: Okay... But you, you haven't had a drink in 2 years.
Wendy: I just... I think we should take a break from trying. Just be us for a while. 
Gary: Alright. I'll drink to that. Sure.
Wendy: To us. And if that doesn't work, we'll do 3 rounds of IVF. And if that doesn't work, we'll just adopt, which will be great cos I have no fears, genetic or otherwise. To us.
Gary: To not snuffing out the flame. 
Wendy: Okay.
Gary: Okay. What are you doing? Oh my God. You're gonna... Are you going to go for it? You're going for it. You did it. You just... You just... You crushed it. You crushed a glass of wine.
Wendy: Oh my God I'm wasted.
Gary: Yeah. I bet you are.
Wendy: It's so good. Why have I wasted 2 years not drinking this?

Another friend of mine went through a lot to get pregnant. And she would get really sad each month when she had her monthly period, it was proof that she wasn't pregnant, even though they were seeing a doctor about it. After a while, they stopped the treatments and surprise, surprise, they got pregnant! Just like Wendy & Gary. So perhaps the point is that even when you're trying hard to get pregnant, you mustn't forget to have fun and not make the process of trying for a baby such a chore. I guess there's a reason why there's having sex, and there's making love. 

Making a baby should be a product of love, maybe that's how the phrase 'making love' came about. 

So now you're pregnant. What next? Parenting. I think besides the thought of the pain of child birth, the thought of raising a child scares me to death. I don't need a film to put me off having kids, I'm already apprehensive. My friends tell me that I feel this way because I'm single and that when I find someone I want to spend the rest of my life me, I'd feel differently. Well tell that to Sandra Oh's Dr Cristina Yang from the television series Grey's Anatomy.

Ramsey: Just get it off your chest son.
Gary: I'm sick of competing with you okay.
Ramsey: That's it. Just keep going. I'm listening.
Gary: You named me Gary Cooper for Christ's sake.
Ramsey: Get it all out.
Gary: You're the reason that I got fat. You are the reason I got fat!
Ramsey: Whoa! Ouch. That hurts! Slow down. Stop. Really? I guess I've made kind of a shit-sandwich in the old dad department huh? I saw every episode of your 'Lose It' season and I have the whole thing on DVD, Blu Ray. And sometimes, I stay up at night and I watch it over and over again.
Gary: Really?
Ramsey: Yeah. This is hard for me. But there's something that I really want to tell you.
Gary: Okay dad.
Ramsey: Beat me home, we'll never have to race again.
Gary: God damn it! This is not good parenting! I'm gonna beat you! You're ridiculous!

Raising a child is no easy feat. When I see how spoilt and naughty some children can be and how their parents handle them, I really question their parenting abilities. Then I stop myself and try not to judge. Because what if one day, my kid becomes like theirs. I have a great fear of becoming a bad parent. A parent that will be judged by her child's bad behaviour. 

Is there a right or wrong way to raise your child? I don't know yet. Maybe when I've got grown kids of my own and they turn out okay I'd be able to comment on that question. But if I do marry and have kids, I am a firm believer of the phrase 'Spare the rod, spoil the child'. Although I have never been canned by my parents ever, and I think I turned out descent, I do feel that my parents didn't spoil me rotten. When my mum says 'No', no matter how many times you beg or try to get her to change her mind, 'No' means 'No'. 

Wendy: I'm sorry. I just... I didn't think about any of this stuff before I got pregnant. You know. I er... I just wanted the glow. The one that they promise you on the cover of those magazines with the pretty lady, looking down at her perfectly round belly with that sweet smile. Well... I'm calling it. I'm calling bullshit. I'm calling bullshit on the whole thing. Pregnancy sucks. Making a human being is really hard. I have no control over my body or my emotions. Care bear, I'm sorry. All I want to do is punch you in the face. But I love you so much so I don't mean it.
Gary: I love you too squeaks. You're doing great.
Wendy: I don't know about you. But I didn't get the glow. I just got back ache. And er... hemorrhoids. Have you ever seen those? Don't do it. Don't take the mirror down there. And then I have these purple stretch marks everywhere and pressure hanging from my uterus that makes me walk like I was kicked in the vag. I just...
Janice: Okay. Maybe it's time to stop there.
Wendy: Too far. 
Janice: That's the end.
Wendy: It's just I couldn't think of another way to describe it. 
Janice: That was really good. 
Wendy: So...
Janice: There we go.
Wendy: Thank you. They say when it's all over, you forget the whole thing. And I for one really hope that's true. (Wendy farts) Like that. I really hope I forget that.
Janice: Wendy Cooper everybody.

Before you go get pregnant, think long and hard whether a child is what you want. And whether you want to be responsible for raising a child. Because "making a human being is really hard". It's pretty amazing isn't it? How much a mother can endure to for her child. A lot of people think and worry about the pain of labour. But for some, labour pains isn't the only beating your body takes. As always, different people have different experiences with pregnancy. I guess Elizabeth Banks' Wendy Cooper got the short end of the stick. 

Wendy: OOHHHH.... GA... 
Gary: Yeah?
Wendy: I changed my mind. I want the epidural. I want it Ga.
Gary: No no honey.
Wendy: Yup.
Gary: No no no...
Wendy: Yes.
Gary: You said you didn't want it. And you said that even if you did ask for it that that would just be the crazy talking... 
(Wendy slaps him)
Gary: Oh....!
Wendy: Gary! Get me the juice.
Gary: That seemed a little crazy. I will get you the juice. Yeah.
Wendy: I need it Ga.
Gary: Yeah. Uh-huh.
Wendy: I'm sorry baby. Just don't come back without it okay.

During Emma's 'man yue' celebration, my aunts started talking about going into labour and whether they had a Caesarean or went for natural birth, or how long they were actually in labour for. Now that conversation freaked me out. I am now terrified of having kids. And I said so in front of them after hearing their stories. But my mum said that my brother and I were very easy births and only took 3 to 4 hours at most to come out. So she said I didn't have to worry because I'd be like her and have it easy. Well, when I have kids, I'll tell you if I agree on her theory or not. 

Maybe its because I don't have kids. But at the moment, while I want a family of my own, I'm not too sure about having kids right now. Maybe my friends are right, when I find someone I love, maybe I'd want to have kids. I mean, who doesn't want that glow right? 

"I finally found it. He's my glow. He's my perfect, perfect glow."
- Wendy Cooper

Elizabeth Banks was fantastic in this film! Although her character Wendy can be really grating on the nerves, Elizabeth Banks played her in a way that made her both intense yet rather adorable. And I love the chemistry between Elizabeth Banks and Ben Falcone. The characters Skyler & Ramsey really didn't make a big impression on me but I have to admit it was really fun watching Dennis Quaid play Ramsey. His cheeky and competitive streak was a little over the top, but still very fun to watch.

Jennifer Lopez and Rodrigo Santoro as Holly & Alex

Wendy & Gary were able to get pregnant eventually. But there are some couples who can't. And this subject is covered in the film as well. Meet Holly & Alex. 

Alex: You lost the one steady gig and you didn't even tell me? Are you kidding me?
Holly: I know. I'm sorry. I was just trying to get something else before you noticed.
Alex: Right.
Holly: So it'd be like 'Hey I got some new jobs' and not 'Holy shit! We can't afford our life'. You know I know you've been so worried about saving and the house...
Alex: Yeah, but we're in this together. Here I am, trying to get ready for something that's gonna be...
Holly: Oh my God! 
Alex: What?
Holly: I knew it! You... You're not even ready?
Alex: Look, I'm not like you okay. I can't just look at a picture and feel some magical bond. And you lying to me isn't helping.
Holly: Look, I know okay. 
Alex: Yeah.
Holly: I screwed up.
Alex: You did.
Holly: I just... I... I just couldn't handle another thing being my fault. Okay. I'm the one with the bad eggs. I'm the one who made us spend the 401k money on IVF. And I'm the one who can't do the one thing that a woman is supposed to be able to do.
Alex: Holly. Stop. Stop.
Holly: You don't even want this do you?
Alex: I never said that.
Holly: Not out loud.

From my friend's personal experience, I know that IVF isn't cheap. And it doesn't always work. But what if you really, really want kids. Actually, it's not that I never want to have kids, its just the thought of labour that really scares me to death. So maybe if I could afford it, I wouldn't mind adopting kids. But with adoption, I'm sure there's a whole different set of issues that one might face with adoption. 

Alex: That's the one thing you can count on with adoption right? Time. I need that time. To save. To get ready. 
Vic: There's no such thing as ready. You just jump on a moving train and try not to die.
Alex: Argh. Great.

I love what Vic, the leader of the Dudes, says to Alex as he freaks out about the adoption - that "There's no such thing as ready. You just jump on a moving train and try not to die." 

I've heard that the 9 months before the baby actually arrives gives the parents time to adjust to the big change that's about to happen in their lives. And the 9 months also gives both mother and father time to bond with the unborn child. Mothers feel their babies kick, and fathers watch as the product of their love grows inside the belly of their wives. So I guess Alex's meltdown is pretty understandable. 

But I think his fear stems from the fact that he doesn't know if he's gonna be a good father or how to be one. I too dislike the unknown. Uncertainty is not my thing. And not knowing what lies ahead makes me nervous. But that's life isn't it. There no sure thing in the world. Anything can happen. Just do the best you can. Love the best way you know how. 

Alex: It's not that I'm not ready. I'm just... I'm scared.
Holly: I know. Okay. I'm scared too. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. But we can be scared together. 
Alex: Yeah.
Holly: We just have to jump in. 
Alex: Right.
Holly: All in.
Alex: I know. I'm getting there. And I know I'm gonna love him cos I love the hell out of his mum. Let's go meet our son.
Holly: Okay.

Truthfully, the word 'adoption' always reminds me of Angelina Jolie. But she's not the only celebrity to adopt. Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Katherine Heigl, Jamie Lee Curtis, they've all adopted children as well.

Holly & Alex's storyline contains the film's most touching scene. When Holly finally meets and holds the baby she's always wanted, that scene made me a little weepy when I first watched the film. Jennifer Lopez really did a good job as Holly. In fact, in the film The Back-Up Plan, Jennifer Lopez also acted as a woman who really wanted a baby of her own. 

Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford as Rosie & Marco

It's not that easy to get pregnant, ask Wendy & Gary, they'll tell you its not as easy as you think to get pregnant. And for some, like Holly & Alex, they can't have their own children and turn to adoption to become parents. But for Rosie & Marco, all it took was 1 night of unprotected sex. 

Firstly, I have to say that Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford, in my opinion, is the best looking couple in What To Expect When You're Expecting. Okay, okay, Holly & Alex come really close as well but still, I like the pairing of Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford more. I've only watched a few episodes of Gossip Girl and don't really know Chace Crawford's acting range. I didn't expect much, so I was very and pleasantly surprised by his performance in the film as Marco. Anna Kendrick, on the other hand, I've noticed for a while now. I loved her in the film Pitch Perfect and 50/50, so I was really looking forward to see how she'll hold her on in an ensemble piece. 

Marco: Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Rosie: There's a line if you want to order.
Marco: The only thing I'm ordering is for you to stop serving bacon. Okay. Pigs are turf.
Rosie: Oh my God. Your turf? 
Marco: Yeah.
Rosie: Is this West Side Story? Are we going to rumble at midnight?
Marco: You know what? Maybe I got a whole gang of backup dancers just ready to go.
Rosie: Oh wow!
Marco: Okay, you're the cheese truck, so stick to cheese.
Customer: Can I order now?
Marco: NO! Just give me one second please.
Rosie: That's funny. Cos I noticed that those jalapeño fritters that you guys are serving...
Marco: Are awesome right? They're my invention. I made them.
Rosie: They have ricotta cheese in them.
Marco: Oh come on. That's like a little bit of cheese. It's nothing compared to the bacon crutch you're propping these sandwiches up on.
Rosie: They're paninis. They're grilled peach and blue cheese paninis with a dash of bacon. Also awesome. Also my invention.
Marco: Alright you wanna go, let's go. Your special against my special. Whoever sells the most tonight wins.
Rosie: Fine.
Marco: Fine. Alright if I win, you have to have a drink with me. And if you win, you may have 3 drinks with me.
Rosie: That's cute. So you can stand me up again. No thank you.
Marco: That was like 5 years ago. But that's sweet that you still remember that. I'm, I'm impressed Rosie. I'll see you in the field alright.
Rosie: It doesn't keep me up nights!
Marco: Sure.

I could watch Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford flirt all day. I really love the way we first meet their characters Rosie & Marco. But I digress. Now with Rosie & Marco, they're a young couple who have to deal with getting pregnant after a one night stand. They decide to stay together and see the pregnancy through and truth be told, its a pretty common tale. 

I know of quite a number of friends who got married because they had a baby on the way. When a child is the reason that brings 2 people together, it complicates things doesn't it? What To Expect When You're Expecting is a film about pregnancy, so I guess abortion is not an option. But with Rosie & Marco's storyline, it gives me the chance to think about the subject. As a Catholic I should be anti-abortion. However, if I were faced with the same situation Rosie & Marco are faced with in the film, I really wouldn't know what I'd do. 

I can say that I will keep the baby, but when it really happens will I really keep it? I don't know, and maybe I'll never know the answer to that question. But one thing's for sure, if you are faced with the exact same situation as Rosie & Marco, you really need to ask yourself the right questions. Marriage should be a lifetime commitment. And raising a child IS a lifetime commitment. Are you ready for marriage? Are you marrying for the right reasons? Are you ready to bring a life into this world and care for the child? Will you be a good parent to the child? These are very important questions. And you need to find the answers to these questions first before moving ahead with any decision.

Marco: Well erm... Okay... Are you sure you took the test right?
Rosie: You pee on a stick. It's idiot proof.
Marco: No I know. It's just... one time.
Rosie: Yup.
Marco: So... What do you want to do?
Rosie: I don't know. What do you want to do?
Marco: I don't know. I just found out. Okay. You're the girl, don't you get to decide?
Rosie: Great, great. So then it's all on me?
Marco: No I... No I didn't mean... Oh shit! Should we get married?
Rosie: Shit should we get married. Yeah... No it's just when you put it like that, that's...
Marco: Oh, I'm sorry Rosie well I'm just trying to do the right thing here. I didn't mean to..
Rosie: Then don't ask the wrong questions. I... just erm... forget that I said anything. Just forget it cos I'll figure it out. Like whatever it is, it's not your problem. So...
Marco: Rosie...
Rosie: It's fine. I have to get back to the truck anyway.

Rosie miscarries early in the pregnancy and she distances herself from Marco after she loses the baby. Truthfully, I feel that Rosie & Marco's story is not given enough weight for such a serious topic. And Rosie just saying "I'll have another chance when the time's right" as the resolution to their storyline really doesn't do it justice. But that's gonna always be the problem with ensemble pieces isn't it? The lack of time to do each storyline justice.  

Marco: If you want me to go, I'll go.
Rosie: What happened to your hand? 
Marco: Look, I just want you to know that I get it. I'll probably never really understand what you went through. But I don't want that to be the reason we're not together. Okay you were right. I never even took you out on a real date. But I want to. Er... made these for you. Caramels. Piece of shit double boiler. 
Rosie: I thought you said never again.
Marco: I made an exception.
Rosie: Urm... Marco the reason we're not together has nothing to do with the fact that we were gonna have a baby. It wouldn't have worked anyway.
Marco: That's bullshit Rosie. Give me one good reason.
Rosie: Okay... You don't have a car.
Marco: What? Says the girl with the duct taped Civic. Seriously?
Rosie: Okay fine it's not the car. You got me.
Marco: Well then what Rosie? What? Cos we were great.
Rosie: You know, you have the worst taste in girls. You go for the most obvious, least interesting chef groupies ever. What does it say about me if that's what you're into?
Marco: Well they can't all be you now can they?
Rosie: You want to know what it is?
Marco: Yeah.
Rosie: Every time I look at your face it kills me okay. Is that enough of a reason? Can we be done with this conversation please?
Marco: Well yeah. Can be done.
Rosie: Here. 
Marco: No. My caramels. Just keep them. Take them. 
Rosie: Fine.

Aquamarine (2006)

Directed by Elizabeth Allen (1)

Cast: Emma Roberts (2), JoJo (3), Sara Paxton (4), Jake McDorman (5), Arielle Kebbel (6), and Dichen Lachman (7)

(Watch the trailer)

My favourite quotes - "Why go through life unnoticed?", "I don't think they would have wanted you to be afraid of life, I think they'd want you to be friends with it.", "Who needs Raymond? I found 2 new men to love, their names are Ben and Jerry. Raymond... Who needs Raymond?", & "I've been to lots of places. But I've learned it's not where you are, it's who you're with."

Did You Know? - Aquamarine is based on a novel of the same name written by Alice Hoffman. Alice Hoffman has also written the novel the film Practical Magic was based on and wrote the screenplay of Independence Day. JoJo is a singer who's real name is Joanna Levesque. Sara Paxton would go on to do another fairytale inspired film the year after Aquamarine was released titled Sydney White.

Blink & Miss It - Dichen Lachman has a blink and miss it part in Aquamarine as one of Arielle Kebbel's sidekick. 

Disney's The Little Mermaid is by far my favourite Disney fairy tale growing up. There's just something about Ariel's lust for life and ardent belief in true love that I adore. Perhaps growing up watching all those happily ever after Disney fairy tales is why I have an overly idealistic view on love and romance. 

While Aquamarine is not the first feature film adaptation of The Little Mermaid fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson (See the post The Fairytale Reboot: Tales Come Alive), it is definitely the most updated version of the tale. And it does a good job of keeping with the times. The original Danish fairytale was given a bonafide Hollywood-teenage-film makeover and the result is Aquamarine.

Aquamarine: I have to find love. We don't have it where I'm from. And if I can't find it in 3 days I'm sunk.
Claire: You don't have love?
Aquamarine: No. My dad says its just a myth. We marry who our parents pick. And my dad thinks I have bubbles in my brain because I believe in love. He says that the only way I can get out my wedding is if I can prove to him that love exists. But that means I only get 3 days. Or else I'll be swimming down the aisle with that... that blowfish. 
Hailey: But if you don't have love, how do you know it exists? 
Aquamarine: I saw it once. And I want it. With him.
Hailey: Raymond?
Claire: Raymond!
Aquamarine: Raymond...

Besides being set in modern times, Aquamarine also takes a more down to earth approach to the idea of love.

Aquamarine: You know what I think of love? Love stinks. No wonder we don't have it back home.
Hailey: Please don't give up yet.
Aquamarine: Why because of your wish?
Hailey: Let me tell you something. My dad said he loved me. He said he loved my mother and then he left us. He left us for some other woman. But I guess that's just the way it is. And love doesn't always work.
Aquamarine: I don't understand.
Hailey: That's life. That's how it is here. But when you find love I guess it's really beautiful, or at least that's what I read in magazines, and I don't know as much about it as I say I do but I know that there's a reason why everybody wants it so much.
Aquamarine: And what's that?
Hailey: It's the closest thing we have to magic. Don't give up yet. 
Aquamarine: Oh my God. What's happening to me? I'm leaking!
Hailey: Aqua, you're crying.
Aquamarine: I'm leaking saltwater. I'm falling apart.
Hailey: No they're tears. You body makes them when you cry. I guess you wouldn't have them living under water. 

But I like that while they recognise that "love doesn't always work", it's still something you should fight for and keep hoping for because "it's the closest thing we have to magic". I like that exchange between JoJo's Hailey Rogers and Aquamarine. Through Aquamarine, we are taught about the true nature of love and how love isn't always enough but still something worth having.  

Aquamarine: Raymond, do you love me?
Raymond: Well, I mean, we've had 1 date. But don't get me wrong. I like you, I really really like you. I think you're smart and beautiful and different than anyone I've ever met before. And I'd like to see a lot more of you.
Aquamarine: But you don't love me.
Raymond: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait, wait, wait. Hey, are you crying?
Aquamarine: Yes. Apparently it's something I do.
Raymond: I don't understand. I mean why do I have to be in love with you today? Why can't we just work our way there?

I think the words 'I love you' are too carelessly used these days. People say it without truly understanding what the phrase is actually meant to convey. That is why I like that Aquamarine has tried to be more realistic in terms of the whole 'love at first sight' thing. The way Sara Paxton's Aquamarine goes from a giggly love crazed mermaid to become a mature mermaid with a good head on her shoulders sits better with me. There's enough fantasy to swallow in having a mermaid turn up in real life, it would be hard to believe she is able to get her Prince Charming to fall in love with her in 3 days! And say 'I love you' as well. 

I mean "love is just love" (See post on the film The Wedding Planner). Relationships require a lot of work. And if you just rely on the feelings of love, well sometimes, love just ain't enough.

But love comes in many forms. Love between friends, and of course love between family members. While our family members more often than not will drive us up the wall, at the end of the day, your family loves you. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Cast: Logan Lerman (1), Emma Watson (2), Ezra Miller (3), Mae Whitman (4), Nina Dobrev (5), Johnny Simmons (6), Kate Walsh (7), Dylan McDermott (8), Melanie Lynskey (9), Paul Rudd (10), Joan Cusack (11), and Nicholas Braun (12)

(Watch the trailer) 

My favourite quotes - "I'd hate for her to judge me based on what I used to be like.", "We accept the love we think we deserve.", "If you fail me, you get me next semester.", "Well, all the great writers used to wear great suits. So your last present is on a towel rack in the bathroom. Delve into our facilities, emerge a star.", "Well you know mom did say you have good friends now, and maybe if it does get bad again, just talk to them yeah.", "Do you think if people knew how crazy you were people won't talk to you?", "We can't choose where we come from, but we can choose where we go from there. I know its not all the answers but it was enough to start putting these pieces together.", & "We are infinite."

Did You Know? - The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is based on a book of the same title. Also, the author, Stephen Chbosky, adapted the book himself and directed the film as well. The book is an epistolary novel which is a novel written as a series of documents like letters or newspaper clippings. Recently, electronic "documents" like recordings, blogs, and e-mails have also been used. 

Blink & Miss It - Melanie Lynskey has a blink and miss it part in The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. She played a minor role in Sweet Home Alabama as well. See if you can spot her. 


I hereby declare April to be the month of Emma, and maybe babies. You see, my baby cousin was just born, on the 9th of April actually. And I've been planning, in my head, a series of posts featuring actresses named Emma for the longest time. Well, ever since I knew my uncle was going to name her Emma at least. So I started with Emma Watson and the film highly recommended by my good friend and colleague - The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

Mr Anderson: You should learn to participate. Why didn't you raise your hand? They call you the teacher's pet, freak, that kind of thing? I used to get 'spaz'. I mean come on. Spaz? You know I heard you had a tough time last year, but they say if you make one friend on your first day you'll be okie. 
Charlie: Thank you Sir, but if my English teacher is the only friend I make today, that would be sorta depressing.
Mr Anderson: Yeah, I can see that.

Charlie: Don't worry Mr Anderson, I'm okay. Thanks. 

Firstly, if I had a teacher like Mr Anderson, played by Paul Rudd, Secondary School might have been so much more bearable. I had favourite teachers of course. But none that I really connected with. But, I was well liked by teachers, and teacher's pet was often a term used to describe me by classmates in school. 

The urban dictionary describes a wallflower as someone who sees everything, knows everything, but does not say a word. They are not loners, they are introverted. They cannot handle having someone pay attention to them even though they crave it as much as the next person. I think the term wallflower could be loosely to describe me when I was in Secondary School. So at the start of the film, watching Charlie struggling on his first day of high school and feeling awkward and wishing it would fast forward to the day of graduation, all that I could relate to. 

Sam: Charlie just told me that his best friend shot himself. I don't think he has any friends.

Patrick: Hey everyone! Everybody! Everyone, raise your glasses to Charlie.

Charlie: What did I do?

Patrick: You didn't do anything. We just want to toast to our new friend. You see things, and you understand. You're a wallflower. What is it? What's wrong?

Charlie: I didn't think anyone noticed me.

Patrick: Well we didn't think there was anyone cool left to meet. So come on, everyone, to Charlie.

Everyone: To Charlie.

Sam: Welcome to the island of misfit toys. 

I've heard so much about how great a film The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is. But I didn't do much reading up on it besides finding out the cast of the film. So I didn't know what to expect. (I once picked up the book and read a few pages but walked out without buying it in the end.) So I was surprised to find that I really liked the film. I liked it so much I watched it twice, back to back. And both times, I still cried watching the film. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I get emotional really easily.)

It's a film about growing up, falling in love, and getting through high school. And it also approaches very serious, very adult, and real issues in a manner than young adults can connect with and understand. But also, the casting director chose an excellent group of actors to play the main characters in the film. The three leads Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller each did a wonderful job of showing the strengths and weaknesses of each character and made me love them all for all their good and bad. 

"I'm sorry I hadn't written for a while but I've been trying hard not to be a loser. For example I am trying to participate by listening to Sam's collection of big rock ballads and thinking about love. Sam says they're kitschy and brilliant. I completely agree. I'm also writing essays and studying extra books outside of class. As it turns out Mr Anderson is a writer. He even had a play put up in New York once, which I think is very impressive. He and his wife might go back there after this year. I know this is selfish but I really hope he doesn't. My favourite time though is lunch because I get to see Sam and Patrick. We spend the time working on Mary Elizabeth's fanzine about music and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It's called Punk Rocky. Mary Elizabeth is really interesting because she's a Buddhist and a punk. But somehow she always acts like my father at the end of a long day. Her best friend Alice loves vampires and wants to go to film school. She also steals jeans from the mall. I don't know why because her family's rich but I'm trying not to be judgmental, especially since I know that they were all there for Patrick last year. Patrick never likes to be serious so it took me awhile to get what happened. When he was a junior Patrick starting seeing Brad on the weekends in secret. I guess it was hard too because Brad had to get drunk every time they fooled around. Then Monday in school Brad would say 'Man I was so wasted I don't remember a thing.' This went on for 7 months. When they finally did it, Brad said he loved Patrick. Then he started to cry. No matter what Patrick did, Brad kept saying that his dad would kill him and saying that he was going to hell. Patrick was eventually able to help Brad get sober. I asked Patrick if he felt sad that he still had to keep it a secret. But he said no. Because now Brad doesn't have to get drunk to love him. I think I understand because I really like Sam. I asked my sister about her and she said that when Sam was a freshman the upper class men used to get her drunk at parties. I guess she had a reputation. But I don't care. I'd hate for her to judge me based on what I used to be like. So I've been making her a mix tape so she will know how I feel."

- Charlie Kelmeckis

But of course, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller had wonderful material to work with in the first place. The characters are well written and throughout the film, you understand each character just a little bit more. Be it through Charlie's letters or through the characters' interactions in various situations.

Something Charlie says in the above quote really stuck with me. 

"I'd hate for her to judge me based on what I used to be like." 

Everyone has a past. And I too believe that we should try to not be judgmental. It's human to err and everyone makes mistakes too. And I always think about this quote from the Bible "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". Also, I think good friends will look past the flaws and be more tolerant. And true friends will sometimes scream and shout at you, and remind you of those flaws, especially if they are hurtful. 

"Her best friend Alice loves vampires and wants to go to film school. She also steals jeans from the mall. I don't know why because her family's rich but I'm trying not to be judgmental, especially since I know that they were all there for Patrick last year."

I also really like what he says here. Because he's like me. What I mean to say is that I am fiercely loyal to my close friends. I can tolerant it when someone bullies me or treats me badly. But if that same person bullies my friends, I will feel incensed and will want to stand up for them and kick the bully in the butt for them, only if it won't get them into more trouble of course. 

"Well you know mom did say you have good friends now, and maybe if it does get bad again, just talk to them yeah."
- Chris Kelmeckis 

"Do you think if people knew how crazy you were people won't talk to you?"
- Charlie Kelmeckis

If people knew how crazy I was, they would probably not talk to me. Well, not literally, but I'm hardly perfect. What I'm trying to say is that I am very grateful to my friends. They tolerate my craziness, they've seen me at my worst, and surprisingly, they're still my friends. They haven't run away from me yet! And for that, thank you. Thank you for listening to me rant and rave. Thank you for standing by me no matter how insane I was. And thank you for  being understanding.

"Let's go be psychos together."
- Sam 

Runaway Jury (2003)

Directed by Gary Fleder (1)

Cast: John Cusack (2), Gene Hackman (3), Dustin Hoffman (4), Rachel Weisz (5), Jeremy Piven (6), Marguerite Moreau (7), Dylan McDermott (8), Bruce McGill (9), and Cliff Curtis (10)

(Watch the trailer)

My favourite quote - "I didn't swing anybody. I just stopped you from stealing the thing. I let them vote with their hearts."

Did You Know? - This film is an adaptation of John Grisham's book The Runaway Jury. It is his 7th novel and the 9th book adapted into a film. Other films based on his books include The Firm (1993), The Pelican Brief (1993), The Client (1994), A Time To Kill (1996), The Chamber (1996), The Rainmaker (1997), The Gingerbread Man (1998), A Painted House (2001), Christmas With The Kranks (2004), and The Last Juror (2013). The Client and The Firm have also been adapted into television series. The film is about the gun industry while the book is about the tobacco industry.


I don't claim to know much or anything at all about American laws or the constitution. Jury duty is something that is very alien to me. I am a Singaporean, and in Singapore, we don't have jury trials anymore, not since it was abolished in 1969. So my feelings about the film Runaway Jury are based purely on what little I do know and what I understand of the jury system through films. 

Runaway Jury is an awesome film. It's thrilling, it's got an interesting concept, the entire cast did an outstanding job, but what I love about it is that it's got a lot of heart. I know the outcome of the film because I've watched it many many times. But I still love watching the film over and over again. Why? Because it's well written. 

A good film is timeless. Whether you're watching it for the first time or watching it for the nth time, a good film will keep you engaged and invested in the characters and the plot. Runaway Jury seems to be a film is about gun massacres and gun control. But it is more than that, I think it is also about jury duty, about law, and the human condition. 

First, let's talk about character set ups in the opening minutes of the film. 

Nick: You know what it is? Jury duty. Got the summons in the mail. Just trying to pray my way out of it.
Marlee: Where's your sense of civic duty.
Nick: Err... I flunk civics.

This sets up the premise of the film right off the bat. Nick comes across as a normal citizen whose problem is that he wants to get out of jury duty. And he uses humour to connect with people. But that is all we know about him. Which is quite apt because later we realise that there is more to him that you think. And well, Marlee is definitely all about mystery and intrigues. She is the character that makes you wonder if she's one of the key players or just a passing character, but that is what makes us watch on. 

Rankin: How's your mother?
Taxi Driver: Excuse me?
Rankin: She feeling better?
Taxi Driver: How you know about my mother?
Rankin: She was in the hospital, but now you're taking care of her at home. 
Taxi Driver: She had a stroke.
Rankin: Your wife wants you to put her in a home but you're feeling guilty about that. You checked out a few of them and it doesn't feel like the Christian thing to do. My advice, reconsider the home. Better an unhappy mother than an unfriendly wife. 

Rankin knows how to read people. That is well established in the exchange he has with the taxi driver. His ability to put two and two together from a person's belongings really remind me of Simon Baker's Jane Patrick in the television series The Mentalist. And later in the film, we see the way he's able to read people from the way they act and talk makes me think of Tim Roth's Dr Cal Lightman from the series Lie To Me. And from his advice, we can tell he has a very practical view of the world and the relationships people have. Right off the bat, we have this feeling that he's bad news.   

Wendall: I got 35 years experience in courtrooms and my instincts for picking juries have served me quite nicely so far... I want to thank you for your time. 
Lawrence: Mr Rohr, I flew down here on my own dime.
Wendall: Why?
Lawrence: Because I, I... Because I believe in this case.
Wendall: Why?
Lawrence: I believe in a world without guns.
Wendall: That's very sweet but a little naive. (Lawrence walks away) 30%
Lawrence: Sorry. Excuse me?
Wendall: 30% of your usual fee. You're hired. Strictly probationary status. 
Lawrence: You didn't want to check out my resume? 
Wendall: Already did. It's impressive.

Now this not the very first thing Wendall says but I can't quote every single line. They're all good! And writing it all down here for you would just take the fun out of watching these fantastic actors breathe life into Runaway Jury's awesome script. So what can we tell about Wendall from the dialogue above as well as the first few minutes of the film? He's an organised mess. He comes off as messy and unpredictable, but his heart is in the right place. He goes with his gut feeling and he's not afraid to be stand up for what he believes in. He is a good mix of practicality and idealism. 

Now we know our main characters, let's think about something Rankin says early in the film, "Trials are too important to be left up to juries." Rankin doesn't have a positive view of the jury system and for jurors. "You think your average juror is King Solomon? No, he's a roofer with a mortgage. He wants to go home and sit in his Barcalounger and let the cable TV wash over him. And this man doesn't give a single, solitary droplet of shit about truth, justice or your American way." Do you agree with him? Do you think that's true?

We know what Rankin thinks about juries, let's take a look at what the judge says. "The jury system was originated, Mr Easter, because for thousands of years before that, an individual judge had the power to hang, for example, anyone young man he simply did not like." Hmm, since he put it that way, I think I'm leaning towards the idea of having a jury system. 

Now this conflict of ideals pretty much sums up the problem addressed in the film. Does the average American care that their vote has a direct impact on another person's life? Let's talk specifically about America because Runaway Jury is set in America. I am not living in America so I don't have an answer to that question. But if you're an American citizen, do share your thoughts with us and pardon my ignorance of your judicial system. 

The concept that a jury can be bought and that one man can influence the outcome of a verdict is explored in the film. And it's a very interesting idea. A very scary thought of course, but still very compelling idea. Is the film realistic? I'm not so sure if it is. But still the idea and exploration of that idea makes an exciting film.

This is my favourite scene in the film. Although Runaway Jury is about the law and there are plenty of courtroom scenes, I think the following scene was the most exciting and powerful "courtroom" argument of the film. And this scene sums up the gist of the film very nicely. 

Frank: She doesn't deserve that money.

Nick: Well maybe she does, maybe she doesn't. But she deserves a few hours of our time.

Frank: Can we vote please?

Everyone: Yes. Yeah.

Millie: Ya, I'd like to vote.

Nick: Tell me why! Tell me why!

Frank: I want to vote anyone, anybody else what to vote? Come on I want to vote. 

Nick: Tell me why! Tell me why!

Frank: Well I want to vote, does anybody else want to vote?

Nick: Tell me why!

Lonnie: Let's vote.

Nick: How does it work Frank?

Lonnie: Pipe down Easter.

Nick: Tell me why!

Frank: We all got problems here don't we? All of us. But we don't get paid for it.

Nick: She suffered.

Frank: Hell I suffered. I worked my ass off 12 years of crummy jobs for shit pay, I have never asked anybody for a handout. 

Nick: She's not asking for a handout.

Frank: That is bullshit and you know it. 

Mrs. Brandt: She was with Jeff, it's Gabby's boyfriend. He kept telling me that my girl, she froze, she just stood there. It took seconds. Jeff just kept saying 'I couldn't reach her. I couldn't pull her down'. He always thought there was something that he could have done.

Nick: So what are we going to tell Celeste Wood? 

Frank: I don't know. I don't know what we're going to tell her. It's just that I'm not going to sit around...

Nick: Life isn't fair, we write that on a postcard, is that the best we've got?

Frank: I tell you what else, that lawyer can show me all the home movies he wants, I deserve a hell of a lot more for what I've been through than that woman out there. I mean forget her.

Nick: What about the law?

Frank: F**k the law. I don't care if the gun company gave that guy an M16 with his morning donut. I'm not giving her a cent.

Jerry: That's bullshit Frank. Bullshit.

Nick: Who's with Frank? (Marlee reports a robbery to the police) Maybe some of you are afraid or intimidated. Maybe some of you are just out for yourselves. Frank is right about me. I'm the worst offender here. I made up my mind about this case before I stepped through that door. But this trial is not about me, it's not about you. Hell, we owe it to Celeste Wood to sit in this room and deliberate the facts of the case, for as long as it takes. Now if you don't mind there's some testimony I'd like to review.

We must remember that in a trial, the most important thing to do is to listen and follow your heart. Look at all the facts, then ask yourself, what does your conscience say?