Book Blogger Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

It's FRIDAY!! And, it's also my birthday!! Sunday, that is. And it's also the Oscars!! Sunday, that is. Whatever!! It's the freaking weekend baby!! We're about to have us some fun...

First up, is the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Jen at 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!

This week's question comes from Jen at I Read Banned Books, "Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"

Our answer: Nope, we are perfectly content with our name. Says it all, I think.

Up next, we head over to Parajunkee's View where this week's featured blogger is Nakesha of Totally Obsessed. Q. Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...

Noe's answer: Glee and Vampire Diaries!! (Me too!!) 

Suz's answer: I freaking love Boardwalk Empire and True Blood. Sorry, kids. I'm an HBO fanatic. True Blood is based off the books by Charlaine Harris (I'm sure you all know True Blood), and Boardwalk Empire is based off the real life adventures of Enoch Johnson (Thompson on the show). Set during the 1920's and 30's during prohibition, Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

Well, that's it. So let us wrap up our week. 

First, catch my review of I Am Number Four in theaters now!! To read my candid review, click here. Also, we found a hilarious website that revamped all the movie posters for the "Best Picture" category in honor of this week's Oscars. Check them out here (they are hilarious). And even though The King's Speech will win for best film, I still think that Black Swan SHOULD win--Still my pick for Best Film of 2010. 

You can also catch my movie reviews at InsideOutHawaii.com or catch my weekly newsletter dedicated to film and theatre, distributed by Inside Out Hawaii Magazine, by clicking Screen Shots. 

Have a great weekend, and let us know in the comments if you are a new follower.

Love, Suz

In Honor of the Oscars: What The Best Pic Movie Posters Should Read!

In honor of this Sunday's broadcast of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, I just had to share these hilariously, creative movie posters I found on the web, via www.shiznet.co.uk If only I could create movie posters for the production companies... These are you "Best Picture" Nominees.

127 Hours

Black Swan

Inception

The King's Speech

The Fighter

The Kids Are All Right

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter's Bone

I Am Number Four directed by D.J. Caruso

I Am Number Four
Rated PG-13

Disney Summary: Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

Disclaimer: Watching this film may cause you to fall madly in love with Alex Pettyfer.

Side Notes: I had three things on my mind while I sat at the theater waiting for the movie to start. 1) I wish Noe hadn’t seen it first, telling me everything that had happened and how she doesn’t understand why Roger Ebert didn’t like the film. This not only worries me because she’s already letting me know that esteemed critics are panning the film, and plus she’s being a spoiler butt-head. 2) I was curious to see Alex Pettyfer act. 3) I have the book and I wish I had read it first.

But I cleared my mind.

My summary: At the beginning of the movie, we watch the events that lead up to the death of Number 3. Thus, a scar on Number 4’s leg begins to painfully, burn bright. It is a warning that another of his kind has been killed. These extraordinary beings have escaped to earth; the last of their kind after their whole race was annihilated by another alien life force. There were nine of these children. Three have been murdered.

Understanding that he is next, John (Number 4) and his guardian Henri are forced to move to Paradise, Ohio. Refusing to hide in his bedroom, John rebels against Henri’s wishes to blend in and be anonymous. He attempts to go to high school, I assume basically to have some sort of normal life. Probably a bad decision for any teenager with super powers. But, it is here things begin to change for John. Though he tries to stay out of the way, trouble seems to find him as he develops an unlikely relationship with a young boy that it is being bullied and a beautiful girl, who is through no fault of her own, a loner. But as we all know, caring for others when you are in danger, only draws them to danger as well and fleeing this time is not an option. John is forced to fight, but an unlikely stranger has come to his aid; Number 6.

My Review: I have to admit, I freaking loved this movie. Alex’s acting is not Oscar worthy, but he does a damn good job of being entirely too handsome and playing an action hero. (Casting director for Hunger Games, are you listening?! He’s your Peeta!) In fact, let me just say all around the board, all the actors did a good job with their respective roles and I might have to add, Timothy Olyphant, who plays Henri, John’s guardian is hilariously awesome. He has almost a Billy Bobish quality to him, if Billy Bob were slightly attractive.

Now, let me comment on the obvious. Many critics have tried to tie this movie to some other franchise, be it Smallville or even Twilight; labels, schmabels. Yes, John is young and it takes place during high school, but Twilight, it is not. For me, I’m not even thinking Edward and Bella, and I’m not sure why anyone else is. They in no way have the same vibe and trust me, I know Twilight. But, what surprises me is that they say it like it’s a bad thing. BUT everyone has a right to their opinion. So be it. (It’s not like Twilight!)

Anyhoo... the movie has everything: action and loud explosions, bad aliens (who were very good in the movie), a developing romance, bullies that get their ass beat, and best of all, a kick ass female lead--Number 6. Plus the music is VERY good in the film, makes me want to blow stuff up... Okay, I’m digressing.

In my group, I had tweens and I had middle-aged men. Everybody loved the film. In fact, when I tried to comment on how easy it seemed to kill one of these super-natural beings, my husband stuck up for the film and went into his explanation of where they came from and why they are here. How they hell did he know that info? But see, my point is that everyone in our group liked the film.

So... I give I Am Number Four, Five Stars!! And I will proclaim, I can’t wait for the sequel. Now go and  see it! I Am Number Four is playing in theaters now.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by D.J. Caruso
Alex Pettyfer-John
Timothy Olyphant-Henri
Dianna Agron-Sarah
Callan McAuliffe-Sam

Official Movie Website: I Am Number Four

Feature and Follow Friday!

Well, it seems this week we only have "Feature and Follow" hosted by Parajunkee's View.

The concept behind the feature and follow Friday is one where bloggers can be introduced to a "featured" blog and that blogger will in turn give us a little background on who they are and ask a question. 

This week's featured blogger is Aaron of Dreaming About Other Worlds: "If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?"

Suz: I'll answer this one since Noe doesn't like Science fiction. First, I must actually understand what exactly is science fiction... Does any of Stephen King's novels include any science fiction? Tommyknockers? If so, then the answer is "yes". I am interested, I just have never read any. But a genre that may cross over science fiction that I'm very interested in, is Steampunk (thanks to OnePushyFox at Bewitched Bookworms for her blog post on Steampunk.)

Steampunk: Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works ofH. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history.

So how about you? Any steampunk, science fiction stories out there that you want to recommend?

And so I end the week with a "HELL YES" for three day weekends! This week we reviewed "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest" by Stieg Larsson and "Discovering Arugula" by Elizabeth Allen. Click on book title for reviews.

I co-write a weekly film newsletter distributed by Inside Out Hawaii Magazine. You can find my weekly movie reviews at InsideOutHawaii.com or check out my newsletter, Screen Shots by clicking here. This week we reviewed "The Eagle" starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell.

If you are a new follower, please let us know in the comments. We follow and love back, promise!

Mahalo!!

Discovering Arugula by Elizabeth Allen

Genre: Adult fiction, Romance, Life Stories, Awesomeness
Author: Elizabeth Allen
Available for purchase on the author's website, or for kindle/paperback via Amazon.com.

Discovering Arugula is a continuation of Allen's first novel. You can read my review in which I give Who Got Liz Gardner five stars, by clicking on the title. I also named the book one of my favorites in my top book list for 2010.

Summary: Discovering Arugula is the next phase in the evolution of Liz Gardner, a woman born of high dysfunction who claws and screws her way to find herself and hopefully encounter her Prince Charming along the way - assuming he's okay with a "Sleeping Beauty" who spent minimal time actually sleeping. Enlightenment finally kicks in and Liz's forward path leads her directly to her soul mate. Unfortunately, she soon learns that real life doesn't mimic fairy tales or chick flicks. Even though she feels healthy and balanced, her destructive patterns have their teeth deeply embedded into her ankles like a persistent rabid Chihuahua she can't shake off. Fears of old habits, pining ex-lovers, the discovery of an ill-fated dark family secret and even murder threaten to sabotage the happily ever after she's worked so hard for.

How do you handle all the crap after Happily Ever.

My Review: If I have said this once, I'll say it again. I love the way Elizabeth Allen writes. It's raw, it's hilarious and she doesn't take any liberties. She tells it like it is, and I can completely appreciate an author who is not afraid to give depth and personality to a character, so much so, that as I stated in my first review; me and Liz are best friends. I didn't just enjoy this book, I consumed it whole heartily.

In the first novel, we meet Liz Gardner. We get a brief understanding of her childhood, her parents and her siblings and all her ups and downs with life goals and pursuits and most importantly, love.

In the second novel, we finally are privy to see the benefits of Liz's struggles. Over the course of the novel, she is able to reap what she has sown. But true to Allen's mantra, not without a few more stumbles and I might add, they are some SHITastic stumbles.

What I loved about Discovering Arugula... EVERYTHING. There is a purpose to every interaction, every tear shed, every heartbreak felt. Liz Gardner has to be one of my favorite characters, in the sense that she felt real to me. Often times Liz would curse or get snarky and I felt so much of my own personality in Liz that I jokingly thought to myself; in real life, Liz and I would totally hang out and there would be pizza and shots involved.

Back to the story. Without giving away spoilers, if you have not read Allen's first book. Stop and take a moment to check it out. It's really just a great story about one woman's journey and not to say that journey ends, but how she got there. Even Liz's dog became a favorite of mine... Damn Allen for her Marley and Me moment.

I found myself laughing at her antics with her significant other, Eric. Gushing over their sex life. Falling in love with Marlena, Liz's dog. Having a love/hate relationship with both her parents. Wanting to murder her brother, David. And finally, wanting to kill the author for making me freak out near the end. There were several curse words yelled, but all is good... This is how much I loved the book.

Can it be any more obvious? Discovering Arugula gets five stars from me. Excellent follow up novel to an already brilliant story.

Elizabeth Allen

Discovering Arugula Amazon Kindle

Discovering Arugula Amazon Paperback

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Genre: Adult Fiction, Crime thriller

Author: Stieg Larsson

Publisher: Knopf

Here are my previous reviews: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire.

Well, this has been a very long journey. I started this trilogy back in June and just completed the third and final installment of the Millennium trilogy a few weeks ago.

I've also finished watching all three Swedish films as well.

I'm at point where I feel a little lost without Lisbeth Salander but at the very least, I have the American version of the films to look forward to. Yeah!

Hornet's Nest was just what I had expected it to be. More or less, it is a continuation of the events that happened in the second novel. Without revealing spoilers, I can say that I am very pleased with the way the book ended and maybe a little surprised by how convoluted the plot had become.

When it comes to the final book in a series, it's nearly impossible to write a proper review without giving away too much. So I'll do my best to break down my thoughts on the entire series.

Author's writing: I'd be a liar if I didn't say that at times Larsson's writing was so intricate and so full of fact that it was overwhelming. But strangely, this is what I came to love as well. When I watched the Swedish films, I found myself saying "Hey they forgot to show this..." or "Why did they leave that out?" Obviously, the films are slightly condensed but in general do a pretty good job of depicting the novels. I was just surprised at myself for being so involved with Larsson's story that when people say they've seen the films, I have the urge to tell them to read the books too! There is important information in the books that was not depicted in the films. Not with relation to the plot, but more to character development. So I guess it's safe to say, I love Larsson's writing.

Character Development: Flawless. What you don't get in the films, is just how bad ass and intelligent the main character Lisbeth Salander really is. She's probably one of my favorite female heroines. Do I think that Larsson did a good job developing his characters? Abso-freaking-lutely. When you first start with Dragon Tattoo, you think your reading a murder mystery. But as you get into Fire and Hornet's Nest, you see that it is more than an intense plot about political corruption and violence against women. It's the history of Lisbeth Salander and all that she has had to endure. The films in this case, just do not do Larsson's characters justice. You also don't get the sense of the relationship between Mikael and Lisbeth. In the books, there is a devotional friendship that is deep--far deeper than what is portrayed in the films. These are very complex characters and Larsson does an outstanding job of creating layers.

Scenery: I need a second apartment in Sweden. Enough said. Skarsgard family and great writers. I declare my love for the country.

Plot: Oh, sweet 8lb baby Jesus. I can't tell you how shocked I was to be reading a murder mystery in the first book (which was full of very dark subject matter), only to be thrust in a political battle arena of sorts, with secret spies, drug rings, sex trafficking, bureaucratic exploitation... I just have to say, this is the first time I've read books like Larsson's Millennium trilogy. I'm not normally into reading thrillers of this nature, but this story was great. I'm only sad that Mr. Larsson passed away and we will not see his fourth novel, which I assume is still unfinished and unpublished.

In the end, I was very pleased by all three books. Yes, it took me sometime to read them and watch the films (I do have a life!) but it's well worth the time. Stieg Larsson was a very brilliant writer. I give the final book The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest five stars.

Book Blog Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

TGIF!!

I don't know about you, but I need the weekend to start... like now! So forgive me if the post is short. I've had a long week at work.

To start, Jen at Crazy for Books hosts a weekly book blogger hop that allows for both book bloggers and readers to easily visit each other. This week's question is "Tell us about your post from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!"

Well, I have finished The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest but will have to post my book review next week. So this week, I bring you my movie review of Vanishing on 7th Street with Hayden Christensen, opening next week in theaters. To read my movie review, click here.

You can also read my movie reviews in my weekly film newsletter, Screen Shots. To view a copy, click here.

At Parajunkee's View, we are introduced to Ruby's Reads. Her question was "What is your favorite Romance hero-type? Stereo typewise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?"

Suz: With a good story, I can fall for any character. I don't have a particular preference.

Well, that is another wrap and excuse me while I pass out on my couch from an exhausting week. Have a great weekend all, and please tell us in your comments if you are a new follower. We love to follow back! Aloha, Noe and Suz

Vanishing on 7th Street directed by Brad Anderson

Vanishing on 7th Street

Rated R

Summary: When a massive power outage plunges the city of Detroit into total darkness, a disparate group of individuals find themselves alone. The entire city's population has vanished into thin air, leaving behind heaps of empty clothing, abandoned cars and lengthening shadows. Soon the daylight begins to disappear completely, and as the survivors gather in an abandoned tavern, they realize the darkness is out to get them, and only their rapidly diminishing light sources can keep them safe.

My review: In all fairness, I was skeptical of the film at first. Not due to the plot, which I had a brief understanding of, but more of the fact that Hayden Christensen was headlining.

For me, his acting was pretty bad in the newer Star Wars films. So I've had a hard time getting past that. But of course, we can only hope that Hayden continues to grow as an actor. Physically there is nothing wrong with him--acting-wise, he lacks emotion for me.

However, I was completely giddy when the movie opened with John Leguizamo. I have adored him since his stand-ups (which are hilarious) and his performance in Moulin Rouge.

At the beginning, we see Leguizamo working a projector in a movie theater. Nothing odd or unusual, he's just doing his job. Suddenly there is an outage. Leguizamo is slightly perturbed, but more baffled since the electricity hasn't kicked back in yet. Heading out to see what has happened, he notices that there is no one in sight. He even checks the theater. Empty. Just clothes laying haphazardly everywhere.

Stumbling out into the mall area, he finds a security guard walking with his flash light. Leguizamo being a projectionist, is also wearing a light strapped to his forehead. Between the two, this is the only illumination lighting an eerie pathway among darkness... silence... and empty clothes on the floor. From within one of the stores, something moves in the shadows.

Creepy, huh? As I said, the beginning of the film had me completely on edge. BUT, unfortunately this was the only glimmer of brilliance in a movie about "poof-your-gone".

For me, there is a basic rule to Apocalypse. Just please explain it by the end of the story. If a film is filled with action, then there should be thought behind that action. Otherwise, it's just action and I might not give a @#*& by the time the credits role.

That is where I think this movie failed. In an essence, the story converges at a bar on 7th street, still generating light with a gasoline power generator. The few survivors of this horrific event, are psychotic by this point, but coherent enough to understand that there is something in the darkness. They are simply trying to stay alive.

And that's all... The End. WHAT? I have issue with that. Can you explain to me what the darkness is? Is it demons, is it aliens? What is it?

I mean you get hints here and there that clearly the darkness is an entity of some sort--It can get into your thoughts and coerce you if you are weak to walk into the abyss--But why? Does it need our planet? Does it feed on our bodies?

I hate to think people simply died in vain. This film would have been much better if we had a better understanding at the end of why this happened. I don't necessarily demand a happy ending but I embrace a good plot. Explanations are always welcomed.

And finally, the acting. The characters were SO annoying at times that I wondered, "Does the director want me to wish them dead?" Because I did. Many times.

In my own summary of my review, the plot had potential, I just became frustrated with its lack of content. The characters weren't developed enough yet I suppose most horror films subscribe to this standard of rule--It's just Silence of the Lambs, it was not. Certainly, it was not the worst film I've ever seen, it just was not the best (with respect to sci-fi thrillers and horror).

I would love to only give it 2 1/2 stars but I will lean toward three because I'm feeling generous.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Brad Anderson

Hayden Chistensen-Luke

John Leguizamo-Paul

Thandie Newton-Rosemary

Vanishing on 7th Street hits theaters February 18th, 2011.

Book Blogger Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

I love Fridays. I will love them even more when Noe is done cheerleading--To have my Saturday mornings back... I can't wait!

First up is Crazy For Books "Book Blogger Hop". This week's question is this, "What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"

Noe's A: I'm reading "I Am Number Four" by Pittacus Lore. I really want to try and finish the book before seeing the movie. Plus I've heard the book is good.

Suz's A: I'm reading "Discovering Arugula" by Elizabeth Allen. Liz was kind enough to send me a copy of her second book for review. (Which I LOVED her first, "Who Got Liz Gardner")

Over at Parajunkee's View, we meet Katy of Vision Quest Fail. Her question was "What is the book you are currently pushing?"

Our A: We don't usually push a book. We just write our reviews, and you can decide what to do with our thoughts.

When it comes to films, occasionally we are asked to feature a movie but I usually turn them down. I prefer reviews as opposed to a feature.

Well, that's it. Short and sweet.

Just to recap this week, we reviewed the movie The Rite with Anthony Hopkins and the book series, Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. To read a copy of my distributed film newsletter, Screen Shots, click here. You can also find my movie reviews at InsideOutHawaii.com under entertainment.

Have a great weekend and be safe coming home from your Superbowl parties!

Go Pittsburgh Steelers!!

Pretty Little Liars, Flawless & Perfect by Sara Shepard

Pretty Little Liars: Book 1 Pretty Little Liars, Book 2 Flawless, Book 3 Perfect

Genre: YA, thriller

Author: Sara Shepard

Publisher: Harper Teen

My Summary: The first book introduces four girls: Aria, Spencer, Hannah and Emily. Each very different and distant since the disappearance of Ali (the leader of their “friend” group). The first novel focuses on the problems that lead to a mysterious unknown identity, “A”. This “A” threatens to reveal their past and presents secrets. Book 2 and Book 3 are just continuations of the problems that “A” has created for these four girls.

Noe’s Review: The first book was OK. It was slightly interesting and there were moments of “good”. BUT! I was not at the point where I NEEDED to rush out and get the second book, which is my norm... So that should have been a red flag for me.

By the time I got to the second book, my hopes had dropped. The characters were so annoying and so unbelievable, that I found myself frustrated with everything that was going on. Their actions were ridiculously stupid, to the point that I could barely read on...

But I kept with it. Books can be like movies, sometimes a sequel sucks (You have to admit, Back to the Future 2 sucked! But I still saw it!)

When I finally finished the third book, I was completely over the series. I could not take one more stupid action--I actually went to school and yelled at my friends, because I was so irritated with stupidness. That’s not like me because I’m usually the one up on the table being stupid.

The bottom line is this. It was not clever, rather it was predictable. The girls didn’t seem realistic. They are the MacGyvers of stupid actions; taking something small and turning it into this huge problem. Finally I said to myself, “No! I’m not reading your books anymore!” and stopped at book 3.

Please don’t confuse the books with the TV series. The show seems to be slightly better. And don’t let me stop you from reading these books. Try the first book and see if you like it. It’s just not my cup of tea. I have to say overall, I did not like the books. I give them only 2 stars.