Game It Up

So pretty much our favorite thing to do with family, friends, and strangers these days is playing interactive group games. I guess they are in the board-game category, but our favorite games do not necessarily include an actual “game board”. If you have ever felt the need to wake up and laugh in the presence of company, I recommend the games: Catch Phrase, Cranium, Mad Gab, or any DVD game such as Pop Culture Trivial Pursuit, Scene It, or Movies to Shout About. We are not very big on games of chance or strategy, but rather social games where you have to evoke a response from a teammate or guess an answer about an obscure celebrity. If you have the time, google some of these games or look for them next time you're at Target or any place that sells games. Also, these are excellent gifts.

Movie suggestions

Surprisingly Great Films:

Stranger Than Fiction- Will Farell has some revelations after hearing an "author" voice

Green Street Hoolagans- Incredible movie with everything from characters, storyline, etc. I recommend this movie over all others right now.

Super Size Me- Great movie with enlightening truths (stats given in addition to his story). Watch all of the special features, especially the interview with the author of Fast Food Nation.

My Date With Drew- actually interesting as you get into it, great ending. Watch extended ending on Special Features.

The Gospel of John- If you long to get deeper in the Bible and understand Jesus,watch this movie. Lots of Special features.

The Guardian- Ashton was not so bad. A little cheezy but pretty entertaining.

The Illusionist- Edward Norton acting with brilliant writing. Prestige is good too, but does not quite make either list.

The Last Kiss- Intense and frustrating storyline... but the message is good, if you watch the alternate ending.

The Groomsmen- Good pick Josh. Another great story of guys who struggle with growing up and accepting life.

300- if you can look past grimy gore and harsh brutality (like Braveheart), this movie is amazing.

Da Vinci Code- bookworms can pipe down as far as I'm concerned. This is flat out entertaining. It's action packed and suspenseful.

Wake Up, Ron Burgandy- I can't believe how many people don't know there is a sequel to Anchorman. It's crazy good.

Surprisingly Lame:

The Departed- the ending ruined it, but good until then other than being long.

Children of Men- no point to this futuristic tale. Can't stand King Arthur actor.

Little Miss Sunshine- overly hyped. Steve Carell was not in full form for this.

The Night Listener- predictable and boring. Robin Williams with beard reminded me of Good Will Hunting. Not that calliber of acting though.

Saw III- first 2 are much better

Click- Adam Sandler from Anger Management but stuck in a crappy movie

Unknown- great film about guys who wake up in a wherehouse with no memory of what happened. They ruined it with a dumb conclusion.

Flags of our Fathers- way too dark and aimless with plot to be entertaining or make me feel patriotic.