Space in the Middle

I've been a terrible blogger. I apologize. All I can offer as a weak defense is it's been crazy here, especially with the little bitty baby I've offered to help care for. I figured another little person in the mix wouldn't hurt...what was I smoking?

So now to the anomaly I was introduced to last night, something Jimbo assures me is completely normal behavior for guys.

Last night we went to see Underworld Rise of the Lycaon's (awesome by the way) and for the longest time we were all alone in the theater. About 10 minutes before it started three men come in together, stepping into the middle aisle to pick their seats. Since I was bored, I watched with a passing interest, frowning in confusion when they sat down with an empty seat left purposely between them.

At first I thought they must have girlfriends in the ladies room, but as time dragged on with no sign of their women, I knocked shoulder's with Jimbo and whispered "what's up with those guys and the empty seats?"

He grinned at the question and told me, "Men don't sit next to each other at the movies."

And what do you know, before the movie starts, another two men came in and did the same thing.

So what's up with this phenomenon? Are guys afraid if they sit next to another male in a darkened room they might somehow contract homosexuality? Or is it just an unwritten rule that I can't comprehend because I have different chromosomes?

I have to say, the best part of the night was when the trailer for this new flick called "I love you, Man" previewed. It's about a man that's getting married but has no guy friends and he has to start going on man date's to procure a best man. The portion of the trailer where one date leans in and gives Paul Rudd a little something extra at the end of the night was particularly excellent. I could see all of the men with seats spaced out squirming.

Space it out all you want hombre's. The movie screen will reveal your insecurities - every time!

Twilight

I can only blame myself for the things I'm about to bitch about, after all, I chose to go see the first showing of Twilight in my area at 11:59pm last night. The minute we arrived and picked our tickets up from the little machine (thank goodness for pre-ordering) I knew we were in trouble. The lot was full and tween's were EVERYWHERE.

Before I start, let me say, I enjoyed the movie. However, as far as films go - it's pretty weak. That's not saying I didn't like it, I did. The problem is, as my dear husband pointed out after I asked how he liked it - "uh, well - it's just a vampire love story. It's okay." Sometimes things just don't translate all that well to the screen (so the lion fell in love with the lamb - favorite line in the story, it made me cringe in the movie). Oh - Robert Pattinson is amazing here, he did an incredible job portraying Edward. It's too bad he's just become the poster boy for Bop magazine!

So without further ado, here is a rundown of what it's like to see Twilight at the first showing, among tweens that should be home in bed.

We get there and immediately notice the 'I Heart Edward' t-shirts, Bella and Edward Forever! stickers on shirts (worn by 20 year old young men no less) and people carrying copies of their Twilight books in hand. We wait to get into the last theater, watching in awe at the number of 8-10 year olds accompanying their very responsible parents, eventually getting our seats and settling in. I should also mention the very smart adolescent males out in force, attending in groups of 3-4, attempting to flesh them out some horny teenage girls looking for a real life Edward (sorry guys, hate to break it to you - you ain't him and you never will be to these girls!)

We arrived early and during that hour we are subjected to a contest for Twilight buttons and pictures, during which time tweens lose their shit, screeching and fighting over pieces of metal and paper. Camera's came out, pictures were snapped left and right, the blubber and hubbub was incredible. People bickered over who was hotter, Edward or Jacob and girl's acted in the exact ways I hated in high school. (I just know I'm going to be cursed and Arwen or Annabel will act like a total airhead, saying things like "I'm totally hyped up dude!")

Eventually the dust settled and the movie started and things got really good!

The very second Edward glides into the background of the screen, the girls started to squeal, swooning so loudly Jimbo looks over at me with wide eyes screaming OMGWTF! (okay he didn't look exactly like that, more like 'are you serious?!') This continues for the rest of the show. Edward could have farted and the girls would faint (not joking either) and when he's around Bella, saying such sweet nothings, I heard many a virgins lose their proverbial cherry.

This morning I woke up tired (getting to bed at 2:45) and my first thought was - how many school absences are going to get marked down this morning and how many parents will lie for their children (and themselves) when the school calls to say Sue or Johnny didn't make it in to school this morning? My second thought was - I have to do this all over again since my Mother-in-Law wants to see it as well and I promised to go back with her.

Hopefully if we wait a week it won't be so bad - right? Who am I kidding, this ship is going down Titanic style. Complete with Leo worshipers and their Mothers. Bah!

Best Quote Ever!!

Brillant Strategy, thanks Napoleon!!

Tom Servo From Mystery Science Theater. Spoken after Ruth's space tube opens to a mutant attacking her and she is instructed to "Run, Ruth, Run!!"

The Dark Knight

After months of waiting, I finally got to see this movie, and the rumors are all true. Heath Ledger is amazing in this or should I say, the Joker is amazing in this film. There is zero trace of the young man who's tragic death shocked so many. He's brash, he's crazy and while you want to look away you just can't pull your eyes off the screen. He is mesmerizing in his insanity.

Go see the movie if only to enjoy this performance if you can. This is the best comic book film I've ever seen. And while Ledger is fantastic the story here is compelling enough to make you happy you made the trip.

What if I said NO?

The one thing Jimbo and I do most as a couple is watch movies. It's something that doesn't take too much time, isn't that expensive (if we eat here first) and it allows us a reprieve from the kids. We enjoy our movies very much.

So yesterday afternoon we decided to see Hellboy II. My Mom (in law) said she'd watch the kids and we headed out for the 5:00pm show. As is usual for us we arrived 30 minutes early, picked our seats and waited.

Without fail, a group walked in a couple of minutes as previews were starting up. One sat directly next to me (instead of finding seats in the mostly empty auditorium) and I look at Jimbo and roll my eyes as this has happened more times than I'd care to remember. Suddenly one of the men looks at me and says:

"Hey, could ya'll scoot down a seat?"

I sat there for a moment and considered how to answer because I didn't want to move for these assholes. I'd gotten to the movie early to pick out my seats and while it's not a big deal to move over it's just the principal of the matter. The theater was practically empty, there was no shortage of places to sit. Who in the hell do people think they are nowadays?

I looked at him and finally said "fine" and moved down before adding "it doesn't matter we got here 30 minutes before you to sit here, whatever you need man, I live to serve".

But it gets better.

Why oh why do people think they need to replay each moment on the screen to their nearby companions. Do they think everyone needs a play by play or a "hot damn!" or "Oh my god" or "did you see that" or "oh shit!" or...you get my drift. These morons talked the entire duration of the movie, filling in everyone within earshot about the previous film, the powers of each character and so on.

I enjoyed Hellboy II but it was definitely dampered by these fools. I'm going to start telling people like this to shut the fuck up and to hell with the consequences.

Wanted

Go.See.This.Movie.

James McAvoy is the hottest actor in the world and Angelina will rock the socks of all you men out there. Plus there are cool sequences, pulse-pounding action and most importantly did I mention JAMES "Those abs made my husband a happy man tonight" MCAVOY??

August Rush

A drama with fairy tale elements, where an orphaned musical prodigy uses his gift as a clue to finding his birth parents.

This movie is simply amazing. If you haven't seen it, you need to. I loved it.

Something Fun

Last night Jimbo and I watched Be Kind Rewind. During it I got to thinking about how obsolete VHS tapes are now and that my own children's children won't have any clue as to what a VHS tape is (much like Beta tapes were to me).

I told Jimbo I'd actually miss that technology. I can't say why for certain. The picture is grainy, it's not as easy as clicking a button to jump a scene and once a tape is damaged that is pretty much all she wrote. But I do love my old VHS tapes and plan on keeping them long past when they are considered antiques (some of mine are getting close to that mark).

As 2001: A Space Odyssey was "sweded" (term from Be Kind Rewind, which is funny as hell!) I told Jimbo I'd never seen it. He looked shocked and told me it was very good and that I had to check it out. Suddenly inspiration struck. What if I had a project for myself where I'd watch so many VHS movies in so many days and I'd review them just for the fun of it. Sort of like the Steve Guttenburg project but not limited to one specific actor/actress or genre?

Right now I'm still thinking it over. I'd have to decide how many movies, how many days/months and if I'd limit myself to VHS or if DVD's could be slipped in (which let's face it, will probably have to happen, it's hard to find VHS tapes and I can't afford to purchase every title).

I'll let you know what I finally decide, I think it could be fun. I'd like to review many of the 80's old school horror movies. Movies like The Fog, The Stuff, Creepshow, Cat's Eye, and Fright Night. Those are true old school!

Father's Day, Pie and a Show

So my dear husband had one request today, homemade Apple Pie. Otherwise his day was spent relaxing around the house and vegging together on the sofa tonight to watch Gremlins.

That is the one thing we all do together as a family I really enjoy. It's so much fun to watch the children laughing when silly things happen on the screen (they can't be scared when we make funny noises and say "get that gremlin!"). Logan would stand and mimic the people slowly walking around on the screen (like the Mom investigating the kitchen) only to go "BAH!!!" at the right times.

Vincent of course snuggled in with Dad, Annabel snuggled in with me and Arwen floated back and forth around us all and we laughed until we cried.

I called my Grandpa and Dad too to wish them a Happy Father's Day. I'd really hoped to see Dad today but he wanted to check out the gun show with his Dad and it's his day after all. Maybe I can get out to see him this week or this weekend. I've really missed him.

The Happening

This was the picture we decided to see last night. We arrived a full 45 minutes early and good thing, the theater filled quickly and before we knew it, staff came inside and asked us all to move as far to the left as possible because the show was completely sold out!

I have to say, this movie was very good. But I'm a Shyamalan fan. Jimbo liked this one but he disliked all but The Sixth Sense from him. It's very suspenseful, has some cringing realistic gory moments, and keeps you on your seat. It also has some humor here and there to have you laughing which proved a relief at times.

The only drawback I could find is there is never truly an "explanation" of why the Happening happens. But for me, that's the good part. It keeps you thinking about the movie long after you've left your seat.

Speaking of gore. The gentleman who addressed the patrons had this to say to parents and I wanted to stand and applaud:

"To those parents who have brought with them young children, I've been told I have to inform you this movie depicts 150 suicides. So this isn't the best movie material for them to watch."

Of course, the two people I saw with children (around 6-10 years of age) stayed firmly in their seats to watch.

Oh and I have to mention this. We got a $25 gift card to O'Charley's from Mom. We went to eat beforehand and I have to tell you...it was the worst food I've ever eaten in my life. The steak tips on rice pilaf (with mushrooms and Moz cheese) was so greasy I took 3 bites and couldn't eat anymore. It was bland and disgusting. My loaded baked potato was even worse. The only saving grace were the rolls and salad but around 15 minutes after we were done I found myself in the bathroom, sick as a DOG.

I won't be going back there.

Cellphones are the bane of Society

I have had it. Enough is enough.

I don't go to the movies to be surrounded by teens who are nowhere near the age of 17 yet walk right up and get tickets to the rated R movie "The Strangers". Whatever happened to carding people? Or being accompanied by an adult. I should have known it was only bound to get worse.

We got decent seats and waited for the movie to start. I noticed 90% of the audience looked to be well under the 17 age requirement with nary an adult in sight. The lights dimmed and the movie started when the cell phones suddenly popped out all around us.

You know, I don't know why people think they are so fucking special. Do they believe that movie patrons don't mind that they are ruining a show with their blue cell phone lights flashing in our eyes? Obviously some of them have some shame as they cover the phones with jackets or purses. If they do this then I would imagine they have some clue that the light is a distraction to others. Yet I got to watch my movie, intended to be viewed in absolute darkness, with the blare of cell phones instead.

When the movie was over I started to complain LOUDLY.

"I love paying good money to watch people text message! I consider that a good $12 well spent!"

At one point as we were walking out a teen whipped out her phone and started texting.

"See," I poked Jimbo and pointed. "Whatever happened to actually hurrying home to see what messages you have on something called an answering machine?"

Just as I said it, the teens Mother pops out her cell phone and begins texting herself.

"Welp, that explains it! Like Mother like daughter!" I say this loud enough for the Father/husband to look over at me. I glared at him until he turned away. Good thing, he can't defend the guilty can he?

This is what is wrong with our society today. Kids who have zero respect for others and instead have a sense of entitlement. Of course they do, they are learning by example.

I've told Jimbo I want to buy a cell phone jammer. I think it would be money so well spent. I'd love to just attend movies to watch the utter chaos that would erupt when people couldn't text message during a show. Now that would be entertainment!

Prince Caspian

Go see this movie, it is excellent! Better than the first and that is a rare feat.

Twilight

I've been a huge fan of this series ever since I read the first book (before it became big). Stephanie Meyer is amazing and has developed characters I care for and want to read about over and over again.

I'm so delighted they are making a movie and thankfully it looks awesome (and true to the book). The poster has me counting down until December 12th when it's released.

The Mist

Few movies leave me after with nightmares and the jitters. For some reason, this one really did me in. I had repeated nightmares last night after viewing it. (Something about one of the beginning scenes set the tone, a Mother pleading for help...if you watch you'll know what I mean)

So if you get a chance, you might want to watch it. But warning ~ I watch nothing but scary movies and I'm not usually scared. Maybe I'm just getting soft in my age or maybe it was just the movie (something about movies where things 'could' happen and/or end of days just give me the heebie jeebies).

Jimbo said it was creepy to him but not to the extent it was to me. If you happen to see it, tell me what you thought.

Iron Man

So last night we went to see Iron Man. It was a great movie, I was pleasantly surprised. Go check it out if you get the chance.

The best part of the night, other than spending quality time with my super sweet guy, was the compliments I received on my make-up. I decided to just go for it and used some of my new pigments and my MAC shadestick (my only MAC product). I did this peacock thing with a bright shimmery blue in the inner corner and a deep dark indigo blue on the rest of the lid. I smoked that out with a bit of black in the crease and lined my lower lash line with corresponding blues.

I was sort of worried because it was a very noticeable look which is a far cry from my normal face when I go out. But when I stopped inside Sally's (on the look for some Limited Edition Finger Paints polish) the girl complimented me. Then I got another compliment at Walgreen's and finally at Hell-Mart (we did our weekly shopping after the movie). So I guess it looked ok, I regret not taking pictures to share. I will next time.

On a side note, when I went to Belk to look for some MAC pigment. I approached the counter and asked about purchasing the Old Gold pigment. The girl helping me told me it was "a limited edition" which is weird because online it's not listed as one. She informed me also that her store "doesn't carry the pigments".

Come to find out they not only didn't have the pigments but they didn't have any palettes or refills. All they had were paint pots, individual shadows and blushes. I asked if I could possibly buy a couple of shadows and get some samples to figure out exactly what I like and was told, "just buy it, if you don't like it you can just bring it back".

Needless to say, I didn't buy anything from the counter. Is this usual for MAC vendors and representatives? There were 3 MAC people at the counter and one other client other than myself. She wasn't outright "hateful" but you could tell she wanted me gone.

Willow Baby

As I've mentioned before, I love old 80's VHS tapes and I play one each night as I climb into bed. More often than not I fall directly asleep but last night I tossed and turned so I got the chance to see most of the movie Willow.

I'd forgotten just how beautiful the baby twins used in the movie are. They have the sweetest expressions and steal the show each time they pop on the screen.

Does anyone else remember them?

No Country for Old Men

I watched this last night and I can honestly say Javier Bardem is simply amazing in it. He owned his part so well I was terrified of him myself, even as I sit watching. Talk about someone with zero remorse and only his own warped sense of right, wrong and justice in between. And yes, there is also that terrible haircut.

Totally worth watching, even if a touch long, check it out!

Once

You have to see this movie. I watched it last night and cannot get either the music or the movie out of my head. It's such a beautiful film. I found myself tearing up several times during the short 82 minutes.

Do yourself a huge favor and rent this, you won't regret it. But be prepared, I've had the songs "Falling Slowly" and "When your minds made up" stuck in my head all day long.

Dreams of Oscar

I always dreamed of becoming an actress. Perhaps not a "movie" one but definitely a theater or stage one. I loved doing The Merchant of Venice in college. I looked forward to the butterflies before walking out on the stage (even if I only had a few short lines as a serving wench, then a courier).

Alas, becoming this was never meant to be for me. Instead I was destined to be a Mother. I grabbed onto my destiny and took off for a bumpy but happy ride. I usually don't regret what might have been, except every Oscar Sunday. I always sit glued to the screen as I watch the stars walk the red carpet and think about what might have been.

I'm calling Ellen Page as the Best Actress (but I could be wrong here), and Daniel Day as Best Actor (come on, everyone knows this is a lock) but I'm not sure about directors or movies of the year. Who else out there is set to join me this evening in taking in the show?

Gone Baby Gone

I watched this movie last night and recommend you rent it yourself if you get the chance. It's an emotional roller coaster. I found my opinions on things are not as concrete as I once believed.

There is one scene I kind of wish I didn't see. I can't tell you what it is without ruining the movie but I'll say you'll know the scene of which I speak when you watch yourself.