If Time is Bendable, Can You Get It Back?

Happy Thanksgiving! I know, a little late, but it’s the thought right? Thanksgiving was pretty crazy at my house; we had a huge dinner and an unexpected houseguest. Mom, Daniel, and I made everything in advance for the big day, so day of went fairly smoothly. We’ve been eating leftovers for the last few days, and I think if I never see a turkey again, it will be too soon.

Right now, Mom and I are on the road for our big Tour De Reyes, Part Deux expedition. We are driving from Plano to Ephrata, Pennsylvania—with a few stops along the way. I’m super excited because I get to see some college buddies and family. It’s great to finally see some SBC peeps, one of whom I haven’t seen since last December. I’m also taking the opportunity to check out where James works to consider applying for a position there. I’ve been battling with the decision to move away from Dallas, so checking out some options are key. Other than that, we are just driving, working, and having a great time away from the houseguest.

Other than celebrating Turkey day, I have watched a few movies. I saw Casino Royale, Happy Feet, The Fountain, and Stranger Than Fiction. Although not all disappointing, they didn’t capture my fancy. Casino Royale featured a great performance by Daniel Craig, but I found the plot boring and unimaginative. AND, there were no toys!! How can you have a James Bond movie with no toys? Honestly!

While Casino Royale lacked a strong plot, Happy Feet forced environmental issues down my throat. Now, I am always one for political themes, but using cuddly penguins as a ploy—that’s just mean. I seriously went into the movie expecting a 90 minute penguin dance sequence, but I was quickly proven wrong. I did enjoy the movie, but because it was a cartoon the filmmakers had to put in a happy ending. No easy cure for global warming and animal habitat destruction exists. Telling kids that all international disputes can end because a dancing penguin warns the people at Sea World that Antarctica is melting is lofty and misleading. Had it just been a movie about a penguin on a great journey, and all the people he meets along the way, it may have left me happier.

The Fountain? Now that was a waste of time. They only nice thing about the movie was Hugh Jackman. I love Darren Aronofsky, as well as Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, but watching this movie was better than Ambein—works automatically and never addicting. Mean, I know, but it really was awful. the film was too easy to figure out, and if Aronofsky had bashed me over the head with religious and literary symbolism one more time I would have puked. Yes, Darren, I do need to have symbolism spelled out for me sometimes, but when your character is obviously Frankenstein trying to stop death, we all know what happens.

Finally, Stranger Than Fiction. I was really excited to see this movie. It wasn’t Little Miss Sunshine, but it made me laugh. Daniel didn’t like it much, since he thought it was going to be more Old School funny, but he was sweet to sit through it. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Will Farrell did wonderful jobs, but I loved seeing Emma Thompson in an unlikable role. It’s refreshing to see a movie that blurs reality and fiction together so well, and leaves you comfortable when the two worlds collide.

Song of the Day: Apple Red Happiness. A great little ditty I learned when I was sent away to Jesus camp long ago. I hated those summers…

Movie of the Day: White Christmas. Yes, the movie came first and then the song.

Why Gwen likes to watch comedies

So, my dad's birthday was this weekend. He always complains that we don't watch movies in the theatres anymore, so we decided to take him to a movie of his choice tonight. He chose Flags of Our Fathers. Now, I really really tried hard to convince him to see Stranger Than Fiction, but I lost. The movie was crazy intense, and way more violent than I ever needed to see. It made me very depressed, and I got very close to walking out during the Iwo Jima scenes. I really enjoyed when the three heroes were back in America trying to sell war bonds, but the flashbacks just hurt so much to watch. I'm glad I saw it, but I just don't think I can handle war movies right now. A nice comedy would have felt so much better.

To make up for it, I'm now going to watch this week's ep. of Grey's Anatomy and just try to not think about blown up body parts and reluctant heroes.

I'm also currently looking for movie suggestions. If you have any, please send it my way and I'll be happy to give it a try and write a review about it.

Movie of the Day: Flags of Our Fathers, even though it was one of the most violent films I have seen since Irreversible, it was beautifully shot, exceptionally well acted, and completely moving. The film brought me to tears multiple times, and left me understanding how difficult it must be to be considered a hero by so many, when you don't believe it yourself. These men died protecting their friends, not necessarily trying to make a bigger impact.

Song of the Day: "Scene is Dead" by We Are Scientists

Attempts: Day One

For the past two weeks I have been obsessed with House, M.D. I have watched the past two seasons back to back, and I just want more. I wonder what my next obsession will be, since I'm almost done with the second season. Any suggestions?

Movie of the Week: Stranger Than Fiction

Song of the Week: "In The Sun" by Joseph Arthur