Insurgent Movie Review

Insurgent
Starring:
Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort, and Miles Teller

It's that time of year again! Last month, the second movie in the Divergent trilogy was released. These movies are based off of the book series by Veronica Roth. Let's rewind a year. When I first saw Divergent, I thought it was a horrible movie. But just last month, I got it from the library and fell in love with it. Having been a huge fan of the books, it had taken me a while to accept how different the first movie was compared to the original story. Don't worry, there is a reason I'm telling you this!
Fast forward to the first Insurgent trailer that was released. Let me just say that I am a big supporter of book to movie adaptations... when they actually follow the main plot. From the second I saw that first trailer, I knew this movie was going to way off the storyline of the book. But I had to tell myself to see it anyways because trailers can be pretty deceiving. This one wasn't.
When I finally saw the movie, I wasn't nearly as excited as the day I saw Divergent because this time, I was expecting it to be wrong. In Divergent they actually followed the plot of the book! Insurgent is just way off! I think that this movie is "loosely" based off of the book. By "loosely," I mean, "Let's just take the characters and setting but change the entire story!"
Of course, the effects in the movie are mind blowing at parts and I am always so pleased by good effects. However, this couldn't distract me from the storyline that was so far out of the book's storyline I may or may not have found myself gaping at parts. If you haven't read the book, sure, this movie might not be half bad. But if you've read the book and are looking for a great movie adaptation, I'm afraid that this one missed the mark.
So, for my recommendation, I'd recommend this movie 8/10 for anyone who hasn't read the book but for anyone who has read the book, well... I'd recommend it 4/10.

-Emma; The Cozy Critic

NOTE: These are my personal opinions on the movie. I don't mean to offend anyone.

Hollow City Book Review

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City is the book following Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This book continues Jacob's adventure with the peculiar children as they journey to save their home. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this ongoing series, and I was just awaiting the day when I could finally buy this! When the day did come, I started reading it immediately!

The book picks up right where the last one leaves off, almost to the exact moment! Thankfully, as most books have a slow beginning, the start of this book is exciting from the very first page! I got sucked in from the beginning, and didn't put the book down until I had finished. 

The story is twisting and surprising as the group of peculiar children travel to save Miss Peregrine and their time loop! Jacob is trying to harness his peculiar talent, as things get rougher! Each of the children's characters grow and you see more of them as they are in dangerous situations. There are moments that make you squeal and hide your head under the covers! As for the romance, Ransom Riggs did not make it the main point of this book, but there are still moments that make you smile and blush! 

As the second book goes, it was a success! I enjoyed it just as much as the first book, maybe even more! I am looking forward to the continuation of the story as the author writes it, as should you! I highly recommend this book for any reader who likes an unforgettable story that pulls you into a different world! 

-Emma; The Cozy Critic

Into The Woods Movie Review

Into The Woods 

Starring:

James Corden, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp

This past week on Christmas Day, my family and I went to see the highly anticipated musical to movie adaptation, Into The Woods! After seeing mutiple previews and trailers, you could say I was a little bit excited. 

Going back a little ways, just last year I saw a high school production of the musical Into The Woods and I loved it! Everyone had amazing voices, so I came into the theatre expecting great acting and singing! I was not disappointed one bit. The movie captures your attention the second it begins, with James Corden narrating it very theatrically. 

Throughout the movie, the characters sing catchy songs that are both funny and meaningful. All the actors and actresses had incredible voices, which I was surprised to hear! (Especially Chris Pine, more commonly known as Captain Kirk from Star Trek!) 

As I had seen the musical prior to the movie, nothing took me as a shock, but if you're seeing Into The Woods for the first time, you will definitely be in for many surprises throughout the storyline! 

The one critique I had was that because I had seen the musical before, it got a little slow towards the end, and I sat awaiting something exciting to happen, because I already knew excited things were on their way! 

But fear not, if you're a fan of musical theater, this movie will blow you away! The sets are mesmerizing as are the effects! You will not be disappointed by this movie! I recommend it 10/10 for anyone!

-Emma; The Cozy Critic