wook77: (Books and Movies: Resolution for 100)
[personal profile] wook77
Resolution Reviews – Same disclaimers. These are all obviously my own opinion. In addition, random points awarded for hot guys, points taken away for plot predictability. In other words, random.

Also – Spoilers abound. Let me repeat that - SPOILERS WITHIN


Storm Front: Dresden Files

I started this series because people on the flist were talking about it. The first one, here, is actually sort of slow. I found it a bit routine and repetitious. Some of the plot was predictable and the characterization was a bit off.

That being said, Jim Butcher still has a very addicting writing style. You want to cheer for Harry Dresden. He fucks up, moves on, fucks up some more, but he's always human. I really like the relationship he has with Karin Murphy as well. She's a good lass though I find the physical description of her to be a bit too fantasy and a bit less reality. If she were as muscular as described, she'd weigh a bit more, mkthx.

All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely, flaws and all. It's a fantastic start to a series.

9 out of 10


Fool Moon: Dresden Files

I bet you're already seeing the pattern here. Yes, I've read almost all the books in the Dresden Files and I've enjoyed each of them.

Fool Moon has a plot that moves. Unlike the first, it doesn't have too many clunky sections where the author is trying to set up the premise of the world. It's just there and it works. It's an interesting plot with fantastic characters. When I saw this series advertised for fans of Laurell K. Hamilton, I flinched. See HERE for details on why.

That being said, this is like classic LKH, supernatural baddies, interesting relationship dynamics, fantastic characters. I really really enjoyed this book. Plus – Harry Dresden can come visit and work his magic anytime. *winkwinknudgenudge*

9 out of 10


Grave Peril: Dresden Files

Book 3 of the series didn't disappoint, either. This one, as well, moved like I hoped. Actually, this book was really really good. It has a premise of ghosts getting stirred up along with a huge amount of vampires and it also introduces Thomas. Thomas because a BFD in the later books (and later reviews) but OMG so swooning over him. He's quite lovely. Actually – the whole book is. I love the realistic characterizations, the way that they're all human, mistrusting (at times), loving (at times), friendly (at times), mean (at times), etc. Jim Butcher has a really fantastic writing style, it's addictive and you just can't stop reading once you start.

9 out of 10


Summer Knight: Dresden Files

I liked looking into the world of fairy in this one. I enjoyed the premise of this story. Like all the other Dresden File books, it's got a fantastic plot that moves.

I read this one out of order, reading book 5 first. It didn't really affect how much I enjoyed the story. Obviously, because I know that there are a bunch of books in the series, that Dresden makes it out alive, at the end. These books are fantabulous. The way that Mab is so evil and yet, not, really impresses me because I like "evil" characters that I like. It somehow makes the book more enjoyable to cheer for the "bad" guy and the good guy.

Like all the others, a very enjoyable read.

8 out of 10


Death Masks: Dresden Files

This is my favorite of the series so far. The plot, oh man, the plot. Harry is so very human and fallible and the way that everyone believes in him when he doesn't? Also – the Knights are brilliant, they're really really brilliant. I love that one of them sort of fell into it, one doesn't really believe in God and then there is Michael, who rocks hardcore.

I really loved this one more than is healthy. I read it at least 3 times so far and I haven't yet lost my fascination with it. Just totally a fantastic read.

10 out of 10


Blood Rites: Dresden Files

A book in which Harry gets a dog. Named Mouse. You know that this doesn't bode well for the size of the dog. Also – a book in which we learn why Thomas is so important (hello, half-brothers?) Dude, I want to slash these two liekwhoa. I did before I read that they were brothers but now? Somehow, that's just hotter. Mmmmmmm. Plus, at the end, they totally move in to Harry's one bedroom flat together. Think of the slashy possibilities all wrapped up together in his little twin sized bed.

……………………………………………………..

Oh wait, review. Sorry. Yes, so a book worth reading. And imagining.

10 out of 10


Dead Beat: Dresden Files

First book in the series I was disappointed in. This book dragged. The plot was interesting, just like the rest, but it really read like Jim Butcher was going for word count not story. It just kept going and going and going. Too many new characters, not enough development of any of them. You just get tossed the "Word of Kemmlar" and then find out that, behind the scenes, the White Council's on the run and there's a spy. Um, can I see that, plzkthx? To quote from My Fair Lady - Don't talk of stars, burning above, if [you have interesting plot] show me!

5 out of 10


Lean Mean 13

Oh bless the Lord for Janet Evanovich. These books are just brilliantly funny. I cannot get enough of Stephanie Plum and her car luck of doom. These books are total fluff, from start to finish, but they're also the books that you cannot read out in public unless you want to look like a laughing hyena. I made the mistake of reading this at a doctor's office and I laughed and snorted and cried a couple of times. Lula continues to be my favorite character. Ranger and Morelli are TOTALLY shagging. Mmmmmm.

But yes, this whole series comes with a big fat PURCHASE RIGHT AWAY. I've been borrowing books from the library and Stephanie Plum books are some of the few that I will still purchase right away, without hesitation. She has yet to get less than a 9 out of 10 from me on any of her books. This one was sheer perfection.

10 out of 10


Furies of Calderon: Codex Alera Series

Jim Butcher's foray into the world of fantasy and the book was a good start. My mum tried to read it and hated it, thought it sounded like too much fake Latin, not enough plot. For me, though, I enjoyed the plot. It's a basic premise that works. Young boy finds out that something's going to happen, saves the world, gets rewarded and eventually finds out he's more than he thought.

I liked this. I didn't love it but I did like it. I found the style a bit off putting. There are 4 groups and Jim Butcher keeps going between the four so you're constantly backtracking, even when they're in the same general place.

The magical powers were cool. The Furies were nifty. The main character (Tavi) was cute and brave and that was enough for me.

7 out of 10


Academ's Fury: Codex Alera Series

This one is much better than the first one. We know who the characters are and, just like in the Dresden Files books, the author just assumes that we do. He sets up where they're at and shows you the action. The king dude is weakening and Tavi saves him. Another basic hero myth thing but it's a really good work, all in all. Interesting premise and it flows. The structuring isn't nearly as bad and/or annoying as the first. I'm looking forward to book 3. Which I've been waiting for from the library for almost 2 months. *growls*

8.5 out of 10


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I've been trying to get my thoughts together on this and make it much less squeeful. This book was way more than I was expecting. Though I could pick out different plot points from different books and movies and fanfiction, I still really enjoyed it. I liked how human the characters were. I liked that Ron felt insecure but still burst through that to destroy the Horcrux. I liked that Dean and Seamus embraced (err, duh?). I liked that the realities of what it meant to be Muggleborn during this time period were explored through Ted Tonks and Dean and the rest on the run. I liked how JKR didn't shy away from some of the darker aspects of the story.

The new canon has inspired me too all sorts of new levels and ideas. I love that she left the ending as ambiguous as she did. Seriously, it could've been a lot worse (though, from the interviews, it sounds like I actually owe a debt of gratitude to her editors for that last bit).

The only thing that really bugs the shit out of me continuously since the book is the death of Colin Creevey. First, he's Muggleborn, he wouldn't have been allowed at Hogwarts. Second, how the hell did he get to the Hog's Head to sneak into the tunnels? He's too young to Apparate. It really read like JKR just picked a name out of a hat and decided that it was Colin's turn to die. It makes no sense in my head.

I don't mind the deaths of Remus and Tonks so much anymore. I did, at first, but I've reconciled myself with it because it allowed the Marauders to ride again together and yadda. I cried at Dobby's death though Hedwig's didn't affect me at all.

Anyway, it was a brilliant read and one of my favorite books of the series.

9.99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 out of 10


Ghost Rider

I like comic book movies. I like them a lot. That being said, I liked this movie mostly because of that. The chick was insipid and stupid (and she wobbled on her heels when she was trying to be sexy. Some ankle strengthening exercises would help with that, honey. /snark).

I'm not a big Nicholas Cage fan. He reminds me of Kevin Costner. Every line is delivered in the same monotone voice. It doesn't matter what role, he still says every line the same. However, in this movie, it works. His character should be fairly deadpan and roll (and monotone).

The special effects were a wee bit cheesy but that's part of the genre. An enjoyable and mindless movie.

8 out of 10


Yossi & Jagger

I typed up a better review over at [livejournal.com profile] slashyfilm. So, I'll point out that review instead. It's here.

9.5 out of 10


Bridge to Terabithia

I liked the book and I was curious to see if they would keep the twist. They did and that made me happy. I really enjoyed the movie, it stuck fairly true to the book, from what I remember. It made me cry when the girl died, which is exactly what happened when I read the book all those years ago.

The way they handled death and healing and everything that goes along with being a kid (and this book) was very touching and respectful. It really allowed a way for kids to think through things without the "beating them over the head with saving-the-children-stick" ideals that some people espouse. Kids are kids, yes. But kids are also quite a bit more resilient than most adults think. The book handled everything well and I'm glad that the movie did the same.

Emotional if it's your sort of buttons to push.

8 out of 10


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I was fairly well disappointed with this. After four viewings, I can safely say that this is the biggest disappointing movie in the series for me. I had very low expectations for CoS and the movie lived up to them. I loved SS/PS movie. I loved GoF. I didn't much care for PoA because of the WTF moments.

This movie, IDK, they cut out a bunch of stuff that I thought was necessary to the plot. I didn't get why they gave Nigel so much fucking screen time. GOD I cannot STAND THAT KID.

I think, for me, the biggest disappointment for the movie was the misuse of the spells. Levicorpus, for example. Um, WTF? Why is that in there? The movie people thought it'd be fun? I don't get it. The Expelliarmus that, instead of disarming, sent the statue thing bouncing back and forth. Huh, didn't know that it could do that too.

Ginny being uberwitch also annoyed me. I love Ginny, for the most part, but seriously… she's not all that and a bag of chips and a Diet Coke.

I have to admit to malicious glee that Cho was the person that turned in the DA.

Best part was Seamus and Dean showing each other their wands and playing with the spells while being so close to one another. Mmmmmmmmmm, bless you movie people for finally showing Dean and Seamus together. If you cut the embrace out of DH, I'm going to be very pissed.

4 out of 10


Blood and Chocolate

I rented this only because of that whole LJ-advertising-rpg thing. I admit it. I saw the wank, I boggled at the idea of the RPG and waited until it was free for me to rent this stupid waste of time, space and money. The only reason I'm not demanding my time back is that it had Hugh Dancy in it.

Special effects were (other than the changing wolves thing) crap. Acting? Crap. Premise? Crap. Hugh Dancy? Love. Artwork? Meh. (insert snarky comment about artistic merit)

If you want to see a dumb werewolf movie, this would be your thing.

3 out of 10


Children of Men

I should've known that I wouldn't enjoy the movie as soon as I saw the name of the director. Gah, the reason I disliked PoA was Cuaron's vision. Why I thought this might be any better is beyond me. I chalk it up to momentary stupidity or willful ignorance. Either works for me.

So the world can't have babies. Except for this one girl. Who every person wants to steal the baby from, except for the Russians and random gypsy lady 1.

Gunshots ring. Everyone dies. Except for the girl. And her baby.

Boring and hard to follow. Unlikable people in the movie coupled with poor acting from quite a few of the cast members with a dash of crappy director and you get a movie that I would like to file a claim for my time back, plzkthx.

2 out of 10


Reno 911: Miami

AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA. This movie was just hilarious. I love the TV show so this was just one big episode. They're such clueless idiots. OMG, so much love for this. Seriously, just a funny movie if you like the TV show.

8 out of 10


Pathfinder

This is one movie that I was really looking forward to. I love Karl Urban, something I share with [livejournal.com profile] yodels. I really wanted to see this in the theatre but the fates conspired against me and it wasn't to be.

Thank the maker.

This movie was boring. SOOOOO boring. Even the quick glimpses of Karl's ass just didn't do it for me. Plot, what plot? This was violence and blood splattering with a few pauses for intense looks and then more violence. I like a good swordfight as much as the next girl (ok, maybe more, depending on the swords *leer*) but good Christ, I was cheering when the movie was over.

The cinematography was BOOOOOORRRING too. Gray for Vikings, color for Indians. I didn't even need scary music to tell me that the ebil Vikings were coming, the light went grey, even in the daylight. Thanks for the clues, there, people, I couldn't have picked up on the guys in loincloths and leather were the Indians and the guys in the metal armor were the Vikings without the color choices.

Not bad if it had been about half an hour shorter, which was easily attainable if they'd just taken some of the blood splatter scenes out. More Karl ass, less blood.

4 out of 10


The Bourne Ultimatum

Company was fantabulous (EEEEE DATE WITH A HOT BRITISH AIR FORCE BOY), movie was "meh". It was slow, really really slow. It also suffered from the not-enough-plot-to-support-the-violence like Pathfinder. I found some of the stunts to be practically unbelievable. For example, the car accidents. I've been in more than my fair share of accidents and, I gotta tell you, the injuries were complete bullshit. I don't care how relaxed you are, your car falls 20 feet to crash onto another car and then roll over and all you're doing is HOLDING ON TO THE SEATBELT and not even strapped in and you're going to get fucked over. You're not going to be able to limp around and then get into another one right after that and hit a bridge support and be all hunky dory. Seatbelts are made of win but they're not bubbles that keep you safe and secure.

Other than that, it was an interesting addition to the movie series. I have to admit to attempting to read the books and failing miserably so that's part of that, as well. I found the books tedious and unenjoyable. The movies are much better, IMHO.

5 out of 10


Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead

First, I didn't finish this. I gave up about 1/2 of the way through. I simply couldn't take it anymore and wanted to die of boredom. Gary Oldman couldn't save the movie and it looked like he didn't even try.

Anyone want to tell me how they die in the end of this? Because it's not worth finding out by watching the rest of it.

2 out of 10 **DID NOT FINISH**

That's it for now – I'm up to 36 movies and 42 books for the year. There's another 3 book reviews coming and I have 6 movies to watch this weekend or Blockbuster's going to get pissy with me.

Date: 2007-08-09 06:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ficlette.livejournal.com
I. HATE. NIGEL. WITH. SO. MUCH. FIERY. PASSION.


SERIOUSLY dsglkajdhlgkhnerlen GET OUTTA HERE NIGEL I HATE THAT YOU GET MORE LINES THAN DEAN.


Uh. Aaaha. Anyway, I am clueless as to most of these, but A+ wording on the Colin thing, I thought the exact same. (This may or may not be because we share the same biases on good ol' Colin.) Also, 'roar of delight' ftw!! :D

Date: 2007-08-09 06:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] football-girl.livejournal.com
Hm.. I haven't seen the Children of Men yet, but I've heard mixed reviews. I've heard Cuaron had made some drastic changes in some points, but if you didn't like the plot, I'm afraid it's not Cuaron's fault, it's P.D. James, the guy who wrote the novel. :) I'm not saying I love Cuaron in himself, but the plot of that movie was just taken from the book, so it's not too much his fault.

The Harry Potter movie... Hm.. I thought it was amazing and the best so far, but I had learned to be able to view the books and the movies separately, which had allowed me to enjoy Harry Potter movies in general without much anymosity. Unfortunately, I find that every movie based on a book has to be altered, sometimes significantly, unless it was a very short book to begin with, or a short story (like Brokeback Mountain). Watching a movie and expecting the book is setting yourself up for disappointment from the get-go, I try to view it as two different works of art. But I understand how hard that is, and always, if I can help it, try to see the movies before I read the books. However, there were a couple of things that irked me about the movie. The absence of Firenze and Dobby, for example, though I don't view them as very important. :) And a few other things.

And I loved the Harry Potter book!!! :D

Well, I haven't watched or seen anything other than that on your list! :)

Date: 2007-08-09 11:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] why-me-why-not.livejournal.com
I'm so gonna come back later & discuss Dresden with you, but I have to say I have a craving for Thomas fic, and that my favoritest thing about Dead Beat was the dinosaur!!

Date: 2007-08-10 04:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] corvidae9.livejournal.com
Dresden Files are sooooooo much love. omg. The fen online is ridiculously small, though, and what I've found, I'd say 90% of is for the tv show. :| RAR. I AM A FANDOM OF ONE. :D :D (and now that you've read the books, do you see why the very idea of Harry/Bob makes baby jesus cry?)

(dude, I totally ship Thomas/Harry. SHHH. >.>)

♥!♥!

Date: 2007-08-13 07:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ryu-avalon.livejournal.com
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: I liked how human the characters were. I liked that Ron felt insecure but still burst through that to destroy the Horcrux. I liked that Dean and Seamus embraced (err, duh?). I liked that the realities of what it meant to be Muggleborn during this time period were explored through Ted Tonks and Dean and the rest on the run. I liked how JKR didn't shy away from some of the darker aspects of the story."
-I liked how smart Harry turned out. There's some actual thought process going on in his head.
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
-Yes! Your like one of the few people that say that they didn't really like it, although it was kind of good, it really messed up. I don't care what JKR had to do with it, it was too different from the movie. They're supposed to be going for a visual for the book (kind of) right? Not creating another installment to a series. It doesn't work for me.
Loved all your rants, btw.

Date: 2007-08-13 08:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ryu-avalon.livejournal.com
Actually, actually, my biggest pet peeve was Dolorus Umbridge. That is totally not how I envisioned her.

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