I Adore Books and Film

New Death and others by James Hutchings

2012-02-15T11:07:00.000-10:00

New Death and others
Author: James Hutchings

eBook available on Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. for $0.99.

Summary: Death gets a roommate... An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question... A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...

44 stories. 19 poems. No sparkly vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction?

My Review: Love. That is all. It is so nice to find an indie author's compilation of short stories, and ones that are so well written. Right out the gate, I was amazed. So much so, I handed the iPad to Noe and asked her to read it. We both collectively went, "Ooooh. That's good!"

What I love about short stories and poems are that they are quick reads and easy to turn to when you don't have time for a 1,000 page novel (yes, I'm looking at you author of Game of Thrones series!) And probably my most favored collection is of the late great Edgar Allen Poe. This I think of, when I read Hutchings' stories.

Here is a sample of his work titled "The God of the Poor"

In the beginning of the world the gods considered all those things which did not have their own gods, to decide who would have responsibility and rulership.

"I will rule all flowers that are sky-blue in colour," said the Sky-Father.

"I will listen to the prayers of migratory birds, and you all other birds," the goddess Travel said to him. And so it went.

At last all had been divided, save for one thing.

"Who," asked the Sky-Father, "shall have dominion over the poor?"

There was an awkward silence, until the Sky-Father said,

"Come - someone must. Those with no gods will grow restless and cunning, and in time will cast us down, and we shall be gods no more."

"Not I," said blind Justice, and her stony face flashed a momentary smirk at the thought. "Why not Fame or Fortune?"

"Darling I don't think so," said the sister goddesses together.

There was a long pause. The gods shuffled their feet and avoided one another's gaze. At last a voice broke the silence.

"I will," said Death.

The Vow directed by Michael Sucsy

2012-02-10T15:08:00.000-10:00

The Vow

Rated PG-13

The Vow is a tragic love story that seems like it’s based off of a Nicholas Sparks novel, starring actors that have in fact, been in films based off a Nicholas Sparks novel.

In actuality, the film is based off real life couple Nick and Krickett Carpentar, who were in automobile accident in 1993 that left the woman (Krickett) with no recollection of the year prior, including her wedding which was a mere 10 weeks before the accident. The story is about her recovery and how the couple had to work through the complications of memory loss and more important, love loss, as Krickett did not recognize her husband nor could find the means to stay married to a man that she did remember.

Here’s a tip: don’t go into this screening thinking you are going to be watching an extremely romantic movie. The clips that you see of the couple in the trailer, names changed for obvious reasons, are of Leo (Channing Tatum) and Paige (Rachel McAdams) happily in love. Yet, they are only flashbacks. A majority of the movie is spent uncomfortably after the accident, as Leo comes to realize that his wife’s last memories are of the times she spent in College, engaged to another man. In fact, she doesn’t resemble the woman that Leo married at all, and likewise, Leo does not come close to the type of man that Paige was engaged too. Though I can sympathize with Paige’s condition and the circumstances of her situation, I found McAdams, who plays the young woman, incredibly annoying. Might I remind you that she woke up to seeing her husband looking like Channing Tatum! Joking aside, Paige (McAdams) was so frustratingly cruel to Leo at times, that I found myself saying, “You deserve better, Leo. Let it go.”

But, I will give credit where credit is due and Channing Tatum’s acting has improved considerably. I found his performance heartfelt and believable. He definitely carried the weight of the film and his character’s persistence is to be commended.

Overall, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I didn’t shed a tear and damn them for showing us photos of the real life couple! Yet, in the end, I was only slight moved by the context of the story and did not find the film incredibly endearing. Still, it was an interesting enough and worth seeing for Tatum’s performance. The Vow opens in theatres today, February 10.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Michael Sucsy

Channing Tatum-Leo

Rachel McAdams-Paige

Jessica Lange-Rita Thorton

Sam Neil-Bill Thorton

The Woman In Black directed by James Watkins

2012-02-10T11:38:00.001-10:00

The Woman In Black
Rated PG-13

Movie Summary: A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

My Review: Have I told you that I love a good English ghost story? The Others with Nicole Kidman is one of my all time favorites. With that being said, I had high expectations for this story.

The movie begins right out the gate with the horrific suicide of three little girls. Graphic and to the point, the movie follows a steady course to reveal a small village ravaged by a curse. Young children mysteriously die, all while the image of a woman in black appears before these children's untimely deaths.

With the arrival of a young attorney who must go through the mounds of papers, left behind by an recently deceased old woman's estate, begins to stir the energy within the town, as he too begins to see this infamous woman in black. Intrigued, he digs deeper into the lore behind this ominous spirit and begins to piece together the mystery behind her rage.

I must start first with Daniel Radcliffe's performance. He was absolutely riveting as the young attorney, who is also a widowed father. I was blown away at his realistic portrayal. He did a great job. In simple terms, this kid can act.

But I wasn't extremely impressed with ghost itself. Let me rephrase that, there are definitely nail-biting scenes, and I definitely covered my eyes in a few scenes. It's just that I didn't feel fully satisfied with the story itself. Visually, the director was spot on. Plot wise, it was only ok for me.

However, I would still highly recommend this film while it's in theaters. It is very well acted, and scary at just the right moments. It is quite the solid ghost story. My complaints are honestly few, only that I didn't care for the ending. I like resolution and I didn't get it. But, it's still a damn great ride the entire way through and Radcliffe has become one of my favorite actors. Many might say that he didn't look the age of a young attorney/father. I beg to differ. He absolutely pulled it off. Radcliffe is actually what made the film so good in my opinion.

So should you see it? YES! The Woman In Black is playing in theaters now.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by James Watkins
Daniele Radcliffe-Arthur
Roger Allam-Mr. Bentley

Catspell by Danyelle Leafty

2012-02-09T11:35:00.000-10:00

Author: Danyelle Leafty

Available: Ebook published 10/22/11

Book Summary: Sixteen-year-old Breena never thought anything could be worse than being forced to leave the faerie realm. Then she got stuck with a fairy godmother. But if she has to choose between the two, she’d leave the Faerie Realm over getting bossed about by a faerie with a pointed stick any day. Unfortunately, her attempt to evade her fairy godmother gives her growing pains in the form of fur, whiskers, and a tail.

Turning into a cat is the least of her worries, though. The potion wasn’t meant to bring out her inner feline, it was meant to put her to sleep. Forever. If Breena wants to make it to her Happily Ever After, she’ll have to accept that sometimes a fairy godmother really does come in handy, after all.

Noe's Review: I received a PDF from the author, with the intention of giving my honest thoughts on her book. I have to say that the story was really good and the characters were really likable. However, I felt the story was a little predictable at times. But it is a solid fairy tale.

What I will say is how much I love the idea behind this story, and with the characters being likable, enjoyed reading this story very much. I do recommend the book, and give it four stars!

You can find Catspell on Goodreads, and I definitely encourage you to check out the author's website, Danyelle Leafty.

The Innkeepers directed by Ti West

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-10:00

The Innkeepers
Rated R

Movie Summary: During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

My Review: I was intrigued by this film because it had generated some buzz with its most recent trailer. Oh, you know the one. Raw footage of a rocking chair in a dark room. Then after minutes of staring at it, waiting for something to happen, a ghost jumps out at you. Actually, I got too scared to even watch the trailer…

So, when it became available on VOD, I had to see it. I love a good ghost story!

The premise behind the film is that this old boutique hotel is finally shutting its doors for good. The two remaining employees left, stay the entire weekend since the other employees have already been dismissed.

Luke (Pat Healy) runs a blog that features the history of the hotel, which includes the tale of a young woman’s suicide. In addition, the website also showcases a couple of video clips of what is presumed to be paranormal activity within the hotel. Intrigued, Claire (Sara Paxton) agrees to help Luke capture substantial proof with the time they have left, proving once and for all, the hotel is indeed truly haunted.

Let me just add two thoughts at this point. One: the hotel has a very shining’ish feel to it. It’s no wonder business is bad! Two: Sara Paxton nails her character. She epitomizes every young woman in her early twenties. In fact, without naming names, I was convinced that she reminded me of someone in my family and that saddened me because I didn’t want to see Claire aka girl-in-my-family die or get hurt.

Moving on…

The story is slow. Very slow! At times I even forgot we were watching a rated R horror film. And then enters one new guest, Ms. Leanne Rease Jones (Kelly McGillis) who happens to be a psychic. But of course! For me, she didn’t really offer anything of worth to the story but I suppose her only benefit was to help the audience confirm that there is something disturbing and ominous with the hotel. But for the most part, the interaction between Luke and Claire is entertaining enough that their hijinks carry the film.

But, as the story moves slowly to its finale, events around the hotel begin to become dangerously real as Claire and Luke become caught in the mist of it. It’s like the hotel will not let them leave, again a shining’ish quality to the hotel. (I suppose this was NOT in the employee manual? Try to reveal the haunting, work in the hotel forever...)

And then there is the last twenty minutes or so of the movie. My thoughts, I didn’t expect that! So in the end, I thought it did its job. I was a little disturbed as the credits rolled; I’m not going to lie. But, due to its very slow build, I think this film is not for everyone. If you’re expecting screams out the gate, you won’t find them here. The screams are laughable but minimal in retrospect.

I’m giving this three out of five, because it was a tad bit slow in the beginning. Noe actually watched it with me and she's giving it three 1/2 because she slept with her light on. But, I am saying that it’s worth checking out, if only for Sara Paxton’s performance.

The Innkeepers opens in theatres today.

The Artist directed by Michel Hazanavicius

2012-01-23T15:27:00.000-10:00

The Artist
PG-13 100 mins.

Disclaimer: This review is a long time coming BUT well deserved. I stand corrected on my list of Best Films for 2011. The Artist might be my favorite film, thus far.

For those who are not familiar with the film, it is an homage to silent film, cleverly packaged as... a silent film.

My Review: The Artist is a romantic French film directed by Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Taking place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, the story focuses on the decline of a famous male film star in contrast to the rise of a young starlet, as silent films become replaced by the new medium of cinema, talkies (sound film).

With its recent sweep at the Golden Globes--Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score, and Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and admirably, its solid insertion in practically every film blog or movie critic’s Best Film of 2011 list, it is painfully obvious that this film will not be ignored. And thus we ventured to our nearest theatre that specializes in indie and foreign film and began our journey into the abstruse world of black and white cinema... without dialogue, we might add.

In the beginning of the movie, we become introduced to our main character George Valentin (Dujardin), a beloved silent film star, as a packed audience applauds the premiere of his latest film, A Russian Affair. As we watch Valentin playfully thank his fans for their adoration, we applaud Dujardin for his performance. He embodies that aged elegance that we lack to see in Hollywood these days. From his charismatic and infectious smile, to his adorable sidekick, a spunky Jack Russel Terrier, Dujardin inexplicably transports us back to the roaring twenties and the Golden Age of Cinema.

From there, we watch the actor meet and befriend a young starlet, Ms. Peppy Miller (Bejo). Though he is married at the time, there is quite romance that begins to build between the two. Miller almost becomes a guardian of sorts, as her fame rises with the inception of sound in cinema, and Valentin’s star sinks, as he is quickly ushered out of Hollywoodland to make room for the new fresh faces of these popular new films, talkies. The story builds as Miller never forgets Valentin, remembering his kindness and sincerity when she first started and remains in the shadow of Valentin’s deteriorating life throughout the film.

What we loved about this movie is simply everything. Filmed as a black and white silent film, we were mesmerized by its entirety. Forced to focus on every detail, we consumed it and enjoyed every minute of it. Our daughters even praised it, and added that they liked how the love story of Valentin and Miller, relied on the plot, never showing them kiss. We agree. It is love letter to old cinema (as with Martin Scorsese’s Hugo), and cleverly packaged as a romantic tale of two people hoping to find longevity in very cut throat, but young Hollywood. The characters are so likeable, you cannot help but hope for their happily ever after and the director does this harmoniously with the pairing of a wonderful musical score that helps dictate the tone to the film. The Artists is just brilliant on many levels.

Our final thoughts on the film? It is the Best Film of 2011. And we make our prediction that not only will it be nominated for Best Picture, but will take home the Oscar for it.

Cast and Credit:
Written and Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Jean Dujardin-George Valentin
Bérénice Bejo-Peppy Miller
John Goodman-Al Zimmer
James Cromwell-Clifton

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

2012-01-18T08:37:00.000-10:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick

Hardcover, 526 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press 2007

Book Summary: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

My Review: Wow! First, obviously I picked up this book after falling in love with the film, Hugo, which is based on the novel. I might add, that Martin Scorsese followed the story to a T. In fact, the story in itself, is considerably short, but greatly enhanced by many, many graphic pictures in the novel.

The story is essentially about a young boy who becomes orphaned after his father is tragically killed in a fire. He is forced to live with his alcoholic uncle, who lives and works inside the Paris train station, maintaining all the clocks.

Depressed, and sadden by his new life, the only thing that Hugo has to be reminded of a time once was, is a unique artifact... An automaton that both he and his father were in the process of restoring. It becomes clear to Hugo, that his focus from this point on, should be completing the project the two started many months ago.

Yet, tragedy strikes again as the boy's Uncle turns up missing. To hide and avoid being forced into an orphanage, Hugo takes it upon himself to continue maintaining all the clocks within the station.

In his spare time, he steals from a toy maker, taking the spare parts to rebuild the automaton. His fears and dreams are all wrapped in this novelty contraption. Yet, it is through these actions that his fears and dreams become reality as he is caught by the toy maker and forced to work in his shop, until his debt has been paid. The unlikely friendship that builds between the toy maker and his goddaughter with Hugo becomes one of mystery, cleverly revealed in this wonderful story through written fiction, pictures and your imagination.

The book is simply fascinating and completely wondrous. I loved reading it and looking at the beautiful sketches. I think that any age will adore this story, whether it be the graphic portions, or the novel itself, it is a book for all ages.

It is a story about friendship and trust, packaged during the rise and fall of Golden Cinema, as Georges Méliès is a very important part of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Excellent story and I give it nothing short, of five stars!

My Favorite Films of 2011

2012-01-04T10:07:00.001-10:00

I know every film blog or site has to put together their "Best Of" list, but frankly, who am I to say that a film is the "Best Of" anything! All I can tell you is that my list is subjective... Based only on the films that I have seen. They are my favorite films of the year.

1) The Lincoln Lawyer - Rated R
I really love Matthew McConaughy. Though I think he's a fabulous actor, he'll always be that stoned, naked bongo-playing guy that I adored so much from Dazed and Confused and The Lincoln Lawyer was simply a raw, gritty, crime drama film that reeled me in with its cliches. Though it was predictable, I wouldn't have had it any other way. And Ryan Phillippe was just fantastic as the rich kid with a dark fetish. The chemistry between the two was evident, as well as the chemistry between McConaughy and Marisa Tormei.

2) Bridesmaids Rated R

Of all the comedies this year, Bridesmaids by far was my favorite. Don't get me wrong. I adore Mr. Chow and quote him daily. Yet these women brought something new to the table and I've never laughed so hard, as I did during the bridal fitting. For me, the entire cast was hilarious, including Ben Falcone (Melissa McCarthy's real life husband), who played the Air Marshall on the plane to Vegas--between their talk of hiding iPod's up rear ends, to meats and cheeses... This film is just full of WIN. Enough said.

3) Super 8 Rated PG-13

What I loved about Super 8 and Steven Spielberg's style of directing, is the way that it appeals to the youth in all of us. It is why I will always love Indiana Jones, or tell my children that "Goonies never say die!" It is my happy place, anytime I watch his films. Super 8 captures that good old fashion notion that kids can do anything, if their hearts are in the right place. The adventure is more than the mission, but the bonds that are created in the process. And the cast for this film was perfect. I must admit, I truly love little Elle Fanning. (which I might add, adored in Sophia Coppola's Somewhere) Super 8 was just such a great movie, that even my daughters loved it. And really, isn't that what going to the movies is all about?

4) Midnight in Paris PG-13

J'aime ce film!!! From the beginning intro of beautiful picturesque scenes of Paris paired with the nostalgic melodies of Sidney Bechet's Si tu vois ma mère, Woody Allen had me within the first five minutes of this film. The premise of feeling like things were so much better back than, of not being satisfied with the world in which you live, really translates. But, Woody Allen must be my father in real life, because the notion of being an unsatisfied writer, insistent that Paris is the answer... to stroll the streets while it lightly drizzles on you... I think this movie was made specifically for me. I'll be changing my last name to Allen. Plus, Corey Stoll's performance as Ernest Hemingway was just spot on!

5) Rise of the Planet of the Apes PG-13

I feel bad admitting this, but I hated the original Planet of the Apes. So I had to force myself to see this film. But surprisingly, I really loved it. For me, the core of why this film is so good is due to Andy Serkis's performance. His facial features brought so much emotion to the primate that I actually got a little teary eyed during the scene where Will Rodman's (James Franco) father (John Lithgow) had reverted from the treatment and was eating breakfast with the fork upside down. Ceasar observes this and turns his fork around. (*TEARS*) Can I just say that I love James Franco but I freaking love Ceasar? Plus, I felt better about watching it knowing that no primates were harmed in the film because no primates were used. Oustanding CGI, a fantastic beginning to a franchise, and great acting by Andy Serkis (who deserves an Oscar).

6) Drive Rated R

Because any character that remains nameless with scorpion on his jacket is ok in my book. This movie was just filled with 80's cheese and I loved every minute of it. There was something very ecletic, but subtle about Drive. It's starts off considerably slow and then builds just at the right moments--scenes that make you kind of sit uncomfortably in your seat because the violence comes out of nowhere. Drive-for me-seals the deal with Ryan Gosling. Plus I loved him in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Shirtless Gosling is like Cowbell. Sometimes you just need more.

7) 50/50 Rated R

This movie took a subject matter such as cancer, and made it palatable. I felt the pain, the frustration and the fear. But I also felt the hope, the love and friendship, and overall was completely touched by this movie. I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an outstanding actor and is quickly becoming one of my favorites. But, I also commend Seth Rogen for his efforts. His humor added to the film just at the right moments and knowing that Rogen is real life friends with Screenwriter Will Reiser (whom the events are loosely based off of), put a realistic aspect to the storyline. I could feel Rogen expressing emotions on a personal level in the film. Great movie, and fantastic cast. I might add that Anna Kendrick was the yin to Gordon-Levitt's yang. The two did not have chemistry but a developing friendship that I wanted to see thrive in the film. 50/50 is great story telling.

8) Fright Night Rated R

I'm just going to go out on a limb and say that THIS was actually the vampire film this year that I loved. Come on, I adore my Edward Cullen but Fright Night was just the perfect balance of humor and scare. Plus, I think Collin Farrell did a great job--he's the perfect bad guy (as evidences by Horrible Bosses). I actually rewatched this movie a few days ago and you know what, I still love it. Set in Vegas, director Craig Gillespie does everything right, even down to the soundtrack (which has the best version of Jay Z's 99 Problems performed by Hugo). If you're saying to yourself, "The first Fright Night sucked, why would I watch a remake?" Don't fret. I said the same thing and was pleasantly surprised by this remake. For a horror film, I loved it. (Speaking of, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is also on my list of fav horror films for this year. It's on Netflix instant).

9) Hugo Rated PG-13
This movie transcends beyond the silver screen, absorbing you into the world of Hugo Cabret, a young boy that is orphaned, forced to hide in the inner workings of the Paris train station. This film is so good that my concern is for those who did not see this film in 3D. I fear that you have missed something magical, something that cannot be conveyed on a DVD. What Martin Scorsese has done, goes beyond the adaptation of Brian Selznick's novel, but pioneers three dimensional storytelling into new realms. To use the background in its entirety to enhance the story is visually stunning. From the cast, to the story, to the homage to old cinema, there is not one single thing that I do not like about this film. Breathtaking.

10) War Horse PG-13
Just thinking of this movie as I type brings the tears. Hold on... Ok, I'm back. This movie really touched me. I know that there are moments in the film that felt very generic and strategically placed, but I'm a sucker for a well made movie that touches the heart. There is nothing like the unmistakable love that exists between an owner and its animal, and being a dog/cat lover, I could appreciate the lengths this boy goes through to be reunited with his horse. In addition, the setting of WWI is one of my favorites. That era is innocent, yet on the brink of death and destruction.... and for years to come. Between the ongoing drama of war and the experiences of the horse, I found the entire picture heartbreaking but worth every tear shed, even down to it's Gone With The Wind ending.

Honorable Mention:

The Descendants Rated PG-13
I know I should place this film in my top ten list for the simple fact that it was written by a local-Kaui Hart Hemmings, filmed in Hawaii and did a fantastic job of translating the heartbreak and humor of the novel, but truth be told, I was slightly underwhelmed by the film. Having read the book and cried through the pages of torment that Matt King endures, I just did not experience the same emotions when I watched the film. Though the movie is very well made, I just felt like I enjoyed the book more.

Best Foreign Film:

Red Dog - Australia

Based on the legendary true story of Red Dog (a dog that roamed the outback looking for his owner), this film had me at all angles. I laughed hysterically, cried like a baby (which is embarrassing) and cheered for its outcome. Red Dog was just that good.

I think anytime you tell a true story of pet that exhibits unnatural behavior, a devotion that runs so deep that the animal would lay its life down for its owner, you can't help but be drawn in by its mythical aspect. Red Dog uses the story of a dying dog to recount the lives that the animal has touched; each story different, but humorously depicted. I can't really express how much I love this film. But, unfortunately I have yet to find it available on DVD here in America. But, regardless. Keep it on your "must see" film list. Red Dog is awesome!

So what films did you see this year that you enjoyed?

War Horse directed by Steven Spielberg

2011-12-23T08:23:00.000-10:00

War Horse
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Rated PG-13
Release Date December 25, 2011

Movie Summary: Young Albert enlists to service in WWI after his beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.

My Review: War Horse is a film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Michael Morpugo's 1982 best-seller, which was previously adapted for the stage, debuting in London 2007. The movie follows the life experiences of a Horse, from birth to his recruitment in WWI, we are privy to the world in which he belongs; but to whom, the question is asked. They say a horse, is a horse, is a horse but not in this film. Breathtaking, heartbreaking and full of heroic equine behavior, you will not leave the theater with a dry eye. Go on, we dare you.

What Spielberg has managed to do is something remarkable in our sense. He has created a film that any age group can view and feel satisfied; a story that is rich with deep meaning for all, yet unique to the movie patron and their own personal familiarity with the subject manner.

The first half is set in the beautiful English countryside, where Joey (the Thoroughbred) must be taught to plow the rough and rocky plains or the family will not afford the rent they owe their landlord--a bind the father had gotten them into due to his drunken purchase of the horse to begin with. This portion of the film is used to develop the bond between boy and horse and gives us a glimpse into the unwavering determination both beast and child prove to be instilled with. But before we can become sympathetic to the family’s plights, War is eminent.

Before long, the horse is leased to the English army with his fate left to the care of the officer who assures Albert (Jeremy Irvine) that he will look after him. It is here that Albert makes a solemn promise to his horse that he will find him one day, and from there the movie truly begins.

Spielberg avoids any emphasis, but simply depicts both Germans and the English in what is historically, one of the most savages wars fought. From a French farm on the brink of torrential bombings, to trench warfare, to the infamous No Man’s Land, the visuals are abundant and the story persistent in its trek forward to its concluding, Gone With The Wind’ish ending, we truly enjoyed War Horse.

When we turned to our daughters to see if the tears were for the horse and his endeavors throughout the war, our girls replied, they were not. The tears were for a particular scene in which two young German soldiers flee from their duties, their punishment eminent. My daughters were able to sympathize and move beyond the relationship between the horse and the young boy who raised him. They were simply entertained and moved by the film in its entirety. And that is Spielberg magic, my friend!

War Horse is an excellent movie and we definitely recommend it. War Horse premieres December 25, 2011.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Jeremy Irvine-Albert Narracott
Peter Mullan-Ted Narracott
Emily Watson-Rose Narracott
Niels Arestup-Grandfather
Celine Buckens-Emilie

The Darkest Hour directed by Chris Gorak

2011-12-22T14:21:00.000-10:00

The Darkest Hour
Directed by Chris Gorak
Rated PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2011

Movie Summary: In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race that has attacked Earth via our power supply.

My Review: When I first saw the trailer for The Darkest Hour, which I might add was promoted heavily at the theatres by Summit, I cringed. It reminded me so much of Vanishing on 7th Street, and if you remember my review for the film, verged on hatred. Such a strong emotion, yet invisible aliens evoke such. Enough said.

Going in to the screening, I was skeptical to say the least. Four young, attractive characters partying it up in Russia, survive and outwit an invisible and aggressive alien life force. Hmmm…

But, I will admit. The film was better than I thought it would be. In fact, it was alright, tolerable and even entertaining at moments.

The movie opens with two computer software entrepreneurs (Emile Hirsch/In To The Wild and Max Minghella/ The Social Network) flying into Russia to meet with potential investors. They soon realize how naïve they are in the world of development as their idea for a social website is stolen from them and presented to the very same investors.

Defeated, they decide to check out one of the clubs listed on their site as the place to go. This is where they meet up with two other ladies, (Olivia Thirlby/Juno and Rachael Taylor/Red Dog).

And quite literally, the havoc begins as the lights to the club go out leaving our four in utter darkness. As the patrons filter out of the building, they learn the cause of the blackout; illuminated balls of amber light descending from the sky absorbing all sources of energy and eerily, anything else that is alive.

What I liked about this film first and foremost, is that the characters didn’t annoy me. I love Emile Hirsch and I actually really love Rachael Taylor. The entire cast of characters was likeable enough that you wanted to see them survive. Also the plot didn’t become too convoluted. It was what it was, a movie about survival, nothing too complex or in depth. And it worked for me.

Though few of the special effects were slightly less impressive, the overall tone was uplifting and not so doom and gloom; it made you feel hope for the characters even if their situation seemed dire and futile.

In the end, I didn’t hate it or love it. But I did like it. And there you have it. I give it three stars.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows directed by Guy Ritchie

2011-12-21T08:56:00.001-10:00

Sherlock Holmes
A Game of Shadows
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Rated PG-13 For Holmes Awesomeness

Movie Summary: Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.

My Review: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is exactly what Guy Ritchie has subscribed to in his sequel film to the Sherlock Holmes saga. But, I think it works and actually, A Game of Shadows might be better than the first.

I won't give spoilers but let's just say that Ritchie knew exactly what I adored about the first film and hated as well. No Rachel McAdams! And, the addition of Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza Heron was a nice touch. Being a true "Girl With a Dragon Tattoo", Swedish-version-will-always-be-the-best-version lover; it was nice to see her included in this cast. I also love Stephen Fry (V for Vendetta) as Holmes's brother. Great choice of actors this time around.

But, moving beyond... The film pretty much delivers throughout the entire 129 minutes, even down to the last five minutes. It is literally flawless. The infamous stop action sequences are back and amplified by a thousand percent! Though I thought I would tire of the "calculated fight" scenes, Ritchie found a way to bring them back because let's face it, Holmes is autistic (just saying) and seems to excel at visually accounting every detail before it even happens. But this time, there's a slight twist to those scenes which keep you from getting bored and I appreciated the attempt at keeping what worked so well in the first film, while finding ways to present it in a fresher more interesting way.

I have to admit with the plot revolving around an eminent World War, I found the story line more fascinating this time around too. Plus, Ritchie wasted no time with a love interest for Holmes (thank you). Straight action, witty dialogue, awesome fight scenes and a great ending. It is truly a solid film, through and through.

Also, one of my favorite scenes involved alcohol, bachelor party and a church. For me, Jude Law really excelled this time around and his scenes were just as hilarious and entertaining as Robert Downey Jr. I kind of love Dr. Watson, is that weird?

Overall, I say go see it. If you loved the first movie, you'll LOVE the second! Plus, Hawaii folks can utilize reserved seating at Consolidated Ward too! Makes dinner and a movie, easy peasy.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law - Dr. Watson
Noomi Rapace - Madam Simza Heron
Jared Harris - Professor James Moriarty
Kelly Reilly - Mary Watson
Stephen Fry - Mycroft Holmes

Also, if you love everything Sherlock Holmes, there is a kick ass essay on the beloved character over at The Awl, Sherlock Holmes and The Adventure of the Impudent Scholars.

Excerpt: "Doyle famously tried to kill Holmes off himself, considering the stories to be a fatuous distraction from his more serious historical fiction and writing on spiritualism. When Doyle had Holmes pitched off the edge of Reichenbach Falls to certain doom, the streets of London filled with men in black armbands, demanding a revocation of the deadly deed. Nine years later, Doyle finally and begrudgingly acquiesced, reanimating Holmes in “The Adventure of the Empty House”. The Holmes stories continued for another 24 years—cases were still being "uncovered" even after the great detective had been retired to a bee farm in the Sussex Downs."

It never ceases to amaze me how much we succumb to cinema and literature. I must admit, I am guilty.

~ Suzie

New Year's Eve directed by Garry Marshall

2011-12-09T09:57:00.000-10:00

New Year's Eve
Directed by Garry Marshall
Rated PG-13

Movie Summary: Taking place over the course of one night, New Year's Eve, the film follows several single people and the situations that they find themselves in on this celebratory holiday.

Disclaimer: Most men; husbands, fiances, boyfriends, guy friends, or sons will most likely not want to see this film. Just drag them!

My Review: I'll be completely honest. I thought Valentine's Day was total crap the first time I saw it. But then it came on cable and I think I watched it two other times, because nothing else was on and I grew to love it. For me, I think it was initially the cast and their bad acting that did it for me. But I saw the potential in what Gary Marshall was trying to achieve.

Well, I think he did worlds better this time around with New Year's Eve. Though there are some familiar faces in this film from Valentines' Day (Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel), there are a slew of other big names... Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry just to name a few. And with that, the acting has improved.

In all honesty, do we really buy that these actors are who they appear to be in the different stories told? No. But the stories, themselves, are touching enough. And that's what makes the film enjoyable to watch and heartfelt at times.

Let's be honest, I'm a woman... I cry at anyone that is reflecting on mistakes that they've made in their lives ON New Year's Eve... And Josh Duhamel is hot. Enough said.

This isn't an Oscar worthy film. But it is good, and not total crap as I was thinking it would be. It's totally worth your time and your $10+ per ticket. Honestly, here are some of my favorite stories from the film.

1) Robert Deniro plays a dying man in the hospital and Halle Berry plays his nurse. You are a heartless bastard if you don't think that's touching. Plus, I think I about lost it when they continued to follow Halle Berry's character's and who it is that she is looking forward to seeing. Bring tissues. The whole audience sort of gasped and collectively sighed as we know how difficult that scenario can be for those in real life. But we were an advanced screening audience and high on soda and popcorn because we didn't have to buy our ticket.

2) Michelle Pfeiffer plays an older woman fed up with being timid and unadventurous in life. She employs Zac Efron's character to help her carry out her resolutions... In one night! Don't ask me why, but I love Michelle Pfeiffer. She can do no wrong in my eyes.

3) Josh Duhamel is gorgeous (did I already say that?) and Sofia Vergara stole every scene she was in. I would like to just borrow her accent for one day and crack myself.

So if you were interested in seeing this film, go see it. I kinda loved it. Now, everybody sing with me, "So raise you're glass if you are wrong. In all the right ways. All my underdogs, we will never, never be. Anything but loud and nitty gritty, dirty little freaks."

No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

2011-11-30T11:33:00.000-10:00

No Country For Old Men
Cormac McCarthy

Genre: Adult Fiction
Publisher: Knopf (July 19, 2005)

Summary: Llewelyn Moss, hunting antelope near the Rio Grande, instead finds men shot dead, a load of heroin, and more than $2 million in cash. Packing the money out, he knows, will change everything. But only after two more men are murdered does a victim’s burning car lead Sheriff Bell to the carnage out in the desert, and he soon realizes how desperately Moss and his young wife need protection. One party in the failed transaction hires an ex–Special Forces officer to defend his interests against a mesmerizing freelancer, while on either side are men accustomed to spectacular violence and mayhem.

My Review: Since I had seen the movie awhile back, the book felt exactly like a screen play. Void of quotation marks, the novel was slightly difficult to read in the beginning but quickly resolved itself by mid-story as I became familiar with the actions and current situation of each character.

I think McCarthy is an excellent story teller but due to the method in which the story is told, maybe be more of "you either love him or hate him" fashion. But because I appreciate the film so much, I fall somewhere in the middle.

So suppose you are not familiar with the movie. The book gives no back story and thrust you into the author's world. Llewelyn Moss is a hunter that stumbles across drug money in the desert. Deciding to take it, the entire premise to the story is that now, Moss is the hunted: by the sheriffs, two private hitmans and various drug cartel.

The author really doesn't concentrate on description of characters or develop them in any sense. It is simply their actions that you primarily focus on. The only one character that you seem to grasp, is Sheriff Bell. Intermittently, chapters dedicated to his history read like letters. It's interesting but probably overused by the time you get to the end of the story. (We get that he is cynical but has convictions, but too much of his backstory felt repetitive.)

For me, the true star of the novel (and film for that matter), is the hitman Anton Chigurh. I suppose the intention is to create a mystery around him, who does he work for... why is he the way he is... The reader can only speculate on these questions. But his actions speak of his oddity and ruthlessness. He is a dangerous killer, a psychologically disturbed individual. You cannot negotiate your way out. Calm and precise, he is unwavering which makes him terribly scare in the story.

Where I think McCarthy's style of writing excels is in the scene with Chigurh and the gas station attendant. Chigurh taunts him with simple questions and eventually ask him to call it on a game of heads or tails. As a reader, we can only assume that the coin toss is a matter of life or death. In one encounter, this unsuspecting individual's life will be changed forever. McCarthy's writing is subdued and simplistic, but that adds to the eeriness of the conversation and the overall tone of the scene. With respect to the character Chigurh (a hitman), this completely works.

I think in general, I liked the book but did not love it. Due to it's writing style, I actually prefer the film over the novel in this case. I think McCarthy's method of storytelling is one that should be individually explored because there are definitely aspects of greatness. It just may not be for everyone.

HUGO directed by Martin Scorsese

2011-11-25T11:17:00.000-10:00

HUGO

Rated PG-13

My Review: October 26, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of the first motion picture ever filmed in Hollywood. Since then, the art of creating dreams and telling stories has evolved to a level that no one person could ever have predicted at its inception.

For one filmmaker though, the task of finding the right tale to capture his love and adoration for cinema, came in the form of a novel, The Invention of Hugo Caberet written by Brian Selznick. Martin Scorsese became enamored with the idea of being able to pay homage to a medium that has inspired and transformed his world around him.

But HUGO has become more than Scorsese’s first family film. It is a pioneer in itself, a film to pay homage to the godfather of special effects, George Méliès while being technologically advanced in the realm of three dimensional cinema.

"Méliès's films have an exuberance, joy, and excitement I associate with the actual creation of this new art form and I wanted to capture that," Scoreses said. "As a moviemaker, I feel we owe everything to Georges Méliès. And when I go back and look at his original films, I feel inspired, because they carry the thrill of discovery over one hundred years after they were made; and because they are among the first, powerful expressions of an art form that I've loved, and to which I've devoted myself for the better part of my life."

The beginning of HUGO transports us to Paris of the early 30’s. The spansive views of the city, illuminate the entire screen while the perception of snowflakes falls on the audience. We then are swooped down into the station and soar between the trains, gliding effortlessly among the luggage and travelers. From there, we are taken to an alluring section of the station, where the inner workings of the massive clocks are exposed raw for us to absorb. They are bewitching as each gear, married, moves in conjunction with the other. And there lies a little boy, making sure that it is oiled and on time. Scorsese had us within the first five minutes of the film.

But to summarize, Hugo is about a young boy that has to deal with real life issues as he becomes orphaned at young age. Living inconspicuously in a Paris train station, winding and repairing the numerous clocks all around him, his anonymity in his work provides shelter while continuing the the trade of his father. With the only remaining artifact from a life he once led, the young boy spends his free time desperately trying to restore an Automaton, in the hopes of something magical happening.

However, the young boy soon finds himself in trouble and unknowingly befriends a local toymaker in the station along with his goddaughter. It is through these relationships that he forms does the boy discover what the definition of magic truly is.

HUGO is a film that I cannot sing enough praise over. The acting is superb and cinematically, the film is absolutely groundbreaking and visually stunning. The 3D graphics are not used as gimmicks but as a total enhancement to the movie going experience. In addition, the last half of the film becomes an ode to original cinema and an homage to the great, George Melies. As there is something magical about the story and the relationships that evolve, there is undeniably something magical about this film.

What James Cameron and Avator did for 3D, Martin Scorsese and HUGO took to another level. This is how three dimensional films should be viewed!

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Ben Kingsley-George Melies
Sasha Baron Cohen-Station Inspector
Asa Butterfield-Hugo Cabret
Chloe Grace Moretz-Isabelle
Christopher Lee-Monsieur Labisse

A wonderful and informative article by Kristopher Tapley, "Technicolor and Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' restore the magic of Méliès" I'll be the first to admit, the first time I saw George's work was in the Smashing Pumpkin's video.

The Descendants directed by Alexander Payne

2011-11-21T15:16:00.000-10:00

The Descendants
Rated PG-13

My Summary: The film is based off the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, which I reviewed back in July. You can read my book review here. In summary, I really loved the book. It was strangely lighthearted though it dealt with grim subject matter.

It is about a family torn apart by a tragic accident that leaves a mother in a coma. Left to deal with his two daughters, a precocious teen struggling to remain drug free and a young tween, influenced by everything and anything, this father must step in and be the caregiver while dealing with his own personal issues and grief.

Sidenote: I was lucky enough to see this film at the Hawaiian International Film Festival and was lucky enough to witness Alexander Payne (Sideways) receive the Vision in Film award presented by HIFF.

My Review: So this review is long over due. Let me just start out of the gate by saying I enjoyed the film very much. For me, Payne brought the book to life. From the extraordinary soundtrack with Hawaiian music transitioning the cast between scenes to the gorgeous scenery that was displayed on the widescreen. To hear and see Hawaii, is enough to evoke emotions. It is a beautiful setting which hauntingly, is not what it appears.

Having read the book, I already knew what to expect. But to see George Clooney play a father struggling with infidelity and tragedy, was spot on. He embodied the character that I had envisioned in my head while reading the novel and let me tell you THAT rarely happens.

Also, the two young actors that play his daughters were perfect. Shailene Woodley is a beautiful young starlet that did a fantastic job opposite Clooney. In fact, I thought it was between her and Clooney that held the film together. They had really good chemistry together as father/daughter.

To look at the summary, this film might be construed as a downer film and maybe something that you wouldn't want to see over the holidays. Oh, but it's better than that. It's a film about family and what it means to be family. It has humor, Clooney's dry wit and good looks, gorgeous Hawaii scenery and Payne's outstanding directorial visions. It is a complete package and well worth the ticket price.

If you have not read the book, by all means, do! And if you are looking for a film to see over the Holiday weekend besides Breaking Dawn, check out The Descendants.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Alexander Payne

George Clooney-Matt King

Shailene Woodley-Alex King

Amara Miller-Scottie King

Nick Krause-Sid

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

2011-11-04T08:43:00.000-10:00

Genre: Sci-fi, Adult Fiction
Author: Philip K. Dick (1928-1986) was a science fiction author that spent most his life nearly in poverty. Ironically, you are probably more familiar with his work than you think. Ten of his books were adapted to popular films including, Blade Runner, Total Recall, A Scanner Darkly, Minority Report,Paycheck, Next, Screamers, and The Adjustment Bureau.

Summary: By 2021, the World War had killed millions, driving entire species into extinction and sending mankind off-planet. Those who remained coveted any living creature, and for people who couldn't afford one, companies built incredibly realistic simulacrae: horses, birds, cats, sheep. . . They even built humans.

My Review: When I first started reading this book, I felt confused by its content. The author throws you into his world with little backstory. But the explanation comes slowly over the course of the first pages through the inner dialogue of Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter for the San Francisco Police, hired to "retire" androids that have escaped to Earth from Mars, posing as humans.

The author also toggles to another character, J.R. Isidore, a person considered "special" because he has tested low on the IQ exam (and a significant character in the novel for his innocence which clearly conflicts with the androids).

Between the two characters, there are a lot of themes explored: religion, commercialism, and explotation.

It is about a world that is covered in fallout from a World War that no one one can even remember the causes too. Most humans have left to colonize on Mars and the remaining humans must suffer the consequences on a damaged Earth while trying to rebuild society. Everybody possess an animal, but the cost to purchase an animal becomes one that inevitably evokes a status symbol. Far from the purpose of caring for an endangered creature.

The author forces you to think about life and its preservation tied cleverly to a story about escaped androids. But, there lies the heart of the matter. The androids are made to feel superior to us because they are built to understand situations logically. However, the irony is that it is a human's ability to have empathy and compassion that sets us a part from any other living creature (and why it is important for us to rebuild on Earth).

I'm not really a sci-fi lover, but I really enjoyed this book. It only took me two days to read it and I was completely captivated. For a book that was published in 1968, the author really does an amazing job of creating a timeless story that has relevance in any era. I highly suggest his work!

Documentary - Minds In The Water

2011-11-01T15:06:00.000-10:00

During our recent film festival, I was able to catch two documentaries. The first was a short feature film titled "In The Eye Of The Whale" Click on the link to catch it free!

The film short chronicled one man's journey to bring awareness and attention to whales in the hopes of changing whaling regulations. Using high quality camera's, Bryant Austin takes thousands upon thousands of real-to-scale photos of these magnificent creatures and has them printed to display in countries that allow whaling.

What I genuinely enjoyed about this short feature was the simplicity of its message and how it is obtained. Austin is a great photographer and he captures these beautiful creatures in full scale; it is awe inspiring. I was very moved and touched by this short story of how deeply Austin cares for his cause. You should definitely take the time to check it out.

The next was by far my favorite.

"Minds in the Water is a feature-length documentary following the quest of professional surfer Dave Rastovich and his friends to protect dolphins, whales and the oceans they all share. Through Dave's journey—a five-year adventure spanning the globe from Australia to the Galapagos, Tonga, California, Alaska and Japan—we see one surfer’s quest to activate his community to help protect the ocean and its inhabitants."

When you think of surfers, your mind wanders to stereotypes. Well, truth be told. I'm married to one and at times it's not far from what you might think (I say that we extreme love for my husband). But there has always been a movement among those that love the water to protect it and all that inhabit it. As I told my husband, "You enjoy playing it? Then it's your duty to find a way to keep it clean. Whether it be beach clean up or dolphin rescue, find a way to protect what you treasure."

I had become so inspired by this documentary which seemed to focus more on dolphin rescue that I actually signed up with all the organizations involved. What I found interesting about the film was the fact that I didn't know half of the stuff that occurred... occurred! I was heartbroken to see how many dolphins are killed each year in Japan. But, since the film has only hit the festival circuit this year I want to turn your attention to its predecessor, The Cove. Same concept and relatively the same people. It's on Netflix Instant and frankly does a better job of explaining the issues behind the dolphin killing in Japan.

It has received countless awards from festivals and an Academy Award in 2010 for Best Documentary Feature. Please take a moment to watch it on Netflix Instant. Thank you. ~ Noe and Suz

HIFF Review: The Hawaiian International Film Festival 2011

2011-10-29T09:32:00.000-10:00

Things have been quiet here at the blog but we had a good reason. October 13 through October 23 was the 31st Hawaiian International Film Festival. Since my work was a major sponsor for a category of films, I was lucky enough to attend all the festivities and see as many films as I possibly could.

With the event running less than a week and half, it’s really hard to cram as much as you can in those days. But I think I did a great job! So I’d love to recap my experience.

First, let me start by saying that if you have never attended a film festival, you simply must. Every major city should have some sort of cinematic annual gathering, you just need to check into it. And you don’t always need to be a member of their organization. Trying checking things out as a general member. If you like it, then sign up to be a member for the following year’s event (remember, your dues help support these film festivals as well as an array of other scholarships and programs. Members will get privileges like early line-up and advanced ticket sales.) But I cannot explain the energy at a film festival. It’s unique and very different. These are movie enthusiasts and they take these events very seriously. So the rule is, buy early and get there early. Just a little taste of what I went through: I showed up an hour and 15 minutes early with tickets already in hand and ended up in the second row to the screen. Yeah, I don’t know what went wrong but that sucked. So, again I can’t stress. People who attend these screenings LOVE film!

But I digress....

Now to start! The opening night gala was held at the Halekulani Hotel, a beautiful hotel located in Waikiki. The fun thing about these gatherings is that you can make it as formal as you want and if you did go, you were given a ticket to the opening film with a shuttle from the hotel to take you there and back. I choose not to see the opening film but had a great time at the gala.

I seriously ate everything that was offered. I know!! I have no shame! But it was extremely fun and the view from the event was gorgeous. Free drinks and free food. Come on!! How could I not go? Opening Night Gala was by far my favorite of the hosted events.

Next, I attended “An Afternoon with Hawaii Five-O”. This was held on October 16 at the Halekulani as well. Basically it was a panel of the show’s producer, director and stars. We got to ask them questions, hear their thoughts on Season 2 and how they came about the concept of the revised hit show. I could listen to Alex’s Australian accent all day long.

Photo by Rae

There are several things I love about Hawaii Five-O. 1) It’s filmed here in Hawaii and uses local actors as extras. No, I’m not an actor but I was a background extra for one day. Big props to CBS! 2) I was a huge LOST fan, so to see another show with Daniel Dae Kim is just awesome. 3) Alex O’Loughlin. Isn’t he handsome?

HIFF did award the producers of the show the “Mahalo Nui Loa” Award for promoting the film industry in Hawaii.

Moving on...

The films that I were able to screen: Kaasan’s, A Mom’s Life (Japanese film), Red Dog (Australian film), Eye of the Whale and Minds in the Water (Documentaries), and the Descendants (American film).

I will be posting reviews on each of the titles listed above in the weeks to come. They were all great and all worth seeing. But if I had to call a favorite film from this year’s festival it would be Red Dog. But let’s talk about that later because it really needs its own post.

In addition, we also attended the closing night ceremonies and Governor’s reception at Washington Place.

Photo Nonstop Honolulu

The NETPAC Award was given to HANAAN, directed by Ruslan Pak. The NETPAC Award is presented to an Asian director for their first or second feature film.

The Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Documentary was given to SPLINTERS, directed by Adam Pesce. Finally, the Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Feature was given to PATANG, directed by Prashant Bhargava.

K. Peacock, J. Anderson and me

To end a rush of festivities and movie screenings, we watched the Hawaii premiere and Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, The Descendants. In addition, Director Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt) received the Visionary Award. Filmed in Hawaii, this movie is cinematically stunning.

*Sighs* Well, that was just a little taste of my experience at HIFF. I look forward to next year and leave you with this, “Go see an independent film!”

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

2011-10-14T08:15:00.000-10:00

Genre: Adult Fiction, Political
Publication Date: 1955
Publisher: William Heinemann - London

My Summary: Set in the backdrop of Saigon, Vietnam during the early fifties, the novel is narrated by British war correspondent, Thomas Fowler. Starting with the ending (Fellow American, Alden Pyle's murder), the book works its way backwards and recounts the events that led up to the assassination. Though there appears to be a love triangle of sorts between the American and the Englishman, the author's characters are symbolic for his personal views on the fighting going on in Vietnam and America's early involvement.

My Review: The one thing I love about school, is the fact that you are forced to read classic literature, whatever that may be deemed by the professor. What is classic to you, may not be classic to others (I'm sorry, I cannot read Catch 22 for the life of me.) I sort of feel that a lot of it has to do with the way the author writes and if one is able to tolerate that writing.

So without straying too far from my point, let me just say that Graham Greene's novel is very easy to read. In fact, the entire time I read the novel, I kept picturing Michael Cain as the narrator (2002 film adaption). This made it very hard to dislike the narrator in any fashion because I love Michael Cain and seem to find sympathy in his actions. But, more so... I'd attribute this fact to the simple conclusion that the author's work is timeless and still relevant in these modern times.

To begin, the author himself was a war correspondent and did spend time in Vietnam during the early fifties (1951-1954). There's a certain expertise lent to the protagonist and the story felt factual.

Basically, the novel begins with the murder of an American government official. As the narrator flashes back on his relationship with the American, we learn of how the two met, their ideologies toward the French/Communist involvement in Vietnam, and more so, their intentions.

All of this is played out between the fight over Phuong's affections, Fowler's live in girlfriend. Pyle shows up on the scene and immediately decides to "save" Phuong from the environment that she lives in and decides he is going to marry her. Without divulging details, the just of it is that Fowler represents England, Pyle represents America and Phuong represents Vietnam. As you read the conversations and dive deeper into the love/hate relationship that Fowler and Pyle have, you begin to understand the author's political stance on American involvement in Indo-China. As with Pyle, America is perceived to be young, naive and aggressive--consequently looking back, our early involvement did drown us in the Vietnam conflict.

Without getting too historical, the novel does a very good job of intriguing you. What did America do during the early fifties, what were our intentions? Many of these questions (remember it was written prior to the Cuba crisis and Vietnam War) are brought up through Fowler's questioning of Pyle and what he is actually partaking in. (At this point, America is believed to be involved with third forces, supplying materials for these third forces to manufacture bombs.)

It's really an excellent read and one that I recommend to anyone that likes to add a classic to their read list.

If you are really interested in this topic (as I am, since my father was an American Intelligence during the Vietnam War), you can also watch the 2002 Phillip Noyce Film adaption, titled the same (the 1958 Joseph Mankiewicz film adaptation is completely inaccurate and took liberties of eliminating any American involvement or political conspiracies. In addition, it changed the ending between Phuoung and Fowler. )

Graham Greene's novel was extremely thought provoking and considering that we are able to look back and reflect while reading this, made it more relevant. I enjoyed reading this novel.

Real Steel Directed by Shawn Levy

2011-10-07T14:04:00.000-10:00

Real Steel

Rated PG-13

My Review: Hesitantly, I was not sure if the subject matter of sparring robots would actually be entertaining for two hours but surprisingly, "Real Steel" was more than entertaining; it was genuinely a hit.

"Real Steel" centers on a deadbeat father and ex-boxer, Charlie (Hugh Jackman), and his consistent attempts to make money fighting bots in underground venues. Unfortunately, he seems to lose more than he wins and is consistently late on his rent with his estranged girlfriend Bailey (Evangeline Lily), racking up numerous unpaid debts.

As if things couldn't get any worse, Charlie then learns of the death of his son's mother and is asked to appear in court regarding the custody of the child, Max (Dakota Goyo). But Charlie has worked with bots too long, and becomes callous to the whole affair, selling off his rights to the boy's Uncle. Compromising, he agrees to keep his son temporarily for the summer and thus begins their adventure together on the road.

On the surface, the movie is filled with action and fight sequences using some very realistic robots - some that we have to say are pretty cool on the big screen. But beneath, this is a story about a father and son attempting to connect after years of abandonment. In addition, there are Charlie's issues with his own inner turmoil and his once successful boxing career.

Through the gentle nudges of Bailey, who is very nurturing towards the young boy, and the discovery of a G2 late model robot, things become tangible for the father-son duo, bringing them straight to the top in a boxing match for the coveted belt.

For me, this was a pretty complete package. It was entertaining, funny and surprisingly heartfelt at times. I certainly heard loud cheers of approvals from the group of boys behind me who were clearly rooting for the underdog, and understood the message of what it meant to be small and unassuming. But as with Max, the robot, too, becomes a symbolic object that represents the fight in those of us who refuse to lose; even if it is heavily unmatched. The point of the movie is that at least you fought for something.

If you're looking for a great family film, I give this one an enthusiastic nod of approval. Just be warned that it is inevitable that karate chops will ensue the minute your children leave the theatre. “Real Steel” opens in theatres today.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Shawn Levy
Hugh Jackman - Charlie
Dakota Goyo - Max
Evangeline Lilly - Bailey

1911 Directed by Zhang Li and Jackie Chan

2011-10-07T13:58:00.000-10:00

1911 Revolution
Rated R

My Review: At the beginning of the 20th century, China is in a state of crisis. The country is divided into warring factions and people are starving. After 250 years of unquestioned power, the ruling Qing Dynasty, led by a 7-year-old emperor and his ruthless mother, Empress Dowager Longyu (Joan Chen), has become completely out of touch. With the citizens beginning to revolt, the Qings are creating a powerful, modern army (the "New Army") to quash any rebellion. But foreign weapons are expensive, and so the Qing leaders are trading away anything they can get their hands on to try and raise funds. China's future is being mortgaged away in exchange for guns.

Huang Xing (Jackie Chan) has recently returned from Japan, where he has studied the art of modern warfare. When he finds his country falling apart, he feels he has no choice but to join the opposition, leading a series of violent rebellions against the powerful Qing Dynasty. As his plans begin to succeed, the Qings turn the might of the New Army towards him and his fellow revolutionaries.

With the intention to produce the story as historically accurate as possible, Jackie Chan spared no expense in his epic cinematic depiction. The set locations are phenomenal as are the intricate and elaborate costumes. With this being Chan's 100th film, it was clear that he set out to create a movie experience that would be timeless yet convey a story that was important to him. It essentially focuses on the rise of Sun Yat-sen as the leader of the revolutionaries and the compromising efforts of Yuan Shikai, a Qing military strongman, who would lead to the abdication of the Dynasty's power.

If you are not familiar with the revolution of 1911, the film does an excellent job of accounting the details that lead to the overthrow of old school Feudalism and backlash against foreign powers looking to China with gluttonous eyes. The revolution not only ends the Qing Dynasty but establishes the Republic of China, and of course, modern day China as we know it. 1911 vividly chronicles the events in an epic fashion and if you are fan of historic films, you will be delighted by Chan's adaptation. My only closing critique is in the size of font used for the subtitles. Be warned, they were hard to read and at times flashed too quickly for my liking.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Zhang Li and Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan - Huang Xing
Lee Bing Bing - Xuzong Han
Winston Cha - Sun Yat-Sen

Books Making It To The Big Screen! Chaos Walking

2011-10-04T11:05:00.000-10:00

Photo courtesy of Slash Film

According to the Hollywood Report (via Slash Film), Lionsgate has picked up the feature rights to the award-winning novel series, Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness.

Doug Davison (How To Train Your Dragon) will produce the film.

Here is the synopsis of the first book, The Knife of Never Letting Go:

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

“These are books, much likeThe Hunger Games, that we feel truly beg to be brought to life on film,” said Lionsgate co-COO and Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake. “A sense of urgency and momentum permeates these stories — it makes the books ones you can’t put down, and will make the movies ones you can’t miss on the big screen.”

Wait, who's excited for the film version? I'm excited to just stumble across these novels. I'm so buying Chaos Walking!! No word yet on a projected premiere date.

50/50 Directed by Jonathon Levine

2011-09-27T15:27:00.000-10:00

50/50
Rated R

My Summary: 50/50 is a comedy-drama based loosely off the life experiences of screenwriter and cancer survivor, Will Reiser and his real life friendship with Seth Rogen, who also stars in the film. Penning the early script, Reiser was able to allow his writing to fluently spill the emotions and dark humor he harbored, allowing the process to help him spiritually heal. From there, came a beautiful and heartbreaking story of one man’s struggle played meticulously by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who delivers nothing short of an Oscar worthy performance.

Adam Lerner (Gordon-Levitt) is a 27 year old public radio producer living in eco-friendly, Seattle, Washington. He’s in a committed relationship with a local artist (Bryce Dallas Howard) and is completely content with his life. That is, until he starts experiencing severe pain in his lower back. And with a few short visits to the doctor’s office, Adam’s life is changed forever after he finds out that he has a rare tumor located in his spine. His chances of survival are 50/50.

My Review: This film caught my attention when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. I really like Joseph Gordon-Levitt (ok, more like LOVE) and the premise of him doing a black comedy with Seth Rogen that was more heartfelt and real-life-drama, completely caught my interest. And thankfully, this was a film I was able to screen a few weeks ago. So, even though the subject matter was dark, I was anxiously waiting in my seat for the film to start. I know, sounds weird.

But, the movie prevailed. It was absolutely everything that I could have wanted for the film and more. It was raw, sincere, very funny at times, and believable. You will laugh and you will cry.

In addition, I was pleasantly surprised by the dynamics between Gordon-Levitt's character and Seth Rogen's character. Rogen, if you really think about it, was basically playing himself. In a previous interview, he said he was able to finally convey emotions and thoughts that at the time (with friend, Will Reiser), he was not able to express. This comes through in some very hilariously real moments, and some heartbreaking moments.

Also, Anjelica Huston as the mother was absolutely perfect (when is she not perfect), plus Bryce Dallas Howard is unfortunately as usual, the perfect-bitch-girlfriend. I don't know what it is about her, but she does it well. And last but not least, is the cutie patootie, Anna Kendrick, who plays a premed student who councils cancer patients. Though her character reminded me a lot of her character in Up In The Air, it's hard not to like Kendrick. There's something blunt about her delivery, and I can't help but smile. I'll just summarize by saying, the ENTIRE cast was brilliant. Need I say more?

I won't ruin the film by giving away every plot point, but know this: You must see this film. Don't think that you are going to see a film about doom and gloom and will be miserable for two hours. It is not like that at all. It's hard to explain, but it's just a really good film that felt real... and sad... and celebrated life... and made you laugh while doing it. Since the film is still stuck in my head, I'm sorry! I'm going to go out on a limb and call it one of the top three (if not THE) films of the year. I loved Midnight in Paris, but 50/50 is right there with it.

50/50 hits theatres Friday, September 30. Go see it!

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Johnathon Levine
Joseph Gordon-Levitt-Adam
Seth Rogen-Kyle
Bryce Dallas Howard-Rachel
Anna Kendrick-Katherine
Anjelica Huston-Diane

Lord of the Rings: Battle of the Hobbits?

2011-09-24T11:09:00.000-10:00

First off, who watches Wilfred on FX? I am officially in love with Elijah Wood. Who knew hobbits were that hilarious?

Speaking of hobbits! Fantastic Fest’s annual Fantastic Debates puts filmmakers, critics, and celebrities against each other in a two-part battle that begins with a podium debate and then ends with a fight in the boxing ring. Check out these hilarious videos from Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan Lord of the Rings and their challenge video.

OH SNAP!! But let’s see what the other hobbit has to say!

Their debate will be on the World of Warcraft. OMG, somebody tape this!!

Antara by Marilena Mexi

2011-09-22T15:48:00.000-10:00

Antara
Author: Marilena Mexi
Genre: Young Adult

Goodreads Summary: Peace and tranquility on the island of Aster, home to both humans and 'merfolk', has long been broken by a devastating phenomenon, recurring every five years. A storm including gusting winds and huge waves mysteriously appeared and eradicated much of the population. The misunderstandings, suspicion and hate born of this disaster have torn the two races apart, and the peace loving merfolk are now in a never-ending struggle to prove their innocence and restore peace to the island. On the human side, things are even worse; under the tyranny of cruel king Orestis, the people suffer and all their king cares for is vengeance against the "fish", as he spitefully calls them, executing merfolk after merfolk for just being near his lands. Secrets, intense emotions and strange phenomena will upset their lives forever.

My Review: This is the debut novel, Antara, written and illustrated by Marilena Mexi. I was lucky enough to receive an ebook, courtesy of Ms. Mexi and I’m certainly happy to convey my thoughts on her wonderful story.

I must say the story is good, but the illustrations are simply amazing. Pair the two together, and you have a unique experience where at the end of every chapter, there are beautiful images awaiting. It made reading, exciting.

Though I’m not a huge fan of stories that involve merfolk, I could certainly appreciate the essence of the tale. At the heart, the merfolk are simply trying to co-exist along side with their human counterparts. But King Orestis hates merfolk, and blames them for the mysterious catastrophe that happened years ago that claimed the life of his mother. Understanding that the event is supposed to happen once again, the merfolk send a representative to try and reason with the humans. From here, the story then develops into a budding romance, as the impeding doom of an eminent future catastrophe looms over the young mermaid sent to reason with the King.

The story really has it all;' action, history, fantasy and romance. It was really an enjoyable read.

However, there were a few issues that I had with the novel itself. First, I think the story still needs to be edited. There were quite a few grammatical errors, but nothing that can't be fixed. In addition, I found some of the dialogue, out of place--maybe a little too modern at times, almost too slang for the setting that the story was set in. Again, these are things that are easily correctable if the author should chose to correct them. This author has an amazing future and is a talented writer and an exceptional artist. We wish her much success!

Marilena Mexi's Website

Anatara : Amazon

Marilena Mexi's Good Reads profile

Drive directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

2011-09-20T13:30:00.001-10:00

Drive
Rated R

Drive is a high-velocity, grotesquely graphic film noir based off the novella titled the same by James Sallis. Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn took home the coveted “Best Director” at Cannes for this overly stylized film that seems to pay homage to 80’s action dramas. Its pink neon opening credits are shadowed by beautiful midnight scenes of an ominous back drop of Los Angeles; millions of flickering lights unknowingly teased by the sudden shots of dark barren streets as an emotionless driver makes his way through its corrupt veins. Something is about to go down…

By day, Ryan Gosling’s character is a wheelman, stunt driving for Hollywood production companies and working as a mechanic for a small garage on Reseda Blvd., for his long time boss, Shannon ("Breaking Bad's" Bryan Cranston). But as the sun sets, the driver becomes something entirely different, using his born talent behind the wheel to help criminals in local heists. He is quintessentially the ultimate “driver” who is never given a name throughout the entire film. His character is enigmatic, ruthless and gives his clients one rule; they have five minutes to make out or he leaves.

From the opening scene of a very intense robbery, we quickly understand that our driver is sharp and highly-skillful under pressure, capable of outwitting LAPD in the bleakest of situations. In the aftermath of a close call, our driver then moves into an apartment building (we assume to keep his locations unknown and untraceable). In the elevator, we see that the driver has the ability to smile as he is easily amused by the antics of a small boy who turns out to be his new neighbor. Early over the course of the film, we watch the driver attempt to develop a relationship with the young boy, Benecio (Kaden Leos) and his mother, Irene (Carey Mulligan). There is an undeniable attraction that exists between the driver and Irene, but it’s quickly extinguished when Irene finds out that her husband Standard, who was incarcerated, is returning home.

Saddened, but sympathetic, the driver backs off from the friendship and allows the family to reacquaint themselves until local thugs threaten Standard and his family for monies owed from prison. His payback requires him to pull off a robbery. Caring for the safety of the young boy and his mother, the driver agrees to help Standard which ultimately unleashes a world of havoc and mayhem.

From here, the honeymoon is over and the film takes deadly turns into a cutthroat world of bloodshed and organized crime. Let us warn you, the film is overtly violent in particular scenes and our driver goes from just a skillful wheelman, to a grisly assassin. We found ourselves turning our heads as the gruesome acts of murder were exaggerated; a point we assume is due to the fact that our driver, whose hands were only a little dirty prior, had no issues dousing them in blood from this point forward.

Though we (me and my husband) squawked horribly at some of the song selections; a valid irritation considering most of the soundtrack had a bit of an 80’s feel to it (we assume was meant to enhance the feeling of nostalgia but only created a bit of cheesiness to certain scenes); we still felt like we had seen a kick ass crime drama. Drive takes you on a road that has not been travelled and does so at high speeds, thrusting you toward a cliff as you reach its finality. I'm putting this in my top five "Best Films" of the year. EXCELLENT MOVIE!

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn
Ryan Gosling-Driver
Carrie Mulligan-Irene
Bryan Cranston-Shannon
Albert Brooks-Shannon
Ron Perlman-Nino

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

2011-09-16T09:31:00.001-10:00

Brokeback Mountain
Genre: Adult Fiction

Summary: Two young men who meet in Wyoming in 1963 forge a sudden emotional and sexual attachment, but soon part ways. As their separate lives play out with marriages, children and jobs, they reunite for brief liaisons on camping trips in remote settings over the course of the next 20 years.

My Review: Brokeback Moutain is a short story written by Annie Proulx, a tale that would be brought to the silver screen by director Ang Lee, who would ultimately win an Oscar for his adaptation.

In this 27 page novella, the story is causally brief but powerful enough. What I had to do was remove the intimate knowledge I knew from the film, to allow the book version to retell its story of two cowboys and their long and tragic love affair. Yet amazingly, I found the movie to follow the book almost to a T. What Proulx does well, is present only what is needed.

If you are not familiar with the story, let me recap it. Two young men are employed to herd sheep one season on Brokeback Moutain. Spending a tremendous amount of time with each other, the two engage in a heated sexual affair during this time period. Yet, when it is time for them to return to reality and the daunting task of continuing on their lives, the two go separate ways and start families. Yet, four years later the two reunite only to begin their affair once more. However, times have change significantly in their four years apart, and under the circumstances, Ennis is unwilling to leave his life behind to live openly gay with Jack. They continue to meet each other several times a year during camping trips over the course of twenty years, yet the story is tragic and solemn as we learn the endings of our two characters.

What is heartbreaking about this story is Ennis's fear of being homosexual. Jack on the other hand, clearly understands he is gay and even has other affairs to quell his insatiable desire to be with men. But Ennis has been faithful, in that sense, to Jack. Ironically though it's Ennis that does not see any possible way for these two men to live out their lives together and that decision leads to a tragic ending.

At 27 pages, I still felt the pain. They had shared a relationship over the course of twenty years, putting their time spent on Brokeback Moutain on a pedestal like some fairy tale, only to never be able to find their happily ever after. Beautifully dark.

Shaolin directed by Benny Chan

2011-09-09T16:18:00.000-10:00

Shaolin

Summary: As feuding warlords fight to expand their power, the noble monks of the Shaolin Temple clean up the mess left behind, tending to the injured while trying their best to protect the poor and weak. General Hou (Andy Lau, WARLORDS, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS) has caused much of this mess with his violent and ruthless tactics that rarely discriminate between soldiers and civilians. When Hao is betrayed by fellow general Cao Man (Nicholas Tse, THE PROMISE, SHAOLIN SOCCER), he is forced into hiding, and takes refuge with the monks (including Jackie Chan) at their hidden mountain temple. As the days pass, he finds himself more and more at ease as he learns the ways of peace, and begins to release his hatred through Martial Zen. But Cao is not far behind, and war soon reaches the temple, where the monks are ready to fight back- with their unstoppable Shaolin Kung Fu.

My Review: I have to admit, I have seen my fair share of "Kung Fu” films. But the ones that always stand out for me, are the ones that offer more depth to the characters and overall plot. Shaolin definitely provides this.

Set during what appears to be early 20's Feudal China, Shaolin is about a ruthless warlord named General Hao, deceived by a younger General, named Cao Man. After nearly missing several murderous attempts against him and his family, Hao manages to escape with his daughter, only to crash tragically over a cliff. Carrying his daughter to a nearby temple, Hao begs the monks to help his dying child. The monks remembering who Hao is, assist the child regardless of her family ties, but to no avail.

Wanted, and alone, Hao decides to stay in the temple, much to the concern of the monks who wonder if he is even worthy of being in the temple at all for his past sins. Yet, the elder monk reminds the younger ones, that the ways of Buddha and enlightenment is about discovery and redemption--you can learn from your wicked ways, if you have never committed them to begin with.

Hao begins to release his hatred for his past and those who have betrayed him by praticing Martial Zen. Living among the villagers and the other monks, Hao is able to see firsthand the devistation and pain, that he himself at one time caused as an evil warlord. Ironically, he learns a lot from a quirky cook that works and lives in the temple, played by Jackie Chan (and true to Jackie's style, there is some comedic fighting in the film.) In the end, these type of films are always about redemption.

Shaolin was a great martial arts film and I give it four stars. Definitely catch this film if it premieres in your local theatre.

Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark directed by Troy Nixey

2011-09-02T15:22:00.000-10:00

Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark
Rated R

Summary: A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

My Review: "Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark" is a remake of the 1973 made-for-television movie that starred Kim Darby. What drew me to this film was simply one name - Guillermo Del Toro. With the hopes that Del Toro would create another film on the level of his other movie, 2006 "Pan's Labyrinth," I was giddy in anticipation. For those who are not familiar with Del Toro, suffice to say that he enjoys interpreting folklore and fairy tales in a dark manner. Not only did he write the screenplay, but Del Toro also produced the film. In a previous interview, he explained that he did not want to direct the film as well, for fear of it simply becoming a repeat of "Pan's Labyrinth." Yet, after seeing the movie I really wish he had directed the film and would have rejoiced at a revision of Del Toro's famous Labyrinth film. Though I appreciated the unique twist on this horror film about homunculus, I did not appreciate seeing them.

The film opens with a brief background story of the original owner of the mansion, Emerson Blackwood and the grotesque means that he goes to in an attempt to get his missing son back. In dealing with creatures unknown, his arrangement is denied with an unfavorable ending.

Once the house has fallen to decay and disarray, we then flash forward to present day and meet a young girl (Bailee Madison), who is sent to live with her father (Guy Pearce) and soon-to-be stepmother (Katie Holmes). The couple is in the process of renovating an old historic mansion in the hopes of it being featured on the cover of an architectural design magazine. With the arrival of the young child comes an awakening of hunger that has laid dormant underneath the home; it is the child they want and will stop at nothing until they get her.

The story behind the film is one of mythological creatures, revealed in a scary and whisper-like atmospheric manner but soon loses its effect as we come to see the creatures in action. I have to admit that they were much creepier and terrifying when you could not see them, for fear of the unknown, as opposed to the little monsters they really were and could probably punt like a football. In the end, the movie was just average for me and I think that it would definitely be best watched in the comfort of your home. I say skip this one and wait for it on DVD.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Troy Nixey

Katie Holmes-Kim

Guy Pearce-Alex

Bailee Madison-Sally

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

2011-09-01T14:53:00.000-10:00

Genre: Adult Fiction (1962)
Author: Ken Kesey

Summary: The story, narrated by the gigantic but docile half-Native American inmate "Chief" Bromden focuses on the antics of the rebellious Randle Patrick McMurphy, who faked insanity to serve out his prison sentence, for engaging in underage sex, in the hospital. The head administrative nurse, Mildred Ratched, rules the ward with a mailed fist and with little medical oversight. She is assisted by her three day-shift orderlies, and her assistant doctors. - Wiki

My Review: Since I had to read this for school, I could not pass up the opportunity to review the novel.

I think it's safe to say that many of you have seen the film and associate the title, with Jack Nicholson's outstanding, Oscar winning performance. What some of you probably don't realize, is the film is based off the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey (unless you studied Kesey's writing in school).

I would say the novel definitely gives you a more in-depth look into the insane asylum and the actual emotions behind the characters in the book.

The story is narrated from Chief Bromden's point of view. There are no chapters, only parts (1-4). The first half of the book, 145 pages, covers part I. There is an ominous tone and many, many descriptive metaphors used in the novel. At times, it's confusing because you aren't quite sure if Bromden is actually seeing the things that he describes so vividly. And many times he speaks of a "fog", symbolic for his mental state of mind, whether it is due to years of abuse or medication, it's about Bromden allowing himself to retreat within and slip from the realty that surrounds him. To be honest, Kesey's writing is difficult to get through in the first half because it is so dry and void of emotion, but from an analytical standpoint, there are many hidden gems embedded in that first half of the story. It's clear that Bromden lives in extreme fear, evident by the way he perceives the institute and how they treat their patients.

But in the second half of the novel, parts 2-4, the tone changes and the narration begins to liven as Bromden becomes deeply affected by a new resident patient, named McMurphy. McMurphy represents everything that these men in the ward are not; freedom, laughter, manlihood, etc...

As we see from the minute McMurphy arrives, it's about his will to change the system. To stop Nurse Ratched and her demeaning ways. The patients are belittled, stripped of their core, yet they do nothing to retaliate from this cruel behavior and endure the suffering, simply out of fear of punishment. But overtime, McMurphy prevails and in a pivotal moment, takes the men fishing, a scene in the novel that marks change for both the patients, and the ward itself. Something has been started, and will not stop. But in the end, McMurphy pays the ultimate cost for his refusal to submit as we reach the climatic and horrific ending. For Bromden, McMurphy simply represents the human spirit.

I know unless forced, many young people would not even bother to read this book and simply watch the movie, but the book does offer more insight to the horrors that were committed on these men. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with the author. I love the story, but dislike the writing at times. Still, I truly believe that every student should be asked to read this book. It's a powerful story about the human spirit and how it can easily be broken, and abused when placed in the wrong environment. It draws attention and begs us to sympathies with those who have mental disabilities, forcing us to take a look at our society and how we perceive people who are ill.

Books Making It To The Big Screen! Ray Bradbury and Karen Marie Moning

2011-08-30T08:34:00.000-10:00

I'm a little late on reporting these two projects on my blog, but did a write up on them in my newsletter. Yet, they are still the most promising film adaptations out there so far, except for the Brad Pitt/World War Z movie that is already in production. (There are others, but I'm waiting for more information on them.) Up first, Mr. Ray Bradbury!

Ray Bradbury, who turned 91 years old just recently, received the best birthday present ever. Mike Medavoy and Doug McKay, Vice-President of Production at Phoenix Pictures, will partner with Bradbury, RGI Productions' Rodion Nahapetov and producer Natasha Shliapnikoff to produce the feature film adaptation of Bradbury's classic novel "Dandelion Wine."

"Dandelion Wine is my most deeply personal work and brings back memories of sheer joy as well as terror. This is the story of me as a young boy and the magic of an unforgettable summer, which still holds a mystical power over me." Bradbury fondly recalled.

"I was deeply honored when Ray Bradbury chose me to write the screenplay adaptation for his novel," Nahapetov said. "When I began my studies at the Cinema Institute in Moscow, many foreign books were banned in Soviet Russia. Still, I decided to make my short film based upon 'Dandelion Wine' because this novel represented to me the childhood I never had. My childhood had been stolen by the ravages and destruction of post World War II Russia and 'Dandelion Wine' restored it back for me."

Medavoy recently produced Martin Scorses's "Shutter Island" and the Oscar-nominated "Black Swan." The teaming of Medavoy and McKay alongside, the prolific award-winning writer Bradbury will be very interesting to see. Though I'm not familiar with this novel, I think most of us can say that we are familiar with Bradbury in some aspect. For me, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is still my favorite story of his and in reading Bradbury's comment on this particular novel, can only mean a dark but "coming of age" story. Love it!

Up next, is an author that I am really not familiar with, so forgive me for not giving too much information on the project.

Dreamworks has aquired Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, consisting of five books:"Darkfever," "Bloodfever," "Faefever," "Dreamfever" and "Shadowfever."

The first novel, "Dark Fever," centers around MacKayla Lane whose sister is murdered. In an attempt to find her sister's killer, she travels to Ireland where she happens upon a magical world with roaming vampires and fairies.

Certainly, everybody seems to be looking for that supernatural series that can equate to many film adaptations and legions of fans: ala Twilight, Harry Potter... But, I think many of us readers can say with all our heart; it's in the translation. (Which we will see with the upcoming Hunger Games Trilogy.) The story sounds interesting, so I say keep this on your radar. I think it could be a good movie!

Book Blogger Hop!

2011-08-26T17:25:00.000-10:00

It's Friday and time for Jen's Book Blogger Hop, hosted by her site Crazy For Books. Her question this week was “Do you have pets?”

Yes, we do. We have a very mean cat named Pumpkin Pie that harasses the entire family and two dogs; a golden retriever/chow mix named Rufus that hordes wubas (Pronounced Wa-baaaz. Furry stuffed animals), and a pure bred black lab named Lily that looks guilty every time we come home.

Well, since school has started things have been crazy, busy at home. BUT! It’s the weekend, baby!! Read a good book or watch a great film. ~ Love Noelani and Suzie

The Moon And The Tide by Derrolyn Anderson

2011-08-25T17:20:00.000-10:00

The Moon and The Tide (Book 2 in the Marina Tales series)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Author: Derrolyn Anderson

Summary: Just when things seem to be all figured out, Marina discovers that there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than she ever imagined. When a terrible accident exposes her secret, she discovers that her whole life has been a lie and has to cope with more than one kind of betrayal. A dangerous enemy arrives on the scene, putting her bravery to the test and forcing her to use all of her newfound talents to protect her family.

Can good win out over evil? Will true love triumph over jealousy?

My Review: In the second novel, we continue with Marina’s adventures, but understand much has changed since then. “All of these impossibly crazy events happened when my boyfriend’s father Dutch was lost at seas in a terrible storm. The Mermaids had been summoning me, and I gave myself up to them in exchange for Dutch’s life.” Yet soon after, Marina learns of her ability to transform into a Mermaid herself, and was given the opportunity to choose immortality as a sea creature, or live out her remanding days as a human. What would seem like an easy decision, the desire to remain with your family and friends, begins to take its toll on Marina.

She is changing, both physically and mentally. In what is perceived to be an internal battle against her own bodies natural desire to be in the sea, Marina allows herself to act out in attempt to quell her strong urges. She begins to surf, quite frequently. With a rapid progression of ability, she begins to demonstrate a professional skill level. Yet it is a dangerous release, as she plays against her inner turmoils. Each time she surfs, her body become unsatisfied, wanting more and demanding more. She allows Lorelei, her mermaid sister, to bring her to perilous and dangerous conditions.

In addition, she finds that she has a strong inclination to paint the ocean, almost metaphorically a daily reminder of her battling emotions. But, as her skill level with surfing became enhanced, so does her skill level to paint, allowing her to sell her work as art.

There are significant changes within Marina that manifest in the people around her as well. Muselike, she can inspire and she can anger those who are near. This unfortunately, also continues to put Marina in harms way when she meets unsavory individuals while surfing.

With all the changes that are happening around her, it becomes difficult for Marina to maintain a healthy and truthful relationship with Ethan. Simultaneously, her relationship with her Aunt Evie comes into question as she comes to learn more about her.

Though Marina has to struggle with maintaining her human side, Ethan serves to ground her, to keep her from slipping completely into the sea. And as if this was not enough for our two young lovers, there are other people out there who know of Marina’s secret and plot to kidnap her for their own purposes.

To be honest, I still hold the first book as my favorite because it signifies a simpler time in Marina’s life even though it is only months prior. There is something about a young woman’s discovery of herself, watching her come into her own. Not to mention, I adore first loves.

In this story, it seems that Marina acts irrational a good half of the book and though I wanted to throw my iPad across the room, an action that would later cause me undue stress, I began to come to terms with the notion that Marina cannot control her behavior. The feral side of her feels like it’s winning and I felt like Ethan’s constant struggle to keep Marina safe, is ultimately what keeps her human as well. He is the yin, to her yang, sort of speak.

But as frustrated as I became with Marina, I had to know that she was all right. To see if she could recognize the issues that she had unknowingly caused, and would allow the people that meant to keep her safe, safe.

Ironically, in the end it was Ethan that brought me back to the story. It was because of his love for her, that kept me satisfied in those final pages. Understanding that there may be a third book, I can only hope to see these two characters find peace in a tumultuous sea and maybe even get married along the way.

Fright Night directed by Craig Gillespie

2011-08-19T07:35:00.000-10:00

Fright Night
Rated R
Previewed in 3D

Summary: A remake of the 1985 classic, the story is about a teenager who suspects his neighbor is a Vampire.

My Review: If I’m going to be honest, I remember the original film, but didn’t think it was the greatest thing since slice cheese. For me, the original Fright Night was marginal, in comparison to other vampire films (seriously, Nosferatu freaking scared the bejesus out of me). But that’s irrelevant... Because the 2011 remake was pretty awesome.

Fright Night 2011 starts off with a pretty graphic and scary scene; great introduction, to a darker and edgier film. I’ll admit the acting was alright and Anton Yelchin who plays Charlie in the film, talks entirely way too slow for my liking, but Colin Farrell was perfect. He was attractive and luring, but brutally psychotic which is how I suppose, a vampire should be. Brooding, never. This vampire had no problem killing; let me tell you that.

In addition, I did watch the film in 3D and didn’t think it was bad. I thought the 3D graphics were pretty good compared to other films, like Alice In Wonderland (where there were literally little to no effects).

So in summary, I’m not going to give you a detailed account of the film because that would ruin your fun filled night. Just know this; Toni Collette (plays the mom), David Tennant (plays Peter Vincent) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (who plays Ed) are all great. Even more so, Colin Farrell. Btw, Colin makes a wonderfully, creepy bad guy. Can we get some more Farrell, please?

So if you’re wondering if you should check this film out in comparison with another blockbuster film opening this weekend, (Hint, Conan). It’s Fright Night hands down.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Craig Gillespie

Colin Farrell-Jerry

Toni Collette-Jane Brewster

Anton Yelton-Charlie Brewster

David Tennant-Peter Vincent

Imogen Poots-Amy
Christopher Mintz-Plasse-Ed

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

2011-08-18T11:53:00.000-10:00

Genre: Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 831 (Paperback)

My Summary: A Game of Thrones (Song of Fire and Ice Book 1) is the beginning and introduction to an alternate universe, a world in which magic and dragons once existed. It is an epic tale of love, deceit and death. Currently, the series is uncompleted with only five books available at the moment.

My Review: To review such a tremendous piece of work, is quite the undertaking. Yet, I will do my best to convey the obsession that I have with all things, "Game of Thrones".

I might add that if you have seen the HBO series, as I did, then you'll be happy to know that the series follows the book to a T. I think I only found one deviation, if my memory serves me correct. Otherwise, I commend HBO for bringing this truly remarkable tale to life.

The novel starts out with what might think to be a medieval tale. Yet, the further you read into the book, the more you begin to understand that this is not England. Nor, the Persian Empire. It is its own world, one in which dragons once existed. Also, there are many hints of other supernatural creatures (I say hints, because you are only privy to them twice in the story). They are called white walkers and though we have no definite explanation to their origin, they presumably appear to be walking dead.

However, a majority of the book really focuses on three families: The Lannisters, The Starks and The Targaryens.

The Lannisters are a very powerful family, but looked down upon by the Starks for various decisions that appear to be ignoble. Cersei Lannister is married to Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven (7) Kingdoms.

The Starks who rule the rough and harsh territories in the North, are led by Lord Eddard Stark, who oversees Winterfell, their castle and home. The environment is cold, barren and unforgiving.

Beyond it lies other treacherous lands, including the boundaries beyond the "Wall", an ancient 700 foot high structure manned by a brotherhood, called the Night's Watch. We don't quite understand what exists beyond the wall, but understand that the structure and the men who watch over it, give their lives to keep it from entering the seven kingdoms. Somehow, these beings, though I am not clear if it is simply just the white walkers, are tied to the foreboding winter that has yet to come. In this land, winter can last many, many years.

In the East, across the seas lies a land that appears to be barbaric, wild and free from rule of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. It is here that we meet two young adults, in actuality, the rightful heirs to the Kingdom they once ruled. They are the last of the Targaryens; an ancient family that once ruled the Seven Kingdoms along side their counterparts, Dragons.

The story begins to intermingle each family with individual points of view being presented; their purposes in the story are slowly revealed. Some characters are filled with unsavory and unjust causes, and some noble to the death. It is masterful blend of something that seems historical, yet distinctly unique.

And in the end, we see that it is simply about a game of thrones... Who is the rightful heir to the Kingdoms and who is keeping dark and unscrupolous secrets? As the story eludes, you cannot trust anyone and as the reader, your heart wanders from character to character, unsure of who to give it to. By the end, you will certainly have favorite characters and be shocked by the demise of others. Excellent start to a convoluted story.

My Overall Opinion: I've heard many people wonder if they should even read the books, since it is not a complete series. Many are worried that it will take the writer years to finish. I beg you, do not let these worries stop you from reading the series. Though, I've only read the first novel, my husband has read the first four and offers no complaints. I think there is so much going on in each story that you may find, a break is certainly needed between each novel as well. We can only hope that Mr. Martin becomes inspired enough to finish the series, but until he does, read Game of Thrones! It's definitely worth your time.

Book Blogger Hop!

2011-08-12T07:53:00.000-10:00

Another week has passed. Honestly, were is August flying too? Huh? I'd like to know. Are we seriously heading into Fall? Truth be told, it is my favorite time of year with the holidays peeking just around the corner. Anyhoo... Jen over at Crazy For Books is hosting, once again, her weekly book blogger hop. Shall we?

This week's question is this: “Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!”

Suz: Interesting question. I don't have any books to read, or that I've read that have questionable titles. I mean, I have a few adult books, such as Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty trilogy or The Story of O that might be construed as questionable because of their content, but not necessarily their title.

And here our this week's posts:

Books Making It To the Big Screen: World War Z by Max Brooks!!

Harry Potter Team to Reunite for Stephen King's The Stand!

My Movie review:

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

My Weekly Film Newsletter:

Screen Shots for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine

Book Review to come: Game of Thrones!! (My god, I'm almost finished!!)

Have a great weekend!

Harry Potter Team To Reunite For Stephen King's The Stand

2011-08-11T10:20:00.000-10:00

I know what you're saying right now: The Stand miniseries was good enough; the book is really long; and what happened to his "Dark Tower" project?

Well, with regards to the miniseries, I certainly think we all agree that a revised movie version could bring life back to this story. (Did you really think the miniseries was that good?) After all, it is considered one of his greatest books (though I vote for Dark Tower being Stephen King's crowning achievement). Still, it is a grand project, to say the least.

Though it has not been confirmed, Steven Kloves (who wrote most of the Harry Potter films, excluding Order of the Phoenix) and David Yates (who directed the last four Potter films-the best in the series), will be reuniting to bring this adaptation to the big screen. More on this project to come!! Honestly, with Kloves AND Yates behind this proposed film, it could only be awesome.

Team Potter!! Photo courtesy of Collider

To answer your question regarding Stephen King's novel/screen adaptation: The Dark Tower television and film series, the last I heard was the project had been turned down by Universal, claiming it was just too ambitious and costly. Ok, those are my words. But in a nutshell, I believe this is at the heart of their rejection. At this moment, Ron Howard has not given up and it is only a matter of finding a financier to back up this very monumental task.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes directed by Rupert Wyatt

2011-08-10T17:51:00.000-10:00

Rise of the Planet of the Apes
PG-13

Summary: The Rise of Planet of the Apes is a prequel to the forty three year old iconic franchise and reboot to the series with the hopes of a continuing story of man’s fall. Outstandingly directed by Rupert Wyatt, exquisitely performed by Andy Serkis (Gollum-LOTR) as Ceasar the ape, and brought to life by the award winning company, Weta Digital (Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong); this cautionary tale is only the beginning of a much larger impending chronicle, that explicates how man came to be at war with ape.

My Review: Will Rodman (James Franco) is a scientist desperate to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, a disease that he knows too well due to his father’s (John Lithgow) own deteriorating condition. By testing the virus on a female chimp named Bright Eyes, the results tentatively prove successful, and in an attempt to showcase Bright Eyes improved cognitive skills, things go very awry and the chimp is killed due to suspicions of aggressive behaviour. Yet, she was simply trying to protect her baby, a young chimp that Rodman secretively takes home to nurture, raise and study.

Shortly after, Rodman soon learns that the chimp, given the name Caesar, begins to display impressive intellectual skills and understands that the altered gene has been passed down to the young primate. We watch the young chimp playfully swing from birth through the adult age of five; his excursions becoming less filled with play and more filled with complexity and thought. But in an unfortunate event where Rodman’s father, unknowingly due to his illness, leaves the home and has an altercation with the neighbor, Caesar becomes protective and attacks; a move that lands the chimp to be quarantined in a primate sanctuary. For the first time in his life, he is forced to interact with species of his own kind.

There are many issues raised in the film such as experimental testing on animals and the lengths that we, as a society, will go to in our pursuit for “the cure”. We might add, that no primates were harmed in the making of this film, because no real primates were actually used. All apes were CGI; a spectacular accomplishment by Weta. (Big ups to Weta!!)

Though we felt a few of the characters were stereotyped, such as Frieda Pinto’s character Caroline; the love interest to Will Rodman and a Zoo Vet--her lines seemed to interject the unnecessary, reasoning throughout the film and Tom Felton’s character, Dodge, son of John Landon, the owner of the primate sanctuary, and obviously, the venomous animal hater that is employed to take care of the primates--the catalyst of Caesar’s animosity towards humans; the two characters unfortunately felt painfully obvious in their arid attempts. However, this is a very minimal complaint. If anything, our argument is that we would have liked to see have seen more from our “humans” but understand that this film focused on the apes, as this is their story.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, James Franco and John Lithgow were simply outstanding and their developing relationship with Caesar felt believable and real. There is one scene in particular where Caesar asks in sign language who his father is and James Franco responds, that he is the father. In Caesar’s eyes, he is intelligent enough to understand that he is not human, yet created in a lab, is neither an ape either. He is a hybrid; a primate that far exceeds the intellect of the primitive species.

Finally, the most commending performance of all is by Andy Serkis, the actor behind the movements of Caesar. Between Weta digital and Serkis, the chimp is breathtaking on film. There is so much expression within him and facial features that convey every heart breaking emotion where no words are needed. For me, Caesar, along with the other primates were the stars of the film and had it now been for the exceptional special effects, I may not have been satisfied.

In the end, the two hours flew by with many questions left unanswered. Thus, I eagerly await the next installment in this surprising hit of the summer. If you haven’t already seen it, catch it while it’s still in theaters. It’s that good! Again, the underdevelopment of certain characters left me saying, “what if” and that’s really the only reason that I did not give it a perfect score. I lean toward 4 1/2 stars, to be honest. So please understand that though I didn’t give it five stars, the film is still very much worth seeing. I really am eager to see what the next film will bring.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Rupert Wyatt
James Franco-Will Rodman
John Lithgow-Charles
Tom Felton-Dodge
David Oyelowo-Steven Jacobs
Frida Pinto-Caroline

Books Making It To The Big Screen! World War Z by Max Brooks

2011-08-09T14:48:00.000-10:00

Photo courtesy of Slash Film

There is a big argument in my home! Zombies vs. Vampires, who reigns supreme. My two daughters and I, obviously out rank the men in this family and vote, Vampires. However, my husband and my son both vote Zombies and say, they are preparing for the zombie Apocalypse that should be occurring any day now and with two dogs (the dogs voting Zombies), we lose. When we go hiking, this is all they talk about: should I build my house there, or can Zombies swim? It's an ongoing discussion and a serious one in our home.

I have to admit after watching and falling in love with AMC's The Walking Dead, I'm slowly being swayed. Soooo... My son has been bugging me to read War World Z, written by Max Brooks and is the follow up novel to The Zombie Survival Guide (also another book my son is forcing me to read). Honestly, what is the big deal?

Anyway, I thought I'd showcase this novel because as it appears to be the trend (or maybe it's always been done), War World Z is being made into a film. That last statement was dripping with sarcasm, by the way. So, the film could be sinfully awesome, or it could be horribly disappointing. But have faith my little zombie-loving-freaks. Guess who is attached to the film? Brad "I'm super hot and can act" Pitt.

Below are new images of Mr. Gorgeous in character.

Brad Pitt will be playing UN Officer, Gerry Lane, who is trying to compile a report of the aftermath of zombie rising. Sounds creepy. Apparently, the novel is told in first person: a collection of individual accounts. Here is the book synopsis:

The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time.World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years.

The film is scheduled to be released December 21, 2012. Just in time for Christmas!! Because that is what we all want to see at such a festive time of the year, ZOMBIES!!

So I have to admit, I'm slightly intrigued by the synopsis of the book. The wording makes me feel like I'm going to be reading something authentic and real. I guess I'll just have to succumb to my son's argument that Zombie's are cool and read the book before next year's film premiere. I say, put this project on your radar and definitely check out the book (which averages 5 stars on Amazon).

Oh... And vampires are still cool. Enough said.

Book Blog Hop!

2011-08-05T12:08:00.000-10:00

It's Friday!! And that means it's time for another Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Jen from Crazy For Books. This week's question is:

“What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?”

Noe and Suz: We don't read ARC's because we are too busy to request them. I know, panda sad. We actually buy our books, believe it or not and that's how we roll over at our book portion of our blog. So we'll change the question up a bit. The book that I (Suz) and most anticipating and would die to get my hands on, is the sequel to Danielle Trussoni's Angelology. This is an adult fiction book based on nephilim. I completely inhaled this novel. It was actually scary, how much I loved this book. Soooo... If Danielle ever gifted me an ARC of the next book in this series, I would past out from its potential awesomeness. How's that for an answer? Btw, I think the novel will be called Angelopolis and will come out next year.

So if you are new to our blog, please let us know and we will return the love. Also, check out this week's posts: Books Making It To The Big Screen and my movie review of Cowboys & Aliens.

Upcoming book review: Game of Thrones

Upcoming movie review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Fright Night

Cowboys and Aliens directed by Jon Favreau

2011-08-04T14:40:00.000-10:00

Cowboys and Aliens
PG-13 118 min

Summary: A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way.

My Review: I have to admit this film slowly embedded its awesomeness into my psyche. When I first caught word that director, John Favreau (Iron Man) was working on a film that involved both Cowboys and Aliens, I quickly became skeptic. Egyptians vs. Aliens, probable. But Cowboys, pfft... But then the list of actors tied to the film came out, and with Harrison Ford AND Daniel Craig in lead roles, I shamed myself for even doubting.

Cowboys and Aliens essentially is a Western film with sci-fi elements to it and are based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Scott Mitchel Rosenberg. Set in the late 1800’s Arizona, the beginning of the film commences with Daniel Craig’s character awaking in the desert, injured and cuffed with an unusual bracelet. He has no recollection of who he is and how he got there. After a few unsavory mishaps with some passersby who stumble upon him and attempt to kidnap him, hoping that he is worth a bounty, wanders on his own accord to the desolate town of Absolution. It is there that he finds trouble and becomes embroiled in an argument with the local town’s bully, who happens to be the son of a wealthy rancher. When he is arrested for assault on the bully, the sheriff recognizes that he has a “Wanted” man in his custody and decides to turn him over to the Feds, including the town bully, whom he is tired of dealing with.

In summary, the wealthy rancher (Harrison Ford) decides to rescue his son, but soon realizes that the sheriff is holding none other, than Jake Lonergan; a man who has stolen gold from him. Woodrow (Ford) demands both be turned over to him. That is until the town suddenly becomes terrorized by flying objects that attack, by whisking away many members of the community, including the rancher’s son, Percy. In the aftermath of the previous night, the town soon comes to grips with the devastation of losing loved ones by sources unknown and it is here that the remaining members of the town band together to attempt to track and rescue them. So their quest begins.

Overall, the film delivered exactly what its prescribed premise appears to be: Cowboys and Aliens. Though the acting at times was somewhat lackluster, I do want to point out that Daniel Craig made up for it. Not only can he act, his physique offered believability to some very entertaining fight action sequences. There are tons of explosions, a few laughs, a few more poignant moments, and in the end, a fun story that thoroughly entertained our viewing group. (Noe loved it!)

If you are looking to analyze plot holes, and the actuality that most antiquated rifles are no match for the superiority of alien weaponry: You need not see this film. But if you are looking to have a good time with a fun film that was pretty solid from the beginning to the end, than you must definitely check it out. Cowboys & Aliens is playing in theatres now and I say totally check it out! How can you not?

Cast and Credit:
Directed by John Favreau
Daniel Craig-Jake
Harrison Ford-Woodrow
Olivia Wilde-Ella
Paul Dano-Percy

Books Making It To The Big Screen! Paradise Lost by John Milton

2011-08-03T08:31:00.000-10:00

Last year I became really obsessed with novels that focused on Angels or had a religious aspect to them. I ran out and purchased Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno, The Book of Enoch, and The Book of Adam and Eve, along with countless others. I started to read them and essentially, became even more fascinated: call me an Angelologist, if you will.

Well much to my shock, Paradise Lost is being adapted for the big screen with Alex Proyas (I, Robot) set to direct and Bradley Cooper confirming the role of Lucifer.

According to Cooper, filming will start in January and we should see a premiere release sometime late in 2013 (though IMDb has 2012 as the release year).

I just have to say, if cast right and adapted eloquently, this film will be epic! Recently Cooper spoke with BleedingCool.com and gave us a little more info on this amazing project.

We’ve been doing motion capture tests all of this week. It’s full on, the deals are done. We’re testing out different rigs. We did this one scene where Lucifer lands and talks to the minions. Alex Proyas is wonderful… it’s exciting. We start shooting in January. I can’t wait. It’s been such a long time… I remember on the A-Team tour we were here and met Ralph Fiennes. We were talking and he said “Want do you want to do?” and I said “There’s this project, Paradise Lost, and all I want to do is play the devil” and he said to me “You’re going to do it.”

Can't you just picture Bradley Cooper playing the most hated character in all of mankind? Ah, yes. He has the looks, the charisma and the charm. Just look at those eyes! Evil, I tell you. Evilally delicious!!! (Is Evilally even a word?)

So, if you love Paradise Lost, or even adore religious books -- Put this project on your radar!! And if you are looking for great films that feature Satan or fallen Angels, might I suggest a few? I really enjoyed Book of Eli with Denzel Washington. In fact, I will be recommending two films that he has starred in that have devilish overtones.

Book of Eli is an excellent film. Starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis; it is about a post-apocalyptic world in which the past has been long forgotten and we are living in times very similar to the days of the wild west. Yet, one man has been called upon a mission in which he is to bring the only surviving bible to the coast-he walks on faith. And thus begins his adventure.

Fallen is another excellent film. Starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman and Donald Sutherman; it is about a detective who witnesses a serial killer's execution. Yet, the crimes begin again and very similar to the ones committed by the deceased. The detective begins to unravel the mystery surround the crimes and what he discovers is truly ominous and haunting; an ancient being called forth when God made light and day: Azazel the fallen angel. This movie ruined the Rolling Stones song "Time is on my side" for me. It creeps me out to this day!!

Crazy, Stupid, Love directed by Dan Fogelman

2011-07-29T08:23:00.000-10:00

Crazy, Stupid, Love
Rated PG-13 118 min

My Summary: The film is about a couple dealing with the consequences of divorce, and the surrounding friends and family that it can affect.

My Review: I was a little concerned that the film appeared like a comedy but would eventually rear its ugly head, and be darker in nature (like Some Kind of Funny Story). I was very wrong.

Brilliantly balanced, the movie does a spectacular job of dealing with real life issues in a manner that seem to be both comedic, yet probable and maturely serious. The film itself is just solid with great performances by the entire cast; especially Steve Carell who has this ability to make you laugh and cry, all in the same scene. He's under-rated for an actor and I have to admit, I really like seeing him in roles where he is able to be less slapstick (Carell was excellent by the way, in Little Miss Sunshine).

The film starts out innocently enough with Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) having dinner. Unfortunately, she blind sides him as she nonchalantly explains that she wants a divorce. On the awkward ride home, she continues to babble unknowingly and reveals to Cal, who looks like he's going to vomit, that she has slept with a coworker. Cal jumps out of the moving vehicle.

Flash forward and Cal is now a single bachelor but stinks at it. He wastes him time at a club telling anyone who will listen, about his divorce and his ex-wife. That is, until he is approached by real life hottie and professional bachelor, Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Jacob wants to help him, if only for the reason of making Cal shut up. He decides to take him under his wing and teach him how to not only get over his ex-wife, but live the life of single man.

The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell was awesome. They were literally yin and yang. I loved every moment that spent together on screen. But in addition, we were offered some serious laughs when Cal meets a lonely teacher, played by Marisa Tomei who was pretty hilarious in her role.

But just when we are starting to have fun with the idea that Steve Carell's character can now be transformed into a lady's man, we soon realize that Cal still has strong feelings for his ex-wife and we are reeled back to reality. Cal loves Emily, and always will. *insert tear* I swear on my credit card, that I cried during this film and I laughed... It was that good.

But to keep you on your toes, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you saying, "What! I didn't see that coming!!" Let's just say that A'mour is in the air and everyone has been shot by cupid, including our professional bachelor, Jacob, who has finally found a woman that can keep his interest. (Emma Stone is freaking awesome!)

This movie is just such a cute film, I can't stress enough how good it is. So if you need a break from all the action films that are currently in theatres, than YOU MUST see this one!!

I'm going to go ahead and give it five stars because I was thoroughly entertained: tears and laughs. Crazy, Stupid, Love opens today!! Now go see it!

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Dan Fogelman

Steve Carell-Cal

Ryan Gosling-Jacob

Julianne More-Emily

Emma Stone-Hanna

Analeigh Tipton-Jessica

Jonah Bobo-Robbie

Kevin Bacon-David

Book Blogger Hop!

2011-07-29T07:48:00.001-10:00

First, I want to thank Jen at Crazy for Books for organizing, putting up with, and facilitating such a unique book blog post. It is a great way for both book bloggers, and readers, to discover one another.

This week's question is this: “Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!”

OMG, I can answer this!! I just received from my husband, A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin!!! I just read chapter 1 and already, I'm hooked.... Actually, I watched the HBO television series based on the novel, and that in itself, hooked me. So here's to politics, devious plots, devilish young men, and mysterious creatures! What about you? ~ Suz

3 More Hunger Games Photos!

2011-07-28T09:51:00.000-10:00

For those who have not read the Hunger Games series, my GOD!! What are you waiting for? Pick up the book and read!!!

But for those who have become cultish with the series, eagerly anticipating the film; then you will certainly enjoy these photos.

Gale and Peeta!! Holla!!

Katniss and Gale-LOVE

HOLY CANNOLI!! But I am TEAM PEETA all the way!!

Speaking of cultish, I have just picked up the Game of Thrones series and I'm about to begin book 1. So excited! Review to come!! Who is addicted to that show on HBO?

Captain America directed by Joe Johnston

2011-07-26T09:52:00.000-10:00

Captain America: The First Avenger
PG-13 125 min.

Summary: Based on the 1941 Marvel Comic Book superhero, “Captain America: The First Avenger” focuses on the early days of the Marvel universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the super soldier known as Captain America. As Captain America, Roger then gathers a team of soldiers which includes his best friend, Bucky (Sebastian Stan), along with the help of confidant, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil Hydra Organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).

My Review: Set during WWII, Steve Rogers has attempted to enlist five different times, changing information on his application in the hopes that he will be recruited. He’s short, underweight, and has various health complications. He is denied entry until he meets Dr. Abraham Erskine, who upon hearing his reasoning for wanting to enlist thinks he has the making for his top secret project; a super soldier serum.

Dr. Abraham Erskine asks Steve Rogers one question before allowing him to join the army; “Do you want to kill Nazis?” Rogers answers, “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies.” Erskine approves of Rogers’ answer and it is here that we learn that it is not always about being the biggest, or brawniest. It is about having heart and compassion in a time of war, something that clearly Rogers has and it is one of the reasons why he is chosen.

Eventually the experiment is conducted, and a success with Rogers emerging, taller, more muscular and super humanly fit. But something goes wrong and a German spy is among them, causing havoc and explosions as the spy tries to steal the secret serum.

You would think that would be enough cause for concern? It is, but not quite yet. So what does the government decide to do with its new superhero? Why use him to sell U.S. bonds of course! Yes, this is a side distraction and I wondered where the film was going to as well.

But the film returns to what we all came to see, and that is some much needed butt-kicking as Steve Rogers, nicknamed Captain America, realizes his full potential and true calling by saving captured soldiers across enemy lines and in the end, goes after the evil scientist, Schmidt/Red Skull who has a plot to take over the world because as we all know, it is in the evil scientist handbook: 101-take over world.

The first half of the film really is dedicated to introducing you to Steve Rogers/Captain America and with the help of some poignant secondary characters like his best friend Bucky, Peggy Carter and Colonel Phillips, a lot of the beginning of the story is about establishing relationships. But hold that thought: The second half of the film is pure action! Hugo Weaving does an amazing job of portraying Red Skull and set in WWII; how can you not want him to be defeated? He’s a German Nazi, deranged, and wants to take over the world! Who better to save mankind, than America!! (We just knew the writers smiled when creating the script).

Overall, this superhero film was not dull for one moment and clearly, (yes this is your only spoiler), the second film will be even more fantastical with the backdrop already established. Captain America was a solid film and I definitely say see this one, playing in theatres now!

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Joe Johnston

Chris Evans-Steve Rogers/Captain America

Hayley Atwell-Peggy Carter

Sebastian Stan-Bucky Barnes

Tommy Lee Jones-Colonel Phillips

Hugo Weaving-Schmidt/Red Skull

Stanley Tucci-Dr. Abraham Erskine

Horrible Bosses directed by Seth Gordon

2011-07-19T13:53:00.000-10:00

Horrible Bosses
Rated R

Summary: Management candidate Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman) has been logging 12-hour days and eating everything his twisted supervisor Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey) dishes out, toward the promise of a well-earned promotion. But now he knows that’s never going to happen. Meanwhile, dental assistant Dale Arbus (Charlie Day) has been struggling to maintain his self-respect against the relentless X-rated advances of Dr. Julia Harris, D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston), when she suddenly turns up the heat. And accountant Kurt Buckman (Jason Sudeikis) has just learned that his company’s corrupt new owner, Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell), is not only bent on ruining his career but plans to funnel toxic waste into an unsuspecting population.

My Review: I was supposed to screen this movie weeks back and I just couldn't make it to the theatre. But, thankfully I had already seen Harry Potter in advance, and was left with nothing else to preview, other than reviewing a movie that I really did want to see all along. So, here's my thoughts on Horrible Bossess.

The movie itself is definitely crude, and though it was not as hilarious as other comedies of the year, such as The Hangover 2 and Bridesmaids, it did keep me entertained and laughing through the entire film, which is all I really expected it to do. Jason Sudeikis was adequately funny (for some reason, I'm just a fan of his), and Jason Bateman does dry humor well (Jason can do no wrong, I would marry the man if given the opportunity), but Charlie Day was definitely my favorite, stealing every scene with his over the top expletives.(Plus, is it just me or does he have a very "throaty" voice? His rants were hilarious, btw!)

On the contrary, the “horrible bosses” in the film were outstanding. Kevin Spacey does a fantastic job of being the typical, corporate jackhole. And this is a Jennifer Aniston you have never seen before; sexy, pornographic and potentially a rapist?! Yeah, I was pretty amazed at some of the antics Jennifer had to do. She was pretty good as the perverted dentist, though I found it hard to believe that any man would actually turn her down. Hmmm.... And I must add, Colin Farrell was perfect as the coked up, son of a chemical company. He took creepy, to a different level.

In the end, I thought the film was pretty good and did keep me laughing pretty much till the credits rolled. Had it been any longer, I probably would have freaked out because the characters were beginning to get really stupid towards the end, but at the length that it was, the movie was completely entertaining. I give it four stars because it wasn't on the level of my other two favorite comedies this year, but it was fun... In a dark, demented way.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Seth Gordon

Jason Bateman-Nick

Charlie Day-Dale

Jason Sudeikis-Kurt

Kevin Spacey-Dave (Nick's Boss)

Jennifer Aniston-Julia (Dale's Boss)

Collin Farrell-Bobby (Kurt's Boss)

Page One: Inside The New York Times directed by Andrew Rossi

2011-07-18T09:38:00.000-10:00

Page One: Inside The New York Times
A film by Andrew Rossi
Documentary

My Review: A documentary by Andrew Rossi, Page One: Inside the New York Times premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Embedded in the New York Times newsroom for one year, Rossi's unwavering agenda to unravel the relevance that print media still has on society gives viewers unprecedented access to the stalwart newspaper. In the film, he attempts to shed light on the struggles and battles of staying viable and economically successful in an ever-evolving technological world.

For the novice, the core of the documentary reminds us of one fact: Newspapers are becoming dinosaurs. We would be naive to ignore that many print publications have already gone into bankruptcy, fading away into obscurity or downsizing significantly, causing great stress in the publication world.

David Carr, a columnist for the NY Times and the film's "star," candidly speaks about journalism: Those glory days of cheap cakes and cheap sparkling wine are over and that carnage is left behind an island of misfit toys - like model trains whose cabooses have square wheels. There's a resistance to change among older journalists, but that change is inevitable. Adapting to social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook, journalists have a love/hate relationship with such outlets in the race to get trustworthy news out to the public as quickly as possible. But at what expense?

The documentary itself tends to wander but for good reasons. We are reminded of significant scandals, such as the inaccurate reports on Iraq by former NY Times journalists Judith Miller and Jayson Blair, the latter being accused of plagiarism and fabrication. It's easy to see why people nowadays are often leery of news stations or media outlets, with many feeling as if the news has been skewed in some fashion with hidden agendas. We are briefly reminded of the Tribune bankruptcy and the cause of this significant buyout - unthinkable work conditions, exorbitant bonuses, Sam Zell ... the list goes on and on. The documentary alludes to the credibility of journalism in a time of "quick and free news."

But what I found very interesting about the whole concept of paper vs. online is the idea that no "news" is ever free. Someone still has to go out to the war-torn areas and report it, and many online outlets simply "piggyback" off larger media outlets, such as the NY Times. Advertising spending is still down and so, too, are subscriptions; the combination being detrimental.

In the end, I found the documentary somewhat inspiring and love the fact that there are still people out there who believe in honest journalism. And without shining a bright light on the NY Times, I enjoyed learning more about their scruples and their plights - it was raw and very open. Overall, the film was fascinating and certainly riveting. I truly think this is a film that everyone should see and recommend that you catch this documentary.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 directed by David Yates

2011-07-13T11:10:00.000-10:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Rated PG-13

Summary: The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

My Review: I've never read the books so I really did not know what to expect in this final installment, but I have to admit; it was the best of all the films.

First, I did watch it in 3D and did feel it was worth seeing in this medium. In this final installment, there is a lot of fighting and spectacular graphics. Our audience, being privy to seeing it in advance, cheered... yelled... and clapped, as Harry FINALLY confronts Valdemort in what it is to be the ending, of all endings: The ultimate battle. (There is definitely more action in this film, then Part 1.)

If you have not followed the franchise, then my review will serve no purpose for you. I have. And so has my son, who is about the same age as Harry is in the films. Even though he has been away at College in Arizona, he's home here in Hawaii and got to see this movie with me. It was something that I shared with him, and I admit, it brought tears to my eyes when the final scenes of the film played out. Time does fly...

What I enjoyed about Part 2 of Deathly Hallows is the way everything from all the other films, came together. Many answers were revealed, and it was done very well (unlike the television show, Lost!!) I learned a lot in the final film. Let's just say Warner Bros. saved the best for last, with an abundance of EPIC battles also. And... there is the ending. It was just well worth the adventure and I loved every film that they have made, including all the characters-I will also add, the graphics have been superb.

From the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone-International Title) in 2001, to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 opening this week. I have seen every movie in the theatre. All 8, and I'm so sad to see it end. This has been a most magical ride, and I encourage all of you to see it in theatres when it premieres in your town.

Thank you to J.K. Rowling for creating

a bewitching world of wizardry.

You have touched many children's lives with your tales,

including my son. For that, I am humble.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by David Yates
Daniel Radcliffe-Harry Potter
Rupert Grint-Ron Weasley
Emma Watson-Hermione Granger
Alan Rickman-Professor Severus Snape
Ralph Fiennes-Lord Voldermot

Between the Land and Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

2011-07-12T15:50:00.000-10:00

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Awesome Mermaidness
Author: Derrolyn Anderson
Available on Amazon Kindle, click here.

Summary: Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way.Between The Land And The Sea is the first book in the series "Marina's Tales". Her story continues on in book two, The Moon And The Tide.

My Review: I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Early on from the beginning pages, up through to the end, I was completely immersed (no pun intended) in this story of a young woman coming to grips with a family secret, that in the end could forever change her life if she should choose that path.

The story is about a young, intelligent and beautiful girl named Marina who must now relocate from her apartment in San Francisco to her Aunt's house in Aptos, California because her father is on a year-long work assignment in Afghanistan. Tearfully, she must leave behind her life of travelling to far away countries with her father, to now for the first time, attending the dreaded... high school. (I don't blame her!)

While living with her Aunt, we get to meet Marina's eclectic cousin Cruz and his best friend, Meghan. The three quickly bond, and it is with their support, that Marina is able to withstand school. No thanks to the bullies!

But just when you think it is a story of a young girl trying to deal with new circumstances, Marina meets a mermaid and things begin to take on a supernatural tone with Marina feeling a distinct connection with the creature. And then throw in a friendship with a local surfer, that quickly buds into a romance!! But things are not as pleasant as they appear, and in fact become dangerously scary, as Marina comes to realize just how real and true her connection with the mermaid truly is.

Without giving away every detail, I just want to say that I truly enjoyed this story. The first day I read about a hundred pages straight on my iPad and then stopped because I gave myself a headache. But that's how good the story was to me. Marina is very likable as are all the other characters, including the cutie patootie, Ethan, and I just fell in love with the idea of mermaids, which is a first for me.

Growing up in Southern California, I have a real connection with the ocean and this story with its setting in Aptos, CA seem to tap into my heart. Not to mention Marina's very eccentric Aunt Evie who spoils her with top of the line, fashionable clothing. Um, hello! I went out and bought strappy sandals because of Marina's wardrobe. Let's face it, I loved everything about this story. It was an easy read, AND an enjoyable read. In my case, I sort of inhaled the story, so I will admit, it's a five star recommendation for me. Great story!!

Beginners directed by Mike Mills

2011-07-11T09:27:00.000-10:00

Beginners
Rated R

Summary: Beginners is a film written and directed by Mike Mills, and is based on his 75-year-old father who came out of the closet following the death of his wife of 45 years.

My Review: Though the film has a light comedic tone, the complex relationships and issues at hand are deep and thought provoking. It offers a glimpse into one family's skeletons, which, in a sense, provide confirmation that "simple and happy" are not so easily obtained.

Told in present time (2003) with complementing flashbacks and symbolic pictures, Beginners is a story that focuses on Oliver (Ewan McGregor) and the aftermath of his father's death five years after his mother's. Very early into the film, we see that Oliver's father, Hal (Christopher Plummer) confesses to being gay, immediately after the death of his mom. Shortly after coming out, Hal begins to live out his life as a gay man and even embarks on a relationship with a younger companion, Andy (Goran Visnjic of ER). But just as Hal is able to finally live the life he has always yearned, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer and passes away.

Oliver is left with sorting through his early memories of his mother and the many nights she spent alone, and the father he finally came to know in his final years. Being an only child, we can see that Oliver had clearly picked up on the subtle clues that his parents' marriage was not what it seemed, and this affects Oliver later in life, causing him to have a fear of commitment because as he often states, "he's just afraid of it not working out."

Oliver, now 38, is terminally sad. But with the urging of his eclectic friends - who like to dress in costume, party and vandalize buildings with poignant poetic messages and Hal's intelligent Jack Russell terrier who doesn't come out and speak but communicates with subtitles - Oliver meets a beautiful Parisian actress named Anna (Melanie Laurent), whom he begins a love affair with and soon experiences the ups and downs of being in a relationship.

There are so many things that I loved about this movie. In summary, the film is brilliantly written and well acted. McGregor does an outstanding job of playing the loving son, who rediscovers his father and sees him in a new light after his coming out. Meanwhile, Plummer is just fabulous as the dad. His confessions felt so real that I found myself sobbing during most of the scenes with him and, in particular, as he comes to grips with his illness and the idea of death; just beautiful acting on his part. And I adore Laurent who is quickly becoming one of my favorite foreign actresses. She has a certain credibility to her that makes us, the audience, fall in love with her character, rooting for her story to end well. We wanted happiness for the couple, even if they had to work for it.

Beginners was a light-hearted, beautiful story about relationships and family, and I laughed, smiled and even cried. Five Stars!!

Cast and Credit:
Written and Directed by Mike Mills
Ewan McGregor - Oliver
Christopher Plummer - Hal
Melanie Laurent - Anna
Goran Visnjic - Andy
Mary Page Kellar - Georgia

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemming

2011-07-04T17:19:00.000-10:00

Genre: Adult fiction
Author: Kaui Hart Hemmings
Publisher: Random House

Book Summary: Mat King is a descendant of Hawaiian royalty and one of the state's largest land owners, the deciding relative of the expansive empire. His entire family is waiting on him. Who will he sell to?

In the mean time, things at home have taken a turn for the worst as Mat is left to care for his two out-of-control daughters, Scottie, a strange 10 year old with a desperate need for attention, and Alex, a 17 year old former model and recovering drug addict, while his wife Joanie lies in an irreversible coma in the hospital, from a boating accident.

My Review: The reason I chose to read this book was because of the film trailer. There was something honest in those two minutes, and I sort of fell in love with George Clooney and the prospect of him playing this character. What I didn't realize was how much I would actually love the book, and how I invested I would become in the story.

With the setting being Hawaii, it's easy to think that people who live in paradise don't have problems. In fact, we aren't allowed to have problems, right? Not the case.

Though we don't know what the Kings were like before the accident, we are seeing the aftermath. Matt King is dealing with several life issues, and on top of all of that, his daughters seem to be acting up in a way, that scares the bejesus out of him. With a dying wife lying in a coma and his relatives, as well as the entire state of Hawaii, waiting on his decision as to whom he will sell his very large estate in Kaui too, Matt is at his wits end. But as if that was not enough to test a man's strengths, Matt finds out through his older daughter Alex, that his wife has been having an affair and that was the cause of the stress and turmoil between the daughter and the mother. (Heartbreaking!!)

Without going into every detail of this wonderful book, let me just say it's a very easy read. I think the story was about 300 pages, but man does it suck you in. I don't think you necessarily had to have experienced any of these issues, to find relevance; you just do. Matt made me laugh, and he made me cry. I literally woke up one morning, sat by myself on the couch, and finished the last 100 pages, crying. Seriously, crying. I absolutely fell in love with Matt and thought many of his emotions, from the feelings about his wife, to the frusterations with his daughters, just so humanely, real. Does that make sense? I felt like Matt was a male version... of me. And I loved every laugh out loud moment, and every tearful discovery.

The Descendants was just such a great book, and in summary, about a father having to come to terms with the fact that he will now be the sole parent having to raise his daughters. He has fears that they will turn out horrible, that they will never respect him, that they will end up like his wife... In a loveless marriage. But in the end, he must make peace with his dying wife, before he can find the path to his daughter’s hearts. Because as we all know, they need their father more than ever, and what he soon learns, is that he needs them just as much too.

Excellent novel, and beautiful story. I highly recommend this book!!! Five Stars!!

The Descendants Movie Trailer: Comes out this December!!

It's Friday! Book Blogger Hop Time!

2011-06-24T09:37:00.000-10:00

Do not even sing the "Friday" song, but if you do, think of me... because I am SOOO excited it's Friday. This is has been a hellacious (is that a word?) week.

Over at Jen's Crazy for Books, we meet Elena from Books and Reviews. Her question was, “When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”

It varies depending on the time in my life. But now that I'm older, I am truly able to appreciate my love for reading, and now, my love for writing as well. The lessons I've learned over my life, I try to instill on my children. When it comes to books, my girls are always allowed to borrow, buy, or lend. Books are a big deal in our home, and I encourage them to read over watching tv or hopping on the computer. It's helped Noe become the straight A student she is, and why her vocabulary at 13 is so impressive. She's far more advanced than I was at her age, and that in itself, is important to me.

So, if you are new to our blog, here's a little something, something about us. Noe (on vacation) is our resident young adult critic being that she's only 13. I, mommy and co-blogger, write movie reviews for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine and also enjoy writing book reviews as well. I tend to favor adult fiction as of these days, but I'm swayed by any good story-YA, or Adult. So if you enjoy hearing our thoughts on books and the latest films, follow us. Mahalo!!

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

2011-06-23T09:12:00.000-10:00

Genre: YA, Whimsical fiction, Faery
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (2010)

Shortened Amazon Summary: Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review: The beginning of this book, when we first meet Meghan and experience a little of her normal, high school life, I have to admit I was very into the story. This portion, I read very quickly.

Then once we were transported to the faery worlds, I found myself losing interest in the overly descriptive chapters. To be honest, I don't know if I was in the mood for this book, because I found myself skimming many of the pages in hopes of finding solid ground in which for me to devour.

What I felt was something was amiss. I didn't seem to connect with any of the characters, nor did I feel a connection between the characters themselves. We can read there is a bond between Meghan and her guardian, yet, I didn't believe it. As is with the prince, whom we are reminded time and time again, is very handsome. Still, nothing...

The good qualities about this book is that the author does do a good job of creating a whimsical world, an almost "Alice in Wonderland" alternate universe of creatures, dwarves, faeries, etc... But what she excels in creating, is also for me, where she failed. Sometimes you can over indulge your audience, laying it on so thick, that you tend to focus too much on pointing out the wonders, rather than letting your readers imagine their own world. Without rehashing my point, I just honestly did not connect with Meghan, nor did I connect with Grimalkin, Puck or Ash. All main characters. Because of this disconnect, many of parts of the book felt a little sleepy.

In the end, I'm going to give it three stars rather than two (2 1/2 preferable) but I will admit I did struggle. I really wanted to fall in love with the series, but unfortunately, this will be the end of my faery journey.

Tree of Life directed by Terrance Malick

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-10:00

Tree of Life
Rated PG-13 138 min.

Summary: Winner of the Canne Film Festival’s Palm d’Or, The Tree of Life is a film, written and directed by Terrence Malick, focusing on a family from Texas, set in the 1950’s.

My Review: Where to begin... Quite frankly, this film is in fact, three films, if you are to intelligently dissect its contents and articulate respectively its qualities, and in my opinion, its valid but failed attempt to explain life and our relationship with God.

The opening of the film starts with a quotation from the book of Job and offers very little dialogue, only overlays of whispers while we watch a mother receive a telegram, who then becomes stricken with sadness. She then places a call to her husband at work, who also nearly falls to his knees in despair with the images around him swirling in confusion and sorrow. You have an inclination that only death could bring this type of behavior, and the scene is very brief, but confirmed, when the story suddenly flashes forward, and we see Sean Penn, waking up, his face pained in depression. His wife places flowers on an alter within their home and a candle is lit. It is not until Penn’s character is at work, do we hear his conversation on the telephone with his father. It is apparent that it is the anniversary of Penn’s brother’s death. The short flashback and flashforward, equate to the length of suffering the family has succumbed to, and the cause of their deep pain.

But then the film becomes surrealistic, and a good portion of the story is then dedicated to the artistic images; a chronological order of the beginning of existence, from a gas flame, all the way through to the dinosaurs. Because of the length of this tangent and alternative, explanative of creation, I (and my husband) became restless, and literally had to fight from falling asleep. When I had almost reached my breaking point, and was quite tempted to get up and leave, the film then reverts to traditional storytelling and we then re-meet the same couple from the beginning who received the devastating telegram.

The story chronicles Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, known only as the O’Briens, from the time they give birth to their first son, Jack (Sean Penn), to quickly after, their other two sons, with the film then arriving to the age of adolescences for the three boys. It is here, that we come to learn the depth of the relationships, mainly due to the borderline abusive behavior and strictness from the father. Jack, over the course of his tender years becomes conflicted, wanting nothing more than his father’s openly love and approval and the convoluted feelings he experiences, conceives ambivalence towards his middle brother, whom he feels that his father favors. Though the father loves his children, we can see that his parenting skills, either indicative of the era, or harshly prescribed by his own doing, distances the children from him. But faint whispers from the middle brother (whom we come to learn is the one that died), and ultimately, Jack, help us understand that through all their pain, is a soul that searches. As Jack points out, his father struggles and wrestles within him, and in a moment of clarity, comes to understand the inner ghost that haunts him, has a name but as a child, he did not know it. Quite understandably, this is the best part of the film and the acting by Brad Pitt is Oscar worthy. But in addition, the young child actors who portray the three boys do such a marvelous job, so intense with an earnest innocence, that you can feel every tormented emotion the children display. We had only wished this section of the story, had indeed, consumed the plot in its entirety. And just when you find the connection with the characters, as the father learns that he has lost his job and must relocate...

The last portion of the film filtrates to an existential view of death and acceptance of God and his mercy on his children. It is imaginative, and picturesque, but unappreciated by the time you get to this point. At 2.5 hours, I just could not absorb the poetic aspect of the interpretation and felt completely drained by the finality of this journey.

In the end, Tree of Life did not meet my expectations, and had the film shortened its Stanley Kubrick aspect, could have sustained my interest during the long haul in its attempts to placate our fear and lack of understanding, as a whole, with respect to our relationship with God. As I stated, I certainly can handle imagery, interwoven modestly in to a story, and very much loved the portion that actually allowed us to study the family and its core, but the existentialistic view on life, felt comical at times and just did not seem to correlate. Had I gone to a science museum at night, laid back watching the stars, listening to the Philharmonic softly filter through speakers above my head; then those weird portions of the film would have been acceptable. But to sit through this film, the way it was pieced together, became torturous, and in all honesty, made me sad that I could not fall in love with the film. I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle watching, Tree of Life, so unfortunately, I have to give it two stars.

Cast and Credit:
Written and directed by Terrance Malick
Brad Pitt-Mr. O’Brien
Jessica Chastain-Mrs. O’Brien
Sean Penn-Jack
Hunter McCracken-young Jack
Laramie Eppler-R.L.
Tye Sheridan-Steve

Midnight In Paris directed by Woody Allen

2011-06-16T17:39:00.000-10:00

Midnight In Paris
Rated PG-13

My Review: As many have noted that this wonderful film, written and directed by Woody Allen, is an open lover letter to Paris, I amusingly say, that my review is an open love letter to Woody Allen.

Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy set in the beautiful backdrop of Paris, France. When a recently engaged couple, Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams), travel to the city of lights to tag along with Inez’s parents, visiting on business, the trip becomes more than a mere vacation for the two love birds. It is a test of their true feelings, and future life aspirations, and Paris itself becomes a bewitching entity; it’s influences determining their fate.

Gil is a disenchanted Hollywood writer, who has been working on a novel, desperate to free his creativeness from the confides of movie politics, and eager to indulge in the realism of romanticism--his dream is to move to Paris, confident that the city can help him finish and refine his work.

But Inez, his beautiful fiancée, is not keen on that idea and mimics him, calling his dream a disillusion, a frivolous fantasy. From the beginning of the trip, she consistently tries to remind him of his very good paying career, and to toss those silly ideas of moving to Paris and writing a novel aside. Her discouraging words, begin to create a subtle distance between the two and Gil begins to find himself an outsider in his own relationship.

One night after a wine tasting event, Gil and Inez embark on separate adventures; Inez decidedly heading off to go dancing with an old college friend and his wife, and Gil, drunkenly, strolling back to the hotel alone. Lost, he sits on the steps to an old church, defeated--but at the stroke of midnight, something magical and enchanting happens--a vintage Peugeot pulls up, and a man spills out, begging him to get in. Unsure, he climbs aboard and what happens next, is extraordinary and fantastical and I love Woody Allen, even more for it! The couple in the car refer to themselves as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Stupefied, Gil ignores the coincidence but quickly realizes as the night progresses, he has just been thrust back to 20’s, Paris.

The film is a like a literary/art enthusiasts dream come true. A smorgosborg of famous encounters. But it is through these great and poetic scenes, does Allen analyze life’s ambiguity. Though I absolutely loved Ernest Hemingway, and his comedic aspect to writing, I found Gil’s visits with Gertude Stein (played magnificently by Kathy Bates) the most insightful.

Accepting the unusualness of it all, Gil asks Getrude to read his novel, and it is her poignant critiques that almost give new life to not only Gil’s work, but in his thinking, as well. As she tells him simply, “stopping being a defeatist”, and Gil takes these words to heart, succumbing to many more adventures, including a friendship with a beautiful Parisian. In the end, Gil learns more about life, love and the pursuit of happiness through these magical encounters, and we as the audience, learn that everyone constantly searches, dissatisfied with their present life. But as Allen teaches us, there are no greener grasses than the pastures you currently live in, and if you follow your heart and are lucky enough to find a companion that feels and dreams as you do, then you already know the answer to the questions you seek.

Truth of the matter, I consumed this film wholeheartedly, from the opening images of Paris, to the final scene of Gil strolling in the rain. I adored Woody Allen’s film and my review cannot put into words how much more this adoration has grown, simply from this story. Owen Wilson captures Allen’s emptiness, and fruitless searches of life’s lessons, brilliantly, and the use of a magical escape, symbolically projects, that no matter the era, people are admittedly unhappy but happiness is not a carrot dangled in front of you, it is a real emotion that can easily be obtained, if you just stop looking for it. Ironically, I was very happy with the film and highly suggest you catch this wonderful movie, playing in theatres now.

Cast and Credit:
Written and directed by Woody Allen
Owen Wilson-Gil
Rachel McAdams-Inez
Michael Sheen-Paul
Kathey Bates-Getrude Stein
Marion Cotillard-Adriana
Corey Stoll-Ernest Hemingway

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories by Rockstar Games

2011-06-15T18:44:00.000-10:00

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories

Presented by Rockstar Games

Published by Muholland Press

Stories by Megan Abbott, Lawrence Block, Joe R. Lansdale, Joyce Carol Oates, Francine Prose, Jonathan Santlofer, Duane Swierczynski, and Andrew Vachss.

My Review: First, I have to give credit to Rockstar Games for coming up with such an intriguing game, so detailed and so interesting. My son bought and finished it, and I have to admit, I sat on the couch watching him, totally involved in the stories.

Well, much to my joy, is the book format, a collection of short stories of crime, deception and murder.

The best part, I downloaded this book for free on the iPad!! (iBooks)

Short stories are unique. They are quick reads, but still must find a way to draw the reader in. Skeptical, because I downloaded the book for free, I dove right in and started with the first story.

I’ll briefly talk about that one.

What I loved about it, was the writing. Written by Megan Abbott, the story is about a woman in the forties, who clearly at one time, desperately wanted to be an actress. But naive, and young, L.A. tore into her, teaching its wants and its ways. She reminisces quiet a bit and you begin to understand, she is no longer that young, bright eyed girl. She is a woman, and though married well, still yearning to succeed in Hollywood.

Led by her agent, she is brought to a very obscure mansion, eerie, with a sinister ambiance. The tone is slightly edgy. The party that is going on seems to be very dark in nature, with many women, clearly drugged and unaware of their actions. But before she knows it, the woman herself is drugged, and what happens next is a spiral of unusual encounters.

The story, though brief, had me from page 1. I sat and hungrily finished it. So if you are intrigued by short, but benevolent tales, then you will love L.A. Noire.

Fun fact: Film noire is a cinematic term to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, especially those that depict cynical attitudes, and sexual motivations.

Super 8 directed by J.J. Abrams

2011-06-13T17:37:00.000-10:00

Super 8
Rated PG-13

Summary: In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.

My Review: Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, Super 8 is an epic tale, an homage of great Spielberg films such as, The Goonies (Spielberg wrote), E.T. (Spielberg directed) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Spielberg wrote/directed). Abram’s delicately walks the fine line between a scary and dark movie about an alien, and a heartfelt story about a group of kids forever changed by one single occurrence. Super 8 is quite simply stated, the ideal summer film, that not only entertains adult audiences with its special effects and graphics, but captures younger audience’s with its fresh cast, relatively unknown kids, who are bound together by their willingness to be at each other’s side, regardless of the outcome.

Set in rural Ohio, the story takes place during the summer of 1979, when a group of boys in the process of filming their Super 8 zombie movie, sneak out late at night to film a poignant scene near the railroad tracks on the outskirts of town. With the addition of Alice (Elle Fanning) as the female lead, the boys use a passing train as background scenery, and eagerly begin filming until the train unexpectedly collides with a runaway truck. The accident is catastrophic, as debris and wreckage fly through the air nearly killing the young teens who scatter to take shelter. Dazed and confused, they emerge and begin to walk amidst the carnage, trying to absorb what had just happened, until they stumble across the driver of the truck. Badly hurt, the driver sternly warns the kids that they must run and tell no one what they witnessed. The kids flee, as the military quickly descends upon the pile-up, unaware that their camera had captured the collision, including one of the train compartments and frighteningly, what escaped from it.

The story itself is very layered and on the surface, clearly a government conspiracy regarding the contents of the freight train and the harm and damage that it can cause to the unsuspecting residents of the local town is at the heart of the film. Beneath that, is something deeper, and the story’s true driving force is its focus on complex relationships, and how events that happen in our lives either separate us, or bring us closer. For these young kids, fueled by wild imagination, determination to continue their zombie film, and the conviction to question the mysteriousness of the cargo’s contents, hurdles them headlong into a dangerous encounter with an otherworldly force.

Super 8 is the most epic Goonie adventure EVER and I loved every minute of it, including the viewing of the kids final edited zombie movie which plays as the credits roll at the end. Funny, how Abram’s give additional praise to George Romero(Dawn of the Dead & countless more), by having the kids name their villain after the Zombie godfather. Just thought you’d like to know.

Cast and Credit:
Written and directed by J.J. Abrams
Joel Courtney-Joe Lamb
Ryan Lee-Cary
Zach Mills-Preston
Riley Griffiths-Charles
Gabriel Basso-Martin
Elle Fanning-Alice

Super directed by James Gunn

2011-06-08T11:37:00.000-10:00

Super

Rated R (for violence, and sexual content)

My Own Summary: Super is an indie film that stars some really great actors and actresses, such as Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Ellen Page and Rainn Wilson. It's the story of an unusual, but honest man named Frank that loses his wife to a drug dealer. Under the impression that she is being held against her will, he tries several times to rescue her, but fails. It is not until he is convinced that he has been spoken to by God, that he determines the correct course of action; become a super hero and fight crime... which in turn, will lead him to the drug dealer that is holding his estranged wife hostage.

My Review: I had to see this movie twice to fully absorb it's awesomeness. It's dark, and super graphic at times, but strangely, freaking brilliant.

The story is basically about a man, who in all fairness, is a little strange. But the thing is, he means well. When he falls in love with his co-worker, a waitress recovering from drug addiction (played by Liv Tyler), the two form a strange, but beneficial relationship and get married.

Unfortunately, Sarah (Liv Tyler) reverts back to her old ways and leaves Frank (Rainn Wilson) to live with her new drug dealer boyfriend, (Kevin Bacon). Frank does try to rescue her a few times, but she doesn't really want to be rescued and he ends up getting beaten up pretty bad by the drug dealer's body guards.

He's at his wits end by this moment.

Then, the movie gets really trippy. Frank has visions. (I won't describe those visions. Those are sweet gems, that you should see on your own. And no, you don't need to be stoned to watch it.) In summary, he thinks that God has spoken to him, encouraging him to become a super hero. So quite literally, he sews (yes, sews) a costume together and becomes "The Crimson Bolt". Do you have any idea how freaking fantastic that is?

Getting his butt kicked the first few times, he learns from a young woman named Libby (Ellen Page) who works in a comic book shop, that if you don't actually possess powers, you need weapons. Sweet 8lb baby... This is when things get even better in the film. Frank grabs a wrench, paints it red, and fights crime. His calling, "Shut Up Crime!" Come on! You can't say you don't want to see this movie?

Without revealing every detail to the film, I'll just add that Libby becomes more than just an friend at the comic book shop that Frank shops at. She convinces him to let her be his side kick, "Boltie Girl". I have to say, Ellen Page offered up so many laughs, I was amazed at this character that she portrayed. This is a different side of Page, and I loved it.

There are a lot of odd moments, and severe ass kicking as the two, Crimson Bolt and Boltie Girl, perfect their skills. In the end, the two form a power duo of spectacularness (yes, I made that word up) and all hell breaks loose, as the duo prepare and execute a covert operation to rescue Sarah in the middle of the night. The ending is shocking, and jaw dropping.

Overall, the film was funny, but in a weird and very wrong way. It's probably not for everyone because it is so violent, but I appreciated it's uniqueness and attempt to stand out as a super hero story. I loved that Kevin Bacon was the bad guy, and he does an amazing job of being sorta cool, but evil. Does that make sense? Rainn Wilson is perfect as Frank, and Liv Tyler did a great job of being a strung out heroine addict. Ellen Page, LOVED-her presence definitely contributed to the movie in a comedic way.

Super is an indie film, so it maybe very hard for you to find it in a local theater but as it makes it's way across movie houses that play such films, I highly recommend you see it. I have to say, I give it five stars.

Book Blogger Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

2011-06-03T08:12:00.000-10:00

Holla, we haven't done a Friday Book Blogger Hop and FF Friday in a long time. But is it just me, or has the first half of this year flown by... I mean, are we really already into June?

Anyway, if you're not familiar, the book blogger hop is hosted by Jen at Crazy For Books. It's a gathering of sorts; a way for readers and other bloggers to discover each other. It's a great idea!

This week's question is, “Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it’s close to your heart!”

I honestly don't have a post from last month that is near and dear to my heart but I do this month. If you want to read a book that I just recommended, that I adore, and highly regard, then check out Sarah's Key. Set in Paris, historical non-fiction and fiction, fiction, some romance. I inhaled this book over the course of three days (I was also deathly sick). Just. Loved. This. Book.

Over at Parajunkee's View, we meet Amy from Backseat Reader. Her question was, "What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen?"

A: It is so funny that you ask that, because in our home, we joke constantly about the Zombie Apocalypse and how horrifying our world would be. Then we dissect it to pieces, and get over it. But so far, Noe has decided that there is an island within kayaking distance that we could go live on. If the zombies tried to swim out, they would be eaten by sharks since sharks adore the smell of dead meat.

As for Mel Gibson, I've heard some positive reviews from his performance in "The Beaver". I never thought he was a bad actor, that I'm not fearful of. As for his real life antics, that's entirely a different issue and ultimately, sad.

Well, thanks for hanging out with me on this fine Friday... Please let us know if you are a new follower, so we can return the love.

And btw, Noe will be on vacation this summer as she flies out to Orange County, CA to spend time at Camp Grandmas! Let's hope she gets to do some reading while she's there.

As for me, you can catch me on twitter at @truebldtwilight or over at insideouthawaii.com where you can read my weekly film reviews for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine.

Have a great weekend!

Even The Rain directed by Icíar Bollaín

2011-06-02T11:36:00.001-10:00

Even The Rain (También la lluvia)
NR Spain (2010)

Summary: Spanish director Sebastián has decided to make a controversial film; what he feels is a truer adaptation of Christopher Columbus; the obsession with gold, the slave trade, and the horrific and violent methods the Spaniards imposed on the Indians in order to force them to comply. Sebastián's film also lends voice to other characters, lesser know: Bartolome de las Casas and Antonio Montesinos, the first priests to raise concerns about the unethical treatment of the natives.

Another aspect of the proposed film, to showcase the defiant but brave Hatuey, the first Indian to be burned at the stake; he was to be made an example of, if any other Indians further refused Christianity.

Costa, the producer could care less of the content, and is only concerned with the cost of production, thrilled that they are able to film in a town in Bolivia, for nearly pennies. His main concern, to finish the film. That is until, he is met with conditions that he never could have anticipated, and in the end, he must decide what is more important to him. The safety of his crew and actors, or finishing his film.

My Review: This gem of a movie is opening this week in Hawaii as a part of our local theatre's efforts to bring acclaimed independent and foreign films to our islands. However, I'll share a secret with you. It's on Netflix instant. So definitely, check it out.

Onto to my thoughts...

On the surface, the film is about a Spanish production company set to make a movie about Christopher Columbus. To keep costs low, and to give a more authentic look to the film, they have chosen Cochabamba, Bolivia as their set location.

Arriving in the country, the producer and director begin to cast their background actors to play the Indians. In search of who will play the role of Hatuey (an important figure in the movie), Sebastián goes against Costa's wishes, and gives the lead role to an unknow local by the name of Daniel. Sebastián sees something within him, a quiet passion, a fire. Yet, it is this fire that scares Costa, leading him to believe that casting him is going to cost them more money in the long run, and ultimately, delays if the unknown actor cannot pull off the demanding schedule and learn the lines to the film. Yet, they begin as scheduled.

What they do not know is what is brewing around them. Set in the year, 2000, Bolivia and in particular, Cochabamba, is experiencing political unrest. The government wants to privatize water, and with that, will come tremendous rate hikes. Yet most of the area is very poor, and undeveloped. As the people claim, and thus comes the title to the film, "even the rain" is not free.

While the film is underway, and nearly complete, there seems to be a shift in the balance of relationships. Though Daniel is doing an excellent job with his role, it is his lead role in his real life that begins to upset the production company. Daniel instigates many rebellious demonstrations against the water company and the government, and in the end is beaten and arrested.

At the climax of this story are many tangled webs. We have the "water wars" beginning in Bolivia, and ironically, as we see the background actors portray Indians in the Columbus film, abused and being taken advantage of; so are the people today, from the low pay that they are receiving from the production company, to the unrealistic rate hikes imposed by the government and water company-it is a never ending struggle for the impoverished people of the country. Unrest is imminent, and the production crew begin to fear for their safety. There are unsure if they can finish the film.

And then there is the relationship between the filmmakers and Daniel. Costa, had severely misjudge him in the beginning, and in the end, risks his life to help save his daughter who is caught up in the city by crossfire and violence from the demonstrations and strikes that have begun. Costa learns that the cost of the film... is nothing compared to the cost of life. There is an unspoken bond between the two men, and Daniel leaves Costa with a parting gift; along with his gratitude, a small bottle of water.

Not only did this film open my eyes to a true and historic event in Bolivia, the "water wars" of 2000. But it reminded me that there are people out there willing to help, willing to do what is right... at all expense. I really enjoyed this movie, it was simple, yet effective.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Icíar Bollaín

Gael García Bernal-Sebastián

Luis Tosar-Costa

Juan Carlos Aduviri-Daniel/Hatuey

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

2011-06-01T10:01:00.000-10:00

Genre: Fiction, Historical non-fiction and fiction
Author: Tatiana De Rosnay

Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (June 12, 2007)

Goodreads Summary: Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

My Review: I feel ashamed of myself because this book was given to me by a friend who really wanted me to read it, but sat on my shelf for over a year. I'm not sure if it was the cover, the title, or the fact that my friend generally reads books that are "too friendly" for my liking. But, I wasn't feeling well last week and confined to my bed. So I grabbed the book and started reading.

Literally, I could not put this book down. Even though my head was throbbing, and my nose draining like a leaky faucet, I did my best to sit up and finish it.

What made the book really easy to follow was the fact that the book would shift from past to present, in very short chapters. We get to know simultaneously, a little Jewish girl living in Paris, while reading about an American woman journalist asked to write an extensive article on the historic events of that dreaded summer in Paris, 1942.

To read from Sarah's POV, broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I found her chapters addictive, and yearned to know her outcome. I had never heard of these tragic roundups in Paris, and was horrified to learn of how many women and children had actually died, specifically through this little girl's accounts of what she was seeing (in the chapters, told in present tense). I began to imagine what it must have been like to have been so young, so naive, and to learn in one single moment, you were hated... and ultimately, destined to die, exterminated as if you were a pest. The suffering that Sarah reveals, is simply conveyed. There are no need for poetic words, elaborate descriptions. I understood, and I cried while reading...

To read from Julia's POV, was encouraging and just as addictive, as the author uses Julia as the connection between the past and present, and how this one little girl, in this one instance, ultimately affected many. Julia was very real to me, and being an American journalist living in Paris, I found her accounts of daily life, humorous (Though the author is ironically, French. How she captured an American spirit, is truly great on her part.) It is Julia that begins to discover the truth and bring awareness to a past event, that seems many would rather ignore, then forever remember. For Julia, nobody should ever forget what happened during those two days of roundups. For Julia, it is a quest to find out what happened to the little girl named Sarah, who used to live in the apartment she is renovating. The more Julia unraveled and discovered, the more vested I became in both lives.

In the end, not only did I desperately want to know what ever became of Sarah, but I wanted to know that after all her hard work, the harsh looks and unkind words by her Parisian side of her family, that Julia had grown from this experience, and that she had some sort of closure from her pursuits into the past. I wanted to know if Julia had her happy ending, was it worth all the trouble, and the problems it created between her and her husband. By the time you get to the last page, you will understand.. and you will smile.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. It is very easy to read, and a quick read at that, but a tragic, dark, yet beautiful tale of two women, one young, and one old. Both connected by a horrific event, and in the end, brought together. I give it five stars.

The Hangover 2 directed by Todd Phillips

2011-05-24T17:07:00.001-10:00

The Hangover 2
Rated R (for reasons that would take up the entire post)

My Summary: In the sequel, the wolf packs reunites in Thailand for Stu’s wedding. With the memory of the horrific events that happened in Vegas, still freshly embedded in their post-roofied minds, Stu wants nothing to do with alcohol. Or anything that can be slipped in alcohol. All he asks of his friends is to have a simple brunch... Well, you know Phil ain’t going for that!!

With the beautiful setting of the captivating and tranquil gulf of Thailand in front of them, the boys persuade Stu to have one beer with them along side a late night bonfire and invite Stu’s fiancees' younger brother, Teddy, who’s only 16 years old. Mind you the kid is a prodigy, and a pre-med student.

Disclaimer: Bradley Cooper is hot!! Zach Galifianakis is freaking hilarious, and Ken Jeong is awesome!!

My Review: Being a huge fan of the first film, I had HIGH expectations of the sequel. I mean come on! For those of us that saw this uniquely, hilarious movie in the theatre the first time around; how shocked were you at some of their antics? Well, Todd Phillips, who not only directed (both) but co-wrote the second film, keeps to the winning formula: Drugs and alcohol, sex of some sort, Mike Tyson, and a wild animal.

Waking up in a dirty, hot and humid, trashed room, Stu, Phil and Alan kind of freak out because, as you would guess... they are hungover, and cannot remember how they got there. Even worse, there is a finger sitting in a cup, which has Teddy’s college ring on it, a monkey hanging from a pipe above, Alan has a shaved head, Stu has a tribal tattoo on his face, and there is a body part peeking through a mound of pillows. They are in Bangkok... “Holla, city of squalla!!”

Thankfully, Doug is safe and back at the resort.

However, their fears are confirmed as Doug tells them that Teddy is the one now missing.

And so the wolfpack is back and the quest to find Teddy begins, as they start the process of retracing the previous night’s event.

Let me tell you. I thought I couldn’t be shocked, any more than some of the photos that they rolled in the ending credits of Hangover 1. Well, let me forewarn you. That grotesque and wildly disgusting humor is back, a thousand times over. I need bleach to rid the images from my brain, it was that crazy!

All in all, I loved it and thought the second film did a great job of giving “hangover” fans exactly what they have been waiting for. It’s insane, it’s hilarious, and it’s wrong... So very wrong. But that’s what I love about these two films. So if you love the first film, you’ll LOVE the second one.

I highly recommend you catch this flick in theatres. Don’t wait for it on DVD, it’s worth your time and money!! And so I give it five stars, baby!

The Hangover 2 opens in theatres this thursday, May 26.

Cast and Credit:

Directed by Todd Phillips
Bradley Cooper-Phil
Zach Galifianakas-Alan
Ed Helms-Stu
Justin Bartha-Doug
Ken Jeong-Mr. Chow

Cannes Film Festival Winners

2011-05-22T10:00:00.000-10:00

http://www.festival-cannes.com/

Books Making It To The Big Screen!

2011-05-19T12:42:00.000-10:00

This week’s “Books Making It To The Big Screen” highlights two projects that I’m very excited about.

David O. Russell (director) and Mark Wahlberg are teaming up again for the screen adaptation of Matthew Quick’s “The Silver Linings Play Book”. The reason I’m excited about this particular project, is that both Russell and Wahlberg have worked together on other past projects; films such as “Three Kings”, “I Love Huckabess” (LOVED), and the brilliant, “The Fighter”.

Book Summary: THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK is the story of how one man regains his memory and comes to terms with the magnitude of his wife’s betrayal.

During the years he spends in a neural health facility, Pat Peoples formulates a theory about silver linings: he believes his life is a movie produced by God, his mission is to become physically fit and emotionally supportive, and his happy ending will be the return of his estranged wife Nikki. When Pat goes to live with his parents everything seems changed; no one will talk to him about Nikki; his old friends are saddled with families; the Philadelphia Eagles keep losing, making his father moody; and his new therapist seems to be recommending adultery as a form of therapy.

When Pat meets the tragically widowed, physically fit, and clinically depressed Tiffany, she offers to act as a liaison between him and his wife, if only he will give up watching football, agree to perform in this year’s Dance Away Depression competition, and promise not to tell anyone about their ‘contract.’ All the while, Pat keeps searching for his silver lining.

The Silver Linings Play Book is tentatively scheduled for a 2013 release and no confirmation yet on what role Mark Wahlberg will take on in relation to the project.

Catherine Hardwicke is set to direct the movie adaptation of Martha O’Connor’s “The Bitch Posse” and some critics are eager to see Hardwicke’s take on the book about teens (who eerily did a very good job with the film, Thirteen).

The story focuses on three high school friends, with a terrible incident changing the dynamics of the group. Having not read the book, all I can think of is “I Know What You Did You Last Summer”, but I’m sure that’s not what it’s about. Actually, I think I may put this book on my to-read list. See how that works?

Here’s the book summary: The story focuses on three friends, Cherry, Amy and Rennie, as high school seniors and as women in their mid-30s. Compelled by miserable home lives to form the Bitch Posse as teenagers, the three girls ricochet dangerously through their last year of high school, sharing a passionate, almost sinister bond until a terrible secret rips them apart. Still damaged—and separated—by the unspeakable event, the three live equally wretched lives as adults, Cherry in a mental institution, Rennie as a promiscuous failed writer and Amy in a loveless marriage. After pages of vodka, cocaine, “f@#king” and “cutting” (in both past and present narratives), the friends’ terrible secret finally comes to light, though it reveals logistical and thematic gaps in the narrative. “Her past is like a sore that won’t ever heal, memories are spurting at her like blood and she can’t close the wound” characterizes the level of emotional complexity attained in this heavy-handed novel, but the story fascinates even as it repels.

No word yet on a projected release date.

Bridesmaids directed by Paul Feig

2011-05-16T17:43:00.000-10:00

Bridesmaids
Rated R

My Summary: Chosen to be maid of honor by her life long best friend, Annie, whose broke and bitter over a recent break-up, must find a way to pull off the expensive ritualistic events that every bride dreams of.

Disclaimer: I freaking heart Kristen Wig. Got that? Also, amen to the rated R comedies hitting summer. [insert screams of joy] I love comedies, and more so, laugh out loud-leak from your bladder, comedies.

My review: Oh, who am I kidding. What am I going to write? When it comes to the "Rated R" comedies, a real review tells you whether it's worth seeing in the theatre, or on DVD. Am I right? That's all you care about.

Well, Bridesmaids is worth seeing in the theatre!!

The premise behind the film is that Lilian and Annie have been best friends since they were young, sharing in life’s troubles and turmoils. When Lilian finally gets engaged, she asks Annie to be her maid of honor. Though Annie is touched at the request, she is down in out after a failed business and relationship. To plan her best friend’s wedding, proves to be difficult as she not only struggles with the logistics to giving Lilian a proper bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc... but comes to the realization that she is sad at the thought that she may be losing a friend.

At the engagement party, Annie meets the other bridesmaids, let me introduce you to them.

Helen is the groom’s bosses wife. She’s rich, beautiful, perfect and a freak about thinking she’s Lilian’s new best friend.

Rita is Lilian’s cousin. She’s married with three boys. As her motto goes, “Momma just wants to rage,” and so this opportunity proves vital in ensuring she gets to party, guilt free.

Becca is newly married. She’s innocent, and naive; a perfect compliment to Rita.

Megan is the groom’s sister. She’s horny, and loves Air Marshalls. Enough said.

From the beginning of the movie; a hilarious sex scene between Kristin Wig and John Hamm, to the very end of the film with, surprise, the wedding; the movie is awesome. You know how some trailers show the best parts of a movie and then you go see it, thinking the movie is going to be better than the trailer. Well, this film’s trailer does not even do justice to the film. It’s honest to god, that good.

There are so many great actresses in this movie, with, excuse my language, fucktastic one liners that I almost lost an ovary, laughing so hard. This movie is right up there with "The Hangover”.

Without spilling out every detailed scene, let me just say that Kristin Wig really does comedy, in her dry and whisper-like delivery, brilliantly. But another stand out actress for me, is Melissa McCarthy, who plays the grooms sister. She by far, lights up the screen in many of the over the top scenes that involve diarrhea, puppies, air marshals, and submarine sandwiches.

In summary, the film is super funny, actually has a little plot going on, and watchable for all men that will be forced to accompany their wives to this screening.

I’m so stoked on this film, I give it five stars, baby!

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Paul Feig
Kristin Wig-Annie
Maya Rudolph-Lillian
Rose Byrne-Helen
Wendi McLendon-Covey-Rita
Ellie Kemper-Becca
Melissa McCarthy-Megan

Less Than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis

2011-05-11T08:00:00.002-10:00

Genre: Adult Fiction, Early 80's drug and sexual reference.
Author: Bret Easton Ellis
Publisher: Vintage-(1985) Paperback 208 pages

My own brief summary: The book is told through Clay, an affluent young man home from college for winter break. Set during the early 1980's, the backdrop is Los Angeles, Ca. With his return, Clay quickly falls back into the lifestyle he briefly left behind; drugs, promiscuous sex, and unfulfillable relationships.

My review: So from what I understand, the movie is loosely based on the novel, and in fact, for quite sometime after the premiere of the film, Ellis refused to watch it.

Having said that, it was the movie that inspired me to want to read the book. Not really being a product of the early 80's, I definitely wanted to indulge in Ellis's point of view of that era, for if it is one thing that Ellis does right, it's capturing a moment in time... As American Psycho does for NY late 80's, Less Than Zero does for LA, early 80's. But other than the cool music references... This book was not good.

At only 208 pages, the book should be a quick read but it's the tone of the book that made this novel so difficult for me to not only read, but digest.

Narrated by Clay, a rich kid home from college, I guess I expected more from his character. In the beginning, we see that he is disenchanted by his old lifestyle, yet he begrudgingly returns to it without so much as an effort to move beyond it. He does a lot of cocaine, has sex with both men and women, and basically doesn't care about anything or anyone, escaping his own misery by partying and club hopping. Though we see the same behavior from his friends, and we learn from Clay it is this lackluster behavior for life that bothers him, I kind of hoped that Clay would have grown by the end of his winter break and return to College having learned something (though I understand in theory, it is hard to ask this of a young adult).

But my real issues lie in the content. The vibe of the book is one of carelessness and zero self worth (and I can understand why the novel was titled after the Elvis Costello song) . After all, why would one subject themselves to such demeaning behavior such as daily drug use, and unemotional sex. But the behavior of Clay's friends seems to get disturbingly worse as the novel progresses, and it's not simply about being "lost" or unsure of one's path, it's dark... Very dark. I normally don't like to reveal spoilers, but there were certain actions by some of Clay's friends which upset me. From the viewing of a snuff film (which if you don't know, definition is here), to the kidnapping, drugging and consistent rape of a 12 year old girl; things that I could not stomach in the context of their frivolous partying... For me, I couldn't move past this. And what disturbed me even more, was the fact that Clay did nothing about these things. Though he briefly mentions that he is not alright with such behavior, case in point with the 12 year old, he still does not call the police nor remedy the situation in anyway. I kind of felt like he just turned away or closed his eyes to the horrific situations, and for him, that meant disinvolvement. But for me, as the reader, the images stuck with me and I was not okay with it. At all.

Through out the book, Clay shows signs that he could be potentially a good guy and rise above it but that notion is often squashed as Clay holds tight to two words; a billboard that displays "Disappear Here", and it almost becomes his motto, a mechanism that he uses to cope with the actions of those around him, maybe even his own actions or lack of in some cases. In the end, Clay returns to college and references the 80's music group X's song, Los Angeles; for some of you that remember the group, these are hard core lyrics that talk about having to leave LA and hating everything and everyone in it. So I can only presume that Clay never really learned anything, but simply fled back to college... till the next break. And then what?

Though I appreciated what Ellis tried to do in the book, which he wrote when he was 20, Clay just felt too, two dimensional for my liking and his consistent lack of feelings, only made me feel unemotional toward him. When I wanted him to redeem himself, rather than turn a blind eye to some of his friend's disturbing and illegal behavior, he did not. And so for that, I could not root for him, nor understand the purpose to his journey; which I somehow believe is the author's intent.

I have to say, if the film strayed from the book, I could see why. As much as it grieves me to say this, I thought the book was pointless and utterly disappointing. It just wasn't for me. My rating is technically somewhere in between 1 and 2, more like 1 1/2 stars. But I more than struggled, I really just didn't like the story.

Book Blog Hop and Feature & Follow Friday!

2011-05-06T09:54:00.000-10:00

"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!" Jen at Crazy for Book

This weeks question comes from Twitter! Thanks to Melissa (akaMiel_et_Lait) who blogs at Miel et Lait.

"Which book blogger would you most like to meet in real life?"

There are a few because of their impressive sites, constant posts of information, and knowledge of the industry, that I wouldn't mind meeting... But, I have known (in the bloggy world) the gals from Bewitched Bookworms for quite some time, and I would most definitely love to meet them.

Over at Parajunkee's View, it's time for feature and follow and this week's blogger is Al from Magnet 4 Books. Her question was "What character in a book would you most like to be, what character in a book would you most like to date?"

Holy crap, why am I even saying this. Do I dare? Ok, how about Bella and Edward Cullen... Shut up!! It's the truth!! ~ Suz

In wrapping up this week, I have my movie review, 13 Assassins directed by Takashi Miike (4 Stars) and our new weekly post, "Books Making It To The Big Screen", which is a great way to discover books. Also, you can check out my movie reviews over at InsideOutHawaii.com (Inside Out Hawaii Magazine), or subscribe to my week film newsletter, Screen Shots.

For Noe (my co-blogger and younger daughter), she's finishing up her school year with straight A's and an acceptance into AP Math next year. I couldn't be prouder of my daughter.

As for me, Suz... well, I've recently joined a writing group (yeah me!), signed up for personal training to get in shape (not so fun, but still yeah me!), and will have my older son home for college here in a few weeks. Life couldn't get more wonderfully, chaotic.

To all Mothers Out There!! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Books Making It To The Big Screen!

2011-05-05T13:53:00.000-10:00

Since I spend a great deal of time searching through film and movie news, I've been amazed lately at how many great books are being made into films. Maybe it's always been like that and I haven't noticed... But either way, I want to pass on to you my weekly findings in a post titled appropriately, "Books Making It To The Big Screen". Who knows. Maybe it will shed light on a book that you may want to put on your to-read list... You never know.

So this week, I want to bring attention to three different projects.

I'm going to take a step back on this one. Back in late March, it was reported that James Franco had optioned (first right to purchase full movie rights) Steve Erickson's novel, Zeroville.

"Set in Los Angeles at the end of the 1960s, "Zeroville" is a darkly funny novel about a young man, Vikar Jerome, so obsessed with film that he has tattooed Elizabeth Taylor kissing Montgomery Clift on his head. He becomes a film editor." LA Times

What I love about this project is that essentially, it's a movie about a film enthusiast based on a novel (how ironic). The character intrigues me, and I think there is no better person to bring this dark comedy to life than James Franco. Plus James Franco is made of fairy dust and unicorns. He's awesome.

Jennifer Egan's novel, A Visit From The Goon Squad, is this year's Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction and has won many countless awards, including 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award, and if that wasn't enough... HBO has just optioned the novel. Looks like the cable company wants to turn this highly acclaimed book into a series and I couldn't be more thrilled. After all, Game of Thrones series, based on the novel, A Song of Ice and Fire is awesome, n'est-il pas? And Mildred Pierce the mini-series, based on the 1941 book, was simply brilliant.

"Bennie is an aging former punk rocker and record executive. Sasha is the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Here Jennifer Egan brilliantly reveals their pasts, along with the inner lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs. With music pulsing on every page, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a startling, exhilarating novel of self-destruction and redemption."

From what I've read, the book shifts from late 60's to present day and I honestly can say, now that I'm older, am completely intrigued with plots that have elements of reflection. This book will go on my to-read list, and I cannot wait for it to become an HBO series.

Last, we have Don Winslow's novel, Savages, which is set to be produced and directed by Oliver Stone. Looks like Don and Oliver will be working together on the script, and some casting has already been done: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, Aaron Johnson, Taylor Kitsch, and Benicio Del Toro. (Um, amazing cast already!!)

"Part-time environmentalist and philanthropist Ben and his ex-mercenary buddy Chon run a Laguna Beach–based marijuana operation, reaping significant profits from their loyal clientele. In the past when their turf was challenged, Chon took care of eliminating the threat. But now they may have come up against something that they can't handle—the Mexican Baja Cartel wants in, and sends them the message that a "no" is unacceptable. When they refuse to back down, the cartel escalates its threat, kidnapping Ophelia, the boys' playmate and confidante. O's abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate readers eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of one amazing high." Don Winslow

Pot growers from Laguna Beach... Dude, I met my husband for the first time at their party! I know these guys!! All kidding aside, how awesome is the cast? I mean, I'm not sure if the film is supposed to be funny, or dark and dramatic, but either way, I'm going to say that Oliver Stone will do a good job with it. As far as the novel, Amazon has mixed reviews but the majority of them being 4/5 stars. I don't know. I think this might go on my to-read list as well.

"Cut, It's a Wrap!"

13 Assassins directed by Takashi Miike

2011-05-02T11:01:00.000-10:00

13 Assassins
Directed by Takashi Miike
Japan-Rated R
Limited Release in Hawaii, May 6, 2011.

Summary: Cult director Takeshi Miike (known for his ultra-violent work in the horror genre) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan's feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne plunging the country into a war-torn future.

Disclaimer: When I started this review, I was not at all familiar with Takeshi Miike, but having done some research on the director, I can see that he is quite a big deal in the genre of horror, and probably more, foreign horror. Just recently, Quentin Tarantino announced his newest project, which will take elements from one of Miike's films. So, if you have never heard the name, now you know.

My Review: Over all, this movie was a very well made, super graphic, Samurai movie on the most epic of epic proportions. But, I might add, it was a bit too long for my tastes, and the ending battle felt a little boring by the time we reached its ending because of the exaggerated death scenes. Yet, if we could have just nipped the movie's length, by say 20 minutes, this would have been a nearly perfect Samurai movie.

In the beginning, we quickly learn of Lord Naristugu and the horrific ways he keeps his servants at will; rape and murder. To say he is a bad guy, is an understatement-Miike paints a dark and sadistic picture of a man that enjoys barbarous and perverted liberties. Some directed at past enemies, some for fun, and some for his own sexual pleasures. Though he is not a demon, his actions prove otherwise and his evil ambitions are at the core of the plot; the need to assassinate him before he is able to ascend to a higher political position, thus removing the years of peace the country had so far enjoyed.

A select group of assassins is gathered in order to kill the ruthless warlord before he travels back to his home territory, leaving him according to rules, untouchable. And so the adventures of the 13 assassins begin.

Simply stated, the first half of the film definitely pulled elements of Miike’s background in horror. Visually, there are some scenes that are graphic and disturbing (with relation to Lord Naristugu's actions). But, it makes the last half of the film, the epic battle between the 13 assassins and the 200 guards protecting the lord, quite entertaining and rewarding. And with the addition of the 13th assassin in the last half, came some much needed comedic relief; his unusual methods of fighting and odd-ball one liners, were a breath of fresh air among the river and cascading waterfall of blood (which for some reason makes me life, instead of gasp).

My final reaction: I was a little shocked at how graphic and violent the first half of the movie was, more horrorish... but the second half of the movie, stays true to those great samurai movies of the past. The combination of the two was definitely a first for me (though I know in the world of anime, you see this often) and other than the movie being too long, was sort of kick ass all around. So if you have the chance to catch this foreign film in the theatre, it's worth seeing.

Had this movie been shortened, I would have given it five stars. But, because of it's ruthlessness, still kept my interest--definitely a four star film.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

2011-04-27T17:49:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-25T14:57:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-22T10:10:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-22T09:21:00.001-10:00

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

2011-04-18T15:54:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-13T15:14:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-10:00

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

2011-04-05T18:43:00.000-10:00

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!