13 March 2010
Yesterday we went to see a film for my class, today we went to see a film for Jennifer’s class.
Let’s start with: what happened to the 3D? I typed in “3D showtimes” in Google, and it told me I could see Dances with Smurfs at 4:15 at such-and-such Cinema. Then we got there…and it turned out the film was only playing in 2D. No big deal, since we weren’t too excited about the film anyway (Jennifer even said: “Good, I hate those stupid glasses”), but, still, I think it may have made the film more palatable.
I was on board with this silly film for about 1 minute. Then it breaks in to the main character narrating in a faux-hip disaffected style. Very off-putting. Worse, his narration was written into the film, and I had the displeasure of watching him record a video-blog about the movie. I’d like to say this: If a character has to narrate the story to me, then the story is either to convoluted, or the film-makers are insulting me by assuming I won’t “get” it. But, I’m not gonna say that, because there are some great films with main character narration (Life is Beautiful comes to mind, as does Memento).
But here’s where the film really began to suck blue dye #3: Cut to a scene where new recruits are being indoctrinated by a drill sergeant. Incidentally, this drill sergeant is a laughable cliche’ of his character type. Anyway, he begins by telling his “ladies” (and the cliche’ in films is to refer to new recruits in the feminine gender): “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Okay, I’m sorry, but that line was effective once. In 1939. This was followed by two hours + of what I’m gonna say was a feast for the eyes and ears…but neither the mind nor the heart.
Thanks for another bout of shitty dialog, James Cameron. You owe me 3 hours of my life.
14 March 2010
Today was a beautiful day! After picking up Owen from his grandparents’ house (or, should I say “disconnecting Owen from his grandparents’ house”) we drove home and went for a walk. The three of us ventured to Mississippi Market to pick up a few items. There was a slight breeze, but the sunlight actually was offering some warmth for the first time this year.
When we got back home, Jennifer busied herself with homework, but Owen and I went for another walk. Well, he rode his tricycle, but you get the idea. Went went to the local park and as we approached, Owen said: “Yay! The sand is back!” I guess that must be a glass-is-half-full way of saying “Yay! The snow is gone!”
We played at the playground for a while, including slides, swings, and diggers. Are they called diggers? That’s what we call them anyways.
When we got home, Owen still wanted to be outside some more, so he played in his sandbox for about an hour. He invited us to come out on the deck and sit with him. I obliged, and it was immensely refreshing to be sitting outside, barefoot, without a jacket. Jennifer opened all the windows and let the clean air renew our home.
No, I am not drunk. I really, honestly thought it was a good day.