Inception

Title: Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan

Writer: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page

Grade: A

In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception.
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This movie impressed me completely. The first time I saw the trailer I knew that I had to see it. Not only did it have some delicious DiCaprio and other..attractive co-stars, it also had Ellen Page. I have seen about 4 movies starring Ellen Page and I loved every single one. Right off the bat I went into the theater with high hopes.

The movie starts out by jumping right into the action with some of the main cast performing "Deception," which is where they trick someone into letting them know their secrets. After that it's pretty much action scene after action scene which made the movie very exciting and never boring.

I recognized that Ellen Page, who played Ariadne, was just a plot tool. Without this newbie in their group there would barely be a logical reason to explain what they are doing since they are all seasoned experts on the topic. Ariadne gave them a reason to explain the how and the why.

I only had one complaint really. I understood how they would construct dreams and whatnot, but they never explained how they ALL got in the same dream together knowing exactly what they were doing and only having the intended dreamer dream. Besides that I was completely pleased.

The movie gives you so much to think about that when we left the theater our brains felt overworked. I've never thought about and analyzed a movie so much before in my life. I usually don't buy movies but I really want this one. I think that it is very re-watchable.

Overall "Inception" was a great movie that relied mostly on plot and storyline rather than vampires and romance. All of the actors were amazing and the action and dream scenes are breathtaking. I would recommend this movie to anyone who actually likes to think through some complex ideas.

-Amanda

The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa

Title: The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya

Author: Nagaru Tanigawa

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: C

This third volume in the Haruhi Suzumiya series is a collection of four exciting short stories that chronologically take place before The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya.

The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya: In her latest attempt to give the S.O.S. Brigade more public exposure, Haruhi signs the group up for the city-wide baseball tournament.

Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody: It's like Back To the Future! In order to prevent an impending disaster, Mikuru takes Kyon back in time, where he meets Haruhi as a seventh grader.

Mysterique Sign: The computer club president at school mysteriously disappears, and it's up to the S.O.S. Brigade to get to the bottom of it!

Remote Island Syndrome: It's vacation time when a relative of Itsuki's invites the S.O.S. Brigade to stay at his island villa. But then a dead body turns up, and Haruhi and the gang get mixed up in a thrilling murder mystery.
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As always these books pleased me immensely. I really enjoyed how Boredom was more than just one story, unlike the other books Boredom included several short stories that made the book more interesting and fun to read.

It's funny to read Kyo's off the wall observations and everyone else's wild reactions to the plans that Haruhi devises.

All of the characters can be pretty annoying at times though as well. No one would do the things they are doing, or say the things they are saying but you just have to remember that it is a work of fiction. Of COURSE it's made up. Do you really think espers and time travelers are real? It's hard to get angry about how unrealistic the characters are when you're dealing with a fantasy novel.

I really enjoy looking at the random art. My mind can stray from books often but seeing pictures gives me the ability to get it together. They also give me a clearer idea of what was going on. They seem to be strategically places where a confusing scene is going on.

To put it simply, I liked the book. It was funny, and creative just like the ones before it. Keep it up Tanigawa. I look forward to reading whatever comes next.

-Amanda
Book received free from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Prize List

Most of my contests will direct you to this page, from which you will select a pre-determined number of books to receive!!

Girl Goddess #9 by Francesca Lia Block
Hottie by Jonathan Bernstein
Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell
The Glass Cafe by Gary Paulsen
Pieces of Me by Charlotte Gingras
Murder at the Lake by Bren Gaudet
Posh and Prejudice by Grace Dent
Don’t Get It Twisted by Paula Chase
Ordinary Me by June Sproat
Harder by Sha
Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell
Access Denied by Denise Vega
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
Thwonk by Joan Bauer

The apology of all apologies

I feel so bad guys. I completely abandoned the blog months ago. I just couldn't keep up with all of the reviews that I had to write. I've been thinking things over and decided to re-vamp the blog. Instead of just a book review site, I will also be posting movie reviews as well as other teen related news and issues. I am going to keep some of my weekly features including Waiting on Wednesday, In My Mailbox, and Contest Saturday. Speaking of contests, I'm going to start holding monthly contests. Which is why I will soon be posting a prize list.

I considered opting for a partnership but I wouldn't want to depend on someone for so long or disappoint someone who was as invested in the blog as much as I am.

I am really excited about this. My goal is to post everyday throughout 2011. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any ideas or something specific that you would like to see from me in the future.