Today I kicked off the best weekend of the whole year -- Valentine's Day weekend!
"But Amanda, you're single!" I hear you exclaim. "How could you so enthusiastically celebrate such a corrupt and disgusting holiday?!"
Oh my dear friends. Let me enlighten you. Don't you realize this is the one weekend of the year it's appropriate to binge-squee through all sorts of wonderful movies?
I've had a pretty stressful week, full of really good things (such as getting hired as an on-call assistant editor at the LDS Motion Picture Studio) and some not so good things (such as a confrontation with one of my students). In general it was tiring and demanded me to be adult and responsible (much time was spent on the phone with my bank), and I sure am glad it's finally the weekend.
But not just any weekend. Oh-ho, no! I can gladly say I've already watched six hours--I repeat, six hours--of beautiful movies full of hardship and the beauty of love.
While I slogged through piles of papers that needed to be graded, I watched BBC's North & South. I already have a whole post devoted to this movie (which was written several years ago--I apologize for everything), and though I mostly listened to it this time through, due to previously mentioned slogging, it is still a wonderful, depressing movie that has one of the most cathartic kisses ever to be seen on any screen. If you haven't seen this and you're a fan of drama, period pieces, industrial northern England, or just plain good acting, give this a try. It's on Netflix even!
Oh and remember how I went to London a year or two ago? I saw that lovely man, Richard Armitage, on stage at the Old Vic in The Crucible playing John Proctor. Relive that post here. Yeah, that was pretty much a highlight of my whole trip. And for those of you wondering, yes, he's just as handsome in person.
Next on the list was Persuasion (2007). My roommate hadn't seen this version (blasphemy!) so I swung by the library on my way home and picked it up. Though there are some awkward camera movements and an all too severe hairstyle for Anne, it is still a complete joy. The acting, especially from Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins, is what makes this movie. Favorite scenes: when Anne writes in her journal and wonders if he has a wife and children and if he'll bring them to Kellynch Hall, when Wentworth introduces everyone to Harville on the beach, when Wentworth realizes he's free from his understanding, when he runs into her for the first time in Bath, and (obviously) the end.
By the way, if you like Rupert Penry-Jones (aka if you're a human being) you should check out The 39 Steps (2008). Really fun remake of Hitchcock's film or the book, if you want to go back even further.
All in all, an extremely successful kick off of my annual Valentine's celebration. You can never go wrong starting with period dramas. Maybe tomorrow I'll do some musicals, some action movies (Priest is a yearly <3 Day tradition), or some good old rom-coms.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a dumb "singles awareness day" or a holiday where you get together with friends to be bitter about relationships and the skyrocketing fresh flower and chocolate sales. Seize the opportunity for a socially-acceptable treat-yo-self weekend! For me, this means movies, TV, books, music, and popcorn. Celebrate the relationships in your life -- your sister, brother, friends, and, of course, yourself!
Oh! And I'm going to make these uber delicious cookies tomorrow, so if you're nice to me I might give you some. That is, if you come get them. Cuz there ain't no way I'm going to have time to deliver with all these wonderful movies just waiting to be watched!
Here's my exclusive Valentine's playlist--not every song is happy and it's probably the weirdest collective of songs you'll see in a while, but I love all of them.
Recently I was talking to two of my coworkers about movies and while surfing IMDb with them, I probably said "Oh and this one's (insert number here) trailer is amazing!" like, at least 5 times.
After a long and stressful (but fun and successful!) 12 hour day of filming, I have retreated to my room and am now going to finally make a list of my favorite trailers to share with you all! Excite!
Note: these are in no particular order.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
Right?! It's punchy and, let's be honest, sexy. The middle is my favorite, and admittedly it could've ended stronger, but it gave just a taste of what the movie is while still making it look freaking awesome (and it IS freaking awesome, so success there). It's also is really light on the objectification of women (unlike that new M:I 5 trailer. Yuck. But the rest of that trailer is cool.) and Tom Cruise running while freakishly upright. Ya'll know what I'm talking about. And uh, Jeremy Renner.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Dude, ok. First of all, Hans Zimmer just has a punch that can't be denied. The editing to his music just makes you air-punch and bang your head. Second of all, the beginning is perfect because Watson's line, "Oh how I've missed you Holmes" prompts the audience to think how much they've missed Sherlock and how much they'd love to see more of him in a new movie. *finger to nose* Clever, clever! There are some nice comedic lines thrown in and we get a peak at more hallmark, incredible slo-mo scenes that are yet to come. Wonderful stuff.
Man of Steel (2013)
Mostly I'm just completely in love with all the shots of him as a kid in those jeans, white shirt, and red cape. I like this trailer because it casts Superman in an everyday light, and emphasizes his profound effect, either catastrophic or savior-like, on the world. I need to watch the movie itself again, but this trailer made me so excited. Seriously, that shot of little Clark putting his hands on his hips is gold. The coloring is interesting with how cool everything is--even the reds are cold rather than hot. The LotR soundtrack over it is nice, not my favorite, but I like how it gives the story that other-worldly feeling. Clark is literally an alien, all alone on Earth, the last of his kind (minus Zod and cronies . . .) and he has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. I don't care what you say--I'm a Superman fan.
Skyfall (2012)
DUDE. Honestly, can it get better than this? We tease at the conflict, but mostly we get to see the beautiful cinematography of this film. The flash that happens when that guy says "Skyfall" is powerful--this trailer is cut for emotion, not just kinetics, and Daniel Craig's blue eyes and solemn face are perfect. We see Ralph Fiennes and Judy Dench (love the rack focus), both incredible actors which means incredible performances. Location, color, action, that shot of the guy falling, the light bar illuminating his eyes, and can we say MUSIC? Holy cow, I love the all the variations of the Bond theme that happens in these movies. London and Daniel Craig, two of the most beautifully sculpted things. :D Seriously, so so good.
Epic (2013)
Ok, even though this movie was a bit of a let down, this trailer is still awesome. I probably love it so much because it was pretty much my imaginary world visualized. As kids, Kaitlin and I spent many, many hours creating this other world filled with many creatures and where light and dark were in constant conflict. The leaf men, sparrow riding, and even the mice all remind me of that. And I love how most of the trailer doesn't have dialogue. Beautiful animation and world-building.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Admittedly, this is the only trailer I've seen for HtTYD 2, but it's a doozy. I mean, teasers really don't have much plot reveal to them anyway--most people who are going to see this movie are going because they wish dragons were real and that they could ride one. Well, wish granted vicariously through this teaser. The animation of these movies has always been stunning and this teaser is no exception. Besides, Hiccup five years older is disconcertingly attractive. The audience who was in their tweens/teens when the first movie came out are now four years older, and the subsequent change in Hiccup is a major draw. But mostly Toothless is incredible and incredibly animated. :]
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
A trailer succeeds when it captures the tone and atmosphere of the movie and this trailer does that perfectly. It highlights character, design, and feel, completely leaving alone the plotline. When those beats start to get hit and the cutting picks up in pace--dude, it's awesome. And no one can beat "Hooked on a Feeling." The quick dissolve into the comedic again right at the end is perfect. This movie is high on action but doesn't take itself too seriously, which is exactly what this trailer communicates. It's glossy, it's polished, and it kicks butt.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
I remember seeing this trailer for the first time in the theater. I was completely blown away. It helps that the footage from this movie is completely stunning, but I also loved the atmosphere the trailer created. It still very much feels like Ben Stiller, but it also has a "life is beautiful, go out and live it" feel and message to it. I love the song, I love the no dialogue, and I love how it doesn't give away specifics of the plot. Even without any dialogue, you know that here is the story of a man who dreams of a more adventurous life, and finally goes out and has it. Great stuff.
Alright, well I know I'm missing some, but these are the ones that immediately came to my mind. As you can see, it usually takes a great movie to make a great trailer because you can show less while you're really showing more--plot or comedic spoilers aren't needed to hook an audience because the movie is visually/musically/actor-ly quality-dense, so you can show less without sacrificing the quality of your trailer.
It is my secret dream to become Amanda from The Holiday and be paid big bucks to create these 1 to 2 1/2 minute pieces of commercialism that have the potential to be art. Yeah it's all about money, but hey, have you ever gone to a movie that you didn't see a trailer for?
My house is full of people, and has been since about 5pm. Three people have knocked on my bedroom door, two of which were surprise visits from wardies wanting to "just stop and say hi." I know you think I'm a project, that I need fellowshipping, that I don't feel welcome. But news flash. I do feel welcome. I'm just comfortable not "munch and mingling" myself to death. You're very sweet and I know you mean well, but not everyone likes hugs from people they aren't close to.
I know the terms "introvert" and "extrovert" have been thrown around way too much lately, usually coupled with some vague, sweeping generalization about types of people and their behavior. I really dislike broad categorization of people, and I feel cheap saying "I'm an introvert."
But I am.
My room is my safe haven. Deciding to go out and socialize is a decision that takes some consideration. I don't like pointless interactions between people, and I don't like forcing myself to talk. Whenever I force myself to be social, talking and speaking up, I usually say something stupid and always regret it. Heck, my stomach gets upset before I'm about to see people that are already my friends, so when I'm in my shell, don't try to pull me out. I don't like being looked at, and I'm trying to work on my eye contact problems.
I'm a listener. I'm an eavesdropper. I'm a thinker. I like analysis. I'm fine staying in my room all day. Sometimes it's heaven to just sit quietly and let others do all the talking, to fly under the radar. I like empty apartments, baking by myself, and isolating myself with a pair of headphones.
I also like to hang out with friends. Occasionally, I like people to recognize my accomplishments and make me the center of attention. I like going out and doing activities. I like to make other people laugh, especially if it's a whole room full of people. I like to speak up when I have something to say. I like to be spontaneous, and I don't know what I'd do without my friends. I want people to know I exist. I want to be invited places. Movie parties are my favorite.
But when I've decided to be a hermit for the day, please respect the safe zone.
I feel like punching someone's face off.
And really telling off someone else.
And also like curling up on my bed and giving up trying to be an ambitious, successful person.
Only two more days til I go camping.
And gosh darn it, it better be the most bleeping relaxing trip ever.
Sorry, a series of frustrating events made me need to vent, and being vaguely angry on Facebook is unacceptable.
Do you ever have those days where you just keep turning up the volume on your music because it's not loud enough? Each time it gets to your favorite part or the chorus, you bump it up a couple notches, even though the old person in your head is saying that you're going to be deaf?
Also, I wish I could dance. Like, be able to get up and really dance well and satisfyingly. Ya.
My sister is gone for the night so have the room to myself. MOOHAHA >:D
The first week of classes went rather well. I'm very excited about all my classes and I look forward to seeing five movies a week in class, most of which will be new. I'm already swamped with readings and homework and meetings and general scheduling stress, so that's fun. You know, having a social life AND school AND working 20 hours a week AND doing extra school stuff to be successful and ambitious AND keeping in touch with your family AND finding time to unwind so you don't explode is kinda hard. Who needs sleep, right?
I wish I was still in London and still allowing myself a large spending budget (broke at the moment--ha! but really, it's not a joke) so I could go see a play or musical right now. Did you know that the Orem Hale Center Theater is putting on Les Mis in February? Dude, if any of my car-owning friends want to go, I'll totally go see it with you.
Or I would settle for just having my own car so I could go to the movie theater by myself. As nice as laptop-movie-popcorn-bed self-dates are, it would be cool to treat myself to that surround sound and big screen.
ERMERGERSH CHERSTMERSH.
That happened! Ooo ooo here are some things I got!
A Whirley-Pop! That's one of those popcorn pans with the krank in the handle so you can make perfect stove-top popcorn and kettle corn. I've used it 5 bajillion times and I love it too much.
A Batman sleeper onesie! So soft! So warm! So vigilante-y!
Many movies which made me very happy, including but not limited to Prince of Egypt, Calamity Jane, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Transporter, North & South, etc...
Also, I mentioned mine and Kaitlin's awesome shelves in my last post. Pictures:
Purple: This is a hedgehog mug with an awesome story. So before my study abroad program started my family went to England. In one of the first gift shops we went to (in a York museum of Roman history, I think...) I saw this mug. I had to have it, but I didn't want to buy it right then and carry it the rest of the day, maybe break it, etc. Most of the sites we visited were part of English Heritage (a history/preservation organization) and most of their gift shops have the exact same stuff so I thought I buy one nearer the end of our trip. But that particular gift shop of ALL the shops we went to ended up being the ONLY ONE with this mug. Needless to say, I was distraught. But then Kaitlin said that she was going back to York with her study abroad group! Saved! I asked her to buy it for me with promise of repayment, but unfortunately her group didn't go to this particular museum. Dispair! BUT! Sneaky Kaitlin! She went there by herself specifically to buy this for me and she gave it to me for Christmas. :D Best Christmas present surprise ever!!
White: These are just awesome. We found the Superman outside Buckingham Palace (I think...right guys?) and I ended up with ownership of it. :D And the pig is one of the things I splurged on and bought myself at Portobello Road. Best. Purchase. Ever.
Green: Eli Monpress series!! Seriously guys, these books are so good. :D
Yellow: Some yarn hedgehogs Valene made me for Christmas along with a completely gorgeous white crotched hat.
Red: A handblown glass hedgehog from Whales--birthday present from Kaitlin.
Blue: a sheep keychain from...Ireland? Kaitlin, is that right? Anyway, totally awesome and will forever remind me of this favorite moment from HtTYD that makes me laugh every time-- http://youtu.be/Yk52kI87-VI?t=7m24s (it's the sheep falling :D )
Isn't this shelf just awesome?! Bask in it's glory.
And here's Kaitlin's:
Can you find the Toothless? :D
I'm obsessed with little trinkets and keepsakes. Just watch, I'll be one of those old ladies they have to dig out of her house because there's too much stuff.
So I've been meaning to blog for a long time, but I always come on here, read my last post, and lose the writing bug. Even though it's been over a year, I still miss Tonx. A lot. Especially now at the holidays. No kitty amongst the wrapping paper this year, no movie buddy, no late-night meower.
But anywho! This post is supposed to be happy! Everyone has been doing reflections on 2014, and I've never felt particularly motivated to do one of those until this year--last year? Whatever, you know what I mean.
2014 was truly life changing. Like, in at least four life-changing ways. Let us recount:
Film Program!
Teeeechnically I was accepted right after finals December 2013...but I started classes in January. Can you believe I've been in the program for a whole year now? Sheesh! Well, basically I've been thinking about film (as a career) since senior year of high school, but I finally got up the guts to apply and make the switch. Thanks Valene for threatening your disappointment and motivating me to do the work! It paid off and now I am enjoying what might very well be the best major on earth. Sprinkled with English classes, of course. ;]
But really, the film program is one of the best things to happen to me. It's a relatively small major, so the professors can really get to know you, and you really get to know your fellow classmates. I went from one of the biggest majors to one of the smallest (smaller? I don't actually have any data on this subject) and I've really loved it. My professors are brilliant and my classmates have become some of my closest friends. They are my people and we shall make moving picture art together. :D
Also, I took a screenwriting class last semester which has really boosted my desire to write for a living and my belief that I could actually feasibly do that. We'll still see, but I loved every minute of this class and its endless assignments.
...you guys are lucky. It's late, and I'm feeling like enough time has passed that I can safely post my application video. (Part of the application to the program was to make a video demonstrating your skills). I would like to assure people that I can now make better videos than this, but I'll admit that I'm pretty proud of this. I was so afraid of the camera and actors and everything that I decided to make a stop motion based on an ASL poem that I saw in class. Yes, I did all the sound and sculpting and everything--a requirement for the application. I better upload it before I change my mind.
London!
Being accepted to the film program leads nicely into my second life-changing event! London Film study abroad, of course! Besides being exposed to the cultural goodness of London and its theaters, gardens, and museums, I became a braver person. I've always been an anxious traveler...call it uncontrollable separation anxiety from the familiar. But I can quite confidently that I've made significant progress in overcoming my anxieties! Much traveling and bumps along the road were to be had, and I survived! Also, I have a whole blog on this experience with pictures and videos, so I won't recount all the wonderful experiences I had -- http://mandalondoner.blogspot.com/
I also became very close friends with some people on study abroad (you know who you are...) and I'm still friends with them, which is wonderful and amazing and I love you all so much!
This is for you Londoners...
(oh, also I started this show. Hilarious. :D )OH also random--the most illustrious Amy introduced me to this band, Twenty One Pilots in London, and they have completely taken over my musical life. I love them. You should love them. Thanks Amy. :D
ALDEN!!
BABY BABY BABY!!! :D My handsome little nephew was born in October, and I can pretty much guarantee that I was THE most excited aunt/uncle. He's extremely adorable and I would pretty much do anything for him.
And now for the pictures.
Haha! That last picture is usually the look I get. He can be very serious, especially when it comes to sleep. This is just a sampling of the pictures I have, but I feel this is adequate for you to get a feel for his cuteness. I can't believe he's over two months old already! Valene and Matt are great parents and he is going to be / already is one great kid. :]
KERTLERN. (Trans. Kaitlin)
I started living with my sister, Kaitlin this last semester and it has been so much fun. Too much fun. Just the right amount of fun? Many shenanigans have been had. And by shenanigans, I mean laying on our beds on our respective laptops, making faces at one another. And eating popcorn and rice stuff. :D Also, we went to SLC Comic Con together and bought t-shirts and posters and now our bedroom is a haven of geekiness and comfort. Observe.
I couldn't fit all our wall space in one picture, but this will have to do. Also, I should've taken a picture of our shelves, because each of us has one nerdy shelf full of our favorites books, action figures, and general accruement of all things awesome. Basically this room is our getaway and its really nice to be able to retreat here, shut the door, plug in our music, and do our homework or just chill in a completely safe zone.
Kaitlin and I also both work for Independent Study (me as a corrections assistant, her as an editor) and it's pretty much the best. We message each other, me being in the next room down the hall, and share music and just generally distract each other from work WHAT I mean give each other motivation to make it to quitting time. We really do love our work though. :D Thanks for making it awesome, Kaitlin.
Hmmm...I'm sure there are many wonderful, amazing, growing experiences I'm forgetting from the pretty amazing year of 2014, but quite frankly it's past my bedtime.
....also I've started this period drama from Spain on Netflix, and I really just want to know what happens next. :D
Love you all! Maybe one of my New Year's resolutions will be to blog more!
I don't even know how to write this without sounding cheesy or insincere, but I'm not even going to worry about that. I feel like I need to write this for myself so I can look back and remember just how much I loved him. Listening to my 80's Pop/Rock playlist right now to help keep a happy attitude and the tears away.
So. Last weekend I had to go home unexpectedly to watch/drive around Braeden and Marissa while my parents went to St. George for my great uncle's funeral. And on Saturday, Tonx passed away. My darling, handsome, personality-filled cat died after a long fight with a failing immune and digestive system. Although it wasn't unexpected, it still hurt.
Anyway, Marissa and I found him the next day. I knew something was wrong because I hadn't heard him all day, and he's always been very vocal about being fed when he wants to. Marissa and I went from dancing outside in the rain and splashing in puddles to suddenly not knowing what to do next. We buried him on Sunday, once Mom and Dad got back.
He was an amazing cat. Quick to purr and always ready to but his head against mine. He was obsessed with having his chin scratched and his ears and tail pulled. I would call "Buddykins!" to where he was lounging and he wouldn't move a muscle, but suddenly I would hear his loud purr.
He liked to nap in my dad's sink and lay down on his side with his legs straight out like a dog. He played like a kitten even though he was over 10 years old when he came to us. He'd catch mice and leave them for us even though he doesn't have any front claws. We'd have meowing conversations until someone else in the house told me to be quiet and leave him alone. He loved to watch movies with us, curled up in the crook of someone's knees. When Marissa and I would build blanket forts, he'd absolutely love it and never leave. He unashamedly begged for meat and cheese whenever someone started making food in the kitchen.
I'm going to miss him. His ordinary gray fur and his knotted tail. I'm going to miss scooping him up and talking to him in an embarrassingly gooey voice and smothering his face with kisses. I miss his deep voice and endless meowing. He was my first real pet, my kissy-face, my buddykins, my Tonkers, my lover-boy. I love you Tonx and thank you for showing up one night at our front door and changing our lives.
While I slogged through piles of papers that needed to be graded, I watched BBC's North & South. I already have a whole post devoted to this movie (which was written several years ago--I apologize for everything), and though I mostly listened to it this time through, due to previously mentioned slogging, it is still a wonderful, depressing movie that has one of the most cathartic kisses ever to be seen on any screen. If you haven't seen this and you're a fan of drama, period pieces, industrial northern England, or just plain good acting, give this a try. It's on Netflix even!
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