Reading Goals for March 2019

Hello!
I haven't ever done a post like this before, but I need to get something up and it sounded like a good idea.

The last two years I've had a hard time reading. I've had to read things for school or challenges... And that drains me. I stress about it, and panic about it that it no longer becomes fun, which should never happen!

This year, 2019, I have only finished two books: The Year of the Dog - by Grace Lin, and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them - by Newt Scamander (aka J. K. Rowling) [And I read most of this in 2018]. This needs to be fixed.

Because I've been having a hard time, I decided to give myself motivation by posting a list of books I want to read in March! We'll see how well it works:


Dune - by Frank Herbert.

I've been reading all year, so far, but I'm only half way! I really need to finish this.


Emily of New Moon - by L. M. Montgomery.

Amber at Seasons of Humility is hosting a read-along for this all through out March, so I am excited to join that! More info is HERE.


Five Poisoned Apples - by Various Authors.

Ah! This has already been out for three months and I still haven't read it! I do finally have a copy ordered so I can't wait!! (Especially since I have gotten to know Skye, it is doubly exciting!!)


North & South - by Elizabeth Gaskell.

A former blogger friend has been telling me that I need to read this, so I hope to, if I can get my hands on a copy...


Some religious reading for Lent... I just don't know what yet...



That's going to be it for now, but if you have anything else to recommend, let me know!!

Sorry for the strange post, but thanks for reading! Have you read any of these? What do you think?

MovieCritic

Older vs. Newer Review: Cinderella

Hello!
Today, February 26th, is National Fairy Tale Day! And, it is still February, so Cordy's Lovely Blog Party is still in full swing!

If you have read this blog for awhile, you know how I am with doing things "in the spirit of" an event, so I have found the perfect thing to celebrate both! (Hint: look at the button or the title of this post)

Also, when I started this blog, one of the big ideas that I had that I was going to do a lot was my Older vs. Newer reviews. My current streak is one a year, so let's remedy that.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.


Cinderella (1951):

Based on: The story by the brothers Grimm, and Cinderella - by Charles Perrault.
(Do I really have to put the plot? I think pretty much everyone knows it.)
After a girl's father dies, she has to be a servant to her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. The king announces that there will be a royal ball, and at that ball his son, the prince, will choose a bride. Even though everyone is invited, the girl's stepmother, Lady Tremaine, won't let her go. The girl, Cinderella, receives help from a place that she never would have looked for it.

Genre(s): Fantasy, Family, Romance, Animated.
Length: approx. 74 minutes.
Costumes: 7. My sisters and I joke about how we always thought that Cinderella's head band were earmuffs.

Script: 8, there is not a lot of talking, but what is there it is all good.
Crew:
Directed by: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, & Wilfred Jackson.
Written by: Ken Anderson, Perce Pearce, Homer Brightman, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, & Ted Sears.
Starring the voices of:
Ilene Woods as Cinderella.

Eleanor Audley as Lady Tremaine.

Verna Felton as Fairy Godmother.

Lucille Bliss as Anastasia Tremaine.
Rhoda Williams as Drizella Tremaine.
Jimmy McDonald as Jaq and Gus.
Luis van Rooten as The King and the Grand Duke.

William Phipps as Prince Charming.
Mike Douglas as Prince Charming (singing).
June Foray as Lucifer (just cat noises).

Pinto Colvig as Bruno (just dog noises).

Betty Lou Gerson as the Narrator.
Animation: 9, this is just so classic! I love it! They say that it is in this movie was Walt Disney's favorite piece of animation. If you have seen it, you know which part I'm talking about.

Don't tell me that you didn't love this.

Music: 9! The song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" is one of my favorite Disney songs.
Music by: Oliver Wallace & Paul J. Smith.
Quotes: 8, "Well, there's one thing. They can't order me to stop dreaming."
Storyline: 9, there is some smoking, but I think that's it!
Good For: All Disney fans!

Overall Score: 8.5!
Bonus thoughts: Considering what it is, if I saw it for the first time now I don't think I would really like it, but it is so nostalgic for me, I love it!


VS.


Cinderella (2015):

Based on: The story by the brothers Grimm, Cinderella - by Charles Perrault, and the 1950 version.
"Once upon a time, there was a girl named Ella."
This girl named Ella lives in a happy world. After tragedy, her father marries again and she has a cruel stepmother and stepsisters. More tragedy strikes, but Ella fights on, looking for good. One day, she meets a young man who is unlike any other, and only wishes to see him again. She hopes to do that at the royal ball, but her stepmother won't allow her to go. Ella learns to always believe, but will it be enough?
'"I believe in everything."
"Then I believe in everything, too."'

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Family.
Length: approx. 105 minutes.
Costumes: 10! Costumes don't often get a full rating here, but these are outstanding!
Costumes by: Sandy Powell.
My favorite: Everyone ever!!

Script: 10, there is some name calling, but it is shown as bad.
"Names have power, like magic spells."
Crew:
Directed by: Kenneth Brannagh.
Written by: Chris Weitz.
"Kindness is free, love is free."
Starring:
Lily James as Cinderella. "Mystery princess? What a charming notion."

Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. "My story would appear to be ended."
Richard Madden as Prince Kit.
Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother.
Nonso Anozie as the Captain.
Stellan Skarsgård as the Grand Duke.
Holliday Grainger as Anastasia.
"Such dear, affectionate girls."
Sophie McShera as Drisella.
Derek Jacobi as the King.
Ben Chaplin as Ella's father.
Hayley Atwell as Ella's mother.

Eloise Webb as a young Ella.
Jana Perez as Princess Celina of Zaragosa.
Alex Macqueen as the Royal Crier.
Rob Brydon as Master Phineus.
Cinematography: 10! It is so beautiful! I'm not a fan of CGI, but it is all amazing here.

Cinematography by: Haris Zambarloukos.
Music: 10!! Oh. My. Word. This music is so amazing! I love the theme of "Lavender's Blue".
Music by: Patrick Doyle.

Quotes: 10!

'"Why are you crying?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Nothing...nothing...what is a bowl of milk? Nothing, but kindness makes it everything."'

Storyline: 10!!
Good For: All Disney fans, all fairytale lovers.

'"Oh, I do love a happy ending, don't you?"

"They are quite my favorite kind."'

Overall Score: 10!
Bonus thoughts: This movie is so beautiful. Very few movies have such a huge effect on my life.
"Have courage and be kind."


Character comparison:

Cinderella:

1950: Do you know what is amazing? I never really liked her, but the 2015 has made me appreciate her more!
2015: Lily James does such a perfect job, no one else could have been better.


Prince Charming/Kit:

1950: We never hear a name, and this guy really has no personality.

2015: Ahhh!!! Richard Madden does such a great job! The best character ever. No buts about it.

Lady Tremaine:

1950: So evil, and that works in the 1950 version.

2015: Cate Blanchett doesn't usually play the villain, but she is amazing at it. I love the back story!

Anastasia and Drizella:

1950: Is is weird that I always liked Anastasia better? I don't know. Both are pretty cruel.

2015: Holliday Granger and Sophie McShea are two of my favorites. They were perfect for these roles.

Fairy Godmother:

1950: The classic! Whenever someone says "Fairy Godmother" this is who you picture!

2015: I am so used to seeing Helena Bonham Carter as the villain, that I was really surprised that she was cast in this part! She does a good job, though. The only thing I would remove is all the dark eye make-up. It's just a little weird.

The King:

1950: My sister tells me that he was her favorite character, which, I think, is relatable for a lot of kids.

2015: Yes!! I love Derek Jacobi as the king! So wise.

The Grand Duke:

1950: He is very funny! When I was little he was always my favorite.

2015: They completely changed his character, but I love it! Stellan Skarsgård does such a good job.

Comparing Outfits:

Well, it is only one outfit, but we have to have pictures of the classic dresses!

1950: This, this is so pretty! I loved it when I was really young (up to 6) then when I got a little older I didn't (7-13), but I don't know why! I love this!!
2015: That skirt has 12 layers. Wow! Blue is my favorite color ever, so to me this is so gorgeous!


The winner: Based on the scores, the newer one should win, but I can't choose. Tell me what you think!


Spoiler Alert! From here on there will be spoilers, but I don't know who hasn't seen this...

For the blogathon:

Cinderella and the Prince (1950):

You know, I am really not a big fan of the "love at first sight" trope. And I remember from an early age being exasperated by this. If we ignore that, then it is very sweet. The main point is that no matter where you come from, you are beautiful and you can be loved. I do love all of the animation here!


Ella and Kit (2015):

Ah!! This just makes me so, so, so, so, so happy!! Disney took what I didn't like about the original, and fixed it. I just love this so much I can't think to type anything out.
I love:
How Kit says:

"She isn't just a pretty girl! I mean, she is a pretty girl, but there is so much more."

That during the ballroom scene his eyes never leave her face.
The secret garden.
That she gives up her happiness to save him.
When Kit says: "I just have to see her again."


Also, this goes with my current header, because Ella and Kit are the bottom center!

I am so sorry that this is so scattered. Please tell me what you think!

Thanks for reading! And be sure to check out Cordy's Lovely Blog Party!

MovieCritic

The Oscar Results 2019

Hiya!

The 2018/2019 Academy Awards were yesterday, so you know what that means! I am here to post the results (and my favorite outfits). Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Even though I am putting these here, it does not mean that I support or want to watch these movies. I am just here to tell you who won.


Best Picture: Green Book,

Best Leading Actress Winner: Olivia Coleman (Source)

Best Lead Actress: Olivia Coleman, The Favourite.

Best Lead Actor: Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, Green Book.

Actress: Tina Fey (Source)

Best Supporting Actress: Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk.

Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón, Roma.

Actress: Constance Wu (Source)

Best Adapted Screenplay: BlacKkKlansman ~ Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee. Based on the book by Ron Stallworth.

Best Original Screenplay: Green Book ~ Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie & Peter Farrelly.

Best Original Score: Black Panther ~ Ludwig Göransson.

Actress: Helen Mirren (Source)

Best Original Song: Shallow, A Star is Born.

Best Cinematography: Roma ~ Alfonso Cuarón.

Best Animated Feature: Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse.

Actress: Yalitza Aparicio (Source)

Best Animated Short: Bao ~ Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb.

Best Costume Design: Black Panther ~ Ruth Carter.

Best Makeup and Hair: Vice ~ Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia Dehaney.

Actress: Jessica Oyelowo (Source)

Best Documentary Feature: Free Solo ~ Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes and Shannon Dill.

Best Documentary Short Subject: Period: End of a Sentence ~ Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton.

Best Live Action Short Film: Skin ~ Guy Nattiv and Jaime Ray Newman.

Actress: Michelle Yeoh (Source)

Best Foreign Language Film: Roma (Mexico).

Best Film Editing: Bohemian Rhapsody ~ John Ottman.

Best Sound Editing: Bohemian Rhapsody ~ John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone.

Actress: Kelly Ripa (Source)

Best Sound Mixing: Bohemian Rhapsody ~ Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali.

Best Production Design: Black Panther ~ Hannah Beachler.

Best Visual Effects: First Man ~ Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J. D. Schwalm.

Screenwriter: Deborah Davis (Source)

Total Oscars:
Bohemian Rhapsody: 4.
Black Panther: 3.
Green Book: 3.
Roma: 3.
Bao: 1.
BlacKkKlansman: 1.
The Favourite: 1.
First Man: 1.
Free Solo: 1.
If Beale Street Could Talk: 1.
Period: End of a Sentence: 1.
Skin: 1.

A Star is Born: 1.

Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse: 1.

Vice: 1.

My personal opinion: I can't really say because out of all of those the only one I have seen is Bao.

What about you? Have you seen any of these? Which is your favorite outfit?

Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic

Isn't it Romantic? Tag: Movie Version

Hello!
I am here today to participate in Cordy at Any Merry Little Thought's Lovely Blog Party that is going on for the whole month of February! Which, let me tell you, is very helpful for us people (moi) who are not that organized.

I wanted to do this tag, but when I created this blog, I said everything has to have a book or movie element, and I love seeing different perspectives, so because of that, for all of these questions I will be answering with movie characters and what they think! All "my" comments will be in the parenthesis. Let's see how well this will work.

Spoiler Alert! Just, be cautious.


Isn't it romantic to be serenaded?

The characters: Juliet, Nanette, and Paris, from Gnomeo and Juliet (2011) (I just reviewed this, that's why I thought of it).
Their thoughts:
Paris: Well, he thinks this is romantic because he is the one doing the serenading.
Juliet: (Paris is serenading her) No, she says, "This is painful."
Nanette: (She is just listening) Yes, she says, "Oh sweet torture."

Isn't it romantic to have pet names for each other?

Miss March took the one I was going to do.

If you call Anne Shirley "carrots" it will not be good for you. Just sayin'.


Isn't it romantic if he wants you to look him in the eye?

The characters: Belle and Beast (Adam) from Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Their (my) thoughts:
Yes! At least I think it is in this movie!


Isn't it romantic to be carried across the threshold?

Um, I can't think of any movie with this! Any suggestions?


Isn't it romantic to receive flowers and chocolates?

Depends on who the flowers are from...

The characters: Mr. Willoughby, Colonel Brandon, and Marianne Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility.
Willoughby and Brandon: Yes. (I mean, they were the ones who brought the flowers.
Marianne: If they are from Willoughby, yes (Even if he just randomly grabbed a bunch of them)! If they are from Brandon, no (Even though those are prettier).

(For the record, no, because I do not like chocolate.)


Isn't it romantic to get caught in the rain?

The characters: Hannah and Johnny from Easter Parade (1948).
Their thoughts:
Johnny: Yes! That is why I am singing this song! (Yep, he's in love with her if you didn't know.)
Hannah: No! I need to be somewhere! (She is rather uncomfortable, if you can't tell.) (Which, for the record is crazy, I mean, Peter Lawford is singing to you! What's your problem?)

Isn't it romantic to dance?

Any movie ever?
The characters: Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, from Pride & Prejudice.
Their thoughts:
Mr. Darcy: Well... (He asked her to dance so... But, he is trying to convince himself that he doesn't like her, so I don't know.)
Elizabeth: She thinks: "Insufferable man!" So that's a no.

Jane Austen herself says, "To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love."


Isn't it romantic if he asks for your parent's permission to marry you?

The characters: Everyone in Fiddler on the Roof (1971).
Their thoughts:
I'm just going to speak for them and say that "romantic" is not the right word. Maybe terrifying? Maybe stressful? Just not romantic.

Isn't it romantic to be rescued?

The characters: Fiona and Shrek from Shrek (2001).
Their thoughts:
Fiona: She has been imagining how she would be rescued for a long time. So, she always thought that it would be romantic, but it didn't go the way she had planned.
Shrek: No time for thinking about that, he was just doing his job.

Isn't it romantic to stargaze?

The characters: Ray from The Princess and the Frog (2009).
Their My thoughts:
Yes! This is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen in a movie! I love it!


Thank you to Cordy for hosting this! And thank you to all of you for reading this! Have you seen any of these movies?

MovieCritic