I totally paused!

I really want to live in the March house. First, it sounds fantastic…but then there are secret passages and all kinds of exciting things! So minus the no heating issue, I want to live there.

I didn’t like this book quite as well as the first one, but it was still pretty good. I love the idea of it all, being snowed in at a house where a murder was committed! Or I guess I romanticize the idea, in reality I would likely not want to be in that situation.

You could say I’m impatient, because after nearly 200 pages no one was dead yet and I wondered what on earth! It built the tension up reasonably well, since I knew someone was going to end up murdered before the book was over, but it was frustrating to wait!

Although I personally was a little disappointed about the murderer, I did like the other twists the plot took. However, I never felt in this situation that Julia was in any danger. I loved in the first book that she just stumbled into all kinds of trouble. I never once worried for her safety in this one, so that took a little bit of the fun out of it.

Like many other people, I am eagerly awaiting the third book due out in March. I will likely run right out and buy it because I want to know what happens next! I’m such a sucker for the next bit of a story.

Read this book if: You liked the first one. This one is nearly as good, and definitely worth the read. I basically have the same recommendations for this one as the first!

Tags: reading

Starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks

A second title for this movie could have been something along the lines of “Another affirmation on how I don’t like Kevin Smith films”.  Just sayin - he’s not generally my kind of thing.  In fact, I have no idea why I continue to subject myself to these movies that I know are not really going to be on my favorites list.  That’s what happens when you decide to go to the movies with your friends, I guess.

I didn’t hate it, it had it’s funny moments.  However, the friends I went with definitely thought it was funnier than I did.  Picture it as like a romantic comedy, without really the romance and instead a lot of dirty words and nakedness.  And again, to me, Seth Rogen is not this hot guy that I want to fantasize about in movies, so I’m kind of not into that.  Like why isn’t it Christian Bale in these roles!  I could totally buy into that!

People might disgree with me, but I think this is more of a guy movie.  I mean, I don’t get offended by the subject matter, I just don’t find it funny.  But then again, I have a shitty sense of humor and typical “funny” things aren’t really funny to me.  Give me About A Boy instead any day!

It is amusing, however, to see that it’s just that easy to make a porn, if I were ever interested.  I could totally find willing participants in my neighborhood or something!  Cept I don’t even want to watch movies about people needing money so making porn, so I can’t see myself actually making one.

And at least this makes me feel better about where I am when my 10 year high school reunion will come along.  Minus the whole I don’t think I’ll be going thing.

See this movie if: You like Kevin Smith.  Which means you’ve probably already seen it.  Probably also see it if you like Apatow & Co movies, cuz this is similar to those I think.  Don’t see it if your favorite movies are the same as mine, it’s prolly not your cup o’tea.

My Rating: 2.5/5

Six Degrees of Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
Seth Rogen was in Knocked Up with Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl was in Roswell with Jason Behr
Jason Behr was in one episode of Buffy, in the second season, I think it was called Lie To Me

Tags: entertainment

I don’t wish to sound like every other person who has read this book, but I positively adored it!  I found it to be beautifully written and I really couldn’t put it down.  I would have finished it much more quickly if I simply had more free time, I really loved it so much.  Sometimes you just can’t help but fall in love with something, despite it’s popularity.

Perhaps I am out of practice reading mysteries, but the ending was truly a surprise to me.  I didn’t feel like it was obvious in the least and I got so swept up in the entire story that I was a bit worried, like Nicholas, that it could possibly come from anywhere.

I really fell in love with all of the characters too, I felt as though I was right in their midst, witnessing all the events and participating in the story myself.  It’s hard to believe this was a debut novel, I feel like it’s rare to combine this gripping a tale and page turning with first time authors.

I’m reluctant to say much about the plot itself, because I truly wish for everyone to read this themselves and experience the joy it is without having anything given away.  I’d be hard pressed to think of many people who wouldn’t enjoy it, and I dare you to read the book and NOT get caught up in it!  And definitely don’t be afraid because of the length, it’s the fastest 500 pages you’ll read in quite awhile.

This book is probably the most satisfying of any I’ve read for the Historical Fiction Challenge.  Although this particular reading challenge ended a month ago, thus I am finishing late, I decided to continue reading on the theme and start this book after the deadline had passed.  I am thoroughly glad I did, and could not be more grateful for the good recommendations I received on this one.

Read this book if: You’re interested in murder mysteries, the Victorian period, or really almost anything.  I think the only people I wouldn’t recommend it to are avid readers of non-fiction, as there’s definitely a lot of fiction in the story.  I, for one, am going to continue to be a fan of this author.  In fact, I ran right out, just minutes after finishing this book, to buy the sequel!

Tags: reading

Today at work, two coworkers and I were waiting for a meeting to start, so to pass the time we started briefly discussing TV shows we watch.  I explained that most of what I watch is on premium channels, so with the exception of Smallville (and how it sucks), I don’t have much to comment on.

One coworker said he watches much of his TV online.  I probably sounded snobby because I mentioned that I have Tivo, bitches.  Minus the “bitches” part but it was totally in my head!  Anyway, coworker 1 says a lot of what he watches is on Fox’s website, and that he has seen previews for Dollhouse and is looking forward to seeing it.

Queue me saying “OMG SO AM I, for the last like, two years!”  Cuz ya, I’ve been waiting for this show ever since I heard one little inkling of it.

Coworker 1 continued on, post my outburst, and I of course interrupted because how could I pass up an opportunity to talk about the fabulous Joss Whedon?  Then I detail all the shows Joss has created and that Echo in Dollhouse will be played by Eliza Dushku who was Faith on Buffy…and, well, you get the idea.  In a nutshell, I think I embarrassed myself.

However, during my little Joss Whedon tirade, it became clear that no one in the room knew who Joss Whedon was!  And I then found myself mildly resenting that Coworker 1 was going to watch Dollhouse without really knowing anything about Joss, although he did acknowledge Firefly when I mentioned that.

So how exactly did I become a Joss Whedon snob?  I truly have no idea.  And really, I want as many people watching the show as possible.  Gotta get those ratings up to prevent an untimely and heartbreaking cancellation!

Basically, the moral of the story is: I will be disappointed if you watch Dollhouse and don’t know who Joss Whedon is, but PLEASE WATCH DOLLHOUSE!

Tags: dollhouse

I finally got caught up on Smallville and all I can say is *sigh*.  This show is just wasting time!  I am seriously not sure I would keep watching if Justin Hartley weren’t so hot.  Oh, and I am in love with Chloe so there’s that too.

Is it just me, or do y’all feel no chemistry whatsoever between Clark and Lois?  I mean, I never felt any between Clark and Lana either, but I just kind of accepted it because it was shoved down our throats from the start of the show.  It seriously does not feel like there’s anything between them, and this is mostly coming from Clark’s end.  Ugh.

Also, and I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this here before, but I’m just opposed in general to Lois being a part of this show.  Or, at least as early as she became a part of it.  I guess now I just have to accept it.  I totally didn’t buy the whole her getting choked up over Oliver almost dying, btw.  If they had followed up with it, then sure, but it’s like no mention since that episode - as usual.

And while we’re on the topic of Oliver, wtf is he doing?  I sure hope he’s playing some kind of “see what Tess is up to” game by sleeping with her.  Plus, why is Tess living at Luthor mansion?  I know she took over Luthor Corp, but why would she decide to live in Smallville in the mansion when the last time they talked travel time from Metropolis to Smallville, it was a 2 hour commute.  It just seems silly - she should have a flat somewhere in the city and just let the poor mansion get some sleep.

Tags: entertainment, smallville

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges

I purchased this movie for the boyfriend the day it came out on DVD, and we just now got around to watching it.  He’d already seen it, so it wasn’t a huge priority, but was mildly excited for me to see it.

I really like the idea of the whole Iron Man thing.  Just a smart dude, albeit some rich asshole, but someone who actually has skills.  My favorite superhero has always been Batman (well, minus the vampire slayer, duh) because Batman is just some guy who makes shit and kicks some ass.  I way prefer that over abilities like Superman or Spiderman.

I really liked that at the end, Tony Stark just flat out says “I am Iron Man”.  Granted, I’m not very into comic books and genuinely haven’t read any that doesn’t have something to do with Buffy, but it seems pretty rare for a superhero to admit outright that they are the person.  So I was greatly amused and pleased by this.

Also, I totally loved Robert Downey Jr., as usual.  Can this man do wrong?  Yeah, I am ignoring the whole drug habit thing in this comment.

So, with all that, I still felt like the movie had some flaws.  First, it was a little too actiony and not enough plot for me.  I also felt like the switch from good to bad in Jeff Bridges was super quick.  I say never trust your mentor in this situation anyway, but it still didn’t seem like it flowed quite right.

On the whole, I liked The Dark Knight better, but this wasn’t a bad movie and was fun to watch.  I didn’t feel like I needed to know anything at all about the comic books or characters to get the movie, which I like cuz I prefer to read instead of look at comic books when it comes down to it.

But, can I just ask, wtf is up with this double letter names?  Pepper Potts, Lana Lang, Lois Lane, Vicky Vale…can these poor ladies please get more?  Maybe this has some significance I don’t know about since again, I don’t read comic books, but I feel somehow like these characters are being cheated!  Or maybe I’ll name my next City of Heroes character something clever I can’t think of but has two names starting with the same letter.

See this movie if: Obvs if you like Iron Man, which you’ve probably seen it already so ignore me.  Otherwise, see it if you enjoy some fun superhero movie and want to see some stuff blowing up.  I mean, I’m not an action girl and I liked it, so it’s probably worth your time.

My Rating: 3.5/5 - yeah I liked it better than more serious movies I’ve seen recently, shut up!

Six Degrees of Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
Gwyneth Paltrow was in View From the Top with Marc Blucas
Marc Blucas was Riley Finn on BTVS

Tags: entertainment

Starring Janeane Garofalo, Ian Holm, and Peter O’Toole

One night last week, I sat down on the sofa with my boyfriend and we were discussing what to watch.  This movie came on and despite neither of us really having any interest in it, we watched it all the way through.  Which is undoubtedly the mark of a good movie.

Admittedly I’ve never been huge into Disney/Pixar films.  I didn’t watch a lot of cartoons as a child so my first exposure was when I had younger siblings obsessed with The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King.  This has led me to an adulthood of not actively avoiding this kind of stuff, but also not seeking it out.

So, with all that said, this is a cute movie and I did enjoy it.  I like the effort Pixar puts into making sure there is something more in the movies than just stuff for the kids.  Obviously you have to suspend your disbelief for a lot of it…rats controlling a guy by pulling his hair?  Please!

Also, a part of me could never quite get over the “ew” factor of the idea of rats touching my food.  Really, I don’t actually like the idea of other people touching my food, but I recognize that somewhere along the line, it is unavoidable so I have to accept that.

The movie made me laugh, and I always enjoy when something can give me a different perspective, even if it is a totally nonbelievable one.  I really liked the food critic guy, I think he was my favorite part and he barely came in at the end!

See this movie if: I can’t think of any reason not to see it, honestly.  It’s cute, fun, and worth owning if you have kids who will watch it over and over again.

My Rating: 3/5

Six Degrees of Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
James Remar is in Dexter with Julie Benz
Julie Benz was Darla on BTVS

Tags: entertainment

Starring Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell

I really really wanted to love this movie, or at least I thought I did based on the previews I saw months ago when it was first coming out.  As it stands, I have mixed feelings about the film and in this case, it kind of makes me wonder if I’m just not smart enough for this kind of movie or what exactly the deal is.

For me, the subject matter was kind of difficult to watch, and I think that contributed to my mixed feelings.  The performances were really good and I do like to see Kate Beckinsale coming out of this pretty girl thing and doing something more interesting.  Sam Rockwell was also fascinating to watch, although I don’t know if I will ever be able to look at him as not this goofy guy like he is in roles he played in the past.

It was difficult to see this little town so suddenly filled with tragedy, and in the meantime knowing that people have to get on with their lives.  As terrible as things may be, the world doesn’t stop and sometimes you just really want it to.  I would have liked to see more background as to what happened with Annie and Glenn, what led them to the place they were in and how religion plays a role in Glenn’s life.

I don’t really feel like I can write intelligently about the movie, nor do I think I can necessarily recommend it.  I’m not NOT recommending it, it’s just hard to find the right things to say.  I will admit that it was better than the other movie I’ve seen by this same director, All the Real Girls. Still, maybe David Gordan Green’s movies are simply not for me when it comes down to it.

Nonetheless, it’s still a pretty film and worth your time.  Just be prepared that it’s a little depressing.

See this movie if: You’re interested in something rather true to life.  It’s not the sort of thing you should see if you’re looking for escapist stuff, but instead if you want something more serious.

My Rating: 3/5

Six Degrees of Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
Kate Beckinsale was in The Aviator with John C. Reilly
John C. Reilly was in Boogie Nights with Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg was in Fear with Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was in Cruel Intentions with Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar was Buffy Summers

Tags: entertainment

Do you ever think “I really need to post a blog about x” and then forget until it’s too late.  And by too late I mean you’re tired and getting off the computer and going to work the next day.

That’s me today.  So expect my review of Ratatoille when I get to it.

In the meantime, be anxiously awaiting my review of Ratatoille and Sweet Valley Twins

Tags: reading

For the record, I’m like 3 weeks behind on the show already.  I just watched this episode on Tuesday, but still have 3 more waiting on my Tivo.

I really think that part of the reason I get so frustrated with this show is episodes like this one.  It’s great to see the Green Arrow’s origination story, but I kind of feel like this episode should have happened like 2 seasons ago.  Hopefully there will be some reason going forward, but I don’t think it’s important at all that Oliver and Tess knew each other in the past.  It seems like a desperate attempt to tie everything together for no reason.

This is the sort of episode that I feel did virtually nothing to forward the season.  The only important information we learned is how Chloe is being affected by what Brainiac did to her - and really, we already knew that.  When a show is in what’s likely to be its last season, they don’t have time for throwaway episodes like this.  There is a lot of shit that needs to be wrapped up, so I want to see nothing but plot furthering episodes!

I also have speculations about why Tess gave Oliver the information about Lionel being responsible for the death of the Queens.  At this point, this feels so useless.  Unless, of course, Lionel is coming back in some way - which I would love because I do adore Lionel Luthor.  And then if he comes back, Oliver will have this big internal struggle about what to do to get his revenge, even though it wouldn’t be the real Lionel cuz it would be a clone from Lex’s lab.

Tags: entertainment, smallville