Midday Movie Mondays-Shrek!

Thanks to a poll over on my tumblr, today's movie was Shrek!

"Not the gumdrop buttons!"

Okay, so, this is somewhat embarrassing to admit, but I haven't watched the original Shrek in...well, it's been a long time. So, watching this movie was really nostalgic for me, as it probably would be for most people. For those of you who, somehow, don't know the story of Shrek, here's the IMDB short plot synopsis:

"An ogre, in order to regain his swamp, travels along with an annoying donkey in order to bring a princess to a scheming lord, wishing himself King."

It's a great movie, full of laughs and touching moments with a surprisingly relevant message behind it. At least, the message I gleaned from this movie was relevant. The whole "not judging people before you get to know them" is a pretty timeless theme, if I say so myself.

For me, the most surprising thing was realizing how, for lack of a better word, adult this movie was. I'm pretty sure I caught a few ass's and damn's and I was sort of blown away at how much I missed. Not to mention Shrek's comment about Lord Farquad compensating for something with his rather large *ahem* castle and the part in the info song in which they almost say ass, which I'd definitely noticed before. Throughout watching it, I kept asking myself how this only had a PG rating.

Of course, after the movie, I had to go find the Shrek Karaoke in the Swamp to watch, simply for the nostalgia factor. Singing and dancing along to that is definitely something I remember doing when I was a kid in front of my TV, so it was a must to do so today.

If you can't tell my opinion, it's that I absolutely adore this movie. It's combines hilarious moments with sweet moments with awesome songs. It gets a big fat recommend to every one I know.
-Morgan

PS: I feel it should be mentioned, but I also love the second Shrek. I used to say it was my favorite, but after rewatching the first one, I might have to rethink that...Which one is your guys' favorite?

Oh, hey, did I mention I have a vlog?

So, I haven't made a video on my vlog in awhile, but I made one today and I wanted to share it with you guys. Show you guys what I look like and sound like and stuff. It's about my book shelf here at college.

I hope you guys enjoy!
-Morgan

PS: I'm still trying to figure out what all kinds of things I want to do with my vlog, similar with my blog. What do you guys think I should make a video about?

Midday Movie Mondays: Iron man

This week's movie, by popular vote on my tumblr, was Iron Man!

*obligatory Ozzy song*

So, I actually haven't seen this movie in probably a year? I was in the mood to watch a Marvel movie anyway, though, because I saw Captain America: The First Avenger last night. Also, I saw Iron Man 3 last Friday, so this was a fun way to go back to the beginning.

Now, what can I say about this movie? Only that it is absolutely amazing! The action is awesome, the acting is phenomenal, and the all of the effects and cinematography, for what little I know about that stuff, was pretty rockin'. It was really interesting to see this movie again, after so long and after seeing The Avengers and Iron Man 3, in that it was interesting to see Tony back at the beginning. Right from the beginning he looked different to me, if only somewhat younger. I enjoyed seeing Tony back where he started, especially with seeing Yensin again. Also, I really miss the deep, intimidating voice he had in this movie while wearing the suit. Why exactly did they get rid of that?

Overall, this movie was top notch, of course, and I loved watching it again right after seeing the third in the series. If you're ever in the mood to see an action-packed, gritty comic book movie, I would definitely put this one at the top of the recommends pile.
-Morgan

PS: For those of you who've seen all three of the Iron Mans, which did you like the best? Personally, I think Iron Man 3 is at the top, with Iron Man close behind in second and Iron Man 2 rounding out the herd.

First Relay for Life!

Last night I participated in my first ever Relay for Life, and I had a quite enjoyable time. I was there for about two and a half hours and I, admittedly, spent most of that time standing by my team's (my campus's radio station, since I'm a DJ there) tent, attempting to help sell CD's for a dollar a piece (5 of which I bought; I mean, 5 CD's for $5? Yes, please!). I walked a few laps and danced a bit to the music playing while I stood by the tent. So, I didn't do much, but I don't believe the evening to be a waste. On the contrary! I met a couple other DJ's, the station manager's sister and the station's adviser, who were all pretty cool people. I enviously watched people get balloon animals (the station was right across from us!), particularly when they got octopus hats.

Most of all, though, I reflected. I was lucky to be there when they had the Luminaria service, listen to our college's women's choir, hear a few people tell their stories of how cancer had touched their lives, and walk a couple laps with everyone with the lights down low and the bags all aglow. It was at this time that I really recalled how cancer had affected my life.

My aunt (actually, my mom's cousin, but whatever) is a survivor of breast cancer, if I recall correctly. I say that because, at the time she was going through this, nobody really told me. I remember when she didn't have any hair for a bit and it was then that I realized she also looked much skinnier than usual, and I realized she might have cancer. Now a days, I've seen her wearing breast cancer awareness shirts, which leads me to believe that is what she went through (though I am definitely going to have to ask my mom for a confirmation).

More saddingly, my former high school English teacher somewhat recently passed away from breast cancer. She was diagnosed back when I was still in high school and seemed to be doing well. Then, suddenly, April 3rd I got a call from my boyfriend (who went to the same high school) to inform me that the night before she had passed away. It was so sudden and surprising that I could not believe it at first. It was one of the saddest events in my life. She was a wonderful, amazing person. Everyone who had a class with her knew that she was a wonderfully, hilarious person who genuinely cared about her students. I'm glad that I was able to have a class with her and get to know her as well as I did.

Last night was a pretty great night (and not just because I saw Iron Man 3 after Relay) in which I reflected on the thankfully few times cancer has affected my life and I am extremely glad I went. I went into it expecting it to be a fun time, which it was, and a possiblity for me to try doing something good, but I did not expect to at one point feel tears pricking my eyes as I walked around a gym in the middle of a crowd of strangers. It was a good night.
-Morgan

PS-I've decided to make this blog a general blog instead of just the whole picture idea I previously had. I changed the title to something more fitting and I'm excited to go into this new era of blogging! Do you guys have any suggestions of things you want to see me talk about on here, or possibly a movie request for Midday Movie Mondays?