Blue Moon by Alyson Noël (2009)

This book was a birthday present from my mum who confessed she saw it in a supermarket and thought I might like it. We soon realised it was a book was actually the second in The Immortals series, but I am a huge fan of anything fantasy and was high on my reading list even if I couldn't read them in order.

It took me just over 2 weeks to read, which is no indication of its content which was great, but just a victim to my busy timetable of late. But anyway - about the book...

The synopsis provided on the cover reads:

"Things have changed for Ever since she fell in love with Damen. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen seems to be weakening. Panicked at the thought of loosing him, Ever finds a path to the inbetween world of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen's tortured past - and accidentally discovers a way to twist time. Now she can save her family from the accident that killed them. It's all she's ever wanted - but so is Damen. And Ever must choose between them..."

Try not to be confused by the name Ever in the synopsis, as it takes a page or two to get used heteronym but I didn't think after then. Yet I was captured by the first page. Think magic from Harry Potter, and romance from Twilight.

Yes this book is a teen read but it does it well. And not as predictable as I first thought!! It does have that annoying American High School thing going on, and the usual popular and jock divide. But it is twisted and distorted in a narrative that I really enjoyed.

I am really keen to source an read the other books in the series, which is becoming and expensive habit. First it was the Stargazer series, the Women of the OtherWorld and now this, but I love the little bite size pieces of escapism.

Well recommended to fans of teen fantasy fiction, however may be a little tedious for 18+ audience (although I loved it!!)

4/5

Over and Out
Forever shall i rant :P
xx

Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s family musical has brought the spectacle to Portsmouth, with excellent results.

The retelling of the biblical story of Jacob’s dozen sons captured the hearts of every member of the audience. Well known songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Go Go Go Jo” received supporting vocals from most of the audience, including the very impressive voice of the gentleman sitting behind me, who has battling the leading role in volume!

Although Chris Chalmers, the Any Dream Will Do BBC reality show finalist had a shaky start he warmed up and provided an emotional performance in the second half. The narrator however was outstanding throughout the performance, giving me Goosebumps from the very first song.

The comedic moments provided light relief, and worked well with the quirky personas promoted by the brothers.

Overall a amazing night I won’t forget, I would be happy to watch it all over again tomorrow!!

Apologies

I apologies for no reviews. University work has completely taken over my life at the moment and I have been struggling to find the time and energy to write. But hopefully I'm going to see Remember Me (the new romantic drama that premiered this week is Robert Patterson in) next week and will post a review as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading.

Much love, RieReviews xxxx

Avatar 3D (2009)

Director: James Cameron
Studio: Dune Entertainment, Giant Studios, Ingenious Film Partners, Lightstorm Entertainment.
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Corporation
Certificate: 12A
Run Time: 162 mins
Rating: 9/10

The must-see movie of 2009 still has a buzz 4 months after its release. The box office breaker, Avatar has well and truly secured its place in movie history.

Titanic’s director James Cameron has created a masterpiece in 3D that has helped millions of people around the world to escape from the mundane world. The planet of Pandora really does open up a magical box of colours in a never seen before 3D triumph.

The half-human half Na’vi creatures are stunningly beautiful in an alien kind of way, there iridescent blue skins providing a spectacle in themselves, not being lost within their beautifully and seemingly natural surroundings.

The narrative is also not lost to the special effects, with tales of love, preservation of sacred places and betrayal central in the plot line, and although they are not an innovate tale, I felt seduced by the fantasy of it all.

The hefty run time however did prove a little difficult, with attentions of the audience seemingly wandering around the half waypoint. Nonetheless, the battle scene of epic, fantastical value soon pulled viewers attentions back into the dream world.

The sense of community, love for each other and their environment displayed by the Na’vi tribe was truly moving and completely tangible with the 3D glasses allowing the audience to feel inside Cameron’s vision, and share the protagonist’s emotions at every stage.

Where as I was completely seduced by the world created, my partner felt disenchanted by the sight of me in truly ridiculous black framed sunglasses. Although a lot more sophisticated than the cardboard frames that have been provided at 3D screenings in the past, , they are not going to be the next big fashion accessory. On the other hand they did fit over my own frames easily and were comfortable so they are a lot more practical!

As a side note there has also been some cool merchandise launched in the way of interactive toys. It is a must-have purchase for any Avatar fan, the dragon figures being the most amazing. When an iTag is scanned via webcam on the Mattel website (which is provided with the toy) the character comes to life on screen in the background of you hand. I cannot explain the nerdy exhilaration you get from being admitted into Pandora’s universe. Two or more figures can even interact when scanned together. Happy Playing J

Overall, I give Avatar a 9/10. I am not ashamed to admit that I will be first in line to purchase it on DVD, and I am eagerly awaiting the rumoured sequel.

Rie xxxx

The Lovely Bones (2010)

Director: Peter Jackson

Studio(s): Film 4 Productions & WingNut Films.

Distribution: Paramount Pictures & DreamWorks Pictures.

Run Time: 135 mins.

Rating: 6/10

I was naturally excited about the release of The Lovely Bones. The book was a poetic yet emotional roller coaster and I was looking forward to how this was going to be portrayed on the big screen. However as with most books that are made into films, I left the cinema disappointed at the result.

During the transition from Alice Sebold's novel to the big screen, it appears that the narrative was lost to the gore of the kill, and the subsequent CGI representations of limbo. The swirling colours and blurring lines of reality became hard to follow as the movie progressed, not made any easier by the confused teenage narration of the protagonist.

However the emotional turmoil of Susie Salmon's 14-year-old mind was not sacrificed. I am known as a bit of a crier at a tense moment, and I did not let my companions down. The grief of the Salmon family was both gripping and hard to watch, and I found myself willing her family to get justice for her.

This did not do anything to take the edge of my disappointment of the portrayal of the after life, which I felt was destroyed by the computer generated effects. Susie's heaven became something more fitting to a sci-fi than a drama, and I feel this took the edge of its effect.

I did not find the novel frightening or tense in the way the movie pretended to be. The glory of the narrative was the connection between Suzie and her family after her life was stolen away from her, it was not the act and disposal of her body. I feel that the demand for blood, gore and tension destroyed the factors that made the novel outstanding.

I’m sorry to rate it just a 6/10!!

Rie xxxx

Hello and Welcome

Hello and welcome to Rie Reviews.

Here i hope to review all media texts that i have consumed recently. Those of you that already know me will understands my love of reading and this will predominatly be a place to post my thoughts of the books i have read. However i will also put a lot of effort into reviewing movies, possibly television shows and music. I welcome from the onset any requests for reviews, and activly encourage you all to comment.

I will apologise in advance that this will not be an instant upload of the latests releases, i haven't built up the money or the contacts to do this yet: but this is my ultimate goal.

Reviews in the pipe line include:
Avatar (3D cinema experience)
Enduring Love (book by Ian McEwan)
The Genesis Secret (book by Tom Knox)
and many many more.

Please introduce this blog to all your friends, fellow readers, watchers and fans.

Yours Truely, Rie xxxx