Some movies leave deep impressions on me that itch at my soul and sometimes depress me briefly; they eat at me and occasionally I'll get a feeling that makes me need to watch them; Les Miserables was not one of these movies. But don't get me wrong, I really, really, really enjoyed it! It was a wonderful story, delving realistically into the workings of human beings. No one was an absolute "bad guy" while no one was perfect either. Often, movies will portray an imperfect protagonist with an absolutely evil antagonist with very few (if any) redeeming qualities, unless of course it is a movie where the bad guy turns good (but even then the bad guy is usually entirely bad and replaced by an entirely good side of him). I also appreciated the acting, singing, and scenery. The costumes were mediocre. Occasionally some of the parts were excessive and not one hundred percent necessary, like the crunching sound Russell Crowe's character makes when he hits the concrete when he decides to kill himself. Coming from someone who vehemently despises most musicals, I was absolutely contented by this film.
I have to admit I was very surprised to find that Eddie Redmayne and Russell Crowe could sing, that Anne Hathaway could sing better than Amanda Seyfried, and that Helena Bonham Carter was in the movie. This all blew me away. I was also blown away by the movie as a whole; it was beautifully created, yet so simple. The scenery was believable, yet it seemed very stage-like. I also liked that some virtually unknown actors and actress graced the performance along with known actors and actress as well as superstar actors and actress. I liked the movie a lot without being driven to extreme emotion, which is very unusual for me.
I definitely recommend that everyone everywhere goes to see it.
May Day 2011
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween Special
Trick or Treat? Scorpio, ruled by Pluto (the planet of death and riches), is the sign that contains one of my favorite holidays, Halloween. Not only is the death part fitting, but also the declaration of "trick or treat". If a Scorpio went knocking on Halloween and the homeowner chose "trick", you can be sure that Scorpio will find a way to trick them for their audacity at not delivering a treat.
Without doing research, I've gathered that Halloween is a spin-off of The Day of the Dead and All Hallows Eve, which fall around this time (October 31st). At least in America, it is a day for children to get dressed up in a costume and go door-to-door declaring "trick or treat?" and expecting to get treated. It also may be known as "Mischief Night", as a day to toilet-paper, egg, and graffiti private and public property. For college students, and who am I kidding...high school students, it's a time to dress slutty (for guys and girls) and party. If it weren't for the Frankenstorm, you'd be sure to see tons of students dressed is slutty costumes today. Because of the Frankenstorm, people like me settled on something warm and orange.
My celebrations for Halloween included going to see a scary movie, "The Cabin in the Woods", on Saturday evening, then going to two Halloween parties on campus, dressed as Minnie Mouse - I have a flapper costume, but chose not to wear it for convenience I would have worn it today had it not been for the Frankenstorm. Also, most nights since I've been back at college from Fall Break, I've watched a Halloween-themed movie, like "Coraline" last night. We were supposed to have had a Trick-or-Treating in the dorms for professor's children last night, but the Frankenstorm prevented this. Tonight I'm going to a reading of scary Classics stories in the Great Hall from 11:30pm to midnight.
Not only is Halloween surrounded by these celebrations, it is also a time to decorate. I love decorating.... This year, I have three mini pumpkins around my hearth and desk, Halloween-themed movie posters I cut out of the New York Times hanging on my walls, some Fall themed decorative items I got from Michaels, a "boo" pillow, and a "boo" blanket - or so I call them. The pillow and blanket are fleece with adorable white ghosts on them! They are so soft and I love them!
Halloween is also a time for companies to make money. Obviously this is a peak season for the candy companies. It is also a good time for decoration and craft stores. And, lots of TV channels can make special programming just for Halloween. ABC Family did a 13 Nights of Halloween, Disney Channel does a theme for Halloween each year in the month of October, etc. It also allows for TV show specials, like this week of "Once Upon A Time" featured Victor Frankenstein, which was pretty obvious from the time he said to Regina "I prefer Doctor" (not necessarily a direct quote, he said something along those lines).
My suggestions for enjoying Halloween are: watch a scary movie (or at least "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" - which I'm so sad to be missing), carve a pumpkin (or at least paint a pumpkin), wear a costume (even if it's something stupid like a name card saying "Hi, my name is Mitt Romney"), and make traditions (I always watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "Hocus Pocus").
Movie Suggestions:
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Hocus Pocus
- Scream (any of the four)
- Coraline
- The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It
- any scary or supernatural-themed movie goes
- any cutesy movie, like Charlie Brown, goes
Music Suggestions:
- Thriller
- Harry Potter's Double Trouble
- The Monster Mash
If you're throwing a party, spend the extra money on Halloween-themed cups, plates, napkins, etc. It really livens up the party, even if it's just a Horror Movie party.
Just have fun and be safe! Happy Halloween!
Without doing research, I've gathered that Halloween is a spin-off of The Day of the Dead and All Hallows Eve, which fall around this time (October 31st). At least in America, it is a day for children to get dressed up in a costume and go door-to-door declaring "trick or treat?" and expecting to get treated. It also may be known as "Mischief Night", as a day to toilet-paper, egg, and graffiti private and public property. For college students, and who am I kidding...high school students, it's a time to dress slutty (for guys and girls) and party. If it weren't for the Frankenstorm, you'd be sure to see tons of students dressed is slutty costumes today. Because of the Frankenstorm, people like me settled on something warm and orange.
My celebrations for Halloween included going to see a scary movie, "The Cabin in the Woods", on Saturday evening, then going to two Halloween parties on campus, dressed as Minnie Mouse - I have a flapper costume, but chose not to wear it for convenience I would have worn it today had it not been for the Frankenstorm. Also, most nights since I've been back at college from Fall Break, I've watched a Halloween-themed movie, like "Coraline" last night. We were supposed to have had a Trick-or-Treating in the dorms for professor's children last night, but the Frankenstorm prevented this. Tonight I'm going to a reading of scary Classics stories in the Great Hall from 11:30pm to midnight.
Not only is Halloween surrounded by these celebrations, it is also a time to decorate. I love decorating.... This year, I have three mini pumpkins around my hearth and desk, Halloween-themed movie posters I cut out of the New York Times hanging on my walls, some Fall themed decorative items I got from Michaels, a "boo" pillow, and a "boo" blanket - or so I call them. The pillow and blanket are fleece with adorable white ghosts on them! They are so soft and I love them!
Halloween is also a time for companies to make money. Obviously this is a peak season for the candy companies. It is also a good time for decoration and craft stores. And, lots of TV channels can make special programming just for Halloween. ABC Family did a 13 Nights of Halloween, Disney Channel does a theme for Halloween each year in the month of October, etc. It also allows for TV show specials, like this week of "Once Upon A Time" featured Victor Frankenstein, which was pretty obvious from the time he said to Regina "I prefer Doctor" (not necessarily a direct quote, he said something along those lines).
My suggestions for enjoying Halloween are: watch a scary movie (or at least "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" - which I'm so sad to be missing), carve a pumpkin (or at least paint a pumpkin), wear a costume (even if it's something stupid like a name card saying "Hi, my name is Mitt Romney"), and make traditions (I always watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "Hocus Pocus").
Movie Suggestions:
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Hocus Pocus
- Scream (any of the four)
- Coraline
- The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It
- any scary or supernatural-themed movie goes
- any cutesy movie, like Charlie Brown, goes
Music Suggestions:
- Thriller
- Harry Potter's Double Trouble
- The Monster Mash
If you're throwing a party, spend the extra money on Halloween-themed cups, plates, napkins, etc. It really livens up the party, even if it's just a Horror Movie party.
Just have fun and be safe! Happy Halloween!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Fun Stuff for Saint Valentine's Day
In my AP Literature class (my English class for Senior Year), we decided that we shall have a small Valentine's Day party tomorrow, in which we will exchange cheesy cards like we used to in Elementary School (since it is most likely our last opportunity to do so). I almost purchased Barbie cards that come with little tattoos for this occasion, but my mom noticed some Tinkerbell ones that came with lollipops. So, of course, I instead chose the Tinkerbell ones.
While preparing my cards this afternoon, I listened to "Love You Like a Love Song" by Selena Gomez ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgT_us6AsDg&ob=av2n ) and "You Da One" by Rihanna ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3HeLs8Yosw&ob=av2n ). Although both songs aren't totes lovey-dovey, they are the current generation's (or at least my generation's) version of love songs. However, if you're looking for stereotypical love songs, try: "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHyJTpDFgc8 or "All My Loving" by The Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWvurnpKjE4.
I think the most forgotten thing about Valentine's Day is that it is actually Saint Valentine's Day. Because I didn't know the story of St. Valentine, I thought I would do some research and share it here on my blog. I, of course, began with Wikipedia, but soon progressed to History.com. So here's the story in summary: Although there were a few Saint Valentines, the main legend is that some mean Roman emperor outlawed young men from being married because apparently they were better fighters in war. So, Valentine (a Catholic priest) illegally married young men and women in secret. He was discovered and then executed, being considered a martyr and eventually a Saint. February 14th was probably chosen as the feast day because it fell around the same time in February as the pagan celebration of Lupercalia to help alleviate the need to celebrate the unChristian festival. If you want more information go to: http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day.
On Another Note (sort of): I've had this Valentine's card for years that is absolutely stupid, but I've kept it for its dry humor. It is not one that I've received, rather I bought it because I thought it was worth it. I haven't yet had someone worthy of giving it to.
On Yet Another Note (sort of): Here are some romantic movies to watch if you're bored: The Princess Bride; Lost in Austen; Valentine's Day; Tristan and Isolde; Romancing the Stone; Casablanca; Titanic; Much Ado About Nothing; Leap Year; The Proposal; Made of Honor; Troy.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
"World Without End" in Review
When I read a book, I am looking for a story, something fantastical. For the most part, I cannot stand teen fiction. Twilight is okay, but it should have never had a sequel. I despise (for the most part) realistic fiction, which is the typical teen novel. I absolutely adore historical fiction written for either adults or children. My favorite books include The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool, The Pillars of the Earth, and now World Without End. The first two are written by Philippa Gregory and the last two are by Ken Follett.
I love Ken Follett's writing because it is direct and not overly descriptive (I would consider Jane Austen and Charles Dickens (my least favorite writer) as the most descriptive authors I have read from). The two novels I have read by Follett both are exemplory in that they are direct to the point, suspenseful, truly stories, and epic in proportion. I admire Follett's ability to write such well-developed books. I am intimidated by his ability, quite frankly. He tells the entire lives of multiple characters and manages to find endings to the stories without cutting them off short. I am also fascinated by his ability to write a sequel in which the characters are completely varying from the original characters in The Pillars of the Earth. I don't know how Follett is able to come up with solutions to so many problems the characters are presented with.
The most amazing thing about World Without End, that I did not find quite as much in The Pillars of the Earth, is that I became completely immersed in the story; I lost all consciousness with the world around me. I felt like an immediate observer of the events unfolding in the novel.
I also am astounded by Follett's ability to understand the workings of the human mind, especially for the female characters. I have never met a soul who understands people so well. Very strange for a Gemini, which, through my biographical stalking, I have discovered Follett to be.
I am also very intrigued by the depth of historical accuracy Follett gets into with this novel. I especially like that it is centered around the plague. I feel like the concept of the novel began with plague outbreak in Kingsbridge when it was written rather than with the letter the novel is supposed to be centered around. I think that the letter was just added to create a beginning and introduce an importance to the characters and a point to the story. By the end, I really didn't care about the contents of the letter, nor what was done with the letter. Also, overall the bridge was not that important nor was the cathedral's tower. Building was definitely not the defining ingredient in this novel.
Now about the ending of World Without End: I suppose everything is wrapped up because everyone is put in their rightful places. I have to admit, as well, that the ending surprised me, as did the ending of The Pillars of the Earth, but not quite as much nor in the same way. At first it seemed almost weak, but as I reread the last paragraph, I realized that it is actually very satisfying, although somewhat stereotyped.
Overall, I believe this to be one of the best stories ever told, and I would suggest this epic novel to anyone who is willing to take on the challenge of its proportion!
P.S.
Because of my obsession with astrology, I of course found myself making astrological archetypes of most of the characters, so here they are: Merthin (who I consider to be the main character) is a Capricorn, Caris is a Taurus, Godwyn is a Taurus, Thomas Langley (Brother Thomas) is a Virgo, Gwenda is a Gemini, Wulfric is a Leo, Petranilla is a Taurus, Edmund Wooler is a Capricorn, Elizabeth Clerk is a Capricorn, Mother Cecilia is a Libra, Sister Mair is an Aries, Ralph is a Sagittarius, David is a Capricorn, Annet is a Gemini, Samuel (Gwenda's son) is an Aries, Philemon is a Scorpio, Earl Roland is a Gemini, and Bishop Richard is a Libra. That's all I've got though, the rest I'm not sure how to determine which astrological sign they belong to.
From the soundtrack of The Pillars of the Earth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quo2EIFQLhE
I love Ken Follett's writing because it is direct and not overly descriptive (I would consider Jane Austen and Charles Dickens (my least favorite writer) as the most descriptive authors I have read from). The two novels I have read by Follett both are exemplory in that they are direct to the point, suspenseful, truly stories, and epic in proportion. I admire Follett's ability to write such well-developed books. I am intimidated by his ability, quite frankly. He tells the entire lives of multiple characters and manages to find endings to the stories without cutting them off short. I am also fascinated by his ability to write a sequel in which the characters are completely varying from the original characters in The Pillars of the Earth. I don't know how Follett is able to come up with solutions to so many problems the characters are presented with.
The most amazing thing about World Without End, that I did not find quite as much in The Pillars of the Earth, is that I became completely immersed in the story; I lost all consciousness with the world around me. I felt like an immediate observer of the events unfolding in the novel.
I also am astounded by Follett's ability to understand the workings of the human mind, especially for the female characters. I have never met a soul who understands people so well. Very strange for a Gemini, which, through my biographical stalking, I have discovered Follett to be.
I am also very intrigued by the depth of historical accuracy Follett gets into with this novel. I especially like that it is centered around the plague. I feel like the concept of the novel began with plague outbreak in Kingsbridge when it was written rather than with the letter the novel is supposed to be centered around. I think that the letter was just added to create a beginning and introduce an importance to the characters and a point to the story. By the end, I really didn't care about the contents of the letter, nor what was done with the letter. Also, overall the bridge was not that important nor was the cathedral's tower. Building was definitely not the defining ingredient in this novel.
Now about the ending of World Without End: I suppose everything is wrapped up because everyone is put in their rightful places. I have to admit, as well, that the ending surprised me, as did the ending of The Pillars of the Earth, but not quite as much nor in the same way. At first it seemed almost weak, but as I reread the last paragraph, I realized that it is actually very satisfying, although somewhat stereotyped.
Overall, I believe this to be one of the best stories ever told, and I would suggest this epic novel to anyone who is willing to take on the challenge of its proportion!
P.S.
Because of my obsession with astrology, I of course found myself making astrological archetypes of most of the characters, so here they are: Merthin (who I consider to be the main character) is a Capricorn, Caris is a Taurus, Godwyn is a Taurus, Thomas Langley (Brother Thomas) is a Virgo, Gwenda is a Gemini, Wulfric is a Leo, Petranilla is a Taurus, Edmund Wooler is a Capricorn, Elizabeth Clerk is a Capricorn, Mother Cecilia is a Libra, Sister Mair is an Aries, Ralph is a Sagittarius, David is a Capricorn, Annet is a Gemini, Samuel (Gwenda's son) is an Aries, Philemon is a Scorpio, Earl Roland is a Gemini, and Bishop Richard is a Libra. That's all I've got though, the rest I'm not sure how to determine which astrological sign they belong to.
From the soundtrack of The Pillars of the Earth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quo2EIFQLhE
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