It sounds like a great book. I would luv to read it!!
Recommended to: Everyone
Recommended to: Everyone
Friday, January 20, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Waiting for Superman
An industrialized and prosperous nation, who would have thought that America's public schools are failing to provide students with the necessary skills to go on to the next level. Some students go on to high school with a reading comprehension of a third grader, and many go on to the workforce, realizing how unprepared they are. A majority of the problem goes to bad teachers that didn’t teach their students well enough. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fire them due to the tenure, which guarantee teachers a lifetime job. Now that a good public education is at risk, some resort to charter school in hope of getting a better education.
This movie focused on the life on five students, their dreams and their goals, but also how public education system is failing them. It focused on the issues with public education, how radical changes are needed- like the one proposed and acted out by Michelle Rhee. Currently, out of 30 developed countries, America ranked 21th in science and 25th in math. This movie will help people realize that reforms are necessary for our public education. Because if our current education system don't change, the students that we created will never be competent when competing in the real world with students from other countries.
Recommended to: Everyone
This movie focused on the life on five students, their dreams and their goals, but also how public education system is failing them. It focused on the issues with public education, how radical changes are needed- like the one proposed and acted out by Michelle Rhee. Currently, out of 30 developed countries, America ranked 21th in science and 25th in math. This movie will help people realize that reforms are necessary for our public education. Because if our current education system don't change, the students that we created will never be competent when competing in the real world with students from other countries.
Recommended to: Everyone
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt.1
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 17 Director: Bill Condon
Your Rating: It was alright
One lesson learned: never ever expect too much out of a movie. Yes, I expected too much out of the movie version of Breaking Dawn, the movie of the book written by Stephenie Meyer. I obsessed three years (since my freshman year) over this book and I was anxious for the movie to come out. Turns out I did expect too much. Of course I would have been disappointed.
If you have read the book, you'd know how the movie is going to go. Also, just because it's Hollywood, there would be changes in the movie from the book to shorten this to about two hours.
I liked some of the parts and some were pretty funny. Anna Kendrick sneaked in some humor into her part as Jessica, Bella's human friend. Robert Pattinson (Edward) also sneaked in some humor. There was some outrageously cute scenes and a wide array of awkward scenes. The romantic scenes in the movie were very awkward. The birth scene was very horrific but cool at the same time. The wedding kiss between Bella and Edward was too long. The wedding toasts were pretty hilarious. I can't really say much about Jacob.
In the movie, you can obviously see the magic of CGI being put to use as they made Kristen Stewart (Bella) look sickly and scary at the same time as well as make her pregnancy realistic. Bella's dreams were portrayed interestingly.
Overall, I thought the movie was okay. I don't know if I am anticipating for Part 2 to come out next year, but we'll see.
I would recommend this to...: Twilight fans, most people, anyone over 13
One lesson learned: never ever expect too much out of a movie. Yes, I expected too much out of the movie version of Breaking Dawn, the movie of the book written by Stephenie Meyer. I obsessed three years (since my freshman year) over this book and I was anxious for the movie to come out. Turns out I did expect too much. Of course I would have been disappointed.
If you have read the book, you'd know how the movie is going to go. Also, just because it's Hollywood, there would be changes in the movie from the book to shorten this to about two hours.
I liked some of the parts and some were pretty funny. Anna Kendrick sneaked in some humor into her part as Jessica, Bella's human friend. Robert Pattinson (Edward) also sneaked in some humor. There was some outrageously cute scenes and a wide array of awkward scenes. The romantic scenes in the movie were very awkward. The birth scene was very horrific but cool at the same time. The wedding kiss between Bella and Edward was too long. The wedding toasts were pretty hilarious. I can't really say much about Jacob.
In the movie, you can obviously see the magic of CGI being put to use as they made Kristen Stewart (Bella) look sickly and scary at the same time as well as make her pregnancy realistic. Bella's dreams were portrayed interestingly.
Overall, I thought the movie was okay. I don't know if I am anticipating for Part 2 to come out next year, but we'll see.
I would recommend this to...: Twilight fans, most people, anyone over 13
What Would Jesus Buy
Reviewed by: Jerry, 16Director: Morgan Spurlock
Your Rating: It was amazing!
This is a documentary film based around the life of Reverend Billy. Unlike other clergy, he preaches to get people to stop buying or spend less through comedic tones. Many people may have taken his words as joke, but the issue that he expressed truly show how corrupt our society is and also how our society had misunderstood the true purpose of Christmas.
The film took place few weeks before Christmas with Reverend Billy campaigning around several shopping centers, telling people to stop consuming. He is trying to tell people that buying gifts for each other is not what Christmas is about; it is about expressing true love, one that will bring the family closer together.
The film focused on many of our society's issues. Trying not to spoil the whole film, I only provided one of the example as seen above.
This film is probably the best I had seen so far. It is both sarcastic and educational at the same time.
I would recommend this to: thinkers
Puss in Boots
Reviewed by: Jerry, 16
Director: Chris Miller
Your Rating: It Was Amazing!
Your Rating: It Was Amazing!
Many teenagers or adults may hesitate to watch this film due to its very nature that it is an animate; they believe that animate are for the younger kids. That is a general misconception. I absolutely disagree with it -at least for this film.
This film is brilliant: its graphic, story line, and about every aspects of it. Simply incredible. End of story.
The film focused on a human-like cat, Puss, who is looking for a magic bean that can lead him to the giant's castle, where he can find the golden eggs(reference to Jack and the Beanstalk). While on his hunt, he met his old friend that once betrayed him, Humpty Dumpty. Humpty wanted to work with Puss to find the golden egg. Though Puss at first disagree, he later agreed to let Humpty joins him on the quest.
That basically sums up the first 20 minutes of the film. The remaining 70 minutes? English has yet to be advanced enough to translate it into words.
Unlike many kids' film, this movie has many whimsical surprises and turn of events.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
This film is brilliant: its graphic, story line, and about every aspects of it. Simply incredible. End of story.
The film focused on a human-like cat, Puss, who is looking for a magic bean that can lead him to the giant's castle, where he can find the golden eggs(reference to Jack and the Beanstalk). While on his hunt, he met his old friend that once betrayed him, Humpty Dumpty. Humpty wanted to work with Puss to find the golden egg. Though Puss at first disagree, he later agreed to let Humpty joins him on the quest.
That basically sums up the first 20 minutes of the film. The remaining 70 minutes? English has yet to be advanced enough to translate it into words.
Unlike many kids' film, this movie has many whimsical surprises and turn of events.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Reviewed by: Jerry, 16 Director: Judy Irving
Your Rating: Really liked it
Very interesting and loving documentary. It focuses on a homeless guy and his relationship with the wild parrots.
Many people may have thought of documentary as boring 2 hours long of boredom. That is not true; at least not this documentary. I was engaged throughout the entire film.
This movie is about a men who came to San Francisco in order to pursue his dream as a musician. Unable to do so, he ran out of money and became homeless. Despite his circumstances, he still devoted his time to take care of the wild parrots. Eventually, he creates a special bond with the parrots, one that reflects equal love between family members.
The theme of this film circulates around the strong bond human could have with animals. Though I gave a synopsis of the film, I didn't go in depth in the various aspects of that theme the film expressed. This is not only engaging, but also educational.
I would recommend this to: Thinker
Your Rating: Really liked it
Very interesting and loving documentary. It focuses on a homeless guy and his relationship with the wild parrots.
Many people may have thought of documentary as boring 2 hours long of boredom. That is not true; at least not this documentary. I was engaged throughout the entire film.
This movie is about a men who came to San Francisco in order to pursue his dream as a musician. Unable to do so, he ran out of money and became homeless. Despite his circumstances, he still devoted his time to take care of the wild parrots. Eventually, he creates a special bond with the parrots, one that reflects equal love between family members.
The theme of this film circulates around the strong bond human could have with animals. Though I gave a synopsis of the film, I didn't go in depth in the various aspects of that theme the film expressed. This is not only engaging, but also educational.
I would recommend this to: Thinker
The Smurfs
Reviewed by: Jerry, 16Director: Raja Gosnell
Your Rating: It was amazing!
This film is everything a family film should be like- funny, entertaining, and a perfect happy ending.
The plot isn't that lucrative. Basically, Gargamel wanted the Smurfs for their magic power. He comes up with ideas to catch them, but the Smurfs outsmart him. To be honest, that's what I expect from a Smurf movie, no more and no less. The plot of this movie reminds me a lot of "101 Dalmatians" and "Tom and Jerry".
The overall plot may be a little bit too vague, but the subplots are amazing. There're many scenes in the movie that got me laughing crazily. There are also many scenes that are heart-warming.
Despite its predictable ending, this film will definitely capture your feelings, emotions, and make you laugh all the way.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
The plot isn't that lucrative. Basically, Gargamel wanted the Smurfs for their magic power. He comes up with ideas to catch them, but the Smurfs outsmart him. To be honest, that's what I expect from a Smurf movie, no more and no less. The plot of this movie reminds me a lot of "101 Dalmatians" and "Tom and Jerry".
The overall plot may be a little bit too vague, but the subplots are amazing. There're many scenes in the movie that got me laughing crazily. There are also many scenes that are heart-warming.
Despite its predictable ending, this film will definitely capture your feelings, emotions, and make you laugh all the way.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
30 Minutes or Less
Reviewed by: Jerry, 16 Director: Ruben Fleischer
Your Rating: It was alright...
Your Rating: It was alright...
With great actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari, this movie somehow still lacks the magic. Many jokes in the movie are childish and stupid to certain extent.
The plot and the idea of the movie is great. A guy got kidnapped and strapped with bomb. In order for him to dis-activate the bomb he will have to rob the bank for two criminal. Those two criminals wanted the money so they can hire assassin to kill a certain someone. They ended up getting chase by a different criminal. As I had mentioned before, the plot is awesome. So many events happened, and also so many mind-blowing twist to it. By the way, there're way more to the plot than what I had stated. I simply don't want to give too much away about the movie.
With a movie idea like that, I believe this movie could have been way better. Too bad some humorless jokes ruined it. I am a little bit disappointed.
I would recommend this to: Not Everyone
The plot and the idea of the movie is great. A guy got kidnapped and strapped with bomb. In order for him to dis-activate the bomb he will have to rob the bank for two criminal. Those two criminals wanted the money so they can hire assassin to kill a certain someone. They ended up getting chase by a different criminal. As I had mentioned before, the plot is awesome. So many events happened, and also so many mind-blowing twist to it. By the way, there're way more to the plot than what I had stated. I simply don't want to give too much away about the movie.
With a movie idea like that, I believe this movie could have been way better. Too bad some humorless jokes ruined it. I am a little bit disappointed.
I would recommend this to: Not Everyone
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Green Lantern
Director: Martin Campbell Reviewed by: Jerry, 15
Your Rating: Really liked it
Your Rating: Really liked it
A typical superhero action flick. Despite the fact the plot is very predictable, I still truly enjoy every minute of the film.
The film is adapted from the comic, Green Lantern, so it shouldn't be surprising to those that read the comic on how the plot of the movie is going to play out. I, myself, haven't read the comic yet, so I can't comment on how similar the comic is to the film.
Ryan Reynolds did a great job bringing the comic character to life. His acting is absolutely spectacular. The amount of energy he puts into his acting definitely reflect on how engage I am to the movie.
I will encourage everyone to watch this film. Though it may be action-focused, it is a very family-friendly film.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
The film is adapted from the comic, Green Lantern, so it shouldn't be surprising to those that read the comic on how the plot of the movie is going to play out. I, myself, haven't read the comic yet, so I can't comment on how similar the comic is to the film.
Ryan Reynolds did a great job bringing the comic character to life. His acting is absolutely spectacular. The amount of energy he puts into his acting definitely reflect on how engage I am to the movie.
I will encourage everyone to watch this film. Though it may be action-focused, it is a very family-friendly film.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
3 Idiots
Director: Rajkumar Hirani Reviewed by: Jerry, 15
Your Rating: It was amazing!
First Hindu movie I have seen, and the best movie I knew so far. Many people may be reluctant to see this film due to the simple fact that it is not an American film. Those type of naive flock of thoughts is wrong, at least proven wrong by this film.
Unlike many other comedic films that focused solely on making people laugh and lacked deep implication or purpose, this film fused elements of comedy, educational, and inspirational. This blends create a film that matches no other. A film that deserved the title 'flawless'.
It is a sad truth that I must admit that even my words can't convey the exorbitant feeling I had for this film. As a matter of fact, I have seen this movie five times. Each time staring at the screen in awe after this movie is finished.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
It is a sad truth that I must admit that even my words can't convey the exorbitant feeling I had for this film. As a matter of fact, I have seen this movie five times. Each time staring at the screen in awe after this movie is finished.
I would recommend this to: Everyone
You Are the Apple of My Eye
Author: Giddens Ko Reviewed by: Jerry, 16
Your Rating: It was Amazing!
Love story at its best. A sad movie that doesn't make the viewers feel depressed after viewing. This movie is funny while romantic. In all honesty, I don't know how this film can get any better.
I give the director the most credit for the film. The way the film plays out is amazing. The close-in, close-out, and the angling make the film uniquely more interesting to watch.
This film is made in Taiwan. But like I said in one of my previous reviews, American's films are no better from foreign's films. And if you suddenly or one day crave for foreign films, this one must be on your list.
I would recommend this to: Everyone!
Keeping the Moon
By: Sarah DessenReviewed by: Tahrima, 15
Rating: Really Liked It!
In Keeping the Moon, Sarah Dessen delivers a rich, well-written story filled with lively characters who embrace the concepts of self-image and self-worth in their own ways. While her fitness-guru mother is on a working tour in Europe, fifteen-year old Colie will spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira and her cat, Cat Norman, in North Carolina. Due to frequent moving around with her mother when she was younger and having been overweight, Colie always felt like an outsider. Although she lost the extra weight, she is still without friends, and now has a reputation for being ôeasy.ö So, staying with an aunt she barely remembers in an unfamiliar small town seems like the last thing in the world she needs. Colie is soon befriended by neighbors, Isabel and Morgan, two young waitresses at the Last Chance Bar and Grill and by Norman, a ôhippie art freak,ö who lives in her aunt MiraÆs basement. Between working at the restaurant under MorganÆs guidance, consisting of lessons like ômayonnaise is a lot like menà ,ö and spending time with her aunt Mira, Colie starts to leave her reclusive self behind. Although she would not have anticipated a summer spent like this, it may turn out to be just what she needed. Readers will enjoy this uplifting novel in which the characters embrace their own unique qualities, confront their weaknesses and find value in themselves and their friends.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Tree Girl
By: T. A. Barron
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 15
Rating: Really Liked It!
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 15
Rating: Really Liked It!
Tree Girl is a haunting story about a girl Rowanna who is growing up on a beach with an old fisherman she calls "Master". She feels pulled to go to the place where he claims he found her, the great Willow beyond the woods. But, he always warns her to never enter the woods because evil ghouls live there. Will she brave the woods to find out where she came from?
T.A. Barron weaves a wonderful story where his descriptions paint a vivid picture in your mind. One day, when Anna was chasing her windblown hat, she enters the forest edge. Here is Barron's description of what she found. "...new smells flowed over them like an invisible tide. The air was sharp and sweet and musty all at once. Spots of light danced on the branches, side by side with glittering leaves. Anna felt an urge to dance herself..."
T.A. Barron weaves a wonderful story where his descriptions paint a vivid picture in your mind. One day, when Anna was chasing her windblown hat, she enters the forest edge. Here is Barron's description of what she found. "...new smells flowed over them like an invisible tide. The air was sharp and sweet and musty all at once. Spots of light danced on the branches, side by side with glittering leaves. Anna felt an urge to dance herself..."
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