Movie Review: Where The Wild Things Are

Length: 1 hr & 46 mins
Released: Oct 16th, 2009
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Kids, & Sci-Fi
Rating: PG
Directed By: Spike Jonze
Where I Got It: watched on Crackle









SUMMARY:
An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world - a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures who crown Max as their ruler.

TRAILER:

CAST:
Max - Max Records
Mom - Catherine Keener
Carol - James Gandolfini
Alexander - Paul Dano
Judith - Catherine O'Hara
Ira - Forest Whitaker
The Bull - Michael Berry Jr.
Douglas - Chris Cooper
KW - Lauren Ambrose
Claire - Pepita Emmerichs
Claire's Friend - Max Pfeifer
Teacher - Steve Mouzakis
The Boyfriend - Mark Ruffalo

REVIEW:
I was totally unsure what to expect when this began...I had never read the books. Heard of them, yes, but read them? Nope. Luckily I watched this Boyfriend so he could explain what was going on at certain spots. Being confused in certain spots had to do with the fact they put all the books into one movie and my background with the books is pretty much nonexistent. 

I want to say I loved this, like he did, but I didn't. I liked it, yes. It was cute and a cute movie for the kiddies. I can see why they labeled it PG, because some spots were a little scary and intense. It was a super intense and emotion-filled movie. It really flows with a child's emotions. All kids are bipolar, I swear. One minute happy and having fun, then they are angry and throwing things. The writers and actors really captured this and I applaud it. 

I adored the wild things; aka, the monsters. They were so fluffy and cute, but like kids they are bipolar. One moment they are happy-go-lucky, next they are wanting to eat you and break your stuff! Poor Max, but it was an eye-opener for him...he realized when he was a monster like that what his mom had to go through. Granted, these monsters really could eat you. Having Max go to that fantasy land is very symbolic and I loved it. You all know how I love my symbolic stuff and how metaphors make me smile. 

Someday I should re-watch this...now that I have a better background with looking at some of the books and etc, I think I would appreciate this better. However, I did really enjoy the movie. Also...I want one of those monsters...maybe not Judith though...she was a bitch and I wanted to punch her. >.> Oh well.

But yes, I liked this movie. I would recommend this for those that love the books. Also, for those looking for a cute and meaning-filled movie for their kid. It is a little intense at points, but nothing bad happens. It was fun and it was sad at the same time. I wanted to cry at the end...not sure if for joy? Or for sadness? I mean it can be both I guess. I can't say much more without giving away major spoilers...I shall grant this 4 stars. 

Would I re-watch?:
Yes, I think I will one day

Favorite Character(s): Carol (though he was the most bi-polar of them all), Max (middle and end version), KW, and Alexander (poor guy)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Max (at the beginning, he was a snot) & Judith (*grumbles* bitch *grumbles*)

*CaroleRae*

Book Review: The Bad Death by Naima Haviland

Author: Naima Haviland
Title: The Bad Death
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Historical
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 21st, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by publisher/author to read and review for my honest and unbiased opinion

"Passion rules the heart and terror rules the night…

South Carolina, 1788. The African beauty emerging from his family crypt is a stranger to Julian Mouret, the refined owner of Lion’s Court plantation. A dancer and a mystery, she spins a strange, dark, and impossible tale of peril and flight. Though he fears she must surely be mad, the handsome slave owner is soon himself a slave, lost to the seductions of this enchantress called Anika and determined to lead her North to safety. 

But there can be no safe haven for Julian or the exquisite Gullah girl who has bewitched him, not while monsters roam the night. A series of horrifying mutilation murders screams of the presence of “plat-eyes”—shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures feeding at will on the plantation workers—and only Anika can end the rampage. But to face the vampire horde she will have to master the darkness within. And the price of victory in the battle ahead may well be the eternal soul of the man she is coming to love."

Like earlier stated I read this for the publisher/author to give my honest and unbiased opinion. 

The moment I read the summary I needed to read this. I needed to know what happened. That's pretty much how I got through the book so quickly...I needed to know what happened next. It's such an interesting concept. 

A slave girl, Anika, was an interesting character. She had two souls in her. A dancer and a slave girl who together need to fight the bad ol' vamps running around South Carolina. Poor Julian...getting sucked into the middle of this just because he's bewitched by her. I'm sorry, but if I was Julian I would have been freaked out by the fact that she popped out his family crypt. Plus...she's odd. She has two different personalities going (the reader learns about that quickly, but poor guy was in the dark). 

Naima Haviland has SUCH a great way of sucking the reader into the story. I felt like I was there and in the same room or crypt. I also felt like she had a great knowledge of both the rich, white culture and the slave culture. It wasn't over the time (ie the dialect writing), it was perfect. Kuddos!

There was one thing I was upset about...I was confused. Perhaps it was my fault, but I wasn't sure what was going on half of the time.*shrugs* I can't much else on this without letting out many spoilers. I think there may have been too much going on at once. That may be it. Not only did she have a love triangle going on (or should I say a love square?), evil vamps, weird dou-souls in one body, ballet dancing, discovering of power, and so much more. Too much for my little brain, perhaps. Like I said...it may have just been me. 

Besides for too much going on and me getting confused, I really liked this book. The setting set-up was fantastic, the characters were awesome, and the action kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what more Naima Haviland has to offer. ^.^ Out of five stars, I shall give this....3 stars. I would recommend this to those that love a good gothic, historical, action, romance. 

Favorite Character(s): Prince, Marcus, and Anika
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Julian (I liked him at the beginning, but as the story progressed...no so much) and the vamps 

Longings by Carole Rae

Hahaha. I've been doing these freewrites with my friends and one of the prompts was "longings". I'm very proud of this stupid poem I wrote. I'm contemplating sharing some of my other prompts. We shall see.

Longings

By: Carole Rae

I see you looking at me.

You see me looking at you.

How dare you try to tempt me

You devilish chocolate covered cookie, you!

Yesterday you may have beat me,

But today I will resist you!

Stop staring at me!

I so do want to eat you...

How dare you try and tempt me,

You fresh and warm cookie

All filled with steamy chocolate chips....

I can feel the drool forming...

I can feel myself standing.....

NO!!! You will not tempt me!

You will not win.

It is me

Who will win!

I stand and you think you won me.

But I walk away and say,

"Yesterday you beat me,

But today I am victorious;

tomorrow my longings for you may overcome me,

but today is mine.

So eat THAT you yummy cookie you

Book Review: Betrayal by Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab
Title: Betrayal 
Genre: Historical Romance, Drama
Pages: ebook
First Published: July 21st, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by publisher/author to read and review for my honest and unbiased opinion

"On a golden day in early summer, two young boys meet in the crowded streets of Florence and change the lives of a man and a woman forevermore...

For seventeen years Ash has been eaten up alive by bitterness and hatred, caught fast in the clutches of the past. For seventeen years he has not been able to look at the boy he raised as his heir and not remember the terrible betrayal he had to endure. And yet, for seventeen years he has closed his eyes against the even more terrible truth ...

Seventeen years ago Georgina fled from England and all she ever held dear. But for the sake of her child, she must return to confront the man whom she once loved more than life itself until lies and deceit tore her life and marriage apart.

Will their love stand a second chance?"

Like earlier stated I read and reviewed this for the publisher/author for my honest and unbiased opinion.

This would be my third novel I've read by Sandra Schwab and yet again she has dazzled me. She keeps getting better and better. I'm having a hard time letting this be labeled in the Historical Romance. It was more of a tragedy with a HEA at the very, very end. It was so sad and I felt bad for both Georgina and Ash. They were torn apart for seventeen years due to betrayal and lies. It was so sad and the way Sandra Schwab made you connect with the characters.

I loved how she based this story of the famous 'Parent Trap' movies and the original German play. It was a unique and cute way to make the two separated lovers reunit. It makes me want to re-watch the movies. However, I always wonder the chances that the twins would be at the same place at the same time...it is so unlikely. 

Anyways, it was a cute, but tragic book. I really wanted to punch Ash though, because he had claimed to loving her SO much, but when one person tells him that she had laid with another man HE believed it. Even when Georgina denied it, he still divorced her. There was no proof...only word of mouth...he divorced her. GAH! MEN! So bull-headed. He was lucky she didn't take both of the babies with her. >.> However, there was one way that Georgina could have avoided all that (which I can't say) but she didn't play that card, which she should have played, but she didn't. C'MON! You're marriage is going down in flames and you wouldn't do anything to save it? GAH! I just wanted to scream when I found out the card that could have saved the marriage to begin with. Tsk.

I loved everything about this book, besides for one thing...I hated the ending. Yes, I was glad they got their HEA, but it was rushed. I wanted more one-on-one between the two. I wanted more cuddling and sweet words. For heaven's sake they had been apart for 17 years. IDK. All this build up and the ending left me wanting more. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I would really like a prequel of the couple. It would be fun to see how they got together in their youth and then the crumble of the marriage. Maybe someday. *fingers crossed*.  The ending felt super rushed, but the rest of the book was great and I want more! I can't wait to read more by Sandra Schwab. ^.^ I would recommend this to those that love Historical Romances. Out of 5 stars I grant this one 5 stars. It is more like 4.5, but I rounded since I don't give decimals. 

Favorite Character(s): The twins (a pair of rascals), Georgina, Frau Else and Guy
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Dowager Countess (*grumbles* bitch *grumbles*)

*CaroleRae*

Thursday Book Teaser: Betrayal

Happy Thursday everyone! I know its been some time since I've done a TBT, but I honestly had been lazy and been busy with life. >_< It's such a different world when you move out the parents house and on your own/living with Boyfriend. Instead of the chores being divided among three people, it is now divided between two. Fun stuff!

Anyways, today I'll be sharing a little snipbit from 'Betrayal' by Sandra Schwab. 

Page Number: 75% into the ebook
Paragraph: 3

"Ashburnham shook his head. 'You excite yourself over nothing, my lady, 'he said brusquely, and brushed past the dowager countess to go to Georgina. 'I see you have had a chance to refresh yourself.' His expression gentled. 'I hope you have found everything to your liking. Why don't you sit down?' He offered her his arm. Flabbergasted, she let him lead her to a chair. 'I will ring for tea.'

'Tea?' his mother gasped.

'Tea,' he repeated through gritted teeth. 'And we will talk about this like rational beings.'

'You must be out of your mind, Ashburnham!'

'Indeed, I assure you I am not, my lady,' he said, impatience harshening his voice. 'It was ill judgement on your part to send the constable after Georgiana. You might have meant well - '

'Of course, I - '

'But something like that won't happen again,' he overrode the dowager countess. 'So we will all sit down and talk about this situation and find a solution to it.'"

The constable? A little extreme in MY opinion. hahahaha. 

Book Review: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria

Author: Lauren Willig
Title: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria (Pink Carnation #10)
Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery, Adventure
Pages: 486
First Published: August 6th, 2013
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"Colonel William Reid has returned home from India to retire near his children, who are safely stowed in an academy in Bath. Upon his return to the Isles, however, he finds that one of his daughters has vanished, along with one of her classmates.

Having served as second-in-command to the Pink Carnation, one of England’s most intrepid spies, it would be impossible for Gwendolyn Meadows to give up the intrigue of Paris for a quiet life in the English countryside—especially when she’s just overheard news of an alliance forming between Napoleon and an Ottoman Sultan. But, when the Pink Carnation’s little sister goes missing from her English boarding school, Gwen reluctantly returns home to investigate the girl’s disappearance.

Thrown together by circumstance, Gwen and William must cooperate to track down the young ladies before others with nefarious intent get their hands on them. But Gwen’s partnership with quick-tongued, roguish William may prove to be even more of an adventure for her than finding the lost girls…"

This is the #10 book in the Pink Carnation series. I would suggest reading one of the others ones of the series before attacking this one...at least the first book I would say and you should be good. 

When I heard that Miss Gwen was going to be the star of this one I was filled with two emotions - excitement and uncertainty.  Why? Well, I love Miss Gwen too death and yes, I was excited that she was going to get her own book and her own man. However, I feared that if the romance and the book was not done right I would lose my love and fear of her. Plus, she and William are older and I petrified that people would give negative reviews just based on that fact, which is stupid because old people need love too. However, my fears were all laid to rest the moment Gwen's POV began. 

I love Gwen, but then I fear/respect her on the same coin. Hell...she struck fear into the heart of Napoleon with her parasol! For a woman like that, it takes a special man. Especially after learning about Gwen big ol' secret, which stunned me and made me now understand the psychology behind her. Did I like William? I'm not sure. I went through the entire book....but I'm still on the fence. Sometimes I did, sometimes I thought he was an idiot and I couldn't stand his face. Mmmmm. 

Now on to Colin and Eloise. I will admit that I skim through a lot of their story...not just through this book, but the others in the series as well. I can't help it! I think its because their story is just SO slow moving that it's driving me bananas. *SPOILER ALERT* It has been many books since they became official lovers and they just NOW admitted that they loved each other. Yes in their reality it has only been a few months, but I've been waiting for years. *sighs* *SPOILER END* I'm not sure what needs to done for me to re-fall in love with these two's love story...I mean I seethe brilliance behind blending in their story and the past people's stories. They go hand-in-hand, but something has to give. 

In the end, I really liked this book and I'm SO glad Miss Gwen finally got her HEA. A piece of advice for those that want an "epilogue" of sorts on Miss Gwen and William...read the "interview" section between Lauren Willig and Miss Gwen, it was entertaining and I'm glad I read it. I even made my friend (who has never read this or even seemed to care) listen to me read it to her. Bahahaha. *clears throat* Sorry. But yes, I liked it. It was fun and I'm DYING for the next book in the series. Eek! I hope the next one allows me to have my love for Collin and Eloise to be relighted. I just really want the story to speed up a smidge. Well, I shall stamp this with 4 stars and recommend this series and this book to those that love Historical Fiction, spies, intrigue, and Romance. 

Favorite Character(s): Miss Gwen (of course), Henrietta, Miles (I MISS HIM!), and Amy.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Lizzy Reid (for some reason she annoyed me) & Jane (I know, I know...but in this one I really wanted to slug her in the face). 

*CaroleRae*

Movie Review: Gamera 2 - Assault of the Legion

Length: 1 hour & 39 mins
Released: 1996
Genre: Drama, Horror, Science Fiction, Foreign Film
Rating: N/A
Directed By: Shuske Kaneko
Where I Got It: my shelf (borrowed from friend)

SUMMARY:
A freak electrical storm near Sapporo, Japan rains down chaos, leaving Gamera the only hope for the desperate population in this latest installment of the long-running kaiju series. As meteors and lightning crash to the earth, the citizens of Sapporo are shocked to discover that the sky has delivered a deadly alien menace to the planet that aims to wipe out the human race and claim the globe for a frightful race of menacing mutants. While local science instructor Midori Honami and Colonel Watarase combine forces on the ground to combat the powerful invaders, Gamera takes to the sky to face his most challenging foe yet.

CAST:
Colonel Watarase - Toshiyuki Nagashima
Midori Honami - Miki Mizuno
Hanatani - Tamotsu Ishibashi
Obitsu - Mitsuru Fukikoshi
Asagi Kusanagi - Ayaki Fujitani
Sasai - Hiroyuki Okita
Nojiri - Yusuke Kawazu

TRAILER:

REVIEW: 
Well, I watched this Boyfriend and by the time I got home he had already watched the first movie of this series and started the second. I missed a lot of references, but its watchable on its own.

I think I may like Gamera more then Godzilla. I know, I know! However, Gamera is a HUGE turtle that flies and has super powers and can breathe fire. He/She is super cool! Haha. He/She seems a little weaker then Godzilla, but I feel it has more heart and will power to save the humans of Earth.

Now being a '90s movie the effects were pretty much pre-historic, but I will admit it was really good for the times. Gamera was pretty cool looking, but at times he looked super corny and fake, but again...'90s movie so you have to take it with a grain of salt. 

It was an interesting movie and the little aliens didn't seem much a threat and I found they were really cheesy. I'm glad they made the big baddie at the end really awesome and it made up for the little ones. It even made up for some of the flat acting that took place. 

Not sure what else to say...it was an interesting movie and I wouldn't mind watching the first or the third one. Gamera was super cool and cute. I think there is a chance he/she will take Godzilla's place in my heart one day. Who knows? For being a '90s movie the effects were pretty okay. The acting was...well...left to be desired. All-in-all, if you like Sci-Fi and Godzilla movies I would recommend this film. I shall stamp this with 3 stars.

Would I re-watch: Perhaps. 

Favorite Character(s): GAMERA!
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The little beetle aliens (lame)

Happy September & 'A Song of Autumn'

Happy September! I know I'm a little late on posting this little post, but I just wanted to extend this happy occurrence. I simply LOVE fall. It's my favorite season and September is the beginning of it. Yesterday night I felt the first crispness of fall in the air. It was nice. However, I hate winter, so my happiness will dissolve sooner or later once winter comes.

On another matter...I failed on my Summer reading list...but oh well. I just got caught up in reading other books, which a lot of them took first priority. However, I've been itching at creating a side section on the blog on books to expect for the next couple of months. The problem with that...is that I'm sometimes books I pick to read are sporadic and random. It all depends on what I'm in the mood to read. Since I've been doing a lot of reading for authors/publishers, I think I may do something like that. Not sure. Any advice?

Anyways....
Here's a poem about fall that I adore:

A Song of Autumn 

by: Adam Lindsay Gordon

‘WHERE shall we go for our garlands glad 

At the falling of the year, 

When the burnt-up banks are yellow and sad, 

When the boughs are yellow and sere? 

Where are the old ones that once we had, 

And when are the new ones near? 

What shall we do for our garlands glad 

At the falling of the year?’ 

‘Child! can I tell where the garlands go? 

Can I say where the lost leaves veer 

On the brown-burnt banks, when the wild winds blow, 

When they drift through the dead-wood drear? 

Girl! when the garlands of next year glow, 

You may gather again, my dear— 

But I go where the last year’s lost leaves go 

At the falling of the year.’