It's 2:14 in the morning. My plan for this moment was that I would be sitting down getting ready to write my review of PIXAR's latest release Brave. Earlier this week I went to my movie theater to buy my tickets to the midnight showing in advance. I wrote to the staff at Word of the Nerd to see if anyone else was going to the midnight show or if they would be interested in my review as well; they were. With tickets in hand and schedule set for late night writing, I arrived at the theater with ten minutes to spare.
The trailers were fun. The PIXAR short, La Luna, was, as I anticipated, simply wonderful. In fact it wasn't until ten minutes into the movie Brave that things started to go dark... literally. Just as the story was building, right as our protagonist was taking us down a mysterious forest, the screen went black - the movie stopped. Moans and groans erupted throughout the theater; this wasn't new to any of us, ever since the theaters have changed from film projectors to whatever digital output they have now, the glitches have been endless and repetitive.
Two examples I have recently experienced are:
Audio output and video output are not synced up as if I am watching a poorly dubbed foreign film, and
In 3D movies (as recently as Prometheus and The Avengers) I have had to personally alert the staff in my local movie theater that the film is showing up as double images even when we're wearing the glasses (in fact, this has become such a regular occurrence that I can now identify the issue in the concessions commercial so I can tell the staff before the movie begins).
One has to wonder, was this someone's idea of a joke?
Tonight's infraction, though, takes the cake. After the movie inexplicably stopped and paused for a moment it started up again all the way back at the beginning - and by "beginning" I mean we got to see La Luna again. The audience wasn't happy. I loved the short and was at least happy we weren't that far into the movie. I tweeted the movie theater company, took the opportunity to hop out for a bathroom break and continued watching the movie. I promise you, if that was all that happened, you would be reading my review of Brave right now instead of this post.
With about 20-30 minutes left in the movie the screen went black again. This time people just got out of their seats. I held steady. The movie flipped back about five minutes and started playing again, but something was wrong with the sound. I couldn't figure out what was happening until my husband leaned over and said, "It's La Luna. The sound is from the short." Somehow, some way the audio got reset to the beginning of the movie.
It's no longer funny when the laughter turns maniacal...
Disgusted laughs filled the theater. People shouting, "Are you kidding me?" or "Give me my money back!" quickly overshadowed the audio problem. Then the screen went black for one last time. When the new scene appeared the audio was fixed, but this was no scene from my memory. They had skipped straight to the climax of the movie! "They just ruined the movie," came the disappointed voice of my husband. He was right. I have no idea how the protagonist came to be in the position she was, but the scene that was playing before my eyes was the one we had been building to through the entire film.
I don't like spoilers. It's part of why I like midnight showings so much: it is very difficult for someone to tell me what happened in the movie before I see it when I get my butt in the theater the very first moment possible. I am quite sure many of the others in the theater with me felt the same way. In other words, this movie mishap couldn't have happened to a worse crowd.
So while I have become accustomed to movie mishaps in my twenty-six years of dealing with the same local movie theater, tonight easily marks the most heart-breaking one to date. And although I have my share of mishaps from the film days (melted film in the middle of viewing, anyone?), I must say that a spoiled ending was never in the realm of possibility. I appreciate all that the digital brings us in the form of clearer pictures and sound and, perhaps, it is even an easier delivery system for those working in the theater, but I can not ignore that even in the year 2012 we are experiencing some major growing pains with this new technology.
Any way I look at it, I am disappointed and starting to lose my patience. I don't want to be the bad guy that starts publicly blasting every time my theater falls apart, but tonight as I quietly got up, left the theater to go wait in line to get a replacement ticket, I couldn't help but think of another consumer whose patience was once pushed too far.
All I want to do is watch a movie, in a movie theater from beginning to end (in that order) with appropriate audio, video and temperature control (a post for another time). I am now paying over $12 per ticket to do so; I don't think I am asking for much. Am I?
Well, I can pretend that I was out partying until all hours of the night at various star-studded affairs and say that is the reason for this fashionably late post, or I can tell you the sad truth; my sinus infection and NyQuil kicked my butt hard last night. I didn't wake up until 12:30 pm!!
Either way, I had already decided I was putting book love on a break for this week to give you my own reflections on last night 84th Annual Academy Awards. So, here's to hoping that late is truly better than never!
Billy Crystal as Host
While I was really looking forward to Eddie Murphy's hosting debut this year, you'd never hear me complain about the return of Billy Crystal to the event's stage. He was, as always, brilliant!
When Colin Firth came out to present the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, I turned to my husband and said, "Oh no! It's almost over!" He astutely pointed out to me that the fact that I did not feel like I was waiting forever and ever for the end to approach was a sure sign this was a good show.
We both credited Billy Crystal, of course, but I think he was just one piece of the puzzle for me. From the moment the show started with Billy Crystal's parody of the opening of the scene in The Artist, I was ready for Hollywood to recognize those who I loved and admired this year.
My Favorite Book to Movie
You may expect me to say Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was my favorite book movie of the year, but it was not. Unequivocally, it was my most anticipated book movie of the year and it did deliver on much of the excitement that had built up for so long, but it was not the best of the Harry Potter films and, in turn, not my favorite book to movie of the year. There was another. There was The Help.
I found out The Help was being made into a movie in the midst of me reading it. I thought that was a very good move, but I did not think Academy Awards at the time. When I saw the movie I was pleasantly surprised that the entirety of the book seemed to be captured. My husband, who had not read the book, got to know the stories and the characters as I had known them. The women who portrayed the women in the book seemed to come right off the page and on to the screen. Even then, after seeing the movie I didn't hink of Oscar.
Last night, when Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Help I was extremely happy for her (as well as for all of the recognition The Help got throughout the award ceremony), however I was still unsure. My comment to my husband was, "It is so hard for me to tell if she deserved the Oscar, or if her character was just so well-written. I mean, does everyone just love her character?" In other words, does the Academy want to give the award to Octavia Jackson or to Minny Jackson? But in that question lies my answer, doesn't it? If the two are so intertwined, then Ms. Spencer did an award-winning job! (I think this sinus infection is affecting my comprehension of normal things!).
The Happiest Movie of the Year
I go to the movies for all types of reasons - entertainment, laughter, maybe to learn something, but every once in awhile there comes a film that in the midst of all of its other purposes all serves up a big giant serving of happiness. I'm not even sure this can happen every single year, but 2011 was one year that will go down in the books for me because this year was the year of The Muppets (which is coming on DVD on March 20th YAAAAY!!!). Let me say this as calmly as possible: if The Muppets did not win the Academy Award for best song this year, I am not sure I would have been able to watch the Academy Awards EVER again. In all honesty, there are a number of sings on that soundtrack that should have been nominated, so I thought they had it hands down, but this is the Academy so you never know...
I am happy to say that The Muppets won all of the Oscars it was nominated for this year!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
How many, you ask? Well... um... do numbers really matter? The movie is awesome and if you haven't seen it yet, you need to go buy is next month.
They won one Oscar. It was for this magnificent song, Man or Muppet:
I think I am a Muppet of a person, so this song really speaks to me personally.
THE Movie of The Year
I've written about this before. Now I feel a bit validated. Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of Best Motion Picture of the Year according to the Academy Awards and Nicole Rivera is The Artist. I was incredibly nervous about this one. While I believed that the film was beyond deserving of every nomination it received, I can't say that I have I huge amount of trust in the Academy's choices over the years. And when the night started with the Hugo love-affair, I thought, for sure my movie love of this year was doomed for sure.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
Although it seems impossible for a Scorscese film to be conquered on all fronts (Hollywood loves Marty!), The Artist pulled through with some pretty incredible wins for the night.
ORIGINAL SCORE
“The Artist” Ludovic Bource
COSTUME DESIGN
“The Artist,” Mark Bridges
BEST ACTOR
Jean Dujardin
BEST PICTURE
The Artist
In my eyes, this truly was one of the best films I have seen in a very long time.
The Glitz and the Glamor
I'm not normally one to ogle at the red carpet or to buy up magazines looking for the fabulous fashion from the big night, but there were two women last night that caught my eye whose looks I simply can't stop thinking about!
First, there is the dress that actually made me say, "Whoa!" Not only because of how beautifully it was worn, but because I felt like it has been ripped out of my own daydreams! It was worn by the beautifully adorable and hilarious Elie Kemper:
Are you kidding me right now?! THIS is how I imaged the fabric of Katniss Everdeen's interview dress in the Hunger Games would look. Did Elie Kemper find Cinna to be her stylist?! I am not even sure this still photo can do it justice. When I first saw the dress Kemper was being interviewed on the red carpet and she was moving in the sunlight - the changing colors as she moved were mesmerizing. I love, love, love this dress. Go Elie! You rock once again!
The second lady to catch my eye was another comedienne. What is it with these funny ladies? They are just masters at manipulating me - they make me laugh, they make me think, and now they make me WOW! Although my hair is short and spiky now, I spent many, many years with long luxurious locks desiring feminine yet fabulous up-dos. Tina Fey's up-do for last nights Academy Awards is exactly what I've been looking for:
The hair is completely out of the way without being tightly pulled or slicked down. I don't want to think about how much hair spray and stick stuff there might actually be up there, but the fact is, it doesn't look like there is any. The style looks natural, elegant and interesting (there's definitely something cool happening around the gathering of the bun).
My Question to the Academy
My one disappointment was a long shot by far, but I still stand by my opinion that the Academy should have awarded Transformers for their sound and/or visual effects. That was, hands down, the most charged up, exciting movie of the summer for me and when I saw it was nominated I was so excited the Academy noticed. However, I lay claim that perhaps I don't know enough about sound editing or mixing to recognize that it was not clear winner. Here's what I do know: the team of film makers behind Transformers created sounds for actions that don't necessarily exist in my world and made them sound real, seamless and exciting to me. While this was not the first Transformers film, in terms of sound and visual effects I feel it upped the ante quite a bit. I saw Hugo, too and while I liked the movie, I can't say it moved me in such ways or caused me to wonder about the magnificence of the sound editing and mixing going on, so I am left wondering what exactlyqualifies as the best sound and visual effects in a film and how do we determine that.
The Grand Finale
I don't have a grand finale, but, you know, neither do the Oscars. Well, at least not for those of us viewing at home - the attendees have the biggest party night of the year to top it all off - for us it's just Billy Crystal wishing us a good night and letting the credits roll. I suppose that's enough. For me, this year, it was. I can't remember the last time I jumped, cheered and high-fived so much during an awards show. I hope you enjoyed it too!
Did you watch the show last night? What did you think?
What were your best moments of the show last night?
As this month comes to a close I realize that I saw three movies (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, and The Artist) in the theater this month and did not share a single review. Enough is enough, let's spin these reels!
I don't know what it is. I have a thing for arch-nemeses. Am I alone here? On New Year's Day my husband proposed that we take our lazy day and spend it at our local movie theater. As I read out all of the movies showing, I have to admit there were a number that I wanted to see, but when I heard my husband mumble something about "Moriarty" my decision was made!
I loved the first Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law, but Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was even more enjoyable. Starting off with a disguised Sherlock, in pursuit, flirting and then finding himself in a impossible fight against a bunch of henchmen before stumbling upon a great mystery when he is unable to successfully save one man's life in his usual fashion - this film wastes no time drawing the audience in hook, line and sinker! Once Watson catches up with us, we are then treated to some comedic levity along with mutual respect as this partnership faces some of its greatest challenges in this tale which lead to both men having to truly assess their need for one another.
If it is not already evident, I loved this movie. It not only delivered an amazingly exciting action/mystery storyline in Sherlock's quest for Moriarty's true motives, but it also was a rich tale of character. I believe we got to know Sherlock and Watson on a much deeper level than in the previous film. If you have not already seen this film, and you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I highly recommend you check this out.
My brother is typically a really harsh film critic, so I was really surprised when he called me and said I had to see Mission Impossible. While he enjoys military/law enforcement/action movies and television shows, as a police officer and former Marine, he tends to get really annoyed when things are a bit far-fetched. After seeing a number of trailers I had planned to see MI4 (you can't keep me away from a Simon Pegg movie!), but I was expecting jeers from the little bro. It wasn't until we were finishing up our phone call about the movie that I felt the natural order had been restored. I told him I was definitely going to go see it, especially now that he even endorsed it, so he responded, "But Nicole, I just have to tell you... it's not all realistic. There's some stuff that's ridiculous." I just laughed and explained to him that these things didn't bother me - film is about being fantastic, after all, isn't it?
Well, as you've probably guessed, Mission Impossible 4 Ghost Protocol was the second movie I saw in theaters this January. If you like action movies, then this is for you. It is non-stop thrills, pretty faces and spy fun. Of course, it is over-the-top (Tom Cruise is climbing on the outside of a skyscraper with some hi-tech sticky gloves as a sand storm approaches?!), but, in this day and age it seems like that is exactly what audiences need in order to say, "Wow!"
I enjoyed it, the movie did not end the way I expected and I was wondering why it took the Mission Impossible legacy so long to win me over again. This was the first movie since the first that I walked out of the theater truly excited about (in fact, I left the third to see on cable). I recommend this movie for those looking for the true Hollywood escape experience - leave your troubles at the door and left the team take you for a ride! (My brother swears it must be seen in IMAX).
The Artist
In all honesty this film deserves its own post. (That is a warning about the length of this section!)
A number of weeks ago I was on twitter when I noticed Jimmy Fallon tweeted about the movie "The Artist" and how it essentially was one of the best things he had ever seen. I wish I saved the tweet because whatever he wrote lead me to search out the film, watch its trailer and start looking for showtimes.
Fast forward past the Golden Globes where The Artist received quite a bit of attention and *POW!* The Artist was finally at my local theater this weekend!
It was beautiful. It was magnificent. It was poetic and artful. Sweep the Academy, I say! They deserve it all.
If you know nothing of this movie, let me give you my own synopsis. This is a silent, black and white film. In that statement alone, the movie is a maverick in these times where films battle for big pictures in 3D or IMAX and huge sounds in deafening remastered digital surround sound.
In its silence, the movie allows the filmmakers to draw our attention to what is necessary, what is relevant, and strips away the distractions.
In its silence, the movie allows the actors to emote in such beautiful movements of their bodies, their faces and their eyes.
In this movie's silence you are left wondering why everything else has to be so loud in order to say so little.
The story of The Artist is about a successful silent actor during a time of great transition. His industry is changing in order to allow for "talkies" and his world is crumbling under the financial collapse of the stock market crash.
In the very first scene of the film we are told what the major conflict of the film will be when our protagonist, while acting in one of his silent films as some sort of spy being tortured for information, yells as he is strapped down. The words come on the screen for us to read, "I will never talk no matter what you do to me!" (I don't know if this is the exact quote - I would have written it down if I wasn't so in awe of the beautiful clarity set forth before me).
"Speak!" The torturers say as they electrocute him, "SPEAK!"
He says nothing. This is a message to the torturers and to us in the audience. I won't tell you the whole message. I won't continue describing the film for fear of spoiling it all. I will just say this: if you have a long standing love affair with film as I do, then you absolutely must not hesitate to see this movie. In fact, let me rephrase that, you must SEE this movie - keep your eyes open - the director is brilliant, every setting has a message, every scene tells a tale, nothing is careless here. I can't help but think that the title of this film is so appropriate, not just for the protagonists tale, but for every person involved. The Artist is truly a piece of art.
Here is the trailer, so you can take a look for yourself, if you have not seen it yet.
I loved it. (obviously)
Have you seen any of these movies from my January trips to the theater?
What are your picks for the Academy Awards this year?
What genre of movie do you most enjoy?
Are you drawn to arch-nemeses tales?
*Special thanks to CostCo for selling those movie tickets really cheap so I
can still afford to go to the movies! Don't know what I'd do without them...
I have just returned from seeing the best movie of 2011.
Am I biased?
Maybe.
However, I argue that my expectations were so high that perhaps this declaration should be taken with some weight. The movie I am writing about here is none other than The Muppets.
The Muppets have a special place in my heart. I was raised with the Muppets. The Muppet Show was my first experience with appointment TV. The Muppet Babies were my motivation to wake up early on Saturday mornings. The Muppet Movie was the first ever film I saw in the theater, just before I was three years old. The Muppets have taught me to never give up, always be positive, to sing a little song to make the day a little happier, and that laughter is a universal language understood by all creatures.
Tonight I went to see the new Muppet movie wondering if, after a twelve year hiatus, the Muppet magic could still be captured. I am elated to say it can and for this reason Jason Segel will forever be one of my creative heroes!
From the first scene in the movie, it is unquestioningly Muppet Mayhem! The movie was fantastic. When I think of Muppets I think of music, laughs, lots of fur, a Muppet dream, a major conflict and show that simply must go on! All of these things are alive and well in The Muppets. It is evident that this movie was created by fans who not only know the Muppets, but also get them.
To quote Animal, I say you should "SEE MOVIE! SEE MOVIE!"
It was strange how it all began. My cousin's wife came back from a teacher's conference for reading asking me, "Everyone keeps talking about 'The Hunger Games', have you heard of it?" I had, but neither then, nor now could I place where. It was just in passing. However, this was now the second time it had come up and I try not to ignore such book recommendations. Unfortunately, at the time, I was having my own personal issues with reading, surviving and just staying pain-free in and between my teaching schedule. I didn't have the time, nor the stamina to consider reading for pleasure.
Then, in June 2009 I was hospitalized, diagnosed and sent home with treatment unable to drive, read the printed word, computer screens or even watch television. My vision was terrible and trying to see things lead me to a world of pain. I rose each morning, ate breakfast, took my meds, and laid on the couch with my beagle until my husband got home. I was losing my mind.
One day, while feeling all too sorry for myself and longing for stories, I despaired in my mind and remembered: audiobooks! I grabbed my iPhone, closed one eye, squinted the other and started to think. Then I remembered. I wanted to read The Hunger Games! It was downloaded and after hours of clambering around the house on a quest for my headphones, I had a new friend on my couch of isolation.
I was finally taken away from my own solitude and immersed in Collins's fantastic tale. In the days that I listened, that I "read" the only way I could, I was inspired to fight again. I, perhaps, did not have quite the same dystopian environment surrounding me that my beautiful Katniss did, but I had my own. I had my upside down world of blindness, sickness, motherlessness, mourning, pain and confusion. I did not have to battle others thrown into an unwated battle with me, I had to battle a disease with an unknown origins, unknown triggers and merciless timing. I did not have to conquer Capitol, I had to conquer my own Pride. It did not take me three books to wage a war and understand my positions of power and powerlessness, I imagine it will take me a lifetime...
But The Hunger Games woke me up. The Hunger Games brought my soul back by injecting me with a rich tale of one girl who wouldn't quit, one girl who fought for what was important to her, one girl who loved her family so deeply.
I have long been nervous about the release of The Hunger Games films. This trailer sets my mind at ease. It looks right, but what's more important - it feels right. I'll see you guys at the theaters on March 23, 2012 (Oh... if there's a midnight showing - that's the one I'll be at!)
Have you read The Hunger Games?
If so, what was your experience like?
If not, are you waiting for the movie, or have you not heard of it before?
It's finally here! While there is going to be tons of stuff to share with you as I get the opportunity to explore the Exhibitor Floor, Artist Alley, Panels and Screenings throughout the weekend, right now I can quickly share some of the great deals found here at the Con just in case you didn't have the chance to swing on by!
20% Off At Midtown Comics Of course, there has to be some fantastic comic book deals at a ComicCon! Midtown Comics is a pretty famous comic book store found here in New York City (there are actually three now!), but they also have a great online store and presence. Head over to midtowncomics.com and use CODEWORD: NYCC before October 23, 2011 for 20% off any purchase (excluding gift cards and pre-orders).
10% Off at HasbroToyShop.com Toys and comic books seem to go hand in hand. It is no surprise that Hasbro has a strong presence at the New York Comic Con, or that they are happy to share a nice discount opportunity with a large portion of their fan base. Check out HasbroToyShop.com and enter promo code: NYCC2011 before November 6, 2011 to receive 10% off your online order. (This offer can not be used on gift cards, HasbroToyShop.com Exclusives, Hasbro Ultimate Gifts or PLAYATHON Fundraising Kits. The discount applies to pre-tax and pre-shipping amount.)
Free Movie Rental from FlixFling Need a movie night? (Who doesn't??!!) Flix Fling is a website that provides unlimited streaming movies online. You can sign up by visiting www.FlixFling.com and get a free rental (excluding "Premium" Titles) using the promo code: NYCOMICCON . If you are already a subscriber to FlixFling, then you can use this promo code toward any purchase!
$5 Off CSI: The Experience at Discovery Times Square Discovery Times Square, located on 44th Street right in between 7th and 8th Avenue, provides great experiences for fans. In promoting this most recent experience, Discovery says we can "Play the role of a crime scene investigator in CSI: The Experience... Complete with 3 Crime Scenes, 15 Forensic Lab Stations and dazzling special effects." To take advantage of this discount, use the promo code: CSICON when ordering tickets at CSIEXHIBIT.COM. This offer expires on March 2, 2012.
20% Off T-SHIRTS and FUN Apparel!!!! Every single Comic Con I go to, I come home with at least two brand new t-shirts and longing for about 15 more! www.StylinOnline.com is offering all of us 20% our next online order (so I can save on this year's take-home wish list!) simply by using coupon code: CON2011. So go check them out for easy Halloween ideas, fun and cool t-shirts for yourself or as gifts, or even some super onesies for the little cuties in your life!
So I hope you can make use of at least one of these deals before they expire! Stay tuned for more goodies from the Con and (who knows?) maybe even more cool deals!
This July was a HUGE movie month for me. It seemed to carry the bulk of the summer blockbuster films and, thanks to my discounted tickets from CostCo and membership in the Regal Crown club, I was lucky enough to see my movies without breaking the bank! I got so used to the fast pace of new, exciting movie releases that I think I am about to go through some withdrawal! Without any further adieu, I present you with my July movies, and my brief thoughts about them:
Transformers Dark of the Moon
I am a sucker for what my husband and I call the "summer blockbuster movie" - you know the one with lots of promos, lots of action, and, usually, a huge budget. I also am a huge fan of re-imaginations of the pop culture from my childhood. It is for this reason that the Transformers movie was high on my list of 'must-sees" for the summer. I had loved the first two Transformers films, so I entered the movie with high expectations of having a good time. A couple of days before going to the movie my husband and I had both (separately) found out that this movie was one of the few where 3D would actually be worth while, so we also decided to forgo the extra finds to see it that way. With the added cost, Transformers had just a little more to prove to me now.
As the movie began, in a scene in space, I was overjoyed that we had gone for the 3D version - it was beautiful! I really did love this movie. I thought rewriting the international race to the moon from the 1960s was a fun move. The effects and action throughout the movie were exhilarating - delivering what I was used to from the first two movies, and then going even further. The final battle scene in Chicago was amazing and, again, I do think the 3D was worthwhile. As it stands, right now this may be my favorite movie of this summer, competing only with the next movie I saw this month.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Oh! How I love my Harry! Not only had I been anticipating this movie since the last was made, I have been anticipating this movie sine the weekend of July 21, 2007, when I finished the book. My midnight ticket was purchased a month in advance and my t-shirt(s) and earrings were ready! I have already written two different posts about my experience going to see this movie and my reaction as a readers seeing the movie. I think, in the end, reading both of those, one might come away with the perspective that I did not like the movie. I was so stuck on the point of expressing my disappointment as a reader dealing with the holes in a movie interpretation, that I don't think I added enough about how much I enjoyed the movie.
The second part of the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows movie put a perfect end to the Potter film legacy. The characters have all grown up, become more independent and chosen their sides in a battle for their world. The effects, the creatures, the setting and even, at times, the music allow me to forget that this world doesn't exist and sweeps me away on a fantastic ride of adventure, horror and heroism. Of all of the movies I have seen this summer, I know this is the one which I will re-watch more than any of the others.
Captain America The First Avenger
Being married to a fully certified "comic book guy," it kind of went without saying that we would be at the opening night for this one. As we have been seeing each Avenger-associated movie so far with little to no disappointments it is safe to say our expectations were pretty high. I, personally, knew only of generalities of the Captain America story, so I went into this movie to learn about his origin as well as being entertained. My husband, on the other hand, was looking for entertainment, without too many insults to the original story.
We both came out of this movie very happy. This was a really good movie! When we first emerged from the theater we had mumblings of, "Yes, yes, I enjoyed it," and, "It was good." As we drove home, and talked in more depth about various story points and the technique used to incorporate the costume, the nemesis, and the character of Steve Rogers we discovered that Captain America The First Avenger was, in fact, a very good movie. We began to discuss how our expectations are getting completely blown out of the water with extravagant movies and TV shows and how, if we are not careful, we do not give credit to some truly deserving films!
Horrible Bosses
I think I was sold on this movie after seeing one preview. I have been lucky enough in life never to have had a horrible boss, but I knew, after seeing the all-star cast that this movie was going to be a laugh-riot! In a sea of special effects, 3D and elaborate tales of magic, aliens, and war, here was a plain-old movie about people. No effects needed - just great writing, timing and a ridiculous scenario where three average guys simply can't take it anymore.
It was really refreshing to go see a "normal" movie in the middle of all of the summer mayhem. I kept missing them this summer (I somehow completely missed Tom Hanks' movie!!) and forgot how much fun it is to see a genuinely good movie in the theater. Due to the cost of movies these days we often make the decision on what we should spend our money on by which of these "needs" a big screen - therefore given high-effects and 3D films a distinct advantage - forgetting that going to the theater is not just about seeing the movie, but experiencing it in the theater (who doesn't love a comedy with a crowd to laugh along with?!).
Cowboys & Aliens
Jon Favreau. That's it. That is the singular reason I went to see this movie. Don't get me wrong, I love Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig is not that bad either, but it was Jon Favreau, alone, that drew me into this film. You see, when I first saw Swingers and realized this guy had to do with some of the behind the scenes action (he wrote it), I was instantly curious. Then there was Elf, Zathura and Iron Man, all movies he directed that I loved. Next on his list? Some movie called Cowboys & Aliens. OK, I'll be there.
Then I went to the movie. It was OK. It wasn't horrible... it wasn't great, and it was missing something for me. It took me a little while to pin it down, but, ultimately I did. This was an OK alien movie - you know the kind: aliens are on Earth they want us, or the Earth; they've been attacking us without anyone realizing it; now that we've figured them out, we have to fight back... somehow. This movie was one of those movies, set in the Old West. When I initially heard the title "Cowboys & Aliens" I was intrigued because there is such a dichotomy between those two groups - cowboys are low tech, they live off the land and fight their battles face to face, in the dirt while aliens are typically high tech, living in space and usually fight their battles from a far away ship that shoots lasers or something else in very clean, sparse, sterile environments. I was expecting the polar opposites of these two groups to be explored. I was expecting to answer the question of "Who would win in a battle: cowboys or aliens?" But neither hope could be realized as one cowboy had the unfair advantage of some alien-tech attached to him arm. It never really was cowboys versus aliens, it was, instead, guy with alien-tech and his cowboy buddies versus aliens. With all of this said, I imagine this worked/works really well as a comic book, with tons of issues and time to explore both the cowboys and the aliens, but, as a one-shot movie, I felt it needed more.
There were so many movies released this July that even with seeing all of these, I still missed a whole bunch I wanted to see. I don't know if I'll see them all in the theater, but I'll keep trying. Looking forward to August releases, along it is not quite as jam-packed as July was, there are still lots of movies to keep me entertained!
What was your favorite July movie?
What movie did I miss that you need to tell me about?
Clutching my brand-new book, just after midnight on 7/21/07.
THEN...
Four years ago today I was exactly one week from a Midnight Magic party at the Barnes and Noble up the block from my house. I had one question on my mind:
Who will die?
I wasn't alone. All of us who had kept up with the Harry Potter stories knew what the prophecy said - one had to die so that the other could live - it was either going to be Harry Potter or Voldemort. I am ever the optimist, so I was heavily anticipating that Harry would live, but as we got closer and closer to release day, the rumors were spinning, the leaks were dripping all over the Internet, and people were saying that Harry Potter was going to die in book seven!
I thought about it as I waited and I said, "JK Rowling is genius. She has already killed Dumbledore and Sirius, perhaps this will all end tragically."
The fact of the matter was, I had no idea what to expect, AND THAT WAS VERY EXCITING. As I read each page I realized more and more that anything was possible. It was a true adventure of exhilaration.
And NOW...
Three nights ago, I prepared for a different kind of midnight magic. I was getting ready to see that story come to life on the screen. I no longer had the question of "Who will die?" in my head, because I knew that answer. I didn't worry about how I would get on after Harry Potter, because I knew that already. I didn't wonder if this would be a good movie, because I knew that already, too. However, now I wonder if I knew too much...
Here are some other things I knew before I saw the movie on Friday morning:
I knew that the Harry Potter experience - reading the books, connecting with the characters and growing with them, touched me deeply page by page.
I knew that I cried my heart out throughout book seven, not just for the characters in the story, but for JK Rowling. I was equally happy and sad for her, and wondered what the experience must have been like for her.
I knew that through the battle at Hogwarts, JK Rowling brought to life the ferocity of spirit in so many characters. It became clear that any one of them could have easily had a book series written on them. I was happy that they each got their time in the spotlight.
I knew, that in a couple of pages, JK Rowling turned my seven year distrust of a character into an unyielding love, adoration and appreciation. I was floored. I was happy. My heart broke for all of the years of misunderstandings.
I knew that by the end of the book I had received one message from JK Rowling loud and clear: LOVE is the most powerful magic of all and it is present in all our lives whether we are witches, wizards, muggles or some other creature. Harry Potter was a love story!
So why was this all "too much" for me to know. Well, put simply, I expected it all and one can never expect the same things from a movie that they get from a book. That is simply not the way it works. A movie is a visual reference for a book. It should convey the story and most of the emotion one feels when going through that story, but it can't, I think, provide it all. There are two simple reasons for this:
Once you have read the book, you already know the story, therefore, whatever feelings of surprise or discovery you experience during your reading will have been lost by the time you get around to seeing the film.
Books are extremely personal. You design the characters, the set, the tastes, the smells, well... allof the details in your own mind based on the descriptions you read.
I know this. I always know this. However, when I walked out of the Deathly Hallows Part 2 I was still slightly disappointed.
Was it EPIC enough? Did the characters get their time to shine? Can the depth of Snape's story be fully comprehended by an audience that did not read the books?
THESE are the questions that I am left asking. I know I will come to love this movie. I know I will see it again in the theater (perhaps this time in 3D!). For now, I am left wondering. This weekend I am a book lover, thirsty for that beautiful experience I had on the weekend of July 21, 2007 when I finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the first time. It was epic. It was emotional. It was amazing. And what I now realize is: It was unique and not meant to be replicated.
Just a bit of the fan fare in the Times Square subway station advertisements for HP7 Part 2.
Before the Film
To all of my faithful readers and facebook followers, it is no secret that I was highly anticipating the date July 15, 2011. With a group of friends, the midnight tickets were obtained and a party was planned. We were all going to meet up at seven to eat snacks and re-watch Part 1 and get to the theater early enough to find our seats.
We had a fabulous time! Besides our typical snacks of chips, edamame, veggies and dip, one brilliant buddy came prepared to mix up some butter beers! Now, I am, sadly, dairy-free so I could not have one of my own, but when I saw the faces of every single other person in the room light up with pure glee as they pulled back from their mugs with a foamy mustache; I insisted that I have a sip - regardless of consequence - to gain a full understanding of the experience. It was A-MAZ-ING. I did not get the actual recipe (I plan to), but I recall ingredients such as cream soda (a favorite of mine!), butterscotch, butterscotch schnapps and ice cream being discussed. I believe this will be a recipe easy enough to adapt for my tasty pleasure!
As we watched part 1, those of us who read the books whispered back and forth about How do you think they handle this? or I can't wait for the scene when... Those who hadn't read the books, asked clarifying questions about part 1 and insisted we stay tight-lipped about spoilers for part 2. Whether we knew the story or not, we were all tingling with anticipation.
The Theater
Just one line, that we had the pleasure of not waiting on!
When the movie finished at about 10:30pm, we received news that the multiplex theater was already loading up the theaters that had the midnight showings. We got on our feet, split into various cars and speculated about how many students we would see this year.
Our group midnight trips to the Harry Potter films always lead to surprised squeals of, "Oo! Oo! Miss!!" leading us all to flinch - either looking to see who's calling, or ducking behind a seat. My husband will often get an entire band at once, "Miiissterrr RiVERaaaaaa!" However, we know, this is the price of teach-lebrity, an issue that plagues teachers all over the world, I am sure, when they live in such close proximity to those they teach.
This year was not that bad since we were not left out on display on a line for an hour or two. This year, we strolled right into the theater, straight into Auditorium 9 and had third row seats (the theater was already packed, of course). It was 11pm and we were ready.
And, Of Course, The BIG EVENT: The MOVIE
The Harry Potter midnight movie experience is something I will miss. While my husband and I do fit midnight movies into our schedules more than most of our friends, they all tend to pale in comparison. This is never a one-theater event and we never go it alone. We were in a group of ten this time, and, for the most part, it seemed most others in the theater traveled in the same types of groups. The energy was buzzing - the robes, the wands, the endless Harry Potter t-shirts - the kids were squealing and yelling from one row to another, but when the lights went down after all of the trailers, there was a collective inhale and silence.
I was impressed.
I was excited.
When I saw Severus Snape up on the screen, I already started to tear up. I was invested in this story.
There are seven defined battles in the Deathly Hallows book; five of the battles were in part 1 of the movie, which left only two for this last part: the break-in at Gringott's Wizarding Bank and the Battle at Hogwarts. I felt as though one was done perfectly and one left me wanting more. To be honest with you, I have already began my discussing my hopes for what I might see in the deleted scenes when the DVD comes out!
Did I enjoy the movie? Absolutely. Should you see the movie? Without question! Haven't you already?! I think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was a very good movie. I simply wanted more. In order to appropriately describe my feelings about the movie, I think I must devote a second post to my Book to Movie experience with Harry Potter.
Here's my plan for now: I will see it this movie again. I know, from previous experience, these feelings of disappointment will dissipate. In the meantime, these are my honest feelings about the film upon my first viewing.
Have you seen it yet?
What are your thoughts?
Did you have a Harry Party?
Do you know of any Potter-related snacks we all should be trying?
We love the movies. As I recently wrote on my food blog, one of the reasons I frequent our local CostCo is simply to get the discounted movie tickets (that may sound ridiculous, but $7 per ticket beats $12 per ticket any day of the week!). We don't do bars, clubs or lounges - we do movies. It is just one of the many reasons that the summer rocks for us! While our summer movie season officially began in May, I will share with you here, the films we saw this June.
X-Men First Class
This is easily my most pathetic review of the month. I fell asleep. It was not the movie's fault! I was pretty sick the 48 hours preceding going to the movie. I didn't even sleep the night before. However, when my husband asked if I could make it to a showing at 11-something at night, I said yes. Silly? Absolutely. Worth it? Without question! My husband really wanted to see that movie all day and when we waited hours for his brother to join us, only to be stood up (for a girl, of course!), I knew I couldn't let him down too.
As I battled for consciousness I did really like what I saw. I love how our own history intertwines with the X-Men's development. My husband loved the movie. I was surprised by this because as the comic book purist in the house, I thought the changes in the X-Men mythos would be too much for him to bear, but it seems I have been softening him on these restrictions over the years. I can't wait until we get this movie on DVD so I can watch it all the way through!
Super 8
Stephen Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and trailers that had me reminiscing of The Goonies?!
I was so. incredibly, AMPED. for this movie to come out!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the mistake. The movie was good. I enjoyed it. I even had some fun while watching it. But as I walked out of the theater I couldn't stop myself from saying, "SOMEthing was missing... I have no idea what it was, but I needed something more." That's it in a nutshell. There's no one to blame but me, though. I expected the moon, the movie delivered some stars instead - they were beautiful and sparkle-y, but all I was thinking was where's my moon? Some day I will write a whole entire post about movie expectations...
I haven't talked to anyone else who saw the movie besides my husband, so I am left wondering what the general consensus of things might have been.
Green Lantern
Um... yes we see pretty much all of the comic book movies that are in the theaters! There was much trepidation over this one: Could Ryan Reynolds stop goofing off long enough to play this character? My husband was dubious. I heard that Mr. Reynolds was a major Green Lantern fan and I felt that was reason enough to believe he would take this seriously. Well, the verdict is in and Ryan Reynolds gets two enthusiastic thumbs UP! Green Lantern was a lot of fun and, I think, a good set up for a sequel. As much as I wanted to see a movie with Sinestro as the villain, there is simply no way to do that character any justice without giving him some ample time as a Green Lantern. So, in short, I consider this film one pretty good prequel to the real action to come!
Cars 2
Since I am not entirely sure I have had the opportunity to make this clear anywhere else on this blog, I will take a moment right now:
I LOVE PIXAR.
Disney rocks, but PIXAR rocks my socks off. I never miss a Pixar film in theaters and I own every one put on DVD. I am letting you know this so you recognize a forehand where any bias may stem from.
We went to see Cars 2 on opening night at an 8pm showing.
This. was. classic.
We didn't realize it, but we stumbled into a fantastic playground - everyone else but us had their children with them (of course!). The kids were so great! As the trailers played they "ooo-ed" and "aaahhh-ed" at The Smurfs, Winnie the Pooh and MY FAVORITE The Muppets! Throughout the movie there were little sounds of excitement here and there until about an hour in when, for reasons beyond me at the time, all of the children starting talking all at once. Then it stopped. I couldn't help but laugh! I thought it was because there was a lull in the driving action on the screen - when we finally left the theater and saw what time it was (well passed 11!!), I realized the "uproar" was probably the "right before bedtime groggy" battle being waged by many all at the same time!
Anyway, back to the movie. My husband had heard bad reviews, so we were skeptical - could this be Pixar's first fail? We didn't think so. We both enjoyed it. BUT, and there is a but here (unfortunately) we don't have kids, and after reading some opinions from some mom bloggers I finally see where this movie may have missed the mark. It has violence in it that we have not seen in these movies before. Although the original Cars audience may have grown up and be exposed to violence in other media outlets, their younger brother and sisters and other new Cars audience members do not go to Pixar films to be exposed to violence. Also, the movie may be a bit long for younger audiences, so double-check the time before you take the family out for the after-dinner movie!
What films did you see this June?
Do you have any opinions on the one above? I'd love to know what you thought!
I like to read books. A lot. In fact, when I first started losing my vision and getting the crazy headaches from my IIH, losing the ability to read print on paper was one of my biggest heartbreaks. However, in the Spring of 2010, I got an iPad and have been able to read again, at my leisure (in ginormous font) and, for that, I am forever in love with technology.
Now back to my point. Books rock! Stories that are creatively written and can convey drama, romance, action and emotion through configurations of letters strewn together in an organized manner separated by well placed punctuation are works of art. Sometimes stories are recognized for their entertainment value and gobbled up by Hollywood. Such was the case with the Young Adult novel called I Am Number Four. In fact, based on the timing of the release of the book and the film I would have to say that I think maybe Hollywood had their hands on this story even before it went to print, which makes the following thoughts even more pressing to me:
If one decides that a story is valuable enough to make a motion picture out of it, why doesn't that one stick to the plot as written in the original story?
This is a question that has plagued readers for generations, and tonight I have fallen victim to its curse once again. I read I Am Number Four earlier this month and found it very entertaining. When I realized it was going to be a movie I thought that was a really good move. The story had all of the angst and emotions of the "new kid in a new school" story mixed with "high school bully is the ex-boyfriend of the chick I dig" and, of course, "I can't tell anybody, but I am really an alien from another planet hiding in plain sight from an evil race of aliens that is hunting me down to try and kill me dead."
After I read the book, I read many reviews of the book that said the story and its characters were cliche, that this story has been told before. However, while a broad strokes look at the story may lead you to believe so, I think that many of the characters had a nice depth to them that was anything but cliche. The most intriguing character in the book for me was (well, besides Bernie Kosar, of course - I kind of have a thing for beagles) Mark, the "bully." His transforming moment, in a fire (oftentimes a signal of rebirth in literature) was much more believable than many bully transformations I have read in the past. In fact, the fire scene in the book was so important to many of the characters in the book -
Sam, the shy, outcast character kisses a girl which may actually be the catalyst for the fire. His passion ignites the rebirth.
Mark, the strong quarterback bully is left helpless unable to be strong for all those who have looked up to him for so long and, instead, must rely on a boy he has been diminishing in their society. He is forced to find strength in others and be grateful for it rather than threatened by it.
John (Number Four), who has been hiding his true identity from everyone, even those he truly cares about must make a decision to keep his secret and let people die, or use his power to save others, therefore ending his life in Paradise, Ohio. He is finally able to tell Sarah the truth as they burst from the fire unscathed.
It was a pretty powerful scene, and, yes, I am probably reading it way too deeply, but that's what I do - I think, a lot, about everything... it's kind of like a hobby of mine. Anyway, my point is: THIS SCENE DID NOT MAKE IT INTO THE MOVIE. This is just one example of a scene that I can disect for its storytelling power and then end up telling you was not in the film. Here are some big elements that I sorely missed:
the first day of school/lost phone/impending fight
the Halloween parade
Thanksgiving
the fire legacy
the significance of the Lorien trunk
Henri and John's training sessions
John and Bernie's runs
The worst part for me was that it was obvious that these scenes were not victims of an overly zealous editting staff. No, these elements, and others were simply written right out of the movie!
So, because my reader-moviegoer's wound has been reopened I am asking again:
If one decides that a story is valuable enough to make a motion picture out of it, why doesn't that one stick to the plot as written in the original story?
I am disappointed. I am, sadly, not surprised. I just thought that with this book, because it was written for a younger audience, that they would do right by the kids. This stuff always bothers me ten times more when it is done to young readers (perhaps one day I will regale you with my fury about The Spiderwick Chronicles).
For this, I need a couple more rounds of non-fiction books where I learn something new before I am ready to get burned again. I really wish I could just love books and not love the movies so much. That would make my life SO much easier!
, 
was the most exciting book series I have read in the last five years.
?!
I like to read books. A lot. In fact, when I first started losing my vision and getting the crazy headaches from my IIH, losing the ability to read print on paper was one of my biggest heartbreaks. However, in the Spring of 2010, I got an iPad and have been able to read again, at my leisure (in ginormous font) and, for that, I am forever in love with technology.
. In fact, based on the timing of the release of the book and the film I would have to say that I think maybe Hollywood had their hands on this story even before it went to print, which makes the following thoughts even more pressing to me:
).