SCI 626: Movie Review of "Twilight"

First of all, I had mix feelings about seeing this film. I had already read all four of the books and was in love with complicated love story of Edward and Bella. So, I was excited to see the book come to life on film, but I was nervous because films are never as good as the books. They always have to take some of the best details out due to editing purposes and I did not want to see my beloved Twilight void of the many details that made the story breathtakingly perfect. With that said, here is my review of the film "Twilight".

The opening scene captures the setting rather well. The deer grazing in the moss covered forest was beautiful. The scene was foggy and void of sunshine which immediately welcomed the audience into the vampire world.

The first time that I watched this, I was more critical of the characters. I still maintain my initial thought that the acting kind of sucked. In their defense, what can you expect from such young actors? However, Kristen Stewart did an excellent job and was the epitome of Bella. The casting director did a great job of casting someone who truly looked like the Bella that Stephenie Meyer created. Actually, all of the casting was well done. The characters came alive on the big screen and it was nice to finally put a face with name. Also, I must somewhat recant my previous statement about the sucky acting. Once I watched the movie through a second time, the acting didn't seem as bad. As a matter of fact, I fell deeper in love with these fictional characters.

This is a story about an awkward, accident-prone girl and a beautiful vampire who fall in love despite everything that is working against them. It has drama, horror, romance, and action and is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer. A major difference between the book and the movie was the introduction of James, Victoria, and Laurent from almost the very beginning. The audience gets a terrifying glimpse of this blood-thirsty coven from the start as they begin terrorize the Forks area by killing off several humans. I believe this was a smart addition. It builds up the suspense and makes these vampires more terrifying.

The fight scene between James and Edward is another addition. While this fight was not described in the books, it is acted out in the film. This helped to add some action to the movie, which was another wise choice by the writers.

All in all, I would give this movie four out of five stars. I highly recommend this movie to those who have read the book. If you have not read it, then you probably will not be able to appreciate the movie. Now, I just have to count down the days until the release of the sequel!

SCI 626: How To...Black Friday Shop...the Right Way!

I am a person who loves lists. I make lists for everything! I like to be organized and prepared for the simplest things, so it is no surprise that I take Black Friday shopping seriously and prepare for it with great care and consideration. I know what some of you are thinking (especially the men)! How hard is it to shop? Just show up, get what you need, pay for it, and leave. However, those of us who Black Friday shop religiously, are trying to contain the chaotic laughter from erupting and boiling over! Sit back, relax, and let a professional (this title is self-appointed) shopper tell you how it works!

Step One: Location, Location, Location!
You have to know where you want to shop. If you only plan on going to Wal-Mart, then you can probably stay in your own town. However, for those of us who have limited shopping, yet want to visit a variety of stores, it is best to choose a big city that isn't too far away. Once you have a city chosen, you'll need to decide if you will drive up there on the actual shopping day, or if you'll drive up the night before and stay in a hotel. *Notice* A hotel must not be booked until the details of Step Two and Step Three are finalized.

Step Two: Store Preparation
Once you know where you will be shopping, you need to figure out which stores are available. This part seems easy, but you HAVE to be organized. Start researching advertisements no less than one week before the big day. Know what you want! Make a list (Microsoft Word works well for this, or even Excel) of each store that you want to visit by giving each store its own column. Then, under each store name, write down each item that you want from that particular store. Organize the items by section (ex. Electronics, Toys, Clothing, etc.). So, you'll have a spreadsheet with columns (stores) that are broken down by department and then by item.

Step Three: Mapping
This can get tricky! You'll have to decide the order in which you want to visit the stores. This can be done by determining which items you want the most. On Black Friday, the items with the best deals go the fastest. Once you know the order, look on a map and get the fastest directions from store to store. You can go to mapquest.com and do this. Be sure to print out the map with the destinations marked, as well as the directions!

Step Four: Hotel
Once you know where you want to go, you need to locate a hotel that is close to the first store that you want to visit. If you plan on camping out at the first store, then power to you! I for one, prefer a nice, warm comfy bed! :)

Step Five: Dress Properly
Check the weather and dress accordingly. Layering is always great! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that support your arches! Also, you will probably try on clothing, so don't wear a turtle neck or anything else that may be annoying to take on and off.

Step Six: B-E-A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E Aggressive...Be-e Aggressive!
All the cheerleaders in the house say, "Holla"! LOL! Anway, don't expect to patty-cake your way into a store. You may have to run! You may even have to elbow your way to that last $75 camera, but just do it! ...but do it with a smile! :)

I have found that Black Friday shopping is a lot of fun. People can get a little crazy, but for the most part, it's a great experience...as long as you're prepared!