Friday, January 1, 2010

My Movie Date

Five Things I Discovered About Myself
During The Movie Date


  • It's nice to spend more than two minutes getting ready to go somewhere. I actually took the time to look in the mirror and assess whether I was "presentable" enough to go out in public. When I'm with the kids, I run out "as is" which may not be my best look on some days.
  • I can enjoy a snack just for me without little hands grabbing at my portion. That movie popcorn was good!
  • My husband and I can hold hands like the old days. Usually, we are corralling kids or lugging bags when we're out. It's funny that it felt kind of strange considering that we've been together since 1987.
  • I need an afternoon free of laundry, cooking, cleaning and refereeing. That little time away from those chores was a welcome change. Wish that laundry wasn't there when I got back:)
  • It felt a little good to pass by those poor moms and dads who were on line for the Chipmunk movie. Having been in their shoes many times, I could see the harried look on some of their faces. We walked by that anxious line of kids who seemed to say in unison, "When is it going to start? How long do we have to wait in this line? I spilled my drink. He knocked over my popcorn." I didn't have those worries on that afternoon :)
As promised, here is my review of Sherlock Holmes. Now before I proceed, remember that I have not been to a non-kid movie in a theater in a very, very long time. It probably won't take much for a movie to impress me. I was just glad to be all cozy in my movie seat :)

I like quirky actors. Robert Downey, Jr. falls into that category, so I knew that I would probably enjoy his performance. He did not portray the typical Sherlock Holmes that my father and I used to watch in the old Basil Rathbone movies. Downey's Sherlock is sarcastic, eccentric, physical and unpredictable. I thought his portrayal brought some new dynamism to the character. Remember how I was wondering about whether there would be enough action scenes for my husband? Well, director Guy Ritchie definitely delivered plenty of action throughout the movie. The action scenes were entertaining, and the cinematography kept the movie fast paced and engaging.

I have read that many reviewers did not necessarily like how Guy Ritchie made more of a buddy picture with this version of Sherlock Holmes. Having watched the old movies, I have to say that I thought that it was a refreshing spin to make the Holmes/Watson duo to be formidable action heroes as well as logical bantering partners. I also love Jude Law, so I knew that I would fall for his Dr. Watson. Rachel McAdams plays the love interest for Sherlock, but I think that her character could have been developed more. I would have liked to have seen the romantic relationship brought out more fully.

It takes a lot for me to not like a British period piece. Sherlock Holmes was particularly interesting to me because of its sarcastic dialogue and fast pace. I'm also a fan of detective stories and figuring out mysteries. Thinking of my Dad, it was also nice to watch a movie that I know he would have enjoyed. Though I think he would have said that Basil Rathbone was more of the "true" Sherlock Holmes. Downey's Sherlock Holmes was charming and more accessible to me. Downey knows how to dominate a scene and lighten even the most serious cinematic moments.

If it was more of a dialogue driven story, I think my hubby would have not enjoyed it so much. It turned out to be a nice movie choice for both of us. After it was over, I could have sat and watched some more. Maybe that was just me enjoying my date and free time from mom duties :)

I think we'll do another movie date next month. Maybe I'll ask you all for recommendations at that time :) By the way, the kids were good for my mom and sister. I had a divide and conquer approach. My oldest was downstairs in his room playing PS3. My two middle boys played a ton of board games with their aunt. Jillian showed off her extensive baby collection to grandma. I think a two line babysitter plan works for my rambunctious bunch.

Happy New Year!!! Peace, happiness, health and joy to all :)

43 comments:

Flory said...

Yay! A date with your husband. I'm thinking of having a date with mine soon - much needed as well.

My son went to watch Sherlock Holmes this past week, and he told us it is a must see. With toddlers at home, I'll have to wait for the DVD, or maybe I can convince my husband to go out on a date, and watch a movie.

Happy New Year!

He & Me + 3 said...

Glad you both enjoyed it...date nights are so important. Loved seeing a picture of you. You are so pretty and your glasses are adorable.

Joanne said...

Oh, I can so relate (and I only have two children)! I feel the same way when we go to a restaurant without kids; it's nice to order something besides chicken nuggets and french fries! Glad you enjoyed your well-deserved date night. ;)

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Sounds like it is just what the doctor ordered.. Glad you enjoyed.. HAPPY NEW YEAR.. LOve Carol and GJ xx

Beth Kephart said...

You look MORE than presentable. So very glad that time was yours.

Happy New Year!

Janna Leadbetter said...

You're a cutie! And oh gosh, I so know exactly what you're talking about. My husband and I had a date night this week, too, with dinner and a movie. It was grand! (We saw Avatar, which was better than I'd known to expect.) We decided to have dates regularly, too. They're so important! Both as couples, and for us moms. :)

Happy New Year!

Warren Baldwin said...

Good review. Have a Happy New Year and great 2010.

Anonymous said...

Great pic! Glad you guys had fun. :O)

T Rex Mom said...

I love the photo - my favorite thing you mentioned was feeling a little bad for the parents in line with their kids to see the Chipmuck movie. That's funny!

Randi said...

I am so glad you got to have a real date night! They are so important. You look so beautiful and not just cuz you're standing next to RDJ, sistah!

I've always loved Robert Downey, Jr. I'm not sure whether I'll get to Sherlock Holmes before it comes to DVD, but I would like to. Question for you: Was it something you could take an 11 year old boy to?

Susan Fobes said...

I just informed my husband (while we were still with relatives) that we need a date night soon too. I was curious about the Sherlock movie but was afraid it would be too much of a chick flick for my hubby. Thanks for the review!

Don said...

Glad you had fun. What you feed grows, so I'm a real believer in feeding a marriage. The wife and I hit a more upscale Mexican restaurant today. I got the hint when I heard her on the phone calling to see if they were open. So we had dinner out. Some of our best conversations happen when we are out to eat. (Did the movie date also afford talk time?)

Judith Ellis said...

Super, Kelly! If the POTUS and FLOTUS can have a regular date night, you most certainly can too. :-) I'm so happy it was enjoyable. Of course, I knew the time together would be. It is also nice to see my friend. Lovely photo.

Susan Fobes said...

Kelly, thanks so much for your comments! I have been reading everyone elses blogs today and really feeling as if my family was the only screwed up one. My husband and I are really considering skipping the visit with all my family next year just because of all the drama...

Susan Fobes said...

Ooh-that didn't come out right. Please forgive my lact of tact. See?

Jenners said...

I love your date story!! So cute .. and so true! It would have been fun to have had a little fun with the parents waiting for "THE Squeakel" but I suspect they were being punished enough by the movie!

I love Robert Downey Jr and he looks like he makes Sherlock Holmes FUN in the previews. It sounds like a modern take and DARN IT ... I want to go. RDJ does have a way to livening up anything he is in.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

I totally agree with your review. TOTALLY! We loved the movie. I'm really hoping for a sequel. Do you think it's possible?

Happy New Year! May your Twenty-Ten be wonderful!!

Becca said...

YAY! I am so glad you and your husband had such a great time on the date! I could only imagine how nice of a break that was for you!

Happy New Year!

Vickie said...

Fun! I want to see this movie! I didn't know that Guy Ritchie directed it! Even cooler!

My Hubby and I had a date night Wednesday!

Happy New Year to you too!

Valerie said...

Great photo, and somehow I knew it was you straight off - before I read your post.
I'm you were able to enjoy a movie date with your husband. It should go a long way to easing the day to day chores. Memories, aaaah yes.

Anonymous said...

Kelly, it is good to see you and hubby take time out for yourselves :) Hopefully you two will continue to make it a monthly date. Love the picture! I want to see that movie soooo bad. I love Robert Downey, he is truly an excellent actor.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Congrats for getting away and getting to be a couple, holding hands. That's the best!

We did the same thing last night. I enjoyed your review. I may check out the movie, but I've read Sherlock Holmes and have that stuck in my head. I may not like what modern filmmakers have done with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work!

Happy New Year -- and keep holding hands!!

He & Me + 3 said...

Kelly,
Stop by my blog today...I might have something for you...maybe...:)
Mimi

LuAnn said...

Kelly- Happy New Year to your family also!!!
I am looking for a much better 2010.
Love your date post too.

Vicky said...

Happy New Year! Yes, that would have been me at the movie with kid in tow looking harried and jealously looking at you sans kids and on a movie date with your hubby! I can't tell you the last time we enjoyed a movie together, and we may just have to try this :) Plus, I love mystery and intrigue and I've been stuck teaching "Clue" to the kids who still don't quite get it!

2Shaye ♪♫ said...

What a GREAT review, Kelly. WOW! I think you hit on all of the important points that I would be wondering about. I was very curious after I saw the first preview. It's very brave for them to change things up a bit, so we always have to take that courage into account. ;) We so rarely get to a movie without our kids (we'll be one harried looking family standing in the matinee line for Chipmunks tomorrow afternoon), but I'm really looking forward to seeing it when it comes out on DVD. YAY!

Unknown said...

yay for date night! you picked a good movie, too! loved the photo...you are a fox!

Unknown said...

p.s. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Katrina said...

Date night how fun! Those are few & far between around my house as well! I want to see this movie, thanks for the review! By the way Congratulations on your win over at Mimi's Blog.

christy rose said...

I am so glad that you had such a great date night and learned so many things about yourself!! :)
I am praying that you and your family have a wonderfully blessed 2010!!!

45+ and Aspiring said...

I, too, liked the buddy approach. That was one of the best parts to me. And I liked that it seemed like Dr. Watson's Mary & Sherlock would eventually buddy up too. I heard that the sequel has Brad Pitt as Moriarty!

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Pitt-to-play--Sherlock-Holmes--nemesis-in-sequel/562173/

I loves me some Brad Pitt time. . . :)

Thanks for continuing to come around!

Happy New Year

Robyn Campbell said...

Wow! Wonderful post. Great review and I am so glad to hear of such an extraordinary date. I have to remember to have me one of those. Sounds heavenly. Pretty Kelly standing in the photo.

Best wishes for a most wonderful 2010. I hope that all your wishes come true. And mine too. *grin*

Jillien said...

awww Im so happy you enjoyed yourself! My husband & i had our first date since Lia was born (over three years ago) just this passed wednesday. it was awesome!

I'm hoping we get another one soon so we can see Sherlock Holmes in the theatre.

Cinda said...

I saw Sherlock Holmes twice in 3 days (due to a airport delay) and loved it both times. I have a secret crush on RD, Jr. He has such a snarky attitude that he can get himself in scary situations and I don't freak out...if you know what I mean. Date nights are the best even after all the kids have grown and gone. It is a good habit to build. Fun to find your blog!

Creativity said...

Great :) :) Happy new Year Dear :) :)

Michelle said...

Whoo, go you! (And a picture, too!) Congrats on the date night, and here's hoping that you get another one soon. And that in the interim you teach your kids to do laundry (I'm close - I just don't trust them to dispense the soap).

Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Oh, that sounds like such a wonderfully fun thing to do : ) I love that you could go out! How pretty do you look in that picture? Just lovely! We went to the Chipmunks today. Lots of hands in my popcorn : ) and NO holding hands whatsoever. Unless I was holding hands back and not allowing someone to pop one another... : )

Naqvee said...

Kelly... Happy new year + I wish u and your family enjoy the best this year!!! i will surely go to watch Mr. Homes...my mom is a fan of detective movies. she used to watch "Derek" a lot in early 20.. hahaha... saw Avatar last night! great movie..

G. B. Miller said...

Sounds like you had a great time with no kiddies underfoot.

And to top it off, a very nice pic of you. So rare nowadays to actually see what a fellow blogger looks like.

kel said...

Date nights are sooo important!! glad you enjoyed yourself!! I can;'t wait to see that movie!!

Caitlin said...

I am so glad that you finally got a chance to get out! I have been dying to see that movie- now I want to even more!
Happy New Year!!

Teri said...

So so glad you went on that date night. It is amazing how just that little bit of time can really refresh your feelings for each other. Here's to next month!

Unknown said...

What a lovely time to have together, sans kids. Very special, and important.

I still have those cinema visits in my future. yikes!