"Best" and "Overrated" Movies of 2010

First off, please don't let this post mislead you. What I have time to see and access to, is nowhere near what, let's say... Roger Ebert has time to see.

Also, not every movie makes it out this way to Hawaii and most of the time I simply just have to wait for it on DVD or Netflix instant streaming (which I have to say I'm sorta obsessed with.)

Anyhoo, let's begin. My list is in the order that the movie came out. Not of awesomeness.

Here is my Best of 2010

1) Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese. Release date February 19, 2010.

I'm not sure if you know this, but I have a "deep" affection for Martin Scorsese. So I might be biased but overall, I think he did a fabulous job with this psychological thriller. I still don't understand the ending!!

2) How To Train Your Dragon directed by Dean DeBlois. Release date March 26, 2010.

The film had pretty descent 3D effects and a great story, that was even funny at certain points. I don't know what it was about this film, but it really touched me. Plus, Toothless reminds me of my dog, Lily. (*Whispers* I like this better than Toy Story 3... shhh)

3) Letters To God directed by David Nixon. Release date April 9, 2010.

Based on a true story, this is a Christian film about a little boy diagnosed with cancer, who is inspired to write letters to God. Curse them for making me cry so hard my nose was swollen shut! Let's be honest, it's like watching a "Lifetime" channel movie, but the message is pure and wholesome and I can't knock a film that is trying to inspire hope and positivity.

4) Eat, Pray, Love directed by Ryan Murphy. Release date August 13, 2010.

I'm not sure why there is a backlash against this film but I happen to think it was beautiful. I'll tell you what. Screw mortgages and expensive car payments and anything that will tie me down. When my kids are older and the dogs are dead (yes, I said dead). I'm leaving! And if my husband wants to come, I'll let him. Don't tell me you don't dream about traveling the world? Who doesn't? Great story and Julia made it all the more palatable.

5) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I directed by David Yates. Release date November 19, 2010.

Let's be honest. Every Harry Potter film has delivered in telling its tales and has been nothing but brilliant. I'm happy but sad, as we draw near the final installment in this very long magical epic ride.

6) Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky. Release date December 3, 2010.

Last but not least, the BEST FILM of 2010; Black Swan. Normally, I have issues with Natalie Portman. Though she did great in V for Vendetta, she had zero chemistry in the Star Wars films with Hayden Christiansen. So, it's been hard for me to picture her as being "sexy". But she brought it. Not only did she do a great job lusting for her dance instructor, but she did a great job being eerily attracted to her co-star Mila Kunis. There was some believable lesbian action going on there. What can I say, if you haven't seen the film. Go see it. It is scary, sexy.

Not Quite "Best Of" but I thought were pretty damn good:

Remember Me, Released March 12, 2010. (Rob Pattinson, enough said)

The Runaways, Released March 19, 2010. (Joan Jett rocks)

Iron Man 2, Released May 7, 2010. (Love Robert Downey Jr.)

Cyrus, Released June 18, 2010. (So weird, but hypnotic and strange)

Eclipse, Released June 30, 2010. (David Slade did a great job)

Legends of the Guardians; the Owls of Ga'Hoole. Released September 24, 2010. (Spectacular visuals)

Life As We Know It, Released October 8, 2010. (Hilarious)

Red Hill, Released November 5, 2010. (Ryan Kwanten, yes please)

Due Date, Released November 5, 2010. (More Downey!)

Chronicles of Narnia; Voyage of Dawn Treader, Released December 10, 2010. (I love you Jesus, I mean Aslan)

I should mention, I did not get to see these films: The American, Inception, King's Speech, Social Network, True Grit, The Town, and Leaves of Grass. So I'm sad because I suck and these films were probably awesome.

Now for the not-so-hot. The overrated. My "Ehhh" list. (Disclaimer: You should always see the film, regardless of what someone else tells you. I would never tell you to NOT see a film.)

1) Percy Jackson & The Olympians; The Lightening Thief. Released on February 12, 2010. Based on a popular book series, I was very disappointed in the movie. It pales in comparison to other films in its genre. Maybe it was the acting... dunno.

2) Alice In Wonderland. Released on March 5, 2010. The 3D graphics were non-existent and even though the Red Queen was spectacular, I did not like Burton's take on The Mad Hatter. Sorry guys, didn't work for me.

3) Hot Tub Time Machine. Released on March 26, 2010. I had high expectations for this film and it only delivered a few laughs. I think Rob Corddry's character was just a total ass, didn't find him funny at all.

4) Prince of Persia; The Sands of Time. Released on May 29, 2010. I had issues with Jake Gyllenhal playing Dastan. Are there supposed to be Caucasians in Persia? I'm just asking. Is it so hard to cast Arabs in these type of roles? Besides that, the movie was okay. I think if casting was done better, this movie would have been just as entertaining as "The Mummy" was the first time I saw that film in the theatre.

5) Wall Street 2; Money Never Sleeps. Released on September 24, 2010. This movie was hella long and should have ended a half hour before it did. Anti-climatic and overall boring. Not at all, a come back film.

So, my list of Best of 2010 is not quite up to LA Times or Eberts, or let's face it, most film critics. But I hope I've inspired you to see at least some of the great films that have been released this year.

Here's to 2011 and I will see you all at the movies.

ROOM by Emma Donoghue

Genre: Fiction

Author: Emma Donoghue

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 1st Edition Sept. 2010

Hardcover: 336 pages

(I purchased it in iBook)

Summary; (and I will only post a few lines) To five year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he is born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

ROOM is one of those books where I had stumbled across a few book blogger reviews and without reading fully into their posts, was determined to read this book. All I knew from the bloggers was this; the book was amazing and brilliantly written from a five year old point of view. SOLD.

The minute I started to read ROOM, I was captivated by little Jack and his innocence as he seems very intelligent for his age. Then at other times, baffled by his references. Well, there is a reason why for that... Jack lives in ROOM. And ROOM, is his world. Not ours.

Characters: Really, your are primarily focused on two main characters; Jack and Ma. I absolutely loved reading from Jack's POV, though I have to admit at times, I had to go back and figure out what he meant. As I said, this is a brilliant way to disguise a serious matter. Through the eyes of a child, we slowly understand what ROOM is and the environment in which both Jack and Ma live in. There is no way you will not fall in love with little Jack. He is my hero.

Plot: I really urge you not to read any full length summaries. I love going in blind. And that is exactly what I did here. That's probably why it only took me two days to read because I could not put this book down. I HAD TO KNOW what was going to happen to both Jack and Ma. I was desperate to know the ending... so yes, the plot was engrossing, disturbing, and in the end real life. These things happen... but this is only one dark tale of such and that is what makes this scary.

My Conclusion: The best book I've read of 2010. This story will get into your head, have you thinking about what you would do, have you feeling blessed for the things that you take for granted. In the end it is a very quick read, a very good book and completely worth your time. I loved ROOM and without hesitation, give it five stars.

Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky

BLACK SWAN

(2010) Rated R

Summary: Black Swan follows the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter's professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth Macintrye (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, "Swan Lake", Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition, a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted relationship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

My review: Oh thank God, this film finally premiered in Hawaii. Just recently released nationwide on the 17th, most of you should be able to find a local theatre that is now playing Black Swan. And believe me, YOU WILL WANT TO SEE THIS FILM.

I have to admit, right from the beginning I covered my eyes at certain scenes. I have a thing about looking at boney, skinny ballerinas cracking every bone in their body, while exuding an unhealthy appearance that resembles someone who desperately needs a bagel. Natalie Portman ROCKED THE BODY. Visually, I never for once believed that she was an actress. Natalie Portman was Nina-the ballerina.

But moving past the fact that I now felt fat, and Natalie looked amazing, I became hypnotized by the story. As it reads, it is psychological thriller (and for those who saw American Psycho, I would sort of compare this film along those lines.)

Without revealing too many spoilers, the movie is about a ballerina, who is desperate to land a lead role in the upcoming season premier of Swan Lake. Having been with the company for over four years, I suppose she is feeling pressure that her career will amount to nothing if she does not finally get recognize for her talents, and it does not help that she lives with her mother, an ex-ballerina herself (who gave up her career to have her daughter). There seems to be some underlying issues there with her mother and Nina's desire to be perfect.

But, it is that desire to be perfect that is becoming it's own entity and in a sense, it is looking to consume Nina; body, mind and spirit.

This movie had so many twists and turns, there are still scenes that we can't quite figure out. It is a very graphic movie and very erotic, but superbly done-I almost want to call it a horror film, disguised as a drama. Believe me when I say this, go see it. Though I haven't seen "The King's Speech", THIS film better sweep the awards. If Natalie Portman doesn't get an Oscar for her performance, I'm going to sick a rabid Swan on somebody over at the Academy of Motion Pictures.

This movie is nearly perfect and I highly recommend it. Do check it out.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Natalie Portman-Nina

Mila Kunis-Lily

Barbara Hershey-Erica

Book Blogger Hop and Feature & Follow Friday

It’s that time again! (And thank God we are not busy and finally able to participate.)

First up, it’s Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy-For-Books!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

This week’s question comes from Alex who blogs from Geek on the Brink: “What do you consider the most important in a story; the plot or the characters.”

Well, I think both Noe and I can safely say, the plot is what brings you in, but the characters are what keep you there. If you don’t like the characters, then it becomes school work and who wants to read characters you don’t like, unless you are being graded on it. We’re just saying...

Next up, we are featuring and following over at Parajunkee’s View.

This weeks blogger is Carmel over at Rabid Reads. (Hey Carmel! We are now following you!)

So! This week’s question is: What did you study in college, or are you currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different.

Good question, I think I’ll just answer since Noe is only in Junior High. Actually, I’m still in college but work full time as a Commercial Property Manager. I am the endless student... you know, something about staying at home because of raising kids... blah, blah, blah. Anyhoo, the great thing about going back to school later in life, is that my goals have changed. I’m an English major now, so hey. We’ll see. Some days, I want to go to film school and other days I like to write. I am woman that can’t be contained!! What about you?

Bye the way. If you are a new follower, let us know for God’s sakes! We want come stalk you at your blog!

This week’s movie review was The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Loved it)

and our book review was Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

You can also find my movie reviews at InsideOutHawaii.com

Next week I review Tron and the book, ROOM by Emma Donoghue

Have a great weekend, be safe, don’t stress and remember... when you’re having a bad day, there is always someone out there having it worse.

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

Genre: Adult Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy

Author: Octavia E. Butler

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 1st edition, January 2, 2007

Paperback: 320 pages

(I read it on iBook)

Goodreads Summary: Fledgling, Octavia Butler's first novel in seven years, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl who's alarming unhuman needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: She is in fact a genetically modified, 53 year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted--and still wants--to destroy her and those she cares for and how she can save herself. Fledgling, is a captivating novel that "tests" the limits of "otherness" and questions what it means to be truly human.

Without giving away major plot points, I think it's best I break down my thoughts on the book, as they are conflicting at times. I have a love/hate relationship with the story, so please allow me to explain and I will do my best to avoid revealing any spoilers; only those few things that made me dislike the story at times.

Beginning of the book: The first few chapters to this book are brilliant. Having not read the summary, I went into this story blind as a bat and this made reading the unknown... kinda exciting. First, I had no idea what was narrating the story, but I knew that it was hurt and hungry. Hooked..

My concern: This actually happens a few more chapters in and surprising early on, when a stranger pulls over on the side of the road because he is concerned he sees a young little girl wandering aimlessly in the rain. This young little girl is our main character. Wait! Your're probably wondering why I would reveal that? Well, in the summary you have already been told the main character is a 53 year old vampire, right? But, the key here and my major complaint with the entire story, is that she looks like a 10-12 year old girl. She's about 4'6", 86 lbs and boobless. Fine, I can deal with that... or can I? See below.

My WTF: Then the unthinkable happens. Sex. Yes, there are elements in the book, from the feeding to actual sex, that takes place. Had she not appeared as a young girl, I probably would not have had issues. Why did she have to look like a child? Let me just say this once, fucking gross. Moving on...

The plot development: The thing with this story is that Ms. Butler did an outstanding job of creating her own version of vampires. It's very well thought out and very creative. The first half of the book was very interesting (when things are still a mystery), minus the weird sexual happenings, but then the last half of the book felt more like a course in Ina culture. I understand the main character has amnesia and it is through her questioning, and lack of knowledge, does the author use this as a means to teach us about Ina', but I felt disconnected towards the end. Plus the ending had me scratching my head; it seemed a little anti-climatic.

Character development: Now, if I didn't like the fact that she appeared young, you would think that I would have disliked any further character development. Yes, and yes. I will maintain my position, that I didn't need to know how sexual a feeding can be, and I will maintain that I didn't like her looking like a child, while having sex with mature people but I also didn't know enough about the characters to care either. The was only really two strong relationships that I thought could have been further explored, but other than that, again I throw out the word disconnected.

My conclusion: In the end, Ms. Butler's work is highly coveted and what did not work for me, may be completely fine for you (honestly, I just had issues with the character's appearance; but it was disturbing enough to get in the way of actually enjoying the book). Believe it or not, I will continue to scout out other works by Ms. Butler (who passed away in 2006). I give this book three stars. It had potential, moments of brilliance, moments of lackluster, and in the end was comme ci, comme ca.

About the Author-Octavia E. Butler was an American science fiction writer, one of the best-known among the few African-American women in the field. She won both Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1995, she became the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

(Rated PG)

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the third movie to be released in the The Chronicles of Narnia film series.

Having loved the first; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I some how failed to see the second film, Prince Caspian.

I went into the theatre testing two theories. Can the movie stand alone without having seen the previous film and is it worth seeing in 3D?

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader returns two of the Pevensie children (Edmund and Lucy) back to Narnia, with the addition of their cousin, Eustace. Meeting up with Prince Caspian, they begin their adventures in what appears to be a sea Odyssey of sorts; as they become lost in a tempest searching for the seven lost lords. But in their quest, an evil green mist lures the children by teasing them with their darkest desires. In the end, the story is about temptation, failure and ultimately redemption.

If you are familiar with the prolific writings of C.S. Lewis, then you are probably aware of the Christian references in his stories. I will spare you my thoughts and lecture on the subject, but welcome parents to use this particular film as a means to discuss the subject with younger children as the ending my bring up questions. (Personally, I found myself in tears as Aslan explained to the children that he would always be with them in their other world, and they simply need to know his other name. And for those who don't know, it is Jesus.)

Special Effects:

With regard to the special effects, I would highly recommend seeing it 2D. I didn't find the 3D elements striking, and to be honest, it's simply not worth your extra dollars. But, if you have young ones, bring them, as they will be entertained right from the beginning of the film.

Highlights:

My favorite part of the film was the addition of Eustace, (and if you are not familiar with the books, will carry the next installment, The Silver Chair. ) Eustace was brilliantly annoying, mean but witty, hilariously funny, and in the end courageous. I enjoyed hearing his narration, as he journaled their adventures and in the end, I found his summary touching and endearing. For Eustace, he learned to believe.

My Conclusion:

With all the films being hustled at Christmas, why not take your children to a film that has so much meaning. In fact, if your children love to read, buy the books! Also, the film is just as entertaining for adults as it is for young ones (probably more so, because you can understand the symbolism.) And last, don't stress if you haven't followed the series. I had no trouble understanding, and the movie does a really good job of reiterating past facts.

Of course, because I love the meaning behind the stories, I give the film five stars. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is in theatres now.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Michael Apted

Georgie Henley-Lucy

Skander Kaynes-Edmund

Ben Barnes-Caspian

Will Poulter-Eustace

LENNONYC

Tomorrow, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of John Lennon's death. How do you celebrate the life of someone so iconic, so ingenious, so hopeful? You pass his legacy onto the younger generations and instill in them, his words of wisdom. With Steve Jobs winning a long battle over trademark disputes, the Beatles catalog has now been made available for all to download and listen to, and you will be surprised at how many younger fans this timeless band will acquire. In fact, thanks to iTunes, Noe is now a hard core Beatles fan. I kid you not. (I have to say that all four members of the Beatles were very prolific writers/musicians. It is a shame that we do not have John, nor George.)

But I am digressing. I really want to direct you to a wonderful new documentary on John Lennon called LENNONYC. Presented by American Masters, it is a film that focuses on the time Lennon, Yoko Ono and their son, Sean, spent living in New York City during the 1970s.

“The period that Lennon lived with his family in New York is perhaps the most tender and affecting phase of his life as a public figure,” said Susan Lacy, series creator and executive producer of American Masters as well as a producer of the Lennon film. “Just as the generation that had grown up with the Beatles was getting a little older and approaching a transitional time in their lives as they started families, they saw this reflected in Lennon as he grew from being a rock star icon into a real flesh and blood person.”

LENNONYC features never-before heard studio recordings from the Double Fantasy sessions and never-before-seen outtakes from Lennon in concert and home movies that have only recently been transferred to video. It also features exclusive interviews with Ms. Ono, who cooperated extensively with the production and offers an unprecedented level of access, as well as with artists who worked closely with Lennon during this period, including Elton John and photographer Bob Gruen (who took the iconic photograph of Lennon in front of the skyline wearing a “New York City” t-shirt).

To view American Masters schedule on PBS: Click here
To view the full two hour documentary online via PBS: Click here

“If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliché that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal.” John Lennon