Movie Review Monday: Stuck in Love
This week's movie is Stuck in Love (2012), starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, and Lily Collins. And, pardoning the pun, I just have to say I loved this movie.
Stuck in Love is essentially Crazy, Stupid, Love with more drama and heart. I enjoyed CSL very much as well (and own it) but I enjoyed this movie for totally different reasons. The story revolves around different members of a family dealing with the complex nuances of love. Where CSL succeeded with comedic moments, I feel like it lost when it came to connecting more with the characters and story on a deep, personal level. I can admit I got emotional when watching Stuck in Love at times. I didn't know what to expect from this movie, so I was very pleasantly surprised.
All of the folks in this film do a great job with their characters. Each of them is going through something unique and everyone has a very real personality that deals with the conflicts in the film. I was engaged throughout the film, wanting to know what happened next to these characters I was invested in.
I highly recommend this film as a solid romantic drama that has a lot of heart. It is streaming now on Netflix!
Enjoy!
What I'm Geeking Out About This Week - 05/30/14
Hello friends! Here is what I'm geeking out about this week!
- Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea - Episode II
I (finally) finished this bonus mission the other day, completing my time with this game that I have written much about. To say it simply, I love this game and the Bioshock universe. This final episode ties together the universe beautifully while revamping the gameplay to keep the entire thing feeling fresh. If you haven't played it yet, I recommend getting the core game, and both Burial at Sea episodes. You won't be disappointed, especially if you have played the original Bioshock (if you haven't, shame on you, and just get the PS3 version, which comes with the original game included).
Community is one of my favorite comedies of all time. It's up there with The Office and Parks & Recreation. I still rewatch old episodes and enjoy them multiple times through. The story above details the latest in the developing story of it coming back on Hulu, since there is a previous relationship there with the entire series streaming exclusively on the site. I'd be really happy to see the show just get to the pinnacle of #SixSeasonsAndAMovie that the show's avid fanbase has galvanized around. I'll be sure to post any new details as they come through.
I am a big fan of Edgar Wright. I appreciate his originality and creativity when it comes to entertainment, whether it is his early work with the TV show Spaced, his cult favorite film Shaun of the Dead, or one of my favorite movies of all time, Scott Pilgrim VS The World. I looked forward to what unique qualities he would bring to a big Marvel Studios movie, but alas, they did not seem to share that optimism. I'll be interested to see where this project goes and if it turns out to be a success in the end.
Keep on geeking on & have a great weekend!
My Favorite TED Talks
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries?list=PL873C206FEE6DA034] I wanted to curate this YouTube playlist for everyone of some of my favorite TED Talks that I've found so far. I'll keep updating the list and would love to hear more recommendations from folks.
Enjoy!
Reflections on Turning 25 & Getting My Master's
This past week, I hit some pretty big life milestones; I turned 25 years old and I obtained my Master's degree after two years of hard work. It has been a whirlwind few weeks with the end of the semester and I just got back from a very relaxing vacation away with the lovely lady you see above. As I get back to reality, I find myself wanting to reflect on everything and how I feel at this important point in my life. First, the degree (since that happened first).
I've been a student for 19 years straight, that's twelve years of school to get my high school diploma, five years of undergraduate study to get my bachelor's, and two years of study to get my master's. This is the first time in a long time I don't have to register for classes, worry about paying tuition, or having the structure of school controlling my life. While I'm still going into higher education and will have the academic year hovering over my life for the foreseeable future, it won't be as a student (not unless I get my doctorate at some point in the far future). I had a brief moment over the week of closing ceremonies and convocations where I felt a sense of relief. It came from knowing that these degrees I've obtained and mainly my master's, something I never would have thought years ago I would achieve, is mine and can never be taken away from me. That accomplishment, after years of hard work was very satisfying. I'm not a boisterous person and this was my own personal celebration that happened in my head as I sat down after walking across the stage at graduation this past week.
A few days after graduation, I turned 25. I had been joking for months that this is perfectly timed to have a big quarter life crisis, with such big life moments happening all at once. Thankfully I feel affirmed in my path and excited for the future, so this is not the case. I tend to be more mature than some of the others my age so this birthday was actually welcomed, as I feel like my actual age is catching up with my beliefs, habits, and perspectives. I'm excited to be older and continuing to learn from life's experiences. I feel like I've learned a lot and grown so much within just the past few years being on-campus at both Delaware and Rutgers, so I can't wait for what is to come.
My life is still taking shape as I look for a job and the next chapter of my life. I know that I don't know everything about anything. There is plenty still that I want to do in this world, and I look forward to the horizon optimistically at what the next 25 years have in store.
EDIT: Check out the story of my job search to read about the recent, epic conclusion!
Thanks for stopping by, and have an amazing day!
Support for #YesAllWomen & The Real Issues Behind Elliot Rodger
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPFcspwbrq8] I felt the urge to share this video* because I feel it is important as a male feminist ally. Laci Green sums up the issues very well behind why someone would do the terrible things Elliot Rodger did and how misogyny is literally killing people.
* Warning: Footage of Elliot Rodger is shown in this video, albeit a brief clip. I know some people may not want to see him/hear him, so I am including this caveat to the above video.
Support #YesAllWomen on Twitter with a retweet, favorite, or even just taking some time to read all of the messages. There is some great learning and catharsis happening on there.
Movie Review Monday: Olympus Has Fallen
Welcome everyone to another edition of Movie Review Monday!
Our film this week is Olympus Has Fallen, the 2013 action film starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman.
* A quick caveat before we begin, this isn't going to be as much of a hard recommendation as I usually give, but in an attempt to keep a diversity of reviews coming, I checked out this movie this past week. It is a fine film but it is certainly not great. That is all.
Last year, two White House centric action movies came out that were very identical in their premise; White House + Die Hard = White House Down & Olympus Has Fallen. I saw the former as well, and it is a PG-13 comedic action romp with Channing Tatum and Jaime Foxx, while the latter is a hard R, with as much blood, explosions, death, and expletives as they can fit in the course of the movie. This is the only major difference between the two films. Otherwise, their plots are the same; dude gets stuck in the White House and has to save the day from terrorists and betters himself in the process. Neither are going to stimulate the noggin but they are fun rides.
So speaking mainly about Olympus Has Fallen, since it is the one available to stream on Netflix, the movie isn't bad but it isn't great either. I guessed the plot turns before they happened so I wasn't surprised and everything just seemed cliche in the wake of five Die Hard films. I feel like I'd rather just watch the original Die Hard (which is a modern classic if you ask me). I can't say much bad specifically about Olympus other than it seems unoriginal and redudant, which as someone who watches a lot of movies and television, is a major turnoff for me. With that being said, it is something good to put on and have some simple fun with. Gerard Butler is a capable action lead (which I feel like he needs to do more often and he seems to be listening based on his IMDB page) and the rest of cast does adequate jobs. The action scenes are well done, but there are some spotty special effects. The pacing is good enough, and the movie definitely doesn't hold back punches (a lot of nameless soldiers, guards, etc. die in this movie). It is just crazy enough to work and won't challenge any notions you have, so take it as you will.
With a sequel in the works (really?) for next October, check out Olympus Has Fallen for some simple, fun, action on Netflix ready to stream into your eyeholes.
Thanks for stopping by!
What I'm Geeking Out About This Week - 05/23/14
Hey everyone!
Here is my week in geek!
I'm getting more excited for this movie as the buzz becomes overwhelmingly positive. It is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (click above) with impressive marks from critics and audiences alike. I was worried it was going to be too busy and fall under its own weight (like Amazing Spider-Man 2 started to do), but this movie seems to get the complex story right. I'll be seeing it this weekend so I look forward to sharing more detailed thoughts later.
- Graduation
I just have to share briefly this milestone (which I'll delve into deeper with a separate post) that I recently graduated with my Master's of Education in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University. It was the final ceremony for a week full of good vibes with convocations and commencements for myself and my partner. It is always really great seeing excited graduates and proud families at all of these events. Never fails to put a smile on my face! Cheers to all the other graduates out there this year!
So I was originally born in Maine but I consider myself more from Delaware, since I grew up there for 20+ years. I went to school there (college included), made a lot of memories there, and always like to go back when I can to either visit my brother or swing by the University of Delaware. My partner and I had the great idea to take a long weekend down here for my birthday and our graduations, so I am currently enjoying some sun by the beach in Delaware. I got to see my Mom (who is visiting from Maine) and my brother, which is a rare treat and I am very happy! I encourage you all to check out the "First State" and let me know if you need some recommendations. It is a small but mighty state that I know you'd have a good time at if you're looking for a quiet, relaxing time away.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
Awesome New Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUMAGs3u_dM] Sharing this awesome new trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy in case you missed it recently. August can't come soon enough! My curiosity and anticipation for this movie continues to grow.
Movie Review Monday: Trek Nation
This week's movie is the 2010 documentary, Trek Nation.
Echoing the spirit of last week's movie, Trek Nation is a love letter to the geek community. It chronicles Gene Roddenberry's son, Eugene Roddenberry, on his journey to connect with his late father and the universe he created, and why people connect with it so much.
Eugene goes to conventions, speaks with the stars from all of the series and films, and even interviews George Lucas about the effect Star Trek had on Star Wars, which I greatly appreciated. I also just never get enough of seeing how a simple piece of entertainment can help people on a personal level, and help people connect to each other. Star Trek or any geeky thing can bring friends, families, and a world together in a tight bond of the unifying message behind it. Star Trek has an optimistic view of the future, and I enjoy it for that.
In the end, there is an immense beauty in Eugene's exploration as it culminates with him connecting with his famous father more after Gene's death than they ever did while he was alive. It reinforces the importance of being thankful for the time we have with those we care about and making sure we tell them how much we care.
Trek Nation is available to stream now on Netflix! Check out their site for some additional information.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

