If you have been a reader of my blog for a while, you probably know that I love awards season. I get so excited in January and February to tune into the Golden Globes and SAGS and Oscars. It isn't because of the dresses. Just because I am a girl doesn't mean I care at all about fashion. I really enjoy watching actors being recognized for accomplishments. I feel like I know these actors from their work and am connected to them.
What frustrates me, though, is that I never have seen very many of the movies. Most award shows go like this. "I have no idea if Leo should win this year because I haven't seen any of the movies in his category." "Why is this movie winning so much? I need to see it!"
So, this year, I decided I would see all the Oscar nominees in every category. Every single one. I wanted to see the best of the best. I wanted to be in awe of the cinematography. I wanted to discover a new favorite actor. I was excited. The problem was that I decided this on February 1st and needed to see over 30 movies in exactly 30 days. At this point, all I had seen was Star Wars, Cinderella, Inside Out, and Bridge of Spies. It wasn't a good start. The task was insane.
I spent every weekend in February in movie marathons. I watched all the short films at the Ross in town. I went to the Best Picture Festivals at the Grand. I drove to Omaha to see four films I couldn't find in Lincoln. I watched online after school many days. I may or may not have obtained a few movies without paying.
But I did it. I saw them all.
So what did I learn?
1. I love movies! Even more than I thought. It was seriously one of the best experiences ever. I want to do it again. (Maybe I'll start earlier though next year).
2. I might be a movie snob. I honestly haven't liked many movies recently. I am so tired of superheroes and sequels. These movies were actually original. Turns out I also really like foreign films. And documentaries. I kept seeing the same people at the movies and thought "these are my people." Too bad my people are mostly retired couples.
3. I love learning. I already knew this, but I didn't realize how much I would learn just watching movies. My favorite movies were about topics I didn't know a lot about. I watched movies about wars and the financial crisis and Turkish culture and musicians and space and border security and the Ukranian revolution. I feel like a more educated person. It was amazing.
4. The Academy doesn't think like me...at all. I loved all of the Best Pictures nominees except one. And that one was the winner. I loved all the foreign films except one...that one was the winner. Seriously? What were you thinking?
5. Netflix is a wonderful thing. You know this of course. I just love that the framework of Netflix is not centered on number of viewers so they can afford to make some great documentaries that everyone can access without budget limitations. It is a great thing for the movie industry. So maybe you can switch it up one day and watch Winter on Fire instead of yet another episode of Fuller House (don't worry, I watched all of that too.)
So...you might be asking, "What was your favorite movie?" The answer is...I can't decide. I loved so many. But here is my short list of recommendations in case you want to watch something new.
1. The Big Short
2. The Revenant
3. Winter on Fire
4. Mustang
5. Brooklyn
Friday, March 18, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Our Final Stops of Nebraska Passport
I realized recently that I had forgotten to let my blog readers know that Hillary and I completed our Nebraska tour by the end of September. We hit all 80 stops all across the state. For our efforts, we each won a Nebraska duffel bag, a Nebraska chip/dip tray, lots of local snacks, and some scratch tickets. But most of all we won the experience of a lifetime. Yes, it was SO many hours in our cars, but we saw all Nebraska has to offer and here are the highlights from the remaining tours.
5. I <3 ART
The Stops: Cowboy Trail (Ainsworth to Long Pine), Platte River State Park in Louisville, Awarii Dunes in Axtell, Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Graham Canoe Outfitters in Valentine, Spring Creek Audubon Center in Denton, Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center in Chadron, Pioneers Park Nature Center in Lincoln
Our Top Pick: This was supposed to be an active trip, but we didn't do much activity. I wish we were able to kayak/tube on the Niobrara and really walk through the Hudson-Meng boneyard and the Fontenelle Forest, but since we didn't do any of this stuff, my top pick has to go to Cowboy Trail. We walked this on our night in Long Pine and probably just stood silently on that beautiful old railroad bridge for half an hour. That place will always be special to me. I also want to mention that Spring Creek Audubon Center was our first and last stop since it was closed the first time we went. Worked out perfectly.
10. ONLY IN NEBRASKA
5. I <3 ART
The Stops: Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City, Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance, Love's Jazz and Art Center in Omaha, Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Museum of Fur Trade in Chadron, Petrified Wood and Art Gallery in Ogallala, Red Path Gallery in Seward.
Our Top Picks: We are not big art people, so this is hard for us to judge, but I'd saw it was a toss-up between Red Path Gallery, which had some fantastic art by Nebraska artists. I actually want to go back there again to walk around since it is so close to Lincoln and Petrified Wood and Art Gallery. That museum was run by twin brothers who have been collecting since they were little boys and they had stories to tell. I wish we could have stayed longer there because they were entertaining. Most of these art folks were wonderful people. In David City, a couple gave us a wonderful tour and, in Alliance, two ladies stayed open a few minutes late just because we called ahead.
6. ONE OF A KIND
The Stops: Hollywood Candy in Omaha, Lee's Legendary Marbles in York, Meadville Store in Ainsworth, Moonstruck Meadery in Bellevue, Sew Blessed in McCook, Solid Rock in Kearney, The Whistle Stop in Basset, Yankee Peddler West in Fremont
Our Top Pick: Meadville Store in Ainsworth was an experience we won't forget. It wasn't really a store, but a bar in the middle of nowhere. This was another time on the trip where we thought we might be stuck in the mud and lost forever with no cell phone service. The only time we stopped to ask for directions was in Ainsworth. But once we got there, we had a drink at the bar and the couple was extremely friendly. I guess a lot of people get married out there in the park. It was definitely "one of a kind." The marbles museum in York was also very unique though.
7. CHILL & CHAT
The Stops: Balcony House B&B in Imperial, Historic Golden Hotel in O'Neil, Liberty House B&B in Seward, Oft's B&B in Bennington, Pine Valley Resort in Long Pine, The Kaley House in Red Cloud, The Spirit of Brownville, Whispering Pines B&B in Nebraska City
Our Top Pick: Although we really like most of these stops, we stayed the night at Pine Valley Resort and that was amazing. It was probably the most laid-back part of our trip. We got there early and took in the whole place. It was a cozy little cabin. We went and got groceries and made dinner (and snacks and drinks) in our kitchen. We hiked down the the creek and ventured into town. It was so peaceful and beautiful there. We also were able to stay the night at the B&B in Imperial and that was our very first Bed and Breakfast experience, so that was cool too. We even talked about giving the B&B in Nebraska City a try if we ever had a girls' getaway again.
8. NEBRASKA LEGENDS
The Stops: Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial in Columbus, Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City, Arthur Bowring Ranch in Merriman, General Crook House in Omaha, John G. Neihardt Historic Site in Bancroft, Ponca Tribal Museum in Niobrara, Senator George Norris Historic Site in McCook, Willa Cather Historic Site in Red Cloud
Our Top Pick: At Ponca Tribal Museum, they invited us to a powwow. I mean how can you beat that? We didn't actually get to go, but the man that runs this place was hilarious. He evidently sits out at this secluded house and makes drums all day and he loved telling us stories. He was absolutely a joy and even though we had to drive way out of our way on the way to Minneapolis, he made us glad we did.
9. HAPPY HEART
Our Top Pick: This was supposed to be an active trip, but we didn't do much activity. I wish we were able to kayak/tube on the Niobrara and really walk through the Hudson-Meng boneyard and the Fontenelle Forest, but since we didn't do any of this stuff, my top pick has to go to Cowboy Trail. We walked this on our night in Long Pine and probably just stood silently on that beautiful old railroad bridge for half an hour. That place will always be special to me. I also want to mention that Spring Creek Audubon Center was our first and last stop since it was closed the first time we went. Worked out perfectly.
10. ONLY IN NEBRASKA
The Stops: Agate Fossil Beds in Harrison, Boys Town, Buffalo Bill Ranch in North Platte, Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, The State Capitol in Lincoln, Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, Woodland Trails Art in Winnebego
Our Top Pick: Personally, it was Scotts Bluff for me. We had added Chimney Rock to our trip, assuming that would be better, even though it wasn't on any of our official stops, but after going to Scotts Bluff, I understand why they picked that. So much more impressive. It really looks like a gateway to the west.
I chose to put this tour last, though, because the experiences surrounding these stops were some of the most memorable. After stopping in Harrison at the fossil beds, we really needed to get Alliance and were short on time. Google Maps indicated a short cut, but we didn't see it. Suddenly, I yelled at Hillary to stop because I thought I saw something. She was sure it was just a driveway or makeshift road between fields, but sure enough it was labeled "Cut Across Road." We laughed about that forever. Also, we accidentally crashed a wedding in North Platte, which led to even more laughs. In the State Capitol, we couldn't find anyone to stamp our passport so I climbed over the counter to stamp myself to the shock of Hillary. In short, this trip was full of laughs and memories that will last a lifetime. If you are considering doing the 2016 tour, we strongly encourage it. Take an adventure right here at home. :)
Monday, January 25, 2016
Battles Beyond What We See
The most utterly important lesson I have learned as a middle school teacher is to think about motivations. What is my motivation for teaching this lesson? What is your motivation for writing this personal narrative? What motivates this behavior (good or bad)? We don't do what we do for no reason at all.
Middle schoolers, though, don't always realize what motivates them. They act out and can't articulate their feelings. At the beginning of the school year, I tried to make them reason. This is laughable now. A student would be yelling in class and I'd pull them out in the hallway and ask what was wrong. The response would be something along the lines of "I hate you" or "This class sucks." I would prod more. "Why does it suck?" And I never once got a coherent answer.
But usually, it had nothing to do with me. It had nothing to do with English class. This was a ricochet from another battle. A battle beyond what I could see. Every once in a while I catch glimpses. One student tells me he doesn't care whether I call home because his mom is probably high anyway. A girl writes a story for class about a "dream" that involves vivid details of an abusive father. I hear a conversation in the hallway where a student says she "will never ever be as smart as her sister." I sit with a boy on the staircase who is crying because of what a bully said to him. A student comes in after class and tells me his cousin was shot in a gang fight and he just wanted to tell someone. So maybe they aren't focused today in class. Maybe they are fighting and yelling. Maybe they curse in your face. Or just don't bring their homework in. But they are motivated by something much deeper.
A friend on Facebook recently shared a post that said "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." That is the motto I live by now. I can't always know what motivates them. They sure aren't going to tell me. But kindness is a language they do understand. This is not to be confused with coddling or being a pushover. I have high expectations for my students. But, no matter how mad I am (and I was SO mad today) I have to try to maintain kind responses. I can't be another soldier for the enemy, whoever that enemy might be.
Middle schoolers, though, don't always realize what motivates them. They act out and can't articulate their feelings. At the beginning of the school year, I tried to make them reason. This is laughable now. A student would be yelling in class and I'd pull them out in the hallway and ask what was wrong. The response would be something along the lines of "I hate you" or "This class sucks." I would prod more. "Why does it suck?" And I never once got a coherent answer.
But usually, it had nothing to do with me. It had nothing to do with English class. This was a ricochet from another battle. A battle beyond what I could see. Every once in a while I catch glimpses. One student tells me he doesn't care whether I call home because his mom is probably high anyway. A girl writes a story for class about a "dream" that involves vivid details of an abusive father. I hear a conversation in the hallway where a student says she "will never ever be as smart as her sister." I sit with a boy on the staircase who is crying because of what a bully said to him. A student comes in after class and tells me his cousin was shot in a gang fight and he just wanted to tell someone. So maybe they aren't focused today in class. Maybe they are fighting and yelling. Maybe they curse in your face. Or just don't bring their homework in. But they are motivated by something much deeper.
A friend on Facebook recently shared a post that said "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." That is the motto I live by now. I can't always know what motivates them. They sure aren't going to tell me. But kindness is a language they do understand. This is not to be confused with coddling or being a pushover. I have high expectations for my students. But, no matter how mad I am (and I was SO mad today) I have to try to maintain kind responses. I can't be another soldier for the enemy, whoever that enemy might be.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Somebody That Loves Me
On Thursday after work, I was flipping through the radio stations and I happened upon the Whitney Houston song, "I Want to Dance with Somebody." I turned the volume up and started belting it out. For a few minutes, I felt perfectly happy. I continued to sing the song to myself long after I arrived home. The part I kept repeating was "somebody that loves me." As I heard myself sing it for the hundredth time, I suddenly wanted to surround myself with just that--people that loved me. So I called home and made last minute plans to take a weekend trip to my parents'. I just got back from Christmas break and had no real reason for making the trip back, but I felt that it was what I needed more than anything at that moment.
I've been in a funk lately where I am sad a lot for no reason at all. I had to leave the room with friends to cry in the bathroom and nothing at all had happened to upset me. My mom asked me why I seemed down and my excuses didn't really make any sense. A coworker asked me just last week if she could do anything to help because I seemed really down and I had to make up an excuse about being tired, even though I slept 9 hours the night before. It's very weird. But on Friday after work, I drove home. I sang for the entire 2 1/2 hour trip and cleared my mind of anything else. I played video games with my sister. I woke up the next day and my dog licked my face. I went to lunch with one of my best friends and we talked for a few hours about anything and everything. I talked about work and food and football and all kinds of random topics with my dad. I laid under blankets on the couch all day Sunday, watching movies with my mom. And when I left I was wrapped in warm hugs. I knew I was loved. Of course, I always know I am, but sometimes we go through hours, days, weeks, or months in life when we need to be reminded more often. So, tell someone close to you that you love them today. Wrap them in a hug. Send a caring message. It can mean so much more than you know.
I've been in a funk lately where I am sad a lot for no reason at all. I had to leave the room with friends to cry in the bathroom and nothing at all had happened to upset me. My mom asked me why I seemed down and my excuses didn't really make any sense. A coworker asked me just last week if she could do anything to help because I seemed really down and I had to make up an excuse about being tired, even though I slept 9 hours the night before. It's very weird. But on Friday after work, I drove home. I sang for the entire 2 1/2 hour trip and cleared my mind of anything else. I played video games with my sister. I woke up the next day and my dog licked my face. I went to lunch with one of my best friends and we talked for a few hours about anything and everything. I talked about work and food and football and all kinds of random topics with my dad. I laid under blankets on the couch all day Sunday, watching movies with my mom. And when I left I was wrapped in warm hugs. I knew I was loved. Of course, I always know I am, but sometimes we go through hours, days, weeks, or months in life when we need to be reminded more often. So, tell someone close to you that you love them today. Wrap them in a hug. Send a caring message. It can mean so much more than you know.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Some New Year's Resolutions
It has been a long time since I wrote on this blog. Probably the longest gap since I started the blog four years ago. But I'm back! And it's a new year. So, in honor of that, here are my resolutions for 2016.
1. I bet I say "sorry" at minimum 10 times a day. I'm sorry I'm bothering you with this question. I'm sorry I'm talking too much. I'm sorry that I don't have the right answer. I'm sorry I can't hang out with you today. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I will stop saying "sorry" so much. I am always apologizing for everything as if my mere existence was offensive to others. I need to stop thinking about every small inconvenience I might impose on others and be more sure of what I am doing and saying.
2. When I got back from winter break, one of my students asked me "Miss Siel, did you do something amazing over break?"
"Not really," I replied. "It was a really nice break, but nothing amazing."
He studied me for a few moments and then asked, "Well did you sleep a lot?"
"Yes, I sure did."
"That explains it," he said with certainty.
"Explains what?"
"Why you are so much nicer than you were at the end of last semester."
I laughed at the time. I was much kinder and engaged and helpful than the end of the first semester when I felt stressed and drained and frustrated. Kids sense that stress and frustration. And it makes for more chaotic classrooms. I want to be a positive spot in these young people's lives. I want to be present.
3. I will take time for myself. I will sleep instead of checking lesson plans at night. I will read a book even if I have a pile laundry to do. I will go get my hair cut without worrying incessantly about the money I'm spending. I will have a drink with a friend after work because the grades can be entered tomorrow. I will see a movie every once in a while.
4. I will make time for friends. I know I need me time, but I also want to make sure I take time for more social interactions. There were so many days last semester that I didn't talk to anyone outside or work. This in unacceptable. I have a phone. I live in Lincoln and can meet up with others. I will stop making excuses and do something on Friday evening.
5. I will continue to learn and improve. This is my yearly resolution. I always, always want to keep growing.
1. I bet I say "sorry" at minimum 10 times a day. I'm sorry I'm bothering you with this question. I'm sorry I'm talking too much. I'm sorry that I don't have the right answer. I'm sorry I can't hang out with you today. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I will stop saying "sorry" so much. I am always apologizing for everything as if my mere existence was offensive to others. I need to stop thinking about every small inconvenience I might impose on others and be more sure of what I am doing and saying.
2. When I got back from winter break, one of my students asked me "Miss Siel, did you do something amazing over break?"
"Not really," I replied. "It was a really nice break, but nothing amazing."
He studied me for a few moments and then asked, "Well did you sleep a lot?"
"Yes, I sure did."
"That explains it," he said with certainty.
"Explains what?"
"Why you are so much nicer than you were at the end of last semester."
I laughed at the time. I was much kinder and engaged and helpful than the end of the first semester when I felt stressed and drained and frustrated. Kids sense that stress and frustration. And it makes for more chaotic classrooms. I want to be a positive spot in these young people's lives. I want to be present.
3. I will take time for myself. I will sleep instead of checking lesson plans at night. I will read a book even if I have a pile laundry to do. I will go get my hair cut without worrying incessantly about the money I'm spending. I will have a drink with a friend after work because the grades can be entered tomorrow. I will see a movie every once in a while.
4. I will make time for friends. I know I need me time, but I also want to make sure I take time for more social interactions. There were so many days last semester that I didn't talk to anyone outside or work. This in unacceptable. I have a phone. I live in Lincoln and can meet up with others. I will stop making excuses and do something on Friday evening.
5. I will continue to learn and improve. This is my yearly resolution. I always, always want to keep growing.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Roxie and Sarah's Guide to Horror Movies Part 3
Section 7: Jeepers Creepers
This movie needs its own category because it's in the Top 5 movies for both of us. We own the movie (because Sarah bought it for me for Christmas one year) and have both watched it many, many times. It is genuinely creepy and dark and has the music to match. We understand that not a ton of people agree with us (It has a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes). I think some of the cheesy parts of it are the best though. It is a movie that makes fun of itself with lines like "You know the part in scary movies when somebody does something really stupid, and everybody hates them for it? This is it." It has the zombie aspect of a fear of being eaten. There is the utter terror in the underground tunnel made of humans. It has even has a scary old lady and a scarecrow. I even like the sibling rivalry and moments of humor intermittent. It's a wonderful mesh of horror movie paradigms and we are in love.
Section 8: Sarah's Section
It is no secret in our house that I, Roxie, am the pickier of the two of us. If I like a horror movie, Sarah is guaranteed to like it as well, but if Sarah likes it, I've only got a 50/50 shot of sharing the sentiment. So, for Sarah's portion of this guide, we would like to include the following movies to our list: The Conjuring, Insidious and Insidious 3 (but NOT #2), The Ring, and Sinister. I didn't hate any of those movies, but I didn't find them scary like Sarah did. She definitely recommends them all.
Section 9: Thrillers
There are many movies that are listed as horror/thriller, but we tend to lean toward the horror part of this combination. There are exceptions though. The two of us went to the movie You're Next at the theater a few years ago and loved it. This wasn't scary to either of us, but the action was awesome. We were cheering on the main character the whole time. It was smart and kept us guessing despite the lack of scares. I like that a lot.
This is all we have for now. Thank you to Linda for the new recommendations. We will be checking them out very soon. If anyone else wants to suggest something new for us, we would love to hear it.
This movie needs its own category because it's in the Top 5 movies for both of us. We own the movie (because Sarah bought it for me for Christmas one year) and have both watched it many, many times. It is genuinely creepy and dark and has the music to match. We understand that not a ton of people agree with us (It has a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes). I think some of the cheesy parts of it are the best though. It is a movie that makes fun of itself with lines like "You know the part in scary movies when somebody does something really stupid, and everybody hates them for it? This is it." It has the zombie aspect of a fear of being eaten. There is the utter terror in the underground tunnel made of humans. It has even has a scary old lady and a scarecrow. I even like the sibling rivalry and moments of humor intermittent. It's a wonderful mesh of horror movie paradigms and we are in love.
Section 8: Sarah's Section
It is no secret in our house that I, Roxie, am the pickier of the two of us. If I like a horror movie, Sarah is guaranteed to like it as well, but if Sarah likes it, I've only got a 50/50 shot of sharing the sentiment. So, for Sarah's portion of this guide, we would like to include the following movies to our list: The Conjuring, Insidious and Insidious 3 (but NOT #2), The Ring, and Sinister. I didn't hate any of those movies, but I didn't find them scary like Sarah did. She definitely recommends them all.
Section 9: Thrillers
There are many movies that are listed as horror/thriller, but we tend to lean toward the horror part of this combination. There are exceptions though. The two of us went to the movie You're Next at the theater a few years ago and loved it. This wasn't scary to either of us, but the action was awesome. We were cheering on the main character the whole time. It was smart and kept us guessing despite the lack of scares. I like that a lot.
This is all we have for now. Thank you to Linda for the new recommendations. We will be checking them out very soon. If anyone else wants to suggest something new for us, we would love to hear it.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Roxie and Sarah's Guide to Horror Movies Part 2
Section 4: The Twist Ending
If you have ever watched a scary movie with me, you know I always assume there will be a twist at the end. For whatever reason, I always believe I am being deceived when I watch the horror genre. I am sometimes right on and sometimes way off. There is something fascinating about an entire movie being laid out to trick an audience that is magical. The best ones that come to mind are obviously The Sixth Sense and probably The Others. There are many, many others but those are two that really got me. I remember watching The Sixth Sense on VHS and having to rewatch it right away.
Section 5: Movies From Our Adolescence
When you ask people what movie scared them the most, I would say generally people answer with a movie they saw when they were younger. The teenage years are times of great impression. I always remember my mom talking about watching When a Stranger Calls when she was in high school and being too afraid to babysit again. For Sarah and I, two movies that came out in middle school hold very big scare factors for us, even though they might not be the scariest movies around. They were some of the first though and the experience was scary enough. One that stands out to both of us is the remake of The Amityville Horror with Ryan Reynolds. Not a particularly amazing movie for any reason, but it was a blockbuster when we were about 13-14 and we were scared.
Another one from that time in our lives is The Grudge. This was, in fact, my very first horror movie in the theater. I went with my mom and was scared more than I had ever been in my life. I remember my mom kept telling me that it wasn't real, but I think she was trying to convince herself just as much as she was me. To this day, that is the one and only scary movie that gave me nightmares. Weirdly, it wasn't the girl that scared me, but the little boy that meowed. I kept imagining him crouched in a corner staring at me. It gives me the heebie jeebies even now. Sarah and I have rewatched the movie a few times and still find it pretty terrifying despite all the people who think it is lousy. I can't even put my hair in front of my face and breathe heavily without our friend Hillary freaking out.
Section 6: The Use of Technology
As cell phones became an everyday item, you would think that terrifying situations would be harder to come by, but we have found the the incorporation of technology into scary movies sometimes can make an even scarier experience. In Section 1 about the Paranormal movies from our first post, I mentioned that I liked the aspect of security cameras used in Paranormal 2. On Netflix recently, Sarah and I watched a movie called The Den. It used webcams to spy on victims and was a thrilling movie. This movie led us to watch the movie Unfriended, which ended up also being a winner. That entire movie is shot as if you were looking at the screen of the main character's computer. The effect was enthralling. We would definitely recommend either of them to any scary movie buffs.
We watch way too many scary movies, so stay tuned for Part 3.
If you have ever watched a scary movie with me, you know I always assume there will be a twist at the end. For whatever reason, I always believe I am being deceived when I watch the horror genre. I am sometimes right on and sometimes way off. There is something fascinating about an entire movie being laid out to trick an audience that is magical. The best ones that come to mind are obviously The Sixth Sense and probably The Others. There are many, many others but those are two that really got me. I remember watching The Sixth Sense on VHS and having to rewatch it right away.
Section 5: Movies From Our Adolescence
When you ask people what movie scared them the most, I would say generally people answer with a movie they saw when they were younger. The teenage years are times of great impression. I always remember my mom talking about watching When a Stranger Calls when she was in high school and being too afraid to babysit again. For Sarah and I, two movies that came out in middle school hold very big scare factors for us, even though they might not be the scariest movies around. They were some of the first though and the experience was scary enough. One that stands out to both of us is the remake of The Amityville Horror with Ryan Reynolds. Not a particularly amazing movie for any reason, but it was a blockbuster when we were about 13-14 and we were scared.
Another one from that time in our lives is The Grudge. This was, in fact, my very first horror movie in the theater. I went with my mom and was scared more than I had ever been in my life. I remember my mom kept telling me that it wasn't real, but I think she was trying to convince herself just as much as she was me. To this day, that is the one and only scary movie that gave me nightmares. Weirdly, it wasn't the girl that scared me, but the little boy that meowed. I kept imagining him crouched in a corner staring at me. It gives me the heebie jeebies even now. Sarah and I have rewatched the movie a few times and still find it pretty terrifying despite all the people who think it is lousy. I can't even put my hair in front of my face and breathe heavily without our friend Hillary freaking out.
Section 6: The Use of Technology
As cell phones became an everyday item, you would think that terrifying situations would be harder to come by, but we have found the the incorporation of technology into scary movies sometimes can make an even scarier experience. In Section 1 about the Paranormal movies from our first post, I mentioned that I liked the aspect of security cameras used in Paranormal 2. On Netflix recently, Sarah and I watched a movie called The Den. It used webcams to spy on victims and was a thrilling movie. This movie led us to watch the movie Unfriended, which ended up also being a winner. That entire movie is shot as if you were looking at the screen of the main character's computer. The effect was enthralling. We would definitely recommend either of them to any scary movie buffs.
We watch way too many scary movies, so stay tuned for Part 3.
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