Bright Star

Yet another film set in the early victorian age...

This film is a portrayal of the end life and love of one of the most influential second generation romantic english poets. He is lumped in with Lord Byron and played a significant influential role in the poetry of Lord Tennison.

John Keats died at the age of 25 from tuberculosis, then termed the consumption, after a brief period of engagement to Fanny Brawne, the heroine of this movie.

The tombstone of his grave, at his request, reads "This Grave contains all that was mortal,
of a young English poet,
Who,
on his Death Bed,
in the Bitterness of his heart,
at the Malicious Power of his Enemies,
Desired these Words to be engraven on his Tomb Stone
'Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water'".

This epitomizes the view he held at death of the impermanncy of both life and fame.

This movie did a wonderful job of portaying the first years of Keats as a man and the last years of his life. The idea that a man, by the age of 25, was able to be such an influence on english literature that human begins are still reading his words and being impacted by them, humbles me. To think that my own goals and ambitions in life are so insignificant to the greater development of humanity, casts a somber light on my view of life.

I gave this movie a 4/5 rating, and feel its rather self explanatory. There were some unsatisfying lack of plot elements in the film which would have blasted this to a 5/5, but as is a 4 is pretty darn good.

2010 Golden Globes

Yes, I enjoyed a wonderful night of excitement watching the 2010 Golden Globes. This year was not as exciting both cinematically as well as fashion wise, mainly because there really were only a few films nominated that I was rooting for (Inglorious Basterds, Star Trek, 500 Days of Summer...) which I knew weren't going to be winning much. Also, the wonderful evening of friends, formal attire, drinks and appetizers, and humor I envision every year for the award season... wasn't in the cards this year. Luckily, I always have next year so I will be looking forward to that. This weekend are the SAG awards as well, so at least a casual night in with a pizza would be great.

Regardless, here are the winners of Best Dressed. There were really only a very few that I liked, and 2 that I loved. This year was rather lacking really. I also refuse to do a Worst Dressed section.

Emily Blunt had an amazing blushing pink frock as I term it. The back is actually has a wonderful swooping fabric effect that dramatizes the mermaid shape of her dress. The 360 camera of E's really shows this one to perfection, and I loved it! Very classy, girly, and flattering! Congrats on the engagement to John Krasinski as well! So cute...

Next, we have Olivia Wilde, a cast member from House, in a perfectly subdued glitter beaded dress. Sequins are always too harsh, but this night time glitter effect of her's was a great smash, and the cut of the neckline I think is simply elegant. Low cut, but I think she wore it well!

Finalement, Jennifer Garner shows up in this subtle mermaid dress (this style was everywhere), and rather than yards of ruffles and fabric which seemed to litter the runway, hers simply used lines to draw the eye. I thought even though this didn't flatter her figure as much, on someone with more of a waste this really would have been beautiful.

And thats it! Nothing else on the runway really stood out in a great way... many just stood out ill fittingly. Maybe next year the designers will have something better to showcase.

Shopgirl

I have seen this movie once before, but fell onto it yet again a few evenings ago. It is rare that I can enjoy a movie after its mysteries have already unfolded, but this is one of those especially enjoyable treats.

I am not sure if this was a novel or an even older film remade, but it seems so many of the newer successful movies find inspiration from a prior era. I do know this version is not the original.

This IS NOT a comedy lol. I don't know why they advertise it that way, but its not. It is rather a sincere evaluation of relationships, with Steve Martin narrating periodically. Because most the entire film is centered around the thoughts and moments of these three characters... its very thoughtful and quiet actually.

Its simply a great film, and if you are in a thoughful mood, check it out! I also, heart Claire Danes.

I give it 4 stars! I not only obviously enjoy waltching it more than once, but the characters are identifiable and well developed, the plot is unpredictable and insightful, and there is a remarkable thought provoking emotional response to this film as well.

Lake Conroe Camping

I have been rather discouraged each time I have researched different camp ground locations here in Texas, mainly because I was so spoiled by the beauty and diversity Washington State has to offer. I was able to enjoy the boating, restaurants, and shopping found at Puget Sound in Seattle on one hand, while having the opportunity to enjoy weekend trips to the coast for explorations of light houses, cliff climbing, and camping. To top all of that off, we had Mt. Rainer on our doorstep for camping and hicking! Can you not see the magnificent beauty?! Le sigh. I so miss real trees.

Anyway, I did find one possible location that is still located in Texas. Lake Conroe and Sam Houston State Park. This location is perfect for meeting up with a certain someone *coughmariacough*, and offers the best views I have found. Kayaking or renting boats is an option, as well as hiking and simply enjoying the view! Once the weather thaws out, I would love to make a few of these trips for the spring time to get some peace and enjoy some camp food cooking, hiking or bike riding, and the company of others.