Loony Reviews

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

WARNING: This review might be a bit biased to your liking since the writer is a certified witch. So beware. You've been warned. (May also contain spoilers.)

Before I wrote this review, I tried reading other reviews from fans/haters (yes there are haters, imagine that?) and I got mixed ratings overall, but I love how most of the reviews gave a 5+ shooting star rating.

See, I'm already sounding like a biased fan.

But I'm not. Why? David Yates is my least favorite Harry Potter director. I like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, because of Luna, a few bits of Ron and Hermione moments (yours truly ships Ron and Hermione), but mostly, just Luna (Luna Lovegood is yours truly's favorite character.)

So now that's straighten up, on to the real review.

This Half-Blood Prince is awesomely, bloody BRILLIANT!

I have to admit that the part of me being a Ron and Hermione shipper dominates the things that the film have lacked. They changed a lot of things for one thing when it could be easily be just adapted straight from the book and they've also removed some things. But surprisingly for me, it never failed to capture the entirety of the book. A non-HP reader will understand what's the deal for sure because of all the explanation (at least if they understand British English and humor), which I think is one of the main goals of Yates. I definitely think he redeemed himself with this one.

Ron and Hermione moments. Ahhh... They were the most wonderful things. Rupert and Emma definitely have this chemistry whether they admit it or not. I can feel the love and the hurt from it shooting out of the big screen towards me. It was heaven for a shipper like me.

Quidditch is back! And much better. Though I never saw Harry with his snitch catching techniques, I am just happy that the attention was with Ron. All Ron's!

Dumbledore's death. I just can't believe that he died again for the umpteenth time in front of me. I cried and cried. It was awful. And believable. A lot might say that it was altered and all, but it's already awesome for me. We can't have everything after all.

The actors have also improved a big deal. Emma Watson proved that she doesn't have only one facial expression, and that she could REALLY act. Rupert Grint is again, brilliant. Dan is Harry Potter, the ONLY Harry Potter. And Bonnie Wright as Ginny makes a definite sweet connection with Harry. Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood, exceptionally awesome. And of course, the other supporting characters are at their best too. I would most like to mention Sir Michael Gambon, saying, "Severus, please..." and then falling from the tower. It was heartbreaking.

The long waiting was a bit of a disaster, but it was all worth it. David Yates is still not my favorite director but now he's definitely no longer at the bottom of my list. Steve Kloves proved that even if he thought it was Harry and Hermione in the end, he completely made a turnabout.

I am still trying to compare this film with my most favorite, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and I might need a few more re-watching (saw it today twice), for me to be able to give the final verdict of my number one Harry Potter film.

And there's still Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the book being my most favorite might be my most favorite film too. Now that Yates have proven himself, I am, once again, having sky high hopes for Deathly Hallows. Another bit of a long wait again I guess.

Oh, and did I mentioned that Half-Blood Prince was made of awesome? No? Well then, IT IS!

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2009-06-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Lines will divide us, but hope will unite us.

All I can say is... I do not expect any of the things I saw in this film. There are more philosophical films dealing with this kind of subject, but this for me, by far, is the only one that have dealt with the horror and futility of the Holocaust with such clear simplicity. The characters were portrayed as both humans and monsters, and I've seen the internal conflict and how they each come to terms with their conflicts, above all we see how futile their conclusions were.

I admit that there are a few flaws (like the main characters having a British accent and them not speaking in German, those sort of things...) but it never really tainted the overall effect of the film.

There is a big comparison with "Schindler's List," to be honest. I even felt the same way I've felt when I first saw "Schindler's List." But this film's main difference is that we see the world back then in the eyes of a German boy, and it's an absolute difference. The Holocaust as seen through the prism of an 8 year-old German boy is a novel approach and although we all know what is happening at the camp nearby, at the beginning, he does not. And every step he takes, he gets closer to discovering the truth, losing his childhood innocence in the process.

It does what good drama should do - makes you think and feel. I was still crying the hell out of me while the credits were rolling, which resulted into this severe headache afterwards. It was depressing. It will make you think that the event that took place in the film actually REALLY took place back then, and it will make you ask why people could be as cruel as that. The Holocaust is a difficult subject, but to tell a story in such a way that it is accessible to a 12-year old is a great achievement.

The ending is a shocker. I never read the book yet that's why I was crying in shock and my jaw dropped. And I don't think I will try reading the book anytime soon... With the heart-wrenching feeling I've got with this film, I think the book will be even more depressing.

This film is an eye-opener. It will make you contemplate things. Things that is still happening in our society today. Five stars.

Looking for Alaska ( A Very Late Review)

2009-05-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying that, I was so busy this past few weeks that I never updated this blog. (As if someone is actually reading my reviews. Haha!) It doesn't mean that I never read/seen a single thing all this time. So not true. It was just that loads of things have been occupying my mind, body and soul, so there.

So here we go with my first review for the month of Mhaey! I mean... May.

Looking for Alaska

by John Green

I simply love this. I may be a nerdfighter but I know that even if I'm not I will still love this book. Finished it in just one sitting, and it was just made of awesome. The characters are real, pure and raw. It shows that no one, really, is ever perfect. The hero himself is not at all perfect. All those REAL teenage issues where tackled as it is with a twist here and there, that happens in real time. Losing your innocence and realizing that it's not half-bad even if it is really bad.

Escape from labyrinth. It's all about that. But in it's own accord, it is indeed full of methods of how to escape even though it clearly states that the characters where all seeking it until the very end.

The ending was unexpected, the climax was unbelievable. A conflict that you will never, ever expect in a genre like this. It's unbelievable. Love Green's imagination, reality from his view is very compelling. The smoke will definitely get in your eyes. A must-read.

My Harry Potter Wish List

2009-04-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

This is me kinda reviewing Harry Potter Merchandises online. And Lianne kind of tagged me in a way. LOL! And the stuff looks really nice, cool, and awesome. I want them! All of the stuff below! Someday. SOMEDAY!!! Buwahahahahaa!!!!!

1. HARRY POTTER LUNA LOVEGOOD JEWELRY SET

- Of course I need a Luna gear first. ;) I have the Dirigible Plums Earrings and spectrespecs (made them myself :P) but I want the original ones. And I wish WB will make their own spectrespecs soon and also Luna's wand!!!

2. GOLD PLATED GRYFFINDOR RING BY NOBLE COLLECTION

- To feed my Gryffindor Pride.

3. HARRY POTTER 14K GOLD LIGHTNING BOLT PENDANT BY NOBLE COLLECTION

- I want a silver one actually but I can't find one. I saw a friend who has that silver one and it looks really awesome.

4. HARRY POTTER GRINGOTTS BANK COIN COLLECTION BY NOBLE COLLECTION

- You know, for Hogsmeade Weekend.

5. HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS CREST NECKLACE

- To show my school pride.

6. Time-Turner™ Sterling Silver

- This will be very useful.

7. Marauder's Map

- So that I could track down Mrs. Norris.

8. DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY Scroll Pendant

- Show my rebellion pride.

9. Gryffindor's™ House Wool Scarf

- I don't have one yet. :(

10. The Mirror of Erised ™

- I really like this one. Really, really want it... I want a picture of me looking at this mirror. :D

11. The Godric Gryffindor™ Sword

- And this one too. I want to see it hanging on my wall, and also, I might encounter a horcrux, you'll never know... :)

12. The Lightning Bolt Sterling Silver Earrings

- I want this badly. If I have this and the necklace, I'll probably wear it on my wedding day. :)

13. The Harry Potter Icon Charm Bracelet

- This. I will wear on my wedding FOR SURE! :D

14. HARRY POTTER DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY ELITE MESSENGER BAG

- I want this bag soooo much!!!

15. HARRY POTTER MUSIC SELECTIONS FOR RECORDER (RECORDER INCLUDED!)

- This sounds really, really cool. And I want it!

16. EXCLUSIVE! HARRY POTTER DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY HOODIE

- To keep me warm on cool days... DA style.

17. HARRY POTTER DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY EXCLUSIVE WOMENS' FITTED T-SHIRT

- DA! I'm in the DA!

18. HARRY POTTER GRYFFINDOR BEANIE HAT BY ELOPE

- I want this because I saw HP friends wearing theirs and it really looks cool! And looks like Mrs. Weasley made it. :D

19. Harry Potter Hogwarts Crest Zip-Up Hoodie

- This one looks awesome.

20. HARRY POTTER GRYFFINDOR WALL SCROLL

- I could actually ask someone to do this but an original one is of course better...

21. HARRY POTTER GRYFFINDOR WOOD PLAQUE

- This looks like some kind of award given to students. I want it!

22. HARRY POTTER J'ADORE GRYFFINDOR TWIN BED SET (COMFORTER AND SHEETS)

- Man, I want this one! I want to sleep in it!!!

23. HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS WOOD PLAQUE

- School pride! And it looks like some kind of special award too. :D

24. HARRY POTTER WEASLEY CLOCK

- Looks really cool! I want this on my wall!!!

25. I also want an House of Awesome scarf, but I have to go to a Whomping Willow show to be able to buy one... Sigh...

26. I also want a Gryffindor Headband!!! But apparently WB don't have it anymore!!! Why?!!!

28 items (Future Luna's wand and spectrespecs included)!!! Whew!!! Sigh...

What the hell is all this?!

2009-03-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so basically I just created this page and what I did was transfer all my reviews here. So don't be confuse (whoever you are reading this. :P).

From now on I'm posting my reviews here and nowhere else. Just here!

Ciao!

City of God (Cidade de Deus)

2009-03-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Other

Incredible! Amazing! Brilliant! Awesome!

The film revolves around the City of God, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a horrifying area where drug dealers run the community, and where children killing children is not an uncommon occurrence.

The story begins with the early stages of the City of God showing where many of the problems stem from -- the extreme poverty, overcrowding etc. Here, in the early stages, we meet our main characters, along with the supporting cast. The story revolves mainly around two characters, Rocket and Lil Dice/Lil Ze, and how they take two different paths through life. Rocket's dream is to become a photographer and to escape the City of God while Lil Ze becomes a powerful gang leader and drug dealer.

This film caught me so much I think my jaw dropped loads of times.

At first I was a sceptic. I'm not a big fan of gangster films, but this one is so different, I forgot it was about gangsters. This film shows the classic struggle between right and wrong, in a brand new way. The raw directing style, coupled with a great soundtrack makes for a movie which many different kinds of people can enjoy. The vicious cycle of the gangster lifestyle is portrayed with haunting accuracy. It even forces the audience to sympathize with some of the nastiest thugs in the world. I was in awe of how everything turned out right from the very beginning. This film definitely deserves an Oscar. Too bad it never won, I wonder why...

Very good story, fantastic cinematography. Do not miss it.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2009-03-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Romance
Author:	Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan are both brilliantly made of awesome.

Just finished the book last night. Approximately 8 hours. I would have finish it sooner, it was that good. But I have to stop from time to time to punch the air and my pillow, cry a little, sing with Nick and Norah, and feel my heart beat.

It was absolutely a very unique love story. No corny drama, just pure raw points and views. Humor, dry, sarcastic humor. Real life and love behind the music night club scene. It shows what it really feels like for someone to hold your hand.

Nick and Norah's wittiness got hold of me right from the very first sentences. They own me and I was automatically their sidekick willing them to give me a happy ending.

This book is recommended to those who love music at it's raw form. Not the types that are being paraded around by MTV.

Never felt this warm, fuzzy feeling after Ron and Hermione. Just now once again.

And I have to find all the songs there, especially the ones with Rain and Trains on them.

And I need someone to give me a damn freaking Salvatore jacket!

Ready.

Set.

Jump.

PS
If you want to watch the film, I suggest you watch it first before reading the book. The film is quite good but the book is a blast. The film was totally different. ;)

In Search of a Midnight Kiss

2009-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Independent

Finding love – or any sort of emotional bond, or even just a one night stand – on the web might not be easier than in the "real world", but it's certainly a way to start looking for that someone if you're too shy or depressed to go out and meet people.

I've been putting off this film for a year now. I can't believe what I've been missing.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss is an award-winning, American, independent, romantic comedy written and directed by Alex Holdridge.

It was brilliant. A real story with all the emotions of the real world we have right now, while managing to convey both the male and female points of view, in a very truthful and funny manner.

The actors are all fantastic, in particular the expressive Scoot McNairy and the lovely Sara Simmonds.

This is what every independent film should be - unique, engaging, laugh out loud funny and tear-inducing as well. I was never bored and left wanting more. This film should have been given that great marketing campaign it deserves and a chance to build audiences with word of mouth and good reviews, but sad to see it wasn't. This is a jewel of a film that deserves a chance to be seen and succeed at the box office.

A definite must-see.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-03-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

"I was just thinking about how nothing lasts...and what a shame that is..."

This is the very first time I saw a Brad Pitt film in the big screen. I was never a fan. But now... I'm having second thoughts... When God said, let there be a handsome actor, whether he was young or old, Brad Pitt was created. :D

I've read the short story before. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a great author, being The Great Gatsby as one of my all time favorites... I was hoping that Hollywood would not ruined Benjamin Button... They didn't!

The direction in the film is almost flawless. Hopefully, Benjamin Button will garner David Fincher the recognition he deserves. He winds this clock so well and with such grace that the film has this undeniable flow that is enjoyable from start to finish. At nearly 3 hours, there is not a minute wasted. Every shot is jaw dropping and while some will find issue with the time, it is used wisely.

Every single shot was moving. I was crying without even realizing it. A must see! Five Stars!

The Day The Earth Stood Still

2009-03-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

I watched this film first of all, because of the Half-Blood Prince trailer. :P

The film was alright. Too many effects though, lacks the appropriate storyline like the original 1951 film. (Yes, this is a remake!) I've watch the original before this one and I guess that's the reason why I was a little disappointed.

Reeves though, is as usual, Reeves. (I was going to say hot actually, LOL!) If all aliens looks like Reeves, I'll take it! :P

Same old, same old, science fiction film... Nothing epic. Just fine.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2009-03-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Childrens Books
Author:	JK Rowling

Just got hold of this book yesterday, it was a wonderful early Christmas gift and finished it in one sitting, er... actually lying.

I was amazed as usual. Jo never fails to amaze me. It made me wished again that I grew up in a wizarding household.

It was a short book, but it was all worth it. For a few minutes, Professor Dumbledore was alive once again for me. I miss him terribly.

My favorite among the tales is Babbity Rabbity and her Cackling Stump and The Fountain of Fair Fortunes. The tales were indeed simple, like a muggle fairy tale, but the commentary of Professor Dumbledore and of Jo made up for it. Simple the tales may be, but they were still entertaining.

It was another wondeful experience. I miss the wizarding world so much.

Un long dimanche de fiançailles

2009-03-22T10:57:00.001-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romance

I can't believe I missed this one all these years.

I knew this film existed for one thing. Heck! I even remember seeing the trailer on TV! I was telling myself, "I'll see this one someday. I'll put it on my checklist." I can't believe I saw "Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain" years ago and I still missed this one! Sometimes I can be so dumb!

Alright! Enough with the sentiments.

This film is awesome! Okay, I am, for one thing, a sucker for French films. I am what you may call "anything French's" bitch. And yes I am! But this didn't made me love this film. It's just plain awesome! The director for one thing is awesome. Jean-Pierre Jeunet is just brilliant. From Delicatessen to Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain, and now, for me at least, to Un long dimanche de fiançailles, it's just brilliant. His signature never wavers, just like Tim Burton. He's now officially on my second list of most beloved directors of all time! (Tim Burton will always be on the top. Alfonso Cuarón was before on Jean-Pierre Jeunet spot, now just the 3rd. So sorry Mr. Cuarón.)

In its own way, this film seems to be able to fire on those same diverse cylinders that William Shakespeare so often did. It's a light and airy comedy. It's the bitterest of tragedies. It's a beautiful romance. It's an unfolding mystery. At it's heart it is a film of war. War, in all its boiling chaos, touches on all those experiences and more. And this is saying much, since I am not a fan of war films. Just don't like to see people getting killed based on reality. But this film is an exception.

A splendid French adaptation of a novel but, more important, a subtle exploration of miracle's rules. At first sight, it is a story about believe. At the second- hope in the skin of nostalgic images. But in fact, it is end of innocence.

A detective story, with war as its past, and a lost love at the center of it. This is one of those stories that will remind you just how good a film can be.

Pure Poetry. Another "must see."

À Bout de Souffle/Breathless (1960)

2009-03-22T10:54:00.001-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Classics

I almost totally forgot about this film, I'm so glad I remembered.

The last time I saw this was way back when I was 18 years old. I found it fascinating back then. And tonight, I felt the same way.

I just love French films. Breathlessly.

This film was shown when my mother was just 6 years old, and me, wandering around aimlessly somewhere in heaven or wherever. But this didn't prevent me from liking it. Others may find this film boring, because of all the talk the two main characters were doing, but the essence of the film was all in those talks. Not boring at all for me, but utterly real, and entertaining. It captured life and what it's all about for real, unlike some films which always incorporates fancy lines, scrunch them up together, and what do they ended up showing us? Disney-style fantasy yada-yada... This film is what started it all. This is one of those films who gives rarity absolution which was written with finesse and straight focus with reality.

"To become immortal, and then die..."

So says the novelist in response to Patricia's question, "What do you hope to attain out of life?" That response is the philosophy of the film and of every character in the film. All want to be in control of their destiny. All want to be something that they are not. None are able to do any of these things. They are all contradictions. How can you die as an immortal? How can this film transcend the screen while existing on the screen? This is an amazing film to watch. Goddard fills every scene with ingenuity and energy. He puts his actors in a beautiful environment and lets them do their thing. And they do it extremely well. It takes tremendous talent to indulge in the minutiae of existence. A great film. A definitely must-see before you die. But then again, you need to understand before you appreciate this film.

Understand.

Låt den rätte komma in/Let The Right One In

2009-03-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Horror

First of all let me list the things that I loved about this film:

One, winter, winter, winter... Coldness... Snow... All took a great part to emphasize the real thought of the film.
Second, young love, always innocent.
Third, the actors, all were splendid.
And last but the least, vampires.

"Låt den rätte komma in/Let The Right One In" was based on a novel of the same title, and the title is based on the lore wherein vampires should be invited to come in in your house first before they could enter.

Låt den rätte komma in is like no other vampire movie that I have ever seen. Aside from being a Swedish film, it is smarter, scarier and more nuanced. It doesn't feel like a thriller, it feels like literature.

The film, which details the bizarre misadventures of a pair of pre-teen star crossed lovers, one of whom is an androgynous vampire, is phenomenal in almost every regard. The details of young Oskar's life, everything, are spot on. And so the story goes.

There is already a remake of Let the Right one In on the way. But don't wait for it. There is no way it could ever hope to capture the magic of the original. It's not just that this film is gorgeously shot. Not just that it is impeccably written. Not just that it is fully realized with an unmatched respect for vampire lore. It is all in the acting. Even if the producers find two amazing young actors, the odds against recapturing the brilliant, melancholy chemistry are astronomical. If you don't know Swedish there is already a subbed copy somewhere out there so try to watch it. It's worth it.

This is the kind of movie people beg for. This is the first time since perhaps Silence of the Lambs that a horror film had a real chance to take home some Oscar gold. And not only that, it will deserve it.

And I will definitely buy the book! As soon as I can!

The Air I Breath

2009-03-22T10:49:00.001-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

First of all, I didn't watch this film because of Sarah Michelle Gellar (nope, I was never a fan of Buffy :P).

Second, no, it's not the only film that I've watch since "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" :P I've watched loads since then but I really don't feel like making reviews for them (although I want to write one about "Tropic Thunder" man that was a way awesome movie! :P)

Ok so on to what I think about this film.

I think it's brilliant. Yes! It's one of those films that will make you think about life. Although it won't be one of my favorites... It's just that, it lacks that power of making you want to watch it over and over again. But the story and moral will really stuck in. Believe me. I didn't cry though. I thought I will (I'm a cry-baby! :P) but I didn't.

But it still is brilliant.

The story of this movie could be easily summarized by one exact quote of just a random-looking worker from the movie: "I need a way out." I couldn't agree more - in todays universe, even more in my country, there are people who live to work. They live to eat, they live to buy some goods and sometimes, they just live to give their problems away to other people... I began loving this movie from very first fifth minute- to the very end. And this is not surprising at all, coming from a director with Korean blood running in his veins. Koreans really have a knack with making good movies.

The film did received loads of bad reviews, I guess for you to be able to like the story, you really have to have that open mind. And see life in a different way. Anyways, that is what this film was trying to make you do in the first place...

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

2009-03-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romantic Comedy

Also known as "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging," which is a movie adaptation from the book with the same title. Another British film... (Which is very obvious if you know what SNOGGING is! LOL!)

Angus: the cat.
Thongs: Shocking and Diabolical.
And Perfect Snogging: Snogging is wicked and "I'm a snogging sensation."

LOL!

Georgia Nicolson is fourteen, lives with nosey parents who don't understand her, an annoying three year old sister and has to wear a beret to school. She would, however, rather be blonde, have a smaller nose and a boyfriend. Revolving around her hilarious journal entries, prepare to be engulfed in the world of the soaring joys and bottomless angst of being a teenager.

I really enjoyed this film! It was bloody brilliant! Sweet, funny, mental, and definitely a feel-good movie. It was like Hogwarts gone Muggle without all the too complicated you-know-who and the boy who lived facts (it felt like it because of the heavy British accents. And the students... Goodness! I so love the British accent!)

And these British actors! Whew! They always make them "sex god (not my words it's the line in the movie)" snogging material, eh?

Just like this Aaron Johnson who plays Robbie a.k.a. Georgia's "Sex God..."
(Yes, I felt the need to post his picture..)

(He's the one in white with the black vest...)

(So cute!)

Who is not only a British actor but also a rockstar (he plays the guitar like it's a part of his body and he can sing)!

It's a very good movie all in all (even without these British-licious actors.. err... heck, who am I kidding!), and the soundtrack's very good too! Not to mention that the band "The Stiff Dylans" were formed because of the movie, and they were awesome! :D

A very good adaptation from the book! FIVE AWESOME STARS! :D

The Mysterious Benedict Society

2009-03-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Childrens Books
Author:	Trenton Lee Stewart

This book is simply awesome! It was recommended by one of my PHP buddies, Marivic, and I must say that I was very thankful to her for sharing this discovery...

What's this book all about? Simple. The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart, and illustrated by Carson Ellis, is a fantastic and fun read from beginning to end. Four young children, 3 orphans and a runaway, respond to an newspaper ad seeking “gifted children looking for special opportunities”. After undergoing unusual tests they find themselves challenged to join a secret organization and undertake a dangerous mission, knowing that they are risking their lives. The fate of the world depends upon them as they penetrate another secret organization bent on taking over the world.

I looovvveeee the book! It was so good! I am already familiar with subliminal messages, and the fact that it's not a work of fiction, and I've also read adult books about it, but this is the first time that I've read about it in a children's book... Mr. Benedict kinda reminds me of Dumbledore... And I took the test at the back and I'm Reynie! LOL! I love the fact that the children were spies, and that it's full of conspiracies! What I love about this book is the fact that Stewart turned something as nasty and real as the subliminal messages into something very enlightening, very enjoyable and the fact that this type of story could be passed around as a children's book... And I also love the fact that the characters were freshly drawn out... Every single one of them are Stewart's... And also the fact that it made me guess all the time! Just like Harry Potter... I love it! I have to read it again, this time around slower... I was hurrying up to finish it to know what happens next that I finished it right away... Now I'm hunting for the sequel! I have to find it! I have to know what happens next!

After The Harry Potter Series, this book is definitely (should be!) the next big thing in literature!

And believe me, you will love "mill again..." :D

The Dark Knight

2009-03-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Action & Adventure

The Dark Knight! OMG! Oh my Goodness!!! If Tim Burton was not the director of Batman Returns, I would make this Batman movie my most favorite...
Heath Ledger! Another OMG! If I didn't know that it was Heath playing Joker, I wouldn't know at all that it was him! Joker for me is one of the most amazing villain of all time (aside from Voldemort)... Heath gave this amazing character a superb adaptation! Oscar! A definite Oscar performance!

Hilarious bit: Nurse Uniform! Hahahahaha!!!!!

Christian Bale as Batman: Hmmm... I still adore Val Kilmer... For me, Val is still "The" Batman... Christian didn't convince me that much, and sometimes I felt that he was not the one inside the costume... I couldn't sense him...

OMG bit: The Motorcycle! Out of this world! I want one!

I was crying while the credits were rolling...

Great film! A must-see! Two Thumbs Up!

Never Let Me Go

2009-03-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author:	Kazuo Ishiguro

Is it possible that cases of true love between two students can win them a deferral from their fate? And if so, how are such cases of true love certified?

"Never Let Me Go" is the sometimes heartbreaking story of three people in late 20th-century England who were raised in very pleasant circumstances - a private school in the country - only half suspecting the chilling fate that lay ahead for them. Although some reviewers have spoken of a "secret" at the heart of the book and have avoided telling us what the story is actually about, we can pretty much figure out where the narrative is heading from the first page, when the female narrator speaks of a group of "donors" she cares for as having had good "recovery times." Less than a third of the way through the book, on page 81 to be exact, what was already implicit becomes explicit - these people have been raised to serve as organ donors.

This bittersweet love story, is, of course, superbly written - Ishiguro has the rare ability to imbue the most mundane of human activities with meaning and immediacy. And by the end, when the often frustrated lovers at the center of the story fully realize how cruelly they have been treated, we are emotionally distraught - more so, perhaps, than they are, which is both a sign of Ishiguro's considerable talent and, perhaps, an indication of the book's central flaw.

The novel succeeds in involving us with these people because it is really about all of us - about how we cope with the knowledge that death is inevitable, about the myths we create and the lies we tell and jokes we make to hold back the gloom. In that sense, "Never Let Me Go" is an emotionally compelling, very moving investigation of the human condition.

In "Never Let Me Go," the organ donors at Hailsham may dwell on their foreshortened version of man's fate, and on the added tragedy that they, as clones, cannot have children, but they never seem to entertain a couple of ideas that would leap immediately to the minds of most of us in such a circumstance.

What Mr. Ishiguro has done so artfully in these pages is not only assemble a chilling jigsaw puzzle, but also create a distinct fictional world. The England in ''Never Let Me Go'' represents a sort of parallel universe with its own rules and dynamics.

In this novel, Mr. Ishiguro tells a tight, deftly controlled story. All I can say is this is a-must-read. Yet again another twisted and extraordinary love story, accomplished and, in a very different way, melancholy and alarming.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2009-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author:	JK Rowling

Such an extraordinary finale book for such an extraordinary series.

All I can say is Jo had done it again. The twist and the plot is as wonderful as ever. It felt like I was with Harry, Ron and Hermione, throughout the trials and sufferings that they have encountered. Not one chapter bored me. It is again like the other Potter books, a page turner. Being a supporter of this series for so many years (since 2001), I can truly say that I was satisfied, VERY satisfied, about how it all turned up.

The journey of the Trio was simply heartbreaking and breathtaking: when Ron left and when he returned, the Gringgots' robbery, Dobby's death and Hermione's torture, and finally up to when Harry faced Voldemort.

Luna Lovegood as always was simply being divine. Neville Longbottom's character had dramatically change from Sorcerer's Stone up until this book. And The Weasley family, including Ginny, who were loyal to Harry up until the end, even with the devastating death of Fred Weasley. And of course, Dumbledore and Snape's plan which had started right from the start was awesomely well written and again, will be contemplated and reviewed over and over again I'm sure for the longest of time...

The Battle of Hogwarts for me is the most dramatic, breathtaking, eye-widening battle of all time. It was so perfect that I can't say anything that will describe how brilliantly it was written.

And last but not the least, how could I forget the kiss of Ron and Hermione. Now that he finally got what S.P.E.W. is all about, he really do deserve a snog! I love the fact that Hermione took the initiative!

As a nearing-the-obsession fan of this series for almost 7 years, it was a very emotional ending for me. I've been waiting for this last book for several years, and now that it's here, I was still holding on to it. It was like letting go of a very good companion. I can't believe that after all these years, it's all over; the waiting and anticipation for the next book, the excitement and adrenaline rush, what will Ron say next, what will Luna do next. All these things...

I will be parting from a very good friend. I will miss you Harry Potter!

Coraline

2009-03-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Category:	Books
Genre:	Childrens Books
Author:	Neil Gaiman

This book certainly caught my attention. It was like reading a Tim Burton movie. Well, me being in love with these kinds of dark, out-of-this world stories and movies, it didn't really surprise me that I was very much entertained while reading 'Coraline.'

For one thing Coraline doesn't act like the protagonists in most children's books. Which makes this book in my opinion, not so much recommended for children, unless that kid is like me when I was growing up: weird and like all things weird.

Gaiman has a talent for creating characters who act like themselves while failing to meet stock narrative expectations. Coraline is not a brave, adventurous child hero who discovers some great personal insight or hidden talent. Coraline is a thoughtful, practical child who picks her battles, takes a matter-of-fact attitude towards the world, and reacts to horror with the most realistic sort of bravery I've seen in a horror novel. She does what she has to do even thought she's afraid, she talks herself into doing the right thing, and she does so without histrionics or overblown narration. Gaiman doesn't telegraph the scary parts the way many books (even for adults) do. He trusts the reader to know when events are turning dark and focuses on what Coraline is doing. This is a factual book full of specific physical detail, with the emotion lurking implied between the words.

Gaiman can be disturbingly creepy when he tries, and there are moments of description here that raise goosebumps if one dwells on them. Apart from that, though, the book isn't horribly frightening. Gaiman does build plot tension, but keeping you on the edge of your seat or jumping at shadows doesn't seem to be the goal. Coraline is too matter-of-fact and clearly competent for the reader to get too nervous. That, I think, is where Coraline does stand out from the pack; it is refreshingly unwilling to take the cheap emotional button-pushing route.

The Twilight Series

2009-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

"ABOUT THREE THINGS I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him – and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally, and irrevocably in love with him." -- Bella Swan

First of all I heard about this series because of Harry Potter... Yep! Hahaha.. The fandom is apparently searching for something that will fill-in the need to read after the HP finale.. And so almost everyone is now engaged with this book series..

Stephenie Meyer: The Next JK Rowling?

Being a fan of the Night World Series by LJ Smith, the genre of the Twilight Series was not really new to me... It's obviously about vampires, and obviously a love story as well.. if you analyze it vividly, you will notice that it's the same story written over and over again... Only with a twist. Boy not normal, girl not so normal, boy meets girl, girl likes boy, boy turns out to be a vampire..

The books in general are not like HP at all. You don't need to think about it too much (well Edward Cullen will make you think, I guess hahaha!!!) Very fast paced and it's honestly a very easy read.

But what I do like about this series is the fact that it is very gripping in a way that it will engage you to read up until the last page. The characters are so vivid, so intense, that you feel like if you look up from the pages Isabella or Edward or Carlisle is going to be staring at you.

The series is great because it seems so ordinary; is it possible for this situation to happen in your life? Imagine seeing a guy, more handsome than any you've ever seen, and not being able to tear you eyes away from him. Imagine that the force of your mutual chemistry feels like electricity. I promise you that every girl will want to be Isabella Swan. Throw in a little danger, a sticky situation, and a love more powerful than either character has ever known, and what do you get? The Twilight Series.