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

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

Movie Must See's

Sometimes when I get really bored and there's nothing to do, I spend hours watching movie trailers on Youtube, IMDB, and Apple Trailers. I cannot be the only person who does this, I swear. But I have come to the conclusion that these next few years are going to be some epic movie years. I can feel it in my bones.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Welcome to the Percy Jackson fandom. Were we fangirl about the sequel to a movie that we didn't even like. Really though, how many of you out there have read the PJO books (and now HoO books), and were absolutely nauseated by the first movie!? CRIMES AGAINST THE FANDOM WERE COMMITTED. AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET IT. I know I'm going to loathe this movie, but that's not gonna stop me from going to see it along with all of my other crazy fangirling friends. It's just something we do. We fangirl.

(In theatres August 7)

Catching Fire - I think we can all pretty much agree that this movie is going to be kick butt awesome, because there is not a person on this planet who doesn't adore Jennifer Lawrence, and Josh Hutcherson. These are facts set in stone.

(In theatres November 22)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Who else saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey? Because it was aawweesooooooooome. You can just picture me singing that and dancing around, that's how awesome it was. 

(In theatres December 13)

Thor: The Dark World - Yet another sequel, so not much more to say at this point, except that I hope Natalie Portman dies. Ugh. Don't judge me, I'm a hater, but I just don't like her. Except for maybe in Star Wars, I liked her in Star Wars. But that's not the point, the real reason everyone is going to see this movie is because of Loki. I LOVE YOU TOM HIDDLESTON.

(In theatres November 8)

About Time - I can't even tell you how much I want to see this movie. It's rated R, and normally I don't go for the rated R ones because that's just a bit shady. But hopefully this movie isn't like that, and I guess I'm willing to take the chance because a) it looks adorable and b) it has Rachel McAdams, who I absolutely love.

(In theatres November 8)

R.I.P.D - Holy smokes I am so excited for this movie! I abso-tute-ly love Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, plus this looks hilarious. Kind of like Men in Black but for dead people? Most certainly on my "To See" list.
(In theatres July 9)

The Butler - This movie looks simply amazing. It's one of those movies that you know you're going to see, and come away with a whole new perspective on the potential of individuals and how one person can effect change. I am also excited because it has Oprah. I mean, come on, it's Oprah.
(In theatres August 16)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones - I've talked about this movie before in my book post, so you should know a little bit about it. Before you see the movie, I suggest you read the book, as it's most likely to be a movie that relies on the fanbase to know what's going on because they've all read the book. You know what I mean? But obviously you must see it. Because it will be epic.
(In theatres August 21)

These are only the top 8 of my list! There are so many movies coming out next year as well that I'm dying to see, but movie posters/trailers haven't been released yet, so I'm waiting in suspense! E-mail me with any cool movies you're looking forward to seeing, or 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!

10 requirements of friendship

I love movies. It's actually an obsession I've been trying to cure myself of, mainly by going onto Craftgawker and making lists of things to do with my life.

It hasn't been working.

I've recently made some new friends, in and out of the computer.

(Yes people do live inside the computer. You didn't know that?)So I've been "asked" to write a list of 10 required movies for friendship. But in truth, these movies should be watched by all the human population (and perhaps even the monkey population), because it will make us better people in general. 

You think I'm kidding, cute.

It's ANASTASIA people. Need I say more? She is too beautiful, he is too cute, and the bat just makes the story. Plus it's a musical, so on a level of one to awesome - it's AWESOMESPICE

Actors: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kirsten Dunst, Christopher Lloyd, and Angela Lansbury

Absolutely beautiful movie. It has something to do with how I've grown up, but I love war movies. This is totally heartrenching and sincere. Shocking at times, but always beautifully acted and directed.

Actors: Corbin Allred, Alexander Polinsky, Kirby Heyborne, Peter Holden, Larry Bagby, Ethan Vincent

I cry every time. I usually don't cry in movies, or books, but this is one of those that makes me cry. I absolutely love everything about it and I defy you to watch it and not be completely in love with it. Go on. I dare you.

Actors: James McAvoy, Anne Hathaway, Julie Walters, Maggie Smith, Anne Maxwell Martin

"Be excellent to each other. And..... PARTY ON DUDE"

-- Abraham Lincoln

True story.

Ok this movie looks dumb. But I promise you it is time well spent. There's nothing like sitting down to a stupid/insanely funny movie on a bad day - and basically everything in here fits that description. Get ready to watch pure happiness.

Actors: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Tony Steedman, Robert V. Barron, Clifford David

Ok I should warn you before hand, this movie is in French. There is some English, but basically it's all French. You can watch it with subtitles, which if you can't speak French I HIGHLY recommend because this was another cry movie. Absolutely beautiful and terrible at the same time - based on the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in 1942 (nazi's round up all the jews of Paris), this movie is a journey through the life of Sarah, a young Jewish Parisian, and Julia, a modern day American journalist living in Paris. Please watch, it will change your life.

Actors: Kristen Scott Thomas, Mélusine Mayance, Niels Arestrup, Natasha Mashkevich, Frédéric Pierrot, Michel Duchaussoy

Yes. It's true. We cannot be friends until you've seen ALL of the Harry Potters (and yes, I'm categorizing this as one movie. I make the rules therefore it's not cheating). But really people, It's Harry Potter. Need I say more?

Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Emma Thompson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes

Yes yes yes, Caspian is H-O-T hot. But in reality "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" will always be the best of them all. Timeless movie that never gets old, and only more inspiring every time you watch it.

Actors: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy

If you haven't watched this you have no soul. And you will not get a soul until you watch it. 

Actually any Jimmy Stewart movie will do, because I love him to death.

Actors: Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Ward Bond, Lionel Barrymore

An oldie but a goodie, this is basically the precursor of all modern con stories. A little confusing at first, but definitely worth it!

Actors: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston

Ok it was between this and "A Streetcar Named Desire" (STELLAAAAAAAA! uh, so good) but I have a soft spot for 40s/50s based movies. This is better than that Brad Pitt crap (although Oceans 11 is probs the only good movie he ever acted in), this is the real dealio.

Actors: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr, Angie Dickinson

Once you have watched all of these, we can officially begin our friendship. Also, you will feel accomplished in life. Both are equally beneficial to your lifestyle, so GET ON IT!

xoxo

ps - how about you? favorite movies?

Thanksgiving

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone... sigh. 

And my blessings have filled my cup so that I can barely receive all of them! (scripture mastery anyone?)

So what am I thankful for? 

What are my blessings?

Here are the top 10!

1. My silly little sister

2. Being able to persevere through homework and schoolwork, despite being overwhelmed by outside influences.

3. Cars

4. Indoor plumbing

5. Funny little brothers

6. Hard classes and nice teachers that challenge me to do and be my best

7. My church youth leaders 

8. My friends

9. My parents

10. tv shows that I'm addicted to.. sometimes sitting down with some hot cocoa and a good show is just what I need. {insert Gossip Girl, White Collar, Burn Notice, Warehouse 13, Covert Affairs, Community, The Office, New Girl, Psych.. etc...etc..etc..}

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?