Movie Review: Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2

I tried to look up a sypnosis for this movie, I'm not sure if there actually is one. Anyway, those who have seen the first movie or any of the trailers will probably no what it is about, or not, because most of the trailer just feature the awesome minions! The movie is about Gru this time trying to save the world, of course together with his minions.

The movie was in 3D and honestly I'm not that big of a fan of 3D but with animation movies it usually works. It definately worked for this movie as well. I saw the first one in 3D as well and it just as much worked for this one.

When me and two friends arrived at the cinema, we noticed we were a little older than the average age of visitors, ah well. We actually went as a last minute decision on our first day of holidays (the two friends I went with had their last exam two hours earlier) and it was a good call.

We laughed: A LOT. It was funny to see how some parts that are featured in so many commercials were actually there (like from commercials for Chiquita Bananas). I have a feeling this is not going to be a very extensive review, because all I want to say about this are: MINIONS. They are just awesome and are the very core of the movie, no matter that the kids of Gru are really cute too.

The part where we maybe laughed the loudest was the credits, weird huh? There you have these three minions "auditioning" for the movie, just all minion awesomeness in a few minutes.

Book Review #18: The Magicians' Guild

"We should expect this young woman to be more powerful than our average novice, possibly even more powerful than the average magician."

This year, like every other, the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city of undesirables. Cloaked in the protection of their sorcery, they move with no fear of the vagrants and miscreants who despise them and their work—until one enraged girl, barely more than a child, hurls a stone at the hated invaders... and effortlessly penetrates their magical shield.
What the Magicians' Guild has long dreaded has finally come to pass. There is someone outside their ranks who possesses a raw power beyond imagining, an untrained mage who must be found and schooled before she destroys herself and her city with a force she cannot yet control.

The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan is the first book in "The Black Magician Triology". However, there is a prequel to it, which is basically a history book. That book, The Magician's Apprentice, I reviewed last year here. As for The Magicians Guild, I would give it 4/5 Stars.

Book Review #17: Swimming Through Clouds

I live in the in between. Between what if and what is. It’s how I manage. It’s the only way I know. Everyone has their way. This is mine.

When high school, cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagan persuades Talia to peel back her heart, slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain—an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together. 4/5 Stars 

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby

“The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles. 

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, like at all. I don't know what it is, but his acting has never been that phenomenal to me. However, his acting in his most recent movies was more appealing to me and since I really wanted to see 'The Great Gatsby' I decided to see it in cinema anyway, despite of the main role for Leonardo. And I was more than glad that I saw it in the cinema.

Book Review #16: The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet

I'm behind a little on reviews, but here's one at least again! This time The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill.

Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.
In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.
But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

Book Review #15: Glass Girl

When Meg Kavanagh finds herself in the unthinkable role of grieving sister, she discovers some harsh truths—parents aren’t perfect, life’s not always sweet, and the dead don’t write back. Worried she might have caused Wyatt’s death, Meg folds her heart into a box. Her famous mom grieves by slowly disappearing, and her dad copes by moving them to a small town in Wyoming.
What she finds in Wyoming blindsides her.
His name is Henry, and he’s a rancher’s son who pulls Meg into his larger-than-life world and shows her that being sensitive is not an excuse to sit this one out. Meg wants to be brave like Henry because the best things in life—like falling in love and finding mercy—require uncommon courage. And Henry has a secret that changes everything.

 Second book that I review regarding Playlist Fiction. The first one was It's Complicated by Laura L. Smith, now moving on to Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk. If the blurb of the book sounded interesting to you, make sure to check it out, because it is gorgeously written. 5/5 stars

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Book Review #14: It's Complicated

There’s a reason Facebook has the relationship status, “It’s Complicated.” Follow four college roommates, Claire, Palmer, Hannah and Kat as they maneuver crushes, confusion, and the crisis when pushy boys go too far. Complicated as it is, these four friends will pull through, guided by the strength of their friendship and the power of God’s love. 

For fans of… The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series
Damaged by Melody Carlson
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

The first book to review from Playlist Fiction. It's complicated is a story about love, crisis in life and best friends forever. 3.5 out of 5 stars. NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Movie Review: The Host

When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.

I went into the movie without too much expectations, as besides one trailer and a few photos I hadn't seen much else. I had read the book though, but since it has been a fair amount of years back since I've read it, I couldn't exactly remember anymore what was about to happen, though I knew how the rough storyline was. And that might have been good thing. REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK.

Book Review #13: Angel Eyes

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore 

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake. Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption. Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore has been a book that has been on my to-be-read list for quite a while and finally managed to gotten around to read it. Rating wise I would give it 3***. Let me explain why.

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect

Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.

Book Review #12: Medusa, A love story

It's said love can change a person. Medusa wasn't always a monster...

Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.

Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her.

Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.  

For everyone who love the Greek myths: Make sure to read on, it will get you hooked! (And the review is spoiler-free)

Movie Review: Angels Crest

Angels Crest is a community at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, where local news is rarely interesting and nearly everyone knows one another. Ethan is a young man in his early twenties who was once involved with Cindy; it's common knowledge that Cindy has a serious drinking problem, and the responsibility of looking after their three-year-old son usually falls to Ethan. While out on a fishing trip on a snowy day, Ethan leaves the boy alone in his car for a few minutes; when Ethan returns, his son has somehow gotten away.

Movie Review: Les Misérables

 

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

Book Review #11: Perigee Moon

After the tragic death of her mother, 17 year old Rowan Bliss moves to Massachusetts to live with her grandparents, hoping to start over. Once there she meets Alex, a mysterious witch who’s keeping more than a few dangerous secrets. And that’s not the worst of it – Alex is destined to die. Rowan will do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening, which means she’ll have to discover the truth about her past and open herself up to the power she has within. But is it even possible to fight fate…and win?

Book Review #10: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family"s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

I don't really know why I haven't reviewed this book yet as I finished it almost two months ago and absolutely adored it to pieces. Anyway, here we go.

The fact that this book takes place in Renaissance Italy and then actually Firenze (Florence) of all cities is an absolutely plus already. I adore Italy and definately the "old Italy" does it very well with me in books. Especially these kind of books where you find those old historical elements, but still in an easy to read book.

The book is an easy read that shows a lot of elements on both the 21st century and the Renaissance Italy. The combination of it is just absolutely great as you become so aware of so many elements of this century that make absolutely no sense back then. Especially the way of talking is used in an amazingly good way.

Besides the fact it is a nice Romantic YA book, it also has a breath taking ending. You could see some of it coming, let's say about the last chapter some things are logical from the beginning of the book, but then that last little line of the book...Well, it definately makes you craving for the second book 'A tale of Two Centuries' which unfortnately doesn't come out until August 2013. I have to say, I at least cannot wait.

Movie review: What to expect whe you're expecting

A look at love through the eyes of five interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn't always deliver what's expected. 5/5 Stars

Book Review #9: 50 Shades of Grey

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

Let me first state, I know that there are a lot of different opinions on this book out there, and I would love to hear everyone's point of view, but please keep it nice in the comments, cause I know this book can euhm create some big arguments.

I would rate the book 3.5 out of 5 I think (rounded of to 4 then). The beginning of the book was alright, up until about the first 100 pages you get some insight into Ana's life and how she is perceiving Christian from a distance and him slowly becoming part of her life. The further the story progresses, the more you get an insight into Christian's life when Ana starts to unraffle all of his secrets - yes those secrets the book is famous for, but also more taunting secrets of his past.


Sure, some of the scenes in the book I really wanted to read through fairly quickly (not all of them are that bad though), hence not giving it 5/5 stars. But the reasoning behind why Christian is like this - as far as you get to know in the first book - is really interesting and it gives the book an extra dimension. Last side note, the grammar in the book is quite bad for a published book, but I tried to ignore and that actually worked out alright, it didn't bother me all too much.


I'm going to read the second book and most likely the third book as well, but other books will have priority definately. Any of you who read the book, wants to read the book or would never ever read it? Let me know in the comments!

A must see for everyone: Ben Hur

Ben Hur is a gut-wrenching, action-packed drama about the struggle between the Roman Empire and its occupied territory, Judaea. Two lifelong friends, Ben Hur and Messala, are caught in an awful moment of history that puts them on opposite sides of a war for Judaea’s national identity - and tests their characters to the maximum.

Those who know me a little and recognize him from the DVD cover above, will know why I initially have watched Ben Hur, but believe me there is more to it.

I watched the Mini Serie of Ben Hur somewhere during my internship in London last year, after Annelie recommended it to me. And recently I've watched it again. Like I said, the first reason for me to watch, was that the lead role is for Joseph Morgan and as a fan of his acting I was curious to see it. I have to admit, Joseph did an amazing job in playing Judah Ben Hur. He played out the passion, loss, pain, revange, love, the many emotions that come by in a very touching way. Further also a lot of praise for Emily VanCamp and Ray Winstone in particular, but for the other actors as well.

For those who might wonder if it is to cruel to watch, I thought it wasn't and I can't stand cruelty all too well. The scenes are there yes, but they are either screened in such a way that you don't actually see it or it isn't put out there in such a detail, however, still the cruelty of what was going on in the Roman Empire is still there. It didn't comprise on making it prettier than it was.

The only real minor point for me was the ending, I won't go into detail why that was dissapointing you will have to see it for yourself, but that was the only thing that didn't do it for me. Furthermore, beautiful and haunting story at the same time and portraited by amazing actors.

Did anyone of you see it before or is planning on seeing it some time?

Books of 2012

Happy New Year everyone! Most of you will know I'm a bit of a geek, so I couldn't go into 2013 without outlining the books I've read over the last year.

I've read 20 books over the last year (excluding boring school books) and that actually is quite a bit for me. Might not sound as that much for a bit of a nerd, but as I already read a lot for school, I do not always fancy reading a lot when I'm done with school work.

The 20 books I've read:
-5 books of the Mortal Intstruments serie of Cassandra Clare (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls) // A serie I could recommend to everyone who loves this kind of fantasy books, but I'm sure most of you have already read (part) of the series
-Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes // Lovely chick flick, bit predictable but nice nonetheless
-Wasteland by Lynn Rush // Review here
-Lenobia's Vow & Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast // Review here
-The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson // Review here
-Wither by Lauren Destefano // Review here
-Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini // Amazing book, nice elements of Greek mythology
-The magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan // Review here
-Inbetween by Tara Fuller // Review here
-Evermore, Blue Moon & Shadowland by Alyson Noel // Nice serie that I've started, but haven't finished yet due to other books I really wanted to read, but I'm curious to finish. First three books were promising
-The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling // Review here
-My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris // Lovely book about the 16th century Italy from the point of view from a girl of the 21st century, a nice book to swoon with

Any books amongst here that any of you read and loved or maybe absolutely disliked? Books that you've read and are missing in my list, let me know in the comments! And once again, Happy New Year!

Book Review #8: The Casual Vacancy

When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils ... Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Without knowing exactly what the book was about, I was really excited to start reading it. Why? Because it is written by J.K. Rowling and her writing of the Harry Potter books has been flawless. I was aware beforehand that it was an adult book so it would be totally different from what I've read before (from her, but also quite in general).

The beginning of the book inroduces you to so many different characters, that my head spinned a little. It was hard to remember who was family of whom again and which story belonged to which character. Some of the stories stood out to me from the beginning, others seemed to be less intresting. It went on like this for quite a while and I started to loose my intrest for a little. Not because of her writing, because the descriptions were great, but I started to doubt if it the book maybe just wasn't my cup of tea.

I read on anyway, and I'm really glad I did. About halfway through the book the story really started to develop and I was sucked into the world of this tiny town that hid so many different stories of which you are quite aware, actually happen in the world.

By the end of the book I was a brawling kid, and wished the book hadn't finished here. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars, that one single star missing because it took me so long to get sucked into the book. Nonetheless, I would say give it a try, it is really good once you are captivated by it!