Here Comes The Sun and, I Say It's All Right

There has been a near constant litany of well-wishers assuming I am happy to see 2011 end. Although excited about the opportunities 2012 may afford, I am experiencing an overall sense of apprehension about saying farewell to 2011. The coming year is one step further away from Darryl. In 2011, albeit ill, Darryl and his sharp wit were with us, my bed was warm, our house filled with laughter and my heart full. Saying goodbye to 2011 almost feels like saying goodbye to Darryl all over. Maybe the trepidation I feel is guilt that I didn't hold his hand as he left the confines of a body that failed him. Perhaps it is fear that my memories will not be as clear tomorrow as they are today. Or maybe it is the fact that as much as I try and manage every situation, somethings are simply out of my control. The reason or reasons are an ever evolving enigmatic mess that once I'm close to understanding morph into something else entirely.
     I am a Leo...and as such have always had a tremendous strength of purpose. Goals are set and visualized. Steps necessary to achieve what I want are put in place. I'm in constant competition with failure and I like to win. It's incredibly vexing that my friends come to me for advice, yet I can't seem to help myself. It's not that I have to have an ordered world...all one needs to do is look in my closets or cupboards for proof of that. If left to my own devices, I would over analyze why I seem to need a study guide to understand how after months of doing so well, a date change can affect me so adversely. Luckily, my friends know me and my obsessive nature. They remind me that the why or how doesn't matter because it is out of my hands. Time moves forward and if you live in the past, you will certainly miss the future. Darryl wouldn't want Declan or me to be life spectators. He'd want us to be life participants. I don't want to have an epiphany in a few years only to regretfully realize I stopped living while trying to solve something that I was powerless over in the first place.
   Thank you my dear, loving friends. You've stopped me from digging a despair filled hole. You've put me back on the road of living for today and planning for tomorrow. You've reminded me that while some memories may fade, new ones need to be made. You've taught me not to fear the dawn but welcome it for the wonders it may hold. My friends, my champions, my lifelines...you honour me with your presence in my life. One of the best gifts to receive is true friendship. If measurable in gold, how truly rich I would be. 

Twihards Rejoice!

 link to original post

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

By Barbara Morden

Twihards Rejoice! Legions of fans queued up for sold out midnight showings across the US for the latest chapter of Stephenie Meyer’s wildly successful Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 1. Directed by Bill Condon (Kinsey, Chicago) & scripted by veteran series screenwriter/producer Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter, Birds of Prey), this installment of the billion dollar franchise has left many scratching their heads. Why two films? With a domestic opening weekend estimate of nearly 140 million dollars and worldwide estimate in excess of 283 million, the answer is simple, money

Clocking in at just under two hours, Breaking Dawn Part 1 is the shortest of the four films thus far. More of a bridge film between Eclipse and Breaking Dawn Part 2, the  movie is at times slow, melodramatic and somewhat thin. Summit Entertainment could easily have condensed a few scenes, eliminated others and completed the book in one film. But what fun would that be?

As a self admitted Twihard, I realize this is not Pulitzer Prize winning material or even Oscar worthy film making. But, what these movies lack in substance, they more than make up for with hope and promise. And not the “I hope they promise to stop making these crappy movies” my husband was so fond of saying. Reaching a broad, mostly female audience, the theme of a deep forever lasting first love resonates with young people who hope they’ll one day be lucky enough to find it and a mature audience who remember the care free days of their first love.

Set designers and location managers out did themselves bringing the book to life. The long awaited wedding was sublime. Lush and verdant, it was as if the forest came alive with benches that looked like artfully carved felled trees, a petal covered moss forest floor and floral draped branches. It was a magical fairy tale reminiscent of Snow White’s wedding. The only thing missing were the woodland creatures but, as my friend pointed out, the Cullens may have eaten them for appetizers. With guests wearing muted tones of plums, wines and blues, the color palate was truly rich and beautiful as was the understated elegance of Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) dress. With Iron & Wine’s Flightless Bird, American Mouth playing in the background, the guests disappeared as Bella and Edward (Robert Pattinson) said their I do’s, showcasing the fact that, at that moment, they were the love and sole focus of the other.

Although the wedding came off without a hitch, some of the performances did not. Maggie Grace’s portrayal of the Denali coven “cousin” Irina felt stiff and forced. The contacts didn’t help. Instead of the desired otherworldly appearance, the Denali sisters looked less ultimate beauty and more plastic adult film star. The majority of the wedding toasts were campy, unnecessary and painful to watch. Humor for the sake of humor was not well received with many in the theatre groaning instead of giggling. But, there were some notable standouts as well. As Charlie Swan, Billy Burke was exceptional and Julia Jones nailed playing the bitter and somewhat broken Leah Clearwater. Taylor Lautner was convincing as love struck teen Jacob Black and it was refreshing to watch how his character has grown from goofy adolescent to rightful pack alpha. Stewart and Pattinson also showed, to a greater degree than past Twilight films, a widened range of emotions. A far cry from Stewart’s smirk, bite lip, smirk, writhe in pain or Pattinson’s sullen Cullen persona of New Moon and Eclipse.

The book’s long anticipated honeymoon scene, called by many fans “the fade to black’, was less racier than expected based on Pattinson’s Jimmy Kimmel remarks but satisfying just the same. Considering the PG 13 rating, the film gave fans a whisper of what they wanted without being overly explicit.

With the focus of the film on Bella, Edward, and to a lesser extent Jacob, there was little screen time for the rest of the Cullens and Quileutes. The face off over Bella was a welcome respite from the monotony of Bella’s pregnancy which gave new meaning to the tagline of Forever Is Only The Beginning. However, recognition must be given to the special effects wizards who did an incredible job making Stewart appear both gaunt and skeletal as Bella wasted away under the strain of the vampire/human pregnancy. The Quileutes, in wolf form, also seemed to move in a more predatory manner and the cgi interaction with real characters had more fluidity than past films.

While some would have preferred a densely packed longer movie instead of the cash cow milking Summit Entertainment is displaying by splitting Breaking Dawn into two films, fans of the series are already clamoring for more. Despite what critics are saying, if you are a fan of Twilight, you will enjoy this movie. I did, and am anxiously awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn part 2 in November 2012.

Gary Ross' Film Adaptation of Suzanne Collins' Epic Novel Promises a Visually Rich Tale

link to original Buzzine article

By: Barbara Morden

November 15, 2011

(Lionsgate - Release date: March 23, 2012) Lionsgate released the first trailer for their adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ much-loved Hunger Games -- book one of an epic trilogy. Penned and directed by multi-talented Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville), The Hunger Games is poised to be the next blockbuster franchise.

 

The fast-paced trailer offers a peek into the visually rich post-apocalyptic world created by Collins. Unlike the “mary sue” characters in Twilight, Collins’ characters are flawed, bitter, conflicted. It is because of these very human traits that the characters are also more believable and, for many, more likeable as well. There isn’t always a happy-ever-after in this tale -- something that resonates with the readers and part of why the trilogy is relatable.

For those unfamiliar with the best-selling young-adult series, the storyline centers on protagonist Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). After her father’s death in a mining explosion -- District 12’s chief industry -- Katniss is forced to become parent to her younger sister Primrose (Willow Shields) and caregiver to her now non-functioning, grief-stricken mother. With the aid of her best friend Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss escapes the district’s confines to hunt and provide not only for her family but also for others in her community. As punishment for a former rebellion against The Capitol, the 12 Districts are forced to choose a male and female tribute between the ages of 12 to 17 to compete in an annual televised battle: The Hunger Games. Like Survivor, but with the glitz and pageantry of a talent contest, the 24 competitors must use skill, force, cunning, and treachery as they fight to the death.

After Prim is chosen at the Reaping -- the tribute selection ceremony -- Katniss selflessly volunteers to take her place, effectively sentencing herself to a sure death. Along with fellow District 12 competitor Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) and prior District 12 winner Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), Katniss is whisked away to The Capitol to start her training. Although the main focus of the trailer is Katniss, we are teased with glimpses of Rue (Amandla Stenberg), Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).

Ross’ choice of Jennifer Lawrence wasn’t without controversy. The rabid fan-base took to blogs and social media sites to express frustration that Lawrence was too old to accurately portray Katniss. As with any adaptation, there will be some rumblings amongst the fans. After watching the trailer numerous times, I found Lawrence’s portrayal of the heroine convincing. She conveys vulnerability, despite the hardened tough persona, especially as she volunteers, with voice cracking, to take Prim’s place. I am happily optimistic and anxiously awaiting the film.

From the lush forests full of life, to the concentration camp-like feel of District 12, to the sleek artificial opulence of The Capitol, the film promises to be a lesson in duality. The Hunger Games are full of life and death, loyalty and betrayal, love and heartache, fortune and poverty. The intense movie is a dark, cautionary, dystopian tale that, in light of the current Occupy Movement, seems even more relevant today.

For Fans Of: Twilight, Firefly, V For Vendetta
Why We're Excited: Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross, Team Buzzine Hearts Dystopia

A Complete Round-Up of Some of the Adventures to Be Had at San Diego's Famous Convention

Link to original Buzzine article

By: Barbara Morden

July 25, 2011

(July 21-24, 2011 in San Diego, California) What started off with humble beginnings at the US Grant Hotel in 1970 has now grown into a mega convention of over 130,000 attendees.

The 2011 San Diego Comic-Con was one for the record books. Four-day passes with preview night sold out prior to the close of the 2010 convention. The remaining tickets that went on sale sold out in a matter of hours. This prompted a new policy for purchasing tickets for the 2012 convention. Roughly 4,800 tickets were sold each day to 2011 badge holders. From 8:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, convention attendees (many of whom camped overnight) were herded into the Hyatt ballroom to purchase tickets to next year's convention. This was the first of many lines for the majority of people throughout the convention. There were lines for everything: lines to go to the bathroom, lines to get food, lines to use an ATM, lines for signings, lines to get into ballrooms, lines for swag... I think you get the point. But, despite the lines, the magic that is Comic-Con is well worth the wait.

With the addition of movies and TV years ago, Comic-Con has continued to grow at a frenzied pace, creating a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and endless swag. Having outgrown the Convention Center, organizers are continuing to utilize several rooms at the adjacent Marriott Hotel, Hilton Bayfront, and the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter as well. Cartoon Network followed SyFy’s “Cafe Diem” lead and opened an “Adventure Time”-themed pizza parlor, while Conan O’Brien opted for a pop-up art installation. COCO MoCA showcased fan art of Conan’s Flaming C persona in an upscale gallery atmosphere complete with passed drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Comic-Con prides itself on providing something for everyone. With a jam-packed program lasting from morning to night, there is no physical way to see everything. This year's new and improved events guide did offer a color-coded programming grid enabling convention-goers to pinpoint specific categories such as comics, animation, sci-fi, fantasy, etc.

Always a popular draw with its iconic water tower rising over the convention floor like a beacon, the Warner Bros. booth is also one of the most congested. In an effort to mitigate the throngs of people, a new wristband policy for the ever-popular autograph signings was instituted with much success. This was just one of several changes to alleviate convention floor crowding.

Now that smart phones seem to dominate the communication landscape, the 2011 convention took on a more technological edge. Several booths were equipped with QR codes, SnapTags, and the like. The introduction of the new technology provided attendees the opportunity to import and share data, created exciting new contests, and allowed vendors an additional connection with their consumers. At several booths, iPads & Samsung Galaxy tablets were used to show revolutions in the new and improved world of both gaming and digital comics. Disney’s new comic app engages younger readers in a multi-lingual world of classics, with Easter egg enhancements guaranteed to engage and entertain for hours. The best part: it encourages children to read and explore with such fan favorites as Lightning McQueen and Cinderella.

This year’s programming started off on preview night with a series of world premiere screenings. Fans were treated to several anticipated Warner Bros. television programs, including two from J.J. Abrams: Person of Interest and Alcatraz.

Thursday saw the return of the Twilight. Several people who had been camped out for the Hall H Breaking Dawn: Part 1 Q&A were treated to a surprise as cast members served breakfast to their ever-faithful fans. In Ballroom 20, USA’s Characters Welcome did just that with the casts of Burn Notice, The Fall of Sam Axe, Covert Affairs, and fan favorite Psych, followed later by Sarah Michelle Gellar’s return in Ringer and Game of Thrones, the adaptation of fantasy writer George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. DC Comics also had a strong showing at The New 52 panel, as fans both cheered and jeered the reboot of the DC Universe.

Friday marked the first appearance by Steven Spielberg, who was joined by surprise guest Peter Jackson at The Adventures of TinTin panel. Fox screened the Locke & Key pilot, which left more people yearning for the show which was cancelled before it ever aired. Conan O’Brien surprised attendees at The Green Lantern Animated Series panel, and debuted the trailer for the forthcoming The Flaming C.  Ballroom 20 was jammed all day with people being entertained by the casts of The Walking Dead, everyone’s favorite geeks The Big Bang Theory, and those sexy vampires from Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Series, True Blood. But perhaps the best panel of the day: “Batman 45^th Anniversary.” Sponsored by The HUB, a family friendly network which airs the original Batman series, the panel found Adam West, Burt Ward, and the ever sexy vixen Julie Newmar on stage for an entertaining look at why Batman is still relevant today.

Saturday saw Hall H fans captivated by Francis Ford Copolla’s Twixt and enthralled by the hilarious misfortune displayed on screen in the Knights of Badassdom starring fanboy fave and Firefly alum Summer Glau, True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten, and Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage. Chuck started Ballroom 20’s programming for the day, while show star Zachary Levi held the charity fundraiser “Conversations for a Cause” -- small, intimate panels with a paid entrance fee to benefit Operation Smile. There were also several screenings around town, including director Jon Favreau’s highly anticipated Cowboys & Aliens.

Sunday’s traditional “Kids Day” indulged children of all ages with special programming and attractions. Warner Bros. converted their massive booth into a Cartoon Network-themed show piece and sponsored a dance party complete with costumed characters. There were comic workshops aimed at the 'tween set, and several kid-centric panels throughout the day. One of the most unique booths at this year’s convention was sponsored by the Disney Channel’s Phineas & Ferb. Delighting children and adults alike, Disney converted an Airstream trailer into a giant replica of Perry the Platypus.

The cult following of Dr. Who and Nathan Fillion squared off on Sunday with fans happy if they were able to get into either overlapping panel, while once again, Joss Whedon’s epic musical from Buffy the Vampire Slayer concluded the convention.

Yes, it is busy. There are lines and plenty of waiting, but good things come to those who wait, and I am anxiously awaiting the 2012 convention. Luckily it will be held earlier, July 11-15th, to be exact. Until then, I will be happily satisfied at the smaller Long Beach Comic-Con in late October.

What to Watch for:
Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 video game
Plushstache wearable mustache
Hasbro Kre-o building system
Lego’s new hero collection with characters from both the DC and Marvel Universe
Angry Birds Plush Toys

The 8th Installment of J.K. Rowlings's Epic Tale Concludes with High Action, Drama & Love

link to original article on Buzzine.com

By: Barbara Morden

July 13, 2011

The only thing slow about Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was the line to get into the theatre.

Directed by David Yates, the eighth and final installment in the blockbuster franchise is an action-packed adventure that masterfully concludes the beloved series in a battle of epic proportions. Faster paced and more closely following the book than previous films, HPATDHP2 is a visually stunning emotional tale of duality -- life and death, good and evil, redemption and damnation.

This is the first of the eight films to utilize the widely popular 3D technology. And use it they did. The enhanced images explode from the screen, resulting in a richer, more magical atmosphere than prior films in the series. In this case, the use of 3D heightens the depth and dimension of the film, rather than detracting from it.

Opening where the last movie left off, a triumphant sneer is splayed across Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes)’s serpentine features as he desecrates Dumbledore’s grave and claims the wizarding world’s strongest tool, the Elder Wand. As Voldemort, Death Stick in hand, continues to search for Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), our heroic trio resumes their pursuit for the remaining Horcruxes.
Aided by the Goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis), Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson), in the guise of Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter), visit Gringotts and endure a harrowing coaster ride that would leave even the most seasoned amusement park rider dizzy.

An amazing film with a truly stellar British cast, HPATDHP2 delivers several notable performances -- from Professor McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith) aptly using the magic she has so devotedly taught for decades, to the lovable but bumbling Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) who, once again, stands up for what is right in the face of insurmountable odds. But it is Alan Rickman’s brilliant portrayal of Professor Snape that is one of the most poignant of the film, with a series of flashbacks that left nary a dry eye in the theatre.

The intense on-screen battle dominates roughly half the film. Leaving a trail of destruction reminiscent of a World War II blitz in their wake, Death Eaters’ smoky forms zip and buzz through the castle while giants and stone guardians face off on the front lines. With all battles, friends are lost and families are torn apart. An overwhelming sense of despair settles over our heroes as the catastrophic number of casualties is realized. Recognizing there is only one thing to do, Harry bravely becomes the martyr to enable his friends to live.


The subsequent overt religious imagery provides a striking contrast to the otherwise dark themes, as we find Harry and Dumbledore bathed in white light. God-like in appearance with cascading robes and an ethereal glow, Dumbledore counsels Harry, as he has become what many have long considered him to be -- a savior.

Setting up the final confrontation, an imprisoned Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) gently cradles Harry’s form, as Voldemort again marches on the castle -- this time to claim victory and demand fealty. Harry jumps out of Hagrid’s arms as a stunned Voldemort scrambles to regain control of the situation while protecting what is left of his fractured soul.

Having come full circle, the end is as it started and was always supposed to be: Harry and Voldemort facing off in a battle of good vs. evil, love vs. hate, light vs. dark.

The film concludes with a glimpse into the future and the promise of happy tomorrows for our trio.

At times, certain scenes felt a bit rushed. Such was the case with the showdown between the fiercely protective Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) and the sadistic Bellatrix Lestrange. There were also attempts by screenwriter Steve Kloves to lighten the mood by inserting quips and comedic moments. While most worked, some did fall flat. Regardless, the resulting film is a dazzling epic that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Harry Potter is not only the boy who lived, he is the boy who grew up before our eyes, stole our hearts, and brought J.K. Rowlings’s magical world to life.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ opens nationwide on July 15, 2011.

The progressive journey toward the reestablishment of self

I started this blog more for cathartic reasons than anything else. Writing has always provided a source of solace few things can match. My husband was a brilliant writer who could crank out an article on anything in a few short moments. It was a gift. He could describe something so beautifully, you would feel like a first hand witness. The fact he was able to accomplish his point succinctly was a testament to his talent. When Darryl was diagnosed with cancer, I knew the likely outcome. I took an internal pragmatic approach while outwardly portraying the romantic notion of full remission. Deep down however, I knew. There is nothing more I would have wanted  than to have been wrong. But, by the title of my blog...unfortunately I wasn't. The pronouncement of "cancer" became the commencement of my grieving process. There were definitely some wins during this time. Those victories were what we celebrated...the colostomy reversal, shrinking of the tumor, finishing chemo, the first remission. I still have times when I am extremely bitter. During those trying periods, I try to remember there is a world full of people less fortunate than I am. I was loved 100% by my partner. There are many people who will never experience what that is like. I have an incredible support system of friends, family and co-workers who have made dealing with the loss much less painful. It is the words of encouragement from Darryl's friends or the anecdotal stories that, although bring tears to my eyes, are also the cause of much joy. It is hearing Springsteen on the radio or going to a Dave Alvin show and feeling the warm embrace of the music and knowing if he were here, it would be his arms wrapped around me. It is seeing his smile on our amazing sons face. It is all those things and more why I move forward. I will always wonder what our future would have held. I have reached a point where I can look back on what we had and smile. We were by no means perfect. We sniped and bickered. I whined. He pouted. I never viewed our marriage as an idealized version of complete bliss.  But, after hearing stories from divorced friends, I know what we had was good...good enough to last a lifetime. I continually have people tell me how strong I am or how great I'm coping. What they fail to understand is not moving forward and not living would be the biggest disservice to Darryl's memory. I have essentially been grieving for two and a half years and will grieve forever more. But, I am done with being a shell of my former boisterous, crass, vivacious, opinionated self. I miss me. I am tired of having people feel sorry for me. I am tired of being Darryl's widow. I may have been Darryl's wife, but I always remained my own person. He was not my identity nor did he define me. What we did do was complete each other. A piece of me will always be missing. But I have to adapt to the changes the void in my life causes.  The day before he died, Darryl told me to live and to love. I may not be ready for love, but I am definitely ready to start my journey towards being the happy "merry" person I used to be. Please join me for what is sure to be a wild road filled with twists and turns and bumps and forks. I promise it will be interesting if not entertaining.