Media Reviews

First of all, I feel I am obliged to start off with the most current of films: Alice in Wonderland.
Was it weird? YES. Was it creepy? Somewhat. Was it enjoyable? Mostly. Was all of that to be expected? YES. When you take a book based on an acid trip, add Johnny Depp - the only man who can pull off eyeliner and still be attractice, and the direction of Tim Burton - OF COURSE it's gonna be weird! Needless to say, I enjoyed the movie because of, not despite, all of its weirdness. Really, that's all there is to say - watch it for yourself if you really want to know. There is the classic battle between good and evil, and the sending of one to save the rest - does that story remind you of ANYONE ELSE? I'll let you think long and hard on that one...
*The movie was my first move in 3D. Yes I know, I'm way behind, but truly, I don't think I'm a huge fan. First of all, my glasses were way too big and didn't want to stay on my face. Second of all, when I got out of the movie, I was sooooo tired and my eyes definitely did not want to be driving home. Not sure what that was all about, but I'm pretty sure it had to do with the 3D because we saw the movie in the middle of the day.*

Prince Caspian - I finally saw the second Chronicles of Narnia movie. I enjoyed it. The scenery and imagery in those movies is incredible. However, it mostly just makes me want to read the books again. I haven't read them in ages. As with most great books that become movies, the movies are simply too condensed! They leave out the details that make the stories so good in the first place.

Up In the Air - Why the heck did this movie get so many award nominations? I thought it was absolutely terrible. Let's see, there's adultery, lust, suicide, pain, etc. Sometimes I can sit through a movie that's got that bad stuff if, in the end, there is some redemption. This movie never redeemed itself. The end message was all about betrayal and pain instead of love and happiness. Yes, you make a good point that that may be more realistic as to what love is all about. But come on people, I don't go to the movies for the painful reality of life, I have ENOUGH experience with that in my own life! Either way, I don't recommend this movie. You keep waiting for something good to happen, for the main character to make a good choice, and you are thoroughly let down in the end.

Love Happens - Again, a depressing movie. While I liked this one better than Up In the Air, it still doesn't come with a high recommendation from me. There is so much pain in the movie as the man works through his issues with his wife's death, it seems to be dragging along the entire time. Second of all, the let a parrot go in the mountains in the Northwest. Hello?? There's no way a parrot could survive, that was just stupid!

All About Steve - A dumb movie. I'm disappointed is Sandra Bullock. She is truly one of my favorite actresses. But put this movie side by side with The Proposal and you could barely realize it's the same actress! All About Steve is about how she is a competent and capable woman until one day she gets a crush on a man and becomes a stalker. Not amusing. I'm pretty sure I didn't laugh once in the entire movie! Come on Sandra, you're killing me!

Benjamin's Box - a children's book - now you may wonder why I'm mentioning a children's book, but I have recently been reacquainted with this book and just think it's worth mentioning - especially for Easter! We will be using this book at the church for our Easter event and I think it's a very powerful story for kids. The book essentially tells the story of Easter (Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection) from the perspective of a little boy and the "treasures" he puts in his treasure box. If you have kids or grandkids, or you babsit - it's worth sharing with them.

Lifehouse - new cd Smoke & Mirrors. I love Lifehouse. Some of their music is some of my all-time favorite stuff. This cd is not my favorite, however there is still some quality music on it. There's also some good crying music, which I've unfortunately been doing a lot of lately. Perhaps I'll enjoy the other songs more when I move past this season of life in which I cry often. "From Where You Are" is worth a listen, along with others. Listen to the words...as is my exhortation with all music...some music lyrics really create incredible pictures for you as you listen.

I'm currently reading: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - so far, I'm not wildly impressed. In part, because the book uses a lot of names I can't pronounce and I stumble over them in my head as I read - either that, or I step to contemplate the word and lose my train of thought in the story. And in part, because so far it simply has yet to really capture my attention- however, I'll give it at least a few more chapters. I'm also reading Knowledge of the Holy for the third time. It's good. Read it.

That's where I'll leave you all for today. Most of these have probaly already been viewed by you, I tend to be a little late on the uptake for current media. What can I say, I'm a busy gal! But hey, if anyone has any recommendations for me, I'm all ears. Enjoy your rainy Fridays everyone :)