R.I.P. CHALLENGE WRAP-UP...FINALLY!

Yes, I'm more than a week overdue on my wrap-up for the R.I.P. Challenge AND I haven't even written the reviews yet...I am SO behind on everything, but that's a story for another time!

I read:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKenna

A book of short stories:

Echoes from the Macabre by Daphne Du Maurier

I watched many scary movies, but I will list the most memorable here:

Devil...this is the M. Night Shyamalan produced film about five people trapped in an elevator being menaced by God knows what.  It was a pretty entertaining film with some definite disturbing parts, but ultimately it was too short and the ending was kind of anti-climactic.

Let Me In...a smart remake of the brilliant original, the Swedish film Let the Right One In based on the even more brilliant novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist (alternately titled Let Me In or Let the Right One In, depending on translation).  When I first heard that they were making an American version, I was very skeptical, but this turned out to be a very smart remake and might have been a bit more scary than the original.  Both films are definitely worth a look and the book gets top billing, in my opinion.  One of THE BEST horror novels I've ever read.

House of the Devil...what can I say about this movie?  Scary, scary, scary! If you're not fond of a big build up to a frightening conclusion, then you may not like this one.  But let me tell you...I first watched this alone...in the dark! I was so scared, I had to turn the light on! I've since watched it two more times and it still has not lost it's allure.  Creepy does not even describe the effect of this movie.

Stay tuned for reviews or mini-reviews of all the books I read for the challenge.

REVIEW--ECLIPSE...BOOK AND MOVIE

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
finished reading on July 9, 2010

My thoughts on the book:

Eclipse is my favorite book so far in the Twilight series.  Although the first one will always hold a special place in my heart (and New Moon is my least favorite because Edward is hardly in it), in my opinion, Eclipse really deals with raw emotion in a very tangible way.  Have you ever been involved in a love triangle?  I have (years ago...when I was a young chick) and it can get pretty intense.  Although mine was not nearly as intense as the one between Bella, Edward and Jacob! I read a review of the movie on another blog and she expressed the feeling that Jacob was a whiner.  I tend to agree with her...and in the book too.  Which makes things even more difficult for Bella.  Sorry Team Jacob! Anyway, why I think Eclipse is so great is that I felt the raw emotion viscerally.  Almost like I was Bella herself.  It was very real and made me think constantly, "How can you choose between your heart and your head?"  Because, ultimately, Edward has Bella's heart...he IS her heart...but she knows in her head that Jacob would probably be better for her.  The choice to me is simple.  When someone you love hurts you, you don't really feel it in your head, you feel it in your heart.  So what would be your choice?

Side note:  I am a great lover of all things historical so I loved the background stories of Jasper and Rosalee.  This was another reason why I loved this book so well!

My thoughts on the movie:

I liked the movie for pretty much the same reasons that I liked the book.  I enjoyed seeing the awkwardness of the love triangle on the big screen.  I think Kristen Stewart is the perfect Bella.  Pattinson and Lautner are great too ( I <3 Edward/Rob), but Stewart is just in her element in the films, especially this one.  I also really liked the other characters brought to the fore.  Jasper figures in a lot in this installment and, as a big fan of Jackson Rathbone too, I was thrilled.  I also enjoyed the action sequences.  I really thought Eclipse was well made and I can't wait for the two part movie of Breaking Dawn!

This book qualifies for the following challenges (be sure to visit my challenge blog for more specific updates):

Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge
Hogwart's Reading Challenge
100+ Reading Challenge
New Author Challenge
2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge
Pages Read Challenge
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge
Monthly Mixer Mele
Countdown Challenge 2010
101 Fantasy Reading Challenge

Did you watch The Diary of Anne Frank last night?

This is not a video, just a pic from PBS.org

This is going to be a non-bookish post.  Also, I wanted to give forewarning that I will be posting a lot in the next few days as I have a back log of reviews and an author interview coming up...plus Mailbox Monday.

So...I had to post about last night's Masterpiece Classic adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank.  One of my favorite books from childhood, this wonderful adaptation really took me back to the story all over again.  It was very well-acted and I think it is probably the best movie version of the story I have seen.  Of course, we all know what happens in the end, but that still did not stop me from breaking down in tears while watching the families being marched out by the SS and reading the captions of their fate.  Anne had such an undeniable spirit.  It is a great tragedy that her life was cut short and in such a terrible way.

If you didn't get to watch it, there are encore presentations (check your local listings) or you can watch it online at the PBS page for the movie.  Click the link and it will take you to the site for more information on the program.

 

Review: Shutter Island...Book and Movie

These are going to be short reviews because to talk too much about either would give away surprise plot twists.  Without further ado...

Shutter Island--Dennis Lehane

Synopsis:

Summer, 1954.

U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels has come to Shutter Island, home of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Along with his partner, Chuck Aule, he sets out to find an escaped patient, a murderess named Rachel Solando, as a hurricane bears down upon them

But nothing at Ashecliffe Hospital is what it seems.

And neither is Teddy Daniels.

Is he there to find a missing patient? Or has he been sent to look into rumors of Ashecliffe?s radical approach to psychiatry? An approach that may include drug experimentation, hideous surgical trials, and lethal countermoves in the shadow war against Soviet brainwashing. . . .

Or is there another, more personal reason why he has come there?

As the investigation deepens, the questions only mount:

How has a barefoot woman escaped the island from a locked room?

Who is leaving clues in the form of cryptic codes?

Why is there no record of a patient committed there just one year before?

What really goes on in Ward C?

Why is an empty lighthouse surrounded by an electrified fence and armed guards?

The closer Teddy and Chuck get to the truth, the more elusive it becomes, and the more they begin to believe that they may never leave Shutter Island.Because someone is trying to drive them insane. . . .

My review:

Shutter Island is a first-rate thriller.  Dennis Lehane has succeeded in writing an atmospheric period piece that echoes the conspiracy theories and such that abounded after World War II and at the start of the Cold War.  The book draws you in and then pulls you along...quite willingly...to the shocking conclusion.  Along the way, the protagonists do not know who to trust and even begin distrusting themselves and each other.  More than just a mystery, Shutter Island is a master class on the workings of the human mind. 

Shutter Island...the movie.

My take:

Very seldom is there a movie that does not totally obliterate the book it is based on.  This is one of them.  Scorsese takes Lehane's book and makes a movie that is so very like the book, even large portions of dialogue are exactly the same.  DiCaprio is spot on as the detective who is trying to solve the mysterious disappearance while he wrestles with personal demons from his past.  All the performances are excellent, which I'm sure Scorsese has a hand in, as he is a fantastic director.  The movie may even one-up the book in being even more atmospheric (did I just say that?!).  Some of the critics out there have been less than kind, with which I totally disagree.  And I was shocked the other day when a newscaster on ABC World News Now gave away a major plot surprise!  Very badly done.  If you dislike the movie, say so, but do not give away the plot or at least give a spoiler warning!

Shutter Island...book and movie...definitely a must-read and a must-see!

For the following challenges:

Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge  2 / 4
Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge   2 / 12
100+ Reading Challenge  5 / 100+
Pages Read Challenge  1429 / 30,000
Monthly Mixer Mele  6 / 74 
A Buck A Book Challenge

Click on any one of these challenges and you will be taken to my challenge blog.  Become a follower...when I reach 40 followers I will be hosting a giveaway!
  

Review: The Lovely Bones...Book and Movie

The Lovely Bones is more than just a story of the tragedy of a murdered girl.  It is the story of a family and how the aftershocks of such a tragedy can rend and tear at the fragile threads that hold it together.  For anyone who has children, this is an especially difficult read because there are predators in this world and this story is something that could really happen--albeit without the fantastical elements.  I really liked the way Sebold had Susie in heaven and yet she was able to watch her family and almost make them feel her presence.  The story was really a parallel of a family that needed fixing and a girl who needed to move on to her afterlife.  Only after the family was able to heal (at the level that healing is possible when something like this happens), was Susie able to realize her peace.  The book is also very suspenseful and holds one of the most vial characters I have ever had the displeasure of reading.  I recommend this book for its beautiful writing and its cautionary tone...teach your children to keep their trust close.  There are monsters in this world and they can live right across the street.

The Lovely Bones--the movie

This was a very good movie.  Of course, what can we expect from Peter Jackson?! It stays relatively true to the book, with a few minor differences.  I have read critics complain that Jackson took too soft of a tone by not portraying that Susie is raped and murdered.  Depicting the rape, or even letting on that she was raped, was not necessary.  Anyone with a brain can figure out that this happens...clues are given in the obsessive behavior of the murderer.  It is beautifully acted.  Saoirse Ronan as Susie brings such luminosity to the role.  This girl has a very bright future in acting.  And Stanley Tucci...wow! I knew he was a good actor, but he really brings creepiness to a new level. 

Go see this movie, but read the book first (if possible).  I liked the movie, but I liked the book better (of course).

This book was read for these challenges:

Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge
Monthly Mixer Mele
Countdown Challenge 2010
New Authors Challenge




FTC Disclaimer:  This book came from my personal shelves and I did not receive any compensation for reading and reviewing it.

Movies of note I have seen lately...

Where the Wild Things Are

This was a wonderful movie and a beautiful homage to Maurice Sendak's classic book.  I took my boys, ages 8 and 7 (almost), and they loved it.  The story is expanded in the movie and Max is a child of divorce who is feeling neglected.  He has a sweet relationship with his mother, but doesn't understand when she is busy...like mothers are at times.  When he runs off and ends up "where the wild things are", he meets Carol and the other monsters and tells them he's a king.  I saw some definite parallels between Carol and Max, with Max being like the mom and Carol being like Max.  The soundtrack was also great.  I highly recommend this movie to parents and their kids alike.

Sherlock Holmes

What else can I say?  Robert Downey Jr.  I'm sorry, but anything this man stars in is destined to be a hit.  A stellar actor...I keep asking, "Why doesn't this man have an Oscar yet?"  Now I have always loved Sherlock Holmes.  Although I haven't read the books (yet), I have loved the TV versions from the BBC and the old Basil Rathbone versions...and even one that starred Matt Frewer as Holmes several years ago.  This new movie has all the wit and mystery of a classic Holmes tale, but with the pluck of Downey Jr. and the incomparable chemistry of Downey Jr. and Jude Law as partners and friends.  Guy Ritchie (LOVE HIM TOO!) has really outdone himself this time.  I am a big fan of his movies, especially Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, but I think this one will definitely be my most favorite...unless he comes out with something better! By the way the movie ended, there will definitely be a sequel.  I say bring it on!

The Box

My mom was the one that really wanted to see this...I was only mildly interested.  It was on at the $1.50 theater and we finally went to see it Saturday night.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Now this was not really a horror movie.  There is no blood and gore.  But it is genuinely creepy...maybe even downright disturbing.  And the premise really gets you thinking.  What would I do in this situation?  Would I be able to do what they did?  It really has frightening insight into human nature and I honestly hope that most people aren't really like this.  Because if they are, there doesn't seem to be much hope for our world.  I prefer to think that people are inherently good, but I could be wrong.  See this one if you like to be genuinely creeped out and you don't mind thinking about tough issues.  Despite the depth, I really liked it.

Happy Viewing =O)

My thoughts on New Moon

Although I had not finished the book, I went to see New Moon on Saturday anyway because my mom...and, okay, I...couldn't wait! Can I just say that I absolutely loved this movie?! I'm not going to go in to an extensive review or anything.  However, I will say that before this movie, I was totally Team Edward, but by the middle of the movie, I found myself playing for both teams...LOL! Of course, I ended up staunchly back on Team Edward by the end of the movie, but I still have to throw some cred at Jacob (Taylor Lautner).  He can really hold his own.  I thought the effects in New Moon were much better than Twilight (big surprise...larger budget anyone!)  The werewolves were amazing! And I also enjoyed the edition of the Volturi characters.  Michael Sheen (Aro) was spot on, as usual.  And Dakota Fanning (Jane)...genuinely creepy with the red eyes.  As the final words of the movie were spoken, I said to my mom, "Now I really can't wait to finish the book!"

A Christmas Carol

My most favorite Christmas book, and Christmas movie, of all time...A Christmas Carol.  When I heard a couple of years ago that Jim Carrey would be playing Scrooge in a new movie version of A Christmas Carol, I was thrilled.  However, when I found out it was going to be shot in performance-capture animation, I wasn't very happy.  I just prefer my Christmas Carol films to be with live action players.  Well, I went to see the new movie this weekend and I was very pleased.  They have really improved this type of animation.  The characters have an abundance of expression and the talent of the actors shines through.  As usual, Carrey was great.  And Gary Oldman and Colin Firth shined as well.  If you love Christmas and especially the story of A Christmas Carol, then I think you will like this movie. 

Here are a few of my favorite versions of the movie:

Scrooge (1970)--starring Albert Finney

A Christmas Carol (1999)--starring Patrick Stewart

A Christmas Carol (1951)--starring Alastair Sim

A Diva's Christmas Carol (2002)--starring Vanessa Williams




Which is your favorite?  Will you see the new Disney version?

The Time Traveler's Wife...The Movie

I saw The Time Traveler's Wife today and since I reviewed the book the other day, I thought I would do a little comparison. Don't worry, there will not be any spoilers!

First off, I will say (as I usually do) that the book was better! No big surprise there. However, the movie was very well done. Some elements of the book were left out, obviously due to time constraints, but overall it did not bother me so much. I guess because the actors that were chosen for the main roles were great choices. I thought Eric Bana as Henry was a very good fit. He is a good actor and has been overlooked in the past, but I think this movie showed off his dramatic chops. Rachel McAdams, of course, was ethereal. I just think she lights up any role she plays. She has a very bright future in acting. And Ron Livingston as Gomez...outstanding! It was just regretful that his part in the movie was so much less than in the book.

Now there was one thing I missed in the movie and that was the comic relief. As I said in my review of the book, what was great about it was the combination of science fiction, tragedy and comedy. The movie was mostly focused on the two latter elements. There just wasn't enough comic moments to balance the sad ones. However, I was glad that the movie eliminated the constant lovemaking between Henry and Clare. I'm not a prude by any means, but I think the movie portrayed well the great love between the two without having to show constant sex, like the book.

So, in conclusion, I do recommend that you see this movie, but if you're a reader or if you were planning on reading the book, I would suggest that you read the book first. Reading the book first really keeps the confusion at bay and fills in any holes that might have your mind full of question marks. And if you really must choose between the book or the movie...choose the book.