Aleph - Paulo Coelho

Category: Book

Genre: Literature / Drama


Author: Paulo Coelho



This book describes the journey Paulo Coelho took from March to July 2006 via the Trans-Siberian Railway to meet his readers across Russia. Coelho had mentioned that this has been one of his most personal novels to date. It starts with Coelho asking his master "J" about his struggles and the spiritual crisis he is going through and he feels stuck in his spiritual growth.This is also similar to the beginning of his previous work: The Valkyries.

I finished reading this while listening to Tomatis (an audio therapy I am taking).

It's an interesting read this time about his journey to the past. And its not just about the past which happens in the current life but of something regarding a previous lifetime, that still haunts him. It's about the mystical term called the "Aleph", a Jewish Kaballah mystical term. It mixes different spiritual traditions as always with a Coelho.

This book also makes me want to go on an outward journey on my own to make my inward journey unfold! The question... where to? :P

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.

Realms of the Earth Angels - Doreen Virtue

Category: Book

Genre: Spirituality / Angels

Author: Doreen Virtue


Remember when Jesus said: "In my Father's House are many mansions?" I think he was referring to the different realms and dimensions of the Universe. And this book actually explains the different realms where we might have come from.

She talks about the different characteristics of each beings, Incarnated Angels, Elementals, Star People, Wise Ones and more.

I really enjoyed this book. (Anything by Doreen Virtue I really enjoy!!). It's actually just a small book which is an updated version of her previous book entitled: " Earth Angels: A Pocket Guide for Incarnated Angels, Elementals, Starpeople, Walk-Ins, and Wizards".

I love reading about elementals and "mythical", mystical beings. :)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 2005

Category: Movie

Genre: Adventure / Fantasy

Director: Mike Newell

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer:

Tagline: Dark And Difficult Times Lie Ahead.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Robert Pattinson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Stanislav Ianevski and more.

It is now Harry Potter's fourth year at Hogwarts and he is enjoying his summer vacation with his friends. The movie started with The Quidditch World Cup Final which looked so great on screen. The same frenzy you get during the FIFA World Cup except that it's much more magical and stellar. Also, in this film Hogwarts is hosting " The Triwizard Tournament", an inter-school magical tournament.

The film is also darker than the previous installment, The Prisoner of Azkaban. Eventhough it's 2 hours and 30 minutes, seems like time flies while you are watching this film. I love the music, and how the 2 schools were introduced into Hogwarts it was just oh so lovely.

They did a wonderful job at the underwater scene.

This movie is pretty much a visual treat of the Harry Potter book... and I suggest you read the book for the story.

Watching an HP movie... is really my kind of escape. I just love it.

New Creatures: Nagini *the Serpent*, Death Eaters, Dragons

New Stuff: Portkey, Pensieve. Gillyweed, Veritaserum.

New Characters: Amos Diggory, Cedric Diggory, Bartemus Crouch, Barty Crouch Jr., Mad Eye Moody (Auror), Rita Skeeter

New Spells: Morsmorde, Stupefy, Unforgivable curses: The Imperious Curse, The Cruciatus Curse, The Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra), Age Line, Magic Confundus Charm, Reducto, Priori Incantatum,

Special Events: Quidditch World Cup, Triwizard Tournament, Yule Ball,


Quotes I Like:

Dumbledore: Curiosity is not a sin, Harry. However, from time to time, you should exercise caution.

Dumbledore: People change in the maze. Oh, find the cup if you can. But be very wary; you could just lose yourselves along the way.

Voldemort: The Boy-Who-Lived. How lies have fed your legend, Harry! Do you want to know what really happened thirteen years ago? Shall I divulge how I truly lost my powers? It was love. You see, when dear sweet Lily Potter gave her life for her only son, it provided him with the ultimate protection, I could not touch him. It was old magic, something I should have foreseen. But no matter, no matter, things have changed. I CAN TOUCH YOU... NOW!

James Potter: Harry! When the connection is broken you MUST get to the Portkey. We can linger for a moment to give you some time but only a moment. Do you understand?
Cedric Diggory: Harry. Take my body back, will you? Take my body back to my father.
Lily Potter: Let go. Sweetheart, you're ready. Let go... LET GO!

Dumbledore: No spell can reawaken the dead, Harry. I trust you know that. Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.

Dumbledore: Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. Cedric Diggory was, as you all know, exceptionally hard working, infinitely fair-minded, and most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend. Therefore, I feel you have the right to know exactly how he died. You see, Cedric Diggory was murdered, by Lord Voldemort. The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so I feel would be an insult to his memory. Now the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, and, reminds us, that though we may come from different countries and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of the recent events, the bonds of friendship made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain. You remember that, and we'll celebrate a boy who was kind, and honest, and brave, and true. Right to the very end.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 2004

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Klowes

Producer: Warner Bros. Pictures, 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films,

Tagline: Secrets Will Be Revealed

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, Oliver and James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, and more.


Harry is on his Third year at Hogwarts, and they have a new "Defense of the Dark Arts" Teacher. Trouble is also looming since, a dangerous criminal Sirius Black (A trusted aide of Voldemort) has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry. To make everything worse for Harry, he has to deal with Dementors who have been appointed to guard the school gates and whenever the are near they have the most horrible effect on him.

Most of the scenes are kind of dark because of it's story. All of the cast improved here and they really did a great job. The new director really did a great job. Although there were parts that were not seen they really did their best not to deviate from the story.

Love love love the movie. Can't wait to see the next film. :P

New creatures you will see: Hippogriff, Boggart, Werewolves, Dementors, Animagus

New characters: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew

New stuff: Marauder's Map, Knight's Bus

New Places: Hog's Meade

Spells used: Expecto Patronum, Expelliarmus

I enjoyed the song:

Hogwarts Choir: [singing] In the cauldron boil and bake / Fillet of a fenny snake / Scale of dragon, Tooth of wolf / Witches, mummy, maw and gulf / Double, double, toil and trouble / Fire burn and cauldron bubble! / Double, double, toil and trouble / Fire burn and cauldron bubble! / Double, double, toil and trouble / Fire burn and cauldron bubble! / Something wicked this way comes!

Quotes I Like:

Dumbledore: Mysterious thing, time. Powerful, and when meddled with, dangerous. Sirius Black is in the topmost cell of the dark tower. You know the laws, Miss Granger. You must not be seen, and you would do well, I feel, to return before this last chime. If not, the consequences are too ghastly to discuss. If you succeed tonight, more than one innocent life may be spared. Three turns, should do it, I think.
[He starts to exit, turns back]
Dumbledore: Oh, by the way. When in doubt, I find retracing my steps to be a wise place to begin. Good luck.
[He exits]

Harry: Professor, can I ask you something?
Professor Lupin: You want to know why I stopped you facing that boggart, yes? I would have thought that would be obvious - I assumed it would take the shape of Lord Voldemort.
Harry: I did think of Voldemort - at first. But then I remembered that night on the train... and the dementor...
Professor Lupin: I'm very impressed. That suggests that what you fear most of all... is fear itself. This is very wise.

Harry: Professor, why do the dementors affect me so? More than anyone else, I mean?
Professor Lupin: Listen, dementors are among the foulest creatures to walk this earth. They feed on every good feeling, every happy memory until a person is left with nothing but his worst experiences. The dementors affect you more than others because there are true horrors in your past, horrors your classmates can scarcely imagine. You are not weak, Harry. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
Harry: I'm scared, Professor.
: Well, I'd consider you a fool if you weren't.

Dumbledore: [to Professor Snape] For in dreams, we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let him swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.

Sirius Black: You know the man you truly are, Remus! This heart is where you truly live! This heart! Here! This flesh is only flesh!
FUNNY:

Ron: Who do you think that is?
Hermione: Professor R. J. Lupin.
Ron: Do you know everything?
[to Harry]
Ron: How is it she knows everything?
Hermione: [annoyed] It's on his suitcase, Ronald.
Ron: Oh.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer: Heyday Films, Warner Bros. Pictures, 1492 Pictures, Miracle Productions

Tagline:Something Evil Has Returned To Hogwarts Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Toby Jones, Jim Norton, Veronica Clifford James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams

A Review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.


Harry Potter was forced to spend his summer holidays with his muggle relatives. But, then he gets a surprise visitor: Dobby the house-elf who warned him against returning to Hogwarts because he says terrible things are about to happen. Dobby tried everything to prevent Harry from going to Hogwarts but Harry ignores all of Dobby's warning. But, back at Hogwarts , Harry is suddenly hearing mysterious voices from inside the walls, as most of the muggle-born students are being attacked while a message was scrawled on the wall in blood: "The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. Enemies Of The Heir, Beware" .


Another second round! Haha. I just have to watch all of the Harry Potter series again when I noticed I did not write any review about them. This one is darker than the previous film but very engaging and exciting! It went by fast even though it was a long movie.

Great characters and cast. Of course, the cinematography and the special effects did great!

I want more! I want more! I want more!


Spells Used: Obliviate

New Characters: Dobby (house Elf), Moaning Myrtle, Tom Marvolo Riddle, Gilderoy Lockhart,

New Stuffs: Wizard Sorting Hat, Sword of Gryffindor,

New Creatures: Basilisk, Fox the Phoenix, Aragog (giant spider),
Quotes I Like:

Albus Dumbledore: It's not abilities that shows us what we are. It is our choices (about sorting hat saying he is for Slytherin but Harry choosing to be in Gryffindor.)


Funny:

Ron: Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies"?

Harry: You'd better clear off before my bones come back, Dobby, or else I might strangle you.
Dobby: [jumps off the bed] Dobby is used to death threats, sir. Dobby gets them five times a day at home.

Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 1 - 2010

Category: Movies

Genre: Adventure / Fantasy

Director: David Yates


Producer: Heyday Films, Warner Bros. , J.K. Rowling,

Writer: Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling

Tagline: Nowhere is Safe. The End Begins.


Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bill Nighy, Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling, Ralph Fiennes, Julie Walters, Evanna Lynch, Bonnie Wright, Ian Kelly, Michelle Fairley, Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman, Carolyn Pickles, Helena Bonham Carter, Helen Mcrory, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Robbie Coltrane, James & Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, and more.


Summary and Review of the Movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.


As Voldemort's power is growing stronger. Harry, Ron and Hermione decides to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Holcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Voldemort is taking over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. But there's little hope for the Harry, Ron and Hermione and the rest of the Wizarding World.... they must all plan well.

(Did you know M. Night Shymalan was interested to direct this movie? Linguist expert Dr. Francis Nolan devised the Parseltongue language for this and the other Harry Potter films which feature the serpent speak.)

Harry Potter movies always gives me a sense of getting out of this world. Ahhhh. And how I don't want the movie to end. Of course the ending makes you want to watch the Part 2 already!!!

This one was nicely made. And to say nice is an underrated description because it exceeds all expectations of both casual viewers and hardcore fans. Very loyal to the book (read it 2 years back or so). The characters gave a really strong performance, making you hate them (if they are supposed to be hated) and making you love them even more.

The movie matches the Title. Being all doom-and-gloomy specially it's cinematography. The soundtrack matched it as well (but, I missed the magical light soundtrack of HP by John Williams.. but I know it doesn't fit the gloomy setting in this installment.)

It also startles you at the right moment. It has a mix of dark and light.. and a lil emotional here and there... basta it's Great! Great! Great!!! :)

I can watch it over and over again and still enjoy this great film.


Quotes I like:

Pius Thicknesse: You have nothing to fear, if you have nothing to hide.

Bellatrix Lestrange: You stupid elf! You could have killed me!
Dobby the House Elf: Dobby never meant to kill! Dobby only meant to maim, or seriously injure!

Harry Potter: This is mental.
Hermione : Completely mental.
Ron Weasley: The world's mental.

Bellatrix Lestrange: How dare you defy your master!
Dobby: Dobby has no master. Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!

Ron Weasley: The deluminator. It doesn't just turn off lights. I don't know how it work but Christmas morning, I was sleeping in this little pub, keeping away from some Snatchers, and I heard it. A voice. Your voice, Hermione. You said my name. Just my name. Like a whisper. So I took it, clicked it and this tiny ball of light appeared. And I knew. It flew towards me, the ball of light, right through my chest and straight through me. Right here
[he touches his heart]
Ron Weasley: And I knew it was going to take me where I needed to go.

Secrets of the Moonacre - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Adventure / Family / Romance

Director: Gabor Csupo

Writers: Lucy Shuttleworth / Graham Alborough / Elizabeth Goudge

Tagline: A Magical Journey Begins

Cast: Dakota Blue Richards, Juliet Stevenson, Tim Curry, Tamas Toth, Augustus Prew, Gyorgy Szathmari, Natascha McElhone

Overview and Review of the movie The Secret of Moonacre Directed by Gabor Csupo.

This movie was adapted from the book by Elizabeth Goudge, called "The Little White Horse".

When 13 year old Maria Merryweather's(Dakota Blue Richards) father dies, leaving her orphaned and homeless, she was forced to leave her luxurious London life with her nanny to go and live with Sir Benjamin, an eccentric uncle she didn't know she had, at the mysterious Moonacre Manor.

I like the enchating setting of the movie, the costumes and all that. The story is well uhmm average, but I like the message behind it though. This movie tackled things about Pride and Greed.

Entertaining yes.... something to pass the time. :)

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Category: Books

Genre: Mystery, Fiction

Author: Dan Brown

Overview and Review of The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Join Robert Langdon in one great adventure in Washington D.C. to help Peter Solomon. Peter Solomon kind of fathered Robert when his dad died. Joined by Katherine Solomon and Warren Bellamy and the CIA they are heading out to solve the Ancient Mysteries.

Even though it is fiction, one can still find it enlightening. Another one great read from Dan Brown. Had fun with the book and it's really fitting for the coming Apocalypse. :) For people who are into the Mayan Prophecy, the Masons, Ancient Mysteries, the Bible, 2012, the Revelations, Noetic Science and such... this is a fun entertaining read. :)

I suddenly got the urge to visit Washington D.C. and to marry a Mason.

Crack the Lost Symbol... in his website as well.. It was fun.... :)

Avatar - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Writers: James Cameron

Director: James Cameron

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners

Tagline: Enter the World

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore, Giovanne Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Laz Alonso and more.

An overview and review of the movie Avatar written and directed by James Cameron.

When his brother was killed, Jake Sully, a paraplegic war veteran, took his place and was brought to another planet called Pandora. Pandora is inhabited by the Na'vi, a different race with their own language and culture. Their mission was to mine for the precious material scattered throughout Pandora's rich woodland. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture.

It's one great movie and was even the first of it's kind. There was much controversy about the $400 M budget of the film but you have to say it was an artistic feat. And to say it was an artistic feat could probably be an understatement. The World in Avatar was done in great detail and you have to commend the detail and attention they placed into it.

I also enjoyed the message of the movie. Although, a lot of people in the box would think this is some "anti-church" since there was "nature worship" involved. Also, it might be a predictable storyline.


But, come on guys. We are evolving back to the olden ways. :) It was mystical... and enchanting. The land of the Na'vi's. It even made people get the "PAD" or post avatar depression. It did not depress me though.. it showed me a world the Earth can be.... if we respect it. :)

Neytiri: Our great mother Eywa does not take sides, Jake; only protects the balance of life.
Jake Sully: It was worth a shot.

Moat: It is decided. My daughter will teach you our ways. Learn well, "Jakesully", and we will see if your insanity can be cured.

Jake Sully: Well, if I'm like a child, then maybe you should teach me.
Neytiri: Sky People can not learn, you do not see.
Jake Sully: Then teach me how to see.
Neytiri: No one can teach you to see.

Avatar is one beautiful, revolutionary, innovative, extraordinary film that would leave you imagining the glow-in-the dark, nature-filled world. :)