iron man 2

Went to see Iron Man 2 on Sunday morning (10:45am showing!)… possible spoilers???

It wasn’t quite as fresh and original as the first movie but I still found it super fun and entertaining.

My biggest disappointment was, shockingly, Don Cheadle. Especially compared to the awesomeness of Robert Downey Jr. Cheadle played Rhodey so flat. And I normally love him in everything he does! It was like he was just reading lines from the script instead of infusing emotion and charm behind the words. I almost wish Terence Howard wasn’t so greedy to see what he would have done in the role again. He’s the reason why I love Rhodey and his friendship with Stark so much.

On the other hand, I really liked Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. I usually don’t care for her acting at all so I lowered my expectations accordingly and she pleasantly surprised me. Her big fight scene was cool too. A little “pose-y” but whatever. I know that was aaalllll for the guys. Heh.

I also thought Mickey Rourke was effective as Vanko but his death felt a little anticlimactic. It took all of 2 minutes of fighting with Iron Man and War Machine to go down? Some villain! Ehhh.

As mentioned, RDJ was awesome even though Tony was kind of an ass for most of the movie. His interactions with Pepper and Happy made me so… happy. LOL.

So yeah. Go see it! And stay until the end of the credits to see the teaser for the upcoming Thor movie (?).

Brief thoughts on other movies I’ve seen recently…

Julie & Julia
I read the book last week (it was… ok, not really what I expected) so when I finished it, I wanted to see how the movie compared. And I actually liked the movie FAR better than the book. Terrible, right? I feel like I should be totally ashamed. Books are supposed to be better than movies! The main reason I liked the movie so much was because they dedicated a larger part of it to Julia Child and Meryl Streep was amazing in the role. They also toned down Julie’s character (or maybe that was thanks to the charming Amy Adams) and streamlined her storyline a lot, which I appreciated because the book had too many random moments thrown in for no apparent reason. Although I still don’t feel like either the book or the movie adequately explained WHY Julie took on the cooking project in the first place and what her motivation was to keep it going.

Princess and the Frog
Liked it! Didn’t love it. But I think it’s a step in the right direction for Disney. It doesn’t reach the standard they set with old school movies like Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast but it featured likeable characters, awesome sidekicks, and a satisfying story. My only disappointment was the music! None of the songs were very memorable. The only one that I remember is the Ne-Yo song that plays over the end credits but I think that has more to do with the fact that I’m a Ne-Yo fan. I wish Alan Menken hadn’t been replaced. His work in past Disney films really enhanced the movies and the songs stayed with me over the years — I mean, Beauty and the Beast and Part of Your World? Those are classics.

up in the air

So I did talk Rob (and my cousin) into watching Up in the Air last weekend and I liked it!

Spoilers?

I think I liked it so much because I was intrigued by Ryan’s (George Clooney) job of traveling back and forth across the country to fire people. I mean, is there really such a job?! And I found it believable that someone who has this job would live a nomadic lifestyle as well — only living for miles and elite status, pushing friends and family away to avoid having a place to call “home.” I ended up really sympathizing with him as the movie went on. And I attribute a lot of that to George Clooney. Ryan probably wouldn’t have been as likable and charming a character if it weren’t for him.

Towards the end of the movie, I thought they were going for the whole “he gets the girl — and regains his life” ending and as much as I’m a romantic, it wasn’t true to life and I didn’t want the movie to go in that direction. I’m glad it didn’t. Life isn’t easy and I think that Ryan needed to learn that emotional connection doesn’t always happen when you want it to. So I was much happier that the ending was left… up in the air (haha, pun intended). That you weren’t quite sure where Ryan was headed. Was he going to revert back to where he started? Or was he going to move forward and regain his life? I hope it was the latter.

Aside from the story, I thought the acting was solid. Vera Farmiga was beautiful and strong as Alex. But Anna Kendrick’s Natalie Keener totally stole the movie! (She was also one of the best parts of New Moon). She really holds her own against the other two more experienced actors. In fact, my favorite scenes were the ones of the three of them drinking and party-ing in Miami. The casting department really did a great job with this ensemble. They’re so deserving of all their award nominations.

It’s not a movie for everyone but I really appreciated it and hope you will too!

30 Day Meme: Day 2 – Favorite Movie

Day 02 — Your Favorite Movie

Anne of Green Gables. Without a doubt. It’s an amazing adaptation of my favorite book and Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie are the definitive Anne and Gil for me.

avatar + new moon

I saw a few movies in the theatre recently (it’s been months)… so you get to read my thoughts on Avatar and New Moon.

Back on New Year’s Eve, I went to see Avatar AT 9AM (!). Yes, you read that right. I’m pretty sure I woke up earlier that day than I do regularly for work. I honestly didn’t think that many people would watch a movie AT 9AM (!) but when we arrived around 8:30, the line to enter the theatre was winding around the building. Craziness.

We decided to see the movie in IMAX 3-D, which was a great decision but holy cow, it’s expensive! The ticket price is $16.50. Luckily we had discount tickets that made them $12.50 each but still. Maybe I’m just cheap.

I don’t remember the last time I saw a 3-D movie (maybe it was one of the 3-D shows at Disneyland?) but I know it’s been years. So I was not prepared when the lights dimmed, I put on my 3-D glasses and the 20th Century Fox logo on the screen practically jumped out at me. WOW.

So the movie. I wouldn’t say I LOVED it… as in I feel fan-girly about the characters or would buy the DVD to watch it over and over. But I did really enjoy it and appreciate it. It’s an *amazing* movie. Wait — it’s an amazing experience. Admittedly, the story is predictable and generic (reminds me so much of Pocahontas) but it’s so visually stunning (OMG, the floating mountains!) that it almost doesn’t matter. All the Pandoran details were incredible — my personal favorites were the seeds of Eywa and the Tree of Souls — that it really felt as if I was transported into that world. The only thing that kept taking me out of the story was the fact that the humans wanted unobtainium from Pandora. UNOBTAINIUM. I couldn’t help but giggle each time someone said that. I mean, seriously? Regardless, I highly recommend this movie. GO SEE IT!

I think I read somewhere that James Cameron confirmed he would be making a sequel. While I’d like to see if the humans really did leave the Na’Vi alone on Pandora (does anyone really believe that?!), I’d LOVE to see a prequel even more. Like how humans found Pandora in the first place and how initial contact was made with the Na’Vi. I guess it’ll be interesting either way.

I spent this past weekend with my best friends on our annual Girls Weekend where we gossip, eat yummy food, and go to the spa… this year we also decided to watch a movie. We were originally going to see Avatar since neither of them had seen it and really, it’s a CAN’T MISS kind of movie but when we got to the theatre, we saw a poster for New Moon and opted for that instead since it’s a chick flick and all.

I have to say upfront that I’m not a huge fan of the Twilight series. I read all 4 of the books and don’t understand the obsession. I’M SORRY! I tried, I really did. But I don’t like Bella at all and that really colors the story for me.

Back to the movie. I definitely think New Moon was miles better than Twilight. The bigger production budget showed. And it seemed like the acting was better. Despite better acting, though, Kristen Stewart actually made me dislike Bella even more. She’s just so sullen that it makes it hard to root for her. I seriously wanted to reach through the screen, shake her, and tell her to snap out of it! It’s been over a year since I read the book but I don’t remember her being quite so mopey or so flat.

And because everyone always asks… for the record, in the books, I leaned toward Team Edward but so far in the movies, I’ve been Team Jacob. He’s so charming and likable (and darn it, I feel so bad for the guy) while Edward just looks bored. Come on, RPattz! Stop phoning it in.

Anyway, my favorite parts of the movie were all the Volturi scenes because they were so over the top (Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning as Aro and Jane were exactly how I pictured those characters) and pretty much any scenes that had to do with Emmett (not that there were many but Kellan Lutz is awesome), Alice, and Jessica. The only thing I didn’t like about the movie was the way Edward appeared to Bella when she was being reckless/crazy. It looked really cheesy to me. :/

So yay! That’s it. I’m interested in seeing Eclipse when it comes out later this year because I remember liking that book a lot.

I just realized that I have a 3-day weekend coming up (yay MLK) and I’d really love to watch another movie in the theatre. I’d forgotten how much better it is that way. I’m trying to see if Rob will watch Up In the Air. We’ll see.

lazy list

My head hurts but I really want to post something so… here’s some random thoughts in list form.

1. I’m not really a fan of the Twilight series nor did I enjoy the first movie but for some reason, I still want to see New Moon. The clips from the trailers already make it look light years better than the first. Plus, I can’t help that I’m highly amused by the actors off-screen. Kristen Stewart is so uncomfortably awkward in interviews and Robert Pattinson looks high ALL THE TIME. Seriously.

2. I just found out Star Trek is being released on DVD today. I think I’ll have to pick up a copy. Mmmm Chris Pine (GO Bears!).

3. I watched Skate America yesterday (yes, I’m a figure skating fan despite NBC relegating non-Olympics coverage to their lesser network Universal Sports) and I have to say that overall, I’m really disappointed in the (lack of) depth on the US women’s side. Especially with the Winter Olympics coming up! Normally, the US has strong medal contenders but I think whoever makes the team will be fighting for the bronze medal at best. I just don’t think Rachael Flatt, Alissa Czisny, Caroline Zhang, Ashley Wagner, etc. are that good. Technically, they’re ok but they don’t have “it.” I’ll be rooting for Yu-Na Kim all the way.

4. I realized that the reason I can’t watch The Office regularly is because I get second-hand embarrassment. Every episode Michael does or says something ridiculous and I have to look away.

5. Just came back from taking Diesel outside and it is FUH-REEZING out there. I’ve become more and more wimpy to cold weather since moving to Southern CA.

6. I (ok, Rob and I) have been doing a good job at keeping up to date with all our TV. Except for poor Fringe. We’re 3 episodes behind. Argh.

7. I haven’t read a book in months. EEK. So embarrassing. I used to do all my reading during my commute to and from work and now that I work from home, I use that extra time to get more sleep (hehe). I got the first 3 books of the Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood series for my birthday so hopefully they’ll get me motivated to read again.

8. The Starbucks red cups are back!!! I get my fave Nonfat Peppermint Mocha year-round but there’s just something special about getting it in the official holiday cup.

9. I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving. A little more than a week! Turkey festivities will start off at lunch at my cousin’s house and I can’t wait.

10. Then of course, the day after Thanksgiving is another day I look forward to. BLACK FRIDAY. YAYAYAYAY. Rob and I never really have “big ticket” items that we need to buy… for some reason, we just like checking out the random items that are on sale. Thanks to Black Friday Ads I feel very well-prepared to hit the sales at Best Buy, Target, K-Mart, etc. I’m planning to get some DVDs and also a new wireless mouse for my laptop. ALSO. And possibly more importantly, Black Friday is the day we get our CHRISTMAS TREE. OMGSOEXCITING.

… That’s it for now. Back later.

the hangover

I saw The Hangover a few weekends ago and it was HILARIOUS. At first, I thought it was going to be one of those movies where all the funny stuff is in the trailers. NOT SO. I haven’t laughed so hard in a REALLY REALLY long time. I loved it!

I highly recommend this movie to everyone. Ok, I take that back. If you’re female and get offended easily by stereotypes, I would probably skip this movie. The movie isn’t kind to women and the major female characters are pretty ridiculous (stripper with a heart of gold, girlfriend who cheated and is a raging b*tch). If you can get past those cliches, though, this is a good movie. Really.

This is usually the part of the post where I list some of my favorite quotes… unfortunately, I can’t post any because I would have to censor them all. Heh.

So go see this movie! And don’t forget to stay for the end credits. Trust me.

up

The lazy stick hit me again.

I’ve been preoccupied with watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 marathons (they are totally separated; how sad), catching up with the show Life that my cousin got me addicted to (like I NEED another show to add to my TV viewing schedule), rooting for the LAKERS, hanging out with visiting friends, and even summer vacation planning.

Speaking of vacations, I just remembered a (maybe?) funny story from a few weekends ago. So Rob and I are tentatively planning an overseas vacation for our first anniversary this summer. While we haven’t officially booked anything yet (waiting and waiting for my vacation to be approved), I figured that I should go ahead and update my passport since I changed my name. Plus, I couldn’t wait to change my passport photo. It is THE WORST picture ever. It was raining in SF the day I took it and I didn’t think to take off my big wool coat or the scarf around my neck for the picture. So I look all huge and bulky. Not a good look. Since I can renew my passport by mail, all I have to do is fill out the application with my new name, write a check for the fee, and send a couple of 2×2 photos. I took my new passport photos at a local mail center and they are EVEN WORSE than the previous ones. My eyes are half closed so I look like I am sleeping standing up. UGH UGH UGH. I was so tempted to take them again but I’m cheap and didn’t want to spend another $10. I’ll just have to live with it for the next 10 years. GREAT.

ANYWAY.

I went to see Up this past weekend. (spoilers?)
Continue reading »

terminator

I went to see Terminator Salvation yesterday.

I wanted to love this movie so much but instead, I have mixed feelings.
Continue reading »

star trek

I thought the release date for Star Trek was Friday, May 8 but for some reason, it was playing at our local movie theatre on Thursday night. So off we went!

The trailers shown before the movie totally got me excited for summer movies! I want to see…

G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra. Channing Tatum.
Terminator Salvation. CHRISTIAN BALE. *drool*
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. No, not because of Shia LaBeouf. It’s all about Bumblebee! Oh, also Josh Duhamel.

YAY FOR FUN SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS WITH CUTE BOYS.

Back to Star Trek. Confession – I’m not a Trekkie. I might have seen 1 or 2 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation (I thought Wil Wheaton was cool) but I never saw the original series or any of the previous movies. So my thoughts on the new movie might be totally off the mark. Oh well.

So I really, really liked it! I liked that it was accessible to non-fans like me. I’m sure there were lots of inside jokes and references but I never felt left out.

Spoilers? Maybe.

The cast was amazing. I absolutely LOVED Karl Urban as Bones. Chris Pine did a great job as Kirk too — he’s a cocky character but Pine managed to make him charming and likable. I’m a fan of Zachary Quinto’s so I naturally thought he was a great Spock. The weakest link was Zoe Saldana as Uhura but I’ve never really liked her acting. I always feel like she’s OVER-acting. The interaction between the whole cast felt natural and real — I particularly loved the friendships between Kirk/Bones (one of my favorite scenes was when Bones injected Kirk with a virus to get him on board Enterprise and Kirk kept saying “STOP IT” — lol-arious) and Kirk/Spock (they had a great push/pull relationship).

The movie started out strong with an amazing opening sequence. I only knew Kirk’s dad for a few minutes and my heart broke. After that, the movie took a while to get going again (although totally necessary to introduce the characters and their background) but once it did, the action was pretty much non-stop until the end. Like I said earlier, I know nothing about Star Trek canon so I thought the twist of the alternate reality was interesting. I have no idea how hard core fans will react but I like that this movie (and any of its possible sequels) now exists in a different “universe” from all the previous ones.

My only real complaint about the movie is that Nero is kinda boring and forgettable. THE VILLAIN of all characters. What a waste of Eric Bana!

Regardless, I would totally watch this again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

february update

Random entry alert! I’ve wanted to do a “what I’ve been up to” post for awhile now (really an excuse to post some pics) but am always too lazy… here’s a quickie version.

Back on Valentine’s Day, Rob and I went to the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland. We bought annual passes for each other for Christmas and finally went to get them activated. The best thing about having annual passes is that we don’t feel the need to do EVERYTHING in one day. We can totally take our time, relax, and visit select attractions. The most important thing we wanted to do on this trip is ride Toy Story Mania at California Adventure. It’s an interactive midway ride and it is SO FUN. Seriously. It’s a MUST.

Here I am in my Mickey ears and the Toy Story 3-D glasses. Spiffy.

Of course a trip to CA is not complete without visiting the Animation Academy. This time we drew Goofy. My drawing is on the right.

Lunch was at Cafe Orleans. We shared French Onion soup, Pommes Frites (garlic fries with the yummiest aioli ever), and a Monte Cristo sandwich (turkey, ham and cheese fried in a light batter with berry puree). Not the healthiest lunch but SO GOOD.

Before we left, we made sure to get on Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. I had a measly 46,300 points. Rob totally beat me with 93,700. Too bad for Rob the picture got our scores mixed up. OOPSIE. Hehe.

The following weekend we celebrated our friend Sebastian’s birthday with pizza at Round Table (his choice) and dessert at Guppy House. There were 9 of us and we shared a large mixed fruit shave ice. It was GINORMOUS. We barely finished it.

I’ve been going through lots of Netflix movies lately too…

Eagle Eye
Entertaining but not very good. :/ Reminded me too much of I, Robot. Not very original. Also, I guess Transformers didn’t really require much acting from him because this movie made me realize Shia LaBeouf is a pretty good actor. I liked him a lot here.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Another Shia LaBeouf movie! Only meh. Lots of potential too. I just didn’t care for the storyline AT ALL. And the dialogue was so predictable. I lost count at how many lines Rob would guess before the words even came out of the characters’ mouths. Disappointing.

Wanted
I had no expectations before watching this movie so it was a pleasant surprise to find myself really enjoying it! Lots of thrilling action sequences and a well-constructed storyline. Plus, James McAvoy!

What else? Hmm… a couple of random things…

I love when DVDs have digital copies included. I load them right onto my iPod to take with me to the gym. As much as I love listening to music when doing cardio, my mind inevitably wanders, I get bored, and I stare at the clock. Watching and listening to episodes or movies definitely keeps me occupied.

Our Wii broke. I tried to use it yesterday but the console was eerily quiet (you couldn’t hear it booting up) and the TV just had a blank screen. After checking all the connections and looking up the problem on the Nintendo site, we determined that we had to send it back. Unfortunately, the repair would cost $75, $10 shipping, and CA tax, which was almost $100. !!! We might as well buy a new one. UGH UGH UGH.