Hunger Games

My weekend was a lot of fun but way too short.

Friday night I had some steaks in my freezer and I wanted to grill them but two things...there were two steaks equaling 3.5lbs of meat and I don't grill well. We have a charcoal grill and I'm not good at judging things on it cooking wise. J rocks at it he really is the grill master but I do better with a stove and an oven. So I asked my wonderful neighbor if I provided the steaks would he do the cooking. So I took my half cow over to their house and the three of us had steak, crab cakes, sweet potatoes, and garlic bread. It beat any steak place hands down. So good.

Saturday I was a bump. I got up to take care of the dogs and to pick up the yard so the same neighbor could mow. Then I napped on the couch. But I needed it. Then Mom and I went to see Hunger Games (with everyone else and their aunt and uncle). We went to a 3:00 showing and it was sold out. A few observations...

• You don't have to have read the book to enjoy the movie.
• The story line feels oddly familiar to me like a book I read in high school familiar but I can't place it.
• I think because I hadn't read the book I was missing some background material that would have been helpful.
• I liked the fact that it wasn't so graphically violent which I knew it wouldn't be because it is PG-13.
• I love that the main character Katniss is such a strong female character.
• I enjoyed the "love triangle." 
• I haven't been in such a quiet theater since I saw World Trade Center.
• The cast was perfectly picked. Each actor portrayed their role brilliantly.

For now that is all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I recommend you go see it.

Then Sunday was the usual church and errands stuff. 

How was your weekend?

Act of Valor

I went to see Act of Valor over the weekend. I won't talk too much about the content because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it. I will say that I truly enjoyed the movie. I thought it was well done and showed the Navy Seals and Riverines in action without giving away real trade secrets. I really liked the way they depicted the camaraderie of the Navy Seals and of the families. I thought it would be more of a tear jerker than it was but most of it was action oriented.The movie was a fairly typical military action movie. And if you don't like that kind of movie I would suggest you avoid it. But I loved it and I would recommend it.   

A few observations about the crowd. We went to the 4:30 pm showing at a theater where you can order dinner and drinks. The show seemed to be sold out. There were a number of people in the audience that appeared to be military. There were some young kids which I was surprised by. The movie wasn't super graphic but it got the point across and there was some language. For the most part once the movie started the audience was quiet (quieter than normal) except for the woman in front of me. First she was annoyed because they got there late so she missed her opportunity to order food so she had to go out to do it. Then she proceeded to get up every 20 minutes or so to go get more food and alcohol.But the final straw for me was during one of the final very tense fighting scenes when she decided to go on Facebook on her phone to read updates and nudged her significant other to read them. So during a serious scene in the movie I have this crazy bright smart phone in my line of sight. It was extremely distracting and to me it seemed like something that could have waited until later. I was going to ask her to put it away but about the time I was ready to say something she put it away. I suspect what happened is that her guy wanted to come and she did not so she didn't care about watching the movie. I guess I figure for the cost of a movie I wouldn't waste my money coming to see something I didn't want to see.

So did you see any good movies this weekend?

Good Deeds. Great Needs. | #GoodDeedsMovie

Sometimes everyone just needs a bit of a hand. Lionsgate is teaming up with Covenant House to help homeless youth get back on their feet. Please take a moment to go to this link and see what they are hoping to do and if you feel so led share it. Good Deeds. Great Needs. | #GoodDeedsMovie

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~ Mother Teresa

Let's All Go to the Movies

From a young age I loved going to the movies. I remember when theaters still had a curtain that opened to expose the screen. Now as an adult although I'm floored at the prices I still love to go to the movies. I'm looking forward to some coming this Spring.

The Vow

I know this movie will make me cry but I love these two actors so I'll go see it anyway. I'm hoping it lives up to the previews.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence

I am a bit of a Comic Book geek. I'm ok with this. I loved the Ghost Rider comic book so I'm excited that there is another Ghost Rider movie.

Journey 2: The Mysterious  Island

I know this will be slightly cheesy but it has The Rock and it just looks like it will be a fun movie. So I'll take a look at this one.

This Means War

I think this movie looks hilarious. And I adore the actors in this movie too. I like it because it doesn't look like it will require much thought and it will have a decent story.

Act of Valor

Come on the preview leaves me a mess but I'm still going to see it. I mean it's about Navy Seals and I'm a sucker for military movies. I know it will be a tear jerker for me though.

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds

At first I wasn't so sure because I'm not a fan of all of Tyler Perry's movies but this looks like one of his good ones. I think it will be a movie that makes you think about where you are in life and how you got there.

The Lorax

This is just a win-win! I love the Lorax book from childhood and the people who did Despicable Me are doing this movie and I loved that movie so I think this will be great!!

Mirror Mirror

Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen how can I resist. I admit Once Upon a Time and Grimm have renewed my love of Fairy Tales so this is right up my ally. Plus two of the people from Pit Boss are in it. Does it get better?

The Avengers

The ultimate in Comic Book geekiness. A collaboration of comic book characters in one movie. Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, etc all in one movie. This should be great!

What are you looking forward to movie wise?

New Year's Eve (the movie)

I went to see this movie this past weekend. It is by the same director who did Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman. I liked those movies and I admit I like ensemble cast romantic comedies. I loved it! Yes you have to suspend reality about some of the story lines but you're ok with it. (or at least I was because it's a movie) I don't want to give any spoilers but there are story lines that can touch anyone and everyone can relate to. I recommend it if you are looking for a fun, good hearted, romantic comedy.

What movies have you seen lately? Did you like them?

Top Ten Favorite Holiday Movies

It is that time of year where every character that has ever been written about has a holiday movie. (Shrek the Halls) And some of them I love...some of them I can't stand. Today is my top ten favorites...

10 - Elf - I admit this was a reluctant one for me to watch because I'm not a huge fan of Will Ferrell but I admit I love this movie. Especially the end about Christmas spirit...gets me every time.

9 - The Family Stone - although I find parts of this movie hard to watch I do think it is a great movie for Christmas. The Christmas gift exchange gets me every time.

8 - Fred Claus - this was a cute movie and Paul Giamatti as Santa Claus works perfectly. Along with Vince Vaughn and Kevin Spacey they make the movie. I'm a sucker for the happily ever after.

7 - The Miracle on 34th Street (circa 2004) - I love this movie it is so sweet and cute. And Santa wins!! I love the end when the little girl figures it all out.

6 - Christmas Shoes - This is a toss up between love and hate. I love the story but it is so gut wrenching that it is a tough one to watch. I think Rob Lowe does a great job in this movie.

5 - Christmas Eve on Sesame Street - I watched this on TV every year and loved it. I could relate to Big Bird wanting to solve the mystery of how it all worked to get Santa down the chimney.

4 - Love Actually - When I first saw this movie in the theaters I was newly divorced but I loved the romance represented in this movie. And I love when the Prime Minister goes door to door. But the scene that gets me is when the guy delivers the message to his friend's wife. You want to hate him and yet you feel for him.

3 - White Christmas - I LOVE this movie!! I think it is a great movie! The end with We'll Follow the Old Man gets me every time. As I type this I get teary eyed thinking about it.

2 - A Chipmunk Christmas - As a child I loved Alvin and the Chipmunks (I still haven't watched the new versions) and I loved this movie. Although I love the record recording best I think this movie has such a cool story in that Alvin did something right and ends up almost getting punished for it. But he truly got the meaning of Christmas.

1 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas - I can almost recite this movie. (My husband can recite this movie including the songs) I love this movie because I love Dr. Suess, because I love the story, but most of all I love Max! The scene where he is on the back of the sleigh waving makes me laugh every time.

So what are your favorite Christmas movies?

Happy Halloween!!

In honor of Halloween, I was watching the movie The Rite with Anthony Hopkins but I admit I'm not a scary movie person and when it involves things like demons it freaks me out even more so I'm not sure if I'll make it through it. I like campy scary movies like Friday the 13th (no pun intended) or Nightmare on Elm Street because they are so over the top that the scary factor isn't too bad. But the creepy movies like the Omen or the Orphan those mess with me because the images will pop back into my head. I'm really more the It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown kind of girl.

What about you what kind of movies do you like?

As for Halloween plans, I went to a crazy Halloween party on Saturday and had a great time!! And tonight I plan to hand out candy if I get home in time.

What about you what do/did you do for Halloween?

The Lost Valentine

Last night I decided I would watch this movie. I had my DVR recording it so I could have watched it later but now I decide to watch it last night. It was my first night back in my house following having my wisdom teeth pulled. And so I sat and watched this touching story of a Navy bride whose husband had gone MIA so many years ago and yet she waited. She waited to see him again or to hear what had happened. To say Betty White was brilliant in this movie is an understatement. She did a great job! Both she and Jennifer Love Hewitt tell a great story of love and loss. I highly recommend watching this movie but be prepared with tissues. I realize I may be more emotional when it comes to this movie because A) it is a Navy wife, B) my husband is away, and C) I'm still recovering but it was a tear jerker. But well worth the tears.

Movie Reviews

This weekend I rented Just Wright with Queen Latifah. It was a great movie! I really like most of Queen Latifah's movies. What I liked was that the storyline wasn't 100% predictable. And it had a great cast of actors and actresses. If you like sports movies, romantic movies, or just a good movie I highly recommend you rent this movie. The cliff notes version is that the star basketball player for the Nets gets hurt. Queen Latifah is a physical therapist who works to get him back on the court.

 Last week I watched Leap Year. It was a very cute movie. I like Amy Adams and she did a great job in this movie. I admit I'm a huge Ireland fan too and it took place there so that didn't hurt.  It is a fairly typical romantic comedy. But it has some interesting lessons mixed into the storyline.One of my favorite parts was in a wedding scene in the movie.The bride toasts the groom...

May you never steal, lie, or cheat.

But if you must steal....steal my sorrows away.
If you must lie...lie next to me all the nights of our lives.
And if must cheat...cheat death because I can't imagine living a day without you.

So what have you been watching lately?

Friday Favs

Last night we went to a double feature (created by us) of Despicable Me and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Both were great movies but completely different from each other. And both had good messages to them. (I'll elaborate on that another day) But those movies inspired a Friday Favs post.

Favorite Movies....

Princess Bride - "The Storybook Story" I read the book of this after seeing the movie and an unusual thing occurred. I liked the movie better. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It has a great story and great quotes.

D

Dirty Dancing - "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" I first saw this movie in middle school and I loved it. I would rewind and watch the end dance over and over again.

 Cinderella Man - A true story about a boxer and his ups and downs during the Depression. This movie was emotional because of the love story but also because of the climate at the time.

M

Miracle - I like sports movies. I love hockey. Best of both worlds. No matter how many times I watch this I end up in tears at the end. It is also based on a true story, about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. It is a great story and a touching movie.

S

Star Trek - I am the child of trekies. I have seen most of the original Star Trek episodes, all of the original Star Trek movies, and many of the spin offs. I loved this new Star Trek movie. They did a great job with casting, story, and connecting new to old.

D

DodgeBall - I have never laughed so hard in my life. It has a lot of stupid humor but it is funny and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Definitely good for a laugh.

So what movies do you like? Which ones can you watch over and over?

Amish Grace

Friday morning I watched the movie "Amish Grace" it is based on the events that occurred in Nickel Mines at the Amish school house in October of 2006. This is an amazing movie. It is well written and touching. (a bit gut wrenching at times) There is a book by the same title that I still want to read too. In the real life story and in the movie I was moved by the forgiveness the families and the whole Amish community was able to offer to the shooters wife and family. Throughout the movie they talked about how it was their call from God to forgive. And how anger only ate at their heart it didn't hurt the shooter at all. It was such an amazing story of forgiveness in an almost unforgivable situation.

I cannot recommend the movie enough it was a wonderful movie and ultimately a testimony to forgiveness. 

Iron Man 2

On Saturday night we went to see Iron Man 2 in IMAX. It was excellent! If you are a comic book fan and or a fan of the first one...go see it. Oh and stay through the credits...there is something after it.

Movies

This weekend I watched two movies...The Blind Side and The Invention of Lying. Both were good movies.

Sandra Bullock is brilliant and frankly the whole cast is brilliant in The Blind Side. They did a good job of casting the movie. As I watched The Blind Side I was amazed by Leigh Anne Tuohy's faith and willingness to help someone. As I sat there and watched the movie and saw how the family was impacted by Michael it amazed me. Here is a family that could have walked away so easily as many would have been prone to do. But they didn't they took in Michael and treated him as part of their family. The movie had many great lessons including judging people by the inside not the outside, going with what you want not what everyone else wants, realizing you can change your outcome, sometimes by helping others...you'll help yourself, and many more. It was a great movie that I think everyone should see. (J liked it too which is saying something because we don't always agree)

 We rented The Invention of Lying because we thought it would be funny. It turned out to be a bit more thought provoking that we thought. It started out somewhat humorous because frankly everyone telling exactly what they think all the time has a humor to it. I'm glad we don't live in that world. But as the movie progressed and he lied to make his mother feel better as she was dying it took a more serious turn toward topics like the afterlife, religion, and even genetics. It is a good movie that gets you thinking. And at the same time has almost a tongue and cheek smack against the way we currently run our lives.

Movie Monday

So...I like movies but don't get a chance to watch them as much as I used to...but I've seen a couple lately. So here are my thoughts...


X-Men Origins Wolverine...a good movie for both guys and girls. Action for the guys and well hot Wolverine for the girls. Seriously though I thought it was a good movie that helped explain how Wolverine came to be Wolverine.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans...a good movie that gets you to where the first one began. You saw hints of the story in the other Underworld movies but this gives you all the details. Again I think it is good for both guys and girls so a good date movie. But be aware it is a vampire/werewolf movie so there is blood and violence.

The Spirit...well it had potential to be a good movie...but somewhere in the middle I fell asleep so I'd have to say it didn't really keep my attention. But J said it wasn't bad. He just felt it wasn't as good as it could have been.






The Curious Case of Benjamin Button...well it lives up to its title. It is a curious movie. And it was well done and enjoyable. But it had some creepy points in the movie because of age of love interests, etc. But it worked somehow. And overall we liked it.