'Wicked' movie buzz

I'm hearing some buzz about a production company making the Broadway musical 'Wicked' into a movie in 2010. Everyone here should already know, I am a *HUGE* Wicked fan, it is magnificent! The music, the characters, the costumes, the story, the music!!! I've seen it both times it has rolled through St. Louis and I have the CD soundtrack handy at all times for those Wicked moments I need to sing about. I already know the musical production will be coming back around again to the fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis in June of 2010, so how will the opening of a 'Wicked' movie within the same year affect the still touring production of the musical?

I'm having some reservations about the 'Wicked' movie being able to live up to the very theatrical and dramatic musical production. Will it even be a movie-musical or will they simply make it a movie more like from the book? We'll have to see I guess, but if you have not already seen Wicked the musical, do that first before you consider seeing the movie.

I am excited at the thought that the movie could be a good representation of the magic and pageantry that is the musical because every time it's over, I want to watch it over again! Stay tuned folks, this is a story I will be keeping my eyes on as it develops.

'My Life in Ruins' - a movie review

I went to see the new movie 'My life in Ruins' on Saturday night with a friend. I had been seeing the previews for it for a while now and I was really looking forward to it.

The movie was no disappointment! It was full of funny blurbs and Nia Vardalos was beautiful and witty as usual. I don't know if she's been working out and eating right or if she's taken some Atrophex or what, but she had a great figure in this movie! Her clothes fit her really well and she was not overly skinny. Her skin was pretty and her hair was healthy looking too! She looked great and the part was a great part for her. It wasn't exactly like the part she played in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' so that was nice too.

I also really enjoyed the scenery of Greece, the ancient cities and ruins were wonderful! I may never actually get to visit there, so I really enjoyed the many stops along the tour route. Overall it was a great movie to go see with a friend. There is a bit of a love story that sprouts up and for that it might actually make a good date movie, as well. I'm glad I went to see it!

It could have been worse

This past weekend was full of hope to get some much over due projects going around my place. I was tossing around thoughts of getting my oil changed, shopping for wholesale clothes, house cleaning...you know, nothing spectacular but things that were needing some attention.

Saturday morning came and I decided to do the necessary cleaning on my list that requires the use of those annoying yellow cleaning gloves, like changing the cat box and such, before I took my shower and went out to run errands. That would give me an extra opportunity to try and get that latex smell off my hands and wrists. I digress. So I am vacuuming around the cat box and I can tell the electricity is doing a little dance. Nothing major, then I notice the burning smell. "Great! My vacuum is about to burn out and I'll have to sell a kidney to buy another one."

Simultaneously, part of the electricity went out and the smoke detector started screeching! I looked up at the smoke detector and there was smoke coming out of the circuit breaker box hidden behind a wooden trap door in the hallway! Now I notice the smell was not just burned, it was the distinct smell of fire! So I proceeded to begin crying and franticly looking for my phone. I dialed 911. I was so scared, I could hardly talk! The firemen came and checked everything out. Too bad one wasn't Kirk Cameron like in Fireproof! Just joking...

There was no actual fire but it did burn out one of the breakers in that box and it had to wait until Monday to be repaired. Apparently, there were 30 watt glass fuses (yes, I said glass fuses. I know, old school) in one of the circuits in the basement and that allowed things to overheat before tripping the breaker. They aren't supposed to be more than 20 watts. So be sure and check yours to make sure you don't have 30's either!

So, needless to say, I didn't get much done what with having all that going on...Oh well! Atleast there wasn't a real fire!

Big weekend coming up

This is going to be another big weekend for me. No, not like 'I need some diet pills' big, more like it's going to be chock full of activities.

Friday night, I'm going to visit my friends and have dinner. Then it's home and into bed for me!

Saturday day, I am going to a seminar called Journey to Financial Freedom. I can't wait, Crown Financial Ministries is a wonderful and rich source of articles and planning tools and downloadable resources to help you get a grip on your finances and take the driver's seat for a change. If you're anything like me, way too much debt controls my life and I am seeking to make some serious changes to gain control back. Check out the website and see what you can start doing today to honor God by being a good steward of the resources He has provided you. Life doesn't have to be so burdened by money woes!

Saturday evening, I'm going to a fund raiser for the Friends of Missouri Midwives. Funds are needed for legal expenses to forward the legalization of Midwifery in Missouri. The fund raiser is a screening of the movie Orgasmic Birth. This powerful documentary has been featured as 'Birth's best kept secret' on 20/20. Birth has been portrayed as something you dread and not something that certainly can be a beautiful and even an enjoyable experience. I think it's wonderful to show women that they can give birth in other ways and give them options that are less commonly practiced. If you would like to come along to the screening, you may purchase a discounted ticket in advance from the Free the Midwives website.

Saturday overnight, I *may* work, believe it or not, at my second job. One of the other ladies called me a few minutes ago to ask if I could work both Friday and Saturday overnights for her. As much as I need to work both nights, I know there is no way for me to fully benefit from the financial seminar if I am 1/2 asleep from working the night before. Since my education on financial freedom is of utmost importance right now, I feel as though I really need to pass on the Friday night shift in order to be fully aware and on point for taking advantage of every moment of the seminar. Oh yeah and I paid $25 to register for the seminar already, that would be wasteful to sleep through!

Sunday is of course, church day. We also have a Valley Girl Women's Ministry meeting afterwards. I need to make a desert tonight for that....mental note: need to go to store on my way home from friends' house. So, what are your weekend plans?

The Color Purple the musical - Review

***** SPOILER ALERT *****

I finally saw The Color Purple the musical and want to share my thoughts on it. If you have not yet seen it and don't want to know details, I suggest clicking on to some other page. Earlier in the day, I had read a review that gave some helpful information but I wish I had waited until after I saw the show to read it.

The musical was very good! I had not read the book (one is on it's way from Amazon right now, though!) but I am very familiar with the movie version of the story. So this is where I base my opinions. After I read the book, I will come back and have something else to share, I'm sure.

I must admit, I was very much looking forward to the music, I've always been a fan of Shug's song to Celie in the jukejoint and one of my faves is 'God is trying to tell you something' in one of the church scenes. The musical, however, had it's own music and songs and there was not so much as even the hint of the music from the movie. The musical offered up some new and interesting songs which were catchy and performed extremely well!

The cast was great, especially Jeannette Bayardelle who played Celie. Her voice was spot on for reaching those notes. I must say though, the musical was not quite the same story as the movie, I suppose it was geared more like the book. It's just that you are left with only a slight feeling of poor Celie. Whereas in the movie, your heart just broke for her over and over again. You were so vested in her character and all that happens to her. The musical fell a little flat in this sense, to me. I also could have lived without the further exploration of the homosexual relationship between Celie and Shug. The musical also showed that Squeak left with Celie, Shug and Grady, but in the movie, she only said she wanted to. As the yellow car pulled away from the house, only Grady, Shug and Celie were in it.

They music and singing and dancing in this musical were all very good, top notch! The acting between Harpo and Sophia was soooo entertaining, that woman can SANG!!!

All in all, it was a very entertaining show. I'm glad I saw it. My mom and I laughed out loud several times. As I said before, we purchased the book by Alice Walker the next day so we can read it together to get the intended story from the writer who created Celie, once and for all. I'll keep you posted on the outcome of that!

It's here! The Color Purple the musical

Today is the opening day for The Color Purple the musical at the fabulous Fox theater here in St. Louis, Missouri. My mom and I have tickets for seats in the 7th row, center, on the floor. I've never had such great seats for any show at the Fox! We are going with 2 of my friends who have great seats in the mezzanine level, which is the best area of the balcony to be in.

It's going to be great and interesting too. One of my friends has not yet seen the movie The Color Purple so we will see how that affects her opinion of the musical. I think it will be good! Of course she will still need to see the movie...it's a classic and a must see.

Tonight when I get home, I have to get all dolled up. I hope I don't lose my shoes, they are big on me...but I couldn't try them on, I had to order them, so I'll let you know how that goes. The main thing tonight is to not forget the tickets! That shouldn't be a problem though, I already have them in the special purse I'll be taking along tonight. I'll post tomorrow and give a full review of the show. I'm so excited!!

After the show tonight, we have plans to go to Uncle Bill's pancake house for coffee and pancakes and to talk about our thoughts on the show. I really love Uncle Bill's. It's this tiny little place that has been open since before I was born, I think. It's open almost 24-7 and it's wildly popular and known for it's awesome coffee, good food and great pancakes! I think they should think about franchise opportunities and open up a new location! Actually, they did once and then closed it down after only a few short years. Hmmm, I'm not sure what happened there, but the location in the city is still up and running! If you are ever in the area, don't hesitate to call me up and I'll meet you there!

Of course,

When I listen to Abba, I always think of the movie Muriel's Wedding. LOVE IT! I really enjoy watching movies filmed in other parts of the world. I love to take in the background scenery and imagine that I live there. Muriel's Wedding was filmed in Australia!

Another of my faves 50 First Dates, was filmed in Hawaii. That movie also had a great soundtrack. I listen to it from time to time and it brings back the movie and beautiful lush scenes of the water and volcanoes and seriously makes me want to move there!

Of course there's a ton of other reminders that bring movies to mind besides music. Why, just the other day, I was shopping through an LTD Commodities catalog and they are selling a table lamp like the one in the movie A Christmas Story. Remember that movie? The dad just *HAD* to have the lamp...the kid got his tongue frozen to a pole....you'll shoot your eye out? No?! If you don't know what I'm talking about, you have to see that movie this winter season if you have never seen it before, it's a classic! I think there's something relatable for everyone in that movie. How about you, do you experience music or other situations that bring movies to your mind?

Momma Mia the movie, here I come!

Well, I'm finally going to see 'Momma Mia' the movie tonight. I will be going with my friend Karen and my own momma. It should be a fun time! I've never seen the musical, but my friend Karen who's going has seen it 3 times. So, in preparation of the movie tonight, I've been listening to Abba Gold: Greatest Hits all afternoon! (Like a bride-to-be might indulge in some Ephedrasil Hardcore fatburner in order to fit into that wedding dress she bought that was 3 sizes too small...why do people do that??) Anyway, I'm getting all worked up and excited about it. I'm going to go to the website and watch the movie trailer now :-)

Sometimes plans change

Well, I did not end up going to see the Indiana Jones movie last Friday. Sometimes other things come up and take longer than you think....you know how it goes. Sometimes plans change. No worries!

I ended up going shopping for some new fish tank necessities. Stay tuned for a post and photos on my beautifully cleaned fish tank! (mark that one off the list!) Whew! And what a huge project that is too. My brother wanted my help to attempt to make the first of many helpful hints videos for his business and so he offered to help me with my tank on Saturday afternoon. Working together, it still took us 2 1/2 hours to get done! I was happy to have the help, his upper body strength came in handy when scrubbing the interior walls of the tank...my arms usually give out after the first wall!

I'll post all about the tank at a later time (I still need to take photos). So Friday night was quite busy getting ready for that and I put off going to see the movie for now. It's ok, seeing that particular movie would have been "ok" but there are more movies coming out I'd like to see even more. Some of the movies out now, like 'Wanted', I could care less about seeing. I'd rather read some Leptovox reviews! (I almost said 'Space Chimps' but when I clicked on it, it looked kinda cute LOL) I still want to see Momma Mia, but I'm holding out to see it with my friend Karen. Until then, I'll just enjoy my clean fishtank!

Oh yeah, the Give Me Five Monday meme post for this week just didn't get done on time, so stay tuned for the next installment next week!

Friday night plans

I plan to go to the movies tonight. Know what I'm going to see?

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!

This movie reminds me of being a kid, I loved those Indiana Jones movies! I can't believe how good Harrison Ford still looks! He doesn't need any diet pills, that's for sure!

The theme music (I hope it's the original score!) reminds me of being in Florida at Universal Studios watching the stunt show, good, classic, summertime, good times!

"Hancock" movie review

Spoiler alter!!!! If you haven't yet seen this movie, be forewarned I'm about to discuss some details about it.

**********************************

Still here? Good! Tonight I went to see Hancock. I am not quite sure what I had in my mind that it was going to be about but it was a bit different than I was thinking it would be in the end. No, it had nothing to do with Wilmington real estate, silly! I had heard that Will Smith plays "Hancock" a black super hero who is an alcoholic so I knew to expect that part. What I didn't know was the background. Now that I've seen the movie, I still don't *really* know the background.

They don't go into great detail about who made them or where they were made or why they were made strong unless they were with their pair-mate which made them mortal and vulnerable. It seemed almost as if their background wouldn't be questioned and they threw in partial descriptions as an afterthought?

And what was the deal with the eagle, just that he could fly? That was most certainly not explained even though someone specifically asked him. Maybe I missed something? Perhaps if I could have seen this movie along with someone and could have talked about it a bit afterwards, things would have made a bit more sense. The movie had some nice action scenes full of fast flying sequences. It was entertaining but I feel like it left a little bit to be desired. I think Jason Batemen did a great job but his character never showed the kind of emotions you'd expect if you were to find out your wife was already married...oh and that she happened to be some sort of immortal superhero that's been alive for 3,000 years oh and that she will never age. He never questioned if Mary would go back to John or still loved him. He seemed to bounce back pretty quickly in my opinion. Perhaps a few too many scenes hit the cutting room floor on this one? It just fell a little flat on the plot.

Charlize Theron was beautiful as usual, just don't call her 'crazy'. Personally, I was left with a couple of questions but all in all it was a pretty good movie. It was entertaining even if I didn't get all the background and never really *bought* it all the way. The final hospital scene was kind of ... weak. She was able to feel what was happening to him but then she died and he was still ok, wouldn't he have died too? Why could she feel his an not vice versa? Perhaps my OCD makes me too literal in situations like these but it feels like they didn't do a good job selling some parts of it. The website said 'Hancock...often misunderstood'. I could see that. This is the kind of movie that is best on the big screen, but then again, I think that of all movies! Have you seen it? What did you think? Can you offer any explanations to help me 'get' it more?

"The Color Purple" the musical is coming to St. Louis!

As many of you know, "The Color Purple" is one of my all time favorite movies! I literally watched it again as late as last Saturday (5 days ago). Nothing makes me cry *quite* like that movie. From the opening scene, I am a basket case because I am thinking of what comes later on.

I heard some buzz a couple of years ago about a musical production well in the works. If memory serves me right, Oprah has alot to do with it, no surprise there. And why not? She has the money to do it! I remember commenting at the time, despite her involvement, I still want to see it! Looks like I will finally get my chance. I was pleased and excited to receive a Fox Theater booklet in the mail today announcing the shows for the 2008-2009 upcoming season because The Color Purple the musical is on the list! Yay!!!! The performance dates will be Oct. 21 - Nov. 2, 2008. I'd better start saving now for the tickets and the kleenex!

Momma Mia the movie to open soon!

I have always been disappointed in not having made my way to the theater to see Momma Mia the musical. It's just one of those things I didn't decide was "OK" to do alone until it was too late...oh, also, I don't have enough room in my budget for many 'excursions' and extras. These things need to be planned well in advance for ticket prices over say, $15.00 LOL

But you bet your bottom dollar, like beer pong to a frat house, I *will* be in line at the Ronnies 20 Cinema to see it sometime that opening weekend (July 18th, 2008)! I know the movie will not be like the musical, they never are, but it will be a fun and much anticipated event for me :-)

Fabulous Fox Theatre presents (again) Wicked the Musical!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

Dec. 12, 2007 - Jan. 6, 2008

I saw this a couple of years ago. I had not (and still haven't & don't want to) read the book, but I wanted to see it. My boss pooled his birthday bonus and Christmas bonus for me together and paid for my ticket ($60, big bonuses, huh?) But I went, by myself and I loved it! I then received the soundtrack on CD from my cousin Misty for my birthday! She wanted to go with me, but our schedules just conflicted to the point that she didn't get to go at all.

Now it's here again, and we have already began to make arrangements to get our tickets early. I hope we can get great seats this time. The most expensive seats are only $70 & $75 depending on which night the performance is on.

The Wizard of Oz is one of my all time ever favorite movies EVER!!! So I was leery of what this musical would do to damage my love for that. I was really worried it would change my feelings about it, but honestly, it didn't! I mean, they are sort of related, but I think this could stand alone as it's own interesting performance and not need to influence the timeless movie at all! It definitely puts a twist on the ideas behind it, and frankly I think it's quite cunning!

I am looking forward to all the songs, which by now I know by heart (sorry everyone who will be sitting around me!) I can't wait to see Glinda the 'good' witch "Toss, toss" her hair and Elphaba take flight for the first time! It's so powerful and moving and overall one of the most entertaining live shows I've ever seen! I can't wait to see it again!

Hairspray: A movie review

I went to see this movie on Sunday with my mom. We got there after the previews had already begun, so we didn't get our first choice for seating. We ended up sitting 1 row from the front off to the right side.

That being said, I did have an idea for what the movie would be about before I went in, because I had seen the Oprah episode a while back, featuring some of the main characters. I don't think my mom knew about it though. It was nice to see so many recognizable faces! I didn't realize there would be so many big names. I think that the brand new actress, Nikki Blonsky did a really great job. In a way, she reminds me of myself. I think everyone likes to think they could be an actress, if only given the chance (any talent agents, please contact me straight away!).

Over all, I thought this movie was pretty good. It was very predictable at times (and I've never seen the original either, from 1988 with Ricki Lake.) My mom made a comment towards the end of the movie, that they were wearing her out with all that dancing! It seems that once it got started, it didn't stop. I actually didn't care for John Travolta playing the mom in this movie. I mean, I get it, it was funny, but he does NOT make a good woman actress. He did nail the Baltimore accent in his voice though. I think I kept getting turned off by his manly hands and arms. Anyway, it didn't work well for me. I did really love Queen Latifa in this movie. She always has a great presence. Also, Christopher Walken was great as well. There's a scene with a whoopy cushion bed, that about made me pee my pants!!! Had I been at home, I would definitely have rewound it! Michelle Pfeiffer is one of my favorites from all times, so of course I think she did a good job. The movie delivered high energy, lots of fun songs that could easily get stuck in your head, and all in all a great story of determination. I would recommend it.

Spoiled by technology

I have been officially spoiled by technology. It was bound to happen, really. Maybe you've heard of a little device called a DVR?

My digital video recorder is such a great treat! I've had it for about 2 years or so. I don't know how I ever got along without one in the past! Recording shows for to watch at my convenience, rewinding live TV and even just to pause live TV in case of interruptions too! It's a busy person's dream for television entertainment. All TVs should just come with one built in or something! I am so very spoiled by it that I get frustrated when I'm at someone's house and they don't have it. Maybe I've stopped paying as close attention as I should because I've become a tad reliant on it??

Try this one on for size: I'm listening to the radio, right. I was only 1/2 paying attention between songs and I heard, "...blah...blah...call now....blah....could win $10,000! Don't forget to mention the secret word we just gave you, good luck!"*

WHAT??!!?!?!?!? What was the secret word???? And I promptly lifted my hand to the radio controls to rewind it so I could hear it again. Yep, nope. Now I'm frustrated for not being able to rewind live radio!? LOL It's only a matter of time....mark my words!

*The radio scenario was a dramatization...

I won, I won! Again...

Thank you to everyone who voted for me to win over at...

...the 'Black Hawk Down' DVD will make a great gift for my dadda for Christmas or just because. Thanks again and if there's ever a time I can vote for you to win something, please stop by and leave me a link in the comment section! I'd be ever so happy to help you out, since you all helped me out :)

Please come vote for me!!!

I'm a finalist over at

to win a 'Black Hawk Down' DVD which I would like to give my dad. I could really use the votes, please come vote for me to win! I'm 'Beccagirl' (I know, surprise, right?). Please click here to go to the contest, it's free to sign up if you haven't already. I'm a little behind, so PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!

Speaking of movies

I decided to go see one tonight! I've visited the website for my favorite local theater and here are my top 3 choices:

Hairspray

I now pronounce you Chuck & Larry



The Simpsons

Have you seen any of these movies? If so, lemme' here some feedback. Likes? Dislikes? Don't bothers? Leave your answers in the comment section, please! I'll report back tomorrow and review whichever one I chose!

You know I love a good contest

Geeky Speaky Giveaway for August from Colleen

This is great, Colleen is offering up 2 prizes for the month of August, it's pretty simple to enter and win. If you leave a comment (a real one) about why you'd want to win the prize, you get 1 entry. If you blog about why you'd like to win the contest and link over to it, so other people can also enter to win, you get 10 entries!!!

I'm actually interested in winning the Wedding Singer DVD, which is being presented as the "booby prize" LOL But I'm sure I can find a use for the grand prize-a Western Digital 80GB Portable Hard Drive. I have a lot of pictures that I need to back up to something! Shamefully enough, I don't have em' backed up at all other than on my computer (ut oh) If not, I'd gladly pass it along to a friend of mine who is a budding DJ and could use it for his new found Thursday night hobby. He has also entered the contest and claims to be able to take his 'show' on the road if he wins this, but frankly, I'm not sure where he thinks he'd go with it! LOL

The contest runs until August 21st so head on over to Geeky Speaky and see for yourself if you'd like to join the contest...I'd say 'Good luck' but 1, I don't believe in luck & 2, I want to win so why would I say something like that? ;-)