I am a huge fan of the 1985 version of ‘Fright Night’ about a teenage boy who learns he is living next door to a vampire. Chris Sarandon played the seductive vampire and Charlie was played by… I have no clue (just kidding). He was played by William Ragsdale, but I had to look that up. I loved the old version of the movie. When I heard there was a remake of ‘Fright Night’ with Colin Farrell – I was ready for something good because Mr. Farrell rarely makes a bad movie….but sigh…this movie was a big disappointment for me. I’m embarrassed to have told everyone “I can’t wait to see the new Fright Night.”

The Lows

• For starters, this movie was extremely campy and ridiculously slapstick in some parts. You’d think Mr. Farrell would have made a sexy vampire, but I just wasn’t buying it.
• The makeup job on Colin Farrell was overkill – he didn’t look like a member of the undead…he looked like he had a fight with a container of baby powder. Plus, I did not see the point in using distorted demon, computer-animated special effects for some of the vampire transformations. Farrell would have looked much better as a regular ol’ vampire (a la True Blood style).
• For me, Anton Yeltzin was a distraction. All I kept thinking of when I saw him was his young character in ‘Hearts in Atlantis.’

The Highs

• For me, Christopher Mintz-Plasse really made the movie, (McLovin from ‘Superbad’). He provided much-needed comic relief.
• Toni Collette (from ‘United States of Tara’) looks really good in this movie – she’s aging well.
• There is a guest appearance from an actor from the original film, which was an amusing surprise.

After a family member expressed disappointment, I was moved to watch ‘Goya’s Ghosts’, but I have to say that the plot kept me lingering for the duration. There is deceit, heartache, hardships, internal demons, religious conviction, and tortured souls (literally). In the middle of it all is painter Francisco Goya (played by Stellan Skarsgard), who loses his muse, Inez (Natalie Portman) to the Spanish Inquisition. Goya, his muse, and the monk (Javier Bardem) responsible for her fate all lead intertwined lives – set within the horrific backdrop of history. Interesting movie with several plot twists. I was especially pleased with the scene portraying a father’s desperate love for his daughter. It was quite intense.

How freaky is this? I’m standing in front of Redbox, returning my rentals and my nephew asks me to rent ‘Puss ‘N Boots’, but that is like a death sentence for my credit card because he’s notorious for misplacing movies and their cases. I declined and we went to run errands and when I got to my parent’s house, guess what was waiting for me – the same Puss ‘N Boots DVD that he wanted to see.

I do not remember requesting to review this movie, but once I saw the information – it jogged my memory. My nephew was completely amazed…I should have told him it was magic…We immediately watched the movie together after all the amazement wore off.

The Animation and Color

One of the first things I noticed was the vibrant color and artistic elements of the film. It was like seeing an illustrated book come to life with 3D characteristics – Puss ‘N Boots is an animated CGI film, which gives it certain qualities that make characters look more realistic and less like a cartoon.

The Plot

I’ve heard of the tale of Puss in Boots (originally by Charles Perrault) before, but couldn’t have told you anything beyond the fact that it centered on a cat that wore boots. The storyline of the DVD follows the son of a miller (Peter) who is gifted a special cat that promises to change his life and help him realize his destiny. Along the way, we are introduced to a bad guy, queen, king, jester, ogre, and a princess – the object of Peter’s affections. There is singing and dancing, and even lyrics in French. It’s a well-rounded piece of entertainment for kids (and adults too) meant to encourage people to follow their dreams no matter who they are – even the son of the miller can marry a princess.

Puss ‘N Boots reminds me a bit of the ‘Shrek’ movies, where some of the humor is questionable for kids. My nephew is six and some of the things I thought were a bit borderline, he had absolutely no clue why my mouth was hanging open. One thing I could not get over was the size of the princess’s derrière. In my opinion, her pants were too tight in some scenes and she looked too curvaceous for a cartoon geared towards children. On the other hand, I applaud the movie for straying from the typical princess character with long flowing hair. The Princess has a very short haircut in the film – this might be the first time I’ve personally ever seen this.

Buy It!

The True Story of Puss ‘N Boots DVD was released on October 4, 2011 with William Shatner (of ‘Star Trek’ and Priceline.com fame) providing the voice of the cat. You can purchase the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack for $24.99 or the DVD for $19.99. The entire movie runs for 79 minutes.

Disclosure: I received a DVD of the True Story of Puss ‘N Boots to review. I chose to review the DVD on my blog and all of my opinions are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this review.

It was a quiet Monday night that my mother, brother and nephew sat down to watch Spy Kids 4D – “the movie that you can feel and smell” according to my nephew. He was under the impression that you could actually feel and smell things in the movie theater. As he bounced off the walls for the entire day, I started to think that the theater would somehow emit special scents throughout the movie.

Advertising can be so cruel. The ‘scents’ came in the form of an Aromascope, which was really a scratch-and-sniff card…and not even a good one. I’ve gotten a better experience with fruity-smelling stickers out of a box of Trix. When a specific number popped on the screen, you were supposed to scratch the corresponding number of the card. After the first one, my nephew handed the card back to my brother. My brother did two. I, like the stubborn person I am, scratched everything except for what was supposed to smell like a fart. EVERYTHING smelled like blueberry candy, except for one slightly chocolate scent. This was very disappointing.

I have never been to a 3D movie, and this is the only reason I was able to stay engaged. Some objects really seemed to inch their way closer and closer. I must admit, at times, wearing the glasses hurt my eyes, but not enough to say I’d never do it again.

My nephew had a good time and that’s all that matters. He exclaimed, “we have the whole movie theater to ourselves, this is our own party.” As for the movie, it tested my patience as an adult. Jessica Alba has a part where she zip-lines and karate kicks the bad guys with a 9-months pregnant belly. This was a bit ridiculous to watch, especially when her water broke. The plot of the timekeeper stealing time was interesting. Jeremy Priven provided some relief.

The Masala Bhangra Workout DVD: Volume 3 offers a Bollywood-inspired workout led by Sarina Jain – dubbed the “Jane Fonda of India.” I really like this DVD because it’s upbeat and definitely helps work up a sweat. However, I must warn you that it will probably take a bit of time to get all the moves down. I’ve rewinded the DVD several times just to analyze how a couple of single exercises are completed…and I still don’t do them exactly right.

However, Sarina Jain does break down the moves for you, and continues to do so throughout the 55-minute DVD. Once again, do not get frustrated if you find yourself moving in a completely different direction than what is on the TV screen. It’s worth it to stick with the program.

This workout gets your heart pumping because you are constantly moving different body parts – from your shoulders to the legs. The majority of the movements are fun – plus you are introduced to traditional Indian folk dance.

There is also a basic move completed between and during each exercise, which mentally and physically prepares you for the next set of moves. You will be squatting, kicking your legs back, flailing your arms, twisting your torso, and jumping in the air. Repetition in the moves is key because over time, you’ll soon get the hang of it. Afterwards, you’ll be running for the water bottle and welcoming the relaxation of a nice hot shower…but the hard work is truly worth it.

Sarina Jain offers a range of workout DVDs that incorporates traditional and modern Indian dance. One of these days, I will review the Masala Bhangra Workout: Volume 2 Hip Hop Style that has been collecting dust.

The upcoming Oscars have moved me to share some facts about some of our leading ladies in the film, television, and entertainment industry.

1. Meryl Streep – She holds the honors for being the actor with the most Oscar nominations – 16…so far.
2. Reese Witherspoon – When she played June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line,’ she earned an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award….and a Teen Choice Award.
3. Lucille Ball – We all know her from ‘I Love Lucy.’ She was the first woman to receive the International Radio and Television Society’s Gold Medal.
4. Betty White – At the age of 88, Betty White became the oldest person to guest-host Saturday Night Live.
5. Kathryn Bigelow – First-ever female to win an Oscar for Best Director (for ‘The Hurt Locker’). If you don’t remember, she was up against her ex-husband (James Cameron – director of ‘Avatar’) for the award.
6. Kate Winslet – You probably already know she has an Oscar – not for ‘Titanic’, but for her role in ‘The Reader,’ but did you know she also has a Grammy for Best Spoken Word album for Children?
7. Halle Berry – Became the first-ever female African American to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role – for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball.
8. Katharine Hepburn – With four wins, Katharine has more Best Actress Oscars than any other actress. She also won in consecutive years (1967 and 1968), one of only two actresses to accomplish this feat.
9. Jessica Tandy – At the age of 80, Jessica became the oldest nominee and oldest winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her role in ‘Driving Miss Daisy.’
10. Marlee Matlin – At the age of 21, Marlee became the youngest recipient of a Best Actress Oscar for her role in ‘Children of a Lesser God.’

Question: Who is your favorite leading lady…and why?

The best movie I’ve ever watched….What is the best movie you have ever watched?  Did you relate to the main characters?  How do you feel when you watch it?  Can you watch it repeatedly without boring of it?

The topic of best movie ever watched is not easy for a movie buff to answer. I simply cannot narrow down my absolute, all-time favorite flick. What I will do is take the time to list my 10 favorite movies (not in any particular order) and I’m probably going to forget some, but here it goes…

Elizabeth (1998) – Cate Blanchett does a superb job at playing a queen with a great deal to live up to. I can watch this movie over and over again. It has politics, romance, betrayal, treachery, and at the center – a strong female character. I like movies based on historical time periods, and I am in love with the ‘Virgin Queen.’.

Raise the Red Lantern (1991) – This foreign sub-titled flick (set in China during the 1920s) focuses on 19-year-old Songlian, who is forced to marry 50-year-old Chen Zuoqian after her father dies. But, there is one problem – Chen has three other wives. They all live in separate houses spread across a castle – fighting for the attention of Chen. When he settles on the wife he will sleep with for the night, a red lantern is lit in front of the house of his choice.

The Town (2010) – This is the newest movie on my list and I’ve viewed it about three times plus went to the movie theater to see it. Never been much of a fan of Ben Affleck, but wow! He did an excellent job acting and directing this film about a group of friends who are pretty good at robbing banks. I’d also like to give a round of applause for Jon Hamm (of Mad Men fame) in his role as an FBI special agent determined to stop the thieves. I also thought Blake Lively (from Gossip Girl) did a believable job playing a strung out, jilted ex-flame of Affleck. Jeremy Renner (from Hurt Locker) was also a powerful component in the movie. The movie has romance, power struggles, betrayal, toxic friendships, action, and a well-laid out plot.

Bye Bye Birdie (1963) – This musical dates back 15 years before I was born, but I still sing some of the songs to myself. It’s about a rock singer (crafted after Elvis) who travels to a small Ohio town for a “farewell” TV performance. In the process, a local girl is selected to kiss him before he’s drafted. Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret and Janet Leigh star in this upbeat musical.

Romeo & Juliet (1996)– Although I do like the version from the 60s, I think the 1996 musical version with Leonardo do Caprio and Claire Danes was very romantic and edgy for its time. Some of the song choices and imagery for the movie are simply haunting.

Love and Basketball (2000) – In a lifetime, there are small events that play a significant role and if the slightest variation had occurred – you may have ended up on a completely different path. This is kinda the theme of Love and Basketball, which centers on the relationship between Quincy and Monica that starts from the day they meet as elementary school-aged kids. Basketball has always been a part of their lives. They have always been a part of one another’s lives. The movie is about the ups and downs of their relationship – on and off the court.

Braveheart (1995) – Mel Gibson plays William Wallace who is inspired to fight for his homeland and freedom after his new wife isbrutally murdered. The film is set in the 13^th century. It has action, love, betrayal, and power struggles. It’s also a pretty long movie, but well worth it if you haven’t seen it before. Once again, the plot has embellishments, but it is based on historical events.

Gladiator (2000) – Russell Crowe plays Maximus, who was not meant to live the life of a gladiator, but in an instant, has everything he loves and knows taken from him. His rival played by Joaquin Phoenix is a cowardly, son of a king who makes sure Maximus does not become a threat to the throne. There are graphic scenes and violence in the movie, but you are constantly rooting for the protagonist, who lives for the sole purpose of revenge.

Brokedown Palace (1999)– I’ve probably seen this movie a million times about two newly graduated best friends (played by Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale) that travel to Thailand without the knowledge of their parents. It is there that they get into a bit of trouble and find themselves facing a great deal of time in a foreign jail. Danes plays the stronger of the two, who has a background for getting herself into fixes so naturally, some people blame her for the incident. Beckinsale is clearly the weaker of the two and doesn’t for a second let you forget it with her whining and detrimental naiveté. All in all, a sobering look at overseas travel.

Running Scared (2006) – I’m not a fan of Paul Walker (from Fast & the Furious fame) because there’s something about his voice that really irks me, but this movie is a fast-paced drama about a man’s quest to retrieve a stolen gun in order to save his life. The gun changes hands several times throughout the movie. There are plenty of twists that I cannot reveal or it will ruin the movie. I do not recommend this flick if you do not like violence and cuss words in movies. There is also a graphic, bloody hockey puck scene.

Harlem Nights (1989) – If you don’t laugh at least once when watching a movie with Eddie Murphy (when he was still raw and funny), Richard Pryor, and Redd Foxx – something is wrong with you. My favorite scene is with Della Reese and Eddie Murphy (ahhhh…so you wanna shoot off my pinkie toe…) I’m laughing aloud right now. Set in the 1920s, the movie focuses on the battle between competing after-hours places. I have watched this movie over and over again.

Four Brothers (2005)– The adoptive mother of four “brothers” (played by Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibbs, and Andre Benjamin) is killed, causing the men to rally up to get answers behind her suspicious death. The movie has local thugs, corrupt cops, shoot-out scenes, hotheads, and revenge. There are a few laughs, but the plan they come up with in the end to save their lives is quite clever. I’ve seen this movie quite a few times.

The UPS delivery lady is getting a big box of candy for the holidays because she is a regular visitor. The mailman and other delivery people are well-acquainted with my home…and dog. This week, I received giveaway wins that will certainly go under the Christmas tree. The Klutz Prize Pack includes four items – all of which will go to different friends and family.

What did your mailman bring you?

Share with the rest of the Mailbox Monday Linky Crew – hosted by A Frugal Friend.

Freebies

• Trial size of Folgers Special Roast

My Giveaway Wins

• “Flipped” DVD – The Mama Report
• Febreeze Home Collection Scented Reed Diffuser [Pomegranate Mango] – I think from Scraps of Life Blog
• Klutz Prize Pack [a $75 value] includes Making Capsters, Paper Airplanes, Girl Headbands, Window Art – The Mom Jen
• “I Caught Santa” Personalized Photo – Cincinnati Coupons

For my Blog/Review

• Nada…

I haven’t shared my mailbox in weeks, but I’ve done good for myself. More freebies and lots of giveaway wins. I’ve even received a few products to sample for my site and will host a giveaway too! If you’d like to see what other people have gotten in the mail, check out the Mailbox Monday Linky crew– hosted weekly by A Frugal Friend.

Freebies

• Coupon for Free Advil Tablets or Liqui-Gels
• Coupon for Free Can of Xtreme Pringles
• Sample of Diesel Men’s Cologne [not shown]
• Free Sample Tube of Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh Toothpaste [Cool Peppermint]
• Free Victoria Secret’s Cotton Hiphugger Coupon + $10 Off a Purchase Coupon

Giveaway Wins

• Glade Candle – The Fragrance Collection [Lemongrass & Citrus]– Brain Foggles
• Just Wright DVD – Five Dollar Shake
• Lakeshore Candle [Sugar Cookie scent] – Mommy2TwoGirls
• Yoplait Prize Pack [free sample of Yoplait Splitz, insulated carry tote, and a roll-up fleece picnic blanket] – Everyday Mom Ideas
• ATP Pink Ribbon Flash Drive – Cincinnati Coupons [not shown]
• KMK Designs $15 Gift Certificate – Life in the BAT Cave
• Sodastream [full-size Diet Peach Iced Tea, full-size Diet Cranberry-Raspberry, Sodamix Test Sampler, and MyWater pack] – Let’s Be Green Together

For Review/ Blog Goodies

• Hallmark Recordable Storybook –  “We’re Not Scared of Anything”
• Bzz Agent Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh Toothpaste
• My Blog Spark – Progresso Panko Crispy Bread Crumbs [Lemon Pepper] & Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Cookbook [I'll be hosting a giveaway with the same goodies]

For only $3.99 shipping, you can take a chance to purchase a free random DVD set originally priced at $49.99. 1 Sale a Day, Daily Deal is offering a random selection of DVDs from a wide variety of genres. You are guaranteed a boxed set. I took advantage of the deal – I like a good mystery. If you do too, come back here and let me know what you got!  This deal is for today only.