Movie Review: Immortals

Last night, I saw Immortals, and it was GREAT. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of 300-like movies, don't get me wrong, I'll watch them, but given the choice, I'd most likely pass.

Over the years, I've had my fair share of Greek mythology lessons in school, but unfortunately I don't remember quite enough to attest to the accuracy of this story (sorry, sophomore year English...), but it was certainly entertaining. The gods were impressively dressed in shimmery gold ensembles which highlighted their "good guy" roles. The Titans, the "bad guys," were dark, dirty figures, appropriately hinting to their threatening presence.

The cinematography was incredible, the way the scenes seamlessly transitioned from one to the next was nearly flawless, and definitely creative. Unique camera angles lent the movie an added plus, as they allowed for a different perspective of the story in a way that made me want to look over my shoulder for the enemy lurking in the corner.

I will say there was a lot of blood, so this is definitely not a movie for kids. I'll admit I closed my eyes a few times so I wouldn't have to see the carnage on the screen, so keep that in mind.

On a more superficial note, the 2 hour no-shirt fest provided quite a bit of eye candy for the ladies, though that by no means made the movie as great as it is. I'm more of a story person than a "look, that's my favorite shirtless actor, who cares if he can barely spit out his lines?!" person. But seriously, look at the picture to the right. Yowza.

That aside, I definitely recommend you check out this movie, and if you really, really can't make it to theaters, definitely keep it on your rent-when-it-comes-out list!

Excuse Me, ESPN, May I Borrow My Boyfriend?

It's an interesting phenomena, watching a man watch sports. I've noticed some things about them, these sports-enthused men, and these things seem consistent across many sporting events, much in the same way they occur during video gaming experiences.

Observing someone completely engrossed in what I call "Manworld" is fascinating, really. Here's what I noticed:

• Dialated pupils
• A distant, yet impressively focused stare
• Generally, the man is watching, awestruck, open-mouthed (the exception here, of course, is when they are actually yelling at the television, arms outstretched in either outrage or excitement, the reaction seems eerily similar minus the choice vocabulary and facial contortions)
• Snacks are within 3-4 feet, allowing just enough room to jump off the couch as soon as a big play happens.
• During a "big play" or something that has the potential to become one, the man will lean forward, as if moving the extra 6 inches closer to the TV will affect the outcome.
• When his team wins, a man will proudly announce "we won!" whereas after a loss, he may say "yeah, they lost."
• Attempting to ask a question or make light conversation is generally fruitless as responses will either be something like, "uh, yeah, that's-whoa! Did you see that?!- sorry, what were you saying?" or there simply won't be a response until the commercial break. 
• Fantasy sports teams are as important as the very breath they breathe, and also account for a great deal of either joy or stress, depending on a particular player's performance in each game.  This is generally true for the younger crowd or the betting-prone.

Now, these things could be endearing if it weren't for the overlapping seasons which mean there could literally be a sport to watch every day of the week. The way I see it, the majority of September and October are pretty much lost. On the other hand, I'm sure bar and grill establishments absolutely love these two months. Add in the extra car and beer commercials, and it's Manheaven.

I also realize I am now at risk of a particularly sarcastic and/or poignant comment from my dear boyfriend. So, I'll come right out and say it: yes, I do also enjoy sports, and yes, I have been very passionate about my Fantasy Football team (which, by the way, is still doing quite well, thank you), and OK, fine, I am completely guilty of the stereotypical "woman questions or comments" during a game that could probably be seen as slightly annoying. However, I say that if ESPN, ABC, and NBC are going to insist on dating my boyfriend with me, then I should at least get to ask questions for clarification during a game or be allowed to make light conversation if I also made the snacks mentioned above.

Sigh.

I guess what I'm really asking is, Sports of the World, may I borrow my boyfriend for a moment? I have a very important comment to make about my new nail polish.

What Are You Listening To?

I think it's fair to say that I listen to a wide variety of music, minus heavy metal...that kind of scares me. I'm one of those people whose music must coordinate with mood. If I'm happy, I absolutely cannot stand listening to "Debbie Downer" music or music that's full of angry rockers... nope, it's just not for me. However, when I'm stressed out, rock is great, and I have to ease myself into a better mood by gradually increasing the tempo of the music I have playing.

Lately, I've been in a "coffee shop mood" as I like to call it. Mellow is my thing right now. Calm, soothing, "drinking a latte and reading a good book" music. Of course, that's when I'm not in a  "it's summertime, I need a good drink, a body of water, and bonfire on the beach" mood, which leads to country music (yes, I know, how could I? Trust me, it's new for me too).

Here are a few recommendations:
1. Stevie Wonder-- I love him. On vinyl, it's as if he were singing to me from the heavens. I'd like him to sing me lullabies as I drift off to sleep...right after Morgan Freeman reads me a bedtime story. My favorite: For Once In My Life, that or One Little Christmas Tree

2. Adele-- She's got such a strong voice, it's amazing. Her Pandora station is great, and I've been spending the majority of my days with that pulled up on my computer and plugged into the speakers. My favorite: Set Fire to the Rain

 3. Jason Aldean-- This is where the country comes in. He's a little hick, but in such a good way. The country twang could mesmerize me for hours... and it does. I can't decide on a favorite, but for now: Dirt Road Anthem

4. Duffy-- Like Adele, her voice is strong, but this is a little different. Her music seems more raw, her voice more raspy. My favorite song? Warwick Avenue.

What's on your playlist?? I love new recommendations!!

Movie Review: Friends With Benefits

One word: hysterical.

Never again will I keep a straight face when I hear a man sneeze.

Suddenly, I have a new appreciation for my conservative mother rather than one who would hit on my boyfriend.

I have been inspired to dig out my NSYNC CDs, though for reasons other than the movie itself. More like I was reminded of my love for Justin Timberlake.

Having a loft apartment in a big city seems way cooler than it already did.

Basically, if you're looking for an entertaining couple of hours, I definitely recommend Friends With Benefits, and I don't take comedy lightly. Slapstick humor is ok, but not worth the ever-rising ticket costs and sticky theater floors. Situational humor though, is glorious. Maybe I love it so much because I have found that I live a great portion of my life finding myself in laughable situations that seem straight out of some sort of comedy series on TV.

Bonus: not only is it entertaining for the lovely ladies out there, but it's good for guys too. Let me tell you, I have seen my fair share of action-packed flicks lately since my dear boyfriend prefers them over a good tear-jerker, chick flick (imagine that), but even he loved this one! So call up a good friend, your beau, or someone other than your conservative parents or people easily offended by scenes for mature audiences, and have a good laugh!