Now Playing: Immortals

Last week, I went to see Immortals.  I had a few trepidations: would it be better than Clash of the Titans? would it be true to the myths? Would there be at least some focus on the plot (as well as action and imagery)?  Well, let's just say... no.  on all counts.  *sigh* Won't someone please just do an epic already? 

There WERE a couple of things I enjoyed: I liked that the Gods were young: really, if you were immortals, would you choose to be Santa or a Calvin Klein model?  I also enjoyed the kick-butt-iness of Athena, right down to her matching attire.  Finally, I liked that the Minotaur was a creative reimagining of the original man-cow.  Honourable mention to the silver bull torture device!  Creepy creative, that.

Should you watch it?  depends.  It is a very pretty movie.  Plenty of eye candy.  But that's really it.  2.5 out of 5 stars.

love letter, with my croissants

"Hello you. Adorable, quirky you. There’s no one like you in the world – I’ve looked! I’ve tried to find someone just like you, but it isn’t going to happen. Then I realised, I didn’t want someone just like you – I like you. I want you. You with your strange taste in clothes and even stranger habits. Those habits that puzzled me at first but that now I find comforting and familiar.

vicarious loss

Last week, I received a mass-BCC email.  When I opened it, I didn't even understand what I was reading at first.  I must have read it at least four times before it sunk in.  I am not prepared for this, the death of my friend's mother.  I'm just getting used to grandparents dying with alarming frequency; my uncle Len's passing earlier this year broached that invisible generational line.  Upon the fifth reading, it finally sunk in that the funeral was the next day and that, yes, she was only 55.

Honestly, I didn't know what to do.

twelfth annual fright fest

On this year's docket: two sequels and a foreign film (what does this say about the American horror-wood?)

Rec 2: the original is still in top ten scary movies of all time.  Twisting plot, creepy cinematography, perfect ratio of loud and quiet moments.  Do not be sucked in by the US remake; watch the original.  Having been foiled once already, I had been looking forward to seeing how they would wrap up the original.  I must say, I was a wee bit disappointed.  The characters weren't nearly as likeable (I was rooting for those teenagers to die) and the plot took a crazy turn and I was left wondering if I was even watching the same franchise.  Not necessary to watch this in order to really enjoy Rec.

full circle

Last year, a dozen yellow roses signalled the beginning of a new relationship.  Though, it wasn't new at all - we'd dated before, we'd broken up like seven times, we haven't stopped being in each other's lives since we met (officially) over a dusty bank of computer monitors more than thirteen years ago.  This time, I think, we did the mature thing: laid our cards out right at the beginning, no games, no coy suggestions.  This time, I think, we did it right.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The third instalment, devoured in 72 hours flat, of the Hunger Games trilogy: Mockingjay.  A perfect example of the imperfect endings of real life. Seriously, you need to read this trilogy.  Like, now.

SPOILERS!


Katniss - boy, is she flawed.  And I like that Collins is not afraid to show it.  That conversation between Peeta an Gale on page 328?  I can't imagine it ever happening between two men given the situation they're in - but I do appreciate the candid assessment of the Mockingjay.  I find her selfish, easily addicted and generally morose.  I guess the parallel story is that of her on-TV personality which is what the people fell in love with and who the people decided to follow.  Had the public seen her meltdowns and general apathy, would they have loved her?  I didn't.  In fact, I always thought it shouldn't have been her at all.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Wow.  I haven't done this is in a very long time.  I actually stayed up all night reading.  That's right: all.  night.  There is definitely something to be said about plot-driven novels.  They're intense, suspenseful and downright gut-wrenching.  Not to say that there is no character development to be found in Collins' work - there is, certainly!  I think, however, it's the plot that propels us through it.  By the time I got to the end of Catching Fire, I was almost rabid for the third instalment; it wasn't until I turned off my beside lamp that I realised it was well past sunrise; my alarm ten minutes later confirmed it.  And you know what, poppets?  It was all worth it.  I look forward to Mockingjay.