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. 

Cinderella 2015

This film was just as lovely as I anticipated. It's the original classic revamped with more personality for Cinderella, the prince and even the step mother. 

As a Disney dreamer, I felt that this movie had the spirit of Disney, and it was presented in a classy and nostalgic way. The changes in the story gave it more depth, and the world was enchanting. From the costumes to the landscapes, Cinderella had a renaissance feel with a little modern flair. 

Yes, this is a story told time and again, but it is a story that everyone can relate to. There are times in our lives where we feel like the underdog, underappreciated and treated poorly, but the fairytale of Cinderella shows us that we can rise above the ashes, and be accepted for who we truly are. 

The spirit of the story is a constant theme in novels, video games, TV shows and movies. 

The fairy tale Cinderella is very simple, and it leaves a lot of room for creative writers to answer questions that other generations didn't ask. 

What was the real reason behind the royal ball? Why was the stepmother cruel? What kept Cinderella strong through the years of her cruel stepmother's treatment? 

Disney's revamped version answered these questions, and they added their own element of verisimilitude to the film. 

Five out of five butterflies. 

Bonus: The Frozen Fever short was adorable, and any Frozen lover should see it ^_^

 

 

Marvel's Agent Carter and why you should be watching it

Captain America is my favorite Marvel movie. Not only because the hero was a good person inside and out, but also because the leading lady was a confident, independent and strong woman able to take care of herself. 

So when I saw Peggy Carter in the most recent season of Agents of SHEILD and the trailer for Agent Carter, I was estatic that she would get her chance to shine. 

Peggy Carter is a hero, and a good rolemodel for young girls and women. 

She doesn't take the sexism and belittling comments about her gender, and she uses it as a weapon against her oppressors. Sometimes she does this without her oppressors even realising what she's doing. 

Not only that, she uses her wit, charm and beauty as a shield against it. (Yes I used shield on purpose.)

We already know this from her debut on the silver screen in Captain America, but this series chronicles what happens after Steve Rodger's brave sacrifice to save the world. 

Peggy Carter, once a powerful soldier in the war has been reduced to a secretary dealing with the aftermath. She is also mourning the loss of Steve, and she is trying to find a new purpose as the world continues to change. She finds purpose again working with Howard Stark and his butler Jarvis to prevent dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands. 

As Carter tries to balance these two professions, one a disappointment and one a danger, she discovers secrets left behind from the war possibly leading to something far more sinister and threatening in the future. 

There are several reasons to watch this show: 

The Writing! 

       The dialgoue, the subtle symbolism and the dynamic are spot on. 

The Heroine

       Seriously. Agent Carter is amazing! 

The atmosphere

       This series has a classic feel, from the setting to the costuming, it's like watching a really well performed movie from early Hollywood. 

The supporting characters. 

        There's a reason that Tony Stark named his robot after Edwin Jarvis. He is a complex character who takes on the roles of caretaker, teacher, butler, comedian and loyal friend. 

        Another charming character is Carter's new friend Angie, an aspiring actress who works at the dinner that Carter frequents. 

The Captain America radio program. 

          It's ridiculous, and I don't blame Carter for despising it. 

The action!

          Hayley Atwell's twitter account says it all :) 

The bittersweet admiration and reminders of Captain America. 

So all I can say about Agent Carter is "It's about time!" 

I can't wait for the next episode, and I hope we will see more Marvel leading ladies in the future :)

I give it five out of five "Ladies' Things". 

Also for those who are curious, Agent Carter's armor is Besame in Red Velvet found here: 

http://besamecosmetics.com/products/red-velvet-lipstick

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: A movie review

Before I begin: This is a SPOILER filled review. There is no other way for me to write it. Trust me. 

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is and always will be one of my favorite novels. I have fond memories of my Dad reading the book to me when I was seven. I also read the book again in High School, and as a school project in College, where we went into the psychology of the story. So naturally, I hold this story dear to my heart, and worry when liberties are taken from the director. I knew long before the first movie trailer that Legolas would be involved. I also knew that they would create a female elf, and we would finally see Smaug after being teased at the end of the first movies. 

Here are my praises:

Smaug! A dragon so amazing, terrifying and clever that when I first pictured him in my head, I envisioned a giant, regal beast covered in red scales with treasure stuck between them. He was even better than I had pictured him in the film, and when he finally breathed fire, I was blown away. I know Smaug didn't talk much in the novel, but Benedict Cumberpatch had such a presence to the voice, that I can't imagine Smaug any other way. The conversation between Smaug and Bilbo was such an incredible scene in the film. 

Bilbo. He was more of a hero, which I was worried they weren't going to stick to. In the novel, the spider fight scene is iconic. It's when Bilbo names his sword, rescues the dwarves and discovers that he can be a hero. I was worried Legolas would steal the show, but I was glad that Bilbo had taken care of most of the spiders before Legolas showed up. He has grown as a character, and it really shows after the spider scene in the film. 

Gandalf. He's always an amazing character! I liked his coversation with Bilbo before he leaves to go after the necromancer. He points out that Bilbo is not the same Hobbit he once was. As usual, Gandalf's battle scenes are epic. 

Tauriel. I really enjoyed her part to play in the story. She is strong, and the actress did a great job not being too gung-ho and overdoing the female warrior. And yes, haters may hate, but I loved the crush Kili had on her, and their converstaions were so sweet, especially talking about the stars. There was great chemistry between the actors, and the dialogue, which would have been cheesy in any other film, was perfect for them. 

Kili. Did I mention that he's my favorite dwarf? He has been since the first movie. I loved the extra character development for him, and his obvious crush on Tauriel was so sweet. The actor has a great balance between serious Kili, and goofy Kili. He's able to preserve the character from the novel, and add another layer to the character from the film. 

Bard and his family. I loved the way we were introduced to him, giving him more of a back story and the pressure he feels being his father's son. The only thing strange about his character was that he wasn't a warrior, which he was in the book. 

The last light of Durin's Day. Absolutely perfect! It showed how much Bilbo had changed, determined not to give up after all they had overcome. It was wonderfully done, and just as silly as I remember from the book.

Now for the negative: 

Beorn. I was really disappointed with our introduction to him. It was so quick, and confusing for those who haven't read the book. I wasn't happy with Beorn's appearence either. The bear form was fine, but the man looked really weird and more werewolf than werebear. 

The Spiders. Okay, this is nothing personal. I'm arachnophobic. The spiders didn't look bad at all, in fact they were downright creepy. Mission accomplished! I was glad that they talked though. They did in the book. (There's a possiblity I closed my eyes during most of the spider scenes lol)

The chase scene in the mines. This was an entertaining scene and fairly intense, but it seemed strange compared to the scene where Smaug attacks them on the mountain. The village sees this, and that's when Bard decides that he might have to follow his father's legacy and try to defeat Smaug. But they couldn't see the fire from inside the mines. (It would make an amazing 3D ride though. Seriously!)

Not necessarily a complaint, but some of Gandalf's scenes were a little awkward in pacing. They were still epic, but as a script writer, I couldn't help thinking that I would have placed one scene earlier and one scene later. But to be fair, it's hard to balance these events because they weren't written in the Hobbit, but explained later, which changes the tone of the book, and creates the anticipation for The Lord of the Rings. 

One sort of silly complaint that I share with my dad is when they turned the lights back on as Smaug headed for the village. It ruined the climax of the scene :( 

But Smaug's dialogue at the end, and the song "I see fire" following it was amazing! 

I give The Hobbit the Desolation of Smaug 4 of 5 golden rings. (lame pun I know) 

It was an amazing adventure with many wonderful surprises and the best dragon film will ever know. 

I recommend it to anyone who loves adventure and fantasy films, people who have read and love the novel and anyone who wants to learn how to face their fears and become the hero of their own story. 

Frozen: A movie review: spoiler free

When I first saw the trailer for Frozen, I was very confused. It showed a snow man and a reindeer, and didn't explain anything. At the time I knew that rumors of a Snow Queen based Disney movie were going around, so I knew that this trailer was advertising that movie. The trailer was misleading. 

Finally they released a trailer about the story, and I was intrigued. The story was epic and the characters were charming. So I began to count down the days.

First: the music is amazing! The first song gave me chills, and the lyrics brought back the Disney magic of the 90s Renaissance movies. 

Second: the art is gorgeous. It's almost like a painting in some scenes. It reflected the beauty of Norway, from what I've seen of it at Epcot and in pictures. 

Third: the story is phenomenal. Its complexity adds to its charm. The serious and lighthearted scenes complement each other, and the story is refreshing and original. 

I recommend this movie to everyone. It has a great story and a playful spirit. 

  

Peter and the Starcatcher: a review

(Official still of Peter and the Starcatcher)

I had the wonderful opportunity to watch Peter and the Starcatcher this evening in Downtown Denver. Being a fan of the series written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, I knew what I remembered from the novel, and what was told during the event at the Tattered Cover: the play had a pace, and everything had to be timed perfectly. I also knew that the play was set up to help you feel like a kid again, encouraging you to use your imagination. 

I enjoyed this play very much. The plot stays true to the novel's important events, and has a balance between clever dialogue, charming presentations and the serious events of the story. 

I must admit that I felt nostalgia while watching this play. When I worked at the Disney Parks, I often went to watch their shows and noticed that balance between the story and the modern day humor. I felt like this play did a good job appealing to an audience of all ages, and the creative actors deserved the standing ovation they got after their performance. 

Peter Pan's story is timeless in itself, but the story of Molly and Peter is something special that tugs at your heart and recreates that moment when a person realizes that they must make a decision between staying a child or growing up. 

I highly recommend this play to Peter Pan lovers, Disney fans and people of all ages. There really is something in this play for everyone. Whether it's the heartwarming story, clever comedy or the imaginative tricks that create the illusions for the audience, Peter and the Starcatcher is an entertaining and charming way to spend some time in Neverland.

(Me Disneybounding as Peter Pan for the event)

Sense and Sensibility the musical: a review

As a member of the Jane Austen bookclub, I had the pleasure of viewing Sense and Sensibility the musical this evening. It was a delight! Not only was the dictation in good humor, but the songs themselves took the audience back to 18th century England where tea, gossip and status reign. The costumes were wonderful, from the elegant empire waistlines to the red coats of the regiment. My favorite song was "Awkward" because it was fun and very appropriate for the scene in the play where people in connected situations were put under the same roof. It was a fun show, and even though I asked for the soundtrack, they haven't made one yet, but they hope to make one in the future. 

I recommend the musical to any Jane Austen fan, because some of the dialouge was straight from the novel, and the songs fit in well with the way the story was told. The props were neat, from the hill they moved around the stage to the quaint window seat that overlooked the scenery. 

This was an excellent adaption of an Austen tale, with a light disposition and a witty script!

Korean Drama Review: The Moon that Embraces the Sun

      This drama is beautifully written with so many memorable characters. The best character of all is Heo Yeon Woo, wise beyond her years and born with a regal personality. Her journey to remember who she is, and what she can do is a powerful story involving fate, betrayal, rebirth and love. The symbolism in this drama involves the cycles of the moon and the sun. As King Hwon mourns the loss of his bride,  Yeon Woo becomes the shaman who must find a way to heal him. Hwon gives her the name Wol which means moon and is reminded of Hue Yeon whenever he is around her. With the mystery of  Yeon Woo's death and Wol's identity clouding his mind, King Hwon must discover his true enemies and become the great ruler he is destined to be.
    Based on a novel of the same name, The Moon that Embraces the Sun is an intricately woven tale with many secrets, surprises and wisdom. I recommend it to any Korean drama fan, fairy tale fan and anyone fascinated with Asian culture. 

Plot:
Thirteen year old Heo Yeon Woo is chosen to become the Crown Princess of Joseon until the Dowager Queen plots against her and secretly orders her death. With the help of a powerful shaman’s magic, Yeon Woo escapes with her life, but loses her memories. All believe her to be dead, including the Crown Prince Hwon, who loves her and whom she was to marry. Eight years later, Yeon Woo returns as a shaman named Wol. She has not been forgotten by those she left behind, and her fate is still intertwined with Hwon, who is now the king. She must contend with the current Queen of Joseon, the Queen’s Father, and the Queen Dowager in order to reclaim her rightful place as Queen of Joseon.

Soundtrack:

Kobato- Anime Review

I just finished watching the anime Kobato so I thought I would try to write an anime review. Kobato tells the story of a girl who has a goal, to get to the place she wants to go. In order to achieve that goal, she must find a way to heal broken and scarred hearts and fill her flask with their pieces in order to have her wish granted. This anime and manga is by CLAMP, the authors of Card Captor Sakura, and the more recent and popular Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles and XXXHolic. Kobato follows the same idea that many CLAMP characters have other selves in different worlds. Ioryogi, Kobato's guide in the current shape of a stuffed dog, admits several times that he is from the spirit world.
This show is very deep and philosophical. Though Kobato holds many secrets, she lives day to day as if she is lucky to be alive. She soon becomes an important person to the people of Yomogi Nursery, a kindergarten in a lot of debt and threatened to be shut down. There, Kobato meets Sayaka a kind, but determined school teacher who tries to hide the pressure she's under. She is also introduced to Kiyokazu Fujimoto, a blunt, dedicated hard worker who tries to carry the debt of the nursery on his shoulders by committing to several jobs. She chooses to work there and becomes a role model for the children attending the school.
As time goes on. Kobato must make a choice between Yomogi Nursery, or collecting hearts to reach her goal.
I really enjoyed this show. It's all about life and the perspective you view it with. Kobato symbolizes hope for so many people, but she also must decide how to spend the time she has been given. The only clue to her past is a song she sings during moments of joy and sadness.



All and all I give it five out of five sugar candies. A great anime for any Fruits Basket fan.