Movie Review

Hubby and I went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince yesterday. I have been waiting for this with a mix of excitement and fear. I loved the first four movies. Then came the fifth. And I was... disappointed. I wish there could be a do-over. It was just... wrong. It didn't fit with the other ones. So yeah, I was definitely worried about this one.

But thankfully, I left pleased. Yes, I liked it.

Now, that's not to say there isn't room for improvement. I've come to the conclusion that David Yates is far too self-devout (thanks to hubby for that description) for these movies. He doesn't appear to care NEARLY enough about the story. But he didn't screw this one up royally so I guess I can let him continue to exist (even if he's really lame at the whole "existence" thing).

Anyway, I did leave content. The big-scene-that-I-won't-reveal-here-because-I-don't-want-to-spoil-it-for-anyone (which hubby TOTALLY did to someone on a message board last week) totally got me. I cried. And actually, everything leading up to it had me feeling like I wanted to throw up because I knew it was coming and I felt like the actors were THAT GOOD. So well done there (to the actors, NOT to Mr. "I'm-So-Lame" Yates).

For a two-and-a-half hour movie I felt it went really quickly, which is always a good sign. The soundtrack for this one was spot-on (unlike the last one which I deemed "all kinds of wrong"). I was never bored and actually could have sat through another thirty minutes easily.

Issues: after thinking about it, I do wish there were things they hadn't left out. I obviously won't name specific parts of the story right now, but there were scenes that should have made the cut. I will say that the whole "teen-angst-love" theme was funny. But there was a little bit more than necessary. I can think of a couple parts that could have been shortened or left out in order to make room for more story. I think by this point we get that the Hogwarts students are growing up and hormones are coming into play. It's fun to watch and all, but I'm more into the story than extra fluff.

Reading this I realized it sounds like I hated the movie, but I didn't! It's a LOT better than the fifth one in the series, but not up there with the first ones. As a movie that's being viewed just for a good time (as in, not a rabid fan of the books) it earns a solid A. As a movie that's supposed to be an adaptation of a wildly successful series it earns a C. Maybe. So I guess we can average that out to a B. Fans of the books, if you can go in knowing that there's no way we can see ALL of the material on the screen, you should be fine. If you go in ready to pick it apart, don't bother going. Aren't movies supposed to be fun?

BTW, hubby and I just discussed the movies a bit. If Lord of the Rings is allowed to be three hours, WHY can't Harry Potter be longer? And if I hear the lame "kids can't sit through it" excuse, I'll just laugh at you. At this point, we've definitely gone into some dark magic...

PS - I totally got to see a Where The Wild Things Are trailer on the big screen for the first time. I came pretty darn close to tearing up. I cannot WAIT for it.

Wish List Wednesday

Wow! The slacker is blogging! It's amazing!

Okay, not really that amazing. But doing a wish list every week is fun, and easy. So why not do it?

So last night I went to a party for those decorative wall graphics. You know, the ones you can slap just about anywhere. And I pretty much wanted half the catalog. So I thought I would get on Etsy just to show you guys some of the more fun ones I wouldn't mind having around here.

This one cracks me up. I would totally put a face on my toilet. Who cares if it scares the kids?

I want this one over my bed. It's just cute! Without being overly cute.

I want a growth chart for Tad. And this one would be AWESOME. I'm seriously thinking about it.

Love love love this. Not sure where I'd put it, hubby wouldn't want it anywhere I'm sure.

And these branches are OUTSTANDING. I even kind of like the black wall that it's on...

And this is totally ridiculous, but I love it. Hubby would definitely not let me put this one up anywhere. He thinks I'm silly already. The wall graphic would just confirm it.

So what do y'all think? I love these as an option because they're totally removable (perfect for renters like me). I can think of hundreds of places to put these things too...

I Think I See a Pattern

I post for a few days in a row, then take a few off. And give lame excuses.

Oh well. It's hard to be motivated to blog when I have a 5-year-old to hang out with and it's obscenely hot outside. Maybe once he leaves I'll post again.

Wish List Wednesday

Okay, so since last week was soooo girly I figured this week would be a bit different. Hubby and I went to a quinceanera last weekend and we realized that he really doesn't have many "nice" shirts. And the ones he has are mostly long-sleeved. So today's list is full of things I would gladly put in hubby's closet. Whether or not he'd wear them might be a different story...

via Old Navy

via Old Navy

via Buckle

via Target (there's no WAY he would wear this)

via Old Navy

via Buckle (blazers are out, his arms are too long to avoid custom fitting)

Even if hubby isn't into fashion, I still love him. Even if he wears holey t-shirts with stains around the apartment.

Yay!

I get to go pick up a little manlet tonight. He's going to spend a few days with us and I am so ready to keep him busy while he's here. Some possibilities while he's here...

• go see a free family movie this week (possibly two)
• take some walks
• give him a chance to get behind the camera (I really want to get his perspective)
• paint a birdhouse
• play with some flashcards (that I have yet to make... oops)
• practice writing and math and all sorts of things
• swim
• library trip
• bake and/or cook together
• farmer's market
• park

I am so excited and we are going to be busy beyond belief. We may not do everything on the list, but everything has run through my head.

Oh, and mom, we'll of course go visit you. Just let me know when is good for you. Want to go to the farmer's market with us Saturday morning?

I Totally Do Not Need This

And yet I totally do.

I promise that if by some miracle I get this glorious machine, I will run every day just so I can enjoy donuts at home without growing a butt large enough to justify its own zip code.

Oldies

These have been around for a good amount of time, but I will never find any of these unfunny. So enjoy some random videos for your Friday.

First, don't forget to leave Britney alone. (There is potty mouth in this for those of you who haven't seen it or just forgot.)




And I'm so going to be like this dad. If my kid is this crazy after the dentist, the video camera is coming out.





And one more for the day. From The Soup. I kinda have a crush on Joel McHale...