Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
I was so excited to read The Scorch Trials after finishing The Maze Runner. I had such high hopes for this novel, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, The Scorch Trials is entertaining, and continues to hold mind blogging mysteries that keep you on your the tips of your toes. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pieces of the puzzle are being to ever so slowly fit together. But The Scorch Trials fails to truly reach its true potential. This novel needed a clear sense of direction throughout, and to expand on certain events and storylines. But instead Dashner drags out the mystery further, and puts all faith into the final book of the series, The Death Cure - which I believe will be much more fruitful.
If you haven't read the book yet - skip this review and come back when you have. Trust me you don't want to know anything at all going into this book. The best part about this series is it's mystery - don't spoil it for yourself! So time to talk spoilers ...
Adapted from the popular novel, The Maze Runner tells the story of Thomas - a boy with no memory of who he is. Thomas finds himself inside a maze with a community of teenage boys living harmoniously together. Everything begins to changes drastically however, when a girl enters the maze for the first time carrying a note that will change everything.
The Maze Runner was literally one of the most perfect novel to film adaptations I've seen in a long while. While being faithful to it's novel counterpart, this movie adds it's own flavour to the story that keeps you gripped to the screen throughout. It was entertaining and engaging from the very beginning. Told in a fast paced narrative that keeps you on your toes. Mirrors the suspense, mystery and confusion of the book. All and all, thrillingly entertaining. So excited to see what's in store in The Scorch Trials.
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HighlightsJust like the book, the mystery of the maze was utterly captivating on screen. This movie is exceptional loyal to it's novel counterpart. Just as in the book - this novel jumps straight into the universe, and is so captivating. The mystery behind Thomas and the Maze is almost too much. While it skips over several details, it stays faithful to its source material. It's jam packed, and entertaining. If you are looking for a mystery and thriller, this is your story. The cast carry this film exceptionally well. While Dylan O'Brien (Thomas) carries this story well as its protagonist, Thomas Brodie-Sangster who plays Newt really stood out the most. With his sense of wisdom and almost friendly charm, Thomas plays the character of Newt exceptionally well!
Something I loved about this movie was how they nailed the ending. It was on point and as jaw-dropping as the book! I don't know about you but I felt so exhilarated just watching it. Such a brilliant lead up to get you excited for The Scorch Trials!
Shortcomings
The Maze Runner relied a lot on it's action, which I found interfered with some of the plot lines and character development. In the film, we never really got to know the boys all that well. I wanted to get more of a sense of Alby and Gally's character. relationship development between characters. I wish we could have seen more of a bond form between Chuck and Thomas. I always imagined Thomas to be like an older brother to Chuck in the novel - and I really didn't get that sense. Their entirely brotherly bond was cut from the screen.
Something that I don't quiet understand is how they'll continue the rest of this series since they've removed a key point in Teresa and Thomas's relationship. How will they manage to continue this series without it? I guess we'll find out pretty soon though - since The Scorch Trials is released in September!
Conclusion
The Maze Runner was an enjoyable adventure, with promise of more action and suspense yet to come. Like it's novel counterpart, it is full of mystery and suspense to keep you on the edge of your toes. An enjoyable movie for all dystopian and young adult fiction lovers.
So what do you think of The Maze Runner? Let me know in the comments below!
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The Nine Lives of Chloe King tells the story of a young girl Chloe, whose mythological heritage is awakened on her 16th birthday. She is the uniter of the Mai, a species from ancient Eygpt - who are basically super human with cat-like reflexes. Her powers make her a target against human supernatural hunters, who have an ever-long-lasting fued with the Mai.
Though this series started off a little rocky, it was entertaining and fun to watch. Between the action of Mai universe and the family-friendship dynamics in the show, there was always something to keep you entertained. The Nine Lives of Chloe King really had the potential to grow as series. There were so many intriguing story lines to develop, between exploring the mysterious of the Mai, other mythological creatures, and their feud with supernatural bounty hunters. Unfortunately just as the show finally found it's footing, it was cancelled before all those beautiful plot lines could reach their full potential, and come to their final conclusions.
Heads up - if you don't want to get spoiled, skip to the conclusion! I can't contain my feelings for this story!
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Highlights
What I loved about the series the most was the whole mythology between the Mai and humans - not to mention Jackals too! I was amazed how unique the whole concept was - seeing as we have vampire and werewolf story-lines running from left, right and centre these days. Out of all the characters on the show, Skyler Samuels - who played Chloe - stood out to me the most. Her acting felt natural and very quirky. She was a pleasure to watch as the show continued, which makes me so excited to see her performance in The DUFF!
My favourite moment of season one was that amazing cliffhanger! It literally set up future storylines, and gave this sneak peak at where the series could go - like exploring Zane's gurdge against the Mai even though he is Mai himself. Oh and the fact that Alek is his brother - who he might even try to kill! What truly happened to Chloe's father since Brian's grandmother was impersonating him? What was going to happen to Chloe's mother, since Brian's dad has her? If Brian survived - who would he side with? His dad or Chloe? Did his mother die at the hands of his grandma? As you can see so many questions! Oh, it's so sad knowing that they'll never be answered on the big screen.
Shortcomings
The two main flaws that I found with this series were to do with the script and casting. I found Benjamin Stone didn't hold the exact charm and charisma that the character of Alek needed. While charming on the surf, he wasn't really able to pull of that snarky, cocky but endearing attitude. I hate to say it, but he felt pretty wooden. One-dimensional. I wanted more emotion, more feeling from him! As for Brian (played by Grey Damon) - I wish he'd been been given more quality, than just his 'nice' guy role. I actually cared more about Xavier - who was only in the pilot episode - than Brian.
As for the scripting, there were times I found dialogue to be so artificial. I wish the dialogue had felt more natural, something you would hear in everyday conversation rather than scripted. Sometimes in the show dialogue felt pretty out of place, and kind of disconnected me from the story. I wonder if this may be why the series fell a little short in the first place.
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Conclusion
All in all, The Nine Lives of Chloe King was a show with promise, which held intrigue and depth. Despite it's shortcomings, this show had potential to grow into a pretty awesome show, expanding on the Mai universe and it's origins. Unfortunately it was cancelled before everything could come to fruition.
Seen The Nine Lives of Chloe King? What did you think of the series? Let me know!
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Big Hero 6 tells the story of Hiro Hamada - a 14 year old robotics genius - who with the help of his friends, attempts to battle an evil villain roaming the streets of San Fransokyo.
If you don't want to be spoiled, I suggest skipping to the end of the post, because I can not contain myself. For reals.
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Highlights
Every single character held their ground in this film, and were just so hilarious. I loved every single one of them! I loved Hiro's childlike essence so full of check, and the fact that he could also be so endearingly vulnerable. Honey Lemon was so quirky and screamed scientific brilliance, breaking all the stereotypes of cheerleader blondes. Go-go was a walking swagger machine owning everything in her path, which was utter awesomeness. Wasabi was the pure embodiment of cool, and Fred was that fanboy always high on life. Oh gosh, can we just talk about Tadashi for a moment. He was literally the heart and soul of everything. So much purity and goodness!
Jesus, I'll confess I cried three times during this film, because of all the emotions caused by Tadashi. I don't think I've ever been that emotional in a cinema hall - nope. I love the way this movie dealt with grief. The way Hiro became so consumed in his grief and loss over Tadashi - who was everything to him. A brother and a mentor. It was just so emotional! And yet this movie was also so full of life and energy. Baymax was more than Hiro's loyal friend - his best friend. He was the perfect reincarnation of Tadashi - that spoke to Hiro in his most urgent time of need. He became the source of good that helped Hiro move on. Man, if I didn't already have enough reasons to love Baymax. Seriously, where can I get a squish-able marshmallow like him?
Shortcomings
My only flaw with this film was that it wasn't longer. I wanted more. More time to divulge into the story, more time to learn about each character's backstory, and get more invested into the story. I wish we saw more of Tadashi's character. I was so not ready to lose him. It was way too soon. In all fairness, with the amount of characters and action going on - the timing of his death could not be helped. One of my friends who saw the film with me actually said to me maybe this story might work better as a series - which would be amazing! In the beginning every episode could be an origin story for each character. They'd be more time to explore more and expand on events. And who knows, it might even be a possibility since this movie is out in the universe now!
Funny enough for a long while, I thought the masked villain was actually Tadashi. That somehow he'd lost his memory, and was employed by an evil genius to carry out his evil plan. That would have been one hell of a plot twist. Even though I'm glad that this movie still had the shock factor for me, I wished this was true! I just selfishly wanted more time with Tadahsi, and this would have been such an interesting storyline. I can imagine Hiro and his friends trying to help Tadashi, who stubbornly refuses. But then as he regains his memory, he risks his life again to save them all and the city, - turning back into the amazing character we all know him to be. I get chills just thinking about it!
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ConclusionBig Hero 6 is a wonderful adventure that'll leave you sobbing, laughing and sat in awe at the edge of your seat. One of the best animated films I've seen in a very long time. Well worth the watch. You won't regret it - at all.
So what are your thoughts on Big Hero 6?
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Into The Woods - © Disney Enterprises |
This wonderful musical indulges and defies the cliches of all the classic fairy-tales we know and love. Every story is enchanting, and every single character helps to make this movie spectacularly amazing! With songs at every turn, Into The Woods seamlessly leaves you breathless and entranced throughout with clever twists throughout. If you have not seen it yet, I urge you to go and see it, because it is so awesome, ever so entertaining and utterly captivating! Into The Woods by far is one of my favourite films of 2015 so far. Now time to talk spoilers ....
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Highlights
I don't think I can put truly in words how much I loved and adsorbed this movie. Everything about Into The Woods was so visually stunning. The cinematography was so on point - supporting the brisk fast paced nature of film, helping to aid the storyline along and capture every movement and moment of the movie, putting spotlight on each character when their turn came. The acting in this film was superb! Every single cast member executed the role they had to play brilliant, which helped to shape and define the universe of Into The Woods. Lilla Crawford who played Little Red Riding Hood was absolutely spectacular! She carried herself with such grace and childlike innocence, it was such a pleasure to watch. Anna Kendrick nailed her vocal performances, which blew me away - period. The biggest surprise of all though for me was James Corden, who carried the weight of this film as the most wonderful narrator. Who even knew he could sing! I was just amazed by the amount of talent in this film truly.
My favourite defining moments of Into The Woods was that ultimate twist, which stole my breath away! The giant earthquake was almost like the ripple that broke the picture perfect fairy-tale everyone was living in. It broke all conventions, taking a very different direction from the norm. It was almost like two movies in one. The happy ever after ... then the grim reality. Just so awesome.
I was a little sad to see that Rapunzel and her prince had truly little time to really shine on screen. I wish they had included more for them. I wished that we could see Rapunzel finally reunite with her brother.
My only other flaw with this musical is the way the witch's death was portrayed when she sings the Last Midnight. I couldn't quiet decipher what she was saying exactly in hysterics, and neither could my friend beside me. Then she started throwing around beans - which I assumed was punishment for the other characters for not turning Jack in to the lady giant - and then the witch transforms into tar. Seriously, what was that?! It was only until I goggled the lyrics when I got home, realising what she was saying. In that moment I believe the music drowned out Meryl Streep's voice - making it an audio issue. But with all considered, it's such a small detail.
Conclusion ...My only other flaw with this musical is the way the witch's death was portrayed when she sings the Last Midnight. I couldn't quiet decipher what she was saying exactly in hysterics, and neither could my friend beside me. Then she started throwing around beans - which I assumed was punishment for the other characters for not turning Jack in to the lady giant - and then the witch transforms into tar. Seriously, what was that?! It was only until I goggled the lyrics when I got home, realising what she was saying. In that moment I believe the music drowned out Meryl Streep's voice - making it an audio issue. But with all considered, it's such a small detail.
Into The Woods was such a spectacular story that every fairy-tale fan can appreciate. While telling its own unique spin, it entertains thoroughly and captivates you from the very beginning. Well worth the watch. You'll be replaying its soundtrack long after the credits end!
So what did you think of Into the Woods? Did it meet your expectations?
Set in 1986, Eleanor and Park tells the story of two misfit teenagers, who find themselves falling in love with mix tapes, comic books and each other. As you may remember, I listed Eleanor and Park as one of my TBR books in Autumn - literally forever ago. I finally got round to finishing it after all this time. Yay me - getting through my TBR pile!
In this novel, Rainbow Rowell truly captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager, awkwardly fumbling through life and its struggles. One of the things I liked about this book is that it isn't a polished version of reality. It discusses the hardships that both Eleanor and Park face in their everyday lives - without sugar-coating it. It's a story about personal struggles and what its like to fall in love for the first time, that readers of all ages can appreciate. Don't be fooled by it's synopsis either, this novel is not just about romance. That is literally just the surface of this book. I did have one main issue with this book - which I'll discuss down below in the spoilers ...
In this novel, Rainbow Rowell truly captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager, awkwardly fumbling through life and its struggles. One of the things I liked about this book is that it isn't a polished version of reality. It discusses the hardships that both Eleanor and Park face in their everyday lives - without sugar-coating it. It's a story about personal struggles and what its like to fall in love for the first time, that readers of all ages can appreciate. Don't be fooled by it's synopsis either, this novel is not just about romance. That is literally just the surface of this book. I did have one main issue with this book - which I'll discuss down below in the spoilers ...
Delirium is set in a futuristic world, where love is classified as a disease. Teenagers - at the tender age of 18 - are set to receive the cute that will forever rid them of love. From there, they will live out their lives planned by the government in so-called-contentment, away from the dangers of love and impulse. Things seem to be going according to plan for young Lena - who can not wait to get the Cure -, until she falls in love weeks before her appending due date.
When Fox announced that it would be adapting Delirium to television, I was slightly sceptical, nervous but excited. I loved Delirium. The story was incredibly well written and executed, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I hoped that the producers would do it justice! The feeling of apprehension I had surrounding the adaptation continued on as the casting for the series was announced. But I kept hope. As long as the core principles of the story were kept, I didn't mind. In the end all that anticipation was left to waste, as the pilot was not picked up. As a fan of the series, I would have at least loved an opportunity to see the final cut! But now, after finally viewing the unaired pilot, it is so clear to see why this series did not get picked up after all. Despite the amount of potential within the pilot, there were many pitfalls that brought its downfall, including ...
The DUFF - Watch the trailer here. |
Thoughts
I have very mixed feelings about this trailer. On the one hand, I understand why CBS decided to turn it down the sexual tension a notch. It makes sense - the novel was slightly riskay afterall. But to change the entire premise of the story is something else entirely. The DUFF was never about 'reinvention', but learning to accept and love the quirks and qualities that made you unique - your individuality. The good and the bad. There is so much more to Wesley and Bianca than just their labels on the social ladder, and this trailer doesn't really showcase that. If I hadn't read the book, I would pass this story off as a typical high school cliché story, which it is far from.
In the novel, Bianca never sets out to change herself and learns to accept herself for who she truly is. That's part of the reason why her her character is so iconic, and why I'm concerned for this adaptation. In this trailer there is also no mention of Bianca and Wesley - other personal dramas involving their family, which is something I hope has been omitted from the trailer - not the actual movie itself. Based on this trailer alone, it feels as though Hollywood has decided to take this story and tried to turn it into - or at least advertise it as - this generation's She's All That. That being said, this is a first look trailer. There may be so much more than we haven't been shown. Maybe this is all a marketing tactic to gain some further interest in the story. The thought of that alone, leaves me feeling pretty optimistic.
Highlights
Despite some major changes to the plot, I still feel like this story holds potential. It's possible that the themes and events that take place in the novel, may be explored on camera - just without so much sexual tension. That is my greatest hope for this film.
I absolutely love the quirky nature of this trailer. Mae Whitman nails that quirky, quick witted yet humble persona that Bianca holds. It's hard to say anything more about the other characters since the trailer solely focuses on Wesley and Bianca - but here's to hoping that they stay true their novel counterparts, (and are more than just the typical high school type-casts). As long as the stories core principles and issues are stuck to in this adaptation, I'll be a happy bunny, and so thoroughly entertained. But anything otherwise oh ho ho - CBS, you will have disappointed me big time ...
What are your thoughts on The DUFF? Have you read the novel? I'd love to hear more about what you think ^_^
From it's original synopsis, I was expecting The Raven Boys to be a paranormal romance about a girl named Blue and her forbidden true love with a boy, who would die from her kiss. But that is not what this story is about. The Raven Boys is about how Blue's life gets turned upside down when she meets the infamous Raven Boys, who are on an adventure of their own.
I decided to pick this book up after a recommendation from a friend. I've heard some pretty incredible reviews of things from the online book community, so I decided to see what the fuss was all about. For majority of the novel, I found myself rather de-attached from the story. But once I reached the turning point of the novel half way through, I found myself feeling drawn into the mystery and suspense of the story. While The Raven Boys has some enjoyable moments, - I'm sorry to say fans of the book - I found myself far from impressed with it. This book did not live up to its hype at all, and was overall pretty disappointing.
I decided to pick this book up after a recommendation from a friend. I've heard some pretty incredible reviews of things from the online book community, so I decided to see what the fuss was all about. For majority of the novel, I found myself rather de-attached from the story. But once I reached the turning point of the novel half way through, I found myself feeling drawn into the mystery and suspense of the story. While The Raven Boys has some enjoyable moments, - I'm sorry to say fans of the book - I found myself far from impressed with it. This book did not live up to its hype at all, and was overall pretty disappointing.
The Fault In Our Stars tells the story of two cancer survivors Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace, who fall in love for the first time. I'll confess - I was pretty nervous about seeing this movie adaptation. Not because I had no faith in the director Josh Boone - as I loved his previous movie Stuck In Love -, but because I know the story. I was so desperate to see it, and yet reluctant to have my fangirl heart ripped to a million pieces of feels. But it was well worth it. This adaptation was not only faithful to the story, but it provided an added depth that I was really not expecting. It was a touching tale that perfectly encapsulated the characters of Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace.
For all of you who haven't seen this film, you seriously must! This is a story that needs to be told and shared. It perfectly shows that these teenagers are not just cancer patients. They are just not defined by their condition – but their heart and soul. If you take anything away from this story, that should be it!
Spoilers under the cut. Beware. |
Thanks to some unknown individuals for leaking content before producers, we finally have ourselves - after months of waiting - the trailer for 'The Fault In Our Stars'! It's crazy how fast we've reached this point. Almost half a year ago. all we had was a film in the works, accompanied by John Green's enthusiastic vlogs and our bent-back paperback copies, to tie us through the long anticipated adaptation. But now, we have footage of the story that touched our hearts.
This trailer was a beautiful collection of moments that - as a fan of book - I find to be the perfect summary of emotions felt when reading this book. It includes, that hopeful beginning of a love story between two teenagers who've battled their way through cancer, the development of their relationship through the aftermath of their struggles, and those beautiful moments of recollection and heartbreak that befalls these characters. The most heartbreaking moment of the trailer is towards the end when the words 'Okay', and 'Okay' are muttered between the pair of lovers.
I do however, have to admit I have my reservations for Shailene's portrayal of Hazel Grace. I'm not sure what it is exactly that makes me feel this way. I imagined Hazel to be more reversed towards the beginning of the story, to grow as her relationship with Augustus develops, which isn't evident in the trailer. But ... this is a trailer. It is important for producers not to give too much away at this stage as it is only the first glimpse. Maybe seeing more footage of Shailene as Hazel might help. It's definitely a detail that I can put on the side, but I hope she can manage to pull it off. This story is so beautifully constructed on paper, and I only hope that it's movie companion will execute this tale to the best it can be. I also have to admit I was slightly disappointed, when seeing the place where Augustus and Hazel have their dinning date. I imagined it to be a more culturally vibrant restaurant, with an artistic atmosphere or flair to the area, (paintings on the wall, themed atmosphere inside maybe), almost like a quirky restaurant with edge, rather than a upper class restaurant that had a monotonous feel to it. But that is a pretty superficial detail that I am sure I can ignore. What a beautiful first look into the world 'The Fault In Our Stars'. I can not wait to see more!
What do you all think of 'The Fault In Our Stars' trailer? How does it compare to the book if you've read it? Or how do you find the story if you haven't?
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