GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ I Smell Sheep: July 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

SALT... Ms. Jolie? Can I be your Pepper? Please!


First I have to confess to a total crush on Angie. I know people hate her because she stole Brad (whatev) or because she has big lips (seriously?) but in reality everyone is just jealous. lol.

In almost all of her movies she plays this total badass who is a total babe with a smoldering look that should be patented. And this time was no different. I would tell you the plot like Katie does, but I have a habit of throwing out deets that ruin it for some people so just go see the movie! lol. I will tell you that Jolie works for the CIA and is chosen to interrogate a Russian man claiming to know who is going to assassinate the Russian president. The man claims that it's Salt who is the Russian operative who will kill him. The movie is about her running from the CIA trying to prove her innocence and find out who is framing her. See? No details that would ruin the show for you :)
I'm not nearly as critical as KD so she might have a differing opinion, which is cool, but I thought this movie rocked! It kept me spellbound the entire time. There was action, a plot that is quite brilliant and it followed a storyline that is actually plausible! The story sucked me in from the start and throughout the whole movie I was just wishing I could be the sidekick** so I could get in on the action!There were some stunts that a normal person couldn't do, but I feel like I can give the movie some latitude since they picked such kickass stars to play in it. At the end of the movie you find yourself suspicious of the government and thinking to yourself that the movie is probably based on truth!

I'm obviously a biased person but I honestly think any action movie buff would enjoy this movie and if you're an Angie fan even better!

**Disclaimer: There is no actual sidekick. This is not a Marvel film. This is just wihsful thinking on my part :)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Eternal Kiss of Darkness



Eternal Kiss of Darkness by author Jeanine Frost hit book stores yesterday. This is her second spinoff book in the Night Huntress series, revolving around the story of Mencheres and Kira. I am a big fan of Frost and have loved all her other books, except this one. :(

Let me continue by saying that the Cat and Bones books are off the chain good, each and every one is an adventure in itself. I LOVE those books. Got Bones? Her previous Spade and Denise spinoff book is equally as good, but for whatever reason this latest book did not hit home for me.

The first 2 chapters are great, story is compelling and draws you in from the gate. Then the book slows down for a few chapters only to pick back up again, wash rinse repeat. This continues throughout. Grrrrr! Frustrating.

I dont know if it was me or what, maybe I am not as invested in these characters as I have been with previous ones. Maybe. I don't want to say the word "disappointed" because Frost can never take me there, but I will say I was a little let down.

Again, compared to her previous books I guess maybe I was not prepared for the slowness of this one. I have to also point out that the book ends very quickly. The big dramatic build up comes to a halt and leaves you with nothing else. So I hope readers (ah-hem, me) get more on these guys in upcoming books.

Still a big fan of Frost and I look forward to the continuing series that picks back up in Spring of next year. I am giving this book 3 sheep, with a very heavy heart.
KD


The Darkest Lie, wins me over.



The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter, the sixth installment of her paranormal series, Lords of the Underworld hit bookstores this month. Some of you may remember my review on Gena's other series about "Aliens", and well that series sucked in my opinion. But this series is excellent, I am so glad I gave this author another shot because I would have really missed out on all the Underworld Lords!


Now I can say "thank you Amber for introducing me to this author! Cant wait for you to read them next."

Short Summary:
Forced to his knees in agony when
ever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her. But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her. But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her means risking everything. Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love . . .

This book had a lot of fun with Gideon, he cant tell anyone the truth without crippling pain, but just imagine your dating someone and they have to say things like, "your ugly, I hate you, I cant tell you how much I don't want you". lol Of course the woman Gideon wants enjoys messing with him with his mixed up words and that adds to all the fun.

I really enjoyed the unexpected mention of several characters from author Kresley Cole (who is BFF with Gena apparently) in this series. Maybe a joint book is in the works? I would love to read that! Nix! Nix!

This series has it all, action/romance/adventure/lore/butterflies (wha? yea I said the B word) sexy men and women who can kick butt! Recommended to one and all, go get it.
I give this book 4 sheep
KD

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cyrus



When I saw the previews for this Cyrus, I had it pegged as being a smart yet slightly raunchy romantic comedy. (like the 40 year old virgin). I was completely wrong. If you are going to see this film because it's got Jonah Hill in the cast and you want to see another Superbad... look somewhere else.



This film DOES have comedic scenes interspersed, but by and large, it's a pretty serious drama. I'd say, along the same lines as The Weatherman. Once I stopped looking for the punchline of Cyrus and started looking at it as a drama about dysfunctional people trying to form a functional family, I was able to start enjoying it.

The plot is extremely straightforward and is literally summed up by the movie's tag line, "He met the woman of his dreams. then he met her son." There aren't any real plot twists, or unexpected turns... so if you can predict M. Night Shyamalan movies, look elsewhere for your complex story lines.

I give it 3 sheep. While I feel like the movie itself was pretty decent, including remarkably flexible acting by largely comedy typecast stars, I felt like it lacked depth of plot, and suffered badly from bad marketing.


Friday, July 16, 2010

Inception, Holy Crap this movie was AMAZING!


Inception directed by Christopher Nolan opened to the public this weekend and Oh. My. God. I don't know if I can do this movie justice with my review, but for all of you, I will try.


Plot:
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming.

Inception also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom-hot as can be-Hardy, Ken Watanabe and drum roll please.....the one and only Tom Berenger! "Take your man and get out of here or I'll shot you in the hand." Classic.

I didn't really know what to expect going into this movie, yeah sure dreams and all that whoo haa. But the layers and layers that are woven, the dynamic of the story and actors, heartbreaking drama, the nail bitting edge of my seat action and unbelievable sound and visual effects? Yeah um no, did NOT see all that coming.

Musical score was amazing, Hans Zimmer a master at what he does. And yes he is the same guy who did Dark Knight. Fact checker that I am. ;) Music brought the views right where they needed to be throughout the film. Dark and twisted then sad and longing. LOVED IT!

***Waring: If you did not get the Matrix, you wont get this film. Period.

Its not a fluff summer popcorn movie, its the read deal and will make you think. No vegging allowed people! lol
Dont miss this film, I recommend IMAX for this one or if you live in the Campbell area they have a theater that just installed motion seats. I have yet to check it out for myself but trust that its on the to do list.
KD


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Sorcerer's Apprentice


Walt Disney's, The Sorcerer's Apprentice directed by Jon Turteltaub and staring Nick Cage, Jay (the sexiest nerdy Canadian hands down) Baruchel and Alfred Molina hit theaters today. :)

Plot:
Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

This movie is truly a fun, summer, family movie that all ages can enjoy. Of course special effects galore throughout the film (well duh plasma bolts aren't real, and flying statues) but its all in good fun. All the actors pulled this movie off, giving the storyline a feeling of creditably. Just a side note from me: Nick could have taken his character a little further on the looney scale (loved his NY cop, lol. "I was in character."), just my take on it, but all in all well done!

Classic scenes from Fantasia are mixed into the film for all those of you who loved the original movie. Car chase scenes where pretty amazing, some new ideas pumped scenes with fresh air. Not the same old same old seen it a million times. And come on Puppies! Who can resist some cute little pups? hmmm? Not me!

Overall this is a sure hit with the fam or friends, PG rating but don't let that stop you thriller-killer people it's worth the ticket price.

KD

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Art & Copy

Art & Copy is a documentary about the Ad industry. It was released late August of 2009, but unless you're the type of person who seeks out Sundance Film Festival "Favorites", you probably haven't seen it. I walked into the screening with "meh" expectations. I mean hell, it's a documentary about flippin' ads... how awesome could it be? I came out of it wanting to get out there and promote something... anything! I found it extremely inspiring.





Like all made for the big screen documentaries that I've seen, you have interviews with key people; in this case, the revolutionaries who essentially started the modern advertising industry. Bits of american culture that we take for granted were formulated by these people.

Got Milk?
Just Do It.
Wazzzaaaup??
Think Different.

Whether you like advertisement or not, it's a wholly entrenched and growing part of our lives. I highly recommend that you pick this movie up. Definitely worth the rental!