Stardust

[ehowton]

Its The Princess Bride for a new generation. Ian McKellan is Peter Falk and we are Fred Savage. The scenes are flush with location and the supporting actors were superb! Andre the Giant would approve. At just over two hours, its a rather long movie, but the discrete storylines, all which culminate to the climax, keep everything moving in the right direction. Sure its a coming-of-age movie wrapped up in a fantasy romance, but what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in genuineness.

It is how At World's End should have, and reminiscent of Lady in the Water. The score was just as glamorous as the movie, if not a little heavy in places. All I've found so far is an anemic 192kbps copy of it, which means I'll be purchasing it as soon as I find it...but in the meantime I'm grinning from ear to ear as I author this, as it is playing now. My keystrokes are matching its sing-song melody.

I don't fall in love with actors or actresses - I fall in love with characters. And despite how repugnant I usually find Claire Danes, she was beautiful in this. Post-production and all.

A philosopher once asked, "Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?"
Pointless, really..."Do the stars gaze back?" Now that's a question.

Speaking of scores and Pirates I found a box set at Sam's Club for $55 containing the three soundtracks, plus a disc of unreleased material and a DVD of how they scored the film. If they still have it after the holidays, I think its mine.

---

Watched Robin Hood: Men in Tights this evening. I hadn't seen it since it was released in theaters in 1993. I enjoyed it more this time around than I did then. And I was pleasantly surprised at the end, as I had no idea who had portrayed King Richard. Make it so.

Folks are coming over for Christmas as my father is off work. They'll be bringing our children back to us. Its been a quiet weekend. Forecast for tomorrow - Sunny and sixty degrees. Therefore, the Texan in me says its grilling time! I'm going to smoke some 1/2 pound Angus burgers on a cold grill for about 20 minutes, them light the burners and sear that smoke flavor in.

Found some 'horseradish cheddar' at the deli to complement it. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

---

And for those of you who attended the December 1st bash and wanted the Homemade Irish Cream recipe:

BLEND TOGETHER

One can sweetened condensed milk
One cup whiskey
Half cup dark rum
One pint of half 'n half
One tablespoon chocolate syrup
Three eggs

ADD:

Half teaspoon almond extract
One teaspoon vanilla extract

BLEND AGAIN

---

Fourth Quarter 2007 Stats

Top Commenters on ehowton's LiveJournal
(Self comments excluded from rankings)

1	schpydurx	3254
2	photogoot	1159
3	galinda822	1074
4	celtmanx	1001
5	snapper521	610
6	drax0r	422
7	leonardii	357
8	melancthe	291
9	jaceman	230
10	irulan_amy	219

11	Anonymous	175
12	oxy_irony	161
13	jesskd26	113
14	prog_guy69	95
15	danzigfried	81
16	wardlejew	71
17	lehah	69
18	professortom	66
19	glodowg	64
20	unixwolf	62
21	texas_tangent	60
22	crowy	55
23	bsdcat	52
24	codekitten	46
25	princessleia2	45
26	swashbuckler332	40
27	chrisbarrett77	38
28	dreamkatch	35
29	ximo	29
30	vember	25
31	missamy84	20
32	time3	18
33	dentin	16
34	angel_174ever	12
35	bigdog_etc	8
36	nickdangerous	6
37	catttitude	6
38	apostolic4god	5
39	uniqueblog	4
40	anisity	3
41	ariadnescurse	3
42	skiesofchaos	3
43	osontx	2
44	dawnst3ar	2
45	nicole_meadows	2
46	ladykate63	2
47	catnapcat	2
48	xpamilvrx	2
49	evilplanner	1
50	ladysaidy	1
51	stuf123	1
52	jimmythecricket	1
53	blancpage	1

Total Commenters: 54 (1 not shown)
Total Comments: 15535
Report generated 12/24/2007 10:12:08 PM by scrapdog's LJ Comment Stats Wizard 1.7

http://ehowton.livejournal.com/tag/stats

---

May the Force be with you.

Comments

[schpydurx.livejournal.com]

Ian McKellan is Peter Falk
I don’t get it. What does Ian have to do with either movie?

Peter Savage
WTF are you even talking about?

At just over two hours, its a rather long movie
No it’s not. We’ve had this conversation before.

what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in genuineness.
You know what I like most about this movie? I mean, yeah it's sci-fi and there are parts in this movie that make me throw up in my mouth a little. But just when it gets to be too much, there's a comedic break. And when the comedy gets to be too much, there's something you can sink your mind into. It's a nice balance of both worlds. Normally, I would rate a movie like that rather low, but as you have so eloquently put it, it's the geniuses of the film that makes it an enjoyable, coming of age tale that you can watch even as an older audience member.

all I've found so far is an anemic 192kbps copy of it
I can't wait to get back to Huntsvegas and listen to it.

I don't fall in love with actors or actresses
That's too bad. I like following people's careers.

I fall in love with characters
You get the basic concept of acting and entertainment. Hurray!

And despite how repugnant I usually find Claire Danes
This is the only thing I’ve seen her in and I thought she was fucking hawt in this movie. I can’t imagine her as ugly.

DVD of how they scored the film.
Although I'm sure this is just the same 'ole same 'ole, I am interested in this. Send it to me when you are through that I may peruse and send back.

I prefer the Texas Christmas that you describe.

You recipe needs more Bailey's.

I added 1200 comments in this round.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

I don’t get it.
Somehow, this doesn't surprise me in the slightest, though I had hoped we were past this.

What does Ian have to do with either movie?
Have you actually seen either movie?

WTF are you even talking about?
WTF are YOU even talking about? I did not make any references to a 'Peter Savage' in fact I don't even know who that person is.

No it’s not.
Yes, it is. swashbuckler332's concise explanation (http://ehowton.livejournal.com/164234.html?thread=3978378#t3978378) clears this up without question.

...but as you have so eloquently put it, it's the geniuses of the film...
I didn't put it like that at all, actually. I didn't think the film was genius. Its all been done before. The word I used I felt was more appropriate for what I was trying to convey.

I mean, yeah it's sci-fi...
No, its not. Not even accidentally. Wherever do you come up with your erroneous fancifications?

I can't wait to get back to Huntsvegas and listen to it.
There's not a bad track on it. I've listened to it over and over. Likely, just as with the score to Transformers I'll burn myself out on it too quickly.

I like following people's careers.
As do I, but that's not what I'm saying. For example, when Voyager was still on the air I thought Jeri Ryan's 'Seven of Nine' was awesome. Someone send me topless pics of Jeri Ryan once, because they knew I enjoyed her character. I ask you sir, what does one thing have to do with another? I deleted them.

This is the only thing I’ve seen her in...
Might I suggest that, as a budding filmmaker, you occasionally go out and watch films?

[time3.livejournal.com]

Its The Princess Bride for a new generation.

Yes. I would also go as far to say "It's The Princess Bride for an older, less fantasy tolerant audience."

I just watched this movie for the first time last evening. Elizabeth has a DVD copy she recently procured. We threw it into the laptop that was setup next to the roaring fireplace as we enjoyed our mushroom ravioli accompanied by an extra treat for Elizabeth of Delirium's Noel Belgian Christmas Ale.

I thought the Neil Gaiman story adapted into a movie was brilliant, executed perfectly, and leaped the fantasy romance "wall" leaving an intriguing movie that keeps one's attention with ease. I would also say it pushes the boundaries of "weird and campy", but in a direction I never thought possible.

An excellent movie! One that I would watch again and again.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Of course you enjoyed the movie - the setting was ideal!

I tried hard to not use the word campy because of the negative denotation of the word, but I agree, at times it was that. All-in-all, it was fun.

An excellent movie! One that I would watch again and again.
Agreed!

[melancthe.livejournal.com]

Yes. I would also go as far to say "It's The Princess Bride for an older, less fantasy tolerant audience."

*nodnod* That's an excellent way of putting it. I went with a friend of mine who's not known for her fondness for sf/fantasy, and she got as much of a kick out of it as I did.

[swashbuckler332.livejournal.com]

I was a little skeptical at first because I had read the novel and didn't understand how the trailers I'd seen related to that, but once the movie began, I realized that not only was it was actually a fairly accurate adaptation of the book, but that it was thoroughly delightful in its own right.

There was plenty of humor, amiable characters (including, as you point out, a decent use for Claire Danes for once), enjoyable effects, an entertaining story and fun use of the fantasy genre (though certainly not sci-fi, don't know where that genre came up at all). The humor was never forced, and it seems like everybody involved was having a good time making the film, which often makes a movie a more infectious.

I also enjoyed the music, which, while somewhat derivative at times (the scene in Lamia's inn echoed Wojciech Kilar's Bram Stoker's Dracula very strongly, for example) but very expressive and involving. It certainly was much more effective than Alexandre Desplat's insistent hammering you over the head with the very epic-ness of The Golden Compass... Ilan Ishkeri's score doesn't oversell the fantasy elements, instead being more expressive of the emotional states of the characters.

I think we all need to wait a little while to see if this film has quite the repeatability of The Princess Bride (which I just watched recently and still found wonderful), but it certainly is like that film in tone and conviction.

[schpydurx.livejournal.com]

*claps* bravo! I wished I could write film reviews half as good as you. Everything I wanted to say and yet didn't know how. (Minus comments related to the score.)

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Your question of whether or not this movie demonstrates the timelessness of The Princess Bride took me by surprise (I had simply mentioned it for similarities' sake). Admittedly your aforementioned comment concerning the actors could be key, especially with a tried-and-true storyline. They did all look like they were really enjoying themselves (especially De Niro...)

I don't think I could cite any singularly remonstrative point which wouldn't make it so; nor do I think it shouldn't be said that the whole of this film is greater than any of its parts. Clichéd to be sure, but everything just seemed to work. I haven't had this much fun watching a film in a good long time.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

We watched the film again when my folks were here. You were right about the music at the inn. Excellent catch.

[melancthe.livejournal.com]

Alexandre Desplat's insistent hammering you over the head with the very epic-ness of The Golden Compass

I agree completely, except that the phrases "twelve inches" and "not enough lube" sprang to mind. And with Alexandre Desplat, that's pretty damn scary! D: D:

[schpydurx.livejournal.com]

I always knew you were a bit of a floozy.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

A gaudily dressed, usually immoral woman, esp. a prostitute?

[photogoot.livejournal.com]

Merry Christmas! errr, um, I mean... May the Force be with you!

I was pleasantly surprised by the 4th quarter stats. I have been something less than attentive to JL these past few months, my surge over the past couple of days not withstanding. I see schpydurx continues to be a little comment whore, he never disappoints in this reguard. I feel I am in splendid company with celtmanx & galinda822 hovering at the 1000 mark. It has been a lot fun of making merry and ball busting with you all this year. I believe I may have even learned a thing or two in the process. I am looking forward to more of the same in the next year.

~ photogoot

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you're going to continue with me on my online journey! I may take a hiatus myself until next year; one can never tell about these things. I hope you had as wonderful of a time with your family as I did with mine. Thank you, and may the Force be with you.

[princessleia2.livejournal.com]

Stardust is fantastic :) I saw it in the theaters back in September and didn't even realize it existed until a friend asked if I wanted to see it. I then, erm, borrowed it from the internet and watched it a couple other times. I snagged it on DVD this week as soon as it came out to watch it with Michael.

Funny, I just picked up Men In Tights in the past couple weeks, I'm such a sucker for Mel Brooks.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Having watched both Men In Tights and Stardust I'm in the mood for The Princess Bride now. That has to be Cary Elwes's best role ever.

[irulan-amy.livejournal.com]

You didn't realize that was Patrick Stewart? For shame!

We just bought that movie like two weeks ago. I hadn't seen it in ages and it was funnier than I remember. Good stuff. I used to have it on VHS and would fast forward just to watch the part where they would sing the "Tights" song.

Can't wait to watch Stardust; we'll have to buy it soon.

Thanks for the Bailey's recipe!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

You didn't realize that was Patrick Stewart? For shame!
I likely didn't know who he was in 1993, and certainly didn't remember in the 14 years since I last saw the movie. Oddly enough, right up until that point I was remembering Sean Connery making a surprise appearance as King Richard in Prince of Thieves and thinking they wouldn't be able to hold a candle to that. Then I saw Patrick Stewart and thought, "Awesome."

Of course I didn't think that 14 years ago.

We just bought that movie like two weeks ago.
Do you remember a movie named, Robin & Marion about Robin Hood returning to Sherwood Forrest as a geriatric? Good flick that, but I haven't seen it since it premiered on network television in the early 80s.

Can't wait to watch Stardust; we'll have to buy it soon.
You won't regret it. I'm glad we bought it when we did - so I could watch it over and over while I was off work. I've seen it three times now, my wife four. Also, check your email.

Thanks for the Bailey's recipe!
Cheaper than the real deal, and some say...better, 'cause you can play with the ingredients. Enjoy.

[snapper521.livejournal.com]

I came. I read. I commented. :-)

Never heard of the movie until you mentioned it as you well know. But I'll sure do my best to watch it if I ever come across it. :-)

5th place isn't bad... :-? Could be better, but my land SchpydurX comments a lot... I never realize just how much until you do these "ratings". Absolutely astounding...

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry if my commentary on the movie gave you the impression that this should be a movie you watch if you happen to "come across it."

I assure that is not the case.

You should make haste in doing everything you can to procure and see this movie as soon as possible, without delay.

I'm tempted to ask you not to speak to me again until you do so, its that good.

[glodowg.livejournal.com]

May you have a forceful holiday season.

When do you watch all these movies? I hve not seen half the movies you speak of. And here I thought I watched a lot of movies. Guess I'll have to let Mr buy a few more!

I have enjoyed getting to know you in this personal way this year. I will admit that I skip over most of Tomas' posts. I find them ranting, redundant and ridiculous on good days. He was much more entertaining in the flesh.

I have indeed found a few kindred spirits here and on the forum. I have enjoyed this new outlet. Cheers to 2008!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

May you have a forceful holiday season.
Thank you. And may the Force be with you, ma'am.

When do you watch all these movies?
Mother took the kids for the four days leading up to Christmas, HELLO! The wife and I had lots of movie-watching time. It was fantastic! Outside of that I almost never get to watch movies.

I have not seen half the movies you speak of.
Here's how it breaks down - I really don't care which movies you see or don't see. Except this one. You need to see it. I cannot stress this enough. BTW, B&K can watch too. Just tell them not to talk through it.

I have enjoyed getting to know you in this personal way this year.
You as well, ma'am. Outside of drinking together as we are wont to do, my blog is the portal to my soul.

He was much more entertaining in the flesh.
Before, or after he was rolling around in his own vomit?

Cheers to 2008!
Rock on, sister. Rock on.

[wardlejew.livejournal.com]

Stardust. Watched this last night before reading your post. I think you have to be in the mood to truly enjoy this movie. I'm afraid I was not. I was not bored, but I never really could sink my teeth into it for some reason. Probably because you are not supposed to. I was expecting a fantasy romance, but this was more of a comedy romance in a fantasy world. I was expecting more I guess. Hmmm. Seams I'm in the minority here.

Funny, I didn't think of The Princess Bride while watching this movie. Didn't know the connection till today. This movie will not hold up like The Princess Bride. Most movies that hold up make an impression on kids, while entertaining adults. This really isn't a movie for kids.

had no idea who had portrayed King Richard
Shame, shame, shame. When did you start watching TNG?! That is one of the few things I remember vividly about this movie when I watched it in the theater.

I'm approaching 15. I'm not crossing my fingers on breaking that threshold though.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

The score, however, might just be your new favorite ;)

[irulan-amy.livejournal.com]

Question - maybe for Mrs. H:

Would it be best to make the Bailey's same day or would it still be okay if I made it today for a shindig tomorrow?

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

She says you can certainly mix it up early!

[oxy-irony.livejournal.com]

Damn, I'm not even on the list!

I love Robin Hood: Men in Tights. It's one of my favorite movies ever; Mel Brooks is brilliant. His casting is great, too- "Captain?"

My quoting my have wholly off, but I know precisely who you're talking about. I've never been a fan, myself, though. Ironically, it wasn't "Spock" enough for me.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

You're #12 behind the cut, just after, "Anonymous"

[celtmanx.livejournal.com]

The wife and I finally saw Stardust. We loved it!!!

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

That's what everyone has said! AWESOME!

[schpydurx.livejournal.com]

I was thinking about you last night.

Ont the spur of the moment, a friend came over last night and showed me Romeo + Juliet starring DiCaprio and Danes. I found her to be rather attractive in that movie (though I dare say not as attractive as she was in Startdust) and thought about your words.


And despite how repugnant I usually find Claire Danes, she was beautiful in this.


Having seen the avatar you created for irulan_amy, I was wondering if you had seen Romeo + Juliet and if so what you thought of Danes in that movie.

P.S. I did not care for the the storytelling in that movie, but I did like the vibrant colors.

P. P. S. I was anticipating you saying that you were repulsed by her in Romeo + Juliet and thus used by Bert avatar.

[ehowton.livejournal.com]

Having only seen parts of that movie a decade ago, its been on my mind for the past couple of weeks for a variety of reasons, and I've considered sitting down and *actually* watching it through.

She was also in T3 but I bet you've got a thousand reasons why you'd never watch that, and no, I don't want to hear them.