October 28, 2004
What's with TODAY, today?
That is a line from one of my favorite movies...Empire Records. What does it mean? Don't know. I don't think I'm supposed to. I just like the line. Because really...what IS with Today...today. Some people get the movie, and some people just don't. I had about half and half reaction to it when I showed it to my friends the first time. I just fell in love with it.
So, anyway, today is a beautiful fall day. The sun is shining. The leaves are beautful shades of red and gold and orange. The breeze is blowing and the leaves are falling to the ground. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to go outside and play in the leaves? Make a big pile and jump in them? Throw them up in the air and let them fall on you? Yes, I think it would. That is the kind of day that today is. Yep. It's on. Fall is on.
Posted by karen at 01:53 PM | Comments (1)
October 27, 2004
Top to Bottom
Last night, I saw the Movie, I Heart Huckabees. What a funny, funny, bizarrely funny movie. It was unexplainable. Not very recommendable, but it made me laugh SO many times. It was good to be back in the theater again. I realized it had been since Shark Tale that I had sat in the darkened bliss of a movie theater. With the free popcorn, it being Tuesday, and all. I also got ANOTHER coupon for a free popcorn. KA-CHING! BONUS! This was my night. Yeah, so the movie. I couldn't, in good conscience, recommend this movie to too many of my friends. There was a LOT of swearing, which I generally am VERY opposed to in movies. I just don't see it as necessary. In this case, it was horribly comical. The whole movie started out with a string of profanity that made my mouth drop open. But from there, I couldn't stop laughing. Mark Wahlberg was HYSTERICAL. I've never been so amused by one character in my whole life. But then, you step back and look at the rest of the cast... Dustin Hoffmin, Lily Tomlin, Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law, Naomi Watts! It was amazing! There were about 2 scenes, that if they weren't in there, and if the swearing was toned down A LOT, I would whole-heartedly recommend this movie to everyone I know. With that said, I just can't do it, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't see it again, but I'm glad I saw it once. I just shut my brain down and laughed a lot.
From there, I came into work today in a round-about sort of way to avoid the Presidential traffic. That is, the traffic for the rally for President Bush at the Lancaster Airport. Got to work, ready for the day, and I felt good, like I was going to get some things done today, and I did. However, I found out some depressing news after going through some of my paperwork from last week. No need to go into details, I've been dwelling all day, but suffice it to say, my happy movie buzz went down the drain. Just like that.
On the bright side, it's Wednesday, and Lost is on tonight (that's 8pm on ABC). So that will be good. As I am continually reminded, and very correctly so... God is in Control. All will be well according to His Plan.
Posted by karen at 04:32 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2004
What's going on?
I haven't been to any movies in awhile. I think I'm going through withdrawl. The last movie I saw was Shark Tale. Which was great, by the way. Very fun. Very funny. I laughed a lot. I'd recommend it. There's seemed to be an underlying theme of acceptance, which is nice, if it's the good, wholesome variety. A nice little romance story between fishes that was fun. And all kinds of little things we've come to expect from..."The Creators of Shrek!" As they are so loudly called on all of the commercials. So, the point is...I need to go to a movie. Any movie. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. Today is the Spongebob Marathon on Nickelodeon. Leading up to an all new Spongebob episode at 8pm. Yee Haw!
Posted by karen at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2004
Angels Are Singing!
The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy Exhibition was BEYOND WORDS. As a Lord of the Rings fan, I am a happy, happy camper. I will give a more detailed description in the days to come. I took notes people...notes! Some highlights were the One Ring Room. All of the costumes of the characters. The conceptual artwork. The weaponry! It just goes on and on!
Three hours we spent pouring over every word, every video, every moment of the experience.
On the way in to the exhibit, the guy at the door was giving us his usual spiel... "no cameras...no cell phones," "no re-entry after you've left," and here's the fun part... "no sleepovers." What? We said, slightly taken aback. "No sleepovers," he said. "You look like the type." Very funny. I mean, I probably had my eager face on, but I didn't have any visible Lord of the Rings wear on or anything. Ok, everyone, honesty time now. Can you TELL I'm a Lord of the Rings fan, just by looking at me?
So, stay tuned for a detailed summary of the exhibit at a later date. I have to transcribe my notes. :)
Pray for us as we drive home tomorrow. We're taking a different route, so we shouldn't have any problems, but prayers are always welcome!
Posted by karen at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)
Angels are warming up...
Today is the day! In just under 4 hours Stacey and I will be entering the Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Exhibit at the Music of Science in Boston! I'm having a hard time containing my excitement, but I'll be ok. I'm not dressed up like an elf or anything. I am wearing a subtle Lord of the Rings T-shirt, but what do you expect? It's me!
Expect a full report later today, provided the internet is still working when we return from the exhibit! Woo Hoo!
Posted by karen at 08:23 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2004
Happy LOSTday!
Today is Wednesday, and you know what that means...LOST is on tonight at 8pm on ABC! Everyone should be tuning in! It's the best new show on TV! Tonight is the second half of the two-part premier, so you don't want to miss it! Exciting stuff here. The previews showed all kinds of fun stuff, more mysterious sounds in the woods, fist fights, gun shots!, handcuffs!...what more could you ask for? Oh yes, hobbits. Ok, not really, but actors that play hobbits, and really cool other actors, too. Tune in folks, don't be left out in the cold!
Ok, done ranting about that now. My next predicament are the movies that are coming out this weekend. Three that I want to see, and one of them is only in limited release, it's the one I want to see the most, so I probably won't even get to see it! I Heart Huckabees. That looks so unusual. It's drawing me to it. I want to see it! Jude Law, again...Mark Wahlburg, Jason Schwartzman...Dustin Hoffman...Lily Tomlin...c'mon! It's going to be awesome! But, alas...limited release! So frustrating. Then, there's Ladder 49 and Shark Tale. Shark Tale is in what I would call overkill release. That movie is why I Heart Huckabees will not be in my favorite theater...it's in about four of them! Couldn't they spare just ONE theater for Huckabees? Guess not. Maybe it will be showing in Boston! There's an idea! Hmmm....hadn't thought of that until just now. I like it.
Only four days until we leave for Boston (well, five to get through today). Yipee!
Posted by karen at 08:55 AM | Comments (1)
August 31, 2004
Movie and Book Quandries
I have a problem. Several problems actually. The movies are backing up. I was doing so well. Getting to the movies about once a week, sometimes twice if I need to, to see all the coolest movies (at least the ones that are released around here...I don't live in New York or LA, you know). Now, because of the Purple Door Festival, I am a few weeks beind, plus I HAD to see Napoleon Dynamite again...it was that funny. Now, I'm stuck, and with only more horrors to come! This week, apparently Hero was the number one movie. It looked cool...I like Jet Li, I would see it, but it was also the week of Suspect Zero. That movie intrigued me. A cool concept about a serial killer and trying to track the guy who could be the guy you need to be tracking to catch the other guys...anyway, it looks cool. HOWEVER, I also want to see Open Water, and that's been out awhile, and the way they bump movies around here, you just never know how long they're going to be around. PLUS, De-Lovely was playing at the Palmyra Cinema Center before Purple Door, no doubt it's gone now. I'm doomed!
The further quandry I have lies on September 17. Herein lies the dilemma...Skycaptain and the World of Tomorrow. The long-awaited, supercool sci-fi/comic type futuristic neato keen movie with Jude Law (cool Brit, friend of my most favorite actor, Ewan McGregor, that gets him brownie points). Wimbledon. The romantic comedy with drop dead gorgeous, super cool, super hot, awesome, talented, amazing...Paul Bettany (another cooler Brit). You see the problem. I would take the day off of work and spend it at the theater, but we have a concert going on sale that day. Stupid job...it interferes with my entertainment! But alas, what to do?
But wait, that's not all, folks, there's also a plethora of movies coming out between now and then...Vanity Fair, Papparazzi and Wicker Park to name a few that I wouldn't mind catching. I'm DOOMED! Plus, I don't have that much money! Well, my birthday is coming up...in a month. Maybe I'll get movie tickets as presents. :)
Then, it would be bad enough if movies were the least of my problems, I'm also trying to read about 5 different books! I've been wanting to start this series by Philip Pullman. The first book is the Golden Compass, which is tantalizingly sitting on my nightstand. I'm reading through Lord of the Rings again, as I'm trying to once a year, now (it's amazing what you read and find every time you read it again!). Plus, there's all the other Tolkien books I want to read. Then, there's the Ray Bradbury books I've started to LOVE. Isaac Asimov, R.A. Salvatore, and of couse, the classics that I try to fit in every once in awhile, and the fun chic lit I read to give my brain a rest. Don't even get me started on wanting to read through the Dark Tower series again by Stephen King before trying the fifth and sixth installments, PLUS, I'm catching up with my Harry Potter reading since I've fallen in love with the movies, especially the third one!
Whew...what's a girl to do? Perhaps I need counseling, or a second job...nah, that would give me even less time to read and view. Oh well, if anyone has any ideas, I welcome them.
Posted by karen at 01:30 PM | Comments (1)
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)
June 09, 2004
Harry Potter is cool.
Though my world is especially busy right now, I took the time out to go see the latest Harry Potter movie. I thought it was very cool. They went with a new director on this one, and I thought it was the best of the three. A little darker visually, but more interesting. I really enjoyed it, even though I had a killer headache through the movie. I think it's a shame that the main characters will most likely not be able to play the roles through the series. Daniel Radcliffe is outstanding as Harry Potter. I hope he will be able to break through that role and continue as an actor, because I think he's really great. The movie had such a great cast outside the "kids." (though you can hardly call them that anymore) Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, to name a few. Wow. That's an awesome cast no matter what kind of movie you're talking about. So, anyway, I really like the movie. I'd definitely see it again. I should be earning a free movie ticket soon with my Regal Gold Crown Club Card. Ah, the benefits of membership.
On the downside of things, Harry Potter was the upside...I feel pretty icky today. Yes, I said icky. I think I've caught my at-least-once-a-summer-cold. It usually happens about this time. Right before Creation. My head feels like it could explode. My throat hurts. My nose is stuffy. Icky. So, I'll feel better in a few days. Hopefully back to 100% in time for the EcoChallenge Stacey and I are manning a checkpoint for. I think it's a great idea. Run by Lebanon YFC, it's for groups of youth to hike, bike, raft, etc. to build teamwork. Not quite on the level of the really cool Mark Burnett Eco-Challenge, but cool nonetheless. I was thinking that Lyle, the guy that put it together might be a little sadistic, as Stacey was telling me what the course was like. I think I might call him Mr. Burnett on Saturday. I hope he wears a hat like Mark Burnett does. That will make it perfect.
Anyhow. Everything is moving forward for Creation. We have our big staff mailer tomorrow. Lots of help coming in. It should be a super fun day. Pizza for lunch and everything. As long as my head doesn't explode before then, everything will be swell.
Posted by karen at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2004
It's a GREAT Day!
Return of the King Release Day! I am SUCH a geek! I took the morning off to make sure to be at the Best Buy bright and early (ok, 10am) when they opened to get my copy of Return of the King with my free Collector's Edition Lord Of the Rings copy of Entertainment Weekly. I woke up, excited, of course. Jumped out of bed...ok, stumbled lazily out of bed. Staggered to the bathroom and got ready for the day. By now though, I am really excited. It's Return of the King Release Day, after all! I'm dressed in my Return of the King T-Shirt, driving my car with my LOTR PIP liscense plate, eating cotton candy and drinking a Code Red Mountain Dew. Beacuse really, all I need today is sugar and caffeine to make me more on-edge and jumpy. So, garbed in my LOTR gear, I get to Best Buy at 10am on the button, jump out of the car, and non-chalantly walk into the store, while pushing the little old lady out of the way of the DVDs. Ok, I didn't have to push anyone out of the way, but I would have if I'd needed to. I got my DVD, and headed to work with a smile on my face. It's going to be a great day!
It's just a continuation of happiness, because last night, I got to go to Hersheypark for free with Stacey and experience the new Storm Runner roller coaster. My brain is still on the ride. It shoots you off to start at over 70 mph into a straight vertical climb and then immediately into a straight vertical drop, then spins you around for about 20 seconds, all while your brain is still thinking "what the heck just happened there?" and suddenly the ride is over and you're laughing hysterically. It was AWESOME! If you saw the first Shrek, when Donkey and Shrek visit Dulok for the first time and the watch the little greeting thing when Donkey pulls the lever and the song plays and then it takes their picture, and then Donkey says, "Let's do THAT AGAIN!" That's the way you felt getting off of Storm Runner. AWESOME!
Then, more excitement, there was a HazMat call right outside our office today! A "suspicious" package was left in our office complex, and the HazMat team was called out. We got to go outside and watch the guys in suits move the package and test it, plus Stray was walking around in his Orange suit, all in charge and stuff. It was GREAT!
THEN, can life just get any better? We get to go to a picnic tonight! Ann's first summer BBQ of the year! They are so much fun! I'm bringing Applesause. And not just any applesause, CINNAMON Applesauce! Aw, yeah! Good times, people, good times!
Posted by karen at 03:42 PM | Comments (1)
May 21, 2004
Puss...in Boots
Shrek 2 was great! Every bit as good as the first. I haven't quite made a decision if it's better than the first. I'd have to see it again to decide, so I will. Not this weekend, when every kid and their parent is seeing it, but eventually, I will.
I loved Puss In Boots. He was my favorite character. I don't know why exactly, but he was just so funny. He lived up to my highest expectations. There are so many cute little jokes in the movie, you couldn't possibly see them all the first time around. Another good reason to see the movie again. One of my favorite jokes concerned the overabundance of "Farbucks" in the kingdom of Far Far Away. There was also a little goof on Lord of the Rings, which of course I loved. Pinocchio has some memorable moments, too. The whole movie is a good time. Stacey and I were laughing quite a bit, and there was a point at the end when I was a little teary. (See, if you've read my blog before, I told you it didn't take much to make me cry.)
This is a definite MUST SEE for EVERYONE! No excuses. Just go. Go now. Stop what you are doing and GO SEE THIS MOVIE!
Posted by karen at 02:17 PM | Comments (3)
May 19, 2004
Troy Review
I went and saw Troy last night at the Regal theater in Harrisburg. I really love that theater. The movie was showing on their "big" screen, which was very exciting, because it's such a big movie...epic even. Being based on Homer's The Iliad, which I was supposed to have read in high school, you can see where the epic, and biggness came in.
So, anyway, overall, it was a very good movie. The acting was great, very believable, they drew you in. They made me cry. Not that that is too hard a feat for me in a movie, but I was moved by this movie. What was a feat was that you could feel anything for these characters. There were very few to like. The only "main" characters that I could feel anything for were Hector and his family, and Priam, the King of Troy. Possibly, Odysseus, played by Sean Bean, who seemed to be a good leader, and communicator. All of the other actors had serious character flaws, although, dramatically, I suppose that was the point. As pretty as Orlando Bloom is, as Paris, the wife-stealer, you just couldn't like him, or feel sorry for him, or anything. There were some cool archery shots near the end that were very Legolas-reminiscent. You have to wonder if that wasn't a little nod to his humble beginnings.
I knew going in that I would have some problems with the story, in finding someone to cheer for, being a little familiar with it, but I didn't realize how difficult it would be. I found myself, over and over, throughout the movie, in awe of how vile these people were. It became clear early on who I would cheer for, and follow it through to the end.
So, overall, a very good film. Good acting, timeless story, but very short on a moral center. I would cautiously recommend it to the right people.
Posted by karen at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2004
Van Helsing
Today, I'm going to see Van Helsing. I'm very excited. Hugh Jackman isn't bad to look at and I'm especially excited to see David Wenham as his sidekick. I've tried not to read too many reviews yet, because I try to make my own opinion. I'm not a big "monster" fan, but the effects look cool for this movie, so I'm going to see it anyway. Plus, it's the first real "Summer Blockbuster." I'm hoppin' on the movie bandwagon...oh, yeah.
So, stay tuned for tomorrow's report on the movie. Hopefully, there will be some cool previews, too.
Posted by karen at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 06, 2004
Summer Movie Season is about to Begin!
Ah, I love the movies. This weekend marks the first weekend of the "Summer Blockbuster Season." It's a great time of year. Second only to the Fall/Winter Oscar race. That's an even better time of year.
I'm pretty much set for May. This week, Van Helsing. Next week, Troy. Then, Shrek! Woo Hoo! Bring it on! Plus there are many, many of the more "indie" films that are coming out. Not as many as during Oscar season, but plenty to keep me happy and to even out the hype of the Blockbusters (at least I hope so).
So, here we go! Movies, movies, movies...I love movies.
Posted by karen at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2004
Not so Deep Thoughts - 13 Going on 30
So, we went and saw "13 Going on 30" last night. It was a fun movie. It did inspire one Deep Thought, and then I will move onto my not-so-deep thoughts. The moral of the movie seemed to be that we need to examine where we are in life, and make sure that we are happy with where we have ended up from where we began. If we somehow, suddenly, were shot 17 years in the future, would we be happy with where we were and who we had ended up becoming. When I look back at myself at 13 or 14 years old, and even who I was in high school, I think I am at a much better place now. I am a better person, closer to my parents, happy with my friends, and in a worthwhile job, so...yay.
Ok, onto the not-so-deep-thoughts inspired by the movie. How in the world did I miss "Razzles?" I remember Pop Rocks and all of the various Willy Wonka candies, like Nerds, but I really have no recollection of Razzles. They were referred to as a prominent piece of the story line in the movie, and I just don't remember those at all. Little help? Anyone else know about them?
I, too, wanted a Barbie Dream house. Jenna, the main character, was given a dream house as a gift in the movie, not of the Barbie variety, but a very cool gift nonetheless. But, yes, I wanted one of those. I never got one, but I made due, and was never emotionally scarred by the lack of one. I had PLENTY of other cool Barbie toys to play with. I had the pink Barbie Corvette, after all.
Ah, nostalgia, I had a casio keyboard, too. It was really a fun movie to turn back the clock and just enjoy, for us thirty-somthings. It was perfect. So, if you'd like to see a cute, fluffy, not-much-thinking, romantic comedy, this movie is DEFINITELY for you. Enjoy!
Posted by karen at 11:47 AM | Comments (2)
April 23, 2004
Free Popcorn!
Ok, so I saw The Punisher last night. The good news is, I got free popcorn because it was Thursday, PLUS, I got free popcorn because I had earned enough Regal Crown Club points to earn my first reward. Woo Hoo! On the downside, the movie was not the best piece of film I've ever seen. Thomas Jane, "The Punisher", was not bad to look at, but aside from that, it wasn't that great, unless you're into horrible death and vengence. The tagline for the movie is "It's not about vengence, it's about punishment." Not true. Some of it was painful to watch, and I suppose that was the point, but it was a little too much for my taste, and I have a pretty good tolerance for make believe. Oh well, it wasn't a total waste, free popcorn and all, and there were some amusing moments in the movie to balance out the horrific violence. I think I've learned my lesson. I hope to rent Master and Commander this weekend and post a little review on Monday. Stay tuned!
Posted by karen at 12:51 PM | Comments (2)