Recent Movies!

 You guys, it's been YEARS since I've posted a "movie post" here. Because it's been YEARS since I've watched enough movies to have enough material to do so. 

But recently, I've been on a movie kick. That's right, I'm all about movies. Especially 2000s setting, and 1980s setting, and especially romcoms. But, there are other movies outside that genre sprinkled in here and there. 

There are SO many movies I've seen recently, I'm keeping the reviews rather short. More like review snapshots. 

Clueless (1995)

So, here are my opinions, short and simple. 

I'm greatly interested if you have watched any of these, and if you would rate it similarly to me. 

Here we go!

Say Anything (1989)

• The Notebook (2004) - 2 out of 10. Boo! Didn't like it. I can see why it's such an iconic flick... But not for me. Too many character problems. And wHyYy are we romanticizing cheating.?!.?!
• Say Anything (1989)- 7 out of 10. Really sweet movie. Great music. I loved their relationship. This movie was maybe a little slow, but that's what you appreciate about it as an older movie. Not everything meaningful happens all at once. With this movie, I could slow down, appreciate their relationship progression, appreciate the time period, and appreciate the plot as it unfolded to something memorable, vulnerable, and meaningful.
• The Breakfast Club (1985) - 4 out of 10. This movie gave me that sickening feeling of dread in my stomach as when your family is fighting all around you and you can't stop it and can't get out. But, maybe that was the point. Weird ending, too.
• Pretty in Pink (1986) - 5 out of 10. A pretty good movie that I heard about after watching The Breakfast Club because the same actress was in it. It was a great picture of being a teen in the 80's, and later I heard that Molly Ringwald had a say in who was cast as her romantic interest based on who she would realistically be attracted to, and I think that is pretty interesting. 
• Pitch Perfect (2012) - 5 out of 10. Hilarious. Iconic. Great actors. But, kind of gross. Also, a cappella isn't my thing. 

The Breakfast Club (1985)

• Almost Famous (2000) - 2 out of 10. This movie wasn't bad, it was just "meh", and had weird pacing and just felt like a nostalgia dump for nostalgia's sake. I honestly don't have much else to say about it.
• Clueless (1995) - 9 out of 10. So cute! The age difference is a little weird, but overall I really liked this movie and thought it was cute, iconic, and funny.
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)- 8 out of 10. One of my new favorite rom-com couples. But the second hand embarrassment was rough! Also Matthew McConaughey is way hotter than I ever realized he ever was, LOL!
• Love, Actually (2003) - 8 out of 10. A very charming movie with lots of great British actors. Inappropriate at some parts. But very iconic and sweet movie. 
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) - 4 out of 10. Funny, iconic. Also stupid. VERY quotable. A lot of talent from Carrey. 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

• Letters to Juliet (2010) - 10 out of 10. A rewatch from my childhood. The perfect rom-com, no notes.
• Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) - 10 out of 10. My husband and I adored this movie. So sweet and heartfelt. A movie about friendship, hardships, and all of life's and love's twists and turns. The love of romance and the love of family. We loved this movie. 
• Age of Adaline (2015) - 2 out of 10. Stupid, took it self way too seriously, tried so hard to have meaning when it didn't have much at all. Shallow, bland, just dumb. Also, Blake Lively. Ew. 
• Last Holiday (2006) - 10 out of 10. This is a trailer I saw when I was a kid and I never watched it until now. Worth it, loved it. Adorable. Hollywood has changed so much for the worse since they made movies like this. Was nice to go back in time. 
• Groundhog Day (1993) - 10 out of 10. A classic. Even my husband loved it. Adorable. Thought provoking. Timeless. A philosophic and comedic gem. A must see!

Letters to Juliet (2010)

• Big (1988) - 9 out of 10. Cute, classic, funny, and endearing even if the relationship is weird cause he's a kid. But it's one of those classics that you can't help loving due to the acting, the charm, the interesting plot, the humor, and the characters. You gotta watch it.
• Million Dollar Baby (2004)- 9 out of 10. Extremely sad and deeply emotional. Makes you think of life and living it. It was also incredibly acted. 
• When Harry Met Sally... (1989) - 10 out of 10. How could anyone not like this movie? I love the friends to lovers plot. The conversation is so interestingly and charmingly written. You can't help but be enveloped in it like a warm hug, as if you were there with them. You HAVE to see this one. 
• What Women Want (2000) - 8 out of 10. Honestly I liked it. It was pretty cute and it was a lot like Groundhog Day, in that the selfish misogynistic male main character learns to think of others, think of women as more than just objects whose sole purpose is his pleasure, and be a better person in the end. 
• Uptown Girls (2003) - 9 out of 10. This movie was a gem. Sad, beautiful, though-provoking, funny. A story of two girls and the coping mechanisms they use to escape the difficulties in their lives, finding an unlikely but unique friendship in one another during a time when both of their lives take unexpected turns. A beautifully sad and satisfying movie. 

What Women Want (2000)

• Girls Just Want To Have Fun (1985) - 8 out of 10. The most "80's" movie I've ever seen! The clothing, the music! A complete blast, and perfect sleepover movie material. 
• Failure to Launch (2006) - 5 out of 10. While I liked the actors, this movie is not my favorite. I liked Matthew McConaughey with Kate Hudson better (in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, which is beloved and iconic). And there were too many "funny" bits that didn't make sense to the main plot, which I found irritating. Like, what do the animal bits have to do with anything..?? I'm assuming they are a metaphor, but it's just weak and stupid. Do better! 
• The Intern (2015) - 6 out of 10. I liked this movie for the most part. The characters were adorable, and I always love Ann Hathaway. Overall it didn't have that "spark" or "X Factor" that made me LOVE it. Perhaps it was a bit unsatisfying, even boring a little? It seemed like things didn't escalate in a way that would have made it more engaging. But I LOVED the main old guy as far as his character (man, he was so cute!), and Ann Hathaway as far as her acting. Meh, it was just ok.
• The Help (2011) - 10 out of 10. Obviously a winner, anyone who's seen it knows. A must see, and great adaption from the book (which I've also read)!
• Material Girls (2006)- 4 out of 10. This one was "meh" for me. It was fun, and cute in some ways, and I liked their 2000s attire. But, neither the plot, characters, nor anything else wowed me, or make me love it in any way. It was just ok. Hillary Duff is always fun, though. 

The Intern (2015)

• Forrest Gump (1994) - 9 out of 10. I watched this at first when I was 16 years old and loved it. Through the years online I heard a lot of hate about it, and assumed my opinion was faulty due to my naivety and young age. But I watched it again as a seasoned adult, and I still really love it. Sure there are some problems, especially with Jenny. But it's such a classic and so lovable in many other ways, and the main message is not lost on me, and I believe is illustrated very well. Can't not watch.
• Of Mice and Men (1992) - 5 out of 10. This is one of those stories that they make you read in high school as a commentary on deeper symbolism. It was fine, although not my type of movie. It was made well, I can say that.
• Leap Year (2010) - 6 out of 10. A very cute movie! Halfway through I realized I had seen it when I was a kid or teenager. But it was pretty good as far as romcoms go. I just love Amy Adams so she always influences my scoring. 
• Chocolat (2000) - 8 out of 10. I liked this movie. It was sweet and comfy, with unique meaning. Also, it was interesting to see such a young Johnny Depp. 
• Mean Girls (2004) - 6 out of 10. An iconic teenage drama. Was fun to watch although inappropriate at times. Although I was homeschooled, I could appreciate the enduring relatability to the American high school experience and the satirical humor that came with it. 

Chocolat (2000)

• Arrival (2016) - 10 out of 10. The type of movie that changes how you think about life, love, and time. I wish I could watch it again for the first time. A strong premise, good acting, well-written, deeply emotional and meaningful plot. Also, Amy Adams. 
• 12 Angry Men (1957) - 10 out of 10. A must see classic. Another movie that makes you contemplate your own choices and who you are as a person. I liked it a lot. 
• Easy A (2010) - 5 out of 10. A clever drama in which I love Emma Stone as she's very talented. Much like Mean Girls, this movie satirically paints a picture of the high school experience in a funny and bold way. I liked it for what it was trying to be. 
• Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) - 8 out of 10. This movie is a great time capsule of the heyday of the American Mall experience. And it ACTUALLY made me laugh, and warmed my heart too. Honestly, you gotta watch it if you never have. 
• Air Bud: Golden Receiver (1998) - 6 out of 10. This was a rewatch from my childhood. This was an interesting movie to rewatch as an adult. When you're a kid, you are entertained by watching a dog playing football. But when you're an adult, you see a single mom making hard decisions, a family trying to adjust to life's difficult changes, and a scarred little kid trying to cope. There's something for everyone, even me (and I'm not a sports fan).

Well Friends, that's all we have for today. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts, and I will see you all again soon! 

~ Amaris // ☆

The Year So Far (In Books)!

Before 2025, it was a hot minute since I was actively reading books. It's sad, I know. I was sad whenever I thought about it! I knew, something has to change. I used to love reading. Why can I never find the time? 

So, I set an ambitious goal for myself. "I, Amaris, WILL read 25 books in 2025". 

I am proud to say that, according to my Goodreads data, I am "2 books ahead of schedule" so far this year!

Below are the books I've read so far, and my thoughts on them. I hope you are inspired in your own reading journey!

Liturgy of the Ordinary | Tish Harrison Warren

Finished: January 1st, 2025 (most of the reading was done in 2024, and I was surprised by finishing it on the 1st of the year, to give myself a head start on the count!)

My Rating: ★★★★★

This book is so golden. The perfect read for slowing down and appreciating life and all the presence of GOD it contains. The author walks through various hum-drum ordinary life occurrences, habits, and rituals and views them through the lens of God's perfect love and plan for us. When I'm tempted to be bored, I will remember this book and that boredom is where GOD can be seen and heard the most! It had me tearing up at it's beauty. 

The False Prince | Jennifer A. Nielsen

Finished: February 17th, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★☆

I thought this was a second read-through, but after looking at more data on Goodreads, apparently this was my THIRD read through. That should tell you at least that it's good enough for a second read! I think, at my age, the teenage suspense doesn't quite hit the same as it used to, but I still really enjoyed it. And it's still has one of my favorite plot twists!

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold | C.S. Lewis

Finished: March 9th, 2025

My Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I couldn't get behind this book. I had heard so many good things about it, even from some that it was Lewis' "best work ever" and I couldn't agree at all! It was too weird, too unsatisfying, I even tried to do some internet searching to find out more about the original myth to try to get some context, but it didn't help things. I don't know how true it is, but I heard that Lewis' friend Tolkien tried to convince him to not publish it, and I can't help but agree. I can't say it was all bad. Honestly the first half of the book was very promising, but the second half fell so short of that it was like a different book. 

The Rosie Project | Graeme Simsion 

Finished: March 17th, 2025

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

This was such a fun read! I read this book with a friend of mine. We meet on Monday evenings and read through books together. This one had us captivated, laughing, and even almost tearing up with the romance at times! There are two caveat's to this: I (my friend and I both) HATED the conclusion! It was so confusing unnecessarily! We even tried to Google more info after the book was over to get more info, and the internet is annoyed as we were. The other note is, this book is a very easy fun read. As in, light reading or Hallmark Channel vibes. But, it wasn't completely cheesy and the characters I felt actually had some decent depth. It really depends if that's your thing. All in all my friend and I really enjoyed. 

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times | Katherine May

Finished: March 19th, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★★

Review from my Goodreads: I adored this book. It nourished my mind the way a breath of fresh air heals my soul. How much more poignant were her chapters that I was able to read each one according to the season it was written for! The book goes through chapters of September through late March and I managed to read each one during it appropriate time. This book carried me through winter in many ways. “Nature shows that survival is a practice. Sometimes it flourishes—lays on fat, garlands itself in leaves, makes abundant honey-and sometimes it pares back to the very basics of existence in order to keep living. It doesn't do this once, re-sentfully, assuming that one day it will get things right and everything will smooth out. It winters in cycles, again and again, forever and ever. It attends to this work each and every day. For plants and animals, winter is part of the job. The same is true for humans.”

Relational Intelligence: How Leaders Can Expand Their Influence Through a New Way of Being Smart | Steve Saccone

Finished: March 22nd, 2025

My Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

This book was, in a word, unhelpful. Insightful? Perhaps, a bit. But really unhelpful. He has great ideas but doesn't talk very much about how to implement them. There is zero practical help and no "how" to be found. Fun fact about this book in the challenge, I've actually been reading this book since 2021! That's how "bad" my reading had gotten. So as much as the book was not helpful, at least it felt satisfying to finish it once and for all!

Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? | Timothy J. Keller

Finished: May 1st, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★★

This was such a helpful and good book in so many ways. I personally picked up this book as recommended by a friend after I went no contact with a narcissistic family member. I had prior understanding of the basic doctrines of the concept of forgiveness, but this book made it all so much clearer to me as well as validated my decisions while helping me to search my heart to ensure I had actually forgiven. This is one of those books that I know I will return to again and again throughout my life as various things happen in which forgiveness is warranted. 

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth | Ina May Gaskin

Finished: May 8th, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★★

If I could go back in time and finish this book before I had my baby (who is almost two at this point in time), I know things would have been vastly different as far as my birth experience. This is a part of my life that I am grieving still, and learning to forgive myself and the people in my life at that time who contributed to the outcome of my birth experience. All that to say, I highly recommend this book to any and all childbearing age women who hope to birth, or are in a season of currently having children. Ina tackles every part of the birthing process in a way that is not fearful or daunting - but empowering and educating by sharing science backed research and history about the female body and it's amazing design to birth! Despite the birth trauma from my son, I am looking forward to rather than fearing my next birth!

Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe. Live it Confidently. Communicate it Graciously | Phylicia D. Masonheimer

Finished: May 13th: 2025

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

I should correct the title to say something more like: "Every Woman a Theologian: Learn What You Believe, So You Can Live it Confidently and Communicate it Graciously" which I think would be more in line with what the book actually covered. It's a great reference point for the various fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, which the author communicates in a concise and digestible way! It is a great starting point for any newer Christian. The book didn't cover much of the applicable, practical ways of "living out the theology" as her title suggests. I expected the book to cover first what the Christian life entails (theology wise), and then showing what that looks like in real life. I think if this was the case I would have liked it better and felt it more relevant to me. 

Rebecca | Daphne du Maurier

Finished: May 22nd, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★☆

From my Goodreads: I liked this book for the most part. At times it dragged with the main character’s constant inner thoughts, misgivings, and insecurities which could be frustrating… BUT it was written very beautifully and with the feeling of such delicious suspense that I felt ultimately paid off.

My main disappointment was the lack of a more satisfying aftermath or conclusion, as well as most of the characters annoyed me and felt one dimensional (Maxim, I REALLY wanted to fell head over heels for Maxim’s character… how much better would this book have been if the author could’ve shown us more to love in him like the main character saw - ***SPOILER*** all of this with the murder aside of course*** END OF SPOILER***). 

What’s more, even the main character’s “depth” was really just layers of self-pity and low self-esteem.

I actually liked her a little toward the end of the book, when she finally showed some boldness and spoke her mind “after all, I am the new Mrs. de Winter”. But alas, that version of her only appeared for such a short time that it hardly made a difference in helping me like her.

All in all it was a pretty OK book and I would recommend it as a classic read.

The Bridges of Madison County | Robert James Waller

Finished: May 28th, 2025

My Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

BOOOOOooo cheating! This book was just bad. It was like the author decided to publish his personal journal fantasy in order to imagine himself as a hunky photographer stud that makes love to random lonely and bored housewives on road trips who regret their life (and husband) choices. It was basically a romanticization of cheating. Moving on.

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers | Karyl McBride

Finished: May 28th, 2025

My Rating: ★★★★★

From my Goodreads: When I told my friend that I had gone no-contact with my narcissistic mother and how hard that journey was for me, she handed me this book and said “read this, I’ve cried many tears onto the pages of this book, and I hope it will help you as much as it helps me.” my response: “I will add my tears on top of yours!” And that’s exactly what happened. 

This book is by far one of the best things that has helped me heal as an adult daughter of an emotionally immature mother. If I could take the face of every struggling adult daughter in this same situation in my hands and tell them “you are good enough, you can do this!” And hand them this book I would. I would tell them you deserve so much more, you deserve to heal for yourself and you deserve to heal for your family. You are not your mother and you can get past this!

The author leaves no aspect of our complex and emotionally difficult situation untouched. She covers the relationship between daughter and mother during childhood, the effect of the mother’s behavior on the rest of the family, different types of resulting adults based on childhood (the high achieving daughter, self sabotaging daughter, etc.). How to begin recovery, how to go through the grieving process, how to avoid becoming like your mother, and ending the narcissistic legacy. 

I wish I had had this book a year ago when I first went no contact, it would’ve helped so much with my feeling of loss, grief, and struggle of how to proceed in that new beginning. Going through the activities in this book might be one of the hardest things you do, but it would be so worth it. 

My plan is to immediately start the book again with highlighters, pens, and a journal to get the absolute most out of this wonderfully validating and helpful book!

Well, there you have it folks! The Year So Far in Books! Please let me know if you have read any of the above works, and if you agree or disagree with my thoughts on any of them! 

I didn't plan to take such a long hiatus from blogging (last post being January and it's now May), but I hope to post some life updates soon. Farewell in the meantime!

- Amaris ☆ //

Where We Belong // Lynn Austin

I just finished the book and wrote the review on Goodreads, when I decided to post it here as well. 
_____________________________

My Review:
Overall, the book wasn't my favorite Lynn Austin book. She is such a good writer, and I admire so much of her work. This book wasn't badly written. It wasn't boring. It wasn't frustrating.
It just wasn't great.
It wasn't 'Hidden Places', it wasn't 'Wonderland Creek', and in my opinion the execution of each character's backstory was better carried out in 'Eve's Daughters' than in 'Where We Belong'.
BUT.
This book was special in it's own way, and had it's heart-wrenching, heart-warming, lovely and moving moments that left me thanking God that He is the way He is. Yes, this is a fiction story. But God is very real. His love is the realest thing you can experience.
Austin did a stunning job with this book in particular of bringing His loving and redemptive nature to life throughout the story, in the way the sisters cared, served and shown incredible mercy, grace, and love to certain characters in the book.
I also really loved the way everything came together at the end of the book. This happy ending story wasn't without heartbreak, which is a reminder that we never know how God will work. You never know how He will use you in ways that you can't imagine, and might never comprehend until heaven. It was a blessed reminder that it doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, who you were in your past. Jesus flips that upside down. He's dying (literally- and rising again) to reach out to those very people.
In the words of 'The Pilgrim's Progress':

"Apollyon accused, "You almost fainted when you first set out, when you almost choked in the Swamp of Despond. You also attempted to get rid of your burden in the wrong way, instead of patiently waiting for the Prince [GOD] to take it off. You sinfully slept and lost your scroll, you were almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions, and when you talk of your journey and of what you have heard and seen, you inwardly desire your own glory in all you do and say."

To which Christian simply replies:

"All this is true, and much more that you have failed to mention...But the Prince [GOD] whom I now serve and honor is merciful and ready to forgive. Besides, these infirmities possessed me while I was in your country, for there I allowed them to come in. But I have groaned under them, have been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon from my Prince."

The LORD only can say who you are, what you are. No mistakes you've made can define you, as well as no good thing you can do. You will find this nowhere else, including religions. When religion demands "do", Christ states simply, "done".

But back to reviewing the book.

To be honest, the book helped me in my personal journey of loving and submitting to God in my own heart during this particular season of my life, and I've been a 'believer' for close to 10 years now (I've been churched all my life and I said "the prayer" at age 9, but I didn't really begin to grasp God's love for me and live my life for Him until I was closer to 12-14)! Who knows what God will do with my path as the years go on and my journey of life continues. It is my resolve to trust Him as He guides me along the way.
I love how so much of the sister's life was included, and how it all came to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion of how God brought things together, as is His way.
That's why, while not as good as some, this book has a special place in my heart and I will always connect it in my mind to the season that I am personally walking through right now.

_________________________

Well, that is all. I just wanted to share my thoughts. This book holds a special place in my heart for another reason - when I first received it for my birthday in January of 2018, I was still in my old childhood home. Everything in my life has prevented me from reading and enjoying books since then - including moving twice. I tried reading this book several times, only to read a chapter or two and then leave it for weeks untouched before being able to pick it up and focus again. It's been a difficult year and a half since I read the first chapter and so many things in my life have changed I can't even count them all- but a few things have remained constant. The LORD, and my underlying love for books, reading, and imagination, even while not having the time or the  mental energy to focus on enjoying them. My heart for those things was still there-lying beneath the surface as everything I thought I could count on in my life practically dissolved before my eyes.

Only in the last month, I've finally started to come back to my old way of doing things. My old hobbies, my old enjoyments, my old state of mental health. It's still rough, but God is still there. He is my constant Companion when everyone around me fails me or lets me down- and in being so, proving He's different and can be trusted. I don't ever want to take a break from books again- I hope that in the future, no matter what difficulties or trials I walk through, I will always come from a healthy place in my mind where I can focus on and enjoy a well-written story.
This is the book that I began at the beginning of that 'taking-a-break-from-books-and-everything-i-found-pleasure-in' season, and 'Where We Belong' ended just now... as that season is coming to an end. I'm not sure of very many things, but I'm quite sure that Lynn Austin books will always mean a lot to me.

That's all, friends.
I hope you've having a good day!

What about you? Have you read this book? What did you think of it? What book or author means a lot to you?

-Amaris ☆

2018 Movies

Hey everyone. I did a thing.
That thing was that I decided at the beginning of 2018 (yes, that's last year) I wanted to keep track of all the movies I watched, and what I think of them. 
You know, just for funsies. 
Here's the list.

It's long, I know.
Don't @ me.

(Note: Please do your own research before watching these, especially with younger movie watchers. Every movie title in this post links to the review from either Plugged In Online, or the Parent's Guide section from IMDB. Thanks, peeps!)

January:

January 1st: Priceless (2016)
Not my favorite Christian flick. I love the heart and inspiration behind it, but the story felt flat and slightly cheesy according to my standards. It kept me interested, so that was good, but that still didn't redeem it, in my opinion. 3/10

January 17th: Forrest Gump (1994)
A rewatch. Seriously considering naming this my personal 'favorite movie of all time'. There are some skip-worthy moments for sure, but I would say the movie as a whole is worth it. 10/10

January 20th: The Greatest Showman (2017)
As far as I'm concerned, this movie can be called "The Greatest Musical Amaris Has Ever Seen That Doesn't Annoy The Heck Out of Her". 8/10

Total Movies: 3

The Greatest Showman

February:

February 14th: You've Got Mail (1998)
So freaking cute. A great remake of the old 'Shop Around the Corner'. A few cuss words to watch out for, but mostly clean. 8/10

February 15th: The Young Victoria (2009)
Captured my heart completely. So, so beautiful. (Gimme that Prince Albert right now pls) 9/10

February 22nd: Walt Before Mickey (2015)
Wasn't sure if I should put this on the list, cause I didn't finish it. A huge shame. Not the hidden Netflix gem I was hoping it would be, and not worth my time at all. 0/10

February 23rd: Wonder (2017)
A very sweet movie. Probably wouldn't watch it again, tho. Just don't care enough. 6/10

February 23rd: Gifted (2017)
A very sweet little movie. The little girl was adorable. Some cuss words, a lil bit of sexuality, but mostly ok. 5/10

February 24th: Cast Away (2000)
1. 'WILLLLSOOONNNN'. 2. Out of all the FedEx boxes that got washed up on the island, he saved 'the special one' in the hopes of delivering it one day, 3. Kelly's picture inspired him to keep living. A Tom Hanks masterpiece. 8/10

Jebruary 25th: The Glass Castle (2017)
Frustrated me on so many levels, this movie. The characters, the story, the content, everything. The soundtrack was pretty, tho. And I love all the actresses who played the main girl. 4/10

Total Movies: 6.5

The Young Victoria

March

March 2nd: Bruce Almighty (2003)
VidAngel blocked out so much it was kinda hard to watch. Kinda funny during some parts. We had an issue of some false doctrine going on though. Sorry Morgan Freeman, but it doesn't say "be your own miracle" anywhere in the Bible. 2/10

March 4th: Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Way more morbid than I was expecting; but I somehow still liked it. The actors were good, the soundtrack, the cinematography, all beautiful. (Extra point because I also liked how it brought me back to the old days when I read 'Poirot Investigates' for school in 10th grade.) 9/10

March 7th: Sense & Sensibility (1995)
Didn't like it as much as Price & Prejudice, but it was lovely, just the same. 7.5/10

March 17th: The American President (1995)
Save yourself the trouble and just watch the trailer; the only good parts in this movie are in there. 3/10

March 22nd: Turner and Hooch (1989)
Sweet, adorable, hilarious. Theres is some content but it's worth a watch with a filter. 8/10

March 24th: The Imitation Game (2014) 
A re-watch. Still as good as I remember it from a few months ago. I'll reference you to this post for my full opinion. 9/10

Total Movies: 6

Murder on the Orient Express

April

April 5th: August Rush (2007)
It's so good. It's emotional, it's gripping, it's heartrending. Yet, these 'lost and found' type of movies always kinda frustrate me. There are always so many 'almost' moments. Kinda reminded me of one of those emotional dog movies. Still really good tho. 8/10
April 7th: I Can Only Imagine (2018)
Way better than I expected. It tells the story of MercyMe's Bart Millard, and the events that eventually led up to him writing one of the greatest Christian songs, I Can Only Imagine. Would highly recommend. 10/10

April 14th: Catch Me If You Can (2002)
My family and I really enjoyed this fascinating depiction of Frank Abagnale, who becomes a master con-man with fraud before he turned 19. We watched it with VidAngel, and I'm glad we did because I did NOT want to see some of the stuff I cut out. Anyways, if you've got a filter, give it a try! 9/10

Total Movies: 3

Catch Me If You Can

May

May 4th: The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Wasn't great, but very beautifully put together. Story line kinda bored me. 3/10

May 5th: Paddington 2 (2017)
Saw this while babysitting. It was pretty cute, in spite of being a bit cliche. 4/10

May 25th: The King's Speech (2010)
I loved this one. It was written beautifully, acted with such talent, and the story had me very interested. 10/10

May 26th: Sherlock Holmes (2009) 
It was ok. There were too many 'convenient' things. The fighting and action sequences were a bit too choreographed, which I found annoying. I enjoyed RDJ in this movie tho. 6/10

Total Movies: 4

The King's Speech

June

June 12: Titanic (1997)
Third time watching. I love this movie and it still gets me right here in the feels every freaking time. 10/10
June 13th: The Money Pit (1986)
A bit funny during some parts, but too sensual and dumb to watch again. 2/10

June 13th: Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
An actual gem!! So sweet, adorable, and sad. It reminded me of what I like about old old movies. 10/10

June 16th: The Incredibles (2004)
This was my favorite superhero movie growing up (cause it was the only one I was allowed to watch haha), and I still really liked it when we watched it after all those years. 8/10
June 17th: The Incredibles 2 (2018)
I really liked it. It was kinda feminist (which I'm not), but I really enjoyed watching. 8/10

June 20th: Jurassic World (2015)
I feel like this movie is put together well and it's a fun experience for a family movie night, but over all it's not super great. 5/10

June 28th: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)
A re-watch. This is the best old Don Knotts movie, in my opinion. The ghost story used to really scare me as a child, but it's funny now. I guess that means I'm a grownup...? 7/10

Total Movies: 7

Breakfast at Tiffany's

July

July 4th: The 'Burbs (1989)
I didn't enjoy this one very much. There are way better Tom Hanks movies out there for anyone who wants to watch a classic.

July 9th: Big (1988)
Soooo cute and hilarious. It made my sister and I laugh and cry. We loved it. Watch out for a kid says the f word once, tho. 10/10

July 14th: The Bucket List (2007)
I kinda liked it because it was sweet and had a good message, but I kinda disliked it cause there was some sexy stuff and language. So idk. 5/10

July 16th: The Terminal (2004)
A great Tom Hanks movie. Super sweet and 10/10

July 17th: The Circle (2017)
This movie annoyed me. Is it supposed to be the future? I'm not sure I understood the ending? Is the movie saying that no privacy is good or bad? Why does Mae change her mind about who she stands for and what she believes in so much? So many questions?  1/10

July 19th: Big Eyes (2014)
Such a touching and beautiful movie. I loved Amy Adams. The setting was beautiful, the story was heart-gripping (ending with happiness!), the acting was great. Yes, yes yes.   9/10

July 19th: A Hologram for the King (2016)
It wasn't the greatest Tom Hanks movie. There were some sweet moments, but I wasn't fond of the ending, and plus I had to skip a couple of things which makes it hardly worth my time anyways. 3/10

July 19th: The Man With One Red Shoe (1985)
Another 'Not the Greatest Tom Hanks Movie' movie. A complete wasted evening, if you ask me. Too many dumb and sexual things. Even Carrie Fisher didn't make things better. 0/10

July 21st: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
Even if Western isn't my thing, it's easy to see why this is my Mom's favorite movie. It was definitely a classic, really gripping and kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the experience, if I'm being honest. 8/10

July 28th: Hello, My Name is Doris (2015)
There were a lot of cute things about this movie, and I enjoyed those parts but on the flip side of things the ending kinda annoyed me plus there was some sexy stuff as well as language, so the good parts weren't worth it. 4/10

Total Movies: 10

The Terminal

August

August 2nd: Jaws (1975)
I really like sharks, and I really like this movie. I don't know why. 7/10

August 10th: Christopher Robin (2018)
It brought back good memories but on the other hand I almost fell asleep watching it because it was super slow. Really cute tho. 3/10

August 31st: Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Me and my sister impulsively decided to watch this one late evening after getting frozen yogurt together mainly so we could laugh at the funny emo segments. It's not a horrible movie, to be honest. But Marvel can do (and has done) a lot better. 5/10

Total Movies: 3

Christopher Robin

September

September 2nd: The Meg (2018)
It was no 'Jaws'. But I did like some of the character development, a few of the jump-scares, and the main character did a good job, in my opinion. Over all, it wasn't a bad movie, and I had a good time  cause I saw it in theaters with my brother. 4/10

Total movies: 1

The Meg

October

October 7th: Sleepless in Seattle  (1996)
It was sweet, but also unsatisfying. I really wished for some cute couple moments between Tom Hanks and the girl. 'Big' and 'The Terminal' are much better if you like romantic Tom Hanks. 5/10

October 12: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
I realllly loved this movie! And I hold the (apparently popular) opinion that this movie does the book justice. It's great if you like period dramas, romances, WWII movies, or just sweet movies. 9.5/10

October 15th: Larry Crowne (2011)
Sooo funny and cute. I still like 'Big' and 'The Terminal' better for romantic Tom Hanks, but this one is really close to those two. 7.5/10

Total Movies: 3

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

November

November 4th & 24th: Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Absolutely loved it! It had some content issues, so I would read the Plugged In review for this one, especially before watching it with younger viewers. But apart from this, one of my favorite movies this year. The theater experience really added to the music, I felt like I wanted to get up and dance! It's hard to walk away from this movie not a Queen fan.10/10

November 22nd: A Knight's Tale (2001)
It had some pretty cute parts, and a few really funny parts, but nothing great enough to make me care to see it again. Heath Ledger tho. *nods* yes. 3.5/10

Total Movies: 2

Bohemian Rhapsody

December

December 14th: Letters to Juliet (2010)
I remember watching this movie when it first came out, and being the young, romance-loving person I was at the age of 12-14, I was absolutely obsessed at the time. This was my first time watching it again since then, and although Charlie was not as ravishingly handsome as I remember, the plot not quite so capturing, it was still really, really sweet. It brought back sweet memories, and I just  liked the story. It wasn't great, but I liked it. I also might have shed a small nostalgic tear or two. But you mustn't tell. 7.5/10

December 14th: That Thing You Do! (1996)
Didn't really go crazy for this one. The story kinda dragged on, and it was a little weird overall. I loved Liv Tyler's character, tho; and *spoiler* I loved how she got together with that drummer boi - super cute *end of spoiler*. 3.5/10

Total Movies: 2

Letters to Juliet

~*~

Grand Total:  
50.5 Movies

There you are, folks. Yeah, I know I should've posted this in January. But I'm not that late. Anyways, my plan worked! I watched way more movies in 2018! It was a good year.
Well, thanks for sticking around to the end, peeps.

I'll be back sometime on this blog.
When? I don't know.
But sometime.

-Amaris


Have you seen any of the movies on my list? What are your opinions of them? 

I Wrote This Review 3 Years Ago...

Hello, bloggy friends.
I was looking at my old drafts (a dangerous place to explore...) and I found this old review.

I wrote it before I posted anything on this blog, and somehow, once I did start posting, I never got around to making this one public. It's an ok review, so I thought you might like to take a look into my 17-year-old self once again (ahh, the good ol' days) (Ha. I say "the good ol' days" like I'm 83 instead of 20).

So yeah. I also am pretty sure this movie is not as morbid or 'grown up' as I'm making it sound here, but *shrug* you know how it is when you're only 17 small years old. (No offense to any 17-year-olds reading my blog right now... I love you too).

So. Pardon my previously naïve self. I was trying to sound really professional, and movie critic-ish... and yeah.

Enjoy. 

---

"Welcome to Alcatraz."
That's what the guards say after locking up a new prisoner.
I watched this 1979 movie last night because some of my friends went on a tour of the notorious prison, and they mentioned that the movie was good. Also, because I happen to like watching prison escape movies.
I found it a very intriguing film.

Ok... That's a little scary.

First off, you must know that Alcatraz is a unique prison. As the Warden told us:

"If you disobey the rules of society, they send you to prison; if you disobey the rules of the prison, they send you to us. Alcatraz is not like any other prison in the United States."

In other words, Alcatraz (while it was open, from 1934 to 1963) was a place to keep the 'bad eggs' all together in one prison. It was, essentially, escape proof.
That is until a rough and stoic criminal, Frank Morris, (played stupendously by Clint Eastwood) came, noticed that the concrete in his cell was wearing down, and decided to bust out.
The movie follows Morris from the time he comes to the prison until he attempts escape with three other prisoners.

If you decide to watch it, these are the things you need to look out for:
Some language: These are prisoners, after all, and there's pretty much no reason to talk clean. Their bad language is definitely not overwhelming, but some of their rough talk includes words like: sh**, a**, d**n, and unfortunately, the name of the Lord God is misused several times. Some black prisoners are referred to as 'ni**ers'
Some nudity: We see the nude backs and behinds of men taking showers, and we see the unclothed back and chest of Morris as he is marched to his cell at the beginning of the movie.  
 Blood: There is not much to speak of here, fortunately, except for one scene, where a prisoner uses a hatchet on his hand after his painting privileges are taken away. We see a brief view of his blood.
Some of the prisoners fist fight with each other in a few scenes, including once in the shower.

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this movie, at first. But, I found that it delivered. I was never at a lack for suspense. I saw the prisoners work on their little escape plan, and slip little things past the guards to dig with in the cells. There was some great acting talent displayed too. In spite of Morris' notorious reputation (he's a criminal!), he manages to make friends in the prison, and we see that even Alcatraz prisoners know how to work together for a goal. There are also a couple of funny moments with these prisoners. Clint Eastwood, though I have never seen him in a movie before, did a great job in the movie being angry, brilliant, criminal-minded, and (I have to say), handsome. :)

If you're looking for an interesting movie to watch, that is maybe a little out of your comfort zone, 'Escape From Alcatraz' won't disappoint you. I don't think it's the best kind of 'family movie' to watch with little kids, but if you're just a couple of teenagers and some grown ups, I would say, "definitely watch it!"

"King of the Mountain."

If I watch any more movies, I will definitely write a review about it, if I have time! See you later!

--

Oh look, my old 'Phoebe' button. Boy, times have changed.
I hope you enjoyed that, because I didn't change anything. This is exactly the way it has been all those three years sitting all alone in the darkest corner of my blog drafts...
Maybe I should watch the movie again to see if my opinions have changed. We'll see.

Thanks for going down memory lane with me!
-Amaris

Problems I Have With Pride & Prejudice 2005

I am not a negative person by nature, but I would like to present these thoughts of mine for your reading pleasure. Let us see on whether or not we agree!
I did a rather old post kind of like this awhile back, but my opinions have changed a little, so I wanted to update from a fresh perspective. So here you go.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal opinions, they are not meant to bash anyone who might think differently than me. Let's keep this fun, peeps.

To begin.

~It's too short

This story is not one to be taken in a small amount of time. The story requires a good deal of thought and pondering to enjoy it thoroughly. When watching P&P '05, we cannot do that. It's too painfully short. It's so short it hurts my brain to watch it.
I really wish they would've:
1. Made the movie into a miniseries, or at least
2. Made the movie super long.
This would give us much more time to spend with the movie's beautiful aesthetics and appreciate things such as acting talent. *sigh* But alas.

~Elizabeth Bennet's makeup isn't accurate- and it just bugs me in general

This "I love you" rainstorm scene in particular (completely setting aside the fact that this scene in this setting wasn’t supposed to happen anyways) just bugged me because of how dark and sultry Elizabeth’s makeup was. I am not a ‘costume’ expert, but I do know that back in these times, makeup was very faint, natural, and light. The only people who wore makeup enough to see was women of ill repute, or... (dare I say it on this clean blog…) prostitutes, who were essentially outcasts.
Not to mention dark, smudgy eyeliner bugs me in general. But that’s just me.
(Also, this is off the makeup biz, but why is Elizabeth such a ragamuffin in general? Certainly neat hair and ironed clothing were a must, even for someone of her class?) (Help me out, history peeps.)

~The costumes aren’t accurate either

This one I can’t say much about, as I am not a ‘costume’ expert, as I said. But in spite of my thoughts on this movies’ costumes, I have been in the discussion of other people who know much more of the subject who also think the costumes are historically lacking. And who am I to argue with a history person?
Plus, I just don’t understand Caroline Bingley’s dress in this ball scene at all??? In the 19th century, I always figured that women didn't wear night gowns to balls...
But perhaps I'm wrong... anyone?

~Mr. Darcy is the opposite of attractive (*whispers* aka he's ugly)

I know, I know. Some women think otherwise. This is my personal opinion (and no offense to the actor as a person), but I do not care for this Darcy’s looks. He’s supposed to be handsome, right? Isn’t that what the book suggests? Help me here, people. It’s been awhile since I read the book. P&P 05’s Darcy is not how I imagine a handsome-suitor-with-a-gazillion-pounds to look. Also, his hair is weird.

~The Bingleys are weird

Caroline does alright at acting high-and-mighty and all, but her costumes are horrid (again with the nightgown ball dress), but she's not even in the story enough for me to even have an extensive opinion about her.
That scene when Caroline was supposed to have caused her brother to leave town to keep him away from Jane? Like, for real that scene just happened so fast and without very much explanation at all. If I hadn’t read the book already, I would’ve been completely confused, as my mom was because she hadn't read the book. *frustrated groan*

And I haven’t even gotten to Charles Bingley yet. Let me just say this; I think Hollywood/other movie making people are getting confused about what the term ‘handsome’ means. He’s friendly enough (I rather think his personality is on the ‘ok’ side), but he’s just not attractive. At all.

~Mr. Collins isn’t ridiculous enough to make me hardly notice his existence at all

This Mr. Collins is just kind of there. Like, hardly anything happens with him until he proposes to Elizabeth and gets rejected, and even then he’s still not much of anything when it comes to ‘personality’. As I remember it in the book, Mr. Collins was supposed to be somewhat ridiculous and comedic, while he tries his best to be serious. You could take this Mr. Collins out entirely and it would effect the movie very little.

~The Bennet family isn't ridiculous enough either

In the true spirit of Jane Austen's writing, the Bennet family (apart from Jane and Elizabeth) are supposed to be ridiculous enough to make you laugh to yourself, and even out loud. P&P '95 captures the hilarity splendidly, but in 2005... I honestly can't remember laughing once, to myself or otherwise.

Mrs. Bennet is okay. Not funny, but okay. Mr. Bennet I probably like the most. But the rest of them are filled with many non-laughable moments (or perhaps they ARE laughable, but the moment is too short that I can't notice / enjoy it?) that leave me more bored than amused. Sad, but true.

~*~

Well, that's about it. 
Let's end this barrage of negativity with some positive notes:

A Few Things I Do Like:
~Jane Bennet (I love Rosamund Pike in this role)
~The soundtrack (I live and breathe the music from this movie no joke)
~The sets and props and aesthetics (such a beautiful movie really)

~*~
There you have it. My true thoughts on a movie controversial among period drama lovers around the world. I did re-watch this right before I wrote this so that I can remember all of my thoughts (gotta be accurate, you know?), and was not entirely bored, because in spite of it's flaws, I do enjoy watching it.
It's not terrible by any means.

On another subject, I feel like I've been posting a lot of period-drama related posts lately? Or is that just me? I certainly enjoyed the period drama tag all the bloggers did awhile back. :)
But if I'm not careful, I might end up one of 'those' period drama-obsessed blogs.
*shivers*
Anywho.
Let me know which of these sentiments you agree or disagree with. :)

See ya.
-Amaris