I haven't actually written a post on Blogspot since the beginning of this year. And here we are at the beginning of summer. Jeez. I'm going to go ahead and blame it all on Tumblr and how addictive it is. It's more of a blogging blog, though, if you know what I mean. It's more social. Whereas Blogspot is more of a semi-truthful diary that no one ever reads.
However, it was brought to my attention this weekend that I have at least one loyal reader (shout out to little Drea! who apparently isn't little anymore) so I've decided to devote at least some time in my hugely hectic life to this here blog. At least then I'll get some use out of it besides checking to see if my favorite movie blogger has reviewed any of the new releases (this guy doesn't have a Tumblr, can you believe it?)
So. Here we are. I feel like I used to be a lot more whiney than I am now because that's primarily what I used Blogspot for. That, and hurling thinly veiled insults at people. Wow, I was mature.
Speaking of mature, CHS's graduating class of 2011 made me feel entirely too old. Time really does fly when you're older, I suppose. The 2012 graduates will be the last grads that I went to school with. Wow. Then in 2013 my little sister will graduate high school and I will graduate college and it will officially be the end of the world as I know it. Shiiiittt.
As for now, I'm heading back to Statesboro...later today actually on this lovely May 22. I'll need to pack my stuff up including my adorable cat, finish updating my iTunes, and buy a replacement car adapter for the one I have somehow managed to break. I'd say this has been a pretty productive week off. I got caught up on all my TV shows and watched the finales of Gossip Girl, Chuck, Castle, Bones, Smallville, and The Vampire Diaries. I slept a lot. I partied a good amount. Got all the shenanigans out of my system so that I can buckle down and make to A's over the summer so that I don't lose HOPE and spiral into debt. Watched a couple good movies, caught up with good friends.
I'm going to attempt to stay in Statesboro the whole month I have classes. Except I am going to Pensacola, FL for Memorial Day weekend. That should be...well, fun maybe. Then I'm making a point to go to Tybee every weekend since it's only 45 minutes away and I need a tan. Cracking down on the whole education thing is going to be stressful and I'm going to need mine vacations. Plus, I'm actually going to work out since the RAC won't be overcrowded anymore. Yay. Then it's back to Commerce at the end of June. Phew, I can't wait to be back home already. I enjoy being lazy.
July is going to be the best month. I'm being lazy until the 16 when I'm going to the beach. Then, prepping for the most awesome road trip ever (see http://worldwearytravelers.com for more details) that begins on July 28 and last until we return. I'm going to video and document all the happenings on various outlets of social media and a handy dandy notebook that I will fashion into a best selling novel, catapulting me into a life of fortune and fame. And then Elton John will show up and play us all a tune.
(Note: "Apologies" by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
BEST MOVIES OF 2010
I've been meaning to post a blog about the best movies of last year for ages but I've been neglecting the whole "blogging" thing. Now that school has started back I imagine I'll have more time to actually post things since Blogger is my go-to procrastination machine. Thank you, Google.
Unfortunately, people like me don't get to vote for any worthwhile awards show. (No, the People's Choice doesn't count.) So, I'm going to start a new tradition of naming what I thought was the best. Because I think it will be cool.
BEST MOVIES OF 2010
10. BLUE VALENTINE/NEVER LET ME GO -- I haven't seen either of these movies. Not seeing Never Let Me Go is probably my biggest regret right now because I'm positive that I'll love it. Blue Valentine hasn't been in a single theatre near me and it's truly frustrating the shit out of me. Apparently it's the same idea as Revolutionary Road but more heartbreaking. Which sounds amazing. So, #10 is dedicated to two movies which have the potential to shake up my somewhat iron-clad Top Nine.
9. TOY STORY 3 -- I wasn't really crazy about the first two Toy Story movies. Actually, the first one really creeped me out as a kid. But man, did the third one make me cry. Truly, the only reason I can think of is that the plot was relevant to my life more so than the other two. Andy went off to college and forgot about his childhood. And isn't that something that happens to all of us? We grow up and forget about the days when we could entertain ourselves with toys and imagination. There's something very human about longing for those days and knowing you can never have them again. Plus, Spanish Buzz is hilarious.
8. HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT. 1 -- Okay, maybe it's just because I'm a total Harry Potter freak. Maybe it's because I longed for this movie to come out since 2007. Maybe it's because of the wealth of Harry/Hermione scenes. Whatever the reason, I really really enjoyed this one. And this is coming from the mouth of a purist who is still REALLY pissed they put Padma and Parvati in the same house. Which is incorrect. Nevertheless, HP7 part one might be my favorite Potter movie to date. It has such a different feel than the rest of the movies. I don't know what it is. It's kinda like a road-trip-to-our-doom full of mystery, jealousy, and heart that builds the tension for the ultimate Harry/Voldemort confrontation so well that I just couldn't accept the fact that I have to wait months to see the other half.
7. THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT -- If you haven't seen this movie, you really should. It's funny, it's moving, it's socially relevant, the cast is amazing. This movie has so much to offer it's hard to pick just one thing that stands out. This lesbian couple shows us a family and a romance more believable than any rom-com from recent years and, at the same time allows us to see the difficulties of staying in love that everyone experiences.
6. INCEPTION -- Before the fall happened, this movie was a lot higher up on my list. It's something totally original. Almost as if it came out of nowhere. This is what a summer blockbuster should be. It has awesome visual effects, plenty of action, and *gasp!* a plot! And good acting! It's incredible. The whole thing kind of speeds along and you have to pay close attention to details. It reminded me of a really good episode of Lost plus Leonardo Dicaprio. And that ending? Man.
5. EASY A -- I think people were right when they predicted that this would be the next Mean Girls. Let's face it, we'll all be quoting this movie for years to come and watching it over and over again until it becomes a reliable movie for any gathering. Definitely the funniest movie I saw all year, hands down. And Emma Stone was awesome in it.
4. 127 HOURS -- This was one of those movies that you see and you feel different afterwards. Like something happened to you while you were in the theatre and now all of a sudden you're different. I remember everything about this movie-going experience. It was at the AMC Theatre in Discover Mills with Colton. We played at Dave & Buster's beforehand. I had popcorn and a Cherry Coke. And when James Franco cut his arm off, I think I had a panic attack. Afterwards, Colton and I drank whiskey.
3. TRUE GRIT -- I don't think I've ever seen a Western that I enjoyed more than this. It's a tale of revenge and determination and grit. It made me want to know what exactly drives a person to pursue such a goal no matter what the cost. Is it pride? Is it love? Or is it something else that we can't fully explain? Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon are a fantastic duo and really funny. But Hailee Steinfeld stole the show for me. For a 12 year old to be that amazing in her first film is ridiculous. She deserves every nomination she gets.
2. THE SOCIAL NETWORK -- Probably the closest a film has gotten to defining our generation. This movie to me isn't about Mark Zuckerburg. This movie is about us and our increasing socialization and disconnectedness. The man built an multi-billion dollar institution around the idea that none of us can truly express ourselves or interact with one another. Who wants to actually make friends or keep friends when all you have to do is send a request? Social networking isn't making people more social, it's making us all less social. It explores human emotions in a way everyone can relate to and understand because EVERYONE HAS A FACEBOOK. It's a freaking global phenomenon. And who knew that watching a guy refreshing a website over and over again could be so heartbreaking?
1. BLACK SWAN -- Obviously. It quite literally took my breath away as cliche as that sounds. Natalie Portman's performance was the best of her career and the best all year. Mila Kunis surprised me with how good she was. And the story was something mind-blowing that no one could have predicted. It's crazy and ridiculous yet beautiful and human. I'd describe it as haunting and one of those movies that just sticks with you. Colton and I normally discuss movies in detail right there in the theatre but during this one we were oddly silent and totally blown away by the end. And if Natalie Portman doesn't get the Oscar, there's no justice in this world.
**Honorable Mention**
-The Fighter (*It's worth watching just to see how great the cast works together. And Amy Adams gets in a bitch fight. And Marky Mark is shirtless. And it's one of those sports movies that sends chills down your spine.)
-The Town (*Go Ben Affleck.)
-Tangled (*It's been far too long since we've had a really touching old school Disney Princess movie.)
-RED (*The best fun action/adventure movie this year. Awesome cast.)
-The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Sweden)(*Noomi Rapace is the best thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA. And I'm highly doubtful the American version will live up to this movie.)
-Kick Ass (*Chloe Moretz was amazing and hilarious and really really kick ass.)
-Winter's Bone (*Jennifer Lawrence's performance is the sole reason to watch this movie. She's unbelievably good.)
-Alice in Wonderland (*I love the classic Alice tale and I really enjoyed the continuation of it. Plus, I love me some Tim Burton.)
-Tron:Legacy (*It was fun, it was reaaalllyyy pretty to look at, and it had Michael Sheen. Here's hoping Disney makes a sequel.)
-Burlesque (*I don't know why, but I really liked this movie. But seriously, Christina looks like Snooki now.)
-The Runaways (*Proof that Kristen Stewart is a fully capable actress when given the right material.)
WORST OF 2010
-The Last Song --What a travesty. Miley Cyrus needs stick with her day job as Hannah Montana and stop trying to convince me she's an actress. The most entertainment I've ever gotten out of seeing that snaggle tooth is when her ass was smoking pot. I'm sorry, "salvia."
-Killers -- Katherine Heigl, please go back to Grey's Anatomy.
-When In Rome --I love Kristen Bell, but this was a stinker.
-The Bounty Hunter/The Switch -- Jennifer Aniston, please stop making movies.
**Note: You may be wondering, "where's Dear John?" Well, it was saved by the fact that Amanda Seyfried can act circles around little Miley.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
1. LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS -- Early last year I had this as a potential Best Picture Nominee. It seemed so good on paper. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal are amazing together and have great chemistry. I just don't know what it's trying to tell me. Is this a family melodrama about the son who can't get it right? Is this a romantic comedy about friends with benefits? Is this about "living with, living with, not dying from disease!"? Halfway through it lost me and ended up like every other rom com: a "tense" chase scene and a cliche "you complete me" moment. Save it.
2. COUNTRY STRONG -- Gwyneth is convincing as an alcoholic star in the middle of a breakdown. Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund are adorable. All of the above are really good singers. But this movie just did not mesh well. It was laughable when it shouldn't have been and really kind of awkward. I'm still not sure if the bird was supposed to mean anything or not or why it was so hard for Tim McGraw to play a character so similar to his real life persona. The soundtrack was bitchin though.
3. RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE --I actually really like this one. The only reason it's a "letdown" is because I can't wait to see the next one now!
Stay tuned for....MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2011....coming soon.
Unfortunately, people like me don't get to vote for any worthwhile awards show. (No, the People's Choice doesn't count.) So, I'm going to start a new tradition of naming what I thought was the best. Because I think it will be cool.
BEST MOVIES OF 2010
10. BLUE VALENTINE/NEVER LET ME GO -- I haven't seen either of these movies. Not seeing Never Let Me Go is probably my biggest regret right now because I'm positive that I'll love it. Blue Valentine hasn't been in a single theatre near me and it's truly frustrating the shit out of me. Apparently it's the same idea as Revolutionary Road but more heartbreaking. Which sounds amazing. So, #10 is dedicated to two movies which have the potential to shake up my somewhat iron-clad Top Nine.
9. TOY STORY 3 -- I wasn't really crazy about the first two Toy Story movies. Actually, the first one really creeped me out as a kid. But man, did the third one make me cry. Truly, the only reason I can think of is that the plot was relevant to my life more so than the other two. Andy went off to college and forgot about his childhood. And isn't that something that happens to all of us? We grow up and forget about the days when we could entertain ourselves with toys and imagination. There's something very human about longing for those days and knowing you can never have them again. Plus, Spanish Buzz is hilarious.
8. HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT. 1 -- Okay, maybe it's just because I'm a total Harry Potter freak. Maybe it's because I longed for this movie to come out since 2007. Maybe it's because of the wealth of Harry/Hermione scenes. Whatever the reason, I really really enjoyed this one. And this is coming from the mouth of a purist who is still REALLY pissed they put Padma and Parvati in the same house. Which is incorrect. Nevertheless, HP7 part one might be my favorite Potter movie to date. It has such a different feel than the rest of the movies. I don't know what it is. It's kinda like a road-trip-to-our-doom full of mystery, jealousy, and heart that builds the tension for the ultimate Harry/Voldemort confrontation so well that I just couldn't accept the fact that I have to wait months to see the other half.
7. THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT -- If you haven't seen this movie, you really should. It's funny, it's moving, it's socially relevant, the cast is amazing. This movie has so much to offer it's hard to pick just one thing that stands out. This lesbian couple shows us a family and a romance more believable than any rom-com from recent years and, at the same time allows us to see the difficulties of staying in love that everyone experiences.
6. INCEPTION -- Before the fall happened, this movie was a lot higher up on my list. It's something totally original. Almost as if it came out of nowhere. This is what a summer blockbuster should be. It has awesome visual effects, plenty of action, and *gasp!* a plot! And good acting! It's incredible. The whole thing kind of speeds along and you have to pay close attention to details. It reminded me of a really good episode of Lost plus Leonardo Dicaprio. And that ending? Man.
5. EASY A -- I think people were right when they predicted that this would be the next Mean Girls. Let's face it, we'll all be quoting this movie for years to come and watching it over and over again until it becomes a reliable movie for any gathering. Definitely the funniest movie I saw all year, hands down. And Emma Stone was awesome in it.
4. 127 HOURS -- This was one of those movies that you see and you feel different afterwards. Like something happened to you while you were in the theatre and now all of a sudden you're different. I remember everything about this movie-going experience. It was at the AMC Theatre in Discover Mills with Colton. We played at Dave & Buster's beforehand. I had popcorn and a Cherry Coke. And when James Franco cut his arm off, I think I had a panic attack. Afterwards, Colton and I drank whiskey.
3. TRUE GRIT -- I don't think I've ever seen a Western that I enjoyed more than this. It's a tale of revenge and determination and grit. It made me want to know what exactly drives a person to pursue such a goal no matter what the cost. Is it pride? Is it love? Or is it something else that we can't fully explain? Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon are a fantastic duo and really funny. But Hailee Steinfeld stole the show for me. For a 12 year old to be that amazing in her first film is ridiculous. She deserves every nomination she gets.
2. THE SOCIAL NETWORK -- Probably the closest a film has gotten to defining our generation. This movie to me isn't about Mark Zuckerburg. This movie is about us and our increasing socialization and disconnectedness. The man built an multi-billion dollar institution around the idea that none of us can truly express ourselves or interact with one another. Who wants to actually make friends or keep friends when all you have to do is send a request? Social networking isn't making people more social, it's making us all less social. It explores human emotions in a way everyone can relate to and understand because EVERYONE HAS A FACEBOOK. It's a freaking global phenomenon. And who knew that watching a guy refreshing a website over and over again could be so heartbreaking?
1. BLACK SWAN -- Obviously. It quite literally took my breath away as cliche as that sounds. Natalie Portman's performance was the best of her career and the best all year. Mila Kunis surprised me with how good she was. And the story was something mind-blowing that no one could have predicted. It's crazy and ridiculous yet beautiful and human. I'd describe it as haunting and one of those movies that just sticks with you. Colton and I normally discuss movies in detail right there in the theatre but during this one we were oddly silent and totally blown away by the end. And if Natalie Portman doesn't get the Oscar, there's no justice in this world.
**Honorable Mention**
-The Fighter (*It's worth watching just to see how great the cast works together. And Amy Adams gets in a bitch fight. And Marky Mark is shirtless. And it's one of those sports movies that sends chills down your spine.)
-The Town (*Go Ben Affleck.)
-Tangled (*It's been far too long since we've had a really touching old school Disney Princess movie.)
-RED (*The best fun action/adventure movie this year. Awesome cast.)
-The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Sweden)(*Noomi Rapace is the best thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA. And I'm highly doubtful the American version will live up to this movie.)
-Kick Ass (*Chloe Moretz was amazing and hilarious and really really kick ass.)
-Winter's Bone (*Jennifer Lawrence's performance is the sole reason to watch this movie. She's unbelievably good.)
-Alice in Wonderland (*I love the classic Alice tale and I really enjoyed the continuation of it. Plus, I love me some Tim Burton.)
-Tron:Legacy (*It was fun, it was reaaalllyyy pretty to look at, and it had Michael Sheen. Here's hoping Disney makes a sequel.)
-Burlesque (*I don't know why, but I really liked this movie. But seriously, Christina looks like Snooki now.)
-The Runaways (*Proof that Kristen Stewart is a fully capable actress when given the right material.)
WORST OF 2010
-The Last Song --What a travesty. Miley Cyrus needs stick with her day job as Hannah Montana and stop trying to convince me she's an actress. The most entertainment I've ever gotten out of seeing that snaggle tooth is when her ass was smoking pot. I'm sorry, "salvia."
-Killers -- Katherine Heigl, please go back to Grey's Anatomy.
-When In Rome --I love Kristen Bell, but this was a stinker.
-The Bounty Hunter/The Switch -- Jennifer Aniston, please stop making movies.
**Note: You may be wondering, "where's Dear John?" Well, it was saved by the fact that Amanda Seyfried can act circles around little Miley.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
1. LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS -- Early last year I had this as a potential Best Picture Nominee. It seemed so good on paper. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal are amazing together and have great chemistry. I just don't know what it's trying to tell me. Is this a family melodrama about the son who can't get it right? Is this a romantic comedy about friends with benefits? Is this about "living with, living with, not dying from disease!"? Halfway through it lost me and ended up like every other rom com: a "tense" chase scene and a cliche "you complete me" moment. Save it.
2. COUNTRY STRONG -- Gwyneth is convincing as an alcoholic star in the middle of a breakdown. Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund are adorable. All of the above are really good singers. But this movie just did not mesh well. It was laughable when it shouldn't have been and really kind of awkward. I'm still not sure if the bird was supposed to mean anything or not or why it was so hard for Tim McGraw to play a character so similar to his real life persona. The soundtrack was bitchin though.
3. RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE --I actually really like this one. The only reason it's a "letdown" is because I can't wait to see the next one now!
Stay tuned for....MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2011....coming soon.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"So, why did you leave Iowa?"
Spotted: Bekah Andrews once again procrastinating to the max. Should I be worried by the fact that I give such little thought to my school work? Probably. Am I? Negative.
What is currently occupying my thoughts are a number of things that are proving to be...troublesome.
1. I have not seen Black Swan yet. Granted, I did see 127 Hours because of this and it was AMAZING. I am still pissed. Luckily, with some heavy sleuthing I have discovered that the movie that will no doubt become one of my favorites ever will be playing in ATL at the AMC Phipps Theatre by no later than December 10th. I know. I'm excited too.
2. I feel that I am being very indecisive about a number of things. Like when you're a senior in high school and you can't decide what color your prom dress will be, who will be your date, will Steven be there, should you get drunk after, what if your bff's mom finds out, etc. Decisions need to be made or they pile up until you make a bunch of bad ones.
3. There are not enough hours in the day.
4. It is sooooooooo cold in my apartment that I haven't had a good, deep slumber in days. Thank God I went to Atlanta this past weekend because Colton's apartment was warm. If I had been forced to stay in this hellhole all weekend AND it was freezing there is no telling what I would have done.
5. I am thisclose to having my Christmas presents finished and wrapped. Some people are just so damn difficult to buy for, ya know? It bothers me that I have half a present sitting here, not finished, unwrapped and in my way.
6. I can't illegally download music in my apartment. Why? I don't know. I was going to do it at Colton's buy somebody didn't know the wifi password. Now I must go on campus. To the library of all things. I guess then I'll be forced to study a bit before my Anthropology final.
7. Tomorrow...or later today actually...I have many things to do. Two finals. And I need to sell my books and buy scantrons and run an errand for my aunt and go talk to some lady at some gym about giving me a job. Yes. The dreaded J. O. B. I am such a hypocrite. I swore never to get one of those until after I was fully educated. Damn. I also need to do some laundry and clean my apartment so that it isn't totally filthy for a month while I'm gone. Why haven't I done this things already you ask? Well, I'm a procrastinator.
8. Wednesday I'm going to have to transport myself, my cat, and my dog back to Commerce. This is going to be tricky. It's a three hour drive. Last time I had to pull over twice because Leia got sick because someone who shall remain nameless fed her before the drive. Mom. I just know the two of them are going to drive me batshit crazy and not let me enjoy the soothing sounds of Patsy Cline like I want to. Oh well, it has to be done.
And then I will be home free. HOME FREE. I can't wait to do nothing for a month. Actually, I'll be doing many things. Like watching all of the movies and tv shows I have lined up. Also, there are several books and graphic novels in a stack by my bed just waiting to be read. Then there's Rachael's bday party and The Nutcracker and Disney World and HARRY POTTER LAND and NEW YORK CITY.
"Because I looked around and realized I didn't want anyone's life."
In the past week I have seen five movies at the theatre. Tangled (again), Love & Other Drugs, The Warrior's Way, Burlesque, and 127 Hours. This weekend I will watch both Narnia and The Tourist and Black Swan ASAP. I have an addiction. I realize this.
-Tangled (A-), WAY better than the Princess and the Frog. Not better than WallE. Still, I loved the story and the music and the old school Disney of it all.
-Love & Other Drugs (C), Anne and Jake are pretty and incredibly fun to watch together. However, I'm still not sure what the movie was trying to tell me. It seemed like it was going in a new direction and then we ended up like every other RomCom.
-The Warrior's Way (C), Ninjas. Cowboys. Carnival Folk. I don't know what it all means. I do love Geoffrey Rush anytime he's onscreen. I also love cute Asian babies and Kate Bosworth's two different eyes. What I don't love is bad movies.
-Burlesque (B+), I'm ashamed that I loved this movie. It was cliche and kinda cheesy. Sooooooo predictable. I rolled my eyes several times. But the cast and the camp just got me and yes, I did download the soundtrack.
-127 Hours (A+), James Franco (A++), he would have my vote for Best Actor if I got a vote. Everyone needs to see this movie. It was one of those that made me feel different as I was walking out of the theatre. And I'm still thinking about it days later.
I am running low on M&Ms and Ginger Ale. My contacts are sticking to my eyeballs. My room is a disaster area. My kitchen is empty. It is cold.
I think I'll study for my exams now.
Monday, November 15, 2010
"Just because you've got the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean we all have."
I want to go ahead and express how deeply unsatisfied I am with the coming week. It always seems to be like this the week before the holidays. And not only that, but Thursday when I make my long trek home I'll be coming home for the holidays AND for HARRY POTTER. Really, I hope my professors don't expect much out of this week. I know they're going to though. I have a final project due Wednesday that I haven't yet started on. Whatever.
Can we talk briefly about Harry Potter? Would that be too annoying? I feel like it's all I ever talk about here recently. Personally, I think it's understandable. I mean, this is the beginning of the end of a huge piece of my life. I know that sounds sad but I grew up reading Harry Potter and then watching the movies--at times talking about everything that was wrong about them but I digress. I seriously feel like Harry Potter has always been there. Like Disney movies, you know? You can always count on there being another one in a few years. When the last book came out, obviously I had been to the midnight release (as I had for several other HP book releases) and I read the thing through without sleeping. I remember being so tired at one point that I had to literally slap my face to stay awake. I went through so many Kleenex that by the time I finished I was emotionally exhausted. I felt like it had happened to me. Even then, I was so sad that there wouldn't be another Potter book. But I had something to cheer me up: at least there was a few more movies left to watch. Well, not anymore. Now there's just two.
Obviously, I'll be okay when it's all over. Eventually. But, the thing about saying goodbye to something you really love is that it never fully goes away. When you're turning those final pages of a book--or series rather--it's almost as if this overwhelming feeling of dread sneaks up on you. Like, maybe if I read a little slower this feeling will last a little longer. It's like the last few months of high school when you're trying to come to terms with the fact that you'll never be the same. They call it "The End" for a reason. Maybe you have to be an old softy and geek at heart to truly understand, I don't know. But sometimes it's almost painful to let go. All of that anticipation waiting to FINALLY see what happens turns immediately to something completely different upon reaching the end. I guess that's how it has to be though. Stories need endings and people need closure. You can't really have one without the other.
For me, watching these last two Harry Potter movies is just prolonging the inevitable. I knew way back in 2007 how badly I wanted the story to continue forever. Closing the book on your own childhood is never an easy thing. One of the hardest things in life is growing up and realizing that there is no Hogwarts, there is no Santa Clause, and those characters at Disney World are actually really hot and irritated people. You learn that things don't always turn out the way you think they should and people, well they'll constantly disappoint you. Parents are people who are just as fucked up as you are and everyone makes mistakes. Your friends will let you down and you'll have your heart broken more times than you'd like. Even still, "We'll always have Paris" as they say. We'll always be able to look back fondly on our childhood favorites and maybe feel a tiny glimmer of what we felt the first time.
As for the story of Harry Potter, I'd like to quote Mr. Stephen King: "No ending can be right, because it shouldn't be over at all. The magic is not supposed to go away.
Rowling will almost certainly go on to other works, and they may be terrific, but it won't be quite the same, and I'm sure she knows that. Readers will be able to go back and reread the existing books — as I've gone back to Tolkien, as my wife goes back to Patrick O'Brian's wonderful sea stories featuring Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin, as others do with novels featuring Travis McGee or Lord Peter Wimsey — and rereading is a great pleasure, but it's not the bated-breath, what's-gonna-happen-next suspense that Potter readers have enjoyed since 1997. And, of course, Harry's audience is different. It is, in large part, made up of children who will be experiencing these unique and rather terrible feelings for the first time.
But there's comfort. There are always more good stories, and now and then there are great stories. They come along if you wait for them."
And what exactly is wrong with being a big super geek in the first place? You know what, I'll watch my movies in Swedish and I'll read my freaking comic books and I'll quote Star Wars and Harry Potter until the day I die. So, there.
Can we talk briefly about Harry Potter? Would that be too annoying? I feel like it's all I ever talk about here recently. Personally, I think it's understandable. I mean, this is the beginning of the end of a huge piece of my life. I know that sounds sad but I grew up reading Harry Potter and then watching the movies--at times talking about everything that was wrong about them but I digress. I seriously feel like Harry Potter has always been there. Like Disney movies, you know? You can always count on there being another one in a few years. When the last book came out, obviously I had been to the midnight release (as I had for several other HP book releases) and I read the thing through without sleeping. I remember being so tired at one point that I had to literally slap my face to stay awake. I went through so many Kleenex that by the time I finished I was emotionally exhausted. I felt like it had happened to me. Even then, I was so sad that there wouldn't be another Potter book. But I had something to cheer me up: at least there was a few more movies left to watch. Well, not anymore. Now there's just two.
Obviously, I'll be okay when it's all over. Eventually. But, the thing about saying goodbye to something you really love is that it never fully goes away. When you're turning those final pages of a book--or series rather--it's almost as if this overwhelming feeling of dread sneaks up on you. Like, maybe if I read a little slower this feeling will last a little longer. It's like the last few months of high school when you're trying to come to terms with the fact that you'll never be the same. They call it "The End" for a reason. Maybe you have to be an old softy and geek at heart to truly understand, I don't know. But sometimes it's almost painful to let go. All of that anticipation waiting to FINALLY see what happens turns immediately to something completely different upon reaching the end. I guess that's how it has to be though. Stories need endings and people need closure. You can't really have one without the other.
For me, watching these last two Harry Potter movies is just prolonging the inevitable. I knew way back in 2007 how badly I wanted the story to continue forever. Closing the book on your own childhood is never an easy thing. One of the hardest things in life is growing up and realizing that there is no Hogwarts, there is no Santa Clause, and those characters at Disney World are actually really hot and irritated people. You learn that things don't always turn out the way you think they should and people, well they'll constantly disappoint you. Parents are people who are just as fucked up as you are and everyone makes mistakes. Your friends will let you down and you'll have your heart broken more times than you'd like. Even still, "We'll always have Paris" as they say. We'll always be able to look back fondly on our childhood favorites and maybe feel a tiny glimmer of what we felt the first time.
As for the story of Harry Potter, I'd like to quote Mr. Stephen King: "No ending can be right, because it shouldn't be over at all. The magic is not supposed to go away.
Rowling will almost certainly go on to other works, and they may be terrific, but it won't be quite the same, and I'm sure she knows that. Readers will be able to go back and reread the existing books — as I've gone back to Tolkien, as my wife goes back to Patrick O'Brian's wonderful sea stories featuring Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin, as others do with novels featuring Travis McGee or Lord Peter Wimsey — and rereading is a great pleasure, but it's not the bated-breath, what's-gonna-happen-next suspense that Potter readers have enjoyed since 1997. And, of course, Harry's audience is different. It is, in large part, made up of children who will be experiencing these unique and rather terrible feelings for the first time.
But there's comfort. There are always more good stories, and now and then there are great stories. They come along if you wait for them."
And what exactly is wrong with being a big super geek in the first place? You know what, I'll watch my movies in Swedish and I'll read my freaking comic books and I'll quote Star Wars and Harry Potter until the day I die. So, there.
Friday, November 5, 2010
i solemnly swear i'm up to no good.
It is cold. I'm in South Georgia and it is cold. What's the deal? Literally, I'm bundled up in sweatpants, a hoodie, and three blankets and I still can't feel my toes. This is unusual.
This week I neglected to a lot of things. I didn't go to class that much which isn't terrible but it isn't good either. I need to take two make-up quizzes and give my Spanish professor a doctor's excuse for missing an oral exam yesterday. If I wasn't dying a horrible death I would have totally been there. I already had my speech written and everything. It was about the time I went to Disney World with my whole family and left my most favoritest Pokemon keychain in the hotel room. I cried the whole way home.
Speaking of Disney World, it's that time again. The Holidays. Seriously, I can't wait until the wonderful day of November 18th. That is the day The Holidays officially start if you ask this girl. It is also the day Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out. I've been obsessing for the past two weeks and will continue obsessing for the rest of the month I imagine. Omg. Bailey and I are rewatching all the movies and I realised recently that I haven't seen the first one in ages and yet I still quote the damn thing like my 11 year old self. Mostly, I wish I was Hermione. One time, someone told me that I reminded them of Hermione and I literally almost peed my pants. It was possibly the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Another time someone told me that I reminded them of Juno and that was pretty awesome too. Obviously, I'm destined to dress up as Hermione Granger one Halloween. I want to wait until I can do it properly though and I still have yet to acquire a wand. No worries though because I AM GOING TO THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER. I already have biting wit and a time turner so the only other thing I would need would be Gryffindor robes...
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:
November 18: Family Fun Thanksgiving Dinner (although it falls on a very inconvenient day and I may not make it...)& HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT.1
November 23: Leave for Tex-ass
November 25: Thanksgiving Day
November 26: BLACK FRIDAY (In which I spend copious amounts of dollars on people I love...and possibly myself)
November 30: My super cute brother's 12th birthday
December 8: My super adorable sister's 16th birthday. Scary.
December 17: Leave for Orlando AKA Disney World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
December 22: Home from Disney World
December 25: CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 29: Leave for NYC (if we ever actually book a hotel)
December 31: New Year's Eve Times Square
Note to self: Self, remember to write a Farewell 2010 post before being lost in the throngs of people in Times Square. Courtney, Colton, Amh, Alex if you're reading this we needs to get busy booking or else I fear the worst. The other day I noticed that hotels in NYC are filling up fast.
I want to cut my hair off. I want to buy a video camera. I want to buy something crazy. I want to be done with this assy assy semester. I want the holidays to start.
I hereby swear that I will not miss another day of class and that I will actually do all the assignments that are given to me. I also promise to kick ass on my exams. Because if I'm amazing in school, the holidays will be so much better. Really, if I want to feel good about myself I've got to start making an effort of sorts. It puts me in a weird-anxious mood when I'm lazy. Not healthy.
Speaking of healthy, I haven't drank any alcohol or smoked any substance since August. I haven't eaten seafood since I saw The Cove last month. And now, I have decided to challenge myself by becoming a vegetarian. That's right. I'm not eating meat. It's been a week so far and I'm not in any real pain. We'll see how long this lasts.
I would continue typing this blog of nonsense but I'm being interrupted at the moment by a little person called Tucker Claire Wahl. And she is serious.
This week I neglected to a lot of things. I didn't go to class that much which isn't terrible but it isn't good either. I need to take two make-up quizzes and give my Spanish professor a doctor's excuse for missing an oral exam yesterday. If I wasn't dying a horrible death I would have totally been there. I already had my speech written and everything. It was about the time I went to Disney World with my whole family and left my most favoritest Pokemon keychain in the hotel room. I cried the whole way home.
Speaking of Disney World, it's that time again. The Holidays. Seriously, I can't wait until the wonderful day of November 18th. That is the day The Holidays officially start if you ask this girl. It is also the day Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out. I've been obsessing for the past two weeks and will continue obsessing for the rest of the month I imagine. Omg. Bailey and I are rewatching all the movies and I realised recently that I haven't seen the first one in ages and yet I still quote the damn thing like my 11 year old self. Mostly, I wish I was Hermione. One time, someone told me that I reminded them of Hermione and I literally almost peed my pants. It was possibly the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Another time someone told me that I reminded them of Juno and that was pretty awesome too. Obviously, I'm destined to dress up as Hermione Granger one Halloween. I want to wait until I can do it properly though and I still have yet to acquire a wand. No worries though because I AM GOING TO THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER. I already have biting wit and a time turner so the only other thing I would need would be Gryffindor robes...
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:
November 18: Family Fun Thanksgiving Dinner (although it falls on a very inconvenient day and I may not make it...)& HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PT.1
November 23: Leave for Tex-ass
November 25: Thanksgiving Day
November 26: BLACK FRIDAY (In which I spend copious amounts of dollars on people I love...and possibly myself)
November 30: My super cute brother's 12th birthday
December 8: My super adorable sister's 16th birthday. Scary.
December 17: Leave for Orlando AKA Disney World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
December 22: Home from Disney World
December 25: CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 29: Leave for NYC (if we ever actually book a hotel)
December 31: New Year's Eve Times Square
Note to self: Self, remember to write a Farewell 2010 post before being lost in the throngs of people in Times Square. Courtney, Colton, Amh, Alex if you're reading this we needs to get busy booking or else I fear the worst. The other day I noticed that hotels in NYC are filling up fast.
I want to cut my hair off. I want to buy a video camera. I want to buy something crazy. I want to be done with this assy assy semester. I want the holidays to start.
I hereby swear that I will not miss another day of class and that I will actually do all the assignments that are given to me. I also promise to kick ass on my exams. Because if I'm amazing in school, the holidays will be so much better. Really, if I want to feel good about myself I've got to start making an effort of sorts. It puts me in a weird-anxious mood when I'm lazy. Not healthy.
Speaking of healthy, I haven't drank any alcohol or smoked any substance since August. I haven't eaten seafood since I saw The Cove last month. And now, I have decided to challenge myself by becoming a vegetarian. That's right. I'm not eating meat. It's been a week so far and I'm not in any real pain. We'll see how long this lasts.
I would continue typing this blog of nonsense but I'm being interrupted at the moment by a little person called Tucker Claire Wahl. And she is serious.
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