Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Green Street Hooligans

Green Street Hooligans


By: Lexi Alexender
Reviewed by: Meena, 16
Rating: It was amazing!


Green Street Hooligans gives the audience an inside look at a world many people don't even know exists. A world where supporting a certain football (soccer) team is everything. The gentlemen apart of the GSE-Green Street Elite- are an exclusive group whose entire life revolves around supporting their team. Yes, they do have regular jobs and a social life, but they mean nothing compared to the love and passion they have for defending their team. This movie is both riveting and exciting. It is unpredictable and fantastic in that every direction the film takes makes it even more and more better.

Overall, this is one of the best films i have ever in because it is like nothing i have ever seen before. This film goes into a world that is exclusive and unknown of, making it even better than all of the other predictable sports movies.


Recommended to: Any Sports Fans

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier


By: Ishmael Beah
Reviewed by: Meena, 16
Rating: It was amazing!


"A Long Way Gone" is a memoir of boy soldier Ishmael Beah. Beah was a normal nboy living in his life in Sierra Leone when the attacking rebels changed his forever. In an instant, he lot his entire family and gained a gun instead. Beah's story, like so many other child soldiers, is heartbreaking and painful to read about. However, it is also eye opening. It shows the audience just how thankful they should be for everything, especially the little things, because everything is so valuable one you don't have it anymore.

Furthermore, Beah's novel and story changed my life. It taught me that i have everything i could ever want and need and now it it my turn to give back. There is no age requirement to give to places like Uganda, Darfur, and Palestine; once you aer old enough to understand how much these people and children need, it it time to start helping. This novel is one of the most amazing and influential things i have ever read


Recommended to: Everyone

The Fame Monster

The Fame Monster

By: Lady GaGa
Reviewed by: Meena, 16
Rating: Really liked it


Lady GaGa has done it again. Her second album has been released and it is just as good if not better than the first. Her songs like "Speechless" and "Telephone" show that she can have much variety within only a few songs. Her individuality and uniqueness show that she is not just another cloned pop star. Her lyrics are original and unpredictable unlike many other artists in the industry.

Not only that, but Gaga's lyrics have meaning and messages that she is trying to send out to her fans. Her music has a point and the way she sings them help her to get that point across. Also, GaGa knows exactly what her fans what and that is exactly what she gives them.She offers change and something to rock out to and cry to, she offers something other than a boring song about a break up. Furthermore, Lady GaGa's second album is just an fantastic at the first. It seems like she will be making music successfully for years to come.


Recommended to: Anyone who likes good music for all occasions

Dear John

Dear John


By: Nicholas Sparks
Reviewed by: Meena , 16
Rating: Didn't like it


Nicholas Sparks is famous for his romantic and heart-breaking love stories; stories that will make an audience cry no matter how many times they hear it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case with Dear John. Dear John, a typical Sparks story, is about two strangers who fall madly in love with one another and are forced to stay apart as a result of their separate lives. That separation causes, Savannah and John to once again, become strangers. Although the book was romantic at times, all the other times were boring and upsetting. There was no true love or passion between the two main characters.

Furthermore, this book was not one of Sparks greatest and it never will be, no matter how many times you read it. At the end, it had me wondering why he even wrote it, because there didn't seem to be a point in any of it. Let's just hope the movie is better.


Recommended to: People who like depressing books.

Kiss & Tell

Kiss & Tell

By: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Reviewed by: Tina R., 14
Rating: Really liked it


I am NOT a fan of Disney Channel's idea that all of the actors and actresses have to sing and be huge popstars. Because, sadly, most of them cannot sing. For example, Tiffany Thornton! But back to the subject of Selena Gomez, this girl is different than the rest. This is her first album with her band, The Scene. Everything in the album, the songs, lyrics, and even the cover art make this cd an original. This is definetely a great album to listen to and enjoy.


Recommended to: Teens

Shock Value II

Shock Value II

By: Timbaland
Reviewed by: Tina R., 14
Rating: Didn't like it


I am a really big fan of Timbaland but this album was a bit dissapointing. It seems as if Shock Value, the first one, was a great deal better than this second album. All of the songs on this album feature other artists. For example, DJ Felli Fel, Justin Timberlake, Jojo, Bran'Nu, Drake, Chad Kroeger and Sebastian, Miley Cyrus, Nelly Furtado and Soshy, Katy Perry, Esthero and Sebastian, the Fraay and Esthero, and Jet. What did everyone else think about this album?


Recommended to: Everyone

Breakthrough

Breakthrough

By: Colbie Caillat
Reviewed by: Tina R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Colbie Caillat never fails at pleasing her fans. Each and every song is a great hit. Each and every song is really unique and something that most everyone can relate to in one way or another. This album includes:
1. I won't
2. Begin again
3. You got me
4. Fallin' for you
5. Rainbow
6. Droplets
7. I never told you
8. Fearless
9. Runnin' around
10. Break through
11. It stops today
12. Breakin' at the cracks


Recommended to: Everyone

Play On

Play On

By: Carrie Underwood
Reviewed by: Tina R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Carrie Underwood does it again! Her newest album, "Play On" is great. Each song is filled with really meaningful lyrics. This is what all her fans have been waiting for. This album includes:

1. Cowboy Casanova (This is the best on this album!) 2. Quitter 3. Mama's Song 4. Change 5. Undo It 6. Someday When I Stop Loving You 7. Songs Like This 8. Temporary Home 9. This Time 10. Look At Me 11. Unapologize 12. What Can I Say 13. Play On


Recommended to: Country music fans and Taylor Swift fans!

Eclipse

Eclipse


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


Okay...now it's Stephenie Meyer's third book in her Twilight series, "Eclipse". I find it to be a bit better than "New Moon". At least Bella Swan is not such a moper and oh-so-whiny.

*Spoiler* But a love triangle forms between Edward, Jacob and Bella. I did like the part where Bella did attempt to defend herself when Jacob was about to kiss her, she tried to slap him but ended up breaking her own instead. Another thing in Eclipse is Edward proposing to Bella and then they are engaged. But after the engagement...Bella gets seductive and this gets scary... Edward then "compromises" with her. And then comes the background stories of Rosalie and Jasper. The hiking trip leaving Bella cold and then we realize that Jacob is like a "heater" and Edward gets jealous. And the interesting fight between Victoria and the cullens.

All I can say is that Eclipse, to me, is better than New Moon but it's not as bad as Breaking Dawn will be.


Recommended to: Twilight die-hard fans, girls, etc.

Peak

Peak


By: Roland Smith
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Peak Marcello, whose divorced parents were former mountain climbers, is arrested for climbing a skyscraper. He ends up going to Nepal with his dad, who persuades Peak to climb Mt. Everest. If he reaches the top before his birthday, Peak will be the youngest person to ever stand above 29,000 feet. Peak climbs Mt. Everest with several other companions and experiences many obstacles, including the Chinese government trying to track them down.

A must read for anyone.


Recommended to: People who like nature or a good book about mountain climbing

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret


By: Brian Selznick
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Set in Paris in the 1930s, Hugo Cabret is a timekeeper, an orphan, and a thief who lives in a secret room in the train station. After his father dies in a museum fire, Hugo is left in the care of his uncle, who keeps the all 27 clocks in in the clock tower well oiled and running on time. Hugo is then caught by the owner of a toy stand while he is attempting to steal some toys - using the parts to repair an automan his father tried to fix before the fire. The plot then thickens, as Hugo meets a girl named Isabelle, a man named Etienne, and gets caught by the Station Inspector!

Filled with photographs, drawings, and text, this is a book you HAVE to read!


Recommended to: Anyone who likes a good book filled with mystery!

Criss Cross

Criss Cross


By: Lynne Rae Perkins
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was alright...


There's many kinds of writing styles in this book: haikus, question-answer, and song lyrics. To tell you the truth, this book is pretty random. There's basically no story line, but it's still a pretty good book. I did get confused on what age the characters were and what decade it was set on though. Over all, a pretty good book.


Recommended to:

Thursday, January 21, 2010

New Moon

New Moon


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


The second book of the whole Stephenie Meyer series. Yet, someone had to spoil it for me, again. I thought I was going to cry but I didn't. Bella, to me, is weak! She seriously needed to get over the fact that life still goes on even when Edward left her. And then she goes off to find Jacob. What a bad example for young girls, to mope over the disappearance of a boyfriend! And then the ending is happily ever after and so on. Many misunderstandings come ahead and whatever.


Recommended to: Teen girls, fans of Twilight, etc

Twilight

Twilight


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


When I first read "Twilight" a year or so ago, I thought it was a little boring when pretty much everyone spoiled the story for me. The newcomer girl named Bella who just moved to Forks and then ooh la la...she meets Edward Cullen and then realizes through her curiosity, he's a vampire! He then shows her all that cool stuff and then he sparkles! And then there's the suspicion that James and Victoria come and see Bella and want to hunt her down and Edward finds himself wanting to save her.
To me, Twilight gets boring after so many spoiled the book for you (I read in September 2008) and then there comes the commercialism with the movie that comes out months later after I read it. So Twilight is okay, but much more of a predictable, sappy romance.


Recommended to: Twilight Fans, fans of the movie, girls.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl


By: Eoin Colfer
Reviewed by: Karthik, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


This is the first in a long line of Artemis Fowl books and is frankly the best. The main Charecter of the story is a boy named,you guessed it, Artemis Fowl who is a multimillionare,genius. With his yound belief in fairies and his adultlike intelligence and cunning he takes on a task no human has yet succeded in, seperating a fairy from its gold. But these fairies do't just have magic they have technolagy.

To do this he must kidnapp a Fairy ploice operative named Holly Short.But artemis is not alone in his venture he has help from Butler, his butler. And Juliet Butler's sister. Both are forms of a modern Jackie Chan.

But despite all the help just as Artemis's plan is about succed the faires send in wepons that even Artemis Fowl didn't think of,or better put creatures Artemis didn't think of.

This tale is like a winding road full of unexpected twistes and turn. I highly recommend it to readers interested in action and high tech fantasy.


Recommended to:

White Light/White Heat

White Light/White Heat

By: The Velvet Underground
Reviewed by: Matt G., 14
Rating: Really liked it


The VU's second album (released 1968). This was a noisy, fuzzy and experimental work. But it had some excellent songs, including 'Here She Comes Now' which was covered by Nirvana. This isn't a pretty album, and its not for the faint of heart.
track listing:
1.White Light/White Heat
2.The Gift
3.Lady Godiva's Operation
4.Hear She Comes Now
5.I Heard Her Call My Name
6.Sister Ray


Recommended to: 13+

Rated R

Rated R

By: Rihanna
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Didn't like it


I have been a Rihanna fan for 4 years now and comparing from her debut in "Music of the Sun" to now, "Rated R", she's changed so...much. This change, because of how in February 2009 at some Grammys party, she go beaten severly by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown and then some domestic violence trial happened. Rihanna took a break until October-November 2009 and then came her most recent album, "Rated R".

I don't like how she's changed. The outfits shown in this album are ugly and are also not appropriate for underage people. She has gotten more seductive and much, much darker. She also dyed her hair blonde (which does not match her skin color and therefore keep her natural hair color, black). Her singing style is more on the rap/hip-hop side which I don't like. The only song I found that I liked was "Russian Roulette" because of how it was mostly piano. Another song I heard, "Hard", I do not the repetitiveness at the end, and her voice sounds artificial. I prefer her last albums to this one.

I do feel sorry for what happened to her last February but I don't like her instant, dramatic change. I like how she's gotten stronger (emotionally) from this and how she teaches other women and brings out a message about domestic violence and her message on 20/20 dramatically increased the domestic violence phonelines.


Recommended to: Rihanna fans, fans of R&B, etc.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl


By: Cecily Von Ziegesar
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Hated it!


I heard about this book series and I wanted to see how it was and Gossip Girl (the first book by Cecily Von Ziegesar), sucks! Why do I think that? I think that because the characters literally have no life. *Spoiler Alert* I wonder how they get away with underage drinking and their parents who think that the kids won't be alcoholics if they have been exposed to alcohol earlier in their lives. They start drinking beer at 13, smoking around then too. And their parents are careless and pretty much spoil them even though they are Ivy League alumni. The kids are all almost carbon copies of each other except Jenny Humphrey and Vanessa Abrams. They tak about sex all the time (e.g. Blair Waldorf, a very bitchy character who's in 6 AP classes, the head of almost everything, some leader of her own litte clique and wants to go to Yale talks about sex.) God, she's practically throwing her potential future away! And then ooh...the dramatic comeback of Serena van der Woodsen, some perfect, supermodel-like blonde who has a really scandalous reputation and a LOT of rumors. And especially, Gossip Girl (the character) with her own website (GossipGirl.net) is very, VERY stalkerish. And yet also so secretive of not revealing her own identity but never keeping anyone else's secrets but her own.

All I can say is DO NOT READ THIS BOOK unless if you have nothing better to read or therefore have no life! It has a perfect reason why it was on the 2009 Banned Books List. No, I will not tell you the reason why it;s on the list.


Recommended to: Full-blown preps, fans of the TV show of the same name, fans of drama

Brand New Eyes

Brand New Eyes

By: Paramore
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


Remember when I reviewed Paramore's last album, "Riot!"? Well I finally got their latest album, "Brand New Eyes" and I checked it out. I wasn't satisfied because it wasn't as good as their last album which claimed to be their breakout album. There were two songs that I liked. One is "Ignorance" and another is "Brick by Boring Brick". I found the tune of "Ignorance" to flow much better than "Brick by Boring Brick" because some parts Hayley Williams (lead singer) sung were a bit off-tune.

I had this feeling that this album didn't sell as well as their last one. This album does show how much they matured but I do not know what happened that made their album not as good as the last one.


Recommended to: Paramore fans, alternative lovers, former/current fans of Avril Lavigne, etc.

The Velvet Underground and Nico

The Velvet Underground and Nico

By: The Velvet Underground
Reviewed by: Matt, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


This is the 1967 debut from The Velvet Underground, they were the first alternative/punk band and paved the way for songs that weren't just about love/surfing/basic weirdness... this album includes amazing songs with both epic and heavy themes.
track listing:
1.Sunday Morning
2.I'm waiting for the Man
3.Femme Fatale
4.Venus in Furs
5.Run, Run, Run
6.All Tomorrow's Parties
7.There She Goes Again
8.I'll Be Your Mirror
9.The Black Angel's Death Song
10.European Son


Recommended to: Anyone really, if you can handle the questionable content

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (The Series)

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (The Series)


By: Louise Rennison
Reviewed by: Tina R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


This series is about a hilarious British girl going through her teenage years. The movie for the first book just came out recently (on video). If your in for a HUGE laugh, this series is for you!


Recommended to: Teenage girls

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond


By: Elizabeth George Speare
Reviewed by: Kristin S., 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Elizabeth George Speare must have used magic to write this amazing novel. This book undergoes so many different emotions and issues, it is a wonder that it didn't just turn into psychologist.

This spellbinding novel takes place around the 1690's. The story is Kit Tyler's, the now homeless, orphaned girl, who moves to New England to live with relatives who are strangers to her. Hardly anyone accepts her, for she is very different and contradictory their bland, strict lifestyle. But one, old, misunderstood woman does. They find friendship. But when her new friend is accused of being a witch, Kit must save her. The townspeople accuse Kit of witchcraft and put her on trial. The man who claimed he loved her wouldn't save her. Who was left?

This novel was wonderful. It brought me to tears on a particulary adorablbe scene between her handsome friend and herself. I stayed up all night reading it; I couldn't set it down.

Overall, a catching book that won't let you go until you've finished.


Recommended to: Anyone who enjoys romance, adventure, and suspense.

Breathe : Yoga for Teens

Breathe : Yoga for Teens


By: Mary Kaye Chryssicas
Reviewed by: Kayla A., 12
Rating: It was amazing!


It really is good stuff for the mind. you should definately check it out, even if your not that stretchy. It actually starts your day off better. seriously, no joke. see ya!!


Recommended to: Everyone who likes to search themselves

She-Wolf

She-Wolf

By: Shakira
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Really liked it


Shakira, Shakira, we just can't enough of this Colombian singer who can sing just as well as her belly-dancing. Her voice is just like Alanis Morrisette but in the Latin genre. She has gone through oral fixations to make her voice better and there has been improvement but not dramatic. She's back with straight (formerly curly) blonde (formerly dark brown) hair. I always hear that she's only 4'11'' and I always see her in heels.

With this album, Shakira is joining the trend of mythical characters starting from that Vampire craze we had with "Twilight" and now Werewolves. The first track, "She-Wolf", the tune is so addicting and so catchy, I couldn't stop playing it. The song compared to her past songs, has more of a nightclub, dance vibe. Her voice is improved from her past songs but she's still getting there. The second track, "Did it Again", has two versions in the album, the one by herself and the one she collaborated with Kid Cudi. I don't see any significant differences between the two but the tune is what allures me. The sixth track, "Men in this Town", I know she claims her biological clock is ticking and she gives us advice on how to find a man but I do not know what is with her and Matt Damon. The thirteenth track, "Give it up to Me", collaborated with Lil' Wayne is such an addicting song. Some parts of it has this South American instrument playing the tune which brings us back to her Colombian origins. The tune and the song match. And there she goes again with the "She-Wolf", "I have this She-Wolf appetite that keeps me up all night..."

She has dramatically changed in appearance ever since her last appearance with her last album, "Oral Fixation Vol. 2" with the hip-shaking song, "Hips Don't Lie" which got the whole world shaking their hips. She not only has a slightly different style in singing, she also looks different too. All I can say now is to check out this CD.



Recommended to: Shakira fans, Fans of Latin music, Teens, etc.

Play On

Play On

By: Carrie Underwood
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Really liked it


Carrie Underwood, winner of season 4 on American Idol, did it again with her third album, "Play On"! Ever since her first album, "Some Hearts", well, yeah, she did win our hearts over and probably made some of us want to listen to country again. Before Taylor Swift, we had Carrie Underwood who made country awesome.

About "Play On", I liked the first song and also the first single released from the album, "Cowboy Casanova" because of how descriptive the lyrics are :"He's a devil in disguise, a snake with blue eyes, and he only comes out at night. It's a feeling you don't want to fight, so you better run for your life..." In addition to the vivid lyrics, the song is just as catchy too. The lyrics practically match the tune! The second song, "Quitter" is very easy to relate with. The third song, "Mama's Song" is very touching and it's pretty much an ode to her own mom and a somewhat religious vibe. The fifth song, "Undo It" is pretty much a song that relates to her break-ups and feelings towards some guys. The seventh song, "Songs Like This" is in many ways like Taylor Swift's "Our Song" talking about writing a song and also comes with such a catchy vibe. Listening to that song, I can also relate back to "Before he Cheats" off her first album. The thirteenth (last) song is the title song!

"Play On" which is somewhat true and sometimes in life, you just have to play on!
Overall, I don't think this is Carrie Underwood's best album, in fact, I don't really know which one is her best album. I like how she can use events in her own life, add a catchy tune, and voila, a hit song! She has topped charts ever since she released her first album, won many Country Music Awards (CMA), American Music Awards (AMA), and even won a Grammy. She is worth listening to and that's all I can say.


Recommended to: Women, fans of American Idol, already fans of Carrie Underwood, fans of Taylor Swift, country music fans, etc.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Silver Door

The Silver Door


By: Holly Lisle
Reviewed by: Piglet, 13
Rating: Really liked it


The book Moon and Sun 2: The Silver Door by Holly Lisle was enchanting. In the first book, Genna killed the evil kai-lord and freed the nightlings under his command. Now with the help of her old friends, Catri, Danrith, Doyati, Yarri, the cat, and their new friends, she will rid them of the evil taanu monster Banris. Genna is facing death again in the attempt to become the Sunrider and fulfill her duties and dreams. Will her attempts be enough, or will she have to sacrifice something to gain? Read this book to find out.


Recommended to: 6th to 10th graders

Dear Pen Pal

Dear Pen Pal


By: Heather Vogel Frederick
Reviewed by: Baby Roo, 13
Rating: It was alright...


The Daughter's are back in their third year of book club. When everything is changing and everybody is being separated, Cassidy, Emma, Jess, Megan, and Becca will make tons of new friends . . . and enemies. Stewart and Emma start the new year off with a spark, and the girls and their new pen pals in Wyoming are getting along well. Will other romances start and will family issues be solved? Read to find out.


Recommended to: 6th through 8th graders

Night World, No. 2

Night World, No. 2


By: L.J. Smith
Reviewed by: Baby Roo, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


This book contained three stories . . . Dark Angel, The Chosen, and Soulmate. In Dark Angel, Gillian meets Angel in a near death experience, and believes he is her soulmate. Later on she finds out who her one true love really is. The Chosen was about a vampire hunter named Rashel who finds love and protection in an unpredictable place. Last but least, Soulmate is about a girl named Maya who must make a choice, Maya . . . or Theirry.


Recommended to: Fiction Lovers

I So Don't Do Spooky

I So Don't Do Spooky


By: Barrie Summy
Reviewed by: Baby Roo, 13
Rating: It was alright...


I read I So Don't Do Creepy by Barrie Summy. It was about a girl named Sherry with a ghost mom and a teacher stepmom .When Sherry went to a meeting with her real mom and some other ghosts, she found out her stepmom has a stalker. To be able to keep in contact with her mom and get five minutes of Real Time, Sherry has to find and turn in the stalker. Can she find this stalker and sort out her love life as well.


Recommended to: middle schoolers

Night World, No. 3

Night World, No. 3


By: L.J. Smith
Reviewed by: Baby Roo, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In this book, Night World #3 by L.J.Smith, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and witches all combine. In the first section it talks about a teen half-human/half-vamp named Jez and how she goes from vampire gang leader to human protector. When Night Worlders try to find and kill the Wild Powers, she and her old gang team back up, but not everybody is happy with the new arrangement. Section two was about Maggie, a human who escaped slavery, and found her soulmate, Prince Delos. When a plan arises to cut off Prince Delos's Wild Power, the two must come together, like it or not, to stay alive. In the last section, a shapeshifter named Keller finds out her soulmate, Prince Galen, is betrothed to another. Will their love ruin the promise betwee the shapeshifters and witches, or will some good come out of it? If you like this book stay in tune to read #4.


Recommended to: Fiction lovers

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Moving Finger

The Moving Finger


By: Agatha Christie
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 16
Rating: It was amazing!


When mysterious letters swarm a small town in England saying nasty things about people, the village dwellers aren’t worried. But when a woman commits suicide because of a letter that says she’s cheating on her husband, newcomers Joanna and Jerry Burton start to wonder who’s behind such malevolent letters. This brother and sister duo has to find clues to solve this mystery; maybe with a little help from Miss Marple.

Agatha Christie’s third Miss Marple book doesn’t fail to please. Miss Marple is absent for most of the mystery but shows up just in time to help in the end. But the two main characters Joanna and Jerry handle the sleuthing well. The book ends on a high note where a few characters end up getting married, which is a different ending for Christie’s mysteries. Overall it is a captivating book that will keep you thinking.

Also remember that the Miss Marple books are independent stories so you can read them out of order unless I mention otherwise!


Recommended to: fans of a good mystery that has a feel-good ending

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Proposal

The Proposal


By: Anne Fletcher
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 16
Rating: Really liked it


Sandra Bullock does it again. This movie is downright hilarious! I guarantee everyone who watches this will laugh at least once. Though there are a few mature scenes that are inappropriate for younger children because of sexual content, the older teens will get a kick out of it. It starts out with Bullock’s character named Margaret who is a book publisher who’s also a Canadian immigrant with a recently expired visa. So she tells her faithful assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she can stay in the country. He reluctantly agrees. But, in order for the immigration social workers to believe they’re “for real” Margaret and Andrew have to visit Andrew’s family in Alaska. And then the laughs begin…


Recommended to: older teens (16+) because of 2 mature scenes

Twilight (The Movie)

Twilight


Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke
Reviewed by: Kait, 15
Rating: Hated it!


I just have one request of Catherine Hardwick: Could we please have two hours of Cam Cigandet's chest rather than two hours of watching this horribly awkward movie? That is at the top of my Christmas list, because it was truly the only thing that got me through the worst two hours of my life. It's hard to believe I willingly wasted 10$ on that movie.

Where do I begin?

I'll start out going through the movie in something resembling an order, but chances are I'll forget something mildly amusing and throw it in at the end. Cut me some slack people, it's winter vacation. This and the review I wrote ten minutes ago are the most work I've done in two solid weeks.

1. Robert Pattinson: Normally I'm cool with this guy. I'm a Potter-maniac, and I did almost cry when Cedric Diggory died. But in this film they took a mildly attractive Brit and turned him into a creepy, pervy fairy of a vampire with blonde highlights! And they got rid of his British accent. That alone is heresy.

2. Kristen Stewart: Okay, she's just wierd. She looks like she's half-asleep the whole time, and then there was that awkward scene in her bedroom. Just plain wierd.

3. Taylor Lautner: I just have two things to say about this. First - the hair. *Shudders*. Second - the chest. Why did we not get to see it?

*Author's Note - see there, that was in order! You should be impressed. I'm waiting for my applause...

4. What was with the fact that it felt like I was wearing blue-tinted glasses the entire time? Could we please have some better visual effects? It was just odd looking.

5. "Bella's" costuming: Ha. HAha. HAHAHAAHAHAAA. I laughed. I laughed quite a bit. Whoever died her hair looks like he/she did it with a box of cheap hair dye that was about 20 years old and had started molding. And those brown contacts were awful. Plain and simple. And could she wear something a little less homely? I know Meyer played her up as 'plain', but i would love to see some colour. Just saying.

6. Jasper's Hair: Whoever did that should be shot. Look up Jackson Rathbone on imdb or something. He's a cute cookie! But those blonde highlights were just awful!!!

7. Rosalie's Hair: Are you seeing a pattern here? The stylists really should have gotten some training before they went onto the set. This girl is normally beautiful. AS A BRUNETTE. She's got darker hair than I do! (For reference's sake, my hair is dark. For the record) Rosalie's supposed to be the most beautiful girl in the world (Yeah, right, Steph.) and yet she looks so unnatural! Keep her a brunette, it's better that way :)

8. "I like watching you sleep". No lie, when I was in the theater watching this, after that line I had had enough. I whispered (loudly) "STALKER!" and the entire theater started busting up laughing. THAT is how ridiculous this film is.

That's pretty much the end of the review for now, seeing as I'd prefer to keep my lunch (which was delicious) in my stomach/small intestine, rather than all over my lovely laptop. For your sake and mine, I'll stop now.

Peace Kids :)




*Author's Note - now, in case you didn't notice, in this entire review I shied away from talking about the ridiculous storyline, etc. because that is all related to the "novel" itself. If you are in the mood for some biting wit and hilarity, read my review on the Twilight Saga. I'd like to think it's amusing. Please help me stay sane and read it and comment. It might make my day that much less-bleak.


Recommended to: No one. Please end this illness that is Stephenie Meyer!

The Lion King - Broadway Soundtrack

The Lion King - Broadway Soundtrack

By: The Lion King Cast, Elton John
Reviewed by: Kait, 15
Rating: It was amazing!


To begin with, I need to come clean. I am a fifteen year old girl who does actually have a life and gets some attention from the opposite sex. However, I am also 100% addicted to Disney films, particularly those from the 1990's. Disney had a formula with "Pocahontas", "Hunchback of Notre Dame", "Mulan", etc that just seemed to work for them, creating the cliche "Disney Magic". But none of these Oscar-winning masterpieces was more inspirational and incredible than "The Lion King". The film was a hit in every aspect: beautiful animation, well-done lyrics, and most of all an incredible musical soundtrack created by the one and only Elton John.

My parents still glare at me because apparently, after watching years of VHS's and Disney-product advertisements, I would beg them nightly to take me to the New Amsterdam Theater in New York to see "The Lion King" on Broadway. I have no cognizant memory of this, but it does sound a wee bit like something I would do. Needless to say, they didn't take me.

But as I was forcing my mother to watch two incredible songs from "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride" ("My Lullaby", "He Lives in You", and "One of Us", for future reference. Open another internet browser and Google it now. *Waves hand like Jedi*) I saw one of those ads for the musical.

And what did I just so conveniently happen to find at the library yesterday afternoon? THE SOUNDTRACK!!!

Which I had never heard before.

In the space of one hour after putting the CD in my stereo, I owned all of the music and had the entire CD on my iPod.

Yes, it is THAT good.

The Broadway recording takes some of our favorite "Lion King" songs ("Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait To Be King", and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" to name a few) and puts its own Broadway spin on them. But they also use authentic African instruments and styles to authenticate the music, complete with Swahili chants.

The new songs are a delight, including "The Madness of King Scar" (Yes, I am amused by listening to Scar go schizophrenic, though it was mildly disturbing to hear him hit on Nala...), "The Morning Report" (Remember the scene from the original film where Zazu delivers the Morning Report, saying things like 'cheetahs never prosper', 'giraffes are above it all', and 'I told the elephants to forget, but they can't!'? Well those have been made into a cheerful little ditty that rocks my Broadway socks), and "They Live in You" (the inspriation for the aforementioned "He Lives In You" from the sequel) and don't take anything from the story.

As well, such songs as "The Grasslands Chant" and "The Lioness Hunt" combine beautiful African rhythms with Swahili chants to give a distinct feel to the musical.

Usually, I am a Disney purist, but hearing each of these songs performed by Tony-winning actors gave a new spin on my all-time favorite movie. I did not miss anything. (Admittedly, I wanted to kill the little girl who plays Little Nala - but she only has about 3 lines of singing in "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", fortunately. You learn to tune her out.)

No, my parents still haven't taken me to see the Broadway "Lion King". Anyone have free tickets lying on their hands? ;) (that was a joke, they'd kill me if I took someone's stuff.)

Watch it. See it. Love it.

Peace kids (:


Recommended to: Anyone who loves good music (:

Monday, January 4, 2010

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean


By: Justin Somper
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Grace and Conner Tempest are twins. Their father, Dexter Tempest, was the lighthouse keeper. After his death, the bank takes away everything that used to belong to the twins and their father. Not being able to fit in, Grace and Connor manages to leave Crescent Moon Bay by jumping onto what used to be their father's boat and sail away. But when a storm hits them, they get shipwrecked and are separated from each other.

They are both miraculously saved. Connor was saved by Cheng Li, the deputy captain aboard The Diablo, and slowly accepts a new life as a pirate. Grace, however, was saved by Lorcan Furey, the midshipman aboard the legendary vampirate ship, and she sails with them. With their new lives in store for them, trouble and danger can't be too far away.

When you read this book, there are 2 stories going at once, one of Connor's life on The Diablo, and the other is Grace's life aboard the vampirate ship. I enjoy the action and adventure in this book, since it never seems to die. Also, most people believe that vampires just suck on peoples blood, sleep in coffins, turn into bats and so on. In this book, the vampires are pirates, something completely different! That's why I enjoyed this book, since the vampires in the story are a little different.


Recommended to:adventure and pirate lovers

Tan Lines

Tan Lines


By: Katherine Applegate
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Summer is finally a high school graduate, and she and her boyfriend, Seth, plan on being together through college and beyond! As she spends her summer in Crab Claw Keys, Florida, she and her friend Marquez and her cousin Diana enjoy each others company, but when trouble hits them all, like Summer's ex-boyfriend Austin trying to get back into her life, when Marquez passed out, and her brother Diver's disappearance, they are in for the ride of their lives! It is then that Summer realizes that her future will be a lot more different than what she expected it to be.

As you read this book, the author is able to guide you through it smoothly. Sometimes, when you read, you can actually imagine yourself in their place, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see, and hearing what they hear. Also, the plot just comes together in the end, like a jigsaw puzzle. I'd recommend this book to anyone!


Recommended to: everyone

Chase

Chase


By: Jessie Haas
Reviewed by: Kayleigh , 16
Rating: Really liked it


Phin Chase is on the run. After witnessing a cold-blooded murder, he has to flee in order to stay alive. With the Sleepers hot on his trail he has to escape many perils and still prove that he is innocent. But a strange man with a jet black horse is following him; is he good or evil? Phin finds out.

This novel is based off of a historical period in American history dealing with immigrants that work in the mines of Pennsylvania. The book brings up historical groups like the Sleepers who are Irish coal mine workers that set up this organization due to union strikes and the Pinkerton National Detective Agency who were working against the Sleepers. It also has significant references to an influential American essayist, which is a nice touch. The ending is a bit weak, but overall it’s a nice historical fiction novel that brings insight to troubles in the 1870’s America.


Recommended to: history lovers

The Fame Monster

The Fame Monster

By: Lady GaGa
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Really liked it


Let's just say, it's practically "The Fame", reloaded. It has been "reloaded" with eight more songs and have nothing to do with "The Fame".

Just like her last album, the songs are all written or co-written by her, has some electronic vibe in it, and also involve some weird form of wardrobe. "Bad Romance" the album's first track, is a pretty catchy song and the French part "Je veux ton amour, je veux ta revenge" (I want your love, I want your revenge) is pretty accurate, she didn't butcher it like I thought she did. In many ways, the song is like "Disturbia" by Rihanna. The third track, "Monster" has an electronic vibe and the song will literally haunt you, "He ate my heart...". Fourth track "Speechless" is written for her dad and this one, she didn't amplify her voice, she wrote it all by herself, and it's piano being the main instrument. Nice ballad and tune. Sixth track "Telephone" featuring Beyonce, is a very addicting song, and does reflect the modern annoyances of cellphones and texting, especially when one's busy. The seventh track "So Happy I Could Die", is very to relate with. The tune is soft and catchy. Reflects good feelings. The last song, "Teeth" is a very, very naughty song. It's naughtier than most of her last songs from "The Fame".

For this album, all the songs have been censored so no worries of underage kids listening to it. I find all the songs to be much naughtier than most of the ones from her last album and much more electronic. More of them sound like club songs and have that nightclub vibe in them. And some seem to be more repetitive. Otherwise, they are all really catchy songs and signify the creativity she put into writing them.


Recommended to: Teens, clubbers, Lady Gaga fans, dancers, trend-setters, etc.