It's currently one of the most talked about books in the US. Have you heard of it? You probably have and if you aren't really sure think back to all those times you saw people actively hiding what they were reading. Like it was a super secret dossier on an international spy. If you still don't know what I am referring to, then you haven't heard about the "adult" book series Fifty Shades.
I can't tell you where the interest came from or when it started or why they were brought to the publics attention. I can tell you however that they are... risque is the nicest term I can think of that seems appropriate. I have read the whole series, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed. They are certainly captivating. Yep. Captivating indeed.
I'm not going to sell you on the books; I think the hype for them is already doing a good job of that. I'm more interested in if and when they make them into a movie. The plot of the book revolves around Ana, a college graduate, who unwittingly attracts the attention of a young billionaire, Christian Grey, who may or may not have some more explicit tendencies. As I read them I kept wondering where the plot was going to go because plot points that I thought would be the finale or even in the next novel popped up in the 4th chapter. The story lets the characters evolve into fully fleshed (ummm... pun intended?) out people with deep, deep, deep layers of back story.
Originally written (supposedly) as fan fiction for the Twilight novels, the books have evolved into their own level fandemonium. Of course with recent media attention there has been mentions of a movie. The movie would be... revealing. I honestly don't know how they could make or market a film with the level of intense physical relationship that is on display in the series. There is more to the books than the instances but that is the current draw of the books, the tabooness of it.
While I'll leave that major obstacle to the producers of the (hopefully-soon-to-be-made) film, I would like to direct your attention to who I believe should play the title character, Christian Grey. A deeply flawed and scarred young man in his late twenties, Christian is a man of perfection especially in the looks department. He is known for his "mercurial" mood swings and his commanding presence. Ladies and gentleman, I would like to present Ian Somerhalder as the perfect actor to portray our beloved Fifty.
Somerhalder is 34 years old but plays an eternally youthful vampire on one of my favorite shows, The Vampire Diaries. (If you aren't already watching the show I demand that you drop everything and watch all three incredibly written and acted seasons.) Somerhalder embodies everything that the Christian Grey character is and I would bet you millions of dollars that if he were given the chance to play this role, he would be recognized with multiple acting awards.
As for his female counterpart, Ana, I have no real wish list actress. My top three would be Amanda Seyfried, Felicity Jones, and the long shot Nina Dobrev who plays his love interest on the TV show and is his real life girlfriend. (This is the only reason I am not hunting him down myself.) It's still to be announced that a movie is being green lighted but if it does, Somerhalder has already expressed interest into what would surely be the role he was born to play.
So, did I pique your interest in the slightest? If so, please go read the books. If not, well... tough.
XOXO
A Fifty Follower
Friday, May 18, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Simply 'Marvel'ous
Captain's Log 05/03/12
6:05 AM: I wake up, and know today is the day. I hurriedly pack my armour and masks and leave for work.
1:15 PM: Today is Thor's day. I don his regal head gear and acquire the mighty hammer of Asgard. A photo op takes place.
2:07 PM: My boss throws the hammer at another employee. A game of frisbee erupts with Captain America's shield. Another photo op occurs. I start to feel the age old anxiety. So I wait.
4:15 PM: Having shed my mortal clothing, I am wearing my Avengers apparell and the nervous tick in my eye starts twitching. 'Are there already lines? Will I be too late?' I must leave this fortress and go to headquarters.
4:34 PM: I have arrived and still maintain my status as 'That weird girl who gets to midnight showings way too early'. My reputation has proceeded me. At last, I am calm. That is a comfort as I have a long wait a head of me.
8: 27 PM: My first friend arrives and I know it won't be long until the hoardes of unfaithful followers follow her in. I enjoy the silence while preparing for the storm.
9:36 PM: The din is deafening. Ameteurs attempt to walk right into the theater. Oh ye mortals, do you really think it would be so easy? I am in my element, standing tall and on guard.
10:27 PM: After an easy battle for the seats, the rest of our crew has assembled. A game of "Favorites" ensues... to disasterous results. Tears are shed. Friendships are called into question. Lines are drawn. Will we ever be the same again?
11:57 PM: My excitement consumes me. I am restless and jittery. The lights dim. Previews are shown. And then... the Marvel logo appears. It's time.
So clearly I was kind of excited to see The Avengers. And was it all worth it?
Absolutely. Without question. One of the best movies I have ever seen, it had everything: drama, intrigue, humor, a romantic spark or two, rousing speeches, ironic dialogue, and a poignancy that can only be accomplished by the movies writer and director, Joss Whedon.
I aspire to be Joss Whedon. He is my numero uno person I look up to in the business. And I wanted this movie to prove to the entire world, not just the critics and cult followers, why I love him so much. And boy oh boy, did he deliver.
The snappy dialogue from the previous Marvel installments (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America) was there and in spades. The pacing and the cinematography were on par with the previous movies and managed to step it up to a whole new level of intensity. The movie blended the previous storylines and made everything fit together like little puzzle pieces.
The biggest surprise to me was my overwhelming newfound love for Bruce Banner/The Hulk. I attribute this to the witty, insightful dialogue and portrayal of Whedon and Mark Ruffalo respectively. If Whedon were to write a script for The Hulk as his own movie, I would be there in a heartbeat. The two together had a finger on the pulse of what The Hulk is really like and it made the movie. Another movie I would fully endorse if Whedon wrote the script would be a combo flick with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), who are the B- characters in regards to the Avengers as a whole. I previously had no desire to know or care about the Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but after last night and her chemistry (romantic or not is still left in the air) with Hawkeye I would pay to see that movie.
Let's not forget the men who jumped started this whole franchise. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain American shone. And fought. And made the team what it was. Honestly, I think I fell more in love with Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr. than I thought possible but Thor/Chris Hemsworth and Steve Rogers/Chris Evans weren't out of the race by any means. Whedon found a way to have them all step up to the leader circle and still maintain their individual identies and become a cohesive unit.
The other two characters, Nick Fury and Loki, also did their jobs and they did their jobs well. Tom Hiddleston went bat crazy and it was a glorious thing to watch. He was mercilous and slimy and it was just a joy to see fall farther and farther from his brother's help and his salvation. Samuel Jackson was able to do more than make pithy comments and he didn't waste his screen time. The remaining players, Agent Hill (played by How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders) and Agent Coulsen ( a personal favorite played by Clark Gregg) did more than walk around. They were legitimate assets to the SHIELD Initiative. I am going to go out on a limb and say that we might be seeing Agent Hill in Captain America 2... but that's just a personal theory.
I couldn't have asked for a better viewing audience who clapped and cheered at their favorite hero's arrival or triumph in battle. I can guarantee you will be cheering to when you head in to see The Avengers.
Avenger Assemble.
6:05 AM: I wake up, and know today is the day. I hurriedly pack my armour and masks and leave for work.
1:15 PM: Today is Thor's day. I don his regal head gear and acquire the mighty hammer of Asgard. A photo op takes place.
2:07 PM: My boss throws the hammer at another employee. A game of frisbee erupts with Captain America's shield. Another photo op occurs. I start to feel the age old anxiety. So I wait.
4:15 PM: Having shed my mortal clothing, I am wearing my Avengers apparell and the nervous tick in my eye starts twitching. 'Are there already lines? Will I be too late?' I must leave this fortress and go to headquarters.
4:34 PM: I have arrived and still maintain my status as 'That weird girl who gets to midnight showings way too early'. My reputation has proceeded me. At last, I am calm. That is a comfort as I have a long wait a head of me.
8: 27 PM: My first friend arrives and I know it won't be long until the hoardes of unfaithful followers follow her in. I enjoy the silence while preparing for the storm.
9:36 PM: The din is deafening. Ameteurs attempt to walk right into the theater. Oh ye mortals, do you really think it would be so easy? I am in my element, standing tall and on guard.
10:27 PM: After an easy battle for the seats, the rest of our crew has assembled. A game of "Favorites" ensues... to disasterous results. Tears are shed. Friendships are called into question. Lines are drawn. Will we ever be the same again?
11:57 PM: My excitement consumes me. I am restless and jittery. The lights dim. Previews are shown. And then... the Marvel logo appears. It's time.
So clearly I was kind of excited to see The Avengers. And was it all worth it?
Absolutely. Without question. One of the best movies I have ever seen, it had everything: drama, intrigue, humor, a romantic spark or two, rousing speeches, ironic dialogue, and a poignancy that can only be accomplished by the movies writer and director, Joss Whedon.
I aspire to be Joss Whedon. He is my numero uno person I look up to in the business. And I wanted this movie to prove to the entire world, not just the critics and cult followers, why I love him so much. And boy oh boy, did he deliver.
The snappy dialogue from the previous Marvel installments (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America) was there and in spades. The pacing and the cinematography were on par with the previous movies and managed to step it up to a whole new level of intensity. The movie blended the previous storylines and made everything fit together like little puzzle pieces.
The biggest surprise to me was my overwhelming newfound love for Bruce Banner/The Hulk. I attribute this to the witty, insightful dialogue and portrayal of Whedon and Mark Ruffalo respectively. If Whedon were to write a script for The Hulk as his own movie, I would be there in a heartbeat. The two together had a finger on the pulse of what The Hulk is really like and it made the movie. Another movie I would fully endorse if Whedon wrote the script would be a combo flick with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), who are the B- characters in regards to the Avengers as a whole. I previously had no desire to know or care about the Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but after last night and her chemistry (romantic or not is still left in the air) with Hawkeye I would pay to see that movie.
Let's not forget the men who jumped started this whole franchise. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain American shone. And fought. And made the team what it was. Honestly, I think I fell more in love with Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr. than I thought possible but Thor/Chris Hemsworth and Steve Rogers/Chris Evans weren't out of the race by any means. Whedon found a way to have them all step up to the leader circle and still maintain their individual identies and become a cohesive unit.
The other two characters, Nick Fury and Loki, also did their jobs and they did their jobs well. Tom Hiddleston went bat crazy and it was a glorious thing to watch. He was mercilous and slimy and it was just a joy to see fall farther and farther from his brother's help and his salvation. Samuel Jackson was able to do more than make pithy comments and he didn't waste his screen time. The remaining players, Agent Hill (played by How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders) and Agent Coulsen ( a personal favorite played by Clark Gregg) did more than walk around. They were legitimate assets to the SHIELD Initiative. I am going to go out on a limb and say that we might be seeing Agent Hill in Captain America 2... but that's just a personal theory.
I couldn't have asked for a better viewing audience who clapped and cheered at their favorite hero's arrival or triumph in battle. I can guarantee you will be cheering to when you head in to see The Avengers.
Avenger Assemble.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What A Duck*** And Other Insights
It's a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy has to endure romantic movies for the rest of time. Wait? What?
Oh, that's right. That isn't how "the story" goes, but it is how real life works. Sorry fellas.
I was sitting in the theatre for the midnight showing of "The Lucky One" starring my OTL*, Zac Efron, this past weekend and was soon surrounded by teenagers and my age couples. (By the way, kudos ladies on pulling that double pointer off. I tip my imaginary hat off to you.) No sooner than the credits stopped and the introduction of characters were done did the snickering and commenting begin.
First tip guys: we realize you are never going to do any of things these characters do nor will you be as attractive as say a Zac or even a Ryan Gosling. We accept it. We don't judge. We also know that these guys and actions are not very realistic. So there is no need for the snide comments. Zip it.
Guys, we are really simple creatures. We enjoy a good romance. Are they all good? Absolutely not. Are they mostly cheesy? You bet. Will the lead male going shirtless for a ridiculous reason make us squeal in delight. Probably. (Although us grown women like to pretend we are above that kind of behavior.) Even though we know no real guy would ever say a line like 'You should be kissed every day, every hour, every minute', we won't object either. I wouldn't object to the scene that followed that either but I digress.
You boys think that if you go see these movies with us you will be rewarded and sometimes you might be right. But half of the time girls see these movies with their girlfriends so that they can discuss all of the ridiculous points above so as to not bother you. I personally would go see an action/horror/thriller any day of the week. ( I would only mention the hot guy factor once. I promise.) So suck it up. Be a man. Rub some dirt in it.**
I do love when the guys in the theater get sucked into the movie though. During "The Lucky One", the main 'villian' does a pretty awful thing and from behind me I heard one of the previously snickering boys proclaim, "What a duck."*** Two seconds later, I heard almost the exact phrase from another snickering boyfriend. You can't make moments like that up.
So to sum up: Boys suck it up and enjoy the moment. You might find yourself on the receiving end of romantic feelings, all for the price of two movie tickets, a drink, and some popcorn. And girls, don't expect any Ryan Goslings or Zac Efrons to take the place of your (probably really awesome) boyfriend. It's just not fair.
*One True Love
** Name that movie! Hint: Channing Tatum
***He didn't say duck.
Oh, that's right. That isn't how "the story" goes, but it is how real life works. Sorry fellas.
I was sitting in the theatre for the midnight showing of "The Lucky One" starring my OTL*, Zac Efron, this past weekend and was soon surrounded by teenagers and my age couples. (By the way, kudos ladies on pulling that double pointer off. I tip my imaginary hat off to you.) No sooner than the credits stopped and the introduction of characters were done did the snickering and commenting begin.
First tip guys: we realize you are never going to do any of things these characters do nor will you be as attractive as say a Zac or even a Ryan Gosling. We accept it. We don't judge. We also know that these guys and actions are not very realistic. So there is no need for the snide comments. Zip it.
Guys, we are really simple creatures. We enjoy a good romance. Are they all good? Absolutely not. Are they mostly cheesy? You bet. Will the lead male going shirtless for a ridiculous reason make us squeal in delight. Probably. (Although us grown women like to pretend we are above that kind of behavior.) Even though we know no real guy would ever say a line like 'You should be kissed every day, every hour, every minute', we won't object either. I wouldn't object to the scene that followed that either but I digress.
You boys think that if you go see these movies with us you will be rewarded and sometimes you might be right. But half of the time girls see these movies with their girlfriends so that they can discuss all of the ridiculous points above so as to not bother you. I personally would go see an action/horror/thriller any day of the week. ( I would only mention the hot guy factor once. I promise.) So suck it up. Be a man. Rub some dirt in it.**
I do love when the guys in the theater get sucked into the movie though. During "The Lucky One", the main 'villian' does a pretty awful thing and from behind me I heard one of the previously snickering boys proclaim, "What a duck."*** Two seconds later, I heard almost the exact phrase from another snickering boyfriend. You can't make moments like that up.
So to sum up: Boys suck it up and enjoy the moment. You might find yourself on the receiving end of romantic feelings, all for the price of two movie tickets, a drink, and some popcorn. And girls, don't expect any Ryan Goslings or Zac Efrons to take the place of your (probably really awesome) boyfriend. It's just not fair.
*One True Love
** Name that movie! Hint: Channing Tatum
***He didn't say duck.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Restraining Order: Optional
A shriek is heard from a suburb. The camera pulls out to reveal the city, then the state, then the Americas, and finally the World. You know, like how they dramatically do in TV and movies.
This is what would have occurred had Zac Efron tweeted me back two weekends ago. And no, I am not exaggerating my reaction or the fact that he actually would have been responding to me. In an effort to promote his upcoming film, The Lucky One, Zac created his very own real Twitter account ( I have to unfollow two fake ones now.) and created an event: ask Zac a question and he would answer them live. So of course I sent stimulating and riveting questions. Cut to Saturday night: I'm sitting on my bed refreshing the page every minute to see if he would respond directly to me. Alas I was left unanswered.
In an age where a good majority of celebrities and athletes and just about any popular figure have instant access to their fans, it is not unheard of to get a response back to a question these days. Most recently Kat Graham of the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries followed my Twitter. Not because I am hilarious or insightful but because I responded to her Twitter feed that I liked her new music video. (It is really the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. And I can't stop listening. No judgement.) I also posed a question to Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence and he responded.
You can often find me saying, 'I can't wait to meet so-and-so!' and it's true, I can't wait. But now the thought is in my mind, 'How will I act when I meet them?'. It's a serious question, considering how much I love most of these people. If my non-response from my beloved Zac Efron resulted in my (slightly screaming) outburst of "Why Zac? Why? Why no tweet?!" (to which my dad can verify) then what will happen when I finally meet him?
I honestly don't know. I would like to say that I would be cool and collected. In all reality I will probably start crying. Now that is super attractive. Unless he digs it. Who knows. This would most likely be the response to any of my favorite celebrities.
So maybe I need some options to fall back on. Here's what I've come up with so far:
- Start by telling them how much I love them. (They all like flattery. They have very big egos. But don't tell them that.)
- List an obscure, non-mainstream movie or TV show that you love them in and tell that it's your favorite role. (That one might actually work.)
- Ask for a picture. (Don't they like getting their picture taken?)
- Offer to buy them a drink for you being so crazy. (What? I'm single. And he might be rich and looking.)
- Tell them a completely made-up or true story of your experience trying to see them. (They might take pity on you, congratulate you, or file a restraining order. Those are good odds.)
For right now we don't have to worry about my reactions. Those are all for you my lovely readers.
PS Can we not tell Zac about the HSM cut-out I got as a gift? Thanks!
PPS Um.... or my Zac Efron doll.
This is what would have occurred had Zac Efron tweeted me back two weekends ago. And no, I am not exaggerating my reaction or the fact that he actually would have been responding to me. In an effort to promote his upcoming film, The Lucky One, Zac created his very own real Twitter account ( I have to unfollow two fake ones now.) and created an event: ask Zac a question and he would answer them live. So of course I sent stimulating and riveting questions. Cut to Saturday night: I'm sitting on my bed refreshing the page every minute to see if he would respond directly to me. Alas I was left unanswered.
In an age where a good majority of celebrities and athletes and just about any popular figure have instant access to their fans, it is not unheard of to get a response back to a question these days. Most recently Kat Graham of the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries followed my Twitter. Not because I am hilarious or insightful but because I responded to her Twitter feed that I liked her new music video. (It is really the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. And I can't stop listening. No judgement.) I also posed a question to Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence and he responded.
You can often find me saying, 'I can't wait to meet so-and-so!' and it's true, I can't wait. But now the thought is in my mind, 'How will I act when I meet them?'. It's a serious question, considering how much I love most of these people. If my non-response from my beloved Zac Efron resulted in my (slightly screaming) outburst of "Why Zac? Why? Why no tweet?!" (to which my dad can verify) then what will happen when I finally meet him?
I honestly don't know. I would like to say that I would be cool and collected. In all reality I will probably start crying. Now that is super attractive. Unless he digs it. Who knows. This would most likely be the response to any of my favorite celebrities.
So maybe I need some options to fall back on. Here's what I've come up with so far:
- Start by telling them how much I love them. (They all like flattery. They have very big egos. But don't tell them that.)
- List an obscure, non-mainstream movie or TV show that you love them in and tell that it's your favorite role. (That one might actually work.)
- Ask for a picture. (Don't they like getting their picture taken?)
- Offer to buy them a drink for you being so crazy. (What? I'm single. And he might be rich and looking.)
- Tell them a completely made-up or true story of your experience trying to see them. (They might take pity on you, congratulate you, or file a restraining order. Those are good odds.)
For right now we don't have to worry about my reactions. Those are all for you my lovely readers.
PS Can we not tell Zac about the HSM cut-out I got as a gift? Thanks!
PPS Um.... or my Zac Efron doll.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
Readers, it's been a while. Let's all take a moment to really appreciate that I'm back. (Beat. Beat.) I know, I know. Just keep the sobbing to a minimum ok? That's drawing attention.
Today's topic is two-fold. I am a writer. (No, really. Stop laughing. It's rude.) As a writer I appreciate the fact that someday people will be watching my words and thoughts come to a reality. I also must accept the fact that some people will disagree with me. I am not perfect. (Close to it though.) Therefore, I must treat my fellow with the same respect.
Pleasing an entire viewing audience will never happen. It just won't. There will always be some point of contention or a viewer that doesn't like something you did. I think that's a good thing. If no one cares about the quality of TV they are watching then what's the point. TV can survive on reality shows. We all know that is not the case. Some say I care too much and I would have to agree. However, I feel it is my right to do so as I one day hope to get into the industry. If the quality of TV is based on reality shows and other ridiculous nonsense then my shows have no hope. Good TV breeds better TV.
An example of people caring about TV can be found in the fans of The Vampire Diaries. As a fan, I have yelled, screamed (quite literally just ask my dad), cried, and laughed with this show. There are plot points I don't understand but I still care about where these characters end up. The majority of the credit for that goes to Writer/Excutive Producer Julie Plec. Plec goes one step further and lets the fans in on her life and on the life of the show via Twitter. Most of the actors do the same.
Most people use Twitter to express their love of the show/characters/moments/couples but there are others that take to the social networking site to criticize and demoralize these people, especially Plec, personally. While I may not agree with every decision she makes ( I mean, Damon is losing everyone! Please just give him some happiness.) I respect her and her quality of TV more than any disagreement I might have.
This type of backlash is usually directed at movies of a similar fandom. (Seque. Nicely done Kate.) The most recent book to movie adaption is The Hunger Games. Let me first say that I loved the books. I don't think it could ever compare to my love of Harry Potter mostly because that series has so much history in my childhood. The Hunger Games feels more personal to me than the Twilight series or maybe just because the caliber of writing is much better. The first movie definitely delivered the emotional blows and the message from the book. The acting was well-above most and the casting was pitch-perfect. But I have two complaints...
SPOILER (Plot developments discussed. Don't read further if you haven't read the books or seen the movie!)
I don't know whose idea it was to make the movies center around the love triangle but that is not the main focus of the books. I understand that Liam Hemsworth is a swoonworthy individual (I have and probably still will. No judgement here.) but to diminish the plot by forcing his screen time in the first movie was not necessary. Peeta and Katniss needed to develop their incredibly complicated relationship without cutting to Gale's pained face mere seconds after any moment between the two tributes. ( You probably have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll just wrap this up real quick.) Overall, loved the movie but it's not about who Katniss chooses, it's about how these characters survive and if they can keep themselves intact and not change.
No one will ever be fully satisfied with a TV show or a beloved book/movie series. It's impossible. So you try to make the best product for the majority of the audience. They say hate is stronger than love. Maybe that's a good thing for TV/movies.
Today's topic is two-fold. I am a writer. (No, really. Stop laughing. It's rude.) As a writer I appreciate the fact that someday people will be watching my words and thoughts come to a reality. I also must accept the fact that some people will disagree with me. I am not perfect. (Close to it though.) Therefore, I must treat my fellow with the same respect.
Pleasing an entire viewing audience will never happen. It just won't. There will always be some point of contention or a viewer that doesn't like something you did. I think that's a good thing. If no one cares about the quality of TV they are watching then what's the point. TV can survive on reality shows. We all know that is not the case. Some say I care too much and I would have to agree. However, I feel it is my right to do so as I one day hope to get into the industry. If the quality of TV is based on reality shows and other ridiculous nonsense then my shows have no hope. Good TV breeds better TV.
An example of people caring about TV can be found in the fans of The Vampire Diaries. As a fan, I have yelled, screamed (quite literally just ask my dad), cried, and laughed with this show. There are plot points I don't understand but I still care about where these characters end up. The majority of the credit for that goes to Writer/Excutive Producer Julie Plec. Plec goes one step further and lets the fans in on her life and on the life of the show via Twitter. Most of the actors do the same.
Most people use Twitter to express their love of the show/characters/moments/couples but there are others that take to the social networking site to criticize and demoralize these people, especially Plec, personally. While I may not agree with every decision she makes ( I mean, Damon is losing everyone! Please just give him some happiness.) I respect her and her quality of TV more than any disagreement I might have.
This type of backlash is usually directed at movies of a similar fandom. (Seque. Nicely done Kate.) The most recent book to movie adaption is The Hunger Games. Let me first say that I loved the books. I don't think it could ever compare to my love of Harry Potter mostly because that series has so much history in my childhood. The Hunger Games feels more personal to me than the Twilight series or maybe just because the caliber of writing is much better. The first movie definitely delivered the emotional blows and the message from the book. The acting was well-above most and the casting was pitch-perfect. But I have two complaints...
SPOILER (Plot developments discussed. Don't read further if you haven't read the books or seen the movie!)
I don't know whose idea it was to make the movies center around the love triangle but that is not the main focus of the books. I understand that Liam Hemsworth is a swoonworthy individual (I have and probably still will. No judgement here.) but to diminish the plot by forcing his screen time in the first movie was not necessary. Peeta and Katniss needed to develop their incredibly complicated relationship without cutting to Gale's pained face mere seconds after any moment between the two tributes. ( You probably have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll just wrap this up real quick.) Overall, loved the movie but it's not about who Katniss chooses, it's about how these characters survive and if they can keep themselves intact and not change.
No one will ever be fully satisfied with a TV show or a beloved book/movie series. It's impossible. So you try to make the best product for the majority of the audience. They say hate is stronger than love. Maybe that's a good thing for TV/movies.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
TiVo and Juliet: A Modern Love Story
Oh my dear readers, today is Valentine's Day. Love is in the air.
I have a special story for you today, a true love story. A tale as old as time. A story about love, loss, and love again. It's simple enough. Girl meets TiVo. TiVo is forbidden. Girl and TiVo embark on a forbidden relationship. Ready?
Once Upon a Time...
Our story begins with a plucky heroine named Princess Juliet*. Juliet loved all things television. She was ahead of her time, using multiple VHS tapes for days of the week and a couple extra for the 4 TV's that were available in her castle. She longed for a device that would allow her to tape all of her shows at once.
On the eve of her 18th birthday, her fairy godmothers' heard her pleas and cries. The next morning Juliet received her wish: her very own TiVo!!! Overjoyed, she ran to tell the Queen. The Queen however was not to be persuaded. The Queen was sure that the beloved TiVo would distract Juliet from her studies and social life (that she still doesn't have to this day. I mean...) and forbid the Princess Juliet from ever seeing TiVo again.
Dismayed and inconsolable, the princess ran to her tower and cried herself to sleep. The King tried to intervene but could not prevail. Over the course of the next few weeks, Juliet roamed the halls with an empty look in her eyes. On the eve of her departure to... erm... college, Juliet knelt by her bed and asked her fairy godmothers' for help.
The next day flew by as these kind of days do. The Princess was unpacked and settling into her room when she discovered a brown box that had no markings on it. Curious, she opened it. TiVo!!!! Her prayers had been answered!!! While clutching her true love she found a note in the box. It read, "Dear Princess Juliet, we have heard your pleas. You may live with your true love for one year. At the stroke of midnight a year from now, you must pay the bill or TiVo will vanish forever. But beware, should the Queen find out about your love, all will be lost."
And so, a year went by. There were close calls with the Queen and King to keep the relationship a secret. Pounds were shed through nervous sweating on the day's the Queen visited. But TiVo was never found. Juliet had found a way to hide her love. (Under laundry or in a nearby acquaintances room. Um...) On the eve of the year mark, having saved all year for a longer life extension, Juliet paid the bill for 3 more years. It was a miracle.
The 3 years passed as so many true love stories do: in a blur with only the happy memories to be remembered. Juliet would forget the times where TiVo tried to tape Oprah after she expressly disliked it. Sometime during the 4th year of their clandestine love, the Queen became ill. The princess rushed home to help her sickly mother.
Juliet was tired of keeping her love from the Queen. Over the years, her friends had tried to catch her in a lie in front of the Queen and she could no longer deal with the pressure. With the Queen sedated on her throne (watching her very own cable saved by her very own DVR), Juliet let it slip that she had been seeing TiVo for some time. The Queen, who to this day Juliet is unsure of whether the Queen suspected the love affair, was too weak from fatigue to fight their love.
Juliet was overjoyed! Her love was made public and a celebration was thrown. Alas, like all great love stories the ending was not to be a happy one. Upon her return to her kingdom, a new and improved DVR system started wooing our Juliet. U-Verse won her heart and Juliet was forced to box up TiVo. To this day, TiVo sits in the castle's basement.
A true love story if I've ever heard one.
I have a special story for you today, a true love story. A tale as old as time. A story about love, loss, and love again. It's simple enough. Girl meets TiVo. TiVo is forbidden. Girl and TiVo embark on a forbidden relationship. Ready?
Once Upon a Time...
Our story begins with a plucky heroine named Princess Juliet*. Juliet loved all things television. She was ahead of her time, using multiple VHS tapes for days of the week and a couple extra for the 4 TV's that were available in her castle. She longed for a device that would allow her to tape all of her shows at once.
On the eve of her 18th birthday, her fairy godmothers' heard her pleas and cries. The next morning Juliet received her wish: her very own TiVo!!! Overjoyed, she ran to tell the Queen. The Queen however was not to be persuaded. The Queen was sure that the beloved TiVo would distract Juliet from her studies and social life (that she still doesn't have to this day. I mean...) and forbid the Princess Juliet from ever seeing TiVo again.
Dismayed and inconsolable, the princess ran to her tower and cried herself to sleep. The King tried to intervene but could not prevail. Over the course of the next few weeks, Juliet roamed the halls with an empty look in her eyes. On the eve of her departure to... erm... college, Juliet knelt by her bed and asked her fairy godmothers' for help.
The next day flew by as these kind of days do. The Princess was unpacked and settling into her room when she discovered a brown box that had no markings on it. Curious, she opened it. TiVo!!!! Her prayers had been answered!!! While clutching her true love she found a note in the box. It read, "Dear Princess Juliet, we have heard your pleas. You may live with your true love for one year. At the stroke of midnight a year from now, you must pay the bill or TiVo will vanish forever. But beware, should the Queen find out about your love, all will be lost."
And so, a year went by. There were close calls with the Queen and King to keep the relationship a secret. Pounds were shed through nervous sweating on the day's the Queen visited. But TiVo was never found. Juliet had found a way to hide her love. (Under laundry or in a nearby acquaintances room. Um...) On the eve of the year mark, having saved all year for a longer life extension, Juliet paid the bill for 3 more years. It was a miracle.
The 3 years passed as so many true love stories do: in a blur with only the happy memories to be remembered. Juliet would forget the times where TiVo tried to tape Oprah after she expressly disliked it. Sometime during the 4th year of their clandestine love, the Queen became ill. The princess rushed home to help her sickly mother.
Juliet was tired of keeping her love from the Queen. Over the years, her friends had tried to catch her in a lie in front of the Queen and she could no longer deal with the pressure. With the Queen sedated on her throne (watching her very own cable saved by her very own DVR), Juliet let it slip that she had been seeing TiVo for some time. The Queen, who to this day Juliet is unsure of whether the Queen suspected the love affair, was too weak from fatigue to fight their love.
Juliet was overjoyed! Her love was made public and a celebration was thrown. Alas, like all great love stories the ending was not to be a happy one. Upon her return to her kingdom, a new and improved DVR system started wooing our Juliet. U-Verse won her heart and Juliet was forced to box up TiVo. To this day, TiVo sits in the castle's basement.
A true love story if I've ever heard one.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Valentine Schmalentine
::sniff sniff:: Do you guys smell that? It's an awful smell. You really can't smell it? Hmmm. Maybe it's just me. It smells like love. Blech.
It's that time of year again. February. The lovely roses are red, violets are blue month. Yay.
I know, that's incredibly cynical of me. I should embrace the love. But I just can't. Valentine's Day does nothing to warm the cockles of my ice cold heart. Why not? There are a lot of reasons. Primarily is the fact that being single in a couple dominated society and having their happiness shoved down my throat doesn't make me warm and fuzzy. Another reason is that I believe a couple's love should be expressed every day not just for 2 weeks in February.
"Now Kate, aren't you going to see The Vow tonight?" Yes, yes I am. I plan on ogling Channing Tatum. I hear he takes his clothing off. That's the only reason... well not the only. Fine. You caught me. I love Valentine's Day. I wear red and its other family members to work. I have heart shaped earrings. I own most sappy love stories and currently my emotional state of happiness depends on a love triangle on a TV show.
I'm not the only one you know. There are plenty of V-Day Haters who are secretly Lovers out there. Why do we hide behind the hate? Have you ever been invited to a wedding but didn't have a date? It's time for the couples dance but alas you are not Cinderella and your Prince Charming doesn't appear to sweep you off your feet. Instead you stand on the sidelines, watching. (Or leaning against the hopefully open bar with a glass of wine in your hand.) You don't need to be reminded of what you don't have. It's so much easier to be bitter and embrace the hate.
What to do? Well, you have several options. (All of which I have attempted.)
1. Wallow- grab a (couple) bottle(s) of wine, get in your comfy clothes, and watch sappy romances. Or read a trashy romance novel. My suggestions would be The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, PS I Love You. You can even invite some of your fellow single ladies and make it an event.
2. Ignore- What day is it? Hmmm, I had no idea!! Plan something to take your mind off of your sorrows. Paintball is a great option. Cleaning is another good alternative. (This is a weak option. You won't forget. Sorry readers.)
3. Embrace- Ask a friend to be your Valentine. (I've done this twice. Thanks Derek and Travis!) Get a group of people to go to dinner and a movie/bowling/ice skating and make it about being together as a group instead of lovey dovey couples.
I know these aren't the best options. Nothing is really going take your mind off of the romance. Find your own cure and just go with that. Someday your prince will come. Or you could do what I do: wear black and watch horror movies. Nothing says love like an ax murderer banging on your door.
It's that time of year again. February. The lovely roses are red, violets are blue month. Yay.
I know, that's incredibly cynical of me. I should embrace the love. But I just can't. Valentine's Day does nothing to warm the cockles of my ice cold heart. Why not? There are a lot of reasons. Primarily is the fact that being single in a couple dominated society and having their happiness shoved down my throat doesn't make me warm and fuzzy. Another reason is that I believe a couple's love should be expressed every day not just for 2 weeks in February.
"Now Kate, aren't you going to see The Vow tonight?" Yes, yes I am. I plan on ogling Channing Tatum. I hear he takes his clothing off. That's the only reason... well not the only. Fine. You caught me. I love Valentine's Day. I wear red and its other family members to work. I have heart shaped earrings. I own most sappy love stories and currently my emotional state of happiness depends on a love triangle on a TV show.
I'm not the only one you know. There are plenty of V-Day Haters who are secretly Lovers out there. Why do we hide behind the hate? Have you ever been invited to a wedding but didn't have a date? It's time for the couples dance but alas you are not Cinderella and your Prince Charming doesn't appear to sweep you off your feet. Instead you stand on the sidelines, watching. (Or leaning against the hopefully open bar with a glass of wine in your hand.) You don't need to be reminded of what you don't have. It's so much easier to be bitter and embrace the hate.
What to do? Well, you have several options. (All of which I have attempted.)
1. Wallow- grab a (couple) bottle(s) of wine, get in your comfy clothes, and watch sappy romances. Or read a trashy romance novel. My suggestions would be The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, PS I Love You. You can even invite some of your fellow single ladies and make it an event.
2. Ignore- What day is it? Hmmm, I had no idea!! Plan something to take your mind off of your sorrows. Paintball is a great option. Cleaning is another good alternative. (This is a weak option. You won't forget. Sorry readers.)
3. Embrace- Ask a friend to be your Valentine. (I've done this twice. Thanks Derek and Travis!) Get a group of people to go to dinner and a movie/bowling/ice skating and make it about being together as a group instead of lovey dovey couples.
I know these aren't the best options. Nothing is really going take your mind off of the romance. Find your own cure and just go with that. Someday your prince will come. Or you could do what I do: wear black and watch horror movies. Nothing says love like an ax murderer banging on your door.
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