Explore. Dream. Discover.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. 

Mark Twain was a smart guy. I used to think this quote's only meaning was to drop everything and go travel the world. Maybe that was what he intended for those who heard the words, maybe he simply meant, live the life you have to the fullest. Explore, dream, and discover the life around you. Maybe he meant both.

Either way, I can't really drop everything at the moment, so I've been discovering things at home.

1. Les Miserables is a beautiful book. Victor Hugo is a bit long winded, but it's worth it. 

   2. Expectations can be good, but sometimes they get to high. Then it stings when they fall down again. 

3. Nobody is perfect. Even when you thought they were. 

   4. Books take up a lot of space, the more books you get, the more space you need. (maybe that one was obvious for some peoples) 

5. Forgiveness is good. To give and to receive. 

   6. I'm a bit fonder of Fall then I thought I was. (despite the fact that it means no more summer) 

7. November comes very quickly every year. (NaNoWriMo anyone?) 

   8. Sometimes it's worth fighting for. Sometimes you've just gotta shrug and say "okay." 

9. Marshmallows sooth a sore throat. Happy day. 

10. Change happens. Welcome it with a smile. It makes life easier in the long run. 

What About Now?

I don't remember the last time someone asked me what I was going to do with my life. Aside from myself of course, because if it came down to that, the answer every time would be, five minutes ago.

You remember when we graduated highschool and it was the only thing anyone could talk to you about? What comes next? What amazing talents does this generation have to share with the world? We've given you our everything, now what will you give us?

A year and a half later, they've stopped asking. I guess they got tired of hearing the one answer I could consistently give. I really don't know. What a disappointment.

With another one of those awesome birthdays we all looked forward to from the ages of three to eighteen fast approaching, it's been on my mind a lot lately. What now? Actually, not as much that as, why haven't I done it yet?

The world has been sending me mixed messages. One minute I'm being told that I'm young, now is my chance to do the things I've always dreamed of doing. Now is the chance to see the places I've never thought I'd get the chance to see. "Why not?", is the only question they have for me, when I tell them I can't just leave. Oh, you know,

Family.

Friends.

A job.

People. Mostly people. I can't walk out on them.

"Yeah, that's what held me back too. Don't make the same mistake."

Minute number two has other things to say. Most of them directly contradicting with Minute One, yet explaining to me that Minute One is right. Now is my chance. Wait, what?

My chance for what exactly? I still haven't figured that out.

Have I mentioned Minute Two doesn't make a whole lot of sense?

I work at Safeway. I'm a courtesy clerk, which is a nice way of saying, I bag peoples grocery's, and push carts. My co-workers are awesome.

I've lost count of how many of them have told me to find another job. One of them reminds me rather frequently. "Find something you enjoy doing, because if you can go far here, you'll do even better while you're happy."

I was talking to a friend of mine awhile ago about all of this, and she smiled and said, "it's like a real live coming of age story."

Right, only, where's the climax? At what point do I get hit on the head and come to with the knowledge of everything I've always wanted, and how to achieve it? At one point does everything boil down to the one moment that changes it all?

I guess I know my problem. I've been listening to the world to much. Thinking they're the ones I'm meant to please. Forgetting Who really matters, cause in the end, He's the one I'll be spending eternity with... gosh, and I thought, "the rest of my life" sounded like a long time.

Life Doesn't Have a Mute Button

My one rule in blogging. Only do it when I want to, not when I feel I have to. Unfortunately, sometimes this results in extended periods of time where I type not a single word for you to read. Shame.

Actually, one of the very few reasons I'm back, writing this now, is because of my Sam. You've heard me mention her before. It's not that she's told me repeatedly that I should start blogging again *cough, cough* (she has), it's more the posts I've seen on her own blog recently. Please, go read them. They've inspired me, maybe they'll provide you with the same favor.

Today was one of those days where I just wanted to turn and tell whoever was talking to me to shut up. I wish I could say I would have said it in a nicer way, but truth is, if I'd actually done it, that's exactly how I would have said it. Shut up.

Question. Does adding please to the phrase "shut up" make it any less rude? I feel not.

The weird thing about days like this, for me, is that I'm really not in a bad mood. On the contrary, I could easily describe today as a good day, yet I still just wanted the world around me to be silent. No, not silent, I just wanted the words to stop flowing. From everywhere.

I guess maybe sometimes I overwhelm myself with to many words. To many spoken, to many written, to many to read. They're everywhere, and on days like today, I just don't want them anymore because I can't think anymore. My brain is suffocating. Let me breath. 

I can't though.

You don't have the option of turning words off at work.

You don't have the option of turning words off at home.

You don't have the option of turnings words off with friends.

Turning words off is not an option.

So, on days like today, I bite my tongue, and I nod and smile at the appropriate moments. Well... maybe sometimes I don't always smile.

Today was good. Today I envied the deaf man.

Life

Every once in a while, I go through these phases where I'm thinking about life. I'm guessing that's pretty normal of anyone out there, so it's not like that in itself is anything special. Actually, the thoughts that go through my head aren't really anything special either. I'm sure they've gone through many a head before.

When I say life, I mean my life. My future life, the life that's whirling around me at this moment, and the life I've already gone through. Life. 

Once again, it's nothing special that I often wonder where I'll end up in the next five years, or even the next year. I guess every kid my age probably wonders the same thing from  time to time. Some of us have plans, a lot of us don't. Some of us are filled with confidence. Some of us aren't. It's the way God made us. It's the way He wanted us to be.

I can't believe what has happened in my life as it is. Where I am at the moment, I never saw coming. Where I'll be in the next year? I can't really see that coming either, but God can. He's got it all planned out. I've just got to follow His voice.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. -Philippians 2:13

Okay, I'll push post now before I delete these rambling thoughts.

Thanks to Mr. Nolan

It was a little over a year ago that I watched Batman Begins for the first time. I loved it. It was unlike anything I've ever seen. Coming from a Batman lover, and a complete film credit, I knew it was different. I just couldn't figure out why. There was a new element I hadn't expected.

"If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, you become something else entirely." -Henri Ducard

Fast Forward several months to when I first saw The Dark Knight. It impressed me more than the prequel. That sense of something new had doubled. A story hadn't just been told. It had been told well. This was when the name on the case started popping out to me a little more. Christopher Nolan.

Since then, along with many Dark Knight fans, I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Dark Knight Rises. I've been waiting, and I've been expecting a lot. I've been expecting to see the same thing I did in the first two movies.

Over this past week I've watched, for the first time, two Christopher Nolan movies. The Prestige, and Inception. With each one I started to realize it wasn't just the Batman movies that were different. It was Christopher Nolan. It was the result of the touch from a master's hand.

Christopher Nolan makes movies that seem to completely transport you into another world. The world of the characters who's stories you are being told. He weaves a tale you weren't expecting, but that's not all he does. He gives you the characters to love, the journey they must survive, and the eyes you see it through. He gives it to you, but to thoroughly enjoy it, Chris expects something back. Some thought.

I admire Christopher Nolan's directing skills. I salute him for making his movies the way he wants to make them, the way they should be made, not the way  the world would like to see. I mostly admire him for asking just a little in return. Please don't sit down and watch his movies expecting to relax your brain. With each new film, he gives you a new puzzle to solve.

Directing film is an art I believe Chris Nolan has mastered. Then again, that's just the opinion of an abnormal teenager.

Seasons Thoughts

I was going to write this awhile back, but my book was calling out to me. I'm reading Bleak House and once again Charles Dickens has been showing me what an amazing artist he is.

So, I tried again a few days after that, but work got in the way. I'm a barista at a malt shoppe. Well, I should be at least. Service is kind of slow at the moment, so I've been more on call than anything else. Here's to hoping it picks up soon!

That brought me to tonight. I was really going to write a blog post. The page wouldn't load though. I almost gave up, but an hour, or so later, the internet connection seemed to improve. Here I am, writing this, and not even sure where I'm headed with it.

I can't believe it's almost Christmas day already. I used to think December was the longest month I ever had to live through. Now I feel as if it's been the shortest of the year. I'll be having a very quiet Christmas this year, but I'm perfectly okay with that. It gives me more time to think, which I've been doing a lot of lately. So much, it's been keeping me up at night. Not always the best thing.

I feel like Christmas day is one of the best days to think. It gives you even more to dwell over then you've already got. Well, the entire season does really. The people who rush about, the cars that are all over the roads, making you realize you may have a touch inner road rage after all. Maybe not rage, just frustration.

The gifts. Fin and I kept telling ourselves we would get out and do our shopping before the holiday rush closed in, but somehow we never really got around to it. Thankfully we managed to do most of it in one day. I'd like to think I'll enjoy giving more then receiving this year, but I know whatever I find inside my own packages will please me just as much as the looks on loved ones faces when they see what I've packed in theirs. I haven't quite decided if that's the point, or not. I guess I'll have to think on it longer.

Naw, in all reality, the gifts are great, but as we all continue to remind each other. It's not what it's all about. I think everyone knows it really, some people just don't like to admit it. Others purposely shove it to the back of their minds. Some of us tell ourselves we remember, and isn't it all wonderful, but we don't really care. I guess it's just part of that human nature that was given us.

I know you've heard it a million times already this year, but don't forget His name. Don't forget the reason you breath in and out. Don't forget He granted you mercy. Don't forget the true story of Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

Jane Eyre and Robin Hood

Remember when I posted that picture of Jane and Mr. Rochester and every single person who left a comment knew who they were? Yeah, I didn't think I was going to stump to many people on that one. Anyway, this is that post I was talking about, but I'm also throwing in a few words on Robin Hood so grab your popcorn and get ready for a seriously opinionated persons view on various films.

Let's begin with Jane Eyre, shall we?

Jane Eyre (2011)

I actually already wrote a review about this. You can read it here.

Jane Eyre (2006)

Out of the three adaptions I've watched, this is by far my favorite. Masterpiece Theatre certainly knows how to please fans of the books. I love Mr. Rochester, I love Jane, I love the entire thing. It's just awesome.

Jane Eyre (1996)

I think you'll gather how I felt on this film when I say, I didn't finish watching it. It was almost comical. The plot was rushed, the characters were butchered and the acting was a farce. I skipped to the end just to see if they had managed to pull it together by then. They hadn't.

Moving on.

Robin Hood (2010)

Ever since I heard this movie was coming out I was interested. After all, its Robin Hood! The fact that Russell Crowe would be playing the infamous outlaw made me rather dubious, I tried to tell myself Ridley Scott knew what he was doing. In a way, I think maybe he did. I actually kind of liked the softer side Robin seemed to have in this movie, while still managing to be his irritating self. I liked the new twist on the story, that Robin Hood wasn't originally Robin of Loxley at all. I love this quote,

"Rise and rise again until lambs become lions."

It keeps running through my head and I find it rather inspiring.

However, as much as I liked about this movie, it just didn't come together for me. By the time it was over I had decided I didn't really like it. I'm not completely sure why. Maybe it just wasn't my kind of Robin Hood.

In Which Georgie Announces her Love for Les Miserables

Yes, it's true. I'm in love with Les Miserables. Even though I still wonder if I'm saying it correctly.

I don't believe I can quite call myself a fan, considering I haven't read the book. In fact, I've only seen the 25th Anniversary performance on DVD. Uh, yes, that would be the one with Nick Jonas as Marius. No, I did not really like Marius. Yes, I gave him a chance and no, it wasn't just because he was played by Nick Jonas that I don't like him. Although, I did giggle when Fontaine's voice went deeper than I could ever imagine his going.

I don't think I could pick a favorite song. I love all of them really. I have my favorites, the obvious One Day More that everyone seems to love, Eponine's On My Own. I really like Do You Hear the People Sing, although I couldn't say it was my favorite.

Do you hear the people sing,

singing the song of angry men?

It is the music of a people

who will not be slaves again.

When the beating of your heart

echoes the beating of the drums

there is a life about to start

when tomorrow comes.

I'd like to watch a few more versions, including the 10th anniversary performance, and the one with Liam Neeson, if only to compare them to the 25th anniversary edition.

In Which Georgie Rambles On the Subject of Jane Eyre

After watching the new Jane Eyre a few nights ago, writing a review was inevitable. I didn't really think I would, but as my thoughts came together I decided to share with those who may be interested.

Jane Eyre. I watched the 2006 Masterpiece Theatre version several years ago and discovered this story different. This one stood out to me. It wasn't just another period film that ran together, like all of the Jane Austin adaptions. I was fascinated. Enough so to read the book. So, news of this movie excited me as much as any other fan out there. Judie Dench, Jamie Bell, Mia Wasikowska. Oh yes.

They all did an amazing job. You can't really expect any less of them though. Mia graduated into a favorite actress of mine.

Jamie Bell was awesome, but for some reason I did not like John Rivers in this adaption. I liked him in the book, and in the 2006 version, but not this one. I think it was more due to his lines and such than anything else. He was made more awkward and sullen than I remember.

Although there was a lot taken out, it did remain true to the book. There was one point when I thought everything had taken a completely different turn, only to discover it was all in Jane's mind. I do think they did a pretty good job of shortening what would have be an extremely long film, although there were certain things that I thought there should have been more of. Such as Grace Poole. You see nothing of her till Jane finds out about Mrs. Rochester.

Last, but not least, the ending was a little to romantically cheesy for me.

Over all: I left the theater wanting to write something mysterious, yet beautiful at the same time. I liked it, but I like the Masterpiece Theater adaption much better.

In Which Georgie Remembers Why She Wants to Direct Film

Just when you think the world has truly gone under and turned their back on God. Just when you think there is nothing humanly possible to help those around you. Just when everything looks completely and utterly lost, you find things like this.

The fact that Carrie Underwood even chose to sing this song surprises me (albeit in a rather... interesting choice of dress). It makes me wonder who will watch this and listen to those words? Who will close the page as soon as they hear the first line? Who in the audience was listening to the message of how great Thou art? Did she realize she could affect hundreds, if not thousands of people by singing this? Did she realize that children are watching her, looking up to her, waiting for her next move?

I just finished reading a book called Harry & Frodo: Understanding Visual Media and its Impact on Our Lives. While rather redundant, it did make clear to me once again, just how much media has an impact on our lives. It affects us more than most people would think. With this renewed realization, I was reminded why I want to make movies. Why I want to make good movies. So much could be accomplished in that field. So many people reached. It doesn't even have to have blaring Christian themes. Just a movie with good morals would be nice for once. With a hero that you can learn from.

Then again, it's not that easy to get yourself in a position to be that kind of an influence. Even if I were to get the money to make a movie, it doesn't mean anyone would watch it. I've told myself this a thousand times, and yet I keep hearing a little voice out of nowhere, "but what if they did?"

I'd like to think Carrie Underwood's standing ovation was due to the fact that she was willing to stand on that stage and sing about a God who has been rejected by society, not just because she sang it like a... well... country star. I believe this youtube video can change lives, if that's the plan God has for it. I believe a film about a person with the faith of a mustard seed, would make an impact on someone out there, and in the end, if it brought just one person a step closer to Christ, my goal will have been reached.

Unknown

When I saw the trailer for the movie Unknown I got pretty excited. Liam Neeson (awesome person), with a case of stolen identity. It looked like it had car chases, and plenty of scary secrets to discover. It's a thriller, one of my favorite genres.

So, last night, I went and saw Unknown. I was slightly disappointed.

"Do you know what it feels like to become insane? It's a war between being told who you are and knowing who you are... Which do you think wins?" -Martin Harris

Breaking it down into three sections here. Directing/filming, acting, and plot.

Directing/Filming

This was the first Jaume Collet-Serra (director) film I've seen. That doesn't surprise me after glancing at his IMDb page. It looks like he's into horror. Anyway, I was impressed. I loved how he worked in Martin's mind, with the flashbacks and memories. Even in the present it was really cool how you saw things through the character's eyes, putting you in their position.

Flavio Martinez Labiano held the position of cinematographer. Another name I wasn't familiar with, but then again, I'm just starting to get to where I recognize names from those in the crew. I loved the shots in this though, how the whole thing was filmed. The lighting was a little different, but it fit the story so it almost wasn't even noticeable.

Acting

It's Liam Neeson, what can I say? He was amazing? Moving on to everyone else, they were all great actors as well. The beautiful Diane Kruger held her own. The only other thing I've seen her in is, of course, the National Treasure movies. Although she does a good job in those, it's not a performance that I would rate as outstanding. This was. She went up a few notches in my book.

Plot

I'm sure by now you're wondering why I was disappointed with the film. Seems I was happy with everything so far. We can't forget the plot though, it's one of the main things that makes a movie. Oliver Butcher & Stephen Cornwell wrote the screenplay. I liked it when I was just looking at what was going on in that moment, but when you step back and look at the whole thing, things change. First of all, there were several moments where there was a serious lull. If you can't keep things moving, don't write thrillers. Second, and my main annoyance, as it got further into the movie I started to realize, this is a lot like the Bourne Identity. Yeah, it's got it's own little twists, and new characters, but the main story was still there. I understand there's nothing new under the sun, but it is possible to put a new spin on things. This didn't have enough of a spin to set it apart. Not only that, I think the Bourne Identity was an all around better film.

So, if you're ever faced with the choice of Unknown, or the Bourne Identity and you just can't decide, take my advice and go with Matt Damon (awesome person). Despite Liam Neeson's epic aura, he just couldn't bring Unknown up to my expectations.

Life is an Occasion

Strange fact about me: one of my all time favorite movies is Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.

Dustin Hoffman (one of my favorite actors, and on my list of awesome people), Natalie Portman, a Mutant, and a toy store. I'm telling you, that's an incredible combination.

One of the things I love the most about this movie is its simple theme of living your life to the fullest. Being you, not what people expect you to be. After all, as Mr. Magorium says...

"Life is an occasion. Rise to it."

This was not a movie I expected to be impressed with. In all honesty, I thought it would be cheesy and poorly made. Since then I've watched it to many times to count. I have a tendency of quoting it in every day conversations and not thinking twice about it. The humor, the choice of words, and the lack of a predictable romance just add all that much more to the collection. I could go on for awhile, but I won't. I'll leave you with this quote. Probably my favorite in the entire film.

"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written 'He dies.' That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is 'He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with 'He dies." And yet, every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words 'He dies,' but because of the life prior to the words." -Mr. Magorium

True Grit - The Western I Loved

My Daddy took my family to see True Grit last week. I actually wasn't really looking forward to it for two reasons. #1 I'm not a big fan of westerns. #2 I'm really not a fan of John Wayne, therefore any movie he played in before must not be that great.

That was the movie Daddy wanted to see though, so we went. I watched a western. I loved a western.

"There is nothing free in this world... except the grace of God." -Mattie Ross

One of the things I loved the most about this move was the language. How true it was to the time period. Mattie's quick wit, and responses.

Not only was the language period, so was the acting, the belief's, and... everything.

"I've just come from Yale County." -LaBoeuf

"I wasn't aware we had rodeo clowns in Yale County." -Mattie Ross

"A saucy line will not get you far with me." -LaBoeuf

It was a tad bit gory. I really did not need to see such a close shot of fingers being sliced into segments. Even if you have the nice effects to make it look so real doesn't mean I wanted to see it. I don't think I'll be watching the new Spartacus movie coming out. The trailer only was way to gory.

"So, you say that when Amos Wharton raised his axe, you backed away from him." -Lawyer

"That's right." -Rooster Cogburn

"In what direction were you going?" -Lawyer

"Backwards. I always go backwards when I back up." -Rooster Cogburn

My jaw dropped at more then one scene in this movie. I'm not talking as an average viewer anymore, I'm talking wanna be movie maker. This was movie making genius.

I haven't seen the original True Grit, I don't really want to even now (like I said, it's a John Wayne thing) but from what my family (who have seen it) said, it follows the original far more then we were lead to believe. Don't listen to the guy who gives you your tickets. He knows nothing.

The acting was amazing. Jeff Bridges should be given a medal. Hailee Steinfeld needs to be in more movies, and Matt Damon was... Matt Damon.

So, great movie. Probably one of my favorites. Never thought I would say that about a western, but there you have it.

Dawn Treader - The Thoughts of a Wanna Be Film Critic

On Saturday I went to go see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I went expecting to be either blown away, or severely disappointed.

For the first ten/twenty minutes I sat in my seat, wishing I could meet Michael Apted and tell him he had made a mess of the whole thing. Lines were awkward, to obvious, and not in character. Granted, Mr. Apted didn't write the script, but he has the last say, and apparently he didn't say it.

As the story continued however, things slowly began to get better. The whole trip to Narnia definitely helped. By the end of the movie I was left wondering why I didn't have a feeling of complete disgust, or amazement. I was neutral. Horrors.

To tell you the truth, I'm still not totally sure what I think of the movie. I'll probably have to watch it again before I can really truly decide. The things I do know for sure?

1. Edmund was amazing. In my opinion, his character had the most depth, had the most interesting back story, and was just all around cool.
2. Will Poulter lived up to all my expectations. When I first saw a picture of his freckled little face after finding out he would be playing Eustace, I knew he would be perfect for the part. I can't imagine it would be easy playing a character who goes from being perfectly dreadful, to rather lovable. He pulled it off.
3. Caspian. Uh, Caspian. He needed a shave... and a haircut. He's a Prince... he should at least look like one. Although there were other things I could bring up, I'll leave it at that.
4. Aslan was epic. Every time he came into a scene it was like a big sigh of relief. His obvious parallel to God, although not stressed, was not hidden. Which is more then I expected.
5. The White Witch. I am personally thrilled that the White Witch has continually come back to tempt Edmund. Because of the one mistake he made two movies ago, Edmund is still living with this struggle, and always will. Such is the consequences of sin.
6. The Morals. Overcoming temptation being the main one. Thankfully it was worked in well enough it wasn't cheesy either. One of the worst thing in a film is making the morals sound cheesy.

I think overall I would say it's not a bad movie, but it's certainly not the best, and not as good as it could have been.