Beam Me Up!

Star Trek SPOILER ALERT

I have never watched any of the “Star Trek” television series. I have also missed all the movies or any type of newer TV series. I am almost completely without any “Star Trek” knowledge. I know the basics…Kirk; Spock; “Beam me up, Scottie”; USS Enterprise; “Space…the final frontier”. I haven’t intentionally avoided the series or the movies. It just happened that I missed it all. I can’t really explain it.

Well, all that has changed. I went to see the movie Star Trek. Oh…my…gosh. Incredible action flick! When Leonard Nimoy popped up in the middle of the movie, he might as well have walked right into the movie theater & sat down beside me. It was such a trip! You definitely need to see this flick. I will be checking out some of the old stuff for sure.

Live long and prosper…

 

Beginner’s Book Club

My son and I joined a book club, Page Turners, at a local library in November. The group discussed Fannie Flagg’s Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven. They enjoyed it, especially the humor. Now, the best thing that I came away from Page Turners with…these people are like minded. They enjoy books enough to seek out others to discuss them.

The group’s next selection was Richard Paul Evan’s Timepiece. My son and I both read it. It was hard for me to stay hooked. Neither of us cared for it much. It was predictable. Now predictability is not always a killer. You can still enjoy the ride, even if you know precisely where you’re going. The problem here was the ride wasn’t very entertaining either. A little too sentimental & emotional for my tastes.

I read the selection, but had to miss the meeting in December! Oh well, I didn’t have much to contribute anyway, except for some negativity. I’ll try again.

The next month’s selection was Per Peterson’s Out Stealing Horses. I was never really sure where this one meant to go. I tried to follow, but there were many side roads & I wasn’t sure which one to take. I was confused. There was a little seemingly, unnecessary explicitness (of course, for all I know, it could have been of great significance to the plot). It was enough that I told my son to skip this one. The story definitely wasn’t worth it.

Now, guess what. I had to skip this meeting too! Strike two. Come on, now, really. The next month’s selection was Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook.

I read this one, but knew ahead of time that it probably wasn’t my cup of tea. Sparks’ novels are wildly popular. I don’t care for this type of romance story. The romantic tendencies lean more towards lusty.

I did like Sparks’ narrative description of the place that Noah renovated. He made me want to live there. This, however, wasn’t enough to save it. I vetoed this one for my son too. He wasn’t really looking forward to it anway!

I found out a few days before meeting time that they had added Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. It took a bit to scramble up a copy of this, but worth it. This is the first selection I enjoyed. It is well written. Although it was a fable, I enjoyed the biblical references.

Finally, here’s one my son can read. Too late, time’s up. He is a speed reader of Olympic proportion, but I’m not. I couldn’t give the go ahead quick enough. We also found out later, this book was added especially for him. We are disappointed.

I finally make it to book club to discuss 2 books. So, I guess it makes up for the last one. I enjoyed the discussion. There were even a couple of the other ladies that didn’t enjoy The Notebook. I was sure that I’d be the only one. I’m going to have to work on conveying my negative reviews in an appropriate manner. I feel like I’m being argumentative to disagree with other’s opinions.

Now, I’m working on Daniel Wallace’s Big Fish. I’ve gotten as far as the front cover. I’ll let ya know how it turns out.

 

High Treason…a Grand Confession

I will go ahead & plead guilty. I know charges of treachery will be filed by the movie buff hierarchy if they read what I am about to reveal. There are movies that I know I should love. I have been told all my life of these larger than life flicks. Movies that establish a genre, define a generation, withstand the test of time, are perhaps even life changing (smirk). They inspire, were cutting edge, & have the esteem & respect of movier goers far & wide. Some are simple stories that people love. I anticipate watching these movies with eager & unabashed awe. But…when the credits roll, I’m left babbling “Do what?” I’m ashamed because I know these films should be highly appreciated. Admittedly, I have watched lesser films and enjoyed them. So, what gives? I don’t know. I can only tell you, (deep inhale) I do not like these movies. (Both hands over my head) I surrender peacefully.

 

 

 

 

Sleepless in Seattle  Let’s start with the no-brainer. This is a simple movie that romantics love. I watched it for the first time last month. Yawn. I did like Tom Hank’s Cary Grant impersonation.

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma!  Considering I am from Oklahoma, I may hear a knock at my door shortly. Come on, this movie makes me very ill at ease. Jud Fry…eebie jeebies. This is a creepy story lurking behind the surrey with the fringe on top, but not exciting creepy…just creepy creepy.

 

 

 

 

Casablanca  I can hear the gasps. I can’t help it. This is one I really wanted to love. I need to watch it again. Maybe I was having a bad day.

 

 

 

 

North by Northwest I can normally recommend a movie simply because of Cary Grant’s presence. Not so in this case.

 

 

 

 

West Side Story   I usually enjoy musicals. This is another one that I may need to watch again.

 

 

 

 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s   Holly Golightly…Holly Getagrip.

 

 

 

 

Doctor Zhivago   Gak, I’m gonna cough up a hairball.

 

 

 

 

Citizen Kane   No, I didn’t get it. I do like Joseph Cotten though.

 

 

 

 

For Whom the Bell Tolls   (Shrug) I liked the title.

 

 

 

My Fair Lady   Awesome costumes! I even liked Pygmalion. I’m not sure exactly why this version didn’t appeal to me…maybe it was all that screechy talking coming from Audrey Hepburn. And she’s a favorite of mine, go figure.

 

 

 

 

Gone with the Wind I still get a bad taste in my mouth when I think about this movie. Yuck. Scarlett O’Hara is one of the most despicable characters of all time. She is the most self-centered, uncaring person ever written into existence. Someone told me that her independence is what made her so endearing. Gak, she is a stubborn, morally immature person unwilling to yield to anything but her own wants & needs. She maliciously & willfully betrays anyone that gets in her way & is left sticking her chin in the air even at the death of her own child. She would do anything to get what she wants & not a second thought is given to the consequences or harm to others. I think I’m gonna spit. I know, I know…Frankly, my dear…

 

Kindle

Why do you own a kindle? After reading this article, I wanted to share my opinion of the Kindle. My son received one for his birthday. I was skeptical of this little piece of technology and fully prepared to hate it. Then, my son purchased the works of Charles Dickens (200+ Works) includes The Adventures of Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities with biography; Jane Austen’s complete novels; the works of Alexandre Dumas, includes The Three Musketeers, Louise de la Valliere The Vicomte de Bragelonne, Man in the Iron Mask, The Count … & more; New American Standard version of the Bible; The Wind in the Willows;  a Beatrix Potter collection; the works of Robert Louis Stevenson. (150+ works) includes Treasure Island, New Arabian Nights, Kidnapped, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & more; and the works of Baroness Emmuska Orczy. (26 Works) includes The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Old Man In the Corner, Lady Molly of Scotland Yard, The League of the … Nest of the Sparrowhawk, El Dorado & more all for about 30 bucks. Hello? Not only cheap, classic literature, but extensive volumes that fit in one hand. Hello, again. This is sounding better.

Best-sellers cost you $9.99. So, I tried it out. I was desperate to start New Moon & didn’t want to wait until next shopping trip. I easily downloaded it onto my son’s Kindle. This device IS convenient and easy to use. I’m impressed. But…

The Kindle can’t replace the real deal. I love the feel of a book in my hands. The smell of an old book is quite lovely. The illustrations & cover art are a big part of the whole experience.

Now, the start up cost on the Kindle is a big hurdle. $359…yikes. My son was very thankful for his grandmother’s generosity. He knew he would have to wait awhile for Mom to come up with that much geatus. I do think it’s a good investment for literary junkies.

Bottom line, the Kindle does have its place in a book lover’s life. For convenience sake, instead of lugging your library around, grab your (or your son’s) Kindle & go. What a trip!

 

Romance Is In The Air?

It’s Valentine’s Day. I went to my brother’s to watch a movie. We watched one of his favorites with my son & niece. It’s older (1998), but I hadn’t seen it. When I think of Valentine’s Day & romance, of course, I think of Blade. Right? Nothing says love like blood suckers & martial arts. Well, it’s our own personal, distorted version of love…kung fu & vampires. Watching an action, vamp movie on Cupid’s big day…it’s gotta be against the law.

 

WARNING:  This movie had a new feature. The makers tried to see how many times they could detonate the f-bomb in a 2-hour span. You could make a game of counting how many times. We tried, but lost count. It can’t be under 50 though. Yikes.

 

And the Oscar goes to…Anjelica Huston’s eyebrows!!

 

My two sons are my usual movie-viewing companions. They endure many a chick flick for the sake of dear, old Mom (heavy on the dear). Last night I subjected them to Ever After. I had never watched it before. I also wasn’t expecting much. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed it. Or perhaps it was those eyebrows of Anjelica’s! The seductive eyes she made at her informant had me rolling. Never have I seen such intense eyebrow action outside of Dwayne Johnson or my personal favorite, Becki Newton from Ugly Betty.

 

 

 

 

This movie also has me questioning a few things. Why do they have English accents if they are French? I am slow. Someone may have to explain this one to me. Also, I’m going to have to research Gustave…a real Da Vinci crony? Now the use of Da Vinci’s painting with Drew Barrymore’s face was clever. I also like the inclusion of the Brothers Grimm.

 

Now, if I am giving an award for eyebrows, I may as well include another category…Best Use of Shrieking, Moaning, & Panting Sobs. Virginia Garcia as the Spanish princess is the obvious winner. Another possible category could be…Best Use of Animal Sounds in a Flirtatious Situation. The hands-down winner…the neighs & nickers of the couple at the costume party! It’s a shame I’m at least 10 years late.

If anyone can give me other examples of great use of eyebrows in a movie…I may raise mine to you.

 

Twilight Series

 

Who isn’t caught up in the phenomenon that is Twilight? Certainly not me. I’m there! I’m not even a “pre-teen or young adult”. I have always liked vampire stories. Anne Rice was a favorite of mine. So, I had to give Stephenie Meyer a try…Wow. I was most pleasantly surprised. I devoured the first three books in five days. That has to be the biggest compliment I can give…books I simply can’t put down.

I have to be honest. Being a Mom in my late 30s, this series has a different draw for me. I’m not mesmerized by the love story. I was actually pulling for Jacob. The second book, New Moon, is my favorite. I adored the character, Jacob Black…his understated sense of humor & his easy-going, humble personality won me over. The relationship that develops between Bella & Jacob is the result of friendship, his caring & understanding. He’s there when she needs him. The relationship with Edward is a result of intense, physical attraction. Sensuality wins out. It has a stronger pull than simple, honest affection. Is it more exciting that way? Of course, but the Mother in me begs Bella to choose Jacob.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t like Edward. Quite the opposite, this is a captivating story. I enjoy Meyer’s writing immensely. I will definitely be reading The Host. 

Now, did the movie measure up to the book? Of course not, nor could it. I did like the movie though. It was a decent interpretation. I was just a wee bit disappointed because I was expecting a little more action. That’s the bigger draw for me…vampires & werewolves! Is there anyway to add a little kung-fu into this? That would be perfect.

I went to watch the movie with my 18-year old niece, one of her buddies, & my 16-year old son. The girls were gushing over Edward to the point, my son finally begged, “Do you mind?” This absolutely was a deadly gorgeous group of vampires…but, Jasper was the best looking. I know…I can’t believe it either. The girls were aghast at my preference. Even more so when I said, “The Dad’s cute too.” They assumed I was talking about Dr. Cullen, he was stunning. But, I was talking about Charlie. “Gak, he’s so old.” Like I said…not the same draw…

My niece picked out a Twilight poster & made her Dad buy it for me. I haven’t had a poster on my bedroom wall since I was a teenager living in my parent’s home. How is this going to work? Can I incorporate it into my decor? I’m laughing just picturing it. What do you suppose my guests will think?

 

My Top Ten “Go-To” Movie List

Every movie buff has a collection of indispensable movies, the ones that will be replaced when they wear out from overuse.  These are movies that I could watch at any time. I will never get tired of them. These flicks actually have a widespread appeal in my household. If someone pops one in, we will usually all gather around to watch it. These are naturally the biggest source for my family’s conversational movie quoting(the lines we throw in during general conversation).

This list is actually quite a bit bigger, but I’ve narrowed it to my top ten.

10.  Gladiator  I love historical epics. I also noticed that I have a propensity toward violence…only in my cinematic choices, of course. Not that I would hurt someone if they didn’t want to watch the same movie, but I seem to have a constitution strong enough for graphic violence on the big screen. At my signal, unleash hell.

 

 

9. Elf  We don’t just watch this one during the holidays. Watch anytime you want a good, clean laugh. I just like to smile, smiling’s my favorite.

 

 

 

8. Little Women  Surely, this pick balances out the violence of #10. I love the dynamic of this superb cast. This chick flick even has enough to entertain my boys. Are you shocked? Very.

 

 

 

 

7.  School of Rock  Jack Black…need I say more? Okay, how ’bout…It’s gonna be a really tough project, you’re gonna have to use your head, your brain and your mind too.

 

 

 

6. Muppet Treasure Island Let’s face it. You probably love the muppets or you hate ’em. I’m with the former. Tim Curry‘s presence in the cast only enhances. One leg, Jim, count ’em, one.

 

 

 

5. Singin’ in the Rain  What’s not to love? Music, comedy, dancing…Gene Kelly. What do they think I am? Dumb or somethin’.

 

 

 

4. Nacho Libre  This is definitely the most quoted movie in my home. We came across another family that holds this picture with the same esteem. Every time we see them…I was wondering if you would like to join me in my quarters this night…for some toast.

 

 

 

 

3. The Scarlet Pimpernel  Old movie 1934, bad picture quality, horrible audio, still absolutely worth viewing…again & again! They seek him here, They seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven? Or is he in hell? That damned elusive Pimpernel!

 

 

 

2. Rio Bravo  Everybody should have a favorite western. Of course, it should have John Wayne in it. Throw Dean Martin in & I’m hooked! Watch this, if only just to hear Dean & Ricky Nelson sing together. There are plenty of other reasons. You want that gun, pick it up. I wish you would.

 

 

 

1. Pride & Prejudice I’m gonna go watch this one right now! Netherfield Park is let at last. Have you heard who has taken it?

 

Get Off My Lawn!

 

I went to see Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino today. From watching the previews, I had myself amped up & ready for some hard-nosed, Clint action. I was expecting a shoot ’em up…tough-as-shoe-leather, ex-mililtary Gramps saving the neighborhood vs. scum-of-the-earth gang bangers. Not so much. It was more about the actual relationships that develop between Clint & his Hmong neighbors, as a result of conflict with the gang bangers.

I have loved Eastwood since the days of watching him as Rowdy Yates on Rawhide reruns. It is wild to see him now as old, but not too old to kick your butt. His waistline has raised a few inches as he ages, but he hasn’t lost his appeal.

This is a movie worth seeing. Be prepared for terrible language, not too much action, a few laughs & overflowing racial slurs. You do get Clint, just as tough as you expect. Now, get off my lawn.

 

Subjective

sub-jec’ tive adj. relating to personal feeling or opinion; influenced by emotion or prejudice.

My interest in movies and books has moved me to start my own journal of cinematic and literary experiences. I am not a scholar nor a critic. I have no desire to be cutting edge or mainstream. This is a view of film through my eyes, also my take on books.

Reading movie blogs is fun. I have checked out many online book clubs. I don’t always agree with critic reviews, but it’s interesting to see assorted viewpoints. I’m always amazed at differing opinion.

I have noticed that my opinions are usually quite varied from the mainstream take. Critique of film or literature is completely subjective. How we receive a movie or book is as intimately diverse as each of our personalities. The author or film maker can have a vision or specific meaning but our individual perception can spin a wildly separate interpretation.

The quality of film or literature can be debated, but not on the level of basic “Did you like it or not?” Mine are not educated opinions, but simply that…”mine”. Views can sometimes change. I like to hear how others receive the same material. We can disagree, but perhaps give thought for additional consideration.

Here’s to diversity!