Friday, February 15, 2013

One Line Movie Reviews (3)

Adventures of Tintin (2011): Surprisingly fun adventure/mystery story!

adventures of tintin
Rating: B+


American Pie (1999): Finally saw the "modern-classic" and am glad I did because it was funny, overall, but really misguided in a few scenes.

american pie
Rating: C+


Game Change (2012): Amazing and insightful portrayal of the McCain/Palin 2008 campaign...crazy!

game change
Rating: A-


Frankenweenie (2012):  Heart-breaking story about a boy and his dog told "Frankenstein's Monster" style.

frankenweenie
Rating: A


Bourne Legacy (2012):  Boring and uneventful side tale about how insidiously evil and power-hungry Treadstone has gotten.

bourne legacy
Rating: C-




Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

daughter of the forest
Juliet Marillier did her homework. It was a beautiful and magical and romantic experience while reading her book. She really did take me away to another time and place. Granted, I never ever want to return to a time where I didn't have indoor plumbing or the Internet...that being said I wish I lived in a place where I grew up around Nature. Becoming to in tune with Nature that you feel her talking and walking with you. You know how to survive and help heal others.

I loved the magic associated with Paganism. I've been studying a lot about Paganism and I find it beautiful and I love reading about it like this. I recognized so many elements of circle casting and calling the elements, leaving gifts for the Spirits and Faeries. And also the clash of culture and religion between the Celts and the Christian Britts.

I cared about all of the characters. Sorsha's brothers. Each one had his own personality, and there were a lot of brothers. You could feel the pain of their father. You could feel the EVIL of the new wicked step-mother.

Even her love interest. I didn't even realize who was going to be THE one for a bit. But boy, such a pleasure to see her and Red's relationship blossom and grow. The love for her forest, her mother, brothers, and Red was palpable.

Just a beautiful story about humanity and love.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

gone girl
Wow. This was a fast-paced thriller. Lots of twists and turns. I really didn't see where this was headed. It's worth a read just for the sheer craziness of it all. Before you pick up this book to read, you must commit one whole day. You will not be able to put it down till your are finished. Your kid and/or loved one could be choking and honestly, you will not notice ;)

Moving on...we meet Nick and Amy Dunne. They take turns with chapters so we get to see this fabulous couple and how their marriage and their lives went down a rabbit hole. On their 5th anniversary, Nick comes home to his wife missing. Did he do it? Who else could have done it?

I think Flynn has a lot of human insight that she expresses through the characters and how they deal with the world. The suspense is palpable and addicting. I really loved that. And I really wanted to love this book! But the ending ruined it for me. I feel it was a cop out of epic proportions. But oh well. It is worth the read and I'll recommend it to anyone.

It's worth the ride.