Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy / Fiction /

Author: C.S. Lewis


Ever since I was a child, I was a fan of his(C.S. Lewis) books, specially the most acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia. It's enchanting and very creative.

It would make you imagine a different world. Though some people may not see it, their lives (the kids in the book, and the characters too) are somewhat related to how we live today. It's a picture language... of reality, and has deeper meanings ... but i dont wanna spoil everything.. you have to find out the deeper magic(reality) within the dream.  :)

More reviews each book to come as I re-read them for this blog-review of mine.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

Category: Book

Genre: Fantasy / young Adult

Author: J.K. Rowling


Yahoooo! I finally finished it!

This was the book I borrowed way back in high school ... that I lost... because someone stole it from me. And ever since then. I got discouraged. T_T


It took a month or two of my savings to buy a replacement. Which Ive never done in my whole high school life. Limited budget here for fiction books in the past(mom does not approve of them in the past).

And it was just some 3 years ago... that my mom gifted me the whole set! And it was just this year that I started reading them again.

Anyway, I had a good time. Specially, whenever Remus gets mentioned in the book. The name has a soft spot on me. Right, my boo?

It's riveting and makes you want to read every bit of it. The classes in Hogwarts gets really interesting. (Okay, I sound like Hermione already). Haha... and so do new creatures being introduced in the book.

The Fugitive - 1993

Category: Movie

Genre: Thriller / Drama

Director: Andrew Davis

Writer: Jeb Stuart, David Twohy

Producer: Warner Bros.

Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Julian Moore, Joe Pantoliana, Andreas Katsulas Jeroen Crabbe,  and more

Tagline:  A murdered wife. A one-armed man. An obsessed detective. The chase begins.

Dr. Richard Kimble, a well respected surgeon was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. He escaped from the law after being convicted and sentenced to death. On the pursue was a team of US marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard, a detective who will not stop until Richard is captured.  On the other hand, Richard is investigating the death of his own wife while hiding from the authorities.
 
I had a good time watching this film. It's simple and at the same time it makes you think, about what really happened. Very 90'ish set-up. It was edgy with a classic ring to it. The director of the film sure knows how to keep the action going. And of course, it wont't be classic without Ford and Jones starring this film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy

Author: J.K. Rowling


This is the first novel of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This follows, Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage and makes close friends in his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


This is one series that I would never tire of re-reading again. It took me awhile to finish my second round but, I had fun spending time with Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts. As they build their friendship. This book is mainly about friendship, unconditional love and bravery.

But, for this set, it's about a budding friendship in a magical tale. Ahhh, it's so great to immerse in the world of Magic, specially if its the world of Harry Potter.  :)

Rowling's writing is simply filled with simple humor and direct and wonderful imagination. 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus,

Writer: J.K. Rowling

Producer: 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films and more

Cast: Daniel radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Waters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin and more...

Tagline:  Hogwarts is back in session.



A year after the Sorcerer's Stone was released, Chamber of Secrets was due next.

Harry Potter is forced to spend his summer holidays with the Dursleys. But, then Harry gets a real shock when he gets a visit from a house-elf named Dobby, who warned him not to go back to Hogwarts because there would be terrible things about to happen specially to him. Harry chooses to ignore Dobby's warning and continues to go to Hogwarts as scheduled. But, then the school began to be plagued by a serious of mysterious attacks and a strange voice trying to haunt him.

I once again watched this for the second time with Boo on my birthday!! There are a couple of scare moments in this installment and it was indeed well-made. This is one of the darker installments of the series. This will keep you on the edge. Once again, the musical score of John Williams' matches the whole wizard world feel albeit this one darker. Important, unforgettable scenes from the book were squeezed in this two and half hour film. Great special effects.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy /  Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Caultrane, Ian Hart and more.

Tagline: Journey Beyond Your Imagination

This is the first film of the Harry Potter series. This is a tale of an ordinary 11 year old boy named Harry Potter who was left behind his aunt and uncle. In a way he is the male version of Cinderella who serves as a slave to the family. But, then a letter came and he has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And he was snatched away from his mundane existence in Pivet Drive by Hagrid and was thrown into the magical world of wizards.


I watched this for the third time with my boo today....

This movie brings to life the world of Harry Potter as based on JK Rowling's novels. It brings good Harry Potter enchanting memories come to life and how one can easily want to be part of the world. Oh, dream on!

It has wonderful special effects and the musical score is absolutely the best! The music gives you the feels of what the world of Harry Potter can feel like. But, a movie aint great if the cast are ill fitted but this film is an exception... because it has great casting, great set of chemistry between the cast and their characters.

You'd love to watch the movie again and again... just like me and my boo did!

Man of Steel - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Action /  Adventure / Fantasy

Director: Zack Snyder

Writer: David S. Goyer

Producer: Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures and more

Cast: Henry Cavill ,Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Antje Traue, Harry Lennix and more

Tagline: A hero will rise

As a young boy, Clark Kent learned he has extraordinary powers and is really not from Earth.
He is one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human,was forced to reveal his identity when Earth was threatened to be annihilated.


Finally!! I've seen it! With all the hustle bustle, I finally was able to sit down and watch this with my family. It's a good take of Superman... with all the history. It's modern with a dash of medieval costume... good mix. Great lesson as well. ... about destiny and one's purpose in Earth. Great storyline.

Much Ado About Magic - Shanna Swendson

 Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



To Do: Manage Magical Mayhem, Save the Company, Save the World
 

Once again, Katie Chandler is back in New York and at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. as the new director of marketing – and it's about time she is back!  New York is being gripped by a magical crime as waves of spells from a rogue firm called Spellworks is now beginning to market and is raising it's profile wanting to be known by the magical community by selling protective amulets. It is now war in the world of magic!

Among the Enchanted Series... I find this the most exciting and action packed. Although, it kind of brought me back a bit a Harry Potter world-ish moment, but distinctly an "Enchanted Inc." experience. It is fast paced, and very readable.  I can't wait to read the next series!

Oh Owen, when will you stop holding back your feelings for Katie??? :) Hayyy another one of those book character crush. Woot. *blushes*

Damsel Under Stress - Shanna Swedson

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Modern Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swedson



I thoroughly enjoyed this series as dragons made an appearance under the tunnels of New York. Well, a damsel won't be completely under stress  when there's no dragons right? So, what will our knight in shining armor Owen Palmer do?







Can I have my own Owen Palmer tooooo? Huwaaaaaaa. He is absolutely pretty much one of those guy characters I'd fall in love with. Handsome but not cocky and not really knowing he is.... a bit "suplado" or "serious" but then warms up and gets all mushy and concerned when with someone he likes/loves.

Great series Shanna!

Spaceballs - 1987

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Adventure

Director: Mel Brooks

Writer: Mel Brooks,Thomas Meehan

Producer: Brooksfilms, Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)

Cast: Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Paten, George Wyner, Michael Winslow, Joan Rivers,

Tagline: May the schwartz be with you.

The King of Planet Druidia King Roland is getting his daughter Princess Vespa married to Prince Valium. However, Vespa is kidnapped by the evil race of the Spaceballs, in exchange for all the air of Druidia. The king offers a generous amount of money to Lone Starr a space rogue to save Vespa.

This is a Korny parody of the star wars. uhmmmmm not exactly that good.. but well..... if you just want to laugh or is reallly into star wars... welll you can endure this. But, I'm guessing some people opt for movies like this when you just want to laugh out loud.

Photo Source: Star Wars Wikia 

Life of Pi - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Adventure / Drama

Director: Ang Lee

Writer: David Magi and Yann Martel (novel)

Producer: Fox 2000 Pictures, Haishang Films, Rhythm and Hues

Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Ayush Tandon, Gautam Belur, Tabu, Ayan Khan,

Tagline:

An Indian storyteller Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) was visited by a writer and asks him to tell a story. He talks about a time in his life where he survives a disaster at sea and set on an epic journey of finding himself and discovering his beliefs. While cast away, he forms a connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.


Well, even if we are in the middle of Liwanag frenzy, I managed to sneak in with a movie with my family. Great film actually, (such a shame I wasn't able to read the book first. busymuch). I watched it on 3D and it was super! Great cinematography.. and it also moved me to tears every now and then. Oooffff. I find it memorable. One of those films, that you can always watch over and over again.I love the night scenes with all those glow in the dark plankton. The characters in the film also played their part well and you find yourself actually being drawn to how the story goes.  It's also a layered film, like an onion there's always something else hidden that only you can interpret and discover.

In the end, it would give you a question that would make you still think or wonder about the film.

Some people would say this is a metaphor of Pi's belief and in the end will also spell out what you believe in - spiritually.

Photo Source: 400 Club

Jemima J - Jane Green

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Jane Green


Jemima Jones is an overweight writer for a small-circulation newspaper, Kilburn Herald in England, who is hopelessly in love with his handsome colleague Ben Williams who later became her friend. She has two social-climbing roommates who gets to treat her as a maid rather than a friend.



It's a good enough light read. It's about re-invention and finding oneself. It's almost similar to the film called A Cinderella Pact. It's one of the books that comes out as a "comfort read". Nothing memorable or notable, just enough to get you through the night/day? :) But, it's a good one.

Photo Source: Book Space

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card

Category: Book

Genre: Sci-Fi

Author: Orson Scott Card


Set in Earth's future, humankind barely survived two conflicts with the "Buggers". A hostile alien race which protects its queen like ants does. In preparation for an anticipated third invasion by the Buggers, an international fleet maintains a school to find and train future fleet commanders. The world's most talented and brightest children, including Ender Wiggin are taken at a very young age to Battle School.



A good friend recommended this book to me. It's a rich and intelligent book and one that carries a  good storyline. It's actually not a hard read but is in fact engaging, despite how disturbing the relationships of the three Wiggins' siblings are.

A song was dedicated to this though.and it will be made into a film! :)

Photo Source: Good Reads

The Rise of the Guardians - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Animation / Adventure / Family

Director: Peter Ramsey

Writer: David Lindsay-Abaire, William Joyce

Producer: Dreamworks Animation

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine, Jude Law, Dakota Goyo, Khamani Griffin, Kamil McFadden, Georgie Grieve and more.

Tagline: Naughty, nice. You better believe.

Pitch, the evil spirit wants to assault and take over the Earth, and the Immortal Guardians (Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman) once again team up to protect the innocence of children all over the globe. (Based on a Children's Book Series by William Joyce).


This is a Christmas film that is not entirely about Santa Claus but of Jack Frost.  IT WAS GREAT! (although, I  didn't like the cinema we were in this time, it made the picture look old school) Either way, it was a good film... heartwarming. And even if it is simple, it makes way for its deep and profound message. I like the Russian doll with Santa Claus reminding Jack Frost of his "center".  It reminds me of our spiritual journey with Ikepono. :)This also reminds you to keep the "child" in you alive......

Photo Source: Collider

Cloud Atlas - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Mystery / Sci-Fi

Director: Tom Tyker, Andy Wachowski

Writer: David Mitchell, Lana Wachowski

Producer:
 
Cast: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgees, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Keith David, James D'Arcy, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Robert Fyfe, Martin Wuttke and more

Tagline: Everything Is Connected

This film is based on a novel by David Mitchell. It's an exploration of how each action of individual lives impacts one another in the past, present and future. Everything is indeed connected in this film.


It has been quiet sometime that I have waited to watch this film. When I saw the trailer... all i can say was: "I should not miss this! and I know this film will be epic!" True enough, it is indeed considered an epic... and one of the best films in 2012! It was even considered ambitious because the novel is supposed to be "unfilmable". But, they did it!!

I watched this with my whole family.

You should not blink when you are watching this. Each scene is equally important as it weaves through the whole story. Six stories are being interwoven to create the whole magical tapestry that is Cloud Atlas.  This film will take you anywhere, and you will find yourself in unexpected scenes, oftentimes delving to deja-vu.

It is visually stunning, the make-up were good although I'm sure the make-up artists had their own challenging moments by changing an actor's features to fit a certain race, age and era.

It was quiet gory, well not exactly too much, just a few disturbing scenes. The love affair between Somni and Keanu was the one I liked best. There's something about being protected... that makes me go ... swoonybeanoo.

Also, the musical score is one of the best. I loved the Cloud Atlas sextet.  As I am writing this the soundtrack is actually playing at the background.

Cloud Atlas is something different among other movies. It emanates creativity and a whole range of imagination. It's epic, and even layered and you'd be expecting most people to watch it again over and over. :) (I still have to read the novel though.. our local bookstores ran out of it... even before the movie was released. Gah! Maybe im settling with an ebook or whatever. )

Photo Source: David Belbin

Skyfall - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Thriller

Director: Sam Mendes

Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and more

Producer: Eon Productions, Danjaq

Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, Albert Finney, and more.

Tagline:

Bond's latest assignment goes wrong and the agents all over the globe are being exposed. M is force to relocate the agency when MI6 was attacked.

Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Well, there are many plot holes to the movie plus add to the fact that there's nothing really mindblowing about the film considering it's a Bond film. However, you get the usual suspense which was at the beginning (albeit not much) and it is beautifully shot. Add to that an Asian scene (Macau) to boot.


Haha. I had an interesting time watching this film with someone, though. :P. Hahaha.

Photo Source: Teaser Trailer

Once Upon A Time Season 1 - 2011

Category: TV Series

Genre: Fantasy / Drama

Creators: Adam  Horowitz, Edward Kitsis

Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Robert Carlyle, Lana Parilla, Josh Dallas, Jared Gillmore, Meghan Ory, Raphael Sbarge, Emile de Ravin and more

Tagline: Magic is Coming.


It's two worlds both trapped in a certain timeline.There is a town in Maine, where storybook characters lived and  trapped in two worlds, Only one knows about it - the Evil Queen or in the modern era the Mayor.

However, the Mayor's "son" Henry got caught up in the book and began seeing that the characters in the storybook are the same characters in the town of Storybrook.

It's like a metaphor of the world we live in.... where it's like they are trapped in the 3rd dimension... and with no memory of who they are in another dimension. And being in a different dimension their whole lives will be triggered to a "remembrance" when the one who could break the spell arrives in the town. (sounds like when Christ came down to heaven and showed everyone the way).

Also there's a certain part of metaphor where Gram was looking for his heart hidden in the Evil Queen's vault. and the wolves who was Gram's family would be the wolves.

I AM HOOKED.

First few episodes, I know it got me!

I love how they weaved everything together in this series. It can almost be considered a classic. It's quite something to bring every character in the fairytale books all in one series. And to focus on other character's stories too, not just the princess or the famous ones.

It also gives you the mystery of putting two and two together as everyone is interconnected.

Photo Source: Crimers

Battleship - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre:  Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Director: Peter Berg

Writer: Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber

Producer: Universal Pictures, Hasbro, Bluegrass Films and more

Cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, Tadanabo Asano, Hamish Linklater, Peter Macnicol, John Tui, Gregory D. Gadson and more

Tagline: The Battle for Earth Begins at Sea

 An international fleet of ships comes across and is forced to do battle with an alien armada while on a Naval war games exercise. An intense battle is being fought on sea, land and air.


I enjoyed how everything ended. Watched it with the whole household and we all had a grand time. I think watching movies like these with people you love and enjoy to be with plays a part. Great effects! It has an "okay" character build-up because one gets so attached and affected with a certain character. Scream worthy too! :)

But, of course, it's not an intelligent film and many things does not actually make sense. So, if you are someone who is picky with movies and comes in with many expectations you'd be disappointed.

Photo Source: Collider

 

The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Adventure / Fantasy / Cartoon

Director: Zack Snyder

Writer: John Orloff

Producter: Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Animal Logic

Cast: Jim Sturgees, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Emily Barclay, Joel Edgerton, Ryan Kwanten, Helen Mirren, Angus Sampson and more.

Tagline: On his way to finding a legend...he will become one.

Soren, a young barn owl, is abducted by an evil Owl Army, where owlets are brainwashed into becoming soldiers. He and his new friends escape to the island of Ga'Hoole, to look for the legendary Guardians to stop the menace.

Watched this with mom at Balanga, Bataan. We had a fun time watching it.

I love how the story goes. Inspiring and very good movie for a "team". A dose of inspiration, it is. It is quiet dark at the beginning and got a lot of fight scenes, but ain't adventure like that?Although, I don't think the youngsters would uhmmm benefit this much. I think this is for extra mature audience.  It is also a wonderful visual masterpiece with a story boot. What a hoot indeed! :) I enjoyed the musical score and the soundtrack: "To the Sky" by none other than Owl City! Haha. Lovely.

Photo Source: Imp Awards

 

Predators - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Writer: Alex Litvak, Michael Finch,

Director: Nimrod Antal

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox

Cast: Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Oleg Taktarov, Danny Trejo and more.

Tagline: The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet.

8 men(woman)  of different backgrounds, a mercenary, a military, a soldier, a criminal, a militia, a drug lord, a yakuza and a doctor, finds themselves waking up after a free fall in an unknown jungle. Walking around the jungle, they discover that they are on a different planet and that they are prey of of merciless aliens called Predators in a deadly hunting game.

Well, I never expected to be quite taken with the film. Well, not exactly taken... but you know, I kind of enjoyed the unexpected turn around in the end. And here I am, thinking I'd know which is which. For some parts, I did, but then I never expected the end. ;) If you know what I mean.

Anyway, effects, was good. Cinematography, is great. It moves in an exhilarating pace. There's good enough reason, they never showed those effin predators at the beginning, because it added up to the whole thrill of it. Played on people's fears, "the unknown".
I did guessed who would be left after the film would be over. (favorite game i play, whenever I watch something).

I know a lot are disappointed because they were pre-judging it over the previous "Predator" film. But, i feel it's a good re-imagining of the film. Of course, the original may deem to be better. But, this one can stand on its own as well - for me. :)

Photo Source: Teaser Trailer