Soul Surfer

I am looking forward to watch this movie when it comes out next month.

Here is what the movie's website says about 'Soul Surfer.'

Soul Surfer /sohl serf-er/ – noun; 1. A term coined in the 1970s, used to describe a talented surfer who surfs for the sheer pleasure of it. Although they may still enter competitions, a Soul Surfer's motives go beyond winning.



Bethany has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith and hope. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, Bethany jumped on the board at a young age.

Bethany entered her first surf competition—winning both the short and long board divisions at age eight. On Halloween morning 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which bit off her left arm and seemed to end her career as a rising surf star.

After losing more than 60% of her blood and undergoing several surgeries, Bethany began her recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water.

Two months later, Bethany placed fifth in the Open Women's division surf competition and just over a year after the attack she won her first National Title. In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro.

Bethany has since participated in numerous Association of Surfing Professionals and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. "It has been an incredible journey for me and now, I'm just so excited to share it!" says Bethany.

"Bethany's story is so powerful," says Soul Surfer Director Sean McNamara. "Most people would have given up after what happened to her, but not only did she make an amazing return to surfing, she excelled at it, and has turned her life into an inspiration for people all around the world.

She is someone you look at and think, 'If she can do all the incredible things she's done, I can set the world on fire, too.'" says Sean.

Bethany's Official Website: www.bethanyhamilton.com

Oscars 2011 Recap

Watching the Academy Awards is one of my favorite times of the year in terms of following pop culture! My friend Varsha had a really nice movie room in her apartment complex that was reserved exclusively for our Oscar viewing pleasure.

Here are some moments I found particularly remarkable.

The acceptance speech you don't want to be remembered by. Melissa Leo tends to be over-dramatic with her acceptance speeches as I have noticed in the recent awards ceremonies. The Oscars were not an exception. Sadly, she resorted to the F-bomb to communicate the depth of her feelings.

NY Daily News

Knowing how to poke fun at himself. Christian Bale is a serious actor who deserved his best supporting actor win. He remarked that we will not use the word Melissa Leo inappropriately used in her acceptance speech since he has done more than his share in the past -- referring to the on-set verbal rant he threw a couple of years ago.

Reuters

Painful to watch. This years' hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway created a lot of buzz and I admit that I expected them to do a stellar job. Sadly, jokes fell flat, a whole lot of awkward pauses, and the chemistry we all saw in the promos did not translate into the actual awards night. Franco seemed out of it and disconnected, while Hathaway became a giddy, nervous little girl. It's almost funny to think that her most comedic moment was the "Brown Duck" which was a filmed parody of the "Black Swan." I think the writing was bad to begin with; the hosts knew it, and they coped differently: Franco lost interest and Hathaway did not want to give up without a fight.

Why Fame

People I wanted to take over. People clapped and stood up when former host Billy Crystal entered the Oscar stage. I wonder how much of it had to do with relief? He will always be my favorite Academy Awards host in recent history. Sandra Bullock's lines as she announced the nominees for Best Actor was impeccably delivered. Which makes me wonder, should they have hosted together? I know, I know -- just wishful thinkin'!

MTV

Just plain creepy. Bob Hope's hologram.

Where's Cee Lo? No, his songs were not nominated but that is the very question my husband asked while watching Gwyneth Paltrow's very uptight performance for Best Song.

Reuters

Seasoned and flawless. Celine Dion singing 'Smile' during the film montage of artists who passed away. Do you think Eddie Fisher and Corey Haim should have been a part of it? Do you think honoring Lena Horne was an attempt to lessen the blow of an all-white list of nominees?

Just Jared

Absolutely charming. Kirk Douglas and Colin Firth. Don't you think so?

Babble

Fun Unzip

Most overlooked. The beautiful Annette Bening. I wonder if she will ever win an Oscar?

Boncherry

Favorite quote. "My father always said to me I'd be a late bloomer." David Seidler, 73, who won the best original screenplay award for The King's Speech. Love it!

How about you? What was your favorite Oscar 2011 moment?

This Is It

As Michael Jackson's death shook the world, we all wanted that one last glimpse of a man we all felt connected to. I am so glad "This Is It" was released to give us the closure that we all needed.

Saw the movie twice -- first on a date night with Robert and second with family. I enjoyed each experience equally.

Here are some random thoughts and observations from the touching tribute film that provides all of us an extraordinary insight on how he is as an artist and a performer.

1) Judith Hill was a delight to watch on screen. And she looks like Sandra Oh's long-lost sister.





2) The name "Mo Pleasure" will always crack me up!



3) I was hoping to see a good ol' Moonwalk in the Billie Jean segment.



4) The intro to "The Way You Make Me Feel" was my favorite part. I appreciate MJ's passion for musical precision.

5) His frequent "God bless you" statements came off as heartfelt and genuine.

6) My soul wept a little when I started feeling compassion for every person involved in the concert series. The magical show that they were so pumped up for the world to see never got the chance to be displayed in its full glory.



7) The biggest pop superstar of all time working with one of the most respected choreographers (Kenny Ortega) in TV and film. Neither had an attitude nor an ego larger than the stage they were on. They were humble, polite, considerate to each other. One of the most refreshing artistic collaborations I have seen in a long time. 



8) Speaking of Kenny Ortega, I loved his work in Dirty Dancing. I love him even more now.



9) Enough of the toxicology, autopsy, paternity, and police reports. This film brings back the respect due to MJ.



10) The troubled, weird, eccentric, scandalous character presented by the media did not exist on this film. I saw a Michael Jackson who was brilliant, confident and in total command of his gifts. The Michael I choose to remember. I walked out not feeling his death but celebrating his life.



There will never be anyone like Michael Jackson.

New Moon

Are you excited?

Confessions of a Shopaholic Movie

I loved The Shopaholic series and read all of Sophie Kinsella's books. I think Rebecca Bloomwood is one of the most charming chick-lit heroines of our time.

I got really excited when I heard several months ago that Confessions of a Shopaholic will be filmed into a movie.

I saw the first teaser trailer on TV during the premiere of 90210. Na-sad ako. I was disappointed that Rebecca Bloomwood was re-written as an American for the movie instead of the original British character found in the books.

I will still probably watch it but I am not as excited anymore. An Americanized Bex just feels, well, really different.

What do you think of the changes in the movie version?

Friday Night at the Movies

Robert and I decided to go on our first official date since coming to Nebraska. I have been wanting to watch McDreamy's movie "Made of Honor" and saw that it was showing in Marcus theaters in 20 Grand and Village Pointe.

First we went on a late lunch with Mama in the mall in Offutt Air Force Base. It was a new mall and it was the grand opening day.



We had some good ol' Popeyes fried chicken with biscuits.



Then we went to Grand 20 to catch the 7:40pm show time.



I completely forgot how small movie theaters are here.



I personally like smaller theaters.

The movie was cute and had some really laugh-out-loud funny moments. I am sure it got slammed by the critics but I loved it! And I am glad I have a husband who appreciates romantic comedies and laughs along with me.

Roll Bounce

Yesterday, I caught the beginning of the movie "Roll Bounce" on Star Movies. But I had to leave and go to Sunday service. I kept on saying how much I want to see the movie end.

Today, I had to stay home the whole day because I am sick from some food I ate over the weekend. Throwing up and all other bad stuff I don't even want to write about. Robert had to go the mall to get his cell phone fixed and I suddenly remembered to text him to get me a DVD copy of the movie.

As I was typing out the text, I heard the door knob turn and I was like, "Aww too late, he is home." But because my husband is a genius and he is the most thoughtful person on earth, I find a brand new DVD copy on the dining table! Darling, you are wonderful!

We ended up watching it. All I can say is I love it! I love this movie about teenagers who grew up in the south side of Chicago in the 70's. Skating is their big thing and a lot of the scenes take place at a roller rink. There were a lot of funny moments! The soundtrack is great because it plays one of my favorite music genres -- 70's soul and disco music; and Bow Wow makes me wish he would never grow up and just stay a cute teenager forever.

Here is a clip of the movie preview.