So as I start this, there's 49 minutes left in 2011, and I'm finishing it like I have been finishing a year for as long as I can remember and that's by sitting down to myself and reflecting upon a year's past. However, unlike year's past, I don't view the upcoming year with a down point of view (not really pessimistic, maybe a bit too much on the realistic side, and not one of a optimistic point of view), however I feel that changing this upcoming year.
2011 was in many ways filled with new beginnings for me. In some ways, I didn't accomplish what I hoped to have accomplished, but like the motto of my church "moving forward together" having those goals is something that will push me forward. I finally got my license, after numerous times of having a driver's permit (but never actually having a reason to drive), which in large part this past year was due to my friends being there. Couldn't have done that on my own. I feel like friendships I had made at my church only strengthened this past year, and I look forward to what new relationships develop during the upcoming year and beyond. One of those being my relationship with Christ. The sky's the limit (well there is no limit) with that relationship. That much I know.
I happened to win quite a bit of contests in 2011, which helped me with getting some money (as I failed to get a job during the past year, even though I tried, albeit to no avail). Hopefully in 2012 I'll be able to land a job, as I need it. I'd like to be able to save up and move. I'm not really happy where I'm at, and hopefully that can change this upcoming year.
As far as resolutions go, I have a few. My first one (besides getting a job, hopefully as a tax preparer during tax season to start off with) is to lose at least 50 pounds. I can do it, as I have done it in the past, so I know the dedication and time, as well as effort that is required for it. My second resolution, and it's not a resolution exactly, but it would be nice to no longer be single for a change. If it happens, it will happen, if not, well then not. I just know that I won a necklace in a contest (a pretty nice one at that), and well I'm saving it. Saving it, because when I do find that person, or when that moment does happen, I will give it to that person. I'm not doing anything else with it.
Ah, can't forget movie going. That was fun this past year. In many ways, it was my place to escape (and in all honesty it still is). Hopefully I'll be going to the movies just as often (kind of doubt it without a job and all), and with someone other than myself for a change.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
2011 Top 10 Movies
For those unaware, I have no life, and choose to spend it going to the theaters. I'm only half kidding there, and half of it is I'm single (don't really see that changing anytime soon), so I can afford to go more often than not.
Over the course of 2011, I saw anywhere from 70-75 films, with about 60-62 of those coming at AMC Theatres alone. I've seen really good ones (The Help) to really bad ones (Abduction). Having said that, my 10 favorite were as follows:
The Help
J. Edgar
Warrior
War Horse
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
The Descendants
The Ides of March
Drive
Annonymous
Hugo
There are others that came very close, but since I went with a top 10 (granted not all of those 10 are in order, but the Help is by far my favorite of the year). Young Adult, and My Week With Marilyn, could easily switch with a few in that list, and probably a few other ones.
The worst films that I've seen this year:
Abduction
Jack & Jill
The Big Year
Three Musketeers
Alvin & the Chipmunks
Over the course of 2011, I saw anywhere from 70-75 films, with about 60-62 of those coming at AMC Theatres alone. I've seen really good ones (The Help) to really bad ones (Abduction). Having said that, my 10 favorite were as follows:
The Help
J. Edgar
Warrior
War Horse
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
The Descendants
The Ides of March
Drive
Annonymous
Hugo
There are others that came very close, but since I went with a top 10 (granted not all of those 10 are in order, but the Help is by far my favorite of the year). Young Adult, and My Week With Marilyn, could easily switch with a few in that list, and probably a few other ones.
The worst films that I've seen this year:
Abduction
Jack & Jill
The Big Year
Three Musketeers
Alvin & the Chipmunks
4 Movies on Thursday...Another 3 on Friday
What better way for myself to close out 2011 (which can be defined as a movie going one in large part) then seeing 7 movies in the last two days? Don't answer that in the comments, as I'm sure there are other ways. In order, the movies I saw were as follows: Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, New Year's Eve, We Bought A Zoo, The Sitter, My Week With Marilyn, Young Adult, and The Adventures of Tin Tin.
Up first is Alvin & The Chipmunks. I will say that this movie was better than the previous one, but that isn't saying much, as this film was horrible. Granted it's just a kids movie, but it's a kid's movie based on a popular cartoon series at one time, and the studio seems to be rushing them out for money purposes only. The plot? Pretty simple. The Chipmunks get ship wrecked on an island, followed by Dave & Eddie (both searching for them). There is absolutely no creativity with this film, granted there isn't any to begin with (after all the film is based on talking animals), but the film takes parody shots (years too late might I add) at other films, and that's really all there is to the film. The only way I would recommend this film, is you are a parent, and want to take your kid(s) out to the movies, and have already seen the other kids movies. Otherwise, avoid this one at all costs.
Coming up second was New Year's Eve. This movie is very similar to that of Valentine's Day. If you've seen that, you pretty much know what to expect, and it shouldn't come as a surprise. The film chronicles New Year's Eve (again, not that it should come as a surprise), or the events on the day of New Year's Eve in the life's of different people. The film does sport a large ensemble cast, but there really isn't that much interaction between them (my guess like Valentine's Day, due to budget costs). I found this film to be very enjoyable for what it is, even though personally, New Year's Eve/New Year's Day as a holiday doesn't do much for me (I'm single), and I honestly view it along with Valentine's Day as a couple's holiday. Having said that, I would recommend this film if you want to take a lighthearted trip to the theaters. The film certainly does make a good date movie (not that I'd know what to go see on a date).
Coming in third was We Bought A Zoo. This film, along with The Descendants (which I shared my thoughts about a few entries ago) hit close too home for me. The father, or Benjamin Mee (character's name), played by Matt Damon is a widow (lost his wife, I'm guessing to cancer, don't think the film really said what she died from, just implied it) is left raising his two kids (ages 14, and 7). It's after his son gets expelled from his school that he makes the decision that his family and himself need change in their life (to help them cope better) and ultimately come across a zoo. The film chronicles bringing the zoo back up to code in time to make the scheduled opening date. Personally, I really did enjoy this film in spite of the film hitting a bit too close to home. The chemistry between Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson was really good, and believable in the film, along with the cast in general. I highly recommend seeing this film with your family (probably after War Horse of course), or if you simply want to go see it on your own (as I did). You won't go wrong with this film.
Coming in at number four, was The Sitter, starring Jonah Hill. This was a comedy along the mold of The Change-Up, or Bad Teacher (those lines of comedy). Was one of the better comedies I've seen this year, and there's really not much more to say about this film. If your in need of a good laugh, you will enjoy this film.
Coming up next was My Week With Marilyn. This movie is presented not from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe, but rather Colin Clark (played by Eddie Redmayne) during the filming of the Prince & the Showgirl. Going into this film, I had heard Michelle Williams (playing Marilyn Monroe) was possibly going to be nominated for an Academy Award for her performance for her role. Upon seeing this film, my first reactions were no way (as the first part of the movie she was hardly in it), but when she was in it, you can clearly see why she could possibly be nominated for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. She was very convincing in her role, and in the film she plays a very drugged up Marilyn Monroe (can tell by her behavior throughout the film). Eddie Redmayne, also delivered an award worth performance, but one that will probably get overlooked come award season. I would recommend this film to anyone that is a fan of critically acclaimed films. It was rather well done, and in my opinion, a sleeper to be nominated for Best Picture.
Young Adult was the next movie I saw, and I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I went in thinking this was going to be a chick flick (judging from the previews), and I actually do enjoy chick flicks, but I couldn't have been more wrong. In fact, what I saw (judging from the past years I've gone to AMC's Best Picture Showcase), was a film that could very well get nominated for Best Picture (again as a dark horse). This movie was very well done. The film is about Mavis Gary (played by Charlize Theron) living her life in Minneapolis, and through a moment of writer's block, gets an email from her old boyfriend, which is a baby announcement. A short while later, she decides to leave, and head back to her old hometown, with one mission, which is to win back her old boyfriend (whom is played by Patrick Wilson), even though he is married (happily so) and just had a baby with his wife. I would recommend this movie to anyone really, just like the last one, especially to those that enjoy the critically acclaimed movies. This movie was very enjoyable, and you won't go wrong with this film.
Last, and certainly not least was The Adventures of Tin Tin. This animated film was perhaps one of the most realistic I've seen (and at times I thought it wasn't animated). In my opinion, this film was the best animated film of the year, and is really not one for younger kids, but perhaps the older kids. Reason why I say that, is there is a scene of blood, and killings albeit in a flashback scene on a pirate ship, and of course gunfights throughout the film. The film chronicles Tin Tin's latest adventure, which was tracking down a model ship, which was one of three, and all three provide clues to the location of treasure.
That's about it for this entry. Up next, my top 10 for the year
Up first is Alvin & The Chipmunks. I will say that this movie was better than the previous one, but that isn't saying much, as this film was horrible. Granted it's just a kids movie, but it's a kid's movie based on a popular cartoon series at one time, and the studio seems to be rushing them out for money purposes only. The plot? Pretty simple. The Chipmunks get ship wrecked on an island, followed by Dave & Eddie (both searching for them). There is absolutely no creativity with this film, granted there isn't any to begin with (after all the film is based on talking animals), but the film takes parody shots (years too late might I add) at other films, and that's really all there is to the film. The only way I would recommend this film, is you are a parent, and want to take your kid(s) out to the movies, and have already seen the other kids movies. Otherwise, avoid this one at all costs.
Coming up second was New Year's Eve. This movie is very similar to that of Valentine's Day. If you've seen that, you pretty much know what to expect, and it shouldn't come as a surprise. The film chronicles New Year's Eve (again, not that it should come as a surprise), or the events on the day of New Year's Eve in the life's of different people. The film does sport a large ensemble cast, but there really isn't that much interaction between them (my guess like Valentine's Day, due to budget costs). I found this film to be very enjoyable for what it is, even though personally, New Year's Eve/New Year's Day as a holiday doesn't do much for me (I'm single), and I honestly view it along with Valentine's Day as a couple's holiday. Having said that, I would recommend this film if you want to take a lighthearted trip to the theaters. The film certainly does make a good date movie (not that I'd know what to go see on a date).
Coming in third was We Bought A Zoo. This film, along with The Descendants (which I shared my thoughts about a few entries ago) hit close too home for me. The father, or Benjamin Mee (character's name), played by Matt Damon is a widow (lost his wife, I'm guessing to cancer, don't think the film really said what she died from, just implied it) is left raising his two kids (ages 14, and 7). It's after his son gets expelled from his school that he makes the decision that his family and himself need change in their life (to help them cope better) and ultimately come across a zoo. The film chronicles bringing the zoo back up to code in time to make the scheduled opening date. Personally, I really did enjoy this film in spite of the film hitting a bit too close to home. The chemistry between Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson was really good, and believable in the film, along with the cast in general. I highly recommend seeing this film with your family (probably after War Horse of course), or if you simply want to go see it on your own (as I did). You won't go wrong with this film.
Coming in at number four, was The Sitter, starring Jonah Hill. This was a comedy along the mold of The Change-Up, or Bad Teacher (those lines of comedy). Was one of the better comedies I've seen this year, and there's really not much more to say about this film. If your in need of a good laugh, you will enjoy this film.
Coming up next was My Week With Marilyn. This movie is presented not from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe, but rather Colin Clark (played by Eddie Redmayne) during the filming of the Prince & the Showgirl. Going into this film, I had heard Michelle Williams (playing Marilyn Monroe) was possibly going to be nominated for an Academy Award for her performance for her role. Upon seeing this film, my first reactions were no way (as the first part of the movie she was hardly in it), but when she was in it, you can clearly see why she could possibly be nominated for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. She was very convincing in her role, and in the film she plays a very drugged up Marilyn Monroe (can tell by her behavior throughout the film). Eddie Redmayne, also delivered an award worth performance, but one that will probably get overlooked come award season. I would recommend this film to anyone that is a fan of critically acclaimed films. It was rather well done, and in my opinion, a sleeper to be nominated for Best Picture.
Young Adult was the next movie I saw, and I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I went in thinking this was going to be a chick flick (judging from the previews), and I actually do enjoy chick flicks, but I couldn't have been more wrong. In fact, what I saw (judging from the past years I've gone to AMC's Best Picture Showcase), was a film that could very well get nominated for Best Picture (again as a dark horse). This movie was very well done. The film is about Mavis Gary (played by Charlize Theron) living her life in Minneapolis, and through a moment of writer's block, gets an email from her old boyfriend, which is a baby announcement. A short while later, she decides to leave, and head back to her old hometown, with one mission, which is to win back her old boyfriend (whom is played by Patrick Wilson), even though he is married (happily so) and just had a baby with his wife. I would recommend this movie to anyone really, just like the last one, especially to those that enjoy the critically acclaimed movies. This movie was very enjoyable, and you won't go wrong with this film.
Last, and certainly not least was The Adventures of Tin Tin. This animated film was perhaps one of the most realistic I've seen (and at times I thought it wasn't animated). In my opinion, this film was the best animated film of the year, and is really not one for younger kids, but perhaps the older kids. Reason why I say that, is there is a scene of blood, and killings albeit in a flashback scene on a pirate ship, and of course gunfights throughout the film. The film chronicles Tin Tin's latest adventure, which was tracking down a model ship, which was one of three, and all three provide clues to the location of treasure.
That's about it for this entry. Up next, my top 10 for the year
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Been 8 Years...For Some Reason This Holiday Season...
So, it's been 8 years since my mom passed away (died day after I turned 21), and normally speaking, I tend to handle the holidays quite well, but for some reason I've found myself missing her more this holiday season. It's been bugging me, and she's been on my mind (a lot). I've had numerous dreams lately where I see and talk to her, sometimes it feels real, others it doesn't.
I don't really have a direction I'm going with this entry, just I feel like it's something I needed to mention.
I don't really have a direction I'm going with this entry, just I feel like it's something I needed to mention.
Ending The Week With War Horse (4 movie recap)
This past week, I managed to add 4 more movies to my list of movies I've seen in theaters. Those four would be: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, and of course as the title implies, War Horse.
My thoughts aren't going to be as long on these most likely, as I don't feel like writing anything really in depth. My favorite out of the four is actually a tie. That's between War Horse and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The last two in order are Mission Impossible, and Sherlock Holmes.
Mission Impossible, in my opinion was better than the last film in the Mission Impossible series. The newest installment does a very good job in moving the franchise into a new direction, with the possibility of Jeremy Renner taking the helm of the franchise down the line. My only real complaint with the film however, is the lead actress. Her acting in the film (emotional wise, or scenes where she had to show emotion) was rather stiff to say the least. In large part, she was only in the film for her looks. Other than that, it's a non-stop enjoyable action flick. As a recommendation, I would see this film in IMAX (if your going to see it in 3D), and the reason for that is it is the only format that has the first 6 minutes of the Dark Knight Rises. If that doesn't interest you, then feel free to see it elsewhere.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (was actually one of two movies I saw on Christmas Eve) was really done well. The beginning of the film is very reminiscent of a James Bond intro, and it's no coincidence that the film stars Daniel Craig (whom by the way was really good in the film, only to be out shined by the lead actress in the film Rooney Mora). The film is a long one (2 hours and 40 minutes, with previews about 2 hours and 55 minutes, so plan accordingly if your planning on seeing it). I really don't want to spoil much of the film, so I will say that there are two graphic scenes in the film that you may or may not find upsetting, but it's a scene that in my opinion makes her an Oscar favorite at next year's Academy Awards. I would recommend this film for anyone that is a fan of Daniel Craig, or anyone that is looking to see an Oscar like contender this late in the year.
Up next (also seen on Christmas Eve) was Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows. This film (if you were a fan of the original) doesn't disappoint. In actuality, it's a sequel where if you didn't see the first one, it wouldn't matter, and does great as a standalone film. Robery Downey Jr. and Jude Law as in the first one have very good chemistry and as mentioned this film doesn't disappoint. Really don't know what else to mention in here. So I'll now go onto the next film.
War Horse. What to say. The film if your not aware, was directed by Steven Spielberg and chronicles the life of a not so ordinary horse, and how the horse goes from a horse that is almost killed at a young age, to being trained by a teenager, to seeing war, to being reuinited. Having said that, I will say that this film was really good. In my opinion, it's going to be nominated for best picture (or at the very least will be on the outside looking in coming up early next year). The film has a superb soundtrack, and should come as no surprise as the score is done by John Williams. My only complaint with the film (and it's not enough to change my recommendation of seeing the film) is that the film was over sensationalized.
My thoughts aren't going to be as long on these most likely, as I don't feel like writing anything really in depth. My favorite out of the four is actually a tie. That's between War Horse and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The last two in order are Mission Impossible, and Sherlock Holmes.
Mission Impossible, in my opinion was better than the last film in the Mission Impossible series. The newest installment does a very good job in moving the franchise into a new direction, with the possibility of Jeremy Renner taking the helm of the franchise down the line. My only real complaint with the film however, is the lead actress. Her acting in the film (emotional wise, or scenes where she had to show emotion) was rather stiff to say the least. In large part, she was only in the film for her looks. Other than that, it's a non-stop enjoyable action flick. As a recommendation, I would see this film in IMAX (if your going to see it in 3D), and the reason for that is it is the only format that has the first 6 minutes of the Dark Knight Rises. If that doesn't interest you, then feel free to see it elsewhere.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (was actually one of two movies I saw on Christmas Eve) was really done well. The beginning of the film is very reminiscent of a James Bond intro, and it's no coincidence that the film stars Daniel Craig (whom by the way was really good in the film, only to be out shined by the lead actress in the film Rooney Mora). The film is a long one (2 hours and 40 minutes, with previews about 2 hours and 55 minutes, so plan accordingly if your planning on seeing it). I really don't want to spoil much of the film, so I will say that there are two graphic scenes in the film that you may or may not find upsetting, but it's a scene that in my opinion makes her an Oscar favorite at next year's Academy Awards. I would recommend this film for anyone that is a fan of Daniel Craig, or anyone that is looking to see an Oscar like contender this late in the year.
Up next (also seen on Christmas Eve) was Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows. This film (if you were a fan of the original) doesn't disappoint. In actuality, it's a sequel where if you didn't see the first one, it wouldn't matter, and does great as a standalone film. Robery Downey Jr. and Jude Law as in the first one have very good chemistry and as mentioned this film doesn't disappoint. Really don't know what else to mention in here. So I'll now go onto the next film.
War Horse. What to say. The film if your not aware, was directed by Steven Spielberg and chronicles the life of a not so ordinary horse, and how the horse goes from a horse that is almost killed at a young age, to being trained by a teenager, to seeing war, to being reuinited. Having said that, I will say that this film was really good. In my opinion, it's going to be nominated for best picture (or at the very least will be on the outside looking in coming up early next year). The film has a superb soundtrack, and should come as no surprise as the score is done by John Williams. My only complaint with the film (and it's not enough to change my recommendation of seeing the film) is that the film was over sensationalized.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Reaching Out To An Old Family Friend...Went Well
So yesterday, I went ahead and did something I don't usually do, and really something I want to start doing yearly (and that's send out cards). Anyways, one of those cards went to a family friend. I don't know why, but I think it's because God has been pushing me to do so. I've felt it tugging on my heart, and felt the need to do so. Granted, this person isn't fully Christian (she's half Jewish or something like that).
Anyways, about this family friend, she's really more than a family friend. She's like another Aunt to my brothers and I. When my mother spent those last few months battling her cancer, she was there for us, and did her best to help out. For some odd reason, there was a falling out (due to my father, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why that was the case). Regardless, it's something that has bugged me ever since my mom passed.
Anyways, today I got a phone call from her, and I heard the pure joy in her voice. It made her day (her words, not mine). It was much needed. I'm hoping my brothers and I get to see more of her in 2012. I also greatly feel that it's what my mom would have wanted. Don't think she would have been happy with the falling out like that.
Anyways, about this family friend, she's really more than a family friend. She's like another Aunt to my brothers and I. When my mother spent those last few months battling her cancer, she was there for us, and did her best to help out. For some odd reason, there was a falling out (due to my father, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why that was the case). Regardless, it's something that has bugged me ever since my mom passed.
Anyways, today I got a phone call from her, and I heard the pure joy in her voice. It made her day (her words, not mine). It was much needed. I'm hoping my brothers and I get to see more of her in 2012. I also greatly feel that it's what my mom would have wanted. Don't think she would have been happy with the falling out like that.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sweeping (Not the chore kind)
So one thing I got back into (a bit more heavily) than in recent years, has been sweeping. For those unaware, sweeping is simply a fancy word (not that fancy to be honest) for entering contests. Determining which ones to enter, can be tough for someone trying to get into it, and getting the "Sorry, try again" message, certainly after you enter Instant's (will get down to that in a bit) can be a detriment that could get you to stop entering contests (did for me a few years ago).
Now there are different types of contest you can enter. There are dailies (one's you enter everyday), there are one time entries (these are the one's where you enter once and that is it), and then there are instant's (these are the one's you usually enter everyday, or in some occasions only once, but unlike the other two categories, you find out if you've won right then and there after you are done entering). As far as where you find these contests, I recommend three forums. They are in order, and are as follows: Slickdeals CAG and Online-Sweepstakes
Now there is a whole other world of entering contests, and with that, I'm referring to twitter. I have been fortunate enough to win some nice prizes from twitter this year, and in all honesty, the past two years. As far as whom to follow, I would recommend first creating two lists. Two that I follow are: http://twitter.com/#!/PrinterStop/contests and http://twitter.com/#!/Gadgets4nowt/xbox-360-comp-entries Secondly, if you see users that are constantly entering contests on twitter, it would be smart to follow them, or bookmark for future reference (as you are only allowed to follow 2,000 people before you can't follow anyone else (assuming you don't have that much that's following you).
Lastly, my advice, is to just enter to enter. Don't enter expecting you will win (as you will burn out, and gradually stop entering altogether). The phrase "I'm not lucky enough," or "I'll never win" only holds true, if you never enter. You have to enter to win. Remember that.
I will list things I've won as a reference to show that it is possible to win:
Necklace (waiting for the right moment and person to give this to, to be honest)
Signed & Framed Andy Roddick Tennis Racket (Substituted for a Professional Display Samsung LFD Display Monitor, worth $2600+)
USA Network Summer Beach Swag Bag
Countless movie tickets
Battlefield 3 Vault
Modern Warfare 3
Movie Promotional Items
Tickets (8 to the circus, 4 for a concert at Honda Center, 4 for Aquarium of the Pacific)
and lots more.
Now there are different types of contest you can enter. There are dailies (one's you enter everyday), there are one time entries (these are the one's where you enter once and that is it), and then there are instant's (these are the one's you usually enter everyday, or in some occasions only once, but unlike the other two categories, you find out if you've won right then and there after you are done entering). As far as where you find these contests, I recommend three forums. They are in order, and are as follows: Slickdeals CAG and Online-Sweepstakes
Now there is a whole other world of entering contests, and with that, I'm referring to twitter. I have been fortunate enough to win some nice prizes from twitter this year, and in all honesty, the past two years. As far as whom to follow, I would recommend first creating two lists. Two that I follow are: http://twitter.com/#!/PrinterStop/contests and http://twitter.com/#!/Gadgets4nowt/xbox-360-comp-entries Secondly, if you see users that are constantly entering contests on twitter, it would be smart to follow them, or bookmark for future reference (as you are only allowed to follow 2,000 people before you can't follow anyone else (assuming you don't have that much that's following you).
Lastly, my advice, is to just enter to enter. Don't enter expecting you will win (as you will burn out, and gradually stop entering altogether). The phrase "I'm not lucky enough," or "I'll never win" only holds true, if you never enter. You have to enter to win. Remember that.
I will list things I've won as a reference to show that it is possible to win:
Necklace (waiting for the right moment and person to give this to, to be honest)
Signed & Framed Andy Roddick Tennis Racket (Substituted for a Professional Display Samsung LFD Display Monitor, worth $2600+)
USA Network Summer Beach Swag Bag
Countless movie tickets
Battlefield 3 Vault
Modern Warfare 3
Movie Promotional Items
Tickets (8 to the circus, 4 for a concert at Honda Center, 4 for Aquarium of the Pacific)
and lots more.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
The Descendants Left Me With Happy Feet Until I Met Arthur Christmas
And that was my creative way of coming up with a new blog entry (rather than the usual day listed with what movies I saw). Anyways, over the last two days, I've seen The Descendants, Happy Feet 2, and Arthur Christmas (in that order).
Up first on Friday was the much talked about (if you listen or hear people talk about reviews) George Clooney flick, The Descendants. Going in, I didn't read any of those reviews (I really like to avoid them, so I can have a better perspective on the film I'm seeing), but I did hear that Clooney could be nominated for Best Actor at next year's Academy Awards.
After seeing the film, I think the critics were right, and I can easily picture at the very least Clooney getting nominated for his role in the film. Whether or not the film gets nominated for best picture, remains to be seen, as there are other good movies out there (such as The Help, Warrior, Moneyball, The Ides of March, and more).
The plot of the film, was really a simple one to be honest. George Clooney plays a lawyer, whom is responsible for deciding whether or not he wants to sell his family's land in Hawaii (about 25,000 acres or so), and as he is close to the deadline, his wife is involved in a boating accident, and thus in a coma. Matt King (Clooney's character's name) is thus pivoted in a more vital role, a role in which is implied he wasn't good at to begin with (being a father to his two daughters, aged 10, and 17).
As Matt King breaks the news to his oldest daughter, it is revealed that Matt's wife, Elizabeth (played by Patrica Hastie) and their oldest daughter had a falling out a year prior to her accident, and the reason as to why is because she caught her mom cheating on her dad.
It is there where Matt confronts Elizabeth's closest friends where they confirm the news, and as a result sets up the King's plan of seeking out the man that she cheated with, and through it, bring Clooney's character and his daughter's relationship to a closeness that didn't exist prior to it.
I found this movie to be really good, and in all honesty it lived up to it's hype, but I did leave the theater feeling a bit down, as it did hit too close to home for me. Seeing the mom lying there in her bed, reminded me of going to see my mom when she had her brief struggle with cancer back in 2003. That's not all the similarities I picked up. The age difference between the two daughters, was about the same age difference between my younger brother and myself when my mom passed away. The only thing that wasn't similar, was the cheating thing. Having said that, I highly recommend this film.
Up next is the sequel to Happy Feet, Happy Feet 2. I thought this movie was average at best. The plot of this film wasn't really revealed until about twenty or so minutes into the film. The plot once revealed was the generic characters are trapped (which in this case was Mumble's, his son, and two friends entire Emperor Penguins) and they need to find a way to rescue the Penguins that are trapped. In between, there was two shrimp that for some odd reason that didn't make much sense decided to have an identity crisis and the film split time between them and the main characters of the film.
Having said that, the film like I said was average, and I would recommend you see this, after you see The Muppets, Hugo, Arthur Christmas, and Puss in Boots (in that order).
Up third and last, but certainly not least was Arthur Christmas. This animated flick brought about a creative approach as to how a Claus because Santa Claus. There really isn't much else to say about this film. It was just highly enjoyable that had the audience really laughing (more so than the other two animated films I mentioned above). If your looking for an animated film to see this holiday season, I strongly recommend this one first, if your looking for an overall family film (animated not required) then I placed it third above.
Up first on Friday was the much talked about (if you listen or hear people talk about reviews) George Clooney flick, The Descendants. Going in, I didn't read any of those reviews (I really like to avoid them, so I can have a better perspective on the film I'm seeing), but I did hear that Clooney could be nominated for Best Actor at next year's Academy Awards.
After seeing the film, I think the critics were right, and I can easily picture at the very least Clooney getting nominated for his role in the film. Whether or not the film gets nominated for best picture, remains to be seen, as there are other good movies out there (such as The Help, Warrior, Moneyball, The Ides of March, and more).
The plot of the film, was really a simple one to be honest. George Clooney plays a lawyer, whom is responsible for deciding whether or not he wants to sell his family's land in Hawaii (about 25,000 acres or so), and as he is close to the deadline, his wife is involved in a boating accident, and thus in a coma. Matt King (Clooney's character's name) is thus pivoted in a more vital role, a role in which is implied he wasn't good at to begin with (being a father to his two daughters, aged 10, and 17).
As Matt King breaks the news to his oldest daughter, it is revealed that Matt's wife, Elizabeth (played by Patrica Hastie) and their oldest daughter had a falling out a year prior to her accident, and the reason as to why is because she caught her mom cheating on her dad.
It is there where Matt confronts Elizabeth's closest friends where they confirm the news, and as a result sets up the King's plan of seeking out the man that she cheated with, and through it, bring Clooney's character and his daughter's relationship to a closeness that didn't exist prior to it.
I found this movie to be really good, and in all honesty it lived up to it's hype, but I did leave the theater feeling a bit down, as it did hit too close to home for me. Seeing the mom lying there in her bed, reminded me of going to see my mom when she had her brief struggle with cancer back in 2003. That's not all the similarities I picked up. The age difference between the two daughters, was about the same age difference between my younger brother and myself when my mom passed away. The only thing that wasn't similar, was the cheating thing. Having said that, I highly recommend this film.
Up next is the sequel to Happy Feet, Happy Feet 2. I thought this movie was average at best. The plot of this film wasn't really revealed until about twenty or so minutes into the film. The plot once revealed was the generic characters are trapped (which in this case was Mumble's, his son, and two friends entire Emperor Penguins) and they need to find a way to rescue the Penguins that are trapped. In between, there was two shrimp that for some odd reason that didn't make much sense decided to have an identity crisis and the film split time between them and the main characters of the film.
Having said that, the film like I said was average, and I would recommend you see this, after you see The Muppets, Hugo, Arthur Christmas, and Puss in Boots (in that order).
Up third and last, but certainly not least was Arthur Christmas. This animated flick brought about a creative approach as to how a Claus because Santa Claus. There really isn't much else to say about this film. It was just highly enjoyable that had the audience really laughing (more so than the other two animated films I mentioned above). If your looking for an animated film to see this holiday season, I strongly recommend this one first, if your looking for an overall family film (animated not required) then I placed it third above.
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