In My Humble Opinion

There has been some good, bad and ugly on television lately. Everyone has opinions about what they like to watch. Here’s my humble opinion:

The Good

American Idol is among “the good” on television. The new judges are fabulous. They have bought new energy back to the show. It seems the talent this year is better than ever. The judges are still tough but honest. They are having fun which makes for us having fun.

The Bad

Chicago Code is among “the bad.” When the commercials for your show turn out to be better than the actual show . . . then important questions must be asked. Am I paying the ad guy enough money? Would better writers save the show? I don’t think so. I watched it for about 15 minutes and I’ll never get back those minutes.

The Ugly

Commercials lately have been among “the ugly.” I’m not sure which phone company it was but there is a commercial where a girl is up in a tree outside her boyfriend’s house. She’s talking about their date by checking on his Twitter, Facebook, etc. Serious stalking issues and totally yucky. Which leads me to mention “Groupon.” Wow. . . they paid lots of money to be seen during the Superbowl and they were totally inappropriate.

My question to you is this – what shows or commercials would you put in “the good,” “the bad,” and “the ugly?”

© Nadine Zawacki 2011

Netflix

Our kids told us about Netflix. I’ve seen the commercials and know it’s only $9.00 a month, blah, blah, blah. I just wasn’t interested, but because our kids enjoyed it so much, we decided to give it a try. To make it easier you can try it for a month for free.

For your $9.00 you have unlimited access to movies and television shows online. You can order one DVD at a time to view at home if it’s not available for instant access. The DVDs are delivered to your mailbox and you return it for free by dropping it in the mailbox when you are done. There are no late fees or trips to the store. Why didn’t I do this sooner?

You’re probably asking yourself why is she promoting Netflix? Is she getting a kick back? I love Netflix and unfortunately I don’t get anything for this blog post. When you find something you like, you want to tell your friends about it.

Lately I’ve had trouble sleeping and I’ve enjoyed watching old television shows I’ve never seen before (and are now cancelled) for the first time. No commercials. No anticipation for the next season. I have discovered some gems: Veronica Mars, Roswell, Jack and Bobby. I’m sorry that these shows didn’t get more of chance the first time around.

When you add a show online you can watch it online or on your television if you have a device such as a Roku box. Makes watching even easier.

So if you are a lover of movies or television shows, try Netflix. You get a lot for your $9.00 a month.

Do you have Netflix? Do you enjoy it?

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Taking Chance

On Memorial Day, Tom and I watched the movie, “Taking Chance.” I’m glad we did. I highly recommend this movie to everyone.

The movie is based on the true life journey of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl as he volunteered to escort the body of Pfc. Chance Phelps home. I was moved to tears by the honor and respect shown to our fallen military heroes. I had no idea all that is involved in this process. So many scenes had little dialogue, but none was needed.

Thank you to all of you who sacrifice so much for freedom – the soldiers and their families.

This HBO movie was well written, well acted and simply well done.

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Hat tip to Dad for suggesting we watch this movie.

Goodbye to LOST

If you haven’t watched the series finale of LOST, then you may not want to read the rest of this post. It will contain spoilers.

LOST has to be one my favorite shows ever. It was well written, well acted and quite entertaining. It kept people talking about theories of what the island was about and who exactly were the original inhabitants. Theories about characters and storylines were all over the internet and around water coolers.

I have to admit, I didn’t watch LOST when it was first on. Our daughter watched it and fell in love with the show. Tom and I felt we didn’t have time in our lives to watch “another show.” But my clever girl waited until the summer and LOST was showing re-runs of the first season. So we watched and from the first time Jack’s eye opened to the end of the first episode we were hooked.

I hate to say farewell, but I have to hand it to the producers for going out on top. I haven’t seen this much excitement for a show since the last episode of MASH. I realized I just aged myself, but it’s okay.

The big question remains – were you satisfied with its conclusion? When Jack saw his dad and realized he was dead and that all his friends were dead, I was at first confused and almost felt let down. As I continued to watch and ponder the ending, I realized how brilliant these writers were and what a perfect ending for characters I have grown to love over the past six years.

I was so excited to see couples unite – Hurley and Libby, Sayid and Shannon, Charlie and Claire, Jin and Sun. My favorite; Sawyer and Juliet.

I’m not sure I understand all that I watched last night, but I do feel satisfied. It would not be LOST if it didn't leave you with more questions about what happened. I will be watching that last episode again and again. In fact, Tom and I are going to start with the first season.

The ending shot of Jack’s eye closing was perfect. It ended as it began with a shot of Jack’s eye. Thank you LOST for entertaining me for the last six years. You will be missed, but not forgotten. I know you will be talked about for years to come.

Okay LOST fans, what did you think about the finale? Who was your favorite character? Let me know what’s on your mind.

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

The Blind Side

The blind side is a football term that means the side opposite the direction a player is facing. An example would be when a right-handed quarterback sets up for a pass; the left tackle is responsible for protecting his blind side.

The Blind Side is also a movie, based on the life of Michael Oher. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy take him into their home and into their hearts. I wanted to see this movie because I love Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw. The story line and the previews appealed to me. I also love true to life stories.

The Tuohy’s have two children of their own when they bought Michael into their home. It’s a story about mutual loving relationships that stirred my heart. I have to admit that many parts of this movie bought tears to my eyes. I love when a story moves me in some way. I love to read a book or see a movie that shows ordinary people doing selfless acts that change lives.

When you see this movie, you’ll understand what “the blind side” really means. It’s more than just a football term.

Below is the trailer from the movie.



© Nadine Zawacki 2010

Julie and Julia

Tom and I went to see Julie and Julia movie. I loved it. So many times Tom elbowed me during the movie because he said both ladies reminded him of me. Julie with her blogging – loved the first time she got a comment on her blog. Julia with the publishing of her cook book – the first time you see your book in the form that others will see it. Even though I had my book self published it didn’t take away from the “ah” moment.

I must give Meryl Streep props for her portrayal of Julia Child. Excellent job.

The story line was very entertaining as well as inspiring. It inspired me not to give up. To keep doing what I love. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it is NEVER too late to reach your destiny or see your dreams come true.

I will have to get a copy of the book to read. I know the book is always better than the movie which makes me excited to read it.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it was worth the price of admission.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Everyone Loves Raymond

Have you ever watched the TV show, Everyone Loves Raymond? It’s hilarious. Tom and I have been watching the show in the afternoons. Tom is not a big comedy guy so he never watched it before. I would have it on while I cooked and laugh out loud and thus pulled him into my comedy net.

One of the funny aspects of the show is Raymond himself. He usually does stupid man things every episode. This makes Tom look very good. The other day he pushed his wife too far and she said, “Do you know how close you are to death right now?” If you want to know how to be a good in-law or spouse watch this show and do the opposite of what you see.

As hard as it is to believe sometimes Tom pulls a “Raymond.” For instance today I bumped my head really hard on the refrigerator. He asked if I was okay and I replied, “Yes, but it hurts.” His response, “Is the refrigerator okay?” Yes, he was being funny.

I love my husband. I think Tom is the best man God could have ever given me to be my best friend and the father to my children. He’s a good man and I love him to pieces. I think he’s handsome and just looking at him makes me smile.

I love you honey even when you pull a “Raymond.”

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

To Boldly Go . . .

One of the nicest things about being married to someone who shares your likes is that you can share in those likes. Tom and I are long time Star Trek fans. We went to see the new Star Trek movie. It was really good. The actors playing the younger versions of Kirk, Spock, Bones, and Scotty really captured the essence of those characters.

I loved hearing those lines that made the original characters famous. The mannerisms of the original crew were captured with flair. I thought the movie paid respect of the original show and gave its fans something to love about the new version.

If you are a fan of the original show, you will love this movie. It was very entertaining and contains some classic lines, which I will not go into because I don’t want to spoil it for you.

The best part was I got to snuggle with Tom with his arm around me. That was my favorite part.

So, I encourage you all to go do something with the one you love that you both enjoy. Do something that makes you both smile – read a book together, take a walk, go see a movie, go out for a romantic dinner, etc. or just simply enjoy some snuggle time.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Bolt

Friday night Tom and I went to a $2.00 movie theater with a couple of friends. I wanted to laugh so we saw Bolt. I know it was released last year in November (which explains why it was at a $2.00 movie theater), but I just got around to seeing it.

I have to say it was such a cute movie. It was clean. It was funny. It made me laugh out loud. The hamster, Rhino, was the cutest thing ever. The New York pigeons were hilarious. If you haven’t gotten around to seeing this movie and want to see a cute, funny, family movie then Bolt is just right for you.

I know I’m a grown up and this was a “kid” movie, but don’t you just love those types of movies sometime? There are times I just don’t want to think about the plot or the meaning behind a movie. There are times I just want to see a movie that will both entertain me and make me smile. Yes, these types of movies are predicable, but who cares.

I watch chick flicks for the same reason. The plot line to every feel good chick flick – boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl in the end. It’s a formula that works why mess with it.

Sometimes in my relationship with God I find myself in the mode of predictability. I know what to expect and life is good as we move along together. I like those seasons. Then there the times when things move fast and there are many ups and downs. There are curve balls I didn’t see coming and believe it or not, I’ve learned that even in those types of situations God is still constant. He is who He is. His formula is the same. He loves me no matter what. I love that about Him.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Star Trek

I’m a big fan of Star Trek. There I said. I’m not ashamed. I liked watching the original cheesy version with its bad special effects and worse acting. Don’t you just love the way William Shanter spoke? No one butchers a sentence better than he does. It’s a classic. The many movies they made years later…priceless.

Star Trek The Next Generation – three words: Jean Luc Pickard. I can listen to him speak all day – classic voice. Special effects and acting improved greatly from the classic version, but hey it’s still Star Trek.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine – interesting new characters. I watched it for a while but it wasn’t the same.

Star Trek Voyager – cool female captain who takes herself too seriously. Still it feels like classic Star Trek. It’s enjoyable to watch.

Star Trek Enterprise – I’ve never seen it. A girl has limits and other interests.

Why the fascination with Star Trek? Today I was thinking about some of the cool gadgets of Star Trek. Who wouldn’t want to create a force field around their vehicles (especially if their teenagers are driving)? Why spend money going on a vacation? Instead visit the Holodeck and be anywhere you want to be.

My favorite is the transporter. Tom left on a business trip today and he’ll be gone until Sunday. When he travels, I wish there was a transporter that he can leave in the morning, do his business, then come home to me at night.

I want a transporter in my future – don’t you? I mean we have the flip phone. It’s the next logical step in technology. Okay, I know I’m stretching that a bit, but I’m missing him.

I’m counting the days honey.

© Nadine Z. 2008

Chocolat

Recently I watched the movie, Chocolat (2000). It’s about a single mom who opens up a chocolate shop in very small town in France around 1960. She has a special gift for guessing people’s favorite chocolate. What I liked about this movie was that she used chocolate to instill hope and change in people’s lives. A married couple regained the romance and passion they had in their youth. A battered wife learns to make chocolate but learns more than just a trade. She learns self respect. A lonely older man finds courage to approach the old widow he has secretly had feelings about. Even the old landlord rediscovers her grandson and friendship.

Watching the story unfold, you see transformation take place in the lives of the individual town people. When the controlling town mayor tries to turn the hearts of the people against the chocolate maker, you see hope fade. Hope is a powerful thing.

Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

It was a pleasant movie to watch; it made me smile and at times made me laugh out loud.

Have a pleasant, loved filled Valentine’s Day.

© Nadine Z. 2008

Heroes Review

I just love the show Heroes. I posted about it last year. Click here to read a review about it if you have never seen the show. This year started off slow. I wasn't caring for it much (too many new characters) until midway it started to pick up speed.

Last night's show was very exciting. Two of the characters Maya and Peter were placing their trust in two evil characters. The problem was they didn't know these characters were evil. Could it be that they are stupid? No, I don't think that's accurate, naive maybe.

They were being deceived. The reason they were easily deceived is that they wanted something. Maya wanted to be accepted and loved. Peter wanted to save the girl he loved and the world. Noble causes, yes. Here's the thing about deception. First when are you being deceived about a situation, you don't know that until it all over. Second, you can only be deceived if there is something you want.

I've learned this lesson in my personal life. It's a mistake I try not to repeat because it's expensive. The casualties are high. In the case of Heroes Maya has lost her brother (she is unaware of this fact because he was killed by the bad guy she placed her trust in) and Peter is trusting someone who wants to kill as many people as he can (storyline dictates 93% of the population will die from this virus he wants to release and not destroy).

How often do we fall prey to deception? Listening to lies veiled in "truth" often produces this outcome. Lord, help me to not to be deceived. Help me to keep my eyes on You. Let nothing take root in my heart that is not part of Your will for my life.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Next up “The Truth of the Matter – Part V”

The Notebook

I finally watched the movie, “The Notebook.” I know it’s been out since 2004, but for some reason I missed it. If you haven’t seen it don’t read any further, go rent it and then come back. The following contains the ending of the movie.

The movie begins with an elderly gentleman named, Duke and an elderly lady in a nursing home. Duke reads to her a story about two young people in love, named Noah and Allie. We get to hear about how they met. We learn that they were separated by Allie’s mother who didn’t approve of Noah’s financial class. It’s obvious that Duke has affection for this elderly lady. As the love story unfolds, you find out that Duke is really Noah and the elderly lady is Allie. The sad part is that Allie doesn’t remember Noah because she has severe Alzheimer’s disease.

After a seven year separation, Allie comes back to Noah. He promises her that he would love her forever, even though it may not be easy. Fighting is okay because love trumps turmoil. The doctors and Noah’s children tell him that there is no hope for reaching Allie. Her disease is progressive and she will never know who he is. Noah never gave up; instead he lived at this nursing home to be near Allie and to read to her the story of their lives. You find out that the story was written by Allie with an inscription, “Read to me and I’ll come back to you.” His devotion to her and faith that she would come back to him moved me to tears. There was a very brief moment when she realized the story was about her and him before she had a terrible set back. The ending nearly did me in. They died together in their sleep.

This was a story of love that never gave up. This was a story of hope and faith in love that is eternal. Tom asked me what made me cry. He wanted to know which character I related to. You know in this story it didn’t matter. I could see either one us never giving up on the other one regardless of what doctors may say.

Love that lasts a lifetime is always a gripping story. It grips us if we don’t have it and it grips us if we do. I’m blessed for having found that kind of love. I know that I’m not alone because there are many out there who have been blessed to find their “Noah.”

Lord I thank You for Tom. I thank You Father for Your love.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Bourne Ultimatum

Before I start I just want to say don’t worry about any spoilers because I’m not going there. Tom and I went with some friends to see the third Bourne movie. It was very good. It was filled with lots of things blowing up, fights and car chases. There were a couple of cool one liners that you would expect from this movie franchise. Jason Bourne from the first movie on knew he was more than just an assassin. When he looked at himself he wasn’t comfortable with the skin he was in. He began his search to find out who he was and how he became the man he saw in the mirror.

When I was a little girl, I was confused about who I was. I kept searching to find the skin that suited me. I was many things to many people. I found that I didn’t like being picked on so I became a bully and picked on others. I found that I liked to play sports so I became a tomboy. I lacked confidence so I pretended I was very sure of myself. I found that I enjoyed playing with dolls and dancing ballet so I became very girlie. I was conflicted because I thought I had to be one way or another. I didn’t understand that I could be me and enjoy many things that don’t necessarily relate to each other. What others thought I should be or even my own thoughts were unrealistic. I found that expectation was my enemy. I didn’t know who I was but what I saw I didn’t like. I wasn’t the nicest person around unless you were my friend. If you weren’t then I apologize publicly to you now for the nasty things I said and did. I yearned to find out the answer to the same question Bourne asked, “Who am I?”

I didn’t get my answer until I met someone very special. He loved me just as I was. He didn’t ask me to change just to accept Him and I did. When I gave my life to Jesus, my life changed for the better. I started to discover who I was. I realized that God changed my heart but not my personality. My true personality was so different than what I pretended it to be. I wanted to be this tough girl from Brooklyn that no one messed with. Instead I was someone who found herself caring for people. One of the best things God did for me was Tom, a man who loves God, me and our children with his whole heart. He is one of the kindest men I know and has taught me so much by showing me what God see in me.

At 45 I’m finally starting to feel a bit more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve discovered that looking through God’s eyes at a person is the only way to look at them. Because of Him I’m free to just be me.

This leads me to this next item. Karolee from My Montana Moments gave me the Nice Matters Award. Here is what she had to say.

Nadine has been reading and commenting on my blog since last March. I think it's nice that she keeps coming back. She is also SO nice that I know she won't pass this award out to anyone else because she knows too many bloggers and doesn't want to leave any of them out. Nadine, you have my permission to give this award out to ALL of them. :)

So thank you Karolee for your kind words. It really means a lot to me. So I take her up on the offer and award this Nice Matters Award to EVERYONE who has ever commented on my blog and left a nice comment (which includes everyone because no one has left a bad one). Give yourself a hand and this award. Your comments have been encouraging and uplifting.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Transformers

The other night Tom and I went out on a date to the movies. We saw Transformers. We never watched the television show the movie is based on but we were familiar with it. The good thing was we didn’t have to pay for it – free passes are cool.

What I liked about it:

1. I got to be with Tom
2. It was free
3. Cool special effects
4. Some funny lines

What I didn’t like about it:

1. It was too long
2. Too cheesy
3. Inappropriate scene (Just one in which the mom in the movie was talking about inappropriate activities of her son. It just wasn’t necessary and there were young children at the movie.) I know that some people may have enjoyed this movie and this isn’t meant to insult you. I was glad when it was over.

The whole premise for the movie is that these robots can change into cars, trucks or other machines. They can hide in plain view.

We are called to live in this world but not act as it does (2 Corinthians 10:3). Are we transformers? Do we hide in plain view of the world without the world knowing our “true identities?”

When we became Christians we are called to no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We need to be seen. The problem has been Christians have a bum rap. People aren’t impressed with the fact we love God. Our witness is not in what we say but in what we do. Our actions speak louder than our words or ability to quote scripture verse on demand. If I’m truly transformed, then my walk will back up what my words say. If I’m truly transformed, then I’m not invisible. If I’m truly transformed, then the world will be drawn to Jesus instead of want to run away.

Sometimes because of the bad press we have as Christians we are called to hide in plain site. Our goal is to bless the people that Jesus came on earth to save – those who don’t know Him.

This weekend is our annual Water Follies in the Tri-Cities. The main attraction is hydroplane boat races. There are food and other types of booths. Our church has a booth and we purposely make our booth look like we are not a church. We do free dream interpretations and give free life readings (a life reading is simply a prophetic word). People won’t come to our booth if they think we are Christians. When they leave they are encouraged and uplifted. They come just a little closer to God. Stay tuned to learn more about this outreach. Until then have a great week.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Dreamgirls - The Movie

Tom took me out for dinner and a movie last night. I was so excited to finally see Dreamgirls. This musical was well done. Without ruining it for anyone I just wanted to say the story touched me. I even cried in a couple of parts, but I tend to be mushy (just don’t tell anyone, I do have a reputation).

Tom asked me afterwards what moved me about the movie. I had to think about that, but the answer was simple – passion. The passion expressed in word and especially song touched something inside. There were two numbers I enjoyed the most and that’s because the characters sang their heart out. I felt their pain and disappointment.

I’ve been a fan of the musical all my life; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story, Singing in the Rain, A Star is Born, My Fair Lady, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and Sound of Music to name a few.

I love all types of music from classical to rock. For me, I can’t hear music without picturing dancing in my mind. Maybe that’s why I love musicals. Sometimes there is dancing and sometimes just singing. When done well it makes you want to sing or dance along. It takes you to a place of make believe (because normally people don't break out in song or dance during normal conversation).

So if a musical can evoke passion, how much more does worship? There have been times worship was really good and other times I just didn’t feel it. What was the difference? For me it was what I brought to the table. If I came prepared to worship, it didn’t matter what songs were sung because I worshiped. The music was between me and God and everyone else disappeared. That was the difference for me last Sunday when I danced my heart out. I felt it deep inside and it stirred passion within me.

So Dreamgirls may move you or it may not. I went prepared to be entertained and I was not disappointed. If you see it, I hope you enjoy it.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Rocky

In the past several months, I’ve seen a couple of movies that were not to my liking. The Fountain heads that list. The reviews said it’s about a love story that spans one thousand years. Tom didn’t read the reviews but saw a preview. He thought it was about time travel and that interested him. It was just weird and I didn’t enjoy it at all. Maybe I’m not intelligent enough to get the symbolism in the movie. All I know was that I left dissatisfied.

The Good Shepherd was not what it was advertised to be. The previews gave the impression it was a story about the beginnings of the CIA. I felt it was more of an anti-American movie than anything else. The main character exhibited none. He was not a good husband or father. He sacrificed his family for his job. I don’t particularly enjoy movies where there are no clear good or bad guys.

The other night I went on a date with Tom and we saw Rocky Balboa. We had seen the very first Rocky movie together (I’m really aging myself, I know). I liked the first Rocky movie. It was a feel good movie that made you cheer for the underdog. It was a movie about an ordinary man reaching for his dream and not quitting. The subsequent Rocky movies after the first two however, exhibited plain silliness. Like most movie sequences there comes a time when you say, “They should have stopped after that last one.” Case in point Godfather III. I could write a whole blog article on how bad this was. There are always exceptions - Godfather II for example. I loved the second Godfather movie better than the first.

Since we had seen the first one together, it seemed fitting to see what I believe is the final one together. I was not expecting much so I was pleasantly surprised. It was well done along the feel of the original Rocky. I thought Sylvester Stallone ended well. It conveyed the power of hope and not giving up. He made up for the silliness in between. Do keep in mind this Rocky not Shakespeare. It had the classic training scene and some footage from the first movie. I don’t to go into detail, but I would recommend this movie if you liked the first one.

There was one line from the movie that I really liked. Before the big fight someone said to Rocky, “Tomorrow night they are going to find out that the last thing to age on someone is their heart.” Hope is a powerful weapon in our arsenal. When hope is missing everything seems to be bleak, but with hope you can forge through anything.

Proverbs 13:12 - Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

I love it when God can speak to me through ordinary things like a movie.

© Nadine Z. 2006