The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians)

Reviewed by JuliaAerides


I believe I have reviewed the book version of this movie before so I won't go into the storyline. Click here for the link.

This movie adaptation does not do the book justice. Not only its a lot less funny, its also a lot less fun. It also eliminated, changed or simplified numerous key plot, scenes, and character introduction. Plus the movie was altered too much from the book. More as in change storyline more.

The setting for the movie was also unrecognisable in the movie. What happened to Thalia's tree that was suppose to act as the border for Camp Half-Blood? If i recall correctly, Percy's room did not overlook a lake and the Entrance to the Underworld was supposed to look like a record studio. So tell me what happened.

I absolutely loved the book. I thought it was smart, funny and very engaging. But in the movie there was no character growth. Percy was BAM suddenly a hero wanabe. What happened to the insecure teenager with ADHD and dylexia who suddenly had to face the toughest decisions in his life?

For someone who has read the books (namely me), it is sorely disapointing as I was expecting so much more. They failed to deliver the vital points for the next books - as a matter of fact MOST key characters were left out...the ones that propel the story as a series. If I had never read the book, it would be a fairly good movie, but if I was the author, I would make sure they actually follow it somewhat.

The casting was excellent no questions with that. What else that was missing was the was missing was the first person narrative. They should definately have some voice-overs for thoughts or something. It's just what makes the series so charming.

Verdict: 4.7

Bleach movie 2 : The DiamondDust Rebellion

Reviewed by kuro-hime

Don't worry, next week, I'll review Bleach movie 3.



Synopsis :

A valuable artifact known as "King Seal" is stolen by a mysterious group of people during the transport in Soul Society, Hitsugaya Toushiro, the 10th division captain of Gotei 14, who is assigned to transport the seal fights the leader of the group and shortly after goes missing.

After the incident, Seireitei declares Hitsugaya a traitor and orders the capture and execution of Hitsugaya. Kurosaki Ichigo refuses to believe this, and along with Matsumoto Rangiku, Kuchiki Rukia and Abarai Renji swear to uncover the truth and clear Hitsugaya's name. Meanwhile, a rogue Hitdugaya searches for the perpetrators and uncovers a dark secret regarding a lond dead shinigami.

Storyline :

The pacing of this movie is really good. Nothing feels out of place. In fact, the timing is pretty good. The plot of this movie is really nice and sad. The plot makes sense and it does not feel like a filler movie unlike the first bleach movie.

Music :

The credit song for the movie was just ordinary. I didn't really like that song. However, the backgroud music was wonderful. Whenever I hear it, I know something is going to happen. Not only that, the songs really adds the intensity to the movie.

Animation :
The animation was average. I don't find the animation anything special. I feel that anime art is always better than the movie and I wonder why... Are they trying too hard? Anyhow, same for bleach. I think Bleach anime art is way better than the movie. The movie somehow presses more on the shadowing and making the edges sharper. That slightly distorts the character features. Maybe, they are trying to make it look darker but I don't think that it's nice.

Characters :




TOUSHIRO HITSUGAYA
He is the main character in this movie. He is your usual tsundere character. He does the "leave me alone" thing and "this my problem, I'll deal with it on my own" thing. He hardly shares. He is a child prodigy and youngest captain of the Gotei 13. So yea, he maybe a little arrogant.



SOJIRO KUSAKA
In this movie, he is bad guy. Well, he died as a shinigami long time ago but he was reborn as a hollow in Hueco Mundo. And now, he is back for revenge against the Soul Society and Toushiro Hitsugaya. He feels that the Soul Society was unfair to him and that he is the true wielder of Hyorinmaru instead of Hitsugaya. FYI, he and Hitsugaya were good friends in the past.


ICHIGO KUROSAKI
Who doesn't know this dude, unless you been living under a shell for several years. He is the main character of the very popular anime series, Bleach. And well, of course, like any typical shonen main character, he is a kind hearted dude who cares about his comrades.

Review :

This is definately more awesome than Bleach 1st movie. This movie was awesome~! It had action from the very start till the end. This movie was quite intense that it kept me at the edge of my seat. As I watched, I was curious and wanted to know more. The action scenes were very satisfying.

But at the end, the action wasn't so nice when Ichigo interupted with his wise talks. Sometimes, I wish he talked less and let the fights just continue.
The background music was awesome because it makes more intense. This is an intense but nonetheless, it was good.

I rate it a 4 stars out of 5. Definately a must watch to all Bleach lovers and action lovers. Great movie with a great plot and kick ass fight scenes.

The Gift

Reviewed by kuro-hime

Because last week, we didn't review anything. This week we will review two stuff.

SYNOPSIS :

Lou Suffern wishes he could be in two places at once. His constant battle with the clock is a sensitive issue with his wife and family. Gabe is the homeless man who sits outside Lou's office. When Lou invites Gabe into the building and into his life, Lou's world is changed beyong all measure...
An enchanting and thoughtful Christmas story that speaks to all of us about the value of time and what is truly important in life.

Character Development :

At first, Lou Suffern character is quite shallow but through out the book, his character deepens and becomes more real. During the first few characters, you feel that Lou Suffern is a little fake. But as the story progresses, his character begins to make sense and feel real. In the beginning, he is not a very likeable character but in the end, you wished the author didn't give him that kind of ending.

Writing Style :

Cecelia Ahern writing style is a little complicated and hard to imagine at times. But at certain times, it was simple and flowy. Her writing style is a little unconsistent. However, half the book later, her writing style becomes more flowy and warmer. The story becomes very heart warming.

Review :

In the first chapter, the story didn't even started with Lou Suffern. It started with some guy that is not even mentioned in the synopsis. As the story progresses, it felt a little fake and bullshit. No guy could be that lame, could they? The story felt very distant. The main character felt fake and personally, I couldn't relate with him.

I had a lot critics for it. Like how the writing style is inconsistent & how lame the character is.

Just as I was about to give up on reading this book, the story turns on me. Suddenly, half a book later, the story becomes warmer and I could relate with the character suddenly. The writing style improved by leaps and bounds too. Wow, I was pleased and I continued to read.

And when it finally ended, it really touched my heart. I have to really say that the story showed not only to the character but to the readers also about the most important thing in life and the value of time.

This story is like Christmas Carol but only slightly nicer and more modern with a sad ending. I wish the author didn't end it that way. Nonetheless, this is a very good read. This would make a very good christmas read. Really.

I rate it 3.5 stars out of 5.