This book was excellent. It was beautifully written and historically intriguing. The story really moved along nicely for about 3/4 of the book. It was the last 1/4 that began to move slowly however. It ended rather anti-climactic with only a partial resolution, which for a story such as it is, might be preferable I suppose.

I absolutely loved this film, even if perhaps because I went in expecting the worse. First, Zack Snyder is also known for “Sin City”, a film which I have been repeatedly told NOT to watch (and therefore have not). Second, all the hype got me concerned that the movie would not in fact be any good (I don’t usually agree with movie critics). Nonetheless, my husband and I drove out to the IMAX to see the film (which had already been sold out opening day for the following two days). I was hopeful though. I have seen and enjoyed several of Gerard Butler’s (King Leonidas) movies (Dracula 2000, Attila the Hun, Phantom of the Opera). Even within the first few minutes I was not disappointed. The artistry of the film itself was compelling enough for the viewer (not to mention feeling the rumbling of the IMAX theater seats). I felt the characters were well presented both in emotion and stage presence. The wardrobe was phenomenal and most of the chosen actors all had strong edgy appearances. The storyline was strong and emotional, building a polarized view of the Spartans and the Persians. Obviously the movie itself is not completely historically accurate but is enjoyable all the same.

On a personal note there are a few things that, now looking back, I would have preferred a bit different. First, the initial image of King Leonidas as a child gives a very violent impression of the man who when later seen is much more subdued. More specifically the image of a kid beating (and presumably killing) another child was perhaps a bit too violent when trying to portray a character the audience needs to sympathize with. Secondly, while Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo) is a beautiful woman and terrific actress, I am not sure if I felt her physical appearance really manifested itself well in this particular storyline. Surrounded by strong and heroic men, her appearance seemed rather soft (as it was perhaps meant to be) while her characters words seemed rather strong. I perhaps would have expected someone a little more statuesque and striking. I feel much the same about Dominic West’s character (Theron); He seemed more humorous than he did traitorous. I don’t believe either his appearance or voice was appropriate for the character. Thirdly, I thought the character Ephialtes (Andrew Tiernan) was too grotesque for a sympathetic audience. Furthermore, he was a very flat character and I feel the film could have been more rounded if they and used his character a little more diversely. Finally, enjoyable as the overall film was, I was a bit unsettled (although not surprised) by the extreme polarization of the Spartans and the Persians, the latter being overly villanized and the former overly romanticized. One doesn’t have to look too deeply into the psychology of the western-world to understand such a polarization.

There were however, also many things about the film that I personally loved. First and most obviously, is the films artistry. Its combination with a historical setting really brought the story to life. Second, is the emphasized status of Spartan women (which in historical comparison to their Greek neighbors was virtually equal to Spartan men). Thirdly, while the film is largely an epic story and therefore brimming with blood and sweat, there were several instances of humor, very much appreciated and enjoyed by the audience. Finally, I believe my favorite part of the film were the characters themselves. Performed strongly with strong words and strong presence, the characters really made the film.

This book is definitely on my top five of historical fiction. Similar in content to A Tale of Two Cities, the Scarlet Pimpernell follows a man of dual identity who, for sport, travels to France during the French revolution to rescue aristocrats. The book is filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure. A must read!

The Matrix began with a bang, setting the scene for a mind blowing and intellectually challenging sequel. The first of the trilogy was full of action and adventure, the second heavy with intellectual dialogue and concepts. The third however was a huge disappointment, the consequence of heavily involved prequels and a commercial need to bank consumers. It ended with what can only be described as the “it was all a dream” ending, essentially avoiding what might perhaps be the unexplainable conjectures of the previous movies. All in all the movies are highly recommended in nothing else than for the superior action sequences and intellectual stimulation… just be prepared for eventual disappointment.

This was an excruciatingly hilarious take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. I had expected it to be entertaining but had in no way expected it to be constantly laugh-out-loud hilarious. Obviously no one is going to win an Oscar for superior acting or impeccable script writing but nonetheless Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum managed to pull off a very fun and adorable film. Admittedly the chemistry between the two main stars was lacking a bit but her hilarity and his hotness more than made up for it. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed the film and so it comes highly recommended.

I originally wanted to see this movie because of its use of the Genesis verse in the previews. The movie however did not at all use the verse. It seems that the movie was instead relying on the verses mention of confounded languages as a means of separation. Essentially this film identifies the primary source of what divides human individuals as language (both formal and designed linguistics/semantics) and also illustrates how these individuals separated by language (and even time and space) are intrinsically connected. This film was definitely not meant as a means of entertainment. Rather, it is a uniquely designed commentary on the social, political, and economic state of humanity.

You will never see better chemistry on film than you will see here. I only watched the first one and my blood was boiling. I originally got hooked when I saw one of the episodes out of the blue! One episode with all the chemistry will do it for you! Fantastic!

This was a very fun and adventurous read. I actually enjoyed it better than The Lord of the Rings trilogy (although that is probably because it isn’t three books long). It is a classic and a must read!

Persuasion follows the life of Anne Eliot, who earlier in life had allowed herself to be persuaded by her family not to marry the love of her life. When that love comes back into her life many years later, the story follows Anne’s resigned determination to live in harmony with the man she had refused, unknowingly still the object of his affection. This is a sweet and stirring story of love lost and gained. Highly recommended!

This is such an adorable and fun piece of literature. Austen’s language is filled with eloquent and ironic humor following the life of Emma Woodhouse and her failing matchmaking schemes, ultimately culminating in her ignorance of her own true love. This is a very easy going and fun read, filled with Austen’s clever charm and smooth tone of voice. Highly recommended!