Movie Review: Killing Them Softly

"In America you're on your own"

Jackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

Cast:
-Brad Pitt
-Scoot McNairy
-Ben Mendelsohn
-James Gandolfini
-Richard Jenkins
-Vincent Curatola
-Ray Liotta
-Trevor Long
-Max Casella
-Sam Shepard
-Slaine

IMDB - Rotten Tomatoes - Amazon - Official Site

Release Date: November 30, 2012
DVD Release Date: February 27, 2013

Most awkward situation ever. I was the third wheel on a venture to see the newest Brad Pitt film. The good thing about being a third wheel is that you don't have a date to worry about entertaining during the film. I could actually pay attention and examine what I was seeing. It was a guy film. One of those gangster 'lets kill him cause he stole our money' type flicks. I was wondering for the longest time, what had happened to Brad Pitt? His luscious wife had been making films and working, but I hadn't seen much from him. Busy being a good father and sex symbol I suppose. Either way, the break was worth it because Brad Pitt was back in a big way. 

His character in the film is pretty baddass, in a way that only he could play. He goes around reaping vengeance for the higher ups and does it ever so smoothly. If shooting a man in the face through his car window several times at a stoplight can be considered smooth. After several first class ass kickings and assassinations I started to realize that this film was much more clever than it lets on. Underneath all that hard and gritty guy film exterior it is a public service announcement. It is a truthful commentary on the state of the American government and economy. This is made clear in the final moments of the film when Brad Pitt speaks these epic words:

"My friend, Thomas Jefferson is an American saint because he wrote the words 'All men are created equal', words he clearly didn't believe since he allowed his own children to live in slavery. He's a rich white snob who's sick of paying taxes to the Brits. So, yeah, he writes some lovely words and aroused the rabble and they went and died for those words while he sat back and drank his wine and fucked his slave girl. This guy wants to tell me we're living in a community? Don't make me laugh. I'm living in America, and in America you're on your own. America's not a country. It's just a business. Now fuckin' pay me. "

That right there summed up the whole film for me and then the screen smashed to black. Very few movies nowadays leave you feeling complete at the end, like there was a purpose. This one did. I went into this movie with no expectations because I hadn't heard anything about it. When I left the film, it had a warm and fuzzy spot in the politically centered riot zone in my mind. This movie made me think, it made me mad. Because nothing that Brad Pitt said in those last moments was false. And suddenly the title of the film made so much more sense. We, the people, are 'them' and we are being 'killed softly'.

Screenshots :)

Have you seen Killing Them Softly?

Is it on your 'to go see' list?

The Poets Korner: Today

Today is for the children
Called so violently away
Though it wasn't their time it was sadly their day

Today is for the families torn apart in dismay
Their foundations shook by an earthquake of emotion
Spread across the nation in waves of devotion

Never has a country cried so for the death of innocents
Brought swiftly on by psychotic ignorance

And we Mourn

Today

We mourn because we are human and it is our nature to care.
That the misfortune of others is somehow ours to bare.
These events hit much to close to home.
In the blink of an eye it could have been your own.

So we mourn.
For these children, for these families
But much more greatly for the state of
Humanity.

I wrote this in response to the 

December 14th tragedy of the 

Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.

Book Review: The Walking Dead, Vol. 6: This Sorrowful Life

The Walking Dead, Volume 6: This Sorrowful Life

by Robert Kirkman (Writer)

 & Charlie Adlard (Illustrator)

& Cliff Rathburn (Colorist/Shading)

Goodreads - Amazon - B&N - Comixology

An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: there is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living.

In this volume: Rick is trapped in a town surrounded by madmen and he must find a way out or die trying. Meanwhile, back at the prison, the rest of the survivors come to grips with the fact Rick may be dead, and a major turning point in the series is reached.

My Thoughts:

Thank god their little problem was taken care of. I couldn't stand the suspense of what was going to happen to them. I think I had my hand over my mouth for about the last 6 issues. I was happy to put it down, but not before moving my hand from my mouth to cover my eyes... Issue #33- ... WOW! .... Just WOW! That one's pretty graphic. But I think it was completely necessary. Ya know?! Who wouldn't seek revenge like that? I would. I wouldn't have had the nerve to do half the things she did. But I would've  done something.

Seriously, how long can the same things happen?! They can't just live life and fight the zombies. Something has to happen or it would be boring. And since we're already in the zombie apocalypse, it has to be pretty outrageous. I'm really loving the ideas that are coming up in my head when I think of what could happen. But I'm sure Kirkman thought of better ones.

I'm hearing the next book is pretty insane, so I think I'll go read that now. Of course by the time this is posted I'll probably be up to date on all issues, because I'm reading these so fast. And who really wants 6 book reviews on the same series within like 2 days. But I am writing the reviews as I go along. I don't want to get confused about what happened in what volume and run stuff together and then it's a piece of zombie foot review. Haha. Piece of zombie foot?! I must be losing my mind.

Last night I had a dream about the walking dead. That's how much this series is taking over my brain. And I wasn't scared either, because lets face it, I'm a big baby. But I was surprisingly happy with my dreams of Rick and Tyreese fighting off the zombies. And it was really weird. And then I dreamt of going to the store to buy chicken. That was the awkwardness of my post sleep thoughts. I dreamt about zombies and then buying chicken at Albertsons. Hmmmm....? hungry much.

Overall I gave this volume 4 stars. I think this is my most favorite series so far. I don't think I'll ever stop reading it. If you want to read my reviews for the previous volumes you can do so here- Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4 &5.

Have you read the Walking Dead?
Do you love it like I do? 

Book Review: Losing It by Cora Carmack

Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers.

Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand.

But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe.

And as if if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor.

She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

Goodreads - Amazon - iBooks - B&N

My Thoughts:
I first saw this book on iTunes  I had never heard of it, but it was #1 on the list of iBooks. So I decided to go ahead and get it. And for $3.99? I'd say it was definitely worth it.

I really loved the synopsis. I could tell immediately that I was going to like this book. And when I started reading it, I thought I had it all planned out, like I knew what was going to happen. But it changed, which I liked.

I'd say this book is a romance. Not erotica in anyway for those who are wondering. It's all about Bliss and Garrick and what is going on. Because nobody really knows, not even them. And it's just an all around good story.

As far as characters go, I liked them all. Bliss was very likable  She was a regular college student with dreams and ambitions. Even though she was a virgin, it was believable. Her character just seemed like a virgin. So inexperienced and everything. I also liked Kelsey & Cade, her best friends, their friendship was easy. And since they were all studying acting it made their bond even closer.

Let's talk about the love interest: Garrick! Oh. Oh my. Him and all his hotness and his British accent. The way that he is described just makes me want him. And then the fact that he turned out to be her teacher, wow. Lifetime fantasy right there! Bliss is too lucky to have lived it! I liked how there was an epilogue from Garrick's point of view. And we got to see what happened after her graduation and with them.

Overall I gave it 3 stars, I think it would be more like a 3.5. The only reason it didn't get 4 is because the book wasn't really about anything else besides what was going on with Bliss and Garrick. It had stuff to do with her friends, but nothing else was mentioned. And I felt like I would have gotten a better picture of her life if other things had been put in there.

Have you heard of this book?

Have you read it yet?

Are you planning on it?

Leave me a comment 

and let's chat about it :)

Cover Reveal: The Camp by Karice Bolton

Cover by PhatPuppy Art

Expected Publication: TBA

Emma has always strove for perfection in her almost eighteen years of existence, but it has never been good enough. As she finds herself counting the days until she’s officially free from her parents’ reins, her stepfather hands her a plane ticket explaining that she must attend the Re-Boot Camp in the wilds of Alaska.

Once she lands in the middle of nowhere, she realizes the camp is nothing like she imagined, and she wants out immediately. That is until she meets Liam.

The camp is full of teens with dark pasts, but she finds herself drawn to Liam’s ability to see who she really is and who she wants to become. While Emma and Liam begin adjusting to a place neither want to be, frightening events begin to unfold. When people begin disappearing, it becomes apparent they can only trust one another as they fight for survival.

Add this book!

A Little About The Author:
Karice Bolton is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy author living in the Pacific Northwest. All three books in The Watchers Trilogy are available now, Awakening, Legions, and Cataclysm. Lonely Souls, which is the first book in her new series Witch Avenue, was released in June 2012!

Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the cutest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their board. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print.

Links:

Goodreads

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Have you read Karice Bolton before?

Her Watchers Trilogy or Witch Avenue Series?

I haven't read her before. But this one sounds very good.

Hope to get my hands on it when it's available.
Have a great day!

Waiting On Wednesday: Paper Valentine

Waiting On Wednesday #17!  "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This weeks pick is:

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Expected Publication: Jan 8, 2013

Goodreads - Amazon - B&N

Synopsis: The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn't there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.
Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between.
This one sounds good. And I haven't read any ghostly books before, so I think this would be fun.  And you gotta love the cover!
What are you waiting on?

Now That The Holidays Are Pretty Much Over....

...We can all get back to the real world. Haha. 

This is just a quick little post to say sorry that I haven't posted in a week. I've been working so much because of the holidays. And of course trying to spend time with my family. And now that they're over everything will be slowing down and getting back to normal. Which means more reading and watching and more posts for you guys. 

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!
Have a great day everyone.

Waiting on Wednesday: Just One Day

Waiting On Wednesday #16!  "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pick is:

Just One Day by Gayle Forman Book #1 in Just One Day Series
Goodreads - Amazon - B&N
Synopsis: A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. 
After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. 
Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.
Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels.  Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

I just recently read If I Stay and Where She Went,  and I thought they were done amazingly. So I can't wait for Gayle's new series! I'm sure it will be wonderful in every way!
Also, Gayle Forman gave us a little sneak  peek of the first few chapters. You can go to this post here to read them. 
What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Books I Read In 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly

 meme held over at The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks topic is the Top Ten Books I Read In 2012.

*In the order that they were read*

What are your favorite

books of 2012... ?

Book Blitz: The Boys of Summer

The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan
Book #1 in Summer Series

It seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him ... Toby Morrison.

Quiet seventeen-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a summertime job. She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins. To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.

How did she let her friends talk her into working?

After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos.

All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.

It will be a summer she will always remember.

Goodreads - Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AOA4VMO

Available Now!

About the Author:

C.J is an up and coming Australian Author. Her debut novel, a YA Romance 'The Boys of Summer’ is a coming of age love story set in a mythical small Australian Town in the mid 90's.

Whether juggling the pressures of a stressful day job, or be it the many realms of mundane reality? C.J has earned a name for her ballistic imagination and witty banter in her blog. Offering an honest, refreshing account with her daily rants of the world and her personal journey in being an Aspiring Author.

Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads
 Author Facebook
Boys of Summer Facebook


Have you read Boys of Summer?
Is it on your to be read list?

Movie Review: Cloud Atlas

"Everything Is Connected"

IMDB - Rotten Tomatoes - Amazon - Official Site

Cloud Atlas explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future. Action, mystery and romance weave dramatically through the story as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution in the distant future. Each member of the ensemble appears in multiple roles as the stories move through time.

Release Date: October 26, 2012
DVD Release Date: February 5, 2013
Running Time: 172 minutes
MPAA Rating: R

Cast:
-Tom Hanks
-Halle Berry
-Jim Broadbent
-Hugo Weaving
-Jim Sturgess
-Doona Bae
-Ben Whishaw
-Keith David
-James D'Arcy
-Xun Zhou
-David Gyasi
-Susan Sarandon
-Hugh Grant

My Thoughts:
Sometimes, it happens rarely give the state of current authorship, but sometimes the film is better than the book.

I recently started dating again after my breakup and a friend decided to take me to see the film Cloud Atlas. I didn't know much about what I was going to see. So, I didn't have any real expectations from the movie. I wasn't prepared for the single most life altering film experience I had ever had.

The film begins slowly, but at the same time dives into a world of reality and fiction, past, present and future to give you a feel for what's in store. The films score is magical, it evokes feelings of utter sadness and loss, mixed with the angelic ting of hope. The film itself plays out like a symphony of words, images and thoughts.

Needless to say it was for me a life altering experience. I no longer thought my problems, my life, myself was something singular unto myself. But after seeing this film it became all to apparent to me that I am part of the past, the present and the future. That every decision I make will effect the world in some way no matter how minute. That every decision made before me has affected me and caused me to be who and what I am.

Cloud Atlas is 3 hours long but it feels like a blip of time because the view becomes so entangled with the action on screen. It is visual poetry and musical history. It is love, life, humanity, cruelty, death, loss, pain and hope. This film is more human than many of us could feign to ever be. I urge everyone to see it. Learn from it. Live it.

Screenshots :)

Have you seen Cloud Atlas?