(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer


Directed By: Marc Webb
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was amazing!


I liked the movie overall. The movie was about two people who did not care about love in general. I could relate myself to Summer who did not to be in a relationship at all and just wanted to be friends with Tom.

The movie is pretty much about Tom's 500 happy, sad, in-between days with a girl named Summer. The ending was weird with *spoiler* Tom meeting a girl named Autumn and then it looks like there's going to be a sequel in the making or that Tom got over Summer because love and fortune aren't set in stone and that life stll goes on.


Recommended to: Everyone, especially fellow romantic hopelesses

Gregor the Overlander

Gregor the Overlander


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


This book combines mystery and that want to find a new world with adventure. In this book Gregor a 11 year old boy living in New York cit y with his mom, two sisters, and grandmother falls down a laundry shoot to the underland. A whole different world right underneath new york. Here Gregor must help the locals becasue of one of their prophecies. It states that a overland warrior, (supposedly gregor) will save them from anihalation at the hand of the giant rats that live there.Will Gregor be able to save them, and get home alive?

This book is very good and i would definetly recommend it to anyone who wants a fun entertaining read. It definetly sets the stage for the series to come.


Recommended to: anyone

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In the last book of the series Percy Jackson is about to fulfill the propecy that occurs on the day he turns 16. That day is less than a week away when the Titan Lord Kronos prepares to launch his armies against the olmpians. But all the gods are away fighting the monster Typhoon, so all that stands between Mount Olympus and the Titan army is 40 demi-gods lead by Percy jackson. And then of course there are the statues and party ponies, but essentially just Percy Jackson and 40 campers. This book is the closure to the Percy Jackson series, and such is the best and most readable. I finished the book in just 4 hours of non-stop reading. This book is just as good if not better than any harry potter. I highly recomend.


Recommended to: fans of the series and anyone else

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight


Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was amazing!


The movie was amazing! Especially Heath Ledger's shocking performance. Too bad he couldn't live to make anymore movies.

Everything was good except for Christian Bale's voice as Batman. He sounds like he needs a throat lozenge.


Recommended to: Everyone

Princess And The Frog

Princess And The Frog


Directed By: Ron Clements
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was amazing!


A twist to a children's classic, the Frog Prince, instead of the princess kissing the frog and the frog becoming a prince, the princess becomes a frog. Also this movie is Disney's first 2-D animated feature since "Tarzan".

The movie is full of entertaining music and jazz. The trumpet-playing crocodile named Louis is funny. Prince Naveen makes a transition from arrogant to nice. Southern belle, Charlotte is actually nicer than I thought, she does let Tiana accomplish her dream of being a restaurant owner. And Tiana is a good example for everyone, "work hard and you can achieve anything". Dr. Facilier is a scary figure and may scare some younger children.

This is a pretty good animated work from Disney and you should go rent it.


Recommended to: Everyone

Inkheart

Inkheart


By: Cornelia Funke
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Meggie's father, whom she calls Mo, is a book repairer, and he has passed his love for books to Meggie. He has also been hiding a dangerous secret, and a wanted item, for 10 years. One night, a stranger named Dustfinger visits Mo, and they talk privately in Mo's workshop. Meggie eavesdrops on their conversation learns of a man named Capricorn and about a book that Capricorn was hunting for. The next morning, Mo, Dustfinger and Meggie goes to visit Elinor, Meggie's aunt. While they're there, Meggie learns more about Capricorn and the book he wants. When Mo is kidnapped by Capricorn's men, Meggie and Elinor set off to find him, and with each passing day, Meggie learns more about the secret that Mo's been keeping.


Recommended to:

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


This book is so good, and it's the fist book of the Percy Jackson series. The story is written with a sort of a modern feel. Riordan Rick wrote this as if he were a teenage boy, and that's what makes it interesting. Also, the titles he put for the chapters makes you wonder what he's talking about, but once you read it, you'll understand what the titles mean.
The story is quite simple.

Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old boy who goes to a private school called Yancy. He is dyslexic and has ADHD. When on a field trip to a museum, he is attacked by his math teacher, who is a Fury in disguise. He finds out that he is the son of a Greek God. He is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a camp for demigods, half-human, half-god, like himself. When Zeus's master bolt goes missing, Percy is accused of stealing it and must find it before the summer solstice or else there will be a huge war between Poseidon and Zeus. With 10 days before the solstice, Percy sets off to find the master bolt with Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr. But will he find it in time?


Recommended to: adventure seekers and those who are into mythology

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!


Directed By: Phyllida Lloyd
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


I love musicals and this statement can be proved with Mamma Mia. Even though the Broadway musical must have been better than this movie, this movie is okay, but not the best. The movie has many, many catchy songs but has the worst costumes ever. Who wears overalls and silver tassels anymore?

I loved the songs "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia", and etc. They were written by ABBA, a Swedish band.

You could go see it, but if you have seen on Broadway, then don't.


Recommended to: People who are fond of musicals, etc.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

The Memory Keeper's Daughter


By: Kim Edwards
Reviewed by: Kimberly, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


This stunning novel begins on a winter night in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins.
His son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse, Caroline, to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own. Compulsively readable and deeply moving, The Memory Keeper's Daughter is a brilliantly crafted story of parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love.


Recommended to: Down syndrome, twin babies, sadness, and etc.

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife


Directed By: Robert Schwentke
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


In many ways, "The Time Traveler's Wife" is just like "The Notebook", and "P.S. I Love You" put together.

The movie's plot is very confusing especially when the child of Henry (Eric Bana) and Clare's (Rachel McAdams) child, Alba is born. I wouldn't want to spoil it so I shouldn't tell you how. Even the special feature where the screenwriters and the actors express their opinions about this movie think the plot is kind of confusing but Rachel McAdams claims that she had to read the book of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger many, many times. So after you watch the movie, it is suggested that you also watch the special feature that comes with it so it is more understandable.
Henry is a "Time-traveler". He time-travels when he's stressed. When he time travels, he doesn't bring his clothes so as he appeared in that time period, he has to get his clothes quick and then figure out where he's at.

And I find it eerily bizarre that a six-year old Clare meets a 30 something year old guy named Henry. Even weirder is that when Clare is 18 and Henry is 30-40 something, they have their first kiss and it's right after he has his vasectomy. A very weird love story going on. And their child, Alba (the conceiving of her is a weird story), reminds me of a scene of "Breaking Dawn" and possesses her dad's "Time-Traveling" genes but in a more controllable manner.

Very weird movie I tell you.


Recommended to: Women, fans of romance movies, and etc...

Chicago

Chicago


Directed By: Rob Marshall
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Really liked it


Chicago is a musical full of dancing, singing, etc. This seems to be one of Marshall's best movies. The plot seemed confusing at times and did not make sense but the music and the dancing (Cellblock tango) distracted me from it. I liked the song "All that Jazz".

Go see it because the plot is better to be seen that to be told of.


Recommended to: Movie buffs, etc.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel


Directed By: Betty Thomas
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are back in this fun-filled movie. At a concert, Alvin sends Dave flying across the stage (probably wondering how he did that) and Alvin and the gang are sent to live with Dave's aunt, who gets injured at the airport by Dave's cousin, Toby, and they enroll in high school, trying to fit in as regular kids. They encounter stiff competition as they meet the Chipettes, a trio of chipmunks.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st movie, and the 2nd one was just as good. If you liked the first one, you'll like this one as well.


Recommended to: alvin and the chipmunk lovers

Up

Up


Directed By: Pete Doctor & Bob Peterson
Reviewed by: Yuuki, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old man who met the love of his life, Ellie, when he overheard her playing in an abandoned house in his neighborhood when they were both young. As the years go by, they end up marrying and enjoying each others' company in the house that they built together. When Ellie dies, Carl is left with memories of the times they had spent with each other. Determined to make Ellie's and his dream reality, Carl blows up thousands of balloons, attaching them to the house, and the house lifts off up the ground and the house goes sailing away. With the help of a young boy, Russel, who is a Wilderness Explorer Carl's destination: Paradise Falls, South America.

UP is such a great movie! It has humor, it portrays strong emotions, and it's a great movie for people of all ages.


Recommended to: kids of all ages

Treasure Island

Treasure Island


By: Robert Louis Stevenson
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Treasure Island a true classic, one of the best things ever written. The story starts off with Jim Hawkins, a boy in the late 1800's, the son of innkeeper. When a mysterious guest shows up at the inn Hawkins’s adventures begin. As he finds out the guest was a pirate and his enemies are coming to get something he has. But before they reach the pirate dies and Jack has the object. When the doctor, squire, and he find out the object holds a treasure map they set out to find it. What follows is one of the best tales of pirates and villains, maps and treasures.

This book is a classic but, because of the time in which written, has word and phrases obsolete to modern English, it definitely takes time to go back and make sure you understand the narrative especially the dialogue. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a classic or wants a challenging read.


Recommended to: anyone who enjoy a classic or wants a challenging read

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


The last installment of the Harry Potter series sees Harry not in Hogwarts but rather all over Britain trying to destroy all of the horcruxes so that he can finally kill voldemort. The book has many setting and even more chapters full of detail. And an epilogue is placed in the end for the readers pleasure and tell of Harry and Ginny's and Ron and Hermione’s" children departing for their first year of Hogwarts.

The book is wonderful just like all of the series. This one especially has plenty of action, drama, and J.K Rowling’s pinch of romance. All the factors blend together seamlessly and provide a top notch read.


Recommended to: Anyone

True Friends

True Friends


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


In this story, Christy begans to take on challenges. She goes skiing, even though she's scared of it. Also, she writes to Todd telling him how much she appreciates him, even though Todd is not one who writes. This book is really good. It is a must read.


Recommended to:

A Heart Full of Hope

A Heart Full of Hope


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


At 16, Christy can finally date. Christy has fallen for this one boy, Rick, who waited two years for this, even if it meant skipping out on the prom. Rick's not happy though, with all the curfews set out for Christy by her parents, and her parents are unhappy for him for lying to Christy and not being responsible. Things just aren't going right. This book is a must read.


Recommended to:

Island Dreamer

Island Dreamer


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


In this book, Christy's childhood friend comes to spend a vacation together in Maui with Christy's family, and Todd... the guy Christy likes. Everything seems perfect except that her friend, Paula, is obsessed about having boyfriends, and has fallen for Todd.I don't want to reveal much more, but this book is a must read.



Recommended to:

Surprise Endings

Surprise Endings


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


Again, Christy is shown to be like any other girl, except when her heart is shown out, she becomes more special and more beautiful than most.


Recommended to:

Yours Forever

Yours Forever


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


A must read. Every part of Christy's relationship with Todd and even her friends is meaningful and is remembered in the books to come.


Recommended to:

A Whisper and a Wish

A Whisper and a Wish


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


Christy can just be any regular girl who has insecurities, and in this book moving... but Christy has a heart for God...which makes her different and special. A must read.If I were you, I'd read it from the volumes, because this makes things much easier.


Recommended to:

Summer Promise

Summer Promise


By: Robin Jones Gunn
Reviewed by: Esther, 12
Rating: It was amazing!


A fabulous start to the Chrisy Miller and Friends series.I would read the book in the volumes tho..cuz it makes things much easier.


Recommended to:

The Element of Freedom

The Element of Freedom

By: Alicia Keys
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: Really liked it


Alicia Keys is back with even more lovely songs! Her award-winning vocal cords still retain their awesomeness in her most recent album.

First song that I liked was "Doesn't Mean Anything" because she explains that money and fame cannot match up to the person you love whom you miss. Second song from the album that I like was "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" because I had many friends who've had recent breakups and after listening to this song, I have some empathy for them. Plus, her award-winning vocal cords are also being used in the song. Third song I liked was "Put it in a Love Song" and what makes it even better is that Beyonce collaborates with her on it! You put two award-winning vocal cords together and you get a phenomenal song! I also like the tune of it but the bad part of it was that Beyonce sounded like she was rapping instead of singing in few parts.

So just listen to it.


Recommended to: Alicia Keys fans, etc.

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing


Directed By: Emile Ardolino
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 15
Rating: It was alright...


This movie was made in 1987. I actually like the movie because it had a pretty good plot and the dance moves were good (the dance number towards the end is one you should look out for). Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey have great chemistry together.

I don't like how some people classify this a musical because there's only one song in it. The most of the movie revolves around dancing. I think that "Dirty Dancing" is more of a romance.

I could explain the plot to you but it's better to see the movie for yourself and I don't want to spoil it.

So go rent it, it's one of the most memorable movies.


Recommended to: Fans of Patrick Swayze, dancing, etc.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets


By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


The second installment of Harry's wizard training sees him back from a excruciating summer break. But when he gets back to Hogwarts something even more horrible than his cousins is stirring. Will Hogwarts be shut down because of an ancient monster of which everyone knows nothing of? And when Ron’s sister, Ginny, is taken by the monster will Harry and Ron be able to save her before it’s too late...? The story also include the usual Quiditch matches and Harry's rivalry with Malfoy.

I think this book is a fine adition to the series and will provide an excellent read. If you like the series or just want a change from other books read this.


Recommended to: Fans and everyone else

The Battle of the Labrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: Really liked it


In the fourth Book of the series Percy must stop Kronoses army from enetring the camp via the Labrinth created by Dadalus. But will the adventures get lost, go insane, or die? As the wander through the maze will they be able to find the great lost gof of nature, Pan? Or will Grover and Tyson die trying after they group of four split up? And will the defenses the other campers have set up be able to withstand the might of Kronose's army?

This book keeps up the tradition of the series for excellent writing and lots of action. And a hint of a love story here and there. A really, really good read...


Recommended to: Anyone, fans of the series

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone


By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In the first book of the seven part series, Harry potter, a troubled young boy has his life changed forever when he discovers he is a WIZARD on his eleventh birthday. And when Harry leaves the mean household of his uncle and aunt he discovers he has a better time being a wizard. he has more friends, more things he is good at, and more enemies... Will Harry even survive his first year at hogwarts?


This book is one of the BEST EVER WRITTEN. It will thrill readers of all ages. I recommend it to anyone.


Recommended to: anyone, anyone at all

The Titans Curse

The Titans Curse


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In the third book of the Percy Jackson series Percy and his friends at camp find two new half-bloods. But will they both survive and make it back to camp? Then Percy loses someone very important, Anabeth, or does he? Then on top of everyhting the godess Artemis goes missing, and her hunter go in search of her, but will Percy be left behind? And will they all come back?

This edition of the series is just as good as the others and will make readers beg for more. It is absouletly amazing


Recommended to: anyone

The Sea of Monsters

The Sea of Monsters


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Karthik, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


In the sea of monsters Percy must save camp, again. Thalia's tree, a pine that protdcts the park with its magical ailities has been poisened and the only way to rescue it is to get the golden fleece. A magical item that heals everything. But to get the fleece Percy must go to the sea of mosters or "as we mortals now it" the bermuda triangle. Will Percy be able to get the fleece in time? Will he be able to defeat Luke, a turncoat? And will he loose someone he is close to?

This book is absoultely amazing and will capivate all readers, even those who have skiped the first book then gone back. It will provide 300 odd pages of amazing read. I recomend it to all.


Recommended to: anyone