Trina Boice's Blog: The Boice Box, page 6

"My Future's So Bright" book is a shining success!

I'm so excited about my newest book that just hit store shelves!


It's for LDS (Mormon) teenagers and has some fantastic comic strip artwork by my talented niece, Brittany Long, who recently returned from her mission in Japan.



My Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades: An LDS Teen's Guide to Success is a witty, thoughtful book about what the youth of today can LOOK forward to in their future.  What they will quickly SEE is that the choices they are making now will determine where they will spend the future.  The book encourages youth to consider now what quality of life they desire and then take the steps to make it happen. 
Each chapter is given a type of eyewear as a theme, which provides inSIGHT and perspective.  For example: Rose-colored glasses (we are often so busy wishing we were somewhere else in time that we neglect to enjoy where we are right now); Prescription glasses (our Patriarchal blessing helps us to SEE better and make better choices); Binoculars (when you reach outside of yourself and focus on others you can better see your own blessings); SONglasses (focus on the Savior in all things).
Each chapter contains enlightening and uplifting stories, poems and discussion to help youth plan their future, rather than let it just happen.      
I have presented this material to many Church youth at Education Week, Youth Conferences, and Regional Young Women Conferences.  The lecture series is always a huge hit, encouraging me to put it all in a book that they could SEE again!  
Testimonials: 

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"Trina Boice has written a book every LDS teen should read.  It is AWESOME!  I love it!  It will change their lives and help them develop into amazing individuals! Through advice, humor, and workbook style questions, teens can gain self-esteem, experiment on the gospel, and discover who they really are!" Kersten Campbell, author of "Confessions of a Completely Insane Mother" www.authorkerstencampbell.com
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"Humor Super Hero Trina Boice uses her powers to cleverly compare Mardis Gras masks, eye patches, Mr. Potato Head glasses, and various other eyewear to a variety of life situations in her newest book, My Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades: An LDS Teen's Guide to Success Not only is her title entertaining, but between the covers you’ll find inspiration that leaves you laughing. I want to read it again. Shirley Bahlmann, author of the popular “Odds” series of true pioneer stories."   http://shirleybahlmann.blogspot.com

“I just finished Trina Boice’s book My Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades: An LDS Teen's Guide to Success Trina has done an amazing job of mixing humor, logic and the teachings of modern day prophets to make this book both appealing and valuable. I highly recommend this book to both the youth and their parents. It will be a tremendous benefit to those who will read and follow the principles shared.”   Randal Wright, author Achieving Your Life Mission, Building Better Homes and Families, Protecting Your Family in an X-Rated World

“Trina Boice provides a wonderful and light hearted way for teens to see those things in their life that can cloud their vision of eternal things. Easy to read and filled with fun illustrations, kids will find themselves smiling as they begin to see themselves through different lenses. This book comes at a critical time as LDS youth are being challenged as never before. It helps them better understand the joy they will feel as they proudly stand for what they believe. As they begin to "see as they are seen", they will better understand their place in the Plan of Happiness.  My Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades: An LDS Teen's Guide to Successis a must read for today's amazing youth!”Kevin Hinckley

Have you read or seen The Giver?

Movie Title:   The Giver [HD]PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes
Grade:  B
In a Nutshell:  If you haven’t read the best-selling young adult novel The Giverby Lois Lowry, you’ll understand the movie well enough, but also won’t know what you’re missing.  The book provides more depth than the movie, which is usually the case when literature is brought to life on the big screen.  No matter…the film’s content has a lot to offer to those who are brave enough to discuss one of life’s most important questions: which is better: forcing everyone to live in peace or allowing free agency that can threaten peace? 

Uplifting theme:  There must be opposition in all things.  You can’t feel complete joy unless you know sorrow.  You can’t choose good if there is no evil.Despite the sorrows, dangers, and ugliness in the world, life is worth living every minute.  Humanity is full of flaws, but also possesses incredible beauty.   One person can make a difference.
Things I liked:I like how the movie starts in grays, blacks and whites, but as Jonas gains knowledge, he is able to see more color.  Knowledge does, indeed, color your world.As a college professor and author, I liked the Community’s rule to use “precise language.”  Admittedly, I’m a Grammar Nazi.It’s always good to see Oscar winners Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges in anything.There is some symbolism in the film that allows the viewer to dig deeper, such as using an apple to disobey one of the Community’s commandments.I think Brenton Thwaites does a great job of portraying Jonas, who is both thrilled and frightened by what he learns about the world.Cameo appearance by Taylor Swift.  I liked the uncertainty of the ending.  We don’t know what’s inside the house, but the exciting possibilities are endless.  Isn’t that how life is when you have choices?
Things I didn’t like:Katie Holmes plays a lifeless, robotic mother with bad posture.  You never see her smile once, which is, of course, appropriate for the grey existence within the Community.  It seemed inconsistent with the father’s behavior (played by Alexander Skarsgard), who laughs and shows compassion.  Even more incongruent was his ability to (SPOILER ALERT) kill one baby without feeling any emotion, while bringing home another one to save it.There really isn’t any humor in this film.  The only line that got a smirk out of the audience was when The Giver explains to Jonas “You’ve had a dream – a combination of fantasy, reality, emotions, and what you had for dinner.”It starts out feeling a lot like the recent movie Divergent.I hate watching any babies cry. (SPOILER ALERT)  The kisses between Jonas and Fiona had zero passion.  Unfortunately, there was no chemistry between actors Brenton Thwaites and Odeya Rush.
Insightful lines:“Just like music, there’s something you can’t see with your eyes…inside you.”  - The Giver“Listen to what’s calling from inside.”  - The Giver“Faith is seeing beyond.”  - Jonas“Memories are not just about the past – they determine our future.”   - The Giver“Everything is connected.  Everything is a balance.  Where there is good, there is bad.” – The Giver“A dwelling is not a home.  A home is more.”  - The Giver“The boy must hold in the pain.”  - Chief Elder“When people have the freedom to choose, they choose wrong every time.”  - Chief Elder“You have the courage.  Let me give you the strength.”  - The Giver“With love comes faith and hope.”  - The Giver“We are living a life of shadows, of echoes.” – The Giver“If you can’t feel, what’s the point?” - Jonas
Tips for parents:   Older children and teens will especially be able to relate to the idea of wanting to fit in and not being “too” different.  Jonas explains “I always thought I saw things differently.  I never said anything.  I didn’t want to be different.  Who would?”  Parents have a challenging task of helping their children discover their talents and and teaching them to embrace their uniqueness with confidence.  Parents should take advantage of the opportunity to sit down with their kids after this movie and discuss what qualities they think their children possess that makes them special.

If you liked The Giver, then you might also like:

Guardians of the Galaxy introduces movie fans to new Marvel characters

Do you consider comic books to be good literature?  If not, you'll have to content with millions of fans who would argue otherwise.  Check out my newest review from my my blog Movie Review Maven:



Movie Title:  Guardians of the Galaxy
Grade:  APG-13, 2 hours 1 minute
In a Nutshell:  FAN-Friggin-Tastic!  This movie is everything you want a summer popcorn blockbuster to be. 

By now, everyone has heard of Captain America: The First Avenger, Iron Man, and Thor , but not as many people are familiar with the characters in Guardians of the Galaxy, except maybe my cousin who owns a comic book store in Vegas.  I’m “hooked on a feeling”…..that you’ll be a fan now. 
The fun flick is FILLED with action, comedy, special effects, warmth, witty dialogue, and unexpected surprises that will tickle your insides that aren’t filled with popcorn.  There is so much to see in every scene that you’ll immediately want to get back in line at the theater and see it again. 
The audience I sat with cheered, laughed, clapped and remained seated until after the credits rolled….and was rewarded with one last surprise.  (SPOILER ALERT: Brush up on your Howard the Duck trivia.)  Fantastic fun for all ages.
Uplifting themes:  Never give up, believe in yourself, hold fast to good friends, stand up to evil.  
Things I liked:Rocket and Groot had the potential to become the Jar-Jar Binks death of this movie, but in fact, they enrich it and even steal the show in many scenes.Although the Guardians comic series came out in 1969, this feels like the Star Wars sequel movie lovers have been hoping for, complete with awesome air battle scenes, zany creatures, cool toys, and lovable misfits.Paying extra for 3D is worth it.  Chris Pratt was the perfect leading man, complimented by the acting and voice talents of Zoe Saldana (who goes from blue in the awesome Avatarmovie to green in this film), David Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, and John C. Reilly.   Vin Diesel only has one line (“I am Groot”), but provides enough variety in the telling that communication is enhanced.  In fact, Rocket and Groot have a cute “Lassie” (“Timmy fell down the well!”) relationship, enabling Rocket to translate and carry on entire hilarious conversations with that single phrase.  Groot is full of delightful surprises and expressive facial movements.  Groot’s got skills!  My husband is built like Groot..all legs, broad but thin, sculpted jaw law, interesting angular head.  Don't tell him I said that.Be sure to catch the Stan Lee cameo in the beginning when Peter Quill goes to Zandor.1970’s and 80’s music plays a fun and meaningful part in the movie.  I had one of those Walkman’s like Peter Quill’s, complete with orange foam headphones.  No doubt, the movie soundtrack and character merchandising will be popular items on Ebay and Amazon.You’ll see tons of cool gadgets, space ships, and special effects.You actually care about the characters.I liked that the stone-faced soldier bad guys were visually minimalistic, suggesting they were robotic followers without depth.  Am I reading too much into them?I loved Drax the Destroyer’s body art.  David Bautista joins the ranks of former WWE champion-turned-successful actor, along with The Rock, who kicked off his own summer blockbuster last weekend in Hercules.  (You can click here to read my movie review of Hercules.)The cool space pods that connect to form a glimmering protective net give new meaning to “star”ship.
Things I didn’t like:Some of the outfits worn by The Collector’s peeps were just silly.I thought Ronan the Accuser’s make-up was messy and not as cool as it could be. 
Funny lines: “We’re just like Kevin Bacon.” – Gamora“What are you doing?”  - Ronan the Accuser“I’m distracting you, you turd!”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord“You’ve got the best eyebrows in the business.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord“I come from a planet of outlaws: Billie the Kid, Bonnie & Clyde, John Stamos…” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord“No one’s blowing up moons.”  - Drax the Destroyer“You suck the joy out of everything.”  - Rocket“Dance-off, bro.  Me and you.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord“I can’t believe I’m taking orders from a hamster.” – Denarian Saal“I wasn’t listening.  I was thinking about something else.” – Drax the Destroyer“I found something inside myself, incredibly heroic…not to brag.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord“You are a disappointment, Sister.  Out of all our siblings, I hated you least.” – Nebula“You’re making me beat up grass!” - Rocket
Tips for parents:   There is some profanity, but it flies past so quickly that you might miss it.  There is a lot of violence (mostly bloodless), a huge body-count, and the characters are admittedly flawed…in fact, are wanted criminals, as opposed to Marvel’s heroic and squeaky-clean Captain America.  Gamers in your family will get their daily fix.  There is some sexual innuendo that should go over the heads of little ones and some adults, such as mention of a black light and a Jackson Pollock painting…

Let the fun merchandising begin!

Hercules in literature and on the big screen

The legend of the mighty Hercules has captured the hearts and hero-seeking minds of millions for centuries.  Hollywood is taking another crack at the muscular myth this weekend with Dwayne Johnson's version.  Which movie and TV retelling do you like the best? 

Here's my take on it from my movie review blog:



Movie Title:   HerculesPG-13, 2 hours
Grade:  B
In a Nutshell:   The Rock. Man, that guy is huge…like a Herculean rock.  Dwayne Johnson proudly proclaimed in a recent interview “I was born to place this role.”  He definitely makes for an impressive and believable demigod.
The movie begins, “You think you know the truth about him?  You know nothing.”  Yeah, except that we JUST finished watching The Legend Of Hercules a few months ago in the theater, although  that version was terrible.  (Read my movie review of that one here.)  

Timed perfectly for ComiCon, this version of the legendary man of strength includes a lot of bloodied, grimy, and determined bad guys full of testosterone, as well as a frequent yelling of the enraged “AAAH!” before battle scenes.  There is enough humor and action to keep you engaged, but it’s not as epic as I had hoped for.  It vacillates between wanting to be a tongue-in-cheek retelling of mythology and an attempt at seriously recreating the legend.
If you love the idea of Dwayne Johnson fighting in a leather skirt, you’ll definitely enjoy this action flick.  If you’re looking for deep insights into the Greek man of myth, you probably won’t find it here.   After all of the versions I’ve seen, I think the old Disney animation of Hercules is still the best!
Uplifting theme:  “You have it within yourself to write your own legacy.”  - Hercules“You don’t need to be a demigod to be a hero.  You only have to believe you’re a hero.”  - Amphiaraus
Things I liked:The trailer features some amazing feats of strength, so I figured they were probably the best the movie had to offer.  The good news is that there is a lot more where that’s coming from.  The bad news is that you don’t get to see any more cool, mythical monsters after the first 10 minutes of the film.It doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a sense of humor.The 3D version enhanced some of the scenes, but not in a gimmicky way.The aerial views during battles were cool and even helpful to see what was going on.There is a classic Mulan montage as the local farmers train to become a fearsome army of skilled soldiers.The lion CGI was amazing and I love the lion “helmet” souvenir Hercules wears throughout the movie.
Things I didn’t like:Lots of bloody bodies and charred corpses.  Realistic, but ICK.It cracked me up when baby Hercules’ pudgy little arm reaches up towards a painting of Zeus in the beginning of the movie.  Pretty cheesy.  It actually made me laugh out loud.I know there was some CGI involved, but I always feel bad for the horses in battle scenes, especially when they fall down or get hurt.  While the actress Ingrid Bolso Berdal is lovely and talented, I would have cast a taller, more buff fighter to play the Amazon woman Atalanta. Hercules utters the one F-bomb in the movie.  Gee, thanks…great role model for our kids.My 14 year old son and his friends liked it, but they thought it ended too soon.  Their complaint was that there were only a couple of really good battle scenes and then it was over.It would have been kind of fun to see the retired professional wrestler actually get down and wrestle a bad guy in the film.
Did you know?It took three hours every day in make-up to transform Dwayne Johnson into the mighty Hercules with long locks and a beard.  His beard was made from Yak’s hairy balls.  Ick.  He couldn’t have just grown his own beard?  They mostly covered up his large shoulder/chest tattoo with make-up and leather. Did you notice the classic Samson & Delilah moment when Hercules knocks down the pillars and walls of the temple?  I’m surprised they haven’t ever done a remake for that old classic movie.  I loved it as a little girl.Norwegian-born Ingrid Bolso Berdal studied jazz singing in college.   You most recently saw her in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters as one of the witches.Hercules was actually born a twin.  His brother Iphicles is never mentioned in the film.
Interesting lines:“The king of this land has offered me gold to dispose of you.  You can leave or die.  I get paid either way.”  - Hercules“How we see ourselves doesn’t matter.  How others see us is what’s important.”  - Amphiaraus    (Maybe I wrote that line wrong?  Shouldn’t that be the other way around?)“Kingdoms are won by armies, but empires are built with alliances.”  - Lord Cotys
Funny lines:“A pair of breasts is more persuasive than gold.”  - Atalanta“Yeah, but gold doesn’t age.”  - Sitacles
“I hope the enemy has a sense of humor.” – Autolycus“If you’re lucky, you’ll go to Hades where all the fun people are.” – Autolycus“Don’t just stand there…kill someone!”  - Autolycus
Tips for parents:  Lots and lots of blood, violence, profanity, sexual innuendo.  Hercules’ gorgeous wife (Russian model Irina Shayk) is not in very many scenes, but when she is, you see a lot of her…if you know what I mean…she strips off a light cloak, revealing her entire back side.  Hercules’ beautiful, young mother wears a practically see-through dress in the beginning of the movie.  No wonder Hera was so jealous of Alcmene.  Shame on Zeus.

Other versions of Hercules you might enjoy are:

 

One of the most inspiring libraries in the world

I love libraries.  All that knowledge in one place!  It's so inspiring!

When I was a little girl, my goal was to read every single book in my local library.  I actually thought I could do it.  It's still on my Bucket List.

Let me introduce you to the Admont Abbey in Admont, Austria.  It's the world's largest monastic library in the world, as well as the largest scientific collection.  Talk about inspiring!


 


The Abbey was founded in 1074, but the library wasn't built until 1776 by the architect Joseph Hueber.



It was built in the famous late Baroque style and fit with sculptures by the sculptor Josef Stammel.  It has over 70,000 books on its walls, but actually has 200,000 books in total.

The artwork is in the Baroque style and includes fresco paintings that illustrate  the stages of human knowledge up to the high point of Divine Revelation.

The books that shaped the movie "America: Imagine a World Without Her"

Happy 4th of July!   I'm including the following from my movie review blog here because of how big of a role books play in this movie, as well as in the cultural thought process of Americans today.  Check out the list of books that were featured in this movie at the bottom of the blog.



Movie Title:    America: Imagine a World without HerPG-13, 1 hour 43 minutes
Grade:  B+
In a Nutshell:   Timed perfectly for the 4th of July weekend, this documentary-style film asks the question: “What would the world look like if America did not exist?”   As the movie begins, you see a blacksmith hammering steel letters to spell out the word “America”.  The movie then goes on to illustrate how America was literally forged out of fire to become the great nation it is today.
Worried about the future where this country is headed, polarizing director and writer Dinesh D’Souza picks up where 2016 Obama's America left off, explaining that “Seeing these predictions come true makes me scared for America.”  D’Souza presents several indictments that are currently being made against America and then offers evidence that disproves the false claims.
Liberals have already declared this movie to be full of idiotic jingoism and D’Souza’s attempt at payback for being indicted in New York on charges that he violated campaign finance laws (he pled not guilty and was released on bail).  Conservatives believe D'Souza was targeted for his attack on Obama and praise both films for their thoughtful presentation of ideas.  Towards the end of the movie, D’Souza is seen in handcuffs, issuing a warning to all Americans to fight for the freedoms and liberty that have made this country great.
If you’re interested in learning more about it, go to www.AmericaTheMovie.com
Uplifting theme:  The movie starts out with a quote by famous French statesman, Alexis de Tocqueville who toured colonial America to find out why it was such a success: “America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”  The questions hang in the air: "Are we still good?  Are we still great?"
Things I liked:D’Souza tries to present both sides of each issue fairly, giving equal time for both.There are some powerful images that should leave you in awe of the miracle that America was ever created. A single sniper's shot to George Washington during the Revolutionary War could have ended everything before it even started.  George Washington is one of my biggest heroes ever and is featured in the beginning of the film.  He was willing to put his life on the line for an America that didn’t exist yet. He could have easily been king of this new country and establish his own royal lineage, but instead, he insisted on a new government that would make his descendents as socially equal as anyone.  Where ARE his descendents?  Great question, right?  D’Souza also tries to present the important question “What would the world be like if America recedes in importance?” Is she now? How can we prevent it?It’s not a sequel to 2016 Obama's America where Obama is painted as a villain who hates capitalist America, but a film with a hero, not D’Souza, but America itself.D’Souza tries to show that the principles of 1776 which founded this country still work.
Things I didn’t like:A lot of issues were unaddressed, but then again, the film would have been much longer. Some of the reenactments could have been better.  A few were used over and over again, but from different angles. I thought some of the people D’Souza chose to interview were odd choices, but it was still interesting to hear their view points on various issues.The film could have been much grander and greater, but feels like a TV Special.Interesting lines:“America is an idea.  It was the first country to claw itself out of darkness and put it on paper.”  - Bono“The Revolutionary War was the struggle for the creation of America.  The Civil War was the struggle for the preservation of America.  WWII was the struggle for the protection of America.”  - D’Souza“Capitalism works through the consent of the people.”  - D’Souza“The wealth of America isn’t stolen; it’s created.” – D’Souza“America isn’t the problem; it’s the answer.”  - D’Souza“I chose this country. This country does something truly unique – it allows you to write the script of your life.”  - D’Souza“Obama didn’t create this movement; it created him.”  D’Souza
Tips for parents:  Young children will be very bored.  It plays like a History Channel documentary.  If you have older children who are interested in some of the material presented, check out the following books and videos which were mentioned in the movie:

What is Earth to Echo missing in the script?

Most of you who read this blog are either writers yourselves or true book lovers, right?   You know by now that I love to write movie reviews and often compare them to the book that has usually become a best-seller before the story hit the big screen.

I recently saw Earth to Echo and wrote a review on it.  One of my biggest complaints of the movie, besides the terrible acting, was the bad script.

Have any of you ever tried your hand at scriptwriting?  If so, what has been your experience?  I'm sure it's a lot harder than it looks, and I'm the first to admit I wouldn't do a very good job at it either!



Movie Title:  Earth To EchoPG, 1 hour 29 minutes
Grade:  C
In a Nutshell:  This tween flick feels like an attempt at remaking E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial or even Super 8 with The Goonies (1985), but not as magical and charming as any of those.  Relativity producers could learn a lesson from Spielberg.  Even the ad imitates the beloved E.T. movie poster.
The film takes some misfit kids on a scavenger hunt to help an extraterrestrial find the pieces he needs to rebuild his spaceship and return home.  While that’s not exactly an original script, it’ll feel fresh to little ones who haven’t yet experienced the better movies I just mentioned.
The movie is shot from the homemade perspective of one of the boys who is using his camcorder, so much of it is shaky and may cause motion sickness.   Remember Cloverfield?  (That made me so dizzy I thought I was going to throw up.)  Sony HD cams get the spotlight on product placement in this flick.
Uplifting theme:  “Having a friend light years away taught us that distance is just a state of mind.” – Tuck Kids can do anything.  In the beginning of the movie, Tuck shakes his head in dismay and says “you have no power to stop ‘cuz you’re just a kid.” By the end, he and his friends feel empowered to do anything.
Things I liked:They did a good job using technology to address how kids today spend their lives.  They follow a map that appears on their combined smartphones, and then they do Google searches for things like “weird barf shapes on my phone.”  Check out the Google Glasses.Echo is pretty doggone cute. There are some cool special effects, like when Echo makes an oncoming truck disassemble in air so that the kids aren't hurt.
Things I didn’t like:The acting was really terrible.  I really wanted to fall in love with the kids, but it just felt like they were auditioning for a school play.How convenient that the alien understands English.The kids steal their older brother’s car and take it for a joy ride without a license or training.  Thanks for putting that idea into millions of pre-teens’ heads.Of course, the kids in the movie are smarter than the bumbling, idiot adults.  The kids are unhappy because they’re being forced out of their homes so that a freeway could be built in the area.  They rant and rave as if that’s completely inhumane, but in reality, their parents are being paid for their properties.Tuck states “Our whole lives we’ve been invisible…the good kids.  Not anymore.”  Again, thanks for putting that great idea out there for kids to emulate.The kids cheer wildly in the predictable ending “We did that!”  Um no, Echo did.
Interesting lines:Tuck tells his bros that he kissed a cute girl.  When they find out he really didn’t, he explains “It’s aspirational thinking…you’re thinking one thing and living it the next.”  Hmmm…has he been reading the book The Secret?
Funny lines:“I need an Advil.”  - Mudge“Did your phone barf?” – Tuck“I think mannequins are hot.”  - Mudge Why don’t you just play with your super rich friends and eat steak or something.”  - AlexThe kids go into a bar and one of them says “Look old!”
Tips for parents:   Young kids will probably enjoy this movie, especially if they’ve never seen E.T.  They love to watch other kids become heroes and do things adults think they can’t do….or defy them to do.  The language is clean and the script is mostly harmless.
Now, if you want to introduce your kids to some classics, help them discover the following:

How To Train Your Dragon 2 success turns movie-goers into readers

Here's another shout-out to a book that made it big at the box office!



Movie Title:  How to Train Your Dragon 2PG, 1 hour 45 minutes
Grade:  A-
In a Nutshell:  Everyone in the family will enjoy this adorable DreamWorks sequel by Dean DeBlois.  It impresses with FANTASTIC textures and surfaces: fur, leather, hair, metal, wrinkles on skin, dragon scales, tears, chin hairs, etc.  It’s simply amazing how far animation has come.  I didn’t even see it in 3D!
The narrator begins “With Vikings on the backs of dragons, the world just got a whole lot bigger.”  And so it is.  A good sequel builds upon the solid foundation of its original movie, adding new layers and fun surprises.  This movie does just that.  The audience has grown up since the 2010 original, and this sequel has too, developing a rich story that provides substance to the silliness.
Uplifting theme:  There is an environmental message about caring for animals against evil human predators.  Just so you know, no dragons were harmed in the making of this film. Family and forgiveness are also addressed, as well as courage and love.
Things I liked:There are several running gags that weave throughout the movie.  One features  Ruffnut, the Viking twin sister of Tuffnut, as she falls in love with Erit, a new Viking with bulging biceps.  She's not the least bit feminine and is always fighting with her twin brother, so to see her swoon is unexpected and delightful. She is voiced by the talented Kristen Wiig.  T.J. Miller voices her twin brother, who also plays the comic relief in the newest installment in the Transformers movie franchise, Transformers: Age of Extinction.     Another running gag features adorable sheep who are used for a dragon version of Harry Potter’s Quidditch.  Hilarious. I love movies that take time to provide random and humorous details.  Icicles on mustaches.  Freckles.  Beards braided with leather bows.I want a pair of Astrid’s cute, fuzzy boots.The many air scenes will seriously make you want to fly.“The Dancing and the Dreaming” song with lyrics by Shane MacGowan and music by Jon Thor Birgisson and John Powell is very sweet and feels like a believable song of Viking ancestry.I adore Cate Blanchett.  Other voice talents in the film are Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Craig Ferguson, and Kit Harington.Sure, the flick is fairly predictable, but it's still a fun ride.
Things I didn’t like:Who names their baby “Hiccup”?  A Viking, I guess.SPOILER ALERT:  As awesome as dragons are, I would never leave my baby boy to go live with dragons instead.  Drago.  Really?  They couldn’t think of a more creative name?
Did you know?Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois were not the original directors, but were later hired to create a movie that would appeal to the rug rats AND their parents.Did you know these “Dragon” movies were inspired by a 2003 novel?  Astrid (played by America Ferrara) is a character created just for the movie, as she wasn’t even in the original novel.The character voice of “Toothless” was created by mixing sounds from horses, elephants, tigers, and even the voice of the Sound Designer, Randy Thom.A lot of the scenery is based on real places in Iceland and the Pacific Coast.
Interesting lines:“Men who kill without reason cannot be reasoned with.”  - Stoick“You have the heart of a chief and the soul of a dragon.”  - Valka
Funny lines:“Soil my britches!”  - Erit“Me likey!” – Ruffnut when she sees Erit for the first time.Ruffnut says “Erit was the man of my dreams.”  Gobber says “But Baby, I grew facial hair for you!”Astrid:  “That’s your mother?”Hiccup: “Now you know where I get my dramatic flair!”

Tips for parents:  There is some fighting and a few scary dragons, but otherwise, even young children should enjoy watching this film.For your family's collection:
 

When books and movies intertwine: The Fault in Our Stars movie review

I love movies and I love books.  I especially love it when they intertwine!  Check out my newest movie review which features two teenagers in love with each other and a book:



Movie Title:  The Fault in Our StarsPG-13, 2 hours 5 minutes
Grade:  A-
In a Nutshell:   I’m going to have to read this book.  The movie is based on the #1 bestselling novel by John Green and only whets your appetite with meaty nuggets of wisdom about life and love.  Get your tissues ready.  The movie starts with Hazel Grace, a teenager who battles every day with lung cancer: “I believe we have a choice in this world about how to tell sad stories.  One the one hand, you can sugar-coat it, the way they do in movies and romance novels for beautiful people to learn beautiful lessons, when nothing’s too messed up that can’t be fixed with an apology or a Peter Gabriel song.  I like that version as much as the next girl does, believe me.  It’s just not the truth.  This is the truth.  Sorry.”
Uplifting theme:  They say you can write your own eulogy.  How?  Write what you want to happen in your life and then live it.Death is unbearable, but so is living a life without love and less than what you are capable of.There is an honesty to the way people with incurable diseases live.  Unlike the rest of us who pretend that we can have as many days and nights as we want, those who stare death in the face every day truly understand the value of time.The movie isn’t so much about dying, but living in the face of death and after a loved one dies.
Things I liked:As an author myself, I loved the part of the story that features Hazel Grace’s relationship with a writer of a book she is obsessed with.  I love the title of the book “Imperial Affliction” and the fact that the story ends in the middle of a sentence. Hazel says “It’s so truthful.  You just die.  You die in the middle of a sentence.”I loved Augustus’ cigarette metaphor: “They don’t kill you unless you light them, and I’ve never lit one.  It’s a metaphor.  See, you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.  A metaphor.”  Not that I would go so far as to buy cigarettes to put between my lips, but I love the feeling of empowerment and defiance that image evokes.I loved seeing the bridges in Amsterdam that Hazel and Gus sailed underneath.  It’s on my Bucket List.I thought it was cute that two of the couples in the movie have a word they lovingly repeated to each other like “always” or Hazel and Gus’ “OK.”  One word can say so much.I liked Hazel and Gus’ conversation about believing in something after this life.  Gus said he absolutely did…“Otherwise, what’s the point?” It’s always great to see Willem Dafoe in anything.There is warmth, humor, and honesty in the story-telling.  Cancer weepies can often be too contrived and manipulative, but there is enough snark and wisdom in this film to pull it off.
Things I didn’t like:Only in Chick Flicks do teenage boys fall all over themselves to win a girl’s affection.  Guys: take note…it works every time.The music tends to cue you on when to cry, but you do it anyway.Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but I really hate watching pre-marital sex scenes.  I also hate it when people make fun of well-intentioned Christians, like Hazel and Gus do in their cancer therapy session when their group leader starts singing to give them hope.
Did you know?The imaginative playground with the skeleton where Hazel and Gus have a picnic is actually located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and is called “Funky Bones.”Dozens of web sites have been created by fans who want to continue talking about this book and movie. Sheilene Woodley (Hazel Grace) and Ansel Elgort (Augustus) did a fantastic job.  They played brother and sister in Divergent and have great chemistry together.  Sheilene admits they have more of a brother-sister relationship in real life…not romantic.  You can read my movie review about Divergent here.
Interesting lines:“That’s the thing about pain: it demands to be felt.”   - Augustus“I wouldn’t mind.  It would be my privilege to have my heart broken by you.”  - Augustus“I’m a grenade.  One day I’m going to explode and obliterate everything in my wake and I don’t know…It’s just my responsibility to minimize the casualties.”  - Hazel Grace“Everything’s coming up Waters.”  - Hazel Grace“You two are so adorable.”  - Mom “We’re just friends.”  - Hazel Grace “Well, she is.  I’m not.” – Augustus
The waiter in the beautiful Amsterdam restaurant asked Hazel Grace and Gus “Do you know what Don Perignon said after he invented champagne?”  “Come quickly!  I’m tasting the stars!”  The waiter then told them“We’ve bottled all the stars for you, my young friends.”“I want this Dragon Carrot Risotti to become a person so that I can take it to Vegas and marry it.”  - Gus“You’re American.”  - Van Houten’s assistant    “Incurably so.”  - Author Peter  Van Houten
“You gave me a forever within a numbered days and, for that, I am eternally grateful.”  - Hazel to Gus“If you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain.”  - sign that hangs on Gus’ wall at home.“Funerals are not for the dead.  They’re for the living.”  - Hazel Grace“You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have a say in who hurts you and I like my choices.”  - Gus“I fell in love the way you fall asleep…slowly, then all at once.”  - Hazel“Embrace your destiny and leave your mark on the world.”  - Augustus
Funny lines:“So yeah, that just happened.  I’ve been trying to tell you… I’m kinda awesome.”  - AugustusHazel, Gus and Isaac egg a house and Hazel says “Guys, I think we should wait until it’s dark.”  Gus reminds her that Isaac is blind and says “It’s all dark to Isaac.”  Hazel asks Isaac, who just broke up with his girlfriend, “Do you want to talk about it?”  His honest reply: “No, I just want to cry and play video games.”
Tips for parents:  Pre-marital sex, groping, 1 F-bomb and some other profanity.  The movie creates some good opportunities to talk to your children about:DisabilitiesTerminal illness & lung diseasesAnne FrankAmsterdamDeathThe Trolley Problem

Sleeping Beauty gets a new twist with Disney's Maleficent

Maleficent turns 55 years old from when Disney first introduced her to us in 1959.  With such an iconic villain, Angelina Jolie wanted to get it right, but add her unique touch.  Here's my latest movie review!


Movie Title:  Maleficent
PG, 1 hour 37 minutes
Grade:  A-
In a Nutshell:  This magical Disney retelling of Sleeping Beauty (1959) begins “Let us tell an old story anew and we shall see how well you know it.”  The beautiful textures and fantastic artistry of this untold fairy tale creates such wonder that I knew I wanted to watch the movie again within 5 minutes of the opening.
Sure, there are some flaws in the story, but Angelina’s performance as villain and heroine is commanding (although her accent waivers at times).  There is a delightful touch of humor, as well as enough of a twist in the story to keep you interested.  Both Stefan and Maleficentsteal “something far more precious than a jewel” because of different motivations, one learning life’s valuable lessons along the way and the other becoming more and more entranced with power.  Which one is which? In a sense, Maleficent is to Sleeping Beauty (1959) what Wickedis to The Wizard of Oz (but without all the singing.)  Angelina Jolie describes Maleficent as "deliciously wicked."

Die-hard Sleeping Beauty fans may feel betrayed, but I always like a good spin on a story I "thought" I knew.
 Uplifting theme: 
Following on the heels of Frozen’s successful twist of “true love’s kiss”, young girls will be reminded not to wait for a handsome prince to truly live.Forgiveness is far greater than revenge.  We’ve all been wounded or felt betrayed by someone in our lives; the challenge is to not let it change us.Guys, don’t treat a woman’s heart lightly.  Consider the warning in Congreve’s phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”Things I liked:

I loved seeing “every manner of great and strange creatures” in the moor at the beginning of the movie.  The phantasmic girls who danced above the water were stunning. There is so much to see in the first 10 minutes.Maleficent’s emerald eyes are mesmerizing. And those red lipstick lips...Maleficent is able to freeze people in a dream-like state, floating their bodies around in the air to move them to a new location.  It’s a very cool effect and magic power I wish I had.The three fairy sisters are adorable, both as fairies and (SPOILER ALERT) humans.  I love the little blue butterflies that circle around Flittle in both of her forms.I have a son who designs video games, so I especially notice the small details on weaponry and animated characters now.  I thought the talon-like points on Maleficent’s wings were uber cool.I love being able to see Maleficent’s fierce horns on her head before they’re covered by the silky, black headdress.  Notice her elf-shaped ears underneath the fabric.   Elle Fanning is lovely and fills the character of Aurora with light.  Her kindness and sweetness is so pure and sweet that it unnerves Maleficent and provides a contrast that draws you in.  In an interview with ScreenSlam, Elle reveals that out of all the Disney princesses, she personally relates the most to Sleeping Beauty and would choose those costumes to wear as a little girl.  When asked to select one word to describe the entire film, Elle said “Whimsical.”  Good choice!Angelina Jolie's own daughter, Vivian, is in the movie, playing Maleficent as a toddler.  Jolie admits it was awkward to say to her daughter "I don't like children" while dressed in devil horns.Things I didn’t like:

*  I didn’t really care for Maleficent’s carved cheekbones.  I’ve never seen Angelina Jolie more beautiful than in The Tourist.  Angelina brings a sexy elegance to the role of Maleficent.
 Interesting lines:
“You’re classically handsome” said the young Maleficent to Baltizar, an old, gnarled tree creature.  By the way, you’ll get a kick out of his African-sounding clicking language.A handsome prince wanders through the forest and says to Maleficent “I’m looking for a girl.”  She sneers “Of course you are.”“I was so lost in hatred and revenge.  You stole what was left of my heart.”  - Maleficent“There is an evil in this world: hatred and revenge.” – MaleficentPrincess Aurora says to a hidden Maleficent “Don’t be afraid.”  Maleficent states “I am not afraid.”  Aurora invites “Then come out.”  Warns Maleficent “Then you’ll be afraid.”“Oh come on….that was funny.”  - Maleficent“Oh look.  The little beastie is about to fall off the cliff.”  - Maleficent“I need you to be my wings.”  - Maleficent to Diaval“Oh dear.  What an awkward situation.” - Maleficent
Tips for parents:  This family flick provides a villain that isn’t too scary for little ones, but has some violence for its PG rating.  Other things that children will see include a fire-breathing dragon, sword fights, vengeance, anger, sibling fighting, and jealousy. The vocabulary word for the day for your kids is MALEFICENT: doing evil or harm; harmfully malicious; causing or capable of producing evil or mischief