Last weekend, Gabe and I were able to get away for a couple nights by ourselves (Thanks Mom and Rennea!) I pricelined it again, and this time ended up with two nights at the Bellevue Hilton for $74/night. I thought that was pretty good, and we were excited to go! We arrived and felt like we were at a mini-Vegas, with a coffee shop, gift shop, and restaurant inside.
On the way home we discussed the differences between paying more for "nicer" rooms (they really were lovely- soft beds, soft pillows, soft towels... lots of room) versus less for more average rooms (although most of the time now they have mini-fridges and/or microwaves, where the Hilton didn't) and free hot breakfast. It seems that the more average hotel chains have to compete more for our business, so they really end up being the better deal, depending on how much you value soft towels and pillows...
We decided next time we'll go for the 3 star line and expect more for less, especially since we always bring our own pillows anyway! The sad part was that we slept in so late both days we weren't able to go out for breakfast- Gabe felt cheated on our weekend away because he didn't get a hot breakfast, so we had French Toast for dinner last night :-)
Oh, and by the way- Inception was a GREAT movie! Different plot, good acting, unpredictable... we really enjoyed it!
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Avatar: Yes. Go see it. In the theater. In 3-D if you are able...
Out of 5 stars, I would give this one 4 1/2. It was fun. It was sad. It was eventful. The picture was amazing. Worth the money to see it, which is MUCH more than I'd say about most of the movies nowadays!
I refrain from 5 stars simply from personal preference. A little language, a "mating" scene (not sex... but.... obviously meant to be such), some chanting that actually made me feel uncomfortable. But all on the barely noticable side, other than the chanting. And no "F" words. Phew!
A few things that I brought away from the movie were these:
1. The beauty of the night scenes were seriously intense. Absolutely gorgeous. Stunning. Loved it. My thoughts took this turn: Our eternity with Christ will be more than we can imagine. This movie was imagined by a human mind... We serve an amazing, mind-blowing, God!
2. A paraphrased quote from the main character went something like this: "Reality seemed to be a dream, where my dreams had turned to reality." It reminded me that this world is merely a shadow of what is to come. God's work in our every day is so much more epic than we realize, eternity is at stake.
3. Part of the plot was that the bad guys were going to kill the native's deity, and the good guy was pleading for help from that deity, claiming that the bad guys had killed the "mother" on their planet. Consider how "dead" God is to so many today, and what a difference He makes in our lives who know Him.
Great movie, and I left feeling oh so blessed, although I highly doubt that was the intent of the writer! ;-) But He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world....!!
I refrain from 5 stars simply from personal preference. A little language, a "mating" scene (not sex... but.... obviously meant to be such), some chanting that actually made me feel uncomfortable. But all on the barely noticable side, other than the chanting. And no "F" words. Phew!
A few things that I brought away from the movie were these:
1. The beauty of the night scenes were seriously intense. Absolutely gorgeous. Stunning. Loved it. My thoughts took this turn: Our eternity with Christ will be more than we can imagine. This movie was imagined by a human mind... We serve an amazing, mind-blowing, God!
2. A paraphrased quote from the main character went something like this: "Reality seemed to be a dream, where my dreams had turned to reality." It reminded me that this world is merely a shadow of what is to come. God's work in our every day is so much more epic than we realize, eternity is at stake.
3. Part of the plot was that the bad guys were going to kill the native's deity, and the good guy was pleading for help from that deity, claiming that the bad guys had killed the "mother" on their planet. Consider how "dead" God is to so many today, and what a difference He makes in our lives who know Him.
Great movie, and I left feeling oh so blessed, although I highly doubt that was the intent of the writer! ;-) But He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world....!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Defiance: My opinion :-)
PluggedIn Online Review Here
Gabe and I both thought this movie was definitely worth seeing. It is rated R- for war time violence and language. The violence was not as bad (read: gory) as many war movies I have seen- I was not terribly uncomfortable like I normally am. And the language was there, but often in a foreign tongue and subtitles-- and it wasn't every other word, so again, I wasn't uncomfortable like usual. (I don't like language, gory violence, or sex. That's what makes me squirm and dislike the movie. No thank you.)
That said, this is still an uncomfortable movie to watch. It's based on a true story- a band of Jews hiding and running, and surviving, in the forest for 3+ years during WWII - and the Holocaust is very far removed from being easy entertainment. There are scenes which are extremely difficult, but good to examine as "Well, what would I have done? How could this situation ever be handled properly? What is proper when you are fighting for survival?" I ask these questions because of what I mentioned in my previous post- that this movie was very thought provoking because of the future that we believe lies ahead of us.
Imagine having to survive on the run. Imagine surviving outdoors in winter. Here, it's below freezing all the time, day and night. And numbers adding to your provision daily....
As Christians in America, we believe it is foolish to think that we will forever avoid severe persecution. In much of the world, an individual will be killed for believing in Christ. We may think it won't happen here, but when examining the possiblities it should be considered. It is becoming more and more politically INcorrect to be a Bible believing Christian. Throughout history, various groups have been segregated and killed for negative circumstances, whether war, famine, poverty, economic decline, etc... not to mention their race or religion. And it is certainly not uncommon now. Numbers show that more Christians have been killed in the 20th century worldwide than in all previous centuries since the cross combined. It won't take much antagonism- look at how frightening the riots and protests were in CA after "same-sex marriage" was banned by voters. Tighten the cinch a bit, especially in more sensitive areas, and we'll see more drastic measures.
Consider the future. Consider your family. And be prepared, come what may.
Gabe and I both thought this movie was definitely worth seeing. It is rated R- for war time violence and language. The violence was not as bad (read: gory) as many war movies I have seen- I was not terribly uncomfortable like I normally am. And the language was there, but often in a foreign tongue and subtitles-- and it wasn't every other word, so again, I wasn't uncomfortable like usual. (I don't like language, gory violence, or sex. That's what makes me squirm and dislike the movie. No thank you.)
That said, this is still an uncomfortable movie to watch. It's based on a true story- a band of Jews hiding and running, and surviving, in the forest for 3+ years during WWII - and the Holocaust is very far removed from being easy entertainment. There are scenes which are extremely difficult, but good to examine as "Well, what would I have done? How could this situation ever be handled properly? What is proper when you are fighting for survival?" I ask these questions because of what I mentioned in my previous post- that this movie was very thought provoking because of the future that we believe lies ahead of us.
Imagine having to survive on the run. Imagine surviving outdoors in winter. Here, it's below freezing all the time, day and night. And numbers adding to your provision daily....
As Christians in America, we believe it is foolish to think that we will forever avoid severe persecution. In much of the world, an individual will be killed for believing in Christ. We may think it won't happen here, but when examining the possiblities it should be considered. It is becoming more and more politically INcorrect to be a Bible believing Christian. Throughout history, various groups have been segregated and killed for negative circumstances, whether war, famine, poverty, economic decline, etc... not to mention their race or religion. And it is certainly not uncommon now. Numbers show that more Christians have been killed in the 20th century worldwide than in all previous centuries since the cross combined. It won't take much antagonism- look at how frightening the riots and protests were in CA after "same-sex marriage" was banned by voters. Tighten the cinch a bit, especially in more sensitive areas, and we'll see more drastic measures.
Consider the future. Consider your family. And be prepared, come what may.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
WALL E
This movie was sooo cute! We took Melia to go see it tonight, and had a great time! She didn't really understand what was happening, mainly because she doesn't know what a robot is.... But Gabe and I were laughing out loud!
I would give this movie an A+! Clean and funny entertainment!
I would give this movie an A+! Clean and funny entertainment!
Friday, August 1, 2008
What Fun!
Ok, I know I already said goodbye for a week, but I just had to share about my fun date night last night!
My friends Brooke, Karalee, Lynn, Alicia, Joy and I went to see Mamma Mia together, and it was an absolute blast! We had a great girls' night, and the movie was hilarious! At first I thought, "Am I really seeing this? Dramatic dancing and singing? Oh my...." But after I gave myself permission to laugh out loud at the funny antics and singing, I loved it. I think I will probably buy it!
Although I have to say, I will never look at Pierce Brosnan the same way again.... Never!
:-) Thanks girls for a great night! Can't wait for next time!
My friends Brooke, Karalee, Lynn, Alicia, Joy and I went to see Mamma Mia together, and it was an absolute blast! We had a great girls' night, and the movie was hilarious! At first I thought, "Am I really seeing this? Dramatic dancing and singing? Oh my...." But after I gave myself permission to laugh out loud at the funny antics and singing, I loved it. I think I will probably buy it!
Although I have to say, I will never look at Pierce Brosnan the same way again.... Never!
:-) Thanks girls for a great night! Can't wait for next time!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Day Seven: My birthday
Thank him for doing a simple task today.
I did not do this. But I did thank him many many times for giving me such a great birthday! Do you suppose that is worth half credit? :-)
Here are the highlights:
He came home from work with whip cream and strawberries-- Helped me make a pancake and eggs breakfast. Then, he had to go to sleep. But my mother-in-law called; she and my sis-in-law wanted to take me out to a birthday lunch. I chose Country Boys, a fabulous BBQ place in the next town. Gabe and I LOVE this place, but we only go when we are out there, maybe 2-3 times a year. The fun part was that they had never eaten there! And, of course, they loved it. I don't know anyone who doesn't. After lunch we stopped by the Sleepy Hollow Nursery to drool. And drool we did! I learned that the shrubby-tree I wanted is called a Hinoki, and they are not cheap. But they are very cute. We did buy some roses and some summer blooming heathers- Just darling, I will share pictures soon. Then we came home for 1.5 hours before heading out again!
We dropped the girls off with my parents and grandparents, then Gabe and I went to see the Bucket List. It was good- not exactly spiritual or Christian-based, but a pretty lighthearted look at a serious time of life. Then we went to Garlini's-- another favorite. To say the least, I ate well on my birthday!
Then we stopped at Costco for a quick sugar/flour stockpile run. With Gabe joining the Rubicon, we are definitely moving in the direction of being more prepared for what things may come. We are barely scratching the surface, but moving in the direction none the less.
And then, DQ for some yummy ice cream. Like I said, I ate well. :-)
I did not do this. But I did thank him many many times for giving me such a great birthday! Do you suppose that is worth half credit? :-)
Here are the highlights:
He came home from work with whip cream and strawberries-- Helped me make a pancake and eggs breakfast. Then, he had to go to sleep. But my mother-in-law called; she and my sis-in-law wanted to take me out to a birthday lunch. I chose Country Boys, a fabulous BBQ place in the next town. Gabe and I LOVE this place, but we only go when we are out there, maybe 2-3 times a year. The fun part was that they had never eaten there! And, of course, they loved it. I don't know anyone who doesn't. After lunch we stopped by the Sleepy Hollow Nursery to drool. And drool we did! I learned that the shrubby-tree I wanted is called a Hinoki, and they are not cheap. But they are very cute. We did buy some roses and some summer blooming heathers- Just darling, I will share pictures soon. Then we came home for 1.5 hours before heading out again!
We dropped the girls off with my parents and grandparents, then Gabe and I went to see the Bucket List. It was good- not exactly spiritual or Christian-based, but a pretty lighthearted look at a serious time of life. Then we went to Garlini's-- another favorite. To say the least, I ate well on my birthday!
Then we stopped at Costco for a quick sugar/flour stockpile run. With Gabe joining the Rubicon, we are definitely moving in the direction of being more prepared for what things may come. We are barely scratching the surface, but moving in the direction none the less.
And then, DQ for some yummy ice cream. Like I said, I ate well. :-)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Movie Review: The Business of Being Born
I loved this documentary. I think every woman should watch it, especially if she is going to have children. If you already have been dissatisfied with your birth experience, you might want to avoid. Too much stress over what cannot be changed.
Now, let me clarify something first. I know that what happened with Melia's birth happened for a reason. My Father had a talk with me two years later (it took me that long to be open to the answer) and it is part of my whole pride-"I-Can-Do-This" issue. But what gets me all riled up is that I am not "allowed" to try to labor with my following births. I know this is a local thing, but it is so unfair and truly pointless that I can barely stand it. (Insurance issue with the hospitals)
Back to the review. While this film may seem to be pretty one-sided, I did notice that they gave full credit to the ability of doctors to save lives in the proper situations. I appreciate that, because it is very important. However! Most births can be a very natural and beautiful process, not one that requires emergencies to be created out of normal, albeit hard, labors. Real Live Example Here. The film also explores the role of midwives and dispell the myths surrounding their profession. The section which went over how midwives' reputations and abilities were tarnished was especially interesting to me, although not suprising.
Tammy's unbelievable birth story is a great example of what could have been viewed as an speedy birth emergency, but rather theirs was a quiet, intimately personal experience!
I am definitely one of the believers that say we have lost touch with an experience that God gave to us as women-- not to mention the amazing ability of our bodies to perform a nearly impossible feat! He made us this way and told us to multiply!
Note:
Gen 3:16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. I personally do not know what I agree with regarding this verse. Labor is painful, this is fact, although this depends on one's perspective! But the birth of a child is also one of the highlights of a mother's life. So, honestly, I have no problem believing that a portion of our curse is pain in labor, but from the testimonies of women who labor naturally and love it... my only response is that I just don't know.
I hope enough women view this film who want to scale this mountain, who want the natural, surreal birth, who want that exceptional hormone cocktail (!), that we can take a stand and tell the medical world to educate themselves on what it means to birth instinctively, and to be able to offer support to these scores of women and the midwives who serve them. Amen.
Note: Nudity in the course of recorded labor and birth.
Now, let me clarify something first. I know that what happened with Melia's birth happened for a reason. My Father had a talk with me two years later (it took me that long to be open to the answer) and it is part of my whole pride-"I-Can-Do-This" issue. But what gets me all riled up is that I am not "allowed" to try to labor with my following births. I know this is a local thing, but it is so unfair and truly pointless that I can barely stand it. (Insurance issue with the hospitals)
Back to the review. While this film may seem to be pretty one-sided, I did notice that they gave full credit to the ability of doctors to save lives in the proper situations. I appreciate that, because it is very important. However! Most births can be a very natural and beautiful process, not one that requires emergencies to be created out of normal, albeit hard, labors. Real Live Example Here. The film also explores the role of midwives and dispell the myths surrounding their profession. The section which went over how midwives' reputations and abilities were tarnished was especially interesting to me, although not suprising.
Tammy's unbelievable birth story is a great example of what could have been viewed as an speedy birth emergency, but rather theirs was a quiet, intimately personal experience!
I am definitely one of the believers that say we have lost touch with an experience that God gave to us as women-- not to mention the amazing ability of our bodies to perform a nearly impossible feat! He made us this way and told us to multiply!
Note:
Gen 3:16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. I personally do not know what I agree with regarding this verse. Labor is painful, this is fact, although this depends on one's perspective! But the birth of a child is also one of the highlights of a mother's life. So, honestly, I have no problem believing that a portion of our curse is pain in labor, but from the testimonies of women who labor naturally and love it... my only response is that I just don't know.
I hope enough women view this film who want to scale this mountain, who want the natural, surreal birth, who want that exceptional hormone cocktail (!), that we can take a stand and tell the medical world to educate themselves on what it means to birth instinctively, and to be able to offer support to these scores of women and the midwives who serve them. Amen.
Note: Nudity in the course of recorded labor and birth.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Movie Review: Jumper
Wow... how do describe?
Fun to watch, not fun to finish. I mean it had a fun storyline, plenty of fun action, special effects, but when it is over you are left with LOTS of questions. The plot is severely underdeveloped. Severely.
(And Rachael Bilson is shockingly skinny. IMHO. Put a little meat on that girl.)
Rent it if you want, but I do not recommend spending the money at the theatre. (No, we didn't. We used our free tickets from Safeway!)
Fun to watch, not fun to finish. I mean it had a fun storyline, plenty of fun action, special effects, but when it is over you are left with LOTS of questions. The plot is severely underdeveloped. Severely.
(And Rachael Bilson is shockingly skinny. IMHO. Put a little meat on that girl.)
Rent it if you want, but I do not recommend spending the money at the theatre. (No, we didn't. We used our free tickets from Safeway!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
