Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Summary:

The mustang stallion Spirit grows up to proudly succeed his father as leader of the Cimarron herd in the unspoiled Wild West. When 'civilization' reaches Dakota territory, naive curiosity gets him caught by cowboys and sold to the US Cavalry. Its method of training by breaking a horse fails utterly on him. Just when the colonel intends to shoot Spirit, the equally indomitable captured young Lakota brave, Little Creek, escapes on his back. He also tricks him to a coral with his beloved mare, but shows respect and wins some trust. As the railroad arrives, the Indian village is wrecked and Spirit gets captured for use as a draft-horse. When the stallion realizes this project threatens his whole world, he escapes and unleashes the fury of a force of nature, ultimately teaming up with Little Creek.

Plot:

I’ve loved this story ever since I was little. It’s a story of not giving up, of fighting for what you believe in, and horses, all of which make it incredible. I love the passionate nature of this story, how every part is extremely emotional. You don’t have slumps where nothing is happening. Incredibly sad, with some light bits of humor thrown in when appropriate, this movie made me cry and made me smile.

Characters:

I adore the characters in this movie. The main character-the horse ‘Spirit’ is incredibly head-strong and feisty. The gentle horses ‘Rain’-spirit’s love interest and Spirit’s mother are great. The Indian, Little Creek, who connects with Spirit in a way that no other human could. They’re all incredible. Especially considering that, even though Spirit is the only horse that ‘talks’ in the movie, you can still tell the characteristics of all the others.

Cinematography:

This is quite an old movie, and the animation isn’t quite up to today’s standards, but I could tell that the producers and directors put a lot of thought into this movie. The character’s facial expressions and body language are beautifully portrayed, and you don’t really notice that they don’t look completely realistic. Also the music in this movie gives me chills every time.

Who should watch this:

(PG) as some younger kids may be frightened by the way the horses are treated by some of the humans. Anyone who liked movies like ‘the Lion King’ etc., that make you cry and laugh, watch this one! I think this movie will appeal to all ages.

My rating:

I really love this movie, it being one of the few animated ones that make me cry. I love the soundtrack and I love…just everything about this movie really. 5/5

Quote:
And so I grew from colt to stallion, as wild and as reckless as thunder over the land. Racing with the eagle, soaring with the wind. Flying? There were times I believed I could.

The Lorax

Summary:
The latest Dr. Seuss book to get the Hollywood treatment revolves around The Lorax, who would like to fix the pollution in his town caused by a greedy industrialist. Help arrives in the form of a young man desperate to impress his girlfriend by producing a real tree, not the plastic ones they have in town. This sets up the battle between the young man, The Lorax, and the evil mayor.

Plot:

I found this to be a very sweet and funny story, although I would’ve preferred a little subtlety with the whole ‘save the earth’ theme. It made me laugh, had me slightly sad, and it got the message across. It was cute.

Characters:

I really want a singing fish! Anyways…the characters were also incredibly cute, and quite funny. They were fun, upbeat, well most of them anyway, and they sang. So they were great. Is it just me or does the ‘bad guy’ looks like that dressmaker from ‘the Incredibles’? Just wondering.

Cinematography:

Okay, I loved the way the ‘paradise’ place at the start was portrayed, the colors were used well throughout this film. If you’ve seen ‘Horton hears a Who’ you would know what to expect. Not the greatest animation, but somehow it works.

Who should watch this:

(PG) This movie is definitely aimed towards kids, there are no mature content at all, not even crude jokes. I don’t think anyone over the age of 10 would really love this movie, although I did like it (yes I am over 10).

My rating:

I liked this movie, only now I really want a singing fish, and I don’t know where to find one, so that’s quite sad… 3/5

Quote:
It's not about what it is. It's about what it can become. Just like... you're not just a boy.

Invictus

Summary:

The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Newly-elected president Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

Plot: 
A truly inspiring film about Nelson Mandela played by Morgan Freeman (who else?), including some of the most epic and nerve wrecking rugby matches in world cup history. This is an incredible story that will make any South African proud of their heritage. This story is about equality, forgiveness and being the greatest you can be.

Characters:

As they were based on real people, the characters in this movie are very much flawed, even Mandela isn’t shown as being perfect. I think the characters in this movie were very well handled, although the ‘rugby players’ didn’t look much like rugby players at all. The acting was good, Morgan was absolute perfection as Mandela, Matt Damon's (as Francois Pienaar) accent was also spot on.

Cinematography:

Good, it is quite interesting in fact. Much of the movie is shot almost like an excerpt from TV news, making it seem more authentic. The more undocumented events were shot very well. The costumes etc. were all very well done. None of this ever distracts from the story, it only adds to it.

Who should watch this:

(PG L) the only mature content is the language. Anyone who is South African or who is interested in South African history should watch this movie. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to be inspired, or who really likes rugby.

My rating:

I really liked this movie. It kept me interested. 4/5

Quote:
Brenda Mazibuko: You're risking your political capital, you're risking your future as our leader.
Nelson Mandela: The day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead.

The Truth about Forever

Sarah Dessen

Summary: 
Macy's summer stretches before her, carefully planned and outlined. She will spend her days sitting at the library information desk. She will spend her evenings studying for the SATs. Spare time will be used to help her obsessive mother prepare for the big opening of the townhouse section of her luxury development.

But Macy's plans don't anticipate a surprising and chaotic job with Wish Catering, a motley crew of new friends, or…Wes. Tattooed, artistic, anything-but-expected Wes. He doesn't fit Macy's life at all-so why does she feel so comfortable with him? So…happy? What is it about him that makes her let down her guard and finally talk about how much she misses her father, who died before her eyes the year before?

Plot:

This is a very likable book, it gives you the ending you wanted. It had me smiling at times, and had me feeling sad at others, but it didn’t make me laugh out loud or cry my eyes out. The ending is quite predictable, although I appreciate the author’s attempt at making it slightly different. It was cute, and fun and nice, but not very memorable.

Characters:

The characters in this book, unlike the story, are quite interesting and quirky. They all have their own weird uniqueness that make you wonder about their stories. And thankfully the author does give us a bit of a backstory on most. I really liked most of the characters, even the ones that were supposed to be less likable. I didn’t fall in love with any of them, but I like them, and they are much more memorable than the story.

Who should read this?

10+, there’s very little mature content, some language, and the topic of death is brought up quite often. I think this is essentially a teen chic lit book, and I don’t think guys will appreciate it. If you like nice, light romantic books, with a slight sad twist, you will probably like this one

My rating:

I liked this book, it's not going to make my favorites any time soon, but it’s one of those relaxing books I enjoy very much when I don’t feel like thinking. It’s just a very likable book overall. I’ll give it a 3/5.

Quote:
“I like flaws. I think they make things interesting.” 

The Bride Collector

Ted Dekker

Summary:

FBI Special agent Brad Raines is facing his toughest case yet. A Denver serial killer has killed four beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each crime scene, and he's picking up his pace. Unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help from a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill individuals who are extraordinarily gifted.

Plot:

Horrifyingly brilliant, sickeningly ingenious and terribly excellent, this book reels you in and ties you up so tightly you won’t be able to get away. The story had me scared and amazed and thrilled all the way through. The writing is incredible, I’m pretty sure Ted Dekker is a slightly insane genius, just like most of his characters…The symbolism and deeper meanings you could get out of this book are so many I’m not even going to try to explain them. This is an incredible, but horrific story.

Characters:

This book’s characters will have you questioning your own sanity, beliefs and ideas. The scary part is that while many of them are clinically insane you can still sort of relate to them. They are excellently portrayed and you find yourself appalled and enthralled by them.

Who should read this?

16+, this book scared me, and that doesn’t happen very often. The violence and sheer insanity of the ‘bad guy’ is so cruel and sick that I would definitely recommend caution, but aside from that there’s very little mature content. This is an excellent psychological thriller that will have your mind reeling, but it’s not an easy read. If you prefer something relaxing and simple, this is the wrong book for you. However, I will recommend this to anyone who are interested in psychology, or who likes books that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.

My rating:

This is not my usual type of book, I found myself hating it and loving it at the same time, which was really confusing. The horrifying, terrible and cruel actions of the ‘bad guy’ terrified me, but this book is sheer genius. So I have no idea what to rate this right now…I’m giving it…a 4/5, the ending did it for me…

Quote:
“Everyone is a lonely victim of life's complexity.”

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Summary:
Freshman Charlie is a loner until he falls under the spell of the free-spirited Sam and her fearless stepbrother, Patrick, in this adaption of Stephen Chbosky's best-selling novel.

Plot:

How do you even begin to describe this movie? It encompasses the feeling of being a teenage outcast perfectly, describes the hardships and trials of being slightly crazy in a positive way, it makes you feel infinite (quote! :D). This story will have you laughing and crying, it will change you, have you thinking for days on end. It’s touching and emotional and brilliant. It tells an incredibly sad story in a way that will make you feel happy to be alive. It’s all about acceptance, accepting people who are different, accepting the situation you’re in, and, perhaps most importantly, accepting yourself for who you are.

Characters:

The characters in this movie are brilliant. They’re real, but different, and I fell in love with every single one. The main character ‘Charlie’ (Logan Lerman) is an incredibly loving, innocent freshman boy who has a slight mental illness, after going through a lot of trauma when he was younger. Patrick (Ezra Miller) is a gay senior, who hides behind being funny so he doesn't show how much he’s hurting. And then there’s Sam, who is played by Emma Watson (who deserved every single nomination and award she got for this role). My personal favorite character, she is just a stunning person, who doesn’t realize how incredible she really is. All the characters in this movie are wonderful, they are relatable, but interesting.

Cinematography:

Incredible, it doesn’t distract from the story, but when you look for it you realize that every moment was perfectly planned and shot. Everything from the costumes to the lighting is outstanding.

Who should watch this:

(PG10) There are quite a lot of mature content, language, drug use etc. and I personally don’t think anyone under 13 will understand this movie. The mature content is never used just to be crude,  it makes the story more realistic. Someone who likes memorable movies that they won’t forget and that will have an impact on them, watch this one. If you prefer something light-hearted and relaxing, this isn’t one I would suggest for you.

My rating:

This is probably one of my new favorite movies, I’ve rarely watched something that had such an impact on me (as you can see from my rave review, I’m sorry). I rarely enjoy ‘teenage’ movies, as they always seem to focus on the negative aspects of being a young person. This one, however, takes those negative aspects and uses them to have a positive impact. 5/5

Quote:
Right now we are alive, and in this moment I swear we are infinite.

Read my review for the book here!

People Like Us

Summary:

While settling his recently deceased father's estate, a salesman discovers he has a sister whom he never knew about, leading both siblings to re-examine their perceptions about family and life choices

Plot:

I really liked this story, it was well paced and interesting and it had a great ending. There was enough mystery and suspense to keep it interesting, and enough emotional moments to keep me engaged, but not crying the whole time I was watching. There were some humorous moments, that didn’t distract from the main storyline, but still managed to keep the mood a little more positive. Essentially this is a movie about forgiveness, family and love.

Characters:

The characters in this movie are very human. They make mistakes (a lot of them), and they get hurt. They are interesting and sometimes slightly stupid. They make you laugh and they make you cry. I found all the characters in this movie interesting, if not exactly likable. My favorite character was definitely the young boy, he was incredibly funny and really likable, although quite naughty.

Cinematography:

Good. It wasn’t exceptional, but for this type of movie you want the emphasis on the story and the characters, you want the viewer to forget it’s a movie. While the photography and lighting and everything helped set the mood it did so without you really noticing until you look for it.

Who should watch this:

(PG13)There are some mature content, like violence and some language etc. People who like movies that has a bit of humor and a bit of sadness will like this.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this movie, it was cute and sad and funny all in one. 3/5

Quote:
I hope you never have to know what it's like to love someone and then find out you're not enough. I was trying to protect you from ever feeling that.

First Among Equals

Jeffrey Archer

Summary: 
In the 1960's four ambitious new MPs take their seats at Westminster. Over three decades they share the turbulent passions of the race for power with their wives and families, men and women caught up in a dramatic game for the highest stakes of all. But only one man can gain the ultimate goal - the office of Prime Minister.

Plot: 
This is essentially a political story, which usually means I'm bored and I don't understand. While most of the happenings in this story didn't make any sense to me whatsoever, it still didn't bore me, which is really weird. I think this is a very good story, mainly because of Archer's track record and also because it didn't bore me, but I really can't say much about it as i had no idea what was happening most of the time.

Characters:
As I've said before, Archer's characters are never his main focus. In this novel, however, they are very important. This story revolves around different male characters with one shared political goal.  I really liked some of them, while others weren't as likable. I did find it a little hard to remember which wife fitted with which husband and which man fitted with which past, but it didn't really bother me. Archer manages to remind you in some way without sounding like he is repeating himself.

Who should read this:
13+, like I said before, I didn't understand this book, so if you want to know exactly what's going on, don't read this. Fans of politically motivated novels, as well as historical fiction should like this. There is very mild mature content.

My rating:
I think I might read this book again, just to see if I understand it better. It wasn't boring, but I didn't get it. 3/5

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

Twilight #1

 Summary:

About three things I was absolutely positive.

First, Edward was a vampire

Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

Isabella Swan expects her new life in Forks to be as dull as the town itself. But her new classmates don’t seem to mind her awkward manner and low expectations. They seem to like her-with the exception, that is, of Edward Cullen. The problem is that Bella finds herself fascinated by him. What she doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets, the more she is at risk. And it might be too late to turn back.

Plot:

Crazy, impulsive, stupid, silly, dangerous, fascinating, unexplainable, unstoppable, heartbreaking=teenage love. This book portrays this so well, that you hardly notice the other flaws until you read it again (and again in my case :P). The story progresses a bit slowly, with all the action seeming to be concentrated at the end of the book. I feel that the fact that Bella finds Edward so fascinating after just one or two conversations, or even just after seeing him, a bit unrealistic, but then again it is a teenage love story, so…This book didn’t bore me, in fact I like it. I do realise the writing isn’t wonderful, and that this is essentially a teen girl book, but it’s relaxing.

Characters:

Honestly I think Alice and Jacob are my favorite characters in this book, also maybe Carlisle and Emmet. This can’t be right, you’re supposed to like the main characters the most right? I just find Bella and Edward slightly irritating at times. I love Edward when he is finding something funny, those moments where he just lightens up a bit is great. Bella’s obsession also seems a little over the top. (By the way, no team Jacob or team Edward here, I don’t think like that, I also think Jacob deserves better... :P)

Who should read this?

10+, very mild mature content, and maybe a little violence. However, younger readers should know that the mature content gets progressively more as the series go on. Fans of the Twilight films should read this, it explains a lot that doesn’t get said in the movies. I think this series is more aimed towards girls, since it is written from a girl’s perspective, but I have know some guys who found it okay. This is a teenage book, it will probably irritate readers over 25, perhaps even younger, depending on the person.

My rating:

I’ve read this series so many times, I feel like I know the characters at a personal level. When I want to read something that I don’t have to concentrate on, this is one of my first picks, which is probably why I like it. It’s familiar. 3/5

Quote:
“So what you're saying is, I'm your brand of heroin?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
He smiled swiftly, seeming to appreciate my effort. "Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin.”

Read my review for 'New Moon' here!

Why I Love Books!

 

This is not going to be a review, just so you know. So many people have asked me this question, but they always want a one sentence version and I can’t do that. So if you don’t care why I think books are wonderful, don’t read this, I won’t mind. Also this is going to be VERY serious (I think). So here are the main reasons for my obsession:

1.    I feel safe around books. People have always made me slightly nervous (some are downright scary ;P), and I prefer reading to talking. Books are my friends, they don’t change, their very rarely mean (except those horrible ones with those terrible endings) to the reader (a.k.a me) and they're always there. Those that I don’t like I simply get rid of, as easy as that. This may sound strange, but it’s the way I feel. (I’m not completely socially challenged, by the way. I do have human friends as well :P)

2.       When I look at books I don’t see them as paper with words that I have to read. I see them as doors to different worlds and different stories than my own. Every one of them leads to a different country or place where anything is possible. They are a way of escaping the normality of my life and entering a whole new world (♪A whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew…♪ :P)

3.       Reading is like a drug to me. It’s addictive, it makes me feel happy while I’m doing it, and it makes me forget the world for a while. Except it’s not damaging to my health. So who wouldn’t want that, right? RIGHT? :D

So there you have it, the reason I love books! Of course there are tons more, like the fact that there are books about absolutely anything, and the fact that it has improved my use of language, but those are the main ones :D.

Upside Down

Summary:

Adam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love

Plot:

This wasn’t an incredible story, but the whole idea of the different worlds is so interesting and strange that it doesn’t even seem to matter. The story was cute, but simple, and if it wasn’t for the great setting it would probably be one of the most boring stories ever, but the setting throws in a wonderful twist that makes it all worthwhile.

Characters:

The characters in this movie are quite likable, but not very memorable, but again the setting seems to make up for this. There really isn’t very much to say about the characters.

Cinematography:

Exceptional. This is what made the movie. Everything about it was beautifully portrayed. The lighting and colors etc was very well handled throughout and the two different worlds’ moods were shown quite clearly.

Who should watch this:

(PG 13), there are some very mild mature content and violence. Anyone who likes movies about other worlds will probably like this too, for example 'Avatar', but without the cursing and the violence. Also anyone who can appreciate great cinematography should definitely watch this just for that.

My rating:

3/5, the whole idea made it worthwhile, but the story and characters could’ve been better.

Quote:
Up-top, they always win, And down-below, we always fail.

Thr3e

Ted Dekker

Summary:
Enter a world where nothing is what it seems. Where your closest friend could be your greatest enemy. Kevin Parson is driving his car late one summer day when, suddenly, his cell phone rings. A man who identifies himself as Slater speaks in a breathy voice: You have exactly three minutes to confess your sin to the world. Refuse, and the car you're driving will blow sky high.

Kevin panics. Who would make such a call? What sin? Kevin ditches the car. Precisely three minutes later, a massive explosion sets his world on a collision course with madness.

Plot:

This was an exceptionally good story that had my mind reeling. The author’s use of suspense throughout made this book impossible to put down. The pace was thrillingly fast, without one moment of nothing happening. Gripping! I could say a lot more, but I'm afraid of giving something away...So, read it!

Characters:

This book emphasized a belief I’ve had for a while, that no person on this planet is completely and utterly evil. The characters in this book are incredibly ‘fascinating’ (read the book to understand the quotation marks). You find yourself rooting for them and fearing for their lives, feeling sorry for some and loathing others.

Who should read this?

13+, only because this is a thriller. Some violence and strange behavior is the only mature content. This is not an easily understood story, so if you want something simple and straightforward, this isn’t the one for you. However if you’re looking for something that will stimulate your mind and make you see the world and people differently you should definitely read this one. If you like books that will hook you from page one and keep you on the edge of the seat this is perfect for you. I’ll recommend this to anyone interested in psychology and who likes thrillers.

My rating:

As you can see from my review (sorry about the raving, I just can’t find anything bad about this book) I loved this book! One of my new favorites and I will definitely be reading more of Dekker’s stories as soon as possible! 5/5

Quote:
“Though being freed from sin, most remain slaves, blinded and gagged by their own deception.”