Megamind Review and Preview

Rating: 4/5; Really liked it and enjoyed it. Would watch again. Not necessarily add-to-your-collection worthy, but still fun.

Release Date: November 5, 2010

Synopsis:
This movie's about a villain who's only purpose in life is to fight against the very charming, handsome, and perfect superhero.

Thoughts:
The kids will love this movie. Grown ups will find it very fun and amusing. The story's engaging enough even though it does have a few story line cliches. For the most part, it is quite unique and stays far enough away from previous villain vs superhero movies to remain enjoyable throughout.
What I loved the most about this movie was the geekiness of it (the way the movie turned out overall didn't hurt either). There were allusions to Superman, Ghostbusters, and other things I can't recall. I loved that! The soundtrack also helped. Highway to Hell by AC/DC was an unexpected yet funny song to hear during this one particular scene in the movie. The funniest thing about that was the creative way the word "hell" was covered up (for the benefit of the kiddies I assume).
I must say, I liked the first half of the movie more than the second. I could tell what was coming so that's probably why it didn't fascinate me. All in all, a fun movie. At the very least, rent it when it comes out on DVD/Blu-ray.

Warning! Be sure to stay a bit after the end credits because there is a bit more to the movie!!

Note: Yes, this movie is somewhat loosely based on the Superman story.


Watch the first 5 minutes:



Tag Cloud: 
Will Ferrell. Brad Pitt.Tina Fey. Guillermo del Toro (he helped with the movie somehow according to the end credits). Jonah Hill. David Cross. Superman. Family movies. Kids movies. Despicable Me. Love and heartbreak.

~~Lisette~~

Watch This: The Big Bang Theory (tv show)

If you have yet to watch this series, watch it NOW. It's so funny, charming, quirky, and cute.

My favorite character is of course Sheldon!



My favorite episode of season 3 so far!

~~Lisette~~

Waiting on Wednesday: Random + Smile for the Camera

Random by Lesley Choyce
Release Date: November 1, 2010

“If you think life makes sense, do not read this book.”

 It’s this credo that sixteen-year-old Joe Campbell lives by. You see, his birth parents were killed in a car accident, and four years later he’s still trying to work his way past that loss. His new parents are as supportive and loving as he could wish. But Joe is still trying to figure out whether there is any pattern or purpose to his existence, and remains doubtful that there is an answer.

Yet all around him patterns and purposes gradually take shape, and this compelling novel traces the thought processes and the people that eventually make a difference in Joe’s life. The story is of Joe’s digging into his past, and looking around the present, as he seeks to make sense of the world. But it’s not a solitary quest as his good friends Gloria and Dean – both outsiders in the high school they all attend – accompany him on this quest for meaning.

Random will resonate with many teenagers who, to a greater or lesser extent, find themselves besieged by doubt and speculation about their places in the world.

This book sounds JUST like my kind of read. I want to read it very badly. 

Smile for the Camera: A Memoir by Kelle James
Release Date: November 2, 2010

Smile For the Camera is a true story of escaping abuse in a small-town to encounter more in the big city and the way one girl overcame them both.

I must read this one. 


WoW is hosted by Breaking the Spine, be sure to look at the rest of the WoW's.
~~Lisette~~

Book Review: Companions of the Night by Vivian Van Velde

Rating: 2/5; It was less than okay, not my kind of book. Wouldn't re-read it.

Release Date: 2002

Synopsis:
The romantic horror genre reaches a new level of complexity in this novel, which manages to be simultaneously thought-provoking and blood-curdling. Kerry becomes the unwitting accomplice of an attractive, mysterious boy on the run, only to discover that he is a vampire. Can she trust her feelings for someone so alien to her? Or has she been "seduced by the glamour of evil"?
-goodreads.com

Thoughts:
The book is nothing like the publishers describe it. This book was not a "thriller" at all. It was somewhat entertaining, but mostly bland and slow. The characterization is mediocre and so is plot. If you dive into this book thinking it will be an action filled story, you will be highly disappointed. Either way, you will be disappointed. Not much seems to happen in this one.
I liked how Ethan was cute and how the beginning started out. Kerry goes to the laundromat to retrieve her little brother's teddy (extremely late at night!) then a bit of action builds up only to go flat and remain that way for most of the story. She is later on the run with Ethan while she tries to find her missing family. There is romance in here somewhere, but there was still not much going on. Oddly enough I did like how at times Kerry was not completely trustworthy or Ethan and how he actually seemed like an undead being. The end was more than a little boring which did not help in the entertainment factor.
I do not recommend. It might have helped to learn more about the characters and their backstory, but not much information was given to really find them relatable or real. For that main reason, I was unable to even care about these characters or the book in general.

You might be interested:
Vivian Van Velde


~~Lisette~~

Book Review: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Rating: 4/5 stars; loved it, would read again even though I had a few issues with it.

Release Date: 2009

Synopsis:
Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.
-goodreads

Thoughts:
This book is moving, powerful, psychologically fascinating, and most of all, thought provoking. It begins slowly, but gradually builds up. It's not necessarily an adventurous story about survival, it's a story that may or may not be about Stockholm Syndrome. Of that, I will not tell.
Gemma is writing in her perspective about everything she goes through because of Ty, her kidnapper, while she's in his captivity. As the reader you at times feel just like she would feel. You get confused about Ty. You wonder, is he evil? Is he Crazy? Or is he good? Or is he evil but you think he's good? So many questions go through your mind, just like Gemma's. Her story makes for a very interesting and wonderfully described (I don't just mean the whole experience, I also mean the Ty's artistic abilities) captivity tale that you will be glad you read.
Other than starting out slow (and being slow at other times), the protagonist annoyed me at times. I am just not sure I would react in the same manner as she did during certain moments especially when she was trying to escape. I don't know, to me it just felt as if she did not try hard enough. I would have given it my all. Then again, I have never been kidnapped, a part of me might have ended up feeling as if I was not strong enough (learned helplessness). That's not to say, Gemma felt that way, but it's possible that was the reason why she did not try hard enough. I don't know, maybe she did and I'm being hard on the poor gal. I may or may not be picky about that, but the book did indeed have some down sides that kept me from fully enjoying the book. I should note that I was not a fan of her life (before the kidnapping). I get that her parents seemed to ignore her, but she never made any indication to her parents of that bothering her. If my parents are ignoring me, I will freaking tell them instead of getting sad because "they don't love me." She needs to learn to speak out. I was also not satisfied at all with her mother-daughter situation at any part of the book. Eek! Bad bad bad.
This one is not for the kids, it's not rated-R either and remember, it is a captivity tale. Don't expect something grand, but expect a very interesting trip. All in all, I loved it and hated those little issues. I would more than love to read more from Lucy Christopher. I am looking forward to reading her Flyaway book. It sounds amazing!

If you're interested:
Lucy Chrisopher
stockholm syndrome

~~Lisette~~

ENDED - The Giveaway of the Undead (7 winners)

So many dead folks in YA lately huh?

Here's a giveaway with a lot of dead people ;)


Ghosts:

The series is very unique and quite cute. Mostly for middle grade readers in my opinion. Light, and fun.  (Ignore the Iron King on there, that's mine!).


2 winners

• 1 winner will get a Ghostgirl prize pack including the first three books and their choice of a white pillowcase or black ghostgirl tote. 
• 1 winner (runner up) will win Ghostgirl: Lovesick by Tonya Hurley (book 3) and the remaining goodie (pillowcase or tote).

Vampires:



2 winners

• 1st winner will win their choice of three vamp books
• 1 winner (runner up) will win remaining two books.

Note: All four books are ARC's (except for Tantalize) and all have been gently read.

Zombies:

U.S or UK Cover?

 

Generation Dead: Passing Strange (BOOK #3) by Daniel Waters | June 1, 2010 

Karen DeSonne always passed as a normal (if pale) teenager; with her friends, with her family, and at school. Passing cost her the love of her life. And now that Karen’s dead, she’s still passing—this time, as alive. Karen DeSonne just happens to be an extremely human-like zombie. Meanwhile, Karen’s dead friends have been fingered in a high-profile murder, causing a new round of antizombie regulations that have forced them into hiding. Karen soon learns that the “murder” that destroyed their non-life was a hoax, staged by Pete Martinsburg and his bioist zealots. Obtaining enough evidence to expose the fraud and prove her friends’ innocence means doing the unthinkable: becoming Pete’s girlfriend. Karen’s only hope is that the enemy never realizes who she really is—because the consequences would be worse than death.

3 Winners

• 1 winner will get the two books from the Undead series (Undead Much? is an ARC)
• 1 winner will get the 3rd book in the Generation Dead series. Their choice of UK or U.S cover.
• 1 winner will get remaining Generation Dead book.

Rules:
Fill out form
US Only (Internationals can join if they pay shipping, sorry but it's expensive)

Extra entries:

Recommend an online store where I can find dresses for less than $20 bucks +5 (ebay does not count unless it's an ebay store)

OR

Link where you spread the word

leave any links in the comments section!


Edit: The form has been taken down since this giveaway is over yet people still enter. Weirdos. Learn to read, gosh! I take it back, you're not weirdos, you just want free stuff. If so, enter the current giveaways. Links on top of site!

Deadline to enter:

Edit: November 13, 2010

*Giveaway sponsored by me and the following kind folks:
Tonya Hurley
Price Minister
Disney Publishing

~~Lisette~~

Love It: Catchy Songs of the Moment

I can't stop listening to these songs at the moment because they are so damn catchy!



Oh My God by Ida Maria. Dang it! I seriously cannot get this song out of my head! The It's Kind of a Funny Story trailer is to blame.



Heartbreaker by G-Dragon (he's like the Korean Lady Gaga). This song's a year old but I re-discovered it so it's stuck in my head again. Thanks sister of mine! ;)



Love the Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rihanna. Ahh I like this song but it's been stuck in my head (and on repeat on my iPod) for weeks!! Guy from Lost surprised me more than Megan Fox in this vid.

and best of all tum tum tum...

KINGS OF LEON!



Radioactive. Gosh, I have the maddest crush on Caleb. So freaking adorable and his voice is to die for.


~~Lisette~~

In My Mailbox: heard a marriage proposal at Subway

First let me begin with my IMM then read on for the marriage tidbit.

Wins:

Forget You by Jennifer Echols. Won at Kjovus. Go and say hi!

WHY CAN’T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET . . .  AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?  There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.  But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Food!! Yummy! They're Almodina biscuits. Won them at Small Town Living. Thanks again! If you don't believe me that these biscuits are really good check out their review here (btw they're actually pretty healthy!). When I run out, I know I'm buying them at Whole Foods. Which reminds me, I need to stack up on Yummy Earth candy (my favorite candy ever!). 

Bought:

From Papaya. So adorable, I love it!

Dollhouse boots from Ross. You can also get them at Endless. They're so fun, cute, and comfy!

Interesting things from this past week:

• got even more hooked on the Selective Potential blog. Chick is awesome, check her out!
• finally started reading Suzanne Collins's Mockingjay. I stopped because I'm still afraid of the ending. At least I'm somewhat getting somewhere.
• posted my Dandy Blogaversary Giveaway
• for the first time in my life I was present while a man proposed to his loved one. It was so odd though. First: It was at Subway (they were a foot away from me). Second: He spoke so calmly as if it was no big deal and started with "my grandma thinks Subway's a fast food restaurant. Subway ain't no fast food restaurant! I don't know what she's thinking." Later on he went on to say something along these lines: "I would marry you only if you promised to love me every day." I thought that was really cute, but after the lady said yes he said in that calm seemingly disinterested way something like, "okay, will you marry me?" and she said YES. It was cute in an offbeat way. It made my day really cool. Oh most importantly, the guy had a crazy awesome SOUTHERN accent! It was oddly fascinating. 

Thanks to The Story Siren and Pop Culture Junkie for IMM! Remember to look at all/plenty of IMM's at The Story Siren's site!

~~Lisette~~

Dandy Blogaversary Giveaway!!

Okay so my little site here turned 2 years old (aww its a toddler hehe) in September. If I don't mention it's now a month later, no one will notice.

So...giveaway time!

Grand Prize:

Gift Certificate
$75 gift certificate for anything you want (from any of the CSN stores)!

You might want to get a bookcase:

or shoes

or an end table (can even be used as a super mini book case especially if you have limited space!)

These are basically books I want to pass on because I know they can be loved by someone else and I need to clear some space (le room is overflowing with books!). The following are mostly ARC's (gently read; I'm OCD with my books so very good condition). Click on the covers for more info/reviews.

Runner up packs (3 different winners, 1 pack each)

Realistic Fiction Reads:


If I Stay ARC
Thanksgiving at the Inn (more of a family book)
Paper Towns library bound hard cover book

Drama Reads (for this one the catch is that you must review Simply Irresistible!):


The Elite book 1,2, and 3
Privilege (book 1)

First in a Series:


Middle Grade Reads:


Cute Reads:

TMI and Stupid Cupid are ARCs.

Alternate World Reads:



Never After is an ARC
Pretties (Book 2 in a series)

Love and Other Disasters Reads:



Details:

-Fill out form
-Grand prize winner will win a $75 gift certificate to use at any of the 200 CSN websites. They have bookcases, shoes, lamps, uh, everything really.
-Three winners will each get their choice of one pack. I may decide to have more winners or add more prizes. Depends on whether or not I get more prizes and cash to ship them.
-U.S only (unless you want to pay for shipping)
-open to everyone and anyone (in the U.S). no need to be a follower, blogger. or whatnot. If the form is not working for you or if you would rather enter through email or comment then feel free to do so.

I will use random.org to pick the winners. The first person will get the grand prize (unless they don't want it hehe), the second will get their pick of prize pack and so on.



Deadline: November 30, 2010

Question in the comments: Tell me something. Anything. How was your day? Any rants? Jokes? Book/movie/music/tv show recommendations? (optional)



This giveaway is sponsored by me and the following company:
CSN


If you want to increase your chances of winning some good reads enter The Giveaway of the Undead!

Thank you for reading  :)