Archive for the ‘movies’ Category

Today Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is in theaters! I hope everyone will check out this movie and read the books if you haven’t yet. This is a great series with a lot of heart and a wonderful cast of characters. Check out my review of the first book in the series here! And watch the movie trailer below.

I saw The Vampire’s Assistant movie tonight with a few friends (sort of fitting for Halloween, right?). I had wanted to see this movie for awhile, I haven’t read the books yet, but I thought I would like the concept.

The movie stars Darren and Steve, best friends, and the Cirque du Freak–a cast of characters unlike any freak show you’ve ever heard of. Darren and Steve go to see the Cirque’s show when they come to town, and Darren’s actions after the show cause a spiral of events that leads to Darren becoming a half-vampire and serving the vampire of the Cirque, Crepsley. Unknown to Darren, he and Steve are the unwitting keys to beginning a vampire war, and a man named Mr. Tiny (who is not so tiny after all), will do anything he can to make sure that war begins.

Not having read the books, I was a little confused with the plot of the movie, especially at the beginning. Things happen fast, and you get a lot of background information in short segments. Eventually, the viewer begins to understand, and the cast becomes more familiar. You begin to see where the story is leading. I enjoyed the cast and John C. Reilly was a very interesting actor to watch–I for one had not seen him in many films where he did not play a very comedic character (Talladega Nights, anyone?) so this more serious role for him was very intriguing. Chris Massoglia, as Darren Shan, did an excellent job at evolving from goody-two-shoes Darren to the vampire’s assistant.

I think this movie was appropriate for a wide variety of ages and would be interesting even to adults. I’m interested to see if they make any more films in this series. The movie left it open for future stories, but I am not sure if the movie made enough money during this release to allow for any future films to be made. Anyone interested in “freak” stories – go check this out! You’ll be sure to be intrigued.

SUPER EXCITED NEWS!

One of my favorite books, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, is becoming a movie! See here and here for more information. Best news? It will be adapted by Caroline Thompson, who wrote Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. I am anticipating that they are going to get this book right and make it as awesome as it deserves. Go here to read more about Marr’s thoughts on the whole thing.

Wicked Lovely is a paranormal romance novel starring Ash, a normal high school girl that can see faeries. It was followed up with Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity (which I wrote about here) with the 4th book, Radiant Shadows to be published next year.

I also read that they are making Aprilynne Pike’s Wings into a movie, starring Miley Cyrus. I haven’t read this one yet, but it is on my list!

I will keep you posted on any more film news on this and other awesome teen novels!

Do you have any 4th of July traditions? Many people watch fireworks with their family and loved ones. Or perhaps you have a barbeque, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and maybe even some corn on the cob.

This year I decided to relax, stay at home with my family and read a few books. Oh, and of course I had to watch Independence Day. The 4th of July has always been a big day for action movies (especially if you’re Will Smith).

It’s a great patriotic movie for the holiday. And, oh, you have to have popcorn. Definitely. I feel the same way about these types of action movies as I do a great many books–many that would in turn make great movies themselves.

I just recently finished the 4th Percy Jackson book by Rick Riordan. I again recommend this series. It’s fun, humorous, and has insanely suspenseful storylines that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy immensely.

So this holiday, and this summer, pick up an action book or watch and action movie, toss back some popcorn and have fun!

Just read about one of Disney’s newest animated movies over at The Shady Glade. (Thanks for sharing, I didn’t even know about this!)

OMG! It looks pretty good, and now I am getting even more excited for summer movies. I am absolutely anticipating UP! from Disney and looking forward to seeing it in 3D. I’ll never grow up.

Last week I won VIP tickets to a screening of Seven Pounds, Will Smith’s next big movie, and the best thing about it: Will Smith himself was going to be there! How awesome is that? Another girl at work won tickets, so a foursome of us went to the theater early and stood around for hours, waiting for the BIG MOMENT when the Fresh Prince himself would grace us with his presence. There were press everywhere, and a huge crowd.

Finally, Will showed up, and Oh My Goodness, I was approximately 10 feet away from him, and that was pretty much my best celebrity moment ever. I mean, c’mon, things like this DO NOT happen in Cleveland, ever.

So Will gives a speech, and then we all go in for the movie, and then he gives another speech before the movie, and I realize The King Lebron James is in the theater as well. Will Smith left before the movie started, but Lebron stayed throughout, so seriously, I watched a movie with Lebron James. Sweeeet.

Seven Pounds… what can I say about the movie? Good movie. Will was great. Acting was great. Story was confusing, but very heartfelt. Basically, Will Smith is a guy that throughout the movie is helping a bunch of other people and you can’t figure out why, and there are twists and turns and things that make you cry. I would say overall I would give it a B. I recommend seeing it, but not more than once.

I’d also like to add that I won tickets to the Jason Mraz concert in the area next week, last night from the radio. My lucky week or what? What if I get to meet JASON MRAZ? I might die.

I’ll admit it here for the world to see, I’m a fan of the Twilight novels by Stephenie Meyer. Have been ever since the first book came out, very much before all of the current mania. I enjoy the stories, and while I will admit these books are no Jane Austen, I see no problem with them whatsoever. They are fun, entertaining, addicting books. I’m all for anything that encourages teens to read! Which is while I be in line this upcoming Saturday to see the movie, and hoping that these actors do the characters justice. Especially looking forward to the youngin’ that’s playing Jacob. He sure has his hands full after this movie!

Edward Cullen, you’re gorgeous and devoted, but I’ll take Edward Ferrars or even Edmund Betram over you any day.

Still can’t quite figure out how to get the photos/videos off my phone, so I thought I’d share about what I did this Friday evening. I went to see the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus 3D concert/movie at our local theater (where I used to work), along with my younger sister and a friend.

My friend and sister were excited–as for myself, well, let’s say I was somewhat on the lesser end, but I was glad to have something different to do. It was a great show; a nice mix of “behind the scenes” cuts and info, and a lot of great concert footage. The stage/lighting/pyrotechnics for the show were… absolutely incredible. I can’t even imagine how much it must have cost to run it for one night, let alone a whole tour.

The highlight of my evening was the kids in the theater. Absolutely adorable: singing along, clapping, screaming, shouting (especially when the Jonas brothers came out), amongst many other things. They loved it, and that made me love it!

I recommend it for all ages–the 3d was a nice, added touch, and it really almost made you feel like you were at the concert (for a considerably lesser price)! Also great for those looking to work in any industry involving the 8-12 age group–this is what they’re into these days!