Weekend Wrap-Up

I feel more exhausted after a four day weekend than I do after most regular two-day weekends. Maybe it's because this weekend was insanely busy. Not only because I got to see two amazing bands, Delta Rae on Thursday and American Aquarium on Friday, but my little brother was in town to see my dance recital!

Sadly, this is the only picture I have from Delta Rae since Verizon doesn't have any service in the Kessler. Lame.

Saturday morning, after spending the night drinking with the guys from American Aquarium, we picked up my little brother from the airport. And by "Saturday morning" I mean 2:00 in the morning. Meaning we didn't get home until three and didn't finally fall asleep until four. I'm getting too old to have nights like that and then be expected to dance for seven hours. Since it was the day before the recital, I knew I had to just suck it up and struggle through the first few hours until I got the alcohol out of my system.

Mending pointe shoes in between classes

After dance, we waited for our foster dog Parker to meet his potential new family. We've only had Parker for three weeks, two of those he wasn't even eligible for adoption because he was still recovering from getting fixed. The couple saw a picture of Parker and immediately new he would make a perfect addition to their family and submitted their application the day he was made available for adoption. Parker's new family did their research because they realized that Austin went to college with the brother of Parker's new dad! What a small world! It was bittersweet to see him go, but I'm glad that he has a home. And it is sad to think that this floppy, sweet dog wouldn't have had a home if we hadn't wanted to foster him.

Parker is living the dream life 

After we said our final goodbyes to Parker and his family, I dragged Austin to see the new Star Trek movie (which is awesome, btw) because my brother and I are nerds and wanted to see it. There weren't any problems with the theatre like there was when we went to see Iron Man 3, thank god. IF you haven't seen Star Trek: Into Darkness yet, you definitely should. Even people, like Austin, that never got into Star Trek enjoyed it. I am still a bit perturbed by the fact that these movies just threw out 40 years of cannon in order to reboot the series. But I'm not the one in charge of the story-lines and I will still go see them.

When did he get so tall?

Anyways, Sunday was the dress rehearsal/dance recital. I met Mel at SMU around eight in the morning to work through our nine dances and help out with the younger girls. We ran through the show without any injuries, so it was already an improvement over last year! The recital itself went as well as we could have hoped (although the general consensus is that there should have been less singing). Mel and I had a great time performing for our friends and family. And even though we were exhausted after the recital, I'm glad we were in it and able to be in as many dances as we were since we will be going to another studio and won't be performing with Arabesque at next year's recital. 

Another successful recital

It was a fantastic weekend, but I feel like I need a few more days to recover. I'm looking forward to a week without dance and school, I can use this time to start checking out other studios and relax.

I hate AmStar Cinemas

I'm an avid fan of Marvel and I look forward to each new movie that comes out. After waiting MONTHS to finally see Iron Man 3, someone had the audacity to not turn their phone off. And I'm not just talking about they were checking twitter during the previews, their phone went off and continued ringing 15 minutes into the actual movie itself. When they got a phone call and their phone kept ringing in the the MIDDLE of the movie, I told them to turn it off. Because you should at the very least put your phone on silent if you aren't going to turn it off. 

Then this woman decided to talk to the employees and I was told to leave. Because I don’t like it when I am watching a movie that I have been looking forward to for months and having it interrupted by someone not turning their phone off. How is that okay!? How is it okay to kick out the person that was watching the movie, phone off, and let the person that can’t follow basic movie rules stay?? Why was she not also asked to leave? 

The manager on duty kept trying to pull the "you just don't know how they could react" bullshit but that is a weak excuse to ask me to leave and her to stay. He kept trying to say that I should have just gone straight to the employees and asked for her to leave. But I didn't care if she stayed as long as her phone was off. And guess what? If I had to leave to go talk to an employee about her interrupting the movie, I would still have missed part of the movie. I will never be going to see another movie at AmStar Cinemas ever again. 

Not all was lost because I did immediately turn around and go to a different movie theatre. So I did still get to see it opening weekend. And it was a great movie. 

Perks of Being a Wallflower

For my Mass Comm. class I've been assigned to write a movie review. Since it has been quite a while since I posted one here, I figured I would share it with all of you. 

One of my favorite books is Perks of Being a Wallflower. I've read this book more times than I can count and I've highlighted and written all over it. While it may be hard for anyone else to read, this book holds a special place in my heart. I've had this book through some of the toughest times in my life, and reading my commentary is like looking into the past. 

So, when I heard that Perks was being turned into a movie, I was thrilled, yet also hesitant. Would this movie be able to live up to my expectations? Would the actors be able to portray the characters as I have known them? Would the actors even look like I have always seen them? Would the writers and directors and producers cut out some of my favorite parts? Could this movie possibly be everything I wanted it to be? 

Maybe it wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but it certainly came close. As with all books, there were certain scenes and chapters that were taken out. But, since Stephen Chbosky is not only the author of the book, but he also wrote the screen play and was the director, I felt like these were all allowable changes. Yes, I loved the scene in the book when Charlie describes MASH ending and I loved reading about the relationship Charlie had with his sister and how he took her to get an abortion and I loved reading about how Charlie's relationship grew with his brother and sister. But, having all of those aspects taken out really does increase the focus on Charlie and his journey through his first year of high school. 

Logan Lerman was the perfect Charlie. He was quite and awkward and sweet. Lerman was really a shoe-in for the part. And after seeing him in a few other things (anyone remember his awkward, sweet, confused Percy Jackson?), I knew that he would make for a great Charlie. Emma watson as Sam... Well, she didn't do as bad as I thought she would. I know she was a perfect Hermione, but she's been in many an interview when she's been asked to do an American accent and it has been nothing short of painful. So when she was announced to play the beloved (and very American) Sam, I wasn't expecting much. After the first few scenes she was in, her accent improved and I was able to enjoy her portrayal as Sam. She was sweet, tough, loving, and theatrical. Emma was a great Sam, just try to hold out past her first few scenes). Ezra Miller as Patrick was just... Perfect. He was able to sarcastic and funny without once ever being a complete ass. He was sweet and sad and charming. Miller really did embrace Patrick.

This movie wasn't trying (and it really couldn't 'have) to focus on very aspect of Charlie's life and how he grew. This was a movie about growing as an individual. This was a movie about coming out of your shell. This is a movie about learning who you are. This is a movie about accepting all of the things that have happened to you. 

Was Scar really that bad?

I've been on a major Disney kick for the past several weeks. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm getting older and trying to recapture my youth, but I've watched several movies repeatedly that I loved as a child. One of the movies I've watched three or four times in the past two weeks is Lion King. And you know what I realized? Scar really isn't that bad of a guy.

Yes, he wanted to kill his brother and his nephew, and that is terrible. But, as far as villains go, Scar looked more like a bad guy than he actually ever was.

First, we see that Scar hated Simba when the little cub goes bouncing into his little area of Pride Rock talking nonstop about the fact that he's going to be king of Pride Rock. Now, if you were raised up as a child, wouldn't you be a bit peeved that some little runt is bouncing around what is essentially your living room bragging about the fact that you, in fact, wont be king. Scar always thought that at some point he would be king after Mufasa got too old (or died).

Then you have the fact that Scar's main allies were the hyenas. Was this because he promised them land? Fortunes? Or did he just promise that the hyenas would "never go hungry again"? That's right... The hyenas were starving and always running out of food. Mufasa had banished them to a shadowed no-man's-land where nothing grew and they had to scavenge for food. Three hyenas were over the moon about the fact that scar brought them one partial leg of a zebra to eat. Isn't that a bit sad? They were starving and wanted nothing more than a leader that would at least give them a way to survive.

Lastly, Scar got blamed for winter. If Scar had the "formal" training needed in order to be king, he would have planned for the winter when herds moved on. He would have either had the pride move along with the other herds they relied on for food or he would have done something to make sure there was food that would last them through the winter. scar obviously did not plan for the winter. So, when the herds moved on because of winter and the plants died because of winter there was obviously a food shortage. And, apparently it is Scar's fault that winter hit the Pride Lands.

Yes, I know that Scar was a pretty screwed up guy. There had to be some sort of family issues in the pride when he was growing up with Mufasa. If there hadn't been some sort of family issues, would Mufasa have thought it was so funny at the idea that he would "make a lovely throw rug"? Out of all the Disney villains, Scar really is the one that is the one that looks more evil than he actually is.

Our Idiot Brother

Over the weekend, Austin and I went to see the newest Paul Rudd movie "Our Idiot Brother". "Our Idiot Brother" is funny. It's also full of sensitive, honest and heartfelt depictions. So why did the producers feel the need to saddle it with a title like "Our Idiot Brother?" It betrays the underlying sweetness of the story and casts a dim-witted vibe on the marketing.

Much of the humor has to do with Ned's hippie-style mentality in contrast to his sister's more ambitious designs. For me, the big surprise was how I ended up liking the dude with the slacker mentality and resented the aggressive family members. Ned really isn't an "idiot" per se. He's just trusting and good natured. Those are good qualities in fact and make this comedy something to champion. And I can see myself so much in his sisters and not necessarily as much in all of Ned's personality. It really surprised me that this movie made me stop to think about my own life and my own drive.

I adored the acting. The plot is character driven. It's practically a drama with some amusing circumstances. Paul Rudd portrays the lackadaisical, but sweet biodynamic farmer. He's matched by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer as his loving but seriously flawed sisters. That's a strong supporting cast, all capable of greatness. This might be the best Elizabeth Banks has ever been. She reminded me of actress Parker Posey. As the go-getting journalist for Vanity Fair, she's all brittle personality and chilly exterior. She's memorable. It's never clear how Ned acquired such a temperament so contrary to his more determined sisters, but it supplies the basis for a lot of funny situations. The rest of the actors are fantastic as well. I hate simply listing names but everyone bears a mention. Kathryn Hahn, Steve Coogan, Hugh Dancy, and Rashida Jones round out the impressive list of players. It's the ensemble work that raises the level of drama to something more than just a lightweight comedy.

All in all, I highly recommend this movie to all of you. "Our Idiot Brother" is not the dumb comedy that the name, and most of the marketing, leads the audience to believe.

Deathly Hallows Part II

Tickets have been released for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. Don't forget to buy your tickets. I will be going to the midnight showing, you should to. This is a movie you don't want to miss.

Deathly Hallows: Part I

I am so excited! Today, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I comes out on DVD/Blue Ray! I've had mine reordered for months and I can't wait to watch it again! I've been tracking it on UPS, it should arrive sometime today. I had it delivered to work just to make sure I was able to get it today.

And yes, there is a possibility that this is the reason I decided to come to work today.

New York Says Thank You

Today, I'm going to do a little promoting for an upcoming movie. This movie is "New York Says Thank You". 

"New York Says Thank You" is a documentary. The descirption from the director and producer is as follows:

"In 2003, a five-year-old New York child had an idea to help children he'd never met. That spirit of generosity inspired New Yorkers to drive cross country to donate toys and other goods to families affected by disastrous wildfires in Southern California—a cathartic way of giving back to their fellow citizens the same kind of extraordinary compassion and support they themselves received after 9/11.

The film “New York Says Thank You” is a great American story, filled with heart, humanity, and selflessness. This feature-length documentary film is dedicated to telling the amazing story and sharing the contagious spirit of the New York Says Thank You Foundation. Every September, the New York Says Thank You Foundation sends volunteers to help rebuild American communities affected by natural or man-made disasters. Since that first trip to Southern California volunteers have been to Illinois, Louisiana, Indiana, Texas and Kansas to rebuild churches, hospitals, homes, barns and other buildings destroyed by disaster. On each trip, they brought with them tales of survival, love and compassion and each year their efforts have snowballed, adding to the numbers of this unique national disaster relief organization."

As someone who lived just minutes from the Pentagon on September 11, this movie does mean a lot to me. (Granted, it is also important because Austin's cousin is one of the producers and it would be important anyways.) I remember the day it happened, I was in the sixth grade. My dad was working in the Pentagon.The area that was hit was where his office was going to be. I remember the fear, listening to the reports come in, watching the planes fly into the Twin Towers in New York and wondering why.Living on a military base, I saw not only the civilian response from kids I was going to school with, but I also saw the parents' reactions. I remember the reaction from one teacher, her husband was working in the Twin Towers. He never came home. I remember a neighbor, her husband was a firefighter at the Pentagon trying to get the fires to go out. I also remember the way people came together afterward and actually helped each other. And now, we can see New York never forgot the kindness and support showed by Americans.

And now, to the reason for this post. "New York Says Thank You" is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival April 28!! Head over to the Tribeca Film Festival site by clicking here to learn more!

Day 2: Your Favorite Movie

Most of my close friends already know this. Most people aren't too surprised when they learn what it is. A few people are surprised because it is an old movie.

Drum roll please....


My favorite movie happens to be "Breakfast at Tiffany's". I'm a huge Audrey Hepburn fan, I've loved her ever since I did a report on her in the second grade (I only picked her because we share the same name... Shocking, I know). But yeah, I love her. She's classy, she's elegant, she's beautiful, she's everything I aim to be.

Deathly Hallows

I just bought Austin and I tickets to see "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I". We are going to be able to go see it at midnight. I am sooo excited! This is the final book, thankfully split into two movies, and I'm sad to see it coming to an end.

Dinner for Schmucks

So on Friday, Austin, Dan, Melanie and myself went to see "Dinner for Schmucks" at the Studio Movie Grill. If you haven't been to Studio Movie Grill, you should try it. You can drink and eat actual food while you watch your movie. Its a cool concept. Its a very, very funny movie. And it has Paul Rudd. And that guy from "Flight of the Concords". But anyways, its extremely funny and will have you in tears for most of the movie. Paul plays a dick that is trying to impress his girlfriend by getting a promotion. In order to get the promotion, he has to take a "Schmuck" to dinner and make fun of him. Steve plays a divorce  that works for the IRS. And he makes mousterpieces, art work using dead mice. Yeah, its kinda gross. Steve tries to help Paul in his love life but instead brings in a crazy stalker woman that is into S&M and chases his girlfriend off. Can you really get any better than that?!

Get Him to the Greek

This past weekend, Austin and I watched "Get Him to the Greek". It was a hilarious movie that I recommend to everyone out there. Its not quite a sequel to "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", in the sense that it follows Aldous Snow and his journey. Russell Brand is a genius of comedy, as is Jonah Hill. Oh, and P. Diddy is in it. And Aziz Anasari has a small role in it. And who doesn't love his stand up or his role on Parks & Rec? And Tom Felton has a cameo appearance.  Anyone that has met me, or followed me on Twitter, knows I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, and an even bigger Tom Felton fan. So seeing Tom play himself in an already hilarious movie was the icing on the cake.

So I guess my point here is this: Go see "Get Him to the Greek". Now. You wont regret it.