BLOG: 2011 is Dawning

With only THREE days left in 2010 I thought it was only fitting to let you know what films and books have made the quota of this year first year absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!

Salt: Angelina Jolie

Evelyn Salt has been framed as a Russian spy in America trying to kill the president. Attempting to clear her name, Salt travels to the roots of the lies and incidentally the roots of her identity - Russia. Being trained as a Russian spy to infiltrate American borders, Salt made a choice to remove herself from the cult and ruin her cover by marrying a German scientist. But her choice is tainted as she finds herself trying to escape the grasp of BOTH her Russian allies and American co-workers.

This was an action-packed movie! Unbelievable stunts and mind blowing situation that left you thinking, "WHAT?!". Jolie continues her reign as BEST ACTION ACTRESS in this film with her ability to deliver a great thrill when bombs are blasting and guns are shooting. Liev Schreiber (X-Men Origins) played a great role in the twist of the story as both Salt's comrade and Salt's greatest threat.

What the writer achieved in this film was the delicate balance of character duality. He was able to create characters that were believable and a storyline that was incredible to watch and perceive. Kudos to Kurt Wimmer.

Token Line: "Let me guess, you're one of those people who thinks everyone is who they say they are?"
sL Star Rating: 4 Stars


Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Have you ever felt like you're in a conversation, but you're not part of the conversation? Like people are talking around you, but they're not talking to you; or people are laughing but they're not laughing with you, or even at you - they're just laughing. Ever felt like people think you're a weirdo or a just a plain pervert? What's that phrase for the lull between childhood and adulthood? - "Growing Up."

Perks is all about this boy who just seems to be, well, there. Charlie is a 15-year-old who is special. He's aware of the world and others, but he seems to miss the idea of experiencing the world or communicating with others. He's incredibly sensitive and is completely anonymous - even to those who call him family or friend. He has people who genuinely care for him, but at other times, even they don't know how to deal with him.

What I really loved about this book was the fact its structure is based on irony. Charlie is suppose to be participating with the world around him, but he is documenting his participation to an unknown friend who won't reply because Charlie does not even want them to know who he really is. As the reader, you assume that YOU are this secret friend who knows all the same people - but only from a distance, because they're names are apparently different.

There's so much risky issues like using illegal drugs, domestic violence, sexual harassment and underage drinking that this is book covers, which make you think, "No wonder some of these people are messed up." But in truth, I don't think that Chbosky put them in there to be the cause of everything that happens to his characters. They're in there because it's a glimpse of a certain kind of reality - a reality that most of us only see in films.

The beauty of this book is that you can love and hate these characters over and over again because they're a glimpse of familiar friends and family members - without having to go to the extremes listed above. Family who love you, even if sometimes they don't understand you and friends who are willing to be by your side, even when you know they shouldn't be. It's a really beautiful book that leaves you thinking.

Token Quote: "We were infinite."
sL Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

Despicable Me - Steve Carell

Being the greatest villain in the whole world is a title hard to achieve. So when the Bank of Evil denies Gru's ask for a loan, Gru tries to find another way to fund his expedition to steal the moon. In the process, he comes across a younger villain named, Vector (Jason Segel - How I met Your Mother) who takes his plan and ideally steals the vital gadget for the heist - The Shrink Ray. So to get it back, Gru devises another plan, that leaves even him in the hands of three orphan girls.

Despicable Me is absolutely the CUTEST film of 2010!!! Elsie Fisher's (Medium) character, Agnes, is the best character I have seen in the animated world since Disney's Boo and Bonny. I think the movie's success hangs on the balance of her character. But it's also cute when Gru starts to really become their dad and you see them adding themselves to the family tree. The animation was brilliant and the story was absolutely heartwarming.

Token Line: "It's so fluffy, I'm going to die!!!"
sL Star Rating: 5 Stars


Next on sL: NEW YEAR FUN - What 2011 films, TV shows, Live Entertainment and Books I'm looking forward to view and read.