The Avengers: A Review

Before I start this, let me just say...
There is no possible way I will be able to say all that this movie is. Means. Feels.
No. Possible. Way.

Also, this is not organized.
Also, I need to see it again for a better review.
But.
Here goes.

I could definitely tell, especially through the dialogue, that this was Joss Whedon. I remember the day I found out he was directing. I believed there was literal screaming involved. A few examples of my favorite lines (disclaimer: accuracy may be off) that I can actually remember:
“Stark, are you seeing this?” “Seeing, yes. Still working on the believing.”
“Puny god.”
“He’s my brother.” “He’s killed eighty people in two days.” “He’s adopted.”
“That’s my secret. I’m always angry.”

 Favorite characters were Tony, Thor, Hawkeye, and Loki. Impressively, those first three? Are also my favorite characters in the comic books as well. Well, the top three anyway. (I have a lot more favorite in the comic books... For example: I’m actually a huge fan of She-Hulk. Yeah... Don’t judge me?) I will always and forever love Tony most. Always. Forever. Limp Iron Man was terrifying. I started quietly cackling when the thunderstorm started announcing the arrival of Thor into the movie. I was really worried about Hawkeye since I love him so much in the comic books. As soon as Natasha gave him a good konk on the head, though, we had the Hawkeye I know and love. I would totally love for him to get his own movie. And do I really have to say anything about Loki? No? I didn’t think so.

Hulk was also up there, but my already settled love for the others trumped him. He definitely had the two best scenes, though. The “Puny god” scene, of course. (Though, I actually thought the funniest part of that was the look on Loki’s face afterwards...) And his random punch to Thor. I died. And his secret... The depths of those three words... Good heavens. Beautiful.

Of course, knowing Joss, I was sitting there throughout the whole movie wondering who the death was going to be. I was actually surprised that it was Coulson. I totally expected him to be okay for a few moments until I remembered “JOSS”. But I was still waiting for someone else to die as well. I was totally expecting either Natasha or Erik Selvig to sacrifice themselves to close the portal. Until nuke. You know.

I. Love. Pepper. And. Tony’s. Relationship. Holy crap adorbs. It’s just so nice to see them so established and comfortable. (Also, bizarre to see her out of a suit. The jean shorts? Weird. Though, Paltrow definitely has the legs for it.) Also, I’m totally ready for Tony to make her her suit now. Who else is with me?

I think the relationship between Tony and Bruce is a beautiful thing as well. I really hope to see that explored more. Everyone goes on and on about Tony and Steve (and it is true that they are best friends in the comic books), but I just... meh. I don’t think it’s even as close to dynamic as Tony and Bruce’s relationship.

The way they ended it with the dark mysterious council people and Nick Fury made me wonder if they’re going to go in the direction of the Civil War series. Which would be a gutsy move, seeing how controversial that series is. I, personally, love it myself just because it is *such* a hard topic and I was constantly rethinking things and trying to figure out which side I was on. Judging by the quality movies (and directors--really, let’s pause for a moment and just praise the glorious directors Marvel has gotten to do their movies) they’ve put out so far, I would trust them to do a good job with the Civil War series. It’s a whole heck of a lot to deal with and it would have to span over a number of movies, but I think it could be done. Maybe. If they’re willing to do it.

Nick Fury was fantastic. So good to see more of him. And I loved not loving him. Because you don’t in the comic books. Because he’s kind of a jerk. Natasha was wonderful. So good to see more of her, too. Loved getting to actually know her as a person instead of just this sexy killing machine. Coulson is a huge fanboy and I loved it. His death... I think what hit me the hardest about his death was Tony’s reaction. Because this is Tony we’re talking about here.

Yes, I know, I haven’t really mentioned Captain America that much and let me just tell you why. Meh. That’s why. I’ve never liked Captain America. Ever. I liked his movie, but that’s because it was just a good movie. Fact. Throw him in with a bunch of totally kick butt superheroes and I feel like he just pales in comparison. Sorry.

But that didn’t detract from the movie at all. Seriously, I was sitting there, gaping at the screen like a fish and forgetting how to breathe, or I was seriously freaking out and giggling/cackling like a schoolgirl. I am a nerd enough to have clapped my hands over my mouth during the first short with Thanos. And the second short was just plain adorable. I am a huge fan.

Moral of the story?

I need to go see this movie again.

ASAP.

The Hunger Games

WARNING #1: SPOILERS. Duh. (Also spoilers for Catching Fire and Mockingjay.)
WARNING #2: I’m running on five hours of sleep. Just... keep that in mind.

First off, I would just like to say that I am so glad that Harry Potter taught me (eventually) to separate the book and the movie. I mean, I will compare a little, but you really can’t get away from that, can you?

The movie was fantastic. Off the bat, everyone has been criticizing the camera work. It was rather shaky, especially at the beginning. It did almost get to the point where I was feeling sick, but I liked the effect that it had beyond that. The loosing control feel. So the camera work was a good concept just taken a little too far.

Sadly, it turns out I’m spoiled by only having gone to Harry Potter midnight showings (and Eclipse to make fun of it). Turns out the Harry Potter fans have a lot more respect for their fandom than The Hunger Games fans. Or maybe this was just my theatre. But, seriously, every other midnight showing I’ve gone to (yes, even Eclipse), the respect in the audience... you could cut it with a knife. This audience? Laughed at every intense moment in the cave. I seriously was about to go on a killing spree. I decided that they were all awkward kids who’d never been kissed before and therefore had no idea how to react in intense romantical scenes. GUH.

I loved what being a movie added to the story. It meant that we could see outside of Katniss. We could see outside of the Games and to the rest of Panem. And, because of that, it made the Games seem so much more sick. There were a couple of times when Caesar and Claudius were commentating and they did it so it was like they were commentating to us. That was cool. There was a scene with Haymitch watching a couple of Capitol children playing as if they were in the Games. Sick. The scenes with Snow. He’s scary. And, worst of all, the scenes with the Gamemakers during the Games.

I think the worst moment with them was when the lady has the image of the mutant dog and Seneca’s looking at it and they’re both just smiling like “Yeah... That’s cool... I like it...” Shudderingly sick.

Going along with the outside the Games scenes, it was interesting to see how some of the things in the Games happened because of what happened outside of the Games. Like how Snow executes Seneca with the nightlock. Like the rule change to allowing two victors if they’re from the same district? It was because Haymitch convinced Seneca not to just kill Katniss because of the riot in District 11 because of her actions towards Rue’s death.

Speaking of. I knew I was going to cry. I knew it. For Rue’s actual death, one big fat tear went down my cheek. And then they show the riot in District 11. Headcanon says the guy who started it there was Rue’s father. Headcanon says. I was a mess. Shaking, gasping sobs. So. Good.

They hit every single one of the important points in the story. They changed a couple of things (like Peeta’s leg makes a full recovery... but let’s be honest, that would be really hard to keep up through two more movies), but nothing really big. The only things that I really missed from the book were the little bits here and there that just added to the emotion. We never got to see the trauma of the afterwards (such as when Katniss first wakes up after the Games and freaks out because she doesn’t know where Peeta is). Because of this, there was something lacking in the emotion compared to the emotional giant of the books.

Jennifer Lawrence was perfect. Perfect in a way that made me not realize, during the movie, that she was perfect. I look forward to watching her go crazy in the next two movies.

Liam Hemsworth is not in the first one enough for me to really give an opinion on him. I’ve never understood why people love him so much: I feel like we never, ever, throughout the entire trilogy, get to know Gale as much as we know Peeta. So how the heck am I supposed to ever love Gale as much as I love Peeta? Seriously.

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch... He could’ve been drunker at the beginning, but once he sobered up? Perfection. Definitely the kind of Haymitch you can fall in love with. Oh, my goodness. Flail.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. Now, Cinna is my favorite character in the books. By far. Sadly, he wasn’t in the movie as much as he’s in the book (which is understandable), but you still fall for him. The way he treats Katniss is perfect and the instant connection between them... So wonderful. Loved it.

Stanley Tucci is also known as perfection. I mean, end of story. What the heck. Caesar was phenomenal. Wow.

Willow Shields... The duck tail. The freaking duck tail. And her eyes. Holy goodness. What else can I say? She used those eyes to her advantage. Wow.

The tributes were all fantastic. Clove was terrifying, especially since she’s so adorable. I wanted to punch Marvel in the face. Cato... Cato was... Wow. THRESH. I LOVE THAT MAN. And, of course, Rue. I want one. I want a pocket Rue.

And, last but not least, Peeta. Josh Hutcherson. Also known as the epitome of Peeta. WOW. I mean, I love Josh. He’s adorable. Watch any of his interviews on youtube and you just sit there grinning because he’s adorable. And then you make him Peeta and you’re floored. Wow. Wow. Wow. ...I’m so excited to see him lose his mind in Mockingjay. So. Excited. Because Josh is perfect as the Peeta we all know and love... But I want to see if he can also pull of the Peeta who isn’t Peeta.

So. Overall? Fantastic movie. Felt a bit rushed, but that probably was just because I’ve read the book. Really did a great job showing how sick the Games are. The actors were fantastic. I laughed. I cried. I can’t wait to see it again.

It's a good day

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's been a while. Life's been... crazy.

Yesterday I had a very not good day. It sort of climaxed when I had a friend talking to me about how easily she can read people and know when they're not okay and I was sitting there thinking, "Oh, hey, I hate being an actor because YOU CAN'T TELL THAT I'M NOT OKAY AND I'M SITTING RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU". Ahem. Yes. Like I said. Not a good day. I ended up giving up on even moving and fell asleep on the couch.

Then today. I woke up on time. And had no trouble getting up. (No, not because I was on the couch. The couch is actually more comfortable than my mattress, to be perfectly honest.) I went to class. It was okay. I went to my next class, which is my favorite class I'm taking this semester. It was fantastic. I went home for lunch and dragged two friends with me. Made them sandwiches. (I have this thing where I love to feed people. I don't know why....) Went to my next class which was actually pretty good.

I went to do my volunteer work. It was a little more frustrating than usual, but it was fine. I went to work. Got to cut fruit most of the time which I, oddly enough, like to do. Sat down to wait for dinner and got some writing done. When I came home there was a package from home waiting for me as well as a card from my grandma with some cash. The package included a funny t-shirt, some sporks (if you've seen Veggie Tales' "Lord of the Beans"...), some Star Wars coloring books with stickers, some Valentine's chocolates, a card with a cow with heart-shaped spots, and some more money.

I legitimately cried. I just sat there and cried for a bit, letting the "I'm okay" feeling just wash over me.

Then I put on "The Princess Bride" and cleaned my room (which has been needing to be cleaned for weeks).

Plus, I have my window wide open and it's gorgeous.

It's a good day.

Latest Obsession Award Goes To...

Anyone who follows my pinterest would know that my latest obsession is BBC's Sherlock.

Now here's the story. I have a couple friends on FB who are British at heart. They're sisters, so they're constantly posting on each others' walls. A lot of their posts are rather geeky. I'll admit, I love stalking them. But one of their things has been BBC's Sherlock. I've always loved Sherlock Holmes. Big fan of the Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law movies. I love the logic that Sherlock uses and I love bromance. Especially when it's banter-y bromance. But I was not interested by this show.

It's done by Moffat. I don't know if you remember this post. That's just one of the many problems I have with Moffat. All of my Moffat problems are Doctor Who related. Mainly, under RTD, Doctor Who was goofy and campy and just fun. Under Moffat it's all LET'S MAKE EVERYTHING TERRIFYING AND COMPLICATED AND JUST MAKE YOU FRUSTRATED. So I was avoiding Sherlock.

Last Monday I gave in. I was twelve minutes in and I was already hooked.

Since then I've watched the entire series. Twice. (Granted, it's only six episodes, but still.)

And I've also gotten four people on to it. So far. IN A WEEK.

It's brilliant. It's hilarious. It's dark. It's smart. Every single actor in there is not only gorgeous but incredibly talented. (I mean, Martin Freeman won a BAFTA. Yes.) The cinematography is wonderful. Sherlock is hauntingly gorgeous. Lestrade is downright handsome. Watson is made of rage and kittens. Moriarty is insanely sexy. I. Love. Them. All.

I also love the fandom. They're brilliant and hilarious.

I've found a home. :D

Domestic Me

It's weird. A year and a half ago my plan was to become a television actress. Get on a good show that lasts for a few years. Get my name out there. Get settled. Then look around and find someone to marry. Have a kid or two.

And then a series of things happened. Not least of which, I became a lot more, uh. Domestic would be the best word, I guess.

I did an August semester in 2010. And all of a sudden... I started cooking. I hated cooking! And here I was making cinnamon rolls. From scratch. I made cloud cookies. And cheese pie. And this parfait thing totally by accident.

Now? I got a waffle iron for Christmas. And got really excited when I found a spatula on sale at Target. And making a beautiful gourmet meal is on my bucket list. And my sisters and I have plans for a restaurant in the making.

So there was that. Then about a year ago, I was in "Twelve Angry Jurors". My character, I eventually decided, was basically my mom... except in the 60s. What made that decision final? I had to crochet. I had to learn how to crochet for this show. At first, I was not thrilled. (I emailed my mom, telling her, and her reply was--I kid you not--"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA".) But then I started to actually enjoy it. For some reason, however, I stopped crocheting after the show. Over this last Christmas break, I asked my sister to re-teach me. And I made a frog. Then a scarf. Then a TARDIS.

I have a couple of other projects I'm excited to get working on. :)

Last but not least in my domestic...ness: family history. My mom loves doing the research and hunting down her dead people. I don't understand how to do that and I get the feeling that I'd get way too frustrated way too quickly. So over Christmas break my mom gave me this huge folder of names to check and add in to new.familysearch if needed. She isn't a big fan of that part and I... strangely... love it. A lot.

So that dream/goal I had a year and a half ago? Completely changed. Heck, I've gone from wanting to be on television... to wanting to be an elementary school teacher. That's sort of a big change. Ha!

Let Go

So you know that moment when you realize why something such a fricking huge problem? Like, you've been trying to figure it out for ages and you've come up with some reasons and then suddenly you realize what the basic, fundamental, this is the reason for all those other reasons problem is?

And then suddenly... It's okay. Or, at least, it's beginning to be. But by fully understanding it finally, you can finally... begin... to let go.

And you're okay.

Yes, it'll still be hard somedays. But it's okay to cry sometimes. It's okay to grieve. It's okay to feel a hole. But you're okay. This isn't the end. This is just turning the page.

This morning in my Old Testament class we sang a hymn that I recognized the tune but not the lyrics. It's titled "Each Life That Touches Ours For Good". (Yeah, yeah, get all your "Wicked" references out now. We good? Okay. Moving on.) One verse said: "When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts A sweet and hallowed memory, Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee". I was leading the music and wasn't entirely paying attention to the lyrics (since I was trying to figure out the alto part) until the first line of that verse.

It was just another: Yeah. You're okay. And it's okay to let go. Slowly, yes. But surely.

Looking Back on 2011, Looking Forward to 2012

Uhm. So. There's less than twenty-four hours left in 2011. That's weird. Wasn't it just a couple weeks ago that it turned 2011?

I'm not really one to make resolutions, really. I mean, I have goals and everything for this year, but they're not "resolutions". I guess I could say something about wanting to jog more, but that's sort of cheating because I'm taking a jogging class this next semester (death). I have plans and everything, but there's a difference, you know?

I'm looking forward to some really geeky movies coming out, as I've already talked about. I'm looking forward to another year of learning and growing. I'm looking forward to meet the people I'll meet and go the places I'll go. I'm looking forward to figuring out what the heck I'll be doing this summer. I'm looking forward to starting my final year of undergrad in the fall. (That concept also freaks the beejuzus out of me. My final year of undergrad. WHAT???) Oh, and my "twin brother" (we adopted each other as twins) is coming home from his mission in October. I'm really excited to see him again. :) And my best friend leaves on his mission just this next month, so that's exciting too.

This past year... Well, I remember at the beginning of last year saying something along the lines of "2011?? BRING IT." ... Yeah, I'm never doing that again. It did. It brought it. It brought it good. I started off the year being a complete idiot, really. You know those mistakes that you make that you know are mistakes when you make them but you delude yourself into thinking you can make it work? Yeah... That was my January. And it kind of messed up the rest of the semester. Luckily I had "Twelve Angry Jurors" going on that semester so I had that to hold on to.

And then this summer... Best. Four Months. Of My Entire. Life. No exaggeration. I'm serious. Everything was right where it needed to be, I was doing what I needed to be doing. Granted, it wasn't butterflies and rainbows 24/7, but the good far, far, far outweighed anything not as good. I had found a rhythm. I had found as close to perfection as I've ever experienced. I didn't feel lost ever, or like I didn't know what I was doing with my life. I had a plan, I had a path. And I was moving right along.

Course, then I went back to school. Things had kind of gotten a little messy right before going back to school so the beginning of the semester was hell. And then General Conference rolled around... And I got answers. I had to remind myself of some of those answers every now and again throughout the rest of the semester, either by going back to General Conference talks or notes that I made, or Priesthood Blessings, or just talking with various trusted individuals (certain friends, family). But if I remembered what I needed to remember, took things one step at a time, and went to rehearsal to act hysterical as Mrs. Bennet, I was fine.

Then I came back home. Where I am now. Got my wisdom teeth taken out. Relaxed. Ta-da.

That was 2011.

So 2012? I'm not going to say "Bring it!" like I did to 2011, but....

Let's see what you can do.