jenga’s book and movie review.

Okay, I have to do this one first. Shout out to Misha.

Nicole Kidman made the unfortunate decision to star in a movie titled “Birth”. I watched the trailer and was intrigued: A woman’s husband dies and 12 years later a 12-yr old shows up claiming to be her dead husband reincarnated. He proves this to her by telling her things that only her husband knew. And then the age-old dilemma of what to do now? Well, let me tell you what NOT to do… do NOT watch this movie! Oh, so you want a reason why? She makes out with the kid and gets into a bathtub with him. I won’t go into further detail because I honestly believe that should be sufficient. Bad movie. Don’t watch. I’m into photography and beautiful cinematography, and there were plenty of shots and scenes that display talent. But the subject matter and plot line were so bad, it’s no where near worth it.

Recent favorites: WALL-E, benjamin button, The Illusionist, The Dark Knight.

All-time favorites: (in no particular order. And yes I’m aware the majority are comedies. I’m not exactly the romantic type. Not a huge fan of superfluous gore either.)

* The Emperor’s New Groove * Ace Ventura – When Nature Calls * Super Troopers * Groundhog Day * The X-men Trilogy * Idiocracy * Office Space * 28 Days Later * The Princess Bride * The Usual Suspects *

I’m currently reading 4 or 5 books. Every day is different, so I’m in the mood to wear/eat/watch/listen to different things. The books I desire to read are no exception: a Jen Lancaster novel, Buddha, The Lotus Still Blooms, Green Jobs. Eat Pray Love was excellent and I recommend to anyone who has a soul.

05/18/09 – I finished Buddha by Deepak Chopra. It was an interesting perspective, not too long, and very thought-provoking. Essentially, Deepak weaves fiction in with fact to tell the tale of Buddha’s life,  broken into three segments to define the three “parts” of his life and path: Siddhartha the prince; Gautama the monk; and Buddha the Compassionate One. Deepak accomplishes what he sets out to do, and you focus less on the situational events created by the author and more on the message and lessons contained therein. 

I also finished The Lotus still Blooms, which is more of a practical guide to Buddhism for the Western mind. Even if you aren’t interested in practicing Buddhism, it’s still an excellent study of the power of positive thought. The world we live in is so hectic and we all get caught up in feeling like no amount of effort is enough, no amount of stuff is enough, there’s more work than hours in the day, the “grass is greener” mindset. Basically, the book makes you realize that we base our self-worth on superficial, temporary items and concepts that can not possibly make us happy so we try harder, and just keep perpetuating a vicious cycle. Realizing this and redirecting your interest and energy elsewhere can “set you free” from the cycle, allowing you to just be. I won’t say it’s easy to do, and I’m nowhere near mastering it, but it’s a lot easier than I thought to focus your energies in the right direction and does have an instantaneous effect. Highly recommended!!!

I’m still working on the Jen Lancaster book. I have also started another Sarah Dunant book called “In the Company of the Courtesan.” I just love her style of writing! Her novels are set in post-Renaissance Italy, this one in Rome/Venice, and the last I read was in Florence (“The Birth of Venus” was wonderful). Having spent thousands of hours studying art, architecture and the history of Italy, I am instantly transported to another world of taste, texture, politics/religion, all rolled in with the struggles all young women face in some manner trying to retain their identity and be true to themselves in a world run by men and evil. (insert tacky sexist joke about men and evil being synonymous) 

ALSO – I have a book Em got for me about how to “Feng Shui” your home, office, etc. It just cracks me up to read… I should hang a crystal inside my front door to stop the energy from flowing directly up my staircase? Ahhh is THAT why my house hasn’t sold yet? 

Watched “Supersize Me” for the first time the other day. That’ll be a whole separate post…