Book: The Lucky Ones ( BYT #3)

After waiting a very long time to read this book I got my hands on it and could not have had higher hopes for it.

And in a lot of ways the book met these hopes. It was bright. It was full of the parties and fighting that you feel in love with in the other books. and it was full of drama. But not all the drama was good.Some of it had me asking my self why she would write that. And a lot of the drama had to do with the young pilot. Yes, I found some faults with that story line. I felt that in some ways it brushed over a lot of the problems that racist caused in the 1920s. It made it seem at times like a white rich  girl who went to lots of parties could date who ever she wanted too with out people turning on her at all. Which I think if we look at history we know very well that is not true. Also the whole gang thing got very old very fast for me. and I saw how that storyline was going to play out very early on. Which was a little sad because normally Ms.Godbersen's storylines take the most out there turns. And I was let down by many of the twist in this book. 

On the other hand though I did love the Letty story. It was just what I thought Ms.Godbersen would do. and I liked it very much. And it had the whole 1920s feel the first two books were full of. 

Over all I have to say that I was left with a glass half full over all though I think many might see the glass as half empty.And I can not wait to read what Ms.Godbersen writes next.

(YA-14 up)

Stars: * * * 3.5

Book: Uglies

I tried to read this book about a year and a half ago but could not finish it. But this time it pulled me in and I'm very happy that I tried to read it again.
I really liked Tally and the way she is very human. She does things in the heat of the moment and does not always think it through. i think that is something that is either over done or missed a lot in books.And in this they really show you how she could make the mistakes. It felt very really and the author did a good job making her feel very real and bring her to life in the story. He also did the same with others in the books which really helped bring it to life and bring the read in to the world. A good author makes the reader believe in the people so that feel what - in this case Tally does.
 How ever I did find that there are many problems with the book. Like the fact that its just like all the other sy-fy books you read out there. The people and the message are the same. nothing new is really found in it. and in a way it felt like the author did not know what he was doing or were he was going with the story so he made it just like all the other ones out there. Maybe he will focus on that more in the next book but as far as this one goes it was lacking. And I did have a hard time with that because it is something so key in the sy-fy  genre. and it is something that would have really made this book pop.
over all a good book that I think many in the syfy world will love and have a good time reading. but not really a good book for those who are not big syfy fans.

( YA-13 and up)
Stars: * * * 3.4

Webshow :House of Cards

I first became very interested in the show because its netflicks first show.The very first thing that they have done on their own. and I feel that is have changed the game. no matter how I feel about the show which we will get into soon. I think that had this aired on HBO it would be a huge hit. People everywhere would be only talking about this. It would also be up for a lot of Awards.Which in away its a shame its a webshow because the people who made the show now miss the chance to get the awards. But on the brightside for them they did a great job and have shown us that Netflix might be the new place for the shows that HBO does not pick up. and I think that its a good thing. Many more people will be signing up for netflix now. You get not only tons of hit and indie films alike but you also get a show that is up there with the top TV shows out there. and the best part you get to watch it all at once if you want or you can slowly watch it when you have time. either way its " a win, win".
Now on the review. the show is not going to be one that many people like. Its starts off very rough. and many might not want to watch the first one.
But something that blows me away is this the fact that Underwood is not a nice guy yet once you start watching the show you can't stop.
Robin Wright is very good. She does not have an easy time.At many times it feels like she is trying to do the right thing in a town were people only do the wrong thing.
Kate Mara is just as talented as her sister and could be a big start if she keeps up the good work. She stands out in this show which is a hard job.
I would also like to talk about the writing which is the hardest part. and they do a great job. I do not like many points of the story. I think that any show that has you watching it even though you hate them. and not the  kind you like to hate. the ones you out and out hate. And I think that this show will be one people are going to talk about for a long time. This show will also be a big helping hand to netflix and other webshows. And this also means not only do we get a great show now but that netflix will be hopefuly more great shows in the future.

( TV-MA )
Stars: * * * 3.7

Book: Clockwork Prince

So between reading Clockwork Angel and this I have read all of the books that go a long this with (City Of Bones to start with). And I have just read City of lost souls. and I was very happy with this book over all. I liked and I was shocked. I thought that Ms.Clare would be up to her old tricky that makes her books so hard to read. But I have to say out of all her books this one was my fave. The action was played down. and I really like that. It showed Ms.Clare's strongest point.

and when this books starts to play with your feelings when it comes to Will and Jem its very hard but in a good way. it makes you very happy reading. well me it did after reading all her books I finely got what I always wanted. it almost makes reading all of her other ones worth it.Almost. But it does make me a little scared for the next book because nothing good can come from it. nothing. That is one thing I have learned from reading these books is that the worst thing that can happen will happen and most likely worse than you thought. You will come to like something and wish it to be one way and then the worst thing happens. you feel at many times like Ms.Clare is playing with you. I love the books but I have a very hard time with that. that was what I did not like when I first read it and what I still do not like now. I keep hoping it will grow on me but it does not. which is a shame.  I still want to read clockwork Princess but I think there comes a time when an author has played their trick to many times. She needs to stop making her readers feel like they are being played with. I know that their are so many fans out there that love her and her books to no end but believe she can't keep going like this forever.I think that she start working on changing that before its to late.

( YA - 13 and up)
Stars: * * * 3.4

Movie: Argo

Now most of you should have heard of this by now with all the oscar buzz and now a golden globe win.So I will not waste any time in going in to what the story is.
But I would like to start off by saying I don't think I have ever been more pulled in by a film in my life. while watching this I was standing and walking around. I would not sit still. But I could not leave either I had to watch. I was pulled in by the actors and the story. aside from all the thrilling action. There where lots of funny parts to the film as well parts that had me laughing so very hard. And I think that Ben did an amazing job on the film. I loved at the end of the movie how they showed you real life photos and how they worked it in to the film. which I loved. I thought that it add so much to the film over all. and the acting was really good. everyone did their part so it felt very real. and another on that I loved about the film was how hard to watch it was. now that does not mean that it was bad or violent. it was just so intense. Your heart is racing. Then after the movie ends you sit there gasping for breath and want to watch something light and fluffy to calm you down after that. Its really an awesome feeling because then you find your self a few days later wanting to watch it all over again.I feel that he should have been up for the oscar.He worked his butt off and it payed off big time. I don't think that anyone else could have done a better job.
Now I'm not a big fan of the  films that are said to be inspired by life or what ever each filmmaker says about it. But this film is much better then that. and something that I like is from what I have heard from people Ben is a great guy which makes it even easier for me to like the film.
over all I say this is a must see film because there is nothing like it out there and its wonderful.
( R - For langue mostly)
Star:  * * * * 4.7

Book: City Of Lost Souls

First of all do you have any idea how hard it is to write a book blog when you have no library and you don't have money to buy books? its really hard. Im barely getting any work done on here.but lets get on to the book which is what you really care about.

This is the 5th book in the series. I have been a big fan of the books. I really love them. Not for the story but for the jokes in the book. its got a lot of wit. and this book did too. and I like that. but reading this book I felt it feel flat. there was way to much going on it. it was just crazy. and I really did not like most of it. now rather Ms.Clare was trying to or not it felt like a bad harry potter want-to-be at times. now let me be clear on what I mean by that. I mean that in all of the harry potter books some one you liked died. now J.K. had a really good way of doing it. it felt like life. it just happened. With Clare at times it felt like she was trying to play you. get you to like them so when they died you where upset. It was like she was trying to get you worked up. I know that Ms.Clare would say other wise. but it is how I felt at many times. and she was trying to hard to push it. to make it racer.  and the story of the books just keep getting worse. mostly because of it. Even for fantasy it was hard to believe at many times. and I felt like the book was a let down in many ways.So many of the things I had come to love in them-the reason why I read these books was just not there anymore.and in a way part of me lost interest in reading the next book if it was going to be this way.
Now there are parts and things that I did like. I did like Isabelle's storyline in this. I liked reading that. I liked the whole howl's moving castles house.That worked really well in the story. and i found that it still had some of the flare and sizzle that I have come to love with these books. and though many fans of the books would say other wise I did like Alec's storyline in this book. Even the way it ended.I thought that felt real. it felt more believable in many ways. What I had a hard time reading was Jorden's story. I'm sorry but I just have a hard time with the message that she is giving us. Its not right at all. yes its a good story. But its bad for some teen girls read about.

So over all I do not see my self jumping for the next book but I will be reading it at some point.

( YA- 15 and up warning there is a rape like scene in the book that might be hard to read for some to read)

Stars: * * * 3.5

Movie: Liz and Dick

I like pretty much everyone else  watched with movie just to see what is going to be know as one of the worst movies ever made. even by TV. I mean I have never thought that lifetime was a never much of a channel. and as soon as Miss.Lohan said she will win an oscar I knew I had to see just to know that that was never going to happen.
 I am not a an Elizabeth Taylor fan . And let me tell you that there are many nobody actors that could done a better job in their sleep. I mean is it to much to ask that she act a little bit like her. Sound like her. and you can see her trying to remember lines. and for once in my life I was so happy when the adds came on. finely there was so good acting. she might look some what like liz but that is only because she had nothing to do with it. I think the only reason she was able to do the job she did was because she felt she was a little bit like Elizabeth Taylor.
as for the cast and crew I feel sorry for them. they had to not only deal with Lohan but they also because this film feel apart because of her. any time you do a bio pick the actor if they can should watch movie interviews and learn how to walk like them and smile like them. its a big help in  making it believeable.
and as for the sets and so on they did the best they could its pretty good. I mean its lifetime. the script needed work. but all of it could have been good had it know been for Lohan. after this I hope to never see her in another movie again. and If she should ever get anywhere near to winning an oscar with the state she is in I dont think I could go on with movies anymore. I mean it has to be one of the hardest to watch movies I have ever seen. but if you're watching a movie for laughs its golden.
and its going to be one of the things moms and friends say to you when your movie fails " at least its not as bad as Liz and Dick".



( TV- 14)
Star: * 1.5

Book:Drake's Quest

I would like to start off this review by jumping head first in to what it was I liked about the book.
I liked the feel of the book. I really liked Charlie and I felt that by the end of the book he had changed and grown- up in every really ways.At times the book was fun to read and I found my self liking it.
I liked how it worked history in there so it felt again very real. and there was good mix of pirate slang. it had a good cast. reading the words I could see that everyone in the book was different. and I thought that was somthing you don't see alot. and this is book older boys will love. its rich with history. it had lots of book points. but sadly in this case I feel like the bad out weighed the good.
what I did not like first off was the way the book was made. the pages fell out which could be a problem for library or if you are traveling with the book.And the pictures. that was a pain. This book should not be read by ten year olds. it should be 15 year olds. They are trying to sell the book to kids that can not handle this. no kid over the age of ten will read this book.
And there are somethings in here that should have then been cut out if they are trying to sell it to that age group. the Writers or the editor someone should have done something. this book could have been great and there are a lot of people I wanted to read it but after finshing it I know that either the kids will not like it or the parents will be very up set over them reading it.
This book does have many good points and I think that kids 12 and up would like it. but with the pages trying to look like maps and old paper it feels like a they are trying to sell you something to much and not letting the book speak for its self. if they were to rerelease the book and sell it to the older kids I would give it much better reviews.
would I still be unhappy by one of the parts and want that cut out of the story. yes but other things I would not have a problem with.
So if you are 12 and up and don't mind the pictures all that much I say this is great read.
(YA- 12 and up)

Stars: * * * 3.0




Fun Fact:Brighter Books plants one tree for every book soled.

And Thanks to Brighter books and Adam Slutsky for sending me a copy of this book.

Movie: Midnight's Childern

I was very happy to see this movie. it looked like it would really be a good movie. and I was very happy about it.
but half an hour in to the film I just sat there going " what? that is silly" or " what?! what is the point of these film again?". which is not a great thing. I found my self checking the my clock almost 15 minutes in to the film.
The acting and the direction was just breathtaking and it was great when you think about those things. But as for a script , well it was first of all very long. and at many times I felt like I did not really know what was going on. what was the focus of the film. what was it over all trying to tell me, trying to teach me. And over all it was very unhappy I just sat there waiting to everyone to die and for things just to get as bad as they could. I know that this was a beloved book one I have not read. I think that fans of the book will love the movie. but as for people who have never read the book might be spending most of their time waiting for the movie to end or walking out.
what could have been done to the script? well first of all for all you future screenwriters note that you have to find a way with out being cheep to get everyone to watch the movie and stay to the end.
this film could not do that to save its life. Had I not wanted to review the film I would have out right left. and to tell the truth lots of people did.
and another thing that was off was that they spoke english then the spoke what I believe was Hindi. Which i thought was poor choice my self.
Over all if you have not read the book I would not be racing to this one as I would some of the other film from the Telluride Film Festival.

(PG-13 to R)
Running time : 2 hours and around 45 minutes
Stars:  * * 2.8

( Poster Note: no posters have of now been released)

Movie: Rust And Bone

As always I saw this at the telluride film festival. and note that I love Marion Cotillard  and want to see this film because of her. 

This film is not what people lead you to think. Marion Cotillard lead.  This guy Alain is. Who to tell the truth I did not like all that much. He was all over the place and that was not the actor but the Writers fault.  I do not believe in the endless rewrites but he needed work. He was full of him self. And it seems that he did not true not love Marion. and he did not love his son. and to tell the truth watching the movie for me the only thing that could fix this guy was a nice kick in the butt. and at many points in the film the people around me were sighing and saying some very nasty works I will not say but you can guess. And my self and many others were hoping that Marion would find some one new.

Marion did a beautiful job brining Stephanie to life. showing you that as sad as she was she could get up again.

If you wanted to see this movie for Marion then i say yes because bottom line you will come out of it thinking to your self " Marion really is a breathtaking actress. her eyes tell the story". 

and as for the story its self I say that its more work. it needed to know what story it was trying to tell. a good script knows what its trying to make the moviegoers thinking about and get out of it. or getting them to see what you as the filmmaker see in the story and at many times it felt like it was not there. that the film made up of scenes and ideas that were just throw together as they went along. 

but as for everything other then the screenplay it was very well made film. And at points I liked it. over all I had very mixed feelings. But if you want to see it I say its worth a try. 

( R ) 

Stars: * * 2.9

And for those of you who wanted to know how they did the work with Marion's legs heres a quick look at how.