When I saw the trailer for this movie 2 years ago, I assumed that it was a sort of light-hearted comedy involving a case of mistake identity. There is a more to this movie though, which becomes apparent about 1/2 through, when certain things start becoming clear. There are much more complicated and subtle themes going on in the background, making this a flick that those looking for something slightly more serious as well. Good acting, and a nice denouement make this a movie I’m definitely adding to my library.

I didn’t expect much from this movie, but found it to be really enjoyable. The story is basic, but well done, and the acting was pretty good. The visuals are dazzling, and part of what makes this movie so enjoyable. If you go in without any expectations, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

I was pleasantly surprised with how good Daniel Craig was as Bond, especially after all the doubt preceding Casino Royale. Casino Royale was fantastic – great story, superb acting, and exciting action. I was therefore very excited about Quantum of Solace.

Sadly, it didn’t live up to the standard set in Casino Royale. It wasn’t any one thing, it just didn’t come together.

That being said, any fan of Bond (especially the Daniel Craig Bond) will be able to overlook these shortcomings. Hopefully the next movie will be better

This wasn’t quite as good as I hoped, but it was still very pleasant. Gervais was very funny, and the acting was pretty good.

SPOILER ALERT

One thing that really bugs me about the way this book has moved the story is Bella’s relationship with Jacob. I seriously don’t get it, it makes literally no sense to me, and seems completely contrived. I just don’t see how she could authentically feel the way she does about Edward, and then somehow have some sort of quasi-romantic feelings for Jacob?! It feels totally forced and inconsistent with her character.

Also, I’m pretty disappointed with the basic nature of vampires in these books – they’re strong, intelligent, cunning, et. al., but also drug down by their lust for the flesh, i.e., they become total savages just from smelling/seeing human blood, and revert to a sort of animal state. Seems silly to me an utterly contrived, and doesn’t seem to serve any real purpose except to create a conflict between Edward and Bella (and provide a convenient means of keeping the sexuality in the book to a PG level. Come on – a girl has no problem with a vampire biting her and transforming her into a vampire, but she won’t have sex with him? Not even when she’s madly in love with him, and he’s presented as her soulmate? The only way to avoid the logical implication is some deus ex machina – if he gets aroused, he’ll “go native” and who knows what will happen. Ugh >_< )

I liked the casting of the main characters in this movie (except for Jasper), but the story was butchered and made almost unintelligible. The effects were cheesy.

Great album, with several good songs, especially “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody”.

This book progresses rather slowly at first, but if you stick with it you’ll get to the good parts. If you didn’t like Jacob Black in Twilight, prepare to dislike him even more ;-)