Mirror Mirror And Cut Before It Ends

With the ensuing boredom that comes with having nothing to do; I've taken it upon myself to watch Netflix. That's right, I have appointed myself the task of watching movies when I cannot be bothered with doing other things. It started when I was waiting for the paint on my nails to dry. Now I am stuck! I started with those classics that people judge me for not having watched. I then progressed to holiday classics that I do not happen to own on DVD. Whilst perusing for another flick to continue my duty with, I found a selection of newly added recent releases. Among those releases was "Mirror Mirror."
I must now say that I was more pleased with it than I had expected to be. The only thing I'd heard about it after its initial previews, was that it was a good role for Julia Roberts. That didn't lend itself to much though. However, as far as that goes. I agree that she was excellent in it. As far as the rest of the cast goes; the dwarves were very good. But I'm not convinced everyone was right. I'm not saying that any of them were wrong, I just think that Julia Roberts casting was Oh So Good! that the rust were just short of par.
Visually, I truly liked it. I think the sets and costumes were brilliant and spoke volumes about the lifestyles of the characters. It may have been a little extreme, but this wasn't a hum-drum-drama, so I believe that the extremities were justifiable and only helped the story along. Which may have needed doing. The effects were almost seamless too. So much so that I almost forgot that they were effects and thus; almost forgot to say anything about them.
After the initial waxed people story telling (Which was fun, new and lovely in my view) the story felt a little forced. Though that may be because I know the story of Snow White and this was a retelling of it. Then again, forced is too harsh of a term, and therefore inaccurate. It may have been predictable and uninspiring. On second thought; I just didn't care for the end. I enjoyed the rest of the film as I watched it... I should probably clarify, when I say the end; The song and dance alongside the credits left a bad taste in my mouth and has me not wanting to talk about the rest of the film in a good light.
My actual review and recommendation of this film is this: Yes, it is good, and Julia Roberts was great in it. Do NOT expect much at the end when the credits start. Actually, after the dwarves thing, just stop watching all together.

Wreck-it Review

I don't often go to the theater, but when I do go anymore, it's usually because whatever I'm choosing to see looks like it's worth my monetary investment. A little bit ago; my fiance and I went to the theater to see "Wreck it Ralph." Personally; I didn't have much interest in going to see this in the theater just for myself. The trailers that I saw for it, told me basically nothing about the plot, and only teased that there were video game cameos' from dozens of classic games. All the billboards I saw contained this "Ralph" character, alongside  various recognizable video game personalities. This being the case; I was led to believe that this was a Disney Pixar animated feature and was about video games. With this; I also assumed that it would contain humor that would be adequate for both adults and children, while still delivering a touching story with a moral and/or message of some sort. 

Yes, I did laugh at some spots, but I was left a little bit wanting. The feature felt like it was trying too hard, and failing a little bit. It was definitely just a children's movie. And for me to say that, is really saying something. Just ask anyone who knows me.
The voice actors didn't become their characters at all. (Ralph was the closest, but not enough to hook me into thinking he was Ralph). The only video game references were basically just the ones seen in the trailer(s) that I saw. There weren't really any good adult jokes. There was a little bit of political humor, but that left an even dryer taste in my mouth. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it while I was watching it, but I have no desire to ever see it again. Maybe if I had just rented it instead of seeing it in the theater, it would have been better. Maybe if I hadn't gone with a video game nerd, it wouldn't have rubbed me as so blah.

Mud Slinging Web

I'm not sure if anyone else does this; and based on what people say... I don't think they do. Going into a movie, especially one that I know I want to see, with NO expectations. Well, Little to No expectations, really. I do this for a variety of reasons. One; Everyone has their own, big, bad, I'm smarter than you, opinions, which I try not to listen to. Two; I don't want to be biased or expecting to see something that's not going to happen. Too often than not, people will throw down their big words, trying to sound smart and cool and what-not. While they do this, they completely misrepresent whatever it is that they are talking about, whether it be they talk it up too much, or down too much... the point is; there's too much talking. That being said, I'm going to throw my own 2 cents out there. However, I'm going to also shimmy in the disclaimer that whatever I say is my own opinion and you are welcome to agree, disagree or determine that I like to exaggerate. On that note; you can also decide that I'm uber sarcastic and I actually mean the opposite of whatever comes out of my mouth. That choice is yours.... Now down to business.
I am a spider-man quasi-fangirl. I'm sure you're all; "What do you mean by quasi-fangirl?! That's Preposterous!" I mean that Spider-man has been my favorite for a long long long long time. I like spider-man. I received a box of spider-man cheese nips and matching beach towel for my 21st birthday; I have mountains of "memorabilia" and doo-dads. I wear my spider-man t-shirts on the regular. I do not KNOW all the lore of Spider-man, I know a lot. But I do not pretend to compare myself to the uber-nerd who's watched every single episode, and read every piece of paraphernalia, of everything related to spider-man. THAT being said. I truly enjoyed the newest film out on the subject: The Amazing Spider-Man.
I thought the casting was brilliant. Martin Sheen and Sally Field made a great pair in Uncle Ben and Aunt May. I didn't actually know they were both in it (that goes back to the whole going into things without expectations). The casting of Andrew Garfield was a little surprising when I heard about it so many months ago. He surprised me in the role. Not too squirly or wimpy or whiny, as some previous spider-man actors have been. He was a bit cooler, his head on a bit straighter, a little more; yeah I'm a nerd, but I'm not going to transfix my identity based on that... (look I'm over talking!). I feel the story was well written and delivered well. There was a level of drama to it that, by ALL means, Should be in any spider-man story. I enjoy that they've decided to explore the whole; "where are Peter's parents?" thing. I appreciate the new avenue the story is taking. Much like the choice to go with Peter's less known romantic interest in Gwen Stacy. My least favorite part about Spider-man is Mary Jane. She's ok. Not too exciting, not too awesome, not too great of a personality, and before I go into a rant about casting for her, I'll move on. Or at least I would move on if my mind weren't racing a billion miles per hour. Maybe I'll re-write this later, in the meantime; Go see The Amazing Spider-Man. I recommend it. Thank you Stan Lee and Marvel for my favorite Superhero!

Ye Olde Modern Day Legend

After about an hour of pondering, thinking, and musing; I've decided it's high time to talk about my most recent read. Stephen R. Lawhead's rendition of the tale of King Arthur was not was I was expecting. This simple fact was laid out plain in the first few pages. At first, when I started the prologue I thought: perhaps this is JUST the prologue, perhaps the actual chapters will be set in Arthurian England. But as the words progressed and the pages turned; it was not to be so. Intrigued that I was completely unprepared for a modern day novel, I pressed on both excited and directly apprehensive to what the book would actually be about. In my humble opinion, I do believe Lawhead has a distinctly curious and enticing imagination.
Not only did he bring together a cast of likable (and Unlikeable) characters to play their specific parts accordingly, he also tied it very well into the well known legend. Though, my first choice would not be to have reincarnation type visions, they lent themselves well to the story development. One thing for sure is if he'd leaked these 'visions' to the press, he would have not been king for long. So it was in the best interest that something like that not be written in. But then again; that's just my mind stirring up controversy.
Much like with his book Hood, Lawhead's use of a bard character was duly enjoyed. However, in this case, questions were raised on this bards own age and whatnot, yet that triviality seems unimportant with the rest of the fantastical events and occurrences of the story. One event in particular drew me in more than I thought it would. Nearer to the end of the book, when I was already looking for a way for events to start wrapping up, and they continued to develop. I was waiting for something immensely dramatic to happen and throw me off guard so that I would throw my copy across the room, then storm off and swear to never read a Lawhead novel again. Here again, I was genuinely surprised that I was both appeased and denied in my want for drama. I was not angered by the dramatic events, but instead; drawn further into the story and what was happening. I could not and would not set down the book and leave the story. The great detail given to the action taking place in later chapters quickened my reading pace. I saw all of the pieces of the puzzle coming together nicely and didn't feel that any of the parts were specifically rushed too much or drawn out too far. As soon as I started to think "come on, move on already." The story gave some pretty little details that, had I been skimming through due to boredom, I would have missed. I am glad I took the time to devour this book over time and chew all of the pieces. It was a good read and did not subtract in any way shape or form from Arthurian Legends of Old. I do recommend Avalon: The Return of King Arthur if you enjoy a bit of fantasy and/or even historical fiction., even though it wasn't actually historical.

A New Hood for an Old Outlaw

Much like The Scarlet Pimpernel, I am a BIG fan of all Robin Hood lore, and other stories that take place in that same time period. This glimpse of knowledge kind of gives insight to some of my former likes and dislikes of movies reviewed... And not reviewed but meant to.
Not so recently I was perusing the shelves at my local library with nothing specific to pick up, but with plenty of time to read. Usually, in cases such as this, I pick up a book based on it's title and cover, or maybe the author if I've heard of any and have them in mind. This case was no exception to it. I picked up  Patrick: Son of Ireland by Stephen R. Lawhead. I enjoyed it so much that I remembered the Authors name. More recently than this, I was again at my new local library and in need of a book to read. I recalled his name and went directly to the appropriate section of the stacks. Long Story, already too long to be short. I picked up Hood, the first book in the King Raven Trilogy. The book is a retelling of the beloved tale set a bit earlier than we may be used to. The time and some of the characters and maybe even the location of the story may be different, but Lawhead was able to capture the spirit of the essence and spirit of the legend exquisitely. I specifically enjoy the introduction of bard characters in all of his books and more specifically this book. The way he weaves spirituality, mysticism, and ancient feeling magic into a common (or not so common) thing for his characters, and helps you believe because they believe is done so well that I wish for a time and place that these actual events happened to be true. I was intrigued while reading to discover each of the characters that I know so well in new skin. When each of them was revealed there was a lot of build up in my mind and I was not disappointed. There were times that I was so excited that I showed it physically and when the payoff came, I shared it audibly. I would share more, but the read through is not as fresh in my mind as it should be.
Needless to say: I am very much anticipating the next installment of the trilogy. I now have Scarlet in my possession and hope to have time to delve into it within the next day or two.

Parts to be left wanting.

There comes a time when you watch a film; and it looks good. Yet it leaves you thinking: "What?" It's not that you don't understand what happened. It's more you don't understand why. You feel misled in some ways. Hoping that something even minutely on the side of epic would happen. There was even music that built the suspense so high, that if Hollywood had done it; you know there would be some climactic scene about to follow... Yet; nothing.
Valhalla Rising was not a bad film. Rather, it was very thought provoking. There are not a whole lot of lines in the movie, and it's based on a book. The film itself was broken up into "Parts" which I can only assume is done so like the book. It had all the feel of independent film, with long stretches where no one spoke to boot. It was placed in the genre of Action and Adventure, there are very few scenes in it that lend itself to that, unlike what the preview showed. I did like watching it. I enjoyed my time spent with it. I do not wish to have that hour and a half of my life back... But I'm at a loss for words on how to describe it. Parts of it were very graphic, and even other parts went unexplained. I'm not saying it was great. I am also not saying it was bad. Check it out and see how you feel about it. It's the type of movie that needs to be discussed.

Valhalla Rising

(P.S.: Based on the Novel by Clive Cussler)

A Gem in a Pile of Rubbish

Some films are highly overrated. There is so much build up and hype surrounding their box office debut that; I'm not so sure it's actually the film that has done well, or the advertisers. There is a lack of originality and art to the films that do best on most occasions. Granted; this is not true for all films, but it is for many.
Other films don't even get to see the light of day, as far as advertisement goes. Some of this days greatest works are completely neglected due to not meeting the requirements of box office stamina. Some movies go unnoted simply because they lack the funding or origin that Hollywood prefers. And then; some are just lost in the shuffle of time.
Tonight I have seen a good film. One of those films that you watch and are (even before the end is near) immediately added to your favorites cue. I found this film to be unpredictable, (I did try to predict it on numerous occasions) Enticing, Entrancing, and just plain good. The acting was done well; as far as I'm concerned it seemed believable as the time it was set in. The language was also pleasing. All around; Arn: The Knight Templar was a good film.
While perusing for a film to watch, we happened upon a good looking cover and settled on trying it out. We were pleased with this choice almost as soon as it started to play. It drew me in and made me feel for the characters. There was very little I didn't understand, even with all the language changes, and before I even knew it was the end; I found myself wondering why I'd never heard of it before. Why was such a gem never mentioned to me amongst talks of films like Braveheart? I can only suppose that no one else has seen it either.
Now I truly and honestly don't want to talk it up too much. I don't want it to be a disappointment to anyone if they do happen to see it. However, I was genuinely pleased that I did like it so much. I'm sure I've not seen a film of this caliber for quite some time, especially in it's own genre.
So; instead of going on and on about it; I will merely recommend. One of my new favorite films. Please watch Arn: The Knight Templar.

Check it out!

(p.s.: This film was based on the trilogy by Jan Guillou)

Another Empire's Fall

In the late 21st century; The United States Empire began to waver. It had reached a height in immorality comparable to no other. Not even Rome in its day held a candle to it. The country had become so self centered they did not notice that they had outsourced themselves out of work. The poor of the country welcomed all the foreign products unknowingly. They were happy for the ‘lower prices’ that until they themselves lost their jobs to those other countries, they savored the junk. Eventually the only jobs open to Americans who were not born to opportunity; were retail, food services and entertainment. But even entertainment was leaning more towards the new blue blood. There was of course still White Collar Americans who were caught up in their own plights of what the next thing the Jones’ would acquire. The rich got richer, the poor got poorer, and the media corrupted all. Soon enough; poverty was so rampant in some areas that violence and theft reigned supreme; it was like a riot every night. Without the income of the lower classes though, the upper classes were starting to feel it. They had no way to fight it. China would not give back what they had received, and America had no means to recreate what they had given away so willingly. Slowly but surely; the economy fell. There was a state of panic in the people. All the people. The Government made rash decisions and one president blamed the previous president for each downfall that occurred during his term, and then made their own terrible decisions. Each of them preached hope and a uniting of their nation to equality. Before long the people realized that the only equality left for them was to all be equally unfed and poor. So each class rose up individually against the government. There was modern warfare on the streets.

When it was clear to the rest of the world that America was no longer the so called strongest nation; China stepped in with Russia on their heels and calmly reclaimed that throne. In all the confusion the transition was seamless. But was not long lived. Soon, with treaty after treaty, and the help of the media; China lost control of their power. Russia had main control, but each country now had a more equal control in this new world of theirs. Some countries started uniting with others in attempt to tip the balance in their favor. That is where our story begins.