All Consuming : ambivalent_me

Why I recommend "Juno"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:14:45 GMT

I’m absolutely in love with that movie. There are so many things to adore. From Juno’s Hamburger phone, Bleeker’s obsession with tic tacs, and Alison Janey ‘s telling off of the Ultrasound technician. And although its quirky and humorous, it is deep and touching on so many levels. I mostly laughed but it did honestly did make me cry. And yes I’m in love with Paulie Bleeker.

I really loved the music also. It’s not always the type of music I listen to all the time but now I’ve bought the songs off ITUNES and listen to them constantly. I really recommend “Anyone Else But You” by the Moldy Peaches and “So Nice So Smart” by Kimya Dawson.
Brittany

A review of "Julia's Chocolates"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:37:02 GMT

Julia's Chocolates

by Cathy Lamb

I picked out this book because I was in love with the first paragraph, “I left my wedding dress hanging in a tree somewhere in North Dakota. I don’t know why that particular tree appealed to me. Perhaps it was because it looked as if it had given up and died years ago and was still standing because it didn’t know what else to do…”

Even though I was in the middle of three other books at the time, I immediately foresaked all other books. The book was soo good. Although it spins a tragic tale it does so in a funny, heartwarming way. The characters are quirky, and described in such detail that you feel like the characters are your next door neighbors.

But really this book really does make you feel like anybody can get a "do over" in life.

A story about "Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Wed, 16 May 2007 07:15:55 GMT

Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey

by Alison Weir

I loved this book. I knew a little about Jane Grey from the queen’s fool, but now you see it from her perspective. And I feel for her, she was so young and so not at fault. She was a victim of the times. The courage she had at the end, amazing. I admire her. I could never be that strong.

a book that reads like a painting

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:09:57 GMT

The Passion of Artemisia

by Susan Vreeland

I was given this book by a friend because I love history and historical fiction.

It is about a woman who is a daughter of a famous painter. The book starts at the conclusion of her humiliating rape case by a friend of her father's. After the trial, a marriage is arranged in she starts her life over in Florence. She has a child and becomes highly successful, being the first woman accepted into the Florence academy. Due to a lackluster marriage, she leaves Pietro. She spends the rest of her life uprooting her daughter and following commissions all over Italy. She also has to learn how to forgive the wrong doings of her father.

This book is beautifully written. Her details really bring Italy and the time period alive. And if you have been to Italy you can remember all the places she describes so elegantly.

After reading this you have to look up all her paintings :)

Why I recommend "Stupid and Contagious"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:11:31 GMT

Stupid and Contagious

by Caprice Crane

this book is just too good. there is not one part of this book that drags. the main characters are so quirky that i laughed out loud. heaven and brady were made for each other. And now im just itching for cinnamilk.

This is book three for 2007. Now on to another =)

Captivating Account of Tudor Englad

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:30:05 GMT

The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers

by Margaret George

I am a complete dork; I love history especially English history. I have studied a lot about this period and read numerous historical fictions about the times. So I decided it would be interesting to read a book written from Henry’s point of view. I really wasn’t disappointed.

I would not say this is the best book I have ever read. I am more interested in the personal life of Henry than the political life. So a few of the political parts/war accounts dragged for me. But all in all this is a sensitively written book and an interesting read.

This is a long book, but I am proud to finish. My goal is to read at least 50 books this year, this should have counted as three =)

Britt

A Great Blend of Drama & Fright

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:41:02 GMT

The Exorcism of Emily Rose - Unrated (Special Edition)

by Scott Derrickson

I have to say horror movies rarely scare me. And since they don’t scare me they typically dont have much of a plot so i despise most of them.

But this movie not only scared me but it held my attention. Maybe because it is loosly based on a true story ( i looked it up on wikipedia) and it has the interesting element of also involving a trial.

This movie just might make you examine what you believe.

Why I recommend "The History Channel Presents The Presidents"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 02:03:17 GMT

The History Channel Presents The Presidents

I am a history dork and so is my mother. So when I bought this for her as a Christmas gift I knew I had to burrow it. And I watched nearly all of it today. I really found it interesting. It really wasn’t biased and displayed a lot of interesting facts I didn’t know. Like that Andrew Johnson was nearly murdered or James Buchanan (sp) may have been gay.

That being said I enjoyed the early president's bio better maybe because I already know a lot more about modern presidents.

Then as the whole thing is winding down the have a great segment on the first ladies! So if anyone loves history I do recommend this.

A review of "Gods in Alabama"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 10:08:57 GMT

Gods in Alabama

by Joshilyn Jackson

The jist of the plot of the book is this, Lena Fleet kills a date rapist named Jim Beverly. Upon leaving home, Arlene makes a bargain with God, promising to forgo sex, lies and to never return home if he keeps the body hidden in the Alabama Kudzu. But when her african american boyfriend insist on meeting her family she has no choice but to head back to Bama and face her past head on.

I bought the audiobook of this story because I had a long drive and needed something to entertain me. I bought it because it was one of the cheapest ones. I thought the description was cute but sounded a little cheesy and I wasn’t looking for anything involving murder.

But I was in enthralled by this book, not just because I am from Alabama. :)

The way Jackson describes the South, Baptists, and relationships is amazingly fresh and highly entertaining.

But this book is more than just a comedy it tells of tradegy in well-written flashbacks. You end up wondering yourself in what circumstances is murder forgiveable and could you do it?

And best of all the story has a twist in the end that you barely ever see coming. But the twist is not what makes the book it is in the flashbacks.

A lovely acted religious tale

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:45:44 GMT

The Nativity Story

by Catherine Hardwicke

I am very christian girl but I dont get really excited about christian movies. I have yet to see all of Passion of the Christ.

But i am from a small town with a 5 screen cinema so me and my mother went to see this.

It was actually well-written and well acted. It made me think of things i never considered before this. Like how Mary’s family and town would react to her being pregnant.

The only real problem I had with this movie was the wise men didn’t actually come to see Jesus until he was two years of age. But nothing to be petty about. And also thought the actor who played Herod’s son was a little dry. But that is just my humble opinon.

Britt

Go Buy it Now =) (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:37:28 GMT

Men & Mascara

by Julie Roberts

I actually bought this album last year but I lost it, and was so dissapointed so of course i loved it so much I had to replace it :)

Every song on this album is wonderful. Paint and Pillows is kind of a new twist on the typical "cheating" song. And I love the line, "I ain't nineteen, I ain't naive."

Men and Mascara has been on the radio, and what a lovely song about looking for love in all the wrong places.

Girl Next Door has been getting air time but it is sung by Saving Jane. But I actually like Julie Roberts version better, give it time you will too :)

Her other songs about love, heartbreak, and moving on are just as well-written. Her soulful voice makes every song she sings shine :)

How "bagels and cream cheese" changed my life

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 10:33:26 GMT

bagels and cream cheese

I eat a bagel almost every day of my life. They are the essential food! Morning, Noon, and Night or even a snack. Ok this sounds like that bagel bites commercial, i will stop now :)

Surprisingly Entertaining

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:50:44 GMT

National Treasure (Widescreen Edition)

by Jon Turteltaub

To be honest I only had a small interest in this film and for the most part avoided seeing it. I didn’t think there could be a good treasure hunt movie if it didn’t involve pirates. But my tivo I guess knows my tastes better that I do and randomly recorded it for me. Having nothing else to really watch I thought what the hell.

Some Spoilers May be included.

I wasn't that excited by the movie  till they actually stole the declaration of independence. Than I couldn't stop watching it. I love Riley he steals the show forget Cage.  I also love the intrigue and the history involved (though I realize it’s not all credible.) My grandfather was actually a high ranking free mason.

But really it’s such a good adventure/mystery story. I love every time he gets a new clue.

It has some funny parts too, “Sorry I had to drop you!” “Oh Don’t Worry I would have dropped you too.”

The downfalls? I thought the bad guys were a little hokey and I didn't believe Gates would get off so easily in the end no matter what he found. I thought the kiss scene when going down the stairs was highly implausible and awkward.

But really I do recommend it and may watch it again.

Britt

Back to Basics? Maybe she should go back to Stripped (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:32:25 GMT

Back to Basics

by Christina Aguilera

I love Christina. Not the Christina from the genie in the bottle days but I adored her on the cd right before this one-Stripped. I listened to it so much that I wore it out and had to buy a new one. But Back to Basics disappointed me in some ways.

It did have some high points. I do like Ain’t No Other Man, Mother-Mother, Still Dirtty, Candy Man, and the Right Man. And in the right mood I can enjoy the other songs also.

But I feel this Cd isn't up to par. The last one I loved every song. This one I can take or leave most songs.

I think the big fault in this album is half the songs are about the songs she chooses to sing on her albums, why she isn’t leaving the music industry anytime soon, the clothes she chooses to wear in private and in public, her personal choices, and the people who have wronged her over the years. This is all fine and well for two songs tops. But when I hear songs that I can relate to, I fall in love with them. I can relate to these songs.

On the other hand, her voice is amazing in this album, she wrote/co-wrote all the songs, it has a jazzy feel as a throwback to the old days, and listening to “Nasty, Naughty Boy” makes me feel like I’m a sexy porn star :)

It was a good album in that I don’t regret buying it. But I feel it could have been oh so much better and it is not near as good as stripped.

Britt

Pretty Good

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:14:36 GMT

Taylor Swift

by Taylor Swift

I got this CD because I fell in love with her song Tim McGraw this summer. In a whimsical type of way it reminded me of my ex-boyfriend because my favorite artist then was Tim McGraw.

But I had also checked out some of her songs on her web site and I really liked them.

The cd is really, pretty good but I was disappointed that some of my fave songs by her weren’t on there such as “I’d Lie” or “What to Wear.”

The only song I don’t really care for on the album at all is Stay Beautiful; I think it is a little hokey. And I might have liked it better if she hadn’t placed a name in the song. It’s harder to relate to when the guy’s name is mentioned.

My favorites are Cold as You, Should’ve said no, and Our Song.

Her voice is strong and when she sings you forget she is so very young. This one I will definitely be listening to for weeks to come :)

Britt

Why I recommend "The Boleyn Inheritance"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:33:29 GMT

The Boleyn Inheritance

by Philippa Gregory

Another great installment by a wonderful author, there just isn’t much more to be said :) But I will any way. Small Spoiler alerts.

I've waited all year for this book since I have read every book in her Tudor series. And I can definitely say Gregory is why I love to study the Tudors.

I agree with Gregory that Henry was more offended by her rejection of him than the fact that she was actually ugly. And I love of Anne of Cleaves appears to be in this book a charming queen.

Poor Katherine Howard, young and in love and terribly naive. I loved her in this book and I hated her in this book. Her vanity drove me crazy but really she was nothing more than an immature girl. And to turn a young girl into a queen is such a foolish move.

But anyway this book is very well crafted and engaging. I recommend it to anyone. But I think it is best to read her other books first or at least in order :)

Why I recommend "The Holiday"

nobody@allconsuming.net (ambivalent_me) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 05:13:08 GMT

The Holiday

by Nancy Meyers

I just saw this movie today and I have to say it is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time. I fell in love with it from the first five minutes. It touched me in the way that love actually did the first, second, and third time I watched it.

It has a kind of crazy premise-two women who are having slightly varying problems with cheating men decide to exchange houses for the holiday. One going to L.A. and one going to a small town outside of London (do people actually do this?) And of course they fall in love but in very different ways.

It was interesting to see Jude Law in this role. I usually associate him as the man from Alfie. Charming but misguided. But in this role he is sensitive and kind, and it suits him.

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black give equally good performances but Jude Law steals the shows.

So go see it now.