16 September 2007
Sleeping in is a wonderful thing. That luxury of being able to stay in bed until you feel like getting up (or until your back hurts too bad to stay horizontal) is one I get very rarely. Today was one of those rare days.
We had a relaxed morning, took in a movie in the early afternoon. We followed that with lunch and a grocery run, and spent the evening puttering around, doing very little of consequence. Every now and then, you just need a day like that. And, I think with Kyle’s work week being so stressful on the average, that it’s days like this that help keep him sane. And we like him sane! 
We went to see the new film, Dragon Wars. It’s a fairy-tale-type story with an ending that isn’t your typical happily-ever-after. The story itself is pretty weak, sadly, and not very well-told by this screenplay or director. And whoever was in charge of continuity really should find a new career. The actors are very solid, though—I was impressed by them, especially considering we’ve never heard any of their names before. But, the special effects! Wow! Excellent use of cgi—amazing, really. The fantastical creatures are beautiful and seamless in their integration into our familiar world. The serpentine movement was perfectly rendered; the small winged-dragons or pterodactyl-like creatures flew alongside helicopters and I never doubted it; even the gi-normous half elephant/half slug living tanks were well done. The battle scenes were worthy of LOTR or Star Wars, and the scenes of urban destruction are right up there with Independence Day. Except of course, that it’s not quite so emotionally moving to see L.A. under fire as it is to witness the destruction of the Capitol Building. 
In short, Kyle and I were both well-entertained, and I would recommend Dragon Wars to anyone interested in Asian folklore or stories about dragons.
My photo is of our little table at the Movie Tavern, just before they lowered the house lights.
~MB
