Movie Corner #20

                Hello happy movie fans!    So another good couple weeks as far as movies go even if I am having serious issues with MoviePass.  I highly doubt I'll be continuing the service past this month and only have it now as it renewed before I could get the app to allow me to cancel.  See they have taken away my 3rd movie two months in a row now and that simply won't do for me.  So I don't know how this will impact my bi-weekly movie corner in the future but I will advise when I know more.  Until then here is what I’ve seen the last two weeks:

Bad Times at the El Royale: 4.5 Stars

                This movie had be hooked from the trailer.  It was different from everything coming out as of late and that appealed to me.  The idea of a bi-state establishment is always kind of fun but the idea of someone watching you….that amps up the suspense.  The film has a real noir feel to it and it is enhanced by the stellar cast for sure.  The pace slags in small parts but the story is there and really brings you into the characters stories.  I enjoyed the movie, more than I thought so win! 

Goosebumps 2:  Haunted Halloween: 4.5 Stars

                Okay so I of course watched the first movie when it came out because hello I grew up on Goosebumps books and VHS movies.  I always loved them and I enjoyed the movie it was cheesy and fun and something to enjoy.  So when I heard of another and focusing on my favorite holiday….yep of course I was down.  Movie two was much the same with all sorts of creatures you know from books and such and the ability to make fun of itself and I enjoyed it.  The only thing that brought be down, and it wasn’t even bad just something that was totally in my head.  I totally had Emma Swan vibes from Once Upon a Time from the main female, the red jacket, the black and white stripped sweater, the long blond hair, it was there.  I thought of course she had to be Emma for a costume or something right…nope never mentioned the resemblance and even a moment in the movie where I swear she looked just like Emma Swan just a coincidence.  None of this is bad just something that had been on my mind and after some searching I found several people who had the same thoughts so I wasn’t alone.  Now you can wonder too. 

The Hate U Give:  5 Stars

                So for this one I really wanted to read the book first but like most things I was behind schedule and didn't want to miss out on the big screen experience so I went for it.  So that said I can't speak to how well the book was translated just the movie as a whole.  I really liked it.  It was harsh.  It was hard.  It was very real.  It dealt with a major issue that is sadly nothing new, only now it is getting more light shed on it.  The acting was on point, Amandla Stenberg did an amazing job with this content.  Everyone else did a great job but Amandla went above and beyond.  Also side note Archie from Riverdale is in it and seeing him without the bright red hair I was used to was odd.  But back to the story I loved how grey and merky everything got.  Something horrible and tragic happens and the questions and conversations it brings up are ones that need to be addressed.  I really enjoyed this movie and I can't wait to read the book to compare. 

*****

                So some people from work are getting together to see Halloween, which I admit to having never seen any of those movies before.  I'm trying to find the 1978 version to watch so I can join in because scary movies with others are even better.  Aside from that upcoming movies I'd like to see are Hunter Killer comes out this week and I also still want to catch Night School and Small Foot.  What about you fellow movie lovers, what movies have you seen recently?  What should I see? 

Movie Corner #15

                Hello happy movie fans!  I hope all is going well with you.  I know I have been a bit MIA as of late and I am sorry for that, some of the Top Ten's I've missed have just left my mind blank unable to think of anything for it for too long but hopefully my brain can catch back up soon!  Also last weekend I may have gone and done something that has kept me rather distracted… I signed up to be a pet foster parent.  I see all the urgent foster needs and while my job hours are tricky my place sure beats boarding / shelter / or being put down.  So I had a home visit and got all the paperwork signed up, who knew there was so much, and we found my first foster.  Her name, which I didn’t choose but find kismet, is Bella.  So the cute puppy news aside here's what I’ve seen the last two weeks:

Bella!  

The Darkest Minds:  4 Stars

                So I read the first two books in the series back at the start of 2016 and was about 75% finished with the third book at the time of seeing this movie.  I was a bit foggy on some of the specific details from the book but even the trailer made it very clear like most book to movie adaptations there would be changes.  Overall as a movie I was mixed.  I found many moments and parts I enjoyed from the book.  Some of it made a really nice movie piece but I can recognize that the timing was skewed.  The connections built between Ruby, Liam, Chubs, and Zu are forged with some times but in the movie it seems to happen instantly.  The connection between Ruby and Liam isn't as strong.  Basically I felt everything was very rushed.  All the connection I felt was that I knew these characters and the connections already but non-readers may not.  I enjoyed myself well enough but some of the changes didn't make sense as a whole to the larger story I know having read the books.  Still I do hope they make more.

The Spy Who Dumped Me:  5 Stars

                By far my favorite movie I have seen this go and maybe even all year.  Seriously this movie was the best.  It was hilarious!!!  I was rolling and laughing so hard through 98% of the movie it hurt.  First let me say that half the stuff the MC is thinking / said and I have been there and her best friends name is Morgan who is a little wild and haha so is mine!  So the hilariousness is there for sure.  I couldn't stop laughing.  It was crazy and over the top in the best way.  I loved all the cast they did a great job, and it never hurts seeing Sam Heughan, just saying.  Really though the real stars were Kunis and McKinnon they did a great job and played off one another so well.  They look like they could be best friends who get into all sorts of issues!  I loved this movie and can't wait to see it again!

Mamma Mia!  Here We Go Again:  4 Stars

                So I saw this trailer and thought it looked good even though at the time I hadn't seen the first one.  So I watched it on Netflix and it was only okay.  Still the trailer for the second one looked much better even if I saw some continuity issues from movie one.  Anywho I went into it and I did enjoy it much more than the first.  I only new some of the songs and again my biggest issue was with some things I noticed off between movie 1 and 2 but still it was a fun time.  Some good singing and dancing to be had.

Slender Man: 1 Stars

                This is by far my flop.  This looked like it might be a cool horror movie I could laugh at, as you know I laugh in horror movies.  Well I was wrong.  It was very odd and I couldn’t care less about any of the characters as there was no development and unlike other horror movies I've seen there is no rules or understanding for it and everything just sort of happens without rhyme or reason.  Also on a person note one school scene, not a spoiler,  they are in science and most school science scenes always want to dissect something like it's what is done every day not sure where they go to school mine it was 1 year and 1 time and a frog not a flipping eyeball!!!  Who dissects and eyeball in class just saying the only legit freaky thing in the movie and it wasn't supposed to be just I have an issue with eyeballs.  Anywho as for the movie I'm not really sure what happened it just kind of blurred right by.

Crazy Rich Asians:  5 Stars

                I was so excited to be able to snag this one last night.  This is based on a book but I have not read it.  I only heard about it when the trailer came out and it looked really good. I was so excited to see it.  I loved the whole thing from start to finish!  The cast was amazing and talented and the visuals were just stunning.  It had a beautiful story of love and family and how culture among with other things can put those at odds.  It did make me want to check out the book, but I know I'll be seeing the movie again!

               

*****

                I still have some more movies I want to check out like The Meg, Mile 22, Alpha, Dog Days and more.  Still starting in Sept. I may be seeing less movies with the changes to my subscription.  If that happens I may end up turning this into a once a month post rather than every other week but we shall see how it plays out.  Still going to see as many as I can in the mean time!  What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?

Movie Corner #6

                Hello happy movie fans!    I didn’t see much the last couple weeks but my last few days off my bestie was just out of the hospital so while there are some movies I would like to see I’d rather hang with her while she recoups!  That said here is what I’ve seen the last two weeks:

Ready Player One:  5 Stars

                It was different from the book.  They changed a lot of things.  This made me nervous.  But I really liked it.  I can’t wait to see this movie again.  The changes they made were consistent and played better to the screen and made sense.  They didn’t just change a couple things that seemed out of place but they changed bigger things and while I would have loved a by the book page for page type story I understand that the changes made for a more dynamic and engaging movie and I can also appreciate that.  Also even though they changed things it still kept the feel of the story and I liked that.  Plus I figured they would have to change some of the games/references for licensing issues anywho.  It was still packed with tons of nostalgia and fun moments even more action than before which I enjoyed.  Things were also a bit more focused and condensed which sped things up.  I am happy as both a movie lover and a book lover (book review). 

Blockers:  5 Stars

               So I saw this at the early day showing and I was super excited for some fun.  The trailers all look hilarious and I was down for that.  I was only slightly worried all the funny parts were in the trailers (as I’ve seen that happen before) but nope not a chance there is so much to enjoy.  There was tons of comedy and laughable moments.  I think I laughed through about 85-90% of it.  There were also real moments in there that honestly based on the trailer surprised me and were relatable in ways.  So I call it a huge hit and I can see it easily being one of those movies you can always put on for some laughs! 

*****

                So that’s it.  I still plan to see The Quite Place and The Miracle Season from last weekend’s releases but this weekend I’m excited to check out Truth or Dare tomorrow on Friday the 13^th (it’s fun to see all the superstitious people) and yes Rampage not sure what else is coming this weekend.  What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?  This week I’m super excited to see.

Movie Corner #5

                Hello happy movie fans!  So I have been horrible at reading the last couple weeks because I have just had so many plans and been out and about.  Good news is that means I’ve seen several movies with friends!  I saw several it's been a pretty great couple of movie weeks!  That said here is what I’ve seen:

Tomb Raider:  Stars

                First I should say I enjoyed the 90’s Angelina Jolie versions as great fun and at one point in time played the original Tomb Raider III PS1 game.  I sucked at it horribly but had fun.  Still I have always enjoyed the character and the stories.  So when I heard a new one was coming out I was both excited and not sure what to expect.  From the trailer I was excited for the story and action.  It seemed more like a prequel of sorts as we learn how Lara became the Tomb Raider that we know and love.  She is hard working and not just taking easy handouts if it went against her morals and I liked that.  She was fun and friendly but determined.  Then we dive into the mystery and things go fast.  The movie is action packed but also gave some really good performances that gave deeper death to the character and what makes her tick.  I really enjoyed myself and look forward to seeing it again. 

Love, Simon:  5 Stars

                So as many of you know I read the book this is based on Simone Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda some time back and reviewed it here.  I was super excited to see it made into a movie.  While it has been a while and some of the specific details were a bit hazy for me I know that I was thrilled with the movie.  My favorite part being when Blue is revealed and the entire audience of the ¾ full theatre gasped loudly.  I love when people who haven’t read the book are shocked by things us book people knew!  Also I found a few Easter eggs in there like some of the books on his shelf (the other book by the author and one from her good author friend) which brought me up.  There was a whole lot of emotions happening but it was a very uplifting and fun movie.  It had my friend and I laughing through large amounts of it and really enjoying it as a whole.  I seriously can’t wait to see this again. 

Annihilation:  3.5 Stars

               So this one I wasn’t sure about.  The trailer seemed beautiful but very vague as to the concept or at least the one I saw.  Still I had some people in my circle who were interested in seeing it and since it only had 2 showings a day I knew I had to see it soon or I would miss the chance like I did with some others so I decided to go for it.  It was very visually stunning for sure from the shimmer to what’s beyond.  I can’t really talk about it as having seen it I understand why the previews are vague because it’s a journey.  An experience.  I did enjoy it overall for what it was and am glad I have seen it but I think it’s a one time watcher for me. 

The Strangers:  Prey at Night:  4 Stars

                This movie was marred by the worst theatre experience I think I have ever had.  I went with a couple of friends who ended up walking out.  While I did force myself to stay most of the movie I was wishing one of the strangers would take out the rude and horrible people sitting behind us.  Seriously these four females yell-talked through the whole movie even taking a lengthy phone call in there.  When asked to quiet down in a polite way nothing but even louder talk.  Not even all of it was movie related either.  So putting that aside and focusing on the portion of the movie I did manage to catch as I am sure parts were missed it was an okay horror movie.  Some parts were uber cheesy but overall the horror aspects were pretty good.  People did stupid things and there was lots of screaming, running, and bleeding. 

Midnight Sun:  5 Stars

                So I have been interested in this movie for a while and this was which I picked to do the advance day opening of.  It looked like a cute sweet movie and the song in the trailer totally gets stuck in my head.  Seriously I have since downloaded it to my phone.  Anywho the story looked cute and made me want to see it.  It had lots of fun sweet moments while telling a story of a girl who is taking her chance at being more than a disease.  It pulls at your heart strings and gives you some laughs.  I really enjoyed this one. 

And last but not least…

Pacific Rim Uprising:  5 Stars

                So when the first movie came out I wasn’t super familiar with it and never saw it until it was on one of the movie channels and I finally saw it.  I really liked it.  I liked how different it was from anything I had seen around that time and when I found out they were making another I knew I’d see it much sooner.  That said it takes place years in the future and it was really cool to see the after.  Sure they saved the day in the first one closing the breach and stopping more monsters from coming up but each battle wrecked the cities and caused huge damage.  So seeing that the world was still working on rebuilding was cool.  Not a magically fix type thing.  We see new characters as well as old and things progress in a very interesting way.  I liked the characters and the action and I look forward to seeing it again and can totally see potential for future movies.

  

*****

                What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?  This weekend I’m super excited to see Ready Player One!

Ready Player One

                Hello happy readers!  So there are some books that you always want to read but keep pushing off for one reason or another and for me this was Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.  I heard so many amazing things from reviewers I trusted but it was always something I would check out “soon” but that never seemed to be the right time.  Then the movie was being made and I knew I had a deadline.  I wanted to read before the movie.  Again was on my wish list but hadn’t bought it until I saw the trailer for the movie and knew it was time.  So I got the audiobook because it seemed like the best idea (plus I had a credit so it was cheaper) plus it was narrated by Will Wheaton which I found rather fun.  Now I finished it before the movie and here are my thoughts on the book alone.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Ready Player One takes place in a future world that has went down the drain.  The world is horrible a living dystopia really and the main way of life is virtual reality the utopia known as the OASIS.  Worlds upon worlds exist within this space and you can do anything and be anyone you want.  Most people spend more time in the OASIS than in the real world, even more since the creators’ death that launched the hunt.  Upon his death all of his wealth including control over the OASIS is on hold for whoever finds his hidden Easter egg.  He has hidden keys throughout the game and you must get all three and pass through their challenges to move on but the winner will find the ultimate prize.  The creator was obsessed with 80’s life from games and pop culture and lived for this world.  Now the race is on and everyone is searching for the egg some willing to kill to control the OASIS and if they do life as it is known will end in the utopia world you can create. 

                So I’m not a big gamer.  I enjoy playing some games for sure but mostly with others.  Still I can see the appeal just as I would rather spend hours reading/listening to my book hold up somewhere in my own little world I can see how others find the same in games.  I also suck at most games which is probably why I never got really into them. Still the world that is built is amazing.  The OASIS is amazing.  This whole virtual world that basically turns to raising people in it from education, work, and so on.  I understand it right away and was pulled in.  Wade is one of those kids he makes his own way in this harsh world and has dedicated years of his life to solving this puzzle.  He clearly loves the hunt and research for it logging in every show/movie/music/game/etc from the 80’s he is an encyclopedia of knowledge and can site most of it off the cuff.  He is doing what he can to search but traveling in the OASIS costs money and he doesn’t have any hence the copious amounts of research.

“For a bunch of hairless apes, we’ve actually managed to invent some pretty incredible things.”

                The search had gone so long without the first key being found that many had given up the hunt.  Still as a discovery is made the hunt has a huge resurgence and things get a whole lot more interesting.  Wade is suddenly a OASIS celebrity and everyone is trying to find out who he really is (because no one uses their real data online when you can be anyone/anything you want to be) and the information he found.  Soon the game is a foot yet again and the stakes become even higher as a cooperation reaches out and makes an offer for his assistance making the consequences clear if he chooses not to take the offer.  Danger is real and not just in the virtual world.  This is pretty great since the majority of the story takes place in VR making the consequences seem less than dire but really it never occurred to me.  I always felt the stakes were high for sure.  If you die in VR you start from scratch including everything you had earned which when you are in a race that would be a hard blow. 

“You’d be amazed how much research you can get done when you have no life whatsoever.”

                Cline also has a way of writing that makes the VR world seem as vital as the real world.  It is in many ways given the importance and prevalence of it in the world.  The world is full of fantastic characters that you want to know more about, moral dilemmas, and questions about life all on top of this epic journey full of 80’s nostalgia and some of the best lines and quips around.  I fell in love with this book and the writing.  Some parts made me cringe, laugh, gasp and more.  It was a thrill ride from start to finish and I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out in the end.  For a book wrote several years ago it was shockingly on point and I loved every moment of it.  It has also given me this urge to check out some classic/older games and some of the older more obscure movies referenced in the book I had never heard of before.  The only down side is having read it so close to the movie release now when I see a trailer I see differences and I just hope the movie is even half as good as the book because I’m stoked to see it.  And I will see it the earliest time it’s available! 

“That was when I realizes, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it’s also the only place where you can find true happiness.  Because reality if real.”

                Until next time…

Movie Corner #3

                Hello happy movie fans!  So we are kicking off my third movie corner and these last couple weeks I didn’t see as many as I had hopped but some that I wanted to see ended up leaving before I got there so that kind of put me off.  That and it rained a lot and I just didn’t want to get dressed let alone leave the house lol but that said here is what I did see:

Black Panther:  5 Stars

                So I have been a huge fan of all the Marvel movies and I was super excited for this one.  I go into each one with no comic info and only going based off movies and the fun I have had in them.  That said I loved his inclusion in Civil War and I wanted to know more about him.  Clearly he is an awesome fighter and has a super cool suit but he is more than most of our other heroes as he is also a king.  That to me was super cool.  So we see the epic settings full of this amazing world that is made up but pulls from other cultures to really make it something much different than we have seen in the other Marvel movies.  It has incredible visuals, story, and acting.  It has it all.  I was so entranced with the story it flew by and I wish I could have had more.  The special effects were on point as always. I mean some of the tech…it made me want it so bad!  I loved the dynamics of all the different characters and how things played into one another.  That is really all I can say because if you don’t know what Black Panther is about yet you much be living under a rock!  Go see it!  And wait until the very very end of the credits it’s Marvel there is normally a mid credits scene and an after credits scene…don’t miss out!

Every Day:  5 Stars

                So I read this book some time back and the sequel/companion and reviewed them both:  Every Day & Another Day.  The movie does a great job of exploring the book and expressing things from the perspective of both “A” and Rhannon basically combining both books in a sense.  We got to hit so many of the “days” and I really enjoyed the way each one was played out and described.  It is such a weird concept but it really works and the movie was a beautiful way to express it.  I think the whole cast did an amazing job of playing things out and I loved the updated feel of using Instagram vs. e-mail with “A” it has a much more visual aspect.  I loved this movie and it really brought me up and I highly recommend it to both fans of the books or just anyone looking for a good and uplifting movie about accepting yourself and living for each day.  One I need in my collection so I can watch again. 

Game Night: 5 Stars

                This is a movie I have been anticipating for a long time.  One I love game nights and I would love to get a group together to do a monthly game night.  Seriously I love when they happen and think they should happen more often.  That said this movie delivers exactly what it says in the trailers.  A murder mystery party gone wrong and hilarity that ensues!  OMG This movie had me rolling with laughter through most of it and I can’t wait to see it again.  I know my bestie was sad I saw it without her (to be fair it was looking like possibly a couple weeks before she was free without the kids and I’m not that patient lol) but I will totally go see it again with her!  I will for sure be getting this one when it comes out!  I don’t want to say more because it is full of action and mysteries and worth figuring out the first time free and clear.

*****

                Three movies and all huge hits for me!  Not a bad couple weeks.  I am still sad I missed out on seeing  The Shape of Water, because it looked really different just not sure I want to buy it on DVD so I’ll have to wait for HBO or something I guess for that one.  What movies have you seen recently?  What should I see?  This weekend I plan on seeing Red Sparrow  and Death Wish. 

Movie Corner #2

                Hello happy readers!  I love books as we all know but I also love all different forms of entertainment like TV and movies.  As I have been seeing more and more movies again I have decided to go ahead and make this a bi-weekly post to share my quick thoughts on the movies I have seen in theatres (because I’m on nights and Netflix is my friend when insomnia kicks in).  So here goes:

Winchester:  Rating: 5 Iron Nails

                This is the story of the Winchester house that is said to be the house spirits built.  Massive and complex that was constantly being built on until the day she died.  It’s a horror story following a doctor who is sent to examine the controlling percentage of the Winchester company to see if she is “mentally fit” to be in control.  Clearly everyone finds her a bit unwell.  So our doctor who is haunted by the past as is goes to see this woman and her home and gets more than he bargained for.  The house was beautifully done and it only bumps it up on my list of places I’d love to visit and tour.  It was a pretty good horror movie and while I don’t get scared or normally “jump” my friend did several times as did many people in the pretty packed theatre.  I would say it was a win with beautiful visuals, acting, and a haunting ghost story that is easy to follow and enjoy.   

Fifty Shades Freed:  4.5 Stars

                I previously shared my thoughts on the books here and the movies: Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker.

                The final book turned movie.  I enjoyed it.  I really did.  Due to time I wasn’t able to re-read this book before the movie but it was still fresh having read it again last year so I may not remember some small little things that were skipped/changed but for me it was good.  I heard some say it was rushed or cut weird and such but I enjoyed the way it played out.  They cut some of the unnecessary stuff that didn’t really pay off as much in the books like the pre-nup issues with his family and his former sub club talk.  I would have liked to see more on some aspects and yes some of the scenes were trimmed down a lot but overall the overall story was there.  I would have enjoyed more with the lesser characters like Taylor, Mia, Jose, etc.  I’m still mad overall that they just cut out Dr. Flynn to a simple line in movie two that he was in therapy because I enjoyed him as a character. 

                I like the books but I also really enjoyed the more empowered version of Anna in the movies that she is able to stand up to him more where it counts.  Some changes I enjoyed were that Anna understood the danger right off and so many little fights about security guards were resolved.  The honeymoon was more happy fun than his protective issues.  I also loved some changes made to the ending though the ending is also where I had a few issues.   Mainly the reason I took half a star is because of the ending…that did feel a bit rushed and I didn’t get closure on some things mostly about Mrs. Robinson.  While I could appreciate the willingness to move on and focus on the good I was missing that ‘ah ha’ moment and personally an explanation was owed.  They needed more time to talk.  I am looking forward to seeing it again with my friend but even more when it comes to blu-ray with the “extended cut” and hopefully little scenes will be in there like with Darker having the pool scene!

*****

                So looks like I only saw two movies so far this month but it was super icky weather out and frankly on my days off I had enough stuff to do around the house and books I wanted to finish the idea of getting dressed and driving in the ick was not appealing.  But I am seeing Black Panther this weekend!  Anywho I’d love to hear your thoughts on either of these films and what else I should see.  I’m considering Shape of Water.

Everything, Everything Book & Movie

                Hello happy readers!  Okay so today I am doing a book and movie review.  I finally got to read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon which I have been excited to read since it came out but kept getting pushed back on my TBR.  So with the movie coming out I knew I had to get on it and read it before.  So I read it quickly the weekend it came out and then couldn’t wait to see the movie even more.  So I’ll fire review the book then the movie.

Book Rating: 5 Stars

                This book is all the feels!  We follow Maddy, a girl with a rare and famous disease that I can’t remember how to spell but is commonly known as bubble boy syndrome.  Allergic to everything, allergic to the world.  She turns 18 having lived her whole life in this house only seeing her mother and her nurse Carla regularly.  Her circle of people is limited until one day a moving truck arrives for the house next door and Maddy locks eyes with Olly.  Becoming friends with her isn’t easy given the restrictions, but as she begins to really understand how small her world is and what she will risk to live rather than survive. 

                First I have to say this book was such a quick read.  I would have finished it in one day had I not started it with only an hour before having to leave for a prior engagement.  I was so interested instantly I wished I didn’t have plans and I could stay and read.  The chapters are short and compelling and many times even include drawings and such which really added something extra to it.  Plus as Maddy is kept apart many of the conversations happen over IM and read quickly and the different medias in the book really helped to bring focus on all the ways one can have to communicate with the world and yet still be separate from it. 

                Maddy is a sweet girl who is happy with her life and stays positive.  She wants desperately to be normal and be able to go out into the world and experience things she can only read about or watch but she is thankful for what she has.  She loves her mother and Carla, he nurse, and books.  Considering her situation she keeps a pretty positive outlook on life which is impressive.  This helps put things in perspective when you get upset about things in your life knowing others are staying positive despite their problems.  She has struggled with depression in the past, which is only natural, and tries to stay above it.  Olly moves in next door and sees her through the window but hasn't been able to see her in person so he works to entertain her through the window for a while.  He is sweet and funny and I adored him.  He had his own struggles in life but he always treated Maddy normally, special to him but like a normal person.  Their connection and interactions are so cute and sweet it just made my heart swell.

                Maddy and Olly are the point of the book they are the focus.  However, I really loved the connection between her and Carla as well.  I enjoyed how she was so close with her.  Her story with her mother as it hits ups and downs was really a highlight thought as things progressed and things happen that just had me stuck to the book like glue.  It was a cute and quick book that was all about relationships and hope and I adore it!

Movie Rating:  5 Stars

                So I saw the movie the first day it came out only six hours after finishing the book so it was very fresh in my mind.  I enjoyed the movie.  It was cute and sweet and had so many positives and I look forward to seeing it again.  They kept to the main part of the story and most things where the same and I like a movie who does that.  They cut some things here and there and added a few things but the vast majority of the book was there.  Also Olly wasn't wearing a black cap most of the time because he shaved his head which I totally appreciate because Olly was hot. 

                One of my favorite things about the movie and something they were able to do to add humor and visual interest was during the IM sessions (now texting) was to put the characters in her fantasy worlds to have the conversations instead of just reading them.  I adored this concept.  And the astronaut was perfect.  This is something the movie did well.  I also love how all of the doodles and drawings in the book are in the end credits!  That was a real treat to see!

                The only down side to the movie is that it didn't really mention Maddy's past bout of depression and how hard it was for her.  It didn't give some deeper context to some matters so in the end when I was discussing it with my friend who saw it with me having not read the book she didn't feel my outrage at certain characters as strongly.  Without the context and past issues the book explains looking at the movie I can see it as well.

                I think anyone can really enjoy this movie.  If you read the book you understand some things on a deeper level and might even, in my opinion, enjoy the movie a bit more.  If you haven't read the book you can still go in and see a sweet movie that makes you all warm inside.  I highly recommend it either way. 

                So in conclusions I LOVED both the book and the movie and hope you read/see them both.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on both or either in the comments below!  

Before I Fall Movie

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I missed my Friday post as I was out of town helping my mom (she broke her hand the day before so I get to help her for all the times she has helped me it was nice) but I have the review ready and it will be posted.  But today I wanted to share my thoughts on the book to movie adaptation of Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.  I saw the movie with my best friend this weekend and was thrilled to review it for you. 

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                So I should start off saying I read this book back in December 2011, I had to look for my old review (here).  It has been a hot minute since I read the book and while I remembered many major points I don't remember tons of small things that may have been changed throughout the movie.  I know the first obvious thing is that our girls aren't all wearing matching colored outfits for Cupid's Day but as for minute details that is all I remember off hand.  Since watching the movie though I have thought about re-reading the book once I get through some of my other books first.  If I do I may make some additions to this post but for now just my thoughts on the movie.

                If you haven't seen trailers for this movie or read the book then the basic plot is that Sam, our main girl played by the amazing Zoey Deutch, who has it all in life.  She is part of the it group and everyone loves them even if they are a bit evil/mean girl like.  Then as the day progresses and we see her life we don't feel for her much but things go down and she wakes up.  It's the same day.  Sam is confused by what she remembers, a horrible case a déjà vu.  Still as the day repeats she is able to really see how she acts, what her life is.  Again and again the day repeats no matter what she does.  She tries to change things or go completely wild knowing nothing will matter and she'll be redoing it again anyways.  She begins trying to figure out how she can live her life better.  

                 I loved that we got to see Sam change and realize the mistakes she has made.  With all the time in the world she takes the time to really understand how things work.  She struggles throughout from trying to be better to getting frustrated that she is stuck and will never be free of the moment.  Deutch made the emotions shine through.  I didn't like Sam at the start, not really.  I liked he and her friends together away from anyone else because they did have that closeness that I think most everyone remembers with their best friends.  Now I admit we don't get to see as much about how they became friends and some past actions were touched on but not expanded.

                 The movie has some cliché moments of course and falls to a few stereotypes but overall the message is real.  I was lucky to have went to school in a different type of world it seems than some but this movie is relevant.  It shows both sides of things and that it is never too late to change or make things right.  I had chill bumps through parts of the movie and I almost cried at times, though I was prepared for that and managed to stave it off.  There was also a small moment when in the small theater that I made a whispered comment to my friend and several people laughed, apparently my whispered joke was loud in the hush.  Good memories.  

                Last little thought, one part of the book I do remember is there being more time and scenes between Sam and Kent.  I feel I had a better understanding of him in the book.  As I work on this review I am even more certain that I want to re-read the book, maybe before the DVD comes out.  Because I will be getting the movie when it comes out.  I look forward to seeing it again and seeing what things I missed or didn't pick up on.  I feel that someone who has read the book can enjoy the movie but also those who haven't read the book can go in and not feel like something is missing.  It is whole.  I recommend it. 

                Until next time…

Allegiant: The Movie

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you had a great weekend, I did.  Not very productive on the reading front but I blame Netflix and finding out that Daredevil Season 2 dropped so of course I had to marathon all 13 episodes.  That said I did take a break in there to go see the newest Divergent movie in theaters, Allegiant.  Now I wasn't 100% sure about the news of them splitting the last book into two unsure if there was enough to make it work but seeing it here we go.

Rating:  4 Stars

                Okay I should start by saying that Insurgent wasn't the best for me.  I felt they changed a bit too much and it got a bit weird but overall I was in the book to movie frenzy and was just happy to have it.  That said I didn't re-read Allegiant prior to the movie, figuring with all the changes and just how high tech the world of the movies are would only give me things to nitpick about.  So I haven't read Allegiant since the start of 2014 so the details on the book are a little fuzzy.  So by that I'm doing my review based more on the enjoyment of the movie as a movie rather than a book adaptation.  So that said I did have fun. 

                First thing to note is the acting was on point.  Tris and Four have some great chemistry going on which is important to the story as a whole and making you feel for them as we've seen their relationship develop as whole.  There was also a connection between the rest of the cast that shows the connections they've been though already, like the tension between Caleb and Tris or Peter and everyone.  Peter though, while I never liked him as a character overall I love him in the movies because he has some of the best lines.  OMG the timing and perfect execution of them were beyond what I could expect and had me rolling.  It was much needed to break up much of the seriousness of the other scenes.  Still while the characters I loved where there it felt like a couple, Christina for sure, were only there when it was necessary and while I feel everything we've learned about them up to that point would have made them more vocal than they were.  I feel like she would have been more vocal about the fringe for sure. 

                 The story builds on what we had in the previous movies and we get to know more about the world as a whole, what happened outside the walls of Chicago.  We learn their whole life has been an experiment controlled by people they never knew existed.  Everything they have been through could have been.  They now know there are people outside but the new people in control don't want anyone to go outside and is doing anything to stop it. One tyrant has taken over for another it seems.  Still Tris knows she has to go outside, she has to see what is out there and who can blame her.  Still what they find and what they learn changes everything they thought they knew accept who the one thing that stays true, who they are.

               There is plenty of action and such keeping it moving along and it didn't seem long at all.  It felt like it was over pretty quickly so no dragging moments which I appreciated.  While the sci-fi futuristic tech that keep with the previous movies remains and becomes even more in your face, which as a fan of the books I was not a fan of, some aspects were kind of neat.  The shower and the bubble??? Not so much more like a WTF moment for me.  And really the elevator?  That is just excessive and no wonder it took so long took to do anything lol.  Also I had to suspend my disbelief on a few things towards the end, just as it wasn't fully explained in the context, but in the end I could roll with it.  That and a few continuity issues had me feeling a bit less for it but as I went in with kind of low expectations I think they were exceeded. 

                 That said it was a fun time for me and I'm excited to see where the story will go in the final installment.  I am curious about how some aspects of the book will play out and if changes will be made.  As there were some changes made already, it leaves a bit of hope for those who have read the book.  If you've read you know what I'm talking about.  If not…you should read.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the movie in the comments below. 

                Until next time…