Cavalia Live

Cavalia Live (2006)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We had the opportunity to see this show live when it was in town last year. Having a love of the arts and horses already, this combined music, acrobatics, and my favorite animals for some beautiful presentations. They really are majestic creatures, and beautiful to watch in action. Glad we picked up the DVD so I can enjoy this more than just the one time.

In Death 29: Kindred in Death

In Death 29: Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Eve & Roarke's three day holiday is interrupted when another cop's daughter is the victim of a brutal rape-murder. Eve has to face another aspect of her past as the suspect's parents mirror her own and make her question what could have been done to or made out of her. Meanwhile she's got Charles & Louise's wedding just around the corner and Summerset is being helpful without their usual bickering as the case mirrors his own daughter's horrific end as well. Could have gone with more between Eve & Roarke this time around as they largely end up working opposite ends of the case. When they do come together though, they do so beautifully. Especially liked Eve's comment about feeling Roarke there with her in interrogation when she felt her father rising up, trying to take over her. Interesting that she'd picture him just on the other side of that glass when that's exactly where he was, without her knowledge.

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Superman Returns

Superman Returns (2006)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


The first newer Superman film since the first four came out. This time, Superman is returning to Earth after having searched for remnants and survivors from his own planet Krypton. While it's easy for him to slip back into the roles of Clark Kent and Superman, he quickly learns that not everything is as he left it. Louis Lane is now engaged and has a son - one who it is later revealed isn't as human as meets the eye. Lots of religious parallels this time around as Clark recalls some of the lessons his father left for him and learns his new place in the world he returns to.

In Death 28: Promises in Death

In Death 28: Promises in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Just when you think a case can't hit any closer to home, something happens to prove you wrong. This time long-time friend and co-worker, Morris, loses his lady love to the wrong hands. As fate would have it, those hands turn to the old name Ricker, who's already proven problematic for Roarke and Eve in the past. This case is no different as in the midst of bridal showers, threats, and mourning, they have to chase down yet another killer.

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Peter Pan

Peter Pan (1953)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There's a reason this is considered one of Disney's classics. Perhaps a milder film than many more recent films that seem to not fit enough action into an hour or two of screen time. Still there is no end to entertaining characters, great music, and plenty of humor. Good themes about growing up, suitable childhoods, and family dynamics interwoven in this fun tale.

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Once again a typical Disney sequel, sloppier art, less catchy music and more inconsistencies in the story. This time while believing John Smith has died back in England, Pocahontas travels back to the country with John Ralph. Proving rather fickle and awkward whenever Smith is mentioned or later shows up to save her again, Ralph now holds her heart and allegiance. Can't help but feel a little sorry for him after getting shot and everything in the first film.

Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum (2006)

My rating: 4 of 5 times


This is funny no matter how many times I watch it. Larry is a little lost and confused trying to make something of himself and keep his son, who seems to be drifting further away from him in the early part of the film. Thanks to an unusual job listing and some rather mysterious forces at work, he finds himself in the most unlikely of circumstances - night guard for a museum that literally comes to life. Nothing is as it seems to start off with here, and there's no end of amusement as he stumbles through his new life on the job.

Shrek

Shrek (2001)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Admittedly I like the soundtrack far more than the actual movie itself. A collision of fairy tales ensues as Shrek's swamp is invaded by the "outcasts" due to the new would-be-king's rulings. Who could guess that wanting his swamp back and being the irritable ogre he is would land him a princess bride who's more like him then he ever could have guessed. The dragon/donkey pairing is more than a little unusual, and even sort of creepy at times. Can't say I'm a fan behind that one. Overall it's a comedy just meant for a lot of laughs and fun for all ages.

Pocahontas

Pocahontas (1995)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Based on the romanticized and fictionalized version of this story, Disney has taken another fairy tale and turned it into a family movie with another series of catchy tunes to entertain anyone. Colors of the Wind was a big hit when it first came out, and is still a beautiful song today.

Tarzan & Jane

Tarzan & Jane (2002)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The unofficial sequel to Tarzan prior to Tarzan II coming out, which is more of a prequel anyways, this is a series of short stories told through the original character's point of view as the current movie progresses. As typical with Disney sequels, the voices are different and the art is a little different, appearing more rushed or lazy throughout rather than detailed and consistent like before. Despite the rushed art, the short stories are amusing and do provide some insight to Tarzan and Jane's life together after the original film.

Tarzan

Tarzan (1999)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


One of the better Disney films that came out when they're style was largely fluctuating. This one takes the story of Tarzan and spins it into a family tale with great music that's fun for all ages. Interestingly enough, the inspiration for how Tarzan moves through the trees came from one of the artist's watching his son snowboarding. Personally I think it'd still be painful, but that doesn't mean it isn't great to watch.

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End (2007)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jack's adventure continues as this time he must be rescued from Davey Jones' locker "at world's end." This time he's rescued for his role in the Pirate's court by Barbosa, for the Black Pearl by William, and out of guilt by Elizabeth - an odd combination that has nothing to do with anyone truly want him back for himself, something which he makes light of shortly after his rescue. We also learn more of Davey Jones and his lover, Calypso, and how they both ended up in place to be part of the current story. Of course more involvement with Davey Jones also means we see more of Bootstrap, Will's previously missing father.

Pirates of the Caribbean 1: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Pirates of the Caribbean 1: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The first and best of the Pirates film, there are plenty of scenes and music sprinkled through it that many might recognize from the Disney ride that originally inspired this franchise. I'm sure it's since been changed to follow the films more in the time since, but the original had several scenes, especially the dog holding the keys just out of prisoner's reach in the jail cells and the busy streets of Tortuga, that bring those childhood memories to mind. Add to it some terrific special effects and plenty of twists and turns as Will's pirate heritage, Elizabeth's fascination with all things pirate, and Jack Sparrow's unique and random take on things unravel the story of the Black Pearl and cursed Aztec gold from the Isla de Muerta.

In Death 27.5: Ritual in Death

In Death 27.5: Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was more intense then most of the short stories seem to end up being. References to the sign of the beasts (666), black magic and the occult leave a bitter and driven taste as the murder takes place in Roarke's home turf and involves his own people. Makes for a driven executive and cop team as their friend's party is interrupted by the unexpected murder down the hall. Good thing it's so short as nobody would have survived that pace without sleep for much longer. Fell into place very quickly all things considered.

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In Death 27: Salvation in Death

In Death 27: Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was an interesting story with parallels to both Roarke's and Eve's pasts. The victim being both the cause for the investigation and the root to solving so many other old crimes was another interesting twist. Six deaths from the bombing, plus Chavez, Flores, and the original Martinez on top of the bombing destruction itself, fraud, conspiracy, assault, and how many other charges? Talk about a landslide. Roarke's nightmare leading to Eve playing the sympathetic ear and having Summerset get Sinead to call Roarke was a nice twist as well - a little role reversal in who takes care of whom. Despite Eve's lack of religious affiliation, she seems to rather like her main informant from the church. Refreshing that despite the highly religious content of the book, it isn't shoved down the readers throat in any one-sided capacity. Rather the theme seems to be more take the good from religion and making it mesh with what the law requires so all parties are doing right the best as they can.

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In Death 26: Strangers in Death

In Death 26 : Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Not so much the haunted front on this one as Eve isn't eaten away by her current case. Rather, she's angry and fueled by it - driven to prove what she already knows is correct and put the murderers away for good. Roarke and Eve still manage to have their little tussles (this time about money) while tossing about their usual banter and proving just how great of a main couple they can be. Add a little twist with Louise and Charles getting engaged and you've got a recipe for more "friends responsibilities" likely to put Eve on edge all while providing more entertainment for us readers.

Took a little longer to read thanks to constant headaches and exhaustion due to pregnancy. That's no fault of the character's or the book though. Still thoroughly enjoyed it and want to finish this series.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood 10: Lover Reborn

Black Dagger Brotherhood 10: Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There's a lot of turmoil and upheaval in this book. Xcor using Layla and nearly killing Wrath, Blay finally admitting his feelings for Qhuinn, Qhuinn and Layla possibly having a baby together, Tohr's whole grieving process and figuring things out with Autumn, John and Xhex nearly breaking apart.... yikes! Sort of disappointing they were so close to getting Xcor off the grid only for their own Chosen to save him - unwittingly at that. Good to see Tohr's finally figuring things out and getting back on track at least. John and Xhex appear to be heading in the right direction. The Qhuinn triangle... that could still take a lot of work, especially now with a baby potentially in the mix.

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The Secret Circle 4: The Divide

The Secret Circle 4: The Divide by L.J. Smith

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It's been awhile since I read the original trilogy, but I had a much stronger impression of the characters from the first read than this book gives them. If anything, it strongly follows the feel of the TV series, which is very weak and washed out in comparison to the original books. While there are a couple decent moments, overall the book is very lacking in any real development and the characters are so different from their original creations that it almost hurts. Still sadly better than the TV series, but otherwise not much of an improvement for what could have been a fantastic continuation to a good series.

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The Vampire Diaries 9: The Hunters: Moonsong

The Vampire Diaries 9: The Hunters: Moonsong by L.J. Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Between the book and TV series, I have to admit that Elena's constant wavering between the brothers is getting on my nerves. She insists Stefan is always her number one and soul mate, yet she sneaks around with Damon, steals kisses, and gives him blood willingly and can't figure out why this does not help the tension levels in their little trio? Knock it off and grow up already! Of course what is a normal Vampire Diaries book without yet more love problems and shocking family revelations for Elena anyways?

Good for Bonnie finally finding someone and sticking it out. Of course it couldn't go completely without a hitch and be true to the series. Kind of hoped they would have brought Zander in on the rescue mission. Perhaps in the next book as apparently it's not over at all. Also wondering if Chloe will be saved or not. Can't help hoping so for Matt's sake. Once again, that leaves Damon as the odd vampire out, and with Bonnie now hooked on Zander, there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight.

Really hoping they do not ultimately end up facing Klaus again. It was a relief to finally have him carted away in the original series and he's more than a little aggravating on screen, so seeing him again in Hunters feels like annoying overkill.

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Monk

Monk (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Never really saw any of these back to back in order before until recently. Mostly just caught random episodes on vacations as it somehow always seemed to be on TV when I needed something entertaining to watch and fill the time. Socially awkward and more than a little handicapped, Monk still somehow manages to catch the details anyone else would normally miss. It's no wonder then that he's considered a valuable asset to the police force as those details often help in the most unusual ways.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl (2007)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is one confusing family that all seems to be turning in on itself. One sister hires an actress to pose as her daughter while keeping her real child hidden from the family. The other has most of the riches in the family and expects to rest to fall to her. Things don't go either sister's way when their dead mother leaves everything to the fake daughter, bypassing both children and granddaughter, who it turns out is the daughter of the executor of the estate. So now the real daughter doesn't know where she fits in, the executor has just learned he has a daughter as the result of an affair being used to blackmail him for money, the other sister takes everything and accusing everyone else of wanting what's hers, and the actress is grateful to have had one true friend in the grandmother as the rest of the family now turns against her. Confusing much for one episode? That's without the gossip girl going around talking to the scattered family members or the other people involved in affairs, divorces, and it seems like any other problem they can come up with. It's enough to make your head spin and wonder just how crazy these characters are.

Hart of Dixie

Hart of Dixie (2011)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Saw the MOTY (man of the year) episode on Hulu random play. Another drama series based in a small town where it seems there's the unrequited love, cheating spouses, everyone knows each other, and nothing stays secret for long. Somewhat more realistic in the sense that something like this really could happen in a small town, but not very engaging as far as making me want to watch the rest of the series intentionally.

Revenge

Revenge (2011)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Caught a random episode of this on Hulu this afternoon. Seems rather complex and strange as one sister assumes the identity of her twin, hiding from those who want her dead and taking advantage of her sibling's suicide. Despite her cover, there's still someone trying to kill her and people around her are still dropping like flies. There were at least three double crosses or side stories of conflicts in just the one episode. Enough to make my head spin, leave me a little curious, and yet still doubtful it would be worth watching from the beginning to try and unravel the whole mess of affairs.

The Vampire Diaries 00.6: Stefan's Diaries: The Compelled

The Vampire Diaries 00.6: Stefan's Diaries: The Compelled by L.J. Smith

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The last of the currently planned books for Stefan's Diaries, this ends the tale of the Salvatore brother's initial changing and first real adventure as immortals. An uneasy alliance with witches is the only way to defeat the real Jack the Ripper and save their new home from being overrun by vampires. Samuel doesn't go down easy, and Damon seems to gain a healthy dose of fear for his little brother along the way. Kind of wish the two had a more solid reconciliation at the end, but then again that isn't really their style.

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