Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

I am a huge fan of Greek Mythology. I am dazzled with the idea of multiple Gods, relatable human-like beings with extraordinary abilities and responsibilities. The Percy Jackson series is great because it's a fun way to engage a younger audience in the stories. I studied the myths in grade school and immediately fell in love with them. They all manage a different element and are responsible for what happens to them. Poseidon is God of the sea, Zeus is God of thunder and ruler of Mount Olympus, Athena Goddess of wisdom, Ares God of war, and so on.

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Just finished Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters. The cast was an impressive list of actors, and the disney and firefly references were awesome! Love it! And the twist at the end was worth waiting for. I hope they make another, and don't wait as long. Though I have a feeling this will be a stranded series like Eragon.


The Percy Jackson stories are about their offspring that live among us. The Gods and Goddesses have had romances and relationships with humans and in the process, have had demigod children. When they reach a certain age their gifts and abilities mature enough for them to attend a school that helps to train them, build strength, and familiarity with the magical world they are unacquainted with. In this film, we learn that Percy (modelled after Perseus) son of Poseidon, has a half brother. Tyson is a clumsy, optimistic cyclops, which means Poseidon fell victim to a nymph at one point. Tyson is a fun character, who knows more than we give him credit for. He is played by the young and handsome Douglas Smith.

At the beginning of this film we learn about some kids that tried to enter the camp in the forest, but one was slain at the entrance by a monster. This was a daughter of Zeus. In order to save her, Zeus transformed her into a pine tree that would guard their camp and create a force-field type boundary to protect them. Presently the kids find that their camp is no longer save. The tree has begun to die and they don't know what is causing it. They must find a way to save the tree. What they don't know is that by saving the tree, they also save the girl inside it.

I know this sounds like a childrens story, but the action, affects, and quests are enough to keep my interest. It is a lot of fun, something in it for everyone. This film is the second in the series, and only the tip of the iceberg. Since the first film, the challenges have matured slightly, with the quests and monsters becoming more dangerous and violent. These kids are excellent young actors. Stanley Tucci is our Dionysus in this film, God of Fertility and a wine connoisseur. This will keep him busy when he isn't filming The Hunger Games films!

Catching Fire - Hunger Games Series

I wish I had read the books ahead of time. These films are so well made, with exceptional actors, with a creative plot.

Catching Fire is the second installment of the Hunger Games series. In this, the rules change for the winners of the games. Instead of choosing a new tribute from each District, they will choose from the former winners. Katniss and Peeta as well as some of their mentors are now eligible to be in the games once again. President Snow is determined to ruin Katniss, and thus changes the rules this year. He has a new confidant in Plutarch Heavensbee, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, who seems to encourage President Snows decision. Thrown back into the games, Katniss and Peeta know what needs to be done in order to survive.

There isn't too much else I can say about this film. It is beautiful, heart breaking, heartwarming, and truly worth the money to see. New characters, new challenges, new enemies. These films will have you on the edge of your seat every time, and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss is all too convincing as a leader who will sacrifice herself to protect what she loves.

Bring tissues for this one kids.

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages is a film adaptation of the musical on Broadway. I'm across the country so seeing the play live is much too expensive. When I heard Tom Cruise was singing and was playing a rocker, my curiosity was peaked, to say the least!

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I finally just watched Rock of Ages for the first time. WOW. I really loved all of the cameos! I caught all of them the first time around! But I have to say, I'm liking this bizarre turn in Tom Cruise's career! From Tropic Thunder to Rock of Ages, fantastic! The "Rock You Like a Hurricane" number in the film was my favorite! I didn't like that Julianne Hough sounded like Britney Spears through most of her singing....that got old fast. Great to see Constantine Maroulis, Nuno Bettencourt, Debbie Gibson, and Sebastian Bach making appearances! Given it's now 2 am and I'm feeling great, I'd say it was worth it to stay up late and watch it!

This film was off to a great start! The classic rock of the 1980's is one of my favorite genres. Some of the greatest bands, powerful voices, and artists came from this era. Bon Jovi is still around today, as well as KISS, Journey, and Def Leppard. Even some grungy bands like Guns N Roses lasted the test of time. I still hear their music now and it still gets the crowd amped. 

The film begins with a small town Oklahoma girl, Sherrie, who takes a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles with dreams of success as a singer. This is what LA is known for, and the idea is cliche. Upon arrival she learns the harsh city is quite dangerous, and bumps into an aspiring rock singer, Drew, who works at a bar known for the famous bands that perform there. He gets her a job there and they begin a romance. Sherrie is played by Julianne Hough, who sounds a bit like Britney spears through most of the film. And Drew is played by Diego Boneta. I have to mention Tom Cruise at this point. He plays a famous rocker by the name of Stacee Jaxx. He is a cross between Axl Rose and Bret Michaels of Poison. He is extremely eccentric, and stereotypical, which is what makes this character particularly funny. Tom Cruise did his own singing in this, which is impressive, although his voice is manipulated slightly to sound more like Axl Rose. He needed to sound more like an 80s, raspy, falsetto hitting singer. He really stole the show for me. There is a point in the film when Stacee has hit rock bottom in his personal life, and goes to a strip club to prove he hasn't lost anything. Sherrie is currently working there to make ends meet after her romance with Drew fell apart. She has to dance for Stacee, and he is paying a lot for it. Given his reputation Sherrie attempts to be strong, give him what he wants, and be able to walk away after. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" is the song they duet while dancing in the private lounge. It is beautifully executed, the vocals were impressive, and Tom danced very well. Julianne is a professional dancer we know from Dancing With The Stars, so seeing her moves were expected. Tom kept up with her very well! At the moment of climax and the song is over, they are in a position to either physically give in or get out. They both realize this isn't what they want. 

The romance between Sherrie and Drew fizzles out halfway through the film, and after seeing Stacee Jaxx we no longer care about the romance. The relationship between Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin as bar and venue owners turned romance lacks in purpose and chemistry. It doesn't seem necessary to involve them when there is enough going on with everyone else. Then again, this would all be better placed on a stage instead of a film screen. All musicals and plays are condensed for the screen. 

Watch this film, you'll be rocking out the whole time!

Be sure to look out for Mary J. Blige, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brian Cranston, and Paul Giamatti. 

Disney's BRAVE

After moving back to Northern California, I watched one new movie a day to try and relax. BRAVE is one the films I watched having never seen it before.

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Finally just saw BRAVE. It really touched me. It reminded me of the relationship I have with my mother. We come from two different perspectives and don't always agree, but we come around in the end. Also, I noticed a couple of voices were VERY familiar! My love, Craig Ferguson, was a Macintosh! I'd know that voice anywhere!! Billy Connolly, another favorite, Emma Thompson and Julie Walters. What surprised me were the other major actors I didn't recognize such as Robbie Coltrane and Kelly Macdonald. Kelly I know from No Country For Old Men. Wow. And I now see why the film won the Oscars. One word. TEXTURE. That's a new pixar feature; is excellent, realistic textures on trees, rocks, water, and hair! Overall a great film. Anything involving the love for your mother to the brutality of animals will hit you in the heart like an arrow! Ha!

BRAVE is a great story about tradition, responsibility, and honesty. Merida, a stubborn, free spirited Princess in Scotland, is next to find a husband and get married. Merida isn't keen on an arranged marriage and isn't ready to give up her freedom just yet. She enjoys riding horses, practicing with her bow and arrow, and enjoying her own adventures. Desperate to change her mother, Queen Elinor's forceful push on marriage, propriety, and tradition, Merida comes across a witch in the forest. She innocently requests that whatever magic she leaves with, will only manipulate her mothers opinion of marriage. The witch is by no means a villain. She is a business woman, who doesn't seek to ruin lives. She fulfills the request by concocting a cake for the Queen to eat. It is only explained that once she eats the cake, she won't be pushing for marriage anymore. Merida runs home, excited to finally get her freedom back, gives her mother the cake. Queen Elinor takes one bite, and begins to feel sick. Merida keeps pressing her about marriage and at this point can barely speak. Merida tucks her mother into bed, and leaves her to rest. Later when Merida checks on her, she finds a large, black bear in her place! There is a legend of a bear that is mighty and ferocious and still lives among the villages. Merida must now hide her mother to ensure her safety. What she doesn't know yet, is that her three younger, mischievous brothers have found the rest of the cake and all indulged themselves in it. You can imagine what happens to them.

Merida only wanted to "change her fate" and not be controlled by tradition, her family, or society. She just wanted to be free and choose her own fate. To break the spell the witch says, "Fate be changed, look inside. Mend the bond torn by pride." Merida needs to listen and be understanding and less stubborn. At the same time, Queen Elinor needs to understand her daughter better and know who she truly is. While the spell has kept the Queen a bear, Merida has stayed with her to protect her. This is how they bond through the majority of the film.

It is a very touching story, with a colorful cast. The animation is top quality and very beautiful. It will make you want to visit Scotland! 

Magic Mike

A while back I watched Magic Mike for the first time. I had heard so much from my peers about how great it was, I was curious and decided to watch it. I was never a fan of male strippers, however I knew Channing Tatum had dance training. I knew he would be fun to watch. Here is my original facebook review.

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Channing Tatum did an excellent job! A great opportunity to show off his talent for dance. The show stealer for me was Matthew McConaughey. He was fun to watch, and his character was unlike any other he has ever played. This film won't win an academy award, but it was fun, and I'm sure it was fun to make!

My honest opinion of this film is that it is simply a fun movie. Channing Tatum wasn't even the lead actor, he played a supporting role to an unknown actor who was lead. Personally the story isn't my cup of tea. The story is about a guy who couch surfs, is unemployed, and is a general delinquent to society. He meets Mike, Tatum's character, while working his first day at a construction job. Finding himself out of work again, Mike bumps into him again later, and proceeds to introduce him to a new, and more interesting, social life. "The Kid" as he is now being called, is introduced to the MC of the stripper show, Matthew McConaughey's character, and is employed as another dancer. What follows is a sex, drugs, and wild life style that jeopardizes The Kid's future and wellbeing. His sister who looks after him, whom Mike has an interest in, keeps bailing her brother out of trouble and is fearful of his reckless new lifestyle and friends. 

The rest of the film isn't even noteworthy, it becomes predictable. The best parts of this film were the dance sequences. Channing Tatum is an excellent dancer, and a great dose of eye candy. The other fella's aren't bad to look at either. Matthew McConaughey really shows off his moves and built physique as well, but not until the end of the film. That scene is worth the wait!

I would appreciate the film more if Channing Tatum was the lead actor. The story would've been more interesting to watch if that was the case. I mean, the film was named after is character anyway. Why would you call it Magic Mike, if Mike wasn't even the focus? 

The Polar Express (2004)

Do you BELIEVE?

I have always believed in magic. Magic, can be many things. Magic is something we cannot see, but rather something we can feel. Don't know what I mean? Have you ever been to Disneyland? Have you ever experienced the feeling of excitement you get spending time with family, letting your mind go on great adventures within your own imagination? Have you ever felt overwhelmed with joy or happiness that it brings you to tears? That is MAGIC.

When I was growing up, I came across the book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. I remembered the story vaguely when I heard that a film based on the book was being made. I chose to wait and see the film. I'm glad I waited.

The Polar Express is a train that arrives in various neighborhoods, and gives the children a chance to come aboard with a promise to see Santa Claus. It is up to the children whether or not they board. Some are afraid, some are just curious. One boy is skeptical about believing in Santa Claus. He wakes up, hearing the trains engine outside, and quickly gets his robe and slippers to catch it! He meets a conductor. He urges the boy to hop aboard, as he is a very big hurry.

Aboard the train, the boy meets several personality types. Stereotypical boys and girls of the 1950s, much like what you see in A Christmas Story. The boy remains a skeptic right up to the very end. The boy befriends two other kids, and mischieviously explores parts of the toy factory only to end up in Santa's presence. All circumstances occurred through good intentions; the kids trying to help each other. The only indicator that proves to the boy that he doesn't yet believe, is when everyone else can hear the sleigh bells, but him. He wants so desperately to believe, and wants to see something amazing. By the end of the film, we all become believers. When we believe, we feel magic. Remember that overwhelming feeling of happiness? That is magic. If you feel that way at Christmas time, just like I do, then you must believe in magic.

The only problem with the film, is the "Hot Chocolate" musical number on the train. I think the filmmakers tried to give Tom Hanks's conductor a musical number, but it just became an awkward song.

The song "When Christmas Comes to Town" the young girl sings to the last boy to board the train. This boy came from a less fortunate background. He didn't believe in Santa Claus because he doesn't usually get presents at Christmas. The girl sings with him, telling him Christmas isn't about gifts. Sometimes Christmas is just about family and good friends.

The song "Believe" sung by Josh Groban, is played during the films credits at the end. It is a great Christmas song that always fills my heart with the magic of the holidays.

By the end of the film, the little girl learns that she is a great leader, the boy who doesn't get presents, instead makes two new friends, and the skeptic boy sees what he needs to in order to believe. Santa Claus gives this boy something very special for Christmas. Something personal. Something magical.

I realized after watching the movie, that Tom Hanks, who plays the conductor, drifter on top of the train, and even voices the big man himself, was a key symbol. I think Mr. C was with this boy all along. He wanted to make sure this boy had what it took in his heart, to be able to truly believe.

If your children need some Christmas magic, watch this film. This is a film you'd want to watch as a family, with hot chocolate, by the fire, by the lit Christmas tree.

It's a beautiful film, great effects, beautiful snow covered landscapes, a great attention to detail.

Be sure to catch Steven Tyler singing as an elf at the end of the film!

Happy Feet (2006)

Hello everyone! Happy New Year!

I'm spending my New Years Day doing laundry and watching tv. I'm sure someone out there is doing something more fun than I am, but this works for me. Today I watched Happy Feet. This is the adorable animated film that followed the documentary March of the Penguins in 2005. I suppose you could look at Happy Feet as the "exclusive, inside their world" version.

The story begins when the penguins sing to impress a mate. Memphis, played by Hugh Jackman, an Elvis inspired penguin sings seductive songs to impress Norma Jean, played by Nicole Kidman. Once together, the female lays an egg. Females leave their eggs with the males while they head out to sea to feed. The male is supposed to heard the egg with the other males to survive the winter, but Memphis accidentally drops his egg. He quickly hurries back into form, hoping no one noticed. When the family reunites, and their young baby Mumble is born, they quickly realize something isn't right. Mumble can't sing. He disgraces the leaders of the penguins, and Memphis blames himself, even though he never confesses his secret. Still, Mumble knows how to do something else. He can dance. His form of dancing is like tap dancing. He is the only one that can't sing, so he becomes an outcast, and remains so. As he gets older he notices the fish were disappearing, leaving the penguins starving. Banished from his home, he dedicates his time to finding where the fish are going and meets several fun characters on his journey. Robin Williams voices two other penguins he befriends. Thus begins his adventure to find aliens (humans) who are responsible for the famine.

The best part of the film is the ending. When the humans find Mumbles dancing fascinating, they place him back in his home, with a tracker. They visit Antarctica to see the rest of the penguins, to see if they are just as fascinating. Mumble teaches the moves, and all of the penguins follow. The humans watching even begin to move to the beat! In this Memphis learns acceptance and love, and to stand by his family. Norma Jean has always loved her boy even with his happy feet. Others have seen Mumbles strength and learn acceptance as well. It is a cute film, it even warms my adult heart.

To contrast the world of the penguins to the human world, the human world is in black and white. They show the humans in a political type role arguing about protecting the penguins, having noticed they were taking away their only food source. I really like how vibrant the colors are around the penguins, they are genuinely beautiful creatures.

I would recommend this film to families who like good music, a good beat, and a happy ending. Robin Williams makes it very funny as well!

Start the new year off right! Good luck everyone!