The Number 23 (Film)

A thriller wannabe that neither chills nor thrills. I think the film gives too much credit to the number 23. At best, the number is like a smoke detector that might be an early warning system. The number certainly cannot make you do anything. The most haunting claim the movie suggests is the lack of free will, that everything is preordained with 23 being the proof. How this translates into a thriller is a bit dodgy with the results being mixed at best. The film starts out with a supernatural explanation that eventually is reduced to having the events caused by an all too human hand. I'm giving this one a C-. I do wonder if there was a sequel made, would it be called 24?

Reno 911!: Miami (Film)

Eh, never saw the TV show this is based on and after seeing this movie, I still have no desire to check the show out either. Seeing this reminded me of the Police Academy movies from the 80's. The film is surprisingly crude
and bits are humorous, but nothing that can't wait for a home viewing. For this non-fan, I'm giving this movie a D.

The Time Traveler's Wife (Book)

A love story that nearly broke my heart and almost made me cry, twice. The boy in this tale has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to time travel. While on one of these trips, he ends up meeting his true love, for the first time, when she's only six and he's 38. Through it all, they both begin a love story that's firmly rooted in reality and set against the fantastic. The story is set in Chicago and with only details that could be written by a native. An outstanding book that I can only give it a A.

Bridge to Terabithia (Film)

A touching, heartfelt peek into the platonic childhood friendships a boy and a girl can have before the complications of puberty set in. The trailers and commercials for this film have it all wrong by having this film appear to be similar to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Nothing could be further from the truth. The magical land of Terabithia is only glimpsed at and can only be viewed by one's exuberant imagination. I fear this film will have a short theatrical life, but will live on as a classic on DVD. I heartily give this film a B+.

Ghost Rider (Film)

I don't think this film could be anymore awful if it tried. Crap, D-.

Random Musing (100th Post)

*click* I think love is like having a light switch. As quickly as it can illuminate a dark room with a warm, comforting glow, it can also plunge that same room into a darkness filled with distorted shadows, making the familiar into something strange and ominous. What gets me is how rapid this change can be. *click*

Music and Lyrics (Film)

An utterly homogenized waste of a romantic comedy. I'd say more, but I can't for the life of me remember anything else except feeling really sleepy and irritated. I have a sneaking suspicion that's a good thing, D-.

Alright, Still (CD)

Good grief, I can't stop listening to this CD. I first saw her perform on SNL the other week with Drew Barrymore hosting. It's catchy pop with a ska edge over some really tart lyrics. Quite cheeky. I keep playing Track 11, Alfie, a ridiculous amount, really, it's getting to be rather embarrassing.

Little Children (Film)

Really outstanding film making. I feel all the Oscar nominations given to The Queen should have gone to this film instead, including Best Picture and Best Director. After seeing all those Oscar nominated pictures over the past few weeks and feeling I was just not getting it. I was puzzled why some of those films and the performances they contained were considered Oscar worthy. I was starting to doubt my tastes. I really enjoyed this film. I found the film to be funny and touching. I felt like reading the original novel after seeing this movie. Grade A work all around.