Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The premise is largely the same, as are the main characters. Expect a lot of mixing of different arcs though as the characters don't all stay in their previously assigned roles. For example, Jim is now the "fake" Battousai and works for Takeda with a few fighters you might recognize from the Onniwaban Group as well as a couple of others that didn't belong anywhere hear that arc. Megumi is still a doctor who gets caught up in the opium trade and Kenshin saves. Zanza is still rather brash and loud, though he doesn't go after Kenshin as much it seems as he did in the anime. Kaoru and Kenshin appear to be the least changed of all the characters, being very true to their original roles and convictions. Not always a fan of the live action versions of different series as sometimes they come off just wrong. This one is pretty decent as far as they go.

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As my husband put it "it's like a very long Glee episode" just with more music and a better flowing story - if you can find much story beyond the music. It's there, just not the most prominent part of the film, despite protesters  "life lessons," and several other things that get blatantly pulled to the surface. Overall, a good mix of film and musical, especially given they chose rock as the theme throughout - not the easiest with all ranges of emotion. Well done and well performed.

The Forbidden Kingdom

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While I typically am not a fan of the invisible wire old-film style martial arts that this employed, the film did successfully draw and keep my attention - a very rare thing for this style of fighting feature. Jason, the young American who gets drawn into ancient China, has to learn kung fu precepts in order to return a fabled weapon to the imprisoned Monkey King and stop the Jade Warlord. Interesting that his very adventure is what results in his "uncle's" immortality. Also glad to see Sparrow at the end of the film - had a feeling about that after the line about immortality. An interesting twist that made the film far more enjoyable, despite still not really caring for this form of martial arts.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

My rating: 0 of 5 stars


This was my husband's pick after I asked to turn of Zombieland as I was not in the mood for flesh eating creatures dreams. Can't say it was much better. While there was no blood and gore factor, there was a lot of sexual advancement, very inappropriate jokes, and more than a few odd scenes that made you wonder if the producers were high at the time of writing the script, let alone filming. In all honesty, this was so poorly done and in such bad taste that I again asked to change it to another movie and we didn't finish the film. That is bad.

Up

Up (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was the first Disney film I had seen in awhile when we got married. Not having been overly impressed with the series of quick release and poorly done sequels they had been doing at the time, I wasn't sure what to think of this new film, more along the lines of Pixar animation. We were both pleasantly surprised and found the film very enjoyable. Unlike several animated films these days, it stays true to the family film ideas that Disney is known for. This is one newer movie I look forward to watching with our little girl.

The Fall

The Fall (2006)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is a very strange movie. The story itself is actually a tale that injured stuntman a little girl with a broken arm conjure up while in the hospital together. Imaginations run wild and the story takes a turn for the worst towards the end. Not particularly a happy tale or anything that relatively easy to follow.

Danny

Danny (1977)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An older horse film, this is about the gelding Danny and little girl, Janie, who falls in love with him. Janie isn't one of the rich kids in town and doesn't seem to fit in. Not that she cares as she'd much rather spend her time at the barn learning from Pat. When the local rich girl, Andrea, decides Danny isn't worth her time or attention, Janie begs to keep Danny as her own. A little help from some unknown source, and not only does she bring Danny back to health when he goes lame, but she goes on to win first place in the Children's Hunt at the local competition against Andrea with her perfectly pedigreed mare that replaced Danny. Not overly exciting, but a touching and realistic tale for any horse lover.

You Don't Mess With The Zohan

You Don't Mess With The Zohan (2008)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Zohan was a special agent for Isreal who only wanted to cut and style hair. He didn't expect to also find love when he moved to America in pursuit of his dream. More than a little suggestive, this has a mix of very off the wall humor and bad accents throughout. Mindless entertainment that is certainly not everyone's cup of tea.

Coraline

Coraline (2009)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


This was a rather creepy movie overall. Couldn't remember why I didn't want to see it when it came out in theaters. Now I remember. The "Other Mother" sees the real world through the eyes of her dolls, pulling people into her world and turning them into dolls themselves by sewing buttons over their eyes. She nearly gets Coraline with her charm and games until she realizes the missing girls are all trapped there along with her real parents. With the help of an unlikely talking cat (about the only interesting character in the film) and an un-believing neighbor, she has to find her parents, free the souls of the missing girls (including the sister of her apartment's owner), and get back to the real world before the Other Mother can trap her too. Creepier still, you just think the game is won when it turns out the Other Mother could potentially enter the real world too. Definitely would not be fun and games in my book.

Knight & Day

Knight & Day (2010)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


It seems to be our timing for Mission Impossible films. Surprising how Roy continues to go back to June, despite her supposedly slowing him down and being a liability he's just "using" according to the other networks that are after him. Even more surprising is June's decision to dig into Roy's life a little more and taking it upon herself to see his mission ends successfully. Overall, not really sure what to think about this duo, though I did find the constant references to her out of place boots to be hilarious - that would be me, too.

Nikki Heat 4: Frozen Heat

Nikki Heat 4: Frozen Heat by Richard Castle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This one took me a long time to read. I am quickly learning that reading on baby schedule while trying to work as much as possible during the week does not work very well, especially when sleep often takes priority in those few downtime moments that aren't with the family or the office.

While this Nikki Heat story is good, it seems to pale in comparison to the chase for Beckett's old case in the corresponding TV series, Castle. It also ends on another cliff hanger as they find her mother's killer, but are left with Homeland Security and the killer's warning that he was working for someone else and something very big, and very bad, is coming to town. While at least two more characters are known in the current criminal ring, they don't appear to have any hope of catching the perpetrators and certainly don't seem to have any answers to the bigger questions. Captain Irons is as annoying as ever, and his girlfriend's actions leave a reader wondering if maybe she was in on the take too, just like the old lead of the case who ended up dying for trying to warn Heat. Overall, this book seemed to bring more questions than answers and didn't do a whole lot in the relationship department either. Bit of a let down overall as far as the case files go.

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Horton Hears A Who

Horton Hears A Who (2008)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Based on the book by Dr. Seuss, this is a short film feature Horton the elephant and how he discovers Whoville. The disc also contains a couple of other shorts, only one of which features Horton in his adventure with Maizy's egg. The special features on the disc highlight several other tales, including The Cat in the Hat, Sneetches, Green Eggs & Ham, and some of Dr. Seuss' early political cartoons during World War II. Supposedly this disc is one that Mercy picked out herself while shopping with Nana Waldo (aka they showed her the movies and she grabbed it off the shelf), so we watched it today to see what she thought of it. It certainly had her attention, though I'm sure it will be a bit longer before she really understands any of it. Still, a cute piece to add to her collection, especially since we do have a couple of Dr. Seuss books already and hope to get more.

Sneakers

Sneakers (1992)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This film had an old school Mission Impossible feel to it. Starts off introducing an odd group of men that are paid to steal things from companies in order to prove how well their security system does or does not work. Turns out they have a few troubles with the law of their own and end up in even more hot water when they take a job for the government that turns out to be fake. More than amusing how they turn it back to their favor at the end of the film. Can't help but be glad that this odd group manages to land on their feet.

Guess How Much I Love You

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a cute book that I've known from the start I wanted for Mercy. She's still a little young to understand reading, but we're still trying to make it a regular activity so hopefully she'll grow up enjoying it and looking forward to story time. This was her main stocking gift this year for Christmas.

A cute little tale of two rabbits. The baby (or "little") hare keeps trying to think of ideas to measure how much he loves big hare. Of course big hare, being older and much bigger, can out distance everything that little hare can think of. Just as little hare falls asleep, he thinks he's come up with the perfect measurement for his love - only to miss when big hare comes back with the adorable response that is double his previous measurement. A cute, simple children's book with a lovely meaning that's adorable to read to your children.

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Trinity Blood

Trinity Blood (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is an interesting twist on a futuristic war between humans and vampires. The Vatican uses allies to keep things under control. Interestingly enough, their main character in the forefront of the battle is the priest Peter Abel Nightroad, who it turns out is a crusnik (a vampire who feeds on other vampires). That's an odd twist on itself that is confusing all on it's own before you try to make heads or tales of the Vatican itself and how the war is actually progressing. Overall a rather confusing series that left me feeling it was incomplete and lacked something in the overall story line.

Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples (Cards)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First played this game last year with my in-laws. We found the game to be hilarious and lots of fun for everyone. You couldn't help but be drawn in - especially when all you had were crazy answers that made no sense to the question and somehow had to try and sell them. Definitely want this one for our family!

Dragons: Book of Dragons

Dragons: Book of Dragons (2011)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


We see the Book of Dragons in the original film, How To Train Your Dragon, as Hiccup is looking for information about the Night Fury. This short film is basically going through the book by dragon "class" and showing their different attributes. Many of the dragons shown are not seen in the movie however. Some have been shown in previous short films or the TV series, Dragon Riders of Berk, but there were a few that I didn't recognize as being additions from either of those medias. New dragons for the next film or possible series continuation? It left it rather open ended with statements that apparently they were finding new dragons still and it was up to the trainers to add new information about discoveries and dragon personalities as they worked with their chosen dragons. Interesting information, but not a lot of new material as far as characters or plot goes.

Dragons: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon

Dragons: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The story told here is beyond ridiculous  though it apparently does have some base in truth as the legend is proved to be real. Not much is seen or mentioned of the other dragons as this is purely about the Boneknapper. The dragon riders don't even take their own dragons to go looking for the mythical beast - instead rowing on an old Viking boat as they used to before dragon days. An interesting new dragon added to the mix; hopefully will be included in the next movie as well.

Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury

Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury (2011)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I still love Toothless - he totally makes this series for me. This is a cute little short film that was aired last night during Fox holiday specials. Apparently original released in a separate DVD package back in 2011, I'm surprised I hadn't yet heard of it as it is beyond adorable. Hiccup thought he had the perfect idea for a gift to his dragon. While Toothless certainly made surprisingly good use out of it, he had better ideas for their holiday. Talk about an intelligent dragon - he's got this Christmas thing down pat.

The Hobbit 1: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit 1: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Having never finished the book completely, I couldn't vouch for how accurate it is in this regard, though my father-in-law said that other than adding a few small things it was spot on. Apparently there are some parts that you read about in the later books that take place during The Hobbit, readers just don't know it until further down the line. These bits have been incorporated into the film to fit the correct sequence of events. I have, however, seen the animated version of the film as it is a childhood favorite of my husband's and a friend of mine in college. Definitely prefer this film, and really like how they kept things consistent with the already released Lord of the Rings films. The music is beautiful and the scenery is stunning. There are slight differences in some scenes, like the slow motion effects when Bilbo uses the ring, that make it apparent some things we know are coming have not yet taken effect (the wraiths tracking the ring and Dark Lord not yet following it either, so none of the wraith screeching or encroaching blackness when in use). Subtle differences, but very fitting and tell a story of their own if you pay attention to them. Definitely a great addition to an already amazing series. Too bad we have to wait so long for the next installment.

The Twilight Saga 5: Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Twilight Saga 5: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Really wasn't sure how they were going to play this, especially since 3/4 of the book was already covered in part one. Interesting idea how they played out the fight scene then revealed it to just be one of Alice's visions. The assortment of vampires that were brought in were interesting; even recognized one of them as having played a part in 24. Kristen does a much better job playing vampire Bella than she did as a human Bella. Of course Jacob as a wolf is as amazing as ever. Overall, a decent end to the series. Wasn't really sure how it would go with Renesme - CG baby apparently was the answer. Interesting trick.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2003)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It doesn't matter which edition of this show is on, be it Home Edition, Holiday Edition, or whatever they want to call it at the time. It doesn't air regularly any more, but it's always good when it does. They do amazing things with these homes and for these families, often previously facing such horrible circumstances or health issues with special needs. It's amazing to see how the community comes together and wonderful things they design and build for these people in need. A touching show through and through.

The Mob Doctor

The Mob Doctor (2012)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Ended up watching this more to have some background noise when the baby refused to go to bed after a later-than-normal nap. It was an interesting series, especially as I can clearly recall watching shows like E.R. with my mother as a child. More doctor based than my current medical shows like Bones or Body of Proof, it gets the trouble factor from mob connections and botched theft jobs while dodging the red tape of the hospital's paperwork and legal inquiries. Looked like it had potential, but not really interested in picking up another series actively right now.

Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Star (2004)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not one that I follow regularly any more, but still an enjoyable show. Loving dance, it's interesting to see what the competitors come up with each round and how well they perform. Sometimes the costumes alone seem to be worth it as they can really be out there. The judges have their own form of amusement as they critique and score the dances - some of them really get into the dancing!

Serenity

Serenity (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Based on the TV series Firefly, this takes place after the series trying to wrap up many of the loose ends. In all honestly, I was convinced they were all going to die by the end of the film, especially as they braved the Reever fleet not once, but twice and intentionally goaded them to follow the ship. Despite her psychic abilities, being grabbed from behind, not to mention the sheer overwhelming numbers, should have meant River's end. By some miracle she saves the day, the truth of the Reevers comes to light (not something I ever expected to be the core of this movie when I heard about it), and the assassin who chased them across the galaxy ends up no longer on the side of the Alliance, though I don't think you can really say he's on the side of Serenity's crew either. Somewhat surprised I didn't have nightmares about these creatures as they are beyond horrifying on an entirely different level than most films (I'm thinking Dawn of the Dead or Resident Evil). Still, definitely sufficiently high on the creepy scale.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The first time I started watching this, it felt too much like a rerun of the original series and I just couldn't get into it. This time I stuck with it, and while a lot of similarities are still present, I also found a lot of changes as it got further along. Not sure that I completely understand why they re-launched the series other than trying to keep bringing in more capital and adding in newer details from the manga that previously got cut out as the series was ended, so it that sense it still miffs me a bit. Ignoring that though, it is still very familiar and enjoyable, so it's worth watching if you really like the series.