Film Feature: Minions

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John and I recently saw The Minion movie. Mainly because I loooove Despicable Me (it's one of my favorite children's movies). While it was entertaining, it was a bit of a let down. I just don't think the minions were enough of a main character. Their evil counterpart, Scarlet Overkill, was just a bit too much for my taste. Gru has a lovable side and the girls really soften his harsh edges. Scarlet didn't have any of that...she was just mean and selfish...and that is pretty much it. Overall, I'd recommend this if you're a fan of the series, but it's not much of a standalone film.

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Film Feature: Mini Reviews

Mad Max: Fury Road: At first I honestly didn't want to watch Mad Max because it looked really violent. However, after reading several reviews I decided to give it a chance. While there was some violence, it wasn't over the top. However, what I was most looking forward to was the back story of Max...what was his history...how did he stay alive and independent for so long...why was he willing to help save the wives? I was also looking forward to how the city initially developed and the hierarchy of things. Unfortunately, all of my questions were left unanswered. Perhaps if I had watched the original movie I would have more insight? Ultimately, I would recommend this to movie goers who are looking for 95% action, 5% plot.

Jurassic World: Ok, I'll admit it...I wasn't a big fan of the original movie initially. When I got older and watched it again, I fell in love with it! In fact, I loved the whole trilogy and even bought it for John last Christmas. I was really excited to watch Jurassic World and I was not disappointed! Great story arc with ample action. I just adore Chris Pratt. His character was the best, followed closely by Jake Johnson's character. There is something for everyone in this movie! Overall, a great movie for the family with action, humor and a touch of romance!

Film Feature: Mini Reviews

Gone Girl: The beginning is a bit slow, but once you get into the story you don't mind. Then the first twist hits you...notice I said first? There are SO MANY twists, I don't know where to begin! Ultimately, the ending is rather anti-climatic. The story as a whole seems rather anti-feminist. Essentially the theme seems to say that women who have been raped and/or abused are liars. I'm sorry...WHAT?! This seems a little disconcerting to me. I need to get an Atwood book out...that might set the universe back into balance...

Paddington: This movie can be summed up in one word: ADORABLE! John has been wanting to see this for some time, and 5 minutes into the movie, I can see why! The characters are fun and whimsical. The setting is perfect, it makes me want to visit London! There was a villain who was evil, but not too evil. Overall, this is a great movie for young and old! I hope they make a sequel some day!

Film Feature: Mini Reviews

Pitch Perfect 2: I adored the first movie and couldn't wait when I heard a sequel would be released. In my honest opinion, this is even better than the first! There is a lot more humor, which I can appreciate. There's also some interesting romances that surface. I also felt there was more singing and performances. I LOVED the acapella sing-off! So fun! I will definitely be purchasing this when it gets released to DVD!

Poltergeist: It's been a while since I saw the original movie. However, from what I can remember, it seems as if they have stayed true to the original plot. John and I love scary movies, and Poltergeist did not disappoint. There is a lot of clowns in this movie, so if you're like me, those were the creepiest parts of the film. I jumped a lot...the suspense was intense. One of the better scary movies we've seen recently!

Let's talk about...The Avengers!!!

So John and I recently saw the new Avengers movies and I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts with y'all! This is just going to be informal...just thoughts and opinions. :)

First of all, and it's pretty obvious, Thor is my favorite superhero. Hands down. He's hot. He's hilarious. He's in love with a brainiac. I mean, it just doesn't get better.

Iron man is NOT my favorite, but, I didn't mind him this time around. In fact, he was pretty funny. A lot of great one liners!

One of my favorite parts is when all of the superheros try to lift Thor's hammer. :)

I'm glad Hawkeye got some more screen time. I really adore his character!

Bruce Banner/Hulk is growing on me.

The girl who plays the Scarlet Witch is Elizabeth Olsen, the younger sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. WHY DOES THAT WHO FAMILY LOOK WEIRD?! *ahem*

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie though I think many of the major actors might not appear in the next movie...we shall see!

If you have seen it, what are your thoughts? 

Film Feature: Into The Woods

I've been begging John to go see Into the Woods and we finally went last weekend. Unfortunately, I have not seen the musical live (I would love to), so I cannot compare. That being said I absolutely adored it. Emily Blunt really makes this movie, along with Maryl Streep. Their characters were my favorite, and they played their parts well. Here is a clip from one of my favorite parts of the movie. 

What might be surprising for some viewers, is that this really isn't a musical for kids, it's actually more geared toward parents. That being said, if you are a fan of fairy tales, especially performed in song, then this movie is for you. I would love to hear from you dear reader. Have you seen the movie or the musical live, or both? If so, what did you think?

Film Feature: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Recently, John and I saw the latest Hobbit movie: The Battle of the Five Armies. In full disclosure, I have not read The Hobbit. I have tried to read it several times, but I never made it through. I got confused with all the names and there's a lot of singing. 

However, I have enjoyed the movie series. It makes me wish that each Lord of the Rings movie had been broken down into 2 or 3 movies. 

I did enjoy this final installation of The Hobbit. That being said, in all honesty, it wasn't my favorite out of the three movies. I enjoyed the first movie the most. There were many enjoyable parts to this movie, however. I enjoyed the overall arc of the characters, particularly the elves and the dwarfs. I enjoyed learning more about the wizards and some of the precursory story to the Lord of the Rings. 

What were some of your favorite components of this movie? Is this your favorite out of three? If not, which movie is your favorite?

Film Feature: Guardians of the Galaxy

Ok, so I am late to the game with this one. John had been begging to see Guardians of the Galaxy for a while. We had scoffed, scoffed I tell you!, when it originally was released simply because we had never heard of the comic before. What silly, silly children we were. The film had all the essential elements of a good movie...excellent world building (literally)...intriguing, flawed characters (I mean really, who wants to watch or read something about someone who is perfect? I got bored even saying that)....good guy/bad guy...subtle romance...comedy...drama...seriously, I could go on. Could, but I won't. I mean, you've stuck with me thus far, no need to go on about it. John has started to read the original series and as far as I can tell, he likes it. What is your input on this flick? Do you think it lived up to its summer blockbuster glamour?  

Film Feature: Game of Thrones

Recently I finished the second season of A Game of Thrones (the HBO series). It was sooooo good!

I really enjoyed the first season, but the second season was even better! I finally had to go back and re-watch the first season! Then, I finally, finally picked up the first book in the series. I'm not sure what exactly had been keeping me from it all these years, but there certainly are reasons...perhaps the daunting size, vast number of characters, difficult-to-pronounce names...just to name a few.

However, I can say in all certainty that had I not watched the show, I would have definitely not picked up the books. For that, I am grateful to HBO for producing the series. If you haven't watched it yet, you really should! There is something for everyone to love! This series gets addicting fast! While there are a vast number of characters you grow to really enjoy them whether they are good or evil. You care about them. You root them on (though sometimes in favor of death)!

I am a BIG Stark fan! I would love to see some retribution and gain for their family. I crave to learn more about them. Why do they pray to the old gods? What was life like before Ned's father and brother died? I do favor Robb and Jon of household Stark. I also have a soft spot for Sansa and Aryia. Poor Sansa! What will become of her next?! She certainly has been smart, which is why (I believe) she has remained alive.

Another character I am very fond of is Daenerys Targaryen. I was in utter shock when her brother sold her to the Dothraki's! However, she thrived in her marriage as well as amongst her (new) people. She stands out as a leader in an age where women are considered just a notch above livestock. I truly hope that eventually she will be able to take back the throne. She would be a wise and fair leader. Also, I'm REALLY excited to see what happens with the dragons!

Another favorite storyline of mine is the great wall of the North. The wildings! White Walkers! I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!! Hence, the reading. I just feel as if the show has barely scratched the surface of the wall's history and that of the wild north. Perhaps the first 2 books have not gone into any depth? I'm not sure. Either way, I need to learn more about this.

I'm also curious about the Mad King and his days of rule. How did he come to power? How did they plan to overthrow him? What caused him to go mad?! I hope that the books have some answers for me!

Anyways dear readers, what are your thoughts on A Game of Thrones? Have you read the books? Watched the series? Are you satisfied with just one or the other? What would you like to learn more of?