guardians of the galaxy

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I think for the most part it has been properly established on this blog that I am somewhat, maybe, a little bit a nerd. I take this title proudly because most of the people I love most in the world are somehow nerdy in their own right.
Being a nerd has many definitions. Actually it has mainly two, one of which is being a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious...but I'm gonna cross this one out and claim definition number two, which is a single-minded expert in a particular field. Vis–à–vis, a computer nerd.
Well maybe I'm a book nerd. A sci-fi nerd. A harry potter nerd. A cat nerd. I dunno, maybe I'm just a lot of nerds, which means I'm an expert in a lot of things.
But now, most certainly, I am a Guardians of the Galaxy nerd.

This movie is special, guys. Maybe I'm the only one who was tearing up with childlike wonder the entire time I was plopped in that cushy theater seat, but I have a feeling it was the result of an airborne spark of community and innovation. The contagious joy and understanding of true spirit.

I have an inkling that a lot of this special quality comes from Chris Pratt, who has quickly become my favorite leading man. I'm going to be honest and say that I have loved him since Everwood, and sometimes I still try to convince my husband that Bright would be a great name for our first son.
It makes me so happy to see Pratt working so much, obviously as lovable Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation for the last 5+ years and now as our favorite big screen heroes in movies like The Lego Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy and 2015's Jurassic World. 
It's like he has a monopoly on starring in movies that will be my favorites of all time.

And truly, it's for good reason. He is an absolute delight to watch. There's something about him that is magnetic and endearing, and he manages to bring the best out of everyone he shares the screen with. The ensemble is brilliant, too, establishing a solid sense of humor and rapport that is completely unique to them.

Peter Quill, a.k.a Star Lord, is flanked by a team of unlikely comrades. There's Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the alienated adopted daughter of the super-villain Thanos. Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), a heartbroken and violent hulk of a man with a dangerous vendetta. Then there's Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a man-like Raccoon, who is the result of many experiments and technological advances (he has some unresolved issues as well). His sentient tree friend and bodyguard Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) is one of the best and most charming parts of this film.
The filmmakers don't put any of them to waste, either -- they utilize each of their individual personalities to create hysterical dialogue, incredible action and heartfelt revelations. They're all perfect, and the casting served these characters brilliantly.

I don't want to ruin much of this movie, but the opening is scene is rather somber. It's a little glimpse into Peter Quill's younger days, his "normal" existence before he is plunged into a life of galactic swashbuckling. The first scene of grown-up Quill is epic. It sets the tone for the rest of the film in a most extraordinary fashion, via classic rock and dancing across a desolate planet-scape, hip sways and all. The scene is so captivating and entertaining, he just dances right into our hearts (is that a cliche? I'm using it anyway).
Dancing is absolutely the 7th hero of this film, behind the main five, and Groot again, because I count him twice.

The nuances that Pratt brings to this role really create an immediate connection between the audience and Peter Quill, the self-entitled Star Lord. I think this movie is a perfect illustration of why movies like this work so well on screen. It continues the legacy of films like Star Wars, which opened our minds to a whole new landscape of adventure and imagination. This movie had me drunk with visions of colorful space vistas and so many intricate details that I couldn't possibly manage to capture them all in one glance.

Thus, the need to own and rewatch this movie over and over again.

Everyone involved in the making of this movie should be incredibly proud. They have accomplished something wonderful, that I am thrilled to be a part of as well, even if it's just from the theater seat. 

It seems like Chris Pratt realizes that, and you should, too. 

Thank you all for your support. Simply put, we love you. Love, the #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) July 30, 2014

This review made me weepy. Because I believe it's true. It's a good read. Please. He's right. This one is so special. http://t.co/K40W5vhmMz
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) July 30, 2014

If you've seen it, comment below! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie.

If you haven't, now you know why you should. I can't wait to hear your reviews when you do. 

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the notebook: a day in charleston

I'm not even going to ask if you've seen The Notebook - I'm just going to take it as a given, because anyone who hasn't at least seen the iconic love story between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is a kind of creature I don't really understand.

We had the opportunity two weekends ago to go to Charleston, SC for a day and a half.
It was a quick trip, but it was just long enough to soak up much of the magic that surrounds Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun.

Charleston is a pretty enchanting city.

The fascinating (and tragic) history, the quaint streets, the southern charm, the waterfront, the food.

The fact that it was also the setting for many iconic Notebook scenes is just a really, really big bonus.

Dress: J. Crew, Purse: Target (shop!)

A lot of what we saw was the embodiment of Noah and Allie's first date.
The theater, and of course the place where they danced and then plopped down in the middle of the street to watch the lights change.
It's one of the most beloved scenes. Such simplicity, such romance.
I was glad I looked up the cross streets beforehand, because we were walking around during the daytime and I never would've recognized it. There isn't actually an overhanging stoplight there, either. It's quite different in the film - but the one thing that stands out is this amazing baby blue building.

I'm not gonna lie - I legitimately wanted to try and finagle a way to risk my life and lie down in the middle of the road later that night. 

The problem was, once we parked our car at the hotel that afternoon, we couldn't move it, because it was $20 every time to go in and out of the parking garage. So we had to stick with walkable places within a mile or so and this intersection was several miles away. It was just too far to go back to. 

Still, I thought about it and wished for it. But it just wouldn't be the same, without that overhanging stoplight, without Dusty beside me (who would have had to man the camera), and obviously with the additions of the rush of modern oncoming traffic. Puts a damper on things.

There are so many little corners of the world that I will not go.
Sweet little towns I will not see, darling cupcake shops I will not sit in. Tiny boutiques and gourmet restaurants, historical buildings and crumbling bits of history. Times and places and textures I will never touch.
I may never go to Charleston again. This tiny window of a visit may have been the only chance we ever get, and while sometimes I wish we could have had a bit longer, the sweet brevity of it may have been the best part.
Maybe the charm of a town is its many mysteries.