Ghosts of Girlfriends Past review

This movie I didn’t enjoy. I’m a fan of romantic comedies, but there needs to be comedy. Oh, and romance would be a good idea too. Here’s my review.

Happy-Go-Lucky review

Here’s a lovely film for fun viewing. Happy-Go-Lucky is one of those sneaky movies that charms its way into your heart. A lot of that has to do with Sally Hawkins’ performance as the happy woman who enjoys life. Here’s my review.

Is it Vacation Time Yet?

I’m about to finish my work day, and then it’s vacation time, baby! I’ll be heading off to Washington, DC on Friday. My first visit.

So, what are the chances of catching a dinner invitation with the Obamas? Hey, I can dream, can’t I?

Star Trek review

For my birthday today I made it to another showing of Star Trek. I’m really stuck on this film. I love the action and plot. I have a crush on Chris Pine as Jim Kirk, and I still am trying to figure out what episodes of the series will never occur in this new alternate timeline (sorry about spoilers, but what happens does freak me out if I think about it too much).

I wrote not only a review for the paper I write for, but also a side article about the world of Star Trek.  Here’s the review. Here’s the article.

I’ve seen the movie four times and am already planning another one this Friday. My sister, another Trek fan, will be joining me in the Phoenix area for another showing. What an addiction!

Living the Good Life

It’s a lazy weekend for me. Nothing specific on a To Do list other than write a review of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (overdone and klunky, but great special effects).

I’ve lounged around the place today, but made it out for a nice hike with Spencer. Flagstaff has been hit with lots of rain the last few days, so our hike on rain-soaked trails through the woods smelled wonderful, and Spencer loved romping through every mud puddle he encountered.

More clouds gathered, thunder began to crash, and Spence and I headed home. We barely made it back before a torrential downpour started.

Now what to do? Read? Watch a movie? Go out? I’m not sure what to do to finish up a relaxing day.

Tomorrow I have a few things planned. It’s my birthday and I’m treating myself to another viewing of Star Trek (hey, let me revel in my geekitude). I’d like to make it to CrossFit for the morning class. It’s a nice way to celebrate being 51 years old.

The Return of V?

TV mines the past to bring us a series based on an old TV show. “V” is set to return.

Now I used to watch this show and enjoyed watching the plucky humans fight the evil aliens. It could have potential on today’s TV. Ongoing plotlines are much easier to handle now.

Will it work? Evil aliens will always have people watching at first, but can the story keep going?

I’m hoping it does work. I have all those fond memories of evil alien women in tight red jumpsuits. I’d love to see something more modern.

Ellen DeGeneres at Tulane University

Dawn tweeted the link to this wonderful video fo Ellen DeGeneres giving the commencement speech at Tulane University. Funny, yet poignant. Watch it and see:

Tonight’s Winner?

I’m waiting to hear who will win tonight’s finale of Dancing with the Stars. Sometimes not having cable makes life difficult. I’m following the happenings at YouTube and on Twitter. Not too satisfying.

Update: I’m not sure who I want to win. Gilles and Cheryl? He does great with the dramatic latin dances. Melissa and Tony? I think she has style and heart. Shawn and Mark? Darn it, this young gymnast has me cheering her on. I didn’t feel that way earlier in the season. I don’t know. This is much more difficult to decide than politics.

Update 2: Ha! I would not have guessed when I first started watching this show that Shawn Johnson would be in the finals, much less the winner. It’s all about the voters — the underdog is so much more fun to root for.

Pillow Talk – 50 Years Old

One of my old favorite movies has a new DVD version. Pillow Talk gets a 50th anniversary edition, and yes, I bought it. Finally there’s a version with some expert audio commentary and other special features. Why I feel that I must watch them all tonight, I have no idea, but I do enjoy watching Rock Hudson and Doris Day in their “sexual” hijinks. I’ve posted about the movie before here, here, and here.

Oh to have Jan Morrow’s (Doris Day’s character) kitchen. The colors are periwinkle and salmon! Very silly.

Flickers

Feeling tired tonight. Did a CrossFit workout early today that has my butt aching. Lots of lunges will do that to you. Then I come home and decide to rearrange the furniture. My poor, poor legs.

Once I got the house clean, the furniture arranged, and my aching butt onto the couch, I’ve been watching Flickers. The Flagstaff library actually has the DVD of this old mini-series. this Made in 1980, this series stars Bob Hoskins and Frances de la Tour who form an unlikely partnership to make “flickers” — silent movies.

I first saw it when I lived in England in 1980. When it showed up in the States on Masterpiece Theater I watched it again (way before the wonderful world of DVDs). Hoskins’ Arnie Cole is a wonderful character, as is France de la Tour, the woman who looks down on Arnie and his lifestyle, but ends up loving and supporting him through the trials and tribulations of building a film studio.

It’s a great series. It certainly gets my mind off the aches and pains I’m feeling.

Destry Rides Again review

I do love the old movies. Destry Rides Again is a favorite. It was fun watching it with an audience at NAU.

Here’s my review of this 1939 classic.

Sunshine Cleaning review

I enjoyed Sunshine Cleaning. If you get a chance to see it, go for it, but I bet most people will have to wait for it to show up on DVD.

Here’s my review.

Begin the Beguine

Something for your enjoyment:

Obsession

All right, I’m rethinking the pink and orange-striped bermuda shorts. I’ve tried everything on that I bought yesterday — trying things with different items in my wardrobe. I keep thinking that those silly striped shorts would look good this summer. I’ll go back tomorrow to Savers and see if they’re still there. If so, I’m buying ‘em!

On another obsession for the weekend: I went to see Star Trek again last night. Yep, I’ve seen in twice in a two days span. I have the feeling it won’t be my last time. I think I need to go rent or buy some of the DVDs of the series or movies.

Obsession, Dilettanteville style: shorts and Star Trek.

Shopping Spree

My goal today was to find some cheap t-shirts for working out. Well, I hit that goal within 20 minutes as Savers, the used “stuff” store. The thing is, I didn’t stop after I found four women’s t-shirts. Nope, I tried on jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses. Those prices of $5 each is very seductive.

I think I did good. I went denim crazy. I got a denim dress, jeans, shorts, skirt, and capris. Then I picked up a snug-fitting black skirt. I’ll be brave and wear it, once I find a slip for it. So, I picked up 10 items and spent $58.

At these prices I was tempted to pick up more. I talked myself out of the bermuda shorts in a tiny pink and peach stripe. They called to me, but I think that’s because they fit nicely, not because of the colors (though I do have shirts in those colors — maybe I should go back and get them?).

Losing weight makes it much more fun to go shopping. Even if I’m shopping at Savers. Now if I could only find some good summer sandals. For those I’ll pay full price.