Life of Larisa or LOL

res ur rec tion noun the action or fact of resurrecting or being resurrected. an instance of coming back into use or importance.  the act of rising again to life. I made it to the fifties.  I have read a "new to me" book, I have listened to a "new to me" podcast, and now I have watched a "new movie".  My fiftieth "new thing" was watching (and enjoying and being confounded once again) the latest installment of The Matrix .  What was once a trilogy, now has a fourth movie.  The Matrix Resurrections , the fourth (but I'm guessing not final) movie stars my beloved Keanu Reeves.  He is back again (resurrected) as hacker/computer programmer Thomas Anderson/Neo.  When I first took on the task of trying "52 New Things", I didn't look at it as a rebirth or resurrection.  I looked at it as a fun challenge and a chance to get back to journaling memories for posterity.  It has definitely been that, but it has also been transformative.  It h...

I haven't blogged about a movie in awhile. This one is actually worth it...in my Twilight fan opinion. Not even a new baby kept me away...well, it prevented me from the midnight show, but this morning I woke up ready for the challenge---and it wasn't. Zach was very well behaved. His first Twilight event (other than in utero and the DVDathon we had shortly after he was born). Of course I enjoyed part one of the last movie for the Twilight saga. Who doesn't like a wedding, a honeymoon, and a baby? There's some wolf on wolf action, some wolf on vampire action, along with some good laughs, fashion, and cinematography. I haven't read the book in quite some time so it was actually extra enjoyable not to spend the whole movie comparing it to the book. I'm sure they left things out. I'm sure they added a few things in, but for me it was just visual enjoyment. The theater was packed and I was happy that Zach didn't disrupt any of the other parents playi...

Freaky Friday meets Wife Swap (I know it's guys, not chics in the movie). I also know it's not the best concept for a movie, but it had two of my favorite actors, so I was able to gloss over the ridiculous pee in a fountain and switch lives with my best friend premise. Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds--great comedy duo. The Change-Up takes place in my hometown---Atlanta. Except, I didn't even recognize it! That is a sad commentary. I really must make it home one of these days. I was so happy to be in a non-kid movie yesterday. I didn't even need to indulge in popcorn and Reese's Pieces. I was also spared (for once) from obnoxious seat kickers. All of these factors made for a funny and enjoyable movie experience. Take one uptight lawyer family man (Jason Bateman) and one out of work, slacker, pot smoking, womanizing loser (Ryan Reynolds) and let them lead each others lives for a week or so, and this is the movie. No tricky CGI. No over the top action/advent...

The only good thing worth mentioning about this weekend? Taking Gabe to see the Smurfs Movie. It's always interesting, sometimes scary, to see what can become of your old childhood memories. Every Saturday when I was growing up, could be characterized by PJ's and Saturday morning cartoons. Pillsbury biscuits with molasses for breakfast, and the day was complete...well, at least the early morning anyway. Saturdays were also dance class day. But, back to the movie. My general rule about live action and animated movies is that they are bad. This movie worked though. There were a few bad CGI moments but hey, I can't do that stuff, so I better not be too critical. The plot was reasonable, and I was happy with the Smurfs that were chosen as the "stars" of the movie. Neil Patrick Harris (oh Doogie ) was a welcome addition to the modernized version of these classic little blue guys. Although I have been unsuccessful in getting Gabe interested in watching old...

I guess you are never too old for some "hunny" and a cute snugly bear. I was worried that Gabe (other than me as his escort) might be the oldest kid in the theater. But, no. The couple, as in man and woman in their thirties, sitting in front of us had no kids...they were on a Pooh date. Pretty cute. But not as cute as me and my date. This movie is more like an episode on t.v. By normal movie standards, this one is pretty short, but it wasn't lacking in wonderful animation, songs, and classic story telling. The real kids in the theater were laughing and giggling non-stop. A whole new generation of loyal Pooh fans began in that theater today. It's hard to believe that a movie starring an owl, a pig, a tiger, and a sad, sad donkey makes for the perfect date movie with your spouse, your kid, or a friend. Guess, that's why we all love Pooh. I recommend all ages seeing this movie...and bringing some "hunny" with you...you're gonna crave it by the ...

...was a bad movie. I was suckered. By the previews anyway. There were some seriously funny commercials associated with this movie. Too bad all those hilarious commercials were the only good parts of the movie. It was weird seeing Justin Timberlake as a nerd. How can the guy who "brought sexy back" play a weirdo nerd successfully? And Jason Segel, we get it...you are habitually the underdog who gets the girl. Move on. The movie had potential to be Hangover good, but it missed the mark due to poor casting---despite marketable stars such as Cameron Diaz. The only thing worse than Bad Teacher will be Bad Teacher Two. If you just need a cool place to sit for two hours though, I guess this movie will do, but you could always just go see Ryan Reynolds suited up in his Green Lantern outfit.

...was no substitute for Transformers 3. We spent all day trying to decide if it would be appropriate to take Gabe to see the third installment of the movie based on one of his favorite toys. We finally decide to go...and oops, I forgot it was opening weekend. A holiday weekend. There was a line around the outside of the building. No problem, they must be waiting for something else. We made our way to the trusty Fandango ticket dispenser and proceeded to get our tickets. SOLD OUT! And the only thing left? Monte Carlo. I didn't mind too much but I did feel bad for Isom and Gabe...it was deja vu from dragging them to see Prom all over again. They were the other two guys in the theater. It wasn't a bad movie...or a good movie. It was a Selena Gomez version of Parent Trap---two of her, some tricky camera work, some European cities mayhem (and by mayhem, I mean a botched Polo match, a few fallen mopeds...). It's a perfect pre-teen movie. Little girls twelve and un...

Summer is half way over and I have finally taken Gabe to a kid friendly movie. At least I got around to it eventually. After spending a morning getting pelted by the world's finest sand in Lanikai and dodging Portuguese Man of War, we decided to spend the afternoon at a less stressful, less sunny venue. It has been five years since the first Cars movie. I think it was one of the first movies I took Gabe to see. We liked it and for a year at least, he had a whole lot of Cars paraphernalia---lunch box, t-shirts, water bottles, wallet, toys. You name it, he had it. I see that the marketing is just as bad this time around too. Luckily we are somewhat out growing that stage. But not enough to pass the movie by. Packed with adventure, action, and some light "car on car" violence, this movie had a well thought out plot, depth of characters (considering it was an animated flick), and that special mix of that Pixar has perfected of laughter for the kids and entertainment ...

So it was the third movie we saw in one week...at the actual movie theater. It is a nice alternative to getting sunburned at the beach. I don't usually like movies with animals as co-stars. Animals are not actors to me. However, this movie (based on a children's book as I understand) was better than most movies starring animals. Maybe I only like penguins with their cute little black and white suits. Who knows. The story line was cute and appropriate for both adults and kids (I'm redeeming myself from the Super8 mishap). The movie featured comic genius Jim Carrey (who toned it down and wasn't so overly Jim Carrey, a.k.a obnoxious) and screen legend Angela Lansbury...who apparently can't get away from solving mysteries. I would recommend this movie as an alternate to the Judy Moody flick. Popper's Penguins are amusing, cute, lovable, and cool---it was a refreshing way to spend a hot summer afternoon---wishing I were a penguin.

I wanted Judy Moody (we'll just call it that since the entire title is ridiculously long) to be a much cuter film than it was. I spent the majority of the time wanting to reach through the screen and brush that little red heads hair. Judy Moody is a quality piece of work---if an eight year old wrote, directed, and filmed it. But, I get the feeling that wasn't the case. Gabe loved it. It was made for his ultra silly sense (well, I think NO sense of humor) of humor. He really thought it was the best...so good thing we saw Super 8 the day before so he could have some idea of what a GOOD movie is all about. I can't let his taste in movies be Judy Moody...I will feel I have failed as a parent. Super 8 was a whole lot of not appropriate, but it reminded me so much of great Spielberg movies of the past, that I lapsed in parental judgment for two hours and decided a few four letter words, as long as I covered Gabe's eyes during certain scenes, was totally acceptable. We...

Summer of comedy. First Bridesmaids, and now The Hangover Part 2. And yes, it is as funny as the first. It might even be funnier, just for the fact that you know these characters from the first movie. I don't want to spoil too much from the movie, but I will say that two supporting characters from the first movie do make appearances again in this movie---you'll have to go to see who. The trio of the careful Dentist, the hot married teacher, and fat Jesus are all back (minus a baby...plus a monkey) and up to no good. This time around the boys find themselves in Thailand with no memory of their debauchery from the night before...and that is where the adventure begins. Throw in some gross out moments, some Russian bad guys, some over the top nudity, and you've got yourself another hangover. I do think they will be pushing it to do a third installment, but I love these movies so much, you'll probably find me sitting in for part 3...

I didn't think I would like the fourth installment of this mega franchise. I am not a huge fan of sequels (except for Twilight stuff) to begin with and by the time you get to four? Forget it! But, I was surprised. Maybe because it is so adventuresome and based on nothing more than a ride at Disney, it has the freedom to wander and maintain interesting characters---whether they are dead or alive. I was surprised at how unimpressed with the Hawaii footage I was. It was a well done movie---acting, directing, cinematography, but it could have been on a movie set for the little bit of Hawaii presence there seemed to be. Gabe enjoyed the swashbuckling. I enjoyed Johnny Depp, Keith Richards cameo, and the humor. Penelope Cruz was not bad either. It is a long movie, over two hours, but we both stayed awake and didn't even have popcorn and candy as an excuse. Tonight I may need to go back and re-watch the first three. Aargh, I'm in pirate mode.

Genius is often misunderstood. I should know. Smile. I was a fan of Morgan Spurlock's other well known movie---Supersize Me. I didn't eat McDonald's for months after that. I wish I could say that I won't watch t.v. or movies and notice all the "evils of advertising" after watching this movie, but there are some things that just can't be done...unless we lose power for a month. As a documentary film maker, Spurlock already has qualities that I admire in any artist/film maker---he is obviously motivated and interested in making a point on something he is passionate about, not just churning out crap for the sake of making millions of dollars. The premise of the film is a behind the scenes look at what it takes to make a blockbuster film in America these days. The answer, advertising and marketing. Branding. Linking your ideas/brands with another bigger, richer company to get to the masses. So, this is what The Greatest Movie Ever Sold does. The ent...

I can't remember the last time I saw an all woman ensemble comedy. The women of SNL have made a memorable, laugh out loud movie almost on par with The Hangover (possibly the funniest movie ever). So, I'd say to come close to that is success. There was actually way more plot to the movie than I expected. Be prepared for a few grosser than gross moments...but only in the movie and not from the audience like my experience. Here's a tip for those suffering from Tuberculosis. If you have TB, watch movies on DVD. Don't infect and distract other movie goers please. My TB audience member decided hacking up a lung and two hours worth of phlegm was a good idea. He also thought spitting indoors was appropriate. Yum. So, as long as there is no grosser than gross movie goer in your theater, you should be good to go. And for those who love Mad Men, there's a nice cameo from Jon Hamm. Coming off of being a bridesmaid in my friend Jeannine's wedding last year, I mus...

...was spent with my favorite people doing my favorite things---me, Isom, and Gabe at the movies. I dragged them to see the cheesy Disney movie PROM...after they baked me fresh, delicious homemade blueberry muffins for my Mother's Day breakfast. Luckily, I had the day off from work (of all kinds) and relaxed and enjoyed the most perfect card from Gabe. Homemade muffins, homemade card...a day spent mostly at home, feeling at home with my wonderful boys. And baby boy must have been feeling at home as well...he kicked all day (a gift also)...even more proof I was completely relaxed on my special day.

So, John Krasinski, you know, that guy from The Office, stole the movie. If it weren't for him, I might not have laughed at all. I read this book several years ago for my original book club because the author went to college with one of my friends in the book club...small world. I enjoyed the book because it was a love triangle of people from my age group. The movie did a good job capturing all that I loved (and could remember) from the book. With Kate Hudson as Darcy, she was much more lovable than I remembered. And let's just say the newcomer who played Dex, very fun to watch. There's no mystery or shock in this love and friendship gone bad story, but it's obviously a classic storyline for a reason...everyone can relate to at least one of the characters. The book is interesting...told from Rachel's (Ginnifer Goodwin) perspective and followed by the sort of sequel Something Blue (told from Darcy's perspective). So, I'm wondering...do we have more t...

The perfect quirky comedy. With a little life lesson and two tears thrown in. Before watching Arthur , I wasn't sure if I hated Russell Brand or not. But, he found his niche in this movie. It's been thirty years since the original Arthur starring Dudley Moore. Russell Brand found a way to make the character his own and not deflate the original all at the same time. The character/actress I did find irritating was Jennifer Garner. After all this time of being considered the girl next door actress, I have decided she is the girl you want to forget. Good thing her husband has a bit more talent, otherwise they'd starve. Helen Mirren, always a class act, had remarkable chemistry with Russell Brand and the two of them carried the offbeat comedy. Although you could probably wait until this one comes out on DVD, I think you'll find it a great addition to the Netflix queue. To get in the spirit of the movie, you could enjoy it with a stiff drink while taking a bubble ...

I liked Disney's The Lion King better. That at least had some catchy songs. I fell asleep for a few minutes during this film. I don't think it was due to the movie so much as pregnancy, but even Gabe seemed a little bored. I guess we both need more excitement or plot in our movies. The scenery was breathtaking and of course the documentary style movie was informative. Gabe had fun naming all the animals that came on screen. There were a few endearing moments with the cheetah cubs. Overall, I'd say I could skip out on another movie like this though. I just can't get excited about animals. I did like the narration by Samuel L. Jackson, he put a soulful touch on the wild cats. I also enjoyed the comedic touch at the end...but you'll have to go see it to find out about it. Or, if you're like me, you'll be fine to never watch this movie and therefore never know about the ending. This movie was so unimpressive to me, that I have nothing to say or writ...

Even a Twilight fan like me was worried that this movie, based on the best selling novel of the same name by Sara Gruen , would be ruined by Rob Pattinson . I haven't hit my head. I was sure of his likability factor. I was sure of his, for lack of a better word, hotness. I was sure he was not a good actor ... but wait , I have been proven wrong. I enjoyed this movie---mostly in part to the wonderful job Rob Pattinson did in bringing Jacob Jankowski to the big screen. The acting was good...all around. The plot stayed relatively true to the story in the book, therefore captivating me from the opening scene. This isn't a happy go lucky film or overtly romantic, but it was a story told in a way that seemed refreshing and unique. And in a place and time that I am not familiar---early thirties and a circus. Just as the author brought the characters to life in the book, so too, did the director and actors in this film. I'm even ready to see it again. If you enjoyed the bo...

I didn't particularly like this movie. It was a little too hokey and religious for my personal taste. I haven't forgotten that it is based on a book, that is based on a real person's life---a person that obviously has been through a lot, but if she can survive a shark attack, I'm sure she can survive one mom saying "this movie was kind of junk". I remember when Bethany Hamilton was in the news...we had just moved back to Hawaii with our three month old baby (talk about traumatic). While I do love a good underdog story, and stories of of beating insurmountable odds, this story was out of the realm of what I could relate to. I'll never be a soul surfer. I'll never be someone who can't go a day without getting in the ocean. While I can relate to obsession (food, for example), other than choking or carrying around a little extra weight, my obsession won't be getting me maimed or injured (famous last words). I am glad there are positive movi...