October Debate: Hulu Vs. Netflix

Which is better? Netflix or Hulu!

Check out the video and let me know your thoughts :)

Movie Monday: Spiderman: Homecoming

Spiderman: Homecoming

 

Directed by: Jon Watts

Staring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.

The Breakdown: Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.   (From IMDB.com)


My Review:

Film Friday: Blade Runner 2049

 

 

Blade Runner 2049

Directed by: Doug Liman

Staring: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling

The Breakdown:  A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years.    (From IMDB.com)


My Review:

Movie Monday: American Made

American Made

Directed by: Doug Liman

Staring: Tom Cruise, Domhall Gleason

The Breakdown:  A pilot lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the south during the 1980s.   (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

Film Friday: LaLa Land

La La Land

Directed by: 

Staring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling

The Breakdown: While waiting for their big breaks, two proper L.A. dreamers, a suavely- charming, soft-spoken jazz pianist and a brilliant, vivacious playwright, attempt to reconcile aspirations and relationship in a magical old-school romance.   (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

Movie Monday: Kingsman The Golden Circle

 

 

 

 

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

 

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Staring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong

The Breakdown: When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman's journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

Film Friday: Miss Sloane

 

 

 

Miss Sloane

 

Directed by: John Madden

Staring: Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong

The Breakdown: In the high-stakes world of political power-brokers, Elizabeth Sloane is the most sought after and formidable lobbyist in D.C. But when taking on the most powerful opponent of her career, she finds winning may come at too high a price.   (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

September Book Review: A Convenient Marriage

A Convenient Marriage

By: Maggie Tideswell

My Review:

Movie Monday: American Assasin

 

 

 

American Assassin

 

Directed by: Michael Cuesta

Staring: Dylan O'Brian, Michael Keaton

The Breakdown: A story centered on counterterrorism agent Mitch Rapp.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:



Film Friday: Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell

 

Directed by: Rupert Sanders

Staring: Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbaek

The Breakdown:  In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

September Netflix Binge: Jessica Jones

It's time to Netflix Binge!!! Here's my review of Jessica Jones:

Movie Monday: The Hitman's Bodyguard

 

The Hitman's Bodyguard

 

Directed by: Patrick Hughes

Staring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson

The Breakdown: The world's top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.   (From IMDB.com)

My Review:



Film Friday: Dunkirk

Dunkirk

 

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Staring: Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance

The Breakdown: Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

 

Movie Monday: Wonder Woman

 

 

 

Wonder Woman

 

Directed by: Patty Jenkins

Staring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine

The Breakdown: Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

Film Friday: Logan

 

Logan

 

Directed by: James Mangold

Staring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen    

The Breakdown: In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X, somewhere on the Mexican border. However, Logan's attempts to hide from the world, and his legacy, are upended when a young mutant arrives, pursued by dark forces.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review:

 

 

Ana :)

I'm Back!!!!!

Film Friday: Lego Batman Movie

Lego Batman Movie

Directed by: Chris McKay

Staring: Will Arnett, Rosario Dawson, Michael Cera           


The Breakdown: Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.   (From IMDB.com)

My Review: 
Everything was awesome about this movie! I laughed the whole time and couldn't have been more entertained. The jokes were funny and well thought out. The kid I took with me was so engaged in the film he was quoting it all afternoon...so was I :) I am actually seeing it again this week and look forward to owning it. This is a film for the whole family. You don't have to have any batman knowledge to understand it which was great. It has a great message about the importance of family and teamwork but without sounding preachy. It is a 100% recommend.

Rating: 5 Glasses

Review of the Novel: Royal Deception

Royal Deception

By: Denae Christine

Rating: 3.5 Glasses

Half glass ratings are not my norm but I was torn with this book. I really liked the premise but the beginning was rough for me. It was a lot of information to take in right from the beginning and it took me out of the story a bit just to try to understand who was who and what was what. Now once I got an understanding and the story really began I enjoyed it. It was a interesting and intriguing story that I would love to see more of. So if you give it a shot work past the beginning and keep reading...it is worth it.


To grab a copy on Amazon click here :)


Ana

Film Friday: Sing

 

Sing

Directed by: Christophe Lourdelet, Garth Jennings

Staring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane           


The Breakdown: In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario's attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists' find that their lives will never be the same.  (From IMDB.com)

My Review: 
This was adorable! The music was well placed throughout the film and helped keep things moving. I saw this twice actually before I reviewed it. Both groups of kids I took loved it. It kept their attention and gave them characters to root for. I will say I missed a little bit of the jokes thrown in for the adults as this one lacked in those jokes but at the end of the day this film was for children.

Rating: 4 Glasses

Review of the Novel: The Reaper Realm

The Reaper Realm

By: K.A. Lentz

Rating: 4 Glasses

This book is obviously a first book in a series. There is a lot of set up and exposition to create this world. However the problem is that it slows the story down a lot. I know it is necessary for the reader to learn about how the world they are entering works but there was almost too much. Now that being said it was very well written and the story was perfectly flushed out. I did enjoy reading it and I look forward to more from this author.

To grab a copy on Amazon Click Here :)
Ana

Ana's Post

It's My Birthday!!! So to celebrate I am offering all kinds of fun things:

Marie is a FREE digital Download this weekend!

Click Here to get a FREE Kindle Copy :)

James and Jasmine are only $0.99 each this weekend!

Click Here to get your Copies of James and Jasmine :)

I'm giving away a $25 Starbucks Gift Card

Click Here to Enter the Giveaway!

 

 

Love,

 

Ana

Film Friday: Assasin's Creed

Assassin's Creed

Directed by:  Justin Kurzel

Staring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons


The Breakdown: When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society. (From IMDB.com)

My Review: 
Video Game adaptations don't normally go well. I think the problem is that when you take a game like Assassin's Creed that has had many different games under its belt it hard to please everyone. I have never really played the game so I luckily went into this film without any pre-set ideas on what it should be. However, this film was way to confusing for such a basic premise. I love Michael Fassbender and his performance was, as always, amazing. The actors were not the problem with this movie. It was the overly confusing plot. The jumping from present day to the past was clear but the storyline was not. The action was great and the music wonderful which in conjunction with the great performances by an amazing cast were this film's saving grace. I hope that if they decide to do another one they will focus on one time period and one storyline.

Rating: 3.5 Glasses

Review of the Novel: The Girl in the Time Machine

The Girl in the Time Machine

By: Debra Chapoton

Rating: 4 Glasses

A well developed thriller. When I read the description of this book I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it but it surprised me. I was expecting a run of the mill revenge on bullies that goes bad however what I got was a well thought out story and interesting characters. At times however the timelines caused me some stress as I struggled to keep track of where they were in time but other than that it was a great book that I would recommend for my fans of science fiction.

To Grab a Copy on Amazon Click Here :)

Ana

Film Friday: Rogue One

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Directed by:  Gareth Edwards


Staring: Felicity Jones, Alan Tudyk, Diego Luna


The Breakdown: The Rebel Alliance makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow. (From IMDB.com)

My Review: 
I'm not even sure of where to start. Yes we knew how this film was going to end before it even started but that didn't stop my excitement of getting to see it. It was well put together and it perfectly tied into Episode 4. We got everything we wanted from a Star Wars film: great action sequences, amazing visual air battles, well developed and interesting characters, and a hilarious robot. Alan Tudyk just nails it and gives us a great blend of C3PO and R2D2. His character was funny and sarcastic and a great addition to the world of Star Wars robots. Jyn was an amazing character and gave us the girl power I love. Disney has yet to disappoint with their Star Wars films and here's hoping they keep it up! 

Rating: 5 Glasses

Review of the Novel: Capering on Glass Bridges

Capering on Glass Bridges

By: Jessica Hernandez

Rating: 3 Glasses

The biggest thing when you are dealing with a fantasy book is to world build. Sometimes books get lost in it and something the books lack it. This book could have done with a little more world building to help the reader get drawn into the story. However the characters were fun but were very one dimensional. This made it hard at times to get drawn into the story. This book shows a lot of promise but needs more to it to make it work better. 


Ana

Film Friday: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Directed by:  Edward Zwick


Staring: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders


The Breakdown: Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever. (From IMDB.com)

My Review: 
I absolutely loved the first Jack Reacher film. I know it did badly at the box office and I myself found it on Netflix and was amazed at how good it was. So needless to say I was eagerly anticipating the second film in the franchise. I was even more thrilled when I heard Cobie was going to be in it. I was really hoping to see her kick some butt. In that regard I was happy we got to see Cobie as a bad ass who could hold her own along side Jack. However, this movie failed to bring the tension and drama that the first one did so perfectly. The addition of the teenager tagging along just drug it down so bad that I was counting cliches. It was entertaining and filled with fights and car chases that we love from Tom Cruise but it lost the edge the first one had going for it. Here's hoping they drop the cute stuff and go back to the feel and drama of the first one if they are going to do another one.

Rating: 3.5 Glasses

Ana

Review of the Novel: Lies in the Darkness

Lies in the Darkness

By: Amanda J. Clay

Rating: 4.5 Glasses

I enjoy sexy books so I was not disappointed in this one. The only problem I had is that it was harder for me to connect with these college kids and their drinking, sleeping around ways. My college experience wasn't that crazy. It was a fast read and the characters were well flushed out. An easy book to get through on a stormy weekend. The sexy book fans will enjoy.

Click Here to check it out on Amazon :)

Ana

Film Friday: Ghostbusters (2016)

Ghostbusters

Directed by:  Paul Feig


Staring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Chris Hemsworth,Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones



The Breakdown: Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.    (From IMDB)


My Review: I am going to start this review with a disclaimer... I am not a die-hard Ghostbusters fan. I have seen the original films but no they are not holy to me. Is this film a masterpiece? No. Is is these actresses best film? No. Is it the worst film I have ever seen? No.  I love Kristen Wiig which is what got me to watch it in the first place...That and Chris Hemsworth is never a bad idea to spend a Saturday night with. It was cute and funny and completely unnecessary! I am a  bit tired of re-makes for the sake of remakes. They had an amazing cast of hilarious female leads and they took and old concept and threw them in it. You could have taken this same case and let Kristen Wiig loose and let her write something new and original and it would have been a much better use of the talent they had. I'm a bit heartbroken but this since it but a blemish on these actresses' amazing talent. They all deserved better.   


Rating: 2.5 Glasses

Review of the Novel: Perennials

Perennials

By: Bryce Gibson

Rating: 4 Glasses

I find it very easy to get into books and films about serial killers, as that was a focus of study while I was in college. However, that also makes me very picky about the details. Serial killers can be a touchy subject and a very interesting one. This book does a good job of story telling however the only thing that I can fault it for was excessive description. A book about a serial killer should be fast paced to keep up with the suspense and at times the story felt bogged down in description. All in all a good book and very enjoyable. 

To Grab a Copy on Amazon Click Here :)

Ana

Ana's Post

Hello all and welcome back to the Blog! I have a very exciting year planned as I am more focused now than ever on my goals!
The first weekend in February marks my 33 birthday and I plan to celebrate with a big promo on my Teumessian Trilogy, so watch out for that :)
Also I am working on the first in a new series I am writing and I plan to put my heart out there and try to go Traditional. Here's to the hard work and thick skin it will take but with your love and support I know I can do it :)

Love you all
Ana