She-Ra: Princess of Power

She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Wow, finding this on Hulu was a blast from the past. I remember renting this VHS constantly as a child. Swift Wind was an absolute favorite of mine for obvious reasons. The animation certainly isn't up to modern standards, but it's still a fun series with some interesting characters. Seriously, where does their wardrobe come from? She-Ra's outfit is probably the best one there is, and even it's on the strange side. Those cropped unitards would be more than a little awkward.

Wild Kratts

Wild Kratts (2010)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This is a cute series that takes the scenes outside into nature, exploring the great outdoors and the creatures that live in the different habitats. It's a fun way for kids to learn and always has some weird twist to the story. The "creature power suits" are a little on the odd side on top of being rather unbelievable. The "villains" of course always fail when faced with the Kratts brother's creative use of "creature powers" to save the day. Despite it's wild story lines, the facts are there and it is definitely a more unique approach on learning about animals.

Pivot Point

Pivot Point by Betsy Brannon Green

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Normally I love Green's work and find dreams interesting, but this one was a little off the charts even for me. Dr. Marrow has developed a technology that allows you to pick a "pivot point" in your life, and them dream of what your life might have been had you chosen differently. The catch is that the dreams are so real that you can no longer differentiate reality from dreams. It's beyond addictive and you're convinced this other life and emotions are just as real as the reality you knew before the "dream therapy" begins. This brings Meghan and Joey back together after 10 years of separation following an ugly abortion. While the reconciliation may be good, I cannot believe that the fake life and destruction of their current families and happiness is in any way good for any of them. While on the one hand, it is sad to see the main pair separated again at the end, I can't help but cheer Joey on for realizing just how destructive their addiction is to their families and current lifestyles. Now if only "Doctor" Meghan would wake up and smell the roses too. Makes me feel sorry for Chase, even though he did totally go about separating them the wrong way with the false police charges. Can't imagine there wouldn't be some trouble for that. The end of the book is most certainly not the end as nothing has truly been solved or resolved. I could easily see a sequel coming out in the future on this one, and while it would be nice to see closure for all the characters, I'm not sure it'll be jumping to the top of my reading list any time soon.

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Autumn Rain 4: Line of Fire

Autumn Rain 4: Line of Fire by Rachel Ann Nunes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Alright, so I don't want this series to end at this point. There seems to be so much still left open, especially with Cody and Shannon. Jake seems to be awkwardly moving back to the "friends" category while nothing beyond a few stolen kisses and more work appears to have happened with Autumn and Shannon, so there isn't a defined relationship there yet either. This is rather disappointing overall with the increasingly strong connection between the two of them. Cody ended up not being what was entirely expected either, which was a welcome relief. It would be really nice to see how things develop between him and the girls now that they've all admitted to wanting to learn more. Obviously, Autumn's forgiveness meant a lot more to him than he was willing to say if his brief panic before learning about Tawnia was anything to go by. Really hoping there's another book in the horizon!

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Autumn Rain 3: Final Call

Autumn Rain 3: Final Call by Rachel Ann Nunes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Okay, I'm officially hooked again. I love that Autumn isn't your typical damsel in distress and certainly isn't afraid to show her own backbone. Shannon has definitely grown on me as well. As much as Autumn/Jake fit, Autumn/Shannon is a whole new dimension of awesome. Feel a little bad for Jake, but not too much after his ex showing up the last time around.

A little surprised at Autumn's sudden insistence that she never use her gift again after being so determined to use it prior. Perhaps some new caution and a little more determination to keep her family separate from ongoing investigations, yes, but outright denial of her own willful nature is not like our usual heroine. Guess having Destiny on the scene really shook her up more than usual. This new reluctance certainly won't help with Tawnia still in denial about her own gifts and their next adventure setting up to face their own father, who likely passed the gifts on to them in the first place. Interesting to learn that they are far more like their hated father in the long run than the mother they both idolized. Hopefully the extended family connection continues to improve and give the girls more closure.

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Autumn Rain 2: Shades of Gray

Autumn Rain 2: Shades of Gray by Rachel Ann Nunes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I've always enjoyed Nune's books. Autumn makes a rather interesting heroine with her hippie tenancies (no shoes, organic eating and loose clothing) combined with her twin connection and psychometric abilities. Wasn't too sure how things would work out with Jake and Shannon towards the end there. Suppose there's still a chance things may change in the next few books, which is a little bittersweet as Jake is such a good match for her and they're already so close. Her abilities and determined personality to see things through on her own keeps pushing her towards Shannon however, who definitely seems to be warming up to Autumn the more that they work together. Tracy does provide a nice fun buffer on occasion. Interesting how Tawnia's drawing ability has been growing this time around as well. Took me awhile to get back into this series, but once I was really involved, it was a very quick read. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy these books. Guess that happens when you're focused on a toddler instead of reading.

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My Little Pony: Equestria Girls

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (2013)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Glad I finished season 3 of Friendship Is Magic before watching this, as otherwise it wouldn't make much sense. Twilight Sparkle is now an alucorn. If that isn't enough of a shocker for the new princess, Celestia's previous student has her eyes on Twilight's magic crown. She'll end up in a whole new world walking on two legs as she has to prove once again why it's her crown in the first place and find her way home. It is a rather odd mix of pony and human all around as even the old gang appears to have their own pony selves in attendance. Strange that the main band would be so close in this alternate reality, yet aside from one question about a possible "twin sister" in town, no one seems to know or recognize Twilight's alternate personality.

47 Ronin

47 Ronin (2013)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While I usually do find samurai stories interesting, this one failed at keeping my attention. The main character is considered to be part demon, leading to an interesting series of uses, shunning, praise, and punishment. There is a lot of suicide by order of royals that higher up as a result of these ronin, who were only made into ronin (leaderless samurai) by the order of a court official taking away their master in the first place. It's a rather convoluted mess that doesn't really leave a taste for anything having been accomplished in the end.

The Smurfs 2

The Smurfs 2 (2013)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Naughties are Gargamel's favorite creations. Why? Because they can be turned into real smurfs, complete with the blue essence he needs to use his magic. This has already been proven with Smurfette, the real reason why there has previously only been one female in all of Smurfdom. Her birthday leaves the perfect opening for Gargamel to kidnap her using her newly made "siblings," and get Papa Smurf's magical recipe from her. Just how naughty is Smurfette still? At the same time, both the smurfs and their human friends will be learning some hard lessons about what family really means.

Tickle Time!

Tickle Time! by Sandra Boynton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Though I had never done the "gitchy-gitchy-goo" during real tickle time before, we merged tickle time with reading the book the first time through and it became an instant hit. Small wonder she wouldn't put it down the rest of the night and made a bee line for it again the next morning. Boynton once again puts together a series of cute rhymes to tell a story with funny characters in a sturdy little book suitable for any child. These books always seem to be fun hits with the little ones.

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Dracula

Dracula (2013)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


The story of Dracula is redone once again. This time he is posing as an American scientist as he seeks retribution for his family's lives and his own long imprisonment. His obsession with his past, specifically the woman who appears to be his wife reborn, could be his undoing. It will take all of his manipulations and his few servants left if he's to remain alive and succeed in both making a life for himself, and taking down his long list of enemies, the city's very own vampire hunters.

The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Borrowers are small people (think Thumbelina) who live under the houses of humans, known to them as "beans." There aren't many left as being so small leaves them open to many dangers in the world, humans only being one as they share their homes unknowingly. Shawn's aunt will still cause some unwanted trouble with her meddling, but who would have known one sick human and a curious borrow could end up making an unlikely team and good friends. Sometimes size really doesn't matter.

Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 4: The Fiery Heart

Vampire Academy: Bloodlines 4: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Adrian and Sydney just can't seem to catch a break. For awhile, everything seems to going be well for the happy couple, despite problems with Zoe and Sydney's dad getting in the way. At least there aren't any souls sucking witches trying to kill anyone this time. Adrian makes some amazing leaps, both in his discovery to help protect everyone from strigoi and in his own emotional development with Sydney. Don't think I ever would have expected our ever loving party-going royal to be the responsible one when it came down to really needing a prescription. Of course things couldn't last. Big hint towards that end when Adrian lost his "love phone." Sydney is in a world of danger. Admittedly, Adrian might get more help if he were to admit to Lissa why he's really worried about their captured Alchemist. Would hope she'd be more understanding and supportive after the calamity with Rose and Dimitri. Really hope the witches are right about Sydney and her magic use being a natural defense against Moroi control. She's going to need all the help she can to survive and stay herself until hopefully the others can track her down.

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Nikki Heat 5: Deadly Heat

Nikki Heat 5: Deadly Heat by Richard Castle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


These books are hard to not enjoy, especially if you already like the TV series. This one even features a reference to Firefly, which is always amusing given the shared lead roles between Firefly and Castle.

The downside is that these books are getting longer as their popularity grows, and that's added a lot of filler and meandering in the cases that otherwise wouldn't be present. Can't say I was particularly fond of Agent Bell or Rook's constant errors with her. A little too convenient how the two cases dovetail this time around, especially with two moles in the network effectively blocking Nikki at every turn. Hard to win when you have a clueless media hog as a boss and your own "allies" are against you.

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Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A different twist on a "cooking" show. This time it's about where you are in the world and what people really eat and how it tastes. No fancy restaurants or dishes on this menu. As the title implies, no formal restaurant that takes restaurants will be found on this tour. It's all about the culture and getting back down to earth. A nice twist and an interesting look into the different places around the world, how they eat, and why. Sometimes you can't help but wonder at what you see, but some look like good ideas or at least sound interesting and make sense with what is available there. Would make for an interesting tour if nothing else (though I will admit to laughing at the comment about being saddle sore after a whole day of riding - sounds like my kind of day).

The Taste

The Taste (2013)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This reminds me a little of The Voice in that the judges know nothing of the applicants outside of their presentation (be it voice or taste) before making their decision on who will join their team. It doesn't matter if you're a home cook or a professional chef in this audition - it's all in the taste. Not having seen the previous season referred to, I'm curious to see how this unfolds and if we end up enjoying it as much as we do our other cooking shows (Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares & MasterChef come to mind as usual favorites).

Morganville Vampires 2.6: Grudge

Morganville Vampires 2.6: Grudge by Rachel Caine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was an interesting short story that goes into details regarding Shane's childhood and his sister's untimely death. There have been many short glimpses in the main series later on, but nothing as detailed and descriptive of the events or the sibling's relationship as this piece is. Really sort of drives home and makes sense why Shane is so prejudiced when it comes to the Morrells.

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House of Night 11: Revealed

House of Night 11: Revealed by P.C. Cast

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Sadly, I can't claim to be really enjoying this series, but I also hate leaving a series unfinished.

A large portion of this book can be summarized in 2 things.

1) Neferet is still reliving her past which readers already know about in full thanks to the novella Neferet's Curse.

2) Zoey is still aggravating, only now she's losing control and doing bad things while ignoring the warnings of her friends.

The ending this time around had me lifting an eyebrow. Glad to Kalona was allowed back into Nyx's temple as that was a long time coming. I can honestly say I prefer his darker and more down to earth persona to Erebus's flaunted over the top showcases.

Zoey caving so quickly to the human police is another curiosity that isn't likely to bode well for the House of Night. I can't help but wonder a) how the humans really died since Zoey did see them move before bolting and b) how the humans knew it was "by magical means" when she essentially just shoved them. Unless it in fact was not Zoey... now that wouldn't surprise me at all given Neferet's first act when she starts moving around again.

Looks like things are getting sticky quick and the House of Night just lost a large part of it's "best defense."

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A Day At The Races

A Day At The Races (1937)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


While there is some fancy music and silly humor involved, it really doesn't strike me as a "day at the races" show despite the climax of the film being the horse race. Everything else is just so random and off the wall silly that it's almost hard to follow and does not seem to focus on the horses in the least. An odd addition as a gift for a "horse movie" collection.

Ladyhawke

Ladyhawke (1985)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Unknown until a good way through the film, the Bishop is actually the villain of this tale. Jealous and lustful, he places a curse on Lady Isabeau and Captain Navarre so that Navarre is a wolf by night and Isabeau is a hawk by day, preventing them from ever truly being together. With the help of a young escaped thief, Philipe Gastone, they will find a way to break their curse and take their revenge on the cruel Bishop.

It's A Wonderful Life

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I originally saw this as a musical just before Thanksgiving. While I did miss some of the music in the film version, I also enjoyed seeing the things the musical had to take out or adjust for the stage. The characters were truly enjoyable and the story line was just as touching on the screen as it was from the stage. Sometimes it takes a lot for a person to realize just how blessed (or "weathy") they really are - it isn't just the cash that counts.

Something To Talk About

Something To Talk About (1995)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Grace is more than a little forgetful and has a bit of a mean streak when she learns her husband has been cheating on her. Shockingly, it seems to run in the family as her father seems to have the same bad habit. It is little surprise then that she ends up lashing out at her family as she struggles to determine just what society and her own pride will allow her to do in this situation. It's never easy to break a family, though it can seem very easy to tear it down when everyone is determined to beat the other in the next competition. The jumping competitions and riding lessons are a nice break pulling the family back together while everything else seems determined to pull it apart.

Gravity

Gravity (2013)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This film certainly doesn't make me want to go explore space or get tickets for any launches any time soon. Specialist Ryan Stone is on a mission for some service and repairs when a collision at another site sets off a chain reaction of debris crashes that annihilate her ship's crew and leaves her stranded in space. One dicey moment after another, Ryan has to discover her own courage and resourcefulness if she is to survive, or if it's worth more to give up and join her daughter on the other side. A survival story set in virtual limbo, you can't help but cringe and hope for the best as the odds certainly don't seem to be in her favor.

The Red Fury

The Red Fury (1984)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A small Indian boy is separated from his family and taken in by a local horse breeder. After saving the man from his spirited stallion, he asks to have the very same horse as his reward. Most individuals seems fairly accepting of the town's new addition. There are a couple of children and one member of the school board in particular that want to make trouble for the boy though, kicking him out of the community school and framing him for various acts that get him in some trouble. When things get bad for the real trouble makers however, it's Frankie who races through the storm to get them the doctor in time, sacrificing his prized stallion, Fury, in the process. Goes to show hearts can change as these same trouble makers bring him Fury's last colt, who looks just like his old man, as a thank you for his service after previously ostracizing him every chance they get. It's rather bittersweet at the end when Frankie's father finally finds him and he returns home, as it seems he'd just found his place with a new family, though it's obvious he was missed and still missed his family in return (who wouldn't?). Still, it's a touching story if you pay attention, despite the obvious older filming and effects.