Movie Review: The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers: Extended Edition

The Lord of the Rings the Two Towers: Extended Edition

Recommended for: Lord of the Rings fans

Rating: PG-13 (for epic battle sequences and some scary images)

The Fellowship has broken, but the quest to destroy the One Ring continues. Frodo and Sam must entrust their lives to Gollum if they are to find their way into Mordor. As Saruman's army approaches, the surviving members of the Fellowship, along with people and creatures from Middle-Earth, prepare for battle. The War of the Ring has begun.

This is the second part in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, although they took parts from the book of The Two Towers and put it in all three movies. While I think that the other two movies are better, it is still a great movie and is worth watching.

Technical: 4/5

The more I watch these movies, the more I can tell what is done by special effects. It is not as obvious as some movies but if you watch carefully enough, you can tell. Another thing is that Gimli's height changes. I have mostly noticed this when they're at Helm's Deep. Other that that, I think that they did the special effects very well, especially since they had three-feet tall characters played by regular sized people interacting with normal sized characters. While I have begun to notice things, I still think that the special effects were done very well. I also think that the acting was done very well.

Plot: 5/5

This movie follows three story lines. The main one is of Frodo and Sam continuing their journey to Mordor. One problem in this plot comes from changing something from the book. They have Gollum suggest to lead them somewhere in which they will probably die and then have him reform for a little while but still continue to lead them there. In the book he never was truly better. The story also follows Merry and Pippin, who were captured by orcs. There was an extended scene in which Merry and Pippin realize that some water is making them grow. They then fight over trying to be taller. It was one of my favorite extended scenes, along with a scene where you learn about the Entwives. There is one part of their story that was changed that I don't like, but it gave Merry the opportunity to give some good lines. The other story line is about what happens to Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. They help a king and eventually fight in a battle, which was extended. They also had an extended scene where you find out who won Legolas and Gimli's contest. There are some parts with the fighting that are a little graphic and disgusting which I think are a little bit worse than the first movie but I could be wrong.

Setting: 5/5

There are a lot of different places in this movie, from marshes and forests to a city that has been under siege and a fortress. The forest is different from ordinary forests. The trees are bigger, the marsh is also gross and a little creepy, but they both fit this fantasy world. There is a lot of countryside which is mostly just grass. There is also a city which doesn't seem very big that is on a hill. There is also Helm's Deep, the fortress. Since it's a fantasy story, you can do anything and I think that all of the settings fit the movie and that they are a good portrayal of the book. I also liked that they added Frodo and Sam coming across a statue that was in the book.

Characters: 4.5/5

There are a couple of new characters that you get to know in this part. The most entertaining one is Gollum/Smeagol, he was in the first one but barely and you never got to really see him. Although he is treacherous, and a little hard to look at at first he is very entertaining. His arguments with himself are also very funny, though they are also sad because the Ring destroyed him to what he is. You get to see Theoden king of Rohan and his niece Eowyn and nephew Eomer. At first Theoden's mind is poisoned by Grima Wormtongue. Theoden is a little bit arrogant about their fortress but he is a good king. Eowyn wants to help fight for her country, but is trusted to help lead the people of Rohan, and she does after arguing. Then you get to see Faramir for the first time. He is portrayed as meaner than he was in the book and is made unlikeable, which is why I marked it 4.5 instead of 5. Faramir is the younger brother of Boromir and is a better person. In the extended edition you get to see Denethor, Faramir's father, for the first time. If it is your first time seeing him, you definitely won't like him, and if you've already seen him, then you won't like him any better.

I enjoyed this movie, especially the new parts and I would definitely recommend it.

Book Reviews: Superhero of the Day and The Dragon of London

 Superhero of the Day and The Dragon of London (Supervillain of the Day) by Katie Lynn Daniels

Recommended For: Ages 10 to Adult

Rating: PG (mild action violence, supervillains, and frightening images)

Despite adopting the title of “Defender” and giving his life on an almost daily basis to save complete strangers, Floyd still doesn't believe in heroes. And after breaking up with the woman who saved his life twice, he's not even sure he believes in love anymore. Into the midst of this uncertainty steps a man who defies Floyd's way of life—Brandon Reece, also known as the superhero Blue Shadow. Brandon has everything Floyd does not—courage, honor, graciousness, and a heavy dose of stupidity. He is a thorough and competent fighter, although his idealism prevents him from being very effective. Despite constantly ridiculing him, Floyd eventually admits to a grudging respect for the vigilante, but his warnings against heroism come true–and Brandon must choose between his honor and the life of his beloved.

The world has changed. It's been seven months since London was taken over by supervillains. It's been six months since their rule was broken and a shaky government reinstated. The ruins of Tower Bridge stand as a testament to that last battle, one in which the fate of the world was decided. We are all haunted by our ghosts, some more than others. Jeffry Floyd has scarcely slept since that night, but even waking he can't escape his memories. He thinks no one notices how slippery his grasp of reality is, but Joseph Adams has nightmares of his own, and isn't willing to lose his friend a second time. When the lines between good and evil becomes blurred... A new insidious presence is creeping over London, and the rumors of a dragon somewhere under the city can no longer be ignored. But Floyd's first meeting with the creature doesn't go as planned, for the monster proposes a deal as impossible as it is unthinkable—join forces with him, and he will heal Floyd's mind. ...What lengths will you go to save your soul?

A couple days ago I read the sample of the Supervillain of the Day Omnibus on Amazon and once I got to the end, asked my sister to borrow her kindle and read all the Supervillain of the Day books she had on her kindle. Unfortunately, she informed me that since she had done a review of the Omnibus, I couldn't, so I'm doing a review of what's out of Season Two. Several times while I was reading it, I felt like I was watching a BBC TV show.

Writing: 5/5

The writing has certainly improved from Supervillain of the Day Book One. While there wasn't the best character voice at the beginning, there's a lot more in the two latest ones. Or maybe I just know Floyd well enough now that it seems that way. He certainly has the best character voice. Other than that, it seemed quite superb all round.

Setting: 5/5

It all mostly happens in London. A quite nice break from most superhero fiction, which happens flawlessly in New York City, with few exceptions. However, I've been watching quite a bit of London in TV shows lately, so it's not like it was anything new. But the books felt very British. Since I've never been to London, I'm probably not the best judge, but I'd say the setting is very well done. It certainly seemed like the same London that was in Doctor Who.

Plot: 5/5

These were short stories, so it's not like the plots can be all-fired epic and complicated. But the plots were superb for the time they were told in. They were interesting and well-done.

Characters: 5/5

I got totally the wrong impression of Jeffry Floyd before I read Supervillain of the Day. I was expecting a more Spock-like character from what I had seen, and got thrown a character with craziness to rival the Doctor and the BBC Sherlock. Needless to say, I enjoyed this a lot better than I would have my expectation. And after that Season 1 climax...poor Floyd is more emotionally damaged than ever. He needs a hug. Or Kate. Or something. Speaking of Kate...she wasn't much in these two, but what she was, she was just as good as ever. Floyd needs her after that Season One climax. I also really like Kate's brother Sergeant Joseph Adams. Floyd needs him to keep him in check. And get him out of jail.

I really liked these two new additions to Supervillain of the Day. The Dragon of London is more emotional than Superhero of the Day, but I thoroughly enjoyed them both. Definitely a recommended read.

Movie Review: The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition

The Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition

Recommended for: Lord of the Rings fans

Rating: PG-13 (for epic battle sequences and some scary images)

 With the help of a courageous fellowship of friends and allies, Frodo embarks on a perilous mission to destroy the legendary One Ring. Hunting Frodo are servants of the Dark Lord, Sauron, the Ring's evil creator. If Sauron reclaims the Ring, Middle-earth is doomed.   

Since I have already done a review of the Fellowship of the Ring, the focus of this review will be on the extended parts. Ever since I heard that there was an extended edition I have wanted to see it. My cello teacher let me borrow it when I said that I hadn't seen it.

Technical: 4/5

All of the extended scenes were at the same quality as the rest of the movie. Some of the scenes would only have a couple of seconds of extended sections but you wouldn't know unless you had seen the regular version several times. There were still parts that were obviously done by special effects. All of the extended scenes blended very well. The actors were also in character in those scenes.

Setting: 5/5

The only different place that I can think of is a platform in the trees in the woods of Lothlorien. Since it was from a scene in the book that I liked, I was excited that they had at least a little of that scene. It seemed like the book from what I can remember. There isn't much to say about the settings, but I love all the details that they put into it.

Plot: 5/5

The plot can be a little confusing if you haven't read the books but the extended edition has some extra explanations that the regular version doesn't have, though mainly little details like the Lembas bread. There were also some added scenes that were funny, one of them being when they are having trouble entering Moria. The extended scenes make the movie more full.

Characters: 5/5

They were just as believable in the extended scenes as they were in the regular version. The extended scenes help you to get to know the characters better, especially Boromir. You also get to see Merry and Pippin be heroic in an extended battle sequence. I also loved the part where Frodo asks if Mordor is left or right. 

I loved the extended edition and it won't be easy to watch the regular version again. When I watch this movie, I realize that I have seen The Fellowship of the Ring too many times but it is still a great story about how the smallest person can make a big difference in the world. This is just the first part of the trilogy and a Two Towers review is planned. I definitely recommend this movie whether you're a fan of the books, the regular version, or if you are watching it for the first time.

Book Review: Keep Smiling Through

Keep Smiling Through by Ann Rinaldi

Recommended For: Ages Eight to Adult

Rating: PG

"I was ten the year I learned that you can be good and do the right thing and sometimes it all goes bad for you.

It isn't a useless thing to know. I just wish I hadn't learned it so soon; that I could go on forever believing what our radio heroes were teaching us that spring of 1944; that all you have to do is stand up for truth and have an unswerving sense of justice and you will be rewarded in the end."

Growing up in middle-class America in the 1940s is a confusing and sometimes painful experience for young Kay Hennings. Her stepmother, Amazing Grace, is a selfish  woman who takes her unhappiness out on everyone around her. And for a little girl so concerned with pleasing others and doing the honorable thing, life with Amazing Grace is nearly unbearable.

Kay is determined to do her part for her country, and she strives to emulate the ideals put forth by her radio heroes, whose adventures she and her brothers eagerly listen to each day. But when the opportunity arises for Kay to do what is right for her country, she discovers that doing right is not always an easy thing.

Yes, that was a long description. It's what was on the back of the book and I just typed in. I read this book on Independence Day because it was my turn to do the book review and I hadn't read anything new in the past weeks. This book only took me two hours to read at the most, I don't know for certain because I wasn't looking at the clock. I didn't put it down once.

Writing: 5/5

There is something about Ann Rinaldi's books that make them really good and hard to put down (at least the two I've read so far, but I'm pretty sure the others, at least most of them, are just as good). The writing was great. Superb deep POV, good story structure, vivid descriptions, and engaging dialogue, this book was everything it should have been and more. It didn't have any typos that I noticed either, and was tastefully formatted (such as I know about these things, which isn't much, but the inside was pleasing to the eye). Well-written all round.

Setting: 5/5

The book is set in New Jersey in 1944. Of all the World War II books I've read about Americans, this one seemed like it had the most accurate portrayal. Perhaps that was because the author grew up during World War II. I would assume since the author actually lived through World War II it's historically accurate; it certainly seemed so. The main girl goes to a Catholic school and there is quite a bit of emphasis on the radio programs. Kay Hennings' world seemed very real.

Plot: 5/5

I can't say much about the plot for fear of giving anything away. What I can say is that it is good. Really good. It's exciting, intriguing...and if I say anything more I'll be sure to blab something.

Characters: 5/5

 They just all felt so real. They were so rounded. Kay had a mean stepmother, Amazing Grace, yet Amazing Grace was more than just mean. Unlike many evil stepmothers in stories, and I could name a few, Amazing Grace was a real person. So was Kay's dad, who mostly just wanted peace. And money. Martin, one of Kay's brothers, was wonderfully done. Tom, her other brother, was barely in it, but for the time he was, he was a real person, too. And her sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. so very different, yet the same as well. They weren't cardboard characters or one-sided, but multi-dimensional. And Kay herself. I'm really not sure what to say about her. But I liked her. A lot.

One of the things I really liked about this book was how all of the loose ends were tied up; not one left hanging. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who can read.

Friday Favorites: Julie's Wolf Pack

Julie's Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead George

Recommended For: Ages 10 to Adult

Rating: PG 

When Julie was lost on the Arctic tundra, a pack of wolves - led by the great Amaroq- saved her life. Now Amaroq's son Kapu has taken on his father's role. Fearless bet inexperienced, Kapu must lead the pack through the unforgiving wilderness.

Survival does not come easy. Famine and disease threaten. Bitter rivals await the chance to challenge Kapu as their leader. Predators - both animal and human - close in. And with each new danger, the pack turns to Kapu for strength. 

Following the compelling drama that began with Julie of the Wolves and continued with Julie, Jean Craighead George once again offers readers an extraordinary insight into the world of the wolf in this epic tale of a natural-born leader.

I just love this book so much. It's way better than the first two books, and it is one of my comfort reads. I have read it countless times, because it is just that good. 

Where to start? How about Rawbones? Rawbones...the wolf that led a pack for years and then joined Kapu's pack when his own starved to death...the wolf that was constantly trying to supplant Kapu...the wolf that defied Kapu by having puppies when Kapu ordered no pups...ah, Rawbones. He became a humiliated lone wolf in the end. But to his credit, at least he knew something was wrong with Ice Blink.

Ice Blink, the white wolf from Canada that carried rabies into the wolves of Alaska. Never understanding why the pack didn't accept her completely. Ice Blink made me so nervous, only a little less so now that I know the ending.

Sweet Fur Amy...I really like Sweet Fur Amy, though not as much as Kapu. She's, well, it's kind of hard to explain, but I like her. And she did make a good leader, though I still missed Kapu.

Oh, Kapu. I really really like Kapu. It's so sad that not many of his pups survived. Kapu is so majestic. He knows how to keep the pack together, he is a good leader, he knows how to survive during the hard times...I can't believe...but spoilers.

Aaka, Silver, Uqaq, Zing, Storm Call, Cotton Grass, Long Face...all the other wolves are wonderful as well. As is the story. Very intriguing, nerve-racking, exciting, and sad. A very good book that I intend to read many more times. And Julie gets married in this one, so that makes it even better.

Now excuse me while I go read Julie's Wolf Pack.

TV Show Review: Merlin

Merlin 

Recommended For: Ages 12 and up

Rating: PG

We heard that this show was good and then first watched it when I didn't want to watch Lab Rats. Even though I didn't love the magic in it, I still loved this show.

Technical: 3/5

The acting was all very good and believable, made even more so because of the way that the characters change and grow throughout the show. By the end, most of the characters have changed a lot. I rated it 3/5 because not all of the special effects were done well. There are a couple of times where something is obviously fake and the I've seen dragons look more real than the dragon in this. By the end of the show the special effects and the screen quality have improved.

Setting: 5/5

It is set in Camelot, of course, since it is an Arthur re-telling. Camelot doesn't seem to have a large population and is just a castle with a small town. There are a couple of towns and villages, which just seemed like how any medieval town or village is portrayed. They also spend a lot of time in the woods, but there is nothing special about them, except in one episode. They also visit ruins and go through caves on their many adventures.

Plot:  4/5

Each episode has its own plot and toward the end of show, they tie into each other more. There is usually one bad guy who tries to destroy them a couple episodes throughout the season. They then battle them in the finale in one way or another. It is a little predictable because the reason they're having trouble is always magic and Merlin must stop it while keeping that he has magic a secret. Merlin has to keep having magic a secret because it is banned. People, mad at magic being outlawed, are always causing trouble with magic because they hate the king for banning it and killing people having anything to do with it. Two of the funniest and most disgusting episodes are "Beauty and the Beast" pt. 1 and 2. In it the king, Uther, marries a troll. While it was hilarious, it was extremely disgusting. This is the cleanest BBC show that I have seen with only a couple suggestive scenes. Guinevere and Lancelot was handled very well. The cause was magic, to keep Arthur and Gwen from getting married. Nothing bad happened, they were just found kissing.

Characters: 5/5

There are too many to go through each one, but they were all well done and unique. The protagonists were likeable and it was easy to dislike the antagonists, especially the one I had already seen play a villain. From the villains, I always disliked Uther from the moment I saw him, Morgana made me sad because of the way she changed, Agravaine was always very aggravating, and Mordred  was disturbing and you're made to distrust him. There is the mentor character, Gaius, who Merlin almost never listens to, who says things that put Merlin into awkward situations. The funniest one is in the last season. There is also the great Dragon who Merlin listens to even less. The Dragon is selfish and I don't like him very much. Guinevere is one of my favorite characters and is a servant in this. She is someone who is not afraid to tell Arthur that his faults. Arthur is also a favorite, which is funny because I hated him at first. He grows a lot in the story, from a prince to a king, though he never did all the wonderful things they said he was going to do. He also makes very funny faces and is part of a very sad finale. Then there is Merlin, the one that the show is all about. He struggles with hiding his magic and at first struggles from fighting Arthur. He is first told that he can't insult the prince but somehow always gets away with it. He becomes very experienced with sneaking around the castle and gets into and causes trouble and then saves the day. When he and Arthur are together it is usually funny. There are also the knights of the round table, like Gawain, Percival, and Leon.

This show is not perfect, but I still love it and was upset at the end, even though I knew what was going to happen. I had liked the King Arthur legends that I knew, and I think that it is a good retelling. If you like fantasy or other BBC shows then I would recommend this show to you.

Book Review: Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace by Faith Blum

Recommended for: Ages 10-Adult

Rating: PG (a drunken character and some clean romance)

Caleb hurried to the post office. He had to get in and out before his sister finished at the general store. “Any mail for the Stuarts?” he asked the postmaster.

The postmaster took a lazy look at him over the top of his eyeglasses and gave a heaving sigh as he turned around to check. “Yep. Somethin’ from Ohio and somethin’ from Montana.”

Tapping his foot, Caleb waited until the large man put the letters lazily in his hand. As he left he wondered why Anna had written someone in Montana and who she knew in Montana. It was really none of his business, but he was still curious. He folded the Ohio letter in half and stashed it in his back pocket. It would get wrinkled, but at least Anna wouldn’t know about it.

 As Caleb struggles through some inner battles, he secretly starts a correspondence with a widow and her daughter. Their unabashed faith in God convicts him and increases his inner struggles.

 Unable to find a steady job, Maggie places an advertisement to become a mail-order bride. Her daughter, Rachel, is her motivation and encouragement, but if Maggie doesn’t find a job or husband soon, Rachel might not survive through the next year.

 Can Caleb learn to trust God despite his past? Can Maggie and Rachel hold onto their faith despite all their trials? What will happen when they meet in person?

I had heard about the Hymns of the West series and even interacted with Faith a little online, but I didn't actually read any of her books until we started doing each others' blog tours. I actually interviewed her on my author blog today. Amazing Grace is the only one I've read so far and I really enjoyed it. I read the prologue one day, but once I actually sat down to read more a few days later, I finished it in an evening and a morning. And despite being book three, it really can be read as a standalone. I'm sure I would get more out of it by reading the others too, but it didn't prevent my understanding this book to have not read the others first.

Writing: 4/5

Faith's writing gave me a really good idea of the story and all that was going on. It definitely held my attention and kept me in the story. There were some points where the writing style seemed rather unpolished, and it was hard at the very first to figure out who Duncan, Maggie, and Rachel were, and what their relationship to one another was. It didn't take long for me to figure it out, though. The only other thing I wasn't sure about with the writing was that it and the dialogue didn't seem quite old fashioned enough for the era. I did really love how many of Maggie and Caleb's letters were included. That was a neat touch.

Setting: 5/5

The setting seemed fairly realistic, not out of place with other books of similar genre like Little House or Sarah, Plain and Tall. Nothing stuck out to me as being out of place historically, and it felt like a real place. It was interesting when a certain character had an "apoplectic fit" as they called it, but I could identify it as a stroke. It really made me think about medicine in the old days and how they really didn't know all the things we do today.

Plot: 4/5

I've been fascinated with the concept of a mail order bride ever since I read Sarah, Plain and Tall. Not that I would ever want to be one, I certainly wouldn't, but it's a very interesting concept. I supposed it's sort of the pioneer equivalent of internet dating, but it has a completely different feel. Now, while that is a major part of the plot, it's really more about faith. The characters go through a lot of uncertain situations, some involving becoming a Christian, some involving a congregation that doesn't like the pastor to preach convicting sermons, some with drunken family members, some just life and carrying on through hardship and sorrow. There is also a bit of a clean romance side to the story, as it does involve two weddings. The part of the story involving the pastor reminded me sadly of the church today. People don't want to hear the hard convicting stuff that's in the Bible. Occasionally the story would skip and it seemed like something interesting would be left out, like Rachel reaching out to Toby and getting him to stop being a bully, but I still really enjoyed the story. I don't know why I waited so long to read Faith Blum. After all, it's more of a pioneer story like my beloved Little House than like a western movie that would bore me less than halfway in.

Character Development: 4/5

I really liked the characters. Caleb was certainly interesting, I liked Maggie a lot, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Rachel was a very sweet little girl, though very stubborn, and I loved how she used her stubborn nature in the right way. I enjoyed getting to know Miles and Anna, and now I've read the description of book 2, Be Thou My Vision, I want to read it to get to know them better. I kind of felt sorry for Iain, though also a little scared of them. I felt like the characters could have had a little more depth, but they were still plenty well developed for me to enjoy the story. And I can be picky about character development.

Amazing Grace was a really good story and I definitely recommend it.

About the Author

An avid reader, Faith Blum started writing at an early age. Whether it was a story about the camping trip that summer or a more creative story about fictional characters, she has always enjoyed writing. When not writing, Miss Blum enjoys reading, crafting, playing piano, Captaining on the Holy Worlds Historical Fiction Forum and playing games with her family (canasta, anyone?).

As a history enthusiast who has been fascinated for years with the Old West, Faith has endeavored to create a clean, fun, and challenging Western story. Faith lives with her family on a hobby farm in the Northern Midwest, where she enjoys the many cats they have.

You can find Faith on her Website, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

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