Guilty Pleasure Weekend

I spent last weekend enjoying several guilty pleasures. To start, hubby and I are becoming hooked on the Wii Lego Adventure Games. These things are really difficult to play so we are constantly challenged, plus it has become something we can do together. It would have been nice if Best Buy had not sent a copy of my receipt to hubby's email, but once he realized that someone had not stolen his card, we began the madness of gaming.

In case you missed it, I am a huge Superman fan! Yes, I like my men to be dark and brooding, but Superman has always been an exception because I love the innocence of his character and the continuous tale of him being a beacon of hope. It really is my guilty pleasure. I admit to watching several incarnations of this character on the small and big screen so I was extremely excited when it was announced that they would reboot the movies.

Hubby has endured through my obsession for more than a decade. I was amazed that he agreed to see Man of Steel, much less on opening day. After suffering through Superman Returns, which was awful, and ten years of my weekly dose of Smallville, which was syrupy sweet, he contemplated ways to balk from taking me to the movies. I have been a fan of Henry Cavill for years (He's the only reason I watched that unnamed show that he starred in.), so I was not going to be detoured from seeing the movie. In the end, hubby and I both thought it was an entertaining movie. Any gals interested in seeing it? I'm more than willing to go again.

Amazingly enough, the gals and I coordinated our schedules so we could see GNG perform on Saturday night. I had worked all day so we knew it would be an early evening, but it was so worth it. The dance floor was empty initially because there was a group of very inebriated young women and their oddball male companion. So I have to ask, are there ass pasties that work similarly to breast pasties? Otherwise, I can not explain how these women's dresses did not ride up as they resided on the curve of their cheeks.

At first opportunity, our group hit the secondary dance floor and within two songs, the floor was filled with people. Erin kept remarking about us kicking off the party. The band was disappointed that no one was making use of the main dance floor which sits in front of the stage, so the male lead called out to "the three ladies who have been dancing for a while, yes, you three ladies." He asked us onto the main dance floor, which we complied, then if we had any song requests. Erin pointed at me and said that I had lists. Of course, my mind went blank as he waited for me to name a song. Can you guess what song popped into my head? I seriously need to have more songs for those brain-mush moments. As you can imagine, I was pretty red as the lead dedicated "... to Melissa." Seriously, what is with me and sex? The gals and I were the only ones dancing in front of the stage, singing along but it was a blast!

4th of July

Warning: Stripper Content

I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July. Mine was fun and relaxing as I only did a smidgen of work and did not paint the house. Actually, the biggest crisis of the day was when the girl at Panera thought they were out of strawberry smoothie and I debated what else to order for Erin. Thankfully, they weren't out of it.

I spent my holiday with Erin and Becky at the hospital watching baby E improve thanks to all your prayers. E periodically would wave her arms, smile, and show her baby blue eyes. Her body is accepting the latest treatment and if everything continues going well, she will be out of the woods. Erin seemed in good spirits, excited about our lunch delivery and conversation. It was so good to hear her laugh and such a relief to know that things are improving.

Becky and I decided that instead of sitting in the heat watching fireworks, we should spend our evening watching hot strippers. You know I have corrupted Becky when she remarks that we should go see Magic Mike because even if the story line sucks, the eye candy will be worth it. That is such a Melissa comment, I couldn't believe Becky said it. I knew nothing about this movie, so was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it considering I'm not a fan of some of the actors in it. As a side note, the "kid" in the movie really annoyed me. If you've ever wondered what a conversation between my brother and I looks like, watch this movie. Otherwise, I found myself actually enjoying the story and the actors.

Within the first 15 minutes of the movie, there is a street scene where the guys are talking outside a club. I sat up in my seat thinking, no way! as I recognized the sign. When the guys enter the club and the camera pans over girls dancing in cages, I leaned over and told Becky, I used to party there. This was further confirmed when the main character hands over a flyer for the male revue, which features a Dale Mabry address. The rest of the movie has numerous references to Tampa because I hadn't realized that this movie is based on Tatum's experiences as a male stripper in Tampa and that they had filmed some scenes around the city, including my old stomping grounds at the Ampitheatre. Yes, I spent many nights down in Ybor (think Bourbon Street) and enjoyed dancing in the cages back in the day. This shouldn't surprise anyone because we long ago established that I was a bit wild in my twenties.

The best part of the movie was Becky's continuous blushing, which was so adorable. Yes, I've been to several male revues, including the club that Tatum worked at in Tampa for a bachelorette party. I know some might find this strange, but I used to spend a bit of time hanging out at the gay strip clubs. My best friend John thought it would help me repair my self-esteem since the men in those clubs are usually heterosexual and would enjoy the flirty banter with me during their breaks. When he first suggested this, I thought he was crazy, but he was right. This is where I learned to flirt and joke with men so easily.

It cracks me up when I realize the divergent lives my gals and I have lived, yet we are so connected despite these differences. It was definitely a day we each needed and I'm glad we shared the holiday together. And once again, thanks to everyone who has prayed for baby E.

Final Harry Potter Preview

It is a good thing that Kay wasn't around when I saw this. Yes, I squealed. Yes, I watched it multiple times. Yes, I plan to attend the midnight premiere with my gals. Let the squealing begin.

Harry Potter

Of course, the gals and I went to see Harry Potter last night and as a fan, I feel I can't write a proper review. Yes, I loved it. I felt it stayed as true to the book as it could. I felt the last minute introductions to characters that we knew from the books was a little janky, otherwise a phenomenal movie. It had the right feel, the actors were great, and I was mesmerized for hours.

What I find humorous is the fact that I had been counting down to see this movie and can't wait for the next one in July, yet I didn't fall in love with Harry until a few years ago. To be honest, my love affair began a few months before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released in print. Harry has been in my life for over a decade, beginning when I worked at a bookstore. If you've ever worked for an establishment that didn't order enough items for the line of screaming kids and parents, you would understand why Mr. Potter annoyed me for years. All my friends were excited about the final book and were determined that I had to read the series. It got to the point that one friend thrust the first book in my hand and said I had to read at least the first one, which led to me reading all the books in a very short time. I had become one of those people who had to read the final book the day of its release, in which I was desperate for my copy.

As for the movie, did it live up to your expectations as a fan of the book or as a fan of the movie? Not to offend, but there is a difference between the two types of fans.

Who is Keyser Soze?

The other night I called Michelle to discover that they were watching The Usual Suspects. I was shocked to discover that Amber, Crystals' sister, had never seen the movie. When discussing it among my Fort friends, I was further dismayed to find they've never experienced one of my all-time favorite movies. I can still remember sitting in the the theater reeling from the big reveal 15 years ago.

Who is Keyser Soze? He's the boogieman that criminals warn their kids not to cross because those who wrong Soze never live long enough to boast about it. Our five criminals discover they owe Soze and he's come to collect. While the men try to save their lives, the FBI is getting closer to unmasking Soze, which culminates in one of the best endings ever. Though the film has some violent moments and course language, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro and Kevin Spacey give amazing performances. A highly recommended movie.

Another Round

Monkey Business Not my favorite Cary Grant movie featuring Marilyn Monroe, who I did enjoy.

The Vanishing I'm sorry the lead looked too much like Robert Downey Jr. I couldn't get passed it. The villain was great in this French version of the film and the ending is great.

American Dreamer Made in the 1980s, it's a cute romp of an amnesia victim who takes on the persona of a romance book heroine. Certain situations hit a little too close to the mark though.

Lonestar I debated what rating to give this one. A great commentary on life in a border town and the dynamic between whites, blacks, and Mexicans during a multi-decade story. Includes a murder mystery with a surprising twist at the end, which has nothing to do with the murder. All I can say is eeeewwww!

Continuing the Movie Theme

I am still watching the movies Kay loaned me while I was recuperating.

Let the Right One In A Swedish thriller concerning a child vampire. The ending is worth watching, very Psychoesque.

Father Goose Another great Cary Grant movie. Though older, he's very suave and debonair and the scene when the schoolteacher thinks she's dying of a snake bite is hilarious.

The Awful Truth Another Cary grant movie. Though the storyline revolves around cheating, the dog steals the movie.

Monsieur Verdoux A dark comedy featuring Charlie Chaplin as a serial killer. It was interesting, though I don't particularly care for Chaplin.

Jasper

In my review of Eclipse, I mentioned my gals shock at Jackson Rathbone's performance as Jasper. Apparently we aren't the only ones to enjoy this new direction for the actor. Entertainment Weekly has an article titled Most Improved Vampire Actor. Sorry, I found this humorous, plus, I absolutely 100% agree about the drawl. I don't blame the actor, I feel it was the direction given for the character in the previous movies. All I can say is the character/ actor is wonderful in the training/ flashback scene.

Eclipse

My gals (Erin & Becky) and I went opening weekend to see Eclipse and I have to say we were not disappointed. I know, I'm a twi-hard, so of course, I liked the movie, but this isn't necessarily true, especially if you've read my previous reviews of Twilight and New Moon. I went in very afraid. Eclipse is one of my favorite books in the series (2nd to Twilight), so when the lights went down, I was terrified if the movie would live up to the image in my head. Eclipse had far better acting, special effects, and soundtrack than the previous movies, plus I feel they did a great job with every scene.

My five favorite scenes from the movie were:

Sex Talk Any scene with Charlie is great! Billy Burke steals every scene, but this one had me laughing so hard. The uncomfortableness is adorable.

Sex Talk Part 2 When Bella is trying to convince Edward to give her this one human experience and he explains his old fashioned views, which leads to the proposal was so touching.

Final Scene In the books, the opposing magnets is a subtle explanation of Bella being torn in two directions. In the movie, they insure viewers understand Bella's motivations in a more direct fashion, which worked for me.

The Tent Scene My favorite scene of the entire book series and they nailed it. Between Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner's acting and the directing, this scene was everything I wanted and was better than the image I envisioned when reading it.

Training It had humor, action, and a shocking revelation...forget Team Edward, Team Jacob, us gals are Team Jasper. Who knew? Jackson Rathbone was commanding when training the vampires and wolves in how to prepare for war. The previous two movies, the directors didn't seem to know what to do with Jasper's intensity, but this scene showed the character to his fullest potential and Rathbone brought him to life with quirky humor and a subtle performance. Plus, even with a bad wig, Jasper in a Confederate uniform was great. The moment between him and Alice just curled my toes.

Now, you may wonder if I stand by my opinion and I have to say after a second viewing (yes, second), I still believe Eclipse is a great movie for any Twilight fan.

Recovery Movies

While I was convulescing, my romance and movie guru, Kay, supplied me with several more movies.

The Picture of Dorian Gray I never cared for the story, but found myself engrossed by the actors in the movie.

Dodsworth A fascinating tale of betrayal, marriage, and what one should do to find happiness in their lives. What's even more daring is the fact the movie was made in 1936.

Adam's Rib I really can't stress how much I can't stand Spencer Tracy.

The Caine Mutiny Oh my! One of my top 3 Humphrey Bogart movies. When he loses control, you truly believe the Captain has gone mad.

The Little Foxes Bette Davis is amazing in this movie. Seriously, I think it deserves more than 4 stars. I'm curious as to Kay's favorite scene. Mine was when the husband is dying and begging his wife (Bette) for help and she sits there and glares at him after telling him how much she despises him and can't stand his touch. I also enjoyed the love story between the daughter and writer. When he tells off Bette, I cheered.

Movies, Movies

Kay provided me with more movies to continue my education.

I, Claudius I had to remind myself when this mini-series was created. The make-up, hairpieces, and even the acting at times, were disturbing. I'm not sure why the women looked so much older than the men either. But the story was great and Patrick Stewart and John Hurt were impressive in their roles. The mini-series has a soap opera feel to it, which sweeps you along, where you want to know what happens next.

Libeled Lady I believe William Powell is becoming one of my favorites. I have to admit I found Spencer Tracey's character annoying. The movie was a cute story of miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Tell No One A great suspenseful French film. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, which leads you on a shocking ride through a man's fight to find his wife and prove he is not a murderer.

Eclipse

The 90 second trailer has been released. What do you think?

Source: Yahoo Movies

More Than Romance Lesson

Kay decided I needed to branch out and try some other genres of movies. So here are my first tastes.

The Bad Seed This drama is riveting. The young actress who plays the main character is phenomenal. She scared me! I especially loved at the end of the movie, the request to not share the ending with other potential viewers.

RashomonThough a foreign film, I found the story itself fascinating. It's a tale of murder told from four perspectives. Some of the "fight" scenes made me laugh because they are really amateur, but the story kept me involved.

My Favorite YearA comedy that does not pass the test of time. I was rather annoyed with all the characters.

My Favorite WifeA fun romantic comedy with Cary Grant, who discovers his 1st wife is still alive on the day he weds another woman. I was slightly put-out by the fact it took him so long to tell the 2nd wife about the 1st wife, but then, there would be no movie.

Oooo, I've Been There

Since I've been laid up for a few days, I've had plenty of time in front of the tv and I've noticed a strange phenomenon. While watching a movie or tv show, I'm recognizing the localities. While watching Bride Wars, I perked up realizing in one pivotal scene, they are standing in front of the 72nd St. Subway Station which is very familiar to me from my visit to NY. While watching Prison Break, I recognize many cityscapes from Chicago. I've even found myself checking the background when a window appears in a scene. Charmed features many scenes from San Francisco. I find myself thinking, I've been there and there and there when watching. Do you recognize places you have visited when watching tv or movies? Care to share.

My Lesson

Kay visited my desk the other day and handed me eight movies to improve my education, so I am here to provide the lesson plan for others. This is based on a four star rating system.

The Quiet Man Who knew John Wayne could play a romantic hero? I found this movie humorous and enjoyable. The courtship in Ireland in contrast to American ideals is intriguing and the landscape beautiful to view.

Bell, Book, and Candle A humorous movie featuring Jimmy Stewart and witchcraft. A quick, fun romp.

Leave Her to Heaven Gene Tierney is terrifying in this movie. The lake scene alone deserves 3 stars.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir I fell asleep. Some moments were cute, but I was disappointed that she lived alone for decades without love. How depressing!

Lady Eve Quick, cute, and humorous, except the hero was a little dumb.

My Man Godfrey Wonderful hilarious movie with many lovable yet quirky characters.

Queen Margot Subtitles and royal incest aside, this movie held me engrossed and though I knew how it would end, I still wished for a happy ending.

Babettes Feast I'm sorry this movie wasn't for me, though the meal scene made me hungry, but after watching her prepare the meal, ugh!

Peggy recommended:
Arsenic and Old Lace HILARIOUS! Cary Grant is wonderful in this movie.

Movies of the Heart

After the Romantic post, many of you sent in movie recommendations, which I plan to watch in the coming weeks. Kay went so far as to bring me several movies to further my "education." Several people have asked me for a list of the movies she loaned me. One person pointed out that Kay is the guru of Romance and her book reviews are spot on, so I have decided to review the movies I'm watching. Before I start on the newly viewed movies though, I'll address the ones listed by others that I have already seen. These ratings are based on a scale, according to my opinion.


While You Were Sleeping
When Harry Met Sally
The Notebook
Witness
The Princess Bride
Romancing the Stone
The Big Easy
Dirty Dancing
It's a Wonderful Life
Pride and Prejudice
English Patient
Beauty and the Beast (Disney version)
Emma



Beaches
Return to Me
Love Actually
Roxanne
Last of the Mohicans
The Philadelphia Story
Casablanca
Four Weddings & a Funeral
Ghost
Green Card
Groundhog Day
Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn version)
Splash
A Walk to Remember



Tootsie
Steel Magnolias
Hope Floats
Two Weeks Notice
Sleeping Beauty (Disney)
Don Juan Demarco
The American President
A Lot Like Love (can't watch Ashton Kutcher)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
The Sound of Music

So do you agree? I know the people who recommended these movies may not agree, but it was fun remembering the movies. Want to discuss why the movie deserves a higher rating?

Romantic

I am a die-hard romantic. Yes, I admit it, I love romance books, romantic movies, love stories on tv, etc. I find myself absorbed into the story everytime. The hubby usually rolls his eyes and walks out of the room when I find myself involved in a romance story. This weekend he finally commented on my love of love stories. You know it's the same story everytime and it's not even a good story, he said. I started to list all the best romance movies, in which he doesn't appreciate. It got me thinking about my favorite romance movies. What are your favorites? Do you think you could convince a guy to watch them and appreciate them as well?

New Moon, The Movie

Did you have to ask? Yes, Becky, Erin, and I went opening night to see the latest in the Twilight series, New Moon. Thankfully, someone bought our tickets for us when they were at the box office earlier in the week and were told only 57 tickets were left. We braved teenagers and a long line to wait for our seats and managed to snag some extra seats for the group who had bought our tickets, making us a party of eight. Its Karma!

I've decided not to bullet point the movie as I did with Twilight last year. New Moon is far better than Twilight. It has a bigger budget, the actors are more comfortable in their characters, and the overall suspense of what the audience wants is over. That being said, the movie does have some faults: the score, lack of Volturi (it felt so brief), lack of Charlie (not enough), and the break up scene.

The break up scene between Edward and Bella was wrenching for me to read and I expected it not to play out as well on screen, but they had me sucked in. Then Bella utters something similar to...well this changes everything. It yanked me out of the scene. I thought, no that's a direction of what the character should be feeling, but not stating. So close. The scene where Bella thinks Jacob is breaking up with her, plus the final scene when Bella tells Jacob she would always choose Edward were far more emotional, though I am Team Edward.

I believe the best thing in the movie is Taylor Lautner. Yes, the movie features a lot of eye candy, but come on, he's too young, but he can act. I found myself absorbed in his character when he was on screen. He did a wonderful job with the emotional upheaval that Jacob experiences through the movie. Considering I viewed his character as a bully in the book, I truly felt bad for his character in the movie, and that is all thanks to Taylor's performance.

I know some people will make fun of us Twi-hards, but we had a blast! We have shared the books, the emotions, and personal memories they invoke. The excitement of opening weekend of the first movie, the DVD release, and now the camaraderie and fun of waiting in line for the second movie, and planning for the third, it's a bonding experience. One that I am truly enjoying.

Thanks Gals for a great time! Countdown to June 30 begins!

New Moon - New Trailer

All I can say is wow! It looks so amazing!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/

New Moon Preview

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer in HD

Source

The New Moon preview has been released and I for one am excited. It is a little disconcerting that they just finished filming and are already releasing material, but I won't complain too much. New Moon was not my favorite book since I am Team Edward and it is a very depressing story. I enjoy the growing friendship between Bella and Jacob; and am amazed by the back 1/3 of the book. Seeing the preview for the movie, insured I would be there opening weekend to see the movie.

The special effects and make-up are much improved from the first movie. Yes, I'll admit Taylor looks really nice as Jacob, but I truly like him as the character. I am concerned with the piece from the break-up scene. I hope there is more emotion in the actual scene because it was heart-breaking in the book (I know for Team Edward only), but it reminded me of some bad break-ups I've had and that horrible resulting feeling.

Here's to looking forward to more previews and November 2009. Tell me what you think of the preview.