Logitech Speaker System Z906 Review

Looking for a high quality speaker system for your home entertainment? The Logitech Speaker System Z906 features amazing surround sound, satellite speakers that are mountable, and a wireless remote to control it all effortlessly. Read this review of the Logitech Speaker System Z906 to find out more!

Logitech Speaker System Z906 Features

“This THX-Certified 5.1 system delivers 500 watts (RMS) of theater-quality sound. Digital and analog inputs, an easy-to-read-and-stack control console and a wireless remote let you take charge of your entertainment.

 

500-watts (RMS) of power – Make any night opening night. You get thunderous audio that can shake your house—and your whole neighborhood.

 

THX Certified - You’ve got quality you can count on—these speakers have met strict performance standards to achieve THX certification.

 

Digital Decoding - Hear every detail all around you—from the roar of the crowd to the footsteps right behind you—in your Dolby digital or DTS encoded soundtracks.

 

Digital and Analog Inputs - You’ve got the flexibility to set up your system the way you want to. Connect up to six audio sources, including your TV, Blu-ray™/DVD player, DVR, Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Wii®, iPod®, PC and more.

 

Easy to Read Control Console - The stackable, easy-to-read design fits in with your home-entertainment system and gives you control of your audio—change the volume on all your speakers, turn the power on or off, set inputs and more.

 

Wireless Remote - You can control your listening experience without ever getting off the couch.

 

Ported, Side-firing Subwoofer - 165 watts of deep bass brings your music, movies and games to life.

 

Wall-mountable Satellites - Let you transform any room into a home theater.

 

Surround Sound with 3D Stereo - Your speakers convert two-channel stereo into an immersive surround sound experience.” – Logitech Speaker System Z906

My Thoughts

This is a serious speaker system that is perfect for the home theater or big-time gamers. If you are looking for high quality speakers for your at home theater experience, or for your favorite video games, this is definitely a system you need to check out.

The cable that comes with the product is designed for computer use. However, it can also be used with TVs, Blu-ray and DVD players, gaming consoles, music players, and other audio devices. To do so though, you need to use a digital optical, digital coaxial, RCA audio, or 3.5 mm out.

Setting up the speaker system was a little bit intimidating for me at first. I hadn’t ever set up a system quite like this before, so I made sure that everything was placed right, and was able to hookup to the subwoofer before I started. The user documentation guide that came with it explained how to set it up, and this really does help – if you read it. Once I started hooking it up, it all worked out like how it was supposed to.

I haven’t hooked it up to anything other than my computer as of right now. I would like to add my TV to this great speaker system soon though. I’ve used these speakers for playing video games, listening to music, and watching movies with. All of the media I’ve tested this out with have sounded extremely clear and is of very high quality. The sound can also be very loud without distorting. I’m very pleased with the audio output on these speakers!

The control console is easy to read and understand what is being used. The remote is simple and again, easy to use. Nothing too fancy is really needed for these, so it works well.

The only thing I didn’t really like about them is that they aren’t wireless. Having the wires everywhere is a little bit of an eyesore, but it is worth it for this kind of sound quality. There could also be some design improvements and the components could be smaller and consume less electricity. Maybe a future system from Logitech will improve on these, but until then, this is an amazing speaker system. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure: Thank you to Logitech for providing me with the product for review. All opinions, experiences, and thoughts about the product being reviewed are my own.

Sundance 2013

Sundance 2013 by starry943 featuring leather handbags

What do you think of my polyvore fashion set for the Sundance Film Festival for 2013? I really like how it turned out. I'm not sure who all is going or which movies are up for it, but my favorites on any awards show usually don't win anyways. If you are following it, who do you want to win?

Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley

Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley is all about the magic of the Harry Potter films. Find out why the ice sculptures at the Yule Ball didn’t melt, the secret behind the floating candles in the Great Hall and much more with this behind the scenes look of the films.


Book Description
“Harry Potter: Film Wizardry gives readers a front row seat to the magical journey that brought J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world to the big screen. Step off Platform Nine and Three Quarters and into the hidden world behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film series. Brian Sibley is the author of other bestselling behind-the-screen books, like The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy and The Land of Narnia. The book includes Producer’s Diaries from the Harry Potter films’ executive producer David Heyman.

Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series, and learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collation with the cast and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing film-making secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collectible volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.”
– Harry Potter Film Wizardry

My Thoughts
Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley is the most visually stunning book I have seen for the Harry Potter films. If you like the books, the movies, and the actors that portray the characters, you will want to check this book out right away. Warning: once you start looking at it and reading it, you won’t want to put it down!

My not so little secret is that I love the Harry Potter books and films. The series is one of my favorite book/movie series of all time. I have to admit that even I didn’t know much of what was written in this book though. All of the secrets behind the movies are really quite interesting. For instance, did you know Hermione was cast before Ron and Harry?

This magical book is setup to look like a scrapbook put together like how we all wish we could do ourselves. I absolutely loved all of the pull-out sections especially Harry Potter’s acceptance letter to Hogwarts, a map of Diagon Alley, Advanced Potion Making stickers to add to bottles of your own, the 422nd Quidditch World Cup Programme, and the Marauder’s Map.

Harry Potter Film Wizardry is the perfect gift for a fan of the Harry Potter movies and/or books. This is the kind of book that makes those E-books cry because it has the touches that an electronic version could never achieve. Seriously, this is a book that would be treasured and enjoyed each time it is read. All of the special touches make it feel like you have a true treasure pulled right out of the Gringott’s bank vault.







* Thank you to the publisher of Harry Potter Film Wizardry, Collins Design, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Twilight: Eclipse – Premiere Fashion

Regardless of if you like Twilight or not, you have to admit that the cast (overall) has good style (at least when attending premieres).

Look at their style from the Eclipse Premiere, and tell me whose you liked the best from the girls and the boys. Did it match up with my winners?

The Girls:



Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)


Dakota Fanning (Jane) – WINNER!


Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen)


Nikki Reed and Elizabeth Reaser (Rosalie Cullen and Esme Cullen)

Anna Kendrick (Jessica)


The Boys:



Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) - WINNER!


Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)


Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Cullen) - CLOSE 2nd!


Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen) and his wife Jennie Garth


Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene (Emmett Cullen and Alice Cullen)


I’m so excited about going to see Eclipse. I won’t get to see it on release night/day but I will be going to see it at the IMAX that is over an hour away. My Mom and I have seen all of them together so far, and this is the first time it is offered at the IMAX here. It’ll also be the first movie we’ve seen at the IMAX. Hope it doesn’t disappoint (though from the trailers, it looks like it’ll be amazing)!

Alexander Skarsgard was in Zoolander!

Zoolander is one of my favorite movies of all time.

I love it. I’ve seen it probably more times than Twilight (yeah, I know...). My ex-bestfriend and ex-roommate and I used to go to the movie theater in our apartment complex and watch it at least every other week, if not once a week. It was a great comedic relief to college and boys.

I remember thinking that blond model was pretty hot, but never really looking into it further – until I was watching it last night and guess who I notice it is?!?



ALEXANDER SKARSGARD!

Yes, yes it is. He was Meekus!

Watch this scene from Zoolander if you don’t remember...



He wasn’t in the movie for very long, he dies in a freak gas explosion at the gas station after drinking orange mocha frappachinos. So sad.

He doesn’t really die though because we all know he comes back to life as Eric Northman on True Blood! Yeah, okay I had to throw that in there… he is so much hotter as a vampire.

Ah, I can’t wait for the next season of True Blood to see (much more of) Alexander Skarsgard. Love saying his name too. So sexy.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks – Review + Giveaway

Nicholas Sparks is quite honestly one of my favorite authors. He is able to make me cry with each book and movie I’ve either read or seen – even after I’ve seen it before, I still cry. Remember A Walk To Remember? The Notebook? I cry like a little girl.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks was actually written as a screenplay before it was written as a novel. It is a love story and a coming of age novel sure to capture the hearts of audiences. It is also the longest novel that Sparks has written. Another interesting tidbit is that Miley Cyrus (who stars in the movie) actually chose the name Ronnie for the main character (that she plays).




Book Description
Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them.


My Thoughts
In all honesty, for the first 12 chapters, I thought I was going to hate this book, which really quite surprised me. It was so boring and was quite dragged out. If those first 12 chapters were condensed into 2 or 3, it would have kept the interest better. Reading about a rebellious teen and how much she hates her father and small town life isn’t really very interesting.

After getting through those first 12 chapters though, it becomes interesting and reads more like a love story. It is however quite predictable. I won’t go into details in case you read the book or see the movie, but after the first few chapters I predicted just about everything that ended up happening in the book – no looking ahead either.

Even though I predicted (correctly) what happened, I still really enjoyed the book. Yes, I did cry a few times and probably will when I see the movie too. It is really a beautiful coming of age story mixed with a love story that will be remembered by those who read it (or see it) for years to come. I do encourage everyone who loves stories like this to read it.


The Movie
The Last Song movie is out in theaters on March 31, 2010. I don’t think it will stay quite true to the book, but I think it is still going to be quite good and I really look forward to seeing it.




The Contest
Love Nicholas Sparks novels and want to win The Last Song? Well, here is your chance! Follow the rules and comment accordingly please.

Rules:
* You must be a follower (publicly) of my Blog for your entries to count.
* You must have your entries in before the contest ends!

Entries:
* Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

One entry – Leave me a comment about The Last Song and tell me which Nicholas Sparks book and/or movie is your favorite and why.
One entry – Blog about this contest on your Blog (don’t forget to link to it too).
One entry – Be a follower of me on Twitter and tweet about this contest.


Contest ends on March 29, 2010.



* Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing me with a review copy for this review.

Twilight - Volturi Cast

Check out this photo that shows the members of the Volturi vampire clan in Twilight.



I'm so excited to see New Moon! Also, I'm amazed at how Dakota Fanning looks now. Seems like she was just a little kid. I'm glad she got the part though, she is a great actress and person.

Anyone find any more information on the Burger King stuff that may or may not come out in November for Twilight? I'm so going when they release it and buying 1 of everything. LOL Hmmm actually, I may not buy the Jacob or werewolf stuff, I'm Team Edward all the way! Okay, I take that back, I probably will buy 1 of everything... /sigh

Flashback Friday - Harry Potter

Harry Potter is still a very popular book and movie series. However, this flashback is focusing on how far the actors have come since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

I didn’t get into the whole Harry Potter whirlwind until a few years ago. I caught one of the movies on HBO or Disney and I’ve been hooked ever since. I bought the movies on DVD and read all of the books (which you may already know if you read some previous posts).



Harry Potter (Daniel Radclife), Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson) are the main characters. They started filming the movies when they were all around 10 years old and hadn’t been in much acting before being cast for their superstar roles in Harry Potter.

I think they did quite well in the first few movies acting wise. Sure they weren’t the best but they were kids! Remember this trailer from the fist movie? I don’t honestly because I wasn’t interested in the series when it came out (I’m a horrible awful person I know).



I find it simply amazing that they went from that to where they are now as actors. I’ve seen many of the Harry Potter actors in other movies since – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Robert Pattinson (yum!). Who would have thought Rob would have become a vampire heartthrob sensation in Twilight? Or would have thought Daniel would have nude scenes on Broadway in Equus?



I’m really excited to see the new movie coming out next week Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I expect they are going to be even better actors than the previous movies and the graphics will of course be better too (because they just keep getting better in each movie).

Are you guys excited too?



Now I leave you with a very noticeable change: how they look at events then compared to now.

Twilight - Wolf Pack

*Paul (Alex Meraz), Sam (Chaske Spencer), Jared (Bronson Pelletier) and Embry (Kiowa Gordon)

USA Today is giving us the first look at Twilight's wolf pack for New Moon. I'm sad to not see Jacob in the group photo, but we all know what he looks like anyways.

"Among wolf pack job requirements: the ability to work half-naked no matter what the weather in the Vancouver, B.C., area, where the film has been shooting for several weeks.

"It's not pleasant for the actors," says director Chris Weitz. "But they have all been good-natured. They show up on location in drenching, cold rain, and I say, 'OK, off with the robes.' "

What do you think of the new addition to the cast? I still prefer the vampires...

New Robin Hood

Did you know there was a new Robin Hood movie coming out featuring Russell Crowe as Robin Hood? I didn’t - until I saw this article First look: New Robin Hood on point with 'Gladiator'.

“Sporting a Caesar haircut and slimmed-down physique, Crowe shed the weight he gained for his portly characters in State of Play and Body of Lies. He also updated the bandit's wardrobe.

"He doesn't have the old Robin Hood tights," says producer Brian Grazer. "He's got armor. He's very medieval. He looks, if anything, more like he did in Gladiator than anything we're used to seeing with Robin Hood."

"Oddly, it's a metaphor for today," Grazer says. "He's trying to create equality in a world where there are a lot of injustices. He's a crusader for the people, trying to reclaim some of the ill-gotten gains of the wealthy. That's a universal theme."

Not that the film will linger on the contemporary. "We just shot a scene where Maid Marion fires a flaming bow and arrow into the night sky. It's just a cool story."

I’m excited to see a new version of Robin Hood. I loved the Robin Hood: Men In Tights comedy and of course the one with Kevin Costner. However, I think this one is going to be much better. The costumes, actors, and special effects will be better (in theory). We shall see. What do you think?

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer

I’ve missed Harry Potter, I admit it. I was swept up with the whole Twilight series and then the Sookie Stackhouse series for a few months. However, after watching this new Harry Potter movie trailer, I have decided I am going to re-read the Harry Potter books next.



*Want to see more trailers for this movie? Check out the YouTube channel for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

I can’t wait to see the movie this summer! I think I am going to take my nephews to go see it at the Imax theater (if possible), if not then I’ll just go with my Mom. Surprisingly, she loves the Harry Potter movies too!

Do you plan on going to see this movie this summer? Do you like the series?

Movies & More Movies

Being sick and not having much energy to do anything but lay in bed (or on the couch) have allowed me to watch quite a few movies. Here is the list that I remember watching:

Twilight (a few times)
Seven Pounds
I Am Legend
The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys: The Tribe
Devil’s Den
Extreme Dating
Graveyard Dancers
Heavenly Creatures

My favorite out of the bunch? Twilight. I thought that was obvious.

My least favorite was Devil’s Den. It was really quite awful. I only watched it because my pre-teen crush was in it – Devon Sawa. Remember him? He was the boy at the end of Casper who was Casper. He was also in Now and Then. Oh I want to see that movie now. Oh, Devon Sawa was also in the Extreme Dating movie. It was an “okay” movie but nothing special really.

Today I think I am going to watch Zoolander. It always cheers me up. There are so many good quotes in that movie. I’ll probably watch another movie too, but I’m not sure what yet.

Oh also if you have Showtime, The Tudors is back on again tonight! I don’t have it again (yet) but you can catch the season premiere online for free. I embedded it right here if you wanted to watch it. Oh, if you haven’t seen any episodes before that is fine because they recap seasons 1 and 2 before they show season 3 episode 1. Jonathan Rys Meyers is hot, the costumes are great, and it is somewhat based on history. I like it.



I hope everyone is having a good weekend and isn’t sick. And if you are (Lee) I hope you feel better soon too!

The Oscars 2009

Pre-Show

Award shows have always been a big event night for me. When I was a teenager I would even get dressed up and watch them. I watched not only to cheer on my favorite actors/actresses and the fashion they wore. I also watched for the dream. My dream of one day walking down the red carpet, being nominated for an award - and then winning it of course. I still have this dream, and one day perhaps it will even come true. Until then, I will Blog about it. I hope you enjoy my commentary and recap of the Oscars this year.

I watched the E! Live show and was most excited to see Robert Pattinson (surprise surprise)! He is in a tux with a bow tie and just looked amazing and was his usual adorable self. You can view the interview here. Second best to seeing him, was viewing the dresses before the show. I loved most of them, but some were just amazingly bad. Look towards the bottom of this post for my recap of the fashions.

*Oh and that picture is of me from prom photoshopped into my dream vision as best as I could get it. I’d rather be wearing a Valentino dress and actually be standing next to the real Robert Pattinson though.


The Show

The 81st Annual Academy Awards was hosted by Hugh Jackman. He came out singing about all the songs and then dancing. He was in theater, so he was quite good and maintained his sexy vibe still. He did start laughing during “The Reader” bit though. Overall I think he did a good job hosting the show.

Past actresses that have won in a supporting role presented the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The Oscar went to Penelope Cruz for her performance in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” She was my pick to win in this category. Her gown was beautiful! She was very gracious and a bit surprised that she won I think.

Tina Fey and Steve Martin presented the award for Best Original Screenplay with a great comedic intro. I quite liked it because I too am a writer. They read the screenplay for the short clips of the nominees as they showed the clip. The Oscar went to Dustin Lance Black for “Milk.” His speech was nice and he gave hope to gay rights. I haven’t seen this movie, but congratulations!

They then presented the award for Adapted Screenplay. The Oscar went to Simon Beaufoy for “Slumdog Millionaire.” I still haven’t seen this movie, I really need to since it is winning all these awards.

Jennifer Anniston and Jack Black presented for Best Animated Feature. Jennifer Anniston’s dress was great. The Oscar went to Wall-E. I haven’t seen this either, was it good? I guess it was if it won. They then presented for Animated Short Film. The Oscar went to “La Maison En Petits Cubes.”

Sarah Jessica Parker and Daniel Craig presented for Art Direction. SJP looked absolutely fabulous and very Sex and the City. The Oscar went to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Congratulations!

They then presented for Best Costume Design. The Oscar went to “The Duchess.” It was my choice for this category as well, so congratulations! Your work on this film was really spectacular. Not wanting to let SJP and the other guy off camera yet, they also presented the award for Best Makeup. The Oscar went to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Great work on this film, congratulations! I really need to see this movie ASAP.

Robert Pattinson and Amanda Seyfried presented for... well nothing. I was hardly paying attention to the show at this point. Robert looked all brooding and terribly nervous. How is that so hot? He presented (if you want to call it that) for what other category than romance? They even showed him in a few Twilight clips - and a bunch of other clips from other movies. There was no award given though. I guess they just wanted to show hot romance clips from movies this year. If it got him up on that stage though, I don’t mind!



Natalie Portman and Ben Stiller (with a very awful fake beard and messed up hair pretending to be Joaquin Phoenix) presented for Cinematography. It was hilarious! He even said he “wanted to retire from being the funny guy.” He was all aloof and walking away from Natalie as she was going over the script. LOL It was great. The Oscar went to “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Jessica Biel then came out in her awful dress to talk about digital animation and CGI.

Three guys came out to present for Best Live Action Short Film. The Oscar went to “Spielzeugland.” Seth laughed after the name was said. Yeah, I haven’t seen it either.

Hugh Jackman came out to do a little more singing and dancing with other guys in top hats and black tuxedos and canes. Beyonce then appeared and was singing in a red showgirl costume with a black top hat with other girls in showgirl-like tuxedos. They sang a song from “Grease” and a few other song clips. It was cute. Then for “Lady Marmelode” Amanda Seyfried and her co-star in “Mamma Mia” came out to sing and dance too. Of course Zac Effron and Vanessa Hudgens were also out there with them. They gave a great tribute to musicals. I liked it.

Past winners for Best Actors in a Supporting Role presented the winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The Oscar went to Heath Ledger for his work in “The Dark Knight.” I really wanted him to win, and am very happy that he did. His family accepted the award on his behalf. The acceptance was very emotional and the celebrities they showed in the audience were almost in tears. Very moving. Congratulations Heath, wherever you are.

Bill Mahr presented the award for Best Documentary. The Oscar went to “Man on Wire.” The Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film went to “Smile Pinki.” I’ve never seen either of these documentaries.

Will Smith presented for Visual Effects. The Oscar went to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Personally, I think “The Dark Knight” should have won for it. He then presented again for Sound Editing. The Oscar went to “The Dark Knight.” It was my pick yet again, congratulations! The Oscar for Sound Mixing went to “Slumdog Millionaire.” Will Smith also presented the award for Film Editing. The Oscar went to “Slumdog Millionaire.” Popular film tonight.

Eddie Murphy presented the award for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Jerry Lewis. It is well deserved, congratulations!

Zac Effron and Alicia Keys presented for Original Score. The Oscar went to “Slumdog Millionaire.” Congratulations, again. They then introduced/presented the singers and dancers for Best Original Song. The Baliwood singers and dancers came out from “Slumdog Millionaire.” With how much they won tonight, it was nice to see something from this movie I have yet to see. The Oscar went to “Slumdog Millionaire” for their “Jai Ho” song. Not a big surprise here was it?

The Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film went to “Departures” which is a Japanese film. Congratulations!

Queen Latifah then came out to pay respect to those entertainers who have passed in the industry. She sang and looked quite fabulous. I’m sure there were quite a few tears rolling down beautiful faces in the crowd.

Reese Witherspoon presented the award for Best Directing and she looked fabulous. The Oscar went to Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire.” Congratulations.

Previous actresses that have won as Best Actress in a Leading Role presented the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for this year. They said very nice and encouraging words for the nominees that almost moved them all to tears. The Oscar went to Kate Winslet for “The Reader.” Her acceptance speech was genuine and gracious. She was my pick to win. This has been such a great year for her and she really deserves it. Congratulations!

Previous actors that have won as Best Actors in a Leading Role presented the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for this year. They too said admiring words to the nominees. Did anybody else notice Robert Pattinson was sitting behind Mickey Rourke? The Oscar went to Sean Penn for “Milk.” I thought Brad Pitt was going to win, but congratulations nevertheless. Sean is an amazing actor too, and he deserves an Oscar too!

The very talented Stephen Spielberg presented the last (and best) award of the night: Best Motion Picture. The Oscar went to “Slumdog Millionaire.” Congratulations, yet again. I really wanted any movie but that one to win because it already won so many.


Fashion
I wasn't able to get pictures for all of the fashions I loved and hated, but here are some. Enjoy!

LOVED



Robert Pattinson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum, Anne Hathaway, Evan Rachel Wood, Robert Downey Jr., Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Diane Lane, Jennifer Anniston, Reese Witherspoon


HATED



Amanda Seyfried, Bridget Fonda, Marisa Tomei, Beyonce, Jessica Biel, Sophia Loren, Meryl Streep, Phoebe Cates, Tilda Swinton, Melissa Leo, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman


Images from: wireimage and oscar.com

Flashback Friday – Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Movie

I present to you something new that I want to do every week: Flashback Friday. What is it? Just your weekly dose of things from the past I enjoyed. I think that remembering these things that we once loved (and perhaps forgot about) is great for the spirit.

The first blast from the past I bring to you is one of my favorite movies as a kid: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Back when Buffy was Kristy Swanson and not Sarah Michelle Gellar that is.

Now that I think about it, this is probably the movie that gave me a love and fascination for vampires.

I remember I saw this movie at the theater with my mom. I was only 8 or 9 years old. I loved it! What was even better at the time was that some of my friend’s parents wouldn’t let them go see it – but I saw it! Plus, I totally had a crush on Luke Perry at the time (he was still on 90210 – also the original) at the time.



The movie also featured quite a few big name actors back when they were younger. I think it was even Hillary Swank’s first movie. Ben Affleck even appeared in a scene.

Buffy – Kristy Swanson
Merrick – Donald Sutherland
Pike – Luke Perry
Kimberly – Hillary Swank
Benny – David Arquette
Amilyn – Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman)

There are also a ton of funny quotes from the movie. Some of my favorites are:
“Merrick, you made a Joke. Are you okay? Do You want to lie down? I know it hurts the first time.”
“Right. I'm the chosen one. And I choose to be shopping.”
“Does the word "duh" mean anything to you?”
“My secret weapon is PMS.”
“Does Elvis talk to you? Does he tell you to do things? Do you see spots?”
You can view more of them here.

So, my questions for you…
1. Do you remember back when Buffy was not a TV Series?
2. What did you think about this movie?
3. Any favorite lines from it?
4. How funky is your chicken? How loose is your caboose?

Danger on the Harry Potter Set

Daniel Radcliffe’s stuntman was hospitalized with serious back injuries on Wednesday. According to this article, the accident took place pre-production for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The 25 year old stuntman has doubled for Daniel Radcliffe on all of the Harry Potter films. His name is not being released due to respect for his family. The stuntman was doing an aerial sequence in which the stuntman was suspended by a harness. It went horribly wrong when a planned blast didn’t go according to plan and he crashed to the ground.

I hope that the stuntman will be okay and won’t suffer anything serious overall. My thoughts and prayers go out towards him and his family.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split up into two movies. The first is supposed to be released in November 2010. I’m not holding my breath though – we all know what happens to release dates. I hope it does come out then, and not in 2011!

Job Tests and the Beginning of a Novel

Yesterday I took another test for a job I am trying to get. It isn’t great, but it does offer full health and dental. Which if hired, I would go and try to get invisilgn ASAP. I’ve wanted to get this for years! Anyways, back to the tests for it. I passed the first one really easily. It was a typing test which required 30 wpm. I was able to do 73 wpm. Yay! Then I had to fill out their application (in addition to my resume). Yesterday’s test was on the computer and was comprised of 9 different parts. I had to score at least a 65% on each part. I averaged a 91%. Yay! Next up is a personality test or something next week. Hmm. Hopefully I can pass as a normal and well balanced person.

One of my goals for this year is to write a novel, and guess what? I am! I started it last week. I have the character profiles of my two main characters written. I’ve also got a rough draft of the Chapter Outlines written up too. I wrote the epilogue and a little bit of the first chapter so far. I’m excited I’m actually doing it and it is fun. Only problem is that it takes place in London, England and I’ve never been there. So naturally, I need to do a lot of research for it.

Another goal of mine is to read more. Which I am, if you count reading Twilight and New Moon again for the 2nd time. Okay, so I didn’t read all of New Moon again. I skipped the whole part after Edward leaves up until Alice shows up at Bella’s house. It isn’t that I hate Jacob, I just didn’t want to read that part again because I am Team Edward. When I get up to Breaking Dawn again, I will probably skip the part that is written from Jacob’s point of view too.

I saw the movie Speak which Kristen Stewart is in last night. She actually has quite a few scenes that are sort of similar to Twilight. Well, they are in high school and there is only so much I guess you can show of that. It was pretty good though. Her actual boyfriend is in that movie with her too.

This weekend it is warming up some too. I hope to be able to get in a few good walks outside. I hope everyone else is having a great weekend too!

Blood Rayne

I just finished watching Blood Rayne 1 and 2 that I rented from NetFlix. As you know, I love vampire movies and books. So, I thought this one sounded like it would be good to watch. Half-vampire half-human, Rayne sets out to destroy other bad vampires. Sounds like my kind of vampire movie, so I added it to the Que.

The storyline for the first movie wasn’t too bad (not good, but not bad). I watched it nonetheless; I mean I had nothing else to do. The fight scenes made me laugh, the squirting blood and slicing people and vampires in half was just too much to not laugh. It was too unrealistic for this movie to be made in 2006. The acting wasn’t great, but not horrible either. I give it about a 5/10.

Today I decided to watch Blood Rayne 2. The storyline was pathetic. The acting was worse. The fight scenes were worse. Everything was worse. I barely held attention to it while I was browsing the internet. I give this movie a 1/10. I will never watch it again.

The movies were based (sort of) on the video games. I never played them, though I would, most likely. From what I read on reviews, the games are much better than the movies. Have any of you seen the movies or played the video games? What did you think?

Walk The Line

I just saw the movie Walk The Line last night. I know, it was released in 2005 and was a big hit then. I just never really wanted to see it because I am not a fan of country music. Bad excuse really because it was a superb movie! If you are able to see the movie somehow, you really should! Johnny Cash is a legend in music. Even someone like myself who doesn’t like country music actually likes a few of his songs such as “Ring of Fire.” He is also the only person besides Hank Williams that has been inducted into the Songwriters, Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Johnny Cash was outstanding. He evolves from a boy on a cotton farm to the gospel singing lead man in a band to then the Man in Black himself. Each step of Johnny Cash’s life that was shown was just so moving. You wanted him to do well, and you wanted him to leave his horrible wife (Ginnifer Goodwin) and be with his true love – June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). At least, that is how I felt while watching it.

Reese Witherspoon showed through this movie that she is so much more than Legally Blonde. I’ve always been a fan of hers, but this movie really made me respect her much more as an actress. The character of June Carter just had so much more depth and strength than her usual roles. It was a really great performance.

In addition to their quality acting in this film, they also learned how to sing for it too. Yes, it is them singing in the movie. They also each learned to play their instruments (guitar and auto-harp) from scratch. That is real dedication to a role, and I have much respect and admiration for both of them.

The film won 28 awards, most notably an Oscar for Reese Witherspoon’s best performance by an actress in a leading role. Well deserved but I think Joaquin Phoenix should have also won one for his performance.

Sydney White

While I was watching the movie Sydney White, I was reminiscing about my own college days. Maybe that is why I continued to watch the movie. It wasn’t that stimulating and the acting wasn’t so grand. Amanda Bynes did an okay job but she over-acts too much for my liking. It doesn’t really seem natural. It is a cute teen-movie though that has a spin on the classic Snow White theme.

However, when the scene came up that included the gym I did a double-take. It looked just like my old college’s gym! Surely it couldn’t be UCF’s, could it? The open layout, the treadmills overlooking the weights and of course my favorite feature of all: the treadmills with TVs on them. I also spotted a portion of the wall climbing area and the big tall palm trees outside. Hmm. Maybe it was filmed at UCF after all!

That is when I did a little internet research to see where this movie was filmed at. Turns out I was right! It was shot in spots at the University of Central Florida including Greek Row and the big gym I miss so much. They also filmed the movie in various locations at Rollins College, around Orlando, Winter Garden, Winter Park, and environs, in L.A.

When I was going to school at UCF, the CW (or was it still the WB back then) shot Big Man On Campus there. I only watched it to make fun of the girls they had on the show and of course to see all the areas I’ve been. I have to admit it is fun being able to say “I’ve been there!” or “I have a class in that building” or “I know right where that is!” during a show (or movie).

Top 10 Christmas Movies

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope everyone is having a great day today and tomorrow. Stay warm, cozy and spend time with family and loved ones.

I actually rather dislike most Christmas music, so I have made up a list of my top 10 Christmas movies to share with you. If you have these movies, pull them out and watch them. Well, perhaps not all of them at once – who has the time for that? Pick out a few and watch them over the next few days. Enjoy!

Elf Elf is a hilarious Christmas movie about the tale of a young child who crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and gets carried back to the North Pole and raised as an Elf. Buddy (Will Ferrell) then learns after many years that he is not really an elf at all and goes on a journey to New York City to find his father (Edward Asner). I love this movie, and watch it once every Christmas. If you have not seen it, you really should!

Fred Clause Vince Vaughn plays as Fred Claus in this comedy. Fred is the not so good and jolly brother of Santa Claus. After he ends up in jail, Fred is given the opportunity to redeem himself (and work off his debt) at his brother’s workshop – in the North Pole of course!

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas Jim Carrey is one of my favorite comedic actors. Him being “the Grinch” in this movie was great. I remember the cartoon of this movie as a kid, and this take on the original makes it even better! The makeup, costumes, sets and all of the actors were really terrific.

A Chistmas Story Who hasn’t seen A Christmas Story? I still remember the first time I ever saw this movie (right before Christmas break in history class after exams). I’ve loved it ever since! This funny holiday classic tells the story of Ralphie Parker, a 1940s nine-year-old who pulls out all the stops to obtain his ultimate Christmas present. Of course, who can forget the kid who gets his tongue stuck to the metal post outside or the leg lamp? Great movie!

The Santa Clause (All 3) This is a great set of all three movies of The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen as Santa. My favorite out of all three is the first one. Hey, the original is still the best to me! Great movie for all ages.

The Holiday This is a great romantic comedy for Christmas. It is a perfect cuddle up on the couch with your special someone movie. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two successful yet unhappy women who meet online at a home vacation exchange website. Jude Law and Jack Black also star in this film as the men of their affection from a home away from home. Will it work in the end? Watch and see!

Miracle on 34th Street This is a really great remake of a classic. Six year old Susan has doubts about Santa Claus (her mother told her the “secret” about him a long time ago), so she doesn’t expect to get the most important things on her list from him. However, after meeting a special department store Santa who is convinced he is the real thing, she is given the most precious gift of all – something to believe in.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation I remember watching this movie every year for Christmas as a kid. I think it must have been my parent’s favorite Christmas movie at the time. The Griswald family are just like any other normal, average family – except everything that can (and will) go wrong happens! Great for a laugh and it too is a classic.

Shrek the Halls This is a rather short “movie” as it is only 22 minutes. However, it is really funny. It is a great movie to watch with kids because they all love Shrek already. Adults will also get much humor out of it too. If you haven’t seen it and like Shrek, check it out!

It's A Wonderful Life George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget suicide? Great classic that will be around forever!