OK, so a belated December post; school and work had me all busy and stressed and I tried to keep a semblance of a social life happening. But it's also an early January one! HA! New Year! Cinematically speaking, I'm pretty excited for 2010; Tim Burton's putting his spin on Alice in Wonderland, with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, naturally, as well as Anne Hathaway, Christopher Lee, Alan Rickman and slew of other top-notch talent. Ridley Scott is bustin' out his telling of Robin Hood with Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew MacFadyen, Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes) and Kevin Durand (who will also feature in Legion with Paul Bettany). Iron Man 2 - between the looks and the talent, Robert Downey Jr. is most definitely my latest celebrity crush, grrrowl. Plus, a new flick from Christopher Nolan featuring a stel-lar cast, yet another Harry Potter coming (the first of the last!), a Tron sequel over a decade after the first, a Clash of the Titans remake and an A-Team movie (the latter two both featuring Liam Neeson). Yes, it looks to be a fun and entertaining year ahead. But, back to the present and what's coming out, or already out, that looks good.
December 2009
12/11
Invictus
Morgan Freeman portrays Nelson Mandela. In an attempt to unite his countrymen after the fall of apartheid in South Africa, during his first term as president, Mandela campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event. Also stars Matt Damon. C'mon, who doesn't love Morgan Freeman? And this one is screaming for an Oscar, so we might as well see if the fuss will be worth it.
The Lovely Bones
Based on the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, Susie Salmon ("like the fish") watches over her family and friends from "the in-between" as they deal with the aftermath of her brutal rape and murder. Starring Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci and Susan Sarandon. Directed by the amazing Peter Jackson - yes, the same that brought us the phenomenal The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Good cast and excellent, visionary director; can't wait to see it!
12/18
Avatar
Director James Cameron's first film since Titanic, he ventures into space to bring us a band of humans exploring and then pitted in battle against a distant planet's indigenous people. Starring Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation), Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and Zoe Saldana. Looks pretty cool and I'm terribly curious about all the hype...and Sam is smoking.
The Young Victoria
Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) portrays Queen Victoria in this dramatization of the turbulent first years of her reign. Along with Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice) as Prince Albert, this film also hits on the couple's enduring love. Written by Julian Fellowes, the writer behind the excellent film Gosford Park. Also starring Paul Bettany (Master & Commander), Jim Broadbent (HP and the Half-Blood Prince) and Miranda Richardson. From the trailer, this flick looks to be a cross between Elizabeth and Becoming Jane, both movies I enjoyed. Between that and the romance thread of the story, the hopeless romantic chick in me naturally wants to see this. Also, I loved Blunt in Prada and Paul Bettany is a favorite of mine.
12/25
Sherlock Holmes
Based on the classic mystery characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I was stoked to see this from the first teasers! Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes! With Jude Law as Dr. Watson, featuring Rachel McAdams and directed Guy Ritchie. Since this is a belated post in respects to December, I've already seen this one and would happily smack down another $10 to see it again. Rocked my socks off! Sherlock Holmes was already a pretty kick ass character, Downey Jr. (whom I love!), Ritchie and the writers have bad-assified him and I LOVE it! I especially dug the attention paid to Holmes's deductive skills. Law was a perfect counter to the quirky Holmes. And, as always, plot bricks were layed for a possible sequel (please, sweet jesus, yes!). Go. See it. NOW!
Nine
Based on Arhtur Kopit's book for the 1982 Tony-winning musical of the same name, which was derived from a play that was inspired by Frederico Fellini's 1963 film 8 1/2 - you still with me? Good. This emotional musical is about a famous Italian film director, Guido Contini (played by uber talented Daniel Day-Lewis), who struggles to find balance in his professional and personal lives. This is in special regards to the many women in his life; his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent and his mother. Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) and starring, as the females to Day-Lewis's character, Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose), Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson and Fergie (from the Black Eyed Peas), this promises to be a visually brilliant film, which is what should be expected for a film adaptation of a musical, but also holds the possibility of some top-notch acting, which is just a nice plus.
January 2010
1/8
Daybreakers
The year is 2017 and a plague has transformed most of the population in to vampires. With the human blood supply dwindling, the plotting for survival has fractured the now dominant race. Meanwhile, a researcher teams up with a covert band of vampires to try to save and restore the human race. Starring Ethan Hawke, Willem Defoe and Sam Neill. Interesting sci-fi plot + Willem Defoe...yeah, I'll watch it.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Heath Ledger. Johnny Depp. Jude Law. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Just watch the trailer and tell me when you want to go see it because you know you want to!
1/15
The Book of Eli
Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis and Ray Stevenson star in this post-apocalyptic flick in which a lone man (Washington) protects a sacred book which holds to secrets to saving humanity. Wowzers, this one is not based on a book, comic book, previously made movie or "actual events". It's actually an original screenplay. Holy creativity Batman! Or is it going to be Holy scraping-the-bottom-of-the-barrel Batman? Well either way, it'll be holy what with the apocalypse and a "sacred book". And don't I always want to see the post-/apocalyptic movies? And this does seem to be the time for them, what with 2010 and The Road out already and Legion coming out the week after this one. Besides I always like Gary Oldman. It will also be interesting to see Kunis try to pull a dramatic/ass-kicker role, I mean, she's mostly known for her comedy and while she's done some drama and action...well, can you name any of them that you've actually seen?
1/22
Legion
God has gotten "tired of all the bullshit" and lost faith in humanity. He sends his legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse. The Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany) comes down and, with a group of strangers in a remote diner, protects a young preggo waitress whose unborn child is the only hope at survival humanity has left. Oh how I love apocalypse movies; they are just so fun! Also I love Paul Bettany. He and Ian McKellan are the only reason I even saw The DaVinci Code, and he was a crazy, albino zealot in that one. I know it's not going to be that great of a movie, but God will it be entertaining. :)
Tooth Fairy
This one from Disney, features Julie Andrews, Billy Crystal, Ashley Judd and stars Dwayne Johnson (you know, "The Rock") Johnson plays a mean hockey player (OK, I can buy that) who, being charged guilty of "killing dreams", must serve time as a tooth fairy...*snort* BA HA HA HAAAA!
1/29
When in Rome
OK, so I got tired and am admittedly copy-and-pasting this synopsis from imdb.com; "Beth is a young, ambitious New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. However, when she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love during a whirlwind trip to Rome, she finds herself aggressively pursued by a band of suitors." It stars Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. I have to say, I have not always liked Kristen Bell. I found that tele show she did (Veronica Mars) annoying and was perplexed as to her popularity. Plus, she spells her name wrong. However, Forgetting Sarah Marshall was hilarious and a few stints on Craig Ferguson's show has eased my dislike enough that I'm intrigued as to whether I could watch a movie with her as the protagonist. We will shall have to see.
There you have it friends! My end of '09 into '10 movie list. Which one do you want to venture to see with me? :)
07 December, 2009
27 November, 2009
Winter Fun (aka Winter Want To Dos)
So Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are "officially" into the Winter/ Holiday season.
...When the hell did that happen?!
I am not ready for this yet! I still have shopping and crafting to do to get all the people on my gift list done. I still have stuff I want to do too! Between work (all those holiday shoppers *cringe*) and school taking up time until the week of the 17th, I want to find time to work in some fun and hopefully with my friends. So I, as usual, have compiled a list of fun things I'd like to do this winter. Not all of them have to or can be done before the holidays, but some of them I would like to do before then. So, in no particular order, I want to:
1. Bake cookies! And from scratch too! I don't do enough cooking and baking, but I always love it! Especially around the holidays there is a certain extra joy to it that I cannot place, but love the feel of. And now, since I noticed a kids picture book on the holiday display, I want to make holiday pirate cookies! Except I'm thinking of makin' 'em with sugar cookie dough instead of gingerbread dough.
2. See at least TWO more movies off my November and December (coming soon) lists. January and February too, but that's too far out to think and I hope by then I've seen two movies, sheesh!
3. Go see the Holidazzle Parade. I've lived in the Metro Area all my life and never gone down and stood on Nicollet Mall, freezing my tush off to watch a ton of pretty lights parade in front of me. I like pretty lights! And there are certainly enough nice joints along the mall to go to and enjoy a nice pre- or post-parade din.
4. I still want to try to make it to a Wild game! Even if they are not always the greatest, it's an awesome sport to watch and fun to support the home team.
5. Go to the St. Paul Winter Carnival. I have not gone to this since I was little, like Gimli would've dwarfed me lit
tle. The sculptures are always so cool, there's ice skating and all sorts of stuff I don't even know (there's not a calendar on the site yet).
6. Go ice skating. I'm not even sure if I remember how, but we should find out :)
7. I still want to go see the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum.
8. Go for a walk in a state park or nature reserve or heck any nice park. Snow and ice covering everything with the sun shining down on it is so pretty and can make viewing wildlife a bit easier without so much foliage. Maybe even hit a park that rents snowshoes! This one is, of course, completely dependent on the weather.
This is all I can think of right now, but something else will probably pop into my head later on, that's just how my brain works :)
...When the hell did that happen?!
I am not ready for this yet! I still have shopping and crafting to do to get all the people on my gift list done. I still have stuff I want to do too! Between work (all those holiday shoppers *cringe*) and school taking up time until the week of the 17th, I want to find time to work in some fun and hopefully with my friends. So I, as usual, have compiled a list of fun things I'd like to do this winter. Not all of them have to or can be done before the holidays, but some of them I would like to do before then. So, in no particular order, I want to:
1. Bake cookies! And from scratch too! I don't do enough cooking and baking, but I always love it! Especially around the holidays there is a certain extra joy to it that I cannot place, but love the feel of. And now, since I noticed a kids picture book on the holiday display, I want to make holiday pirate cookies! Except I'm thinking of makin' 'em with sugar cookie dough instead of gingerbread dough.
2. See at least TWO more movies off my November and December (coming soon) lists. January and February too, but that's too far out to think and I hope by then I've seen two movies, sheesh!
3. Go see the Holidazzle Parade. I've lived in the Metro Area all my life and never gone down and stood on Nicollet Mall, freezing my tush off to watch a ton of pretty lights parade in front of me. I like pretty lights! And there are certainly enough nice joints along the mall to go to and enjoy a nice pre- or post-parade din.
4. I still want to try to make it to a Wild game! Even if they are not always the greatest, it's an awesome sport to watch and fun to support the home team.
5. Go to the St. Paul Winter Carnival. I have not gone to this since I was little, like Gimli would've dwarfed me lit
tle. The sculptures are always so cool, there's ice skating and all sorts of stuff I don't even know (there's not a calendar on the site yet).6. Go ice skating. I'm not even sure if I remember how, but we should find out :)
7. I still want to go see the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum.
8. Go for a walk in a state park or nature reserve or heck any nice park. Snow and ice covering everything with the sun shining down on it is so pretty and can make viewing wildlife a bit easier without so much foliage. Maybe even hit a park that rents snowshoes! This one is, of course, completely dependent on the weather.
This is all I can think of right now, but something else will probably pop into my head later on, that's just how my brain works :)
01 November, 2009
Movies (the November edition)!
OK so October was a bust. I did not see one movie last month. :( Between work, school, and lack of money I just was not able to get to one. Looking at my ticket stubs, the last one I saw was on September 9, so a week from tomorrow, I will have gone two months without seeing movie in theaters. Suck. Especially when you consider that Where The Wild Things Are is out AND at the IMAX no less? I'm also disappointed that The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day is only in limited release right now, and apparently the Twin Cities is not on that list. Double suck.
But enough of that feeling sorry bull, it's a new month! Halloween rocked and now we've not only got new movies to look forward to, but also Thanksgiving (nom nom nom)! :D
11/6
A Christmas Carol
Robert Zem
eckis brings his directing eye and his passion for life-like CG animation to another holiday classic (see 2004's Polar Express). We all know this beloved story, so let's move to the talent and - what I think will be interesting - the multiple roles they will portray. Jim Carrey will be the incorrigible and miserly Mr. Scrooge including all his younger incarnations as well as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come respectively. Gary Oldman will be the ever kind Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Marley. Colin Firth will be Scrooge's nephew Fred. Other voice talent include Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, and Bob Hoskins (as Mr. Fezziwig!) While Zemeckis's version of Beowulf had me laughing in the theater for some bits (anybody up for a game of hide-the-wang?) the animation was still pretty tight, and I really enjoyed Polar Express - although it was made even better by the fact that my friends and I decided to go in our pajamas for the viewing :) Also, this one's going to be out in 3D and in IMAX 3D! I'm looking forward to this being a good one.
Men Who Stare At Goats
Here's the synopsis IMDB gives, "In Iraq, reporter Bob Wilton (McGregor) meets Lyn Cassady (Clooney), whose seemingly wild claim - that he's a member of the U.S. Army's First Earth Battalion, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions - causes Wilton to join Cassady's hunt for the battalion's founder, whose gone missing." Here's my synopsis; crazy sounding plot that is based on a true story, starring Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, George Clooney and Jeff Bridges (looking kinda similar to the Dude) and there's goats! I'm totally in.
11/13
2012
John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Children of Men, Serenity, Love Actually) star in this movie about the apocalyptic events that start to transpire in accordance with a prediction made by the ancient Mayan. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the director behind The Patriot, Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. The guy likes to destroy stuff, so if anything the effects should be awesome.
Pirate Radio
A comedy about an illegal radio station run by a band of rogue DJs on a ship in the middle of the Britain's North Sea during the 1960s. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Jack Davenport and Kenneth Branagh. This movie just looks super fun.
11/20
The Blind Side
Based on Michael Lewis's book, this film depicts the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youth from a broken home who is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do, conservative family who help him fulfill the potential they see in him. At the same time, Michael's presence in the Touhys' lives leads to some insightful discoveries of their own. Starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates and Tim McGraw. I have wanted to see this since I first saw the trailer. I don't even LIKE football that much, I just think this looks like a great, feel good movie. Also I love Sandra Bullock and think this could be a good one from her.
Fantastic Mr.
Fox
Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl, this is the story of angry farmers trying to rid themselves of the sly fox that's been staking their chickens. Done in claymation that's reminiscent of all those 1960s holiday shows but obviously finer tuned, I'm diggin' the style. This could be just your average cutesy family film, but something tells me it's not quite going to be so and that something is that Wes Anderson is directing. Yep, the writer and director of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is doing a "kids" movie. Featuring the voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, Willem Defoe, as well as Anderson regulars Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson and even Anderson himself.
Planet 51
CG animated film about Astronaut Charles "Chuck" Baker goes on a routine mission to explore Planet 51...and unexpectedly finds aliens! Now he must befriend a young resident of the planet in order to evade capture and get back to Earth. Featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, John Cleese, and Sean William Scott. It could be cute and funny or it could suck. I think what I like is that it seems to introduce the concept of testing our perceptions of other cultures to kids.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Now before you rail on me, because I know you're thinking, "Kris, WTF?!", hear me out. I saw Twilight out of morbid curiosity and it was so horrible that it was hilarious. I do not intend to go anywhere NEAR the opening date and preferably during the week so it is as cheap as possible. I'm going to drink either before hand if not sneak something in with me and I'm going to laugh out loud and annoy all of the teeny-bopper fans drooling over the sparkly vampire. Even watching the trailer I start to giggle.
11/25
Ninja Assassin
The title pretty much says it all. Directed by James McTeigue (the genius eye behind V for Vendetta) and featuring Naomie Harris who played the totally bad ass "Selena" in 28 Days Later. Check out the trailer. I think this one will be a wicked movie!
The Road
FUCKING FINALLY! I've been waiting for this movie for over a friggin YEAR! They keep pushing around the date. Viggo Mortenson is simply 'the Father" in this film based on Cormac McCarthy's book about a father and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traveling through the harsh wilds of a post-apocalyptic landscape in search of civilization.
So there you have 'em. If you think I forgot something, by all means please share. And, as always, the dates are based on those listed on IMDB.com.
But enough of that feeling sorry bull, it's a new month! Halloween rocked and now we've not only got new movies to look forward to, but also Thanksgiving (nom nom nom)! :D
11/6
A Christmas Carol
Robert Zem
eckis brings his directing eye and his passion for life-like CG animation to another holiday classic (see 2004's Polar Express). We all know this beloved story, so let's move to the talent and - what I think will be interesting - the multiple roles they will portray. Jim Carrey will be the incorrigible and miserly Mr. Scrooge including all his younger incarnations as well as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come respectively. Gary Oldman will be the ever kind Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and Marley. Colin Firth will be Scrooge's nephew Fred. Other voice talent include Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, and Bob Hoskins (as Mr. Fezziwig!) While Zemeckis's version of Beowulf had me laughing in the theater for some bits (anybody up for a game of hide-the-wang?) the animation was still pretty tight, and I really enjoyed Polar Express - although it was made even better by the fact that my friends and I decided to go in our pajamas for the viewing :) Also, this one's going to be out in 3D and in IMAX 3D! I'm looking forward to this being a good one.
Men Who Stare At Goats
Here's the synopsis IMDB gives, "In Iraq, reporter Bob Wilton (McGregor) meets Lyn Cassady (Clooney), whose seemingly wild claim - that he's a member of the U.S. Army's First Earth Battalion, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions - causes Wilton to join Cassady's hunt for the battalion's founder, whose gone missing." Here's my synopsis; crazy sounding plot that is based on a true story, starring Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, George Clooney and Jeff Bridges (looking kinda similar to the Dude) and there's goats! I'm totally in.
11/13
2012
John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Children of Men, Serenity, Love Actually) star in this movie about the apocalyptic events that start to transpire in accordance with a prediction made by the ancient Mayan. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the director behind The Patriot, Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow. The guy likes to destroy stuff, so if anything the effects should be awesome.
Pirate Radio
A comedy about an illegal radio station run by a band of rogue DJs on a ship in the middle of the Britain's North Sea during the 1960s. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Jack Davenport and Kenneth Branagh. This movie just looks super fun.
11/20
The Blind Side
Based on Michael Lewis's book, this film depicts the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youth from a broken home who is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do, conservative family who help him fulfill the potential they see in him. At the same time, Michael's presence in the Touhys' lives leads to some insightful discoveries of their own. Starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates and Tim McGraw. I have wanted to see this since I first saw the trailer. I don't even LIKE football that much, I just think this looks like a great, feel good movie. Also I love Sandra Bullock and think this could be a good one from her.
Fantastic Mr.
FoxBased on the children's book by Roald Dahl, this is the story of angry farmers trying to rid themselves of the sly fox that's been staking their chickens. Done in claymation that's reminiscent of all those 1960s holiday shows but obviously finer tuned, I'm diggin' the style. This could be just your average cutesy family film, but something tells me it's not quite going to be so and that something is that Wes Anderson is directing. Yep, the writer and director of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is doing a "kids" movie. Featuring the voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, Willem Defoe, as well as Anderson regulars Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson and even Anderson himself.
Planet 51
CG animated film about Astronaut Charles "Chuck" Baker goes on a routine mission to explore Planet 51...and unexpectedly finds aliens! Now he must befriend a young resident of the planet in order to evade capture and get back to Earth. Featuring the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, John Cleese, and Sean William Scott. It could be cute and funny or it could suck. I think what I like is that it seems to introduce the concept of testing our perceptions of other cultures to kids.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Now before you rail on me, because I know you're thinking, "Kris, WTF?!", hear me out. I saw Twilight out of morbid curiosity and it was so horrible that it was hilarious. I do not intend to go anywhere NEAR the opening date and preferably during the week so it is as cheap as possible. I'm going to drink either before hand if not sneak something in with me and I'm going to laugh out loud and annoy all of the teeny-bopper fans drooling over the sparkly vampire. Even watching the trailer I start to giggle.
11/25
Ninja Assassin
The title pretty much says it all. Directed by James McTeigue (the genius eye behind V for Vendetta) and featuring Naomie Harris who played the totally bad ass "Selena" in 28 Days Later. Check out the trailer. I think this one will be a wicked movie!
The Road
FUCKING FINALLY! I've been waiting for this movie for over a friggin YEAR! They keep pushing around the date. Viggo Mortenson is simply 'the Father" in this film based on Cormac McCarthy's book about a father and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) traveling through the harsh wilds of a post-apocalyptic landscape in search of civilization.
So there you have 'em. If you think I forgot something, by all means please share. And, as always, the dates are based on those listed on IMDB.com.
02 October, 2009
Pregnesia = Effing Creepy!
A co-worker friend sent me the link to a romance book review on a website called Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/pregnesia-by-carla-cassidy-guest-review/
First off, it must be said that the review had me ROFL with tears in my eyes! Sure, she's no pro at reviewing, it's real people lingo she uses, but it's freaking HILARIOUS!
Second, about the book being reviewed, I can only use her own wording to describe what went through my head when I read the title & description; "OMGWTFBBQ!!ELEVENTY!!" Seriously?! Pregnesia?! Of course, this book is from the geniuses over at Harlequin, who've been making reading women's hearts all twittery since 1949.
Working in a book store I see a lot of stuff go through that section. A LOT. In a genre that features vampires, werewolves, cowboys, NASCAR, time-traveling highlanders, angel-on-cursed-mermaid action, intergalactic were-cats and multiple-phalli satyr dudes - I ain't makin' this stuff up kids - the sub-genre I like to call "preggo romance" tops in creeping me the fuck out! Even touching it to shelve it gives me the heebyjeebies. Eew.
Where? Why? Seriously?! OK! I have an idea friends. We all have writing skills, I know it! Let's all get into a huddle, put some weird stuff into a few hats and write our own romance novel! Because if this crap can sell, I think we can make some serious bank! Wait...waitwait! I have GOT IT! OK, picture it with me here; a Regency era maiden is ruined by getting knocked up with a litter from an interstellar were-cat and her only chance at a new life is to follow a time-traveling Scottish Highland warrior into the future/present day where she then must choose between her super hot savior and the sexay vampire that's putting the moves on her (copyright K. Codling 2009)! It will sell MILLIONS!!!
FYI, that rant played out in my head like a Lewis Black monologue.
Alright, I think I'm done... for now.
AMUSING RELATED FACTOID: While looking on Wikipedia to see if I could find an founded date for Harlequin romance books, it, naturally directed me to the definition & origin of a harlequin. I perused to the bottom to see if I could find a related link to info about the publisher and instead found this gem; "Harlequin was a character in an Irish campaign for genital herpes awareness week"!!! LOL! FYI genital herpes awareness week seems to run around the last week of July into the first week of August.
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/pregnesia-by-carla-cassidy-guest-review/
First off, it must be said that the review had me ROFL with tears in my eyes! Sure, she's no pro at reviewing, it's real people lingo she uses, but it's freaking HILARIOUS!
Second, about the book being reviewed, I can only use her own wording to describe what went through my head when I read the title & description; "OMGWTFBBQ!!ELEVENTY!!" Seriously?! Pregnesia?! Of course, this book is from the geniuses over at Harlequin, who've been making reading women's hearts all twittery since 1949.
Working in a book store I see a lot of stuff go through that section. A LOT. In a genre that features vampires, werewolves, cowboys, NASCAR, time-traveling highlanders, angel-on-cursed-mermaid action, intergalactic were-cats and multiple-phalli satyr dudes - I ain't makin' this stuff up kids - the sub-genre I like to call "preggo romance" tops in creeping me the fuck out! Even touching it to shelve it gives me the heebyjeebies. Eew.
Where? Why? Seriously?! OK! I have an idea friends. We all have writing skills, I know it! Let's all get into a huddle, put some weird stuff into a few hats and write our own romance novel! Because if this crap can sell, I think we can make some serious bank! Wait...waitwait! I have GOT IT! OK, picture it with me here; a Regency era maiden is ruined by getting knocked up with a litter from an interstellar were-cat and her only chance at a new life is to follow a time-traveling Scottish Highland warrior into the future/present day where she then must choose between her super hot savior and the sexay vampire that's putting the moves on her (copyright K. Codling 2009)! It will sell MILLIONS!!!
FYI, that rant played out in my head like a Lewis Black monologue.
Alright, I think I'm done... for now.
AMUSING RELATED FACTOID: While looking on Wikipedia to see if I could find an founded date for Harlequin romance books, it, naturally directed me to the definition & origin of a harlequin. I perused to the bottom to see if I could find a related link to info about the publisher and instead found this gem; "Harlequin was a character in an Irish campaign for genital herpes awareness week"!!! LOL! FYI genital herpes awareness week seems to run around the last week of July into the first week of August.
01 October, 2009
Movies (the October edition)
Well since my September one went so well - I think I've seen one movie off that list - I figured I'd have another go at it :) So here, for you reading enjoyment is the list of movies (by release date) coming out this month that I'm interested in seeing. Maybe even with you!
10/2
The Invention of Lying - Ricky Gervais! Do I really need to say anything more? OK, fine! His new comedy based in a world where lying has never existed until one writer (Gervais) discovers it. Also stars Jason Bateman, Rob Lowe, Christopher Guest, Jennifer Garner, Tina Fey, Stephen Merchant, Stephanie March (Alex Cabot from Law & Order:SVU!), Jonah Hill...just go watch the trailer :) and then make a date with me to go see it!
Whip It - Ellen Page stars as Bliss Cavendar, an "indie-rock loving misfit" looking for a release from her mother's (Marcia Gay Harden) beauty pageants and the misery of her Texas small-town life. She finds this release in roller derby league in nearby Austin. Also starring Kristin Wiig, Eve, Juliette Lewis and Drew Barrymore, who is also making her directorial debut with this film. This flick looks like pure rockin' fun! I love Ellen Page and Drew rarely lets me down.
Zombieland - Yay zombies! Who doesn't find a touch of entertainment in the living dead? Here's a new one, by a new director, Ruben Fleischer. This one stars Jesse Eisenberg as a guy described as "the most frightened person on Earth" who musters the courage to lead a band of refugees, including Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson as zombie killing cowboy, on a cross-country pilgrimage to an amusement park where they think they'll be safe.
10/9
An Education - A coming-of-age story. It's 1960's London and Jenny's (Carey Mulligan) life changed when a playboy nearly twice her age, David (Peter Sarsgaard) enters the picture. Also starring Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper and Emma Thompson. Looks a bit intriguing and I love Emma Thompson.
Couples Retreat - Couple A (Jason Bateman & Kristen Bell) convince couples B, C & D (Vince Vaugn, Malin Ackerman, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love & Kali Hawke) to join them on a group rate to a tropical island couples retreat...however the other couples were unaware that the therapy part of the retreat is mandatory. Let the fun begin. Also features Jean Reno, Peter Serafinowicz and Ken Jeong (yes, the naked Chinese mob boss from The Hangover).
Trucker - "A semi-truck driver (Michelle Monaghan) tries to turn her carefree life around when she takes in her estranged 11-year-old son. Also starring Benjamin Bratt, Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy) and Nathan Fillion. I won't lie, my main if not only draw to this movie is Nathan Fillion :)
10/16
Where The Wild Things Are - Excuse me while I do my happy dance! *** OK, based on the AWESOME children's book by Maurice Sendak, Spike Jonze brings the beloved tale of a boys dream of escaping his unsatisfactory home and finding a family among an island of beasts to the screen in live action! Starring Max Records, Catherine Keener and featuring the voice talents of Catherine O'Hara, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Paul Dano, Forest Whitaker and Chris Cooper. I MUST SEE THIS! And if possible, I will see it more than once! Seriously, one of my favorite books, I have even pondered getting a Wild Thing tattoo.
Law Abiding Citizen - Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is a man that's been failed by the legal system. From within his prison cell, he concocts a plan seeking revenge on the murderers of his wife and daughter as well as the prosecutor (Jaimie Foxx) and any one else responsible for the unjust deal. Also features Colm Meany, Leslie Bibb and Michael Gambon. Yeah, I love me some hot Scottish man. I also dig vigilante plot-lines.
10/23
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - Based on a series of young adult books, Darren Shan is bored with his pretty, preppy little life. So when a traveling freak show comes to town, he joins on as the proprieter's (John C. Reilly) assistant...oh yeah, and the guy is a vampire and makes him one too! Also starring Selma Hayek, Patrick Fugit Ken Watanabe, Ray Stevenson and Willen Dafoe. It looks kinda campy, but it could be entertaining, I mean Selma Hayek as a bearded lady does hold a certain amusement appeal.
10/30
Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day - *squeeee* Sequel to one of my favorite movies The Boondock Saints. The McManus brothers and father (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flannery and Billy Connolly) return to Boston from Ireland to bring justice to Yakavetta (Judd Nelson) and his mob for framing them with the murder of their beloved priest. Also featuring Clifton Collins Jr, Peter Fonda and Julie Benz. I am ALL about this one!
Now I know you are thinking, 'But Kris, what about the dramatic, obviously meant for an Oscar nom bio-pic Amelia? Women's history girl, c'mon represent!' Nope. Not gonna happen. Why? Because of the shite casting. Not even the presents of the great Ewan McGregor and get me to see a movie starring Hilary 'Horse-face' Swank! She is a horse-faced, anorexic bodied hack of an "actress" and I will not be spending my hard earned money to supplement the movies she makes or encourage the furthering of her career.
Note: All the above dates are those as listed on imdb.com; in other words, if I'm wrong about these, it ain't my fault. :)
10/2
The Invention of Lying - Ricky Gervais! Do I really need to say anything more? OK, fine! His new comedy based in a world where lying has never existed until one writer (Gervais) discovers it. Also stars Jason Bateman, Rob Lowe, Christopher Guest, Jennifer Garner, Tina Fey, Stephen Merchant, Stephanie March (Alex Cabot from Law & Order:SVU!), Jonah Hill...just go watch the trailer :) and then make a date with me to go see it!
Whip It - Ellen Page stars as Bliss Cavendar, an "indie-rock loving misfit" looking for a release from her mother's (Marcia Gay Harden) beauty pageants and the misery of her Texas small-town life. She finds this release in roller derby league in nearby Austin. Also starring Kristin Wiig, Eve, Juliette Lewis and Drew Barrymore, who is also making her directorial debut with this film. This flick looks like pure rockin' fun! I love Ellen Page and Drew rarely lets me down.
Zombieland - Yay zombies! Who doesn't find a touch of entertainment in the living dead? Here's a new one, by a new director, Ruben Fleischer. This one stars Jesse Eisenberg as a guy described as "the most frightened person on Earth" who musters the courage to lead a band of refugees, including Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson as zombie killing cowboy, on a cross-country pilgrimage to an amusement park where they think they'll be safe.
10/9
An Education - A coming-of-age story. It's 1960's London and Jenny's (Carey Mulligan) life changed when a playboy nearly twice her age, David (Peter Sarsgaard) enters the picture. Also starring Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper and Emma Thompson. Looks a bit intriguing and I love Emma Thompson.
Couples Retreat - Couple A (Jason Bateman & Kristen Bell) convince couples B, C & D (Vince Vaugn, Malin Ackerman, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love & Kali Hawke) to join them on a group rate to a tropical island couples retreat...however the other couples were unaware that the therapy part of the retreat is mandatory. Let the fun begin. Also features Jean Reno, Peter Serafinowicz and Ken Jeong (yes, the naked Chinese mob boss from The Hangover).
Trucker - "A semi-truck driver (Michelle Monaghan) tries to turn her carefree life around when she takes in her estranged 11-year-old son. Also starring Benjamin Bratt, Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy) and Nathan Fillion. I won't lie, my main if not only draw to this movie is Nathan Fillion :)
10/16
Where The Wild Things Are - Excuse me while I do my happy dance! *** OK, based on the AWESOME children's book by Maurice Sendak, Spike Jonze brings the beloved tale of a boys dream of escaping his unsatisfactory home and finding a family among an island of beasts to the screen in live action! Starring Max Records, Catherine Keener and featuring the voice talents of Catherine O'Hara, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Paul Dano, Forest Whitaker and Chris Cooper. I MUST SEE THIS! And if possible, I will see it more than once! Seriously, one of my favorite books, I have even pondered getting a Wild Thing tattoo.
Law Abiding Citizen - Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is a man that's been failed by the legal system. From within his prison cell, he concocts a plan seeking revenge on the murderers of his wife and daughter as well as the prosecutor (Jaimie Foxx) and any one else responsible for the unjust deal. Also features Colm Meany, Leslie Bibb and Michael Gambon. Yeah, I love me some hot Scottish man. I also dig vigilante plot-lines.
10/23
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - Based on a series of young adult books, Darren Shan is bored with his pretty, preppy little life. So when a traveling freak show comes to town, he joins on as the proprieter's (John C. Reilly) assistant...oh yeah, and the guy is a vampire and makes him one too! Also starring Selma Hayek, Patrick Fugit Ken Watanabe, Ray Stevenson and Willen Dafoe. It looks kinda campy, but it could be entertaining, I mean Selma Hayek as a bearded lady does hold a certain amusement appeal.
10/30
Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day - *squeeee* Sequel to one of my favorite movies The Boondock Saints. The McManus brothers and father (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flannery and Billy Connolly) return to Boston from Ireland to bring justice to Yakavetta (Judd Nelson) and his mob for framing them with the murder of their beloved priest. Also featuring Clifton Collins Jr, Peter Fonda and Julie Benz. I am ALL about this one!
Now I know you are thinking, 'But Kris, what about the dramatic, obviously meant for an Oscar nom bio-pic Amelia? Women's history girl, c'mon represent!' Nope. Not gonna happen. Why? Because of the shite casting. Not even the presents of the great Ewan McGregor and get me to see a movie starring Hilary 'Horse-face' Swank! She is a horse-faced, anorexic bodied hack of an "actress" and I will not be spending my hard earned money to supplement the movies she makes or encourage the furthering of her career.
Note: All the above dates are those as listed on imdb.com; in other words, if I'm wrong about these, it ain't my fault. :)
Fall Fun
Yay! It is fall (my tied-for-favorite season!) which means it is time to begin considering what fall activities I want to partake of *squee*. Here is my list...thus far
1.Go to the Minnesota Harvest apple orchard and pick apples and get apple butter and honey = NUM!
2. Visit the Minnesota Arboretum! I've never been to the arboretum and what better time of year than when all the colors are changing?!
3. Find my way through Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee (this year's theme is PIRATES!)
4. Carve some wicked pumpkins for Halloween.
5. The Guthrie is performing The Important of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, which is always a fun play. Tales From The Book of Longing and Faith Healer look interesting and, even though it is not until Nov, I really want to see A Christmas Carol again because Peter Michael Goetz is playing Scrooge.
6. Go to the science museum to see the Titanic exhibit.
7. Go to the HUGE Autumn Festival craft fair at Canterbury Park on November 12-15.
8. Go on some hikes in the nearby area now that it will start to get cooler out.
9. Make a trip over to the "local" Betty's Pies for food and PIE!!!
10.There are several movies coming out that I'm interesting in seeing (see previous post ... and the one after this too)
11.I want to do a cookie swap! I think the swap itself would probably be done closer to the winter holidays, but I wanted to put it out there now to see how many people would be interested :)
12. I would love to do see another hockey game, it doesn't even have to be during the autumn! I know this one is a bit unlikely due to my current finances, but still, a girl can dream can't she.
1.Go to the Minnesota Harvest apple orchard and pick apples and get apple butter and honey = NUM!
2. Visit the Minnesota Arboretum! I've never been to the arboretum and what better time of year than when all the colors are changing?!
3. Find my way through Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee (this year's theme is PIRATES!)
4. Carve some wicked pumpkins for Halloween.
5. The Guthrie is performing The Important of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, which is always a fun play. Tales From The Book of Longing and Faith Healer look interesting and, even though it is not until Nov, I really want to see A Christmas Carol again because Peter Michael Goetz is playing Scrooge.
6. Go to the science museum to see the Titanic exhibit.
7. Go to the HUGE Autumn Festival craft fair at Canterbury Park on November 12-15.
8. Go on some hikes in the nearby area now that it will start to get cooler out.
9. Make a trip over to the "local" Betty's Pies for food and PIE!!!
10.There are several movies coming out that I'm interesting in seeing (see previous post ... and the one after this too)
11.I want to do a cookie swap! I think the swap itself would probably be done closer to the winter holidays, but I wanted to put it out there now to see how many people would be interested :)
12. I would love to do see another hockey game, it doesn't even have to be during the autumn! I know this one is a bit unlikely due to my current finances, but still, a girl can dream can't she.
19 September, 2009
Effing Facebook
It's been TWO DAYS! Thursday after my walk & dinner with Jo, I returned home to log on to Facebook and update about the fun I'd had. Logged in like usual and was sent to the "e-mail/password invalid, please try again" screen. So I tried again...and again and again and again. I made sure CAPS was off, that I was spelling and typing everything correctly, nothing worked. Then I tried to reset my password at which time I was told my e-mail address was invalid!?! Thinking I'd been hacked or something I filled out a report and sent it on to facebook and got what must be a standard immediate response e-mail from them asking my to try resetting my password (tried AGAIN, nada) and then respond to that e-mail to verify the contact e-mail I gave them. Did that too. A couple hours later I got two e-mail notifications about having a comment on my wall and a message from a friend, but could I log in to get those? No! I'm getting notices about my account at the e-mail I keep getting told is invalid...WTF. It's been two days and not only has the problem not been fixed but I haven't even heard from "the facebook team"! Not even the courtesy of a status update/ "we're working on it" e-mail from them. Grrr.
At the same time, I am sitting here getting anxious and frustrated I'm also thinking how kinda pathetic it is that I feel so disconnected from my friends because I can't access a friggin website. I mean, I don't even have up-to-date e-mails for most of my friends! So I will be amending that for sure once this is figured out and I can contact most people again.
At the same time, I am sitting here getting anxious and frustrated I'm also thinking how kinda pathetic it is that I feel so disconnected from my friends because I can't access a friggin website. I mean, I don't even have up-to-date e-mails for most of my friends! So I will be amending that for sure once this is figured out and I can contact most people again.
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