The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

Genre: Fiction, Inspirational
Author: Mitch Albom
Publisher: Hyperion (2003)

Goodreads Summary: Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It's a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie's five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his "meaningless" life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: "Why was I here?”

Noe’s Review: This book was very good. I loved the characters within the story, with each one telling their own life experiences.

Eddie is a stubborn soul, but it’s through others, that he learns to forgive and forget and to find peace in his afterlife.

I felt like the moral behind the story was to learn that every one of us is linked to one another. We each impact other people’s lives, and the background characters in this story, help convey this message. I also liked the author’s interpretation of Heaven. I think it was smart to show that even after death, we are still searching; that death does not create happiness.

After Eddie discovers himself, he finds that he is renewed.

This was just a beautiful story, sometimes sad, but well written. It didn’t need big words to make it great, it just was. I highly recommend this book to kids my age and older.

Water For Elephants directed by Francis Lawrence

Water For Elephants
PG-13


Summary from Movie Website: Based on the acclaimed number-one bestseller by Sara Gruen, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS presents an epic tale of forbidden love in a magical place filled with adventure, wonder and great danger. A veterinary student from the wrong side of the tracks, Jacob, meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds – including the wrath of Marlena's charismatic but dangerous husband August – Jacob saves Marlena from an unhappy life and they find lifelong love.

Disclaimer: 1) I have never read the book, and as much as I tell people "yeah, it's on my to-read list", it's not. But that will change. See my thoughts below. 2) Also, I'm a huge Twilight fan and adore Robert Pattinson. Just thought you should know.

My Review: Having never read the book, and seeing countless negative reviews of this film and it's lack of romance, I'm not sure what my expectations were. But I agreed to meet a few Twilight bloggers and friends of ours that are also huge Twilight fans on a Friday night. We took up most of a row.

Overall, the movie was spectacular and as one critic put it, "A Great Old Fashion Movie". It truly was.

Cinematically, the film was beautiful and I thought the director did an outstanding job of bringing the big top to life. Separately, I cannot help but think of the era, of the many books that depict this time in America, of my other favorite story that involves a circus; Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes. Circuses have a mystique about them and it's this charm, this magical hold that they have on us that sets the backdrop for a majority of the film. Between the actual sets; from the use of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum #610 and former McCloud Railway No. 18, to the gorgeous Rosie the Elephant (Tai), the star of the film; to say my eyes did not feast on the sets and costumes on the big screen, is an understatement.

And acting wise, I was in heaven. I think the entire cast did a marvelous job but I must start by giving praise to Christoph Waltz whose character is both tragic, and hellish--but without his brilliant performance, would not lend contrast to Reese's and Rob's performances. Christoph Waltz plays August, the owner of the circus. He is married to Marlena, his star attraction, whom I might add appears visibly younger than August. His behavior at times is appalling and the physical and mental abuse that he bestows on his employees, animals and wife-- dangerously intensifies by the presence of Jacob, a stowaway, who later becomes the circus's on site vet. The dynamics between August and Jacob, and August and Marlena is strange, and at times, sick. August is an intimidating character, and only Christoph Waltz could bring such complexity to such a hated figure. (After all, he was spectacular in Inglorious Basterds!)

With respect to Reese Witherspoon, I must give her credit for the ability to play a lost soul; cold and purposely ignorant to her husband's wicked ways. Feeling as if there is no where to turn, she has but no choice to ignore the abuse. The biggest criticism from other reviewers has been the lack of romance between her character and Rob Pattinson's, Jacob. From my perspective, I don't agree. Considering the seriousness of the events that lead up to Marlena's decision to leave, I felt like there was just enough budding love for the amount of time in the film to tell the entire story. I appreciated the fact that the movie focused more on the abuse and effects of August's tyrannical behavior, than placing gratuitous scenes for the sake of giving Rob's fans some sexy time. I mean, don't get me wrong. It's not void of romance, it's just not brimming with it either. But what I'm saying is that I didn't feel like it was missing, regardless.

Which leads me to my next critique, Rob Pattinson. *Releases doves* He did an amazing job!! I was very impressed with his acting, and do I dare say, it was his best? Relax, I'm not starting Oscar buzz, though I have to admit I was high on soda that night and may have spouted something to the effect of "Rob should get an Oscar!" Whatever! He was fabulous. Not only was he still his hunky self, but more importantly, I bought it. He brought to life Jacob, and I believed every moment of it. His character's morality was tested, time and time again, and his unwavering loyalty to not only Rosie the Elephant, but to Marlena, whom he admired and cared for, and eventually... Hold on. A tear is starting to form. I'm telling you, his best performance yet. And I'll spare the ending for those who have not seen it yet.

For me, three things made this movie come to life; Christoph Waltz, Tai (her real name) the Elephant, and Rob Pattinson.

This was a beautiful story of sorrow, discovery, betrayal and love... And I adored it. I highly recommend seeing it in theatres and yes, I promise book people--I will read the book!!

For Tai, who has my heart.... I give five stars.

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Robert Pattinson-Jacob

Christoph Waltz-August

Reese Witherspoon-Marlena

Hal Holbrook-Elderly Jacob

Mark Povinelli-Kinko/Walter

Other People's Heroes by Blake M. Petit

Genre: Fiction, Superhero Awesomeness
Author: Blake M. Petit
Publisher: Publish America

Summary: Josh Corwood has spent his life admiring the superheroes that protect Siegel City. He's wanted to join them, wanted to be like them... but eventually, had to settle for reporting on them from the sidelines. When an undiscovered talent reignites his hope to join the world's protectors, he suddenly discovers that their world isn't everything he'd been led to believe. Surrounded by false idols, Josh decides to turn the tables on them and reveal the greatest con game in history... and hopefully, in the process, find the real heroes that have long been gone.

My Review: I've been a closet fan of Superheroes for quite some time. The film that really ignited my love for this genre, is of course, Spiderman. The reason; the casting. Though I have to admit, Christopher Reeve will always be Superman to me, Tobey MacGuire is just simply amazing as the quirky, and sometimes awkward, Peter Parker (shhh, I like Spiderman more).

But! I've never read a Superhero book, nor any comic book for that matter. So it was just such a treat to get my hands on this book, Other People's Heroes. And the verdict... I really enjoyed reading it!

What I loved about this story was that it didn't try very hard. It naturally uses the inherent notion inside all of us, that most strive to do well. At least that's what we think, right?

Josh Corwood is a writer for a publication that specializes in dishing the dirt and printing articles on Siegel City's beloved "masked" men. There are the good superheroes, the ones that people can count on; and then there are the bad ones, the villains that potentially threaten the safety of Siegel City. There is an ongoing battle between good vs, evil.

But soon enough, Corwood learns that he is "special", as a unique ability has been bestowed upon him, and using this opportunity to join the caped crusaders, uncovers a devastating secret.

At the core of this plot are so many gems, and I will not lie... I got a little teary eyed at a few parts. Probably my hormones, but regardless, the story did move me in several scenes. As I stated, there is something inside of all of us, that if given the opportunity, would do the right thing. But we can only hope... And with that, Josh Corwood is a real superhero. He is given that opportunity.

The book explores human nature; greed, desire, power... But sets it in the back drop of a world where Superheroes exist. There's action, suspense, treachery, friendship, and romance. Actually, this would make a good movie!!

Other People's Heroes started as a fun read, and led to a heartfelt and rewarding story.

I give Other People's Heroes five flying capes, because I would have a cape and fly if I were a super hero. Just saying...

The Legend Of The Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen directed by Andrew Lau

The Legend Of The Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen

2010 Foreign Film, Rated R

Summary: In 1920s China, the nation is divided by infighting. Japan has become the most powerful force in Asia, taking over Northern Shanghai. With the city torn in half by international conflict, the popular nightclub, "Casablanca," has become a hotbed of spies, mobsters, English officials and the Japanese military - all looking to gain control of the country, with little regard for what happens to its citizens.

Into this den of intrigue enters Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen), who has returned to China after fighting alongside the Allied forces in Europe, bringing some dark secrets from his past along with him. During the day, he's known as "Ku" and appears to be just another wealthy playboy. However at night, he takes to the street as a masked warrior, determined to subvert the Japanese invasion while becoming entangled with the sultry Kiki (played by Shu Qi), who has a dangerous secret of her own. When his past catches up to him, Zhen is faced with near impossible odds, but his skills are formidable and he's up to the challenge.

My Review: I see a lot of foreign films, and in particular, Asian films that premiere here in Hawaii. The Hong Kong-martial art films, hot from their tour of film festivals and limited release premiers, finally make their way into the general audience hands. I have to admit, I sort of cringe when I get asked to screen a martial art movie because I'm afraid that the action-laced movie will be void of any real content. Funny thing is, there is certainly a genre for these films, plot or not.

Let me just say, this film is very worthy of being in the "martial art film WITH a plot" category.

The film focuses on Shangai after WWI. For me, I personally am fascinated with this era. What I liked about this movie was that it used that mystique of an exotic world, colorful, alive with culture; but slowly slipping towards the inevitable future of Western influences, and what we all know, the brinks of a second world war. The 20's are devastatingly beautiful.

And of course, do I dare say, the bad men in the film are the Japanese. We'll leave this subject alone, as the history between Japan and China is not a pretty one.

But, it is this mix of Chinese pride, and the will to stand up to the Japanese, who in the film begin to assassinate every Westerner or Chinese person who is against them, that brings a sense of depth to the story. A "death" list that is leaked, prompts one man to take actions into his own hands. Or I should say, in his own way. With the assistance of the press, and the police, there is a new sheriff in town.

For a good part of the film, we get to see incredibly talented stunt-men pull off amazing action sequences, and my favorite scenes are the ones where Donnie Chen dons a costume, making himself know as the "masked" superhero. LOVED THIS. My only complaint is that there was not enough of this through out the film, yet still, the film is a hybrid of comic superhero and martial arts; let's just say it was awesome.

And as any superhero knows, there is always the love interest... The woman you want to care for... The woman you want to save... But something is amiss.... Would she do the same for you?

I absolutely adored the 20's setting in the beautiful club called "Casablanca". I loved it being in Shanghai, kind of wanted Indiana Jones to join Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen). And last, the movie had a great plot, and a well deserved, but heartbreaking ending. Perfect martial art film. This is opening in Hawaii theatres today. Check it out if it's in a theatre near you.

This film gets four kicks to the gut!

Cast and Credit:

Donnie Yen - Chen Zhen 

Shu Qi - Kiki
Anthony Wong - Master Liu
Huang Bo - Huan

Atlas Shrugged directed by Paul Johansson

Atlas Shrugged: Part 1
PG-13

Summary: Dagny Taggart (Taylor Schilling) runs Taggart Transcontinental, the largest remaining railroad company in America. She is drawn to industrialist Henry Rearden (Grant Bowler), one of the few men whose genius and commitment to his own ideas match her own. Rearden's super-strength metal alloy, Rearden Metal, holds the promise that innovation can overcome the slide into anarchy.

Disclaimer and Notes: Atlas Shrugged is based on the novel by Ayn Rand, published in 1957; a story about a dystopian United States where leading innovators, ranging from industrialists to artists, refuse to be exploited by society.

I have never heard of the book to be honest, but went into this screening, open minded, and eager to see a great movie. After all, reviews were coming out that this was the movie the "liberals" did not want you to see. And so I posed the question to myself, as a liberal, "Oooohhhhh Reeeeealllly?"

My Review: This movie sucks.

Let me be brutally frank. I went in with very high expectations and was prepared to be wowed by this film. Now as I said, I'm not familiar with the novel, but I had hopes that I didn't need to be. The story is being broken down into three different movies: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. For a very convoluted and complex plot, that should be enough time to explain everything, don't you think?

The opening of the film starts with news clips, each revealing a devastating event; from the oil spill, to the stocks plummeting on Wall Street; we get a sense that America is suffering financially and with gas at $37 a gallon, have been reduced to using railroad again for all transportation needs. The year is 2016.

Then we are introduced to our characters, the brother and sister team that run Taggart Transcontinental. The brother appears to be an idiot, or maybe he's just lazy. I'm unsure at this point, but the true brains and brawn behind the barely surviving railroad company is the sister who takes a huge risk by partnering with another company, who has just invented a new type of steel. The issue at hand is the government will stop at nothing to take down Rearden Steel and any company that contracts with them because the government is corrupt and does not want Rearden Steel to be the only company that will succeed from this new alloy.

But Rearden and Taggart succeed in proving the new steel is a success by laying down a new railroad line, and through many obstacles, safely steers a train across it. Then they find a revolutionary engine abandoned in an old manufacturing plant. Oh, and on top of that. All the leading scientists and intelligent business men are disappearing, their parting words are: "Who is John Galt?"

Where to begin with my dislikes. First, the plot is unique, but very complex. I felt like too much was being thrown at us during this first film, and not enough at the same time. I think the script could have been written better. Second, the quality of the movie felt very low budget, and the acting was wooden and lifeless (with the only real scene being when Dagny and Hank Rearden finally confess their feelings for each other), plus the editing was annoyingly amateur.

And if I'm going to be an ass about this movie, let's just talk about what I didn't get about the plot. 2016? Really? Did we just get stupid in five years? Couldn't they have set this a little further in the future? What happened to alternative energy? In the movie, we see streets where bums are everywhere and the buildings are decayed and falling apart. Then we see Rearden's office and it looks like a freaking amazingly, awesome room from some architectural museum in Munich. Where did he get all his nice furniture? Do we make that stuff here in America? What about all manufacturing? Are we self sufficient? Also, what happened to Canada? Why are they so quiet in this movie?

And if that wasn't enough to digest, there are the missing scientists and engineers... Are they now apart of the Illuminati? A new "Justice League of Heroes"? Right before they disappear, they are approached by a man in black wearing a cowboy hat. Duh!! That's obviously, John Galt. Do I care by the end of the film? Not really, because the whole movie was just a hot mess. To be honest, I have no problems with it politically as I welcome any author, director, or documentarian, that can bring light to our wicked ways, whether it is through fiction or nonfiction, but bottom line, the movie was just boring.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Paul Johansson
Taylor Schilling-Dagny Taggart
Paul Johansson -John Galt
Michael O'Keefe-Hugh Akston
Grant Bowler-Henry Rearden
Matthew Marsden-James Taggart

Arthur directed by Jason Winer

Arthur (2011)

PG-13

Summary: A wealthy alcoholic is forced to marry, in order to keep his inheritance. Remake of the 1981, Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli film. 

Disclaimer: I feel horrible for saying this, but I've never seen the original Arthur. I know!! My co-writer, who watched this film with me, actually LOVES the original and just tore this movie to bits by the time it was done. I may not be as harsh because the story is new for me. But, I do intend to rent the original. 

My Review: In general, the movie was okay. It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be, and for some reason, it felt really long. 

Russell Brand is average at best, and for those that don't seem to care for him. Rent "Get Him To The Greek", that's one of his better films. Though I have to admit, I do love his style of comedy. It's very dry, and reminds me a lot of Ricky Gervais; that odd banter that seems to go on and on. The problem is, the material wasn't always that witty. 

But Helen Mirren! I'm mesmerized by her, and if it weren't for her enduring, and well acted performance, the movie might verge on "sucking". She honestly did a very good job playing Hobson, Arthur's nanny. Mirren has such a beautiful, timeless face, that I believed in her. She was the bright spot, in a very long and not always funny, film. 

Then there were the rest.... Jennifer Garner was good as the psychotic woman that Arthur was supposed to marry, and her father, played by Nick Nolte was spot-on. These two offered some comedic scenes, but not much. As for Greta Gerwing, Arthur's love interest... meh. I didn't really feel a connection. Was I supposed too?

I mean, without over analyzing this movie, the movie is just OK. So I say, rent it on DVD. It's not worth seeing in the theatres. I liked it, but definitely did not love it. 

Cast and Credit:

Director – Jason Winer 

Russell Brand – Arthur
Helen Mirren – Hobson
Greta Gerwig – Naomi
Jennifer Garner – Susan
Geraldine James – Vivienne
Luis Guzman – Bitterman
Nick Nolte – Burt Johnson

The Concert directed by Radu Mihaileanu

The Concert

French Foreign Film (2009)

Previously released in many countries, at different dates, the film is hitting our theatre in Hawaii April 8, 2011.

Summary: Andreï Filipov was a prodigy—the celebrated conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra, the greatest orchestra in Russia. Today, aged 50, he still works at the Bolshoi, but as a cleaner.

During the communist era, he was fired at the height of his fame for refusing to get rid of all his Jewish players, including his best friend Sacha Grossman. Andreï sank into booze and depression.

The Director of the Bolshoi, an old apparatchik, has been promising forever to return Andreï’s orchestra to him “soon”, but he’s mocking him, humiliating him sadistically. For him, Andreï’s a has-been, and he’s doing him a big favor by keeping him on as a cleaner.

Then Andreï finds a fax inviting the orchestra to play at Pleyel, in Paris, in two weeks’ time, as a last minute replacement for the indisposed Los Angeles Philharmonic. Andreï conceives of a crazy notion: he’ll round up his old musician buddies, a motley bunch now scraping a living in Moscow as cab drivers, removal men, flea market traders, suppliers of porno film sound effects…They’ll go to Paris as the Bolshoi. They’ll defy destiny and take their revenge.

My Review: So I was a little worried about this movie. It sounds intriguing in theory, but you know those French foreign films. They can be 'hit or miss', as the humor is lost on us, Americans. (And I say that teasingly, because my husband hates French films, and I adore them. I think the French are funny!) 

And of course, I was not displeased. The film is a French comedy, and I have to admit, they make the Russians look hilarious. Truly the film had me cracking up, as Andreï tries to gather up his group of ex-musicians, once formerly of the famous Bolshoi; some now working in the Adult porn business, a cab driver, a gypsy, etc... Then when he finally convinces them all to 'pull' off this trickery of sorts, posing as the Bolshoi (but in essence, they are the real Bolshoi), the laughter ensues when they try to fly to Paris. The contrast between the Russians, and the Parisians offered many comedic scenes, and this was probably my favorite part of the movie. 

But beneath the laughter, was something more heartfelt. When Andreï negotiates with the Châtelet Theater in Paris, one of his more insistent demands is that he requests Anne-Marie Jacquet, a young virtuoso, a solo violinists, to play with them. Hesitantly, she agrees. 

Near the climax, a bravo performance by the imposer Bolshoi, and the revelation of who Anne-Marie Jacquet is, brings this film to a much deserved ending. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie and thought it was very funny at moments, while still offering touching and poignant moments in the story. I absolutely love Mélanie Laurent, who plays Anne-Marie Jacquet, and look forward to seeing her in other films (you might remember her from Inglorious Basterds). 

In recognition of the Bolshoi, I say this film is "Symphonic Fantasy" and very well done. Who doesn't love a good 'come back' film? 

 

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Radu Milaileanu
Aleksey Guskov - Andrey Simonovich Filipov
Dmitri Nazarov - Aleksandr 'Sasha' Abramovich Grosman
Mélanie Laurent - Anne-Marie Jacquet / Lea
François Berléand - Anne-Marie Jacquet / Lea
Miou-Miou - Guylène de La Rivière
Valeriy Barinov - Ivan Gavrilov
Lionel Abelanski - Jean-Paul Carrère

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Genre: Adult fiction
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Riverhead Books

Summary from Author website: Taking us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the present, The Kite Runner is the unforgettable, beautifully told story of the friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. Raised in the same household and sharing the same wet nurse, Amir and Hassan nonetheless grow up in different worlds: Amir is the son of a prominent and wealthy man, while Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant, is a Hazara, member of a shunned ethnic minority. Their intertwined lives, and their fates, reflect the eventual tragedy of the world around them. When the Soviets invade and Amir and his father flee the country for a new life in California, Amir thinks that he has escaped his past. And yet he cannot leave the memory of Hassan behind him.

My Disclaimer: I love adding disclaimers because sometimes I just have things that I need to explain, that aren’t necessarily pertinent to the book review. In this case, I must say I watched the film version first, and then read the novel with the hopes that the book might shed some additional light or thoughts behind Amir’s actions. I was pleasantly surprised, the film almost mirrored the book with the exception for a few scenes (not really substantial, plot wise), and so this I say to anyone who might feel they do not have the time for this story. May I at least encourage you to watch the film version? It is available on Netflix streaming, and truly this story, film or book, is absolutely beautiful.

My Review: I love this book for so many reasons, but simply put, because it is an intelligent and truthful story about one man’s journey, from the time of his affluent living in Afghanistan, to his later upbringing in America. Not only did I follow his trials and tribulations, but I experienced the Afghan culture through both Amir, and my beloved favorite character, Hassan. To say I was not moved to tears, is an understatement. I was heartbroken at times, because I knew some of these racially motivated and complex issues that exist in the Arab world, are not just fictional words in a novel, and I only wish there was peace for these people, for their culture is so stunningly flavorful and exquisite. Yet,  it is masked behind groups of extremists, who not only shun Western influences, but their own as well. There is no freedom with these people, and this you come to learn as we see what life was like pre-Taliban, and at the ending of the novel, Taliban occupied.

But deconstructed, lies a tragic tale of two young boys, torn apart of by political unrest. One is able to flee Afghanistan, and live out his life in America with his father, the other remains, his fate unknown.

Amir and Hassan are like two peas in a pod, inseparable. Hassan is the son of Amir’s house servant, yet, the two play together as if they are brothers. For Hassan, he would lay his life down for Amir. For Amir, he questions whether he would do the same, and at one point in his young life, tested. It is this look at one’s soul, that haunts Amir for a good part of his adult life, as he receives a phone call from one of his father’s friends. In the end, he must return to Afghanistan, and in doing so, return to the demons he left behind. 

Not only did I love the characters in this book; Adult Amir, Hassan, Amir’s father... I treasured the descriptive writing of Khaled Hosseini. 

Can I just say, I could write about this book, “A thousand times over”.... Since I don’t have kites, I will give it five stars. It is a ‘must' read! 

Insidious directed by James Wan

Insidious

PG-13 (Some violence and frightening images)

Summary: From the creators of Saw and Paranormal Activity, Insidious is the story a family who shortly after moving, discover that dark spirits have possessed their home and that their son has inexplicably fallen into a coma. Trying to escape the haunting and save their son, they move again only to realize that it was not their home that was haunted. 

Disclaimer: When it comes to horror, I love nothing more than a good ghost story.

So believe me when I say, I was very interested in this film because it appeared to be a story of a haunting, and skeptical because of the people behind it. The Splat Pack is what they are called; a collection of "horror" filmmakers, with movies such as Saw, Hostel, The Hills Have Eyes, Cabin Fever, etc.. under their belt. You get why I would be concerned.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are fanatics in this sub-genre of gory, bloody, torturous horror films, but I for one, am not a fan. Just too disturbing for me. And so I went into the theatre, conflicted.~

My Review: At the beginning of the movie, we see that the Lambert family has just moved into a large, two story home. From their conversation, we get a sense of underlying issues, as Renai (the wife, played by Rose Byrne), is hopeful that things will get better from here on out. What those issues are, we are not privy too.

But there is no rest for the wicked, and immediately we watch paranormal occurrences happen over the next few weeks, leaving Renai frazzled and unsure of her new surroundings. It is not until their son, Dalton, slips into a coma, that Renai begins to question whether the home they are living in, is possibly haunted.

In an attempt to calm Renai's nerves and depression, Josh (the husband, played by Patrick Wilson) agrees to move out of the larger home, and into a smaller home, hopeful that whatever was plaguing them in the previous home, was left behind. But it is not gone, and worse, intensifies.

Cleverly, the first half of the movie uses dark imagery and loud noises to keep you just as frazzled as Renai is in the movie, and is it just me, or does every family in a haunted house like to save on electricity by keeping the hallways super dark, and ominous? For the love of God, turn on some lights and fix those squeaky wood planks. Throw some carpet down. Anything! And those damn baby monitors, don't get me started on those!

By the time the family moves into the second home, it's very clear that there is paranormal activity going on, even demonic in nature. So the family contacts a psychic, and with the help of a team, discovers what is truly ailing the family and their son, who is still in a coma.

For me, this is where I was like... eh. I'm always a firm believer of "less is more" and it's here at this point, that a few scenes were a tad bit cheesy as we get glimpses of the "other side", or "the further" as the psychic likes to call it. It had a very "Twin Peaks" feel to it, but ultimately takes us to our climax, the ending, which I'll keep secret.

Side Note: If you do plan on seeing this, look for the Jigsaw Killer (Saw). He makes a cameo, but you gotta look hard.

Overall, my viewing group was split on the final result. Personally, I don't think this movie was the scariest movie I've ever seen, but I don't think it was bad either. It's a valid attempt at horror, and I was generally scared most of the film, even on edge. So I think it's safe to say, you get your money's worth.

If I were to describe this film, I'd say it was a hybrid of Paranormal Activity, Jeepers Creepers, and maybe some Poltergeist. In the end, I liked it and I'm giving it three stars! So yes, catch it in the theatres now!

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by James Wan
Patrick Wilson-Josh Lambert
Rose Byrne-Renai Lambert
Ty Simpkins-Dalton (Son)
Andrew Astor-Foster (Son)
Lin Shaye-Elise (Psychic)
Barbara Hershey-Josh's Mom

Book Blogger Hop

It’s Friday!! And in the spirit of follow friday on twitter, Jen from Crazy for Books hosts a “Book Blogger” hop in an effort for both, book readers and book bloggers, to find and discover each other. 

This week’s question comes from Jen, herself: "Since today is April Fool's Day in the USA, what is the best prank you have ever played on someone OR that someone has played on you?”

A: Strangely, I’ve never really participated in any sort of April Fool’s pranks. I don’t know why, but I get very irritated by April Fool’s Day. Sorry. 

In recapping this week, I practically lived at the movies but I am more than half way done, with reading The Kite Runner too! So book review to come next week. 

This week’s movie reviews: 

Diary of Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules! (4 Stars)
Sucker Punch (2 Stars)
Source Code (4 Stars)

This week’s book review:
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (4 Stars)

And as always, you can find all my movie reviews at InsideOutHawaii.com or sign up for my weekly film newsletter (located at the bottom of the website). To read this week’s “Screen Shots” click here.

Have a great weekend!!! 

Source Code directed by Duncan Jones

Source Code
PG-13

Summary: A soldier wakes up in a capsule to find that he is part of an elaborate government mission to stop a future bombing. Given 8 minutes, he enters the “Source Code”, a computer program that allows him to enter the body of a recently deceased man that died on a commuter train explosion just hours ago. Time is slipping, as the pressure builds to find the suspected bomber before he can conduct his bigger and larger attack on the city of Chicago.

My Review: I really liked this movie. It’s an intelligent, fast-paced film that doesn’t require a degree in quantum physics to understand the depth of this plot. And, though you think you have it figured out, there are enough twists and turns in the end to keep you guessing.

As we learn from the summary, Capt. Colter Stevens wakes up on a train. The problem is, he’s in another body. Enduring the full 8 minutes of confusion that lead up to the train exploding, he is then catapulted back to a capsule where he is spoken to through a small screen. From there, he learns that he is a part of a government experiment in which he can enter the body of a deceased person, experiencing their last eight minutes of life; in this case, a man that was on board the first terrorist attack--a commuter train explosion.

From what the government can tell, they are sure the bomber was on the train that morning. The purpose of source code, is the hopes that someone can go back into the conscience of one of the deceased, and use that opportunity to try and find out who that bomber may be, relaying the information back to the government (who in present time, can arrest him).

Unfortunately, it takes Capt. Stevens several attempts to find the bomber, and in the process of doing so, discover some other truths along the way.

Though I thought the ending was just a tad bit confusing, the movie is pretty suspenseful and the graphics, acting and directing were all solid. It’s really just a good film with a good story.

Source Code hits theatres nationwide today, April 1.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Duncan Jones
Jake Gyllenhaal-Capt. Stevens
Michelle Monaghan-Christina Warren
Vera Farmiga-Colleen Goodwin
Jeffrey Wright-Dr. Rutledge