From What I Hear...

Can Men and Women be "Just Friends?"

I'm posting this video for two reasons:

1.  Because it was filmed at Utah Valley University, aka UVSC back in the day.  I like to support organizations that helped Adam and I get to where we are.  This is also helpful in deluding myself with the idea that I'm not so far away from all of that.  (And yes, I mean that metaphorically and physically).

2.  Because this a question Adam and I have been arguing about for about 15 years.  I say "yes" and he says "no".  I will site specific examples in our own lives where Men and Women were and are "just friends", but Adam says I'm just kidding myself.  
At which point, I refer emphatically to the Harry-and-Hermione example and he throws up his hands and mutters something about 'fictional people not being real', which I, of course, refuse to acknowledge as anything but nonsense.

What do you say?

 

Real Steel

We took the boys to REEL STEEL last week and it was a great distraction!  Adam and I enjoyed it and it kept our interest.  I even teared up a little at one scene near the end.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for father-son relationships.  Lincoln gave it an 8.5 out of 10 and Kyle, a 7.  David said he really liked the 'robot fights'.  It had a good message, it was clean, and although the fight scenes were intense, there was no blood or grotesque violence, in my opinion.

Farewell to Summer

This morning the air was cool (75 degrees) and crisp (as crisp as it ever gets here).  I love this weather.  I love fall.  Fall is truely so short in Houston that I often feel we miss it altogether.  This weather, although warm by other standards, is the beginning of autumn and that the fullness of summer is gone.  And so, I offer a farewell to summer...

  

The finale is worth waiting for.  

HP Mania

Happy Harry Potter Day!  I am fairly excited for the last installment.  Not so excited that I'm ready to head out tonight for the midnight show all dressed up like my favorite character, but excited nonetheless.  In commemoration, let's do a little before and after presentation.

The threes besties:  BEFORE and AFTER

Hermione made out the best there, I think.  Love her pixie cut.

Biggest surprise in the cast:  Neville Longbottom.  Didn't see that one coming.

 

I hope the film is brilliant, but even if I hear it's terrible, I'll still pay to see in the theatres.  That being said, if it is horrible, my disappointment would rival the final book of The Hunger Games Series, so let's hope they end one of the greatest book-to-film series on a high note.  Can't wait!

Cast Off Day

In celebration of my 'cast-off' day, here's a video I've enjoyed during my many hours of being laid up.  

Animation at its most magical.  

 

Impressive is an Understatement

After posting the video on the 9th, I decided to research the music that accompanied the bookshelf-organization-gone-overboard.  The result are so impressive that impressive seems an ill-suited description.  If you've ever strummed a guitar even once, you should watch these two masters at work.  Impressive!

 

Book Review: Beastly

I heard about Beastly, by Alex Flinn, from a promo for the upcoming movie which I posted here. After watching the trailer, I had particular interest in the Beast's appearance.  Typically the Beast is hairy and bear-like or lion-like or some other animal. However, Beastly didn't go this route.  Set in present day with teenagers that text, go to high school in NY and visit chat rooms, this movie has a Beast that is scarred and hairless and has some weird tattoo affliction.  The Beast is scary and slightly disturbing but still very human and that is very intriguing.  I was excited to read the book. 

Now wait for it...yes, it was a huge disappointment. The Beast in the movie clips is strictly a movie thing. In the book, he is, in fact, bear-like.  Overall, the book is still alright.  It's told from the Beast's perspective, which I like.  The blind tutor is a cool twist.  I'd still recommend it, but I wonder if I would've liked it better if I'd never seen the trailer.  And will I like the movie now?  

Maybe this could be one of those outliers, where the movie is actually better than the book?  It's possible, people.  My all time favorite movie, The Princess Bride, is lightyears better as a movie than the book on which it is based.  

So, tell me, dear readers, are there other movies that are better than the book?  

And by the way, how great is this artwork.  "Anybody want a peanut?"  Good times!

Music of the Month

Happy September everyone!  The Music of the Month is Secrets by OneRepublic.  I heard it first on the movie, Sorcerer's Apprentice.  I love the introduction of the strings, (cello, I think) and the images drawn by lyrics and then the drums pick up and carry me away.  Good stuff, people.

Favorite lyrics:  

Need something that I can confess

'Til all my sleeves are stained red

From all the truth that I've said

What about you?  Any new favorite songs or bands of 2010?

Summertime Movies

It seems like we've watch a lot of movies lately, but maybe that's just me.  Each of them have had a different feel and I was surprised by one in particular.  

 First off:  Despicable Me.  This was just okay for me.  It was a slower than I'd expected.  With Steve Carrell as lead, I thought it would have a few more laughs, too.  Still, it was clean and I did chuckle, but it didn't meet my expectations.  Linc gave 4 out of 5, but Kyle only gave it a 2.

 Second one:  The Sorcerer's Apprentice.  I didn't expect much at all from this one and was pleasantly surprised.  I'm not a huge fan of Nicolas Cage, but he didn't bother me much and I actually liked him more after watching this film (although his stylist should have cut the hair).  This is a action-packed, clean flick for kids over 6 with minimal violence and an engaging plot line suited to the demographic.  Linc and Kyle agreed that it was a 4 out of 5, and equally as cool as The Prince of Persia.

 Lastly:  Inception.  Ah...hello?!  This was incredible.  Such cool cinematography and special effects.  The dream world they create in this film is mind-bending.  It's not an easy film to watch, though.  It requires work and thought, so come prepared, but I liked it.  A Lot.  And I didn't expect that.  5 of 5 for me, but bring your thinking cap.

Karate Kid Redux

 

(Man, where can I get some of those rockin' red jeans Daniel-san?)

So for kicks today (no pun intended) the kids and I went to The Karate Kid (2010), starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.  As someone who is of a certain age to have appreciated the first Karate Kid movie, I was excited for my boys to have a great experience.  

Overall, I liked the movie.  It was clean, age-appropriate and I do appreciate the nostalgia.  I'd say the storyline and scripting is better than the original.  It's way less whiny...sorry fans, but Daniel-sun was so whiny...reminds me of Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars movie.  Anyway, I'd recommend it for anyone over 6, especially those of the male persuasion.  There is a scene that is a bit intense for younger viewers (bullying) and to be honest, David was pretty done about half way through, but he isn't really the target audience.  

Lincoln and Kyle, those in the target audience, liked it and said it was "cool" but it wasn't a match for "How to Train a Dragon" which got a "that was the best movie ever!" review from the boys.  So, if I had to guess, this movie would get a 3 out of 5 from the kids.  That's my review for those who are interested...hope it satisfies.

When the Cats Away...

 I've been holding this entry from posting until Adam returned from his trip to Argentina, because he has this thing about letting the world know that he's not home.  I guess he's concerned that we'll be victimized by my blog readers.  Ha!  That implies I have blog readers.  scoff.  scoff.  Well, either way, no skin off my nose.  Marriage advice ladies: pick your battles.

Aaaany who.  Adam had a work trip that took him out of town over last week, weekend and most of this week.  Weekdays:  no biggie.  Weekends:  a different story. Based solely on the desire to keep my sanity, I decided to pull out the big guns = the movies.

On Saturday, after a morning of haircuts and tennis, we headed to the theater to watch How to Train a Dragon in 3D.  I add the 3D part because it was a bit of a battle.  See, as anyone who knows me will attest, I'm kinda cheap.  I didn't want to pay extra for the 3D, especially when they're gonna charge me for David.  Uh, hello?  He's two.  At best, he'll sit still.  At worst, I'll be paying for the two of us to sit out in the hall.  But Lincoln and Kyle begged and cajoled.  And I caved.  Mothering advice:  pick your battles.

Here's the official "From What I Hear" movie review.  It was a really good movie.  The message, animation and storyline was great.  The flight scenes were awesome and the characters were really relatable.  The 3D was pretty good, but maybe not $3/ticket good.  Still, the kids thought the 3D was cool and the movie, to quote my 10 year old "was the best movie ever"!  I'd definitely recommend it for kids over five but I'll leave the 3D decision up to you. 

Here's the boys sporting their 3D glasses.  No, we did not return them and no, I don't feel guilty about it.