Cook/Cornell Controversy

I wish I had the technical skills to overlay the songs and prove my theory, but instead I'm going to write about it. Give "Long Gone" by Chris Cornell a listen. Does the music sound familiar? Now, listen to "Light On" by David Cook. Cook's preceded Cornell's. I smell a lawsuit...

more movies...

I've watched a few movies in the last week... thought I'd mention them. The Blind Side was great. I was holding out to watch it, thinking it was a typical Sandra Bullock over-dramatized tearjerker. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There's just something about sports/underdog movies that pulls a few heartstrings. I don't know why, seeing as I'm not that big of a sports fan, haha.

talhotblonde was a great documentary on a story I remember from the news. I was reading the movie description and remembered the tale of cybersex, deception, and murder. The mix of actors/real footage/chat log really helped bring the story to life. I recommend it.

Flicka 2... did they really need to make a sequel to the first one? Stupid, the end.

I saw Precious when it first came out, now I'm waiting to have time to read the book to see how they compare. I really enjoyed the movie, especially the serious roles played by Monique and Mariah Carey. The story is just so heartbreaking, no one should experience the things Precious went through. Unfortunately, life isn't fair, and it sucks for some people. But I commend the writing/directing of this film.

And lastly, The Cove. I don't even want to go into how eye-opening and heartwrenching this documentary was. You have to see it for yourself, because every review and plot summary completely understates the truth. You will never view the aquatic entertainment business the same after seeing this film.

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz

The movie completely missed the point of the book. Despite some magnificent performances from Saoirse Ronan (Susie) and Rose McIver (Lindsey), it's entirely too fantastical and reminiscent of Jackson's LOTRs. The book is an in-your-face look at rape and murder from the perspective of a dead 14 year old girl who is trapped between Heaven and Earth. There were many important subplots that were left out of the movie, where time was spent on colors, gazebos, and the killer's horrible gray contacts. Mark Wahlberg (Jack) should really stick to action or comedy, because he was only believable in about 5 minutes of the entire movie. Susan Sarandon (Grandma Lynn) was amazing, and would've been much better if her character were given a chance to develop more, but those scenes from the book weren't represented in the movie.

If I had not read the book, the movie would have been decent. Neither the best, nor worst of the year so far. I highly suggest reading the book. I got mine for $0.50 at Goodwill... definitely the best book purchase I've made in months.

However much I'd like to go into details about the differences between book and movie, I don't want to spoil the amazing stories. Give it a read, and bypass the movie until it's out on cable TV.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrara, Jonah Hill

Strong characters, witty script, and great animation makes this movie great. The ethical structure doesn't overpower the narrative, but is a great message. I'm holding out on Avatar, but many have compared the animation and aerial scenes in HTTYD to those in Avatar. The best part for me is how visually opposite the characters were to their actors. It was hard listening to GB's ruggedly Scottish accent while looking at an oversized ginger viking. I really liked this movie overall, and it is great for all ages.

The Back-up Plan (2010)

Jennifer Lopez, Alex O'Laughlin

Typical romantic comedy. The previews reveal the main parts of the movie. Best character is the dog in a wheelchair. I laughed, didn't cry, and was glad to see it end. The soundtrack was girlie and expected, but with a surprisingly good song by up-and-coming artist Jessica Jarrell (JJ) called "Key to my heart." So, if you like happy endings, movies about babies, or you have some of your own, you'll like this one.

blue car

"Blue Car" - Meg, Blue Car

I rode my bike past our old house
A rusty chair keeps your place on the lawn
Lily cuts holes in herself to hurt you but you just won't bleed
Now she won't eat

Since you left, Mom doesn't say your name
But even gone I remember your face
The way the sun stays bright when I shut my eyes
The way a torch whipping the dark leaves a long red scar

From our apartment I can't see the stars or the horizon
Only the road
I know it goes to wherever you are

meg

"Now That I've Read Your Book" - Meg, Blue Car

I've memorized the lines. It was easy.
The dirty white pages, a margin of fancy designs.
You draw outlines of inverted heart.
But mine's real, not a Valentine.
As for the details...
As for the details... fiction, fiction, lies, lies.
I am the "coming poet who will arise."
Crippled phoenix I fly up from your bed of ashes.
When my dad left, I cut off my hands and sewed up my eyes.
But that didn't keep me from reaching for you.
Thank you for the gold star and your leaving.
Blue car, gold star.
The leaving is a gift I will always hang on to.