Posts mit dem Label 2014 werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen
Posts mit dem Label 2014 werden angezeigt. Alle Posts anzeigen

Review: John Wick (Film, 2014)

Dienstag, 24. Februar 2015

John Wick
Originaltitel: John Wick
Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
FSK: 16
Länge: 96 Minuten
Hauptdarsteller: Keanu Reeves (John Wick)
Alfie Allen (Iosef Tarasov)
Michael Nypvist (Viggo Tarasov)
Willem Dafoe (Marcus)

   John Wick genießt seinen frühen Ruhestand in der Vorstadt. Doch als seine Frau  einer tödlichen Krankheit erliegt, verfällt er in Trauer. Nur sein Hund bleibt ihm noch als Gefährte – und wird von drei russischen Gangstern getötet, als die in Wicks Haus einbrechen, um einen 1969er Boss Mustang zu stehlen. Damit wird Wick von seiner finsteren Vergangenheit eingeholt, war er doch früher einer der besten Auftragskiller des Landes. Er verlässt die Vorstadtidylle und macht sich, seine Rache vor Augen, auf die Suche nach den Einbrechern. Einer von ihnen ist Iosef Tarasov, der Sohn des einflussreichen Verbrecherbosses Viggo Tarasov, für den Wick selbst einmal gearbeitet hatte. Doch alte Verbindungen zählen jetzt nicht mehr. Und so hat der Rächer bald auch den Ex-Kollegen Marcus an seinen Fersen...(www.filmstarts.de)

   Was lehrt uns dieser Film? Breche niemals in das Haus eines Profikillers ein, töte nicht seinen Hund, welcher das letzte Geschenk von seiner verstorbenen Frau ist, und klaue nicht anschließend auch noch seinen 1969-iger Boss Mustang denn dafür wirst du bitter büßen..
   John Wick ist ein Action Thriller der seinem Genre alle Ehre macht. Es gibt viele überragend gut choreografierte Kampf und Aktion Sequenzen, viel Thrill während Szenen in dem man sich fragt wie er nur aus dieser oder jener Situation lebend wieder herauskommen wird und jede Menge genialer Musik. Ein bisschen Humor kommt sogar auch noch dabei herum.
   Für Keanu Reeves ist dies sicherlich mehr als nur eine erfolgreiche Rückkehr zum Action Genre. Sein Charakter, John Wick, bringt er überzeugend und mit viel Scharm, tiefe und Glaubwürdigkeit auf die Leinwand. Sehr schnell wird einem klar das, was auch immer man tut, man sich definitiv nicht mit John anlegen sollte.
   Ein weiterer Star den man schnell wiedererkennt ist Alfie Allen, welcher bei Game of Thrones die solle des Theon Graufreud spielt. In John Wick spielt er Iosef, den Sohn von John's früherem Boss, ViggoTarasov. Sehr überzeigend bringt er Iosef mit seiner totalen Planlosigkeit und dem verlangen zu zeigen dass er genauso hart ist wie sein Vater und seine handlanger rüber obwohl einem schnell klar wird, dass Iosef mehr Schein als Sein ist, denn eigentlich ist er eher ein Angsthase als ein harter Gangster

   Jedoch, was für mich noch viel mehr heraussticht als die genialen Kampfszenen, ist der Soundtrack welcher in einem eher düsteren und rockigen, mit ein paar elektoeinflüssen, Klima gehalten wurde. Er geradezu perfekt zu dem Film, den Szenen und John Wick selbst passt. Zweimal treffen wir beispielsweise auf "Killing Strangers" von Marilyn Manson. Dieser Song spiegelt auf grandiose Art und Weise die Stimmung des Filmes wieder. 'Wir töten unbekannte bevor diese jene die wir lieben töten können' heißt es im Text an einer Stelle. Perfekte Wahl.

   Alles in allem ist John Wick ein grandioser action-Streifen in dem Keanu Reeves zeigen konnte dass er ein grandioser Schauspieler ist und das solche Filme genau sein Ding sind. John Wick mag nichts für schwache Nerven sein und wahrscheinlich auch nicht etwas für einen Kuschel Abend, jedoch wenn man einen aufregenden Hitmen Film mit viel rums und guter Musik steht, dann ist dies genau dass, was man sehen sollte.
Ich gebe John Wick 5 von 5 Sternen.

Top 14 Books of 2014

Mittwoch, 31. Dezember 2014

   Hey guys!
   The year is almost over, only a few more hours are left (at least in my time zone) and so I thought it would be the perfect time to finally talk about my favorite 14 books I've read in 2014. These are not necesserily books that have been published in 2014. They are simply taken out of the 58 books I've read in the past year. If you follow my blog and BookTube channel the book that is on my place nr. 1 will definitely not surprise you.
Anyway, let's get to the list!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


 #14 - Riot by Sarah Mussi
   This was a great action packed read set in the near future (2018).  I enjoyed it a whole lot and that cover is amazing!

#13 - Erased by Margaret Chatwin
   So good! This is a not very known YA Contemporary with an amazing and very realistic plotline. The protagonist is a great guy and the things he goes through are great and heartbreaking at time, too.

#12 - Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
   A fun read with hot aliens. I enjoyed Jennifer L. Armentrouts writing a lot and the way Katy and Deamon "function" together is brilliant and funny and super entertaining.

#11 - Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
   This was the only adult book I read in 2014 and, oh boy, was it amazing! At the same time it was a hard read as it deals with quite a few hard topics and violent scenes but all in all it's a great read but definitely not for those who are not adults yet.

#10 - To all the boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han
   My first Jenny Han book and I loved it! It's a cute YA contemporary with a lovable protagonist and a funny and cute plotline. Can't wait for the sequel to finally come out!


#9 - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
   My first fantasy book in a very long time. I had an amazing time reading this. I love the protagonist because she is just so smart and witty and stays true to herself no matter what. And Sarah J. Maas' writing style is brilliant!

#8 - Slated Trilogy by Teri Terry
   This was a great trilogy which I simply couldn't put down once I started it. I love the different take on the dystopian society with slating terrorists and criminals as means of giving them a second chance. Following Kyla was great and seeing the pieces come together in the end was mind-blowing.

#7 - Ruin by Rachel van Dyken
   A very emotional and amazing read. The two main characters were very lovable and I enjoyed reading about them a lot. Though this book was a little predictable at times it was still exactly what I wanted it to be.

#6 - 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
   This was so creepy! When I first picked it up I was simply sold on the whole moon part but I totally did not expect the direction this book went in. I definitely couldn't read this one at night (I'm usually not a scardy-cat but this book!). If you are looking for a really creepy book that will blow your mind and happens to play on the moon, well, this is exactly what you are looking for!

#5 - Aristotle and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
   Very beautiful and philosophical with two very lovable characters and a fantastic ending.


#4 - Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
   Witty, funny and all round amazing! I have not enjoyed a Vampire book in a long time but this series had be hooked since page one. And, Dimitri! Enough said.

#3 - Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens
   Another book that deals with complicated topics but is just fantastic. The writing is beautiful and the two main characters are very unique and great.

#2 - The Martian by Andy Weir
   Much Mars. Such science. Very fun. I finished this book only a few days ago but it was just so brilliant that it simply had to be on this list and on place number two.

#1 - The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
   Amazing finale to the Mara Dyer trilogy. I love this story, the characters and Michelle Hodkin's writing. She is among my top 3 favorite authors and I will definitely read anything and everything she writes. I could not wish for a better ending to this trilogy.

   And that was it. These are my favorite 14 reads of 2014. I am very curious what reads await me in 2015. Tell me in the comments below, or tweet me (@Alice_Reeds), what books made it onto your guy's lists of favorite books.

   I hope you're having a fantastic day and see you guys in 2015!
   Cheerio!

Review: The Martian by Andy Weir

Freitag, 26. Dezember 2014

The Martian by Andy Weir
Published: February 11th 2014 by Crown (first published 2011)
Number of Pages: 369 (Hardcover)
Series: No
Buy it: Book Depository
 ~ Free shipping worldwide ~

   Apollo 13 meets Cast Away in this grippingly detailed, brilliantly ingenious man-vs-nature survival thriller, set on the surface of Mars.
   Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first men to walk on the surface of Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first man to die there.
   It started with the dust storm that holed his suit and nearly killed him, and that forced his crew to leave him behind, sure he was already dead. Now he's stranded millions of miles from the nearest human being, with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive--and even if he could get word out, his food would be gone years before a rescue mission could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to get him first.
   But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills--and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit--he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. But will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?


"I'm pretty much fucked."

   This first line perfectly describes the entire novel. I'm not even kidding you. Way to go, Mr. Weir!
   After that opening line, paired with the blurb and the cover, I was sold. I had to get my hands on this book. I had to read it so I decided to buy it for myself for Christmas.
   I did not regret buying a hardcover copy.
   This book is nothing like what I usually read. It doesn't really fit into any of the genres I usually turn to and I loved it. This book was very different from what I have read so far throughout my years of reading. I admit, there was a lot I didn't understand simply because there is a lot of science in this book. A LOT. But, despite all the science, I still enjoyed this book a lot. I had a fantastic time reading it and exploring all these things involved in trying to survive on a planet where everything is out to kill you.

“Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum. Duct tape works anywhere. 
Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped.”

   Mark Watney, the protagonist of this breathtaking novel, is a botanist and engineer who flew to Mars with his Crew where he was supposed to stay for 31 days. But, everything came differently and he ended up up there all alone. Through his "diary" entries we explore what is on his mind and how he tries to do everything he can to stay alive. He has an awesome sense of humor and never loses hope, as far as that is possible when you consider the fact that you have no way of telling anyone that you are actually still alive. Mark is a great protagonist and I would gladly read another story from his perspective. 

“As with most of life's problems, this one can be solved by a box of pure radiation.”

   The way this book is written is very unique and captivating, not only because of the extraordinary setting, but because of all the things that happen throughout the story, the science and the humor. There are many things I want to say about this book, point out things I liked most, but that would spoil the story for those who have not yet picked this book up. You definitely should.

“I started the day with some nothin’ tea. Nothin’ tea is easy to make. 
First, get some hot water, then add nothin’.”

   All in all The Martian is a very unique, spectacular and outstanding novel which has a lot to offer and, despite all the science which most humans without a degree in math, chemistry and/or engineering won't really understand, the story is more than just worth it. Don't let the science scare you. Just accept the science because it really isn't completely crucial to understand it. Mark's story is definitely worth reading. And I mean how often do you come across a book set on Mars?

   But, if The Martian still doesn't sound like a book for you, don't worry. The movie starring Matt Damon, Sean Bean and Jessica Chastain is set to come out November 2015 (Wikipedia). I hope they won't mess it up. Either way, I'm super excited.
I give The Martian by Andy Weir 5 out of 5 pirate-ninjas.

Review: The Interview (Movie, 2014)

Donnerstag, 25. Dezember 2014

Title: The Interview
Release: 2014
Runtime: 112 minutes
Cast: James Franco (Dave Skylark)
Seth Rogen (Aaron Rapoport)
Randall Park (Kim Jong-un)

In the action-comedy The Interview, Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un. (IMDb)

There was a lot of chaos and concerns around this movie, especially after the Sony hacks and threats. But, many people believe this was merely a public stunt to get more attention. Even if, I don't think it matters if it's true or not. It was a very successful way of getting a great number of people interested in a movie which, despite pulling a lot of topics into ridiculousness, also made them think about it all. Or at least it made me think.
   The Interview tells the story of the TV host Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapoport who go to North Korea to interview Kim Jong-un, because it turns out that he is a big fan of Skylark's show, while the CIA has given them the mission of killing him. Through twists and turns we follow their journey which features many jokes about various topics, pop culture references and more than one ridiculous scene. But, in the end, we still get information's and details which are there to make us think.
   Thanks to the great outcry that the canceling of the movie generated, many people happily watched the movie on the 24th of December 2014 when Sony released it online. Many may say that a movie about a topic like this should be more serious and rather have a drama-like tone to it but, let's be honest, a much smaller number of people would watch it. Not because they would think it's a bad movie but rather because many people are not really into dramas which offer loads of information's, political vibes and seriousness. People prefer light, funny movies which make penis-jokes and such. Therefore I think this movie, starring the currently funniest duo that comedy has to offer, James Franco and Seth Rogen, was a great way to do it.

   The portrayal of the characters these two played was great. James Franco was at his best. Funny and never out of character. Ridiculous while charming and convincing. Same goes for Seth Rogen, whose character maybe wasn't loud and obnoxious the way Franco's was, but he still had a lot to offer. The cautious friend who just wanted their show to have more credibility and also keep his best buddy safe.
   And no one is going to say that Randall Park didn't do a great job of playing Kim Jong-un. Surely he was nothing like the real one, but that wasn't the point. The point wasn't to create a super realistic portrayal of North Korea, of the things going on in the country. The point was to entertain while, even if only very subtly, show the people the propaganda and falseness of what North Korea wants to show the world and what it is actually like. The best example for this would be the grocery shop which is made to look like it is packed with fresh fruits and food for the people, while in reality it is only a picture and fake fruits.

   All in all I think this is a great movie to invite your friends over for quality comedy movie watching time on the sofa, just like the other Franco/Rogen movies were. Which is also why I think that it was a good movie of Sony to directly release it digitally and not in cinemas. This isn't your typical theatre movie but rather a sofa movie.
   Surely this isn't the movie we've all been waiting for, produced at top notch to show us what North Korea is really like and so on, but it was still a well-made, entertaining movie with a strong bromance and lots of funny lines and scenes. And it even has a puppy.
I give The Interview 4 out of 5 Stars. 

Review: Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski

Sonntag, 21. Dezember 2014

Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
Published: June 19th 2013 (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
Number of Pages: 393 (Paperback)
Series: Yes, #1 of the In the Company of Killers Series
Buy it: Book Depository
 ~ Free shipping worldwide ~

   Sarai was only fourteen when her mother uprooted her to live in Mexico with a notorious drug lord. Over time she forgot what it was like to live a normal life, but she never let go of her hope to escape the compound where she has been held for the past nine years.
   Victor is a cold-blooded assassin who, like Sarai, has known only death and violence since he was a young boy. When Victor arrives at the compound to collect details and payment for a hit, Sarai sees him as her only opportunity for escape. But things don’t go as planned and instead of finding transport back to Tucson, she finds herself free from one dangerous man and caught in the clutches of another.
   While on the run, Victor strays from his primal nature as he succumbs to his conscience and resolves to help Sarai. As they grow closer, he finds himself willing to risk everything to keep her alive; even his relationship with his devoted brother and liaison, Niklas, who now like everyone else wants Sarai dead.
   As Victor and Sarai slowly build a trust, the differences between them seem to lessen, and an unlikely attraction intensifies. But Victor’s brutal skills and experience may not be enough in the end to save her, as the power she unknowingly holds over him may ultimately be what gets her killed.
   This is their story…

“There is a stark difference between fear and uncertainty, Sarai. You fear nothing but are uncertain of everything.”

   I rarely read adult books, new adult at most, but when I came across this book I couldn’t resist picking it up and giving it a read. I must admit, at first I wasn’t sure what I thought of it and it did take me quite some time to finally, truly get into it, but when I did, I couldn’t put it down anymore.
   Upon my first try with this book I only made it about 20% or so into the book. After that I put it away and only a few months later, during a train ride, I gave it another try. Let’s just say I spent the entirety of the ride, which was about 5h, reading this book despite the fact that I was supposed to work. I definitely didn’t regret my decision.
   This is not your average easy page turner, this book handles very hard and complicated topics, which almost seem too real, especially when you think about the fact that girls like Sarai exist in real life, too. Most of them unfortunately do not have a Victor like she does. It only gets worse once you realize that most of them will never get a chance to run and live like Sarai did. But, that is material for a very different and long discussion.
   The author created a brilliant story with many twists and turns which will keep you up reading long into the night. It will make you root for Sarai and hope that she will be all right. And it will make you fall in love with Victor, no matter how stoic and dismissive he may seem at first.

   “I thought perhaps I’d get to stay in one place for at least a year this time, but such is the life I lead, a dark and lonely path lined only with the solitude of death.” (Victor)

   Sarai is a very different but very strong character. She has seen hell and she survived in it for years. She knows the world is an ugly place which makes her a female character which, for once, is independent and unafraid. She isn’t naïve and she is brave. The way her character grows over the course of the novel is amazing and believable, which is something we, the readers, do not get often enough. 

“I hate him more every time he speaks.” (Sarai about Victor)

   Victor on the other hand is stoic and cold as steel. He never hesitates before going in for the kill. He is smart and he knows what’s at stake at all times. He never goes off character, which again is something I am very thankful for. Victor does warm up over the course of the novel but it takes him a realistic amount of time while no matter how much he tells us about himself, he never seems less mysterious. It’s rather quite the contrary. The more you get to read about him the more mysterious and intriguing of a character he seems.

     All in all I can definitely say that Killing Sarai is more than just worth a shot. It’s outstandingly crafted with believable characters and an action packet plotline. It will keep you guessing what will happen next and how in the world they will manage to survive one or the other situation. Once you get into the book it will make you addicted and wanting more.
     If action, guns, assassins and realistic characters are what you’re look for, then this is exactly for you, if you are old enough to read things like this, that is. This book is definitely nothing for the weak as it has violence and explicit content, a lot of it.


   I give Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski 5 out of 5 Stars.

Review: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Mittwoch, 5. November 2014

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Published: November 4th 2014 (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Number of Pages: 480 Pages (Hardback)
Series: Yes, #3 of Mara Dyer Trilogy
Buy it: The Book Depository
~ Free shipping worldwide ~

   Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
   There is.
   She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
   She should.
   She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
   She will now.
   Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
   Retribution has arrived.


"She looked genuinely concerned, and I'm not sure I'd ever wanted to hit someone as much in my entire life." (Mara)

   Where to start, where to start?
   I've been waiting to read this book ever since I finished reading The Evolution of Mara Dyer for the first time maybe a year ago. I must admit, it was frustration to see the release date being pushed further and further back but, in the end, I am happy because I know that it was all worth the waiting.
   I've read a lot of trilogies over the years but rarely they had such a perfect last book as The Retribution of Mara Dyer. (I'm looking over at you, Allegiant) After reading the first two books I had so many question, just like everybody else. There was so much I wanted to know and that I felt needed more explaining and depth. And let's face it, after THAT EDING in The Evolution of Mara Dyer, we all needed this one to find out if certain things were true or not.
   I can promise you that this book will give you all the answers to any question you might have ever had regarding the characters, the chapters set in India et cetera. But, while you get a lot of details, informations and background to our beloved or hated characters, there are also moments and lines that will make you burst out laughing, loud. Michelle somehow managed to create teenage characters that really felt like teenagers. They made jokes that felt truly like jokes that teenagers make. They used pop culture references toward The Hunger Games, The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. It was simply brilliant.

"I thought you were going to give it the District Twelve salute." (Jamie)

   Oftentimes author create teenage character which just do not feel like the age they are said to be, but these characters did. They were amazing, smart but also had flaws which made them more real than a lot of other characters out in the world of books.


"Before I could say anything, Jamie began writing giant letters over the words with his index finger. F-U-C-K Y-O-U. My sentiment exactly."

   Something that makes this book stand out is the depth of detail we get regarding the medical and psychological aspect of what is happening to our lovely protagonists. I seriously am not surprised that Michelle Hodkin needed more time to write this book because I am sure it took a lot of time to figure that all out and make it sound so spot on as it is done in this book.

   It was also very interesting to get more background info regarding Dr. Kells which, in the end, helped you understand what was going on in her head and how it all fit together. And I admit, I might hate her now even more than I did in the previous book.

   Mara, on the other hand, now she goes through a lot in this book. But she is such a strong character that she still manages to survive it all, against all odds, even though she might not always make the best decisions ever but it all just perfectly underlines and explains all the things that are going on inside of her, the way the "thing" affects her mentality and personality. She is not afraid of making hard choices, not even the hardest one of them all.
   Jamie is just amazing in this book. He never loses his sense of humor and he is just such a great character and friend for Mara. Even at the worst times he decides to stand with her, despite how scared he might be. I enjoyed the fact that he had a bigger role in this book and that we got to see him so much for the last time.

"The freaks shall inherit the earth." (Jamie)

   There are also other characters which I would love to comment on BUT I don't want to spoil anyone. But I can tell you there are surprises coming, good and bad ones, so prepare yourself. One in particular surprised me a lot when I thought I might have it all figured out but then I realized "you know nothing, Alice (Jon Snow)"


"I want to double-fist the shit out of this pizza" - I still cannot believe that Michelle Hodkin managed to sneak this sentence into a published book. Amazing!

   All in all, The Retribution of Mara Dyer was more than just a worthy ending for this outstandingly amazing, dark, mind-blowing and brilliant trilogy. This book had it all, all the things a final book should have: Answers, moments that will make you laugh, moments that will make you cry, gasp and shocked, happy and sad, and the perfect amount of cuteness.
   The Mara Dyer trilogy is dark, twisted and psychological in exactly the way I love and want a book to be. It will make you fall in love with the characters, it will make you feel what they feel and it will make saying good-bye to them even harder.
   I am both happy that I have read this book and sad that this is it. There will be no more.

"This is a love story- Twisted and Messy. Flawed and Screwed up."

   To conclude this review I want to say Thank You Michelle Hodkin for writing this amazing trilogy, for giving us Mara, Noah, Jamie and all the other outstanding characters. This trilogy is truly perfect and I cannot wait to see what you will write next.

"My name is not Mara Dyer."


I give The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 5 out of 5 Stars.

September Wrap Up

Mittwoch, 1. Oktober 2014

   Hey guys!
   September is over and here is my Wrap Up, followed by my October TBR and September Book Haul. To be honest, September wasn't the most successful reading month for me. I ended up only reading 3 books yet I bought so many new ones it's unbelievable! 
   My Book of the Month September definitely is HIM: His Infernal Majesty by Reinhardt Haydn simply because I love the band HIM and I love this book. 
   My Most Anticipated Read of September is The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey, because The 5th Wave was an amazing book so I was super happy to finally be able to read the sequel.

   Books read:



       Books acquired:
    • Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
    • Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
    • Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
    • The Assasine's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
    • The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
    • The 100 by Kass Morgan [NetGalley]
    • Day 21 by Kass Morgan [NetGalley]
    • Candy by Kavin Brooks
    • Beastly by Alex Flinn
    • Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
    • Darlah by Johan Harstad [4 Stars]
    • Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
    • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
    • The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
    • The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
    • Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
    • HIM: His Infernam Majesty by Reinhardt Haydn 



         ~ In Process ~
      • Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (22%)
      • HIM: His Infernal Majesty by Reinhardt Haydn (30%)
      • My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (28%)
       


         And that is all from me. I fairly hope I'll be able to stick to my TBR for October and maybe get a little more reading done, at least more than 3 books, like seriously.

         Cheerio!

      Review: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

      Donnerstag, 25. September 2014

      The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
      Published: September 9th 2014 by Penguin Books Ltd (UK)
      Number of Pages: 300 (Paperback)
      Series: The 5th Wave, #2

         How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.
         Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.
         Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate. (goodreads.com)

      “You never know when the truth will come home. You can’t choose the time. The time chooses you.”  

         I've waited so long for this book. It was one of the books I anticipated most this year, but unfortunately I didn't quite get the satisfaction out of it which I hoped for. 

      “That’s the cost. That’s the price. Get ready, because when you crush the humanity out of humans, you’re left with humans with no humanity. In other words, you get what you pay for, motherfucker”  

          The first book, The 5th Wave was brilliant and different then all the other alien books out there. The Infinite Sea unfortunately didn't manage to catch up with that level of awesomeness. Maybe it's just me or maybe not, but I had bigger hopes for this book.
         Something that is very important, is that if you plan on reading The Infinite Sea you have to read, or re-read, The 5th Wave before doing so because otherwise you will be endlessly lost. Also, unfortunately the first 100 pages or so seemed to drag on for an eternity. All that happened, or rather did not happen, over those pages could easily have been summed up in a novella and be publishes as an extra to the story. There is a lot of jumping back and forth between was currently happening and things the characters remembered. This made me stop a lot of times and just ask myself "what the hell is actually happening right now?" because I was just really confused at time what was happening, to who it was happening and if that is a new even or something in the past.
         What really made this book interesting were the last chapters which picked up the pace, had action and things actually started to happen, whereas in the first 100 pages everything seemed to be in standby mode. 

      “Maybe you reach a certain point in evolution where boredom is the greatest threat to your survival. Maybe this isn’t a planetary takeover at all, but a game. Like a kid pulling wings off flies.” 

           I was quite surprised by the choices Rick Yancey made in regards to the POV's. A big portion of this book was told from Ringers perspective, which at first I wasn't sure if I liked because I wasn't a huge fan of Ringer in general, and not from Cassie. Surprisingly enough the chapters written in Ringers POV were the most interesting and gripping parts of the book.
         When it comes to the characters in general, Cassie was just a tat weird, Ben somehow transformed into this really annoying character and Evan had a way too small of an appearance in this one.

           All in all, The Infinite Sea turned out not to be what I hoped it would be, which maybe was also caused by the fact that it was much shorter than The 5th Wave, about 160 pages shorter. This of course meant that fewer things could happen and that many things had to happen faster or in a different way. Unfortunately, what happened is that barely anything happened for the most part of this book.
         But, no matter how disappointing The Infinite Sea might have been, I'm still looking forward to the finally of this series. I'm excited to see how it will all end and if we will get answers for all the questions we might have.


      I give The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey 3 out of 5 Stars.

      Review: Hüter der Erinnerung - The Giver (Film, 2014)

      Mittwoch, 24. September 2014

      Titel: Hüter der Erinnerung
      Original Titel: The Giver
      Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
      Länge: 97 Minuten
      FSK: 12
      Hauptdarsteller: Jeff Bridges ("Geber")
      Brenton Thwaites (Jonas)
      Maryl Streep (Chief Elder)
      Basiert auf dem gleichnamigen Roman von Lois Lowry.

         In der Zukunft leben alle Menschen in einer scheinbar perfekten Gesellschaft, ohne Kriege, Armut und Gewalt. Der Preis ist jedoch ihre Individualität: Ohne eigene Entscheidungen zu treffen oder starke Emotionen zu fühlen, befindet sich die Gesellschaft in einem perfekten Stillstand. Dieser Zustand, der zudem von Drogen unterstützt wird, nennt sich ‘Gleichheit’ und wird vom Rat der Ältesten streng überwacht. In dieser Gesellschaft wird jedem Kind eine Aufgabe zugewiesen, die es für den Rest seines Lebens ausführt.
         Jonas fällt die Aufgabe zu, ein ‘Empfänger’ zu werden, derjenige, dem die Erinnerungen der Menschheit stellvertretend anvertraut werden, um das Wissen der früheren Gesellschaften für künftige Generationen zu bewahren. Der vorherige ‘Empfänger’, der seine Erinnerungen weitergibt und damit zum ‘Geber’ wird, nimmt Jonas unter seine Fittiche und weist ihn in die verdrängten Erinnerungen ein: Er erzählt ihm von einer Zeit, in der Menschen mordeten, hungerten und logen – die aber auch die besten Seiten des Miteinanders zum Vorschein brachte. Schon bald wächst in Jonas das Verlangen, etwas zu ändern und er fasst einen folgenschweren Entschluss. (moviepilot.de)

       Die wievielte Buchverfilmung ist das dieses Jahr? Ich weiß es nicht, aber ich kann mit Sicherheit sagen, dass mir Hüter der Erinnerung definitiv ausgesprochen gut gefallen hat.
         Ich hab von dem Buch, auf dem dieser Film basiert, gehört. Ich weiß das viele amerikanische schulen dieses Buch lesen und bearbeiten. Ich jedoch hatte nie das vergnügen das Buch in der Schule zu lesen, und auch obwohl ich es von wenigen Monaten gekauft habe, habe ich es bisher noch nicht gelesen, daher kann ich nichts dazu sagen, ob der Film dem Buch treu ist oder nur locker darauf basiert.

         Hüter der Erinnerung ist ein weiterer Dystopischer Film der uns eine Zukunft zeigt, die anfangs zwar perfekt zu sein scheint, jedoch sich als schrecklich entpuppt. Das an sich ist kein neues ding. Ein Element das mich an viele andere Dystopische Filme, die Die Bestimmung - Divergent oder Die Tribute von Panem, erinnert hat, was die Zeremonie die entscheidet als was die Kinder bis an ihr Lebensende arbeiten werden. Jedoch endeten hier die gravierenden Ähnlichkeiten auch schon.
         Ein ausgesprochen herausstechendes und interessantes Detail, das diesen Film anders macht als seine Genre-kumpels, ist das viele teile dieses Filmes komplett schwarz-weiß sind. Dies unterstreicht das Gefühl das einem der Film vermitteln möchte nur noch mehr. Es war interessant mal eine zeit lang die ganzen visuellen Effekte zu vergessen, die sowas simples wie Farbe einem Film geben, und einfach alles in diesen schwarz-weiß-grau tönen zu sehen.
         Die Welt, die sie in Hüter der Erinnerung erschaffen wurde, ist interessant und visuell ansprechend gestaltet. Alles hat Ordnung und einen vorgesehenen Platz. Alle müssen regeln befolgen, die sogar soweit gehen, das sie bestimmen wie man sich ausdrückt wenn man spricht. Alles ist gleich. Niemand sticht aus der Maße heraus.
         Kinematographisch kann man also sagen dass der Film wirklich Top ist.

         Aus schauspielerisch fand ich ihn wirklich gut und kann wirklich nicht bemängeln, außer vielleicht der schreckliche genuschel des Herrn Bridges das einen dazu zwingt wirklich ganz genau zu zuhören, wann man den Film natürlich auf Englisch sieht.
         Brenton Thwaits, der Jonas spielt, habe ich zuvor noch glaube ich in keinem Film gesehen. Er hat eine wirklich gute Leistung gebracht und seinen Charakter wirklich auf glaubhafte weise dargestellt, so dass man seine Entwicklung wirklich gut nachverfolgen und nachvollziehen kann.
         Zur Leistung von Jeff Bridgnes oder Maryl Streep werde ich einfach mal nicht sagen, denn ich meine, wir alle wissen das die beiden genial sind. Zwei Schauspieler die einfach in jeden Film ausgezeichnet sind und einfach zu den besten, die wir momentan haben, gehören.

         Die Musik in Hüter der Erinnerung war gut gewählt und hat wirklich gut gepasst. Sie war jeder zu aufdringlich noch zu versteckt.
         Wie mit allen Dystopischen Filmen, muss man auch bei Hüter der Erinnerung manche dinge einfach akzeptieren, so wie sie einem vorgestellt werden und nicht das hinterfragen-spiel spielen. Alles in diesem Film ist Fiktion und daher muss nicht alles einen hundertprozentigen sinn ergeben. Fiktion bleibt nämlich immer das: Fiktion.

         Alles in allem hat mir Hüter der Erinnerung wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Alles war top und es hat mich gefreut mal einen Film zu sehen, der nicht nur wert auf Aktion reiche Szenen setzt, sondern sich einfach nur auf den Inhalt und die Nachricht, die er zu übermitteln versucht, konzentriert.
         Hüter der Erinnerung ist grandios und definitiv einer der besten Filme dieses Jahres, bisher.
       

         Ich gebe Hüter der Erinnerung 5 von 5 Sternen.

      Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (Film, 2014)

      Dienstag, 23. September 2014

      Titel: Guardians of the Galaxy
      Original Titel: Guardians of the Galaxy
      Erscheinungajahr: 2014
      FSK: 12
      Länge: 121 Minuten
      Hauptdarsteller: Chris Pratt (Peter Quill aka Star-Lord)
      Gamora (Zoe Saldana)
      Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista)
      Stimme - Bradley Cooper (Waschbär Rocket)
      Stimme - Vin Diesel (Baummensch Groot)

          Peter Quill, der als Kind in den Achtzigerjahren von der Erde entführt wurde, hält sich für den größten Outlaw der Galaxie und nennt sich hochtrabend Star-Lord. Doch nachdem er eine geheimnisvolle Kugel gestohlen hat, steckt er plötzlich so richtig im Schlamassel, wird er das Opfer einer unerbittlichen Kopfgeldjagd. Ronan the Accuser hat es auf das Artefakt abgesehen und nichts Gutes damit im Sinn – die Ziele des mächtigen Bösewichts bedrohen die Sicherheit des Universums! 

         Um dem hartnäckigen Ronan und seinen Schergen zu entgehen, ist Quill gezwungen, einen nicht gerade einfach einzuhaltenden Waffenstillstand mit einem Quartett von ungleichen Außenseitern einzugehen. Dazu gehören der waffenliebende Waschbär Rocket, der Baummensch Groot, die tödliche und rätselhafte Gamora und der rachsüchtige Drax the Destroyer. Als Peter dann die wahre, gefährliche Macht der Kugel kennenlernt, muss er sein Bestes geben, um die zusammengewürfelten Rivalen für einen letzten, verzweifelten Widerstand zu vereinen. Er muss eine Helden-Truppe aus ihnen machen, denn das Schicksal der Galaxie steht auf dem Spiel.(kinostarts.de) 

         Ich bin wahrscheinlich die letzte die diesen Film sieht, weil wohl jeder außer mir ihn schon gesehen hat, aber es war das warten wert. Als ich das erste Mal einen der Trailer für Guardians of the Galaxy gesehen habe, wusste ich sofort, dass ich ihn sehen will, auch wenn ich wusste, dass er wahrscheinlich nicht der genialste Film aller Zeiten sein wird.
         Heute ging ich dann also ins Kino und sah ihn mir mit zwei Freundinnen an. Ich musste lachen, tränchen umspielten meine Augen hier und da, und allgemein war der Film wirklich unterhaltsam und lustig.

         In guter Marvel Manier bietet Guardians of the Galaxy interessante Charaktere, Kulissen und Helden zum verlieben. Ich meine, wie dann man den süßen Rocket nicht einfach nur knuddeln wollen? Des Weiteren haben wir hier natürlich wie immer einen Helden dessen Mutter Tod ist und dessen Vater wohl abwesend ist, wie es sich eben für einen Helden so gehört.
         Guardians of the Galaxy bietet viele, wirklich sehr viele lustige Momente mit Witzen und Anspielungen, misslungenen Metaphern und einfach nur facepalm-würdigen Szenen, im guten sinne natürlich.
         Kinematographisch wurde viel Arbeit in die Welt und die Effekte gesteckt, was sich meiner Meinung nach ausgezahlt hat, auch wenn in manschen Szenen so überladen das es ein bisschen schwer war sich auf eine Sache zu konzentrieren. Alles passierte super schnell und einfach viel zu vieles auf einmal. Aber, dass ist man ja eigentlich von den Marvel Filmen gewöhnt, zumindest denen die ich bisher gesehen hab.

          Schauspielerisch war der Guardians of the Galaxy wirklich gut und überzeugend.
         Chris Pratt als Peter Quill aka Star-Lord war witzig und charmant, einfach ein cooler typ, der sogar sein leben aufs spielt setzt nur um seinen Kassettenspieler mit dem "Awesome Mix Vol.1" zurück zu holen.

         Zoe Saldana hab ich glaube ich bisher noch in keinem Film bewusst gesehen, jedoch fand ich ihre leistunden in Guardians of the Galaxy wirklich gut. Sie hat so manch einem einen ganz schönen arschtritt verpasst und hatte wirklich einen guten, konstanten Charakter der sich schrittweise entwickelt hat, so wie es auch wirklich sein würde.
         Die Sprecher-performance von Bradley Cooper und Vin Diesel war wirklich unterhaltsam, auch wenn Vin Diesel definitiv den besten Text von allen hatte: "I am Groot". Die Art und weise wie Bradley Cooper Rocket gesprochen hat war einfach genial und hat den Charakter nochmal um einiges genialer und unterhaltsamer gemacht.
         Die restlichen Schauspieler, die ich jetzt nicht alle einzeln bearbeiten werde, denn dass wäre einfach etwas übertrieben, haben eine solide Leistung gebracht, egal wie klein ihre rolle auch gewesen sein mag.

          Alles in allem war Guardians of the Galaxy ein wirklich unterhaltsamer und gut gemachter Film denn man sich gerne mit freunden ansehen kann um einfach zu lachen, spaß haben und relaxen. Ich weiß nicht ob jeder den Film mögen wird, ich meine ich selbst war schon immer skeptisch gegenüber Marvel Filmen, aber bisher haben sie mir alle mehr oder weniger gut gefallen.
         Guardians of the Galaxy bietet Unterhaltung und so manch einen Lacher, und jenen die viel wert auf Effekte legen, wird er definitiv gefallen.


          Ich gebe Guardians of the Galaxy 4 von 5 Sternen.