I love James Bond. I really do. I love James Bond movies and stories. I have yet to watch a Bond film and be disappointed. Even when James Bond is played by Roger Moore.
I do not own many of the films though. I have some Sean Connery collections but they are multiple movies on one disc so not included in this project. I have a few others here and there. Today I enjoyed the wonder that is fancy, fast cars and British Intelligence in Quantum of Solace. Daniel Craig is our Bond here and of course looks great in a tuxedo.
The action in Bond films is so good, it is the sitting-on-the-edge of your seat kind of action that makes a two hour movie feel like it lasted 20 minutes. James Bond is just so cool. It helps that he has some awesome technology that seems awesomely cutting edge no matter if the movie was filmed in 2008 or 1958.
Each director, writer, and producer that makes a Bond film does such a good job that you can tell a Bond film from every other action movie as you watch it. I may have mentioned this before, but fortunately I have one of those minds that does not figure out plot twists quickly or easily. I will remember those little nuggets that are placed throughout the film but I will not be able to connect them to the plot until far later than the average movie-goer. I like to think that helps me to enjoy films to the end. It also helps when I rewatch them because I cannot remember how everything fits together right away and it makes the movie fun time and time again.
This Bond film has a weird and creepy bad guy that is working with multiple other bad guys in a variety of countries. Of course. They have an evil plot for personal financial gain. Of course. Bond breaks rules in an attempt to save the world. Of course. This movie is a sequel of sorts to Casino Royale also starring Daniel Craig. And I know you are assuming that from my previous paragraph that I do not remember what happens in that movie, you are correct. But that does not mean that I enjoyed this film any less. James is onto a lead that there is a man named Dominic Greene who is trying to control a precious resource and get some money while doing it. He is a pretty nasty and creepy for sure. I do not want to ruin the story for you- let's just say that you do not know what to expect with Bond.
Like most good action movies there is a plot that relates to the real world problems we are facing. This Bond film was no exception. It relates to the lengths that people will go to for natural resources and their control as those resources become scarce and those that are necessary for life. An RA could partner with an office on campus or student organization that has an eco focus and plan a program around natural resources to pair with this film. Working to preserve water in our bathrooms or start a campaign about energy conservation in the halls could pair with this film. And who does not like a great spy film with lots of action and hydrogen fuel cells built in? Sounds like a hit to me!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
I Love Him So Much!
Watching all of my movies has really illustrated how many great films I own. It makes sense that I would like all of my movies but honestly- some of them are so funny. Raising Arizona is one of those movies. The Coen brothers have brought us many good films, but this one is one the best. 1987 was a good year for H.I. and Ed, our two main characters. H.I. is played by Nic Cage and he is a convicted convenience store robber a few times over and Ed played by Holly Hunter is the police station photographer. They fall in love and their lives get more complicated when Ed wants a child real bad. When conventional methods do not result in a child, they hatch a plan to have a child any way they can.
The battle between good and evil (the police and criminals) is a constant theme in this movie. As viewers we watch H.I. tell the story of how he navigates through his own internal war with good and evil. There is quite a bit of funny in there too. I personally think that Holly Hunter is one of the best actresses out there. She can be funny and serious, I am sure she can sing and is a dancer too. You know, one of those triple threats.
The little guy that plays little Nathan Jr in this movie is also the cutest little guy around. Even when he is part of a bank robbery. Poor little guy, exposed to crime so early. Even Dr. Spock recommends you wait until they are at least school age. And we all know he wrote the book on how to raise children correctly.
This film is also a little bit violent, not in a Quentin Tarantino kind of way but in a guns, knives, explosions, man hunter, woody woodpecker tattoo, teeth falling out kind of way. It seems necessary to tell this tale. If I was forced to pick a theme that comes out of this movie, I think it would have to be about family. H.I. and Ed are a family and they want so desperately to be one of those respectable couples with kids. Ed felt the world was so beautiful that every minute you did not have a kid, you were robbing them of that beauty.
I am struggling this afternoon to find a good RA program to put with this movie. I suppose there could be a program about not giving up. H.I. did not give up on his career aspirations, or lack there of, and Ed did not give up on having a family. But more importantly at the end of film, viewers can extrapolate that H.I. and Ed did not give up on each other. They appeared to be opposites to the very core but they worked through things together. Well, I am going to break with the blog promise to find a program for every movie. For the second time (click here for the first time) I am going to refrain from posting one. But if you watched this film and have some ideas- feel free to post them in the comments so we can all learn something!
The battle between good and evil (the police and criminals) is a constant theme in this movie. As viewers we watch H.I. tell the story of how he navigates through his own internal war with good and evil. There is quite a bit of funny in there too. I personally think that Holly Hunter is one of the best actresses out there. She can be funny and serious, I am sure she can sing and is a dancer too. You know, one of those triple threats.
The little guy that plays little Nathan Jr in this movie is also the cutest little guy around. Even when he is part of a bank robbery. Poor little guy, exposed to crime so early. Even Dr. Spock recommends you wait until they are at least school age. And we all know he wrote the book on how to raise children correctly.
This film is also a little bit violent, not in a Quentin Tarantino kind of way but in a guns, knives, explosions, man hunter, woody woodpecker tattoo, teeth falling out kind of way. It seems necessary to tell this tale. If I was forced to pick a theme that comes out of this movie, I think it would have to be about family. H.I. and Ed are a family and they want so desperately to be one of those respectable couples with kids. Ed felt the world was so beautiful that every minute you did not have a kid, you were robbing them of that beauty.
I am struggling this afternoon to find a good RA program to put with this movie. I suppose there could be a program about not giving up. H.I. did not give up on his career aspirations, or lack there of, and Ed did not give up on having a family. But more importantly at the end of film, viewers can extrapolate that H.I. and Ed did not give up on each other. They appeared to be opposites to the very core but they worked through things together. Well, I am going to break with the blog promise to find a program for every movie. For the second time (click here for the first time) I am going to refrain from posting one. But if you watched this film and have some ideas- feel free to post them in the comments so we can all learn something!
Little Chef
After another great week of RHD training I decided to take some time to watch another film from our Z-A collection. Today Pixar brings us another masterpiece, Ratatouille. This movie is just as great as other Pixar films. The animation is great and the story is wonderful and uplifting. The theme that anyone can cook can be really inspiring and this movie makes sure you want to make some delicious chow.
It is funny how rewatching these films at different times helps you see things you did not see the last time. It seemed like everything in this film had some sort of connection to RHD training. Honestly! You should go through RHD training and then rewatch this movie and then get back to me. I swear you can here Remy talking about how anyone can be a hall director if they have enough heart! Or that you can trust people that are different from you even if you cannot communicate with a common language. Or that you can be brave and decide that you might believe things that are different from your family based on what you learn in College and that is ok!
The story is about a rat named Remy who turns Paris and its culinary world upside down while working with Linguini and his job in Gusteau's restaurant. Gusteau left his restaurant in his will to his sous chef and the plot continues from there. As you can imagine there is a bit of a problem when you think about a rat cooking in a famous Parisian restaurant, especially when none of the rats have French accents.
Remy is often joined in the film by the ever smart and optimistic chef Gusteau's ghost to help him through some of the rough spots. You might see this as a stretch but I thought the ghost of Gusteau represented the ghosts of RHDs past. You know, guiding current RHDs through old files saved on the computer, training manuals, stories, etc. A little bit like a Christmas Carol but in a Disney Pixar/My Imagination kind of way.
There are a couple scenes in the movie where Remy or others taste different food and it takes them on a taste explosion that is animated differently that conjures up that theory that a smell, taste or sound can take you back to a certain moment in time. With the large variety of things that happen at college and the times that those moments occur when a RHD is watching, it is hard to imagine that when you retire from this lifestyle you do not have flashbacks. For example, I find it hard to see a case of Milwaukee's Best without being taken back to a memorable time when I helped a student dispose of it because he was not 21 years old. There is also an odor that is associated with one of our residence halls, it takes me back to when I worked there and is still oddly comforting. Or the ring of the bowling alley phone that sounds too close to the duty radio ring that it can cause a pit in your stomach at the thought of what might be on the other end of that call.
It would be easy for an RA to programming about cooking, healthy eating, or residence hall microwave gourmets while watching this film. If I were them I would take it one step further and program about things that will take them back to memories from before they were in school. This program should start a few weeks before it is scheduled to happen with a simple survey of your residents about their favorite childhood memories. Ask them to give you a couple and explain how you are thinking of working those things into your next Throwback Thursday bulletin board. But instead I would collect things that would smell, sound, or look like those memories for your residents. Maybe it is a game you can borrow from someone, a smell like Spaghetti-Os, or a picture of Lambeau Field. Then put all of those items in paper bags and one by one have your residents sniff, peek, or feel to guess what those items are in the bags. They can share with each other the memory and you can all have a great throwback to your childhoods together.
It is funny how rewatching these films at different times helps you see things you did not see the last time. It seemed like everything in this film had some sort of connection to RHD training. Honestly! You should go through RHD training and then rewatch this movie and then get back to me. I swear you can here Remy talking about how anyone can be a hall director if they have enough heart! Or that you can trust people that are different from you even if you cannot communicate with a common language. Or that you can be brave and decide that you might believe things that are different from your family based on what you learn in College and that is ok!
The story is about a rat named Remy who turns Paris and its culinary world upside down while working with Linguini and his job in Gusteau's restaurant. Gusteau left his restaurant in his will to his sous chef and the plot continues from there. As you can imagine there is a bit of a problem when you think about a rat cooking in a famous Parisian restaurant, especially when none of the rats have French accents.
Remy is often joined in the film by the ever smart and optimistic chef Gusteau's ghost to help him through some of the rough spots. You might see this as a stretch but I thought the ghost of Gusteau represented the ghosts of RHDs past. You know, guiding current RHDs through old files saved on the computer, training manuals, stories, etc. A little bit like a Christmas Carol but in a Disney Pixar/My Imagination kind of way.
There are a couple scenes in the movie where Remy or others taste different food and it takes them on a taste explosion that is animated differently that conjures up that theory that a smell, taste or sound can take you back to a certain moment in time. With the large variety of things that happen at college and the times that those moments occur when a RHD is watching, it is hard to imagine that when you retire from this lifestyle you do not have flashbacks. For example, I find it hard to see a case of Milwaukee's Best without being taken back to a memorable time when I helped a student dispose of it because he was not 21 years old. There is also an odor that is associated with one of our residence halls, it takes me back to when I worked there and is still oddly comforting. Or the ring of the bowling alley phone that sounds too close to the duty radio ring that it can cause a pit in your stomach at the thought of what might be on the other end of that call.
It would be easy for an RA to programming about cooking, healthy eating, or residence hall microwave gourmets while watching this film. If I were them I would take it one step further and program about things that will take them back to memories from before they were in school. This program should start a few weeks before it is scheduled to happen with a simple survey of your residents about their favorite childhood memories. Ask them to give you a couple and explain how you are thinking of working those things into your next Throwback Thursday bulletin board. But instead I would collect things that would smell, sound, or look like those memories for your residents. Maybe it is a game you can borrow from someone, a smell like Spaghetti-Os, or a picture of Lambeau Field. Then put all of those items in paper bags and one by one have your residents sniff, peek, or feel to guess what those items are in the bags. They can share with each other the memory and you can all have a great throwback to your childhoods together.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Oh My!
It has been days since I posted- oh my!
Training Season has taken over my life. Even though pro staff training is generally slower and not as busy as RA training it has still managed to occupy my thoughts at all times. I wake up in the morning and wonder- did I finish all the photocopies I wanted to make? How many voicemails are waiting for me? How can I make sure that I am not overthinking our training sessions and teaching them things they already know? Oh the questions go on for minutes before I rush through my routine to get to work faster. It is a good thing I have started re-reading Harry Potter so that my mind is on adventures at night! It is also a good thing that it is still socially acceptable to drink 24 oz of coffee every morning.
Training always makes me think about the bigger pictures of higher ed, because you are free of the day to day operations of residence life for a little while longer. I look at things differently, it is energizing in the same way it is exhausting. Today my friend Pam shared this video on facebook and it was timely to the discussions we were having in training http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/transgender-teens-girl-guy-guy-girl-19529634. Learning about students (people) and all their differences is part of what makes college awesome. Residence halls are perfect places for learning about oneself and your peers, but working in them is even better. Ask the next student affairs professional and they will tell you that interacting with students as they figure out their college years is never a dull moment.
Some of those moments are a little bit too exciting for my taste-but I have met some really awesome people that leave college and go on to do great stuff. I get excited for them when they get into med school or land their first job. I feel pain for them when someone close to them dies, they struggle financially, suffer mental distress, or fail a test. Some days I sit in my office and worry about a lot more than photocopies and I wonder if I am in the right vocation. But when training rolls around and we refocus, re-energize and learn more about how to help them succeed in those four short years they are on campus I am reminded why I do what I do. Now please excuse me, it is past my bed time! Only a few hours between me and 24 more oz.
Training Season has taken over my life. Even though pro staff training is generally slower and not as busy as RA training it has still managed to occupy my thoughts at all times. I wake up in the morning and wonder- did I finish all the photocopies I wanted to make? How many voicemails are waiting for me? How can I make sure that I am not overthinking our training sessions and teaching them things they already know? Oh the questions go on for minutes before I rush through my routine to get to work faster. It is a good thing I have started re-reading Harry Potter so that my mind is on adventures at night! It is also a good thing that it is still socially acceptable to drink 24 oz of coffee every morning.
Training always makes me think about the bigger pictures of higher ed, because you are free of the day to day operations of residence life for a little while longer. I look at things differently, it is energizing in the same way it is exhausting. Today my friend Pam shared this video on facebook and it was timely to the discussions we were having in training http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/transgender-teens-girl-guy-guy-girl-19529634. Learning about students (people) and all their differences is part of what makes college awesome. Residence halls are perfect places for learning about oneself and your peers, but working in them is even better. Ask the next student affairs professional and they will tell you that interacting with students as they figure out their college years is never a dull moment.
Some of those moments are a little bit too exciting for my taste-but I have met some really awesome people that leave college and go on to do great stuff. I get excited for them when they get into med school or land their first job. I feel pain for them when someone close to them dies, they struggle financially, suffer mental distress, or fail a test. Some days I sit in my office and worry about a lot more than photocopies and I wonder if I am in the right vocation. But when training rolls around and we refocus, re-energize and learn more about how to help them succeed in those four short years they are on campus I am reminded why I do what I do. Now please excuse me, it is past my bed time! Only a few hours between me and 24 more oz.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Poste Haste
So in an effort to fix my snafu- here are some thoughts about Romeo + Juliet. I own the Baz Luhrmann version of the classic tale. As a person coming of age in the 90s this movie is a must have in my movie collection. Not only was Claire Danes on the top of my list of awesome, Leonardo DiCaprio had my attention since Growing Pains. Not to mention the hunk of burning love Paul Rudd! I have seen Clueless close to 500 times, most of those in my 13th year, where I was introduced to Pauly Boy.
This film was great in a lot of ways. It brought some Shakespeare into the homes of grunge loving, Nirvana obsessed teens. It also updated the story using original dialogue and with a great soundtrack. Mr. Luhrmann is known for his different camera angles and using current and awesome music in his films. The camera angles, tricks, and close-ups that this film uses really makes it fun to watch. I am not sure how else to convince you- so please go out and get this film. You will not be disappointed.
I am sure that all of you know this story, a pair of star crossed lovers from feuding families that meet their death in a preventable set of circumstances. Hate is a powerful thing. Hate and fear coupled together among young people in love can quickly lead to disaster. The violence and death in this film all based on a feud that could not even be solved by a joyous love-at-first-sight kind of love. It is almost painful to watch a film like this when you know how it will end, I know my face must look pained for Juliet when she waits for Romeo the night of their wedding. But I suppose that is how Baz wanted us to react when seeing the cherub face of Claire Danes.
I am sure there are a lot of things that English teachers hate about this movie. Thank goodness I am not an English teacher! If I were I would no doubt have lots of good programming ideas for how students can learn from this story and film. I must be too much of the MTV generation that I can often not see past the pure entertainment. But this story that highlights a hatred that exists for years between two families and is passed on to their children, has many parallels to society today, hundreds of years after it was written. Another program around current events can be found here for RAs. The George Zimmerman trial and the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act are two examples that have highlighted a hatred in our country that has lasted for generations. Hopefully some good conversation will come out this program and when that conversation happens among tomorrows leaders it may influence change.
This film was great in a lot of ways. It brought some Shakespeare into the homes of grunge loving, Nirvana obsessed teens. It also updated the story using original dialogue and with a great soundtrack. Mr. Luhrmann is known for his different camera angles and using current and awesome music in his films. The camera angles, tricks, and close-ups that this film uses really makes it fun to watch. I am not sure how else to convince you- so please go out and get this film. You will not be disappointed.
I am sure that all of you know this story, a pair of star crossed lovers from feuding families that meet their death in a preventable set of circumstances. Hate is a powerful thing. Hate and fear coupled together among young people in love can quickly lead to disaster. The violence and death in this film all based on a feud that could not even be solved by a joyous love-at-first-sight kind of love. It is almost painful to watch a film like this when you know how it will end, I know my face must look pained for Juliet when she waits for Romeo the night of their wedding. But I suppose that is how Baz wanted us to react when seeing the cherub face of Claire Danes.
I am sure there are a lot of things that English teachers hate about this movie. Thank goodness I am not an English teacher! If I were I would no doubt have lots of good programming ideas for how students can learn from this story and film. I must be too much of the MTV generation that I can often not see past the pure entertainment. But this story that highlights a hatred that exists for years between two families and is passed on to their children, has many parallels to society today, hundreds of years after it was written. Another program around current events can be found here for RAs. The George Zimmerman trial and the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act are two examples that have highlighted a hatred in our country that has lasted for generations. Hopefully some good conversation will come out this program and when that conversation happens among tomorrows leaders it may influence change.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Ocala, FL
I have a small confession to make. I messed up our reverse alphabetical order. All day long I was certain our next film was The Recruit but upon checking the cabinet it is in fact Romeo and Juliet. But for the sake of the blog, the movies must go on.
I love switch on a switch movies. I really do. Do you know what I mean? Those movies where the plot keeps you guessing and there is always a twist on a twist? I am lucky that I do not always catch on the quickest so those movies are even better!
The Recruit is just one of those switch on a switch movies. Al Pacino is great in this movie. Well, he is great in a lot of movies. This movie also takes place in Washington DC, which as you already know, automatically reserves a movie a spot in my collection. By the end of this film you will be asking yourself two questions, one: will we ever really know!?! two: is Burke from Ocala, FL even if he cannot pronounce it correctly?
This film is about a MIT genius James Clayton that gets recruited to the CIA, Colin Farrell plays in this excellent role. Walter Burke is the recruiter played by Pacino. The story then takes us through the process of becoming a CIA agent. In a typical action thriller there are some good guys and some bad guys and you can never really tell which is which. There are three solid themes in this movie: everything is a test, your failures are known and successes are not, and trust yourself.
There is some love in this film too. But as viewers are not sure it is really love or another test. Either way Colin Farrell has to take his shirt off a couple times and he always has a brooding face that is often paired with love-turmoil. Just when you think you have things figured out- BAM! The truth comes out and the movie ends.
In the beginning of this movie James shows us what his classmates at MIT have been working on, wireless video stuff. The movie came out in 2003 and I was thinking- big deal, wireless everything nowadays. But then I had to remind myself as James then used a payphone that things were different in 2003. It made me think of the Beloit Mindset list. Someone at Beloit College puts this list out each year to remind us as professionals what the incoming class of students has for a world view. For example, they have grown up with a computer in their home, they have never used a pay phone, etc. Read last year's list here.
This movie might be better for RA training rather than an RA program. Mostly with the theme that everything is a test. Sometimes living in the residence life fishbowl, RAs will feel like everything is a test. Their residents are watching their social activities and their job performance, their RHD is watching whether they start duty on time, and the Director is reading their program proposals to challenge them further. But just like in The Recruit, RAs have to learn to trust themselves. The gut is a powerful tool. Trust in your training and trust in your fellow RAs and you will be fine! Unless Al Pacino is on your tail, then you are probably screwed.
I love switch on a switch movies. I really do. Do you know what I mean? Those movies where the plot keeps you guessing and there is always a twist on a twist? I am lucky that I do not always catch on the quickest so those movies are even better!
The Recruit is just one of those switch on a switch movies. Al Pacino is great in this movie. Well, he is great in a lot of movies. This movie also takes place in Washington DC, which as you already know, automatically reserves a movie a spot in my collection. By the end of this film you will be asking yourself two questions, one: will we ever really know!?! two: is Burke from Ocala, FL even if he cannot pronounce it correctly?
This film is about a MIT genius James Clayton that gets recruited to the CIA, Colin Farrell plays in this excellent role. Walter Burke is the recruiter played by Pacino. The story then takes us through the process of becoming a CIA agent. In a typical action thriller there are some good guys and some bad guys and you can never really tell which is which. There are three solid themes in this movie: everything is a test, your failures are known and successes are not, and trust yourself.
There is some love in this film too. But as viewers are not sure it is really love or another test. Either way Colin Farrell has to take his shirt off a couple times and he always has a brooding face that is often paired with love-turmoil. Just when you think you have things figured out- BAM! The truth comes out and the movie ends.
In the beginning of this movie James shows us what his classmates at MIT have been working on, wireless video stuff. The movie came out in 2003 and I was thinking- big deal, wireless everything nowadays. But then I had to remind myself as James then used a payphone that things were different in 2003. It made me think of the Beloit Mindset list. Someone at Beloit College puts this list out each year to remind us as professionals what the incoming class of students has for a world view. For example, they have grown up with a computer in their home, they have never used a pay phone, etc. Read last year's list here.
This movie might be better for RA training rather than an RA program. Mostly with the theme that everything is a test. Sometimes living in the residence life fishbowl, RAs will feel like everything is a test. Their residents are watching their social activities and their job performance, their RHD is watching whether they start duty on time, and the Director is reading their program proposals to challenge them further. But just like in The Recruit, RAs have to learn to trust themselves. The gut is a powerful tool. Trust in your training and trust in your fellow RAs and you will be fine! Unless Al Pacino is on your tail, then you are probably screwed.
Monday, July 15, 2013
To Be or Not To Be...A Princess!
How many of you guessed the next film would be Roman Holiday? I do not own all of the Audrey Hepburn films that I would like to, but I do own some of the best ones. Roman Holiday is Audrey's debut performance in Hollywood on the silver screen and one of my favorite all time movies. Do I say that about all of my movies? Well, it is true.
When you were a little girl did you sometimes pretend like you were a princess hiding among the "regular" people just trying to be normal? I was pretending in a way like Audrey Hepburn and Jasmine- I still pretend. Just ask the Hall Directors, I require they address me as "Your Highness" some days.
Princess Ann, played by Hepburn, is on a whirlwind tour of Europe representing her country and is stopped in Rome. The film tells us all about a young woman who can speak many languages, always stands up straight, and follows all the rules...even though it is driving her crazy. So she sneaks out of the Embassy and has her own little Roman holiday under the guise of woman named Anya. Introduce Gregory Peck as Joe an American reporter and you have a darned good story!
I love Gregory Peck's voice. I am sure that lots of movie lovers say that though. He is just a smooth operator and in this film he tries to be just a gentleman but due to some old fashioned sleeping aids he takes a girl home with him after meeting her for 10 minutes! Oh boy! What a scandal! But Joe figures out Anya's secret and tries to make a little bit of money out of the deal. Add in some side bets and you have a movie. I think my favorite two parts are as follows: first, I love when Ann cuts her hair. Just like in Sabrina it really changes her whole look. Second, I love when they visit the Mouth of Truth. I love it mostly because it is such a cute part of the film. But also in the movie Only You they reenact this part with Marissa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr.
Another fun fact, how many of you have seen Green Acres? Eddie Albert plays Oliver in that TV series, a great series. He also plays Joe's friend Irving who has a fancy camera that functions as a cigarette lighter as well.
Another black and white film for RAs to contend with- but when paired with a program this could be a life changing event for students. Especially if they have ever dreamed of being a princess for a day. This story might be a good one to talk about honesty. Not only does Ann lie to Joe and everyone else but Joe is a big, fat liar too. I am sure by now you expect all of these films to have a little bit-o-love in them so you know that once love is involved, lying is really no good. This can also spill out into your roommateships and friendships. If you pretend to be something you are not, things rarely work out. College is a place to be yourself and love it, not pretend to be something else- that is exhausting. And trust me, college is hard enough work without adding all that business in there!
When you were a little girl did you sometimes pretend like you were a princess hiding among the "regular" people just trying to be normal? I was pretending in a way like Audrey Hepburn and Jasmine- I still pretend. Just ask the Hall Directors, I require they address me as "Your Highness" some days.
Princess Ann, played by Hepburn, is on a whirlwind tour of Europe representing her country and is stopped in Rome. The film tells us all about a young woman who can speak many languages, always stands up straight, and follows all the rules...even though it is driving her crazy. So she sneaks out of the Embassy and has her own little Roman holiday under the guise of woman named Anya. Introduce Gregory Peck as Joe an American reporter and you have a darned good story!
I love Gregory Peck's voice. I am sure that lots of movie lovers say that though. He is just a smooth operator and in this film he tries to be just a gentleman but due to some old fashioned sleeping aids he takes a girl home with him after meeting her for 10 minutes! Oh boy! What a scandal! But Joe figures out Anya's secret and tries to make a little bit of money out of the deal. Add in some side bets and you have a movie. I think my favorite two parts are as follows: first, I love when Ann cuts her hair. Just like in Sabrina it really changes her whole look. Second, I love when they visit the Mouth of Truth. I love it mostly because it is such a cute part of the film. But also in the movie Only You they reenact this part with Marissa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr.
Another fun fact, how many of you have seen Green Acres? Eddie Albert plays Oliver in that TV series, a great series. He also plays Joe's friend Irving who has a fancy camera that functions as a cigarette lighter as well.
Another black and white film for RAs to contend with- but when paired with a program this could be a life changing event for students. Especially if they have ever dreamed of being a princess for a day. This story might be a good one to talk about honesty. Not only does Ann lie to Joe and everyone else but Joe is a big, fat liar too. I am sure by now you expect all of these films to have a little bit-o-love in them so you know that once love is involved, lying is really no good. This can also spill out into your roommateships and friendships. If you pretend to be something you are not, things rarely work out. College is a place to be yourself and love it, not pretend to be something else- that is exhausting. And trust me, college is hard enough work without adding all that business in there!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
"Isn't It Romantic..."
Those of you who remember that I recently watched Sabrina (the new one) after I finished Only You will be glad to know I am watching Sabrina (the old one) tonight. To read that other other post go here.
Sabrina is a great story. I love both versions but tonight Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, and Humphrey Bogart are entertaining us. It is a story about a chauffeur's daughter who longs to live life on the other side of the fence...er..garage. The Laraby's have all the money in the world and poor Sabrina is hopelessly in love with one of their sons- David. Her father sends her to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu to learn how to cook like her mother, "the best cook on Long Island."
Her instructor is a stereotypical Frenchmen for the time with a little mustache and a big white hat. Sabrina is miserable because she is pining for David but in that school and over the two years she spends in Paris, she eventually learns all about herself. She is grows up and learns so much more than cooking- she learns how to live. She starts to live her vie en rose. When Sabrina comes back home she is no longer the girl we saw at the beginning of the film. She is a woman! A beautiful woman at that!
This film takes us on an adventure filled with love, deceit, champagne flutes, indoor tennis courts, and mergers. David, while cute, has trouble with women. He loves all of them. So in order to not ruin the upcoming business deal with David's current fiance, Linus (Bogart) tries to distract Sabrina from David. I do not want to ruin the film, but love always finds a way, even if it is not what you expect.
In my experience, it is hard to get college students interested in a film that is black and white. But if an RA is successful in convincing these students about the awesomeness that is a gem of a film like this one they will be able to plan a program with it. The program that might be best paired with this film is the one of academic balance. Linus is a hard working, never taking a break, kind of business man. David is a free spirit that is not even sure what day of the week it is because of how infrequently he went to work. Both men learn in this film about how they need to have a balance of life and play. College students can see what happens when you are on the extremes and not well balanced. Audrey Hepburn is so wonderful it will change lives!
Sabrina is a great story. I love both versions but tonight Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, and Humphrey Bogart are entertaining us. It is a story about a chauffeur's daughter who longs to live life on the other side of the fence...er..garage. The Laraby's have all the money in the world and poor Sabrina is hopelessly in love with one of their sons- David. Her father sends her to Paris to attend Le Cordon Bleu to learn how to cook like her mother, "the best cook on Long Island."
Her instructor is a stereotypical Frenchmen for the time with a little mustache and a big white hat. Sabrina is miserable because she is pining for David but in that school and over the two years she spends in Paris, she eventually learns all about herself. She is grows up and learns so much more than cooking- she learns how to live. She starts to live her vie en rose. When Sabrina comes back home she is no longer the girl we saw at the beginning of the film. She is a woman! A beautiful woman at that!
This film takes us on an adventure filled with love, deceit, champagne flutes, indoor tennis courts, and mergers. David, while cute, has trouble with women. He loves all of them. So in order to not ruin the upcoming business deal with David's current fiance, Linus (Bogart) tries to distract Sabrina from David. I do not want to ruin the film, but love always finds a way, even if it is not what you expect.
In my experience, it is hard to get college students interested in a film that is black and white. But if an RA is successful in convincing these students about the awesomeness that is a gem of a film like this one they will be able to plan a program with it. The program that might be best paired with this film is the one of academic balance. Linus is a hard working, never taking a break, kind of business man. David is a free spirit that is not even sure what day of the week it is because of how infrequently he went to work. Both men learn in this film about how they need to have a balance of life and play. College students can see what happens when you are on the extremes and not well balanced. Audrey Hepburn is so wonderful it will change lives!
Friday, July 12, 2013
JC GRL
I know you have been waiting and waiting after I included the teaser for the film Saved in my last post. I have actually felt guilty that I have not posted quite yet about it. Well, my millions of adoring fans, here it is!
I cannot remember which one of my lovely friends introduced me to this movie, but I have been thanking God ever since that fateful day. This is one of favorite movies of all time and it should be yours too. Where else does Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, christian music, teen pregnancy, and "a jewish" all come together in Hollywood? It is awesome. Jesus is in the house!
This film follows Mary, a christian jewel, and her struggles with her faith and being a teenager. She has lots of common teenage problems, her friends, her mom flirting with Pastor Skip, her boyfriend, and the new skateboarding-for-the-Lord-Preacher's-Son Patrick. She also has her struggles with teen pregnancy. The script is excellent: "I'm not really a stripper," "Well, I am not really a Christian" "I am FILLED with Christ's love," "Shut up you fornicator," and the casting is even better. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Macaulay Culkin, I feel like we grew up together. Don't all of us Home Alone kids feel like that?
The movie is also narrated by Mary, our main character. Mary is played by Jena Malone and her delivery is so very...level. I love it when you see actors and actresses play very different roles! In our last film, Martin Donovan played Montrose, a questionable character, and in this one he plays a hip, jive talking pastor with a passion for Christ. He has very expressive eyes and I found it difficult to get past this with both characters, but I enjoyed his performance in both films.
In addition to the funny there is a lot of good conversation starters and nuggets o' learnin' about faith, love, friendship, and that sort of thing. Even some good stuff about the Americans with Disabilities Act. All of those lessons are so perfectly perfect for RA programming and residence hall viewing. The teen pregnancy lesson is pretty obvious and easy to program around. But there is an overwhelming theme that everyone is a little different and should be loved just the same. The hate is so ugly in this film that it is easy to see and program around as well. Students could watch this movie and document all of the stereotypes they could find and share them aloud after the movie. Just today the RHDs and I had a conversation about the assumptions we have to be careful not to make about students and their culture/backgrounds. This film is full of those stereotypes and because it presents itself as a serious film but is at heart the funniest movie out there, it makes for a good learning tool. Add a discussion about the dangers of those stereotypes and how they do nothing to strengthen the communities we have taken time to form in the halls and voila! Program finished and accolades awarded.
Another nugget of knowledge that could be tied into this film is the current events surrounding reproductive rights (click here for info) in Texas or Wisconsin and Wendy Davis. Abortion is mentioned and referred to a few times in the film and since pregnancy is such a large part of the story it would fit perfectly to compliment the news of the day to this film.
That is what we like to call in higher ed- the hidden message. We are always learning in them halls! Just ask our hundreds of satisfied customers...er residents.
I cannot remember which one of my lovely friends introduced me to this movie, but I have been thanking God ever since that fateful day. This is one of favorite movies of all time and it should be yours too. Where else does Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, christian music, teen pregnancy, and "a jewish" all come together in Hollywood? It is awesome. Jesus is in the house!
This film follows Mary, a christian jewel, and her struggles with her faith and being a teenager. She has lots of common teenage problems, her friends, her mom flirting with Pastor Skip, her boyfriend, and the new skateboarding-for-the-Lord-Preacher's-Son Patrick. She also has her struggles with teen pregnancy. The script is excellent: "I'm not really a stripper," "Well, I am not really a Christian" "I am FILLED with Christ's love," "Shut up you fornicator," and the casting is even better. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Macaulay Culkin, I feel like we grew up together. Don't all of us Home Alone kids feel like that?
The movie is also narrated by Mary, our main character. Mary is played by Jena Malone and her delivery is so very...level. I love it when you see actors and actresses play very different roles! In our last film, Martin Donovan played Montrose, a questionable character, and in this one he plays a hip, jive talking pastor with a passion for Christ. He has very expressive eyes and I found it difficult to get past this with both characters, but I enjoyed his performance in both films.
In addition to the funny there is a lot of good conversation starters and nuggets o' learnin' about faith, love, friendship, and that sort of thing. Even some good stuff about the Americans with Disabilities Act. All of those lessons are so perfectly perfect for RA programming and residence hall viewing. The teen pregnancy lesson is pretty obvious and easy to program around. But there is an overwhelming theme that everyone is a little different and should be loved just the same. The hate is so ugly in this film that it is easy to see and program around as well. Students could watch this movie and document all of the stereotypes they could find and share them aloud after the movie. Just today the RHDs and I had a conversation about the assumptions we have to be careful not to make about students and their culture/backgrounds. This film is full of those stereotypes and because it presents itself as a serious film but is at heart the funniest movie out there, it makes for a good learning tool. Add a discussion about the dangers of those stereotypes and how they do nothing to strengthen the communities we have taken time to form in the halls and voila! Program finished and accolades awarded.
Another nugget of knowledge that could be tied into this film is the current events surrounding reproductive rights (click here for info) in Texas or Wisconsin and Wendy Davis. Abortion is mentioned and referred to a few times in the film and since pregnancy is such a large part of the story it would fit perfectly to compliment the news of the day to this film.
That is what we like to call in higher ed- the hidden message. We are always learning in them halls! Just ask our hundreds of satisfied customers...er residents.
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Password is Crystal!
Today's film is the Sentinel. I love films that take place in DC. That must by why I own this film. I cannot imagine any other reason. It is not typical of the movies I buy. But it involves the secret service which is cool, Michael Douglas which is cool, and Kim Basinger which is cooler.
This film documents the investigation of a leak in the Secret Service that is part of a plot to kill the President and Keifer Sutherland is in charge of that investigation with his sidekick, new agent Eva Longoria. All the while Michael Douglas is sleeping with the First Lady and he is pretty nervous about it. There is a lot of guns and things to make you jump while watching. This movie is non stop action. In this plot to kill the President, Michael Douglas' character, Pete, gets accused of it. All because he failed a polygraph test, as the viewers we are lead to believe it is because of his affair with the First Lady. The film is an action adventure, new information at every turn, kind of film that keeps you at the end of your seat.
Fun fact about this movie--one of the characters, Montrose, in this film will also be starring in our next film, Saved. He plays the head of the Secret Service detail with the President.
I do not want to ruin the ending of this film for all of you, I am sure you are going to head straight to the RedBox and try and rent it. But just to ease your suspense, Michael Douglas gets pretty bad ass and does not disappoint.
I learned a new secret hiding spot for my extra passports and copious amount of cash while watching this film--in the refrigerator door! Just rip it two and carve yourself a sweet little hiding spot. I think this skill is perfect for RAs to pass along to their residents. You can never be too safe in a residence hall, but carving out your fridge door is a bit extreme. Instead, check out the book sale at your local library and come back to your floor to make book safes. It should be pretty cheap and fun to carve out the pages of an old book to make a little safe spot for cash or valuables. Having a conversation about being safe on campus, using Security, or even self defense would be a great add on to this program. Be sure to invite your local director of residence life because she loves book safes.
This film documents the investigation of a leak in the Secret Service that is part of a plot to kill the President and Keifer Sutherland is in charge of that investigation with his sidekick, new agent Eva Longoria. All the while Michael Douglas is sleeping with the First Lady and he is pretty nervous about it. There is a lot of guns and things to make you jump while watching. This movie is non stop action. In this plot to kill the President, Michael Douglas' character, Pete, gets accused of it. All because he failed a polygraph test, as the viewers we are lead to believe it is because of his affair with the First Lady. The film is an action adventure, new information at every turn, kind of film that keeps you at the end of your seat.
Fun fact about this movie--one of the characters, Montrose, in this film will also be starring in our next film, Saved. He plays the head of the Secret Service detail with the President.
I do not want to ruin the ending of this film for all of you, I am sure you are going to head straight to the RedBox and try and rent it. But just to ease your suspense, Michael Douglas gets pretty bad ass and does not disappoint.
I learned a new secret hiding spot for my extra passports and copious amount of cash while watching this film--in the refrigerator door! Just rip it two and carve yourself a sweet little hiding spot. I think this skill is perfect for RAs to pass along to their residents. You can never be too safe in a residence hall, but carving out your fridge door is a bit extreme. Instead, check out the book sale at your local library and come back to your floor to make book safes. It should be pretty cheap and fun to carve out the pages of an old book to make a little safe spot for cash or valuables. Having a conversation about being safe on campus, using Security, or even self defense would be a great add on to this program. Be sure to invite your local director of residence life because she loves book safes.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Ladies and Gentlemen: We Have a Problem
As part of staff orientation, the RHDs and I went on a boat tour with James today. We toured on a large yacht and learned more about the beautiful area we live in. This morning was a lovely tour with warm sun and a cool breeze. The boat was not crowded and even though our tour guide was a bit dry, it was a great trip around the waters of one of our nation's most interesting lakes.
This same tour was not so peaceful the last time I was aboard that fateful vessel. Picture this, a beautiful summer day as five new friends set out on a tour of a large, Midwestern lake. This lake happened to be one of the deepest lakes in the state and this tour was narrated by a Captain with interesting tidbits to share. As the boat approached the deepest part of this deepest lake, the Captain announced that there were some technical difficulties and that as passengers we should stand by for further announcements. Moments later the same Captain informed his passengers and crew that there was a small fire in the engine and we should put on our life jackets. Oh, and there were complimentary drinks on the lido deck.
As we suited up and prepared for the worst, good old Johnny from Libertyville arrived with his own large boat to rescue us. Once we were all safely ashore and without refund, we realized that experiences like that were the start of securing our staff dynamic and bond.
Well, today all of those hazards were avoided and staff unity was still cemented. Even if they are a crappy bunch of Bananagrams players.
This same tour was not so peaceful the last time I was aboard that fateful vessel. Picture this, a beautiful summer day as five new friends set out on a tour of a large, Midwestern lake. This lake happened to be one of the deepest lakes in the state and this tour was narrated by a Captain with interesting tidbits to share. As the boat approached the deepest part of this deepest lake, the Captain announced that there were some technical difficulties and that as passengers we should stand by for further announcements. Moments later the same Captain informed his passengers and crew that there was a small fire in the engine and we should put on our life jackets. Oh, and there were complimentary drinks on the lido deck.
As we suited up and prepared for the worst, good old Johnny from Libertyville arrived with his own large boat to rescue us. Once we were all safely ashore and without refund, we realized that experiences like that were the start of securing our staff dynamic and bond.
Well, today all of those hazards were avoided and staff unity was still cemented. Even if they are a crappy bunch of Bananagrams players.
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Happiest Elf
Some books are just too creative for their own good. The original story craft that comes out of some people's minds just amazes me. Hollywood does a great job of making some of those stories come to life as well. Some examples come to mind, Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. I have read a few of the stories from the Series of Unfortunate Events and I love the film. It has crazy sets, great costumes and makeup, and wonderful acting. I am usually not a fan of Jim Carrey and his wackiness. But he is so perfect in this role as Count Olaf. His hair and eyebrows are just perfect. I really love his Tyrannosaurs impression too.
The story here is all about three Baudelaire orphans and their adventures finding a guardian that loves them and is not going to try and kill them all while running away from the evil Count Olaf. They are some smart cookies too, getting themselves out of all sorts of jams. Coincidentally they are smarter than all the adults in this movie. Series is a bit of a sad story but the children and their combined talents make you root for them and realize that there might be hope for them as the minutes move forward. It is odd that there is so much "heavy" in a children's series. I suppose there is research out there that says we do not allow children to grow up as they should and shelter them from things that they should be exposed to. This movie must be working single handedly to catch everyone up on that sheltered business.
Aunt Josephine is my favorite in this film. I think there is a little bit of all of us in Aunt Josephine. She cares about grammar, is afraid of the fridge falling over and crushing people (I mean who isn't?), she does not turn on the stove because she is afraid of it bursting into flames. I think at times I have irrational fears but I am normal compared to this woman. Sunny says it best when she describes Aunt Josephine as Mayor of Crazytown.
Between the star studded cast and unpredictability of this movie, students would be just as fascinated with this film as I am. When RAs put together some thoughts about how to put this movie into a program I hope they are as creative as the story in this movie! Time management is one theme that could be taken from this film. Working through the game of life and "what ifs" can be peppered with outrageous but realistic scenarios that could throw a student off track and teach them to plan for those moments. Maybe things like Lachrymose Leeches are not realistic as obstacles for college students, but pop quizzes, flat tires, computer freezes, chicken pox, those are things that could interrupt a perfectly planned semester and make things harder to manage.
RAs could make this game and as residents were playing it they could also have the RHD come in with some natural disasters to make things even worse. But in the end they can tie their hair back, think back to what they learned in their books, and chew something to fix it all and have a happier ending. Students could learn a lot from the resilience and ingenuity of the Baudelaire children.
The story here is all about three Baudelaire orphans and their adventures finding a guardian that loves them and is not going to try and kill them all while running away from the evil Count Olaf. They are some smart cookies too, getting themselves out of all sorts of jams. Coincidentally they are smarter than all the adults in this movie. Series is a bit of a sad story but the children and their combined talents make you root for them and realize that there might be hope for them as the minutes move forward. It is odd that there is so much "heavy" in a children's series. I suppose there is research out there that says we do not allow children to grow up as they should and shelter them from things that they should be exposed to. This movie must be working single handedly to catch everyone up on that sheltered business.
Aunt Josephine is my favorite in this film. I think there is a little bit of all of us in Aunt Josephine. She cares about grammar, is afraid of the fridge falling over and crushing people (I mean who isn't?), she does not turn on the stove because she is afraid of it bursting into flames. I think at times I have irrational fears but I am normal compared to this woman. Sunny says it best when she describes Aunt Josephine as Mayor of Crazytown.
Between the star studded cast and unpredictability of this movie, students would be just as fascinated with this film as I am. When RAs put together some thoughts about how to put this movie into a program I hope they are as creative as the story in this movie! Time management is one theme that could be taken from this film. Working through the game of life and "what ifs" can be peppered with outrageous but realistic scenarios that could throw a student off track and teach them to plan for those moments. Maybe things like Lachrymose Leeches are not realistic as obstacles for college students, but pop quizzes, flat tires, computer freezes, chicken pox, those are things that could interrupt a perfectly planned semester and make things harder to manage.
RAs could make this game and as residents were playing it they could also have the RHD come in with some natural disasters to make things even worse. But in the end they can tie their hair back, think back to what they learned in their books, and chew something to fix it all and have a happier ending. Students could learn a lot from the resilience and ingenuity of the Baudelaire children.
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