#9 From Justin to Kelly

You might think that I would / should be embarrassed to own this movie, but I'm not.

When American Idol debuted in 2002 I was living in Colorado and I watched this show every week with some of my very best friends. I was just as crazy as the mass of fans and each week would phone vote over and over and over.......

When the first season was complete I was so excited to #1 go see them in concert and #2 go see the movie they were making.

Last night I watched the movie for the first time in years, and honestly it was like visiting old friends. I really missed Justin and Kelly, and even though the acting is crazy bad and the movie is about spring break (blah), I love the awkward bursting into song and group dancing. I wish I knew all the words so I could sing along.

I was a solid supporter for 7 seasons of American Idol until I moved into my current home. We don't have cable, in fact, we don't get any TV channels at all. Don't be concerned, we watch plenty of movies (thanks projector room) and TV shows on DVD and Netflix.

#8 The Muppets Take Manhattan

Did you know there is a new muppet movie? It opens today, and I'm hoping to see it sometime this weekend. So yesterday I was feeling the need to get in a Muppet state of mind - accomplished by watching Muppets Take Manhattan.

My favorite scene in the movie is the cameo appearance by Gregory Hines. He playes a roller skater in the park. Miss Piggy "borrows" his skates to go after the purse snatcher. Seriously - laugh out loud funny.

*Hint - My collection of Muppet movies is lacking. I'd be totally thrilled with getting some for Christmas :)

#7 Nanny McPhee

Marlene, Teresa and I watched Nanny McPhee last night. I like how the kids start out as clever, sneaky and mostly out of control and are transformed by some "magical" boundary setting love.

I also really like that the Dad is played by Colin Firth. I fell in love with him (along with a million other girls) from a BBC mini-series. He is very handsome in this movie, even when he trips and falls down the stairs.

This movie falls into what I call the "Sunday Movie" category. I'm not against watching TV on Sundays as long as the content is family friendly, or the movie teaches a good lesson.

This is my personal approach. What is your policy on TV on Sundays?

#4, 5 & 6 Raptors Rule

This past weekend I also watched all three of the Jurassic Park movies. These are some of my favorite movies where I totally suspend my disbelief.

Movie 1 - I love the scene in the first movie when Lex falls thru the ceiling and the raptor jumps to grab her. It gets me every time - I always smile when I realize I have been holding my breath.

Movie 2 - In the second movie I love when Sarah and Kelly are digging under the wall to escape and the raptor dives in from the outside just as Kelly is going out. This weekend Mandy actually screamed out loud!

Movie 3 - My favorite scene in the third movie is when Billy & Amanda get trapped by a raptor behind a wire door and the raptor screams in frustration, then looks up and starts climbing over...I always shudder when I think how I would feel, if I could see an animal think through how it was going to kill me.

I like all three equally. I even love how Téa Leoni screams her way through the third movie.

Every time I watch these movies, I imagine I'd be one of the first to get killed off, I don't think I'm tough enough to make it to the rescue sceen. Are you?

#3 - A Knight's Tale

This past weekend was so fun! Deana, Laura, Mandy and I went to Ocean City, MD for a weekend of lazy fun.

Sometimes you need to go away to relax. If I would have stayed home, I may have felt pressure to be productive in some way.

But going away removes that pressure. So we watched movies, snacked and napped the weekend away :)

Friday afternoon we watched A Knight's Tale. I really love this movie. Great jousting and sword fighting action, romantic love story and an amazing soundtrack.

How do you feel about period films with modern music?

#2 - AVP

Moving swiftly along with my goal...I watched Alien vs. Predator on Monday October 31st.

Monday was a special day, because I also celebrated my remission anniversary (actual date - Oct 22nd). 15 years free of cancer!! I met a group of my friends for dinner and then the plan was to head back to my house and watch my favorite movie.

Turns out that not very many people love alien movies like I do :)

So a big thanks to Rachel for taking one for the team and watching it with me.

I LOVE this movie! I think the aliens are super intense and I am excited to be "Team Predator".

Have you ever watched this movie?

The Wizard of Oz

In the past few years, I've found that making silly goals brightens my life (& gives me excuses to invite others to be silly with me.)

I've decided that for 2012 I'm going to watch all the movies I own. I'm not sure exactly how ambitious this goal is - I don't actually know how many movies I own. They take up a whole shelf of the hutch my Dad made. And don't forget the stack of edited movies that don't have cases.

I thought it would be fun to blog each time I watch one - and I know it is technically still 2011 but - I'm worried about accomplishing this goal - so I'm starting early.

I watched The Wizard of Oz (two part viewing) Oct 17 - 18 and while I watched I walked on the treadmill. Win Win!!

I love the music & especially the tone of Judy Garland's voice.

What do you love about this movie?