Crissy and Mags
I have to agree with her on this question:
I recently read Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard (and I’m reading Gabriel’s Rapture as I write this).
I decided to read this because, well, everyone said if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey you’ll like this. Yes, I did like it and so here I am.
It’s not as close to Fifty Shades of Grey as you might expect, but definitly has some similarities. Gabriel is fucked up, probably more then Christian and Julia is shy and inexperienced in a different way then Ana. But their relationship is completely different, and so is their story.
On with the book… Professor Emerson (Gabriel) is a Professor of Dante, Julia a student of Dante and this has a great influence on the tone of the book. It does not have the contemporary feel of a book like Wallbanger, but more like a historical romance. Instead of picturing them in a Starbucks I envision them in a medieval castle. I’ll admit that at the beginning, even though I was caught in the story from the very beginning, I found some of the language and wording overly old fashioned. Once I got used to it though, it was smooth sailing. Maybe it’s because it had the feel of the book Remebrance by Danielle Steel, which I absolutely loved.
I was pulled into the book almost immediately and I thought at times it was a bit slow in the middle of the story; but, it always took a turn before you actually got bored with it. Interestingly, the beginning of Gabriel’s Rapture was slow, but once it starts to pick up, it picks up.
If you like a good love story with a historical twist, or an intellectual tone, you’ll definitly like this book. Have your read the book? What did you think?
Crissy
Find us on Twitter: @50Latersbaby
I admit, I’m a bit surprised, I really thought that Alexandra Daddario would beat Ashley Greene, but you voted and we’re listening. Well wait until after the holidays to have this last round of voting, I know you’re all busy with family, kids and eating lots of food.
Here is the final bracket:
I found a company in New York, but I’m sure there are flight instruction schools near where you live, and if not, why not get him or her a remote control helicopter (lots of fun at a fraction of the cost!)
Here is a link to Pegasus Flight for Helicopter instruction with the prices!
Merry Christmas,
Mags
If you have been keeping up on the news you know that a few articles have been mentioning who might be the Director of Fifty Shades of Grey movie. It doesn’t sound like their is a short list just yet. Actually, half of the names thrown out seem to be thrown out for silly reasons by people who “don’t get it.” So here’s the names being thrown out.
Angelina Jolie - Angelina’s name has been thrown around for a long time and I think she’s a legitimate option. Although I think she’s talented, I’m not really a fan of hers. But, most of her work has been in the acting world, she’s only just starting to get her foot in on Directing with 2 movies under her belt. I don’t think that will stop Team50 from choosing her if they think she “gets it.”
Mark Wahlberg - Mark’s name has been thrown out because he tried to get in on the franchise early on. Otherwise, I’m not sure why his name is out there, he’s never even been a Director. I think he’s a more likely choice as an Executive Producer
Steven Soderbergh - I have a sneaking suspicious he’s been added to these lists because he directed Magic Mike, which I think is NOT even close to the type of movie Team50 wants to make. But, he has actually made some interesting movies across different genres: Contageon, Oceans 11, 12, 13, and Erin Brockovich. I’m not sure I would list him as a first choice, but then again, I don’t get to hear his pitch.
Channing Tatum - I think he’s on this list for 2 reasons: he once mentioned an interest in playing Christian and his name brings traffic to your website. He’s said he’s taking a break since his wife is pregnant, but he’s also said he wants to direct. He’s not my Christian and he’s not my choice for Director.
Gary Marshall - I think Gary is a legitimate choice. He’s done a lot of Directing and of some big name, popular films: Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, The Princess Diaries 1 and 2, Valentines Day and New Years Eve. I think the edgiest movie there though is Pretty Woman, which isn’t quiet as the level of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Nick Cassavetes - Mostly known for his extensive acting resume, but he has done quite a bit of Directing: John Q, The Notebook, and My Sisters Keeper. The Notebook seems like the easy movie to compare to Fifty Shades of Grey because it’s a romance and Ryan Gosling is in it. But, I think John Q and My Sisters Keeper are much more complex films that tackle difficult topics. It’s been a while since I watched them, but I remember really enjoying them.
Paul Greengrass - Best known for directing the Bourne movies, United 93 and Green Zone. I’m a little surprised by this choice, even though he’s really talented. All of the films I’m familiar with that he’s Directed are very high impact action types of movies. Fifty Shades of Grey, not high impact in the same way.
Gary Ross - Most of you are probably familiar with his work, he directed The Hunger Games. He also directed Seabiscuit and Pleasantville. I love Gary Ross, he’s a really hands on Director, has great vision and has made great films (I’ve actually seem a few interviews with him). What I don’t like is that he’s really hands on, and that takes time. One of the reasons I heard he did not sign on to film Catching Fire was because there wasn’t enough time for him to make the film the way he likes to make a film, makes you wonder how much longer we might have to wait for Fifty Shades of Grey to come out! Oh, and he’s a fan of shaking cam, I don’t think we would ever get a steady shot of the Red Room of Pain.
Robert Luketic - Best known for Directing Legally Blonde, 21 and The Ugly Truth. Legally Blonde and The Ugly Truth are both light hearted fun movies, I enjoyed both. 21, though, is a different type of film with a more complex plot. It’s not the greatest film, but shows a bit more diversity.
Catherine Hardwiche - Best known for Directing Twilight. I’m sorry, but as much as I love Twilight, the movie sucked on several levels. But, I think her name comes up just because she directed Twilight and Fifty Shades is Twilight Fanfic.
Jason Reitman - Best known for directing Up In The Air and Juno. If you have not seen Juno, watch it immediately. It’s been a little while since I saw it, but it’s excellent. It has addresses a difficult issue in a meaningful way. It has a little bit of a strange vibe to it, but it works really well for the movie. Based on Juno he might be my first choice.
Bill Condon - If you’re a Twilight fan you’ll recognize his name from directing Breaking Dawn Part 1 and 2, by far the best films in the series. Even non-Twihards liked the last one, that says a lot. He also directed Dreamgirls and The Big C. I have not seen the Big C, but I know the concept of it and my brother-in-law loved it. It handles a difficult topic, Cancer. I would be happy with Bill being the director.
Do you have any thoughts on any of these or a better idea?
Crissy
I thought today I would suggest a romantic gift of sorts for our Christmas list. A night at the Fairmont Olympic. Of course if you’re not near Seattle you could simply choose another nice hotel. But if you’re near Seattle the Fairmont Olympic is the obvious choice. If it wasn’t for credit card issues I would suggest making the reservation in Jason Taylor’s name. And then you could spend the night playing Christian and Ana playing Taylor and Gail…
Perhaps you’ll even see E L James in the lobby with her dog?
And of course, don’t forgot to bring your camera!
Crissy
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