Book/Movie Review

Jan 15 2014

Adventures in Babysitting….

Author: Kerry

mama kats A movie you loved as a child

Remember this little gem? Cue the opening credits:

I could reenact this whole scene… just sayin… I could quote most of the movie by heart…. enhanced-buzz-30116-1380674152-15

…. after all her dancing like an idiot our lead character… Chris Parker… gets the news from her boyfriend Mike that he has to cancel their date because his little sister is sick. Dejected –  Chris gets roped into babysitting for the Anderson family’s two kids, Brad and Sara. Well only 8 year old Sara really needs a babysitter because Brad is 15 years old and happens to have a huge crush on Chris. It seems the night might be a pretty boring one despite the awkwardness of Brad having to be babysat by his older crush until Chris gets a call from her friend Brenda. She’s at the bus station downtown after running away from home and having blown money on the ride there… she now needs Chris to come and pick her up. With no choice but to bring Brad and Sara along… And so the adventure begins!

I think my facial expression was similar the first time small child threw up out of the corners of his eyes!

I think my facial expression was similar the first time small child threw up out of the corners of his eyes!

How about some 80’s style Thorgasms to finish this little walk down memory lane… Quit laughing… this was TOTALLY considered hot once.

Me-Ow

Me-Ow

What was your favorite movie from your youth? I need some good suggestions as I seem to be coming down with a cold…. I’m pretty sure Ive got some more great movies in my coming weekend.

UPDATED: – I just think you needed this as well…

Nov 23 2013

Catching Fire!

Author: Kerry

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We saw it last night… in a sold out IMAX show… Sold out shows give me panic attacks… am I the only one that can thank that creepy orange haired Freak mentally ill man in colorado for that?

For me, the movie felt like 2 halves … pre-Games and during-Games. I can’t even tell you which part I liked most… Yes, the action and suspense of the action that takes place during the Games is gripping … but the emotional pounding we get before the Games is just … wow … also intense… I’m not going to lie, I felt pangs of heartbreak in my chest in various parts of the film … and I may have teared up a few times (I’m not even sure who made me cry more… Prim or Rue).

That’s a good movie! … one that can make you FEEL something physically.

I generally am not impressed with film adaptations of books (Although I LOVED the Harry Potter movies) but I was HUGELY impressed with this one. The spirit of the book is alive and very well in this film. Yes, we get a condensed version of all of the action that takes place in the book but the 2 1/2 hours of screen time is used very, very well… There is NO HINT of what’s to come at all in the forthcoming sequel films … which is good for those of you who have not read the books, I think.

I don’t think any of the Hunger Games fans will be disappointed… very well done… I was nervous I’ll admit… but not in the least let down

Nov 18 2013

A reader lives a thousand lives….

Author: Kerry

I love to read… I love several genres of Novels… The prompt is to list 8 books that I believe everyone should read in their lifetime

mama kats

Here we go- in no particular order…

Harry Potter- by J.K. Rowling; I am going to cheat a little…I am not going to use up my 8 books by mentioning all 7 books. But you should read all 7. I love them, I cannot imagine a world without the magic that happened around that lovely book series.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – By Lisa See; I read this recently, I have always had a fascination with the Chinese traditions and philosophies around women. If this is something that you read about (And are thankful we are not being raised this way(Unless you are… then I’m sorry)) I also recommend the beloved Amy Tan books as well as EVERYTHING by Anchee Min, I intend to read more Lisa See books and will keep you posted on how I feel about them.

The Night Circus – By Erin Morgenstern; I had never read a book like this! It was so different, and bizarre, and full of mystery that never really answered itself. I loved the characters, I love the scenes, I just loved this book. I would like to put other books here because that seems to be what I am doing… but this really is such a stand alone book, It is so Unique, short of the great “Something Wicked This Way Comes” nothing even could be paired with this book (which the only thing these books have in common is a circus)… Oh! Read some Ray Bradbury… just because.

The Book Thief- By Markus Zusak; I am sure this will make several peoples lists as it is very much talked about right now… and with good reason, It was beautifully and uniquely written… I applaud the author for finding a beautiful way to tell such a horrible story… That being said other books in the genre that everyone should have read by now are of course- Anne Frank, To Kill a Mocking Bird, Black Boy and Escape from Camp 14. Be educated.

ROOM – By Emma Donoghue; There is kind of a theme to my book selections, I am fascinated with different types of writing styles, I like to read books that are written so differently that they don’t remind you of anything else… I Loved this book for that reason only, But that being said, I often read survivors books – Elizabeth Smart, Jaycee Dugard ect. I do believe there is something (beyond the horror) of these that encourages me and takes away some of the power from these monsters…. I also believe they wrote their story for a reason… and it deserves to be read as a tribute to their strength. Speaking of Great Survivors, another one is Elephant Girl by Jane Devin. Beautifully Written. Also, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

The Hunger Game Series – By Suzanne Collins; I cringe to mention this because it already get so much press, but they are FANTASTIC- and if this is the kind of book appeals to you, for the loved of god read The Host, and the Mortal Instruments series, also  read Divergent, Insurgent and Allegient, as well as Matched, Crossed, Reached, as well as the Uglies and the Pretties, as well as Most things by Amanda Hockings (Other than the vampire ones… unless you really liked twilight… which I didn’t and you will notice is not listed here)

Circle of Friends- By: Maeve Binchy – I Love love her books in general, I loved the Lilac Bus, Tara Road and The Glass Lake… There are more, but you get the idea… These are what I read when I just want to feel… not relate… just feel. Her descriptions of different country sides over the EU is beautiful as well… Just beautiful.

Crank- By Ellen Hopkins – also followed by Glass… and there are many more… If you have a teenager… you should read these. Just my personal opinion. Plus the first thing you will notice about them is that they are written in a different manner once again, than anything I have ever read.

Books

 

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you all would leave me a comment with your list, or suggestions, as I am also on the prowl for my next life.

Jun 24 2013

World War Z – A mom’s review

Author: Kerry

First thing worth mentioning- Pitt always looks as if he not only needs a bath, as well as a haircut and shave… And yet, still totally hot.

Opening scene shows us Lane interacting endearingly with his adorable family: wife Karin and two daughters, one with a stuffed animal and one with asthma. We have just enough time to fall in love with them on what seems like an ordinary day.. They really are an adorable family… The mother really is the hero of this story in my book, and all hell breaks loose while they are driving to work and school. At first, all is confusion and chaos, and then the zombies arrive. They are fast and aggressive and it takes just 12 seconds after a person is attacked for them to become fast and aggressive zombies themselves. Zombies are, as we have come to know from many other movies, extremely focused and therefore extremely effective. They have just one purpose: to create more zombies. They will do whatever it takes to whomever it takes. And the humans who must try to survive will be faced with terrible choices.

PG-13 Rating

Parents should know that this film has graphic and disturbing images, extended very intense sequences of peril with many characters injured and killed, scary and disgusting zombies, emergency amputation, guns, explosions, and chases.

I took my 13 year old (Weeks away from 14) to see this and I offered several times to walk out of the theater with him if it were too much… He declined through out the movie… even though he jumped in his seat multiple times (He has never seen anything that is not age appropriate to him, I have managed to keep him from any R rated films thus far) The movie keeps things taut and involving, holding back information to keep us just a little strung out and then allowing us some release at just the right moment. The zombies are fast and relentless. Even at a PG-13 level, with muted gore, they are very disturbing. One just clicks his teeth with what could hardly be described as a knowing look — maybe just focused — and it is really creepy. From the heartbeat sound behind the opening logo to the seemingly innocent moments that turn ominous, the pacing is tight and absorbing and the the characters and the puzzle weighty. But it is Pitt who makes it all work. He is so good at everything that we almost wonder why he needs a plane — surely he can just fly to the next city on his own — but his un-angsty goodness and sheer star power is itself the most powerful reminder of why it is that we want the humans to win.

It described Mother nature as the most clever serial killer, I loved this view point and think that it makes some great discussions for classic philosophy, Good Vs. Evil, Survival of the fittest, ect.

We were all a little bit jumpy afterwards- The amazing super moon hovering over us on the drive home with cloud wisps across it, as if it were a drawing from a horror novel didn’t help much.

I highly recommend it, It is a good teen flick (perhaps a bit older teens, as my own slept with his laser gun last night)

 

Apr 23 2013

Ode to Freddy …

Author: Kerry

Hey… Sometimes you just have to go with it… this not sleeping thing… This isn’t my first Krueger reference … and I am sure it won’t be my last.

I love him! Freddy Krueger may be the best dreamed up character out there… He doesn’t amble around slowly with a dumb mask…  and he’s not a made up monster or a possessed animal or a crazy girl who kills puppies…  He is a guy who can kill people in their dreams…. Everyone sleeps and dreams! He is an equal opportunity slasher!

What is great about Freddy is the thin line between dreams and reality… Freddy may be in their dreams but he can kill them in real life. What a badass!

This also happens to be Johnny Depp’s very first movie (Who I am also enamored with… and Mario… don’t even get me started on my “trapped in a love triangle” with him and Luigi drama). He plays Nancy’s boyfriend and just doesn’t take this whole not sleeping thing as seriously as Nancy. One of the most famous scenes is his death scene and I must say it is pretty awesome although…there does seem to be a little too much blood for one little adorable young Johnny Depp… I am pretty sure that blood is rum… and that is why it’s always gone. (What… I haven’t slept well)

I also enjoy the scene where Nancy’s mother takes her to the sleep clinic to figure out what’s wrong. They watch her on the monitor and once she goes into REM her heart rate is off the charts. She begins wildly thrashing and her mother and the doctor rush in. Nancy’s hair has turned white and she’s clutching Freddy’s hat in her hand… A hat! that even has the name Fred Krueger sewn into it… I wonder if he does his own sewing? Anyways, later, Nancy’s mom brings her down to the basement where she takes a small bundle out of the furnace. She tells Nancy about how a while back there was a child murderer named Fred Krueger who used to take his victims to an old boiler room and kill them. He managed to kill about 20 kids before the parents of the community became outraged and decided to burn him alive in boiler room. Lucky for Nancy’s mom, she got to keep his knife fingers, which she believes is proof that he can’t come back and kill Nancy… But of course he can… And also why would you ever keep a child murderers knife fingers? Sick.

Freddy-Krueger-evil-24375590-500-375

He’s witty and mean, and has such a gross face that he doesn’t need a scary mask. He also likes to wear stripes and a stylish hat. What’s not to love?

Mar 11 2013

Oz The Great and Powerful… and Adorable!

Author: Kerry

I remember being terrified of the wicked witch… I remember shrieking as the lion jumped out to eat Toto… I remember my heart pounding the first time I saw a trailer to the new one before a movie… about six months ago…. I though it was happening again… they were going to make movie magic for my generation…. The creepy green hand dragging black talon like nails across the table sent chills down my spine… and James Franco… SWOON…. and there we were this weekend… and instantly I realized it was not my generation these dark additions were meant to thrill… but that of small child next to me (13 yr old… I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone under 8) and once I got past the disappointment and realization that this was not what I was hoping for… I thoroughly enjoyed it… the scenery is stunning… the witches are both beautiful and creepy… shrill and obnoxious as one might expect…. the munchkins were fun… the tinkers adorable … it was a fun movie! If you are going to see it… spring for the 3D tickets… It just adds to the cheesy fun atmosphere. I would see it again… and the water fairy was awesome!

Oz-The-Great-and-Powerful-poster

Nov 30 2012

Pi … The life of …The Zebra!

Author: Kerry

We (Mr. Amazing, Small Child and I) made our way into the theater loaded up with “Dinner” (Popcorn, nachos, candy, and a Turkey Sandwich!) Excited for the movie, 3D glasses are passed around, and we settle into our seats … This is not the normal movie for we three… We are Marvel fans… Super Heroes… The Hobbit… Hunger Games… But this caught our attention… the promise of stunning visuals and a spiritual experience… So we were a little confused as it opened and we laughed at some of the childhood stories… and we drooled over the amazing cuisine they kept showing… and then we tensed up as the directors of the film expect you too as the boat scenes start… The boat sinks… Pi is the only human on the life boat with the animals… The Zebra cries out as his flank is attacked by a Hyena…

Small Child completely loses composure and dissolves into gut wrenching sobs…

Mr. Amazing suggests it might be to scary for him… and I look at him and realize… Small Child isn’t scared… He LOVES the Zebra… He stands to leave the theater as the Orangutan fights for its life… and loses as well…. Completely inconsolable…

In the hall we get him calmed down… and I am so touched by his empathy… so moved by his love of animals… that I send Mr. Amazing back into the “Life of Pi” and I take small child to an attendant, and get permission to theater hop until the movie is over… We watched again the ending of Rise of the Guardians … Which oddly I didn’t review – But Highly Recommend to all ages. We then caught the last 45 minutes of the latest and final Twilight installment… Which again I had seen… didn’t review… also recommend. We giggled… and hugged… Mother and Son… My beautiful amazing son… who can watch NCIS… BONES… and any other kind of action film… and still maintain such an innocence… and be so sensitive … I was so proud of him.

Mr. Amazing finished the Life of Pi… he came out of the theater shedding emotional tears… He was so deeply moved by the movie and couldn’t say enough about the beauty of the film… and the colors… He loved it… he thinks everyone should see it… Everyone but my amazing son.

I’ve never reviewed a movie I didn’t actually watch… So I guess this is more of a story than a review.

Maybe this is more of a prayer than a story… I pray nothing ever happens to small child… that would make that scene in that movie okay for him to see…  I hope he always LOVES the zebra!

 

Oct 15 2012

Hotel Transylvania = ZING!

Author: Kerry

The Smalls LOVED it… I wouldn’t take anyone under school aged (As school really seems to refine their taste in bathroom humor and you will be rewarded with loud shrieks of laughter and joy each time a monster farts… which happens a lot)

With the voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Fran Drescher,  and David Spade. (Many more, but these were the ones I recognized) it tells a story of Dracula, the owner of Hotel Transylvania, where the world’s monsters can take a rest from human civilization. Dracula invites some of the most famous monsters, including Frankenstein’s monster, Mummy, a Werewolf family, and the Invisible Man, to celebrate the 118th birthday of his daughter Mavis. When the hotel is unexpectedly visited by an ordinary young traveler named Jonathan (This got an extra woot! from my kids), Dracula must protect Mavis from falling in love with him before it is too late….

But of course they Zing (There is an entire rap about it for those of you who don’t know what Zinging is!)

There are some pretty adult lines that had Mr. Amazing and I catching each others eye over the heads of the smalls sitting between us and raising our eyebrows in shock… But nothing the kids were aware of.. It was adorable! A definite family must see for Halloween!!!

Aug 20 2012

… Paranorman?? Yes Please!!!

Author: Kerry

From the makers of Coraline…  And the most amazing animation ever….We Loved it!!! We waited until the adorable 6 year old smallest child was at her other mothers… because I will warn you… Not all cartoons are safe for little ones…. but we took small child … At the not so small age of 13… and he laughed hysterically through the whole thing… as did Mr. Amazing and I… IT WAS AWESOME! everything about it… its depiction of middle class white america… to the effects… to the character development…I cant even tell you how much I loved this…  I love its message on bullying … I loved its message on family… I loved its message on friendship…. I fucking loved the zombies… Did anyone else see it? thoughts?

Jun 29 2012

Fifty Shades of WTF!

Author: Kerry

Five Reasons I am not reading Fifty Shades of WOW… this is Erotica (porn for the search engines) disguised as a novel for you religious freaks (All of which I am not)

1- I like sex. Actual sex. That takes place in reality.

2- I would rather read Dune… and become a spice addicted crackhead… (Implied: I am not a Dune Fan)

3- I read twilight… enough already

4- I am waiting for the Movie (look forward to a future post “Five Reasons I won’t be seeing the Fifty Shades of … Movie”

5-  Water Cooler Talk (you’re equivalent to an office book club)…. Awwwwkkkwwwaard….