Probably.
I sat down with my large pop which the three of us were sharing (because it was $4.75! EEE-GADS!) as the not-so-exciting previews were cued up. (After the the ‘commercials’ of course.) Then, the bulb went out. Seriously? Several annoyed people walked out of the theater to complain as the previews were heard, but not seen because the screen was black.
But I had faith. I knew the problem would be fixed and I would soon be watching the movie I had been wanting to see since it opened a few weeks ago.
As the “preview” lights dimmed and the movie began rolling, my stomach churned with anticipation and I literally clapped my hands and squealed. (Sorry to my seat-mates who observed the spectacle.)
Now, you might be curious as to which movie I was so excited to see… Perhaps the next installment of the Harry Potter films? Nahhh...Maybe THOR?!? Nah…It was....Water For Elephants. Featuring none other than Mr. Pattinson, himself.
I wasn’t really expecting too much from the film. I love Robert Pattinson and his accent/non-accent/boyish, sexy charm. I love Reese Witherspoon and her bubblegum-cute innocence that is apparent even though her acting is mature and wonderful. I was basically geared up for an entertaining love story.
And it delivered just that.
I haven’t read the book yet, although I have it. Believe it or not, I actually wanted to see the film first so that I could visualize everything the way the director saw it. I know, that’s probably weird to some people… I think most people like to read the books first. But I find that many times, the fans aren't pleased with the film version of any book…I just didn’t want that kind of let-down. I wanted to thoroughly enjoy my boy, Rob, and not feel any negativity towards how the book was brought to life.
Watching this story of life in the circus during the Depression unfold and the warmth of the emotions between the main characters as well as the animals was really quite touching to me. I liked traveling back into a simpler time -- a harder way of life. It was wonderful to watch on the big screen.
And then, I got a great surprise. Robert Pattinson’s character, Jacob Jankowski, is a Polish immigrant. My grandfather was Polish. He was born in 1906 and lived through those hard times during the Depression. In fact, he would’ve have been similar to the age of Jacob, the main character in the movie, at that time. I remember looking through my grandpa's old photos and old 8 mm home movies...The film captured the period-clothing and hair styles wonderfully. And when I heard Rob Pattinson speak Polish, it literally made my heart melt. Not because this beautiful man was doing it, but because the warmth of his character and the old, familiar language was so dear to me.
I don’t speak Polish myself, other than a few simple phrases. But to see him play this character during this pivotal time in our history, was somehow very moving to me. It brought back so many memories and made smile as I thought of my grandpa.
The end of the film features some old black and white film clips (like home movies) and again, I saw my grandpa there. If a heart can sing, mine did. Watching those scratchy black and white clips actually brought tears to my eyes. The entire movie was enjoyable, but for some reason those silent clips made me cry.
Who’s to say what makes a good film or a bad film? Or a good actor or a bad actor? If it touches you in some way, then it was good, no matter what the critics or the box office numbers say.
After the film, we went out to dinner. I gushed in the car on the way to the restaurant about (a) how much I enjoyed the film; (b) how much it made me think of my grandpa; and (c) how dreamy Rob Pattinson was up there in his dirt-smeared face, weathered thermal shirts and overalls. (Okay, so I have a little crush.) But really, I was simply happy. It made me smile. I think the Director and entire cast get an A+ for that.
I’ve heard some critics rip the movie. I’ve heard radio personalities rip the movie. (Personally, I think they’re just jealous, but whatever.) And you know what? I don’t really give a crap. I liked it. I put the good vibes out there and I simply enjoyed Mr. Pattinson’s film. As we pulled into the over-crowded, ultra-busy restaurant parking lot, I was rewarded with a surprise once again. We got a great parking space just when we needed. Now, I choose to believe that because of the good Karma I put out into the universe, we got a parking space super-close to the door. Some say chance, others say coincidence. I say, “Thank you for the parking space, Mr. Pattinson!” Good energy out, good energy received.
Who would have thought that my silly crush on Rob Pattinson could have unleashed such warm, fuzzy feelings about my grandpa or get me such a great parking space? He speaks great Polish, too, by the way. Polish, poshness (even in 1930s costumes) and parking spaces…It’s just three more reasons to love Mr. Pattinson.
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