Sunday, January 23, 2011

My True Grit Ending


Last night, DH and I went to see the movie True Grit. Let me preface by saying that this was a pity movie date. I could tell that he REALLY wanted to see it. I've been dying to see The Green Hornet, but I offered to see True Grit. DH, who falls asleep in 99% of the movies we attend, was somehow EXCITED to go out for dinner and a movie.

I was wondering if DH would notice if I played Words with Friends on my iphone during the show. Heck, if he could sleep during my movies, I could play phone games during his.

The movie started with the very traditional western setting. The camera angles looked familiar. Authentic costuming, dirty cowboys, bad teeth. I half expected to see Clint Eastwood ride into town.

Then the movie got interesting. Young girl, Mattie, travels to town to avenge her father's death. Mattie is no ordinary fourteen-year-old. Her verbal skills and confidence immediately put her in a league of her own. Add Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn and Matt Damon as LeBeouf and you have a dynamic cast. The dialogue and acting astounded me.

I happily forgot about my phone game. I usually hate westerns...but did this one really qualify? I guess so. The only thing that disappointed me was the ending. But, it's my fault- not theirs.

I don't want to ruin in for you if you haven't seen it, so SPOILER ALERT.

In the car, I looked at DH and said, "I was kind of hoping that Mattie would end up with LaBeouf."

DH: Umm, she was fourteen.

Me: Yes, I know, but back then that was common, right? And she didn't act fourteen. She was mature for her age.

DH: That's not how these stories end. **silence and eye rolling**

Me: Oh, well. I am a romantic and can't help it. It was still awesome.

**image of movie poster from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403865/

Monday, January 10, 2011

My Favorite Reads of 2010

Some people keep a running list of all the books that they've read during the year. I think there are even some good websites to help you keep up with your list and ratings. I can tell you that I've enjoyed the fiction from my 2010 list. I listen to at least a couple of books a month during my commute. When not working or writing, you can find a book in my hand. Here are my favorites from 2010:


Best YA: Beautiful Creatures






Best Audible Contemp. Fiction: The Help




Best Non-Fiction: Super Freakonomics