Movie Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

This week is just full of reviews for all of you!

On Tuesday my friend Emma and I went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.  When I first heard they were making a sequel to the 2014 remake of one of my favorite childhood films, I wasn't all too thrilled.  The 2014 film, while it wasn't terrible, didn't really stand out to me as spectacular.  The computer animated turtles kind of turned me off a little, and I felt like the story was more about April O'Neil than it was about the actual Turtles.  I did like that the turtles were seemed more like actual teenagers, and their origin story was kind of interesting, but honestly, I didn't think it could ever really compare to the original films.

So, why did I decide to see this sequel when I wasn't as thrilled about the first one?  Two words: Stephen Amell.  Yes, that's right, the only reason I got super stoked about this film was because I am a total fan girl for Stephen Amell.  And when I found out he was going to be Casey Jones, I knew I would have to see it.

Despite the fact that I only went to the movie for Stephen Amell, I was pleasantly surprised by how good the film actually was.  I felt like the Turtles all had 3 dimensional characters, as opposed to the seemingly flat ones from the first film.  Their personal growth and development throughout the film was intriguing and well written, and I feel like I was able to see more of who they all are as individuals.

April O'Neil was well played, and I didn't feel like her role overshadowed the Turtles as much as I felt in the first one.  I like that she was a solid, well established character that knew what she was doing and where she was going.

Casey Jones?  Oh my gosh!  I loved him!  Not just because it was Stephen Amell, though it may have influenced it a little bit.  I really enjoyed the story line for him and the way that Stephen played him was phenomenal.  The only thing more that I have to say is he was stinking adorkable.

Also, no real romance between Casey and April. THANK YOU!  I mean, yeah, I still think they could be together, but I liked that the movie wasn't about their "budding romance".

And can I just give a shout out to the villains in this film?  Commander Krane was fantastically animated and Rocksteady and Bebop were hilarious.  Shredder also made another appearance in this film, as well as a zany mad-scientist-esque character who I kind of felt like he was going to get turned into one of the animal-human crossbreed things.  Not sure what he would have been, but I think he should have been one of those.  Ha, ha, ha.

To anyone who felt disappointed by the 2014 remake of TMNT, I recommend finding whatever bit of TMNT fan is still in you and letting it propel you to the theater to see this movie.  It is 20 times better than the first, in my personal opinion.

52 Books to Review #2: The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

When my step-mother handed me her copy of The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson, I wasn't even sure I would actually read it.  When it comes to historical romances, I usually go for the regency era, and I wasn't really sure how I would feel about a medieval romance.  But as my step-mother was absolutely certain that I would enjoy the story I took it anyway, and eventually I actually started reading it.

And I loved it.

Summary (as found on Goodreads)

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

First of all, let me just say that I love the whole premise of her trying to NOT let the Margrave fall in love with her.  I think it's brilliant, and honestly, quite refreshing.  It certainly adds to Avelina's character, and makes her all the more charming (especially when she tries so hard not to fall for him herself and convince him that he should choose one of the other girls).

I loved that the characters weren't atypical and that they did not fall under the same categories as your average fairy tale heroes and heroines.  Avelina is handy at picking locks (a fun little quirk that comes in handy), and the Margrave, though rough and fierce at times, is also hopeless when it comes to finding a wife, which makes him all the more lovable.

While this tale is not nearly as action packed or fast paced as my previous read, it definitely moves forward, and leaves you guessing.  Will the Margrave find out the truth before it's too late?  Will Avelina confide in her new found friend?  Who is the strange woman that interrupted the Margrave's ball?  Are the rumors surrounding the Margrave's appointment to his position true?

If you love a good historical romance, and don't object to a few German words here and there, I would certainly recommend this book.

Next up:  The Huntress of Thornbeck by Melanie Dickerson

52 Books to Review #1: Karneval by Touya Mikanagi

To start of my "52 Books in 2016" book reviews, let's take a look at Karneval by Touya Mikanagi.  I read 4 volumes of this enchanting manga, but I am going to just give a review of all of it so far.

Summary (as found on Goodreads)

Nai--a young man who travels in search of another by the name of Karoku, a lone bracelet his only lead. Gareki--a willful young man who earns his daily bread by thieving and picking pockets. Thrown together at an eerie mansion, where they are entrapped and framed, Nai and Gareki are soon hunted down as criminals by national security forces. As they are driven into a corner, before them appears the most powerful defense agency in the country, "Circus"--!!

To be honest, the biggest reason that I got into this manga is because I saw the anime and wanted to know what happens after the anime ends (and the only reason I got into the anime is because I saw a preview for it while watching another anime).  But, I am so glad that I picked it up.

The story moves at a good pace, not so slow that you get bored, and not so fast that you can't keep up.  Granted, there are times when things get a big confusing, and you have to stop and think about what you just read, but a lot of the confusion comes from simply not knowing the whole plot line (which is fine since it is slowly being revealed bit by bit). 

This is a fantasy story, so if you're not into fantasy/action manga you can probably sit this one out.  Some of the more fantastic elements of the story are firstly, the protagonists are an organization that has engineered a drug that will genetically alter a person's physical form and, to an extent, their personalities as well.  These "demons" are called varugas.  Circus Airships 1 and 2 are tasked with tracking down varugas and eliminating them.  They are able to do this using magic.

I love the diversity of the characters, and the fact that they aren't cookie cutter, stereotypical people.  The character of Nai is particularly interesting.  Not just because of his origins (I won't spoil it for you), but also because of how his origins effect everything that he does.  I enjoy his childlike personality, and the fact that in spite of it, he is still incredibly intuitive and actually wise at times.

I feel like there is more to be learned about Gareki.  He seems, initially, to be a fairly cut and dry character, and a little bit predictive.  But as you continue going with him on his journey, you start to see that deep down, there is so much more of him to be offered, and I can't wait to see what is in store for him.

Characters of Circus Airship 2

I have to admit, as I read the manga (and watched the anime), I couldn't help comparing the characters of Yogi and Captain Hirato to Tamaki Suoh and Kyouya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club.  Not only are their appearances similar, but some of their mannerisms as well.  Hirato is cool, collected, and a bit calculating (Kyouya), while Yogi is free spirited, generally happy, and sometimes a bit immature (Tamaki).  However, both of these characters have sides to them that would seem contrary to their usual demeanor.

Tsukumo is another of Airship 2's crew members.  She seems at first to be unemotional and focused solely on her job.  She comes off as being older than she really is, which I think adds to her seeming indifference to certain things.  However, there are moments when it is obvious she has been effected in an emotional way by something that is happening.  I hope to see more of her back story as I get the opportunity to read more.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fantasy manga fan.  If  you're not sure, at least check out the anime and decide for yourself! 

52 Books in 2016

Back in January I made a resolution that I would read 52 books this year.  The past two years I haven't read as many books as I would like, and I have an extremely long list of books that I would like to read.  Hence, the reason for my 52 Books in 2016 goal.

As of last week, I have read a grand total of 5 books (Karneval Omnibus: Volumes 1 - 4 by Touya Mikanagi, and The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson), and I am reading book number 6 right now (The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson). Almost halfway done with the year and that's where I'm at. *eye roll* Whatever, I am still determined to succeed! If I finish at least 2 books a week until the end of the year then I will make it.  I just have to keep pushing forward!

In light of this resolution, I have decided to write reviews of the books that I read.  This will help me to not only keep track of what I've read, but hopefully remind me to keep reading! Ha, ha, ha.

I will be posting my reviews for the books I've read so far later today.  And next week you should, hopefully, be seeing two more reviews!

Have an awesome day everyone!

My Epic Movie Moment (and the Aftermath)

Story Time!!

Being that yesterday was Easter, I spent the weekend at my parents house. As my car is still out of commission, I had take the train back home. My parents drove me over to the station and said they would wait until I got on the train. I could see flashing red lights as the boom gates came down across the road, indicating the soon-to-be arrival of my train. I hopped out of the truck and run towards the platform, hoping I wouldn't miss the train. There was an elevated sidewalk just before you go through the fence to enter the platform. I noted it, and tried to step up onto it without having to stop or slow down. However, my foot didn't quite clear the curb and I tripped.

In my left hand I had a glass vase full of roses that I had gotten this weekend. As the concrete came up to meet me, I only had one clear, coherent thought: I must save the vase!!! So I threw my arm up to avoid the impending contact between the concrete and the vase. The flowers survived, undamaged. My shin, however, was not so lucky.

I peeled myself off of the sidewalk and watched as the train pulled into the station. I took a split second to evaluate my injuries and calculate the possibility of making it down the rest of the side walk, through the fence, onto the platform, pulling out my public transportation card, scanning it, and then onto the train.

Nope, I thought to myself. Not happening.

I heard the sound of my dad's truck door opening as I proceeded to stand up. "You alright?" he called as he hurried over.

"I'm good," I said, trying to keep my voice light and cheerful while my leg screamed it's protest. No, we are NOT fine, it asserted. WE are in PAIN!!!

"Well, there's your train," my dad said as he stopped next to me and helped me collect the things I had dropped.

"Yeah..." I replied. "I'll just catch the next one."

My phone, which had been in my jacket pocket, was lying face up on the pavement. I picked it up and inspected the screen. No damage. I felt the camera lens to make sure it hadn't cracked. Still good. Whew.

My step-mom said they would stay while I waited for the next train and told me to wait in the truck with them where it was warm. I was happy to oblige. While sitting in the truck I was able to assess the damage on my leg. It wasn't as bad as it could have been (there was no blood dripping down my leg), but it was pretty bad. I also noticed that the back of my phone seemed a little banged up towards the top, and upon further inspection found that the back of the phone had cracked. Thankfully, it is still functioning properly.

I managed to catch the next train (I made sure I was on the platform at least 5 minutes before it pulled into the station), and I settled into a seat that was unoccupied. As the train went along, the air conditioning was on, moving the air in the car around. The air moving across my exposed shin made the injury sting even more.

Shortly after the incident, riding the train home.

I talked to my roommate and asked if we had a first aid kit. Naturally, we don't (something to be remedied with my next paycheck). Luckily, the best friend had a first aid kit, and as she was driving me home from the station she was happy to bring it along.

I got home, cleaned up my wound, and used the Neosporin spray that the best friend let me borrow (side note: can I just say that whoever thought to make Neosporin into a spray was freaking genius? It was nice to not have to rub the cream over my skinned shin). I prepared to put on some Band-Aids and realized that the gauze portion of said Band-Aids would certainly not cover the area of offense, and that I would, in fact, end up with the sticky portion of the bandages covering most of it. That simply would not do, as even the thought of trying to peel that off made me cringe.

So I resorted to using a paper towel as a protection between the affected area and the Band-Aids. It worked out splendidly.

Sleeping was awful. There were only so many sleeping positions I could utilize without causing a stinging pain to radiate up and down my leg. Not to mention I am fairly confident that the concrete not only took skin but left some bruising as well. Every once in a while during the night I would forget about my leg and lay on it, or I would brush it against the sheets/blanket in the wrong way. So troublesome...

This morning I woke up and realized I needed to shower. It took me a few minutes to muster up enough courage to actually get into the shower and do so. I devised a plan that I thought would make the experience less painful, but alas, I was wrong. Thankfully I woke up early enough that the extra time spent in the shower didn't hinder me too much from catching the bus, though I was a bit slower walking to the stop today.

This morning at work, before putting a new bandage on it.

So far it hasn't been too problematic. Every now and then I'll accidentally bump it, or I'll get distracted by my work and it has to send out a cry of injustice just to remind me that it's still there. But other than that, it hasn't been too bad, but that's probably just the Midol that I took this morning.

Anyways, I had to share my epic movie moment story (because let's be honest, running to catch a train and tripping just as it's pulling into the station is totally something you'd see in some romantic comedy. Only there was no attractive male lead to come and sweep me off my feet after the incident...). I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend and that the rest of your week is totally awesome!

The Perfect Fan Whom I Dearly Miss

Back when I was in college, I watched a movie with my roommates and my cousin.  In the movie someone that the main character grows to care about dies from cancer.  Towards the end of the movie, after everyone else had mostly finished crying, one of my roommates looked at me and said, "If must be so hard for you.  I don't know how you do it."

I knew what she was referring to, and I knew that she wasn't trying to be rude or insensitive.  The truth is, I didn't know how I did it either. 

Today was hard.  Seven years ago I was celebrating my mom's 56th birthday with my family.  It was at a park, if I remember correctly.  Or maybe that was another year, I don't know. It's hard to remember sometimes.

I worry about that. Forgetting, I mean.  To tell you the truth I am afraid of forgetting.  Afraid of forgetting my mom.  Afraid of forgetting the important things.

But there are some things I do remember.  I remember the sound of her laugh.  How her face looked when she just couldn't hold it in anymore. A smile that reached ear to ear, eyes that lit up.  I always knew that she was happy at that moment.

I remember sitting on the porch during rain storms and watching the lightning, listening to the thunder.  She would talk about how she used to wait for the lightning and thunder as a child, and when it came she would hide under the bed and laugh.  I remember camping, hiking, outings to the park.

I remember always seeing her in the audience whenever there was a concert, play, or other kind of performane or special event.  I remember going with her to cub scouts, all of the service she did for those boys.  I remember her as the Primary President of Wells Ward.

I remember her waiting up with my dad whenever I went out, whether on a date or with friends.  I remember summer days swimming in the pool.  I remember her pulling weeds in the garden she loved so much.  I remember driving with her to pick up my dad from work.

I remember listening to her read to us as we got ready for bed, The Wizard of Oz especially.  I remember all of the things she made.  Crocheted bears, doll dresses, hats.

I remember a phone call on my 20th birthday, the only birthday salutation that I really got that year.  I was sitting in my apartment alone, no friends to celebrate with, no cake or presents.  That was the first time in my life that I didn't do something for my birthday.  I felt awful. 

She felt so bad that she hadn't called first thing that morning, or earlier in the day at least.  "It's okay," I had told her.  "It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal," she assured me.  "The day you were born is important."

I cried, but didn't let her know.

After she died I dreamed about her.  Just simple things, like a conversation about nothing in particular.  One dream was so vivid I could actually recall what she smelled like.

People tell me how much they admire my strength and ability to cope with losing my mom at such a young age.  The truth is, I'm not any stronger than the next person.  And some days, like today, I miss her so much that the pain I felt the night she died comes flooding back.  It never really goes away, we just learn how to accept it and move on with our day.

Sometimes it hurts, so much.  It hurts that I can't talk to her like I used to.  That I can't see her when I talk to her.  It hurts not being able to pick up the phone and hear her voice on the other line.  I was sick last week, and all I could think about was how much I just wanted my mom.

But that's the beauty of the gospel.  Because of a merciful God, there was a plan put into action that would allow us to not only be redeemed from mistakes that we make,  but it also enables us to see our loved ones again.  Because of Jesus Christ, all mankind can and will be resurrected.  Because of Him, I'll see my mom again.

My mom was an amazing woman.  She wasn't perfect, as none of us are, but she was the best mom that I could ever hope to have in my life.  She was the kindest, most warm-hearted, selfless, happiest person, and I am so grateful for the 20 years that I was blessed to have her in my life for.

Sometimes, I worry that I'm disappointing her.  I worry that the choices I am making in my life make her sad.  I worry that my job, or my grades, my lack of a love life, or even where I am spiritually will somehow never measure up to all that she hopes for me.  But then I remember her love, and I can feel her reaching out to me to remind me that whatever I do, I am hers and she loves me dearly.

To my mother, Janette Marie Curtis Featherstone, I want to say thank you.  Thank you for your love and support.  You are me biggest fan, always have been.  I am and forever will be proud to call you my mother.

Happy Birthday, Mom.  I LOVE YOU!!!

A Heart Filled with Gratitude

My heart is full of gratitude this morning.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is very much aware of exactly what we need in our life and when we need it.  I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and for the opportunity I have to watch General Conference every April and October.

Last weekend was the 185th Semi-Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or "Mormon" as they are commonly called).  There were so many amazing talks given and I truly felt the spirit in each session (cried like a baby every session, too, which honestly isn't anything new).

I will be reading the talks shared at conference over the next few days, sharing my thoughts and feelings here on my blog as I do, so get ready for some seriously spiritual stuff over the next week or two!  But first, I have some thoughts to share right now.

Saturday morning for the closing hymn the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "Come, Come, Ye Saints".  For those who may not know, this particular hymn was written by William Clayton, an early member of The Church, while crossing the plains to Utah.  

As I listened to the song I had a sudden realization.  You see, in the past whenever I heard the song I always thought about all of the pains and struggles of those early Pioneers, getting really emotional as the words of the hymn struck a chord in my heart.  But that morning, for the first time ever, I heard the song as a message to me and other Latter-Day Saints, especially those first two verses:

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day.

'Tis better far for us to strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--

All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?

'Tis not so; all is right.

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.

Our God will never us forsake;

And soon we'll have this tale to tell--

All is well! All is well! 

This song was written for the Saints.  Not the early pioneers, not those who crossed the plains, but the Saints, including us!  After all, our church does say Latter-Day Saints, doesn't it?  We may not have to cross the plains in covered wagons, leaving behind our homes and many of our physical, worldly possessions.  But we do have to sacrifice, we do face trials that test our faith every day of our lives.  Temptations that will lead us to question our faith, the Prophet, even God.  Trials that sometimes feel like there is no way to get out of them.

Courage, brothers and sisters.  Courage, because God is on our side.  He is ALWAYS on our side.  He wants us to be our best, to have the very best and to return to him.  He wants us to be happy, truly happy.  And it is through Him who gave all that we can attain that true happiness.  Happiness like we have never felt with the things of the world, or the expectations and standards of society.  This happiness transcends this earth, spans into eternity.

If you are struggling with your faith, if you are feeling bogged down by the world or by mistakes you ave made, please, please, please do NOT give up.  Satan is trying every minute of every day to bring us down, to make us as miserable as he is.  Do not let him win.  I know that is easier said than done.  Trust me, it has taken me years to get where I am today and I still struggle.  But if we take it one day at a time, putting our faith in God and in our Savior each morning when we wake up, we can and we will be able to make it back to them. 

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the truthfulness of the Gospel.  I am grateful for parents who raised me in the church, and for my ancestors who were first willing to hear the message of the Gospel so that I could have the privilege of living it every day of my life. 

Have an awesome Thursday my friends.  Stay strong, and smile!