Where's Candyace?

I haven't posted much this month at all. I've been a little more involved with other projects. Not all of these projects have been all that productive since a friend has loaned me a pile of DVDs to catch me up on my Asian Cinema. One of the things I finally got to see what Studio Ghibli's "Whisper of the Heart" (or 'Mimi wo sumaseba' - If you Listen Closely). The story revolves around a young girl's resolve to challenge herself to follow her dream.
I can relate to the bookworm main character's attempt at writing her own story and the huge difference between reading and writing. I read all the time but only recently started writing my own material. It's very difficult to have something to say and put it into words for others to read and enjoy. Even reading some of the posts here, I cringe at the way I wrote out what I was trying to say. Like the old shop owner tells her, your talent is a rough stone that requires cutting and polishing until you get the gem you seek. I've got some pretty serious cutting and polishing to do myself. Hopefully, one day I'll have that shiny gem to enjoy.
This clip shows the main character Shizuku singing the theme song that many people will recognize even if they don't speak Japanese.

Totoro Cream Puffs

A friend of mine sent me this link recently. At first look, they're just little mouse looking cream puffs. To someone who loves the movie, Tonori no Totoro the figure is instantly recognisable. Totoro is one of those movies that I'll watch anytime I come across it, even if it's half over. All the characters, from Satsuki and Mei to soot sprites and nekobasu will just lodge themselves permanently to your heart.
This clip is where Mei (the youngest sister) spots the smaller totoro-chan and ends just after she meets the elder Totoro. Mei is as annoyingly cute as only a little girl can be to the snoozy Totoro.





Grab itand watch it sometime.

Two Dollars!

I was over at the Meez site a little while ago and noticed the daily trivia topic was '80s Movies'. Finally, something I know too much about. The description even mentioned that if I knew the reference "Two Dollars", I'd be set for this round.

Indeed, I know the reference. Chanting "Two Dollars" at someone means several things to people approximately my age. The movie in question is "Better Off Dead" starring John Cusack from 1985. It was written and directed by Savage Steve Holland. Depending on your age, you know him as the guy who: made other great movies like "One Crazy Summer" and "How I Got Into College", made great cartoons like Eek! the Cat and Terrible Thunderlizards, or more recently "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide". I've enjoyed each and every one of these. Please keep them coming Mr. Holland!

Iron Man

Caught Iron Man today with the family. We've been looking forward to seeing this movie for a while and it didn't disappoint. It never dragged like some comic based movies and it rarely let up. I think Pepper Potts (Gwwyneth Paltrow) had the best comeback line in the movie with 'I do anything for Mr. Stark, even taking out the trash' to Everheart's comment about picking up Stark's drycleaning. Several other zingers popped up, but that one stuck with me.
This movie is showing on three screens at my local theater. I'm sure after the weekend numbers come out, there'll be no doubt we'll be seeing Iron Man 2 before too long. I know I'll watch it.
Next Friday's movie will most likely be Made of Honor.