 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
May 07, 2005Kingdom of HeavenTwo of my favorite "escapes" are reading and going to the movies. The latter pastime has been greatly enhanced by the arrival in Guatemala of Cinépolis, a Mexico-based chain of movie theatres. Besides the enormous screens, plush stadium seating, and state-of-the-art digital sound, the company does two things right: 1. It hosts foreign film festivals (a European cinema festival started yesterday), and 2. It frequently releases blockbuster movies on the same day as the USA! Which is a big thing. Traditionally, movies would arrive here in Guatemala months and months (and months) after they've been released stateside. For example: Spanglish, Son of the Mask, and Phantom of the Opera are currently playing in theatres here. In fact, when I see a movie being advertised on CBS, and the trailer ends with "coming soon to a theater near you", my first thought is "yeah, not likely". But on occasion, I am able to attend a movie on the very same day as my friends and family in gringolandia. And today was one of those days! This afternoon I went to see the premiere of Kingdom of Heaven, starring Orlando Bloom. Or rather I went to see "Crusade" (Cruzada), as the movie is known here in Guatemala. I have no idea why film titles are often renamed in Spanish, instead of simply translated. For example, the movie "White Noise" with Michael Keaton, is showing as "Voices from Beyond" (Voces del Mas Alla). The Julia Roberts film "Closer" is known as "Swept Away by Desire" (Llevados por el Deseo). Go figure. I am pleased to report, though, that "Spanglish" is still "Spanglish". Anyway... The movie was an EPIC ADVENTURE. Sorry, but I absolutely had to say that in capital letters. It is a stunning film, visually. The story isn't half bad, either. The theme -- the absurdly high cost of the conflict between Christian and Muslim extremists -- is timely, to say the least. In fact, if you mix the power struggles from "The Passion of the Christ", with the forbidden amorous relationship from "Shakespeare in Love", add in the battle scenes from "The Lord of the Rings", and the iron mask from the "The Man in the Iron Mask"... you pretty much get the "Kingdom of Heaven". Definitely worth seeing. Especially if you live in Guatemala, where the ticket price is only $3. (Pocorn not included.) And finally, because she will want to know... yes Kim, Orlando Bloom is sufficiently hunky in the film. You'll love it. Posted by elcanche at May 7, 2005 10:15 PMComments
I think after "Good Fellas" got "translated" as "Buenos Muchachos" they figured they may want to Spanglish it up a bit! Glad you beat us all to the new release. Has anyone told you about the M&Ms yet? Posted by: SUsan at May 8, 2005 07:36 AMNew M&Ms? What... do they glow in the dark, or something? Posted by: Rob at May 8, 2005 12:33 PMSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than that. Posted by: Susan at May 8, 2005 03:25 PMOK, so tell me already! (Geez, an M&M tease!) Posted by: Rob at May 8, 2005 05:47 PMThere are new M&M's Rob, I am not going to tell you what they are, but Big and Little Andrew loved them!! Love, Marisa Posted by: Marisa at May 8, 2005 06:41 PMSo, family and friends of Rob...do we break it to him, or make him wait? Ahhhhhh! Dark Chocolate M&Ms!!!! (Its not like we can't google here in Guatemala, ya know.) Wow! Maybe I'll just run down to the 7-11 and... ah, nuts. Well... this does sound like a challenge, doesn't it? Will it be possible to find dark chocolate M&Ms in Guatemala? Stay tuned! Posted by: Rob at May 8, 2005 08:17 PMHope you can get the dark chocolate M&M's. Also, Little Andrew tried the peanut butter M&M's which were similiar to Reese's Pieces, your nephew loves Peanut butter!!! Love, Andy & Marisa Posted by: Marisa at May 9, 2005 09:12 AMHow come nobody told me about the new M&M's? I love dark chocolate! Posted by: Mom at May 10, 2005 08:08 AMMom, my guess is that they didn't tell you becuase they were afraid you'd wipe out the dark chocolate M&M supplies. (The only reason they told me was that I'm safely in Guatemala.) And if I know little Andy, he's probably trying to corner the market on the peanut butter ones. Posted by: Rob at May 10, 2005 08:33 AMBY THE WAY... I just want to remark on something here... I've posted over 250 journal entries about Guatemalan reality and my life experiences... but the most lively comments discussion EVER results from Susan's comment about freakin' M&Ms. M&Ms!!!!!!! Posted by: Rob at May 10, 2005 08:37 AMwell, I have always had a knack for knowing what is REALLY important in life. Posted by: Susan at May 10, 2005 11:47 AMYeah, I noticed that too. I saw so many comments, but I thought it was going to be on the "Kingdom of Heaven." But it was on M&Ms that I didn't even know existed!! Posted by: Carol at May 10, 2005 01:13 PM |
|
