Start of My Blog Costume Party 2019!

Hello, my fellow literature fans!

Today is an exciting day! It is the start of my Blog Costume Party for 2019! I am so excited to see all of the costumes that everyone comes up with to celebrate our favorite fictional characters!

It isn't too late to join. If you are confused about the rules, click HERE for my announcement post. And of course, feel free to ask me questions, too!
To participate post either today, the 7th, or on the 8th or 9th.Then please link your post in the comments below so I can put it in this post. My post will be on Saturday.

If you are unsure of what to do, or if you just want to see more of this, here are the links to my sisters and my costumes from previous years:

Ursula, the sea witch (The Little Mermaid)

The Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland)

Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Captain Hook (Peter Pan)

The Dread Pirate Roberts (The Princess Bride)

A skeleton (Pirates of the Caribbean or Halloweentown)

Jadis, the white witch (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Waredrobe)

Wonder Woman (Wonder Woman)

Shrek and Princess Fiona (Shrek)

I won't be putting the pictures of everyone here because you have to check out the posts to see for yourself, but I am putting a picture of the book or movie that their from to get you interested.

And now, the entries for this year:

The amazing Kara Lynn kicks things off with showing two costumes that she had this year! She matches with her sister as Thing 1 and Thing 2, then she it the perfect Tonks. Check it out HERE.

Then Anna joins looking exactly like Rey! The force is strong with her. Take a look HERE.

My sister and I take on Elizabeth and Jane Bennet as zombies. My explaination is HERE.

...You're next!

Thanks for reading and participating!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Coco (2017)

¡Hola amigos!

¡Ayer fue el Día de los Muertos! Yesterday was the day of the dead! Also called all souls day (also celebrated is all saints day), this is a day were we remember those who have gone before us and celebrate their lives. As you all probably know, this is a very big day in Mexican culture. In the spirit of this, I am reviewing a movie that is amazing and the perfect film to watch this month!

I was going to review this yesterday, but my sisters and I wanted to watch this yesterday so we did and I forgot that because you get really emotional while watching this, you need time to think about it (yes, I have seen this several times before but always forget this).

I know this sounds like a really weird movie if you haven't seen it before, but stick with me until the end.

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

Coco (2017):

"Being part of this family means being here for this family."
A boy named Miguel wants to play music, but his family hates it and has banned it. To join a talent show to prove himself, Miguel steals a guitar from the late famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz. Because he stole from the dead on a day when we give to the dead, he can see all of the dead now, and none of the living can see him. His family who has already past on take him to the land of the dead were they find that he needs their blessing to go back to the land of the living. The only condition is that he has to promise not to play anymore music. Miguel runs away and is joined by Hector as they search through the land of the dead for someone who will give him a blessing without conditions. Will Miguel get back to the land of the living before sunrise, or will he turn into a skeleton?
"This isn't fair! This is my life, you already had yours!"

Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Animated.
Length: approx. 105 minutes.
Costumes: 8, it is an animated movie, so there aren't too many extreme costumes. I do like the outfits that they picked for each character because it suits their personality. There is one instance where we see a skeleton wearing no clothing.
Script: 10. I am taking Spanish lessons and there are a few Spanish words which are fun that I know (but they were pretty much in context so even if you didn't you would understand). And while I was taking my notes I started writing them in Spanish!
"I thought it was one of those things adults make up to tell kids, like, vitamins."

Crew:
Directed by: Lee Unkrich.
Written by: Adrian Molina, Matthew Aldrich, Lee Unkrich, & Jason Katz.
Starring the voices of:
Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel.

Gael García Bernal as Héctor.

Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz. (Antonio Sol singing voice, except for "Remember Me")

Alanna Ubach as Mamá Imelda.

Renée Victor as Abuelita.
Ana Ofelia Murguía as Mamá Coco.

Edward James Olmos as Chicharrón.
Alfonso Arau as Papá Julio.
Selene Luna as Tía Rosita.
Dyana Ortellí as Tía Victoria.
Herbert Sigüenza as Tíos Oscar and Felipe.
Jaime Camil as Papá.
Sofía Espinosa as Mamá.
Natalia Cordova-Buckley as Frida Kahlo.
A really neat thing about this movie is that it is the first film with a nine-figure budget (a cost of $175 million) to feature an all-Latino principal cast!

Animation: 10, you know me, I'm biased against digital animation, but this is so breathtaking! The colors are fantastic and the way the drew everything is amazing!
Music: 10! It is so beautiful! Of course everyone is always talking about "Remember Me" (for good reason), but there are so many great songs in here, like, "Un Poco Loco" and "Proud Corazón", and even "Everyone Knows Juanita" are so amazing!
Music by: Michael Giacchino (score). Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Germaine Franco, Michael Giacchino, Adrian Molina, Holger Beier, Pat Beier, & Camilo Lara (song lyrics).

Notes: There are so many Easter eggs in here! This was actually one of the first movies since I knew about Easter eggs where I spotted one without knowing that it was already there.
Quotes: 10! “Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life – in the stories they tell about us.”
Oscars won: 2: Best Animated Feature, & Best Original Song ("Remember Me").
Content: 10, there is one or two gross things, and a suggestive body part. It deals with the themes of death and life and they do it in such a beautiful way.

Originality: 10! I love that they made a movie all about El Día de los Muertos! Some people say it is too close to The Book of Life (2013), and while there are some similarities, both have their own unique storyline.
Good For: everyone everywhere, people who have lost family members, anyone who loves music.
Age Range: All ages! This movie is so perfect for the whole family, whatever age you, I am sure that you will like it. You might say, "But it's just a kids movie!" I assure you, it isn't.

Overall Score: 10!
Bonus thoughts:

"That's such a sweet sentiment...at such a bad time!"
When my sisters and I first saw the trailer for this, my sister said, "That looks so good!" and I thought, "Um, no way." I didn't like the idea of all the skeletons and things. Months later my younger sister got it from the library and convinced my older sister and me to watch it.
Let me tell you, I was absolutely blown away. This movie is GORGEOUS.

The themes of life and death are wonderful, and it shows the importance for music and family. Every time I watch this movie I am sobbing because the message is so beautiful! This is in my top 20 favorite movies of all time.
A quick note, I don't believe that this is what happens when we die. I believe in one Heaven, and one God. But, I love the idea of the land of the dead because I love the focus on remembering the people who have gone before us and celebrating their lives. This is fantasy, right?
I will never stop recommending it to everyone. If you haven't seen it, please go watch it now! Even if you have doubts, go! You won't regret it.


Talk to me! Have any of you seen this? I would love to squeal about how wonderful it is with you! Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Casper (1995)

Hello, world!

Happy Halloween to all of you who participate in it! I've been wanting to do a post for a few days now and couldn't decide what to do. Finally, I realized that today is Halloween so I thought that I'd review the first Halloween movie I ever saw. Happy haunting!

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

Casper (1995):

Based on: Casper the Friendly Ghost - by Seymour Reit & Joe Oriolo.
Kat has moved a lot because of her dad's work. He talks to ghosts and helps them to find their unfinished business so they can pass on; he does this because he is always looking for his late wife. A lady named Carrigan hires him to get rid of ghosts and they move into Whipstaff Manor. Carrigan wants the ghosts gone because she has heard of a treasure is somewhere in the manor. Kat tries to make friends at school, but she finds one in a place she didn't expect, a ghost named Casper. Dr. Harvey has a lot more trouble with Casper's three ghost uncles who make all the mischief that they can. Will Dr. Harvey find what is bothering the ghosts, and will Carrigan find the treasure hidden inside?

Genre: Comedy, Halloween.

Length: approx. 101 minutes.

Costumes: 7, nothing exciting.

Script: 8, I think there are one or two times of a name in vain.

Crew:

Directed by: Brad Silberling.

Written by: Sherri Stoner, Deanna Oliver, Seymour Reit, & Joe Oriolo.

Starring:
Malachi Pearson as the voice of Casper McFadden.

Christina Ricci as Kathleen "Kat" Harvey.

Bill Pullman as Dr. James Harvey.

Joe Nipote as the voice of Stretch.
Joe Alaskey as the voice of Stinkie.
Brad Garrett as the voice of Fatso.
Cathy Moriarty as Catherine "Carrigan" Crittenden.

Eric Idle as Paul "Dibs" Plutzker.

Garette Ratliff Henson as Vic DePhillippi.
Jessica Wesson as Amber Whitmire.
Amy Brenneman as Amelia Harvey.
Ben Stein as Rugg.
Devon Sawa as Casper McFadden.

Cinematography: 7, I know that it must be hard to do ghosts, but the CGI looked a little fake, just a little bit. Otherwise I really like the expressions that they gave each of the ghosts.

Cinematography by: Dean Cundey.

Music: 8, not 100% memorable, but nice.

Music by: James Horner.

Quotes: 7, "All I want 's a friend."

Content: 7, there are a few suggestive things, gross things, drinking, smoking, death, and crude humor. Of course, it deals with ghosts, so if you aren't comfortable with them I wouldn't recommend this.

Originality: 8, I like the idea of a ghost looking for a friend and a lady looking for a treasure.

Good For: people who like Halloween movies, families, people who are looking for friends, someone who has moved a lot.

Age Range: This is definitely a family movie, so any age, but there are a few scary things with the ghosts and some crude humor.

Overall Score: 7.5.

Bonus thoughts:
This is a fun movie to watch each year with my sisters. We also have been reading the picture book from it as long as I can remember.

Happy Halloween everyone! Thanks for reading!!

MovieCritic

Christy Read-Along: Chapters 12-25

Hello, everyone!

It is time again that I join in Amber's, who blogs at Seasons of Humility, Christy Read-Along!

I missed last week because I was traveling and away from my computer, so once again I'm putting two of the discussions together to keep up. Check out Amber's thoughts on chapters 12-18 HERE, and chapters 19-25 HERE.

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read Chrisy - by Catherine Marshall, don't read any more because this post is a mine field of spoilers.

Christy: Chapters 12-25

Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading (six questions for two weeks of discussion)

Favorite Quotes:
1.
'It was rather that as I came to know the children and to think of them as persons rather than names in my grade book, I forgot my reactions and began to love them.'

2.
'Here with the silent gaze of the mountains upon us, trivialities and pettiness and meanness faded and dropped out of sight.'

3.
'And her stance toward life seemed to say: God is -- and that is enough.'

4.
"Christianity is a life and contains the germ of life in itself."

General Impressions:

Chapters 12-18:

 I loved chapter 12! Being able to see more in the classroom was so great. Mountie is adorable, and the way Christy talked to Creed about his dog was so sweet! Oh, and of course, Little Burl. His little bit made me SO HAPPY! I can be very grumpy and tired of people and the world, but I am always trying to look for the good in everyone. When Christy was thinking how she didn't have to like everyone I thought: "No! Don't do that!". Little Burl put it better then I could have:

'It was Little Burl, of all people, who helped me to understand that rather it was my privilege to try to like everyone, at least to make an effort to see the good in each individual.'....

...."Teacher, Teacher, hain't it true, Teacher, that if God loves ever'body, then we'uns got to love ever'body too?"

We got to see more of Fairlight! She is so kind and lovely and sweet, definitely one of my favorites. I love her how she wanted to learn, and how she sees beauty in everything.

Aunt Polly's story was really beautiful, I really am glad that it is in the book.

We saw Ben Pentland again! He was only there for about two pages, but I'm keeping track of my favorites.

I both admire and am annoyed by the way Christy went to see Mr. Smith. I didn't know it was possible to be both. I'm not really sure what to say about it except that I agree with Miss Alice, because everything Miss Alice says is the best.

A quick note, based on the way we have known David so far, I cannot picture him playing a ukulele! I'm familiar with how it sounds because my sister plays it, so that's nice because all of the other instruments mentioned so far I've had a hard time imagining how they sound. But I just can't picture David playing! It's funny.

I was so happy when they got the new books! Then I was so sad when Christy found that they had been slashed and destroyed! I hope that she can find out who did it and get an explanation of why.

Chapters 19-25:

Wow! Up to now we've been seeing life at the mission, but in these chapters there is some action! Finding whiskey under the school, having the people turn against David, an operation, sabotage, and someone being shot! These chapters really have me worried about what is going to happen next.

Ruby Mae describing Bird's-Eye as "He be fractious." made me laugh. At first I thought that he was going to be actually nice and that gossip had just taken wing. Well, I was wrong. I couldn't believe the situation with the still! And bringing kids into it, too! I can see Tom McHone's reason, and while I don't support it or think that it is a good reason, I feel sorry for him.

I feel that all around the world when there are problems and we are given a chance to ask for forgiveness we ask:

"Why me? He's the one who went wrong."

Having sisters I know how this is. We tend to blame problems on other people and think that we were just victims. Sometimes that's true, but sometimes even if it isn't it is good to say sorry. Even if it doesn't solve things, it makes you feel better because you had the courage to acknowledge your wrong doing. I love how they said "strength of forgiveness."

Miss Alice once again has the wise words of the day:

'"It's our place to demonstrate reconciliation -- not judgment or revenge or retaliation. That's God's business, not ours." Her voice grew softer. "Beware the chasms in thy life, David. Sooner or later thee will fall down in the chasm thyself."'

So often people think that Christians are so judging and won't accept people. That isn't true, or if it is in some places it shouldn't. Church is a place of healing for everyone.

David is a little impulsive, but I was disgusted at all of the people being mean or rude to him. He is trying to help even if he's doing it in the wrong way.

Through these chapters I have really come to like Christy! She is becoming really relatable. I absolutely loved her preparation to helping Little Burl's surgery by thinking about God and her thought of how he is: "I am greater than any problem."
I also found her relatable in the last chapter when talking to Doc. The way she was struggling with words to convey her feeling without using someone else's words was just like me sometimes.

One last thing, I feel so sorry for Prince! I'm glad that they didn't hurt him, though, and it's neat that they were able to profit from it to get a new saddle.

Discussion Questions:

Chapters 12-18:

1. Of Christy's students, which one has left the biggest impression on you so far, whether positive or negative?

Mountie O'Teale. I've had the same problem as her with talking and stuttering, so seeing her go through that was relatable, and I was so happy to see her grow. Her reaction to the buttons was priceless!

2. What are your thoughts on the Sewing Circle? If you were in attendance, how might you contribute to the gathering (hosting, providing snacks, reading Scripture, sharing ideas)? How might you interact with the women of the Cove?

Okay, so I am bad at all of those things. I love to read, but with what I mentioned above, I will not read out loud. I would try to step out of my introverted self and maybe host? That means that I would get the pick all of the readings but not have to do it myself. Heehee.

3. Which character's attitude and perspective has inspired you the most so far in the book?

Miss Alice, Fairlight, and Little Burl. I loved reading their positive thoughts!

Chapters 19-25:

1. Did this section make you want to read faster (because of the suspense) or slow down (because of the heavy topics)?

Definitely read faster!

2. Imagine yourself in one of these tense situations: hearing Uncle Bogg's story at the working, listening to David's sermon, or coming upon Prince in his sad condition. How would you respond?

Oh, those are all tough scenes. Uncle Bogg's story reminded me of an Arabian Nights story, so maybe I would mention that? I usually like him, but I was frustrated with everyone treated David like that. I think if I had seen Prince I would have run up to him and gotten him to calm down, but wouldn't have been sure what to do next.

3. If you could help the McHones in even a small way, what would you do?

Yes, but I'm not sure how I could help. Maybe get the little ones to eat more food while at school, or just spent time with Opal just so she wouldn't be lonely.


Thank you so much Amber for hosting this!

Have any of you read this? What do you think? Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic