The last couple of days have been a blur. And someday I'll be able to write about it. But for now, I rely on the strength God has given me and the love and support of my 682 family. Because we wouldn't be able to make it without one another.
RIP Jess
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
02-15-2012
Last night Elizabeth and I continued with the tradition of a Valentine's date night double feature. Last year we watched Valentine's Day and Paranormal Activity 2. So, in keeping with tradition, we watched Crazy, Stupid, Love. and Paranormal Activity 3.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. has a great ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, and Kevin Bacon. It's a film that covers a lot of emotions genres, and has a few different plotlines that eventually intersect and I didn't see it coming. I give props to the writing and directing for something that seems so obvious and yet blindsided me. It really was a great film, one that Elizabeth and I both enjoyed a lot. I really enjoyed Stone and Gosling's pairing, and that Goslings character "Miyagi'ed" Carells.
Paranormal Activity 3 was a decent expansion onto the story. It was creepy at times, especially since kids were involved. I hate when things from the trailer don't make it into the film, and that has happened with both sequels in this series. But I do enjoy series like this, since Elizabeth isn't into gore and slasher films. I thought putting the camera onto the oscillating fan base was great, and the scene with the babysitter down stairs was easily the best scare for us.
Now I'm curious as to what next years double feature will be, unless there is a Paranormal Activity 4 for us to watch.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. has a great ensemble cast that includes Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, and Kevin Bacon. It's a film that covers a lot of emotions genres, and has a few different plotlines that eventually intersect and I didn't see it coming. I give props to the writing and directing for something that seems so obvious and yet blindsided me. It really was a great film, one that Elizabeth and I both enjoyed a lot. I really enjoyed Stone and Gosling's pairing, and that Goslings character "Miyagi'ed" Carells.
Paranormal Activity 3 was a decent expansion onto the story. It was creepy at times, especially since kids were involved. I hate when things from the trailer don't make it into the film, and that has happened with both sequels in this series. But I do enjoy series like this, since Elizabeth isn't into gore and slasher films. I thought putting the camera onto the oscillating fan base was great, and the scene with the babysitter down stairs was easily the best scare for us.
Now I'm curious as to what next years double feature will be, unless there is a Paranormal Activity 4 for us to watch.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
02-14-2012
Elizabeth and I had a great time this weekend helping out at the Weekend to Remember. We attended last year, and that is how we got involved with FamilyLife. Friday night, we helped out at the registration table, and the rest of the weekend we were just helping out where needed. We love being involved in the FamilyLife ministry, and already look forward to next years event.
Been on a movie kick recently. Just knocking some library rentals out, plus hanging out with Dave again.
I watched Kung Fu Panda 2 Sunday night. I really enjoyed it, and it will be something to add to the collection eventually. Not sure if I would say it's better than the first one, but that's only because it's been a while since I have seen it. I'm a sucker for most kid/family films, and it's hard for me to not be entertained by one of them.
Monday, Dave came over and we braved watching The Thing (2011). In the end, it wasn't a bad movie. The pacing was off a bit, and knowing how the movie ends because of John Carpenter's The Thing, I think it was hard to not judge the film. I enjoyed the acting for the most part, and thought the effects were decent. As a prequel to Carpenter's film, it was nice to see how things played out. After watching it, I read about how the director and his team made sure that all the details were right, and had stills from the Norwegian site as seen in Carpenter's film so they would be correct, which I thought was very cool. I might eventually buy it, if found at a decent price.
After that, we watching Terminator Salvation. I really enjoyed it. I loved the concept that Sam Worthington was a Terminator, but didn't realize it. Christian Bale was John Conner was great, but Bale is one of my favorite actors so I'm always impressed with his work. And I had forgotten that Kyle Reese was a character in this film as well, which I thought Anton Yelchin did a good job at. Seeing the post-Judgment Day world is a good way to progress the franchise, and I'm hoping that Bale and Yelchin return for any further chapters. Also, the surprise "cameo" (it's CGI) of Arnold as the T-800 was nice.
Dave also came over this afternoon and we watched a Chang Chen film, Ten Tigers of Kwangtung. It was an enjoyable film, told mostly in flashback (the movie is pieced together by 3 different people adding to the story), and has some great fighting, which is really the reason we watch Chen films to begin with. That and the kills. And the finale to this one doesn't disappoint.
Been on a movie kick recently. Just knocking some library rentals out, plus hanging out with Dave again.
I watched Kung Fu Panda 2 Sunday night. I really enjoyed it, and it will be something to add to the collection eventually. Not sure if I would say it's better than the first one, but that's only because it's been a while since I have seen it. I'm a sucker for most kid/family films, and it's hard for me to not be entertained by one of them.
Monday, Dave came over and we braved watching The Thing (2011). In the end, it wasn't a bad movie. The pacing was off a bit, and knowing how the movie ends because of John Carpenter's The Thing, I think it was hard to not judge the film. I enjoyed the acting for the most part, and thought the effects were decent. As a prequel to Carpenter's film, it was nice to see how things played out. After watching it, I read about how the director and his team made sure that all the details were right, and had stills from the Norwegian site as seen in Carpenter's film so they would be correct, which I thought was very cool. I might eventually buy it, if found at a decent price.
After that, we watching Terminator Salvation. I really enjoyed it. I loved the concept that Sam Worthington was a Terminator, but didn't realize it. Christian Bale was John Conner was great, but Bale is one of my favorite actors so I'm always impressed with his work. And I had forgotten that Kyle Reese was a character in this film as well, which I thought Anton Yelchin did a good job at. Seeing the post-Judgment Day world is a good way to progress the franchise, and I'm hoping that Bale and Yelchin return for any further chapters. Also, the surprise "cameo" (it's CGI) of Arnold as the T-800 was nice.
Dave also came over this afternoon and we watched a Chang Chen film, Ten Tigers of Kwangtung. It was an enjoyable film, told mostly in flashback (the movie is pieced together by 3 different people adding to the story), and has some great fighting, which is really the reason we watch Chen films to begin with. That and the kills. And the finale to this one doesn't disappoint.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
02-09-2012
I guess watching the Terminator franchise has put me into a sci-fi mood, as my movie watching this week progressed into the genre.
I watched Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines a few nights back, and I still enjoy it. It's a little corny at times, but it has a really great car chase scene in it involving a lot of destruction, and then I like that we get to see SkyNet begin its takeover. I remember seeing T3 in theaters the summer it came out and being shocked that Judgment Day arrives at the end of the movie.
Still haven't watched Terminator: Salvation, but that's because I'm going to watch it with Dave so I have to work it into the schedule.
Last weekend I borrowed Billy's Blu-Ray of Blade Runner, just to see what kind of stuff was on it and to see if it was worth upgrading eventually. And it totally is.
I watched the final cut of Blade Runner Monday night, and it looks amazing on Blu-Ray. I seriously couldn't believe I was watching a 30-year-old movie. I couldn't tell much between Ridley Scott's final and director's cut, but it has been quite a while since I have last seen the DC. I think the more I watch this movie, the more I like it. I don't know if my mood changes, or I just see a bit more with each viewing. But there are a few movies that I've been impartial to at first, and then the next time I really like them.
So, as good as Blade Runner is, the BR has a special treat that is right up the alley I've been looking for recently, with making of documentaries. Not only does it have a disc filled with informative bits about the characters, Philip K. Dick, and other things, disc 2 is a 3-1/2 hour documentary about the making of the film. Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner is so much, I've yet to finish watching it! I'm about a little over half way through, and watching it has made me appreciate the actual film that much more. The turmoil behind the scenes and on-set makes me wonder how this film ever got finished and released in the first place.
Last Saturday, we threw a surprise party for Brandi's 40th. A group of us (Brandi, Gina, Brian, Amanda, Jamie, Billy, Jeff, Sheila, Dave, Elizabeth, and myself) all went to dinner at County Grill, and afterwards we went ice skating at IcePlex, where we were joined by Rocky, Rachel, Katie, & Angel and his family. I had never been ice skating before, and it's been over probably 15 years since I had skated. But, I decided I would at least give it a try. And I'm glad I did, as it was a lot of fun! I never fell down, and I actually was able to get away from the wall and skate.
Sunday night, after the new discipleship classes and fellowship was over, Elizabeth and I went over to Gammy's house to watch the Super Bowl with Lindsey, Brian, Bud, Kathy, and of course Gammy. We also played Farkel, and I ended the night as reigning champ so we'll have to go back and play sometime soon.
The game was good, and very tense during the final 2 minutes. I didn't see many of the commercials, but I did watch the movie ones online, and I seriously cannot wait until G.I. Joe: Retaliation comes out.
I watched Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines a few nights back, and I still enjoy it. It's a little corny at times, but it has a really great car chase scene in it involving a lot of destruction, and then I like that we get to see SkyNet begin its takeover. I remember seeing T3 in theaters the summer it came out and being shocked that Judgment Day arrives at the end of the movie.
Still haven't watched Terminator: Salvation, but that's because I'm going to watch it with Dave so I have to work it into the schedule.
Last weekend I borrowed Billy's Blu-Ray of Blade Runner, just to see what kind of stuff was on it and to see if it was worth upgrading eventually. And it totally is.
I watched the final cut of Blade Runner Monday night, and it looks amazing on Blu-Ray. I seriously couldn't believe I was watching a 30-year-old movie. I couldn't tell much between Ridley Scott's final and director's cut, but it has been quite a while since I have last seen the DC. I think the more I watch this movie, the more I like it. I don't know if my mood changes, or I just see a bit more with each viewing. But there are a few movies that I've been impartial to at first, and then the next time I really like them.
So, as good as Blade Runner is, the BR has a special treat that is right up the alley I've been looking for recently, with making of documentaries. Not only does it have a disc filled with informative bits about the characters, Philip K. Dick, and other things, disc 2 is a 3-1/2 hour documentary about the making of the film. Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner is so much, I've yet to finish watching it! I'm about a little over half way through, and watching it has made me appreciate the actual film that much more. The turmoil behind the scenes and on-set makes me wonder how this film ever got finished and released in the first place.
Last Saturday, we threw a surprise party for Brandi's 40th. A group of us (Brandi, Gina, Brian, Amanda, Jamie, Billy, Jeff, Sheila, Dave, Elizabeth, and myself) all went to dinner at County Grill, and afterwards we went ice skating at IcePlex, where we were joined by Rocky, Rachel, Katie, & Angel and his family. I had never been ice skating before, and it's been over probably 15 years since I had skated. But, I decided I would at least give it a try. And I'm glad I did, as it was a lot of fun! I never fell down, and I actually was able to get away from the wall and skate.
Sunday night, after the new discipleship classes and fellowship was over, Elizabeth and I went over to Gammy's house to watch the Super Bowl with Lindsey, Brian, Bud, Kathy, and of course Gammy. We also played Farkel, and I ended the night as reigning champ so we'll have to go back and play sometime soon.
The game was good, and very tense during the final 2 minutes. I didn't see many of the commercials, but I did watch the movie ones online, and I seriously cannot wait until G.I. Joe: Retaliation comes out.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Hasta la Vista, Baby
I've been lackluster with the writing lately. It's not that I don't want to write. This is my outlet. I'm just not making it a priority, which is fine, but I do need to start making time to do it so I don't stop completely.
Work was ok this week. Last night was the worst of it, and it was a surprisingly good night. The second of the month, and I had one call-out and a no-show. Thankfully one cashier was willing to come back and work after working an earlier shift. If she hadn't come back, last night probably wouldn't have been so good.
I've been in the mood for documentaries and making of features recently, but a lot of the stuff I want to watch I want to watch after the movie, so expect a lot of things coming down soon. I finally decided a series to start with on Monday, when I watched The Terminator. I watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day yesterday, and will probably have the other two movies in the franchise watched by early next week.
First things first: I finally reached a point where I think T1 is the superior film. As Dave pointed out, a lot of people remember T2 from their childhood, so that's why they like it more. And I think that's one of the reasons I was always impartial to it. But after watching them so closely together, I think that T1 is the better film. First off, Arnie as the villain is just cooler. I love Robert Patrick as the T-1000, but the original Terminator is so methodical and menacing. I know that T1 doesn't have the effects and budget of T2, but that is also one of the reasons it is such a great film. And after watching the documentary about the making of T1, and seeing all that got put into it, it really shines as a film. It holds up well, for being almost 30 years old.
Another thing about T2: I found John Conner annoying.
T2 does have some great moments though: the mall scene when John is finally found by both T-800 and the T-1000, and the chase sequence that follows. The shoot-out at Dyson's place, and the destruction of CyberDyne. And of course the final chase sequence, that ends at the steel mill.
I was a little sad that T2 didn't have any making of features. There are some commentaries, but that is not what I'm looking for. I've got a couple documentaries I might watch without watching the movie first, so they might be watched soon. And I might finally crack and start watching the plethora of stuff that is with the LOTR DVDs.
Work was ok this week. Last night was the worst of it, and it was a surprisingly good night. The second of the month, and I had one call-out and a no-show. Thankfully one cashier was willing to come back and work after working an earlier shift. If she hadn't come back, last night probably wouldn't have been so good.
I've been in the mood for documentaries and making of features recently, but a lot of the stuff I want to watch I want to watch after the movie, so expect a lot of things coming down soon. I finally decided a series to start with on Monday, when I watched The Terminator. I watched Terminator 2: Judgment Day yesterday, and will probably have the other two movies in the franchise watched by early next week.
First things first: I finally reached a point where I think T1 is the superior film. As Dave pointed out, a lot of people remember T2 from their childhood, so that's why they like it more. And I think that's one of the reasons I was always impartial to it. But after watching them so closely together, I think that T1 is the better film. First off, Arnie as the villain is just cooler. I love Robert Patrick as the T-1000, but the original Terminator is so methodical and menacing. I know that T1 doesn't have the effects and budget of T2, but that is also one of the reasons it is such a great film. And after watching the documentary about the making of T1, and seeing all that got put into it, it really shines as a film. It holds up well, for being almost 30 years old.
Another thing about T2: I found John Conner annoying.
T2 does have some great moments though: the mall scene when John is finally found by both T-800 and the T-1000, and the chase sequence that follows. The shoot-out at Dyson's place, and the destruction of CyberDyne. And of course the final chase sequence, that ends at the steel mill.
I was a little sad that T2 didn't have any making of features. There are some commentaries, but that is not what I'm looking for. I've got a couple documentaries I might watch without watching the movie first, so they might be watched soon. And I might finally crack and start watching the plethora of stuff that is with the LOTR DVDs.
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