SPOILER WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe I'm writing this. I can't believe I paid $7 to see this movie. I can't believe my legs wouldn't move when I was really uncomfortable and wanted to walk out. And, I REALLY can't believe part of me is morbidly curious for the next one.
Yes, I went to see Fifty Shades. I don't know why. I had writers block, I was bored, and it's frigid outside. So, I figured go see a movie. I wanted to see the third Night at the Museum film but it's already out of theaters. So, instead of going somewhere to force myself to write, I spent money on a Twilight fan fiction film. The two girls who sat next to me were talking with me before it started and they had read the books. After they said it was waaay toned down from the books. Which made me even less inclined to read them because I was waaay uncomfortable during most of the film.
The first part of the film was mostly me giggling about how similar it was to Twilight. The characters were all too obvious. Anastasia= Bella; Christian= Edward; Jose= Jacob; Kate= Rosalie; Mama Steele= Bella's mom; and so on. When he rescues her from getting hit by the cyclist, that was the truck rescue scene. Christian talks about him not having a heart- Edward talking about not knowing if he has a soul. I could not stop laughing every time a Twilight reference came up and I wasn't even a huge fan of that franchise! But, I had seen them enough times (and read the books once) to remember them.
However, I would have preferred the sparkly vampires and shape-shifting wolf people to the other stuff. Christian Grey is messed-the-hell-UP! Many of the scenes were incredibly cringe-worthy. The "play room" for example. I don't want to sound like I'm judging or I could sound like a total prude but I don't see how being beaten and restrained is enjoyable.
I do want to make it clear to all those who say this film glamorizes rape. Ana gives consent to everything. It does make very clear that this is an abusive relationship. And, I can see how it can get confusing to people. One minute he's wining and dining her, taking her on plane and helicopter rides, dinners with his family, buying her incredible gifts like a new MacBook and a very nice car. The next, he's cold and over-dominant. I don't even think I'm properly describing it. I hate to think that people actually consider this romance. The emotional and verbal abuse is there so clearly.
At the end, the scene I could not watch was the part with the belt. She continued to question him and he takes a belt to her. He hits her six times and I was ready to cry right along with her. I was very glad when she firmly tells him to never touch her again. But, if there are more books, then the story doesn't end there and she'll go back to him.
I don't know how to rate this film. It was uncomfortable to watch about 95% of the time. I think Christian Grey is a complete psycho for taking pleasure in such things. (Okay, yes, I'm getting judgy there. But, I don't understand it) And, I'm so glad I'm not in a relationship anywhere remotely close to that.
I will say that the actor who plays Christian is incredibly good looking. And, considering what he was given, he is not a bad actor. I'd like to see him in a much better role. It's like my opinion of Liam Hemsworth who plays Gale in the Hunger Games. I think he's incredible as an actor. So gorgeous. But, I hate his character. (Team Peeta)
Like I said before, I have not read the books and I do not plan on it. Ever. It was too much for me. Plus, I heard the sex scenes are very badly written. I know there's only so many ways to describe things. I've been reading romance novels since I was about 17 so I know how cliche they sound and some I couldn't finish because they get pretty raunchy pretty quickly. To the point where there's no story anymore. But, this takes it to a whole other level. And, if this made me uncomfortable at an R-rating in the film, I can't begin to imagine the book.
At the same time, the movie just stops. It's build up, build up, and then black screen and credits. So, part of me is curious to see where the next part of the story goes. Probably equally cringe-worthy but nonetheless, the characters have fascinated me. I can't explain why. I'm surprised I've been able to talk this much about it because all I could say when the movie ended was, "That was... interesting."
I mentioned on a review someone posted on YouTube that this is what can happen when it is possible to self-publish. Even fan fiction can make it on the shelves. I'm not knocking the process. I'm self-publishing my own work and there is nothing wrong with being able to self-publish. If you have a story, you should be able to share it any way possible. It's just amazing that this series became as popular as it did. So, I've certainly got a shot with mine, right? :-)
I can't think of much more to say so I leave it to you as to whether or not you want to see it or read it. If you do leave comments, please be nice. I know a lot of people hate this movie and I can see points all the way around. I gave my opinion. Please don't slam me for it.
Have a great day!
Carey
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
What I Read In January 2015
I was going to do a video about this but many of my books are not currently at home. I'm slowly moving and my book collection is at my future home.
For the month of January, I read 2 books which keeps me on track for my Goodreads goal of 24 this year. I started 3, 1 of which I completely abandoned until later in the year and I'll explain why. 1 I think I have to be really in the mood to continue. And the other I'm so mad I left it because I'm dying to continue!
First book I read was The White Queen by Philippa Gregory. This book is the first in the Cousins War series. I reviewed this book in a previous post so I am not going to go into much detail but I enjoyed it and gave it 3.5/5 stars. I really enjoyed the concept of the story. The characters were wonderful and since it's based on history, I want to know more facts. There's just a touch of the supernatural in it for me to really love and, if you're a dreamer like me, you almost want to believe things happened like that. My problem was the pacing of the story was off. There would be all this action and romance and then nothing for several pages. But, I do want to finish the series. I just wasn't blown away enough to say, "Oh man, I have to read the next one now!" like I have with some of her previous books.
The next book I read, and the second I completed was Witch Child by Celia Rees. I first heard about this from the lovely Dawn Kurtagich. She did a Top 5 Historical Books video in December and mentioned it. It is the story of Mary who is a young woman living in England in the late 1650s and she is a witch. She was raised by her grandmother and practices healing. Her grandmother would tell peoples fortunes along with being a healer herself and tell supernatural stories but then she is persecuted as a witch and horribly killed. Mary flees to the New World with a Puritan community and has to try and blend in. The book is told as her diary so you see her thoughts and opinions about these people. Some she likes and some she doesn't and usually those people feel the same. What I liked about this book was similar to White Queen. The writing is amazing. I was so enthralled in her journey and her struggle to be the meek little Puritan girl when she is really very outspoken and not like the others at all. There was just enough magic to make it believable. Sure, there were the cliche witch trial scenes with the screaming girls that you just want to smack in the face but witch trial stories are like romance novels. There's only so many ways you can describe certain scenes so they're going to sound hokey and cliche. But, it's not overwhelmed with it like in the Crucible. This book got 5/5 stars from me.
The book that I abandoned was called Ouija by Katharine Turner. This was an on-a-whim buy for me. I don't really go for scary stories and certainly will never watch the movie because I heard it was a gawd-awful adaptation. But, this is not a book to be read at night. I picked it up one night because I was too lazy to go in the other room and get Witch Child out of my purse so I grabbed something within reach in the bedroom. I read about 3 chapters. Maybe 4? Don't remember. Had to put it down because I just started feeling weird and there was already a death. *Sorry, spoilers* And then that whole rest of the night I couldn't sleep and when I did sleep I had weird dreams. So, this will be a day time only read closer to Halloween and then I will watch lots of Disney movies before bed. But, I included the Amazon link if you are interested anyway.
Another book I began but is on hold is Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I thought with Valentine's Day coming up I'd go for a cute contemporary and I had heard a lot of great things about this book and the 2 companion/sequels in the trilogy. But, I just couldn't get into it that much. I don't mean it's bad. It's an interesting story and I'm starting to like the characters. Anna's awkwardness is definitely something I can relate to because I was a very awkward teen... and 20-something... and 30-something. ^^; But, I just couldn't stay hooked yet. So, I will try again down the road.
Finally, the book I'm really enjoying but I left it at my future home and won't get to read it again until Friday. It is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas! I already know I want the next books. There are 2 out plus the prequel novellas and there are 3 more still to come according to Goodreads! I haven't gotten too far into it yet but I'm loving everything so far. The writing is awesome. The characters are fascinating and some you either one to love or hit. Some, like our lovely main Celaena, you can't quite figure out. I love how it's mostly from her story but then you get glimpses into Prince Dorian or Chaol (pronounced Kale as I found out from a review video). I had a heart-stopping moment and this shows what a geek I am. Chaol is giving her a tour of the castle and they find the library and he tells her it contains over ONE MILLION BOOKS! Oh! I read that at work. My heart stopped, I nearly fell out of my chair. I actually sighed out loud and had to set the book down to process that. People were probably staring at me but I didn't care. I can't wait to keep reading and I need to get my hands on the rest of the series!! I'll do a proper review either here or on my YouTube channel when I'm reading.
So, that's my January 2015 reading wrap-up. I'll have another at the end of February. In the meantime, keep an eye out for writing updates and other posts. Check out my social media and YouTube. Have a great night. Hope where you're at is warm and wonderful because here it's sub-zero and snowing. But, hey, book and a blanket weather!
Bye! ^.~
Carey
For the month of January, I read 2 books which keeps me on track for my Goodreads goal of 24 this year. I started 3, 1 of which I completely abandoned until later in the year and I'll explain why. 1 I think I have to be really in the mood to continue. And the other I'm so mad I left it because I'm dying to continue!
First book I read was The White Queen by Philippa Gregory. This book is the first in the Cousins War series. I reviewed this book in a previous post so I am not going to go into much detail but I enjoyed it and gave it 3.5/5 stars. I really enjoyed the concept of the story. The characters were wonderful and since it's based on history, I want to know more facts. There's just a touch of the supernatural in it for me to really love and, if you're a dreamer like me, you almost want to believe things happened like that. My problem was the pacing of the story was off. There would be all this action and romance and then nothing for several pages. But, I do want to finish the series. I just wasn't blown away enough to say, "Oh man, I have to read the next one now!" like I have with some of her previous books.
The next book I read, and the second I completed was Witch Child by Celia Rees. I first heard about this from the lovely Dawn Kurtagich. She did a Top 5 Historical Books video in December and mentioned it. It is the story of Mary who is a young woman living in England in the late 1650s and she is a witch. She was raised by her grandmother and practices healing. Her grandmother would tell peoples fortunes along with being a healer herself and tell supernatural stories but then she is persecuted as a witch and horribly killed. Mary flees to the New World with a Puritan community and has to try and blend in. The book is told as her diary so you see her thoughts and opinions about these people. Some she likes and some she doesn't and usually those people feel the same. What I liked about this book was similar to White Queen. The writing is amazing. I was so enthralled in her journey and her struggle to be the meek little Puritan girl when she is really very outspoken and not like the others at all. There was just enough magic to make it believable. Sure, there were the cliche witch trial scenes with the screaming girls that you just want to smack in the face but witch trial stories are like romance novels. There's only so many ways you can describe certain scenes so they're going to sound hokey and cliche. But, it's not overwhelmed with it like in the Crucible. This book got 5/5 stars from me.
The book that I abandoned was called Ouija by Katharine Turner. This was an on-a-whim buy for me. I don't really go for scary stories and certainly will never watch the movie because I heard it was a gawd-awful adaptation. But, this is not a book to be read at night. I picked it up one night because I was too lazy to go in the other room and get Witch Child out of my purse so I grabbed something within reach in the bedroom. I read about 3 chapters. Maybe 4? Don't remember. Had to put it down because I just started feeling weird and there was already a death. *Sorry, spoilers* And then that whole rest of the night I couldn't sleep and when I did sleep I had weird dreams. So, this will be a day time only read closer to Halloween and then I will watch lots of Disney movies before bed. But, I included the Amazon link if you are interested anyway.
Another book I began but is on hold is Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I thought with Valentine's Day coming up I'd go for a cute contemporary and I had heard a lot of great things about this book and the 2 companion/sequels in the trilogy. But, I just couldn't get into it that much. I don't mean it's bad. It's an interesting story and I'm starting to like the characters. Anna's awkwardness is definitely something I can relate to because I was a very awkward teen... and 20-something... and 30-something. ^^; But, I just couldn't stay hooked yet. So, I will try again down the road.
Finally, the book I'm really enjoying but I left it at my future home and won't get to read it again until Friday. It is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas! I already know I want the next books. There are 2 out plus the prequel novellas and there are 3 more still to come according to Goodreads! I haven't gotten too far into it yet but I'm loving everything so far. The writing is awesome. The characters are fascinating and some you either one to love or hit. Some, like our lovely main Celaena, you can't quite figure out. I love how it's mostly from her story but then you get glimpses into Prince Dorian or Chaol (pronounced Kale as I found out from a review video). I had a heart-stopping moment and this shows what a geek I am. Chaol is giving her a tour of the castle and they find the library and he tells her it contains over ONE MILLION BOOKS! Oh! I read that at work. My heart stopped, I nearly fell out of my chair. I actually sighed out loud and had to set the book down to process that. People were probably staring at me but I didn't care. I can't wait to keep reading and I need to get my hands on the rest of the series!! I'll do a proper review either here or on my YouTube channel when I'm reading.
So, that's my January 2015 reading wrap-up. I'll have another at the end of February. In the meantime, keep an eye out for writing updates and other posts. Check out my social media and YouTube. Have a great night. Hope where you're at is warm and wonderful because here it's sub-zero and snowing. But, hey, book and a blanket weather!
Bye! ^.~
Carey
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