"Twilight" - a Review (*Spoilers*)

Disclaimer: I went to this movie (at midnight like a Twiharder 13-year old,) KNOWING I would like it. I know that if there were flying pigs and talking cats I would still like it as long as they stuck to the world's sappiest love story that is Edward and Bella. Not that the movie was without its faults - it wasn't....read on...

I read all four books in the Twilight Saga in about 3 weeks. I couldn't put them down. The author, Stephanie Meyer, got crazy lucky with this amazing, different love story. The writing sometimes left a bit to be desired - it was mushy and repetitive and catered to the tween fanbase. But, once it sucks you in you never get out. 

So, making a movie based on a book that is so popular with so many diehard fans is risky - you better stay true to the beloved book or you will be tarred and feathered in a public forum. The director, Catherine Hardwicke, was a good girl - she stayed as true to the book as humanly possible. The production company, Summit, is an indie company, so the movie only had a modest (by Hollywood standards) budget - $37 million. This is where the movie lacks - special effects....

MAJOR SPOILERS - Edward, our beloved Edward, is supposed to sparkle in the sun. There is such a clear picture painted in the book for this scene. It is one of those parts of a book that are written so there is NO mistaking how it should play out if it were, say, real, or made into a movie. Well, he sparkled in the sun in the movie, but he sure as hell didn't dazzle. This scene, along with the whole meadow scene right after Bella puts the pieces together and realizes Edward is *GASP* immortal, are so pivotal to this story - you can pull all the other pieces down around it and these scenes will stand on their own - not so much in the film, though. The whole scene was kind of thrown together to get it over with - 

"I know what you are." "Say it..out loud (Rob Pattinson is the sex when he is demanding.)" "Vampire." "OOOh, ok, check me out in the sun light." Cue cheesy special effect that resembled shiny, teen acne. 

Ok, so, that was about all that bothered me, really. Other than that, I was in love with the movie. Some things that stand out: 

In the book, I loved Charlie and Bella's relationship - you could tell they cared for and loved each other, but they were just so shy and awkward around each other. Their relationship translated so well into film - Bella and Charlie had some of the best scenes together. It was just very touching. 

Also, Bella's friends from Forks High School are total scene stealers - Jessica, Mike, Eric, and Angela - especially Jessica and Mike. Total cut ups. As one reviewer put it, ..."they reminded us of the life Bella would give up to be with Edward..." 

The scenes when Bella goes to the Cullen's house are heartwarming and hysterical - Rosalie steals the one cooking scene. Also, Edward taking Bella through the treetops is magical - on of the better special effects and it really shows the viewer how they feel without using words. Cue Bella's lullaby during this scene - I loved it. 

I couldn't really picture any music in my head for the lullaby while reading the book. But, the movie got it so right. It was powerful and passionate, kind of like their relationship. And it fit great in that particular scene. I liked all the music in the film, as I know a lot of people didn't like it or thought it was too much, whatever. I dug it. 

As for the whole Cullen family, they were great. Carlisle was breathtaking when he first walked on screen. Jasper kind of reminded me of Edward Scissorhands with his aloof facial expressions - trying not to breath in Bella's human scent. Rosalie was beautiful, as she was meant to be, and quite bitchy - I love it. Alice was how I pictured - perky, cute and to-the-point. Emmet was big and goofy and just kind of looking for a good time. Esme was cute and underused, I think. Hopefully she will be more prominent in the next film(s). I think they got the family spot-on. 

And, when they walked into the lunchroom and Bella saw them for the first time - it was so dramatic! I was like, "Oh, snap! The Cullens!! You better recognize!"

Then, Edward walked in. I couldn't picture Edward while reading the book. I kept changing him in my head. Then, I saw Rob Pattinson and knew they casted him in the movie role and I was like, "OK, this kid is a cutie. I can deal with that." Then, he did some photo shoots and looked like, well, like Edward should look - perfection. He is so amazing as Edward. There were some parts I wouldn't have thought to play that way. (Example: The biology scene where Bella meets him for the first time and he smells her: people laughed, even me, and I don't think it was meant to be funny - he looked like he was going to blow chunks. I pictured him as white-knuckled, almost angry. But, whatevs.) He is gorgeous - you can't deny it. Edward is supposed to be gorgeous. He has a unique voice (He is a Brit playing an American accent, so that helps.) He plays the whole "I'm so torn between leaving Bella alone and being miserable or loving her and possibly eating her" thing well. In the books, Edward was very demanding - borderline sexist. He just wanted to protect Bella. Well, it is kind of hot, ok? That is part of his appeal - he kind of lets Bella know what is what. I loved his performance and was totally a 13 year old girl when he walked on screen for the first time. 

Much like Edward, I could never picture Bella. Ok, not true, I always pictured myself as Bella. I must have not been home when they came to the door with the movie offer, though. Kristen Stewart would not have been my first choice b/c she always seems indifferent or bothered or something. But, she was good. She had some obnoxious lines, but she played them well. The only part that I wanted to smack her at was in the hospital when Edward said she should live with her mom - when she said, "No no - don't say that to me, I want you, blah blah." It seemed like she was TRYING to act poorly in this part. It wasn't good and it could have been great. So, boo to you for that, Kristen (I'm not bitter.) She WAS good in the venom scene. She didn't glam up the tortured pain - she actually looked like she was in pain. I like that - realism. 

OOOh, the fight scene - it was short, but it was so good. Another spot where the effects were pretty kick-ass. And Edward comes swooping in being a hero - I love it!! Speaking of Edward saving Bella's life, they left the scene where Bella is attacked in the city and Edward comes to save her. I am glad they left it in and they did it so well. Edward's rage, his driving, Bella finally realizing Edward is kind of different. 

Jacob wasn't in it that much, which didn't bother me. I don't like him. The kid that played him was super cute, though. 

Ok, I loved the friggin movie. I am going to see it again next week. I can't help myself. It won't win any Oscars, but people love it. They love the books and they love the story and they love RPatz (he is my future 2nd husband, so I can call him that.) I think with the greenlight for Summit to make New Moon (OMG - we have to wait til 2010 - UGH!) and the $33million made on the opening day alone, you will be seeing/hearing/breathing/biting/dreaming/ Twilight for a long time to come. 

2 Weeks Worth of Life

I haven't written a word in 2 weeks b/c I have actually been busy doing productive things. Accomplishment is a good feeling! So, let's start with the wedding related nonsense: 

Jay and I wrote our ceremony from start to finish. We researched all of my vow and ceremony books, added details we liked and picked what was important to us. From the gathering words to the final blessing, it shouldn't be more than 15 minutes - MAX. It is very sweet and very "us." I was most nervous about this aspect of the whole wedding b/c I was very adamant about it NOT being religious and Jay had his specific criteria, so I was preparing for a headache. But, we came out unscathed with a simple, yet elegant ceremony. It was a great bonding experience for the two of us. 

NOW, we just have to find someone to marry us. For some reason, this is a hard thing for us to do. There is a reverend that is somewhat close to my family that has been there through some rough times, but the ceremony he proposed is very religious (obvs.) and we would feel horrible asking him to throw that all out the window. So, if anyone knows any great non-denominational officiants, send me the contact info! 

I also made a bunch of final appointments with photogs, our entertainment vendor, etc. I ordered shoes and hair stuff - and might have actually decided on a hairstyle. We booked the airport transfers and decided who was sleeping where the night before. UGH - it's the tiny details that are killing me and making me feel overwhelmed. 

What else? Let's see - movies! We watched Gone With the Wind last weekend - all 4 hours of it, straight through. It is such a fantastic movie! Vivien Leigh was a genius when it came to acting. She threw herself into the role of Scarlett - over-the-top (as so many performances in those days were, but she was the master,) dramatic, gorgeous. The movie is an epic classic for a reason. It didn't have the ending you would expect - there was no predictable, happy ending, which made it even more appealing. It was more real that way. 

Jay and I also saw Pineapple Express. O.M.G. - so friggin funny. I am a huge fan of "Knocked Up," "Superbad," "40-Year Old Virgin," etc. so I knew I would love this movie. It was a typical stoner comedy with a lot of violence. I love Seth Rogan - he is cute and normal-ish and seems very down-to-earth. But, James Franco stole the movie. He was hysterical and I don't even think he was trying to be. He was very subtle and mellow and LOL adorable. Also, the previews before the movie rocked b/c there are a lot of Judd Apatow & Co. movies coming out soon! Paul Rudd, Michael Cera, Sean Williams Scott, etc. all have movies coming out. I have a feeling this is the beginning of the new American Comedic Dream Team. 

And, the Olympics. I wasn't really watching in the beginning. I completely missed the Opening Ceremonies - whatever. But, nothing is on late at night when you're trying to sleep and you wish Letterman wasn't a repeat. So, you watch the Olympics. Then, you find yourself getting emotionally invested in these athletes' wins and losses. There's a lot of controversy surrounding the Beijing Olympics and we, as humans, love a good controversy. They have paralyzed dancers, ugly kids that need to be replaced with cuter kids lip synching the ugly kid's song, fake fireworks, underage competitors - yes, we're onto you Chinese Gymnasts! Seriously, this should be looked into and if it is proven they are NOT 16 or older, they should have their medals taken away. Cheating is cheating - no matter how it is done. 

OOoh, and that guy, that swimmer - hmmm...Michael Phelps, is it? I wasn't really into all the hype, but I watched a race and he IS like a machine. I guess I can buy into the whole American Dream thing. And, his mom is always so happy when he wins and I can respect that. But, Lochte is def. hotter. 

I am really looking forward to the Fall/Winter lineup - all the new shows and my fave shows coming back. I am a glutton for teen drama - so, yay for 'Gossip Girl,' 'On Tree Hill,' and the New '90210.' I am like a 13 year old, ok? Don't judge :P I also can't wait for 'Ugly Betty,' 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Brothers & Sisters,' "Lost,' 'Kath & Kim," so forth and so on...LoL. I watch a lot of TV, ok? It's a hard habit to break - Tivo is your friend. 

Ok, I think that was enough BS to give you to read for now. I am trying to start my weeks off on a more positive note. So, instead of complaining that it is Sunday night, so that means I have to go to effing work tomorrow and sulk through another 5 more days until the next weekend and I hope I can make it that long without poking an eye out of the socket just for fun, I will say something like....It is Sunday night, so....so, um....well, ....wow - I got nothing. 

Weekend Wrap-up

I am crazy tired from writing my "The Dark Knight" review (see below.) But, the weekend was pretty good...Jay finished tiling the backsplash so now we can grout and then paint and then be done - YAY! We went to Gary and Tamra's for a bit Saturday night - I was so sleepy and had barely 2 glasses of wine and I fell asleep on their couch! I felt like such an ass. Today, we had some lunch, then drove around, then went to see "The Dark Knight." I was so excited for it all week and was so excited to see it!! It was better then I ever thought it would be! 

I really can't think of anything eventful that happened during the week. I am so beat and I really don't think anything happened, LoL. My mom and everyone left for the cruise today :( I am seriously regretting not going, now. 33 of our friends and family went to Bermuda for a week. Jay and I were going to go, but changed our minds to save our time off for our honeymoon. I hope everyone has fun and takes lots of pictures!! 

"The Dark Knight" - a Review (*Spoilers*)

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way a Batman aficionado. I didn't watch re-runs of the old show; I didn't read the comic books; I didn't watch the cartoon. I liked Tim Burton's first "Batman" with Michael Keaton ok. It was scary when I was younger and campy as I got older. So, I am not up on the history and story-line facts. That being said, here it goes...

I loved "Batman Begins"...it was a movie my fiance and I popped in one lazy day, by chance, and I ended up loving it. So, needless to say, I couldn't wait for "The Dark Knight." I was planning on catching it because I really wanted to see Heath Ledger's final and supposedly best performance. Seeing "Batman Begins" just made me want to see it even more. 

So, Jay and I get to the theater a half hour early, get our goodies to munch on, sit down and watch the waves of people roll in on a Sunday afternoon. I was so psyched for this movie I couldn't sit still! As the DC Comics logo shows up in the beginning of the film, a hush falls over the theater. Everyone, like me, wanted to see what the first scene would be....would there be action? Would it be an emotional scene between Alfred and Bruce Wayne? Will it be the much-anticipated Joker?

It was action-packed! The Scarecrow story-line was resolved (for now) which doesn't really happen too often. A lot of times you find sequels kind of forgetting what they left hanging in the previous movie. But, they wrapped it up nicely in the first few minutes of the film and introduced the new villian - the eternal villian - the Joker. 

We don't know who he is, where he came from or what he wants - and this is true throughout the movie. I suppose we do know that he lives for death and destruction. He doesn't care about revenge, loyalty, money - none of it. Where he goes, chaos and mayhem follow. He is smart - the kind of genius created by madness (or is the madness created by the genius?) He knows how to get to people. And he knows how to kill. He is diabolical, but he makes it seem so effortless - kind of like he doesn't have to prepare or create or think about what he is doing to people. 

Now, about Heath's performance. It was stellar. I was so sure I would watch this movie and think about Heath Ledger - the great, young actor whose life ended too early. But, I didn't think about him once until the movie was over. He was the Joker. His voice was unrecognizable - and haunting. He used facial tics and licked his lips and snarled in ways that made me cringe. He played the Joker as true and pure evil genius. He didn't care about anyone or anything around him. He laughed at the people around him. He used peoples' weakness to his advantage. He was very much theatrical - messy makeup to cover up the scars that seem to have no origin. His laugh is one with a mocking tone and eery comfort. Heath was the Joker and the Joker will never be anyone else but Heath. 

The 2nd new character we have is Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Well, I totally believe in Harvey Dent. Aaron Eckhart was so believable as the District Attorney who wants what is best for Gotham City. He really didn't let anything stop him. He wasn't afraid of the Joker, or gangsters or any of it. He did show human weakness when he was prepared to kill a psycho for information.  He did what he had to do all out in the open. Eckhart was very vibrant and bold in this role. He shone as the White Knight making the clean-up of this crime-ridden city seem possible. 

Eckhart also proved himself as Two-Face. When Dent went to his dark place is when Eckhart really showed his acting chops. He had just lost the one person he loved and couldn't do anything to help her. He was angry and lost and scared. The Joker played well on these emotions and helped him over the edge. The hospital scene with Joker and Two-Face is one of the best in the film. 

Ah, yes, there was a somewhat minor character introduced. Joshua Harto played Reese, an employee/consultant type for Wayne Enterprises. He had about 15 full minutes in the film and they were significant. He figured out who Batman was and was going to expose him. The Joker also used him as bait so he was on a few peoples' hit list. What is interesting (and, these are not my own ruminations, but ideas I have found on the internet) is that if you say "Mr. Reese" quickly, it sounds like "mysteries." The Riddler, anyone?

Maggie Gyllenhaal took over for Katie Holmes in the Rachel Dawes role. The switch was a good one in my opinion. Katie Holmes bored me. I think Maggie was more feisty and had more fire in her.  A lot of people said she is ugly - but, I think that is far from the truth. She is definitely not a conventional beauty, but she is quirky beautiful. I was shocked, shocked, SHOCKED when she............died. The Joker played a little trick on our hero Batman and told him the wrong location of his damsel in distress. He instead showed up just in time to save Harvey Dent (or, half of him, anyways.) It was a twist that was 100%unexpected. Rachel and Bruce didn't even get together. Ugh - that kind of pisses me off because I am a romantic at heart, but it was good for the movie. It made Dent into what he would become. And, I think took Batman to a totally different level darkness-wise. If Bruce Wayne wasn't struggling with the fine line between his 2 identities before, he most surely would struggle after Rachel's death. 

 And, about our hero.....

 

Of course, Christian Bale is still my favorite Batman. Let me get over the fact that he is just, well, made for being the hero saving the damsel in distress. He plays a ferosh Bruce Wayne - poor, little rich playboy, sleeping during a huge meeting, zipping around in his Lambo. He is just fun! 

And, as Batman, he was wonderful, per usual! He is so regimented and kind of straight-laced as Batman. He knows what he has to do and he does it. He is a well-oiled, crime-fighting machine. He is against killing people - he just delivers them to the police. He definitely lets his cause take precedence over his "real" life as Bruce Wayne (see: his relationship with Rachel.) 

He makes a real sacrifice in the end of the movie. He takes the fall for some murders Two-Face committed. Why would he do this? Because he didn't want the work that Harvey Dent had done as D.A. to come undone by a community that has lost faith. They believed in Dent and what he was doing and if they learned he gave up and fell to the dark side, they most likely would, too. And, since Batman has no real face, he knew he couldn't mar the face of the White Knight, Gotham's true hero.

Gary Oldman was better than ever as James Gordon! I was on the verge of tears when I thought he had died, but he came back to save the day - he actually had to save Batman. It showed us that Batman isn't the only one that can get things done. It also showed us that the role of saviour doesn't fall on the hands of one man, but the hands of many. The ordinary, run-of-the-mill cop really made a difference. He believes in the cause just like Batman. He was so moving in the scene with Two-Face and his family. 

Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine were excellent and consistent in their roles, as well.. They act as the wiser voices of reason throughout the film. I wish they could have larger roles. They are essentially the behind-the-scenes help. I know this is necessary, but I love these actors so I want to see them take out a baddie or two! 

The film as a whole was totally dark. It was scary because it could happen. Is it probable? No, not at this point in time. Is it possible - yes, totally. The technology used isn't too far off from what can become (if the gov't doesn't already have gadgets like those used already.) Christopher Nolan, the director, wanted his Batman sagas to be about real people in real situations. There is nothing sci-fi about his two films. At their core, they are just good guy/bad guy flicks. The scenes with the two boats leaving the island says a whole lot about the human condition and that there is still good in this world. The chaotic scene jumping seems very much what it might be like living in Gotham City. As the audience, just like the characters, you never know who is a good guy or a bad guy. 

There are a lot of factors that make this film one for the ages - the acting, the story, the lessons we can all learn from it. It is action-packed, character-driven and just plain old fun. It says a lot about a movie when you leave the theater and it is all you can think about. 

As I sit and think about the movie and what the director might do next, or which characters he will bring back or what would of happened if....I have to remember that it is just a movie and essentially just made for fun (and to make money) and I have to ask myself, "Why so serious?" 

Weekend Wrap-up

Hey! What a week it has been. Nothing too exciting happened during the week. It was a 3-day weekend, which is always a nice treat! But, it always makes work go by slower and seem like there is so much more to do. On Thursday afternoon around 4PM, when it seemed everyone had gone home already, I had to finish up some last minute stuff. Then, I rushed out to make it to my nail appointment at 5. 

I got LCN tips (which is a first for me.) So far, so good. They look more natural and are supposed to be better for your nails. They are much more expensive than acrylics, but that's the price of beauty, right? I also (finally) got my hair cut. I haven't gotten my haircut this much in my life, but I have to keep it healthy for the wedding. So, I go every 6 weeks or so. It is amazing how long in advance women start preparing for one day! I partake in the craziness, but it still baffles the hell out of me! 

I didn't really do anything on Friday. Jay and I went out to dinner with some family. He went out afterwards and I hung out with my mom and aunt and family friend. It was nice to just chat with the ladies and talk about the past and good memories. We always have a good laugh when we're together! 

Saturday we BBQd! It was soo good. I love BBQ. We tried Bubba Burgers - they were so delish for frozen burgers. And, of course hot dogs, chicken, steak and ribs, too. Homemade pasta, macaroni and potato salad. Brownies and cupcakes. It was so good to have a home-cooked meal with my family. Of course, a friendly family political debate - turned- fight ensued, but all is well that ends well. 

Earlier that day, Jay and I took my cousins to see WALL-E. It was so friggin cute. It had an amazing message about saving our Earth AND it was a cute love story. Kids will love it, natch, but so will the adults. There are also a few jokes throughout that only the grown-ups will appreciate. 

Sunday was a day of rest - it always is! I slept until noon, which was so nice. I got up and did some laundry, cleaned up a bit, etc. Then, Jay and I got Wendy's (The #2 with a Coke is my weakness - totally my "off-day" meal - don't judge :P) Anyways, we watched "Batman Begins". Ok, so, I had wanted to see this for a while. And, with "The Dark Knight" coming out (which I def. want to see b/c of Heath Ledger) we figured we should see the first installment. It was soo good. I liked the original Batman with Michael Keaton. It wasn't great, but it was a fun type of movie. "Batman Begins" was nothing like it. It was dark, it was action-packed, it was sexy, it had a great back story, it has Christian Bale. Seriously, it didn't even need much more. I can even forgive Christopher Nolan for casting Katie Holmes. 

Now, I am watching Platinum Weddings and drooling. I think this is a bride thing, as most normal people would just think it was stupid to spend that much money on a gobo and personalized underwear. I need to finish folding the laundry, which is my 2nd least favorite thing to do next to putting the laundry away. And then going to bed to wake up and start all over again. Isn't the monotony and repetition of the work week so sad?

"The Air I Breathe" Review

So, lazzzzy Sundays call for movies! Jay went to visit his family and the dog was bored, so I popped in this movie. Honestly, I knew nothing about this movie except: 

A - it was a story about how people were connected (a la "Crash") 

B - it did not get great reviews

C - Sarah Michelle Gellar was in it. I admit, this was the only reason I got it. I have an undying love for all things Buffy. 

It wasn't half bad. It wasn't "inspired" or even a totally new concept. It was based on the idea that there are 4 cornerstone emotions: Happiness, Pleasure, Sorrow and Love. Ok, I can get that. The 4 main characters represented these emotions, natch. Basically, you cannot know Love without Pleasure, nor Sorrow without Happiness. 

Forest Whitaker was Happiness. He is an excellent actor, but his scenes were a little hard to watch b/c his character was depressing. (Weird, right? For the guy representing Happiness, his scenes made me cringe!) But, I guess that was the point - he could not be truly happy until the end, until he was released. 

Brandon Frasier was Pleasure. He was very dark, very mysterious. I likey! He was pretty instrumental throughout the whole film. His story leaves you wondering what at all is pleasurable about his life, but you get it once you find out about his past. 

Sarah Michelle was Sorrow. I love her. She can do no wrong in my book. She was very good in this film...she took her character and made her grow. She was actually a very central figure throughout the whole movie. She kind of tied everything together. And, her ending was my favorite, as it was the one with the most closure. 

Kevin Bacon was Love. I felt bad b/c he kind of got shafted as far as screen time. It was almost as if they kind of threw his story in there at the end. Poor thing. He was ok. He didn't really have room to spread his wings. 

Things I am loving right now

1) The FLAIR app on FaceBook - Ok, seriously? How simple is this? It is basically an online cork board that you can put different buttons on. You can pick your own flair, people can send you flair, you can send them flair back. It is simple, yet amuses me every day. It is a great way to express yourself without really having to think too hard - you see a button that exudes "you", click "add" and voila! I have a lot of flair and am running out of room on my cork board - that is my only complaint.  

2) DVDs - I have always loved movies and DVDs are not new to me. I don't live under a rock. But, with Summer programming on TV (BORING) and Jay and I being cuddle bums, we have watched a lot of movies that would have normally sat on our shelf un-open. It is a great way to spend time together and also get to know each other better. We like to somewhat discuss the movies afterwards, no matter how fluffy they might be! 

3) StyleMePretty, ArtofLove, TheBrideCafe, PinkCakeBox and random other wedding blogs - I am having so much fun planning our wedding. So far there has been minimal stress. And, I have stumbled upon some of the most beautiful work ever. Weddings can be so truly tacky, but they can also been stunning. There is so much work that goes into a wedding - if you have not been married or are not in the biz, you most likely would not think twice about it. BUT, us brides know what's up. These blogs have amazing photography, design ideas, color palettes, attire, cakes, everything! If you ever need to just relax or get some creative inspiration, I totally recommend these sites. Even if you are not into something wedding related, it is just amazing to see what people come up with. You can give someone a color scheme or a theme and they can create a whole new world with it. Simply gorgeous. 

4) General Tso's Chicken - Hahaha, yes, as in the Chinese dish. We found a great place by us (Precious Chinese on Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale - what what!!) that makes it delish every time. I feel like we have it every night. It is just that good. 

5) Old Movies - the classics - Some faves: Casablanca, Rebecca, The Women, Streetcar Named Desire, An Affair to Remember, Sabrina. The costumes are gorgeous. The stories are timeless. The acting is over-the-top and superb. There comedic timing is impeccable. And there are no crazy special effects, or green screens, or $10000000 budgets. Movies the way they should be - telling a story through the characters. The actors make it work, not the post-production teams adding everything in.