Movie Rant

June 10, 2009 | Movies, family, life

Last night we went to the movies. Now before I go any further, I should explain that going to the movies is one of my least favorite things to do. If I’m going out, I prefer something with more social interaction, and I find theatres crowded and loud. So the only time I do go to the movies is if it’s something I really, really want to see, or if it’s something that DS wants to see. Last night it was the latter. We went and saw Night at the Museum 2. How was it? A lot of the same gags as the first one, but less story. Hank Azaria was quite funny, though.

Anyway, on to my rant. What is wrong with people these days? When did poor manners and inconsideration become the norm? I’m referring most specifically to the woman and her young child sitting behind me who constantly kicked and bumped into the back of my seat. Said child was really probably too young to be at the movie, and that was probably why she was standing up, walking around behind my seat and talking for the duration. Also when the woman would answer her daughter’s questions, she spoke as if she were sitting in her own living room and everyone wanted to hear what she had to say.

Which brings me to my next rant. What is it with people bringing infants to the movies? I can pretty much guarantee that they are not enjoying themselves as is proven by their crying from beginning to end. And why would they, really? Movies are loud. All that noise probably hurts their little infant ears.

 If your child is too young to really enjoy the whole big screen experience, wait for movie to come out on DVD or take them to the drive-in, then they can make all the noise they want. Less agravation for everyone.

Mood: Annoyed

Mamma Mia!

August 15, 2008 | Movies

I saw Mamma Mia last weekend, and I’m not sure what I thought of it. I didn’t hate it. But I didn’t love it either.

I loved the music, of course. Much to DH’s dismay, I enjoyed the music so much I was inspired to dig out my ABBA Gold CD. And I loved Colin Firth. Though to be fair, the man could stand and read the telephone book for two hours and I’d be thoroughly entertained.

That said, was I the only one who thought Pierce Brosnan looked a touch uncomfortable belting out the ABBA? He seemed kind of angry when he sang. Or maybe it was me not being able to get past the idea of James Bond belting out the ABBA. Very possible. 

I think I’ll need watch it again on DVD before I decide if I liked it or not.

Music: What is This Love – Blue Rodeo

Mood: Good 

The Orphanage

June 25, 2008 | Movies

Well summer is here and evening television is awful right now. (The only bright spot being the return of Coronation Street now that hockey is finally over. Yay!!) I have also determined that the powers-that-be will make a reality show about ANYTHING. Please T.V. executives, no more.

So with that in mind, DH and I have been renting a lot of movies. Last week we rented The Orphanage. This is a Spanish film that I kept hearing really good things about.  The movie is about a woman who returns the the orphanage by the sea where she grew up in hopes of opening a home for special needs children and meets with a ghostly presence. (This is bare bones, but I don’t want to say to much and spoil any twists and turns for anyone.)

Now, I like a good scary movie (and please don’t confuse scary with gory, they’re not the same thing) but in the end this movie just didn’t seem all that scary. There was some decent creepiness at the beginning, but I felt once the ghost’s identity was revealed, the rest of the movie was fairly predictable. Still the setting was wonderfully atmospheric and their were a few scenes that made the hairs on the back of my neck bristle. Perhaps if I’d discovered the movie on my own without hearing anything about it, I would have enjoyed it more.

Mood: Relaxed

Music: Closing Time – Leonard Cohen  

Patience

February 3, 2008 | Books, Movies

Have I mentioned that patience is not my strong suit? Recognising this particular character flaw in myself, I usually take certain steps to avoid situations where I must show considerable patience. For instance, when buying books to read, if a book is part of a pair or a trilogy, I usually wait until all the books are available before buying the first.

Sadly, I broke my own rule and bought Nora Robert’s Blood Brothers–the first in the trilogy and the only one out. I read the book over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, now I have to wait until the second book comes out. And I must have read the release date for the second book wrong. I thought it was due out in March, but when I double checked, I learned that it was actually not due out until May. Grrr. When will I learn?

Okay, enough whining.

I’ve managed to catch some really great movies lately. Watching movies that I really enjoy gives me the same thrill as reading books that land on my keeper shelf. The first was a French film called Ils (translated to Them). This movie is non-stop tension from start to finish. I watched this at home alone and it scared the bejesus out of me. Loved it. The second was Half Light. A spooky mystery set in Scotland. My favourite. How could I not love it? And last, Hot Fuzz. Sooo funny. If you like dark, silly humor, you will love this.

That’s it for today.