Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5

Summary:

Most people get presents on their sixteenth birthday, I get a prophecy that could save or destroy the world.

It happens when you're the son of Poseidon, god of the Sea. According to an ancient prophecy, I turn sixteen and the fate of the entire world is on me. But no pressure.

Now Kronos, Lord of the Titans, is beginning his attack on New York City. And the dreaded monster Typhon is also heading our way. So it's me and forty of my demigod friends versus untold evil...

In One Word: Brilliant (exceptionally clever)

Plot:

The thing I loved most about this particular installment in this series is the fact that even though it has the most tense and nerve-wracking moments of all the previous books it also had the most humour and funny parts. I really love how the author manages to make you laugh out loud while at the same time making you hold your breath in anticipation for what’s going to happen next (trust me, it’s a really weird feeling, laughing while holding your breath at the same time...you should try it sometime). This book also managed to surprise me, which has not been happening that often lately, so it was pretty exciting that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next. This also shows that even though it’s a middle-grade book, it isn’t predictable or too simple for older people to enjoy as well.

Characters:

I definitely think that this installment was the best as far as character-development went. Percy becomes a true hero, without completely losing himself and becoming a completely different person. I also liked how Grover went from an insecure, funny guy to a force to be reckoned with. Annabeth didn’t develop that much during this book, but she remains a great character. I also liked Thalia in this installment (if you read my previous review you’ll remember I didn’t like her all that much before), but I really like how she’s changed. Nico is still one of the more interesting characters in my opinion, but I preferred his portrayal in the previous book.

Who should read this:

10+, once again, mild violence, no sexual content or language and if you have problem with mythology, skip this series. If you’re searching for something similar to the first 2/3 books in the Harry Potter series then I definitely suggest these. I don’t think adults will enjoy this as much as younger people, but I do think there's something ageless about this series.

My rating:

This was my favourite book in the series. I loved the action and humor and the storyline and I really liked how the author ended the series, leaving it open enough to make me want to read ‘The Heroes of Olympus’, but not too much so it felt like the series didn’t end at all. 5/5

Quote:

“With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief', 'The Sea of Monsters', 'The Titan's Curse' and 'The Battle of the Labyrinth'!

Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Summary: WARNING: Possible spoilers of previous books ahead!

Honestly, blowing up another school was the last thing I wanted to do.

As the son of a Greek god, I’ve had my share of near-death disaster – and now my arch-enemy Luke wants to invade our camp via an ancient labyrinth.

If he succeeds, thousands of bloodthirsty monsters will attack. So it’s goodbye sunshine, hello darkness as four of us descend into the terrifying underground and beyond.

In One Word: Unputdownable

Plot:

These stories are great simply because they’re just so much fun. They’re hilarious, but still exciting and can keep you on the edge of your seat or have you laughing out loud. And even though they’re a lot of fun and very entertaining there are still some scenes that are touching and emotional, without ever becoming too deep for a middle-grade book.

Characters:

These above-mentioned moments really helps the reader connect with the characters. I really like all the characters in this book, but now I’m really starting to get fascinated with Nico di Angelo. He’s a little darker than the other main characters, without being a fully-fledged villian, which is very interesting and not something you see very often. Percy remains a little naive in my opinion, although it is part of his charm, and he really does develop quite a bit during this particular book. Annabeth is still a great character, and I also really like Rachel, who we get to see more in this book. Grover and Tyson remains great characters, who never takes away the spolight from the main character, but is still important enough to make you care for them. All the characters connect really well with each other and nothing feels forced.

Who should read this:

10+, again, some violence, although it is very mild. There is no language or sexual content to speak of. Also again, if the mythological aspect of Greek gods bother you, don’t read this series. If you liked the previous books this one won’t dissappoint, if you didn’t, well don’t read this one...I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Harry Potter and wants something similar, and this series doesn’t get darker like HP does, so you younger kids can read the entire series back-to-back if you should want to.

My rating:

I absolutely love this series. It’s not going to make my favourites, but it’s very close to it. I enjoy every minute of reading it, and I’m going to start the next one right now. 4.5/5

Quote:

“Don't feel bad, I'm usually about to die.”-Percy Jackson

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief', 'The Sea of Monsters' and 'The Titan's Curse'!

Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3

Summary:

It’s not every day you find yourself in combat with a half-lion, half-human.

But when you’re the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh and guess what. The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive.

In One Word: Exciting

Plot:

While the previous books in this series were really good and entertaining, this one stepped up the action and suspense quite a bit. It had way more surprises and twists than the previous ones and I really enjoyed that about it. Apart from that the author stays very consistent, the writing stays easy to read and humorous and the story stays interesting.

Characters:

There is quite a bit of character growth in this installment. Percy realizes what his fatal flaw is, and also learns to see other people more clearly. I still really like Annabeth and Grover, I think they’re great characters that compliment Percy very well. I did not, however, like Thalia all that much. I’m not sure exactly why, but I kept hoping that she wouldn’t stick around with the main characters. The villians are all pretty scary, but they’re not all completely evil (I think). My favourite part is still the humorous ways of the ‘gods’ (e.g. Apollo’s fascination with Haiku’s ever since he’s gotten back from Japan).

Who should read this:

10+, there’s a little violence, but almost no language and absolutely no sexual content. Again, if you have a problem with the whole mythological aspect of these books then don’t read them. If you enjoyed the previous 2 then I would definitely suggest continuing the series. I don’t think adults would really appreciate this series, but I also feel like older teens can enjoy them.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book more than the previous ones, but not quite enough to give it 5 stars yet. So 4.5/5.

Quote:

Wow," Thalia muttered. "Apollo is hot."

"He's the sun god," I said.

"That's not what I meant.”

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief' and 'Sea of Monsters'!

Fairest

Gail Carson Levine

Summary:

Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to be pretty...

Aza’s singing is the fairest in the all the land, and the most unusual. She can ‘throw’ her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the Kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn’t possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She’s hidden in the shadows in her parents’ inn, but when she becomes lady-in-waiting to the new queen, she has to step into the light – especially when the queen demands a dangerous favor. A magic mirror, a charming prince, a jealous queen, palace intrigue, and and injured king twine into a maze that Aza must penetrate to save herself and her beloved kingdom.

In One Word: Beautiful

Plot:

It’s official: Gail Carson Levine is a genius at fairytale retellings. In this book she manages to capture the essence of Snow White, but put a modern and relatable spin on it. Her stories are a little darker than your average middle-grade book, but that’s what I like about them, and they’ll never fall in the category of average anyway. I enjoyed every second of reading this, I liked that it has a positive message about how you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover and all, without ever becoming preachy, or making it sound easy to accept yourself fully. I loved the writing, simply because I can’t really remember what the writing was like, I was too wrapped up in the story to take much notice.

Characters:

The characters in this book are incredibly complex and interesting. Our main character, Aza, is extremely relatable (I’m pretty sure everyone’s had those days where they look in the mirror and go: ‘I’m possibly half-ogre’...and were serious about it). I really liked how the author handled the character development with her: she doesn’t end up perfect, or perfectly happy, but it’s okay. I also really liked Prince Ijori, who is probably what every girl should hope for in a guy, without being too unrealistic. The antagonist, queen Ivi, is probably the most interesting of the characters. You don’t know whether to hate or sympathize with her. Overall all the characters are great, they go through significant development without it being too unrealistic and the fairytale characters (ogres, elves etc) are very well handled.

Who should read this:

10+, there’s no objectionable content in this book, and I think it will spread a positive message, so I suggest this for any young girl (or boy). If you’ve read Ella Enchanted and liked it, then I definitely suggest this one (some of the characters from it make an appearance!). If you don’t like childrens’ books, or fairytale-retellings, then don’t read this one. However I feel like this book can appeal to all ages and has a universal message.

My rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I also really liked that, while this could’ve been extremely similar to Ella Enchanted, it wasn’t. I only thought about EE when some of the characters made an appearance. 5/5

Quote:

Voices and faces aren’t manifestations of good or bad.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2

Summary: (WARNING: Possible Spoilers of previous book ahead!)

You can’t tell by looking at me that my dad is Poseidon, God of the Sea.

It’s not easy being a half-blood these days. Even a simple game of dodgeball becomes a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants – and that was only the beginning.

Now Camp Half-Blood is under attack and, unless I can get my hands on the Golden Fleece, the whole camp will be invaded by monsters. Big ones...

In One Word: Fun

Plot:

This book drew me in more than its predecessor, maybe because I now know the characters and start caring for them. I couldn’t put this installment down. It was exciting and funny and just a very entertaining read. I really like Riordan’s easy-going writing style and I think this series is everything a good middle-grade series should be.

Characters:

At first Percy annoyed me a little in this book. I felt like he hadn’t learned anything from his previous adventures and he was just as naive as before everything happened. However, this does change as the book progresses and we see him grow. I still really like Annabeth and in this book I felt like the reader gets to see another side to her, which is always good. Grover’s part in this book was just flat-out hilarious, even though he was in a life-threatening situation for most of it... (Possible spoiler: Luke also makes an appearance, and this time he’s even scarier and meaner than before). The new character ‘Tyson’ is also great and you really start caring for the guy. Overall the characters, both old and new, were very entertaining to read about.

Who should read this:

10+, there really aren't any  inappropriate for younger readers, except if you have a problem with the whole mythology aspect of it. If you’re looking for something fun and easy to read or looking for something for a 10-12-year old boy, then I definitely suggest this. I don’t think adults will love this series, but I do think older kids might.

My rating:

Like I said, I couldn’t put this book down, and I couldn’t guess the ending (for a change), so I really enjoyed reading this book. 4/5

Quote:

“Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.” 

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1

Summary:

Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek god.

I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive.

This is the one where Zeus, god of the Sky, thinks I’ve stolen his lightning bolt – and making Zeus angry is a very bad idea.

In One Word: Entertaining

Plot:

This book is great, the story is exciting and interesting, and the writing is so easy-going. I did think it was a little similar to Harry Potter (you know, boring ‘weirdo’ kid suddenly becoming this extremely ‘interesting’ person in a whole different world that he didn’t even know existed), but the whole mythology concept is so original that it didn’t bother me at all. I loved how the humorous writing style made sure the book never got too tense or dark, while it still stayed exciting. The author doesn’t try too hard or take himself too seriously and that makes it a fun read. I did guess the ending in this book, but it wasn’t blatantly obvious and it was more a suspicion than anything.

Characters:

I like how the author made kids ‘with problems’ into something cool, and with that I mean that the demi-gods have dyslexia and ADD, and that somehow makes them even cooler (SPOILER: not to mention the fact that a ‘crippled’ boy turns out to be a satyr....the hooves make it a little awkward for him to wear shoes). Percy is funny and a nice kid, not always exceptionally bright, but still a hero to look up to. I liked Annabeth and Grover as well, they’re loyal and brave and great sidekicks. The gods were also really interesting, and also made me laugh a couple of times, Riordan uses exaggeration to make them larger than life (quite literally...)

Who should read this:

10+, there’s no sexual content or language and the violence is very mild, although there are some scary scenes. If you have a problem with reading about Greek ‘gods’, then I don’t suggest this for you. If you enjoyed Harry Potter then you might like this, it has the same feel to it. If you want a serious or thought-provoking read this is probably not for you, but if you want something fun and entertaining, I definitely suggest this book.

My rating:

I’ve heard so much about this series that I had very high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed at all. I can’t wait to read the next book. However, it wasn’t amazing enough to join my favourites. 4/5

Quote:

“I'd love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed in the face of death, et cetera.
The truth? My only thought was: Aaaaggghhhhh!”

Turbo

Summary:

After a freak accident infuses him with the power of super-speed, Turbo kicks into overdrive and embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the seemingly impossible: competing in the world's fastest race, the Indianapolis 500. With the help of his tricked-out streetwise snail crew, this ultimate underdog puts his heart and shell on the line to prove that no dream is too big, and no dreamer too small.

Plot:

This was a really sweet story, but I feel like it’s all been done before, the racecars, the animal who wants to be something unusual and gets a human to help him. It could have been really original if Cars and Ratatouille hadn’t already exsisted. That being said it was really cute in a clichéd type of way. It had its funny moments, and it’s just a fun movie, without trying too hard to be deep or emotional.

Characters:

The characters are a bit eccentric, all of them, but they’re lots of fun. I liked Turbo a lot, he’s a very likable guy...uhm snail...and his snail buddies are all quite funny, if a little generic. I liked the humans as well, they were a little overshadowed by the snails (haha, they’re overshadowed by snails...no you’re right it’s not funny...), but they were still interesting enough.

Cinematography:

Pretty good, the animation is colourful and inventive, and doesn’t try too hard to be realistic, the music isn’t exactly my style, but it fit the feel of the movie well.

Who should watch this:

If you’re looking for a nice, clean movie for your kids this is definitely one I’d recommend. Seeing as how they like watching the same movie over and over again they won’t mind that it’s kind of similar to many other kids’ movies out there, and if they loved Cars or Ratatouille, and you’re tired of watching that, try this one... However, don’t expect to love this if you’re an adult, this is not that type of kids’ movie.

My rating:

While this was a sweet story, it didn’t have the same entertainment value that the previously mentioned movies did in my opinion, which is sad because it’s a great premise. The characters and animation were good, but honestly, I probably won’t watch this again.  3/5

Quote:

Turbo: Are you crazy?

Whiplash: Yeah, I'm crazy! What made you think I was sane?

The Thief Lord

Cornelia Funke

Summary:

Welcome to the magical underworld of Venice, Italy. Here, hidden canals and crumbling rooftops shelter runaways and children with incredible secrets...

After escaping from their cruel aunt and uncle, orphans Prosper and Bo meet a mysterious boy who calls himself the “Thief Lord”. Clever and charming, the Thief Lord leads a band of street children who enjoy making mischief. But the Thief Lord also has a dark secret. And suddenly Prosper and Bo find themselves on a fantastical journey to a forgotten place. What they discover there will change the course of their destiny...forever.

Plot:

I really liked this story. It’s very reminiscent of Peter Pan in that the theme is growing up, but it’s slightly toned down on the whole magic thing. I loved the setting, and I don’t think the story would’ve worked anywhere else than Venice. I thought the plot was original, and I liked that even though it isn’t set in a much earlier time period than the present it still has an old-fashioned feel to it. The bit of magic mixed into the story just added that little spark.

Characters:

The characters in this book are very likable, at least the ones that are supposed to be. They’re different and quirky, yet relatable and I really liked them. My favourite character is probably Prosper, because he’s just such a nice kid, but I really liked Bo as well. ‘The Thief Lord’ is very charismatic, and yet he’s still just a kid which makes him very interesting. The other runaways are all unique. I also liked the adults in this book, especially Victor and his tortoises.

Who should read this:

I don’t think this book needs an age rating. It might be a bit hard for some really young kids to understand, because of the Italian phrases etc, but there are no objectionable content as far as I could see. If you liked Peter Pan and other books like it I definitely suggest this for you, no matter your age!

My rating:

I really liked this book, it was easy to read with an original storyline and unique characters and a touch of magic. 4/5.

Quote:

“He wants to be grown-up. How different dreams can be! Nature will soon grant your wish.”

The Hobbit

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part #0.5

Summary:

Whisked from his comfortable hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon...

Plot:

This is one of the books that are always seen on must-read lists, and now I understand why. A great story, full of adventure and danger and magical creatures , this book probably inspired many, if not most, of the great fantasy writers of our time. The author’s style can be compared to C.S. Lewis’, although this book proved a quote I have disliked from Roald Dahl’s Matilda, namely that C.S. Lewis doesn’t use enough humour to keep children interested. As a big fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, I have never agreed with this statement, however The Hobbit may have changed my mind. While I still love Narnia I now see what some light, funny moments can bring to a book like this. All that I disliked about this story is the ending, it was slightly disappointing after the whole journey Bilbo made.

Characters:

None of the main characters are heroes, it says somewhere in the book, and this is true. Bilbo prefers his little hobbit-hole to the great unknown, and is rather reluctant to go on an adventure. The dwarves may be brave and loyal, but they have many faults, some of which make them slightly unlikable at times. Gandalf is probably the only character who could be described as heroic, since he always seems to be saving the day. All the magical creatures are fascinating, and inventive, but there aren’t too many of them, so it never gets too confusing.

Who should read this:

10+, there is some violence, but I don’t feel like it’s too graphic for younger readers. This was written with children in mind, however the author’s style of writing may make it harder for kids to read. If you’re a fantasy fan, you should probably have read this already. I also agree that this is a book to put on anyone’s must read list, since it, and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, inspired so many other great fantasy works.

My rating:

I really, really enjoyed this book. If it weren’t for the ending, which was slightly disappointing, to me at least, I would have added it to my favourites. However, I will be reading it again, because I feel like you would discover something new every time you read this. 4/5

Quote:

It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You.

Ally Carter

Gallagher Girls #1

Summary: 

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she manoeuvre a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?
Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

Plot:

This first installment in the Gallagher Girls series is a pretty unique and very entertaining story. A boarding school with a twist might not be thát original, but this one is very well-written and interesting. A normal (sort of) girl who is studying to be a spy falls in love for the first time. With many funny moments and some sad ones this was a fun read.

Characters:

While the girls are all exceptionally smart and trained in combat, they’re still just teen girls. You have the ‘cooler than you’ ones, the ‘forgetful, hare-brained, but extremely smart’ one and the main character, Cameron/Cammie, whose nickname is chameleon, because she feels invisible. They’re all relatable and that makes it fun to read about their escapades and wonder how you would’ve handled the same situations. Josh, Cammie’s love interest, is also a very nice character, but since the book is written from Cammie’s perspective you don’t really get an objective view of him.

Who should read this:

10+, very mild violence, one mild curse word. Definitely written with younger girls in mind, although I'm not sure if this is YA, or a children's book, which is why it's tagged as both, this will probably bore anyone under 20. If you like romance, but are tired of the norm, this might be something you’d enjoy.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and I connected with the characters. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series. 4/5

Quote:

‘All these years I’d thought being a spy was challenging. Turns out, being a girl is the tricky part.’

Racing Stripes

Summary: 

An abandoned zebra grows up believing he is a racehorse, and, with the help of his barnyard friends and a teenage girl sets out to achieve his dream of racing with thoroughbreds.

Plot:

A very funny, heartwarming story about believing in yourself and chasing your dreams, no matter what other people (or horses) say. While there’s been many movies like this one, none of them centred around a zebra. This is a very sweet story with a great message.

Characters:

This movie has some great characters, funny, serious, sweet, you name it. The farm animals are the best, with the motherly goat ‘Franny’ and the little Shetland pony, Tucker (Dustin Hoffman) who is Stripes’ mentor. Then you get a pelican called ‘Goose’, a very stupid chicken, ‘Reggie’, and two very funny flies that sing. The main character ‘Stripes’ is great, not perfect, but self-assured. The humans, Channing (Hayden Panettiere) and her father are also very nice, you find yourself hoping they will make the right choices.

Cinematography:

Okay, the animals ‘talking’ weren’t handled as well as it could have been, although this movie was made a while ago, so it’s understandable. The rest was very well done.

Who should watch this:

(PG) for very mild rude humor, the content is quite clean. Fans of horse movies, or animal stories in general. If you prefer a deep, serious or ‘adult’ movie, don’t watch this. It’s quite immature, but fun and great for just relaxing.

My rating:

I really like this movie, it’s not perfect or my favourite, but I like it so…3/5

Quote:
Franny: What are you?
Stripes: I don't know.
Tucker: We can rule out "genius"

Ramona and Beezus

Summary:

The adventures of young Ramona Quimby and her big sister Beezus come to life in this all new film based on the best-selling books by Beverly Cleary. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics keep everyone she meets on their toes. But, her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family's home.

Plot: 
This is a very cute movie that’ll have you laughing and crying. Funny and sweet, I really do like it. The story kept me interested and you start rooting for the characters. It’s colourful and playful and romantic, you almost feel as if you were in a little girl’s imagination yourself.

Characters:

The characters are great, especially the main character Ramona (great acting by Joey King), who is unintentionally funny and mischievous. She keeps getting into scrapes and just makes you laugh. Her older sister Beezus (or Beatrice, played by Selena Gomez) is slightly mean towards Ramona, but not a bad sister, all things considered. She’s quite sweet and just starting to fall in love and grow up etc. All the other characters are extremely likable.

Cinematography:

Good, very colorful. This movie has a happy atmosphere, almost like a theme park or something. It’s just colorful, slightly ridiculous and fun.

Who should watch this:

I think this is a  movie the whole family will enjoy. There are no mature content, and it’s just a fun, relaxing watch. If you want something serious or thought-provoking you probably won’t like this, but great for a family movie night.

My rating:

I really like this movie, it’s something I would watch when I just want something positive and uplifting to take my mind of things. 4/5

Quotes:
Beezus: Ramona, you're your own person. You don't care about coloring inside the lines.
Ramona Quimby: It really depends on the picture.

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.

The Little Mermaid

 Summary:
A mermaid princess makes a bargain with an unscrupulous sea hag in order to meet a human prince on land.

Disregarding her father's order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues the prince of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious sea witch, Ursula, and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friend, the adorable and chatty Flounder, and her reluctant chaperone Sebastian, the hilarious, reggae-singing Caribbean crab, at her side, Ariel must win the prince's love and save her father's kingdom - all in a heart-pounding race against time!

Plot:

I love this story, I always have. It’s just so beautiful and fun and sad and wonderful! I love musicals, or any movies with music, and this is one of my favorites of Disney. The story is so well known, I don’t really know what else to say about it.

Characters:

Oh, I love the characters in this movie! Flounder, the wimpy best friend. Sebastian the crabby, singing crab. Ariel, the headstrong, beautiful, innocent mermaid. King Triton, stern, but loving. Ursula, the evil sea-witch. Her two pets, the eels! The French cook! The prince (no need to say more)!!! They’re all marvelous.

Cinematography:

This is quite an old movie, so the animation isn’t quite as good as today’s, but I like the old feel of it. The best part as far as the animation go is probably the scene where they sing ‘kiss the girl’. The fireflies and the different birds, makes it wonderfully romantic.

Who should watch this:

(A), is the official rating. There is no adult content, although Ursula might scare some little kids (she scares me! :P). Lovers of all the Disney princess classics, or any Disney classics really should have watched this already! Perfect for little girls (like me).

My rating:

I love this movie, because I’m a kid and a hopeless romantic (heehee). 4/5

Quote:
Scuttle: I haven't seen this in years, this is *wonderful*!
Ariel: What is it?
Scuttle: A banded, bulbous snarfblatt.
Ariel, Flounder: Ohhh.

Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie

Summary:

One starry night, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland- the island where lost boys play, mermaids splash and fairies make mischief. But a villainous-looking gang of pirates lurk in the docks, led by the terrifying Captain James Hook. Magic and excitement are in the air, but if Captain Hook has his way then, before long, someone will be walking the plank and swimming with the crocodiles.

Plot:

Oh, wow, how do you even begin to explain the wonderful magic that is Peter Pan? Few stories have captured people’s imaginations as this one did. If you ever pretended, as a child, to be anything impossible, like a princess, an animal, a superhero…whatever, then I believe that some part of you will understand the brilliance that is Peter Pan. The whole story sounds like a children’s game, I have yet to find another book that is so well written, but still so completely silly. This story is unrealistic, even in its description of the ‘normal’ Darling family…at times it makes absolutely no sense, and yet I find myself drawn to the sheer imagination of it all.

Characters:

Pirates, Indians, fairies, dogs as nannies, people who fly, mermaids, birds who save people, the characters in this novel are so diverse,  to write about all of them would be impossible. You have the cocky boy Peter Pan, who doesn’t grow up. Motherly, loving Wendy, who despite her caring nature, breaks her mother’s heart. The incredibly evil, but charismatic Captain James Hook who thrills and terrifies you. The funny lost boys. Jealous, vain Tinker Bell. Most of these characters are so marvelously childish, innocent and like it says in the book, heartless. You find yourself wanting to throttle them at times and yet almost wishing you could still be like that.

Who should read this?

Anyone. Adults, children, teenagers. No matter your age, I think this is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, if you like realistic, simple books, this might not be the one for you. If you like fantasy, or just a book that seems to go deeper than just the story definitely read this one.

My rating:

I adored this book. It was excellently written, fascinating and made me wish I was still little. 4/5

Quote:
“For to have faith, is to have wings"

Read my review on the movie about J.M. Barrie's inspiration for Peter Pan, Finding Neverland, here.