Saturday, my father, sister and I went to go see the film Lightning Thief. I wanted to go see it because I enjoyed reading the series over the years (way before there was even a mention of a film). I do not think I have ever read a book before I saw it made into a film.* Nor have I watched a film then read the book (minus the ones I watched as a child and then read as an adult- Time Machine, Swiss Family Robinson, etc). If a film was made from a book I pretty much watched the film and never went back to read the book because I already know the plot so why take the time. You have to understand this background of why this makes a difference in my film watching experience.
I really like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I have read them all and was a bit sad when the last book came out last year. It has what I like in book- mystery, action and humor. So I thought I would take a stab and watch the film.
I think I would have enjoyed the film more if I had not read the book, maybe because I already knew how it would all work out. The water special effects were impressive. I liked that they picked some big names as the adult leads- Pierce Bronson, Uma Thurman, Sean Bean (though I had to hide a laugh that Bond and a Bond villain being in a movie together again). Grover character brought in humor but somehow it was lost to the audience. But then again I was going to a Saturday matinee where kids were kicking the back my seat, throwing popcorn, and kept asking their parents what was going on.
The film did have two story point problems: First, they combined two of the female characters into one which is fine and dandy unless they are planning on making the rest of the books into films and then they are going to run into problem. Second, they forgot another essential element in the film, which I can not mention otherwise it would spoil it for those who have not read the books, once again is fine unless they are going to make more films from the books.
My sister and father said they enjoyed it minus their concerns for the story elements mentioned above and since they do read books before they are made into films and vice versa I would say, give the film a try. But please, read the books, at least the first one.
*I remembered after I posted this that I did read Twilight years before the film, but I didn't expect much from the film.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Straight Out of a Romance Novel
So last night MBC, one of my past coworkers got married. Why, you ask is it like a romance novel? Here's why. She quite her job at the library last summer to tour Europe for four months and along the way found a man in Scotland (technically he is a Canadian living in Scotland).
It is all those teen girl books (that I really hate) of the girl who goes on vacation with her family and meets her summer romance. Also think of any 80’s sitcom and their family trip to Hawaii. Seriously, I think everyone went there for a special two part episode- Growing Pains, Full House, you name it.
It is also those romance films of the single woman leaving America to find romance- Rome Adventure, Three Coins in the Fountain, Only You, (funny those all happen in Italy not Scotland)- of course never come true in real life until last night. To top things off, MBC will be living in Scotland. That lucky lass!
It is all those teen girl books (that I really hate) of the girl who goes on vacation with her family and meets her summer romance. Also think of any 80’s sitcom and their family trip to Hawaii. Seriously, I think everyone went there for a special two part episode- Growing Pains, Full House, you name it.
It is also those romance films of the single woman leaving America to find romance- Rome Adventure, Three Coins in the Fountain, Only You, (funny those all happen in Italy not Scotland)- of course never come true in real life until last night. To top things off, MBC will be living in Scotland. That lucky lass!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
This year for Valentine's Day I decided to create a list of films that are perfect for this romantic holiday that you may never have heard of:
Random Harvest (1942)
Starring Greer Garson and Ronald Colman
An amnesiac World War I vet falls in love with a music hall star, only to suffer an accident which restores his original memories but erases his post-War life.
My thoughts: Flat out my favorite romantic film of all time. Probably considered a tear jerker (but I would not know). It lucky came back into print a few years back so the world could be reintroduced to it. Greer Garson, one of my favorite actors, truly shines in this film. As for Ronald Colman, I could listen to him read a phone book, his voice is so distinctive and calming. FYI- it was nominated for 7 Oscars it is that good.
The Enchanted Cottage (1945)
Starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young
A homely maid and a scarred ex-GI meet at the cottage where she works and where he was to spend his honeymoon prior to his accident. The two develop a bond and agree to marry, more out of loneliness than love.
My thoughts: Unfortunately out of print. This film also has a great supporting cast with Mildred Natwick and Herman Marshall. The film score will stick with you and completes the film (it was also nominated for an Oscar). Discusses the true meaning of love that I do not think any other film has accomplished with such an impact as this film has.
The Major and the Minor (1945)
Starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland
A woman disguises herself as a child to save on a train fare and is taken in charge by an army man who doesn't notice the truth.
My thoughts: Came back into print last year to my delight. It is just a light romantic comedy. There is a scene that Milland is talking to Rogers about dating using an analogy with light bulbs that is priceless.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison
In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted...and forms a unique relationship with the ghost.
My thoughts: It’s a film that you probably could see once and be satisfied, but yet I am drawn to it.
Come Live with Me (1941)
Starring Hedy Lamarr and James Stewart
Illegal immigrant Johnny Jones is due to be deported from the USA, her only hope is to get married. She meets down-on-his-luck author, Bill Smith, and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to remain in the country, but Bill has more ambitious ideas.
My thoughts: Another great film out of print. Jimmy Stewart is just his charming self as the awkard man in love. Love the scene Jimmy discusses fireflies to Hedy.
Two Weeks with Love (1950)
Starring Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban
The Robinson family is spending two weeks of summer vacation at a resort in the Catskills. Older daughter Patti vies with her friend, Valeria, for the affections of Demi Armendez but Patti is at a disadvantage because her father thinks she is too young for boys.
My thoughts: I just realized that this is the first colorized film on this list. Great supporting cast with a very young Debbie Reynolds. It is a musical, so brace yourself for some songs, but also get ready to laugh. It reminds me a lot of "Cheaper by the Dozen" (1950) about a girl trying to grow up while her parents think she is too young but without the sad ending.
Random Harvest (1942)
Starring Greer Garson and Ronald Colman
An amnesiac World War I vet falls in love with a music hall star, only to suffer an accident which restores his original memories but erases his post-War life.
My thoughts: Flat out my favorite romantic film of all time. Probably considered a tear jerker (but I would not know). It lucky came back into print a few years back so the world could be reintroduced to it. Greer Garson, one of my favorite actors, truly shines in this film. As for Ronald Colman, I could listen to him read a phone book, his voice is so distinctive and calming. FYI- it was nominated for 7 Oscars it is that good.
The Enchanted Cottage (1945)
Starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young
A homely maid and a scarred ex-GI meet at the cottage where she works and where he was to spend his honeymoon prior to his accident. The two develop a bond and agree to marry, more out of loneliness than love.
My thoughts: Unfortunately out of print. This film also has a great supporting cast with Mildred Natwick and Herman Marshall. The film score will stick with you and completes the film (it was also nominated for an Oscar). Discusses the true meaning of love that I do not think any other film has accomplished with such an impact as this film has.
The Major and the Minor (1945)
Starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland
A woman disguises herself as a child to save on a train fare and is taken in charge by an army man who doesn't notice the truth.
My thoughts: Came back into print last year to my delight. It is just a light romantic comedy. There is a scene that Milland is talking to Rogers about dating using an analogy with light bulbs that is priceless.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison
In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted...and forms a unique relationship with the ghost.
My thoughts: It’s a film that you probably could see once and be satisfied, but yet I am drawn to it.
Come Live with Me (1941)
Starring Hedy Lamarr and James Stewart
Illegal immigrant Johnny Jones is due to be deported from the USA, her only hope is to get married. She meets down-on-his-luck author, Bill Smith, and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to remain in the country, but Bill has more ambitious ideas.
My thoughts: Another great film out of print. Jimmy Stewart is just his charming self as the awkard man in love. Love the scene Jimmy discusses fireflies to Hedy.
Two Weeks with Love (1950)
Starring Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban
The Robinson family is spending two weeks of summer vacation at a resort in the Catskills. Older daughter Patti vies with her friend, Valeria, for the affections of Demi Armendez but Patti is at a disadvantage because her father thinks she is too young for boys.
My thoughts: I just realized that this is the first colorized film on this list. Great supporting cast with a very young Debbie Reynolds. It is a musical, so brace yourself for some songs, but also get ready to laugh. It reminds me a lot of "Cheaper by the Dozen" (1950) about a girl trying to grow up while her parents think she is too young but without the sad ending.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Viva Las Vegas
This past weekend (February 5-7) AJ, AMM, DAP, and I went down to Vegas for a relaxing weekend. It all started off that I wanted to see Bette Midler perform (she is suppose to be one of the best live performances ever) and so we decided we would go down. Then come to find out that she ended her engagement the weekend before. But we decided that we needed a relaxing vacation one that was not packed with million things to do like our other vacations. We even had a suite with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full on kitchen, and living room.
Friday night we walked the strip, went up the Eifel Tower to get a view of the city, watched the fountain at the Bellagio (very entertaining, could have watched it for hours, better than fireworks) and explored the different themed hotels. Just an FYI you can miss “The Fall of Atlantis” at Creasers Palace, it was just too cheesy. We even had a buffet dinner since that is what you are suppose to do in Vegas.
Saturday we spent all day shopping at the outlets. Yes, you may laugh picturing me shopping, let alone for hours! I just never got the whole thing about girls and their love of shopping. At night we went to the Wynn hotel for the performance of “The Leve” (The Dream in French). Our hotel concierge recommended it and it was pretty amazing. Think Esther Williams MGM musical on steroids. Since that probably means nothing to anyone I will explain. It was choreographed by the person who does the Circ del Soleill programs but with water. You have high flying acrobats, divers, synchronized swimming, etc. Worth the money.
Sunday slept in and then went to church. Afterwards we headed down to tour the Hoover Dam. I really enjoyed it. I was very impressed. I recommend the next time you drive down that way, stop and take the hour tour. I kept thinking of Superman (1978) while walking along the Dam. Honestly, my mind always wonders to films. Then we drove home.
Though I enjoyed seeing the hotels from the Rat Pack days, though they have changed so much (watch the original Ocean’s Eleven and you will know what I mean); I can cross Vegas off my list of things to do and be content to never go again.
Friday night we walked the strip, went up the Eifel Tower to get a view of the city, watched the fountain at the Bellagio (very entertaining, could have watched it for hours, better than fireworks) and explored the different themed hotels. Just an FYI you can miss “The Fall of Atlantis” at Creasers Palace, it was just too cheesy. We even had a buffet dinner since that is what you are suppose to do in Vegas.
Saturday we spent all day shopping at the outlets. Yes, you may laugh picturing me shopping, let alone for hours! I just never got the whole thing about girls and their love of shopping. At night we went to the Wynn hotel for the performance of “The Leve” (The Dream in French). Our hotel concierge recommended it and it was pretty amazing. Think Esther Williams MGM musical on steroids. Since that probably means nothing to anyone I will explain. It was choreographed by the person who does the Circ del Soleill programs but with water. You have high flying acrobats, divers, synchronized swimming, etc. Worth the money.
Sunday slept in and then went to church. Afterwards we headed down to tour the Hoover Dam. I really enjoyed it. I was very impressed. I recommend the next time you drive down that way, stop and take the hour tour. I kept thinking of Superman (1978) while walking along the Dam. Honestly, my mind always wonders to films. Then we drove home.
Though I enjoyed seeing the hotels from the Rat Pack days, though they have changed so much (watch the original Ocean’s Eleven and you will know what I mean); I can cross Vegas off my list of things to do and be content to never go again.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy Groundhog Day!
To honor this special day I have enclosed some of my favorite quotes from the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. I love that film and this holiday.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?
Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
Phil: Hey commander, what's going on?
State Trooper: There's nothing going on. We're closing the road. Big blizzard moving in.
Phil: What blizzard? It's a couple of flakes.
State Trooper: Don't you listen to the weather? We got a major storm here.
Phil: I make the weather! All of this moisture coming up out of the Gulf is gonna push off to the east and hit Altoona.
State Trooper: Pal, you got that moisture on your head. Now you can go back to Punxsutawney, or you can go ahead and freeze to death. It's your choice. So what's it gonna be?
Phil: [pauses] I'm thinking...
Phil: Come on, *all* the long distance lines are down? What about the satellite? Is it snowing in space? Don't you have some kind of a line that you keep open for emergencies or for celebrities? I'm both. I'm a celebrity in an emergency.
Phil: This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.
Phil: [Holding Phil the Groundhog behind the wheel] Don't drive angry. Don't drive angry!
[Phil Connors is stopped by the police after some crazy driving]
Phil: Yeah, three cheeseburgers, two large fries, two chocolate shakes and one large coke.
Ralph: [to Phil] And some flapjacks.
Phil: [to Cop] Too early for flapjacks?
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?
Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
Phil: Hey commander, what's going on?
State Trooper: There's nothing going on. We're closing the road. Big blizzard moving in.
Phil: What blizzard? It's a couple of flakes.
State Trooper: Don't you listen to the weather? We got a major storm here.
Phil: I make the weather! All of this moisture coming up out of the Gulf is gonna push off to the east and hit Altoona.
State Trooper: Pal, you got that moisture on your head. Now you can go back to Punxsutawney, or you can go ahead and freeze to death. It's your choice. So what's it gonna be?
Phil: [pauses] I'm thinking...
Phil: Come on, *all* the long distance lines are down? What about the satellite? Is it snowing in space? Don't you have some kind of a line that you keep open for emergencies or for celebrities? I'm both. I'm a celebrity in an emergency.
Phil: This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.
Phil: [Holding Phil the Groundhog behind the wheel] Don't drive angry. Don't drive angry!
[Phil Connors is stopped by the police after some crazy driving]
Phil: Yeah, three cheeseburgers, two large fries, two chocolate shakes and one large coke.
Ralph: [to Phil] And some flapjacks.
Phil: [to Cop] Too early for flapjacks?
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