Tangled Review

I finally saw Tangled on Friday November 26 and again the following Thursday December 2. I was so mad that I would not be able to see it opening day, as we were leaving for Utah right after school, the day it came out. I put up a fuss for several weeks and the best I could get was an agreement to see it Friday in Utah. I have been impatiently waiting for the release, but let me tell you, it was SOOOOOOOOO worth it!!! It was AH-MAY-ZING!!!!!!! The animation was spectacular. It really did seem like a traditionally animated Disney movie, except it was CG. I admit, the first time I saw it, I felt it seemed a little bit rushed, but the second time I saw it, it was even more amazing than before and did not feel rushed at all.


*****DO NOT READ BEYOND IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE*****


All the characters were entirely likable and believable. I'll give an analysis of each of the main ones below

RAPUNZEL
Rapunzel was absolutely adorable. One of my favorite moments of her was when she first leaves the tower. She goes through bipolar phases where she either dancing for joy and shouting “best day ever!” and “I’m never going back!” or she’s crying into her knees and declaring “I am a horrible daughter” or (my favorite) “I’m a despicable human being”. I found it to be quite hilarious and Flynn’s impatient facial expressions just made it better. Her hair was very well animated. I can’t imagine how painstakingly difficult it must have been for the animators to make it looks so real. I really felt bad for her throughout most of the movie. First, she has never left her tower because her “mother” has forbidden it, saying the world is full of scary, horrible men who want to steal her magical hair and use it for evil. Second, Mother Gothel is constantly putting her down; even though her jabbing remarks would always be followed by “I’m just teasing” or whatever, I still could not even stand it. The worst was somewhere near the middle of the movie when Rapunzel says that she thinks Flynn likes her and Gothel states, “Why would he like you?-- come on now, really! Look at you. You think that he’s impressed?” OMGG I just wanted to punch her. I think one of the all time most awful moments for Rapunzel (excluding the climax in the tower) was when she believed that Flynn left her for the Stabbington brothers to take, and just when they were at the peak of their blossoming romance.


FLYNN RIDER (AKA EUGENE FITZHERBERT)

Flynn was an interesting character. Over-confident and self-serving, but he has a gooey core that Rapunzel manages to uncover. He was just as much a main character as Rapunzel. He was not there just because she needed a love-interest. Tangled was every bit of his story as it was Rapunzel’s. He is probably the funniest leading man Disney has ever had (not to mention one of the best looking :P). He had most of the best lines. I was rather interested in his background. Even though he at first said “I don’t do backstory”, he eventually told Rapunzel about his past. His real name is Eugene Fitzherbert (strange name, but whatever) and he grew up an orphan with only his storybook hero, Flynnegan Rider, to keep him going (which is where her got his bandit name). Actually, funny story, right after I saw the movie, I read a review and somebody asked, “I haven’t seen it yet, does Rapunzel end up with Flynn?” and the response was, “No. She ends up with someone named Eugene.” It made me LOL. Well, that person deserved it, it’s a Disney movie for crying out loud! Of course Rapunzel ends up with Flynn! Anyways, back to my analysis: I kind of felt bad for it, but I laughed a lot because the poor guy just never catches a break. From the very beginning he is being pursued by the soldiers and a crazy horse, and if he’s not being chased, he being whacked over the head or somehow injuring himself. I liked him a lot though. He was never actually mean to Rapunzel. The worst he did was to take her to the Snuggly Duckling, hoping to scare her back into the tower. He is unbearably sweet though, especially at the boat scene. Gah! Just the way he looks at her is enough to make a hopeless romantic (such as myself) melt into a puddle of happiness. I mean just look at that face------------>



PASCAL
Pascal was adorable and the perfect companion for Rapunzel. I thought it was so clever and unique to put a chameleon in the movie. How often do you see that? He was very protective of Rapunzel and was probably the only REAL love Rapunzel knew before Flynn came along. He was always encouraging Rapunzel to do what she feared such as leave the tower or giving Flynn his satchel back. I loved it when he turned red and covered his eyes when Rapunzel and Flynn were about to kiss on the boat. One of his truly awesome moments was when Gothel was trying to drag Rapunzel off, bound and gagged, and he went and tugged on Gothel’s dress. His little squeaks and groans were the so cute. He was too adorable.


MAXIMUS
Now on to my Dad’s favorite character, Maximus the horse. He was most definitely the show stealer. Although he did not talk, his body language and facial expressions were absolutely hilarious. He is the super-cop of the movie. His main goal is to capture Flynn Rider no matter what it takes. He has climbed out on precarious tree limbs, broken down a giant dam, and survived all types of obstacles. No other horse is as daring as Maximus. I loved that Flynn called him Max. I’m not sure why, I guess I just thought it was kind of cute. It showed their developing friendship. Flynn goes from calling him “flea bag” or “bad horse” to giving him a nickname. Maximus acted more like a dog rather than a horse which I found to be hysterical. He was one of the bravest characters of the movie and he was one of the main drives that kept the story going. First off, he broke the dam that led to several important events for Rapunzel and Flynn. Also, he was the reason why Flynn was rescued from prison/execution.


MOTHER GOTHEL
Gothel was a great villain. She was manipulative, cunning, greedy, and sly. She also had a motive for her evil, she wasn’t just a straight up evil person only because she could, she needed Rapunzel’s magical hair to keep her young. She’s probably like 500 years old in the movie. I laughed so hard when Rapunzel really wanted to talk to her about going to see the lights so she sang her incantation super fast and Gothel just sort of poofs back to looking young. It was hilarious. Boy did I love to hate her though. I thought she had a spectacular singing voice, probably one of the most powerful out of any of the characters, she was fantastic in Mother Knows Best (Reprise).


PUB THUGS
The thugs were a crack up. They all seem horrible and intimidating, but they have some of the silliest dreams like baking cupcakes or collecting ceramic unicorns. My favorite thug was the short one that dressed up like Cupid. The best part was when the guards are taking Flynn to be hanged when suddenly all of the doors close and the short thug looks through one and asks “What’s the password?”. It was probably the hardest I laughed through the entire movie.


MOVING ON...
I cried three times (that I remember). The first was when the king was crying right before he and the queen went out to release the first lantern in memory of their lost daughter. The second was the whole scene when the Stabbington brothers made it seem like Flynn abandoned Rapunzel and then tried to kidnap her. The third was, of course, when Flynn died.

I noticed how very similar Tangled was to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Main character has a fake guardian who lies saying that the outside world is a terrible place. The fake guardian is constantly putting down the main character. Main character longs to get out despite the warnings and ends up sneaking out. Main character confronts fake guardian saying that they are the horrible ones, not the outside world. Fake guardian tries to kill main character’s friend/love-interest. Fake guardian falls to their death.

Also, I noticed how similar Rapunzel’s first encounter with Flynn was similar to Ariel and Eric’s from the Little Mermaid. (Not the knocking out part). Male lead is unconscious, female lead has never seen a human (or in Rapunzel’s case, a man) before, female lead moves male lead’s bangs, female lead stares at male lead obviously thinking he is handsome.

As long as I’m alluding to other Disney movies, I have to comment on the ending tower scene. EPIC!!! I noticed many similarities to Beauty and the Beast. The villain stabs the male lead then falls to their death, male lead dies as female lead cries over his body, last minute magic happens and there’s lots of cool lights in the air, male lead comes back to life followed by a first kiss (accompanied by awesome triumphant music). I was bawling at this scene. Flynn’s voice actor, Zachary Levi, did a spectacular job at making it seem like Flynn was in real pain. I didn’t know whether to be excited that Flynn cuts off her hair, or sad. I knew it would mean Gothel would die and Rapunzel would be free from her imprisonment, but it also meant Flynn could not be healed. So, unsure, I just cried. The animation as Rapunzel’s tear was healing Flynn was probably the the most beautiful animation of the whole movie. The tear thing was great, because it stuck to the original fairytale of Rapunzel’s tears healing the prince of his blindness. I love the first thing Flynn says when he is revived: “Did I ever tell you I have a thing for brunettes?”, it made me cry harder (of happiness). Of course you look forward to the kiss, but what really got me was the tackle/hug Rapunzel gives Flynn right before she kisses him; it just tugged at my heartstrings. Alan Menken’s music just made the entire scene all the more incredible.

Afton and I noticed that Rapunzel has super long blonde hair, then has really short brown hair. We found this funny because Afton has super long blonde hair and I have really short brown hair. Despite what most people have said, I think Rapunzel looks cute with her short brown hair (and not just because I have short brown hair). I do like her better with blonde hair, but the brown is good too.


FAVORITE MOMENTS:
*Rapunzel’s mood swings
*The lantern scene
*Flynn and Maximus tripping each other to get to the satchel on the tree branch
*Flynn containing his hysteria after Rapunzel heals his hand
*Pascal chuckling when he thought Rapunzel couldn’t find him during hide and seek
*The “What’s the password” moment
*When the thugs catapulted Flynn out of the castle
*Rapunzel trying to stuff Flynn in her closet (particularly when she gets him in, but he falls out again and totally flattens her XD)
*When Flynn is staring at Rapunzel after she gets her hair braided and Maximus waggles his eyebrows suggestively at him
*Rapunzel and Pascal trying to figure out what the crown is
*Maximus hiding behind a rock and bush shaped like a horse
*Maximus pushes Flynn into the dancing circle
*Rapunzel scooting closer to Flynn at the campfire, wanting to hear his life story
*The kingdom dance/montage
*The bunny hoping out of the bushes
*The rats bouncing to the music in I’ve Got a Dream (and Pascal’s face as he watches them)
*Flynn declaring he doesn’t sing, followed by all the thugs pointing their weapons at him, then it cutting to Flynn dancing and singing on the bar
*The ENDING!!!!!


QUOTES THAT MADE ME LOL THE HARDEST:
“Well, I hope you’re here to apologize” --Flynn, as Maximus is standing over him furious

“What’s the password?” “What?” “Nope.” “Open this door!” “Not even close” --Short thug and Captain of the guard

“I am a despicable human being” -Rapunzel, lying flat on her face outside her tower

“They just can’t my nose right!” “Who cares?” “Well it’s easy for you to say. You guys look amazing” --Flynn and Stabbington brother, Flynn is looking at some wanted posters

“OK give me a boost and I’ll pull you up” “Give us the satchel first” “What? I can’t believe after all we’ve been through, you don’t trust me?” “*glares*” “Ouch.” --Flynn and Stabbington brother, when they reach a dead end.

“Now help us up, pretty boy” “Sorry, my hands are full” “RIDER!!!!” --Stabbington brother and Flynn, after Flynn has been boosted up and somehow stolen back the satchel from the brothers.

“*sneezes*” “Hay fever?” “Yeah... huh?” --Guard and Flynn, as Flynn is stealing the crown

“You all tired from chasing the bad man all over the place?” “Excuse me?” --Rapunzel and Flynn, as Rapunzel tries to calm down an angry Maximus

“I feel like this whole time, we just been misunderstanding one another and we’re really just...” “*impatient face*” “Yeah, you’re right. We should go” --Flynn, talking to Maximus after he helped him escape prison

“No can do. The kingdom and I aren’t exactly ‘simpatico’ right now” --Flynn, after Rapunzel asks him to take her to the light festival

“Oh no! Where is my satchel?” “I’ve hidden it somewhere you’ll never find it” “It’s in that pot isn’t it?” *POW!!* --Flynn and Rapunzel

“You broke my smolder” --Flynn, after Rapunzel accidentally lets him fall on his face

“Who are you? And how did you find me?” “I know not who you are, nor how I came to find you, but may I just say... hi. How ya doin’? The name’s Flynn Rider” --Rapunzel and Flynn

“Careful, it can probably smell fear” --Flynn, as Rapunzel is clinging to his back terrified as a bunny hops out of the bushes

“I’ll break her [Gothel’s] heart?” “In half” “I’ll squish her soul!?” “*squish* Like a grape” --Rapunzel and Flynn, as Flynn is trying to guilt trip Rapunzel into going back to her tower

“I do like ducklings” “Yay!” --Rapunzel and Flynn, discussing the Snuggly Duckling

“Oh now they’re just being mean” --Flynn, looking at a wanted poster of himself with the ugliest nose yet

“What about you?” “I’m sorry, me?” “What’s your dream?” “Oh no, sorry guys, I don’t sing” *swords whipped out* --Thugs and Flynn, before Flynn starts singing

“I believe this is the man you are looking for” “You got me!” --Thug and Short thug, to the guards who have come to arrest Flynn

“I have a surprise for you!” “I have one too!” “I’ll bet mine’s better!” “*mumbles* I seriously doubt that” --Gothel and Rapunzel, Gothel’s surprise is Rapunzel’s favorite meal and Rapunzel’s is an unconscious man in her closet

“I’ve always had superhuman good looks, but superhuman powers? Can you imagine the possibilities?” --Flynn, after his hand has been healed

“What? I paid for them... most of them” --Flynn, after giving Maximus a bag of apples

“He seems happy, he’s never told me otherwise” --Flynn, about Ulf the mime

“The party lasted a week, and to be honest, I don’t remember most of it” --Flynn

“I know the big question remaining: did we ever get married? Well, after YEARS of asking and asking…I finally said yes.” “Eugene!” “Alright, I asked her.” --Flynn and Rapunzel

They WERE lies! :D

Yesterday, I made a post about how supposedly Disney was not going to make any more fairytales. Well, their official Facebook page has contradicted such a statement. I can't even begin to describe how relieved I was when I read this.

On the Official Disney facebook, they say “A headline in today’s LA Times erroneously reported that the Disney fairytale is a thing of the past, but I feel it is important to set the record straight that they are alive and well at Disney and continue this week with Tangled, a contemporary retelling of a much loved story. We have a number of projects in development with new twists that audiences will be able to enjoy for many years to come”

So the lesson here: DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU READ, DEFINITELY NOT FROM SOURCES LIKE NEWSPAPERS OR MAGAZINES!!!

LIES!!! (I hope)

I recently read an article about Disney. It has announced that they are "closing the book of fairytales". I wanted to cry when I saw that. Disney fairytales have always been my favorite. I am currently obsessing over their latest flick, Tangled (coming out in 4 days) and was looking forward to their next fairytale, The Snow Queen. However, they have scratched The Snow Queen out and will move on to other projects.

I remember when Disney announced that they would not make anymore animated films back in 2004. LIES!!!! Because in 2009, they came out with The Princess and the Frog. I am hoping this is the case with their latest heart-breaking statement. Their reasoning for going back to animation was because they "should not be ashamed of what [they] do best" (according to legendary animator, Glenn Keane). Why can't this statement hold true to fairytales as well? Their most successful films have been fairytales! Anyways, there is always hope... maybe they will see sense if Tangled does well in the box office and if not, then they will in a few years.

Disney Freak

Often when people first meet me, they become aware a a certain characteristic of mine almost right away... I am a Disney freak. No not Disney Channel or any live-action type (though some of those are good too). No, I mean the animation department. This blog post is dedicated to the most wonderful video production team that ever existed.


MY TOP 10 FAVORITES:

10) Robin Hood


9) Hercules

8) The Great Mouse Detective


7) The Hunchback of Notre Dame


6) The Little Mermaid


5) Mulan


4) Aladdin


3) The Princess and the Frog


2) Beauty and the Beast


1) The Lion King


A FEW SHOUT-OUTS TO THEM:

*I had The Lion King memorized when I was 2 years old and it will always have a special place in my heart.
*The Princess and the Frog restored my faith in Disney animation and its magic
*Beauty and the Beast scared me out of my mind so much that I refused to watch it until I was about 13. Now I absolutely adore it. The ending gives me shivers (more than any other Disney film has before).
*Despite what all my friends think, I think Ariel is one of the cutest princesses. I know she's immodest, folks, but there's just something about her that makes her so likeable.


FAVORITE PRINCESSES:

10) Snow White


9) Pocahontas


8) Cinderella


7) Jasmine


6) Aurora


5) Mulan (hey, she's part of the Disney Princess Franchise so she counts)


4) Giselle


3) Tiana

2) Belle


1) Ariel



If you look at one of my previous posts (http://kelsiameliameyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/tangled.html), you will see my review on the latest upcoming Disney movie, Tangled (November 24, 2010). I have high expectations and I predict that one of my current top 10 movies might have to make way for Tangled once I've seen it :)

So,
#) Tangled



and,
#) Rapunzel

I could of course go on all day about how much I love Disney. The songs, the animation, the characters, the magic... but I won't. I will just leave you with this: "Animation offers a medium of story telling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world." -- Walt Disney

Pizza Mishap

This happened almost a year ago, but it was so funny I just had to blog about it. I will first give you an account of the experience through my dad's words:


"I think I just lived our own version of "A Christmas Story" for the Meyer household (except, we didn't lose a turkey to the galloping dogs).

My wife left me in charge of taking out the pizzas from the oven while she went to pick up Brady and his friends from basketball practice, as they were all coming over for a birthday party/sleep over. The timer started beeping on the oven, so I opened the door to take out the bubbling cheese pizza. I discovered that my wife had simply put the pizza crust directly on the oven trays without a pizza pan... so now what to do? I quickly rolled up a kitchen towel (to be used as a hot pad) and grabbed the rectangle shaped cookie sheet on the bottom tray of the oven (which I assumed was there to catch any dripping cheese from above) -- and slipped it under the pizza crust like a pro would would have done. The only problem here is that the pizza and the pan were different shapes, thus the hot pizza was drooping over two of the pan's edges. I skillfully balanced everything out of the oven and tried to quickly place the pan on the upper section of our kitchen counter, as I didn't want our curious dogs jumping up and getting at it. Apparently, due to the centrifugal force of quickly placing the pan on the counter, the scalding hot pizza started to slip off the outside edge of the pan towards the floor. I quickly tried to stop it with my hands -- which didn't work so well (did I mention earlier that the pizza was scalding hot?)! After burning my hands, I then grabbed the rolled towel to help out, but by then half of melted cheese had already fallen to the stool and down to the floor... where the dogs were waiting and licking their chops (reminded me of the crocodiles waiting for Captain Hook in Peter Pan).

Needless to say, there were a variety of yells and frantic screams emanating from my personage -- my hands getting scalded screams... followed by yelling at the dogs waiting below... followed by calling for the girls upstairs (apparently, they were hard of hearing while watching something on the computer, so I had to yell even louder!)... at the same time yelling in exasperation over this whole scene!

Well, the girls finally came down and had a good laugh at my expense (while taking photos) as they learned what had happened to their dear old dad.

Kelsi then said, "Dad, this is the proper way of taking a pizza out of the oven..."

Aren't girls smart?!!"


Yes girls are smart :) I had to explain exactly how to take a pizza out of the oven:

1) Find the PIZZA TRAY, not a cookie sheet
2) Put on OVEN MITTS
3) Open the oven, hold the tray slightly under the oven rack
4) Use either a spatula or your PROTECTED hand to slide the pizza onto the tray
5) Use both hands to place the pizza on the CLOSEST counter
6) Close the oven as soon AFTER you put the pizza down so you don't hold the tray with one hand

I also added:

You were not screaming at us. You were just screaming. We heard you, but we thought you were putting stuff on your poison oak. The next time you need help, call our names huh? We don't know what AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!means.








Me and my mad skills of perfectly removing a pizza from the oven


Compare this picture to the first picture. Epic win vs. epic fail


It's alright, Dad. Someday you'll be a skilled as me. *cue Superman Theme*

My Future Plans

OK for my entire life I've been encouraged to make goals and write them down. Recently, this has been pressed upon me even more than before as I am getting closer to college and adult-hood. I thought I'd share some plans of mine (not too personal that is) and explain how I plan to accomplish them and such.

1) Go to BYU Idaho
2) Major in film making
3) Publish a book before I graduate college
4) Get married before age 27

NUMBER ONE:
I've always wanted to go to BYU since I knew it existed, but I always wanted to go to Provo. Idaho never seemed very appealing to me and I didn't know that there was one in Hawaii until I was like 13 or 14. I have always had my eyes set on Provo. Always, that is, until last year. I took the SAT and ACT last year and both reported that Idaho was a better match for me than Provo. That was the roots of my change of mind and I continued thinking about it for the rest of the year. I was hesitant to tell my friends about my desires to attend Idaho as they all wanted to go to Provo, so I only hinted at it every once in a while. Suddenly, practically all of them had a sudden change of mind and wanted to go to Idaho rather than Provo. Our... well at least my mind was set after a presentation on all the church schools. Idaho has a 97% acceptance rate. That seemed more appealing to me since I had received minimal grades my Junior year.

Although colleges look at your GPA from your sophmore and junior year, I am striving to do much better in school this year as a senior. I am planning on doing the school play this spring so that I have some extracurricular activities to boast about (for lack of a better term). I am hoping to attend Idaho, but if I don't get in, then I hope to make it into one of the BYU's.

NUMBER TWO:
My talent/love for movie making began when I was about 11. That was when I first discovered YouTube. I loved all the movies made and I wanted to try it for myself. I didn't write any material, nor did I actually film myself doing anything. It all started with me just putting music to clips of The Princess Bride. Therefore, my first projects were only developing my editing skills. My first real project was when I was about 13. The Beehives were going to make a movie for mutual and the presidency was in charge of writing, filming, and producing it. I helped write the script, cast the characters, put together costumes, and I even wrote an entire song (since it was going to be a musical). We utilized my dad's video camera and I was one of the directors. I edited it by myself (my first experience with iMovie). My first experience of a music video was over summer vacation the following year. I was home alone almost all day every day for a week, so I got bored. I randomly decided to make a video to Veggietales' The Hairbrush Song, starring only me and filmed by me. I found that I really enjoyed doing this and proceeded to make a video to almost all the Veggietales songs. Since then, I have written my own material (including the A Pirate's Life For Me trilogy) as well as made other music videos.

Making movies is one of (if not my number one) my favorite pastimes. I can get so into it and I love everything about it. Therefore, it makes sense for me to decide to pursue this in college. I can't decide which particular field I want, but I'll soon find out. Also, I decided on this because I have noticed that I am practically cut out to be in the movie business. I mean, I love watching movies and I love everything about them (lighting, camera movement, story, characters, actors, and so on.), I have knowledge of music, art, and technology (to an extent), I have a loud voice (I don't usually use it, but I have one), I know what makes a good story, I can take control but I can also work in a team, I am a phenomenologist, and I know there are other traits that I can't think of at the moment.

In order to fully prepare for my potential major and (possibly) my career, I am currently taking Teledramatic Arts. Tele Arts covers practically everything involved in movie making, giving me experience in several fields.

NUMBER THREE:
You can read all about my rejected manuscript in a past post as well as my progress. I am rewriting it and I plan on submitting it elsewhere once I'm in college. It's easier for authors if they are at least attending college, if not already graduated, if they want to publish something. I will not give up on Shaken Forever, I will keep rewriting it until it's accepted. I am determined to have some sort of work published before I graduate college, even if it's not Shaken Forever.

NUMBER FOUR:
There's not much to say on this. I am just determined to beat my dad's age. Also I've figured that the older I get without getting married, the higher chance I have of marrying a guy younger than me (which I don't want) because all guys my age or older will be married before they're thirty. I am counting on my patriarchal blessing's words that I will meet a worthy YOUNG man. If I do what I'm supposed to, I'm assuming I will get married before thirty (not that thirty is old, thirty it's just the marking point of middle age). However this all depends on Heavenly Father's idea of "young".

Tangled

As most know, I am a complete Disney freak. I have a history of loving kid movies, happy endings, finding your true love, magic, adventure, etc. All these qualities are contained in Disney films. For years, if I ever heard of a new Disney movie, I would jump to my feet, rush to a computer and look into it. Usually I become very anxious to see it, but sometimes I lose interest all together. I never lose interest in Disney's animated movies.

After their failure on Home on the Range (2004), Disney announced that they would not make anymore traditionally animated movies. This announcement broke many hearts. I was too young to realize that this had happened, but if I were a bit older, I would have screamed at the very least. Disney did produce more Pixar films, (which are always amazing) and one of its own CG films, Bolt, but they stayed true to the proclamation they made in 2004. They finally broke their word by making The Princess and the Frog.

A little while after The Princess and the Frog was released, I began to wonder if Disney would make anymore animated movies. I had previously looked at upcoming Disney movies that had been sitting on the bookshelf for years, none seeming to have any potential. One night while I was on my laptop, I was looking up the DVD release date for the Princess and the Frog. I found the date on Wikipedia. If you've ever been to Wiki, you know there are links and connections at the bottom. I saw one that read, Rapunzel. Curious, I clicked on the link. My dream had come true. Disney was making another fairytale. I could have cried for joy. The wiki page didn't give much information other than that a teaser trailer would be released soon. I would have to wait. I kept looking up stuff, trying to find a release date and such. It was scheduled for some time in 2010.


I was severely disappointed when I found out that the movie would not be traditionally animated. When I saw that it would be a CG film, my excitement was dimmed. Then I found out that Disney would not keep with the well-known title, "Rapunzel" and would be changing it to "Tangled". After learning of this change, I was almost completely turned off. Time for another Disney failure. However, I still held a small curiosity rather than interest. I would occasionally check for updates, but not with the same excitement I have had previously. When the time came, I watched the teaser (link included below). It didn't give much information (of course). It seemed to be following the traditional story save the fact that Rapunzel had magical hair. It never showed any characters, (just some voiceovers as the camera zooms in on Rapunzel's tower) so I really did not know what to expect at all still. My interest was piqued again though.

In March, I became a fan of Walt Disney's Animated Films on Facebook and got all their updates. There wasn't much about Tangled save one or two concept drawings. One day in May, I checked Wiki again for any updates. It said that a new trailer would premiere on June 20 on the Facebook page. For some reason after reading this, I became very excited. I couldn't wait for the trailer to come out. After much waiting, I finally watched the trailer (I've included the actual video below). My view on the movie was completely altered after the trailer. Now that I knew what the characters looked like, sounded like, and got a very vague story, I was hooked. I have to admit that the trailer mainly only excited me through of visual appeal. It looked like a traditionally animated movie! The plot of the trailer (centred around the male protagonist) seemed to be sort of cheesy, but after looking up more stuff, I found that the plot of the actual movie focuses more on Rapunzel. Since the trailer came out, I have been checking Wiki and other sources for updates. I got a general plot outline and more pictures. Facebook updates at least once or twice a week. I watch the trailer almost everyday and have it memorized already. I can't wait until November 24!

OK so now to the point of this extremely long blog post: Information and my thoughts concerning the movie.

I learned from The Princess and the Frog that straying away from the traditional story can actually be better if done well. That way you didn't know what to expect as much. The male role of Tangled is not a prince, he is a dashing thief on the lam, who just happens to stumble upon Rapunzel's tower. Somehow they come to an agreement for him to take Rapunzel from her isolation.

RELEASED PLOT: When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) hides out in a mysterious tower, he’s taken hostage by Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn’s curious captor, who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. In theaters this holiday season in Disney Digital 3D™, “Tangled” is a story of adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.

So, my opinion. I think it is an interesting twist on the story. I am already liking the two title characters enormously. Flynn's horse and Rapunzel's chameleon seem to be very funny too. All the characters I have seen look amazing (in their own way).

Like I said, I was mad about the title change. Why did they have to make it sound like such a rip-off of the classic fairytale? I couldn't figure out what on earth possessed them to change it. Many, many, MANY people were equally upset. Disney's explanation was that they wanted to appeal to boys as well as girls. They believed that although The Princess and the Frog did well financially, it didn't do as well as they had anticipated. They believed this to be because they made it seem too girly. I could see their point, but I was still a little T.O.ed. My opinion has just changed slightly, recently, after reading what one of the directors had to say about the title change. He said, "we sat back and looked at the film, and as much as, and I said this before, this movie does not work if Rapunzel’s not in the movie and it also does not work if Flynn Rider’s not in the movie. This is the story of the two of them, and you can’t make the film without one or the other. So, because of that, we wanted a title that reflected the movie that we were making. Rapunzel, it’s like calling Toy Story… Buzz Lightyear. Why would you do that? That’s the story of Buzz and Woody, so they call it Toy Story. This is the same thing. This isn’t the story of one character; it’s the story of two characters. So we needed a title that reflected that." I am still not perfectly fine with the title, Tangled, but I understand where they are coming from and I'm sure I will get used to it.
I was also upset that it would not be traditionally animated. There were too many CGI films already. Besides, it was Pixar's job to make amazing CG films, not Disney's animation department. My opinion was changed after seeing the trailer and pictures. Despite the fact that it was CG, it still had a 2-D feel. It was still a Disney fairytale! (Link below)

The part that really has me hooked is that it is a musical and that Alan Menken will be composing the songs!!! So stoked! I can't wait to hear them. He says that the songs are based off of 60's rock. I'm not sure what to make of that statement. All I know is that he has never written a bad song, especially in Disney.

So we'll have to see how it turns out. I promise, I'll blog about it after I see it. I have high expectations! Don't let me down Disney!


Sorry, you'll have to copy and paste these links. I couldn't get the links button to work.

TEASER TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wd0sOwCJPM


TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f516ZLyC6U


FEATUERETTE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ia4UL2N8o


VISUAL APPEAL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlBswjJC-g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJgzWFJDww0&p=941C6539DBFD71BE&index=4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoFFzbNzSo8&p=941C6539DBFD71BE&index=5


EXTRA INFO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMUZFGIf7Ig

Shaken Forever Rewrite

I got my letter last week from Deseret Books. Sadly it was a rejection. I'll admit I was a little disappointed, but I brushed it off. I had hardly expected it to be accepted for publication, after all it is only my first book (not counting the little practice stories I've written over the years)

I understand that most beginning authors who are rejected tend to give up. This was not my case. Actually it made me want to try harder. I originally intended to go back and polish up some stuff. Make it more exciting and all. However when I went back, I found that there were more mistakes and weak plot points than I had thought. I decided to completely rewrite the book.

I went online and found some creative writing tips. After reading them, I discovered more and more big boo-boos in my original story. After reading the tips, I came to the conclusion that Shaken Forever was poorly written with no hook, a weak plot, cruddy dialogue, and especially weak characters. It might sound like I'm only being hard on myself, but I'm being honest. While my book had it's good points, it was mostly a mess. I'm throwing this one into my pile of "Practice Stories" along with The Crossed Swords Series, The Emerald Arrow, and all my unfinished novels.

Taking advice from the writing tips, I began with redeveloping the characters. I won't go into detail, but they have a lot more depth now. After that, I wrote the first few paragraphs of the book (aka the hook) focusing on drawing the readers in. I then proceeded to make a rough outline of the entire story.

I have completely redesigned the book. I now begin the book with Moroni's earlier life. I changed his relationships with other figures such as Amalickiah. I have changed his romantic life drastically. Lastly, I have changed the events leading to his rise as Chief Captain entirely.

I also made changes for potential sequels. Now I am planning on three books. The first one (which I am working on right now) is about Moroni's rise to Chief Captain. The second will be about his issues with Amalickiah. The third will be about his issues with Ammoron. These are prone to change so I will keep you posted. The first is currently titled, Shaken Forever: Chief Captain, but might change.

I am praying that my rewrite will be much better than my original story. You can keep track of my progress by the box on the right. I am going to be more critical of myself on this rewrite. I will be sharing bits and pieces with the public to receive their opinions. I will submit it to a publisher when I am in college. (While in the midst of my research for writing tips, I found that authors have a better chance of their books being accepted if they are at least in the process of getting a college degree.)

HB Moore Books

Since Christmas of 2009, I have come across some books called The Book of Mormon Prophet Series. I saw the second book, Alma, while looking through a magazine a few weeks before Christmas. Since we were studying the story of Alma in King Noah's court in seminary, I decided I would like to read the book. I asked for it for Christmas. I was lucky enough to get it. My parents are always happy to give me books. As I started reading the book, I realized that the story began shortly after Abinadi's death. As I continued to read, I got the impression that there was a prequel to the book. I checked an sure enough there was a book called Abinadi. After I finished reading Alma, I asked for Abinadi and was granted the wish shortly after. HB Moore is a very talented writer, using short but vivid descriptions that keeps the story moving. I'd like to add that I DO NOT recommend these books to kids under 12. There are some very intense scenes (BOM violence, lust, etc). This blog post is to review the books she has written (of which I have been fortunate enough to read).




The first book is Abinadi. This book took me off on a whole new perspective of the story I knew so well. It portrayed Abinadi as a young man in his mid-twenties (not the stereo-typical old man that we see in paintings and such). This twist makes Abinadi all the more of a sympathetic character, since his life has only just begun. It immediately grabs you with the first chapter by describing Abinadi's thoughts as he awaits his death sentence in prison. Then story then jumps back to a few years earlier and gives account of all the events leading up to his call to preach and eventual death. The book also follows Alma the Elder's lifestyle as a priest in King Noah's court and his eventual conversion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good drama, historic fiction, romance, or just an all around captivating book. 5 stars



The second book is Alma. I will say that it does not grab you in the same way that Abinadi did, but it was definitely difficult to put down. It follows Alma the Elder as he forms the church by the Waters of Mormon. Although Alma's story is interesting, the side story with one of King Noah's wives is what really caught me. Almost everything horrible that could possibly happen to a person emotionally and physically, happens to her. Every scene with her, you can't help, but fell anxious for her. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who loves all the things I listed above. This book has a lot more romance in it than Abinadi did. 4.5 stars



The third book is Alma the Younger. I just barely finished this book. I thought the first two were good, but this one completely blows both of them out of the water. It starts with Alma the Elder and his family fleeing for shelter from a mob of non-believers where Alma realizes that the leader of the band is his own son. The book jumps back a few months to Alma the Younger, shortly after he left his home out of anger to live on his own. The book gives a vivid account of Alma the Younger's fall from the church into becoming an extremely wicked and idolatrous man. It is a pretty dark book. Probably the darkest out of all three, but that's why it is so fascinating. Alma the Younger is not a silly teenager that is pulling harmful pranks, he is an intelligent full grown man with many doubts about his father's teachings. There is not a dull moment at all in this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. Once again I very highly recommend this book as well as its predecessors. It is a good drama and historic fiction, and (although it is not focused on as much as in the other two) there is a good romance. 5 stars all the way.


I believe it will be the last book in the series, but HB Moore is currently in the process of writing a fourth book called Ammon. It will be about Ammon on his mission to the Lamanites and his life in King Lamoni's court. I'm interested in how she will portray Ammon's life change from a Nephite prince to a Lamanite servant. I can't wait to read it. If it is half as good as the first three, I will be extremely pleased with it.

Quoting

Those who are so fortunate as to know my family, know that we love to quote stuff. This post is a list of some funny quotes that I could think of.


“No more rhymes now. I mean it!” “Anybody want a peanut?” --The Princess Bride

“Mawige. Mawige is what bwings us togetha towday. Mawige dat bwessed awangement. Dat dweam wiffin a dweam. Wuv twoo wuv wil fow you foeva. Have you da wing?” --The Princess Bride

“How was school?” “Worst day of my life what do you think?” --Napoleon Dynamite

“Napoleon, don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day.” --Napoleon Dynamite

“A hotdog is singing! You need quiet while a hotdog is singing?” --You’ve Got Mail

“Bippity-boppity BACON!!” --Jim Gaffigan

“Let me show you how it’s done... this is a stupid sport.” --Jim Gaffigan

“The worst is being the worst bowler of the group. Then everyone treats you like you have cancer. ‘You can do it. We’re praying for you.’” --Jim Gaffigan

“‘Why don’t you ever make the bed?’ ‘The same reason I don’t tie my shoes after I take them off. It doesn’t make sense.’” --Jim Gaffigan

“Say 8, say 8, say 8, say 8! Happy 8 day!” --Brian Regan

“Number one, do not stand directly in front of a cannon... how true that is.” --Brian Regan

“Number one, remove pastry from pouch. Oh OK. I see where they’re going with this. We’re banging on all cylinders now. Number two, insert pastry... vertically. Oh oh thpppt!” --Brian Regan

“I always admired the kid that spelled it wrong on purpose just so he could sit down. ‘Cat, K-A-T. I’m out.’ And as he passes you , ‘I know there’s two T’s’” --Brian Regan

“Your head pops off that pillow, ‘Oh no! It’s due today! I had nine months to work on it and I did nothing.” --Brian Regan
“‘What have you got there Brian?’ ‘It’s a cup of dirt. Just put an F on there and let me go home’ ‘Well explain it’ ‘Well it’s a cup with dirt in it. I call it cup of dirt.’” --Brian Regan

“OK that one was a little tougher. He either said we should go to the back of the throat or he wants a root beer float.” --Finding Nemo

“If my parents find out, they’re going to bury me alive and dance on my grave. I’m not exaggerating!... OK yes I am, but not the point.” --Meet the Robinsons

“All young ladies are accomplished. They sing, they draw, they dance, speak French and German, cover screens, and I know not what.” --Pride and Prejudice

“Come Darcy, I must have you dance. I must. I hate to see you standing about in this stupid manner. Come, you had much better dance.” -- Pride and Prejudice

“She is tolerable I suppose. But she’s not handsome enough to tempt me.” --Pride and Prejudice

“It’s so fluffy I’m going to die!!!” --Despicable Me

“My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves, that I might outlive you.” --Pride and Prejudice

“Joe Jr.’s still single.” “Yeah it’s a shocker.” --While You Were Sleeping

“The truth was I fell in love with you.” “You fell in love with me?” -- While You Were Sleeping

“You know I can’t swim!” “Hence the BOAT” --The Proposal

“Laugh it up fuzzball” --Star Wars V

“Don’t worry Fred, if he hits you with a knife, boy will I boo him.” --The Flintstones

“Do you know how to use that thing?” “Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man.” --The Mask of Zorro

“‘Have you ever been a victim of a crime?’ ‘Yeah I stole 9 cars, I held 5 people at gunpoint, I--’ ‘No VICTIM!’ ‘Oh victim, no.’” --Brian Regan

“She said my boy I think someday, you’ll find a way to make you natural tendencies pay. You’ll be a dentist! You have a talent for causing things pain.” --Little Shop of Horrors

“You finally got into the music. Do you get my joke? Because your head, it’s in the tuba.” --The Princess and the Frog

“Maybe he’s fat. He’s fat. He’s a fatty.” --You’ve Got Mail

“You know who no do. Whack-a-doo. Ratta-tata hey! Why do they call it that?” “What?” “Ratatouille. It’s like a stew right? Why do they call it that? If you’re going to name a food it should sound delicious. Ratatouille doesn’t sound delicious. It sounds like rat and patootey. Rat-patootey! Which does not sound delicious.” --Ratatouille

“SANTA!!!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! Santa here? I know him! I know him!” --Elf

“In DANGER from TOYS?” --Santa Clause is Coming to Town

“Sink me, you tailors have betrayed you!” --The Scarlet Pimpernel

“I can’t see! I can’t see!” “What’s the matter?” “I got my eyes closed.” --The Three Stooges

“I’ve got a name and it’s a boy’s name too.” --Mulan

“You’re the only human I know that snores while he’s awake.” --Get Smart (2008)

“Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah-ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang.” --Alvin and the Chipmunks

“Turn off the light” “And sleep in the dark? I couldn’t do that.” “Why not?” “The gollywoggles might get me.” --Get Smart

“How do you solve a problem like Maria?” --The Sound of Music

“Charlie, light a match!” --So I Married an Axe Murderer

“We are dead. Soon we will be dead.” “I always liked my head!” “Soon we will be dead.” --Liken’s Ammon and King Lamoni

“After today, y’all be wearing gold plated diapers.” “What does that mean?” “Do not question Bruce Dickenson!” --SNL, More Cowbell

“Sorry. My men are not used to having a pretty face on board.” “If they like me, wait until they get a load of 99.” --Get Smart

“Here we have the meats drawer and uh what you do with that... you would put meats.” --Brian Regan

“I look handsome, I look smart. I am a walking work of art.” --Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat

“The bunny, the bunny, ooh I love the bunny” --Veggietales, Rack Shack and Benny

“I want a potty. I want a cookie. I want to stay up. I want, I want, I want, me, me, me, me, mine, mine, mine, now, now, now!” --Hook

“I like you... I don’t know why.” --Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy

“Elizabeth, we have been commanded to multiply and replenish the earth!” --Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy

“I had an interesting experience with a woman in this congregation who will remain anonymous. But for the sake of the story we’ll call her Elizabeth B. No, no E. Bennet.” --Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-day Comedy

“My FAT!!” --Get Smart (2008)

“The king’s stinkin’ son fired me and thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. WHile you’re at it, why don’t you get me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it. We’re closed!” --The Princess Bride

“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die.” --The Princess Bride

“1.21 gigawatts!?!?! 1.21 gigawatts!” --Back to the Future I

“Shtarker, this is KAOS. We don’t ‘doot-doot-doot’ here!” --Get Smart

“He had the nerve to call me a boob? I would never call somebody a boob. He’s a boob! Look at you... yuck.” --Horton Hears a Who

“It’s party time. P-A-R-T-why? Because I gotta!” --The Mask

“That’s a SPICY meata-balla!” --The Mask

“Hey, do you want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?... EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” --Dumb and Dumber

“Wow that was a nice image. Click, click. Deleted.” --Liar Liar

“WHAT”S WRONG WITH ME!?!?! I’m getting what I deserve. I’m reaping what I sow--” --Liar Liar

“In my world, everyone’s a pony and they all eat rainbows and poop butterflies” --Horton Hears a Who

“If you utter so much as one syllable, I’LL HUNT YOU DOWN AND GUT YOU LIKE A FISH!!... if you want to fax me, press the star key.” --How the Grinch Stole Christmas

“You’re trying on my shoes?” --While You Were Sleeping

“Hey Luce! Is this guy bothering you?” “No. No.” “Are you sure? Because it looks like he’s leaning.” --While You Were Sleeping

“I was playing choo-choo train!” --Catch That Ghost

“Wait a minute. How did this happen? We’re smarter than this.” --Star Wars III

“Why are you burping?” “I have tummy issues. What, get over it!” --17 Again

“If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it.” --Twelfth Night

“That like asking a porcupine to poop goat cheese... yuck.” --17 Again

“Good morning starshine. The earth says hello!” --Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

“I should turn you in right now” “You wouldn’t. Would you?” “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t” “Because I’m... cute?” --Chicken Run

“Slap. Boom. Twang. Dunk. SPLAT!” --The Great Mouse Detective

“This is my comfy place.” --Home on the Range

“How about some new drapes... and a new robe... and a band-aid.” --Get Smart

“I need to get this speck to the top of Mount Nool ASAP... whatever that means. Probably act swiftly awesome pachyderm.” --Horton Hears a Who

“Ventura!” “Yes Satan?... oh I’m sorry sir. You sounded like someone else.” --Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

“Is this a kissing book?” --The Princess Bride

“What did this do to you? Tell me. And remember, this is for posterity so be honest. How do you feel?” “*cries*” “Interesting.” --The Princess Bride

“I've got my country's 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it; I'm swamped.” --The Princess Bride

“What in the world could that be?” --The Princess Bride

“LIAR!!! LIAR!!! LIAAAAAAR!!!!” “Get back witch!” “I’m not a witch! I’m your wife! But after what you just said, I’m not even sure I want to be that anymore!” --The Princess Bride

“Bye bye boys!” “Have fun storming the castle!” “Think it’ll work?” “It would take a miracle” --The Princess Bride

“It’s possible pig.” --The Princess Bride

“I object” “I didn’t get to the part yet” “I would have to object too.” “What about you?” “I’m thinking.” --While You Were Sleeping

“Remember the squirrels?” “Don’t even say it.” “FIrst I knocked them out of the nest with a rock” “Peter...” “Then I saved them.” “Ew” --While You Were Sleeping

“Get down on one knee. It’s more romantic” “He’s proposing. Let him do it” “I am letting him do it!” -- While You Were Sleeping

“She’s beautiful, but she’s a PILL!” --You’ve Got Mail

“Happy Thanksgibbing back.” --You’ve Got Mail

“How do you sleep at night?” “I use a wonderful over-the-counter drug, Ultradorm. Don't take the whole thing, just half, and you will wake up without even the tiniest hangover.” --You’ve Got Mail

“Such sorry workmanship would not be tolerated in London for one tiny instant. Look here sir at this limp cravat. I ask you! Or the sorry cut of this sleeve. No, no, no. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Or the sad state of those cuffs. Sink me I can hardly bring myself to look upon them. No sir, if this is the best your tailors can do, t’would serve you better to send them to the guillotine.” --The Scarlet Pimpernel

“I have to dance at least the first two with Mr. Collins.” “Oh yes. He’s threatened to dance with us all.” --Pride and Prejudice

“Soon you’ll be sitting around a campfire with Andy making delicious hot sch’moes.” “They’re called s’mores, Buzz.” --Toy Story 2

“Everything is better. Everything looks better, feels better. Even this Chocolate-Peanut Butter tastes better.” “Good. It’s Fudge-Mint.” --While You Were Sleeping

“Oh Mr. Bennet! What is it!? Are we to be murdered in our beds!?” --Pride and Prejudice

“Run!! RUN!!! He’s gonna git’cha!” --Cars

“Naw dang” --Cars

My Top 5 Rom-Com's

I have made a tribute to my favorite kid movies and I decided that since I don't have very much to do now that I'm finished with my book, I'd make another tribute post. I chose to do this one on Romantic Comedies. Here are my top 5 favorites (in order).

5) 50 First Dates (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore)

I first watched this one back in like 6th grade at my friend's slumber party. I never saw it again until fairly recently. I bought it at Target and watched it. I found that it had more inappropriate stuff than I thought, but after I cleaned it up, it became a super cute movie.

PLOT: Henry Roth is a veterinarian living in Hawaii who enjoys the company of vacationing women. He leaves the playboy life behind after he falls for Lucy, who suffers from short-term memory loss. Since she can never remember meeting him, Henry has to romance Lucy every single day and hope that she falls for him.

I find the plot endearing and sweet. I love the entirely random characters like Lucy's brother and Henry's hawaiian friend.

Favorite Quote(s):
Dr. Keats: Tom lost part of his brain in a hunting accident. His memory only lasts ten seconds.
Ten Second Tom: I was in an accident? That's terrible.
Dr. Keats: Don't worry, you're totally gonna get over it in about three seconds.
Ten Second Tom: Get over it? I mean, what happened? Did I get shot in the brain... Hi. I'm Tom.


4) You've Got Mail (Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks)

I remember walking in on my mom late at night and she would be watching this. I would sometimes sit and watch a little bit, but I never really understood it. However, I managed to remember the characters. I can't remember exactly when I watched it again. I believe I was in middle school. I was not firmly attached to it at first, but the more I watched it, the more I came to love it.

PLOT: Kathleen Kelly owns a small children's book store, but is coming under competition from Joe Fox's giant Fox Books, a megastore with a cafe and discounted books. The two become arch rivals, without realising that the romance they are conducting anonymously on the internet is with each other.

Tom Hanks is one of the best actors I have seen (and one of my favorites). He can play any role and he plays the role of the sarcastic and rich Joe Fox perfectly. I guess his character is one of the reasons why I like the movie so much. I love how the characters hate each other in person, but are in love with each other over the internet. Joe even gives kathleen advice on how to defeat her business rival (unaware that it is him).

Favorite Quote(s):
Joe: Maybe he's fat. He's fat, he's a fatty.

Frank: A hotdog is singing! You need quiet while a hotdog is singing!?


3) When in Rome (Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel)

I first saw this movie in theaters. I had never even heard of it until my mom told me that we were going to it. So I did not know what to expect.

PLOT: Beth is at a point in her life where love seems like a luxury she just can't afford. Years of waiting for that perfect romance has made Beth bitter, and one day, while vacationing in Rome, she cynically plucks a handful of coins from a local fountain of love. Almost immediately thereafter, Beth finds herself fending off the advances of a diminutive sausage magnate, a lanky street magician, a doting painter, and a narcissistic male model. Meanwhile, a smitten reporter does his best to convince Beth that true love isn't just a topic of fairy tales and romance novels.

I really liked the movie after leaving the theaters. Everything about it was hilarious, but the male model is what really made it for me. I would drop out of my chair laughing at him. Believe it or not, despite him being my favorite character, I totally forgot about him until we bought the movie. Before we got to the theaters, all of the kids said we would cover out eyes and plug our ears if something too inappropriate came up and our parents would tell us when it was over. We never had to do that. The movie was one of the cleanest romantic comedies I had ever seen.

Favorite Quote(s):
Gale the model: I don't know whether to stare at my reflection or at you. That's how beautiful you are.


2) The Proposal (Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds)

I did not get to see this one in theaters. Even though I had seen the previews, I was not dying to see it. I finally saw it when my parents bought it. I saw part of the uncensored version first, but my dad stopped me and cleaned it up. Then I watched it for the first time.

PLOT: When high-powered book editor Margaret faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that she's actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew, who she's tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. The unlikely couple heads to Alaska to meet his quirky family and the always-in-control city girl finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another. With an impromptu wedding in the works and an immigration official on their tails, Margaret and Andrew reluctantly vow to stick to the plan despite the precarious consequences.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The major sarcasm between the two main characters is so funny. I had a love-hate relationship with Maragret. She was so mean, but I still liked her. Then I liked her more as the movie went on.

Favorite Quote(s):
Margaret: What am I allergic to?
Andrew: Pine nuts... and the full spectrum of human emotion

Margaret: You know I can't swim
Andrew: Hence the BOAT


1) While You Were Sleeping (Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman)

The way I first saw this is similar to the way I first saw You've Got Mail. I would walk in on my mom while she was watching it. Sadly, I saw the end several times without understanding it and so when I tried watching it for real, I remembered how it ended.

PLOT: Lucy is a lonely fare collector on the Chicago elevated railway who has a secret crush on a handsome commuter named Peter Callaghan. On Christmas day, Lucy rescues Peter from an oncoming train after a mugger pushes him onto the tracks. Peter falls into a coma, and Lucy accompanies him to the hospital, where a nurse overhears her fantasizing aloud, "I was going to marry him." Misinterpreting her, the nurse tells Peter's family that Lucy is his fiancée. The mayhem escalates, when Lucy meets Peter's suspicious yet charming brother and falls for him.

This movie will always remain not only my favorite rom-com, but also one of my all time favorite movies. The script is genius. There is not a dull moment at all. You are either laughing or crying the entire time. This is one of those movies that gets me screaming at the characters as if it were a horror movie. The two main characters have true onscreen chemistry that is fun to watch. The movie is perfectly cast even down to Peter's hospital roommate and the hotdog vendor.

Favorite Quote(s):
Peter: Remember the squirrels?
Jack: Don't even say it
Peter: First I knocked them out of the nest with a rock
Jack: Peter...
Peter: Then I saved them
Jack: Eww

Elsie: How did Joe Kelly get to be a lector? He takes marijuana.
All: Amen!

Lucy: The truth was... I fell in love with you.
Ox: You fell in love with me?

Peter: Everything is better. Everything looks better, feels better. Even this Chocolate-Peanut Butter tastes better.
Jack: Good. It's Fudge-Mint.