Box Office Venom

Previously this week, I wrote a post about my new book addiction: the Twilight Saga [by Stephenie Meyer]. To top off my week and a half of power reading, I decided to see the Twilight movie when it hit the screens Friday November 21.

When I become attached to a book, I am always critical of the film industry’s attempt to accurately portray the book. For example, the Harry Potter films, though delightful, lack some of the books less significant yet fascinating moments due to the limited running time allotted to movies. In this respect, the Twlight film team did a notable job of turning a 500 page book into a comprehensive 2 hour movie.

The other key element that I examine is the manner in which the novel’s characters are created into physical beings. Now, this is where I was a little let down. Robert Pattinson (*who was also in a Harry Potter movie as Cedric Digory, by the way*) did a great job of creating an Edward that film audiences could swoon over. However, the Edward that I had created in my head was a bit different.

Now, this is just a personal opinion, so don’t curse me or bite me or make me drink poisoned blood (*hissss hisssssss hsssss*) for ragging on the movie’s dreamboat. I still agree that the actor did a great job of portraying a character that shines on the silver screen, but the screen Edward and the book Edward are not quite in sync.

In my head, I had created a mental ‘Edward image’ depicting someone who has a bit more control over situations—who acts more like an adult with 90 years of life experiences and less like a teenager that has been stuck at the mentality of a 17 year old for 90 years. Though the book character is unsure about how to handle the complexity of his relationship with Bella, he still addresses the issues, both vocally and physically, in a manner that is more fitting of a mature adult—much like a gentleman from an older time period was expected to act. He is controlled and cautious, not overly dramatic.

There, I have said my bit. Aside from that, the movie was true to the book. The vampire’s skills were not visually over-the-top. Both leads were believable and their screen chemistry was palpable. I certainly hope that Kristen Stewart’s spot-on depiction of Bella is not overshadowed by the dreamboat… she is definitely talented. Props and kudos.

All in all, as a fan of the books, I was very pleased with the movie. So pleased, in fact, that I saw it twice. Yeah, I guess that makes me sound lame…. but I needed the escape =D

An honest post, all whimsical banter aside.

There are times when I feel immobile—like I don’t know where to place my next footstep. Even though I am, more or less, an adult, there are moments when I seem to regress to those crappy adolescent moments. I guarantee that I am not the only one. Yet, recognizing that this younger-mentality has no place in my life now makes those regressive moments more pronounced.

All the same, here I am. Battling the moment when my indecision about the future plagues me like a bout of teenage angst and self-consciousness. Pshaaaa…. whatever, and all that. Damn, I seriously thought I left all this baggage and fantasy further back down the road. Well, fuck it (**yes, I believe that this situation calls for a bit of vulgarity…. just like it did when I was 16yrs old and the queen of moody**).

Leave that path and jump with me to the ground that lies ahead. No path, no directional markers, no road map. Just a faint inclination to lunge forward. Without a hint of regret, strive to leave the weight of fear and grab hold of the faint hope that things will work themselves out as I go along. Wooosh, woosh. Hold on tight folks, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

                                       Whhhhaaa, it is tricky to see the way through…

Luckily, I have a vivid imagination to keep the hope coming. And, of course, a track in mind. Apropos, indeed. This song is one of my all time favorites. Put on your dancing shoes, folks—intoxicating beats coming your way. Wuuuaa, wuuuu, aaaah! Just Be [DJ Tiesto]

San Diego a la Ron Burgundy

Grad school research. Tuition. Debt. Classes. Essays….

My head is filled with all kinds of grad school concerns. Not to mention my attempts to work on increasing my GRE score. Lots to do in not so much time.

Blah, blah… I am not going to waste this post by filling it with these trivialities. However, my research for programs in mass media and communication has motivated me to make this post. Now, in an effort to minimize the financial burden of further schooling, I am looking at a program in San Diego–land of the constantly moderate outdoor climate.

Given my chosen field of study and my interest in San Diego, my wandering mind ran head on into Ron Burgundy [Will Ferrell]. Ron, the dopey anchorman, and the rest of his news team gang flout their popularity as San Diego’s news leaders… despite their lack of smarts. Please enjoy the following compilation of antics from Anchorman.

Suffice it to say that I hope I can bring a bit more grace and dignity to San Diego than Mr. Burgundy =D

Twentysomething and I’ll Keep Being Me

I have lived in this county for one year. Yet, it was only just a few weeks ago that I stated to feel settled. I realized that it was the first time in years that I have lived in one apartment for longer than the length of a school year. It’s like a few roots are starting to wield their way into the dirt. Kind of an odd feeling, really.

Then I received a Jury Duty Summons. *dum dum duuuum* Considering the timing, I have chosen to view the summons, in a drippingly sarcastic manner, as an official county welcome. Get it? Now that I have finally reached the point where I feel like a resident, the county system has seen fit to honor the occasion with a summons. Can’t you feel it? The summons is like a big, fuzzy hug of welcome.

Or not.

Not particularly great timing, but when is a summons ever convenient? Let’s just say that I am in the process of convincing myself that the experience, if nothing else, will be something to keep tabs on for future writing ideas.

While reading away the hours of waiting and breaks, I simultaneously started thinking about my life’s current state of action–or inaction. As I pondered, I stumbled across a song that perfectly illustrates my ideas about what I feel, where I am, and what I am trying to sort out. Twentysomething, as sung by Jamie Cullum, is my theme song.

If my current life is a movie, the opening credits should show me whiling away the hours lost in thought and trivialities while Jamie Cullum’s rich voice and seamless piano skills effortlessly accent the images. Beyond the basic premise of the opening, I think that reading the lyrics to Jamie Cullum’s song creates the image better than I ever could…

Twentysomething

After years of expensive education
A car full of books and anticipation
I’m an expert on Shakespeare and that’s a hell of a lot
But the world don’t need scholars as much as I thought

Maybe I’ll go traveling for a year
Finding myself or start a career…

Maybe I’ll go to the gym so I don’t get fat
Aren’t things more easy with a tight six pack
Who knows the answer, who do you trust…

Love ain’t the answer, nor is work
The truth eludes me so much it hurts
But I’m still having fun and I guess that’s the key
I’m a twentysomething and I’ll keep being me