What Does a Raven Have in Common with a Writing Desk? Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland

I really appreciate the vision of Tim Burton.  Ever since I saw the first announcement that he was re-making Alice in Wonderland, I have been super excited.  I knew it had potential.  Tim Burton has a reputation for darker, edgier, creative, artistic visions and an amazing talent for making it all beautifully come together.  The story of Alice in Wonderland lends itself to all of these things.  A hookah-smoking caterpillar, talking flowers, a mad hatter, a talking rabbit, a queen who loves to take the heads of unloving, unthankful, unobeying servants, and a young girl who finds herself in the middle of this strange land.

And, you ask, did he succeed?  Yes, most wonderfully.  If I had any disappointment, it was that he didn't take his vision futher, deeper.  He created a beautiful, confusing, mad, mad world, that at the same time helped our young heroine find her own way back in her real life.  I think that is what I appreciated most.  He took Alice and gave her journey through Wonderland meaning.  She wasn't just visiting a strange Wonderland, she was exploring her own values, decision-making capabilities, and her inner strength.  But, you don't have to get bogged down in the deep-thinking aspects if that is not your thing; you can simply appreciate a well-made, funny movie.  Even the approximately four year old beside me was chanting, "Off with her head!"  You will fall in love with the Mad Hatter, and find yourself wishing to return.

I give it an A+ and cannot wait to get it on video.

In keeping with Women's History Month, I must highlight three notable performances: Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.  Absolutely amazing performances.  Each completely nailed her role.

And of course, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter must be mentioned.  Charming, adorably crazy, perfect. 

Women's History Month

Did you know that March is Women's History Month?  I didn't.  Maybe I did, and it had gotten lost in my brain somewhere.  But, now it knows.  So, what can I offer to honor this month?  A book recommendation, of course.  :-)

Many years ago a dear friend of mine recommended I read 5 books by one of my now-favorite authors, Francine Rivers.  These 5 books comprised the Lineage in Grace series.  Each book tells the story of one of the women listed in the lineage of Christ - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  First, if you haven't already, go read each of these women's stories in the KJV Bible.  What better way could you kick off Women's History Month than to read about the amazing women in the Bible?  They are a few of several examples for us, for good and bad, after all.  Then, when you are finished, go buy, borrow, etc. these books.  If I remember correctly, they are written from a 1st person perspective, giving you an idea of what it may have been like to have been each of these women - what they might have been thinking, feeling, circumstances, etc.  These are things we should think about each time we read the Bible, but we rarely do.  Put yourself in their shoes.  What would your thoughts have been?  The Bible isn't outdated.  We are just like each of them.  What a wonderful blessing to be able to learn from them.

New Music

I love music.  My tastes are various.  Lately I've been digging the sounds of a well-played acoustic guitar, violin, and upright bass (think Act of Congress or Nickel Creek).  But, on another day, you may catch me listening to Fleetwood Mac or Jim Croce.  And on others, it's a 90's Christian kind of day with the likes of Audio Adrenaline, Jars of Clay, and DC Talk.  And let's not forget acapella, instrumental, etc.  This list could go on and on.  So, this week, I bought some new music.  I have been wanting these CDs for months, and well, Barnes and Noble was having a VERY good sale.  :-)

She & Him is the work of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.  You may recognize the name of Zooey from the movies - Elf, Failure to Launch, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  Her voice is silky smooth, and unlike anything my generation typically hears.  It takes me back to a sound reminiscent of perhaps The Andrew Sisters.  It's a clean album, with beautiful, unique poetry.  It's something you should check out.  :-)

I bought the first Glory Revealed cd a couple years ago.  This collaborative effort, led by Mac Powell of Third Day, puts the Word of God to music.  Verses from all throughout the Bible are sung by these various artists.  It's a great way to worship in your car, in your house, where ever you are.   I love Christian music, but I especially love that this is taken directly from the Bible.  What better things could you listen to?

So check them out.  Let me know what you think!

Avatar

I finally joined the masses and went to see Avatar yesterday at the recommendation of a Mr. Logan G., among others.  I went with a friend to the 11:15 am 3D showing, hoping to get a matinee price, which we did.  But, being 3D, it only helped a little.

Everyone I had spoken to did not have much to say about the plot, but rather spoke about the beauty of this film. And I have to agree - this is a beautiful film.  James Cameron's creativity and terrific cinematography shine through, and the actors portraying the various characters were spot on. 

Pandora is a beautiful world, and whether you consider yourself a tree-hugger or not, I think saving Pandora and it's native people is a cause you can get behind.  Think, saving the rainforest.  Have you ever heard anyone say, "No, we should destroy the rainforest.  Destroy, destroy!"  No.  Why?  Because of the diverse life that lives there, and the possiblities it holds to cure diseases, etc.  There are other plot depths that make this an interesting film and has probably fueled additional controversy, but I think it's worth seeing for yourself and making the decision.

And do go see it in the theater.  Even if it's the dollar theater.  You want to see it at its biggest and fullest. 

Snow Day!

I stayed up until midnight last night - no snow.  I awoke at 7:00 am - no snow.  And then, all of a sudden, the beautiful, cold, whiteness, each flake completely unique, began to slowly descend at 10:00 am, right on time.  The office was mostly quiet until that moment, and then the excitement grew and grew.  We could hardly tear ourselves away from the windows.  It was SNOWING!  We had an inch within an hour.  All I wanted to do was run out and play in it.  And, at noon, I did just that.  Our office closed early, and I went to my apartment, stunned by the beautiful winter wonderland that surrounded me.  I saw God all around me, in this white, still, quiet world.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow...Isaiah 1:18. 

 

  

 

 

**I guess with 49 of the 50 United States being covered with snow, we should all start to be really worried about global warming.**

Completely & Officially Tied & Knotted

My dearest sister has married her best friend, my new brother. I don't have any pictures yet (we are anxiously awaiting!), but as their own personal paparazzi for the last several years...here's a few of them for you to enjoy from my archives.

Lilies That Fester

I read some of Shakespeare's Sonnets last night, and I happened upon the following:

XCIV

They that have power to hurt and will do none,
That do not do the thing they most do show,
Who, moving others, are themselves as stone,
Unmoved, cold, and to temptation slow,
They rightly do inherit heaven's graces
And husband nature's riches from expense;
They are the lords and owners of their faces,
Others but stewards of their excellence.
The summer's flower is to the summer sweet,
Though to itself it only live and die,
But if that flower with base infection meet,
The basest weed outbraves his dignity:
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds;
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

–William Shakespeare

I was especially moved by those last two lines. What an apt description of the importance of our conversation - our behavior, our conduct, our speech. These things require daily tending. And we must always be aware of the temptations lurking at our door.