Florida Panthers 2014-2015 Season

The Florida Panthers were the most improved team last season, jumping from 66 points in 2013-2014 to 91 points in 2014-2015. Though the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, they stayed competitive throughout the season and only missed by eight points.

The turnaround to their success this season is attributed to a few key factors:

Depth

During the offseason, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon signed numerous free agents. The likes of Jussi Jokinen, Dave Bolland, Willie Mitchell, Derek MacKenzie, Shawn Thornton and Al Montoya. These signings added scoring, leadership and experience to a young panthers squad. Though some players were better than others, another year playing together and feeling comfortable with the system should keep the club improving. While not a player, the hiring of Gerard Gallant as head coach was a genius move, as he brought toughness, character and reliability to a team that desperately needed it.

Roberto Luongo

Acquired near the trade deadline in the 2013-2014 season, Luongo was a stud this season for Florida. Luongo sported a goals against average of 2.35 and a save percentage of .921. Very respectable stats considering he played in the majority of games and faced a high amount of shots. Luongo provides a stable presence in net and kept the team competitive in games they were clearly outmatched.

The Young Guys

While Florida signed a boatload of veteran players, in reality they are a young team. Many of their young players bounced back from a poor season the year before (Huberdeau, Gudbranson), from injury (Barkov) or improved significantly (Hayes, Pirri). It is these young men who will need to continue improving in the years to come in order for Florida to stay competitive and make the playoffs. There is one young player who stood out the most however.

Aaron Ekblad

The first overall pick last draft, Ekblad provided more than people expected of an 18 year old. Not only did Ekblad step into the lineup straight away playing big minutes, he contributed 12 goals and 39 points, good enough for eighth in rookie scoring (second among rookie defenceman). Ekblad is nominated for the Calder trophy and has a great shot at winning. He proved he could play with the big boys at such a young age and will only keep getting better.

Jaromir Jagr

The ageless wonder was acquired by Florida close to the trade deadline and played exceptionally with the team. Not only did be provide star power to the lineup, he elevated his linemates Huberdeau and Barkov. All three players scored at or close to a point-per-game together and caught the attention of fans and media. Tallon signed Jagr to a one year contract with the hopes that the three can provide the same magic next year and help the team qualify for the playoffs.

The Florida Panthers are poised to keep improving. The team has plenty of great prospects waiting in the wing and have a lot of available cap space to make a big trade or signing this offseason. The draft is being held in their building this week and with such a deep draft this year, Florida’s pick at number 11 should net a great player (or used as trade bait for a star player, Kessel anyone?). While the team does lack scoring (25th in goals) and power play and penalty kill (24th in both categories) these can be improved upon. Florida should stay competitive next year and with the right moves this offseason, qualify for the playoffs.

See you at the draft!

Stats via nhl.com and images via google

Live Action Kids’ Movies I Loved

Time for a new post!

I tended to watch a lot of the same movies over and over when I was a kid, that or whatever happened to be on TV. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to branch off towards other movies and genres. Since I mostly watched animated movies when I was younger, I wanted to focus on what live action movies I adored instead.

Reminder – I was a kid in the 90s and most of the movies are from that decade.

In no particular order:

Jumanji (1995) – Directed by Joe Johnston

When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

IMDB

I absolutely loved this movie as a kid. I thought the concept was so cool; a magical board game that brings animals, people, nature to life and can potentially trap the player it its’ world? Sounds awesome! Plus it has Robin Williams (more on him again later), who nails it as a man who is finally released from the game and uses his know how to help the others playing. Everything is so fun to watch and it leaves you wondering what craziness the game is going to create next. Every dice roll is tense and it all concludes in one mayhem of an ending.

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Richie Rich (1994) – Directed by Donald Petrie

A rich young boy finds his family targeted in an inside job and must use his cunning to save them

IMDB

Macaulay Culkin was a popular lad when I was young, springing up in many kids’ movies. Richie Rich was my favourite to watch by far. I was equally jealous and awed by the stuff Richie owned and could afford in this movie, it all looked so cool. He had his own basketball court, roller coaster, launch pad thing and of course “You have your own McDonalds?!?”. Any kid would dream of having all that stuff, so it was fun to see other kids interact with these things. Behind all that there is a story of poor Richie finding it hard to make real friends his age because of his wealth, a conspiracy for his family to lose his money, an action scene on Mount Rushmore and a pretty cool butler.

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Matilda (1996) – Directed by Danny DeVito

Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable.

IMDB

Matilda was an interesting movie. At one moment things feel very cheery and bright and then suddenly turn dark and gloomy. The movie seemed very kid friendly, but at the same time adult. It is a unique blend that works very well. Ms. Trunchbull definitely scared me a bit as a kid, talk about an imposing woman! While on the other hand, Miss Honey was the sweetest woman ever. It is worth watching this movie alone for a different spin on a kids’ movie, with the light and dark themes. There is a lot of other fun to be had too: Matilda’s magic powers, cake eating scene, breaking into Trunchbull’s house and a great soundtrack!

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Small Soldiers (1998) – Directed by Joe Dante

When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.

IMDB

This movie seemed tailor made for me as a kid. Toys that come to life and are at war with each other?! Sign me up! It was like Toy Story but with a more deadly spin to it. On one side you had the military army toys and on the other you had the monster, nature figures. I haven’t watched this movie in ages, not sure how well it holds up anymore. I remember having so much fun watching this when I was younger and even owned some of the character toy figures! There is one memorable scene with barbie characters too, that is pretty freaky actually.

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Hook (1991) – Directed by Steven Speilberg

When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

IMDB

First things first, Steven Spielberg is one of my favourite directors and I am a big fan of a lot of his films. Hook was well loved by me as a kid, definitely something I would watch every year. Peter Pan is a fun story no matter what age, and the twist in this version making Pan an older man (Robin Williams once again) who left Neverland years ago and grew up, only to make a triumphant return! This movie had a great look to it, from the settings and costumes (lost boy stuff especially) and Dustin Hoffman as Hook himself! It was a fun world to be dropped into; I still vividly remember how scary the scorpion scene was for me as a kid. I also need to give a quick shoutout to that lost boys food scene with all the weird coloured grub, and of course, RUFIO!

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Heavy Weights (1995) – Directed by Steven Brill

Plump kids are lured into joining a posh fat camp with the promise of quick weight loss and good times, only to find that the facility is a woodland hellhole run by a psycho ex-fitness instructor.

IMDB

Heavy Weights was a really funny movie, I remember renting it from the convenience store many times. The best part of this movie was Ben Stiller as Tony Perkis, the man in charge of “helping’ the kids lose weight. He is actually insane and over the top in so many ways, he has so many good lines. There are so many funny moments in this movie, and uses the kids’ weight issues in a very tasteful way. It helps that the movie takes place in a camp setting, something most kids want to do themselves or have some interest in. The rivalry the camp has with the bros across the water is fun too, especially when they have a camp competition against each other at the end of the movie. Would be fun to revisit again now that I’m older.

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The Mighty Ducks (1992) – Stephen Herek

A self-centered lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a rag tag youth hockey team.

IMDB

In reality, I loved all three Mighty Ducks movies (and the animated movie too!). The first entry in the series definitely is the best though, and has the most charm. I played hockey as a kid and it still one of my favourite things ever, so these movies were right up my alley. I really liked how these band of misfits (who each had their respective quirk) were brought together to make a pretty good team and have a bunch of laughs while doing so. I will never forget the likes of the Flying V, the knuckle puck, the bash brothers and of course, QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK!

Trailer *hard to find a good trailer for this surprisingly

Space Jam (1996) – Directed by Joe Pytka

Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Toons play a basketball game vs. alien slavers to determine their freedom.

IMDB

Boy would I have loved to be a fly on the wall when this movie idea was created. Combing Michael Jordan, the NBA, the LOONEY TOONS and a evil alien race. It is such a crazy idea that ends up working so well. The soundtrack for this movie was also better than you would expect, producing some solid tracks. The movie is so random that it’s hard not to love a little bit, and who could forget Bill Murray playing himself?! The actual basketball game between Jordan/Looney Tunes against the aliens (who stole famous NBA players basketball skills) is so fun to watch play out. Also, dat Lola Bunny. Just to clarify, while this movie does have animated characters, for the most part it is live action.

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Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – Directed by Duwayne Dunham

Three pets escape from a California ranch to find their owners in San Francisco.

IMDB

Homeward Bound was a classic in my home growing up, I remember my whole family having seen it at one time or another. I loved animals as a kid and had two dogs of my own, so the tale of this movie always resonated with me. Three animals who get separated from their family and then go on a crazy adventure to try and find them, all while having their own distinct personalities and dynamic in the family. The movie was funny (the voices by the animals especially), adventurous and very emotional. The last 15 minutes of the movie is a roller coaster of emotions that pays off marvellously. I’m getting chills just thinking about it.

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Harriet The Spy (1996) – Directed by Bronwen Hughes

Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. But when Harriet’s friends find her secret notebook the tables are turned on her. Can she win her friends back and still keep on going with the spy business?

IMDB

My memory is a little foggy on this movie, but I remember watching it very often and always enjoying it. It was a fun movie with some interesting characters (and music). Who doesn’t want to be a spy as a kid and feel like you’re on the cusp of an adventure? This movie does a great job at evoking these day dreams while evoking fun and the importance of friendship. I remember this movie being very colourful at times too, which was pleasing as a kid. I’m thinking now that I probably had a crush on Harriet too.

Trailer

There you have it! Watched these movies so many times as a kid. Like my picks or have any favourites? Leave a comment and let me know!

Entertainment Stuff

Alright Alright Alright

Figured I would indulge you all in what movies/television/music i’ve been absorbing over the last few months. I hope those who read this like my picks or check them out if they haven’t heard/viewed them yet!

Television

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix

A woman is rescued from a doomsday cult and starts life over again in New York City.

IMDB

Like most people around me, I’ve already watched the whole season of TUKS in a few days. The Netflix binge watching model was in full stride that weekend, but in reality, there are only thirteen episodes all about 22 minutes long, so there wasn’t that much to watch. The show is hilarious and has a neat premise that works very well. All the characters deliver, with Kimmy herself being a standout character. In my opinion the funniest character and breakout star of the show is Titus Andromedon, who plays the role of Kimmy’s  gay eccentric roommate. The show is filled with great sight gags and smaller jokes that require you to pay attention. If you are a fan of 30 Rock you would like this show as it is very similar (Tina Fey involved in both). The theme song is awesome too.

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True Detective – HBO

An anthology police detective series in which investigations seem to unearth both personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.

IMDB

Finally got around to watching the show everyone was going crazy about, and boy did it ever deliver. Where to start? The acting is terrific, especially from the two leads Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, with bonus points going to MM for being amazing in this show. Their characters highlight the good and bad in people and how it can help or hinder us in numerous situations. The mystery is engaging and the settings are spot on. There is one episode in particular that had me in suspense the whole episode and had some awesome camera work. The show also had a dual storyline of the main characters in the present discussing their work in the past, an aspect I really enjoyed. I don’t want to say much about the mystery, but I highly recommend anyone who loves good television to watch this show. I hope season two (with whole new characters and story) will deliver as well.

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Supernatural – The CW

Two brothers follow their father’s footsteps as “hunters” fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.

IMDB

Supernatural is a show I’ve been meaning to watch for ages now. Most of the show is on Netflix, so I decided to give it a try. I’m nearly done of the second season now and I am really enjoying myself. A lot of the first two seasons deal with horror cliches or stories I am familiar with already, but there are small enough differences on how the show presents them that keeps me engaged. The two brothers are great characters and you can tell they really care for each other. They bounce off each other very well and they feel very genuine to me. They both have their flaws and clash with each other often, but are usually able to work things out. There is also a lot of humour in the show, which is nice to see since most of the plot is pretty grim. The main story is interesting so far and I’m excited where it goes. Supernatural has been on for a long time and I am curious to see what happens in all those seasons.

Season 1 Trailer

Movies

Kingsman: The Secret Service – Directed by Matthew Vaughn

A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

IMDB

Fun Fun Fun is what I would say about this movie. The movie is both over the top but grounded in reality for the most part. The action scenes are off the chain amazing, one scene is particular had me laughing in awe at its’ craziness. Good spy movies can be hard to pull off, especially when incorporating great style, young characters and humour. This movie pulls it all off very well and blends everything together smoothly and in unique ways. The characters are likeable and the villain is not your average/cliche bad guy. If you’re looking for a good time with a movie, look no further.

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Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind – Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Warrior/pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.

IMDB

Hayao Miyazaki directs some brilliant animated movies, some being my favourite films of all time. I’ve been meaning to watch Nausicaa for a long time, the movie being one of his earlier directing efforts. Well, I was rewarded with a great viewing experience filled with beautiful animation, an engaging story and unique locals. There is something about the animation that makes you feel comfortable and almost vulnerable too, it draws you in so well. One thing I love about his movies are the quiet moments, from someone flying (there are some sweet flying scenes in this movie) or a character just looking at something in their room. It makes you feel part of the world, because not everything happens a mile per minute. The story takes us all around to different sceneries and the futuristic plot is different enough from other similar stories. Terrific world building is how I could describe this movie.

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John Wick – Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch (uncredited)

An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

IMDB

John Wick is everything, John Wick is life. But seriously, John Wick is an amazing movie. It starts with such a simple premise and spirals into a crazy world full of hitmen, gold coins and bad ass kills. Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as out of retirement hitman JW and pulls off some awesome action skills and takedowns in this movie. The movie takes place in an interesting world and makes the viewer wonder more about it. There is a hotel where all the hitmen stay and gather intel (and where killing is supposed to be off limits). John Wick has history with so many people in this movie, other hitmen, people who clean up after a shootout and even cops! I really wanted to learn more about this hitman world and about John (I think a sequel looks promising). The kill count is insane, the story goes to crazy places and John Wick is a man amongst boys, please watch.

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Music

Kate Bush’s voice in this song is so weird and mesmerizing that I can’t stop listening to it.

I’ve always liked America, “Sister Golden Hair” being one of my favourites. Recently came across this song they did later in their careers and find it very catchy.

Heard this song for the first time in a long while at trivia one night and have been listening to it regularly since. Never noticed Mick Jagger sings along too.

This song came on a Spotify playlist I was listening too and I can’t stop playing it. I love the beat and the lyrics I find so funny. Something fun to groove to.

This is a newer song playing a lot these days. I find it very fun and actually does make me want to dance a little. It’s pretty tame but I’m into it.

So yeah, these are some of the things I’ve been listening too/watching for the last few months. I hope anyone reading this seeks out some of my selections and likes them too! Feel free to leave a comment on my picks or what entertainment you’ve been into lately!

Jeremy’s Top 10 Movies of 2014

It’s been too long since I last posted! I’ve been busy with various things over the last few months and when the mood did strike for writing a new post, I was drawing blanks! I’ve been meaning to do a year end movie list for a while now, so I figured I finally would! I watched quite a few 2014 movies, ranging from blockbusters, award contenders and indies. While I haven’t seen everything I’ve wanted to from 2014, I’ve seen enough to make a good list. Besides my top ten movies, I will include a honourable mention section and movies I haven’t watched yet but still want to see section.

Things to consider in my movie choices:

– I like movies that provide at least some entertainment.

– I enjoy when movies leave me with a feeling of something and make me still think about it for a few days.

– Awesome use of music in a movie goes a long way with me.

– Added to that, I like movies with a fun or unique style to them.

– Lastly, a good movie makes me want to see it again in the future.

Without further ado, my top 10 movies of 2014!

*** Some of these movies say 2013, because that was the year they were made but were not released until 2014.

10. Jodorowsky’s Dune – Directed by Frank Pavich 

The story of cult film director Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious but ultimately doomed film adaptation of the seminal science fiction novel.

IMDB

I love watching a good documentary, especially one that revolves around movies, or in this case, a movie that didn’t happen! Jodorowsky himself is the main reason to watch this. He has an aura about him and a never die attitude about achieving his goals. His stories are amazing and his commitment to keeping art a focus of his movies is fun to watch. The people he managed to rope in and be involved in his version of Dune would have been amazing (Salvador Dali, Orson Welles, Mick Jagger!). His version of Dune had the potential to be something else and this documentary does a great job at understanding the man behind it all and his ideals for it.

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9. Edge of Tomorrow – Directed by Doug Liman

A military officer is brought into an alien war against an extraterrestrial enemy who can reset the day and know the future. When this officer is enabled with the same power, he teams up with a Special Forces warrior to try and end the war.

IMDB

Talk about a movie that really surprised me! I was sceptical going into this movie at first. I wasn’t sure about the plot, the armor looked really goofy from the trailers, the title was kinda lame and you never really know what to expect from Tom Cruise. I was pleasantly surprised how everything just ‘clicked’ in this movie and turned out to be a real crowd pleaser. The story worked really well and used the “groundhog day effect” wisely. Tom Cruise was great in this, but Emily Blunt was even better (and is a total badass). Another thing I really liked was the humour, it was used well throughout, especially with the repeated death scenes. The action is fun and the end result leaves you with new questions about what happened. Check it out!

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8. Whiplash – Directed by Damien Chazelle

A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student’s potential.

IMDB

Whiplash is intense as hell. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are amazing in this movie about what it takes to be the best and achieve perfection/stardom. Who would have thought a movie about drumming would be so hard to watch at times? While Teller is awesome as a person who wants to be the best and is willing to burn a few bridges along the way (also he was actually playing the drums which is impressive), Simmons takes it to a whole new level with his relentlessness and abuse to his students. It needs to be seen to fully understand how good it is, there is a scene towards the end of the movie that hit me right in the gut!

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7. Nightcrawler – Directed by Dan Gilroy

When Lou Bloom, a driven man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Aiding him in his effort is Nina, a TV-news veteran.

IMDB

Nightcrawler takes intensity to a whole new level. There is something creepy and eerie about this movie. This is because the movie mostly takes place at night and revolves around grizzly accidents/killings, but mostly because of the terrifying performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. His performance as Lou Bloom is intense, creepy, psychotic, and without empathy. Though at the same time, he is hardworking, ambitious and is willing to achieve his goals no matter what. Some scenes in this movie are disturbing as hell and truly unmoral. The city of Los Angeles itself feels like a character too and sets a dark tone throughout. Nightcrawler sounds like a messed up movie from my description but it isn’t gross or disgusting, it shows the darker side of what people can be like and the lengths they are willing to go to.

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6. The Double – Directed by Richard Ayoade

A clerk in a government agency finds his unenviable life takes a turn for the horrific with the arrival of a new co-worker who is both his exact physical double and his opposite – confident, charismatic and seductive with women.

IMDB

Talk about a movie with a unique look and style. It seems as though every shot in this movie had amazing atmosphere or a well placed shot. The music was a mix between classical (mostly string) music and Japanese pop songs. The story itself is very odd with strange locations and characters. Eisenberg is great in this playing two different characters, who are total opposites. The Director and writer took me to a strange world (kinda reminded me of The Series of Unfortunate Events) and made me enjoy my stay.

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5. The Lego Movie – Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller 

An ordinary Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied ‘Special’, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stasis.

IMDB

The Lego Movie is something that could have failed miserably but turned out to be amazing. Where to start with this movie? First of all, the animation is ridiculous. What seems to be part regular animation/CGI and what seems like part stop-motion, creates a unique look and movement to the movie. I like that the lego characters actually moved like a lego person would. The sight gags are aplenty and often times so funny. The movie just makes you feel good and makes sure you’re always having a good time. The characters are memorable (Morgan Freeman’s wizard character was a laugh riot), the settings were enjoyable and there was even some heartfelt moments to be had.

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4. The Grand Budapest Hotel – Directed by Wes Anderson

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

IMDB

Wes Anderson is one of my favourite directors and his latest effort is a total grand slam. Wes Anderson has a truly unique visual style and knows how to create a colourful world full of breathtaking locales and outrageous characters. The Grand Budapest Hotel fits right in line with his techniques and uses them to their full potential. Ralph Fiennes is spellbinding as Gustave and really makes you feel for the guy. There are so many amazing scenes to talk about in this movie, especially the jailbreak and mountain skiing scene. If you want to get lost in a new world for a couple of hours with a zany and fun story, please watch this.

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3. Guardians of the Galaxy – Directed by James Gunn

A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.

IMDB

Guardians of the Galaxy hit all the right notes for me. It had a great cast of characters, had a story that took them all across the universe, had an truly amazing soundtracks full of 70’s classics and was an all around enjoyable and entertaining movie. I am very glad that this movie turned out to be really successful, as it allows for more fun in the Marvel universe and more stories to take place in space! I honestly can’t wait for the next instalment and hope it continues to gain more fans until then.

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2. Boyhood – Directed by Richard Linklater

The life of a young man, Mason, from age 5 to age 18.

IMDB

There are a few reasons why I really liked Boyhood. One reason is that I related to it a lot in a few ways. The time period the “boy” grew up in aligned very close to my own growing up, so all the old references were very familiar to me. Being a boy myself, I could relate to certain ages of life and what he was going through. I also really liked the time element, because it is a revolutionary film technique (that easily could have bombed) and I’ve always been interested in time and people’s history, so those aspects hit a nice nerve for me. While the story wasn’t always interesting, it was like watching someone’s life pass by before you, which is a special thing to witness. I thought the acting was well done by everyone and the song choices well thought out for each time period. I think all film fans owe it to themselves give Boyhood a chance.

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1. Mommy – Directed by Xavier Dolan 

A widowed single mother, raising her violent son alone, finds new hope when a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household.

IMDB

I don’t think any other movie from 2014 stayed with me as long as Mommy has. The movie drew me in from the start and let me enter this story full of emotional and scarred characters. The movie legit made me sad a times but also had me smiling to myself too. When a movie really makes you feel something, you know it is special. I know I mention music a lot, but the soundtrack is unreal and works in every instance it is used. I like that the movie plays with the actual aspect ratio too (especially one scene in particular). It also makes me very proud that this movie is Canadian made from a young director who has so much potential. It may be harder to find than most of the movies on my list, but I recommend anyone and everyone to watch this movie.

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Honourable Mention – The Theory of Everything, Tracks, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Interstellar, The Boxtrolls, The Guest, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Frank, Under the Skin, Only Lovers Left Alive, How to Train Your Dragon 2, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Godzilla, Gone Girl, and Birdman. 

Still Need to See – Selma, American Sniper, Inherent Vice, The Babadook, Foxcatcher, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Nymphomaniac and Force Majeure.

So yeah, lots of good movies in 2014! I hope whoever reads this blog gives some of these movies a chance after reading about them!

Here is my Letterboxd account if you want to give me a follow or just use the site for yourself, it’s really awesome!

http://letterboxd.com/Coolio_Funk/

Let’s see what 2015 has in store!

Recent Viewings

I figured I would make an update on what I’ve been watching and listening to over the last month or so.

Television:

Hannibal

Explores the early relationship between the renowned psychiatrist and his patient, a young FBI criminal profiler, who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers

IMDB

Hannibal is a show I started watching when it aired but got away from after three episodes. Since then, season one and two have been critically acclaimed and my friends who have watched it all won’t shut up about it. Since both seasons were on Netflix and season three is in production, I figured I would get back into it. Hannibal is a show I both like and am annoyed at. I think the acting, design, mood and imagery are amazing (show creator Brian Fuller is known for this). The actual story drives me nuts because Hannibal is such a slippery character and the other characters are so oblivious at times. I guess that is the point, Hannibal is a master at what he does. It will be interesting when the show starts introducing plots from Silence of the Lambs (which I am most familiar with). Check it out if you’re looking for a show with great ambience and tone, but be wary at how nuts it will make you!

The 100

Set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity’s lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth in hopes of possibly re-populating the planet.

IMDB

The 100 was recommended to me by a friend and I cautiously decided to check it out. The 100 is a show on the CW, and I know their shows can be hit or miss (especially when teen characters are involved). Colour me surprised when the show really drew me in. The plot is immediately interesting if you are into dystopian futures and space stories. I like the dual plot of the kids on the ground and the adults up above in the Ark. Both storylines deliver and feel important. There is a lot of forward momentum too, the characters don’t stop to linger or have filler episodes. The female cast is terrific too with half the cast being primary female characters in leadership roles. Usually in these shows there are a few grown worthy characters we don’t care about, but so far most have been consistent and engaging. The special effects and scenery are actually well done for a show like this too.  The show is currently airing season two with no word on season three as of yet.

Misfits

A group of young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning during a storm, and begin to develop superpowers.

IMDB

Misfits is a British show that I’ve been watching on and off over the years. The first three seasons follow the same five/six characters and has a solid conclusion for them. I stopped after that for a while, but decided to try season four which has a whole new cast (save two characters). I was a bit apprehensive about it since I really liked the original cast, but the new cast isn’t too bad actually. The stories are still interesting and I found season four to be really funny. The only real problem came with the powers, they were underused fairly often but it strangely didn’t take too much away from the story. I will probably watch the last season when it’s available (Netflix only has up to season four). If you ever had an interest in the show I would definitely recommend it, there are only seven or eight episodes a season so it is a quick burn.

Movies:

Interstellar

A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to find a potentially habitable planet that will sustain humanity.

IMDB

Before seeing Interstellar, I was fairly hyped for it. Anything directed by Christopher Nolan is worth seeing just to see what he does. I am a sucker for science fiction stories set in space, so this seemed right up my alley. I tried to stay in the dark on the movie because I wanted it to surprise me. Well, I finally saw it and I really enjoyed it. The story was intriguing enough to bring me in and the space scenes were incredible. I thought some of the science dialogue would go over my head, but everything was explained very straightforward. The ending is a bit strange and a tad coincidental, but I liked it. It is worth seeing along for ambitious filmmaking and if you want something to think about for a few days afterwards.

Big Hero 6

The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

IMDB

Ah, Disney’s first animated offering based on a Marvel property, and it delivers. Big Hero 6 was a great ride, filled with gorgeous visuals and style. The characters (which I knew very little of beforehand) delivered in numerous ways and had their own unique identities. The is a lot of genuine emotion to be found in the movie too. What can I say, everything just looked so cool and authentic, I wanted to be in that city!

Pumpkinhead

A man conjures up a gigantic vengeance demon called Pumpkinhead to destroy the teenagers who accidentally killed his son.

IMDB

I didn’t get the chance to talk much about Halloween or horror movies last month because of work (two things I love). I was able to watch a few horror movies after work and I came across this gem on Netflix. The movie oozes with ambience and actually has a neat setup story that takes its’ time and introduces us to the characters and settings. The actual “monster” action doesn’t even start until halfway through. The title character of Pumpkinhead was very well designed and looked and moved convincingly. I actually felt bad when some of the teen characters died or were in danger, which doesn’t always happen in these slasher(ish) movies. If you are looking for a horror movie sometime, give this baby a try.

Music:

Thought I would post some songs I’ve been listening to lately.

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger

I’ve been on an Oasis kick lately. They made some great songs, but I like this one the most.

Brandon Flowers – Magdalena

Mentioned in an earlier post that The Killers are one of my favourite bands. For those who don’t know, Brandon Flowers is the lead singer of the band and this song is from his solo album. There are some great tracks on his album, this one being my favourite.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – The Power Of Love

One of the characters on Misfits sang this song during a scene and I really liked it. I was surprised to see it was done by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who I thought was just that one hit wonder band who did “Relax”.

Yes – The Calling

Yes is a great band. They produce songs that are truly unique and layered. This one by them has been a favourite for the last bit and really gets me pumped!

Head East – Never Been Any Reason

Good old classic rock song.

This has been a taste of what I’ve been up to lately, hope to get back to updating my blog more often!

Farm Life Part 3 – Conclusion

We dug our last row yesterday afternoon and are now complete! My farming life has come to and end (at least I think so). I really enjoyed the experience funny enough. I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning, and the first few days seemed long and tiresome. Eventually I got into a nice rhythm and coupled with beautiful days and listening to my music, I was having a good time. Towards the end I was working shifts as long as 11/12 hours and I didn’t mind one bit (more money is always welcome). It was a different job for me. I didn’t have to interact with people that much, I was always outside, working with all sorts of equipment. It was a good learning environment and something I needed to experience without really knowing I had to. I have a brand new appreciation for the work farmers put in and just how much they have to do and know about. Surprisingly I’m not sick of potatoes either, it was the first meal I had after finishing!

Well, time to move onto something else! Anyone looking to hire a cool guy such as myself? 😉

Farm Life Part 2

Starting to get busy!

I worked 46 hours last week, definitely the most hours I have ever worked in any job for one week. It wasn’t so bad either, the time flew by. I think I have another week and a half of work left, so things will keep staying busy.

I made a few more observations this week too:

– Windy days are the worst. When it is fairly windy out, all the grass that comes up the harvester blows right back in your face once you toss it. It gets so annoying after a while and impedes any further picking. We have a sort of blind to keep the wind out a bit, but it doesn’t stop it completely. I borrowed some goggles off my friend which definitely helped.

– Keep pulling up golf balls on a regular basis. It’s funny how we keep changing fields and locations and still keep fining them. I keep saving them when we find one, and I give them to my friend. He golfs occasionally in the summer so he’ll be all set for golf balls now.

– Some of the cows got loose the other day and I helped chase them back in. It can be pretty intimidating facing down these cows. We had two left to get in and one was this large black bessie. She came right towards me and stared me down like she wanted nothing better than to run me over. Luckily a quick wave of the arms and a sharp “yep!” sent her back towards her field.

– Still flying through my music while I work. I think I have listened to over one thousand songs by now. I like that I’m able to revisit some of the songs I own that I haven’t got to in years.

More to come! Work and words.

Farm Life

Ok, so I haven’t been updating my blog recently and that’s because I picked up a new job recently.

Working on a farm!

Some backstory for you. One of my best friends growing up (and still is) grew up on a family farm. When I went over to his place as a kid we played all around the farm and fields. Both his dad and grandfather tend to the farm and I knew them well growing up.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. My friend who still helps his family on the farm when they need him, mentions to me that I could assist the farm for the month helping them harvest their potatoes. I still wasn’t hearing back from jobs I applied too, so I figured why not? I could use the money and I was getting a bit bored at home anyway.

My job on the farm is to stand on the harvester and pick out rocks/dirt/random stuff as the potatoes travel on a belt and get dropped into a truck. It is a pretty simple and at times boring job, but it isn’t so bad. I get to listen to music the whole time I’m on there, which is very enjoyable and helps pass the time. I think the best thing about the job is how quickly the day goes by, what feels like thirty minutes has actually been two hours. The days can get long, but I’m there to make money, so the longer the better.

I’ve been wanting to update this blog for a few weeks but haven’t had the time since starting the job. I work long days usually and when I’m off, I’m either too tired or have other things I want to catch up on. I thought I would share what I was up to on here and try to post some updates and thoughts on the whole farm life.

Here are some highlights and observations I’ve noticed since working on the farm:

– There are some interesting characters who work on a farm. The guy who picks with me on the harvester is quite the storyteller and perhaps tells me more about himself then he should be.

– There is never a concrete time we will finish for the day. Sometimes we finish earlier than expected, sometimes we go for two hours longer. Sometimes I don’t have to work a day at all, or get called in for three hours. Time is ever changing on a farm.

– There are a lot of small breaks in between work. Sometimes equipment breaks down and has to be fixed, we need to wait for a new empty truck to be brought over, we have to wait until the guys in the warehouse unload the trucks full of potatoes. Before starting the job, I thought it would be constant picking, but these little breaks really help get some energy back.

– Picking can range from brutal to easy. Sometimes there are rocks upon rocks flying up the belt and I’m trying to pick at a furious pace, while other times barely nothing comes up the belt but potatoes, which means a more leisurely pick (I like these). Sometimes weird things come up the belt too, like old animal bones, pieces of metal, golf balls (my friend and I used to hit golf balls in the field as kids, so probably ours) and the most memorable being a wallet.

– The farm also has cows, chickens and turkeys. One day when I was picking loose potatoes off the ground, the cows suddenly all turned towards me and starting mooing like crazy and giving me a hardcore stare down. It was really sudden, so I just casually snuck away from them for a while.

– There’s a lot of older fellas who like to come by the farm and see how things are doing and try to help out. It’s nice of them to stop by and makes me wonder how bored they are at home to always be stoping in.

– It’s nice to be working outside for most of the day. I haven’t had too many jobs where I’ve worked outside, and this October weather has been really nice. I find myself feeling refreshed for most of the day, which is a great feeling.

– I enjoy learning about how certain aspects of farming works. It can be quite intricate with all the processes needed to be done. Working there has made me appreciate all that goes into farming and the many roles and jobs a farmer must undertake.

That’s enough for now, but I’d like to try and update again if I find the time. Working on a farm is totally different from any other job I’ve done before, but I am enjoying it. I don’t find myself dreading going to work like I have for jobs in the past and I feel like I learn a bit more about farming each day.

Potato love

Dem Dere Vidja Games

Ok, so I’ve covered a few forms of electronic entertainment thus far, and it’s time for another. I have been playing video games since I was a little boy. My playing started with the NES and is still going today. Video games are nice because just like movies, television and books, you can get lost in a world. The difference being, you have some control in this world since you’re playing in it with a controller! My favourite genre is probably RPG (role playing games) because I get aspects of story, choice, and strategic elements. I’m not opposed to other genres (platformers, sports, puzzles are others I enjoy), I just tend to lean towards that genre.

Here is a list of systems I’ve owned over the years:

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Nintendo Gamecube

Nintendo Wii

Game Boy Color

Game Boy Advance

Nintendo DS

Nintendo 3DS

Playstation 1, 2 & 3

Xbox 360

Iphone (app games)

While I didn’t own the Sega systems (genesis, dreamcast, etc), Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 or the original Xbox, I have played them numerous times with friends who owned them.

It may look like I play games all the time or something, but I have my gaming spells. I can go quite a while without playing something (or stay on the same game for months) and rarely do I own more than ten games per system. Some of these systems I bought when they were super cheap and already on the market for years too.

As for the games themselves, I have played my fair share. I’d like to list a few that are important to me or just downright fun!

Super Mario Brothers 3 – NES

Who doesn’t love some Mario?! While I played all three mainline Mario games on the NES, Mario 3 is what I remember enjoying the most. It was different from the first two for starts. I liked being able to choose from different levels on the world map. There were so many secrets to find and different powerups to use too. It was fun and easy to play with friends that even my dad would play with me sometimes! There’s not much I can say about this game that most people don’t already know, it’s awesome!

Pokemon Red – Game Boy

This is where it all started for me. Ever since receiving the Game Boy and Pokemon Red on a Christmas, things never been the same. Really though, I fell in love with Pokemon after playing red for hours upon hours. The collecting of pokemon and badges was so addicting. It really felt like I was going on an adventure and that these pokemon were my friends. Pokemon was like a starter RPG for kids and gave me an inkling of that play style. I’ve played at least one game from each generation of pokemon since (can’t wait for ruby remake!).

Final Fantasy 7 – Sony Playstation

This is where things got real. My dad took me to Walmart one day to get me a new game for my playstation. A little backstory, my parents bought the playstation off my aunt and uncle who were moving away and were looking to unload a few things. When I was presented the playstation as a gift, I didn’t really know much about it (my heart was set on a N64). It came with some games, and while they were alright, I wanted to pick my own. So at Walmart, I saw the cover for this game in the game case and something drew me to it. I don’t think I even heard of the first six games in the series, so that didn’t factor in. My dad got it for me and I played it straightaway when I got home, and I completely sucked at it. I could tell it was different from other games I’ve played though. There was more emphasis on story and character and a 3D world to explore. Once I got used to the gameplay and fighting system, I was set. Final Fantasy 7 is a great game (and a huge deal at the time) that had some truly memorable gaming moments and music. This game and pokemon really set me on a the RPG path.

Spyro the Dragon (Original Series) – Sony Playstation

Now when I say original series, I am referring to the first three Spyro games on the Playstation. Those games are Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. I’m including these games together because that is how I remember them best. I loved these original Spyro games so much. They were 3D action/platforming games that were a blast to play. The characters and worlds were fun, it was challenging but not too challenging and you were rewarded for finding everything. Each game is great and still hold up today. I didn’t get the chance to play many of the Spyro games on other systems, but I hear they didn’t really surpass the quality of the original series. I think all three games can be bought on the playstation store, which is great for anyone looking to play them.

Crash Bandicoot (Playstation Trilogy) – Sony Playstation

Picture also includes Crash Team Racing, an awesome kart game in the series as well.

I can’t mention Spyro without mentioning Crash Bandicoot! For those who don’t know, Crash and Spyro were some of Sony’s big mascots in their early days. There were sort of similar too, both being 3D action/platforming games. The three Crash games were Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped. Each game was awesome and offered a fun challenge. It was different then Spyro, in where you were on more of a straight path in levels (instead of being able to wonder more freely in Spyro) but offered more variety in the playstyle. There would be levels where you ride a motorcycle, tiger cub, jet ski, etc. I also liked the segments in each level that moved horizontally and in a 2D/3D nature. There was a lot to collect and the time trials were a true test of gaming. I should mention the boss battles were really fun and inventive (in Spyro too). Just like Spyro, I think all these Crash games are on the playstation store as well.

Final Fantasy 9 – Sony Playstation

Out of  all the Final Fantasies I’ve played, this game is my favourite. Final Fantasy 9 is a charming game with some incredible music. The soundtrack is so good and consistent throughout. I still put it on from time to time when I’m in the mood for it. The game went back to its’ roots when more of a classic fantasy, compared to the futuristic tones of the games before it. The characters are well developed and you actually feel for them as a group. The gameplay and presentation are amazing, with some awesome towns and dungeons to explore. The combat has a few fun changes, and I really enjoyed the ability system. The game just has a nice nostalgic feel to it that I love.

Super Smash Brothers Melee – Nintendo Gamecube

I loved this game because it was an amazing solo game and party game. I played through all the modes on this game numerous times, there was so much to beat and unlock! My friends and I played it constantly and had so much fun with it. I would say I clocked hundreds of hours on this game over the years. Smash Bros is a great Nintendo game because it brings all the famous characters together and gives the players great fan service. I can’t wait for the new versions to come out this year!

Mario Kart Wii – Nintendo Wii

Over the past 4/5 years while I attended University, this was the go to game for my friends and I. Mario Kart Wii is great fun and can last for hours. It introduced a few new things like tricks, motorcycles and online play. The online play is surprisingly fun and easy to find a match. The single player is nothing crazy, but is a great way to develop your skills for those multiplayer races! So many laughs and drunken nights with this game over the years!

I think I’ll stop there for now. I’d like to continue with these posts on another day and list some other great games! Video games have evolved so much since I was a kid. I can only imagine what things will be like in 20 years! One can hope I’ll be playing some great games then too.

Let’s talk about books

Books! I love me a good book, sometimes it can be the best form of entertainment. I commented in an earlier post how I didn’t grow to like reading until my early teens. The book that changed everything was “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. After that I went on a reading frenzy that has continued until today. Since I majored in English at University, I’ve been exposed to even more types of books and genres. I really enjoy book series, particularly in the fantasy genre. It’s what I have read the most and very much enjoy. I do branch off from time to time with other novels when I read an interesting synopsis or recommendation. I’d like to discuss and recommend some of my favourite book series and other novels. While some of my choices may not be the most surprising, there is a lot of enjoyment to be found in them.

Harry Potter – Series (7 Books) – Written by J. K. Rowling

The novels revolve around Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers at the age of eleven that he is a wizard, living within the ordinary world of non-magical people, known as Muggles. His ability is inborn and such children are invited to attend an exclusive magic school that teaches the necessary skills to succeed in the wizarding world. Harry becomes a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and it is here where most of the events in the series take place. As Harry develops through his adolescence, he learns to overcome the problems that face him: magical, social and emotional, including ordinary teenage challenges such as friendships, infatuation and exams, and the greater test of preparing himself for the confrontation in the real world that lies ahead.

Wikipedia

Harry Freaking Potter. I would say this is my favourite book series by far. Not only did these books make me love to read, but they have given me so much enjoyment over the years. I think I’ve read the entire series four or five times now. I love revisiting the books over the years, it’s like seeing old friends again. I’m not even sure I can pinpoint why I like them so much. I guess every kid wished he was magical and special and be whizzed off to a wizard school. There was so much magic and charm to be found in these books. The characters were amazing in their own way, and very unique too! I loved the segments of them being at school, taking classes and interacting with students and teachers. The books definitely got darker as they went along, but it added even more mystery and intrigue. I could go on for days about this series really. The movies did them great justice as well. I’m not sure who hasn’t read these books yet, but please give them a try if you’re on the fence!

A Series of Unfortunate Events – Series (13 Books) – Written by Lemony Snicket

follows the turbulent lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after their parents’ death in an arsonous house fire. The children are placed in the custody of their distant cousin Count Olaf, who attempts to steal their inheritance. After the Baudelaires are removed from his care by their parents’ estate executor, Mr. Poe, Olaf begins to doggedly hunt the children down, bringing about the serial slaughter and demise of a multitude of characters.

Wikipedia

These books are a tremendous series for kids and anyone in general. I started reading these while reading Harry Potter, and boy am I glad I did. Lemony Snicket is amazing with his wordplay in these novels. It is very funny and full of little tidbits of knowledge. The characters are very unique and at times infuriating (usually the adults). The story goes all over the place and has multiple settings (hence the thirteen books). Every book has a mystery and intrigue and a memorable character. The main antagonist is truly out there and unexpected, but oddly likeable too. You never know what the next page will bring, honestly sometimes there isn’t a single word! While there are a lot of books, they don’t take very long to read at all.

The Lord of the Rings – Series (3 Books) – Written by J. R. R. Tolkien

The title of the novel refers to the story’s main antagonist, the Dark Lord Sauron, who had in an earlier age created theOne Ring to rule the other Rings of Power as the ultimate weapon in his campaign to conquer and rule all of Middle-earth. From quiet beginnings in the Shire, a hobbit land not unlike the English countryside, the story ranges across northwest Middle-earth, following the course of the War of the Ring through the eyes of its characters, the hobbits Frodo Baggins,Samwise “Sam” Gamgee, Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck and Peregrin “Pippin” Took, but also the hobbits’ chief allies and travelling companions: the Men Aragorn, a Ranger of the North and Boromir, a Captain of Gondor; Gimli, a Dwarf warrior;Legolas, an Elven prince; and Gandalf, a Wizard.

Wikipedia

And you thought the movies were good? Well, they are but the books they are based on are just as good. The movies do a superb job adapting the novels, but actually reading them gives much more. There is a lot of beautiful detail in these novels, from the landscapes, thoughts and battles. There are a few more characters in the book and the expansion of minor characters in the movies. There are also some fun scenes in the books that never made it to film (somehow). Lord of the Rings is a great adventure series from beginning to end. The splitting of the party leads to more interesting story lines and there’s a great theme of friendship and love throughout. Just make the best of both worlds and read the books and watch the movies.

I would say these three series made the biggest impact on me growing up. I think about them often and still revisit them from time to time. Here are a few other series I read and would recommend.

The Chronicles of Narnia – Series (7 Books) – Written by C. S. Lewis

Set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals, the series narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of that world. Except in The Horse and His Boy, the protagonists are all children from the real world, magically transported to Narnia, where they are called upon by the lion Aslan to protect Narnia from evil and restore the throne to its rightful line. The books span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in The Magician’s Nephew to its eventual destruction in The Last Battle.

Wikipedia

Narnia is a lively world and the evolution of the characters are fun to watch unfold. I only read them all once, so I forget some of the plot. I remember really enjoying “The Horse and His Boy” the most, which is a standalone entry in the series.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Series (6 Books) – Written by Douglas Adams

The various versions follow the same basic plot but they are in many places mutually contradictory, as Adams rewrote the story substantially for each new adaptation. Throughout all versions, the series follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a hapless Englishman, although the story also follows the adventure of other major characters: Ford Prefect (who named himself after the Ford Prefect car to blend in with what was assumed to be the dominant life form, automobiles), an alien from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse and a researcher for the eponymous guidebook; Zaphod Beeblebrox, Ford’s semi-cousin and the Galactic President; the depressed robot Marvin the Paranoid Android; and Trillian, formerly known as Tricia McMillan, a woman Arthur once met at a party in Islington and the only other human survivor of Earth’s destruction.

Wikipedia

These books are hilarious and out of this world. It takes a different kind of mind to come up with the stories and dialogue in these novels. It can be really weird at times but very enjoyable. I didn’t realize until now a sixth book was written a few years ago by Eoin Colfer, may have to check it out!

His Dark Materials – Series (3 Books) – Written by Philip Pullman 

It follows the coming of age of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they wander through a series of parallel universes.

Wikipedia

I only read these books once but I remember enjoying them a lot. It is a cool premise and has loads of interesting characters. Things really shake up in the second book and leads to a climatic finale.

Standalone Books

Battle Royale – Written by Koushun Takami

Battle Royale takes place in an alternate timeline; according to the book’s prologue, Japan is a police state, known as the Republic of Greater East Asia (大東亜共和国 Dai Tōa Kyōwakoku). From time to time, fifty randomly selected classes of secondary school students are forced to take arms against one another until only one student in each class remains.

Wikipedia

This is an amazing book. It is crazy from start to finish with some truly memorable characters. Many people point out the similarities between Battle Royale and Hunger Games (BR came out first) and while they are similar, Battle Royale is very different. The Japan setting for one makes it stand out and the reasons behind why the kids must kill each other. I like how each chapter focuses on a student (or group of students). The finale is very tense and crazy, I can’t wait to read it again.

The Lovely Bones – Written by Alice Sebold

It is the story of a teenage girl who, after being raped and murdered, watches from her personal Heaven as her family and friends struggle to move on with their lives while she comes to terms with her own death.

Wikipedia

Talk about an emotion ride. I like this book for a few reasons, the biggest is how it made be feel. It really moved me and put me through many different emotions. Not all books can do that to a person. I was heavily invested in the story and family in the book. The book discusses love and death in a great and personal way. It is also very thrilling as well, with a killer you can’t wait to get what’s coming to him. I was very disappointed by the film directed by Peter Jackson, mostly because I didn’t get the emotion out of it like I did the book.

Jurassic Park – Written by Michael Crichton

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Creatures once extinct now roam Jurassic Park, soon-to-be opened as a theme park. Until something goes wrong…and science proves a dangerous toy….

Source

Just like the movie, I love the book too! The movie is a great adaptation of the novel, but there are some differences in the book I really like. Mostly there are some characters with more of a role or select scenes done differently. I just love the story of the movie and the book, it is so fun and thrilling! If you love the movie please read the book too. It doesn’t take long to read and the differences are worth it. I should mention the book sequel is SO much better than the movie sequel. They strayed from the second novel a lot for the movie, and I don’t know why, it’s awesome! Check it out too.

Well, that’s enough books for now. I have read a lot more books that I may comment on as well someday. I really enjoy reading, but I feel I need to be in a certain mode to get into books sometimes. I am welcome for recommendations anytime and I am currently reading the Dark Tower series by Stephen King (on number 4).