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Hitch: Movie Review

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:18:01 +0100

BMI Film Music, Blimp, and Teen Choice Awards honored Hitch, a film that captures the essence of finding true love and knowing how to pursue it with a little help from the love doctor himself! This movie sets mainly in Manhattan, New York throughout the movie, and plays out as a smoothly written romantic comedy. Compared to many other films that Will Smith plays a role in such as I Am Legend, I Robot, Independence Day, and The Pursuit of Happyness to name a few, in this movie he picks up a lighter role as Hitch with the well-known humorous touch he brings from film to life. Eva Mendes, also, performs a lighter part compared to the movie Ghost Rider she was previously involved in, but within this movie she plays as a stubborn yet confident gossip columnist who wishes to be immune to love. With combinations from both of these leading characters including Kevin James from the TV show “The King of Queens”, Hitch is a definite success.

Life in the city could never be underestimated in the comical, heart-warming romance, Hitch. Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, played by Will Smith, is who one would call a love doctor or more like a love hook for his fellow men, “My job is to open her eyes.” His so-called occupation is to help guide a man’s perception into the mind of his dream girl in order to make an outstanding impression toward that significant other, “Three dates is all I need.” Not only does the main ingredient of determination mean success for the man in need of counseling, but it also means that same person must not get tense within certain situations on the first three dates if not, chaos may ensue. Luckily, whoever has the professional help of Hitch has a solid chance of pursuing the love of his life whether or not he has game. Such is the case for Albert Brennaman.

Albert Brennaman is a financial consultant among others in the presence of the lovely celebrity Allegra Cole of whom many have their eyes on. Albert is the classic, klutzy, sweet, naïve guy with an immense amount of determination to do the impossible which is win Allegra Cole’s heart! Hitch hypes Albert,
“Hitch: What is the objective?
Albert: [softly] Shock and awe.
Hitch: That was shockingly awful. What is the objective?
Albert: Shock and awe.
Hitch: *What* is the *objective*?”
When Hitch first encounters him and his embarrassing habits, he is resolute into helping his fellow man woo the woman he is in love with. Hitch believes, “It’s an education that I feel obligated to pass on to my fellow men because with no guile and no game there would be no girl.” With this moral engraved into his psyche, Hitch is brought back to living his college days where love plights began for him, but for Sara Melas, she couldn’t worry any less when it comes to falling in love.

Although life on the speedway can tend to be a bit hectic, Sara Melas, played by Eva Mendes, is confident in the fact that her recently single lifestyle couldn’t get any better. Her career as a gossip columnist for a New York City tabloid flourishes as she currently feeds on the information of celebrity Allegra Cole and soon enough on Albert Brennaman. Self-assured, Sara continues to live life by routine and most of all by the caution she uses against the opposite sex. Nevertheless, Sara’s first encounter with Alex at a bar awkwardly becomes enchanting through his way of grappling the hooks of love onto her with a play of words. Once you know it, Hitch is slowly but surely getting hitched by this interesting, confident, and bold young woman.

Soon enough, Hitch is troubled by the possibility of being rejected especially after being “found out” about his profession in the midst of Sara’s career. Eventually the truth about Hitch catches up with Albert, “‘So let me get this straight. You’re selling this stuff, but you don’t believe in your own product?’ ‘Love is my life!’ ‘No. Love is your job...’” Although they have a roughened-up encounter between themselves, all is well between Hitch and Albert, Allegra, and Sara. Albert wins in the end, and the love doctor, himself, learns a lesson or two on love. True love doesn’t have a system of the mind but system of the heart.

Building Up Relationships...The Right Way!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:41:24 +0100

    How many times do you find yourself picking up the phone to call a relative, friend, or parent? I, personally, enjoy face-to-face conversations for particular a reason: I can literally see the person whom I am talking to and know exactly what kind of body language and indirect messages that person is sending my way! Can you tell when a person is mad at you if you have the following conversation:
"What you been up to?
Nothing much. U?
I've been all right. Just tired. (**actually mad about something**)
Yea me 2. (**Distracted and doesn't care at the moment**)
Anything new with you?
Nah, not really. Same stuff. (**Trying to end the conversation**)
Oh. Ok (**Upset the other person isn't engaged in the conversation**)
Yea... (**Turns off electronic device**)
Want to know what happened recently?
Um... Hello? (**Doesn't realize he/she has been dissed**)"
    This has happened to me many times in the past whether through text message, instant messaging, myspace, facebook, or e-mail, and each time was not enjoyable. Maybe this, also, occurred in your life whether recently or some time ago. Technology, I believe, is brainwashing our minds if we allow it to do so. Even romantic relationships START and END through technology. Our cellular devices become our boyfriend or girlfriend instead of growing a mutual relationship through healthy, physical contact and moderate amounts of visits. Not only that, many people these days become accustomed to living and breathing the texting language 24/7 without even realizing it at times which is sad.
    What kinds of relationships grow forth from these types of contact? Not mutual ones, I believe. From the people I associate myself with, I notice either they frequently hang out with majority of the same people along with new ones from time to time or they rarely associate with people at all. I understand that life may take up a lot of our time, but occasional visits to a friend's house or going out to be with somebody is definitely healthy and necessary! I tend to get lonely if I spend too much time secluded in my house, so from time-to-time, I attempt to reach-out to a friend to catch up, watch a movie, go out to eat, whatever's necessary to be with that person and get out of the house.
    Staying stuck to a screen all day, whether it's watching tv, playing video games, using a laptop, or cellphone screen, is unhealthy and very much addicting. I used to devote all of my time to these things when I didn't use to feel like productivity was beneficial for my life, but I was wrong. Maybe some of you rarely use technology and actually spend majority of your time with other people. Good for you as long as you don't overdo yourself and feel the need to always go somewhere because even that can become unhealthy, obsessive, and leave you with a major loss of cash-flow. Regardless, anything can become an addiction, obsession, or just unhealthy... My point? If I personally need some time away from technology, stress, homework, and other issues, what makes you think you don't?

To Eat or Not to Eat

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:40:24 +0100

Ever had a hard time deciding what to eat on your free time? I don't know about you, but I personally enjoy my free time with a good snack and a movie. The only problem is what to eat?

Usually, we tend to choose the foods that satisfy, both, our tastebuds and our stomachs whether it's exceptionally sweet, salty, or a bit of both (the way I enjoy it). Although what we eat may not always be better choices, let's do a run-through on food that's actually healthy and delectible to eat.

Dark Chocolate: It is the best source of all things sweet given to man for consumption. I admit I might have over done myself, but dark chocolate, not white or milk, is actually healthy to eat in moderate amounts! It has antioxidants that other chocolates do not as a result of the milk ingredient that blocks the absorbtion of the antioxidants.
"Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure -- if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure, say the researchers. But you have to balance the extra calories by eating less of other things."
-WebMD
Look at it this way: "The darker the chocolate, the better!"

Popcorn: Fluffy clouds of munchy goodness! Not only is popcorn good for the movies. Popcorn is good for you!
"Researchers found that popcorn is packed with healthy antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which are also found in red wine and chocolate. They discovered about two tablespoons of kernels give you 500 mg of polyphenols—about half of your daily intake. Popcorn also has a lot of fiber, so it’s good for weight loss as long as you take a pass on adding butter, oil, or salt."
-Cosmopolitan
Now that we know it's okay to grab a little extra popcorn in our bowls. Let's get poppin'!

Muffin: Muffins are yummy snacks individually wrapped for each of us.
"Fresh or frozen fruit will increase the vitamin C, fiber and potassium content of your muffin... Look for commercially prepared muffins that include these ingredients to help ensure that your choice is as healthy as possible."
-LIVESTRONG
Instead of the regular which is still great, switch that for a wheat muffin. Also, fruit can actually make a difference in what you're eating (click referral link to LIVESTRONG site). The next time someone offers you a muffin say, "How thoughtful of you. Nice looking out!" You may get a few weird looks here and there, but that delicious, gift-wrapped muffin may actually help you out.

Whole Grain Tortillas: A nice bowl of tortilla chips with some guacamole or salsa dip can fill a wonderful ache within one's appetite at times. However, whole grain tortillas can fill more than an appetite!
"Whole grain tortillas are high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which provide energy and support healthy digestion. Adequate fiber intake also helps control cholesterol levels and reduces your risk of heart disease. Tortillas are a good source of B vitamins, which support a healthy nervous system. Folate, found in whole grain tortillas, supports women's health during childbearing years and can prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. The iron in tortillas helps blood move oxygen throughout your body."
-LIVE STRONG.
Woah! That's a nice bowl of "keeping my health in check". If you haven't tried whole grain tortillas, try some! They may not tast like the flour tortillas, but they are equally scrumptuous!

The Hunger Games: Movie Review

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:19:04 +0100

The anticipated "blockbuster" movie, The Hunger Games, has finally arrived! Although Suzanne Collin's original series of The Hunger Games books were more raw than the actual film itself, this movie gave no disappiontment. It placed a fresh, new take on the peril of abusive power with its leading character of Katniss Everdeen as a magnificent, courageous heroine who symbolizes hope in the future of Panem. Because of the untarrying, strategically strong structure of this character-led storyline, I believe The Hunger Games broke the ice between the last Twilight and Harry Potter films. No other movie can compare to its unique outlook on life of human civilazation and the future of the world.

The Hunger Games definitely keeps the audience on their toes with suspense, heart-tugging action, and irresistable romance in motion of awaiting Katniss and Peeta's next move for their fight for freedom as Tributes in The Hunger games. Imagine their only chance of survival in a setting of a modern, gladiator arena with up-to-date warfare tactics, boobie traps, and pair of hidden eyes. The relationship development between each of the characters may not be as intriguing as the book itself, yet all of the ongoing dilmmas and circumstances make up for the obvious of what was left unsaid. Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers says, "Relax, you legions of Hunger Gamers. We have a winner... The screen 'Hunger Games' radiates a hot, jumpy energy that's irresistible. It has epic spectacle, yearning romance, suspense that won't quit and a shining star in Jennifer Lawrence, who gives us a female warrior worth cheering." A winner it is and worth every minute of it.

This movie is not one of those sappy, cliche`, end-of-the-world romance/dramas but is filled with real action, a mind boggling system of dictatorship called, "The Capitol", and heart-felt scenes that capture the very essence of valuable, everyday life. The bloodshed of each Tribute is meant for the entertainment of the wealthy and also toward the discipline of the people residing in each of the twelve districts of former North America now called, "Panem". Only one winner out of twenty-four Tributes survive in the outcome of each tournament. Is Katniss capable of making impossible decisions in order to survive and return to District 12, or will the struggle between life and the opposition of humanity keep her from fulfilling the victor's crown to freedom? Only one way to find out. Watch The Hunger Games today!

Eight-Legged and On the Run!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:38:41 +0100

    Have you ever found yourself on the run to work (late again) while eating a bagel (or at least trying to) and driving while calling your boss to excuse yourself for the heavy traffic that suddenly appeared out of the sky? I think we've all been there at least once, twice, or a couple hundred times by now. Just this past week I was spending spring break with a couple of friends, and down by the water, there was a lady who was rollerblading while strolling her infant and taking her running dog for a walk. It was the most bizzare and random sight we've captured since spending our time outside. My friends' concern for the lady might have seemed a bit too "concerned" for me because my humor took over by the time I digested exactly what I saw. The danger of doing an outside activity such as that puts her, the infant, and little scrappy doo in peril.

    Although the image of her eating the sidewalk if she did not know how to break from that speed, literally took my breath away...with laughter. The reason I responded the way I did was because I realized, at times, like the eight-legged lady, I can be doing many things at the same time. Unfortunately, there are times where it can eventually lead to disaster. I have heard a few stories here and there on multi-tasking, one of which someone was cooking while trying to catch some shut eye, but left the stove on while their children were left unattended. (Supposedly the TV was watching them, and the curtains caught fire.) Oh, the simplicity of not paying attention to one thing at a time! Has it ever occurred to you that majority of the time you spend is multi-tasking?

    Let me take you to the other side of the spectrum. Imagine that you're at home checking your facebook account. You have a water bill to pay online, but a friend texts you about something dramatic that happened at work that day. As that person waits for your response, you head out to buy some groceries when all of a sudden you have an urge to text a late response driving a bit distracted on the road. You get home later than expected, forgetting to pick up your kids, and don't have enough time so you call your spouse to see if they will do so since you still have not payed that same water bill. Suddenly, you get three new text messages and a new post on your facebook wall...

    These things do happen! It is no surprise how fast media steals away our precious time and our more-than-occupied minds everyday. Written letters became, face-to-face encounters, then conversations have evloved into phone calls, e-mail, social media, and finally text messages. Multi-tasking can be a gift if you know how to use it! If not, you will forever be occupied with a fast-paced world around you and a distracted, unfocused mind within you. Try to actually spend some time during the day to slow down a catch a soothing breath. You may not be doing everything you need to accomplish at the same time, but do take care of how you respond to all of life's tugs around you without putting yourself or others at risk. If people or situations pull your leg, don't let it get the best of you because you control what you are humanly capable of. You wouldn't want to take your chances of eating sement with the eight-legged lady!

Spring Break Ideas

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:38:00 +0100

Spring has arrived and the party banners are waving high. Many people, including myself, have a tendency to get so caught up by the commotion of spring break yet fail to accomplish the desirable because of indecisiveness. Here are a few suggestions on what is out there for all of you indecisives and for those of you who just need help on ideas to get your creative side pumping.

Getaways- This is a great suggestion for those of you who may only have a couple of days off. Whether your destination is local or in Aruba, trust me on the fact that if you find a sweet place away from distraction even for a few days, you will be satisfied.
Need a place to start looking? Try:http://www.travelandleisure.com/ and http://www.travelzoo.com/

Interactive- For family trips, go to an area that includes interactive activities. Your children might be able to participate in a supervised children's activity at the place you're staying at while you might have a bit of time to yourselves. You never know.
Check out: http://familyfun.go.com/vacations/

Ski Vacations- I know we just escaped the "ice age", but warmer seasons tend to bring great deals on ski packages in different locations. Take advantage of this opportunity. Whether it's the first time or the hundreth time, the experience may not be your last.
Hint: You may want to search for skii deals up north in colder regions. There are many out there!

Road Trips- Road trips may not necessarily mean staying in a desolate motel in the middle of nowhere, but it does mean getting out of your routine. Whether it's a trip to a nearby state, a couple of related destinations like various galleries or unknown shoppes, a visit to cousin vinny whom you are close to but haven't caught up with in years, etc... you should be able to get out some time and feel the breeze again.
Check out: http://studenttravel.about.com/od/springbrea1/tp/spring_br_ski.htm

When we're together- If vacation doesn't meet your fancy, why don't you try socialize? You can get together a band of friends and hang out somewhere, have a party, or do an activity. The most fun you can have is around the people who make you happy.
Look into: http://www.foodnetwork.com/spring-entertaining-guide/package/index.html

Go Solo- Another tip of advice if you are not really in the mood for a "catch-your-plane and spend away" vacation, take the vacay home to you. Go to a spa and rub that stress from work you got the other day. See a play or show that you enjoy. Spend time pampering yourself and doing the things you like most whether it's baking, reading, playing music, catching a few flicks, and so on.