I rented this movie after hearing that it was a pretty big blockbuster. I didn't realize that the guy who directed Glory also directed this movie. In my opinion this is a very well acted, very well directed movie after the price people pay to mine diamonds in South Africa. Although it has some brutal parts, it really makes you think about the cost of getting bigger and bigger diamonds in the diamond industry. I don't know if it is all true, but I did really make you think even if part of it is true. DiCaprio is really an excellent actor and even though I wasn't thrilled with his image in Titantic, he has done a great job getting other roles to play in and acting well in everything he has been given. This movie is very moving and a sad tale of how materialism has become so prevalent in western society. It made me think in new ways about the concept of diamond engagement rings. Some of the movie did seem to almost be too strong and almost preachy, but all in all I think it was an exceptional performance, and a movie that is worth watching. Very action-packed, but also moving, much like the movie Glory which is also directed by the same man. Recommended.

Night At the Museum Review

I had heard this movie was pretty funny, so I decided to rent it and see. Not as great as I was expecting. Decent movie and very politically correct and obvious in an attempt to make history come alive, but maybe I just was expecting too much. It did have some great actors like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams, and Owen Wilson (Ok maybe that last name is a stretch), but it just seemed kind of cheesy and silly and some of the story lines just didn't seem to get developed enough. The plot was thin, the acting was decent (Robin Williams seemed to have the best part and acted the best in my opinion), but all-in-all, not a movie I would necessarily rewatch. If the kids want to see it, it is a pretty safe bet, but otherwise watch Stranger Than Fiction (see my review below) for an exceptional movie with a great script and high quality acting.

Rocky Balboa review

Yes, I know Rocky movies seem to go on forever, but I had to go out and rent this one. I have seen all his other movies, and I had actually heard positive things about this one. I will say Sly Stallone has improved over some of his sequals in this series, but still nothing can top the first Rocky movie which I love and own. Anyway this movie picks up with Rocky in his retirement years owning his own restaurant and telling stories of when he used to box in the ring. All of sudden with the modern day technology of computer opponents the news has decided to set up a computer match and pit him against the current champion to see who would win. This of course gets everyone remembering the wonderful days when Rocky used to fight and a real fight is set up between him and the reigning champion (in some ways very similar to the first round in Rocky I). This movie definitely wasn't as bad as Rocky IV and Rocky V, but considering how many movies there are of this guy, the story is starting to get old. I did like the fact that much of the movie is developing the characters rather than just showing the two opponents jumping rope and running up steps. However, I still probably won't buy this one. Decent movie, but again - not as great as the original.

Stranger Than Fiction Review

It seems like it has been forever, since I have penned a review, but that doesn't mean I haven't been watching movies. I just saw a very well made movie on the right which really was surprising in how well written and acted it was. I have seen several Will Ferrell movies and usually after watching one I wonder if I could have used the time better than to sit through a movie watching him be a clown. I do find him funny, I just don't expect him to be in deep movies. He really showed his acting talent in the movie Stranger Than Fiction. This movie had an exceptional script and really made me think about life in a deeper sort of way. I guess you may classify this movie as a feel-good thinker movie, but whatever the recipe and genre it falls into, I liked it a lot. Two thumbs up for an interesting look at why we live life in less-than-ordinary ways. Highly recommended. I may have to go out and buy this one.

Bond.... James Bond

Well after hearing much about how the new Daniel Craig plays James Bond so well, I decided to check it out and was pleasantly surprised at how well he does fill James Bond's shoes. I found this movie entertaining, surprising at times, and action-packed (but not in an over-the-top way), and all-in-all very satisfactory to watch. It really showed how James started out and how he faced huge ego issues in the start of his career (I mean when you are a 007 you are allowed to do so much!). There was excellent character development, which I really appreciated because it made James Bond a little more real and helped to seperate him from his cool gadgets and beautiful girlfriends which I believe he so easily gets associated with. I also liked the fact that in this movie Bond seemed more interested in doing his job then having sleep-overs with his girlfriends which seems all too common in prior movies. He is on the clock after all. I give this movie an "A" for a well thought out action movie.

We are back in business!

Well that was a lesson in keeping tabs on your domain! As some of you may have noticed our domain name of paulandchrystal was temporarily taken over due to my lack of care in renewing it. However, after seeing the takeover for so many days, I decided to see if I could renew it, and happily I could. I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but I thought I would post a message that I have not given up the blog, and if we ever do lose the domain name again, please try http://paulandchrystal.blogspot.com . We are both happy to have it back. Blogging becomes fun after a while. When you realize that you are posting to the world, and that people are interacting with your posting by leaving comments, it really creates almost an addicting way of trading thoughts and idea over the world wide web.

I have my DVR taping the 2nd installment of Pirates of Caribbean tonight. I have yet to see it, so I will probably be posting a review of it soon. The 1st one seemed to be OK, and I hear the 2nd one made a ton at the movies. Plus, this summer the 3rd Pirates movie is due out. Not that I'm expecting a wonderful triology, but I do hope the 2nd one is worth watching.

Is anyone still reading this? It would be encouraging to hear if anyone has realized we now own www.paulandchrystal.com again. Leave a comment, we love to hear from you.

Music and Lyrics Review

She said:
Yay, my husband finally comes out of the video store with a romantic comedy. After the fiasco of the previous rental (see post) I was very excited. I actually vaguely remembered seeing previews for this movie, but had no idea what it was about. The introduction to both of the characters is very comical and odd ball. Basically, Hugh Grant plays a has-been 80's rock star trying to write a hit song. I really enjoyed this comedy because it was family friendly and a very interesting story of how songs are written and recorded. I really liked the music through out this movie. I would recommend this movie to anyone!

He said:
OK, I haven't seen Spider Man 3 yet, so I can not fully comment on that movie, but I did go out and rent Music and Lyrics (much to my wif'e's delight). This movie had gotten a lot of good reviews by reviewers and I thought it had potential and all in all, I was not disappointed. Hugh Grant is a bit older than Drew Barrymore, but they both had a neat chemistry on screen, and I think it was well written and funny rather than just stupid. Throughout the movie there is also some pop star that dances and has the sex appeal of a very well-known female pop star, but I wasn't sure if the writers were actually trying to make fun, or just make a comparison to show how music has changed from the 80s to the present. Another interesting point of this movie, is that they wrote some of their own songs (from what I know), and the songs are actually decent. All in all I think I would give this movie a B+ to an A-. Well written, good story and not too mushy or stupid for a romantic comedy. Recommended.

Dragnet Movie review

I thought I would tape this movie on my DVR due to it being so popular several years ago. Plus I do enjoy good Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd movies. However, I think this one was kind of disappointing, not to mention way-out-there. They took a somewhat reputable show about cops and threw in a crazy bad guy (Christopher Plummer in a role far far away from The Sound of Music). There were moments that were funny in the movie (it wasn't a totally wash over in my opinion), but overall I think it was stretching the main story a little too far, and found the humor somewhat forced at times. Also there is some objectionable content surrounding the bad guys, which knocks this movie out of the question for kids younger than 13 years old. And the irony of that is that you want to introduce your kids to nostalgic shows and movies when they ARE younger than 13 years old. After that, they may not be that interested in what you watched when you were their age. Not worth 2 hours of your time in my opinion.

The Prestige Movie Review

He Said:
Another movie about magicians similar to The Illusionist listed below. However, this one seems to have a darker twist of revenge throughout. Two magicians are in competition with one another for having the best magic show. Over time they routinely try to sabotage each others magic shows and figure out how each one is doing their most famous tricks. This is a very well acted movie, and the ending will blow you away with surprise. I love a movie that keeps you guessing until the end, and The Prestige does a wonderful job of it. Highly recommended if you are looking for intrigue, mystery and a good story. Although it has its sad parts, I think I would give it two thumbs up for being unpredictable and holding enough surprises that it would make you want to re-watch it just to catch everything. Well done movie!

She said:
There are very few movies I actually walk out of and this was one! This movie is on the borderline between suspense and horror. My husband loved the interesting dynamics of the characters - and solving the mystery in the movie. However, I thought the story was mind numbing and depressing - it was all about two competitive vengeful magicians! I felt like I was watching a story about two grown men behave very immaturely. The characters will go to any lengths to compete and get refenge on the other and destroy eachothers lives in the process. I kept hoping that it would get better and it started getting more vindictive. So, I finally realized that reading, cleaning, or doing pretty much anything else would be time better well spent. The Illusionist was MUCH better! Also, the next morning here was the conversation that followed, "So, who done it?" I asked Paul. I was still a little curious about what he uncovered by finishing the flick. "Uhgh. Well, I'm not really sure. It was a really interesting plot. I'll have to check on the web to make sure."

Gleaming the Cube review

He said:

An old 80s movie that my wife had seen, so I decided to tape it and see what it was all about. Very teen-ager driven story with a weak plot about a teenager who tries to find out if his brother really died of a suicide. I guess this was one of Christian Slater's first movies, and he didn't do too badly, although there was definitely a weak plot. The ending action scene is almost a comedy the way they make it. If you like action scenes from The A-Team and Knight Rider look no further than this movie. All in all though it very clean for family viewing, and has a nice ending. If you want edge-of-your-seat adventure, you probably should rent something else though. Think of this as the Karate Kid without martial arts, and on a skate board. In fact, does anyone remember the old tv show Sidekick? If I recall correctly, and it was a while ago, it was about a martial artist teenager who rides a skateboard around and saves the day. This is like that but without the karate.

She said:

It was strange to watch such an old movie from my teen days with Paul beside me. I had a little crush on Mr. Slater back in the day and skateboarding was sooooo the rage. It surprised me that this movie actually held our attention the entire time. If you can get over a few minor things - like the 80's hip sayings, a few bad acting by minor characters, etc. The story has some interesting little twists, turns, and even hysterical parts. Christian is investigating the mysterious death of his adopted Asian brother. Also, there were two parts at the end that had Paul and I laughing hysterically. This would be a great flick to watch if you were getting some friends together for an '80's party.

Complete the Album by iTunes

I just found out that iTunes now has the the Complete the Album feature which enables you to not have to buy the whole album over again if you own part of it already. To me this is just another example of Apple staying on top of making it easy for consumers to purchase music, and I for one will continue to support the Apple store. It rocks (literally!). Lately I've been listening to some great tunes like

• "Time Won't Let Me Go" by The Bravery,


• "Just a Little (submarines remix)" by Leigh Nash,


• "In Case of Emergency" by Cool Hand Luke, and


• "Shambala" by Three Dog Night.

I discovered the last song by watching an episode of Lost the other day and loving the jamming music on it. While Three Dog Night isn't a new band, it was to me, and I have freshly discovered their music. On the spiritual side, I really like

• "Made to Love" by Toby Mac,


• "Wash Over Me" by David Ruis, and


• "Hope of the Nations" by Brian Doerksen.

All highly recommended if you have a spare gift card and are looking for some great music. Of course, music being a very subjective thing in many ways, I can't guaranteed my picks will be compatible with your tastes, but I'm not charging any money for them either. Of course if I was, I doubt this blog would continue. Until next time!

Who Framed Roger Rabbit Review

I finally have seen this dated movie that combined cartoons with real acting. It is puzzling to guess what the writers/directors were aiming for with this one. It isn't quite a kids movie, yet not quite a movie for primarily adults. I have watched Pete's Dragon many a time, and this was definitely more heavy on the cartoon integration. Basically Roger is some cartoon that gets framed by an evil mastermind (Christopher Lloyd). He looks a lot like the Slugworth (Christopher Lloyd) from the old Willy Wonka movie. It reminded me a bit of the movie Dick Tracy with all the detective work and not quite believable bad guys. Cute movie and if I recall one of the first movies where the writer's tried to put in some adult humor in the framework of a kids movie. Not sure it fits, but it did win 4 Academy Awards. Interesting for the effects if nothing else.

Fried Green Tomatoes Review

I think I can sum up this movie in three words: DON'T SEE IT!. Boring, depressing and not worth your time unless you want to watch a sad story about an abused wife. I even thought Steel Magnolias was better than this - and that's saying something!

Every Day is wonderful

Well it has been almost a month since I nearly didn't wake up. For those who don't know, about a month ago, I went unconscience from a low blood sugar. It happened around 7 AM and if it weren't for my wife, and for God's mercy I may not be here today writing this entry.

How it happened, we aren't sure. No real strange changes ocurred the night before, but I do know I woke up with 4-5 paramedics asking me if I knew where I was. I told them the city I live in, and they asked more specifically where I was, and then I got a nice ambulance ride (similar to the one on the right) to the ER room. Evidently, I stopped responding to my wife's questions and went completely unconscience until they were able to give me an IV of sugar to boost my blood sugar back up. I can truly say that experiences like that give you a whole new outlook on life. It made me wonder why I spend so much leisure time doing things that aren't going to matter in 5-10 years, if I may not even have tomorrow. It also really helped me be grateful to my wife, my city's ambulance/fire fighter crew, and the Lord for preventing that day from being the last. In Hebrews 9:27, 28 it says:

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

I can't avoid the appointment. None of us can. Ten out of ten die. However, I can be ready to meet God and stand before Him confident that I have believed in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Praise God for life here, and for eternal life. I am grateful that I have some more time here, but its wonderful to not be afraid to die when my apointment comes. God is good.

Batteries Not Included Review

Ok this movie is classic 80s material but it was on the movie channels so I taped it and was surprised to find out that Steven Spielberg directed it. I guess this movie would fall more into the family-friendly space/alien movies than War of the Worlds or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The spaceships in this movie are definitely designed to be more cute than strange. They even tend to imply genders with the little UFOs and they have baby UFOs. Not necessarily believable, but as I say I think Spielberg was going for cute more than thought-provoking. If he was going for thought-provoking maybe he should think a little more about extraterrestrial life. It basically is the story of these tiny spaceships that have a knack for fixing things, and help an elderly couple keep their apartment from getting torn down. There are some comic moments and all in all it is a fun movie to relax to. I would definitely not say it is academy award level material, but a good movie where good triumphs over evil.

Jack vs. Jack

Time to talk a little TV. I've been thinking about two popular TV shows and I thought I would share why I came to give up on 24, and have started to be hooked on LOST. I started out loving 24. Couldn't get enough of the show. Jack Bauer doing the impossible, risking his life and bending the rules for the greater good. What's not to like? That was for seasons 1, and 2. Then season 3. More of the same. People get killed, arms get chopped off to save other lives, and Bauer does the impossible once again. After season 4 the recipe started to wear thin. Jack continues to get totured and to torture others to prevent the world from ending. Hmmm, anyone tired of cliffhangers? So I gradually lost interest to the point where I don't continue keeping up on the show. It started out great in my opinion, but how long can an adrenaline-fest last before you begin to wonder how the next episode will go to great lengths to keep you in suspense?

Now to another Jack. Not Jack Bauer, but the Jack character in Lost who is a kind-hearted doctor who is always trying to do the right thing, yet struggles to resolve past issues with his dad on top on trying to survive on an abadoned island. But Lost is far from being all about Jack and Jack alone. I was gradually drawn into the flashbacks of all the characters in this show - Kate, Sawyer (did I spell that right?), Sahid, Locke, and don't forget Hurley. All coming from different backgrounds yet all contributing something to survival on a mysterious island. Some episodes are tense, some are intriguing, and some are just fun (like Hurley jump-starting a van and riding around for a good time) - but you really gain an appreciation for character development and for a well written storyline. Not that 24 is a bad series. It isn't. I just have been enjoying the complexity and character development of Lost so much more. I'll let Jack Bauer continue saving the world. I'm sure he'll be there tomorrow.

Swingers Review

OK, again another movie that everyone probably has seen at one time or another and that I have just viewed for the first time. I found this movie, extremely witty, funny, and well written about a guy who is trying to get over his girlfriend of 6 years with his buddies. They try to take him out to some clubs to get his mind off it. Throughout the movie, there is some classic dialogue (very well-written script) and the lines are hilarious. I think I found this movie so funny because it is so relatable. There are so many parts where you could see yourself in the same situations or feeling the same way. I would give this movie 2 thumbs up if it weren't for the constant use of profanity. The situations, dialogue and acting are all very well done, yet the writers had to include obscenity almost to the extreme level to make a point that these guys are willing to say anything to make their point. The movie does really show an accurate view (at least somewhat) of the mixed emotions that guys can go through as they seek to move on after breaking up with a girlfriend. Very funny - yet definitely true-to-life in many places. If you can wade through the profanity, the movie is a comical look at the way some men (or most men) move on in the dating scene.

Life with a DVR

Well I finally caved and got a DVR (or tivo to some) and I must admit, it is really helping me keep up with movies like I never thought possible. I am really enjoying catching up with my favorite shows on the weekend, when I have some time to kill rather than having to restructure my life around a TV show (which is something that rarely happens). I especially like taping "Lost" and "The Office", so that I actually can keep up with the seasons, rather than wait until they are released on DVD. Fast-forwarding commercials is a wonderful time-saver as well. Alone with my upgrade to a DVR, I decided to cut down my Netflix plan, and get a few movie channels and have been busy taping some old and newer movies that I never got around to watching. My wife and I watched some of the new movie Guess Who last night and thought it was a lot of fun. I also taped the movie to the right. Yes, one of the hits that Sly Stallone made in his prime: RAMBO 2! It wasn't too bad considering it was made in the 80s. I thought Stallone did a great job acting and it definitely inspired patriotism. Of course, compared to newer shows like 24, the violence and action leave quite a bit to be desired, but it was classic 80s material and for the times, I believe it was well-made and well-acted. The closing song was totally 80s as well so it should be seen for old-times sake if nothing else. Recommended if you can put your desire for realism on the back-burner and enjoy some kick-butt action.

Our little dependent

Well after thinking about it for a while, my wife and I decided to add a member to our family. Meet Daisy - our new cat. We have never owned a pet together, and look forward to many years with our new dependent - if we can convince her that we are really nice people! Evidently, from what I know, Daisy has had some rough experiences dealing with people. She is not agressive at all, yet at the smallest thing - like walking down the stairs she will run and hide in one of her favorite spots - under our couch. We love Daisy and continue to buy her new toys and try to coax her out from under the couch, yet she remains untrusting and shy with us. However, we aren't giving up. Chrystal especially is growing to love her more and more each day and is convinced that in time she will warm up enough to us that she won't run and hide when we come looking for her. All this care we are putting into our new pet has really given me a taste (and I really do mean a very, very small tiny taste ) of perhaps what God feels when people run, hide or hate Him even though He continues to pursue us and love us. I realize I will never fully comprehend what God feels, but having someone or something that you care about and want to spoil yet that refuses to trust you or stop hiding from you has given me a little bit more of a picture. I am sure if Chrystal and I have children someday, we will even have more of a picture of that. Since many kids are notorious for taking all they can from their parents and never returning anything or showing gratefulness - yet that is how we all acted before God called us to repent and be saved. God's patience, mercy and enduring love are truly amazing to people such as us.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamenations 3:22-23 ESV

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16 NLT

The Best Hamburger

OK, now for a change of topic. Who do you believe makes the best hamburger out there? This is a very important topic because when you hunger for a mouth-watering juicy hamburger, you can't go just anywhere. You must pick the place of all places. I have been to several different hamburger places among them being:

1. McDonald's (of course)
2. Fudruckers
3. Red Robin
4. Five Guys
5. Burger King
6. Wendy's

Those are the main places where I live. Also among those places number 2 and 3 are kind of a higher class dining experience than the rest of them. How about for taste? What place has the best tasting burger? I think I'm going to probably lean toward Fudruckers (#2) on this one. Yes, I do love the 5 Guys burgers but they aren't really that gourmet. They are delicious no doubt, but they lack the weight and juiciness you would get at Fudruckers. So all those out there in Bloggerville, what do you think? Out of those 6 options which in your opinion is the best tasting burger?