Same old same old...New Rant, Old Subject

I haven't yet read "The Hunger Games", but I will soon. I haven't yet watched the movie based on the best selling book, but I will AFTER I've read the book. I am sure when I do read and watch, I'll enjoy both. I look forward to enjoying both. What I don't enjoy are the endless comparisons to "The Twilight Saga".

I've read all the reviews for "The Hunger Games" and everyone says it's a GREAT movie, but they also compare it to "Twilight". Why? The storylines are nothing alike, the film isn't about romance, and IT IS NOT EVEN THE SAME TYPE OF FILM. So what if both have female leads? So what if they are both based on best selling Young Adult books? So what?

This week's PEOPLE MAGAZINE has a great review of "The Hunger Games" and I was reading it thinking "I must get to reading the book so I can watch the movie!" Then the idiot reviewer stated that Katniss is a much better female role model than 'the insipid Bella Swan'.  Ok, so Bella isn't showy or bubbly, but she is more of a normal teenage girl than I've seen in films. She is normal, not beautiful, not ugly, just plain. She's clumsy-to the point of being a frequent visitor to the ER, she's smart, studious, a loaner. So what if she falls in love? It happens. So what if she wants the boy she fell in love with? It happens. Yes, she does choose to want to be like Edward, but he is sacrificing too. In my mind, Bella is a great character. She is normal, rather dull, and not all that popular. She doesn't drink, take drugs or do anything too bad-except for fall totally in love with a gorgeous vampire. Would I do the same thing in her place? Don't know, but it is FICTION after all.

I'm still tired of being given grief for loving "The Twilight Saga". I can love what I want to. Idiots!

I haven't read "The Hunger Games" yet, and I will, but why keep comparing the books and films to "Twilight"? It's as stupid as comparing "Harry Potter" to "Twilight".

STOP IT!

Bluray/DVD Movie Review with no rants!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The American version of the hit and critically acclaimed Swedish film based on the best selling novel of the same name, this film directed by David Fincher, (Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Se7en), and adapted by Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List and Moneyball)

This English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson follows a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.

First, let me say that I am a huge fan of the novels and the Swedish films staring Michael Nyqvist (Blomkvist) and Noomi Rapace (Salander) and I honestly didn't think that anyone but Rapace could play Salander. Let me tell you that I was wrong.

The film follows Stieg Larsson's book more closely than the Swedish film and I appreciated that. There is more detail into the life of Lisbeth and Mikael, there lives before they met, relationships, work, etc. I felt like I got to know the characters better in Fincher's film than in the Swedish film.

I'm not saying that Rapace wasn't a revelation in all three films and doesn't deserve the praise she is still getting from her performance, but I think I liked Mara's Lisbeth more. It's a very shocking thing to admit because I honestly have never seen such a performance than Rapace's in the Millennium Trilogy, until Mara's.

Mara's 'take' on Salander is riveting, she all but vibrates with rage. The rape scene isn't as violent as was in the Swedish film and for that, I'm grateful, although if you have read the book, you know just how awful it was. She is strong, yet weak, hideously ugly, yet beautiful, small yet strong and I love her.

Lisbeth Salander is one of the greatest characters in literature/film history. Disagree? Read and watch!

Daniel Craig is a more sexy Blomkvist than Nyqvist and it's a good thing because in the books, Blomkvist is sort of a horndog who has women throw themselves at him. I couldn't see that with the Swedish film, but oh yes, I can in the US film.

All in all, both versions are amazing, well acted and directed. If you are a fan of film and want to witness amazing acting, watch both. You will not be sorry.

Take a look at the trailers for BOTH films

 

The Swedish Film

 

 

The American Film

*Look for more movie reviews to come*

I am a movie fan. I love film! I'm picky. I don't care for 'gang films' or 'art house films' but as a rule, I'm a film nut.

I've seen tons of movies. After the AFI (the American Film Institute) issued there 100 Greatest Films list, I started finding all the films on that list and watch them. Let me stress that I don't agree with the choices often.  "Midnight Cowboy" was horrid. I hated it. I thought the story was lousy, the acting worse and the whole idea in general a bad one. The AFI doesn't agree, but that is the way I feel.

Cult films are another type I usually enjoy. I love "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and think it's great fun. I love "Memento" due to it's unusual storytelling technique and ideas. It's well acted and well constructed. As for some other famous cult films, I'm still on the fence. Some I'll try to watch again just to see if I'm missing something the first time around. I'm usually willing to give a film a chance. One I will not see again is the John Waters (who, in general, I often like), film, "Pink Flamingos". It's so disgusting that I couldn't finish it. I had to shower after I attempted to watch it. I am very hard to offend, but this film totally offended me. I can't go into specifics, but let's just say that there is some violations of a chicken, eating poop and some other things that I can't/won't list. Yes, it is that bad.

Do I look down at someone for loving a certain film or type of film? No. To each his/her own, but I get  often made fun of and talked to like I'm an idiot over what films I love. Why? I don't know. Some people love kid-friendly films, others only love horror, some love romances and nothing else.I love all sorts of odd movies, little-seen hidden gems, commerical bombs and blockbuster hits. I love all sorts of films. I'll talk with you about films and film trivia all day. Just do not ever tell me or anyone else what you love is stupid or not worth watching.

My Favorite Films of All Time (as of 11-27-11)

The Wizard of Oz

Titanic

The Women (1939)

Something's Gotta Give

Gone With The Wind

The Sound of Music

The Bridges of Madison County

Like Water For Chocolate

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Twilight

New Moon

Eclipse

Walk The Line

Coal Miner's Daughter

The Godfather

The Godfather Part Two

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish Film)

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Swedish Film)

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest (Swedish Film)

The Exorcist

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

It's a Wonderful Life

Silence of the Lambs

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Avatar

Sex and the City

To Kill a Mockingbird

Suddenly, Last Summer



I am sure I have more, but those are some that spring to mind when I think of films I love.  In the comment section below, feel free to list your favorites.

Breaking Dawn, Kim K, and more

Yes, I am 'one of those Twilight People' and I'm proud of it. I'm going to be one of the many that flock as soon as possible to the movie to see Breaking Dawn Part 1. I'll buy it when it comes out on BluRay and I'll get all items I am able to relating to it. Yes, I'm 'one of those Twilight people'.

Kim Kardashian....where do I begin? I'm a newbie when it comes to their reality show, only just recently giving in and watching it and getting hooked, but what the hell is this crap? I like Bruce, Kris (the mom) and that's about it. Why do I watch this show? I don't know. Why do I care about the wedding and the divorce (not a shocker, btw), why? Don't ask me. I don't know.

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed FINALLY got married. I cried like a baby while watching their wedding and the shows that were shown this season. I just love them. I do. They are a cute, wealthy, famous, but REAL family and I can't imagine not watching that show. My kids watch it, my Mom watches it, my Husband watches it. We are all hooked. Can't wait to see what is in store for them next season. I hope it's happiness.

Am I the only one that thinks that not only should Michael Jackson's doctor get prison time, but all of his plastic surgeons should too? Rest in peace, King of Pop.

Is anyone else hooked on Storage Wars? I love this show. We will watch it all day if it was on. It's habit forming.

Summit found who leaked Breaking Dawn footage

I'm going to admit again that I saw the leaked footage, but never posted it, just looked. 
I'm going to admit that I also LOVED what I saw.
I'm going to agree that stealing property is a crime and is wrong. Those who steal should be punished.

That said, I must also say that if Summit would stop and think a minute, they might have to sue one of their own. How DID the footage wind up in the hands of a certain fan? The sets and locations were closed, now weren't they? Security all over? Everything hush hush? If all those answers are 'yes', then Summit's employees are to blame. 

Here's the article to read further:

http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/summit-targets-alleged-twilight-saga-hacker-in-argentina/

Many people saw the footage, many people loved it. It created more buzz for the movie, got people who already wanted and planned to see it more excited and got some press. So, yes, maybe the thief should have some kind of punishment, but Summit, you also might thank her for the free press.

Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn at Comic Con

Here's a scene from Breaking Dawn Part 1 featuring Jacob, Esme and Dr. Cullen.

It really looks great and I'm so excited to see the finished product in November, but where the hell is the other scene shown to all the TwiHards at Comic Con? Come on Summit! Give those of us who either don't have the time or the cash to travel to Comic Con. We still deserve to see the good stuff. Release the other scene already!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 opens November 18,2011

Lyndsey Lohan is confused as to why Betty White spoke up about her....

Lohan said it felt strange to get criticized by White.  “I've always been a fan of hers," Lohan said.  “It's just a bit strange when people feel they must speak publicly about others, especially a grown woman."

Seriously? Come on! LaLohan, if you wouldn't constantly use drugs, get bombed in public, steal things and screw everything that isn't nailed down, no one would have to say a bad thing about you. I think, in all honesty, it's time you grow the hell up. I no longer have any desire to watch you in a film or on tv, I will not ever go see a film you are in.  Betty White is a classy (and ballsy) lady. She's had a long career and you MIGHT seriously think about listening to what she has to say.

As for Charlie Sheen, he really needs to be locked up somewhere for a while and have his mouth taped shut. His kids might already need therapy, his ex wives probably do too, and his fans are disappointed. I didn't ever watch Two and 1/2 Men, and I feel like I'm not missing a thing. Will I ever watch him in anything? NO.

Now, I love a good scandal, celeb gossip and all, but these people are getting away with anything they do or might do. Soon, we'll see that one of them (or another trouble celeb like them) has committed a violent crime. Since they are getting away with burglary, trespassing, drug use, etc, why not a violent crime? Hell, O.J. killed two people and got away with it.

Sorry, but this is getting way out of hand.

Summit is going bonzo over leaks for Breaking Dawn

So, the studio that is producing Breaking Dawn is having a hissy fit over the 'leaked' set photos of Breaking Dawn. Now, I'm all for respecting the producers, writers and actors, but people, please. I was excited to see the film before the photos surfaced, now, I'm going nuts. I can't hardly wait now! What the filmmakers don't seem to 'get' is the fact that we die-hard fans want to 'check in' on what they are doing, and make sure they are doing it right.


This book, the final novel in the incredibly popular Twilight Saga, is a hard one to film and even harder, I'm sure, to have with a PG-13 Rating. Now, I'm an adult and I'd love an R rating for the film. Haven't read the book? DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!


SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!SPOILERS!


The book tells of Bella and Edward's wedding, honeymoon, (vampire sex is violent, hot and utterly fabulous) and the unplanned, totally unexpected pregnancy that results. Bella loves being human because she loves being able to LOVE  Edward and doesn't mind staying human a bit longer so she can 'enjoy' him more. That all changes with her pregnancy. A pregnancy that is only three months long and extremely dangerous. She is carrying an unknown monster, remember. The birth of the half-vampire child is a horrible, bloody and extremely violent one that ends with Bella dying and becoming a vampire.

Reading the book was exciting, exhausting and rather frustrating, Frustrating not only because of the fact that the book was seemingly written for 12 year olds, but  because I felt like the filmmakers would cheat those of us who can deal with some smutty vampire lovin' and some blood. After seeing the 'leaked' photos, I'm not so worried anymore. I all but burst into flames at the photos of Bella and Edward on their honeymoon and from the photo I saw of Edward holding the bloody baby, it's really lookin' promising.

I have to admit: I have the pics. I didn't post them mainly due to the total hissy fit that Summit is throwing. Let me tell you all....the pics are AWESOME! Not only that, I found a site that had *sigh* a video of one of the love scenes. *sigh* I will also confess I watched it three times. LOL.

In my experience, most of these 'leaks' are posted by Hollywood insiders. Think about it. Who else would have them? Hmmm? Have you ever seen a link to a movie that's not out yet? Watched one? Well, if you did, you'd sometimes find that they are damn good copies, right? Well, who do you think posts those? You got it. Hollywood insiders who are most likely working on the film. There,see? They do it to themselves.

So, in closing, I'd like to tell Stephanie Meyer "Sorry, I love your work, love the Saga, but I won't stop hunting for spoilers and photos." and to the filmmakers, "Chill out dudes. It's great publicity and it's making people want to see it even more. I'm not sure I can stand to wait til November. The movie looks amazing!"

Keep checking this blog, I'll update it more often as time permits.

Breaking Dawn-The Movie

So, the director of "Chicago", a very good movie, is going to be the brains behind the final film(s) in the very successful and popular Twilight Saga. Let's hope he does us proud.
First off: Make the screenwriter do a better job. Sure, she's done ok with converting Stephanie Meyer's books into films, but she also leaves a lot out. Now, I don't mean to say that everything in the books has to make it to the screen, but she seems intent on leaving out the romance. We crave the romance of Twilight/New Moon/ Eclipse/ Breaking Dawn. We read all the books, sometimes over and over and we'd like to really get the full effect of the largest, most romantic and bloody chapter in the saga:Breaking Dawn.
That means, (sorry Tweens) that it needs to have an R rating. I'm not just saying that because I'd love to see some of the honeymoon (ok, so Edward biting a pillow and breaking Esme's bed would thrill me to no end), but we need to see and experience the horror of Bella's pregnancy, Edward's utter anguish at the thought of his Bella being slowly murdered by the 'fetus' and Jacob's anger. We have the Volturi coming, Reneseme too, and tons and tons of blood. That must be shown! The birth is horrible, violent and frightening and we need to see it. We need to see the imprinting, the transformation Bella goes through, all of it. I also think it must be in two films, not just one. Too much happens in the book to shrink it to one film. Besides, two films, twice the profit!
I also hope they have a real child as Reneseme, but with the help of CGI. She is extremely beautiful and advanced so CGI would help that out a lot. Bella also needs to LOOK like a glamorous vampire. She makes men stutter, so let her shine. Get a better wig, better clothes, and some great contacts and let her shine. Let them all shine. I wanna see Bella break the rocks and her baby laugh. I wanna see it all. I'm not alone either.
Don't let us down.
Now, Twilight Fans, share YOUR thoughts below!

Youtube

Hello there my friends. I'm ranting today about YouTube. I loved YouTube and I have around 30 videos posted there. That said, s many of mine have been disabled due to 'copyright infringement' and either have no sound or have been deleted. I have friends whose accounts have been deleted.

Now, I understand that artists and so on must make money for their songs, tv show/movie clips or whatever, but come on....these videos that fans like me make are harmless. We make no money from these videos, we do them for ourselves, our friends and fans of whatever show/movie/book that we like. I make CSI/GSR and Twilight Saga videos. I have never made money (darn it) from any of them. I love watching videos. They are sometimes better than the shows we are basing them on.

I've also discovered music artists I've never heard of because of these videos by fans. Linkin Park was totally unknown to me years ago until I saw a CSI video that used one of their songs. I am now a HUGE fan of theirs . That is merely an example. There are many more.

Because of the copyright thing that is messing up our videos, there video makers, like myself, who are having a hard time making videos. We worry that no matter what disclaimer we might add to it, our hard work will be deleted. So here is what I have to say:LEAVE OUR VIDEOS ALONE. LET US SHOW OUR LOVE FOR YOUR MUSIC/BOOK/MOVIE/TV SHOW AND HONOR IT. LET US BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!

To check out my videos that still work, you can visit YouTube and look up blondecharmedone.

Just read a disturbing book....

I just finished reading "High On Arrival" by Mackenzie Phillips. It cronicles her life as a child star, abused teen, drug addict, abused adult, rape victim, mother, wife and survivor.

I wanted to read it out of the curiousity that one has when they see a wreck on the highway...you don't wanna look, but ya just can't help it.

This book, while horrifying, is a well written, deeply sad and moving insight into the life of a woman who had no chance in hell to be 'normal' and have a 'normal' childhood. She is lucky she made it out alive, I can tell you that.

In the days before Child Protective Services, Mackenzie was given cocaine at age 11 by her drug addicted father, John Phillips, and that began her 'new' life. She was used and abused by almost everyone she let into her life, and those who didn't treat her badly, she pushed away.

I have to say, I believe everything this woman says in her book. Why lie about such horrid things? I used to see her on "True Hollywood Stories" and the gossip rags about how hooked she is on drugs, how she got caught AGAIN with drugs, yada yada yada and I never EVER felt bad for her. Matter of fact, I couldn't stand her on "One Day At A Time" as Julie. She was unattractive, loud, mean and hateful. I liked Barbara on the show more. Anyway, now I see that this what all she was going through behind the scenes and I admire her.

This isn't a book for everyone, it is very disturbing and horrifying but it's also a tale of survival. I hope she continues to live a healthy, happy life.

I'm in a funk

My former favorite show is CSI Las Vegas. I wish I could love it like I used to and it's making me feel all depressed. I miss wanting to see it on Thursday nights. I miss planning the meals around the viewing. I miss talking to my friends about it. I miss working on my GSR site about the show. UGH. Even though I miss it terribly, I can't gather up enough enthusiasm for the show to even turn it on at 8pm tonight. Why? Because William Petersen left, Laurence Fishborne came on, Jorja Fox came back (which was great, but then, if Grissom and Sara are married......??????) and the writers either checked out or are asleep. The show is tired. I'm sick of it and a bunch of my friends are feeling the same way.
I want to like the show again....but unless William Petersen comes back at least for a visit, it's not gonna happen.

HEY HOLLYWOOD!!!

I know that Hollywood seems to love remaking old movies, but I have some thoughts on films that SHOULD be made....


There's been a tv show and tv movies based on this series of books, but I think a feature film (or films) would be amazing-Robert B.Parker's "Spenser" books. They are brilliantly written, have amazing stories, great characters, sex, action, crime, drama, and tons of humor.

I don't know about a feature film, but a tv show based on "The Southern Sisters Mysteries" written by Anne George would be fabulous. These books are hysterical, fun, full of humor, crime, crazy characters and drama. I love these Southern Sisters and I honestly think you would too.

There is also the "Goldie Bear" books written by Diane Mott Davidson. Filled with amazing food, fun characters, an evil ex husband and crime, these would be a great basis for a tv show or film(s).

That is all for now, but I'll have additions to this list soon.

This is why I love to rant.

This morning, I was greeted with yet another blip from the internet telling me once again that William Petersen just won't come back to CSI. Thanks.

TVGuide

Part of me thinks he (and the others) protest too much, but the other part of me says "it's over, get over it". What is a fan to do? Rant!

Funny how.........

I think it's funny how 'bad' celebs like Tiger Woods, Jessie James and John Edwards get all the press, but men, successful men, who are FAITHFUL and in loving and lasting relationships get nothing.

I am totally hooked on the reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" on the A&E network. Gene is "the demon" bassist/singer from KISS and is a notorious womanizer who had relationships with Diana Ross and Cher. Gene is rich beyond words and a very brilliant businessman. He's an actor, musician and he runs many many businesses. He is so funny. He's totally devoted to his ladylove of 26 years, former playboy playmate, Shannon Tweed. They have two great kids, Nick, who is almost 21 and Sophie who is almost 18. They live in a HUGE beautiful house, have beautiful things and take amazing trips, but they are N-O-R-M-
A-L people who are in love and happy and crazy about their kids. Genie (as Shannon calls him) sleeps in a red one piece PJ and loves cottage cheese and oatmeal. He worships his Mother and his kids. He is totally devoted to Shannon and I love watching them. They are so cute, so REAL, so in love and devoted that it is lovely to see. Why can't they get press? Oh, yeah, they have a show, but do we read about them every day? NOPE and why? Because they are both faithful. They raised great kids and have a great family. That's why.

Kirk Russell and Goldie Hawn are another example of the happily together for a LONG time stars. They have never married, but who cares? They are a real family. The very popular Kate Hudson, who is Goldie's look-a-like daughter, thinks of Kirk as her father. They don't get written about mainly because they are HAPPY!

I think some of the idiot celebs who are badly behaved would stop and think before doing if they DID NOT get talked about. What if no one cared? Would they keep their 'dumbsticks' in their pants? Hmmm. Think on that one for a bit and get back to me.