Fall Movie Challenge - Week Two

Along with 30+ other bloggers, I've just completed week two of the annual movie challenge. As much as the challenge is about the movies - as it should be - I have to say that I really enjoy getting to provide the rest of the group with feedback on my opinion of the movies and have a group discussion of a few of them.

I wish I could say that I made as much headway this week as I did in week one!

Iron Man 3 (9/13)

What IMDB says: When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

What I say: Confession...I am a total Marvel movie (and TV) geek.  Give me a marathon of Agents of SHIELD, The Avengers and movies that feed into it and I am a nerdtastically happy girl. I couldn't tell you how I didn't watch this movie sooner (I'm blaming the fact that I keep watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier instead). I really liked this movie (obviously), even if Tony Stark is the most arrogant character known to man.

The Best of Me (9/15)

What IMDB says: A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.

What I say: A sweet movie and I would watch it again.  I was disappointed in the ending though... It just didn't deliver what I expected of Nicholas Sparks.  However - I didn't read the book, so I don't know if the movie deviated from the original story.

Silver Linings Playbook (9/12)

What IMDB says: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

What I say: I really like this movie!  Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence have such chemistry!  It was a believable approach to a character rediscovering themselves after a mental breakdown...and it's easy to root for two flawed (but loveable) characters to find joy.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (9/12)

What IMDB says: Sam Witwicky leaves the Autobots behind for a normal life. But when his mind is filled with cryptic symbols, the Decepticons target him and he is dragged back into the Transformers' war.

What I say:  It's an action packed movie, that's for sure. While nothing was wrong with it per se - Megan Fox kind of annoyed me.

You can see my full movie challenge list HERE and my recap of week one's movies HERE.

Fall Movie Challenge - Week One Recap

About a month ago, two of my favorite bloggers - Karen and Christina talked about an annual movie challenge that they take part in and I decided to give it a shot as well.

The fall movie challenge started on September 1st and I was convinced I'd watch three movies...if I was lucky!

I'm really proud that I've made time to make a dent in my list!  Here's what I've watched during the first week:

Wreck-It Ralph (9/7)

What IMDB says: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

What I say: I loved it!  A great family movie.  Ralph was easy to root for, but I found Vanellope a little annoying at first.

Miracle (9/7)

What IMDB says: Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks (Russell), the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad.

What I say: While it was well acted, I'm not a fan of hockey...so I don't think I'll watch it again. I did appreciate seeing a version of how events in the 1980 Olympics went down.

The Theory of Everything (9/6)

What IMDB says: A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

What I say: I didn't expect to like this movie as much as I did.  It came as a big (and very pleasant) surprise that I absolutely loved it...to the point of shedding tears. The movie combines three important points (a complex love story, a failing body and a brilliant mind) very well.  I will be watching this one again!
smile emIt was easy to root for Ralph, but I found Vanellope a little annoying at first. Fun family movie!

The Decoy Bride (9/3)

What IMDB says: When the world's media descend on the remote Scottish island where a Hollywood actress is attempting to get married, a local girl is hired as a decoy bride to put the paparazzi off the scent.

What I say: I've been to Scotland before, but now I want to visit all the islands on the Hebrides! I knew David Tennant was in the film (Dr. Who's "The Doctor" #10) but it was a great surprise to realize that one of the other main characters was played by Kelly McDonald - the voice of Merida from Brave.  I really enjoyed this movie.  Cute; a bit predictable; but fun and really sweet.

Into the Wild (9/4)

What IMDB says: After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

What I say: I watched this movie and I'm conflicted about how I feel about it.  I liked that the movie was biographical and that the main character bucked societal norms as well as the expectations of his family. It was really well acted...and the music was great!  I love Pearl Jam.  However, the movie isn't "happy go lucky"; it's pretty depressing in a number of scenes.  

Did You Hear About the Morgans (9/5)

What IMDB says: In New York City, an estranged couple who witness a murder are relocated to small-town Wyoming as part of a witness-protection program.

What I say: There's not much to say about this one.  There were a few funny-ish one-liners...but I'm left wondering how two decent actors made such a horrible movie!

You can see my full movie challenge list HERE.

Fall Movie Challenge

My bloggy friends Karen and Christina posted about this last week, and I just can't stop myself from joining in!  Every year Jenn hosts this fabulous movie challenge...

Here are the rules:
the movie challenge begins one minute past twelve a.m. september first / concludes midnight november thirtieth. you may NOT use a film you have already seen, even in part (excluding trailers), for this challenge. all films MUST be new to you. each film chosen for the challenge may be used ONLY ONCE, i.e. a film used for the something miraculous category may not be used for the personal victory one as well. all films selected for the challenge MUST have a page on the internet movie database. films can be viewed in the theater or at home, but all films must have (had) a theatrical release; made-for-television movies are not eligible.

the first three people to complete the challenge prior to november thirtieth will each receive a redbox gift card valued at twenty dollars. the one person to accumulate the most points at the contest’s conclusion will receive an amazon gift card valued at fifty dollars. each film is valued at ten points, yielding a total points of two hundred fifty. details of a bonus round will be revealed october fifteenth. 

to participate, you must be a member of the fall film challenge facebook group. once you have joined and chosen your films to fit the below categories, post your list to the group’s page or email it to criticalcrass at me dot com so that i may add your selections to a master list. only those who have submitted lists to me are eligible for the prizes. 

Here's my list:

one. any set in new york city. Limitless I figure this will be good to knock out at the beginning before the TV show starts!

two. any incorporating hot air balloons in the story. Casanova (2005)

three. any featuring a child as the main character.  The Professional

four. any disney film. Wreck-It Ralph  I know, I'm one of a handful of people who haven't seen this...

five. any set in egypt OR have an egyptian character OR star an egyptian actor/actress. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

six. a close friend or family member’s favorite film. Into the Wild  This is one of my brother's favorite movies.  I've read the book...but never seen the movie.

seven. any with the word great in the title.  Oz the Great and Powerful  I love the Wizard of Oz, so I think this will be fun to compare/contrast against.

eight. any starring harrison ford. The Age of Adeline

nine. any featuring an idiot as the main character. Our Idiot Brother

ten. any mentioned in levis strauss’ list: denim in the oscars: a look at jeans in cinema. Drive.  It's by default...it's the only movie on the list I haven't seen.

eleven. a film about a knight. Season of the Witch

twelve. a love story. The Best of Me...because who can say "no" to a Nicholas Sparks book, turned into a movie?!

thirteen. a movie about something miraculous. The Martian

fourteen. any starring an actor/actress with the same first name as yours. Margot at the Wedding

fifteen. a film about the olympics. Miracle

sixteen. a film on time magazine’s list: the top ten newspaper movies. State of Play

seventeen. any with a question in the title. Did You Hear About the Morgans?

eighteen. any with a score of ninety percent or greater on rotten tomatoes. Silver Linings Playbook

nineteen. a film about a superhero. Iron Man III

twenty. any with subtitles. Leviathan

twenty-one. any incorporating unicorns in the story. Inkheart

twenty-two. a film about a personal victory. The Theory of Everything

twenty-three. a film with black or white in the title. White God (It's not what it sounds like...it's a story about a dog a man gave up and the girl that tries to get him back.)

twenty-four. any set in a country you would most like to visit. The Decoy Bride

twenty-five. a film set in a zoo. Fierce Creatures

helpful links

films set in new york city.
films that feature children as the main characters.
films about knights.
films about the olympics.
films with questions as the title.
films incorporating unicorns in the story.
twenty-five favored chick flicks.

the best released from ‘three to ‘thirteen.

the best of the nineties. erin’s list. rolling stone’s list.

the best of the eighties. erin’s list. rolling stone’s list.

Have you seen any of these movies?  Have suggestions for alternate ones?  I want to know!

Five on Friday

How is July almost over?!  As much as I am overjoyed at the prospect of another cool, crisp New England autumn - I am surprised by how fast the summer is flying by.

I'm linking up again today with April!









My rescue - Little Paws Dachshund Rescue - will be on the Boston CBS affiliate for "Pet Parade" on Sunday.  Above is the video from our last appearance in March.  We tape on Saturday morning for a Sunday morning show, and right about now is when I get just a touch nervous.  After the last show, I learned that the Boston market often "lends" material to other smaller CBS markets...so if you see me on TV in different states, let me know!! :-)

OK... I think I'm going to wear jeans, a black t-shirt, black short sleeve cardigan and sandals.  I know, totally not original.  But I won't clash with any of the dogs or the host.  That makes sense, right?  Now, what should I do with my nails?  Help me pick a mani!

After fighting with Comcast for a few months, the jump from Xfinity "Triple Play" (aka the OLD version of premium services) to X1 (aka the NEW version of premium services) is happening tomorrow.  Heaven help them if I still need to be within 10 feet of my router to get wi-fi!

Tuesdays at the Table is coming back starting next week!  I'll be adding the snazzy new button to my sidebar this weekend.  :-)  I hope everyone will pick their favorite recipe and link up!

I have been a fan of Shaun the Sheep for YEARS!  A TV show of a cute British claymation sheep that is pretty brilliant?!  I'm there!  I just found out that now there's a movie coming out of it in early August!  Have any of you seen Shaun the Sheep before?

Five on Friday - Birthday Weekend

It's Friday again.  How did that happen?  Somehow the week has flown by, and I'm looking forward to my birthday weekend! I'm linking up with the lovely April again this week.

Happy Birthday to this guy.  Thank you for telling me every year that I'm your favorite birthday present, for helping me foster a love of animals at an early age, and for bestowing nicknames on me that no one else understands.  :-)  I hope this is a wonderful birthday for you and the start of an amazing year!

 



I'm hoping to get a little sewing time this weekend.  A trip to JoAnn Fabric yielded a few good sized remnants for a really good deal!  I think the dachshund fabric (SO CUTE!!) will turn into no-tie bandanas for the rescue and the lattice print will be a dress for Paisley.

Part of my dad's birthday present is an outing to the movies.  There are a few that I want to see.  As much as I really want to the Minions, I don't think that's exactly on my dad's wish list.  Have you seen either Jurassic World of Terminator Genisys?

Don't look now, but I joined a gym.  Pray for me, people!  It's been a while and I'm a klutz, so I'm hedging my bets and starting with water aerobics.  You know...AFTER I enjoy my birthday weekend!

My Jamberry giveaway ends Friday at midnight EST.  Move quick and get entered!  Another "birthday month" giveaway is coming next week!

What's on your agenda this weekend?

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!!!  I hope everyone has had a good week and has some fun (or relaxing) plans for the weekend.

This week I'm linking up with the lovely ladies that host Five on Friday.  Because, really...what better way to put together all the topics that you've been thinking about, but aren't quite a post of their own.  :-)

One...

Since I started blogging consistently again, so many of my old friends are gone.  I need to find new bloggy friends! It seems that comments are a rare commodity these days too.  So I've decided that I'll be visiting everyone that links up this week to leave them a little comment love. I blog because I love it - but a little comment love is always makes me feel good.  I want to share that feeling!


Two...

Have you seen the trailer for "The Secret Life of Pets" yet?  Take a few minutes and indulge your inner Pixar junkie and watch it!


Three...

I come from a military family and have such respect for the Wounded Warrior Project.  I've decided that I'll make a donation of $2 per sheet of patriotic wraps listed above purchased through my site...and I'll add a few more options too! Visit my site HERE and buy any of the following wraps: Ka Boom, Patriot, Navy Stripe, Star Spangled, Poppy & White Polka, White Stripe, Blue Jeans, Fountain of Youth, Whiteout, Little Patriot or True Love.  I want to make a HUGE donation to Wounded Warrior Project!


Four...

I need new sandals.  Which do you like better?  Or better yet, what are your go-to sandals?  Ideally, I'm looking for work appropriate (our office is very casual) and fun!

Five...

I want to get some bandanas sewn for the rescue this weekend.  Wish me luck!

There Should Be a Warning...

This weekend, I decide that a little "mom and me" time was in order.  I love my mom; she's one of my best friends, and there's very little that I can't tell her.  That said, there are just some things you don't share with you mom.

Let me elaborate!  Mom and I decided to go see Spy, the new Melissa McCarthy movie.  It looked funny in trailers and it definitely was!  For those of you opposed to using the word "f*ck" as a verb, noun, pronoun and adjective all in the space of approximately two minutes - SKIP THIS MOVIE.  The mom with the two pre-teen daughters sitting in front of me had her hands full trying to cover her girls ears (unsuccessfully) most of the movie.  However, the expletives were nothing compared to a scene (OK...more like 30 seconds to a minute) where Melissa McCarthy finds a camera that has pictures of male genitalia on it.

Sitting next to your mom while penises flash across a giant screen is...well, awkward at best. Like I said, there should be a warning!  Part of me felt really bad for the woman with the two pre-teen daughters.  Then I remembered that the movie is rated R and she opted not to listen to rating guidelines and brought her daughters anyway.

On the bright side, at least I didn't bring my dad to the movies!

Hunger Games

Who has tickets for the opening night of Hunger Games?  This girl! And four of her awesome friends - OF COURSE!!

I'll be there wearing "Stone Cold" from China Glaze's "Colors from the Capital" collection.  :-) Have any of you bought these nail polishes yet?

Is anyone else as excited as me for Hunger Games to come out?