tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71725585680902245822024-02-06T22:05:05.424-05:00My Experiences With....I go through life, and experience different things in different ways. Please feel more than free to read, why don't you? ^_^Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-79107758027724717842021-01-15T00:00:00.001-05:002021-01-15T00:00:04.161-05:00My Experience With... Going to a Salon (Natural Hair Journey part 2)<p style="text-align: justify;">Over 5 years ago, I decided to start a blog when I had a terrible situation regarding <a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-experience-with-wen-sweet-almond.html">Wen hair products.</a> It isn't my first hair horror story, and quite frankly it probably won't be the last. Hey, that's all part of life and growing up, right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've also given you dedicated readers a glimpse of my natural hair care journey. <a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/10/my-experience-with-perms.html" target="_blank">Well, kind of.</a> the last time I left you guys off, I had sort of given up on the idea of natural hair. I decided to keep using the texturizer line that I'd been using for a while. BUT, as of August 2020, I achieved the biggest breakthrough that I had in years: I had transitioned to natural hair for a <i>full year</i>. And like an idiot I blew it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me tell you something about natural hair... It is not easy to manage. it has its own personality, its own likes and dislikes, and demands it's own holidays. But honestly, for this, it was so worth it. And the past quarantine made it very easy for me to grow my natural hair at home.</p><p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMEujW0FO5Df73X0RSKGwHZYqQNsMOIuIX4pyzkUUAdcmcgP8_wspaGQJ7agIMCjNIKJVQjtNRKMwx67LKDLuvqi-8t0d96mykhA4uTlZgazjyoL2PbpZT76XcDI6OIjw7OmLBPZ_zxjh/s295/Resized_20200702_211625%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMEujW0FO5Df73X0RSKGwHZYqQNsMOIuIX4pyzkUUAdcmcgP8_wspaGQJ7agIMCjNIKJVQjtNRKMwx67LKDLuvqi-8t0d96mykhA4uTlZgazjyoL2PbpZT76XcDI6OIjw7OmLBPZ_zxjh/s0/Resized_20200702_211625%257E2.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">From a daycation I managed to take this summer.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaET-WJZNd6RO5NFIBa-NlzF9k3n3oJC2ldqf-uFfVd2mU1I82juMq3G5IdklyHaNBMxEmFG68dp4zmi5A7pLtwXkWeHD7qREouHtowHXLA4kVX5zR2oQgxI3Gg3KXC4oeD1kI-z5OT8Xy/s525/Afro+Puffs%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaET-WJZNd6RO5NFIBa-NlzF9k3n3oJC2ldqf-uFfVd2mU1I82juMq3G5IdklyHaNBMxEmFG68dp4zmi5A7pLtwXkWeHD7qREouHtowHXLA4kVX5zR2oQgxI3Gg3KXC4oeD1kI-z5OT8Xy/s320/Afro+Puffs%257E2.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Afro Puffs! It's fun to play around with your hair.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVK-rlPejfYJZA8__ScvWnt-jiv6BnIRXQiNqgeKDqT_OLrHIWPQggN5SEA5Uzz1DpaNLy8Y-_K8wV-7p5Ez0X8KHo94iPDvzrHmp_SiPxcGfPJ3Nk6cLSQG2ViZFd15bdYSqd5yxHQgb/s480/Resized_20200808_114446%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVK-rlPejfYJZA8__ScvWnt-jiv6BnIRXQiNqgeKDqT_OLrHIWPQggN5SEA5Uzz1DpaNLy8Y-_K8wV-7p5Ez0X8KHo94iPDvzrHmp_SiPxcGfPJ3Nk6cLSQG2ViZFd15bdYSqd5yxHQgb/s320/Resized_20200808_114446%257E2.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">This was a go-to style of mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">I don't care what anyone says, Eco Styler rocks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">But as fun as it was, I knew I had to do something with it. I knew working virtually would come to an end, plus I wanted to explore some ways to style my hair without chemicals.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I decided to get my hair done at Ulta, because I have shop there before and I love the atmosphere. I set up an appointment, went in, got my hair washed and conditioned with the BEST-smelling shampoo and conditioner (I really wish I remember what it was called!), and got myself a blowout with a flat iron press.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'd hoped it would have looked like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMBxO8xBfJhvypIBe6FsEuMWulxGqrp8CbpJ87vMaDezi5_UV3U08pca9HeKyUzwJuv46PVilXHsrC7Ozae_056YRu6Z0RBC3CtXMBzwyHlUE-0NTvQzMRXNW51bPp5epUr-zZaSJ9O1m/s201/20200807_102816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMBxO8xBfJhvypIBe6FsEuMWulxGqrp8CbpJ87vMaDezi5_UV3U08pca9HeKyUzwJuv46PVilXHsrC7Ozae_056YRu6Z0RBC3CtXMBzwyHlUE-0NTvQzMRXNW51bPp5epUr-zZaSJ9O1m/w239-h400/20200807_102816.jpg" width="239"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it kind of looked a little more like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw1ko06QzgsrWd-cabP4BGJ26Jtbx02IfiHlvfe7BrknfZW1b8yHMfTZJaOdIvVPgL1fzy7zY0brpxrTx83SoFXCWbhLPu0f1L66A79-OD5Bilm6D4Oi8mOJ7VSH0guuu-DH_25bWU5eq/s640/Resized_20200808_150828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw1ko06QzgsrWd-cabP4BGJ26Jtbx02IfiHlvfe7BrknfZW1b8yHMfTZJaOdIvVPgL1fzy7zY0brpxrTx83SoFXCWbhLPu0f1L66A79-OD5Bilm6D4Oi8mOJ7VSH0guuu-DH_25bWU5eq/s320/Resized_20200808_150828.jpg"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><p style="text-align: right;">Uh... Nailed it?</p><p style="text-align: right;"><br></p><p style="text-align: justify;">LET ME BE CLEAR ON A FEW THINGS.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li>I know my hair wasn't long enough to pull that off. I just used it as a reference point.</li><li>The hairstyle is super cute. And yes the hair color is 100% my own. God gave me natural highlights. And ombre apparently. (Thanks, God!)</li><li>The stylist I had did a good job with what she was given, and she was extremely sweet.</li></ol><div>While I hold no ill feelings with Ulta or the stylist, or even the hairstyle itself, I probably could have done this on my own, and unfortunately whatever products they used to leave in my hair while they flat ironed probably relaxed my hair. All that progress. All that patience. All that hard work and effort. Gone.</div><div><br></div><div>I had to get my hair texturized all over again. It was all very familiar and slightly comforting (at least in the sense that my hair would return to a sense of normalcy), but I knew the deed was done. I had officially reset the clock. It's been about five months now, and I like getting to know my hair all over again. I don't know how much longer I'll keep it up, but I am thinking of trying stretched and heat-set styles. I love the effects of cold wave perms, I just don't like the process and the initial roots phase.</div><div><br></div><div>Hopefully, I'll have a third part of this sometime in the future!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Plugging time! youtube.com/jessieberrie </div><div><br></div><div>What's your go-to style?</div><p></p>Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-21798966912483772022020-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:002020-09-11T00:00:07.092-04:00My Experience With... Buying From A Lemonade Stand.<p>I realize that these blog posts are becoming fewer and farther in between, but I guess that's what happens when you really get into your full-time job. đ</p><p><br /></p><p>It's about 10:00 p.m. on a Thursday night, and I was just lying here with random thoughts and memories running through my brain, kind of like that scene in <i>Inside Out</i>? You know the one I'm talking about? Those little worker juice who send up those little memory balls to show people in headquarters, with that gum commercial taking everybody off.</p><p><br /></p><p>Anyway, I ran across a memory where I actually purchased from a lemonade stand. Like, a legitimate kids' lemonade stand.</p><p><br /></p><p>This may have been one or two years ago, when my family and I were looking for a house. We have been doing this for a long time, so I forget exactly when this happened. We happen to look at a house (we didn't buy it) and went through the neighborhood afterward. It was a very quaint little Suburban neighborhood, but kind you feel safe letting your kids play out in the street. And, of course, there were a couple of little girls â maybe about five and seven â who were selling little 50 cent cups of lemonade. Of course we found it in our hearts to support these young budding entrepreneurs, and decided to buy some types of lemonade.</p><p><br /></p><p>I took my first sip, and my discerning taste buds detected immediately that this was a 100% pure Country Time mixture. With absolutely zero sugar. However, I only said thank you to the young girls. I figured they had time to learn how to improve their recipe, and I wasn't about to become the head of the r&d for a 50 cent lemonade stand. I mean, what are you going to do? Have them arrested?</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: right;">Oops. Too soon?</p><p style="text-align: right;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Have you ever done a lemonade stand or something like that? Have you ever bought something unusual from a lemonade stand or something like it?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Plugging! youtube.com/jessieberrie </p><p style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, I'll post some new content there soon, but in the meantime you can enjoy the classics!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">#NeverForget </p>Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-41837394815652413332020-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:002020-02-21T00:00:01.277-05:00My Experience With⌠Sonic the Hedgehog (2020 Movie)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Well, 2020 is off to an interesting start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember hearing there was going to be a new Sonic movie coming out.
Given that it was probably at least a year or so before the announcement, I was
probably more cynical back then, so I probably did something around the lines
of rolling my eyes and making yet another wish that Hollywood would do
something original and good for once. (Spoiler alert: probably not, but thatâs
what independent content is for.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Somewhere in early 2019, I suppose, I saw the display for the movie in
the mall. It looked interesting, and my curiosity was definitely piqued. Now,
all I could see was Sonicâs feet in the shot. Then came along that infamous
trailer that probably had more backlash than the teaser for <i>The Emoji Movie</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you needed therapy after that, I apologize.</div>
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A little bit about me: Iâm not all that familiar with Sonic the
Hedgehog, at least not the games. I barely remember being a young child and
watching a couple of my cousins play the game. How could one forget that
adorable little blue hedgehog speeding through some loops and collecting coins?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyqZC9cOFlmXgPGMbUmHygUSF6sMc450QVXLpug0KlB1jBugZ3csA9ScrNByNAdayGVbKEheSzP4SuDBcYQ0iYwVUspZYyl7wg-iLq7BzSkgt58fYRCuhp1-gCj1W9gMJYx45octbQKr0/s1600/Sonic+Original+Game.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="376" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyqZC9cOFlmXgPGMbUmHygUSF6sMc450QVXLpug0KlB1jBugZ3csA9ScrNByNAdayGVbKEheSzP4SuDBcYQ0iYwVUspZYyl7wg-iLq7BzSkgt58fYRCuhp1-gCj1W9gMJYx45octbQKr0/s400/Sonic+Original+Game.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear Japan: What's with the finger wag?</div>
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Now, even though I didnât really play the game much, there was no
escaping Sonic culture for me. For one thing, my fave color is blue, and
Sonicâs honestly the perfect shade of it, so he was an eye-catcher for my young
brain. Even so, I completely missed the original zany cartoon and gritty
dystopian saga of the 90s (which I learned about from watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpZAW_k6Adk" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Critic</a> many years later), favoring instead adorable little cartoons like <i>Katie and Orbie</i> or <i>Garfield and Friends</i>, among many others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2gb5lUmFS2kIWDaFn7tGj_rI1hmSIYHLjEcSVTEPnh5WpAd8THJhMD1be08xI0bGqrUol-CINoUgD9tihTXKO67bbRYde44cmLvFLrHPqhjZ3_oL2mpx59hFgSSeVnqMaB1QmNtsCwKW/s1600/Sonic+X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2gb5lUmFS2kIWDaFn7tGj_rI1hmSIYHLjEcSVTEPnh5WpAd8THJhMD1be08xI0bGqrUol-CINoUgD9tihTXKO67bbRYde44cmLvFLrHPqhjZ3_oL2mpx59hFgSSeVnqMaB1QmNtsCwKW/s320/Sonic+X.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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When I got older, I remember seeing <i>Sonic X</i> and thinking, âThis guyâs still around?â I watched some
episodes here and there, casually, and saw some of the other characters in
action. I was introduced to more Sonic culture when I was watching the YouTube
Channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/masterofhomestar" target="_blank">ElectricStar</a> (originally Master of Homestar), where the original
creator made his own string of memes, usually starring <i>Homestar Runner</i> Characters dubbed with meme songs of the time
period, or Crush 40 / Zebrahead songs about Sonic. Songs I still listen to even
to this day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, as I got much closer to the 2020 premiere of the movie, I happened to
get recommended the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FMey4_MUJM" target="_blank">Mario vs Sonic Beatbox</a> battle on YouTube. That had me doing
some extra research on the history of Sonic (or as much as an hour would let me), so I kinda still had no clue what was going on, even though I got the gist of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I saw the trailer. It looked beyond mediocre. But even with my spotted
knowledge about Americaâs favorite hedgehog, I thought something about this
Sonic seemed off. I decided to look at the comments to see if I was on the
right track (worked for <i>Home</i>, didnât
it?). I donât think Iâd seen such a huge uproar on the internet since âThe
Dress.â<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mind you, Iâm talking about stuff that <i>isnât </i>political.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>Just send me the bill.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>I won't pay for it, but you can send it to me. </o:p></div>
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Upon seeing all these different comment screechings, I realized what
made the original Sonic design so jarring. They made him way too
anthropomorphic. He didnât have gloves, the markings were way off, the eyes
were too small or close together⌠the list goes on and on. I was disappointed,
but not all that shocked. Itâs not like big-name entertainment corporations are
very good at staying faithful to the source material. Still, it was
disappointing, especially since I saw fan remakes of the trailer with Sonic
looking more like⌠Sonic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There would soon be a light, however, in the form of a really cute
design that was definitely more like Sonic in practically every way possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wow. My goodness, wow. I had to compare him to some of the game and
anime Sonics so I could see if they were close. Yes, they were. I donât know
what was shocking, the fact that Paramount decided to listen to their fan base,
or they actually put out what looked like a Sonic the Hedgehog movie. If you
look back at the two trailers, youâd swear they were different movies
altogether! Iâm wondering if something happened to the original footage, and
they decided to backpedal and fix it, giving us the original trailer as a
terrific marketing tactic. Either way, way to go, Paramount!<o:p></o:p></div>
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AWWWWW, so adorable! Watch out, Yoda!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I finally got to see it just a couple of days after it premiered. I
already saw that it was kind of âaverageâ on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences
loved it with a 95% satisfaction rate. I knew I was in for a treat. And boy
howdy, did I love it. I donât want to give away so much on this movie, so Iâll
just try to hit the highlights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I didnât read any reviews, I wanted to go in completely unaware
of what would happen, outside of what I saw in the trailers. The trailers
themselves certainly showed quite a bit of the movie, so really watching it
felt like connecting the dots. It was story, then âOh, yeah, I remember seeing
this b-roll in the trailer!â Over and over again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As someone whoâs frequented a lot of movies (I havenât even put half
of them on this blog, and this wasnât even originally supposed to be a movie
review blog!), this was a little bit of a letdown. Also, the story is not that
difficult to figure out, and thatâs coming from someone who, again, is not that
familiar with Sonic the Hedgehog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, the plot is pretty much your average action/comedy/buddy movie
where some famous cartoon icon is trapped with some human being, whether said
human is part of the franchise or not. Most of the characters are somewhat
forgettable, but really, everybody is there to see Sonic. And they give you a <i>ton</i> of Sonic. We wanted a new design,
folks, so they give us the new design. Iâm personally satisfied.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the way, Sonic himself is done pretty well. Heâs kind of a teenager
for the majority of the movie, and still has a little bit of that 90âs âtude
without any of the actual slang or trope-ish behavior. Sonic as a baby is also
adorable, and they give him a backstory for about 5 minutes. Now, if youâre a
big Sonic nerd and youâve seen this movie, help me out. Is any of this canon? I
was left with a lot of questions about his origin and powers. As far as I know,
heâs just always been fast. Have his powers always been unique to him? Did he
have parents? Why is he hunted in his world? Is it because of the way the video
game is made?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Either way, his character is endearing and it shows a good bit of
development from being an independent hedgehog who wants to find his place to
being a hero that we all know and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Iâve mentioned before, the other characters are pretty forgettable.
But there are really two characters that keep your attention for the entire
movie. One, of course, being the blue hedgehog. The other is Dr. Robotnik. Wow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some of you may not like what<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to say next. I may not either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Letâs just separate the art from the artist, mâkay?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I absolutely love Jim Carreyâs acting skills. <i>Acting skills</i>. I understand that IRL, he seems on the verge of a
meltdown and is in dire need of some strong, heavy prayer. However, you cannot
deny that he simply brings to life any character heâs supposed to portray.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, even in the most dead films.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Actually, his role as the Grinch is a great example. He completely
embodied the Grinch, but put his own wacky spin and antics on it (even in
points that were a little too raunchy for child audiences). His performance is
what made the Grinch the only palatable part of the entire movie, which would
be otherwise completely unnecessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His role as Dr. Robotnik was absolutely perfect. Iâve seen some
legendary comedians do parts that look like they could have been much better if
theyâd not put heavy limitations on their characters. That is not only
saddening, itâs maddening to me. Obviously, I canât expect them to do some of
their most potent humor, but maybe make their characters⌠funny? And by
goodness, you can tell that they try. Clearly, all they told Jim was, âHey, you
know how zany you were in <i>The Mask</i>?
Yeah, do that, but as a hedgehogâs nemesis.â He still brings the laughs for
young and old audiences, and if I may say, he has not lost his moves!<o:p></o:p></div>
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On to the look of the movie. If there is one late 2000âs-2010âs movie
/ TV show trend that needs to die, itâs that whole gritty, overly dark,
super-dystopian, grim atmosphere that seems to loom over every scene.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Iâm looking at you, <i>Riverdale.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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After many years of seeing this trend happen over, and over, and over,
and over, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE SUPERHERO FLICKS, I was left wondering, âWhat
happened to movies being fun?â the new <i>Sonic</i>
movie seems to have its heavy moments, but itâs a bright blue hedgehog thatâs
super-speedy. Why make the atmosphere so heavy for the whole thing?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In conclusion, it definitely falls short on creating a full story, and
it left me with many questions (which I will not ask here, because I said no
spoilers), but you know what? I wanted to have fun watching a movie. I paid my
10 dollars. I got a decent seat and delicious popcorn. I took the day off. I
even sped through my housekeeping just to make sure I caught the first matinee
showing. I wanted to <i>have fun</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear movie-makers, there are times for heavy, sad movies, but donât
forget the audiences who want to have fun while sitting in a dark room for two
hours, eating some really junky food. Seriously, whatâs in that butter?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Great movie, great time writing this post, and it does seem like
(again, trying not to give away spoilers) they are planning on having a sequel.
Hints like those are nothing new, but I hope they actually come through with
this. Iâd go watch it for sure. <i>Donât </i>Sonic
Sat. AM <i>us, Paramount!</i></div>
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<o:p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nXeX5lpMGDU?start=263" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></o:p></div>
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Whatâs your
favorite âbaby versionâ of a character?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plugging! youtube.com/jessieberrie</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bonus: Here's a GIMP'ed image I did YEARS ago that made my old Facebook friends groan. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-46935135998706299852019-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:002019-09-20T00:00:04.502-04:00My Experience With... UglyDollsNote: Spoilers. Also, part of this was written before I watched the film.<br />
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They say not to judge a book by its cover.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not sure who âtheyâ is, but we can now add Universal Studios to the
ever-growing list with its recent film, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">UglyDolls</i>,
which honestly looks like it will bludgeon you over the head with its
kindhearted yet worn-out message.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Boy, I remember when this was first coming out. I couldnât escape it!
I felt like I was in the 2010s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trolls</i>
craze all over again! Every bit of the initial trailer for⌠some movie I saw in
theaters but canât remember which, and it just seemed so obnoxious! I refused
to spend money to watch it, because even if the trailer hadnât pretty much
given away the whole movie minus the villainâs downfall, I wouldâve guessed it
already! Because this seems super predictable, I will warn you that there are
probably spoilers ahead. I doubt that a cash-grab as unclever as this kiddie
flick will pull a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Frozen</i> on me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know this sounds mean,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
to write about all this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i>
Iâve<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
even seen the movie, but honestly, I think<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
I will have seen better plot development in <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Barbie and the Secret
Door.</i> And itâs a kidâs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
movie, for crying out loud!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Anyway, as I was saying, the trailers were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EVERYWHERE</i>. I couldnât change a channel without seeing their
cute-ugly faces (yeah, I thought these were supposed to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ugly</b>). The only part I remember that made me smile was something
about a âjibberish cat.â That made me chuckle, too, actually. But as soon as
the antagonists in their perfect little world were shown, my eyes started
rolling as I mentally ran the plot through my head, with enough time to read
the incredibly long list of contemporary artistsâ names! I know merch was
flying off the shelves for things that honestly any kid can glue, sew, or knit
(if he has the patience) together as long as the imagination level was above
âForky.â Even my phone had pre-loaded <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">UglyDolls</i>
emojis or whatever theyâre called! I couldnât take it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
ThenâŚ. It stopped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The movie came out andâŚ. A deafening silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I just lived my normal life day to day. Didnât even give it a thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Until I saw this beautiful gem in the library.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmut4ntmOspd0upQEoHpZCCZg4QaRdA31biamlFjv6iGBMLCFhTbyiR4UqjtwmCcOkvGsNs_w71rgIOelVZtI_hK0u8diw2bg2PaZIpw6l8-Eym1kzmG2K9spycyLb9OXzbBMvl_r-8cR/s1600/dvd+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmut4ntmOspd0upQEoHpZCCZg4QaRdA31biamlFjv6iGBMLCFhTbyiR4UqjtwmCcOkvGsNs_w71rgIOelVZtI_hK0u8diw2bg2PaZIpw6l8-Eym1kzmG2K9spycyLb9OXzbBMvl_r-8cR/s320/dvd+cover.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Iâd completely forgotten about it. I couldnât believe it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
So many thoughts ran through my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Huh. Itâs out already?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh yeah, that was a
thing, wasnât it?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I called it, it was
overhyped.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did the audiences not
like it?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Was everybody as
skeptic as I was about this film?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do people even care?
The cover shows the creators didnât.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I bet I can figure out
the whole plot of this movie for sure.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I looked up
the general consensus online, and it was indeed met with a big heartyâŚ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
âBlehâ to
âmehâ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
âŚfrom both
critic and audience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My guess is the audience had kids who enjoyed it, so they could set
that in front of the tykes while they enjoyed some relative peace and quiet for
a couple of hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
On the other hand, I assume the critics were tired of the stale old
message, especially when the appearance gives away the plot! Just look at the
DVD cover! I bet itâs about a bunch of dolls that are perfectly normal in their
world. A ragtag group of friends, led by a strong, quirky, kindhearted female dreamer
leader who âjust wants moreâ, disrupt a perfect world of a different set of
toys, and the leader is some militant tyrant who wants everything in perfect
order because heâs got evil OCD. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But</i>
thereâs just one Ethnic(ish) Girl doll that gets converted and embraces her
true self, while the Aryan âAlphaâ Male with incredibly non-masculine
tendencies will never compromise and will fall in an epic self-demise, probably
exposing him as a truly âugly dollâ too. You know, like the chick from that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Igor</i> movie who stops taking those beauty
pills?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
Iâm sorry I reminded you of that movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Side note, that orange one reminds me of Oh from Home. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="mso-comment-date: 20190910T2008; mso-comment-reference: V_1;">Which sorta
infuriates me, the more I think of it.</a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-special-character: comment;"> </span></span></span>
Let me watch this film. Which apparently has great music given all the older
superstars in here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*nomming on cupcakes
while watching trailers<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for much better-looking
movies*</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The movie starts with a sequence that looks like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory</i>, with surprisingly cheaper
effects, as a bunch of machines make little felt dolls, each one undergoing
highly strict (yet quick) inspection for any defects, as any good toy factory
should, by the way. The perfect dolls continue on to be distributed, while the
defective ones are moved to another conveyer belt that leads to the title
screen. And a magical town named UglyVille where the dolls come to life â<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
WAIT, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THESE </i>ARE THE
DEFECTIVE ONES?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
I want a living doll! Where were these when<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I </i>was a kid?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Yeah, get ready for the word âuglyâ to be thrown around like itâs no
big deal. *Itâs all part of the brainwashing process.* For real, though, they
say âuglyâ so much, they make the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bee
Movie</i> bee puns seem in conservative numbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
We meet the main pink girl character named Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) who
immediately starts singing about wanting to be loved by a child â or a girl, as
indicated by her drawings. She dreams each day of being adopted by a child and
taken into the âBig World.â<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
Iâm getting major <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toy Story
</i>vibes here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
As you can expect, the citizens of the town considers the real world
to be a myth⌠probably because defective toys are generally not adopted? I
dunno.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Given all the slamming Iâve done on this movie, let me point out some
positives so far:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The music isnât bad. Itâs nothing spectacular,
but itâs cute.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The scenery is pretty bright and colorful
despite the neutral backgrounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Textureâs okay, but itâs not DreamWorks or Pixar
level, but Iâm not asking for much in this movie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Back to the slamming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
How in the world is Moxie an ugly doll? Yeah, sheâs supposedly fat and
looks weird, but she honestly looks like something you can legitimately snuggle
up with at night. You got people with multiple eyes, or one eye, missing an
eye, sheâs got two eyes with cute lashes. Sheâs got a gap tooth⌠so what, sheâs
a doll! And while the background characters look mostly like puke colors or
âwashed in the wrong load,â sheâs this bright neon pink that would turn Barbie
green with envy! Finally, her little head things look remotely like hair. Sheâs
not really all that ugly, despite being an ugly doll. I guess this is so itâs
easy to root for her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Overall, Uglyville does seem like a fun place. Partying all day and
night, and each new arrival is celebrated in grandeur. But thatâs not enough
for Moxy. The mayor, Ox (Blake Shelton), doesnât want her to get hurt, and
sends a friend *coughcoughwhohasacrushonhercoughcough*, Lucky Bat (Wang Leehom)
â a red bat who hardly looks abnormal to talk some sense into her. His advice
comes from a fortune cookie âFind your own truth,â along with the lucky numbers
for the strip of paper. Moxy reads her tea leaves, and interprets that itâs
time to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">leave</i> in order to find what
sheâs looking for. GET IT????????<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She takes along her friends, Lucky Bat, Babo (a gray handyguy who
loves to eat â Gabriel Iglesias), Ugly Dog (a blue rapping cat-looking thing â
Pitbull), and Wage (orange chef â Wanda Sykes) to find a path to the Big World
through the Uglyville portal. The others are hesitant, but Moxy goes ahead, and
convinces the others to follow. After some wandering, they fall into an
elaborate system of doll baby chutes. They land at the âinstitute of
perfection,â where humanoid dolls basically turn into high-class prep students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
And now, Iâm getting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Barbie
Princess Charm School</i> vibes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
With extra social commentary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The entrance boasts a miniature orientation video that features kids
playing with the finished dolls. The montage is so sweet it would make the
marketing team for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">American Girl</i> get
sick. Just kidding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Moxy watches the montage, envisioning herself as a childâs toy. Then
everyone proceeds to be scanned, molded, and labeled. Each humanoid doll turns
into some perfect-looking humanoid with prep clothes, and some kind of
occupation/model. Moxy gets scanned, and breaks one of the computer systems due
to her not-model figure. This immediately freaks out some of the residents. The
dolls stick out like a sore thumb on a sneaker. A few girls nearby see them.
All but one criticize their looks from a distance, except for one obvious
redeemable character named Mandy (Janelle MonĂĄe). They mention that the leader
Lou would disapprove. A new male doll asks who Lou is, upon hearing their
chatter. Weâre introduced to him in song.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
Is it possible for an animated character to look like itâs
lip-synching?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lou is every
bit as insufferable as you can imagine, right down to being voiced by Nick
Jonas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDitNtROLzsnmNuweaekVP_1w0jUfwnHAqCsLPaHJP09__E6vdmFCXVeo0c1rA4hcTUi4fAg2ACtOIidIUJgUVCKJ0WEU5wNC-LQXXtmTaJf4K7NchU9GT1oDvzbz1mgqXJwO0QTslhwWM/s1600/rimshot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="480" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDitNtROLzsnmNuweaekVP_1w0jUfwnHAqCsLPaHJP09__E6vdmFCXVeo0c1rA4hcTUi4fAg2ACtOIidIUJgUVCKJ0WEU5wNC-LQXXtmTaJf4K7NchU9GT1oDvzbz1mgqXJwO0QTslhwWM/s320/rimshot.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
Sorry, Nick. I just wasnât into you guys when I was a teen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
And he tears apart anybody who isnât as perfect as he is. Like worse
than me, any YouTube Critic, the average critic, and the average parent
combined. I mean, heâs just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mean</i>! Not
even kiddie-mean. And this is also these ugly little heroes hear the word âuglyâ
as a bad thing. Upon seeing the ugly dolls, Lou tells them that theyâre not
welcome due to their ugliness. Moxy refuses to let him define her and her
friends, and her hometown. When Lou hears Moxy mention Uglyville, he decides to
let them stay, sends out three of his groupies to go spy on Uglyville, then
returns to his room to <s>sing</s> plot his revenge---<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cats. Donât. DANCE.</i>
Oi!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Mandy shows them to their âsuite,â which is really just a storage
shed, and itâs revealed that Mandy is farsighted, which is her secret shame.
She hides her glasses from the rest of the institute as a way to keep people
from knowing she has imperfect eyesight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Uh⌠Why canât she get Lasik as part of her prep?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The three groupies start spying on UglyvilleâŚ. Iâm not gonna disgrace <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Totally Spies</i>, so Iâll just say like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Charlieâs Angels</i>, circa 2019 â then find
and kidnap Mayor Ox. (I just realized that heâs âoxâ because he has one round
eye and one âxâ stitch as his other eye). They bring him to Lou and *SHOCK*
THEY HAVE A HISTORY!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Back at the Institute, the dolls are trained rigorously (and
humiliated) in class by Lou to learn how to stay out of the washing machine and
in perfect condition for perpetual playtime. The ragtag ugly band is failing
miserably during all this. The dolls try to get pretty (which is actually
scarier than their actual form). Mandy sees them and tells them that they look
great the way they are. But, sheâs not above a makeover and song â complete
with instant music video!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Honest moment: the video is cute. The mix of animations is a nice
touch. However, the message of the song implies that a makeover is key to
showing the world your best side, even if itâs not what youâre feeling, and
itâs a good thing! Kinda clashes with the whole âstay true to yourselfâ message,
doesnât it? Then we get more mixed messages as Mandy does a small reprise of
the song, saying how she wishes she didnât have to hide under her makeover.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
So confused.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The Ugly Dolls show their new selves to the crowd, ready to pass the
final exam to get to the Big World. But, Lou has one more ace up his perfectly
pressed sleeve. Ox comes forward and explains that he was a reject who was
transferred to the Institute of Perfection due to a factory error. He
befriended a young Lou, who tried to help him pass the gauntlet, but Ox kept
tripping himself and everyone else up. Lou helped Ox escape, and Ox learned
about how defective toys, like himself, get thrown away. Ox then founded
Uglyville and blocked the trash chute, so no defective toy would be wrongly judged
or hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The group, seemingly defeated, walks away after Lou banishes them back
to Uglyville. The dolls (especially Lou), like the rest of us, know that the
ugly crew will return, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Back in Uglyville, everyone learns the ugly truth, and the once
sherbet-palette world turns to drab grey as everyone becomes seemingly
terminally depressed. Even new defects arenât greeted the same way. Moxie is
probably the hardest hit of all, as she feels her drawings will never become a
reality for her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The next morning, Mandy pep talks (and sings) Moxy to get back to the
Institute and pass the final test. And yes, points for what looks like another
yet amazing music video. Actually, this movie feels like music videos / musical
numbers strung together by a pretty predictable plot. At the end of the song,
they get kidnapped by the groupie dolls, who now have a chance to blackmail
Mandy for her eyesight. As the girls drag them to Lou, he meets them in the
pipe system. ThenâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ov98_er5-oqSg_bCSbrsIpS2sSa6w22tXkLAgorpUCrJa22-eNW35tF2p9dlgvBvB5Pib5435HawnszvvOjct2BSCQQ1eomYu3_a5paOOrkXLwnR4NyOFbel5is3QHeEhyphenhyphenTKva6yDtP/s1600/Jyz8E9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ov98_er5-oqSg_bCSbrsIpS2sSa6w22tXkLAgorpUCrJa22-eNW35tF2p9dlgvBvB5Pib5435HawnszvvOjct2BSCQQ1eomYu3_a5paOOrkXLwnR4NyOFbel5is3QHeEhyphenhyphenTKva6yDtP/s400/Jyz8E9.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->He waited years to become the perfect doll
everyone looks up to<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nobodyâs going to take that away from him,
especially an ugly doll<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->With Moxy out of the way, nobody will dare
challenge him<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mandy canât see (again, no Lasik at the
institution?!), so sheâs ugly now, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wow, he
called the ethnic-ish girl ugly! I called it! NO redeeming value for him! Oh,
and he pushes them down the recycling chute, where they can both be made into
pretty and perfect dolls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mayor Ox
decides to try to talk to Moxy to comfort her. Upon entering her house, he sees
signs of the kidnapping, and knows exactly where she is, thanks to the help of
her sentient printer⌠that suddenly became a plot device. Whatever, letâs get
this movie wrapped up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mandy and
Moxy almost get eaten by the recycling chute, but then Ox, the ragtag ugly
crew, and the rest of Uglyville rescue them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
They all head to the final task â the Gauntlet â to prove to the world
that their flaws are what makes them perfect after all. The ragtag band, Ox,
and Mandy enter the Gauntlet, and Lou runs with them to ensure that they lose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know they ainât trying to channel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">American Ninja Warrior</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lou makes a
robotic baby cry, which ends up with his being flung into a box. He escapes but
falls outside the foul line, but Moxy (and the other runners) stay behind to
comfort the tin tot. This helps them win the race, as the true meaning of being
a toy is being comforted by a child.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There go those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toy Story</i> vibes againâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I noticed something reeeeeally early on in the
movie. These plush, nondiscriminate odd looking plushies? PERFECT BABY TOYS!
Theyâre absolutely the right size and durability for any kind of baby
shenanigans!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
So⌠Lou failed the course. But apparently, this is meant to be,
because heâs the model prototype. This explains why heâs still at the
institution after so many years, and why he holds everyone up to his standard.
Lou tries to demolish the toys once and for all, but he almost gets thrown into
a washing machine. It is then revealed that he destroys the portal to the big
world during his rampage. In song, the other dolls fix the portal, except this
time, it merges together the protals between Uglyville, the Institute of
Perfection (Imperfect), and the Big World, and everyone is happy, singing, and
partying forever. And Moxy realizes that her world is always home, no matter
what child she ends up with. Letâs just hope itâs not Syd, mâkay?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Nah, itâs the perfect little girl who loves drawing, and loves the
doll just as it is. The child even comes complete with a gap tooth! And each
toy ends up with the perfect child. While Lou is sentenced to washing
everything in his dry-clean body and clothes. Okay seriously, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catâs Donât Dance</i>, again?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Alright, what have we got? A brightly-colored, decently CGIâd movie
with a much-overdone message, some ambiguous truths, like âfinding your own
truth,â minimal edgy humor, and about the cutest music videos Iâve seen for
this year. Did I mention the musical star-studded cast? I didnât even mention
everyone! As its own movie, though, itâs rather forgettable. Kind of sad, since
itâs clearly been pretty heavily invested into. Or at least the soundtrack has.
Even the soundtrack is rather blasĂŠ, given the quality of the singers (for the
most part).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
This movie is definitely more for little kids who are not film-savvy,
whoâve never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> seen a film that talks about being
proud of who you are, or who need a cute little confidence boost. Or a reason
to stay still for a couple of hours while I get some chores done around here!
Wait, I donât have any kids. But even if I did, I know of and own far better
distractions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
What was your favorite toy growing up? In case you havenât figured
out, mine was Barbie, but I used to have the BIGGEST collection of stuffed
animals growing up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Plugging time!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Actually, no⌠I havenât even updated my YouTube much for a while now.
I might, but Iâm not sure what Iâm going to upload yet. I havenât been on
Facebook or Twitter in years. This is even my first post in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> long time! Does anyone still blog
like this, anymore? Man, living life can keep you off the internet for a long
time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Also, if you look at the posting history, I definitely was in the
middle of two series. Iâll try to finish those up in the future. And try to be a
bit less snarky in my posts. ;-) See you next time, folks!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
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<br />Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-16710358257393394662018-03-30T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-30T00:00:20.130-04:00Easter Weekend 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBLo7XhIh4riTD51L_AyquY9l7UHn5ORLsL50Vctp8PuAKen8o8_z2ljPUJlA1ld5wnyY1vj0AbS7qTOZDx2oBdCGWMV5TjCGEdmf4oLVKpR6udkvRKXvbHHu2HNJMWbB-gUCOF9bpmnc/s1600/good-friday-austria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="750" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBLo7XhIh4riTD51L_AyquY9l7UHn5ORLsL50Vctp8PuAKen8o8_z2ljPUJlA1ld5wnyY1vj0AbS7qTOZDx2oBdCGWMV5TjCGEdmf4oLVKpR6udkvRKXvbHHu2HNJMWbB-gUCOF9bpmnc/s640/good-friday-austria.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span id="goog_64439847"></span><span id="goog_64439848"></span><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i>It's about the cross</i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
It's about my sin</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
It's about how Jesus came to be born once</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
So that we could be born again</div>
</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i>It's about the stone</i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
That was rolled away</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
So that you and I could have real life someday</div>
</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i>...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><i>It's about God's love</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Nailed to a tree</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Programme, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me</div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: right;">
-- Go Fish, <i><u>It's About the Cross</u></i></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: right;">
<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: right;">
<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a good Easter Weekend, everyone! See you next week!</div>
</span>Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-38468918557297848692018-03-23T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-23T00:00:03.955-04:00...And the punches keep coming.<div style="text-align: center;">
This has nothing to do with why the delay happened, but in any case, here's this week's post. I'll resume as usual next week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandparents' dog just died last Friday at the age of 13. It was sudden, unexpected, and it hurt the other dogs more than it did the humans.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angel, you will be missed.</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-18947160447276173732018-03-16T00:00:00.001-04:002018-03-16T00:00:07.022-04:00***BONUS POST NO. 1!*** My Experience With⌠Shrek (Shrek Series, Part 1)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
***<i>Caution: some mild rude humor
displayed in this post</i>***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
***<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Warning: Spoilers</i>***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Rating: PG, Y7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
(Parental Guidance Suggested, Not recommended for young children)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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To all the Shrek fanboys and fangirls out there⌠CALM DOWN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shrek </i>series
about as much as the next red-blooded Millennial, but I donât go too crazy over
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why? Because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Homestar Runner</i>
is WAY cooler.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway. Here we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now this pretty cool â dare I say it â masterpiece of an iconic film by
DreamWorks Animation came out in 2001 and pretty much changed the scene of
childrenâs and family films as we know it. For better or worse, well, juryâs
still out. Now while this may not necessarily be in a rivalry with Pixar for
any kind of movie (and you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know </i>what
I mean by that)âŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think that I can safely say that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shrek</i>
is to DreamWorks as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Toy Story</i> is to
Pixar. Both seem to be the long-standing series with which people generally
associate their respective brands. Heck, even the song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It Is You (I Have Loved)</i> (a gorgeous song to waltz to, by the way),
seemed to be the perfect accompanying track to DreamWorksâs title card!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fun fact: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shrek</i> was actually
the first DVD that I ever owned. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i>
wanted that title to go to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lion King
1 ½, </i>but the mere fact that I got a DVD (way back when) was simply too good
to be choosy or petty about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, this was back when DVDs had a BOATLOAD<o:p></o:p></div>
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of games and fun activities, sometimes to the<o:p></o:p></div>
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point of having a second DVD to accompany it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shrek</i> is based on an old
William Steig of the same name. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vaguely</i>
remember hearing that book back when I was a kid. I read it for myself years
later (pretty funny book, actually), and I could hear an old teacherâs voice in
one line. I dunno. Maybe I have that Mandela memory or something. No matter.
Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), is a happily alone ogre who simply does⌠wellâŚ
disgusting ogre things. Bathing in mud, eating slugs, burping to make a fire â
okay, there are a lot of gas-related / body function jokes, which I personally
do not find funny most of the time. Like any joke, a well-placed one is going
to make me laugh, but when it goes too far or seems forced, especially in a
âchildrenâsâ flick, it just gets really annoying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting off the soapbox now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now considering this takes place in medieval times, despite its
multiple references to modern-day life, the townsfolk are not happy with having
an ogre as a neighbor. Given the rep, I donât blame them. Thankfully, Shrek is
a rather decent, domestic fellow. You know, for an ogre. Shrek, of course,
scares them off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a castle in the kingdom, Lord Farquaad â<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, HOW did they get away with that one??!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Especially in the UK???!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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And thanks, internet for ruining that for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-- voiced by John Lithgow (or as my mother puts it, John Lithgowâs
head on a characterâs body), wants to become King of DuLoc. I donât want to
know what DuLoc could possibly mean, but if there is double entendre, DONâT
TELL ME. Anyway, he rounds up all the fairy tale creatures in the land, buying
them from the people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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The only one to escape is a talking donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy),
who runs into Shrek, so beginning a very strange friendship that pretty much all
of us in our 20s and 30s can practically recite verbatim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lord Farquaad *sigh, never gonna get over that* then consults the
magic mirror, who shows three princesses L.F. can marry in order to become
king. I think this is based on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dating
Game</i> (my parents had to explain a LOT of this stuff to me). The mirror
shows Snow White, Cinderella, and Princess Fiona. Of course, L.F. picks Fiona,
who is locked away in the tallest tower of an abandoned castle guarded by a
fierce fire-breathing dragon. Now, Farquaad is not going to simply risk his own
life to rescue the princess. No, no. That would be noble, but too risky, if he
wishes to be king. He then holds a tournament to see who would be the brave
(unfortunate) knight to go and rescue the princess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shrek wakes up one night to find that his house, swamp, and home had
been mercilessly invaded by a bunch of dumped fairytale squatters. He decides
to go to Lord Farquaad to issue a complaint. He also â reluctantly â takes
Donkey with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That part still cracks me up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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They make it to Duloc where â oh, goshâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remember when I said a well-placed joke works?<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is one of them. Even if you donât know what<o:p></o:p></div>
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they were about to say⌠you knew where they were<o:p></o:p></div>
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going with that one. My mom and I have a good laugh with
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They make it to the tournament, where Shrek and Donkey beat the living
crud out of all the knights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This part is kinda funny, to me. Now, Joan Jettâs <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bad Repuation </i>is playing over the fight scene. However, my DVD
player has a profanity filter, and I used to leave it on âstrongâ when I was a
kid (itâs on âmediumâ now). That scene is half-muted every time. I was a bit
confused at first as to why, until I watched it on a DVD player that had not
filter. Yeah. It actually muted a couple of the words form <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bad Reputation, </i>due to the lyrics. Makes sense, no. You shouldâve
seen when I tried to watch a filtered cable version of the Biggie Smalls movie.
I think I heard more in a Charlie Chaplin short.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some sniper knights are about to kill him, but Lord Farquaad knows a
good expendable when he sees one, so he sends them to rescue Princess Fiona. It
also turns out that Farquaad owns the deed to Shrekâs swamp, so the deed
becomes an incentive to make the trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shrek and Donkey enter the castle and Shrek goes for Princess Fiona,
while Donkey distracts the dragon⌠who happens to be female⌠and happens to see
no species. That wasnât weird back then, I suppose. Shrek, disguised as a
knight goes and rescues Princess Fiona. Fiona tries to follow all the protocol
of a rescued damsel in distress, but Shrek has obviously not read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> side of the etiquette book. When
they all (barely) make it out with their lives â leaving a heartbroken dragon
behind â Fiona learns that Shrek is an ogre. Obviously, prejudices on either
side flare up, but that doesnât stop Shrek from getting her to Lord Farquaad
and trying to get his swamp squatter-free. Shrek and Fiona build a unique kind
of relationship along their journey, especially when she martial-arts the
daylights out of Robin Hood and his Merry Men â oh goshâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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*laughing uncontrollably*<o:p></o:p></div>
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Iâm sorry, just the entrance alone tickles my funny bone like nothing
else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Everything seems peachy, untilâŚ. Fiona has an aversion to dusk. Okay.
Donkey finds out later in the movie that she turns into an ogre at night, due
to a spell cast by an evil witch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nice spin on a common clichĂŠ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fiona has some appearance issues, fearing that people will despise her
as an ogre. Shrek overhears half the conversation, as he is about to declare
his love for her, and he thinks she doesnât like him because heâs an ogre.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next morning, Fiona (human form) sees a very agitated Shrek. He
says he heard every word (he didnât) she said the previous night. Now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">she </i>thinks he doesnât like her ogre
form.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can I take a minute to express this amazing plot twist?<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is incredible. Yes, weâve all seen the âhe misheard her / she
misunderstood himâ type of clichĂŠ about a thousand one times. Now, this
actually blends these clichĂŠs in such a way that telephone tag could get
jealous, and it actually advances an already well-crafted plot! It cements
their prejudices even further before a final character growth in the movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shrek brings Lord Farquaad to Fiona. Farquaad proposes, Fiona accepts
the proposal and requests they be married before sunset, and Shrek accepts the
deed for the swamp. Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona all go their separate ways. Shrek
returns to his home, feeling accomplished, yet empty. Fiona prepares for the
wedding, but feels saddened. Donkey meanders awhile, but then returns to the
swamp, building a border to separate ownership. Shrek fights Donkey on this,
but Donkey reminds him that he actually likes Fiona.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shrek runs to stop the wedding (with the help of a now-ally dragon).
They stop just in time for her to change into an ogre. Lord Farquaad is
repulsed at his wifeâs changing powers, but the marriage had already been
declared (despite the fact that they hadnât kissed), and Farquaad is king⌠for,
like 5 or 10 seconds. Not even kidding. The dragon bursts in through a window
and eats Lord Farquaad. Newly widowed Fiona and Shrek express their love for
each other, and kiss. Fionaâs spell is broken, but remains an ogre, her âloveâs
true form.â She wanted to be beautiful, but she was to Shrek, and that was all
that mattered. Shrek and Fiona get married at the swamp, and they ride off into
the sunset in their onion carriage (if you donât get that, watch the movie),
while Donkey sings âIâm a Believerâ â Smashmouth edition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Good thing he didnât sing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Party
all the Time</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And of course, if you watch the VHS or let the DVD play through, the
party goes on with an awesome medley featuring the cast after the end of the
movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do I think of this movie⌠I donât know how much itâs actually
âfor kids.â Granted, itâs smart and challenging for the young brain. Itâs kind
of vulgar â only mildly, I guess â and there is some mild profanity, but I
think itâs pretty safe if you have a TVG on your DVD or VHS player, or if a
parent who knows how this movie goes has a remote control in his/her hand. If
your kid watches <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teletubbies</i>, maybe
think twice before letting the youngster watch it. Itâs not a bad movie by any
stretch of the imagination, and it is certainly the best of the whole series. I
think, however, the best feature of this feature film, is how much this movie
can grow with you. When youâre a kid, you like the fact that this is kind of a
fairytale version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who Framed Roger
Rabbit?</i>. When you get older, you appreciate more of the humor the more you
watch it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love this movie, and I should probably watch it again sometime. Itâs
been a while. Mainly for the same reason I hadnât seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ice Age</i> in a long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peace!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plugging Time!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Subscribe to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¡<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/JessieBerrie/" target="_blank">Pinterest Page</a>! It's a real work in progress!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatâs your favorite vegetable?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-45495384734085004712018-03-16T00:00:00.000-04:002018-03-16T00:00:03.289-04:00My Experience With... You're in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown!***<u>Disclaimer: This was written well over a month ago.</u><br />
***WARNING: Spoilers<br />
Rating: G, Y<br />
(General Audiences, Kid-friendly)<br />
<br />
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I would like to offer my sincerest apology for missing last Fridayâs
post. I was sick all week, and hadnât given much thought to well, anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, the âholidayâ I was referring to in the last post was⌠you
guessed it: Superbowl Sunday!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, Iâm not much of a football person, but I do enjoy it from time to
time. Being in the Marching Band helped me to appreciate it, but I guess it
mightâve started with this little video Iâve had since I was a tot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKFVoyFwwY6rsJ3wwdJi8Rd46D_M6wFOcoodQOyLlGLQL9Covw2Vf_aSoBYzlPhyphenhyphenNfFcrQ7uKpNOTwCGiohUdYsnGz2vM4T37M_TpLzQ2ir9lyGpHqVV4zM21B19ikgCVWcFC3CnHLXSB/s1600/Super+Bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKFVoyFwwY6rsJ3wwdJi8Rd46D_M6wFOcoodQOyLlGLQL9Covw2Vf_aSoBYzlPhyphenhyphenNfFcrQ7uKpNOTwCGiohUdYsnGz2vM4T37M_TpLzQ2ir9lyGpHqVV4zM21B19ikgCVWcFC3CnHLXSB/s640/Super+Bowl.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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And yes, this is, in fact, my copy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aw, crud, this one has <i>two
</i>logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatever, I didnât realize it back then.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Youâre in the Super Bowl,
Charlie Brown!</i> was one of those little home videos that was made to keep
kids quiet for half an hour, with the most loveable gang of children and
animals that family entertainment has ever welcomed into their homes. It was
kinda cheap, and not very intelligent, but it was still very kid-friendly. And it was partnered with NFL and... Shell? Okay, whatever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are basically two parts to this, and the video switches back and
forth between story lines.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first part is Snoopy coaching an all-bird football team to victory
in an animal football championship streak, first against a team of cats, then a
team of dogs (odd), then a team of⌠bison.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This sounds far less ridiculous than my<o:p></o:p></div>
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writing is making it sound, I promise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thatâs pretty much it. The animation loops are basically the same with
each football play, just slap a different opposing team character on it. The
birdsâ names change, though. The first set is a lot of Polish-ish â-skiâ names,
the second set is what I can only assume are actual contemporary football
playersâ names (like the target audience wouldâve recognized them), and the
last set of names is Presidents. Oh, and you can be <b>sure</b> that youâll hear a ton of animal-related puns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the championship game against the bison, Lucy does show up
basically to heckle Snoopy. Not that it matters, the birds win anyway. After
each victory, the birds dump âChirpadeâ on unsuspecting Snoopy, except for the
championship, when they dump it on Lucy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The second story starts off with, what else, Lucy convincing Charlie
Brown to kick the football.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do I even need to explain what happens next?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, the gang catches up to them, with Peppermint Patty announcing
that thereâs a childrenâs contest for punting, passing, and kicking. The winner
gets a bike and a ticket to the Super Bowl. Charlie Brown and Linus start
practicing, only to run into a cute little redhead named Melody Melody.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not kidding, thatâs her name.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And whatâs with this cartoon series and gingers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The boys get to know Melody and go out to get ice cream sundaes, where
they talk about the contest. Melody seems supportive of the boys. Linus falls
head over heels for her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the day of the contest, Linus seems very confident that heâd win
the contest, especially after talking to Melody. The kids all have their turns,
and Linus seems to beat out everyone, including Charlie Brown, but then thereâs
one last contestant: Melody. She beats everyone by a huge margin, much to poor
played Linusâs surprise (and chagrin).<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the contest, Linus laments over his betrayal, telling Charlie
Brown that heâll never trust anybody again. Charlie Brown tries to restore
Linusâs faith in humanity, but then guess who shows up holding a football.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">đ</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So that was <i>Youâre in the Super
Bowl, Charlie Brown!</i>, with a not-so-surprising lack of Charlie Brown in
the Super Bowl. This was⌠cute, and not
a total corporate sell-out. It was corporately sponsored, but still very much <i>Peanuts</i>. (They really havenât gone wrong
with <i>Peanuts</i>⌠yet, anyway.) I hunted
it down and watched it while I was sick, so basically my nostalgia was in
overdrive. Memories kept flooding back, even to seeing the bird holding a sign
saying âStay in Shape,â even though I originally thought it said âStay <i>Iâm</i> Shape.â<o:p></o:p></div>
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I WAS A TODDLER, OKAY?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Simply put, I love this. Itâs cheap, itâs not the best animation, some
of the parts were <i>definitely</i> aimed at
tiny kids, but I still love it. If you have kids, especially little ones, this
is great for them, as it can be hard to find kid-friendly programming that
isnât just educational.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plugging time! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" target="_blank">YouTube Page</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatâs your favorite sports team? This <i>does not</i> have to be limited to professional and colleges. Bring up
youâre old peewee league if you want!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-8532120321869908702018-03-12T12:48:00.003-04:002018-03-12T12:48:54.248-04:00Why I've been out so long.<div style="text-align: justify;">
2018 has been delivering a one-two punch to my schedule, pretty much since the word, "Go."</div>
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I started this blogging year pretty well, what with my actually being a responsible adult and managing a blog for God knows what reason. I guess I just like writing, in general.</div>
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But then I noticed that I've been treating my blog like I have been my YouTube channel.</div>
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Firstly, I was knocked out of work by a good snow. I don't really have much access to trustworthy internet, so that was out for a while. No problem. I can just write some more... if I feel up to it.</div>
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I gotta work on my procrastination habit someday.</div>
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Anyway. The snow melted. YAY! Now you gotta cut your lunches in half for about a month.</div>
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WHAT?</div>
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To make up the hours that they told me to STAY AWAY from my job, I had to take shorter lunches, which definitely meant less potential for writing. Or even staying healthy.</div>
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How does a week-long, horrible cold sound?</div>
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These are all really lame excuses, but I do feel like my head's cleared up again. I'm rearranging my schedule now to try to work in some extra hours of sleep and work during the week. It's actually a suggestion that my mom had when we both fell asleep for about 8 or 12 hours. I thought it was a terrible idea at first (I cannot stand the thought of waking up in the middle of the night to go back to sleep a couple of hours later, especially when creative work can pass you two hours easily), but.... I'm not closed to the idea, either.</div>
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(Why in the hizeck am I telling you all this...?)</div>
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Whatever. Just expect one previously scheduled blog post with one bonus blog post for the next four weeks or so. Please not that they may not all be kid-friendly, so... chillens, be sure to talk to your mom, dad, or guardian BEFORE reading something with a content warning. Hey, I haven't been a total slacker for the past long while. Whether I'm going to get back to my YouTube page... yes. Yes I am. Someday.</div>
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I'm also planning on making my own Pinterest page. Which I technically already have, but I think I'm actually going to shut it down and start over. Make it more fake "celebrity"-friendly. I'm a little to raw in my current account. (Aka, PG, at best.)</div>
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I'm also working on my overall attitude. I've had a LOT of emotional stuff that I don't wish to bore you with. Just pray for me. And my sanity. Well, just that common sense part. My creativity often comes from my insanity. ^_^</div>
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Gotta run. My lunch break is almost over. Hoping for better things to come in 2018!</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-71105932961964820452018-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-26T12:14:13.214-05:00My Experience With⌠Happy New Year, Charlie Brown<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, as Iâve first
mentioned at the <a href="http://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-experience-with-michael-jacksons.html" target="_blank">beginning of the year</a> <b>[Link
to the first post of the year]</b>, Iâm starting on the <i>Peanuts </i>holiday specials series. And let me tell you, rounding them
up was not an easy feat⌠at first. I first took a gander at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanuts_filmography" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, and got
instantly overwhelmed. I then did a second search, and made it to <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-year-in-charlie-brown-peanuts-holiday-specials-w462542/" target="_blank">this article</a>, which did a
nice âYear of Peanutsâ compilation. I then hunted down these videos on the
Internet, and reviewed each as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Without further ado,
the first <i>Peanuts</i> to watch this yearâŚ
<i>Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj3zq6ihZ0pbMvqA1rdtlzGcmc-ZOZYbgdwNM3dfQtuaEvbvoOMuFS3RG-23FrNqhyphenhyphenfeNeLgNrrsxwGWQnxIdACaTehS2ofpF-su2I6NhuY3wUOAWWUfI0HaumQTIWGH17PTlPOplp2hF/s1600/165full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="165" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj3zq6ihZ0pbMvqA1rdtlzGcmc-ZOZYbgdwNM3dfQtuaEvbvoOMuFS3RG-23FrNqhyphenhyphenfeNeLgNrrsxwGWQnxIdACaTehS2ofpF-su2I6NhuY3wUOAWWUfI0HaumQTIWGH17PTlPOplp2hF/s640/165full.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The story starts with
Charlie Brownâs teacher assigning a book report over Christmas break at the
very last second. She assigns the book <i>War
and Peace.</i> Yes, <i>that War and Peace</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I could easily trigger-type
and grandstand about the horrors of school, the ineffectiveness of its
education, the stress levels it puts on adolescents, the overbearing structure
which stunts childrenâs growth, the vulnerability of students who donât conform
to classroom status quos, and how cruel it is to suddenly assign elementary
school students a book that most adults struggle to read. But I wonât. Mainly
because scenarios involving children reading <i>War and Peace</i> is actually hilarious. So letâs go back to a simpler
time, when humour was not (completely) offensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Charlie Brown
struggles with reading this (obviously), but Linus kinda guilt-trips him with a
story of how Mrs. Tolstoy had to hand-copy the book seven times for Leo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is there such
a thing called death by carpal tunnel syndrome?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I canât even
handwrite notes at a meeting anymore, Iâm too slow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and have no
stamina. Sometimes I donât even want to type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Peppermint Patty then
invites Charlie Brown over for her New Yearâs Eve party. (That should be fun,
seeing as how they still look and sound young enough to have an early bedtime.)
Charlie Brown is reluctant, even though his friends are going. Sally hopes to
dance with Linus at the party, and Lucy wants to dance with Schroeder. The
gang, except for Charlie Brown, gets enrolled in dance classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Charlie Brown sees
that his book report is going to be even more difficult than he first imagined,
so he tries to find a non-book version of War and Peace. There isnât any, of
course, so he returns home to try to read. To cure his boredom, he goes down to
the dance studio to watch his friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Okay, the
dancing here is NOWHERE CLOSE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">to that in <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although Charlie Brown
tries to read, Peppermint Patty convinces him to dance with her. Charlie Brown
then returns home to read some more. The rest of the gang is all abuzz about
the party, especially Peppermint Patty, to Charlie Brownâs chagrin. Charlie
Brown then decides to invite the little red-haired girl, to Peppermint Pattyâs
chagrin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apparently,
that childâs name is Heather. Forgot that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While delivering
Heatherâs invitation, Charlie Brown gets stuck in the mail slot, as he feared.
That night, he frets over his embarrassment and the party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The next night, the
party happens, and everyone there is having a good time, Charlie Brown arrives
at the party, hoping to read some more, and hoping Heather will arrive. As
midnight approaches, Charlie Brown tries to sneak outside to read some more.
Peppermint Patty follows him outside and talks to him. Then, the countdown
starts, and Peppermint Patty returns inside. Charlie finally starts again on
his book, but falls asleep reading it, missing both the New Year Countdown and
the arrival of Heather (and dancing with her). Charlie Brown wakes up too late
for it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Charlie Brown finally
finishes reading War and Peace and writing the report about it the morning of
the first day back at school. He gets a D- for it. (Not bad for an elementary
school kid reading <i>War and Peace</i>.)
His troubles are not over, as the first assignment of the New year is ⌠drumrollâŚ
<i>Crime and Punishment</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Welp, canât
be any harder than <i>War and Peace</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was a cute little
short film, thatâs just right for the New Year, as it combines the anxieties of
the New Year approaching, the hurry to wrap up the old year, and trying to find
some fun in between. Plus, itâs Peanuts⌠you cannot really go wrong. There were
tons of filler material, but thatâs to be expected with these films, and for
the most part, they add to the story, rather than detract from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By the way,
if you happen to major in classic Russian literature,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">maybe donât
send your resume to elementary schools. Just saying. </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">đ</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thatâll about wrap it
up for this month! I know you think Iâm going to do the Valentineâs Day
specials next⌠hold your horses. There is at least <i>one</i> âholidayâ before Valentineâs. </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">đ</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Plugging time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" target="_blank">YouTube Page</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whatâs your favorite
novel?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-611928286181841732018-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-19T00:00:10.702-05:00My Xperience With⌠Surfâs Up 2: Wave Mania<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<o:p>***Warning: Lotsa spoilers.***</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Okay. Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooookay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While the first movie was certainly not <i>bad</i>, by any stretch of the imagination, when I heard that there was
a sequel I thought, <i>why?</i> It didnât
merit a sequel. Everything was stitched up well in the end. Why was this a
need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thatâs when I saw the DVD cover.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofXb0A8RxGmmAjJTeD6Hvsr2dNvC26l1Kxc00rQhEDCcqrrYiz4qQG6SSH4r0HDmVGm43sXh9AwCEY8gdQUBLr3SuNkQU32wkY0EJOCW07EW9efQaIPP5HUep40H2q0EVPnFKM1XgNbcQ/s1600/51952270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofXb0A8RxGmmAjJTeD6Hvsr2dNvC26l1Kxc00rQhEDCcqrrYiz4qQG6SSH4r0HDmVGm43sXh9AwCEY8gdQUBLr3SuNkQU32wkY0EJOCW07EW9efQaIPP5HUep40H2q0EVPnFKM1XgNbcQ/s640/51952270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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What is that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why is it there?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can someone please tell me why thereâs a wrestling logo on a sequel to
a half-decent, barely memorable, but still kinda good movie about SURFING
PENGUINS???<o:p></o:p></div>
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SighâŚ. Here I goâŚ. I am not looking forward to this. NO, seriously,
you donât even see the original cast membersâ names on the front! Itâs all
wrestlers! Like they said, âRemember those characters you grew to somehow love,
well, forget them! Weâre not even putting Big Z up there, even though he was
THE plot point,â I guess someone needed to be on family-friendly entertainment?
Well, this one looks even less memorable than the first. There will be
spoilers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Surfâs Up 2</i> starts with a
where-are-they-now-type segment of Cody Maverick, including an interview in
which Cody shamelessly plugs in his surfing school (by the way, check out my
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" target="_blank">YouTube page</a> and my <a href="https://plus.google.com/108478241059402317709" target="_blank">G+</a> sometime! Both are pretty cool!) Tank also butts in with
his online surfing school (he hasnât changed a bit). Cody tries to get Tank off
his case, but Tank reminds him that heâs the 9-time champ, not Cody.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chicken Joe, on the other hand, became a professional surfer, touring
the world with the Hang 5 â wait, who the heck are the Hang 5??! I donât
remember them? You know what else I donât remember? Codyâs voice!!! What the
heck?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yeeeeeeeeahhh. I did some research. Hoo, boy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It turns out thereâs a reason none of the original cast membersâ names
were listed on the cover. Itâs because the voice actors are all different. What
was once an all-star cast, turned into some generic sound-alikes. So this
really is a WW Studios movie, more than it is a Sony Pictures Animation movie.
This is gonna burn, big time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sony: We either hit or miss!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then again, given Shia LeBoufâs (original Cody Maverick) recent
actions, I guess Iâd pick a bunch of wrestlers over him, any day. Maybe this
wonât be so bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, Cody gets visited by Chicken Joe, who is rich, famous, and
more decorated than a NASCAR car. Joe shares his experiences with Cody, who is
happy for Joe, but is also slightly jealous, in a sort of âWhat if itâd been
me?â kind of way. Joe also gives Cody a Hang 5 poster, and he reminisces of his
boyhood days when he for some reason has a vacation outside his home, and
watched the Hang 5 surf.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, last movie was all about Big Z. WHAT THE HECKâ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Itâs okay. Itâs okay. Itâs a WWE movie. Itâs a WWE movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cody shares his lament with Lani, who sensed something was wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day, unexpectedly, the Hang 5 arrive. A fangirling fanboy
Cody invites them over for a luau. At the luau, Mr. McMahon (the beefed-up
otter⌠yeah, thatâs an <i>otter</i>) â who
has a highly disturbing desire to drink fish milk â announces that the Hang 5
will be surfing the Trenches, a legendary dangerous spot. Mr. McMahon is
retiring, and wants to put a new member in his place, specifically Lani (who he
saw parkouring to rescue a drowning baby penguin), although Cody thinks <i>he </i>will be the new member.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the morning, itâs revealed that Laniâs the new member. Before the
Hang 5 leaves, Cody shows off sweet moves, and J.C. wants to keep Cody. Paige
wants to keep Lani, the Undertaker wants Chicken Joe (possibly as a meal), and
Hunter wants Tank. Itâs now a contest to see who gets the last spot, and the
group goes to the Trenches at Slaughter Island. The first leg is through
crushed-whale bones quicksand. Tank takes out Cody, putting his team in last
place for the first challenge, and leaving them to wax everyoneâs boards. Mr.
McMahon likes Codyâs moves, but not his attitude. J.C. assures him that heâll
be okay. That night, J.C. lifts Codyâs spirits with a few words of
encouragement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Hang 5 sleep above ground to avoid attacks. Tank refuses,
challenging everyoneâs bravery. Lani, Joe, and Cody also take up Tanksâs
challenge. In the middle of the night, it seems something snatches the four
rookies, but it was all a teamwork test. Cody and Lani watch the stars, taking
in all the excitement from the day, and Cody shares that he feels more
fulfilled in his life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The crew resumes across an old abandoned bridge wire, and everyone
makes it across relatively easily, but Cody gets too hotheaded in his attempts
to outdo Tank, and has everyone fall down a cliff to their deaths.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just kidding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They find an ancient village with a surferâs hall of fame. Cody wants
to be remembered for his feats, but J.C. assures him that thereâs more to life
than just being famous. The other teams are in different parts of the ruins,
with one team in a room full of treasure. Tank takes a gold and jeweled
surfboard in exchange for his old surfboard. In the evening, Tank and Cody
start a fight, which naturally leads to the actual WRESTLING part of the movie.
Itâs too short, in my opinion, but, then again, itâs a surfing movie, not a
wrestling movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next part of their trip takes them through lava. Obviously,
surfing lava is pretty much impossible. Cody gets the idea to make a hang
glider to fly over it. Cody, once again, quarrels with Tank, revealing this
time that he has no plans to return home, to Laniâs dismay. Codyâs officially
become too full of himself, looking out for himself rather than realize that he
is a well-respected penguin already. Cody fights with Tank over the lava,
causing Chicken Joe to lose his board and almost his life. The Undertaker saves
his life, but everyone is disappointed in Codyâs attitude. Cody overhears Mr.
McMahonâs disappointment in Cody, and leaves his board with Chicken Joe and
leaves. Lani starts to look for him, but J.C. stops her, feeling fully
confident that Cody will cool off. The remainder of the group goes off to the
Trenches, where a storm is brewing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Codyâs meandering, he comes across a monument to a legendary surfer
who protects his people by doing a ritual called RTL â Ride the Lightning. He
runs off to tell them. The rest of the bunch arrives. Lani, being a lifeguard,
practices caution, and stays out. Chicken Joe is not up for the challenge,
either, but receives an honorary membership. Tank rides with the Hang 5, but
freaks out at the crest and wipes out. The Hang 5 wipes out at the wave, and
the Undertaker gets hit by a lightning bolt. Lani tries to revive him, but Chicken
Joe revives him with electric jellyfish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tank gets stranded in the water, but Cody tries to save him. J.C. ends
up saving them both. Cody essentially redeems himself, and he and Tank get
along. Cody gets offered the final spot, but turns it down to stay home as a
surf teacher. McMahon ends up staying to keep on enjoying adventures with the
Hang 5...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4GXflitt5mP3lsDUCWlecJmd6pYRJKMQCi7ogQwQvh2aSQgfq-Z6pW4XDOOj3T6HAb3bwrrZTSYWbkeIpueg_ROkBimMiizAsfOxZFYTpMsnDgBdhJYFj-5DRC9rc3ik3Iy44anwkumD/s1600/what.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="360" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4GXflitt5mP3lsDUCWlecJmd6pYRJKMQCi7ogQwQvh2aSQgfq-Z6pW4XDOOj3T6HAb3bwrrZTSYWbkeIpueg_ROkBimMiizAsfOxZFYTpMsnDgBdhJYFj-5DRC9rc3ik3Iy44anwkumD/s400/what.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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âŚThereby rendering this movie absolutely pointless. *sigh* What a
cop-out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The movie ends with the original commercial segment, but this time, the academy
is advertised by Cody, Lani, Chicken Joe, Tank, and the Hang 5. There are also
some âouttakesâ in the credits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What can I say about this movie? I had VERY low expectations,
considering this was a surf movie done by wrestling pros. It, like the first
movie, was not very bad, however. I kinda enjoyed it. It wasnât a very good
movie as far as plot goes, but itâs a nice afternoon feel-good flick for
anybody whoâs seen <i>Surfâs Up</i> (or
not), and has an hour and a half to spare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, plugging? I did that earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whoâs your favorite athlete?<o:p></o:p></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-56851752515285310392018-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-12T00:00:56.445-05:00My Experience With⌠Surfâs Up.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">I know that Iâve mentioned that I would be doing a Peanuts series. And
I will. Iâm just going to do two weeksâ of blogging about CGIâd surfing
penguins. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, and any pets with a stunning
ability to read, </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Surfâs Up</i><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyydzWTxwnhmhm62nTynkwaX_Yjh3kGgESYc0Z7_ATdp6Lh7brRBHdVxoTWhwNz3cggdgN2z_P3ScTFNVwWtDyUrCFKM1Mef8K9Xt_Qo4mRc9nJemL842Y74iaCPkNkquZYXKOzEuaVd0n/s1600/surf-s-up_u-L-F1J25I0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyydzWTxwnhmhm62nTynkwaX_Yjh3kGgESYc0Z7_ATdp6Lh7brRBHdVxoTWhwNz3cggdgN2z_P3ScTFNVwWtDyUrCFKM1Mef8K9Xt_Qo4mRc9nJemL842Y74iaCPkNkquZYXKOzEuaVd0n/s320/surf-s-up_u-L-F1J25I0.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Now, there was a long stretch I had when I was a youth of going to
practically every animated and family film, accompanied by a parent, with both
of us getting tickets for the price of a single standard ticket.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If Iâve said it once, Iâve said it <i>at least</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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three times here: <a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html" target="_blank">I love inexpensive<o:p></o:p></a></div>
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<a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html" target="_blank">entertainment</a>. It works either way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If I saw a good film at a low price, I got a great deal! If the film
bombed, oh, well, we didnât even waste $10. In this case⌠it was average.
Slightly above average. Itâs a good film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since I will be reviewing the sequel to this next week, there will be
spoilers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a nutshell, thereâs a penguin named Cody Maverick, who comes from
humble beginnings in Antarctica, where nobody really surfs. His mom is widowed,
due to his dad being eaten by a whale while he was fishing. Cody also has a
brother who constantly picks on him, as Hollywood thinks older brothers often
do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Codyâs beyond-mundane and lackluster life is changed when a legendary
penguin surfer named Big Z...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(You know what, Iâm gonna hold<o:p></o:p></div>
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my bad joke for later.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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âŚmakes an appearance at his home land and unintentionally inspires
Cody to become a surfer himself. He practices using ice and whatever waves come
his way. Years pass, and Cody gets picked up by a recruiter for a massive
contest. Along his trip, he meets a way far-out rooster called Chicken Joe.
Like Cody, Chicken Joe lost his dad at a young age. Unlike Cody, Chicken Joeâs
dad was lost to what I can only assume was Col. Sanders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As cruel as those untimely demises were,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I found the second one particularly hilarious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the tournament, Cody and Joe come up against 9-time champion
Tank Evans, who is very skilled, but is a huge bully.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At first, Cody is very clumsy in the tournament, considering he is out
of his element. Then one day, Cody comes across an old, washed-up penguin who
seems to know a lot about surfing. Yup, itâs Big Z, who was presumed dead after
his last match against Tank Evans. It turns out that Big Z chickened out when
he realized he was old news and could not keep up with the young talent, so he
faked his own death and lived in hiding, with his niece Lani, who was the only
one who knew of the secret. Lani and Cody do fall in love, by the way. Kind of
a no-brainer there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the old penguin is realized to be Big Z, Cody (of course) wants
him to be his trainer. Or rather⌠his coachâŚâŚ. ready for my bad joke?<o:p></o:p></div>
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HE BECOMES HIS âCOACHâ Z!!!! ^_^<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMTlytpQIwBomwCxDRLQ6M1ZGBpj6g7Ewp6lCybcLSK01Thkm3nEwRTGS523a70Up5dXcuqswbxLEhNUa9eXqAEtBNhfnDLdLbUtQOigNMeCO6sbcFbJ9pj3eJ04rkdAZwoBg2Y87u5ZU/s1600/359px-New_Coach_Z_Styles.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMTlytpQIwBomwCxDRLQ6M1ZGBpj6g7Ewp6lCybcLSK01Thkm3nEwRTGS523a70Up5dXcuqswbxLEhNUa9eXqAEtBNhfnDLdLbUtQOigNMeCO6sbcFbJ9pj3eJ04rkdAZwoBg2Y87u5ZU/s320/359px-New_Coach_Z_Styles.PNG" width="191" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Why yes, I <i>do</i> still have
my day job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why do you ask?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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At the finals, itâs Cody, Chicken Joe, and Tank. They duke it out over
the waves, with Tank being as big a bully as ever. When heâs after Chicken Joe,
Cody disqualifies himself by taking out Tank, making Chicken Joe the champ. Big
Z returns to the public eye, and everybody lives pretty much happily ever
after.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Youâll read more on the details next week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, this was just a bare-bones look at the movie, and it does seem
rather cut-and-dry. However, one thing I (and my mother, who went with me)
really enjoyed about <i>Surfâs Up</i> was
the fact that it was well-done in a kind of reality show/documentary footage. This
included little interviews with main and side characters, and steadicam was
also done nicely⌠thatâs a compliment from me. I canât STAND unnecessary
steadicam. I deliberately never watched <i>The
Office</i> because of its constant steadicam. I donât care how funny Steve
Carrell is, there is no reason for every moment of an <i>office building</i> to feel like an intense moment!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I digress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It was funny. It was cute. It wasnât the most memorable, especially
since I watched <i>Happy Feet</i> not long
before that one. Plus, itâs kind of a <i>Robots</i>
+ <i>Cars</i> plot line, and neither one
were bad movies. If you want to spend time watching a half-decent movie and you
donât know what to watch, definitely give this flick a rent from your local
library.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plugging time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" target="_blank">YouTube Page</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whatâs your favorite outdoor sport?<o:p></o:p></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-77344422197978199322018-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-05T00:00:20.605-05:00My Experience With... "Michael Jackson's Halloween"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
***Caution: Mild language in one video.***<br />
<br />
Happy New Year! Iâm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Didja miss me????<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Okay, Iâm rested, hope you all had a great couple of holidays (share
your story with me in the comments, if you wish), and letâs kick off the end of
the Christmas season with⌠[drumroll] âŚa Halloween special featuring virtually
nothing but Michael Jackson music!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael Jackson is no stranger to posthumous success. His estateâs
currently making hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Also, heâs released
his second â yes, <i>second</i> â album
since his death in 2009, <i>Scream</i>.
Which is pretty much just a mix of classic Michael Jackson songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael Jackson is also no stranger to movies. Heâs got the film <i>Moonwalker</i>, the kidsâ film <i>Captain EO</i>, and the short film <i>Ghost</i>, not to mention his classic music
video, <i>Thriller</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess thatâs to be expected of a man<o:p></o:p></div>
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whose entertaining career spanned<o:p></o:p></div>
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for literally half a century in his lifetime.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, in 2017, the world was graced with an hour-long special
featuring his hits, <i>Michael Jacksonâs Halloween</i>.
The special <i>is</i> rated PG, but that may
be for the kiddie horror elements, the main villainess being a tad short of
half-dressed, and the fact that they donât edit some of Michael Jacksonâs
lyrics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The special is short and sweet,<o:p></o:p></div>
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and the plot is kinda predictable,<o:p></o:p></div>
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so spoilers will be provided.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The main characters are Vincent, a wannabe-DJ who is a grocery store
heir to an abnormally-passionate-about grocery-stores dad, and Victoria, a
wannabe-dancer who works as <s>a doormat</s> an intern for a very demanding
boss at MegaCorp. Meanwhile, a monkey lackey named Bubbles (who sounds like a
slightly Brad-Garrett-y talking version of Mr. Bobo)âŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://camo.derpicdn.net/4263997280488520cc81ab15d432cb526b4e1720?url=http%3A%2F%2F31.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_mbplolsiav1rh0l1zo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="500" height="214" src="https://camo.derpicdn.net/4263997280488520cc81ab15d432cb526b4e1720?url=http%3A%2F%2F31.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_mbplolsiav1rh0l1zo1_500.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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âŚis driving Michael Jackson to his home, and orders<o:p></o:p></div>
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bananas from the local grocery store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, Victoria is commanded to watch her bossâs Dog, Ichabod (whom she
nicknames Icky for his natural âgoingâ behavior â I have 4 dogs, Iâm used to
that). The two kids run into each other, which causes Victoria to lose Icky,
but leads them to the exact place of residence â 777 Jackson Street.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Nice one, guys.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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From there, they go down an elevator which is an interesting
combination of what I can only guess is Dr. Who, The Great Glass Wonkavator,
and that portal scene from <i>Barbie in the
Nutcracker</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/charlieandthechocolatefactoryfilm/images/1/18/Roof.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/214?cb=20120913002740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="214" height="300" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/charlieandthechocolatefactoryfilm/images/1/18/Roof.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/214?cb=20120913002740" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwcGipeGlYe6lzEpq5Zn8-99VgAUnYXCELts54HdeChkQAwxHWH0HmCd-k_iYwDXglXJzcpoHbsbXDMV9t-kyyRKixy7PRRCDcsPNDtYdz3we6w3BLxTWZv9vg1v9LSeEl3u2z69MPU5C/s1600/barbie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1296" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwcGipeGlYe6lzEpq5Zn8-99VgAUnYXCELts54HdeChkQAwxHWH0HmCd-k_iYwDXglXJzcpoHbsbXDMV9t-kyyRKixy7PRRCDcsPNDtYdz3we6w3BLxTWZv9vg1v9LSeEl3u2z69MPU5C/s640/barbie.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This leads to a pumpkin patch of enormous proportions, where a bunch
of groundskeepers, led by a fleshed-out Jack Skellington named Hay Man (voiced
by Jim Parsons), are dancing to <i>Dangerous
/ Jam</i>. They freak out and flee temporarily upon spotting the kids. They
explain that theyâre having fun, when the boss and villainess, Conformity (Lucy
Liu) arrives. She turns one of the groundskeeper into a zombie. Yeah, if youâre
a Michael Jackson fan in any capacity, you can see where this is heading. By
the way, her theme is <i>Dirty Diana</i>.
WHAT!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LZ1gLyqqnM4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZ1gLyqqnM4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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They follow the music (and Michael Jackson insignia) to a room full of
spiders who entrap them. Victoria challenges the leader to a dance-off, which
leads to their escape, and a battle between Conformity and her Crows and the
spider army.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two kids eventually get caught by Conformity, and are mistaken as
rebel leaders against her machine. A scientist cat plans on stealing music and
destroying it all forever, until the kids talk some sense into him. He, in
turn, grants them his old musical inventions to battle against her. One more
Michael Jackson pose brings the kids and Icky back to the elevator, where
Bubbles is waiting for them. They return to the foyer, but instead of running
for the hills, they instead decide to battle Conformity in a showdown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The kids collected musical amulets from their newfound friends, and
they install them into the machine that was meant to destroy music, reverse its
effects, and with Vincentâs mixing, combine the three friends into surprisingly
black Michael Jackson â well, I guess not surprising, since <i>Thriller</i>âs being played here -- who
reverses Conformityâs spell. Conformity returns, however, stronger, and in a
live gargoyle formation. She re-enslaves her zombie subjects, and just as it
seems Michael is captured, he puts a hand on her, and reverses her magic again,
this time turning her into a good girl. They then dance together to <i>Thriller</i>, along with the two kids, and
the unzombified inhabitants. And let me tell you, CGI Michael Jackson does NOT
have nearly as impressive moves as the real McCoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, all of this ends up with this being âpossibly a dream,â
Michael and the Monkey going to their next mission, Michael Jacksonâs face
appearing in the moon and winking at us, and Victoria and Vincent being a
couple and a DJ/Dance duo that everyone (including the dad and the boss) all
enjoy. Donât ask where Victoriaâs parents are, clearly nobody knows!<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a TON of Michael Jackson-esque music and dancing, which I
found great, because my Daddy made me into a mini-fan myself â and trust me,
heâs a HUGE fan⌠he bought TWO Thriller vinyl albums because he wore one out.
Now, this special does fall privy, as I said before, to ârude humourâ that is
oft found in childrenâs / family media these days, not to mention that the plot
is semi-pointless and really hastily thrown together, but I still enjoyed it.
It doesnât top <i>The Great Pumpkin</i>, in
my opinion, but itâs a nice thing for the Michael Jackson geek in me to get a few
bars and dance movements out. Honestly, it reminds me of one of those old PC
games I used to play as a kid, where thereâs really no way you could lose, the
characters look a little stiff, but you enjoy it, anyway, in all its
cheesiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was fun to write. I think Iâll try a new series out, actually. I
mentioned <i>The Great Pumpkin</i>, so⌠how
about the Peanuts holiday specials?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a way to ring in the New Year! Hoping the best for you in 2018!
Bye!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plugging Time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a></div>
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Whatâs your favorite Michael Jackson song? Mine would have to be <i>Beat It</i>. Check out why below!<o:p></o:p></div>
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--- Sorry, guys, very serious moment coming up ---</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This past Christmas, a friend of mine died and went to be with the Lord. I remember meeting him in theater, as well seeing him in a part of college ministry. He was a good friend, and I'm going to miss him, although I am happy that he's gained eternal life. I'll see you in Heaven, Hunter! ,^_^,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL-DyT4ghBw_ObuIU5p4hLJFcNcS87EDpc8KfJZx7XZLKKOd-QsFOYqgnjv00oUb3FtonRpmHm8lDL1Y-9nscUzh-rhguv6BS5CjcDZ-hWZYVRsaKcPYqopiFs8z24TW-W5aXhzR8wMq8/s1600/Scrooge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL-DyT4ghBw_ObuIU5p4hLJFcNcS87EDpc8KfJZx7XZLKKOd-QsFOYqgnjv00oUb3FtonRpmHm8lDL1Y-9nscUzh-rhguv6BS5CjcDZ-hWZYVRsaKcPYqopiFs8z24TW-W5aXhzR8wMq8/s640/Scrooge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- In memoriam, Hunter Gillette -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1994-2017</div>
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<br />
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<a href="http://kittycatlover7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thanks to my friend Emily for not</a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://kittycatlover7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">being upset about my using her photo.</a></div>
</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-60793697161044423262017-11-03T00:00:00.000-04:002017-11-03T00:00:01.200-04:00My Experience With... The Lego Batman Movie (LAST POST OF 2017!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Adt3b2cyt7B3NDgKM2zMwxNCYjpJhxvN6wMZPZZM2nVuBuk0NaAanSsVhLExjyEbK82VfZU5LOT6R_bINd-TNQzuWmBDdLwFvsWDljo_QWop4USXz_GFcnlxoUsoSx1be094-skhODyA/s1600/Lego-Batman-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="647" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Adt3b2cyt7B3NDgKM2zMwxNCYjpJhxvN6wMZPZZM2nVuBuk0NaAanSsVhLExjyEbK82VfZU5LOT6R_bINd-TNQzuWmBDdLwFvsWDljo_QWop4USXz_GFcnlxoUsoSx1be094-skhODyA/s640/Lego-Batman-poster.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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Awww, yeah, here we go!<br />
Out of the disappointments and into<br />
what we've been waiting for!</div>
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As you may have read previously (specifically in
the <i>Legoâs Batman: The Movie</i> review),
I am not much of a superhero-genre-watcher. Itâs interesting, just not my
immediate style. I do like the <i>How It Should
Have Ended</i> series, mainly for its comedy, and the fact that these
superheroes often stay in their superhero form. Speaking of comedy and
superhero genre, I finally got my hands on a free rental for <i>The Lego Batman Movie</i>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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While Princess Unikitty is without a doubt my
absolute favorite character from <i>The Lego
Movie</i>, Lego Batman was probably the coolest, and my second favorite. When I
first heard he was getting his own movie, I was ecstatic! My poor parents did
not share in my excitement. Oh, itâs not that they disliked <i>The Lego Movie</i>, thereâs just a
generation chasm. My mom is not necessarily one for Legos or modern animated
films, and my Dad is not necessarily one for Legos or post-Adam West Batman.
Iâd heard it was a good movie, and after the *mild* disappointment from what I
thought was <i>The Lego Batman Movie</i>, I
suddenly became more excited than ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To make myself even more appropriately excited, I
watched <i>The Lego Movie</i> before <i>The Lego Batman Movie</i>⌠well,
technically. There may or may not have been a viewing of <i>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</i> in between the two movies. I was still
excited!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>THIS HAD ME
LAUGHING FROM THE FIRST LINES.</i> Oh, man! It actually starts with a Batman
voice-over critique and a Michael Jackson quote! I was dying!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story starts off about as basic superhero
folklore as it gets. The joker wants to take over Gotham CityâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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I <i>know</i> how that meme is supposed to<o:p></o:p></div>
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be used, but I feel it still applies here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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âŚusing an admittedly overcomplicated bomb and a ton
of Batman Supervillains (Apparently, there are many; I donât know how many were
legit, but the movie claims theyâre real. Iâm not Googling them.) under the
city to do so. With the city somehow surviving as a bunch of Lego-like plates
over no actual foundation, just an abyss, plus the fact that Batman cannot be
reached. the town is in real trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Batman, however, inexplicably arrives on the scene.
And of course, Batman defeats the Joker⌠but not without a â what I like to
call â Nemesis Loversâ Spat. In order to understand what I mean, think about
when Dr. Doofenschmirtz had a minor falling out with Perry the Platypus when he
was secretly fighting Peter the Panda on the side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hmm. P-names⌠everyone has a type, I guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, the Joker not only thinks that Batmanâs
obsessed with him, he also thinks heâs Batmanâs greatest enemy! Batman gives
Joker a MAJOR shutdown, leaving Joker a bit⌠deflated. For those who saw the
movieâŚ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkJV91Nh522YYd_TUhWuD3wAEDNOs3FinaljYA6hyphenhyphenlfV3Krt9wQTmEHufdP6NJNeyYtEurEW3-38gakZYpuGdMuS_o2TNlFgDLr6zQb39_KGSD94xLaU_aC7J5XDWYH__XZf-EIp7JFn4/s1600/16qwau.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="260" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkJV91Nh522YYd_TUhWuD3wAEDNOs3FinaljYA6hyphenhyphenlfV3Krt9wQTmEHufdP6NJNeyYtEurEW3-38gakZYpuGdMuS_o2TNlFgDLr6zQb39_KGSD94xLaU_aC7J5XDWYH__XZf-EIp7JFn4/s640/16qwau.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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If youâve been reading my blog as well,<o:p></o:p></div>
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you knew that meme would be back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Batman in this movie is comically full of himself,
as he was in <i>The Lego Movie</i>, and to a
lesser extent <i>Legoâs Batman: The Movie</i>.
Heâs still insanely rich, with a lair that would be the ultimate man-cave, and
he frequently visits the orphanage to give out Batman merchandise. There is one
bespectacled boy there who is obviously Batmanâs biggest and shyest fan. The
only thing Batman lacks is friends/ / a stable familyâŚ. unless you count his computer, and his
butler, Alfred.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVZo-Zq7Rtl15NMoV42_f5oM6mQ2I3R0CPACRNHjTYc8JKFJaevdmMpMTSu2pcUNGiONjVPH7L5SymlW_vhMLMAnAmEwM6YPeWYjnGhusDZY3IdM15KBHNQ9d1-VY1LpF2wtheE_0EkEf/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVZo-Zq7Rtl15NMoV42_f5oM6mQ2I3R0CPACRNHjTYc8JKFJaevdmMpMTSu2pcUNGiONjVPH7L5SymlW_vhMLMAnAmEwM6YPeWYjnGhusDZY3IdM15KBHNQ9d1-VY1LpF2wtheE_0EkEf/s640/hqdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You wish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This movie is incredible. I knew it was going to be
good, but I didnât realize just HOW good this was. It shows a (somewhat
predictable) journey for Batman and his inner quest to open himself up to let
people into his life⌠and save the world from one of cinemaâs best crossovers.
I did NOT, however expcect a Bat-fax to be included. I guess Hobbes was right
on his prediction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0F0cJ2cCvkL0bHCHSJfICSb-8CYOowY8EfOCrJlKAepp5BjAqnn_yeBd5OcinDVCodD03wI9Drv4_yCT6kn600b4z2JQ6oIGl45mbQmjoaTBH9b_Lz4TutgrAG4CPU8xydq14AmM9B69/s1600/ezgif-3-45f543e203.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0F0cJ2cCvkL0bHCHSJfICSb-8CYOowY8EfOCrJlKAepp5BjAqnn_yeBd5OcinDVCodD03wI9Drv4_yCT6kn600b4z2JQ6oIGl45mbQmjoaTBH9b_Lz4TutgrAG4CPU8xydq14AmM9B69/s640/ezgif-3-45f543e203.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey, it was still amazing!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The best part about this movie is that, like <i>The Lego Movie</i>, it included a ton of
material for a huge age range. It has a ton of charm, and excellent geeky
references for both the amateur and extreme. Iâd recommend this for ages 8 and
up, but I guess a 5-year-old could watch it, too, depending on the parentâs
discretion. This was simple an amazing film.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.<br />
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Well, as I mentioned in last week's post, this is the last post I have for 2017. I'm taking an extended holiday break to recharge. Hope you enjoy the rest of 2017, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and I'll see you in 2018!<br />
<br />
Bye!</div>
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If you had to hug a flower, what would you hug? And
what would your superhero alter-ego be?<o:p></o:p></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-80974008305177947372017-10-27T00:00:00.001-04:002017-10-27T00:00:10.689-04:00My Experience With... Perms<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lots of memes today.</div>
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Okay. There are a few posts on this blog that have addressed hair and hair problems. I want to bring up the topic at least one more time. </div>
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Growing up, I had a pretty common hairstyle of young girls:</div>
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<a href="https://i1.wp.com/blackgirllonghair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Snoop_dogg_63110906.jpg?resize=340%2C440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://i1.wp.com/blackgirllonghair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Snoop_dogg_63110906.jpg?resize=340%2C440" width="247" /></a></div>
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(Uhh... what the heck, Snoop?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4MFc-KiYSxh5RYbKFUQGp76x89A25s_3yGE1W3TwHfHgtbnG00usx2ujkgsKLeNMrVkkH_xTRdp3_K8DCcmfaZkYfYfJZs7OR1ojO1ZPMuRmKHixXev9fjtQ75MC91Yg3V-k4mfKzSae/s1600/7411c521effd4e55bf642d6d2765647f--hair-skin-nails-black-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="623" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4MFc-KiYSxh5RYbKFUQGp76x89A25s_3yGE1W3TwHfHgtbnG00usx2ujkgsKLeNMrVkkH_xTRdp3_K8DCcmfaZkYfYfJZs7OR1ojO1ZPMuRmKHixXev9fjtQ75MC91Yg3V-k4mfKzSae/s640/7411c521effd4e55bf642d6d2765647f--hair-skin-nails-black-hair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ah those were the days. I didn't get a whole lot of chemicals put into my hair back then, but if one of those barrettes came out, there went my hairstyle... and I knew Mom wouldn't be too happy.</div>
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Eventually, my hair decided to change. For those of you who don't know, there comes a point in the kinky-haired child's life, when the hair changes in texture and consistency, usually from soft, wavy, and easy to style, to the biggest pain in the neck (literally!) you will ever experience. The age of the person whose hair turns, as it is called, varies from person to person. You'll know especially when the child really starts crying (see above meme), and the stylist (often the mother) screams, "THAT'S IT! I'M GETTING RELAXER!" We did try relaxer once...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjg-WnZL9GZ7PgJ8_lmnscKe9dI6RfzpMRN2U_5kkJzIAypJn8V2ulh-kj7mN9CDsVLaefYPIGno8Gm8IRBysakDm4ewHUdgINF_IQ-I1ljd_Ll4DaUnpMczyVQIfmZHoatLpyrz0F7OO/s1600/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjg-WnZL9GZ7PgJ8_lmnscKe9dI6RfzpMRN2U_5kkJzIAypJn8V2ulh-kj7mN9CDsVLaefYPIGno8Gm8IRBysakDm4ewHUdgINF_IQ-I1ljd_Ll4DaUnpMczyVQIfmZHoatLpyrz0F7OO/s1600/300.jpg" /></a></div>
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I can <i>hear</i> some of you going, "Called it!"</div>
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It didn't quite mess up my hair. My hair actually downright REJECTED it. So instead of my hair looking pretty like the little angel's (above) hair, I ended up with a hardly touched bush. We rinsed that out quickly and never spoke of it again. ^_^</div>
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Then came the fateful day when my mother discovered the one thing that DID work...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9xXB0YCxW1GBfTiIFiUEDWPEC6JOYtEyWt16BaT4p0ekC_vtv_vL4Z7eB5XLOI2LMCVVNvbPYUgda8qqmC81VgXYR9H75_clQlFMmte9lDoXYcvgFwwp5i_lJUqdZ7WqjoWnU0mu9Lav/s1600/31teHLE4JUL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9xXB0YCxW1GBfTiIFiUEDWPEC6JOYtEyWt16BaT4p0ekC_vtv_vL4Z7eB5XLOI2LMCVVNvbPYUgda8qqmC81VgXYR9H75_clQlFMmte9lDoXYcvgFwwp5i_lJUqdZ7WqjoWnU0mu9Lav/s640/31teHLE4JUL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quick question: Why do we use these things? They stink like the dickens, they make us stink like the dickens, and it's painfully obvious we use this stuff when our hair grows back in. What the heck?</div>
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To be fair, if I were to have to use a relaxer for the rest of my life, it would be this. HIGHLY diluted. It doesn't stink as badly as other relaxers, and for me, it seems to say, "Oh, your hair is kinky, but if you use the real stuff, it will take out your hair like you wouldn't believe. Let's leave the curl, but take out the painful kink." It's the perfect abusive boyfriend!</div>
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Some of you are probably ready to comment saying that this is technically a texturizer. I counterpoint that, saying, yes. It <i>is</i> technically a texturizer. And texturizers are a subset of <i>relaxers</i>. So yeah, "transitioners" who use texturizers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJn7woqbQPN5lDwx5U0TZEfUC1q4oSSZU68v5oUTxD6DHJN6R0A14t7r9Z8VNIevp1W6HvuY9XdGFc_ZMdbU7uUKqI2OL7pc_h8ZfIu4fFcCJu-gBUkUzKwd1za-0skvZZffaGPVn6cAz/s1600/CPriuwQXAAAriZV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="625" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJn7woqbQPN5lDwx5U0TZEfUC1q4oSSZU68v5oUTxD6DHJN6R0A14t7r9Z8VNIevp1W6HvuY9XdGFc_ZMdbU7uUKqI2OL7pc_h8ZfIu4fFcCJu-gBUkUzKwd1za-0skvZZffaGPVn6cAz/s640/CPriuwQXAAAriZV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The difference between relaxers and texturizers is essentially the process to end result. Both CAN straighten your hair out completely (if you have a curl pattern in your hair). With relaxers, that's essentially its job. It makes your hair bone straight in a relatively short amount of time. Texturizers, however, have a slightly different agenda. Instead of making your hair straight, it makes your hair go into a wave pattern. The common factors of these two is that both contain crazy harsh chemicals, and both reconstruct the amino acids in your hair... which can be already very brittle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNwR_42MDykrtPNBO5s40JWw1L0b98A1eF5k7WBtNLummDskuRbWLH1cgzd8k-Td8kqCIZZQ5MXKQL-tKU5Jhxkso-P_NRAYGfdoZQ67H01IYSN0qDLfTZswzfNl3XXmO7aUiHjUmx3kp/s1600/animated-9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNwR_42MDykrtPNBO5s40JWw1L0b98A1eF5k7WBtNLummDskuRbWLH1cgzd8k-Td8kqCIZZQ5MXKQL-tKU5Jhxkso-P_NRAYGfdoZQ67H01IYSN0qDLfTZswzfNl3XXmO7aUiHjUmx3kp/s640/animated-9.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you haven't seen <i>Good Hair </i>already,</div>
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I recommend you watch it, especially</div>
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if you are curious about black hair.</div>
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I would imagine that I started perming my hair (relaxers and texturizers are perms, btw) when I was 9, I suppose, though my mother has used mild setting lotions before then. I say 9, because that's about the age I was when I first saw slick edges in my old photos.</div>
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Oh, you wanted a pic? Don't hold your breath.</div>
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When I say slick edges, I mean something like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj0rPE0Z1t8XXS7wcwRddB1WjKeGfai6aGslfcqlhj-jO5wHR8EmnRddgIw2KDVETuy4ISw_6jVVQjC5AitTBAORcb_1yad-2fO5C-R5dSOy1cAOvlbeMCScdTYubLQ9Gv3ghfwSTjCjo/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj0rPE0Z1t8XXS7wcwRddB1WjKeGfai6aGslfcqlhj-jO5wHR8EmnRddgIw2KDVETuy4ISw_6jVVQjC5AitTBAORcb_1yad-2fO5C-R5dSOy1cAOvlbeMCScdTYubLQ9Gv3ghfwSTjCjo/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" /></a></div>
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They say that this is achievable w/o relaxer. I haven't found a way that doesn't involve stiffeningly hard gel.</div>
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And yes, I mean this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqPiJ-UGhpYRRejZKBm6sWFD5k7_HhBr9m9VnQwZB5c1Phr6gK-HUr7a_OnM-dNLeUSdxCwIiRAhfuDLCriRnOyPlu9l0L4qoeLXagpa_jQy_9KaMbh0DY5VDKfIQPjMQ9iAVF2-2zW7K/s1600/16608698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqPiJ-UGhpYRRejZKBm6sWFD5k7_HhBr9m9VnQwZB5c1Phr6gK-HUr7a_OnM-dNLeUSdxCwIiRAhfuDLCriRnOyPlu9l0L4qoeLXagpa_jQy_9KaMbh0DY5VDKfIQPjMQ9iAVF2-2zW7K/s320/16608698.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, those are decent edges, above. Now, natural or new growth edges can look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMrEo-k_EuSdPPApCCXf9WY51D9URgpXccQ9RIPbgJKTU6b4Hm4xxTE5DuvY6yfjCgGnWLIg-rJ3Ad06EdjWBqAVe95dhVeQ28TuGP4RDDbpHr8oNYxcxhpYgmDChgS2IBwHClwQzOQ5/s1600/NewGrowth-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMMrEo-k_EuSdPPApCCXf9WY51D9URgpXccQ9RIPbgJKTU6b4Hm4xxTE5DuvY6yfjCgGnWLIg-rJ3Ad06EdjWBqAVe95dhVeQ28TuGP4RDDbpHr8oNYxcxhpYgmDChgS2IBwHClwQzOQ5/s320/NewGrowth-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While they're not necessarily bad, they're not as aesthetically pleasing, and not everyone will understand natural edges or natural hair, unless they're curious enough to do research. Since I work front desk, I use this stuff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcukoJUuJGQ47buNWwxwI9xRvHyCRSMafZgrXBdtrjGvBfbMioZ-1fdT5KTHIBrhS6dJPIHa-WMkQBAz6UM7tzaalPzJ_EuHVldugYTOdrGwOqL2EWsdaBJngreFmShNnSjrCkFK1kdoy/s1600/1405699479799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcukoJUuJGQ47buNWwxwI9xRvHyCRSMafZgrXBdtrjGvBfbMioZ-1fdT5KTHIBrhS6dJPIHa-WMkQBAz6UM7tzaalPzJ_EuHVldugYTOdrGwOqL2EWsdaBJngreFmShNnSjrCkFK1kdoy/s320/1405699479799.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have used every last one of these products before, but it's the first three from the left that I use the most. As much as I can't stand it -- this stuff stinks, burns, and I really think it does more harm than good -- it does wonders on my hair.</div>
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Seriously, it does make my hair easier to put into buns, ponytails, comb-outs, flat-irons. So what's the big deal, you wonder. Truthfully, I just plain don't like perms. That's it. I think there are always alternatives to just removing a kink or chemically straightening. Practices have been done since the dawn of time! Ancient people didn't have Bronner conventions, Dudley relaxers, not even Madame C.J. Walker's hot comb!</div>
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While I don't like perms in general, I don't deny that it does make hair look good, and if you choose to use it, work it! For me, however, I will keep using that creamy crack until I get my own business or something along that self-employed line, and hopefully will become a mom to natural-haired children.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZYhUe57-TTvDLAvK-skfx4ZmwLC6m9MNBUiH3iITL5g3ZkapyczYn9hVcAaDoIjf7sVpB48-G7dIOcvroBkhMwmxAzRUxwAE_YEFwsYut3YMDu3M1DR6HkoZqhbgGsaBRvtZnWZGOABF/s1600/1b29cee02973431f175e6276b4de4e6d--hair-meme-hair-humor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZYhUe57-TTvDLAvK-skfx4ZmwLC6m9MNBUiH3iITL5g3ZkapyczYn9hVcAaDoIjf7sVpB48-G7dIOcvroBkhMwmxAzRUxwAE_YEFwsYut3YMDu3M1DR6HkoZqhbgGsaBRvtZnWZGOABF/s640/1b29cee02973431f175e6276b4de4e6d--hair-meme-hair-humor.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
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Buh-bye!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.</div>
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ANNOUNCEMEMENT: Blogging regularly takes a lot of work, and I need a break, so <i>The Lego Batman Movie</i> review-- coming next week --will be the last blog I do for the year. I'll be taking an extended holiday leave to relax (no pun intended) and probably come up with new stuff to write about. Thank you for your continued support, and I'll see you in 2018! (Hopefully.)</div>
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What's your best hairstyle? What was your worst hair day?</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-9077131216545837082017-10-20T00:00:00.000-04:002017-10-20T00:00:15.610-04:00My Experience With... Lego's Batman: The Movie (DC Super Heroes Unite)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Shall I continue with disappointments?<br />
<br />
I am not what you might call a total fan of the whole DC / Marvel Superhero
genre. I donât hate it, but Iâm not the type to rush to watch a midnight
viewing. Then again, Iâm not in a rush to even rent such movies from Redbox.
Thatâs what internet jokes and YouTube channels are for. However, I did find
Lego Batman to be my favorite character in <i><a href="http://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-lego-movie.html">The Lego Movie</a>, </i>and I definitely wanted to see <i>The Lego Batman Movie. </i>So, I found my opportunity! I went to the
library and saw a DVD, and picked it up.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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There was one problem. You know how sometimes you think somethingâs
one thing, when itâs really something ever so slightly different? What I
thought was <i>The Lego Batman Movie </i>turned
out to be <i>Lego's Batman The Movie. </i>I
decided to watch it, anyway, just for the heck of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/Lego_Batman%2C_The_Movie_cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/Lego_Batman%2C_The_Movie_cover.jpeg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Fun fact: this movie came out a year before<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The Lego Movie. </i>Iâd
never even known it existed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The movie starts off with a pretty cool lego-themed background
(revealed to be the bat sign), along with the Danny Elfman version of the
Batman theme. The na-na-na-na-na version wouldâve been pretty funny over the
otherwise serious-looking opening, but I still loved the opening they chose.
Took me back to my first year of college, when my <a href="http://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/02/my-experience-with-being-in-marching.html">marching band</a> played that as
part of its halftime show (we had a superhero-themed show with <i>Batman</i>, <i>X-Men</i>, and a <i>Superman</i>
medley). Then we start our story with definitely CGIâd Lego Batman and
Superman, as they face Lex Luthor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Donât worry, I know <i>some</i>
of the superhero<o:p></o:p></div>
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characters. I used to watch the Adam West<o:p></o:p></div>
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version of Batman with my Dad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two heroes are defeated quickly by a joint effort between Lex and
the Joker (Iâm guessing the Romero version). Then they go to two days earlier,
when Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne (<i>I know
thatâs Batman, thank you.</i>) are at a âMan of the Yearâ award ceremony. Bruce
wins, but the trophy and other valuables are stolen by the Joker (and a slew of
other villains). Batman and Robin retrieve it after an action-packed scuffle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the middle of the showdown, Batman used a super forcefield to keep
his Batmobile intact. Superman shows up after the fight to help retrieve items
lost or damaged in the fight. As you may or may not be aware, Superman and
Batman are not exactly the best of buddies. More like frienemies, really. And
not even very good ones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I never understood that. One is a mutant alien savior,<o:p></o:p></div>
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the other is basically a rich crooked cop. They both<o:p></o:p></div>
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save people! It makes no sense to me. If you feel like<o:p></o:p></div>
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explaining to me in great or minute detail what Iâm missing,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I give you full permission to comment below.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lex Luthor is clearly unhappy about his loss, but has not completely
lost hope. Heâs a candidate for President of the United States. However, heâs
way less popular than even Jill Stein was in the polls!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sheâs neither Trump nor Hillary. Sheâs fair game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He watches the tapes of The Jokerâs arrest, as well as past footage of
his villainous schemes, and decides to break him out of prison and hire him to
join forces against our two superheroes. Hereâs where Iâll stop. Itâs a
seemingly cheap flick, but the story doesnât seem so bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I suppose the CG is pretty good, given its time period. It makes the
Legos look like rubber, but since this seems more like a Cartoon Network flick
than a summer blockbuster, Iâll certainly let it pass. The effects themselves
are fascinating to watch, even though the sets definitely look half-Lego and
half-realistic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Itâs a quick watch, considering the story itself is about an hour
long, but it does do what itâs supposed to do: give easy laughs, distract the
mind for a long period of time, and have a nice little moral. I was a little
bit confused by the ending, but Iâm just going to assume that I just donât
understand Justice League folklore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you have especially little kids, this is a perfect for them,
whether theyâre into the superhero genre or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Whatâs the biggest / zaniest / most embarrassing mistake youâve made?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTubePage</a></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-32104791337986771312017-10-12T12:45:00.000-04:002017-10-13T13:31:43.433-04:00My Experience With... Mousehunt and Kangaroo Jack<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My Experience With... Mousehunt and Kangaroo Jack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Iâve mentioned before that I really like cheap
entertainment, and that I have found DVD combinations in Food Lion such as <i>Cats Donât Dance</i> / <i>Quest for Camelot</i> and <i>Fantastic
Mr. Fox</i> / <i>Robots</i>. However, not
all combinations are created equal. Or even good, in the case of <i>Bride Wars</i> / <i>27 Dresses</i> (no, seriously, I just want <i>Bride Wars</i>). Some combinations just look like an apocalypse in a
case, such asâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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*deeeep, sucking-through-teeth inhale*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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âŚ<i>Mousehunt </i>/
<i>Kangaroo Jack</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzByd4RSyuSn5UP1-IWel0fxsDvRoKjUoZ-fcnm3v_dfs1mUjEFVnMdYf9Et1ejunf0yVMN1g3izcNk8OiXlXrGZCn_94B0BpEI3rj-ebZJ0_GNgnz7QTHUO4jHZbuOcPHimCA0GaDnKp8/s1600/91610%252B7Z3mL._SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzByd4RSyuSn5UP1-IWel0fxsDvRoKjUoZ-fcnm3v_dfs1mUjEFVnMdYf9Et1ejunf0yVMN1g3izcNk8OiXlXrGZCn_94B0BpEI3rj-ebZJ0_GNgnz7QTHUO4jHZbuOcPHimCA0GaDnKp8/s320/91610%252B7Z3mL._SX342_.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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My GOSH, if there were ever a cinematic duo so
abysmal, it would be these two. And oddly enough, I somehow still have fondness
of the first one rather than the second one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Iâm only going by memory here, folks. No
way am I about<o:p></o:p></div>
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to watch these two masterflunks again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I originally recall catching the end of <i>Mousehunt </i>on TV with my Mom, and it
seemed really cute. The mouse was adorable, and the closure seemed perfectly
apropos to a family movie. So we bought it. Or rented it. Or something.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Talk about a 180.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The ending was about the ONLY part I liked in this
movie. This was rated PG, but apparently during that point in time that it
didnât mean, âone guy diesâ or âsome obscure character said a mild curse word.â
Nope. I donât necessarily mind cartoon violence. For crying out loud, I grew up
watching <i>Looney Tunes,</i> <i>Hanna-Barbera</i> series, and Tex Avery
shorts. What I do mind is the voice of Timon talking about the lineage of
female canines. Yeah, there was quite a bit of language, some sexual stuff in
there (again, if only comical). Itâs one thing to have that marketed to an
older audience, but itâs another thing to make it look like some adorable mouse
chef chase thatâs family fun for all ages.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank GOD Disney / Pixar<o:p></o:p></div>
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got it right years later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of misleading marketingâŚ<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK2vh5H71PyoSY2JX0E5C3QG3Si1nzJeozJLhePhARXng-xn5O2Hq8bPXrJUNIkW5n8Z0O6t9qSo_cPQetIzVvndAHi1ZTgNU5kXJMAWj_s6FDeRMrEL5uSGDzvUsZxrs2x2sw0eUIVNN/s1600/d651bac9134df825326dcf9d602e1007--kangaroo-jack-jack-movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK2vh5H71PyoSY2JX0E5C3QG3Si1nzJeozJLhePhARXng-xn5O2Hq8bPXrJUNIkW5n8Z0O6t9qSo_cPQetIzVvndAHi1ZTgNU5kXJMAWj_s6FDeRMrEL5uSGDzvUsZxrs2x2sw0eUIVNN/s640/d651bac9134df825326dcf9d602e1007--kangaroo-jack-jack-movie.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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WHAT IN THE WORLD WENT ON HERE?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anybody over the age of 18-20 would remember what
they <i>thought</i> was the premise of this
blasted feature: a funny talking, rapping kangaroo wearing a hoodie in the
middle of Australia, for some reason. Did you need a reason? No! Why? Because
itâs a <i>funny, talking, rapping
kangaroo!!!</i> For many kids (and their unsuspecting parents⌠SOLD! The
kangaroo rapping was cool with the kids, and the kangaroo rapping a Sugarhill
Gang song was cool with the parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My Dad took me to see this movie, and I was STOKED.
AS WAS EVERY OTHER KID BROUGHT TO THE THEATRE BY THEIR PARENTS.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The movie started with⌠a crime chase? Huh? Okay.
Waiting for the kangaroo, I guess. It took a long stinking time, and I remember
getting bored. Then we saw the kangaroo⌠yay? It didnât talk. Or dance. Or rap.
It barely made noises. It did kick one of the main characters, though. That got
a laugh. I guess I was desperate. It may have done other things, too, but I
donât remember.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We finally got to the part where Kangaroo Jack
started doing what we saw in the trailer. What started that? The guy was in a
dream⌠after being knocked unconscious⌠when he got KOâd by a hot chick⌠whose
chest he had just fondled. WHY?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I will give <i>Mousehunt</i>
a half-pass for having dudes putting their hands down womenâs dresses, because
THEY WERE AT LEAST LOOKING FOR A MOUSE. As comically stupid as it was (and
unnecessary for a âfamilyâ film), a mouse in your clothing is pretty serious in
real life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here, this guy was just a jerk. He thought he was
hallucinating, and acted upon impulses rather than rational thinking. Yeah,
pretty much all the characters in the scene (except for the jerk, himself),
turned into kangaroos, and chanted âChicken Bloodâ over and over again. The
rest of the movie was a lot of blah-blah-blah, boring-boring-boring, weâre not
gonna see any more kangaroo antics again are we? Nope. WHO CARES, I HATED IT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There was a <i>GâDay,
USA </i>version, but I only caught the rap part on Cartoon Network. I had some
hope in this film. It was a pretty cool scene. Boxing + âMama said knock you
outâ = hey, this film may be pretty gooâYOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME, IT WAS STILL A
DREAM SEQUENCE??! CLICK. Urrrrgh!!! If the rest of the film is any good, please
let me know. In the meantime, Iâll leave Kangaroo Jack ALONE and watch <i>The Rescuers Down Under</i>. That movie is
awesome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Iâm not a fan of these remakes in movies these days
(seriously Disney, STOP remaking your classic films), but if someone were to do
a <i>Kangaroo Jack</i> that is actually more
about a talking, rapping kangaroo than a couple of loose screws stealing some
cash, I would actually pay $20 to see it, plus another $20 for concessions.
Thatâs $40 Iâm willing to cough up for a re-make. Get on it, people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sorry this post was so rant-y. I just saw this
abominable combination and knew I had to write about it. It was either that or
take a lighter and some gasoline and torch the DVD section of Food Lion. The
latter just seemed too mean-spirited and probably wouldâve landed me in jail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.<br />
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Whatâs the biggest letdown youâve ever had?<o:p></o:p></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-26640087751487699562017-10-06T00:00:00.000-04:002017-10-06T00:00:08.070-04:00My Experience With... Courageous (the novel)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY_SnJ_a0-XEWi-jyJ0h2pCi_k3XJ5Pso-8i3GS9vydq5SF-uaCdHvwwiXuMLWALPfpbDh86b_6EDVt3L66eS3Jb43qRqMHXOdrY39UiZqh_4huhHVANWOwO2m6wgKTq9dXSilnCCYiry/s1600/51tkLkhMKPL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY_SnJ_a0-XEWi-jyJ0h2pCi_k3XJ5Pso-8i3GS9vydq5SF-uaCdHvwwiXuMLWALPfpbDh86b_6EDVt3L66eS3Jb43qRqMHXOdrY39UiZqh_4huhHVANWOwO2m6wgKTq9dXSilnCCYiry/s640/51tkLkhMKPL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">This is not the first time Iâve
written anything about the Kendrick Brothers. In fact, here are links to the
series:</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-flywheel.html">Flywheel</a></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-facing-giants.html">Facing the Giants</a></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-fireproof.html">Fireproof</a></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-experience-with-courageous.html">Courageous</a></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/09/my-experience-with-war-room-finally.html">War Room</a></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/07/my-experience-with-meeting-priscilla.html">Bonus:Priscilla Shirer</a> </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(currently my second most viewed blog post)</span></li>
</ul>
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My favorite movie of the original
Kendrick Brothersâ quintilogy is <i>Courageous</i>,
hands down. It has it all: 5 distinct protagonists, an excellent supporting
cast, great morals, and an awesome mixture of drama and comedy. Well, Randy
Alcorn (a very popular Christian author) apparently saw it and decided to ramp
it up to 1000. This is <i>Courageous</i>,
the novel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, if youâve seen the movie or
read my blog post (this was back when I put spoilers in my posts), you should
know that the overall story arcs are the same. You have 5 main characters with
different walks of life and perspectives about fatherhood. Four of them work
together on the police force, and the fifth met them through a divine chance
meeting / accident.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Adam Mitchell: the âmainâ main catalyst
character who loses his daughter in a tragic accident involving a drunk driver.
This event causes him to refocus on what it means to be a good father in
general, and to his ever-distant son.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Nathan Hayes: the first man introduced in the
story, and the image of what a good dad entails: being a protector, provider,
partner, and teacher, to name a few attributes. His main issue, however, is
that he did not forgive his own father for being an absentee dad. He also faces
connecting with his teenage daughter who is ready to date.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Shane Fuller: a divorced dad trying to make ends
meet, but he goes about that in the wrong way. As in illegally.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">David Thomson: an unwed dad who struggles with a
desire to avoid fatherhood.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Javier Martinez: a blue-collar worker who meets
Adam when Adam mistakes Javier for someone else with the same name. He is also
a good father figure to his kids, and attributes that to his own father.</span></li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Took me a minute to write that
all out. I didnât even write the full names in the original <i>Courageous</i> post. Yes. I <i>do</i> re-read my old posts. #cringe<o:p></o:p></div>
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So why read this novel, if the
story arcs are the same? Uh-uh, read back a couple of paragraphs. I said they
were the same <i>overall.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, the thing that makes the
novel more special than the book (Can you believe it? Even if the book comes <i>after </i>the movie, the book is still
better! lol) is what it adds to it. <i>Courageous</i>
was in and of itself an excellent movie, but it was also a long story, even
after a few (what I thought were) kinda crucial deleted scenes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kendrick Brothers, if youâre
reading this, you should release an âExtended Editionâ version of your movies. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even with all its scenes,
however, the story now seems kinda disconnected. Well, not really. Iâll
explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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According to the info about the novel,
only 20% of it was new writing that wasnât originally in the movie. That 20%
makes a huge difference. It makes a difference in the story, it makes a
difference in the connection of the characters, and it makes a difference in
the characters themselves. If the Kendrick Brothers had made this, it probably
wouldâve made a much better movie, which is saying a LOT, considering how good
it is already!<o:p></o:p></div>
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HoweverâŚ. I donât know if I would
want it in the movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Personally, this movie was
probably more heavy-handed in its tone than the Kendrick Brothers were used to.
<i>Flywheel</i> was a basic enough movie,
and you definitely get goofy vibes among the serious parts. <i>Facing the Giants</i> is just one big
feel-good fest. You can pretty much guess every part of the plot (seriously,
itâs <i>Remember the Titans</i>, Christian
Edition), and who doesnât like a good game of football, or even the atmosphere
there? Iâm marginally enthusiastic about football games, but I hardly watch the
games themselves. Itâs always the atmosphere and community. <i>Fireproof</i> was probably the first real
drama they did, and even that was very domestic. Aside from one scene involving
a train, itâs still light in the heaviness. Even <i>War Room</i> wasnât nearly as heavily-toned in its showing, and that
involved war footage and a scene involving Priscilla Shirerâs character talking
to the devil! (Iâm unsure of the theological soundness of that, by the way, but
it did make a half-decent monologue for someone whoâd never been in a movie
before.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Yeah, I know. âLook whoâs talking.â</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My point is, if <i>Courageous</i> had gone the Randy Alcorn
path, it probably wouldâve been way heavier and way more severe than what the
Kendrick Brothers would have been willing to go. Also, Iâm glad the book had a
more serious atmosphere than the movie. Personally, when I watch a movie, I
donât want to get weighed down by its atmosphere. I donât mind a good drama,
but there are limits for me. With books, I have a stronger threshold for
emotional movement. A movie for me, is a complete escape from reality. A novel,
however, transports me to a different reality.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I say all this to say⌠read the
book. No, really. Not necessarily as an evangelical book, not even as a Bible
study or father study book. Read it as a novel. It, like <i>The True Meaning of Smekday,</i> will take a couple of days to read,
but I assure you, it will be worth the read.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ciao!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.<br />
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Whatâs your favorite
novelization?<o:p></o:p></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-25958376875281523982017-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-29T00:00:11.723-04:00My Experience With... Adventures in Wonderland (Alice part 5)Well, I've finished the majority of the Alice series. Technically, that's all I can say about <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>. How about something based off the original whimsy, and is totally the opposite of the Tim Burton film that'll be sure to have a cult following in 20 years?<br />
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<i>Alice </i>series:<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With... Alice in Wonderland (Rachael Peatross edition)</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 1). It's not what you think!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html%20Done">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 2) -- The Novels </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland_14.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 3) -- The Disney Version</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland_21.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 4) -- The OTHER "Disney" Version</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Experience With... Adventures in Wonderland (Alice part 5)</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYNJosHkjyvnj_k6xEp_CG1OMql-2n-ZXtfXw2Rzxy6ygvTdOePGwBVNuFAnq_kOFN-HFVSl_b92Mox6CMZumgKIisYk9642wUPmlKu_RAec8Knnb5N3suelX6o_HlvyZmpVmfHOlplme/s1600/cj+meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYNJosHkjyvnj_k6xEp_CG1OMql-2n-ZXtfXw2Rzxy6ygvTdOePGwBVNuFAnq_kOFN-HFVSl_b92Mox6CMZumgKIisYk9642wUPmlKu_RAec8Knnb5N3suelX6o_HlvyZmpVmfHOlplme/s320/cj+meme.png" width="279" /></a></div>
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TA-DA! TODAY'S THE MYSTERY</div>
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BLOG POST! (Plus, virtual high-five to the</div>
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first to get where this came from.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCFpclY71Bu4FJ3zsNwKVhCnmi5IR9mL2IyCKwv8_X-5Q_FVC9JWFLSNF2BmwjQKfVj8ldpfctSZT82R15d_o3U9ctsVA-AQP8YKagLWoSa8-bH7DrMKwuE14PKET3daki6GKD_SiQ-os/s1600/Adventures_in_Wonderland_%2528title_card%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="250" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCFpclY71Bu4FJ3zsNwKVhCnmi5IR9mL2IyCKwv8_X-5Q_FVC9JWFLSNF2BmwjQKfVj8ldpfctSZT82R15d_o3U9ctsVA-AQP8YKagLWoSa8-bH7DrMKwuE14PKET3daki6GKD_SiQ-os/s640/Adventures_in_Wonderland_%2528title_card%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I canNOT express enough how much I love the 1988 movie, but this is my absolute 2nd-favorite Alice-related media. If Disney's movie was a snapshot of the adventures described by Lewis Carroll, then <i style="text-align: justify;">Adventures in Wonderland</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> is the HD .png! Just take a look at this!</span></div>
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Catchy, ain't it?! (Please ignore the 90s cheese.)</div>
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Adventures in Wonderland was a kids' show on Disney Channel. It had 100 episodes, and lasted from 1992 to 1995 -- a good run for any children's show. It chronicled the life of young Alice (often shown with her cat, Dinah), who had day-to-day issues that she faced, and learned corresponding lessons every time she escaped reality through her mirror into Wonderland. Each episode was a little different, but always featured a claymation story narrated by the Caterpillar (who doesn't smoke a hookah -- it's a kid's show in the 90s), and LOTS of fun songs.</div>
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Characters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXHK2lj7q2D2sjB-Xeh8SBtVSaKJ9t-rmOQwltU-QH0LM7MtsNmitIDhtHxtB87dE0n5cnGc5UtGP9k8v3AUKvYZnDNrsJzuiWWsdszIv7wmJx-TUaeRlD84ZRbvj7pEtt5Y01GgBC2ay/s1600/alice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXHK2lj7q2D2sjB-Xeh8SBtVSaKJ9t-rmOQwltU-QH0LM7MtsNmitIDhtHxtB87dE0n5cnGc5UtGP9k8v3AUKvYZnDNrsJzuiWWsdszIv7wmJx-TUaeRlD84ZRbvj7pEtt5Y01GgBC2ay/s1600/alice.jpg" /></a></div>
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Alice: protagonist. I liked her character, and thought her singing voice was pretty cool.</div>
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Dinah: it's a cat. Nothing special for me. She's cute and fluffy, I suppose.</div>
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Red Queen: For some reason, she reminded me of my mother...</div>
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White Rabbit: Yup, it was the 90s, alright. In-line skates, anyone?</div>
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Mad Hatter: I remember asking my Mom why he was wearing lipstick.</div>
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March Hare: That makeup was super good! I think I was most impressed with his costume.</div>
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Dormouse: Awww, he was so cute! I used to wonder how they fit an actor into the teapot. I was 4. Gimme a break.</div>
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Caterpillar: Only slightly frightening to me, which was impressive given the fact that I used to scare easily. (<i>Used to???</i>) Zip it.</div>
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Cheshire Cat: I used to find him so hilarious.</div>
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Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum: My fave characters of all time. I used to think they were the best singers, dancers, and rappers. Never mind the fact that they didn't even look like neighbors, let alone brothers.</div>
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This was an amazing show. It had a colorful, diverse set of characters, great musical numbers, and it even subtly taught you fun nuances of the English language! How do you top that?!</div>
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I remember being so happy when I got these VHS's, and was hooked ever since. Mom even got to record a few episodes onto some blank VHS's or old tapes that I didn't like. I might still have them somewhere. Let me hit you with the episode "Off the Cuffs" from the "Hare-Raising Magic" VHS for your viewing pleasure.</div>
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Basically, it was one of the coolest kids' programs on earth, and I hope to share it with any of my future progeny.<br />
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Thank you very much for sticking with me during this 5(ish)-part series! Next week, I'm looking to go back into a previous 5-part series with a new twist. Could a book be better than a movie, even if the movie came out first???? Find out next week on <i>My Experiences With</i>!!! Fridays at Midngith / 9 pm PST!<br />
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Okay, that was weird....</div>
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Plugging time! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></div>
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What old TV show gives you the feels? Has Disney gone down in children's show quality? Is there hope for TV in the future?<br />
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Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-67322625384922811592017-09-22T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-22T00:00:19.433-04:00My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 4) -- The OTHER "Disney" Version<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With... Alice in Wonderland (Rachael Peatross edition)</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 1). It's not what you think!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html%20Done">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 2) -- The Novels </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland_14.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 3) -- The Disney Version</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 4) -- The OTHER "Disney" Version</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">??????????????????????????????????????????????????????</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="text-align: justify;">GURSHFGHWOJAWIFJD.</span><br />
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Here we go.</div>
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<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8e/00/a0/8e00a004ccb71d867cc1ae95db9101d4--google-search-mad-hatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="578" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8e/00/a0/8e00a004ccb71d867cc1ae95db9101d4--google-search-mad-hatter.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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The first time I heard about this, everything just seemed... wrong. So wrong.</div>
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I was a little excited for a few of the actors, though, namely Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne "I Was Born to Be a Fairytale Character" Hathaway. So I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt, and figured that this went to the darker side of a dream, the kind of dream that isn't quite a nightmare, but a few more scares will have you seriously re-doubting yourself.</div>
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The movie was beyond disappointing for me, at first, mainly because Alice was a grown-up woman, who thought (and understandably so) that Wonderland was a dream. She's involved with all the blandness (no, seriously, look at the scenery) of her reality and it all gets interrupted when -- what else -- a white rabbit catches her eye. <i>Deja vous</i>, right?</div>
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Oh, and can someone change the title</div>
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to <i>Alice in Underland</i>? Yeah, it's "Underland,"</div>
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not "Wonderland." (WHY????)</div>
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In the original Disney version of this film (yes, this one IS a Disney version directed by Tim Burton), I mentioned that they combined the best of both of the original novels... here, they take the worst parts, age them in brine, and dress it up in goth clothes.</div>
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The whole story centers on Alice's coming of age plus fulfilling a Frabjous Day prophecy. It's that dull. While the concept itself sounds pretty cool, I think that this would be better suited in fan fiction.</div>
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I think that seems to be the case with a lot of movies these days, in a world that's dying for original content. If this were a game in a separate franchise, I might think it's cool. It's almost like that Twisted Fairytale spot-the-difference game with Goldilocks and the 3(?) Bears. It creeped me out, but it was a fresh take on a lower playing field. Even the story taking place in "Underland," is not that terrible of a concept, if it were not Disney or Tim Burton. Plus, it seemed very dark and structured for something that was supposed to be like a dreamland.</div>
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If you do watch this, try to watch without thinking of the original story, and pretend it's someone's fanfiction that got waaaaaaaaaaay too much funding.</div>
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Peace!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">What's your take on these revamped classic stories?</span>Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-79097755304691087852017-09-15T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-20T12:38:28.101-04:00My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 3) -- The Disney Version<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
This week has been crazy for me, but hopefully, you all are doing
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With... Alice in Wonderland (Rachael Peatross edition)</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 1). It's not what you think!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html%20Done">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 2) -- The Novels </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 3) -- The Disney Version</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 4) -- ????</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">??????????????????????????????????????????????????????</span></li>
</ul>
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Alright, weâre week 3 in our Alice series, and this next item Iâm
reviewing may seem a mite familiar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c1/Alice_in_Wonderland_(1951_film)_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="256" height="640" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c1/Alice_in_Wonderland_(1951_film)_poster.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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If there were any movie adaptation perfect for re-telling the classic
tale, it would be the 1980s version. But Disney definitely comes in at a close
second. Well, at least the old version does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was not one of those kids who grew up watching a whole lot of Disney
movies. That definitely came in when I hit my 20s. I watched them to one extent
or another, but I wasnât attached to a whole lot of them. I think my favorites
mightâve been <i>Pinocchio</i>, <i>Dumbo</i>, and <i>Bambi</i>. <i>Bambi</i> turned out
to be way more dramatic and depressing than I remembered, <i>Dumbo</i> seemed more racist than I remembered (Iâll give it a pass, it
was the 50s, and itâs no worse than some cartoons of that era), and <i>Pinocchio</i> â Daddy, I love you, but what
were you thinking, letting me watch that? No wonder Mom made me stop watching
it. How was I not scarred for life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>
was definitely not on my Disney list until I was much older. As I grew up, I
caught up with my Disney folklore from TV movies and the Library. I think I
caught <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> on TV
somewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think that Disney took this story to a very nutty extreme. This
really shouldnât be surprising, since classic Disney movies thrive on insane
dynamics. I mean, look at <i>Fantasia</i>!
It tells its stories through music and visuals the way an interpreter uses hand
gestures and facial expressions. Things are often exaggerated to make a point
come across.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the way, that is not a knock on the deaf / hard-of-hearing
community. I<o:p></o:p></div>
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am speaking from experience in watching ASL interpreters for
local plays.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Itâs fascinating to watch, really.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even more fun than the actual show sometimes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing I found fascinating about this Disney version of <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> was that they
actually blended elements of <i>Alice in
Wonderland </i>and <i>Through the
Looking-Glass</i>. Where they didnât have the mock turtle or the Gryphon (heck,
the 1980s version even left him out!), they had the Tweedles, the talking
flowers, the poem about the walrus and the chef, and even the Cheshire Cat
(voiced by the Winnie-the-Pooh guy) sang the opening/closing of <i>Jabberwocky</i>. And what would a Disney
movie be without itâs songs? I still sing the song from the flowerbed sometimes
to this day! Itâs gorgeous!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So⌠my opinion of the original Disney version? I love it. Itâs a very
calming, very zany, very colorful and fun interpretation of the original novel.
Would the Queen of Hearts strike fear into a little youngster? Maybe. If that
happens, just tell them sheâs not real. Then make them act a similar role.
Works almost every time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next week, youâll see why I kept saying <i>original </i>Disney versionâŚ. ugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Plugging time! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatâs your second-favorite obscure holiday?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-32264521572339361422017-09-08T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-08T13:34:43.782-04:00My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 2) -- The NovelsIf you haven't already, be sure to read these posts. If you have, and you want to re-read them, I don't blame you. ^_^<br />
<br />
<h4>
Alice Series:</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With... Alice in Wonderland (Rachael Peatross edition)</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 1). It's not what you think!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 2) -- The Novels (Dude, you're reading it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 3) -- ????</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 4) -- ????</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">??????????????????????????????????????????????????????</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
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</div>
<div>
Since I've written about the wonderfully surreal 1988 VHS version of the classic story, I may as well tell you about the actual novels!</div>
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Trust me, it's not gonna be that long, mainly because everyone knows the story already.</div>
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I'm pretty sure I was a teenager when I actually sat down and read the novels. I'd heard of <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> via the 1988 version and the old Disney version, and I heard of the somewhat-sequel from <i>Between the Lions, </i>but I finally got the time to read it for myself. My overall thoughts:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzAsFN-c45CTKQsl-6wyjiXT8I6r7WDQmZNgR74JmWRlJZ97eb2grpOiW9k4WK_y4-S8cG5EF5B4vHzRwIDW38E1EkSXxEhx0UZHyP5fifGhs8bqi4roaMVYLrIwqyBlXj0u8KG6nU7cH/s1600/ezgif.com-gif-maker.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="450" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzAsFN-c45CTKQsl-6wyjiXT8I6r7WDQmZNgR74JmWRlJZ97eb2grpOiW9k4WK_y4-S8cG5EF5B4vHzRwIDW38E1EkSXxEhx0UZHyP5fifGhs8bqi4roaMVYLrIwqyBlXj0u8KG6nU7cH/s640/ezgif.com-gif-maker.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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I dunno! I really don't know.</div>
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It's okay, I suppose. It sure seemed to reek of insane charm, but maybe it was somewhat lost due to its visual re-tellings.</div>
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However, the books are amazing, and you definitely should read them, because books are much better than movies 9.99/10 of the time. Alice trying to figure out capitols was especially hilarious. Maybe Wacko should've taught her.</div>
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By the way, I hope you liked the Yakko gif I worked on.</div>
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To be fair and honest, I personally prefer <i>Through the Looking-Glass</i> to <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>. This seems to capture more of what a wonderland fever dream / daydream would be. Not to mention, it contains <i>Jabberwocky, </i>which I remember memorizing in 6th grade.</div>
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That's it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>. I put up a video rather recently. ^_^</div>
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What sequel did you like better than an original of something?</div>
</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-41475852271909561562017-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-01T12:50:30.622-04:00My Experience With.... Alice in Wonderland (Part 1). It's not what you think!It's September now, and I feel like doing a series. Since most of us are either going back to school or back in school, how about something related to literature?<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Alice_in_Wonderland_1988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="301" height="489" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Alice_in_Wonderland_1988.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of you may recognize this title screen, and to help you with what sound is supposed to go with this barely nostalgic classic, here you go:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hn5m5pGw-0c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hn5m5pGw-0c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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You may recall the first time I'd seen this classic story in <a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-experience-with-alice-in-wonderland.html">theatrical form</a> (if you've read my first year's blog posts), but this version is the absolute first time I've ever encountered this tale.<br />
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Looking back on it now, it looks like someone's final project they barely got a B- on, but back then, it really seemed to capture the essence of Alice in Wonderland that was palatable for my 3-year-old self. My mom was not the biggest fan of Disney interpretations of classic stories (you'll find out how I encountered that later!), plus I think this might've been just a good thrifty deal at some obscure video store. You really can't underestimate a good deal!<br />
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The story starts off with Alice studying Calculus.<br />
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Okay, she's not even a teenager.</div>
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We really need to beef up our education, America.</div>
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She seems bored with Calculus after studying it. I don't know why, Calculus is really fun. But, I guess even I would get sick of it after several hours. In Alice's case, she's so bored that chasing a rabbit seems to be sweet relief for her. As per the popular story, the rabbit has a waistcoat, and a pocket watch, and is late for some appointment. Instead of singing it, he simply goes into a mini panic attack. Alice marvels at this sight and continues her pursuit when he takes off. She falls slowly down a slightly trippy hole, attempts to drink some marmalade, and inevitably falls on her bum.</div>
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Alice then walks down a hall of doors, all of which are locked, except one tiny door, which reveals a beautiful garden -- Alice's obsession for a good part of the movie -- and a weird little filler scene involving a race of different woodland creatures, including a snail who somehow wins.</div>
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This is not in any other version</div>
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I've encountered, and I thought for</div>
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sure it was canon for YEARS.</div>
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Come to think of it, that was slightly</div>
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trippy. In fact, the whole thing was trippy.</div>
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Alice wants to go through the door really badly, and eventually comes across the drink me / eat me goodies (back then even <i>I</i> knew that was crazy) that materialize out of nowhere. She shrinks too small to get the key, grows too big to fit through the door (she should've conserved some of the stuff, just in case she needed evidence or experimentation), and cries a literal ocean. The white rabbit comes in and freaks out at Giant Alice, and takes off, leaving his gloves... which somehow end up shrinking Alice.</div>
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Why use words when gifs exist?</div>
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She swims, along with a field mouse, ashore (again, how)? And they meet up with a dodo and a duck, and they all have a race.</div>
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I was going to keep going and explain this, but it's getting harder and harder to understand as I write. You will definitely need to watch this though. That's right. I'm not recommending that you <i>don't</i> watch it.</div>
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Like many other movies of my youth, certain scenes and lines hold dear memories to my and my mother. Another reason I liked this movie so much was that it was the perfect essence of a cinematic translation of Lewis Carroll's literary work. It may not necessarily be as wacky or dynamic, or even as saturated in color, like Disney's version (THE CARTOON), but I think that's what makes this so special. Children's media in the 80s had a certain charm about it. It could've been the residuals of the 60s and 70s, but it seemed like everything had a wonderful dreamlike daze about it. This version of <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> is no exception. Its atmosphere does its best to mimic the most realistic of nonsense dreams, and I think Carroll would've been flattered by it.</div>
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Now that you've read about the original play and the 1988 VHS, you can get ready to read next week's report of the books I've read!</div>
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Me? I'm gonna go ahead and find that tape.</div>
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I know I have it somewhere. It's one of my</div>
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Mom's best purchases, and I'm sure as heck</div>
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not letting it go anytime soon!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy the <a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/02/my-experience-with-homestar-runner.html">cartoons</a> below!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Labor Day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tell me about your #LaborDabor2017!</span></span></div>
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Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-49651624295247734702017-08-25T00:00:00.001-04:002017-08-25T00:00:00.973-04:00(***BONUS POST***) My Experience With... The Solar Eclipse!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because you're all such great readers (seriously, I was looking over the stats, you guys are awesome!), and because a phenomenal event happened on Monday, I decided to write this short blog post as a bonus. Ready, go!</div>
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I first learned about solar eclipses the way I'm sure everyone else in my generation did: Kindergarden class. I, along with my fellow wide-eyed small humans in my classroom, listened intently as Mrs. Johnson told us about how every several years, the moon can actually come out in the daytime and cover the sun! This sounded awesome, and the pictures and books she probably brought deepened our interest even more! The day getting dark in the daytime??? For a Kindergardener: Mind explosion!</div>
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Years passed, and school and life eventually pushed away the awe and wonder of the moon blocking out the sun. Maybe in my freshman year of college, I witnessed a part of a lunar eclipse.... until I got too sleepy and had to go to class the next day. I dunno, something.</div>
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Fast forward until about two months ago. A friend of mine was feeling a little bummed that he might not be able to witness the solar eclipse that was going to happen. I was stunned! I didn't even know there <i>was</i> going to be a solar eclipse happening! Then every newspaper, website, and news channel was talking about it... and wouldn't shut up. (Nice change from the constant barrage of White House talk, I gotta say.) I grew more and more excited, except I learned maybe a week before the event that I needed special glasses. So I partially gave up on the thought of spending upwards of $2 (I'M THRIFTY, OKAY??!!!) for some special glasses that I'd only use once.</div>
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Thankfully, my job was prepared, and had enough one-use solar glasses for every employee to use. I grabbed some (even for my Mom!), and kept them in a safe place.</div>
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Finally... it came. I didn't know how everyone in my office would handle the scenario. Thankfully, they were pretty much all as crazy as I was, so I ended up officially shutting down the office.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LRPtcH93Q4XYN-kZ7OQqKEEwPOBX502tSagf2yZX6RJ5PH6SqtsPYzmLIMi-pi7yK4qeeS-SrBjGvQ9bATp7zA6UiCTjCno1xZPp-_T811W55NXGA1Oq9TMevC1By0IL3omcLR3TEhU2/s1600/1503506754316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LRPtcH93Q4XYN-kZ7OQqKEEwPOBX502tSagf2yZX6RJ5PH6SqtsPYzmLIMi-pi7yK4qeeS-SrBjGvQ9bATp7zA6UiCTjCno1xZPp-_T811W55NXGA1Oq9TMevC1By0IL3omcLR3TEhU2/s640/1503506754316.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was informed afterward that it would</div>
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actually probably be in another 50 years,</div>
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but I think my point was made, anyway.</div>
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Here's me outside with the glasses on:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisVzBkhfA_1oToSzVxvjSbSYayk53bhSZqd6-2tWvZz7oNm-vabUXC435BcoBoE3bLlyNMBd_9Tey8wVNYYnRP51ZvhhX4I0KdwFxH9FyWENwse9_anXv9tRFBKackF1Zm07AAs1ob3Qy/s1600/IMG_20170821_143935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisVzBkhfA_1oToSzVxvjSbSYayk53bhSZqd6-2tWvZz7oNm-vabUXC435BcoBoE3bLlyNMBd_9Tey8wVNYYnRP51ZvhhX4I0KdwFxH9FyWENwse9_anXv9tRFBKackF1Zm07AAs1ob3Qy/s320/IMG_20170821_143935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ms1z3Wd-t5QXJE_lRqQyaA1wrSPsywuXn4YJEF96obz7h9ZW5Prtaz_PC1IWgHSS9djqGNetpHNS91Vp66HibEvPkapRX7f1oXkMNHue7YWL9KfMFIoGlpsKNGqvsiBwlraV8zL3tkIg/s1600/IMG_20170821_143946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ms1z3Wd-t5QXJE_lRqQyaA1wrSPsywuXn4YJEF96obz7h9ZW5Prtaz_PC1IWgHSS9djqGNetpHNS91Vp66HibEvPkapRX7f1oXkMNHue7YWL9KfMFIoGlpsKNGqvsiBwlraV8zL3tkIg/s320/IMG_20170821_143946.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here's the crowd:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tpbgU-uafEpvaaCF4KJburG1STdwGVnZ3-28HCrLMjjSaY0gK1FLeSX0hVtIYPZ3vApbysnh_SKskPiqUDYINqW3Vu3NWbD2cc3vZslr3SL7Tgi4nxDsWPs3wQyqwnM_i6gF8NcqaM2t/s1600/1503506754932.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="518" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tpbgU-uafEpvaaCF4KJburG1STdwGVnZ3-28HCrLMjjSaY0gK1FLeSX0hVtIYPZ3vApbysnh_SKskPiqUDYINqW3Vu3NWbD2cc3vZslr3SL7Tgi4nxDsWPs3wQyqwnM_i6gF8NcqaM2t/s320/1503506754932.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was even a woman out there with a nifty little cereal box contraption for seeing a (very tiny) very cool way of looking at the eclipse!</div>
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I don't have the actual photo, so here's an example:</div>
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WHAT AN ANTICLIMACTIC MOMENT. You know those pictures I took outdoors... that was almost a full "eclipse." It did get darker, and the temperature dropped, but it looked like someone just slid the saturation down to about 75%. Still, I feel like I enjoyed myself.</div>
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What do you guys think? Did you see the eclipse? How dark did it get? Did you see the cool new video I put on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a>? lol. Peace!</div>
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What's your favorite natural phenomenon?</div>
Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7172558568090224582.post-71712174016476096542017-08-25T00:00:00.000-04:002017-08-25T00:00:02.595-04:00My Experience With... Supermarket Sweep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Okay, wait a minute. First, have you read these? If not, do so now.</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-doc.html">My Experience With... <i>Doc</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://myxperienceswith.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-experience-with-sue-thomas-fbeye.html">My Experience With... <i>Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye.</i></a></li>
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We good? Good. Continue.</div>
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#BringSupermarketSweepBack</div>
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Finally, we've come to the fun, less drama-filled portion of the <i>Pax</i> series (and also the last of the <i>Pax</i> series), my once-favorite game show ever, Supermarket Sweep!</div>
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I probably started watching this with my parents just on a fluke, and then got hooked! I don't know about you, but you really couldn't get any closer to perfection than this. Heck, even Buzzfeed has sung its praises, and I didn't know that anybody knew what it was!</div>
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The show itself started back in the 60s, but I watched its last revival in the '00s, when David Ruprecht (pictured above) was the host.</div>
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I had to -- yet again -- do some research on this... mainly because</div>
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it's been so doggone long since I've watched this show!!!</div>
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You start off with some clips of previous contestants before getting introduced to all the contestants -- 3 pairs -- , then before David Ruprecht comes out and gives a massive air high five.<br />
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Sorry, guys, no gif was available on the internet.</div>
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UNTIL NOW!!!</div>
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The contestants play through a series of games and quizzes to score points. These were typically very easy in difficulty. Maybe it's because you typically find these things in the supermarket. I dunno. My personal favorite game was Round Robin, a lightning round in which you had to fill in blanks or unscramble product names to answer the questions correctly. At the end of the first part of the show, people went out and went "grocery shopping."<br />
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I got to the point where I was really good at solving these puzzles. I even wanted to go onto this show with my Dad, once I got old enough, so I studied as many grocery store products as I could. I think they may have had a "kids' week," but I somehow missed it. I also strategized how to shop in the shopping portion. By the way, 1) get the ham. 2) get the oil. 3) if you get more than five of each item, they will not penalize you for the extra items. 4) just grab any of the bonus things 5) save the candy/coffee for last. They take up SO MUCH TIME!!!<br />
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The person with the highest grocery bill went to the final round... WHICH WAS SO STINKING HARD!!!! You have 3 clues to get to the $5000 prize, and it was glorious each time someone found it (which was somewhat rare).<br />
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This was the game show to end all game shows, in my opinion. Great host, great vibes, fun games, and just challenging enough while still being very relatable to everyday life. Move over, <i>Jeopardy!</i>, you've officially taken 2nd place.<br />
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I'll tell you one thing, if someone ever needed to bring this show back, just saying, I'd totally be available to host!</div>
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Just give me at least two weeks, first.</div>
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I <i>do</i> have a full-time job.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Plugging time! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=jessieberrie" style="text-align: left;">YouTube Page</a></div>
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What're your top 3 favorite game shows?</div>
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Jessie Berriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822190192988904524noreply@blogger.com0