Chick Flick Night Out-- "Water for Elephants"

I got so many emails, FB/Twitter/blog comments about my birthday plans to hang out with my Chick Flick Club that I decided to do a little recap.

Not only was I really looking forward to a date with Robert Pattinson seeing Water for Elephants, I was giddy about having an evening on the town. Things have been a little crazy around here, and I hadn't been out of the house without at least one child in tow in a couple of weeks. I love my girls, but trying on Easter dresses while your three year old is attempting to escape the fitting room and expose you to the world can really wear on your nerves.

My friend Christy, my partner in crime for Target playdates and IKEA trips and NYC time, met me at our local Sephora on Saturday for a quick makeover. All we had to do was walk in and ask for help, and we had prime seats in the Beauty Studio! We chose to get eye makeovers, and it was so fun to learn how to recreate a new look.

We met my sister-in-law, SuSu (as my girls call her), for dinner at Panera and then....drum roll....it was time for the Chick Flick!!

The new movie theater behind our mall is great--bowling alley, lounge, bar, restaurant, VIP reserved seating, plush seats. It's fantastic! We settled on regular "poor people" seating, popcorn and soda from concessions, and seats right in the middle of the theater before the show started.

I never have very high expectations for films based on books, but I have to say that this take on Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants was fantastic.

The movie stays pretty true to the story, which is told by a present day narrator (Jacob) who reflects on his days working as a circus vet during the Great Depression. The movie skipped or skimmed over some parts I remembered from the novel, but it made sense considering they were condensing the story into feature film length. I just wish they'd shown us a little more of Depression era life, particularly for the more lowly circus workers.

Robert Pattinson completely embodies the character of young Jacob Jankowski...I didn't once think of him as a brooding vampire! He has great chemistry with Reese Witherspoon, who plays Marlena. Their scenes with Rosie the elephant were so touching.

If you haven't read the book, I really recommend it. There are some R rated parts, which I sort of skimmed over when reading, but the story is riveting! The movie brought Gruen's characters to life, and the climax was thrilling, if not quickly resolved. A great choice if you need a night out with the girls!

Here's the trailer, if you haven't seen it yet (if you're in a reader, you'll need to click over):


In case you were wondering, T did get me a cake! It wasn't a cookie cake (sob!), but it was delicious! He and the girls also gave me "deluxe" package from LightScoop, which I was so excited about. As soon as I figure out how to work the settings on my Nikon, I'll give you guys a good, honest review.

Next up on our Chick Flick roster? Something Borrowed and Bridesmaids, which looks so funny I think I'll need tissues.

{Which movies are on your "to-see" list?}