The Road to Gandolfo - Robert Ludlum

Category: Books

Genre: Comedy

Author: Robert Ludlum as Michael Shepherd.


This is a funny story about General MacKenzie Hawkins whom they dubbed of as "The Hawk", a military legend who seems to be popular. On an assignment he defaces an important Chinese memorial while being drugged by a Chinese general and in return was asked by the Chinese for the Americans for him to be kicked out. As revenge, he plots to kidnap the Pope, with a ransom of one dollar for every Catholic in the world.


It was ridiculous in most parts. And the two characters were good combo. Sometimes, one of them getting wee bit crazy. It is still intelligent. But I got confused with the ending, really. Anyway, it has quite interesting characters specially MacKenzie's wives, it's a refreshing, comedic side of Ludlum I'm reading. 

Johnny English - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy

Director: Peter Howitt

Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade

Producer: Universal Pictures, Studio Canal

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, John Malkovich,Natalie Imbruglia, Tasha de Vasconcelos, Ben Miller, Greg Wise, Douglas McFerran, Steve Nicolson, Terence Harvey and more

Tagline: The star of Bean is now Her Majesty's most trusted secret agent

A tragedy arrived at the doorstep of MI5. There was a sudden attack on a funeral and all spies were wiped out. So, Johnny English (a clumsy daydreamer), Britain's most confident yet unintelligent spy was left to combat the one behind the attack. So, it's up to Johnny to save his country!

I had to watch this twice since I accompanied my Dad. :) Its hilarious. I didn't mind watching it again because I enjoyed the whole movie. This spoofs the film of James Bond and it did a great job at that. Sometimes, you think it would go serious but then it would break off into something silly.

If you want a good laugh and to not be stressed about the storyline and all. Watch this. :)

When In Rome - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director:Mark Steven Johnson

Writer: David Diamond, David Weismann

Producer: Touchstone Pictures, Krasnoff Foster Productions

Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Anjelika Huston, Will Arnett,Jan Heder, Dax Shepard, Alexis Dzeina, Kate Micucci, Peggy Lipton, Luca Calvani and more.

Tagline: All is fair in love and in Rome.


Beth is from New York who is totally unlucky when it comes to love. She is young, ambitious and hardworking career woman. One day, on a whirlwind trip to Rome to attend her sister's wedding, and getting drunk - she begins to steals some coins from a famous fountain of love thrown by people looking for love and was then aggressively pursued by a band of suitors who followed her all the way back to New York.


Clean, fun chick flick. Those who are into magic, wishes and love fountains would enjoy this amusing tale of finding love. Although, not really the best of the best or a movie vying for an Oscar, it just simply out there to entertain you (and make moolah). I like the chemistry of the stars, however there are scenes that can seem such a drab and let's say cheesy moments. But, all in all... well, I like chick flicks eh. So, yeah. this did it. :)

Quotes:

Beth's Dad: You could get your heart broken or... you could have the greatest love affair the world has ever known. But you're never gonna know unless you try.

If You Can See Me Now - Cecilia Ahern

Category: Book

Genre: Drama / Fantasy

Author: Cecilia Ahern



Elizabeth Egan has always been a serious and stiff woman. This was due to her mother leaving their family early on and she was forced to raise her sister Saoirse. Her sister is pretty much like her mom, free-spirited and someone who has no hand on responsibility. Taking advantage of that, Saoirse left Elizabeth with his son, Luke.

At the age of six, Luke claims he has an Invisible Friend named Ivan... at first Elizabeth couldn't see him and begins to think that it's just a phase of Luke's life and that Invisible Friends disappear after three months. But, one day lo and behold she begins to see Ivan but thinks Ivan is the father of Luke's friend.

And off goes this magical yet modern story.

It's my first time to read a Cecilia Ahern book and I LOVEEEE IT!! I found a new love! Whooopee Doo! I like this novel because it mixes the modern and imagination and with a tinge of fantasy in it, which I really really adore. This is a story about "Imaginary Friends". And of fairies and friendship and family and of course Love..... And I just saw online that a movie is being made out of this! Wow.

Love love all the magical moments and wishes. Learned something about Jimmy Jones here (Dandelions) where you get to give out wishes. One of my favorite scenes in the book. It's also heartbreaking whenever it comes to Elizabeth's father... awwww.

It's amazing how one laughs and then cries over the book. At least that was the case for me. :)

Chalet Girl - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Phil Traill

Writer: Tom Williams

Producer: UK Film Council, Aegis Film Fund, Prescience

Cast: Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick, Bill Nighy, Brooke Shields, Tamsin Egerton, Bill Bailey,  Sophia Bush,

Kim Matthews (Felicity Jones) who is 19, used to be a champion skateboarder. She was traumatized by her mom's death causing her to stop her love for skateboarding. Now, she is stuck in a small time job trying to support her Dad. But, then opportunity came knocking on her door and swept her off to an exclusive chalet in the Alps. And there she would meet her handsome, rich, engaged boss, named Jonny (Ed Westwick).

It looks like a drab movie at the opening credits.... and I was thinking whether to push thru with the movie or not. However it has a tinge touch of humor thrown here and there specially by the lead female which actually made me stick. By the middle, I was getting in touch with the story.

I like Tamsin Egerton here she looks like one of my friends Czar. The way she moves and speaks.. haha. :) cute. Entertaining albeit predictable.

Vanity Fair - 2004

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama History

Writer: Matthew Faulk

Director: Mira Nair

Producer: Focus Pictures, Granada Film Productions, Epsilon Motion Pictures

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Romola Garai, James Purefoy, Gabriel Byrne, Tony Maudsley, Rhys Ifans, Ruth Sheen,

Tagline: On September 1st, a heroine will rise.

The orphaned daughter of a painter, Becky Sharp, who has wit, good looks, fluent French and her eyes for her social status to advance leaves a home for girls to become a governess. With exotic colors of India and British flowers, during the whole movie makes the movie eye-appealing.
This is a long narrative which follows her life for 20 years, and even through marriage.

This is an adaptation of William Thackery's novel. I haven't read the novel, and they say it is entertaining for those who haven't read the novel. ;) and I found it, quite so. There were times where I would cringe with Becky's choices, in her desire to advance socially. The cinematography of the film is good though. :)

Now, I am intrigued with the book... mhmmm....

The Tourist - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre:  Mystery / Comedy

Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

Writer: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Christopher McQuarrie

Producer: GK Films, Spyglass Entertainment, Birnbaum/Barber

Cast: Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Steven Berkoff, Rufus Sewell, Christian De Sica, Alessio Boni, Daniele Pecci, Giovanni Guideli and more.

Tagline: The Perfect Trip - The Perfect Trap

Elise (Angelina Jolie) sits next to an American tourist, Frank (Johnny Depp), on a train going to Venice. She has chosen him as a decoy, making believe that he is her lover who is wanted by police. Not only will they need to evade the police, but also the mobster whose money her lover stole.

It's like watching the film Red... only this time it's younger with a romantic setting - Venice. It has a dose of mystery and action with a lot of dash of comedic, humorous scenes. It's light not heavy or dark. So those who were expecting a loaded story or expecting that it is an intellectual film with eye popping action you will be heavily disappointed.

The Last Time I Saw Paris - Elizabeth Adler

Category: Book

Genre: Drama / Romance

Author: Elizabeth Adler

When Lara Lewis turned forty-five she began to feel like she lost herself and she is becoming a miserable woman day by day. Even more so, now that she's forty-five. She looked in front of the mirror, asking herself: "Where did you go?" Her relationship with her husband of twenty-five years is also hitting rock bottom as she realized that her husband is ignoring her day by day.

For their anniversary she booked a second honeymoon trip with Bill (her husband), to relive the moment they were married. But, discovers that Bill is having an affair with his secretary.

Lost, and miserable..... will she finally discover the real Lara that was slowly disappearing?

With the help of friends, she begins to take a step. It's a dramatic story, however you'd enjoy the scenic reads as Elizabeth Adler takes us to Paris in this tale. Not Adler's best novel but it's okay... I think its Adler's attempt to make a simple story. :P

Queen of Babble Big Mouth, Big Heart, Big Problems - Meg Cabot

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Meg Cabot

Lizzie Nichols is blowing her college graduation money on a trip to visit her long-distance boyfriend (of three months), named Andrew instead of using it as a down payment for a cute apartment in Manhattan after graduating and finding a well paying job. Everyone thinks she's going crazy. However when she got to London it wasn't what she was expecting to happen and got herself into trouble. Fortunately, her best friend Shari, is spending her summer in south of France which is just a train ride away, with her boyfriend Chaz in a 16th century chateau.

What’s an American girl with a big mouth—but an equally big heart—to do?


It was fun and light. There were some Rated PG-18 scenes. Haha. I kind of was shocked to find teensy weensy Jude Deveroux-ish scene here... but of course... she made it light and humorous... which is still a Meg Cabot flair.

Robin Hood - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure

Writer: Brian Helgeland

Director: Ridley Scott

Producer: Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, Relativity Media

Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max Von Saydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Danny Huston, Eileen Atkins, Mark Addy, Matthew Macfayden, Kevin Durand, Scott Grimes and more.

Tagline: The untold story behind the legend.


My favorite century, 13th (because of the number) in England, Robin Longstride and his hood confront the corruption in a local village which lead into the uprising of different lords and barons against the crow.


I love the movie. That I can probably watch it over and over again. I know a lot of things were not exactly "real" or wasn't based on history and other flaws... however from someone who doesn't pick up with history and tis and tat... it's still a good movie to watch. Great acting and cinematography. It has some parts that were emotional and were somehow thought provoking.

Please relax on the history. Of course to historians or people who are particular about things like that it's a  disappointment.

Quotes I Like:

Robin: If you're building for the future, you need to keep your foundations strong, laws of the land enslave the people to a king who demands loyalty but offers nothing in return, I've been to the South of France, Palestine and back, you build a kingdom the same way you build a cathedral from the ground up!

Robin: Rise and rise again until lambs become lions. 

Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Director: Rob Marshall

Writer: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio

Producer:  Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Moving Picture Company

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, Astrid Berges Frisbey, Stephen Graham, Keith Richards, Richard Griffiths, and more

Tagline:

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) and Barbossa embarks on a journey to find the "fountain of youth", and crosses paths with a woman from his past Angelica (Cruz), and not sure if he is really in love or whether she's just being her usual self a con artist who is just using him to find the "Fountain of Youth". He then finds out that she is the daughter of the Legendary and formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane) and finds himself in an unexpected adventure.

The goofy pirate we have all come to love returns on this mystical adventure...  I like the presence of the mystical creatures... mermaids..... Hehe. They are dangerously sexy... .This was also a momentous time in my life as this was my first time to watch a movie "alone" in a cinema. Haha. One of my LEAP action plans. :)

I love the chemistry of the actors.... and the funny antics of Sparrow... it was never boring... it was either humorous or just action packed.

Its not the best of the Pirates of the Caribbean series though. I still like the 3rd installment better. Haha. ;)

FUNNY LINES

Jack Sparrow: You lied to me by telling me the truth?
Angelica: Yes.
Jack Sparrow: Thats good! May I use that?

 Captain Teague: I heard where you're headed. The Fountain.
 Jack Sparrow: Have you been there?
 Captain Teague: Does this face looks like it's been to the Fountain of Youth?
 Jack Sparrow: ...Depends on the light.

Angelica: [Jack turns to leave] Wait! I'm with child... it's yours. 
Jack Sparrow: I don't remember...
Angelica: You were drunk.
Jack Sparrow: I don't think I've ever been that drunk.

Nanny McPhee Returns - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy / Children

Director: Susanna White

Writer: Emma Thompson, Christiana Brand

Producer: Universal Pictures, Studio Canal, Relativity Media

Cast: Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ralph Fiennes, Oscar Steer, Asa Butterfield, Lil Woods, Eros Vlahos, Rosie Taylor-Ritson, Daniel Mays, Rhys Ifans, Maggie Smith, Sinead Matthews, Bill Bailey and more.

Tagline: You'll Believe That Pigs Can Fly.


Nanny McPhee arrives to help a young struggling mother named Isabel (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is oversees at war, and also juggling 2 rich & very spoiled niece/nephew who were asked to stay due to the war. Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach the children five new lessons.



I enjoyed this magical, lovely well-written movie and it's really one good film for the kids. Also... I cried in most parts... T_T. I love the lessons that was placed...  I love the cinematography .. the candy colored scenes... It was just perfectly fun and magical... :)

Star Dancer - Beth Webb

Category: Book

Genre: Teens Fiction

Author: Beth Webb

When magic meets destiny. 15 year old Tegen was declared the Star Dancer, whom everybody talked about. The baby who was born on the night of when the stars danced. However it took a long time for their community especially the druids to accept Tegen because she is just a normal girl. The druids were expecting a boy. Then came the challenges as she was given no choice but to learn and work with real magic when the prophesy about evil was about to happen.

REVIEW:

This book is geared for young adults. And it has every reason to. It has witchcraft and goddess in every page. I enjoyed it. Particularly the rituals of the druids and the talk about North, East, West and South spirits. I enjoyed the whole concept of it and it was like being lost in another fantasy world that could be just real....

Quotes:

No demon can ever have the last laugh when a soul's intention are good. Remember that. It is important.

Remember, child, when the world looks as if it is falling apart; all manner of things shall be well.

Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

Category: Books

Genre: Classic

Author: Jane Austen

Mr. Henry Dashwood died and left all of his money and estate to his first wife's son John Dashwood. His second wife and three daughters were left with no permanent home and in reduced circumstances and so they were invited to stay with their distant relations at Barton Park. and will journey to a foreign land to start all over again.

This was probably the longest read ever!!! Haha. Aside from being busy... I kind of think this is a long ardous read. I enjoyed her Pride & Prejudice but this one was, let's just say, I wasn't that interested with the way storyline happened.

Quotes:

Elinor: After all that is bewitching in the idea of a sigle and constant attachment and all that can be said of one's happiness depnding entirely on any particular person, it is not meant - it is not fit - it is not possible that it should be so.

Leap Year - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick / Romance / Comedy

Writer: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont

Director: Anand Tucker

Producer: Universal Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, Birnbaum/Barber

Tagline: Anna planned to propose to her boyfriend on February 29th. This is not her boyfriend.

Cast: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott, John Lithgow, Noel O'Donovan, Tony Rohr, Pat Lahfan, Alan Devlin and more.

Anna Brady (Amy Adams) is a busy, goal oriented modern woman who managed to make elaborate plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland and propose to her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) on February 29 (Leap Day) which is an Irish tradition. However there were setbacks and challenges she has to overcome before reaching her boyfriend on time.

It's a fun, light movie. Which is how chick flicks are supposed to be. The endearment, "bub" reminds me of Logan(Hugh Jackman) of X-Men. I like the accent. This movie introduces us to a unique Irish tradition during Leap Year. This is also a great blend of romance and comedy....

I have a crush on Matthew Goode... so yeah.. this is a heads up for me. I enjoyed Amy Adams during Enchanted that its really great to see her again here. :) Her charm and bubbly self never ceases to make me smile and laugh. I seem to like movies with settings as the countryside or Europe. So.. yeah its a good mix of all those. :)

The Rich Shall Inherit - Elizabeth Adler

Category: Books

Genre: Drama

Author: Elizabeth Adler

Tagline: A tangled web of lies. A legacy of scandal. A search for a missing heir.

A massive inheritance has been left behind by Poppy Mallory who has remained a mysterious millionaire. And after her death a law firm begins to announce that they are looking for the descendant of Poppy. The daughter or a son. Mike Preston, a popular author was intrigued and decides to help out on the case.

I first encountered Elizabeth Adler with her book, "Fortune is A Woman". I really enjoyed the book, that I began scouring the bookstores for more of her work. Most of her stories usually involves rich empires or the old-rich in most cases.

It's kind of intriguing but not as good as her "Fortune is A Woman". Hehe. I have to say. But, if you are into mystery and drama... this would be a great book for you.