The more I think about it, the more I think My Space sucks. EVERYTIME I hear about anything in connection with this website it is always bad. ALWAYS.
I feel old. But seriously. Kids these days.
All teenagers want to seem older. I understand that. It sucks. They usually regret it, but it happens.
But now it happens on the internet for the whole world to see. The whole world. Anybody. No matter their intentions.
And teenagers are so stupid. They put their first and last names, their cities and states, and then post slutty pictures of themselves. Charming.
I am really upset right now. I think I'll go. Have a good cry.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Rent, Round 2
Better than the first time. Love. It.
Except: The Roger/Mark fight was even more lacking this time... it REALLY needs to be in there. I pray its on the DVD.
It passed by so much more quickly this time. It didn't feel like 2 hours. It was beautiful. I think the first time I was really worried about whether:
A: it would be good
and
B: Donna and Tammy would like it.
This time I was way more relaxed, and I knew it was awesome, so I just totally enjoyed it.
Oh, and Donna? I was in the same auditorium as last time and there was no annoying green line....I guess they listened to us!
Except: The Roger/Mark fight was even more lacking this time... it REALLY needs to be in there. I pray its on the DVD.
It passed by so much more quickly this time. It didn't feel like 2 hours. It was beautiful. I think the first time I was really worried about whether:
A: it would be good
and
B: Donna and Tammy would like it.
This time I was way more relaxed, and I knew it was awesome, so I just totally enjoyed it.
Oh, and Donna? I was in the same auditorium as last time and there was no annoying green line....I guess they listened to us!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Rent
Ok, I am currently in my post-haze fog, complete with my headache from that good solid cry I had a two thirds into the movie (although I must admit I shed a few tears at the very beginning, just seeing it on the big screen....)
I don't really know even how to begin this one. One big question I have is I wonder how people who have never seen it before will react to it. I am going to be very careful to not put any spoilers in here. But being me, a true renthead, someone who could actually say and or sing virtually every line in the movie, well, I loved it. It was more vivid and real then I could ever have imagined it. I've often wondered what it would be like to actually live in the city (of course, in better circumstances than this) so it was often difficult to visualize the general setting for me, and this movie did that amazingly well.
For the most part, I think that Chris Columbus did a great job sticking to the original material. I can go piece by piece and described what was awesome, but it mostly was, so I guess instead I'll do the few minor things that I thought were lacking, because there are very few things to mention.
1) I thought the scene with engagement party scene was distracting and out of place. There must have been a better way to show where Jo Ann was coming from. Although I enjoyed the song in this setting, very humorous, the build up was to jarring to make it worth it. And, despite it, I don't think enough was done to bring out Joann's character. In addition, I missed Maureen's comment regarding Maureen and Mark's friendship "I can't take them as chums..." and, for that matter, Mark and Joanne’s friendship in general was majorly glossed over.
2) I am really disappointed that they took at the fight between Mark and Roger and Mimi's "Goodbye Love" section. I really hope this comes as an extra on the DVD. It makes their reunion so much sweeter and provides much more context.
Thing I really liked:
Most of the songs they changed into dialogue truly did work well in the context of the movie. Of course, that’s why seeing the play is awesome, because you'll get all of those little snippets sung for you, but in this context it was fine. I did miss the big "Christmas Bells are Ringing" scene, right before Maureen's protest, because that is my favorite song to sing... I like those medleys...
Also, every song they did sing was so amazingly powerful. You know how when you watch Saturday Night Live, they have these really great sketches, and then they just have these really cheesy, weak endings that leave you like... oh, well, it was a pretty good sketch, I guess...? Well at the end of each one of these incredible songs, you'd be like, "God, how will they end this scene without it coming across as cheesy or weak?" And you'd find yourself praying for the scene to not be ruined...and it never was! The scene often would hold for a moment to give yourself time to catch your breath and then cut to a new scene.
Highlights...
God, It was like seeing the play from the front row. Seeing their faces, their reactions, awesome.
Tango Maureen...this was the one song that stuck in my head when I first saw the play in London, 1998. And I thought the film version was bang on. I think that Tracie Thoms is so adorable!
La Vie Boheme - Always a favorite in the play, and the movie did not disappoint either. I think this scene would be so much fun to act out and dance too. For the most part, the camera didn't distract (As in, very occasionally, the camera would pan in and focus on one person when I wanted to back away and watch the scene from distance, more like a stage. But this was very rare) "Actual Reality, Act Up, Fight Aids!"
The original cast (or most of it) was a brilliant and totally perfect choice.
Adam Pascal really is a perfect Roger...you wanted to hug him and kick his ass at the same time. And he is so darn cute! I love when Collins shakes his head on the subway during the Sante Fe song.
Jessie L. Martin was also charming and brilliant as Collins. His voice has so much power and emotion, and he was so sweet and happy singing his love song to Angel.
Idina Menzel is an awesome Maureen, perfectly confident, sexy, and she has that powerhouse voice. And her moo... well... wow
Taye Diggs played a perfectly smart ass Benny...although I think a few key scenes that show a but more of his humanness were cut out...
It was so awesome to see Wilson Jermaine Heredia play Angel, and he did an awesome job (I am running out of adjectives!) I loves seeing Jai Rodriguez in the role on stage, but I am so glad that Wilson did this for the film version. I really think he did a good job of showing Angel's kindness, sincerity, and loving, giving nature.
Tracie Thoms, the new Joanne, did a great job in the role she was given...I don't think the script showed enough of her personality, she seemed far to at ease in Maureen's world, but I think Tracie herself worked the material well. And what a beautiful voice...a great match for Idina and Jessie.
Rosario Dawson, the other newbie, stepped right into the role as Mimi and she was amazing. She ia a fabulous singer and dancer!
And of course, Anthony Rapp. The film would not have been complete without him. Although I have never seen him on stage, he is the Mark that I always visualize. Amazing.
Ok, I guess I should give it a rest. I am seeing it again on Friday, so I may comment more then.
Go see it.
"Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today!"
I don't really know even how to begin this one. One big question I have is I wonder how people who have never seen it before will react to it. I am going to be very careful to not put any spoilers in here. But being me, a true renthead, someone who could actually say and or sing virtually every line in the movie, well, I loved it. It was more vivid and real then I could ever have imagined it. I've often wondered what it would be like to actually live in the city (of course, in better circumstances than this) so it was often difficult to visualize the general setting for me, and this movie did that amazingly well.
For the most part, I think that Chris Columbus did a great job sticking to the original material. I can go piece by piece and described what was awesome, but it mostly was, so I guess instead I'll do the few minor things that I thought were lacking, because there are very few things to mention.
1) I thought the scene with engagement party scene was distracting and out of place. There must have been a better way to show where Jo Ann was coming from. Although I enjoyed the song in this setting, very humorous, the build up was to jarring to make it worth it. And, despite it, I don't think enough was done to bring out Joann's character. In addition, I missed Maureen's comment regarding Maureen and Mark's friendship "I can't take them as chums..." and, for that matter, Mark and Joanne’s friendship in general was majorly glossed over.
2) I am really disappointed that they took at the fight between Mark and Roger and Mimi's "Goodbye Love" section. I really hope this comes as an extra on the DVD. It makes their reunion so much sweeter and provides much more context.
Thing I really liked:
Most of the songs they changed into dialogue truly did work well in the context of the movie. Of course, that’s why seeing the play is awesome, because you'll get all of those little snippets sung for you, but in this context it was fine. I did miss the big "Christmas Bells are Ringing" scene, right before Maureen's protest, because that is my favorite song to sing... I like those medleys...
Also, every song they did sing was so amazingly powerful. You know how when you watch Saturday Night Live, they have these really great sketches, and then they just have these really cheesy, weak endings that leave you like... oh, well, it was a pretty good sketch, I guess...? Well at the end of each one of these incredible songs, you'd be like, "God, how will they end this scene without it coming across as cheesy or weak?" And you'd find yourself praying for the scene to not be ruined...and it never was! The scene often would hold for a moment to give yourself time to catch your breath and then cut to a new scene.
Highlights...
God, It was like seeing the play from the front row. Seeing their faces, their reactions, awesome.
Tango Maureen...this was the one song that stuck in my head when I first saw the play in London, 1998. And I thought the film version was bang on. I think that Tracie Thoms is so adorable!
La Vie Boheme - Always a favorite in the play, and the movie did not disappoint either. I think this scene would be so much fun to act out and dance too. For the most part, the camera didn't distract (As in, very occasionally, the camera would pan in and focus on one person when I wanted to back away and watch the scene from distance, more like a stage. But this was very rare) "Actual Reality, Act Up, Fight Aids!"
The original cast (or most of it) was a brilliant and totally perfect choice.
Adam Pascal really is a perfect Roger...you wanted to hug him and kick his ass at the same time. And he is so darn cute! I love when Collins shakes his head on the subway during the Sante Fe song.
Jessie L. Martin was also charming and brilliant as Collins. His voice has so much power and emotion, and he was so sweet and happy singing his love song to Angel.
Idina Menzel is an awesome Maureen, perfectly confident, sexy, and she has that powerhouse voice. And her moo... well... wow
Taye Diggs played a perfectly smart ass Benny...although I think a few key scenes that show a but more of his humanness were cut out...
It was so awesome to see Wilson Jermaine Heredia play Angel, and he did an awesome job (I am running out of adjectives!) I loves seeing Jai Rodriguez in the role on stage, but I am so glad that Wilson did this for the film version. I really think he did a good job of showing Angel's kindness, sincerity, and loving, giving nature.
Tracie Thoms, the new Joanne, did a great job in the role she was given...I don't think the script showed enough of her personality, she seemed far to at ease in Maureen's world, but I think Tracie herself worked the material well. And what a beautiful voice...a great match for Idina and Jessie.
Rosario Dawson, the other newbie, stepped right into the role as Mimi and she was amazing. She ia a fabulous singer and dancer!
And of course, Anthony Rapp. The film would not have been complete without him. Although I have never seen him on stage, he is the Mark that I always visualize. Amazing.
Ok, I guess I should give it a rest. I am seeing it again on Friday, so I may comment more then.
Go see it.
"Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today!"
Rent Reviews
I have been reading Rent reviews and some of them are particularly nasty. It is amazing to me, that someone can see a story full of such beauty, with an inherent message of trying to "measure your life in love" and not find any positive message to pass along.
Some common gripes: The message is outdated, as dealing with issues such as disease and loss, and choosing to live each day for today are messages that don't apply to today. (One article even said the topic of AIDS is not relevent to our modern day audiences... really? and Aids has been cured and no longer affects our lives anymore? I must have missed that news flash!
Also, that Christopher Cloumbus had the nerve to stick the original material and to not change it/modernize it/add anything new.
All I can say to that is...Thank God! I am glad that the first version of this fabulous story matches so closely to the original! For all the people who have not been able to see the musical, this is their opportunity to see it, in all of its glory.
No day but today!
Some common gripes: The message is outdated, as dealing with issues such as disease and loss, and choosing to live each day for today are messages that don't apply to today. (One article even said the topic of AIDS is not relevent to our modern day audiences... really? and Aids has been cured and no longer affects our lives anymore? I must have missed that news flash!
Also, that Christopher Cloumbus had the nerve to stick the original material and to not change it/modernize it/add anything new.
All I can say to that is...Thank God! I am glad that the first version of this fabulous story matches so closely to the original! For all the people who have not been able to see the musical, this is their opportunity to see it, in all of its glory.
No day but today!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
and another thing
As I think about the movie I do keep thinking of other things that jumped out at me, for example, how they students learned to block or defy the imperious curse, and how Harry was able to do it, and how this came in handy with VOldermort at the end. Not huge, but again something that jumped out at me.
Of course, the whole house elf thing jumped out at me, but I understood it, and it was okay, to me.
In contrast, I think they dragged on the dragon scene a bit too long...could have been trimmed down, and the time could have popped in a few more details.
I guess it was originally thought that this should be made into two films, but they decided to do one instead. Well what about making one long one (3 hours or so) and having an intermission, like some of the old flicks? Thats how I saw Lawrence of Arabia...) Just a thought...
Of course, the whole house elf thing jumped out at me, but I understood it, and it was okay, to me.
In contrast, I think they dragged on the dragon scene a bit too long...could have been trimmed down, and the time could have popped in a few more details.
I guess it was originally thought that this should be made into two films, but they decided to do one instead. Well what about making one long one (3 hours or so) and having an intermission, like some of the old flicks? Thats how I saw Lawrence of Arabia...) Just a thought...
Harry Potter one more thing
One thing I that would have been funny that they left out was the whole revenge on Rita Skeeter...trapping her in a jar when she turnes animangus into a mosquito...
But the movie was quite emotionally heavy at the end and that may have taken away from it. Just a thought.
The only truly big mistake that I think was ever made (so far) in the films was to not take a minute and go into detail about who Wormy, Moontail, Padfoot and Prongs were in the 3rd film.
But the movie was quite emotionally heavy at the end and that may have taken away from it. Just a thought.
The only truly big mistake that I think was ever made (so far) in the films was to not take a minute and go into detail about who Wormy, Moontail, Padfoot and Prongs were in the 3rd film.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Well, they did it again. They took the book, made the right cuts here and there, and came out with a brilliant adaptation of the book. I was very impressed by the film. I think they chose all the right stuff to keep in, and nothing felt seriously missing.
I guess if I had to choose something that could have intileed more fear about the death eaters, would have been that instead of having them burn the camp, it would have been better for them to actually have performed the Imperiso curse on some people, particularly muggles, and have them dancing in the air. But really, that's nit picking big time.
Also, I do think they jumped scenes about quickly at times, but thats just the nature of the beast, I think, when you are taking a 700 plus page book and turning it into one movie.
But honestly, truly, what I really enjoyed the most, was the acting on Daniel Radcliff's part. I've always liked him, but I never really felt that he delivered the emotional impact that I wich he would. This film was a real transition for him. At one point I was extremely tense and saddened by what had happened, but it was Daniel's response in the scene that actually made me cry. I was very impressed. Also, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, James and Oliver Phelps (The Weasly twins) and especially Mathew Lewis (as Neville Longbottom....) he was brilliant! And, as always, I was impressed by Micheal Gambon, really much more the sprightly Dumbledore I had always pictured, and Jason Isaccs still gives me the perfect creeps as Lucius Malfoy.
Great Movie!
I guess if I had to choose something that could have intileed more fear about the death eaters, would have been that instead of having them burn the camp, it would have been better for them to actually have performed the Imperiso curse on some people, particularly muggles, and have them dancing in the air. But really, that's nit picking big time.
Also, I do think they jumped scenes about quickly at times, but thats just the nature of the beast, I think, when you are taking a 700 plus page book and turning it into one movie.
But honestly, truly, what I really enjoyed the most, was the acting on Daniel Radcliff's part. I've always liked him, but I never really felt that he delivered the emotional impact that I wich he would. This film was a real transition for him. At one point I was extremely tense and saddened by what had happened, but it was Daniel's response in the scene that actually made me cry. I was very impressed. Also, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, James and Oliver Phelps (The Weasly twins) and especially Mathew Lewis (as Neville Longbottom....) he was brilliant! And, as always, I was impressed by Micheal Gambon, really much more the sprightly Dumbledore I had always pictured, and Jason Isaccs still gives me the perfect creeps as Lucius Malfoy.
Great Movie!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Harry Potter Tickets
I bought them for Friday evening....this time we decieded to go for digital projection instead of IMAX....
Conversations I'd like to have with people
"Hello, sir? Why, exactly, did you choose to wear pants with patches shaped like guns stitched on to them? What message were you trying to convey? They don't look particularly bad ass, or scary...and yet they promote an undeniable sense of violence. I am jus wondering why you think thats cool. what is it about promoting violence that you enjoy? Is that what you want to be remembered for? Why is this the message, of all messages, that you want to spread? Just curious."
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Disney Teacher's Award
Ok...I just got a packet informing me that I was nominated for the Disney Teacher of the Year award. The interesting thing is that I was nomintated with my last name as Benedict at Allen school, but I can't think of anyone here who would have nominated me. So it must be someone who knows that I moved and my new name and all that jazz.
Its pretty awesome to be nominated (and I would love to know who nominated me!!!) I don't think I am going to apply, however, because I don't think I am ready yet. If I were to actually be a finalist, I would really want to feel like I have earned it, and I think I need more experience to be that teacher. One of the essay questions is (paraphrase) How do you teach creatively and still meet the demands of the required curriculum? And at this point, I don't think I do, because I am too busy trying to teach the curriculum.
In any case, I feel incredibly honored to have been nominated.
Did I mention that I would love to know who nominated me????
Thanks!
Its pretty awesome to be nominated (and I would love to know who nominated me!!!) I don't think I am going to apply, however, because I don't think I am ready yet. If I were to actually be a finalist, I would really want to feel like I have earned it, and I think I need more experience to be that teacher. One of the essay questions is (paraphrase) How do you teach creatively and still meet the demands of the required curriculum? And at this point, I don't think I do, because I am too busy trying to teach the curriculum.
In any case, I feel incredibly honored to have been nominated.
Did I mention that I would love to know who nominated me????
Thanks!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
New York, New York, A helluva town
So tomorrow, I am off to New York City. Grant is already there. Today he went to the Statue of Liberty and saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
I am flying out tomorrow afternoon, and should arrive around midnight or so which should make for a unique subway ride into the city itself.
Ever the faithful journalist, I will be recording the trip on our honeymoon blog which will now become the Grant and Bobbi Family Vacations blog . So check it out if you want to.
Love,
Peace, and all good things knowing that I am going to the city of RENT
I am flying out tomorrow afternoon, and should arrive around midnight or so which should make for a unique subway ride into the city itself.
Ever the faithful journalist, I will be recording the trip on our honeymoon blog which will now become the Grant and Bobbi Family Vacations blog . So check it out if you want to.
Love,
Peace, and all good things knowing that I am going to the city of RENT
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Only in California?
Temperature? mid sixties. This morning on the playground, a little girl wearing pink shorts, a pink, short sleeved shirt, and a pink scarf.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Rent clips!!!!
If you check out the Rent Blog there are clips from the movie...Mark, Roger, Benny, Collins, Maureen and Joanne each have one... and I'm sure Angel's and Mimi's will come soon.
Mark's has me so excited, Collins' has me energized, Roger's gave me chills, Joanne's has butterflies of anticipation in my stomach, and Maureen's has me intrigued...but I have watched Mark's the most!
Sooooooooooooo excited.
"To riding your bike midday past the three piece suits, to fruits, to no absolutes..."
Mark's has me so excited, Collins' has me energized, Roger's gave me chills, Joanne's has butterflies of anticipation in my stomach, and Maureen's has me intrigued...but I have watched Mark's the most!
Sooooooooooooo excited.
"To riding your bike midday past the three piece suits, to fruits, to no absolutes..."
Play List for Karaoke Revolution Party
Have I posted this yet?
Karaoke Revolution Party
(I've Had) The Time of My Life
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
Always
American Woman
Brick House
Call Me
Crazy
Crazy in Love
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
Drive
Dust in the Wind
Endless Love
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Everywhere
Fame
Fly
For You I Will
Headstrong
Greatest Love of All
Here I Go Again
I Don't Wanna Be
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
I Love Rock and Roll
I Will Always Love You
If You Could Only See
I'll Be
Material Girl
Me and Bobby McGee
Pain
Pieces of Me
Play That Funky Music
Start Me Up
Superstition
Sweet Caroline
Take On Me
Takin' Care of Business
That's Amore
The Game of Love
Time After Time
Truth Is
Turn The Beat Around
Unforgettable
Uptown Girl
Waiting For A Girl Like You
What I Like About You
Who Can It Be Now?
You're My Best Friend
Karaoke Revolution Party
(I've Had) The Time of My Life
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
Always
American Woman
Brick House
Call Me
Crazy
Crazy in Love
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
Drive
Dust in the Wind
Endless Love
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Everywhere
Fame
Fly
For You I Will
Headstrong
Greatest Love of All
Here I Go Again
I Don't Wanna Be
I Left My Heart in San Francisco
I Love Rock and Roll
I Will Always Love You
If You Could Only See
I'll Be
Material Girl
Me and Bobby McGee
Pain
Pieces of Me
Play That Funky Music
Start Me Up
Superstition
Sweet Caroline
Take On Me
Takin' Care of Business
That's Amore
The Game of Love
Time After Time
Truth Is
Turn The Beat Around
Unforgettable
Uptown Girl
Waiting For A Girl Like You
What I Like About You
Who Can It Be Now?
You're My Best Friend
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Prince Charles and Dutchess Camilla
Charles and Camilla are visiting the States. I think they are such a romantic couple. Its a real life fairy tale, im my opinion...true love wins out over popularity, or status, or expectation... love against the odds. Its the stuff romance novels are made of! I am so happy for them. I heard at a state dinner, he referred to her as his "darling wife..." sigh. romantical.