Waiting On Wednesday Movie!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Breaking The Spine to highlight upcoming books that readers are dying to get their hands on, but this week it's a YA movie that I can't wait for!

If you're excited about this too, you have to READ THIS before you go any further!

Did you read it? Awesome, right? I know. Harald Zwart sounds like an amazing director and I'm starting to get good feelings about this flick! I LOVE this series so naturally I'm really hoping they do it right. The production team has a lot of work to do and even more expectations to live up to.

I'm not sure who those other guys are but this looks like a pretty good cast to me! As we all know by now, so far only Lily Collins has been cast to play Clary Fray. Personally, I think Alex Pettyfer is the only man that could be Jace. I think Jamie Campbell Bower is too young in the face and doesn't do back-off-I'm-dangerous very well either.

This is him in New Moon as Caius; just one of the most (supposed) ruthless in the Volturi coven. I'm sorry but...I'm just not buying it. This look doesn't say "fear me"; it says "Meow. Grr baby, yeah!" - say that in you're Austin Powers voice and you got it.

I want Jace's actor to strike me as someone that I need to keep an eye on and at the same time, someone I can't take my eyes off!

So yeah, that's what I'm waiting for. You?

Weigh In: Emmy Rossum as Ridley

So what do you guys think about the casting of Emmy Rossum as Ridley in the Beautiful Creatures film?

Now don't get me wrong, Rossum is a beautiful girl and a great actress, I just don't think she fits the part of Ridley. She doesn't really look at all how I pictured the lollipop-sucking troublemaker and I hope they plan to dye her hair a lighter color and give her some bad-ass lessons so she can live up to the title.

Now, I don't know who this young lady to my left is with half a face but from what I can see she makes a better looking Ridley than Rossum does. I gotta be honest, I'm already a little worried about the Beautiful Creatures movie because I don't agree with their casting choices so far. I guess I can always keep my fingers crossed that their acting will make up for none of them physically fitting the part.

Is Emmy Rossum the right actress to portray Ridley?

If you have a more complex answer than a simple yes or no, feel free to explain in a comment below!

Caster Chronicle Movie News!!!

If you've been a little busy like me, you might be a little behind, so allow me to share some amazing news with you if you haven't heard. We finally have a release date for Beautiful Creatures the movie!!! Warner Bros. has officially announced that the film is set to release February 1, 2013!!!

Not only do we have a release date, but apparently last week, actors have been cast to play Ethan and Lena!!! Let's see who they are and then discuss...

 Jack O'Connell as Ethan Wate

 Alice Englert as Lena Duchannes

 Viola Davis as Amma

 Emma Thompson as Mrs. Lincoln/Seraphine

Okay, discussion. I don't like the actor for Ethan. I don't see myself melting over him anytime soon but I guess I can hold out hope that he looks a little better for the movie. I think they picked a very good actress for Lena - I believe she really looks the part. Viola Davis for Amma I think is a mistake; she's a great actress, I just never pictured Amma looking like her. For Mrs. Lincoln, I'm not sure if I had a picture of her character in my head but Emma Thompson is a phenomenal actress and I believe she will play the part very well.

Richard LaGravenese, director and screenplay writer for movies such as P.S. I Love You and Water for Elephants, will be both for the Beautiful Creatures film. I'm liking the sound of this so far. Fingers crossed Casters!Whoo Hoo!

Tuesday Movie Review Day! SPOILERS!

November 18th was by far the greatest day EVER! Like every year after Twilight's release, the bestie and I patiently wait in line for five or six hours for the midnight showing of the next installment. This year our theater did things a little differently. Instead of lining up hours before, they started it at 10pm, opening theaters one or two at a time which led to a ton of shuffling from theater to theater trying to find a good seat. 

When we finally found the right place to park it - the perfect distance from the screen, directly in the middle with minimal head-blockage in front of us, it began...

The beginning dragged of wedding and honeymoon stuff. Not that these weren't great parts but if you've read the books, maybe you were starting to feel like I did, "Get pregnant already!!" The whole time Bella was walking down the aisle, I was waiting for her to throw up or pull a runaway bride stunt. Kristen Stewarts portrayal of Bella's nervousness made her look as though she was nauseous and if I didn't already know what was going to happen, I would have been real nervous that she wasn't going to go through with it. There was very little introduction to the Denali Clan at the wedding and as a result no mention of their importance or connection to Laurent or the Cullens. It makes me wonder how they will treat the clans and their significance in the second half of the two-part film.

I should mention Jacob removes his shirt within the first ten seconds in the very beginning of the movie, so it wasn't all bad.

The honeymoon scene had everything, all the distractions, the sexual tension building up, the scenery. Everything but the eggs. Edward mentions making breakfast one time but we never see him make any eggs. When Bella finally realizes she's pregnant, the scene plays out exactly the way it did when I read the book. She begins her painful descent into sickness as the baby begins to kill her from the inside and man, Bella looks like HELL!!!! I have never seen Kristen Stewart look so awful - not even when she chopped all her hair off for that stupid rock movie. I really believed she was dying and I was scared for her! The acting truly improved in this film. I felt Bella's love for the baby the moment she called Rosalie for help to protect it. The way she spoke about doing anything she had to, holding on until her heart gave out, whatever it took to make sure the baby survived felt sincere. Robert Pattinson improved as well. When Edward asked her if she really thought he could love the thing that caused her death, I felt his pain and impending loss.

Of course, any scene with Jacob is perfection. Taylor Lautner knew his character and portrayed him better than anyone else throughout the entire saga. It's amazing how he consumed his role and laid it out there for all the world to see. I believe, Stephenie Meyer kidnapped Taylor Lautner and held him hostage in her house while she wrote his character because he IS Jacob. What I did miss were the exchanges between Jacob and Rosalie, the jabs at each other. You remember, the doggy jokes and bloodsucker insults. It would've been nice to see. If you thought the wolves made an impression in New Moon, think again. Seeing the woods through Jacob's eyes as he ran, hearing the voices of the pack was amazing. Something we had hoped for from their first appearance. There was no better part in any of the films, was when Jacob broke away from Sam's pack. Watching him put Sam in his place, he seemed to grow in size and power. The whole thing was intense! Amazing!

Another little thing that would have been fun to see was when Jacob ventures out to find someone, anyone, to imprint on. But when he finally looks into Renesmee's eyes, imprints and envisions their future together was very cool! Renesmee's birth leads to a confrontation between the Cullens and the wolf pack. They fight and intense yet short-lived battle when Jacob intervenes and puts an end to the brawl with the knowledge of his imprinting on Renesmee.



Finally, Bella's transformation. I felt it was true to the description in the book, though I would have liked to see more of her inner struggle. However, I also felt that if you didn't read the books, you would not have been able to fully understand exactly what she was going through. There were many bridges omitted in this film but I think there was a good reason for it. First, let me say that Bill Condon, the director, should have been directing the saga from the start. Each year we keeping that the current director is better than the last, which they are, but Condon really did book-to-movie the way it should be done. So far, Breaking Dawn is the best adaptation of all the films. I'm beginning to believe that Condon made the movie strictly with the people who read the book in mind. He showed us the scenes we wanted to see and skimmed over the stuff we already knew, and if you didn't read the book and you couldn't fill in the gaps then that was your problem! At times when you thought the movie was dragging, I think that was Condon's way of embracing the scene and the emotions that went along with the moments being played out.

The end of the movie was disappointing but only because it was the end. I totally predicted what scene they were going to end it at - mainly because it seemed the only logical moment to break. Overall, I was very please with this movie and have already begun counting down to Part II!!

What was your favorite/least favorite part?

Tuesday Review Day! And More...

Welcome to my late night, late (as in overdue) Tuesday Review Day! As I've mentioned, homework is ridiculous; papers, essays, textbook readings, discussion posts, more reading, online assignments and more papers and essays. It's only the first week of OCTOBER! I'm doing all this reading and none of it is any fun. Not one fairy! Hmph.

In the midst of all that, I found some time to read a short book...uh, a dirty book, you might say. Okay, you'd definitely say it was a dirty book :-) From time to time I like to indulge in an adult read. Plus they're often short and therefore a great selection to squeeze in between assignments!

But please remember! 18 and over only! I'm not even sure 18 is old enough. I know I wouldn't want my daughter reading it at 18, so 21. 21 and over.

I have a little more than just dirty talk for you. A couple of new titles and what's new on my shelf and I'll even mention some big releases this coming this month.

First, a quick review:

Double Punch 
Written by: Tilly Greene
Publication date: February 22, 2010 by Tease Publishing, LLC
Released in paperback and ebook
222 pages - (somebody had a thing for 2's - check the pub date and pg count)

3 stars


Synopsis: Mount Olympus is buzzing with activity - the challenge for immortality is on! Castor and Pollux, universally known as the twins who aren't really twins, have been existing amongst the stars as the Gemini constellation for years. Without any warning, Zeus pulls them from the sky, and offers both men a second chance at immortality. The challenge is simple: they have one year on Earth to find their true mates. Every type of woman crosses their paths and while they make up for lost time when it comes to seeking sexual gratification, none of their partners complete them. None, that is, until they meet the stunning woman who they both claim as a mate. 

Anissa George knows how lucky she was to be adopted as a child from a Bhutanese orphanage. Her family heaped love, an understanding that there was nothing wrong with being different, and to always live life to the fullest. To do that, she put an educational computer game concept together, and the company she wants to work with, took on her project. Once she settled the work issue, it was time to pay attention to her non-existent love life. Before she can look for a date, two men who fit her perfectly arrive at her side, asking her to choose one. Impossible. WARNING: The fire starts with one on one loving and then the flames rage out of control when they become three.

My Review: I found this little number during my last trip to Borders, days before they closed. I've always love Greek mythology, so when my best friend pointed it out, I  didn't see a reason not to take it home. She bought a copy too.

Right off the bat, the first thing that grabs you, and not the frisky way, is the way Zeus speaks. He preaches to his sons Pollux and Castor not to belittle his infinite existence by calling him "Dad", yet he himself talks like some hoodlum off the street. As though he lives in New York City as opposed to Mount Olympus. Then there are no descriptions of the twins for a really long time. They keep telling you that they're twins but not twins, yet the author never really goes into detail about it.

So the not-twins get a chance to live on Mount Olympus again IF they both find their true mate. They get one year. Well they spend this whole time "playing the field", if you will, instead of looking for love. With two weeks left they finally meet "the one". Only it's "the same one" for both of them. So the games begin as they both try to win her over via seduction. Twins...but not twins. Consider this: they have been side-by-side in the sky (as stars but every bit conscious, watching people on Earth) for centuries, and centuries as men before that. Essentially they are brothers but they are not identical.

Pollux is smooth, charming, gentlemanly. No rush with this one, he takes his time.

Castor is straight to the point. Just as much the gentleman with the right amount of bad.

In contrast to the way Zeus speaks, when the twins and Anissa speak, it's far more proper. Much of the dialog was corny and hard to read and the editing was really bad. Tons of typos. On the bright side, there were clever parts of the book, quips and play-on-words, and such.

The crazy part of the storyline was the alternative to what would happen if the DIDN'T find their true mate within the year: they were sentenced to live in Hades in the underworld! It's as if they were on trial for committing a crime! Why couldn't they just go back to the stars if they couldn't find love? I don't know.


Overall: A fun, quick read. Not a "can't miss". But fun. Perfect for just three bucks! I wouldn't have paid more for it.

Who else is desperately waiting for Wings 4?? April 28, 2012 is waaaay too far! At least we don't have to call it Wings 4 anymore, the title of the next installment is....

DESTINED!

Yes, Aprilynne Pike is aware that the new House of Night sequel is also titled Destined, but she really wanted that to be the title because she said it was really fitting. I hope that means Laurel gets her act together and chooses Tamani and goes to live in Avalon. Because THAT is what is destined! The books are also released months apart, so there should be little confusion. House of Night #9 comes out October 25th, 2011 for those that would like to know.

Did you know that Miley Cyrus was picked to play Laurel in the Wings movie?? I came across this on some website that will remain nameless because it's obvious they didn't know what they were talking about. They were announcing that Miley Cyrus was going to "grow wings" for her next movie; Laurel doesn't have wings, she has a giant flower that grows out of her back! Big Difference!! I think Miley is the wrong choice for this part. I love Miley, but she's not Laurel.

The next Firelight novel has been titled as well: HIDDEN!

I can't wait to see the cover for this one! According to goodreads.com, it is due out in 2012 but does not yet have an exact release date.

I think I've ranted long enough. I'll save the October new releases and my new additions for next time. Time to call it a night. Happy endings!

ANOTHER New Breaking Dawn Trailer!! DON'T MISS!!

Sorry I couldn't post the actual trailer like the other one but I can give you the link below so you won't miss it, because trust me, you do NOT want to miss it! If you thought that 15 second trailer was good, this one a billion times better!

Go watch it RIGHT NOW!!!!

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One Exclusive Theatrical Trailer

Then come back and gab about how ridiculously amazing it was!!

New Breaking Dawn Trailer

It's short but oh so sweet!!

Wasn't that awesome?!? Bella looks like CRAP and I love it! She looks perfect! I still hate Edward's hair and wish it looked the way in did in Twilight. That was the best Edward look of all the movies. And the wolves! Did you see the wolves?? OMG I can't wait!

Who else will be seeing the midnight show - 

standing on line for six hours? 

I WILL!!!!!!!

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Trailer

In case you missed it or you're just looking for another excuse to watch it, here is the Official Trailer! 

 

Do you get chills? Because I get chills. Every time. The headboard breaking was perfect but I want to see some feathers flying. Then some egg making =]

I can't wait to see every single part of this movie. I'm equally excited about everything. What I don't like is that Edward's hair is WAY to short. It doesn't make him any less delectable, it's just the principle.

Then I worry. Where will they cut the movie off? At what point will they leave us shocked with our jaws hung open and stuck to the sticky theater floor?

Damn the suspense!

Home Sweet Home!

Hello again!!! I have missed you guys very much. My plane landed over a week ago but my blog is my home, too! But do you ever feel like blogging, yet at the same time, you really don't feel like it? Well, that was how I was feeling after my trip to Disney (which I will share a few pics soon). While I took a break from the blogging, I did start some reading. If you've been keeping track, it is taking me a while to finish The Misfit of Supernatural High, but I can assure you it is not due to any fault with the book. I like what I've read and there's still so much more to come, I can't wait to see the end!

Speaking of the end, do you ever peek at the last page of a new book just to see the last few words? Maybe to get a feel for either a happy ending or a sad one? You don't read enough to give away what happens but enough to satisfy your curiosity - or tease it! I think I do that with every new book (when I say new, I mean not a sequel to anything, a new story) and I think I do it sometimes without even realizing. Almost out of habit. I don't know why. I guess the way I see it is - hey, by the time I  read the whole book and get to the end, I'll have forgotten what I peeked at and it won't matter. So, if you would indulge my curiosity, take the poll in the top left corner to let me know if any of you do the same or if I'm the only one! Thanks!

I also picked up two great books during a recent trip to Borders, allow me to share:

Two completely different covers! One dark, one light. The "girl next door" and the "girl from up the street"!! The look in both of their eyes are full of secrets. I love it!

I also have three more books on the way, courtesy of my loving special someone:

The last one, a little strange, I know. Not what is usually on the TBR pile, however, it was inspired by the movie Creation, a story about Charles Darwin as he mourns over the death of his daughter while struggling with his beliefs and those of his wife, if he should even write the book that changed the world. It was terribly sad and completely captivating.

And for a quirky ending; I'm thinking about naming my Nook. I feel like the two of us a getting closer and I think it should have a name. Initially, I thought I would give it a girls name, but I'm open to it being a boy :) Suggestions?

Caster Chronicles Book Three Title Reveal!!!!!!

Yesterday, Margaret Stohl revealed on the Beautiful Creatures website, the title of the third book in the Caster Chronicles series!

Beautiful Chaos 

Isn't it just...amazing, intriguing and full of promise?? I LOVE it. I have to be honest, I haven't read Beautiful Darkness yet, although I do need to choose my next read...

Ready for more? The cover will be revealed Thursday, March 3rd @ 3pm EST on MTV Hollywood Crush! Click here or the link above to go to the Beautiful Creatures website for more details.

Also on the website, there is talk about "the Beautiful Creatures & series movie adaptation"! I don't know where I was when this information was released because I had no idea? Exclusive news on that will be released with the cover.

Any fans of the Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey? If you're answer was no and you're about to skip this part, I implore you, to please read these books! They are so addictive! I just came across the title of the fourth book in the Drake Chronicles, it's...wait. I should present it like the title above right? I mean, it's only fair. Okay, ready...

Bleeding Hearts

It's set to release November, 2011! I can't wait!

So maybe you're not all Drake fans but I know, I KNOW you guys are Mortal Instruments fans! That being said, remember the end of City of Glass, Jace leaves a letter for Clary before he goes out on a dangerous mission? Have you been wondering what he wrote in that letter? Well one way to find out is to purchase your copy of City of Fallen Angels from Barnes & Noble. They, and only they, will be selling copies of COFA with the Jace's letter inside! Click here fore more info.

See the sticker below?

Pretty cool huh? Even though promoting B&N makes me feel like a total trader to Borders. 

Can a girl love both? Time will tell.

I Am Number Four Movie Review

5 stars - Finally, someone did it right! Okay, so it wasn't perfect but it was damn close! 

Please note that I'm reviewing this movie in comparison to the book so if you don't know the story, I'll try not to lose you! Okay, moving on.

I was absolutely satisfied with this book-to-movie transition. They didn't overdo it with the special effects or the acting and they kept it so close to the book that you almost don't even notice the difference. Almost. 

I don't want to spoil anything for you so I won't give details but what I will say is this: a few key points were left out in addition to a few major details. Some parts I believe were important enough to the story that it should have been put in and others were just things I would like to have seen. I don't have many complaints so let me get to the good stuff!

Alex Pettyfer as John Smith or Number Four, was not exactly what I had in mind when I read the book, although I am quite pleased with him nonetheless! I pictured more of the actor who played Sam; smaller, younger looking. However, Pettyfer plays John Smith just right. Bordering being on the verge of breaking out with all these new powers and trying to conceal them and blend in. Sam played by Callan McAuliff wasn't as dorky as I expected but everything else was on. I do wish there was more of Bernie Kosar in the movie. He's such a unique character and I don't think he had his fair share of screen time!

Sarah and Mark (Dianna Agron and Jake Abel), were pretty much like their characters in the book but I think Mark was a little nicer in the movie. Henry (Timothy Olyphant) is probably a little younger than I imagined yet still a great character. The Mogodorians were a lot funnier on screen than on paper yet it didn't feel out of place. They were scary and huge and ugly - perfect.

Number Six is awesome. Watching the two of them fight together was way better on the big screen! The special effects for their powers were seamless. There is nothing worse than bad effects. Don't you hate it when an actor makes a big gesture but the effect that follows doesn't seem to have as much *umph* as you expected? Well there is none of that in this movie.

Overall: A must-see. Even if you haven't read the book, who cares. Hopefully you know someone who did and can fill you in on what you're missing. If not, it's still a great movie.

Don't miss the next book of the Lorien Legacies, 

The Power of Six 

coming August 23, 2011!!

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England. 

And Number Three in Kenya.

They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

Smallville Fans and I Am Number Four Premier

Where are all my Smallville fans? I started watching Smallville from the first season when Lana Lang was still his love interest and Lex was bald and bad. But after a few years I just stopped. I'm not really sure of the reason, maybe it was because cast members where leaving the show or maybe the storyline just wasn't holding my attention anymore. I'm not sure. When I heard that this was the final season, I just had to start watching again. I didn't want to miss when he finally dons his cape and takes off, soaring through the air like the true superhero he is! However, this final season has been a little disappointing. Clark has been so filled with doubt in his abilities this season that he still doesn't realize he can fly! He loses his powers in almost every episode and his human girlfriend - fiance actually - Lois Lane, has to save him all the time! He barely uses his powers at all. Where is the Man of Steel?

I feel like the plot is finally start to pick up and things are will start to happen - like the return of Lex, Lionel and Chloe - but how many episodes are left? Will Clark realize his full potential and fly before the show leaves us forever?? Will we get to see him and Lois get married? What about Chloe - is she here to stay? And Lex! I'd really like to see Alexander grow to be the man he was before he disappeared. I want closure! Complete and utter closure! 

Tonight's episode seems very promising as Clark finally puts on the thick black-framed glasses that will become his infamous disguise! However, I will not be watching it right away because I will be at the movies watching I Am Number Four!!

Based on the previews, how many of you are worried that the movie will not relate to the book? One preview in particular worries me - the one where John (Alex Pettyfer) seems to be asking what number he is. Now, I've read the book and that never happens. 

Still, I will go in with an open mind and hope for the best. I will definitely be reviewing this movie! How many of you will be at the theaters this weekend?

 

Save Vampire Diaries!

How many of you have read Vampire Diaries or watch the TV series? I personally have only read the first two books but I live for the weekly show! If you are not familiar with this series, I will try to fill you in as much as possible: Stefan and Damon are brothers and vampires, in love with the same woman, Elena. They live in Mystic Falls where they attend high school and try to live normal lives. They fight off anything that threatens their "quiet" life., like rogue vampires, werewolves, witches,etc Elena is in love with Stefan but harbors a different kind of love for Damon. It gets plenty steamy between those two and with all the kissing close-calls, it's enough to make your heart go pitter-patter! Each week I tune in to see more of the drama that is Damon and Elena!

Now here is why this series, as a book, needs saving. Alloy Entertainment is the actual owner of the Vampire Diaries book series, not L.J. Smith the author, and now they want to make some major changes! The biggest change is the removal of the Damon/Elena storyline as they want more of just Stefan and Elena. They also want less Bonnie in the series, Elena's witch friend. Since L.J. Smith has refused to make these changes, she has been cut from her own book! Alloy wants to use a ghostwriter to continue writing the books and they believe readers will never know the difference!

This is absolutely absurd!! I'd like to refer you another blog, iswimforoceans.com, where you can find out what's going on in more detail with links and a petition to sign to help support L.J. Smith.

"No L.J. Smith = No Book Sales!"

Finding out about what they are doing to L.J. Smith, has just added to the swarm of angry bees already in my bonnet on this issue. With so many books being made into movies, it worries me as much as it excites me. Who wouldn't want to see a beloved book played out on the big screen, hopefully with a few hotties to play some of our favorite characters? The problem is that authors are never allowed to be as involved in major decisions as they should be, like choosing authors, or how the script reads or the overall look of the film.

This cartoon reminded me of the struggle between the larger corporations (Scooby) and the author (mouse) over who should really own the rights to a book. Maybe it's just me, but I believe an author that dedicates their blood, sweat and tears into a novel or a series of novels, should control the fate of that story. If this was the case, maybe Twilight the movies would more closely relate to the books. My bestie and I curse the screenplay writer on that one. If movie makers refuse to listen to the little people, you know, the billions of us that go to the movies and put money in their pockets, then I'd rather take my $10 and buy another book!

One person may not be able to make a change, but together we can be heard.