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.

300 Rise of An Empire - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Drama / Fantasy

Director: Noam Murro

Writer: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad

Producer: Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, Cruel & Unusual Films

Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Heady, Hans Matheson, Callan Mulvey, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Jack O'Connell, Andrew Tiernan and more

Tagline: Seize your glory

The Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. First they arrived at the city of Athens.

The lady in the film here was pretty harsh. It was gory.. but it had a good ending.... which brings justice from the previous installment (which I haven't seen yet).

It's a film about vengeance, brotherhood and fighting for one's freedom.

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.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy

Writer: J. K Rowling (book), Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films

Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Dave Legno, Jim Broadbent and more.

Tagline: Dark Secrets Revealed; Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry

This time, Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts and discovered a book entitled " The Half Blood Prince" and begins to have an insight and learns a lot about the Lord Voldemort's past. At the same time, Lord Voldemort's is increasingly becoming active.

Moviedate with Boo! This is one of the best days with him ever!!!

This is my second time to watch the film. Just  to satiate the Harry Potter whimsical craving. (However, this time it is most sweet... because I am watching it with my boo *swoons*)

This series was filled with Love Triangles! And well, it's basically everyone.... partnering with someone. hahaha. Or maybe im just in love thats why... hahhaa. :)That's why I always tend to see the romance part these days. The characters are maturing in this film and their acting are getting better with each film. But, it's pretty much loaded for one film... I think it;s not enough and left a few pieces from the book. It could've been better.

But, either way, it's perfect for me.

Ted - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre:Comedy / Fantasy

Director: Seth Macfarlane

Writer: Seth Macfarlane, Alec Sulkin

Producer: Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth Macfarlane, Joel Mchale, Giovanni Ribisi, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Jessica Barth and more

Tagline: Ted is coming.

John (Mark Wahlberg) made a Christmas wish when he was a childhood and that was to bring his one and only friend to life, his teddy bear - Ted. The two grew up together but then their friendship will be tested as Lori (Mila Kunis), John's girlfriend of four years, wants more from his relationship with John.

I gave up watching this on my first round but this time I managed to pull through. Finalmente. And glad I did. It's not one of the best storyline.. but it has an interesting character though... a "talking teddy". And even worse... a teddy that curses! For one, who is not used to potty mouths, this was extreme! You'd think teddy bears are warm and cuddly... but Ted oh Ted is not that at the beginning of the film.

Anyhow, this is not my type of funny. :) But, well..... that's all I can say.

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*

Enchanted Inc. #4 - Don't Hex With Texas -

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



This time magic hits Texas when Katie chose to leave New York after the subway incident, thinking being far away or lying low from the magical community will bring everybody peace.

However, magic seems to follow Katie, whether she likes it or not.

I liked this particular part of the series because this is the time when Owen got to visit Katie's family. Also this focused much more on Katie's relationship with her family and her roots.

I love how this way ended too! :) I love the series! woot woot!

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!

Once Upon Stilettos - Shanna Swendson

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Shanna Swendson


The life of Katie Chandler is now purely magic - literally. After quitting a drab job with a monster boss, Katie found herself becoming an executive assistant at MSI (Magic, Spells and Illusiions, Inc.) and she has seen more than enough of magical induced moments. But, Katie is no wizard, but has a unique gift called "magical immune". However, with this series, she begins losing her immunity because someone's got a different plan for MSI and the whole magical community, and the only way to fulfill those evil plans was to mess up with Katie Chandler whose done nothing but thwart all those evil deeds.


This is a good second part... and would make you go "kilig" with the Katie-Owen team-up and the partners of Gemma and Marcia who used to be frogs *hint hint*.I love the metaphors... and how it's a light but very funny read. I love the adventures. :)

Photo Source: Goodreads

Enchanted Inc. - Shanna Swendson

Category:  Books

Genre: Chic Literature / Fantasy / Modern

Author: Shanna Swendson

This is a romantic urban fantasy about a girl named Katie Chandler.  She has been living in New York City for about a year already but is originally from Texas. One day, she was offered a mysterious job. When she looks into the job, it turns out that she is one of the 1% in the world who are immune to magic, and that the company offering her the job is a magic company called MSI Inc, which stands for Magic, Spells, and Illusions Inc. It soon becomes apparent that the world is in trouble from the evil wizard Phelan Idris and it is up to Katie and her friends to save it. - from Wikipedia


I enjoyed this whole new refreshing novel about magic and the modern world. It has a unique storyline in a sense that being immune to magic was seen to be special. An angle that wasn't explored by many plots.

It's like a Cabot, Ahern, with a dash of Rowling thrown in between.

It gave me "kilig" moments as well. Ahhh so fun!

Howl's Moving Castle - 2004

Original Title:  Hauru no ugoku shiro

Category: Anime

Genre: Fantasy

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Writer: Hayao Miyazaki, Diana Wynne Jones

Producer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DENTSU Music and Entertainment, Mitsubishi

Cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashun and more.

Tagline:

When Sophie, a young 18-year old girl, was cursed with an old body by a witch, her only chance to break the spell lies with a young insecure wizard, named Howl, who lives in a "moving castle".


From the makers of Spirited Away comes this amazing tale of wizardry and love with a dash of a funny bone.  It has a unique storyline, that when it ended I found myself going... "ahhhh.." I enjoyed it albeit it's often weirdness and  unpredictability.. it keeps you guessing till the end. It's a film, where you would still mull over what happened, and it leaves you with something..... maybe something magical. Highly creative and most imaginative film yet. His storytelling is outside the common way of how westerners would tell stories.

Miyazaki, you are the best!!

Quotes:

Sophie: They say that the best blaze burns brightest, when circumstances are at their worst.

Photo Source: Cartoon Online

Perfume: The Story of A Murderer - 2006

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Fantasy

Director: Tom Tykwer

Writer: Andrew Birkin, Bernd Eichinger

Producer: Constantin Film Production, VIP 4 Medienfonds,

Cast: Ben Whishaw, Fransesc Albiol, Dustin Hoffman, Simon Chandler, David Calder, Richard Felix and more.

Tagline: He lived to find beauty. He killed to possess it.

Jean-Baptiste Grenouille was born with a superior olfactory sense in the stench of eighteenth century Paris, which would come of use to him by creating the world's finest perfume.
But, then this tale turns into a dark turn as he tries to create the "ultimate perfume".


This film was artistically done, and I just learned earlier that a famed national artist enjoyed this film so much that he watched it at least 5 times. o_O

It has this epic unique storyline, and the way everything was made, cinematography, musical score was just perfect. However, there were scenes near the end that can be quiet disturbing, that I wouldn't want to dare watch it again. It left me... uh... errrmm.. surprised.... heavens there was this shock-value involved.

Anyhoo, for people who likes unique films and is not bothered by a few disturbing scenes.. you would enjoy it. :) 

Photo Source: Tumblr

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

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

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

 

How To Train Your Dragon - 2010

Category: Movie / Animation

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Writer: William Davis and Dean Deblois

Director: Dean Deblois, Chris Sanders

Producer: DreamWorks Animation, Mad Hatter Entertainment, Mad Hatter Films

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz Plasse, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wig, Robin Atkin Downes, and more.

Tagline:


A young Viking, named Hiccup on the Island of Berk, wants to join the fight and hunt dragons that continually raid their town. But, being clumsy and small, he was always discouraged by his father, Stoik the Vast who is a village leader. Despite his being clumsy and small, his attribute goes to his creativity/inventiveness. While out doing his best to prove that he is worthy to be a Viking,he was set to kill, but could not bring himself to do it. Out of curiosity, he befriends the dragon whom he calls Toothless. 

Oooh yeahhh!! Dragons! and Taming them? Well you are right!!! I had a fun time watching the film. It was exciting and heart warming too! :) I enjoyed the relationship of Hiccup and Toothless, they gave enough time for the characters to develop which actually gives depth to the movie.

Great animation, but what matters a lot is the story and the journey of Hiccup and Toothless. Both, young and old would enjoy this dragon and viking tale! :)

Funny Lines:

Hiccup: And when he does, it's always with this... disappointed scowl, like someone skimped on the meat in his sandwich.
[imitating]
Hiccup: "Excuse me, barmaid! I'm afraid you brought me the wrong offspring! I ordered an extra-large boy with beefy arms, extra guts and glory on the side. This here, this is a talking fish-bone!"

Fishlegs: [to Tuffnut] Your mom let you get a tattoo?
Tuffnut: It's not a tattoo, it's a birth mark!
Ruffnut: Okay, I've been stuck with you since birth and that was never there before.
Tuffnut: Yes it was! You've just never seen me from the left side until now. 

Emo Lines:

Hiccup: Why couldn't I have killed that dragon when I found him in the woods? Would've been better, for everyone...
Astrid: Yep. The rest of us would have done it. So why didn't you?  Why didn't you?
H: I don't know... I couldn't.
A: That's not an answer.
H: "Why" is this so important to you all of a sudden?
A: Because I want to remember what you say, right now.
H: Oh, for the love of... I was a coward! I was weak! I wouldn't kill a dragon!
A: You said "wouldn't", that time.
H: Agh, whatever... I "wouldn't"! Three hundred years, and I'm the first Viking who wouldn't kill a dragon!
A: First to ride one, though. So...?
Hiccup: I wouldn't kill him, because he looked as frightened as *I* was. I looked at him... and I saw myself.

Photo Source: HowtoTrainYourDragon.Blogspot