A few weeks ago "Despicable Me" came out on dvd. One of the best parts about working at a video store is being able to see new movies for free before they are made available to the public. And so the weekend we got it I took it home. I had mixed feelings about it, I was excited because the previews looked funny and I had heard it was fun. But I had been tricked by hype before so I was a little wary. I watched it and loved it. I mean I LOVED it. It was fun and silly and funny. Steve Carell was hilarious. And the little girls in it were adorable. Adorable little cartoon funny girls. It was just such a fun movie.
Steve Carell plays this villian who is being out villianed by someone. His villian rival has stolen the Great Pyramid and now he is under pressure to do something equally as evil. He has these minions that are cute and yellow and speak some sort of other language that kind of sounds like a certain kind of spanish maybe. Anyway he hatches this plan to steal the moon. But he needs a loan from the bank of evil to fund it. However because his evilness is always a little flat, nothing really pans out for him, the bank says that he has to get them this shrink ray in order to get his loan. And so he does. But then his villian rival steals it from him. In order to get it back he has to come up with a plan to get into his rival's lair. The only way he can is to adopt three little girls. Fun times ensue. =D
This is a great film for families. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. There is humor and sweetness, jokes and just all around greatness. I recommend this film for people who enjoy funm sweet movies. "Despicable Me" gets a 10 out of 10. I loved it.
The much talked about action flick "Salt" came out. I took it home last weekend to see what all the hype was about. I know that not many people like her but I really like Angelina Jolie. I ended up feeling underwhelmed. It was really a pretty typical action film. Sure there was a twist here and there but really it was just her running around shooting people. I was a bit disappointed.
The story followed this CIA agent, Evelyn Salt (played by Ms. Jolie) who on the day of her anniversary has to interview a Russian defector. This man says that a Russian agent in deep cover in the CIA is going to kill the Russian president. He calims that the name of the agent is Evelyn Salt. This begins a whorl-wind adventure of non-stop action. Which is really all it is. An adventure of non-stop action. I even figured out all the twists before the end of the movie. It was a big disappointed in the whole thing. It just kind of fell flat.
I think that for lovers of action films though this might me a good title to catch. If what you want is just a veg-out mindless action movie with a twist or two in it this is the movie for you!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Best Part of The '80's
I have a love/hate thing with the '80's. I hate a lot of the fashions, the hairdos, the fact that coke became the cool, hip drug. But then there is a lot of the music, and of course above and beyond all else are the movies.
"Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," "Footloose," "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Pretty In Pink," and so many others. So many that I can't even name them all. But the thing that they all had in common was they made in the '80's and they were great. ARE great. They are so silly and sweet, fun and full of life. Many of them aren't the best acted in the world but there is something about them. The high school ones, especially the ones directed and/or written by John Hughes, have a certain amount of strange realism to them. An innocence and at the same time a strength and beauty. John Hughes really seemed to understand teens in the '80's. The thing of it is though that these films transcend the time. They still make sense for today. Or really for when I was a teenager in high school.
"The Breakfast Club," and "Sixteen Candles" became two of my all time favorite movies. Actually I kind of fell in love with all things John Hughes. Well I thought it was all things John Hughes. There was something about those two movies in particular that made me feel like things were really possible. I knew that they were movies and they all had movie endings but still watching those kinds of things portrayed on the screen made it seem like someone out there in the big land of holly was thinking of the younger generation. Anyway the point is these movies were really important to me. I watched many of them over and over again and I even own most of them.
I thought I was hip to all the things that John Hughes had taken part in. Then, while Christmas shopping, I came across this book called "You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried" all about John Hughes, the teen movies of the '80's, and the "Brat Pack." Which, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the monicker, is the group of young actors that were really hot at the time. Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwold, etc. This is obviously my book. I bought it and was so excited that I started reading it that night even though I am also reading "War and Peace." I was disappointed to find that the wrtiting is really pretty weak, even boardering on bad. But the material is super intriguing and it goes through the casting, and making of many of the teen movies of that time. It's really interesting. Awful writing but interesting. And informative because I am finding out that John Hughes wrote and produced a lot of movies that I had no idea about. So that opens up a whole new world of movies. And now that he has passed it is even more important for me to see everything he had a hand in. He left behind a great legacy. If you haven't seen his stuff I recommend seeing them. It's worth it.
There are of course many other films that John Hughes had nothing to do with. The ones that meant the most to me were the dance films. Especially "Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," "Footloose," and "Fame," (what's with the titles starting in 'F')? And though "Dirty Dancing," was a period piece, set in the early '60's, the films were all centered around the world of dance. In many different ways. "Dirty Dancing" brought to life the world of the ballroom dancing in a hip way and the underground world of "dirty" dancing. Punctuated by the bright blush of first love. "Flashdance" brings to the screen the harsh realities of being young and on your own. Jennifer Beals plays a young girl who wants nothing more then to get into the school for performing arts so that she can dance. She works two jobs, one as a welder in a factory, and the other as a stripper. And the though the film has a dark tone to it, it is filled with amazingly fun '80's style dance sequences. "Footloose" brings a whole new chapter to the dance film genre. It takes place in a small town where dancing is forbidden. Kevin Bacon, who plays the super dark and twisty handsome dance rebel, comes into town and instantly falls in love witht he most unattainable girl available. The rebellious daughter of the town preacher. The misadventures and trials that he experiences lead to one fun dance sequence after another. The ultimate being "Kevin Bacon's" solo through out the abandoned warehouse. Lots of acrobatics and gymnastic moves. Greatest was transformed from merely a word to a physical thing. And then there is "Fame" which takes place through one classes journey from audition to graduation at the New York School of Performing arts. Though it centers on all aspects of the school the dancing is a giant part. And the outfits alone make it worth while. It's a dark movie but it is excellent and in a lot of ways beautiful.
My point in this is that these films of the '80's are still to this day an important part of our movie culture. It sounds strange but they are just as important today as they were when they were first released. In a different way maybe but they are still important. These films were the best part of the '80's. I say go forth and watch them. You will not be disappointed. At least that's what I think.
"Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," "Footloose," "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Pretty In Pink," and so many others. So many that I can't even name them all. But the thing that they all had in common was they made in the '80's and they were great. ARE great. They are so silly and sweet, fun and full of life. Many of them aren't the best acted in the world but there is something about them. The high school ones, especially the ones directed and/or written by John Hughes, have a certain amount of strange realism to them. An innocence and at the same time a strength and beauty. John Hughes really seemed to understand teens in the '80's. The thing of it is though that these films transcend the time. They still make sense for today. Or really for when I was a teenager in high school.
"The Breakfast Club," and "Sixteen Candles" became two of my all time favorite movies. Actually I kind of fell in love with all things John Hughes. Well I thought it was all things John Hughes. There was something about those two movies in particular that made me feel like things were really possible. I knew that they were movies and they all had movie endings but still watching those kinds of things portrayed on the screen made it seem like someone out there in the big land of holly was thinking of the younger generation. Anyway the point is these movies were really important to me. I watched many of them over and over again and I even own most of them.
I thought I was hip to all the things that John Hughes had taken part in. Then, while Christmas shopping, I came across this book called "You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried" all about John Hughes, the teen movies of the '80's, and the "Brat Pack." Which, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the monicker, is the group of young actors that were really hot at the time. Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwold, etc. This is obviously my book. I bought it and was so excited that I started reading it that night even though I am also reading "War and Peace." I was disappointed to find that the wrtiting is really pretty weak, even boardering on bad. But the material is super intriguing and it goes through the casting, and making of many of the teen movies of that time. It's really interesting. Awful writing but interesting. And informative because I am finding out that John Hughes wrote and produced a lot of movies that I had no idea about. So that opens up a whole new world of movies. And now that he has passed it is even more important for me to see everything he had a hand in. He left behind a great legacy. If you haven't seen his stuff I recommend seeing them. It's worth it.
There are of course many other films that John Hughes had nothing to do with. The ones that meant the most to me were the dance films. Especially "Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," "Footloose," and "Fame," (what's with the titles starting in 'F')? And though "Dirty Dancing," was a period piece, set in the early '60's, the films were all centered around the world of dance. In many different ways. "Dirty Dancing" brought to life the world of the ballroom dancing in a hip way and the underground world of "dirty" dancing. Punctuated by the bright blush of first love. "Flashdance" brings to the screen the harsh realities of being young and on your own. Jennifer Beals plays a young girl who wants nothing more then to get into the school for performing arts so that she can dance. She works two jobs, one as a welder in a factory, and the other as a stripper. And the though the film has a dark tone to it, it is filled with amazingly fun '80's style dance sequences. "Footloose" brings a whole new chapter to the dance film genre. It takes place in a small town where dancing is forbidden. Kevin Bacon, who plays the super dark and twisty handsome dance rebel, comes into town and instantly falls in love witht he most unattainable girl available. The rebellious daughter of the town preacher. The misadventures and trials that he experiences lead to one fun dance sequence after another. The ultimate being "Kevin Bacon's" solo through out the abandoned warehouse. Lots of acrobatics and gymnastic moves. Greatest was transformed from merely a word to a physical thing. And then there is "Fame" which takes place through one classes journey from audition to graduation at the New York School of Performing arts. Though it centers on all aspects of the school the dancing is a giant part. And the outfits alone make it worth while. It's a dark movie but it is excellent and in a lot of ways beautiful.
My point in this is that these films of the '80's are still to this day an important part of our movie culture. It sounds strange but they are just as important today as they were when they were first released. In a different way maybe but they are still important. These films were the best part of the '80's. I say go forth and watch them. You will not be disappointed. At least that's what I think.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Last Vampire Series
Many years ago a man named Christopher Pike wrote a series of books that turned into The Last Vampire series. It was broken into six small novels, and then later turned into two larger volumes. This was how I first encountered it. My dear friend owned the two Last Vampire series collector's volumes. After she read them I was given the chance to enjoy them. I loved them. To say the least. I loved them so much that I committed one of the biggest book lover faux pas' that can be committed, I stole the books from my friend and kept them.
The story follows Sita, alias Alisa Perne, the last vampire on earth. When her "secret identity" is threatened by a local PI her temper gets the better of her and she kills him. Because of the detailed knowledge the detective had Sita worries about who hired him to find out about her. In order to do this Sita must take drastic measures and befriend the detective's son, Ray. And so she enrolls herself into Ray's high school. What begins as a simple, for her, assignment to gain information turns into the adventure of her long life.
Each book brings about a new set of challenges, a new set of rules, and many surprises. The books are all really good. And through it all there are characters that enliven the book even more. Now in order to fully give my real opinion about these books I have to give a little something away. The end of the very last book takes such a turn that the books really and truly end. Sita is able to change the way she lived her life which wraps the books up. It was a good ending.
I have read and re-read this series through out the years. And in many ways they have been a great comfort to me. The thing that I always went back to was Sita's struggle between her desires and doing what was right. I feel that a lot. I know that a lot of people feel that, a lot. So it's a fun thing to read a book about a very powerful creature that struggles just like us mere mortals. The writing is good, the characters real, the adventure is always edge of your seat. And many of the ideas that Sita believes in about Krishna and who God is are different and interesting. It's nice to see a different point of view on those sort of things in a vampire novel of all things. These are just some of the many reasons that I have always loved these books.
Then just within the last couple of years they have reprinted the books and entitled the series "Thirst." They have put annoying pictures on the front covers. It's a little disappointing but what can you do? I am torn about these new reprintings. I am glad that they have come out so now more people will get to read them, but because of the new covers and the new title it looks kind of stupid. Also I have discovered the reason for the reprinting. Christopher Pike has come out with another book about Sita and there is another one coming. Somehow impossibly there is more. I was stunned. I couldn't believe it. And only true fans of old will know what I am talking about. But trust me it is ridiculous that this has happened and is happening.
Because I was so shocked I read the book just to see how Christopher Pike did it. And it was just stupid. For most of the novel I was bored and confused and felt that there were just too many enemies. There was a very small window when it was like the good old books. But even Sita wasn't the same. She was annoying and whiney. I was highly disappointed!
So in conclusion I have to say go and read the first two volumes. Ignore the stupid new name "Thirst" and the really annoying pictures on the covers and go read them. Those are good. The are fun and full of life. Ignore the new ones.
The story follows Sita, alias Alisa Perne, the last vampire on earth. When her "secret identity" is threatened by a local PI her temper gets the better of her and she kills him. Because of the detailed knowledge the detective had Sita worries about who hired him to find out about her. In order to do this Sita must take drastic measures and befriend the detective's son, Ray. And so she enrolls herself into Ray's high school. What begins as a simple, for her, assignment to gain information turns into the adventure of her long life.
Each book brings about a new set of challenges, a new set of rules, and many surprises. The books are all really good. And through it all there are characters that enliven the book even more. Now in order to fully give my real opinion about these books I have to give a little something away. The end of the very last book takes such a turn that the books really and truly end. Sita is able to change the way she lived her life which wraps the books up. It was a good ending.
I have read and re-read this series through out the years. And in many ways they have been a great comfort to me. The thing that I always went back to was Sita's struggle between her desires and doing what was right. I feel that a lot. I know that a lot of people feel that, a lot. So it's a fun thing to read a book about a very powerful creature that struggles just like us mere mortals. The writing is good, the characters real, the adventure is always edge of your seat. And many of the ideas that Sita believes in about Krishna and who God is are different and interesting. It's nice to see a different point of view on those sort of things in a vampire novel of all things. These are just some of the many reasons that I have always loved these books.
Then just within the last couple of years they have reprinted the books and entitled the series "Thirst." They have put annoying pictures on the front covers. It's a little disappointing but what can you do? I am torn about these new reprintings. I am glad that they have come out so now more people will get to read them, but because of the new covers and the new title it looks kind of stupid. Also I have discovered the reason for the reprinting. Christopher Pike has come out with another book about Sita and there is another one coming. Somehow impossibly there is more. I was stunned. I couldn't believe it. And only true fans of old will know what I am talking about. But trust me it is ridiculous that this has happened and is happening.
Because I was so shocked I read the book just to see how Christopher Pike did it. And it was just stupid. For most of the novel I was bored and confused and felt that there were just too many enemies. There was a very small window when it was like the good old books. But even Sita wasn't the same. She was annoying and whiney. I was highly disappointed!
So in conclusion I have to say go and read the first two volumes. Ignore the stupid new name "Thirst" and the really annoying pictures on the covers and go read them. Those are good. The are fun and full of life. Ignore the new ones.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Four for the Price of One
My computer has been not working latley, hence the no entry for awhile. And so because of this there are many reviews to fit into one entry. Forgive the mish mash of it all but it is the way it is.
First I would like to talk about "Eat Pray Love" both the book and the movie. I was told over and over again that I needed to read the book. That it was exceptional, moving, and very insightful. But I was reluctant to because when people tell me "you have to watch this, you have to read this, it is the best thing ever!" I tend to truly believe them and I more often then not end up highly disappointed. So I put reading it off. And then when I heard there was going to be a movie made I got this urge to read the book first.
I was blown away by it. I don't know if I really needed something like that in my life at the time or if I was just in need of a good read either way the book really spoke to me. I found a lot of beauty to her story. And something that I really liked about it is her totally neurotic and slightly egotistical self. She wasn't afraid to be totally crazy and raw. I liked that. I enjoy when people know that they are crazy and just embrace it rather then try to cover it up. It was a beautiful tale that she told. And her journey was full of life. In all the terror and pain there was great wisdom and beauty that was discovered. I recommend the book to people who would like to discover how one woman took her journey. I know that many people, especially since the movie has come out, have been doing EXACTLY what she did. I do not recommend this. That is foolishiness incarnate. We all need to discover our own paths and take our own journeys. However sometimes learning about someone elses helps us start looking for our own.
On to the movie. I knew that there would be things that would be tweaked and cut and changed. That since it was a Hollywood movie it would of course be somewhat Hollywoodized. Now I am a vetren of books-to-movies watching. I know that things have to be changed to make it into a watchable, money making film. However with this transition I was hoping that they would try at least a little bit to keep a tiny bit of the integrity of the book and the story. I guess I was foolishly hoping they wouldn't Hollywoodize it all the way. But they did. And it made me sad. There were some nice parts, and the scenery was amazing. Julia Roberts was great. She always does a good job. But for me because the book was so important to me the movie fell flat. And because of that I say to all those who felt the book ment a lot to them stay away from watching the movie. Unless of course you can go into it with no preconceptions what so ever. Which we all know is practically impossible. I just think that this was one great book that really shouldn't have been made into a movie. They should have left well enough alone.
I have two more movies I want to talk about. One being "The Expendables," and the second being "Inception." "The Expendables" is a ridiculous action film that really is nothing other then action. It of course stars all the old action stars from the 80's. Sylvestor Stallone, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Steve Austin, Eric ROberts, and Dolph Lundgren. To name just a few. Plus an excellant camio by none other then Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's a true action film in the sense that all it is, is explosions, car chases, fighting lots of adreneline. The thing that is the really great part is watching these old guys try to do these wild action things. It was truly a very funny film. It was a good movie in the sense that it was so bad. Don't mistake me. That happened with one of my managers she believed that when I said it was a good movie I meant that it was a quality film but it is not. It is just a hilarious ridiculous action fest. That is all. However everyone should watch it for that exact reason! So go forth and watch.
With "Inception" I was slightly disappointed. It was an interesting story. A well acted film. Christopher Nolan did an excellent job. Ellen Page and Leonardo Dicaprio were fantastic. But it just didn't do it for me. I wasn't as impressed as many others were. I found it slightly anti-climatic. It just didn't excite me as much as I was hoping it was going to. I can't really describe what was missing or why I wasn't all that impressed but there it is. At the same time I think that it's a movie that is worth watching. Especially the scenes with Marion Cotlliard. She was truly amazing.
There they are. All things I wanted to talk about but haven't been able to due to my lack of computer. Again sorry about the mish mash. But I had to do what I had to do. More soon.
First I would like to talk about "Eat Pray Love" both the book and the movie. I was told over and over again that I needed to read the book. That it was exceptional, moving, and very insightful. But I was reluctant to because when people tell me "you have to watch this, you have to read this, it is the best thing ever!" I tend to truly believe them and I more often then not end up highly disappointed. So I put reading it off. And then when I heard there was going to be a movie made I got this urge to read the book first.
I was blown away by it. I don't know if I really needed something like that in my life at the time or if I was just in need of a good read either way the book really spoke to me. I found a lot of beauty to her story. And something that I really liked about it is her totally neurotic and slightly egotistical self. She wasn't afraid to be totally crazy and raw. I liked that. I enjoy when people know that they are crazy and just embrace it rather then try to cover it up. It was a beautiful tale that she told. And her journey was full of life. In all the terror and pain there was great wisdom and beauty that was discovered. I recommend the book to people who would like to discover how one woman took her journey. I know that many people, especially since the movie has come out, have been doing EXACTLY what she did. I do not recommend this. That is foolishiness incarnate. We all need to discover our own paths and take our own journeys. However sometimes learning about someone elses helps us start looking for our own.
On to the movie. I knew that there would be things that would be tweaked and cut and changed. That since it was a Hollywood movie it would of course be somewhat Hollywoodized. Now I am a vetren of books-to-movies watching. I know that things have to be changed to make it into a watchable, money making film. However with this transition I was hoping that they would try at least a little bit to keep a tiny bit of the integrity of the book and the story. I guess I was foolishly hoping they wouldn't Hollywoodize it all the way. But they did. And it made me sad. There were some nice parts, and the scenery was amazing. Julia Roberts was great. She always does a good job. But for me because the book was so important to me the movie fell flat. And because of that I say to all those who felt the book ment a lot to them stay away from watching the movie. Unless of course you can go into it with no preconceptions what so ever. Which we all know is practically impossible. I just think that this was one great book that really shouldn't have been made into a movie. They should have left well enough alone.
I have two more movies I want to talk about. One being "The Expendables," and the second being "Inception." "The Expendables" is a ridiculous action film that really is nothing other then action. It of course stars all the old action stars from the 80's. Sylvestor Stallone, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Steve Austin, Eric ROberts, and Dolph Lundgren. To name just a few. Plus an excellant camio by none other then Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's a true action film in the sense that all it is, is explosions, car chases, fighting lots of adreneline. The thing that is the really great part is watching these old guys try to do these wild action things. It was truly a very funny film. It was a good movie in the sense that it was so bad. Don't mistake me. That happened with one of my managers she believed that when I said it was a good movie I meant that it was a quality film but it is not. It is just a hilarious ridiculous action fest. That is all. However everyone should watch it for that exact reason! So go forth and watch.
With "Inception" I was slightly disappointed. It was an interesting story. A well acted film. Christopher Nolan did an excellent job. Ellen Page and Leonardo Dicaprio were fantastic. But it just didn't do it for me. I wasn't as impressed as many others were. I found it slightly anti-climatic. It just didn't excite me as much as I was hoping it was going to. I can't really describe what was missing or why I wasn't all that impressed but there it is. At the same time I think that it's a movie that is worth watching. Especially the scenes with Marion Cotlliard. She was truly amazing.
There they are. All things I wanted to talk about but haven't been able to due to my lack of computer. Again sorry about the mish mash. But I had to do what I had to do. More soon.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
How To Train Your Dragon (a movie) and How I Paid For College (a book)
I was just going to give my review on the movie "How To Train Your Dragon," and leave it at that. However I just finished reading one of the most hilarious and best books I've read in a very long time and so I have to talk about that too. First the movie and then the book.
I went into watching "How To Train Your Dragon" full of skepticism and distrust. I had been hearing from many people since it was first out in theatres that it was a great movie. That it was super cute and really well done. And naturally due to all the praise I was ready to not like it. Wow was I wrong. I loved it. I really, really loved it. It was funny and cute and sweet and the dragon was super cute! The story was about the odd viking out in a dragon hunting viking tribe. His name is Hiccup. And is father is the leader of the pack and this great dragon hunter and he isn't. He wants to be but he also wants to change the way that dragon hunting is done. So he invents a new toy and catches himself a dragon. And then Hiccup discovers that he is unable to actually kill the dragon. Due to this they form an unlikely bond. The dragon is named Toothless.
Toothless is the cutest dragon I have ever seen. He looks like a cat but acts like a dog. He has this long sleek black body and bumps his head into Hiccup just like a cat, he even purrs like one. He likes to wag his tail and play fetch and do all those cute puppy like things. The more they learn about each other the more their bond grows. It is a very sweet story about friendship, growing up and changing the way people see what's in front of them. It's one of the best movies that has come out this year. I watched it all the way through and then almost watched it all over again. I watch it all the time at work, another cool advantage of working at a video store.
For a cartoon it was very well written and all the voice actors were great. It was full of fun and tenderness. It was funny and sweet. Touching and hardcore all at the same time. I totally recommend it for everyone! I think that it is a great movie for family nights, date nights, sleepovers, and everything in between. If you haven't seen it yet go out and rent it! It's worth it!
Now on to "How I Paid For College." "How I Paid For College," is a satirical novel written by Marc Acito. It takes place in New Jersey in 1983. It's about a group of friends, Edward, Paula, Doug, Kelly, Ziba, and Natie. They have dubbed themselves "Play People" meaning that they are actors and very into their craft. They spend the summer before Edward's senior year drinking, driving recklessly, doing drugs (on federal property), unlocking and entering, and committing embezzlement, fraud, forgery, blackmail and grand theft Buddha. The story goes through their summer vacation and senior year. It is told through the eyes of Edward Zanni a fantastic, well dressed, slightly flamboyant, bisexual who finds himself going through some changes.
Problems arise, situations present themselves and great humor is to be had. I don't know if I have ever read anything that is at the same time so full of great theatre trivia and oh so funny! I laughed aloud the whole book. Some of the content is a little on the more mature side and so this book isn't for the young, the faint of heart or those just generally opposed to the theatre. Other then that I reccommend it to just about anyone. It's a truly well written, funny, and all around fun book. So go forth and read!
I went into watching "How To Train Your Dragon" full of skepticism and distrust. I had been hearing from many people since it was first out in theatres that it was a great movie. That it was super cute and really well done. And naturally due to all the praise I was ready to not like it. Wow was I wrong. I loved it. I really, really loved it. It was funny and cute and sweet and the dragon was super cute! The story was about the odd viking out in a dragon hunting viking tribe. His name is Hiccup. And is father is the leader of the pack and this great dragon hunter and he isn't. He wants to be but he also wants to change the way that dragon hunting is done. So he invents a new toy and catches himself a dragon. And then Hiccup discovers that he is unable to actually kill the dragon. Due to this they form an unlikely bond. The dragon is named Toothless.
Toothless is the cutest dragon I have ever seen. He looks like a cat but acts like a dog. He has this long sleek black body and bumps his head into Hiccup just like a cat, he even purrs like one. He likes to wag his tail and play fetch and do all those cute puppy like things. The more they learn about each other the more their bond grows. It is a very sweet story about friendship, growing up and changing the way people see what's in front of them. It's one of the best movies that has come out this year. I watched it all the way through and then almost watched it all over again. I watch it all the time at work, another cool advantage of working at a video store.
For a cartoon it was very well written and all the voice actors were great. It was full of fun and tenderness. It was funny and sweet. Touching and hardcore all at the same time. I totally recommend it for everyone! I think that it is a great movie for family nights, date nights, sleepovers, and everything in between. If you haven't seen it yet go out and rent it! It's worth it!
Now on to "How I Paid For College." "How I Paid For College," is a satirical novel written by Marc Acito. It takes place in New Jersey in 1983. It's about a group of friends, Edward, Paula, Doug, Kelly, Ziba, and Natie. They have dubbed themselves "Play People" meaning that they are actors and very into their craft. They spend the summer before Edward's senior year drinking, driving recklessly, doing drugs (on federal property), unlocking and entering, and committing embezzlement, fraud, forgery, blackmail and grand theft Buddha. The story goes through their summer vacation and senior year. It is told through the eyes of Edward Zanni a fantastic, well dressed, slightly flamboyant, bisexual who finds himself going through some changes.
Problems arise, situations present themselves and great humor is to be had. I don't know if I have ever read anything that is at the same time so full of great theatre trivia and oh so funny! I laughed aloud the whole book. Some of the content is a little on the more mature side and so this book isn't for the young, the faint of heart or those just generally opposed to the theatre. Other then that I reccommend it to just about anyone. It's a truly well written, funny, and all around fun book. So go forth and read!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Grownups & Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
It has been brought to my attention, by myself, that I haven't yet actually reviewed a whole lot. I said that I wanted to review books and movies and I talked a little bit about a couple of books I read and gushed about Patrick Swayze. And so in an effort to fix that error I am here to review a couple of the new movies from this week.
Working at a video store has it's advantages. One such advantage is being able to take home new movies before they go into public circulation. Basically we get them for free. So last weekend I took home Grownups and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
Grownups is a Happy Madison production starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James, and Rob Schneider. It is about these five best friends and their families getting together for the funeral of their childhood basketball coach. They spend the weekend together and have lots of laughs and some very tender, honest moments. The thing I liked most about it is that it isn't your typical Adam Sandler comedy. There are some of those "hahaha that is funny because it is the obvious joke." A lot of the funny moments were more subtle and "grown-up" (no pun inteded.) I didn't think that it was the greatest movie ever made, nor was it the funniest movie. It was good though. And it is a good funny movie. It's good for a few laughs and it has it's tender moments. I think that overall I would give it a 7 out of 10. And watching all of these comedians working together makes the movie worth the watch!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World stars Michael Cera. It is the story of this guy named Scott Pilgrim who has just gotten dumped by his beautiful and talented girlfriend. He is now dating a high school girl, who is a five years his junior, and focusing on taking his own band to the next level. Then he meets Ramona Flowers and he instantly falls in love. The only problem is that Ramona has seven evil exes that he must beat in combat in order to be with her. The whole film is like one big video game being played by someone else. It's a mix of great comic doings and gapping holes of "what is happening?" This movie is great for die hard fans of Michael Cera or people who really and truly love all things video games. It's a fun movie in the respect that it's a different kind of movie. There aren't all that many movies that make you think of someone playing a video game just for your benefit.
Anyway those are my reviews for those two movies. Both of them are good. Nothing spectacular or amazing but good. It's been a long time since I've seen anything that is really amazing. That right is reserved for How to Train Your Dragon. Now that was a great movie! And I shall actually review that in my next post!
Working at a video store has it's advantages. One such advantage is being able to take home new movies before they go into public circulation. Basically we get them for free. So last weekend I took home Grownups and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
Grownups is a Happy Madison production starring Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James, and Rob Schneider. It is about these five best friends and their families getting together for the funeral of their childhood basketball coach. They spend the weekend together and have lots of laughs and some very tender, honest moments. The thing I liked most about it is that it isn't your typical Adam Sandler comedy. There are some of those "hahaha that is funny because it is the obvious joke." A lot of the funny moments were more subtle and "grown-up" (no pun inteded.) I didn't think that it was the greatest movie ever made, nor was it the funniest movie. It was good though. And it is a good funny movie. It's good for a few laughs and it has it's tender moments. I think that overall I would give it a 7 out of 10. And watching all of these comedians working together makes the movie worth the watch!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World stars Michael Cera. It is the story of this guy named Scott Pilgrim who has just gotten dumped by his beautiful and talented girlfriend. He is now dating a high school girl, who is a five years his junior, and focusing on taking his own band to the next level. Then he meets Ramona Flowers and he instantly falls in love. The only problem is that Ramona has seven evil exes that he must beat in combat in order to be with her. The whole film is like one big video game being played by someone else. It's a mix of great comic doings and gapping holes of "what is happening?" This movie is great for die hard fans of Michael Cera or people who really and truly love all things video games. It's a fun movie in the respect that it's a different kind of movie. There aren't all that many movies that make you think of someone playing a video game just for your benefit.
Anyway those are my reviews for those two movies. Both of them are good. Nothing spectacular or amazing but good. It's been a long time since I've seen anything that is really amazing. That right is reserved for How to Train Your Dragon. Now that was a great movie! And I shall actually review that in my next post!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Excuse Me While I Gush
Ok so I have to do at least one post here about the greatness that was Patrick Swayze. I had a school girl crush on him ever since the first time I watched "Dirty Dancing." That movie was every little girl's dream. Mine especially. I fell madly in love with a hunky, sweet, guy who danced like a dream. I was always into dancing. (Note: don't worry mom and dad not the 'dirty dancing' aspect of the dancing. Well not when I was little anyway. ;D) And any guy who could dance the way Patrick Swayze could dance immediatley got my undying love and admiration, regardless if he was real or not.
Anyway the point is Patrick was my new imaginary love. And so in that vein I started watching whatever was age appropriate for me to watch that involved him. I saw "Ghost," "Tall Tale," "Fatherhood," "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar." To name a few. And after "Dirty Dancing" "To Wong Foo..." became my second favorite. When I got older I started watching other flix of his. Such as "Point Break" and "Road House." "Ghost" again but this time I understood it more. And as I got older I got to pretend that I was Demi Moore in the very famous clay scene in that movie.
I was watching all that I could with him in it. Mainly ones that were kind of in the area that I enjoy the most. So I missed a lot of his heavy action films. But I was always faithful to the others. Especially "Dirty Dancing" and "To Wong Foo..." "To Wong Foo..." was one of my mom's favorite movies as well so that was something we watched over and over together. But "Dirty Dancing" was something that was special to me and my own obsession. Sure my friends and I watched it at every sleep over we had. But I also watched it on the day after the sleep over and by myself on various days. My birthday, holidays, any day that ended in day. So basically I watched it a lot. I recreated the final lift that Baby and Johnny did so many times that my dad had to ban it from our home and every other home that we were ever in ever. Luckily I started getting bigger and gaining weight so I knew practically that I could no longer do it but I still had some amazing dreams.
I felt that Patrick was one of the greatest actors known to the world of acting and that Jennifer Grey was perhaps the luckiest acting girl in all of acting land. I worshipped. Of course as I got older I recognized how silly I was to have hoped for all the things I had hoped for when it came to Patrick. But "Dirty Dancing" still remained my favorite dance movie, and it was still a fantasy that I would one day meet my very own Johnny.
Based on this post I would assume that you could figure out that I kind of like this Patrick guy. And unless you have been living under a rock, which you should probably fix, you have heard that he passed away. I was crushed when I heard. I no longer had that same level of creepy obession nor did I hold on to my school girl crush but it still hurt. I guess it does when the world loses someone that everyone "knows." I spent that day, the day I heard he died, watching my favorite Patrick movie. And I remembered what is was like to see it for the first time.
Anyway to Patrick who has left this earth I would like to say thank you. You made my childhood a dream and you started my love for all dance related '80's movies.
Anyway the point is Patrick was my new imaginary love. And so in that vein I started watching whatever was age appropriate for me to watch that involved him. I saw "Ghost," "Tall Tale," "Fatherhood," "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar." To name a few. And after "Dirty Dancing" "To Wong Foo..." became my second favorite. When I got older I started watching other flix of his. Such as "Point Break" and "Road House." "Ghost" again but this time I understood it more. And as I got older I got to pretend that I was Demi Moore in the very famous clay scene in that movie.
I was watching all that I could with him in it. Mainly ones that were kind of in the area that I enjoy the most. So I missed a lot of his heavy action films. But I was always faithful to the others. Especially "Dirty Dancing" and "To Wong Foo..." "To Wong Foo..." was one of my mom's favorite movies as well so that was something we watched over and over together. But "Dirty Dancing" was something that was special to me and my own obsession. Sure my friends and I watched it at every sleep over we had. But I also watched it on the day after the sleep over and by myself on various days. My birthday, holidays, any day that ended in day. So basically I watched it a lot. I recreated the final lift that Baby and Johnny did so many times that my dad had to ban it from our home and every other home that we were ever in ever. Luckily I started getting bigger and gaining weight so I knew practically that I could no longer do it but I still had some amazing dreams.
I felt that Patrick was one of the greatest actors known to the world of acting and that Jennifer Grey was perhaps the luckiest acting girl in all of acting land. I worshipped. Of course as I got older I recognized how silly I was to have hoped for all the things I had hoped for when it came to Patrick. But "Dirty Dancing" still remained my favorite dance movie, and it was still a fantasy that I would one day meet my very own Johnny.
Based on this post I would assume that you could figure out that I kind of like this Patrick guy. And unless you have been living under a rock, which you should probably fix, you have heard that he passed away. I was crushed when I heard. I no longer had that same level of creepy obession nor did I hold on to my school girl crush but it still hurt. I guess it does when the world loses someone that everyone "knows." I spent that day, the day I heard he died, watching my favorite Patrick movie. And I remembered what is was like to see it for the first time.
Anyway to Patrick who has left this earth I would like to say thank you. You made my childhood a dream and you started my love for all dance related '80's movies.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Stieg Larsson and The Girl Who Did Things
At this point we all know that Steig Larsson wrote about a girl and she had a tattoo and played with some dangerous materials. I am of course talking about the trilogy that has become over the top famous in quite a short time. I will admit that I started reading them after the hype had started and the first movie had come out. (Note: I did not watch the movie and only then begin to read the books.) But the movie coming out, with the news that America is already started production on our version, inreased my curisoity. I was wondering why it was so popular. So I went and bought the first book "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo." And I read it in 6 days. Now for someone with two jobs and who likes to try to get some sleep in there somewhere and also for someone who isn't the fastest reader in the world that is pretty fast. The point of the matter is that I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I actually had to force myself to stop reading in order to get sleep and go to work. It was a fantastic mystery. It's hard to even talk about because even the smallest thing could give it all away. That why the book was so good! Because it is so intertwined and mysterious that you can't even talk about how good it is without giving something away! The characters are human. So real. They have flaws and everything. I mean how cool is that? I was so excited by it that before I was even done I went out and bought the second book.
Book 2 "The Girl Who Played With Fire" started off out slow. But I was not worried because the first book started slow as well. So I had all the faith in the world that this book would be the same. That there was no way the slow part would fool me into putting the book down because the first book had rallied so amazingly. After a few days though something struck me. The book wasn't getting any better. It wasn't getting any more exciting. It was instead turning into a very generic murder mystery. I was just not feeling it. I felt all sorts of disappointed. But I was not willing to give up. I was however skeptical about going out and spending the money on the hardcover book 3. The thing about the second book is that while it is written well and includes all the characters that we love from the first one. But instead of being all twisty and turny and layer upon layer of mystery it was just a "whodunit?" filled with misdirection. I was disappointed. Since I was getting ready to head up to Portland to visit a friend and I was going to be in airports and airplanes I needed something to read. So I went out and bought "The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet's Nest."
In the third installment it was kind of the opposite of the other two. The beginning was interesting and full of "OH MAN WHAT IS HAPPENING?" moments. But then it started getting very complicated and full of information about the Swedish government and history. It took up many, many pages. And I was just not into it. In fact there were times when I actually spaced out whole chunks of what was being said. Something that I really don't understand about the books, why are the last two books connected not only in regards to the characters but in regards to the plot as well? If you were gonna do that why not just keep all three together? And then the end just got tired. I don't know what happened at the end of the writing process but something went off. It just ended "blah." Not really the way you hope something that started off so amazing would end. I was fairly disappointed to say the least.
Now I know that I am going to be in the minority in this. But I do have a problem with Lisbeth Salander. She is "the girl" in the books. And in the first book I kind of enjoyed her quirkiness and her "who gives a shit" attitude about well everything. I didn't like that it kept up for all three books. I didn't like that because she had an affair with Blomkvist, the journalist, in the first book but made it very clear that she didn't really want anything to do with him. Then despite herself she falls in love with him. She doesn't tell him and then sees him with another woman and because he is not psychic she ends up hating him. And continues to hate him. And despite the fact that she gets proof time and time again that she can trust certain people she continues to be her annoying stoic self. Anyway the long and the short of it is that she kind of annoyed me. I really just wanted her to get over herself by the end of it.
The movies are coming out in quick succession. The first two are out and very, very popular. I'm sure that the third is not far behind. I have thus far not seen the movies. I might give them a try now that I have finished all three of the novels. And I know that the Swedish version is most likely going to be a lot better then what our very own Hollywood will produce. But at the same time I am very reluctant to watch the movies. I am scared to see what they did with the plot and the characters etc. I guess we'll see.
All in all I would have to give "The Girl Who Did Things" books a seven out of ten. Good enough to keep me reading but not good enough that I can gush.
Book 2 "The Girl Who Played With Fire" started off out slow. But I was not worried because the first book started slow as well. So I had all the faith in the world that this book would be the same. That there was no way the slow part would fool me into putting the book down because the first book had rallied so amazingly. After a few days though something struck me. The book wasn't getting any better. It wasn't getting any more exciting. It was instead turning into a very generic murder mystery. I was just not feeling it. I felt all sorts of disappointed. But I was not willing to give up. I was however skeptical about going out and spending the money on the hardcover book 3. The thing about the second book is that while it is written well and includes all the characters that we love from the first one. But instead of being all twisty and turny and layer upon layer of mystery it was just a "whodunit?" filled with misdirection. I was disappointed. Since I was getting ready to head up to Portland to visit a friend and I was going to be in airports and airplanes I needed something to read. So I went out and bought "The Girl Who Kicked a Hornet's Nest."
In the third installment it was kind of the opposite of the other two. The beginning was interesting and full of "OH MAN WHAT IS HAPPENING?" moments. But then it started getting very complicated and full of information about the Swedish government and history. It took up many, many pages. And I was just not into it. In fact there were times when I actually spaced out whole chunks of what was being said. Something that I really don't understand about the books, why are the last two books connected not only in regards to the characters but in regards to the plot as well? If you were gonna do that why not just keep all three together? And then the end just got tired. I don't know what happened at the end of the writing process but something went off. It just ended "blah." Not really the way you hope something that started off so amazing would end. I was fairly disappointed to say the least.
Now I know that I am going to be in the minority in this. But I do have a problem with Lisbeth Salander. She is "the girl" in the books. And in the first book I kind of enjoyed her quirkiness and her "who gives a shit" attitude about well everything. I didn't like that it kept up for all three books. I didn't like that because she had an affair with Blomkvist, the journalist, in the first book but made it very clear that she didn't really want anything to do with him. Then despite herself she falls in love with him. She doesn't tell him and then sees him with another woman and because he is not psychic she ends up hating him. And continues to hate him. And despite the fact that she gets proof time and time again that she can trust certain people she continues to be her annoying stoic self. Anyway the long and the short of it is that she kind of annoyed me. I really just wanted her to get over herself by the end of it.
The movies are coming out in quick succession. The first two are out and very, very popular. I'm sure that the third is not far behind. I have thus far not seen the movies. I might give them a try now that I have finished all three of the novels. And I know that the Swedish version is most likely going to be a lot better then what our very own Hollywood will produce. But at the same time I am very reluctant to watch the movies. I am scared to see what they did with the plot and the characters etc. I guess we'll see.
All in all I would have to give "The Girl Who Did Things" books a seven out of ten. Good enough to keep me reading but not good enough that I can gush.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
First Post
I am starting this blog to review the books and movies that I love, hate and love to hate. Each post will be about a different book or movie or series. This is something that I have wanted to do for quite awhile but have never actually gotten around to doing. But here I am. I have my good friend to thank for inspiring me to finally do it. So here it is. The first post.
I am going to start off by talking about one of the most popular series that is around right now. And that is the Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer. We all know what it is whether we are willing to admit that or not. Because of it's utterly insane popularity I am not going to spend any time talking about what it is about. I'm just gonna go straight in to the story of how I came across it and how I feel about it.
I had been hearing about it for sometime before I finally decided to just go out and buy the first book. Mainly I did it to just get everybody off my back but I found that I was intrigued by it. This was way before the movies came out, even before the fourth book came out. So it wasn't just the hype that was pulling me onward. Anyway I admit freely that I enjoyed the books. Then I read them again and still I found that I was interested. And then the movies started coming out and I was ashamed that I enjoyed the books. I read them again. And again. The funny thing of it is the more I read them the more I realized how bad they were. I know enough about good writing to have realized right away that these weren't the most well written books, nor were they the most original story ever. I did enjoy that Stephenie Meyer wrote the vampires in a different way then most of what's out there. I liked that they had powers and are "vegatarians," and I like any writer that lets their vampires out in the day. Also I would like to state here and now that no matter what happens or what people say I love Emmett and Alice. I also enjoy Carlisle and Esme. Other then that all the others can go "suck an elf."
Anyway the more I read the books, the more I realized just how bad they were. And the movies are just awful. The actors are terrible and the whole production just takes themselves waay too seriously. I guess my point is that these books are just not very good. However I understand the thrill and appeal that they hold for young teenage girls. The dark unattainable bad boy. It's a phase that all people go through. Plus they think that the guys in the films are hot. It's rather unfortuate that this is so but it is the way it is. And I have to say to those out there that "hate this shit" and think it is all super stupid that the more you hate the more the lovers are gonna stand their ground. So just let it all go. This craziness that is Twilight mania will soon be over and done with. Hopefully.
To those out there who are looking for a different take on vampires check out Christopher Pike's "Last Vampire" series. Just the first 6 books. He's got more coming out but I just don't know about them. Also there is Charline Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels. Forget "True Blood" focus on the books. Those are good. I'll review them in another entry. But that is a great way to go. Also Mary Janice Davidson's "Undead..." series. The main character is really quite a hoot. They may be filed under the romance section of most bookstores but ignore that and you find a treasure.
In the movie area of vampires it's hard to find something with a "good" vampire but there are good vampire movies. "The Lost Boys" is a favorite of mine, there is "John Carpenter's Vampires" and of course there is "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Always an amazing film to watch, despite poor Keeanu Reeves.
Well there it is. My first official post. There will be more to come. Talking about more books and more movies. And more books that have become movies. If you have anything to add or contadict or anything to say on this subject at all please share with me and I am very open to hearing about other books or movies in this area. Any titles in the vampire area that you feel need to get mentioned, go ahead and mention! If you hate me completely on principle because of this post I would just like to ask this. Try me again. Because I promise I do not hate all books that are geared toward the Young Adult crowd. (Note: From now on when speaking of Young Adult Fiction I will simply be saying Y.A.F)
I am going to start off by talking about one of the most popular series that is around right now. And that is the Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer. We all know what it is whether we are willing to admit that or not. Because of it's utterly insane popularity I am not going to spend any time talking about what it is about. I'm just gonna go straight in to the story of how I came across it and how I feel about it.
I had been hearing about it for sometime before I finally decided to just go out and buy the first book. Mainly I did it to just get everybody off my back but I found that I was intrigued by it. This was way before the movies came out, even before the fourth book came out. So it wasn't just the hype that was pulling me onward. Anyway I admit freely that I enjoyed the books. Then I read them again and still I found that I was interested. And then the movies started coming out and I was ashamed that I enjoyed the books. I read them again. And again. The funny thing of it is the more I read them the more I realized how bad they were. I know enough about good writing to have realized right away that these weren't the most well written books, nor were they the most original story ever. I did enjoy that Stephenie Meyer wrote the vampires in a different way then most of what's out there. I liked that they had powers and are "vegatarians," and I like any writer that lets their vampires out in the day. Also I would like to state here and now that no matter what happens or what people say I love Emmett and Alice. I also enjoy Carlisle and Esme. Other then that all the others can go "suck an elf."
Anyway the more I read the books, the more I realized just how bad they were. And the movies are just awful. The actors are terrible and the whole production just takes themselves waay too seriously. I guess my point is that these books are just not very good. However I understand the thrill and appeal that they hold for young teenage girls. The dark unattainable bad boy. It's a phase that all people go through. Plus they think that the guys in the films are hot. It's rather unfortuate that this is so but it is the way it is. And I have to say to those out there that "hate this shit" and think it is all super stupid that the more you hate the more the lovers are gonna stand their ground. So just let it all go. This craziness that is Twilight mania will soon be over and done with. Hopefully.
To those out there who are looking for a different take on vampires check out Christopher Pike's "Last Vampire" series. Just the first 6 books. He's got more coming out but I just don't know about them. Also there is Charline Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels. Forget "True Blood" focus on the books. Those are good. I'll review them in another entry. But that is a great way to go. Also Mary Janice Davidson's "Undead..." series. The main character is really quite a hoot. They may be filed under the romance section of most bookstores but ignore that and you find a treasure.
In the movie area of vampires it's hard to find something with a "good" vampire but there are good vampire movies. "The Lost Boys" is a favorite of mine, there is "John Carpenter's Vampires" and of course there is "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Always an amazing film to watch, despite poor Keeanu Reeves.
Well there it is. My first official post. There will be more to come. Talking about more books and more movies. And more books that have become movies. If you have anything to add or contadict or anything to say on this subject at all please share with me and I am very open to hearing about other books or movies in this area. Any titles in the vampire area that you feel need to get mentioned, go ahead and mention! If you hate me completely on principle because of this post I would just like to ask this. Try me again. Because I promise I do not hate all books that are geared toward the Young Adult crowd. (Note: From now on when speaking of Young Adult Fiction I will simply be saying Y.A.F)
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