Satisfied

I saw New Moon today, and I can't help but feel happy. I enjoyed the movie as did my friend--probably the only person out there who hasn't read the books but L-O-V-E loves the movies.

The audience was mainly comprised of teenage girls but there were a few 20-something couples and girlfriend pairs in the mix. The previews reflected the intended audience of the movie (a vampire flix, a robpat flix and a bunch about romance)--which made me squirm (gosh, I'm too old for this, right?). The twihards in the crowd were entertaining with their gasps, giggles, and groans. At times, like when Rob and shirt less Taylor first appeared, I wanted to join them.

Of course, there were moments when the movie was a little too forced and Rob's, Kristen's, Taylor's acting came up a bit short. But overall, the acting, script and direction was much better than in the first movie. I loved the actor who played Aro. He was great. It is so interesting how one can capture (or try to capture) the essence of a character that is limitedly written on paper.

This brings up my latest resolution. I want to try my hand at acting. I only took one acting class in high school and in college, but I guess I've always loved or at least was always fascinated by the performing arts. I can't sing or dance but maybe I can act.

If nothing else, it will push me out of my comfort zone and provide the creative outlet that I've been craving now that I've taken a vacation from writing a book. I just feel that I might have something to share.

We'll see how that goes. It is just a silly idea now but I hope that with the right knowledge, practice, and opportunities, my creative side will finally have a chance to be shared.

WaPost on Twihards

Ah, this WaPost article captures how I truly feel about the Twilight saga.

I'm almost done re-reading book three. Then, it is on to book four, rewatching Twilight the movie, and finally, watching the new movie, New Moon... Hopefully, at that point the obsession will subside--at least until the next movie comes out this summer.

On a side note, I am smitten with Rob Pattinson. I actually found myself giggling when he was on the Today show this morning. Goodness, this series really has made me revert into a teenage girl.

Of course, I realize that I'm way too old for such a silly celebrity crush. But, I find him fascinating and disarming. I guess I haven't felt that way about a celebrity since the days of Jared Leto as Jordan Catellano. It's a little refreshing.

“Truth, justice and the American Way”

Last night, I saw Superman on the National Mall. It has been such a long time since I saw that movie (15 years?), and it was great to see it as an adult (as there are many jokes that I don't think I would have understood as a innocent young'n).

Given that it was the last Screen on the Green of the summer, it was very crowded—and unfortunately, quite cool (what’s up the weather?!). I met up with G.F.A., A-M, and a friend from grad school. It was great to see everyone and to revisit an American movie classic starring the late, great Christopher Reeves.

In other news, Floyd will be in town this September. It will be great to see him again but also, weird for him to be in D.C. I know that he'll be making the rounds to visit all of his old friends (including me). I look forward to showing off my new digs and 'hood, but mainly, I want to just chill and enjoy his close proximity.

Silent Movies are Great!

I love old movies. I grew up watching AMC (and later TCM) with my mother, delighting in the performances of Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, and Joan Crawford, among others. Although most of the movies I like best came out in the 1930s (pre-code!) and 1940s, I do have a soft spot for silent film. I’m amazed by early cinematography and acting styles and how both impacted the modern movie experience.

Today, I saw Way Down East at the National Gallery. The restored film was accompanied by a pianist who played most of the original score (about 10 percent was improvised). The pianist played during the entire 2 hours and 25 minutes of the movie, without a break.

I was simply moved by Lillian Gish’s portrayal. She was amazing and her eventual love interest and rescuer, Richard Barthelmess, was quite dashing. Of course, I loved the famous blizzard (real frozen tears on her lashes and cheeks!) and ice floe rescue sequence. I also enjoyed the traditional silent movie characterizations of the villain and town gossip.

It’s interesting how the movie’s themes are so applicable to life today. I guess it just underscores how the human experience doesn’t vary much. The costumes may change; the lifestyle may change but there will always be love, loss, betrayal, sorrow, and joy.

Pirates of the Caribbean

I can already hear the theme music...

I am so excited about Thursday's release of the final Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I loved the first movie and thought that the second was good, though I gave it lower marks due to the obviously incomplete storylines. Johnny Depp is so sexy as Captain Jack Sparrrow and Orlando Bloom isn't bad to look at either. I love the costumes (I just LOVE period flicks), the action sequences, the humor, and of course, the love story.

Since Floyd, my normal movie partner, is gone, I don't know who I'm going to go to the movies with. I guess I'll go by myself like the loser that I am. I actually saw the second Pirates movie by myself (my first solo movie trip) as Floyd was out of town. It wasn't that bad because I didn't have to worry about coordinating schedules or arguing over which movie we'd sneak into next. But boy, I missed the snuggling!!!

Here's to a good long weekend of relaxation, decluttering my apartment, and sexy, dirty Depp. I can't wait.

The Weekend Review

Floyd and I took-in a double-feature over the weekend. We saw Reign over Me and The Reaping.

Surprisingly, Reign over Me was pretty good. Adam Sandler did a reasonable job (yes, I did tear up during his final monologue) and Don Cheadle's portrayal was phenomenal. The Reaping" was an okay scary/religious movie that made me want to stay away from satanic bayou cults and to work out so that my body can be as toned as Hilary Swank's.

The rest of the weekend was wonderful. Floyd is leaving tomorrow, so I only have a few final hours with him. I don't know when I'll see him again as our summer trip may be postponed, but he'll always be a vital part of Hippo Q. & Co.

Saturday Night Movies

I saw two movies last night with a friend: Music and Lyrics and Amazing Grace. I don’t what it is about me being a sucker for chick-flix and period films. M&L was okay. Hugh Grant did a pretty good job in his role, while Drew Barrymore’s acting was less than stellar. I generally enjoyed Amazing Grace, though I wish that I knew what the movie was about before I entered the theatre.

I’m truly hoping that my next night at the movies will be much more memorable and moving.

Night at the Movies

Last night, I saw two okay movies: GhostRider and Because I Said So. I didn't quite follow Ghost Rider, but it was entertaining and amusing enough.

I must note that every scene with Eva Mendez included a shot of her boobs given that she only wore tops that were unbuttoned to her navel. That reminds me of Volver, which I saw last weekend. Penelope Cruz's boobs were an integral part of most shots in that movie as well.

Because I Said So was okay. It could have been done better and even the acting, at times, was a bit dicey--stop overacting Mandy! But it was nice to see a chick-flick post V-Day.

Casino Royale / Happy Feet double feature

I saw the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, yesterday. It was great. I loved the action sequences, the humor, and the mini love story. I was a bit skeptical when I heard that the blonde, rugged Daniel Craig would be playing the new Bond, but I thought he did a great job in his role. Bond was hot, the women were hot and the locations were beautiful. I look forward to the next Bond movie.

My friend dragged me to the showing of Happy Feet. The movie was okay, though the plot was rather random and disjointed. I liked the inclusion of the devastation of fishing trawlers and zoo life from an animal captive's perspective, but story could have been done so much better.

Harry Potter: I was super excited to see the pre-trailer for the new Harry Potter movie which is set to be released 07/13/07. I've already made plans to visit Floyd in Texas in order that we can see the movie together. Ah, Harry Potter. I was once a skeptic but now I'm a believer.

Don’t expect too much from “Marie Antoinette”

I saw “Marie Antoinette” on Friday with a friend. Although I wasn’t expecting much out of the movie, I did hope to be pleasantly surprised. But I wasn’t.

I’d characterize the movie as a mindless romp. It was truly one-dimensional and at times, I felt that Kirsten Dunst was lifeless in her portrayal. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it as a period film—I loved the costumes, sets and scenery and felt they were very well done. But the story and the acting was too simple and did not provide the more complex study of Marie Antoinette and her circle that I had hoped for. It didn’t help that the theatre was filled with high school kids talking aloud to the screen, and just plain being annoying. I’m sure that I was that annoying with my high school friends when I saw “Ever After” or “She's All That,” so I guess I shouldn’t talk.

I was a bit skeptical of the use of 1980s music in the film, but I realized, as the movie progressed, how well the soundtrack was incorporated into the scenes and how well it contributed to the tone of the movie.

My verdict: B-/C+