Carrying the Banner (or a bit of lightheartedness)

After the soul-sharing I did earlier, I decided this post would be a bit of lighthearted insanity.

Sometimes, I get really excited about things that I like.  I can be kind of like a little kid on Christmas morning or a puppy greeting her master after a long absence (without the peeing on the carpet, thank God).

First, they’ve released the second sample chapter from Jim Butcher’s new book, “Changes.”  I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Last weekend, I decided to break out a couple of my favorite movies.  You all know that I adore movies.  I’m not the critic that analyzes every last detail and judges with a critical eye (well, not always), so I usually just try to allow myself to go with the flow and enjoy the movie – see where it takes me.  Sometimes I fall in love (Mansfield Park, Big Eden, Kung Fu Panda, Shelter, Grumpy Old Men (which was my brother’s and my movie), among so many others), sometimes I see something so terrible I can’t help but laugh (Shadow Puppets), and sometimes it’s just downright god-awful terrible (Smiley Face, I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With).

Since I’m such a movie freak and get so excited about ones that I love, it’s hard for me to name favorites.  But if I had to pick my top three – off the top of my head – they would be these:

1. Equilibrium
2. Newsies
3. Love Actually

Love Actually is pretty self-explanatory.  I just love it.

The first two, I freaking adore.  And I SWEAR that it’s just a mild coincidence that Christian Bale is in both of them.   And yes, I still absolutely refuse to listen to his freakout.

As it was obvious that I was in a rough spot last week, I pulled both movies out of my DVD PoI (what I’ve decided to call my DVD collection – my Pile o’Insanity since there are so many) and watched them over the weekend, probably for the four millionth time.

I’ve already declared my love of Equilibrium here in a post from early 2008.  But I again have to say that it’s just too freaking cool.  Of course, parts are totally unbelievable, but its pure awesomeness makes it all worthwhile.  Click over to see my favorite quote from it.  It reminds me a bit of 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 all rolled into one, and takes place in a future society where in order to prevent World War IV (yes, they’ve had a WW III), they eradicate all emotion and anything that can cause emotion.  In order to get rid of hate, they’re willing to give up love.  The trailer actually twists some aspects of the movie, but here it is:

Newsies is a blast.  Funny, heart-warming, singing, it’s got it all.  I’ve seen this movie so many times, I can quote most of it as I’m watching.  I know almost all of the lyrics to all of the songs (having the soundtrack in my car helps….).  In fact, I’ve been listening to the soundtrack in my car every day this week. Here’s the trailer:

In my last post, I shared the song “Seize the Day.”  Here are a couple more that I love:

This one is right towards the beginning of the movie and introduces the Newsies.  “How ’bout a crooked politician? Hey, stupid, that ain’t news no more!”  And the woman who sings about her son?  My God, wow!

I love this one.  It’s called “Sante Fe” and is Christian’s solo.  A couple of my favorite lines:

When I dream on my own, I’m alone, but I ain’t lonely.

For a dreamer, night’s the only time of day.

And I’m free like the wind, like I’m gonna live forever.  It’s a feeling time can never take away.

I ain’t getting any younger, and before my dying day, I want space, not just air, let ‘em laugh in my face, I don’t care.

Not quite like his American Psycho role, eh?

This one is just fun and has a singing Bill Pullman!  I was so proud when I learned the lyrics.  Now, if only I could sing.

Finally, this one is a great reminder of how we’re all in it together.

Every kid is a friend, every friend a brother.

Before I forget, Ann-Margaret is in it, too!

There’s some great behind the scenes stuff on the DVD and some can be found on YouTube filmed by one of the actors.  Some of the kids even filmed their own movie on their downtime.  (Blood Drips on Newsies Square – link is to Part 1 (of 3).  I love how they get the whole cast involved – even Christian and Bill)  It’s the kind of typical stuff a teen boy would come up with.  (watch the language!)

Anyway, Newsies and Equilibrium are two movies I’ll never get tired of, and since I have no one to watch them with that enjoys them as much as I do, you guys get to hear my raving lunacy! 

I guess it’s a good thing it’s bedtime or I’d have them out for another watch.