Batman 4: Batman & Robin

Batman & Robin (1997)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


The worst of the Batman film series, this one features Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane as the main villains while Bat Girl also joins the dynamic duo for the heroes roster. Not only is the new Bat Girl Alfred's niece instead of Commissioner Gordon's daughter, but she arrives on the mansion's doorsteps after being kicked out of school in search of freeing Uncle Alfred from his life of servitude so he can enjoy the remainder of his days as he pleases. Dick Grayson is shocked by the news that Alfred is sick until Bruce takes it a step beyond that - he's actually dying. Now it's a race against time in more ways than one as this dysfunctional family finds a new way to work things out.

Batman 3: Batman Forever

Batman 3: Batman Forever (1995)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Not as well made as the other Batman films, this is still entertaining if you want some fun and happen to be a Batman fan. This film features Two Face and the Riddler, also bringing Robin and Dr. Chase into play. Once again, Bruce proves just how many women end up learning his secret as he gives yet another try at a personal relationship, this time with a new junior partner forcing his way into the mix.

Immortals 5: Night Star

Immortals 5: Night Star by Alyson Noel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The story is finally starting to look and feel like it is getting back on track. The books in between largely seemed like placeholders or filler. At least Haven didn't last as a distraction half as long as Ramon did. There's at least one more hurdle yet between still searching for the antidote, the new mysterious song from Summerland, and don't forget Jude and Miles now knowing the whole story while striking up tentative friendships with Damen. Despite the ups and downs in the story, it only seems right to finish it with only one more to go after this installment.

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Twelve

Twelve (2010)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


My husband related this to Requiem for a Dream. Narrated by Kiefer Sutherland, this tells the story of several teens as they get mixed up in drugs and allow violence to take them all on a turn for the worst. Overall not very engaging and more than a little mixed up. This film has a much more laid back take on all the disaster that falls in place as it is largely narrated rather than just acted out.

The Sentinel

The Sentinel (2006)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


One of the better Keifer films I've seen recently, this did stay true to his typical government role in a suit with a gun in hand, very reminiscent of his days playing Jack Bauer in 24, including struggles with an estranged spouse. Not as thrill seeking as Taking Lives, this will still keep you in the game all the way through.

A White House Agent is murdered, and the investigation points to a traitor in the Secret Service, and a plot to assassinate the President. Veteran agent Pete Garrison is framed and blackmailed over an affair with the First Lady Sarah Ballentine. He is relieved of his duties, but Garrison won't stop in trying to prove his innocence, and save the life of the President. While attempting to uncover the person behind it all, he comes into confrontation with his protege, Agent Breckinridge.

-source: listal

Taking Lives

Taking Lives (2004)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Don't watch this if suspense and/or gore bother you. A boy lives the way he chooses by picking victims close to his own physical description and stealing their lives, leaving a trail of fairly easy to discover bodies in his wake. Yet for all the detail in his trail, he appears to be one of the hardest serial killers to track, fooling even FBI agent Illeana Scott. This film had me feeling very nervous throughout. At least it keeps you involved and guessing every step of the way.

Rango

Rango (2011)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Rango is the lead lizards chosen name off the partial name of a drink cactus after getting stranded in the desert. Originally from a glass cage riding in the back of a truck, this little lizard finds himself the proclaimed sheriff of a little town desperately in need of water. Now it's up to this back-water little lizard to discover why the towns water has suddenly gone dry and restore the faith of the people before it's too late. Who ever knew a love for acting and determination to play his role to the max would end up being so helpful in the long run?

Batman 2: Batman Returns

Batman 2: Batman Returns (1992)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Second in the original movie series, this one features Catwoman and the Penguin. More in line with what is typically expected or portrayed as the original guises and costumes from the series. As dark as any Batman film, there is also a bit of humor well played in the mix. Penguin definitely comes off as more than a little crazy while Selina Kyle struggles between being the introverted secretary interested in Bruce Wayne and the dare devil Catwoman attracted to her biggest nemesis, Batman. So what happens when the game of cat and mouse comes to an end?

Batman 1: Batman

Batman 1: Batman (1989)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Made when I was just a little kid, the difference in the film quality and special effects is very obvious, especially if you watch them near each other. This film does however portray the typical version of Joker that is expected in the Batman series. Wayne starts off the series with yet another female getting his secret in hopes of keeping her as Mrs. Wayne, which yet again does not work out. It's really rather remarkable everyone doesn't know who he is after how many girls he ends up telling himself throughout the series. Focusing largely on the Joker in this film, we do meet Harvey Dent, though it will be awhile until his transformation into Two Face. Still enjoyable overall, especially if you're a Batman fan to begin with.

Batman 2: The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight (2008)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A different take on the making of Two-Face, this film is also the last done with famous actor Heath Ledger before his untimely death. At one point it was thought the release of this film would be delayed due to a need to re-film his part as the Joker with a new actor. To fan's delight, the film was completed with the clips already done with Ledger and released as was without a replacement. Somewhat disappointing that the end of this film paints Batman not just as a vigilante fighting for justice, but as an outlaw running from justice by the end. Very much hoping the next film released redeems his name to the general public and brings back the old feeling of the original Batman again. This re-launch set is definitely much darker than the originals, and not because Batman is largely out at night.

Batman 1: Batman Begins

Batman 1: Batman Begins (2005)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The first film of the most recently re-launched Batman series, this film covers Bruce first falling into the caves on his family's property, his parent's death, and his original training leading to the eventual creation and introduction of the vigilante Batman to the Gotham public.

The Mask of Zorro

The Mask of Zorro (1998)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Given I used to enjoy the old black and white TV series for Zorro, I suppose it's no surprise that I enjoyed this movie as well. Swords, horses, mystery and a bit of romance in the mix. What's not to like provided it's mixed in just the right amount for the flavor you wanted. Being a horse fan and a dancer, is it any surprise that they chase on horseback and the dance at the party are two of my favorite scenes?

Ninku / Yu Yu Hakusho

Ninku / Yu Yu Hakusho (2001)

My rating: 2 for 5 stars


This film is actually a collection of two shorter features rather than one full length film. The first flick features the cast from Yu Yu Hakusho on a brief adventure as a result of some misguided revenge plot from Spirit World Kindergarten. The artwork is not very detailed, the voices are very different than the rest of the series, and the story leaves you wondering at the end.

The second feature is from Ninku, focusing on a traveling group of surviving secret ninjas. With the same voices as from the Yu Yu Hakusho flick, it is somewhat confusing when it starts. This piece focuses on the group trying to earn money for food and gasoline when they come across a traveling circus troop posing to be exactly who they are - Ninku fighters. There's some good messages mixed in with the story, though they feel somewhat lost as there is no conclusion or real direction in the film. Perhaps the price of the pieces being so short to begin with.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report

Yu Yu Hakusho: Poltergeist Report (1969)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


The animation quality is more on par with the sloppier art picked up in the late episodes of the Dark Tournament arc than the earlier artwork, and certainly not on par with the manga art. The story is somewhat random and likely difficult to follow for anyone who is not already familiar with the characters as there aren't any introductions or back story in this film. If you know the characters though it can provide some interesting tidbits, especially in regards to Kurama's past.

The Winter Stallion

The Winter Stallion (1992)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Also sometimes titled "The Christmas Stallion," this is a more low-key horse film, especially compared to the more common racing films like Seabiscuit and Secretariat that have come out recently. This film tells the story of a young girl who wishes to keep her grandfather's farm and a greedy land developer trying to swipe it out from underneath her. With limited grazing rights on the developer's land, a fire on Christmas Eve could mean they lose the farm for good. Mabon, her grandfather's prize stallion pulls through and helps the girl find the herd just in time for the end of Christmas day and their deadline on the grazing rights.

Immortals 4: Dark Flame

Immortals 4: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This series seems to be losing consistency and taking nose dives from unique and interesting back into mundane and cliche. Everything going wrong turn out to be nothing but the result of negative thoughts and energy, including the spell from the previous books that initially bound Ramon and Ever together. Jude rushes in to save the day only to destroy Ramon and the very antidote all this angst has been about retrieving in the first place. Haven, the supposed best friend, is now out for blood and declaring war on her new maker. Miles is discovering more secrets over seas while things are falling apart back home. While I really want to see how Ever and Damon end up, these sequels seem to make the story worse in some senses, which is very sad given how much potential the story has always had.

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Being Human

Being Human (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An interesting mix of the currently ever-popular paranormal world and TV humor. A little bit of angst, some romance, a dash of horror, and a whole lot of awkwardness. Makes for a highly entertaining series as these 3 non-humans try desperately to be the one thing they can't ever be again - human.

Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


The first time I watched this film I thought it was much quieter and not as involved as other Ghibli films. I have since revised that opinion and thoroughly enjoy the movie as much as the others on many occasions. Perhaps more subtle with some of the day to day messages the story portrays, it is still both real and fantastical all at the same time. Even more interesting as the unofficial prequel of The Cat Returns, fans of the other film will recognize both the Baron and Muta in this feature.

A Knight's Tale

A Knight's Tale (2001)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Sometimes I find this movie mediocre, and sometimes I absolutely love it. Obviously I find it good enough that I own it and have watched it multiple times. I do find the variety of modern music rather amusing given the medieval setting. Maybe it's the horse lover coming out in me, but I do occasionally enjoy jousting.

When his master dies unexpectedly, Medieval squire William Thatcher decides to try his luck at jousting. Lacking an acceptable pedigree, he enlists the help of his friend Chaucer, who, in his pre-"Cantebury Tales" days, supplements his income by forging genealogy papers. With his newly-minted history in hand, young William sets out to prove himself a worthy knight at the country's jousting competition and finds romance along the way.

-source: listal

I, Robot

I, Robot (2004)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


What happens when robots try to take over the world? This is one robot film that is somehow slightly different and still highly entertaining from the usual robot takeovers like the more popular Terminator series.

The year is 2035. Detective Del Spooner is investigating the death of brilliant, eccentric scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning. Spooner is aided by psychologist Dr. Susan Calvin, and the death is initially labeled a suicide. Spooner, though, suspects that a robot may have perpetrated the crime. That seems unthinkable since robots are governed by The Three Laws of Robotics, which state that a robot may never harm or allow harm to come to a human being. As Spooner and Calvin investigate the death, they come to believe that a robot did, in fact, commit the crime. They are aided in their investigation by Dr. Lanning himself, who appears as a hologram, and reveals that he was working on a top secret project at the time of his death.

- source: listal

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 20: Hit List

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 20: Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The series is slowly going back to actual development and story line in each book as opposed to the how many different creatures can Anita have sex with in one book mindset that was so dominant and unnerving in the later books of the series. While part of me does miss Jean-Claude as he's been the normal staple in the books since the beginning and barely even got mentioned in this book, it was nice to see Anita back on the front lines doing what she was supposed to for the law since book one.

Not too thrilled with Olaf's newest power, though I'm of the mindset he would have been better off dead back in Obsidian Butterfly. I do like Edward though and it has especially been interesting with the developments between him and Blake going from semi-co-workers who admire each other to actual friends who seem to consider each other more along the lines of family than anything else. These few rather human and revealing moments between the two are becoming the highlights of the series for me. In that respect, the book was very good as there is plenty of Edward and Anita.

I'm actually more optimistic about the next book after having read this than I feel I would have been thinking about it earlier on in the series. Will have to wait and see if this better trend manages to sort out Anita's rather complicated life and keep the series good.

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My Neighbors the Yamadas

My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


A series of short clips put together about a sometimes wacky family going through the different stages of life. Done in a very rough and unfinished art style, it is very different from what you may expect in the usual Studio Ghibli films. There are still plenty of good meanings and funny situations in the film. Overall not as engaging or eye catching as the others in it's line though.

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Another wonderful, magical work of art from Studio Ghibli. This one focuses on two young sisters who very obviously love each other.

While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in the country with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny rabbit. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy.

- source: listal 

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Not an all time favorite, but definitely one to be enjoyed many times over. Even more amusing now as the two lead stars are together in real life. From big screen to true home I guess.

John and Jane Smith are a couple who have been married for 6 years and things appear to be normal. But it appears that things are changing--they are seeing a marriage counselor. And what neither of them know is that they are professional assassins. However, they are both assigned by their employers to kill the same person. When they each try to take out the target, they get in each other's way and blow the job. Now they are told to go after the person who made them miss the target. And when they learn about each other, they try to take each other out. 

- source: listal

Misty

Misty (1961)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Meet Misty and the Phantom. This little horse is known for her speed and elusive nature when it comes to the yearly round-ups. That is, up until these two orphans come to town. They'll stop at nothing to make the Phantom their own, unknowingly getting her foal, Misty, as part of the deal. The Phantom isn't so happy on the island though as she continues to look towards home and answer the Pied Piper's calls. In a unique and real lesson in love, the siblings learn what it is to love something, and to let it go because of that love.

Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I've enjoyed this movie several times since I first saw it in the theaters.

Clint Eastwood's 25th film as a director, Million Dollar Baby stands proudly with Unforgiven and Mystic River as the masterwork of a great American filmmaker. In an age of bloated spectacle and computer-generated effects extravaganzas, Eastwood turns an elegant screenplay by Paul Haggis (adapted from the book Rope Burns: Stories From the Corner by F.X. Toole, a pseudonym for veteran boxing manager Jerry Boyd) into a simple, humanitarian example of classical filmmaking, as deeply felt in its heart-wrenching emotions as it is streamlined in its character-driven storytelling. In the course of developing powerful bonds between "white-trash" Missouri waitress and aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald, her grizzled, reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn, and Frankie's best friend and training-gym partner Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris, 74-year-old Eastwood mines gold from each and every character, resulting in stellar work from his well-chosen cast. Containing deep reserves of love, loss, and the universal desire for something better in hard-scrabble lives, Million Dollar Baby emerged, quietly and gracefully, as one of the most acclaimed films of 2004, released just in time to earn an abundance of year-end accolades, all of them well-deserved. --Jeff Shannon

It may be a boxing film, but there's a lot more than that going on in this story. Turns out a gruff trainer has a heart after all, it just took a chance on an unexpected little girl to bring it out and teach him to take a chance again.

Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes (2001)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Decent, though still made in an older style film more along the lines of what I would expect from the original series than from a re-launch. The space ship might be considered more high tech, but considering that it plays a minimal role in the film overall, not overly impressive.

It is the year 2029: Astronaut Leo Davidson boards a pod cruiser on a Space Station for a "routine" reconnaissance mission. But an abrupt detour through a space time wormhole lands him on a strange planet where talking apes rule over the human race. With the help of a sympathetic chimpanzee activist named Ari and a small band of human rebels, Leo leads the effort to evade the advancing Gorilla Army led by General Thade and his most trusted warrior Attar. Now the race is on to reach a sacred temple within the planet's Forbidden Zone to discover the shocking secrets of mankind's past - and the key to its future.

- source: listal

I'm sure we'll end up watching the earlier films at some point given the current trend. Definitely can tell the difference going from humans dressed as apes to real apes and CGI. Still, they're amusing films if nothing else.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Apes aren't my first choice in animals, though they can be rather fascinating at times. This film definitely illustrates the similarities between apes and humans, especially in the young primate, Caesar. Having heard all about how the apes take over the planet, this seemed more like a small jail break/revolt rather than a hostile take-over. Hard to imagine things going that far downhill after the relatively peaceful and accepting parting between Caesar his human companions at the end of the film.

Mission: Impossible III

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ethan Hunt is now married yet manages to get pulled into the field for yet another crazy operation. First the extraction of another agent, which fails due to her untimely death. Then the extraction of one of the rich and powerful who ends up turning his company against him while also kidnapping his wife. Now working undercover with his small team, he has to save his wife, find proof linking to the true culprit, and somehow still survive the day. Questionable when one of the facilities is a tall glass building covered in alarms and guards to boot. Guess there is a reason they usually call the missions "impossible."

Mission: Impossible II

Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


As action packed as ever, this time Ethan Hunt must stop the virus known as "chimera" from going on the market along with it's elusive cure. With yet another love interest in the way, it's dodging bullets and infiltrating high level security yet again to get the job done. Don't worry, they didn't forget the explosions either. Just keep track of the main action zone players as they often change faces with their realistic looking masks. You never know who's really who until the mask comes off.

Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard

Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lots of wry and somewhat dry or occasionally crude humor here. Detective John McCain is back in action, sent to get a local hacker when a fire-sale takes over the city. Tech tricks and unlikely help add up to another crazy adventure as McCain once again does the impossible and sets out to save the day, hopefully saving his daughter and new tech buddy along the way.

The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn (1982)

My rating: 3.5 for 5 stars


Talking animals, skeletons and lots of magic. A much older film with much different art than many current films. Despite the mystery behind the red bull and the missing unicorns, it is relatively low key and not overly thrilling as is common with all the CGI and explosions found in today's films.

The Goblins of Labyrinth

The Goblins of Labyrinth by Brian Froud

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An interesting collection of artwork for Jim Henson's film, Labyrinth. This version includes descriptions of the goblins as well as full page and two-page art pieces. It's a shame they chose standard middle page binding as it cuts off the larger works at awkward angles. A wider print and bound book would be more ideal so it didn't break the images. They're gorgeous as is, but it makes it highly disappointing to have the binding the way so often.

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Anita Blake: Circus of the Damned 1: The Charmer

Anita Blake: Circus of the Damned 1: The Charmer by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Introducing Stephan and Richard to the local regular group, this chapter gets us just past the giant cobra and to the first meeting with Edward asking for the Master of the City's resting place. Anita is set up with her first date to Richard for her friend's Halloween party with a commitment to go caving the next weekend and the second murder site of her current case waiting for her. Much of the description and imagination is lost in the comic adaptations, but it is interesting to see what art the creators come up with for it in contrast.

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Savage Sam

Savage Sam (1963)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Despite being Old Yeller's son, Sam looks nothing like him. Perhaps the most similar in their tenacity when going after wild critters like wolves and bobcats, it's no surprise that Arliss is particularly attached to this pup and as obstinate as ever when it comes to following his brother's orders. Landing the two brothers and their old friend, Elizabeth, into trouble with some local Indians, this film focusing more on their participation and the budding relationship between Elizabeth and Travis than on the dog himself. Unlike it's predecessor, your more likely to laugh than cry by the end of the film.

The Brave

The Brave by Nicholas Evans

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Of the Nicholas Evans books I've read, this was probably my least favorite of the bunch. The story was overly convoluted and let me often wondering how messed up and confusing one family can be. Over three generations, that's apparently a lot of messing up, lies, guilt trips, and more problems than can handle. Add to it the constant time skips back and forth. One minute you're reading about Diane when Tommy was a boy, the next it's Tom's point of view as an adult by himself or focusing on his son, Danny. Can't help feeling this could have been much better if it was better focused.

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Old Yeller

Old Yeller (1957)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


An older film about two boys and their dog, the stray "Old Yeller." Complete with annoying free-loading neighbors. When their father leaves for a cow drive, it's up to the boys to keep the farm running while he's away. With unfortunate consequences with Yeller, it's both a sweet and incredibly sad tale.

Night Head Genesis

Night Head Genesis (2009)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Surprisingly, this series was subtitled despite being an English released copy found at a local video store. Naoto and Naoya are two brothers with unusual psychic powers. Naoya can see things before they happen and read people's hearts with a touch while Naoto is something of a telekinetic. Unable to deal with the boys strange powers, their parents send to live in a research center. The brothers finally manage to escape their unusual prison only to land in the middle of another crisis. According to Naoya's visions, a plague is coming to wipe out their world.

National Velvet

National Velvet (1944)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


If you love horses or older films, this is right up your alley. Headstrong adolescent Velvet Brown is in love... with horses. Enter the Pie and Mi Taylor, an unruly gelding an a wandering ex-jockey. Put the three together and you have the most unexpected team set out to win the Grand National. At the time women weren't allowed to be jockeys on top of the Grand National being considered a pipe dream to most. Not only does the Pie enter the race, but he wins it with Velvet on his back. A wonderful tale of dreams, determination, and horse fun.

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of my favorite musicals of all time brought to the big screen, this was an immediate hit. While the book is still on my reading list, I have seen the show on Broadway as well as owning this film and a copy of the score for the piano which I play often enough that the book is falling apart.

Begins when an opera ghost terrorizes the cast and crew of the French Opera House while tutoring a chorus girl. He finally drives the lead soprano crazy so she and her friend leave. The girl is able to sing lead one night but the soprano doesn't want her show stolen so she comes back. The ghost demands they keep giving his protégé lead roles. Meanwhile, His pupil falls in love with the Vicomte de Chagny, but the Phantom is in love with Christine, his student. The Phantom is outraged by their love and kidnaps Christine to be his eternal bride. Will Raoul, the Vicomte, be able to stop this dastardly plan?  

- source: listal

Great music, good story, and overall entertaining. What's not to love?

Prétear

Prétear (2001)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Original subtitled "The New Legend of Snow White," this is a very cute and short series about a young girl who learns she has the power to save the world with the help of her new friends, the Leafe Knights. The White Pretear is the ultimate of her super-heroine forms and considered a legend or myth to those who know about leafe. The myth becomes the reality as Himeno gives her life to save her friends... until Snow White's prince arrives.

The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Admittedly haven't been as impressed with newer Disney films as opposed to some of the older classics that will likely always be hits. This however is a rather cute film and interesting twist on the idea of the frog prince. Catchy music and some heavy emphasis on different values make this a much more detailed and entertaining film than expected.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke (1997)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


One of the older Ghibli films, it has long been considered one of the best.

A prince is infected with an incurable disease by a possessed boar/god. He is to die unless he can find a cure to rid the curse from his body. It seems that his only hope is to travel to the far east. When he arrives to get help from the deer god, he finds himself in the middle of a battle between the animal inhabitants of the forest and an iron mining town that is exploiting and killing the forest. Leading the forest animals in the battle is a human raised by wolves, Princess Mononoke.

- source: listal

As usual with Ghibli films, incredible detail and a very dramatic story. Talking animals take a whole different meaning with this tale.

Eat Pray Love

Eat Pray Love (2010)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Overall I found this movie rather sad. It has it's funny moments, and there were parts that were very poignant to my friend who watched it with me as she and her husband are currently facing a possible divorce. Obviously I don't approve of love affairs as I was raised to believe sex was playing god with creation and therefore meant to be only within the bonds of marriage, so the idea of sleeping around looking for these affairs to get back on your feet after a divorce chafes a bit. The idea of needing to find an inner balance with yourself and being happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else though is very realistic. While it's sad she had to go to such extremes to find it and ultimately was very unsure of herself, it was good that she seemed to find it in the end. Enjoyable film to watch but torn on what I think of the subject matter, so I'll keep it in the middle ground.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 05: Captain America 1 [The First Avenger]

MCU 05: Captain America 1 [The First Avenger] (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Many familiar faces from other films combined in this one. The after credits provide a trailer for The Avengers with a note that Captain America will return in that film. Overall, good picks for the characters and well done for the overall film. A few moments of humor lighten an otherwise potentially very dark film given it's setting during World War II. Especially liked what they did with Captain America's uniform, keeping it true to the original design overall but still making it practical and applicable for actual war. Interesting tie in with the Iron Man films as Tony's father, Howard, plays a key role in the weapons design in this film. One of the better Marvel films currently out on the market.

Claymore

Claymore (2007)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying this series. Most series I've tried lately have not held my attention, but this one is. I'd heard of it before but didn't know any details, so I couldn't decide if it was something I was interested in or not. My husband found it on Hulu and started watching it. For the last couple of days, that's been all he has been interested in putting up on the TV. Common in the idea of demon (or in this case "youma") hunting, but unique in how the youma are made, who hunts them and the rest of the story line. Clare is a very interesting and more complex character, leading to more attention on the story and wanting to see what happens next.

Pom Poko

Pom Poko (1994)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is an animated tale from Studio Ghibli about humans overrunning the forest, particularly focusing on how a local group of transforming raccoon choose to deal with the threat. Pranks, haunting, media pleas, killings, and forced adaptation ensue. Much slower and not as detailed as some of the other Ghibli films. This one does however get you thinking if you pay attention to the story line given current world issues with disappear forests and not enough land for animals and humans alike.

Ponyo

Ponyo (2008)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


The newest of the Ghibli films, it's not as big as my three favorites, but still very well done and enjoyable. Ponyo is a magical fish girl who wants to become human after meeting and falling in love with human boy, Sosuke. His mother, Lisa, is a rather terrifying driver as she hurries from the retirement community where they work to their house on the top of the hill. Rather unique circumstances bring these two together and bind them together if they're to balance the magic Ponyo disrupts and stop the calamity claiming Sosuke's world.

Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso (1992)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Not my favorite Ghibli film, but still great art and a good time for all. A little slower and calmer than the other films, even with gun fights and sea planes in the mix. Marco wears the curse of being a pig, taking on the name Porco Rosso and working as a bounty hunter. In a world filled with sea plane pirates, it's an aerial show for anyone to enjoy.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another cute story from Studio Ghibli. This one features Nausicaa, princess of the Valley of the Wind. Adventurous and unafraid, Nausicaa is determined to find the reason behind the poison from the toxic forest and live in peace with the insects that rule it. Curiously able to understand and appear to communicate with animals, it's no wonder that becomes the leader and hope for peace.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away (2001)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A cute film about a young girl who unexpectedly is forced to grow up when she finds herself in a magical world where her own survival, as well as that of her parents, lies in her hands. With the help of some unexpected friends, she defies the odds to find her own strength and return to her true home.

The Professor's Daughter

The Professor's Daughter by Joann Sfar

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Wow. Read this as it was a gift from my brother-in-law. Very off-the-wall and strange story. Fast paced and very rough art sketches. I suppose it is somewhat amusing, but not really my type of humor. Overall not my favorite and not likely to read again. Decent for a once through and some early morning disbelief.

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