All Consuming : Shevonne Polastre

Consuming "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:38:00 GMT

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

by Paul Tough

Remember Me Shows That You Aren’t Insignificant (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:52:37 GMT

by Allen Coulter

When I saw the previews for “Remember Me,” and I saw Robert Pattinson, I had already written it off as a movie that I wouldn’t be interested to see. I’m not a fan of “Twilight,” so I thought any he would be in would probably be cheesy. My mother saw this movie last week, so she told me that it was sad, but to watch it. I decided to go ahead and go for it.

From the beginning, the movie resonated with me. As someone who lost a loved one, I saw at once that life and death were the main themes of the movie. Both Ally (played by the lovely Emilie de Ravin) and Tyler (Robert Pattison) lost loved ones in tragic ways. Ally saw her mother being murdered right in front of her eyes, and Tyler lost his older brother who committed suicide. It’s one of the reasons that they come together.

Side note: Ally’s mother was played by Martha Plimpton. I loved her in the 80s! She was River Phoenix’s girlfriend. If you are an 80s kid, I know you saw “The Goonies” and “Mosquito Coast.” She was awesome.

I was impressed by Pattison’s acting. I really felt this was the role for him, and he did it well. When the “Twilight” series ends, I can see a future for him. The only thing I worry about is that he will be typecast as the brooding loner with “issues.”

Rubi Jerins, who played Pattinson’s sister, did an amazing job. She was convincing as an artistic, shy girl who was being bullied by the popular girls at school. My heart ached for her. When you feel for a character, this is when you know that she was successful.

Both life and death affect people’s lives. They change everything about you. Emotionally and mentally. It even changes your surroundings, including the people in it. However, the movie’s message is true. This is a big world, and you might feel insignificant because you might think “What can I do?” However, even if you feel that way, you still need to try to do something. You might think it means nothing to others, but you are wrong. Everyone and their actions affects this world in some shape or form.

Ignore that Pattinson is in “Twilight,” and watch it.

Finally a Barbie Movie Reminiscent of the Old Ones (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:09:04 GMT

Barbie in a Mermaid Tale

by Adam L. Wood

The kids and I loved this movie. The last two or three Barbie movies have been pretty bad. The last one that was good was “The Island Princess.” I must say that this one is definitely up to par to that one. It was entertaining, and I wasn’t bored the entire time that I was watching it. Very fun movie for the whole family.

A story about "He's Just Not That Into You"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:32:19 GMT

He's Just Not That Into You

by Ken Kwapis

â€œHeâ€™s Not That Into Youâ€* had some good advice for women, but it should have taken some advice on how to make a decent chick flick. The acting was lackluster; the script was meh, and I barely even faked a laugh. I was pretty disappointed because of the potential that this movie had. They should have just left it as a one-liner in the â€œSex and the Cityâ€* episode that it came from. It was funnier and interesting to hear Berger tell Miranda this, and her sharing the wealth with some reluctant women.

Even though I kind of forwarded through the movie, I did have to say that the advice is sound. I even see myself doing this with my daughter. â€œOh honey, that boy is bothering you cause he likes you.â€* It did make me start thinking about what I say to my daughter and friends when it comes to â€œguy advice.â€* However, I probably would have gotten more from just reading the book of the same name from Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, instead of being tortured to watch the entire film.

The character that annoyed me the most was Gigi. She had this desperate personality when it came to men and then wondered why they ran away. It was worst because the one guy who would probably run faster when dealing with her is the one who was the love interest. If they wanted to keep it real and make it as a self-help guide for women to understand men, it should have been more realistic.

I hate when movies have potential to be great, but then end up like this one. Letâ€™s hope that the next chick flick isnâ€™t as bland as this one.

The French Know How to Take Revenge

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:13:35 GMT

The Bride Wore Black

The Bride Wore Black (La mariee etait en noir) was a 1968 French film heavily influenced by Alfred Hitchcock and directed by François Truffaut, who was nominated for three Academy Awards. It is about a woman, (Jeanne Moreau, who bears a striking resemblance to Monica Belluci, whose husband is shot down while they are leaving the church. She tries to commit suicide, but is always stopped by her family, so she vows to get revenge on the five men who were part of it.

It’s a great film that asks “Would you want to revenge against the people who have ruined your life?” In this film, the answer is yes. I don’t want to reveal anything because you have to watch it for yourself.

A story about "Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter & Under the Hood"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:44:22 GMT

Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter & Under the Hood

I didn’t have any expectations when I began watching this short animated film based on Watchmen. I popped it in the DVD and began watching. By the first five minutes, I was hooked. The tale was macabre and kept me captivated til the end. The animation was well done. It was dark just like the story, and it kind of reminded me of the anime Heavy Metal.

Every Parent Should Watch This Film (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:07:28 GMT

Gardens of the Night (2007)

“Gardens of the Night” is about two children, Leslie and Donnie, kidnapped by two men and their lives together. It’s directed by newcome Damian Harris who based his story on the kids, counselors, police officers, and pimps that he met during his two years of research. His years of perfecting the story was seen in how well made this movie was. As a parent, I felt the pain of what would happen if my child was taken and having to endure the horrors that these children did for over nine years. After they get too old, they are dumped by their captors and left to fend for themselves.

The actors did an amazing job bringing this script to life. The two children, Rayn Simpkins and Jermaine Scooter Smith, who play the young Leslie and Donnie really showed the pain that children who have dealt with this probably felt. I was impressed on how well they did for being so young. I was glad that they didn’t get too graphic on the parts when the children had to do deal with pedophiles because I probably would have nightmares for awhile thinking about how this really happens every day. The director was able to make his point across without showing too much. Some other directors would have gone for the shock factor, so I am glad that he was smart enough to realize that he would have lost his audience doing that.

The cinematography was great because it didn’t look like it was made in a fancy studio. It gave the feel like you were actually there with them throughout the entire ordeal. I also like how they show how this is usually a vicious cycle that occurs and that it usually doesn’t just end. You expect a big, happy ending where everything is perfect at the end, and I am glad that he kept it realistic. Every parent should watch this. Even if you aren’t a parent, you probably should. It will make you think twice about what to do if you see a sad child, who doesn’t seem like he/she belongs with that adult, looking at you with helpless eyes.

Why Couldn't They Stick to the Thumbelina Story? (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:04 GMT

Barbie Presents Thumbelina

My daughter Isabelle is obsessed with Barbie, so I think that I have seen every Barbie movie out there. The latest one is a spin of the beloved story “Thumbelina.” It could have been better and was definitely not the best Barbie movies I have seen.

One thing that I didn’t like is that it really steered away from the original story. I loved the Thumbelina story because it made children realized that you should always be proud of who you are, no matter how different you are. This rendition definitely didn’t stick to that. It was more about bravery and helping the environment. I know that everyone is going green, but they could have done this without forgetting what was really important about the story.

Another thing that bothered me is how they are changing the way Barbie looks. Before she was beautiful and normal looking, but now she looks like this skeletal, hideous creature that can give kids nightmares. What makes it more comical is that the actual Barbie’s figure is fuller because of all the backlash it got. However, in the movie, she looks skinny and scary. To the creators, look at Fairytopia and The Island Princess and have Barbie look like that.

Other than that, the story was fine. It was nice to have a story about how materialistic belongings do not make you who you are, and that you should always help the people in need. The kids liked the movie, but they didn’t care to see it more than once. Isabelle even exclaimed that she didn’t get why Barbie wasn’t in this one either. It’s been like that for the past three or four Barbie movies. She is always absent. Please have her finally appear in the movie than just the narrator. I think the reason the kids want to see the movies is cause of Barbie, so have her in there.

Can You Ever Face Your Demons?

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:58:31 GMT

Paranoia Agent - Serial Psychosis (Vol. 3)

The final episodes of “Paranoia Agent” were captivating. It focused on how people would rather conjure up imaginary villains instead of facing themselves. This is an anime series that everyone should watch because I think that all of us have been stuck in living a lie because we are so afraid of what will happen if we look in the mirror.

I was just discussing with my best friend how people play the victim role and want to remain there because they want the sympathy associated with it. Instead of saying “I need to change” because then the real battle begins.

It Doesn't Measure Up to the Anime Finale (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:02:24 GMT

Death Note II: The Last Name

by Shusuke Kaneko

I made the mistake of watching the anime finale before watching the movie. I knew that “Death Note: The Last Name” wasn’t going to be exactly like the anime because there were things that happened after the first movie, in the anime, that were too much to cover in one film.

If I had watched the movie before the anime, then I would say that the movie was good. It kept you at the edge of your seat watching the cat-and-mouse chase between L and Light. They didn’t have time to introduce two vital characters, Mello and Near, from the anime in the movie, but I think in the time that they had, it would have left people confused.

The only complaint that I have is that it could have been trilogy. It seemed like they tried to tie all the loose ends in the span of time that they had, which could have been done if there was another movie. Who knows why the didn’t. Maybe they didn’t have enough funding, etc., but it’s a shame cause I would have probably named this one of my top five trilogies.

If you have watched the anime, skip the second movie. I feel like I ruined the anime finale by watching this one. It tainted it and now I have to rewatch the anime ending to get the bad taste out of my mouth.

One of the Best Finales EVER (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:08:42 GMT

Death Note, Vol. 9

by Tetsuro Araki

I will have to say that I just saw one of the best anime finales ever. “Death Note,” Volume 9 was action packed intelligence like I have ever seen. There is not much I can say without giving it away, but let’s just say that I had to watch the ending three times, and I still want to rewatch it again. That’s all.

Mamma Mia, Help Me Get Through This Movie (rated 1 star)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:18:48 GMT

Mamma Mia! The Movie (Widescreen)

by Phyllida Lloyd

This was one of the worst attempts of a musical I have ever seen. I don’t know if it follows that actually play to the tee, but if it does, then I can tell that people who rave about it don’t know what a great musical is. The only saving grace was that the music all came from Abba, which is one of my favorite groups of all time.

It’s about a girl who finds her mother’s diary, and invites three men, who might be her father, to her wedding. Meryl Streep, Colin Firth (I LOVEHIM), and Pierce Bronson are part of the cast to this ill-fated musical, and I must say that I am shocked that they signed on to be in it. The acting was not bad, but they didn’t finish a sentence before they were singing another tune. What’s worse is that their voices were not up to par. I cringed a few times and decided to just fast forward whenever they jumped into song. The plot was campy, and that is a nice way of putting it. Additionally, the movie was way too long for my taste. 90 minutes isn’t a bad number. I’m tired of this movies that want to extend over two hours.

Aside from Abba, the only good thing about the movie was the scenery. It was in Greece, which is where I want to go for my honeymoon. If it weren’t for those two things, I would have just returned it without watching it. Don’t waste your time. If you want to listen to Abba, get their greatest hits cd. If you want to see the Greek isles, get a documentary. If you want to see these fine actors, then go see another movie of theirs. I am trying to save you the pain.

A story about "Les Choristes (The Choir)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:59:45 GMT

Les Choristes (The Choir)

by Christophe Barratier

When I came back from LA, my parents were the one who picked me up from the airport. The first thing my mom said to me was, “Shevonne, you HAVE to see this French film about the children’s choir that I have a cd of.” If my mom was that excited, I had to see what it was about.

The movie concerns two childhood friends who reunite after their beloved teacher passes away. He leaves a journal behind for one of them, who is now a successful classical musician, and they begin reading it. The movie flashes back to when the journal begins. It’s when the teacher enters a school for juvenile delinquents and forgotten children. He gives them hope by sharing his love of music with them, and that there is more to life than their surroundings that had become like a prison due to the overly stern Director.

The little boy who becomes the classical musician reminded me of my son. He was introverted, didn’t speak when pushed, and pretended he didn’t like something, but when no one was looking, he tried and did amazing at it. I am also a sucker for movies about teachers who go in and impact children’s lives. There are some movies that touch you, and this movie was one of those. I already know that I am going to buy it this weekend, so I can watch it over and over again. My kids also loved it. It was in French, but they still enjoyed watching the boys evolve into wonderful kids.

A Movie That Will Touch Even the Darkest Soul (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:55:10 GMT

The Chorus (Les Choristes)

The movie concerns two childhood friends who reunite after their beloved teacher passes away. He leaves a journal behind for one of them, who is now a successful classical musician, and they begin reading it. The movie flashes back to when the journal begins. It’s when the teacher enters a school for juvenile delinquents and forgotten children. He gives them hope by sharing his love of music with them, and that there is more to life than their surroundings that had become like a prison due to the overly stern Director.

The little boy who becomes the classical musician reminded me of my son. He was introverted, didn’t speak when pushed, and pretended he didn’t like something, but when no one was looking, he tried and did amazing at it. I am also a sucker for movies about teachers who go in and impact children’s lives. There are some movies that touch you, and this movie was one of those. I already know that I am going to buy it this weekend, so I can watch it over and over again. My kids also loved it. It was in French, but they still enjoyed watching the boys evolve into wonderful kids.

A story about "Tokyo Godfathers"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:56:26 GMT

Tokyo Godfathers

by Satoshi Kon

What do you think when you pass a homeless person? I know things that I have thought in the past are:

1. They are drug addicts

2. Veterans who have been wronged

3. Good-for-nothing bums

“Tokyo Godfathers” was co-directed by Satoshi Kon, “Millenium Actress” and “Paprika,” and Shogo Furuya, Animator Director of “Millenium Actress” and “Spirited Away.” It deals with three hobos who find a baby abandoned in the trash bins and the mishaps and adventures they have in trying to find the baby’s mother. The three of them are as different as you can imagine. One is a man, a girl, and a transvestite. We discover their stories and dreams during the search, and how the baby brings them all luck and hope in different ways.

I think that all parents should sit down with their children and watch this movie. It will teach them that you shouldn’t be so quick to label people and be judgmental about their lives. Also, that they always have a chance to turn things around. Everyone is going to make mistakes in life because as we all know, no one is perfect. The people who don’t give up and try to make up for these mishaps are the ones who are the real winners. This movie represents this and makes you feel positive that you can always be reborn. As that saying goes, “You can sleep when you’re dead.”

Another reason that I loved the film is that it showed that if someone really loves you, he/she will always forgive you. In the end, life is about second chances and forgiveness. You will not hold grudges for the rest of your life when you love because as another of my favorite saying goes, “Love is never having to say you’re sorry.”

The movie showed great life lessons in a way that children and adults alike could enjoy. My children and I laughed throughout the movie and never wondered when it would be over. It’s definitely a movie that I would add to my collection of treasured films.

A story about "Resident Evil: Degeneration"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:46:14 GMT

Resident Evil: Degeneration

by Makoto Kamiya

Resident Evil: Degeneration is a movie based on the characters from Resident Evil II. For people who have never played the game, they won’t get the same appreciation for this movie as the people who played this game, or other Resident Evil games. Every time I saw Leon or Claire jump on the scene, I was roaring and hollering because I loved them. Out of all the Resident Evil characters, they were my favorites.

The plot is about a pharmaceutical company who starts developing the T-Virus, and some of the vials are taken by a terrorist group. As we all know, terrorist groups are irrational, so they start releasing the vials in different locations. Claire is visiting friends in India when one of the vials is released in the airport. The action scenes were amazing, and every time Claire and Leon went vigilante style on the zombies, I was screaming with excitement. I actually rewinded some of the parts a few time. It gave me such a feeling of nostalgia, and I felt like grabbing someone’s Playstation 2 and playing the game.

The only flaw was that they focused on a new female character more than they did on Claire. The chemistry between this character and Leon didn’t work, and I was a little annoyed that she got way more air time than the lead female protagonist Claire.

Other than that, the movie was great. As I said in the beginning, I can see people who have never played the Resident Evil games to really not care or get this movie. Therefore, I say that this movie is definitely more for the gamer who has followed this great series.

A story about "Resident Evil: Degeneration"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:46:07 GMT

Resident Evil: Degeneration

by Makoto Kamiya

A story about "Death Note, volume 5"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:20:36 GMT

Death Note, volume 5

by Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata

Death Note keeps getting more and more interesting. Even though this volume was intriguing, it lacked the heart-stopping feeling that the other four volumes made me feel. I can’t believe I only have three more volumes to go. Pretty sad about it. I guess I always have part two of the movie.

A story about "The Salon"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:52:52 GMT

The Salon

by Mark Brown

When I read the previews, I was excited to watch this film. However, I was very disappointed when I finally watched it because it had so much potential. It wasn’t a very good representation of the black community. The majority of the movie was spent talking about how much Black women hate White women taking their men. I thought it was a waste to what could have really delve into the real issues that are plaguing Black Americans, like HIV.

It was also strange how they would all of a sudden bust out with this soliloquy that was so out of character. Major disappointment.

Growing Younger Never Was Interpreted Better

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:53:36 GMT

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

by David Fincher

I have always loved “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald; both the book and the movie. When I heard about this movie in the summer, and I found out it was based off F. Scott Fiztgerald’s book about a man who is getting younger instead older, I jumped at the chance to see it. It was a plus that Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Julia Ormond were in it. Today I headed to the theater with Heather to see if this movie was able to do Fitzgerald justice. It did.

After the 30 minutes of commercials and previews, the movie finally started. It was very creative of Paramount to have the Paramount icon created full of buttons. I already knew that I was going to love the movie, even though that really had nothing to do with it.

The acting was superb. From the beginning of the movie, I had tears in my eyes and laughter coming out of my mouth. Pitt did an amazing job as the curious Benjamin Button. At every moment of his age, I believed him. He played the old man with a child’s innocence with such precision that I had to remind myself that it wasn’t based off a true story.

A big and happy surprise was the acting of Taraji Henson, who played Button’s adoptive mother. I know that after this movie, she is going to have movie offers left and right. Pitt and Henson had such a wonderful chemistry that I felt the mother/child love from each of them. Of course, Blanchett and Swinton were just as amazing.

The symbolism in the movie was well thought out. I haven’t read the book, so I’m not sure if it was in there already. The hummingbird flying around in unexpected times signified the freedom and bewilderment that surrounded Button and Daisy. The people Benjamin met all molded him into the person he was. It was great how he recognized that.

It was great how past events were shown using an old-fashioned camera. It kind of took the same method in “Forrest Gump.” I thought that it gave visual breaks in the long movie. What made it more interesting is how they used different formats of old cameras to represent the past.

The movie made me cry. It reminded me of my true love and I, and how he was the only person who ever loved me on first sight. Button’s and Daisy’s love was beautiful and wonderful, and I wish that I could have this with him. It wasn’t all about true love. It had a wonderful message about living your life and never thinking you are too old to do something. However, the love story helped.

Definitely a movie that I am going to get on DVD when it comes out.

Best Death Note Volume Yet! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Shevonne Polastre) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:39:52 GMT

Death Note, Vol. 4

by Tsugumi Ohba

I was completely paralyzed while watching “Death Note: Volume 4.” It has left me anxious to receive the next volume. I won’t go into much detail because I don’t want to give much away. All I will tell you is that this volume has made me move this anime series up into one of my top ten favorite animes of all time.