Movie Review: ‘Beautiful Creatures’

I have to say, my Valentine’s Day turned out to be a pretty good day … altho there wasn’t a hint of romance to be had at all, I managed to fill my day and night with enough distracting entertainment for me to classify the day as a success. I decided to go to the movies with friends last night and we decided to see the new film Beautiful Creatures. While it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen, I gotta admit that I was pretty entertained. Afterward, I spent a quiet night in watching episodes of the classic 1986 cartoon SilverHawks … because what better way to distract from a lonely VDay than with classic cartoons from one’s youth? I can honestly say that I had fun yesterday so … VD was a success.

A lot of the promo press for Beautiful Creatures paints the movie as the new Twilight, except with witches instead of vampires. I would say that that categorization is a huge insult. Beautiful Creatures is based on a book series that, I understand, is far more complex and much better written than the Twilight books … and it shows in the film adaptation. I can’t say that I was too crazy about the dialog in the film but I suspect it all reads much better in bookform. I found the overall story a bit complicated but, again, my guess is that it all works better on the written page rather than crammed into a 2 hour movie. The acting was pretty good … which isn’t all that surprising considering the adult lead roles are played by Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Emmy Rossum (in order of awesomeness). While I liked the movie, I didn’t really love it. It’s not a film or a franchise than I think I can get all excited about … but I can see how younger viewers might love it. I feel fine endorsing this movie for younger viewers because, as I said, unlike the Twilight films, Beautiful Creatures seems to have more substance. I enjoyed BC, you might, too. Depending on what you may expect from the film, you may be disappointed (it is geared towards younger viewers) … but if you just go with it, take it for what it’s worth, you might enjoy it. Apparently it’s time for witches to shine in movies but let’s not get it twisted, the 1996 movie The Craft will forever be the best teen witch movie of all time.

Earlier in the day, I distracted myself by pulling out a few He-Man action figures and putting them on display around the house … I dunno, something about having these toys on display makes me happy and keeps me from focusing too much on unpleasant thoughts:

I fell asleep watching episodes of SilverHawks on DVD. Man, I loved this show so much as a kid. SilverHawks (along with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) was a cartoon that aired weekdays after school (as opposed to other cartoons like Pac-Man, Smurfs and Snorks that aired Saturday mornings only) and I would rush my ass home to watch my fave ‘toons (which also included Transformers, Go-Bots, M.A.S.K., Thundercats, Jem and the Holograms, G.I. Joe … and on and on). It’s kinda fun to rewatch these old cartoons in my advanced age. The shows are far cheesier than I remember but that’s part of the kitch factor. When in doubt, watch cartoons.

OH and remember that awesome couch I ordered last week? It was *just* delivered this morning:

Honestly, the photos do not do it justice. It’s so damn cushy, comfy and soft … it’s basically a leather bed in my living room. You wanna guess where I’ll be sleeping for the foreseeable future? I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!

HEY, it’s Friday again … can you believe? I hope you have a great long weekend! Wee!!