Archive for July 6th, 2010

Fire and Ice

Who will she choose?

After I watched the movie I had to re-read Eclipse and Breaking Dawn because I was suffering from post-giddyness syndrome I think. I needed to apply night creams to prevent dark circles from appearing.I think it’s fine I post some spoilers now as most of my friends have seen it already. As what I’ve said with New Moon this movie was really for the fans. It was surprising though that so many liked it better than the first two movies and it was interesting to note that those who liked it more never read the book – I guess Summit has been taking tips.

Anyway, I have so many comments and I will try to make things cohesive and brief to the point. My  most favorite scenes were (in chronological order):

1. When Jacob steals a kiss from Bella – this was when things start to get exciting. Edward’s angry retort was ridiculously hot, I don’t know why. Maybe because he wasn’t reeling his emotions in and not looking constipated and about to go to the loo?

The dialogue that made me pinch my husband:
Edward: “Next time you kiss her you better ask permission first.”
Jacob: “Don’t worry the next time it happens she will ask me!”

2. The bedroom scene where Bella takes advantage of the new bed at Edward’s room. THERE.ARE.NO.WORDS. Literally. Heehee. Hot schtuff.

3. The tent scene. I think this was the highlight of the movie with Jacob’s dialogue: “Admit I am hotter than you are.” It also sums up how Jacob and Edward’s love for Bella differed – Jacob’s love is wild, impulsive, passionate. Edward’s was steady, true, unselfish. My heart ached for Edward here. Especially the morning after.

You could see it in his eyes.

4. All the meadow scenes. Edward so gorgeous here.

You would not even think of getting a diet pill comparison for your diet pills or anything else when you watch this Disney Classic. I want to be able to collect all the toys featured – soon, when I have that house I can call my own with a room I can display my collectibles.

I think Toy Story really nailed the song. You would NOT be able to remember the movie whenever you hear the song You’ve Got a Friend in Me.

We got to see this in film. There is no way on Earth my kids could have forgiven me if we didn’t. They enjoyed it to bits. In fact, I won’t even give it a review because you will only hear applauses and an occasional sob from me. It trumps my most favorite Disney movie – Beauty and the Beast. Now, that is saying something.

In fact, it has gotten excellent reviews at Rotten Tomatoes:

Toy Story 3 is now the second-best reviewed film ever on Rotten Tomatoes,

with a 99% "Fresh" score. 149 reviews have been counted, 147 positive to 2 negative or "Rotten". This is quite an achievement. Everyone at Pixar, starting with director Lee Unkrich, should be very proud of what they accomplished.

The t

wo negative reviews published today, however, cost ‘TS3′ it’s perfect 100% "Fresh" score and the title of "Best Reviewed Film of All Time" on RT, still held by predecessor Toy Story 2 after eleven years.

Read more about Toy Story 3 tidbits from the Pixar Blog.

‘Toy Story 3’ trivia, courtesy of Pixar:

Fun facts

• Director Lee Unkrich edited the first two “Toy Story” films, and co-directed “Toy Story 2.” He also served as a film editor on “Toy Story 3.”

• “Toy Story 3” Producer Darla K. Anderson is the namesake for the character Darla in “Finding Nemo.”

• Director Lee Unkrich performs one line in the movie, as the voice of the Jack in the Box character who says “New Toys!” when Woody, Buzz and the gang first arrive at Sunnyside.

• On January 15, 2010, the final day for many of the 58-person animation crew, director Lee Unkrich led a mini-marching band through the studio composed of two snare drummers, two bass drummers, two giant monkeys and a Yeti.

• 17 animators on “Toy Story 3” also worked on animation for “Toy Story 2.” Four animators worked on the animation for all three “Toy Story” films.

• 92,854 storyboards were drawn over the course of the film, and of those, about half (45,516) were delivered to the editorial department. Editorial turned those storyboards into eight different “Milestone Screenings” that were shown to the Pixar Brain Trust while the film was in development.

• There are 302 total characters in the film.

Hidden facts

Read the rest of this entry »

 

Since I cannot take my mind off Ireland today, I better just share some things I have learned from reading all the travel brochures and web sites about the country. Ireland is considered the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. It’s capital is Dublin and due to its lush vegetation it has earned the name Emerald Isle.

Considered to be a country of many islands, the first thing you are recommended to do once you check out of their airport is hire a Dublin car rental. The car hire Dublin airport has many options.
It will allow you to go to places that are most recommended by tour guides.

1. Visit The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is world famous and is part of Blarney Castle which is five miles from Cork. Legend has it that if you kiss this piece of bluestone, you will magically be possessed with the gift of the gab.

2. Visit Castles And Stately Homes

If you enjoy touring stately homes and castles, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Ireland. Take your pick from Blarney Castle, Dublin Castle, Ross Castle and Muckross House & Gardens, just to name a few.

3. Tour The Ring Of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is perhaps Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction. This is a 110 mile trip covering some of the most breathtaking scenery Ireland has to offer. Starting out from Killarney, it is an all day trip that encompasses the Atlantic coast, small fishing villages, stone forts and many more local beauty spots that you may remember for the rest of your life.

4. Visit The Guinness Brewery In Dublin

If you love beer, then why not sample a drop of Guinness at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin? You can tour the brewery and discover just how they make this famous stout.

5. Visit The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare tower over the ocean and are a very popular tourist attraction. It can be wild and windy at The Cliffs, so make sure you’re prepared for the weather and don’t get too close to the edge as you can literally be blown over!

6. St Patrick’s Cathedral

If you enjoy visiting churches, then you’re going to love St Patrick’s Cathedral, which was built centuries ago. Anglican services are held on a daily basis, and there is a part of the church that features famous writers’ tombs. North of St Patrick’s Cathedral there is a park that boasts statues dedicated to famous Irish writers.

Or so I wish.

I received the most amazing news from a friend that she was assigned for a three-month work/vacation time for work at Ireland. Ever since we watched the movie PS I Love You, we have been dreaming of being able to go there and get lucky and meet the (Irish) man of our dreams. Of course, this would never happen because we are both (very happily) married but it never hurts to plan and dream impossible dreams.

Since she will be arriving alone by next week, her boss hired a Dublin car rental for her to use on location so she can mobile. It has been easy to hire one because everything can be done online. The Dublin Airport car hire can done directly online.
I really don’t know if she will be able to drive there, but right now we are going through the rules of the road of the country.

Here are some special considerations:

* The first thing to remember is that you will be driving on the left hand side of the road. If you are traveling from the UK this is no problem! However if you are coming from the USA and many other countries you will have to adapt to driving on the left.

* When driving on Irish roads, and when it is safe to do so, overtake on the right hand side only.

* Please note that all distances and speed limits are measured in metric (kilometers per hour) in the Republic of Ireland compared to the UK and the USA. Bear this in mind if you are going across the border into Northern Ireland. Road distances on signs are measured in kilometers in the Irish Republic too.

* Speed limit on Irish motorways is 120 km/h. Speed limits on National roads is either 80km/h or 100 km/h but pay heed when you pass through a village, town or urban areas the speed limit is usually reduced to 50 or 60 km/h.