... which, let's face it, is not that hard these days.
James and I went to see Julie & Julia last night which, if you haven't yet (I know it's only been out a day), be sure to make a point to see it -- twice, if you can. Beyond being an utterly delightful telling of two true stories, Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child played to perfection, and Amy Adams being the sweet, slightly neurotic, and more than occasionally sad Julie, it left me asking the question what might be possible if I tried something similar: try one seemingly impossible thing every day for a year, write about it, and see what I can learn, how it might change me, what paths it might lead me toward. In truth, this is something I've been thinking about for quite awhile and which I hope to share more about very soon.
But back to the title of this post.
I will admit I am a previews junkie, in spite of the fact that they mostly disappoint me. Previews for this film were what you might expect: a mildly compelling drama, a new animated feature about a princess, your run-of-the-mill "the world is ending" film, one horrible looking terror flick, and one more that grabbed my attention. The preview made me cry. This is a story I cannot wait to hear ...
Because he makes me laugh and calls me his gluten-free friend, I am taking 23 Degrees's tag-back request to share six more random things. :o)
First, a correction to a random thing in the original post. I was 2 or 3 years old when the robin egg eating incident occurred, not 5 or 6, and I thought you should know. Thanks for keeping me honest, Mom!!
1. The latte diet took a detour. I had to switch to decaf because regular coffee was making me break out like a thirteen-year-old. Sadly, even the so-called Anti-Acne Blend that Caleb was good enough to send to me – that he roasted himself at Yaks, by the way – resulted in several facial eruptions of the pimply kind (but that dangerously dark roast is so stinking delicious, I almost didn’t care about the zits). Sometimes I sneak a few fully-leaded beans into my morning grind because 1) it would be tragic and irresponsible of me to let perfectly good coffee beans go to waste, and 2) I’m rebellious & fond of testing my limits.
2. No dish needed. As far as I’m concerned, this is on my Top 10 List of Things I Love About Being Single. I bought it, no one else eats it, no one else has a right to complain about it, and there is just no sense in dirtying the dish (I do, however, use a spoon). So yes, I am going to be so audacious as to stand in the kitchen & eat Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Mint Galactica ice cream Straight From the Container.
3. Gasp!! Where is my French homework?! It would be exaggerating to call them nightmares, but several times a year, I have the same dream that I’m back in high school & have forgotten my French homework and my locker combination. The anxiety that attends these dreams is such that I wake up tense, frantic, my heart pounding with dread, wondering how in the world I could be so irresponsible as to forget my French homework (gasp!!). Incidentally, I never forgot my locker combo, & the one time I forgot a homework assignment in high school, it was for a government class (American government to be specific, which did not involve any guillotines as far as I recall).
4. Gladiator love. When Christin and I were roommates in our senior year at Biola, we fell in love with the movie Gladiator. We saw it no less than three times in the movie theater, primarily because we were so enamored of the character Maximus (aided in no small part by the fact that he was played by Russell Crowe). Seriously … what’s not to love about a fierce warrior who, when asked how long it’s been since he has been home with his wife and son, replies, “Two years, two hundred and sixty-four days and this morning”? Aw …
5. A trouble-maker, even in utero. My havoc-wreaking days on this earth began before I even exited the womb; just ask my Mom. I certainly kicked as babies do, but I did kicking one better. I became fond of sticking one of my feet up in between Mom’s ribs. She would push it down and I would put it right back. She would push it down again, and I would shove that cute little foot right back into the same place in those ribs. Over and over again. She was still sore long after I was born because I had managed to break three ribs and tear some cartilage. Ow. Sorry, Mom!
6. Car trip countdown. If you’ve seen my sidebar, you know I’m a fan of countdowns. On one now infamous family vacation to the Oregon coast when I was about 10 years old, I asked my dad how long it would be until we arrived at our destination. He told me, about two hours. And I asked, how many minutes is that? He told me it was 120 minutes. I would periodically pop my head forward to the little digital clock taped to the dash of the old Chevy Citation and announce: 119 minutes! 118 minutes! 117 minutes! 116 minutes! I think it was at about 114 minutes! that Mom had had enough and ripped (ripped, I tell you!!) that little clock right off the dash.
Whew! For now this gluten-free-eating-decaf-coffee-drinking-standing-in-the-kitchen-eating-coconut-milk-ice-cream-French-homework-dreaming-gladiator-loving-troublemaking-rib-breaking-countdowning girl is going to wrap herself in some red flannel sheets and call it a night.
Not only is it Friday, but I am in possession of the new Weepies album. Click on the album art to go to their website and hear what has me humming, smiling, and bobbing my head from side to side a little.
During the week I was off sick, I wasn't good for much except taking up space on the sofa. That flu bug took my body hostage on Saturday and didn't let go for quite a few days. My head hurt too much for reading and it wasn't long before I had watched every movie I had any desire to watch from my own DVD collection.
On about Day 5 of my house arrest, I mustered up the energy for a trip outside the house and to the video store. If you're anything like me, sometimes the movies you pick up are such duds that you regret even having taken the time and fuel to go to the video store to get them. I am happy to report that my selections this time were worth the extra energy required for a trip out of the house and find them worth recommending here. The four films I chose could not be more different, each offering something unique unto itself.
Miss Potter Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan MacGregor, Emily Watson Director: Chris Noonan
Miss Potter is a delightful film adaptation about the life of the creator of the Peter Rabbit books, Beatrix Potter. Thirty years old and single, living in London with social-climbing parents who are frustrated with her refusal of any number of "acceptable" suitors, Beatrix's friends were often ones of her own creation. In the film's opening scenes, you see Beatrix gathering her porfolio of stories and drawings in preparation to visit publishers in London. She speaks to her drawings, urging them to behave and be good for their big trip out. The drawings come alive on screen as they move through her imagination, taking on a life of their own as they must have appeared in her own mind.
Ewan MacGregor portrays Norman Warne, the youngest of the three brothers who run the publishing house that finally agrees to publish her "bunny book". Norman is delighted with the tale and eager to please both the author and prove to his brothers that he can help this little children's book succeed. The ensuing publication and developing relationships with Norman and his sister Millie point Beatrix toward a life of her own, one outside London and beyond the social standards she refuses to adopt as her own.
Once Starring: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová Director: John Carney
Once has a distinctly documentary-feel about it as it follows the unnamed Guy, who repairs vacuum cleaners with his dad during the day and plays his guitar and sings in the streets of Dublin by night. When paths cross with the also unnamed Czech Girl who holds a variety of odd jobs, takes care of her mother and young daughter, and plays piano and sings when she can, the two get to know one another on the streets of Dublin.
The music that is created over the course of their developing relationship is as much a character in the film as the Guy and Girl are themselves. As they work through past loves and rehearse together in order to put together a professional recording in hopes of securing a music contract in London, a love of their own develops, one that is neither contrived or polished in that Hollywood way.
Some call this film a "musical" and while strictly speaking that designation is correct, it is also a simplification of the role music plays. Raw, passionate, heartrending, and humorous, the music is woven into the narrative organically, such that there would be no story without the songs that tell the story of Once. Of all the films I rented, this one by far moved me the most.
Check out the trailer:
Stardust Starring: Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, Charlie Cox Director: Matthew Vaughn
Stardust playfully vacillates between the realms of fantasy world of Stormhold and a reality set in 19th century England. In the film's opening narration, the voice asks if we gaze at the stars because we are human, or if we're human because we gaze upon the stars. And then the voice wonders alound if the stars gaze back. The film's answer to that question is that yes, they do.
When Tristan (Charlie Cox) crosses the wall that demarcates the line between the village of Wall and the fantastical realm of Stormhold in pursuit of a fallen star to bring back to his beloved Victoria (Sienna Miller), he embarks upon an adventure that has him crossing paths with witches and the sons of the lately deceased king of Stormhold who are also in pursuit of the star. When the star falls in the land of Stormhold, it lands as Yvaine (Claire Danes). Upon finding her, Tristan is determined to return her to Victoria as he promised he would.
The bulk of the film portrays Tristan and Yvaine's journey toward the wall and the obstacles they face upon their return, namely with the witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) who is after the heart of the star so her youth can be renewed and the sons of the late king who need to secure the star in order to claim the throne of Stormhold. As they make their way home, they are aided by a pirate (Robert DeNiro) whose ship sails in the air; here, Tristan also acquires swordfighting skills that make him a force to reckon with as he strives to keep Yvaine safe.
Stardust is an unabashedly fantastical film, requiring a sense of playfulness to enjoy fully. The story it tells is the classic one of love, adventure, and good versus evil, told with lightness of heart and great imagination.
3:10 to Yuma
Starring: Christian Bale, Russell Crowe
Director: James Mangold
This particular selection was one I knew I would enjoy, given I had seen it in the theater. 3:10 to Yuma is a western in a style that is new, but also familiar in its rendering, a remake of one by the same name initially released in 1957. Dan Evans (Christian Bale) is a struggling rancher who witnesses the robbery of a bank coach by the infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) with his sons.
When Wade is captured, Dan is promised enough money to save his ranch and support his family by assisting to escort Wade to the train that will take him to the prison in Yuma. The task proves to be a difficult one as Wade's band of outlaws is hot on the trail of the party escorting Wade to the train. Things get more complicated when Dan's eldest son flees home to join his father.
As the party makes their way toward the city where the train is scheduled to pick up the notorious outlaw to take him to prison, Dan Evans and Ben Wade circle each other cautiously, Wade sinister and affable and charming, and Evans tough, idealistic, a man of strong morals. Neither gives the other an inch, neither flinches at the other's strength.
While all markedly different from one another, each of these films offered something to compel and delight, going beyond mere entertainment to powerful storytelling. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time I got started packing my bags for Florida ... :o)
My sister & I went to see the film "Amazing Grace" yesterday (check out her thoughts here); I was at once drawn in, lifted up, and deeply moved as I saw Wilberforce's life story unfold onscreen.
As viewers of a film, we have the privilege of knowing the outcome of Wilberforce's tireless efforts to end the slave trade before the film even starts. In the two beautiful hours that his life is summarized in film, we can see the hand of God moving and we can see his own community supporting, encouraging, and inspiring his efforts. Should I pursue politics, or a life devoted to God? Those who surround him say we are here to suggest that you can do both. I was struck by how uniquely God himself had equipped William Wilberforce to be the voice of the abolitionist movement and how instrumental community was to seeing that purpose carried out.
Year after year, Wilberforce brings his abolition bill forward, and year after year it is defeated in the parliament. His deep conviction is inspiring, and the faith that carried him forward in spite of years of political opposition and failing health is nothing short of miraculous. I could feel the Holy Spirit being stirred inside me as I thought of the pursuit of my own calling and the opposition I am only beginning to face. It is what anyone who is living out his or her calling can expect.
I am struck by the reality that Wilberforce was every bit as human as you or I. He probably did not expect anything so extraordinary as the abolition of the slave trade to be accomplished by his obedience and his efforts. He could not see his life in the context that we are able to see now. However, by God's grace & design, he found himself in a unique position to be the means by which the eyes of a nation were opened and a horrific, dehumanizing practice abolished.
On my own, I am not capable of anything extraordinary. I am every inch a human, I am flawed, and I have been guilty of believing that nothing much will happen because of me. But if I believe God's word, I have a unique deposit of grace that He has given me for the purpose of advancing His kingdom on earth (Eph 2:8-10). Perhaps He has uniquely positioned me also to be a blessing to others in ways I cannot now know. The ways in which God will use me may not be as public in those which He used Wilberforce, but the purpose He has for each one of us is His own purpose and is still significant, even when hidden from the eyes of the world.
If I had a God's-eye view of my own life, what would I see? I am certain that the view I have of my own life is too myopic; why couldn't God use me to do something extraordinary? In faith, in community, in obedience, in perseverance ... by the extraordinary, amazing, unfathomable, limitless grace of God, anything God purposes can be accomplished through one of His children. Imagine what can be happen when the community of faith is obedient! When I think on this, my mind reels; I am overwhelmed ... the possibilities are as vast as God Himself. God is great, indeed.
AMAZING GRACE!! Amazing doesn't even begin to cover it ...
When it's cold outside & I'm just not feeling like reading a book, I like to find good movies that are slightly off the beaten path. You probably didn't see either of these advertised at a major theater near you (they played at our little independent theater here in Bellingham), but these little sleepers ended up being pretty big hits. Both are available on DVD & are more than worth the rental fee.
These made me laugh out loud & reach for a tissue; I can't wait to add them to my own collection. If you haven’t seen either of these yet, I highly recommend them!
Little Miss Sunshine
This movie stars Abigail Breslin as a little girl with hopes of winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Her quirky family is supportive, but can’t seem to get through a day without some kind of mishap. Her father (Greg Kinnear) is a failure as a motivational speaker with his “9 Steps” to being a winner. Mom (Toni Collette) is doing her best to support her family & hold everything together. Olive’s uncle Frank (Steve Carrell) is a renowned Proust scholar who has attempted suicide after falling in love with a male graduate student who falls in love with one of Frank’s colleagues. The older brother Dwayne is a Nietzsche fanatic who swears he hates his family & has taken a vow of silence until he can be accepted into a pilot training program. And let’s not forget Olive’s drug-addicted grandfather who despite his “bad ass” behavior, is committed to coaching Olive in her talent routine for the contest. Circumstances conspire to get the whole lot of them on the road together with the ultimate end of getting Olive to the Little Miss Sunshine contest in California. Check out the movie atAmazon.com
Kinky Boots
Charles Price grew up with his father in the family shoe business & had no plans of ever taking it over. Yet when his father dies, he learns that Price & Sons Shoes is deteriorating. Desperate to save the business (& the jobs of those who work there), Charles meets a drag queen cabaret singer named Lola. After hearing her complaints of the inadequate footwear for those in her line of work, she & Lauren (an employee of Price & Sons) suggest changing their typical product (high quality, but run-of-the-mill men’s shoes) & instead produce footwear for drag queens & transsexuals. Everyone deals with the skepticism of the employees, Lola’s discomfort in the factory’s very straight-laced small town, & Charles’ manipulating fiancée toward the greater good of Charles' dream to save his father's shoe factory. Check out the movie atAmazon.com
Like a good man, really good music is hard to find these days.
If you're anything like me, you crave good music that has substance, originality, & is a joy to listen to. Deb Talan & Steve Tannen make up the musical duo that is The Weepies. I was introduced to Deb Talan through a co-worker who knew someone who went to college with her (how many degrees of separation is that?). Listening to Deb's music led to listening to The Weepies. You probably haven't heard of them, & if you haven't, it really is a shame. If you go to their website, you can hear songs from their latest album, "Say I am You".
Their music is folksy & sweet, but never trite. In fact, it's much the opposite. It's mostly them & their guitars; there's a band to back them up on the album, but having seen them live I can tell you, they don't need anything but themselves to make their music shine.
If you're in love, you'll want to put "Gotta Have You" on repeat. Even if you're not, this is one album that absolutely deserves a listen.
