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July 21, 2004
IROBOT
It was Tuesday yesterday, so you know what that means...free popcorn at the movies. So, I went, and I saw the new Will Smith sci-fi action adventure crime drama, I Robot. It was very cool. I am a fan of Will Smith, so I had that going for me, but even if you aren't a fan, I think you would enjoy his character. Very cool, very stylish, very action packed, very Will Smith.
Now, I haven't read Isaac Asimov...yet. I bought a bunch of his books at the latest book sale, so I don't know how much science he gets into in his stories. I sensed that there was a lot of science in the story, but the movie chose to focus on the action over the science, and acknowledge the fact that they weren't taking the science too seriously. I could have gone either way. I don't like movies to be dumbed down, but it is a summer blockbuster, so I really didn't want to have to think too much anyway. I think they reached a happy medium.
The effects were neat. The robots were believable, and the Chicago skyline was altered just enough. The character development wasn't all that deep, beyond Will Smith's and amusingly enough, Sonny, the robot. It was definitely a movie focused on the action and how they can wow you with the effects. I was impressed. I was not let down. I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it.
Posted by karen at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2004
Brilliant!
Well, the Symphony last night was outstanding! It was a great mixture of movie and music, two off my favorite things in the world. Having seen the movies so many times, I could just sit back, absorb the music, and be in the movie. It was a great experience. Mindy and I had a really good time. People watching at a Lord of the Rings Symphony is an interesting passtime as well. It's not your normal Symphony crowd. There was every kind of person represented at the show. It was really great seeing small children, older couples, younger couples, families, friends, fans, whatever out to enjoy an evening of great music. It was pretty inspiring. The conductor was very good, even if he wasn't Howard Shore. From what I could understand he was the person who had helped Howard arrange the music from the full movie score down to the two hour, six movement piece we heard last night. There were just a few shaky points in the music that felt like it might not hold together, but the director and musicians did a fine job of pulling it through. The choir, boys choir and soloists all did justice to the choral parts, and Sissel, the featured soloist, doing the Gollum's Song, and Into the West really did a great job. I would not want to try to live up to the expectations of the Annie Lennox vocals on Into the West, but I really thing she did a great job. I really liked it because she DIDN'T try to be Annie Lennox. So, anyway, the evening was great. The weather was fabulous, the crowd was great, and the music was brilliant. I can't wait to see it again at the end of the month in Pittsburgh!
Posted by karen at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
July 13, 2004
Lord of the Symphony
I'm going to see the Lord of the Rings Symphony tonight with my friend Mindy! I'm very excited, though slightly disappointed because Howard Shore, the composer of the music, who was supposed to be directing, is no longer directing. It will still be a good time, though, I am sure. Mindy and I get to have some quality hang out time and listen to some quality music. I will also get to see the same symphony at the end of the month in Pittsburgh, and Howard Shore is supposed to be directing there, so hopefully he will keep his engagement at that one.
I'm not quite there yet, but I slowly feel like I'm getting a grasp on what's going on here at the office. It's hard to get back on your feet after a vacation. It feels really overwhelming. Plus, this time of year is really overwhelming anyway. Some big goals for the week are the booth holders for Purple Door and the Artist Information out to the Artists. If I can succeed in getting that accomplished this week, I'll feel really good about myself.
It's a goal.
Posted by karen at 04:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2004
I'm back!
Well, I have returned to the office after a week off on vacation in Maine. Can I tell you how much I love Maine? I really would love to live there. It's so beautiful. Everything seems greener and bluer. My family and I spent the week in Southeastern Maine, in Freeport for a day (shopping at L.L. Bean) and the rest of the time in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. I could have spent all of my time there. I could spend time just sitting and staring and absorbing and resting and enjoying the beauty. It really is amazing. If you've never been there, you should go.
I have come back a bit tired, however. I took some time to see 'King Arthur' on Saturday. Clive Owen is my second favorite actor behind Ewan McGregor. He's wonderful. Tall, dark and handsome...and British. Can't go wrong there. I enjoyed the movie a lot. I've read some unflattering reviews, but I still liked it.
Yesterday, I went to my Mother's side Family reunion. It's the first time I've gone in years. I'm usually too busy over the summer to get away, but since it was the end of a week's vacation, I decided to make the effore, plus, after my last grandparent passed away this year, it helped me to realize the importance of family. I don't always feel like I fit in with my extended family, but I love them just the same.
So, now it's back to work. Purple Door is looming. I'm quite a bit behind, and have quite a lot to do. It's a bit overwhelming, but I will do my best to suck it up and plow ahead. My theme for the summer is "PUSH THROUGH THE PAIN!" I can do it! God will help me. I'm counting on it.
Posted by karen at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)