Todays thought....The Phantom of the Opera

I start todays story about 2 years ago. Wednesday...October 9, 2002...8 pm. I took my mama to see The Phantom of the Opera. Actually Pooh Bear bought the tickets for my mama for her birthday. So here's me and mama, going to this decked out gala with long evening gowns, three piece suits, limousines and the whole bit. So we come to this thing, in a Ford Truck, with jeans and a nice shirt. We stuck out like sore thumbs. But that did not stop us from having the time of our lives mind you. We had a flat ball! It was SO MUCH FUN! We cried and everything. There was a standing ovation. Now mind you, there was a gentleman and his girlfriend right next to us that had traveled a pretty good distance to make it to the showing that night. He had said that he had seen it many times in many different places and it was the first time in 5 years that he'd seen a standing ovation at the end of the opera. So we made our retreat through the hoards of people, bought our Phantom mugs (For those of you who have not seen one, its a black coffee mug that when you put something hot in it, the Phantoms mask appears.) and were on our way. THE CUPS ARE SO COOL! Ok...so onward we go.

So, I decided that I wanted to get the movie on DVD. It was an older movie, so I decided what the heck...can't be too bad. Right? WRONG! I had seen the opera...this was a movie...that was...well a little more than disappointing. It wasn't the opera. And I can tell you, that if I had not seen the opera first, I most likely would have enjoyed the movie that I had already spent money on.

So then, in November...I see these previews. Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom of the Opera Directed by Joel Schumacher. My mind instantly goes running. Can it be? Is it the real movie? Like the actual opera? Of course you know I have to go see if it is. It begins Dec 22, 2004 in theaters everywhere. So once again...my mama and I are off...to see the movie!

Let me just tell you...I was NOT dissapointed! It was just like the opera itself. Now, don't get me wrong in saying that it was the opera. That is a feeling that you just cannot imitate. I don't care how good you are. BUT...If you want to see one of the most awesome movies of 2004...go see The Phantom of the Opera in the theaters. I have to add, if you are not the type of person that can appreciate music, don't waste your time...because you will not be able to appreciate what really goes into making this production so wonderful.

AND...if you do love it as much as my mama and I have, and you have the time and the money to go back and watch it every night like we would love to do (If we had the time and the money)...Please be courteous of the other movie patrons. I ask of you on my behalf and speak from personal experience in this (because it happened to me)...THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE MOVIE MEMORIZED! Yes, my mama and I both had the unfortunate seat and 2 girls that had obviously seen the movie way too many times (Which I would do in a moments notice mind you). However, the rudely talked right along with the movie, as it was playing and then giggled because they new the words. NO BODY CARES THAT YOU'VE MEMORIZED THE MOVIE! BE RESPECTFUL OF THE OTHER MOVIE GOERS AND DON'T RUIN IT FOR THEM BY SHOWING OUT INFRONT OF EVERYONE WITHIN EARSHOT! GROW UP!

Now that I am done with my rant, I will tell you, aside from that...we had a great time. It was a wonderful movie! I will own it on DVD. I did purchase the soundtrack on it, and well, in 3 days I've listened to it twice. And am listening to it now. It goes right along with the movie and is absolutely WONDERFUL!

So in conclusion, I tell you, the movie is DEFINITELY one to go see, the Opera itsself is fabulous if you get the chance to see it and the soundtrack is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! Thank You Andrew Lloyd Webber and Joel Schumacher and of course...the cast for making such a wonderful production in this!