On My Lists

My Least Favorite X-mas Movie

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:41:00 +0000

I'll say it, I don't like A Christmas Story. I think I have a specific sense of humor and this is the opposite of anything I think is funny. I don't know if it's because I'm female or what, I just don't get why everyone loves this movie so much.

Aside from the classic X-mas Movies, Jingle All the Way probably wraps up what I find humorous about Christmas. Specifically the scene where they play It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year as the shoppers go ape sh*t. Now that, to me, is funny in a very sad way.

Madman: A Novel by Tracy Groot

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:29:00 +0000

I've been pretty desperate lately to find a good book. I've been in the mood for something different than what I usually read. So, I combed the library's aisles and came across Madman: A Novel by Tracy Groot. The description read:

If there is a way into madness, logic says there is a way out. Logic says. Tallis, a philosopher’s servant, is sent to a Greek academy in Palestine only to discover that it has silently, ominously, disappeared. No one will tell him what happened, but he learns what has become of four of its scholars. One was murdered. One committed suicide. One worships in the temple of Dionysus. And one … one is a madman.

Well, I thought that sounded interesting. I didn't really pay too much attention to the fact that Groot writes religious books and I'm actually hesitant to say it because for people who don't read religious novels, myself being one, it can be off-putting. This book, however, didn't read like a religious book, or what I think of when I think of religious novels.

Quite the contrary, I don't think that I would have even thought it was religious until very close to the end. I mean, yes, there is a lot of philosophical discussion about good and evil but you're so enthralled with the story, that it doesn't feel preachy whatsoever.

I just really liked the way Groot wrote. It was a story unlike anything I've read in the past. I was hooked right from the start and the rest did not disappoint. I'd highly recommend it.

Twilight: New Moon Review

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Yes, me and my 32 year old self went and stood in line to watch New Moon with a bunch of teen girls. Surprisingly though, there was quite the mix of older people, many of which were in their 40's and 50's, men included.

As far as my review, I thought it followed pretty closely to the book. The changes that were made were good ones. Of course, there were little things that could be picked apart like the fact that Jacob was not towering over anyone, which I thought they might've made an effort to do with camera angles and such.

Another little thing that just seemed odd was how out of shape the other wolves appeared in comparison. I mean they elude to the idea that Jacob gets as big as he does because of what he becomes, but the other wolves, not so much.

Other than that, there's not much to say. There are so many previews out that you feel like you've already seen it by the time that you do. I mean one thing that bothered me is that, when I read the book, the fact that he turned to a wolf was a surprise, but they show it in all the previews. That sucked!

I will say that I thought it was a big step up from the first movie, but it does stand as a fan movie more than just a good movie. I know someone compared it to the new Star Trek movie that was out, that was good whether you were a fan or not and that's true because I liked that movie and am not a fan of Star Trek at all. With the Twilight movies thus far, if I weren't a fan, I don't think I would have thought anything special about the movies. If you are a fan though, you're gonna see it no matter what.

Couples Retreat, Law Abiding Citizen, & Gamer Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:51:00 +0000

My husband and I went and did something we haven't done for a couple years, since my son was born. We saw 2 movies in one day!

I knew I wanted to see Couples Retreat the first time I saw the trailer. Vince Vaughn & Jason Bateman, come on, that's comedy gold. It was a legitimately funny movie, with laugh out loud moments throughout the whole movie. Mind you, I'm not a laugh out loud person, so that's saying alot to have a consistent level of humor throughout.

I will say though, that I don't know if I would have thought it was so funny if I were not married because a lot of the humor comes from being relatable.

After I had set my sights on seeing Couples Retreat, I saw a trailer for Law Abiding Citizen and figured I had to see them both. With 300, Gamer, and now this under Gerard Butler's belt, he's fast becoming #1 B.A. actor of the moment. Thank goodness too because I didn't think much of him in The Phantom of the Opera. Action suits him much better.

As far as Jamie Foxx goes, after the whole Miley Cyrus comment, I don't care to see him in anything anymore. It's sad because I used to like him, but now I can't stand him.

That aside, this movie kicked butt. It really was good...good plot, good action. The ending could have been different for my taste, but I don't want to give anything away.

I can't not mention Gamer, now that I brought it up. Well, I saw Gamer with Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall a.k.a. ”Dexter” and I really liked it. Butler plays Kable, a death row inmate who is put into a "game" where he is controlled by a player, Simon, in order to try and gain his freedom. Hall plays Castle, the games inventor and the true puppet master.

The movie is shot very much like a shooter style video game and can get a little rough on the senses after awhile, but that is the only real con of the movie. Overall, this movie was full of pros, the first being the cast. Butler and Hall gave me something to watch while my husband enjoyed the action.

Though there was a lot of action, there was a real storyline as well. I was actually excited to see where it would lead, which can be a rarity with action films. I thought it ended well and was happy that I spent the money to see it, which is getting to be a rarity as well. I lucked out with all of these.

Girl Crushes and Guilty Pleasures

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Okay, so I have a confession, a few actually. While I am a married woman and, obviously have many crushes on men, occasionally I do have a girl crush. Don't get too excited, it isn't a lesbian thing. It's more like "if I were a guy, this is the type of girl I would date" thing. One of my old crushes was on Mya, who is now on Dancing with the Stars. I think she's pretty, of course, but she also seems like a genuinely nice, lovable, fun person.

Speaking of fun, this is where the guilty pleasure comes in. I'm almost embarrassed to say it, but I have become a fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I can't explain it, but I started watching because there was nothing else on and suddenly I'm hooked. The main reason, I think, is NeNe. NeNe is Fun with a capital F. I love her personality and it has developed into a girl crush for sure.

Finally, my biggest girl crush of all time is on Kate Moennig, or "Shane" from The "L" Word. This is tricky because Moennig is gay, but she looks so masculine to me that I don't even know how to categorize the crush. Frankly, I don't think I have to. It is just a crush after all.

Favorite Lyrics From Pearl Jam's Backspacer

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Pearl Jam, being my favorite band, I may be biased. Having said that, I think that even if you don't like Eddie's voice (as if that's possible) you have to respect the band's lyrics. Of course, that's just one reason, on a long list, why I respect them.

Lyrically though, they are on a different level. For the sake of this post, I'm going to focus on their new album, Backspacer. It is a short one, but it is still hard to pick a favorite song. So, if we're talking lyrics, which we are, Just Breathe is my favorite:

Yes, I understand that every life must end, uh-huh
As we sit alone, I know someday we must go, uh-huh
Oh I'm a lucky man, to count on both hands the ones I love
Some folks just have one, yeah, others, they've got none

Stay with me...
Let's just breathe...

Practiced all my sins, never gonna let me win, uh-huh
Under everything, just another human being, uh-huh
I don't wanna hurt, there's so much in this world to make me believe

Stay with me
You're all I see...

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me

As I come clean...
I wonder everyday, as I look upon your face, uh-huh
Everything you gave
And nothing you would save, oh no

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave...

Did I say that I need you?
Oh, did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
And I come clean, ah...

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Hold me til I die
Meet you on the other side...

It is just a beautiful, beautiful song that makes me think of my husband.

Favorite Patrick Swayze Movie

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:16:00 +0000

I was a big fan of Patrick Swayze when I was younger. I know he had many big hits, but I even liked his action movies, Point Break, Road House, Next of Kin. Not that they weren't likable but I was just a little girl when they came out. I don't know maybe that was my Dad's influence on me. I also liked Steven Seagal a lot back then too. So, when he dies, expect a post about him.

Once I got into my teen years, my girl crush on Patrick Swayze faded, but I always thought he was a good actor. Though he didn't get too many great parts later in life, he was in Donnie Darko, which I loved.

Still my favorite Patrick Swayze movie is definitely between Ghost, Dirty Dancing, and The Outsiders. I'll tell you, it is a super close race. They were all great.

I mean Ghost had a great cast, a great story, and a great ending.

Dirty Dancing was sexy and light-hearted and made you want to dance.

Then, we have The Outsiders. Also a great, great cast, though no one knew just how great at the time. Also a great story with a solid ending.

In fact, The Outsiders is my favorite. What sets it apart is the fact that I can watch this movie over and over and over and find something new every time. It is a true classic, of which Swayze was a very important part.

Favorite Stephen King Movie

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:44:00 +0000

Now this is for my favorite movie based on a Stephen King book and not the books themselves because, frankly I've probably seen more of his movies, than I have read his books. Mind you, I have read a lot of his stuff in the past, but not too much recently.

What got me thinking about it was that I just watched The Mist with Thomas Jane who was also in King's Dreamcatcher. Both movies, like most of King's stuff, could have been really good, but fell far from the mark.

Notice I say most because there's no denying he's had some great successes, which explains why we excuse the crap he puts out the rest of the time. Focusing on the good, there's the classics like, The Shining, Misery, Stand by Me.

Silver Bullet and Christine hold special places in my heart because my dad and I liked to watch them together. Those two, along with The Green Mile, Dolores Claiborne and Pet Sematary II are my personal favorites, but my all time favorite has to be The Shawshank Redemption.

I know it's almost like cheating because Shawshank doesn't even seem like a Stephen King movie, but it is based on his short story, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.

This movie is one I watch every single time it comes on. I don't even know why, but I love it that much. I'm guessing the cast has a lot to do with it. You can't really go wrong with Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. True they're both in a lot of movies, some not so great, but they are always likable. Even when they're playing bad guys, you forgive `em because you know they're good guys in real life.

It's just a great all-around story. Of course, I haven't read King's original story and don't know how much it differs but I'm betting the movie's better than the book and that is a rare thing.

Daytime TV

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:01:00 +0000

What has happened to daytime tv? I stopped watching soaps when my son was born, but I'm re-thinking that decision when I see what my other choices are. For one thing, what is with all the court shows? We've got, People's court, Judge Judy, Joe Brown, Alex, Christine, Karen, Jeanine Pirro. Apparently they give a show to any judge who asks.

Then there's Steve Wilkos from Jerry Springer with his own show, like anyone wanted that. Tyra Banks has a show, Bonnie Hunt has one...again, who asked for this?

Tyra, you're never gonna be Oprah. Oprah got where she is because there was a time when women could relate to her, before she became one of the richest people ever to exist. You, Tyra, are a model, no one can relate to you.

As far as Bonnie Hunt goes, I'm sorry, but she is about as boring as I can imagine a person being.

So, basically, stay-at-home moms are out of luck.

Expectations Not Met

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Expectations, we all have them. When we see a movie with our favorite actor, we expect to like it. When we hear our fav artist has a new album coming out, we expect to want to buy it and play it out. So what happens when our favs don't meet our expectations? It sucks. here's my examples:

The Happening by M Night Shyamalan. I love everything M. Night has ever done and then this comes out and it looked soooo good. I could not believe how wrong I was. I watched it twice thinking I must have been mistaken the 1st time. No, not only wasn't I mistaken, but I found myself asking the question "did he make it bad on purpose". It was so bad, surely there was a method to his madness. No matter how I try and justify it the whole thing was just horrible.

I did not love the second season of Flight of the Conchords which is really disappointing because I loved the first season with a passion. Honestly, the first season was some of the funniest stuff I have ever seen.

To their defense, they admitted they struggled to make a second season and thus it doesn't look good for a 3rd season. I'm disappointed because I was hoping they could redeem themselves, but I'm still a huge fan and will look out for their cd's in the future.

Pearl Jam's New Song

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Well, Pearl Jam's long awaited next album Backspacer is only a month away! Sept 20th 2009 to be precise. Mind you any length of time between albums seems long to me. They have released their first song "The Fixer" off the album and it is awesome of course.

Take a listen and don't be afraid to tell me what you think; unless it's bad, then be afraid, be very afraid.

Jeff, you rock!

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Okay, so I decided I'm going to divulge a guilty pleasure. Yes, I watch Big Brother and have since the beginning.

When I say "Jeff rocks", I'm referring to Big Brother's Jeff Schroeder, who had the balls to use America's Coup D'etat power. Not that I wanted Jessie gone, but it was an extremely smart move, though no one else would have had the guts to do it.

I was getting so sick of everyone saying "I'm gonna shake things up" and then do nothing. Jeff, however, put his money where his mouth is and I like that. I haven't been so excited watching an episode of Big Brother since Dr. Will Kirby was on. Will, you're still the best though, but you know that already!

Funny People Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Usually I do my reviews on my other blog, RnR Reviews, but I decided they might be more fitting here.

Most recently, I went and saw Funny People with Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann. I'm not usually an Adam Sandler fan, but my husband wanted to see G.I. Joe; and I was not about to sit in that sausage fest, so I decided to go see something else while he partook in some childhood fantasy. Honestly, timing wise, I didn't have a lot of options and thus, I was left with Funny People.

The one thing that gave me some hope going in was knowing that Judd Apatow had written it and I knew I'd liked some of his other stuff, Pineapple Express and Fun with Dick and Jane being a couple. Mind you, this was a small hope. After seeing this movie, however, I know the name Judd Apatow does not equal quality.

Talk about sausage fest, I have never heard so many references to men's junk as I did in this movie and I wish they said it that nicely. The language was just fowl and unnecessarily so. I mean some fowl language would have been fine, but this was overkill. Even James Taylor had a fowl mouth in this movie. That's crazy!

Once you get passed the language, which is hard to do, the movie didn't seem to have focus. It was like a man's idea of a heartfelt, meaningful drama and it missed the mark BIG time. I mean I shouldn't want the character to die, but I kind of did, especially toward the end. It was over two hours long and it felt like six. I don't know what the point was, but it made me question whether I should have seen G.I. Joe instead.

John Hughes Best

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:14:00 +0000

John Hughes passed yesterday and it leads me to question what was my favorite of all his works. While I liked Weird Science; Planes, Trains & Automobiles; She's Having a Baby; Mr. Mom, title of "the best" comes down to three movies:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off -A classic. Everyone who sees it loves it. My nephew is 20 and he watches it all the time. I think it was good, like so many of Hughes' movies, because it mimicked a high school fantasy. He'd take school experiences that we could relate to but make everything work out in the end-genius!

Now, there's a movie out about high school life every week, but he was the pioneer.

Mind you, not everyone was as adventuresome as Ferris; but most of us have skipped school and had escapades where we were scared we'd get caught in the end.

Pretty in Pink- Duckie, Blane & Steff, come on, those characters are so memorable and relatable too. The lovesick guy who follows the girl around who only wants to be friends. Of course, it all works out in the end though. Only in the movies.

The Breakfast Club - A phenomenal cast. I think it made people actually want to go to detention. People in detention usually don't end up bonding and paired up with a girl in the end, but that's the fantasy of it.

For me, and this was extremely hard because I like them each so much, I'm gonna go with The Breakfast Club. Truly, only by a smidgen.

Saddest Songs Continued

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:48:00 +0000

I recently posted on what I think is the saddest song ever, but here are some close runner ups:

Calling All Angels by Jane Siberry & K.D. Lang- Holy Jesus, this is a sad song if I've ever heard one. It makes me tear up every time I hear it.

My favorite part:

but if you could...do you think you would
trade it in
all the pain and suffering?
ah, but then you'd miss
the beauty of the light upon this earth
and the sweetness of the leaving

Inside Job by Pearl Jam- There are a few songs by PJ that are pretty "sad" but this is the song I listened to when my dad was dying and I'll tell you, for me, it doesn't get sadder. Specifically, I listened to the first half over and over. I know the words are actually quite uplifting, but the music in the beginning spoke to what my soul was feeling at the time. Every time I listen to it now, three years later, I am right back there and that's the power of music.

I thought I'd share the lyrics:

Underneath this smile lies everything
all my hopes, anger, pride and shame

make yourself a pact, not to shut doors on the past
just for today,... I am free

I will not lose my faith
It's an inside job today

I know this one thing well,...

I used to try and kill love, it was the highest sin
breathing insecurity out and in

Searching hope, I'm shown the way to run straight
pursuing the greater way for all,... human light.

How I choose to feel,... Is how I am.
How I choose to feel,... Is how I am.

I will not lose my faith
It's an inside job today

Holding on, the light of night
On my knees to rise and fix my broken soul

Again.

Let me run into the rain
To be a human light again

Let me run into the rain
To shine a human light today

Life comes from within your heart and desire
Life comes from within my heart and desire
Life comes from within your heart and desire

Favorite Deathcab For Cutie Song

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:28:00 +0000

I'm not sure why this is my favorite, but I just love it and I find myself listening to it more than any other Deathcab song. I put my favorite part in bold. Again, I don't know why that's my favorite part, but it is.

This Temporary Life

The morning sun's about to break
I'm looking in as you create someone
You lift your head and brush your teeth and make your bed
As if you won't sleep again

You fix your hair and tie your shoes
And tuck your shirt and now you feel new
The glass is full, the glass is broke
And every day dissolves and there's no hope

Of ever leaving this temporary life
Of ever leaving this temporary life

Life, life, life, life

You may ask yourself: is there anyone so alone
That there's no beep before the dial tone
When you pick it up to see who called
If there is, its probably your Mom

Oh the rising sun brings little change
To this city with a stolen name
And you're wondering who's bright idea
It was to pack your things and leave your friends and move Down here

The Last Airbender Preview

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Well, I saw the trailer for M. Night Shyamalan's new movie, The Last Airbender. Normally, I would be jumping for joy at the thought of a new M. Night movie, but after The Happening, I don't know what to think.

Here is the Synopsis:

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. In the old days, there was peace between the four nations of the world. The Avatar -- the spiritual and physical manifestation of the Earth itself -- kept peace between the the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Only the Avatar has the ability to manipulate all four elements, but one day, he simply disappeared. In the interim, the Fire Nation attacked, and for the last hundred years have carried out an all out war on the rest of the world. Now, for the good of the world, it's up to 12-year-old Aang (Noah Ringer), the new Avatar, to return peace and balance by putting his childish ways aside and mastering the four elements. Aang must accept his destiny by stopping the Fire Nation's war and defeating the Fire Lord for good.

I will say that Jackson Rathbone, Jasper from the Twilight series, is going to be in it and so I'm happy about that. I know I'll go see it, but I almost have to re-won over by M. Night. at this point.

Here's the trailer. Feel free to share your thoughts:

Artists Gone Too Soon

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:35:00 +0000

With Michael Jackson's death it makes me think about all the artists who were "gone too soon". Of course there are the obvious ones, like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, but here's some loses I mourn:

Jeff Buckley- I was into a different type of music when Jeff Buckley came out, but as I've gotten older, I can appreciate the beauty of his music. I really think he was special. I hate that he died before we got to see where he could have gone. Sadly, he drowned at only 31 years old. That's how old I am now...so sad.

Mother Love Bone's front man, Andrew Wood. Mother Love Bone's member's Stone Gossard & Jeff Ament later came together to form Pearl Jam after Wood overdosed on heroin.

When I was in high school I had a Mother Love Bone video I would watch every single day. Even though I love Pearl Jam like no other, Andrew Wood's death still saddens me.

Shannon Hoon from Blind Melon. I loved them, especially him. He had everything going for him. I wish it would have been enough. Unfortunately, for those who don't know, it was drugs...again. It's certainly nothing we haven't seen before, but I wish people would learn from other's mistakes. It can happen to you.

Favorite John Malkovich Role

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:00 +0000

I was watching Burn After Reading and it made me think about all the different roles John Malkovich has played. While he can play a belligerent a** like nobody else, he has also played one of my most loved roles ever, Lennie from Of Mice and Men.

Note I'm talking about my favorite John Malkovich role, not movie; though it may just be my favorite movie too now that I think about it. Yes, actually, Of Mice and Men is also my favorite John Malkovich movie.

His portrayal of that character was perfect. If a person were to screw up that role, the whole movie would be shot because it hinges on you loving that man. And oh, how we loved him. The vulnerability he showed was unparalleled. Yes, I know there's been dozens of great mentally challenged characters in movies. Sean Penn in I am Sam was also one of my favorites, but I think Lennie tops that.

When George goes off on Lenny and talks about how easy life would be without him and Lennie says, "If you don’t want me I can go off ... in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away any time.", man that kills me every time. It was so believable, I just wanted to sweep him up and console him. Now that's acting.

Saddest Song Ever

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:38:00 +0000

I was watching VH1's The Great Debate and for saddest song they had Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" vs. Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares To You". Really? Can they even be serious. Eric Clapton took it, thank goodness. VH1 would have gotten a letter of outrage if he hadn't.

I'm not even a big Clapton fan, but that song would probably be my pick for saddest song ever because of the reason behind it. I know there's been songs about loss. Heck, the blues and country music are based on it, not to mention emo, but losing a kid is definitely the worst thing that could ever happen to a person on this earth.

Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares To You" wouldn't even be in my top 100 saddest songs or any other for that matter. Though Prince did write it and I like me some Prince.

Of course, I do have some songs that are personally sad. Songs that remind me of my own losses that would also be up there, but they wouldn't necessarily mean anything to anyone else. In fact, I have a whole playlist dedicated to it. Now Adam Lambert is on there, which doesn't mean anything to me per say, but it fit within this list better than the others I've made. Enjoy!

HBO's Hung

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 +0000

HBO's new show Hung premiered last Sunday. Here's the premise: Thomas Jane (hunk from The Punisher) as a male gigolo. Looks like somebody's been reading my diary.

Seriously though, the premiere was just laying the groundwork for what I hope is going to be a good show. They didn't really delve into the good stuff just yet, but I'm waiting.

Thomas Jane seems like a good guy though he is married to Patricia Arquette still, I think. Apparently they've been up and down. Point being, she's odd. I mean I'm sure she's a good person and all that, but definitely eccentric and it makes me wonder about him a little.

Not that any of it matters, just a side note. Hung is on Sunday's @ 10pm, 9pm Central, right after True Blood!

# 1 best solo artist: Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:52:00 +0000

This is a re-post. #1 artist, King of Pop, whatever you want to call him, this man was a genius. Kids today don't know that there was a time when he was the biggest deal in the world. He was my generations Elvis. I idolized him as a child. It is truly a sad day. He will be missed.

Michael Jackson. Say what you will about Michael Jackson, but don't forget that there was a time when he was loved by all. Until I see some actual proof that he's done what they accuse him of, I still love him.

The way I see it, if he did do those things, the parents are just as much to blame. I know I would never settle for money if someone hurt my child.

About Michael Jackson as an artist, he is the best. He is inspirational to say the least. He can dance like no one else and I love his music...always have...always will.

Stephen King vs. Dean Koontz

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:10:00 +0000

So, who's the best thriller writer? For me, it used to be a very clear cut answer--Koontz took the prize. Now, however, I'm at a different phase of my life and don't read much of either anymore. I did pick up a book by Koontz most recently though and I really wasn't impressed.

It made me question if he was ever a good writer, or if I was just an immature reader, easily impressed in my younger years. I don't know the answer. I will say that Koontz still wins in my book because Stephen King is just not a good writer. He has awesome ideas. I do like his stories, but I don't like the way he tells them. He's crass and isn't good at editing.

I'm not against sex scenes in books by any means, but they need to make sense and King's never do, like with It, for instance. They're just there to be there and frankly, he is not good at writing them. So that's what I mean when I say he could be better at editing.

Koontz's biggest fault, for me, is the believability factor. While King puts it straight out there, this is fiction, Koontz will make a storyline very plausible but then something ridiculous happens and you're like "what?". Hideaway is a good example. Of course, it's a stretch that you'd die and link with someone else on your way back to life; but I'll go along. The ending, on the other hand, didn't work. I say this as a huge fan of that movie. I also really loved Intensity. I think I read that straight through without putting it down once. The movie of that one sucked!

Okay, so it seems like a lot of negativity from someone who's read tons of both authors books. Thus, on the positive side, I can relate to the way Koontz describes things. I know he's described things that I have experienced (nothing crazy) and he described it perfectly. With King, like I said, he has great ideas; and although I don't love his execution, I respect that his style is his own.

If anything, I think both authors give people hope that anyone can be writers. I think it goes without saying, but I'll do it anyway. The quality of both author's work might improve if they weren't pumping out so many books so fast.

Actors with Voices Continued

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Okay, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been added to my list of Actors with Voices. I had seen the movie August Rush when it first came out, but had forgotten about his singing voice until I recently heard one of his songs on Playlist.

Now, I know I didn't mention some more obvious people like Jared Leto from 30 Seconds to Mars, but he definitely belongs there as well.

Of course, I like to remember him like he was when I fist saw him in My So Called Life, more than how he is now. I know some girls just died a little inside after hearing that but they're probably too young to remember. Ooh, he was dreamy!

Exceeding Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (callmekelly) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:43:00 +0000

I've talked about opening acts who've surprised and amazed. Now, it's time to talk about bands I was aware of, who exceeded expectations. Mind you, these aren't going to be my favorite bands, hence low expectations.

Stone Temple Pilots- Actually, I do love Stone Temple Pilots, though I don't know that I would say favorite in reference to them. That being said, I thought they would put on a good show. However I was wrong--they put on a great show!

Scott Weiland is an awesome front man. Of course, he was probably high as a kite much like Elton John was when he was more of a showman. The fact of the matter is we never know who is or isn't high when they go out on stage.

Creed- Now I really liked Creed, but still, their concert over exceeded my expectations by miles. The energy in the crowd was intense. Everyone went crazy and though they were fairly new when I saw them, the crowd was like that of a band who'd been around decades. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you seriously need to go to a concert with decade old fans--It's amazing!

Bon Jovi-I saw them at some summer thing with tons of other bands. Wasn't excited for them, though I do like them. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how awesome they ended up being.

I actually think they were an example of how true fans can make a show because they were clearly loved by many.

DC Talk - I've been a big fan of DC Talk since I was 14, but I was reluctant to go to their show because I'm not a hardcore Bible thumper. Frankly, I was right to be afraid because when I got there, everyone was chanting "We love Jesus. Yes, we do..." and felt a little out of my element. That aside, the show was amazingly good.

Aaron Carter- Yeah, I said it. Don't judge me. I took my niece to see him and Jesse Mccartney and Aaron blew Jesse out of the freaking water. That boy put on a show. He was dancing and flippin and really entertaining. Jesse, however, made everyone wait a long time for him like he was a diva or something and he sucked!