"What 14-year-old boy doesn't want to watch a comedy that features flamethrowers?" What I'm Reading & Watching This Week Plus Blogger Links To Share

Things are a bit quieter this week -- my husband is on vacation and he took the girls to North Carolina. They're visiting my sister-in-law, who's moving to N.C. She's retiring and making her Great Escape from New Jersey.

So it just me, James, and the feral mutts. Since James now has a computer, with high speed internet access, in his room, I don't see much of him, though he will wander down when he gets hungry. I understand cats are much the same way. Maybe raising cats would be good preparation for rearing teenagers?

Anyhoo, I was excited about the prospect of spending one on one time with him so I rented some movies. His only request was "don't get any dramas." I rented The Amazing Spiderman, which we watched last night and both enjoyed. Seriously, how cute are Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone together?

I also got Contagion, which is more for me than him (it seems as much a thriller as a drama -- does that count?) and 30 Minutes or Less. I don't know anything about 30 Minutes or Less. The tagline promises "Balls-out action and raunchy laughs." Is that a good thing? Or is that code for "lame, stupid movie that will only appeal to certain pre-pubescent boys?" Oh well, it seemed worth a shot. As I said to the Video Rental Store Guy, what 14-year-old boy doesn't want to watch a comedy that features flamethrowers?

The Hubby, the teens, and I started the second season of Game of Thrones last week. I have to take a hot shower after every episode because of all the incest :-P -- but this series is awesome.

Being a bit of a weenie about graphic violence, I've closed my eyes during a few bloody scenes. My family finds it kind of amusing. My son, who used to be sensitive about cinematic bloodshed, can now watch any kind of onscreen violence without flinching. However, he turns his head when naked breasts appear. I don't know whether this is his natural inclination or if ... well ... what 14-year-old boy want to look at breasts when his mother is in the room? Awkward!

"It's Monday, What Are You Reading" is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's an opportunity to plan your reading week and connect with other avid readers.

I started two new books this week:

  
Tim Rowland's Creature Features by Tim Rowland

This is a collection of the author's newspaper columns; he's a humor writer who chronicles his life, with his wife Beth, on a small farm. Many of the columns concern the antics of their two dogs, various cats, goats, horses, and pigs. I wasn't sure it would be my cup of tea, but I am finding this laugh out loud funny, and I mean that literally. I'll be reviewing this tomorrow.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin

This fantasy epic really grabbed my attention in the first few pages. Yes, even though I've already seen it on T.V. :-)








Recent Book Reviews:

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

11/22/63 by Stephen King


Recent Movie Posts:

Movies that Got a Strong Reaction -- good, bad, or in between, 14 movies that got a strong reaction from my co-blogger, Sarah.

Review of Warm Bodies -- lightweight zombie romance

Review of Weekend -- unconventional indie romance; explores challenges related to homosexuality in our society -- a 5/5 star movie for me.

Philosophical Ideas Through Movies Part I: Relativism -- This is the start of a series of posts on using movies, in our homeschool, as a springboard to discuss philosophical ideas. My daughter and I used Hilary and Jackie as part of a discussion of multiple perspectives on human experiences. I'm almost finished with Part II, "The Problem of Evil."

Review of Pan's Labyrinth -- blends dark fantasy with drama set in the Spanish civil war; another 5/5 star movie for me.

Discussion of Compliance -- Why are some people unable or unwilling to challenge authority?


Some of the Blog Posts I've Enjoyed:

• Are you watching the Academy Awards tonight? I don't have access to television. Yes, really. I'm too cheap to pay for cable. And I can catch the good parts later on YouTube. Anyhoo ... check out Josh's 10 Things to Know Before the Oscar Ceremony at The Cinematic Spectacle.
• Ruth shared her 15 Favorite Period Drama Heroes Part I & Part II at Flixchatter. This will be a treat for bibliophiles and film buffs alike.
• Lucy discussed Bibliotherapy: Books for Depression at Therapy Through Tolstoy.
• Despite being bogged down with her dissertation, Margaret found time to post a thoughtful, balanced review of The Master and a tribute post to the wonderful Alan Rickman.
• Pete at I Love That Film reviewed Django Unchained. It looks like my comment didn't go through, but I loved the review and am really looking forward to this movie.
• Chip discussed Season 2 of Game of Thrones, comparing it to the novel.
• Andy reviewed The Sessions at Rorschach Reviews.
• Jaina reviewed Young Adult at Time Well Spent.
• m. brown reviewed Celeste and Jesse forever, with his usual hilarious and personal style.
• Last but not least, Alex at And So It Begins shares his Top 10 Best Actor Winners and  Top 10 Best Actress Winners of all time.

Have a great week!