Summer Movie Season Begins Avengers Opens!

I’m not a comic book girl, but I have to admit I have been hooked on The Avengers Series ever since Iron Man in 2008. Anyone who stayed through credits got a sneak peak of Samuel L. Jackson playing Nick Furry, and knew that there was so much more to come! What I find neat about The Avengers Series is the buildup of movies leading up to this one:

• Iron Man 2008

• The Incredible Hulk 2008

• Iron Man 2 2010

• Thor 2011

• Captain America 2011

All of these movies can stand alone, but what I fully appreciated was the chance to get to know each of the principal characters in The Avengers years before the movie was even produced. This was genius, allowing interest to build, and exposing more and more fans to the series along the way. Again, I have never read the comics, but have grown to know who Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), Black Widow, (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are.

Josh Whedon, director, is famous for creating and writing several notable Sci-Fi T.V. shows and movies, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and my personal favorite is the Firefly series which was briefly on T.V for a season in 2002-2003, and spun the cult classic movie Serenity, released in 2005. Recently, Whedon also lent his writing talents to the just released The Cabin in the Woods in April, receiving praise for being much smarter than the typical horror flick.

The Avengers starts with a bang! The movie begins at S.H.E.I.L.D. headquarters (a secret security organization led by agent Nick Furry) where the Tesseract (a unique energy source) is being held and examined. Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, comes into our world with the purpose of stealing the Tesseract, taking over our world, and eventually taking over his old home plant Asgard, which he was disowned from. To gain control, Loki takes over several members of S.H.I.E.L.D ‘s minds including Agent Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Nick Furry now has no choice but to convince the other members of the Avengers to join him and help get the Tesseract back. This is not an easy task since all members have past or present issues they are currently working through. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Iron Man, Tony Stark. Tony has been working on new building that is energy self-sufficient. Tony begrudgingly agrees to join, and has girlfriend Pepper Pots continue working on the project without him. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) has the job of convincing Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to join the team. Bruce is reluctant to take part due to his uncertainty if he can control “The Other Guy” Hulk. Nick Furry approaches Captain America (Chris Evans) to join, but Captain America is still sore that he has been brought back to life and is having a hard time adjusting to the 2000’s.

One aspect I of the movie I did not expect was how much I enjoyed seeing Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/ Hulk. The hulk has previously been featured in two separate movies played by two separate actors. I felt that Ruffalo did the best job showing the two very different faces of the Hulk. I hope to see more of Ruffalo’s Hulk in the future.

The Avengers is fast paced right from the start and has some of the best special effects I have seen in an action movie. The 3D is worth the extra money, and is a great use of the technology. The costumes were also incredible. I have no idea how Cobie Smulders and Scarlett Johansson put on their cat suites, but both actresses looked amazing! The Avengers went beyond what I had expected and is a great way to kick off the 2012 Summer Movies.

WIP’s -What I am currently writing.

WIP’s -What I am currently writing.

I thought it might be fun to share some of the current WIP’s (Work In Progress) that I am currently writing.  I’m not sure if I will finish them, but these are some fun ideas I have rattling around in my head.  My number one priority is the sequel to My Life With The Movie Star.  I enjoy writing about Abby and Grayson and what they might be doing. This also gives me a chance to bring Dave more into the story.   It surprised me how many people enjoyed his role in the first book, and gives me a chance to give him a much bigger role in the sequel.

My Life Without The Movie Star-

 Life has been perfect for Abby and Grayson the past few months, when Grayson gets a gigantic starring role in two movies filmed on location in Europe. Abby currently working for System Plus Software, is unable to be on set with Gray and returns to her home town of Port Washington Wisconsin.  The town, which she once loved, now feels cold and lonely.  Her Best Friend Lisa, recently married, is unable to hang out as often.  Abby fills her days with work but misses Gray. The one bright spot in Abby's life is Lisa and Dan’s close friend Dave just got a promotion and moves to Milwaukee.  Abby and Dave get a chance to rekindle their old friendship, and grow closer. While Grayson is on location, Abby is unaware of a looming threat.  The studio producing the movies feels Abby is un fit to be Grayson’s girlfriend and go to considerable length to make sure they split up.

Come Sail Away

Spring is in the air, the weather is starting to warm up, and I’m ready to shrug off the last bit of cabin fever and do something new.  I was excited to see an ad for Lake Michigan cruises being offered right here in Port Washington by the Foxy Lady II starting Saturday,  April 14th. The sunset cruises are something fun, unique and only offered once a year before the yacht is moved to Green Bay where it will begin its summer season. 

Captain Mitch and wife Carolyn have owned the Foxy Lady II for 15 years.  During May through October the Foxy Lady II is docked in downtown Green Bay at the Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) on 200 Main St.   The owners chose Port Washington’s harbor for winter docking due to the harbors deep water which allows them to avoid having to dry dock .  The Foxy Lady II is equipped with 2 full bars, 3 large screen TV’s, 2 climate controlled salons and 2 open air decks.   During the summer season the Foxy Lady II offers daily cruises, private charters, and host’s weddings and other private events.

If you’re looking for a complete dinner and cruising experience, sunset dinner cruises are being offered Saturday April 14^thand Friday April 20^th, departing at 6pm and returning to the dock at 8pm.  Included with the cruise is a buffet dinner which will include 2 entree offerings, fresh tossed Caesar Salad, and steamed vegetables.  The cost is $32.95 with a cash bar available.

If you aspire for a simple, relaxing night out on the lake, then the Saturday April 21^st cocktail cruise, departing at 6PM may be just the thing.  Tickets to the cocktail cruise are priced very reasonably at $5.00, which also includes a drink coupon for each passenger!

All cruises will leave the harbor weather permitting.  Reservations are suggested call 920-432-3699 or go to www.foxyladycruises.com to book online.

The Girl Was on Fire! The Hunger Games Review

 

 

 

After months of anticipations, teaser trailers, and online posts, The Hunger Games finally opened last night at midnight! The Hunger games has been one of the most anticipated movies of 2012 and early reviews indicate director (Gary Ross)is giving audiences exactly what they were hoping for!

 

Lines for the movie started early on Thursday night. The crowds were all on the edge of their picnic blankets waiting for the doors to finally open and be allowed into the theater. I was surprised to see how many teenage boys were dressed up like their favorite male tribute. Excitement was in the air as people discussed what to expect. What would the capital city look like? Would it be as outrageous as portrayed in the novel by Suzanne Collins? What will the arena be like? Will Katniss still have similar traps, and struggles as in the novel? The teaser trailers did seem to show a few differences from the novel and most people I spoke in line hoped that the screenplay would follow the story line closely.

After seeing the film, I can say I was truly amazed. I only regret that I have to wait until November 2013 to see the next film in the series, Catching Fire, to be released. With (Suzanne Collins) as one of the primary screenplay writers along with director (Gary Ross), the integrity of The Hunger Games was kept intact and was one of the best book to screen adaptations I have seen.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Hunger Games is set in a post-apocalyptic North American continent now named Panem. The continent has been divided into 12 districts and is ruled by an unforgiving government. Most of the districts are extremely poor and are forced to depend on the Capital for enough food and supplies needed for basic survival. Each year two tributes from each district one boy and one girl ages 12-18 are forced compete in yearly a fight -to –the-death competition/ reality show called The Hunger Games. This reality show has been going on for 74 years as a form of punishment for a district rebellion which almost over through the capital government. The heroine of the series is Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), volunteers to be tribute after her 12 year old sister’s name was drawn in the tribute lottery. Katniss must use her hunting abilities (taught to her by her father before his death in a district mining accident) as her edge to fight on in the games.


As previously stated, the movie went far beyond my expectations and was followed the novel with close accuracy. The District 12 set was as depressing and left you with a true sense of despair, the capital was both fantastic and deadly as portrayed in the book, and was where most of the movies’ best special affects occurred, taking the audience to the edge of their seats. A good portion of the cinematography was hand held and left you with a feeling of uneasiness and while a few of the shots towards the end looked more like green screens, the strong story line did not allow for much distraction.
Each cast member was perfectly selected to play their role. The three primary actors Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark are sure to catapult to superstar status after the success of The Hunger Games.

It was especially enjoyable to watch seasoned actors lend their talents to the film including Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket Katniss and Peeta’s chaperone and etiquette coach, Stanly Tucci as Caesar Flickerman the charismatic host of The Hunger Games, and Woody Harrelson as Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, Haymitch Abernathy. Lenny Kravitz also plays a short but memorable role of Cinna the Stylist assigned to Katniss and Peeta, preparing them for appearances prior to the games.

Whether you are fan of the novels or enjoying the story for the first time, The Hunger Games is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation, hoping that Katniss and Peeta can get out of the arena alive with each other.