Bella

I purposely did not go to see this movie while it was still playing in theaters. 

I even avoided it after it came out on DVD.

Why?

Probably because I'd heard that it was supposed to be REALLY REALLY good and it was all "Pro-Life." 

Those, of course, are really actually good reasons to see a movie.

I guess I was afraid of being dissapointed.

I wasn't dissapointed at all.

Quite the opposite.

I really can't do much other than tell you to see this movie. 

I don't want to give away the story.

But, I can tell you that you will probably want to hug your children when you're done watching.

You'll probably weep.

You may look differently at the people around you.

You may feel like going out of your way to smile at a random stranger.

You will definitely look at YOUR life through different eyes.

This story is truly beautiful.

Media break

Here's some recommendations for you all!

If you haven't seen Cranford yet, you must! Drop everything you're doing and get the DVD! It is the BEST costume period drama I have seen in years! Funny, Heartwarming, tear-jerking... Watch it! you'll LOVE it!!!Bleak House. I'm a huge fan of Charles Dickens, and this is one of the best adaptations of a Dicken's novel I have ever seen. If you're not willing to invest the time into reading the novel, this miniseries is an excellent substitute.Foyle's War. I know I've mentioned it before... but I really do love it!

I'm noticing a trend here... they're all BBC dramas... hmmmm..... :)

I just finished Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, which was quite fascinating.

Prince Caspian, by C.S. Lewis. Another very recent read, not to mention the movie, which I already reviewed HERE

The Chestry Oak. *sob* Read it.

Coming tomorrow!

A review of Prince Caspian!!

Media

I'm currently gobbling up all the Agatha Christie's I can get my hands on.

Miss Marple is my current favorite.

Although Hercule Poirot is also fascinating
P.S. This particular mystery had me up half the night, first few hours reading it and the next few unable to sleep trying to work it all out... yikes.

Current Favorite TV series:
Foyle's War (WWII, in England!!!!!) Plus, the added bonus of DCS, that's "Detective Chief Superintendent" (love saying that) Foyle, Sam Stewart (love her) :) and Sergeant Milner!!
In between my two ^ currently favorite whodunits :)

Lemony Snicket!
And Jane Austen for a fresh breath of romance.

Movie Review: August Rush

A little Musical History:

-Katie: violinist, plays in orchestras, Handle, Baccherini, understands theory, probly would have gotten along well with Vivaldi...

-Me: plays piano, (notice I didn't call myself a pianist, I'll save that title for people that actually deserve it.) I'm one of those people that believes music is an art. So, I treat it in the same whimsical fashion that I treat all the other artsy things in my life. I disregard pattern, throw in some color, and slap it together hapharzardly and decide the finished product is original and therefore "artistic." Where other people may say "imperfect" or "amateur" I prefer "impressionistic" or "conceptual" :)

-Steph: took piano lessons once upon a time. Loves music. Her instrument is the CD player.

ok, on to the movie:

The story is this: A young cellist and a rock star wannabe meet at a party. They hit if off right away but are seperated the next day. Note: there is a reason my little brother won't be watching this movie. It has what we call "other" or "fast forward" scenes. :) Also, more swearing that I'm really comfortable with, although, it is only rated PG. Eleven years later their son is all alone in an orphanage.

Social Worker: "How long have you been here, Evan?"
Evan: "Eleven years, 16 days... I've been counting"

His name is Evan and he dreams of finding his family and insists that he can hear them through music. He is certain that his parents love him. He sets off on his own to find them. From this point on the movie takes an "Oliver Twist" turn. Complete with a Fagan-like character, who instead of teaching the boys how to "pick a pocket or two" teaches them to play their music on street corners. The movie revolves around Evan, and his parents, living separate lives, all trying to find each other. Will the music bring them together?

ok, so sounds corny? well, it is...

So, we walked out of the theater...

Me: (who by the way, started crying half way through the movie, wiping tears as we exit) "That was sooo good... actually, you know what??? it was really corny!"
Katie: "No, it wasn't! I loved it !!! It could totally happen."
Steph: "Eh... yeah, it was ok."

So, if you're a music lover, you'll love it. Otherwise, you'll probably laugh... just warning you...

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Have you seen it yet???

Trailer

I have. Twice.

Riley Poole: We have thirty seconds to disable the alarm.
Ben Gates: Go.
[Ben and Riley break into a house and Riley disables the alarm]
Ben Gates: You did that in twenty-five seconds.
Riley Poole: That's why I tell people to get a dog.


Abigail: Okay, I've been doing the math here, and...
Ben: I know. One of us is going to have to stay behind.
Riley: Just promise you'll come back for me.... I can do the math too.
Ben: Okay, Abigail, that makes you first.
Riley: (imitates Ben) 'No, Riley, we'll figure somethin' out!'
(imitates Abigail) 'No, Riley, we need you up there!'

Sadusky: There is a book and it has the information you need. The President's Book of Secrets. A collection of documents for President's eyes only. The truth behind the JFK conspiracy. The missing minutes from the Watergate tapes. And of course, Area 51.
Ben Gates: It contains all of our nation's secrets. I need to see that book.
Sadusky: The only way you'll ever see that book is if you get elected President.

---

Ben Gates: I'm gonna kidnap him. I'm gonna kidnap the President of the United States.
Ben's Dad: Why would I overreact to that?