In this sci-fi drama that spans a millennium, a man (Hugh Jackman) searches for a tree believed to grant eternal life in 16th-century Spain; seeks a cure for his wife's (Rachel Weisz) cancer as a present-day scientist; and traverses the universe as a 26th-century astronaut. As he travels through time in an epic struggle to save the woman he loves, he also comes to understand some of life's murkiest mysteries. - taken from Netflix.com
This was another weird one. One of Jackman's earlier films than Xmen. I got a few sympathetic eye waterings as the story went along, but overall was pretty let down about the whole movie. Sort of seemed like a thought based on ancient Mayan beliefs of afterlife and a good dose of some damn good hallucinogenics. Eitehr way, I never understood the mysteries he was supposed to solve as they say in the description. Or maybe I am just dense. Three stars for at least keeping my interest.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Book Review : "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick
This is definitely a book a follower of God would want to read. Steven Furtick writes not only in an inspiring way, but to motivate you to be more full in your Faith. This is not a book for someone learning to follow God's word. As basically an Agnostic, I had a difficult time reading this book. This was something I had no desire to read, but in putting my best foot forward I opened its pages. Unfortunately, I got about halfway through, and began to skim more of the material than actually read it. As I said, for a Christian, this would be a great book to help one grow in their Faith, and motivate one to let God live through them more. I won't rate this one as I never fully read it.
Book Review : "Crush" by Alan Jacobson
F Publisromhers Weekly
In Jacobson's addictive second Karen Vail thriller (after The 7th Victim), a serial killer spoils the FBI profiler's romantic Napa Valley vacation with boyfriend Det. Robby Hernandez. During a Silver Ridge Estates winery tour, Karen and Robby stumble over the strangled and mutilated corpse of Victoria Cameron, daughter of an influential winemaker. The narcissistic psycho responsible? John Wayne Mayfield (aka the Napa Crush Killer), who taunts the Napa County Major Crimes Task Force formed to catch him. As more victims are found, their windpipes crushed and bodies inflicted with postmortem wounds, the motive behind such a killing spree appears connected to conflicts within the Georges Valley American Viticultural Area board. Jacobson jolts standard serial killer fare with some twists concerning the publicity-hungry Crush Killer and insightful peeks into California's wine industry. The action culminates in a shockeroo cliffhanger. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. - taken from Amazon.com
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. - taken from Amazon.com
This was a free ebook I got on my Kindle. I had not really read the book description when I downloaded it, but after reading just the first bit, I realized this was a second book. Still a stand-alone, but if you read the first of the main character, it helps a bit. Jacobson's Karen Vail is an FBI profiler, and this takes off after the first book, which I really enjoyed as well. Well written with a few surprises as the story unwinds, taking you from what you think is the end (at the halfway mark no less). Definitely another book is in the works, and I anxiously await it. Five stars for this read!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Movie Review : "Exam"
In this psychological thriller, eight job applicants in a guarded, windowless room are given instruction, exams and 80 minutes to answer one discerning question that may win them a prime position. But they soon discover this is no ordinary test. The exams are blank. With one ejected for attempting to answer the unknown question, the remaining seven must decide what they will do and how far each will go for the coveted job. - taken from Netflix.com
Considering I had never heard of this movie, tough was made in 2008, with a cast of people I had no clue who they were, I really expected a flop. By halfway through, I had figured it all out, and I was tempted to just quit watching. However, by chance, some random event took place that snagged my attention back, and made me re-think what I had thought. I have no idea if it was planned that way, or just as they figured one would get bored watching it... but it worked. The ending does resolve some issues brought up during the movie, but I won't say how. I give it 4 stars.
Considering I had never heard of this movie, tough was made in 2008, with a cast of people I had no clue who they were, I really expected a flop. By halfway through, I had figured it all out, and I was tempted to just quit watching. However, by chance, some random event took place that snagged my attention back, and made me re-think what I had thought. I have no idea if it was planned that way, or just as they figured one would get bored watching it... but it worked. The ending does resolve some issues brought up during the movie, but I won't say how. I give it 4 stars.
Movie Review : "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) and rebellious computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) team up to investigate the unsolved disappearance of wealthy Henrik Vanger's (Sven-Bertil Taube) teen niece (Ewa Fröling), only to uncover dark secrets about Vanger's powerful family. Niels Arden Oplev directs this Swedish thriller based on the first novel from Stieg Larsson's best-selling trilogy. - taken from Netflix.com
I waited awhile to see this one. I had read the book last summer (after it had come out in paperback) and had really enjoyed the story. When I heard that there was a foreign film of it, I was a bit excited, until I found out the English was in subtitles. Yeah, I know. However, I did love "Amelie" which was the same way... Anyhow, I finally ot around to watching it. Aside from the differences that a movie based on a book brings (obviously not as much detail as the book) it was a great movie. The Swedish Film Assoc (or whatever they are called) did a wonderful job. Of course the Author Larsson is from that area of Europe, too. Since it is a foreign film, there are a few, uh, sexually dramatic, scenes, that I would definitely not suggest this as a family film. I give it 5 stars, and look forward to seeing the next two movies in the series... even though I have not read the books yet.
I waited awhile to see this one. I had read the book last summer (after it had come out in paperback) and had really enjoyed the story. When I heard that there was a foreign film of it, I was a bit excited, until I found out the English was in subtitles. Yeah, I know. However, I did love "Amelie" which was the same way... Anyhow, I finally ot around to watching it. Aside from the differences that a movie based on a book brings (obviously not as much detail as the book) it was a great movie. The Swedish Film Assoc (or whatever they are called) did a wonderful job. Of course the Author Larsson is from that area of Europe, too. Since it is a foreign film, there are a few, uh, sexually dramatic, scenes, that I would definitely not suggest this as a family film. I give it 5 stars, and look forward to seeing the next two movies in the series... even though I have not read the books yet.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Movie Review : "World's Greatest Dad"
After his son (Daryl Sabara) dies in an awkward freak accident, high school poetry teacher Lance (Robin Williams) ghostwrites a suicide note to spare the family embarrassment. But when the note becomes an unexpected hit, Lance sees a chance to resurrect his writing career. In a bid for literary fame, Lance writes his son's journal and passes it off as his own. Writer-director Bob Goldthwait's comedy debuted at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. - taken from Netflix.com
I watched this one on a whim, as it stars Robin Williams, and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. I was expecting a bit more comedy, more than the content that it is about. I was definitely glad I didn't watch this one with my boys though. Maybe if they were older teens, but not at their ages now. Language, sexual content (though no actual major porn) are rampant throughout.
A teen son, who is a loner and a freak, of a single dad, who is a multiple publisher denied writer, dies accidently in while masturbating. The dad (played by Robin Williams) sets it up to look like a regular suicide, and pens a note. Kids at the school get a copy of the note, and it builds to where the Dad creates a journal his son supposedly wrote, which get published and fame starts to build. It all comes to a head... but I won't share that part.
I really started to hate this movie about halfway through. The start was slow, and once the son was dead, I felt disgusted inside by everyone's reactions, including the actions of the father. The end was easy to figure out, and was okay. I give it 2 stars, and don't watch it for a family flick.
I watched this one on a whim, as it stars Robin Williams, and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. I was expecting a bit more comedy, more than the content that it is about. I was definitely glad I didn't watch this one with my boys though. Maybe if they were older teens, but not at their ages now. Language, sexual content (though no actual major porn) are rampant throughout.
A teen son, who is a loner and a freak, of a single dad, who is a multiple publisher denied writer, dies accidently in while masturbating. The dad (played by Robin Williams) sets it up to look like a regular suicide, and pens a note. Kids at the school get a copy of the note, and it builds to where the Dad creates a journal his son supposedly wrote, which get published and fame starts to build. It all comes to a head... but I won't share that part.
I really started to hate this movie about halfway through. The start was slow, and once the son was dead, I felt disgusted inside by everyone's reactions, including the actions of the father. The end was easy to figure out, and was okay. I give it 2 stars, and don't watch it for a family flick.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Movie Review : "Despicable Me"
Villainous Gru (Steve Carell) lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care. Julie Andrews voices the role of Gru's malevolent mom, and Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig and Will Arnett round out the ensemble cast in this comic tale that earned a Golden Globe nod for Best Animated Feature. - taken from netflix.com
I was a bit excited when this arrived in the mail today! I had been awaiting it for it had come out in theaters. Needless to say, I was a bit let-down. Most of the funny parts were used in the TV spots that were run, or other trailer stuff. I actually almost fell asleep during the movie. Even for a family animation movie, I was disappointed. I do give it three stars though, as I know my kids will love it for the minions, and just being an animated flick.
I was a bit excited when this arrived in the mail today! I had been awaiting it for it had come out in theaters. Needless to say, I was a bit let-down. Most of the funny parts were used in the TV spots that were run, or other trailer stuff. I actually almost fell asleep during the movie. Even for a family animation movie, I was disappointed. I do give it three stars though, as I know my kids will love it for the minions, and just being an animated flick.
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