I'm Just One More Person Obsessed with Twilight

This past week I read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers. Highly addictive. My friend Ali lent me the first two books. I read the 2nd book in 1 day (crying so much Dan was kinda worried...) and woke up the next morning and bought the third book. When I finished the 3rd book the next day, my eyes turned red in pure thirst for the last book. It was sold out at the Target in Sherwood! I raced around in the rain, desperate to find it, and then promptly started reading at red stoplights on the way home. I finished it by midnight.

I just want to say that they are great reads; fast, easy, and fun. I know that the movie isn't going to be exactly like the book (and it could never be as good as the book), but I'm excited to see it anyway. I'll be driving up to visit April (another I-will-stay-up-til-2-in-the-morning-to-read-this-book fan) to see the premiere together. Then I'll get to see an encore at a Sunday matinee with Ali, who feverishly texted me as I read the books to gossip about the plot-twists. ;-)

Favorite Movies of 2007

Dan and I have recently seen a string of fabulous movies, which leads us to post a "best of..." list, as follows:

Juno - A smart and sassy teenager gets knocked up by her best friend. Hilarity and heart-warming moments ensue as she deals with telling her parents, finding adoptive parents, and figuring out who she is and what she wants in life. (Written by Diablo Cody, a past aquaintance of Dan and friend of Jackie Berens) *Out in theaters now!

Das Leben der Anderen / The Lives of Others - Released in the states last fall, we picked this up from the video store and were delightfully surprised with such a simple but engrossing German film about a man's position as a spy in former-East Germany. Ulrich Muhe is at first quite creepy then powerfully captivating (not unlike Kevin Spacey) as he lets himself become drawn into the lives of a couple he secretly observes.

Once - Oh, Once! How do we love thee? Let us count the ways... We were both completely romanced by this story of loneliness, friendship, and the power of music, set in Dublin over the span of several days. This is kind of a "modern-day musical" but don't let that scare you. The music of the main characters, Guy (Glen Hansard) and Girl (Markéta Irglová), is gorgeous and haunting. When you rent it, be sure to watch the extras to learn more about how John Carney created his masterpiece. Beautiful!

In a completely different vein, we are thrilled to recommend Superbad, a film surely destined to be a classic in the world of coming-of-age screwball comedies. Synopsis? Two best friends attempt to navigate buying booze for a senior year-end party where they hope to impress some girls. Will they get the booze? Will they make it to the party? Will they get the girls? Can their friendship survive?Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are the quintessential awkward and sarcastic goofballs that you will no doubt fall in love with. *Best if you take your thinking cap off and put your head in the gutter.

Hot Fuzz - (Dan's pick) Dry, quick-witted Brit humor is the key to this action/comedy/mystery, by Edgar Wright, who also made Shaun of the Dead. His unconventional style with sharp camera work, quickly paced edits, and booming sound help move things along, and we have to say our favorite part is actually the sidekick, Nick Frost, who steals the show with his banter and love for Keanu Reeves.

Black Snake Moan - (Leah's pick) If you have the stomach for a sharp but somber story about a devout Christian blues singer (Samuel L. Jackson) who develops a friendship with an emotionally and physically abused young woman (Christina Ricci), albeit while keeping her in captivity, this is worth a watch. It's a very touching and artistically rich southern gothic drama about dysfunctional relationships and surprising friendships, much like my favorite, A Love Song for Bobby Long. *Pass if you are sensitive to violence/abuse or nymphomania themes.