They Came Together

Rudd (Clueless) and Poehler (Parks & Recreation) tell the story of how they met in this obnoxious comedy that is really a spoof of every single romantic comedy ever made. You name a romantic comedy you like - they spoofed a scene or plot line from it - no joke. Hated it!! It had a lot of cameos, but it wasn't worth it. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Counselor

Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) wrote something that is too complicated for any normal human being to follow. Basically, everyone is bad - there wasn't really any good characters. It was a jumbled mess - there are tangents that have nothing to do with anything. There are monologues that make no sense - too philosophical for me I guess. The whole thing seemed pointless - everyone gets hurt except for one character & not the one you want to survive. Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds), Pitt (Inglourious Basterds), Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Bardem (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Diaz (Sex Tape), Perez (White Men Can't Jump), and Blades (Safe House).  All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Restraint

Fimmel (The Vikings) is the violent and jealous boyfriend. Palmer (I Am Number 4) is the promiscuous girlfriend.  Moyer (True Blood) is the hostage. Or is he... She has to decide what she wants - who she wants - which one is the lesser evil. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Conjuring

Wilson (Phantom of the Opera) and Farmiga (Up in the Air) are married and investigate paranormal activity. They help a family get rid of a demonic spirit. Livingston (Office Space) is the dad, Taylor (Rose Red) is the mother, and Brotherton (Fast & Furious 7) plays a cop. It was well done. It was appropriately scarey. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like horror movies.

300: Rise of an Empire

IMDb writes, "Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy." It was filmed to be 3D clearly. It was excessively bloody. The fight scenes where awesome, but it just wasn't has awesome as the first 300. Stapleton (Strike Back), Green (Casino Royale), Headey (300), and Santoro (300) all star. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Dancing in September

It is a commentary on blacks in entertainment and television that is geared toward blacks. The characters have to decide between themselves and their personal dreams or what is morally right. That's hard to do in entertainment. It was sort of odd - the filming, the editing, and the screenplay. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Mystery Girls

So, I thought I watched the pilot, but it sure didn't seem like it was. It just sort of started assuming the viewer knew all they needed to know. They over-acted in an exaggerated manner. The characters are a bit of a stretch. It was too slap-stick. The plot was pretty bad too. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Young & Hungry

A young rich guy in California wants to hire a personal chef. She's broke and she ends up getting the job on a trial basis. The writers worked hard to get about a joke a minute. There are some funny lines, but there are also some awkward lines. It's predictable and since it's a sitcom they yell more than they talk normal. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

33 Postcards

Pearce (LA Confidential) and his brother got involved in stealing cars and setting things on fire for insurance money when they were younger. In one of the fire someone dies and Pearce takes the rap and goes to jail. While in jail he begins sponsoring a young Chinese orphan. He writes that he works at a nature preserve, has a wife, and has two kids. The orphan names Little Sister visits him and discovers the truth when her choir is visiting Australia. She falls into the clutches of the man that got Pearce in trouble. Will she stay with Pearce or go back to China? All in all, I say: SEE IT

Tyrant

Englishman Rayner (Hawthorne) plays the youngest son of a dictator of a Middle Eastern country on the verge. He was treated as "less" because he wasn't the first son, although he had all the characteristics of a great dictator at a young age. He left left for America when he was 16, became a doctor, got married, and had two kids. His nephew is getting married and his mother has begged him to return. It turns out it's mainly because his father is ill and wants him to return to rule. He sees all this, but keeps it close to the chest, so his family never catches on. He tries to quickly return to America before he is prevented from doing so. His daughter is a lot like him - smart and strong. His son - is gay. His wife is annoying - Canadian Finnigan (Monday Mornings). His brother's wife is probably in love with him - I get that feeling. I can kind of see where everything is going, but it was well acted. All in all, I say: SEE IT on FX

Pompeii

IMDb writes, "A slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him." Everything in the movie happens in roughly two days. You already know everyone dies in the end, so I just watched it for the fights and swordplay. Sutherland (24) never should have been cast as the bad guy or anyone during the Roman Era period. He was horrible. Harington (Game of Thrones) did a good job - almost the exact part he has on that show - so it wasn't hard. Moss (Matrix), Browning (24), Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Oz), and Harris (The Boxtrolls) also star. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you want a nonthinking action film & don't expect much.

The Last Ship

There has only been one episode, so I might change my mind later...the series premiere was good. I like the characters, the actors, the plot, and the action. I just hope it stays big budget, so it stays cool. Dame (Grey's Anatomy) is the Commander, Baldwin (Chuck) is XO, Mitra (Strike Back) is the scientist, Pyper-Ferguson (Alphas) is a character. A Pandemic is threatening all of Earth, most governments are gone, and the scientist on this ship might be able to make a cure. All in all, I say: SEE IT on TNT

The Day After Tomorrow

Love, love disasters movies and this one was perfect. It followed all the rules of a classic disaster film. Emmerich (2012) directed and wrote this possible ending to global warming. Quaid (SOmething to Talk About) plays dad and scientist, Gyllenhaal (Love and other Drugs) plays son, and Rossum (Poseidon) plays love interest. This is a good Ice Age as opposed to the kids movies. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Poseidon

In 1972 a classic disaster film was released. When I rented it on VHS years later I was in love with disaster films. I think it was my first even. Hackman (Unforgiven), Borgnine (Wild Bunch), Winters (The Three Sisters), Buttons (Longest Day), and McDowell (Planet of the Apes) starred in this amazing adventure.

A cruise ship is capsized and rescue will not be able to get there in time. A group of people realize they have to travel to the top which is essentially the very bottom of the ship in order to be rescue. Stairs go in the wrong direction, there are fires, sections are under water, and electricity sparking. It is AWESOME. All in all, I say: SEE IT
In 1979 a sequel was made. People return to the overturned ship to find fortune. Caine (Batman Begins), Field (Forest Gump), and Savalas (Kojak) starred.

All in all, I say: SKIP IT
In 2005, a tv movie remake was released. Baldwin (Firefly), Guttenberg (Three Men and a Baby), Brown (Australia), Howell (Soul Man), Kingston (Dr. Who), Weller (RoboCop), and Hauer (Batman Begins) starred.

Aside from the fact there were tons of commercials and I think it went for 2 or 3 nights. All in all, I say: SEE IT but only after the original.
Not sure why, but exactly one year later it was remade again for the big screen and I was there. 2006 was the year and the boat was the same. All the characters were updated though - different from all the others which made it unique.

Dreyfuss (Mr. Holland's Opus), Russell (Overboard), Rossum (Phantom of the Opera), Lucas (Hulk), Rodriquez (Six Feet Under), and Dillon (Entourage) starred.  All in all, I say: SEE IT

Her

Jonze (Jackass) delivers a look at relationships and technology. Phoenix (Gladiator) is a writer who is recently divorced and lonely. He forms a relationship with his operating system which becomes so aware that she leaves. It kind of examines our connection with technology and how it has created a gap in human relationships. All in all, I say: RENT IT - the piano music is awesome - can't find it anywhere. Johansson (Lost in Translation) does a really good voice job.

2012

1st let me say, I love disaster movies. A high budget Hollywood disaster film...I love even more. Mayans predicted the end of times in 2012. This film takes climate change and myth, and then puts family trying to survive at the center. Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow) is a master at this kind of film. Cusack (Identity and Martian Child) and Peet (Identity and Martian Child) are ex-husband and wife with two kids. Ejiofor (Half of a Yellow Sun) and Newton (Half of a Yellow Sun) are on the other end - they are guaranteed to survive because of their ties to the White House. Glover (Lethal Weapon) as President was an ok choice. Platt (Martian Child) plays a kind of bad guy - an everyone for themselves kind of guy. Harrelson (Zombieland) is the perfect choice for the crazy conspiracy theorist. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's tons of fun.

Drunk History (Season 1)

The creators go to different cities, locate a drunk person, and ask them to explain something historical. While the are talking, the scenes are re-enacted by famous people. Some are so funny you will laugh so hard you cry, and others might make you throw up. It's entertaining and not long. I streamed it on Amazon Prime for free. All in all, I say: SEE IT

How to Train Your Dragon 2

IMDb writes, "When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace." Hounsou (Blood Diamond) plays the enemy. Blanchett (Cinderella) plays Hiccup's mother. There is a lot of death in this, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger kids. The 3D was cool. All in all, I say: SEE IT - if you saw the 1st one.

SWAT

A tv series that lasted about a year. It was about the missions of LA SWAT. Urich (Spencer : For Hire) stars. All in all, I say: SEE IT - just keep in mind it was the 70s.

Johnson (Homicide) brings SWAT back, but to the big screen. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) plays Hondo, Farrell (Total Recall) plays Urich's role, Rodrigues (Avatar), and LL Cool J (NCIS:LA) plays Kay, and Charles (Good Wife) plays McCabe. Van Holt (Cougar Town), and Renner (American Hustle) also star. It's funny and has action. All in all, I say: SEE IT

IMDb writes, "Expert S.W.A.T. leader Paul Cutler goes to Detroit on a special assignment to train and certify the city's S.W.A.T. team. After a hostage is killed during an assignment, the victim's boyfriend, a highly specialized government agent, decides to take revenge on Cutler and his team." Macht (Suits) and Patrick (Terminator 2), and Pope (The Tomorrow People) star. The plot was strange and the screenplay/editing were bizarre. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Thomas Hardy wrote the book in 1981 as a serial in a British newspaper and later put together in book form. Amazon describes the plot as, "A ne'er-do-well exploits his gentle daughter's beauty for social advancement in this masterpiece of tragic fiction. Hardy's 1891 novel defied convention to focus on the rural lower class for a frank treatment of sexuality and religion. Then and now, his sympathetic portrait of a victim of Victorian hypocrisy offers compelling reading." Tess is raped by a nobleman, loses her child, and then is spurred by her true love when he discovers she isn't pure - after they have been married and he was no virgin either. It doesn't end well for anyone.

The film was originally done in 1913 then again in 1924. The film was tried again in 1952, 1959, and 1998.

South African Waddell (The Fall) played Tess in the 1998 tv movie. Englishman Flemyng (Snatch) played the rapist. All in all, I say: SKIP IT
In 2008, It was remade as a mini-series.

Arterton (Prince of Persia) played Tess. Redmayne (Les Miserable) played the man she loved. Scotsman Matheson (Sherlock Holmes) played the rapist. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it was slow and the acting not so good. Masterpiece theatre attempted a version in 2009 - yuck.
So, I've come to the conclusion that since none of them are worth seeing that it's because the book is not worth reading. It has to be the writing. All in all, I say: DON'T READ IT.

Maleficent

She was born to play this part. This film takes a look at Sleeping Beauty from the supposed villains point of view. Jolie (Tombraider) is a fairy who is tricked into believing a human, Stefan (Copley from District 9) loved her. He took her wings so he could become king. To get revenge for her broken heart she puts a curse on his daughter (Fanning from Super 8). She continues to look over Aurora and things begin to change. I don't want to say much more because it will give away plot. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I didn't see it in 3D but I think it would be really cool in 3D.

The Big Wedding

This movie is based on a French film, so there is a lot of sleeping around. De Niro (Raging Bull) cheated on his wife Keaton (Morning Glory) with her best friend, Sarandon (The Client). Keaton's character actually cheated first with the father of her adopted son's fiance, Seyfried (Big Love).  They have two other kids Grace (The 70s Show) and Heigl (Grey's Anatomy). Grace plays a virgin doctor who will fall in love with his adopted brother's biological sister. Heigl is pregnant. Williams (License to Wed) plays a Father - similar character to one he has played before. It was supposed to be a comedy or a romantic comedy, but it fell short of being spectacular. It seemed like it had been done before. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Summer in February

Cooper (Captain America) plays the English artist AJ Munnings. He falls in love with Browning (Sucker Punch).

She's in love with Stevens (Downton Abbey). Not sure why she didn't marry him. She was sick in the head and committed suicide. Perhaps, she wanted someone who wouldn't leave her and Stevens' character is a soldier. That part of the story irritated me - I didn't understand why she agreed to marry the wrong man. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Tatum (Magic Mike XXL) reprises his role for about ten minutes. Johnson (Scorpion King) takes over command of the Joes. Welshman Pryce (Brazil) plays the President of the US who has been captured by the Cobras. Scotsman Park (Star Wars Episode 1) plays Snake Eyes - amazing swordsman. South Korean Lee (RED 2) plays Storm Shadow again. He's also going to be in the new Terminator movie: Genesis. He is so cute and is so good at fight scenes.

 South African Vosloo (The Mummy) plays Zartan. Willis (RED 2) plays Joe - the original G.I. Irishman Stevenson (Rome) plays Firefly.

Palicki (GI Joe 3) plays Lady Jane. Australian Bracey (Home and Away) plays the Cobra Commander.

The special effects were good. The fight scenes were freaking amazing. The plot..sucked ass! All in all, I say: SKIP IT - maybe you can Youtube some of the fight scenes and that will do.

Murder in the First (tv show)

Dale (Tekken) is the Captain of Homicide. Diggs (Go) and Robertson (Tin Man) are the partners. They get a multiple homicide case. The show is supposed to take the audience through the entire investigation and then lead us all the way through the trial. It was slow - it is character driven - it is going to get old real fast. I don't like what they did to Robertson. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - I'm not impressed, nor do I feel the need to continue to watch.

About Last Night (Then & Now)

Zwick (Glory) directed this in 1986 based on a play by Mamet (The Untouchables). Lowe (West Wing) and Moore (Striptease) have a one night stand that sort of leads to a relationship. Things move quickly, there is a lot of not communicating correctly, and friends that are trying to pull them apart. When they break up the fault lies equally between the two of them. Belushi (Red Heat) and Perkins (Weeds) are the friends. There is a lot sex in this for the 80s and a lot of candid sex talk for the 80s. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it's kind of dated, but at the time is was decent.
In 2014, it was remade by Pink (the guy that helps write with John Cusack - High Fidelity). It is written this time by a women.

Ealy (Almost Human) is the Lowe character. Bryant (The Skeleton Key) is Moore's character. This time it's all his fault. Hart (Ride Along) and Hall (Think Like A Man) are the best friends. Those two had better chemistry than the other two, and they had the funniest scenes. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's updated and much better than the original - movie that is - I never saw the play.

Edge of Tomorrow

Close your eyes and think about these 2 movies - Groundhog Day meets Aliens - that's this movie.

An alien species is conquering Earth because it can reset a day and do it all over again. Cruise (Mission Impossible 5) and Blunt (Into the Woods) get exposed to the blood of one of the creatures and for awhile they are able to reset the day in their advantage. To stop all of it - they need to get rid of the head honcho alien. It is funny and has action. Paxton (Aliens) is a master sergeant, Gleeson (Suffragette) is the head of the united defense, and Armstrong (Robin Hood) has bulked up to play a soldier. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it's fun - and it's also in 3D.

The Paradise

Also, a British show about a shop. This one focuses on a widower who is trying to make his store the best in town. The people that work for him have all sorts of drama and jealousy. The characters in this are complex. The actors work really well together. The writing and scenery are amazing. It's tons better than Mr. Selfridge. All in all, I say: SEE IT. I am watching this via Netflix Blu Ray.

Mr. Selfridge

IMDb writes, "Centers on the real-life story of the flamboyant and visionary American founder of Selfridge's, London's department store." O'Connor (Timeline) plays his wife. Goodman-Hill (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) is the head of the staff.

 Fitoussi (Spiral) is the window display designer.

Piven (Entourage) is Mr. Selfridge 0 he doesn't do a very good job with the acting - he sort of overdoes it. Everyone else in this makes it worth watching though. I've seen season one only, but season is now available. I streamed season one for free on Amazon. All in all, I say: SEE IT

London Hospital Season 1 & 2

I streamed this on Amazon with Amazon Prime for free. It was a zillion times better than that Midwife show. Each season is a year, and it is sometimes called Casualty. So, season one is 1906, season two is 1907, and season three which I haven't seen in 1908.

It's a hospital drama based on the true account of London Hospital. It is the perfect mix of history and drama. Houston (North & South) is a doctor who is encouraging a nurse to become a doctor.

Lunghi (The Mission) is the head nurse or matron as pictured at the very top. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like hospital dramas - it's Whitechapel - the backyard of Jack the Ripper.

Being Left Handed

Left-handedness

·         The word left in other languages means: weak (English), ugly (French), awkward (German), not clever (Spanish), dishonest (Italian), sinister (Latin, insult (Russian), and illegal (Polish).

·         Cultural quarks: In Morocco, a left handed person is cursed. The Inuit, believe a left handed person has the potential to be a sorcerer.  In ancient Egypt, they believed death entered the left ear.

·         Religious quarks:  It was believed that if the left side of the body had a blemish that is was the mark of the devil. People often throw salt over their left shoulder in the face of the devil. In Hebrew, it is believed that the devil stands on the left side of God. In Buddhism, the left side is the wrong way to live life. In Islamic countries, the left hand is unclean.

·         1 out of 10 people is left-handed

·         Women are less likely to be left-handed.

·         Left handed people tend to do better with tasks using their right hand than right-handed people can do tasks with their left hand.

·         Sports: Left handed people have an advantage in fencing and boxing.

That I Would Be Good

That I would be good even if I did nothing
That I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
That I would be good if I got and stayed sick
That I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

That I would be fine even if I went bankrupt
That I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
That I would be great if I was no longer queen
That I would be grand if I was not all knowing

That I would be loved even when I numb myself
That I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
That I would be loved even when I was fuming
That I would be good even if I was clingy

That I would be good even if I lost sanity
That I would be good whether with or without you

Read more: Alanis Morissette - That I Would Be Good Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

What is an Aquarius?

An Aquarius woman is a fascinating maze of traditionalism and futurism, a blend of approval seeking and nonconformity, logic and intuition, eccentricity and dogmatism.  She considers the brain the most important sexual organ, and indeed, she filters every aspect of life through her diligently perspicacious mind. Harbinger of cultural concepts and of lifestyles yet to come. She could easily set onto the set of Star Trek and feel at home. She was mind liberation. She is for peace, harmony, understanding, sympathy, and trust for all humanity. She wants freedom, equality, liberty, and sisterhood. She is looking for equal and complete unions between enlightened males and females. An Aquarius relies first and foremost on their minds. They often live in the mind, trusting it far more than the body. Many are intellectuality outstanding, emotionally aloof, and predictably unpredictable. They are associated with Uranus (Mad Hatter, inventiveness, originality) and Saturn (seriousness).  They are typically non-materialistic. They often have sudden flashes of insight, intuition, visions, telepathy, and dreams concerning the future especially the future of society. They can easily absorb scientific research and inventions. They can be temperamental, eccentric demands for freedom and privacy; they fluctuate between a lover’s life style and group involvement. They have a humanitarian commitment, and are concerned with building a more idealistic world. They have difficulties with emotional closeness, extensive emotional armoring. Prefer teaching and sharing knowledge, with far-reaching consequences. Often seen as complicated and provides no access.  They often have an offbeat sense of humor. They can often be devoted, aloof, loyal, undemonstrative, and a nonconformist.  She seeks a truth and believes there is truth. She is very opinionated and is always more confident in work than in personal life. She is always as good as her word. She doesn’t say it if she doesn’t mean it. She is organized and night time is when she shines the best. As a child, she was closer to a male figure than a female figure.

To love an Aquarius is to her let her be her, but provide protection. To love her is to be available whenever she feels lonely without demanding equal time. She will often need to hibernate. They often prefer platonic love and friendship because those relationships last longer and allow more freedom. They are neither too shy nor too outgoing.

Health issues usually include spraining ankles, Charlie horses in calves, poor circulation, shortness of breath, and poor eyesight.

Professions that suit them best: automobiles, architecture, flying, congressional jobs, psychology, explorer, grant work, philanthropy, photography, equestrian, singer, writer, publisher, lecturer, and television.  A reformer: part Helen Keller, Peter Pan, Minnie Mouse, and Madame Curie. 

People Who Are Also Aquarius

Virginia Woolf

Corazon Aquino

Geena Davis

Gertrude Elion

Chita Rivera

Princess Caroline

Edith Wharton

Neysa McMein

Paula Fickes Hawkins

Mary Lou Retton

Julia Morgan

Bessie Coleman

Maria Augusta Von Trapp

Mairead Corrigan

Colette

Susan Sontag

Alice Evans

Vanessa Redgrave

Anna Pavlova

Ayn Rand

Elizabeth Blackwell

Gertrude Stein

Rosa Parks

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Alice Walker

Judy Blume

Susan B. Anthony

Toni Morrison

Benjamin Franklin's Virtues

1.       Temperance

Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.

2.       Silence

Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.

3.       Order

Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.

4.       Resolution

Resolve to reform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5.       Frugality

Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing.

6.       Industry

Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.

7.       Sincerity

Use no hurtful deceit.  Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8.       Justice

Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefit that are your duty.

9.       Moderation

Avoid extremes.

10.   Cleanliness

Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation.

11.   Tranquility

Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12.   Chasity

Rarely use, but for health, or offspring.

13.   Humility

Imitate Jesus and Socrates. 

Crow

My spirit animal.

Crow is: law

                Dead Crow

                Left-handed guardian

                Gateway to the supernatural

                Knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred law

                Can bend the law of physical universe and “shape shift”

                Master of illusion

                All sacred texts are under the crow’s protection

                “All things born of women”

                Sees the physical world even the spiritual world, as humanity interprets them, are an illusion

                Omen of change

Lives in the void and has no sense of time

                Sees 3 fates: past, present, and future

“Honor the past as your teacher, honor the present as your creation, and honor the future as

 your inspiration”

                Merges light and dark

Sees both inner and outer reality

                Knowledge of a higher order of right & wrong

                Council, wisdom, resourcefulness

Crow speaks in a powerful voice when addressing issues of justice

Crow defined as “The Shadow of the Sun” and “Nigredo” and “Cuervo”

Crow life force so powerful it can actually live off death itself

The dream – carrier – Cronos

Germanic and Siberian worshipped as a healer / China represents the vitality of the emperor

City of Ember - Book of Ember Series

Amazon describes the plot as, "The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters."

Some people in Ember know the truth and are trying to hide it because they are afraid. The two young main characters have no fear. It is so original. All in all, I say: READ IT

If you don't want to read the book then see the movie otherwise, All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it leaves out a lot.

The sequel to the 1st book. Amazon describes the plot as, "The People of Sparks picks up where The City of Ember leaves off. Lina and Doon have emerged from the underground city to the exciting new world above, and it isn’t long before they are followed by the other inhabitants of Ember. The Emberites soon come across a town where they are welcomed, fed, and given places to sleep. But the town’s resources are limited and it isn’t long before resentment begins to grow between the two groups. When anonymous acts of vandalism push them toward violence, it’s up to Lina and Doon to discover who’s behind the vandalism and why, before it’s too late." All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it wasn't as good as the first. It leads to the next book, but it fell short of my expectations.

The prequel to the other 2 books. Amazon describes the plot as, "It’s 50 years before the settlement of the city of Ember, and the world is in crisis. War looms on the horizon as 11-year-old Nickie and her aunt travel to the small town of Yonwood, North Carolina. There, one of the town’s respected citizens has had a terrible vision of fire and destruction. Her garbled words are taken as prophetic instruction on how to avoid the coming disaster. If only they can be interpreted correctly. " All in all, I say: SKIP IT.

This book returns to the excited and challenge of the first. Amazon describes the plot as, "It’s been several months since Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember and, along with the rest of their people, joined the town of Sparks. Now, struggling through the harsh winter above ground, they find an unusual book. Torn up and missing most of its pages, it alludes to a mysterious device from before the Disaster, which they believe is still in Ember. Together, Lina and Doon must go back underground to retrieve what was lost and bring light to a dark world." All in all, I say: READ IT only if you didn't listen to me and read the entire series. If you listened to me - then what do you care - SKIP IT