Percy Jackson Sea of Monster Review Vlog

I've been away! Obviously.

The other day I saw the new Percy Jackson movie, and before I can even get into my ranting, let me show you the vlog I put on Youtube! Link here, or watch it below.

Deuces

Summer Reading Updates

Remember that post I did, once upon a time, that had to do with my summer reading list? Yes, no, maybe so? Well link here to the post. But the point is, I finished it! Here are my critiques of said books;

The Summer We Read Gatsby, by Danielle Ganek - I really did love this book. It's very different from what I had in mind though. You know how you sometimes read the title of the book, and then assume things about the plot/characters of the book? Well the title of this book, for me, evoked ideas of a tragic summer romance, possibly set in the 40's? That is VERY far from the truth however, so reading it was kind of a shock. But only because it was so different than what I was expecting. The plot goes something like this; two sisters spend the summer at their dead aunt's house in the Hampton's  and stumble on several strange adventures.

That's it. The end. Done. Part of me was really disappointed that there wasn't something more substantial to the plot. It seemed a little slow-paced and detached, however that also gave it the feel of being a very summery kind of book to read. Because generally that's how I feel during the summer; slow and slightly detached from real life.

The genre, I believe, is technically romance (or at least that's what the cover art lead me to believe), but mainly I think it's a book about sisterhood. There is a lot of time spent exploring the two main sister characters, Cassie and Peck, and their relationship. 

It was a good summer book because there was that element of romance, a lot of sister-sister interaction, some strange adventures, and an unexpected ending. I would say give it a try if you're list isn't already too full!

The Diviners, by Libba Bray - Sweet mother of pearl I loved this book. It's set in the 20s, and the story revolves around a cast of characters who have special powers, who we slowly come to recognize as "diviners." A lot of the book is very dark, like, very very very dark. This is not for those of weak constitutions. The antagonist scared me out of my wits, and at that moment I was really glad I have a room mate so I'm not downstairs in my basement room all alone. 

I don't want to give away too much information, so let me just touch on some details; Number One) The more you read, the more you understand. At the beginning I almost felt like I had stumbled upon the second book in a series, and not the first. But I promise this is the first in *hopefully* a new series by Libba Bray. So don't feel confused or wary when things are happening that don't make sense to you, because they will. Eventually.

Number Two) Do not read this book at night. Just don't. Please take my advice on this one, because it can be a seriously scary book. Personally, I preferred the very sunny, crowded, and chaotic pool at the middle of the day. Partly because I could tan and read at the same time, and partly because the noise of the pool helped distract me from getting too into the book and potentially dying of fright.

Number Three) Don't let the things I'm saying about how scary it is prevent you from reading it! Honestly I tend to exaggerate, because I'm just a naturally dramatic person. And I'm playing up the scariness level for you, so that when you read it you're like, "oh it's not that bad! I can handle this!"

Number Four) After you read it, I can promise you that you will have an overwhelming urge to start saying things like, 

"the chin wiggle is..." 

"and how!"

"ab-so-lute-ly!"

"That's the cat's pajamas!"

"copacetic"

and "cash or check?"

Because I did. 

Overall it's definitely a must read for your summer lists! Especially if you love adventure, romance, and a little bit of the supernatural.

That about sums it up I think! Currently I'm reading The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. I used to watch the movie all the time with my grandpa, he's totally into that kind of thing. And with all the swashbuckling romance, how could I resist a blast from the past kind of book? I'll let you know how it is as soon as I'm done reading it!

Deuces

The King's Speech

Netflix has been updated! Every time Netflix comes out with new movies and seasons to tv shows I love, I do a little girl dance in my living room out of pure glee. And this time I think I did a full on salsa because I saw the The King's Speech was on there! 

I have literally been dying to see this movie for ages. Like I've mention, I don't do rated R. It's just not for me, too shady. But I heard that the only reason The King's Speech was R was because he drops the F-bomb a few times, plus some other profanities. So really no different from real life. I had been scouring the library, red box, and my friends houses with the chance that I might find this movie, watch it, and be satisfied that I can check it off my bucket list. Well now I can (and you can TOO)! Because wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, The King's Speech is on Netflix! Girlish squeals of excitement are erupting from my mouth!

I can say with definitive authority, that this movie was amazing. Colin Firth is an absolute genius of a man. I've always loved him, from Pride and Prejudice to What A Girl Wants, he's been my favorite. But this just cements it into my heart that he is a pure magician. He literally transformed himself into King George VI. It's like he was George (or is George? I dunno, I hate verb tenses anyways). 

The movie follows the life of King George VI - who was never really supposed to be the King. As the second son of King George V, he was never expected to inherit the throne, and only did so when his older brother Edward abdicated his right to the crown in order to marry a divorced American socialite, Wallis Simpson. (Quickly I'll explain - the British don't look kindly upon their King marrying an American nobody, especially a divorced American nobody). Now you may be thinking this is all very fine and dandy, King George VI becomes King, whoop-de-do. But! There is a problem. George (first name Albert, known as Bertie to family), has a stutter. And rather a bad one at that.

This is where the genius of Colin Firth comes in, Colin is an amazing actor regardless, but his abilities in this film were just mesmerizing. Bertie grew up with the stutter, was teased for it, made fun of for it, and endured a lot of hardship because he wasn't able to speak in public. He was considered an embarrassment to a lot of people - and Colin portrayed all of that hurt and even guilt I believe, of King George into his portrayal of him. The stammer was also amazing and heart-renchingly sad. Really, when you think about it, it's hard to stutter on purpose. Colin made it seem a real struggle for Bertie to talk in front of people, you could see his throat basically constricting and tightening as he tried to form his words. Every time Bertie tried to talk and it became too difficult for him, and often emotional, my throat would literally constrict as he was talking. I just naturally reacted to it, and it's a little difficult to explain, but really I guess you just have to see it for yourself. 

So much of this movie consists of amazing imagery as well, I loved the cinematography of it. And tried to capture a few scenes that were the most interesting, from a visual point of view, and an audience point of view. 

Another of my favorite elements was that the movie focuses on the relationship between Bertie and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. I love those movies that show you how one person can help change the course of history, or effect another person's life so much that it changes who they are. The King's Speech is really all about how Lionel and Bertie become friends, and bolster each other up in their trials. It sends shivers down my spine because of how inspiring it is.

I also have to really respect Colin Firth for taking on this role. Being a British actor, portraying a British King (and the father of the current Queen, Elizabeth II), must have been daunting. But Colin, you were certainly up to the task.

The King's Speech won 4 Academy Awards, plus 86 other awards, and 103 nominations.

Deuces

Summer Reading

Every year when Summer rolls around, new booklists start popping up. I don't know what it is about summer - maybe the bliss of cool afternoons, or the blazing sun in the daytime - that makes us suddenly remember our brains are in our heads and we can read words with it! Imagine that! So we dust off our library cards and head for the local library, or book shop, and buy just about 20 books that sit on your night stand for basically the rest of the summer. Sound about right? 

Well. I'll admit it right here right now, I am no exception to this rule. Although, I am trying to conserve my money for college in the fall, so I tend to spend most of my free summer time (aka when I'm not working either of my two jobs) at the library. Gosh darn it, I love my library! It's the perfect indoor temperature, and has these big windows that you can stare out of and see the tops of the trees swaying in the hot summer breeze. Just thinking about it right now makes me giddy, it's my favorite place in the world! And recently, because of my data-entry job, I've been checking out tons upon tons of books on tape to listen to while I sit at a computer 8 hours a day. 

The Gemma Doyle series, by Libba Bray (historical fiction/fantasy) - I have to tell you first that I absolutely hate every character in this series, and yet this is one of my favorite series to read. And I'm sure that if you're part of any kind of fandom, you understand something of whaT I mean by that. Honestly though, Felicity is a witch, Pippa is a brat, Anne is a complainer, and Gemma just annoys the heck out of me. I suppose the only person I actually like is Kartik, because he's a sexy beast in my head - I picture him as a kind of hot Indian Aladdin. Just do me a favor and read these books. READ THEM. Although I did like listening to them (the narrators do a very good job of making the story and details interesting, and admittedly I understood a lot more of the plot and magical elements of the book after listening to it), I really prefer to read books and turn the pages with my own two hands. 

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (historical fiction/fantasy) - These books will ruin your life. Hands down. I can absolutely 100% promise you, that you will go topsy from these books. Quickly some background; as you may have heard, one of Cassandra Clare's books is about to become a major motion picture (City of Bones) in August (watch trailer here). That movie is part of a larger series called The Mortal Instruments, this is the Infernal Devices series - kind of like a prequel series. It takes place in Victorian London, and even includes some of the same characters as Mortal Instruments (Magnus Bane *squeals*). If you've already read Mortal Instruments, you will love this as well. With these books I'd say read them if you have the time, but if like me you can only get your lit. fix by listening to them, that's a brilliant option as well. Part of the Clockwork Prince is voiced by Ed Westwick of Gossip Girl! He makes me melt. Let's just look at him for a while:

The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek - Ok this is one of those books that has been sitting on my night stand, and I will get around to reading it when this data entry job ends! But in the meantime, read it and tell me how you like it! I mean, the title kind of speaks for itself don't you think?

The Diviners by Libba Bray - Another Bray novel (I just really like the way she writes), again this is another book I picked off the library shelf but haven't had the time to read yet. But if it's Libba Bray I'm game to give it a shot!

So far these are the only books on my Summer Reading List (besides Harry Potter of course, I re-read Harry every summer. It's basically a tradition). So if you have anymore recommendations please leave a comment below!

Deuces

SpiderMan.

For Independence Day, it was way too hot to even think.

I sat around the house, doing dishes, reading books, watching movies. You know, the uusz. (pronounced you-je. slang for usual)

So instead of going to see fireworks, like every other normal american family, the fam. and I headed off to the cheap movie theatre to go see the newest edition of Spiderman.

Insert girlish squeal.

Can I just tell you how much I love him? Seriously. You guys, I think he's possibly the most attractive male on the planet.

PERIOD. END OF DISCUSSION.

Ok no really, he is. And if you have a problem with that I'm gonna have to salmon slap you. Right in the kisser.

I mean, do I need to say more?

Just look at his face. Please. Stare at it for a little while.

But back to Spiderman, the movie. Here is how I felt about it in one word: headache.

Mainly because I had a headache while I was watching it, and the shaky camera and dizzying stunts didn't improve it. 

But I actually liked it - it was of course a little dumb. What superhero movie isn't? Plus it irked me that they were in high school. Seriously, Emma and Andrew - YOU DO NOT LOOK LIKE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS. WHOEVER IS TELLING YOU THIS IS LYING TO YOU. I would have preferred it if they'd tweaked the story and made them both freshman in college. At least they'd LOOK the parts. Off the top of my head, that's the only thing that was really disappointing though. Well, that and the short clip at the end. I hate cliff hangers. NOTE TO READER: stay until the credits finish, there's a little surprise for you patient viewers out there :)

Moving onto the Pro's of the movie:

Did I mention Andrew Garfield is in it? Oh I did? Well I should probably say it again. Andrew Garfield is in it. Movie made.

For those of you who are ignorant of the series (who am I kidding, I'M ignorant of the series), Gwen Stacy is actually a character from the comics, or so I have been informed, however (and here's the bad news), she dies. And then Peter falls in love with Mary Jane. Just thought you ought to know.

I really loved Andrew and Emma in this, they have GuhREAT chemistry - which made the movie just so fun and romantic to watch. Andrew does a great job with the facial expressions of Peter - especially in the emotional scenes. I really love how he brought out the awkward, rogue, smart, character of Peter Parker - something we didn't see in the last Spiderman series.

Emma Stone is fantastic too - scenes that would have been really awkward (think, Kristen Stewart awkward), just appeared so natural for her in the movie. I was a little confused on her character, Gwen Stacy, in the movie. But that's because the movie didn't focus on her as much as I would have liked. 

In some ways, this story was more developed than the other versions. There is a definite mystery and puzzling answer to the question of Peter's parents, and it's more scientific in the cause for Peter's "genetic mutation." 

My prediction is that there will definitely be a second (and maybe a third?) Spiderman.

HALLELUJAH!

We talked the whole night through

Do you ever do that? Talk the whole night through?

It's the kind of thing that can't be forced. It just kind of has to happen. But it's so wonderful when it does! There's something about staying up with someone all night and just, talking.

Me and my mom did that last night;

I had come home a little later than usual on a Sunday night, after we said prayers together as a family and my siblings went off to bed, me and my mom just sat on her bed and talked for about 2 hours straight. At first we talked about my brother, then me, then school, then dad, then my other brother, then my friends, then euphimisms (or maybe not? We couldn't decide if they were euphimisms or not...), then people we'd met that day, then boys, then Pride and Prejudice, then Jane Austen, then college, then something else - until finally my mom almost fell asleep and I had to go to bed before I dropped dead. 

It reminded me of one night last summer where we stayed up together until about 2 in the morning watching Pride and Prejudice. We had watched the good version (with Colin Firth) and then the bad version (with Keira Knightley). And this is what we decided - the Colin Firth version is better because of the historical accuracy, length, how close it is to the book, and acting. The Keira Knightley version is better when it comes to filmogrophy, music, art, etc. But when it came to the historical accuracy and the acting? EEWWW. It was gross. SERIOUSLY.

When we were reading Pride and Prejudice in my English class, we had to give presentations on different topics relating to the Regency era in general. My partner and I talked about food, one group talked about fashion. And the only reason this irked me so much was because I'm a Jane Austen snob (ask my mother, she made fun of me last night for a good 10 minutes), and that I probably knew more than anyone in that room about the Regency period (hence the snob part). But they talked about bustles. BUSTLES. Ok, let me tell you, THERE WERE NO BUSTLES IN THE REGENCY ERA. NONE. ZIPPO. NADA. It made me so mad. sigh.

When we were talking about high school and senior year, my mom told me to just do EVERYTHING. literally everything. Be a part of as many clubs as I can, do as many sports as I can, go to every activity that I can, because it's depressing to look back with regret and say - I wish I had done that. I thought that was good advice, very "mom" advice, but good advice. It's just that I'm scared, you know? As a senior it's hard to try out for a sport, because it's almost garunteed you're not gonna get in. They basically already know who will be in different sports teams next year based on who played the last year. But I think I'll try - maybe I'll e-mail the coaches and just see if I can do anything to be on the team. Because I don't want this year to be sitting around doing nothing. The last 3 years I have hardly done anything, because I always told myself I was too busy with school and theatre. And this year I'll have work as well! But I think I can do it. If it's popsicle it's possible!

Moral of the story: I really love talking with my mom.

xoxo

A girl who loves words

I did it. I finished. And now I have to get it out of me before I can forget it all and the real world folds up these feelings and locks them inside.

I finished Mockingjay. It's not the first time I've read it, nor will it be the last. But maybe it's the first time I really read it. Maybe it's the first time I really tried to read every word on those pages.

The same things still irked me. I didn't like the militaristic feel of the book, the confusing imagery of the Capitol. But the book took on a whole new meaning for me. I guess I can pin it down to Prim.

The moment when I absorbed every inch of that book came with Prim. The moment those bombs went off and I knew Prim wasn't coming back. I knew Prim was dead. It hurt. It hurt so much is was ridiculous. I had to remind myself Prim was fictional, she never existed. But isn't that the beauty of these books? That you can feel these characters personalities and lives taking shape right before  your eyes? That they can touch you in a way you had no idea was possible? With just simple words! Simple words on a page that tell a story.

I guess it was actually Katniss that hurt. I felt like Katniss - for no other reason than she thought like me. Not in the sense of survival, or hunting, or how she analyzed peoples every move. It was more of the way she thought when she came out of her deathly state after the explosions that killed Prim. Her words and hurt described a deep unquenchable pain. She couldn't stop that pain, she ran from that pain. Buried herself in closets and silence and guilt because of that pain, because she couldn't face it. It was just like me I guess, that's what made me feel pain too, because she was in pain - and after reading seeing everything she went through, how is it possible to stand much more? 

I'm not good with words. How do I describe how that pain effected me? But do I even have to? Surely you understand too. You understand how her pain was my pain, and undoubtedly your pain. 

The moment when Buttercup comes back was probably the worst. I lost it then. That poor cat that Prim loved so much, that Katniss loved so much because Prim loved him. It was the words and the frustration that came from those moments that touched something deep down. It punctured a wound in my heart and I cried. I don't cry in books, I can tell reality from fiction. But that didn't stop the tears coming fast and thick, with sobs that hurt my throat because I didn't want anyone else to hear them. It was in that moment that my heart went out to a fictional character, because her little sister was gone and never coming back. Her world was gone.

And it was her words after her mourning and her grief that brought even more tears. Somehow she had the will to move on, to try and get past what was holding her back. She wrote a book, a book about her loved ones and the people she knew and missed, a book about the despicable actions of the Capitol and the horror of the Hunger Games. Somehow those few pages made me cry for hours, because I felt the pain of a girl who wasn't real. Only in books did her heart beat, only in books did her soul grieve. But mine grieved with her, beat with her, hurt with her.

You'll have read this and think I'm a crazy super fan, but I'm not. I'm just a girl who loves words. Which is why I love Peeta.

But thats a story for another time.

Why did you love the books?

Sherlock Holmes -- a game of shadows

Overall, I was pleased with this movie.

Pleased. Not overjoyed/ecstactic/amazed.

I think we can all agree that the first Sherlock Holmes was brilliant. Visually amazing, beautifully casted and acted, and the entire plot was one twisty turn after another. 
This plot however, wasn't all that I had hoped it would be.
!!????
My main question would be; what happened?
This movie was one of those that you really have to think and follow along with the story, because every detail is important. 
I'm still not sure how the gypsy brother became involved. 


Well, let's start with..


likes
1. The imaging was amazing, such a beautiful movie
2. Robert Downing Jr. (<3)
3. Jude Law (<3 <3)
4. I loved the costuming, it was perfect for the time period (1890s), and characterized Holmes, Watson, and the Madame Simz very well. 
5. I really can't say enough about how beautiful this movie was. Not only the cinematography, but the scenery and the costumes, and the special effects. b e a u t i f u l
6. Special effects! Especially during the scene where they were running away from the industrial weapons factory in Germany. The way it was filmed and slowed in the movie made it so intense and dramatic that I absolutely loved it!
7. Oh definitely the acting. As always Robert Downing Jr played the part to perfection, Holmes is absolutely my favorite character. Jude Law did a fantastic job as well, there really is no describing how incredible I think that man is.


dislikes
1. The plot. I understood what was happening (sort of) at the end, but really - I'm still very confused. Lemme lay it out for ya
spoiler alert!
The professor (Moriarty) is a bad guy (duh). Holmes has this theory that all of these bombings and industry tycoons deaths are connected through Moriarty. The entire movie is their quest to prove it and take him down. So Holmes challenges Moriarty, so the evil professor retaliates by trying to kill Watson and his new bride on the way to Brighton for their honeymoon. Of course they get away, and Holmes and Watson start off for France to find the Gypsy. Whose brother is crucial to defeating Moriarty. I didn't really catch how... They find the gypsy (madame simz), and then head to Paris to find her brother - who was at one point involved in the anarchist movement of the time. They find the anarchist headquarters, only to find no brother. But Holmes uncovers information leading to a bomb plot which he believes is in the Opera house. Only its not, it's at a hotel where a "peace treaty" of sorts is being discussed. 
That's as far as I'll go, because the plot becomes easier to follow from there. 
2. There were too many loose ends spoiler alert! Like when that girl died? (whats her name? The one Holmes loved?)
There wasn't a definite ending. I thought she was going to come back and I was very disappointed that she didn't.
3. Oh, one more thing about the plot. The very ending wasn't up to snuff. I won't spill the beans! But I didn't like how it happened. To abrupt.


There you have it folks! Sherlock Holmes, a game of shadows. Not-so-neatly wrapped in a box with a funky bow on the top. But it's a basic review nonetheless.


I hope you liked the movie ;)

Breaking Dawn: a critique

Oh heaven help us if this is where movies are going - shoot me before it gets worse please.

DISCLAIMER: all notes given on this movie are given of my own opinion - and added thoughts from two of my friends Hanna and Shilpa (they're both very verbal. Very.).

1. The first problem I had occured with the opening scene. Yes, I get that Jacob is really upset about Bella getting married - but we all know you're taking your shirt off because teenage girls love a half naked guy who's ripped. I actually secretly liked it (oh come on, so did you!)

2. The nightmare? Come on son! Not only was it obviously blue screen/computerized, but it was just poorly done and weird in general. Not at all effective.

3. The wedding was visually esthetic. One of the few good points of the movie (oh gosh it was beeaaauuutiful!)
4. The toasts were the climax of the movie - from there it all went downhill.
5. The acting did improve (finally. After four movies). Taylor, Kristen, and Rob did a good job in the Jacob confrontation scene during the wedding.
6. The first half of the movie is a porno. And not even a good porno - if I have to watch a porno it might as well be good right!? [sarcasm]
7. How did they make it from the ocean to the bedroom during that sex scene. Awkward shift.
8. Kristen Stewart is so awkward in lingerie. Just sayin. (actually, she's awkward in general)
9. Admittedly, I started liking Kristen Stewart as an actress a lot more - it started with the chicken scene. Some of my doubts concerning Snow White and the Huntsman have been washed away! (bravo)
10. I liked that they included a little bit of a Jacob scene. But then the wolves ruined it. It looked like they had taken different videos of wolves doing wolvy things and then pasted them all into the same background. Bad bad bad bad bad. Also, the wolf voices really bothered me. Was it a gruff voice, or a normal voice? Make up your mind! Really bad CGI
11. The drinking blood part!? I thought I was gonna puke, most disgusting thing i've ever seen in my life (until the end of the movie).
12. I did actually really love the scene where Edward discovers he can hear the baby - better acting!
13. The second half of the movie was a horror. Not like a suspense horror, the kind of horror were they show you images and instances that makes you want to puke up your popcorn. Do you remember the birthing scene from the book? They show that. All of that. It starts with the falling cup and Bella/Kristen breaking in half the wrong way (ouch!).  Then it moves on to the birthing scene were she's screaming her heart out as they cut her open (complete with squishy sound effects and blood spraying in everyone's faces). Moving on to more screaming so hard you would burst a blood vessel and/or puke up your large intestine, and then transitioning into Edward deciding that he needs to basically chew their baby out of her womb (and yet his hair and face stay almost perfectly arranged and clean... weird). The whole time Kristen looks like a meth addict going insane. Admittedley, the acting on her part was also well done for this scene. Oh, and it didn't hurt that the baby was adorable.
14. Don't forget the needle (that's actually a giant knife) that Edward stabs into her as he tries to revive the dying love of his life existence.
15. For some odd reason, the director felt a need to close in on Kristen's nose and then jump to a terrible CGI of moving blood vessels and veins. It looked like something off the magic school bus.
16. The imprinting scene was NOT visually esthetic, which is probably what they were going for, but it failed. However, the distressed Jacob was absolutely heart-breaking! I felt so sad watching him cry.
17. Wait... that whole wolf vs vamps scene never happened in the book. ever. never ever. I feel like they only added it because they could tell the movie was getting slow.
18. During the entire movie (and especially towards the end), I felt like the director/producers were trying to encorporate different artsy images and ideas, but all it ended up looking like was a cheap movie done on a pathetic budget. Which is weird because Breaking Dawn cost a LOT of money.
19. The credits were awful. You can always tell a good movie by it's credits - and these credits sucked.


Well that basically sums up the movie, oh, did I mention the spoiler alert in the middle of the credits?