Free copy of Independence Day!

COME SEE "FREETOWN"

Get your tickets to "Freetown" today!

Exclusive Washington, DC premiere with the director, Garrett Batty, at AMC Hoffman Alexandria, Monday, March 30, 7:30 pm. 

https://www.tugg.com/events/14730  - BUY THEM HERE!

Caught in the middle of a brutal civil war, six Liberian Mormon missionaries in Monrovia flee the widespread violence of their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone. With the help of local church leader Phillip Abubakar, the missionaries make the difficult journey, only to have their troubles compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own. Based on true events, FREETOWN is a thrilling and inspiring story of hope and survival.


Due to the "on demand" nature of this special, one-time only showing, we must sell a certain threshold of tickets in advance for this viewing to happen. Tickets will NOT be available at the door or on Fandango. They are only available through Tugg.com. So buy today! Don't miss your chance to see this incredible new film.

I'm no Runaway Bride

When I was in high school this popular "Mormonad" hung in my bedroom for years. It's probably the reason I love daisies far more than roses. I don't know that I really learned the lesson it was trying to teach until the past few years though.

I watched [most of] the movie "Runaway Bride" again today. (Netflix keeps me entertained while I attempt to work and write from home.) The underlying point of the movie is that the "bride" (played by Julia Roberts) doesn't know what it is she likes, and just goes along with her fiance's preferences. She supposedly doesn't know herself well enough to have strong preferences, all the way down to how she likes to eat eggs (she always takes it the same way her fiance does).

I didn't finish the movie. I never liked it much. There's something about it that just doesn't sit right with me. It doesn't take a psychotherapist to figure out why.

I once had a guy/relationship candidate/possible ex-boyfriend tell me that it bothered him how I "stalked" him by liking all the same things he liked. Apparently it never occurred to him that we really did just like a lot of the same things. (See, for me, that was the appeal of the possible relationship. We had a lot in common. For him it was creepy that we were so alike. Go figure.)

One of those things that we had in common was a love for all things superhero and sci-fi tv/movies. As I watched "Runaway Bride" today I also texted several girlfriends to see who might be game for going to the DC comic con with me - while I wore this shirt-

Which got me to thinking about my collection of superhero t-shirts (that I've had long before I ever met that guy)-

(I have about 10 more shirts I don't have pictures of myself in.)

But possibly the best proof ever that I loved the Justice League and all things sci-fi long before I loved men-

Yeah baby, that's the 4 year old me getting R2D2, and Spider-Woman Underoos for Christmas. 

And this dude has been hanging out on my desk for 8 years now.

So let it be known. I'm no "Runaway Bride." I know who I am. I know what I like. 

(And there's a long list of ex-boyfriends who wished I didn't like country music as much as I do as proof!)

I'll see y'all at Comic Con!

I do things. And then I think.

After looking at my Netflix DVD queue, I've had an epiphany about myself: It's entirely possible I have a type- of movie, that is. And many other things as well. Particularly men. English ones that is.

I can't stop daydreaming about moving to the English countryside, living in a little cottage, and being a full-time writer...

But then I notice just how often people in British TV shows and films are wearing long wool jackets and scarves, and how they do this on EVERY show, and I reconsider.

But wouldn't I be great as a writer in England? Maybe Scotland...

I've been learning other things about myself recently too. Like how much willpower I have. Or how much better I feel when I'm gluten-free and corn-free. And how sometimes it doesn't matter that I feel so much better, I still really, really want certain bad for me foods!

And I've really come to learn the cold hard truth about the joke I always make- if you want me to get something done, give me 10 things to do, or I'll never get anything done. I've taken on a bunch of responsibilities lately, and I've never been more productive. I really do prefer to be completely crazy busy, than to have just a few bits to do.

For instance, about a month ago the idea hit me to participate/walk in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Knowing how I am prone to flights of fancy, and I'm a bit ADD, I decided not to fork over the money that would commit me to the walk. (First you pay $50 just to register, and then you have to train for the 30 mile walk, and raise $1,200! Really, this isn't a decision to make on a flight of ADD crazy.) I decided to wait a month and see if I still felt compelled to do it.

And well, I do. I can't explain it. I really do feel compelled to do this walk. I have no idea how I am going to come up with the funds. Or how I will actually convince myself to train. (I'm actively recruiting friends to join me! Who wants to walk 30 miles with me? And raise lots of money?) But here it is a month later, and I'm still thinking about doing this. I've even started making small changes to my diet (gluten-free, corn-free, sugar-free, pretty much all paleo), and wearing my pedometer-thingy around. Hey, if a hobbit can walk that far, so can I, right?

Yeesh. I really am a nerd sometimes.

Okay, time to stop blogging and return to that life that keeps making me do things. Like plan a singles conference. And write books. And plan marketing campaigns. And walk 2 extra miles every day. And balance checkbooks. And pay bills. And fix transmissions. And, and, and...

And watch more English films. (Brownie points if you figure out what 4 of those films have in common, other than being entirely posh and British.)





Erin Ann McBride is a writer, dreamer, and single woman. By day she works in marketing, and by night she hunts unicorns and writes romantic novels, “You Heard It Here First,” and the sequel “This Just In!” She accepts new friends daily at https://www.facebook.comAuthorErinAnnMcBride

The Saratov Approach Washington DC Premiere

Washington, DC Premiere of "The Saratov Approach," Thursday, January 30th, 7:15 pm

Ballston Common Regal Theaters

671 N. Glebe Rd
Arlington, Virginia 22203This one night, exclusive showing will include a Q&A session with the film's director, Garrett Batty.

THE SARATOV APPROACH is the extraordinary, untold story of Elders Travis Tuttle and Andrew Propst and their week-long abduction in Saratov, Russia.
On what seemed like any other day during their two-year LDS missions, Elders Travis Tuttle and Andrew Propst are approached by Nikolai to meet a friend. But then the missionaries experience the unimaginable -- kidnapped, beaten, and held for ransom for nearly a week -- on the other side of the world in Saratov, Russia. While their family, friends and the world pray for their safe return, Tuttle and Propst are tested physically, emotionally and most of all -- spiritually.

 Limited Seating. BUY TICKETS BEFORE IT SELLS OUT!
 https://www.ticketriver.com/event/9806

Small Voices: The Stories of Cambodia's Children

While looking for something to watch in my Netflix queue last night I discovered a documentary I don't remember adding. "Small Voices: The Stories of Cambodia's Children." 
I wish I could make every American watch this film. I wish I could make every child who doesn't want to go to school watch this film. I wish I could make every person in an American prison watch this film. You don't know how good you have it until you have seen the deplorable, depressing conditions of the poorest people of Cambodia.

I spent a month volunteering in Cambodia with an NGO in Phnom Penh. It was not the NGO featured in this film. However, every word or scene in this documentary was exactly how I remember the country. (I was there in September 2011, the film was made in 2008.) The children picking through garbage, the way the poor are treated, the abuse the lower class continues on itself, the lack of help from the government, etc.
This film brought me to tears more than once as it reminded me of the children and families I met and worked with.
Cambodia is a beautiful country, in spite of its poverty and dark side. I hope to return to help them recover from their dark years and pull ahead into the more vibrant society it deserves to be.
I highly recommend this film. It's less than 1.5 hours long. It is heavy on subtitles so I would not show it to children under ten. But it is very well done and interesting. (And narrated by Megan Follows of Anne of Green Gables fame.)

This film is accurate and true. It did not exclude other images or scenes to skew the story or emotions. Every single child they interview and show could have been one of the children I worked with. I recognized the streets, the scenes, the garbage dump, and many of the buildings. If anything, I think they showed one child in too positive a light. (The girl who lived with her grandmother at the temple. That is incredibly uncommon and such an anomaly for monks to allow the woman and the children there, that I don't think they should have been included.)
Go watch it! And watch it with your families. You'll be better for it and respect and better recognize the blessings in your life!





Hey You! Check out my new novels, "You Heard It Here First" and the sequel "This Just In!"

Books, books, and movies and books

I consider myself to be somewhat well-read and an avid reader. I'm also a huge fan of music, Broadway, and all things show tunes. And I am absolutely a huge movie fan.
So how it is I have never read The Hobbit or Les Miserables, nor seen any production of either story, is a bit of a mystery.
But with both famed works of literature coming to the silver screen this month, I've decided it is time to read both books. After all, I can't allow myself to be one of those people who saw the film and never read the book- especially such famed books!
I downloaded both books to my Nook over the weekend. That's roughly 1,000 pages of reading to do over the next 2-3 weeks. (because obviously I have to see both films within a week of their debut. to do otherwise would be sacrilege!) Considering I'm also neck deep into a new obsession with Doctor Who, that's a pretty tall order! (I only have 2 seasons left on Netflix, you can't expect me to stop now!)
Not to mention I want to read Joni Hilton's latest new self-published novels as well!
How exactly I am going to do that much reading, TV watching, movie watching, and do my job, apply for jobs, and clean the house before my parents arrive, you ask? Yeah, I have no idea.

My point, and I do have one, is

Oh the glories of the internet. One minute I have an interesting blog post planned out in my head about how I was feeling all inspired tonight to sit down and work on the book I've been writing, after having talked with the young women at church about virtue and sex and uplifting media. Which lead to me looking for something on Pinterest, which lead to looking at a video on YouTube, where somehow I went from the "Silent Monks Singing Hallelujah" to funny puppy videos, and then coming out of my interwebz daze when I found myself watching an elephant give birth.
And now, while I can remember the topic I wanted to talk about, I've completely forgotten my point. I think it was "we need more good and uplifting entertainment."
Look, cute puppy!
True story, every time I play this clip, my dog gets up and looks around for the puppy. She eventually comes over and sniffs the laptop, but ends up giving me a dirty look, like she knows I'm hiding the puppy from her.

21 hours to kill

It is just now hitting me that I have a 21 hr flight next week! Anyone have any suggestions for ways to endure such a long time in a confined space? 
Also, after 21 hrs of flying I arrive in an 11 hr different time zone. How does one completely flip days and nights? I have tried several ineffective methods in the past. The worst one is thinking that staying up the night before your trip will help you adjust time zones. Really it just makes you extra tired! 
I heard about The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta today on NPR. I can't remember the last time a book sounded so fascinating to me. I plan to download it to my Nook and read it on the flight- if I can wait that long. (The story picks up a few months after the "Sudden Departure" - a very Rapture like event. It follows the lives of those left behind who are struggling to understand what happened, why it happened, and why some people were taken and not others. And many "christians" are mad that Jews and Mormons were taken, and not them.) 
But I need more entertainment! And tips for the time change! I know some of you have flown to Asia before. What did you do?

Golden Globe Predictions

The Golden Globes are tomorrow night. And I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite shows get some awards! Here are the nominees, with my choice for winners in bold. There are a few categories where I just can't vote because I haven't seen any of the nominees. 

Also, I'd like to add my name to the list of protesters about True Grit getting shut out of the nominations. I'm sorry, but Emma Stone for Easy A? And not Hailee for True Grit? Seriously? Emma Stone sucked, as did the movie! That's just wrong on too many levels!

Best TV Series (comedy or musical)- 

30 Rock

Big Bang Theory

Big C

Glee

Modern Family

Nurse Jackie

My vote goes to Modern Family just because everything about that show is perfect- the cast, the stories, the set, etc. All of it. Who do I think it will go to? Glee or Big C. Why? The cable shows always do better, and Big C attracts a more adult, mature audience. And Glee just because Hollywood types (those who actually vote on this stuff) love how Glee tackles political, social issues.

Best Television Series -- Drama

Boardwalk Empire

Dexter

The Good Wife

Mad Men

Walking Dead

Didn't I just say yesterday how I love the Good Wife? I think Mad Men has run its course in the awards, and I've never seen the other shows.

Best Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical

Alice in Wonderland

Burlesque

The Kids Are All Right

Red

The Tourist

I've only see Alice, and none of the others. And I really don't think Alice was that great. So I won't be voting here.

Best Motion Picture -- Drama

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The King's Speech

The Social Network

I have only seen Inception and the Social Network. I thought the Social Network was great, but it wasn't the best movie this year. It was just a really interesting story about something everyone is a part of. However, Inception blew me away. Personally, I'm rooting for an Inception sweep! Do I think it will happen? I don't know. 

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture

Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle -- 127 Hours

Christopher Nolan -- Inception

Stuart Blumberg and Lisa Cholodenko -- The Kids Are All Right

David Seidler -- The King's Speech

Aaron Sorkin -- The Social Network

Having not seen 3 of the 5 movies, I can't really say much. But again, there has never been anything like Inception before, so I'm going with Inception.

Best Director -- Motion Picture

Darren Aronofsky -- Black Swan

David Fincher -- The Social Network

Tom Hooper -- The King's Speech

Christopher Nolan -- Inception

David O. Russell -- The Fighter

Surprised? I think the Social Network had potential to be the worst movie this year. But it was the direction of it all that made it work. So I'm going with Social Network. But I'm hoping Inception gets it. See the above reasons for why.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Christian Bale -- The Fighter

Michael Douglas -- Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Andrew Garfield -- The Social Network

Jeremy Renner -- The Town

Geoffrey Rush -- The King's Speech

I'm going with the only one where I can remember the guy. Did I think he was that great? Meh. So I'm ready to be wrong.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Amy Adams -- The Fighter

Helena Bonham Carter -- The King's Speech

Mila Kunis -- Black Swan

Melissa Leo -- The Fighter

Jacki Weaver -- Animal Kingdom

Never saw any of them. Don't plan to either. I think Cary Mulligan should be here for her role in Wall St though!

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical

Johnny Depp -- Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp -- The Tourist
Paul Giamatti -- Barney's Version
Jake Gyllenhaal -- Love and Other Drugs
Kevin Spacey -- Casino Jack

Again, I'm going with the only movie I have seen. But Johnny Depp was pretty good in Alice. The Tourist is showing here in town still. Maybe I'll go see it today.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical

Annette Bening -- The Kids Are All Right

Anne Hathaway -- Love and Other Drugs
Angelina Jolie -- The Tourist
Julianne Moore -- The Kids Are All Right
Emma Stone -- Easy A

I think it will go to anyone but Emma Stone. I think it will be split between Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, and go to Angelina Jolie instead.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama

Jesse Eisenberg -- The Social Network

Colin Firth -- The King's Speech
James Franco -- 127 Hours
Ryan Gosling -- Blue Valentine
Mark Wahlberg -- The Fighter

Maybe I haven't seen Colin Firth in this movie, but I will always vote for him anyway. If for no other reason than I just want to see him on stage.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama

Halle Berry -- Frankie and Alice

Nicole Kidman -- Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence -- Winter's Bone
Natalie Portman -- Black Swan
Michelle Williams -- Blue Valentine

Not only have I not seen any of these movies, I've only heard of one of them. I have no vote.

Best Actor in a TV Series- Drama

Steve Buscemi- Boardwalk Empire

Bryan Cranston- Breaking Bad

Michael C Hall- Dexter

Jon Hamm- Mad Men

Hugh Laurie- House

I once read somewhere that Hugh Laurie deserves all awards always. Why? Because he's speaking English with an American accent (he's a Brit), walking believably with a cane, spouting some difficult medical jargon, and playing a fabulous character. He works three times harder than all other actors. So I'm tempted to go with him. But I think House has run its course. But I haven't seen 3 of the 5 shows, and I don't think Jon Hamm deserves it this season. So I'm going with House.

Best Actress in a TV Series- Drama

Julianna Margulies- the Good Wife

Elisabeth Moss- Man Men

Piper Perabo- Covert Affairs

Katey Sagal- Sons of Anarchy

Kyra Sedgwick- the Closer

Have I made my Good Wife feelings known yet? Also, Julianna Margulies is what makes the show. She deserves it!

Best Actor in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical

Alec Baldwin- 30 Rock

Steve Carell- the Office

Thomas Jane- Hung

Matthew Morrison- Glee

Jim Parsons- Big Bang Theory

That is like trying to pick a favorite child. I'm throwing a dart and going with Alec Baldwin.

Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

Hope Davis- Special Relationship,

Jane Lynch- Glee

Kelly McDonald- Boardwalk Empire

Julia Stiles- Dexter

Sofia Vergara- Modern Family

Another very tough one. But I don't know how anyone is more believable than Jane Lynch. But I do love Sofia Vergara!

Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

Scott Caan- Hawaii 5-0

Chris Noth- the Good Wife

David Straitharn- Temple Grandin

Eric Stonestreet- Modern Family

Chris Colfer- Glee

Quite frankly, I think this is a toss up as well. But I'd like to see anyone but Chris Colfer win. I love the show, and I like his character. But really? His acting? Anyone could pull that off. And while Chris Noth wouldn't be my first choice for getting an award for the Good Wife (I'd give it to Josh Charles, because I love him), I want the Good Wife to sweep!

Best Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical

Toni Collette- United States of Tara

Edie Falco- Nurse Jackie

Tina Fey- 30 Rock

Laura Linney- the Big C

Lea Michelle- Glee

I'm going with Laura Linney. Lea Michelle can sing, but she can't act for TV. Tina Fey has been there, done that. Edie Falco is edgy, but I don't care. And Toni Collette is playing an annoying character on an annoying show. I've only seen one episode of the Big C. And what I remember was that Laura Linney was incredible.

Movies!

As happens every Christmas season, I have managed to watch a LOT of movies over the past few weeks. So let's have a little recap and review!

True Grit-
LOVED it! It is Coen Brothers all the way. If you can handle Coen Brothers, I highly recommend it! The question being, can you say that when you go to see a Coen Brothers movie that it was what you expected? If remakes can be nominated for Oscars, Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, and the girl who plays the lead- Hailee Steinfeld, will be serious contenders in their categories. And may I just say, as a recent convert to the Hunger Games series, Hailee Steinfeld totally has my vote for Katniss. And I really don't get the fuss over Josh Brolin in this film. Sure he was good- for the whole 2 minutes of screen time he got.

How Do You Know-
I really had much, much higher hopes for a movie starring some of my most very favorite actors- Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson. How do you know when you are watching a lame movie? When the movie requires a predictable, unexpected birth at the climax of the movie for jokes. And for crying out loud, can someone actually make a movie set in DC that vaguely resembles DC?

Tron 3D-
I would have to say if you are going to go see this movie, that you have to see it in 3D. Because seeing it for the plot would be a total waste of time. Pay the extra $4 for the 3D, because the special effects are very fun and impressive.

Daniel Deronda-
Saw this BBC mini-series on Netflix Instant. If you are like me and all classic romances on BBC float your boat, you are going to love this one. This one has skyrocketed to the top of my favorites list. Hugh Dancy is very good in this movie!

Letters to God-
Another Netflix Instant offering. If you are in the mood for a good, clean, family friendly, makes you cry a thousand times, movie about childhood cancer, where you have to suspend your disbelief about a mailman who is on a first name basis with everyone on his temporary route, then I highly recommend it. I must give a shout-out to my Due West boys and Jason Deere, their producer, who have a song on the soundtrack for this movie. I looked up the film because of them, but watched it when I noticed it is one of the most watched movies on Netflix in my town.

Holiday-
I loved this old classic starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. It is showing for free on Hulu right now.


Easy A-
Got this for free from Amazon Video, and I want my money back.

The day I identified with Barbra Streisand

Last night I watched the movie "The Way We Were" for the first time. There's a few things you should know here before I continue. In my family there is no one single actress more reviled than Barbra Streisand. While one or two of us may admit to liking a few of her songs, no one in our family will ever admit to liking her acting. And if you are the paternal member of our family you will openly discuss how unattractive she is every time her name is mentioned or her music is played.
So really, is it of any surprise that I had not yet seen this particular movie?
The movie itself was incredibly... annoying? I guess I just couldn't get past my politics enough to ever feel sympathetic to a communist party supporter*. Not to mention my personal issues with the lack of good strong female role models in them. This was just another movie where a strong headed woman had to change herself to get a man. And then when she went back to being herself, she lost him! I hate movies (and all other forms of media and stories) that do that!
Also, I will not apologize for spoilers for a movie that is older than I am.
Today I got up and about my business and before long found myself neck deep in a political debate with someone (or multiple someone's as the case may be). And suddenly it hit me. I'm K-k-k-katie. I am just like the Katie from the movie (minus the love for Stalin). I identified with her a little too well. Hot-headed, opinionated, and unable to separate me from my beliefs- I freaking identified with Barbra Streisand. Just shoot me now!
And whatever you do, don't tell my dad! He might disown me for such language!



*Also Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand were both well into their 40s and trying to act and act like college students. MAJOR FAIL. Completely unbelievable. However, on top of all that absurdity, I just found it completely implausible that a man as attractive as Redford (even at his matured age) would ever be with a woman that looked like her. Especially with the shorter/younger hair. It was horrid! And don't get me started on the soundtrack to the movie. Painful. Just painful.

Harry Potter- 10 years later

It is almost hard to believe that these three little kids-

have grown up to be three of the most recognizable faces in the world!

I remember after seeing the first film I thought, "I hope they invest in some acting lessons for Harry/Daniel Radcliffe. The kid can't act!" I also hoped that Ron/Rupert would grow up to outgrow his goofy face. I'm glad he didn't.
Either way, I cannot wait for the release this week!! I need to find some buddies to go to the midnight opening with me!

This picture alone has me excited. I can't wait to see Helena Bonham Carter as Hermione as Bellatrix acting alongside Harry and Ron!
I think some of the best parts of Harry Potter are wasted on the kids. The incredible talent and legendary actors that the films have brought together really do make the movies that much better. It's no secret that I love to watch BBC miniseries and British films. Every time I see another major British name from one of my favorite BBC shows appear in a Harry Potter film I get excited. Bill Nighy is a new addition to book 7, which is going to be great. I'm a little disappointed they never managed to bring in Colin Firth or Hugh Grant (both who said they would love to have a part), but oh well.

Movie Review: Invictus

Using the Erin rating scale-
Would I see it again? In a theater? Or on DVD? Not in a theater, but yes on a DVD.

Would I recommend it to my movie snob dad? Would I not recommend it to him because it is too explicit or the language goes too far? For reasons I won't be explaining here, no, I wouldn't recommend it to my dad. We'll just leave it at he's not a fan of Nelson Mandela.


Would I recommend it to goes-to-less-than-2-movies-in-a-theater-a-year-and-even-then-only-kid-movies-with-her-kids- Juli? On DVD, yes.

Sidenote- I would recommend this movie to most other people. Including my mother or sisters to watch when my dad isn't around.

Did I get bored or wish it was over? I really enjoyed it. It was a story I had not heard before. The beginning was a little slow.

Was I intrigued by the plot? Absolutely. It was an interesting view into healing South Africa, and made me want to learn more about rugby.

Or just entertained by the special effects? If by special effects you mean hot rugby players, then yes. That being said, I'll add that Matt Damon looks great as a blond.

Overall, I found it interesting. Here are some things to note. There is no sex or bad language. The rugby can be a bit rough, but I wouldn't call it violent. Also, it has a definite Clint Eastwood vibe to it (he directed it). If you don't like his raw style, you may not enjoy the movie as much as I did. Also, both Damon and Freeman deserve an Oscar nod if they get them.

Because I Can Week of Indulgence Continues

So far I have been to see Sherlock Holmes and Nine. (and watched approximately 20 hours of NCIS with Ally (brother's girlfriend). time well spent I say.) My short reviews with no spoilers-
Sherlock Holmes in Red, Nine in Blue

Using the Erin rating scale-
Would I see it again? In a theater? Or on DVD? Absolutely yes (someone invite me to go see it with them!) And I'd buy it on DVD. Um, no. And double no.

Would I recommend it to my movie snob dad? Would I not recommend it to him because it is too explicit or the language goes too far? Already told Dad to go see it. Warned Mom not to go see it. Dad wouldn't be tempted to see a musical.


Would I recommend it to goes-to-less-than-2-movies-in-a-theater-a-year-and-even-then-only-kid-movies-with-her-kids- Juli? Absolutely. Possibly on DVD, but I know she'll never take the time.

Did I get bored or wish it was over? Not once. It did get long, but I think the story required it to stay true to Sherlock stories. About ten minutes in I was hoping it would be a short movie.

Was I intrigued by the plot? I love Sherlock Holmes stories. I loved the plot all the way through, and was excited when I caught that certain clues were going to be significant, even if I had no idea what they meant. Intrigued? Or annoyed at narcissistic behavior begging for validation?

Or just entertained by the special effects? All the way through! Loved them. Actually, yes. The cinematography was incredible. It just lacked an interesting story.

500 Days of Summer

As you may have noticed, I am a movie lover. I love going to movies, talking about movies, and watching movies all over again. I've seen a lot of movies lately, including most of the big summer movies like Harry Potter, My Sister's Keeper, the Proposal, and some others. (Some apparently very forgettable others.)

This will be the only movie this year I will put up the trailer for and strongly suggest you go see it.
(500) Days of Summer. 




I loved it from beginning to end. I love that its a romantic comedy that isn't. It isn't formulaic. It has a realistic ending. It has parts that ring very true (compared to the cute and enjoyable Proposal, that has nothing identifiable in it). Sure, it still has a music montage. But no other movie ever could pull off a music montage to "You Make-a My Dreams Come True (ooh-ooh)"  by Hall and Oates, and not make you hate the montage. If anything, you may even find you relate to the music montage (click the link- it actually shows the full montage). It has scenes I've lived through. Scenes I want to live through.

And maybe this won't make sense to anyone else, but the couple felt very realistic to me. I hate movies where I just don't believe that guy would pick that girl. This movie I believed it. And for the first time, I actually believed Joseph Gordon-Levitt wasn't 12 years old anymore. (I have the same problem with Leo di Caprio. He still looks 16 to me. I can't get over it.)

Oh, and I really, really, really want Zooey Deschanel's (Summer's) wardrobe.

Just trust me on this one. This is the movie to see this summer. And you know how I never buy DVD's? And maybe only have ever bought a total of 10? I'll be buying this one.

Oops, a brain dump

Random thoughts and a little brain dump!

Along with half of the rest of the country, I saw Star Trek this weekend. I'm not a Trekkie. I am a movie buff. I loved it. I loved Chris Pine as Kirk, and Zachary Quinto as Sylar, I mean Spock. And JJ Abrams just plain rocks. It makes me want to see the old series now. And I really hope this is the beginning of a new set of Star Trek movies with this new cast.

I had fun with Misty and Shane at Lumpy's Saturday night watching the soccer game on the big screens. And now Misty and I are planning a soccer blog and website, where I will be able to go completely fangirl on my favorite players.

For what I believe is the first time in my life, I managed to sleep walk during a nap today! (My nocturnal sleepwalking has been well-documented on this blog.) I came home from church early with massive allergies. I took a benadryl, and expected to crash out. I have vague memories of sleeping in my actual bed, but also of going outside to sit in my lawn chair. I also recall dreaming that I was still sneezing, so I took 12 more benadryl. Later, when I woke up from a nearly comatose state on the couch, with no memory of how I got there, I remembered the dream and checked the benadryl. I can't tell how many I took, but its somewhere between 1-3 more than the original one I took. This is why I usually lock up all medications, and secure scissors, knives, markers, and other damaging items when I take sleep inducing drugs. All in all, I slept over 8 hours in the middle of the day, and still can't figure out how a dirty plate got out of the dishwasher and put on a pile of newspapers in the middle of my living room. I also can't figure out how it is I have 2 newspapers. I think I may have driven to the store in my benadryl comatose state. I'm trying not to think too much about that.

How obsessed have I become with soccer? I actually wrote about it on my work blog (Cheap Travel Blog) today too.

Anyone want to go camping in Yellowstone in June with me and Steph?

This is the week of being single on this blog! I am still looking for wonderful people to spotlight and talk about! Who do you nominate??

I'm jealous of my (sister's) horse. Baby Sister and (our) her horse, Streaker, have just moved to Roanoke with my parents. Check out his new digs and tell me that isn't the most beautiful place on earth? Layers and shades of green, red barns, rolling hills, and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I am seriously jealous of a horse.

We Need More Kirk Camerons in This World

Like most of the girls my age, I had a crush on Kirk Cameron (then of "Growing Pains" fame) for many years. (The same years I had a crush on New Kids on the Block - Joey- and Chad Lowe.) But since those years he has not gone on to years of Hollywood fame and infamy, tabloid covers, and multiple divorces. Instead, he left Hollywood to continue his career in Christian and family focused films.
Today I saw the headline, "Shia LeBeouf's No Kirk Cameron," and I laughed. At first, I thought they were going to make a joke about how Shia is just not that good looking. He's no Kirk Cameron in that respect! But instead the point of the article is about how Kirk's latest movie, Fireproof, came out opposite of Shia's movie, Eagle Eye, this weekend. Naturally, Shia's movie is a huge blockbuster already. But Kirk's film is being promoted by the family-friendly groups, and won't see the number's of Eagle Eye.
But just because I believe in viral marketing, and think more people need to go see a movie that is about saving a marriage, and not about finding comfort in another's arms, and about turning to God for help, instead of Hollywood, I give you the trailer to Fireproof.



I wish more people in Hollywood would be willing to walk away from big roles that pay well, but don't represent their personal values. I greatly admire Kirk Cameron for his choice to not take roles that don't jive with his beliefs. There is no question that he could have gone on to some of the biggest roles in Hollywood- just look at his old castmate Leonardo di Caprio! Personally, I will go see this movie (assuming it ever comes to Utah- right now it isn't), just to support good films. And to see if Kirk Cameron is still as hot as he used to be!

Passage to Zarahemla

I watched "Passage to Zarahemla" this week. It's an LDS film, very targeted specifically to the LDS audience, and in a new twist, is in the fantasy LDS realm. As far as I know, this is the first ever film to go into that category. And I think that is great!
I liked "Passage to Zarahemla" more than almost all LDS films I have seen before it.
Why?
Because it doesn't fit into any other category of LDS film. It isn't a comedy (like the Singles Ward), or an angst ridden coming of age (God's Army), or a musical (thank goodness). It's a present-day fantasy based on an actual novel which is something that can't be said for any other LDS film that I can think of.
So I'm recommending this movie to my friends that are looking for a good, clean, enjoyable, and engaging movie. Oscar worthy it is not, but it is enjoyable. Put aside your preconceived notions about LDS niche films, and you just might enjoy this new movie.
The writer, director, producer, and even music composer of the film, Chris Heimerdinger himself, is blogging on the experiences of making the movie at http://passagetozarahemla.blogspot.com
Also, the DVD is now for sale online.

Indy Meets National Treasure Meets the X-Files?

Tonight I got the rare chance to go to a private screening of Indiana Jones. A friend of a friend rented out an entire theater for a private screening. I think in the future I want to see all movies this way. The theater has a very fun energy and vibe to it when everyone is chatting beforehand and excited to see each other. JennC- thanks for inviting everyone. It was great!

Now, for the move itself. I had heard that some reviews were negative, but the only review I actually read myself said something like it is what it is, an Indy film. And that was exactly right. It had the classic Indy quips and one-liners, and all the classic lines that you wanted to hear, "I HATE snakes." (Truth be known, I, too, hate snakes, with more than just a little passion. I DESPISE and FEAR snakes. And this snake scene made me scream and cover my eyes. My friends laughed as much at me as at the scene I think.) They also threw in another classic line from a different George Lucas-Harrison Ford movie. But I won't spoil that for anyone else who will laugh as hard as I did when I heard it.

All in all, I was not disappointed at all. It was exactly what I was hoping for- unbelievable plot and consequences, crazy stunts, insane deaths, romance, humor, and more. My short synopsis? It's Indiana Jones meets National Treasure meets the X-Files. And as for Shia LeBeouf, I hope the rumors about him carrying on the Indy torch/whip are true. I think he's the perfect successor to the whip.

"Goodbye Doctor Jones."