Oliver & Company

Oliver & Company (1988)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not my favorite Disney movies as far as story line goes, but it does have some cute catching tunes mixed in and it is about a lone little kitten in the big city surrounded by dogs. With very little of the overall human aspect of the film, any animal lover is bound to enjoy this film on some level, which also makes it a great pick for kids. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Mercy ends up loving this one some time down the road.

Inuyasha

Inuyasha (2000)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


While I know I had seen random episodes of other anime previously on TV, this is the first show that I recall following the manga and anime actively, collecting all the DVDs. While the anime does still have plenty of filler and includes characters who don't exist in the original manga, it is still enjoyable and amusing. It seems to almost be the staple story line for alternate universe type series. Being my first real fandom, I doubt I'll ever completely loose my love and enjoyment for this series.

Little Wyoming

Little Wyoming by Eugene M. Gagliano

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was a gift from my mother-in-law. Fitting as her side of the family is from Wyoming. This last week, she and my husband were there to visit his grandmother. While he was gone, I'd read this to Mercy and tell her that was where daddy was. Some day we'll go see it for real, but until then this is a cute little book to bring part of my husband's family history into our home as we teach her to read.

View all my reviews

Cardcaptor Sakura

Cardcaptor Sakura (1998)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a cute show mostly geared towards children. The main character, Sakura, must learn to control her families power, find all the Clow Cards she accidentally released before they cause too much mayhem all over the city, and decide who it is that she really loves (Yukito, Eriol, and Sayoran all take turns as torn interests). With Kero and Tomoyo always with her, she's constantly in a plethora of cute costumes as they film each new adventure. Had vague memories of a few episodes back when I was in junior high and high school, flipping through TV channels while eating a snack. Never really got around to watching the full series until college after seeing the two movies.

Blue Seed Beyond

Blue Seed Beyond (2003)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While I do think the art is better in this short sequel, the characters are lacking their original charm. Momiji does little but whine and end up in trouble despite attempts to be useful as she's majorly insecure in her relationship with Kusanagi. Kusanagi himself is very withdrawn and unsure of himself, very contrary to his original brass. Valencia is a new addition to the team. Artificially implanted with a mitama in the same method these man-made origami were, she identifies very quickly with Kusanagi. Between that and her rather racy wardrobe, it's little wonder Momiji sees her as competition, quickly acting like she's lost the fight before it ever began. There is also a lack of continuity in the series as it was established 8 mitamas were needed to achieve flight in the original series, yet Valencia manages it with her one red mitama. The man-made origami are also thought to be stronger than the original, sporting red mitamas despite them being imports from Japan. So what has science done in order to achieve this artificial implant that changes it's color and power? We never know.

Night Huntress World 2: Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Night Huntress World 2: Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Mencheres wouldn't be my first pick for a romantic lead in this series, but Kira is a great contrast to him that makes the story more interesting, especially as she not only turns his world upside down, but also digs into his past more than we've ever glimpsed previously. Radje does an excellent job playing the villain as it seems his end can't come soon enough. This story also answers how Bones and Cat already know Veritas on good terms when it comes to the ghoul war. They certainly weren't on good terms after Cat barely managed to dodge a death sentence herself earlier in the series. Can't help but wonder if Ian or Vlad are next the way they're pairing off all the older main male vampires in the series.

View all my reviews

Blue Seed

Blue Seed (1994)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This series has some rather strange humor and odd relationships overall. Makes for a very different series than most common anime tend to be. Momiji is a childish klutz that you can't help but feel for. Kusanagi is the hero that's always trying to be a bad guy. The rest of the team each has their odd quirks and situations to throw into the mix. Sometimes it gets a little repetitive  especially once Kaede comes back into the picture and Kusanagi starts acting like a love-sick puppy over her. Still, it's a nice change of pace from all the samurai films especially.

Night Huntress World 1: First Drop of Crimson

Night Huntress World 1: First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Oddly I enjoyed this book more than the last few books of the main series. It was nice to get some deeper looks at Denise and Spade, and especially to fill in the blanks about their blooming relationship and Denise's species adjustments that are mentioned in the other books. Interesting that Denise seemed to suddenly get over her PTSD so quickly. Other than that, a lot of similarities between her story and Spade's, which is suggested to be why they accept their situation and fall together so quickly despite all the reasons they should be running for opposite hills. Overall, fast paced and enjoyable while still including all the main characters and giving a different focus with more development.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 6: One Grave at a Time

Night Huntress 6: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Again, not much in the way of overall development. Tate is demoted, Madden (his replacement), is an over controlling idiot who does nothing but mess things up. Don seems to have accepted being a ghost, or at least doesn't seem to have time to worry about it while trying to figure out what Madden is up to stepping into his old role while withholding information from Cat and Bones... again. You would think he would have learned by now that it was a bad idea, though now that he's a ghost they can't just read it from his mind either. Figured out long before it was revealed in the book that Cat was the last target - a little slow there? The whole fight against a ghost thing was rather overly dramatic and the theme (the Inquisitor constantly spouting nonsense from the witch hunts) is boring by the end as he sounds like a broken record. Very little in the realm of development with any of the relationships except for maybe Justina quitting the government team to leave with Cat - the most support she's shown for a long time since Cat threw in with the vampires indefinitely. Guess next up is tackling the Madden problem?

View all my reviews

The New Adventures of Black Beauty

The New Adventures of Black Beauty (1990)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Small wonder I enjoy this series as I've always loved horses and have often enjoyed the full length films Black Beauty and The Black Stallion. Unlike the movie version however, this is the story of Black Beauty belonging to one family, dying, and being replaced by a new Black Beauty belonging to Victoria, the young girl shown on the picture of the DVD case. Not as good as the full length film, but still enjoyable, especially for anyone who loves horses or enjoys old-style films.

Angel Sanctuary

Angel Sanctuary (2001)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


The first time I watched this shortly after High School, I found it highly fascinating. The artwork is reminiscent of many other series I've watched (Knight Hunters, Fushigi Yugi, Mirage of Blaze, etc). The story itself is rather complex and more than a little odd. The language is more course than most anime, and the confusion over the main pair being siblings or not is more than a little strange. They have a rather bloody way of awakening supposed angels or demons too, so I wouldn't advise watching this if you're younger and/or can't stand blood.

Angel's Feather

Angel's Feather (2007)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Released only in Japanese with English subtitles, this is the only disc for the series that I've been able to find. Disappointing as it leaves the series feeling incomplete and without a real focus overall. Cute artwork, but a confusing story line without completion doesn't rank very high overall.

Barbie 4: The Princess and the Pauper

Barbie 4: The Princess and the Pauper (2004)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I first got this because it was a favorite for my neighbor's little girl when I would babysit for them. Now I'm wondering if more of the series will be joining the collection as our own little girl grows. As Barbie films go, this was my favorite of the ones that were asked for at the time. Disney has done The Prince and the Pauper with Mickey Mouse, I guess it makes sense for another industry to take a new spin on it as well. The music is by far the most catching part of this film as the art is computer generated and definitely has that doll feel with how they move at times.

Night Huntress 5: This Side of the Grave

Night Huntress 5: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Cat wasn't odd enough absorbing power from vampire blood, now she can also borrow a ghoul's power. The twist with Don becoming a ghost was somewhat predictable as well. Either he'd be turned against his will like Justina, or being a ghost was the only alternative to keep him around. Majestic is as creepy as ever the way she knows things, controls the remnants, and just happens to be there at the right time to become queen over all the ghouls. Here's hoping her strange alliance with Cat continues or they'd be in a heap of trouble. Denise's abilities are also new. That story must be in one of the Night Huntress World books. Would make more sense to the story if they were chronological in the same series. I guess because they don't feature Cat and Bones they are considered a side series. Strange since many of the short stories in the series also don't focus on the main pair. Inconsistent at best.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 4: Destined for an Early Grave

Night Huntress 4: Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


So not only does it turn out Cat is already married to another vampire, thus supposedly nullifying her bond to Bones, but she also crosses over to officially become a vampire - unlike any other vampire ever heard of before. It makes sense once her differences are analyzed later on in the book, but it's still a strange twist. The fight against the dreamsnatcher to stay with Bones is also somewhat predictable and beyond volatile. Bones loses major points in this book along the way, though he does redeem himself somewhat when it's revealed to have been a ruse, not true action, to hopefully end the war. Makes it sort of sad that none of his grand schemes really ended up working after all. Cat seems to cop out at every corner, first blaming the pills for her erratic behavior and then acting like a child running away from Bones when he's trying his hardest to get back to her - which he then turns around and screws up himself. These two really need to get their act together - fast! Cat got off lucky in this book - in too many ways to count.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 3.5: Devil to Pay

Night Huntress 3.5: Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This short story feathers Elise, a vampire from Mechaneres' line, and Blake, a human possessed by a demon. Once again, the only time you see Bones or Cat is when they're sent to pick up Elise and Blake in the beginning of the story. Otherwise it's all about the developing relationship between these two and if Blake will have to die to stop the demon for good or if they find a way to save him so they can be together after all. A interesting short, as it does give some demon info that is otherwise lacking in the story, but otherwise doesn't add anything to the main line of development at all.

View all my reviews

Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series (1992)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I remember watching this series on TV after school as a child. Makes it kind of fun having the DVDs now. Batman is a long-time favorite that keeps being re-made over and over. It will be interesting to see if my daughter takes an interest in the series as well - how many generations will watch this? The art isn't overly stunning, but it's a typical Batman series - the Dark Knight always wins. Of course you also get more team ups and a lot more opponents alone or together multiple times over as this series continues.

Night Huntress 3: At Grave's End

Night Huntress 3: At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This series really needs to work on fluidity. They constantly hop between work missions, assassination attempts, and torturous interrogations. It's sometimes hard to remember where they're located at different points in the story as they keep hopping around. Realistically with vampire law and previous circumstances, Patra shouldn't have even been around to be a problem as she was in this book. Bones supposed death and new powers reviving him is also a little far stretched and overly dramatic. The parallel drawn between Cat and Vlad's wife is also stretched incredibly thin - jumping to avoid capture during war after your husband/king is dead and jumping just out grief are very different motivators. Tate is also still stretching the line way too much. Either they need to move him or get rid of him for good rather than just talking about it - rinse and repeat every time conflict arises on that front. Still do like Bones/Cat, but there needs to be a bit more fluidity and actual growth in these books before they'll be really great.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 2: One Foot in the Grave

Night Huntress 2: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Bones finally catches up with Cat, now known as the Red Reaper among the vampires. It certainly doesn't help their situation that she's unexpectedly tangled herself with Bones' sire, Ian, who now wants her for himself. Didn't see the twist with her father coming and had actually forgotten the mention in the short story I read previously that Don was her uncle, so missed that as the hunt for the contractor continued. Cat seems to finally be coming around and getting things together, but still has a ways to go. It's amazing Bones has put up with her this long, though still can't help but admire his honesty and determination, especially considering what he is and what he faces to be with her. Very odd marriage ceremony stuck in there towards the end. It actually seemed for a moment that Cat was going to completely forget about it and walk away again to get her revenge; pleasantly surprised on that score. It will be interesting to see how that new dynamic adds to the emotional drama.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 1.5: Happily Never After

Night Huntress 1.5: Happily Never After by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This books is interesting, but also somewhat disheartening as it pulls away from either of the main characters and instead focuses on Chance, one of Bone's old friends and a descendant of his line. The only time you see Bones is in the beginning when he says he's turning the job over to a friend of his because he's currently looking for someone (hopefully Cat), and at the end when he helps them escape the police raid. Cat is never seen or mentioned at all behind the allusion that Bones may be looking for her, and even that you'd only know if you'd read the first one to understand why he'd be searching for anyone in the first place. An interesting side-story, but it really did nothing to further the series at all. It's yet to be seen if either of these characters will tie into the main story further down the road as neither was mentioned in the first book.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 1: Halfway to the Grave

Night Huntress 1: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The book was decent, but lacked a lot of information that felt like it should have been here. Bones is a fun character, but Cat feels half-formed like she doesn't really know what she's doing despite her bravado and strength. Their relationship takes very strange twists and turns that often seem unfathomable until you remember these two aren't human, so maybe that attributes to their very inhuman reaction to things. Overall they show a lot of potential for an interesting pair, but it appears a lot of things will have to be worked out before they can even get back together, let alone prove anything to anyone else. Doesn't help that Cat has painted such a nice little target on herself.

View all my reviews

Night Huntress 0.5: Reckoning

Night Huntress 0.5: Reckoning by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is a prequel clip about Bones hunting two ghouls who are mass murderers in New Orleans. Prior to the time when he meets Cat, he becomes involved with Becca, who of course ends up being the murderer's final victim. Her final state before death that Bones finds her in is especially chilling. Overall not a lot of detail and certainly no huge connection as he only ended up with Becca because she had seen the killers and was more guilty for her fate than anything else. Hopefully the rest of the series will be more engaging.

View all my reviews