Les Miserables - film

     I have never seen the stage musical or read the book, that this is based on. I have seen one version of a non-musical film with Liam Neesom in it, which I loved.
     I'll admit I'm not an all go out and see  musical person, but I can enjoy the occasional musical. I loved Phantom of the Opera.
     This is one of those few films that I see the trailer, and it's not a part of a series of films I'm into, and I think, I really want to see this film.
     I wasn't disappointed. Technically, this is an operetta, because song is 99% of the dialogue, with the occasional spoken word. Still even with the singing, you get lost into the story. The casting was well done. Hugh Jackman, was an excellent choice for Jean Valjean, and I really hope he gets the Oscar for the role. Russell Crowe was a great cast for Javert. Worth seeing, even if you aren't really into musicals.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

     I was shocked when I found out this was going to be in three installments. The book is 297 pages in hardback and 320 in paperback. Not a huge book for a novel, though not a tiny one either. The Lord of the Rings, is three books, so one film per book makes sense.
     OK, so about a hundred pages a film. I loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and had read the books. It has been a while since I have read The Hobbit, and I recommend reading the book if you haven't. The first film of The Hobbit, was well done. Though about three hours, it didn't feel like it. Like the Lord of the Rings, films, it has been well adapted to the big screen. A bit of foreshadowing, is used, if you are familiar with the Hobbit tale, and even a scene that foreshadows, the Lord of the Rings, that one is a bit more subtle than the first foreshadow at the beginning of the film. The story flows on the big screen well, and is an enjoyable adventure for anyone. An excellent adaptation of a book.
     This film was a great choice to put in 3-D and is worth seeing in I-Max and paying the extra for the D-Box seats, the seats that vibrate and move with the film action.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

     For a book that got at least one major award, and a lot of accolades, I expected a much better read. Though this book was not a bad read, it is not one of my favorite or thought provoking reads, it is still worth checking out.

     I will give credit to the author for his innovated choice of narrator, Death. But here is where I have problems. For one, Death does not mind spoilers, I do. Though in this book, the spoilers did not really destroy the story, but really, who wants to know how something ends, before it ends.

     Another issue was that unlike a journal or diary, this story jumps around past, present, and future, hence, the spoiler parts. It also takes the reader out of the story, just a tad bit. I hate that.

     Thirdly, I realize the Death perspective and his personal “jobs” had a purpose of showing the atrocities of war and how cruel and inhuman the Nazi’s were, but it again, takes the reader outside of the story, which irks me just a little bit.

     This story probably would have been better if it was shorter. It is over five hundred pages. It took me over one hundred pages to start getting into the story, and about half way through it started to get a whole lot better.

     Was nice to have a story about World War Two, that was from the German side, that was not based on real people, such as Schindler’s List. 

Lincoln

     I will admit I watch a lot of action, thriller, adventure type films but it is a nice escape for me to see a good drama, and if it's historical fiction, all the better.
     This film follows the last days of Lincoln's life and the end of the Civil War. This film is based part on a book. The acting was well done. Enlightening. One never really thinks of the fine line of political actions. It did feel a tad bit too long, but well worth seeing. What I really liked about this film was how human Lincoln was, and how humor was inserted, here and there, to relieve some of the tension of the film. I've heard this is getting Oscar buzz, and after seeing it, I understand why. A well done piece of thematic work.

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

     This is a story based on a character that appears in The Kate Daniels series. If you haven't read this series, you can read this book without getting lost, though being a reader of the series, makes the story richer because of the already known knowledge of characters history. The first book in The Kate Daniels series is Magic Bites.
     This book follows Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels best friend and a shape shifter, who's past has had her pretending to be human, as much as she could. Andrea used to be a Knight of the Order, then when she was discovered to be a shape shifter, she lost the life that kept her sane. Now she works with Kate Daniels and her investigations firm Cutting Edge.
     A murder of shape shifters pulls Andrea into Pack business, when she is asked to help investigate. The case forces her to deal with her ex-boyfriend Raphael. That encounter begins a change in Andrea and she begins to become the complete woman she should be, part human and part Hyena. Excepting the price she would have to pay, becoming a member of the pack.
     Throw in a God, trying to gain his full power back. A bit of romance. Magic, monsters, pack politics, and the addition of a novella, that follows Kate's adventure during the time of Andrea's investigation. I loved having a story that dealt more into Andrea's world. Not disappointing in the least. A perfect blended story, that bites you and doesn't let go, till the end.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part Two

     I have never read any of the books that the films are based on. My favorite will always be Eclipse. The first part of Breaking Dawn was much better than I expected.
     The second part seemed to have the opportunity to have more in it. Certain things could have been added, that would have made the film a bit better. The issue with Bella's dad. The vampire powers, could have been showcased a bit more, and I won't spoil the ending but from what I understand it doesn't quite follow the book, but seemed, I don't know what word to use. Ok, maybe felt like a bit of a cop out of an ending, but I guess from what I know of the book, does end up the same way.
     Not the best of all the films, though I do admit up to the final installment, each film did get better than the last. Pretty good film over all.

Haunted by Jeanne C.Stein

If you have not read this series in order, you need to. Book one of Anna Strong Series is Becoming.

     This book was one of those monumental change stories in a series. Culebra's past comes to light and the truth of some of his past comes to light also, when an old friend comes calling for a favor. Anna also gets a glimpse of what could be in her life. By the end of this tale, Anna's life will have dramatically changed, some for the better, and some for the worse. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story, and there never was a dull moment.

The Complete Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde

     I never knew Oscar Wilde wrote fairy tales until it was recommended by Goodreads based on my recent fairy tales reading. So it sparked my curiosity and I decided to check them out.
     In my opinion these tales seem intended more for adults, but there is no reason that an older child couldn't enjoy reading them.
     Originally, he wrote two small collections of tales. If you have read Dorian Gray, there is at least one story that really has that cynical look at society in it, that is very Dorian Gray Wilde. Otherwise, for the most part, his tales feel a lot like Hans Christian Anderson. Whom he was familiar with like The Brothers Grimm. These tales were for the most, a good read, and a lot had lessons attached to the story, or a moral of sort. An interesting set of fairy tales.
   

Skyfall

     At first, I didn't think Daniel Craig had the right James Bond stuff. Not sure how to explain it. I saw Casino Royal with him, and Quantum of Solace. Loved both of these Bond films.
     Skyfall was not a disappointment. It was a great action, spy flick. This installment deals not only with a bit of M's past, but also Bond's which I love. Gives you more insight into these characters. Plus, there is the introduction of two iconic Bond characters. A well done Bond flick. A good story, and an interestingly strange villain. Any Bond fan or not, wouldn't leave the theater disappointed.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

If you have not read the first book in this series you need to. The first book is City of Bones.These books have to be read in order.
     Thankfully, Clare got back on the trail and out of the woods. This book was much better than the last, City of Fallen Angels.     In the last book Luke and Jocelyn were preparing for their wedding, and the wolf pack was having a party in their honor. Clary and Jace were having relationship trouble, Jace was keeping some things that were happening to him secret, and he thought he was a danger to Clary.      Simon was seeing Izzy and Maia and neither knew he was seeing the other, in the end the truth came out. Simon gets a new roommate, Jordan, who turns out not only to be of The Praetor member, a group of werewolves who help other new downworlders deal with what they are and get them on the straight path. He also happens to be the Jordan who bit Maia, and eventually these two cross paths and begin to deal with what had happened.
     Alec and Magnus are traveling around the world. Maryse and her husband are separated.  It turns out, that Max was the only reason keeping them together. Simon slips and attacks Maureen, Jordan stops him from possibly killing her.
     A baby is found with a note asking to kill it. This begins, the strange events that lead up to a major discovery. Someone has interest in Simon, first it is a music agent, and then Maureen is abducted for she is mistaken as Simon's girlfriend. She is turned into a vampire, by choice.
     Jace being risen from the dead is discovered and he needs a ceremony redone to protect him from demonic possession. It doesn't happen in time. In a dream, Jace becomes marked by the demon, Lilith. Clary, is kidnapped by Jace, and used to lure Simon to Lilith. Lilith uses Simon's blood to wake Sebastian. Because Jace was risen from the dead, one of the dark side can be raised from the dead. Sebastian is brought back and is connected to Jace by the spell Lilith used. What happens to one, happens to the other. Oh, and Simon put himself in Lilith's path, and since she was whipping Clary, she hit Simon and the Mark of Cain, destroyed her.
     In City of Lost Souls, Clare's back to the writing an interesting and captivating story. This story continues where the last left, with the aftermath of the encounter with Lilith, and the disappearance of Jace and Sebastian. How far will Jace's friends and family go to get him back? This is one of those pivotal books in a series. Of course, there is more character growth, but the biggest part of this story, is the revelation of Sebastian's plan. A taste, of what the Shadowhunters will face, and a character development, that was bit of a surprise to me, that will definitely shake things up for Downworlders and Shadowhunters a like.
     

The Complete Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault

     These fairy tales, seem to also be steered toward adult readers. Perrault took tales that he had heard and re-visioned them and made them his own. Some tales could be child friendly, some like Blue Beard, are not quite so. Good tales none-the-less.
     This edition I had included his morals at the end of the story. Had story background and author information included. Enjoyed the illustrations and the extra information. Only eleven tales, so makes a quick read if you want one.

Argo

     I will admit I have an interest in history so I tend to be drawn to historical based films. Even if Argo wasn't historically based, I would have been to this film. A pretty good casting job. Since this is based on an actual incident, the story has to captivating and the people in the story have to be real. I have seen at least one film that fell short of this, that was based on a real story.
     Argo is well done. This story grabs you and doesn't let go. The screenplay was well done, making the real incident come back to life, you care for the people involved and I love the tid bits of humor now and again that releases some of that built of tension of the story. The screen writer obviously paid attention to Shakespeare. Comic relief has a place. Worth paying the money to go see.  
    

The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

     Unlike The Brothers Grimm's Fairy Tales, Hans Christian Andersen wrote all his own stories. However, these, like Grimm, were intended for adult audiences, not children. Andersen is better known for tales like Thumbelina, The Emperor's New Suit, The Snow Queen, and The Little Mermaid, to name a few. Don't except happily ever after, a lot of these tales are sad. While others are happy, sad, like the character dies but goes to heaven to be reunited with love ones, type thing.
     Though few of these tales are Fairy Tales in the modern definition, they are an enjoyable read. A lot of tales teach morals, have Christian connections, some are just fun and others can run a little on the serious side. Bare in mind, if you are familiar with Disney's The Little Mermaid, the original is similar in some ways but very different from the child friendlier version.
     Unlike Grimm, these tales are children friendly. Though some tales would be better for older children than younger.   

Kitty Steals the Show Addition

I don't know why I waited to comment on this, but it has begun to bother. I seem to be a stickler for facts. There is a conversation in the book that alludes to the myth of the founding of Rome and Kitty says she's familiar with it, and for a brief moment thinks she could have a baby of her own.
     Here's the problem : Romulus and Remus were not the off spring of the she wolf.

A King is overthrown by his brother and he forces his niece to become a Vestal Virgin and serve in the temple so she will not have children for the Uncle is afraid of being over thrown. The Princess is visited by Mars or Aries, in Greek, and conceives two twin boys, Romulus and Remus. The children are taken away and left in a trough to drown in the river. They survive and are adopted by a she-wolf who suckles them. That is the start of this myth of the Founding of Rome.

Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

If you haven't read the fist book in this series, Kitty and the Midnight Hour, then you need to start there first. This series needs to be read in order.

     I like having the change of Kitty outside of The United States. As all the other books in this series, the story moves well, any new characters are interesting, a good story with a great mix of old enemies, new and old friends, and plenty of trouble for Kitty, Ben, and Cormac to get into to. A tale that bites hold of the reader and never lets go.

Atlas Shrug Part Two

This is the second part of the three part film based on Ayn Rand's book, Atlas Shrug. If you have not seen the first part you will be completely lost. Most of the cast was replaced, which caused a brief moment of finding out who was who, but after that the film ran well. Changing the cast didn't interrupt the story at all. I'll admit I have never been interested in reading the book, which by the way is a whopping thousand plus paged book, which is split in three parts, like the film.
     Like Frankenstein, which has become more relevant with the changes in science. Atlas Shrug, has found its relevant place in history. What is a bit creepy about this film, is how you could see our near future possibility of this becoming true to some extent. Whomever thought this was the time to release this film, was a smart person. Its scary to think that America could be heading this way. I suggest anyone who cares about the future of America to check this film out. I realize its not one of those crowd grabbing films  but it really is a must see for audiences old enough to get Rand's message. The film is a well done adaptation that moves smoothly and keeps you interested.

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong

     This is the last book in the Otherworld Series. If you have not read the series from the beginning, I strongly suggest it. Keep in mind this is not a typical written series. Books focus on different characters who are supernatural, and characters do cross into other stories from time to time. The series start with Elena, the werewolf, narrating her story.
     For those who have kept up with her series, I suggest refreshing your memory with the last book. At times, I had an issue with what was being mentioned and it took a minute to go, oh yeah, now I remember. You may want to refresh with Waking the Witch too, since the last three books are a trilogy.
     I was a bit disappointed with how the bad guy went down, I wanted a bit more. But this book is the usual Armstrong. Grabs you into the world of werewolves, magic, demons, angels, ghosts, and the like and casts it spell well. Never a dull moment. A story that is weaved well, and an honest ending for a series. The bonus and extension to the story from Elena's view was a wonderful edition, and it was nice to get more of a glimpse of  Clay's and Elena's kids.
     In 2014, there is suppose to another story collection from the Otherworld, and Armstrong as said that there might be longer tales in the future. I will still miss this series, but all things come to an end eventually.
       
 
  

Looper

This was one of the fresher ideas of the time travel film. I really enjoyed the story but the editing in this film made it a bit drawn out. Certain scenes should have been deleted because it disrupted the flow of the story, and a key sequence could have been done differently allowing less confusion for the viewer. Otherwise worth the money to see it.

Addition to City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

For what ever reason this book still seems to irk me. I have some more to say about this major disappointment of a read.

     Not having Alec in the book, for the most part, didn't feel right. It felt more like a soap opera at times with all date and relationship stuff. After they confirmed the found infant was a demon hybrid, why didn't Jocelyn report it to the clave, or Clary for that matter? Why, would Maryse, who is dealing with not only losing her son but dealing with her estrangement to her husband be left in charge of The Institute alone? They can't find an assistant to help get a tutor for Clary, and trainers, etc. Seriously? Simon knows what a werewolf smells like and can't pick up on that scent when meeting another werewolf? Really? He picks up all sorts of smell all the time now since he's been turned to a vampire. Oh, and for the record, Wolfsbane, more commonly known as Monkshood, doesn't have silver leaves, but does have flowers that come in different colors. That was just an irritant to me. Now if you want to have Wolfsbane from Idris, then fine. But clarify that. Now I'm done.

Resident Evil:Retribution

     Though I have never played any game in the Residents Evil Series, nor am I a big fan of mutant zombie films, but I watched Resident Evil, then I watched all the other films, and none compare to the first one. This recent installment falls short of what have made the previous films good. There was a lack of story plot. No real character development if any. I agree with another critic saying this was geared toward video gamers, basically the film fell like you were playing a game. Shoot, kill, some character dialogue, shoot and kill some more, head toward the goal. Very disappointing. Not worth paying to go see it and the theater, or the extra for 3-D. What to see this film, rent it or wait till it hits television. Not even worth buying on DVD, not unless it comes in a box set with the other films.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

If you have not the first book in this series, City of Bones, then you need to.
     In City of Glass, Clary illegally creates a portal to Idris and accidentally drags Luke along. Clary's rash behavior nearly gets her killed but ends up reuniting Luke with his estranged sister. Clary retrieves the book with the spell needed to help her mother. Simon is imprisoned next to Hodges, who got caught after returning to Idris. Valentine attacks Idris, and now has all the mortal instruments in his possession. The Shadowhunters realize they have to work together with the Downworlders to survive. Clary designs a rune to give Shadowhunters the ability of the Downworlder they are bound to. Luke, and her mother Jocelyn are the first branded together. In order to save Simon from being killed by Raphael, Clary puts the curse of Cain on him, protecting him from anyone who would lay a hand against him. BY the end of the book, The Lightwoods have lost a family member, Valentine is stopped by Clary, who now controls all the instruments and asks for Jace to be brought back from the dead, Valentine had killed him. The truth comes out and Clary discovers that Jace isn't her brother, that Sebastian, who Clary had meant earlier in Idris, was her brother. The Downworlders now have a say in a united council with The Shadowhunters. Jocelyn realizes she loves Luke, and finally tells him.
     In the fourth book City of Fallen Angels, I was highly disappointed. The Infernal Instruments trilogy, got my interested in her Mortal Instruments series, but this book felt like it was written by a different person. This story started out slow, not really a problem for me, but then seemed to jump from one thing to another, just glimpses of things that didn't really have any significant importance to the story. The idea of the story isn't bad, but somewhere it felt like Clare didn't know how to get from point A to point B. Maybe the book should have stopped at three. A nice, neat trilogy. There wasn't enough meat in the main plot, the things that would have made the story much more seemed to be ignore. Its like Clare kept wandering in and out of the woods, doing well with the story for a moment, then ruining it the next page. The next book better be like the Cassandra Clare I love, or its the last of this series I'll read.

Lawless: A bit tame.

This was an average based on actual criminal stories. I agree with a lot of what critics had to say about this film. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't one of the better films of this type I have seen. Goodfellas, Untouchables, American Outlaws, are much better based upon crime tales. But Lawless, wasn't awful, it just felt like it could have been more. I haven;t read the book and maybe that would shed some light on the film adaptation. After all, book adaptations can be difficult, especially when based on real events and people. So I'll give the screen writer a break. This film does have its moments and could have more, but definitely not one of the worse films I've ever seen. Just wanted a bit more, something was missing, but not a bad story to see.

Once Burned by Jeanine Frost

This book could be read alone if you aren't familiar with Frosts world of the supernatural. This is a spin off from her Night Huntress Series. This book focuses on Vlad and the woman with supernatural abilities, Liela who enters his life because someone from Vlad's past is seeking revenge.
     I enjoy Frosts world of The Night Huntress, and fell in love with Cat and Bones. Then the spin off books of The Night Huntress World, which delved into the past of several other vampires I have fallen for, Spade and Mencheres. I enjoyed the tales on how they met their wives.
     Once Burned still has the Vlad "Dracula" I love, but Leila at times got my nerves. Fights are natural in any relationship but she gets mad at Vlad for being himself, its like at times she has rose colored glasses on and expects Vlad to fit her idea of who he should be but most of the time, she deals with reality, thankfully, and how a person who knows vampires exist, can;t believe that Vlad is Dracula, when in the book First Drop of Crimson, Denise, meets Vlad and knows as much as Leila does, and believes he's Vlad the Impaler, Dracula. What self respecting vampire would go to the extreme of impersonating a notorious figure from history? Most want to make a name for themselves and not have to hold up to someone that infamous.
     This book, over all wasn't bad. Its a pretty good read but not one of Frost's better stories. I think the next one will be better, because, hopefully, Leila will have put the rose colored glasses up for good, and be the woman she became at the end of the tale.

Blood Line by James Rollins

This is a book in the Sigma Series. This needs to be read in order, and I would start with Sandstorm which is a prequel to the Sigma Series and introduces Painter Crowe and Sigma. This isn't the best in the series, it didn't have the typical balance of intrigue, character development, and action in it. This felt a bit more like a James Bond film. You have a little character issues, a decent plot of some sort, and a whole lot of shoot em up and running around going on. I do admit I am happy Monk will be returning to Sigma, and the secrets revealed in this story were surprising. Plus, I love having a dog on the team and the dog's view being used in the book. Can't wait to see where Sigma goes next.

The Bourne Legacy

It is slightly helpful to be familiar with the three previous films, that had Matt Damon in them. This sequel follows another Outcome Agent, who is thrown into a battle to save himself, because of what Jason Bourne has done. It is not fair to compare this film to the Matt Damon ones, because even though they are connected, they are very different from each other. I was expecting a bit more action but the drama and story plot in this film carried the story quite nicely. Wanted a bit more in the final battle with the uber assassin, but the film was pretty good, over all.

Ice Age: Continental Drift

Nothing in this series stands up to the original, Ice Age.  I liked the story line the best. I have seen all the others in this series. Each one has an interesting story, with the right mix of humor, characters, and adventure. This one was no different. A fun ride all the way. Not disappointing at all. Loved Wanda Sykes, as Granny Sloth.

Total Recall : Reboot

     I never saw the original, no realized it was based on a short story. This film had a nice amount of action, with a decent story. Characters you like, a story you can get lost in. A nice action flick. I have heard it really is much better than the original. An enjoyable flick.

Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales

These tales are not Disneyfied. These tales are intended for adult audiences. Not all are fairy tales. Some are Christian tales , while other tales are also included. Some are sad, some are strange, and punishments of the bad guys can be rather severe. At least on tale. is a bit disturbing. But an interesting read none the less. Red Ridinghood, Hansel and Gretal, Sleepybeauty, and of course Snow White are among the tales collected by The Grimm Brothers.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

If you saw the movie, read the book. If you haven't seen the movie, its not worth it. The book is much better. A nice adaptation to the classic tale. Handsome, vain, mean boy turned literally into the beast he is. True love's kiss breaks the spell. Any one who knows the story of Beauty and the Beast, will easily pick out the similarities in this tale. Likeable characters, even a nod to other fairy tales in the chat room, which I loved. The only thing that seemed to irk me about this story was how he gets his beauty, a little disturbing for me. I wanted a bit more insight in the characters, especially the main two. Felt it could have had more, but it still is worth reading.

Shadows and Light by Anne Bishop

This is the second book in a trilogy. The first book is Pillars of the World. This book continues where the first one left off, The Bard and Muse are doing there best to convince the Fae that the witches need to be protected and The Black Coats need to be stopped. Ari and Neall have settled into married life at there new home. But The Black Coats are continuing their mission, of destroying women and witches a like in the East, making moves also in the West. New allies are introduced, including the Fae that could change everything for the better.

Batman Trilogy Ends Well

When I first heard they had casted Anne Hathaway as Catwoman , I wasn't so sure. Well, I have to say she played the role well, sassy and sexy, like Catwoman should be. A few twists in the the final story that were interesting. The right mix of dark and light humor, which has always been a good balance for these films. An interesting villain, nice to see Bane in more than a sidekick for Poison Ivy, as in Batman and Robin. The trilogy ending was well done.

The Amazing Spiderman: Catches One in its Web

I liked the Spiderman movies with Tobey Maguire as Spidey. This reboot stands well on its own two feet, keeping true enough to Spiderman's beginnings, someways a bit better, than its predecessor. Like this story idea a bit more because you have an overall mystery that has yet to be solved. Really enjoyed and the 3-D enhanced the experience. Even the character changes didn't bother be, when it came to the romantic interest of Spiderman.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

What would do if you could stay young forever? Dorian Gray sells his soul in order to maintain his youth. Along the way, he loses his own soul, becoming obsessed with experiencing the pleasures of life, no matter what the cost, even if this pursuit destroys many others. Some say he is a Gothic antihero. I say the book is more than just that. A look at the pressures of society, and the depravity of man. I challenge you to read this tale and decide for yourself.

Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter

When I first came upon this book while browsing Barnes and Noble, I thought you've got to be kidding me. Then I heard a movie, seriously. Then I saw the trailer and I was thinking, hey, that looks pretty good. A refreshing twist to the a vampire tale, plus, the screenplay is done by the book author. A great mix of the historical and fantastic. This story pulls you into the world, makes it believable. Doesn't leave you disappointed at the end. Is everything you want in a film. Worth seeing in 3-D. Its nice to see a film where the trailer isn't the only highlights you'll see.

Royal Shakespeare Theater: Hamlet

I had seen a catalog advertisement in The BBC America, and I have loved David Tennant since I first saw him in Doctor Who, plus, this version of Hamlet was full of accolades about Tennat's performance and Patrick Stewart's performance as Claudius, so I decided to check it out. I have seen several different versions of Hamlet, and they were right, this was the best version I have ever seen, and it's not full length either, but edited in a way, that if you knew Hamlet, you won't be disappointed. It's got the same stage cast with the only exception of being filmed on location. Never seen Hamlet. I highly suggest seeing this one, you won't be disappointed.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

This is book three of The Mortal Instruments Series. You must read these books in order. The first one is City Of Bones.

     At the end of City of Ashes, Clary had not only discovered that she could create runes, but she met Madeline who told her that she knew how to break the curse on her mother.
     City of Glass is one of those pivotal series books. In this third installment, Clary illegally travels to Idris using her new power, and Luke accidentally goes with her. In Idris,Clary meets Sebastian, who isn't who he seems. With Magnus Bane's help, Clary gets her mother back, and the truth about her past, will forever change Jace and Clary's lives forever.Valentine makes his final game moves, changing everything. By the end, change will affect everyone, and it all won't be positive.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume II by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This volume still has introduction. It also has the footnotes that clarify terms, people, places, or even interesting facts, related to the story. This volume also contains essays related to Holmes by Doyle and two parodies about Holmes and Watson. What can I say an eccentric, genius private detective, who does what he does for his enjoyment, and his Doctor companion, solve the bizarre crimes in England. I can't get enough of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. You don't have to be a mystery lover to like these mostly short tales of the strange and weird. This volume begins when Sherlock Holmes returns from the dead.

Prometheus fails on delivering the fire

To start out with this is the prequel film to Alien. AKA the origin of Alien. I saw the trailers and thought, hey this looks pretty good. It wasn't a bad film, but I have seen better prequel films. I have seen all the Alien films, Resurrection wasn't the best, but the other three were good. This just seemed to lack a bit of something, and the alien evolved way too fast to be logical, and it left questions at the end. If you know the alien franchise, then you'll know what questions. There is definitely one big question. Sometimes I tend to over think things.

Battleship

I'll be honest, the first thing I thought when I first saw the trailer was your kidding right? The longer trailers looked promising. The movie was a big surprise to me. Much better than I expected. closer to being in the same category with Independence Day. Moved well and a good story, with good characters.

Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks

 I liked the short stories featuring Rule and Lily, so I thought I'd check out the series. It started out with promise. A murder, that seems to  be done by a werewolf,AKA as a Lupus. Lily, who is a sensitive, she can sense magic, becomes the lead detective on the case. Rule, a Lupus, and Prince of the Nokalai Clan, is a suspect. As the case unravels, fate brings Rule and Lily together, and a dangerous enemy surfaces.
     To begin with, a bit of background information on how the paranatural and supernatural came out of the closet, would have been nice. More than the bits of history scattered through out the book.This information would have drawn the reader into the world better. Somewhere in the story things slowed down. Don't get me wrong, I don't need constant action, or romance to keep me interested. Just a story that moves fluidly, and doesn't seem to get stuck in places. Somethings could have been elaborated on a bit more. It wasn't a bad read, but didn't hook me into reading the other books in the series, either.

Deadlocked : Charlaine Harris is Back

If you haven't read Sookie Stackhouse Series before, you need to start with Dead Until Dark. This series needs to be read in order. Just a side note, Trueblood series, based on these books is pretty good.
      This is one of those pivotal books in a series. In Deadlocked, Sookie is dealing with issues with Eric. Most of her friends lives are having happy endings, of one form or another. Where her life, seems to be getting gloomier. Beside her trouble with Eric, King Felipe comes calling about Victor's murder, and this becomes an opportunity for an unknown enemy and a known enemy to strike against Sookie. Add in a murder investigation, werewolves and vampire  politics, throw in some homesick fairies, all culminating to a decision that will change everything.
     Charlaine Harris is back on track with Deadlocked.
   

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

In City of Bones : Book One of The Mortal Instruments Series, The reader is introduced to Clary, who discovers she's a Shadowhunter. In order to find her missing mother she embarks on a quest to find one of the mortal instruments before Valentine, a rogue Shadowhunter does. Along the way the tangled web of lies that Clary believed begins to unravel, bit by bit.
     In City Of Ashes : Clary attempts to live a normal life once again but when Jace gets into trouble, she is once again drawn toward the supernatural world and into the quest to once again stop Valentine from using another of the mortal instruments and its power. Along the way, not only does Clary and her friends and family change, some more than others, and some secrets to Valentine's past come to light, and other secrets are hinted at, just enough to keep the reader wanting more but not leaving them disappointed.

The Avengers : Vengeance is Served

This is definitely one of those films where I agree with the critics ratings and ravings on it. This is one of the best comic based films I have seen. Though it is not as dark as Batman, it can stand on its own quite well. Not that it had to be dark. The story is well done and grabs you with in minutes of its beginning. The right mix of humor, action, and emotion, plus, a great ensemble cast, makes this film a must see for any movie goer, and you don't have to be a comic book fan to enjoy it.

The Raven : Refreshingly Macab

This was one of the films that grabbed my interest as soon as I saw the trailer. An interesting and refreshing story idea. Take the idea of a copy cat killer with a slight twist. Re-enact fictional murders. Add a dash of Professor Moriarty games to it, by taunting Poe to figure out his next move, and he have a gruesome tale of mystery and horror brought to life. Plus, the script writing with its bit of humor, in it balanced the drama out perfectly. Be forewarned that one of the murders is rather gruesome, and I didn't even see it, just heard it. Rated R for a good reason. Wasn't disappointed at all.

Job Hunting Fustration

Why did I go back and get another degree, to open doors for a new career, and I find myself in the same spot again. A lot of lower pay jobs ignore me because of my education. Then the jobs in my field all seem to be higher level jobs, experience a must or they want experienced workers. How is anyone supposed to get experience if they never start working in that field. Experienced is nice except for the rest of us at square one.

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

This is the second book in the Darkness Rising Trilogy. The first book is The Gathering which readers are introduced to Maya,her family, and fellow schoolmates and friends who live in the tiny town of Salmon Creek, which is a medical research corporate town. It doesn't take long till Maya's life starts taking a strange turn. She begins to fall for bad boy Rafe and through this relationship discovers she's a skin walker, or were-puma would be a better term for it.
     The Calling continues where the first book ended. The group of teens are in the helicopter being evacuated. But things take a strange turn and the teens find them selves fighting for survival and making their way home. More of Maya's past comes to light as well as the project they were part of. Characters begin to show their true colors as well as emerging powers. This installment moved better than the first, which at times felt more like teen drama romance than the intriguing supernatural story it was. Not that there isn't any teen drama in this installment.
     I suggest, though it is not necessary, to read The Darkest Power Trilogy first, because this story does loosely connect to that set of stories, and knowing that information, makes this trilogy a bit more interesting as a read.

Shaded Vision by Yasmine Galenorn

If you haven't read The Sisters of the Moon series, than you need to start with Witchling and follow the series in order. This series follows the lives of three sisters from Otherworld. They're half Fae and half human. Every three books in the series is narrated by one of the three sisters. The series starts with Camille, who is a Moon witch. The next installment focuses on Delilah, a were-cat, and the third on Menolly, who is an acrobat turned vampire. The cycle begins again with Camille, and so on. The overlying plot of this series is the sisters having to find and keep the spirit seals, powerful talismans. from being used by Shadow Wing to destroy the world. Of course, there are many adventures, good and bad, that happen through out the series, which is a wonderful blend of magic, romance, action, and mayhem.
     Shaded Vision is told by the view of Delilah. The sisters have to deal with a new Demon threat, and some familiar sorcerers. While trying to track down another spirit seal. This installment didn't disappoint. The story grabs and holds on to you, taking you for a roller coaster of a ride. Certain story lines come to their conclusions, while more are opened up. You won't be left wondering, like Courting Darkness did, with the Iris story line that was built up and you never knew what happened, except that she could marry Bruce and broke the curse on her. 
     Hexed anthology has story about Iris in it.

Hunger Games : Leaves one not wanting seconds

First off, I read the book. Not my cup of tea at all. It had so much potential but fell way short of what would have been a good read instead of a mediocre one. I was hoping the movie would have been better. It made the book look better. One of the worst film adaptations from a book I have ever seen. Important aspects of the book were left out from the film, which would have made it better. One would have had to have read the book to understand certain aspects in the film. A good adaptation is enhanced by reading the book, not allowing a person to fill in the missing information. So much hype for nothing.

John Carter

This film was longer than I expected, but it wasn't a bad film. I just was expecting a bit more. It is based on the book Princess of  Mars. Its a good story, and I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more if I didn't have a headache at the time and the 3D isn't wasted, it helps draw you in to the story more. I guess its pretty good over not bad. May have been the headache issue.

Safehouse

Once I saw the preview for this film, I was interested, in seeing it. Denzel Washington does an excellent bad guy. Plus a topless Ryan Reynolds isn't too bad either. Not that he was the reason I watched the film. A good action flick with a few twists in it. Only problems were a couple of scenes that wouldn't have happened in real life, if this story did actually happen, but otherwise it moved smoothly and was entertaining.

Act of Valor : Real Makes a Big Difference

I have seen a wide range of war films, from the fiction to the based on real people and events. Some of these have been great and some not so great. But even the great ones can't compete with this film. Real active duty soldiers bring a depth and reality to the film, that not even the greatest actor can bring to a soldier role. I wasn't really into seeing this film, but I'm glad I did. It was well done, it grabs you from the beginning, and doesn't let go. If you see just one war film in your life, make it this one, you won't regret it.

Ghost Rider : Spirit of Vengeance

I saw the first Ghost Rider, and thought it was alright, I guess I was expecting something a bit different. The first film had a thicker story plot, and not so much action. The second moved a bit better, but was much less story oriented and more action. Like the first one, it wasn't bad. This wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, it was a pleasant surprise. Paying for 3-D though isn't worth it.

Red Tails Fly True

Red Tails is one of the best based on war films I have seen. It did start a little slow for my taste, but one quickly gets drawn into the story. Reminded me of Memphis Belle. Well done. Just wish they had taken the opportunity to give more information on the Red Tails.

Author editions

L.A. Banks and Cassandra Clare.

L.A. Banks werewolf series is pretty good. Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel, trilogy, has got  me hooked on her Shadow Hunter world, and I'm going to start her other series, The Mortal Instruments, also about Shadow Hunters.

Underworld Awakening

This installment of the film series, wasn't as good as the previous two, that had the character Selene and Micheal in it, or even the Rise of the Lycans. It felt a little flat from these other films. The idea of humans discovering the Vampires and Lycans, was fine. The hybrid kid was fine. The idea was there but when it came to the script, something was missing in between. Perhaps not having Micheal involved, and not knowing about the kid, was a bad choice. Having the child taken from her parents, would have probably made a much more interesting story. Still it wasn't a good film, but not as great as it predecessors.

Sherlock Holmes : Game of Shadows

I did see the first Sherlock Holmes film and has been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, since I was a kid. So when the first film came out, I saw it. It was pretty good but a bit long and slow at points, though Holmes and Watson obviously have chemistry. The critics were right, much better than the first. The second installment, was much better. Moved more smoothly and kept a nice pace between quieter and action scenes. Loved it and if they wanted to make more, go for it.