Saturday, June 30, 2007

June 2007 Books and Movies

The Year of Yes
Maria Dahvana Headley

Great book about opening your mind and possibly finding love along the way. Many times during my LL adventures I had to remind myself that a date requires an open mind to see if anything is there. I admire her attitude and bravery, she certainly dated some unusual characters. A mime, a homeless guy who thought he was the re-incarnation of Jimi Hendrix, a 70 year old Salsa dancer who only spoke Spanish, to name a few. An intriguing, smart and humorously self-deprecating read. She must be one great playwright, can't wait to read some more of her work.

Knocked Up

Pretty good, but be warned, the f-word is used ridiculously often and there are some very graphic scenes. They didn't quite get the balance right between the humour and the drama. Katherine Heigle was good, it was weird to see her playing a character other than Izzy Stevens. Not as good as The 40 Year Old Virgin but there were some really great moments.

The Stupidest Angel
Christopher Moore

Loved it!!!! Funny, strange, disturbing, kooky and fantastic. I love, love, love this writer. I am a little obsessed... :) Can't wait to read everything else he's written, especially the ones that feature characters that are in this book. I'm one of those strange people who doesn't think that Xmas is the greatest holiday, usually, I am done with it almost before it starts. I don't want to give anything away, but Santa takes a shovel upside the head to kick things off. It's fairly short and a really easy read so go read it!

Monday, June 18, 2007

It's the Little Things...

Yessssss! Ms Vickie's has introduced a new flavour of chips, "aged cheddar and spring onion". Seven years after discovering Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps in the UK, and only getting to taste them once in a while from the great import shop in downtown Oakville, they are on regular shelves. But, of course, only in moderation! Very tasty...try them out!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

May 2007 Books and Movies

Pirates of the Carribean: World's End

Finally, a 3rd sequel that was good! I have loved this entire series from the first movie. I think Orlando Bloom has something to do with it! :) This installment was a tad long at almost 3 hours and I would definitely recommend re-watching the first two movies before hand. I had no idea what was going on for the first half hour, they don't give you much back story. Keith Richards was freakin' hilarious. Even if you don't like the franchise, he'll make you laugh. If there was anyone who needed the least possible makeup to become a pirate, it's him. Stay until after the end credits for an extra scene, it's actually relevant, unlike the one at the end of Pirates II. When it comes out on DVD, it'll be cool to watch the three back to back.

A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana
Haven Kimmel

Great throwback memoir to a quieter time. Kimmel is a master of metaphor and descriptive writing. It's a little sleepy to start but as you move through the book, the characters are fleshed out and the it starts to roll along. I was actually surprised when it ended, I was expecting more. Not for everyone, especially if you want a hectic plot, but for those of us who love language, it's a treat.

A Dirty Job
Christopher Moore

Love it, loved it, loved it! Took a little while to get into, because I didn't get some of the death lore in the begining, but the story explains what it's talking about so well, that it all started to make sense. Funny, laugh out loud at times, disturbing and creative, from his creative metaphors to his descriptions of San Francisco this guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I also really like the way he brings minor characters from previous novels into subsequent storylines. Minty Fresh, a great lesser character from Coyote Blue has a much larger role as a Death Merchant in this one. The fact that the evil forces of darkness are funny is great. Loved Charlie Asher and the whole concept of the Beta Male. A definite must read.

Shrek the Third

Oh when will I ever learn that seqels usually suck! It wasn't walk out of theatre bad, but I hardly laughed at all. The new improved animation tricks were pretty cool. The jokes were almost all geared toward adults, I have no idea how a kid could find anything to laugh at, although maybe the sight gags were enough. Justin Timberlake was pretty awful. The original Shrek is still the best, but I know I would go to another one if it were made. I am such a sucker!

Spiderman III

Not as good as the first two. Still liked the first one the best. Too many villans, not enough plot, the usual contrivances. I don't even read the comic books and knew that it didn't ring true. Still like Toby and that Franco kid is pretty hot. The CGI stuff was cool, especially the black suit. I couldn't believe the age of some of the kids that were in the theatre. One of them, must have been around 3 or 4, fell asleep, the woke up with a start at a particulary violent part and started screaming. Poor kid, what were his parents thinking? Glad I saw it, but wouldn't see it again unless someone else chose to rent it as a dvd. Hopefully they'll stop at 3 and not kill it with a pointless 4th movie that has none of the original actors in it.

Hot Fuzz

Laugh out loud hilarious. Well worth the price of admission and a second screening! I'm not usually a big fan of gore, but this film was so funny that the blood didn't bother me so much. Really want to see Shaun of the Dead now, just for the two actors who pair up again in this movie. Apparently they are best friends in real life. I've always loved films set in the UK and the southern sleepy village chosen was perfect. The fast paced shots and camera movements were interesting although a little hard on the eyes. Great, definitely go see it!