Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away

I have only seen a Cirque Du Soleil show once before (you can read about it here). I was absolutely taken aback at how beautiful the show was, I mean it was stunning, it made me feel like a little kid again. So when I was approached to do a review of the DVD/Digital Copy/Blu-Ray (read: not live) version of Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away-I was hesitant at best.

I mean I was game, but I just wasn't sure that the wonderment that I experienced at the live show could be captured in a non-live version. So I received the DVD in the mail (along with a fun goody bag full of Cirque swag) and I gave it a chance. I popped it in the DVD player and instantly my attention was grabbed. The fantastical visuals that grabbed my attention in the live show was now working its magic on me at home-but in a different way. I feel like the DVD offered something that the lives show couldn't possibly offer-like detail. It was so pretty. Like, couldn't look away, pretty.

So all that is to say that, I recommend picking up a copy of Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away. I can easily seeing this being perfect for a fun night in with your love or a bunch of girlfriends and a bunch of fun snacks. Your eyes will love what they see!

Near, Far, Wherever You Areeeee

For reasons of protecting whatever shred of coolness I possessed, I have never divulged just how big of a  Titanic fan I was when it first came out...and truth be told I still am. When the movie came out 15 years ago (really? 15 years ago?!) I was a 13 year old that was gaga for Leonardo, had two fish named Jack and Rose and I saw the movie (in the theatre) ....10 times. Do you still love me?

So when Katelin asked if I would be interested in reviewing the new blue ray version/15th anniversary/100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking version of the movie I said YES,I'LL NEVER LET GO KATELIN! I received a journal (similar to Jack's in the movie)-I told Jon to draw me like one of his French girls and he said it would be awkward for all involved. So I guess I'll just have to use the journal for something else. I also received a remastered, anniversary edition, of the soundtrack. Not only does the soundtrack have all of the beautiful music from the first time around but it has music from the period of the Titanic. So cool right? It also came with four Titanic luggage stickers.

Now let's not forget about the star of the show-the movie itself. The movie is totally remastered and now with blu-ray and high definition I really feel like the movie can now be seen at home in a way that lives up to the quality and detail that is inherent to the movie! (see I told you I was serious about this). So you may be wondering if this fancy schmancy anniversary edition is worth picking up?-I would have to say heck yes! Its perfect for the OTF (original Titanic Fan) and the detail  in high definition is perfect for being introduced to it a first time!

The Secretariat

I could really begin and end this review with "do you want to see a feel good movie that will have you smiling when you leave the theatre? yes? Ok, go see this movie!" But that would be lazy and I really like to share my opinions more than that.

The wonderful people at Disney and Blogher gave me tickets to the advanced screening of The Secretariat. I was excited to go being a huge fan of Disney movies in the past and also, a huge fan of animals in general. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of the movie but I knew how it ended thanks to a neuroscience teacher in undergrad that was obsessed with horses. That is neither here nor there. The movie is heartwarming in one of the best ways possible, in that honors the power of hope and persistence. Not to get on a soap box, ok maybe I do, but these days you don't see that too often. A lot of times bad behavior is honored more than things that would restore our faith in each other. This is probably the reason why most people know more about Lindsay Lohan than the latest Nobel Peace Prize winner. I have a feeling I may be getting carried away.

In a world where sensationalism and shocking behavior reigns supreme it was refreshing and heart warming to see a movie that you could bring the whole family to, or in my case, enjoy with your boyfriend on an impromptu date night. The Secretariat was charmingly funny and uplifting. And here's a warning, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the races, meaning you just might find yourself cheering and clapping as though your cheers help the horse run faster...not that I am naming any names...(ok ok I totally did this)

Click

Now you may be a little confused about my choice to include a movie review with my book review.  Well I hadn't anticipated including a review for "Click" in the same post as my review for a book like "Wherever You Go There You Are" but after watching the movie last night I felt compelled. Let me explain:

*Spoiler Alert* Stop reading here if you don't want to know what happens.

Click is about a middle age man, Michael Newman, (Adam Sandler) who never seems to have enough hours in the day to spend time with his family, finish his work, or take care of his health. That is until he happens upon the ultimate universal remote. 

This remote allows him to skip through the mundane moments in life and get ahead in business. At first this is just what Michael needs. But soon the remote begins to save his "preferences" and act on instinct. This means fast forwarding through family dinners, disagreements with his wife and in his place is a man that appears to be non-responsive to those around him.

Even though the universal remote helps Michael earn more money at work and not have to deal with the occasional cold, he is missing out and quickly realizes that no amount of money can make up for these lost moments. His life is fast forwarded to his final moments in which he comes to terms with the idea that the moments he manipulated for personal gain are the moments that taught him the most and made his life worthwhile. Luckily, Michael awakes to realize that it was all just a nightmare and he sets out to change his life and cherish his life, as is.

Jon and I sat on the couch for a few moments after the movie ended because we the movie we had just watched was drastically different from the one we had set out to watch. But we both really liked it,  in fact we were both a little wowed. While the movie was not the slapstick comedy that Jon and I had anticipated, it did a wonderful job at shaking the viewer awake and reminding us that this moment is all we have and we should appreciate it without pre-tense or agenda. This moment is who we and those we love, are right now. If you have ever watched a child grow you realize how time keeps on truckin' with or without our consent.