Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Weekend Report...part 1
Well ladies & gents, the time has come for me to give my report. After having a good deal of sleep and food, I am now better in charge of my faculties to try and give my unbiased (or partially unbiased) opinion of the movie The Twilight Saga: New Moon and the New Moon Experience.
I think the best place to start is going to be the movie.
So here's my review of the movie:
All in all, I liked it. (I know...you are shocked)
Here's a few of the reasons why:
Bella's blinking issue has apparently gone away, as has her incessant stuttering issue, which prevented her from stringing two words together coherently.
The vampires look more like vampires....in that they are slightly more unsettling when looking at them. You know there is something off...but putting your finger on it is the tough part...until it's too late.
The world does not come in different shades of blue, but rather the entire color spectrum.
The dialog is easier.
The music flows well with the story and is almost a character in itself (in some places) that describes exactly what is going on.
The action in the movie is stellar and adds so much.
Now, I must state that all of this is based off of only one showing. I know, I know...you cannot believe that I didn't see it five times in a twenty-four hour period like I did last year. Sadly, a rather unpleasant sinus infection, coupled with an incredibly sore body that was the result of a fabulous dance party, limited my capabilities for multiple views. This is something I hope to remedy shortly.
I think the new director has made a world of difference. The acting was tremendously better and I am a firm believer that bad acting is a result of bad directing, so a new director would explain the improvement there. The story was a bit rushed, and if you aren't well versed in what is going on, you might want to get a run down from someone who does prior to seeing the flick, so that your enjoyment may be enhanced. However, a rushed storyline is to be expected since there is a lot to get through in a short amount of time. I struggled in parts to connect with the angst of the characters and I believe that is in part to the rush of the story and part due to the acting. Seeing as how I am not an actor though, and not trying to please countless extremely picky fans, I will try and cut the actors some slack.
I went to the midnight opening show with my good girlfriends of the NRG. We were in a theater that Events By Alice rented out and it was packed with fellow Twilightmoms. I love experiencing the movie for the first time in this type of environment, because your emotions tend to feed, even subconsciously, off of the emotions of others around you also viewing it for the first time. It's a cool experience.
While I was pleased with the first movie when it first debut, I have picked it apart with the strictest of critics since then, and believe me...we do a much tougher job than riff tracks any day, and I still like it. I don't expect this to be much different. I will always like the movie, but at some point, I wouldn't doubt that I will have a list of flaws or "cheese" issues that I wish were fixed.
All in all, the plot was easier to follow, the colors better, better action, and was the acting better. The CGI was improved as well, and while it still left something to be desired when the vampires are in the sun, the wolf transformations and action sequences were tremendous.
I left the movie encouraged and excited to see the next installment, which I found out to my great pleasure, will be in June. I just hope the new director for that film, David Slade (who was the director of 30 Days of Night, a horror flick), will do a great job as well.
The box office results and comparisons (as reported on Twilightmoms.com last night):
Midnight Showings:
Twilight - $7 Million
New Moon - $26.2 Million
Opening Day:
Twilight - $35.7 Million
New Moon - $72.7 Million
Opening Weekend:
Twilight (US & Canada) - $69.7 Million (3,419 theaters)
New Moon (US & Canada) - $140.7 Million (4,024 theaters)
New Moon's opening weekend has earned it a place in entertainment history. EW's Box Office Report is reporting that New Moon grossed an estimated $140.7 million at the box office this weekend and is now "the biggest autumn opening weekend in history and the third biggest three day debut ever." And New Moon is ranked third in overall opening weekend rankings, just behind The Dark Knight and Spider Man 3.
Worldwide estimates are that New Moon's opening weekend box office totals are around $258.8 million. Twilight's total worldwide gross was $383.5 million. In one weekend, New Moon has brought in over 67% of Twilight's total box office sales.
And keep in mind, Twilight's opening weekend accounted for 36% of it's total sales. If that trend continues, New Moon could be on it's way to grossing over $300 million domestically (Twilight's domestic total was $192.7), not to mention the worldwide totals added in there.
I think the best place to start is going to be the movie.
So here's my review of the movie:
All in all, I liked it. (I know...you are shocked)
Here's a few of the reasons why:
Bella's blinking issue has apparently gone away, as has her incessant stuttering issue, which prevented her from stringing two words together coherently.
The vampires look more like vampires....in that they are slightly more unsettling when looking at them. You know there is something off...but putting your finger on it is the tough part...until it's too late.
The world does not come in different shades of blue, but rather the entire color spectrum.
The dialog is easier.
The music flows well with the story and is almost a character in itself (in some places) that describes exactly what is going on.
The action in the movie is stellar and adds so much.
Now, I must state that all of this is based off of only one showing. I know, I know...you cannot believe that I didn't see it five times in a twenty-four hour period like I did last year. Sadly, a rather unpleasant sinus infection, coupled with an incredibly sore body that was the result of a fabulous dance party, limited my capabilities for multiple views. This is something I hope to remedy shortly.
I think the new director has made a world of difference. The acting was tremendously better and I am a firm believer that bad acting is a result of bad directing, so a new director would explain the improvement there. The story was a bit rushed, and if you aren't well versed in what is going on, you might want to get a run down from someone who does prior to seeing the flick, so that your enjoyment may be enhanced. However, a rushed storyline is to be expected since there is a lot to get through in a short amount of time. I struggled in parts to connect with the angst of the characters and I believe that is in part to the rush of the story and part due to the acting. Seeing as how I am not an actor though, and not trying to please countless extremely picky fans, I will try and cut the actors some slack.
I went to the midnight opening show with my good girlfriends of the NRG. We were in a theater that Events By Alice rented out and it was packed with fellow Twilightmoms. I love experiencing the movie for the first time in this type of environment, because your emotions tend to feed, even subconsciously, off of the emotions of others around you also viewing it for the first time. It's a cool experience.
While I was pleased with the first movie when it first debut, I have picked it apart with the strictest of critics since then, and believe me...we do a much tougher job than riff tracks any day, and I still like it. I don't expect this to be much different. I will always like the movie, but at some point, I wouldn't doubt that I will have a list of flaws or "cheese" issues that I wish were fixed.
All in all, the plot was easier to follow, the colors better, better action, and was the acting better. The CGI was improved as well, and while it still left something to be desired when the vampires are in the sun, the wolf transformations and action sequences were tremendous.
I left the movie encouraged and excited to see the next installment, which I found out to my great pleasure, will be in June. I just hope the new director for that film, David Slade (who was the director of 30 Days of Night, a horror flick), will do a great job as well.
The box office results and comparisons (as reported on Twilightmoms.com last night):
Midnight Showings:
Twilight - $7 Million
New Moon - $26.2 Million
Opening Day:
Twilight - $35.7 Million
New Moon - $72.7 Million
Opening Weekend:
Twilight (US & Canada) - $69.7 Million (3,419 theaters)
New Moon (US & Canada) - $140.7 Million (4,024 theaters)
New Moon's opening weekend has earned it a place in entertainment history. EW's Box Office Report is reporting that New Moon grossed an estimated $140.7 million at the box office this weekend and is now "the biggest autumn opening weekend in history and the third biggest three day debut ever." And New Moon is ranked third in overall opening weekend rankings, just behind The Dark Knight and Spider Man 3.
Worldwide estimates are that New Moon's opening weekend box office totals are around $258.8 million. Twilight's total worldwide gross was $383.5 million. In one weekend, New Moon has brought in over 67% of Twilight's total box office sales.
And keep in mind, Twilight's opening weekend accounted for 36% of it's total sales. If that trend continues, New Moon could be on it's way to grossing over $300 million domestically (Twilight's domestic total was $192.7), not to mention the worldwide totals added in there.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Told you so...
Last Friday night I had the pleasure of going to see They Might Be Giants in concert. Aside from some pain in my neck, it was a relatively enjoyable experience.
They Might Be Giants have always been a near & dear band that is close to my heart ever since I have listened to them back in Junior High.
As the band began to play the entirety of the Flood album that they had put out nearly 20 years ago, I closed my eyes and swayed to the music. I didn't see or feel the crowds of people all around me.
I was taken back to another time and place:
Hot summer nights, riding in the back of Spencer's truck.
Playing kick-the-can (or rather touch-the-can, since it was a large garbage can) in the duck park, and savoring the rush of adrenaline, I watched the others run from their hiding places, as I crouched in the dense undergrowth that was my hiding place.
Standing next to the train tracks with my arms held wide, as the train flew by, loud and threatening.
Making wish after wish on shooting stars.
My first kiss from my first love.
Late nights in the drive through of Taco Bell as we discussed the whereabouts of the stray cat who used to always be in the parking lot. We took bets on who's food he'd ended up in.
The Simpsons reruns late at night. They were just as good then.
My hand in his and feeling so small...
The music thumped my past life into the present, while I breathed deeply the mist from the fog machine and watched as the confetti fell from the ceiling. My memories and I danced together...
One of the benefits of going to a live concert is, aside from getting to see a band you really enjoy, is getting to experience new music.
The Guggenheim Grotto went on before They Might Be Giants and unlike all previous experiences, I was a little prepared for their sound and feel. I had the forethought to look up who was opening for TMBG and then went to TGG's website and listened to their music. From what I heard I liked.
Hearing them on stage though was quite a treat. Originally from Ireland, their music was full of great harmonies and ballads. I bought both of their cds and the couple of songs that weren't on the cds from itunes. So far, I have not regretted the decision at all. More than one of their songs has struck a chord with me and I would like to share one of my favorites. I hope you like it too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdAu2MFf1EE
The Guggenheim Grotto
Told You So
When the world is wide, wicked and wild
and watching my every move
I gather thoughts of you and that's what lovers do.
You've said before every act is a war
and every shade, just another shade of blue
you'd have me walk with you and that's what lovers do
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
When you go walking away with the wind and the waves and
flirting with your feet,
you take a part of me and that's what lovers feel
And when you come upon a time and place sublime and it
shows you something real
you with me there to see and that's what lovers feel
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
At a party I've thrown the morning has grown and
someone's going your way
you tell them you'd rather stay and that's what lovers say
So to the garden we go, quiet and slow and we
watch the world awake
you know I love you for loves sake, isn't that what lovers say?
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
They Might Be Giants have always been a near & dear band that is close to my heart ever since I have listened to them back in Junior High.
As the band began to play the entirety of the Flood album that they had put out nearly 20 years ago, I closed my eyes and swayed to the music. I didn't see or feel the crowds of people all around me.
I was taken back to another time and place:
Hot summer nights, riding in the back of Spencer's truck.
Playing kick-the-can (or rather touch-the-can, since it was a large garbage can) in the duck park, and savoring the rush of adrenaline, I watched the others run from their hiding places, as I crouched in the dense undergrowth that was my hiding place.
Standing next to the train tracks with my arms held wide, as the train flew by, loud and threatening.
Making wish after wish on shooting stars.
My first kiss from my first love.
Late nights in the drive through of Taco Bell as we discussed the whereabouts of the stray cat who used to always be in the parking lot. We took bets on who's food he'd ended up in.
The Simpsons reruns late at night. They were just as good then.
My hand in his and feeling so small...
The music thumped my past life into the present, while I breathed deeply the mist from the fog machine and watched as the confetti fell from the ceiling. My memories and I danced together...
One of the benefits of going to a live concert is, aside from getting to see a band you really enjoy, is getting to experience new music.
The Guggenheim Grotto went on before They Might Be Giants and unlike all previous experiences, I was a little prepared for their sound and feel. I had the forethought to look up who was opening for TMBG and then went to TGG's website and listened to their music. From what I heard I liked.
Hearing them on stage though was quite a treat. Originally from Ireland, their music was full of great harmonies and ballads. I bought both of their cds and the couple of songs that weren't on the cds from itunes. So far, I have not regretted the decision at all. More than one of their songs has struck a chord with me and I would like to share one of my favorites. I hope you like it too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdAu2MFf1EE
The Guggenheim Grotto
Told You So
When the world is wide, wicked and wild
and watching my every move
I gather thoughts of you and that's what lovers do.
You've said before every act is a war
and every shade, just another shade of blue
you'd have me walk with you and that's what lovers do
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
When you go walking away with the wind and the waves and
flirting with your feet,
you take a part of me and that's what lovers feel
And when you come upon a time and place sublime and it
shows you something real
you with me there to see and that's what lovers feel
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
At a party I've thrown the morning has grown and
someone's going your way
you tell them you'd rather stay and that's what lovers say
So to the garden we go, quiet and slow and we
watch the world awake
you know I love you for loves sake, isn't that what lovers say?
Told you so, I'm in love with you...
told you so and I bet you love me too...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
And the beat goes on...
As many of you know, I am a Belly Dancer for Gypsy Dance Company and I love it! For the past six weeks or so, I have been participating in a belly dancing technique class, because the regular dancing season ended at the beginning of September and I just couldn't get enough. This was a two hour class, the first hour being technique training and the second hour rehearsing a number for out upcoming Gypsy Tapestry Formal Event.
Last night was the Gypsy Tapestry Formal Event and the last performance of the season for Desert Gypsy Dance Company. We performed at Covey Center for the Arts in Provo with different belly dancing companies from around the area, for a fairly large crowd of people.
There are several reasons that I can think of that make me like belly dancing, but I think one of the biggest reasons is the camaraderie. The feeling of acceptance. There really is no feeling of competition or rivalry, even amongst the different troupes from different areas. We are all different. We are all shaped different, dance different, have different talents, dress differently and yet, as one group performs, another group is usually waiting in the wings for their turn and cheering on the performers. We can appreciate each other for who we really are and encourage each other regardless of all conditions. We are all like one big family...who all happen to like to shake their stuff on stage! Hahaha.
It was good to be back on a stage again. I haven't been on a stage since high school. Even though I have never been to the Covey Center for the Arts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I wrapped my hand around the rope of the fly, or darted in and out of the legs and narrowly avoided the cyc. The lights, the music, the markers on the stage floor...all of it, was like coming home in a way, and yet completely different, because I had never been here before.
In the past, I had never been the performer really, I was always the girl behind the scenes, with her headset on, making fun of the stressed out dancers as they darted around worrying about their hair, makeup and costume changes.
Imagine my chagrin and bemusement as I found myself now in that position; worrying about making the lines as straight as possible when you spin into them (which is never easy), worrying about my hair flying about, worrying about my skirt getting caught on the skirt of another dancer and on top of it all remembering all the steps and specific beats to hit them on.
It was an interesting dynamic. Appreciating the performance on both sides, as both the performer and the presenter. I think it made the experience that much richer for me.
All in all, I think I did fairly well. I was in one performance that showcased just the members of my troupe and the last performance of the night, which showcased only those that took the technique class.
My troupe dance was easy as pie. A dance I had once thought I would NEVER get down correctly, I was able to stroll through it. We have performed this dance a couple of times at different venues and we get better at it with each performance. I don't remember making any grand mistakes in this dance and if I did, I am getting much better at hiding them.
The second dance, the techinique class, was more difficult, due in part to never having performed it, having a large group of people and having only finished learning it a couple weeks ago. We practiced it before the crowd of people began to file in and I don't think anyone there thought we had a good run through. Our lines were a mess, the steps were forgotten and my skirt got caught on that of my partner. We gingerly undid the tangle and hoped it wouldn't happen again.
As I stood in line for our last number, staring at the back of one of my fellow dancers, trying to get into the beat of the music, while pretending not to notice that I was in the front row, dead center on stage and just feet from me were what felt like thousands of eyes staring at me, I silently prayed "please don't let me mess up".
The beginning of the number was good. I was confident in the steps and the rhythm. My partner and I making cheesy happy smiles at each other helped a bit. It was only towards the end, the part not practiced as much, that I started to have some difficulty. And sure enough, my skirt did get caught on my partner, but she quickly tore the thread loose off my skirt and solved the problem. Staring at my partner, I did steps that were after the next steps and threw us both off, but before I knew it, the dance was over. I felt good. Now, anyone that knows me....really knows me...is fully aware that despite how I am with people in small groups or even on a 1-on-1 basis, I am terrified of getting up in front of people. While I wasn't 100% perfect, I did the best that I could and I didn't think it was too shabby, because in the end...I did it! I got up in front of people and danced my heart out!! A real success in my book.
I told a friend the night before that I didn't care if anyone came, which in itself isn't completely true, but for the most part it was. It's not that I don't want to invite people or that I don't care if the come to support me. I would love it if EVERYONE came and loved it as much as I did! But the truth of the matter is that people are busy, they have lives that they need to live. Sometimes that allows them to be there and sometimes that doesn't. My point was, that while I would love for everyone I love to see me dance and know that this is truly what makes me happy (even if I am not perfect), if they can't make it for whatever reason, it will not bother me, because I am doing what I love and I am doing it for me. It makes me super happy and that is all that matters!
So now the season has finished and there won't be practices or performances till next year...
...what WILL I do with myself...
....hmm, Salsa Dancing...
...sounds like just the ticket!
Last night was the Gypsy Tapestry Formal Event and the last performance of the season for Desert Gypsy Dance Company. We performed at Covey Center for the Arts in Provo with different belly dancing companies from around the area, for a fairly large crowd of people.
There are several reasons that I can think of that make me like belly dancing, but I think one of the biggest reasons is the camaraderie. The feeling of acceptance. There really is no feeling of competition or rivalry, even amongst the different troupes from different areas. We are all different. We are all shaped different, dance different, have different talents, dress differently and yet, as one group performs, another group is usually waiting in the wings for their turn and cheering on the performers. We can appreciate each other for who we really are and encourage each other regardless of all conditions. We are all like one big family...who all happen to like to shake their stuff on stage! Hahaha.
It was good to be back on a stage again. I haven't been on a stage since high school. Even though I have never been to the Covey Center for the Arts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I wrapped my hand around the rope of the fly, or darted in and out of the legs and narrowly avoided the cyc. The lights, the music, the markers on the stage floor...all of it, was like coming home in a way, and yet completely different, because I had never been here before.
In the past, I had never been the performer really, I was always the girl behind the scenes, with her headset on, making fun of the stressed out dancers as they darted around worrying about their hair, makeup and costume changes.
Imagine my chagrin and bemusement as I found myself now in that position; worrying about making the lines as straight as possible when you spin into them (which is never easy), worrying about my hair flying about, worrying about my skirt getting caught on the skirt of another dancer and on top of it all remembering all the steps and specific beats to hit them on.
It was an interesting dynamic. Appreciating the performance on both sides, as both the performer and the presenter. I think it made the experience that much richer for me.
All in all, I think I did fairly well. I was in one performance that showcased just the members of my troupe and the last performance of the night, which showcased only those that took the technique class.
My troupe dance was easy as pie. A dance I had once thought I would NEVER get down correctly, I was able to stroll through it. We have performed this dance a couple of times at different venues and we get better at it with each performance. I don't remember making any grand mistakes in this dance and if I did, I am getting much better at hiding them.
The second dance, the techinique class, was more difficult, due in part to never having performed it, having a large group of people and having only finished learning it a couple weeks ago. We practiced it before the crowd of people began to file in and I don't think anyone there thought we had a good run through. Our lines were a mess, the steps were forgotten and my skirt got caught on that of my partner. We gingerly undid the tangle and hoped it wouldn't happen again.
As I stood in line for our last number, staring at the back of one of my fellow dancers, trying to get into the beat of the music, while pretending not to notice that I was in the front row, dead center on stage and just feet from me were what felt like thousands of eyes staring at me, I silently prayed "please don't let me mess up".
The beginning of the number was good. I was confident in the steps and the rhythm. My partner and I making cheesy happy smiles at each other helped a bit. It was only towards the end, the part not practiced as much, that I started to have some difficulty. And sure enough, my skirt did get caught on my partner, but she quickly tore the thread loose off my skirt and solved the problem. Staring at my partner, I did steps that were after the next steps and threw us both off, but before I knew it, the dance was over. I felt good. Now, anyone that knows me....really knows me...is fully aware that despite how I am with people in small groups or even on a 1-on-1 basis, I am terrified of getting up in front of people. While I wasn't 100% perfect, I did the best that I could and I didn't think it was too shabby, because in the end...I did it! I got up in front of people and danced my heart out!! A real success in my book.
I told a friend the night before that I didn't care if anyone came, which in itself isn't completely true, but for the most part it was. It's not that I don't want to invite people or that I don't care if the come to support me. I would love it if EVERYONE came and loved it as much as I did! But the truth of the matter is that people are busy, they have lives that they need to live. Sometimes that allows them to be there and sometimes that doesn't. My point was, that while I would love for everyone I love to see me dance and know that this is truly what makes me happy (even if I am not perfect), if they can't make it for whatever reason, it will not bother me, because I am doing what I love and I am doing it for me. It makes me super happy and that is all that matters!
So now the season has finished and there won't be practices or performances till next year...
...what WILL I do with myself...
....hmm, Salsa Dancing...
...sounds like just the ticket!
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