We still have a few weeks to acquire the beautiful gold ribbon pins and pendants. Or a precious car magnet with the Candlelighter’s spokeschild on it. All proceeds go to research or helping families with the many different aspects of cancer. Whether you take this time to donate to the:

American Cancer Society to help with all the many things they do, like sponsoring an annual camp for cancer kids where they can have fun while safely monitored by doctors and nurses

or to the:

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation who helps so many families in all aspects, from befriending and lending a hand when your child is suddenly diagnosed, to helping with transportation issues. There are many local groups of Candlelighters. It’s not hard to find one near you so you can help the children in your community.

: your time and effort is much appreciated.

Have a good weekend.

Jamie

Tonight, I had a really good time.  For the first time ever, my dh and I went on a double date with his brother and our soon-to-be sis in-law.  For some strange reason, we just have not done this before.  So, we went out for a nice sit down dinner and my personal favorite, steak fajitas, and out to a movie

Yes, The Covenant.  Okay, I will preface this review with a few key facts.  1.  I am easily pleased, most of the time.  2.  I do like pretty special effects.  3.  The story can be forgiven for leaving a few questions if there aren’t too many and the answers aren’t too necessary to understanding the plot.

Tonight, I was in the mood to have fun.  To enjoy myself.  But yes, even at these times I do look at story, plot and characterization.  In this case, I was pleased.  I would’ve liked a little more history and backstory, especially as I didn’t read the small sentences at the very beginning fast enough, but overall, it explained the basic dilemma and quickly.

Thanks to a drunken mother, we saw right away the members of the covenant (all boys) begin feeling their powers at 13 and ascend to the full potential at 18.  And that using their powers ages them, eventually killing them.

So, using a drug analogy (that actually worked well because if you could do wild, wonderful things wouldn’t you find a way to rationalize that it was “necessary” to use these gifts, even knowing the risk?) the conflict was set.  Boy knows risk, resists powers as long as possible but gives in due to the threat to loved ones.  And at the end, has he given in too much?

The romance was sweet and the heroine wasn’t stupid.  Protected, used in that beautifully ethereal victim way, but not stupid.  She found a few answers on her own without being a drama queen and I can respect that.

Overall, it was a good story.  I can smell the sequel, but almost-but-not-quite-like with Underworld, I look forward to it.  As with Underworld 2: Evolution, I hope I love it.  Special effects are very cool and I love looking at normal people doing extraordinary things.  I wish they’d done more with Unbreakable.

However, I have to say no matter what flack I get for it, I am disturbed by this nation’s growing trend for “cool” stories that show hell and damnation as fascinating.  I hope someone, including myself, is capable of being responsible with this topic.  And I hope it doesn’t become just another Hollywood gimic.  As I see the “coolness” factor with the rest of the story and the cinematography, the sheer creativity of the piece, how do I protect my children from the worse elements?

Considering the uproar over Harry Potter and witchcraft, it doesn’t take Einstein to see the ensuing conflict over a story in which mysterious powers have a direct link to witchcraft and damnation.

What can I say?  Drama, drama, drama.  Outside of fiction, I have no energy for it.  My love of creativity or strict religious mores?  Now there’s a conflict for you.