Beauty and the Beast 2017: A Movie Review

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairytale. Of all the stories I read, this one appeared to be as close to a real representation of love as a fairytale could be. Two outcasts, trapped in worlds that don't accept who they are, find comfort and solace in eachother through the relationship they build over time. 

As a live action adaption of the 1991 beloved animated classic, the story, music and casting did this movie justice. 

There were a few complaints that I heard of before I saw the film: 

Emma Watson's singing

The animation of the Beast

Belle's ballgown etc.

Emma Watson didn't have a strong singing voice, but I liked how pure it sounded. The animation of the Beast could have been better, but I didn't mind. As for the ballgown, I loved that when Belle twirled, it looked like a rose blooming. 

(Fun fact: Emma Watson requested a light and airy dress that was easy to move in. This emphasized the importance of freedom to Belle's story.) 

I guess if I were to complain about one thing, it would be the fact that Belle didn't walk "with her nose stuck in a book" during the village scene.

For me, the film was more than I could ever ask for in a remake. 

We witness the history of the characters, and we learn and grow with them. The songs that were added to the film give it an extra dimension that builds the world of the story. 

We learn why the Beast was so beastly in the first place, and we see what Gaston hides behind his vain mask.   

One of my favorite additions to the story was the fact that Belle (Beauty) asks her father for a rose as a keepsake from his journey. This is true to the original fairy tale and also influences Beauty to take her father's place. 

 All the original songs are there, including the best version of "Gaston" I have ever seen. But the addition of the Beast's ballad, "Evermore" will break your heart if you have one. The melody "Home" from the broadway musical is also used in a few important moments and an element of travel was woven throughout the imagery and the theme of the narrative. 

Without giving away spoilers, I give this film five out of five enchanted roses. 

Nothing will ever replace the original, but I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful tribute to a tale as old as time. 

Kubo and the Two Strings

This movie was beautiful in all aspects of the word. From the art to the story to the soundtrack, Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic tale with a heartfelt theme for all ages and generations. 

Kubo is a storyteller with one eye who knows very little of his father and the events that led to his birth. 

His mother tells him stories, but she also gives him rules: don't stay out past sundown, and always take the monkey charm with you. 

Kubo entertains the crowd at the local village with exciting and entertaining stories of Hanzo the samurai and his battle against the Moon King, but his stories never end. Each day the crowd listens to the tales eagerly as Kubo's magic origami figures perform. 

Longing to know more of his father, Kubo seeks answers. One night, in an attempt to speak with his father, he stays out past sundown. 

This one act sends Kubo on a quest of his own: his own story, to protect himself from the Moon King. 

With Monkey, Beetle and his own origami companions, Kubo writes his own story, and he learns about what truly matters.

I recommend this film to anyone and everyone, especially fans of The Little Prince. 

I give it five out of five origami birds.  

The Little Prince: A Movie review

I first read The Little Prince while I worked in the bookstore, and I fell in love with it immediately. 

The story is a beautiful allegory for life, and an imaginative, philosophical fable for children. The film could have been the entire book, but they created another story, to better relate to the audience of today. A little girl and her mother move to a new neighborhood, and they have a life plan for the little girl's life, down to the minute. Things go awry when a paper airplane flies through the little girl's window from their creative and disorganized neighbor. The little girl picks up the paper airplane, unfolds it, and reads the story of The Little Prince. From there, she begins to wonder, learn and grow beyond the tight schedule that she believes she must follow. 

As she learns the tale of the Little Prince, she discovers a new perspective that values beauty, wonder and imagination. 

The Little Prince's story is a symbolic and classic tale with many wonderful observations about life, how we live it, and what truly matters. If you haven't read the book, please do. There is a reason the book is a classic, and no matter what age you read it, the story has something for everyone. 

The animation of this film is gorgeous, and even more amazing is the fact it is stop motion animation! 

The story of the film does the original tale justice. The wonderful lessons that the aviator teaches the little girl are so important to learn at any age. 

Five stars. 

Love and Friendship: A Movie Review

Jane Austen's wit and charm return to the big screen in the new feature Love and Friendship. This film was based on the novella Lady Susan by Jane Austen herself, and it it one of her later and not as well known projects. 

The title itself is decieving as you quickly discover when the story begins. Lady Susan is not what she appears to be. She has many faces and mannerisms that she believes are necessary to secure a comfortable and stable life. Despite her relations' opinions of her, Lady Susan continues to plot and she is quite determined to secure a husband for herself and her daughter Frederica. Her first focus is on the brother of her sister in law, Reginald DeCourcy. DeCourcy already knows of Lady Susan's reputation, but he falls despite himself. Meanwhile, Frederica, whom Lady Susan is determined to marry off to a lord she doesn't care for named Sir James Martin, begins to find a new sense of freedom among the company of Reginald DeCourcy and her aunt and uncle. While Lady Susan continues to pull the strings of the young men, Frederica begins to explore her talents as a singer, and her possibilities for the future. 

Will Frederica find what she is looking for, or will Lady Susan dominate the fortunes of all the cast in her wicked play? 

This film was a delight. It's only downfall was the introductions of the characters. They were extremely blunt, without dialogue scenes or audience perception. 

Here are some examples: 

Sir James Martin was the most comical character in the film. 

Reginald DeCourcy was the most intellectual and charming. 

Frederica was actually my favorite character, and the one I rooted for the entire film. 

All in all, I give the film four out of five cups of tea. 

The introductions were short, but a few were comical. The story itself was clever and the main characters were very interesting. 

Kung Fu Panda 3: A Movie Review (Spoilers)

I love the Kung Fu Panda movies because they combine life lessons with light hearted fun. The character of Po is easily relatable because he was the underdog who rose above his circumstances and conquered. In the first film, he learns that being unique is a good thing. In the second film, he learns to let go of the past. So where is he now on his personal journey? Now, Shifu believes that he has achieved the title of Master, and he has the ability to teach Kung Fu. 

But PO still remains out of balance, and unsure of why he would be chosen. He is in for a shock when his real father, a panda arrives and invites him to discover what it is to be a panda. But a new enemy arrives with him, Kai- a cruel Villian who takes the life force of Kung Fu masters for his own personal gain. Po faces a serious challenge when he discovers that the previous methods he used on his enemies do not work on Kai, and he may need more help. 

The story of the film was very interesting. Po begins to judge himself in a way he never has before, just because he is a panda. This judgement gets in the way of his teaching, as he tries to be just like Shifu. But one of the most important lessons that Po learns is that he is not Shifu, and only he can define who he is. In order to teach others, you must inspire them to be who they are. 

Po finally answers his question in an epic way, and he gains balance within himself. 

The overall lesson of this film is inspirational, and I think it is an important occurance in anyone's life at any age. We tend to define ourselves by the way people see us, or how we believe they see us, but the reality of who we are is more complex than just one definition. 

Spoiler Alert: When Kai asks Po who he is, this is his response: 

It's a very powerful statement that we can be more than one perception because who we are is bigger than a simple idea or a specific label. Change is a constant in life, and our way of adapting to change will effect the elements of ourselves. We are combinations of the past, present and who we wish to be in the future. 

I give Kung Fu Panda a solid five out five bowls of noodles. 

A great lesson, and an inspirational story. 

Alice Through the Looking Glass: A Movie Review

The last time we saw Alice, she declared her independence and turned down a very prestigious lord for marriage. When we return to her world, she is returning home from an adventurous voyage near China. Things have changed since she went away, and she is forced to choose a life of adventure or a life of stability. During all this, she runs into Absoleum who brings her back to Underland where the Hatter needs her help. 

Time itself is against her as she tries to make the Hatter better, but it is Time that she must confront in order to make him well again. 

Convinced that his family is alive, the Hatter is fading with the memory of his past woes and mistakes. He wishes to see his family again because of the way that he left them: with bitterness and anger. 

Alice is determined to help her friend, but she is also bitter about her own situation. She doesn't want to leave her ship and her father's memory behind. 

She visits the master of Time at his castle where he tells her that she can't change the past, but she can learn from it. Alice doesn't listen, and she becomes determined to set things the way she believes they are supposed to be. But it all continues to follow the same pattern that it has previously. Alice cannot change the moment the Red Queen decided to be the Red Queen, or the moment that the Hatter's family was attacked by the Red Queen. She also can't change the fact that Hamish is determined to have her sign over the deed to the ship that was her father's pride and joy. 

So what does Alice do? Well, that's the important element of the story. 

I enjoyed this film as much as I enjoyed the first Alice in Wonderland. It also has important messages that I needed to hear at this moment in my life. 

"You can't change the past, but you can learn from it." - Time

" Every day is a gift, every hour and every second." -Alice

Alice can control her reaction to her circumstances, and she can appreciate all the time she has spent with her friends, new and old. 

Her decision at the end of the movie is an important one, and a lesson that very few learn. The past is past, but what matters is what you are able to do now. 

I give this movie five out of five pocket watches.

The soundtrack is also wonderful, and Pink's song at the end wraps it up nicely. 

Captain America: Civil War: A Movie Review (Spoilers Ahead!)

First of all: Wow! This is the kind of writing that I enjoy- full character exploration with very real emotions involved. A conflict that relates to a flaw in humanity and some interesting consequences. 

So, you're probably wondering, which team am I on? Team Cap or Team Iron Man? 

Well I'm Cap all the way, but it is obvious that Steve Rodgers made some rash decisions. Now Tony Stark made rash decisions too. Both are at fault here, and Vision explains that, but they both have their reasons that we all think: what would I do in that situation. 

First: let's talk about the title: Ciivl War. A war fought from within and allies turning to enemies. This is what happens to the Avengers. The Vision explains that they are headed for catastrophe, but neither Steve or Tony head his warning. Both believe they are doing the right thing- and that kind of perspective leads to arrogance, vengence and ultimately loss. 

What's interesting is that both Steve and Tony make their decision with the same emotion. Grief. 

Tony grieves his parents, and Steve grieves for Peggy and Bucky. Their argument begins as a decision over right and wrong about the number of casualities they cause, but it turns into a deeper conflict about processing loss, and allowing that grief to determine their decision. 

Why do they do this? Their human. They aren't perfect, but because they are super hero's, everyone expects them to be. 

Now, let's look at both sides of the argument. 

Tony believes that the government should control the Avengers to some degree, because they have made mistakes before, and they have caused innocents to suffer because of it. 

Steve believes that the Avengers should have the freedom to decide what to do and how to solve external conflicts. 

Both of them choose this out of grief. Tony thinks of the boy whose mother reminds him was killed in one of the Avengers' missions. Steve thinks of Bucky who had no choice in his thoughts and actions when he became an experiment with Hydra. These storylines make the line even more grey as to whose right, whose wrong and if there is a right or wrong way to determine how battles should be fought. 

Vision observes this, and he tells Wanda that because they think they are right- they are dangerous. 

Watching the battle unfold, as the heroes choose their sides is a deeply emotional conflict that makes the film even more powerful to the audience. 

Thestory of the movie was well done, and I believe it brought up a few questions we can ask ourselves in our daily lives. Questions about loss, grief, friendship and war. 

Even with a serious storyline, the film did a wonderful job balancing humor with the chaos. 

Spider Man took the cake! And Antman was charming. Some of the inside jokes between the characters were wonderful as well. 

I also loved the relationship development between Scarlett Witch and Vision. 

Panther was amazing! I loved his confrontation with the real Villian in the film, and his wise choice relating to vengence. 

I give this film five out of five orange slices ^_^ 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: a spoiler free review

Okay, I'm going to do my best not to post spoilers, but I will say this is probably the best Star Wars movie I have seen! 

I guess Rey and Finnn made the movie for me, and I enjoyed their introduction to the characters we all know and love from previous films. 

I went to the film with a great audience, and we all cheered once we saw a familiar face. 

In terms of script, this movie was written so well. I haven't seen this kind of writing from Hollywood in a long time, and I believe it did justice to the orginal three. (Episodes VI, V and VI) 

The foreshadowing, the dialogue. It felt like we had returned to the world of a galaxy far far away. 

It was wonderful to see Star Wars on the big screen again, and I love the new characters, they're fun, relatable and I'm excited to see their legacies unfold. 

BB8 was also adorable! 

Okay, in terms of the older character's stories, I thought they were written very well. The antagonist had a little background story, but I'm sure we will learn the reason behind their choices in the next films. I feel like the writers wanted to keep up the suspense until they dropped the twist, that I found to be believable. 

In terms of another big secret that is later revealed, I have all kinds of theories, and I'm curious how that character will confront their long built fear. Fear is the path to the dark side after all. 

In terms of character, I loved Rey, Finn and Poe. They were a great addition to the story, as the consequences of the previous generation fall on their shoulders. In terms of feminine roles, Rey's role was amazing! And I loved Finn's origin story. It's so exciting to see a character come to life and relate to the audience so easily, and I imagine that was not an easy process for the story department. 

All in all, the force was strong with this film, and I can't wait to see what will happen next! 

Five out of five blue lightsabers! 

Yobi the Five Tailed Fox: Movie Review ( Spoiler Free)

I came across this film when I was doing research on Korean Folklore for my screenplay. 

It's available on Netflix, and it's the first Korean animated movie that I've seen. 

Story: Thousands of years ago, nine tailed foxes roamed the moutains, but they were driven out by humans. Yobi is the only one of her kind, and when aliens crash on the mountain where she lives, she takes them in, and they become a family. One day, one of the aliens is found by a human girl, and she takes him to her school. In order to get her friend back, Yobi poses as a human and goes to the school that the girl goes to. While trying to find a way to get her alien friend back, Yobi meets Geum-ee, a young boy who wants to be a comedian. As Yobi gets to know the humans at the school, and becomes more interested in Geum-ee a Gumiho hunter appears, and she is put in danger. Yobi learns that to spend time with humans, she must become one herself, but the price might be too high for her to pay. 

This movie was very interesting. The spirits, history and the world of the film gave it the same mysterious atmosphere of Spirited Away. 

Yobi is a curious, fun loving character, and she also has a good heart. As she sdapts to humans, she changes her values and morals. 

Some of the spirits were really strange, but they seemed to be part of the world of the film, and each brought their own element to Yobi's story. 

For some characters, there is little to no history about them. The shadow detective, the fox hunter and Yobi's spirit friend are never really explained. 

Still, the movie was very interesting and it dove into some philosophical topics. 

I would recommend this film to fans of Miyazaki, Korean Folkore and animation. 

Four out of five dreamcatchers. 

The Scorch Trials: A Movie Review (Slight Spoilers)

As a reader of all three books in this series, I must start with, the movie was different from the book. 

As all movies must adapt to different forms of story telling, some events in The Scorch Trials were crucial, and they were addressed with completely different scenes. 

Now, with that out of the way, the actors did a phenomenal job with their roles as Thomas, Newt, Teresa, Minho, Jorge, Aris and Brenda. 

The story was very different in terms of how they described the Flare and how little information they revealed about the Cranks and The Right Arm. 

As a film, The Scorch Trials transitioned from action scene to action scene and it raised the stakes very quickly for the audience. But many of the scenes were not necessary in terms of the overall series and what little they revealed to the audience. 

In the book, Thomas and company are split up among the groups A and B with a new character named Aris leading group B. The Scorch is another trial for the kids to go through, proving their worth to WICKED for the hope of humanity. 

In the film, the kids escape through the Scorch from WICKED's clutches, but they still endure the same events to an extent that the trial demanded of them in the book. 

The film's goal seems to have been leaving the audience in suspense and waiting for Thomas to call the shots as the story moved along. The film didn't explain The Flare virus at all. It was shown, but not in a way that the audience could grasp the way it worked. Also, Aris's character was completely different in the film than the book. His role in Thomas's trial was lessened and most of the plot development for that part of the story fell to Teresa. 

With one more film left in the series, I wonder how they will explain the virus, and if they will follow through with the book's story in terms of the overall actions that Thomas, Newt, Minho and Teresa will perform. 

The film ended on a very different cliffhanger, completely unexpected by both the book's fans and the movie goers. 

This approach to the story may still work, but they will need to explain the Flare virus in more detail in the last film, so the audience can understand the motivation, not morals behind WICKED and why Thomas is so important. 

As a film, on its own, out of the book series, I would rate this movie four out of five tattoos. 

It was entertaining and kept the audience on its toes. 

As an accurate representation of the book I would give it three of of five tattoos because some crucial information was glossed over, and characters' roles were changed and cut during important events in the story. 

I'm hoping that the Death Cure will describe the Flare and why WICKED has been torturing these kids to find a cure. Thomas's role should also be explained, and the story's events will have to be addressed. 

Descendants: A Disney Channel Original Movie Review

Okay. I'll admit that when I first saw the pictures for the film, I was not so sure about it. I was already invested in Once Upon A Time, Ever After High, and following the University Ever After web series. All are good by the way. 

Descendants has a few similarities to Ever After High. But fairytales have been around for generations. 

Mal is Malificent's daughter, and the narrator of the story. She has a big name to live up to, and she's constantly putting pressure on herself to live up to her mother's name. She starts out living under her mother's shadow, along with Evie, the Evil Queen's daughter, Carlos, Cruella DeVil's son and Jay, Jafar's son. As the villians pressure their kids to be like them, the kids show off their own hobbies, but none of them are thrilled when they have to live among the goody goodies of the world. 

Ben, Beauty and the Beast's son invites the kids to have a second chance, and to write their own stories. But the kids see this as an opportunity to make their parents proud. 

Malificent is, of course, the mastermind and her plan is for the kids to steal the magic and break the barrier between the island and the kingdoms. 

Mal takes it upon herself to be the leader of the operation, and they get the welcome to the school that they expect. No one wants to be with the Villians' offspring. 

The only person who treats them like people at first is Ben. He really believes that they will try their best to be good students and decide what they want to do in their own lives, without the bad influence of their parents. As time passes, Mal is torn between knowing good from bad, and the call of her heart versus the call of her head. 

This movie was several things: 

1. Disney having fun with Disney- It had a similar atmosphere as Enchanted, with a High School twist. 

2. A character study- what are Mal and company really like? Who will they choose to be?

3. A commentary on the power of choosing who you are.

4. A fun musical: If Only and Did I Mention are my favorites :)

If Only (Spoilers) 

Did I mention (Spoilers) 

I enjoyed this movie. Especially for what it was, and I hope that I can help write the sequel. It would be fun to explore what happens next, as the second generation decides who they want to be. 

I give it five out of five chocolate chip cookies. :)

Inside Out: A Movie Reveiw

Last night I saw an imaginative, honest film about the world of emotions, Inside Out. 

It will be difficult to review this title without using spoilers, but I will try. 

Riley is an eleven year old girl: bright, goofy and caring. She has five emotions who take care of her: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Each emotion cares for Riley in their own way by activating the consul in her mind, but Joy has been there from the beginning. Joy is in charge, and most of Riley's memories involve Joy, including the very first memory Riley had when she was born. Then there's Sadness. Sadness is not very happy, and Joy likes happy. Whenever Sadness creeps in, Joy tries to push her out. But Sadness is an emotion, and she has a purpose, just like Fear, Disgust, Anger and Joy. In Riley's head, her emotions tie to specific memories, which create thoughts, ideas and actions. But Joy barely allows Sadness to affect Riley, and the problem begins when Sadness tries to run the show. 

Since Riley turned eleven, Joy has been in control of her core memories, the memories that make Riley who she is. Each core memory creates an island of Riley's complex personality and helps Riley live from day to day, solving problems and creating actions. 

Sadness tries to touch a core memory, and Joy panics. 

That emotion surrounds the core memory, and Riley begins to cry. As Joy and Sadness try to control the core memories, Riley embarrasses herself on her first day of school. 

Joy and Sadness get sucked in the memory tube, and they are thrown into a pile of memories, all organized in the long term part of Riley's brain. 

Without Joy or Sadness, Riley's emotions go out of balance and chaos ensues. As Joy and Sadness try to return to the headquarters, where the emotions live, they must learn to work together and find a way to keep Riley healthy and happy. 

But the longer Joy and Sadness are away from the consul, the weirder Riley begins to act, and the more strange her actions become. After all, the only emotions at the consul are Disgust, Fear and Anger. 

This movie was amazing. From the way emotions are portrayed to work, and the fact that Riley's head is not the only head we enter. We see glimpses of the way her mother and father organize their emotions, and we learn that each consul is different, with a different emotion in charge. These emotions are a team who work together, and each functions in a way that keeps Riley happy. As the movie takes us through Riley's head, from imagination land to the subconscious, we see Riley learn to cope with moving to a new school, and trying to stay happy for her parents. But sometimes you need to express emotions that are neglected in order to move on. 

I give this movie five out of five imaginary friends. It's a story within a story about learning, growing and adapting to change. 

 

Jurassic World: A Movie Review (Slight Spoilers)

I'll be honest, it's been a long time since I've seen Jurassic Park, but I do have the book, and I'm currently reading it. 

Jurassic World had some elements of the original film for everyone to appreciate: the iconic door opening scene, the great music score and the dinosaur chasing scenes. There was even a character played by Jake Johnson who wore Jurassic Park merchandise and one area reminiscent of the first film. 

The story was interesting, considering the themes of family, work and humility. 

The special effects were amazing and there were definitely some hair-raising moments. 

Chris Pratt's character Owen was awesome, and he really knew how to be the leader of a raptor pack. I was also impressed with Bryce Dallas Howard's character Claire. She comes up with an awesome solution to the problem and she does it all in high heels! I was especially charmed by the two boys Zach and Gray played by Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins. Their teamwork and talent got them through the scarest walk in the woods 65 million years ago. 

There were a few plot holes that involved major points in the story. The kids say they want to stay with Owen, but they say this after witnessing Claire saving him, and they haven't seen Owen do anything yet. Maybe a scene was deleted? 

We don't really know the bad guy's plan, and there appear to be two bad guys. We only see one bad guy about 3 times in the film, and it is never really revealed what he created or why. The other bad guy appears pretty crazy from the begining, but his motive is never revealed either. 

Spoiler alert: Everything was pretty cool, except the way they handled the big bad monster. My argument is it was too smart to be made just from animals. We don't really find out all the animals that it was created from, and the moment that opportunity arrives is cut short by a gruesome scene. My theory is that it was definitely made with some human or ape  DNA, because the actions it performed involved dexterity and planning. 

There were some really cool quotes:

"The key to a happy life is to accept you are never actually in control." - Masrani

"It's not about control. It's a relationship based on respect."- Owen 

"Monster is a relative term. To a canary a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat."- Dr. Wu

"Don't worry. It's gonna be just like taking a walk in the woods . . . 65 million years ago." - Owen

"Are they safe?"- Gray

"No. They're not." - Owen

All in all, I give the movie four out of five dinosaur figurines. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron

As most of you know, I'm a huge Marvel fan, and Captain America is my favorite avenger. 

Because this movie came out in Korea before the USA, I will keep the review spoiler free, but there are a few spoilers I will talk about, that will make no sense until you've seen the movie. 

In the first Avengers, these characters were just getting to know each other, and although they were already individual leaders, they had to find a way to work as a team. 

This movie sets up that dynamic really well, and we see each hero playing their part in the action. 

With six major characters, the movie had a decent plot, and we see each character face an inner conflict, and learn a little more about who they are. 

Captain America's inner conflict was heart breaking, while everyone else's focused on fear. 

In terms of the characters and conflict, I thought it was well balanced at the begining, but some conflicts were never addressed later in the film, though it may have been a setup for story in the sequel. 

This movie was more serious than the first Avengers. I didn't mind that too much, because the plot was philosophical and intriguing. We also see a lot of places around the world, and team work is a big theme in the film's story. 

The big bad of this film is someone unexpected, and the way Iron Man handles that bad guy seemed a little too convenient. A lot of the conflict in this film involves Iron Man's ideals for the world, and Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawk Eye and The Hulk have to deal with much of his actions. 

This is natural for his character, but at times, I felt it shifted the balance of the plot. 

Iron Man carried most of the comedy in the film, but his dark moments were so dark that it didn't quite make sense. I felt he had almost lost the character development we saw in the first one, as he makes so many selfish decisions that the others don't agree with. 

Hawk Eye had a wonderful part to play in this film, and some of the best lines of dialogue. He even has a mentor role in one scene that showed how mentally strong and heroic he is. I enjoyed his storyline in the film, and I felt like it was a heart of the story. 

Black Widow was amazing as usual, but we see a softer side of her character in this movie. Her story revolves around moving forward instead of looking back. She has a very confident prescence in the film, and she seems to be more comfortable in her own skin. 

The Hulk was very hestitant in this film. His inner conflict was a constant theme in the story, and it seems he has much more to learn. 

Thor was Thor, and his plot didn't really make a lot of sense, but I believe his story was really a set up for the next film. 

Captain America had the most heroic role, until close to the end, but much of his leadership, wisdom and morality was overshadowed by Iron Man's plot. In terms of the inner conflict, I think he handled his very well, and he ends the movie as a stronger and more confident character. 

Now for the spoilers. 

Many people have said that the romance subplot of the film was unecessary. I didn't mind it, but I will say that it was a little bit of a shock in terms of the back story for three major characters. I do disagree with the fact that people beleived there was no build up. I think there was a little potential for that in the first film, and there are a few moments between the characters that were endearing. 

For one character in particular, people say that this subplot weakens their character.  I disagree. In fact, I think this character is more balanced in terms of heart and mind. They are able to hold their own, and still admit what matters to them. 

Another spoiler, I loved the introduction of the newest Avenger, and how the character weighed in to the main plot. They may even be up there with Captain America as my favorite hero. 

Overall this movie was intense, entertaining and the story telling was very deep. Having so many characters can be difficult in terms of a solid plot, but I thought the themes, conflict and the philosophical elements of the story were well done. 

In my personal opinion, I would have liked to see more of Captain America, but that's just because he's amazing. 

I would give this movie four out of five space gems. 

Jupiter Ascending: A movie review

SciFi is a fun and exciting genre. It can be imaginative, educational and exciting. But good SciFi can be rare and difficult to find. 

Jupiter Ascending was a fun adventure, where you weren't quite sure what was going on, but you were along for the ride. There were a lot of interesting plot points, some crazy chase and action scenes, and some awkward but funny bits of dialogue. 

I enjoyed this movie, because it had a lot of imagination. Parts of the film reminded me of Final Fantasy and the main idea of the story is very relatable, especially to teenage girls who don't like their life. 

It's the fun and crazy YA novel that we would come across in the bookstore, but after reading, we are left with so many questions:

Why were there people after Jupiter's father?

What is the Abraxis family's story?

Why did Cain bite a royal?

How many other planets have humans in danger of harvesting?

Can Jupiter save the other humans, and not just Earth?

Are we getting a sequel?

The world of this story was interesting, and it left much for the audience to wonder. I hope there's a sequel that will clear up the plot's confusion. 

Other than that, it was visually stunning with scenes in space, gorgeous fashion and fancy designs. There were a few intense scenes that terrified me (The hospital scene and the lady on the royal carriage, clearly alive and attached to it by wires and plugs) Some scenes didn't make any sense. (One word: Titus)  And some completely pointless changes in costume (Jupiter's overdressed line was great). But this film showed promise for an interesting world, and an intriguing history. 

I'd say it was about three out of five pairs of space hoover boots.

The Maze Runner: A Movie Review

Last year James Dashner visited the Tattered Cover Bookstore where I worked, and teens were buying his books from us in rushes. After the hype died down, and we were able to get more books in, I finally picked up this book series, and I finished it in three days. It was an epic story and a well written tale that echoed philosophy, archetypal symbolism, and an amazing thriller! 

The movie was a very impressive translation of the book!

The story begins with a boy. His last thoughts of drowning, who wakes in a box, underground, moving toward the surface. This boy doesn't know anything, not even his own name, but he is welcomed by the other boys, and nicknamed Greenie. As his confusing day begins, he panics, unable to remember anything, but he is told it will come back in time. The only thing he knows is the boys live next to the Maze, and they survive through a system where each boy is given a job. The maze is dangerous, and it works like clockwork. The boys organize themselves based on strength, endurance and intelligence. But this boy is different from the others. Where all the others took three days, he learns his name in one. Thomas. 

Thomas is curious, and his bravery, kindness and intelligence helps him survive, and discover the truth behind why he is there, and what he might be meant to do. One thing he is sure of is something else came with him when he arrived, change. As he tests his strength, intelligence and ability to survive, he sets off a series of events that changes the way everyone views the maze, and gives the others hope to discover why they were sent to this place. 

This movie was just as much of a thriller as the book. It had a good balance between the information that the audience needed to know, and the actual progress of events that lead to the truth behind the maze. I recommend it to fans of Dashner's books, The Hunger Games, Ender's Game and anyone who loves an exciting thriller. 

To put it simply, this film was A maze ing ^_^

The Fault In Our Stars: A Movie Review

I picked up a book called The Fault in Our Stars at the beginning of last year, because Ashley Clemments and Daniel Vincent Gordh read an excerpt from it, and they posted the video on The Lizzie Bennet Diaries channel. The scene they read was so powerful, and I knew teens were hyped up about this book, because I worked at a bookstore, and that book was the most requested. 

So I gave it a shot, and my eyes were opened. Life, it's not perfect, but it's beautiful and worth living. Hazel's voice was so intune with my own that I fell for Augustus, and his zest for life. The way he viewed the world, and the way that Hazel criticized it. 

The story was a breath of fresh air in the YA genre. John Green wrote a story about life, it's ups and downs, its blessings and curses. He wrote a story that rang true to the heart. So naturally, I had to see the movie. 

It was a wonderful adaption! Shailene Woodley made a great Hazel. She captured Hazel's bitterness and straightforwardness, and the occasional warmth that Hazel let herself show. Ansel Elgort was perfect for Augustus, from his quirk of the brow to the deep and meaningful statements he makes about life and oblivion. The movie followed the flow of the book, and it stayed true to the major events in the story. My only compliant is that one of my favorite quotes was skipped over, but it wasn't right for the pace of the film. This movie was incredible, and one of the best book to film adaptions I have seen recently. It did the story justice, brought Hazel and Augustus to life and conveyed the crazy mix of ups and downs in life. 

Five out of five stars, and an infinity inbetween! 

How To Train Your Dragon 2: A Review

How to Train Your Dragon is one of the best Dreamworks movies ever to grace the big screen. (Right up there with Megamind and Kung Fu Panda) It started as a book, evolved into a film, and is now a TV show. 

This film returns to Berk five years later, where the world of dragons and humans have coexisted in peace and harmony. But Hiccup has a much bigger challenge to face than dragons. Due to his bravery and perserverance, all of Berk expects him to become the new chief. With this new responsibility on his shoulders, Hiccup begins to wonder who he is, and who he is meant to be. While Hiccup endures this internal conflict, the dragons and humans have one of their own. A dangerous man, by the name of Drago Bludvist is building a dragon army under his control, threatening all who don't join him with destruction and imprisonment. As Hiccup and Toohthless venture further into the world and learn more about dragons, dark secrets await them, and Hiccup's greatest battle will unfold. 

This film was amazing! From the silly moments to the epic battles, How To Train Your Dragon 2 is one hell of a ride! As familar characters grow and change, the film balances serious lessons with fun loving moments. This is a short review, because I don't want to spoil anything. 

I will say that How To Train Your Dragon 2 was on amazing adventure that tugs at your heartstrings. 

I give it five out of five sheilds! 

La Belle et la Bete: A movie review

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale, and though I adore the Disney version, there are few adaptions that honor the orginal story. Before I go into too much detail about the movie, I want to introduce a little history. 

Beauty and the Beast began as a short story wriiten by Madame Gabrielle Suzanne de Villeneuve in a magazine for women in 1740. It was inspired by folklore and mythology. In fact, one of the earliest versions of this fairy tale is the myth Cupid and Psyche. Many cultures all over the world have some derivative of this tale, but Beauty and the Beast is among the most popular and well known stories. 

Villeneuve's story was later adapted into a short story written by Madame Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumount who is better known as the tale's creator and had it abridged and published in a book for children in 1756 . 

Beauty and the Beast has evolved over the years from fairy tale to novel to Television show to film. But in France, the most well known adaption, besides the Disney version, is a black and white film under the name of La Belle et la Bete made in 1946. In fact, this version was the adaption that Disney used as an outline to create the animated classic Beauty and the Beast. 

I recommend watching the 1946 film and reading the original tale before watching the new 2014 film, because you may be confused, and so many people criticize this film based on the Disney version, which is very different from the actual fairytale.

While this movie is true to the original tale, it has it's own mythology and a new story behind why the Beast was cursed, but it echoes some of the genius of Hayao Miazaki's film Howl's Moving Castle, while creating a story of its own.

This film is beautiful. Not only are the special effects like stepping into a painting, the costumes are elaborately detailed, the cinematography is well done, and the acting is wonderful. 

Lea Seydoux is a clever, kind and beautiful Belle, and Vincent Cassel is a mysterious, intriguing and layered Beast. Both stars shine in their roles, and make the characters their own. 

I give it four out of five roses. A beautiful movie, timeless tale and wonderful adaption. 

Saving Mr Banks: A movie review

Before I start this review, and I'm keeping it spoiler free for a reason, I want to explain the perspective that I viewed it in. 

I'm a writer aspiring to be an author. If there is one thing I know about movies and books, once an author sells their story, they can ultimately sell their soul. This was Missis Travers' worry throughout the movie, and I can relate to that feeling. 

Writers create stories, because something in their life drives them to do so. It could be anything, from a memory to a dream.  Sometimes these stories become emotional treasures and authors hold them very dear. Missis Travers was no different when it came to her story Mary Poppins. She had an emotional tie to this story, and she made many choices based on this emotional tie. Walt Disney also had an emotional tie to this story, but it was a different one. The process of making the film was much more than writing a script or rehearsing songs. It was a journey into the hearts of the creators, and the moments that they held dear. Watching Walt Disney and P. L. Travers butt heads over this creation was very entertaining. But at the same time it was charming, and to be completely Disney, magical. This film was a beautiful story behind two stories: the original novel of Mary Poppins and the Disney film. The inspiration behind these two tales is complicated, but in the end, it inspired two creators to view life differently. 

I recommend this film, not only to Disney fans, but to everyone. Anyone inspired by a dream. Anyone with a childhood and anyone who knows that life is more complex than a spoonful of sugar. 

I even recommend this movie to people who hate Disney. Believe me, P. L. Travers was not a Disney fan. This movie is less about Disney and more about the amazing journey to create a story. 

Above all, my favorite quote from the film sums this up nicely: “That’s what story tellers do.  We restore order to imagination.  We bring hope.” -Walt Disney