2018: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. Mary Poppins Returns: You just can’t leave this movie without a smile on your face and a hop in your step. Pardon the cliché, but Emily Blunt is practically perfect in every way. The magic of the original movie was not only captured, but enhanced for another generation to love this enchanting story.
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix): Okay, this is probably the cheesiest movie on my list and I’m sure to get some eye rolls, but guys, I LOVED this movie. Like, seriously, cheesy, rom-com loved this movie. The story is adorable, the acting is surprisingly good and we were all introduced to Noah Centineo, so there’s that.
3. A Star Is Born: You might be surprised this isn’t #1, but regardless this was a fantastic movie. I mean, Bradley Cooper as actor, director, writer, producer – can that man do any wrong? And Lady Gaga, OH MY GOSH Lady Gaga – I have an entirely new respect for her now. Also, how many times have we all collectively listened to “Shallow”?!
2. A Quiet Place: This is shockingly in the #2 spot, probably shockingly because I typically dislike scary movies. This one is SO unique though. Pre-Birdbox mania, this post-apocalyptic movie without sound keeps you holding your breath literally the entire movie. Also, can we give it up for cutest ever husband-wife duo John Krasinski + Emily Blunt (again!)!!
1. Bohemian Rhapsody: I LOVE LOVE LOVED this movie! The story, the music, the acting – Rami Malek is phenomenal. I’ve loved him since Mr. Robot, but I’m so glad he got to show the world how amazing he is. I couldn’t stop singing Queen for days and the movie just made me so very happy.
T V S H O W S
Y’all, if you don’t know this about me – I watch a lot of TV, like A LOT. And I love it and am not ashamed by it. This list is always the hardest for me to write every year, but when it comes down to it – I just try and think about what shows I’m most excited to watch every week, so here it is:
5. Outlander – Starz: This was #2 on the list last year (when I binged the entire series), so it’s not quite as high up there this year and this season has been a little slower, but I still adore this show so freaking much and it’s one of my favorite love stories of all time.
4. The Assassination of Gianni Versace – FX: This show captivated me. I was fascinated by Andrew Cunanan (the assassin) and obviously the portrayal by Darren Criss – who deserves ALL the awards. It’s honestly less about the assassination of Gianni Versace and more a mental psych study of Cunanan.
3. You – Lifetime: Okay y’all, this one shocked me how much I loved it. I noted it as a new show to watch early in the season because it’s a psychological thriller with Penn Badgley (aka gossip girl) and my favorite pretty little liar Shay Mitchell. But, this show. THIS. SHOW. Watch it on Netflix now. This role was MADE for Badgley, and you’ll be thoroughly creeped out, but loving it by the finale.
2. Younger – TV Land: Looking for a show that’s funny and heartwarming and has the best wardrobe and the best girlfriends and the best love triangle? (Oh and Lizzie McGuire all grown up!?) This is it. Please watch it now, and text me when you love it as much as I do. #TeamJosh
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Amazon: Can Amy Sherman-Palladino do no wrong?! Also … can Rachel Brosnahan do no wrong?! This show continues to top my list thanks to the phenomenal acting, gorgeous set and costume design, and exciting plot. Give them all the awards, please and thank you.
Honorable mentions:
Riverdale – The CW, Dirty John – Bravo, The Crown – Netflix, The Good Place – NBC
B O O K S
5. Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis: Y’all know I love a good self-help book (Carry On, Warrior, Lean In) and this one was no exception. What I loved about this one though, is how structured and specific it was. Each chapter is about a lie we tell ourselves. For example, “I’m defined by my weight” or “I can’t get past this”. Rachel does a fantastic job of breaking down the lie, giving a personal anecdote and sharing 3 specific ideas on how to combat these lies in our lives. Highly, highly recommend. You should also follow her on Instagram because she’s awesome.
4. The Kiss Quotient – Helen Hoang: This book was so stinkin’ adorable! I would characterize it as Eleanor Oliphant (another favorite) meets 50 Shades of Gray – yes, it’s steamier than you’re expecting, but has such a great story about a 30-year-old woman with Asperger’s who just wants to learn how to date. I don’t want to say much else, just read and fall in love with this fun, original, sexy book.
3. The Last Time I Lied – Riley Sager: It’s been a while since a thriller has kept me in suspense the ENTIRE BOOK. And a while since I’ve stayed up late (1am!) finishing a book because I had to know what happened. It’s basically Pretty Little Liars goes to summer camp, so I was obviously interested from the get go, but the storytelling is just fantastic without a single dull moment.
2. Women in Sunlight – Frances Mayes: From the author of Under the Tuscan Sun, this book did everything I wanted it to and more. The story follows four older women whose children want to put them in a retirement home, but instead become quick friends and decide to move to Tuscany. I laughed, I cried and I was transported back to Italy with every single page. The writing is terrific, changing with the character’s perspectives, and the story will give you passion to do something radical.
1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman: This book. Oh my goodness, this book. As a friend said, “YOU ARE IN FOR A DELIGHTFUL TREAT.” It’s so charming, yet so unexpected. You fall in love with the main character by the end, despite thinking you’re not sure how you can possibly relate to her at the beginning. It’s an uplifting, feel-good book, but with serious substance.
What were your top TV Shows, Books + Movies of the year? I’d love to know!
xo xo
[Catalog – 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012]
halloween + an 80’s movie update
I love Halloween. Really I just love dressing up for anything specific – give me a theme and I’m there. Or as my favorite fictional mother says,
“I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit!” – Lorelai Gilmore
This year, we decided to dress up as characters from our favorite TV show of the year – Stranger Things. It’s about a 12-year-old boy who goes missing and his friends are determined to find him. Also a lot of weird sh*t starts happening in the town. It’s creepy, but not too creepy, and it’s set in the 80s – giving major homage to Stand by Me, E.T., The Goonies and many more.
Go watch it on Netflix now. Seriously, I promise you it’s worth it. And after you see our costumes, you’ll be even more intrigued.
{husband as dustin}
{me as eleven, looking creepy AF || my own mother didn’t recognize me in that blonde wig…}
{I will forever cherish this polaroid of us || also, we won best couple costume}
{convinced some friends to be “the wall” and joyce byers}
{and two random, but amazing polaroids from the night, for good measure}
Since we’re talking 80’s, I thought this would be a good time for an update on my 80’s Watchlist. I’ve been making headway on the girly movies:
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (1985) – LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this movie. I want to be SJP and dance all day.
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) – How adorable is a young Patrick Dempsey?! I also adored this movie. Can’t believe I hadn’t seen it until now.
Heathers (1988) – Okay, I know this is a cult classic, but someone should have warned me how dark it is!! Didn’t love it, but enjoyed seeing Winona Ryder and Christian Slater in their hay day.
Love Potion No. 9 (1993) – This movie was so cheesy and adorable and right up my alley. Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan are so dreamy.
Teen Witch (1989) – Watched this one in honor of Halloween and again, LOVED. Please watch this scene. It’s hilarious, and awesome, and so 80s. TOP THAT.
xo xo
My Top 5 Shows of 2016 So Far …
It’s the golden age of TV, people. And I’m loving it.
We’re halfway through 2016 and we’ve already had some incredible TV shows. And the exciting part is, there’s still so much more to come! I will definitely do another post about upcoming fall premieres I’m excited about, but for now, here are my top shows of 2016 so far.
The Good Wife, Final Season (CBS)
The Good Wife was overall an incredible show, and will definitely go down as an all-time favorite. However, after Will died then Kalinda left, it kind of lost its way. I wasn’t as interested and just kept watching to watch, but they really picked it up in the final season. It had the excitement of the episodic cases again, and the sexy allure with Jeffrey Dean Morgan they’d been missing since Will. While I didn’t love the finale, I still give the season two thumbs up. Cheers to Alicia Florrick and Mr. Big.
The People vs. O.J. Simpson (FX)
I am still surprised by how much I was enthralled in this show. Since I was very young when this happened in RL, I didn’t remember all of the details of the case or the specifics of the trial, so it made it that much more dramatic. But even if I had known everything that happened, this show still would have pulled me in. It’s a classic drama with terrific acting and great storytelling. You won’t be able to stop watching, and will still hold your breath while waiting for the jury’s verdict.
O.J.: Made in America (ESPN)
This is definitely one of the best, if not THE best, documentary I’ve ever seen. Comprised of 5 episodes at an hour and a half each, it goes into tremendous detail, but not once do you feel like it’s dragging on. This is a complex story and this documentary tells it so well. I was truly fascinated hearing about O.J. as a “Football god”, understanding the backdrop of race relations in LA and listening to present day interviews from the lawyers, jurors and journalists. I enjoyed watching the drama first, then watching this to see all the nitty gritty details.
Orphan Black, Season 4 (BBC)
This is a constant favorite of mine and always makes my end of year lists, so if you STILL haven’t watched it, you clearly don’t value my opinion. Its one of the few shows where I can’t take my eyes of the screen because I’m so hooked the entire episode. Tatiana Maslany, playing multiple clones, is truly one of the most gifted actress I’ve ever seen. Next season is the last, and you can feel a deliberate storyline leading to answers, which I appreciate.
The Affair (Showtime)
This one is kind of a cheat, because we haven’t finished this season aired in 2016 yet. We flew through season 1 and just started season 2, but thought I’d add it to my list anyway. This show is thrilling and intense and captivating in such a unique way. The cinematography is beautiful and the storytelling is fascinating as you see extremely different perspectives both sides of the affair. Wonderfully done, and I can’t wait to finish the season.
BONUS: Mr. Robot, Season 2 (USA)
Okay, okay. I haven’t seen this one yet, but it airs TONIGHT and I’m so so excited. Since we finished season 1 we’ve been dying for more. And as husband said, we know it will be incredible, so it needs to be on the list.
Also ….
Currently Bingeing: Veep, The Affair, The O.C. (for the 100th time)
Summer Guilty Pleasure: The Bachelorette (#TeamLuke!)
Next on our Watchlist: Game of Thrones (seasons 3-6), Love (Netflix original), Homeland (season 4-5), The Americans, American Crime
What are you currently watching?
xo xo
Now That’s What I Call the ’80s [Movie Edition]
Y’all know I love entertainment and pop culture. I blog about my favorite TV shows all the time, and have been to Sundance Film Festival (and Bentonville Film Festival!) twice. For some reason though, there are a lot of classic ’80s movies I seem to have missed.
Yes, I was born in ’89 so it does makes sense why I wasn’t watching movies in the ’80s, but as a film lover I think this is totally unacceptable.
And so do my co-workers. So they’ve started me a list.
Husband and I have started on the list, and so far have made it through 4 of 21 – though the list grows by the day, so I’m not quite sure how we’ll keep up. Here’s what we’ve seen so far –
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) – Hilarious. Love Steve Martin and John Candy. We would totally watch this again.
Groundhog Day (1993) – Bill Murray humor is everything. They just don’t make good, clean funny movies like this anymore.
Ghostbusters (1984)- Funny and entertaining. Again, gotta love Bill Murray.
Animal House (1978) – Pretty funny, but not hilarious. John Belushi had some classic moments, but overall movie was just so random.
The List:
Beverly Hills Cop
The Goonies
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Stand by Me
*Girls Just Want to Have Fun
*Splash
The Natural
The Money Pit
Better Off Dead
Rocky movies
Say Anything
*Can’t Buy Me Love
*Mannequin
Weird Science
Wall Street
The Lost Boys
Dumb and Dumber
*Denotes girly movie to watch without husband
What other classic movies should I add to my list?
(Note: I have already seen the following – All John Hughes movies, Top Gun, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing, Princess Bride, Footloose, When Harry Met Sally….)
xo xo
2015: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. The Martian: This was a great movie, and an even better book (see below). I put it as #5 only because there were a few things they changed in the movie that I didn’t like, but I still really enjoyed it.
4. Sisters: Husband couldn’t possibly believe I put this movie before The Martian (or Star Wars), but I laughed my booty off at this movie, harder than I have in a really long time. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can do no wrong.
3. Still Alice: This one is hard to watch and really sad, but the acting is phenomenal. Julianne Moore absolutely deserved the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2. Inside Out: All the emotions! Seriously. I watched this on the plane to Europe and had to stop myself from full on sobbing. It was so sweet. This is the best Pixar in a long time.
1. Ex Machina: I was shocked by how much I liked this movie. I wouldn’t have even watched it unless someone convinced me, because the trailer makes it out to be a horror movie, but it’s not at all. It’s a little creepy, but so so good. Also, currently in love with Oscar Isaac.
Still on the list to see: Spotlight, The Big Short, Creed, Carol, The Room, The Danish Girl
T V S H O W S
5. iZombie: I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, this is such an underrated show! It’s a zombie comedy like you’ve never seen before, and you will fall in love with the characters.
4. The Jinx: This HBO docu-series was incredible. Husband was literally pacing the room during the last episode because it was so intense. If you don’t know anything about it, don’t read anything, just go watch it.
3. The Walking Dead: This show always makes my list of top shows, but I haven’t loved this season. It started out amazing and steadily went downhill, with kind of a dud of a mid-season finale. But still, of course, one of my favorite shows.
2. Pretty Little Liars: Guilty pleasure. Guilty, guilty, pleasure. But it continues to be one of the shows I look forward to watching the most every week. #HalebForever
1. Jane the Virgin: I don’t know how it happened, but I fell fast for this show and Gina Rodriguez. It’s hilarious, it’s dramatic, it teaches life lessons – it’s seriously so much more than you would imagine.
Honorable mentions: Hart of Dixie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Making a Murderer
Editor’s Note: The below is my true #1, but not counting it in the 5 since it didn’t come out this year.
Friday Night Lights: I know I’m like 10 years behind on this show, but I binged it this summer and absolutely fell in love with it. Like, so much so, that I immediately bought a t-shirt and mug after finishing it (see below). Definitely on my list of top shows of all time.
B O O K S
5. Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins: I loved the way this story was told, through 3 different perspectives and in morning/evening narratives. It kept your mind reeling throughout, following different leads of what could have possibly happened to girl who disappears. Totally worth the hype, and I can’t wait for the movie.
4. The Martian by Andy Weir: I started and finished this on the plane ride home from Europe. I loved this book! It was fascinating. It was written so well and in such a unique way that you were hooked from the beginning.
3. Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling: Her second book wasn’t quite as entertaining as her first, but still a great, easy read that made me laugh out loud and gave interesting behind the scenes insight into the life of a comedy writer (and my celebrity spirit animal).
2. The Good Girl by Mary Kubica: Oh.My.Gosh. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s definitely one of my top books of the year. The character development was phenomenal, and it is so so suspenseful. Speaking of the ending, I did not see it coming at all.
1. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer: This is a truly beautiful story with incredible writing. Though it’s a lengthy book, it kept me interested by switching perspectives chapter to chapter. I think I loved this so much because I’m not typically a historical fiction reader and this captivated me.
xo xo
How to Throw a Star Wars Watch Party, By a Non-Star Wars Fan
Until last night, I had never seen a Star Wars movie. (Well, supposedly I saw one in the theater with Husband, but all I could tell you about it was that Natalie Portman was in it. And I didn’t know until last night that she isn’t Princess Leia…)
Well, now I’ve seen three. But it took about 6 months to convince me to watch them.
Here’s the secret – turn something into a themed party, and I’ll watch anything. I was inspired by this Buzzfeed list – 17 Foods Guaranteed to Excite Any “Star Wars” Fan – so I gathered the troops for a watch party. Star Wars themed attire encouraged. Star Wars themed food required.
Guess what, it was a success! Themed food and drinks are always so much more fun, as you’ll see below. The movies, well … I can’t say I’m a big fan, but I will absolutely be re-wearing my Star Wars shirt to the premiere. (And maybe sneak in some themed food …)
[We made it through 2 movies – Episode IV and Episode V]
[Just a few of my pun-y names, that I thought were hilarious.
Not pictured: Boba Fett-uccine and (my personal favorite) 5 Leia Dip]
[This drink was EVERYTHING. I still don’t know who Qui-Gon Gin is, but the drink sure is delicious and looked so awesome.]
May the Force be with you.
xo xo
Oscars 2015: Predictions
I LOVE the Oscars. I will be plopped in front of the TV from the second they start the red carpet coverage until the last word of the final speech. And of course, with ballot and champagne in hand. I’ve hosted several Oscar parties in the past [you can see pictures here and here], but after a month of hosting duties, including a Birthday blowout and 50-person wedding brunch, I will be very content in my joggers on my couch.
I was on a mission to watch all of the nominees for Best Picture, but unfortunately have failed. We will, however, make it to 6/8 after watching The Theory of Everything tonight.
Though I haven’t seen all the nominated films, I’ve read voraciously about who will win, who should win, and who will be a surprise. Below are my predictions – put your money on me or not!
B E S T P I C T U R E
[Nominees: Boyhood, American Sniper, The Theory of Everything, The Imitation Game, Selma, Birdman, Whiplash, Grand Budapest Hotel]
I just adored this movie. It was all I wanted and more. I’ve read reviews people didn’t like it because it was boring, or too long, or didn’t have much of a plot. But that’s exactly why I liked it. It didn’t have a plot with a climax and grand finale, because it was just about life. Life doesn’t have a plot. It has it’s ups and downs and in betweens, and this movie captured it so perfectly.
B E S T A C T O R
[Nominees: Michael Keaton – Birdman, Steve Carrell – Foxcatcher, Bradley Cooper – American Sniper, Benedict Cumberbatch – The Imitation Game, Eddie Redmayne – The Theory of Everything]
We saw Birdman and I wasn’t the biggest fan. However, there was no denying the acting was phenomenal. They were nominated in three categories, including Edward Norton and Emma Stone. If it hadn’t been for the acting, I might have walked out of the movie. Michael Keaton was so realistic as this schizo actor, he truly made me believe in what he was seeing.
B E S T A C T R E S S
[Nominees: Julianne Moore – Still Alice, Reese Witherspoon – Wild, Marion Cotillard – Two Days, One Night, Felicity Jones – The Theory of Everything, Rosamund Pike – Gone Girl]
I haven’t seen this movie, though I’m dying to, but I’ve heard just incredible things about Julianne Moore. She seemed born to play this role she does it so well. She’s a very clear win, but I do want to also applaud Reese Witherspoon and Rosamund Pike for their performances. They absolutely deserved their nomination.
B E S T S U P P O R T I N G A C T O R
[Nominees: J.K. Simmons – Whiplash, Robert Duvall – The Judge, Edward Norton – Birdman, Ethan Hawke – Boyhood, Mark Ruffalo – Foxcatcher]
Again, I haven’t seen Whiplash, though again, I’m dying to. Out of what I have seen, I would have picked Edward Norton to win. However, from what I’ve read and heard J.K. Simmons is a pretty clear winner and did an exceptional job.
B E S T S U P P O R T I N G A C T R E S S
[Nominees: Patricia Arquette – Boyhood, Emma Stone – Birdman, Laura Dern – Wild, Keira Knightly – The Imitation Game, Meryl Streep – Into the Woods]
Patricia Arquette was the clear star of Boyhood. Ethan Hawke was pretty good, the main boy Ellar Coltrane was really good, but Patricia was amazingly good. She was a mother – the good, the bad and the ugly, and made me feel for her throughout. My second choice to win this award would have been Laura Dern – surprisingly transcendent in Wild through her minimal scenes.
Will you be watching Sunday night to see who takes home the top honors?
xo xo
You might also enjoy: Oscars 2014: 5 Best + Worst Dressed, 10 Facts You Should Know About The Oscars
2014: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. Unbroken: I left the movie equal parts inspired by humanity and disgusted, ashamed of humanity. The story was phenomenal and the acting was beautiful.
4. Gone Girl: This was my #2 favorite book last year, so I was highly anticipating the movie. It was even better than I could have imagined. Rosamund Pike was the definition of perfection.
3. Wild: Reese Witherspoon captivated you from the moment she stepped on screen. The cinematography was astounding and the movie made me cry {almost} as much as the book.
2. Chef: Oh my gosh, this movie! You have to go watch it. You HAVE to. That’s all I can say. It’s funny, it’s smart, it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
1. Interstellar: This movie blew me away. We talked about it for the next week, discussing it like it was a real story. That’s the sign of a great movie.
Still on the list to see from 2014: Boyhood (DYING to watch this), Whiplash, Theory of Everything, Foxcatcher
T V S H O W S
5. Pretty Little Liars: This is my extremely guilty pleasure show. I honestly can’t tell you why I enjoy it as much as I do as a 25 year old. (Well, I tried to tell you in my blog post here.) But I’m so excited to watch this show every week.
4. The Good Wife: I binged all 6 seasons of this show this summer, and can’t believe I’ve gone this long without watching it. Alicia Florrick is my role model.
3. The Mindy Project: A consistent favorite, per usual. And now we have the best couple on TV (by far) and it’s too much happiness and laughter to contain.
2. The Walking Dead: Another consistent favorite, per usual. How this show tops itself every season is beyond me, but I’m just as much wrapped up in this apocalypse now as I was day 1.
1. Orphan Black: This one shocked me. Seriously, shocking how addicted I am to this show. The number 1 reason is easy – Tatiana Maslany, and the fact that she hasn’t been nominated for an Emmy makes me reconsider my entire existence.
B O O K S*
*read this year, not necessarily published this year
5. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green: I thought it would be an easy, predictable young adult read, but it had so much more depth than any other YA book I’ve read. The characters, the plot, the writing – it was nearly perfect. (Also, loved the movie)
4. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink: I read this book in a day and loved every second of it. The author turns something you don’t think would be interesting into the most fascinating love story I’ve heard in a long time. (Also, again, loved the movie)
3. I’ll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich: This autobiography is phenomenal. I’ve only read a few autobiographies in my life, but this one outshines them all. Her life is so fascinating that I often felt like I was reading fiction.
2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: I am officially Malcolm Gladwell’s newest, biggest fan ever. His writing is simply superb, weaving in hard facts with anecdotes so perfectly that you believe everything he says without batting an eye.
1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed: A woman hiking a 1,100 miles in a journey of self-discovery – sounds a little boring, huh? Not even close. I felt so connected to the main character by the end that I could feel her tears in my eyes. This is officially on my list of top 10 favorite books of all time.
BONUS: P O D C A S T S
1. Serial: The only podcast I’ve ever listened to. It’s literally all I can think about.
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 2013: Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books, Top 10 Movies of 2012
Pop, Fizz, Clink!
This will be one of the first years in recent memory I have not hosted my annual Oscars viewing party. Awards season is one of my favorite things ever and it all leads up to the Academy Awards. A good watch party includes friends, ballots, champagne and red carpet critiquing.
Below are a few photos from my first ever viewing party in high school. The attire was sweats (which back then meant we were all wearing Victoria’s Secret PINK), we traced our hands on a fake red carpet and we drank sparkling cider.
Last year I rented out the theater at our apartment complex and had a special cake made just for the event. You can see photos and read my post here. Unfortunately this year I decided not to host an event. As it turned out, mother nature affirmed my decision, as we’re currently in a thunder-sleet-pocalypse and I’m not sure how many people would have been able to attend anyway.
While of course I’ll still be watching (ballot and champagne in hand) I wanted to share some fun viewing party ideas I’ve seen around the web.
Enjoy your evening with the stars! xo xo
{Oscar nominated actor straws via}
{popcorn bar via}
{easy gold decor via}
{movie quote cupcakes – TDF via}
{custom labels via}
{confetti poppers via}
You might also enjoy: 10 Facts You Should Know About the Oscars, Oscar Noms Reviews: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Oscar Noms Reviews: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
This snowy weather (again!) makes me want to stay in all day and watch movies. Alas, that is not an option, but I wish it were. I could sit and watch movies for days on end. If made correctly, they’re so beautiful and give you a peek into another world, sometimes so different from you that you could have never imagined on your own.
With the Academy Awards less than a month away, I’m on a mission to see as many nominated movies as I can. You can see the full list of nominations here. While I still have a few to go, below are reviews of the movies I’ve seen lately. As I always say, take reviews with a grain of salt. If you want to see something, go see it. No matter what anyone says.
Wolf of Wall Street: B+
Here’s the short of it – the acting was phenomenal, but everything else was excessive. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill absolutely deserve an award for their work, but it was overdone with sex and drugs. I understand why Martin Scorsese did what he did, but I just don’t agree with it. It also could have easily been cut by an hour at least.
American Hustle: A-
You want to talk about beauty, this was a beautiful film. The clothes, the music, the hair, the music – it was all absolutely perfect for the era. (I was born in the wrong decade!!) This acting was also top-notch. Every single performance was terrific, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and of course, my love, Jennifer Lawrence.
Gravity: A+
I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a film so much. Scratch that – enjoyed and been on the edge of my seat so much. The entire film was just breathtaking and Sandra Bullock was perfect. George Clooney was good for some eye-candy and comic relief (per usual). Alfonso Cuaron needs to win Best Director.
Her: A-
I give this one a minus simply because parts of it were just too odd. While we are in the day and age where this could legitimately happen, we’re not quite ready to embrace it. That being said, the film was wonderfully made, retro and modern at the same time. Scarlett Johansson was brilliant. She made you feel and believe simply by her voice. That’s true talent right there.
Blue Jasmine: B+
The story was interesting enough, but as a whole it just wasn’t quite there. The movie’s one redeeming quality was Cate Blanchett, who seems to shine in any role she plays. However, when you don’t have the supporting actors and the plot to hold you up, there’s only so much you can do.
August: Osage County: C+
This movie was just sad. And I mean that in several ways. Sad as in super depressing and sad as in, I was really looking forward to this movie and it did not live up to expectations. Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts were INCREDIBLE. Streep’s monologues were remarkable and reminiscent of a stage play, but the story was just too depressing to justify the performances.
On the top of the list to watch before March 2: Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Nebraska, 12 Years a Slave, Frozen
What do you think of the Oscar nominations?
xo xo
2013: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
I love reading end of year lists. I love seeing the popular opinion on top movies, books, fashion, etc. and how it compares with what I think. Last year I shared my top 10 movies of 2012. I planned to do my top 10 movies of 2013, but as I was looking back I honestly couldn’t find 10 movies that I would want on my list. (yikes!) So I decided to shorten it and add a few of my other tops from this year as well.
Enjoy! Let me know what your favorites were this year!
xo xo
M O V I E S
5. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Catching Fire was my favorite book of the series, so they had a lot to live up to, and they did. 10 times better than the first movie and of course Jennifer Lawrence is flawless.
4. Mud
Skeptical at first going into this movie since I didn’t know a thing about it, I walked out in awe at how much I enjoyed it. Maybe because I can semi-relate to the rural Arkansas lifestyle or because Matthew McConaughey had his best performance I’ve seen. Either way, you need to see it.
3. The Spectacular Now
This is the best indie movie since Garden State. It’s beautiful, it’s touching, it’s heart-wrenching. You will fall in love with Shailene Woodley and newcomer Miles Teller and reminisce about your first love.
2. Rush
What a RUSH! Bad pun, I know, but I absolutely loved this movie. It made something I wasn’t interested in (racing) very interesting and you were hooked until the last second.
1. Gravity
There literally are no words that can describe this movie. I didn’t think I was breathing the entire movie. Even after the movie I was unsure. Outstanding.
(Note: I’m still dying to see the following – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Wolf of Wall St., Inside Llewelyn Davis, Dallas Buyers Club, Saving Mr. Banks)
T E L E V I S I O N S H O W S
5. Parks and Recreation
Somehow I’ve gone several years without seeing this show and I’m kicking myself for it. However, binge-watching this over the summer might have been more fun. I love Tom Haverford … and Leslie Knope … and Andy Dwyer … and Ron Swanson … I love them all!
4. House of Cards
The second season starts streaming on Netflix Feb. 14. No lie, all I want for Valentine’s Day is just to make dinner and binge-watch it with Husband. That’s saying something!!
3. The Walking Dead
Yes, this is a great show, but maybe I’ve loved it this year more because we’ve started watching it every Sunday night with a group of friends and that makes everything better. (Husband will definitely be mad at me for not putting this first … but I just adore Mindy Lahiri and Olivia Pope more than zombies!)
2. The Mindy Project
This has by far been the best sitcom of the year. The first season was shaky, but this season has been hilarious. The addition of Peter and Cliff to the series has been brilliant.
1. Scandal
Somehow this show just keeps getting better and better and better. I never know what to expect each episode, except for glamorous Miss Pope and her big glass of vino. #Olitz4Eva
B O O K S
5. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Practical, honest and smart, this book opened my eyes and gave me the power and perspective I needed to continue in my life and career.
4. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
A grown-up version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this was an easy book to read, but with more depth and wit than you’d expect.
3. 7 – An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker
This book has changed the way I think about everything. Read it and challenge yourself. Learn about my challenge here.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Intrigue, suspense, love, drama and it’s currently in works to be a movie starring Ben Affleck. I could not put this book down.
1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling
I love Mindy Kaling. I love her writing style. I love her humor. I love her personality. Enough said. (Have I said how much I love her?)
A Griswold Charlie Brown Christmas Rap
Thanksgiving is over and I’ve officially moved on to Christmas. I don’t know what it is about this year, but I’m really getting in to the Christmas spirit. I turn the tree lights on the second I get home, and I’ve been listening to Christmas music more than usual, dancing and singing in the kitchen last night as I was preparing dinner. So I’m going to do a series of holidays posts over the next few weeks – holiday decor, gift guide, fashion, party tips, etc.
But first, I want to make sure all of YOU are in the Christmas spirit. Below are some of my top favorite moments from Christmas movies and TV episodes over the years. If you’re not in the spirit after this, you might just be the Grinch!
LOVE ACTUALLY
GLEE
ELF
COMMUNITY
THE O.C.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
GILMORE GIRLS
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
xo xo
And the Oscar for best party goes to …
Theme: Simple with a touch of glam
Attire: Casual comfy with bling accessories
Food/Drink: Pizza + Champagne
Location: Ranch at Pinnacle Point Clubhouse/Theatre
Enjoy some pictures of a few of the night’s details + honored guests.
xo xo
{the invite}
{Kira}
{Shawn + Rhagen}
{Amanda + Ryan}
{Tayler + Luis}
{Jessica + Jonathan}
{Jon + Ashley}
{Lauren + Alex}
{girls}
{no papparazzi allowed}
{Seth McFarlane = hilarious}
{our very own Oscar}
{ballots}
Love, your hosts M + K
You might also enjoy: 10 Facts You Should Know About The Oscars, My Top 10 Movies of 2012
10 Facts You Should Know About The Oscars
One of my favorite times of the year is red carpet season. I love to see who takes home the big awards (including Best Dressed of course!)
I’ll be back tomorrow with my Oscar party recap, but until then, happy Sunday and enjoy!
xo xo
1. Only once in 80 years has a film (Driving Miss Daisy) won Best Picture without getting nominated for Best Director.
2. Amour is only the 9th foreign language film ever nominated for Best Picture.
3. Silver Linings Playbook got four acting nominations, the first time in more than 30 years that’s happened and only the 14th film to ever get all four nominations. No film has ever won all four acting awards. A Streetcar Named Desire won three of its four nominations back in the 1951 race, the only film in history to do so.
4. No film has won Best Picture in the last 30+ years without a Film Editing nomination.
5. In the past 25 years, only three films have won Best Picture without being nominated for any acting awards.
6. Only two Best Picture winners from 2000 onward had productions budgets exceeding $100 million.
7. This year in the Best Actress category includes the youngest person ever to be nominated (Quvenzhane Wallis, 9) and the oldest person (Emmanuelle Riva, 86) ever to be nominated.
8. The most nominated films in Oscar history are Titanic and All About Eve with 14 noms each.
9. The only sequel to have won Best Picture is The Godfather: Part II.
10. Meryl Streep has had the most Best Actress nominations (14) but Katharine Hepburn holds the title for winning the most in the category (4).
You might also enjoy: My Top 10 Movies of 2012, The Evolution of Movie-Going
My Top 10 Movies of 2012
I LOVE movies. I could watch a movie every day and be happy. I also love ranking and reviewing movies, which I do often with several of my movie aficionado friends. As I was reading list after list of top movies of 2012, I decided to make my own list, and to make this an annual post. Granted, we are now in the height of movie season when the best films of the year often come out and while husband and I have been to the theaters 3 times this week, we still haven’t seen everything we want to. So this may be an incomplete list, but as of what I’ve seen here are my top 10 movies of 2012 …
* * *
10. 21 Jump Street: The award for most laugh-out-loud moments during a movie goes to 21 Jump Street thanks to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. I thought this would be a typical stupid/funny movie, but it was pure hilarity.
9. Beasts of the Southern Wild: You don’t really think a 5-year-old can act until you’ve seen this movie. Quvenzhané Wallis who plays Hushpuppy at the very least deserves an Oscar nod. She delivers some of the best one-liners I’ve ever heard.
8. Django Unchained: A classic Tarantino film with outstanding performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz. The intriguing story and movie style make up for the gore and length.
7. The Amazing Spider-Man: I enjoyed the last Spiderman, I really did, but this one didn’t even compare. Andrew Garfield nailed Peter Parker, and the chemistry with Emma Stone was golden.
6. The Hunger Games: I read the book first, thus I was expected to be disappointed. But I wasn’t at all. That’s 5 points right there. I want to grow up to be just like Katniss Everdeen (or Jennifer Lawrence, for that matter.)
5. The Dark Knight Rises: Captivating. Suspenseful. Heart-wrenching. Who knew Batman could be this complex? A fantastic end to the trilogy. A round of applause goes to Christian Bale, but a standing ovation goes to Joseph Gordon Levitt.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower: This movie ripped my heart out and put it back together. It made me feel sorry for those in high school and it made me want to go back to high school. And it gave me a quote I truly believe – “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
3. Silver Linings Playbook: In all honesty, I put this one in my top 10 list before I even saw it. Then after I saw it, I moved it to #3. What a beautiful, moving, hilarious movie with two beautiful, moving hilarious actors.
2. Moonrise Kingdom: This movie was so close to being #1 because #2 just doesn’t even seem to do it justice. By far the best Wes Anderson movie yet that captures your soul and keeps you rooting for young love the whole way through.
1. Argo: Rarely am I on the edge of my seat for an entire movie and enjoy it. The enthralling plot line was brought to life splendidly with a host of actors. Bravo, Ben Affleck. Bravo.
Editor’s Note: I’ve been dying to see Zero Dark Thirty as I think it would definitely make this list, but it isn’t playing near us. So, for all intents and purposes, it’s on my top 10 as well.
* * *
What was your top movie of 2012?
xo xo
10 things I want to do in NYC, thanks to pop culture
1. Blare this song as my plane is landing into the city
2. Have a beer at MacClaren’s (How I Met Your Mother)
3. Have lunch on the steps of the Met (Gossip Girl)
4. Break out into song and dance in Central Park (Glee)
5. Share cosmos and gossip at a swanky bar (Sex in the City)
6. Longingly peer into the windows at Tiffany’s (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
7. Stay at the Gansevoort (Kim and Kourtney Take New York)
8. Enjoy a winter in the city and a summer in the Hamptons (Revenge)
9. Work at a magazine publication with a horrible, but brilliant boss (The Devil Wears Prada)
10. Go undercover and solve a crime or two (White Collar)
* * *
What have you always wanted to do in the city?
XO
January Getaway: Sundance 2012
Oh, Sundance, how I’ve grown to love you so. It all started 5 years ago for my 18th birthday…
{one of our best memories – gangsta parents}
{at Robert Redford’s Sundance resort for my birthday}
{beautiful.}
{best trip ever!}
{wish it didn’t have to end…}
We vowed to go back, and now that we have for my 23rd birthday we would LOVE to make it a yearly trip. Here are some tips for your trip to Sundance, because trust me, you need to plan one whether you’re a film lover, celeb obsessed, winter-weather lover or simply someone who loves a unique vacation.
*
1. Plan early. Ticket packages start with a sweepstakes you must enter into in the summer, and resorts fill up fast.
2. Didn’t get a package of tickets? Or didn’t get a movie you wanted? You can still stand in the wait list line. Yes it’s freezing, and yes there’s no guaranteed chance you’ll get in, but there’s always a way to make things fun.
{entertaining ourselves with Rock,Paper, Scissors}
3. Recommended movie showings: one in the morning, one at lunch time and one at night. Unless you plan on renting a car, it’s almost impossible to get through the city to see more than that with the city shuttles or resort shuttles.
4. Where to stay: Want to focus on shopping, the nightlife and the constant buzz of the festival? Stay on Main Street. Want more of a relaxing vaca with fabulous spa amenities, beautiful views and close ski lifts? Stay anywhere off Main Street, like the Canyons or Stein Eriksen Lodge.
5. What to wear: Fashion + warmth necessities – Tall, warm boots with good traction (i.e. lace-up Uggs); thick, down jacket with a hood (i.e. black, to go with everything, and preferably with a fur hood); scarves, scarves, scarves – these are the one thing that can set you apart and add fun colors and prints to your bundled up outfit, oh and to keep you warmer; a large purse to hold earmuffs, hats, hand warmers, gloves, festival passes, festival books, shopping bags, bottle of water, chapstick, bus schedule, sunglasses camera. Because baby, it’s cold outside.
6. Where to spot celebs: (Yes, this is a very important topic.) Movies are the best place to celeb-spot. Premiere weekend they’re almost always there to promote their films. (Side note: we went to see Ice-T’s documentary The Art of Rap and he and Coco sat a row in front of us! Awesome.) However, they’re also all over Main Street, on the slopes and staying at resorts. So keep your eyes peeled everywhere!
{movie: Lay the Favorite, cast: Bruce Willis, Laura Prepon, Joshua Jackson}
7. Most importantly, there is a lot going on in the small town the week of the film festival – VIP parties and concerts, midnight movie showings, music cafes, bar specials – go out, see it all, experience it all. The atmosphere of a film festival is second to none.
{at the Day One party}
{Shopping on Main St.}
{Natasha Bedingfield}
Ready to plan a trip for next year? Call me.
Love
{Inspired by a childhood favorite movie, Beaches}
You’ve got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
As long as there’s the two of us
We’ve got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling raw, I’m in the prime of my life
As I’ve returned from a wonderful few weeks of vacation, and school is rapidly approaching, I’m feeling blue, da ba dee da ba die. It doesn’t help that it’s freezing outside and snowy. Which when you’re sans school, isn’t nearly as exciting. All I can seem to think about is: waking up early, tests, papers, lack of time to read and watch movies, the impending thesis, plans, moving, job hunting, extreme busyness that I know will happen within a week of school. Though I’ve always been that person that loves being so busy she can’t sit still (pretty sure I know where I got that from..) I’ve surprisingly enjoyed the relaxation this break has brought, and only a tiny part of me is itching to get back into a routine.
However, I’m changing my tune. Why spend the last week of break dreading the inevitable? I’m looking too far into the future and discounting what the next semester, next month, next week or next day could bring.
I’ve been inspired by several things to say goodbye, bad mood and make every second count.
This song just came up on Pandora as I was writing this and it made me happy. Music is so good for the soul.
I see pictures of this beautiful little guy, Jack, that belongs to one of my good friends Lauren and my heart is beyond warmed. Just look at those eyes.
I’ve been happily reading The Imperfectionists, about misfit journalists, and plan to finish it before school starts.
I also plan to finish the final season of Veronica Mars. I had to give her another nod. I’ve been very inspired by her.
Then there’s this blog post from Thought Catalog that makes me laugh and reflect on How to be a 20-Something.
This blog, appropriately titled sunshine on a cloudy day, is one of my new favorites, and where I found this inspiration:
Of course not to mention the wonderful people in my life that make every day count. You are who make me wake up every day with a smile on my face, whether through a text message, a listening ear, a patient heart, an unintended compliment, a gracious laugh or the never-ending love you shower down on me. I’m inspired by all of you to make every second count and love you, and life, with everything I have.
XOXO
The evolution of movie-going
St. Louis, Missouri, May 1910
As I was sitting in the movie theatre Friday (for about the 3rd time that week) I started thinking about how much has changed since I first started going to the movies. It brought back lots of memories and I wanted to revisit some key points in, most likely, all of our movie-going careers…
Family Outing: It was always exciting to go to the movies on a Sunday afternoon when there was nothing else to do. It was either with my parents, my grandpa or family friends. Either way, it didn’t matter, as long as we got to get out of the house, go see the newest G or PG rated movie and try and finagle some popcorn or candy out of the parental supervision.
Titanic… I’d say this movie was a transitioned me into the next phase. I remember seeing it in theatres 7 times, starting with my parents of course to make sure my little ears and eyes could handle it, but then seeing it with friends…
The Cool Kids: Then there came the time when FINALLY my parents let me go to the movies without an adult. I saw an occasional movie with just a couple close friends, but the most important movie time in this phase was group movie time. There were always the “cool kids” who went to the movies in a huge pack. For starters it mattered if you got invited, and then what you wore, who you sat next to, who you talked to, who you flirted with and so on. This was the biggest deal ever, and began…
The Backseaters: Enter in boys. As I get older and wiser, I realize how scary of a time this probably was for parents to let a child go to the movies alone with a boy. But at the time, it was the most exciting possibility ever. In this phase, it didn’t really matter what movie you went to see because the entire time (sitting in the very back seat of the theatre if you could) you would be worried about how you looked, what he thought of you, if he was thinking about you, if he was going to reach for your hand and help us all, if he was going to kiss you. It was all about the ambiance of the movie and nothing about the movie itself.
The Friday nighters: Then we get to the part where the Friday night social scene was at the movies. You had to be there, every single Friday night, to hang out with new friends, flirt with boys or spend “alone” time with your boyfriend. Of course it was all very particular, you had to arrive at a certain time and leave at a certain time. Your mom couldn’t pick you up too early because then you didn’t get to talk after the movie, but if she waited too long everyone else would be gone and make you look like a loser. This era was still not about the movies and unfortunately, includes sneaking in to movies that were sold out, but the boy you liked got tickets to.
The Car: The invention of the car was never as sweet as when you got your license or your boyfriend got his and could take you to the movies sans parents. You didn’t have to coordinate schedules with your parents, which could definitely be a pain as a bratty teen, and often times had a hot, older guy taking you to the movies. What could get much better than this?
Life: Shortly after everyone got their own car, everyone started getting a life outside of movies. Sure, everyone still got together once in a while to go see a movie they really wanted to see, but the real movie lovers continued going to the movies and began going for very different reasons: you actually wanted to see the movie. It wasn’t about the food and drink (well, okay still sometimes), the gossip, the shameless flirting, the perfect outfit or the backseat.
As I sat in the movies Friday, I realized how much had evolved throughout the years because of a simple building with a large screen. I sat there in my favorite seat (close to the front), no drink or popcorn in hand, next to someone I genuinely cared about and knew I could grab his hand and waiting in anticipation for a movie I really wanted to see.
Here’s to Life
It’s 2:45 a.m. and I’m more than a little hyped for the hour. (You’re talking to someone who’s normal bed time is around 10:30). I just went to the midnight premiere of Eclipse and as ridiculous as this sounds I can’t stop thinking about it. I also have a lot of thoughts floating around in my head that I’ve been meaning to blog, so here is insight into my mish-mash.
Team Edward vs. Team Jacob
Two years ago when Twilight was the biggest thing to drop onto the earth, I was completely against it. I thought it sounded ridiculous and the biggest waste of my time to read. I had much better books to read that would teach me and invoke serious thought. (“But it’s a looooove story!” I can’t tell you how many times I heard that) My roommates and I even banned it from our apartment: no Twilight paraphernalia or talk, at all.
Fast forward a year later when I was forced against my will to watch the first movie- ridiculous and probably one of the worst movies I have ever seen. However, part of me was intrigued, so I promised a friend I would go see New Moon in theaters with her.
I walked in a skeptic. I walked out a twi-hard. My roomies from the previous year couldn’t believe it, and wouldn’t let me live it down (they still won’t). I saw the movie in theaters three times and began acting like a love-struck teenager when either Taylor Lautner or Robert Pattinson was seen or mentioned. I had decided that I was on Team Jacob (Taylor Lautner, the werewolf, for all you non-Twilighters). Friends told me it was because they weren’t portraying Edward correctly in the film, which may be true, he’s just too depressing and pale for my taste.
Which all leads upto tonight. I LOVE movies and LOVE going to movie premieres, so I thought the Eclipse midnight premiere would be an experience, and it definitely was. I had just one problem. I’m almost positive I was the only person in the theatre that hasn’t read the books. Thus, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, during the battles of flesh and the battles of love. I would gasp and get wide-eyed, when no one else even flinched. The plot was no surprise to them, just to me.
I’m very glad I haven’t wasted my time reading the books. I am getting much joy and excitement waiting for the next installment of the movie, not knowing what’s coming. I can also say I’m not too much of a twi-hard since I haven’t read the books. (Well, let’s be honest…..)
My Future Career
After my post about acting as a passion, I received several very concerned texts about what I was going to do with my life. Apparently I left everyone hanging. Which, in all honesty, not even I knew what I was going to do. I was left hanging.
I’ve always prided myself in not worrying about the future. I worry about everyday things a lot, way more than I should, but I’ve never been one to worry about what will happen after college or how much money I will have or how my life will turn out. I’ve always had a peace about it, knowing God has already made my plans, so why worry?
After writing that post I thought back on other posts I had written, about how I wanted to mentor students, how I wanted to write something that affected people and now how I want to act. It seems like I don’t know what I want. And I don’t. But that’s okay. I don’t have to know. I trust that God will lead me where he wants me and that I will be most affective with the talents He has given me. I can’t, however, sit around and just wait for him to shove the perfect opportunity my way. I need to keep stepping through open doors until He closes one. Thus, I will mentor, I will write and I will find a way to act. And when he leads me to the position He wants me in, I will know. In the mean time, why try and figure out His plan?
Sick
As it turns out, I have gotten my week of sickness I’ve so desperately desired in the past, and I know even more now that I never ever want this again. I’ve literally come home every afternoon, taken a nap, then watched 24 pretty much until it was time to go to sleep again. I’ve interspersed other things I needed to do in between, but I’ve felt so terrible that all I want to do is lay down. I feel so unproductive, so useless, but I know I need to learn how to be still and let my body heal itself. I’ve also actually been learning a lot through my t.v. watching. Everywhere I go I feel like I’m being watched and snipers surround me in the bushes. However, I feel like I could protect myself in any situation and know not to make the stupid mistakes they make on t.v.
Et Cetera
Other things I’ve learned today include: waiting two hours for a movie is the best time for conversation, D.O.D. means Department of Defense, laying out is bad for you while you are sick (and yes, maybe not the best when you are healthy either), the new Harry Potter trailer is incredible, you can always learn something new about someone you thought you knew everything about.
Hocus Pocus
I’ve always been fascinated with magic. I will go to any magic show, go inside any magic shop and look around until someone makes me leave and most likely buy some ridiculous trick I can never master. I also LOVE movies like The Illusionist and The Prestige. I used to dream I would grow up to become a magician’s assistant- a beautiful accomplice who would be a part of fascinating and mystifying people, but who knew all of the secrets. Though that might make my interest in magic dwindle, it’s still always been a dream.
Today my mom and I were watching David Blaine, an illusionist and street magician. If you’ve never seen anything he does look it up on Youtube right now. Seriously go. It’s insane. He will ask someone to write a name on a piece of paper, then burn the paper and rub the ashes over his shirt. He then lifts up his shirt only to show the name that was written down is now written on his stomach in ash. He also sticks pens through his lip, pulls string out of his arm and makes cards appear inside audience members shoes. He has also broken several world records by being buried alive for 7 days, frozen for 63 hours and several others. I think it’s extremely interesting to see what he’s going to do next and how people react.
As I watched it again today, I just don’t know how I feel. Some of the things he does are just freaky and it makes me think he has supernatural powers. I don’t know what I would do if I saw some of the stuff he does in person. Some people think he is the anti-christ. Other people insist he is just a performer. I don’t know what to believe. All I know is I will stick to magic shows in Branson.
Here is a hilarious parody of David Blaine. Like I said, watch something he does first, otherwise this won’t be funny.
m.davis xoxo 