Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon

When I stepped into the movie theater, Coke Icee in hand, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much. A cute, cheesy little kids' movie. Boy, was I wrong.

HTTYD was, to begin with, was aesthetically gorgeous. The animation was spectacular; I can't even describe how detailed everything was. The artists left no stone unturned- it was clear that they spent as much time creating the sunsets as they did on the dragons themselves. I was completely blown away. I'm not really a fan of 3D movies, but I think this one would be really awesome, especially with all the flying scenes.

The storyline was SO. ADORABLE. First of all, Vikings? And not just any Vikings: dragon-slaying Vikings! It was original and had a sense of humor. I just completely fell in love with it. And there was a kick-butt girl, Astrid, who I just adored. Girl power!! I was so excited to learn that this was also a book. I've gotta get it now!!

So, if you're looking for something funny and sweet and obviously a labor of love, I'd go get your tickets now! This is a must-see. :D

Rating: 9.5/10

Alice in Wonderland Movie Review

I'll admit, yesterday when I went to see Alice, I had high expectations. After all the hubbub and the big names and the fantastic reviews, I was expecting to be blown away. Sometimes Tim Burton movies creep me out a little, and I was worried that this new version of the movie would be disappointing. Or freakishly creepy.

However, this film went way beyond my expectations. The special effects alone were spectacular. I was blown away by the Wonderland; it was gorgeous. It was crazy and wild and beautiful and memorable. The creatures were interesting and well-developed. The acting was also phenomenal, especially Helena Bonham Carter. I'm not sure if I thought she stole the show as they said, but she was pretty amazing. As was Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway. Also, why did no one mention that Alan Rickman was in this?? Just another plus in my book!


I wasn't quite sure about the plot line...I originally thought it would just be a recreation of the book, but I found out that Alice was much older, I wasn't sure how that was going to play out. I think everything wrapped up nicely, and, yeah, maybe it was a little cheesy towards the end, but I thought it was sweet. And perhaps it hinted at another installment???

Also, did anyone else notice there was quite a bit of eye-stabbing? That definitely grossed me out. And it wasn't just once- it was multiple times. That bit was the only part I wasn't fond of.

If I were you, I'd head on over to the movie theater, grab a coke icee, a pack of twizzlers, and a ticket to Alice in Wonderland. Right. Now. Do it. You'll regret it if you don't.

Rating: 10/10

Les Miserables: The Movie Review

Jean Valjean, a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a police officer named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France. -IMDB

Have you ever watched a movie and felt completely in awe of it, hours later? Days later? This was my reacation to Les Miserables.

I have never read the book, or heard the story- but I knew it was good stuff. In my dance studio, we had posters hanging up from Broadway, Les Miserables included. So, when it came in the mail, I was interested in seeing what all the fuss was about. Apparently I have good decision-making skills. (come on, you know you want to laugh)

I thought all of the actors were perfect for their roles...Liam Neeson was AMAZING. But this is to be expected. It's Liam Neeson. I was also very impressed with Geoffrey Rush (Javert). He reminded me of Alan Rickman as Snape, which I don't think is necessarily a bad thing. He definitely had the evil-creepy vibe. Claire Danes was wonderful, as usual.

The story was heartbreaking, in the best way possible. The last ten minutes I was holding my breath, nervously awaiting the outcome. It's suspenseful.

I don't really have much else to say except that you need to rent it. It's probably not at the top of your list, with the action movies and romantic comedies, but you won't be sorry that you watched it. I promise. Borrowing the book wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Rating: 10/10

Julie and Julia: The Movie Review

When I woke up today, I was expecting a very uneventful Sunday. Oh, how wrong I was. After church, we made our way to a nearby movie theater, where we saw Julie and Julia. I was very much looking forward to the movie, especially since it was based on two books- and the superb casting!

In short, Julie and Julia was hilarious. Large bursts of laughter were all but required while watching Meryl Streep's determination in her journey through cooking school. Amy Adams was adorable (I think that will always be the first word that comes to mind when I describe her, after seeing Enchanted) as Julie, although I seemed to get the feeling that Julie Powell was not as sweet in real life.

We left the theater feeling satisfied and inspired; upon returning home we cracked open our old copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, just for fun. After coming accross a recipe that was showcased in the movie, my parents and I somehow convinced ourselves to make it! We made a quick trip to the grocery store, and began cooking the Boeuf Bourguignon, or Beef Stew in Red Wine, with Bacon, Onions, and Mushrooms. (This was the dish Julie Powell overcooked in the movie). It took about three hours total to make, but it was sooooo worth it. We're talking melt-in-your-mouth meat and a sauce you want to drink with a straw. That good. Here's a picture of our efforts:




And although we won't be cooking through Julia Child's entire cookbook, we have made a plan to use it more often. I'm also hoping to read Julie Powell's book, Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously. Hopefully it will be a delicious read (It's hard for me to resist a corny joke once it's in my head)

Rating: 10/10 (I seem to be giving out more of these lately...I can only wonder if I'm becoming a softie)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The Movie Review

I saw Potter. *dramatic pause*


And I want to see it again- for more than one reason. First, because I thought it was good. Very good, as a matter of fact. I don't think it was my favorite of all the Potter movies, but I would (and probably will) pay another $7.50 to see it again. To begin with, the special effects, as usual, were incredible. I loved all the liberties that were taken- the burning bit of newspaper, the hourglass, etc. I think all of those touches really made the difference in creating the wizarding world.

And I loved that we finally got to see Harry caring for Hermione as a friend. I think that in the other movies (and perhaps the books,) Harry was there to support Ron more often than Hermione. It was wonderful to see those little moments.

On the downside, I disliked the scene that was added in at the Weasley's house. It didn't really seem to add a lot to the movie, besides the fact that the Burrow has now been burned down. I guess no wedding for Fleur and Bill...although that bit seems to have been cut anyway. Speaking of cutting, there were some scenes that I really wish had made it's way into the film- Dumbledore's funeral, for instance. I understand that the books and the movies are two different things, but I would have loved to see how they would have interpreted that final chapter.

My last 'thumbs-down' would have to be the casting for Professor Slughorn. Jim Broadbent just didn't seem to fit the part. I always pictured Slughorn as an enormous jolly man with equally as large flaws. This would be the second reason I want to watch the movie again. I think that I'll grow to like Broadbent a little more as time goes on.

All in all, I enjoyed it, but was the teensiest tonsiest bit disappointed. That's a first for the Harry Potter movies. Had I never read the books I think my views would be nothing but positive. I think it's hard to have an idea in your mind of what something should be, and have such high expectations for it, that it's hard to accept something different.

Rating: 8.5/10 stars
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