Apr 7, 2010

Child Thief puts dark twist on old classic

Alright, I know I've been lazy and haven't posted in a month, but I'm pretty sure the only people that read this are my mom and my boyfriend so until someone proves me wrong I'm gonna be lazy. Now that that's out there

I recently read The Child Thief by Brom. One word, he's an artist, nuff said. It was recommended by a friend. The book is based upon the Peter Pan story but in this Peter Pan, Peter is an outsider shunned by both man and myth. Through a course of events he ends up in Avalon (Neverland) where he befriends the river queen or some such. Unfortunately he makes enemies with some bratty prince and is once again shunned. He is forced to live outside the queen's forest, blah blah blah. Somehow in all this mess, men enter Avalon and begin war with the creatures. Peter takes it upon himself to fight back, he travels to and from the real world rescuing runaways and the abused so as they can fight his war.
The plot is complicated at best. There are multiple story lines, including Peter, the prince he made enemies with, and Nick: a runaway he brought in. The book is violent at parts, profane where it isn't needed, and confusing all the way through.
Luckily my brain works quick and I was able to for the most part enjoy the book. I would most certainly not recommend this book to any ADD kids or those easily offended. However, if you are neither of the above and can handle multiple story lines and some things being not really explained you'll probably like this book.
It gives a great new perspective of Peter Pan and the imagery is great. Also, it has some beautiful illustrations as the author is an artist as well.
Read it if you like Peter Pan and in depth story lines.
Don;t read it if you get distracted easily or you really like the Disney Peter Pan.

Mar 7, 2010

You'd have to be as mad as a hatter to like Alice in Wonderland which luckily, I am

Oh Tim Burton, you know me so well. I have been anxiously awaiting Alice in Wonderland ever since I heard Tim Burton was remaking it. It surprises me it took him this long to do it. And for as long as I've been waiting I would have been incredibly disappointed if it sucked, but Tim Burton knows what I like and delivered.
Unfortunately 75% of the viewing audience did not understand it AT ALL. I was the only one laughing! Seriously. If you are going to see a Tim Burton movie you have to expect that the humor is going to be in the macabre. If you don't understand Tim Burton then don't take up space. Seriously.
Back to the actual movie. The previews do not do it justice at all. Every character was so well portrayed and acted. It was refreshing not to see the same old take on the classic. Helena Bonham Carter was hilarious as the big headed Red Queen and Anne Hathaway while weird looking, was quite amusing as the White Queen. I don't think she once put her arms at her sides. Johnny Depp was of course awesome as the somewhat bipolar Mad Hatter. I have very little negative things to say about this movie.
Except one.
Dear Hollywood:
STOP WITH THE 3D! There was absolutely no need to make any of the movie in 3D. I get that it gives better graphics yada yada. But if you are one of the many visually challenged like me, you will only end up watching this movie cross-eyed! whoever had the idea to bring 3D back needs to be punched in the face. Somebody find that guy and punch him in the face for me. Then take a picture and send it to me.

Feb 19, 2010

Melting Pot melts in your mouth

If you have a chance to go to the Melting Pot, a unique fondue restaurant in Huntsville and other cities, take it. The experience is unlike anything you'll ever have.
First of all was the setting. Located in a secluded section of Bridgestreet Towncenter on the second floor, it's a quest just trying to find it. Make sure you get there early like we did in case you get lost. The setting of the restaurant is almost a maze of tables and walls making it so each table is sectioned off, giving you a feeling a privacy and romance.
The menu is laid out into cheeses, salads, entrees, and deserts. everything except the salad is partially cooked at your table. I will admit, the cheese was funky, but in a good way. We got a platter which ment we were able to select one item from each thing on the menu. We chose a Wisconsin cheese and it was potent. It used a lot of blue cheese which gave it an odd kick. It wasn't bad, but I don't know if it is something I'd try again. Next up was salads, nothing to marvel at there. Salad is salad. The entree was something like an herb and spices broth with a platter of raw meats that you drop in the broth and cook yourself. We had a selection of chicken, lobster, shrimp, steak, ravioli, sausage, and veggies. The food takes about 10 minutes to cook, give or take, but the longer you leave it in the better it tastes. Each meat sucked up all the flavor of the broth making for an awesoem and interesting taste. Along with that, they provide a selection of dipping sauces for your meat.
But, OMG, nothing...nothing compared to the desert. We got the Yin Yang desert which is a mix of dark chocolate and white chocolate prepared to look like its namesake. To dip we had strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, marshmallows, and rice crispies. The chocolate was just the right balance of sweet and the way it melts in your mouth was unbelievable. It was hands down the best chocolate covered strawberry I have ever had, and I had to restrain from licking the bowl.
On top of wonderful food was great service. The waitresses made sure our glasses were always full but still managed to give us our privacy. It was kind of pricey but definitely worth it for a special occasion. It was the perfect atmosphere for a night you'll never forget.

Feb 3, 2010

Percy and the Olympians fun and easy read

Recently, I've been seeing previews for the new movie Percy and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. The preview looked really good and I remember a friend telling me about the book and being a person who doesn't like to read the book after the fact, I went and picked it up. The first thing you should know is that the reading level is for like 10-15. That didn't really phase me, some of the best books are for young adults. Look at Harry Potter. I found myself proven right. The Lightning Thief was a great read! It didn't feel like I was dumbing myself down to read it. The only young adult theme was that Percy was 12 and there was no sexuality or vulgarity, which is fine by me. Another thing was the the huge elements of Greek mythology. I LOVE Greek mythology so this book was right up my alley. The action sequences were quick but plentiful, and Rick Riordan's twist upon one of my favorite subjects was really interesting. The book was great. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes Greek mythology, a quick read, or just doesn't want to be out of the loop in the movie.

Jan 25, 2010

The Rock Does Not Dissapoint in Tooth Fairy

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson very rarely disappoints me in his movies and such was the case in his most recent kids' comedy The Tooth Fairy. Plot line being a minor league hockey player known as The Tooth Fairy for his ability to knock his opponents teeth out is sentenced ti serve as The Tooth Fairy for his ability to destroy his young fans dreams. The movie starts out slow, I won't lie. It takes about 20 minutes to get its rhythm, but Billy Crystal and Julie Andrews' entrance onto the screen get you laughing until the end. From Andrews' SUPER cheesy entrance where she flutters, wings, harps, and light all, to the lobby of Fairy Land to Billy Crystal and his ridiculously corny jokes you can't help but laugh at the movie keeps you entertained. And of course who can forget the Rock, whether it be his tiny voice as he shrinks down, or his antics with his Tooth Fairy merch, or of course his magical epiphany scene as he learns to fly, he's hilarious. One recommendation, if you are taking your kids to see it, don't be that douche bag that lets them scream and clap. It's freaking annoying.

Jan 22, 2010

I'm the only person on the planet that liked All About Steve

That's right people, I LIKED All About Steve. Let me say one thing to all the critics that slammed it as a horrible movie: it's a comedy, they don't have to be serious, they don't need a stellar plot. Ok, there wasn't much of a plot at all but that just added to its hilarity in my opinion. Come on! Sad sap girl trying to make a man love her by chasing him everywhere turns into a hero by saving deaf kids from a mine shaft! I laughed just typing that! It's funny because it's stupid. Plus, it's got like half the cast of the Hangover in it. It's stupid comedy gold. Yes it screams pathetic stalker and yes it has no plot but you know what, I left the theater happy with my abs hurting so it couldn't have been all that bad. Sometimes it's nice to just go to a movie to watch Sandra Bullock make a fool of herself. So, take that stick out of your bum, turn your mind off for a night, and enjoy a movie that has absolutely no point.

Jan 20, 2010

Blueberry Mango Muffin recipe

Alright, so last night I made some blueberry mango muffins to experiment a little with flavors. I was expecting an explosion of fruity goodness but instead I was met with a very light muffin perfect for breakfast. It was really simple to make and you can experiment with your own flavors. This is what I had in the fridge.
Here's the recipe, it's Betty Crocker
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup veggie oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 400. mix all the liquids, than add the powders. If you add too much flour the muffins will be dry so make sure you scrape off any excess. You can add a little extra milk if you think it's a little thick. As for he fruit you can pick any you want, I went with blueberries and mangoes. If you are doing mangoes I recommend getting some precut cuz it's a bitch and a half to chop a mango and it's also extremely messy. if you're like me you can puree the fruit so it's not too chunky in the muffins. It also makes for a more even distribution of flavor. If you want something sweet which these aren't really, go with chocolate chips. Stick them in the oven for like 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and don't squish too much when you touch them.