Hollywood Vampires - Foxwoods, CT 5/20/2018

The Hollywood Vampires was a celebrity drinking club formed in the 1970s by Alice Cooper.  In 2015, Cooper formed a super group (named after the club) with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. Their first album “Hollywood Vampires,” was released on September 11.

Cooper, Depp, and Perry toured in 2016, and are currently on their world tour of 2018 (with hopefully another album to be released after they finish). 

I saw them in Atlantic City in 2016, and at Foxwoods (CT) this month.  It is incredible to see such talented musicians, having a blast together, doing what they love.  It'd be great if they toured again in another two years!  I could keep watching them perform.

Below are a few songs from the show ("People Who Died," "Heroes," "School's Out," "Dead Drunk Friends," "Bad as I am," and part of "The Boogieman Surprise"), and photos I managed to take.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Trailer

Pirates of the Caribbean 5 will open on May 26th in the United States.  If you have not seen the trailer, you should! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a5V5C8mEVzY

You can read about the movie and opening dates here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790809/?ref_=nv_sr_1

"Transcendence" Review

Is it possible for computers to become self aware?  How far can we take technology and artificial intelligence?  Pretty far, and we are pretty close. 

Some people are excited about the idea of a conscious computer, and others would rather no computers than to risk crossing the line of natural biology.

Transcendence is Bout a computer scientist Will Caster (played by Johnny Depp), who is on the brink if creating a computer that is self aware.  A group called RIFT will do anything they can to stop this.  So they shoot Will with a bullet laced with radiation, so that he slowly dies before he can make any more advancements.

What RIFT did not foresee, is that Will's wife and partner, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), decides to try uploading Will's consciousness to a computer before he dies.  She succeeds, and once he connects to the internet, he has the power to go anywhere and do anything.

Evelyn and Will begin to build a lab in the middle of nowhere.  It seems as if Will will be able to carry out Evelyn's dream of saving the world one problem at a time.  But Will's power and everyone else's skepticism cause Evelyn to begin to doubt if Will is still himself.  And this doubt makes her become terrified.

When Will and Evelyn's best friend Max (Paul Bettany), creates a virus that will take out "Will," Evelyn offers to convince Will to upload it to himself.  The ending leaves us with a lot of questions about the implications of the story, and what this might mean for our future.

I enjoyed the film.  The effects were amazing, the story was thought provoking, and. Johnny Depp was HOT.  The plot left a bit to be desired (mainly because audiences are no longer used to having to think when they watch a movie).

This was definitely a movie to watch on the big screen, and the. Maybe a second or third time as well.

I would give Transcendence a 7.5 out of 10.  The film is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour and 59 minutes.

The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie follows the story of Emmet, an average construction worker who is so good at fitting in, that no one knows he is there.  He stumbles upon a magic piece, which a prophecy declared the chosen one would find and use to save the universe.  

Then, a lot of complicated events unfold, which are only realistic because the worlds are built (and rebuilt) by Lego pieces, but are interesting nonetheless.  The story line may be basic (the Lego "master builders" are trying to stop the evil President from permanently ruining their creativity, and gluing them into place), but this film is riddled with puns, jokes, and unexpected humor, as the heroes try to save the day.

The movie is quite enjoyable.  I cannot remember laughing this much at a movie aimed for children.  I give it a 9 out of 10, and look forward to seeing it again.

The Lego Movie is 1 hour 40 minutes, rated PG, and playing in cinemas.

Benny and Joon

This is not a new movie.  In fact, it came out in 1993.  However, I have decided (even if it is just for my own record), to catalogue some of my favorite movies.  I will also be trying to get through all of Johnny Depp’s films (of which I have seen all save one, but would like to re-watch them for a fresh review).

Starting with “Benny and Joon.”

This is the story of Benny (Aidan Quinn), who is a single mechanic who is having difficulties looking after his younger and mentally ill sister Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson).  The two of them have been living together ever since their parents died in a car accident, over ten years ago.

Joon is going through house-sitters like tissue, as she is a handful (why she cannot be left home alone).  When Benny can find no more people willing to look after Joon while he is in work, he hits a dilemma he has been trying to avoid.  Joon just might be best off in a group home, where she can socialize with other people and work out some of her internal issues.

Then comes Sam (Johnny Depp).  We are never quite sure what is different about Sam, but something is askew.  He is twenty-six years old, and cannot read, along with a few idiosyncrasies.  He is obsessed with old movies, and is phenomenal at physical comedy (culminating in a superb park scene towards the end). 

Sam seems to be the answer for Benny and Joon, as Joon and Sam really hit it off.  Joon is able to do more, and seems to be having more good days.  But Benny is not quite ready to hand off his sister to a guy he is not too sure about just yet.

It isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, and Joon has an episode that could compromise all Benny has been trying to work for.  If Benny can open up and learn to let go, Sam might be able to keep Joon safe a bit longer; possibly forever.

This is such a sweet movie.  I give it a 9.8 out of 10.  It is my third favorite movie.  The cast is wonderful, the story is touching, the music entrancing, and the physical stunts admirable.  This is a movie you should definitely see, and perfect for a day when you are just not feeling on top of the world (and need a nice pick me up).

“Benny and Joon” is rated PG, and runs 98 minutes.

Jack and Jill (2011)

This is an odd premise to a movie, but makes for a good story.

Adam Sandler plays both of the titular characters: Jack and Jill Sadelstein – twins.  Yes, he plays a woman – an ugly woman, whom you grow to feel sorry for for being so odd looking.

Jack has a regular family and life, which his sister was never able to achieve.  Jill is a sad character, who lived solely around her mother who recently passed away.  Without her mother, Jill is a bit lost.  Trying to cling to her family as close as possible, Jill visits Jack for the holidays, and then just refuses to leave.  She does not want to return to her life, where no one seems to accept her (even though her brother is less than welcoming).

Jill is trying to fit in with Jack’s family.  His family likes her; he just refuses to open himself up to her peculiarities. 

Jack is an advertising executive who’s current mission is to get Al Pacino (played by himself) to do a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial since his name rhymes with their drink, the Dunkaccino.  Al is less than easily persuaded, as his character version of himself is on a downward spiral in his acting career, and he does not see this as benefiting his reputation.  However, Jack and Jill go to a game because Jack knows Al will be there (sitting with none other than the real Johnny Depp for a quick cameo), and he thinks he can win him over.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for Jack), Al has no interest in the commercial, but falls in love with Jill, who could not care less about this creepy man.

Jack then exploits his sister to try to get to Al, and maybe does a bit of cross-dressing to get what he wants.  In the end, Jack hurts Jill, but their twin power brings them back closer than ever.

This is an odd, but cute movie.  Al Pacino’s part is hilarious.  I give him a great deal of credit for doing all that he did (especially considering Jill is just Adam Sandler in drag).  Keeping that in mind, the movie is quite interesting, with a great cast.  I give the film a 6.7 out of 10 (or, worth the money to rent for a night).  You need to watch to the end to see if Al goes through with the commercial. =)

“Jack and Jill” (2011) is rated PG and runs 91 minutes.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape - By Peter Hedges

This is the first non young adult book I have read in awhile.  If you have not picked up on the theme yet (or are randomly searching the web for this book you would never know), I am trying to read my way through books my favorite films were based on.  My favorite movies just happen to have Johnny Depp in them.  So here we go:

This is the story of Gilbert Grape, and how he deals (or evades dealing with), everything in his life that is eating away at his soul.  For his entire life, he has lived in Endora, Iowa, a small and dull place where everyone knows everyone’s business, and there is never anything exciting going on. 

Gilbert is the man of his house, ever since his father hung himself and his older brother (Larry) moved away.  He has two older sisters, one of whom also got out of Endora (Janice), and another, Amy, who takes care of the house.  Gilbert has a younger sister, Ellen, who is a conceded pain in the butt, and an intellectually challenged younger brother, Arnie, who was never supposed to live past ten.  They live with their mother, who has not stopped eating or left the sofa since her husband committed suicide.  Who was once the talk of the town for her beauty, Bonnie Grape now weighs a few hundred pounds.

Arnie is turning eighteen, which is a huge milestone his mother claims is all she wants to see reached; that would be a miracle.  Gilbert has to deal with his dysfunctional family, his mundane job at the local food store (being squashed by the major food store that recently moved in), self loathing, a secret affair he has been having for ten years with an upstanding woman in the society, and looking after Arnie. 

Among other things, a gorgeous girl (Becky) comes into town to visit her grandmother, whom Gilbert becomes smitten with (as do all of the men of the town).  He struggles with his feelings for Becky, as she is a mixture of a tease and a woman wise beyond her years.  Gilbert just can’t figure his life out right now.  One thing is for certain, and he does not want to die in Endora; he just needs a way out.  By the end of the book, things begin to fall into place for Gilbert, who can finally start life anew.

I liked the book, but it was not my favorite.  I personally like the movie, and even reading with the cast in my mind, this book did not compare to the film (although the author also wrote the screenplay).  A book such as this, the reader desperately wants to empathize with Gilbert, but he comes off as a jerk.  Not that certain people don’t deserve to be happy, but the author makes it really difficult to feel sorry for him.  When bad things happen to good people, it is an outrage.  When bad things happen to self-centered sticks in the mud, it can be more easily brushed aside.

I’m glad I read this book, but do not see myself reading it again anytime soon.  The ending had such potential, and then fell flat.

Wreck-It Ralf

     Who doesn’t love a good Disney movie?

     This is the story of the antagonist of a video game (“Fix-It Felix Jr.”) by the name of Wreck-It Ralf.  Ralf has been destroying a building over and over again for thirty years, as Felix follows him around and repairs the damages.  When the game is over, Felix is rewarded for saving the people of the building, and they throw Ralf from the roof.

     Ralf was programmed to do bad things, but he is not a bad guy.  He has to play the role of the villain, but just wants to be a hero.  He decides to leave his game and go searching for one where he will be excepted and he can win the prize at the end.  He just wants to be respected and welcomed, instead of feared and ignored.

     He soon ends up in a game called “Hero’s Duty,” where he sees how difficult it can be to be the hero.  Nonetheless, he wins the medal in the end.  Now to return to his game, where he thinks he will be welcomed since he has proven he is a good guy.  Unfortunately, one thing leads to another, and he becomes stranded in a game made entirely out of candy (“Sugar Rush,” a racing game).

     Here he meets a young girl named Vanellope, who is considered a glitch because there is something astray in her programming.  For this reason, no one likes Vanellope, and she lives alone in a secret location.  The two outcasts become an odd pair, and try to help each other achieve their dreams.  If they could just get around the evil King Candy, who wants neither Ralf nor Vanellope to be a part of his game, everything would be fine.

     This was a cute movie.  It is an original idea, which is difficult to find nowadays.  The story took you through different generations of games, and even had some classics (such as Pacman).  You’d go from the pixilated game of “Fix-It Felix, Jr.” to the high definition game play of “Hero’s Duty.”  It showed the evolution of arcade games, and made you think about how the characters must feel.  After all, they are programmed to do the same motions over and over again, all day and every day.  Even if you are the hero, that can be taxing.

     I liked this film a lot, and look forward to seeing it again.  I give it an 8 out of 10.  Wreck-It Ralf is rated PG and runs 101 minutes.

Cloud Atlas

     I am not going to lie.  I have little idea on what this movie was about.  I am not saying that there are not deeper, meaningful messages.  I am just saying that the average viewer will not get many or any of them after trying to decipher what the plot of the film is.

     It is a story of reincarnation, and how one person’s life affects another’s, with acts of kindness or crime having ripple effects throughout history.  Basically, there is a cast of eight actors who through a series of quite intense makeup and costume effects, are transformed into numerous different characters in many points in time (some of which remain unrecognizable, until revealed in the ending credits).  The movie bounces between these stories, and the audience needs to keep up on who is where and when, and what is happening. 

     The cast is quite impressive: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, and Susan Sarandon to name a few.  However, this does not distract from the confusing intertwined plotlines that bounce from one generation to another and back again.  For example, one story begins in London in the year 2012.  The opening scene is almost entirely unrelated to the rest of the story, so it is easy to forget the time period as they go back and forth.  The actors being in all of the storylines also did not help you keep them straight.

     “Cloud Atlas” is a lot to process and take in.  It is a movie you need to see more than once, because it is not possible to catch every nuance the first time around.  I’d give it a 5.5, because it was not dumbed down enough for me to comprehend it.  The effects and makeup were amazing though.  The movie is rated R, and quite lengthy at 172 minutes.

Peter Pan - By J.M. Barrie

     This is the book of the play and movies of the same name.  It was first produced in a theatre in London on December 27, 1904.  Since then, it has been adapted multiple times into various media.

     It is the story of a young girl named Wendy Darling, and her two brothers John and Michael as they struggle with growing up.  One night, a boy who never grows any older, Peter Pan, flies into the nursery where the children are sleeping, and loses his shadow.  Yes, his shadow becomes detached from his body.

     He is so upset by the fact he cannot reattach his shadow, that he ends up waking Wendy, who is overly nurturing, and sews his shadow back on for him.  He is so elated that he takes Wendy and her brothers back to the Neverland where he lives with the lost boys (boys who were lost as young children).  He wants Wendy to be a mother for all of them, since they are missing and in desperate need of the love of a mother.

     The children fly to the Neverland, also home to pirates, Indians, fairies, and mermaids.  Wendy quickly becomes a mother to the children, including her own brothers.  As time passes, the Darlings seem to have forgotten from where they come, and that Wendy is not truly their mother.  The Neverland seems to have a power of the children that causes them to forget what life was like before they arrived there.  Peter’s short term memory is so bad, that you can never tell if what he’s saying is the truth or not.  Wendy remembers the most, and thinks about the parents and home she left behind.  But even she begins to think that some of her memories may only have been dreams.

     The pirates are led by Peter’s archenemy Captain James Hook (rightfully named since a hook replaces an arm that was lost in battle with Peter and fed to a crocodile, which now tirelessly follows Hook around to get the rest of him).  The pirates are endlessly chasing the lost boys around the Neverland, and finally manage to outwit and kidnap them; all save but Peter.

     Peter rescues the boys and Wendy from the pirate’s captivity, and battles Hook man to boy.  After this, Wendy and her brothers fly back home.  Their parents had all but given up hope that their children would one day return, when they finally do.

     This is an interesting story to read, especially since it is self-aware that it is speaking to the reader.  It is written with the imagination of a child, and reminds us that adults forget how to believe in the fantastical, which is why they no longer see it.

     One of the biggest take away messages is about how time is always chasing after us.  The crocodile who is chasing after Hook had swallowed a ticking clock, which would warn Hook that he was coming for him.  When the clock ran out, the animal was able to move about unnoticed, and was able to surprise his prey.  Peter is trying to outrun time, and is inexplicably succeeding at remaining young forever.  But while he remains young, he loses Wendy, someone he cared deeply for.  We should not try to fool with the hands of time, but just remember what our youth was like.  That was the worst part about the story; that the adults had these wonderful adventures and were able to do incredible things, only to forget that it even happened.  Mature without forgetting.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

     I am in the Halloween spirit, and just read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving.  It is a short story that has spawned one of the most beloved ghost stories: the tale of the Headless Horseman. 

     This tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a scrawny school teacher from Connecticut who moves to the small Dutch community of Sleepy Hollow, New York.  The town is believed to be under a sort of enchantment, and all of the residents like to share tales of ghostly encounters; the most popular of which is that of the Headless Horseman, who rides his steed in the middle of the night.  Ichabod is quite superstitious, and thoroughly enjoys these stories.

     Ichabod falls in love with a young woman by the name of Katrina Van Tassel, who just so happens to be the daughter of the richest man in the area.  He sees himself winning over Katrina’s heart, and becoming the heir to her father’s fortune.

     As Katrina is rich and beautiful, Ichabod is not the only one with his eye on her, and has to compete with one of the most revered and feared men in New York, who goes by the name of Brom Bones.

     One night the Van Tassels through a party at their manor for the townspeople, at which Ichabod has a marvelous time dancing, filling his face, and sharing ghost stories.  That is of course, until he is rejected by Katrina, and has to make the long journey back home at witching hour.  His imagination runs ramped as he passes by “haunted” areas, with each gust of wind a sign of his imminent death.  Then he comes face to face with a horseman in the shadows, and runs for it.  Well, it would have been face to face, had the horseman had a head.  As fast as Ichabod’s horse goes, he is unable to shake the Headless Horseman from riding his tail.  The Horseman throws what appears to be a head at Ichabod, which knocks him off of his horse.  Ichabod is never heard from again.

     I like this story because you just do not know how the story ends.  Ichabod could have been carried away to the underworld, he could have fled the state, or it could all have been a prank.  You just do not know for sure.  It is a great read around Halloween and good to see the original inspiration for many favorite movies.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

A teenager named Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), narrates various events throughout his life to an anonymous pen pal, only referred to as “Friend.”  We quickly learn that Charlie has led a quite difficult life, but the details are not fully there as to why it was so hard, or how he has been coping.

When Charlie beings high school, he is determined to turn his life around, make some friends, and enjoy life.  That is not as easy as he originally thinks, as the lunchroom soon makes obvious to him.  Even people he was once friendly with, will no longer speak to him, much let allow him to sit at their table or invite him to a movie night.

Charlie meets a senior, Patrick (played by Ezra Miller), who is a bit of a class clown, but has deeper issues than meet the surface.  He also has an amazing step sister, Sam (played by Emma Watson).  The two take Charlie under their wing, and show him what a great time life can be, even with the bumps in the road everyone has to deal with.

While Charlie begins to fit in, we see more and more flash backs of his troubling childhood, which revolve around his aunt, and get the message that this woman he idolized is a big factor in his issues.

This movie is interesting.  It is based on the book by the same name, and deals with issues a lot of children have while they are growing up.  It shows that adolescence is not easy, but reminds us that there are amazing people out there who can help us through it.  They are the friends we will never forget, no matter where life takes us after high school.

I would give this movie a 6.5.  It was good, but slow moving, and left a lot of questions open-ended.  It is definitely a drama, and not to be seen purely for entertainment.  The film is rated PG-13, and runs 103 minutes.

Through the Looking-Glass

     “Through the Looking-Glass” is the sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” written by Lewis Carroll.  Alice has another fantastical dreamlike adventure.  As Alice is lounging about her living room, she wonders what it would be like to live inside of a mirror, where everything would be the reverse of life on the outside.  As the title says, she quite literally, and rather quickly, travels through a mirror (or looking-glass) into another dimension.

     She leaves the looking-glass house and finds herself in a beautiful garden.  No matter which path she takes to get away, she ends up straight back at the house.  Along the way she meets the Red Queen (not to be confused with the Red Queen from her previous adventure down the rabbit hole).  Not far from where they are standing is a grand game of chess, which Alice proclaims she would like to join.  The Queen instructs Alice on how she can become a queen at the end of the game, and will start off as a pawn.

     Throughout Alice’s course to the finish of the game, she inexplicably finds herself in situations that would be considered absurd and impossible if she were back in the real world, but since she is through the looking-glass, it is just accepted. 

     People disappear or transform before her eyes, and everyone is keen on reciting poetry no matter how much Alice objects.  She encounters two twins, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the White Queen, and Humpty Dumpty before she makes it to the end of the game, where a crown materializes on the top of her head.

     The Red and White Queen scrutinize Queen Alice, and soon fall asleep and disappear without an explanation.  Alice then awakes back in her world, wondering if she was in her own dream or someone else’s.

     This story is every bit as confusing as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”  You have to have the mind set to suspend your disbelief and take everything as it comes.  If you over analyze or question everything, this may be very difficult to get through, although it was aimed for children.  Both stories are definitely beneficial to read in order to understand and appreciate all of the cinematic adaptations.

     The book reads like a dream, and leads one to wonder whether Alice has an incredible imagination, or if she should seek psychiatric assistance.

Movies I Can't Wait to See: Lone Ranger

Official Disney Trailer of Lone Ranger (2013) released on October 2, 2012

Staring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

     I am on a kick right now where I am reading all of the children’s classics I never got through when I was technically a child.  I do believe you can keep the mindset of a child for as long as you live.  Life is so much more enjoyable that way.

     The previous two books I read were quick reads.  I just finished “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” by Lewis Carroll, and I would not exactly say it was easy.  Most everyone knows the story of Alice who follows a white rabbit wearing a waistcoat down his hole (the rabbit is wearing the waistcoat; not Alice).  But I think you can never fully appreciate a story until you read it in its original form.  (Eventually I will read “A Christmas Carol.”)

     This is the first of two stories (the sequel, “Through the Looking-Glass” I will write on when I finish it).  Alice, a young girl, begins by sitting near her sister on the bank, without much to do.  Then a white rabbit in a waistcoat runs by looking at his pocket watch, and proclaiming that he is late.  With nothing else to do, Alice follows him down his hole, with not a thought on how to get back out.

     From then on, the story reads very much like a dream.  Alice comes across curious creatures and predicaments, and does not even question when bottles of drink make her shrink or cakes make her grow.  She then meets a philosophic caterpillar who smokes, a hatter perpetually stuck in teatime, and a Cheshire cat that not only smiles, but can disappear.  Alice has trouble conversing with anyone because what shouldn’t make sense apparently does, and what should make sense no longer does.  Everyone seems to be on the same page aside from Alice, who has difficulties making heads or tails of why a pack of cards are the queen’s guards, or why the queen wants everyone beheaded.

     It is an interesting read, but not quite logical.  It is one that you should read more than once and do research into in order to get the most meaning from it.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

     I just finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (no comments on my age).  I had never read it before, but often find myself in an argument on which movie did the book justice.  I figured it was time I support myself with having read the book.

     If you do not know the story, it is about a young boy named Charlie Bucket, whose family is slowly starving to death.  They live right down the street from the most amazing chocolate factory in the world, owned and operated by Willy Wonka. 

     Wonka’s factory has never been seen by anyone, but produces the most amazing candies ever imagined.  One day, he announces he has hidden five golden tickets underneath the wrapping paper of five ordinary chocolate bars.  The lucky finders of these tickets will receive a special tour of his factory, and all the candy they could ever eat.

     Charlie receives only one bar a year, but manages to find a ticket since the story is centered on him.  When he goes to the factory, the other four children are rotten to the core, and slowly meet their end inside the factory.  When Charlie is the only one left, he receives the biggest surprise he could ever imagine.

     I really enjoyed this book.  I like to read books for children and young adults from time to time, as they are enjoyable and a quick read (as maybe you can tell since I've finished two in a short amount of time).  This book had similarities to both movies, but I can say with full confidence that Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) is the truest to the story.

     It is a wonderful read, with interesting lessons to be discovered.  If you have not read anything by Dahl yet, I would recommend this as a starting place.  Happy reading!

The London Eye Mystery

      I just finished reading “The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd.  It is a young adult novel, which is sometimes quite relaxing to read.  I feel more accomplished when I am able to read 50 pages in the same amount of time as I usually cover 15.

     The story is told through Ted, a young boy with Asperger’s Syndrome.  His Aunt Gloria and cousin Salim come down from Manchester to visit Ted’s family in London, before they move to New York City.  On their stay, Salim wants to ride the London Eye, but when they get there the queue is much too long.  A stranger offers Salim his ticket, as he has changed his mind about going on the large Ferris wheel.  Salim gladly takes it, and Ted and his sister Kat watch as Salim boards the pod.  Ted and Kat track the pod Salim is in as it slowly makes its way back down.  Thirty minutes pass by, and when the pod Salim entered opens, he is nowhere to be found.  Ted and Kat have to figure out what happened to their cousin, as the police and their family are little help.  How can someone disappear out of a sealed pod?

     I chose the book because I very much miss London.  I then genuinely liked reading it.  It is always interesting to see the world through someone else’s point of view, especially when that person’s mind works drastically differently from yours.  As Ted struggles to read people’s body language, he picks up on clues that even the trained detectives are missing.  It is something to read.

     I particularly enjoyed how much of the British culture was incorporated into this book.  The author goes into detail of the tube system (London’s underground), as well as use words such as “quid” and describe locations within the City of London.  It brought me back, and I hope it will take you somewhere enjoyable.

Johnny Depp Grants a Make-A-Wish

Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins and Katie Vandrilla (Make-A-Wish recipient). Photo by Peter Mountain

By Katherine Vandrilla

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation gives children facing live-threatening illnesses the one thing they want most. Never did I expect to be on the receiving end of this immense generosity.

As a teenager I was diagnosed with leukemia, a blood cancer, and was told that I qualified for a wish. I knew instantaneously what I’d choose: to meet Johnny Depp. If you know one thing about me, it’s that Johnny Depp is a huge part of my life. I discovered him at the age of 12, and have never looked back. 

In the beginning, he was my favorite actor and the reason for my dream of acting. When I got sick, he became so much more than that. He gave me something to look forward to. I had to meet the man who had brought so much joy to my life.

Mid-September of 2011, after four years, my family told me that Make-A-Wish had called and we were being sent to London to meet the man of my dreams. Within a few hours my parents, brother and I were half across the world.

The whole experience was surreal. A limo picked us up at our hotel and we were taken to Pinewood Studios where Johnny was filming Dark Shadows, a movie based on the TV show of the same name. In the film he plays Barnabas Collins, a man who was cursed by a witch to spend eternity as a vampire. He was then buried for 200 years until he is accidentally unearthed in the year 1972.

At the studio we were shown props from the movie by the man who created them—and someone whose work I’ve admired—David Balfour. We also had the opportunity to watch them filming next door via a monitor. Then came the big moment. The moment I had been waiting for eight years. It was time to meet Johnny. But it wasn’t only him; Tim Burton, the director of the film and my favorite one at that, was also with him.

No words could ever describe how meeting them felt. To be in the same room as the man of my dreams was unbelievable. It was magical and utterly perfect—much more than I had ever dreamed it would be. There were a couple other Make-A-Wish children, and we were able to speak with Johnny and Tim for a while. We also had some one-on-one time with each of them.

I have never been as happy as I was on that day. I spoke with Johnny about acting, and told him how much he has meant to me. It is an experience I will never forget, and has given me precious memories for a lifetime.

After the day of my wish, my family had a few days to explore the City of London, with just enough time for me to fall helplessly in love with it. The foundation also sent us to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, as well as took care of all of our expenses.

After our walk among the stars, it was time to return to real life. I can never say enough good things about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, or Dark Shadows. It was the happiest week of my life, and I am so glad my family was able to share it with me.

Dark Shadows comes to DVD on Oct. 2. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit http://www.wish.org/."

This is a clip of an interview I found about the Wish: (not the best quality, but oh well!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNZ15_2kZeM
It was originally found here (but I think the link is not active anymore; sorry!)
http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/71915507/News/One-Girl's-Wish-To-Meet-Johnny-Depp-Comes-True 

The original story was taken from here: (the link is no longer active; sorry!)
http://www.myrecordjournal.com/berlincitizen/article_efaf12e0-ead1-11e1-aae5-0019bb2963f4.html#.UDKRo7USxRs.blogger

And an update about Katie can be found on the Make-A-Wish website:
http://wish.org/wishes/wish-nation-blog/2015/august/from-wish-kid-to-wish-granter#sm.0000rrtn451ahbefwwsmyembbvp1w

My First Class in London Comes to a Close

     Today I took my final exam, and am now done with my class.

     This class was unlike any I have ever taken before.  We learned about plays from reading and discussions, and then went out and actually saw them (and then talked about them some more).  You need to get out and experience life; you can't learn about it disconnected in a classroom.  You need to see how everything works out in actuality in order to fully appreciate it.

     This class gave me that opportunity.  I had a chance to see shows all over London, including the West End, that I would not have thought to on my own, (with the exception on "Sweeney Todd," but the price may have scared me).

     Seeing these shows was not only an enjoyable experience, but has helped me from a theatrical stand point.  I love to learn about new shows and movies.  With movies, if you do not have the chance to see them in the cinema, you can later rent or buy them on DVD.  You have numerous opportunities to see new movies, as well as in a wide-budget accommodation, (whether you are going to go see it in IMAX 3D on opening day, or wait a year to borrow it from your local library).

     With a play, you have to go and watch it live (which time, location and price can be deterring factors).  Each time I go to the theatre, is a memorable experience.  Even if I can't stand the show, I walk away seeing the world a bit different (even if it is just to question how some people can get plays published or are professional actors, while I am still in school).  This class gave me the knowledge to look at a play through my role as a member of the audience.  Not simply "it was good" or "I didn't care for it," but to understand why I was feeling the way I was.  I also see how important the playwright actually is.  I know it sounds silly, but 7 times out of 10, the actors are the reason I go to see a production.  Now I see how central the script is to the message.  Not necessarily how the actors add their own twist on the characters, as I thought when only seeing it from an American acting point of view.

     The class was also fun.  I got to lead a discussion and write a paper on "Sweeney Todd," one of my favorite musicals.  To see it was amazing, but to be able to base all of my class work on it was thoroughly enjoyable.

     I enjoyed taking a class about something that had nothing to do with my major, and everything to do with what makes me happy.

My Week: In a Nutshell

     This week has been one of the busiest of my life.  Never have I voluntarily gotten up so early so many days for the heck of it.

     Last Sunday I went to mass at Saint Paul Cathedral.  It was beautiful.  Today I went to mass at Westminster Abby.  It was also beautiful.  I am amazed by architecture so easily (especially older buildings).

Westminster Abby.

     As I’ve said, on Monday I went to see “Superstar” be filmed.

     All day on Wednesday, I spent in Leicester Square, as it was the “Dark Knight Rises” premiere.  It was not as successful as Spider-Man for me, but I did have a great deal of fun.  I met a lot of friendly people.  I stood next to a group of girls who had camped out the night before, and they let me stand in the front with them, as I was in the second row (and am vertically challenged, so crowds do not go in my favor).

     Unfortunately, we were placed in a cruddy location to see the stars.  Two of the people I had wanted to meet did not even come, and not many of the others came by us.  I did, however, get to meet the man behind the music of not only this trilogy, but “Pirates of the Caribbean” – Hans Zimmer.  That was exciting, as I love his work.  Also, the best best best part of the day, Anne Hathaway (not only in my top five favorite actresses, but the main reason I went that day), came by us.  She was in a rush, but wanted to come down the area we were.  She only had a few seconds to sign a couple of things, and I was thankfully and fortunately, one of them.  The day was a success, just for that.

The gorgeous Anne Hathaway at the premiere (waving to our section of the crowd).

     Again, on Thursday I went to see “Matilda the Musical.”  For every show, there are a few tickets set aside for students at an incredible price, and the boy in front of me in line let me have the last one for the day.  So I saw the show, and had a good time.

     Then on Friday, I went to Paris for the day.  My brother bought me Eurostar tickets for my birthday, and I had an amazing time.  But more on that in another post.

     Yesterday I finally tried curry, the unofficial national dish of England.  It was really good.  I've never tried curry before.

     I also found the main Olympic Park (as there are a few locations).  You could not go inside, but it was still something to see.  Then one of my friends and I roamed the streets of London at night.  We were at Saint Paul Cathedral at midnight, and heard the clock tower strike in Sunday morning.  It was peaceful and nice.

Olympic Park and Stadium.

Saint Paul's at midnight.

Tower Bridge with the Olympic Rings over the Thames.

     I cannot believe this is my last full weekend in London (for awhile at least).  It has been great so far, and next week looks like this trip will go out with a bang!

     Thanks for reading.