An Education: a review

In whole: After watching this movie, Kelly, Lilly, and I felt depressed about life. In a good way.

In detail: I would say you can fill up on the specifics here, but since I know for a fact that some of you are not friends to links, I'll still share my account. The story takes place in England, 1961. Jenny is the top notch student, working hard in school and the community for a chance at a future she doesn't completely understand why she wants. She just takes it for granted that it is what she wants, and once she gets there, she can live the life she really wants: going to Paris, and watching good films, and talking to smart and interesting people. But everything changes when she meets David... and he shows her the side of life that she's been missing.


Of course, after reading that this is the movie that really should have won picture of the year, I was sure I wanted to see it- just not sure I'd like it. Or whether or not Kelly and Lilly would like it. "It's a Drama," I told them. As though I were warning them not to expect too much. We're more comedy people. Plus I'm so nice about things that even if I HATED something, I would have tried to give it the benefit of the doubt, saying it was interesting and that I appreciated it. And yes, it was wonderfully done, this movie. As Kelly put it: it was quality. No shots and effects flashing around like, 'look! this is such a great movie!' The acting was spot on, and there are some fresh faces, which I know WE MOVIE-LOVERS thoroughly enjoy.

It's not a fairy tale. It makes you think about your own life. And... I like that. You should too.

In conclusion: Go see it. It's great.

READ and soon, WATCH: Eat, Pray, Love

SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED.



Info on Eat Pray Love: (IMDB) here!

I've been sick lately, but all that is behind me now. I'm going to rest a little, eat some chocolate ice cream, get some work done, and GO OUTSIDE. I love being alive, and I want people to be able to tell. Thank you Lord that it is Friday. Amen. :D

I Need Your Help!

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I've begun working on my 18 Things to Do Before I Turn 18 List, and plan to have each thing done by August 31! That gives me about six months (the first six were spent dilly-dallying and generally not crossing things off lists)- and I need your help! Specifically, I could use some suggestions for books that jerk some tears. I've watched quite a few sad movies, but I feel like reading a book-turned-sad-movie (I'm looking at you, Nights in Rodanthe) would be cheating. For extra credit, I could also use a good recipe involving starfruit...

If you're more of the deal-making and trading type, I will trade you a heart-wrenching book recommendation for this list of very sad (in the emotional sense) movies:

Best Sad Movies From Least to Most Tears

6) Dear Frankie - I'm pretty sure I loved this movie mostly because it takes place in Ireland, but it is definitely a touching story, even if I don't remember the part where I cried...
5) Marley and Me - 5+4 are basically tied- this one made me sob, but Kelly says it didn't get her at all. Sometimes, it depends. Just know, I wasn't the only one crying at this one.
4) Love Happens - The part I'm referring to is brief, but man did it give me a good cry.
3) Click - Say what you will, even thought Adam Sandler is a comedian, this one had me and my sisters crying little rivers.
2) Nights in Rodanthe - The acting is really great, and the story of two strangers is enchanting
1) Million Dollar Baby - I watched this movie years ago, and I still remember it so well. It is a fantastic movie, and Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank are great.

Most Emotional Beginnings to Movies EVER

1) Star Trek - If I told you any more, I'd spoil it!
2) UP

Remember to leave a recommendation!
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Happy Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) everyone! Today I am thankful for food in French class, Lindt chocolates, my baking abilities (that lumpy chocolate pie wasn't so lumpy after all!), and really unique/great songs like this. :)

Awesome Christmas Movies I Plan On Watching All Month

One of the things I love best about my favorite month (another list for another time) without a doubt is being able to comfortably watch Christmas movies. Lots of them. Already, I am forming a list in my mind of movies I MUST watch this holiday season. Let's get that list out, shall we?

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol
SO much better than the original, even if Michael Caine weren't in it!
Which he is. Awesome!

2. The Barbie Nutcracker
You have no idea how great, wholesome, and high quality these Barbie movies are.
It blows me away. I love them all, and this one is delightful.
Also, they have a Barbie version of A Christmas Carol. Also delightful.
I'll be watching that one too.
3. The Polar Express
It's a classic. I have a very fond memory of going on a field trip of going with my elementary school (I hardly believe it was that long ago!) to see this movie at the local theater. We got free bags of popcorn. It was a fantasy. Beautiful animation.
4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr Seuss is truly a genius, and this is one of my favorite Christmas stories. I love the classic animated one, as well as the newer version with Jim Carrey.
5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
"Put one foot in front of the other... and soon you'll be walkin' out the door!"
Oh come on- this is a classic! Berger Myster Myster Berger! There is NO WAY I would miss watching this one.
6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
I think it's adorable when Rudolph talks like he has a stuffy nose, and he and the would-be Dentist Elf become friends. Plus- the abominable snow man! And the part with the pickax man! And the part where they float across the ocean on a sheet of ice!
7. Elf
It's because I think Will Farrell is great.
This is the first movie I saw him in.
8.The Santa Clause
The original is my favorite- I love the little boy, and Bernard with his dreadlocks. Heartwarming, truly.
9.I'll Be Home For Christmas
I never tire of the romance between Jessica Biel and Jonathan Taylor Thomas. To me, he was the past equivalent of Taylor Lautner. Love it.
10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
My favorite part might be the opening song, but I enjoy the whole movie. Definitely a favorite. I grew up with this one, strange as it may seem. It's funny, and dysfunctional.
(I also love Serendipity with Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack, but that doesn't really count as a Christmas movie)

Do you have any favorite Christmas movies?

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Today I am thankful for my friend Justine and her generosity (this not being the first time she bought me food when I had no money), the Onion, and classics like Jane Eyre.

Friday = New Playlist, and GUESS the theme!

Carlisle likes my new playlist in the same way I like his fashion.
A lot.

In short, I love NEW MOON. Multiple different awesome aspects put together made a fantastic film, including the acting, the directing, and of course the soundtrack
which is why I'm making an exception to my rule of 8, and included the whole soundtrack.
Hope you likey.
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Have a great weekend!

A New Friday for Me, and You

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It's time for a change. I've been having a problem lately with discipline. I don't mean obeying other people (I am naturally 'well behaved', being a quiet and polite person), but I mean obeying myself. It's a little funny, I just let myself get away with anything. My food consumption and attitude has been running wild- bouncing on metaphorical couches and not cleaning up both visible and invisible messes. I can't take it anymore. I'm thinking this abandon was brought on by stress (late night musical rehearsals, not enough sleep, homework), but if I'm being honest (and I plan to be), I had all of these problems before stress made them worse.

So. I'm putting my foot down. Self, you can't be irresponsible anymore. You have to respond to your own needs. You are going to make some routines whether you like it or not. Sleeping. Eating. Teeth brushing. And even, yes, exercising. It's now or never.

Live life to the fullest.

Maybe this resonates with some of you.
Maybe you need to take that control back.
This isn't just for me.
Have a great weekend.
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Let's Watch a Movie!

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Hey Guys! The ACT went well, and now I just want to watch a movie.
Speaking of movies, here are some that I am in great anticipation for:

New Moon is my favorite book in the series because it was so unexpected. I liked that it told a new story compared to the "and they lived happily ever after/Romeo and Juliet get married" type of thing. I'm just really excited for all the awkwardness and sadness. It sounds weird but... honestly, I think this one will be the most intense and action packed as well.
RELEASE DATE: NOV 20TH

Sherlock Holmes. Okay, disregarding the Killer cast (Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams..), this movie looks soooo awesome. I love movies that take place during older time periods, and these outfits and sets are a dream. I bought Rich the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes stories about a year ago and we are totally going to see this together.
RELEASE DATE: DEC 25TH

I've always loved Alice in Wonderland, since I first saw the Disney version. It was fantastic without being a fairytale, which made it interesting to me. I really loved the original film, so I was a bit skeptical when Kelly showed me the trailer for a new, Tim Burton version. However, I think that Tim Burton's style will be an excellent complement to the dark theme of Lewis Carrol's classic. Plus, Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter- and I need to see that.
RELEASE DATE: MAR 5TH 2010

Unfortunately, this one is so far off right now that there are no decent posters, and I'm not sure if this one is fan-made or what... However! I am still extremely excited for this one and entirely pleased that the final book in the series is being made into two separate films, this being part one. There is so much going on in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and it was the best in the series by far, so I can only imagine how awesome and action-packed the movies are going to be.
RELEASE DATE: NOV 19TH 2010

What movies are you guys excited for?
Do you have anything to add about these?
Are you excited too?!?!?!
Do you go to midnight showings?!?!?!
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I love movies. So so much.

One Quick Recommendation

This is a good movie. Original. Takes place in Hong Kong.
Like the French poster?

Return the ball?

-Heidi

A Personal Note From The Writer

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Is it alright to have more whipped topping than coffee in your cup? If it's a small cup, I think so. Sometimes we just need to indulge ourselves.

Oh, and if you want to know my opinion on anything, just ask. I know it's a bit far reaching to say that, but hey- who doesn't like sharing their opinion?

I am reminded of these lines from Casanova (2005):
Casanova: I have too long dominated the conversation. What are your thoughts on the matter?
Francesca: What did you just say?

Oh, Heath Ledger. You win me over every time.

Side Note: Today is 9-9-09, and I would like to give a little hoorah! This is also my 99th post. (Isn't it great how irony works? By the way, I was writing a paper on irony when I realized the date... wow)So here are your balloons. Check out the song 99 Red Balloons, while you're at it.