Favorites of 2014 - The Carole Awards!

Happy end of 2014! I can't believe the year is already over and 2015 is right around the corner. Man...time does speed past faster and faster the older you get. This year I cut out the music section, so I can have more categorizes for books and movies. Now, let us hand out these imaginary Carole Awards (since i don't really have any - man, I wish I did have an award show named after me).  

Category 1 Movies:
Favorite Female Character.........Maleficent from 'Maleficent'
Honestly, I was stuck between 2 characters for this award, but Male gets it, because I think the actress did a wonderful job at making this classic baddie into a hero who temporarily lost her way. 

Favorite Male Character..........Adam from 'Upside Down'
I really adored him because he was smart and motivated. He wanted to be rich and wanted the woman he loved. He used his wits to get what he wanted and I respected that. Plus, he was pretty cute. ;) 

Favorite Baddie..........Richard from 'The Iceman'
The movie is about Richard, but he is a baddie. A baddie who gets rid of baddies? Yes, but he still was a baddie and went to jail for it. However, I loved him and the actor who plays him.

Favorite Poster..........Belle
A lovely poster with lovely colors. It really does pop. Also, the actress who plays Belle is pretty and her eyes are so intense.

Movie of the Year...........North & South
Another tough one, I watched sooooo many good movies this year. Even though this one is a "movie on TV" type film, it was still great and it deserves this award. The acting was fantastic and the story-line had me hooked. It even gave me the motivation to re-try this book. ^.^ 

Category 2 Books:
Favorite Female Character......Jasmine from 'The Dance of Spirits' 
She was a tough girl, who would do anything to survive, but keep to her morals no matter what. 

Favorite Male Character.......Robbie from 'The Bride Prize' 
He was simply adorable and funny. I loved that he could draw so well and he was such a gentleman and fought for his woman even though it seemed hopeless. 

Favorite Baddie...........Anara from 'A Cursed Bloodline' 
OOoooooh how he angered me! However, he certainly did a number on our heroes physically and emotionally. What a good baddie.

Favorite Cover...........'Dark Amelia' by Sally O'Reilly 
I love the colors. It seems simple, but it really is gorgeous. The mix of white, read, and then the peachy/red on her lips just seem to make it pop. 

Author of the Year...........Cecy Robson
I am so excited to see what she has next up her sleeve!

Book of the Year...........'The Korean Word for Butterfly' by James Zerndt
Like always, this part is always the hardest, especially after reading so many wonderful books this year. However, I must pick this one, because I loved it so much. It was a great story with great characters. 

What do you think? What were your favorites of 2014? :) Good luck in 2015!!!!!!!!!

Movie Review: The Iceman

Length: 1 hr & 45 mins
Released: 2013
Genre: Drama, action, & Mystery
Rating: R
Directed By: Ariel Vromen
Where I Got It: Seen on Netflix

SUMMARY:
Inspired by actual events, The Iceman follows notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men. Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father; in reality Kuklinski was a ruthless killer-for-hire. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession



TRAILER:

CAST:

• Richard Kuklinski - Michael Shannon
• Deborah Kuklinski/Pellicotti - Winona Ryder
• Mr. Freezy - Chris Evans
• Roy Demeo - Ray Liotta
• Josh Rosenthal - David Schwimmer

REVIEW:

This was such an intense movie! At first I was a little skeptical of it. I don't know why...it may have to do with the fact I have high expectations for movies like these. I really do. Gangster/assassin movies need to have more then killing and the guy looking like a bad-ass. It needs emotional turmoil and all that jazz. This movie made the cut for me. ^.^

Michael Shannon was amazing. He really deserves an award for his role in this. He WAS Richard Kuklinski. Family man at day and paid hit-man at night. I actually connected with Mr. Kuklinski. That's normal when watching a movie like this...one always pities and likes the hit-man. It's because you understand that they don't LIKE killing, but they feel they need to. It did seem, though, that Kuklinski really didn't mind it at times...He needed to support his family. Is it right? Absolutely right, even if killing off other baddies. Murder is not right, but you can't help but be upset if that man or woman gets arrested at the end. Plus after learning more about the real man, he had some serious mental issues due to his upbringing. 

The rest of the cast was great and I thought it was great that James Franco made an appearance. It surprised me and I didn't recognize him at first. haha. Love that guy. Along with a great cast there was great script writing and costumes. This really should have won some sort of award. 

Well...there is nothing I can really complain about this movie...mmm...I'm drawing a blank.

OH! I wanted to punch Deborah in the face at times...she was so BLINDED and in denial. Really? You think that he works at stocks? Do stocks people get THAT much money? I highly doubt it. There were so many signs and hints, but she just ignored it. When the truth came out to her, she was shocked and mad. I get the mad thing, because he did lie to her, but really? REALLY? You weren't at least curious or suspicious. 

ANYWAYS, this was a great movie. Michael Shannon was fantastic and I think he might be becoming my favorite actor. Third movie I've seen with him in and for the third time I've applauded him. Well...in my head, because it would be odd if I just started applauding in my living-room....

ANYWAYS. I would recommend this to those who like gangster/assassin movies. Also I would say that people who like people movies would get a kick out of this. Well, out of five stars I believe that I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Re-Watch?:
Probably. It kind of one of those movies that are a one-hit wonder. 

Favorite Character(s): Richard (even though he was a baddie too)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Mr. Freezy