A Quick Note

Since I'll be posting my new installment of That-Story-I'm-Working-On-Where-The-Teens-Discover-They-Have-Powers soon, I figured I would not put "untitled" as the title since I tend to write story excerpts and title them the same, this one for example: (untitled)

So instead, since I still don't have a REAL title created for this story, I will label the posts as:

'Powers' Series - ((character name))

I will also add a "powers" label at the bottom accompanying "story excerpts".

That way when you see a story excerpt titled "untitled" you'll know it is stand-alone.

So the past entry I made is now titled: 'Powers' Series - Genn; and soon I will create: 'Powers' Series - Mina.

So keep your eye out for that!!

That is all. :) 

HEROES: Villains - Episode 1 & 2

Monday night was the world premiere of HEROES: Villains. I've been looking forward to the first episdoes since I knew the writers would be back full-force. Last season had GREATLY suffered thanks to the Strike ((I am in no way blaming the Guild)) and the Companies' stubborness. But I digress.

After the first episode alone, fans around the world were cheering for the confirmation that the show we all fell in love with is back.

HEROES IS BACK!!

!!! NOTE: Remember that all my reviews (unless otherwise notified) are SPOILER-FREE and so if you haven't been able to see the episodes yet, read on without fear.

HEROES

Season Three: Villains

Episodes: One - "The Second Coming"; and Two - "The Butterfly Effect"

Just a few minutes into the first episode I felt the same... essensce? spirit? on the show that I felt during the first season. It was that feeling that drew me to the show in the first place, so I welcomed the return of it happily.

The episode picks up right where it left off in the last season. And I mean that literally. Peter is running after the man he believes shot his brother, Nathan, as seen in the last episode of Season Two.

Milo Ventimiglia, known as Peter Patrelli in the show, is truly impressing the more I see him. The first episode blew me away right off the bat. The expressions on his face at various moments always show such intense emotion. He, like Ali Larter ((who played Niki/Jessica last season)), can change his whole appearance by simply changing his eyes or stance. He was my favorite character to watch in these episodes. He stole every scene.

Ali Larter, known as Niki/Jessica Sanders in Season Two, is definitely another favorite. I never truly appreciated her talent until this show. It's incredibly hard to pull off a split personality, and Larter did it with ease. She would sometimes not even change her facial expression, yet you knew when it was Niki and when it was Jessica standing before you.

That is one talented actress.

I was happy to see her return to the show despite her character, Niki's, death last Season. This review is spoiler-free so I will not explain how she is back, just be happy she is.

Especially since now her character is a dominant, strong woman who is clearly in control. 

Like Milo, her character was one of my favorites to watch. 

Another actress I never fully appreciated until this show, is Hayden Panettiere; also known as Claire Bennet. Like Milo, Hayden impresses me the more I see her. Whatever emotion is required of her, she can deliver. From being the most confident, to being a broken spirit. She can do it all.

And I love every scene of it.

Masi Oka, our time-traveling friend Hiro, is as quirky and comical as ever. He is just such a fun character, always good for a laugh. Can't wait to see more of him.

Cristine Rose, the Patrelli mother, is as suspicious as ever. Some of her true nature is finally revealed and it is shoking. This is a woman who you do NOT want to mess with. She may not be able to physically fight you, but she has her ways to bring you down to size. A truly evil mother, even by teen angst standards.

Ah, but who could forget the real villain? Zachary Quinto, our very own Sylar, is back. As seen in the last episode in Season Two, he is cured of the virus that inhibited his powers; and so has retaken the mission to find Claire and take her power of healing.

Quinto is at his best in this show. Whenever he's stalking a victim he is always the creepiest thing you've ever seen. The man's a monster, one that loves to terrorize...

One that we all live to watch.

If you haven't been watching the show, now is the time to jump in. It's a thrilling ride that will blow you away again and again.

Go Ask Alice

Title: Go Ask Alice

Author: Anonymous

Genre: Teen Fiction

Synopsis: A fifteen-year-old drug user chronicles her daily struggle to escape the pull of the drug world.

Wow. I repeat, Wow.

This book was.... incredible. Anonymous does an amazing job pulling me into Alice's world. Each diary entry shows so much about what happens to drug users that it was actually quite frightening at times. There was no censorship to what this girl went through.

So many times I would find myself jaw-dropped.

Alice.

Alice is someone everyone could relate to, and I was no exception. I found my own emotions being pulled alongside hers. She tries to be strong, tries to make her own way and find a way to define herself.... but so many things go wrong. Alice is dragged through Hell and back in her attempts to overcome her addictions.

It's easy to admire her drive to be better and mourn her mistakes.

She could be some of my own friends; and just as easily be thousands of others.

This story is as gripping as Anne Frank's diary. One that I will never forget.

4.5 stars.

A/N = My next choice of book to read is titled Broken by Daniel Clay. Like the writer of Speak Softly She Can Hear, Broken is Clay's first novel.

Charlie Bartlett

A couple of nights ago my brother rented a movie for the whole family to watch. It's been a while since we've done that; the renting and the family thing.

Anyway, the film was Charlie Bartlett, and let me tell you-- this will be a tricky one to review.

The film revolves around a teenage boy, Charlie, going to a new school-- a PUBLIC school --after being kicked out of yet another private school. He doesn't get along so great on the first day, as the swirly gift clearly shows, but eventually changes his luck when he begins to give psychiatric help to the students. He would listen to their problems or "symptoms" and then reenact them to his family's psychiatrist who then assigns some prescriptions... which Charlie then sells to the students!!

After watching the film, I knew right off the bat not everyone would enjoy it. It seems to be targeted to viewers with a specific taste. I myself enjoyed it, but wouldn't call it fantastic. Only way I can maybe give you all a hint as to whether you'll like it or not is this: If you liked or loved JUNO, then you'll at least enjoy this movie. I LOVED Juno, it's one of my favorites now, and enjoyed Charlie Bartlett, but didn't go crazy for it.

That's all I got.

Charlie was played by Anton Yelchin. He's done movies and shows before, but the only recognizable title I found was the movie Along Came A Spider, although I can't remember his face in it. I'll have to re-watch that at some point.

But, boy, Yelchin must have had a BLAST doing this role. The character is so bizarre and unlike any character I've seen before. It made for a really enjoyable watch, and provided lots of laughs.

Awesome job, Yelchin, hope you do another fun character soon.

Charlie's love interest and close friend is Susan Gardner played by Kat Dennings. She also stars in the new film Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. The two most well-known films she's done work in the past are The 40 Year Old Virgin and, for all you Hilary Duff fans ((which to be honest I am NOT)), Raise Your Voice.

Dennings' character was really sweet. Susan is just a normal teenager who's struggling to handle losing her mother at the same time as her father loses himself. She quickly befriends Charlie and grows a liking to him as well. They attempt to help each other in their struggles to move along.

My favorite character, however, is definitely Principal Nathan Gardner played by our very own Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.

Principal Gardner was my favorite character to watch because he was the one going through the most, in my opinion. He hates his job, lost his wife, is losing the respect of his only daughter, has none of the respect of his student body, and now has to deal with the "new kid" who the whole school listens to after just a few days.

Downey gives an incredible performance as his character's whole life falls apart around him. It was really something else to watch Downey, who I've always seen playing characters in full control of their life, portray someone who is the complete opposite. 

If he was missing from the film I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Really incredible.

So if you liked JUNO then I recommend you pick this film up as well. Maybe you'll absolutely love it, maybe not. But I know it's worth at least 3.9 stars out of five.

Speak Softly, She Can Hear

Title: Speak Softly, She Can Hear

Author: Pam Lewis

Genre: Thriller

Synopsis:

New York City, 1965: Two Manhattan prep school students, Carole and Naomi, make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation. Eddie, a slick Upper East Side dropout, is handsome, fatally charming, and more than willing to help the girls accomplish their goal. But on one bitterly cold holiday weekend in an isolated cabin deep in the Vermont woods, a horrifying twist develops in the plan. Before the night is over, a stomach-turning secret is sealed between friends, setting in motion a series of events that will have dire and far-reaching consequences.

Sweeping across decades, moving from New York to Vermont to California and back again, Lewis tells an utterly gripping, psychologically nuanced tale of friendship between two very different women, of the life-changing burden of a secret, the lies we tell others to save ourselves, and the lies we tell ourselves when the truth is too painful to accept.

When I first started reading this book I wasn't too interested. The writing had kept throwing me off with that I thought would be simple mistakes to catch. The main thing that bothered me was the way Lewis failed to show when time had passed. 

I would be reading about Carole panicking in one paragraph and in the next she's having an argument with her mother. Confusion sets in, "Wait! Since when was her mother in the room?!" only to find out at the END of that paragraph or in the middle of the NEXT paragraph that three months had passed and she was back home.

There should really be an extra space in-between the paragraphs to show that there is a time and/or scene change. ((Like I put an extra space before starting my review so that the reader would know that the summery about the book was over)).

I quickly found out that the reason for these mistakes were due to the fact that Speak Softly is Pam Lewis' first novel. Before this book she has done a few short stories that were published in newspapers, but no paperback books. 

Now knowing that this was her first go, I cut her some slack because, obviously, no one is perfect when first starting out.

That aside, the book was really well-written. I was quickly sucked into Carole's mindset and understood her grief-- although sometimes I had to yell at her for making stupid decisions ((which is always a good sign if an author can make you interact with the characters)). 

Lewis would sometimes write things out of order; first showing Carole and Naomi carrying out their plans, then later showing how they met. It made for some confusing reading at times, due to how she didn't always show time passing, but as the book went along she got better at showing just what happened when and the confusion was gone.

The effect of the out-of-order-writing made for a very interesting read. Just when you question why Carole would do such a thing, Lewis shows you a flashback that explains the whole reasoning behind it.

Made it very entertaining.

The dialogue felt real for their respective characters and the time periods, so there was nothing to throw me off there. In fact, the dialogue is what saved a lot of 'scenes' where I was originally confused-- engrossing me so far into what was happening I didn't care that she forgot to tell us time had passed.

The climax and resolution to the story were fan-tastically done. I was actually blown away. All of a sudden this really powerful writer appeared, as if she had written the begining of the story timidly, doubtful, only to have it replaced with pure confidence at the end.

I was so excited during the later half of the book that I couldn't put it down. Particularly during the last 4 or so chapters.

She actually had my heart pounding for Carole, panicking or angering along side her.

If only she had written like that from the begining then this book would get five stars!

As it stands now, I can only offer 3.8 stars. Yes, that is a very specific number but what can I say? I know what I like.

Carole.

Carole was a very complex character. She's goes through so much yet has the strengh to move on. Yes, her "moving on" was actually her running away to another state, but I still see courage in her. Courage to go someplace new, reinvent herself, and support herself during the hard times.

I admire how she carried herself. How she always managed to find a way to support herself.

Naomi.

Naomi had my heart. I was angry at her throughout the whole book because of her actions, but she never lost my sympathy. Her childhood had to be one of the worst in psychological abuse. There was no way she was going to "come out right" with the parents she had. 

But that's why I loved her.

Because she was completely screwed up, always making mistakes, always drinking, and always making things worse and worse for Carole.

But she was human.

More human than a lot of characters I've read in past books.

And Lewis wrote her perfectly.

Eddie.

Talk about one scary-as-all-hell dude! This novel shows clearly how girls could be sucked in with a pretty face and then terrorized for the remainder of their relationships-- and sometimes longer.

Many always wonder why guys like him always get girls, and Lewis shares the secret. No one had a chance against Eddie in Speaking Softly. You did what Eddie said, and you did it pronto, or else.

I truly hated his character, but had I known someone like this in real life I know I'd be scared out of my mind.

As I said, Speak Softly is Pam Lewis' first novel, however her second novel is already out in hardcover. It's titled Perfect Family, and the plot also sorrounds the power of secrets can wield, although it's a different circumstance. I haven't decided whether I'm going to read it yet or not, If I ever do I'll review it here I assure you.

What I HAVE decided to read next-- as you can see with the new side module "Currently Reading" --is a book titled Go Ask Alice by Anonymous. 

Catch you next review!!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Yes, I was sucked in. When I first heard of this show I wasn't interested at all. When my brother bought the first season and started watching it with me and the family, sure I enjoyed it, but still didn't really feel like following the show.

And then there was the Season Two Premiere.

Oh. My. God.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Season Two

Episode One

"Samson and Delilah"

The opening alone was so... beautiful. It was done in slow motion with a song about Samson and Delilah ((which I have to find now and buy or download because it was fantastic!!)) playing, being the only thing heard other than an occasional crash.

It starts out with Cameron, played by Summer Glau, climbing out of the exploded car and making her way to the house, limping. Now I know Terminators have no expressions... but she still looked amazing. A type of strengh I can't even begin to describe, and she doesn't let up throughout the whole episode.

This is one talented-as-all-hell actresses. And she's quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Oh, and Thomas Dekker? The guy who plays John Connor? WOW. The man is really impressing me with his acting. There is a shot in the opening scene when his mother, Sarah, is being choked by someone and the camera cuts over to him and the look.... the look on his face.... it's such rage. Pure rage. NOTHING like the John Connor in the first season. The man looked like he was ready to kill.

And it's not the only scene where his character is like that, it carries out through the show.

John is not a kid anymore. 

He's done running.

He's done hiding.

He's going to fight back.

Lena Headey, who plays the show's name sake Sarah Connor-- and also played "Queen Gorgo"  in 300 --has never had a problem convincing me she's a mother. 

She's a B.A. fighter, a protector, but she's also a mother who worries for her son-- not only for his physical state but for his mental state as well. 

There is a scene in the episode where she is talking to John through a door, explaining that she loves him no matter what and that she is still proud of him.

She pauses and says: "I know you need more from me today, but... it's going to have to be enough."

Her eyes tear and her voice goes unsteady as she says this. She tries to be there for her son, tries to do all she can...

But she can't do everything.

She can't give him everything.

And it hurts her.

And it shows.

I'm really looking forward to watching this show now. The cast is fantastic, not of them lacking in anyway, and the story has gotten me hooked.

When my brother first saw the episode ((he saw it before me)) he called me up when it was over, out-of-his-mind excited about the whole thing. My boyfriend text me the exact same emotions when he first saw it as well.

I didn't think it would be as big a deal as they said.

I was wrong.

It really is an increasingly fantastic show and I am definitely going to follow it.

Skipping to the New

Alright so many-- well not many... actually how many people actually READ this thing? --are probably wondering why there hasn't been an update in oh so long.

Well I really don't have any good excuses for it. Sure there was lack of time, but not always. Sure there were other things going on making things hectic, but not always. Sure there was work, but not always too much.

So really, I've got nothing to give. OH WELL!

I have seen movies lately, it is true I haven't gone under a rock or anything, but unfortunately they're too far back for me to give detailed reviews. 

Tropic Thunder was funny, not AS funny as I was expecting, but still good.

Pineapple Express was actually pretty hilarious and I had been expecting it to tank.

Hancock was alright. B- of a movie.

Indiana Jones was fantastic.

WALL-E was the BEST Disney movie I've seen so far. So cute, so funny, so deep.

THE DARK KNIGHT yea, you didn't think I'd forget did you? FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC of a film. I love it. Go see it. Now.

I've also read a few books I'd like to highlight:

Perfect Match turned out to be really good actually. Had a twist I never saw coming which made everything much more intense and nerve-wracking.

ghostgirl is a book by Tonya Hurley and it is FAN-TAS-TIC. It is actually my new favorite book altogether, beating Speak and One of those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies to tie for second.

It's about a girl named Charlotte who dies on her first day back at school. She stays optimistic, however, when she finds that her soul can't pass on until she solves any unfinished business on Earth. She believes her mission is simple: BECOME POPULAR.

It sounds corny, I know, but trust me this authoress has the BEST sense of humor in writing. The characters are all portrayed very realistically and you can't help but root for some, boo others, and just get so darn frustrated with Charlotte who just can't get a hint.

^_^

I love it. Definitely something I'm going to be reading again and again.

inexcusable is an alright book. Not bad, but not great. It's a great story, really well organized and realistic.... but I was terribly aware that these were FICTIONAL characters and that none of these events were REALLY happening.

I never got sucked into their world.

I don't remember the guy's first name, but the author's last name is Lynch. 

Read if you like, like I said it's not bad.... Just not for my taste.

In up-and-coming news, I'm going to try my best to bring this place back. Also, I'm going to start writing "Journal" entries for my World of Warcraft character: Faellynn. I'm thinking of posting them up here for now. My brother, the A-Train ((the link to his pullbox is under "My World" on the side panel-->)), is thinking of starting up a type of forum community for Geeky Discussions and he believes a "WoW Journal" would be fun to include if he ever decides to make the place.

So, if he does, then I will move the entries over there. Until then, you'll find them here. I'll even put the label under it as "WoW" or "World of Warcraft". Don't look for it yet! I haven't written any ;P

But, yes, COMING SOON!!!

Another thing that I hope to be coming soon is more Story Excerpts like the one I wrote about Genn. They'll be featuring the OTHER characters I've created that have also found themselves with a strange ability for no apparent reason.

Man. Can't wait to get a story plot straight for these characters... I'm itching to write their book down.

So be ready to read about Genn's soon-to-be friends and their abilities SOON.

Until then, TTFN-- Tat Ta For Now!!