Cats (2019)

“Cats,” the beloved musical featuring actors portraying feline characters, embarks on a whimsical journey where the ultimate aspiration is to secure a new life as a different cat. Among the eclectic cast of characters, Macavity emerges as a cunning and villainous figure who resorts to nefarious tactics, such as kidnapping his competition, to achieve this coveted transformation.

As a fan of musicals, “Cats” was an eagerly anticipated experience for me, especially given my familiarity with the original production. The music, an integral part of any musical, did not disappoint. The melodies proved to be irresistibly catchy, showcasing the enduring appeal of the musical’s compositions. The prospect of witnessing a reimagined version of a cherished classic added a layer of excitement to the viewing experience.

It’s worth noting that, on a side note, there have been varying opinions about the visual portrayal of the cats in this rendition. While some viewers found the cat characters to be somewhat disconcerting or even creepy, I personally appreciated the unique aesthetic choices that lent them a charming, albeit unconventional, appeal.

One standout aspect of “Cats” is undoubtedly the iconic song “Memory.” This poignant and emotionally charged musical number, which was also a favorite in the original production, remains a powerful and impactful element of the musical. Its ability to evoke deep emotions and resonate with audiences is a testament to the enduring quality of the composition.

In my assessment, “Cats” earns a commendable rating of 8/10. It successfully maintains the essence of the beloved original while infusing new energy into the production. I wholeheartedly recommend “Cats” to anyone who appreciates the magic of a well-crafted musical and, of course, has a fondness for our feline friends.

Aladdin (2019)

“Aladdin,” distributed by Disney and produced by Ridgeback Studios, is a cinematic masterpiece that breathes new life into the classic tale. The film opens with a picturesque family scene aboard a sailboat, where both parents and their two children embark on a magical journey. The father, eager to share the enchanting story of Aladdin, sets the stage for an immersive cinematic experience.

The narrative swiftly transports us to the vibrant and exotic setting of Persia, where we meet Aladdin, portrayed brilliantly by Mena Massoud. Aladdin, initially a cunning thief, takes a heroic turn when he crosses paths with the princess, portrayed by the talented Naomi Scott. The pivotal character of the genie is brought to life by the charismatic and multi-talented Will Smith.

One of the standout features of this film is its breathtaking CGI, which lends a remarkable visual depth to the storytelling. The lifelike quality of the CGI extends beyond the fantastical elements, encompassing even the animal characters, such as Rajah and Zabu. The seamless integration of CGI into the narrative serves to enhance the film’s overall appeal, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Notably, “Aladdin” showcases Will Smith’s previously undiscovered singing prowess, adding an unexpected layer of talent to his repertoire. The character of Jafar, portrayed by Marwan Kenzari, is reimagined as a formidable and compelling antagonist, elevating the overall quality of the storytelling.

The heart of the film lies in its captivating story, which weaves a mesmerizing tale from start to finish. The climax and conclusion are particularly noteworthy, offering a satisfying resolution that warms the hearts of viewers. The romantic subplot between Aladdin and Jasmine is beautifully portrayed, leaving audiences with a sense of sweetness and fulfillment.

As a lifelong fan of Disney films, I was thoroughly impressed by the attention to detail in “Aladdin.” Rajah and Zabu, though rendered in CGI, appeared so realistic that I felt compelled to verify their authenticity through online searches, a testament to the film’s exceptional visual effects.

In my evaluation, “Aladdin” unequivocally deserves a perfect 10/10 rating. It successfully marries stunning visuals, exceptional performances, and a timeless story to deliver a cinematic experience that is both enchanting and emotionally resonant.

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Blood Heir

“Blood Heir,” authored by Ilona Andrews, falls within the paranormal romance genre, featuring shapeshifting characters and loosely connected to the acclaimed Kate Daniels series. While I hold a deep admiration for the Kate Daniels series, I must confess that my experience with “Blood Heir” was tinged with disappointment, a sentiment that stemmed from its perceived shortcomings when compared to its predecessor.

Julie, a character we previously encountered in the Kate Daniels series as a commendable blend of awesome, badass, and sweet, assumes the role of Aurelia in this novel. However, her portrayal in “Blood Heir” left much to be desired. Instead of embodying the qualities that made Julie endearing, she appeared to have undergone a transformation into a character more reminiscent of an angsty teenager. Though she did have her moments of valor, her interactions with other characters predominantly veered towards a less favorable demeanor. Her treatment of Derek, a werewolf whom she had known during her Julie days, was particularly harsh, leaving him emotionally wounded. This stark contrast puzzled me, given her previously established reputation as a decent individual in the Kate Daniels series.

The narrative’s decline in the portrayal of Julie/Aurelia is further exacerbated by the lack of a compelling romantic element in the story. In a paranormal romance novel, the absence of a well-developed romantic subplot can be quite disheartening, and “Blood Heir” disappointingly fails in this regard.

Furthermore, my doubts about the potential for this novel to evolve into a series are firmly rooted. The lack of engagement with the protagonist, Aurelia’s unlikable demeanor, and the dearth of a satisfying romantic element collectively deterred my enthusiasm for future installments.

In conclusion, while I wholeheartedly recommend the Kate Daniels series to anyone seeking an engaging and captivating read, I regret to inform prospective readers that “Blood Heir” may not offer the same level of satisfaction. Its shortcomings in character development, particularly with the transformation of Julie/Aurelia, and the absence of a fulfilling romantic storyline left me disheartened. 

Consequently, I can only offer this novel a modest rating of 4/10.

Abominable

“Abominable,” a collaborative creation by Universal Studios and DreamWorks Animation, was a cinematic gem I recently had the privilege of enjoying on Hulu. This animated feature unfolds a touching narrative centered around a young yeti named Everest, caught in the clutches of a malevolent research facility. Everest’s heartfelt desire is to escape captivity and make a journey back to the Himalayan mountains, which bear his namesake, in a quest to reunite with his family.

The movie introduces us to Yi, a Chinese girl whose life has been touched by loss and adoption. In a serendipitous rooftop encounter, she stumbles upon Everest, and a profound connection begins to form as she wins his trust through the universal currency of food. Pledging to help Everest reach his mountainous homeland, they set out on an odyssey filled with trials and tribulations.

As their voyage unfolds, Yi and Everest are confronted with a series of challenges that put their bond to the test and offer valuable lessons in resilience and teamwork. “Abominable” masterfully weaves the themes of friendship and the ability to surmount adversity through collaboration into its narrative, providing viewers with a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.

One cannot help but be captivated by the visual artistry of “Abominable.” The animation is nothing short of breathtaking, as it artfully captures the sprawling landscapes of China and the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Himalayas. The meticulous attention to detail in character design and animation breathes life into Everest and the other characters, making them relatable and engaging for audiences of all ages.

The musical score of “Abominable” is yet another testament to its artistic prowess. Seamlessly integrated into the storytelling, the soundtrack enhances emotional moments and fosters a sense of wonder during the characters’ arduous journey. It contributes to creating an immersive and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

In summation, “Abominable” stands as a testament to the power of animated storytelling. Its heartwarming narrative, coupled with exquisite animation and a memorable musical score, makes it an exceptional movie that appeals to a diverse audience. 

The profound bond between Yi and Everest, their epic adventure, and the timeless life lessons conveyed throughout the film collectively earn it a well-deserved 10/10 rating.

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Zootopia

Zootopia is a movie on Disney Plus its about a world without humans where animals were human-like and wore clothes. In it, June is a bunny who dreamed of becoming a cop. She went to the police academy and then graduated… After she graduated from the police academy she works as a meter maid. She is told to find a bunch of missing predators and she persuades a fox to help her.

It was a super cute movie with a lot of twists and turns.  I thought it was amazing and the voice acting was incredible. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cute Disney film with animals. 

I give it a 10/10.

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Flying Hard

Flying Hard is a novel by Marie Booth. I really loved it. I really enjoyed that it did a twist with the whole “were” thing with having a were-raven (that was also partly a were-puma and shifted into a huge raven). The were-raven/puma whose name is Tyler ends up with a werewolf alpha named Dax. It was interesting to me that they were so many different were-animals in this such as owls and tigers.

I’m definitely excited to read more of this series. I also enjoyed that it was a male/male romance – I always found those enjoyable especially because this one was realistic where they had their challenges which makes it much more enjoyable to read.

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a heavy urban fantasy edge and who is OK with the main romances in this series being gay relationships.

I give it a 8/10.

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Les Miserables

Les Miserables was made by Universal. I was given a copy by a friend. It was a musical and I did not know (until this movie) that Hugh Jackman could sing… He can totally sing! It starts off with a bunch of convicts and then one of them (Javert) is released on Parole… It continues through and past the French revolution.

The ending was amazing but extremely sad. At the same time, it was one of the best endings I have seen in a while. The singing throughout the whole thing was incredible and the same with the costuming.

Overall, it was an incredible movie. I wished I watched it sooner.

I give this movie a 10/10.

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Totally Spooked

Totally Spooked is an Urban Fantasy Romance Novel by Zoey Indiana. It’s also the first time ever that I have read about a Flying Fox shifter! It was totally cute and this whole novel was just adorable. I loved reading about the romance between Felix and Luna. Felix is a flying fox and Luna ends up being his mate. They met though a blind dating service for shifters, and move in together. In the end, they decide to make their own dating service for lonely shapeshifters.

I would totally love to read more of this series when they come out and I can locate them. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cute shapeshifter romance. 

I give it an 10/10.

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Archangel’s Sun

Archangels Sun is by Nalini Singh and it’s an Urban Fantasy Book Series with Vampires and Angels. In this particular one, Titus the Archangel of Africa is dealing with reborn that are vampires that have turned into zombie-like creature (angels can be affected also). Sharnie is brought in to help as a mediator with his new territory after the other archangel was killed (he went crazy). Charisemnon is the archangel that created the reborn along with Lijuan; they are both dead now from the other archangels realizing what they did – and punishing them by death.

The romance between Sharnie and Titus was a bit slow but extremely sweet – especially how he accepted Illium as his own stepson.  Aageon is Ililums real father – although he is kind of a jerk though the whole thing.  I love how all the romances in the Guild Hunter series are interconnected because of them all being in the same world… you get glimpses of the earlier ones (like with Raphael and Elena).

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys some sexy angel and vampire romances.

I give it a 10/10.

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Jessabelle

“Jessabelle” is an intriguing movie produced by Lionsgate and Blumhouse, currently available for streaming on Hulu. The film embarks on a chilling journey right from the beginning, as it introduces us to the protagonist, Jessabelle, and her partner who are moving out of their old house. Tragedy strikes when her partner dies in a car crash right outside their former home, leaving Jessabelle paralyzed from the waist down. In the wake of this life-altering event, she makes the decision to move in with her father, who resides down south.

As Jessabelle settles into her new surroundings, unsettling events begin to unfold. She stumbles upon a series of tapes featuring her deceased mother, who had a belief in her ability to predict the future. However, Jessabelle’s father takes a drastic step by setting these tapes on fire, leading Jessabelle to unravel a web of dark secrets that her mother left behind. In the process, she discovers that the townsfolk harbor deep-seated animosity towards her due to something her mother did when she was just a baby.

One of the film’s standout elements is the underwater scene towards the end, which serves as a captivating depiction of possession. Throughout the movie, the creative use of camera angles and cinematography adds to the overall creepiness, effectively immersing viewers in the eerie atmosphere of the story.

In light of its suspenseful plot, intriguing character dynamics, and innovative cinematography, I would rate “Jessabelle” a solid 7/10. 

“Jessabelle” is a film that keeps you engaged and curious throughout its runtime, making it a worthwhile watch.

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