Terrapin Station

The book is always better than the movie

I have always known this to be true, for me. 

I think that is as much a personal thing as it is to do with the movies: I just plain like reading anything, much better. I can flip back and re-read. I can spend as much or as little time on a passage as I need to. I can put the book down and process for as long as I need to. Even with instructional materials, I'll fight you to be able to read it rather than watch a video clip. 

It's not that movies show things in a way I didn't imagine, but that I don't actually imagine a full-color illustrated world of the books I read. I don't quite know how to explain it, but it's true. So when I see a movie, it puts pictures in my mind...where there really weren't pictures before. And then, I can never escape them. Harry Potter and his crew are always going to look the way they do in movies, now. 

Also, the current way of making movies causes me severe sensory overload. Most movies (and ALL trailers) require that I shut my eyes to get through them). Too much in the way of juddering images and explosions and flipping from one part of the scene to another just drives me crazy. 

So, as I anticipate the new Wrinkle in Time movie...the book that has shaped my theology and worldview since 1973, written by my all-time favorite author...my primary emotion is not excitement, but dread. 

I saw the trailer today. Mr. Murry lecturing about the Divine? That's not quite right. And collapsing mountains? where'd that come from? Are they going to use the amazing dialogue L'Engle provided, or are they ignoring it? 

I want so much to see and love this movie. I'm thrillled about the opportunity for so many people to be introduced to this story and to Madeleine L'Engle, who was truly ahead of her time. And I'm very, very hesitant to even try. 

What do you think? Do books change for you once you see a movie based on them? How does that feel to you?

 

Worst. Movie. Ever.

"He's Just Not That Into You is like reliving your 20s, without any of the fun. " -Mary F. Pols in Time.

It's  interesting to me that I am even spending my time writing this, but it's been a completely new experience to me:  I went to a movie that was so bad, so hideously annoying, so offensive and so boringly predictable...that I walked out in the middle. 

He's Just Not That Into You seemed from TV previews like a cute enough film, kind of a chick flick.  I didn't have any plans to see it, but I mentioned to Ken that I had bought 2 tickets to the Movie Tavern (to support a friend's daughter's drill team or something) and we should use them soon.  Then I checked to see what was playing there this weekend.  Stellar choices: Friday the 13th (part seventy zillion), Taken (um, no), Madea Goes to Jail, and HJNTIY.

When I got home this evening, Ken said he'd seen a preview for HJNTIY and it looked okay, why didn't we go.  We arrived, settled in with beers and ordered our food, and the movie started. 

OMG, the most annoying people ever, having the most inane and ridiculous conversations.  Women were dopes, men were cads, stereotypes were the name of the game.  What dullards.  I kept wanting to scream, "Get a life!" 

I looked over to see if Ken were similarly disgusted; he was peacefully asleep, as he has been in every movie we have ever seen together, from Dr. Doolittle to Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter. 

In angst, I finally started snitching the french fries from the plate on his lap.  He woke up and I said, "this is the worst movie ever."  He watched for a while and agreed.  We paid the check and left. 

Saved from the fries!  And from the rest of the movie, which apparently is over 2 hrs long. 

In reading about the film online just now, I find that it was written by the Sex & the City people - sorry V., but that's another show I just can't stand.  I should have done my research first. 

"The saddest thing about this film, coming on the heels of the deplorable Bride Wars, is it continues the trend of supposed chick flicks that treat women as complete morons. Ladies, you're better than this. Way better."  - Tom Long, Detroit News

(Quotes found on RottenTomatoes.com - where, amazingly, some of the national critics quoted seemed to like it.)

The Nativity Story Movie

We went to see this movie this afternoon.  It is very beautiful visually and the score is nice.  I thought the story was well told, but I was hoping for a little bit more humanity from Mary and Joseph.  They seemed very aware they were in a Nativity....looking really peaceful and mild most of the time. 

Or zonked out.  Maybe that was help from God, 'cause they were sure needing it. 

When the shepherds show up at the stable...Mary and Joseph just gaze calmly at them.  Seems to me they might say, at least to each other, at least with a look:  "Holy CWAP!" 

And then, the Magi show up, and M&J remain totally laid back.  Even when these amazing presents are given.  I whispered to Ken, "I bet they've never seen anyone dressed like THAT before!"  He whispered back, "Yeah, they're thinking "Wow, drag queens!"  Sorry if this seems irreverent...it's not meant that way.  But so much of the truth of the scripture & story for me is how much I think I can identify with the humanity of the characters.

One very poignant moment comes when M&J and the donkey are traveling through a busy town market and a woman presses a food item on Mary...they say no, thank you, but she insists:  "For your baby!"  she says.  Then the woman clasps Joseph's hand and tells him meaningfully, "There is no greater joy than to see YOUR face on the face of your child!" 

I felt sad for myself, not having had that experience...then was surprised to see Joseph look sad, too...then realized that of course the woman doesn't know that this child is NOT Joseph's.  He and Mary clasp hands, hard. 

I give thanks to Joseph, the patron saint of stepparents.  (This is certainly not an original thought with me! but it is helpful at this time of year). 

Narnia

Wow.  We saw The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tonight.  An absolutely amazing film experience.  Yes, there were some things I'd have done differently, but I'm awfully grateful that this story that is so important to me came off so well.  It was a lovingly done rendition and very true to the book.

I need to go close my eyes so I can see it some more.  I'm not through yet...

The Wedding Chasers movie

Back to the Movie Tavern last night to see this and have dinner.  Dinner was ok, the movie was pretty stupid.  Seemed to have an awful lot of gratuitous swearing, and of course it was all about casual sex. 

But it was a break from reality for a few hours. 

Movie Tavern

Sunday we went to a matinee at the new Movie Tavern.  It rocks!  Tickets were $4 each, and they have a full menu along with beer & wine. 

Fat Tire Ale on draft!

We saw Willy Wonka which was so cool.  And Brandon went with us.  A great time.