movies

Little Things Matter to a Girl

Posted on July 14, 2015January 21, 2016 by Samuel Farmer

The sweetest things you can do for a girl are the little things that let her know that she’s on your heart and on your mind. -Unknown

When forming a new relationship, there are many things that people are apt to learn about each other in the course of their conversation. Some of these things are trivial; little facts that add nothing to the relationship itself but still help to promote understanding of values and ways of thinking and doing. Other facts are pivotal and help to really create a strong relationship and strong connection. Many of these little things such as when someone’s birthday is or what things annoy people the most may seem quite obvious, but there are plenty of details that are important for a healthy relationship that may not be quite as obvious. When knowing how to make a girl happy in a relationship, there are an endless amount of facts and details that a guy should know. Here are four important little things to know about a girl in order to make sure you are able to make her happy.

Dessert Preference

When a woman is unhappy or in a bad mood, there are very few things that work better to pick them up than a good dessert. Even for those who are highly health conscious, a healthy and tasty dessert can change a mood quickly. It is important to know what kind of dessert a girl likes most and how to easily obtain said dessert. Don’t forget the specifics either. Simple chocolate is a fan favorite but everyone has different tastes and it is important to differentiate between milk, dark, and white. Some people love one type of chocolate but despise the other. Chocolate and desserts are not only great pickups, they are also great mood enhancers. Bringing a box of chocolates to the door for a date or night in may seem like a cliché, but it is cliché because it has been proven to work time after time. Chocolate has been proven to reduce stress, and also has many other lesser known health benefits.

Favorite Feel-Good Movie

When we as humans are unhappy or in a bad mood, it goes without saying that surrounding ourselves with our favorite things can do a lot to enhance our moods. Our favorite movies are a great thing to watch when in a mad mood or when in a tough place. However, it is important to pick a positive movie to watch in these situations. Your girlfriend’s favorite movie might very well be Old Yeller, but it is highly unlikely that watching this while depressed will cheer her up. Try to seek out a favorite of hers that is positive and uplifting. A feel good or a comedy is usually a good choice.

Favorite Meal

As pointed out in the previous points, surrounding someone with their favorite stuff can raise their mood and make them happier. It is very important to know a girls favorite meal. Making her favorite meal for her when she is depressed or sad shows her that you care about her happiness and want to help her out of whatever funk she may be in. Making her favorite meal for a romantic night in is also a great idea. If you can get her favorite meal down to the most minute detail and accompany it with her favorite dessert or snack, you have a good chance at making her happier and improving her mood.

Favorite Flowers

Girls love receiving flowers. Plain and simple. Classic roses are usually a safe bet, along with colorful bouquets and arrangements. However, remembering what her favorite flower is and showing up with them is a very romantic gesture that shows that you listen when she talks and that you care about making her happy. Being slightly knowledgeable about flowers is also something that also can surprise girls as most tend to assume men have no idea about flowers.

Although these little things may seem non-important in the scale of things, it is often the little things that matter the most and can do the most towards making a woman happy.

Which Best Picture Nominee Should You Watch?

Posted on March 3, 2015April 7, 2015 by Genna Gincel

The Academy Awards may be over, but there might be some nominated films you still haven’t seen. Here’s a guide on what to watch depending on what you’re looking for in your next movie-viewing experience. Click the movie poster to watch the Official Trailer.

Boyhood

If you’re looking for a realistic coming-of-age story, this one’s for you. Boyhood was shot over twelve years, using the same actors, to give an authentic account of a young boy growing into a young man.

The Theory of Everything

If you’re looking for a love story, this one’s for you. Telling the story of Stephen Hawking’s life and his relationship with Jane Wilde, The Theory of Everything tells their love story and the effect of his motor neuron disease on their relationship and his career. It’s both uplifting and heartbreaking.

The Imitation Game

If you’re looking for a British historical film, this one’s for you. This film tells the true story of Alan Turing, who was recruited by the M16 British Intelligence Agency to crack Nazi codes during World War II. Years after his success and contribution to Britain’s war efforts, he ends up in prison after the British government discovers his homosexuality.

American Sniper

If you’re looking for a patriotic biopic, this one’s for you. This film tells the story of U.S. Navy Seal, Chris Kyle, and his time as a sniper in the Iraq War and the effect the war had on his family and his psychological state.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

If you’re looking for a quirky comedy, this one’s for you. This Wes Anderson comedy embodies everything people love about the famous director and features an excellent cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Edward Norton.

Whiplash

If you’re looking for a gripping drama, this one’s for you. This film earned the Best Supporting Actor award for J.K. Simmons, who plays a jazz band teacher who pushes his students with emotional abuse to better their musical talent. The film also stars Miles Teller.

Selma

If you’re looking for an inspiring American history drama, this one’s for you. This film tells the story of the march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama in the fight for fair voting rights. The film stars David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as Oprah and Carmen Ejogo.

Birdman

If you’re looking for a psychological comedy, this one’s for you. Birdman took home the award for Best Picture this year. Featuring an all-star cast, the film tells the story Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) an actor trying to revamp his career years after playing a superhero named Birdman in a successful film franchise. For any film buffs out there, this film was shot and choreographed to looks like one continuous long shot, which helped earn it the Best Cinematography award. The film also earned awards for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

5 Movies Coming Out This Semester!

Posted on October 3, 2014October 3, 2014 by Genna Gincel

Gone Girl (October 2)

Gone Girl is based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn who also wrote the adapted screenplay. The psychological thriller follows the life of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his missing wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). Why did Amy Dunne go missing? Did Nick kill her? You’ll have to see the movie (or read the book) to find out! The film, directed by David Fincher, also stars Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, and Sela Ward.

The Judge (October 10)

Directed by David Dobkin, The Judge has been described as a comedy-drama. The film tells the story of a lawyer (Robert Downey Jr.) returning home for his mother’s funeral after years of living away from his family. He comes to find out that his estranged father (Robert Duvall), who is a judge in his hometown, is a suspected murderer. Downey Jr.’s character must then represent his father in court when he is put on trial. The film also stars Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shepard, and Billy Bob Thornton.

Fury (October 17)

Fury is a war drama set in Nazi Germany during the last month of World War II. The film chronicles Wardaddy, a U.S. Army sergeant, and his five-man crew as they go on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines in a M4A3E8 Sherman tank named Fury. The film stars Brad Pitt as Wardaddy, as well as Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal, Jason Issacs, and Scott Eastwood.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (November 21)

One of the most anticipated films of the year, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is based on the first half of Suzanne Collins’ novel Mockingjay from the smash hit series The Hunger Games. Francis Lawrence returns as director after a successful directing job on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Willow Shields, and Jeffrey Wright all return to reprise their roles. The film also stars Julianne Moore and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.

The Interview (December 25)

This comedy centers on TV tabloid host Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen). After scoring an interview with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, who is a fan of Skylark’s show, they are recruited by the CIA to assassinate Kim Jong-un. Rogen and longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg direct the film, so it is sure to be hilarious! The duo also co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Sterling. The film also stars Lizzy Caplan, Randall Park as Kim Jung-un, Timothy Simons, Charles Rahi Chun, and Rob Lowe (as himself).

6 Thrifty Ways to Enjoy Summer Break

Posted on May 16, 2014May 16, 2014 by Alexandria Ramos

With May came graduations, the end of final exams, packing up, and moving on to the next chapter of this year: summer break. There is finally time to relax and spend time with family and friends, but as a college student or recent graduate, many of us are still on tight budgets. Here are some low cost (or free!) ways to enjoy this summer without breaking the bank.

1. Go to a public beach

If you live on a coast or by the Great Lakes, this can be a perfect option for you! Many beaches are free and have free parking for residents. You can also pack your own lunch and bring things to do such as a Frisbee or a volleyball.

2. Have a Picnic

If you don’t have any beaches nearby, find a park in your area and have a picnic. Bring a few friends and make it a potluck and you’ll cut costs even more.

3. Go Hiking

Take advantage of the sunshine and head out on a hiking trail in your area. The best part about it is it’s absolutely free! Spending time outdoors can really make you appreciate the beauty around you: no wifi required.

4. Visit a Museum on a Free Day

During the summer months, many museums and aquariums have free days on the weekends. These places will usually advertise events such as these on their websites and in local newspapers.

5. Go to the movies

When summer heat gets too intense, take advantage of air conditioning and catch a movie. After all, it’s time for summer blockbusters!

6. Catch a Free Concert or Theatre Production

Keep an eye out for advertisements for local free concerts. Many parks and small theatres have shows for upcoming bands or community theatre productions. These ticket prices are usually very low (or free!) and you can support local artists at the same time. It’s a win-win!

Share your thrifty summer plans in the comments below!

Must See Films for Summer Break

Posted on April 30, 2013June 12, 2013 by Kyle Massa

Summertime is almost here, folks. You might be wondering what to do with yourself for the next few months. If you have the time, why not go see a pulse-pounding summer blockbuster? Here are three movies I am really looking forward to:

First, try Man of Steel, coming to theaters on June 14^th. The latest of the Superman film adaptations, this version boasts an impressive cast, including Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Russell Crowe. In addition, the film is produced by Dark Knight Rises director Christopher Nolan, who turned an ailing Batman franchise into a multi-million dollar juggernaut. Judging from the preview, I’d say that Nolan has brought the gritty, realistic style of his Dark Knight trilogy to a franchise that is often criticized for endless campiness. I wonder if they’ll still have Superman change in a phone booth…

The next blockbuster I’m looking forward to is Disney’s The Lone Ranger, starring The Social Network’s Armie Hammer as the titular character. Johnny Depp plays Native American warrior Tonto, and together they set out to fight corruption. The main reason to see this one is the crew. The Lone Ranger reunites writing duo Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot with director Gore Verbinski and actor Johnny Depp, all of whom worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Yes, the last three installments were stinkers, but the The Curse of the Black Pearl was excellent. If Elliot, Rossio, Verbinski and Depp can recapture the sense of adventure that was at the heart of the first Pirates, I think The Lone Ranger could be a hit. Look for it on July 3^rd.

Last but not least is R.I.P.D.: Rest In Peace Department, an action film about two dead cops (played by Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds) who work from beyond the grave to fight crime. R.I.P.D. is based on a comic book, and you can tell from the trailer. The film looks to be chock full of zany action, impressive special effects, and snappy one-liners. And of course, Jeff Bridges is in it. What more could you ask for?

Enjoy your summer, and don’t miss these great films!

Dressing Up for the Movies

Posted on April 4, 2012March 28, 2012 by Kelly Craig

image from The Washington Post

What does Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games all have in common? Yes, they are each a book series and yes, they each have movie versions, but that is not what I am talking about. Each of these movies draw an audience who do not only feel it is enough to go see the movies but feel the need to go one step further: to dress up to go to the movie in costume as one of the characters.

There is a wide range on the spectrum of fans who dress for such movies. When each of the Harry Potter movies were released, some showed up with a simple lightning bolt on the forehead while others went all out in Halloween-costume-contest worthy outfits. For Twilight, some showed up in t-shirts while others came in fangs. For The Hunger Games, fans came in all out outrageous Capitol dress or rugged game attire. They resembled specific characters, most popular Katniss and Peeta, since they are main characters and all. There seems to be a set of rules when dressing up for the movies though.

Dressing up in character for the movies is only appropriate in certain occasions. No one is dressing up like a cop to go see 21 Jump Street. Also, smearing mud on your face or dressing in flames might get a few stares at the 11am feature of The Hunger Games (although dressing in real flames in a movie just leads to an arrest and bad cliché).

So when is it okay? Dressing up in character to go see a movie is only appropriate for the premiere. It actually seems like a must to dress somewhat themed.

Some of the fans kept it simple with a Hunger Games t-shirt, jeans and boots. Others took it the next step by wearing a top and make-up to resemble characters. The next level of fandom included outrageous Capitol-inspired makeup and/or headpiece. Others went all out with full outfit, makeup, hair (resembling Katniss’s simple braid down her back), and props. Bringing props to the movies may be a step too far, as bringing a bow and arrow, however fake, may be dangerous and may not be allowed in the theater. The above and beyond status seems to have gone to those who have painted their bodies in paint or spiked there long hair into six long points shooting in every direction.

USA Today provides a media gallery by Getty Images of fans in costume here.

The good news is you have plenty of time to find an outfit displaying how die hard of a fan you are as the second Hunger Games movie will be released in November 2013.

-TravelBug

I’m reading A Writer’s Reference

Exciting New Movies Coming Out in 2012

Posted on March 5, 2012March 5, 2012 by Amy Esselman

There is nothing I love more than a bucket of popcorn, sour gummies, and a good movie. However as college students, many of us don’t get to movies quite as often as we would like. When I was home over winter break I was able to re-grasp reality and figure out what was showing, but now we are back at school, and weekends are filled with award shows all highlighting a majority of movies I barely remembering hearing about. School sucks you in and if you’re lucky you get an update from your newsfeed with friends raving about a movie that you can then quickly YouTube for a preview.

So to help ease us from our class coma, I did a little research about some movies that are coming out later this spring. I don’t mind telling you I’m super excited about some of these titles. I’ve seen previews for most of them and they look like winners!

I haven’t quite jumped on the “Hunger Games” bandwagon but from what I’ve heard, the books are outstanding. Everyone—from children to adults, even my grandparents—have at least heard the title. After such a successful launch in the literary world, avid moviegoers are abuzz with anticipation for the movie to come out. The movie is starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. In just a few short weeks this film will be released and I’m sure will be an instant hit. Look for it in theaters March 23^rd.

Another movie I’m just dying to see is “Mirror Mirror”, an adaptive Snow White Fairy tale of sorts. After seeing Julia Roberts in the preview I was instantly sold. Sometimes I pretend that life’s a fairy tale so why not partake in a little break from reality and indulge in this witty take on a classic tale. You can see this movie starting March 30^th.

April is filled with movie madness. There is a whole plethora of pictures coming out, all of which I can’t wait to see. First we have a renewed classic coming to the screen one more time. Having been the top grossing movie of all time until Avatar, Titanic is set to re-hit theaters April 4 in 3-D. I don’t know about you, but I secretly want to go watch.

On April 6^th, another installment of the American Pie movies is set to come out—American Reunion. It looks like this one is the “where are they now” movie when the original cast come back, for you guessed it, their high school class of ’99 reunion. I was skeptical at first. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but having grown up with three brothers, two of which are older, I have heard all about these movies. They have a certain comical value and great cast, so it may be worth seeing!

Rounding out the April the grouping is The Five Year Engagement. This movie comes to us from the directors of Bridesmaids and is starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segal. It looks like it’s packed full of laughs and fun. Ever since I saw the Devil Wears Prada, I’ve been a sucker for Emily Blunt. I will line up around the block to see this one—not to mention I’ve got weddings on the brain with both my oldest brother recently getting engaged, and my boyfriend’s sister set to get hitched this June! This looks like it’s going to be a crowd pleaser and I can’t wait to see it!

And last but not least on my list of movies to make sure you go and see is Men In Black III. I remember watching the first MIB with my brothers being confused but acting interested. After more than 10 years since the original came out, I’m sure MIB diehard fans are already counting down the seconds until it’s May 25^th release date. I want to be part of the hoopla and will of course make sure to go see it! Any move with Will Smith is worth watching in my book, and from what my brothers tell me, with 10 years to brainstorm, this one is sure to be an upgrade and just as exciting if not more so than the original!

-Ring Queen

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