About half of the movies I did see weren’t even in the theater. It was at home, once they came out on HBO. At least I had a Gray on my lap

To be fair. After perusing the list of movies that came out this year . . . wasn’t so great in my book.

So, my yearly summation of the movies I actually saw that actually came out in 2011 with, of course, my important opinion of each.

Abduction: This is not a “Jeni” movie. However, some amazing musicians I know-Hot Bodies in Motion-had a song on the soundtrack and in the movie and we couldn’t miss a chance to see it played on the big screen. I would say it was worth it. Don’t see this movie. But, do buy the soundtrack
Bridesmaids: It’s not that it wasn’t funny. It really was. And I LOVED all the Wilson Phillips. It’s just that . . . watching someone’s life hit rock bottom kind hit a little too close to home. I probably cried as much as I laughed.
Cedar Rapids: Um . . . not sure what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t what I go. This was a strange film and not in a good way.
Crazy, Stupid, Love: This my favorite movie of the year. It may be in my top 10 favorite movies ever. I loved, loved, loved it. I laughed, I cried, I saw Ryan Gosling shirtless. What more could I want?
Everything Must Go: I have an undying love for Will Ferrell. He is hilarious. When he did Stranger than Fiction, it was different than his other movies and I loved it. I thought this movie would be in the same vein. It wasn’t. It wasn’t horrible, but I wouldn’t call it good either.
Hall Pass: Ugh. I saw this on HBO a few weeks ago. Joe and I just left it there because it came on after something else we were watching and both of us haven’t seen it. I wish I would have just poked my eye with a Q-Tip instead. I would have had more fun.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2: Sigh. Bittersweet. In more ways than one. As a purist, I didn’t like some of the changes they made. However, over all, they did a great job of ending the series. If anyone every tries to remake it, I’ll kill them.
Horrible Bosses: Loved this movie. Thought it was hilarious.
Just Go with It: Another movie we saw on Starz, just to see. Meh. I love how Adam Sandler just makes movies just to make ‘em these days. No thought to the fact that they are garbage.
No Strings Attached: This was one of Heidi’s 3 picks for the year before she left. Despite the fact that Ashton Kutcher is in this movie, I didn’t hate it. I woudn’t own it or anything, but I’d watch it on F/X if I was bored.
One Day: I LOVED this book. Lucky for me, I had enough distance from when I read the book and saw the movie to not hate the movie. It was hard for me to get on board with Anne Hathaway. Sometimes I love her in movies, sometimes not.
Our Idiot Brother: I’ve said before, Paul Rudd can do no wrong in my eyes. This movie is pretty quirky, but I really liked it.
The Debt: Meh. Interesting enough to watch.
The Dilemma: I couldn;t even make it through the whole thing, it was horrendous. Then, stupid Joe, he wanted to watch it when we were in Minnesota, so I got to see the ending. This movie isn’t worth the sentences I just wrote about it.
The Hangover: Part II: Bleck. Why must Hollywood ruin everything? Couldn’t the first movie just be awesome and stop there?
Young Adult: Yeah. We saw this when we were in Minnesota and basically the best parts of this movie are Patrick Wilson and the fact that people in the small town call Minneapolis the “Mini-Apple”. Otherwise . . . cliched, predictable and boring.

Movies I wanted to see, but, for whatever reason, didn’t:

50/50
Beginners
Hesher
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
The Adjustment Bureau
The Ides of March
Your Highness

A little sparse, huh? I guess I did make up for my lack of movie going by going to more shows than I can recall. And that was fun. Maybe this year, I could do both?!

What was your favorite movie this past year?

This is very weird to me, because I always say birthdays don’t really matter to me. I say I don’t want a party or a present or a dinner or some sort of public display. And I don’t. I truly do not want any of that.

However, I am beginning to realize that birthdays do matter to me in some ways. I guess I realized that I feel like my birthday is my only day I am allowed to be selfish. The only day people only want to talk about me and what I am doing. No one tells me their problems-cause it’s my birthday. They don’t want to ruin my day. They all call me and for a few minutes, it’s all about me. And I can pick the music we listen to while playing a game. I can chose what we have for dinner. I don’t have to work. Everything is about me and everyone is delightful.

And that’s all I want from anyone. A call. To tell me I am important. A text. Some sort of “What up! You old! I love you!”. Then, when someone doesn’t give me that, I lose it. After all I try to do for others all the time, I wasn’t important to them, even on MY day. They have failed a test they didn’t know they were taking.

Therein lies my biggest issue in life and how I relate to others. Everyone fails because they never know when something is a test with me. I say birthdays aren’t a big deal, but when you don’t call, I can never trust you again. You’ve let me down, just like everyone else. And now, I must push you away.

It’s impossible to win with me. I make it so damn hard. I set everyone up for failure. I never let anyone in, I never allow anyone to take care of me in any way, yet when something comes up and am bowled over, I don’t understand why no one helps me up. Duh. I’ve trained them that way, then tested them on opposite material.

Everyone fails. Even me.

Birthdays are important to me, I guess. Maybe not in the same way as some people, but they are important. I guess I should start telling people that.

( Note: you should buy albums from all these people because they amaze me. )

Tony Kevin Jr. : Let You Down

Bryan John Appleby: Words of the Revelator
(There was no youtube video I could find. Crazy.)

Hot Bodies in Motion: 15-8

The Local Strangers: All Along

Dawn Mitschele: Anchor

Bon Iver: I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time

And that’s all I have to say about that.

I had such an amazing music night last night. So awesome, that I couldn’t sleep all night and YET, I am still giddy today.

I went to see The Local Strangers at Tractor Tavern last night. Of course, I had previously seen them at their CD release party, but somehow, this show was EVEN BETTER than that first time. Man, oh man, Aubrey’s voice is just so rich. I can feel her reverberating in my heart when she sings. And all it takes is one look at the pure JOY on Matt’s face when he sings to feel that joy leap into you. I don’t think every artist is as happy to be there are you are, but The Local Strangers are. They played 2 new songs and I am just dying for a full length album. I am just a lifelong, die-hard fan now. It doesn’t hurt that they are as nice as can be.

I happily and surprisingly got there in time to check out the openers Gold Mountain.  Duuuudddeeee. WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS. What an amazing set!! Every song was so different and unique. I could not even tear myself away to go to the bathroom during their set. Heidi and I were dancing around and hugging. And, of course, (my favorite) the lyrics were poignant and fun.  My only disappointment was they had no music to sell me! No CDs or downloads. Give them a listen when you get a chance. So, so good.

Also . . . oh, you know, I got to meet and chat with Jon from The Head and The Heart!!!!!!!!!!!!! My un-wavering obsession with this band is well documented (mostly on twitter and facebook) and I contend that once you see them live you will be a fan for life (and P.S., they are about to hit the road for their first headlining tour-GO SEE THEM! Get your tixs before they sell out!). Jon walked in to Tractor Tavern just before me and I, of course, immediately  recognized him. I wanted to tackle him right then, but I did my best to restrain myself. I am overtly aware that famous people would probably just like to be able to do normal shit without crazies like me bothering them. Also, I saw no one else rushing up to him gushing, so I didn’t want to be the only idiot in the place who couldn’t keep her shit together. However, after I was so happy from listening to Gold Mountain and The Local Strangers, I could restrain myself no more. I just tapped him on the arm and word vomited all over him. Of course, he was just the sweetest and nicest and we chatted for almost 10 minutes. As we were leaving right afterward, my friend Aggie said I looked so crazily high. Which….I was.

And beyond all the musical awesomeness happening around me, I got to hang with my new friend Aggie, hang with my bestie Heidi, see my concert buddy Kristen, meet tons of new people (my people), get invited to an awesome party and just genuinely feel like my life is beyond amazing.

Heidi, Kristen, Jeni and Aggie

It’s a great feeling.

These are my people.

I love that feeling. I love over hearing a conversation, jumping in and it not being weird because these strangers are my people. I love standing there in a group of strangers, listening to amazing live music and palpably feeling that they feel what I feel in that moment because they are my people. Love, love, love.

Last night, Heidi and I went to watch the X Factor auditions in Key Arena.

Um . . . none of my people were there.

Though, to be fair, there were, like, 2,500 people there. They can’t ALL be my people.

To be honest, I have never once watched even 1 minute of American Idol. Heidi mentioned some sort of show called America’s Got Talent (never heard of it) and even though my Twitter stream is filled with lovers of The Voice, I am so not interested. It’s just not my thing.

So, yes, it’s weird that I even went to this. However, a few things conspired to get me there:

1) Heidi and I try to force ourselves out of the house every chance we get or (please know I am not being a Marce when I say this) I would become a recluse. Seriously. I would LOVE to become a recluse.
2) Free tickets
3) Paula Abdul
4) Trying something new and different. If you are only ever around your people, your view of the world becomes pretty narrow.

And thus, we made a trip to the big city to watch the auditions.

So . . . it wasn’t bad. I’m glad I went. There are some talented folks out there. And actually, the bravery of people going out there onstage is awe-inspiring. I could never do that. Ever. And we got to see Paula Abdul be Paula Abdul, so that was fun. And I really liked LA Reid by the end of the never ending, no food, drinks or bathrooms night.

However, there was something . . . unsettling, at best. As I said, I’ve never watched American Idol, but I do love all things pop culture, so I DO know what the show is about and kinda how it works. I know people love the audition portion of the show because there is always some person who can’t sing at all trying out and it’s hilarious, or whatever. I don’t know. I’ve never watched it, I can’t really say how it goes, but I have heard of William Hung (who laughed all the way to the bank) and that’s kinda what it seemed like.

I get it. It’s reality TV and all that implies. Sure. I know what’s going on. But to have to sit there and watch people, people I am 100% certain they brought in just to make fun of (because I know there was some pre-auditions), give their all, just to be snickered at by 2,500 people and then turned away? Brutal. Honestly, I left there feeling kind of sick (and not just from starvation). I feel like they did this for at least 3 of the auditions I saw.

It made me really kind of sad. That America’s idea of entertainment is, basically, making fun of people. I know that that isn’t 100% what those shows are about. It may not even be 5% of what those shows are about, but it DOES happen on those shows and I am now certain it happens on purpose. For entertainment.

I’m not trying to get all preachy. I can have a good laugh at the ridiculous just as much as the next gal, but to see those people, in person, so earnest and sincere doing something I could never imagine having the balls to do, just to be laughed at . . . brutal.

Time to spend the weekend with my people.

On Friday, Heidi and I went to the CD release party of The Local Strangers. Can I just say how lucky I feel to live in a city with such AMAZING local artists. If I had the time and the money, I could spend every night of the week just listening to the talent in this city. The Local Strangers are no exception. I LOVE what they have to offer (so far) and you will too. Aubrey’s voice is lush and Matt’s enthusiasm while performing can’t be beat. And, of course, watching them live was just a delight.

This is my favorite song from their EP:

Seattle Acoustic Sessions – The Local Strangers – For Fear of Losing from Jason Green on Vimeo.

 So. good.

So, besides the good tunes with a good friend, I also got to meet up with my former co-worker Quinton, who is also an up-and-coming local musician. I have not had the pleasure to make it to one of his shows yet, but from what I can see so far, I like it.

AND Heidi and I met a [potential] new friend! We chatted with her while waiting for the show to start-she is new to the area and lives and works right by us. We are going to meet up with her this week for lunch. I LOVE that!!

Of course, the fabulous night would not have been complete with a celebrity sighting-Kris Orlowskiwas at the show. I stopped him to chat. And by chat, I mean gush over him like a crazy, psycho fan. I am pretty sure he went straight from the show to the court house for a restraining order, but that’s OK, because I can always stand 20 feet from the stage. OK, maybe that’s all a Marce. Kris was really nice and even offered to send me his lyrics. Heidi and I are going to see him Thursday. Yay!

We actually stayed out until midnight, when our old age prompty caught up with us. The next morning, we went to breakfast at our favorite place, drove all over the Seattle, went back to Heidi’s house to watch chick flicks and eat the most random assortment of snacks ever created (see below).

All in all, not a bad weekend at all.

This past weekend, Michael and I went to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Pacific Science Center. It’s not a secret that I love me some Harry Potter. In fact, a few weeks ago, I was sick and I began re-reading the entire series. I think it’s totally lovely that a book I read 5 times can still keep me up until 2:30 AM.

On some good advice from Sunny, we got our tickets for the first tour group. They are all uptight there and you’re not allowed to have food, drink or GO TO THE FREAKIN’ BATHROOM. Still, I enjoyed being the first group in and not being over-crowded.

Now, I’d be willing to wager that Michael and I have watched each movie more times than most any one out there. This is because we watch it every. single. night. before bed. In fact, I never even was interested in the series until Michael and I lived together. This being the case, I have to say, I was a little skeptical of the authenticity of some of the items. For example, I thought Ron and Harry’s bed looked much smaller than in the movie. Of course, to be fair, so did every costume. But I am used to movie stars being midgets.

Either way, we had a great time. Of course, as every good exhibition does, this one ended in the gift shop. There were some damn good things in that shop. I could have easily spent $1,000. I really wanted the Dark Mark necklace, but I ended up settling on something even more useless: Lord Voldemort’s wand. For some reason, even though I am totally Team Harry, I love all the dark memorabilia.It was a tough choice, though. It was between that and The Elder Wand (aka Dumbeldore’s wand)

So . . .funny story about my wand. They have all the wands you can buy on display. They are pretty cool and I was having a hard time deciding. I finally settled on Voldemort’s wand and set off to find where they kept the wands you could buy (vs. the ones on display). I found the girl who was guarding the wall of wands and the following conversation happened:

Me: Is this where you get the wands?

Her: Yup! Which one do you want?

Me: (sort of ashamed) Voldemort

She holds out the box currently in her hand

Her: Here you go!

Me: (looking at her with disdain) Has that been touched by human hands?

Her: (confused) Well, I’m holding it, so, yeah, my hands.

Me: Did you open the box?

Her: Once, someone asked me to op-

Me: (interrupting) No. I need a different box. Untouched

Her: But no one touched the wand inside

Me: I’m sorry, I need a new box

Her: You are NOT my new best friend.

Me: I understand.

I may be buying Voldemort’s wand, but I have standards.

P.S. The exhibition just extended it’s run by 2 weeks! You should go!

Of course, I’d be remiss is I didn’t warn you there is some controversy at the end. Hopefully you’ll be understanding of the decisions I made and the integrity of the post will stay strong.

Without further ado, the movies that came out in 2010 that I saw:

Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland: I kind of hated this at first. Which, I think had to do with seeing it in 3D. I don’t like 3D. Whatever movie studios are trying to do with 3D, they should just stop. In any case, when I saw this again, I liked it. Liked, not loved. I am just partial to the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp combo.
Catfish: Um. . .LOVED this movie. And not necessarily for the movie itself, but for the deep, meaningful conversation it sparked. As someone that totally loves all social media and has met many people online, it’s such an interesting reminder to be careful who you are talking to.
Cyrus: So . . . this movie totally reviewed well. Everyone seemed to think it was super awesome. I thought it was “meh”
Despicable Me: Confession: I loved this movie more than Toy Story 3. We saw it the same day and I immediately like this movie better. I think it’s partly because I like villains.
Dinner For Schmucks: So. I liked this movie. But I might have liked it because I have a Paul Rudd shaped heart. I do remember laughing heartily, so that’s a win in my book.
The Greatest: My brother Edward and I love Carey Mulligan. I don’t think this movie was horrible, but I wouldn’t buy it either. I really love the kid who looks exactly like a grown-up Bastian from Neverending Story.
Greenberg: This movie was just OK. I felt like Ben Stiller was trying too hard. There is nothing I dislike more than that
Grown Ups: Um, no. Look, I LOVE Adam Sandler. I am one of 4 people who loved Funny People. However, this movie didn’t have Seth Rogen or Judd Apatow to keep it afloat.  
Harry Potter 7: Part 1: Dude. It’s Harry Potter. While I would have much preferred the movie studios to give me the option of paying twice the price and spending 5 hours in the theater, I really can’t complain about the 2 parts. I appreciate the level of detail it gives that is usually lost.
How Do You Know: Heidi dragged me to this movie and even SHE hated it. Apparently my love for Paul Rudd does have limitations and they are this movie.
Inception: LOVED this movie. Christopher Nolan can do no wrong in my book. PLUS, you can never go wrong with Joseph Gorden-Levitt, amiright?
The Kids Are All Right: It’s a well known fact amongst my people that they only time I cry or show emotion is when I am touched by the rainbow. For some reason, gay story lines with happy endings always gives me the weeps. My cold, black heart just melts. This movie was super fantastic.
Sex And The City 2: Honestly, I am embarrassed to even tell you I saw this. In the theater. After the disaster that was the first movie, I should have known better. Michael Patrick King, I will never forgive you.
Shutter Island: This falls under my “meh” category. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it.
The Town: Also “meh”. I really enjoyed Rebecca Hall, though. I think she’s fabulous.
Toy Story 3: So, don’t think me inhuman, but I didn’t LOVE this movie and I certainly didn’t cry at it. I mean, if we’re being honest, when I thought they were all going to be incinerated, I was totally fine with it. I thought that was a perfectly realistic ending. Does that make me heartless? Maybe. Of course. . . if it turned out Woody and Buzz were gay and getting married, I would have cried buckets.
Valentine’s Day: Not only did Heidi force me to watch this, so did my step-mom. It doesn’t get better.

Movies that came out in 2010 that I wanted to see, but did not get a chance to see:

127 Hours
Black Swan
Blue Valentine
Date Night
Due Date
Easy A
Get Him To The Greek
Howl
I Love You Phillip Morris
Kick Ass
The King’s Speech
Love And Other Drugs
Never Let Me Go
Scott Pilgrim
The Social Network
Wall Street 2
Youth In Revolt

You might be saying to yourself right now “Jeni, why are Black Swan and Blue Valentine crossed out? WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!”

Well, if you follow my tweets (and why wouldn’t you? They are delightful little snacks), you would have seen this one this past weekend. Now you might be saying “So you DID see Blue Valentine! I am so. . . .confused”

Here’s the deal: I feel it’s only fair to include movies that came out in 2010 and I actually saw in the year 2010. Both Blue Valentine and Black Swan were seen in 2011. And while both movies weren’t in wide release until 2011, technically they came out in 2010. I am nothing if I am not hung up on the details.

Sure, some movies will slip through the cracks. There will be some films you’ll never know what I thought one way or the other. But hopefully, by reading my year end reviews, you will have gained enough strength and knowledge to make a choice on your own.

I believe in you.

Normally, I skip the opening band. It’s not that I don’t like new music, it’s just that, well. . . .I’m old. I can only stand around for so long. That’s right, I’M OLD.

However, my dear, dear Sizzle told me to check out the opener, The Head and The Heart, a few weeks before the concert. I didn’t listen too closely, but liked them enough to get there early.

Phenomenal.

I can not tell you enough how in love with this band I am. In fact, we are going to see them again next Tuesday.

You can thank me later.

If I were a month I’d be September

If I were a day I’d be Sunday

If I were a time of day I’d be 9pm

If I were a font I’d be Enviro

If I were a sea animal I’d be a sea turtle

If I were a direction I’d be Northwest

If I were a piece of furniture I’d be a La-Z-boy

If I were a liquid I’d be vodka

If I were a gemstone I’d be a sapphire

If I were a tree I’d be a Weeping Willow

If I were a tool I’d be a screwdriver

If I were a flower I’d be the Flower of Life

If I were an element of weather I’d be storm cloud

If I were a musical instrument I’d be a guitar

If I were a color I’d be indigo

If I were an emotion I’d be stubborn

If I were a fruit I’d be a blueberry

If I were a sound I’d be a sigh

If I were an element I’d be carbon

If I were a car I’d be my neon.

If I were a food I’d be toffee

If I were a place I’d be home

If I were a material I’d be cotton

If I were a taste I’d be Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch

If I were a scent I’d be lavender

If I were a body part I’d be a hand

If I were a song I’d be The Good That Won’t Come Out by Rilo Kiley

If I were a bird I’d be a Gray Catbird (naturally)

If I were a gift I’d be big, expensive and sparkly

If I were a city I’d be San Francisco

If I were a door I’d be open

If I were a pair of shoes I’d be Louboutins

If I were a poem I’d be Lost By Jewel

Lost
is a puzzle
of stars
that breathes
like water
and chews
like stone

Alone
is a reminder
of how far
acceptance
is from
understanding

Fear
is a bird
that believes itself
into extinction

Desperation
the honest recognition
of a false truth

Hope
seeing who you really are
at your highest
is who you will become

Grace
the refinement of a
Soul through time