kings, queens, and only sorta-lame vampires.

This should be the only time I ever speak of vampires, ever.

Currently viewing: Bram Stoker's 'Dracula.' Finally! I think it's probably not as good of a production as it could be [production? Can you use that with film? I need a review.] Casting? Keanu Reeves, really? Did they cast him just in case they needed Harker to jump up and knock out twenty Dracula-Brides in one fell swoop? Maybe. Not much like the Dracula I worked on back in October - Granted that was ballet and it didn't have Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman [always the best at being the crazy-creepo and making it somehow appealing], or a cameo from Tom Waites. The only way ballet Dracula really could have been better is if there was a cameo from Tom Waites.

Anywho, last night, I went to see 'Young Victoria.' It was closing night at the Madison Art Cinema [always an experience in itself - An independent cinema for the trendier of the wealthy elderly of Madison. I like independent cinemas because a) they tend to have better films, b) it's more laid back, c) not supporting conglomerates, d) they have pastries.] The film was just as beautiful as I imagined it would be. I adore Rupert Friend. I adore British History [I can see the film being a tad confusing if you aren't familiar with the history of the royal families]. I smiled quite a bit whenever I recognised a location or 'got' some sort of British inside joke. Har har har, Madisonites, you're not in on the joke!

Most importantly, Victoria & Albert have been one of my favourite love stories for some time - In fact, over the past couple years, it has probably moved to number one. They were so in love from the beginning to the end - They were the perfect team, ruling with each other rather than one over the other. A love story where a strong, passionate, independent young princess falls in love with a strong, passionate, indepdendent prince, and he falls in love with her, and despite pressures all about them, they are never parted, and together, become great. Perfect, is it not? Oh, how I have always wished for a love like that.

Silly aside, other things: Jim Broadbent of both 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Narnia' was in it! This pleased me. He was a delightful drunk king. Another great period piece to add to the recent collections. It was an overall enjoyable film without slow parts. A great homage to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It made me feel really good inside, and inspired - What more could you want? But [yup, you guessed it], garsh did it make me miss England.

Har har.

For your viewing pleasure.