Tivoli Theatre in Spencer

The heart of most Indiana counties seems to be centered around a town square courthouse.  Sadly, so many of these squares are full of empty storefronts, not the hubs they once were.  In Spencer, that feels like the case sometimes.  Not far from where my parents live in Bloomington, there isn't much going on downtown in Spencer.  But the Tivoli Theatre, restored by funds from Cook, is quaint enough to attract my parents to go to a different town to see movies!  Tivoli shows first run films on the weekends, and it's only $5 for adults.  There's definitely a line and a crowd.  I can't believe this place was once at risk of teardown.

Old Photos from Tivoli Website

Mom and I went to see Maleficent.  The movie was okay, but I was mostly impressed by the theatre.  It seemed a lot of attention to detail was taken in the restoration, and the entire operation (minus one employee) is run by volunteers from the community.  Ticket takers, popcorn wranglers, even the projection and cleanup crews are volunteers.  Talk about a real gem.  There's also old movie posters (I wonder if they're from the old shows at the theatre) and retro tiling in the bathroom.  They even play the old "Let's All Go to the Lobby" concessions cartoon before the movie.  It feels like stepping back in time!

If you live around Bloomington, it might be worth a trip to check this place out.  It's wayyyy cheaper than the big theatres in town, and you're supporting historic preservation.

Austenland & the Apocalypse

Duke and I were talking the other day about how we went forever without seeing any new movies... then I went and saw three movies in the last few weeks!  All of them were comedies, but I think they kind of run the gamut in terms of genre.

To go alphabetically, most recently I went with Emma (of The Fiercest Lilliputian) to see Austenland, that was only playing in Green Hills due to a limited release.  I was worried about whether it would be worth seeing in theaters, given that the critics universally panned it as terrible... but 'real people' on Rotten Tomatoes disagreed.  So we decided to indulge without the boys!

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Austenland is based on a novel (that I now feel like I need to go read) with an awesome cast... Keri Russell is wonderful as ever in the lead role, and the supporting cast like Bret McKenzie, Georgia King, Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Seymour were hilarious.  AND there's cast member who played a role in my beloved BBC Pride & Prejudice.  I won't spoil who!

Overall we agreed that it was a fun romp!  If you like rom-coms, are an Austen fan, and like a bit of silly, it's a great movie.  I can already tell that once it hits Netflix, it will be one of my lazy Sunday movies.

In another genre completely, Duke and I watched two apocalyptic comedies that really made us laugh hard.

The first, This is The End, is a raunchy comedy a la Superbad/Pineapple Express.  It stars Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, James Franco, and more as exaggerated versions of themselves in Los Angeles during the end of the world.  It's crude and silly and crazy.  Completely out there.  Violent and filled with expletives.  But if you're a fan of these actors and the kinds of movies they're in, add this one to your list.  Duke in particular likes these actors (he met Seth Rogen while working as an extra on Zack and Miri) and enjoyed it.  I'm not quite sure how this film got such excellent reviews, because there were points it really lagged and didn't entertain me... but any movie the culminates in a Backstreet Boys reunion is worth it to me.  (Sorry for that spoiler, but this movie has been out for ages.)

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The second movie, with similar title and end of days kind of theme, was The World's End.  Simon Pegg is behind this thing, but if Duke hadn't made me watch Shaun of the Dead, I'd only have known him as Scotty in the new Star Treks.  But he actually co-wrote this movie and it's pretty entertaining... it's British humor, so if you don't like that you won't like this.  In fact, whether or not you found Shaun of the Dead to be a good movie will determine if you like this.  It's basically about a loser who was hot stuff in high school who reunites his old buddies in an attempt to reclaim his former glory.

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These trips to the theater have made me realize how much I really enjoy going to see films.  I spend more time these days waiting for things to hit Netflix, but there's something different about seeing certain films in a theater environment.  I'm looking forward to the next Hunger Games and Hobbit movies, which I'll see for sure!

Have you seen any good movies lately?

Media Monday Frenzy

It's a Media Monday frenzy!  It's probably the cold and dark weather of winter that has me spending more time in front of a screen or reading books, but I'm digging it nonetheless.

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FILM:  First off, I saw the movie Silver Linings Playbook with Duke.  It's kind of a hard film to describe, sort of an indie dark romantic comedy... but it struck both myself and Duke because of the subject around mental illness and depression.  It was ultimately a happy movie, and I recommend that people who like films such as Little Miss Sunshine check out this flick.

I also bought Pitch Perfect on DVD so I could enjoy that silliness over and over.  :)  I forgot how hilarious Fat Amy is!  I have been practicing my horizontal running.

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TV:  I am so glad that new TV is back... my favorites are American Horror Story Asylum, Revenge, Don't Trust the B- in Apartment 23, and The Mindy Project.  I also catch up on Grey's Anatomy, Glee, The New Normal, and of course The Office/Parks & Rec.  I could probably talk about each of these at length, so if you want to discuss, leave a comment.

What Would the Dowager Countess Do? (source)

Also, you may have noticed Downton Abbey is not on this list.  Well, that's because I watched it with the Brits.  I KNOW EVERYTHING.   So I'm not watching along on PBS, but when the Blu-Ray comes out later this month, I'll probably rewatch it all over.  I definitely think this season is stronger than the second!

I have two newer addictions, however.  I started watching the emotional roller coaster that is The Biggest Loser.  I don't know why.  It's just captivating TV.  I think it's because I love Jillian Michaels, but I'm not sure.

The other addiction is... Dexter.  Yup, another great show I just haven't been watching.  So Duke and I are starting from the beginning (we're in Season 2), and I'm also catching up on the last couple of seasons of House M.D.  I know, we're behind the times.  I'm behind on Mad Men too.   But at some point this TV overload has to end.  I should just make a list of TV shows to watch when I'm retired and have more time.  Now I resort to catching up with TV while I cook breakfast and eat it over the sink in the kitchen.  Blah.  I need to stop and exercise more.

BOOKS:  But I still read!  After seeing Life of Pi in theaters, I decided to read the book.  I really enjoyed it.  It was harder to follow than the movie, but it was very imaginative and worth the time.  I don't know why I never read it before, since it has been on my Kindle forever.  If you like magical realism, this is great.

A less interesting read was The Calligrapher's Daughter.  I wanted to love it.  It's about Korea, after all, in a time my grandparents lived through.  But I just didn't connect.  It moved sporadically, storylines didn't feel tied up, and it was ultimately slow.  Not bad, just slow.

Lastly, my favorite of the bunch, was The Tipping Point.  This was a quick read for me, and I loved it like I loved Freakonomics.  It made me think a lot about the people I know in my life, the path of trends, and influencers in my life.  If you like books like Freakonomics, this is a definite must-read.  The Power of Habit was another good one along the same vein.  In fact, someone from work borrowed that one and hasn't returned it.  Huh.  Must track it down.

Anyone else read or watch something good lately?

Les Miserables... I dreamed this dream!

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I dreamed a dream.... that Les Miserables would become a movie so I could watch it over and over.

And that dream came true!  While I was nervous about a musical I love so much becoming a film (I've seen it twice on tour), I felt there was a good chance that it would be as good as, say, The Phantom of the Opera was.  I mean, the musical's writers helped pen the screenplay.  And the previews alone, with Anne Hathaway's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" gave me chills.  I was also excited about the casting of Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean.

Now, I had my doubts about other casting choices... most specifically Russell Crowe as Javert.  I would have preferred Gerard Butler.  I even previewed the soundtrack on iTunes to hear Crowe's singing voice.  While I didn't cringe, I had to hope that he would have some good acting to back it up.   Because any fan of musical theater will tell you, it's not just about your singing voice, but that emotional and in-the-moment connection.

Another concern of mine?  I'd never heard of Samantha Barks, who plays my favorite character of the musical, Eponine.  But friends of mine assured me that she is a Broadway girl and a natural fit for the role.  I'm surprised they went with a relatively unknown actor for the iconic role, but in musical circles she was viewed as a great choice.

The verdict?  I loved it.  Anne Hathaway stole the show (I love her!) and everyone, even Crowe, acted and sang their hearts out.  Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were the perfect Thenardiers.  That said, the directors probably could have nixed some of the singing dialogue and spoken words instead.  I know, not a purist opinion, but I think it served other musical movies well.

I'll be buying this one on DVD!

Oh, and I saw a couple other movies of late: Django Unchained and Lincoln.  If you like Tarantino, the acting (Waltz, Foxx, Jackson, DiCaprio!) and action are top notch in Django.  But as always with Tarantino, be prepared for gratuitous violence and profanity.  For Lincoln, you might find it dull if you're not a fan of history, but again superb acting by Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field, and the supporting cast.  Plus, my beloved Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in it.  Swoon.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

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I was ridin' nerdy this past weekend, since I was finally able to view the first installment in Peter Jackson's trilogy of Hobbit films.  I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan (though not so huge that I speak elvish or know every single reference out there), and I was eagerly anticipating this movie.  I really love Martin Freeman as an actor, so I was thrilled to see him playing Bilbo Baggins!

There were a lot of mixed reviews out there for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  I mean, could this movie really live up to the epic hype of the LOTR trilogy?

Well, that Shire instrumental theme still gives me chills and warms my heart.  While the movie moves a bit slowly, and it feels like there are more silly moments of humor, The Hobbit is a lighter book than LOTR.  It kind of fits.

That said, I don't see how Jackson is stretching this little book into a trilogy.  Gollum is a huge star of the book to me, and I don't think we'll see him beyond this film.

But then again, I think they should have made SIX Lord of the Rings movies (one for each actual book, since each "book" was really two books)...  and then maybe two Hobbit movies.  And I think The Hobbit feels a little weaker because it was made post-LOTR, and its premise seems less important because they're fighting a dragon for a kingdom vs. the ultimate evil for their entire existence.  It's a matter of scale.

And on a final note, I did NOT see this movie in 3D.  In fact, I avoid 3D technology altogether.  I dislike the gimmicks, the loss of color quality, and that you don't focus on the gorgeous cinematography because you mainly notice what bulges out at you.  Blech.  I think these films would have done just as well without the 3D factor.

If you liked LOTR, go see this movie.  It's lighter and more of a romp, and definitely in less of a hurry to get to where it's going... but it has the same spirit.

P.S.  The new Star Trek preview was my favorite before the movie.  So excited, especially since Benedict Cumberbatch is joining in!

Movie Review: Life of Pi

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I have had the book Life of Pi on my Kindle for over a year now, but I never read it.  Then I heard it was in theaters and a pretty good flick, so I did what I almost never do: I went to see a movie without reading the book first.

I know, soooo bad, right?

Actually, wrong.

I loved this movie.  I even went home and started referring to my cat as "Richard Parker" afterwards.  It was colorful, thoughtful, and beautiful.  I didn't really know what to expect, but I found myself entertained and happy.

If you're looking for a visually engaging, imaginative story, this is the movie to see.  It's all about spirit.

Movie Review: #Skyfall

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I grew up watching James Bond movies with my father (Remember TBS's "15 Days of 007" in the '90s?) and have always been a fan of the franchise.  My favorite bond?  It was also Sean Connery.

But then Daniel Craig showed up and rocked my world.  I had my doubts at first (he's blond!) but Casino Royale was just fantastic.  I missed Quantum of Solace somehow (I'll have to Netflix it) but was excited to catch Skyfall with my parents.  We were in one of the giant theatres at my local cinema, and the screen was just phenomenal.

I had heard the movie was long, but I didn't even notice.  I was just riveted to the screen, and I think I enjoyed it almost as much as Casino Royale!  It's a must-see, and definitely a crowd-pleaser.  Javier Bardem was an incredible villain; creepy and genius all in one.

Definitely catch this while it's in theaters!

And my apologies to Sean Connery.  I think he has been deposed as my favorite Bond.  But he will always be my first Bond crush!

Movie Review: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (a.k.a. end of the Twilight Saga!)

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I'm not a Twihard.

I did enthusiastically read the Twilight books a couple of times (except that terrible joke of a 4th novel) and I did see every movie on its opening weekend.  But I wouldn't say it held the fervor for me that Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings ever did.  (HOLY COW, I'm so pumped for the first Hobbit film!)

But I did go check out the final film installment of Twilight this past weekend, because it felt the right thing to do after the time and energy I invested into the series at some point.  And since the 4th movie was my favorite in the series, I had some glimmer of hope this one wouldn't be a total wash.

Well, the first 30 minutes were so cheesy and ridiculous, my poor boyfriend was already squirming.  He hadn't watched the previous films, and he told me not to wake him up unless he was snoring.  Noted.

There was definitely some silly stuff, and the buildup felt slow.  I think they did a good job of transitioning with Bella as a vampire... but like the stupid 4th book, this movie was a lot of talking and people obsessing over Renesmee.

That is, until the big plot twist.  For real, folks, there's a lot of gratuitous vampire decapitation happening.  But I'm not going to spoil it for you, just know that in the end the movie totally redeems itself.

Well, aside from ignoring the logical ending and proceeding with a cheesy flashback montage of the entire saga.  I think the final movies were my favorites of the series in the end, even though the book was a flop in that regard.  If you're a fan of the series, go see this movie!

Movie Review: #PitchPerfect

Um, of course I went to see Pitch Perfect tonight!

Pitch Perfect =

• a ripoff of the predictable plot of Bring It On
• the a cappella goodness of The Sing Off
• occasional raunchy girl comedy a la Bridesmaids
• the awesome mixup music magic of Glee

All in all, an okay movie with tons of crap I LOVE!  Can't wait to get the soundtrack.

I also loved the cast.  Anna Camp (I pretty much love every little role she gets), Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, and Rebel Wilson (she brings the LOLZ) were great, and Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening alum, hello!) has grown into a total hottie.  You gotta check it out!

Katy Perry: Part of Me!

So after work on a weekday, I grabbed some Pinkberry, hid it in my purse, and went to see Katy Perry: Part of Me at the movie theater.

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I thought it would be a fun romp, considering how much I've always loved her music.

Instead, I cried and cried.  Katy's movie isn't just a backstage pass to her concert tour and a timeline of her career like an E! True Hollywood Story.  It has raw emotion, and it is clear that Katy isn't playing a part, just being herself.

What made me cry?  Watching Katy's marriage end as her career is taking off, over the course of a year.  Watching her as she describes the dream lifelong relationships she wants, stresses about making it work across such distance but making huge effort, and then falling apart as thousands of fans are waiting to go on stage.  Some people watch their favorite singers and imagine what it's like to be them.  When I watched this movie, I KNEW what it was like to be Katy.  Because I went through the death of a marriage at the same young age, after the same huge hopes, and felt those same emotions.  As the tweens around me sang along and smiled, I wiped away tears as I saw Katy's pain.

But I also saw her resilience, and it all made me love her even more.  She, and her music, help me face every day... whether celebrating the good or persevering through the bad.

The Dark Knight Rises

Hello, friends.

Do yourself a favor and go see The Dark Knight Rises.  For real.

Sign me up for that Christian Bale - Anna Hathaway - Tom Hardy - Marion Cotillard - Joseph Gordon-Levitt sandwich.  Seriously, I'd marry it.

Too many spoilers to discuss.  Just know that you won't be disappointed.  And if you are, it's because you decided it was hipster and chose to be.

Better just to sit back and enjoy the 3 hours of intensity and Christopher Nolan genius... even if the casting looks like an Inception sequel, minus Leo.

Do it.

Ted... that movie with the raunchy bear.

I've been a movie-watching fool, I know... but that's summer!

Duke and I went to see Seth MacFarlane's new comedy, Ted... (you know Seth from such gems as Family Guy) also starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.

It's offensive.  It's ridiculous.  And it's kind of funny.

I mean, it starts off as this sweet little story... a lonely boy wishes his bear could be his best friend, and the wish makes the bear come to life.  But what happens after the adorable boy and bear grow up?  It's kind of this sweet romp about growing up and what it means.

But it's also vulgar.  NOT for those people who are easily offended.

I can't remember the last time I was in a movie theater where so many people were cracking up hysterically.  It was the perfect movie to see on a Friday after a full day at work, the perfect movie where you don't have to really think.  (Thanks to my pal VB for suggesting it!)

I didn't want to spoil the cameos, but there are a few, and they are memorable and fun.  If you're in the mood for a laugh, and you like things like Family Guy, you should check it out.  Expect to scratch your head at times, as randomness abounds... but it's nice to see something brainless every so often.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I have a thing for vampires... have I shared this before?  Not all vampires... I don't do Vampire Diaries and I quit watching True Blood (though I've read all the books).  For a while I read the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  But I love me some Anne Rice, some Joss Whedon Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and the graphic novel series that came out after show), and other vampire fare.  I even enjoy a little guilty Twilight every so often.

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Weird for a chick that doesn't like horror, right?

Anyways, I really wanted to see Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.  I've been a fan of the writer who came up with the mashup novel since he did Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.  Plus, Tim Burton was involved!  Win-win.

This movie got slammed in reviews, and after I saw it, I had NO IDEA why.  Because if you go into it without being overly serious, it's a really good time.  I kind of thought it was hilarious and dark at the same time, and a well-executed film.

But seriously, critics... what's not to like about Abraham Lincoln wielding a silver-tipped ax and taking out the undead while uniting a nation?  Hello.  If you like some fangs and action, and you're able to laugh off the obvious historical inaccuracy, see the movie.  It's fun.

And to echo what a few historians have said, something ridiculously fictional like this will lead people to want to know more about Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd, and even the Civil War... I support anything that gets people involved in history!

Brave

I have been very excited to see Pixar's latest feature, Brave, ever since I saw the previews.  Since Duke is a huge Pixar fan, I waited anxiously until his visit to see the movie, but allowed myself to read some of the articles about the film.

Wow... so many people slammed Pixar for the movie, saying it lacked plot, had an anti-feminist/feminist/gay agenda (seriously guys?  KIDS movie), and more.  But I went into it with an open mind.  (Except that I got stuck watching it in 3D... I always prefer 2D because I think the colors are more vivid, and 3D seems gimmicky to me.)

I loved it.  I laughed, and I cried.  Sure, there were the cheap kilt-joke laughs.  And the animation was in a different style than previous Pixar endeavors.   But I loved the mother-daughter story, which is what tugged at my heart.  It was so familiar to me, so relatable, and I wished I'd seen it with my Mom!

You should see it.  I'm getting it on Blu-Ray as soon as it's released!  And between Merida and Katniss, I feel the need to take up archery...

Magic Mike

Yes, I went to see Magic Mike.  My friend JK came into town, and we went giggling into the theater, ready to drool over Channing Tatum in all his shirtlessness.  And even though most of the theater was filled with women, I actually felt like the movie was seedy and gritty enough to appeal to men in the audience too... and it had some cred in being directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Truthfully?  It was just okay.  I mean, I could watch Channing Tatum dance around all day... and Matthew McConaughey was just incredibly and convincingly sleazy.

This movie reminded me of another star-studded scandalously-themed movie... Boogie Nights.  I think both Mark Wahlberg and Channing Tatum are great leading men in the films.  Both movies are kind of dark and more about the pitfalls and dangers of the respective industries.

P.S.  Could someone please make a YouTube video that just cuts together all of Channing's solo dances?  Thank you.

Snow White & the Huntsman

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I haven't been as much of a movie-goer as I used to be (though I did go see The Avengers), but I really liked Snow White and the Huntsman.

I don't like Disney's Snow White movie, despite choosing to dress as the princess for my half marathon.  She's a weakling, a sing-songy damsel in distress.  This isn't that Snow White.

Even though the title mentions the Huntsman, this movie is really about the women.  The deep, awesome character of Ravenna (played by Charlize Theron) is just intense.  It's possibly one of her best roles ever, and I hope she's recognized for it.  Kristen Stewart also impressed me as Snow White.  I guess I always felt she played the same person in her other movies, but here she really stood out in confidence.  (I never caught her biting that lip once!)

I really liked how they wove the Grimm Brothers story into the film, but also how they made Snow White into a badass princess.  There is magic, there are dwarves, and there's a poisoned apple.  But she's not going to give up; she's a survivor.  And even though there are people coming to her rescue, this Snow White only wants them as backup.  She knows it's her destiny, and she can put on armor and fight like the rest.

I didn't feel like this was the best movie of the summer.  But I was really entertained, and the film was just so excellently executed.  The detail in the cinematography was stunning, and the battles scenes were convincing.  I had fun, and that's what matters to me when I choose to see a movie in the theaters vs. on Netflix DVD.

On another note, has anyone else ever gone to see a movie on their own?  It's something I've been comfortable doing since I was a teenager; I even used to go see Broadway shows by myself in college.  While I do like having people to go with, a lack thereof never stop me from seeing doing I wanted to do.  But I've met people who say they're afraid to go alone!  If that's you, just do it.  There's nothing to fear.

P.S.  Did anyone else notice that Snow White's dress the in the beginning kind of resembled her Disney-fied dress?  The sleeves!

Vintage Patterns!

I recently purchased my first vintage sewing patterns!  I spent a few days scouring eBay and Craigslist, but didn't really find the perfect lot until a few days ago.  It found a sale of 30 patterns from the 1950s and 1960s.  I paid about $28, which is was a pretty good deal considering the patterns are actually in my size! I figured if I don't want all of them, I could sell them individually on eBay and possibly even turn a profit if I want.  I haven't been able to check them all for completeness, but I really hope to sew at least a few of these this year.

Here are a few of my favorites!

I want to make the version with sleeves, and I love the little bows! 

I love this illustration.  Separates!

The buttons on the back are one of my favorites.  I might have to learn to do covered buttons!

I haven't blogged much, but I had a great weekend!  I had a fun girls' night out at Jazz'd and Bar Bar on Saturday, and a great Sunday movie date to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (GREAT film!) and also some delicious Indian food.  Today is a lazier day, with a 1st birthday party on the agenda.  Then tomorrow I get to babysit that birthday boy while his parents pack up their house for a big move!  Busy busy busy, but that's the way I like it.  Doesn't it feel good at the end of the day to be all tuckered out and ready for an awesome night of sleep?  :)

A Very Merry Christmas

Runcible Reunion!  Baby C stole the show.

I had an amazing trip home to Bloomington.  It was short, but my days were so full it felt like I was there for longer!  I arrived on Christmas Day, and spent a relaxing evening at home with my parents.  (Watched the John Wayne 'Christmas with the Duke' marathon with Dad!) 

The next day, I met up with a group of high school friends at Runcible Spoon, a truly local and quirky little restaurant. It was so good to catch up, especially since I hadn't seen some of them in years!  Then I went home to help Mom with the preparations for our big family Christmas party.  My sister arrived that afternoon, so we were able to open our Christmas gifts!  I was very spoiled.... I got an iPad, clothes, and   more from my parents, and my sister went way overboard and got me an orange wool coat, Calvin Klein grey business suit, and a Kate Spade New York bag!  OMG!

 

The Christmas party was fun, and I had a lot of laughs with my relatives. It was strange not to have Grandma there; it was the first holiday without either of the Williams grandparents. I made my Dad a photo book of many old pictures I'd scanned over the past few months, and it was a hit.

 

Loss makes you appreciate what you have even more, and I was so happy to be with my family.  And the food was delicious! My Aunt DW made the sugar cookies I love, and my cousin AV even made my beloved pumpkin pie.  In my family, I think everyone believes I live on pumpkin pie! And I'm not complaining a bit. :)

My Family

Movie Night: The Help #TheHelpMovie @helpmovie

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Kathryn Stockett's first novel The Help is already a bestseller.  I read it last year and loved it...  The Help is the story of African-American maids working in the households of white women in Jackson, Mississippi during the volatile 1960s.  It's also the story of one of the white women, Skeeter, who isn't your typical Southern belle and who was essentially raised by her maid, Constantine.

It's a heartbreaking, emotional book, but also one that will make you laugh!  So when I heard they were making it into a movie, I was torn... would they ruin it?

Happily, they did NOT!  I went to see the movie last night with my girlfriends, and we all laughed and cried.

The cast was PERFECT.  Viola Davis as the steadfast, patient Aibileen, my beloved Emma Stone as Skeeter, and the INCOMPARABLE Octavia Spencer as Minnie were awesome.  Also, Bryce Dallas Howard was perfect as the evil Hilly, and she played it perfectly.  With this cast, you felt like Kathryn Stockett got to pick her exact 'dream team' of actresses for the film adaptation; these roles were written for them.  It had to help that the director is a childhood friend of Stockett; she was there every step of the way.

It's definitely a movie worth seeing, but I highly recommend you read the book first.  I really am of that camp that says the book is (almost!) always better than the movie, so pick up a copy before you head to the theater.

HARRY POTTER!!!

Yes, I wore this shirt.  You know you're jealous.

I FINALLY got to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in theaters!!!

My opinion?  I cried.  I cried for many reasons.  Because it was the last film, because I remembered what made me emotional in the books, because it was just the culmination of so much and so many years...

I do think that this is a movie that you can't watch without seeing at least Part 1.  I'll definitely be getting the collector's edition set of all the films and watching Parts 1 and 2 back-to-back, because I think it just kind of starts in the middle of everything.

I honestly thought they could have made some parts shorter and others longer... more of the battle, the deaths, the emotion.  I feel like there was so much and it was hard to put it all out there.  Translating from book to film is difficult, and I think the books will always be superior; the films are just an augmentation and something I appreciate as a companion to the novels.

I did worry a bit how they would do the whole '19 years later...' part of it.  I do think the actors did a good job portraying themselves as older (with the exception of baby-faced Bonnie Wright as Ginny, she just isn't a convincing matron!), and it was done well.  Kudos.

All in all, I loved it.  The most important part to me was everything involving Snape, and I felt it was done well.  I'll be seeing it again, and I'm happy.  Sigh... still can't believe it's all over.