BoiceBox

Movie Review Mom becomes a cartoon

2018-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

I attended the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas last week and met an artist at one of the booths who drew this picture for me as the Movie Review Mom. Cute, right?

Do you think it looks like me?

I hope Sesame Street wins

2018-05-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

The creators of the iconic children’s show Sesame Street are suing over an upcoming Melissa McCarthy film that they say hijacks the show’s brand to depict puppets engaging in lewd activities.

I hope they win. Have you seen the trailer for this movie? It's disgusting.

In a lawsuit filed this week against the STX film studio, Sesame Street’s parent company says the R-rated movie, The Happytime Murders, threatens to damage its brand with “explicit, profane, drug-using, misogynistic, violent, copulating, and even ejaculating puppets.” The film, slated for an August release and directed by one of Jim Henson’s family members, features the tagline, “No Sesame. All Street.” “Sesame seeks an injunction that forces Defendants to cease and desist their trading upon the goodwill associated with Sesame Street in furtherance of box office receipts,” the lawsuit says. “The promotion of The Happytime Murders should succeed or fail on its own merits, not on a cynical, unlawful attempt to deceive and confuse the public into associating it with the most celebrated children’s program in history.”

STX responded by expressing disappointment that Sesame Street “does not share in the fun” and vowed to fight the lawsuit in court. Share in the fun? The trailer depicts absolutely disgusting behavior. STX needs to go back to kindergarten to learn the difference between right and wrong, distasteful and fun, as well as disrespectful and fun.

Solo: A Star Wars Story gets passionate mixed reviews

2018-05-25T20:16:00.001-07:00

Movie Title: SOLO: A Star Wars Story

Grade: B

Rating: PG-13,

In a Nutshell: It’s always really fun to watch a movie with an enthusiastic crowd, especially fans of a beloved franchise like STAR WARS. I've been a fan ever since I was a young girl when the very first one hit the Big Screen.

The audience clapped every time a significant moment of introduction appeared on the screen, like when Han Solo got his name, when he met Chewbacca, and when he first set his eyes on the Millennium Falcon. The audience I sat with cheered and clapped, but I admit I was surprised at how small the audience actually was. Where is everyone? Apparently, they’re busy Tweeting about how much they don’t like this movie.

After a lot of directorial drama and studio politics, Ron Howard directed this prequel after saying no to the gig 18 years ago when he was asked to direct Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. This becomes the first time an Academy Award-winning director ever made a Star Wars film. Was it worth the wait? I'd love to hear what YOU think!

Tips for parents:

Lots of fighting and violence with a very high body count.
Some profanity.
Han Solo and his team are in perilous situations almost all of the time.

Uplifting theme:

Good vs. evil
Hope
Trust and deceit
Friendship
Loyalty

Things I liked:

This new edition to the franchise includes fan favorites like Woody Harrelson, Paul Bettany, Donald Glover, and of course, Emilia Clarke.
Alden Ehrenreich does a good job as Han Solo. He’s charming and playful enough. Some fans are complaining that this movie doesn’t deepen Han’s character, but that's due to the writing, not to his acting ability. I finally remembered where I had seen Ehrenreich before...the movie Hail, Caesar!
Lots of fun, new creatures to entertain and delight audiences.
There are a lot of impressive action sequences and CGI.
I saw the film in 3D, but it’s also good without it.
There is a fun cameo appearance at the end of the movie that made the audience squeal.
Chewbacca is so awesome.
There are some respectful nods to former episodes.

Things I didn’t like:

A lot of people are complaining that the movie feels like an obvious money grab.
A lot of the scenes are shot in dark places, so it might be hard to watch the movie on a TV or computer monitor once it goes to DVD or streaming.
I was kind of hoping that the movie would include something that tied into how Han Solo (Harrison Ford) got that scar on his chin.
While we get to meet the interesting L3-37 droid, the absence of R2-D2 and C-3PO is definitely felt. It's the first time they are both missing from a Star Wars movie.
Some lines seen in the movie trailer don’t actually appear in the movie. In fact, some of the scenes don’t appear in the movie at all!
The pacing could use some help.
I wanted an emotional moment that would make me cry, but it never happened for me.
There’s no real evil villain that makes us shudder.
"Social justice warriors" and Kathleen Kennedy are being criticized for always casting "strong" women in certain roles in the name of diversity, often weakening the impact of those characters. What do YOU think of that? There is a reveal in this movie that made the audience audibly roll their eyes, as in "Oh brother!"

Funny lines:

“You’re 190 years old? You look great!” – Han
“What should we drink to?” – Qi’ra

“Let’s drink two and see where it goes.” – Han

“You will never have a deeper sleep than when curled up in a Wookie’s lap.” – Rio Durant (voiced by Jon Favreau)
“Sorry I punched your face.” – Beckett (Woody Harrelson)

“It happens more often than you think.” - Han

Interesting lines:

“I’ve got a really good feeling about this. – Han
“Assume everyone will betray you and you will never be disappointed.” – Beckett (Woody Harrelson)

“Sounds like a lonely way to live.” – Han

“I don’t know if he said ‘tribe’ or ‘family’.” – Han

“What’s the difference?” - Beckett

@trinaboice

The movie "Book Club" illustrates the power of books

2018-05-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Movie Title:
Book Club

Grade: B-

Rating: PG-13, 104 minutes

In a Nutshell: I guess you could say that this movie puts the sex back into the word “sexagenarian", although the majority of the leading ladies are in their 70's and 80's.

Sex is the main focus of this movie which, honestly, disappointed me because this talented cast could have done so much more. There are so many interesting topics that could have been explored to develop the characters better.

The stellar cast includes four Oscar winners and two nominees: Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy Garcia, and Richard Dreyfus.

Designed for an older viewing crowd, the audience I sat with laughed non-stop, while I mostly rolled my eyes.

Tips for parents:

Some profanity, crude language, and 1 F-bomb. As Candice Bergan’s character says in the movie, “Must you always be so crass?” Exactly.
TONS of wine. Someone is drinking wine or some other kind of alcohol in almost every single scene.
Lots of sex out of wedlock and LOTS of talk about sex, often with metaphors. Just so you know, the four women in the BOOK CLUB read all of the books in the Fifty Shades of Grey series, which is what triggers the focus. Sharon says, "I'm not sure this qualifies as a book." Exactly.

Uplifting theme:

“Reaching millions of people doesn’t come close to reaching just one you love.” – Arthur (Don Johnson)
“I know I’m getting older, but I’m still learning and one of the things I’ve learned is that I deserve to be happy.” – Diane (Diane Keaton)
Friendship
Self-esteem
Love and connection
The power of books!

Things I liked:

I thought Candice Bergan’s character was the most enjoyable and realistic. As a federal judge, I thought it was cute that she named her cat after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She's 72 in real life. By the way, have you heard her famous hit TV show Murphy Brown: Season 1 is coming back to TV? I used to love that show and am excited to see what they do with its revival.
The food at the ladies’ Book Club gatherings always looked so good.
Jane Fonda is 80 and looks amazing. Have you seen her recent TV show Grace And Frankie Season 1 ? She's really great in it and looks stunning.
You should read Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” It’s great and referred to in the movie. What do YOU think it means?
Keep watching the rolling credits at the end for a few more scenes.
Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen also played a married couple in the movie The Proposal. She is only 65, the youngest in the group. He's 74.
This was Bill Holderman’s directorial debut. Hopefully, he’ll bring more older actors and actresses to the Big Screen. As evidenced by the large audiences I saw for this film on opening day, there is definitely a market there. Jane Fonda revealed that studio bosses wanted younger stars to play the characters in this movie. Ageism is alive and well in Hollywood.

Things I didn’t like:

As much as I adore Diane Keaton, and I do, she pretty much plays the same character in all of her movies, including her clothing style with scarves, hats, and pant suits. She even wore an Annie Hall hat in the pool scene. It’s like she’s just playing herself in movies. In fact, her character’s name in this movie is Diane. Ha ha
There is such a huge age difference between Ed Begley Jr.'s character and Mircea Monroe's character that it was ridiculous. I know this is a comedy, but it was just silly.
This is a true rom-com Chick Flick where all of the men fall all over themselves to please the women (except one).
Sometimes it’s annoying when everyone in a movie has unlimited time and money to do whatever they want.
The second half of the movie really dropped for me.
Andy Garcia played Diane Keaton’s nephew in The Godfather, so I thought their ages were unmatched in this film. In this movie, she says she was born in 1951. In real life, she was actually born in 1946 and is 72 years old. Andy Garcia is 62.
The movie franchise of Fifty Shades of Grey is so pornographic and I’ve never understood how those movies could ever make it to mainstream box offices. Don Johnson, who is one of the leading men in this movie, is the real-life father of Dakota who stars in those sadistic sex movies. Gosh, isn’t he proud?
Blatant brand merchandising always annoys me. This movie had tons, including Zillow, Bumble, Buca de Beppo, Brooks Brothers, Mercedes, and more.
Diane Keaton’s character never says “goodbye” when she talks on the telephone. Do you know people in real life who do that? So annoying.
I wanted to see more of Richard Dreyfuss and Wallace Shawn. They're both so awesome.

Funny lines:

“The last time she went on a date, she got pregnant.” – Sharon (Candice Bergen)

“I don’t think that’s going to happen this time.” - Vivian (Jane Fonda)
* "They say that memory is the second thing to go." - Arthur (Don Johnson)
"What's the first?" - Vivian
"I don't remember." - Arthur

Interesting lines:

“Cupid is blind.” – Sharon
“The choice should be ours.” – Vivian

@trinaboice

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2018-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

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The Man Who Invented Christmas is one that authors will relate to

2017-12-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here is my newest movie review and a film I think many authors will be able to relate to!

Movie Title: The Man Who Invented Christmas

Grade: A-

Rating: PG, 104 minutes

In a Nutshell: I admit it. I loved this movie, because I'm an author.

I have a particular fondness for movies that peel back the curtains on the life of a successful author and reveal the painful writing process, including writer’s block, muses, and taking notes of people’s names (I do all that too.) In this case, Charles Dickens is the author and the book that he struggles to write in less than 6 weeks is the famous, beloved A Christmas Carol: Original illustrations by John Leech.

I love that he was inspired by life around him. Charles Dickens’ father warns, “We must not disturb the poet when the divine frenzy is upon him.” True THAT! When I’m writing and “in the zone”, it makes me crazy when I get interrupted, so I got a kick out of watching Charles Dickens deal with the constant knocking at his door.

Based on the book, this family friendly film is perfect for almost all ages and will leave you with the desire to do something kind for someone this Christmas season. In fact, after A Christmas Carol: Original illustrations by John Leech was released in 1843, charitable giving immediately surged. I hope this movie gets the same reaction.

Uplifting theme:

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.” –
“Christmas…the hope that our better natures will prevail.” - John
Are you fettered by chains that you have made in life? Jacob asked, “Do you know the link of the chain you bear yourself?”
Poor vs. rich

Things I liked:

Dan Stevens and those blue eyes! If you wanted to see more of him since you first discovered him in Beauty and the Beast (2017) (Theatrical Version), you’ll love watching him star in this movie as Charles Dickens.
Christopher Plummer was perfect as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The set pieces, furniture, and costume designs are really great. I loved the details like the oil lamps for street lights. Speaking of sets, some of the pieces from the TV series Penny Dreadful: Season One were used to make this film. Despite the fact that you really feel like you’re in 19^th Century London, most of the filming was done in Ireland.
Some well-placed humor.
The audience laughed when Charles Dickens’ publisher said, “There’s not much of a market for Christmas.”
While A Christmas Carol addresses the spirit of Christmas more than particular Christian beliefs, Charles Dickens’ book The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849 where he bears testimony of the Savior of the world and shares his Christian beliefs.
We don’t often see PG live action movies, so this was refreshing to see playing in theaters.
I love how the characters in Charles’ books come to life for him and through him and are a part of the cast in the film. In fact, Charles explains, “Get the name right and the character will appear.” I write non-fiction and have always been fascinated with how the writing process works for fiction authors who create characters and worlds.
There are several references to Shakespeare and, in fact, most of the cast in the film are trained Shakespearean actors. In real life, Charles Dickens adored “The Bard” and acted in some of his plays. Many of them had also previously worked on other adaptations of A Christmas Carol.

Things I didn’t like:

It’s a little slow moving.
Neither the title of the movie nor the original book are properly explained during the movie.
Some of the flashbacks were shown at odd times and might be a bit confusing for children.
While a biopic of sorts, some of the story is fiction. We honestly don’t know as much about Charles Dickens’ writing process as we would like to!

Interesting quotes:

“Debt is an ogre. If you’re not careful, it can eat you up.” – Charles Dickens
“People will believe anything if you’re finely dressed.” – John Dickens (Jonathan Pryce)

Funny lines:

“I’m the author here!” – Charles Dickens

“Allegedly.” - Scrooge

Tips for parents:

If your kids have never heard or read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, then you’ll want them to become familiar with it first.
Kids will be surprised to learn that Christmas wasn’t always so commercial as it is now.
Kids also won’t know about “debtors’ prison” in England, where people were sent when they couldn't pay their bills. That always seemed strange to me, because there would be no possibly way for them to earn the money they owed while in prison!
Work houses in England are also mentioned several times. Poor and destitute people were encouraged to go to work houses to live and earn money. The conditions and stigma were so terrible that people would rather die than go there.
I heard profanity twice. One of those times was the British swear word “bloody.”
Some words your kids may not know are “nappies” (British word for “diaper”) and “necromancer” (conjurer).

@trinaboice

Agatha Christi comes to life in a new version of her best-selling Murder on the Orient Express

2017-11-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

As an author, I'd love to write a book that becomes a classic and endures through the years.

Agatha Christie's murder mysteries are timeless. She was alive during the 1974 filming of Murder on the Orient Express. I wonder how she would have liked this new version.

Here's my movie review!

Movie Title:     Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries)

Grade: B

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 54 minutes

In a Nutshell: With an incredible A-list cast, this is a well-made, stylish “Who-dunnit” mystery directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as the Belgium inspector Hercule Poirot.

It’s extremely picturesque and beautiful, yet slowly fizzles with a disappointing reveal of who the murderer is.

Uplifting theme:

“We seek the truth from within, not without.” – Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh)
“Sometimes the law of man is not enough.” – Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz)
“poison of deep grief”, healing, peace
Revenge
Right vs. wrong and everything in between
Truth

Things I liked:

The period pieces and costumes of the 1930’s are beautiful.
You don’t often see movies that take their time telling the story. Both the time period and the style of movie-making seemed old-fashioned. It was shot in 65 mm and really immerses you in the various environments. The sets are incredible.
The all-star cast includes the talented Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leslie Odom Jr., Daisy Ridley and Derek Jacobi. Kenneth Branagh was absolutely outstanding. You might wonder how old Judi Dench is…She was born in 1934, making her 82 years old.
There was some humor, although the tone was a bit inconsistent, beginning with a very light feel and then remaining mostly dark for the rest of the film.
There were some really great camera sequences. One scene was shot from above the characters as they talked. Another scene was shot from outside the train as it scanned the people walking down the hall through the windows. You really feel the movement of the train and feel like you're on one.
There is a reference to a murder on the Nile, possibly a sneak peek into a sequel, but definitely a reference to another one of Agatha Christie's books called Agatha Christie's Poirot: Death on the Nile. Speaking of the author, Agatha Christie's Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express was her best-selling novel.
The movie begins at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem with some gorgeous vistas and a funny sequence. One of these days, I'm going there.
There are some beautiful vistas in Istanbul. One of these days, I’m going there too.
Michelle Pfeiffer sings "Never Forget", which was co-written by director/actor Kenneth Branagh. Wow, he was really busy with this film.
The photo of Katherine, Hercule Poirot's lost love, is actually Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh's real ex-wife.

Things I didn’t like:

Some say it grinds to a halt, rather than get more intense. Yeah, it's true. The ending is anti-climatic.
In the 1974 version of Murder on the Orient Express, the star-studded ensemble had equal moments of importance; whereas this version doesn't have much character arc and kind of fizzles. A lot of movie critics are comparing it to the movie Clue which was able to develop characters much better.
Daisy Ridley’s character is way too young for her character, who should be much older.
Sergei Polunin is a famous ballet dancer in real life, but we don’t get to see him dance at all! Instead, we get to see him beat up some people.
All of the actors were great, but felt underutilized. So much talent wasted.
I heard a lady sitting near me say, “That mustache has to go!” Hercule Poirot’s double-decker mustache is ridiculous, but his mustache mask is even worse. Ha ha When the 1974 movie of Murder on the Orient Express Agatha Christie was still alive and she commented on how much she didn't like Albert Finney's mustache on his Hercule Poirot's character.

Interesting lines:

“Romance never goes unpunished.” – Hercule Poirot
“To a man with a hammer, everything is a nail.” – Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley’s character is actually quoting Mark Twain.)
“There is right. There is wrong. There is nothing in between.” – Hercule Poirot (He learns about grey areas.)
“Vice is where the devil finds his darlings.” – Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz)

Funny lines:

“Did we die?” – Hercule Poirot

Tips for parents:

Young children may get bored, as it’s a “talking” movie that unfolds slowly.
There are some subtitles when two people speak German.
French is spoken, but there are no subtitles.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice

Boice Box now on Blog Lovin!

2017-01-05T20:38:00.001-08:00

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Merry CHRISTmas from author Trina Boice

2016-12-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

Merry CHRISTmas!

Thank you for reading my blog in 2016!

@TrinaBoice

Nocturnal Animals shows powerful writing

2016-12-24T12:37:00.002-08:00

As an author, I always enjoy movies about other writers. I would love to have my writing affect a reader so powerfully as Edward's did on Susan. This is the book the film

was based on:

Below is my post from my movie review blog:

Movie Title: Nocturnal Animals

Grade: B+

Rating: R, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell: This disturbing, stylish drama is very cleverly written and unfolds perfectly.
Tom Ford wrote the screenplay and directed this movie. He is a great storyteller and does an excellent job layering three stories over and under each other. Did you know he got his start as a fashion designer?

Uplifting theme:

“Do you ever feel like your life has turned into something you never intended?” – Susan Morrow (Amy Adams)
Regret, emotional scars.
Believing in someone.

Things I liked:

I love Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaall in anything. They’re both super talented and deliver fantastic emotional performances.
You begin to understand the symbolism at the same time Susan does.
Michael Shannon does a great job as a crusty old cop who is dying physically and emotionally.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Karl Glusman make you so angry as the sleazy scumbag criminals you want to see get what they deserve.
I thought the movie poster was really clever.
This film will stay with you. The more you think about it, the more you'll notice the connecting cues throughout the movie.

Things I didn’t like:

It annoyed me when Susan described her conservative, religious parents as racist, as if all of those things are naturally connected.
Some very talented actors had very small parts (Laura Linney, Michael Sheen, Armie Hammer, Jena Malone) and I would have loved to see more of them.
It’s emotionally very dark.

Interesting lines:

“Enjoy the absurdity of our world. It’s a lot less painful.” – Carlos (Michael Sheen who has another movie out in theaters right now: Passengers)
Susan asks, “Why are you so driven to write?” Edward answers, “I guess it’s a way of keeping things alive. I’m saying things that will eventually die. If I write it down, then it’ll last forever.”
“My husband used to call me a nocturnal animal.” – Susan
‘I’m not scared. I’m unhappy.” – Susan
“They say we all become our mother.” – Anne Sutton

Funny lines:

“Do you not trust your nanny?” – Susan

“No, I do. I just hate her.” – (Jena Malone)

Tips for parents:

This is not a family-friendly movie that children should watch. It is a very dark Rated R film with mature themes.
Vulgar profanity.
Discussion and portrayal of a brutal rape attack.
You see a guy sitting on a toilet naked.
Abortion, marriage infidelity, illegal activities.

@trinaboice

Arrival is a fascinating look at language and communication

2016-11-13T08:21:00.004-08:00

This blog is reserved for my random ideas about writing. As an author, I'm fascinated with communication, so I simply had to share this movie review I just posted on my movie blog!

Movie Title: Arrival

Grade: A

Rating: PG-13, 116 minutes

In a Nutshell: Earning 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this intelligent sci-fi thriller features an outstanding performance from Amy Adams that already has garnered Oscar buzz. This fascinating film will tickle your brain and warm your heart.

I didn’t want to post my review right after I saw it, because I wanted it to percolate in my head and process it for a while first. The more I thought about it, the more I loved it. It’s hard to write a review without giving too much away, so I apologize for the spoiler alerts below. It’s better to see the movie “blind”, so to speak, so that you get to experience the unfolding of the story.

"Arriving" at the end of the movie and understanding it is a satisfying journey when you have to work it out in your own mind.

You know a movie has done its job when the audience claps and then slowly walks out of the theater, as they try to contemplate what they have just experienced. That’s what happened when I sat in a packed theater Friday night. I can’t wait for you to see it and read your comments!

Uplifting theme:

“Language is complicated and messy and sometimes it can be both.” – Dr. Louise Banks
This is less about aliens and science fiction, but instead, more about humanity and working together.
“If you could see your whole life start to finish, would you change things?” – Dr. Louise Banks I loved the movie City of Angels and how, despite life being hard and even heart-breaking at times, it’s still worth living….every minute.

Things I liked:

Director Denis Villeneuve usually makes violent, profanity-laced Rated R movies like Sicario and Prisoners, so I was happy to see him offer something else more family-friendly and cerebral.
The cinematography is fantastic. One of the best takes is when we first see the alien spacecraft in a field in Montana with fog drifting over the ridge. Gorgeous. The camera rolls in almost a 360 degree span that is absolutely stunning.
It reminded me a little bit of the movie Signs , which I loved, because of the lingering uneasiness that lasts throughout the entire movie. The tension is handled very well. It also reminded me of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and Contact, because of the lessons we learn about humanity and our connection to the universe.
I loved the no-gravity chamber inside the spaceship, especially when the people inside could look far down below at the people walking around. Super cool.
I’m such a nerd that when Dr. Banks’ lecture on the Portuguese language was interrupted, I was disappointed that I didn’t get to hear it. Ha ha
We’ve never seen aliens like this before. We’ve never seen a spaceship like this before. We’ve never seen a written language like this before. Three cheers for creative writers!
I was mesmerized with how the spaceships left the atmosphere….soooo cool.
Did you catch Louise’s earrings at the fancy event when she was talking to General Shang of China (played by Tzi Ma)? If you look closely, you’ll also see that same image repeated on her daughter’s notebook. Pay attention to other places you see a bird in a cage too.
There is a little bit of humor, which audiences always appreciate.
SPOILER ALERT. As a university professor who teaches English, I LOVE that the film revolved around language and trying to communicate with the aliens, yet was really about how we humans communicate with each other. Amy Adams’ character (also a college professor) wrote, “Language is the cornerstone of civilization.” The gift that the aliens brought was perfect. An intriguing idea in the movie is that language shapes the way we think more than the way we think shapes our language.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT!!!! I LOVED the way that time was used in the movie. Because we’re human, we view time as linear. That simple fact makes us believe that what we’re seeing at the beginning of the movie is the beginning of the story. The movie folds over on itself, just as the language of the aliens does. Once Louise realizes that, we also realize what is happening in the story. Very cool.

Things I didn’t like:

Some viewers have complained about the slow pace, but I didn’t mind, because it gave my brain a chance to consider all of the different story angles and messages.
Each encounter with the aliens cut off too soon. I wanted them to last longer.
Jeremy Renner delivers a good performance. Unfortunately, his character doesn’t contribute much and he admits that they wouldn’t be anywhere without Louise. He figures out one thing without her and he makes a really strange decision in the end that I didn’t like.
What was the deal with Forest Whitaker’s weird accent?
There is a lot of quiet mumbling, making it often difficult to understand what people are saying.
Sometimes things were out of focus, which was annoying. I recognize that was an artistic choice, forcing us to focus on a specific thing, but sometimes it just annoyed me; I wanted to see everything!

Interesting lines:

“If all I ever gave you was a hammer…” – Louise

“Every answer is a nail.” – Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker)

“Memory is a strange thing. It doesn’t work like I used to think. We are bound by time, by its order…” – Louise
“There are days that define your story beyond your life.” - Louise

Funny lines:

“You made quick work of those insurgent videos.” – Colonel Weber

“You made quick work of those insurgents.” – Louise

“When was the last time you did something stressful?” – Army doctor

“Does this count? Just saying…” – Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner)

“Yeah. That just happened.” – Ian Donnelly
“Trust me. You can understand communication and still end up single.” - Louise

Tips for parents:

Kids will think the aliens are cool, not too scary.
Yay for science and math!
There are some subtitles your kids will need to read or have read to them.
The one and only person who dropped an F-bomb happened to be an Avenger…Jeremy Renner.

The movie is based on a short story by Ted Chiang entitled

Cool alien movies you must see:

He Named Me Malala movie and book review

2016-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here is an example from a powerful story and book turned into a less successful film. The following is from my movie review web site.

Movie Title: He Named Me Malala

Grade: B-

Rating: PG-13, 87 minutes

In a Nutshell: This true story is one that needs to be told.

Unfortunately, the film is underwhelming considering the importance of the subject material. It is informative, but not engrossing enough to create raving fans or high box office sales.

The film is a powerful educational tool for teenagers and even comes with free discussion guides for teachers to use in a classroom setting. #WithMalala Hopefully, teens, especially girls, will be inspired and motivated to make a positive difference in the world.

Uplifting theme:

Stand up for what is right. Stand up for rights.
Countless unsung heroes have paid the price for freedom.
“It’s better to live like a lion for one day than to live like a slave for a hundred years.” – Malala
“It is so hard to get things done in this world. You try and too often it doesn’t work, but you have to continue and you never give up.” – Malala
“Change matters.” – Malala’s father
Education is power. Malala’s father stated, “When you educate a girl, it transforms her. It transforms our world.” So true.
“There’s a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up.” - Malala

Things I liked:

It was smart to use animation sequences to separate the past from the present, as the film jumps back and forth in time.
Malala’s father is truly remarkable. The film explains that his family pedigree only included the names of men for 300 years, until he was the first to add his daughter’s name to it. He has such a better way of seeing the world than is common in his culture. He has done a lot for women’s rights and forward thinking.
It’s impressive to hear the profound things Malala says and then remember that she is still a teenager. She received the Nobel Peace Prize and was listed in the Top 100 Most Influential People by Time magazine.
I thought it was interesting that, although Malala would be killed if she returned to Pakistan, she still wanted to go back. She said, “I miss the dirty streets.”
There are so many positive lessons to be gleaned from Malala’s story and life. Her father stammers sometimes and she said that she was impressed with his persistence and never let his speech impediment slow him down. She suggested to him that he simply choose another word when he stumbles on a particular word, but instead, he persists until he finally gets it right. Impressive man.

Things I didn’t like:

Sometimes it’s hard to understand Malala’s accent.
It took me awhile to get into the movie, but by the end, I was glad I spent the time to learn more about Malala and her story.
The beautiful home in England where Malala’s family now lives and all of the media coverage make you wonder who it was who pushed for all of the attention and how much money was made from her story. Some people have been critical of Malala’s father, saying that he orchestrated all of the coverage in order to gain money and notoriety. When confronted with that criticism, Malala stated, “My father gave me the name Malala. He did not make me Malala. I chose this life.” Good answer.
It feels more like a documentary than a feature film.
Malala’s little brother talks about how she slaps him every day. She explains it’s a loving gesture. I understand the filmmakers were trying to show her playful relationship with her siblings, but considering the film is about violence, I wouldn’t have highlighted that interaction.
A clip shows Malala saying, “I believe there is no difference between a man and woman,” but then immediately says, “A woman is more powerful than a man.” Huh? While Malala says some very insightful things in the film, that inconsistent logic shouldn’t have been included.
There isn't very much humor, so the movie can feel very heavy after awhile.

Interesting and inspiring lines:

“Dear sisters, don’t be fooled by superstitions.” – radio host who inspired Malala as a young girl
“School was my home.” – Malala (Her father was a school teacher, so she spent many hours playing and studying in the school where he taught.)
“I think she’s not independent and free because she’s not educated.” – Malala said this about her mother
“I think she’s addicted to books.” – Malala’s brother said this about her. Later, she explains “One book can change the world.”
“I saw her completion in me and I saw my completion in her.” – Malala’s father said this about when he first met his wife.
“God is not that tiny.” – Malala
An interviewer asked Malala’s father who shot her. He answered, “It was not a person. It was an ideology.”
In speaking about the Taliban, Malala stated, “They were not about faith. They were about power.”
“If my rights are violated, and I keep silent, I should better die than live.” – Malala’s father
“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons.” – Malala
“A conscience exists in the world that extends beyond all boundaries.” – Malala’s father

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Young children may be bored. The topics are serious, political, and often dark.
There is a scene that describes when Malala and some of her classmates were shot on a school bus. You see some blood on the bus, which could be frightening for young children.
There is some live footage of past events, but most of the violent history is shown in animation.
No profanity.

Disney turns Roald Dahl's book The BFG into a fun family flick

2016-07-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here's another book that has been turned into a summer blockbuster on the Big Screen! This one is fun family entertainment for most all ages. This movie review is from my movie review blog.

Movie Title:

The BFG

Grade: B+

Rating: PG, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell: In an interview with Regal Theaters, Steven Spielberg said “This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.” It was a reunion of sorts with some of his old team from the E.T. movie days.

Director Steven Spielberg and musical composer John Williams are both film legends, so it’s awesome to see a new film that uses both of their talents again. They introduce us to a magical world based on the 1982 novel by Roald Dahl.

Uplifting theme:

The world is more giant than you can imagine.
The healing power of friendship.
"Dreams are quick on the outside, but last long on the inside." - The BFG

Things I liked:

Mark Rylance truly shines as the Big Friendly Giant.
John Williams’ musical score conjures a magical spell that rests lovingly on this old-fashioned tale.
I love all the fun words the BFG makes up. He says, “I cannot be helping it if I saying things a little squiggly.” English teachers will be delighted and frustrated.
Ruby Barnhill is fantastic and one of Spielberg’s best child talents ever. She is extremely entertaining with a bright future ahead of her.
Technically, this movie is stellar, mixing CG and motion-capture images as one. Of that impressive blend, Steven Spielberg said, “Motion capture makes you believe a little girl and a big giant can exist in the same shot.” The animation itself was incredibly detailed and realistic-looking.
I have never read The BFG by Roald Dahl, but I hear that there are some darker elements in the book that Spielberg and writer Melissa Mathison decided to leave out in lieu of a more family-friendly, feel-good flick. You don't have to read the book to enjoy or understand the movie.
Some of the conversations are pretty funny.

Things I didn’t like:

The movie definitely takes its time to develop, but the second half of the movie got bogged down a little bit. The breakfast scene with the queen was fun, but definitely slowed down the pacing of the movie even more.
Exactly what The BFG does for a living is a little fuzzy. I mean, was he self-appointed to his job and who is he going to pass his trade on to?
No women giants. The BFG explains that giants don't have parents, so apparently, female giants aren't needed.
Am I monster to admit I was a little bit bored a few times?

Funny lines:

You is an insult to giant people.” – Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement)
“Well, what I says and what I means is sometimes two different things.” – The BFG

Tips for parents:

This is a sweet family film for most all ages.
Very young children might be frightened by the bad giants or the thought that a giant gives them dreams by sneaking into their room at night. They might worry that, like Sophie, they could be snatched out of their beds at night.
No profanity.
The BFG calls farts “wiz poppers.” There are several discussions and BIG displays of farts. Kids will think it's hilarious.

The Legend of Tarzan dusts off Burrough's book and turns it into a summer blockbuster

2016-07-09T10:17:00.001-07:00

This blog is where I write about writing. When I was a little girl, I always knew I'd be an author. I just didn't know what I was going to write about! As it turns out, all of my books are non-fiction on a variety of topics.

Fiction writers have my utmost respect and admiration, because I think conjuring up new worlds that don't really exist is hard! I'm especially impressed with timeless stories that see success for generations.

Tarzan is one of those books. AGAIN it has been remade into a movie. Here is my movie review of the newest interpretation of Edgar Rice Burrough's story:

Movie Title: The Legend of Tarzan

Grade: B

Rating: PG-13, 109 minutes

In a Nutshell: Director David Yates is most known for his work with the last four Harry Potter films. This time he brings us a new take on Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan.

One of Hollywood’s first silent films was the Tarzan story, shortly after the original book came out. While the story is flawed, and many feel like there was no need for a remake, the lush, romantic images in this movie will make you feel like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bocall could float down the river at any minute.

Did you ever see the 1984 movie “Greystoke”? I loved it and highly recommend it. This story...sort of....begins where that movie left off.

Uplifting theme:

“A normal man can do the impossible to save the woman he loves. My husband is no normal man.” - Jane Clayton
Honor, friendship, loyalty, revenge, respect.
The value of human an animal life.

Things I liked:

The musical score sounded very exotic and mysterious from the very beginning.
Christoph Waltz is fantastic in anything.
Alexander Skarsgard makes for a perfectly believable Tarzan. I loved it when he greeted the lions he had known since they were cubs. So sweet. Great CGI moment! As a 6'4" hunk of muscle and abs, Alexander convincingly plays a kind Tarzan who can easily kick butt when needed.
Margot Robbie makes a lovely, spunky Jane Porter. She's a British actress playing an American, while Alexander Skarsgard is an American playing a Brit.
Samuel Jackson. Ha ha He looks like he's having fun. His character is actually based on a real person.
Beautiful scenery and settings.
Tarzan thinks those pincer ants taste like bacon. Ha ha
There is a lot of action and movement from start to finish.
There are some emotional moments akin to Bambi losing his mother.

Things I didn’t like:

The movie jumps back and forth in time and could become confusing for some people.
Sometimes the apes and animals looked real; other times the CGI looked too fake.
There is a LOT of narration so that the audience can understand what’s going on. The problem is that the movie almost talks down to the audience. Show us; don't just tell us.
Samuel L. Jackson’s existence in the movie is merely for comic relief. He represents an American emissary, which doesn’t make a lot of sense in the story line.
You hear Tarzan's famous yell, but you never actually see Alexander Skarsgard do it. You also hear him growl like lions and other animals, but again, it's a soundtrack behind him and you never see his face while he's making those sounds.

Funny lines:

“I’ve already been to Africa. And it’s hot.” – John Clayton (Tarzan)
“I never take the stairs. I usually take the curtains.” – John Clayton
“You DO know that the right side of your mustache is just a little bit lower than the left?” – Jane
“How are we supposed to catch a train going 40 miles an hour?” – Samuel L. Jackson “Gravity.” - Tarzan

Interesting lines:

“He’s Tarzan. You’re Jane. He’ll come for you.” – Captain Rom (Christoph Waltz)
“They say an elephant’s eye speaks the greatest language. Who else can say so much without speaking a word?” - Tarzan
“These are what you came for? What will you do for them? – Chief Mbonga (Djmon Hounsou)

“Whatever is necessary.” – Leon Ron (Christoph Waltz)

* No man ever started with less.” – Jane

“Your husband’s wildness easily disturbs me more than I can easily express, whereas your spirit…” Captain Rom
“That woman!” - Captain Rom
“What was that?” – Captain Rom’s assistant

“Tarzan, although it sounded different than I thought. Better.” – Captain Rom

Tips for parents:

There is a LOT of violence. Man vs. man. Man vs. animal.
Some profanity, usually out of the mouth of Samuel L. Jackson.
The issues of African slavery, mistreatment of the American Indians, and “blood diamonds” are addressed.
There is a before and after sex scene, but the audience doesn’t see what happens in between.

Rudyard Kipling's book still lives on

2016-04-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

As an author, I'd love to think my books are timeless and will live on long after I'm gone. I'm also a realist and recognize that probably won't happen! ha ha

Rudyard Kipling has definitely achieved immortality in the sense that his children's story has been loved by many generations.

Below is my review of the newest remake of his story, which I shared on my movie review blog.

Movie Title: The Jungle Book

Grade: A

Rating: PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

In a Nutshell: What do you get when you mix 90% CGI with a Rudyard Kipling remake? Surprisingly, a beautiful family friendly film.

Director Jon Favreau gives a respectful nod to the 1967 Disney original, while crafting a new one that is fresh and full of heart. See it in 3D if you can.

Uplifting theme:

Baloo says, “Everyone’s got a song.” A strong message that comes out in the film is to be yourself, your best self. We all have our unique strengths and others around us will be blessed when we are true to ourselves and use our talents.
Another wise thing Baloo says is, “You say you want to go the man village. I say you can be a man right here.” We need to stop waiting for something to happen before we live up to our potential.
Friendship, courage, love.

Things I liked:

Neel Sethi plays Mowgli, the only human in the movie, yet there is great humanity in the film. He does an excellent job and is completely adorable. I love the realistic detail of some scars on his shoulder and chest.
Even if we don’t get to see the talented Ben Kingsley, it’s a pleasure to hear his voice as the protective teacher Bagheera.
Who doesn’t love the carefree Baloo? Bill Murray’s voice fits perfectly and provides plenty of comic relief, making the audience I sat with laugh almost every time the lovable bear was on the screen. This ain’t no bear from The Revenant!
Casting Christopher Walken as the creepy, funny King Louie was perfect. Walken has that reputation in Hollywood.
Idris Elba voices the scary Shere Khan and provides a villain who is frightening, yet not so much that young children won’t be able to watch the movie.
Scarlett Johansson’s soothing, tempting voice was also a great choice for Kaa.
The wolf oath has been borrowed by the Boy Scouts of America, because it teaches some important principles still today! The 8 year old boys in Cub Scouts repeat a somewhat different version each week in their gatherings.
Adorable, yet realistic creatures in the jungle. The porcupine was an especially popular character for the audience.
Pay close attention to this fascinating detail…there is a water scene where you actually see water splashes on the camera…but is there really a camera there or was it all CGI?
Honey IS actually good for scratches and bee stings!

Things I didn’t like:

There is nothing at the end of credits, so feel free to leave the theater after the last scene. I was disappointed, because they could have easily added any number of fun nuggets to surprise and delight audiences.
Some of the CGI looks a little fake, but most of it is actually stunning.

Funny lines:

“Bears don’t hibernate in the jungle.” – Bagheera

“Not full hibernation, but I nap…a lot.” – Baloo

“I realize you weren’t born a wolf, but couldn’t you just act like one?” - Bagheera
“If you can’t learn to run with the pack, one of these days, you’ll be someone’s dinner.” – Bagheera
“He’s walking on two legs!” – animal child at Peace Rock

“Don’t stare!” – animal’s shocked mother

“What did I tell you? He’s special.” – Baloo talking about Mowgli

“I know. I raised him.” - Bagheera

Interesting lines:

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.” – Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o)
“You have never been a more endangered species than you are in this moment.” - Baloo

Tips for parents:

There are some animal fight scenes that might frighten very young children.
Shere Khan has a scarred eye that makes him look scary.
No profanity.

Other great versions I loved of The Jungle Book :

When a movie messes with a book

2016-03-22T21:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a great example of when a movie really messes with a book and overstays its welcome...

Movie Title: The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Grade: D

Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 19 minutes

In a Nutshell: Filled with TONS of CGI and special effects, this third installment in the Divergent franchise stretches out the story probably more than it should.

You definitely need to have seen the first two movies in the series in order to understand what the heck is going on in this one. This isn’t really a stand-alone movie.

Click here to read my movie reviews for Divergent and Insurgent and be sure to watch the movies in the correct order so they make more sense.

Uplifting theme:

“Great leaders don’t seek power. They’re called out of necessity.” – Johanna (Octavia Spencer)
What do we do when we lose our humanity?
‘I don’t know who told you that being different was a bad thing…” – David (Jeff Daniels)
“Maybe it’s time to start embracing everyone instead of dividing them into groups.” - Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley)

Things I liked:

Shaleilene Woodley looks more grown up and beautiful. Super cute hair cut.
I liked the concept of the cool bubble things that surround people and allow them to float, although it definitely looked CGI and fake.

Things I didn’t like:

Everything looks fake. While “Star Wars Awakens” used a lot of CGI, they were successfully able to create enough real sets that made the scenes truly believable.
Characters are paper thin.
Lots of crowds of extras yelling and shaking their fists halfheartedly.
“Purify the human genome” sounds a lot like what Hitler was trying to do…
That’s hilarious that the other side of the wall has such advanced technology, yet a lot of their areas still look like beat up warehouses.
The chase scene towards the end was super fake and lame.
Some of the actors seemed as bored as the audience.

Funny lines:

“This is fun. I’m glad we did this.” – Peter (Miles Teller)

Interesting lines:

“You are the only one worth saving.” - David
“Hello. I come from outside the wall, where we have all but destroyed each other.” – narrator
"We created factions to create peace.” - narrator (What kind of logic is that?)
“Sometimes walls are designed to protect us.” – announcement lady on screen
“It’s impossible.” – Tori (Maggie Q) “So.” – Tris

“People are sheep and they need a shepherd to guide them…and when they resist, they are slaughtered.” – Max (Mekhi Phifer)
“Why did you go to war with Janine if you were just going to become her?” – Four (Theo James)

Tips for parents:

Point blank shooting in the head.
You see Shalene’s naked body (silhouette) in the dark.
Lots of shooting, explosions, fighting
Dead bodies on the ground
No profanity.

What's your favorite book about true love?

2016-02-13T13:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
I wanted to feature a romantic movie on this special day. Unfortunately, there are 2 mediocre chick flicks in theaters right now, nothing I can highly recommend.

One of them is based on the newest Nicholas Sparks books, and because this blog is all about reading and writing, I thought I'd feature this one below from my movie review blog.

One of my all-time favorite movies about true love is "The Princess Bride." What is yours?

Movie Title: The Choice

Grade: C-

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 49 minutes

In a Nutshell: My husband says that the definition of a Chick Flick is when two good-looking guys fall all over themselves for one spoiled girl. If that’s true, then this is definitely a Chick Flick, although not a very good one.

One of the obvious choices in this formulaic movie isn’t just which guy to choose, but there are several others.

Uplifting theme:

“Life just keeps unfolding. If you sit still, it’ll pass you by altogether.” – Gabby (Teresa Palmer)
“Life is held together by choices – all sizes.” – Gabby
“Opportunity is missed by most people, because it’s dressed up in overalls and looks a lot like work.” – Thomas Edison, as quoted by Shep (Tom Wilkinson)
“Every path you take leads to another choice.” – Travis (Benjamin Walker)

Things I liked:

Most of the movie takes place lakeside with beautiful views.
Cute puppies!
Teresa Palmer looks like the All-American girl next door.
Nicholas Sparks tries to add depth to his romantic stories. His most recent tale-turned-Chick-Flick was “The Longest Ride.” You can see my movie review of that film here. That film did it much better than this one.
If you’re thinking about cheating on your boyfriend, you’ll see what a two-timer feels like.
There’s a funny proposal scene.

Things I didn’t like:

Everything about this movie is clichéd, even the clothing. For example, he wears a tank top to show off his muscles and she wears a white t-shirt in the rain.
A lot of movie critics are begging Nicholas Sparks to stop writing such cheesy love stories that then get turned into sappy movies.
Benjamin Walker drinks bottles of beer in a weird way. I know that seems nit-picky, but it bugged me.
They try to have clever chit-chat, but it comes out forced and predictable. The actors look like they’re acting.
SPOILER ALERT: A happy ending is an easy out. The harder ending would have been to write something more interesting.
Both Travis and Gabby are too cocky for my taste. They fight and bicker from the very first moment they meet, which is a clichéd, although not appealing, form of flirtation.
What kind of character does a girl have who jumps in bed with another guy when her boyfriend has only been gone a few days on a business trip? Does true love excuse lack of integrity or morality? Um...nope.

Funny lines:

“What are you doing?” – Gabby

“Walking towards you real slow.” – Travis

“Why?” - Gabby

“Cause if I ran, I’d scare you.” - Travis

“Mama, he’s a walking cautionary tale.” - Gabby

Interesting lines:

“Has anyone ever said no to you?” – Gabby

“No.” – Travis

“Then, I’m making history.” - Gabby

“Your friends, family…that’s all you can count on in this world. That’s what I believe.” – Travis
“I kind of fell into the Bible. He wanted to burn it.” – Shep
“If you see a man sleeping on the cold floor, there’s sure to be a pretty woman nearby.” – Shep
“There’s no shame in being a broken man. I should know. You just pick up the pieces and start rebuilding.” – Shep
“That’s all any woman wants…a man who’s going to fight.” (for her) - Monica (Alexandra Daddario)

Tips for parents:

Girls falling out of their bikini tops.
One girl flips the bird.
Some profanity.
Two people jump in bed together on their very first date.
Take the opportunity to talk to your family about “Do Not Resuscitate” orders.

Pride and Prejudice mixes Zombies with British humor

2016-02-06T21:58:00.002-08:00

As an author, I admit I'd love to achieve the legendary status as Jane Austin, not to mention her loyal fan base.

Many versions of "Pride and Prejudice" have been written and turned into film over the years. Adding zombies to the tale may have never crossed our mind, but writer and director Burr Steers thought "why not?"

Below is my movie review from my other blog.

Movie Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Grade: B-

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

In a Nutshell: Why? I guess writer and director Burr Steers thought “why not?”

Who exactly is the target market for this film: fans of Jane Austin or “The Walking Dead”? Is there a third category of people who love both? If so, this movie is their dream come true.

It’s an odd mash-up, for sure, kind of like “Abraham Lincoln, the Vampire Slayer”. Like that movie, real history is mingled with fiction in flirty fashion. In the beginning of the movie, we are given a quasi-history lesson which tries to make the rest of the movie make sense.

We’ve seen many different kinds of zombies in movies and TV shows before, and this movie brings us another version: one that can talk, run fast, and act human…with a British accent.

Uplifting theme:

“My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” – Elizabeth
“Keep your swords as sharp as your wits.” – narrator
True love always wins the day.

Things I liked:

I adore Lily James. I first fell in love with her in Cinderella. She is a lovely Elizabeth Bennet.
Matt Smith plays a delightful Mr. Collins, who has some of the best lines in the movie. He is a hilarious dancer too.
There is a scene where Elizabeth Bennet catches flies with her fingers as they fly by. I actually knew a man who could do that. It was fascinating to watch.
There’s a funny proposal scene involving punches and a wrestling match.
SPOILER ALERT: The zombies gather in St. Lazarus church, which is an appropriate name if you’ve read the Bible. In fact, there is quite a bit of mention of the Book of Revelations and the Anti-Christ with the attempt to make the story appear more credible.
I first noticed the delightful Sally Phillips on the British comedy “Miranda”. She is an equally enjoyable Mrs. Bennet.
Did you know that Natalie Portman is one of the producers?
Jack Huston is the perfect Mr. Wickham, as well as the most changed Jane Austin character. Did you know that he comes from Hollywood royalty on his father’s side of the family (his grandfather was the famous John Huston) and British aristocracy on his mother’s side of the family? He is currently working on his starring role as Ben Hur in the remake to be released later this year.
Who doesn’t like proper ladies with swords and pistols?
One of the tidbits of information we’re given in the history lesson at the beginning includes something true that I only learned last summer when I visited London: there actually was a wall that surrounded the city of London. Here are a few pictures of London I took on my recent trip there.

Things I didn’t like:

Men will like watching a cat fight.
It’s just odd…
Zombie lovers will be disappointed that there is more Jane Austin than zombie action.
Jane Austin fans will keep asking “why?”

Funny lines:

“I was unaware that zombies possessed such acuity so as to set such traps. Before we know it, they’ll be running for Parliament.” – Mr. Collins (Matt Smith)
“Daughters do not dance well with masticated brains.” – Mr. Bennet
“Lady, may I take a moment to compliment you on your pantaloons. Function or fashion?” – Mrs. Bennet

“Function.” – Lady Catherine

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Miss Bennet.” – Mr. Collins
“You have a very small estate here.” – The cocky Lady Catherine (Lena Headey)

“And yet we endure it.” – Elizabeth

“May I inquire as to the measure of this discomfort?” – Giardana

“I would much rather show you.” – Elizabeth, getting ready to punch her

“Mr. Darcy, you’re as unfeeling as the undead.” – Elizabeth

Interesting lines:

“Anything is preferred than to be married without affection.” – Elizabeth
“I’d risk a cold before I’d risk Darcy’s blade.” – Elizabeth
“My daughters were trained for battle, not the kitchen.” – Mr. Bennet (Charles Dance)
“Of all the weapons in the world, I now know love to be the most powerful.” –
“I shall never relinquish my sword for a ring. – Elizabeth

“For the right man, you will.” – Jane Bennet

“The right man wouldn’t ask me to.” – Elizabeth

“Their hubris will be their downfall.” – captain guy
“I don’t know which I admire more, Miss Bennet: your skill as a warrior or your resolve as a woman.” – Lady Catherine

Tips for parents:

You will hear wonderful types of profanity like “Oh fuddle!” and “Bugger!”
Homosexual innuendo.
There’s not as much blood and gore as there is in “The Walking Dead”, but there is still plenty of shootings, stabbings, smashed skulls, and other forms of violence.

Writing Tips

2015-12-22T10:15:00.001-08:00

Moby-Dick meets Hollywood: In the Heart of the Sea

2015-12-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

I write several different blogs, but this one is supposed to be all about writing.

Moby-Dick is one of the greatest novels of all time and now we have a retelling of the epic story through the movie In the Heart of the Sea!

Here is my movie review for it, shared from my movie review blog called "Movie Review Maven."

Grade: A-

Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 1 minute

In a Nutshell: 1820. A giant, vengeful whale. A ship. A determined captain. Man vs. beast. Imagine Entertainment and Director Ron Howard create a visual masterpiece with unbelievable cinematography, sailing you to the “edge of insanity.”

This seafaring yarn graphically illustrates how Herman Melville’s famous novel Moby-Dick came to be. While the screen definitely captures your attention, the storytelling has movie critics disappointed. I was entertained and intrigued, as well as disgusted and exhausted.

As always, the book is better than the movie, but these special effects are innovative and effective.

Uplifting theme:

“Can man bend nature to our will? – Captain Pollard (Benjamin Walker)
Persistence and tenacity will see you through.
Integrity is worth more than reputation or money.

Things I liked:

· THOR! If you’re not in awe of the giant whale, then you have handsome and studly Chris Hemsworth to stare at.

· Believe it or not, I actually like it when there are water spots on the camera lens. That tells me there was real water in the scene and not just CGI. Then again, some of the scenes made me wonder if the water spots were CGI! If so, nice detail! The water scenes are so well done that sometimes you even feel like you’re going to get splashed on.

· The scene with the blood raining from above was disgusting and extremely powerful.

· I liked learning more about Melville, the author of Moby-Dick, and played by Ben Whishaw.

· How did they get some of those amazing scenes? Drones?

· Interesting camera angles. I also love how the camera goes under the water and back above the water seamlessly. Great underwater scenes. You might feel like holding your breath.

· I thought the whale pins were cool. In order to earn one, young Tom Nickerson (Tom Holland) is told that “you have to thrust a killing lance into one of the largest beasts to grace this earth.”

· I love the mention of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Tom Nickerson asks “Have you read Hawthorne, Mr. Melville? There’s a writer, great writer.” Apparently, Herman Melville was quite taken with Hawthorne and even dedicated Moby-Dick to Hawthorne whom he compared to Shakespeare and called a genius.

· Great sound effects, although sometimes a bit too loud.

· I’ve always liked Charlotte Riley and wonder why we don’t see her more often. She was really great in Ridley Scott’s medieval drama “World Without End.”

· I’m always impressed with characters who rise above their temptations, like Cillian Murphy’s character, Matthew Joy. His resolve to not drink alcohol, even when things got tough, was inspiring and not seen often enough in movies.

· I love that they included a quick shot of the words “Call me Ishmael” on the screen, which is the first sentence in the book Moby-Dick.

Things I didn’t like:

· See it in 3D if you can, unless you get motion sickness. You might get sea sick watching some of the scenes. Just close your eyes for a few seconds and you’ll be fine.

· Some scenes have so many loud noises between people yelling and waves crashing and boats creaking that you can’t quite understand what anyone is saying.

· Animal activists will find many of the scenes unnerving.

· I’ve never understood how all those sails and ropes work, but it’s always fascinating to watch sailors work it.

· The scene that shows the ocean view from Owen’s house looks terribly artificial, but all of the other CGI scenes were very believable.

Interesting lines:

· “Sometimes, the fewer questions one asks, the better.” - Matthew

· “I’ll come back as quick as a summer’s eve.” – Owen

“Just come back.” – Peggy

· “Without you, the world plunges into darkness.” – Pollard senior

· “Monsters, are they real or do the stories exist to respect the sea’s dark secrets? The question both vexes and excites me.” – Herman Melville

· “The whale? So, it’s true?” – Melville

“Yes. Too much is true.” – Nickerson

· “The devil loves unspoken secrets.” – Melville

· “No right-minded sailor discards what might save him.” – Owen Chase
* "We will surely perish out there." - Captain Pollard
"We might also survive." - Mr. Chase

Tips for parents:

The sailors draw a picture of a topless woman.
Some profanity.
Several intense scenes with lots of blood and guts.
Skeletons of dead guys might frighten young children.
Explain to your kids that a “greenhorn” is the old-fashioned way of saying “newbie”.

Sailing definitions:

Doldrums: an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with unpredictable and often no winds

Port side: left-hand side of a ship

Squall: a sudden violent storm

I always do all the “talking” in these reviews, but I want to hear what YOU liked and didn’t like! Please comment below!

What authors can learn from R.L. Stine and his Goosebump books

2015-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

I don't always post my movie reviews here on my author blog, except when they talk about books, so this one is perfect!

Movie: Goosebumps

Rating: PG, 1 hour 43 minutes

Grade: A

In a Nutshell: If you grew up reading R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books or were a parent who read them to your kids like I did, you’re going to get a kick out of this homage to comedy horror stories and the author who gave them to us.

Sony Pictures Animation does a great job at blending reality with fantasy, mixed with sarcasm and romance. Thanks for releasing it in time for Halloween! “It gives me…oh what’s the word…goosebumps.”

Uplifting Theme:

· “It’s time to face your demons…” – R.L. Stine

· Connecting with real people.

Things I liked:

· As an author, I love how the ink literally comes to life off the pages of the book.

· I love how Slappy actually looks like Jack Black/R.L. Stine.

· You gotta admire the way the real R.L. Stine is bringing new life and sales back to his books! Brilliant!

· Good for Amy Ryan for starring in 2 movies in theaters at the same time! (Bridge of Spies ) I’ve always adored her ever since I first saw her do a Yoda impression on The Office: Season 5 .

· See if you can spot the real R.L. Stine in his cameo at the school. This is what he looks like in real life:

Things I didn’t like:

· It was a little bit scawy…
- It would have been fun to see more of the other characters R.L. Stine created in the movie.
- Jack Black didn't have a mole on his forehead like the real R.L. Stine does.

Funny lines:

· “Dude, we should call the cops!” – Champ

“Have you met the cops in this town?” – Zach

· “Is that your scream?” – Zach

“Don’t judge me.” – Champ

· “What is that?” - Aunt Lorraine (played by Jillian Bell)

“I rub myself in cilantro every morning.” – R.L. Stine

· “I don’t remember writing about a giant preying mantis! (it then spews s sticky ick from its mouth) “Right, now I remember.” – R.L. Stine

· “Let’s split up!” - R.L.

“No! Haven’t you read any of your books? We’re never supposed to split up!” - Champ

· “Look at this kitchen!” – Gale

“We don’t cook.” – Zach

“Well, look at all this counter space to put take-out on!” – Gale

· “I’m going to get a start on decorating my room…knock it off my Bucket List.” – Zach

· “I know I speak for the entire administration when I say how excited we are about this weekend’s dance. We can’t stop twerking about it.” – Gale

· “Shut your mouth!” – Cop

“Ok, but that’s not going to help.” - Slappy (the ventriloquist dummy)

Things you learn about writing from R.L. Stine:

· “Every story ever told can be broken down into 3 distinct parts: the beginning, the middle, and the twist.”

· R.L. Stine wrote”THE GHOST NEXT DOOR book. I guess he wrote about it twice. Think about it.

· “The night was cold. Cold was the night.” Word order is powerful.

· “No, it doesn’t work unless it’s a real R.L. story with twists, turns and frights…and personal growth for the main character.”

· Champ asks R.L. “Why did you have to come up with something so freaky?” The author simply replies “I just have a knack for it.” In other words, write what you know.

· “Steve King wishes he could be me! I sell way more books than him, but no one ever talks about that.”

· “Why couldn’t you have written stories about rainbows and unicorns?” - Champ

“Because that doesn’t sell 400 million copies.” R.L. Stine

“Domestic?” – Champ

“No, international, but it’s still a very impressive number. Shut up!” R.L. Stine

· “That typewriter is special. It has a soul of its own.” – R.L.

Tips for Parents:

· Some of the monsters can be pretty scary. There are plenty of creepy things too, like clowns, ghouls/zombies, drooling werewolf with frightening teeth and claws, evil garden gnomes, dolls, bugs, aliens, etc. R.L. Stine said in a recent interview with Plugged In that he didn't want to traumatize children who see the film, so you won't see any blood.

· Explosions, violence, suspenseful chase scenes.
- Topics addressed include evil, revenge, and love.

Can't get enough of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps? Check these out!

Deseret News loves Base Hits and Home Run Relationships book!

2015-08-15T08:28:00.001-07:00

Wow! Another great review about my newest book just hit Deseret News!

Book review: Mom-son duo offer advice in 'Base Hits and Home Run Relationships'

By Rachel Chipman

For the Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Aug. 15 2015 5:00 a.m. MDT

Updated: 12 hours ago

"Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew" is by Trina Boice.

Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Men and women of all relationship statuses can benefit from this practical and fun dating and marriage baseball-themed guide titled "Base Hits and Home Run Relationships."

"BASE HITS AND HOME RUN RELATIONSHIPS: What Women Wish Guys Knew," by Trina Boice, Cedar Fort, $18.99, 288 pages (nf)

When it comes to the game of love, everyone strikes out from time to time. And some people feel they can't even figure out the rules.

Luckily, author Trina Boice, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her oldest son, who she dubs, "Coach Cooper," a recent Brigham Young University graduate, are here to help with the book "Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew."

This baseball-themed book about dating and relationships, including marriage and pleasantly passes along solid advice and gentle humor, whether the reader just needs a few pointers on improving that batting average or relationship, or the opposite sex seems to be playing a whole different game.

Each chapter contains Trina Boice's introduction, a baseball comic, Coach Cooper's input, advice for women titled "A League of Their Own" and four activities at the end, with varying levels of difficulty noted by a single, a double, a triple and a home run. In one of the chapters, the double is talking to a woman the man previous doesn't know, the triple is talking to a woman who usually isn't the guy's type, and home run is asking a woman out who he feels is out of his league.

The baseball analogy gets a little cheesy, of course, but it shows that this book does not take itself too seriously, preventing the preachiness that pervades too many self-help books. It was also refreshing to get both young and old and male and female perspectives. The activities really set this book apart. The single, double, triple and home run options allow readers to progress at their own pace, but add specificity to what had to be a rather generic book.

Many, many dating books exist. However, the beauty of "Base Hits and Home Run Relationships" is that it does not become obsolete at any point of the dating process — even after marriage. The authors share reminders that the core of any home run relationship at any age is the right balance of selflessness and self-respect.

"Base Hits and Home Run Relationships" is primarily aimed at LDS men, but there are sections targeted at women. It would be a great resource for men or women looking to improve their interpersonal skills. Teenage boys and new husbands especially will find some valuable information in "Base Hits."

There is no sexual content, foul language or violence in this book.

Rachel Chipman graduated with a bachelor's degree in family life and human development. Her current goals are to read more, to write more and to learn to type while holding her infant daughter. Her email isracheldchipman@gmail.com

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865634599/Book-review-Mom-son-duo-offer-advice-in-Base-Hits-and-Home-Run-Relationships.html?pg=all

Deseret News

Fantastic advice for single guys

2015-08-12T10:35:00.000-07:00


My editor just sent me the link to another fantastic review for my newest book!

New Books: Love and Relationships

by Laurie Williams Sowby

The topic of relationships gets top billing in this week's two book selections, with high recommendations for both. I can't say enough good things about either.

The first is for those in the dating stage. Relationship building is treated with humor, insight, and practical advice in Base Hits and Home Runs: What Women Wish Guys Knew (Cedar Fort Publishing 2015, 276 pages in soft cover, $18.99). The woman speaking from experience here is Trina Boice, who enlists sports metaphors and the aid of her twenty-something son, "Coach Cooper," in rallying eligible young LDS bachelors toward more meaningful relationships with the opposite sex.

The topics are on-target as the book moves from simply playing ball to the minor leagues and then the majors. How to flirt, dress, compliment, plan dates, listen, score points with her friends, and work up to the first kiss are all covered, along with crucial aspects such as defining the relationship and continuing courtship after marriage and even after children. Boice's explanations (translations?) of what women are thinking in various situations and stages of a relationship could be a major revelation to male readers.

Interesting stats, assignments to put the principles into practice, and quotes from sports figures round out the chapters. The author is careful to reference scriptures, quotes, and research without detracting from the lively conversation. For less than 20 bucks, this book is a great investment for any young man who wants to get serious about finding--and being--"the one."

More serious in tone is Love is a Choice (Deseret Book 2015, 273 pages in hard cover, $24.99). Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy approaches the topic of maintaining relationships through modeling them on principles of the gospel and attributes of the Savior.

In the first part, "Choosing Love," he speaks of "growing in love" as opposed to the more temporary "falling in love" and teaches about the Lord's way as opposed to "the wrong way," both obvious and less so. Elder Robbins presents it all in the context of families and the eternal perspective. Scriptures and gospel-centered explanations address couples at all stages, from newlyweds to parents and eventually empty-nesters.

He goes into depth in chapters on agency and love in marriage, accepting the responsibility to repent and forgive that comes with agency, following the Savior's example and understanding how his Atonement can strengthen marriage and family, the interconnectedness of love and self-reliance, respecting children's agency, and choosinghappiness.

Part II offers additional "Resources for Practicing Great Choices," with a look at financial unity in "One Heart, Mind, and Bank Account" and helps for family home evening in another chapter. Some 60 pages of appendix are devoted to "Christlike Virtues" which could individually be studied and discussed in relation to their role in creating strong, loving relationships.

Both books are solid resources for readers who want to improve their relationships by improving themselves.

Love is like baseball

2015-07-03T17:23:00.001-07:00

I just received another fantastic review for my newest book Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew

Here is a book review written by Melanie Valderrama who reviews a TON of books on her blog at on www.melsshelves.blogspot.com To read more about her review, you can go to her site.

Love is like baseball, so hit a home run in your relationship! With Trina Boice's advice, any man can learn how to step up to the plate. Learn tips, stats, and skills to make a powerful and lasting romance whether you're in the “minor leagues” of dating or the “major leagues” of married life.

I like the idea of this book and think it's full of great advice! There are three main sections, or "innings." The first inning is "Play Ball!" where the author explains how her book is set up. She gives some advice, then turns it over to her son, Cooper, who shares his perspective on the topic being discussed and shares tips and examples to help be successful in dating and relationships (yes, he's tried and tested these ideas himself). She also shares Stats in each chapter and has assignments which are various challenges and go along with the baseball theme. Women aren't off the hook, either. She has a section for them at the end with advice, assignments and challenges as well.

The second inning is "The Minor League." Most of the chapters are in this section and some of the topics include first impressions, how to flirt, when to call a girl, courting and dating ideas (these work for relationships at every level), persistence, first kiss, defining the relationship, and finally, the proposal.

The third and final inning is "The Major League." This deals with marriage. There are topics that cover newlyweds, sex, continuing courtship in marriage, forgiveness, communication and avoiding divorce.

No matter which stage your relationship is in, there is something for everyone in this book. Dating can be scary and I liked how Trina and her son, "Coach" Cooper, break it down and explain it. The baseball theme makes this book fun to read and is something men can relate to. I enjoyed their stories, get to know you games and questions, questions to reflect on, and advice. I also thought the body language discussion was interesting.

I had to read through it quickly this time and plan to go through it again slowly. There's a lot of information and assignments so it will take quite a while to get through all of it if you're looking to improve your relationships. I also plan to share it with my son when he starts dating so he can feel more confident in the dating game. Guys (and girls), this is a book worth reading and you'll want to follow through on the assignments!

Another Nicholas Sparks book turns into a Chick Flick

2015-07-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

I write a movie review blog, but whenever the movies come from books, I like to include those reviews here on my author web site!

Movie: The Longest Ride

Pg-13, 2 hours 8 minutes

Grade: B+

In a Nutshell: What I thought would just be a sappy, preditable Chick Flick turned out to be a romance with great depth and heart. We recently saw the beautiful Britt (Brittany) Robertson in Tomorrowland , looking like a spunky teen with gorgeous hair. A minute later, she’s all grown up and falling in love. Her boo is the handsome Scott Eastwood whose life revolves around the “toughest sport on dirt”, bull-riding. He’s the old-fashioned gentleman and hero that every girl wants.

The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Also featured in two love stories for the price of one are: Alan Alda, Oona Chaplin, and Jack Huston. I love it when stories intersect and it works well in this movie.

Uplifting Theme:

· Ruth asks “What right do I have to be happy when there is so much suffering in the world?” Young Ira wisely states “What right do you have to not be happy?” Despite life’s trials and challenges, we need to find our own happiness.

· “Even an accident will have purpose and direction.” – Black Mountain College art teacher

· Luke explains to Sophia that “All bull riders get hurt. It’s not a matter of if, but when.” I think that’s true for humans in general. We’ll all get hurt emotionally in our lives. The idea is to get through it gracefully and with love.

· “Love requires sacrifice. Always.” – Ira

· “We focused on all the things we had, rather than the things we didn’t.” - Ira

Things I liked:

· I live in Las Vegas where “Cowboy Christmas” takes over the town every December. It was fun to see the bull-riding trials before that big championship.

· I love the cute look of a skirt with cowboy boots. Another good look is a shy cowboy holding a bouquet of flowers.

· The film is full of great country music from the Pistol Annies, Black Pistol Fire, The Wild Feathers, Ryan Adams and more. The Longest Ride (Original Soundtrack Album) will surely be popular.

· Beautiful North Carolina scenery near where my mother grew up.

· The first kiss can really say a lot. Ira explains “Our first kiss – it was the promise of everything to come.” Couples often spend their lives trying to recapture that original magic. An older Ira sadly noted “It’s a scary thing how the people closest to you can become strangers.”

· SPOILER ALERT: I love inspiring World War II movies. I was surprised to see a cowboy chick flick include a war twist.

· Sophia explains that her favorite comfort food is a Polish dumpling called “Koldenny”. Want to see what it looks like?

· I thought Ruth was so sweet to her students. A good elementary school teacher can truly change the direction of a child’s life.

· The film touches on childless couples and the painful process of adoption.

· SPOILERT ALERT: The target audience will love the sweet, fairy tale ending.

Things I didn’t like:

· Over two hours long, some guys in the audience may find new meaning to the title The Longest Ride

· The ingredients are pretty predictable. Somebody’s gotta get wet and have to get undressed at some point, right?

· Both couples include a spunky girl and a quiet, country boy. Maybe more variety would have added increased depth to the characters.

Funny lines:

· “I want a cowboy!” – One of Sophia’s sorority sisters

· “She has the coldest hands I’ve ever felt. I think she soaks them in ice water before she comes by.” – Ira Levinson (the wonderful Alan Alda)

· “How are you feeling?” - Sophia to Ira

“The better question is how do I look?” – Ira

“Very handsome.” – Sophia

“That’s all I care about.” - Ira

Sappy lines that girls fall for every time:

· “Our chance at being together was greater than being apart.” – Ira

· “Today started out like any other day, but when you walked through the door of my father’s store, looking so beautiful and vibrant, I knew my life would never be the same.” – Young Ira (Jack Huston)

· “I just don’t know how to make this work.” – Luke

“I don’t either, but I know that I want to.” – Sophia

· “I love you so much, even if that means it doesn’t include me.” – Ira

· “it’s only 8 seconds. That girl could be the rest of your life.” – Kate (Lolita Davidovich)

· “Ruth had an eye for talent. I only had eyes for Ruth.” - Ira

Tips for Parents:

· There are moments when you see some naked parts during pre-marital sex, including Scott Eastwood’s bum. Both couples end up in bed.

· Mild profanity.

Good for Britt Robertson for having two movies out this summer!