As I am on maternity leave and ordered to do as little as possible...the first three weeks I was told to do nothing....my hubby decided to get the free trial of Netflix. And we love it...how did we function before?!
We do get DVD's in the mail but the part that we love is the instant streaming onto our laptop and xbox. Anytime we can watch tons of movies and tv shows. So I've watched a lot. I especially like documentaries, so I have watched a lot (and learned a lot about the movie rating system, french pastry competitions, vaccinations, natural gas, Joan Rivers). The kids love that they can watch Spongebob at any moment (for the hour it is not on tv). My only wish would be that Netflix monitors when I fall asleep while watching and starts the movie again when I wake up.
So, now my hubby wants to get rid of the satellite. I'm not ready for that move...I like to watch current tv shows and the local news. But lots of people are doing this...any of you?
Showing posts with label tv/movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tv/movies. Show all posts
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Is it criminal?
I have one huge interest in my life...crime dramas, in books, movies, and tv. Lately, since I've made myself sit down and chill out from time to time and some pregnancy insomnia, I've become addicted to Criminal Minds. Did you know its on all the time...and if I can't find an episode, Law and Order or CSI usually satisfies. Even a 48hrs Mystery will do it (although I almost always fall asleep before the conclusion...better than a sleeping pill!). I decided I should balance it out with a book or so now and again.... so Robert Parker, James Patterson, Sue Grafton.
My husbands hates these shows so he never watches with me...honestly we don't watch tv together much, we can rarely agree on options. He hates more that our 14yo daughter has succumbed to my addiction as well (I do monitor what she watches and reads).
He always asks me...why do you watch these shows?! I don't know but I am drawn to them. Does this mean that I have some dark and sinister side? Does it make me feel smart if I figure it out before the end? Does it make me feel better that I am safe and alive in my home? Who knows. But should I be concerned that I like this stuff so much?
My husbands hates these shows so he never watches with me...honestly we don't watch tv together much, we can rarely agree on options. He hates more that our 14yo daughter has succumbed to my addiction as well (I do monitor what she watches and reads).
He always asks me...why do you watch these shows?! I don't know but I am drawn to them. Does this mean that I have some dark and sinister side? Does it make me feel smart if I figure it out before the end? Does it make me feel better that I am safe and alive in my home? Who knows. But should I be concerned that I like this stuff so much?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Glee!
If you live under a rock or haven't talked to anyone since September, you might not have heard about Fox's Glee. If you haven't seen it, you should at least check out an episode. Like lots of people in the country, we love it here....and I mean LOVE it!
My husband was a musical theater major for goodness sakes! My daughter is just in the theater/choir/band groove. We love the theater here.
But is the show really any good? Yes. The first couple episodes are a bit disjuncted as they find their way but each show gets better. The fall season was fantastic. I laughed, sang, and cried during each episode. The storylines are very relevant to both kids and adults. They raise social issues such as homosexuality, people with disabilities, divorce, death, teen sexuality, and social struggles. I clearly identified with the young, pregnant cheerleader. The music is great and performance are terrific (I mean the cast is led by two Broadway stars, not to mention the guest stars! and Jane Lynch, of course).
Some of my favorite moments have been:
*Kurt and Rachel's duet of Defying Gravity
*Anything Sue Sylvester says (and now Brittney)
*Single Ladies on the football field
*Imagine with the deaf glee club
*I am Beautiful with the Cheerios
*Fynn and Rachel walking down the hallway during the Madonna episode
*Like A Virgin
And I think I love Matthew Morrison. (if you do too, you should check this out from Legally Brown).
*Episodes and clips are available at Fox and Hulu.
My husband was a musical theater major for goodness sakes! My daughter is just in the theater/choir/band groove. We love the theater here.
But is the show really any good? Yes. The first couple episodes are a bit disjuncted as they find their way but each show gets better. The fall season was fantastic. I laughed, sang, and cried during each episode. The storylines are very relevant to both kids and adults. They raise social issues such as homosexuality, people with disabilities, divorce, death, teen sexuality, and social struggles. I clearly identified with the young, pregnant cheerleader. The music is great and performance are terrific (I mean the cast is led by two Broadway stars, not to mention the guest stars! and Jane Lynch, of course).
Some of my favorite moments have been:
*Kurt and Rachel's duet of Defying Gravity
*Anything Sue Sylvester says (and now Brittney)
*Single Ladies on the football field
*Imagine with the deaf glee club
*I am Beautiful with the Cheerios
*Fynn and Rachel walking down the hallway during the Madonna episode
*Like A Virgin
And I think I love Matthew Morrison. (if you do too, you should check this out from Legally Brown).
*Episodes and clips are available at Fox and Hulu.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
17 Again!
My daughter has been asking to see the newest edition to Zac Efron's filmography for weeks and weeks...so we finally made it over to the theater.
17 Again (PG-13, 102mins)
The plot is a basic story of a man whose life is hanging on by a thread but, with the help of some magic, gets one more chance to set things on the right course. Without giving too much away, this story gives its man a chance to go back to being 17 years old when he originally made his life-changing decisions. The unique twists to this over-done plotline (Dickens' wrote the original in 1843) make the movie enjoyable and provide lots of laughs.
What surprised me most was that Zac Efron didn't break into song or a choreographed dance number (there is some 'spontaneous' dancing). And he used more than one facial expression. Oh my gosh....maybe he can really act?! He did a great job of pretending to be a 30-something that looks like a teenager. I think he actually added in some Chandlerisms to connect his character to his older self played by Matthew Perry. No Troy Bolton here. And he is hot...let's face it. Overall, he did great and carried the movie well.
The supporting cast was great as well...especially Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Melora Hardin. Uncle Ned's house is amazing dressed with every 30-40yo man's inner teenage dreams (what happens to nerds that leave high school and make a lot of money....). Apparently the writers and designers think more than pre-teens will see this movie.
Overall, this 30-something and her pre-teen daughter had a very enjoyable movie-going experience. I would definitely recommend it for renting.
17 Again (PG-13, 102mins)
The plot is a basic story of a man whose life is hanging on by a thread but, with the help of some magic, gets one more chance to set things on the right course. Without giving too much away, this story gives its man a chance to go back to being 17 years old when he originally made his life-changing decisions. The unique twists to this over-done plotline (Dickens' wrote the original in 1843) make the movie enjoyable and provide lots of laughs.
What surprised me most was that Zac Efron didn't break into song or a choreographed dance number (there is some 'spontaneous' dancing). And he used more than one facial expression. Oh my gosh....maybe he can really act?! He did a great job of pretending to be a 30-something that looks like a teenager. I think he actually added in some Chandlerisms to connect his character to his older self played by Matthew Perry. No Troy Bolton here. And he is hot...let's face it. Overall, he did great and carried the movie well.
The supporting cast was great as well...especially Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Melora Hardin. Uncle Ned's house is amazing dressed with every 30-40yo man's inner teenage dreams (what happens to nerds that leave high school and make a lot of money....). Apparently the writers and designers think more than pre-teens will see this movie.
Overall, this 30-something and her pre-teen daughter had a very enjoyable movie-going experience. I would definitely recommend it for renting.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Monsters vs Aliens
Our drive-in experience brought us Monsters vs. Aliens (Rated G, 94min)
This Dreamworks movie is a delightful movie with something for everyone. The animation is pretty standard but the story is great. For my daughter and me, we watched a woman come into her own and realize how fabulous she is. The boys in the car loved the action scenes and variety of aliens and monsters. Overall, we follow a group of previously government-hidden monsters as they save the US from an alien invasion.
The writing is clever, very funny. The kids laughed, and the adults laughed harder. The voice talent was great ... the cast is jammed with current stars. Stephen Colbert's president is hilarious! And Rainn Wilson is the perfect evil alien leader.
It is offered in 3D, of course, but this was great without it. I would recommend it for all ages (although my 3yo got a little scared when the alien robot first invaded). If you don't do theaters with the kids, definitely rent or library it.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The End of the ER Era
Tonight one of my favorite shows for the past 15 years will have its final episode...NBC's ER.
I have to say that it is one of the shows that I have consistently watched for its entire run. I also watched it a lot when I had my 5yo and it was on TNT in the mornings (2 episodes back to back). Its part of my Thursday night ritual.
Most people talk about Clooney but I really enjoy the entire show. My favorite episode (a 2-parter) was when Lucy Knight (played by Kellie Martin) was stabbed and later dies. I cry just thinking about it...it is one of the best episodes of television. And at the time, no one killed off main characters. ER did that a couple times (Dr. Green, and of my favorite deaths, Dr. Romano, and Dr. Pratt). For years we waited for Doug and Carol to get together (I almost wet myself when they showed up in the episode last month!) and for Abby Lockhart to finally find happiness. Always amazing guest stars....Sally Field was probably my favorite. The cast changed over the years but there was always someone I loved (John Stamos and his sideburns and Scott Grimes' Archie Morris really grew on me). Great stories following major issues (I still get angry about Kerry almost loosing her son due to unequal right for gay couples).
Its a great show and it will be missed. (But I will enjoy every minute of the 3-hr finale)
I have to say that it is one of the shows that I have consistently watched for its entire run. I also watched it a lot when I had my 5yo and it was on TNT in the mornings (2 episodes back to back). Its part of my Thursday night ritual.
Most people talk about Clooney but I really enjoy the entire show. My favorite episode (a 2-parter) was when Lucy Knight (played by Kellie Martin) was stabbed and later dies. I cry just thinking about it...it is one of the best episodes of television. And at the time, no one killed off main characters. ER did that a couple times (Dr. Green, and of my favorite deaths, Dr. Romano, and Dr. Pratt). For years we waited for Doug and Carol to get together (I almost wet myself when they showed up in the episode last month!) and for Abby Lockhart to finally find happiness. Always amazing guest stars....Sally Field was probably my favorite. The cast changed over the years but there was always someone I loved (John Stamos and his sideburns and Scott Grimes' Archie Morris really grew on me). Great stories following major issues (I still get angry about Kerry almost loosing her son due to unequal right for gay couples).
Its a great show and it will be missed. (But I will enjoy every minute of the 3-hr finale)
Monday, March 30, 2009
My favorite Sundays
One of my favorite things to do is to sip coffee and listen to NPR on Sunday mornings...especially Says You. (today I listened for hours as I painted my kitchen...Car Talk, On the Media, Media Matters).
We are fortunate to have three PBS stations on our TV...so I can always choose something great! So, on Sunday evenings I like to watch either Masterpiece Theater or whatever is on...the past two weeks they have featured amazing women, An Evening with Eartha Kitt and Betty Ford: The Real Deal. I also love American Masters and recently watched Jerome Robbins.
In related PBS news....Mr. Steve from PBS Kids will be at the Champaign Library April 4th (11am and 1pm) and Calling All Super Readers...the Super Why crew will be there April 18th (10am-12pm). See here for more details.
We are fortunate to have three PBS stations on our TV...so I can always choose something great! So, on Sunday evenings I like to watch either Masterpiece Theater or whatever is on...the past two weeks they have featured amazing women, An Evening with Eartha Kitt and Betty Ford: The Real Deal. I also love American Masters and recently watched Jerome Robbins.
In related PBS news....Mr. Steve from PBS Kids will be at the Champaign Library April 4th (11am and 1pm) and Calling All Super Readers...the Super Why crew will be there April 18th (10am-12pm). See here for more details.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Spring Break '09 Whoo Hoo!
Here's what that week amounted to:
*Finally deciding on a color to repaint the kitchen (many hours were spent staring at paint samples and the wall).
*Playdates for the little ones and 'hanging out' for the older one.
*Visits with family...watching old Beta videos.
*Lots of legos, painting, art work, biking, superhero stunt shows, general childhood adventures.
*A trip to the Orpheum Children's Museum in Champaign. I haven't been there in awhile and they have made some great changes. The little ones LOVED it! and there is enough to keep me interested (plus there were some other parents I knew to chat with). My only worry is that you cannot see your children 100% of the time since there are lot of places to climb, etc.
*Eating in and out around town including Fiesta Cafe, Courier Cafe, and Ruby Tuesdays and using our new grill.
*Reading a lot....I read two books and my daughter read Twilight.
*Saw some movies, DVD, and theater.
*Saw High School Musical, the Ice Tour! It was $10/ticket so well worth a condensed version of all three movies. Our 5yo LOVED it! I thought it was entertaining but not the best Disney on Ice I've seen (but this was very story-driven, the others I've seen have had lots of different 'numbers' and focused more on the beauty of skating and cool special effects).
*Of course, we went to the library.
*Lots of rest and relaxation!
*Finally deciding on a color to repaint the kitchen (many hours were spent staring at paint samples and the wall).
*Playdates for the little ones and 'hanging out' for the older one.
*Visits with family...watching old Beta videos.
*Lots of legos, painting, art work, biking, superhero stunt shows, general childhood adventures.
*A trip to the Orpheum Children's Museum in Champaign. I haven't been there in awhile and they have made some great changes. The little ones LOVED it! and there is enough to keep me interested (plus there were some other parents I knew to chat with). My only worry is that you cannot see your children 100% of the time since there are lot of places to climb, etc.
*Eating in and out around town including Fiesta Cafe, Courier Cafe, and Ruby Tuesdays and using our new grill.
*Reading a lot....I read two books and my daughter read Twilight.
*Saw some movies, DVD, and theater.
*Saw High School Musical, the Ice Tour! It was $10/ticket so well worth a condensed version of all three movies. Our 5yo LOVED it! I thought it was entertaining but not the best Disney on Ice I've seen (but this was very story-driven, the others I've seen have had lots of different 'numbers' and focused more on the beauty of skating and cool special effects).
*Of course, we went to the library.
*Lots of rest and relaxation!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Driving Lessons
After checking this out from the library and not watching it twice...I made myself watch this one last night and I was pleasantly surprised. I got it simply because it had Harry Potter's Ron and Mrs. Weasley in it.
Driving Lessons (PG-13, 98mins)
This sweet and funny coming of age film is well written and directed by new director Jeremy Brock. The story follows a young man, Ben, Rupert Grint, who incidentally is learning to drive as he takes a job to care for an aging actress, Evie, played by Julie Walters. His parents are an odd couple with an overly strict and religious mother who is having an affair with a young clergyman, played with a painful British accent by Laura Linney, and a emotionally-absent father, played well by Nicholas Farrell. What is missing at home and in his social life, he finds in Evie. He develops into an amazing young man by the end of the film.
Despite the somewhat predictability of the theme, the story drew me in. I wanted to watch it again since I feel like I didn't give it my full attention right away. I was excited to see Grint outside of Hogwarts and really holding his own. At only 16 while filming, he seemed to develop his character and give him the depth it needs. Walters is amazing and the more I see of her, the more I want to see. She plays this old, quirky woman beautifully and believably. The music is the film is great as well including Salsa Celtica and Sufjan Stephens.
It is just a nice film...a great library find.
Driving Lessons (PG-13, 98mins)
This sweet and funny coming of age film is well written and directed by new director Jeremy Brock. The story follows a young man, Ben, Rupert Grint, who incidentally is learning to drive as he takes a job to care for an aging actress, Evie, played by Julie Walters. His parents are an odd couple with an overly strict and religious mother who is having an affair with a young clergyman, played with a painful British accent by Laura Linney, and a emotionally-absent father, played well by Nicholas Farrell. What is missing at home and in his social life, he finds in Evie. He develops into an amazing young man by the end of the film.
Despite the somewhat predictability of the theme, the story drew me in. I wanted to watch it again since I feel like I didn't give it my full attention right away. I was excited to see Grint outside of Hogwarts and really holding his own. At only 16 while filming, he seemed to develop his character and give him the depth it needs. Walters is amazing and the more I see of her, the more I want to see. She plays this old, quirky woman beautifully and believably. The music is the film is great as well including Salsa Celtica and Sufjan Stephens.
It is just a nice film...a great library find.
Coraline
Since we are not at Disney World over Spring Break like many of my daughter's friends, I thought a movie was the least I could do. So we had a girls' night at the movies.
Coraline (PG, 100mins)
This stop-image animated film is stunning to watch. It was so nice to get out of the computer-generated images that the kids have come accustomed to. It reminded me of when I was younger. It is very stylistic and unique.
The story follows a girl who has recently moved to a new town. Her parents seem uninterested and too busy to parent and she has no friends. Things happen and she comes across a parallel world that is just perfect (but, of course, too good to be true). In the end, Coraline prefers her boring parents to the evil mother she meets in the other world....lesson learned.
I'm not sure whether I liked this movie yet. First, it was in 3D...apparently the newest thing in children's movies (and they cost more). It was visually amazing, I'm sure the 2D version is just as good. Secondly, this is a suspense almost horror movie. Very clearly so and not a great one at that. The story did not pull together well enough for me. If this had been a R-rated live-action suspense movie, I would say it was bad. It is scary at times and creepy throughout. My 12yo was scared and I was worried she won't get to sleep that night. It also contains a seen that I thought was entirely inappropriate for children. The two aging sisters in the basement perform their act....barely clothed and they are very well disporportioned. The movie, overall, is completely inappropriate for younger children. However, older children and adults might enjoy a completely different film.
It is one that I would recommend seeing the on big screen simply for the sight of it but the story is lacking (for this reason, I am going to read the original book). Older children may enjoy this but be warned that any scary movie is doubly scary viewed in a dark movie theater. Overall, its probably a renter and definitely a 'watch with parent' movie.
Coraline (PG, 100mins)
This stop-image animated film is stunning to watch. It was so nice to get out of the computer-generated images that the kids have come accustomed to. It reminded me of when I was younger. It is very stylistic and unique.
The story follows a girl who has recently moved to a new town. Her parents seem uninterested and too busy to parent and she has no friends. Things happen and she comes across a parallel world that is just perfect (but, of course, too good to be true). In the end, Coraline prefers her boring parents to the evil mother she meets in the other world....lesson learned.
I'm not sure whether I liked this movie yet. First, it was in 3D...apparently the newest thing in children's movies (and they cost more). It was visually amazing, I'm sure the 2D version is just as good. Secondly, this is a suspense almost horror movie. Very clearly so and not a great one at that. The story did not pull together well enough for me. If this had been a R-rated live-action suspense movie, I would say it was bad. It is scary at times and creepy throughout. My 12yo was scared and I was worried she won't get to sleep that night. It also contains a seen that I thought was entirely inappropriate for children. The two aging sisters in the basement perform their act....barely clothed and they are very well disporportioned. The movie, overall, is completely inappropriate for younger children. However, older children and adults might enjoy a completely different film.
It is one that I would recommend seeing the on big screen simply for the sight of it but the story is lacking (for this reason, I am going to read the original book). Older children may enjoy this but be warned that any scary movie is doubly scary viewed in a dark movie theater. Overall, its probably a renter and definitely a 'watch with parent' movie.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Timeless Fun
This television show started when I was a kid....when most people didn't own a video camera...when we didn't have cable....reality shows didn't exist...and it has showed the test of time. I'm talking about America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV) on ABC (and ABC Family).
My kids LOVE this show....I mean LOVE it. The laughter that erupts from the room is amazing....every time!
And when I watch it...I laugh too. I know someone is going to jump out of the box and scare their loved ones....I know that that kid is going to hit his had with the bat....I know the person will wipe out badly on water skis. But I still say 'oh' and 'ouch' and 'no!'.
So say what you will about how tv isn't so great anymore or we need more and more to make us take notice....America's Funniest Home Videos shows us how pure entertainment remains.
My kids LOVE this show....I mean LOVE it. The laughter that erupts from the room is amazing....every time!
And when I watch it...I laugh too. I know someone is going to jump out of the box and scare their loved ones....I know that that kid is going to hit his had with the bat....I know the person will wipe out badly on water skis. But I still say 'oh' and 'ouch' and 'no!'.
So say what you will about how tv isn't so great anymore or we need more and more to make us take notice....America's Funniest Home Videos shows us how pure entertainment remains.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Guilty Pleasure
Ok...I really like to watch The Girls Next Door on E! So much that I stayed up late on Sunday to watch the 'last' episode when Kendra left the mansion.
The show is just simply fascinating.
A very old man who has young girlfriends (he's older than my grandpa and the girls are younger than me).
A man that has three girlfriends who live in the house all together.
Nude modelling.
Uneducated, extremely immature women thinking they are grown ups.
Rich people living way too rich while the rest of us are so poor.
If you only watch one episode...watch this last one where Kendra, the 23yo, decides she needs to move on with her life. The contrast between her mom and grandma's terror that she is going to move out and have to take care of herself (no joke, they tell her to stay in the mansion because she has never had to take care of herself...you know feed herself, pay bills (have you ever written a check? they ask)...and Kendra who wants to try something new...like find a house with a good spot for a stripper pole. Just watching her allow her mom, brother, and the butlers pack up her room is bothersome.
Obviously they get paid well for that show since her first 'apartment' is a mini-mansion in the valley.
But I must watch....I must!
The show is just simply fascinating.
A very old man who has young girlfriends (he's older than my grandpa and the girls are younger than me).
A man that has three girlfriends who live in the house all together.
Nude modelling.
Uneducated, extremely immature women thinking they are grown ups.
Rich people living way too rich while the rest of us are so poor.
If you only watch one episode...watch this last one where Kendra, the 23yo, decides she needs to move on with her life. The contrast between her mom and grandma's terror that she is going to move out and have to take care of herself (no joke, they tell her to stay in the mansion because she has never had to take care of herself...you know feed herself, pay bills (have you ever written a check? they ask)...and Kendra who wants to try something new...like find a house with a good spot for a stripper pole. Just watching her allow her mom, brother, and the butlers pack up her room is bothersome.
Obviously they get paid well for that show since her first 'apartment' is a mini-mansion in the valley.
But I must watch....I must!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Free Movies start again
The Savoy 16 (part of Goodrich Quality Theaters) has started their Free Spring Matinees again this weekend with Are We Done Yet? The listing is pretty good this season.
All shows are Sat and Sun at 10am and 11am. If it is a really popular movie, you might have to go early and get tickets (the year they showed Harry Potter, it was a mess). It really is free, although of course the concession stand is open for business. They also have an intermission ... sometimes we leave at this point if the little ones are done.
Enjoy.
*Also note, Savoy 16 has shortened their commercial/preview times to closer to 10mins. So, you actually have to be on time to movies again!
All shows are Sat and Sun at 10am and 11am. If it is a really popular movie, you might have to go early and get tickets (the year they showed Harry Potter, it was a mess). It really is free, although of course the concession stand is open for business. They also have an intermission ... sometimes we leave at this point if the little ones are done.
Enjoy.
*Also note, Savoy 16 has shortened their commercial/preview times to closer to 10mins. So, you actually have to be on time to movies again!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Weekend quickies...
*I was saddened to walk through the completely empty Children's Section of Pages for All Ages today. If I lingered too long, I was going to cry.
*To cheer myself up, I headed to Marble Slab for some ice cream...and I was nice enough to bring some home for the kids! We have to go out to Savoy more often.
*I wonder why, as I spent the day on the couch with my Valentine of a kleenx box...the only good tv was an Intervention marathon (on Valentine's Day? Come on...no chick flicks?).
*Loved having a pizza lunch at my son's school on Friday.
*Red Velvet cupcakes are awesome...I should make them more than once a year!
*I am sore from drumming class...that is awesome too!
*I am generating a list of 'Kids Eat Free (or reduced)' deals in CU (or national chains). I see signs all the time but then the info is never on websites. Send them in!!!
El Toro...kids eat free on Sundays
Steak and Shake...kids eat free on weekends (2 meals with adult purchase of $9)
Fazoli's has a 99cent night on Tuesdays (I think)
*To cheer myself up, I headed to Marble Slab for some ice cream...and I was nice enough to bring some home for the kids! We have to go out to Savoy more often.
*I wonder why, as I spent the day on the couch with my Valentine of a kleenx box...the only good tv was an Intervention marathon (on Valentine's Day? Come on...no chick flicks?).
*Loved having a pizza lunch at my son's school on Friday.
*Red Velvet cupcakes are awesome...I should make them more than once a year!
*I am sore from drumming class...that is awesome too!
*I am generating a list of 'Kids Eat Free (or reduced)' deals in CU (or national chains). I see signs all the time but then the info is never on websites. Send them in!!!
El Toro...kids eat free on Sundays
Steak and Shake...kids eat free on weekends (2 meals with adult purchase of $9)
Fazoli's has a 99cent night on Tuesdays (I think)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Rock Me Sexy Jesus
This is the song that has been in my head all week (and I think I heard at least one kids singing around the house...sorry to their teachers).
If Jesus were around today (in person) he would have to market himself...just as any celebrity--rough explanation from one of the characters in Hamlet 2 (not a great movie at all but this scene made it worth the hour I had already invested...and the part where Jesus bonds with Hamlet over their overbearing fathers).
Enjoy.
If Jesus were around today (in person) he would have to market himself...just as any celebrity--rough explanation from one of the characters in Hamlet 2 (not a great movie at all but this scene made it worth the hour I had already invested...and the part where Jesus bonds with Hamlet over their overbearing fathers).
Enjoy.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Oscar Update
First of all I would like to thank all the people who have supported my through this challenging time...my 12yo for babysitting, my hub who sees movies alone, and all those students and family members that have given me movie gift cards. My friends, co-workers, and family guiding me to making wise movie choices. I couldn't have done it without you.
Here is a quick overview of what I've seen so far.
Go see this movie on the big screen! I don't even want to talk about it too much since the best part for me about this movie was that I knew absolutely nothing about it. Its a love, rags to riches, brotherly relationship, cultural awareness drama wrapped in a fabulous score and soundtrack.
Milk
I really didn't know anything about this one either, except the basic premise that Harvey Milk is the first openly gay person elected to public office in the 70's. Sean Penn is amazing in this film...amazing...his acting combined with a simply fascinating character...is fabulous. The story itself is interesting and brings up a lot of issues that clearly still exist today. James Franco deserved a nomination, and this supporting ensemble is a great group of young (and older) actors. (combined with my recent viewing of The Cockettes, I feel educated in the SF gay movement)
Benjamin Button
Although I knew the basic premise of this film as well, I didn't know how it would end and that was half of the movie for me....what is going to happen. The make-up and special effects are breath-taking...really. And they have cast the most beautiful people. The story is sweet, the scenery is wonderful. Its just a great story that I am glad was told.
We saw this in 3D on Christmas Day (two things I will never do again). My kids loved this one...the boys in their superhero phase and my 12yo obsessed with Miley Cyrus. What I liked about this film were the action sequences...just like a Will Smith movie but animated. Bolt ends up being a really good hero and makes some good friends. The ending duet between Cyrus and John Travolta is really nice.
Kung Fu Panda
We finally snagged this from the library, despite being 100th on the waiting list. Great animation and voice characterization. The major theme is a timeless one for kids (you are the secret ingredient, make things what you want). I don't really feel like this film brought anything particularly new or interesting to the world of cinema.
Wall-E (see review here)
This should and probably will win this category.
Here is a quick overview of what I've seen so far.
Best Picture
Slumdog MillionaireGo see this movie on the big screen! I don't even want to talk about it too much since the best part for me about this movie was that I knew absolutely nothing about it. Its a love, rags to riches, brotherly relationship, cultural awareness drama wrapped in a fabulous score and soundtrack.
Milk
I really didn't know anything about this one either, except the basic premise that Harvey Milk is the first openly gay person elected to public office in the 70's. Sean Penn is amazing in this film...amazing...his acting combined with a simply fascinating character...is fabulous. The story itself is interesting and brings up a lot of issues that clearly still exist today. James Franco deserved a nomination, and this supporting ensemble is a great group of young (and older) actors. (combined with my recent viewing of The Cockettes, I feel educated in the SF gay movement)
Benjamin Button
Although I knew the basic premise of this film as well, I didn't know how it would end and that was half of the movie for me....what is going to happen. The make-up and special effects are breath-taking...really. And they have cast the most beautiful people. The story is sweet, the scenery is wonderful. Its just a great story that I am glad was told.
Best Animated Film
BoltWe saw this in 3D on Christmas Day (two things I will never do again). My kids loved this one...the boys in their superhero phase and my 12yo obsessed with Miley Cyrus. What I liked about this film were the action sequences...just like a Will Smith movie but animated. Bolt ends up being a really good hero and makes some good friends. The ending duet between Cyrus and John Travolta is really nice.
Kung Fu Panda
We finally snagged this from the library, despite being 100th on the waiting list. Great animation and voice characterization. The major theme is a timeless one for kids (you are the secret ingredient, make things what you want). I don't really feel like this film brought anything particularly new or interesting to the world of cinema.
Wall-E (see review here)
This should and probably will win this category.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A question for the class....
Please explain this montage from last night's SAG awards. I thank you in advance.
Two other comments about the show...first, Brad and Angelina get the rude on the red carpet award. And what is the look for award season? Boobs. Lots and lots of boobs. There were a lot of nervous stylists with extra double stick tape around last night.
Two other comments about the show...first, Brad and Angelina get the rude on the red carpet award. And what is the look for award season? Boobs. Lots and lots of boobs. There were a lot of nervous stylists with extra double stick tape around last night.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
My favorite time of year...
Its award season! Yes, I watch the Superbowl....I bet on March Madness....and we have new left-handed president...but I LOVE the Oscars (aka the Academy Awards).
And today is the day...the nominations came out. See them here.
First, what makes the Best Picture of the Year or Actor?
It is clear, it is not box office money, trendy casting, budget, or even popularity. And sorry to all those comedies that were made....think dark, dramatic, dirty to win. Its pretty much a mystery to the common public. For this reason some movies and actors are sadly left out(the Dark Knight, Clint Eastwood) or surprisingly included (e.g. Juno, Elle Woods, Tropic Thunder). And the academy loves to be 'historic'...which usually means increasing nominations for Judy Dench, Meryl Streep (who I loved in Mamma Mia but got nominated for Doubt), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Hanks, and Kate Winslet who are required to be nominated if they produced a film that year (Nicole Kidman usually as well but was not included for Australia). I was surprised that Meryl and Kate were not double nominated...they love that too. I guess they, Pitt and Jolie, are not 'married' but how many other couples have been nominated in the same year? Heath Ledger's Joker, which is fabulous, was a given nomination as well.
So this is what we do...nominations come out. We strategically plan which films to see...the films with the most nominations usually win our tickets. This is also the only time of year I go to Blockbuster. It is like a fun race to complete in the 4-week period. We feel like if we see all the nominations and we can make an informed decision on the winner...that will influence the outcome.
I would also track down the documentaries....they are actually usually the best overall films nominated (Netflix, the library, and, in CU, Rentertainment).
On a final note...my most hated category....Best Original Song...which so often goes to a crappy song played over the credits. The best example of this flawed category is Moulin Rouge who was not eligible for any music categories since it was not original music (Come What May was actually written for another project originally), not to mention any movie-version of a musical. This category should clearly be converted to Best USE of Song in a movie.
And today is the day...the nominations came out. See them here.
First, what makes the Best Picture of the Year or Actor?
It is clear, it is not box office money, trendy casting, budget, or even popularity. And sorry to all those comedies that were made....think dark, dramatic, dirty to win. Its pretty much a mystery to the common public. For this reason some movies and actors are sadly left out(the Dark Knight, Clint Eastwood) or surprisingly included (e.g. Juno, Elle Woods, Tropic Thunder). And the academy loves to be 'historic'...which usually means increasing nominations for Judy Dench, Meryl Streep (who I loved in Mamma Mia but got nominated for Doubt), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Hanks, and Kate Winslet who are required to be nominated if they produced a film that year (Nicole Kidman usually as well but was not included for Australia). I was surprised that Meryl and Kate were not double nominated...they love that too. I guess they, Pitt and Jolie, are not 'married' but how many other couples have been nominated in the same year? Heath Ledger's Joker, which is fabulous, was a given nomination as well.
So this is what we do...nominations come out. We strategically plan which films to see...the films with the most nominations usually win our tickets. This is also the only time of year I go to Blockbuster. It is like a fun race to complete in the 4-week period. We feel like if we see all the nominations and we can make an informed decision on the winner...that will influence the outcome.
My recommendation...if you are only going to experience one film this season....Slumdog Millionaire...the movie, the soundtrack, the book.
See it on the big screen (the fabulous Art Theater in CU).
I would also track down the documentaries....they are actually usually the best overall films nominated (Netflix, the library, and, in CU, Rentertainment).
On a final note...my most hated category....Best Original Song...which so often goes to a crappy song played over the credits. The best example of this flawed category is Moulin Rouge who was not eligible for any music categories since it was not original music (Come What May was actually written for another project originally), not to mention any movie-version of a musical. This category should clearly be converted to Best USE of Song in a movie.
So...what is your Best Picture, Actor, and Actress picks for 2008 (Oscar nominated or not)?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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