The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1)

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Delacorte Press 2009

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 374

Rating: 3/5 stars  Movie: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NPR YA; 100 YA); Popsugar - Recommended by Someone You Just Met; Books to Movies

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. Remember. Survive. Run.

I feel like I would have really liked this book if I was a 13-year-old boy. (In fact, maybe I should give it to the twins to read this summer...) As I am not a in fact a 13-year-old boy, this book felt a bit tired and predictable. It definitely has a big influence from Lord of the Flies. And it reminded me of The Hunger Games series. Which isn't to say that it's a bad book. I just think I've read too much to be blown away by it. Other than the predictability, my biggest complaint is with the lack of characterization. I wanted to get more from the characters and their motivations. Unfortunately, the books glosses over a lot of that in favor of lots of action. Oh well. I'll keep reading the series. Now I want to know more about WICKED and the trials.

Movie:

J and I both agree that the movie was better than we excepted, but it still wasn't that good. I understand most of the changes from the book. They make sense for the movie. And I did enjoy the visuals for the maze. Nice to see it up close and personal. I wasn't a fan of how they changed the grievers. I like their design in the book much better. I still have issues with some of the character motivations and the entire premise of the series. But that's to be excepted. We have the second movie sitting on the server, but I would like to read the second book before watching the movie.

The Maze Runner

• #0.5 The Kill Order
• #0.6 The Fever Code
• #1 The Maze Runner
• #2 The Scorch Trials
• #2.5 Thomas's First Memory of the Flare
• #3 The Death Cure
• #3.5 The Maze Runner Files

New Movie January #10-31

Okay so I'm lying a bit here... we got nowhere near 31 movies watched this month. We only got to 11 movies. A bit sad, but January has been a bitch. We've all been super busy, but also sick almost the entire month. Only a few movies to highlight for the last two-thirds of the month.

#10 Spy "A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster." -- Way funnier than it should have been. Why was it so funny? Still don't know, but we definitely enjoyed it.

#11 Taken "A retired CIA agent travels across Europe and relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter, who has been kidnapped while on a trip to Paris." -- Somehow I had never seen the first Taken, but have seen the two sequels. The first one is way more brutal than the other two. Crazy stuff! It was an enjoyable night of movie watching...

New Movie January #1-9

I love starting off my year with some great new-to-me movies. I'm not doing individual movie review posts, but opted for mini review collections.

#1 Star Wars: The Force Awakens "Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance." -- Really really really enjoyed this one! So glad I got to see it!

#2 The Skeleton Twins "Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship." -- I really enjoyed this quirky little indie film. Wiig and Hader were great in this. Two thumbs up.

#3 Vampire Academy "Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human-half vampire, a guardian of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discreetly within our world. Her calling is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi." -- I read the book series and enjoyed it. The movie was ridiculously campy and vapid. Not a fan at all.

#4 Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List "Naomi and Ely have loved each other their whole lives, even though Ely isn't exactly into girls. The institution of a "No Kiss List" has prevented the two from rifts in the past, but bonds are tested when they both fall for the same guy." -- Ugh! So stupid. I only watched about half before I gave up. It was not good at all...

#5 I Give It a Year "Newlywed couple Nat and Josh are deliriously happy despite their differences, though friends and family aren't convinced that they can last. With their first anniversary approaching and attractive alternatives in the mix, can they last?" -- I really really enjoyed this little romance.  The lead actor was bugging me the entire movie until I figured out that he was in the Cornetto Trilogy. Duh! Beyond that, I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline in this one.

#6 Europa Report "An international crew of astronauts undertakes a privately funded mission to search for life on Jupiter's fourth largest moon." --  A little late to the party, but this movie was amazing! I loved the storyline, but even more, I loved the characters. Fascinating movie about space exploration. A must see! And that ending just floored me. I just sat there for a few minutes processing everything I had watched. Loved it!

#7 Drinking Buddies "Luke and Kate are coworkers at a brewery who spend their nights drinking and flirting heavily. One weekend away together with their significant others proves who really belongs together and who doesn't." -- I feel like the tone was a bit all over the place on this one. I didn't quite feel like I got the message at the end. Decent movie, but nothing to rave about.

#8 Insurgent "Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side." -- Ugh. Not excited about all the changes they made to the storyline and characters.

#9 Don Jon "A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love." -- Very interesting film. J and I had a big discussion about characters and pacing because of this film. I really like it, but the trailer completely sold a different movie.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Title: Chocoat (Food Trilogy #1; Chocolat Trilogy #1)

Author: Joanne Harris

Publisher: Doubleday1999

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 321

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Book to Movie; Popsugar - Europe

In tiny Lansquenet, where nothing much has changed in a hundred years, beautiful newcomer Vianne Rocher and her exquisite chocolate shop arrive and instantly begin to play havoc with Lenten vows. Each box of luscious bonbons comes with a free gift: Vianne's uncanny perception of its buyer's private discontents and a clever, caring cure for them. Is she a witch? Soon the parish no longer cares, as it abandons itself to temptation, happiness, and a dramatic face-off between Easter solemnity and the pagan gaiety of a chocolate festival.

I loved this book. Between the descriptions of the chocolate making and the great characters, I couldn't put it down. I loved the switch off between Vianne and Reynaurd's narration. The two perspectives was a nice literary device to help the reader dive into the characters. Armande is hands-down the best character, but I also enjoyed Luc and Guillaume and Josephine. I'm intrigued by sequels that I never knew about. Hopefully I can get to those this year.

Movie:

The movie retains the concept of the plot, but so many changes. I really enjoyed the movie, but so many changes!  Judi Dench is a treat as Armande and I really liked Alfred Molina as the antagonist. I love how the chocolate is so central to the movie. It was a nice focus that didn't always come through in the book. The scenery is also very lovely. And there's Johnny Depp, back when he wasn't so crazy and definitely gorgeous. I like his Roux more than the Roux from the books. Crazy talk, but it's the truth. A great movie. I'm glad I finally got around to reading the book to compare.

Food Trilogy:

• #1 Chocolat
• #2 Blackberry Wine
• #3 Five Quarters of the Orange

Chocolat Trilogy:

• #1 Chocolat
• #2 The Girl with No Shadow
• #3 Peaches for Father Francis

August Movie Month

My 30 day challenge was new-to-me movies. Unfortunately, my plan did not get off to a great start. I didn't watch a single movie for the first four days of the month. From there, I just lost momentum. Here are the movies that I watched during the month of August...

1. See Girl Run (2012) "A young adult woman decides to revisit her past relationships in order to find some guidance in her current life." -- Netflix told me that I would only give this movie 2 stars, but I enjoyed this quiet independent movie. It was a nice understated look a woman struggling with comparisons to her past and current relationships.

2. Lizzie Borden Took an Axe (2014) "The true story of Lizzie Borden, a young woman tried and acquitted in the 1892 murders of her father and stepmother." -- Very cheesy, but lots of fun to watch.

3. The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies (2014) "Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness." -- I hadn't gotten around to actually watching the last film in the trilogy. Josh got it for me so I could watch. It wasn't amazing, but a good movie. I loved seeing Elrond and Galadriel be bad asses in the added scene.

4. Teacher of the Year (2014) "Surrounded by the eccentric faculty of Truman High School, Mitch Carter wins the California Teacher of the Year award and immediately receives a tempting offer that may force him to leave his job." -- A pretty depressing comedy. Meant to be funny, but I wasn't laughing.

5. The Boxtrolls (2014) "A young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator. Based on the children's novel 'Here Be Monsters' by Alan Snow."  -- The red hats were the best part of the movie. Arthur enjoyed watching the trolls. He loved their silly looks.

6. World War Z (2013) "United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself." -- Finally watched this one. Yeah not a favorite. The pacing was really weird and there was a ton of exposition. A bit of a snore really. And I loved the book!

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Title: The Age of Innocence

Author: Edith Wharton

Published: 1920

Genre: Classics

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 1001 Books; TBR Reduction; Ebook; Books to Movies; Back to the Classics -- Woman Author

At the heart of the story are three people whose entangled lives are deeply affected by the tyrannical and rigid requirements of high society. Newland Archer, a restrained young attorney, is engaged to the lovely May Welland but falls in love with May's beautiful and unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Despite his fear of a dull marriage to May, Archer goes through with the ceremony — persuaded by his own sense of honor, family, and societal pressures. He continues to see Ellen after the marriage, but his dreams of living a passionate life ultimately cease.

Okay. I get this novel. I get Wharton's criticism of high society. I get the conflict the characters feel. I understand and yet I'm not the biggest fan of this book. Mostly because I can't stand Newland Archer. I get May and the Countess. I understand their behavior, but Newland was just way too selfish for my tastes.

Movie:

I loved the movie adaptation. The actors were cast perfectly, especially Daniel Day-Lewis. Swoon! He even made Archer a more likable character. And Michelle Pfeiffer shined as Countess Olenska. Plus, the movie just looked amazing! I loved the sets and even more, the costumes! Those dresses were intricate and absolutely gorgeous. Perfect adaptation of a historical novel.  Definitely a keeper in terms of a book-to-movie.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 2012

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy

Pages: 592

Rating: 4/5 stars  Movie: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: NPR Teen; TBR Reduction; Ebook; A to Z - I; Books to Movies; Seriously Series

As war surges in the factions of dystopian Chicago all around her, Tris attempts to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked Divergent. The constant "who's lying to whom" got a bit annoying after awhile. Just once I want a novel where everyone is completely honest. Other than that annoyance at the entire genre as a whole, I did like the book. I loved seeing Tris grow and realize her true potential. The twists and turns in regards to character's allegiances were a lot of fun. And we get to see the end of Jeanine Matthews and the big revelation at the end. Second books in trilogies are often not as good, but this one was good enough to make me want to read Allegiant immediately.

Movie:

The movie definitely changed things from the book.  I don't think the entire plotline about only a Divergent being able to open the box was necessary to the larger storyline. But whatever, I'm sure the movie makers felt that without it audiences wouldn't understand why Jeanine wanted Divergents. I also have some slight issues with how Caleb was portrayed. I saw him as more of a traitor in the books than the movie. The movie makes him almost a tragic figure. I didn't think it played as well. I also didn't like the killing of Jeanine in the movie. They completely cut Tori out of the sequence. Just didn't sit right with me. Based off of my love of the book, I gave the movie lower stars.

Divergent:

• #0.1 The Transfer
• #0.2 The Initiate
• #0.3 The Son
• #0.4 The Traitor
• #1 Divergent
• #1.5 Free Four
• #2 Insurgent
• #3 Allegiant

NMJ #25: John Wick

Title: John Wick

Year Released/Rating: 2014 R

Starring: Keanu Reeves; Michael Nyqvist; Alfie Allen

Directed By: Chad Stahelski; David Leitch

Written By: Derek Kolstad

Genre: Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia:

• According to Keanu Reeves, he did 90% of his own stunts in the film.
• The security guard who waves Wick onto the airport runway is reading "Shibumi" by Trevanian, a 1970s thriller, also about a retired master assassin dragged back into the game. The story Viggo tells about how Wick killed three men "with a pencil" might also be a reference to Shibumi, whose hero kills with everyday objects.
• Keanu's fifth time playing a role named John.
• The tattoo on John Wick' s back translates to "Fortune helps him who is strong."

Summary: An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

Review:

 This has been on my radar for awhile now... so glad we downloaded it. What a great action revenge flick. The action sequences were amazing: choreographed perfectly, shot great. No shaky cam here. John Wick was a great character. Loved him! And all the supporting players were fun especially Perkins. Definite must see for action fans.

Best Bits: 

• Viggo Tarasov: I heard you struck my son today. Aureilo: Yes, sir, I did. Viggo Tarasov: May I ask why? Aureilo: Well, sir, he stole John Wick's car and, uh, killed his dog. Viggo Tarasov: [pause] Oh.
• Viggo Tarasov: In a bar, I once saw him kill three men... with a pencil.
• Viggo Tarasov: They know you're coming. John Wick: Of course... But it won't matter.
• Francis: Are you here on business, sir? John Wick: Afraid so, Francis. [pause] Why don't you take the night off? Francis: Thank you, sir.

NMJ #22-24: Ascension

Title: Ascension

Year Released/Rating: 2014

Starring: Tricia Helfer; Gil Bellows, Brian Van Holt; Brandon Bell

Directed By: Stephen Williams; Mairzee Almas; Nick Copus; Robert Lierberman; Vincenzo Natali

Written By: Adrian Cruz; Melody Fox; Philip Levens

Genre: Science Fiction

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia: 

• Ryan Robbins and Tricia Helfer appeared in the very first scene of "Battlestar Galactica" as the Armistice Officer and Cylon "Number Six" respectively.
• Major character is named "James Toback" and is frequently called by his full name rather than first name like the other characters; presumably this is the series writers' in-joke homage to writer/director James Toback, whose classic Paramount film THE GAMBLER has been recently remade starring Mark Wahlberg.

Summary: A young woman's murder causes the subjects of a century-long mission to populate a new world to question the true nature of the project as they approach the point of no return.

Review:

Decent little miniseries from Syfy. J and I called most of the twists, but I still enjoyed it. They could have kept the big reveal until the second night, but whatever I was still okay. Viondra was definitely the best character in the series. Love her so much!

NMJ #21: Cavedigger

Title: Cavedigger

Year Released/Rating: 2013

Directed By: Jeffrey Karoff

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Summary: In this OSCAR® NOMINATED documentary short, artist Ra Paulette digs other-worldly, sculptural caves using nothing but hand tools. But, as patrons cut off his projects due to lack of funds or artistic differences, Paulette's frustration mounts. This penetrating portrait examines the cost of Paulette's obsession and tracks him as he rejects commissions for his own 10-year Magnum Opus.

Review:

An interesting little short, but ultimately I was not a fan of the person being documented. Paulette's art cannot be denied. The caves are amazing both in their beauty and technicality. But his attitude toward his friends and wife really bugged me. Really not a fan of him...

NMJ #20: Craigslist Joe

Title: Craigslist Joe

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Directed By: Joseph Garner

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: In a time when America's economy was crumbling and sense of community was in question, one guy left everything behind to see if he could survive solely on the support and goodwill of the 21st century's new town square: Craigslist.

Review:

It started out a bit cheesy and weird. But as the month passed, I became more invested in Joe's connections. I loved seeing all the weird and wonderful people he met through Craigslist. The documentary renewed my faith in the human race. People are willing to help if you just ask. After watching, I had to check out our local Craigslist page. I didn't find anyone to help today, but I'll remind myself to periodically check...

NMJ #19: Mansome

Title: Mansome

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Directed By: Morgan Spurlock

Written By: Jeremy Chilnick, Morgan Spurlock

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A documentary that explores the question: In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, and grooming products galore - what does it mean to be a man?

Review:

An interesting little documentary about men and grooming. While the documentary doesn't have any large breakthroughs, it was fun. I enjoyed it. That's about it. Nothing too exciting...

NMJ #16-18: Prohibition

Title: Prohibtion

Year Released/Rating: 2011

Directed By: Ken Burns

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: The story of the American activist struggle against the influence of alcohol, climaxing in the failed early 20th century nationwide era when it was banned.

Review:

For the past three nights, we've been watching this great documentary. One of my goals is to watch all the Ken Burns documentaries. I've watched a fair amount, but never this particular one. I do love me some U.S. History. Even though I have a fair amount of knowledge about the time before, during, and after Prohibition, I learned a lot watching the documentary. Very enjoyable few nights of TV viewing.

NMJ #15: We're the Millers

Title: We're the Millers

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts

Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Written By: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders, John Morris

Genre: Comedy

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia:

• The cast played a prank on Jennifer Aniston by playing the Friends (1994) theme song ("I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts) instead of TLC's "Waterfalls" during a take. This was the last clip used in the bloopers.
• Make-up artists made a prosthetic replica of Will Poulter's genitalia for the tarantula bite.
• It can be assumed that David named his family the Millers after his apartment complex, 200 Miller Street Apartments, located on N. Miller Street.

Summary: A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Review:

Just one of those movies we've had on the server for awhile. Not good, not bad, just a middle of the road comedy. I'll admit that there were a few scenes that I laughed out loud. But most of the movie was so-so. And the feel-good message was a bit forced in parts.

Best Bits: 

• Rose O'Reilly: You're making $500,000 and giving me only $30,000? Casey Mathis: $30,000? I'm only getting $1,000! Kenny Rossmore: You guys are getting paid?
• Scottie P.: You know what I'm sayin? David Clark: Well, I'm awake and I speak English, so yeah, I know what you're saying.
• Todd - Strip Club Owner: Hey, Rose, I know you're [air-quotes] "technically" on break, but I need a lap dance. Table five. Just don't get too close. The guy has two hook-hands. Rose O'Reilly: [sighs] How did we let that guy back in here? Todd - Strip Club Owner: I don't know. He must've picked the locks. [Chuckles]
• Rose O'Reilly: You're not a neighbor. You're a drug dealer. Whose apartment smells like cheese and feet. David Clark: Mm. Yeah, it's a candle I got from Anthropologie. 'Cheesy Feet' is what they call it. It's a best-seller.

NMJ #14: The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug

Title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Year Released/Rating: 2013 PG-13

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Written By: J.R.R. Tolkien, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Fantasy, Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia:

• The insult Thorin screams in Dwarvish at Thranduil in Khuzdul basically translates as "I dump my feces on your head."
• The only time Legolas blinks is when he realizes he has been wounded. This is in keeping with the character, as the only time Legolas blinks in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is when he is strongly surprised.
• Orlando Bloom is two years older than Lee Pace who plays his father, King Thranduil.
• Thranduil's sudden scars reflect a little-emphasized facet of J.R.R. Tolkien's lore: elves' "Fëa" (a metaphysical concept analogous translatable as "soul") occasionally influences the "Hröa" (the fleshly, physical body), particularly under moments of extreme stress. This can manifest as extreme physical changes that reflect the mind's state, in this case deep war scars.
• Bilbo steals the keys to the prison from an Elf addressed as Elros. Elros is also the name of Elrond's brother. The two brothers had both human and Elvish ancestry on both their mother's and father's side, and as such were perfectly half-Elf and half-Man. While Elrond chose to be an immortal Elf, Elros chose to become a mortal man. He thus became the progenitor of the Numenorian race, and an ancestor of Aragorn.
• A pair of Megaloceros giganteus (Irish elk) antlers flanks the Elf king's throne.
• This film is features the first occurrence of seeing the character Legolas bleed on screen.

Summary:

 The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.

Review:

Yes I realize that I am super behind in watching this one. I finally got around to it. And boy was it good. I really love the interaction between Bilbo and Smaug. The last 30 minutes is really the best part of the film. I can't wait to see how it ends.

Best Bits: 

• Legolas: [Looking at two pictures in a locket that he has confiscated from Gloin. The picture on the left has a long thick beard] Who is this? Your brother? Gloin: That is my wife! Legolas: [Looking at the infant in the other picture] And who is this horrid creature? A goblin mutant? Gloin: That is my wee lad, Gimli!
• Kili: Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers. Tauriel: Or nothing.
• [Smaug is smothered with a deluge of molten gold]mSmaug: [rises up] Revenge? REVENGE? I will show you revenge! [takes flight towards Lake Town] I am fire! I am... death!
• [observes a carving of the Arkenstone] Bilbo Baggins: What's that? Balin: That is the Arkenstone. Bilbo Baggins: And what is it? Thorin Oakenshield: That, Master Burglar, is why you are here.

NMJ #12-13: Cat 8

Title: Cat 8

Year Released/Rating: 2013

Starring: Matthew Modine, Maxim Roy, Ted Whittall

Directed By: Kevin Fair

Written By: Donald Martin

Genre: Action

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A research program abandoned by the best solar physicist when the Pentagon wanted to put it to military use has been resumed by his former deputy. Her incompetence and the Defense secretary's haste cause it to be tested too soon, stirring unprecedented solar flares, ultimately a plasma causing disasters on all continents. Only the genius can think of a way out, only to be victimized by the secretary, who needs to cover up. Even when it turns out the earth's core has stopped spinning, spelling an unimaginable seismic apocalypse, the genius must still evade special forces to stay free and save the world again.

Review:

Interesting idea, but not great tv movie at all.  But I do love my disaster porn. So I guess it was a good two afternoons watching...

NMJ #11: I, Frankenstein

Title: I, Frankenstein

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG-13

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

Directed By: Stuart Beattie

Written By: Stuart Beattie, Kevin Grevioux

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Star Rating:  2/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

• This film acknowledges Frankenstein's Monster as "Adam" making it one of the very few screen adaptations to call him this name.
• There are three instances of "Adam" in the novel, all by the creation, all in third-party reference: "Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel..." (Chapter 10) "Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence..." (Chapter 15) "I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine?" (Chapter 15)

Summary: Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Review: 

This popped up on Netflix. I thought it might be fun to watch while sorting craft supplies. I was wrong. This was bad. Confusing plot, cardboard characters, and ridiculous action. Even Bill Nighy couldn't save this one...

Best Bits: 

• Adam: I am like no other.

NMJ #10: Knights of Badassdom

Title: Knights of Badassdom

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage

Directed By: Joe Lynch

Written By: Kevin Dreyfuss, Matt Wall

Genre: Horror, comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

• The main cast went through Live Action Role Playing sessions before filming and Peter Dinklage was declared the most successful out of everyone.
• Disowned by director Joe Lynch after the film was delayed and re-edited by IndieVest.
• "The Battle of Evermore" is also the name of a popular Led Zepplin song.

Summary: Live-action role players conjure up a demon from Hell by mistake and they must deal with the consequences.

Review:

On my to watch list since it came out, but I never seemed to get around to it. The first half of the movie is a silly comedy. And then it changes to a serious horror film. The change is a bit abrupt, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter Dinklage makes this movie better than mediocre. Plus the effects are surprisingly decent.

Best Bits: 

• Eric: And Guinevere the fearless, who's plus-three ass of perfection should keep the memory of she who should not be mentioned at bay. Gwen: Plus-three? Clearly you underestimate my endowments.
• Ronnie Kwok: [in distress] You just summoned a succubus from Hell! Eric: [pauses] Sorry.

NMJ #9: Half the Sky

Title: Half the Sky (Part 1)

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Starring: Nicholas Kristof

Directed By: Marco Chermayeff

Written By: Michelle Ferrari

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: HALF THE SKY is a passionate call-to-arms, urging us not only to bear witness to the plight of the world's women, but to help to transform their oppression into opportunity. Our future is in the hands of women everywhere.

Review: 

Very emotional look at the issues women face around the globe. I was conflicted as to the style of the documentary. Having the celebrities as connections for the audience felt very forced to me. I just couldn't get behind that part. The stories from actual survivors were harrowing and yet inspiring. I couldn't look away from those... Very moving.

NMJ #8: Guardians of the Galaxy

Title: Guardians of the Galaxy

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG-13

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper

Directed By: James Gunn

Written By: James Gunn. Nicole Perlman

Genre: Scifi Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Amazon rental

Trivia:

• When Dave Bautista found out he got the role of Drax the Destroyer, he broke down in tears, overjoyed at getting a Marvel comic-book role. He immediately signed up for extra acting classes in order to prepare for the role
• Zoe Saldana nearly broke Chris Pratt's ribs while filming a fight sequence. During training, Pratt and Saldana would wear protective gear so that they could actually hit each other. However, when the day came to film the actual scene, Pratt forgot to wear his protective gear and did not tell Saldana because he thought she would hold back if she knew. Saldana (under the impression that he was wearing the gear like he usually did) kicked him square in the ribs, which made Pratt fall to the ground. According to him, he had a bruise for the remainder of filming.
• According to James Gunn, Star-Lord's obscene gesture was an improvisation by Chris Pratt.
• Benicio Del Toro's uncredited cameo as The Collector in "Thor: The Dark World (2013)" was written to set the stage for the film. Benicio Del Toro described the Collector as "Liberace in outer space."
• Stan Lee's cameo was originally going to feature him as one of the Collector's boxed trophies, giving Groot the middle finger. Disney executives didn't like this and had James Gunn change it to Stan Lee being an alien Casanova.
• Josh Brolin is uncredited and in fact was the last person cast. He was offered the role while filming Everest (2015). He based the characterization of Thanos primarily on Marlon Brando's role of Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979).
• James Gunn's brother Sean Gunn was an acting double for Rocket Raccoon during filming.
• The Collector's residence is riddled with various species: a Chitari and Dark Elf (from previous Marvel space films) can be seen, a cocoon holding Adam Warlock, a cosmic being who became a member of the Guardians (the cocoon is seen empty in the post-credits scene), a dog in an astronaut in a CCCP's uniform (former USSR) who snarls at Rocket. This is Cosmo, a Russian dog who became a member of the Guardians (and is constantly on bad terms with Rocket), Howard the Duck makes an appearance in a case, and slime creatures from James Gunn's previous film Slither (2006).

Summary: A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.

Review:

Finally! Mom, the twins, and I finally sat down and watched this. I'm so glad I finally saw it. This was a great movie. Full of action, comedy, and great characters. I loved the subtle references to the other Marvel movies and characters. But the references weren't essential to understanding the film. Thank goodness! Starlord was amazing, but my favorite character by far was Rocket. My favorite scene was when he was drunk at the bar. That scene showed so much vulnerability and humanity from a CGI character. So great. I can't wait to see the second one.

Best Bits: 

• Groot: I am Groot. Peter Quill: Well that's just as fascinating as the first 89 times. What is wrong with Giving Tree here? Rocket Raccoon: Well he don't know talkin' good like me and you, so his vocabulistics is limited to "I" and "am" and "Groot," exclusively in that order. Peter Quill: Well I tell you what, that's gonna wear real thin, real fast, bud.
• Korath the Pursuer: Star-Lord! Peter Quill: Finally!
• Drax the Destroyer: I can barely see. [Groot releases glowing spores from his body to light up the way ahead] Drax the Destroyer: Where did you learn to do that? Peter Quill: I'm pretty sure the answer is: "I am Groot".
• Rocket Raccoon: [about Drax] Metaphors go over his head. Drax the Destroyer: NOTHING goes over my head!... My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it.
• Rocket Raccoon: That's for if things get really hardcore. Or if you wanna blow up moons. Gamora: No one's blowing up moons.Rocket Raccoon: You just wanna suck the joy out of everything.
• Gamora: And Quill... Your ship is filthy. Peter Quill: She has no idea. If I had a blacklight, this place would look like a Jackson Pollock painting
• [Quill has just retrieved the prosthetic leg Rocket asked for in order to break out of prison] Rocket Raccoon: You actually got it? I was just kidding about the leg, I just thought it'd be funny!