Monday, January 14, 2008

TV & Movie Day And Megan's New Art Blog

Today was very much a lazy Sunday. Well not entirely lazy...I did manage to go walking 2 miles again! But aside from that, I sat in front of the TV and watched one Manning lose and another win! I'm talking about football for those that don't follow. The Mannings are very special to us in New Orleans as they grew up down here and went to high school down here. In fact they went to high school right across the street from the coffee shop that I used to work at where I met Megan. So it was very sad to see Peyton Manning get knocked out of the playoffs today, but it put a huge smile on my face to see Eli win! I'm hoping that he goes all the way and takes home a Super Bowl ring this year! Sure, I would've liked to see the Patriots finish undefeated, but I'm all about the Giants now :p Of course, the Giants have one more game to go before they get there.

After that was Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles!! Anyone else see it? I've been looking forward to this show for so long and I was not disappointed. I'm not a huge Terminator fan. I like the movies well enough, but I'm not a die hard. But the first episode of the show was great. What had me most excited about the show is that Summer Glau (River from Firefly) is in it and she's absolutely fantastic! Kyle from Roswell's in it too! It was action packed from beginning to end and we get another hour tomorrow night. This looks like one that I can get into. The acting was good, the special effects were good, and the plot looks to be good. I just hope that the story remains good and that they take it in the right direction.

A few weeks ago, Neil Gaiman wrote about seeing Guillermo del Toro's new movie, The Orphanage and wrote that it was one of the best ghost stories he had seen in years. I had no idea when it came out and just assumed that whenever it did come out, I would have to wait until it came to DVD as nothing foreign or independent ever gets released here. Well I hopped over to Carl's blog today and he had an excellent review of the movie up! I got so excited that it was out thinking that I wouldn't have to wait long for it to come out on DVD. I decided to check to see if by any chance it was showing here and it was! So I went and saw it tonight and it was just amazing. Del Toro is one of the best directors out there right now. He creates some of the most beautiful and haunting films that just etch into the mind instantly. And I love the storytelling aspects of his movie. Every movie is a story, but del Toro tells stories within stories. This movie was so touching and endearing, yet thrilling and chilling. And it was just filmed perfectly. The acting was amazing and I'm ready to see it all over again. Don't be surprised if you see this one up for best foreign film. In fact, I'd be willing to bet it's an easy contender.

And finally, I wanted to let everyone know that Megan's started a new blog for her art projects and if you're a fan of art you may want to check it out. I've had the pleasure of admiring her stuff for years and I think it's great that she's sharing it with others now. I think she's mostly putting up her collages and painting stuff for now, but hopefully when drawings and art stuff for the book starts happening, that stuff goes up too!

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wasn't interested in the Terminator series...but now I know who is in it, I may at least give it a look! Roswell was a favourite of mine by the way. :)

I am very interested in seeing The Orphanage. One to look forward to, I think.

It's lovely that Megan is sharing her work - I will be keeping an eye on her blog. :)

Ana S. said...

I really can't wait to see The Orphanage. Unfortunately I have no idea of what the release date here is :/ I know it was shown in some film festivals last year, but that's it. That's the problem with these independent films... it's not that people are not interested in seeing them, it's just that often they don't know how to.

Thanks for sharing the link to Megan's blog.. I look forward to seeing more of her art!

DesLily said...

nothing seemed to catch my eye on tv yesterday.. but glad you found something you liked!

movies are about impossible for me to see..I can see them if I want to spend 30.00 to see it..so needless to say, I rarely go! (I will attempt Inkheart though!)

I can't wait to see what Megan does from your book!! That frame was cool on her blog!

Carole McDonnell said...

IF Neil Gaiman likes The Orphanage, then I'll see it. I'm a ghost story movie afficionado -- if i do say so myself-- and a movie about ghosts had better be good for me to even think of watching it. I trust Mr Gaiman..so...

Right now I'm trying to figure out what cloverfield is about and if i want to see it. I hate hype cause somehow hyped movies often turn out to be crappy.

Also like P. Manning. Except only from all those commercials he does. I really have to learn football. Hubby has tried to teach me a zillion times over the past 23 years and I still cannot get it. A kind of block i guess. Although Lord knows I love sports and sports movies (Lagaan, Chariots of Fire, Endurance, Damn yankees, Requiem for a heavyweight,
Rocky, and vision quest being favorites) Saw Vision Quest again over the weekend. Greco-roman wrestling... neat stuff. Wrestling, running, Baseball yes, football no. Going over to look at Megan's blog now.

Carl V. Anderson said...

Cool, I'll be checking out Megan's blog.

Glad you got to see The Orphange and enjoyed it. It is a fantastic film. Not exactly sure how much of del Toro's hand is in it since he was just the Exec. Prod., but that will be interesting to read more about and/or discover on the DVD.

Where's the Brett Favre love? He is a native son also, is he not? I am a lifelong Dallas fan and yet in my heart I really want to see Favre at the Superbowl one last time. For histories sake I still want the Patriots to win it all. I love the idea of that. But I want to see the Packers in there with them. I figure the Giants only have an opportunity to get better, same with Dallas, but this is probably Brett's last go around and he is one of my favorites.

Becky said...

Unrelated to your post, but probably of some interest to you...Orson Scott Card has just been honored with the Margaret A. Edwards award which is a lifetime achievement awards :) I posted about it on the Cardathon site if you want to know more. I'm just so ecstatic, I had to share :)

Debi said...

Oh, I can't wait to go visit Megan's blog...how fun!

I was happy to see Eli win, too. Not because I'm necessarily a big fan, but just because I hate the Cowboys. Yep, that's what I'm stuck with...none of my teams could win, so I just have to be happy to watch those I don't like lose. Pathetic, huh?

So everything's fine with Carl...he's up and posting, huh? For some weird reason, I haven't been able to get there the past couple days. Hmmm.

Carl V. Anderson said...

I mentioned on my site in response to you Debi that my host switched servers and that sometimes interrupts things for a few days depending on how often your personal ISP updates their databases. It should be fine soon.

chrisa511 said...

Quix, That's how I was...I got so excited that I just had to watch it because it had River from Firefly and Kyle from Roswell. And I didn't know you were a Roswell fan?? That's me and Megan's favorite show! It was just amazing. The Orphanage was just amazing and I can't thank Carl enough for letting me know it was out :)

Nymeth, That's the problem we have here too...people want to see these movies, but there's just nowhere to see them! I don't know why someone doesn't open an independent film house down here. I guess it could be said that it wouldn't make any money, but I'd beg to differ. I think that indy type and foreign films have gotten to be so desirable these days that an independent theater would do well! I hope Megan posts regularly on her blog! She really does some great stuff.

Deslily, It's rare that I find something to watch on TV...after paying for cable too...like that post you wrote the other day! Isn't that just sad. I'm so glad that you're going to go see Inkheart, but I know how you feel! Last night, my movie ticket was $8.50 and candy was $4.00. Luckily, the movie watchers club gave me a coupon for a free drink and popcorn ;). I can't wait to see what Megan does either! I loved the frame on her blog. I hadn't seen that yet. It's my favorite new thing.

Carole, I'm write there with you! When it comes to ghost stories/horror movies/dark fantasy, anything in that genre...it better be good! This one most definitely was! It was just amazing. Have you seen Pan's Labyrinth? If you did and you liked it, you'll like this too. Same director, same gorgeous cinematography. I'm trying to figure out what exactly Cloverfield is about too! I'm guessing it's about an alien invasion, but I could be totally wrong. I'll probably go see it, though I could hate it, who knows.

Carl, I totally missed that del Toro was just the exec. producer! I thought he directed it. It was an awesome movie though. So glad I went to see it. Yeah, my dad got on me for not giving out the Brett Favre love last night too :p I'll definitely give it to him for the win this week and I like the guy, sure, but it's so hard to cheer against a Manning down here!! It's going to be a rough game next week deciding who to really cheer for. Though to be totally honest, I think I'll be cheering for Eli, but feel pretty upset for Favre if the Giants actually win. That's kind of how I felt last night. I was so happy to see Eli win, but Romo's such a good guy that I felt bad for him! Favre's one hell of a guy though. I definitely would NOT be upset if he landed in the Super Bowl ;)

Becky, Oh Wow!!! That's fantastic news! I'm heading over to check out more about it now. He deserves it!

Debi, I think it will be a fun blog :) Don't worry...my team didn't make it into the playoffs either :p I always call the Mannings' teams "my team" after the Saints disappoint :p That way I still have someone to follow! I was having problems for a little while with Carl's site too but glad to hear from Carl that things should be fine again soon!

Anonymous said...

I'm a total Roswell fan. One of my favourites, along with Buffy and Firefly. :) I love Katherine Heigl, she's awesome, as is the girl that played Maria in Roswell. Katherine Heigl is one of the main reasons I ended up getting hooked on Grey's Anatomy...I just find her really watchable.

chrisa511 said...

Quix, I'm the same way..I guiltily watch Grey's Anatomy because of her :p Me and Megan downloaded some of Maria's songs (she's actually recorded music) and for the most part they're god awful, though she really does have a good voice! I loved the episode where she sang the Phil Collins song...we have a whole Roswell mix cd that we made that has her singing that on it :p Such a good show. Why do all the good ones get cancelled :(

Carl V. Anderson said...

I work on Thursday nights at a group home and my co-worker loves to watch Grey's Anatomy, so I've become sort of hooked on it myself. It has its appeals though it is one of those shows I don't care if I miss, for example when I'm not working, but I can see why it has such a big following.

Anonymous said...

well done on keeping on going with your walking!

i've been very curious about the terminator series ever since dark orpheus mentioned it... i don't know when it'll get here, though...

yay for megan's site! i really like it - its super-ass funky!

Anonymous said...

Chris, I love her singing that one too. *grin*

The good ones always get canned - Carnivale is another one I really liked... And obviously Firefly is a prime example.

On the upside, sometimes the truly awful shows do get cancelled, like that Friends spin-off "Joey". Oh that was so bad...

Sandra Oh is another reason I like Grey's Anatomy. I think she's awesome.

chrisa511 said...

Carl, Same here...not a religious watcher of the show, but my mom and sister CANNOT miss an episode. You'd swear it's a sin if they do, so I watch it with them every now and then. And it's a good show. I enjoy it when I catch it.

JP, Thanks! I'm hoping that I'm motivated enough to go walking again today! I always forget that TV series take a little while longer to get over there :( I think you'll like this one a lot though! To make things fair though, you got Dr. Who and Torchwood way before us :p And I love that description of Megan's site, Ha!!

Quix, I almost bought Carnivale the other day! I've never seen it before, but it just sounds like such a good show. Firefly was just a tragedy...I still get angry when I think of how short lived that show was :( And i agree...Sandra Oh rocks!!

Bookfool said...

I've never seen a Terminator movie but I'd watch the series to see Summer Blau (don't know if I can - actually, now I can't because the den is torn apart, but maybe later). I've followed the Firefly actors all over the place; I think they're wonderful.

You're killing me. We don't even have a freaking theater. I love foreign films better than Hollywood, anyway, so I'll watch for The Orphanage on DVD. Thanks. I'll just exercise my patience skills.

I didn't know Megan's an artist! Cool!

I haven't been here in a while, sorry. Are you hunting for a job, yet? If so, how's that going?

chrisa511 said...

Bookfool, Oh, she's great in the Terminator series and you most certainly don't have to have seen the movies to follow the TV series so far. It's great...I'm enjoying it ;) It's kinda sad that Summer Glau always gets cast as the girl with completely flat emotions who can flip at any minute. Sorry for making you wait for The Orphanage! Well, I'm not making you wait, but you know what I mean ;) It's so great though, you'll love it! I'm a big foreign film fan too! Oh yeah, Megan's been doing art since she came out of the womb! I love her stuff! I've been hunting for a job, but the hunt has moved to Austin! The plan is to work there for a few months and apply for a PhD program at UT. There's also some really cool counseling organizations in Austin...I just don't know if any of those plans are working out yet. I'm just need to be closer to Megan and Austin is just gorgeous. I'm fed up with this city too...I think it's time for a move...

Stephanie said...

Yeah, I'm with Carl. I'm going to be cheering on the Packers this year (and yes, you heard that from a BEARS fan! Probably won't happen again!) I love Brett. Always have....except when he's in Chicago, and I would love to see him win it this year.

No offense, because I really like Payton Manning, but Eli pales in comparison. Besides, he just looks like such a whinner!

Glad you liked the movie. I can't wait to see it. And I have The Sarah Conner Chonicles Tivo'd. Hope to get to it this weekend.

darkorpheus said...

I really want to watch The Orphanage. I read your post and Carl's post on the film last night and I checked out local film listing -- no news on local release. Darn.

Also, no news on The Sarah Connor Chronicles. *sigh* might have to catch it on DVD.

Is anyone in doubt I am a Lena Headey fan? Heehee.

chrisa511 said...

Steph, Definitely not denying that Favre's a great guy :) I like him too and I won't be disappointed at all to see him win if he does. Poor Eli :p Always getting pushed aside by his brother, though you're right...Peyton's miles ahead of him!

D-O, You? Like Lena Headey? No! LOL...you'll love the Sarah Connor Chronicles...she's doing an amazing job so far and the show's great! I hope it gets there soon!

Court said...

I will be the first to admit that I squealed a little bit when Kyle from Roswell appeared on the Sarah Conner Chronicles. I used to love that show so much. Not sure if I'll continue watching the show, but we'll see if I can remember it's on. :)

chrisa511 said...

Court, I was the same way...I was watching the show and I'm like "who's that guy with the mustache, he looks familiar...No way! That's Kyle!" I hope he stays on as a regular. I always love it when Roswell people pop up on other things...it doesn't happen often enough.

Bookfool said...

Austin!!! I had friends from Austin, at OSU. They chose to go to OSU because it was cheaper, but they couldn't shut up about how great Austin was. LOL And, I thought it was beautiful when I was there - but that was a long time ago. That would be a fantastic place to move. I wish you much luck. :)

chrisa511 said...

Thanks Bookfool :) I haven't even thought of OSU yet! I'll look into that and see what they have as far as PhD programs...good to keep as many programs as possible open. I really hope I find something there!