Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocal

So over Christmas break, I get to see the two movies that I was most excited about seeing: the next installments of Sherlock Holmes and Mission: Impossible. I really loved both of them! They were great. Mission: Impossible you probably weren't required to have seen the others, but during Sherlock Holmes, I was glad to have very recently seen the first film. But, ok, this made me SO MAD in Mission: Impossible *spoilersspoilersspoilers*: ok, so Josh Holloway is in it, right? Well, I was very very excited to see him in something other then "Lost," but you know what happened? He. Dies. In the very first freaking scene! Why would they do that? You can't just kill of Josh Holloway's character! Well, apparently you can. He wasn't hardly on there long enough for me to catch his character's name, which was Trevor Hanaway, wikipedia later tells me. 

But other then the Josh Holloway thing, it was amazing. Seriously. Tom Cruise doing all his own stunts was also cool too, not many actors do that I'm sure. Latest tech, cool cars, and lots of action was all packed in, which made it the best impossible mission yet. 

And this more recent movie trip, Sherlock Holmes and Watson took over the big screen. Considering how much I enjoyed the first Sherlock Holmes I'd have been disappointed if I hadn't liked this one just as much. But alas, I was not disappointed: I loved it. They used lots of interesting effects and camera angles, which was nice not to see the same things all over again. And the soundtrack is, in a word, epic. I can't stop Youtubing it. I'd give a brief summary of the film but I'm afraid if I do, I might accidentally give something away, which could ruin it. Maybe not ruin, but rain on the parade and who wants that? Just go and see it. Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and the rest of the cast seemed to be able to play off of each other well, which added to the story. It has some hilarious parts and some really intense parts as well, that was nice for a good exercize for the emotions. Something movies should do to us, right?



Watson gets married, which isn't a spoiler because he was engaged in the first film. haha, Sherlock



Is it just me or does the gypsy girl look like Troian Bellisario from Pretty Little Liars?

But anyway, she wore this really pretty hair piece, necklace, and dress in a certain scene. All the costumes were well-placed to me, and suited the characters perfectly. Over all, the combination of talent, special effects, music, and storyline, created a very entertaining film that is sure to please.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is definatly one of my new favorites. Not only did it have good music and a great storyline, but an all-star cast of movie stars. Let's see, there was Sarah Jessica Parker, Bon Jovi, Ashton Kutcher, Halle Berry, Zac Efron, and several others. The film follows the stories of all of the individual characters on the day of New Year's Eve, but most of the characters turn out to be connected in some way. I really enjoyed the whole thing, and I would love to go and see it again.








And, to make it even better, I really liked Abigail Breslin's hair. I mean, has it always been red? Redish. And that coat is really cute.

I also LOVED Lea Michele's red dress/leather jacket combo she's got going on here....with Bon Jovi, which is pretty cool. Not the best angle in this picture, but it was the only one I could find. Also, Bon Jovi was playing the same brand of acoustic guitar I have in one of his scenes, which was completely great.

Not only did the character's and their looks really polished up the movie, but the setting, New York City, just made it perfect. Being a devoted New Yorker wannabe as myself, it was exhilarating, and enviable, to see it spread out on the big screen. 6 years and I will be right there with them. I mean, I've never even see the ball drop. Is there a specific channel that that comes on on? This year I think I'll try to catch it.

In Time Movie

photo from onlinemoviehut.com

Going in to see this movie I'll admit I didn't know a lot about it. I knew basically that time was the currency, and that Justin Timberlake and Matt Bomar were in it. I was pleasantly surprised to see several of my favorite Hollywood people in it: Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, and Alex Pettyfer. How could I possibly not know all this? That is not important, but what is important is how good this movie was which, in fact, was great. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of it. It was certainly not a waste of time. Haha...

Aftrer viewing this film, I can now report a summary. In the future, humans stop aging after 25 and to stay alive, they must get more time, which is constently counting down on the clocks in their arms, and if you run out of time, you "clock out," a. k. a., you die. Time is either bought, worked for, or borrowed so consequently, the rich have a lot more time, and, in result, live longer. So after certain events, Will Salas (Timberlake) meets this girl,  Sylvia Weis (Seyfried) who is the daughter of a very wealthy man. And through following events, they begin stealing time and giving it to the poor time zones. Sort of like time-taking Robin Hoods. This is a very rough definition, but I can't spoil the movie, now can I?

Throughout eluding Minute Men and Time Keepers, there are hints of any "boy meets girl" story. And why not? They are quite a cute couple.

And amid all of this running, shooting, driving, and romance, I was of course on the look out for any fashion anything. I was not disappointed! I fell in love with this dress:

photo from wordpress.com

Paired with high platform heels and evening gloves, it portrayed "rich heiress" perfectly. And good job to Amanda for making it look effortless to sprint in sky high heels, which is anything but, as those of you (like me) who has done so would know. Believe me, not effortless. Along with her outfits, I love her hair. It's so chic and edgy! Since Amanda Seyfried has that long blonde hair, this was a cool change to see her with something completely different. If this is what we look like in the future, we're soooo gonna be stylin'. Even her makeup was gorgeous, but I mean, with those huge eyes what wouldn't look good? Totally jealous... but really, usually with futuristic movies, the clothes just look stupid. But not in this movie, which was strongly appreciated.

So from me, this movie gets an A plus. It was thrilling, action-packed, thoroughly enjoyable, and I will be looking for the soudtrack.

Abduction

     As far as movies I was looking forward to seeing go, this one lived steadily up to my high expectations. Starring Taylor Lautner (Twilight...duh) and Lily Collins (upcoming City of Bones and Snow White), this film follows Taylor's character Nathan and Lily's character Karen as Nathan uncovers secrets about his family. That summary sounds mildly uninteresting, and would be, but with all the fast paced chases and fight scenes it kept my attention. Even though it opens like any teen flick (party scene..) it's ending was satisfying to the rest of the movie.

(Photo from wikispace.com)

 And surprisingly, only a few of the characters died. That just caught my attention because in pretty much every action movie, about half of the cast gets killed off. At least I'm pretty sure not many died. Taylor Lautner was in it! How much attention do you actually expect me to pay to the storyline??

   So over all, it was enjoyable. I probably would not go see it again in theaters, but I might get the soundtrack (which is saying something, because I only have soundtracks to the movies that I have thoroughly liked). If action and a little romance interests you (not to mention if your a Taylor fan), I would suggest you go see it.

Apollo 18 Review (Spoilers contained)

If you're looking for a thrilling, scary movie, Apollo 18 would not be the way to go. My friend and I, in the mood for a frightening film, decided to see Apollo 18 yesterday. I jumped maybe once. I was expecting something more along the lines of big, scary alien fight scenes with good effects and a dramatic soundtrack in the background. Not rocks. Yes, you heard me. Rocks. Don't get me wrong, the dramatic moments leading up to the rocks were quite attention-getting (things being mysteriously destroyed, shredded, turned over, etc), but really, rocks exploding into flying spider/crab space bugs is...a total let down. Also, the fact that during the entire movie the picture kept flickering, going black, and was full of noise, was very distracting. I know they said "this movie was edited from footage of Apollo missions" or whatever, but I don't believe this story was cut from any real footage. Even if it were, how would the footage get back to Earth since everyone on  the mission died? Yes, everyone. Personally, I hate when characters get killed off. It only shows a lack of creativity as to how that character's story should end. Speaking of characters, I was positive that I recognized one of the actors, so I did what any American would do: I Googled it. Turns out, I was right: John Grey was played by Ryan Robbins (SyFy's Sanctuary), who I was excited to see. And another character, Benjamin Anderson, I was sure was portrayed by Josh Holloway (which would've made my entire week). As it would be, a Warren Christie played the part. But seriously, him and Josh Holloway could be twins. See below.

Josh is on the left, and Warren is on the right. They look so much a like! The resemblance is striking. Which is absolutly fine with me and a large amount of the female population. And I, being a devoted Lostee, went through the entire movie thinking it was Josh. Imagine my dismay when I Googled it and learned that it wasn't him. Sigh. But Mr. Warren was a pretty nice substitute. If you are wanting more of Warren here, you can see him on SyFy's Alphas. Which I have never seen before, but you might find it appealing.

    But getting back to the main point, Apollo 18 left some to be desired. It wasn't a complete dud, but waiting a few weeks for the fall's upcoming films might be a wiser investment for moviegoers.   

Hunger Games Pictures Released!

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the up-coming movie franchise The Hunger Games (set to come out March 23), and to further wet our taste buds, two official Hunger Games pictures have been released! And of course, ever the devoted fan, I'm freaking excited. Oh yeah. So without further adieu, here they are:

Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss...

.... and Josh Hutcherson portrays Peeta.

Ok, the last time I saw this dude he was like four feet tall in Journey to the Center of the Earth. That was only three years ago, but he looks soooo different! He's eighteen...is he single? I hope so . Well, I just imdb-ed him and he's only 5"7'... Josh, get to 6" and we'll talk.

Not only were these two lovely picture released, they have announced that the second book (Catching Fire) is also coming to the silver screen! How exciting; it's official. I cannot wait for these movies to hit theaters! So movie-goers, mark your calenders, and don't miss this series.

Haircut Consideration Options

With summer practically over (sad, but true), I've been having...stirrings to do something new with my hair. A new school year should bring new changes from a new view of oneself, don't you think? I do so think and so I so do. Maybe. If I can find the perfect haircut, that is. I don't think people realize just how much you have to consider: hair type, length, shape, face shape, and even body shape (who know? apparently it makes a big difference...?). I'm not one to dye my hair so that's not an issue. But the pefect haircut, hmm. I've scored the Internet and have come up with a few pictures of my favorites. Just a bit of my personal hair history: my hair is long (a few inches shy of midback), more on the finer side, has long layers and angles toward the face. It's pretty much straight, but with a slight, vague wave. Just so you might get some idea of what I have to work with. So here they are,  the haircuts that I'm considering. Comment if you have any suggestions (or favorites) because that would be appreciated.

First up is Ashley Benson from Pretty Little Liars.


(Photo from blogspot.com)



Also from Pretty Little Liars, Troian Bellisario.



(Photo from polyvore.com)



Or perhaps a Taylor Momsen type thing?



(Photo from blogspot.com)



















And of course, there's Amanda Seyfried's hair. 


(Photo from hairstylestop.com)



I also like this cut on Avril Lavigne, just without the colors.



(Photo from buzznet.com)



















And there's always the-perfect-bed-head option, as seen on Kristen Stewart. If I wanted to go shorter.


(Photo from starhairstyles2011.com)



Last but certianly not least, there's Reshma Shetty from Royal Pains.



(Photo from actresshot.net)














So, I really like these, but I'm still trying to decide on what I'd like to actually have the hair on my head look like. Since the last haircut I had was a disaster, I'm a little weary to allow the scissers near my locks again. But alas, I don't want the annoyance (and the ugliness) of horrid split ends. Gotta suck it up and get it cut sometime though, so I'm going to be prepared for when that time comes. Which will probably be soon considering that it's been over two months since it's been cut. Again, please comment! I'm open to ideas (perhaps something along the lines of these haircuts). Until next time!

As star-studded events come and go, there is so much glitz, glam, and eyeliner to make you feel like you need to puke glitter to get it all out of your system. Well, I personally have never felt this way, but it seems like someone might (like those people who have to go on What Not To Wear, the fashion-fearing folk). But throughout my Hollywood, pop culture, and celebrity studying, I have found several get ups that I need. Yes, need. From red carpet and movies to television and music videos, these are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

First up, Olivia Wilde! Ah, the Golden Globe's beautiful Marchesa dress. Ooooh, ahhhh...sparkly.

(Photo from stylefrizz.com)

And her shoes!

(Photo from shoe-tease.com)

 Next, Kristen Stewart. She didn't play it safe in this dress. Ha, get it? Safety pins! Awesome. I am totally going to wear one of these for something! Only difference mine wouldn't be designer. Or store bought. Where could I get one of those?

(Photo from tqn.com)

And below we have Avril Lavigne wearing the dress from her music video "Alice." If you want a better view of the dress, watch the music video (I looooove Alice In Wonderland!). Need it.

(Photo from avrillavigne.com)

While we are on music videos... one of my all time favorites: Taylor Swift in "Love Story!" She did everything right: hair, makeup, jewelry. Gorgeous. Watch the video!

(Photo from gactv.com)

Alrighty, up next we have a dress from a movie. This dress needs me. Christina Ricci's wedding dress from Penelope (have you seen that? Her room was so cool).

(Photo from blogspot.com)

Let's see, what other fashion do I like right now? Anything the girls from Pretty Little Liars wear (I'd love to raid their wardrobe department), Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) from the Vampire Diaries always wears something cute, and I like that dress Bella wears in New Moon (at her birthday party). I also love leather jackets. Seriously, everyone needs one. Or more than one, depending on who you ask. I really like those lace tanks for layering, and any cute shoe with a high heel. Which reminds me, I really want to get a pair of over-the-knee-boots. And good accesories. Oh and I love Sarah Ellis's (Hilarie Burton) style on White Collar! My favorite show ever, and anyway, what girl doesn't want a Neal Caffrey? Hello, it's Guitar Girl with the Fedora.  

(Photo from blogspot.com)

She always wears chic, high-fashion clothes. She totally knows What Not Not To Wear. If ever I change my hair color and cut, I'd love to try something like hers.

Yes, absolutely there's many more that I currently can't come up with. Yes, of course I'll share them with you when I find them. Ta ta!

Upcoming Films That Will Have Me Watching

We have had many films to be released so far this year, but upcoming films have already begun to capture my attention. From the next installments of well-known movies, to our favorites books coming to life on the big screen, we have several options for what we'll brave the masses to see. Along with movies and book-turned-movies that we are familiar with, there are also many new ideas floating around Hollywood being introduced to the silver screen. Along with these new ideas, old fairy tales with a dark twist have taken their place as one of the newest fads for productions. After stumbling upon many upcoming film titles, I've found many that I'm particularly excited about their appearance on the silver screen. So pay attention, because these films will be some you won't want to miss.

(Photo from movieweb.com)

   
    One of the 'new idea' type movies nearest to its' release date would be the sci-fi Cowboys and Aliens. To be released July 29, Cowboys and Aliens has three big names making an appearance in this film's credits such as Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, among other credits), Olivia Wilde (the Fox television series House, The Next Three Days, Tron: Legacy), and Daniel Craig (Casino Royal). As you may have guessed from the title, aliens make contact with early 1873 century cowboys. The protagonist, Jake Lonergan (Craig), wakes up with no knowledge of his past, as well as a weird shackle on his wrist. He comes to a town and is informed that he is a notorious outlaw and is wanted for his many crimes. The way I see it, this movie could go one of two ways: either it will blow us away with it's originality, or it will crash and burn from it's originality (a. k. a., be a dud). This film is definitely going against the grain of what other productions have been putting out for our entertainment lately. A new trend? Or will you fall asleep and wake up with no knowledge of why you went to see that movie? Well, we'll have to wait a few weeks, and then we shall see.

(Photo from totalfilm.com) Love her makeup.

    Speaking of trends, the release of Alice In Wonderland and Red Riding Hood were the firsts of the fairytale-turned-film fad, but there are many other favorite stories that are coming to life on the screen. Some of these include two installments of Snow White (hmmm...a battle of storyline? Perhaps not, more to come on these two films), Jack the Giant Killer, and Hansel and Gretel, among others. The two Snow White films (both to be released next June), seems to have already gotten people talking. One, a darker retelling titled Snow White and the Huntsmen, is the first of a trilogy currently in pre-production. This film follows the original with the classic Snow White look (dark-haired, fair-skinned), but maybe this collaboration holds more bite: Kristen Stewart, Twilight's leading lady, portrays the protagonist. And as for the Huntsman, Johnny Depp, Viggo Mortensen, and Hugh Jackman all turned down the role (come on, Viggo! You haven't done a lot lately.), but Thor star Chris Hemsworth was reportedly interested in the role. Maybe a new face would be more appropriate? Lily Cole also takes part in the production by playing a character named Greta (who the heck is that? It's been a while since I've thought about Snow White, but I didn't think it'd been THAT long...geez). This one I'm really looking forward to, though, even if I can't remember all the characters.
    As for the other Snow White (titled Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) is concerned, I can't uncover much on it yet. All I know is that Lily Collins (not to be confused with Lily COLE, from the other Snow White, but who is not Snow White, but who instead plays that character I've never heard of) is to play Snow White, and Julia Roberts takes the role of the evil queen. This one's storyline seems to be based more on the original in the sense that Snow White joins forces with the seven dwarves against the evil stepmother who killed Snow White's father. Honestly, I'm more excited about Snow White and the Huntsman. It looks like it's a little darker and a little more exciting. But when release dates roll around, I might be completely wrong and I  change my mind. But alas, we will have to wait a few months and see how this revelry of Snow White will turn out. So, who's really the fairest of them all?

(Photo from blogspot.com)

     Ahhhh, one of my personal most anticipated book-turned-movies: City of Bones from the Mortal Instruments series. The books are by far one of the best things I've ever read (which is saying something cause I read a lot and have very high expectations for what I read), they have everything: action, romance, comedy, drama, what else could a girl want? Oh yeah, she could desperately want Jace Wayland not to be freakin' fiction!!! Thanks Cassandra Claire, let girls dream of the unrealistic expectation that any of us will EVER find a guy like that. Humph. Anyhoo, the storyline follows Clary Fray as she is introduced into an entirely different world that she never even knew existed. A world that consists of werewolves, vampires, demons, fairies, warlocks and a breed of people called the Nephilim (often called Shadow hunters), that of which angel blood runs through their veins. Also in that world lives Jace Wayland, an arrogant, quick-mouthed (umm, and hot), teen-aged Shadow hunter, who has any girl he meets wrapped around his finger (those fingers also play piano. Who doesn't like a musician?), but he doesn't date often. So the story is about those two and their many acquaintances, some friends, some enemies, also, frenemies. I can NOT wait for these movies to hit theaters! Lily Collins (yeah, the girl who's in Snow White, but doesn't play Snow White, who instead plays that character I've never heard of who's name is Greta.) plays Clary, but I was really hoping Molly Quinn (ABC's Castle) would get the role. That's who I pictured, but oh well. Lily, you better perform to my expectations! And the much coveted role of Jace Wayland goes to....drum role, please.... uhh, they don't know yet. I want Alex Pettyfer (Alex Rider, I Am Number Four, Beastly)!! I. Love. Him (and as his future wife I feel the need to see him in the role of one of my favorite characters.). He was offered the role, but no word yet as to if he has accepted. Ooohhh I hope he does! *sigh* See?? He just took my breath away. I really hopes he takes the role. I REALLY hope. But once I know for sure, you all will be the first I tell, oh millions of my closest friends. Man, I hope he takes the role. Do any of you agree or do you have another Jace in mind? I'm having a hard time coming up with another one, but if any of you do, feel free to comment, and in a later blog I will post the favorites.

(Photo from hungergamestriligy.net)

    And the last two book-turned-movies I'm keeping my eye on: First up, The Hunger Games. They are about a future America that hosts an annual Hunger Games Competition where they pit teenagers against each other in the Arena til there is only one left alive. Sounds grusome, but it has this storyline that will really tug at your heart. Yes, it is intense, but action-packed and a page turner! Hopefully the film will do it justice. It's set to come out March 23 of next year, and the cast includes Jennifer Lawrence (X-men First Class, and she guest-starred on Monk!), Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terebithia, Journey to the Center of the Earth), and Liam Hemsworth (Thor dude's brother), among others names. I'm expecting this soundtrack to be ah-mazing. Time will only tell, of course.
   

(Photo from wkimedia.com)

  

    And my final book-turned-movie is...Wings! The book series is about a girl, Laural (I think) who learns that she is connected to a world of fairies, and of her struggle with learning who she is. And yes, there's a guy. Two actually. One a normal, human boy, but the other is of the fairy world. I personally like fairy boy myself. But I'm a little worried about the movie: Miley Cyrus is to play the lead. Grrrrr. NOOOOO!!! No offense to Miley, but I don't see how fairies are right for her in any way. I pictured a more Taylor Swift type person, because the protagonist is suposed to be tall and blonde! Oh well, it is what it is. I just hope it turns out as good as the books. We shall see.

     




     And for those of us who saw Transformers, we got to see the trailer of... Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal! I am very much looking forward to this movie, which is the fourth installment of the MI film franchise. Along with Tom Cruise (duhh), Josh Holloway (Lost) is in it! I'm so excited to see that man in something else! After Lost finished at the end of its' sixth season, I didn't know what he'd do next, but here he is! Mr. Holloway plays Trevor Hanaway, whom I have no idea what side he's on, who he is, or what he does. Fortunatly, this film is to be released December 16, 2011, so we won't have to wait much longer. Can't you just hear the theme song?

   Speaking of Lost stars, Evangeline Lilly is to play an elf in The Hobbit. Yay! More Lost folk (I'm a Lostee in case you couldn't tell). This film, based on the novel, is set to come out next year. And lucky for us, a picture was released yesterday (wow, good timing) of dwarves. That's right, dwarves. Not hobbits, not elves, dwarves. But that's ok, cause well get to see all the rest of them when the movie comes out. But bam! Here's the picture anyway! Don't they just look so happy?

(Photo from screenrant.com)

That seems to be the majority of the upcoming films that have captured my attention, but unquestionably, I will surely think of others that I simply must share with my million closest friends. And we all know what comes with movies: Soundtracks! Red carpet premieres! The excitement that captures our hearts, and gives us a glint in our eyes when we walk into that theater. Ahh, the smell of popcorn, the buzz of anticipation....the realization half way through the movie that you really have to make a bathroom trip but you don't want to miss a moment of the action so you hold it until the end credits then you can make the dash for the ladies' room...or, ahh, maybe that one's just me. Happy movie viewing!                  

Transformers 3 Opinions

As I am sure most of you are aware, Transformers: Dark of the Moon hit theaters on June 29, 2011, and as the devoted movie buff that I am (and a Bumble Bee lover. Come on, he's a yellow Camaro, hello), I had to see it. The storyline begins in 1961 when the Cybertronian spacecraft, the Ark, crashes on the moon after fleeing a raging war on their home planet. Then, after other necessary information, we jump to present day to find that Sam Witwicky is unemployed and has a new girlfriend (oh Megan Fox, was the Hitler comment worth it?) of the name Carly Spencer, who is portrayed by English model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Carly, who isn't unemployed, has a close relationship with her boss, played by Patrick Dempsey, that Sam completely disapproves of (ha, "Mr. Inappropriate" one of my favorite lines in the entire movie). So the movie is basically about that, amid explosions, car chases, and insanely good CGI. And it's about other things, but the fight/action scenes is what I remember best. It was a pretty decent movie, not like an "OMG I HAVE TO GO SEE THIS AGAIN" type thing, but I did enjoy it. What can I say? I'm a girl who loves her sports cars. But the one thing that absolutely drove me insane: a scene would start with Carly Spencer in sky-high heels, but when she was required to run away screaming, she was suddenly wearing shoes suspiciously close to flats... Yeah, someone noticed. That was basically my only issue with the film (details, people, details!) , and so I give...say, two and a half stars out of four. I'm sure though, that everyone involved in the movie was happy this weekend, considering the $156.6 million it made the first five days. Kudos to the cast and crew!