Netflix Friday - Volume 62

Some Netflix film tips for the weekend! And there is something for everyone, since I picked a movie for all the different genres.
 

Action: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home, and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.
 

Drama: Concussion (2015)
In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.
 

Comedy: 50 First Dates (2004)
Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) is a man afraid of commitment until he meets the beautiful Lucy (Drew Barrymore). They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams until discovering she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the next day.
 

Animation: TMNT (2007)
When the world is threatened by an ancient evil, the four adolescent turtles must reunite and overcome their faults in order to stand against it.
 

Romance: Me Before You (2016)
A girl (Emilia Clarke) in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently-paralyzed man (Sam Claflin) she's taking care of.
 

Horror: Fear Street Part 2: 1978 (2021)
Shadyside, 1978. School's out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival.
 

Science Fiction: Jurassic World (2015)
A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.
 

Crime: Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
The drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro).
 

Thriller: Death Wish (2018)
Dr. Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) is an experienced trauma surgeon, a man who has spent his life saving lives. After an attack on his family, Paul embarks on his own mission for justice.
 

Documentary: Strong Island (2017)
When filmmaker Yance Ford investigates the 1992 murder of a young black man, it becomes an achingly personal journey since the victim, 24-year-old William Ford Jr., was the filmmaker's brother.
 

Family: Jumanji (1995)
When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man (Robin Williams) trapped in it for decades - and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

DVD Collection Update (20)

Another update, some really cool movies and series to add to my collection. Here they are!

Off course I had to get "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1". I can't wait for the final movie. This movie I really liked, but I think the bigger audience will appreciate it more when the last chapter comes out.

This season was the final chapter of the series. I really hated "Sons of Anarchy" ending, but it was time. I think that it had to end. Lots of people died in this last season, some characters we really come to love over the years.

"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" was really criticized, but I don't understand. It was a good movie. Okay, it was the least one in the series, but it was very enjoyable and beautifully made! Screw those people, I love it.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" was on of my favorite 2014 movies. This is just awesome, so it had to be in my collection!

Oh how I love "Intouchables". Such a beautiful movie, it makes me happy!

"Cloud Atlas" was a pretty confusing movie, so time to rewatch it. And I also bought it because I can add another Tom Hanks movie to my collection.

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" is also favorite of 2014. I slightly prefered it too the first movie. It just shows how amazing this superhero is, he is actually my favorite superhero. And Chris Evans is just amazing as Cap.

Haven't seen "Chef" yet, but I already know I'm going to love this film. I just love these tyes of movies. And it has a great cast. And I love food.

"Whiplash" is a movie I had to have in my collection. When I first saw it, I wanted to get up in cheer, that's how good it was!

 

I'm a big fan of the Disney cartoon "Beauty and the Beast" and I can't wait to see the live action version it. Untill then I have to do it with the French "La Belle et La Bête". I haven't seen it yet, but it looks like a darker version of the fairytale.

Top 5 Thursday: Fictional Places I Want to Visit

We’ve seen some wonderful places in movies, that mesmerize us and are just simply beautiful. But you can’t really go there, because they’re made up. So I started thinking. Which fictional places in movies do I want to visit if I could? Here is my list.

5. Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”)

Do you want to feel like a kid in a candy story? Well, you can if you visit the chocolate factory. I would gain many pounds visiting that!

 

 

4. Narnia (“The Chronicles of Narnia” series)

The main reason why I want to visit Narnia is the talking animals. I think that’s fantastic! And it just looks so gorgeous.

 

 

3. Pandora (“Avatar”)

Pandora is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in movies. Especially by night and what about those floating islands that you see when you’re flying. This folk threats its environment the way people should.

 

 

2. Hogwarts (“Harry Potter” series)

The most magical place we’ll ever see. Come on, this had to be on the list. I would probably get lost in there, but that makes it all the more interesting.

 

 

1. The Shire (“Lord of the Rings” series and “The Hobbit” series)

Every single time I watch one of the films with the Shire in it, I say I want to live there. I’m probably too tall, but there is just something about that place. It makes me feel calm and happy. The Shire is the place to be.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Belles Library (“Beauty and the Beast”), Wonderland (“Alice in Wonderland”)

Movie Trailer Sunday (150)

Here are this weeks trailers, the 150th edition of the item. And there are some real great trailers!!!

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Description: The Company of Thorin has reached Smaug's lair; but can Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the Dwarves reclaim Erebor and the treasure? And, if so, can they hold on to it?

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly, Cate Blanchett, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom

Trailer: Trailer "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" Trailer

Comment: Can't wait.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

Director: Frances Lawrence

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Knepper, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci

Trailer: Trailer "The Hunger Games: Mockinjay Part 1" Trailer

Comment: Can't wait for this either.

The Longest Week

Description: Conrad Valmont (Jason Bateman) is a man easing into adulthood at the age of 40. The over-educated, under-employed heir to the Valmont Hotel fortune, Conrad is cut off from his allowance following his parents' abrupt divorce and tossed out into the unforgiving streets of the Upper West Side. Luckily, he is taken in by his old friend Dylan (Billy Crudup) and returns the favor by immediately falling for Dylan's girlfriend, Beatrice (Olivia Wilde). As Conrad attempts to woo Beatrice while keeping both their relationship and his bank balance secret, Dylan tries to set him up with Jocelyn (Jenny Slate). Ever committed to the charade that he eventually finds difficult to maintain, Conrad quickly realizes his charm can only extend so far.

Director: Peter Glanz

Starring: Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde, Billy Crudup, Jenny Slate,

Trailer: Trailer "The Longest Week"

Comment: I'm not really sure about this, but I do like Jason Bateman.

Night at the Musuem: Secret of the Tomb

Description: Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Ben Kingsley, Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens

Trailer: Trailer "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb"

Comment: Not sure if we really need it, but I did like the previous two. They were funny.

Into the Woods

Description: A witch (Meryl Streep) conspires to teach important lessons to various characters of popular children's stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.

Director: Rob Marschall

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone, Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski, MacKenzie Mauzy, Billy Magnussen, Tammy Blanchard, Lucy Punch, Richard Glover, Frances de la Tour, Simon Russell Beale, Joanna Riding, Annette Crosbie

Trailer:

Comment: Excited to see this, I love fairytale retellings!

Top 5 Thursday: Upcoming Movies I'm Excited About (June 2013)

There are so many great looking movies coming out this year. Many to look forward to, but these five are my absolute favorites and must-sees.

5. This is the End
I don’t know which direction this is heading, it’s either going to be extremely funny and brilliant or simply ridiculous and stupid. I’m hoping (and secretly expecting) the first. Besides James Franco can’t do anything wrong in my eyes.

4. Monster’s University
I love “Monster’s Inc.”, it’s my favorite Pixar film. And Mike Wazowski is my favorite character from the Pixar franchise. Can’t wait to se this prequel.

3. The World’s End
I’m a fan of the combination of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright. They already brought us two amazing films, that I can watch over and over again and that are on my favorites list. In my social circle, only me and my brother understand the brilliance of these films.

2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The trailer premiered yesterday and now I’m even more excited. We got to see a lot, like Smaug the dragon. It looks more action packed then the first installment.

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I’ve been looking forward to see it, ever since “The Hunger Games”. I saw the trailer and it looks really awesome. It’s based on my favorite book in the series, so I have high expectations.

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, World War Z, Kick-Ass 2

Top 5 Thursday: Books I Read in 2012

This year I had themes for every month and I liked it. It made reading even more pleasant for me. Some months were better then others, but overall I had a very good reading year. Here are the five best books I read this year.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
It’s an absolute classic and I can’t believe that I never read it before. Although it’s not a very spectacular book, it keeps your attention at all times. (September – Classics Month)

4. “Duma Key” by Stephen King
I read a lot of Stephen King books this year, but this was definitely my favorite. It totally captivates you, like my brother had already warned me before. King is a magician with words, just sublime. (October – Stephen King Month)

3. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fantasy has become one of my favorite genres over the year and I loved every second of reading “The Hobbit”. What a fantastic journey. (June – Adventure Month)

2. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is the best children´s book writer off all time and “Matilda” is his best work. I´ve loved this books ever since I was a child. And now as a teacher I love to share this wonderous story with my children. It’s such a magical story. (August – Roald Dahl Month)

1. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
When I finished this book in the beginning of the year, I already knew that this was going to be high on my favorites list. It is the best books I read this year, for so many reasons. It really grabbed me, the story is touching and sometimes funny and it has such great characters. If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for?(February – Bestsellers Month)

They almost made the top 5: “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, “Into the Wild” by John Krakauer, “The Understudy” by David Nicholls, “Dances with Wolves” by Michael Blake, “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin, “The Lucky One” by Nicholas Sparks, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Carrie” by Stephen King

50 Books Challenge 2012 - # 23: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Title: The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Story: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.
Start: june 1st 2012
End: june 6th 2012
Comment: Although I was never a fan I saw all the movies in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the movie version of "The Hobbit" looks really good. I never did read any of the books though, so that's why I decided to read the first book in the adventure month. "The Hobbit" tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit that is visited by Gandalf the Wizard and the very next day twelve dwarves show up in his house and enlist his aid as a burglar in their quest. Before poor Bilbo knows it, he's on a quest with the twelve dwarves and Gandalf to the far reaches of Middle-Earth to rob Smaug the dragon of that which belonged to dwarf King Thorin's father Thrain and is rightfully his, the treasure of Lonely Mountain. What follows from there is most certainly one of fantasy fiction's classic tales and an extremely enjoyable tale for all ages where Bilbo, Gandalf and the twelve dwarves go from one adventure to another on their way to the Lonely Mountain and an inevitable meeting with Smaug. Especially that encounter is really exciting. Tolkien initially wrote this book for children, or more exactly precisely his children. I love writers with a big imagination, like Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. Tolkien can be added to that list. All the creatures Bilbo encounters, like trolls, goblins, giant spiders and ultimately a giant dragon. And he has a perfect eye for detail. Tolkien describes the simplest things so well, that it's not that hard to imagine or picture it. Bilbo is a very likeable character, the only one we really got to know. I can't name all the dwarves, it was hard to memorize them all. I do know that Oin and Gloin where my favorites, but it was pretty hard to keep them all apart. "The Hobbit" was written for kids, but a good read for everyone. I'm really interested in the other Tolkien books now.
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (17)

First, Merry Christmas everyone.
What a great movie trailer week. This weeks trailers are about Batman, teachers, a charming journalist, an outer space journey and a hobbit.

The Dark Knight Rises
Description: Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the terrorist leader Bane (Tom Hardy) arrives in Gotham City, pushing it and its police force to their limits, forcing its former hero Batman (Christian Bale) to resurface after taking the fall for Harvey Dent's crimes.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anne Hatheway, Marion Cotillard, Gary Oldman and Michaael Caine
Trailer: Trailer "The Dark Knight Rises"
Comment: Awesome!

Detachment
Description: We follow the chronicle of three weeks in the lives of several high school teachers, administrators and students through the eyes of a substitute teacher. Henry Barthes (Adrien Brody) is a substitute teacher, who roams from school to school, imparting modes of knowledge, but never staying long enough to form any semblance of sentient attachment.
Director: Tony Kaye
Starring: Adrien Brody, Marcia Gay Harden, Christina Hendricks, William Peterson, Bryan Cranston, Tim Blake Nelson, Lucy Liu, Blythe Danner and James Caan
Trailer: Trailer "Detachment"
Comment: As a teacher I would really like to take a look at other teacher's lives.

Bel Ami
Description: George Duroy (Robert Pattinson) is a young journalist who rose from poverty to become one of the most successful men in Paris via the ruthless and calculating bedding of the city's most glamorous and influential women.
Director: Declan Donnellan
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Christina Ricci
Trailer: Trailer "Bel Ami"

Prometheus
Description: A team of scientists and explorers go on a thrilling journey that will test their physical and mental limits and strand them on a distant world, where they will discover the answers to our most profound questions and to life's ultimate mystery.
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Patrick Wilson and Idris Elba
Trailer: Trailer "Prometheus"
Comment: As a Charlize Theron fan I have a lot to look forward for next year.

The Hobbit
Description: We follow the journey of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Stephen Frye, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly and Barry Humphries
Trailer: Trailer "The Hobbit"
Comment: In know it's just the teaser trailer, but I wanted to share this with you.