The Last Station - AFI

The Last Station, directed by Michael Hoffman was screened at the AFI film festival last November 2009. The film is about the later years of Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer). You may think the film will be too boring and intellectual, but really it a beautiful love story about Leo Tolstoy and his wife of 48 years Sofya Tolstoy (Helen Mirren). Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy), Leo Tolstoy's assistant is caught between Leo and Sofya's constant fighting.

Prior to the screening AFI paid Tribute to Christopher Plummer with a Q&A about his amazing career.

The Last Station in theaters January 15, 2010

Happy New Year!

~Mery Christmas~

Zach and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Zach was more freaked out about the bells. LOL!

How To Train Your Dragon - More comments

After a good night's rest I thought of more to share without giving anything away, I hate spoilers!

I think Dreamworks and the filmmakers have a hit on their hands. After seeing Monsters and Aliens and Shrek 4 at screening, the story line for "How To Train Your Dragon" was better thought out and the characters' journey were more interesting. Especially the relationship between Hiccup (Jay Baruchel)and his dad, Stoick (Gerard Butler who makes a great hunky and hairy Viking). But I think the script writer, Dean DeBlois, might have more to work with because of the book, "How To Train Your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell.

The finished scenes were really well done with the 3D and animation. I loved all the textures and details. Like I said, the story was funny, funnier than I thought it would be, but how can it not be with Craig Ferguson and Kristen Wiig in the cast. Everyone laughed a lot. I didn't expect the ending. It wasn't the perfect storybook ending which I liked.

How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell


How to Train Your Dragon in theaters March 26, 2010

How To Train Your Dragon

I received an invitation for a blind screening on Thursday for people ages 15-49. Luckily my friend, Annette, and I were both available to attend. We RSVP'ed knowing only that the film was a 3D animation movie by the makers of Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, but took the chance to go. You can't imagine our excitement when the man who welcomed and thanked us for coming, announced that the movie was "How To Train Your Dragon"!

Annette and I giggled like school girls. It took a few minutes for us to settle down and get over the shock that we were really seeing the movie.

The movie wasn't finished yet with some parts missing the animation and lighting, but still the story line was wonderful! It was funny, fast paced, and action packed, one children will love. Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson's voices were perfect for their roles as well as Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera. The dragons were wonderful, reminding us of our pets. A must see with your children, grandchildren, or in my case, my nephew.

I can't wait to see the finished film!

How To Train Your Dragon, In theaters March 26, 2010

Precious Premiere

Sunday night my friend Marcy and I went to see Precious Premiere at the AFI Festival. Lots of Stars were in attendance! Macy Gray, Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe (Precious), Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Wil Smith, Sidney Poitier, Tyler Perry, Oprah, and Mo'Nique.

Here's some pics from the red carpet:
Extratv

The movie was tough to watch, but amazing. How can someone take so much abuse and still remain a beautiful person as Precious does, played by Gabourey Sidibe? Mariah did a fantastic job as the social worker. What a powerful scene with Gabby, Mariah and Mo'Nique. Mo'Nique played a horrible person, you will HATE her character, but boy did she give an Oscar winning performance.

After the movie was over we stayed in our seats, in the center, last row to watch the credits, lots of people stayed. When the lights came on we stayed as the crowd left, which was great because all the stars passed us while they were leaving. We saw Wil Smith, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon.

When Mo'Nique was right in front of us a woman across the aisle was so excited and hugged her and told Mo'Nique how she loved her. Mo'Nique happened to look over at us so I reached over and touched her on the hand. I told her how much I loved her performance. She squeeze my hand and thanked me. Then she took pictures with the woman who was hugging her. After the photo Mo'Nique continued to walk up the aisle a few steps. She stopped, turned around, and came back to Marcy and me. She hugged us and gave us kisses on our cheeks. I told her again how wonderful she was and so did Marcy. Mo'Nique was so gracious.

You must see the film, but like I said, it's a hard one to watch. You will want to hug your daughter or your mother and you will thank God you didn't have a mom like Precious.

In theaters Friday, November 6, 2009

My Students Making it Work

The assignment: My students had one hour to design two garments in pairs. They could pick from the provided fabric, but they could not cut it up.

So with pins and fabric this what they came up with!

My pick for the top three designs:

#3

#2

#1