Review: The Martian (Movie, 2015)

Title: The Martian
Release: 2015
Runtime: 141 minutes
Cast: Matt Demon (Mark Watney)
Jeff Daniels (Teddy Sanders)
Sean Bean (Mitch Henderson)
Chiwetel Ejiofor (Vincent Kapoor)
Based on The Martian by Andy Weir

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. (IMDb.com)

   Last year I read the book that this movie is based on and loved it. It was one of my top 5 favorite books of 2014 and I told basically everyone I know about it. So when I heard that there will be a movie I was both super excited and scared. Most of the time book to movie adaptations, with the exception of very few, are not quite good, or at least not as good as fans of the books would wish them to be. But, The Martian was amazing.
   Ever since I saw the first trailer for it, which I've also reviewed and teared up while watching, my expectations shot sky high which only made me more nervous when I went to see it with my friends yesterday (thanks Germany for making me wait a week). But, as previously mentioned, I was not disappointed and my expectations were met, a huge relief really, because I wouldn't have forgiven Hollywood and Ridley Scott if he would have messed this up.

   I'm having a hard time with figuring out how to transfer my thoughts and emotions about this movie onto a review that would make sense so maybe let's start at the beginning of the movie.
   We start off right before the incident that leads to Mark being left behind on Mars since his crew thinks he is dead, though he obviously isn't. I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't some long made up stuff before that but that we were thrown right into the story just when everything got messy, though we started off with a joke about Mark having found dirt on Mars which I thought was actually funny.
   I know from articles and YouTube videos that the sandstorm is more fiction then non-fiction, but the author needed a reason for him to be left behind so that's okay, considering how scientifically accurate everything else that happens in the movie is. That brings me to my next point, the fact that this isn't one of those action filled space stories but one filled with actual survival, science and jokes. I liked the fact that the movie, and book, showed just how hard it would be to save an astronaut due to the cost and distance between the Earth and Mars. They didn't just mud that over and make it unrealistic and easy, but in a way that felt realistic which I always appreciate. Everything had a scientific base, though the movie science was a little easier to understand then some of it in the book.
   Next up, as someone who first read the book with no real knowledge how all things Mars missions look like, I definitely appreciated the fact that I now know how the rover really looks like or the HAB in which Mark lives during his Mars time. While reading I had no actual clue how these things look like and I can tell you that my imagination was very far of from how everything actually looks like.

   As for the actors, especially Matt Damon, I really liked all of their performances, even though Sean Bean did not die in this movie. Can you believe it? I've never been much of a fan of Matt Damon so when I first heard that he would play Mark Watney I wasn't sure if I liked that casting choice. But now that I saw the movie and his performance I definitely changed my mind. He played Mark amazingly and believably. Surprisingly enough he fit the role really well which is always a plus point. 
   I really like Mark's character and the fact that he never gave up, never just sulked around and contemplated how high the chance is of him dying. Every day he got up and kept himself busy to stay alive a while longer, to make his chances of surviving a little bigger. I cannot even imagine how hard that would be in reality and how lonely he felt but I guess in his situation you would try to not think about it since that could just ruin your motivation and you could run into just giving up which wouldn't really help you.
   We didn't get to see the rest of his crew that much throughout the movie but what we did get to see of them was also really good. I liked how mixed the cast of characters was and how well the actors fit their roles. That also goes for the NASA members. Usually when movies involve nerds or super intelligent people we only get to see them portrayed in a very stereotypical way but not in this movie. There were many different ones around and, as far as I've heard, the fact that they use Lord of the Rings references is also a thing that actually happens so that's awesome.

   The scenery shots of 'Mars' were breathtaking. I enjoyed all the wide shots of Mark driving around in his rover that allowed us to see more of the 'planet' and proved even more just how hard it would be for a real astronaut to survive on a planet like that completely on his own.
   What I also liked was that many of the jokes from the book made it into the movie, though it's too bad one of my favorite quotes about duct tape didn't. Even the Iron Man joke made it, though in the movie it was a little bit sillier then in the book but that's okay.

   All in all I loved The Martian and how true to the book it was. Sure, a couple of things didn't make it into the movie and others were changed a little to make the movie more interesting but that's not big of a surprise. I'm happy with how the movie turned out, with the actor's performances and everything.  I definitely want to see the movie again, many times though for that movie tickets are too expensive. I think this might so far be my favorite movie of 2015 so I recommend it to basically everyone. It's not scary, doesn't involve aliens or random jump scares and idiocy. It's a brilliant movie about survival on a planet that is definitely not made for humans as is.

I give The Martian 5 out of 5 Stars.

Review: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

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.

Top 5 Wednesday - Red Covers

   Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Lainey & Mindy. Check out the Goodreads page here!

   This weeks we are talking about red covers where I have to admit that I don't have read many books which have a red cover. But, let's see what I can find and, as always, these are in no particular order.

   #1 Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
   I love this cover. I love the title and I love the book itself. Enough said.

   #2 Fractured by Teri Terry
   Somehow, normally this cover always looked redder then it does on this picture. Oh well. I really like the cover and I like that the covers for this entire trilogy are consistent. The cover fits the book perfectly.

   #3 The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld
   This cover is really nice and red. A fun thing is that the spines of the books in this trilogy, when put together, form a clock which is amazing and it's perfect.

   #4 Allegiant by Veronica Roth
   Again, here we have a case of 'in reality this cover is redder'. I really did not enjoy this book but it has a red cover so it counts.

   #5 Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
   I'm not the biggest fan of this cover. I think the white US version (if I remember correctly) is much nicer but that's the one I have. The book was all right and the cover is red so it has the spot.

October Wrap Up

   Hey guys!
   Somehow the month of October was not that big of a reading month for me. I mean I bought 5 amazing books yet I've only read 2. Like what? And I'm sorry that I did not film my warp-up just like last month but I've been sick all throughout last week and so I'm not really in a state that is good for filming.

Book of the Month:
I loved this book! It was action
packed, mysterious and amazingly
written!

   Book of the Month: The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry
   Most Anticipated: The Young Elites by Marie Lu.

   Books read:

• The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die by April Henry [5 Stars]
• Frostbite by Richelle Mead [Re-read 5 Stars]

   Books acquired:

• The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die by April Henry
• The Young Elites by Marie Lu
• Die Insel by Manuela Martini
• Der Anfang von Danach (The Beginning of After) by Jennifer Castle
• Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

   ~ In Progress ~

• The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (58%)

  

  Most Anticipated:
  You guys know just how
  much I love Marie Lu's
  Legend trilogy which is
  why I am super exited for
  this one, even though it's
  fantasy...

• Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (87%)
• The Young Elites by Marie Lu (70%)
• Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch (8%)
• HIM: His Infernal Majesty by Reinhardt Haydn (30%)
• Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (22%)

   I hope the month of November will be a little better in terms of reading, which I kind of doubt because November is the month of NaNoWriMo, in which I of course am again participating. But, we'll see how it goes and maybe I get some reading done anyways.

   I hope you're having an amazing day!
   Cheerio!

Review: Escape the Fate Live @Lido in Berlin, Germany (19.10.14)

   Na das war mal ein Abend! Und damit willkommen zu meiner ersten Konzertreview! Normalerweise mach ich sowas ja nicht wirklich, was wohl auch daran liegt das ich nicht sehr oft die Chance habe auf Konzerte zu gehen, was sehr schade ist, aber die Dinger sind aber auch immer so verflixt teuer. Da hatte ich mit Escape the Fate noch relativ glück.
   Jedenfalls, das Konzert war gestern, also am 19.10.2014, jap einem Sonntag, und ich bin mit einem Kumpel hingegangen. Das witzige war, das als wir so um 19:15Uhr vor dem Lido ankamen fanden wir eine recht lange Schlange vor, was mich überraschte da ja eigentlich 19Uhr Einlass war. Jedenfalls, genau neben uns stand der Tourbus von Escape the Fate, welcher übrigens von der Firma Absolute Touring gemietet war, was für mich interessant war, da ich die Busse die man sich auf deren Seite ansehen kann als 'Vorlage' genutzt habe für einen Tourbus in einem Buch an dem ich arbeite. Jedenfalls, irgendwann verließen und stiegen Leute in den Bus und irgendwann standen auch die Escape Mitglieder im Ausgang des Busses so ca. einen mater von uns entfernt. Nice.

   Jedenfalls, irgendwann hatten wir uns dann den weg nach drinnen gebahnt wo wir erstmal am Merchandise stand vorbeikamen, an dem ich mir dann auch später ein Escape T-Shirt kaufte.
   Gegen 20:00Uhr ging es dann los mit der ersten Vorband, die wohl eine Lokale Band waren. Down to Date war eine Truppe junger Männer die eindeutig spaß auf der Bühne hatten und versucht hatten die Zuschauer zum mitmachen zu animieren, auch wenn ich vermute das die meisten sie nicht kannten. Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Bands die man so als Vorband aufgetischt bekommt, waren die Jungs eigentlich recht gut und ich bin versucht mir ihre Musik etwas genauer anzusehen.
   Nach einem recht langem umbau kam dann auch schon die zweite Vorband - New Years Day - die von einer Weiblichen Sängerin angeführt wurden, was eine erfrischende Abwechslung war. Auch diese Band hatte spaß auf der Bühne und ihre Musik gefiel mir recht gut. Visuell waren sie die typische Hardcore/Screamo/"Goth" Band, wobei ich dieses Wort nur zaghaft in dem 'Mund' nehme. Viele Tattoos, abgefahrene Frisuren und schwarze, teils zerrissene Klamotten. Beides, Musik und aussehen, passte wunderbar zusammen.

   Kurz vor 22:00Uhr, oder so in dem dreh, war es dann endlich soweit - Escape the Fate betraten die Bühne und die Menge drehte durch. Ich hatte leider nicht unbedingt den besten platz in der Menge ergattert, da ich recht nah an den Lautsprechern stand (wodurch ich heute immer noch recht taub bin) und noch dazu standen ausgerechnet vor mir mindestens zwei große männliche Personen, und mit groß meine ich groß, die mir mit ihren köpfen die Sicht leicht versperrten, jedoch war mir das in dem augenblich völlig egal. Das einzige was mir in dem Moment wichtig war, war das ich Escape endlich mal live erleben kann.
   Die Show war zusammengesetzt aus alten und neuen Songs, was für mich viel spaß zum mittanzen und mitsingen mit sich brachte. Jap, meine stimme war daher nach dem Konzert auch leicht futsch. Die Band hatte viel spaß auf der Bühne, suchte kontakt zu den Zuschauern und animierte sie zum tanzen, singen, herumspringen und auch zur Wall of Death.
   Was für mich ein wenig traurig mitanzusehen war, war das einige in der crowd nicht richtig mitgegangen sind und oftmals nur mehr oder minder regungslos dastanden und zur Bühne schauten. Ich meine, wenn man schon 20€ zahlt um eine Band live zu sehen, sollte man diesen Abend dann nicht nutzen um komplett auf die kacke zu hauen, im tanz/mitsing/herumspring sinne? Oder denke nur ich so? Natürlich gab es auch viele Leute wie mich, die konstant mitgetanzt haben, mitsangen und evident spaß an der Musik hatten.

   Irgendwann kletterte sogar jemand auf die Bühne, stellte sich für einen Augenblick neben Craig Mabitt, also dem Sänger von Escape the Fate, und sprang danach in die Menge die ihn einen Moment lang auf Händen trug. Dies geschah noch zwei weitere male, wobei beim dritten Mal jemand von den angestellte eingriff und die Person von der Bühne scheuchte. Leider hatte nur keiner so recht bock den typen zu fangen also fiel er wohl mehr oder weniger ungebremst zu Boden. Ich glaube jedoch, dass ihm nichts passiert ist.

   Alles in allem kann ich sagen, dass ich das Konzert wirklich genial fand. Man konnte sehen das die Band spaß daran hat, was sie macht, was für den Zuschauer immer gut zu sehen ist. Es gab viel kontakt zwischen den Zuschauern und der Band, was ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist, finde ich. Wenn ihr auf Escape the Fate steht oder auf Band die ihnen ähneln, dann kann ich euch die Jungs live wärmstens empfehlen. Es lohnt sich definitiv das Geld auszugeben, denn dafür bekommt man ein absolut geniales Konzert bei dem man echt ins schwitzen geraten kann, wenn man den mittanzt und abgeht.
   Für alle anderen kann ich nur sagen das ich mir nicht ganz sicher bin ob Escape the Fate unbedingt was für euch ist, wenn ihr normalerweise eher auf das zeug steht das so im Radio gespielt wird. Escape the Fate machen schon etwas lautere, härtere Musik die vermutlich nicht jedermanns Sache ist.
   Persönlich fand ich es jedoch genial und empfehlenswert. Wenn die Jungs das nächste Mal wieder in die Stadt kommen, werde ich definitiv versuchen wieder hin zu gehen.

Ich gebe dem Escape the Fate Konzert im Lido (Berlin) 5 von 5 Rockstars!

Taylor Swift Book TAG

   Hey guys!
   I recorded this TAG a few days ago and finally came around to edit and upload it. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan or listener of Taylor Swift but this TAG was fun. PLUS I've never seen a TAG before which mixed music and books so props to the creator of this TAG.

   By the way, you who is watching this video, feel yourself tagged to do this video too if you want.

   Cheerio!

Your Bookish Identity TAG

   Hey guys!
   This TAG was originally created by LittleBookOwl over on her BookTube channel but I decided that instead of filming a response I will simply write about it on here. That is simply because I've been filming so many TAGs lately yet I didn't post that much on here.

   THE QUESTIONS:
   - What dystopian/fantastical world would you live in?
   Okay, let's be real for a second. Who would at their right mind want to live in a dystopian world? I mean would you like to live in District 12 or the Divergent version of Chicago? I don't think so. I wouldn't want it either so I'm going to go with a fantastical world, which I guess I'm going to be super uncreative in answering, because I would like to live in the Harry Potter world and go to Hogwarts (just like anybody else who grew up with Harry Potter or simply has ever read the series) and meet all the awesome Harry Potter characters and learn magic and all that cool stuff. I mean who wouldn't?
 
   - Who would your partner be?
   Do I really need to answer that question once again? I mean I've talked about HIM so many times already that I am sure you all know who I will name but okay. 
   Brace yourself for no surprise here: Dimitri Belikov from the Vampire Academy Series. I mean he is Russian (yes!) which also means he has that amazing Russian accent (double yes!), he is really tall (yes!), he has long hair (I'm a total all for that so hell yes!), he is mean, sarcastic and grumpy (hell yes!) and he is just a total badass. What did I tell you, no surprise here, like at all. He is and will ever be my fictional husband, which I think we've established already a long time ago.

   - Who would be your godly mother/father? [Percy Jackson]
   Can I be honest with you guys for a second? Yes? Okay, because I need to confess that I have actually never read the Percy Jackson Series. Like ever. I mean I watched the first movie but like it just didn't throw me off my feet and I couldn't get myself to read the books so yeah. Sorry. Please don't hate me.

   - Would you be a downworlder or nephilim? [Shadowhunter world]
   As awesome as being a Nephilim must be, I don't feel like I could really risk my life over and over and over again to hunt down yet another daemon that crawled into our world. Therefore I think I would rather be a Downworlder, or to be a little more specific, I think I would be a Vampire. I mean I already sleep was too little and my eyes dislike bright sunlight. And, if I would be a Vampire I wouldn't have to sleep at all which means I would have so much more time for reading and writing. Just imagine how many books I could read or write. So yeah I think I would totally be a Vampire. But not a sparkly one.
 
   - Which house would you be in? [Harry Potter]
   Slytherin, like obviously. I mean even Pottermore told me I belong there. And I know that the students from Slytherin are like supposed to be the evil ones whom you should not want to be but I just feel like that is the place for me. Gryffindor is simply overrated. Besides that I love the color green and, I'm quoting a friend on this one, I'm an evil mastermind so therefore I am perfect for Slytherin.

   - Which faction would you be in? [Divergent]
   Well, I think the only one I would fit in at least a bit is, no surprise here, Dauntless, like probably anybody else who answered this question ever. But in all honesty I could never be in Amity or Candor like I wouldn't manage a day with the people from the other factions because that is just not who I am. I mean I'm surely not a very fit and sporty person like Dauntless are supposed to be but hey I could hit the gym if I wanted to, right?

   - What would be your daemon? [Northern Lights]
   So I had to google this one because I had no clue which series this is or what the deal is with the daemon BUT I found it and now I know. So, the daemon is a creature that is supposed to reflect on your inner being so maybe I could be like a wolf? I mean I love wolves and they are just the best and I feel like I have like a inner wolf. And yes i know that just made me sound crazy of some sorts but that isn't anything knew now is it?

   And that is it for this TAG. Feel free to go and do it too (if you do leave a comment below with a link or something so I can check it out) and also check out LittleBookOwl's video.

   Cheerio!

September Wrap Up

   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:

• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas [5 Stars]
• Confessions of a Teenage Rape Survivor by Holly Dae [3 Stars]
• The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey [3 Stars]

   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

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)

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)

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.