Movie Reviews: Unkown and Just Go With It

Here are a few quick thoughts on two movies I recently saw.

Unknown. Release Date: 2.18.11

Why I watched it: This movie was part of my dad's birthday present. It was also a little bit of a present for me since like him, I am also a fan of Liam Neeson. Well, I think some of his movies are pretty badass, especially Taken. By the by, he's going to come out on Hangover II as a tattoo artist (evidence). Excited!

Thoughts:

2/5 stars

Just like the rest of the world, this movie really looked like it would take you for a ride, just like Taken (or even Gran Torino) did. Sadly, the end result (in my opinion of course) was quite a let down. I expected so much more which probably made things worse for me. Either way, I didn't love it. I had some fun with it, but ultimately it's as if I never saw the movie. It ended up bland somehow that I practically forgot it already. Didn't really like it overall, but I did like a few of the action scenes. Stil, a rentable.

Just Go With It. Release Date: February 11, 2011

Why I Watched It: The second part of the birthday present. To be honest, I probably would have never seen this movie because it's typically not my kind of movie especially with Adam Sandler in it. He's okay.

Thoughts:

4/5 stars

Wow. I did not expect it to be so amusing and entertaining. I thought it was all going to be Adam Sandler jokes (always the same), but I was very, very wrong. It was fun! I would actually recommend watching this one in theaters especially if you are looking to watch a fun movie that is also:

(spoiler alert! highlight to see)

a cute  rom com!! It's cute enough that it made my 54 year old dad cry. I don't know if that proves much, because he's pretty sensitive. He cried when Jack died in Titanic though. So there's that...

That definitely surprised me the most about the movie.

The kids were SO adorable, especially the little boy. I probably thought he was extra cute because he reminded me of my 7 year old cousin who I haven't seen in about 2 years. I call him banana butt because one day he was trying to carry bananas to his sister while holding his bike. He also calls me banana butt. Anyway, I recommend this movie. It truly has the fun stuff for the guys and the fun stuff for the gals.

Just so you know, the part that made me laugh the five-minute-can't-breathe-laugh was a scene involving Nicole Kidman and a coconut. Fun times.

On a related note, I also ended up watching Grown Ups (yes, with Adam Sandler). It was exactly what I thought it would be. Lame or I should say...not for me. I must say though, I loved how they talked about how kids nowadays don't go outside and play as much as they used to. They're always with their iPods, laptops, T.V's, etc. Sad sad world.

On another related note, don't forget to enter the current movie giveaway!! American Beauty DVD for two lucky people. Last day to enter is February 28/Monday. Be sure to also watch awesome classic movies (nominated and award winners) on Turner Classic Movies this month!

Read on. Watch on. (Yes, I am that dorky and I love myself for it. Truly I do.)

~~Lisette~~

Music: It's Beginning to Get to Me by Snow Patrol

Sigh. I'm so in love with this band.

~~Lisette~~

New to My Playlist

From now on I will just do this feature where I share the new music that I have come across recently. Pretty much everyday I'm finding new songs through pandora, blogs, t.v shows, movies, the radio, commercials, etc. I just LOVE sharing the music I find because I just feel like it's so awesome I can't just be selfish and keep it to myself ;)

I'm calling this feature "New to My Playlist" because whenever I download a song, I immediately add it to a playlist and listen to those songs over and over and over. It's nuts. I should seek help.

"Bloodstream" by Stateless. Immediately fell in love with this one. Heard it on Pandora.


Resembles: Sia. Massive Attack.

"Dead  End Driving" by Ari Hest. Got this for free on Amazon a while back, sadly it's not available for free anymore. I barely got around to listening to it ;) Like!

Resembles: Greg Laswell. Iron & Wine.

"She is Love" by Parachute. I feel like I've heard this one before, but heard it recently on Pandora.









"The Rapture" by The Quiet. Never ever heard of them before, but now I'm intrigued. Sadly I cannot find this song online. Check out their site or preview their the entire The Quiet: Greatest Hits album through this iTunes link. 



"Yeah Yeah" by Sam Means. Heard it on an ATT commercial. Had to download it. It's awesome!



Also check out the songs listed on my I Am Number Four review since I downloaded the ones I liked. "Shelter" and "Letters from the Sky" are amazing. I can't stop listening to them.

Edit: I just heard "Letters from the Sky" on a Event (NBC tv show) commercial. Take it as a sign that the song is awesome!

~~Lisette~~

Music: Alligator by Tegan and Sara

Check out the official video it's cute.

~~Lisette~~

American Beauty DVD Giveaway + TCM's Month of Cool Movies - CLOSED

I wish I had posted about this sooner for my fellow T.V addicts, but better late than never. :)

Turner Classic Movies has this really cool thing going on in the month of February where they will feature Academy Award nominated/winning movies!! It's so awesome, I love a lot of the movies that they're going to feature plus I get to watch some that have been on my to be watched list (hello? T.V addict here!). Check out the details below:

"TCM host Robert Osborne, who is also the official biographer of the Academy Awards and the Academy's red carpet greeter, will host 31 DAYS OF OSCAR, which will mark its 17th year on Turner Classic Movies.  The 2011 edition will feature several high-profile films making their debuts on TCM, including three Best Picture winners: Cavalcade (1933), Amadeus (1984) and Forrest Gump (1994).  The month also includes the TCM debuts of the blockbusters Pretty Woman (1990) and Thelma & Louise (1991), as well as outstanding dramas like Hugh Hudson's Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), Hector Babenco's Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (1989) and Michael Mann's Ali (2001)".


Check out the movie schedule:




And now for the giveaway!


Two folks will win a DVD of American Beauty which by the way will be playing tonight on TCM!


To enter comment or fill out this form with:

What's your favorite Kevin Spacey movie?

Extra entries:

- Retweet your post with #31daysofoscar tag (leave your twitter username) +1
- Follow @TCM and TCM on FB (leave usernames) +1

Sorry, U.S only.

Deadline: February 28.

I can't just pick one favorite, but it is a tie between A Bug's Life (as Hopper who was a super awesome antagonist), American Beauty (wow just wow, I love this movie), and Pay it Forward (this movie made me cry). 

Giveaway sponsored by PR company. 

~~Lisette~~

Waiting on Wednesday: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Release Date: September 27, 2011


Synopsis:
Three days after a tragic accident in New England, Mara Dyer wakes up in a hospital, with no memory of how she got there. Of how her three friends died. Or how she is still alive.

Eight weeks later, Mara is in Miami, and is almost living a normal life. She starts at a new school. She makes new friends. And she meets Noah Shaw. He's arrogant, brilliant, beautiful--and Mara falls for him, despite her friends' warnings and her better instincts.

But as they grow closer, things happen that make her think there's more to the accident that killed her friends. More to the nightmares and hallucinations she's been having since they died. And more to Noah than he led her to believe.

Then two more people connected to her die. Something is happening to Mara, and the truth is buried in her own mind. If she can uncover it, she might be able to save her family. Her first love. Her future. She can try to be normal.

But if she can't, she'll have to become something more.



Nightmares? Hallucinations? Count me in!


WoW hosted by Breaking the Spine.
~~Lisette~~

Movie Review: I Am Number Four

Rating: 4/5; Fun and entertaining. Really liked it. Re-watchable.

Release Date: February 18th, 2011

Series? Yes. It's based on Pittacus Lore's (the authors are actually Jobie Hughes and James Frey) I am Number Four novel which is a part of a reportedly six part series called Lorian Legacies.

Synopsis:
Nine aliens are sent to earth from their home planet (along with a bodyguard), Lorien which was destroyed by Mogadorians. Guess what the Mogadorians want to do now? Yup, kill the nine superpowered folks and the only way to do that is to kill them in order. The first three have died and now it's the fourth's turn to die.
-T.V and Book Addict

Thoughts:
What fun! It was not an incredibly amazing movie, but it was enjoyable and I think worth watching in theatres (I don't think it would be worth your hard earned cash to watch in IMAX).
I was hoping/expecting more background information on Number Four (Alex Pettyfer) and his home so it sincerely disappointed me to only learn about a paragraph of information. I want to know so much more about where he is from and more about the Mogadorians (I always like learning about why the evil folks are evil). The movie was also not as long as I would have hoped, but then this is always the case with movies like this. How I dread waiting for sequels.
What I did like about it was pretty much everything else. I loved the pop culture embedded throughout (the soundtrack, texting, xbox joke, and more!) the movie. It really made the audience feel like this could actually happen in our time. I love that! It was not just some crap movie done in a half assed way like in initially thought. It really was FUN. Those action/fight scenes really made it for me. I'm not sure about the giant creatures, but whatever. The love story in the movie also made it pretty cute which makes it enjoyable for both guys and gals. I should note that I loved the characters, especially Sam (Callan McAliffe), Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), Henri (Timothy Olyphant - I love him!), and of course the puppy! They were all badass in their own ways. Surprisingly I wasn't a huge fan of Number Four and Sarah (Dianna Agron from Glee!). I found them to be somewhat uninteresting. Cute, but still bland somehow.
Recommended.

Soundtrack (click the titles for youtube video):


"Radioactive" by Kings of Leon I was quite surprised to hear KOL on the opening scene. Very fun!
"Tighten Up" by The Black Keys Even more surprised! I love this song and gosh the video is the best. 
"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele This one was in one of the trailers. Nice.
"Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell 
"Shelter" by The Xx Never heard it before. SO in love with it right now! Listen to it!!
"Soldier On" by The Temper Trap Ah, nice. 
"Invented" by Jimmy Eat World I'm so shocked I hadn't heard this J.E.W song before. Love it! P.S they mention my home city, Houston! 
"Curfew" by Beck Never heard of it before the movie. Can't find it online...
"As She's Walking Away" by Zac Brown Band hehe the janitor was listening to this one. I'm not a fan of country from this decade so meh :/
"Letters From the Sky" by Civil Twilight Oh yeah. I like it. Listen to "Human" by them too. 

Source.

Trailer:


Similar to:
Infamous video game (this game's fun!) - The protagonist can also shoot out blue light from his hands which he uses to perform various tasks like shooting people with it. It looks better when you see it ;)
Heroes (tv show) - the aliens with superpowers reminded me of the people in Heroes
Superman - Superman is from another planet. Has super powers. Similarities. No one can beat good ol' Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El though. Yes, he's my favorite superhero. 

I Am Number Four: Site/Twitter (book)

Bye now,
~~Lisette~~

In My Mailbox: been a while crocodilo

Haven't done an IMM in a while. I hope I didn't forget anything. Please let me know what you thought of any of the books if you've read them. Thanks!


Lately I've received:


I won this darling bag (from handbagheaven.com) over at Katy and Kid. I love it!

I've received quite a few books lately + a weaving loom (heck yeah!)

In the picture are the following books (click links for goodreads link):

• Minding Ben by Victoria Brown. RD: 4.12.11. For review. Oh so curious as it sounds fun!
• Blankets by Craig Thompson. RD: 2003. My sister won this one for me over at Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia. Head on over. Her blog is lovely as heck and she's got a cool giveaway! I wonder if I'm supposed to consider the graphic novel an early birthday present? ehem February 15 thankyouverymuch it'll be the not-so-big 2-0. Well in Japan I'd be considered an adult at 20 so then there it would be the BIG 2-0. 
• Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 1) by J.R Ward. RD: 2005. So excited to finally begin this series! Won over at Paranormal Haven. 
• The Dark Divine by Bree Despain. RD: 2009. Won over at Fire and Ice. Came with blue nail polish (I love nail polish!). I won these books for a certain someone since I already have copies. :) 
• The Lost Saint by Bree Despain. RD: 2010. Won over at Fire and Ice. 
• Born Blue by Han Nolan. RD: 2003. Bought at half price book store. Been on my tbr list for the longest. Snagged it for a buckaroo!
• Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis. RD: 4.5.11. For review. It looks cute, I can't wait to read it. I'm sure my 10 year old cousin will love the story!
• The Internet is a Playground by David Thorne. RD: 4.28.11. For review. It sounds hilarious! 
• Kick-Ass by Mark Millar. Borrowed. Had tons of fun with the movie. Excited! Mark Millar seems so hilarious and awesome.

Not pictured:

• The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman. RD: 1.1.11. Bought. So so so excited! I've been wanting to read this one ever since I first read the synopsis. Reminds me slightly of Blankets.
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver. RD: 2.1.11. Excited!!! (Running out of words here.) Won this one at Books for Bears. Heard so many great things about Lauren Oliver. I must read her books asap!
• Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran. RD: 2.15.11 (my day of birth!!). For review. French revolution novel. Curious!

Dandy News:

• Today I went to see an early screening of I Am Number Four. I recommend it! It's fun. I must read the book. My cousin bought it for me, but it hasn't arrived yet and I just can't wait!! But I must hehe 6 books in the series apparently. Movie review will go live tomorrow 2.13.11 Edit: Check it out here. 
• American Beauty giveaway on Thursday, February 17th so check back!
• I realized I have a very low number of giveaway links listed on my sidebar. If you're running one (or two or three) please do share below or email me and I will gladly add it :)

+ my favorite post secret this week

Hope you find something interesting and that you received something awesome! :)
~~Lisette~~

IMM is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. Check them out!

Love It: Free Music Downloads

Ah, I love music don't you? I especially love free (legal) music. Sigh (the good kind).

"Forget That You're Young" by The Raveonettes. Never heard of them before, but I'm loving this song.



Download here.

"You Don't Know Me" by Anna Wilson (Ray Charles cover). Download here. Pretty jazz song with a bit of a country sound.

"When You Love Somebody" by Fruit Bats. I f-ing love this song!


Download here.

"Devils" by Say Hi (formerly Say Hi to Your Mother). One of my all time favorite bands, but I'm not in love with this song. It's alright just like the rest of their new album, Um, Uh Oh.



Download here.

"Sunshower" by Ume.

Download here. (check out myspoonful.com)

"Is it Done" by J Mascis. 



Download here. (check out pitchfork.com)


Resembles: Pete Yorn. 

You're welcome (sorry, it's the Sheldon Cooper in me). Let me know if you liked them.
~~Lisette~~

Movie Review: L'arnacœur/Heartbreaker

Rating: 4/5; Great fun. Re-watchable.
Release Date: 2010
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Language: French

Synopsis:
This rom com is about a group of three who are in the business of breaking up couples. Unfortunately, there comes a time when things can go a little wrong. 
-T.V and Book Addict

Thoughts:
If you're in the mood to watch a cute romantic comedy with laugh out loud moments, this is one of those movies!
L'arnacoeur is about a guy who makes his money by working with his sister and her husband. Together this funky trio hilariously takes on the task of breaking up couples that are just not meant to be. If you have a sister who's dating a jerk but doesn't know it, then Alex is your guy. He always says the perfect lines at the perfect time and he is really good at his job. When he meets Juliette Van Der Becq...well, I'm sure you know where this is headed, but all the same, it's cute! Watch it!
There are some rom coms that are more rom predictable then they are romantic and funny, but this one is a bit different. Additionally it includes a bit of dirty dancing. *wink wink*

Trailer:
Please only watch the first 30 seconds! It's extremely spoilery if you watch the whole trailer!


Soundtrack:
There is no official soundtrack, just the score, but one of the songs featured was really lovely. Check it out.



"Doing the Wrong Things" by Rebecca Young - Oddly enough, I also see this song called "All the Right Reasons." No idea which could be correct.


Of interest:
Netflix <-- direct link to watch it online if you have netflix!

Let me know if you liked it!

~~Lisette~~

Waiting on Wednesday: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Release Date: May 1, 2011


Synopsis:
MY LIFE HAD ALWAYS BEEN BLISSFULLY, WONDERFULLY NORMAL. BUT IT ONLY TOOK ONE MOMENT TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet.  Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart--as well as my life and my family's--in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Exciting!!


WoW hosted by Breaking the Spine. Check it out!
~~Lisette~~

Swing Swing!

I used to have a swing when I was little. It got really old. My dad threw it away.

That really sucked. :( Buuuut then he got us a swing set and my best buddy next door taught me how to swing. It was awesome. Good times, good times. I remember our swing set was white and yellow and his and his brother's was blue. I used to think blue was only for boys hehe

Anywho. I'm having a giveaway soon to a store that sells everything. And I mean everything including, but not limited to: bikes, trampolines (I really want one), a swing set, etc. Click on that link and check out the site if you want. That's one of their many, many sites by the way.

Look at some pretty products (click images for more):

This one has gotten really good reviews and it costs $200.00! If you have a kid, I'd get one. Anywhere, but it'd get it. They sell them all over the place so you have no excuse. (My swing set was a LOT like this one!)

This one's for younger kiddies. Sadly a bit more pricey. Also has positive reviews!

Speaking of swings...

I like that song "Swing, Swing" by The All-American Rejects. First song I ever heard of theirs. Love it!

Enjoy!
~~Lisette~~

Music: Hologram by Katie Herzig

Enjoy,
~~Lisette~~

Movie Trailer: Take Me Home

Not for kids!



This movie looks like it's for those who loved movies like The Hangover and The Green Hornet. Bro's night out kind of movies. Yeah, girls like them too! :D

Release Date: March 4 - I'm definitely watching it!

~~Lisette~~

Question: Any good love songs out there?

Sooooo V-day is coming up and because I love listening to new love songs could ya'll please recommend?

I like all kinds of music. :)

I will recommend some too of course!

Funny Face by Donna Fargo (one of my all time favorite country songs)



Your Song by Ewan McGregor (Elton John cover)


All I Need by Radiohead 

Your Love by Nicki Minaj

(Spanish)
Eso y Mas by Joan Sebastian (my favorite Joan Sebastian song!!)


Only Girl (In the World) by Rihanna



Recommend away! (if you think it'll be a long list you can comment or email)


Thank you/arrigatou gosaimasu/gracias
~~Lisette~~

Waiting on Wednesday: Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams and Chime by Franny Billingsley

Release Date: March 15, 2011


Synopsis:
Thirteen-year-old Lacey wakes to a beautiful summer morning excited to begin her new job at the library, just as her mother is supposed to start work at the grocery store. Lacey hopes that her mother's ghosts have finally been laid to rest; after all, she seems so much better these days, and they really do need the money. But as the hours tick by and memories come flooding back, a day full of hope spins terrifyingly out of control....
“No one can get inside the head and heart of a 13-year-old girl better than Carol Lynch Williams, and I mean no one," said James S. Jacobs, Professor of Children's Literature at Brigham Young University, of her breakout novel, The Chosen One. Now this award-winning YA author brings us an equally gripping story of a girl who loves her mother, but must face the truth of what life with that mother means for both of them.

Sounds sad and I'm especially curious about the mother.


Release Date: March 17, 2011


Synopsis:

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

I've got to read this. I've got to read this. I've got to read this book!

WoW hosted by Breaking the Spine.

~~Lisette~~