Inception

Mike and I were finally able to get out and see this 2.5 hour movie at the theaters this past week and really enjoyed it! It's a refreshing change from the mostly dull summer movie line-up. It was unique, visually appealing and actually made you think. I like having to keep my brain working on hyper speed for a change. There are so many "easy" movies out there. Movies that allow you to sit back and laugh or go along for the ride without really making you analyze anything. Don't get me wrong, I like an "easy" movie as much as the next person, but my favorite movies are always the ones that push the envelope a bit and force you to either strain to understand or consider something you hadn't before.

When I look back at movies that really caught my attention at some point in time, I realize that the ones that made an impact were the ones that broke the mold so to speak. This could be with the plot/storyline, visual effects, or simply evoked a strong emotional reaction.

Some of the movies I deem as being worthy of a special nod are listed below.






These are just a few of the movies that popped into my head as impressive. And one cannot forget LOST, as the first TV show to give me a headache (in a good way)!

To close, I want to also give a thumbs up to an underdog called
"Remember Me".

I had my doubts about this movie since it didn't garner the best reviews and I was hesitant to see how Robert Pattinson did. But, I was pleasantly surprised! It had some decent acting and a twist at the end that you don't expect. I always love a good twist. In fact, I almost prefer when you don't get a fairytale ending. There are so many movies out there that do what is expected so as not to let down the viewer. I prefer movies to occasionally reflect real life and life does not always have a picture perfect ending. That may be why I liked Titanic, The Upside of Anger, Pans Labryth, Man on Fire, Romeo and Juliet, A walk to Remember, Blood Diamond, and Lucky Number Sleven. So if you don't like to feel a bit uncomfortable or sad, you probably don't like these movies. Hopefully there are more films like Inception and Remember Me waiting in the theater wings!

Twilight Saga~ Eclipse!

Three words: best movie yet! I am so pleased with the making of the third book in the saga. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to my favorite of the four, but i shouldn't have been. I had a great viewing! I went with my partner in crime, Katie and ended up in the smaller of the two theaters with almost ALL ADULTS! No screaming, no giggling...okay a tiny bit...and no talking. I was amazed. I am not sure how we lucked out but I am greatful. A room full of chatty, squeeling girls can really ruin a movie.

I really thought the movie stuck close to the book. As close as they could for a two hour movie and staying PG-13. There were of course a few scenes that were different, either tweeked to help keep the movie flowing or added for entertainment value. I expected this. BUT, I thought this was the best adapted screen-writing so far. The actors did a great job in comparison to the first two, which I attribute to them becoming more comfortable both with their characters and in the media spotlight. They seemed more natural and unrestrained. I also enjoyed the tone that was set by the new director. David Slade was able to bring the romantic entanglement that is Bella, Edward and Jacob and mix it in very well with the action of the story and the character storyline flashbacks. I would of course, have liked to see the movie 2.5 hours instead to really fill in the transitions between scenes and be able to include more "character developement" time. But, that's the way it works I guess.

I was happy to see that they developed Bella's relationship with people a little more, and to see Rosalie and Jasper's stories/pasts unfold. And lastly, i was glad that they diverted a bit from the love triangle to show what was happening with the Newborn Army in Seattle instead of sticking with the story from Bella's point of veiw (which is how the book is!). I thought this diversion from the book was a solid choice and flowed well if you read the side novel called: The short second life of Bree Tanner. This little novella, that came out before the movie, was a side story following one of the younger "newborn" vampires created by Victoria (the villain) and was featured in Eclipse.

I am very happy with the film and can't wait to see it again!!!