Tuesday, June 28
New Photo Blog
News!!! I have started a new blog over on Tumblr for my 365 day photo challenge. I'm still kind of intimidated by this project, but I'm gonna do it. I'm going to start on the first of July, so soon. This doesn't mean that this blog will go away. I'll still do bigger posts here. Everything over there will be either photos or small random thoughts. Oh right, I suppose you all want to know what the address for this new blog is. Well in that case, here you go! gadogttas.tumblr.com Enjoy!!!
Thursday, June 23
Yet Another Movie Post
Well, here we go again. Even more movie reviews. Let's dive right in.
The Tourist - (watched 4.29.11) Let's be honest here for a second. This movie had Johnny Depp in it. Really, there's not much more that I need in a movie to enjoy it. This movie had more, is the thing. The action was pretty good, nothing too spectacular or ridiculous, but it fit the rest of the movie. I thought parts of it were really hilarious, and there's actually some pretty good twists in the plot. As an aside, most of the Russian was good. It seemed like the extras, at least, were probably native speakers. Final rating: 4/5
Hereafter - (watched 4.30.11) This movie was pretty unique. I think I enjoyed it, at least to a point. It's definitely a 'thinking' movie. You can't just watch it with your brain turned off and coast through it. This movie deals with death in a very direct way, which is rather unusual for most of Hollywood. It addresses head-on the issue of God and an afterlife of some kind. I thought that it was very bold in the style of storytelling, since it didn't romanticize everything too much. There was a bit of a hokey ending, but all in all, I enjoyed it. Final rating: 3/5
Thor - (watched 5.6.11) Before seeing this movie, I had heard from early reviewers that it was the best superhero movie since The Dark Knight. I thought that was fairly high praise, so I didn't get my hopes up TOO much. I was pleasantly surprised by Thor. It wasn't just a comic book movie with explosions and buff dudes fighting. There was actually a story and characters that I cared about. The other awesome thing was that the villain wasn't simply one-note. He also had some character development that showed why he did what he did. Final rating: 4/5
Battle: Los Angeles - (watched 5.12.11) After seeing trailers for this movie and hearing it described as an alien invasion flick meets a war movie, I was pretty sure that it would consist of a truckload of explosions with some action set-pieces to tie it all together, without too much of a plot. And I got exactly what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, this movie does what it wants to very well. It doesn't really pretend to be much more than an alien/war movie. And they were pretty explosions.... Final rating: 3.5/5
The King's Speech - (watched 5.13.11) This movie is a masterpiece. After winning a ton of awards and hearing that they were releasing an edited version in theaters, I knew that I just had to go see it. I was not disappointed. The characters are so real, and you truly feel for them in their struggles and in their triumphs. Ultimately, this is really a feel-good movie. I liked it a lot. Final rating: 4.5/5
Solaris - (watched 6.2.11) This was one that had been sitting in my Netflix queue for a while, and I don't even remember why I put it in, to be honest. I wasn't too impressed with it, to be honest. It was kinda weird, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, in this case, it seemed like the weird wasn't doing anything for the plot. This movie tried too hard to be a commentary on the meaning of life, and it didn't work so well. Final rating: 2.5/5
Forrest Gump - (watched 6.10.11) Yes, I know, I'm finally getting around to watching this movie. I had seen bits and pieces over the past several years, but now I've seen it from start to finish. Let me just say that I'm not surprised at all that Tom Hanks won Best Actor for this performance. It was amazing. I was also pretty impressed with how well done the sequences were that included him in the historic events. In any case, this movie is wonderful. Final rating: 4.5/5
Wild Wild West - (watched 6.11.11) Oh Will Smith.... Usually you can make any movie watchable. Not so much with this one. If you haven't ever seen it, don't even bother. Ok, there are a few funny moments, and the giant mechanical spider is pretty sweet, but even that can't make up for the rest of this atrocity of a film. Spend your two hours watching something worthwhile. Like Scott Pilgrim! Final rating: 1.5/5
Super 8 - (watched 6.11.11) I was super (hehehe...) hyped about this movie going into it. I mean, sure, the cast was mostly just a bunch of kids that had never been in anything before, but it was from J.J. Abrams! I've enjoyed pretty much everything he's ever had a hand in. (side note: I even liked the end of Lost. So sue me.) (side note 2: Fringe is the greatest show on TV right now. Look for a post soon on that....) Anyway, back to Super 8. I don't think it's quite as much of a classic as E.T., but it's got kind of a similar feel, but with a scary twist to it. I would highly recommend it. Final rating: 4/5
X-Men: First Class - (watched 6.17.11) After X3, which I thought was rather terrible, and Wolverine, which I still haven't finished (I've started it three separate times....), I didn't have super high hopes for First Class. I'm so glad I was proven wrong. This is the way X-Men movies should be. It was super interesting to see a side of Charles Xavier that we didn't see in the earlier movies. Despite the inconsistencies with X3, I'm way happier with this film because of them. Final rating: 4/5
Wanted - (watched 6.17.11) We came back from X-Men at the theater and had a James McAvoy double feature! This movie was ridiculous. In a good way. Crazy-over-the-top action sequences, along with the oh-so-convenient magic water that heals them all up so they can get beat up even more. I just thought that was kinda cool in a way, but also a bit too convenient. Of course, in a world where they can bend bullets, I guess I should just roll with it. Final rating: 3.5/5
Hanna - (watched 6.18.11) I enjoyed this movie, but not as much as other people that I've talked to about it. I thought it was a good movie, but I didn't absolutely love it. It was kind of interesting and a bit unnerving to see a young girl kicking so much trash, but then again, I guess that's kind of the point. It's an interesting message about how much influence parents have in general on their children. Anyway, it was an alright movie. Final rating: 3/5
Black Swan - (watched 6.21.11) Just as I was expecting from a Darren Aronofsky movie, this one was super trippy, creepy, and weird. This one has more jumpy moments than The Fountain, but it's really amazing how thoroughly he can get inside your head. I'm glad I don't live inside of his head, because it's probably a really sick and twisted place.... That said, this movie was pretty awesome. Final rating: 4/5
Pick of the post: I'm gonna go with two this time again. Forrest Gump and The King's Speech.
Also, random comment: This post had a lot more variety in the ratings I gave each movie. I kinda like that, even though it means I had to watch a couple of stinkers. Until next time!
Thor - (watched 5.6.11) Before seeing this movie, I had heard from early reviewers that it was the best superhero movie since The Dark Knight. I thought that was fairly high praise, so I didn't get my hopes up TOO much. I was pleasantly surprised by Thor. It wasn't just a comic book movie with explosions and buff dudes fighting. There was actually a story and characters that I cared about. The other awesome thing was that the villain wasn't simply one-note. He also had some character development that showed why he did what he did. Final rating: 4/5
Battle: Los Angeles - (watched 5.12.11) After seeing trailers for this movie and hearing it described as an alien invasion flick meets a war movie, I was pretty sure that it would consist of a truckload of explosions with some action set-pieces to tie it all together, without too much of a plot. And I got exactly what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, this movie does what it wants to very well. It doesn't really pretend to be much more than an alien/war movie. And they were pretty explosions.... Final rating: 3.5/5
The King's Speech - (watched 5.13.11) This movie is a masterpiece. After winning a ton of awards and hearing that they were releasing an edited version in theaters, I knew that I just had to go see it. I was not disappointed. The characters are so real, and you truly feel for them in their struggles and in their triumphs. Ultimately, this is really a feel-good movie. I liked it a lot. Final rating: 4.5/5
Solaris - (watched 6.2.11) This was one that had been sitting in my Netflix queue for a while, and I don't even remember why I put it in, to be honest. I wasn't too impressed with it, to be honest. It was kinda weird, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, in this case, it seemed like the weird wasn't doing anything for the plot. This movie tried too hard to be a commentary on the meaning of life, and it didn't work so well. Final rating: 2.5/5
Forrest Gump - (watched 6.10.11) Yes, I know, I'm finally getting around to watching this movie. I had seen bits and pieces over the past several years, but now I've seen it from start to finish. Let me just say that I'm not surprised at all that Tom Hanks won Best Actor for this performance. It was amazing. I was also pretty impressed with how well done the sequences were that included him in the historic events. In any case, this movie is wonderful. Final rating: 4.5/5
Wild Wild West - (watched 6.11.11) Oh Will Smith.... Usually you can make any movie watchable. Not so much with this one. If you haven't ever seen it, don't even bother. Ok, there are a few funny moments, and the giant mechanical spider is pretty sweet, but even that can't make up for the rest of this atrocity of a film. Spend your two hours watching something worthwhile. Like Scott Pilgrim! Final rating: 1.5/5
Super 8 - (watched 6.11.11) I was super (hehehe...) hyped about this movie going into it. I mean, sure, the cast was mostly just a bunch of kids that had never been in anything before, but it was from J.J. Abrams! I've enjoyed pretty much everything he's ever had a hand in. (side note: I even liked the end of Lost. So sue me.) (side note 2: Fringe is the greatest show on TV right now. Look for a post soon on that....) Anyway, back to Super 8. I don't think it's quite as much of a classic as E.T., but it's got kind of a similar feel, but with a scary twist to it. I would highly recommend it. Final rating: 4/5
X-Men: First Class - (watched 6.17.11) After X3, which I thought was rather terrible, and Wolverine, which I still haven't finished (I've started it three separate times....), I didn't have super high hopes for First Class. I'm so glad I was proven wrong. This is the way X-Men movies should be. It was super interesting to see a side of Charles Xavier that we didn't see in the earlier movies. Despite the inconsistencies with X3, I'm way happier with this film because of them. Final rating: 4/5
Wanted - (watched 6.17.11) We came back from X-Men at the theater and had a James McAvoy double feature! This movie was ridiculous. In a good way. Crazy-over-the-top action sequences, along with the oh-so-convenient magic water that heals them all up so they can get beat up even more. I just thought that was kinda cool in a way, but also a bit too convenient. Of course, in a world where they can bend bullets, I guess I should just roll with it. Final rating: 3.5/5
Hanna - (watched 6.18.11) I enjoyed this movie, but not as much as other people that I've talked to about it. I thought it was a good movie, but I didn't absolutely love it. It was kind of interesting and a bit unnerving to see a young girl kicking so much trash, but then again, I guess that's kind of the point. It's an interesting message about how much influence parents have in general on their children. Anyway, it was an alright movie. Final rating: 3/5
Black Swan - (watched 6.21.11) Just as I was expecting from a Darren Aronofsky movie, this one was super trippy, creepy, and weird. This one has more jumpy moments than The Fountain, but it's really amazing how thoroughly he can get inside your head. I'm glad I don't live inside of his head, because it's probably a really sick and twisted place.... That said, this movie was pretty awesome. Final rating: 4/5
Pick of the post: I'm gonna go with two this time again. Forrest Gump and The King's Speech.
Also, random comment: This post had a lot more variety in the ratings I gave each movie. I kinda like that, even though it means I had to watch a couple of stinkers. Until next time!
Wednesday, April 27
Winter Semester of Movies
Holy heck, it's been a long time since I posted! Again with a movie review post, this one with a whole semester of movies. Hopefully I can do these more often over the summer, especially since I'll be watching even more movies! Enjoy!
Jodhaa Akbar - (watched 1.8.11) I actually enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I was going to. I had been told by Kellie that it was a Bollywood movie, so I was kind of scared. However, it was definitely not what I was expecting. There was a bunch of action, and the story was pretty awesome. Final rating: 4/5
Unstoppable - (watched 1.28.11) This movie grabs you about 10 minutes into it and just doesn't let go, right up until the end. It's an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end. Some of the points seemed kind of outlandish, but it does get points for at least being based on a true story. Plus, Chris Pine and Denzel Washington. Nuff said. Final rating: 3.5/5
Step Up 3 - (watched 2.5.11) The third movie in the 'Step Up' series delivers exactly what I was expecting. After watching the first two, I knew that the plot wasn't going to be that great, but that the dance scenes were going to be phenomenal. These dance scenes definitely do not disappoint. Final rating: 3/5
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - (watched 2.21.11) And on the other hand, sometimes not knowing what to expect can make watching a movie even more awesome. I had heard a little bit about this movie, but honestly, I had no idea.... It's just so wonderfully weird! It starts with a very unique premise, and the presentation was just as original. I don't know what it is about me and weird movies, but I just love them. Final rating: 5/5
Ever After - (watched 2.26.11) Now, I've seen this movie before, but it has been several years, so I decided to re-review it, from an older perspective. I don't think I really got how funny this movie is back when I first watched it. Also, I had totally forgotten that *spoiler alert* she really does get to punch her evil step-sister in the face! That totally made my day. Final rating: 4/5
3:10 To Yuma - (watched 3.11.11) I didn't think I'd like this movie, since it's pretty much super western, but I thought it was really good. Obviously, it's got Christian Bale in it, so it can't be all bad. Plus, Alan Tudyk! I'd probably watch it again, if friends were watching it. Final rating: 3.5/5
Sucker Punch - (watched 3.26.11) This movie was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. But in an awesome way. I don't think there is any way this movie could have been more of a 'man' movie. Explosions, giant samurai, chicks with swords, and a dragon v. airplane dogfight. Sure, the plot was rather thin, and most of it didn't make much sense, but who cares? It was pretty. Final rating: 4/5
The Green Hornet - (watched 4.1.11) So, going into this movie, I had heard that it was terrible. However, I actually enjoyed it. Although it was completely over the top and ridiculous, at least it knew it was being ridiculous, and milked it for all it was worth. I thought the Kato vision was a pretty sweet effect, although other people in the theater started laughing. I enjoyed it though. Final rating: 3/5
Blade Runner - (watched 4.3.11) I had heard so many things about this movie. It's been on pretty much every 'Top 10' sci-fi movies list I've ever seen. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this movie. It was super weird, and I'm pretty sure I need to watch it about 4 more times before I get it all the way. That being said, I actually want to watch it again, so that's promising. Final rating: 4/5
Unknown - (watched 4.13.11) I enjoyed this movie. I mean, it's basically Liam Neeson kicking trash. (aside: I've decided they should just make a movie called 'Liam Neeson Kicking Trash.' It would be wonderful!) I didn't like this one as much as Taken, but there were definitely some good twists there at the end. Final rating: 3/5
The Next Three Days - (watched 4.17.11) This movie was pretty darn awesome. Perhaps a bit slower paced than I would have liked, at least for the first two-thirds or so. Also, for a bit in the middle I wasn't sure which kind of ending to root for. Nonetheless, it was quite an enjoyable movie. Final rating: 3.5/5
True Grit - (watched 4.17.11) So, going into this movie, I was expecting just a standard western type movie. This movie was freaking hilarious! I didn't expect to be laughing as hard as I was. Also, the young girl actress was amazing! I was super impressed with her acting. Final rating: 4/5
Source Code - (watched 4.20.11) I really enjoyed this movie. After seeing the trailers, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it ended up being somewhere in between an straight-up action movie and a sci-fi thinker. There were some interesting twists in the storyline, and somewhat different than what I was expecting, but it was way good. Final rating: 4/5
The Adjustment Bureau - (watched 4.21.11) This is another movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. When seeing the trailers, I knew that it was based on a short story by Phillip K. Dick. That was enough to have me intrigued, since I've enjoyed other movies based on his stories. I really need to read more of them. And by that, I mean I need to read them. At all. Final rating: 4/5
The Hunt for Red October - (watched 4.26.11) I had also seen this movie before, but it was before my mission. Now that I know Russian, it's fun to watch and see how good or bad the actors' Russian is. For the record, Sean Connery's is absolutely terrible. Alec Baldwin's isn't too bad; then again, he said like one line.... This movie ages well. Although it's from 1990, it's still a good, quality movie. Final rating: 4/5
Pick of the post: You see, since I have so many movies, I'll probably have to pick two or three. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sucker Punch, and Blade Runner. Again, hopefully I'll be able to post these more often over the summer so that I don't have to have like 20 movies in one post! Until next time!
Jodhaa Akbar - (watched 1.8.11) I actually enjoyed this movie a lot more than I thought I was going to. I had been told by Kellie that it was a Bollywood movie, so I was kind of scared. However, it was definitely not what I was expecting. There was a bunch of action, and the story was pretty awesome. Final rating: 4/5
Unstoppable - (watched 1.28.11) This movie grabs you about 10 minutes into it and just doesn't let go, right up until the end. It's an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end. Some of the points seemed kind of outlandish, but it does get points for at least being based on a true story. Plus, Chris Pine and Denzel Washington. Nuff said. Final rating: 3.5/5
Step Up 3 - (watched 2.5.11) The third movie in the 'Step Up' series delivers exactly what I was expecting. After watching the first two, I knew that the plot wasn't going to be that great, but that the dance scenes were going to be phenomenal. These dance scenes definitely do not disappoint. Final rating: 3/5
Red - (watched 2.19.11) This was a rather awesome movie. Kind of exactly what I was expecting. I've found that they key to enjoying most movies is to know what to expect going into it. Since all I was expecting was just a lot of explosions and cool action sequences, I enjoyed it. Also, Bruce Willis can make almost any movie more amazing. Final rating: 3.5/5
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - (watched 2.21.11) And on the other hand, sometimes not knowing what to expect can make watching a movie even more awesome. I had heard a little bit about this movie, but honestly, I had no idea.... It's just so wonderfully weird! It starts with a very unique premise, and the presentation was just as original. I don't know what it is about me and weird movies, but I just love them. Final rating: 5/5
Ever After - (watched 2.26.11) Now, I've seen this movie before, but it has been several years, so I decided to re-review it, from an older perspective. I don't think I really got how funny this movie is back when I first watched it. Also, I had totally forgotten that *spoiler alert* she really does get to punch her evil step-sister in the face! That totally made my day. Final rating: 4/5
3:10 To Yuma - (watched 3.11.11) I didn't think I'd like this movie, since it's pretty much super western, but I thought it was really good. Obviously, it's got Christian Bale in it, so it can't be all bad. Plus, Alan Tudyk! I'd probably watch it again, if friends were watching it. Final rating: 3.5/5
Sucker Punch - (watched 3.26.11) This movie was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. But in an awesome way. I don't think there is any way this movie could have been more of a 'man' movie. Explosions, giant samurai, chicks with swords, and a dragon v. airplane dogfight. Sure, the plot was rather thin, and most of it didn't make much sense, but who cares? It was pretty. Final rating: 4/5
The Green Hornet - (watched 4.1.11) So, going into this movie, I had heard that it was terrible. However, I actually enjoyed it. Although it was completely over the top and ridiculous, at least it knew it was being ridiculous, and milked it for all it was worth. I thought the Kato vision was a pretty sweet effect, although other people in the theater started laughing. I enjoyed it though. Final rating: 3/5
Blade Runner - (watched 4.3.11) I had heard so many things about this movie. It's been on pretty much every 'Top 10' sci-fi movies list I've ever seen. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this movie. It was super weird, and I'm pretty sure I need to watch it about 4 more times before I get it all the way. That being said, I actually want to watch it again, so that's promising. Final rating: 4/5
Unknown - (watched 4.13.11) I enjoyed this movie. I mean, it's basically Liam Neeson kicking trash. (aside: I've decided they should just make a movie called 'Liam Neeson Kicking Trash.' It would be wonderful!) I didn't like this one as much as Taken, but there were definitely some good twists there at the end. Final rating: 3/5
The Next Three Days - (watched 4.17.11) This movie was pretty darn awesome. Perhaps a bit slower paced than I would have liked, at least for the first two-thirds or so. Also, for a bit in the middle I wasn't sure which kind of ending to root for. Nonetheless, it was quite an enjoyable movie. Final rating: 3.5/5
True Grit - (watched 4.17.11) So, going into this movie, I was expecting just a standard western type movie. This movie was freaking hilarious! I didn't expect to be laughing as hard as I was. Also, the young girl actress was amazing! I was super impressed with her acting. Final rating: 4/5
Source Code - (watched 4.20.11) I really enjoyed this movie. After seeing the trailers, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it ended up being somewhere in between an straight-up action movie and a sci-fi thinker. There were some interesting twists in the storyline, and somewhat different than what I was expecting, but it was way good. Final rating: 4/5
The Adjustment Bureau - (watched 4.21.11) This is another movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. When seeing the trailers, I knew that it was based on a short story by Phillip K. Dick. That was enough to have me intrigued, since I've enjoyed other movies based on his stories. I really need to read more of them. And by that, I mean I need to read them. At all. Final rating: 4/5
The Hunt for Red October - (watched 4.26.11) I had also seen this movie before, but it was before my mission. Now that I know Russian, it's fun to watch and see how good or bad the actors' Russian is. For the record, Sean Connery's is absolutely terrible. Alec Baldwin's isn't too bad; then again, he said like one line.... This movie ages well. Although it's from 1990, it's still a good, quality movie. Final rating: 4/5
Pick of the post: You see, since I have so many movies, I'll probably have to pick two or three. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sucker Punch, and Blade Runner. Again, hopefully I'll be able to post these more often over the summer so that I don't have to have like 20 movies in one post! Until next time!
Thursday, March 24
Manifesto
Today, I write a manifesto.
Today, I put my foot down about this nonsense.
This is completely unnecessary behavior.
It's totally uncalled for.
Why are there so many people that don't know how to keep it to themselves, going around flaunting it; why can't they just
Get.
A.
Room.
But I digress....
In our little bubble of "happy valley",
In our small section of Utah,
In our minuscule speck of the cosmos,
We must put up with them, because one day, heaven forbid, we might become one of them, despite all of our best efforts to avoid it, sometimes it is inevitable.
Eclecticist.
P.S. I promise I'll have an update on my 101 list soon. School and work have just been super crazy for the past few weeks. Until next time! :)
Today, I put my foot down about this nonsense.
This is completely unnecessary behavior.
It's totally uncalled for.
Why are there so many people that don't know how to keep it to themselves, going around flaunting it; why can't they just
Get.
A.
Room.
But I digress....
In our little bubble of "happy valley",
In our small section of Utah,
In our minuscule speck of the cosmos,
We must put up with them, because one day, heaven forbid, we might become one of them, despite all of our best efforts to avoid it, sometimes it is inevitable.
Eclecticist.
P.S. I promise I'll have an update on my 101 list soon. School and work have just been super crazy for the past few weeks. Until next time! :)
Friday, February 11
Thoughts pt. 2
This week has been kind of interesting for me. I feel like I've learned something. (which would be great if I wasn't DEAD!)* Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Sometimes life gives you lemons. Sometimes life even kicks you when you're down.
But you know what? Life goes on. When life gives you lemons, throw them back and then punch life in the face.* Tell life that you are not going to stand for that business. Then mom sends you and life into separate corners for a time out. After that, you're friends again, and you go do epic things.
Speaking of epic things, this weekend will be pretty epic. Ward activity, party, leadership meeting, basketball game, and Divine Comedy, all in the next 36 hours or so. Wish me luck! I hope I survive.
*see me afterward if you don't get the movie references.
In other news, check this out. I'm kind of excited for this summer.
But you know what? Life goes on. When life gives you lemons, throw them back and then punch life in the face.* Tell life that you are not going to stand for that business. Then mom sends you and life into separate corners for a time out. After that, you're friends again, and you go do epic things.
Speaking of epic things, this weekend will be pretty epic. Ward activity, party, leadership meeting, basketball game, and Divine Comedy, all in the next 36 hours or so. Wish me luck! I hope I survive.
*see me afterward if you don't get the movie references.
In other news, check this out. I'm kind of excited for this summer.
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