Neopets

Neopets (1999)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Originally started playing this game late high school/early college days. Stepped away from it for several years until recently. I've found that it's expanded game collection gives something for everyone - if you want something easy or hard, a short or long game. Naturally, some events are more challenging than others. The option of customizing your pets and gaming experience is highly appealing, and the "pet" foundation is an easy hook for any child or animal lover. It's a good way to take a quick break and reset before tackling the next event of the day. Far cry better than any of the Facebook pet games flooding the internet.

The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Katniss and Peeta are dragged back into the Games thanks to a rather vindictive President Snow. Greasy surprised me this time around with her support of Katniss and Peeta. Peeta pulls out yet another last minute stunt trying to sway the public in Katniss' favor with the pregnancy ploy. Interesting twist at the end that so many tributes were joining forces to save her, as well as her anger over leaving Peeta behind. Looks like their story might not be as fake and forced as she portrays, despite her frazzled nerves and obvious fish-out-of-water approach to what she's doing.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians 2: Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson 2: Sea of Monsters (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The twists keep coming in this series. Admittedly, the sea horse twist had to be a favorite of mine. The cyclops half brother... not so much, though his personality does grow on you. Percy definitely has some adequacy and jealousy issues to work out this time around. Annabeth isn't very recognizable from her previous role this time around. Luke's return is a bit of a nuisance, though it's really Chaos and Thalia that leave things hanging in dangerous areas at the end of the film. Very obviously set up to the continue the saga.

Frightful Fun

Frightful Fun by Disney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a 2 board book set that we found at Target. It includes Trick or Treat and Spooky Fashion. These are very simple Halloween books with a Disney theme. They fit perfectly for our Disney cruise that went over Halloween. Fun features with all the main Disney characters make it a lot of fun for small children, and a great tie in to both learning the characters and the holiday.

Little Turkey

Little Turkey by Image Books Staff

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


There isn't really any actual story or plot to this book. It's just a cute collection of things with a Turkey finger puppet for a child's first Thanksgiving book. To that end, it's a lot of fun and cute. Obviously, the puppet is a big hit, regardless of if we're actually reading the book or just playing with it.

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Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess

Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is sort of a younger new twist on Cinderella. Sofia must learn how to be a princess and fit in with her new step siblings (a brother and a sister instead of 2 sisters). She'll have the help of many animal friends along the way, along with some visits from other well known Disney figures (mostly princesses) as she finds her way. Can't say it's too surprising that Cinderella is the first original princess she meets (though the first Disney cameo belongs to the 3 faeries from Sleeping Beauty).

Monsters 2: Monsters University

Monsters University (2013)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Those this has been released years after the original, it is in fact more of a prequel than a sequel. This is the story of Scare University and how our two favorite monsters started learning to scare and proving to everyone else that maybe they didn't know everything about the business after all. Amazing what can happen when you put your mind to it... and have a supportive team to back you.

Barbie 25: Fairytopia 5: Mariposa & the Fairy Princess

Barbie 25: Fairytopia 5: Mariposa & the Fairy Princess (2013)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The newest movie in the Barbie/Fairytopia line up, this one brings back Mariposa and Flutterville. This time it isn't Mariposa's personality differences getting in the way, it's her new larger butterfly wings. Despite the prejudices of the crystal fairy king, the princess appears to be just the friend Mariposa needs to have fun during her visit and bridge the gap between the two fairies. Now if she just wasn't so dense with the prince.

Ender's Game

Ender's Game (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Based on the book by Orson Scott Card, this was actually pretty good as adaptations go. Obviously they couldn't show everything as that would be prone to either a TV series or multiple movies per book. For the time frame allotted however, they did a good job of staying true to the original characters and stories, likely helped along by Card's refusal to give up any of the movie rights in it's making. The ending is definitely a bit of a cliffhanger and does cut short of the actual book ending. Well displayed if they intend to make movies of more of the series however.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 08: Thor 2 [The Dark World]

MCU 08: Thor 2 [The Dark World] (2013)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


I have to admit, I really like how they've chosen to portray Thor! This time, Jane is directly in danger and Thor comes riding to the rescue. Very obviously timed after both the original Thor film and The Avengers. This is another well done sequel to add to Marvel's current story line. Have to admit, I wondered when they'd actually bring Jane back on scene and not just talk about her.

World War Z

World War Z (2013)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Having seen Resident Evil and plenty of like-minded films, I wasn't all too thrilled to find this one on our watch list. Rather than your traditional zombies, these ones are fashioned after actual animal habits and only respond to sound and movement, going idle otherwise. On the other hand, this means that they are much more resourceful when chasing after their food source as they will literally climb on each other to make (non)living ladders to their prey as opposed to those who would be trapped at the other side of a simple fence. Their "antidote" isn't all that great either as it just intentionally infecting all humans with a disease in order to "mask" them from the zombies. The zombies will adapt and/or the humans will all succumb to this new disease they've infected themselves with in order to "survive." Great plan there. Ultimately it's still creepy and not all that different from the zombie films that have come before, despite the hype.

Barbie 7: The Barbie Diaries

Barbie 7: The Barbie Diaries (2006)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This one is very different from most Barbie movies. This time, Barbie is in high school and Raquelle appears to be the center of attention. Ken is not in fact her boyfriend, or even a love interest on the scene at all. Barbie is struggling to find her place in school and life, torn between wanting to be "popular" and being true to herself. It takes a miracle in self confidence, largely due to a "magic" bracelet, to turn things around for this would-be news anchor and pop star. Turns out what she thought was important might not actually be so.

Barbie 21: A Perfect Christmas

Barbie 21: A Perfect Christmas (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Little surprise that the Christmas stories are the better ones. This one looks like it updated the animation a bit and references other films like A Fashion Fairytale, so it definitely is later in the series. This time, Christmas doesn't turn out how the sister's expected, but they learn that it isn't the trips that make Christmas perfect after all. Nice conclusion with the party music and Aunti M making it out to the girls when they couldn't make it to her.

Barbie 14: A Christmas Carol

Barbie 14: A Christmas Carol (2008)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have to admit, this is one of the better Barbie movies. Of course a few things have changed from the original with it being all about the girls, but the basis of the story and events is the same. The characters do a good job, especially the spirits, and as always, the tale pulls at your heart strings. It would be really difficult to not like Christmas after seeing any rendition of this story.

Barbie 1: The Nutcracker

Barbie 1: The Nutcracker (2001)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Admittedly, I typically find a lot of Nutcracker renditions to be boring. This was alright as adaptations go. Stuck to the story well and good overall portrayal. Obviously from the subject, another one with lots of ballet.

Barbie 3: Swan Lake

Barbie 3: Swan Lake (2003)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Starting this again, I vaguely recall seeing some of it, if not all, once before. Odile is especially ugly and aggravating, though I suppose that serves her well being one of the villains. Lila is a rather awkward and overly exuberant young unicorn who doesn't seem to know when to keep her mouth shut. Like a lot of other Barbie movies, there is a lot of ballet.

Barbie 15: Thumbelina

Barbie 15: Thumbelina (2009)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Cute and very different from your traditional Thumbelina tales, this one was a good lesson on the importance of friendship and always doing what you believe is right. The artwork for Thumbelina, particularly the twillerbees, is downright disturbing. They are so disproportionate that they can't even really be considered "cute" for how small they are, despite the occasional highlights in the story. The flower petal wings are also somewhat unbelievable - something that flimsy would never last for that long, let alone allow any creature to successfully fly, no matter how small.

Barbie 2: Rapunzel

Barbie 2: Rapunzel (2002)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Every story of Rapunzel is a little different. After having watched Tangled so much lately, this was definitely a switch. The magic paintbrush was a nice twist, as were Penelope and Hobie. Rapunzel isn't exactly your typical "damsel in distress." It was also a nice twist to have her end the feud going on between kingdoms, though her being the reason behind it in the first place was rather anticlimactic - as if it wasn't obvious by that point that Stefan's father wasn't hiding her somewhere?

Barbie 9: The 12 Dancing Princesses

Barbie 9: The 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


First off, Barbie seems to have a lot of dancing movies. Secondly, there is a reoccurring theme of a family member or employee trying to poison or somehow trick the current ruler in order to take over a kingdom or gain some type of wealth. Each and every one of these adventures has Barbie somehow saving the day and ending up getting married to her perfect partner, whichever form Ken is taking for that film. This one was no different. The magical world was neat, the music was nice, and their entry to the other realm was interesting (more because of the connection to their mother and her story than the dancing), but other than that it felt like this was a conglomerate of other movies, that were actually done better overall.

Barbie 13: The Diamond Castle

Barbie 13: The Diamond Castle (2008)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Pegasus in this film look a lot like Britta from The Magic of Pegasus. Doesn't hurt any that this whole story revolves around music. The twin boy musicians are just a little too ridiculous and annoying. They do grow a little bit through the movie, but not by much. If anything, the puppies are a big factor in finding the right direction and getting out of some unexpected trouble.

Barbie 18: A Fashion Fairytale

Barbie 18: A Fashion Fairytale (2010)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This one would have made a bit more sense before A Fairy Secret. Barbie hits an unexpected hard knock as she's fired from her acting gig and Raquelle pulls a mean prank, making her think that Ken has broken up with her. Interesting how they throw out references to other movies Barbie has "acted in," such as A Mermaid Tale (the poster in her trailer), and The Three Musketeers (referenced in the fashion studio). As it turns out, a break in Paris is just what the doctor ordered. It saved not only Barbie's confidence, but the Flarie's powers and her aunt's business on top of a big romantic gesture from Ken to make up for Raquelle's prank.

Barbie 19: A Fairy Secret

Barbie 19: A Fairy Secret (2011)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Barbie and Raquelle make an unexpected journey to the world of fairies. They'll have to fly quick if they want to save Ken from the overly amorous Princess Graciella. It doesn't help any that her antics are caused by a love spell. Unfortunately, fairies are one secret this odd trio can't be trusted to keep, even if it does mean Barbie and Raquelle finally become friends at the end. Oddly, the one thing that really caught my attention was "pega-ponies" - really?!

Barbie 11: The Island Princess

Barbie 11: The Island Princess (2007)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Ro is not your average princess. Stranded on an island at a young age, she grew up with the animals, speaking their language and having no idea of her own royal heritage. Not only does she find civilization after an unlikely visit from a prince, but she also finds her lost family and her love. Too bad it's going to take more than a little visit to prove to the family that she's a worthwhile bride, while saving the royal family from their own unlikely demise.

Barbie 22: A Mermaid Tale 2

Barbie 22: A Mermaid Tale 2 (2012)

My  rating: 3 of 5 stars


Merliah learns some new lessons on humility and family when her biggest surf rival, Kylie, steals her mermaid necklace and releases Eris. Eris immediately goes after Calissa, intending to take her place in the Changing of the Tides ceremony and taking over Oceana once again. Merliah finds some things are more important than surfing when she earns herself a new tale and the full powers of her royal heritage. As a bonus, Kylie learns some important lessons of her own and takes over guardianship of Merliah's mermaid necklace as she earns her own place in her new friend's kingdom.

Barbie 17: A Mermaid Tale

Barbie 17: A Mermaid Tale (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was one of the better Barbie movies. Merliah's name should be a dead giveaway - half mermaid and half human, her world turns upside down when she learns she is a princess and her mother needs her help. In saving her previously unknown kingdom, she gains a new form (full mermaid), her mother, and new friends) while miraculously having a way to keep her human world at the same time. This is one surf girl with a definite advantage and affinity to water.

Barbie 12: Fairytopia 4: Mariposa & Her Butterfly Fairy Friends

Barbie 12: Fairytopia 4: Mariposa & Her Butterfly Fairy Friends (2008)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Instead of being about Elina and Bibble, this is instead a story Elina tells to Bibble in an effort to make him feel better about fitting in with Dizzle's friends. Still better to watch it in order of the Fairytopia movies, otherwise some things, like who Dizzle is and why Elina now has rainbow wings, might not make sense. Mariposa learns just how important it is to be different, which in turn teaches Bibble that it's okay if he isn't like Dizzle's other friends. As a bonus, they'll meet flutter pixies at the end of the story, proving that just maybe Mariposa's story is real after all.

Barbie 10: Fairytopia 3: Magic of the Rainbow

Barbie 10: Fairytopia 3: Magic of the Rainbow (2007)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Elina isn't just the star of this show, she also is the main reason why Laverna is once again loose. Of course she has to be the one to figure out that Shimmer is not who she appears to be and save the original, turning her biggest rival into another dear friend. Elina undergoes yet another transformation as they bring the first rainbow of spring to life and save Fairytopia.

Barbie 7: Fairytopia 2: Mermaidia

Barbie 7: Fairytopia 2: Mermaidia (2006)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


They really don't do a good job of advertising the sequence of these films. It was hit and miss from the intro recaps to figure out the order of these films and that they intertwined on my own. This time Elina ends up as a mermaid to save her friend and making some new unexpected friends and allies along the way. Bibble plays a very minor role this time around as much of the adventure he is simply waiting for the mermaids in more shallow waters. Though the singing berries were definitely amusing.

Barbie 5: Fairytopia

Barbie 5: Fairytopia (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Who knew the one fairy without wings would end up being for Elina, the one fairy without wings. Of course we can't have our heroine left without wings forever. Admittedly, Bibble, her furry little companion is the most fun out of this film. The fairies are beautiful creatures, but they don't appear to be very smart or capable overall.

Barbie 20: Princess Charm School

Barbie 20: Princess Charm School (2011)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


What are the odds that the civilian lottery "princess" is in fact the missing princess from the original royal family that was previously killed? Not only that, but she's accepted into Charm School just in time to save her crown before it's gone forever. A little too contrived, but her roommates and Prince make it all the more fun. Turns out her biggest rival at school isn't so bad either, it's the would-be Queen Bee that they all have to watch out for.

Barbie 16: The Three Musketeers

Barbie 16: The Three Musketeers (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A more appropriate title here would be "The Four Musketeers." Mimet and Alexander make adorable back ups of the animal variety. I guess you could technically count it as three and a future princess if the hints of our heroine matching up with the new king. Who knew hot air balloons could be so dangerous... while also being a great matchmaking device.

Barbie 6: The Magic of Pegasus

Barbie 6: The Magic of Pegasus (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Didn't see the pegasus being the older sister going into the film. Turns out to be the better alternative to the trolls though. Of course I couldn't resist a film with any variation of a horse in it. This one has a more defined love story in it than some of the others I've seen recently. Aiden makes a nice partner and Shiver is just outright adorable. Overall a good lesson on hope.

Barbie 24: The Pink Shoes

Barbie 24: The Pink Shoes (2013)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This tale combines traditional ballet with modern dance styles as it brings classic ballet stories to life and changes them in dramatic ways as it teaches a young dancer that it's alright to dance with her heart. Some magic shoes certainly don't hurt any with the transformations.

Barbie 23: The Princess & the Popstar

Barbie 23: The Princess & the Popstar (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


"How To Be A Princess" got edited and reused in this film from the original Princess and the Pauper edition. Similar hairstyles and slightly different dress standards with a lot of glitter. Instead of just different hair and a birthmark, it's the necklaces that really tell these apart. Rather stressful towards the end there. The double concert is a nice finale.

Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse

Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse (2013)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


These are short web episodes scheduled to air on Nickelodeon that are tailored towards tweens and young girls, especially if they are very girly/fashion oriented and like pink. The episodes are humorous and quick, so that don't overly bore you, though the opening song does get a little annoying as you hear it so many times to go through all the short scenes. Still, it made my toddler dance, so I guess they did something right with the marketing.

Indiana Jones 3: The Last Crusade

Indiana Jones 3: The Last Crusade (1989)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It was strange seeing Sean Connery next to Ford for this one. The movie did start right however with horses. Just how fast can you outrun all terrain vehicles and trains on horseback? There's always a new adventure for Indiana to solve it seems. Have to admit, the original trilogy is still a lot better than the newer addition to the series.

Indiana Jones 2: The Temple of Doom

Indiana Jones 2: The Temple of Doom (1984)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It feels strange to see Harrison Ford so young. Can't say Willie Scott is my favorite as a love interest for the series. As with most Indiana adventures, this is high thrill with a fun ending. Have to admit, the elephant is a great touch at the end. Cool down, boy.

Breeder's Cup Classic

Breeder's Cup Classic (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mucho Macho Man was one of the top 3 favorites, so it was good to see him win. I kind of wish Paynter could have had a better come back after his return story. Still, it was a thrilling ending for horse racing fans with a classic photo finish. Game On Dude was expected to be a top contender as well. Can't say he really delivered with 9th place.

Godzilla

Godzilla (1998)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Found this airing on TV at the hotel. It's been awhile since I last saw it, but I do remember not really caring if I saw it again or not. That feeling didn't change catching it again on TV. Can't say I've ever been a big fan of the rampaging monster movies. Reminds me now of Cloverfield, which I really did not enjoy. Don't think this is my type of movie.

Frankenweenie

Frankenweenie (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


If you like creepy science and clay animation, you just might like this variation of the popular Frankenstein story. Fitting that it would be playing near Halloween. While Burton does have interesting story lines, his films tend to be a bit darker and I must admit I don't like the art style as much as other computer graphic variations, and still prefer traditional drawn animation a lot more. Add to the spooky scale, you get everything in grey scale.

Tinker Bell 1

Tinker Bell 1 (2008)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Turns out there's a job for every faerie. Tinker Bell tries just about every job her friends appear to be good at. Like her name however, Tinker Bell excels at tinkering. Turns out she just had to find the right thing to tinker in.

Dumbo

Dumbo (1941)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Another of the older Disney classics, this is a slower paced animated feature. Despite the slower pace however, this tale definitely has it's moments. For one, it has one of the most touching mother and child songs between Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo. On the other side, it also features Pink Elephants, one of the most creepy and disturbing songs in a Disney film.

Winnie The Pooh 4: The Tigger Movie

Winnie The Pooh 4: The Tigger Movie (2000)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Tigger has some hard lessons to learn about just what family is. Pooh bear and his friends mean well, but end up making a mess of things as they try to cheer Tigger up and give him the family he seems to want. Good thing Christopher Robin shows up at the end and helps iron everything out.

Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland (1951)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


One of the older Disney classics, this is one of the more confusing Disney tales. It would seem not even dreams are really safe as Alice finds herself in one strange situation after another. A little anticlimactic as she realizes at the end that she's still dreaming instead of actually facing an angry mob of assorted characters from her dream world.