Narnia with Ineke and Ana

Finally! I have seen The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and while my thoughts would probably take another blog post... let me just say, it was wonderful! And watching it with two of my favorite young ladies made it even better!

Me, Ana, Ineke

Lunch at Chick-fil-a was a great start... Chatting about music and books, I always enjoy my time with these two.

And I know they'll appreciate my silly moments. :P

Thanks, Amelia B. for taking these photos!

"Looke Looke, Senator"

Ah. I <3 superheros. Bring on 2012.

Movie Night

I love movie nights with my kidos!

Of course, the Blockbuster guy talked me into popcorn, candy, and a pop. Ah, but it was worth it. :)

And here is Robin

Trailer.

Yep. It's all coming together. Robin Hood is a fun hero, yeah?

Today's the Day!

At last! Celtic Thunder It's Entertainment is out!!! But, mine hasn't come in the mail yet... Tear! *Insert Glenn Beck Sad Face* However, Emma was released on DVD, and she is good enough company. :-) Huzzah!

The Last Son of Krypton

Four years ago, one of my favorite superheroes was in his first feature film in two decades. Unfortunately, this film largely failed in the eyes of critics and fans alike. Perhaps director Bryan Singer should have taken the franchise in a new direction rather than resume the Christopher Reeve storyline. Or perhaps Superman needed to be involved in an epic battle -- rather than lift the mountain of kryptonite. Or maybe Lex Luthor should have been replaced with Doomsday or Bizzaro. Or still yet, perhaps Superman should never have conceived a child. Whatever the reason, the film failed.

But, sitting here tonight watching a Superhero that I adore, I really hope he gets another chance. Despite all its flaws, I love this movie. Brandon Routh *is* Superman. He pulls off the role with remarkable strength. The audience can see his pain and struggle as Clark - and his depth of character as Superman. And while Kate Bosworth is not my favorite Lois Lane, she and Routh have great chemistry. Superman is a great hero. He is what all the other superheroes aspire to be...

So my question is: Where has he gone? Please come back, Superman. We're ready for another go.

2 Thumbs Up

At last! The Young Victoria made its way to Morgantown. And despite the chilly, inclement weather, we ladies ventured out to see it. It did not disappoint. Fabulous costumes, music, cinematography (a personal favorite of mine =), and acting were all featured. Many of my friends love this story, and I'm sure we'll all have a copy in the future. It was an excellent addition to a wonderful day... If The Young Victoria graces a theater near you, it is well worth the price of admission. Though, if you're looking for A&E's Victoria & Albert, you may be disappointed. Personally, however, I enjoyed it more... especially Albert & Victoria -- I even "liked" Lord M's portrayal more. Three cheers for a great afternoon at the Warner. :-)

Farewell to Friends

We were all sad that Jessica had to leave again for college, but thanks to the Kincell girls we got together for one last huzzah and... HOODWINKED!

A perfect evening.

The Best of 2009: Movies

Movies

Julie & Julia

See my previous gushing thoughts.

The Blind Side

I've seen The Blind Side is theaters twice, and I plan to purchase it on DVD. It is a heartwarming story about faith put into action.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Oh yeah, just one more superhero mention. Wolverine's newest flick is a popcorn movie, but I still *love* it! Sure, I'm a fangirl. :)

~Honorable Mention~

UP

While some consider this simple children's tale sad (and it is), it is also much more. Full of family values -- UP is a treasure.

Disclaimer: None of my "best" picks for 2009 are without flaws. However, I find value in each one. Read some reviews, and you can decide for yourselves. :)

John Keats has got himself a movie

Partly because I studied Keats last semester and partly because I adore the regency era costumes, I would LOVE to see this movie. Anyone else interested?

Grocery Store Wars

The Knudsen girls shared this with me... Tee hee hee! Enjoy!

Ironing Man

~The Morton's shared this on their blog. :P It's too funny.

Julie & Julia

Tonight with my mom & several ladies from my church, I watched a delightful movie. Having seen the trailer for Julie & Julia several times, I was quite intrigued. But, after watching the movie, I was enthralled! This is exactly the type of movie I could see myself watching with my husband as a young married couple. Some pizza & pop, curled up on the couch for movie night... and I'll say, "Let's watch Julie & Julia." I can even hear him groan. :) But, I'll gently remind him that I watched Die Hard last week with no complaints. ;)

A movie about two women, Julie Powell & Julia Child, living in different times. But their goals are similar. Two women both wanting to cook... both wanting to do something wonderful with their lives... both wanting to please their husbands. But their husbands are not just some guy in their lives; their husbands are their rocks. The ones who encourage them and make them dream. And their dream is to cook and make fine food. Not box meals... Not microwave madness. REAL food.

This gem of a movie was even respectful. Julia's sadness over not having children was tragic. Julie's realization of the importance of respecting her husband was glorious! A modern film with some kind of standard. Marvelous! This is not to say that J&J didn't have flaws. But, they were remarkably few. Not to mention, watching Julia Child with her sister made me desperately wish for a sister of my own!
J&J was funny. It was captivating. It was cute. We laugh with Julie & Julia. I wanted to cry with them. As I watched the J's move into their new homes with their respective husbands, I found myself looking forward to the future. A little nook of my own. A place to cook... perhaps even with a Julia Child's cookbook.


Oh! and P.S. The clothes were adorable. *smiles*

The Young Victoria

My Girl Friday

For those of you involved with the Man Friday discussion. =)

Merriam Webster -

Main Entry: girl Friday

Function: noun

Etymology: girl + Friday (as in man Friday)

Date: 1940 : a female assistant (as in an office) entrusted with a wide variety of tasks

THE Oxford English Dictionary
Girl-Friday:
[<GIRL n. + Friday, the name of Robinson Crusoe's servant in Defoe's novel (see MAN FRIDAY n.), after MAN FRIDAY n.] A female assistant, esp. one who performs general tasks in an office.

Man-Friday:
[Alluding to Robinson Crusoe's servant Friday in Defoe's novel, whom Crusoe usually refers to as ‘my man Friday’.
1719 D. DEFOE Life Robinson Crusoe 224 And first, I made him know his Name should be Friday, which was the Day I sav'd his Life. 1719 D. DEFOE Life Robinson Crusoe 245, I takes my man Friday with me.]

Someone regarded as having the characteristics of Defoe's man Friday; a servant, an attendant; a personal assistant who does all kinds of work; a companion.

UP

I try to take my "little" friends to see a movie every once in awhile. Our choice this time was Pixar's newest gem, UP. It was fabulous! Not only did I get to hang out with my girlies, but their younger brother came with us for the first time. :) It is so good to have "my" kids growing up. And a few friends tagged along...

My first 3D movie

Henry and Daniel (The flash was bright!)
Mel, Ineke, and Ana -- who refused to open her eyes. :)

Sammi and Dee

Keely, Kiri, Kelsie (Back)

Julia and Johnny (Front)

We couldn't resist one silly photo

I heartily recommend UP. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. It is a pity that more children's films aren't that classy.

Quotes of the Day

"Robinson, you STINK!"


"Still no Crusoe?"
"Yes, yes... He's right there. Dancing on the beach. He's been doing it all day. I just CHOSE NOT TO MENTION IT!"

-- These quotes are in no way meant to be connected.

LONG LIVE CRUSOE!

Lab before Spring Break

The Friday before Spring Break, my good friend Bissi had the clever plan to watch a movie... Especially since there were no students around. Huzzah! Being a kind fellow, he brought several films for me to choose from.

With The Dark Knight as one of the selections, it's not hard to guess what I chose. Putting the movie up on the projector screens, we settled down to enjoy a few hours with Gotham's anti-hero.

I do love comic book lore. In many ways, it is the mythology of modern times.

It's also a great way to spend a lazy, open lab Friday with a friend.

The Abduction Club

When Shaela C. wrote on Facebook that she was watching the "BEST chick flick ever", my interest was piqued. Being a girl and never having watched the “BEST chick flick ever” was simply not to be born! I wasted no time in finding The Abduction Club on YouTube. I was pleased and excited to find another movie I would love to add to my collection.

The younger sons in England have a terrible problem. They will inherit no estates; they are forced to either earn a living or marry a lady of property and wealth. Our leading men, Burns and Strand, are some just young men who lack an estate. Being men of low ambition, they join the Abduction Club. As members, they help one another kidnap eligible young ladies and ask them to wed. What follows is a delightful romp in absurdity and hilarity.

The kidnappers are pursued around the country by the jealous rival, Mr. Power, and the English redcoats. The ladies are a trial by themselves. Anne is delighted to be away from Mr. Power, while Catherine keeps trying to escape. All the while, Burns is trying to woo Catherine to his side. Strand just wants to convince Anne that he isn’t predictable. Not to mention that a ruffian has made them wanted for murder…

Despite Burns’ and Strand’s selfish beginning, we see them grow into men of honor and character. The two young ladies who are cursed (perhaps blessed?) to find themselves kidnapped are humbled and are formed into sacrificing women.

This story is undoubtedly absurd. There is no doubt about it. However, I found myself lost in the story. The kidnaps of the ladies, the chases by the soldiers, the escapes from the horrid Mr. Power, the duel, and final ending all thrilled me. If you need a diversion that is frivolous, but nonetheless endearing find The Abduction Club on YouTube. Or if you’re brave enough… buy a copy from Ebay. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

JA Club Take 2

The 2nd edition of the JA Club has started again. I love this time of year because of it! Despite the cold, dreary weather, the Martinez ladies, the Kincell ladies, and the Powell ladies meet once a week to watch a classic novel brought to life on screen. Last year was filled with Jane Austen's novels (hence our title). But this year, we have perused Wuthering Heights... though none of us particularly cared for this story; however, I now hope to read the book. But the more agreeable Wives and Daughters & Oliver Twist have been our most recent viewings.

It is an absolute delight to fellowship over a meal, tea, or dessert... while viewing a film and analyzing it. What a blessing from God to have such friends. I can hardly wait till next Sunday night. :)