Twilight, The Movie

Becky, Erin, and I were overly excited when we saw Twilight on Saturday night. We were almost gleeful to be sitting there watching the book come to life for us. We all started reading the books recently, so we were late-bloomers to the world of Twilight, but we are die-hard fans.

The first 30 minutes of the movie was hard to watch. I laughed at scenes that I had envisioned so differently. But the latter 90 minutes were great. It felt like the beginning was too forced. All the close-ups (which accentuated the make-up on the actors), Edward's continuous scowl, and not enough Cullens made me very disappointed and frustrated. At one point I felt like where is the story I fell in love with. That story shines through later on when the camera was pulled back and we could watch the scenes play out. It felt like the actors found their focus and ran with the roles. Edward's scowl was more understandable when you could view his body language and interaction with others. Still wished for more Cullens though.

After watching the movie and feeling some confusion over my inability to say it was great, I read a few reviews. Reviewers discussed liking it the second time around when they did not have preconceived notions. It got me thinking about how everyone hated Breaking Dawn because they had their own desire for how the series should end, whereas Stephenie Meyer ended the series the way she wanted to end it (which I absolutely respect). So I decided to give the movie another chance. This time with no notion of how I thought certain scenes should appear. (I would only do this for Twilight, since I loved the books so much.) The second time around I loved the movie. There were many reasons for the way it played out: low budget, indie director.

Things I liked:
1. Charlie and Billy (the dads). They were hilarious. The scene with the shotgun had me laughing so hard. Charlie continuously giving Bella mace. The love Charlie has for Bella really shines through, which will be more important in the other movies. And Billy stole every scene he was in (considering I did not like this character in the book).

2. The baseball scene. This scene played out so well on screen. You really had a feel of the Cullen family as a family unit in this scene. Carlisle calling Rosalie, kitten. Esme discussing her boys. Emmett and Edward when they smack into each other and laugh. Jasper and the tossing of the bat was cool to watch. The music also enhanced this scene (one of the reasons I bought the soundtrack).

3. The rescues (the van, Port Angeles, and ballet studio). Can't say how much I loved these scenes. To see our hero save her was great. Wish there had been more of the scene with Bella and Edward in the car, but can understand the need for time. The scowl he gives the guys as he rescues Bella was great (Rob Pattinson said on the Today Show that was the hardest scene for him). The dinner scene is where Rob shines as Edward. He's our dangerous, chivalrous, funny, and sensitive Edward.

4. The kiss. I know its different then in the book, but it was a nicely played out scene. And Edward forcing himself away because he doesn't want to lose control emphasized the danger.

5. Meeting the family. The kitchen scene was classic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked the feel of the Cullens as a family. Also, this scene was where the actors seemed more natural.

Things I disliked or was mixed on:

1. The lab scene. I was mixed on this one. This was the moment that hooked me in the books and began the obsession. I laughed both times I saw this scene in the movie, but I understood it better the second time. To see the evidence of Edward's desire and frustration to kill Bella and how much she entices him compared to other people was interesting, but not the way I had envisioned it.

2. The meadow. I was mixed on this one as well. Bella appeared too afraid of Edward. Edward was supposed to scare Bella, but not get a reaction. I didn't expect Edward to breath heavy in this scene like he was in pain either. Once again, it's all a matter of it not playing the way I thought it should.

3. Tree scene. Really bothered me. Edward is supposed to show off with Bella, not entice her to the wonders of his world. This disturbed me. Plus, Bella should not climb trees on her own. She's a klutz.

4. Bella's lullaby. Wish there were just a few lines in the movie explaining the scene with the lullaby. Without an explanation, the scene seemed very hokey.

5. Bella and Alice. I think the casting of Alice was pitch perfect. I wish there was more interaction between Bella and Alice though. Their friendship is so strong in the book. To understand the scene at the ballet studio where Alice smells the blood, it would blend better if the viewer understood that they were great friends.

So that's my take. I have lots more opinions but this was already long enough. Let me know what you thought or let me know how crazy I am. I know make fun. I can say, I enjoyed myself thoroughly as did Becky and Erin.

Trip to Florida

Sorry I've been delinquent in writing about my trip to Florida. The trip was full of the usual ups and downs. I will never fly through Miami Airport again after our experience and now am willing to pay a little extra money so as not to have the same rental car experience. The weather was gorgeous and comfortable with the exception of the days we were at Universal. Those two days, the weather was a bit chilly and windy. We enjoyed the Mummy and the Hulk rides. James was excited about trying the Simpsons ride. They even have a Kwik-E-Mart.I took pictures with some of the characters.I know, I can be such a child sometimes.

I enjoyed seeing my family and friends again. Even thought, there were some rough moments. It seems the economy downturn has sharply affected some of my family and it was a struggle to discuss the situation. I enjoyed my luncheon, coffee, and dinner with old friends.It's funny how you can easily slip back into the old routine with some people. Once again, it broke my heart to think that I may lose touch with some of my friends. I know its life, but it still bothers me.

Pictures include: The Cat in the Hat; lunch with Andrew and Art; Dinner with the gang; my hubby and I

Breaking Dawn

Yes, I went and saw the movie this weekend, but I will discuss that in another entry. First I want to discuss the fourth book in the series. I was very hesitant to read this book since the reviews were quite cruel. I have to say, I went in with no expectations and came out loving the book. Maybe its because I'm an adult rather than a teenager, but I enjoyed the coming of age story. I thought Breaking Dawn reflected the change from childhood into adulthood. Of course, I love happy endings and ones where all the stories are resolved and Breaking Dawn provided that for me. I was not disturbed by the drastic changes that Stephenie Meyer placed in the book. It's her creative vision, she can create her universe the way she wants. Also, many critics felt the character of Bella changed too much, but didn't we all change when we finally accepted adulthood (for those who have).

I enjoyed the series overall. Some parts were extremely painful, but other parts have made my favorite scenes list. Is it the best series out there? No, but it was definitely an enjoyable and personal one. The way the books are written, you feel as if you are reading someone's detailed diary, so it leaves you feeling very involved in the character's lives.

I did read the portion of Midnight Sun on Stephenie Meyer's web site. For fans of the series, I highly recommend it. To see Edward's struggle from his perspective is very eye-opening. Also we see more of the Cullen clan which is truly enjoyable. Tell me what you think, and go ahead make fun! Trust me, you'll have plenty to laugh at when you see my review of the movie. I am obsessed with this series.

New Obsession

So I have acquired a new obsession and I lay the blame at Lighthearted Librarian and my sister-in-law's feet. LL has been writing reviews on the Twilight series and asked if I had read it yet. Being a big Buffy fan, one would think I would have already been swept into the melee surrounding this series. I had debated reading the books, but after reading several reviews decided against it. But LL really enjoyed the series and even loaned me the second book in the series. So I placed my holds request for Twilight (#138 on the list) and figured I'd get around to it.

My sis-in-law had part of the series when we visited and she talked about how much she enjoyed them. She even owned two copies of Twilight, but of course did not have them at the house. So off to the bookstore for an early holiday gift and I am now the owner of part of the series.

I won't deny, I am not impressed with the writing style and I know the story is cheesy, but I am hooked. I am currently reading the third book and plan to reread the first next week. I love the story itself. I always like the bad boy theme and I enjoy Edward's struggle with loving and wanting to kill Bella. I can remember my own teenage romance and how I felt, so I can relate to the book.

So of course, now I am determined to finish the series quickly. And Becky, Erin, and I have plans to see the movie opening weekend. I know make fun! I can't explain it. I have found a new obsession.

No Place Like Home

I returned to Florida for a visit last week. It was an interesting trip to say the least (personal crisis withstanding). When people asked where I was going, I said visiting family and friends back home. But I had a startling realization on my trip, for the first time in 30 something years, Florida is not my home. It was quite a shock.

As soon as we landed in Florida, it began. We arrived to 80 degree weather. Everything was loud and congested. Customer service personnel were rude everywhere we went. It was an immediate reminder of why I ran from Florida. I hate the heat, the mass of people, and the perpetual rudeness in the tourist state. I was ready to get back on the plane and leave. Most of the week was spent seeing tourist attractions, family, and friends. Completing the drive from one end of town to the other, sitting on the highway, and taking an hour to drive less than 20 miles; was enough to make me scream. The whole week my hubby kept saying he wanted to go home.

It made me realize that my home was in the fall/ wintery North with its small town feel and surroundings. Trying to explain to friends that yes, there are corn fields the next street over. Explaining that no, there are no places for my husband and I to live between our places of employment confused people. They think it's like Florida where there are numerous towns and rental places between Tampa and Orlando (same distance as my hubby's work and mine). Trying to explain there really isn't anything in between and with winter coming, the drive will be quite different; made me realize my perception had changed. I knew I had always craved a change from typical Florida, but it didn't fully sink in until this trip, how much of a change I wanted.

So when my hubby and I stepped off our plane in 35 degree weather, we were quite pleased to be home. My hubby even mentioned he thought the air smelled differently here and how glad he was to be home. So I guess I've discovered I have a new home.

Florida vs. Georgia

So the big fight in Jacksonville turned out to be...a stomping. Some plays in the game had me jumping out of my seat. Georgia player yanking the helmet off a Florida player early on. The walk into the end zone for the first touchdown. Amazing, no defense. The interception for a touchdown. The fumble for a touchdown. The punt return where the Florida player just stood there and suddenly was swarmed by Georgia and realized he had to run. The field goal that hit the post; that will be replayed for days to come. 49-10 was not the score I was expecting, but it's the score I'll gladly take. It was a great game. Looking forward to South Carolina (big Spurrier fan, so I love watching them battle it out) and FSU (another screaming moment watching the final play of the FSU vs. Georgia Tech game). Loved the game! See Bartle and I even wore our Gator gear to cheer our team on. We Are the Boys of Old Florida! Go Gators!