Monday, September 21, 2009

Beautiful Entertainment

This weekend, I had the opportunity to have some downtime. (Hallelujah!). I cleaned (before the house cleaner came today), worked out, went to church, had a blind date (who said I didn't look a day over 27!), and watched a movie and did some reading.

I don't know about you, but I love a little mind candy. I've always been a movie lover and voracious reader. I'm not sure if that's because I've always liked to check out of my daily life, if it's because I have a big imagination, or if I'm just easily entertained.

My obsession with NetFlix is going strong these days. I wasn't sure what the little red envelope contained on Friday, and I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it and saw I had The Soloist!

I'm seriously behind the 8 ball on this film and know that just about everyone already has seen it, but wow, I was blown away. What a BEAUTIFUL story about friendship, art, compassion, and empathy. Jamie Foxx was incredible in his role as a schizophrenic and homeless musical genius. He truly made me believe who he was playing. But Robert Downey, Jr, just MOVED me. Wow, I'm getting chills just thinking about the power of his acting. He was his character. I felt his pain, agony, and commitment to wanting to help his friend. If you haven't seen this film, I highly encourage you to go out and rent it ASAP. It's sad, intense, and uplifting. AND, while it's based on a true story, it's not expected.

I'm also about 75% through The Time Traveler's Wife and DOOOOOOD, this book is rocking my world. Why the heck didn't I read it until now. It's seriously one of the most clever and smart books I've ever read. I can't imagine how Audrey Niffenegger came up with the plot. And I'm totally baffled by the fact that this is her first published work. She's seriously an incredible talent. I'm LOVING the complicated, but incredibly passionate, relationship between the two main characters, Henry and Clare. There is innocence and sweetness, hot passion, complicated anger, and whimsy. And goodness gracious sakes alive (as my mom would say), this book is anything but predictable. If you're lame like me and haven't read the book yet, RUN out and get a copy ASAP!!! You won't regret it!

What do you think? Did you see The Soloist or read The Time Traveler's Wife? Love them, hate them? Let me know where you stand on both!!!


11 comments:

Tira J said...

I didn't see that movie and I haven't picked up that book yet. I will go add it to my list. Right now I am reading my favorite author's new book. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

Anonymous said...

TTW is one of the best reads ever!!! I was amazed at her talent. I am eager to read her next set of words.

CarleeKajsa said...

i saw the soloist and read TTW. i enjoyed the movie as well and agree that both actors did amazing! robert downey jr. is probably my favorite actor and if you haven't seen Chaplin - move that up to #1 on your netflix queue NOW!

i unfortunately did not share your love of TTW - i hated the book (i won't go into detail don't worry!) - but that isn't surprising...i mean - you are the historical romance novel queen and i prefer old man books :)

Erin said...

I read the TTW on my honeymoon last year and loved it. Haven't seen the movie yet-I always have such high expectations that are not met. I think it's been long enough for a reread though!

lindsey said...

I read TTW years ago and LOVED it. It's among my faves and I've got it in the pile for a re-read. Did you see the movie? Movies rarely do awesome books justice, in my opinion, but it was actually pretty good. Book is far better though.

Kacie said...

My husband has refused to rent the Soloist, but if I put it on the blockbuster qeue, he won't be able to stop it! :)

Katie Mauer said...

Time Traveler's Wife is an AMAZING BOOK! I read it on the flight from Madrid to San Diego and got zero minutes of sleep because I couldn't put it down. Don't bother with the movie until it comes out on DVD and you've forgotten some of the book. I saw the movie right after reading the book and it was a little disappointing, but good nonetheless. It was how any movie is after reading the book.

foxy said...

Time Travelers Wife is on my list... the very next book, in fact. Yay for that!

And I guess i need to put the Soloist on my list... haven't seen that either.

Thanks!

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

LOVE Time Traveler's Wife. I read it in college... was supposed to be reading Othello. Eww. Easy pick. I can't believe it was her first book, either. WOW!
katie

Mrs. D said...

TTW is one of my all-time favorite books. So beautifully written. One of the best love stories of all time - right up there with Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, in my opinion.

THE BROWN BOYS said...

LOVED the time travelers wife - one of the best books i've read in a LONG time! makes me scared to see the movie - i'd probably be disappointed!