50/50 Challenge: Movies Update

I'm off to a great start movie-wise for this 50/50 Challenge 2015. Four movies this week to add to the one I saw just after the new year. Of the five I've seen so far, "Selma" is probably my favorite. While I did write about it for Examiner.com, I felt like "reviewing" it was outside the scope the importance of the story. Though dramatized, this time in American history is truly significant and remains so, so important in the world we live today. 

You can read more of my thoughts here, but watching civil injustice and thinking about that period of time is truly something is hard to swallow. It provokes an instinctual type of reaction in which my whole being rejects the idea of the violence and discrimination that people endured in my parents' generation. 

If you saw the movie, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the film. 

The first five movies of 2015 were: 

1. "The Rainmaker" - It's tough watching movies from the '90s for the first time in today's time. An early role for Matt Damon and there have been much, much better performances since then. It's hard to judge him in those early years. 

2. "Selma"

3. "A Most Violent Year" - My review will be up on Examiner.com when the movie releases in San Diego on January 23rd.

4. "Taken 3" - Not as bad as the second one, but that opening sequence is just awful. 

5. "Into the Woods" - I had never heard of this musical, so didn't have too many expectations for the film. Not my favorite, but stellar cast and Meryl Streep is as incredible as ever.

I'm seeing "American Sniper" and "Blackhat" next week, and hope to see Kevin Hart's new one - "The Wedding Ringer" - because he is one of my favorite entertainers. Follow him on Instagram if you want some laughs. 

Let's see who wins the trophies at tomorrow's Golden Globes. You can find me tweeting all about it. Chat with me @mscourtneybeth. Five down, forty-five to go!

Image from Pinterest

50/50 Challenge Update

Just a quick post to update my challenge progress. I have slacked in the book reading department despite the growing number of books being added to my nightstand. Currently, I am reading The Rosie Project, but for #19 I read This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. I read this one because soon it will be a movie starring one of my favorite actors, Jason Bateman. 

The main character, Judd, in the book has the dark, dry humor that I love so much and I think Jason Bateman will be a perfect fit to bring it to the big screen.

For book #20, I read Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham of "Gilmore Girls" fame. When I set out to read this book I thought that it was a memoir. I opened up the first page of the book thinking it was her memoir. Note to those going to read the book: it is NOT a memoir. However, it was entertaining and reminded me of my short time living in New York.

These past two books I recommend to readers and so far, I can't tell if I like The Rosie Project, but it's definitely intriguing. Who's read it? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I'm always better about seeing movies and now have three more under my belt: 

26. Think Like a Man Too
27. What If
28. Boyhood

I will have reviews on "What If" and "Boyhood" on Examiner.com soon. Subscribe if you haven't already! I was entertained by "Think Like a Man Too" but not nearly as much as the first one. In my mind though, Kevin Hart can do no wrong right now, so I suggest seeing it.

So that's it. Keeping the pace, not losing hope that this is THE year that I will read 50 books and watch 50 movies. <insert inspirational song here>

April, I'm Over You

April seemed like the longest month, but oddly, also went by fast. There were some bumps in the career road but also real boosts. Do you ever feel like sometimes you are trying to swim faster than the wave that will most likely overtake you and hold you under? Surely I'm not the only one that thinks in such dramatic terms. 

April felt like a month that it was more important than ever to be five steps ahead of every situation and now I have safely made it into May and let me just say, it's off to a good start!

Last month ended on a high note with a trip to Chicago that I've recorded on my travel guide in three different posts. I love to travel and explore; it's one of my favorite parts of life. Earlier this year I had a fabulous girls weekend in San Antonio and then promptly scheduled three trips that all now are happening in a matter of months.

Carefree in Chicago!

I will be updating the travel guide with every city I visit with tips and fun places to go, and I am thinking of doing short videos as well. For my upcoming trip to Nashville, my friend and I have a long layover in Denver, a perfect time to give it a whirl. Nothing fancy or too edited, just an on-the-go look to pair with my blog.

I've also been collaborating with some amazing creative women who are proving invaluable to helping me reach my goals. Surrounding yourself with positive, ambitious people can really do wonders for your psyche, aspirations, and overall sanity.

So, it's off to Nashville this week, but you'll hear from again soon. Hope your May is starting out just as great as mine! I'd love to hear from you and what you're most looking forward to this month. Comment below or send me a tweet at: @mscourtneybeth.