Twilight...

Here it is, as promised. My "official" review of Twilight. Now, the first and most important thing to remember when choosing to attend any movie that is based on a book is that there is absolutely no way that a 2-hour movie can include everything from the book. (Which, in this case, is a 498-page novel.) Even Gone With The Wind veered dramatically from Margaret Mitchell's text - but that certainly didn't make it a bad movie. I absolutely love the entire Twilight saga (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, and the partial internet release of Midnight Sun). Even so, I chose to go into the movie with an open mind and an understanding that there was no way that it would be exactly the same.

Are there scenes in the movie that aren't in the book? Yes. Are there parts of the book that were omitted from the movie? Yes. Are there parts that I wish had been included? Or that I would have done differently? Certainly. Overall, I think that both the writer (Melissa Rosenberg) and director (Catherine Hardwicke) did a very good job of adapting the book for the big screen. The scenes in the movie that weren't in the book helped to quickly add background to the storyline, within the movie's time constraints. Because the story had to be condensed, some of the dialogue in the movie did not match the scene it appears in in the book. But, honestly, if I hadn't recently started rereading the book, I doubt that I would have even noticed. There were some awkward moments in the movie - points where Rob's facial expressions seemed a little over-the-top. But, there were also times where those same facial expressions absolutely made the scene - especially Edward and Bella's first biology class together. The scene could have been incredibly dark. I'm actually glad that the writer chose to approach it a bit differently. And, there were times where Kristen's approach to the dialogue wasn't exactly how I had "heard" it when I read the text. There were scenes from the book that were omitted completely from the movie - but are integral to the storyline in New Moon. One example is the scene where Edward takes Bella on a tour of his house. In the book, Edward takes Bella to Carlisle's study where they look at all of the paintings, and Edward shares his families' history with Bella. That was completely omitted from the movie (at least in the final cut). The Volturi weren't mentioned at all. If you've read New Moon, you know what an integral part they play in the second book. Also, I wish there would have been more of a focus on Bella and Alice's relationship. And, except for Edward, the Cullen family only plays a small, supportive roll in the movie. I wish they had been included more in the screenplay.

In a perfect world where there are no time constraints and unlimited budgets, I'm sure that both the writer and the director would have chosen to stay completely true to the text. However, that's just not reality. Overall, I think the movie was done very well and recommend going to see it. I'll even confess that I've already seen it twice. (And I know I'm not alone. ;) You might call me a fanatic. I'm okay with that.

Another thing that I'd like to mention is the soundtrack. It is incredible! It's all I've been listening to at work/in the car for the last 2 weeks. If you get a chance, click here to listen to samples of the songs. As most of you know, I usually listen primarily to country music. But I absolutely love the edgy, alternative feel of this soundtrack - especially the songs by Perry Ferral and Muse.

I think that about sums it up. I give Twilight the movie two thumbs up! Just keep an open mind, and I think you will, too. =)

Well, I think I'd better start thinking about getting some sleep now...see you later!

holy maccaroni!

Well, the long-awaited event has come and gone...and the movie was incredible! Both the writer who adapted the novel for the bigscreen and the director did absolutely wonderful jobs! I will post more tomorrow.

I'm finally starting to wind down - hoping to be able to fall asleep soon...

3 hours and counting...

Heather will be here soon. Then we'll finish getting ready and head to Showplace16 for the Twilight premier!! Of course, the temperature has dropped 20 degrees in the last couple of days, the wind has picked up, and it's supposed to snow. But, you know what? I DON'T CARE!!! Now, if you know me well, you know that I hate the cold - specifically the wind. THAT's how much I'm looking forward to this movie! Gotta go wash my hair so that I can finish getting ready - and all sparkly! ;) hehehe... Updates to come...

Some feedback, please...

My darling friend Tobi has inspired me once again. Over the last couple of years, I've had many people ask if I'd ever considered selling my cards/card kits online. I've always been hesitant to pursue anything like that. What if I invest "all this money" into making everthing and nobody buys them? Of course, it never dawned on me to start small. I didn't even think that was an option. And, I knew that ebay wasn't the forum for me. Just too much stuff to choose from. Then, someone introduced me to etsy. Finally, the crafters version of ebay!

Well, Tobi's opening of MidnightRooster has convinced me to seriously consider opening a store of my own. Now, this is where you, my friends, come in. I would like some honest feedback. What do you think? Is it something that would be worth pursuing?

Hope to hear from you soon! =)

just a quick update...

The weather has been so incredibly fickle lately. One day, it was nearly 80 degrees. A few days later, it snowed. And, it has rained for most of today. It's only 39 degrees out right now - and still raining. Blech! Where did fall go? Seriously. Isn't each season supposed to be 3 months long?

But enough about the yucky weather. I have some exciting news! Now, if you follow my friend Tobi's blog, you've probably already heard. But, just in case you haven't, I'd like to take this opportunity to announce a new addition to Etsy - MidnightRooster! You just have to check out her flowers! I've seen them in person, and they are so cute! Definitely worth the moolah. Best of luck, Tob! (Not that you'll need it! ;)

Oh, and before I sign-off for today, I just have to add: ONLY 12 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE TWILIGHT PREMIER!!! hehehe

When it rains, it pours.

No, I'm not referring to the weather. I had to take my car to the doctor yesterday (Thursday). It wasn't good. It was making sounds that no mechanical object should ever make. I had to treat my poor baby like a stick and shift into neutral at every light, keep my foot on the gas, then shift back into drive once the light turned green. It was more than a little nerve-racking. And, it reminded me that there is a reason why I don't drive a stick - my legs are just too darn short. Anyway, I started to imagine the worst - mostly because of the horrific sound the engine was making - a blown gasket, a cracked head, or even the transmission. Since I don't have any credit cards, I kinda started to freak out. And, except for a couple of recalls and the regular oil change, I've never had anyone but my ASE certified auto/diesel mechanic brother touch my baby. Since Eric lives over 3 hours away, I didn't have a local mechanic to take her to. However, I remembered that one of my college roommates, Lonnilei, and her family used to take their Volvos to a local shop, Rick's Auto on Jefferson in Mishawaka. So, I gave them a call and was able to take her in Thursday afternoon. Luckily, they also have $10/day loaners. That was another reason for my anxiety. How on earth was I going to get to work, get to PIT to prep for my class, etc.? (Please don't get me wrong. I love my life here in South Bend, but sometimes it really sucks to be so far away from my family.) Long story short, there were 3 codes that came up during the diagnostic. The one thing that had to be fixed was the bad injection coil. It was the reason why the car was not running properly. The other 2 things can wait for now. They are "just" sensors that need to be replaced. My new mechanic, Jeremy, fixed my baby girl. I was more than happy to return their loaner. Though the car ran great, it certainly wasn't the prettiest thing I've ever driven. It was/is an early 80's Dodge Spirit. 'Nough said. Poor thing doesn't even have a radio. :( Anyway, I got my baby back Friday afternoon - $450 later. I'm planning to spend some quality time with her on Sunday - giving her a thorough wash, wax, and interior cleaning. Here's to a better weekend! =)