Hello! My name is Chie. I am likely to be the girl you'll see whose eyes would bulge out of their sockets at the sight of a book store and be seized by waves of epileptic shock whenever there is a book bargain. I'll probably be the one pushing you out of my way to get through the book bargain bins and tediously combing through the pile. (I forget my manners when it comes to books). I am tone deaf and have two left feet. But I would endure the embarrassment of a performance in exchange for books (terms and conditions apply). I have created this blog in order to find kindred souls. Those who would gladly share the same passion for books and reading because although reading is solitary task most of the time, it's no fun having no one to ramble to after..
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz (Mia), Jamie Blackley (Adam), Mireille Enos (Kat), Liana Liberato (Kim), Joshua Leonard (Denny) Directed by: R.J. Cutler Release Date: August 22, 2014 Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Drama Based on: If I Stay (Gayle Foreman) Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not decide her future but her ultimate fate
Review: I try to go into book-into-movies adaptations with high expectations and most of the time (not always) I am somewhat disappointed. I know, I know, I should probably learn to lower my expectations, but I get caught up in the hype and before I know it, my expectations are soaring past the roof. If I Stay was no exception and I am relieved to say that we're definitely met.
If I stay is a beautiful story and the movie portrayed it so well. Plus, the movie was unbelievably true to the book. It was a surreal experience to see so many scenes from the book come to life so wonderfully and accurately. I could not contain the feels. Fans of the book will definitely be beyond content with the movie.
Mia and Adam
Oh, and the acting was just on point. Chloë Grace Moretz was an outstanding Mia. I know she wasn't actually playing the cello, but it sure looked like it. Her portrayal of Mia felt very real and I felt like she really became the character. Also, Jamie Blackley was a perfect Adam. He looks so much like Adam I pictured in my mind and seeing him on screen singing was incredible. And, their chemistry was hot. Mia + Adam feels were going crazy throughout the entire movie. Even those who haven't read the book (although I highly recommend reading it before) can fall in love with their sweet love story.
Family plays a huge part in If I Stay, and the movie managed to successfully portray Kat and Denny and Teddy. In the book, you, as a reader, want to be a part of Mia's family, and in the movie the exact same feeling is portrayed. It felt like watching a real life family on screen and it made viewers realise how hard Mia's choice was.
Although this movie is definitely one I would suggest bringing tissues to, it still managed ts to make one smile and laugh, It's a movie that will have you smiling uncontrollably, giggling behind your hands, and wiping tears away as inconspicuously as possible. You will feel the weight of Mia's decision and you will struggle, like Mia does between which choice you would choose in her position. You will fall in love with each character and emotions bubbling over and fall in love with the movie, You will definitely be wishing for Where She Went to go into production as soon as possible. Most of all, you will appreciate the tragic and beautiful story that is If I Stay.
Upcoming Show: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Stage Play) Cast: Jamie Parker (Harry Potter), Noma Dumezweni (Hermione Granger), Paul Thornley (Ron Weasley) Directed by: John Tiffany Date Premiered: July 30, 2016 Place Premiered: Palace Theatre, London, United Kingdom Based on: Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling) Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is an upcoming two-part West End stage play, written by Jack Thorns and based on a story by author J.K. Rowling, Thorns and director John Tiffany. The play is scheduled to open in July 2016, at the Palace Theatre, London, England, and will feature Rowling collaborating with an experienced team to bring the production to the stage. The play is set nineteen years after the conclusion of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows and follows Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son Albus Severus Potter.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
Whilst Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.
Thoughts: So if you have been following this blog for awhile, you would know that I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. The story line was something perfect. Even though multiple of the books were out when I first started reading them, I still grew up on the books. I would not be where I am today if Harry Potter wasn't a part of my life, and I don't think lot of us would be. Harry Potter shaped my childhood, and shaped who I am today. This is why when it was announced that there was going to be a Harry Potter play, called the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, I was ecstatic. I had absolutely no idea what it was going to be about, but just knowing there was going to be an extension of the Harry Potter world in some form, it was amazing.
Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley and Noma Dumezweni
The plot was announced, and the entire Potter fandom freaked. We are getting an eighth story. They are continuing the story from where it left off. The tagline for the play is "The Eighth Story, Nineteen Years Later".
I was completely fangirling for many, many hours after this was announced. I still am freaking out and fangirling about this play. However, it sort of died down, and turned into a little bit of disappointment and confusion, when I realised that this was a play. It was a play, which at least for now was only premiering in London. How was I, living in the Philippines, going to be able to watch a play that was only showing in London?
This doesn't just apply to me. Potterheads from all over the world started to wonder the exact same thing. How were they going to be able to experience this amazing story, the continuation of a story that we have all loved and grown up with, if they didn't live in London? Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is still in the early stages, and you never know. There could be a professionally filmed version of the play for people to see all over the world, the play could tour the world for others to see, or they may even be a book written for the play.
However, those things, if they were to even happen are very far down the road. The play itself premieres in July 2016, which means that for people that have no way to see the play in London, it could be years before we find out more about what happened nineteen years later.
Don't get me wrong, I am sooper excited to eventually see what happens in this play. If J.K. Rowling thought that the best way to get across her new story, would be showing it up on stage, then I trust her. Though by having thousands and millions of Harry Potter fans around the world, and then making the eighth story available not even a tenth of those fans, just don't feel like a very smart idea.
J.K. Rowling herself said:
"I am confident that when audiences see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child they will understand why we chose to tell this story in this way."
Do I wish that our long awaited eighth story, sequel, to the Harry Potter series would have been released in a different format? Yes. Do I wish that the format had been in a book? Absolutely. I just hope that they somehow find a way to get this story to all Potterheads around the world.
I would absolutely hate to miss out on this amazing sequel to my favourite series of all time, just because I didn't live in the right place.
Harry Potter will always be a huge part of my life. I re-read the books all the time, and have multiple movie marathons every month. My dream place to go would be the Harry Potter studio in London, or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. I am a huge Potterhead, and I always will be. I hope that I will be able to see this continuation of the Wizarding World in some way, and that I will be able to experience the continuation of the magic that J.K. Rowling has created.
If you would like to hear more about the play and some official information on it, you can check it out here and here.
I am sorry about this rant, I just felt sad about the subject, and it's all that I have been able to think about for the last 24 hours or so when I found out.
I hope that some of you share my same feelings on this topic. I am still sooper excited for this play, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. I just hope that I get to see this for myself, and not through somebody else's eyes.
Cast: Nicholas Hoult (R), Teresa Palmer (Julie), Dave Franco (Perry), Analeigh Tipton (Nora), John Malkovich (General Grigio), Rob Corddry (M) Directed by: Jonathan Levine Release Date: February 1, 2013 Genre: Comedy, Horror, Drama Based on: Warm Bodies (Isaac Marion) Distributed by: Summit Entertainment; Lionsgate Ratings: 4/5
Plot: With much of the world's population now, an undead horde, R is a young and oddly introspective zombie. Whilst fighting with and feeding on a human scavenger party, R meets Julie and feels an urge to protect her. What happens next is the beginning of a strangely warm relationship that allows R to begin regaining his humanity. As this change spreads through the local undead population like a virus, Julie and R eventually have to face a larger issue when the very nature of their friendship is challenged. Caught between the paranoid human forces and the ferocious "Bonies", zombies who are a mutual threat, R and Julie must find a way to bridge the differences of each side to fight for a better world no one thought possible.
Review: Warm Bodies is a zombie film uniquely different. It's not of those typical movies of terrifying zombies running around craving for flesh, which is something quite of a horror for audiences. Warm Bodies had a different approach; it focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie, a young woman, and R, a zombie, and how their eventual romance develops throughout which also leads to the group of zombies to change and return to human life form. Overall, this movie can be categorised as a paranormal romantic zombie comedy film, which is based on a novel of the same title.
This film certainly offers a sweet and interesting spin to a genre that all too often been really lifeless. The film is noted and positively received for displaying human characteristics in zombie characters, and also for being told from a zombie's perspective. This allows the audiences to get connected and engaged not only to the overall plot but also to R, the zombie. It is still grounded to zombie setting but overturned with a twist. The story went well paced and nicely directed with a bit of sense of humour added into this post apocalyptic love story that made it certainly enjoyable to watch. This film is not violent or bloody and hence quite relevant to children too.
I first get to know Nicholas Hoult from his performance in X-Men: First Class and he delivered an amazing performance on that one. For this zombie film, that requires a totally different acting approach, Nicholas done a great job too. As a zombie, he had to express himself tough through facial gestures and speak only one or two words out whilst maintaining his rigid crooked movement. His convincing performance here certainly cemented his position as one of the rising young talented stars. For female fans of him, he is dead sexy in this one. Teresa Palmer also pour in amazing performance, and the two of them had quite a spark or good chemistry in this film.
Teresa and R facing the "Bonies"
The movie also did offers heart-racing moments mostly on the encounter between the humans joining forces with the "cured" zombies up against the Bonies, heartless skeleton corpses. However, all that exciting part are mostly reserved til the end part of the film and the lack of details put to the protagonists; Bonies' creation (obviously computer-generated and looks too fake) made things not that impacting. However, the strong interesting love story of Julie and R saved the day. Out of 5 points, I rate Warm Bodies a total of 4. Like what Palmer said "The core of the story is that love breathes life back into people. That human connection saves us. People who have had those lights dimmed inside them, when they fall in-love they get brighter ". I certainly agreed with her statement. A good message from this film.
Cast: Elijah Woods (Frodo Baggins), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Sean Bean (Boromir), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry)
Directed by: Peter Jackson Release Date: December 19, 2001 Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Basedon: The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Distributed by: New Line Cinema Ratings: 4.5/5
Plot: This film sees Frodo Baggins begin a journey to destroy The One Ring, that he received from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins, and destroys it in the fires of Mount Doom, and destroy Sauron once and for all. He is joined by The Fellowship of the Ring, which consists of his Hobbit friends, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck, as well as the Wizard Gandalf, who originally set him on this journey, Aragorn true King of Gondor, and Boromir, from the race of Men, the Elf Prince of Kirkwood, Legolas, and the Dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin (who featured in The Hobbit)
Review: I was inspired by a co-blogger to start a Books That Comes To Life feature on this blog. I was thinking to do this a month ago but sadly, I now barely go to the cinemas due to my busy schedule at the uni. And I also have to think and stick with the theme of this blog, book review. Because most of the films that I am watching weren't from a book. Moving on.. this was a brilliant film and I have alot to thank it for, as it was this film that got me into Tolkien's work, and all things related to The Lord of the Rings. I've always been a fan of things that are unusual, and have loved fantasy films, and books all my life, so this film was a natural choice for me. The way this film starts so light heartened, and how the characters become even more desperate, and distressed, just in the events of this film is enough to know that you're in for some brilliant story telling.
The cast in this film was brilliant, and think that it helped that most of the main cast were relatively unknown actors. I have more recently learnt that more well-known actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowd, Vin Diesel, and Liam Neeson had all been asked to play the role in the film to succeed. The cast were all brilliant and suited their respective roles brilliantly, with Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen being the ones that stood out the most to me.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship itself is one of the big things throughout all three films, although it has more effect in this one, and it's the only film where the entire Fellowship is together. When you have a character like a Hobbit, which is innocent and very vulnerable as the main character you need many people around them, and what better way than to have a group of nine people (including Frodo) that has all different ally races in it. This is in my opinion what really brought Tolkien's mythological world together, as you have all these different races that usually barely coexist, if at all working together. The way Legolas and Gimli's friendship grows over this film even is probably the most interesting out of all, as elves and dwarves usually hate each other. The characteristics in all characters was also shown very well, and the way they reacted to certain events throughout was brilliant and made the film more dramatic.
Sauron forging The One Ring
The main antagonist throughout this film series is Sauron. Although he's the main villain he doesn't have much of a physical presence throughout the film, and none during the main story. It's interesting that someone can live due to an object they created, and this kind of reminds me of Voldemort from the Harry Potter books/films, although Sauron did this first literature wise. I actually found the great eye of Sauron intimidating that his physical form in the flash backs as it gives a more sinister feel, as well as the knowledge that he will know where Frodo is if he wears the ring.
Saruman with an Uruk-hai
Although Sauron was the main antagonist, Saruman was the villain that did most of the work and was of valuable help to Sauron. The casting of Saruman couldn't be any better, as who else but Dracula himself Christopher Lee could do a better job. I've always enjoyed anything that Christopher Lee's been in and especially when he's a bad guy, and his presence always makes a film even better whether it's already a brilliant film like this was or something that wouldn't be as good without him. I also liked how Gandalf didn't see this coming, as it shows that no matter how wise someone is, they can't see all that lies ahead.
Frodo wears The One Ring
The One Ring itself is probably the most interesting thing, and although it doesn't get as much screen times as the battles it's still hanging over the story, showing that it's evil, and there is a lot at stake. Since watching the first part of The Hobbit adaptation, I feel that I can appreciate these films even more than I used to, as there are lots of things that happened in The Hobbit that are either re-told in this film, or have an impact on this film. I could appreciate The Ring itself more, as well as the Mithril armour, or Sting (Frodo's sword, originally Bilbo's)
Nazgûl
I also loved the Nazgûl in this film. As they embody everything evil about The One Ring, and how greed can corrupt people. We get back story about Sauron creating other Rings of Power, seven for dwarves, which Sauron couldn't control properly, three for elves, who never used them so couldn't they get controlled. And nine for men who are greedy. It's nice to see how this affected the world around, and how that affects this story. Although you don't see much of them unless Frodo's wearing The One Ring, they are still very menacing looking, and add more dread, and desperation to Frodo's quest, especially in the earlier part.
Strider (Aragorn) in the shadows
Aragorn's development throughout this film, and later films is probably the most interesting, or at least in my opinion, as he starts off as a simple ranger who is tasked by Gandalf to watch over Frodo (this is mentioned in the appendix of The Lord of the Rings novels) and how he is destined to become the King of Gondor. The lighting in the earlier scenes to feature Aragorn was very well done, as he was in the shadow alot of time, which adds mystery to the character. I also liked that Aragorn shows that he has a good heart, as even though he abruptly removes Frodo from the tavern, he still shows kindness.
This was a very good film, and a brilliant start to a tremendous film trilogy. It has given me a great joy over the years, it's a good adaptation, and fairly honest to the book . I would highly recommend this film, as you are bound to love it.
Disclaimer: The following film reviews are all based on the books -or even comic books- (occasionally, I'll do film reviews that weren't from the books) that - a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film but haven't read the book YET - and that turned into a film or a TV show and even stage plays.
This is my e-library containing all the books that I have purchased, received, read and part of my collection. It also provides a various list of book reviews, books that turned into film, authors, fictional characters, news, that inspire me to read more and be an avid fan of them. This blogsite is the gateway to my mini-library in my room where everyone could visit and spend time to read my collection for free. Hope you will enjoy this site and be inspired to own one or more these books; and be able to discover the power of book sharing in this modern world of blogging.
Features: Are you here for the first time or would like to browse through the blog by topic? Here's the complete list of the topic I write about.
Can You Smell What They Cookin'? - In this category, this features all the upcoming books, books that turned into movies/ TV show/ stage play.
Book Reviews - All the books that I read, that I tried to come up with a decent review. Categorised by the author's last name and the book/s that they wrote.
PDF Copies - Copies of the book/s that you might like on a PDF format. This will be updated whenever I have time.
Books That Comes To Life - These are the film reviews that are all based on the book and even comic books that a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film and not read the book YET that turned into a film/TV Show/Stage Play.
Nerdo's Life's Journey - Random notes about life that's being connected with my addiction with books.
Top Ten - My weekly Top Ten about anything. Survey, Meme, Reasons and all that bits and bobs about being a bookworm.
What Chie Says - Contains all stuff that I find cool, interesting, news about authors, and books. Book vs Film feature and a whole lot more.
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz (Mia), Jamie Blackley (Adam), Mireille Enos (Kat), Liana Liberato (Kim), Joshua Leonard (Denny) Directed by: R.J. Cutler Release Date: August 22, 2014 Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Drama Based on: If I Stay (Gayle Foreman) Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Ratings: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not decide her future but her ultimate fate
Review: I try to go into book-into-movies adaptations with high expectations and most of the time (not always) I am somewhat disappointed. I know, I know, I should probably learn to lower my expectations, but I get caught up in the hype and before I know it, my expectations are soaring past the roof. If I Stay was no exception and I am relieved to say that we're definitely met.
If I stay is a beautiful story and the movie portrayed it so well. Plus, the movie was unbelievably true to the book. It was a surreal experience to see so many scenes from the book come to life so wonderfully and accurately. I could not contain the feels. Fans of the book will definitely be beyond content with the movie.
Mia and Adam
Oh, and the acting was just on point. Chloë Grace Moretz was an outstanding Mia. I know she wasn't actually playing the cello, but it sure looked like it. Her portrayal of Mia felt very real and I felt like she really became the character. Also, Jamie Blackley was a perfect Adam. He looks so much like Adam I pictured in my mind and seeing him on screen singing was incredible. And, their chemistry was hot. Mia + Adam feels were going crazy throughout the entire movie. Even those who haven't read the book (although I highly recommend reading it before) can fall in love with their sweet love story.
Family plays a huge part in If I Stay, and the movie managed to successfully portray Kat and Denny and Teddy. In the book, you, as a reader, want to be a part of Mia's family, and in the movie the exact same feeling is portrayed. It felt like watching a real life family on screen and it made viewers realise how hard Mia's choice was.
Although this movie is definitely one I would suggest bringing tissues to, it still managed ts to make one smile and laugh, It's a movie that will have you smiling uncontrollably, giggling behind your hands, and wiping tears away as inconspicuously as possible. You will feel the weight of Mia's decision and you will struggle, like Mia does between which choice you would choose in her position. You will fall in love with each character and emotions bubbling over and fall in love with the movie, You will definitely be wishing for Where She Went to go into production as soon as possible. Most of all, you will appreciate the tragic and beautiful story that is If I Stay.
Upcoming Show: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Stage Play) Cast: Jamie Parker (Harry Potter), Noma Dumezweni (Hermione Granger), Paul Thornley (Ron Weasley) Directed by: John Tiffany Date Premiered: July 30, 2016 Place Premiered: Palace Theatre, London, United Kingdom Based on: Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling) Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis: Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is an upcoming two-part West End stage play, written by Jack Thorns and based on a story by author J.K. Rowling, Thorns and director John Tiffany. The play is scheduled to open in July 2016, at the Palace Theatre, London, England, and will feature Rowling collaborating with an experienced team to bring the production to the stage. The play is set nineteen years after the conclusion of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows and follows Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son Albus Severus Potter.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
Whilst Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.
Thoughts: So if you have been following this blog for awhile, you would know that I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. The story line was something perfect. Even though multiple of the books were out when I first started reading them, I still grew up on the books. I would not be where I am today if Harry Potter wasn't a part of my life, and I don't think lot of us would be. Harry Potter shaped my childhood, and shaped who I am today. This is why when it was announced that there was going to be a Harry Potter play, called the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, I was ecstatic. I had absolutely no idea what it was going to be about, but just knowing there was going to be an extension of the Harry Potter world in some form, it was amazing.
Jamie Parker, Paul Thornley and Noma Dumezweni
The plot was announced, and the entire Potter fandom freaked. We are getting an eighth story. They are continuing the story from where it left off. The tagline for the play is "The Eighth Story, Nineteen Years Later".
I was completely fangirling for many, many hours after this was announced. I still am freaking out and fangirling about this play. However, it sort of died down, and turned into a little bit of disappointment and confusion, when I realised that this was a play. It was a play, which at least for now was only premiering in London. How was I, living in the Philippines, going to be able to watch a play that was only showing in London?
This doesn't just apply to me. Potterheads from all over the world started to wonder the exact same thing. How were they going to be able to experience this amazing story, the continuation of a story that we have all loved and grown up with, if they didn't live in London? Harry Potter and The Cursed Child is still in the early stages, and you never know. There could be a professionally filmed version of the play for people to see all over the world, the play could tour the world for others to see, or they may even be a book written for the play.
However, those things, if they were to even happen are very far down the road. The play itself premieres in July 2016, which means that for people that have no way to see the play in London, it could be years before we find out more about what happened nineteen years later.
Don't get me wrong, I am sooper excited to eventually see what happens in this play. If J.K. Rowling thought that the best way to get across her new story, would be showing it up on stage, then I trust her. Though by having thousands and millions of Harry Potter fans around the world, and then making the eighth story available not even a tenth of those fans, just don't feel like a very smart idea.
J.K. Rowling herself said:
"I am confident that when audiences see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child they will understand why we chose to tell this story in this way."
Do I wish that our long awaited eighth story, sequel, to the Harry Potter series would have been released in a different format? Yes. Do I wish that the format had been in a book? Absolutely. I just hope that they somehow find a way to get this story to all Potterheads around the world.
I would absolutely hate to miss out on this amazing sequel to my favourite series of all time, just because I didn't live in the right place.
Harry Potter will always be a huge part of my life. I re-read the books all the time, and have multiple movie marathons every month. My dream place to go would be the Harry Potter studio in London, or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. I am a huge Potterhead, and I always will be. I hope that I will be able to see this continuation of the Wizarding World in some way, and that I will be able to experience the continuation of the magic that J.K. Rowling has created.
If you would like to hear more about the play and some official information on it, you can check it out here and here.
I am sorry about this rant, I just felt sad about the subject, and it's all that I have been able to think about for the last 24 hours or so when I found out.
I hope that some of you share my same feelings on this topic. I am still sooper excited for this play, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. I just hope that I get to see this for myself, and not through somebody else's eyes.
Cast: Nicholas Hoult (R), Teresa Palmer (Julie), Dave Franco (Perry), Analeigh Tipton (Nora), John Malkovich (General Grigio), Rob Corddry (M) Directed by: Jonathan Levine Release Date: February 1, 2013 Genre: Comedy, Horror, Drama Based on: Warm Bodies (Isaac Marion) Distributed by: Summit Entertainment; Lionsgate Ratings: 4/5
Plot: With much of the world's population now, an undead horde, R is a young and oddly introspective zombie. Whilst fighting with and feeding on a human scavenger party, R meets Julie and feels an urge to protect her. What happens next is the beginning of a strangely warm relationship that allows R to begin regaining his humanity. As this change spreads through the local undead population like a virus, Julie and R eventually have to face a larger issue when the very nature of their friendship is challenged. Caught between the paranoid human forces and the ferocious "Bonies", zombies who are a mutual threat, R and Julie must find a way to bridge the differences of each side to fight for a better world no one thought possible.
Review: Warm Bodies is a zombie film uniquely different. It's not of those typical movies of terrifying zombies running around craving for flesh, which is something quite of a horror for audiences. Warm Bodies had a different approach; it focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie, a young woman, and R, a zombie, and how their eventual romance develops throughout which also leads to the group of zombies to change and return to human life form. Overall, this movie can be categorised as a paranormal romantic zombie comedy film, which is based on a novel of the same title.
This film certainly offers a sweet and interesting spin to a genre that all too often been really lifeless. The film is noted and positively received for displaying human characteristics in zombie characters, and also for being told from a zombie's perspective. This allows the audiences to get connected and engaged not only to the overall plot but also to R, the zombie. It is still grounded to zombie setting but overturned with a twist. The story went well paced and nicely directed with a bit of sense of humour added into this post apocalyptic love story that made it certainly enjoyable to watch. This film is not violent or bloody and hence quite relevant to children too.
I first get to know Nicholas Hoult from his performance in X-Men: First Class and he delivered an amazing performance on that one. For this zombie film, that requires a totally different acting approach, Nicholas done a great job too. As a zombie, he had to express himself tough through facial gestures and speak only one or two words out whilst maintaining his rigid crooked movement. His convincing performance here certainly cemented his position as one of the rising young talented stars. For female fans of him, he is dead sexy in this one. Teresa Palmer also pour in amazing performance, and the two of them had quite a spark or good chemistry in this film.
Teresa and R facing the "Bonies"
The movie also did offers heart-racing moments mostly on the encounter between the humans joining forces with the "cured" zombies up against the Bonies, heartless skeleton corpses. However, all that exciting part are mostly reserved til the end part of the film and the lack of details put to the protagonists; Bonies' creation (obviously computer-generated and looks too fake) made things not that impacting. However, the strong interesting love story of Julie and R saved the day. Out of 5 points, I rate Warm Bodies a total of 4. Like what Palmer said "The core of the story is that love breathes life back into people. That human connection saves us. People who have had those lights dimmed inside them, when they fall in-love they get brighter ". I certainly agreed with her statement. A good message from this film.
Cast: Elijah Woods (Frodo Baggins), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Sean Bean (Boromir), Sean Astin (Sam), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry)
Directed by: Peter Jackson Release Date: December 19, 2001 Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Basedon: The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Distributed by: New Line Cinema Ratings: 4.5/5
Plot: This film sees Frodo Baggins begin a journey to destroy The One Ring, that he received from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins, and destroys it in the fires of Mount Doom, and destroy Sauron once and for all. He is joined by The Fellowship of the Ring, which consists of his Hobbit friends, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck, as well as the Wizard Gandalf, who originally set him on this journey, Aragorn true King of Gondor, and Boromir, from the race of Men, the Elf Prince of Kirkwood, Legolas, and the Dwarf Gimli, son of Gloin (who featured in The Hobbit)
Review: I was inspired by a co-blogger to start a Books That Comes To Life feature on this blog. I was thinking to do this a month ago but sadly, I now barely go to the cinemas due to my busy schedule at the uni. And I also have to think and stick with the theme of this blog, book review. Because most of the films that I am watching weren't from a book. Moving on.. this was a brilliant film and I have alot to thank it for, as it was this film that got me into Tolkien's work, and all things related to The Lord of the Rings. I've always been a fan of things that are unusual, and have loved fantasy films, and books all my life, so this film was a natural choice for me. The way this film starts so light heartened, and how the characters become even more desperate, and distressed, just in the events of this film is enough to know that you're in for some brilliant story telling.
The cast in this film was brilliant, and think that it helped that most of the main cast were relatively unknown actors. I have more recently learnt that more well-known actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Willis, Nicolas Cage, Russell Crowd, Vin Diesel, and Liam Neeson had all been asked to play the role in the film to succeed. The cast were all brilliant and suited their respective roles brilliantly, with Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen being the ones that stood out the most to me.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship itself is one of the big things throughout all three films, although it has more effect in this one, and it's the only film where the entire Fellowship is together. When you have a character like a Hobbit, which is innocent and very vulnerable as the main character you need many people around them, and what better way than to have a group of nine people (including Frodo) that has all different ally races in it. This is in my opinion what really brought Tolkien's mythological world together, as you have all these different races that usually barely coexist, if at all working together. The way Legolas and Gimli's friendship grows over this film even is probably the most interesting out of all, as elves and dwarves usually hate each other. The characteristics in all characters was also shown very well, and the way they reacted to certain events throughout was brilliant and made the film more dramatic.
Sauron forging The One Ring
The main antagonist throughout this film series is Sauron. Although he's the main villain he doesn't have much of a physical presence throughout the film, and none during the main story. It's interesting that someone can live due to an object they created, and this kind of reminds me of Voldemort from the Harry Potter books/films, although Sauron did this first literature wise. I actually found the great eye of Sauron intimidating that his physical form in the flash backs as it gives a more sinister feel, as well as the knowledge that he will know where Frodo is if he wears the ring.
Saruman with an Uruk-hai
Although Sauron was the main antagonist, Saruman was the villain that did most of the work and was of valuable help to Sauron. The casting of Saruman couldn't be any better, as who else but Dracula himself Christopher Lee could do a better job. I've always enjoyed anything that Christopher Lee's been in and especially when he's a bad guy, and his presence always makes a film even better whether it's already a brilliant film like this was or something that wouldn't be as good without him. I also liked how Gandalf didn't see this coming, as it shows that no matter how wise someone is, they can't see all that lies ahead.
Frodo wears The One Ring
The One Ring itself is probably the most interesting thing, and although it doesn't get as much screen times as the battles it's still hanging over the story, showing that it's evil, and there is a lot at stake. Since watching the first part of The Hobbit adaptation, I feel that I can appreciate these films even more than I used to, as there are lots of things that happened in The Hobbit that are either re-told in this film, or have an impact on this film. I could appreciate The Ring itself more, as well as the Mithril armour, or Sting (Frodo's sword, originally Bilbo's)
Nazgûl
I also loved the Nazgûl in this film. As they embody everything evil about The One Ring, and how greed can corrupt people. We get back story about Sauron creating other Rings of Power, seven for dwarves, which Sauron couldn't control properly, three for elves, who never used them so couldn't they get controlled. And nine for men who are greedy. It's nice to see how this affected the world around, and how that affects this story. Although you don't see much of them unless Frodo's wearing The One Ring, they are still very menacing looking, and add more dread, and desperation to Frodo's quest, especially in the earlier part.
Strider (Aragorn) in the shadows
Aragorn's development throughout this film, and later films is probably the most interesting, or at least in my opinion, as he starts off as a simple ranger who is tasked by Gandalf to watch over Frodo (this is mentioned in the appendix of The Lord of the Rings novels) and how he is destined to become the King of Gondor. The lighting in the earlier scenes to feature Aragorn was very well done, as he was in the shadow alot of time, which adds mystery to the character. I also liked that Aragorn shows that he has a good heart, as even though he abruptly removes Frodo from the tavern, he still shows kindness.
This was a very good film, and a brilliant start to a tremendous film trilogy. It has given me a great joy over the years, it's a good adaptation, and fairly honest to the book . I would highly recommend this film, as you are bound to love it.
Disclaimer: The following film reviews are all based on the books -or even comic books- (occasionally, I'll do film reviews that weren't from the books) that - a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film but haven't read the book YET - and that turned into a film or a TV show and even stage plays.
This is my e-library containing all the books that I have purchased, received, read and part of my collection. It also provides a various list of book reviews, books that turned into film, authors, fictional characters, news, that inspire me to read more and be an avid fan of them. This blogsite is the gateway to my mini-library in my room where everyone could visit and spend time to read my collection for free. Hope you will enjoy this site and be inspired to own one or more these books; and be able to discover the power of book sharing in this modern world of blogging.
Features: Are you here for the first time or would like to browse through the blog by topic? Here's the complete list of the topic I write about.
Can You Smell What They Cookin'? - In this category, this features all the upcoming books, books that turned into movies/ TV show/ stage play.
Book Reviews - All the books that I read, that I tried to come up with a decent review. Categorised by the author's last name and the book/s that they wrote.
PDF Copies - Copies of the book/s that you might like on a PDF format. This will be updated whenever I have time.
Books That Comes To Life - These are the film reviews that are all based on the book and even comic books that a) I've already read and watched the film or b) Already watched the film and not read the book YET that turned into a film/TV Show/Stage Play.
Nerdo's Life's Journey - Random notes about life that's being connected with my addiction with books.
Top Ten - My weekly Top Ten about anything. Survey, Meme, Reasons and all that bits and bobs about being a bookworm.
What Chie Says - Contains all stuff that I find cool, interesting, news about authors, and books. Book vs Film feature and a whole lot more.
