Guess the year wouldn't be complete without me finishing up this month with some books and movies!
Movies:
The Nativity Story: This was the first time I'd seen this, and I liked it. The ending was a bit like um what now guess we have to wait for the sequel to find out what HAPPENS NEXT?
While You Were Sleeping: Such a cute movie!
The Heat: At first I thought it was okay, and then gradually it just got . . . lame.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: The movie of the month! We watched this (and all the special features) to get ready for . . .
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: I thought it was great, but it is on a different (i.e. lower) level of epicness and awesomeness from LOTR in my opinion. And it's super long - I somehow forced myself to see the entire thing without a bathroom break and this was not a good idea.
Pacific Rim: Pretty cool movie. Lots of battles in the water where I couldn't really tell what was happening. Also a lot of stupid moves on the parts of humans and aliens.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: So sweet and touching. I almost forgot that this is pretty much a Christmas movie.
Won't Back Down: Kinda fun, but I'm a sucker for movies about angry moms reforming schools.
The Decoy Bride: I expected this movie to be totally cheesy and awful, but it had David Tennant and the girl who voices Merida in Brave, and they totally saved it! It was only somewhat cheesy and awful.
American Girl movies: I got really into "the mood" and watched the Samantha, Molly, and Felicity movies. The Samantha one is the funnest to make fun of, but the Felicity one was my favorite for reals this time. I also think Felicity is most faithful to the books. Molly stinks.
Miscellaneous Christmas movies: Miracle on 34th Street (the newer one), The King is Born, A Child's Christmas in the Wales (favorite!), A Christmas Carol, Hans Brinker (shout out to this one - it is really quite fun, especially when you haven't seen it in years but you still remember the funny parts), The Polar Express
Books:
American Girl books: I really got into my past this month - I read all the Molly books and Kit books, and a few random others. It was fun going back.
All Creatures Great and Small: I was too tired to find an exciting new book to read, so I just returned to this old favorite by James Herriot. I just love his stories - the content and the style.
Theater:
The Light in the Piazza: Ooooh this play/musical about a girl vacationing with her mother in Italy bothered me. The acting was excellent and the story was intriguing and the music was okay but I just felt like it went from temporary left everything unresolved and was far too (like unbelievably) optimistic about a lot of things. It went from temporary fairytale to full blown Never-ever-whatever-land.
Showing posts with label Media Inventories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Media Inventories. Show all posts
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
November 2013 Media Inventory
Only one more month to go! It's surprising how fast this year has gone by. And at the same time, the months and days seem to go pretty slowly. Here's what I watched and read in November:
Movies:
Sorry, Wrong Number: This movie was surprisingly dark for an old classic. I thought I knew where it was going, and then--whoa.
Anne of Avonlea: Loved it just as much as Anne of Green Gables. Anne. Miss Stacey, and Marilla are my role models.
The Orphanage: I saw this in October, but saw it again with Matthew in November because I liked it so much. We can't wait to play creepy Spanish games with our kids!
The Sound of Music: I was in the mood (you'll see why soon). It was so (remifasolatido) delightful. The songs are still going through my head.
The Waltons Thanksgiving (both of them): This month I got stuck on a Waltons binge-fest. I have been watching my favorite episodes from each season every night while I work on miscellaneous stuff. As of now I'm still interested and I'm in the seventh season. Our kids are definitely gonna be little Walton-ites if this keeps up.
Labyrinth: What the weird. This film reminded me of something I would come up with in a dream after eating too much one night - it would seem like a really cool and awesome idea while I was asleep and then I'd wonder what the heck I was thinking when I woke up. But it was so weird and wacky and awkward and tacky enough to just be sort of . . . cool? At any rate, I now have a good excuse for David Bowie to show up in future crazy dreams.
I am Sam: I really enjoyed this tender and poignant film about a mentally challenged father trying to raise and keep his daughter, not least because she has the beautiful name of Lucy.
Catch Me if You Can: I've seen this one before but it sure is a rollicking good time. Matthew also liked it.
The Intouchables: Matthew and I saw this at the International Cinema and it was SO good. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
Star Trek 2: Love, love, love this movie. And it makes three amazing movies in a row that I watched this month! I was on a roll.
The Magic of Belle Isle: Ehhh... didn't care super much for this one. In fact, I'm not entirely sure I saw the ending.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Good film to match a good book. Made me miss October.
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness: I don't know why I was in the mood for this, but I was. I haven't seen it since I was an early teenager or thereabouts, so there was a lot of nostalgia in seeing and crying and laughing at the old familiar parts. It is wonderful how movies you watched as a child come to take on new meanings when you watch them as an adult.
Bernie: I watched this in January, so I guess it's my beginning and end of the year movie. Matthew saw it this time and we were both really interested in dead bodies at the time (I'm not going to elaborate unless you ask), so it seemed to fit. Surprisingly, my favorite part this time around was 100% the music.
Frankenweenie: A little weird, a little creepy, a little cute. Sounds about right. I don't think I'll see it again, though - the heart and soul of the whole thing was missing for me. The little dog was adorable, though.
Austenland: Ok, so here's the thing. I know it's pretty much a ridiculous premise and plot and the lack of characterization and background and depth is appalling, yada yada. But is it bad that I thoroughly enjoyed and was entertained by the entire thing from beginning to end? Could it have to do with the fact that I watched it in a theater filled with gasping, squealing, whispering girls? Yeah...
Frequency: Fantastic film. Still has the intensity and the emotional and spiritual punch from the first time when I watched it.
Miracle on 34th Street (the older version): Watched this on Thanksgiving with my family. This time I especially loved the conversation between Fred Gailey and Doris about what things are worth believing in. And yes I actually believe Edmund Gwenn is Santa.
Books:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: This is the first book I've read by Anne Bronte. I really loved Wuthering Heights and could not get through Jane Eyre (although I need to give it a second go-round now), and this one fell in the middle of those two for me. It was well written and engaging, but rather belabored and long-winded. And the protagonist got on my nerves.
I Am Not a Serial Killer: The best word I can come up for this one right now is enthralling. Really, seriously, enthralling. I was impressed.
Catch Me If You Can: This semi-autobiography was even more interesting, tricky, and unbelievable than the movie. There were some good insights as well and I thought the author did a good job of presenting his life without over-analyzing or moralizing it.
Theater:
The Sound of Music: I went on a whim to usher for this production of The Sound of Music, which turned out to be done with large puppets (and one human, strangely, to play the part of Mother Superior). I was too far away unfortunately to really appreciate the detail of the puppets, but what I saw was cute and creative. They did a lot of fun marionette tricks that got a lot of laughs. The music really is all you need to have an enjoyable time though.
The Nightingale: I thought I had missed this show when I forgot to sign up to usher for it at BYU, but then they did a free performance at the Provo library and I got a great seat. I sometimes don't care too much for the "children's" shows they put on, but this one was actually probably one of my most favorite. I loved how they incorporated dance, music, and Chinese into the story and the costumes were really beautiful as well.
Movies:
Sorry, Wrong Number: This movie was surprisingly dark for an old classic. I thought I knew where it was going, and then--whoa.
Anne of Avonlea: Loved it just as much as Anne of Green Gables. Anne. Miss Stacey, and Marilla are my role models.
The Orphanage: I saw this in October, but saw it again with Matthew in November because I liked it so much. We can't wait to play creepy Spanish games with our kids!
The Sound of Music: I was in the mood (you'll see why soon). It was so (remifasolatido) delightful. The songs are still going through my head.
The Waltons Thanksgiving (both of them): This month I got stuck on a Waltons binge-fest. I have been watching my favorite episodes from each season every night while I work on miscellaneous stuff. As of now I'm still interested and I'm in the seventh season. Our kids are definitely gonna be little Walton-ites if this keeps up.
Labyrinth: What the weird. This film reminded me of something I would come up with in a dream after eating too much one night - it would seem like a really cool and awesome idea while I was asleep and then I'd wonder what the heck I was thinking when I woke up. But it was so weird and wacky and awkward and tacky enough to just be sort of . . . cool? At any rate, I now have a good excuse for David Bowie to show up in future crazy dreams.
I am Sam: I really enjoyed this tender and poignant film about a mentally challenged father trying to raise and keep his daughter, not least because she has the beautiful name of Lucy.
Catch Me if You Can: I've seen this one before but it sure is a rollicking good time. Matthew also liked it.
The Intouchables: Matthew and I saw this at the International Cinema and it was SO good. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
Star Trek 2: Love, love, love this movie. And it makes three amazing movies in a row that I watched this month! I was on a roll.
The Magic of Belle Isle: Ehhh... didn't care super much for this one. In fact, I'm not entirely sure I saw the ending.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Good film to match a good book. Made me miss October.
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness: I don't know why I was in the mood for this, but I was. I haven't seen it since I was an early teenager or thereabouts, so there was a lot of nostalgia in seeing and crying and laughing at the old familiar parts. It is wonderful how movies you watched as a child come to take on new meanings when you watch them as an adult.
Bernie: I watched this in January, so I guess it's my beginning and end of the year movie. Matthew saw it this time and we were both really interested in dead bodies at the time (I'm not going to elaborate unless you ask), so it seemed to fit. Surprisingly, my favorite part this time around was 100% the music.
Frankenweenie: A little weird, a little creepy, a little cute. Sounds about right. I don't think I'll see it again, though - the heart and soul of the whole thing was missing for me. The little dog was adorable, though.
Austenland: Ok, so here's the thing. I know it's pretty much a ridiculous premise and plot and the lack of characterization and background and depth is appalling, yada yada. But is it bad that I thoroughly enjoyed and was entertained by the entire thing from beginning to end? Could it have to do with the fact that I watched it in a theater filled with gasping, squealing, whispering girls? Yeah...
Frequency: Fantastic film. Still has the intensity and the emotional and spiritual punch from the first time when I watched it.
Miracle on 34th Street (the older version): Watched this on Thanksgiving with my family. This time I especially loved the conversation between Fred Gailey and Doris about what things are worth believing in. And yes I actually believe Edmund Gwenn is Santa.
Books:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: This is the first book I've read by Anne Bronte. I really loved Wuthering Heights and could not get through Jane Eyre (although I need to give it a second go-round now), and this one fell in the middle of those two for me. It was well written and engaging, but rather belabored and long-winded. And the protagonist got on my nerves.
I Am Not a Serial Killer: The best word I can come up for this one right now is enthralling. Really, seriously, enthralling. I was impressed.
Catch Me If You Can: This semi-autobiography was even more interesting, tricky, and unbelievable than the movie. There were some good insights as well and I thought the author did a good job of presenting his life without over-analyzing or moralizing it.
Theater:
The Sound of Music: I went on a whim to usher for this production of The Sound of Music, which turned out to be done with large puppets (and one human, strangely, to play the part of Mother Superior). I was too far away unfortunately to really appreciate the detail of the puppets, but what I saw was cute and creative. They did a lot of fun marionette tricks that got a lot of laughs. The music really is all you need to have an enjoyable time though.
The Nightingale: I thought I had missed this show when I forgot to sign up to usher for it at BYU, but then they did a free performance at the Provo library and I got a great seat. I sometimes don't care too much for the "children's" shows they put on, but this one was actually probably one of my most favorite. I loved how they incorporated dance, music, and Chinese into the story and the costumes were really beautiful as well.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
October 2013 Media Inventory
Movies:
Lincoln: Pretty good film. I was disappointed it only focused on a small part of Lincoln's story, but it did tell a compelling story, and I love anything to do with Civil War history.
Ramona and Beezus: Such a cute film, and the beginning of my "Comfort Movie October Fest." I especially love the added romance between Aunt Bea and Uncle Hobart - it's like Ramona for adults!
The Words: I thought this was going to be a lot better than it was. Then I was going to settle for it being just a little better than it was. Then I was disappointed that it turned out to be so... pointless.
Puss in Boots: Meh. I lost interest at Humpty-Dumpty. Wish they would do the fairy tale.
Monsieur Lazhar: Of all the films I've seen about inspirational teachers, this was pretty solidly in the middle.
Ballet Shoes: I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Sweet, interesting story, great acting and characters, and of course, ballet.
The Princess and the Frog: I love this movie! If I'm being honest, the plot is really just sort of so-so, but the look and characters and music are just incredible. I still have all the songs running through my head.
Mud: Continuing with my Louisiana theme... Some fine acting in this film - the conflict and story got a little muddled (ha!), but the acting was excellent.
Wreck-it Ralph: Another super great recent film. There are so many fun and creative details.
Seven Samurai: It had been a long time since I saw this film, but I was in the mood, and very much enjoyed it. I'm glad I watched it at home this time and took my time (I think I watched it over three days).
The Syrian Bride: Great film. Touching, informative, and interesting all at the same time. I loved the family members' individual struggles and dynamics. I just wished there were more of it.
Sons of the Great Bear: My first and probably last experience with German westerns. Weird. I still can't believe I actually watched all of it.
Cinderella 2: Around this time in the month I became obsessed with Disney. I'd never actually seen this movie, so, you know, now I can say I've done it.
Robin Hood: Yes, yes, yes - I approve very much of this film. See my entire post on it below.
Cinderella 3: A little more interesting than Cinderella 2, but still... oh let's be honest. The sequels are always worse.
Arthur Christmas: Fantastic film, and just what I needed to start feeling all Christmasy at this time of year.
Proof: This movie struck me as the sort of movie that would make an okay play and a pretty dull movie - and so it did.
Moneyball: Excellent film that makes me care about baseball, money, and of course, Brad Pitt.
The Jungle Book: I specifically was craving this film. What I noticed about it this time was how haunting and layered and meaningful some of the music is - "Trust in Me" in particular seemed this time to have more sinister, deeper implications than I'd ever noticed before.
World War Z: Not quite what I was expecting from a zombie film. It seemed somewhere in between telling an epic disaster story and a character's personal journey, and didn't quite succeed at either (though Brad Pitt, as always, delivered his usual excellence).
Meet the Robinsons: Cute. Fun. Creative. Colorful. Entertaining.
The Little Mermaid: I was... not impressed. I didn't grow up watching this movie, and watching it now only reaffirms my beliefs that the only parts worth remembering are the songs.
The Adventures of Robin Hood: Matthew had never seen this before - a situation which I simply HAD to rectify. Although I didn't discover and popularize this film in my family until my teenage years, the lines, characters, and adventures all seem an integral part of my past. It doesn't even seem outdated or cheesy to me - just awesome.
Anne of Green Gables: Because I love Anne and it's always been too long since you've seen this.
The Orphanage: Wonderfully and beautifully scary Spanish film with a sweet and poignant message about motherhood as well. I liked it so much I took Matthew to see it later in the same week.
The Thin Man: A classic murder mystery/screwball comedy. There were definitely some good moments of acting/dialogue, but the overall murder plot seemed almost an aside to the comedy and an excuse for cleverness. The end didn't quite explain and resolve itself in a satisfying way.
Books:
The Ladies no. 1 Detective Agency: Beautifully written and insightful book that is both simple and deep. I want to read the later books in this series eventually.
The Castle of Crossed Destinies: A bit like King Arthur meets Canterbury Tales meets postmodern poetry. It's sort of frustrating and sort of fun.
Wit: A Play: I felt I related a lot with this play about a poetry professor who is dying of cancer and struggling to deal with it and her life's study of John Donne's poetry. I'm writing my paper on it, so I should have a lot more to say about it in two weeks.
Portuguese Irregular Verbs: Oh academia - so delightfully ridiculous and humorous and serious you are! I want to read more funny books about touchy and snooty professors.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: I thought this would be a fitting read for Halloween, and I was not disappointed. Strange mix of the real and the fantastic that I wasn't sure would work, but it did. There are so many themes in the conflicts - good versus evil, weak versus strong, and normal, simple, averageness versus unknown, supernatural, specialness, to name a few. I'm keeping my eye out for the film now.
Lincoln: Pretty good film. I was disappointed it only focused on a small part of Lincoln's story, but it did tell a compelling story, and I love anything to do with Civil War history.
Ramona and Beezus: Such a cute film, and the beginning of my "Comfort Movie October Fest." I especially love the added romance between Aunt Bea and Uncle Hobart - it's like Ramona for adults!
The Words: I thought this was going to be a lot better than it was. Then I was going to settle for it being just a little better than it was. Then I was disappointed that it turned out to be so... pointless.
Puss in Boots: Meh. I lost interest at Humpty-Dumpty. Wish they would do the fairy tale.
Monsieur Lazhar: Of all the films I've seen about inspirational teachers, this was pretty solidly in the middle.
Ballet Shoes: I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Sweet, interesting story, great acting and characters, and of course, ballet.
The Princess and the Frog: I love this movie! If I'm being honest, the plot is really just sort of so-so, but the look and characters and music are just incredible. I still have all the songs running through my head.
Mud: Continuing with my Louisiana theme... Some fine acting in this film - the conflict and story got a little muddled (ha!), but the acting was excellent.
Wreck-it Ralph: Another super great recent film. There are so many fun and creative details.
Seven Samurai: It had been a long time since I saw this film, but I was in the mood, and very much enjoyed it. I'm glad I watched it at home this time and took my time (I think I watched it over three days).
The Syrian Bride: Great film. Touching, informative, and interesting all at the same time. I loved the family members' individual struggles and dynamics. I just wished there were more of it.
Sons of the Great Bear: My first and probably last experience with German westerns. Weird. I still can't believe I actually watched all of it.
Cinderella 2: Around this time in the month I became obsessed with Disney. I'd never actually seen this movie, so, you know, now I can say I've done it.
Robin Hood: Yes, yes, yes - I approve very much of this film. See my entire post on it below.
Cinderella 3: A little more interesting than Cinderella 2, but still... oh let's be honest. The sequels are always worse.
Arthur Christmas: Fantastic film, and just what I needed to start feeling all Christmasy at this time of year.
Proof: This movie struck me as the sort of movie that would make an okay play and a pretty dull movie - and so it did.
Moneyball: Excellent film that makes me care about baseball, money, and of course, Brad Pitt.
The Jungle Book: I specifically was craving this film. What I noticed about it this time was how haunting and layered and meaningful some of the music is - "Trust in Me" in particular seemed this time to have more sinister, deeper implications than I'd ever noticed before.
World War Z: Not quite what I was expecting from a zombie film. It seemed somewhere in between telling an epic disaster story and a character's personal journey, and didn't quite succeed at either (though Brad Pitt, as always, delivered his usual excellence).
Meet the Robinsons: Cute. Fun. Creative. Colorful. Entertaining.
The Little Mermaid: I was... not impressed. I didn't grow up watching this movie, and watching it now only reaffirms my beliefs that the only parts worth remembering are the songs.
The Adventures of Robin Hood: Matthew had never seen this before - a situation which I simply HAD to rectify. Although I didn't discover and popularize this film in my family until my teenage years, the lines, characters, and adventures all seem an integral part of my past. It doesn't even seem outdated or cheesy to me - just awesome.
Anne of Green Gables: Because I love Anne and it's always been too long since you've seen this.
The Orphanage: Wonderfully and beautifully scary Spanish film with a sweet and poignant message about motherhood as well. I liked it so much I took Matthew to see it later in the same week.
The Thin Man: A classic murder mystery/screwball comedy. There were definitely some good moments of acting/dialogue, but the overall murder plot seemed almost an aside to the comedy and an excuse for cleverness. The end didn't quite explain and resolve itself in a satisfying way.
Books:
The Ladies no. 1 Detective Agency: Beautifully written and insightful book that is both simple and deep. I want to read the later books in this series eventually.
The Castle of Crossed Destinies: A bit like King Arthur meets Canterbury Tales meets postmodern poetry. It's sort of frustrating and sort of fun.
Wit: A Play: I felt I related a lot with this play about a poetry professor who is dying of cancer and struggling to deal with it and her life's study of John Donne's poetry. I'm writing my paper on it, so I should have a lot more to say about it in two weeks.
Portuguese Irregular Verbs: Oh academia - so delightfully ridiculous and humorous and serious you are! I want to read more funny books about touchy and snooty professors.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: I thought this would be a fitting read for Halloween, and I was not disappointed. Strange mix of the real and the fantastic that I wasn't sure would work, but it did. There are so many themes in the conflicts - good versus evil, weak versus strong, and normal, simple, averageness versus unknown, supernatural, specialness, to name a few. I'm keeping my eye out for the film now.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
September 2013 Media Inventory
Now that we're over halfway through October, I suppose I'd better hurry and post this. I may have less to say than usual.
Movies:
Megamind: Fun movie. I liked it.
Mulan: One of my favorite Disneys! Great scenery, story, music, characters, etc.
Lady and the Tramp: I loved this so much I wrote a post about it.
The Fox and the Hound: Another one of my very favorites as a kid. It does make me cry.
Beauty and the Beast: Possibly, in my opinion, the best Disney movie.
According to Greta: Knowing nothing about this other than that Hillary Duff was playing an annoying teenager, I was nervous. But it was actually much better than I anticipated. Well acted and creative plot. I especially enjoyed the grandmother's character and the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.
A Simple Life: Very down-to-earth, documentary-feeling Asian film about a housekeeper who joins a retirement home. I actually did believe for a little bit that I was just watching a woman's real life. It was long and painstakingly detailed, but still sweet.
A Cat in Paris: Fantastic, delightful animated French film. Funny and heartwarming. Watch it if you ever get the chance!
Tangled: Love it!
The Sword in the Stone: Merlin is SO hilarious.
Howl's Moving Castle: Matthew was really in the mood to watch it, so I came along for the ride. It isn't my favorite Miyazaki, and I wasn't blown away by the book either, but despite the so-so plot it's still just a very visually appealing film.
Enchanted: Such a feel-good film. For favorite parts, I'm torn between UM EVERY SONG EVER and the moment where the Queen is hiding Giselle in the elevator and feigns surprise at seeing her ("Oh.... her.").
Spirit: I remember thinking this was awesome as a kid. Then I gradually came to think of it as less than mediocre. This time I mostly enjoyed it. There's a little bit of corniness, but I'm mostly just happy to watch horses running around and showing off.
Freaky Friday: Something about this film intrigues and delights me. I like it, but it's hard to say why.
Cinderella: You don't spend a month watching classic Disney without watching this eventually.
Charlotte's Web: This film is so much greater and better than I remembered as a child. I actually really want to read the book again now.
Minority Report: Had to watch a Tom Cruise film to commemorate our "first date" anniversary (watching Knight and Day). This one impressed, despite all the eye-cringing eye-related stuff.
The Parent Trap: This was the first time I'd ever watched the new version with Lindsay Lohan. It was better than I expected (mostly thanks to Lohan's being a believable child actress), and I loved all the references to the old version (especially the fact that old Vicki played new Vicki's mother - and her name was still Vicki!).
Clandestine Childhood: A combination of passionate, anxious, activist propaganda and a simple boy comes of age tale. Although some of it was very emotional (the story of the uncle was particularly poignant), the whole thing overall didn't quite work for me. I had trouble connecting to the main character and thought the film was somewhat heavy handed and manipulative.
Now You See Me: A lot shorter than I expected it would be, and even crazier than I thought it would be (but not in the way that I thought it would be). I think it tried so hard to make sense and be cryptic at the same time that it ended up not making much sense.
Books:
Fablehaven 4: This is my second favorite of the series. Such great characters and story!
Fablehaven 5: Not my favorite, but a good ending to a great series.
Dewey: Sweet and cute book about a library cat. I liked it.
The Finger Points of Sausage Dogs: Hilarious perspective of a touchy academic professor that really summarizes how I feel about academic professors sometimes. Refreshing and funny. And the author (Alexander McCall Smith) is a fantastic writer.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: Interesting and unique book - you can hardly help reading it with the author's devastating experience in mind, and it makes his insights all the more touching.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: Although Joyce's writing is certainly hard to follow at times, there were some themes and ideas in this book that really stuck with me. It also reminded me of a lot of people I knew and experiences I've had.
Movies:
Megamind: Fun movie. I liked it.
Mulan: One of my favorite Disneys! Great scenery, story, music, characters, etc.
Lady and the Tramp: I loved this so much I wrote a post about it.
The Fox and the Hound: Another one of my very favorites as a kid. It does make me cry.
Beauty and the Beast: Possibly, in my opinion, the best Disney movie.
According to Greta: Knowing nothing about this other than that Hillary Duff was playing an annoying teenager, I was nervous. But it was actually much better than I anticipated. Well acted and creative plot. I especially enjoyed the grandmother's character and the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.
A Simple Life: Very down-to-earth, documentary-feeling Asian film about a housekeeper who joins a retirement home. I actually did believe for a little bit that I was just watching a woman's real life. It was long and painstakingly detailed, but still sweet.
A Cat in Paris: Fantastic, delightful animated French film. Funny and heartwarming. Watch it if you ever get the chance!
Tangled: Love it!
The Sword in the Stone: Merlin is SO hilarious.
Howl's Moving Castle: Matthew was really in the mood to watch it, so I came along for the ride. It isn't my favorite Miyazaki, and I wasn't blown away by the book either, but despite the so-so plot it's still just a very visually appealing film.
Enchanted: Such a feel-good film. For favorite parts, I'm torn between UM EVERY SONG EVER and the moment where the Queen is hiding Giselle in the elevator and feigns surprise at seeing her ("Oh.... her.").
Spirit: I remember thinking this was awesome as a kid. Then I gradually came to think of it as less than mediocre. This time I mostly enjoyed it. There's a little bit of corniness, but I'm mostly just happy to watch horses running around and showing off.
Freaky Friday: Something about this film intrigues and delights me. I like it, but it's hard to say why.
Cinderella: You don't spend a month watching classic Disney without watching this eventually.
Charlotte's Web: This film is so much greater and better than I remembered as a child. I actually really want to read the book again now.
Minority Report: Had to watch a Tom Cruise film to commemorate our "first date" anniversary (watching Knight and Day). This one impressed, despite all the eye-cringing eye-related stuff.
The Parent Trap: This was the first time I'd ever watched the new version with Lindsay Lohan. It was better than I expected (mostly thanks to Lohan's being a believable child actress), and I loved all the references to the old version (especially the fact that old Vicki played new Vicki's mother - and her name was still Vicki!).
Clandestine Childhood: A combination of passionate, anxious, activist propaganda and a simple boy comes of age tale. Although some of it was very emotional (the story of the uncle was particularly poignant), the whole thing overall didn't quite work for me. I had trouble connecting to the main character and thought the film was somewhat heavy handed and manipulative.
Now You See Me: A lot shorter than I expected it would be, and even crazier than I thought it would be (but not in the way that I thought it would be). I think it tried so hard to make sense and be cryptic at the same time that it ended up not making much sense.
Books:
Fablehaven 4: This is my second favorite of the series. Such great characters and story!
Fablehaven 5: Not my favorite, but a good ending to a great series.
Dewey: Sweet and cute book about a library cat. I liked it.
The Finger Points of Sausage Dogs: Hilarious perspective of a touchy academic professor that really summarizes how I feel about academic professors sometimes. Refreshing and funny. And the author (Alexander McCall Smith) is a fantastic writer.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: Interesting and unique book - you can hardly help reading it with the author's devastating experience in mind, and it makes his insights all the more touching.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: Although Joyce's writing is certainly hard to follow at times, there were some themes and ideas in this book that really stuck with me. It also reminded me of a lot of people I knew and experiences I've had.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
August 2013 Media Inventory
This one's going to be short and sweet, folks, although I think this has been my highest month for reading and watching (22 movies and 10 books! And most of them were completed in the last two weeks after I finished summer school).
Movies:
Premium Rush: Loved this one! Matthew watched it with me and we were both hooked, thrilled, amused, and terrified.
This Means War: I really want this movie to be good, because I love the three main cast members so much, but it's really not.
Star Trek: Into Darkness: Favorite movie of the month. Maybe year. It was pretty awesome.
Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows: It had its ups and downs. I think I liked it better the first time watching it, and I definitely still think the first Sherlock was better.
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Interesting, unpretentious, poignant film. I wasn't quite as caught up in it or blown away by its profundity as "The Tree of Life," say, but the story was simple and sincere.
Saved by Grace: Cute but shallow. But who doesn't love dancing and horses?
Shanghai Noon: Funny, entertaining, somewhat clever but mostly just a lot of Jackie Chan + Owen Wilson silliness. It got tiresome as it got longer.
Jurassic Park: I don't remember watching this, but Matthew says I did. I liked it, but the book was actually more terrifying.
Admission: Okay movie. I'm glad I saw it once. I probably won't watch it again.
10 Years: Surprisingly creative, interesting, and real-feeling movie. I was definitely pleased with how the natural dialogue and acting drew me in and won me over at least to the point of caring about what was going to happen next and remembering all the different characters.
Rise of the Guardians: Okay, so it was a run-of-the-mill kid's film. Nothing special. Pity because some of the details were quite amusing.
Unstoppable: A lot more intense and interesting than I expected it to be. Would watch again.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Cute, creative, and clever. Loved it!
Shanghai Knights: A little less funny and entertaining than the first one, but I still got through it. Now I really want to purge now by watching "Hero," though.
A Good Woman: I think this would make a good play (not surprising since it's based on an Oscar Wilde play). For some reason it felt something was missing from the movie. It was still pretty good, though. Just sort of . . . "staged"-feeling.
Iron Man 3: Matthew and I saw this on a date at the dollar theater. It was fun (but not as great as Star Trek 2). Other than the crazy and inexplicable ending. We stuck around for the after-the-credits bit, which was also fun and made me feel like a nerd in the know.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: A quirky little film, that started out really promising and sort of ran out of steam somewhere in the middle. I tried hard to like and care about all the characters, but just gave up on a few and lost track of a few more, and by the end I was just glad that Judi Dench was happy.
Just Like Heaven: One of my favorite go-to rom-coms. Have I mentioned before how much I like Reese Witherspoon? Yep. Yep yep.
Oz the Great and Powerful: Still a fun, creative, and entertaining film.
The Hunger Games: I'm indebted to this film for being the first to make me aware of Jennifer Lawrence's talents. I'm excited for the sequel.
Rescue Dawn: I was not that stoked about the premise, but literally seconds into the film I was entranced. The musical score is so powerful and beautiful yet subtle (the same could also be said of the story and acting).
October Sky: I've seen this a couple of times but EVERY TIME I get choked up by the sweetness, innocence, purity, and love on display. The story of the Rocket Boys is wonderful by itself but the story of the Hickam family is the real heart-breaking clincher.
Books:
Jurassic Park: Fascinating. I love the way Michael Crichton starts with an incredible premise and slowly, rationally, deliberately makes me buy into it. Also terrifying and more gruesome than the film.
Animal Farm: Depressing but clever and quick read.
These Happy Golden Years: I love the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and this one is quickly becoming my favorite. All the scenes with Laura and Almanzo driving down on the weekends remind me of my trips with Matthew to and from Sandy while we were engaged.
Fablehaven: Decided to kick off the end of the summer re-reading one of my favorite series!
Fablehaven 2: My favorite book of one of my favorite series!
Good Omens: Really liked the beginning of this book. It sort of lost momentum and just got confusing and less funny towards the later half, but it was still enjoyable.
Marley and Me: Loved it. Everything I could have hoped for in a "dog meets young family" tale.
Fablehaven 3: My least favorite of the Fablehavens, but still great!
Lamb: Hilarious novel. Somewhat scandalous and not for the strictly pious, but still. Absolutely hilarious. And there were more than a few profound insights to be had as well.
The Emperor's Soul: I read this all in a rush last night because Matthew was reading Fablehaven 4 and I had to read SOMETHING. I usually love Brandon Sanderson, but I think his longer works are better. It was okay. I didn't quite "get" the magic system at first and found the beginning a little slow, but things picked up and the end was fairly satisfying. I probably won't read it again.
Movies:
Premium Rush: Loved this one! Matthew watched it with me and we were both hooked, thrilled, amused, and terrified.
This Means War: I really want this movie to be good, because I love the three main cast members so much, but it's really not.
Star Trek: Into Darkness: Favorite movie of the month. Maybe year. It was pretty awesome.
Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows: It had its ups and downs. I think I liked it better the first time watching it, and I definitely still think the first Sherlock was better.
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Interesting, unpretentious, poignant film. I wasn't quite as caught up in it or blown away by its profundity as "The Tree of Life," say, but the story was simple and sincere.
Saved by Grace: Cute but shallow. But who doesn't love dancing and horses?
Shanghai Noon: Funny, entertaining, somewhat clever but mostly just a lot of Jackie Chan + Owen Wilson silliness. It got tiresome as it got longer.
Jurassic Park: I don't remember watching this, but Matthew says I did. I liked it, but the book was actually more terrifying.
Admission: Okay movie. I'm glad I saw it once. I probably won't watch it again.
10 Years: Surprisingly creative, interesting, and real-feeling movie. I was definitely pleased with how the natural dialogue and acting drew me in and won me over at least to the point of caring about what was going to happen next and remembering all the different characters.
Rise of the Guardians: Okay, so it was a run-of-the-mill kid's film. Nothing special. Pity because some of the details were quite amusing.
Unstoppable: A lot more intense and interesting than I expected it to be. Would watch again.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen: Cute, creative, and clever. Loved it!
Shanghai Knights: A little less funny and entertaining than the first one, but I still got through it. Now I really want to purge now by watching "Hero," though.
A Good Woman: I think this would make a good play (not surprising since it's based on an Oscar Wilde play). For some reason it felt something was missing from the movie. It was still pretty good, though. Just sort of . . . "staged"-feeling.
Iron Man 3: Matthew and I saw this on a date at the dollar theater. It was fun (but not as great as Star Trek 2). Other than the crazy and inexplicable ending. We stuck around for the after-the-credits bit, which was also fun and made me feel like a nerd in the know.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: A quirky little film, that started out really promising and sort of ran out of steam somewhere in the middle. I tried hard to like and care about all the characters, but just gave up on a few and lost track of a few more, and by the end I was just glad that Judi Dench was happy.
Just Like Heaven: One of my favorite go-to rom-coms. Have I mentioned before how much I like Reese Witherspoon? Yep. Yep yep.
Oz the Great and Powerful: Still a fun, creative, and entertaining film.
The Hunger Games: I'm indebted to this film for being the first to make me aware of Jennifer Lawrence's talents. I'm excited for the sequel.
Rescue Dawn: I was not that stoked about the premise, but literally seconds into the film I was entranced. The musical score is so powerful and beautiful yet subtle (the same could also be said of the story and acting).
October Sky: I've seen this a couple of times but EVERY TIME I get choked up by the sweetness, innocence, purity, and love on display. The story of the Rocket Boys is wonderful by itself but the story of the Hickam family is the real heart-breaking clincher.
Books:
Jurassic Park: Fascinating. I love the way Michael Crichton starts with an incredible premise and slowly, rationally, deliberately makes me buy into it. Also terrifying and more gruesome than the film.
Animal Farm: Depressing but clever and quick read.
These Happy Golden Years: I love the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and this one is quickly becoming my favorite. All the scenes with Laura and Almanzo driving down on the weekends remind me of my trips with Matthew to and from Sandy while we were engaged.
Fablehaven: Decided to kick off the end of the summer re-reading one of my favorite series!
Fablehaven 2: My favorite book of one of my favorite series!
Good Omens: Really liked the beginning of this book. It sort of lost momentum and just got confusing and less funny towards the later half, but it was still enjoyable.
Marley and Me: Loved it. Everything I could have hoped for in a "dog meets young family" tale.
Fablehaven 3: My least favorite of the Fablehavens, but still great!
Lamb: Hilarious novel. Somewhat scandalous and not for the strictly pious, but still. Absolutely hilarious. And there were more than a few profound insights to be had as well.
The Emperor's Soul: I read this all in a rush last night because Matthew was reading Fablehaven 4 and I had to read SOMETHING. I usually love Brandon Sanderson, but I think his longer works are better. It was okay. I didn't quite "get" the magic system at first and found the beginning a little slow, but things picked up and the end was fairly satisfying. I probably won't read it again.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
July 2013 Media Inventory
Movies:
Man of Steel: This was actually the first Superman movie I'd ever seen, and I enjoyed it a lot, perhaps thanks to a good 3 years of prepping from Matthew about the awesomeness that is Superman. But really the movie had me at "Russell Crowe."
Little Dorrit: Another quaint, fascinating, and delightful match between Dickens and Andrew Davies. I was especially fond of poor John, who deserved better.
The Fellowship of the Ring: After watching The Hobbit last month, we were very revved up to see this film. You can never go wrong with the Shire.
Zoolander: Whenever I want to be cheered up and feel smart, I watch Owen Wilson acting goofy and hilarious. Mission accomplished.
Chronicle: Interesting film with a good story and surprisingly strong characters. I didn't care much for the "filming myself" documentary style, but everything else was impressive.
The Two Towers: Yes, yes, yes. More, more, more.
A Town Called Panic: Such a cute, funny, and delightfully illogical/crazy French film. I watched this at the International Cinema and was thoroughly amused.
Anna Karenina (with Keira Knightley): I had fun revisiting the look, themes, and characters from one of my favorite novels and actually thought the acting was pretty decent. The film came nowhere near to capturing the depth, passion, emotion, and spirit of the characters which I discovered in reading the novel, but I didn't really expect it to, so I wasn't disappointed. The whole filming it like a play was also kind of weird for me. I think I might have liked it for a different movie, but I don't think I liked it for this one.
Front of the Class: Terrific and tear-jerking (in the good way) film about a man who grew up with Tourette's Syndrome but with a lot of strength and determination refused to it stop him from becoming a teacher, finding love, and becoming a positive role model. Almost it persuadeth me to allow my children to go to public school.
Penelope: Cute, run of the mill chick flick. I do think I could pull off a "Penelope" Halloween costume one of these years.
Miss Potter: Apparently I was in the mood to cry my eyes out, because that's exactly what I did for about 1/3 of this film.
Tootsie: This not quite comedy/not quite drama reminded me of the good parts of Some Like It Hot mixed with the ordinary, down-to-earth reality of The Apartment. The serious bits were funny and the funny bits were awkwardly serious.
The Internship: Saw this on a whim with Matthew at the dollar theater. While I greatly enjoyed moments that included Owen Wilson being hilarious, a game of Quidditch amongst Google interns, and the scenes set in an environment of Googly colorful excitement, overall the film seemed too flat, shallow, and immature to leave me with a positive impression.
The Social Network: Sharp, cynical, and intriguing film. I have no idea how much if any of it is true, but it does make for a riveting and somewhat disturbing story about our obsessions with fame, money, status, etc.
Silver Linings Playbook: I don't care much for Bradley Cooper, but LOVE Jennifer Lawrence, so naturally I like this film. I also identify pretty strongly with her during the dancing scenes (finally, a movie about REAL people dancing!)
The Host: I've tried to read the book twice, but lost interest both times. The movie was a bit more interesting than the book (or maybe it was just shorter and I was able to finish it before losing interest), but still nowhere near as riveting and exciting as I thought it should or could be. I'm not sure what was missing for me, but something was.
The Mighty Macs: This was a sweet and cute film about Catholic girls and their basketball coach teaching them how to become a team. I should probably just admit right now I'm a sucker for the inspirational sports movies - they get me excited and teary almost every time.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith: The more I watch this film the more I fall in love with its sense of humor and sarcastic, playful, flirtatious personality. The action, romance, and overall chemistry in this film is just fantastic - I can't even judge it fairly because I like it so much.
Miss Congeniality: Another cute movie about clever and funny people getting together and being awesome. Not as outrageously dramatic and smooth as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but still adorable and fun.
The Man in the Moon: What WAS it with me and tearjerker movies this month? This is one of my favorite performances by one of my favorite actresses, Reese Witherspoon. The acting and characters are so deep and real that it almost doesn't matter that the story is a little underdeveloped/unfinished-feeling. Also, I love the South.
Zero Dark Thirty: There were some powerful and disturbing moments in this film, but the story did not stand out to me as particularly profound or purposeful in delivering a coherent message. It just sort of threw a lot at you and expected you to make sense of it. I was also extremely irritated by the loooooong shots of darkness during the climax. Overall, I think "Argo" was the better film.
Books:
I'll Scream Later: The autobiography of Marlee Matlin, a famous Deaf actress. Enjoyable and well-written, but also sort of sad. I am more than ever convinced that avoiding drugs is a wise decision.
The Book of Lost Things: A fairytale that is subtly mature and thought-provoking (and also somewhat frightening). I enjoyed it very much.
The "Seth" Saga, Part 2: I enjoyed this story written for me by my brother Daniel. Very reminiscent of our days fighting and escaping from bad guys in our make-believe world.
Urchin of the Riding Stars: Cute adventurous tale about talking animals, similar to Brian Jacques in its themes and tone (though I would argue it doesn't equal his brilliance in character development, writing, or plot).
Gone Girl: Intriguing and well-written book - the characters are almost disturbingly detailed and lifelike (you relate to them, and then feel horrified at yourself for doing so). One of the few books that actually deserves the "Well I never saw THAT coming" compliment in my opinion, maybe even more than once. I was afraid it would take me a long time to read since it was 400 pages, but once I got about 50 pages in, I blew through the rest in two days. I was slightly put off by the ending, which felt weak and anticlimactic, but the rest of the book was enthralling.
Man of Steel: This was actually the first Superman movie I'd ever seen, and I enjoyed it a lot, perhaps thanks to a good 3 years of prepping from Matthew about the awesomeness that is Superman. But really the movie had me at "Russell Crowe."
Little Dorrit: Another quaint, fascinating, and delightful match between Dickens and Andrew Davies. I was especially fond of poor John, who deserved better.
The Fellowship of the Ring: After watching The Hobbit last month, we were very revved up to see this film. You can never go wrong with the Shire.
Zoolander: Whenever I want to be cheered up and feel smart, I watch Owen Wilson acting goofy and hilarious. Mission accomplished.
Chronicle: Interesting film with a good story and surprisingly strong characters. I didn't care much for the "filming myself" documentary style, but everything else was impressive.
The Two Towers: Yes, yes, yes. More, more, more.
A Town Called Panic: Such a cute, funny, and delightfully illogical/crazy French film. I watched this at the International Cinema and was thoroughly amused.
Anna Karenina (with Keira Knightley): I had fun revisiting the look, themes, and characters from one of my favorite novels and actually thought the acting was pretty decent. The film came nowhere near to capturing the depth, passion, emotion, and spirit of the characters which I discovered in reading the novel, but I didn't really expect it to, so I wasn't disappointed. The whole filming it like a play was also kind of weird for me. I think I might have liked it for a different movie, but I don't think I liked it for this one.
Front of the Class: Terrific and tear-jerking (in the good way) film about a man who grew up with Tourette's Syndrome but with a lot of strength and determination refused to it stop him from becoming a teacher, finding love, and becoming a positive role model. Almost it persuadeth me to allow my children to go to public school.
Penelope: Cute, run of the mill chick flick. I do think I could pull off a "Penelope" Halloween costume one of these years.
Miss Potter: Apparently I was in the mood to cry my eyes out, because that's exactly what I did for about 1/3 of this film.
Tootsie: This not quite comedy/not quite drama reminded me of the good parts of Some Like It Hot mixed with the ordinary, down-to-earth reality of The Apartment. The serious bits were funny and the funny bits were awkwardly serious.
The Internship: Saw this on a whim with Matthew at the dollar theater. While I greatly enjoyed moments that included Owen Wilson being hilarious, a game of Quidditch amongst Google interns, and the scenes set in an environment of Googly colorful excitement, overall the film seemed too flat, shallow, and immature to leave me with a positive impression.
The Social Network: Sharp, cynical, and intriguing film. I have no idea how much if any of it is true, but it does make for a riveting and somewhat disturbing story about our obsessions with fame, money, status, etc.
Silver Linings Playbook: I don't care much for Bradley Cooper, but LOVE Jennifer Lawrence, so naturally I like this film. I also identify pretty strongly with her during the dancing scenes (finally, a movie about REAL people dancing!)
The Host: I've tried to read the book twice, but lost interest both times. The movie was a bit more interesting than the book (or maybe it was just shorter and I was able to finish it before losing interest), but still nowhere near as riveting and exciting as I thought it should or could be. I'm not sure what was missing for me, but something was.
The Mighty Macs: This was a sweet and cute film about Catholic girls and their basketball coach teaching them how to become a team. I should probably just admit right now I'm a sucker for the inspirational sports movies - they get me excited and teary almost every time.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith: The more I watch this film the more I fall in love with its sense of humor and sarcastic, playful, flirtatious personality. The action, romance, and overall chemistry in this film is just fantastic - I can't even judge it fairly because I like it so much.
Miss Congeniality: Another cute movie about clever and funny people getting together and being awesome. Not as outrageously dramatic and smooth as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but still adorable and fun.
The Man in the Moon: What WAS it with me and tearjerker movies this month? This is one of my favorite performances by one of my favorite actresses, Reese Witherspoon. The acting and characters are so deep and real that it almost doesn't matter that the story is a little underdeveloped/unfinished-feeling. Also, I love the South.
Zero Dark Thirty: There were some powerful and disturbing moments in this film, but the story did not stand out to me as particularly profound or purposeful in delivering a coherent message. It just sort of threw a lot at you and expected you to make sense of it. I was also extremely irritated by the loooooong shots of darkness during the climax. Overall, I think "Argo" was the better film.
Books:
I'll Scream Later: The autobiography of Marlee Matlin, a famous Deaf actress. Enjoyable and well-written, but also sort of sad. I am more than ever convinced that avoiding drugs is a wise decision.
The Book of Lost Things: A fairytale that is subtly mature and thought-provoking (and also somewhat frightening). I enjoyed it very much.
The "Seth" Saga, Part 2: I enjoyed this story written for me by my brother Daniel. Very reminiscent of our days fighting and escaping from bad guys in our make-believe world.
Urchin of the Riding Stars: Cute adventurous tale about talking animals, similar to Brian Jacques in its themes and tone (though I would argue it doesn't equal his brilliance in character development, writing, or plot).
Gone Girl: Intriguing and well-written book - the characters are almost disturbingly detailed and lifelike (you relate to them, and then feel horrified at yourself for doing so). One of the few books that actually deserves the "Well I never saw THAT coming" compliment in my opinion, maybe even more than once. I was afraid it would take me a long time to read since it was 400 pages, but once I got about 50 pages in, I blew through the rest in two days. I was slightly put off by the ending, which felt weak and anticlimactic, but the rest of the book was enthralling.
Friday, July 12, 2013
June 2013 Media Inventory
I've been putting off writing about June. Now that I look at the list of movies I watched, I know why. Wowza - where did I find the time? Anyway, with no further ado-
Pan's Labyrinth: I got this for Matthew and me to watch on his birthday since he's been trying to learn Spanish. We both loved it. I cried. I may have to be banned from watching this once I become pregnant.
Beautiful Creatures: I wasn't sure I would like this film - the story and themes seemed a little shallow and cliche - but the main characters were surprisingly relatable, emotional, and complex. I also loved that the whole thing took place in the South.
Akeelah and the Spelling Bee: Cute, super sweet film about a black girl entering a spelling bee. There's also an overworked Asian kid and an easy going Mexican kid in the bee. What were you expecting?
We Need to Talk About Kevin: I wouldn't recommend this to just anybody, but I think it has a powerful and disturbing subject that is worth wondering about. Honestly I think the book goes much deeper into the issues and themes being examined. The film is disturbing, graphic, and moving in its way, but the book was much more so in my opinion.
The Double: Okay film I guess. The fact I forgot what it was and had to look it up to remember should say something.
The Shunning: Not really my type of movie, but had some really sweet moments.
Trollhunter: Now HERE's a film I can get behind! I took Matthew to see this at the International Cinema at BYU, and it was fantastic. Funny, creative, and wacky stuff. Not to mention it got me in the mood to see...
The Hobbit: Yep. More trolls. I enjoyed this even more the second time around. Probably because of subtitles. And maybe watching Martin Freeman in Sherlock had a little bit to do with it.
Books:
Persuasion: Excellent novel by Jane Austen. It's a quick and lovely read, and the character of Anne is so relatable and admirable.
Movies:
Seven Psychopaths: I was disappointed. The film delivered very readily on the blunt/easy/crass elements and not nearly enough on the intellectual/insightful/comic elements. It had a few good ideas and moments, but overall I didn't find it worth my while.
Clueless: Tee hee. Possibly the best Emma adaptation out there? Okay, I admit to being a fan of the Kate Beckinsale one.
Horatio Hornblower I-VII: I've seen these films at the library for AGES, and it took almost a semester of people talking about Amazing Grace + a well-timed episode of Ioan Gruffudd in Castle to convince me to start seeing them. What. a. BLAST. I wish this was an ongoing TV series. I am absolutely a fan. Go Horatio! And my favorite seaman Matthews! And the very fetching Lieutenant Bush!
Persuasion (1995): I heart this version of Persuasion. A lot. It doesn't get better than Prince Caspian, Bois Guilbert, and Amanda Root. Plus everything about Captain Harville and the final scene is just perfect and amazing.
The Winslow Boy: I saw the trailer for this and got curious. It got a little drawn out and aimless in the middle and near the end (I confess for a little while I stopped caring about any of the characters' happiness), but overall was quite good.
Persuasion (2007): Ugh. I can't stand this version, from the pathetically stuttering Anne to the Bath Marathon at the end. But I was able to write a 15-page paper about how messed up it was, so I guess I have to thank it for that.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green: I thought this seemed like a really sweet, gentle, adorable version of The Curious Life of Benjamin Button. Y'know, for teaching kids about life and death and stuff.
Sherlock, Seasons 1 and 2: I know this is not a movie, but I'm putting it here anyway because Matthew and I watched it together and were RIVETED. RIVETED, I SAY! If you haven't seen this modern version of Sherlock, I don't know if we can even talk anymore because I'm afraid of spoiling something.
Cold Comfort Farm: I'd seen this film before, but for some reason it seemed a lot funnier to me this time around. Probably because I saw it while taking a Jane Austen class. The woodshed bit had me in stitches.
The Woman in Black: Matthew was curious about this one for a long while, so I indulged him when I saw it at the library. It was pretty short and forgettable, though I remember there definitely being a woman in black.
Oz the Great and Powerful: I was surprised at how much I liked this film. It had its weaknesses, sure - wasn't the most creative and profound thing ever by any means - but it was nostalgic and funny and clever and much more enjoyable than either the super colorful Alice in Wonderland or Willy Wonka films made most recently.
Beautiful Creatures: I wasn't sure I would like this film - the story and themes seemed a little shallow and cliche - but the main characters were surprisingly relatable, emotional, and complex. I also loved that the whole thing took place in the South.
Akeelah and the Spelling Bee: Cute, super sweet film about a black girl entering a spelling bee. There's also an overworked Asian kid and an easy going Mexican kid in the bee. What were you expecting?
We Need to Talk About Kevin: I wouldn't recommend this to just anybody, but I think it has a powerful and disturbing subject that is worth wondering about. Honestly I think the book goes much deeper into the issues and themes being examined. The film is disturbing, graphic, and moving in its way, but the book was much more so in my opinion.
The Double: Okay film I guess. The fact I forgot what it was and had to look it up to remember should say something.
The Shunning: Not really my type of movie, but had some really sweet moments.
Trollhunter: Now HERE's a film I can get behind! I took Matthew to see this at the International Cinema at BYU, and it was fantastic. Funny, creative, and wacky stuff. Not to mention it got me in the mood to see...
The Hobbit: Yep. More trolls. I enjoyed this even more the second time around. Probably because of subtitles. And maybe watching Martin Freeman in Sherlock had a little bit to do with it.
Books:
Persuasion: Excellent novel by Jane Austen. It's a quick and lovely read, and the character of Anne is so relatable and admirable.
Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters: I really don't remember reading this or why I read it. It took about a day or two and nothing stayed with me. I think it was mentioned in a class at some point or another. Also, I vaguely didn't like it.
Mud, Sweat, and Tears: I rather enjoyed reading this biography of Bear Grylls. I especially was enthralled by his thrilling adventure in climbing Mt. Everest - something I'm now 100% convinced I will NEVER do. There were also quite a few touching, profound insights that stuck with me about religion, people, and nature. He seems like my kind of guy.
A Child Called It: Disturbing and upsetting read - there were times when I got pretty mad. Even more disturbing when you read about the author online and are not sure what to make of his story. Definitely made me appreciate how great my parents were.
The Lost Boy: The sequel to A Child Called It. Not as engrossing. I got depressed/disillusioned afterwards and decided not to read the final book.
We Need to Talk About Kevin: It feels like it took me all month to read this book. It is long and tough and relentlessly depressing (as well as disturbing), but very well written and thought-provoking. It made me a little scared to have kids, but also helped reaffirm my beliefs and values about life and the dangers of going through life while being too detached and too cynical. I both deeply related to and rejected the main character, which I can't recall doing with another book to this extent.
Theater:
Pirates of Penzance: I was super excited to see this at BYU with Sarah since the best production I'd ever seen of PofP was at BYU some ten years ago. Alas, this production was not particularly impressive. It didn't help that the projected subtitles kept disappearing. The music and voices were all right, but the comedy, acting, and staging was just bland.
A Wrinkle in Time: I was mildly intrigued but not expecting a lot out of this production (I enjoyed At the Back of the North Wind more than A Wrinkle in Time, personally), but was really blown away by the creativity and quality on display. It was the first time I'd really seen the DeJong Theater manipulated and used so extensively and creatively (they had the audience sit on the stage so they could put characters on the far-off balcony). The story wasn't dull and the magic and special effects were charming (the audience especially enjoyed being fanned by huge, fragrant leaves whenever Meg and company went to a certain place). As for the acting, I was personally annoyed by Meg's character, but LOVED Charles Wallace (whom I found excessively annoying in the book) and liked everyone else.
Mud, Sweat, and Tears: I rather enjoyed reading this biography of Bear Grylls. I especially was enthralled by his thrilling adventure in climbing Mt. Everest - something I'm now 100% convinced I will NEVER do. There were also quite a few touching, profound insights that stuck with me about religion, people, and nature. He seems like my kind of guy.
A Child Called It: Disturbing and upsetting read - there were times when I got pretty mad. Even more disturbing when you read about the author online and are not sure what to make of his story. Definitely made me appreciate how great my parents were.
The Lost Boy: The sequel to A Child Called It. Not as engrossing. I got depressed/disillusioned afterwards and decided not to read the final book.
We Need to Talk About Kevin: It feels like it took me all month to read this book. It is long and tough and relentlessly depressing (as well as disturbing), but very well written and thought-provoking. It made me a little scared to have kids, but also helped reaffirm my beliefs and values about life and the dangers of going through life while being too detached and too cynical. I both deeply related to and rejected the main character, which I can't recall doing with another book to this extent.
Theater:
Pirates of Penzance: I was super excited to see this at BYU with Sarah since the best production I'd ever seen of PofP was at BYU some ten years ago. Alas, this production was not particularly impressive. It didn't help that the projected subtitles kept disappearing. The music and voices were all right, but the comedy, acting, and staging was just bland.
A Wrinkle in Time: I was mildly intrigued but not expecting a lot out of this production (I enjoyed At the Back of the North Wind more than A Wrinkle in Time, personally), but was really blown away by the creativity and quality on display. It was the first time I'd really seen the DeJong Theater manipulated and used so extensively and creatively (they had the audience sit on the stage so they could put characters on the far-off balcony). The story wasn't dull and the magic and special effects were charming (the audience especially enjoyed being fanned by huge, fragrant leaves whenever Meg and company went to a certain place). As for the acting, I was personally annoyed by Meg's character, but LOVED Charles Wallace (whom I found excessively annoying in the book) and liked everyone else.
Friday, June 7, 2013
May 2013 Media Inventory
You will note the heavy Jane Austen emphasis during this month. I considered writing the entire entry in a Jane Austen voice in honor of her domination of my viewing and reading habits, but in the end decided such a feat must be left to a greater mind with more time and talent than the most ignorant person ever to dare to call herself a bloggeress.
Movies:
Les Miserables: I did not "grow up" with this musical, and so missed out on the experience of having great hopes and dreams realized or dashed by the viewing of this film. Matthew could probably give you a more emotional review of the quality of the songs and so forth (I tried my hand at judging them and came up with completely opposite conclusions from him, but I defer to someone who actually sings and cares about singing in these matters). Overall I thought the film was enjoyable and entertaining, but not particularly monumental. My fascination with Russell Crowe continues, as does my love for Anne Hathaway's short hair and subtitles.
Mansfield Park (2007): This was the fastest adaptation of a Jane Austen film I've ever seen. I almost felt like I was playing a game of Bingo, crossing off each event rapidly to get through the story. I liked all the casting - yes, even slick-haired Edmund - except for Fanny, whose overwhelmingly huge grin, disheveled blonde hair-in-my-eyes look, and uncertain depiction somewhere between shrieking wildness and complacent shyness rather unnerved me.
Bride and Prejudice: This Bollywood take on Pride and Prejudice was more fun than I remembered (probably because this time I watched it with some friends from my JA class). Some things were still the same, mind - Darcy is dreadfully boring; the "no life without wife" song is my favorite part, etc.
Silver Linings Playbook: Matthew and I really enjoyed this one. It's sweet, weird, depressing, affirming, and had some touching, thoughtful insights about dealing with heartache, obsession, stress, and loneliness. Jennifer Lawrence is fast becoming a favorite actress of mine.
From Time to Time: Cute British film about mysterious old houses, nefarious butlers, and wise grandmothers with secrets. I wasn't surprised to learn this came from the creator of Downton Abbey - it's got the same "modern take on nostalgic past" feeling to it. And Maggie Smith.
The Darkest Hour: Matthew and I saw the trailer for this a long time ago, and thought it looked interesting. We should have just watched the trailer again. It was more interesting than the movie.
Sense and Sensibility (1995): Delightful version. I love this cast and the humor inserted throughout. I only wish they had used more characters and scenes from the novel (I was especially surprised to realize they had entirely omitted the return of Willoughby in the final hour scene). And of course, I always want more ending - couldn't they at least have Margaret catch the bouquet or something?
Sense and Sensibility (2008): I saw this version once before and was not greatly impressed by it, but my second viewing has altered my opinion considerably in its favor. This may have a little or a great deal to do with the fact that I have since become aware of the charms of Dan Stevens from watching Downton Abbey, but further watching - that is, research - is required to be certain. I also finally forgave Willoughby for the crime of being short.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: I wasn't really impressed by the book, but the film was very sweet without being cutesy or cliche.
Total Recall: Again we were tricked into watching this by the trailer. There were some ideas that had potential, and Colin Farrell has a pretty awesome worried facial expression, but I lost interest and emotional investment in the characters pretty early on.
Sense and Sensibility (1995): I liked this so much I watched it twice.
Mansfield Park (1999): I'd seen this once before and hated it. This time I liked the overall film more, but hated the parts that I hated more, if that makes sense.
The Prestige: This was the film that converted me to Christopher Nolan, and it's still my perennial Nolan favorite. I think I could watch it every year and still gush about watching it for the first time.
Clipping Adam: I didn't expect a lot out of this film about a boy who doesn't cut his hair after his mom and sister die in an accident, but I was very pleasantly surprised at its warmth, humor, emotion, and simplicity. The characters were great and the story was sweet. The ending felt a little abrupt, and I may not watch it again, but I would recommend it.
Shackleton: I'd seen this around the library a few times and thought it looked interesting. Kenneth Branagh was predictably brilliant. It was also really nice to watch people shivering in the Arctic during an extremely hot week in May.
On a Clear Day: I watched this movie after recently getting hooked on swimming regularly again, so bear in mind that I am a water addict and can watch stuff like Olympics swimming and diving for hours. Anyway, this film. I. LOVED. IT. EVERY. SINGLE. LITTLE. BIT. Spot-on story and casting. I cried.
Tower Heist: Good bit of crazy fun with Ben Stiller. Bonus - Casey Affleck's worried face rivals Colin Farrell's!
Argo: I forgot to include this one on my list at first, but I really, really enjoyed it. Gripping story, well acted and paced. I haven't been quite so tense watching a film that I recall since Sophie Scholl.
Books:
The Candy Shop War 2: Arcade Catastrophe: Awesome, fun, and creative sequel. I get worried sometimes Brandon Mull will write himself into something so crazy he won't be able to get out of it without cheating, but somehow he manages to make it work.
Pride and Prejudice: It is a truth universally acknowleged that this book is awesome.
Modern Ghosts: A collection of short horror stories by Joe Hill, who is a pretty intense horror writer but also a good writer in general. I enjoy his style of horror better than Stephen King's.
Life Laughs: I think I read this book in an hour while walking home from the library. It's about as substantial as a chatty girly blog post.
Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates: Not quite as witty and clever as their first book, in my opinion, but still a fun/insightful read.
The Pregnancy Project: I was touched by this true story of a girl faking a high school pregnancy for a class project. I especially appreciated her opening up about her family's difficult background and the many trials of living without financial or familial stability. It definitely strengthened my gratitude for my parents' raising me and my resolve to raise my children in a good way.
Mansfield Park: Not my favorite of Jane Austen's novels, but I was glad to finally finish it after starting when I was about 13 and getting distracted somewhere around Portsmouth.
Misery: Why did I read this? I don't like Stephen King. Anyway, I didn't like it.
Movies:
Les Miserables: I did not "grow up" with this musical, and so missed out on the experience of having great hopes and dreams realized or dashed by the viewing of this film. Matthew could probably give you a more emotional review of the quality of the songs and so forth (I tried my hand at judging them and came up with completely opposite conclusions from him, but I defer to someone who actually sings and cares about singing in these matters). Overall I thought the film was enjoyable and entertaining, but not particularly monumental. My fascination with Russell Crowe continues, as does my love for Anne Hathaway's short hair and subtitles.
Mansfield Park (2007): This was the fastest adaptation of a Jane Austen film I've ever seen. I almost felt like I was playing a game of Bingo, crossing off each event rapidly to get through the story. I liked all the casting - yes, even slick-haired Edmund - except for Fanny, whose overwhelmingly huge grin, disheveled blonde hair-in-my-eyes look, and uncertain depiction somewhere between shrieking wildness and complacent shyness rather unnerved me.
Bride and Prejudice: This Bollywood take on Pride and Prejudice was more fun than I remembered (probably because this time I watched it with some friends from my JA class). Some things were still the same, mind - Darcy is dreadfully boring; the "no life without wife" song is my favorite part, etc.
Silver Linings Playbook: Matthew and I really enjoyed this one. It's sweet, weird, depressing, affirming, and had some touching, thoughtful insights about dealing with heartache, obsession, stress, and loneliness. Jennifer Lawrence is fast becoming a favorite actress of mine.
From Time to Time: Cute British film about mysterious old houses, nefarious butlers, and wise grandmothers with secrets. I wasn't surprised to learn this came from the creator of Downton Abbey - it's got the same "modern take on nostalgic past" feeling to it. And Maggie Smith.
The Darkest Hour: Matthew and I saw the trailer for this a long time ago, and thought it looked interesting. We should have just watched the trailer again. It was more interesting than the movie.
Sense and Sensibility (1995): Delightful version. I love this cast and the humor inserted throughout. I only wish they had used more characters and scenes from the novel (I was especially surprised to realize they had entirely omitted the return of Willoughby in the final hour scene). And of course, I always want more ending - couldn't they at least have Margaret catch the bouquet or something?
Sense and Sensibility (2008): I saw this version once before and was not greatly impressed by it, but my second viewing has altered my opinion considerably in its favor. This may have a little or a great deal to do with the fact that I have since become aware of the charms of Dan Stevens from watching Downton Abbey, but further watching - that is, research - is required to be certain. I also finally forgave Willoughby for the crime of being short.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: I wasn't really impressed by the book, but the film was very sweet without being cutesy or cliche.
Total Recall: Again we were tricked into watching this by the trailer. There were some ideas that had potential, and Colin Farrell has a pretty awesome worried facial expression, but I lost interest and emotional investment in the characters pretty early on.
Sense and Sensibility (1995): I liked this so much I watched it twice.
Mansfield Park (1999): I'd seen this once before and hated it. This time I liked the overall film more, but hated the parts that I hated more, if that makes sense.
The Prestige: This was the film that converted me to Christopher Nolan, and it's still my perennial Nolan favorite. I think I could watch it every year and still gush about watching it for the first time.
Clipping Adam: I didn't expect a lot out of this film about a boy who doesn't cut his hair after his mom and sister die in an accident, but I was very pleasantly surprised at its warmth, humor, emotion, and simplicity. The characters were great and the story was sweet. The ending felt a little abrupt, and I may not watch it again, but I would recommend it.
Shackleton: I'd seen this around the library a few times and thought it looked interesting. Kenneth Branagh was predictably brilliant. It was also really nice to watch people shivering in the Arctic during an extremely hot week in May.
On a Clear Day: I watched this movie after recently getting hooked on swimming regularly again, so bear in mind that I am a water addict and can watch stuff like Olympics swimming and diving for hours. Anyway, this film. I. LOVED. IT. EVERY. SINGLE. LITTLE. BIT. Spot-on story and casting. I cried.
Tower Heist: Good bit of crazy fun with Ben Stiller. Bonus - Casey Affleck's worried face rivals Colin Farrell's!
Argo: I forgot to include this one on my list at first, but I really, really enjoyed it. Gripping story, well acted and paced. I haven't been quite so tense watching a film that I recall since Sophie Scholl.
Books:
The Candy Shop War 2: Arcade Catastrophe: Awesome, fun, and creative sequel. I get worried sometimes Brandon Mull will write himself into something so crazy he won't be able to get out of it without cheating, but somehow he manages to make it work.
Pride and Prejudice: It is a truth universally acknowleged that this book is awesome.
Modern Ghosts: A collection of short horror stories by Joe Hill, who is a pretty intense horror writer but also a good writer in general. I enjoy his style of horror better than Stephen King's.
Life Laughs: I think I read this book in an hour while walking home from the library. It's about as substantial as a chatty girly blog post.
Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates: Not quite as witty and clever as their first book, in my opinion, but still a fun/insightful read.
The Pregnancy Project: I was touched by this true story of a girl faking a high school pregnancy for a class project. I especially appreciated her opening up about her family's difficult background and the many trials of living without financial or familial stability. It definitely strengthened my gratitude for my parents' raising me and my resolve to raise my children in a good way.
Mansfield Park: Not my favorite of Jane Austen's novels, but I was glad to finally finish it after starting when I was about 13 and getting distracted somewhere around Portsmouth.
Misery: Why did I read this? I don't like Stephen King. Anyway, I didn't like it.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
April 2013 Media Inventory
Here's what I watched and read in between writing and grading papers during the blurry haze that was the month of April.
Movies:
My Brilliant Career: Charming but serious Anne of Green Gables-ish Australian film that was also somehow a western... at least, I saw it in western class. I largely enjoyed it except for the ending, which I found rather smug and neat in contrast to the blunt, messy realities that the film earlier embraced.
Bleak House: Absolutely LOVED this TV mini-series! I highly recommend it to anyone in the mood for humorous characters, mysterious scandals, complicated relationships, and satisfying romantic dramas of England in the 1800s.
Heart: So, this was a BYU short film that turned "The Tell-Tale Heart" into a bit of a western! And it starred Aaron Eckhart back when he was a student, apparently. He made a pretty good crazy nutcase if I do say so myself.
The Tell-Tale Heart: A more feature-film adaptation of the Poe story that greatly amused me and my classmates due to its rather theatrical style. The scandalous love triangle and betrayal of a best friend were intriguing additions, but the cake really went to an unexpected impalement, a throbbing carpet, and probably the world's worst reading of female signals by the main character. Still extremely entertaining.
Unforgiven: One of my favorites from the western class - it vies for first place right alongside "Ride the High Country." Matthew watched it with me and we both had a lot to discuss and think about afterwards. It really does stick with you.
Open Range: I had high hopes but ended up being less impressed with this one, though I continue to love Robert Duvall and (mostly) Kevin Costner as the plain-speaking, witty, too stubborn to quit cowpuncher and the shell-shocked, hardened but totally still romantically available sidekick. At least I still have Lonesome Dove and Dances with Wolves.
Water for Elephants: Enjoyable film, but I didn't find the plot all that compelling judging by the fact that it took me several days to actually finish it. While I normally love Reese Witherspoon, none of the three main characters was actually that interesting to me (the elephant was pretty good, though), and I've never been a huge fan of the whole "weather-beaten old man recounts his past to skeptical youth of today" intro.
Hitchcock: Fun, entertaining, and creative film about the making of Psycho which I particularly enjoyed since I just read and wrote about Psycho in the fall. I was a bit disappointed in how short and shallow it seemed - it only offered a slice of Hitchcock (and of Psycho, truthfully) when I was hoping for a lot more.
One for the Money: Watching this film was very similar to reading the book - I was intrigued by the overall idea and bored to tears by the particulars. I finished it, but barely.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone: Matthew and I watched this at the Dollar Theater and it was hilarious. So many lines that I wanted to write down and quote. So much Steve Carell + Jim Carrey awesomeness. The plot was pretty cliche, but I didn't care too much because of how much I was enjoying the performances, the dialogue, and the magic tricks ('scuse me, illusions).
The Impossible: When I heard this film was about the 2004 tsunami, I wasn't enthusiastic about seeing it. I expected a lot of affirmative cliches about humanity rallying in the midst of tragedy and blatant attempts to pull on heartstrings. But this harrowing experience of a film surprised me. The tsunami itself was grim, rough, quick, and violent - probably one of the scariest things I've seen on film - and the camera let it happen without prior warning, music, foreshadowing, etc. It comes completely out of nowhere without any overt attempt to explain it or how we should feel about it as it is happening. Never so clearly have I been able to put myself in the vulnerable state of a film's protagonist as when we see pieces of trees, houses, furniture, tools, and toys hurtling at lightning speed in our direction underneath the huge wave of water that has washed over everything. After the wave has passed, the fear, frustration, confusion, and panic about where our characters are and if they're going to be okay or not is terribly convincing. More than once I found myself having to grimace, look away, and shudder at the traumatic results of injury, which to me is the mark of a film successfully engaging my emotions and attention. The story doesn't really attempt to analyze what's happening on a deeper level (i.e. Why did this happen to us? Why did God allow this to happen?), but it feels real and scary nonetheless and struck me with an awareness of how vulnerable and weak we really are in this physical state of mortality. It's probably good for someone who loves swimming and the beach as much as I do to have a healthy sense of fear and respect for water instilled into me.
Wreck-it Ralph: Matthew and I had both been hearing a lot about how good this film is, and I guess I have to say that the rumors are true. We loved it! Creative, entertaining, and clever story and characters, whether you ever played video games or not. This is one I wouldn't mind owning.
Books:
Of Wolves and Men: Interesting and accessible read about the ways of wolves and how we've feared, hated, loved, and killed them over the years. Great resource should I ever want to write a paper about wolves or just make someone feel guilty.
Watership Down: I loved this book when Mama read it to us at lunchtime many years ago, and I still love it. It took me maybe three days to read, but I was enthralled for the entire three days. It is such a beautiful story and so well written. Next to Brian Jacques, Richard Adams is probably my favorite author of books about small animals.
Tales of Watership Down: Because you never want the story to end...
Life of Pi: I have wanted to read this book for a long time, and seeing the movie finally stirred up enough interest in me to go for it. It's a great book - funny, touching, entertaining, insightful, practical. Why did it take me this long to get to it? I wanted it to be a true story and was sad when it wasn't (and was even sadder when I realized the real story was probably Eat Pray Love). Still, read it anyway.
Movies:
My Brilliant Career: Charming but serious Anne of Green Gables-ish Australian film that was also somehow a western... at least, I saw it in western class. I largely enjoyed it except for the ending, which I found rather smug and neat in contrast to the blunt, messy realities that the film earlier embraced.
Bleak House: Absolutely LOVED this TV mini-series! I highly recommend it to anyone in the mood for humorous characters, mysterious scandals, complicated relationships, and satisfying romantic dramas of England in the 1800s.
Heart: So, this was a BYU short film that turned "The Tell-Tale Heart" into a bit of a western! And it starred Aaron Eckhart back when he was a student, apparently. He made a pretty good crazy nutcase if I do say so myself.
The Tell-Tale Heart: A more feature-film adaptation of the Poe story that greatly amused me and my classmates due to its rather theatrical style. The scandalous love triangle and betrayal of a best friend were intriguing additions, but the cake really went to an unexpected impalement, a throbbing carpet, and probably the world's worst reading of female signals by the main character. Still extremely entertaining.
Unforgiven: One of my favorites from the western class - it vies for first place right alongside "Ride the High Country." Matthew watched it with me and we both had a lot to discuss and think about afterwards. It really does stick with you.
Open Range: I had high hopes but ended up being less impressed with this one, though I continue to love Robert Duvall and (mostly) Kevin Costner as the plain-speaking, witty, too stubborn to quit cowpuncher and the shell-shocked, hardened but totally still romantically available sidekick. At least I still have Lonesome Dove and Dances with Wolves.
Water for Elephants: Enjoyable film, but I didn't find the plot all that compelling judging by the fact that it took me several days to actually finish it. While I normally love Reese Witherspoon, none of the three main characters was actually that interesting to me (the elephant was pretty good, though), and I've never been a huge fan of the whole "weather-beaten old man recounts his past to skeptical youth of today" intro.
Hitchcock: Fun, entertaining, and creative film about the making of Psycho which I particularly enjoyed since I just read and wrote about Psycho in the fall. I was a bit disappointed in how short and shallow it seemed - it only offered a slice of Hitchcock (and of Psycho, truthfully) when I was hoping for a lot more.
One for the Money: Watching this film was very similar to reading the book - I was intrigued by the overall idea and bored to tears by the particulars. I finished it, but barely.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone: Matthew and I watched this at the Dollar Theater and it was hilarious. So many lines that I wanted to write down and quote. So much Steve Carell + Jim Carrey awesomeness. The plot was pretty cliche, but I didn't care too much because of how much I was enjoying the performances, the dialogue, and the magic tricks ('scuse me, illusions).
The Impossible: When I heard this film was about the 2004 tsunami, I wasn't enthusiastic about seeing it. I expected a lot of affirmative cliches about humanity rallying in the midst of tragedy and blatant attempts to pull on heartstrings. But this harrowing experience of a film surprised me. The tsunami itself was grim, rough, quick, and violent - probably one of the scariest things I've seen on film - and the camera let it happen without prior warning, music, foreshadowing, etc. It comes completely out of nowhere without any overt attempt to explain it or how we should feel about it as it is happening. Never so clearly have I been able to put myself in the vulnerable state of a film's protagonist as when we see pieces of trees, houses, furniture, tools, and toys hurtling at lightning speed in our direction underneath the huge wave of water that has washed over everything. After the wave has passed, the fear, frustration, confusion, and panic about where our characters are and if they're going to be okay or not is terribly convincing. More than once I found myself having to grimace, look away, and shudder at the traumatic results of injury, which to me is the mark of a film successfully engaging my emotions and attention. The story doesn't really attempt to analyze what's happening on a deeper level (i.e. Why did this happen to us? Why did God allow this to happen?), but it feels real and scary nonetheless and struck me with an awareness of how vulnerable and weak we really are in this physical state of mortality. It's probably good for someone who loves swimming and the beach as much as I do to have a healthy sense of fear and respect for water instilled into me.
Wreck-it Ralph: Matthew and I had both been hearing a lot about how good this film is, and I guess I have to say that the rumors are true. We loved it! Creative, entertaining, and clever story and characters, whether you ever played video games or not. This is one I wouldn't mind owning.
Books:
Of Wolves and Men: Interesting and accessible read about the ways of wolves and how we've feared, hated, loved, and killed them over the years. Great resource should I ever want to write a paper about wolves or just make someone feel guilty.
Watership Down: I loved this book when Mama read it to us at lunchtime many years ago, and I still love it. It took me maybe three days to read, but I was enthralled for the entire three days. It is such a beautiful story and so well written. Next to Brian Jacques, Richard Adams is probably my favorite author of books about small animals.
Tales of Watership Down: Because you never want the story to end...
Life of Pi: I have wanted to read this book for a long time, and seeing the movie finally stirred up enough interest in me to go for it. It's a great book - funny, touching, entertaining, insightful, practical. Why did it take me this long to get to it? I wanted it to be a true story and was sad when it wasn't (and was even sadder when I realized the real story was probably Eat Pray Love). Still, read it anyway.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
March 2013 Media Inventory
Sorry T. S. Eliot, but March is totally the cruelest month. Cold, windy, snowy, and so much school. Thank goodness for books and movies.
Movies
Amadeus: Can you believe I hadn't seen this in its entirety until now? Me neither. I've actually seen so many fragments of it over the year that I kept thinking I had seen it, but I decided I'd better make sure. It has some pretty funny and great moments (the voice of God part comes to mind), but I wasn't particularly blown away by it as a whole.
The Tall T: I still have no idea why this movie is called the Tall T. The protagonist is like 6'2". Big whup. BUT this film cemented my love for Richard Boone - he's the voice of Smaug in the animated Hobbit and Russian from Crooked Sky, and he makes for a pretty awesome villain here. LOVE.
Breaking Dawn (part 2): I had a lot of fun watching this with Matthew. We laughed, we poked fun, we cried (tears of LAUGHTER!), and we totally bought into the fight scene, which, let's face it, was the best part. I may not be a Twihard, but I thoroughly enjoyed the series and thought this was a satisfying conclusion (in contrast to the Hunger Games book 3, which went quickly from ugh to UGHHGHGHGHGHGHGH). I'm kind of excited to see The Host when it comes out on Redbox.
Ride the High Country: I can't get over how much I love this film. And Joel McCrea. So far (and there's only one week left) it's been my favorite film from western class. Did I mention Joel McCrea is old and amazing and the same guy from my next favorite film from that class, Stars in My Crown?
Hud: I also really liked this one, which we decided was a western kinda sorta even though they drive cars since they wear hats and shoot cows and get drunk. But the real reason why it's great? Paul Newman, ladies and gentlemen.
Hotel Transylvania: Ooooooooookay. That was pretty much my reaction to this film, which does have a sweet lesson and a lot of cute, quirky humor in it but also a lot of, um, juvenile tedious silliness and an ending which is totally OH COME ON crazy.
Pride and Prejudice: The BYU version. We were talking about Jane Austen adaptations in one of my classes and it just HAPPENED.
The Professionals: I liked this movie. I liked how people we expected to be one way turned out to be another, and how things we expected to happen totally didn't.
Will Penny: This one also threw me for a loop a few times, with things not happening the way they were supposed to (or how I expected them to), but the difference is I was NOT happy with it. I have to admit that Charlton Heston makes a pretty decent cowboy, though.
Skyfall: Another great Daniel Craig as James Bond film! I didn't love it as much as Casino Royale, but still liked it quite a lot.
Little Women: After realizing I had actually never seen the 1994 version, I decided to watch it so I could hate on it and criticize it in my adaptation class. To my great astonishment, I actually kinda loved it. This makes the THIRD film adaptation of Little Women, which I am absolutely devoted to as a novel (I'm planning on writing a post someday on how my sisters and I actually ARE Little Women), that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Favorite things about this one that stand out include Laurie having a mustache when he grows up, Professor Bhaer as the oh so cute Gabriel Byrne (aka the evil Earl from the Vikings... which just makes everything even better), and THE KISS. Ah, they had me at the kiss.
Life of Pi: I found this story beautiful, touching, and inspiring. Not to mention extremely compelling and exciting for being a film with only two characters for the majority of time.
Theater:
The Servant of Two Masters: Matt and I saw this at BYU. I liked it. The plot's a little stupid but the acting was hilarious - tons of physical comedy, modern references, and outlandish accents. And we had great seats, too. The only part which rubbed me the wrong way was when one of the cast members got right in my face and scowled at me for failing to realize that he wanted me to start clapping during a rhythmic dance section. Intimidation and bullying really isn't the best way to go when you are trying to encourage someone to root for you and like you. Even Matt said he was slightly ticked off and wanted to shove the guy back onstage. Other than that, the cast was great.
Books:
Beloved: A very emotional, deep, difficult book about dealing with one's past, set (where else?) in the South. It was draining to read but also inspiring.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A wild, wacky mess. My reaction varied from amusement to dismay to apathy to exhaustion. I found the author unlikable, the events depressing, and the message absurd at best, and despairing at worst. There's no denying it's an interesting and eye-opening read, though, and if nothing else it confirmed my decision to stay away from drugs.
Matched: I read this in a few days on a whim, after seeing it advertised in a filmed commercial (with actors and everything!) on Hulu. I didn't expect it to be very good, but it was better than I expected. Sort of reminded me of The Giver + The Hunger Games (minus the actual, um, Hunger Games part) + cheesy teenage romance stuff.
Little House on the Prairie: A refreshingly cheerful, sweet, optimistic book (despite being filled with accounts of danger from sickness, wolves, Indians, fire, floods, poisoned wells, etc). I love this series so much. Prepare to hear it read for years of your bedtime stories, future children!
Movies
Amadeus: Can you believe I hadn't seen this in its entirety until now? Me neither. I've actually seen so many fragments of it over the year that I kept thinking I had seen it, but I decided I'd better make sure. It has some pretty funny and great moments (the voice of God part comes to mind), but I wasn't particularly blown away by it as a whole.
The Tall T: I still have no idea why this movie is called the Tall T. The protagonist is like 6'2". Big whup. BUT this film cemented my love for Richard Boone - he's the voice of Smaug in the animated Hobbit and Russian from Crooked Sky, and he makes for a pretty awesome villain here. LOVE.
Breaking Dawn (part 2): I had a lot of fun watching this with Matthew. We laughed, we poked fun, we cried (tears of LAUGHTER!), and we totally bought into the fight scene, which, let's face it, was the best part. I may not be a Twihard, but I thoroughly enjoyed the series and thought this was a satisfying conclusion (in contrast to the Hunger Games book 3, which went quickly from ugh to UGHHGHGHGHGHGHGH). I'm kind of excited to see The Host when it comes out on Redbox.
Ride the High Country: I can't get over how much I love this film. And Joel McCrea. So far (and there's only one week left) it's been my favorite film from western class. Did I mention Joel McCrea is old and amazing and the same guy from my next favorite film from that class, Stars in My Crown?
Hud: I also really liked this one, which we decided was a western kinda sorta even though they drive cars since they wear hats and shoot cows and get drunk. But the real reason why it's great? Paul Newman, ladies and gentlemen.
Hotel Transylvania: Ooooooooookay. That was pretty much my reaction to this film, which does have a sweet lesson and a lot of cute, quirky humor in it but also a lot of, um, juvenile tedious silliness and an ending which is totally OH COME ON crazy.
Pride and Prejudice: The BYU version. We were talking about Jane Austen adaptations in one of my classes and it just HAPPENED.
The Professionals: I liked this movie. I liked how people we expected to be one way turned out to be another, and how things we expected to happen totally didn't.
Will Penny: This one also threw me for a loop a few times, with things not happening the way they were supposed to (or how I expected them to), but the difference is I was NOT happy with it. I have to admit that Charlton Heston makes a pretty decent cowboy, though.
Skyfall: Another great Daniel Craig as James Bond film! I didn't love it as much as Casino Royale, but still liked it quite a lot.
Little Women: After realizing I had actually never seen the 1994 version, I decided to watch it so I could hate on it and criticize it in my adaptation class. To my great astonishment, I actually kinda loved it. This makes the THIRD film adaptation of Little Women, which I am absolutely devoted to as a novel (I'm planning on writing a post someday on how my sisters and I actually ARE Little Women), that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Favorite things about this one that stand out include Laurie having a mustache when he grows up, Professor Bhaer as the oh so cute Gabriel Byrne (aka the evil Earl from the Vikings... which just makes everything even better), and THE KISS. Ah, they had me at the kiss.
Life of Pi: I found this story beautiful, touching, and inspiring. Not to mention extremely compelling and exciting for being a film with only two characters for the majority of time.
Theater:
The Servant of Two Masters: Matt and I saw this at BYU. I liked it. The plot's a little stupid but the acting was hilarious - tons of physical comedy, modern references, and outlandish accents. And we had great seats, too. The only part which rubbed me the wrong way was when one of the cast members got right in my face and scowled at me for failing to realize that he wanted me to start clapping during a rhythmic dance section. Intimidation and bullying really isn't the best way to go when you are trying to encourage someone to root for you and like you. Even Matt said he was slightly ticked off and wanted to shove the guy back onstage. Other than that, the cast was great.
Books:
Beloved: A very emotional, deep, difficult book about dealing with one's past, set (where else?) in the South. It was draining to read but also inspiring.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A wild, wacky mess. My reaction varied from amusement to dismay to apathy to exhaustion. I found the author unlikable, the events depressing, and the message absurd at best, and despairing at worst. There's no denying it's an interesting and eye-opening read, though, and if nothing else it confirmed my decision to stay away from drugs.
Matched: I read this in a few days on a whim, after seeing it advertised in a filmed commercial (with actors and everything!) on Hulu. I didn't expect it to be very good, but it was better than I expected. Sort of reminded me of The Giver + The Hunger Games (minus the actual, um, Hunger Games part) + cheesy teenage romance stuff.
Little House on the Prairie: A refreshingly cheerful, sweet, optimistic book (despite being filled with accounts of danger from sickness, wolves, Indians, fire, floods, poisoned wells, etc). I love this series so much. Prepare to hear it read for years of your bedtime stories, future children!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
February 2013 Media Inventory
Not a ton of stuff to report for February. I missed one week of western films due to food poisoning, and Matthew and I watched season 1 and 2 of The Walking Dead, which was awesome, but I already figured I would write about TV at the end of the year rather than month by month. However, do know for now that Fridays are my official "girlfriend catch-up time" with Sarah, The Bachelor, and Project Runway. It's practically a ritual now and I look forward to it more than I care to admit.
Movies:
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: When I found out Matthew hadn't seen this and we were in need of something appropriate for Valentine's Day, it was a no-brainer. Smart, creative, fun foreign movie with an oh so delightful tricky twist that still freaks me out every time.
Jesse and Celeste Forever: Stupidest film I've seen in a while. I have never regretted getting a free film from Redbox more than this one. Ugh ugh stupid ugh can't even talk about it anymore.
The Far Country: Bit of a weird western. It somehow managed to cram in all the usual elements while still feeling unfamiliar and eccentric. I was a bit surprised at Jimmy Stewart's nonchalance and emotional detachment from things (up until the climax, that is, because duh), but still felt he and everyone else in the cast did a pretty good job (with the possible exception of that one extremely annoying and always right about everything woman) making a very typical, generic story feel somewhat newer and realer. Also I feel like I know more about Alaska now, which is cool.
Man of the West: I hated the first 1/3 of this film - boring, bland, and bizarrely un-western. Things got better in the second third, when conflict and character development were introduced, but everything sort of tapered off and crumbled before the actual climax arrived, making it feel like a tired, sad, weak version of a western (possibly on purpose?). I especially didn't like the casting of Gary Cooper in the main role - he just seemed way too old and straight-laced to have the mysterious, disturbed background that the character is meant to have.
Movies:
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: When I found out Matthew hadn't seen this and we were in need of something appropriate for Valentine's Day, it was a no-brainer. Smart, creative, fun foreign movie with an oh so delightful tricky twist that still freaks me out every time.
She
Wore a Yellow Ribbon: The loooooongest film I've seen ever, including LOTR, Gone with the Wind, and whatever else you say in the comments. This film would NOT end. There were so many back-to-square-one moments in this film and plots that kept circling around each other that I quickly felt entirely sympathetic with the characters who wanted to get out and head back East (I think at one point I even envied the dead characters). The end was touching, and there were several powerful, resonant moments, but I'm not sure the view was worth the all-day hike to get there.
Silver
Lode: I watched this right after She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, so I was all set to hate it (since, you know, the last thing you want to do after watching an insanely long film is to watch ANOTHER film), which makes the following statement all the more profound: This film was FANTASTIC. Not a single moment felt unnecessary or tangential - everything was direct and to the point, and the plot unfolded in an exciting and unexpected yet realistic way. The performances were excellent, the story was interesting, the characters were intriguing, and it all felt fresh and new, despite taking on for its premise the same High Noon story that has been done to death. This might be my favorite film from western class so far.
The
Diving Bell and the Butterfly: I've heard of this film for a while, and was glad and proud that I forced myself to go out and see it on a Saturday when I would normally be sleeping, eating, or lounging. It was really remarkable how much the film managed to show and convey of the character's struggle to have a meaningful life when it seemed like everything had been taken away. There is some gorgeous, creative, and extremely intimate cinematography, acting, and writing going on here (the father's phone call was especially heartbreaking for me). It also really made me want to watch El Mar Adentro, another film about assisted living for the paralyzed with a rather different take (at least, so I hear).
Jesse and Celeste Forever: Stupidest film I've seen in a while. I have never regretted getting a free film from Redbox more than this one. Ugh ugh stupid ugh can't even talk about it anymore.
The Far Country: Bit of a weird western. It somehow managed to cram in all the usual elements while still feeling unfamiliar and eccentric. I was a bit surprised at Jimmy Stewart's nonchalance and emotional detachment from things (up until the climax, that is, because duh), but still felt he and everyone else in the cast did a pretty good job (with the possible exception of that one extremely annoying and always right about everything woman) making a very typical, generic story feel somewhat newer and realer. Also I feel like I know more about Alaska now, which is cool.
Man of the West: I hated the first 1/3 of this film - boring, bland, and bizarrely un-western. Things got better in the second third, when conflict and character development were introduced, but everything sort of tapered off and crumbled before the actual climax arrived, making it feel like a tired, sad, weak version of a western (possibly on purpose?). I especially didn't like the casting of Gary Cooper in the main role - he just seemed way too old and straight-laced to have the mysterious, disturbed background that the character is meant to have.
Forty
Guns: Aside from its gorgeous opening sequence, I really didn't find this film all that memorable. It was pretty difficult to tell the trio of protagonist brothers apart from each other, let alone get emotionally invested in them, and I ended up rooting for the troublemakers just to keep things interesting and moving along. It also had a weirdly street gangster feel to it, as if all the gunfighters and cowboys were really city mobsters and detectives in a noir film. There was even a femme fatale. And it was even Barbara Stanwyck (of Double Indemnity!).
Johnny
Guitar: Bit of a wild card as far as your traditional westerns go, but I liked it. A lot of conflict, emotion, violence, and some really crazy characters. Never fear - Johnny does play the guitar, and he also shoot guns. It was sort of obvious what was going to happen in this film, but how it happened was sure interesting.
Theater:
Henry
V: A super shortened version of the play, with many liberties taken. I wouldn't have enjoyed it if I had gone expecting to see "Henry V," but I went in knowing it was for children, and it was about as good as I expected it to be. There were several unexpectedly poignant moments (Henry V praying in the battlefield stood out in particular; the song at the end) and I was surprised at how little the fact that Henry V was a woman bothered me once things really got going. And there was some cool choreography with sticks.
Books:
Don
Quixote (part 1): My mom read this to us once when I was about fourteen or fifteen. Back then I thought it had some funny moments but was overall too longwinded and tangential. My opinion remains about the same, although I appreciated the irony, craft, and subtext behind the writing much more this time around. I was still totally wiped out by the time Part 1 ended, though. Doubt I'll ever read Part 2.
Straight
Man: Darkly cynical and fairly hilarious commentary on modern academic life. I wouldn't really recommend it to people in general due to the coarseness and bitterness, but the overwrought, despairing academic graduate students and English majors might get a kick of reading about the lunacy and drudgery that awaits them. I felt the author went over the top in making a few of his points, but I wouldn't be surprised if that was actually also his point.
A
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: A humorous yet highly moralistic and soul-searching work by Mark Twain. I quite enjoyed it, though the second half definitely fell into a more serious and darker examination of human nature than I was expecting. It was good, but a little depressing. I also have to say I enjoyed the version I got from the Orem library because it included illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman. Love her!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
January 2013 Media Inventory
So here's what I watched and read in January!
Movies:
The Dark Knight Rises: I don't remember much, to be honest. I think I liked it. Anne Hathaway was surprisingly decent as Catwoman, though I really wasn't impressed with my normally wonderful Tom Hardy playing Bane. After the Joker, I guess any villain seems a little... eh. But really I just like snuggling with Matthew and making superhero jokes.
Hidalgo: Oldie and a goodie. Lots of horsies!
Looper: Intriguing idea, pretty compelling story, awesome cast, but the surprise twist ending seemed a little bit too simple for me. Left me wishing there had been something more.
Inception: More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy doing what I like to watch them do.
Edward Scissorhands: This was Matthew's first time seeing this, after I insisted. Now he can truly call himself a fan of Johnny Depp.
The Mark of Zorro: The SECOND time I've seen this Douglas Fairbanks silent classic. It's actually pretty hilarious. The stunts are superfreakinfantastic.
Mantrap: Interesting enough silent film. Probably too long. I got pretty irritated with the main flirty lady who cheated on every man she fell in love with. In the words of Grandpa Joe, what she needs is a good kick in the pants.
Snow White and the Huntsman: It took us SO long to see this, and sadly it wasn't really worth the wait. I like Snow White from Once Upon a Time better, and I make fun of her ALL THE TIME, so that should give you a pretty good idea of my feelings about Kristen Stewart playing the purest, divinest, most beautiful, innocent fairytale character ever. By the way, the biggest thing I knew about it from the media was that K. S. had slept with the director, so every time the characters talked about how good and pure her character was, it took great effort not to make the phhhhhhhhhhhhhhht sound and roll my eyes.
Bernie: Fantastic film with a lovely dark twist of humor and delightfully exaggerated presentation of Texan hospitality/reality. I loved all the characters, even the simpering and babyish Jack Black, and got quite a few of the songs stuck in my head.
Drums Along the Mohawk: I felt like I was watching the entire Little House on the Prairie saga if it were set in colonial times. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. It was long and tedious at some points, but generally interesting and enjoyable, especially the feministy parts. Henry Fonda in a ponytail and evil British guys with eyepatches are also not to be dismissed so easily.
The Ox-Bow Incident: Torturous buildup to a climactic and powerful ending. This film still bothers me.
Pitch Perfect: Fun film. fun music, fun characters, fun, fun, fun (I feel like I've made my point).
My Darling Clementine: I should probably mention at this point that I'm taking a western film class, so that's why half the films on here will be westerns. There will probably also be a lot of Henry Fonda. I had seen this film before, and it's pretty good, though the stupidity of certain brothers does amaze me. The best part was probably humming "My Darling Clementine" in the HFAC bathroom when everyone else was inevitably humming songs from "Phantom of the Opera."
Harvey Girls: What a silly little excuse for a western this was! Yet, try as I might to dislike it, it was too fun and colorful and weirdly sweet and cheesy to really hate. I was even entranced and charmed once or twice by the whimsical musical numbers and Judy Garland's pistol-waving skills.
Liberal Arts: Probably not as great of a film as I thought it was, but I can't help myself. The title was LIBERAL ARTS, for crying out loud. Of course I loved it. Ah, academics. You are so funny.
Stars in My Crown: My favorite movie from our western film class so far. I don't think I've cared about the characters and story of a film so deeply and emotionally since To Kill a Mockingbird. Also has a song that will stick in your head for forever, so be warned.
The Gunfighter: This one is just waiting to be turned into a liberal commercial for gun control. I was really angry and annoyed at how it began and how it ended. And yeah, at the middle too. It felt good when the marshal (who was pretty much the only likable character) finally delivered a well-deserved punch to a certain individual, yet it wasn't enough to assuage my anger and frustration.
Othello: Great cast, great play, great film. I'm seeing this play live the next time I get a chance.
Theater:
Phantom of the Opera: Ah, the theah-tuh! I had a lot of fun watching this with Matthew. Great songs, orchestra, dancing, set design (loved how the chandelier actually swung out over the audience!), acting (Raoul particularly wowed me, though that isn't extremely difficult to do since I have come to expect mediocrity from his character), makeup (they went with the pink fleshy Two-Face skeleton look for the Phantom's scars, and it worked pretty well, at least for us in the third row), dancing (actually, the dancing was a little meh because I'm a former ballerina and can spot the sloppy bits), and a fantastic spectacle (especially loved the tall guy on stilts during the Masquerade number and how they made great use of wires for the Phantom to fly around and mystify everybody with his sudden appearances and disappearances). My biggest complaint was probably that Christine wasn't as loud or powerful a singer as I wanted, but you can't have it all. Anyway, she hit the right notes and looked and acted the part well.
Books:
Unwind: Stands up to a second read-through. I had forgotten just how much I liked this one! Lev is sort of annoying, though.
UnWholly: Did its job in totally psyching me up for the third one. Lev is still a little bit irritating, but all the other characters are developing really nicely.
Othello: Great play - I read it while watching the Kenneth Branagh film version (which I just now remembered watching and posted up there with the films), and it's a pretty fascinating one to puzzle over. I'm definitely Team Iago for the evilest Shakespeare villain competition.
And Then There Were None: Delightful, short, but intense Agatha Christie mystery that has some surprisingly western elements in it (of course, killing Indians is a dead giveaway). The ending is so devious and twisted - I quite enjoyed it.
The Slave Community: I didn't quite finish this one, but read over 3/4, so I'm counting it anyway. The author argued that slaves exercised a great more agency and control over their personalities, communities, cultures, families, and lifestyles than most people have assumed from the Sambo stereotype, and for the most part, I agreed. I'm auditing a class on Southern history this semester and this was one of the books. I tell myself that someday I'm really going to study all this stuff for real, but in the meantime, I learn what I can.
Movies:
The Dark Knight Rises: I don't remember much, to be honest. I think I liked it. Anne Hathaway was surprisingly decent as Catwoman, though I really wasn't impressed with my normally wonderful Tom Hardy playing Bane. After the Joker, I guess any villain seems a little... eh. But really I just like snuggling with Matthew and making superhero jokes.
Hidalgo: Oldie and a goodie. Lots of horsies!
Looper: Intriguing idea, pretty compelling story, awesome cast, but the surprise twist ending seemed a little bit too simple for me. Left me wishing there had been something more.
Inception: More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy doing what I like to watch them do.
Edward Scissorhands: This was Matthew's first time seeing this, after I insisted. Now he can truly call himself a fan of Johnny Depp.
The Mark of Zorro: The SECOND time I've seen this Douglas Fairbanks silent classic. It's actually pretty hilarious. The stunts are superfreakinfantastic.
Mantrap: Interesting enough silent film. Probably too long. I got pretty irritated with the main flirty lady who cheated on every man she fell in love with. In the words of Grandpa Joe, what she needs is a good kick in the pants.
Snow White and the Huntsman: It took us SO long to see this, and sadly it wasn't really worth the wait. I like Snow White from Once Upon a Time better, and I make fun of her ALL THE TIME, so that should give you a pretty good idea of my feelings about Kristen Stewart playing the purest, divinest, most beautiful, innocent fairytale character ever. By the way, the biggest thing I knew about it from the media was that K. S. had slept with the director, so every time the characters talked about how good and pure her character was, it took great effort not to make the phhhhhhhhhhhhhhht sound and roll my eyes.
Bernie: Fantastic film with a lovely dark twist of humor and delightfully exaggerated presentation of Texan hospitality/reality. I loved all the characters, even the simpering and babyish Jack Black, and got quite a few of the songs stuck in my head.
Drums Along the Mohawk: I felt like I was watching the entire Little House on the Prairie saga if it were set in colonial times. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. It was long and tedious at some points, but generally interesting and enjoyable, especially the feministy parts. Henry Fonda in a ponytail and evil British guys with eyepatches are also not to be dismissed so easily.
The Ox-Bow Incident: Torturous buildup to a climactic and powerful ending. This film still bothers me.
Pitch Perfect: Fun film. fun music, fun characters, fun, fun, fun (I feel like I've made my point).
My Darling Clementine: I should probably mention at this point that I'm taking a western film class, so that's why half the films on here will be westerns. There will probably also be a lot of Henry Fonda. I had seen this film before, and it's pretty good, though the stupidity of certain brothers does amaze me. The best part was probably humming "My Darling Clementine" in the HFAC bathroom when everyone else was inevitably humming songs from "Phantom of the Opera."
Harvey Girls: What a silly little excuse for a western this was! Yet, try as I might to dislike it, it was too fun and colorful and weirdly sweet and cheesy to really hate. I was even entranced and charmed once or twice by the whimsical musical numbers and Judy Garland's pistol-waving skills.
Liberal Arts: Probably not as great of a film as I thought it was, but I can't help myself. The title was LIBERAL ARTS, for crying out loud. Of course I loved it. Ah, academics. You are so funny.
Stars in My Crown: My favorite movie from our western film class so far. I don't think I've cared about the characters and story of a film so deeply and emotionally since To Kill a Mockingbird. Also has a song that will stick in your head for forever, so be warned.
The Gunfighter: This one is just waiting to be turned into a liberal commercial for gun control. I was really angry and annoyed at how it began and how it ended. And yeah, at the middle too. It felt good when the marshal (who was pretty much the only likable character) finally delivered a well-deserved punch to a certain individual, yet it wasn't enough to assuage my anger and frustration.
Othello: Great cast, great play, great film. I'm seeing this play live the next time I get a chance.
Theater:
Phantom of the Opera: Ah, the theah-tuh! I had a lot of fun watching this with Matthew. Great songs, orchestra, dancing, set design (loved how the chandelier actually swung out over the audience!), acting (Raoul particularly wowed me, though that isn't extremely difficult to do since I have come to expect mediocrity from his character), makeup (they went with the pink fleshy Two-Face skeleton look for the Phantom's scars, and it worked pretty well, at least for us in the third row), dancing (actually, the dancing was a little meh because I'm a former ballerina and can spot the sloppy bits), and a fantastic spectacle (especially loved the tall guy on stilts during the Masquerade number and how they made great use of wires for the Phantom to fly around and mystify everybody with his sudden appearances and disappearances). My biggest complaint was probably that Christine wasn't as loud or powerful a singer as I wanted, but you can't have it all. Anyway, she hit the right notes and looked and acted the part well.
Books:
Unwind: Stands up to a second read-through. I had forgotten just how much I liked this one! Lev is sort of annoying, though.
UnWholly: Did its job in totally psyching me up for the third one. Lev is still a little bit irritating, but all the other characters are developing really nicely.
Othello: Great play - I read it while watching the Kenneth Branagh film version (which I just now remembered watching and posted up there with the films), and it's a pretty fascinating one to puzzle over. I'm definitely Team Iago for the evilest Shakespeare villain competition.
And Then There Were None: Delightful, short, but intense Agatha Christie mystery that has some surprisingly western elements in it (of course, killing Indians is a dead giveaway). The ending is so devious and twisted - I quite enjoyed it.
The Slave Community: I didn't quite finish this one, but read over 3/4, so I'm counting it anyway. The author argued that slaves exercised a great more agency and control over their personalities, communities, cultures, families, and lifestyles than most people have assumed from the Sambo stereotype, and for the most part, I agreed. I'm auditing a class on Southern history this semester and this was one of the books. I tell myself that someday I'm really going to study all this stuff for real, but in the meantime, I learn what I can.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Media Inventory/Family Newsletter/New Year's Resolutions 2012
I really slacked off keeping track of what I watched and read in 2012. I guess I was busy or something. I have already resolved to do better with this in 2013, as my monthly media blog posts were always fun to write and to look back on. Fortunately, the little Shelfari thing on the side of my blog has a pretty good record of what I read in 2012, so here are some reviews:
Understanding Comics/Making Comics by Scott McCloud: Really interesting, visually appealing books that make you wish you could learn about EVERY subject through comics.
Batman: The Long Halloween: Pretty fun graphic novel. Quick, easy read. The pictures are hyper exaggerated and super colorful and I did feel a bit like a nerdy teenager, but I still enjoyed the story, characters, and format - especially after reading McCloud.
Carrie: I'm not really a Stephen King fan. I thought The Shining was such a drag. And there is a lot of over-the-top didactic stuff in Carrie that made me roll my eyes a bit. But I still enjoyed writing and thinking about Carrie in the context of some pretty big issues we discussed in one of my classes last semester on monsters. I even saw the movie, and wasn't nearly as freaked out as I had been led to expect I would be.
The Knife of Never Letting Go: I was really fascinated by this book through about 90% of it. And I do mean the I can't stop reading or even put down this book type of fascination. But for some reason, the end didn't quite have me dying to read the sequel the way it was supposed to. I tried to start the sequel and just couldn't get into it with the same amount of enthusiasm. This has happened before with The Maze Runner, and I'm still not sure why. Too much build up with too little pay off? Or maybe too much pay off? (Once the main question was answered, I wasn't as interested in finding out anything else.) Anyway, I enjoyed the concept and thought his style of writing was very unique (i.e. intriguing/odd/sometimes downright annoying). Give it a whirl if you're in a mood to be controversial.
Rosemary's Baby: Didn't much care for this one. I've heard it called a horror story and a satire, but it wasn't quite scary, and it wasn't quite funny. I also got a headache trying to figure out how to write about it (I eventually switched to writing about Carrie), so I currently am holding a grudge.
Delirium: I really was intrigued by the concept of this book (Love is a disease? Fascinating!), but found the characters and execution to be oh-so-tiresome. The story was quickly bogged down by the overkill development of the not that hard to grasp background, and fretful, wistful, time-wasting meandering through typical teenage mood swings, swooning, determination to rebel, etc. I eventually gave up and skimmed through the whole thing, decided the plot wasn't that impressive after all, and moved on.
The Fault in Our Stars: I've tried to read a few Jon Green novels before this one, and never really got attached to the characters or story. Until this one. From almost the first page I was immediately drawn in and was astonished at how quickly I came to relate and identify with the main character's attitude and situation. The simplicity and normalcy of the story somehow seemed epic and crucial. I would highly recommend this one, and I'm going to give his other books another go.
Ready Player One: Loved, loved, LOVED this one. Entertaining, exciting, intriguing, creative, and non-stop adrenaline the whole way through. Another one I had trouble putting down. And I don't even play video or computer games (which is what the whole book is about). Definitely recommend.
Flowers for Algernon: I loved this book - the story, the writing, the character, and the heart behind it all really got to me. It's heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.
Lazy B: Nice, nostalgic read about Sandra Day's memoirs growing up on a ranch. Made me want to write and live my own childhood again.
The Meadow: I've read this before, but it's worth reading again. Poetic and thought-provoking.
I Am the Messenger: Very interesting, creative work from the author of the Book Thief. It doesn't feel quite as epic or inspirational as The Book Thief, but still brings that element of truth combined with mystery, secrecy, and import. I am amazed at how well this author weaves together seemingly unconnected images and moments to create such unified and beautiful ideas.
Beyonders (1&2): Didn't enjoy either of these as much as Brandon Mull's Fablehaven or The Candy Shop War. The magic worlds, evil bad guys, and perilous situations all seemed a little too exaggerated to be taken seriously (kind of like the old boys-in-danger story scenarios that Daniel and I used to write when we were little).
The Night Circus: This one gets a picture because I loved it so much. It would be my favorite book I read this year if I hadn't also read Mistborn. Super intriguing plot and beautiful imagery and writing throughout.
Midnight in Austenland: I loved the first Austenland book, but this one seemed a little contrived to me. Too Lost-in-Austeny for my taste.
Warbreaker: This was my first attempt with Brandon Sanderson and it was a smashing success! I went from skeptic to convert after reading this book, an excellent, creative, in-depth examination of religious and social structures complete with complex, three-dimensional characters and epic confrontations between good and evil.
Mistborn Trilogy: Hands down my pick for the best books I've read this year and probably for many years. These are books you want to live, not just read, and not just once but over and over again. I fell in love with the characters, the concept, the plot, and the writing. Seriously, I can't say anything bad about these books (except that if you are like me, you will cry when you finish them because all you want to do is to keep reading them forever).
Elantris: Again, one of the best sci-fi fantasies I've read, though I still consider it the weakest of B. Sanderson's. Still, I'm astonished at how good he is even when he is not so good.
King Lear: A very tragic play, but touching, inspirational, and beautiful in its own way. A lot of the lines got under my skin for a long time, particularly Edmund's self-condemning speech about how we blame fate in vain for our actions.
The Crossing: The second book in Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy, and one I've been meaning to read for a long time. Very powerful, gritty, deep stuff.
Something Borrowed/Something Blue/Baby Proof: Probably the most frothy/indulgent books I read all year. A tad scandalous, but oh so juicy and gossipy, and I ended up caring more about the characters than I expected thanks to Emily Giffin's appealing, straight-from-the-heart style. It felt almost like reading a stranger's diary or blog, maybe while eating ice cream and giggling with your girlfriends. Definitely while eating ice cream.
The Hunger Games trilogy: It had been a while since I read these books, and I was surprised at how much I couldn't remember about the details of the plots. The first book is definitely my favorite - such a twisted, crazy, fascinating scenario, and with sympathetic, enjoyable characters as well! The second book is also quite good, though the novelty wears off a little. The third book is the worst. I tried to like it both times I read it, but both times I ended up just shaking my head in sorrow, disgust, and quizzical disbelief and amusement. It does has the greatest expectations placed upon it, so it's understandable why it isn't as good, but it's still disappointing.
As for movies, I really enjoyed seeing The Hobbit, The Avengers, and The Hunger Games this year, and am still looking forward to seeing the last Breaking Dawn (there, I admitted it), Les Miserables, and Skyfall. This semester I'm hoping to see a lot more International Cinema films. I'll be taking a Western films class too, so expect to see a lot of westerns over the next four months. Incidentally, some of my other resolutions for the year include writing my thesis, probably over spring and summer (my goal is to have at least a rough draft of every chapter by December!), taking a dance class (I want to do one before I graduate, and it's looking like that will happen a year from this semester), finishing up everything I need to graduate besides my thesis (Spanish 321, I'm looking at you), writing in my journal weekly (I took two weeks off due to being sick), swimming/exercising/playing volleyball more regularly, and finally, a few spiritual goals - daily prayer, scripture study, and weekly family home evening/date night with Matthew. This May will be our two-year anniversary - how fast it goes by! Hard to believe we're still in the same apartment we started out in, and even more that it feels like home.
Understanding Comics/Making Comics by Scott McCloud: Really interesting, visually appealing books that make you wish you could learn about EVERY subject through comics.
Batman: The Long Halloween: Pretty fun graphic novel. Quick, easy read. The pictures are hyper exaggerated and super colorful and I did feel a bit like a nerdy teenager, but I still enjoyed the story, characters, and format - especially after reading McCloud.
Carrie: I'm not really a Stephen King fan. I thought The Shining was such a drag. And there is a lot of over-the-top didactic stuff in Carrie that made me roll my eyes a bit. But I still enjoyed writing and thinking about Carrie in the context of some pretty big issues we discussed in one of my classes last semester on monsters. I even saw the movie, and wasn't nearly as freaked out as I had been led to expect I would be.
The Knife of Never Letting Go: I was really fascinated by this book through about 90% of it. And I do mean the I can't stop reading or even put down this book type of fascination. But for some reason, the end didn't quite have me dying to read the sequel the way it was supposed to. I tried to start the sequel and just couldn't get into it with the same amount of enthusiasm. This has happened before with The Maze Runner, and I'm still not sure why. Too much build up with too little pay off? Or maybe too much pay off? (Once the main question was answered, I wasn't as interested in finding out anything else.) Anyway, I enjoyed the concept and thought his style of writing was very unique (i.e. intriguing/odd/sometimes downright annoying). Give it a whirl if you're in a mood to be controversial.
Rosemary's Baby: Didn't much care for this one. I've heard it called a horror story and a satire, but it wasn't quite scary, and it wasn't quite funny. I also got a headache trying to figure out how to write about it (I eventually switched to writing about Carrie), so I currently am holding a grudge.
Delirium: I really was intrigued by the concept of this book (Love is a disease? Fascinating!), but found the characters and execution to be oh-so-tiresome. The story was quickly bogged down by the overkill development of the not that hard to grasp background, and fretful, wistful, time-wasting meandering through typical teenage mood swings, swooning, determination to rebel, etc. I eventually gave up and skimmed through the whole thing, decided the plot wasn't that impressive after all, and moved on.
The Fault in Our Stars: I've tried to read a few Jon Green novels before this one, and never really got attached to the characters or story. Until this one. From almost the first page I was immediately drawn in and was astonished at how quickly I came to relate and identify with the main character's attitude and situation. The simplicity and normalcy of the story somehow seemed epic and crucial. I would highly recommend this one, and I'm going to give his other books another go.
Ready Player One: Loved, loved, LOVED this one. Entertaining, exciting, intriguing, creative, and non-stop adrenaline the whole way through. Another one I had trouble putting down. And I don't even play video or computer games (which is what the whole book is about). Definitely recommend.
Flowers for Algernon: I loved this book - the story, the writing, the character, and the heart behind it all really got to me. It's heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.
Lazy B: Nice, nostalgic read about Sandra Day's memoirs growing up on a ranch. Made me want to write and live my own childhood again.
The Meadow: I've read this before, but it's worth reading again. Poetic and thought-provoking.
I Am the Messenger: Very interesting, creative work from the author of the Book Thief. It doesn't feel quite as epic or inspirational as The Book Thief, but still brings that element of truth combined with mystery, secrecy, and import. I am amazed at how well this author weaves together seemingly unconnected images and moments to create such unified and beautiful ideas.
Beyonders (1&2): Didn't enjoy either of these as much as Brandon Mull's Fablehaven or The Candy Shop War. The magic worlds, evil bad guys, and perilous situations all seemed a little too exaggerated to be taken seriously (kind of like the old boys-in-danger story scenarios that Daniel and I used to write when we were little).
The Night Circus: This one gets a picture because I loved it so much. It would be my favorite book I read this year if I hadn't also read Mistborn. Super intriguing plot and beautiful imagery and writing throughout.
Midnight in Austenland: I loved the first Austenland book, but this one seemed a little contrived to me. Too Lost-in-Austeny for my taste.
Warbreaker: This was my first attempt with Brandon Sanderson and it was a smashing success! I went from skeptic to convert after reading this book, an excellent, creative, in-depth examination of religious and social structures complete with complex, three-dimensional characters and epic confrontations between good and evil.
Mistborn Trilogy: Hands down my pick for the best books I've read this year and probably for many years. These are books you want to live, not just read, and not just once but over and over again. I fell in love with the characters, the concept, the plot, and the writing. Seriously, I can't say anything bad about these books (except that if you are like me, you will cry when you finish them because all you want to do is to keep reading them forever).
Elantris: Again, one of the best sci-fi fantasies I've read, though I still consider it the weakest of B. Sanderson's. Still, I'm astonished at how good he is even when he is not so good.
King Lear: A very tragic play, but touching, inspirational, and beautiful in its own way. A lot of the lines got under my skin for a long time, particularly Edmund's self-condemning speech about how we blame fate in vain for our actions.
The Crossing: The second book in Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy, and one I've been meaning to read for a long time. Very powerful, gritty, deep stuff.
Something Borrowed/Something Blue/Baby Proof: Probably the most frothy/indulgent books I read all year. A tad scandalous, but oh so juicy and gossipy, and I ended up caring more about the characters than I expected thanks to Emily Giffin's appealing, straight-from-the-heart style. It felt almost like reading a stranger's diary or blog, maybe while eating ice cream and giggling with your girlfriends. Definitely while eating ice cream.
The Hunger Games trilogy: It had been a while since I read these books, and I was surprised at how much I couldn't remember about the details of the plots. The first book is definitely my favorite - such a twisted, crazy, fascinating scenario, and with sympathetic, enjoyable characters as well! The second book is also quite good, though the novelty wears off a little. The third book is the worst. I tried to like it both times I read it, but both times I ended up just shaking my head in sorrow, disgust, and quizzical disbelief and amusement. It does has the greatest expectations placed upon it, so it's understandable why it isn't as good, but it's still disappointing.
As for movies, I really enjoyed seeing The Hobbit, The Avengers, and The Hunger Games this year, and am still looking forward to seeing the last Breaking Dawn (there, I admitted it), Les Miserables, and Skyfall. This semester I'm hoping to see a lot more International Cinema films. I'll be taking a Western films class too, so expect to see a lot of westerns over the next four months. Incidentally, some of my other resolutions for the year include writing my thesis, probably over spring and summer (my goal is to have at least a rough draft of every chapter by December!), taking a dance class (I want to do one before I graduate, and it's looking like that will happen a year from this semester), finishing up everything I need to graduate besides my thesis (Spanish 321, I'm looking at you), writing in my journal weekly (I took two weeks off due to being sick), swimming/exercising/playing volleyball more regularly, and finally, a few spiritual goals - daily prayer, scripture study, and weekly family home evening/date night with Matthew. This May will be our two-year anniversary - how fast it goes by! Hard to believe we're still in the same apartment we started out in, and even more that it feels like home.
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