tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50014742241826507202024-02-07T01:34:00.551-07:00Film Critic's Daughter<center> Movies * TV * Theater * Books * Music
</center>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-50750495774663509762015-07-06T02:34:00.000-06:002015-07-06T02:34:03.503-06:00Oh, Hello There.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the TV has been broken for a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A WHOLE WEEK, PEOPLE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, truthfully, it's been broken longer than that. For a couple of weeks, we watched it with a salt-n-pepper screen, </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not actually OUR TV, but this is totally what it looked like.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">then when the new chip arrived and I installed it, we watched it with a horizontal black bar across the heads of all the actors. It was less than ideal, but we persevered.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs2ABw4KCXL-2bVa6p0z8nN0Zmchp4d6xHQVGdVjfLbFTHXBWnNwXI7FIa45yErsSbQtnjiNrkpQTf6QICJi1Xjvl8KCpdQZvncToRBCjepQTBvRwPVgxYTws6K8BlQRpAP0oM0lIJpUj/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs2ABw4KCXL-2bVa6p0z8nN0Zmchp4d6xHQVGdVjfLbFTHXBWnNwXI7FIa45yErsSbQtnjiNrkpQTf6QICJi1Xjvl8KCpdQZvncToRBCjepQTBvRwPVgxYTws6K8BlQRpAP0oM0lIJpUj/s400/IMG_1185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our TV screen with the faulty replacement chip. Striped!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sending back the faulty replacement chip meant leaving the TV in pieces while we wait for the company to send us another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And my daughter watches Youtube videos on the computer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And my husband streams his 10 o'clock news on his tablet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I watch Netflix on my iPad mini.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we're spoiled, I realize, as I write this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But no TV. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's, like, anti-American!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good thing it's summer and there's not much on. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VwZHF6dTB55xXbALs2i4tHiTWLTsBChm3ssIacfoL0_ug5eMnrQWO-YeXxa_pCrHCz_7IO2M3GtPD_m8cQE8Dh_qVTA-fUWCH39twFAsyq7CnVXr1hLts77bggah2kYNtPnQNfU7R8Y3/s1600/daredevil-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VwZHF6dTB55xXbALs2i4tHiTWLTsBChm3ssIacfoL0_ug5eMnrQWO-YeXxa_pCrHCz_7IO2M3GtPD_m8cQE8Dh_qVTA-fUWCH39twFAsyq7CnVXr1hLts77bggah2kYNtPnQNfU7R8Y3/s400/daredevil-poster.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of what to watch, did I tell you about Daredevil? Holy smokes it's FANTASTIC. Not only is it perfectly cast, vibrantly dark, intelligent and fun, it's also a really, really cool story about a superhero who is blind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling all super-heroed-out? Well, this show is worth the trial of your patience. You'll like it. Well-- if you can stomach the blood. I was surprised by how gory it is. Ick. I had to cover my eyes for a few scenes (thanks, Vincent D'Onofrio!!), <i>but it's still worth it.</i> I like Gotham & Agents of Shield. I don't care for Arrow or The Flash much, and I have a feeling that Supergirl will STINK. But Daredevil is magnificent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of gore, I finally sat through the whole pilot episode of The Walking Dead (yes, I know <i>you</i>'ve watched every episode and discussed them all), and I didn't like it very much. Maybe the zombie movement is not my thing? Maybe I don't like being scared AND grossed out? Maybe I just don't have the stomach for it. But it's not for me. Sorry, fangirls and boys.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvrfVuaGzmc2D70WFpLRi6BUONV61OjhLa6TuINcFr5j1MryTVw-icmv-jm4Z-LlNryKy4CWkCTRsfHn_ukoFX4_VXP1nShZ8-39j2eF1Lr3JQ4MzqWLoHYer8fSEBiQy_RqC1M0ni9OU/s1600/o-TWIN-PEAKS-REVIVAL-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvrfVuaGzmc2D70WFpLRi6BUONV61OjhLa6TuINcFr5j1MryTVw-icmv-jm4Z-LlNryKy4CWkCTRsfHn_ukoFX4_VXP1nShZ8-39j2eF1Lr3JQ4MzqWLoHYer8fSEBiQy_RqC1M0ni9OU/s400/o-TWIN-PEAKS-REVIVAL-facebook.jpg" width="282" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's see. Oh, my 18 year old son talked me into starting Twin Peaks recently. I feel like I ought to watch some of these shows that are considered iconic or "best ever" by crazy fans, so I gave it a go. And I'm sort of hooked. I'm not chomping at the bit to watch every chance I get, and I'm not binge-watching all the episodes, but I do like it. It's very, <i>very</i>, <i>VERY</i> odd, though. My husband (who does NOT like it) said it's like a long, loooong episode of The Twilight Zone. He's kind of right...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite moment so far has been David Duchovny in drag. It was completely unexpected (I saw his name in the credits on the first episode he appears in, but didn't expect that!) and perfectly played. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what are YOU watching? What would you recommend I watch once my TV is back up and running and life returns to balance and happiness? </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-13311581803917970292015-03-25T12:17:00.003-06:002015-03-25T12:17:29.764-06:00What I'm Watching: Bates Motel<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If I haven't told you yet, I like creepy stuff- books, stories, etc. I normally don't go out for spooky TV and movies, but after watching Supernatural last summer (yes, all of it), I've changed and I'm much more open to creepy or scary TV shows now. Enter Bates Motel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Psycho" is so iconic that even people who haven't seen it recognize certain elements: the famous screeching violins from the shower scene, the dark, looming mansion on the hill overlooking the hotel, Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. Some of us have seen the original enough times to recognize other things, such as the music that plays while Marion is driving in the rain, or the stairs inside the Bates home. Never has someone offering to make another person a sandwich seemed so sinister. If you only saw the remake, do yourself a favor and watch the original. Hitchcock was a master.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hesitated at first to watch "Bates Motel" because the ads made it look like Normal was fantasizing about his mother and I didn't really want to watch that. Then I read the book "Psycho" by Robert Bloch, and heard good things about the show, and decided to give it a chance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjhRpNWPHnaTtjbJ84TcAfDR4aAqVer3hcTEGCE4uyoAKeQvngDXr6WCBON3ce8vfdSyswfcbcPHsgfWT1PC-6wmRUrLRzFO-OTjN_F1CnFZ4BDKnr3kkDLnw2nlKyg271fJBDtO_SXoW/s1600/Bates-Motel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjhRpNWPHnaTtjbJ84TcAfDR4aAqVer3hcTEGCE4uyoAKeQvngDXr6WCBON3ce8vfdSyswfcbcPHsgfWT1PC-6wmRUrLRzFO-OTjN_F1CnFZ4BDKnr3kkDLnw2nlKyg271fJBDtO_SXoW/s1600/Bates-Motel.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I love it! It's not the best show on TV (that honor goes to Justified right now, since Sherlock is in hiatus), nor is it 100% perfect, but it's <i>very </i>enjoyable and the writing is great and most of the actors are perfectly cast. Freddie Highmore as Norman is amazing. Watching him grow into the murderous, crazy Norman Bates we know and love is fascinating, and Highmore manages to make Norman both sympathetic and frightening. Vera Farmiga as his mother, Norma, is also scary and likeable--terrific casting! We love when actors from one of our family's favorite shows, "Lost", show up in new shows, so it's been fun watching Nestor Carbonell as the local sheriff. And Max Thieriot as Norman's brother Dylan is low-key, subtle acting at its best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My only complaint about casting was in the first season, when Nicola Peltz played Bradley (yes, a girl with a boy's name, go fig.), who was a sort-of love interest for Norman. She has yet to develop the acting chops to keep up with the rest of this stellar cast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The show has had murder, intrigue, secrets, character development, and mysteries aplenty. If you like a good drama or are a fan of Psycho, Bates Motel is worth checking out!</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-82719780327298171202015-02-28T13:23:00.004-07:002015-02-28T13:24:54.371-07:00What I'm Watching: Gotham<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In case you've missed it, this is one show I don't miss:</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Gotham</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hesitated to watch Gotham at first, because I figured (rightly) that some plot devices simply wouldn't work because we all know that certain characters live to know the adult Bruce Wayne, etc. and because I figured it's all kind of been done and the current over-saturation of comic-book media might be getting to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But... Gotham! I <i>loved</i> Batman Begins so very, very much, and I really like Batman as a character, so I had to give it a chance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceLvRME16boRdlAtpeLWSfBqqJ1BiQwlN61J2szdhJbPIyBQrlEmuNJlcVyeHwxcaib5VFqO9o6bTIdIymHCH0njBRBC5Vk8Z0UHZ6-eOWAyiwqM-7ousjcRW8rK8xRFsZc4i3ONYeoIL/s1600/gotham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceLvRME16boRdlAtpeLWSfBqqJ1BiQwlN61J2szdhJbPIyBQrlEmuNJlcVyeHwxcaib5VFqO9o6bTIdIymHCH0njBRBC5Vk8Z0UHZ6-eOWAyiwqM-7ousjcRW8rK8xRFsZc4i3ONYeoIL/s1600/gotham.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I have enjoyed most of it. There are some fun things happening on this show. James Gordon (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1360270/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">Ben McKenzie</a>), the central character of the show, is honest, good, and willing to stand up against the worst horrors of old Gotham, even if he has to do it alone. But he's not perfect, he has flaws and makes mistakes, and this only serves to make me like him more. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harvey Bullock, Gordon's partner, (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006610/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11">Donal Logue</a>), who started out as a bit of an a** and not much else, has developed into a much more likable, frequent light-comic-relief character.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are many early appearances of Batman villains, most notably Penguin, who has <i>owned</i> this first season, played brilliantly by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2088699/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Robin Lord Taylor</a>. Penguin (Oswald Cobblepot) is emotionally and mentally messed up from the get-go, and has struggled all season to survive the dark underworld, working for various crime bosses, trying to befriend Gordon, all the while struggling to earn his wacky mother's praise and adoration. (There are some amusing internet rumors that he is really the future Joker... hm.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHSiCZeMBbcqX9_-0uG-JUuPOs1CcuHZ569v7JiKRnnF4eSeAeTmP9zKrMZ0-NzuicEHgVqyvxjTeWXnwfP63UqzcUQb5DKsCkd5gIXLpNkpP2KpveHgE1oEKj1yNt3_HOeL_TQHvAr0/s1600/gotham-robin-lord-taylor-cory-michael-smith-fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHSiCZeMBbcqX9_-0uG-JUuPOs1CcuHZ569v7JiKRnnF4eSeAeTmP9zKrMZ0-NzuicEHgVqyvxjTeWXnwfP63UqzcUQb5DKsCkd5gIXLpNkpP2KpveHgE1oEKj1yNt3_HOeL_TQHvAr0/s1600/gotham-robin-lord-taylor-cory-michael-smith-fox.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Penguin, left and Edward Nygma, probably the future Riddler</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also wonderful is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2088699/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Cory Michael Smith</a> as Edward Nygma-- the future Riddler. Nygma is my favorite character on the show- awkward, sweet, twisted and vastly smarter than almost everyone else onscreen, Smith's portrayal is perfect. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABQ7ed5F3ajCKqvBuuNHQGJ2pi2TT19y_ROREG4KBSvpJklYNs_W9qgsNQCYTI0OGq9DMnEWz7cO4fRfWMwXCQPunBVZxQvA1QCl4PpKeJsDiZIyPwS1ZewqGCVKRAwcOL09kbxcUfY-8/s1600/Fish_Mooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABQ7ed5F3ajCKqvBuuNHQGJ2pi2TT19y_ROREG4KBSvpJklYNs_W9qgsNQCYTI0OGq9DMnEWz7cO4fRfWMwXCQPunBVZxQvA1QCl4PpKeJsDiZIyPwS1ZewqGCVKRAwcOL09kbxcUfY-8/s1600/Fish_Mooney.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed Jada Pinkett Smith as Fish Mooney. In spite of some <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChewingTheScenery">scenery-chewing</a>, you can't take your eyes off her. And in last week's episode she shocked everyone, showing how far she's willing to go to be in control. <a href="http://www.people.com/article/gotham-fish-mooney-everyone-has-a-cobblepot-first-look-photo-jada-pinkett-smith">SPOILER</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are some annoying storylines and characters however. For instance, we've now been introduced to all of the following young people destined to be Batman's nemeses: Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Scarecrow, TwoFace (well, we've met Harvey Dent) and (much to my annoyance) a possible red-herring Joker. The kid they pulled in for a very early Joker-esque performance was trying way, WAY too hard to channel both Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson, in my opinion. And it is too soon in the series to already see so many future baddies. It makes me roll my eyes every time they show Ivy putting on something green, or Selina (Catwoman) climbing on a rail or rooftop. I'm a little annoyed at having so much future villainy introduced in a less-than-subtle fashion. We'll see how they all play out, I suppose.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3k6WKzq5xnSdUhdUU_3SzAk-_PWnUAM4yR6bSNeFWqupSk0zPkJh5xOCruGeJcyMkZ0JV4Q4ULVgjG61iaOTeHwdmhyphenhyphenwIhL39ksWggZ4cN5-NEeOCd-K9KhoOb1Z-VXq-pMWO0XB3wgp/s1600/Still-Alfred-Bruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3k6WKzq5xnSdUhdUU_3SzAk-_PWnUAM4yR6bSNeFWqupSk0zPkJh5xOCruGeJcyMkZ0JV4Q4ULVgjG61iaOTeHwdmhyphenhyphenwIhL39ksWggZ4cN5-NEeOCd-K9KhoOb1Z-VXq-pMWO0XB3wgp/s1600/Still-Alfred-Bruce.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The boy who plays Bruce Wayne, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3458761/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">David Mazouz</a> is good enough, and will hopefully get better as he grows up. One of the best characters on the show is Alfred Pennyworth. Played by British actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0675730/?ref_=tt_cl_t13">Sean Pertwee</a>, he's quite different than the version seen in Batman productions to this point. I love it, though! It seems so much more authentic to me that Bruce was raised by someone tough, able to protect and teach Bruce how to fight. <a href="http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/09/25/gotham-what-s-up-with-alfred-pennyworth-2297218?lt_source=external,manual">Here's a good article about this version of Alfred.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The flavor and ambiance of Gotham is dark and rather different from other super-hero shows on right now (with the possible exception of another DC show- Arrow, which I just couldn't get in to). I think it's worth a look if you're even just a little curious. Sometimes gritty and violent, it's probably not for everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">OH, and PS, I absolutely LOVE the addition of Firefly alum <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1072555/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Morena Baccarin</a> as Dr. Thomkins, love interest for Gordon. </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-50308099084375527382014-05-13T15:40:00.002-06:002014-11-26T10:52:01.665-07:00Fargo and Orphan Black: Amazing TV<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M__jhlfzS2I3PEZQ73oZJ2zJTeKHj2rKI7eeagvzeCOUh4zH9a1ckxwsoMf8rMJZYaJZS80GN1RwVj-p41zQ6XJaNwxVuX2DJDuuEFObN1Q5Avoq5PMyS3UInvNrrbkMDStcA9rW4ylj/s1600/fargo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M__jhlfzS2I3PEZQ73oZJ2zJTeKHj2rKI7eeagvzeCOUh4zH9a1ckxwsoMf8rMJZYaJZS80GN1RwVj-p41zQ6XJaNwxVuX2DJDuuEFObN1Q5Avoq5PMyS3UInvNrrbkMDStcA9rW4ylj/s1600/fargo.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from finance.yahoo.com, oddly enough</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2802850/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Fargo</a>" is a television re-imagining of the thematic elements and the atmosphere of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116282/?ref_=nv_sr_2">1996 Coen Brothers' film </a>of the same name. The TV show isn't set in Fargo, and only alludes to the events of the film, but it's a wonderful homage or follow-up to the film that</span><span style="font-size: large;"> stands on its own two feet as one of the best shows of the year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/?ref_=tt_cl_t4" style="font-size: x-large;">Martin Freeman</a><span style="font-size: large;">, with an amusing Minnesota accent, plays Lester Nygaard, the put-upon, oppressed and bullied insurance salesman who crosses paths with devilishly entertaining bad guy Lorne Malvo, played brilliantly by the incomparable </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000671/?ref_=tt_cl_t1" style="font-size: x-large;">Billy Bob Thornton</a><span style="font-size: large;">, which sends Lester's life into a spiral of deception and danger. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I came for Martin Freeman, but I'm staying for Billy Bob Thornton. He is unpredictable, diabolical, and amazing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are multiple mysteries and fantastic side characters, including Lester's brother, Chaz (Joshua Close), Policeman Gus Grimley (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004988/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Colin Hanks</a>) who might or might not have a love interest in Molly Solverson (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2798112/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Allison Tolman)</a>, a detective who is certain Lester knows more than he's admitting. </span><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite of the secondary characters are the sign-language speaking hit men (played by<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adam Goldberg and deaf actor Russell Harvard)</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">sent down from Fargo to look into a murder and take care of the guilty party. Deadpan serious, their amusing signed banter juxtaposed with their effectiveness as killers makes them absolutely fascinating.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbFxm_JsgCVPAMWS5dXiNA1IcIqUiJrf9AZY7fJWQYPQ6p5zantaZ_F1ElrhUrH1NBUul_o55Yc2c63G32qZiR5taXGW9KSjrgqSZ-0JTCh_0kKv9W_Pcjf04zpp36B9JXyqmLhBdBXFN/s1600/deaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbFxm_JsgCVPAMWS5dXiNA1IcIqUiJrf9AZY7fJWQYPQ6p5zantaZ_F1ElrhUrH1NBUul_o55Yc2c63G32qZiR5taXGW9KSjrgqSZ-0JTCh_0kKv9W_Pcjf04zpp36B9JXyqmLhBdBXFN/s1600/deaf.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from tvguide.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Sensitivity warning: violence, gore, dark themes and sexuality</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-fargo-review-20140415-story.html">Here</a> is an excellent summation, from the LA Times, for more info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the recommendation of my siblings, I decided to check out "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2234222/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Orphan Black</a>", which is a BBC production, set in either the US or Canada (I'm thinking US). The show revolves around Sarah, a British orphan and grifter, who was raised in the US with her foster brother, Felix (played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2849998/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jordan Gavaris,</a> who steals every scene he is in), by Mrs. S, their British foster mother. Sarah discovers that she is one of many clones and drama ensues. They are being hunted and killed by a crazy religious cult, as well as other factions who all seem to want something from Sarah, especially. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF44o6fiWJJ7DYADvKMjFCXmv1OZX9ZXMpYct_4uY9VjXWCeNzOGW-Y2xhi8A5Cud2oB7OoW8EitJ2K4eH-G9INMng_iw-Aa3zGTMP_C_2aMpzMyJkzjKyLxT3w7R61PlkemGcCCPXl-b/s1600/orphan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF44o6fiWJJ7DYADvKMjFCXmv1OZX9ZXMpYct_4uY9VjXWCeNzOGW-Y2xhi8A5Cud2oB7OoW8EitJ2K4eH-G9INMng_iw-Aa3zGTMP_C_2aMpzMyJkzjKyLxT3w7R61PlkemGcCCPXl-b/s1600/orphan.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from zap2it.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's fascinating sci-fi- rich and layered and totally enthralling. The multiple clones are all played expertly by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1137209/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Tatiana Maslany</a>. She is so good that I forget I'm not watching more than one actress in these roles. If she doesn't earn an Emmy or BAFTA or whatever, it will be an enormous injustice. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well into its second season now, Orphan Black remains intense, dramatic, courageous and thrilling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sensitivity Warning: sexuality, violence</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-orphan-black-review-20140419-story.html">Another</a> excellent LA Times review if you want to know more.</span><br />
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-52079156815388352462014-04-14T16:27:00.002-06:002014-04-17T22:03:20.936-06:00Finally "Frozen"<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A couple of weeks ago, I felt like the last person in the civilized world who had not seen "Frozen". I was alone, living in the Cave of Uncoolness. When people would sing "Let it Go" at the top of their lungs on Youtube or in line at the grocery store, I would cringe and muse over the meh-ness of it Though, <a href="http://www.itjustgetsstranger.com/2014/03/at-least-learn-words-if-youre-going-to.html">Eli McCann's niece's</a> performance was probably the cutest cover I have ever seen. Even when Idina Menzel sang it at the Oscars, I was left thinking, "...and...?" I mean, it's a good song, but I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hadn't heard any other songs from the show, nor did I really understand the plot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But now I have and I do. Mostly. I finally watched it. Twice.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC-hHvV1ih0ZU_3DYZqIujivlQsWEBNOQB5ZkG0aDF0CI4IirZ082NDXnf6dHUVE0ufLcFcZpiZ1QrAP2P6wpvcWRbhZ5DyZTxYaYCAAf62LKsFuouhmAjMZW11pJ5Ork7vXsoAD_ljCC/s1600/elsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC-hHvV1ih0ZU_3DYZqIujivlQsWEBNOQB5ZkG0aDF0CI4IirZ082NDXnf6dHUVE0ufLcFcZpiZ1QrAP2P6wpvcWRbhZ5DyZTxYaYCAAf62LKsFuouhmAjMZW11pJ5Ork7vXsoAD_ljCC/s1600/elsa.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from latfusa.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Like all great Disney musical cartoons, "Frozen" features a couple of songs that are mostly forgettable, such as the opening ice-chopping number, "Heart" or the rock-troll courtship song, "Fixer Upper". They also always have some catchier mind-control songs like "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Love is an Open Door". And always, always the more popular sing-along solos-- in this case "For the First Time in Forever" and "Let it Go". If you haven't heard the latter, you must still be in the Cave. I would come get you, but since <i>I'm</i> no longer uncool, I doubt I could find it again. Sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I watched the movie. And I chuckled at the antics of the inexplicably alive snowman and the klutzy-charming Kristoff (especially when he sings and talks for his reindeer buddy, Sven. Hilarious!) and at Anna's adorable awkwardness. It's cute. It's a cute movie. But the best movie ever? Worth watching multiple times a day? Nah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For one thing, the plot is ALL OVER THE PLACE. I mean, seriously. There are a king and queen, right? With two daughters. One has magic, but we have NO idea why or where it came from. The only clue we get is when the Grandpa Rock-Troll asks if she was born or cursed with it and King-Dad says born with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But why is it snow and ice? I read a lot of fantasy fiction, and I expect magic systems to have a purpose beyond providing conflict for the main characters. Some base reasoning or explanation for why she is the only person in the universe that can make snow and ice shoot out of her hands would have been nice. And her powers aren't limited to that. She can also make clothes and ice skates and both goofy and terrifying snowmen come alive. She can grant <i>life</i>, people. But... why? Maybe I should look to the source material and see if there is an explanation from Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then there are the rock-trolls. I <i>really</i> didn't get that. And why was Kristoff raised by them, exactly? *Does <i>everyone</i> in the Disney universe have to be an orphan?! They roll around, then they pile atop one another and sing that obnoxious song that made me want to pull my hair out. But, also inexplicably, the Grandpa has magic powers that can make pictures in the sky and remove the ice princess' sister's head trauma <i>and</i> <i>mess with her memory.</i> Like that's a good idea. What could possibly go wrong? Sheeeeesh. Then we don't see them again until Hans takes Anna there for a second dose of healing, but now Grandpa Rock-Troll can't help. Nope, sorry, I guess he can mess with the brain but can do nothing for the heart and the girl turning into a princess-cicle. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I felt a little tossed around by the story. One minute the girls are BFFs, the next minute, the older one, Elsa is <i>completely ignoring</i> her little sister, Anna, by staying locked in her room and never speaking to her. Right. Because <i>that's</i> a great solution to the problem of dangerous powers. Her parents are just like, "Don't feel anything. That will work. Oh, and hide away, because one day you'll be queen, but we wouldn't want you to actually <i>master</i> your powers or learn <i>people skills </i>before then. Just stay in this room. Alone. For 10 years. No biggie."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anna and Elsa grow up in the course of one song, sung perfectly by the magnificent Kristen Bell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then the parents die. Naturally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>*Apparently, the answer is YES.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So there's a coronation, followed by a party and a perfect-hair prince and a couple of shady merchant's guards and Anna is adorable but still manages to trigger Elsa's <i>crazy</i>, because Elsa has a serious lack of communication skills, so Elsa (in a huff, as my dad would say) rushes up a mountain in, like, 15 minutes, leaving behind a sudden, magic-induced winter-in-summer situation. The fjord freezes over and everyone is cold and miserable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The song, though, the "Let it Go" song, is incredible in context. I <i>get</i> that now. I see now why everyone loves that song. Idina Menzel's vocals with the beauty of the animated ice castle creation is truly stunning. Breathtaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Though she left only minutes after her sister, it takes Anna (and Kristoff and Sven) about 8 hours to catch up. Of course, they had to deal with a funny-accented shopkeeper and a pack of ravenous wolves along the way. (Even though it's not <i>really</i> winter, they act just like winter-starved wolves would. I guess the caribou ran out early that year?) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And they picked up the goofy sidekick snowman, Olaf, as well, who steals the show with this number:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='480' height='399' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MrwQUgr-9Ng?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And when they finally get there, Elsa chases them off, injuring Anna when she has a magic-fueled tantrum, (of course, because we can't just <i>listen</i> can we!?).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then there's the double-crossing prince. In absolutely every scene featuring him up until that moment that he reveals his true nature, he is adorable, funny, quirky, sweet and helpful. He's gentle with the people, kind to everyone and seems completely genuine. So, unless you're totally jaded and don't trust anyone, his sudden shift to a totally evil-greedy dude was a bit jarring and seemed like a completely different character. I thought we maybe should have had a little sense of "this guy isn't perfect" before that. This is a petty complaint, I know, but it just didn't feel authentic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The movie moves forward and the conclusion builds and the act of true love is a beautiful surprise, and Elsa's change of heart is instant and complete and it ends with some more incredible animation and warm hearts. Happy sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This movie feels a bit like the writers shoved all of their best ideas into a snowglobe and shook it up. There are some great things here, and some good things, and some random inexplicable things. (Including the opening credits background music, which sounds like a mash-up of Lilo and Stitch and The Lion King styles. WEIRD.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure I loved it as much as the rest of you did, but I <i>did</i> like it. And I <i>am</i> thinking I might like to own the soundtrack, so I too can sing along and pretend I'm a Broadway-caliber Disney princess. </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-35884000129929385042014-04-04T23:09:00.001-06:002014-04-05T07:58:59.470-06:00Captain America: Winter Soldier<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Or should I say "Captain YUM-erica". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ahem...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Captain America is back</a><u>!</u> He's got a new uniform, a new sidekick, and a new mission. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y7FWcyMfS34Or2elFyER0ePxh5-pD6Hw3ybTua3nQjJCgzFfW5KgvrtayMm6LcknIaC5Hprqcg9brKmbsHNaDHFnGh_PhNM22kfeYdBhxZgyhUSnN3LeOMdsrJY5lSdz6GjbTcdNbhq6/s1600/cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y7FWcyMfS34Or2elFyER0ePxh5-pD6Hw3ybTua3nQjJCgzFfW5KgvrtayMm6LcknIaC5Hprqcg9brKmbsHNaDHFnGh_PhNM22kfeYdBhxZgyhUSnN3LeOMdsrJY5lSdz6GjbTcdNbhq6/s1600/cap.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">from <a href="http://herocomplex.latimes.com/">herocomplex.latimes.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's very difficult to talk about a new movie without giving any spoilers, so I guess I'll keep it brief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The good: </span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chris Evans as Captain America is as <strike>hunky,</strike> umm... I mean <strike>handsome</strike>... er... heroic as ever. I don't know how much was Evans and how much was stunt double, but I loved all the parkour and gymnastic style moves in the fight scenes this time around. Of course, he uses his shield well, too. Captain America is my favorite superhero. He's honest, he's trustworthy, he's <i>good</i>, and he tries to always do what's right. He's the perfect guy... and those shoulders? S<i>eriously</i>.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXUzE9YS2js0_WheJbbuZ7GedjIV8TgAYqM5W1VWu-jMeUTQfNCzm6dGlS-yWVo1NDAf2fxjYwdJW1IqmnA8I6uivoXF38P93t7eBlSQzSg_dUUPp4_mvjWCTWnRudJebugUHG8cxVKtv/s1600/evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXUzE9YS2js0_WheJbbuZ7GedjIV8TgAYqM5W1VWu-jMeUTQfNCzm6dGlS-yWVo1NDAf2fxjYwdJW1IqmnA8I6uivoXF38P93t7eBlSQzSg_dUUPp4_mvjWCTWnRudJebugUHG8cxVKtv/s1600/evans.jpg" height="640" width="475" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">from <a href="http://thelesfilms.wordpress.com/">thelesfilms.wordpress.com</a></span></td></tr>
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</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Scarlett Johansson is back as Black Widow, and she has some excellent scenes with the Captain, and, as usual, she kicks butt. She was really great, though I do wish we had a chance to get to know her character a little better. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ69X9Lmekg4B50_SwNKt9saZ8IQW5CKx7sFYtfzU1TNB8z7kLCiIZHg-bJi6dNWjwvzFlqTbwmg8pzzARSu9_xWM-Xe-kDmM5sq98CQKyUdtC2Hgap1_29oewKz-O8brTouzEaIpfITXK/s1600/scar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ69X9Lmekg4B50_SwNKt9saZ8IQW5CKx7sFYtfzU1TNB8z7kLCiIZHg-bJi6dNWjwvzFlqTbwmg8pzzARSu9_xWM-Xe-kDmM5sq98CQKyUdtC2Hgap1_29oewKz-O8brTouzEaIpfITXK/s1600/scar.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">from <a href="http://sciencefiction.com/">sciencefiction.com</a></span></td></tr>
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</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The new sidekick, Falcon, played by Anthony Mackie, gets the best one-liners and a winged jetpack-thing that's pretty dang cool. Audiences will like him, I think.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoQ1GjCsd-WdTb0GK8Jvbd4HcbDs-qwQqhs8B18g9jJ2yfZnVg45TrqEsXYONi0PQ2wR92AQu3VFwOgob9OKik7BgcyhYkt0svq8kmw-5poz9UiZoHIYdNj2ZvD-e715DU61xoUwJ7TlT/s1600/falcon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoQ1GjCsd-WdTb0GK8Jvbd4HcbDs-qwQqhs8B18g9jJ2yfZnVg45TrqEsXYONi0PQ2wR92AQu3VFwOgob9OKik7BgcyhYkt0svq8kmw-5poz9UiZoHIYdNj2ZvD-e715DU61xoUwJ7TlT/s1600/falcon.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://geektyrant.com/">geektyrant.com</a></td></tr>
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</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As usual, the special effects were amazing, the action was exciting and the fight and car-chase scenes were thrilling.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think the writers and directors of Marvel movies took a much-needed note from Joss Whedon's Avengers, and learned that superhero movies are <i>much</i> improved by humor! There are some good chuckles this time around.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The new villain, the Winter Soldier, is an ideal nemesis for Captain America, because he's been lab-created (much like the Captain) and seems to be his equal, physically. I wish there had been more of <i>his</i> story than there was, but his scenes were very good. If you don't know his identity yet, I don't want to be the one to spoil it, but it's a cool reveal when his mask gets knocked off.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLYl28ZGzXG4J5jJRPqM9Av73pLdw-fKCV5a_XEyUdbg4l16ZbxK94cceQF1Z3s4kBiOAcAkpsbOAdtngp0vC9BQNJ2xpx1Lhvps1Wo_5Mgeyz7dXy56VhZKySrypfvmN56vCephyphenhyphenhnbD/s1600/winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLYl28ZGzXG4J5jJRPqM9Av73pLdw-fKCV5a_XEyUdbg4l16ZbxK94cceQF1Z3s4kBiOAcAkpsbOAdtngp0vC9BQNJ2xpx1Lhvps1Wo_5Mgeyz7dXy56VhZKySrypfvmN56vCephyphenhyphenhnbD/s1600/winter.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://screencrush.com/">screencrush.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The not-as-good:</span></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Shane Black, the director, must have spent too much time recently watching the Bourne movies. This is the first Marvel movie in which shaky-cam has bothered me. I don't remember it even being used in any of the others, but I could be wrong. It was bad enough that I had to cover my eyes a few times (dizzy!). This was both distracting and unnecessary. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For a movie that's sub-titled "The Winter Soldier", it sure contained very little of the actual Winter Soldier guy. It almost felt like the whole movie was setup for the <i>next</i> movie. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Garry Shandling looks like he's having an allergic reaction. <i>In his face.</i> It's kind of distressing.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpOynrYOaRhrX6LnMPbDijhOKyF8h9BkjHZxI2z2EW-J1ISlttic2TPJeKMyDrGEJML7bASF5Ljec15dd8tiM94RP5PyTdOmSNTVpHssR10Xtjc3ZWtvLy1mx3IsLwt0eC4XZ0aq1BsJU/s1600/garry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpOynrYOaRhrX6LnMPbDijhOKyF8h9BkjHZxI2z2EW-J1ISlttic2TPJeKMyDrGEJML7bASF5Ljec15dd8tiM94RP5PyTdOmSNTVpHssR10Xtjc3ZWtvLy1mx3IsLwt0eC4XZ0aq1BsJU/s1600/garry.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://moviepilot.com/">moviepilot.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Overall, the second Captain America is a really fun movie-- I liked it a lot and I would definitely recommend it. It's violent, of course, so probably not for the littlest kids, but it's great fun for big kids, teens and all the rest of us. </span></div>
</div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-90502298012669915262014-04-02T11:36:00.000-06:002014-04-02T16:04:03.196-06:00Vampire Soap Operas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TV is a great source of escape at the end of a hard day of work. Or a day of hard work. Or a day of easy work. Or a day of hardly working... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have always liked TV, but I'm critical and as I've gotten older, I've gotten much pickier about what I watch. So it took me completely by <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/02/ive-been-hypnotized-by-vampires.html">surprise</a> when I was sucked into and couldn't stop watching "The Vampire Diaries" on Netflix, recently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, thankfully, I have caught up and now only need watch it once a week to keep up on all the drama-- is Elena going to really break up with Damon? Is Bonnie really dead? Will Caroline ever find happiness with Tyler? </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezdyFaDaxOzZFCLYscaH2kkBJpQRXbvDdBjXt60ZHgkEshnRF682JknMOQM8_TDYebTE3yMhimUxbL80h8Qf5ppbMpiyG3Sub6wnGEKWjB9JUmnK6FcC9o3Y5ZpbMM38-F_nt1C3uXcK-/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezdyFaDaxOzZFCLYscaH2kkBJpQRXbvDdBjXt60ZHgkEshnRF682JknMOQM8_TDYebTE3yMhimUxbL80h8Qf5ppbMpiyG3Sub6wnGEKWjB9JUmnK6FcC9o3Y5ZpbMM38-F_nt1C3uXcK-/s1600/soap.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://vampirediariesonline.com/">vampirediariesonline.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fact is, this show is a soap opera </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(as is its spinoff, "The Originals", which I also caught up on last week)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. I could trade the names in my questions above with the names of the characters that populated "Days of Our Lives", back when I was in high school and it would make sense to fans. It's the same thing as "Days", but with more blood and decapitation. People die and aren't really dead; people fall in and out of love; folks have affairs; they lie and manipulate each other; there are characters designed for you to "love to hate"; every actor on the show is ridiculously good-looking; every few episodes has a cliff-hanger ending; much of the dialogue and relationship dramas repeat in a cycle-- it's amazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's more amazing is that I even like this stuff. I've always been partial to a vampire-type of story. While I despised the movies, <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/04/3-reasons-we-connect-to-twilight.html">I actually really like the "Twilight" books</a>. I have read a few other vampire books, most of which I've liked. I don't mind a little gore and I love a good mystery. What surprises me is that I like this teenage, romance-themed soap. I can't stand soap operas, now that I'm an adult. In my opinion, they're weak-scripted garbage that dulls the mind and wastes time better spent doing almost <i>anything</i> else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But vampire soap operas? I'm there!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBidMwm9DY__K-H5FY7OvZQ9rHOt8vU7kWkTaFg_ViwlfU2Rxsmd2gLdkjLllV5lPUy65wHAW6OFJViwJJTpI79-0ZIIr9scCTIDU-E6wBecy_OqEpiMzX2rKlT69YZRxzH1Fw75HOInh/s1600/vamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBidMwm9DY__K-H5FY7OvZQ9rHOt8vU7kWkTaFg_ViwlfU2Rxsmd2gLdkjLllV5lPUy65wHAW6OFJViwJJTpI79-0ZIIr9scCTIDU-E6wBecy_OqEpiMzX2rKlT69YZRxzH1Fw75HOInh/s1600/vamp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://soaps.sheknows.com/">soaps.sheknows.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been very strange. My one big complaint about this show is that most of the teenagers are sexually active and many of them do drugs, too. <i>Everyone</i> drinks, though. It's just the thing. I guess that's modern Hollywood's view of society at large, but I hope that's now what all teenagers feel is "normal". Because it's not. And, frankly, I think it's dangerous for teenagers to watch shows that portray drinking alcohol, taking drugs and promiscuous sex as not only "normal" behavior, but fun and exciting and without negative consequences. As an adult, I have a more true perspective on such things, but kids really don't.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JRzOaB-cKhrkdVZpV6y5VUCdPQ3cTyNAr_WKthBvDBm18tCUvVb22AKtzPcXDThVsFs6q9rWTJLbrv8iCN9Vi7hUarGZ8l1X5tyOyU3vzC2PVi2Vrr2-4-O8uiMUk4j0wMBQZFTgr1rK/s1600/lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JRzOaB-cKhrkdVZpV6y5VUCdPQ3cTyNAr_WKthBvDBm18tCUvVb22AKtzPcXDThVsFs6q9rWTJLbrv8iCN9Vi7hUarGZ8l1X5tyOyU3vzC2PVi2Vrr2-4-O8uiMUk4j0wMBQZFTgr1rK/s1600/lost.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="http://lost.wikia.com/">lost.wikia.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I explain why I liked this show, though? I really don't know. Maybe I just needed an escape that I wasn't finding in other shows or books right now. Maybe I'm enchanted by the good-looking actors. Maybe I was just so excited to get to see Ian Somerhalder shine again- I loved him on "Lost". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully, I'm completely caught up with both vampire shows, and now I can waste less time on that and spend more watching "Veronica Mars" (as recommended by my siblings) and reading my enormous, wonderful, mentally delicious copy of Brandon Sanderson's "Words of Radiance", which may turn out to be my new favorite book.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-26633096336453204682014-02-13T09:52:00.001-07:002014-02-13T09:52:10.584-07:00I've Been Hypnotized. By Vampires.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the character traits of vampires is their ability to draw their victims into a trance-- hypnotic, suggestive, or otherwise. Then the victims are at their mercy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think I've been hypnotized by a vampire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It all began so innocently.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ian Somerhalder as Damon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My niece posts posts lots of photos from the TV show, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1405406/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1">The Vampire Diaries</a>" on Facebook, particularly of the actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0813812/">Ian Somerhalder</a>, who plays Damon Salvatore-- a vampire on the show. This is the actor who played Boon on the show <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411008/">"Lost"</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(which I consider one of the best TV shows I've ever watched, even moreso since I recently finished a complete re-watch with my family)</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, and who is almost <i>too</i> good-looking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love my niece and I wanted to take a look at the show that she is so crazy about, especially since I am fond of <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-dracula-by-bram-stoker.html">vampire stories</a>. I even like the "<a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/04/3-reasons-we-connect-to-twilight.html">Twilight</a>" books. And "The Vampire Diaries" seems "Twilight"-esque, so I figured I would give it a look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And in just a few days, I have burned through half of the first season already. When I go home from work, I watch an episode to "unwind". When I do the dishes and make dinner, I watch another episode on my laptop on the kitchen counter. And, if my husband has control of the TV, I might watch one more in the evening. But... WHY?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiPJe8TIAdOLCPRbuaggHFfjGWvqnio6SgbYL4jyfFFfK04EdiwFoTrbcYXugDE19MVT4Yvs7g-Zot91dbuv4Xd-DOdFJgVpS0tzRZTNC05KlljnXHEa4tnyzYUTBIj2R5-Zw1ialCrd-/s1600/diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiPJe8TIAdOLCPRbuaggHFfjGWvqnio6SgbYL4jyfFFfK04EdiwFoTrbcYXugDE19MVT4Yvs7g-Zot91dbuv4Xd-DOdFJgVpS0tzRZTNC05KlljnXHEa4tnyzYUTBIj2R5-Zw1ialCrd-/s1600/diaries.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's not that it's a television masterpiece. Some of the plotlines are contrived and gimmicky. And it's not that I have come to care about the characters, because mostly I don't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take the main girl, Elena- she's gorgeous, smart, compassionate-- almost too perfect a protagonist. But she falls in love with this vampire, Stefan Salvatore, pretty much at first glance. They meet. They say about 4 words to each other and the next thing I know they're a couple. I feel like I missed an episode where they got to know each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe the writers assume we will gather that they spend time offscreen talking together. But I'm not really sure why she even likes him. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because he's good looking-ish? He doesn't talk! Maybe I'm too removed from teenage-hood to remember how those relationships work. Then again, I never had a boyfriend when I was a teenager, just multiple unrequited crushes, so what do I know...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And Elena's best friend just HAPPENS to be a Salem-era-descended witch. Uh-huh...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Paul Wesley as squinty Stefan</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then there's Stefan. He's decent-looking, but not compellingly so. He squinches up his eyebrows ALL THE TIME and it's giving me headaches-- I tend to mirror facial expressions and things (it's a bad habit), and I find myself scrunching up my eyebrows, too. And there's not much TO him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Damon? Yummy. I get why my niece is "in love" with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do like Elena's younger brother and her long-time friend and current ex-boyfriend, though, sitting here writing this, I can't recall their names... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can be overly-critical. Often I don't like something that many of my peers or family and friends like. But this show? This teenage-romance high school nonsense? I can't stop thinking about it. I want to know what happens next. I'm not obsessed, but when I'm a little bored at work and looking to fill the time between groups of students, I sure do wish our internet didn't block Netflix. (Not that I would sit and watch TV at work. Not really.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe I just like vampires. Or maybe it's the fearless, gutsy, TV-gory approach. There's blood. Sometimes lots of blood. You can hear the teeth sinking into flesh when someone gets bitten. It's not cable-level graphic, but enough that I won't be showing my 11 year old daughter anytime soon. (Not that she's interested--in this area, she's the opposite of me!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not really sure why I like it. I don't know why I feel compelled to continue watching. But I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did get a kick out of Damon reading "Twilight" and making fun of it in an early episode. That was a nice moment. Maybe that's the moment I realized I could like this show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Would I recommend it? I really don't know. Ask me after I've watched a few seasons. My niece thinks Ian Somerhalder should rule the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe <i>she's</i> the one who's been hypnotized!</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-62296217307490191432014-02-07T18:09:00.001-07:002014-02-07T18:13:46.764-07:00Permission to Create<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPl_e4iOqp4chKPKzcSnSSbPCDHH5j7DWw8ADdqCiRzVPJr73Qeg6toojfU881gg38njSgNFHn8WEw1Xd1lvtdjFRey0GjIMbSSN11LqbrSpwwaxnkL2oCEDSiAORJ-lUDd0sd5taipx6/s1600/will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPl_e4iOqp4chKPKzcSnSSbPCDHH5j7DWw8ADdqCiRzVPJr73Qeg6toojfU881gg38njSgNFHn8WEw1Xd1lvtdjFRey0GjIMbSSN11LqbrSpwwaxnkL2oCEDSiAORJ-lUDd0sd5taipx6/s1600/will.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323229; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.020000457763672px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://inkygirl.com/comic-use-policy/">Used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.com</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've had a couple of fiction novels knocking around my mind for years now. YEARS. And I wrote some scenes, which I had some sisters and a select few friends read and they gave me really good feedback, encouraging me to continue writing. And I wanted to. I really did. But I got so busy. I started working again (which is now full time) and my kids got older and busier and I let all sorts of reasons and issues get in the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For one thing, I seldom have a quiet house all to myself anymore. Like, almost never. And I work better when it's quiet, or when I can choose the background music and not have the piano pounding, the video games bleeping, the children bickering/chattering and the constant, endlessly repeated stream of "Mom?" queries. It's very difficult to do anything productive at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I'm tired, so I don't really want to pack up my laptop and stuff and slog back across town to the library. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And did I mention I'm terrified of rejection? Like, freeze-in-my-tracks scared? Yeah. I don't know why it's paralyzing with my writing. I've done lots of performing in my life, and the cycle of audition-rejection-audition-sometimes make it didn't break me. I can do this, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I gave my daughter a book about writing for Christmas (she has authoristic ambitions already, bless her soul, and she's GOOD, so I hope she doesn't ever get scared to try!) called "Spilling Ink", and I happened to open it and flip to a chapter all about giving yourself permission to write a messy rough draft. One important point in the chapter is that as readers, we tend to think of the finished product as though it's the first thing the author typed out and it was born perfect. This is just not true. Published novels go through years, sometimes, of revisions, rewriting and editing and cutting and changing and the point is-- it's okay if your first draft isn't perfect. It's even okay if some of it sucks, because it can be fixed later!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />I have this perfectionist issue, I guess, in that I want all my writing to be perfect before I can consider it "done". I edit my blog posts by re-reading and revising 4 or 5 times before I publish them, so that they can be as good as I am able to make them, but for some reason, if my fiction writing is less than stellar, I freeze. If I haven't got everything planned out, I feel like I can't move forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hereby give myself permission to write a sloppy, incomplete, imperfect first draft.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Let's just get something written, for heck's sake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This goes for any of the creative arts, I suppose. If you're creating music, it will most likely need revision and correction and editing before it's "perfect". Unless you're Mozart. But who is?? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go create something. If it sucks? Make another. Keep working and learning and improving and creating. Life is made more beautiful by the creations of fellow humans, so share your talents! </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-6240329380103037592014-02-06T10:10:00.000-07:002014-02-06T16:55:03.670-07:00Book Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have never been able to read this 1897 classic, even though I am an avid reader and have no problem with the likes of Shakespeare or scripture, some of the older classics just don't draw me in. So I decided to give Dracula another try and listen to the audiobook. I was in the mood for a good vampire story, but I don't have much interest in the surplus of teenage vampire romances that clog the YA shelves these days (though I am a Twilight reader, I will confess), so I decided to go back to where it really began.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There were vampire stories before Stoker's, but "Dracula" is considered the granddaddy of all vampires who have followed. And with good reason. The characters of Mina and Jonathan Harker, Doctor Van Helsing, bug- and bird-eating lunatic Renfield, and of course Count Dracula, are all very memorable, which explains why they have been gleefully portrayed many times on TV and in movies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While not as heart-thumping as many books I read, due in large part to the journal-entry style of the story, I did find the book compelling and fascinating and at times I didn't want to stop listening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One thing I found very surprising was that some Dracula reviews I've read mention the seductiveness or erotic overtones of the book, and I found very, very little of that. I guess you find what you're looking for? There is only one scene that could even be considered erotic, where Dracula has Mina drink his blood, through a self-inflicted slice in his chest, but frankly, I don't find the drinking of blood erotic in the least, nor does Stoker describe anything remotely titillating about the scene, so I'm not sure where that comes from. On the contrary, it's horrifying and Mina suffers much because of it. Later vampire stories certainly engage in lots of kissing and other, ahem, activities, but Dracula? Not so much. Which I was thankful for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was also surprised by the opposite being true. Dracula is a book with a lot of faith in God. All of the characters, especially the chatty Van Helsing, talk about God and about putting their faith in Him and that whatever happens, God's will be done, and they pray and they (of course) use implements of faith: the cross, the holy wafer, etc. in their efforts to vanquish the vampire. I found this refreshing, especially for a horror book. Faith wasn't used to make the characters seem weak or blind or naive. On the contrary-- faith was what gave many of them strength.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The only things I really did not like about this audiobook were how much Van Helsing had to say and the female narrator. Often I found myself wanting Van Helsing to just shut up and get on with it. I liked his character, but he was too talky. And the female narrator on the audiobook was kind of annoying. Her accent often sounded child-like, as though she couldn't pronounce certain sounds and had a slight speech impediment, similar to Barbara Walters's. I don't mean to sound harsh, but oddities in speech can be very distracting from the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Overall, though I really enjoyed this book and I will probably look for more "classics" on audiobook. Frankenstein, anyone?</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-61360517844685024072014-02-05T17:02:00.003-07:002014-02-05T17:04:23.577-07:00Book Review: How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Georgia Bragg, author of "How They Croaked" offers this warning:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pGlBxWTd59rF7Ej7shYg6bLMLlEUed2F4bSVx4ZHHJd-vYhR_TAo-JpTpdpQLg3Bb68v_oKEyegnPF4AalzCsdCYFTedieDLtyxiGyQZBGf78VKbuzucvlDExG5YKS8kBcn8JPS0pJEN/s1600/guts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pGlBxWTd59rF7Ej7shYg6bLMLlEUed2F4bSVx4ZHHJd-vYhR_TAo-JpTpdpQLg3Bb68v_oKEyegnPF4AalzCsdCYFTedieDLtyxiGyQZBGf78VKbuzucvlDExG5YKS8kBcn8JPS0pJEN/s1600/guts.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I agree. Even though it is marketed for children 10-14 years old, I can't really recommend this for younger readers. My sensitive 11-year-old daughter (who reads anything she can get her hands on) did not like it one bit. She read a couple of stories and found it too gory and gross. I suppose the age of the child isn't as much a factor as their squeamishness level. She just doesn't have the stomach for this book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I, on the other hand, loved it! I love a good death, though, and I have never heard many of the stories in this book! It <i>is</i> decidedly gross, though. The author doesn't really hold back in describing in detail some of the processes used by early physicians such as "bleeding" or "blistering" a patient, or what happened when disease, infection and various maladies that are now quite curable struck. Some of these details are nasty, but totally engrossing (pardon the pun), and I enjoyed it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The illustrations, whimsical fonts, and educational asides are also entertaining and add to the twisted charm of the writing style. History is retold with humor and scientific imperturbability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may think you know how Cleopatra died, or what happened to Columbus or George Washington, but there are surprises in this book for everyone. If you have the stomach for it, you will probably find this book fascinating.</span><br />
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-15188369145505307192014-01-17T10:03:00.002-07:002014-01-17T10:06:49.737-07:00Book Review: Hyperbole and a Half<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggojqKEIjywdnDnW3aHLc4Q-CDi9jth9_FQslCQHv5yeGHSakUaZbC_825i7juLBFyqCPh08dgW-uLctVg_DKOT0sofq-ujrAc86n6LcHKQpHgLdXlLoA3B4jIsV7WA_7lYDmWAUdXucj_/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggojqKEIjywdnDnW3aHLc4Q-CDi9jth9_FQslCQHv5yeGHSakUaZbC_825i7juLBFyqCPh08dgW-uLctVg_DKOT0sofq-ujrAc86n6LcHKQpHgLdXlLoA3B4jIsV7WA_7lYDmWAUdXucj_/s1600/book.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Allie Brosh's blog bearing the same name as this book is one of the most popular blogs on the internet, with good reason. Her skewed, honest look at life with depression and other issues is hilarious and touching at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Her book is filled with anecdotes from her life illustrated with goofy digital cartoons. Some of the stories have been shared on her blog in the past, but many of them are new for the book. Much like her blog, the book is peppered with f-and s- words, so you may have to lower your personal sensitivity rating to get through it, but I think it's worth doing that. The stories are rich and surprisingly insightful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Her stories about her dogs (The Simple Dog and The Helper Dog) are the highlights of the book. I also love the tooth surgery/birthday party story, which I read previously on her blog. Her stories about her depression are heart-breaking, humorous and painfully accurate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Hyperbole and a Half" is a fun, quick read, and I absolutely recommend it.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-84238458159591744322014-01-01T01:02:00.005-07:002014-01-01T01:08:38.471-07:00Critics Are Too Critical<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to entertainment, I can be overly critical. I realize this. However, I can also be entertained and just go with the flow if a story or character is compelling enough. I really enjoyed everything Doctor Who that I watched this year (I did not watch Series 1, so I can't say whether I would like those episodes or not), except there was something about the Christmas episode, Matt Smith's farewell episode, that just rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't hate it, but after the extremely entertaining 50th anniversary episode, and after a great run of long story arcs, fun adventures and 11th Doctor goofiness, it was just... not up to par. Oh, there was goofiness, and adventure, but it felt forced.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs4TONdnDnV5XebZPSVA1E4grtvvHr4CF0-Jl1JN48ERfnIBks7NZj4Up1jm6kuMIhmJjmTksmpr2rXyASQyWHk9BvpO60nWoWaHLP5bzsNEDRqapzrh-2JBYZDM9jeack-g20LgoK2MJ/s1600/50+who.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs4TONdnDnV5XebZPSVA1E4grtvvHr4CF0-Jl1JN48ERfnIBks7NZj4Up1jm6kuMIhmJjmTksmpr2rXyASQyWHk9BvpO60nWoWaHLP5bzsNEDRqapzrh-2JBYZDM9jeack-g20LgoK2MJ/s640/50+who.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from<span style="background-color: white;"> <span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-align: start; text-overflow: ellipsis;">grummelmaedchen.wordpress.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>**WARNING: SPOILERS**<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I didn't like the stupid "all the aliens in the galaxy converge and then just sit there for centuries" plot. I didn't like the weak resolutions to multiple problems (the Doctor's death, the crack in the universe, the deadly regeneration power conveniently winning a war that didn't have to happen, etc.) and I especially didn't like the sappy, sloppy farewell monologue and Amy-laden end of Matt Smith's tenure. It was too much-- instead of feeling sad, I felt like the writer and director were trying to manipulate me. And I felt like Smith deserved better.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from whatculture.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Tennant regenerated, my heart broke and I cried. I loved his Doctor and he was so believable, (and maybe well-written?) that I couldn't help but feel his pain and sadness at saying good-bye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But Smith's was gooey and heavy-handed. His favorite snack sat on the dashboard panel; the bow tie ceremoniously dropped to the floor (in slo-mo, no less); and instead of seeing his <i>wife</i>, River, or paying attention to the companion IN THE ROOM, there's a cheesy, ridiculous cameo by both young and adult Amy that was completely unnecessary. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(As was the fact that the Doctor couldn't go visit her and Rory in the past, but I can forgive the writers doing stupid things like that because it's a kids' sci-fi show-- plot holes and twisty non-explanations are part of the deal- especially since one would hesitate to kill off favorite characters on a children's show.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I wasn't yet sure what was bothering me, so I went looking online for reviews. Often reading other people's opinions shake mine loose-- sometimes I can't find the words until I read something I either agree or disagree strongly with. I found, to my surprise, some scathing reviews of all of Steven Moffat's Doctor Who management, especially in the last few years, as well as some criticism of the much-loved "Sherlock", also under Moffat's care.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from collider.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some of what was written about Doctor Who: the companions for 11 were all pretty, but useless; the women did nothing to help solve the problems at hand and had little to do besides talk about boys and serve as damsels in distress; Matt Smith was better than the material he was written; his doctor was sexist and a braggart, and he seemed to have lost the depth of David Tennant's emotive stories. I don't agree with all of that, but I can see the critics' points. <a href="http://theidiotboxx.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/what-is-wrong-with-doctor-who/">This one </a>is a decent article, in particular. Pardon the language.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now I'm looking at both shows through different eyes. Where I was blissfully enjoying Who for it's balance of lightness and depth, campy sci-fi aliens and the over-the-top heroics of the Doctor, now I'm thinking, "hmm, maybe Doctor Who isn't as good as I thought..." and that's too bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't want to be wishy-washy. I love Doctor Who. I enjoyed watching it very, very much. I look forward to what happens with Peter Capaldi, but now I wonder if I can go back and re-watch the 11th Doctor's adventures without looking for these negative things that are now planted in my mind. I hope so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then there's Sherlock, which some critics say also suffers from Moffat's sexism, such as the problem of strong, powerful women turning to pudding when the hero enters the scene (both in Sherlock and Who this seems to be a common theme for critics). I didn't notice... I just thought Sherlock was brilliant, emotionally distant and socially disconnected. It's the character. It isn't necessarily sexism.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from imdb.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But can I now watch Sherlock without noticing things that hyper-sensitive critics would call sexist? The only thing I found sexist (but sadly, not surprising) was Irene Adler being partially or fully nude for much of her episode. That was obviously done to attract male viewers and not because it was necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe the reason I don't notice something like sexism in these shows is because I don't feel oppressed by men, nor by shows featuring strong men paired with emotional women. I don't equate emotional with weak. It doesn't feel like stereotyping. I'm a strong woman-- I deal with more than my share of the workload of life, in spite of being married to a man. I think the world is made of people who are both strong and weak, of active people and emotional people. And that's okay. I don't always need a female hero in stories. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sherlock is incredibly entertaining and surprising, even after watching the episodes multiple times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I still like these shows, and I sincerely hope reading such articles hasn't soured the experience for me. Keeping in mind that in spite of the fact that Doctor Who <i>is</i> technically a show for kids, it consists of very intelligent storylines and some really deep explorative emotional conflict. It's a great show and a lot of fun to roll with and enjoy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No matter what the critics say.</span><br />
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-44935153881512436922013-12-06T20:25:00.001-07:002013-12-06T20:25:40.081-07:00White Fire Delivers on the Promise of Pendergast<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Five qualities of a really good mystery/thriller are:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draws readers in and doesn't let go</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Has compelling characters that readers can become passionate about</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tells a captivating story that's exciting and interesting, suspenseful and scary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surprises readers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leaves readers wanting more</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"White Fire" is all those things and more. Preston and Child have written, arguably, their best Pendergast book to date. The story is fantastic, the double, intertwining mysteries and the setting are all excellent. The inclusion of a "lost" Sherlock Holmes mystery, and the scene featuring Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde were well placed and fun to read. (I couldn't help but picture Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as I read the Holmes story). I really couldn't wait to get back to it every time I put it down. Last night, when I finished it, I felt so sad that it was over, and it's hovered around my mind ever since, like I can't let go yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really enjoyed Corrie's storyline; she's my favorite of Pendergast's female associates. I also liked the setting, which is high in the mountains of Colorado in a former mining town that is now a bustling ski resort town for the uber-wealthy. I was reminded of Park City or Sundance, here in Utah. Reading a story set in winter, just as winter set in just added to the fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Best of all, though, Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast is back in fine form. Much has changed for him, but so much is the same. In the last few books, his character took a detour from the norm, to deal with some personal things (which I think are still unresolved; I can't remember), and while I liked those books, I didn't love them, like I had the previous books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I missed the Pendergast I fell in love with-- the one who is an enigma: part Sherlock Holmes, part unbeatable FBI agent (like an American James Bond sans womanizing), and part New Orleans aristocrat. I adore his mannerisms, his eccentricities, his intelligence, his ability to see beyond the simple crime scene, and his own personal mysteries. I appreciated him becoming a bit more human in those last few books, and I think there was some excellent character development as he experienced tragedy, devastation, and shock, among other things, but I was so happy to have a more familiar Pendergast story in "White Fire". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The end of the book is superb, and things happened I didn't see coming, which is always fun. And Pendergast's recently developed sliver of emotive humanity remains, which is good. Continuity is important to fans, and Preston and Child don't neglect it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. "White Fire" has all the things I hope for when I pick up one of your books. In a word: delicious.</span></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-44964989264615506282013-12-05T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-05T07:27:00.975-07:00What to Watch 12/5/13<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I took a week off from blogging for Thanksgiving and setting up a book fair at work. It was a busy week! Here are some fun suggestions to entertain you this weekend, between your normal, everyday chaos, Christmas parties and shopping, you'll need a little down time, I'm sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't been yet (and I haven't!), you'll have to see </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/?ref_=nv_sr_1" style="font-size: x-large;">"Catching Fire"</a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><i>(Image courtesy of IMDB)</i><span style="font-size: large;"> It's getting great reviews, and I've even heard a few people say it is </span><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">better than the book!!!</i><span style="font-size: large;"> That's almost unheard of! I can't wait to see it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>These movies are also still in theaters:</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShhyphenhyphenun-M5vKnoB1tR5qk5fc4QM1fYR-ivHPoFOT6YvyemBcoHUtxNCr_VKMGZuhm9rOXX9CYwcDLUSVu-GhFClrUN50fKAUtLpjT-swsaDHMeUaJpfVxJ811zY1xjv46Am02TMpYjKYDu/s1600/frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShhyphenhyphenun-M5vKnoB1tR5qk5fc4QM1fYR-ivHPoFOT6YvyemBcoHUtxNCr_VKMGZuhm9rOXX9CYwcDLUSVu-GhFClrUN50fKAUtLpjT-swsaDHMeUaJpfVxJ811zY1xjv46Am02TMpYjKYDu/s320/frozen.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Disney's new animated feature, </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/?ref_=nv_sr_1" style="font-size: x-large;">"Frozen"</a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i>(image courtesy of totalfilm.com)</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This one looks cute, and it's always fun to take the kids to the movies. Though it feels like a familiar story structure, hopefully Disney won't disappoint with this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There isn't anything great new to the Redbox this week, but they have brought back a pair of fun animated movies your whole family can enjoy together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disney's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398286/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"Tangled"</a> take on Rapunzel's story is funny and charming The second movie, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001526/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"Megamind"</a> has more of an edge, but is also funnier.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_eTBev8T-xOCjXCVYzA9vE3KpRQnw_piEm3vuB4IYrEulbQQyh5YJEaZ8_eXcqpDmAIQCNaAryvh5YkA4DhDCFx9YPrrPMQBY7TRxG4Y50xvwMz61xrCAoBLjLMPyAF6LN-58q60EQd0/s1600/arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_eTBev8T-xOCjXCVYzA9vE3KpRQnw_piEm3vuB4IYrEulbQQyh5YJEaZ8_eXcqpDmAIQCNaAryvh5YkA4DhDCFx9YPrrPMQBY7TRxG4Y50xvwMz61xrCAoBLjLMPyAF6LN-58q60EQd0/s320/arrow.jpg" width="220" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There isn't anything new that I can recommend, but my son Adam (17) absolutely loves the TV show, </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2193021/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" style="font-size: x-large;">"Arrow"</a> <i>(image courtesy of IMDB)</i><span style="font-size: large;">. The first season is available on Netflix, and the second season is currently running, but I think you can watch episodes on the network website (the CW). I asked Adam to write me a short review for you all, but he never got to it. He says the show gets better in the second season, so give it a chance.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-91468477913470305812013-11-23T21:18:00.002-07:002013-11-23T21:18:15.786-07:00Happy Birthday, Doctor!<span style="font-size: large;">Now and then, something truly remarkable happens in the world of entertainment. A 50th birthday is one of those things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's the 50th anniversary of the first episode of "Doctor Who". For the celebratory episode, Steven Moffat wrote an excellent story, involving some timey-wimey mischief that culminated in John Hurt, playing the Doctor at the end of the Time War; David Tennant in a random companion-less moment of his timeline; and Matt Smith, the current Doctor (along with his most recent companion, Clara, played by the lovely Jenna Coleman), coming together to solve a couple of different problems. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The main plotline centers around the last day of the Time War, when the Doctor destroyed Gallifrey to save the universe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't want to give away any spoilers, since I know not everyone will be able to watch it today, but I can tell you that this episode is magnificent. It warmed my heart to watch Tennant again, and he and Smith together are adorable and funny and charming. Billie Piper is back, in a surprising way, and I liked her better this time around than when she was a companion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story is great, the actors are all in top form, the ending is superb. I cried. More than once. Okay, that's not a big accomplishment-- I cry a lot, but I found this episode touching and emotive. Good, good TV. </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-48260434146378824322013-11-21T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-23T08:47:23.010-07:00What to Watch This Weekend 11/21/13<span style="font-size: large;">There's a multitude of fun stuff to watch this weekend!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmAPqpTHsT6N6R8lEN0sVbNXYCABCqXw4MyVR0u1jfijrox6P0JYaynENytXgLPdTMUcy8HmdlHujk6wMK6IA0jNr8qDWDYPD2kMh2Zq3IkvHNvWzb_c7ZpjzoaVqIR6MFM5W0gfUgBJt/s1600/hunger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmAPqpTHsT6N6R8lEN0sVbNXYCABCqXw4MyVR0u1jfijrox6P0JYaynENytXgLPdTMUcy8HmdlHujk6wMK6IA0jNr8qDWDYPD2kMh2Zq3IkvHNvWzb_c7ZpjzoaVqIR6MFM5W0gfUgBJt/s320/hunger.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"</a> opens this weekend, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth returning to continue the dystopic story of a world where kids are encouraged to slaughter one another for entertainment and oppressive dictatorial purposes. I don't have my tickets yet, but that's because I'll be busy Saturday figuring out how to watch: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2779318/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"The Day of the Doctor"</a> also known as the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special will air this weekend on BBC America and in select theaters around the Salt Lake Valley. I'm especially excited for David Tennant to return and team up with Matt Smith. It should be a fan-pleasing thrill. We've come to realize that Steven Moffat can do no wrong. </span><br />
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<i>Well, except make us wait YEARS to watch another episode of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"Sherlock"</a>, that is.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdJJfl7puzY-niiSQvpRpyt1Lt6WIS48CmHzASwkVvtgWHVO7LFUuoXCwOR8gMisVAWuSa-fovGT8e5VrnbmghBBervtwj2_5oYOiRGkWLq6XtqNWDui1mC_fGdpZ5S9uA2S1wM8JMznt/s1600/DeliveryManMoviePoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdJJfl7puzY-niiSQvpRpyt1Lt6WIS48CmHzASwkVvtgWHVO7LFUuoXCwOR8gMisVAWuSa-fovGT8e5VrnbmghBBervtwj2_5oYOiRGkWLq6XtqNWDui1mC_fGdpZ5S9uA2S1wM8JMznt/s320/DeliveryManMoviePoster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Also opening this weekend is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2387559/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"Delivery Man"</a>, starring the likeable Vince Vaughn as a middle-aged underachiever who finds out that he unwittingly fathered over 500 children by donating to a fertility clinic. The subject matter is iffy and this being Hollywood, I'm sure it won't be family friendly, but the trailer actually makes it look half decent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty/episode-guide/season-2/i-39-m-dreaming-of-a-redneck-christmas-28#28">"Duck Dynasty: I'm Dreaming of a Redneck Christmas"</a> looks fun-- I haven't seen it yet, but I do have two kids who love that show. And, I admit, it <i>is</i> pretty funny. I encourage my family to watch it, in large part because the family featured on the show is unabashedly Christian. They pray together, speak with reverence of God and Jesus, and they have even publicly talked about the fact that they believe in remaining chaste until their wedding night. They might be the only family on television who have such moral standards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They've brought back a fantastic 2011 Christmas movie, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430607/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"Arthur Christmas"</a>. It's charming, funny, clean entertainment for everyone. And James McAvoy does the voice of Arthur. You can't go wrong with James McAvoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a fantastic weekend!! Comment below- let me know what you did and watched!</span></div>
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<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-8458987943431635732013-11-15T06:59:00.004-07:002013-11-15T07:00:42.517-07:00What to Watch This Weekend 9/14/13<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While my recommendations may seem thin this week, if you haven't seen <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/11/enders-game-good-bad-and-awesome.html">"Ender's Game"</a> or <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/11/thor-dark-world-is-thorrific.html">"Thor: The Dark World"</a>, those ought to be at the top of your list. Here are a few other ideas:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQmYsqW5G2l4sL_qcj3Rih1fk1P9fPClmtC7YQt15XlrHUdJtE6taZm2-c2_qhl1G_ImNN5ihWagHIwy44gIShw4XRNQdRT-FUpV3BxsWLq1s5fc9xplpugTnDQWZXbG2RtH5ZorqgQU/s1600/supernatural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQmYsqW5G2l4sL_qcj3Rih1fk1P9fPClmtC7YQt15XlrHUdJtE6taZm2-c2_qhl1G_ImNN5ihWagHIwy44gIShw4XRNQdRT-FUpV3BxsWLq1s5fc9xplpugTnDQWZXbG2RtH5ZorqgQU/s320/supernatural.jpg" width="253" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you haven't ever seen the show "Supernatural", now is as good a time as any to give it a look. It's been on TV for many years (I think it's in its 9th season), and I am not currently watching as it airs, but I did go back and watch the first couple of seasons recently. My first impression? It's so scary!! So maybe not for kids. Also now and then there are surprise sex scenes, so also not for kids. Luckily, they are short, not terribly graphic scenes. Actually, in all of seasons 1 and 2, I can't remember more than one, so thankfully that distraction is minimal. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>(One day I'm going to write a diatribe on the fact that Hollywood is filled with writeres who like to distract from actual STORYTELLING with sex scenes in their movies and TV shows... but this is not that day.) </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The show follows the Winchester brothers, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) as they travel around the country fighting supernatural evil, including witches, ghosts, spooks, urban legends and demons. Though I didn't find it compelling enough to rush through, it is a show I will go back and watch from time to time, if I'm in the mood. Again, probably not for kids. It's scary, gory and there is adult dialogue, ifyaknowwhatImean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With the second Hunger Games movie opening next week, it's a good time to rent the original and watch it again. For the uninitiated, this dystopic story is about a future where teens have to fight to the death to entertain the masses, which keeps everyone thoroughly oppressed by the government. It would be a rare treat if the movies were better than the books, but they do stand up pretty well on their own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Comment below-- tell me what you're plans are! Then pop the popcorn, make a mug of cocoa and settle in with your remote control or a good book. Have a great weekend, everyone! </span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-22611916925134525112013-11-13T14:11:00.001-07:002013-11-13T14:11:03.767-07:00Thor: The Dark World is Thorrific!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZaOGNcx2-lxkqqiTYv5nVfAqkd2UV-6VdttbJWIxxhTtX-jHpR0ET8wyjKG7eJH1GYz0H_GCgBuyAFYYzAhjobFviJsY8yEr7Cph1Np8Oqg3223KvISDFay-r4j7MKp4rz9ZYL7M4F08/s1600/thor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZaOGNcx2-lxkqqiTYv5nVfAqkd2UV-6VdttbJWIxxhTtX-jHpR0ET8wyjKG7eJH1GYz0H_GCgBuyAFYYzAhjobFviJsY8yEr7Cph1Np8Oqg3223KvISDFay-r4j7MKp4rz9ZYL7M4F08/s400/thor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The good-</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chris Hemsworth is very well cast, and seems to have grown into the role quite a bit. This time around, his Thor is much more natural and human. And his interactions with Loki are excellent-- the brotherly chemistry between them really works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully, the script for this sequel has a lot more humor than the original "Thor"-- I think the folks at Marvel and Disney learned something of real value when Joss Whedon's "The Avengers" was such a huge success in large part due to a script generously peppered with wit and humor. "Thor" benefits greatly from doing the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think the entire cast from the first movie returned for this film, including Thor's Asgardian buddies and family, and they have some fun moments. Natalie Portman's Jane Foster is back and somewhat more interesting this time, and Kat Dennings as her assistant Darcy is good as well, but it's Stellan Skarsgard who steals every scene he is in. I love the continuity between both "Thor" and "The Avengers" and his storyline in this film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The bad- </span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;">Some scenes seem rather rushed-- there were a handful of quick cut-aways that felt abrupt. Really, that's my only critical comment. Well, maybe also that the "Dark Elves" didn't really seem all that scary. I never felt like the heroes were ever in real peril, but in a film like this, that's okay.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>The awesome-</b></i> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The special effects and CGI are, as usual, phenomenal in this movie. As I mentioned above, humor also improves on the first film <i>so</i> much-- no comic book-based movie should take itself too seriously, and "Dark World" achieves an excellent balance.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Lj0JDFqfa52-d2Bfo76YNOjffs4yNBm4uLgEoFInMhkciqUn2Ky0ux1skTY9nlypevVTSTJHRrGG4bZuehShFDABkoc3DIGKWY7zlFR-zpQBOGMIt8UJZC9FmQtmyeKPz53q1GE8ZIP/s1600/loki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47Lj0JDFqfa52-d2Bfo76YNOjffs4yNBm4uLgEoFInMhkciqUn2Ky0ux1skTY9nlypevVTSTJHRrGG4bZuehShFDABkoc3DIGKWY7zlFR-zpQBOGMIt8UJZC9FmQtmyeKPz53q1GE8ZIP/s400/loki.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But what really lifts this movie is Tom Hiddleston as Loki. He endears the character with such depth-- Loki is a trickster, he is conniving, wicked, and clever. But he also feels sadness and disappointment and frustration and Hiddleston manages to relate a wonderful mixture of emotions beneath Loki's veneer of confidence and sly trickery. He really is utterly compelling as the villain and his performance threatens to overshadow all the heroes of the Marvel universe. I look forward to seeing what Loki will do next. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/loki-avengers-2_n_3453707.html">(Though, it's been said that he won't appear in the sequel to "The Avengers".)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and one more awesome is a cameo by... well... maybe I won't tell you. You'll see. It's adorable and funny and made me so very excited for the next few Marvel projects. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you haven't made it to the theater for "Thor" yet, it's an excellent date movie, or take your teenagers. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is a great "popcorn" movie-- this film is what you go to the movies for. Fast, fun action and entertainment.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-60470935709952064622013-11-07T20:03:00.001-07:002013-12-11T08:24:16.201-07:00Book Review: "Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPnRng811GTYJq2aibhs2JzOX254HhiC4Jve1VbqifSWtXy7xKY3twr6nKrHb1IN_mPbz-SXq79N_ZEJ4XWGNHi4guBelidwSGvVMAPZEAf9A7Nh-lth9cPziMtdT1PjxK_YxntbOK5qj/s1600/bomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPnRng811GTYJq2aibhs2JzOX254HhiC4Jve1VbqifSWtXy7xKY3twr6nKrHb1IN_mPbz-SXq79N_ZEJ4XWGNHi4guBelidwSGvVMAPZEAf9A7Nh-lth9cPziMtdT1PjxK_YxntbOK5qj/s400/bomb.jpg" width="316" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For those who may have forgotten, by day I'm an elementary school librarian. This book was included in a packet of free books I got from Scholastic in a book order last month, and at first, I wasn't really interested in reading it. So many nonfiction books for children are, simply, boring. I don't know why that is, but that's my impression, and although this is an award-winning book, I figured it would just be dry facts and figures and not all that interesting.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Boy was I wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I decided to give it a chance so I could do a "Book Talk" about it with my 5th and 6th graders this week, leading up to Veteran's Day next Monday. I was immediately drawn in and hooked by the narrative style and the exciting true-life events that happened in the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The synopsis just doesn't do it justice. This book is about how the first atomic nuclear bomb(s) came to be and the race between the United States and Germany (and the U.S.S.R.) during World War II to be the first nation to complete it. The first splitting of an atom happened in Germany, and for a while the Germans had a decent head start. Through some amazing covert operations by some very brave men, the Nazi's progress was slowed significantly, allowing American physicists a chance to get ahead.. Imagine if Hitler had beaten the U.S. to the bomb!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Bomb" is incredibly well written and organized. There's science, history, Russian espionage, suspense, danger, war (obviously) and adventure. The characters are real, and their stories are told in a way that is very intriguing and completely hooks readers. Reading it</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> felt like watching a really good documentary.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I highly, HIGHLY recommend you get this book and read it. It is educational, but in the best way. Though intended for middle schoolers, I think they should really market this book to adults. I can't recommend it highly enough; "Bomb" is a book everyone should read. It's one of the best books I've read all year.</span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-67255735523188640922013-11-07T06:00:00.000-07:002013-11-07T06:00:09.639-07:00What to Watch This Weekend 11/7/13<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are some great entertainment options this weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the best time of the year to start going to the movies again. Of course, </span><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Ender's Game"</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (which I talked about </span><a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/11/enders-game-good-bad-and-awesome.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">) is still in theaters, hoping for a big second weekend, but some fierce competition arrives with:</span><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k8SqXGXwFSQzp9MhWW2FagkM8ugNkMJwLrmslT2o5w-Rj-k2mgfhQKBQidXX_JQdmXcEHo8aSlPk7qOx6Rho3MMjsCPYCMKm21nFbAPqbIVUuz9t5fm7jgjcLN0Wj7qnqlow3vpyWG3X/s1600/thor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k8SqXGXwFSQzp9MhWW2FagkM8ugNkMJwLrmslT2o5w-Rj-k2mgfhQKBQidXX_JQdmXcEHo8aSlPk7qOx6Rho3MMjsCPYCMKm21nFbAPqbIVUuz9t5fm7jgjcLN0Wj7qnqlow3vpyWG3X/s400/thor.jpg" width="270" /></span></a></div>
<b style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">"Thor: The Dark World"</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seems like there are more sequels every year, and this is no exception. Hopefully the second Thor movie will live up to the first and maybe even exceed it! I'll be there, in my usual spot at the back and center of the theater, popcorn and Red Vines in hand. (Okay, probably not. I tend to hate spending the $ for movie snacks, but I'll be smelling everyone's popcorn and wishing I had some. My Red Vines will be waiting for me at home.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, there are other movies out. I think "Gravity" is still playing, and "12 Years a Slave" and others, but why would you go see any of those when you could be watching<i> THOR?</i></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Netflix:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seems like more and more, Netflix is loading up their streaming customers with TV options. Which is a lot of fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One you may have missed when it originally aired, but is worth watching is the short-lived critical favorite </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Freaks and Geeks"</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Only lasting one season before it got cancelled, this comedy/drama featured </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">many young actors who then went on to big success, including James Franco ("Spiderman", "127 Hours"), Seth Rogen (a bunch of movies I haven't seen) and Jason Segel ("The Muppets", "How I Met Your Mother"). The 18 episodes are all on Netflix streaming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>(Sensitivity warning: not for younger viewers, some of the material is decidedly adult, though not graphic.)</i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">At Redbox:</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"Monsters University"</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We just watched this a few nights ago, and we hadn't seen it before. My kids have nearly outgrown animated movies, but thanks to Pixar, you never really have to outgrow them. "University" is hilarious, from beginning to end. There are some sentimental nods to "Monsters, Inc.", but they are charming and the characters are as loveable as ever. If you missed it, go get it tonight! If you saw it, you know why you need to watch it again. Everyone, from my husband to my teenage sons to my sixth grade daughter loved it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That should be enough to keep you busy this weekend. If you have any great ideas I left out, share them in the comments! </span></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-1050383759134087052013-11-04T08:04:00.004-07:002013-11-04T08:04:52.425-07:00Ender's Game: The Good, The Bad and The Awesome<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first film of the 2013 Christmas movie season, "</span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731141/?ref_=nv_sr_1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Ender's Game</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">" is in theaters now! Here's what I thought:</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Good- </span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Most of the cast is excellent. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The costumes are great</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The "Bugs" are incredible! CGI at its best. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm a huge fan of the book, and I will say that they did a decent job of adapting it. The basic story is intact.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The battle room is really cool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The weightless scenes are awesome, though I had to cover my eyes a couple of times, because I'm prone to dizziness.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">The Bad-</span></b> My son says I'm <i>too</i> critical. But, there are some problems with this film. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The actor they chose to play Bonzo is Moses Arias. I think he was great on "The Middle" as Sue's wrestler boyfriend, and he is a solid actor. However, he is way too small in stature to play Bonzo, who is supposed to be intimidating and a bully. In confrontation with Ender, he looked more like a Chihuahua trying to intimidate a German Shepherd. It was distractingly poor casting. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I completely accept that to adapt a book into film form, many changes must be made. But almost no time was spent establishing Ender's family relationships, his deep fear and hatred of his cruel brother, his complete devotion to his sister, his parent's distant love, etc. There is also very little time spent in battle school and commander school. I know, it's necessary, but it just felt so rushed. I felt like if I hadn't read the book recently, I might not have understood Ender as well-- he had very limited character development. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the movie spends almost no time on the secondary characters in Ender's circle of friends. Some of them are great characters, and I was sad that they only had seconds of screen time here and there. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The most glaring problem in the movie, for me, though, was the casting of Asa Butterfield as Ender. Yes, he looks the part. However, he is very stiff onscreen, with limited facial expressions and emotion. This may have been exacerbated by the fact that he had to use an American accent-- Asa is British. Some of his line delivery was just off. More than once he seemed to slow down his speech and then hit accents on the wrong syllables. Another unfortunate distraction.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The special effects really stole the show. There are some incredible images in the movie, of outer space, the alien world(s), the aliens, the ships at war, an asteroid belt outside the alien planet in the final simulation, etc. The filmmakers made incredible use of CGI and whatever other digital magic they have at their disposal. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Viola Davis, Ben Kingsley and Harrison Ford all delivered, as expected. I think they didn't get enough screen time, especially Davis. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Final verdict: "Ender's Game" is fun and entertaining. The violence is limited, there is nothing inappropriate, and the ending is deep and has a good moral. It will make you think.</span></div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-84201665326079111302013-10-31T07:00:00.000-06:002013-10-31T07:00:05.315-06:00What to Watch This Weekend 10/31/2013<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween! Here are some post-holiday ideas for your weekend. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCobyUZGrdCDJ9NpI0rLqWumf0ksEhyHF8bYKWRSRE8Ib1d2sMGUiTt1OJ7qohEWFjTmJ3Q-kQTFA9oTdAuJA8TeeBOIP143mSzuUDtycXn1lxGh8SEF74l-qqK7np747QSIjSDf10DhC1/s1600/ender's+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCobyUZGrdCDJ9NpI0rLqWumf0ksEhyHF8bYKWRSRE8Ib1d2sMGUiTt1OJ7qohEWFjTmJ3Q-kQTFA9oTdAuJA8TeeBOIP143mSzuUDtycXn1lxGh8SEF74l-qqK7np747QSIjSDf10DhC1/s320/ender's+game.jpg" width="204" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Ender's Game"</b></span></span>- My weekend won't be complete without going to see one of the most anticipated movies of the year. I am fully expecting the movie to not live up to the pure awesomeness of the book, but I'm hopeful that it will be great on its own. The story takes place largely inside Ender's head, so plot changes are to be expected. It's cool. I'm ready. I've got my tickets, do you have yours?</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj8PtBpxdi4uSvuDqAncO3z_C72DI8oR_6-qkOCfO8F3lQ2ZYFEyOJwci1ES9oaQK1qWqbuC61zdvP5qTW6r9pOaD6OxLAssLS_ia3mmdFvpx1IK2Ll8MRP0xPpWRANFv4-IP6VuXrP6x/s1600/ferris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj8PtBpxdi4uSvuDqAncO3z_C72DI8oR_6-qkOCfO8F3lQ2ZYFEyOJwci1ES9oaQK1qWqbuC61zdvP5qTW6r9pOaD6OxLAssLS_ia3mmdFvpx1IK2Ll8MRP0xPpWRANFv4-IP6VuXrP6x/s320/ferris.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also this weekend <a href="http://www.megaplextheatres.com/D-Theatre_Movietimes/Sandy_Jordan_Commons_UT#&&date=11%2f01%2f2013">at the local Megaplex theater</a> is a special screening of <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"</b></span></span>, which is considered an '80's classic. I was 14 when this movie played in theaters. Matthew Broderick shines in this career-making film. Though it is still a very funny, entertaining movie, be warned that some content may not be entirely appropriate for your kids. There is some sexual-based banter and some use of the s-word. </span></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Netflix:</span></b></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two older movies worth returning to:</span></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjve5lDlotzu2xn9T6Em_HxhtFvk6jTE5YOAC_BEsgukkexXFlqU5FhORWqNUpwjT5ldA-VRpF4Yo9w7WeADlwRbEJ8ywnr1SHYI5u-QzEUsMm1J0HORbSjVW8bVrvDVwUtLPaSiKu82/s1600/forrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjve5lDlotzu2xn9T6Em_HxhtFvk6jTE5YOAC_BEsgukkexXFlqU5FhORWqNUpwjT5ldA-VRpF4Yo9w7WeADlwRbEJ8ywnr1SHYI5u-QzEUsMm1J0HORbSjVW8bVrvDVwUtLPaSiKu82/s200/forrest.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Forrest Gump"</b></span></span> (1994) Tom Hanks' Oscar-winning performance makes this a must-see. There is some adult content, so be warned before showing your kids. Read <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/parentalguide?ref_=tt_stry_pg">this info</a> from IMDB for (somewhat explicit) details. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx2LQFmt40YLbR6__XzZzyQYQwBTCRRt9iC_Iftwn2r3_4vro0VDM3cvADobEs2ZI6WgPLW_w6TX_UjuaiiuzdjTVI3JUZi-Le6z7DEItmoBXQcggrbw59PsCkoAi2SEo3BHVXzadGmm9/s1600/truman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx2LQFmt40YLbR6__XzZzyQYQwBTCRRt9iC_Iftwn2r3_4vro0VDM3cvADobEs2ZI6WgPLW_w6TX_UjuaiiuzdjTVI3JUZi-Le6z7DEItmoBXQcggrbw59PsCkoAi2SEo3BHVXzadGmm9/s200/truman.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The Truman Show"</span></b></span> (1998) Jim Carrey at his best, this heartwarming story is a nice cozy movie for the weekend. Clean, but some profanity. Click <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/parentalguide?ref_=tt_stry_pg">here</a> to go to IMDB for more.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ylcBcjcR0F6_RmHvILZ3_Q1bmYz7Q1xwDekPaiB1Y3xxhS27gzzFWC9dqqeClh_2ghNmABh_kQufYMC2AKG69XeWpBE9WTF3Mv4nI4ZEBFn69hCLx5Kq29vYVYXmIH6EGMNvSBo4_jyF/s1600/gaffigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ylcBcjcR0F6_RmHvILZ3_Q1bmYz7Q1xwDekPaiB1Y3xxhS27gzzFWC9dqqeClh_2ghNmABh_kQufYMC2AKG69XeWpBE9WTF3Mv4nI4ZEBFn69hCLx5Kq29vYVYXmIH6EGMNvSBo4_jyF/s200/gaffigan.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also on Netflix is <span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale"</b></span></span> Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan is considered a <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576303/Clean-comedy-thrives-with-the-likes-of-Jim-Gaffigan-Brian-Regan.html">"clean" comic</a>, and for the most part, that's true, but I still recommend you watch this first to make sure it's okay for your children. I laugh myself to tears when I listen to or watch him. Especially his famous Hot Pockets routine. Brilliantly funny.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One fun thing to watch on Hulu (or a multitude of other sites, including IMDB, Comingsoon.net or Apple) are movie trailers. Click <a href="http://www.hulu.com/movies/popular/trailers">here</a> for Hulu's trailer-dedicated page. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Also on Hulu are select episodes of the new Adam Samberg comedy, </span><a href="http://www.fox.com/brooklyn-nine-nine/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. I'm not giving this show a glowing recommendation, but it does offer some laughs. (There is the expected sit-com sexual humor content, though not in large amounts). Samberg is funny and charming in a overgrown-teenager sort of way, and the overall feeling of the show is somewhat reminiscent of the well-loved (and far superior) </span><a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/psych" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">"Psych"</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMOeTgeQd80QhRelwZJ6Y5d9q3_lMyziORhasXACLaOzRe37M02KGuSxf-poe_9bnHMf-vu7PvAs1e3RvQxnE3mvDMI19M418XEQyb9gROX1kRBUzlDy7a8MbZpqrwe_PirNO0ch89XnK/s1600/brooklyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMOeTgeQd80QhRelwZJ6Y5d9q3_lMyziORhasXACLaOzRe37M02KGuSxf-poe_9bnHMf-vu7PvAs1e3RvQxnE3mvDMI19M418XEQyb9gROX1kRBUzlDy7a8MbZpqrwe_PirNO0ch89XnK/s400/brooklyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbAvnfXAS7U7atzkakX_7VZn66YoURHym6jd2YG3YrPZvC4_UIw6E4WpOCM_0XzxQZFwOjp8DuWxQTrW1hA1UgAt82ZMBUadU5dxJKyMxOKSU9yCgaaRwtIEpua820kWbvFFyESKl0G7-/s1600/WorldWarZ-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbAvnfXAS7U7atzkakX_7VZn66YoURHym6jd2YG3YrPZvC4_UIw6E4WpOCM_0XzxQZFwOjp8DuWxQTrW1hA1UgAt82ZMBUadU5dxJKyMxOKSU9yCgaaRwtIEpua820kWbvFFyESKl0G7-/s320/WorldWarZ-Poster.jpg" width="204" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend, my family finally watched <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">"World War Z"</span></span></b>, the Brad Pitt zombie film based (loosely, I hear) on the book by the same title. I only made it about 20 minutes. I'm a self-proclaimed wimp-- I don't like gory horror movies, and extreme suspense or kids-in-peril always chase me away. Although I bailed at that point, I did return and watch from a distance when the movie quieted down, because I was curious about the storyline, which was interesting. If you like Pitt, or zombies, you will probably enjoy it. Unless you're a scaredy-cat like me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-42230046053438161582013-10-28T07:00:00.000-06:002013-11-09T12:07:44.683-07:00An Embarrassment of Entertainment Riches<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> A plethora of amazing entertainment is coming in the next 6 months, and I am counting the days! Here's what I'm most excited about (in chronological order):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731141/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"Ender's Game"</a></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">- based on the book by Orson Scott Card, it's the story of the boy recruited to save the world from alien invaders. This is one of my favorite sci-fi books, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they adapted it for film. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Release date: </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">November 1, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1981115/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">"Thor: The Dark World"</a></b>-</span><span style="font-size: large;"> this sequel to the 2011 film has a lot to live up to as the Asgardian hero returns to the post-"The Avengers" world. I'll have my fingers crossed that this film can at least keep pace with it's predecessor, if not surpass it in story, character development, acting, directing and general awesomeness. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Release date: November 8, 2013</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"</a></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> is the sequel based on the book. A lot of people I know thought this was the best book in the trilogy, and I guess I agreed, because </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/106943564" style="font-size: x-large;">THIS</a><span style="font-size: large;"> is what I said on Goodreads after reading it. It's been long enough, though, that I hardly remember the books. That being said, I think I enjoyed the first movie more for having a few years between the reading of the book and the watching of the film. Hoping for the same experience with this sequel. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Release date November 22, 2013</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is coming. </span><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/The-Day-of-the-Doctor-50th-Anniversary-Special-Update">"The Day of the Doctor"</a></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://./">.</a> Also known as the "Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special", many of us so-called "Whovians" are ecstatically looking forward to this, because of the return of David Tennant. Tennant together with Matt Smith? Brilliant. I really can't wait. AND the fun news is that we can go see it in a local Cinemark movie theater and watch it live with the rest of the world. How cool is that?? </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">(My only concern is the 3-D. I don't know if I can handle it... I get dizzy rather easily. I shall consider my options.)</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Show date: November 23, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/content/psych-the-musical">"Psych: The Musical"</a></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;"> </span>I guess we asked for it and now we're gonna get it. I love the sincerity on Dule Hill's face as he sings, while James Roday has his normal "Shawn Spencer" antics face going on. I have always loved this show. Setting an episode to music? Genius. Absolute genius. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Air date December 15, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1170358/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year's installment in the trilogy is even more highly anticipated than the first because of the world's fastest rising star </span><i>(and one of the best actors of this generation)</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1212722/?ref_=nv_sr_1" style="font-size: x-large;">Benedict Cumberbatch </a><span style="font-size: large;">(and for </span><a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-to-watch-this-weekend.html" style="font-size: x-large;">"Lost"</a><span style="font-size: large;"> fans, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1431940/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Evangeline Lilly</a>!) I was not thrilled when they announced that this little book would take three movies to make, but I will still go see all three of them. Happily, I might add. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Release date December 13, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006q2x0">"Doctor Who Christmas Special"</a></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> also being called "The Fall of the Eleventh" because we know already that this will be Matt Smith's final episode, and fans will meet the 12th doctor, to be played by Peter Capaldi. I don't know if I will get to see it </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">on</i><span style="font-size: large;"> Christmas day, because we live in the U.S., but I will certainly try my darndest. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Air date Christmas Day 12/25/13</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359950/?ref_=nv_sr_1">"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"</a> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">is a remake of an old </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001414/?ref_=nv_sr_1" style="font-size: x-large;">Danny Kaye </a><span style="font-size: large;">movie-- or maybe more of a re-imagining of the old film. I grew up on Danny Kaye and was not excited to hear they were remaking <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039808/?ref_=nv_sr_2">"Mitty"</a>, but after seeing the trailer and the new vision for the character, I have changed my mind. I think it looks great! The special effects and cinematography are fascinating and beautiful. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Release date: Christmas Day 12/25/13 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>P.S.- if you can get your hands on a copy of the original, it's well worth your time. Good, good stuff.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am most most most looking forward to the premier of </span><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018ttws">"Sherlock"</a></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> series (or as we call it, season) 3. Most. I find myself actually breathless with anticipation. Cliche, yes, but true. I am seriously, heart-poundingly excited about this. I'm insane, I know. I just LOVE this show so much. So so so much. Episode 1 premier air date (in the U.S.) will be January 19, 2014 on PBS' Masterpiece. Or maybe sooner online??? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />As I showed you <a href="http://filmcriticsdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/10/big-awesome.html">the other day</a>,</span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=nv_sr_2">"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'s official trailer was released. I'm more excited about this than the second Thor film-- I can't wait!! But I guess I'll have to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Release date April 4, 2014</span></div>
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001474224182650720.post-13031998558605784292013-10-25T06:20:00.002-06:002013-10-25T06:24:16.553-06:00Big Awesome!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I doubt you missed this, because it drowned the internet yesterday, but just in case you did, here you go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's no big deal. It's just...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!!</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yep. It's the new official trailer for the upcoming sequel. I am just a little excited. Just a little. As much as I like Thor, I think I'm looking forward to this one even more than that one. There's just something about Cap. He is so... heroic? I can't find the word I'm looking for... Help me out in the comments, won't you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, the movie comes out in April, so this is really just teasing us, but I still enjoy it. </span></div>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13975871639557922792noreply@blogger.com2