Captain America

This story takes place during the depression as WWII is going on. Steve Rogers is a diminutive guy from Brooklyn and affter being deemed unfit for military service he volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. He starts out doing shows around the country trying to persuade people to buy bonds and support the war. After he discovers his best friend might be in danger he heads to Europe with the rest of the troops.

So my overall impression was that this movie was campy. It was very cheesy in many many parts. Sometimes its the actions, such as Captain America kissing his girl before going off for the last big battle, and sometimes its dialogue. As impressive as the special effects are, you can tell they just that, special effects. There is too much computer. In a way Jordan and I agree that as old as Jurassic Park is, the technology in that movie is way more impressive. I have cut the movie some slack however. I think all of these components are supposed to add up to a romantic and idealized world created in the comic book. Maybe that is how the studio intended it.

The movie is cast very well but I was intrigued by the villain Schmidt/Red Skull. He is without question very crazy and almost psychopathic. The movie develops his character well in that sense. I know this comic book came out ages ago but I just had the overwhelming feeling that Red Skull was a cross between Voldemort and Darth Maul but near the end of the movie he is kind of cowardly. He becomes slightly less menacing. Maybe that is just what I perceived but he tries to escape and run away and fights only when he is backed into a corner.

This movie is full of quick quips and one liners that will make you laugh. It is also action packed from the start, beginning with a brawl in an alley. Everything from diving into rivers, escaping fortresses, zip lining onto a speeding train, explosions, and even bombs. Everything you could hope for. The movement of the story is almost fast paced and moves along really well. Visually, despite my opinion on the CGI, the movie does command your attention.

I especially enjoyed the "Star Spangled Man" theme. It was catchy and you'll be whistling it as you leave the theater.

Over all I give it a 7/10. Good Viewing Fun.

Days of 47

I had a very full weekend.

Friday I spent time with friends in Provo.

Saturday I was able to go to Jake's baseball game. He is an amazing catcher and his team won!
I also was able to babysit my cousins little girls. We played hide and go seek tag. We made dinner, played clue, jumped on the tramp, watched Beauty and the Beast. It was a full night. I confirmed that I do indeed suck at Super Mario Bro. on the Wii

Sunday we had very good church meetings and I received a new calling. Visiting teaching supervisor. Yee-haw!

Monday I got to pamper myself and get my eyebrows waxed. My family and I went to Zupas for dinner (so delicious). I was also able to see Captain America with Adam and Jordan. Review to come.

Pioneer Weekend

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

We'll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away, in the West ,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the saints, will be blessed.
We'll make the air, with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we'll tell -
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!

Harry Potter

I got to see the last Harry Potter Movie., Deathly Hallows Pt. 2, at midnight. It was so great, except the waiting in the line part. My cousin and I realized after the movie was over that after 10 or so years, 7 books, and 8 movies, our childhood had officially ended.

The movie as I said above was excellent. The story telling was done well. The acting and the flow of the movie was such that there were parts that made you laugh, some parts that made you cry, and several scenes that will make you clap and cheer. Not many movies can do that. Good triumphs over evil, but not without loss, and Ron and Hermione are finally together. . It's about time. The only part I was skeptical about was the very end when they flash forward 20 years. They way they aged the actors made me chuckle but it's not horrible. It was an fantastic end to an epic adventure. and I don't use that word (epic) lightly.

Harry Potter now holds the record for midnight debut and opening day earnings. Approximately 92.1 million dollars for Friday alone.
Take that Twilight!

It is finished

For the last month or two I have had an albatross around my neck. I have finally finished this book entitled How Hitler could have won World War II. I enjoyed the book but I warn you it is not for the faint of heart. I find WWII very interesting, mostly because of the power and influence of Hitler. This book is very illuminating and shows how prideful, short sided, power hungry Hitler was. These are just a few of the contributing factors that caused Germany to lose the war. Germany may have not have had the man power or manufacturing prowess of the Allies, but they had so many chances for victory, and Hitler did his own thing. My way or the Highway.

This book is very technical and unless you are studying military strategy or have a true undying obsession with WWII I warn you. Don't pick up the book unless you intend to finish it. I am proud I finished it but it took a lot of work. Jordan now says I am an expert on the War I say-hardly. I can pretend though.

Larry Crowne

I was able to see Larry Crowne on Friday and I am so glad I did. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Larry Crowne (Hanks) has just been downsized. The unfortunate victim of a failing economy, Larry decides that his best option to avoid becoming idle is to take some classes at his local community college. In no time, Larry befriends a colorful group of moped-obsessed outcasts on the road to self-improvement, and begins working to sharpen his communication skills in a public speaking class taught by Mercedes Tainot

I have always been a Julia Roberts fan and I love Tom Hanks. In this movie they did not disappoint. This movie was not what I would call challenging for the two stars. They were both as charming as ever. Roberts with her signature smile and laugh and Hanks with his quirky sense of humor. The plot of this movie was simple, straightforward. Some might call it predictable. But for this type of movie it worked. The movie was very character driven.

The actual story and the journey of the two stars is very real. It allows you to form a genuine connection and relate on a very personal level. All of have had days where we have felt disappointed or unhappy. We all remember being at school, and going to college; meeting new, eccentric friends; crazy teachers; hard classes; We have all felt the financial crunch of the economy whether it be with a mortgage or at the gas pump. This movie reminds us that we all have room for improvement but that we each have something special to offer.

There are a few scenes especially in the public speaking class that are laugh out loud funny. It actually made me wish I had taken a class like that at BYU. George Takei is hysterical as a quintessential Economics professor. The movie is very engaging, well paced and I had a smile on my face the entire time. I really enjoyed it.

4th of July

4th of July was Great, especially since we got to go to the Stadium of Fire.
We got to Provo early and hung out at my apartment. We got dinner and started watching 17 Again. (My mom actually liked it. It was shocking. I think she's a Zac Efron fan.) After we walked back to my apartment she was anxious to finish the movie while we waited for traffic to clear. Ha Ha. It was too funny.

Stadium of Fire was great.
David Archuleta singing his songs and the national anthem.
Jets Flying in Formation
Sky Divers
Brad Paisley (ending the concert by jumping into a tank of water.)
Glow in the dark dance routine.
Fireworks (any display that uses Orange Blossom Special in the music montage automatically gets two thumbs up)

But we should never forget the brave and wonderful soldiers that defend our country and fight for our freedom.O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country lov'd,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine.

As one of my favorite hymns states~

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on.

Which Path

Have you ever felt like you wondering around with no real destination. Not really lost but no momentum or purpose. I have graduated from college. I have a job right now and I am grateful but i feel like all of these doors keep getting slammed in my face.

I applied for graduate school. BYU said no. I was on the wait list at Uof U and Utah State and they filled all of their positions. That didn't work out and I am going to have to reapply.

I have sent my resume to several school districts to see if I can get some work experience. I had my interview at Alpine school district and they took a month to get back to me. They hired someone else. I am still hoping I will hear from Nebo, but we will see.

Now, I am not quite sure what to do. I could apply for a customer service position at the bank that is officially full time. I might go back to school and get a teaching degree. What to do. What to do.

I have adopted a new philosophy. I am moving forward and putting my faith in the Lord that I am going to end up where I am supposed to.

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene; one step enough for me.