Mini Movie Review: Catching Fire

I'm so slow at doing these reviews. I went to see this almost two weeks ago and am just starting this now. I also realized it's hard to review this movie without giving anything away. I figure most people have probably read the book, but if you haven't (shame on you); I'll try my best but prepare for possible spoilers.

Katniss Everdeen has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

I didn't reread the book before watching the movie this time, which I think was probably a good thing. I either would have gotten annoyed at the movie while watching, or I would have just annoyed Josh. There was only one or two things I remember from the book that wasn't in the movie, but from what I remember (honestly not much) and discussing with other people it seems to be on par with the book.

For the most part, it was super depressing. I mean what can you expect when the premise of the book is to have 24 kids locked in an arena trying to kill each other, but the movie was about much more than that. Katniss is inadvertently starting a rebellion and is being forced to try and stop it, all the while trying to keep herself and her family alive. I think Jennifer Lawrence did a phenomenal job once again as Katniss.

I enjoyed the movie, it kept me interested and engaged. I liked being the one to have to explain something to Josh for a change (as opposed to all the Marvel movies...). I will be buying this when it comes out, and I can't wait for Mockingjay Part 1 (November 2014).

Upcoming December Movie Releases

It's that time again. Time to start listing off the releases for next month.

First up are releases in theatres, starting with The Hobbit:The Desolation of Smaug on December 13.

Bilbo Baggins continues his journey with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company continues East, encountering along the way the skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all-a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself-the Dragon Smaug.

I have to say I'm not a huge LOTR/Hobbit fan, and was even a little unsure about watching the first movie. I was pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it, so I decided I'd give the rest of the trilogy a chance. It also doesn't hurt that Martin Freeman is awesome, Smaug is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and Legolas is back! Haha. I'm such a dork.


The second and final movie I'm interested in that's coming to theatres is Saving Mr Banks on December 20.

Walt Disney spent twenty years in pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers' popular novel, "Mary Poppins," a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters. When Travers travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally discuss Disney's desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen, Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only suspect of the impresario's concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers reflects on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family that not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also inspired the characters in her 1934 book. None more so than the one person whom she loved and admired more than any other-her caring father, Travers Goff, a tormented banker who, before his untimely death that same year, instills the youngster with both affection and enlightenment (and who would be the muse for the story's patriarch, Mr. Banks, the sole character that the famous nanny comes to aid). While reluctant to grant Disney the film rights, Travers comes to realize that the acclaimed Hollywood storyteller has his own motives for wanting to make the film-which, like the author's, hint at the relationship he shared with his own father.

I just recently saw a trailer for this so I haven't heard too much about it yet. But it's based on Disney so it seems like it could be interesting.

DVD releases this month start with 2 releases on December 3. First is The Smurfs 2

In this sequel to the hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy The Smurfs, the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world's greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus ¬ or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue? Returning cast includes Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vegara, Hank Azaria as Gargamel and Katy Perry as Smurfette. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Victor Winslow.

Unfortunately I have yet to see this movie, I never got the chance this summer. However, it's The Smurfs, I liked the first one, so I will definitely be watching this soon.

Second movie being released on December 3 is The Wolverine 

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he will face a host of unexpected and deadly opponents in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality.

I have not seen this one either. Josh will likely at some point be getting it so I'll probably just wait until then.

Being released on December 10 is Despicable Me 2

Now that the ever-entrepreneurial Gru has left behind a life of super-crime to raise Margo, Edith and Agnes, he, Dr. Nefario and the Minions have some free time on their hands. But as he starts to adjust to his role as a suburban family man, an ultra-secret organization dedicated to fighting evil around the globe comes knocking. Now, it's up to Gru and his new partner Lucy Wilde to discover who is responsible for a spectacular crime and bring him to justice. After all, it takes the world's greatest ex-villain to catch the one vying to take his place.

This movie was awesome!! I loved it just as much as the first one. You can read my review for it here. I don't care if it's meant for 10 year olds, it's a really funny movie. And I'm pretty sure I'm getting it for Christmas and I can't wait!

Also coming out on December 10 is Fast 6, which is weird since it was released in May...

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of all-stars as the global blockbuster franchise built on speed races to its next continent in Fast & Furious 6. Reuniting for their most high-stakes adventure yet, fan favorites Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Elsa Pataky are joined by badass series newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano. Since Dom (Diesel) and Brian’s (Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin’s empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete. Meanwhile, Hobbs (Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again.

I don't understand why synopses need to be so long. This movie was pretty good. You can find my review here. I'm probably not going to be buying this, Josh has the rest of the series so he will probably get it sooner or later. I'm not in a rush to watch it again.

So, those are the movies I'm looking forward to for December. Anything else you want to see?

Mini Movie Review: Thor: The Dark World

This past Tuesday my boyfriend Josh, and I got to finally see Thor: The Dark World. I wasn't super thrilled about having to go see it in 3D, but I figured since Catching Fire has taken over our little theatre I wouldn't get to see it in 2D.

First up, the poster and synopsis.

Marvel's Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

I'm just going to start off by saying this movie was hilarious. Slightly upsetting (and a little confusing for me) at some points, but I spent most of it laughing. It was mostly little stupid things that amused me, but Darcy (played by Kat Dennings) cracked me up every time she was on screen.

Jane gets to visit Asgard in this movie, which was interesting to see her in Asgardian clothes and meeting Thor's family. Loved the part when she punches Loki. She has to help Thor, his friends and Loki defeat the Dark Elves and save the Nine Realms.

Since I don't know a whole lot about what's supposed to happen in the Thor/Marvel universe (which amuses Josh immensely) I can't tell you how accurate it was. Josh seemed happy with it, so I'm gonna guess they did ok. Even though I don't know much about it, and I'm not a super huge Marvel fan, it was still enjoyable. So if you happen to have a boyfriend who loves these movies, be nice and go see it with him, he will thank you and you will enjoy it.

Also, make sure you stay to the very, very end. We didn't and I found out later that there are 2 scenes in the credits. Guess that just means I'll have to buy it when it comes out :) haha.

Toronto Adventures Part One: Book Buzz

On Thursday November 7th, my sister Kaley of Books Etc. helped to plan and host Book Buzz Toronto. I was fortunate enough to have time off from work, and my mom took some time off as well, and we headed on a big city adventure.

Book Buzz was an event started in NYC, but Kaley and a few authors decided to bring it north of the border. The event is a mix and mingle with authors of women's fiction, books for sale and the opportunity to get them signed. Each of the authors had at least one of their books for sale, for $10 each, so it was a great opportunity to pick up some Christmas presents (I know Kaley did).

Look at all the books!

The event took place at a bar in Toronto called The Crest and had a great turnout. There were the authors, of course, as well as bloggers and other people in the industry, and just general book lovers. There were quite a few men there as well!

There were hors d'oeuvres passed around, I didn't have any (picky eater) but they seemed to be getting grabbed off the trays. Their was also a free signature drink offered, we got a ticket as soon as we got in the door. The Pink Stiletto's were pink lemonade and vodka, rimmed with pink sugar and had a raspberry garnish. I drank half (not a big drinker either), licked the sugar off and gave the rest to Kaley :) haha.

Pink Stiletto

Being the only non author, Kaley got the job of introducing all the lovely ladies involved in the event. Even though I know she was super nervous, she did a fabulous job. Must have been all those pink stilettos :P haha.

Back from left: Meredith, Heather, Chantel, Kate, Kaley, Lydia, Romi
Front from left: Cat, Samantha, Samantha

I was "hired" as the unofficial photographer, and I had a pretty good time taking pictures. If you would like to see more, you can check out the Book Buzz pinterest board.

It was great to see my sister, and I'm so proud of her for putting this event together. She was so excited to be a part of this and to meet all these great and talented women who write the books she loves.

Hopefully they can do it again next year, and I can be the photographer again. If you're interested in hearing more about the event, most of the authors have blog posts up, including Kaley.

Upcoming November Movie Releases

It's that time again. What movies are coming out next month you ask? I'm here to tell you.

About Time released November 1.

Alright, so I was going to put the synopsis, but it's massive, so I'm just going to summarize it.

Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) finds out that all the men in his life have the ability to travel through time. He then meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), they fall in love and then due to an unfortunate time travelling incident it's like they've never met at all. They meet again and again, and he uses his time travelling to win her heart. He uses his ability to fix his life (perfect proposal, stop awful best man speeches at his wedding...) but finds out that his ability can't stop him from experiencing the same ups and downs as normal people, and that it could be dangerous too.

I thought it looked kind of cute, it's a different sort of movie than most that are being released nowadays. Fun fact that I learned while looking this movie up, Tim plays Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (also Mad Eye's son :) haha). I'm not sure if I'll end up making it to theatres to see this, I don't think I want to drag my boyfriend to it, but if he's interested or I find a girl friend to go see it with then perhaps I will. On a Tuesday. :)

Next up is Thor: The Dark World released on November 8

Marvel's Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Thor. Enough said. I have seen all, and own almost all of the Marvel franchise and am actually excited to watch the new ones. I've been hearing from some people that they're not as excited about this one as they were for the others. But since I don't really know much about what's "right" or "wrong" about the adaptations, it doesn't really bother me. I won't be going to see this opening night, but once it dies down a bit I will definitely be checking it out.

Being released on November 22 is Catching Fire

Ok fine, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. If people need to be told it's part of the Hunger Games trilogy, they shouldn't be watching it.

Here's the synopsis

Katniss Everdeen has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

If I remember correctly (it's been a while) the first movie was fairly well done in relation to the book, so I'm hoping the second one will be the same.


Last but not least, Frozen is being released on November 27

Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey-teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven-to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

This one I haven't really heard or seen much about. But it's Disney, so I will be watching it. From what I have seen, the snowman and the reindeer seem pretty hilarious. Apparently my favourite parts of kids movies are the animals...


Next up are the DVD releases

November 5 is White House Down

Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

I never actually got a chance to see this in theatres, and I've heard that it was not the greatest movie, so I will not be buying it. However I will somehow find a way to watch it because, duh, Channing Tatum. Fun fact I learned when I was looking up the synopsis, it was filmed in Montreal! Woot! Haha


On November 12 it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's Man of Steel

Ok I know that's not the saying, but who cares.

Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young man who feels alienated from others because he has powers beyond anyone's imagination. Clark, who was transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, struggles with the ultimate question – "Why am I here?" Raised by his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark is shaped by their values and soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. When the world comes under attack, can Clark's abilities be used to maintain peace or will they ultimately be used to divide and conquer? Clark has to become the hero known as "Superman," not only to protect his loved ones but to take his place as the world's last beacon of hope.

This one I did see and very much enjoyed. You can find my full review here. I will be buying this at some point, just probably not right away (I'm being cheap these days) or I may just add it to my Christmas list.

So those are the November movies I'm looking forward to. How about you? Did I miss any of your favourites?

CIBC Run for the Cure Update

I've been wanting to write this post for a while now, basically since the run, but I've been waiting for the website to update with fundraising totals. 3 weeks later and it's still not up, so I'm just going ahead and writing the post.

The Saturday before the run I had to work and woke up feeling like absolute crap. I'm not normally one to call in or go home sick, but that day was an exception. I didn't want to feel even worse on the Sunday so I went home early. Good thing I did because I was feeling a little bit better (very early) Sunday morning.

I unfortunately had to be there for 8am to drop off my offline donations, my team captain wasn't going to be there until 8:30, and the race didn't start until 10. After I dropped off my donations it started drizzling, so I just hid in my car for the next half hour.

I didn't actually know my team captain, hadn't met her before, so I wasn't even sure who I was looking for come 8:30. I saw someone carrying what looked like a tent, and thought it could be her, and when I saw it starting to go up, I saw Blue Mountain, and went over to help. Getting that tent up was no easy feat. If anyone had been watching us they probably would've thought we were ridiculous, but we got it put up and waited for the rest of our team to show up.

There were thirteen members on our team.

Back Row: Helen, Kevin, Taylar, Karen, Travis, Me, Chris, Amy, Dave, Alan
Front Row: Keaton, Heather, Blaire

I was proud of myself that I was not the last person on our team to finish. Not that it was really a race, but I was happy. Kevin unfortunately couldn't run due to an injury but he still came to support us and take pictures of us finishing. Travis was actually the first one to finish over all, which was pretty cool. I ran 4 out of the 5 km, so I was proud of that since I didn't think I'd be able to run any because of being sick, and according to the running app on my phone I finished in just under 36 minutes. I really wish I could have ran all of it, but there's always next year.

That's a really awful picture, but it's me almost at the finish line! Woohoo! And then I got a pretty carnation when I finished. Which lived for a surprisingly long time haha.

I managed to raise a total of $400.00, a big thank you goes out to everyone who donated (and bought cupcakes :) haha) I really appreciate it.

So that's my experience at the 2013 Run for the Cure, and once the numbers are up on the website I'll add them here.

Cupcake Bouquet

A while ago while browsing Pinterest, I came across something called a cupcake bouquet. Basically it's a bunch of cupcakes decorated like flowers in a flower pot. Hey, seems easy enough, and if you're gonna get a bouquet that's not going to last, might as well get one that you can eat.

So in September I had two birthdays that I thought I could make these for. My boyfriend's mom and my best friend. I made one for Gerry (boyfriend's mom) because she likes flowers, and I honestly had no idea what else I could get her. I made one for Amberella (my BFF) because she basically told me she would disown me as a friend if I did not make her cupcakes for her birthday.

Gerry's bouquet

 

 

I looked up some tutorials on how to make it, and then just decided to wing it. Some of the tutorials said to get plastic cups to sit the cupcakes in to make sure they don't slide and flip off the bouquet. Turns out the cups I got weren't the right size and I didn't need them anyways, so now I just have a bunch of plastic cups haha.

Amberella's bouquet

I got the pots from the dollar store. They worked pretty well and held 9 cupcakes. I also got foam blocks from the dollar store to stuff in the bottom to fill the pot and have something for the skewers to stick in. The skewers were from the grocery store, I had to cut them a bit so they wouldn't stick out the top of the cupcake. The butterfly things are also from the dollar store, not sure what they're supposed to be used for but I thought they were cute.

Make cupcakes as usual, and to ice them use a Wilton 2D icing tip. Start piping the icing in the middle of the cupcake and work yourself in a circle towards the outside of the cake. I found it easier to ice the cupcakes once they were already in the pot, that way I didn't have to risk getting icing everywhere to put them in. 

These are not the easiest thing in the world to transport. I would like to come up with a way to deliver them that does not involve a passenger holding it. Though I must say thank you to my boyfriend for helping me deliver them :).

I think if I were to do this again and have more time I would get some fake leaves or something to stick in the gaps between the cupcakes, make it look a little better. Other than that I'm happy with how they turned out, and I think the recipients were too.