Maybe the best movie of the year

Troll Hunter

Surprisingly great. It is a very unique story, told in mockumentary fashion (because, well, trolls really don't exist, right?)

The CGI was captivating - the trolls looked like something out of a very well-illustrated storybook.

The cinematography makes me want to visit Norway. Stunning. Man, find me a forest!

The actors put on decent performances. I found myself feeling for them as the movie rolled on.

The ending? Thankfully, it delivered.

5 out of 5

7 weeks to heaven

October is my favorite month of the year, for the following reasons:

1. Cooler temps. Nothing like running in 60 degree weather.

2. Coats, sweaters, tights, boots, scarves. How can you not love fall fashion?

3. The smells - wet leaves, wood-burning fireplaces, roasting pumpkin seeds.

4. Camping - see #1, 2 & 3.

5. Shaw Art Fair - in my opinion, this is THE art fair of St. Louis. Many local residents host national artists in their homes, it's a beautiful neighborhood, and lots of affordable options. Oh, and they usually have some really great food vendors on hand to satisfy any kind of craving. When you're done shopping, you can walk on over to the Botanical Garden for a lovely stroll through the Japanese Garden.

6. Football, rugby and hockey. Can't get enough. CAN NOT.

7. Nature outings - there's this spot on Hwy 94 just outside of Defiance, but before Augusta where you can pull off the road and take in the most breathtaking view of rolling hills filled with multi-colored leaves. It's autumn at its finest. Hiking in the Mark Twain Forest, Busch Wildlife, or Castlewood is amazing this time of year.

8. Oktoberfest - beer, friends, food, and fun. Need I say more? Nope.

9. Washington, MO - I love taking a drive down to Washington, MO on the backroads (Hwy D, DD, Z) to check out the small town church chili dinners, antique stores, yard sales, and vegetable stands, all the while listening to NPR. Upon arriving in Washington, lunch must be had at Wimpy's, followed by walking the downtown area and hitting up the Amish country store for homemade taffy and cinnamon popcorn. Then, an early dinner at Aldo's, a family-owned pizzeria that has THE most amazing sausage/mushroom pizza. Finally it's a dusk drive back to the STL, again listening to the soothing sounds of NPR.

10. Halloween - my second favorite night of the year. My entire family gets together, cooks burgers and gets the deep-fryer out for french fries and shrimp, and we take turns answering the door, handing out candy and playing cards. Too much fun.

11. Farmers markets - Soulard, Kirkwood, St. Charles. Apples for pies, squash for dinner, and everything in between.

12. Centennial Farms or Eckerts - apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay-bale mazes and homemade honey stix.

The countdown begins. Now.

Shorty-short movie reviews

Barney's Version - whoever put together the trailer must have been on crack. This movie was pretty superb. It had a good feel, Paul Giamatti was splendid. It's a great character study with a murder mystery weaved in for good measure. A little long, but very satisfying.

Frontiers - wicked weird French horror flick. Outstanding special effects are worth the rental.

Cowboys and Aliens - naptime with popcorn.

Friends With Benefits - an entertaining summer flick. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis fit.

Sarah's Key - book was much better, although I'd gladly watch Kristin Scott Thomas make soap, so it was worth it to me.

Mutants - slow, boring French zombie flick. Would've made a nice TV series.

Tokyo Gore Police - if you know me, you know I'm good with gore. This movie did me in. It beat me. Had to turn it off after 8 1/2 minutes. Feeling queasy just thinking about it. It's probably a good movie, but I'll never know.

Horrible Bosses - great. Charlie Day is like comedic cocaine for me. I need him. Everyday.

Midnight In Paris - love seeing the city, tolerated seeing and listening to Owen Wilson.

Bad form, Bravo...

So I lost 1.5 hours of my life watching the first half of the Real Housewives of New York City last night after I got home from class.

First, you may be asking why I watch such crap. Well, because it's easy on the brain after a long day at work and a long evening in class. It's been my guilty pleasure, but as of last night, I'm done.

It was horrible. I've watched each of the four seasons of this reality show, and have to say that with the departure of Bethenny, it's taken a 90° downhill turn.

Nothing about it was entertaining. Or funny. Or remotely civil. It was the brunettes vs. blondes, and nobody won in my opinion.

Each of the ladies dished out their fair share of meanness, some more than others. The brunettes really ganged up on Alex, but she took it in stride and help her own. Good for her.

It's not worth going into detail, but I was disgusted by everyone, even the host, and can't spend any more time on this tripe.

My new guilty pleasure? Not sure yet. But you can bet it won't be on the Bravo network.

Movie Review - Horrible Bosses

Want a lot of good laughs?

See this movie.

Here is a short list of reasons why:

1. Charlie Day - just watching this guy open his eyes makes me laugh.

2. Colin Farrell - he's just so gross in this movie. Genius.

3. Jamie Fox - MuthaF*cka Jones. 'Nuff said.

4. Charlie Day - he's like the illegitimate child of Bobcat Goldthwait and that weird kid you went to Jr. High School with. Strange, funny, a mess, and a voice that varies in pitch depending on his stress level.

5. The Ting Ting car scene. So simple, yet so wet-your-pants-from-laughing-so-hard funny.

6. Jason Bateman - he's back after a brief foray into smugdom.

7. Charlie Day - dammit, this guy is funny.

I get the feeling that a lot of the scenes were ad-libbed. The flow seemed natural. Jason Sudeikis is okay - he's a bit smarmy for me.

Jennifer Aniston? She was Jennifer Aniston saying dirty words. No big deal.

Enjoy.

Movie Review - The Rite

Watched this a couple weeks ago.

Wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.

I am always on the lookout for good, spooky movies. This one delivered in spades.

I'm a huge fan of Anthony Hopkins. He didn't disappoint.

The thrills and chills in the movies weren't of the "boo" kind, but more of the constant creepy kind.

There was a great backstory on the wayward priest, in terms of his upbringing, career choice, and the path he eventually chose to take.

There is also an element of science to it, when the exorcists & journalists are taking class. I would like to attend one of those classes.

There's a spooky scene with a demon-possessed mule - unique and weird, but it worked for me.

And if any of you know me, you know it takes a lot to get me scared. During the first half of the movie, I had to turn it off and walk away because I was getting too spooked.

It's not in my Top 10, but definitely in my Top 20.

The Dr. Is In

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

I love this quote. It's from Dr. Seuss.

However, there is something missing that I think is important, which should come after "say what you feel"....and that's "in a kind way."

I don't know if it's a generational thing (evidence it pointing in this direction) but I encounter many people who say what they feel in a completely offensive, insensitive and unkind way.

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. A person can express their feelings in a way that is kind, or at the very least neutral. It's called tact. It's a skill, to be certain, but everyone can learn it.

And this goes for email also. It seems etiquette has been overthrown by laziness. Greeting, complimentary close, signature. Not including these is a show of disrespect, plain and simple. If you're too lazy to include these in an email to a colleague, manager or stranger, be prepared for a defensive response or none at all.