Impromtu Giveaway

I love books and I love movies.  I love books that become movies.  It's no big secret here on Two Sisters.  So when I saw the new trailer for "The Host" while at The Hunger Games movie I was super excited.  Have you heard of this one?  The Host is a book by Stephanie Meyer.  Yep, the Twilight Stephanie Meyer.  This book came out in 2008 and it was real low key compared to The Twilight Series.  It's still Sci-Fi-ish but totally different then the Bella and Edward saga.  And, don't quote me, but I think it's considered an adult book and not a tween book.  Anyway, I read it when it came out and I thought it was really good.  A little different but I liked it.  I haven't given much thought to it since then.  In the last couple weeks I started seeing things about a possible movie and then last week, bam, a trailer.  Now don't get too excited because this movie doesn't come out for a year but have you seen the trailer yet? 

     
So you see where this is going, right?  I know we just had a giveaway a couple weeks ago but this is on my mind and I wanted to run with it.  One lucky reader will get a copy of this book.  Pretty cool if you ask me.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post.  That's it.  Say anything and you're in.  Tell us how much you love us or hate us (hopefully you don't though!) or what you'd like to see on this blog.  Whatever you want.  Just make sure you leave your name or a way for us to get a hold of you in case you're the lucky winner.  We'll randomly pick a winner sometime next week after our next review.  So comment away!   

2012: Week 12: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi

Main Players: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz

General Gist: In the post-apocalyptic world, a battle is held where a boy and girl, between the age of 12 and 18, are chosen from each of the 12 districts to compete in a televised battle where only one person will survive.

Deb's Take:
So the long awaited Hunger Games finally got here! I was so super excited, and a little nervous. Anyone who has been following us for a while knows I am often disappointed in a movie that was a book I read first. I will never change my opinion that a book is always better than a movie. Books allow you to get inside the head of characters and hear what they are thinking, you don't have to rely on the actions and spoken word to relay a message.

It has been a bit since I read the books. I think this is the trick, read a book, and wait a while before you see the movie. Some of the details and emotions are then forgotten and the movie becomes more enjoyable. This is definitely what happened with this movie. I LOVED IT! I was a little concerned that Jennifer Lawrence would come across too "old" or mature in this movie for Katniss' character. It took me a little while, but she eventually seemed to fit the mold for me. I looked back on some of her previous acting, and realized I had seen her on a sitcom first. Didn't realize she was the same girl! I pictured Haymitch a little different than Woody Harrelson, but he pulled it off well. I think the interesting part of the movie, was how we saw a viewpoint of the people in charge of the games, how they were running the show, changing the venue etc. In the book this didn't happen, but really to make the movie work I don't know how else they could have portrayed that part. (again, an in your head kind of thing that had to be brought forward). I wish we would have seen more of Gale. Katniss and Gale's relationship wasn't really appreciated enough in the movie. All the other main players were very on! Great casting! I will say, the book is better (always is!) and reading it will bring so much more to light about each character, but maybe hold off on the movie right after reading the book so your memory becomes a tad fuzzy so you can enjoy it more. Also want to send a shout out to Amy Sacry for encouraging her mother, Terry Clinefelter for joining us for this movie. We had a larger group this week with my 2 older kids and husband as well.

Deb's Rate: Opening day, definitely! (maybe because I read the books though, interested to see what someone who didn't read the books would think...my son and daughter liked it and they didn't read the books...anyone else?)

Tiff's Take:
Finally, a movie worth seeing! We've seen so many bad movies this year so this came at such a good time.  Of course this was much anticipated as well.  When I was reading the book I thought that this would make a great movie.  First of all, it's action packed.  There's so much going on.  Secondly, there's not a whole lot of inner dialogue that was impossible to convey in a movie.  Of course, there is always going to be some detail that you just won't get in a movie but this one wasn't too bad. 

So my verdict?  It was so so good!  The casting was great.  Jennifer Lawrence had Katniss' attitude down pat.  Really well done.  Hutcherson and Hemsworth both looked the parts of Peeta and Gale.  Although, as Deb mentioned, I would have liked to see more of Gale.  And who could play a drunk washout better than Woody Harrelson? 

I loved how the Capitol came to life in the movie.  All the crazy colors and outfits versus the drab lives of the districts.  Very much how I pictured it in my head.  This was such an enjoyable movie to watch all around.  (Other than the teenagers getting killed for sport thing.)  I was emotionally invested right off the bat.  Well done.  Can't wait for the next two!      

Tiff's Rate: Opening Day.  But I agree with Deb.  If you hadn't read the book would it be waiting in line worthy?  Still going to say yes. 

Preview: Have to look and see what is out there!  Any suggestions?

Giveaway Winner

Thanks for everyone who entered our giveaway!  Using random.org the winner of the $30 Amazon gift card is...

aleifnilsen

Yay, congrats! 

Email Deb at dbschaefer@sbcglobal.net and we'll get the gift card to you.

If you have any ideas for future giveaways let us know.  We're always looking for fun things to give away.

Thanks again for playing!

2012: Week 11: Gone

Gone

Genre: Thriller, Drama

Main Players: Amanda Seyfried, Daniel Sanjuta, Jennifer Carpenter

General Gist: A girl who reports she was kidnapped and escaped, claims her sister is now kidnapped and sets out on a quest to find and save her sister.

Deb's Take:
I am always a little hesitant to go to movies that I think may be "scary". I have always been a wimp, and I can't sleep at night or I have nightmares. I take that as a compliment to my imagination. The upside to this movie, there were no ghosts. Ghosts are the things that freak me out the most. I figured since there weren't ghosts I could handle it.

This movie was sort of odd. The premise was great! The storyline followed a typical "who done it/criminal minds" sort of theme. I spent the whole movie thinking the good guy may be the bad guy. I was waiting for the ultimate high of the movie, the intense "fight scene" and the major twist at the end. Well, I was disappointed... it didn't happen. The twists were more like straight aways and the intense climax was more like a little speed bump. The movie had so much potential, and it didn't reach it's mark in my opinion. I do think there was enough suspense to enjoy it at home as a rental, and I think Amanda Seyfried was good. I guess if I was going to dedicate myself to a "thriller" I wanted to be on the verge of not sleeping. Needless to say, I slept fine.

Deb's Rate: Rent it (leaning towards a matinee)

Tiff's Take:
The previews for this movie made it seem like a definite thriller.  The kind that would keep you on the edge of your seat.  Well, it did a little but not a lot.  I totally agree with Deb that this movie was just plain odd.  I felt like the movie jumped right in to the action without a lot of setting up of who was who.  That wouldn't necessarily have been a bad thing but the "action" wasn't really there.  It was like the whole time you were waiting for it to really get going.  And then when it finally reached a peak it just sort of ended.  Very anticlimactic for sure.  And there were a lot of random characters that you thought would be important but then weren't.  Or could have been eliminated from the movie altogether and wouldn't have made an ounce of difference.   

The acting was okay and Amanda Seyfried was decent but overall this movie just lacked that extra umph.        

Tiff's Rate: Rent it

Preview: The winner of our Giveaway will be announced tonight.  Hurry if you act fast you can still enter.  Next reveiw...The Hunger Games!!! YEAH!  Who's going to see it this weekend?

Bonus Review: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Genre: Animation, Family

General Gist:  A boy goes in search of a long forgotten tree in hopes of impressing the girl of his dreams.  In the process he finds out about this world that use to be and tries to bring it back. 

Main Players: Voices by Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito, Betty White, Ed Helms

Tiff's Take:
Like Deb's bonus review of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, this movie was an opportunity to spend some time with my son.  He's been talking about going to this movie and since my husband was out of town and my daughter was getting quality time with her grandparents we decided to go.

I was pleasantly surprised with this movie and pleasantly surprised at how well it kept the attention of my 7 year old.  This movie wasn't overly funny with constant kid humor to keep them glued to the screen.  For this very reason I was really surprised that my son didn't tap me on the arm halfway through the show asking if it was almost over.  In fact, I didn't sense any boredom out of him at all.  Now that's a good kids movie!

Not only did everyone seem to enjoy it but it also had a good message.  Basically it promotes a healthy environment and being good to the land and all the living creatures on it.  I think this movie could bring out the inner tree hugger in all of us.  It did me!

Preview:  Gone review up next.  And don't forget to enter our Giveaway!      

2012: Week 10: A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words

Genre: Comedy, Drama (Do these two really go together?!)

Main Players: Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington, Clark Duke, Cliff Curtis, Allison Janney

General Gist: A book editor and publisher is faced with a curse that allows him only 1000 words, and once 1000 words are spoken he will die.

Tiff's Take:
Hadn't heard of this movie?  I hadn't really either.  As Deb says, this was requested by my niece.  Not sure we would have gone to it otherwise but we're good mothers and aunts and we happily make these sacrifices for our kids.

I'll start out by saying I like Eddie Murphy okay.  He's not my favorite but I don't dislike him.  I'm definitely not drawn to his humor or anything.  I feel the same about this movie.  It was okay but it didn't wow me by any means.  It wasn't overly funny.  In fact I'm not sure I actually laughed at all through the movie.  Maybe more just smiles here and there.  Rather than being funny, it had a life lesson to share about the meaningful relationships in your life.  I thought it had a sweet story but more just surface stuff.  Nothing deep.   

I'm ready for a really good one.   

Tiff's Rate: Rent it

Deb's Take:
We saw this movie as a request of my 14 year old daughter. I have always liked Eddie Murphy's humor and I thought the idea behind the movie sounded pretty interesting so I figured we would give a try. This movie is advertised as a comedy, however, after seeing the movie I have to say it wasn't really so funny to me. I still would probably put it in the comedy category, but the whole idea behind the movie is teaching a lesson about life, finding what's important and appreciating that importance. Although I think this movie had a decent storyline, I wasn't really impressed with the depth of it. I think the development, of elementary and didn't really keep my attention. I can't say it was a bad movie, just nothing great.

Deb's Rate: Rent it

Preview: Our second giveaway for the year is in full swing! Don't forget to enter and be sure to send some friends our way!!!  Also, The Lorax bonus review.  On the docket for this weekend...Gone.  Whew, we've seen a lot of movies lately.  I guess that's the point!

Giveaway 2 in 2012

We like to share our blog with others, and hope it helps people decide what movies they want to spend their hard earned money on as well as get an honest opinion of what's out there. This giveaway is to help us spread the word, and gives you an opportunity to benefit as well...with the chance to win a $30 Amazon Gift Card!

Here are the rules:
1.) If you "like" us on Facebook leave us a comment on this post to let us know and you get one entry.
2.) If you follow us on our blog leave us a comment on this post and you get another entry.

3.) Send a friend to join as a Follower on our blog. After they become a follower have them comment on this post stating who referred them. You and your friend will be entered into the drawing.

4.) If that same friend "likes" us on facebook you both get another entry.(be sure they comment on this post stating who referred them and that they "liked" our facebook page)

5.) The more friends you send the more entries you will receive...and the more they send the more they will receive...and so on and so on...

6.) We will draw a winner on Monday the 19th. You could be the winner of a $30 amazon gift card.

7.) Start sending those friends our way!!

P.S. Amazon has nothing to do with this...we are just giving away a gift card for Amazon :)

Bonus Review: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

General Gist: A boy and his stepfather travel to a mysterious island in search of his long lost grandfather.

Main Players: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens

Deb's Take:

So, my 11 year old son was feeling a little like the "middle child" over the last few weeks. He seemed a little down on school, was feeling sandwiched between his sisters and their attention and I decided sometimes a mom's just got to put priorities in line. So I picked him up from school at lunchtime and told him we were going to a movie. I let him get any snack he wanted, and he picked to go to he 3D version of this movie. So, based on the circumstances, me in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week, with my middle child, and all the snacks we could every desire, how could this movie even begin to disappoint ;) Well, it didn't. I didn't see the first movie, "Journey to the Center of the Earth", but my son did, and he was pretty excited about this one. The movie lacked a little development, for me as an adult, but I think it was perfect to keep the attention of my 11 year old. There were some super funny parts, (one quote got my son giggling like a little girl) and also some meaningful moments. The 3D version was pretty cool, although I don't know that it is necessary to get the full effect though. I really enjoyed the creativity of the storyline and the action as well. This movie would have been great for my younger daughter too..It's PG appropriate! The experience with my son was the best though!

Deb's Rate: Matinee..especially if you are seeing the 3D version, it will still cost you a little more.

2012: Week 9: 21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street

Genre: Comedy, Action

Main Players: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum

General Gist: Two underachieving cops go undercover in a local high school to try and break up a drug ring. Spoof on the TV series 21 Jump Street from the 1980's.

Tiff's Take:
I'm going to show my age a couple times with this review.  First of all, I had no idea what the original TV series was all about.  It was way before my time of TV series watching.  Before someone told me, I didn't even know Johnny Depp was in it.  So needless to say, I didn't have any preconceived notions about what this movie might be like.  That might be a good thing.

Secondly, watching this movie, I once again felt too old to appreciate much of the humor.  What is it with these movies we've been seeing lately?  Don't get me wrong, this was a decently funny movie and the crowd was really enjoying it but there were also a lot of parts where I was just shaking my head and mentally rolling my eyes.  A lot of the parts were just too over the top for me.  Jonah Hill fit his character pretty well but Channing Tatum, in all his yummy goodness, did not.  Maybe comedy just isn't his thing.  I definitely preferred him in The Vow.

So, yes, I'm too young to appreciate any throw backs to the original and yes, I'm too old to think this was a knockout comedy.

Tiff's Rate: Rent it

Deb's Take:
I vaguely remember this T.V. show when I was young. I don't remember ever really watching it much, but it was where Johnny Depp got his stardom, I believe. I think the T.V. show was more serious, where this show was comedy.

Now when I say comedy, I don't mean the kind of comedy that you get from Steve Martin or Chevy Chase. This comedy was like "The Hang Over" in high school. The stupid, roll your eyes, chuckle kind of comedy. It was definitely rated R for a reason. I did laugh, and once I realized the movie was more racy and perverse than funny and knee slapping, I was able to enjoy it a little more. I think that Jonah Hill did a good job. It was interesting to see Channing Tatum in a different role than what I am use to seeing him. He was okay too. I guess I found it hard to watch 22-30 year olds trying to pull off high schoolers. I know Hollywood always does that, but this time I found it hard to believe these kids were "kids", because they weren't.

Although I really enjoyed the "Hang Over", and this movie kind of reminded me of that humor, this time I wasn't as impressed. I think the story line was ok, but the whole thing was sort of juvenile for me. This was a pre-screening, and the place was full, and a there was a lot of laughing. There were, however, a lot of 18-25 year olds watching though. Just saying....

I will say, there was a cameo or two that surprised me.

Deb's Rate: Rent it: (or get it for free and a take a friend..like we did, thanks for joining us Chris!)

Preview: A Giveaway is in the works. As far as our next movie...could be "The Lorax" for the kids, not quite sure yet....