Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
**CLOSED** Pre-Giveaway Giveaway #1!
Movie Review, Day 24: "World War Z"
Day 24
Movie: "World War Z"
Ticket Price: $9.75
Showtime: 1:20 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
PG-13 rated zombie movie? Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Brad Pitt stars as Gerry, a former UN employee who had previous experience in war-torn areas, who lefthis job to stay at home with his wife and kids. While he and his family are driving in downtown Philly, the zombie war begins there. Running for safety, they find temporary refuge in an apartment building with a family who is determined to stay in their home at all costs. Tierry, Gerry's former UN employer, gets a helicopter to him and they take it to a ship in the middle of the ocean. They believe the zombies are the result of a rapidly spreading virus that could have possibly originated in South Korea. They make a deal with Gerry: if he accompanies a doctor and some SEAL team members on a mission find the origin of the virus, they will keep his family safe on the boat. The quest to find out what is causing the zombies to spread and fast becomes a race against time as more and more urban/populated cities fall within minutes.
If you haven't read the book, you'll like this. If you have you'll point out the differences and it will ruin it for you. If you take it for what it is, it's a pretty good zombie movie (but I've seen more gore in "The Walking Dead," and that's on TV). It has enough intensity to keep you interested; a bite means you're changed within a few seconds, and these movies ARE NOT slow-moving, they haul ass! Same idea with the "head-shot" and burning methods of destruction, but just fast-moving zombies. These zombies are not interested in feasting on the living, they just need healthy hosts to bite and move on.
I'm still bitter that this has virtually nothing to do with the book.
While this was a decent zombie flick, Brad Pitt: A) runs too much in it; B) managed to keep his scarf on during the zombie apocalypse; C) needs to cut his freakin' hair!
My Rating: 7/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.4/10
Do we recommend the film: Sure, why not. It's a decent zombie movie.
Ticket Price: $9.75
Showtime: 1:20 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Brad Pitt stars as Gerry, a former UN employee who had previous experience in war-torn areas, who lefthis job to stay at home with his wife and kids. While he and his family are driving in downtown Philly, the zombie war begins there. Running for safety, they find temporary refuge in an apartment building with a family who is determined to stay in their home at all costs. Tierry, Gerry's former UN employer, gets a helicopter to him and they take it to a ship in the middle of the ocean. They believe the zombies are the result of a rapidly spreading virus that could have possibly originated in South Korea. They make a deal with Gerry: if he accompanies a doctor and some SEAL team members on a mission find the origin of the virus, they will keep his family safe on the boat. The quest to find out what is causing the zombies to spread and fast becomes a race against time as more and more urban/populated cities fall within minutes.
If you haven't read the book, you'll like this. If you have you'll point out the differences and it will ruin it for you. If you take it for what it is, it's a pretty good zombie movie (but I've seen more gore in "The Walking Dead," and that's on TV). It has enough intensity to keep you interested; a bite means you're changed within a few seconds, and these movies ARE NOT slow-moving, they haul ass! Same idea with the "head-shot" and burning methods of destruction, but just fast-moving zombies. These zombies are not interested in feasting on the living, they just need healthy hosts to bite and move on.
While this was a decent zombie flick, Brad Pitt: A) runs too much in it; B) managed to keep his scarf on during the zombie apocalypse; C) needs to cut his freakin' hair!
My Rating: 7/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.4/10
Do we recommend the film: Sure, why not. It's a decent zombie movie.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Whole Lotta Empties Goin' On #1!
I've been dealing with a loooooooot of empty packages lately, so I figured I'd start showing what I've finished from my collection (stuff like packs, bags, scoopables, fully completed clamshells, not things like scent shots or chunks).
Interested in something like this? Let me know! :)
- Rosegirls' Pink Peppermint (full bag of 4-5 huge chunks, great scent, but not my favorite pink peppermint)
- Front Porch's Pink Peppermint (4-pack, one of my favorite pink peppermint scents)
- Ollie's Soaps' Serendipity (a whole bag filled with donut shapes, great serendipity)
- Candles From The Keeping Room's Rosemary Mint (full bag of 5 star-shaped tarts, non-Aveda smelling Rosemary Mint, very light, I ended up using 3 tarts at the end and still got a light throw)
- The Bathing Garden's Crystallized Spearmint & Peppermint (full clamshell, loved this scent)
- Candles From The Keeping Room's Sugar Cookie Noel (great sugar cookie scent, went through this bag FAST!)
- Front Porch's Pink Lemonade (my waxy friend Karen sent this to me and I LOVE IT. It's so strong, delicious! Look out for a review coming soon).
Be on the lookout for more empties posts, just because I'd like to show what I've finished, too!
Movie Review, Day 23: "Monsters University"
Day 23
Movie: "Monsters University"
Ticket Price: $12.00
Showtime: 9:40 pm
Rating: G
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
"Monsters University" is where it all began! This movie flashbacks to Mike and Sully going to the Scaring School at Monsters University years before they start working at Monsters Inc. Mike Wazowski's dream to be a Scarer started when he was just a tiny monster on a field trip to the Monsters Inc. scare floor. He studies hard and gets into Monsters U, where he and Sully became quick competitors before they are friends. Mike is the underdog, the overachieving book worm, and Sully is the child of a legend: the Sullivan family name has been scaring for generations; he a jock-type and feels no need to study for exams because he believes he is naturally talented. We meet a host of new characters in this movie, and some old ones, too.
Mike and Sully, after a small Scare-Off between one another, get expelled from the Scaring program. Forced to join together with a group of not so scary misfit student, Mike and Sully must work together to win the Scare Games as a team in order to be reinstated into the program.
This movie was adorable. The new characters were funny, likable, and I enjoyed every minute of this movie. In my opinion, it did the original justice. The underdog story of Mike Wazowski is one that even littler kids will be able to understand, and they will get a kick out of the other characters as well. The characters are interesting enough to make this often-used plot line enjoyable. Even as adults with no kids, Josh and I loved it. We purposely went to the latest showing so there wouldn't be very many kids (none, in fact). If you liked the old one, you'll probably like the new one!
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.8
Do we recommend the movie: Yes! It's fun for everyone, even the young at heart.
Ticket Price: $12.00
Showtime: 9:40 pm
Rating: G
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Mike and Sully, after a small Scare-Off between one another, get expelled from the Scaring program. Forced to join together with a group of not so scary misfit student, Mike and Sully must work together to win the Scare Games as a team in order to be reinstated into the program.
This movie was adorable. The new characters were funny, likable, and I enjoyed every minute of this movie. In my opinion, it did the original justice. The underdog story of Mike Wazowski is one that even littler kids will be able to understand, and they will get a kick out of the other characters as well. The characters are interesting enough to make this often-used plot line enjoyable. Even as adults with no kids, Josh and I loved it. We purposely went to the latest showing so there wouldn't be very many kids (none, in fact). If you liked the old one, you'll probably like the new one!
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.8
Do we recommend the movie: Yes! It's fun for everyone, even the young at heart.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Review: Streetman Seasoning's Spicy Onion Dip (Off-Topic Tuesday)
Josh was the only person I ever knew who ate onion dip.
With Doritos.
It's weird, sure...but it's pretty darn good!
Tony and Heather Streetman have done it again!
In addition to taco seasoning in four varieties (as of now), they have created Streetman Seasonings Spicy Onion Dip (as well as hamburger seasoning, set to launch sometime soon, I hope!). Even before I opened the package, I could smells its oniony aroma right away. It smells delicious! You can never have too many onions, in my opinion. This also smelled like the taco seasoning we had tried a few weeks ago, except a bit less spicy. Here's the instructions!
Mix 16oz. of sour cream with one packet of seasoning. That's it! tub of Daisy sour cream (not a plug, just our favorite) because it has no extra icky/unnecessary/filler ingredients in it. Right away, the mix started turning a reddish/whiteish color; the packet was pretty powdery, so I had to give it a good, long stir to incorporate all the extra elements.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm, empty bowl for tortilla chip scraping....
Voila! There you have it! Delicious, flavorful, spicy onion dip! I scooped the mix back into the container and refrigerated it for about an hour before we dug into it.
We have used almost all of the 16oz. container. I've used it as chip dip, as a side to quesadillas, and as a replacement to sour cream on numerous Mexican dishes (including leftover tacos with Streetman Seasonings Exorcised, reviewed here). Like I said earlier, it's onion heavy (as it should be), and I really enjoyed it. The thing other, generic onion dips are missing is spice, and this dip delivers! I give it a 7/10! Yum! :)
With Doritos.
It's weird, sure...but it's pretty darn good!
In addition to taco seasoning in four varieties (as of now), they have created Streetman Seasonings Spicy Onion Dip (as well as hamburger seasoning, set to launch sometime soon, I hope!). Even before I opened the package, I could smells its oniony aroma right away. It smells delicious! You can never have too many onions, in my opinion. This also smelled like the taco seasoning we had tried a few weeks ago, except a bit less spicy. Here's the instructions!
We have used almost all of the 16oz. container. I've used it as chip dip, as a side to quesadillas, and as a replacement to sour cream on numerous Mexican dishes (including leftover tacos with Streetman Seasonings Exorcised, reviewed here). Like I said earlier, it's onion heavy (as it should be), and I really enjoyed it. The thing other, generic onion dips are missing is spice, and this dip delivers! I give it a 7/10! Yum! :)
Off Topic Tuesday: Summer Reading List!
I used to love reading...
...but high school happened and ruined everything.
They force you to read "classic," but classics to who?
Because I'm just gonna come out and say it: "Beowulf" is effing terrible. And long. And boring.
I want to start reading again. I like reading, I just can't seem to get over my high school experience!
So, this is my summer reading list. I know, it's nothing earth-shattering, but I am opened to suggestions.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett: Saw the movie, loved it, my mother-in-law loved the book, and now I want to see how it's different. The time has come.
"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins: The second in The Hunger Games series; really enjoyed the first one, so I want to read more! I want to see it before we watch the second movie in November (shouldn't be hard, they are addicting.
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombie" by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith: zombies are all the rage right now, and I've heard decent things about this book. Anyone read it?
"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn: another book I've heard awesome things about from all over the internetsz and in magazines I read. Looking forward to this thriller the most!
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky: A coming-of-age story I've always wanted to read but never have. Prepare to be depressed?
LOL JK I ALREADY READ THIS RUBBISH AND IT'S AWFUL AND REPETITIVE AND MY BEST FRIEND MADE ME READ IT SO BLAME HER.
"World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks: I had a teacher in college who told me I should read this book, and he even gave it to me audio-style to read. I forgot about it. Now it's time.
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson: everyone I know raves about this book, so I will give it a try!
What's on your summer reading list, waxy friends? Do you like reading? Any suggestions for me? I like pretty much anything!
...but high school happened and ruined everything.
They force you to read "classic," but classics to who?
Because I'm just gonna come out and say it: "Beowulf" is effing terrible. And long. And boring.
I want to start reading again. I like reading, I just can't seem to get over my high school experience!
So, this is my summer reading list. I know, it's nothing earth-shattering, but I am opened to suggestions.
What's on your summer reading list, waxy friends? Do you like reading? Any suggestions for me? I like pretty much anything!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Review: The Bathing Garden's Lemon Curd & Rose Milk
Apologies for being MIA for the last few days...I busted my knee somehow and have had a hard time getting around. It's still really sore, but I need to get back into blogging! We also skipped going to the movies Thursday-Sunday because, up until Friday, we had seen everything there was to see! We really tried, but barring going to the second-run movie theater, we had nothing left!
As I have thoroughly documented throughout this blog, I am a fan of lemon scents. We are a pro-lemon household. The zestier, the better. The juicier, the better. Lemons make my heart sing.
Welcome to a post about what I believe is my favorite scent in the entire world of wax.
The Bathing Garden's Lemon Curd & Rose Milk is absolutely stunning. It's another one of those pretty scents, and yet you wouldn't normally think they go together. Lemon curd and rose milk? Weird! But I tell you this, waxy friends, the two scents pair extraordinarily well together. The lemon is tart and strong. The rose is fragrant yet powdery. This is not "milky," but silky, soft and delicate. It is my favorite scent in all of wax.
It also has a gorgeous presentation. The two-toned wax colors, glitter on the top, and rose petals in between the top layer...ugh. I cannot sing this scent's praises enough. It's just so, so good. I can see many people not liking this scent, though, perhaps because it's too powdery, perhaps because the lemon is too tart. For me, it's perfection.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Bathing Garden's Lemon Curd & Rose Milk
Cold Rating: 10/10; the bright, citrusy lemon mixes insanely well with the gentle, silky rose scent...it's divine. Heavenly. Truly pretty.
Lit Rating: 10/10; perfect in every way, in my opinion. You get each not by itself as well as individually.
Throw Rating: 7.5/10; the throw is above average, but not a 10/10. I don't think it has to be, though, and if it was 10/10, I wouldn't like it as much.
Overall Rating: 10/10; averages be damned, this scent is the greatest. I can't believe how good it smells. It's got longevity, too, so if you start it before bed, expect to smell it in the morning. Stunning. Great combo.
As I have thoroughly documented throughout this blog, I am a fan of lemon scents. We are a pro-lemon household. The zestier, the better. The juicier, the better. Lemons make my heart sing.
The Bathing Garden's Lemon Curd & Rose Milk is absolutely stunning. It's another one of those pretty scents, and yet you wouldn't normally think they go together. Lemon curd and rose milk? Weird! But I tell you this, waxy friends, the two scents pair extraordinarily well together. The lemon is tart and strong. The rose is fragrant yet powdery. This is not "milky," but silky, soft and delicate. It is my favorite scent in all of wax.
It also has a gorgeous presentation. The two-toned wax colors, glitter on the top, and rose petals in between the top layer...ugh. I cannot sing this scent's praises enough. It's just so, so good. I can see many people not liking this scent, though, perhaps because it's too powdery, perhaps because the lemon is too tart. For me, it's perfection.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Bathing Garden's Lemon Curd & Rose Milk
Cold Rating: 10/10; the bright, citrusy lemon mixes insanely well with the gentle, silky rose scent...it's divine. Heavenly. Truly pretty.
Lit Rating: 10/10; perfect in every way, in my opinion. You get each not by itself as well as individually.
Throw Rating: 7.5/10; the throw is above average, but not a 10/10. I don't think it has to be, though, and if it was 10/10, I wouldn't like it as much.
Overall Rating: 10/10; averages be damned, this scent is the greatest. I can't believe how good it smells. It's got longevity, too, so if you start it before bed, expect to smell it in the morning. Stunning. Great combo.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Movie Review, Day 17: "Evil Dead"
Day 17
Movie: "Evil Dead"
Ticket Price: $4.00; ***this was a crappy, second-run movie theater about 25 minutes away from our house, virtually at the California/Mexico border. Old seats, cheap hot dogs, smelled of pee. Floor sticky like bubblegum, but actually soda. Popcorn everywhere. But, we are virtually out of movies to see because we've seen everything out right now (until tomorrow, when 3 new movies come out).
Showtime: 9:30 pm
Rating: R, R, R.
Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Drug addict gets intervention in abandoned family cabin with her friends and her brother (who apparently had a falling out with the friends, but the movie doesn't go into this much).
Stinky smell.
LET'S INVESTIGATE, KAY!?!?!?!?!
Surprised to find dead animals hanging from the ceiling.
Found a book that is shut in wires and layers and layers of plastic.
LET'S OPEN IT, KAY!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Weird things start to happen.
Don't let drug addict leave the cabin.
Book looks like it's covered in burned, stretched human skin.
Drug addicted girl becomes possessed by evil demon spirit thing because guy who opened book repeated inscription.
Gore.
Gore.
Gore.
Gore.
Blood.
Gross.
Half of face sawed off by glass from a mirror.
Gross.
Gross.
Gross.
Awful.
Hid my eyes over a dozen times.
Arm sawed off with meat carver.
Disgusting.
Guy who opened the book dies.
Brother shoots demon girl full of tranquilizer.
Bury the possessed girl alive.
BUT THEN LET'S BRING HER BACK TO LIFE, KAY!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Demon comes back into soul of guy who opened book because HE WASN'T DEAD, obvs.
Always double tap.
Chases girl.
Brother barricades himself in house and shoot gasoline can to burn demon.
Girl rips hand off when Jeep falls onto it.
Saws demon head in half with chainsaw.
HAPI.
Ending sucked.
Still scarred. Ick.
Josh thinks it was an effective horror/gore-or film.
I may or may not have cried.
STOP REMAKING MOVIES THAT DON'T NEED TO BE REMADE.
My Rating: 3.5/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.0/10
Do we recommend the film: Just see the original, you'll be much more satisfied and less grossed-out. better yet, see the SEQUEL to the original, Evil Dead 2. Bruce Campbell is a god.
Ticket Price: $4.00; ***this was a crappy, second-run movie theater about 25 minutes away from our house, virtually at the California/Mexico border. Old seats, cheap hot dogs, smelled of pee. Floor sticky like bubblegum, but actually soda. Popcorn everywhere. But, we are virtually out of movies to see because we've seen everything out right now (until tomorrow, when 3 new movies come out).
Showtime: 9:30 pm
Rating: R, R, R.
Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Stinky smell.
LET'S INVESTIGATE, KAY!?!?!?!?!
Surprised to find dead animals hanging from the ceiling.
Found a book that is shut in wires and layers and layers of plastic.
LET'S OPEN IT, KAY!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Weird things start to happen.
Don't let drug addict leave the cabin.
Book looks like it's covered in burned, stretched human skin.
Drug addicted girl becomes possessed by evil demon spirit thing because guy who opened book repeated inscription.
Gore.
Gore.
Gore.
Gore.
Blood.
Gross.
Half of face sawed off by glass from a mirror.
Gross.
Gross.
Gross.
Awful.
Hid my eyes over a dozen times.
Arm sawed off with meat carver.
Disgusting.
Guy who opened the book dies.
Brother shoots demon girl full of tranquilizer.
Bury the possessed girl alive.
BUT THEN LET'S BRING HER BACK TO LIFE, KAY!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Demon comes back into soul of guy who opened book because HE WASN'T DEAD, obvs.
Always double tap.
Chases girl.
Brother barricades himself in house and shoot gasoline can to burn demon.
Girl rips hand off when Jeep falls onto it.
Saws demon head in half with chainsaw.
HAPI.
Ending sucked.
Still scarred. Ick.
Josh thinks it was an effective horror/gore-or film.
I may or may not have cried.
STOP REMAKING MOVIES THAT DON'T NEED TO BE REMADE.
My Rating: 3.5/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.0/10
Do we recommend the film: Just see the original, you'll be much more satisfied and less grossed-out. better yet, see the SEQUEL to the original, Evil Dead 2. Bruce Campbell is a god.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Movie Review, Day 16: "Before Midnight"
Day 16
Movie: "Before Midnight"
Ticket Price: $12.00
Showtime: 9:40 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
This is the third installment in the "Before" trilogy; its predecessors are "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset," each picking up 9 years later (and actually filmed in 9 year increments).
The first movie follows Jesse and Celine in 1994, who happened to meet on a train bound for Vienna; the two get to talking, and Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him. They spend the night wandering the streets of Europe, talking of life, love, heartache, and religion. They have one night of romance and, when Jesse must return to the US, they make a vow to meet again in 6 months in Vienna.
The second movie takes place 9 years later, in 2003; Jesse ended up going back to meet Celine as promised, but she never showed up. Her grandmother had died, so that's why she didn't go to meet him. Jesse has written a book about their one night together and is on a book tour when he sees Celine, who has been searching for him after reading the book. He confesses he is unhappily married with a son, and Celine is in a relationship with a man who is always on assignment. At the end of the movie after, yes, another night together, Jesse stays with Celine instead of returning home to the US; the two start their life together in Europe.
"Before Midnight" shows Jesse and Celine 9 years later, still unmarried but with twins of their own (in addition to Jesse's son Hank from his first marriage). Hank visits them in Europe every summer, but this time when he gets dropped off at the airport, Jesse implied a desire to be closer to his son in Chicago (who has a drunk for a mother and a bad custody agreement in her favor). This is a huge source of strife between the couple, and comes up often in arguments the pair have throughout the movie. Celine is debating taking a better paying government job, a step-up from her current non-profit gig; this also is a huge source of strife between the two.
We've watched this couple grow and evolve over the course of two decades and this film shows that their growth is not without its problems. They are seemingly drifting apart, headed in different directions. She constantly tries to change him while he constantly tries to correct her. It is just as happy as it is maddening and frustrating. It's real, and you believe that these two actors, these two characters, have a deep connection with one another.
The film also delves deeply into the philosophy of life, love, the differences between men and women, and concept of a "fairy tale romance." It's one gigantic conversation, but the content of that conversation is enough to keep viewers engaged, excited, and enraged.
The couple fights. They bicker. They walk. They talk. They connect but then disconnect within the span of 30 seconds. They get romantic. Skittle nerps. They trash talk each other. They go through a spectrum of emotions, just like any normal couple does. It's completely realistic portrayal of how relationships work without all the fluff and sometimes never received pomp and circumstance. It's realistic because it thumbs its nose as the notion of "and they lived happily ever after."
When the movie ended, we were surprise it was over. It was an hour and 48 minutes long, but it felt like it was gone in a flash. I really hope they make another movie in 9 years to see where the couple end ups, good or bad, happy or sad, together or separated.
Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy; movie contains sexual dialogue and gestures as well as a 5-7 minute nude scene featuring Delpy, and some language, but I really encourage you to watch this trilogy.
My Rating: 7/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.4/10
Do we recommend the movie: Anyone who has ever experienced romance will connect with these movie on some level, so yes, we recommend this film.
Ticket Price: $12.00
Showtime: 9:40 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
The first movie follows Jesse and Celine in 1994, who happened to meet on a train bound for Vienna; the two get to talking, and Jesse convinces Celine to get off the train with him. They spend the night wandering the streets of Europe, talking of life, love, heartache, and religion. They have one night of romance and, when Jesse must return to the US, they make a vow to meet again in 6 months in Vienna.
The second movie takes place 9 years later, in 2003; Jesse ended up going back to meet Celine as promised, but she never showed up. Her grandmother had died, so that's why she didn't go to meet him. Jesse has written a book about their one night together and is on a book tour when he sees Celine, who has been searching for him after reading the book. He confesses he is unhappily married with a son, and Celine is in a relationship with a man who is always on assignment. At the end of the movie after, yes, another night together, Jesse stays with Celine instead of returning home to the US; the two start their life together in Europe.
"Before Midnight" shows Jesse and Celine 9 years later, still unmarried but with twins of their own (in addition to Jesse's son Hank from his first marriage). Hank visits them in Europe every summer, but this time when he gets dropped off at the airport, Jesse implied a desire to be closer to his son in Chicago (who has a drunk for a mother and a bad custody agreement in her favor). This is a huge source of strife between the couple, and comes up often in arguments the pair have throughout the movie. Celine is debating taking a better paying government job, a step-up from her current non-profit gig; this also is a huge source of strife between the two.
We've watched this couple grow and evolve over the course of two decades and this film shows that their growth is not without its problems. They are seemingly drifting apart, headed in different directions. She constantly tries to change him while he constantly tries to correct her. It is just as happy as it is maddening and frustrating. It's real, and you believe that these two actors, these two characters, have a deep connection with one another.
The film also delves deeply into the philosophy of life, love, the differences between men and women, and concept of a "fairy tale romance." It's one gigantic conversation, but the content of that conversation is enough to keep viewers engaged, excited, and enraged.
The couple fights. They bicker. They walk. They talk. They connect but then disconnect within the span of 30 seconds. They get romantic. Skittle nerps. They trash talk each other. They go through a spectrum of emotions, just like any normal couple does. It's completely realistic portrayal of how relationships work without all the fluff and sometimes never received pomp and circumstance. It's realistic because it thumbs its nose as the notion of "and they lived happily ever after."
When the movie ended, we were surprise it was over. It was an hour and 48 minutes long, but it felt like it was gone in a flash. I really hope they make another movie in 9 years to see where the couple end ups, good or bad, happy or sad, together or separated.
Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy; movie contains sexual dialogue and gestures as well as a 5-7 minute nude scene featuring Delpy, and some language, but I really encourage you to watch this trilogy.
My Rating: 7/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.4/10
Do we recommend the movie: Anyone who has ever experienced romance will connect with these movie on some level, so yes, we recommend this film.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Movie Review, Day 15: "Man of Steel"
Day 15
Movie: "Man of Steel"
Ticket Price: $9.75
Showtime: 4:55 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
The movie opens on Krypton. We soon discover that General Zod (Michael Shannon) is the military leader of the planet and Jor-El (Russell Crowe) is chief scientist. Kal-El's (Henry Cavill) parents have the first natural birth in centuries.
The people of Krypton have harvested energy from the planet's core, which will ultimately lead to their destruction. Zod and Jor-El have similar visions for the future of the planet, but have very different means of getting there. In order to protect the bloodline, Jor-El and Lara send Kal-El to Earth as a baby. Clark Kent/Superman, now 33 years old, has been told his entire life to hide his true self for fear of rejection by the citizens of Earth; his Earth father and mother (Kevin Costner & Diane Lane) also told him that he had an important role to play at some point in life (ad nauseum, I might add), he just had to wait for the right moment to shine. Superman must attempt to bridge the two planets and subsequent societies (Earth & Krypton).
The entire first part of the movie features Clark Kent jumping from job to job fairly quickly; any time he shows his abnormality/the beast within, he runs away, trying to cover up his past while moving on to the next town, the next job, the next path, trying to find himself along the way.
The space ships in this movie look like male genitalia.
Amy Adams is adorable, as always. <3
Henry Cavill is ridiculously attractive,BUT SUPERMAN IS NOT A BRIT. Ugh!
I do not like Michael Shannon. He always plays himself. And his eyes are scary.
Good special effects, lots of action/boom/people crashing into buildings/buildings crashing into people. This movie was REALLY LOUD, volume wise. The loudest movie I've ever experienced. This movie also dragged on and on and on. I felt like a lot of the lines were rehashed using just different words and verbage (IE: "you're destined for something greater than this world" and "whoever that man is, he's going to change the world.").
While this movie has a lot going for it, it does lack something. Not sure if it's Superman himself, who isn't particularly a compelling superhero due to his inability to be destroyed by anything except Kryptonite/too many super powers/general annoyingness with the whole "I'm putting on glasses and pretending to be A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERSON" thing.
Most superheroes are underdogs trying to defeat a much more dangerous opponent against all odds. Superman is just that, a really strong, indestructible "super" man, which makes it hard for him to ever be an underdog.
I was really excited about this movie based on the trailers. The director, Zack Snyder is great, Christopher Nolan was the producer and he is basically a genius...unfortunately, it just didn't live up to my expectations. Something about it was off. It wasn't bad, but it's definitely not the best superhero movie I've seen. Not by a long shot.
...and the summer of Christopher Meloni and Michael Kelly continues...
My Rating: 6.75/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: Ehh. Fans of superhero movies/Superman/actions movies will dig it.
Ticket Price: $9.75
Showtime: 4:55 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
The people of Krypton have harvested energy from the planet's core, which will ultimately lead to their destruction. Zod and Jor-El have similar visions for the future of the planet, but have very different means of getting there. In order to protect the bloodline, Jor-El and Lara send Kal-El to Earth as a baby. Clark Kent/Superman, now 33 years old, has been told his entire life to hide his true self for fear of rejection by the citizens of Earth; his Earth father and mother (Kevin Costner & Diane Lane) also told him that he had an important role to play at some point in life (ad nauseum, I might add), he just had to wait for the right moment to shine. Superman must attempt to bridge the two planets and subsequent societies (Earth & Krypton).
The entire first part of the movie features Clark Kent jumping from job to job fairly quickly; any time he shows his abnormality/the beast within, he runs away, trying to cover up his past while moving on to the next town, the next job, the next path, trying to find himself along the way.
The space ships in this movie look like male genitalia.
Amy Adams is adorable, as always. <3
Henry Cavill is ridiculously attractive,BUT SUPERMAN IS NOT A BRIT. Ugh!
I do not like Michael Shannon. He always plays himself. And his eyes are scary.
Good special effects, lots of action/boom/people crashing into buildings/buildings crashing into people. This movie was REALLY LOUD, volume wise. The loudest movie I've ever experienced. This movie also dragged on and on and on. I felt like a lot of the lines were rehashed using just different words and verbage (IE: "you're destined for something greater than this world" and "whoever that man is, he's going to change the world.").
While this movie has a lot going for it, it does lack something. Not sure if it's Superman himself, who isn't particularly a compelling superhero due to his inability to be destroyed by anything except Kryptonite/too many super powers/general annoyingness with the whole "I'm putting on glasses and pretending to be A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERSON" thing.
Most superheroes are underdogs trying to defeat a much more dangerous opponent against all odds. Superman is just that, a really strong, indestructible "super" man, which makes it hard for him to ever be an underdog.
I was really excited about this movie based on the trailers. The director, Zack Snyder is great, Christopher Nolan was the producer and he is basically a genius...unfortunately, it just didn't live up to my expectations. Something about it was off. It wasn't bad, but it's definitely not the best superhero movie I've seen. Not by a long shot.
...and the summer of Christopher Meloni and Michael Kelly continues...
My Rating: 6.75/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: Ehh. Fans of superhero movies/Superman/actions movies will dig it.
Off Topic Tuesday: Lil' Ol' Duke
This was a sad weekend for my family.
We had to put our beloved family dog Duke down on Saturday.
It was so, so hard. For all of us. He was such a great dog, and an awesome companion. It was a difficult decision to make because we wondered, "is it the right time?" "Are we going to be letting him down in some small way?" "Is this the right thing to do?"
Duke was in a lot of pain towards the end of his long life. He wasn't eating all his food. He would go the the bathroom anywhere he pleased, sometimes without knowing it. He wasn't able to get up because sometimes his back legs acted like they were "dead." He already couldn't see or hear very well, so this compounded the issue even more.
He would bark and yelp in pain and frustration because his legs used to work, so why didn't they now? My mom said he would look at her sometimes, frustrated and confused, as if he was saying "help me, mom."
In the end, he was surrounded by friends and family who loved him dearly. My mom, her boyfriend, my brother (Duke used to follow him around all the time when he was younger...they were best pals), Josh and I, my grandma, and one of my best friends (who basically grew up with Duke because she grew up with me) were all there for his last, final send-off.
As he had a hard time with his back legs, he couldn't jump, which meant he couldn't get into the car. So, my mom opted to have a doctor come to her house, Duke's home, to finally put a stop to all of his pain.
The doctor who came seemed very "by the book" at first; she looked sort of puzzled by the fact that 7 people were there to say goodbye to a dog. I think she was a little nervous, to tell you the truth. She seemed kind enough, though, and explained what the process would be like. We all shared our stories as Duke was given a sedative to calm him down. Then, finally, after a short while, he was at peace. Once she realized that we had a wonderful history filled with loving stories of our dog, our companion, our "family member," you could visibly see that she looked sad for us when all was said and done.
I didn't mean for this post to get so sad, it was really just meant to share a photo of our ol' pal Duke...I'm sorry it turned out this way, but he was a good dog. I'm going to miss him, even if he was a pain in the ass sometimes. He was either 14 or 15, we think. We have had him since he was 3.
We had to put our beloved family dog Duke down on Saturday.
It was so, so hard. For all of us. He was such a great dog, and an awesome companion. It was a difficult decision to make because we wondered, "is it the right time?" "Are we going to be letting him down in some small way?" "Is this the right thing to do?"
Duke was in a lot of pain towards the end of his long life. He wasn't eating all his food. He would go the the bathroom anywhere he pleased, sometimes without knowing it. He wasn't able to get up because sometimes his back legs acted like they were "dead." He already couldn't see or hear very well, so this compounded the issue even more.
He would bark and yelp in pain and frustration because his legs used to work, so why didn't they now? My mom said he would look at her sometimes, frustrated and confused, as if he was saying "help me, mom."
In the end, he was surrounded by friends and family who loved him dearly. My mom, her boyfriend, my brother (Duke used to follow him around all the time when he was younger...they were best pals), Josh and I, my grandma, and one of my best friends (who basically grew up with Duke because she grew up with me) were all there for his last, final send-off.
As he had a hard time with his back legs, he couldn't jump, which meant he couldn't get into the car. So, my mom opted to have a doctor come to her house, Duke's home, to finally put a stop to all of his pain.
The doctor who came seemed very "by the book" at first; she looked sort of puzzled by the fact that 7 people were there to say goodbye to a dog. I think she was a little nervous, to tell you the truth. She seemed kind enough, though, and explained what the process would be like. We all shared our stories as Duke was given a sedative to calm him down. Then, finally, after a short while, he was at peace. Once she realized that we had a wonderful history filled with loving stories of our dog, our companion, our "family member," you could visibly see that she looked sad for us when all was said and done.
I didn't mean for this post to get so sad, it was really just meant to share a photo of our ol' pal Duke...I'm sorry it turned out this way, but he was a good dog. I'm going to miss him, even if he was a pain in the ass sometimes. He was either 14 or 15, we think. We have had him since he was 3.
Rest in paradise, my lil' ol' Dukie boy. You will be missed.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Movie Review, Day 14: "This Is The End"
Day 14
Movie: "This Is The End"
Ticket Price: $11.00
Showtime: 9:45 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hours, 47 minutes
"The Apocalypse is nigh."
Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, and Craig Robinson are trapped in James Franco's house after a crazy party when the world beings to end. The friends must lean on one another to stay alive.
Another movie with something for everyone. In my opinion, this movie was outrageously hysterical. There are TONS of celebrity cameos throughout, which lead to some hilarious encounters. If gigantic demon, erm, "members" don't both you, then you're good to go. This movie contains strong sexual content, potty humor, violence, gore, and is definitely a "hard-R." If you've seen one or more of the following: "Pineapple Express," "Superbad," "Your Highness," "The 40 Year Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," "The Watch," "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," "Fanboys," or "Grandma's Boy," you'll probably enjoy this.
The only low point was Danny McBride. He's annoying, simple as that. He's that guy (AND WE ALL KNOW ONE PERSON LIKE THIS) in every real-life scenario that crashes a party uninvited and acts like a selfish jerk while eating all the food and drinking all the good liquor. One guy behind us was particularly fond of Danny McBride and let everyone know it. Loudly. At least he wasn't on his cell phone like the girl next to us.
I have not been to a theater this crowded (a non-opening day showing) in forever. We were the second set of two people in the theater, and slowly, the masses started trickling in. Like, people sitting next to us shoulder to shoulder crowded. It was bonkers.
There's a cameo at the very end of the movie that I, in particular, enjoyed so thoroughly that I clapped. Let's just say, 90's boys band. :)
My Rating: 9/10
Josh's Rating: 9/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.1/10
Do we recommend the movie: If you're down with the descriptions laid out above, go for it. NOT for the faint of heart or the easily offended.
Ticket Price: $11.00
Showtime: 9:45 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hours, 47 minutes
Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, and Craig Robinson are trapped in James Franco's house after a crazy party when the world beings to end. The friends must lean on one another to stay alive.
Another movie with something for everyone. In my opinion, this movie was outrageously hysterical. There are TONS of celebrity cameos throughout, which lead to some hilarious encounters. If gigantic demon, erm, "members" don't both you, then you're good to go. This movie contains strong sexual content, potty humor, violence, gore, and is definitely a "hard-R." If you've seen one or more of the following: "Pineapple Express," "Superbad," "Your Highness," "The 40 Year Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," "The Watch," "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," "Fanboys," or "Grandma's Boy," you'll probably enjoy this.
The only low point was Danny McBride. He's annoying, simple as that. He's that guy (AND WE ALL KNOW ONE PERSON LIKE THIS) in every real-life scenario that crashes a party uninvited and acts like a selfish jerk while eating all the food and drinking all the good liquor. One guy behind us was particularly fond of Danny McBride and let everyone know it. Loudly. At least he wasn't on his cell phone like the girl next to us.
I have not been to a theater this crowded (a non-opening day showing) in forever. We were the second set of two people in the theater, and slowly, the masses started trickling in. Like, people sitting next to us shoulder to shoulder crowded. It was bonkers.
There's a cameo at the very end of the movie that I, in particular, enjoyed so thoroughly that I clapped. Let's just say, 90's boys band. :)
My Rating: 9/10
Josh's Rating: 9/10
IMDB's Rating: 8.1/10
Do we recommend the movie: If you're down with the descriptions laid out above, go for it. NOT for the faint of heart or the easily offended.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Review: Ollie's Soaps Apple Iced Tea
The Keurig has been amazing for coffee. You can also use it to make tea, too!
(old photo)
I saved my very last tart in Apple Iced Tea from Ollie's Soaps for a special occasion.
Well, today's Sunday. That alone felt like an occasion!
This scent is marvelous. Ollie's Soaps makes my favorite apple scent; it's also, in my opinion, the strongest apple scent I've ever smelled in wax. ONE LITTLE TART lasted over 8 hours, and would have kept going, I'm sure. ONE LITTLE TART is enough to scent almost our entire house. I am in love with this scent. The apple is stronger than the tea, but you do still get a tea note in this. Seriously impressed.
Ayano, the owner of Ollie's Soaps, is taking a break from tarting: she started a cupcake business a couple of months ago and is having a hard time juggling both at once. I hope she comes back soon, because I need more of this scent. :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Ollie's Soaps Apple Iced Tea
Cold Rating: 9/10; sort of muted on cold sniff, but you can definitely smell both notes in this!
Lit Rating: 10/10; perfect in every way, in my opinion.
Throw Rating: 8.5/10; INSANE throw, almost fills the entire house with scent.
Overall Rating: 9/10; nearly a perfect score! Great apple scent. Need to learn to make homemade applesauce. FALL IS ALMOST HERE, RIGHT?? Mmmmmm, tea time....
I saved my very last tart in Apple Iced Tea from Ollie's Soaps for a special occasion.
Well, today's Sunday. That alone felt like an occasion!
This scent is marvelous. Ollie's Soaps makes my favorite apple scent; it's also, in my opinion, the strongest apple scent I've ever smelled in wax. ONE LITTLE TART lasted over 8 hours, and would have kept going, I'm sure. ONE LITTLE TART is enough to scent almost our entire house. I am in love with this scent. The apple is stronger than the tea, but you do still get a tea note in this. Seriously impressed.
Ayano, the owner of Ollie's Soaps, is taking a break from tarting: she started a cupcake business a couple of months ago and is having a hard time juggling both at once. I hope she comes back soon, because I need more of this scent. :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Ollie's Soaps Apple Iced Tea
Cold Rating: 9/10; sort of muted on cold sniff, but you can definitely smell both notes in this!
Lit Rating: 10/10; perfect in every way, in my opinion.
Throw Rating: 8.5/10; INSANE throw, almost fills the entire house with scent.
Overall Rating: 9/10; nearly a perfect score! Great apple scent. Need to learn to make homemade applesauce. FALL IS ALMOST HERE, RIGHT?? Mmmmmm, tea time....
Movie Review, Day 13: "Kon Tiki"
Day 13
Movie: "Kon Tiki"
Ticket Price: $9.25
Showtime: 1:30 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hours, 58 minutes
Thor Heyerdal and his very small crew makes a daring attempt to sail from South America to Polynesia in a makeshift balsawood raft the way Kon-Tiki, the Inca sun god, did 1,500 years ago. His theory was that Peruvians were the first people to settle in Polynesia thousands of years ago, not settlers from Asia. Without being able to properly secure funding from various magazines and scholarly journals, who wrote him off as if he was crazy for challenging what is already common scientific knowledge, he turns to the Peruvian government for help. Despite not knowing how to swim and with little more than a hypothesis and faith, Thor and his crew, all facing their own demons, set out on this perilous journey and make some astonishing discoveries along the way.
I was completely surprised by this movie. Going into it, I had no idea what it was about, and also had no idea about the expedition itself. There are two versions of this, one in English, one in Norwegian; the one we saw was the English language version, and a little shorter than the stated run time. This movie had suspense, humor, heart, and pretty great acting; you're left rooting for these six men, with little more than a strung together raft in the wide open ocean. Knowing nothing about this subject, I feel like I learned a lot. It's very cool how Thor Heyerdal inspired generations of explorers after World War II.
This was more than just a movie. It's another film that makes you think outside the box and question what you already know. Are you right? Is everything set in stone? Can you finish what cannot be accomplished?
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: Yes. It has something fascinating about it, even if you're not into movies about exploration/navigation. You really root for these people to succeed!
Ticket Price: $9.25
Showtime: 1:30 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hours, 58 minutes
I was completely surprised by this movie. Going into it, I had no idea what it was about, and also had no idea about the expedition itself. There are two versions of this, one in English, one in Norwegian; the one we saw was the English language version, and a little shorter than the stated run time. This movie had suspense, humor, heart, and pretty great acting; you're left rooting for these six men, with little more than a strung together raft in the wide open ocean. Knowing nothing about this subject, I feel like I learned a lot. It's very cool how Thor Heyerdal inspired generations of explorers after World War II.
This was more than just a movie. It's another film that makes you think outside the box and question what you already know. Are you right? Is everything set in stone? Can you finish what cannot be accomplished?
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: Yes. It has something fascinating about it, even if you're not into movies about exploration/navigation. You really root for these people to succeed!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Movie Review, Day 12: "The East"
Day 12
Movie: "The East"
Ticket Price: $6.50
Showtime: 10:45 am
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
A former FBI agent turned private investigator for a large corporation is tasked to infiltrate a group that calls themselves The East. The East is a group of like-minded eco-terrorists who come together to wreak havoc on large corporations in order to give them a taste of their own medicine. These incidents are called "jams" and directly involve and relate to at least one member of The East; as we learn their individual stories, we also learn their collective story, too. Along the way, "Sarah" gets a little too close to the group as viewers watch her feelings about them and her understanding of their motives change.
This movie was quite interesting, and I was very much looking forward to seeing it. It makes good points and interesting revelations about corporations, their actions, and what we know and would call "terrorism." Parts of me sympathize with what The East was trying to accomplish, but I don't think "an eye for an eye" is an appropriate response to anything; as Gahndi said, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." Violence always begets violence, which leads to more violence, there's no other possible route for it to take.
This is one of those movies that makes you think. Just think.
PS: THIS THEATER HAS RECLINER CHAIRS IN SOME OF ITS THEATERS FOR NOT SO EXPENSIVE TICKET PRICES. FOR THE WIN.
My Rating: 7.25/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.4/10
Do we recommend the movie: Yes! it was a really interesting and relevant concept for today's global climate, and I think some of the points made here are quite valid.
Ticket Price: $6.50
Showtime: 10:45 am
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
This movie was quite interesting, and I was very much looking forward to seeing it. It makes good points and interesting revelations about corporations, their actions, and what we know and would call "terrorism." Parts of me sympathize with what The East was trying to accomplish, but I don't think "an eye for an eye" is an appropriate response to anything; as Gahndi said, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." Violence always begets violence, which leads to more violence, there's no other possible route for it to take.
This is one of those movies that makes you think. Just think.
PS: THIS THEATER HAS RECLINER CHAIRS IN SOME OF ITS THEATERS FOR NOT SO EXPENSIVE TICKET PRICES. FOR THE WIN.
My Rating: 7.25/10
Josh's Rating: 7/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.4/10
Do we recommend the movie: Yes! it was a really interesting and relevant concept for today's global climate, and I think some of the points made here are quite valid.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Movie Review, Day 11: "The Internship"
Day 11
Movie: "The Internship" (PS: why haven't movie theaters changed their carpeting in the last 100 years?????)
Ticket Price: $8.75
Showtime: 1:00 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up again for "The Internship," a film about a company that needs absolutely no advertising whatsoever.
After losing their jobs, Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) are at a crossroads in their lives. Billy comes up with a brilliant idea: to try and interview for an internship at Google. Knowing little about computers, programming, or the upcoming generation of young adults, they apply and both land a spot to fight for the chance to work at Google. If they make it through the summer internship with their winning team, they are guaranteed full-time positions with the company. Being much older than most of the applicants has its advantages and disadvantages throughout the film. The two guys, who are aces in sales, are super personable but know nothing about "the system." The recent college graduates in this movie lack people skills, but are mavericks on a computer, in true fashion with many young people today; the point here is that people bury themselves behind their electronics in lieu of human interaction and conversation. The guys get stuck with a group of outcasts who have more in common than they think. Billy and Nick get the group to work together as a team and reach deep within themselves to believe in their dreams.
Trying to capitalize on the facts that "Wedding Crashers" was wonderfully hilarious (and R-rated, raunchier and funnier), this movie has its ups and downs. We both got some chuckles which never materialized into full-blown guffaws. There was a good message at the end, of course. It's a feel-good, fish-out-of-water movie with a bit of romance, comedy, and life lessons sprinkled into there, but the main focus was on Vaughn and Wilson's bromance. When one of the guys was down, the other was there to pick him back up, in true friendly fashion.
Again, Google literally needs so self-promotion since people more than likely type their URLs into Google instead of typing them into the search bar of their browser; this movie, at times, felt like an extended-extended-extended commercial. Aasif Mandvi for the win.
My Rating: 6/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: There's nothing really there to stop you from watching this movie, it's just a general comedy, not that hilarious, but it's decent.
Ticket Price: $8.75
Showtime: 1:00 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes
After losing their jobs, Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) are at a crossroads in their lives. Billy comes up with a brilliant idea: to try and interview for an internship at Google. Knowing little about computers, programming, or the upcoming generation of young adults, they apply and both land a spot to fight for the chance to work at Google. If they make it through the summer internship with their winning team, they are guaranteed full-time positions with the company. Being much older than most of the applicants has its advantages and disadvantages throughout the film. The two guys, who are aces in sales, are super personable but know nothing about "the system." The recent college graduates in this movie lack people skills, but are mavericks on a computer, in true fashion with many young people today; the point here is that people bury themselves behind their electronics in lieu of human interaction and conversation. The guys get stuck with a group of outcasts who have more in common than they think. Billy and Nick get the group to work together as a team and reach deep within themselves to believe in their dreams.
Trying to capitalize on the facts that "Wedding Crashers" was wonderfully hilarious (and R-rated, raunchier and funnier), this movie has its ups and downs. We both got some chuckles which never materialized into full-blown guffaws. There was a good message at the end, of course. It's a feel-good, fish-out-of-water movie with a bit of romance, comedy, and life lessons sprinkled into there, but the main focus was on Vaughn and Wilson's bromance. When one of the guys was down, the other was there to pick him back up, in true friendly fashion.
Again, Google literally needs so self-promotion since people more than likely type their URLs into Google instead of typing them into the search bar of their browser; this movie, at times, felt like an extended-extended-extended commercial. Aasif Mandvi for the win.
My Rating: 6/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
Do we recommend the movie: There's nothing really there to stop you from watching this movie, it's just a general comedy, not that hilarious, but it's decent.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Review: Sugar & Spice Gourmet Soy Candles' State Fair Funnel Cake
THE DEL MAR FAIR (I refuse to call it by its new name, the San Diego County Fair, because that's just ridiculous) is one of the country's best, if I do say so myself.
This year, Chicken Charlie, known for such wonderful, gourmet delights like deep-fried Kool-Aid, deep-fried cereal, deep-friend Klondike bars, deep-friend avocados (seeing a theme here???) has whipped himself up yet another winner: a sloppy joe sandwich...on Krispy Kreme donuts.
Not that you're reading, good sir, but this is my formal proposal: Marry me, Chicken Charlie. I think we can be happy together and married in baconed, fried bliss.
That is, of course, if Josh doesn't mind. :)
I was in the office filing some things and melted Sugar & Spice Gourmet Soy's State Fair Funnel Cake. This was a nice cinnamony cake scent mixed in with typical carnival friedness. This time, I enjoyed these two things mixed together! Some fried scents (fritters, donuts, cakes, pastries, etc) have that weird undertone I have talked about a lot...not so with this one! In fact, it was scrumptious. The cinnamon wasn't too strong, but it was there, and is was close to something you would really smell at a state fair! Yum! It lasted well over 8 hours. I would repurchase this scent, too!
~~~~~~~~~~
Sugar & Spice Gourmet Soy Candles' State Fair Funnel Cake
Cold Rating: 6.5/10; you definitely get the friedness of this scent on cold sniff, which made me nervous that it's be too buttery and icky.
Lit Rating: 7.5/10; nice balance between bakery and spice! Love!
Throw Rating: 7/10; the throw was consistent and lasted quite a while. Very impressed!
Overall Rating: 7/10; yum! Delicious cakey goodness mixed with cinnamon spice and dough! Makes me want to go to the fair; fattening foods socially acceptable there. Chicken Charlie is a mad genius.
This year, Chicken Charlie, known for such wonderful, gourmet delights like deep-fried Kool-Aid, deep-fried cereal, deep-friend Klondike bars, deep-friend avocados (seeing a theme here???) has whipped himself up yet another winner: a sloppy joe sandwich...on Krispy Kreme donuts.
Not that you're reading, good sir, but this is my formal proposal: Marry me, Chicken Charlie. I think we can be happy together and married in baconed, fried bliss.
That is, of course, if Josh doesn't mind. :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Sugar & Spice Gourmet Soy Candles' State Fair Funnel Cake
Cold Rating: 6.5/10; you definitely get the friedness of this scent on cold sniff, which made me nervous that it's be too buttery and icky.
Lit Rating: 7.5/10; nice balance between bakery and spice! Love!
Throw Rating: 7/10; the throw was consistent and lasted quite a while. Very impressed!
Overall Rating: 7/10; yum! Delicious cakey goodness mixed with cinnamon spice and dough! Makes me want to go to the fair; fattening foods socially acceptable there. Chicken Charlie is a mad genius.
Movie Review, Day 10: "Fast & Furious 6"
Day 10
Movie: "Fast & Furious 6"
Ticket Price: $10.25
Showtime: 2:55 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese
Josh's Rating: 4/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.6/10
Do we recommend the film: It's obviously a marketable franchise, and I respect it for what it was able to do at the box office as a summer flick, but no, not really. In the end, it's just a love story (with cars, guns, muscles, and ass-kicking).
Ticket Price: $10.25
Showtime: 2:55 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Vroom, vroom
- Meet Paul Walker's new baby and wife who barely matters!!
- Explosion and robbery (by criminal mastermind & his group)
- Muscles, ass-kicking
- The Rock (a cop), throws 250+ lb. muscle heavy terrorist man against ceiling to receive necessary information
- Turns to criminal for help (BECAUSE WHY NOT, YOLO)
- WHO ELSE, VIN DIESEL!!!
- Michelle Rodriguez is still alive; Rock offers pardon for Diesel's entire crew in exchange for their help
- Vin Diesel reacts with this face:
- Team assembles
- Cars
- Guns
- Muscles
- Ass-kicking
- Over-the-top action ensues
- Some scantly clad-women
- Group tries to stop 2nd robbery
- Flippy cars, vroom vroom
- Electronic things that latch onto cars and make them go boom
- Michelle Rodriguez shoots Pin Diesel in shoulder
- "Letty? U makesz me sad"
- Vin Diesel reacts with this face:
- Re-grouping times!
- Everyone trying to find out more about criminal mastermind group
- Paul Walker turns himself in in America to get close to drug dealer
- "You'll only get close to him if he wants you to."
- Ludacris and Rock racially profiled while buying expensive cars because it's funny!!1111 (NOT)
- Michelle Rodriguez and Gina Carano (MMA fighter turned "actress" <--LOL) fight in subway
- Carano only hired to showcase MMA "ability" (LOL ASK CYBORG WHAT SHE THINKS ABOUT THAT LOLOLOL)
- Other guys fight other guys
- Guns
- Breaking glass
- Embarrassment
- Vin Diesel sees Michelle Rodriguez after street race between the two
- She lost her memory in accident in Fast & Furious 4???
- He tries to reconnect with her, recanting old stories and by making this face:
- Next strike by terrorists will be on an airbase in Spain
- Over a microchip??? WUT??
- Good guys chase bad guys
- Bad guys have tank
- Tank runs over cars, vroom vroom
- Guns
- Missile launcher, explosion
- Pointless guy saves pointless girl
- Vin Diesel saves Michelle Rodriguez by LEAPING OFF A BRIDGE AND CATCHING HER MID-AIR, THEN FALLING ONTO WINDSHIELD OF CAR
- This was due to faith
- Also, by making this face:
- Airplane scene
- Chasing down plane on seemingly endless runway with basically nothing more than a gun and a Honda
- Guns
- MUSCLE-FLEX!!!!
- More fighting
- More muscles
- Vroom, out of plane
- Plane catches on fire, terrorist dies???
- Pointless girl???
- INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR A JOB WELL DONE, ALL THEY AS FOR IS THE INITIAL HOUSE IN THE GHETTO IN L.A. WHERE VIN DIESEL GREW UP...R U DUMB???????
- Tokyo
- Chases
- Muscles
- Jason Statham
- Vin Diesel's face:
Josh's Rating: 4/10
IMDB's Rating: 7.6/10
Do we recommend the film: It's obviously a marketable franchise, and I respect it for what it was able to do at the box office as a summer flick, but no, not really. In the end, it's just a love story (with cars, guns, muscles, and ass-kicking).
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Movie Review, Day 9: "42"
Day 9
Movie: "42"
Ticket Price: $8.75
Showtime: 1:10 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Jackie Robinson, baseball's first African-American player, wasn't playing on the Brooklyn Dodgers to make friends, he just wanted to play ball. Chadwick Boseman plays an excellent Robinson, and the surrounding cast of actors, including Harrison Ford, makes this movie brilliant. I don't know much about baseball, and I didn't know much about Jackie Robinson, yet I still found this movie entertaining and exciting. You want to see Jackie hold his tongue to all the awful names he's called by white men, women, and children. You want to see him succeed in spite of the fact that his race was the initial deterrent to his success.
Watching this film, you can really feel as if you were in the 1940's amidst rampant segregation. That word was used frequently in this movie, and it still makes my skin crawl to hear it beings used, even if it's only for a movie. It's such an emotionally charged word, that one. In some ways, this movie shows how much our great nation has changed over the pasted few decades, but unfortunately, it can also remind us of how it hasn't.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, Nicole Beharie, Lucas Black
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10 or 9/10, he refuses to do decimals, haha!
IMDB's Rating: 7.6/10
Do we recommend the film: Absolutely! This movie is more than just a sports drama: it gives us a glimpse into our past and present, our society, and ourselves.
Ticket Price: $8.75
Showtime: 1:10 pm
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Watching this film, you can really feel as if you were in the 1940's amidst rampant segregation. That word was used frequently in this movie, and it still makes my skin crawl to hear it beings used, even if it's only for a movie. It's such an emotionally charged word, that one. In some ways, this movie shows how much our great nation has changed over the pasted few decades, but unfortunately, it can also remind us of how it hasn't.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, Nicole Beharie, Lucas Black
My Rating: 8.5/10
Josh's Rating: 8/10 or 9/10, he refuses to do decimals, haha!
IMDB's Rating: 7.6/10
Do we recommend the film: Absolutely! This movie is more than just a sports drama: it gives us a glimpse into our past and present, our society, and ourselves.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Movie Review, Day 8: "The Purge"
Day 8
Movie: "The Purge"
Ticket Price: $11.50
Showtime: 8:20 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Government sanctioned crime, one night a year, 12 hours of merciless violence, everything is legal, even murder, in order to purge yourself of all your hatred, anger, and pent-up emotions. Are you in?
James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) sells security systems to people in his neighborhood to protect them from the yearly Purge. He also made a fortune doing so, buying a huge house and living a life of ignorant luxury. He figured just because he had money and a security system that was enough to keep violence away from his family.
He was dead wrong.
At precisely 7pm one night a year, The Purge begins and people must take shelter and assume the best or fight for their lives and join The Purge. This government sanctioned process was enacted by the New Founding Fathers as part of a reborn United States in response to soaring crime rates, a slumping economy and rising unemployment. The scary part is, it worked.
"The Purge" is another film about the haves vs. the have nots. Rich people assume that The Purge is a means of getting rid of the poor "trash," society's burdens, though mass population control, almost a mass cleansing.
I walked out of the theater genuinely terrified. The entire movie I was legitimately frightened. It wasn't just the overall theme of the movie, it was much more than that. The human element is was scared me. People supported this movement, people lived for this movement. TV personnel talked about this as happily as if it were Christmastime. A happy sounding sonata plays over a scene of gruesome murders as the credits roll at the beginning of the film. It really reminded me of watching Nazi propaganda films in high school and how people believed in Hitler, and I got very Hilter-esque vibes throughout the entire movie.
The guy in a suit the row behind us walked out of the theater momentarily and I almost jumped out of my seat when he came back in. Another guy came into our theater and just stood there for a good 3 minutes, staring. I was convinced these two were in cahoots and were going to do us all in.
A lot of this movie is pretty predictable with simple dialogue, which makes it flawed. On the most basic level, it's a home invasion type of violent horror film, this violence is just sanctioned by the government. There's no real twists or turns, you pretty much see everything coming, but there were good "BOO!" moments; the suspense was decent and it had a creepy feel to it, especially the masks the people who show up at the Sandin's doorstep wore...DAMN, those were creepy.
BRB, never letting anyone else in the house ever again.
My Rating: 6/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
Do we recommend the film: The concept is pretty out there, but so are concepts about aliens and monsters and serial killers killing people in dreams. As long as you accept the concept of film and suspend disbelief, you're good to watch this movie. If you have an inherent problem with your government giving you lease and free reign to kill other citizens, stay away. Starring: Ethan Hawke, Lena Heady, and a bunch of other people you've never heard of).
Ticket Price: $11.50
Showtime: 8:20 pm
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) sells security systems to people in his neighborhood to protect them from the yearly Purge. He also made a fortune doing so, buying a huge house and living a life of ignorant luxury. He figured just because he had money and a security system that was enough to keep violence away from his family.
He was dead wrong.
At precisely 7pm one night a year, The Purge begins and people must take shelter and assume the best or fight for their lives and join The Purge. This government sanctioned process was enacted by the New Founding Fathers as part of a reborn United States in response to soaring crime rates, a slumping economy and rising unemployment. The scary part is, it worked.
"The Purge" is another film about the haves vs. the have nots. Rich people assume that The Purge is a means of getting rid of the poor "trash," society's burdens, though mass population control, almost a mass cleansing.
I walked out of the theater genuinely terrified. The entire movie I was legitimately frightened. It wasn't just the overall theme of the movie, it was much more than that. The human element is was scared me. People supported this movement, people lived for this movement. TV personnel talked about this as happily as if it were Christmastime. A happy sounding sonata plays over a scene of gruesome murders as the credits roll at the beginning of the film. It really reminded me of watching Nazi propaganda films in high school and how people believed in Hitler, and I got very Hilter-esque vibes throughout the entire movie.
The guy in a suit the row behind us walked out of the theater momentarily and I almost jumped out of my seat when he came back in. Another guy came into our theater and just stood there for a good 3 minutes, staring. I was convinced these two were in cahoots and were going to do us all in.
A lot of this movie is pretty predictable with simple dialogue, which makes it flawed. On the most basic level, it's a home invasion type of violent horror film, this violence is just sanctioned by the government. There's no real twists or turns, you pretty much see everything coming, but there were good "BOO!" moments; the suspense was decent and it had a creepy feel to it, especially the masks the people who show up at the Sandin's doorstep wore...DAMN, those were creepy.
BRB, never letting anyone else in the house ever again.
My Rating: 6/10
Josh's Rating: 6/10
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
Do we recommend the film: The concept is pretty out there, but so are concepts about aliens and monsters and serial killers killing people in dreams. As long as you accept the concept of film and suspend disbelief, you're good to watch this movie. If you have an inherent problem with your government giving you lease and free reign to kill other citizens, stay away. Starring: Ethan Hawke, Lena Heady, and a bunch of other people you've never heard of).
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