The Inappropriately Hilarious: Anchorman Two

In my movie experience,  sequels to comedies are generally lacking.  They build themselves up to be just as funny or even funnier than their predecessors and end up letting you down. We're talking way down.  Well, I can confidently tell you that Anchorman 2 will not let you down as it's ridiculous humor will have you laughing out loud.......a lot.

We are reunited with the forever dense Ron Burgandy and his better half doing what they do best......the news.  Then the unthinkable happens and our loving couple go their separate ways due to important life decisions. So Ron finds himself alone doing bottom of the barrel gigs while his ex and son (yes they procreated) continue their lives with a new man in the picture (who reminded me of the step dad in The Santa Clause,  but much cooler).  Then Ron is prepositioned with an innovative news concept. 24 hour news! 

Ron accepts and reunites with his original news crew whom have all gone their separate ways.   One an exotic kitty photographer, one the owner of a fried chicken (or bat) fast food joint,  and the other dead.   Okay, maybe not dead after all,  we soon discover. 

Ron and his gang of misfits end up surprising all by giving a spin to the news that has a very "merica" feel which spikes ratings.   This newfound success once again gets to Ron's head and he has to decide what is more important; giving the real news or slanted, one sided version. In addition he has to decide which means more to him; his family or his "rock star" lifestyle.

For those who saw the first anchorman; you will be pleased to witness Brick's first love interest whom is pretty much the girl version of himself.  Their laundry mat, soda machine dates are truly endearing.  Ron's son will also capture your heart as he reminds you of a younger and less inappropriate version of Ron.   The two bond over a shark named Doby. (You just have to see it.)  I also promise a hilarious news crew fight scene in the end with several cameos (Wes Mantooth returns!).

Lastly, I'd like to think that even this movie can offer some meaning to life.  The media has grown so much over the years in what access we have. What once started as nightly news is now the History Channel, MTV, National News,  Local News, Wikipedia,  etc.  We truly have access to so much information more so than ever.  So we must do our research and know a bias slant when we see it or else we are no better than people who follow others out of blind faith.  I digress.  This movie will have you laughing most of its duration and feeling glad that you finally saw a comedic sequal worth seeing. 

The Courage of Hobbits

Before we embark on my review of  The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, I have not read any of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. In fact,  my only other experience with "middle earth" is strictly cinematic. That being said, I have always been a fan. So, if you are looking for an in depth account or comparison of the movie to the book, you may want to read something else. 

However lacking my Hobbit experience may be, I was very much looking forward to seeing this.  I loved the first movie and had high expectations for this one and am happy to say I was not dissapointed. 

We continue our journey with the second movie of the trilogy with Bilbo Baggins and the dwarfs on a mission to defeat Smaug, the dragon that destroyed their people, as well as reclaim their land.  While this is happening,  Gandalf the Grey comes across a startling revelation that the most evil of evil is growing and a war of the worlds is eminent. The overall themes of courage, perseverance,  and not underestimating the little guy is evident throughout.

The visual effects are engaging and give it the epic appeal so many love while seeing this movie.  The towns seem life like and the infamous Smaug (extremely huge dragon) is truly realistic if Dragons did exist. In addition, you see this constant conflict man has with power. Now when I say man, I am referring to the different variations such as hobbit, dwarf,  and elf. But for all intents and purposes I shall keep this simple.  Back to my point.  Our main character has a secret throughout that he carries with him. It may be a small secret in size, but the power it has over him changes him and you see him loose the innocence he once had. The saddest scene is watching his reaction when his new self realizes what he is capable of.  Even with this evil power attempting to take over his gentle soul,  he does show how much courage he has that he nor others ever realized.  Facing evil creatures and a giant dragon isn't exactly a walk in the park when you are a hobbit.

Mr. Baggins is not the only one who has this battle with power. The continuing theme of power reveals itself in a number of ways.  This truly is a good verses evil movie in the most epic proportions.  It upsets you to see civilizations crumble in weakness over the temptations of power but gives you a sense of hope when you see unlikely forces working together in order to rise above evil.

I promise you will be engaged and left needing to see what happens next to this couragous hobbit and his newfound friends.

A Book is a Relationship You Never Regret

As I begin my next book, I'm in a rather reflective mood.  This book that lies before me excites me similarly to if it were a new relationship.   It will soon be a part of my daily life.  I'm sure I will even dream about it at times.  When I'm going about my routine it will pop into my head and distract me in a good way.  As I delve into into it, the characters will be a part of my family/friends.  Yes, there will even be times where I forget that I am here and they are among the pages.  This sweet book of mine will upset me and even force me to walk away, before realizing how irrational I was and return.   Most importantly though, this book, this new relationship, will have an impact on my life in some way which to me is a beautuful thing and I will always be able to look at it fondly while remembering it's time in my life.

If I Stay will Stay in Your Heart

Wow.  I just read if I Stay by Gayle Forman and was going to wait until tomorrow to post about it, but I couldn't wait.  This was a book I couldn't put down no matter where I was, such as but not limited to: lunch breaks, waiting for a movie to start at the theater,  stop lights (ssshhhhh, our little secret), and any other chance I could get.

Mia is a 17 year old who wakes up one day with her amazing team of a family.  Dad is a post punk rock band guy turned teacher, mom is the rock of the family with an edgy demeanor but soft spot for all things her family.  What I love most about Mia's parents is their love for music which is apparent in their children.  Now, Mia's parents are the rockers of the family, so you'd expect Mia to follow, especially given that she is a teenager.  Not a chance. Mia is a classical gal who plays a mean cello.  The cello is not just a part of her, but who she is. 

As the day continues, you are introduced to her adorable little brother who idolizes her and you find out later the reason for their powerful connection.  Then enters Adam.  The love of her life.  What's unique about their relationship is what bonded them together.....music.  Even though Adam is similar to her parents with his passion for punk rock,  he appreciates all music and their first date illustrates how music can truly move you no matter what sprectum you may fall on.

I hesitate in telling you what happens next as it was a horrific point in Mia's life.  This Juliard bound girl with the world at her hands and an amazing support system for a family gets in a car accident.  Her mother and father are taken from her instantly.  Mia is left in a coma witnessing the evens that transpire after the accident from afar.  She is there when her loved ones beg her to stay and later tell her it's okay if she can't hold on anymore.

Mia now has a choice. Does she fight to stay?  As each day passes, she becomes tired, and peaceful with the idea of dying.   Her parents are gone and living without them is too painful.  She knows everyone will be okay and eventually live their lives.  

This was one of those reads that left me laughing outloud, shedding a few tears, and getting those goosebumps only a great book can provide.  Find out what Mia decides.

The Book Thief Will Steal Your Heart

We've read the heartfelt diary of Anne Frank or other tales of the inhumane acts of Hitler and the Nazis.  Life during World War II was truly horrible for anyone lacking in their German ancestry.  What must it have been like to be on the other side? 

The movie The Book Thief introduces us to a young girl (Leisel) on her way to meet her adopted German parents.  Unfortunately, her story begins with a death as her younger brother passes away while on the train ride to their new life.  Oh yeah and........the narrator of her story is none other than death himself. 

Our young,  female heroine is brought to a little German community on Heaven St. (Very funny Mr. Death).  Her new mother is rough around the edges with the biggest heart and her father with his gentle sweetness gives Leisel the confidence and knowledge she needs to understand life as she now knows it as well as right and wrong when it comes to following so called leaders.

Leisel learns to read and it is through words that she finds life's true beauty.   From painting a picture of the outside world to her secret, Jewish friend Max in the basement, to retelling an H.G. Wells story to neighbors as they hide in the basement while bombs go off above them.  Leitzle's belief in what is right and the empowerment of independent thought along with her thirst for knowledge lead her to make decisions such as stealing books from a book burning (apparently it is very wrong to be Jewish and seek knowledge) to sneaking into a German woman's house in order to "borrow" books that never have intentions of returning.   She is a rebel with a meaningful cause. 

What I appreciate most about this movie is how it depicts the blind faith some had in such a terrible person but also the resentment some Germans had.  Watching Leisel and her very Arian race appearing best friend yelling,"I hate Hitler" across the pond was truly powerful.

You will laugh,  be shocked, and cry as you continue to route for this brave girl. 

Philomena

One of the most powerful connections is between a mother and child.  This connection begins in the womb and lasts forever.  So imagine the heartache of having your child taken from you and searching your entire life unsuccessfully.

Philomena was a young teenager who fell for a boy and let her desires get the best of her.  Being a young girl without a mother to teach her the proper measures of protection,  she finds herself at the mercy of an Irish convent to help her raise her child.  After slaving away and constant repentance for her sins,  her son is adopted and taken away.

Now an elderly woman, she continues her life mission to find her son.  With the help of a "down on his luck" journalist, Philomena travels to America after finding out the church and convent she so faithfully trusted, had purposely disieved her.

Had he asked about her? Tried to find her? Known about her? These and so many other questions absorb her thoughts as she tries to find her son.

This movie has witty English humor,  compassion,  and enthusiasm for life.   See how two unlikely people bond while searching for the missing son of Philomena.

*A true story based on the practices of an  Irish Convent that sold children from young and/or diceased mothers to American families. 

Gone Girl

We like to think when we meet a person and begin "courting" if you will, that each individual shows their best side.  Known to many as the honeymoon phase. Eventually this subsides and we see the good, the bad, and the ugly.   When you can truly get a person and appreciate their positive qualities, while accepting their flaws, and are still willing to wake up to them every morning for the rest of your life, than you truly have found your person.  But what if this person isn't who you think he/she is and you don't find out until 5 years into the marriage?

This is what happens to Nick and Amy Dunne in Gone Girl,  by Gillian Flynn.  On their 5th wedding anniversary, Amy is missing.  All that is left of her is a crime scene with large amounts of blood,  a scavenger hunt she set up for her husband which she does every year, and a diary retelling the past 5 years of their lives.

Their story will leave you wondering if Nick could really kill his wife and who both partners really were.  This is a must read as it is filled with plot twists that always leave you wondering what will happen next.   Find out what happens to the Amazing Amy Dunne.