March 24, 2013
Vampire Memories 5: Ghosts of Memories
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Knew something had to change with this book since it was supposedly the end of the series. Julian's death would certainly fit that bill. Ivory was an interesting find, but Christian almost struck me as being worse than Julian. His only saving grace in that rating is that he wasn't actively hunting down all of his own kind... just Phillip and Wayde since they were directly in the path of what he wanted. Rather disappointed that the group didn't put it all together until they all nearly died as a result given they knew his powers and personality after Elisha seeing Christian's memories and Wayde seeing Ivory's. Too little too late I guess. Certainly seemed to apply here. Overall very anticlimactic for the ending.
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March 23, 2013
Splash!
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
After having the Olympics so recently and seeing pro's in the water, the only saving grace for this show is the celebrity factor if you care about that sort of thing at all. Otherwise it's just a bunch of amateurs jumping in a pool and getting "scored" by judges until only one jumper remains. A mixture of something like Dancing With the Stars and Fear Factor as it takes the celebrity aspect, learning something new, and a bit of fear with the sheer height of some of the dives. Still, it's up to the celebrity how high they will or will not go for their jump, so even that is pretty controlled. Matt was laughing and covering his eyes after each jump because of how ridiculous and absurd it seemed to him. Not exactly a resounding endorsement.
Happy Birthday, Little Pookie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Little Pookie can't sleep because it's his birthday. In true parent fashion, his folks are up and celebrating despite literally looking ready to drop on their feet. Of course Little Pookie is still thrilled despite it all and has a cute Birthday story to share. This one rhymes better than Let's Dance, Little Pookie, which will likely make it more of a hit as Mercy starts understanding what we're reading to her.
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Let's Dance, Little Pookie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Another cute Little Pookie story. I can see Mercy enjoying this as she likes to boogie. However, this one doesn't rhyme and flow as well as many of Boynton's other stories. Still, it is a cute idea and will be a familiar character as Little Pookie has several books rather than just one like most of her character's. Hopefully this one will be just as enjoyable as she grows.
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March 22, 2013
Derrick Storm Mystery 2: Storm Season
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
In color and full print is definitely the better way to read this series. Reading it in black and white small e-ink majorly detracts from the story. Storm manages to get himself in even more trouble, oddly revolving around the previously believed deceased Clara. Sadly, it also doesn't do much to draw a reader in if you aren't already familiar with the origins of the story. Being a previous Castle fan however, I get some enjoyment just from seeing the series come to life. Does make me wish the story was a little more involved however to do Castle justice as the amazing author he's supposed to be.
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Fashion Star
Fashion Star (2012)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
An interesting new real series that bases the competition on fashion designs. The designs are then put before buyers from Macy's, Sax and Express to actually be sold in stores. Some of the designs show potential, but most of them I'm surprised if they actually get bids. Overall I can't say I've been impressed with the "fashion" on this show. Then again, fashion isn't a topic that has ever really interested me, so they were already fighting an uphill battle just with the theme itself.
Curran POV 4: Magic Strikes Hot Tub Scene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There is something about this pair that is just magnetic. I enjoy the Curran POV shorts almost as much as the full books. It's interesting to get Curran's thoughts in the mix instead of just his reactions and interaction as Kate interprets them. This time it takes us back to the cage fight and Curran's hot tub rendezvous with Kate before Derrick interrupts with the hand in the box. Kate might not be a shifter, but her stubbornness is certainly a rival for Curran's or any of her other shapeshifter friends.
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Mercy Thompson 7: Frost Burned
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I never seem to get enough of this series. There were two possible endings for this book - the first being about mid-way through, when Adam and the rest of the pack return home safely. The second is the actual end of the book when Mercy and the pack get their closure from everything that's happened and save for Peter, are all safe and sound where they belong. It was a relief that Adam managed to avoid painting the werewolves in a bad light. Interesting mix of the pack and vampire politics in this one. Couple of references to earlier books where Mercy was forced into things that ended up as large catalysts for her relationship with Adam. Didn't expect that, but the mixture of past and present adds a nice twist while reminding readers of previous events and explaining perceptions to those who may be new to the series starting with this book. Once again, I can't wait for the next installment of the series.
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Little Pookie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Part of a series by Sandra Boynton, I couldn't resist picking this up at a local baby consignment sale. Mercy loves some of her other mainstream baby board books. This has the same simplicity and cute art while also telling a cute, rhyming story that will keep a child's attention as they learn to read and grow with their books. This one is good as it shows the actions and things it describes, so it will be a very good book to help teach her the meaning of different words and actions.
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March 21, 2013
Den of Shadows 9: Promises to Keep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not my favorite of the Den of Shadows books, but still an interesting read. Jay doesn't seem to fit in with other witches at all, despite his hunter status. First off, he's far more comfortable out in the wild with Lynx, second, he makes friends with vampires surprisingly easy and willingly donates blood, something most other witches would likely kill over. This laid back attitude gets him into more than a little trouble as he tries to help the wrong person without the right information. Now the entire power balance has shifted, and we're just starting to see the tip of the iceberg with those changes.
Surprisingly kind of liked Xeke, though Rikai annoyed me a lot. Brina was an interesting surprise, especially when it turned out she could talk to Lynx the same way Jay did. Especially considering her own oblivion to her cat's demands earlier in the book. Definitely like her more as the human-almost-witch than as the vampire. Apparently Renna is Jessica's new name (from Demon in My View) and she is one of the "three wild cards" along with Xeke and Rikai. Surprising that she wasn't with Aubrey considered how connected they seemed in the earlier book.
There were also a lot of references to the Kiesha'ra series. The Cobriana family was mentioned by name aside from many references to the serpiente and the avian's. Kind of made me miss that series as I really liked Danica and Zane.
Overall, not the same character attachment as some of the earlier books (Demon in My View, Hawksong and Midnight Predator especially come to mind). A lot of interesting twists though. Makes me wonder if the next book with continue to combine Den of Shadows with Kiesha'ra or if this was sort of a one time crossover.
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March 19, 2013
Full Moon 3: Full Moon Kisses
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a good quick read with interesting characters and new twists. Still can't get myself to like Nash, especially with his behavior towards Celeste and Brandon. Brandon continues to be a surprise. He's the "good guy" in more ways than you can count. This new pack moving in was a bit of a surprise. A little curious about what will happen to Ryder's followers now that they're cured and he's not. Hope he doesn't cause more problems in the future, but would kind of like to see how his friends would interact with Brandon and the others minus their aggravating leader. Ellen leaves her series endings very open to continuation or further ideas via the readers own imagination as it isn't all spelled out to the final conclusion.
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March 15, 2013
Bob the Builder
Bob the Builder (1997)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The premise of this show appears to be the ability to build and make different things by working together. Even the cars are animated, similar to the series Thomas The Engine. A cute show that airs later in the afternoon instead of in the morning when the majority of young learning shows seem to air.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2000)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Based on the book series, this is a cute and watered down version of the story divided up into shorts for air time. On in the middle of the afternoon, this is more of a home from kindergarten type of show it seems. With how big and awkward Clifford is compared to other dogs, he varies between being the problem and the solution depending on what the episode's challenge is.
Happy Baby Colors
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mercy is still too young to understand what she's reading or learning, but that doesn't stop her from loving certain books. We got this one for a steal at a baby consignment sale yesterday and she not only browsed through it most of the time we were wheeling around in the stroller, but wanted it again this morning. So I sat down with her and read through it all the way. She loves turning the pages and looking at the pictures. We have a lot of texture and ABC children books, but not a lot with colors. This one is especially fun as it matches the color to a variety of items (food, clothing, toys, animals, etc) as well as a picture of a child with something that matches the color for that page. Definitely keeping this one in the library. Hopefully she'll continue to love it as she grows old enough to learn what it says and match the colors at the end on her own.
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The Hollows 11: Ever After
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I still miss Kisten, which is not helped by the fact that he is brought up all the time. Ellasbeth annoys me, so can't say I'm happy to see her back in the story again. It's seemed for awhile now that the author has been pushing Morgan and Trent together, but after this book one has to wonder if it will ever work out. They both fight it on account of "duty," but it's obvious they do ultimately work well together and understand each other on a level that no one else can. Especially now with them taking on the responsibility of the Rosewood demons together and the whole mind melding with the slavers. Also saw an interesting side to many of the demons this time around, as well as more reveals from the demon/elf war. Al and Trent seem to cautiously be getting along, and the news that elves used to part of the collective is intriguing. Overall this book resolved some big issues (Nick, Ku'Sox and Pierce), but also left some holes (Ceri). It will be interesting to see how things work now that Morgan has literally saved the Ever After.
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March 13, 2013
The Vampire Diaries 10: The Hunters: Destiny Rising
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Interesting twist for the supposed end to the series. I wouldn't be surprised if they come up with another trilogy just to keep it going, especially with the TV series still airing. Elena is now both a Guardian and immortal, irrevocably tied to Damon, and has supposedly chosen Stefan "for eternity." Even with all the twists the TV series has added into the mix, I didn't see Katherine being Elena's half sister cropping up. Of course it wouldn't have been a final showdown without Klaus added into the mix. Once again everyone seems to be happily paired off expect Matt and Damon. I guess you could technically count Matt as paired off since he had Chloe, but her being dead and Damon being well past Katherine still leaves these two on the lonely wagon. After all of Damon's posturing and bad boy attitude though, it does seem that this final tie to Elena may finally put him in his place. Guess time will tell on that score if they continue or not.
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March 11, 2013
In Death 36: Calculated In Death
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't help but love this series. You would think it would get repetitive as it's always another murder and another case solved. Somehow though, there's always something new. New information, new reactions, new character growth and a comfort of familiar characters you can't help but love. Also find it amusing how many times the topic of babies comes up lately. Part of me hopes for a new development with that line constantly being tugged, but at the same times hopes not as it's been said before that the series will end when kids come into the picture. I really hope not as that would add a whole new level and insight to Eve and Roarke, especially with their own colorful histories, that will never be touched otherwise.
This time it isn't so much Eve's gut as her reliance on Roarke and his business sense that really gives the guiding light. Goes to show Roarke knows his world and his wife very well as he hits everything dead on. Should have seen things circling back to a set up with Eve as bait, especially after the first botched attack, but somehow didn't until Mira's discovery. Glad Roarke got that flying tackle and punches in, complete with picking the assailant's pockets. Despite his constant claims of "I'm not stupid," he really comes across as pathetically just that. Kind of wish we'd seen more about the premiere and the following wedding, but I guess knowing about them will have to do as it wouldn't be our main duo without following the action and the case.
Now for the hard part... waiting for the next book.
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March 10, 2013
Chopped
Chopped (2007)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is very similar to shows like Master Chef and Iron Chef where there are specific cooking challenges that the constants are graded on. Depending on their performance they will continue on or be "chopped" from the list until only one remains. Admittedly, I'm more of a Master Chef fan as it's one of the first as it's the first one of this time of show that I watched somewhat regularly and we've always been Chef Ramsey fans. Still, it's interesting to see what different shows bring to the table and what the chefs come up with throughout the challenges.
Wreck-It Ralph
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, this was adorably done. A newer Disney film, this follows the more common computer animation these days against the traditional drawing animation that Disney was originally known for. Ralph is the villain in a retro game. Everything thinks he's going Turbo as he decides he must win a medal to establish his place with the other characters instead of being left out all the time after game-hours. Oddly enough, if not for this determination, two characters would never meet to fall in love and another game would never be repaired, exposing Turbo is still around and trying to take control of racing games he doesn't belong in.
March 8, 2013
House of Night Novella 3: Neferet's Curse
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Having read the latest House of Night book first, I was slightly curious what exactly Neferet may have seen in Zoey's mirror that she swore she "would never be again." Got the feeling it had to have been something awful for such a vehement reaction to it. It also makes it incredibly obvious how she could have fallen to darkness so easily - she already essentially was there before she was ever Marked in the first place. Makes it somewhat amazing that she was able to hold out for so long before implementing her plans, but it's rather obvious that she's been warped ever since her mothers death. The rest of what happened to her certainly didn't help matters either. Though her constant declarations in her journal are at least somewhat inaccurate - yes she is mad. Just not in a form that she recognizes even after intentionally and publicly surrendering to the Darkness.
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Word World
Word World (2007)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This is a rather new and unique take on a learning program for children. They take the word for whatever character or object they want, and literally make it out of that word, so seeing the character Dog from the side spells the actual word "dog." If they want to make anything, like a bell, they have to spell it out for the letters and then it turns into that item from the word, also still spelling it just like the characters do. Very interesting and ingenious word play. Hoping this is one Mercy learns to love early on.
Barney & Friends
Barney & Friends (1992)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I remember this series being extremely annoying when it first came out and the various songs the kids would come up with focuses on killing Barney. I also recall finding this very sad as it's theme song "I Love You" is a popular children's hymn that we sing at church often. Made for very depressing memory association. Can't say that show seems any more thrilling now that it's on the children's station for my own little girl, but they do try to really focus on friendship, learning, and getting along, which are all good things. Guess we'll see if Mercy likes purple dinosaurs.
Sid the Science Kid
Sid the Science Kid (2008)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
The Jim Henson series is done in computer puppet style. As the name implies, this series focuses on basic scientific discovery and ways young children can apply them to figure things out for themselves and use the information to solve questions. A cute idea with a slightly different and more focused twist on learning, similar to the reading program's better focus.
Sesame Street
Sesame Street (1969)
My rating: 1 of 5
Even as a child I was never a big fan of this series. Regardless, it does have a lot of singing and learning in it and just about every child seems to at least know Elmo. The first episode that played on this when we turned PBS Kids on for Mercy was a Glee spoof about the word G, including g-egionals and characters dressing up like the Glee cast. It was honestly rather disturbing despite the effort to be educational and fun.
Daniel Tiger's Neighboorhood
Daniel Tiger's Neighboorhood (2012)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This series teaches a lot about how to do different things as you grow up and getting along with other types of friends. The children have to learn how to handle different surroundings, situations and emotions. This show is based off of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and is co-produced by The Fred Rogers Company (previously The Family Company).
Martha Speaks
Martha Speaks (2008)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
I could have seen this as a series Matt would have liked as a child. With the main character being a dog, any animal lover is likely to get a kick out of this one. Martha is very mild while also learning something new in each episode - a good variety for any child from all the usual singing and dancing that many kid programs have.
Dinosaur Train
Dinosaur Train (2009)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The first episode I saw from this had an Elvis dinosaur complete with Elvis style songs about dinosaurs and the journey they were on with the train that day. Overall it seems to be a cute series with a lot of games and songs to keep young children entertained. Not what I usually expect from Jim Henson as it's done in CG, not puppets, but the type of story and entertainment fit his style.
Super Why
Super Why (2007)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The names are beyond redundant, but it's a cute idea to teach children different ways to read and write, understanding and changing stories. Also includes some problem solving as they answer different questions and search for specific letters or parts of the story in each episode.
The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This is a cute idea and certainly a big hit with children as it features Dr. Seuss's popular character, The Cat In The Hat, and the same types of catchy rhymes and stories that are common in his books. There is a lot of repeated lines and scenes in every episode however that can make it annoyingly repetitive for the adults hearing it with their kids. The flying scene and the kids asking their mom to go with the Cat are always the same. I also have to wonder what message it sends that the mother always responds with "of course you can" and the cat always says "I know, I know you can." Parents don't always say "yes," especially to some mythical trip with a mythical character that could land them lost who knows where. The books are definitely still much better, but I have to admit to seeing the childish appeal for the younger generation.
Curious George
Curious George (1980)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Based on the book series by Margret Rey, this is an adorable series meant to be both educational and fun. This was a classic when Matt and I were kids; we're both sure Mercy will continue to love it as she understands it more and can enjoy the stories herself.
March 7, 2013
The King & I
The King & I (1999)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another adaptation of a popular story redone several times over, this is done to a lot of fun and music as the story comes to life animated for a younger or more family based audience. I actually saw this long before I saw Anna & the King or any other variations of the story. A stubborn and highly intelligent king may have just met his match in the young English school teacher who soon turns his life around. These two make a very interesting and dynamic pair.
Stardust
Stardust (2007)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Who ever knew a fallen star would literally be another living person? This is a sweet and fanciful story as a couple draws closer together and learns what is really important overall. Based on a book by Neil Gaiman, Matt was already familiar with the story, though I'd never seen or heard of it. The movie was a Christmas gift from family a couple years back. We ended up watching it for a date night and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Star Trek
Star Trek (2009)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meet a younger Jame Kirk as he goes through training and the early crew of the Enterprise. Considering how long this series has been around, they did a good job of staying true to the series and giving something new in the mix. Often referred to as Star Trek 2009 to differentiate which part of the saga it is, it will be interesting to see how they play off this for the next film and piece the series together.
Se7en
Se7en (1995)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Tracking a serial killer isn't easy, especially when at first the motives aren't the same. This killer has been planning his targets for awhile, each representing a different deadly sin. Unfortunately for the two homicide detectives who are after him, they also become representatives and targets for his twisted scheme. See the wikipedia if you want more details to the story. Rather twisted and a little disturbing how this turns out.
xXx
xXx (2002)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Extreme sports and thrill seeker, Xander Cage, ends up in a forced recruitment for the government, helping in a rather drastic, dangerous and undercover mission. Don't get distracted by all the girls. This is all about espionage and danger. The bad boy image definitely fits his character and personality.
The Illusionist
The Illusionist (2006)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Magic, law, intrigue, politics, romance and illusion all come to play as an Chief Inspector, a magician, and a young woman find their lives oddly intertwined as they try to discover exactly what is truth and what is fiction. Overall rather low key, but with just enough of an edge to leave you wondering what will happen next.
Jumanji
Jumanji (1995)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wild story if you ever saw one. The jungle comes alive and tears the city apart. Meanwhile the game that brought it to life is the only way to send it all back and return everything to normal.... and not just the normal of the current time. Turn the clock all the way back to when the game started.... 26 years previously when a young boy disappeared inside the game, only to help them survive to finish it years later.
K-19: The Widowmaker
K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
I remember being shocked when I first saw this in theaters as there is a scene where the crew of the submarine all come up on deck and promptly start mooning another group. Really?! How crude and immature. That scene alone really turned me off this film. I'm glad the story came out and I'm sure the survivors were glad it's no longer suppressed, but that doesn't mean it needs to be vulgar to get the message across.
Based on an incident that was officially suppressed for 28 years, K-19: The Widowmaker is a fine addition to the "sub-genre" of submarine thrillers. The first major American film about Russian cold war heroes, it re-creates the nightmare endured in 1961 by the crew of the Soviet nuclear submarine K-19, when an exposed reactor core nearly resulted in a nuclear catastrophe. Several crewmen died, and K-19's captain had to assert his command when near-mutiny favored his executive officer. This escalating tension gives the film its potent dramatic thrust, and both Ford and Neeson deliver intense performances while director Kathryn Bigelow ably controls a sub full of seething testosterone. It's not as viscerally thrilling as the classic Das Boot or U-571, and some K-19 survivors protested the inclusion of inauthentic drinking scenes, but the movie benefits from grand-scale production values, seamless computer graphics, and a compelling real-life twist.
- source: listal
Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse
Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse (2004)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
My husband loves these movies. They're a little gory and repetitive for my tastes however. More zombies, more fleeing for your life, more of Alice saving the day, and more fighting. It feels like this series is just stuck on repeat.
The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai (2003)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This is a rather dramatic and also violent film as it depicts several long battles. Tom Cruise plays an American military adviser that embraces the Samurai culture when he is captured during the war. Surprisingly, this is the very same culture that originally he was trying to destroy.
Man of Fire
Man of Fire (2004)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An ex-CIA operative lands himself a bodyguard position for a little girl. He didn't know that this little girl would not only repair his life, but bring out a side of him that isn't afraid of wreaking havoc to get her back when she's taken away. Wouldn't suggest getting between these two if you value your life.
Pan's Labyrinth
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
This is one extremely creepy movie. I like some horror films, but this did give me nightmares. Taking place during the Spanish Civil War, a little girl find a whole new world of danger and wonder as she tries to save her mother and her unborn sibling. Adding to the little girl's appeal is the idea that she is a lost princess proving her worth to meet her long-lost father and king. Too bad those challenges will cost more than her own future.
Paulie
Paulie (1998)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an adorable movie about a talking parrot named Paulie and his adventures through life. All he wants is to be with his little girl, the one he was given to in order to help with her speech impediment. Who knew he'd turn into a thief, janitor, lead bird, a pet shop bird, a wanderer, and just about anything else in between on his adventure to find home.
Queen of the Damned
Queen of the Damned (2002)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Honestly, I like the Blade series a lot better as far as vampire movies go. After hearing about all the craziness in Anne Rice's series, the movie does live up to that name. These vampires are frightening, popular, and entirely off the wall.
The Recruit
The Recruit (2003)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Some serious distrust and action take place with this CIA recruit. You even get a little bit of love interest on the side. Pay attention when watching or you might lose track of the assignments, let alone who is playing by the rules. This one didn't really grab me as one I'd intentionally pick out to watch again, but it was still good as something new and different.
Jericho Road: Backstage Pass
Jericho Road: Backstage Pass (2002)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wish there was a "play all" option for this disc, but it has some great music and fun behind the scenes as they film the music videos, as well as actual videos and part of a July 4th concert. Mercy especially loves it as it's all up-beat and happy music.
X-Men: The Legend of Wolverine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I believe this was a part of a set because I would have been unlikely to buy it separately, despite my enjoyment of the X-Men saga. Like the movie single Wolverine, this focuses on his past, taking individual episodes from the original Animated Series out of context and putting them in order all focused on our anger-prone hero. Other than the bonus episode and some special features, there isn't anything on this release that you won't get out of the original series if you've already seen or have that.
X-Men: The Animated Series
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I grew up watching this series, based on the original Marvel comics. It was a favorite back then and still is today. I will admit, I have a habit of judging the newer movies and TV series by comparing them to this first love.
Ninja Resurrection
Ninja Resurrection (1997)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Based on the same source material and a similar style to Ninja Scroll, these are actually not considered part of the series at all. Do not watch this if you have a problem with violence as that's pretty much all this game-based story is about.
Ninja Resurrection takes place in the Tokugawa era, at a time when Christians in Japan were being persecuted. The leader of the Shimabara Rebllion, Amakusa Shiro, hoped to resist the government forces attacking Christians like him but is assassinated. Soon after, Amakusa's restless spirit returns to avenge his fallen comrades and is up to Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi to put a stop to the demonic onslaught.
- source: wikipedia
Origin: Spirits of the Past
Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I can't recall why we ended up picking this one up, but we have it. The easiest way to get the plot behind this dystopia is to read the wiki. It was interesting in the fact that it was different; reminded me a little of Castle in the Sky. On the other hand it also wasn't very engaging. Good for a low-key movie night if you're interested.
Sorcerous Stabber Orphen 2: Revenge
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While it's nice to see the team back together again and having fun despite their challenge, all the comedy and drama makes it very difficult to find and follow the actual story line of this season. The artwork has also been changed, though you keep the main voice actors from the original. Overall it makes for an odd experience that you laugh at but aren't very sure what you come away with at the end.
Magic Knight Rayearth 2
Magic Knight Rayearth 2 (2001)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Sometimes these series seem to drag on. This time, not only do they face another enemy, but it appears Hikaru may be in a bit of additional trouble as she both discovers love and faces off against her own evil twin, a splintered part of her own personality from her first time in Cephiro. Of course, as with all the romances in this series, nothing can actually come from it as the girls and their beaus are always split from each other when they return to their own world. Despite the turbulent times, the return gives the girls some hope as discovering the new Pillar gives them a chance to fix the errors they made in having to kill the previous one.
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
My brother-in-law was very excited to see we had this, but admittedly it was more because this was done by Stuido Ghibli than anything else. The second movie in this series, this one features Lupin as he pursues the Duke of Cagliostro, who plans to marry Clarisse de Cagliostro. Lupin must essentially save the damsel in distress as she is the very object he will steal, continuing his reputation as a "gentleman" thief. Overall I can't say it's my type of story or artwork, and it is very different from the usual Studio Ghibli films. You can tell the series was originally created by someone else as the character designs differ drastically from Miyzaki's other works.
Weiss Kreuz: Verbrechen & Strafe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
As an OVA, this is only 2 short episodes rather than an entire series. The artwork in these shorts is actually better than the originals, though the short story can make it a little confusing being extremely dark.
In hiding, Aya, Ken, Yoji and Omi work out of a mobile home, using their flower-selling business as a cover. Their location is never specified, but it is possibly in the area of Yokota Air Base or Camp Zama, which are both American military bases near Tokyo. Their first mission involves a target by the name of Colonel Nichol who evidently has his own enemies in a later target for Weiß and a young man named Akira. However, Ken and Omi decide to decline the mission to kill Akira after they hear Akira's (and his younger sister Kaori's) story. They only want revenge on Nichol for killing their parents several years before. Kaori was also a classmate of Omi's and the only surviving member of her group of friends, all supposedly killed by Nichol. Kritiker doesn't take to Ken and Omi's defection, and amends the mission. Yoji and Aya are instructed to target their teammates as well.
- source: wikipedia
Reign: The Conqueror
Reign: The Conqueror (1997)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
The story of Alexander the Great, this was one of my husband's favorites growing up. I saw it for the first time myself during early college years. Can't say that I was as taken with it. The series is very bloody and a little deranged as the characters go to unbelievable lengths to accomplish their goals - all revolving around power and control. Not a series I would turn on for a child and not likely to recommend to others.
Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adore this series. A little slower paced, this focuses on solving mysteries and riddles rather than the usual fast paced action series that overrun the genre. It's a refreshing change to not be overloaded with weapons and battles all the time. Instead, this one really focuses on the characters and the difficulties surrounding the elusive Blade Children, a mystery that Ayumu's own brother disappeared trying to solve.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Magic Knight Rayearth (1994)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me awhile to really get into this series. There are parts that seem slow, especially as they run into each of their enemies and systematically seem to turn them from bad to good. Ultimately, they must learn to discover their own powers and they fight to save Cephiro, another world that they were pulled to from their very own Tokyo. These three would likely never have met otherwise, being from different schools, but end up being the closest of friends.
Weiss Kreuz: Gluhen
Weiss Kreuz: Gluhen (2004)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The newer, second season of the series, this finds a new team and very different artwork. Focusing on a team of assassins, the original was dark to begin with, but this still manages to surpass that. Ran, previously known as Aya, is the only one of the original team that we see to start with, working with a group of 3 new younger assassins. The original team with have to band together, along with some unlikely allies among their previous enemies, to stop the new threat that is controlling and eliminating children at their school.
Sorcerous Stabber Orphen
Sorcerous Stabber Orphen (1998)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Orphen is a bit of a rebel magician, teaming up with some odd players as he tries to save his lost friend who is trapped as the monster The Bloody August, a dragon that terrorizes the region. Between the magician's guild and the dragon, he has his hands full as he tries to right the wrongs that created the beast in the first place.
GetBackers
GetBackers (2002)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This series was picked up on a whim. While it's different from many other series, it's also similar in the aspect that the main characters are all about different powers and strengths. The two main characters are Ban Mido and Ginji Amano They run a freelance business of recovering anything lost or stolen from a client under the name "GetBackers." With their unique skills put to the test, they claim a 100% success rate at their job.
Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
One of the first Studio Ghibli films I saw, this one has a very different feel to it than most of the others. I usually associate Studio Ghibli with light and fun films with underlying messages, like The Cat Returns or Spirited Away. In comparison, this is a very quiet and serious film, focusing on a pair of siblings trying to survive in Japan during wartime.
Setsuko and Seita are brother and sister living in wartime Japan. After their mother is killed in an air raid they find a temporary home with relatives. Having quarreled with their aunt they leave the city and make their home in an abandoned shelter. While their father's destiny who was a soldier is unknown the two must depend on each other to somehow keep a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. When everything is in short supply, they gradually succumb to hunger and their only entertainment is the light of the fireflies.
- source: listal
March 6, 2013
House of Night 10: Hidden
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Sometimes I honestly wonder why I'm still reading this series. It's repetitive and rather stereotypical. At the same time, it's so close to being finished, that it would annoy me not to know how it ends.
Once again, Neferet does something bad (in this case she kidnaps Grandma Redbird). Once again, Zoey and her circle have to join together to stop Neferet and save Grandma. This time however, Kalona and Aurox are both on their side. Neferet has also been publicly shunned in the vampyre world, but is now attempting to wrap humans around her oily fingers instead. The ending is especially disturbing as Neferet's broken body separates into dozens of tiny spiders. As if she wasn't creepy enough just working with Darkness? It might be interesting to see how the dynamics with Aurox change now that everyone knows he's Heath and not just Zoey's imagination. Have to admit I'm liking Kalona better than his supposedly "good" twin, Erebus. It would be somewhat amusing to see their positions reversed by the end of the series the way Kalona is learning and maturing so much faster.
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Gravitation: Lyrics of Love
Gravitation: Lyrics of Love (2005)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very different art and different voice actors make this production a far cry from it's original series. Still, the main pairing are constant and as dramatic as ever. Shuichi is still insecure and childish while being surprisingly popular and successful. Yuki, popular and highly awarded romance author, finally agrees to write a song, but it's not for his boyfriend Shuichi, it's for his rival band Nittle Grasper... or so Shuichi thinks. Shuichi finally tries to console himself with the idea that Ryuichi, lead singer of Nittle Grasper, is his friend and idol, so it's good for him to have a good song by Yuki. Little does he know that the song is for both of them, and the lyrics are about none other than Shuichi Shindou himself. Despite knowing that Yuki is a romance author, you never really see an romantic side of him aside from maybe the day at the park in the original series, and now this ultimate version that fits Shuichi to a T - his very own song.
Labels:
genre: anime,
genre: ova,
genre: yaoi,
series: gravitation,
studio: plum,
type: tv
Gravitation
Gravitation (1999)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Being a music series, this was on my early list of series to pick up. A little surprised by the rather prominent boy love in it as I had no other foreknowledge of the series beyond the music factor when I first watched it. Despite this, or perhaps because of the way the characters interact, I still liked the series. Eiri Yuki is a famous romance author with a haunted past and a serious attitude Despite his frosty disposition and contrary actions, it quickly becomes clear that he really does care about Shuichi. Shuichi Shindou is the lead singer in a new band who is determined to make a name for himself. He's talented, childish, passionate, and rather naive. Despite their polar opposites, these two can't seem to break away from each other - Gravitation. Add on top of this some catchy music and great friends as back-up cast, it has a surprising amount of detail and fun intermixed with the seriousness of the main story.
March 5, 2013
Vikings
Vikings (2013)
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
This series is supposed to follow the story of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family of Vikings. We only saw the first two episodes randomly on Hulu, but I can't say I was impressed. Overall it felt very drawn out and stilted while also being rather bloody. The last part wasn't all too surprising since it is a historical series about Vikings, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant to see. A rather startling contrast between the feel of the series and the violence it entails. Can't say it's one I'll be wanting to follow.
March 4, 2013
Winnie the Pooh: My First Look & Find
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Though it's made of materials tested for children 0+ months, it is an interactive book, so it's more suited to older children. At 8 months old, my little girl is more interested in just hearing my voice, looking at the pictures and playing with the pages than in actually following the story and finding the objects on her own just yet. I can easily see this book becoming a favorite as she does learn though, especially with the added challenges in the back of the book to double the play time.
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