Movies | BulgingButtons

November 3, 2021
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Frankenstein or Young Frankenstein?

Horror or comedy?

1930’s or 1970’s?

Which one do you prefer? Or do you even have a preference? I enjoy them both, and indulged in viewing them both in honor of Halloween. Boris Karloff as the monster is, of course, iconic. Wouldn’t it be fun if through some magic of time travel, and reanimation of course, Gene Wilder and Boris Karloff could collaborate on a sequel? I would watch that. Probably not in the theater, but on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

I hate to admit it, but I’ve never actually read Mary Shelley’s novel. I don’t really have any desire to read it. As a 21st century reader, I already know what the monster looks like. The delicious experience of envisioning him in my mind has been rendered impossible, thanks to Mr Karloff and his makeup and wardrobe wizards.

I did, however, get a little more curious about the creation of the story. A while back I saw an episode of Drunk History featuring the story of how Mary Shelley came up with the idea for Frankenstein, but it only made me wonder more about her. A little YouTube hunting around took me to a movie about Mary Shelley. I haven’t watched it yet, but it’s on my “to watch “ list. If you’ve seen it, I’d love to hear your opinion.

After watching Nightmare on Elm Street, I’ve learned that modern horror movies are way too scary for me. I’m going to stick to the classics, even if I don’t actually read the book. How about you? Are you a horror fanatic, or are you a chicken, like me?

May 7, 2016
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

Five More Things That Make Me Happy

Gratitude is important. It reminds us that the world doesn’t totally suck. There is beauty and joy to be found, and it’s easier to find if you actively seek it. Here a few things that make me happy. And if you want more, look here and here and here.

Looking Through Old Photos

I have a digital photo frame in my studio, and it scrolls through photos while I work. I glance up and instantly I’m back in Hawai’i with my son, or I’m hugging my mom in London. A photo of my son’s first sleep over at camp reminds me of how much he’s grown up, and one of my high school friends reminds me that there are people I have loved for decades who love me back.

Hummingbirds

In general I’m not a huge fan of birds, at least not up close, but hummingbirds are different. They are petite and delicate and beautiful. The way they hover, then dart to the next location in space charms me. I’m fortunate to live in a place where we have these lovely little creatures. Every time I see one I feel as though it’s a sign that it’s going to be a good day.

John Hughes Movies

Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, and of course Sixteen Candles. Yes, I love them all. I’m required to, since I grew up in the eighties. And no, I’m not ashamed of it. And the music! Psychedelic Furs, OMD, Simple Minds… love it.

Silly Hats

Today happens to be Derby Day, the running of the Kentucky Derby, and therefore it is also unofficially silly hat day. The funkier the better. I don’t actually wear hats very often, but I enjoy seeing them on others.

Children Singing

There’s nothing quite like a group of children who have rehearsed singing a song together. It can be preschoolers or a high school choir, I don’t care. The blended voices of kids gets me every time. Tissue, please.

November 29, 2015
by BulgingButtons 2 Comments

Christmas Movies

Now that Thanksgiving is over, my thoughts have turned to Christmas, and Christmas movies. In no particular order here are a few I enjoy.

Prancer: This one was on today. What I like about this movie is that it isn’t overly sweet, and the main character is a little girl who is seriously flawed. Her father (Sam Elliot) is seriously flawed too, but somehow the whole thing just works. Oh, and there’s a reindeer.

White Christmas: I discovered this one rather late in life, but the combination of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye is terrific, and I love the music and dancing.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Another oldie but goodie. I used to watch this one on Christmas Eve each year, but I’ve been out of town the last couple of years, so that particular tradition is on hold.

The Polar Express: This one is pure magic. From the joyous “Hot Chocolate” scene to the creepy puppets it pulls at every emotion and ends on a sweet note.

Christmas Vacation: Blame my sweetheart for this one. We watch it over and over during the holiday season, and remarkably I don’t get tired of it, even though I can recite it almost line by line. I love the tree scene, the house lights, and the snarky neighbors.

Scrooged: I saw this one in the theater when it came out and I left singing, “Put a little love in your heart.” This movie just leaves me feeling happy each time I see it.