Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Chick Flick Night Out-- "Water for Elephants"

I got so many emails, FB/Twitter/blog comments about my birthday plans to hang out with my Chick Flick Club that I decided to do a little recap.
Not only was I really looking forward to a date with Robert Pattinson seeing Water for Elephants, I was giddy about having an evening on the town. Things have been a little crazy around here, and I hadn't been out of the house without at least one child in tow in a couple of weeks. I love my girls, but trying on Easter dresses while your three year old is attempting to escape the fitting room and expose you to the world can really wear on your nerves.

My friend Christy, my partner in crime for Target playdates and IKEA trips and NYC time, met me at our local Sephora on Saturday for a quick makeover. All we had to do was walk in and ask for help, and we had prime seats in the Beauty Studio! We chose to get eye makeovers, and it was so fun to learn how to recreate a new look.


We met my sister-in-law, SuSu (as my girls call her), for dinner at Panera and then....drum roll....it was time for the Chick Flick!!

The new movie theater behind our mall is great--bowling alley, lounge, bar, restaurant, VIP reserved seating, plush seats. It's fantastic! We settled on regular "poor people" seating, popcorn and soda from concessions, and seats right in the middle of the theater before the show started.

I never have very high expectations for films based on books, but I have to say that this take on Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants was fantastic.

The movie stays pretty true to the story, which is told by a present day narrator (Jacob) who reflects on his days working as a circus vet during the Great Depression. The movie skipped or skimmed over some parts I remembered from the novel, but it made sense considering they were condensing the story into feature film length. I just wish they'd shown us a little more of Depression era life, particularly for the more lowly circus workers.

Robert Pattinson completely embodies the character of young Jacob Jankowski...I didn't once think of him as a brooding vampire! He has great chemistry with Reese Witherspoon, who plays Marlena. Their scenes with Rosie the elephant were so touching.

If you haven't read the book, I really recommend it. There are some R rated parts, which I sort of skimmed over when reading, but the story is riveting! The movie brought Gruen's characters to life, and the climax was thrilling, if not quickly resolved. A great choice if you need a night out with the girls!

Here's the trailer, if you haven't seen it yet (if you're in a reader, you'll need to click over):


In case you were wondering, T did get me a cake! It wasn't a cookie cake (sob!), but it was delicious! He and the girls also gave me "deluxe" package from LightScoop, which I was so excited about. As soon as I figure out how to work the settings on my Nikon, I'll give you guys a good, honest review.

Next up on our Chick Flick roster? Something Borrowed and Bridesmaids, which looks so funny I think I'll need tissues.

{Which movies are on your "to-see" list?}

24 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review! I SOOO want to see that movie...except having 2 kids and no one to babysit kind of ruins those plans....hmmm..I might have to beg my husband for a chick night....

    Sounds like you had a blast!! Happy Belated birthday!

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  2. I am over half way through that book and I CAN NOT wait to see it! Thanks for the review :) I love the idea of having a chick flick club! I might have to get one of those going :)
    Jen

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  3. Ugh. Now I want to see it even more! I just started the book, and I can't wait to be able to see the movie! Thanks for the update, you know we were all dying to know!!!

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  4. Oh I'm dying to find time to see this movie. I loved the book. It was a great quick read. Glad to see that you got to get out. Mommies need a break sometimes too!

    Jessica

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  5. Thanks for the movie review! I wondered how it was. Can't wait to see it myself.

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  6. Oh what a fun night! How was Sephora? I haven't been there yet. Vince & I have been planning a date night to muvico b/c we got free premier seating tickets from his job at Christmas & we've been waiting for something really good to come out. I've been holding out for Pirates 4 but I think we may try & see soul surfer.

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  7. Love Sephora! Thanks for the recommendation on the book AND movie.

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  8. I am so relieved to hear that the movie was good! I am generally disappointed by any movie if I have already read the book. I might be going to see if with my Future Mother-In-Law this weekend - Can't wait to see it!

    Maygan

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  9. Our Chick Flick Club saw Water for Elephants as well this weekend. It was fantastic! It was the first adaption that I've seen where I think I like the movie slightly better than the book!

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  10. I saw this movie last week with girl friends also...I loved that it was pretty true to the book and who doesn't like to look at cutie Robert Pattinson for a couple of hours?

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  11. I have only heard positive reviews of this movie so far!

    Glad you enjoyed it and had a fun girls night out!

    My to see list? I am thinking.....

    How sad is it that I don't even really know what's playing right now?

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  12. just added the book to my list and would love to see the movie! glad it was good and you had a great time! i'm jealous you went to sephora beforehand-i so want to do that!!

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  13. This movie is at the very, tippy top of my To-See list!!! What a fun girl's night you had!!

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  14. This is one of my absolute favorite books so I am dying to see the movie! We have our girls night planned for May 6th to go see it!!! So happy to hear how much you liked it!

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  15. btw I am planning on having my craft party soon! I am having my first giveaway this week, so I've been a little consumed with that, but once it's over I'm going to have two of my friends over. I can't wait- I'll let you know how it goes!! (And of course write a "tell" post! :)

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  16. I'm so glad your birthday was a hit! Us Mamas all need a chick flick night every once in awhile. I had heard mixed reviews about "Water for Elephants", but now I think I may have to see it. Oh, and BTW, your hair is looking wonderful! :)

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  17. I'd seen a preview of Water for Elephants, but now I really want to see the movie! I'm so glad you had a good time. I'm guessing that most of the time if you do something with "the girls" it's Natalie and Michaela Byrd--nice for it to be "the girls" who can drive themselves and cut up their own food, huh? :)

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  18. You must be in Virginia. I love the new movie theater! Thanks for the review. I may have to read the book and then see the movie :)
    Pam from VA

    (Note: Comment edited. I don't disclose my location on the blog. Thanks for understanding!)

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  19. I think I need to put this on my summer reading list. Then I'll rent the movie. Going to a theater is rarity for me.
    Glad you got to have a fun night out!

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  20. That movie looks so good! Hubby and I have a date Friday night. We might have to go see this. Your new theater sounds very cool. We don't have any fancy theaters around here, not that I could afford them anyway.

    Thanks for the review. I'm dying to see both Something Borrowed and Bridesmaids and I can't wait to see The Help!

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  21. in the words of my daughter, "miss amanda's hair doesn't look short at all!! it looks pretty!" i agree, my friend. so glad you could enjoy your flick. i can't wait for BRIDESMAIDS--which is being labeled a gal-mance, lol!!!!

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  22. Thanks for the review! I have never read this book, so I honestly didn't really know what the movie was about (other than the circus, which I gathered from the trailers). I loves me some R. Pattz!

    I also think Bridesmaids looks hilarious. Just the fact that it has Kristen Wiig is enough to make me want to see it!

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  23. Great review! I am in need of a girls night...I will be checking this out.

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