Changeling: A Review

This is the story of a true life case regarding the plight of Christine Collins and her lost son, Walter. The depth of the movie surprised me since I was not aware of the encompassing happenings dealing with police corruption and grisly crimes committed in Wineville, California.

I don't want to say too much plot-wise, because I feel that not knowing made the movie more shocking to me, hence you should view it that way as well. I did not realize that this was directed by Clint Eastwood, but it became evident very quickly why he chose to bring this dark chapter of California history to light.

Set in the late 1920's, costumes, production value and cinematography were all well done. The casting was excellent, especially when you compare Gordon Northcott's actual photo to the actor who played him. John Malkovich was awesome as usual and perfect for the role of the Reverend Gustav A. Briegleb. Angelina did well as Christine Collins, however I felt she overdid in some parts, though it did not ruin the movie. I understand why she received a nomination but not the Oscar for her performance.

Changeling was heart-wrenching, stomach-turning, and sad. I admit that I not only cried but sobbed at times during this film. It was a horrifyingly true story (with Hollywood taking the usual liberties of course) that transcends time. It is a really well done movie with surprisingly little in the way of "Hollywood liberties" as far as the research I have done. That said, it's a hard movie to stomach for anyone because of the truth to it, and probably especially hard to take if you are a Mother.

Thursday Thoughts

Where should I start? I have a lot of thoughts today.

1. Why is it that everytime I start a project at work and get a few weeks into it thinking that I am halfway though and making progress, the powers that be decide that they are "rethinking" their strategy? I can understand if this happened once in a while, but it has happened for the last 5 or 6 projects and frankly I am starting to get REALLY annoyed. I have even asked the questions, "This is the direction we are going in, everyone is on board, etc?" before I start a project now, but it doesn't seem to help. I need to get out of here, I can't hardly breathe today from this unorganized mess. I used to try to keep everyone else as organized as I am but it just isn't working. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink...

2. I am addicted to the show Paranormal State on A&E. They are the only show I have seen that actually combines paranormal research with the social and human aspect. They enlist psychics, mediums and counselors and have helped many families deal with issues that are paranormal as well as human in nature. They seem to have found some compelling evidence for the paranormal which is really cool, but the thing that I love is that at the heart of all these investigations there is concern for the people it affects, especially psychologically. It's amazing how teaching people to take back the power in a situation can do.

One Psychic/Medium that is regularly on the show is Chip Coffey and will be in my city in May. Love him! I am going to go and see the panel he is on, which is taking place in the theater we did the "ghost hunt" and presentation in a few Halloweens. Here is the old post. The Director of PRS, Ryan, is my "paper soul mate", which means on paper we are a great match...if you believe what you read. Most importantly he has strong convictions and beliefs and is a good leader. I love the rest of the cast as well. If Elfie ever gets tired of Historical research, I would gladly take over! They all seem very real and down to earth. You should check it out, 10pm on Mondays on A&E.

3. That last thought was kinda long. So I will make this one short: I think I am gonna go home and play me some Tomb Raider.

4. I was thinking of starting a second blog. Just videos. Videos that I take on my new camera. Like road trips and silly things. What do you think?

5. Oh, Twilight. So Big Geek got the dvd, something I said I would NEVER buy. After she brought me her copy (she said she wouldn't watch it with me because I would laugh at it too much)I watched the entire two discs. I come to the same conclusions. The story was cool but they misssed the mark on many things. The DP tried too hard to get those money shots and many seemed forced and contrived. Edward was perfect. The Cullens were well cast adn should have been featured more. Jasper is AWESOME! The music was lame. The sound editing and music editing was HORRENDOUS!(It's amazing how more blindingly truthful listening to it on nice headphones is). Bella was terrible. I came to the conclusion that if everything else stayed the same, the one thing that would make me enjoy this movie the most is if they would have cast someone other than Kristen Stewart. She is terrible even laughable at times (think hospital bed argument with Edward). If this had been filmed 6-7 years ago, Rachel McAdams would have been my pick for Bella. But alas, we are stuck with the whiney, eye rolling Kristen Stewart.

Had it with Hollywood

I am a movie lover, but things are out of control. I have combined Movies, TV and music together because Hollywood encompasses all these things, they all seem to bleed together lately.

Here are the TOP TEN REASONS WHY I'VE HAD IT WITH HOLLYWOOD:

10. Socialites that become celebrities: Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Kim Kardashian (who the heck is that?) They do nothing but pull down the IQ of the society. No wonder Americans are so hated, look at the face of our nation.

9. Magazines who harp on celebrity pegnancies, babies and children. Who cares!!!

8. Reality shows that exploit human conflict as entertainment, or try to glamourize the lifestyles of the Playboy Mansion and the porn industry.

7. Girls behaving badly: Brittany, Lindsay etc. Tabloid whores who enjoy any attention they can get, good or bad.

6. Actors who want to be singers, Singers who want to be actors, Actor's and Rocker's kids who think they are entitled to success because of genes. Watch "Rock the Cradle" on MTV, you will laugh your ASS off.

5. The writer's strike. I get it, but at this point I have a new routine and have lost interest in your shows. I am not all excited that they are back, and the networks seem to be portraying themselves as our saviors because now we can stop staring at an empty screen and watch our shows again. Contrary to network belief, I actually don't give a shit. I haven't been drooling in front of my tv waiting for the mothership to give me the next directive. I have better things to do than watch television.

4. Gerry and Cameron. Dating. WTF? Gerry has finally fallen from grace. I was waiting for him to do something skanky, and this is it.

3. Celebrities campaigning for presidential candidates. Who are they to try and influence my vote? If Hollywood is behind a candidate, you can bet your actor's guild statue that I won't be.

2. New music that is not worth my time (or yours). Cookie cutter bands and meaningless lyrics. I have seen a few light still flickering, but the good ones are few and far between.

and the #1 REASON WHY I'VE HAD IT WITH HOLLYWOOD IS:

1. Remakes, Sequels and more remakes. What creativity was in Hollywood to begin with, has now officially flown the coop. I have to believe that creative inventive souls are still out there. Perhaps they are the writers, filmmakers, actors and musicians who have the talent but are being snubbed because they have no connections?

The ideas of a chosen few have guided Hollywood creativity to this place of gray, recycled, media. Creativity is not GREEN. It is NOT a renewable resource. It is a raw, independent, free-flowing explosion of ideas that sparks emotion.

Oh and just an aside on this beautiful Tuesday:

Heard a song on my digital cable music station last night: "Birth, School, Work, Death"

Please let this not be true!

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts is perfect on those Thursdays that I am busy but need to post a few things! Here we go again...

1. Today is my Friday. I am taking tomorrow off to take my niece Erin to look at a college she was accepted to but hasn't visited yet.


2. After the college tour, I will be headin up to my nephew's for a weekend of Tom Foolery and Rockin' out. That's right, I am schlepping Rock Band AND Guitar Hero...and I have to pack my car in daylight...hahaha!


3. My big project at home this week has been to lessen the noise from my elderly neighbors below (you know, when you're older things need to be louder) so I added a fan in my bedroom to create some ambient noise and that is working nicely. Next I bought a great pair of corless headphones and set them up for TV watching in the living room. I got them yesterday and they are awesome! Their TV is always so loud that I can't really relax and watch an hour of tv before bed most nights. These headphones not only have great sound and negate any noise from downstairs, but I can walk around my apartment and still hear the program, (or at least tell when the ads are over!) I LOVE THEM!


4. Another project I have been working on is "The Ultimate Lost Boys Soundtrack"!! This is a project that I have been dying to accomplish for decades!! (along with the Ultimate Goonies Soundtrack!, but that is provin extremely difficult...) I watched The Lost Boys Sunday night and decided to go and look online for any score music that was available, even tho the score is not very melodic and more background and sound effect-ish. I knew none had ever been published, but wondered if anyone had even separated soundtrack from film. At least it would be something! Within 15 minutes I found a chat forum and a link to download 17 tracks of the original Lost Boys Score by Thomas Newton. Clean and crisp sounding I was psyched that I now had the chance to make my Ultimate Lost Boys Soundtrack. The music will be in order as it appeared in the film so it flows through the story line. I haven't decided yet, but I might pull a "Cinemix" (as coined by my friend Dave P) and sprinkle in some sound clips as well...I will ahve to see if that will help or hurt the flow. I am just excited to have the opportunity to work on this pet project!!! If anyone is interested in a copy I would be glad to burn you one. Just email me at cclifeblog@hotmail.com and I will send you one! (complete with my watercolor cover design!!!)


5. I get to see all my animal friends tonight. I am traveling after work tonght to my sister's house so that Erin and I can leave early tomorrow for the college tour. If 4 cats, 2 dogs and a bird sounds crazy to you, you are right! But what a riot they are. I am looking forward to "Cats and dogs, living together" fun!

Thursday Thoughts

The return of Thursday Thoughts!! Lets see how short and sweet I can make all of these!

1. You all know how annoyed I am by the latest news that the Sequesl to one of my favorite movies EVER is coming out on DVD this summer. Yes, the Lost Boys: The Tribe. ARG. Interesting bit of info noone seems to be talking is about the Vampire who is the head of the gang. Anyone know who plays him? IMDB lists the actor's name as Angus SUTHERLAND. Um yea, that would be Donald Sutherland's son and Keiffer Sutherland's half brother...LAME!
   
2. I have never been to a comedy club before. Tomorrow night I am going with a bunch of friends. It should be fun. And I promise I will refrain from taking over the stage with my own jokes...haha.


3. Have you ever sneezed and instantly got the feeling (that taste at the back of your throat) that you are getting sick? That just happened to me while I was typing. Not Good. Not Good!!


4. Over the last three weeks I have become re-addicted to a PC game I have had for about 7 or 8 years. I've never had a computer powerful enough at the the time to get the full impact, but now that I have my own computer, I am really enjoying it! It is called Pharaoh and it is a city building game. In grabbing that link I just posted, I found that in 2000 they had released an expansion pack called Cleopatra...Oh yea, that is going on my wish list on Amazon right now
   
5. OMG~ Anyone remember me telling about the USA Network show called "The Big Easy"? I just got an email last week (how weird that I was just blogging about it!) from TV ON DVD that the first season is being released this JUNE!!!! I am totally getting that y'all. I mean, Remy McSwain is my man!!! BTW, that site is awesome. You can look up ANY TV show or nominate any show in hopes that it will be put on a DVD release schedule...I am still hoping for the 1990's Mission Impossible, another one of my favorites!

Ahh...Thursday Thoughts. It's been a while! Tonight after work I meet my friend Chantal for dinner and I am so looking forward to it. It's been a few weeks since we hung out and it will be great to catch up!

I leave you with my latest Celebrity Look-Alike results. Lynda Carter (Wonderwoman!!) and Jessica Alba!!?? Two of my favorite gals!! That site is crazy BUT too much FUN!:)

Gerry Butler Triumphant in "300"

WOW.

WOW is what comes to mind when I think about the recent film adaptation of Frank Miller's "300". I saw it Sunday afternoon on my way back from visiting family and I am still in awe of this film. Gory, violent, sadly true and visually stunning this movie is more than men at war at unbelievable odds. Gerry Butler is truly amazing as King Leonidas of Sparta, commanding respect from his men as a strong triumphant leader. He has definately shown he has the chops to be a leading man in a big movie. Oh and he is in AMAZING shape as well which didn't hurt (and so was everyone else!)

There were a few familiar faces amongst the cast such as David Wenham who portrayed "Faramir" in the LOTR Trilogy. Lena Headey was amazing as the wife of Leonidas/Queen of Sparta, able to be strong and supportive yet feminine at the same time. The writing was excellent and the fighting was balanced well with some levity and scenes from the Spartan capital. From what I have read, this was fairly accurate historically as well which is always more interesting. It is written that when Xerxes, the Persian God-King yelled for the Spartans to lay down their weapons, King Leonidas actually yelled back "Come and get them!".


This story was well balanced between the bloodshed of war and the love for country and family. It moved fast, was wonderfully cast and was just shy of 2 hours. Who says an epic movie has to be epic in length as well? This movie was extremely timely as well captivatiing the audience with ancient characters who lose sons in battle and fight for their freedoms. I am so glad I got to see this on the big screen.


Tomorrow catch pics from my weekend excursion: A Documentary on Clowns in the military? and who had a Psycho Billy Freakout??:)