For the first time in a long time, I was very excited about watching the Oscars. It used to be a thing when my daughter was young. We’d plan finger foods and I’d let her stay up on a Sunday night while we watched awards show. In advance, we’d try to watch as many of the nominated movies as we could so we could feel invested in the awards.
That tradition fell away. Life happened, but also movies didn’t grab us the same way they used to. Something changed or maybe we just got older and the magic faded. Last night’s Oscars was something I was invested in because of one movie.
My family and I watched this together. When the credits rolled at the end, I turned around to my family excited as I hadn’t been in a long time and asked them what they thought. “Mom, it’s weird.” “Hot dog fingers?” “Good acting, but too many things going on.” Ever since that first experience, I’ve been the silent super-fan, stalking the awards shows (Golden Globes, SAG) because I knew this one was special. Hot dog fingers? Why not? Weird? Hell, yeah. A gazillion threads all stitched together to make a movie that reveals something new to me in every scene every time I watch it. I bought a DVD copy so I could rewatch it whenever I want. And you need a big screen to catch the details, the clues they laid about what was coming.
So, last night, I watched the red carpet with my dd, critiquing the dresses and drooling over the hotties (did you see Idris?!). When the Oscars was set to come on, my cable went from ABC to something else. Nooooo! To watch it live, I would have to pay $69 for a month of the service. I retreated to Twitter and found one streaming link after another that showed me bits and minutes and I texted my dd throughout the night as my fave, EEAAO, racked up well-deserved praise and awards. By the time the night was over, it had won in every major category—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Script, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing! I was so joyful. Not because I was right (which I was), but because I sooooo want more movies like this. Ones that make me think, that give me a visual orgasm, that have characters I can love, and a story that’s real and relatable while my fantasy-loving heart is taken on a wild ride.
This morning, I feel like I have a hangover. After last night’s high, and the time change, I am dragging butt. But I’m still excited and happy, and now I think I need to buy an EEAAO movie poster to tape to my door like I used to do.
So, my question to you today, for a chance to win a download of one of my books, is…
Is there a movie you’ve watched that got you that excited? Did you follow it and the cast, hoping everyone else jumped on the bandwagon to make it a success?
Tagged: movies, Oscars Posted in Contests!|8 People Said|Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: BN - Debra Guyette - Kandi Candelas - Beverly - Jennifer Beyer -
You know me and my taste in movies. I love quirky, funny, action movies. (It’s why I’m rooting for Everything Everywhere All at Once for the Best Picture Oscar—and why I bought my own copy of the movie!) Nic Cage’s Renfield is on my “must watch” list, but so is Cocaine Bear, which releases THIS MONTH on the 24th! I love the title—it’s like Snakes on a Plane (another fave of mine). It tells you exactly what you’re in for.
Have fun watching the trailer. It hurts to see Ray Liotta, but what a movie to end his career with. Epic! Enjoy! And be sure to check out the numerous contests still open on this blog, some of which are ending soon!
I was thinking the other day that my kids have been deprived of knowing about the great classic films. When I grew up, there weren’t many channels on the TV, and they played classics late at night or on Saturdays. It was a captive audience, but I grew up loving these films. Nowadays, kids have so many options for what they can watch, it’s mind-numbing. The 9-year-old is obsessed with YouTube and obnoxious cartoons like Uncle Grandpa and Chowder (I actually love Chowder), but getting her to watch a movie that isn’t a Disney cartoon is nearly impossible. The 14-year-old is obsessed with anime. The 18-year-old loves Rom-Coms, and we watch those together, but watch something in black and white? They look at me like I’m nuts when I suggest it, but I think it ought to be part of their education. Classic films, the really good ones, had tons of dialogue and lovely themes and lessons. The comedies are so much better than most produced today.
I have my particular favorites here…
I’m thinking about instituting a classic movie night, maybe once a month, because more than that would stoke insurrection in my house. I’d plan a movie, have snacks ready, and if they want to eat, they have to watch! What do you think of that idea? I want to broaden their horizons. Am I expecting too much thinking they might enjoy these films?
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, I’d love your suggestions for movies to add to the list. And let me know what you think about my idea!
Tagged: movies Posted in Contests!|19 People Said|Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Beth - Savonna - Ellen Wulf - Cindy Bartolotta - Jackie Wisherd -
I love movies. I’m sure a lot of you do, too. My tastes are “low brow.” I could care less about movies that win Oscars because of their “important” stories. I want to be entertained. Plus, I LOVE so-called “B-movies.” The more improbable and campier, the more I love them. I watched and waited in eager anticipation for every new Sharknado film. (My family did viewing parties!) I loved Eight Legged Freaks. Die Hard is my all-time favorite film. I’ve watched it over twenty times, I’m sure.
So, when I say I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for Renfield, you know it’s probably not the best movie ever made, but it hits me in all the feels—ridiculously over-the-top, funny, NICK CAGE, vampires… Do you remember Vampire’s Kiss with Cage when we weren’t entirely sure if he was becoming a vampire or was nuts? I loved, loved that movie. Now, he’s back as Dracula!
Watch the trailer!
And wow, the guy from Warm Bodies, Nicholas Hoult, (another favorite film of mine) is the main character! I can’t wait for its release on April 14th!
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon GC, tell me whether Renfield is something you’re eager to see. Also, share your favorite B-movie picks!
First, just a reminder! Gabriel releases after midnight tonight. If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy, just click on the image!
Next! With only three weeks left before the kids head back to school, we’re trying to fit in fun family activities. Of course, we have the pool, the lake, etc. We also love our movie nights!
I’ve been dying to see this movie…
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me your recommendations for family movie night!
It’s Punxsutawney Phil’s big day! Will he see his shadow and “predict” another six weeks of winter weather? Or will he not, and usher in an early Spring? Either way, I am ready for the cold weather to GO—I say that as the weathermen have predicted a very cold and icy next few days here in Arkansas.
If I have time, I’ll watch one of my very favorite movies—Groundhog Day! Enjoy this scene where he first figures out the day has repeated…
I’m a movie buff. I LOVE movies. Not artsy, serious movies, though. I love comedies, super-hero, action flicks, horror (not slasher!), bad romcoms, B-movie disaster and sci-fi (the goofy Sharknado/Eight-Legged Freaks kind of movies are among my favorites).
I can usually tell at the opening whether it’s going to be a movie that will hold my attention to the end. I love it when a movie tells you up front what the movie or the main character is all about.
The absolute best opening scene I’ve ever watched (IMHO) is the opening to What about Bob? You meet Bob and know everything about the conflicts he faces every day in those first minutes. Watch the video below to see what I mean. Get past the credits, though. The scene starts at 1:13 minutes. It’s hilarious, endearing, and you’re already just as anxious as Bob is about facing his world.
Contest
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what opening scene of a movie you loved!
Tagged: movies Posted in Contests!, General|12 People Said|Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Misty Dawn - Jennifer Beyer - ButtonsMom2003 - Debra Guyette - Christy Smid -
