"A setback is just a setup for future accomplishment."
Showing posts with label Films. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Films. Show all posts
15 January 2013
10 January 2013
Patent Pending (?)
Sometimes, you decide to start a new show and C convinces you that it should be Burn Notice.
That decision will start an important discussion about snacks. Obviously.
And sometimes, even though it sounds weird, you might decide to take C's suggestion seriously and actually try mint popcorn. Because you miss having someone to do stupid experiments with. Or maybe you're tired. Who knows why you listen to his suggestion.
That decision will start an important discussion about snacks. Obviously.
And sometimes, even though it sounds weird, you might decide to take C's suggestion seriously and actually try mint popcorn. Because you miss having someone to do stupid experiments with. Or maybe you're tired. Who knows why you listen to his suggestion.
Verdict: Meh. When eaten in the form shown above, the flavors of popped corn and mint are distinctly separate from each other. Once smothered (as C said after seeing above photo, "needs way more york. smother it"), the popcorn is merely a vehicle for the melted patties. There is no butter or salt in your mouth. Just chocolate and mint.
oh well.
11 December 2012
No: Oil that burned quite slowly . . .
Just in case you need a little pick-me-up during our favorite holiday season. . . .
Can I interest you in Hannukah?
Can I interest you in Hannukah?
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17 November 2012
Dance It Out
If there's one thing I've learned from Grey's Anatomy (let's be real, all my life lessons in the last four months are from Grey's), it's to dance it out.
McCall, AM, Melis, Ali. I know you all have things sucking right now. And I know you all have watched this show as religiously as I.
30 second dance party. Now.
McCall, AM, Melis, Ali. I know you all have things sucking right now. And I know you all have watched this show as religiously as I.
30 second dance party. Now.
06 September 2012
Never Changing
In July I took a trip up to Vermont with McCall, Anne Marie, Curtis, and Jake. During the drive, McCall suggested we play a game where we'd go in a circle, choose a song on the ipod, and then tell the rest of the car a memory that went along with the song.
It's incredible how strongly music is tied to memory.
There is a band based in Vegas that has rapidly become successful over the last year. Most of their LDS following claims them as being from Provo, since the initial band was started there. But all current members (except one) attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. And while he was in school, the drummer was good friends with my roommate Danielle. Who introduced me to the band's EP while we lived together.
So even though they really aren't connected to Boston as a band, they will always be connected to Boston in my mind. And when I run into their music everywhere from the radio to the Olympics to movie trailers, I can't help but think of D and be so proud of her friend.
27 June 2012
Those Are Very Powerful Words
In August 2006 I asked my mom to go buy Sleepless in Seattle for me to watch while I recovered from my wisdom teeth surgery. She got mixed up at the store and bought You've Got Mail instead. I'd already seen You've Got Mail, Abby and Kari used to quote it all the time ("Or his elbows were in splints so he couldn't really dial"), and I though Sleepless would be appropriate since I'd watched An Affair to Remember in the hospital after back surgery.
Boy howdy, I'm glad she made that mistake.
I make more life comparisons to You've Got Mail than any other movie or book I know. Just last week, I was discussing relationships with a friend and Dave Chappelle came to mind:
That's solid relationship advice, right there.
Sometimes, people ask questions that have answers pulled right out of the script:
And when I can't make decisions, or when I walk into a Starbucks, I remember that people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, buy not just a cup of coffee, but a defining sense of self:
Most people relate to one character in a story, but I really think there's a little piece of everyone in me.
Frank loves his typewriter. Irrationally. He makes up crazy theories. (The whole idea of the VCR is that it makes it possible for you to tape what's on television when you leave the house. The whole point of leaving the house is so that you miss what's on television.) And he gets caught up in ideas that distract him from reality. (You *snap* are a lone reed. You are a lone . . . reed . . . standing tall, waving proudly . . . in the corrupt sands . . . of commerce. *zing*)
Christina is a bit of a pessimist sometimes. She also seems to be easily stressed out, and might make things into much bigger deals than they actually are. (But what if we have to fold? I'm never going to find another part time job and I won't be able to pay my rent, and then I'm going to have to move. To Brooklyn.) But she helps Kathleen consider all sides of a problem. (Remember when you thought Frank might be the Unabomber?)
George is devoted to his job: he loves the books. (The illustrations are hand tipped . . . That's why they're worth so much.) And he wants everyone else to love them as much as he does. (George is great, he's revolutionizing the place. You can't work in his department unless you have a PhD in children's literature.)
Birdie takes care of everyone. She is sympathetic and encouraging even when she can't solve the problem. (Cecilia, what should we do? . . . She says she has no idea. But she thinks the window display is lovely.) She is a romantic, yet pragmatic about her life all at the same time. (Now I suppose you want me to tell you who I fell madly in love with. But I'm not going to tell you. It wasn't meant to be. . . . He ran Spain. The country, he ran it. That was his job. And then he died. Just as well. Milk, or lemon?)
Joe can be sarcastic and dry. (We are the price club. Only instead of selling you a ten gallon vat of olive oil that can't even fit under your kitchen sink, we sell cheap books. Me, a spy.) But he genuinely cares about people and owns up to his mistakes. (I cannot tell you what happened last night. But from the bottom of my heart, I beg you to forgive me for what happened. . . . I'm still here. Talk to me.)
Kathleen loves the people in her life. She's not a fighter by nature, but she'll fight for what matters. (Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!) She knows what's important, but she also wonders if she can do something more. (Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?)
You've Got Mail teaches me that people are always saying change is a good thing. But what they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all has happened. It teaches me that sometimes you have to go to the mattresses. It teaches me to say Happy Thanksgiving back. It teaches me that when I know the exact thing I want to say in the exact moment I want to say it, I will feel terrible. Because no matter what anyone does to me, that is no excuse for my behavior. It teaches me that when you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way no other reading does. It teaches me that the brave thing to do is daring to imagine that you could have a different life.
Most romantic comedies are more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.
So, thanks.
Nora Ephron, you will be missed.
Boy howdy, I'm glad she made that mistake.
I make more life comparisons to You've Got Mail than any other movie or book I know. Just last week, I was discussing relationships with a friend and Dave Chappelle came to mind:
"I always take a relationship to the next level. And if that works then I take it to the next level after that. Until I finally reach that level where it becomes absolutely necessary for me to leave."
That's solid relationship advice, right there.
Sometimes, people ask questions that have answers pulled right out of the script:
"Are you online?"
"As far as I'm concerned, the internet is just another way of being rejected by women."
And when I can't make decisions, or when I walk into a Starbucks, I remember that people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, buy not just a cup of coffee, but a defining sense of self:
"Tall! Decaf! Cappuccino!"
Most people relate to one character in a story, but I really think there's a little piece of everyone in me.
Frank loves his typewriter. Irrationally. He makes up crazy theories. (The whole idea of the VCR is that it makes it possible for you to tape what's on television when you leave the house. The whole point of leaving the house is so that you miss what's on television.) And he gets caught up in ideas that distract him from reality. (You *snap* are a lone reed. You are a lone . . . reed . . . standing tall, waving proudly . . . in the corrupt sands . . . of commerce. *zing*)
Christina is a bit of a pessimist sometimes. She also seems to be easily stressed out, and might make things into much bigger deals than they actually are. (But what if we have to fold? I'm never going to find another part time job and I won't be able to pay my rent, and then I'm going to have to move. To Brooklyn.) But she helps Kathleen consider all sides of a problem. (Remember when you thought Frank might be the Unabomber?)
George is devoted to his job: he loves the books. (The illustrations are hand tipped . . . That's why they're worth so much.) And he wants everyone else to love them as much as he does. (George is great, he's revolutionizing the place. You can't work in his department unless you have a PhD in children's literature.)
Birdie takes care of everyone. She is sympathetic and encouraging even when she can't solve the problem. (Cecilia, what should we do? . . . She says she has no idea. But she thinks the window display is lovely.) She is a romantic, yet pragmatic about her life all at the same time. (Now I suppose you want me to tell you who I fell madly in love with. But I'm not going to tell you. It wasn't meant to be. . . . He ran Spain. The country, he ran it. That was his job. And then he died. Just as well. Milk, or lemon?)
Joe can be sarcastic and dry. (We are the price club. Only instead of selling you a ten gallon vat of olive oil that can't even fit under your kitchen sink, we sell cheap books. Me, a spy.) But he genuinely cares about people and owns up to his mistakes. (I cannot tell you what happened last night. But from the bottom of my heart, I beg you to forgive me for what happened. . . . I'm still here. Talk to me.)
Kathleen loves the people in her life. She's not a fighter by nature, but she'll fight for what matters. (Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!) She knows what's important, but she also wonders if she can do something more. (Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, valuable, but small. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?)
You've Got Mail teaches me that people are always saying change is a good thing. But what they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all has happened. It teaches me that sometimes you have to go to the mattresses. It teaches me to say Happy Thanksgiving back. It teaches me that when I know the exact thing I want to say in the exact moment I want to say it, I will feel terrible. Because no matter what anyone does to me, that is no excuse for my behavior. It teaches me that when you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way no other reading does. It teaches me that the brave thing to do is daring to imagine that you could have a different life.
Most romantic comedies are more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.
So, thanks.
Nora Ephron, you will be missed.
17 June 2012
Confession
I have been watching Grey's Anatomy, and I cry every time.
At least it's not One Tree Hill.
At least it's not One Tree Hill.
14 February 2012
Reckless Abandon
And a quote from a much loved movie:
Happy Valentines Day.
22 January 2012
You Jump, I Jump, Jack
Isn't this the point of being young? It's your choice, Ace. People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute; you climb up here with me, it's one less minute you haven't lived.
23 November 2011
First
Dear Alan Rickman,
Even though I know I'm supposed to love Edward most in Sense and Sensibility, especially the part when Emma Thompson realizes he is, in fact, not married, I can't help loving you best. I don't believe Colonel Brandon came in second with Marianne, and you certainly do not with me. You beat Willoughby and that dreadful Robert Farris and even Hugh Grant every time.
(Unless Hugh is writing for Horse and Hound. That one kills me.)
Other than that, Alan, you're first in my book.
A
Even though I know I'm supposed to love Edward most in Sense and Sensibility, especially the part when Emma Thompson realizes he is, in fact, not married, I can't help loving you best. I don't believe Colonel Brandon came in second with Marianne, and you certainly do not with me. You beat Willoughby and that dreadful Robert Farris and even Hugh Grant every time.
(Unless Hugh is writing for Horse and Hound. That one kills me.)
Other than that, Alan, you're first in my book.
A
06 November 2011
Off to see the world
I love having friends who will sit on the couch watch movies (or Gossip Girl) for hours.
15 October 2011
Sometimes I Think I'm a Katie
I don't regularly visit this blog, but I read her post today, and it made me think:
Am I a Katie girl?
The first (and only) time I watched The Way We Were was four days after breaking up with a boy I'd been in love with for a very long time. Please, do not watch this movie while already depressed. It's a lovely film, and in emotionally stable times I really do like it (Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand, what's not to like?), but that wasprobably absolutely a very poor timing choice on my part. And really, what was I thinking? I knew they didn't end up together, it's called The Way We Were. Not a huge shocker when Hubble leaves.
Part of me thinks all girls go through times when they think they are Katie girls. But I do think that I am one always. And not just because I don't fit the norm; I think I throw myself into things (and people?) the way Katie does. And I certainly relate to this Gilmore Girls scene way too well.
Anyway. I have no way to end this thought. How about, go rent The Way We Were. As long as you're happy with your current state in life.
Am I a Katie girl?
The first (and only) time I watched The Way We Were was four days after breaking up with a boy I'd been in love with for a very long time. Please, do not watch this movie while already depressed. It's a lovely film, and in emotionally stable times I really do like it (Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand, what's not to like?), but that was
Part of me thinks all girls go through times when they think they are Katie girls. But I do think that I am one always. And not just because I don't fit the norm; I think I throw myself into things (and people?) the way Katie does. And I certainly relate to this Gilmore Girls scene way too well.
Anyway. I have no way to end this thought. How about, go rent The Way We Were. As long as you're happy with your current state in life.
12 October 2011
07 October 2011
oy with the poodles already
This has been the longest week of my life.
Okay, maybe not. Third week of December 2009 was long. As was the third week in September of the same year (darn swine flu). And the first week of May this year. But it doesn't matter, I like using superlatives. So let's start again:
This has been the longest week of my life.
Usually when I have eight million things going on (eight million = four articles and an assignment letter to write plus ~100 pages to read for the editing class; revised designs and image research for the magazine class; no fewer than five ads all due on the same day at work; a Sunday School lesson to prepare for the Quakers; and piano accompaniment to learn in a week and a half) time flies and all of a sudden it's Sunday again and where did the weekend go? I had so much to get done! But this week, no such luck. No, this week I had two Thursdays. You think I jest. I do not. It was Thursday TWICE. Which is really disappointing on the second Thursday when you think you've already experienced this and it should be Friday. I swear, yesterday's Thursday was perhaps the worst Thursday I've had in a very long time, if only because it shouldn't have been. (So sorry about the Thursday stacking in the preceding three lines.)
That last sentence (sans parentheses) didn't make much sense. That's what two Thursdays does to you.
Now nothing makes sense in my head anymore. I'm in serious need of a Big Gulp, cherry Dr. Pepper style. (Note on that, I still haven't decided what I think about this cherry Dr. Pepper. I only ever get it at 7-Eleven, but then I saw they sell it at the grocery store—do I buy some to try for longer periods of time instead of just when I want to go to 7-Eleven during work?? Also, let it be known that my Big Gulp purchases are a direct result of my friendship with Charlotte. As is my more frequent use of the word obviously. Obviously.)
And hey, can we talk about that for a minute? Language influences. I've been evaluating my slang terms lately, and I find it a little peculiar whose lexicon I pick up and whose I leave behind. Most of them aren't conscious choices, but I definitely have some sort of internal filter. Only a few people's vocabulary make the cut. I kind of like that my subconscious is just as snobby about language as my conscious mind is. Also, probably about people.
A few other thoughts from the long week, then I'm out (and might go die under my desk):
Still on the fence about New Girl. I love Zooey. But she's a little too dumb. And it's the same story every single episode. I don't know, we'll ride it out and see. (The opener for episode two was hysterical, though.)
It seems like an awful lot of Edgar Allan Poe's characters end up dead inside a wall.
Bacon and chocolate—surprisingly good combo. (See Chocolate Oink.)
Psych season premiere next week. You know that's right.
I've never cared much about Columbus, but thank heaven for him. No work on Monday.
Can we all please be so excited for this? Also, mental note to check out Michael Lewis. (Author of The Blind Side, Moneyball, and Boomerang. Watch Tuesday's Daily Show for an interview.)
Okay, maybe not. Third week of December 2009 was long. As was the third week in September of the same year (darn swine flu). And the first week of May this year. But it doesn't matter, I like using superlatives. So let's start again:
This has been the longest week of my life.
Usually when I have eight million things going on (eight million = four articles and an assignment letter to write plus ~100 pages to read for the editing class; revised designs and image research for the magazine class; no fewer than five ads all due on the same day at work; a Sunday School lesson to prepare for the Quakers; and piano accompaniment to learn in a week and a half) time flies and all of a sudden it's Sunday again and where did the weekend go? I had so much to get done! But this week, no such luck. No, this week I had two Thursdays. You think I jest. I do not. It was Thursday TWICE. Which is really disappointing on the second Thursday when you think you've already experienced this and it should be Friday. I swear, yesterday's Thursday was perhaps the worst Thursday I've had in a very long time, if only because it shouldn't have been. (So sorry about the Thursday stacking in the preceding three lines.)
That last sentence (sans parentheses) didn't make much sense. That's what two Thursdays does to you.
Now nothing makes sense in my head anymore. I'm in serious need of a Big Gulp, cherry Dr. Pepper style. (Note on that, I still haven't decided what I think about this cherry Dr. Pepper. I only ever get it at 7-Eleven, but then I saw they sell it at the grocery store—do I buy some to try for longer periods of time instead of just when I want to go to 7-Eleven during work?? Also, let it be known that my Big Gulp purchases are a direct result of my friendship with Charlotte. As is my more frequent use of the word obviously. Obviously.)
And hey, can we talk about that for a minute? Language influences. I've been evaluating my slang terms lately, and I find it a little peculiar whose lexicon I pick up and whose I leave behind. Most of them aren't conscious choices, but I definitely have some sort of internal filter. Only a few people's vocabulary make the cut. I kind of like that my subconscious is just as snobby about language as my conscious mind is. Also, probably about people.
A few other thoughts from the long week, then I'm out (and might go die under my desk):
Still on the fence about New Girl. I love Zooey. But she's a little too dumb. And it's the same story every single episode. I don't know, we'll ride it out and see. (The opener for episode two was hysterical, though.)
It seems like an awful lot of Edgar Allan Poe's characters end up dead inside a wall.
Bacon and chocolate—surprisingly good combo. (See Chocolate Oink.)
Psych season premiere next week. You know that's right.
I've never cared much about Columbus, but thank heaven for him. No work on Monday.
Can we all please be so excited for this? Also, mental note to check out Michael Lewis. (Author of The Blind Side, Moneyball, and Boomerang. Watch Tuesday's Daily Show for an interview.)
18 August 2011
Thanks, Grandma!
An addition to the list:
11) The shoes fit in a 6 if I don't wear nylons. Go figure.
12) I got $5 off because it's my birthday week.
13) This is the second year I've purchased shoes for my gift from Grandma Kathy.
Want to see them? You might not, but I bet my grandma does.
And once for fun while wearing.
Sorry about the poor quality. My camera batteries are totally dead, so we had to make due with the phone.
Oh, one more.
14) Hitchcock night, Strangers on a Train.
11) The shoes fit in a 6 if I don't wear nylons. Go figure.
12) I got $5 off because it's my birthday week.
13) This is the second year I've purchased shoes for my gift from Grandma Kathy.
Want to see them? You might not, but I bet my grandma does.
And once for fun while wearing.
Sorry about the poor quality. My camera batteries are totally dead, so we had to make due with the phone.
Oh, one more.
14) Hitchcock night, Strangers on a Train.
22 July 2011
HP: A Review
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. The end of an era. The end of my childhood.
Okay, sorry, I’ll stop being dramatic.
I’ve had a week to mull, process, and discuss the final installment in the Harry Potter series, and overall I am very, very satisfied. Sure, there are some things I wish they’d done differently (that Voldemort dandruff was really unnecessary, don’t you think?), but for the most part I think it was handled well. So, focusing on the positive, we’ve broken it down into subjects: Characters, Scenes, Overall Themes.
Characters (and the actors who play them)
While our three heroes have gotten better as they’ve gotten older (the first few movies are hilarious if judged on acting skill), the awards must go out to the supporting cast. Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter), and last but absolutely not least (really, he’s most), Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman). So, in list order—
Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom. Who would have thought ten years ago that he was going to grow up so well? Seriously, the guy is more attractive than any of his peers. And aren't you just so proud of Neville, the way he fights back and becomes so rebellious. I love it. And the Luna romance! Oh, it was just too cute.
Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall. She did well in every movie, but in this one she just shone. That duel with Snape was awesome. And some of the best lines were hers: "And Potter . . . it's good to see you." Oh! I nearly cried right there. "I've always wanted to use that spell!" and "Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnegan? As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics," were some of the funniest lines in the entire movie.
Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood. I've mentioned previously how well cast I think she was. She does not disappoint in this one either. A little different and slightly flighty without being too weird. And I was so proud of her when she yelled at Harry on the staircase up to Ravenclaw Tower.
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange. She's phenomenal in whatever she does, but her best scene in this movie was when Hermione takes the Polyjuice Potion so they can break into Gringotts. She absolutely nailed Emma Watson's portrayal of Hermione. Fabulous acting.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. One of the best casting decisions ever made. He is Severus Snape, and his scenes were hands down the best scenes in the movie. But I'll get to that in a minute.
Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom. Who would have thought ten years ago that he was going to grow up so well? Seriously, the guy is more attractive than any of his peers. And aren't you just so proud of Neville, the way he fights back and becomes so rebellious. I love it. And the Luna romance! Oh, it was just too cute.
Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall. She did well in every movie, but in this one she just shone. That duel with Snape was awesome. And some of the best lines were hers: "And Potter . . . it's good to see you." Oh! I nearly cried right there. "I've always wanted to use that spell!" and "Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnegan? As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics," were some of the funniest lines in the entire movie.
Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood. I've mentioned previously how well cast I think she was. She does not disappoint in this one either. A little different and slightly flighty without being too weird. And I was so proud of her when she yelled at Harry on the staircase up to Ravenclaw Tower.
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange. She's phenomenal in whatever she does, but her best scene in this movie was when Hermione takes the Polyjuice Potion so they can break into Gringotts. She absolutely nailed Emma Watson's portrayal of Hermione. Fabulous acting.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. One of the best casting decisions ever made. He is Severus Snape, and his scenes were hands down the best scenes in the movie. But I'll get to that in a minute.
Scenes (or specific shots)
There were a few scenes that I thought played out very, very well. The dragon. Oh goodness. Those poor goblins working up at their desks had no idea what hit them. Every time I think of that dragon bursting through the floor I start to laugh.
The scene when Harry confronts Snape in the Great Hall. This has caused some controversy, as it is very different than the book. But I really liked its effect, and I liked the lines Harry threw at Snape regarding Dumbledore's death. Did we see that occur at the end of HBP? I'm thinking no, so this was a good chance to add that bit in. And the Order walking through the doors of the Great Hall after Professor McGonagall fights for Harry was pretty impressive.
The Epilogue. I don't love the epilogue in the book, but in the movie I thought it played out really well. The aging wasn't so great, but I loved the way they pulled in John Williams's original score as you see the Hogwarts Express preparing to depart. Very reminiscent of the last scene in the first movie when Harry looks out from the train and says goodbye to Hagrid. A strong reminder of why they fought so hard in the first place, and a nice tie in to the very beginning. Plus that little boy playing Albus Severus was adorable.
The Prince’s Tale. This was the best scene in the movie, and nothing will convince me otherwise. You are allowed into Severus Snape's life for the first time (except that brief dip into the Pensieve in OOTP) ever, and you suddenly understand his motivations. I love his love for Lily, and I love the shot of him going to the house in Godric's Hollow and holding her and crying. I'm nearly crying just thinking about it. My sister pointed out that it replaces the scene in the book where he steals half the letter Lily wrote to Sirius. It was a perfect replacement, and one of the strongest images in the entire Harry Potter series.
Overall Themes
She really only had one theme overall, didn’t she? Love conquers all. And we see that over and over again. When Aberforth comes to fight in the castle, even though he said he’d given up. When Mrs. Weasley duels with Bellatrix to protect her daughter. When Severus attempts to save Lily. When Severus spends the rest of his life protecting Harry. When Harry knowingly walks into the Forbidden Forest to die. When Neville stands up to Voldemort and says they will continue to fight even if Harry’s dead.
The people who sell this theme to me the most are the Malfoys. We see them start to realize what Voldemort really is in Half-Blood Prince as Narcissa begs Snape to protect her son. We see Draco struggling with his instructions from the Dark Lord, but fearing for his life and those of his parents if he refuses. We see him hesitate to kill Dumbledore because he is not truly a killer. We see them frightened and upset as Voldemort uses their manor as his headquarters. We see Draco refuse to positively identify Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
And then Harry dies. And we witness one of the most powerful acts of love in the entire movie—Narcissa volunteers to see if Harry is truly dead, and when she discovers that her son is still alive in the castle she lies to Lord Voldemort. She doesn't care that she just lied to the greatest Dark wizard of all time, she only cares about the life of her son. And she proves again what Voldemort could never understand, that the ability to love is more powerful than anything he possesses, and it's his one great weakness that ultimately destroys him. But Narcissa Malfoy understands, and she voluntarily leaves with her husband and her son before they even know that Voldemort will be killed. They choose to walk away from evil. And that is what this series was all about.
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
The people who sell this theme to me the most are the Malfoys. We see them start to realize what Voldemort really is in Half-Blood Prince as Narcissa begs Snape to protect her son. We see Draco struggling with his instructions from the Dark Lord, but fearing for his life and those of his parents if he refuses. We see him hesitate to kill Dumbledore because he is not truly a killer. We see them frightened and upset as Voldemort uses their manor as his headquarters. We see Draco refuse to positively identify Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
And then Harry dies. And we witness one of the most powerful acts of love in the entire movie—Narcissa volunteers to see if Harry is truly dead, and when she discovers that her son is still alive in the castle she lies to Lord Voldemort. She doesn't care that she just lied to the greatest Dark wizard of all time, she only cares about the life of her son. And she proves again what Voldemort could never understand, that the ability to love is more powerful than anything he possesses, and it's his one great weakness that ultimately destroys him. But Narcissa Malfoy understands, and she voluntarily leaves with her husband and her son before they even know that Voldemort will be killed. They choose to walk away from evil. And that is what this series was all about.
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
17 July 2011
The Kennedys
In my AP US History class in high school, I remember seriously disliking two presidents: JFK and FDR. I don't recall what fostered my initial dislike, something about their policies or deportment in office I'm sure. However, since moving to Boston I have become quite fascinated with the Kennedy family. The home Ambassador Joseph Kennedy and his wife, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, first lived in is literally ten minutes from my own home, and touring it with my mother piqued an interest that has grown the last ten months.
The longer I've lived here and more I've learned about the Kennedys, the more interesting they've become. And so, when I discovered that the History Channel's canceled mini series entitled The Kennedys was available on Netflix, I immediately created an account. It certainly did not disappoint.
I don't know how historically accurate the mini series is since I really didn't know much about the Kennedys going into it (except the 1963 assassination, of course), but it certainly gives a good overview. Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes, and Barry Pepper all do phenomenal (I'll say it again, phenomenal) jobs as JFK, Jackie O., and Bobby. I loved Bobby and Ethel's relationship, and I was much more emotionally distraught when he was killed than when Jack was (granted, it was the last episode of a very emotional mini series, so that may have had something to do with it).
Watch it. Please. Obviously they weren't perfect people, but I have a lot more respect for the Kennedys as a whole and John and Bobby in particular than I did before. They went through a lot, and (for the most part) they handled it well.
And if you have any reading suggestions on the Kennedys for me, I welcome them.
The longer I've lived here and more I've learned about the Kennedys, the more interesting they've become. And so, when I discovered that the History Channel's canceled mini series entitled The Kennedys was available on Netflix, I immediately created an account. It certainly did not disappoint.
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| Image found here. |
Watch it. Please. Obviously they weren't perfect people, but I have a lot more respect for the Kennedys as a whole and John and Bobby in particular than I did before. They went through a lot, and (for the most part) they handled it well.
And if you have any reading suggestions on the Kennedys for me, I welcome them.
15 July 2011
Can't Think of a Cohesive Title — W
I will spend a significant amount of time reviewing Deathly Hallows Part 2 in one week. That gives it time to settle with me and gives you time to see it. If you haven’t seen it in a week then don’t read my post; I will have no shame in discussing details. This was a big movie, people.
In the meantime, I’m trying hard to stay awake during the last two hours of work. I’m looking forward to visiting a friend at her own job before going home to crash in stretchy pants and either continuing to watch the miniseries on the Kennedys or The September Issue, which I’ve been wanting to see for years. Netflicks is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
Unrelated, I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that I need 24-hour access to Adobe InDesign. Hello, $400+ purchase. sigh.
(Incidentally, I wholeheartedly recommend the Kennedys miniseries. Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes, and Barry Pepper all play their parts phenomenally well.)
14 July 2011
I'm going to make it
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| Found on Mugglenet.com |
Monday evening 'round 11 I had this gchat conversation with miss Melis:
me: Sirius just died
Melissa: sadness
me: 73 hours until the movie - 24 hours of work - 8 hours of class - roughly 21 hours of sleep = only 20 hours to read 1366 pages of Harry Potter
hmm.
That's 68.3 pages an hour
oh, I can do that
Melissa: haha
I love that you just did that math
me: well I didn't think it was possible. but now I'm thinking maybe it actually is
Melissa: you can do it!
And so I did. With 15 hours 'til showtime, I have 324 pages left in Deathly Hallows. Although, 7.5 of those hours will be spent at work and 4 in class, so I guess that really leaves me with 3.5 reading hours. That's 92.57 pages an hour. Up from the original goal, but I can totally do it. I read more than 100 on the T ride in this morning.
I think tomorrow's going to be a rough day. About five hours of sleep coupled with soul-wrenching Harry Potter finale feelings? Thank goodness the weekend is coming to recoup.
But it's been a good thirteen years. And I'm certain David Yates will send us all out in style.
25 April 2011
Clark Gable Is the Only Attractive Mustached Man: Repost
So I went to New York and Connec ticut.
Apparently I have become one of those people who only takes pictures on their phone. Most of those people also know how to get the pictures off their phone, though. Not me. No siree Bob.
I really need to learn how to do that.
Anyway, I went to New York last weekend and got to play with Michael, Susie, Eli, and baby Nate (SO CUTE). It was fun. We saw some of Brooklyn and some of Manhattan; we listened to a lot of Beatles; we had delicious milkshakes twice (go to Brgr on 7th and I think 29th and get a black and white; you will not regret it); we sang a Simon & Garfunkel song; we watched Hellboy; we played at a park under the Manhattan Bridge; and we sent Megan texts all weekend about the things she was missing. So great.
Then on Saturday Dema, Austin, Calvin, and I road tripped to Southport, Connec ticut. It was a gorgeous little town. But before we discuss Connec ticut, we must discuss my amazing car skillz. That's right, I said skillz.
Observe the diagram:
We had to take Jenny's car to pick up the rental, and (with Dema's excellent directions on par with orange vest-wearing airport workers) I managed to get out of the driveway WITHOUT Molly moving her car.
Thank you, thank you. I know I'm great. It's because I graduated.
Anyway, we had great road trip snacks (grapes, wheat thins and hummus, peanut butter m&ms that Calvin ate all of), great road trip music (can you say Jimmy Eat World?), great road trip rain (really, pouring cats and dogs, you couldn't see two cars ahead), and a great road trip car (huge fan of the Hyundai Sonata).
Southport was adorable. I want to live there. The houses were gorgeous, the trees were blooming, there was a beautiful Episcopal (?) church, and the library. THE LIBRARY. Oh. I loved it.
They had the typed manuscript for the last four chapters of Gone with the Wind. We saw parts of all four, including Rhett Butler's famous line, "My dear, I don't give a damn," and Scarlett's mantra, "Tomorrow is another day." I loved seeing it typed with editorial marks on the pages. So cool. They also had several foreign covers, which were really awesome to see. A lot of them did color illustration based of the movie, and several had very good likenesses of Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.
After loving GWTW, getting hopped up on bunny love (they had a rabbit at the library), and annoying other patrons, we drove in a circle three times before getting pizza for lunch. Then we drove in a few more circles (stupid GPS) until we found the ocean. Walked, skipped rocks (sort of), Austin went on a run (??) before we headed back to Boston.
Best part of the trip? Aside from GWTW and wearing my boat shoes to the ocean, very possibly a photo of Calvin asleep in the library. Alas, I do not know how to extract it from my phone.
UPDATE: Thanks to Miss Miranda-pan (a Connec ticutian herself), I can now get photos off my phone. So without further ado, I give you
Yeah baby.
Apparently I have become one of those people who only takes pictures on their phone. Most of those people also know how to get the pictures off their phone, though. Not me. No siree Bob.
I really need to learn how to do that.
Anyway, I went to New York last weekend and got to play with Michael, Susie, Eli, and baby Nate (SO CUTE). It was fun. We saw some of Brooklyn and some of Manhattan; we listened to a lot of Beatles; we had delicious milkshakes twice (go to Brgr on 7th and I think 29th and get a black and white; you will not regret it); we sang a Simon & Garfunkel song; we watched Hellboy; we played at a park under the Manhattan Bridge; and we sent Megan texts all weekend about the things she was missing. So great.
Then on Saturday Dema, Austin, Calvin, and I road tripped to Southport, Connec ticut. It was a gorgeous little town. But before we discuss Connec ticut, we must discuss my amazing car skillz. That's right, I said skillz.
Observe the diagram:
Thank you, thank you. I know I'm great. It's because I graduated.
Anyway, we had great road trip snacks (grapes, wheat thins and hummus, peanut butter m&ms that Calvin ate all of), great road trip music (can you say Jimmy Eat World?), great road trip rain (really, pouring cats and dogs, you couldn't see two cars ahead), and a great road trip car (huge fan of the Hyundai Sonata).
Southport was adorable. I want to live there. The houses were gorgeous, the trees were blooming, there was a beautiful Episcopal (?) church, and the library. THE LIBRARY. Oh. I loved it.
They had the typed manuscript for the last four chapters of Gone with the Wind. We saw parts of all four, including Rhett Butler's famous line, "My dear, I don't give a damn," and Scarlett's mantra, "Tomorrow is another day." I loved seeing it typed with editorial marks on the pages. So cool. They also had several foreign covers, which were really awesome to see. A lot of them did color illustration based of the movie, and several had very good likenesses of Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.
After loving GWTW, getting hopped up on bunny love (they had a rabbit at the library), and annoying other patrons, we drove in a circle three times before getting pizza for lunch. Then we drove in a few more circles (stupid GPS) until we found the ocean. Walked, skipped rocks (sort of), Austin went on a run (??) before we headed back to Boston.
Best part of the trip? Aside from GWTW and wearing my boat shoes to the ocean, very possibly a photo of Calvin asleep in the library. Alas, I do not know how to extract it from my phone.
UPDATE: Thanks to Miss Miranda-pan (a Connec ticutian herself), I can now get photos off my phone. So without further ado, I give you
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| Gone with the Wind in Hebrew and Arabic. |
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| The bunny. |
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| Sleeping Calvin. |
Yeah baby.
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