Welcome to the New Year

Happy 2011!

Okay, so I'm almost a month late. But nevertheless, it is 2011!

So, I know Chaz and I have kinda disappeared since October. I can start by saying, we're sorry. We kinda got distracted, and busy, and okay, maybe a little lazy as well. The point is, we kinda let our reviewing slide. So, I decided to make a few changes.

You may notice (or maybe you won't. I don't know how closely you all track this tiny blog.) that I have changed e-mails. That's right. Everything I had previously written is under Neeni_Burn and all my future work will be under NeeniBurn. (Notice the stealthy use of an underscore? Amazing, right?) I did this for one reason, I don't use my old e-mail. Not since I changed web browsers and set everything up under this new, slightly more professional e-mail.

Shortly after my last review, writer Laura Resnick* (you may remember her as the author of the Esther Diamond series I reviewed in August) commented on my review of her work. And due to my busy schedule along with my changing e-mail addresses, I missed her comment until...well, until today. So I decided I should probably update everything and get back on track.

Secondly, I have removed my review of the Labyrinth. When I wrote that review, I had just finished watching a similar review on a well-known website. I was hoping to reference that review in my own, out of respect for the writer, but felt that I got slightly out of hand and possibly too carried away. I may be a bit too harsh on myself, but I felt it was unprofessional, so I removed it. The Labyrinth is still one of my favourite movies though so I may re-review it in the future. Properly, this time.

Lastly, I promise to update much more frequently. Once every few months is inexcusable. I know that this isn't the fanciest blog and it most definitely isn't very popular, but I feel that the few people who do visit or follow Crash and Burn Reviews deserve more than what we've been delivering.

So, I hope everyone makes the best of 2011, because I sure plan to.

* I'd also like to thank Laura Resnick. Knowing that she has read my review and that it made her day even just a little brighter is what helped me get back on track. So, in a way, she had encouraged me to continue my own writing. Thank you!

TV Show - Firefly (2002 - 2003), Movie - Serenity (2005)

'There's No Place That I Can Be Since I Found Serenity.'

A statement that all Firefly fans can live by. Truth is, there is no other show quite like Firefly. Somehow, despite an early cancellation, Firefly was able to hook people in for years afterward. It's so much more than just a science fiction show.

There is such depth in the characters. And somehow, despite the fact that the fans only received 14 episodes -- of which only 11 episodes were ever properly aired -- not a single character was left looking two-dimensional. Sure, fans were left hanging with a few unanswered questions and I'm not alone when I say it wasn't given a fair chance. Many fans struggled to try and keep Firefly on the air, or get it back on the air once it had been cancelled.

Truth is, it really wasn't given the chance. It's a science fiction, a peak into a possible future, but it's also a bit romantic, packed with adventure, the right amount of drama and a good dose of comedy. It's something people can relate to despite the fact that it's based 500 years in the future. It deals with the same problems. Poverty, illness, war, lack of work, a struggle to survive from one day to the next. It deals with family and trust. It's a struggle to find work and keep flying. But it's not all bad.

From the strong, trusting friendship between Zoe and Mal, to the cautious, but friendly banter between Jayne and Kaylee. It becomes obvious that these nine social misfits have created a home out in the black together.

It becomes so easy to get attached to this story. It's no wonder that despite it's cancellation, Firefly still became a major motion picture. Serenity was released in 2005 and picked up shortly after the final episode of Firefly. Immediately, fans were thrown back into the Firefly 'Verse. While things have changed slightly -- River's about to go on a job with them and Inara is not on the ship -- it's clear that we've been placed back in familiar territory. Back where we all belong. And although we're sent on a wild rollercoaster ride throughout the movie, fans were ecstatic to get the show back. It was hope that maybe, just maybe, things would continue. Maybe we'd get another chance.

Unfortunately, Serenity was looked over and ignored just like Firefly. Once again, fans were faced with the disappointment of losing a beloved show. However, we Firefly fans have stuck together and the cast and crew of the show have never forgotten the 'Verse either. As long as we spread the awesome that is Firefly, as long as we never forget, Serenity and her crew will always live on.

Movie - Dirty Dancing (1987)

One word, Swayze! Patrick Swayze was one of the best actors that ever lived. Music, dancing, really tight pants...... I'm back. Every time I watch this movie, for some reason, I just really want to dance and that is strange for me because I can't dance; it's really funny actually. I kinda look like a Canadian jackalope with seven legs. Not only did Patrick Swayze and Cynthia Rhodes make it look easy, but Jennifer Grey makes it look easy to learn... if you dance like me.

Even though the movie is placed in the 1960's the music, even now, is very fitting to the feel of the movie. I have always found that older music is better then some of the new stuff that is out today. As the movie sujests, you should just be yourself and let life lead you to where you are meant to be.

Movie - The Birds (1963)

Alfred Hitchcock was one sick guy, I loved his movies. In this movie, all of the birds in a local town start attacking the residents for no reason. Personally, I think that that was one of the biggest faults in the movie. They never do tell us WHY the birds start to attack people, while in most movies the reason would be witchcraft, disease, torture, etcetera but in this movie there is no reason. Not to mention that the main child character has two birds with her at all times that stay her pets, the movie would have been better if they had killed the bitchy mother.

Either then that I thought that the movie was very good.

Movie - The People Under The Stairs (1991)

First off... Ewww, the two people who we thought were a couple turned out to be brother and sister; and they WERE a couple. Ya, that is real creepy! Secondly, how old is this girl that they are keeping hostage as their daughter? She only looks to be about 12 but the "mother" keeps insisting that the little boy, Fool will influence her into sexual behaviour. This movie really rocked, even though the quality was bad and it looked like they were on a budget.

Movie - The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride is another classic movie from the 80's. And though, yes, technically it is a book too, most people remember the movie first.

The thing about the Princess Bride is that, no matter what age you were when you watched it, whether you were a boy or a girl, there was always something to interest you. Most little boys were attracted by the sword fighting and wanted to be the Dread Pirate Roberts. And most little girls watched it for the love story and wanted to be just like Buttercup. And if you were a weird child, like me, you wanted to be Inigo Montoya, but that's 'cuz he kicks ass.

The storyline of the Princess Bride was so attractive because it followed the same path of everyone of your favourite fairytales...if they were all mashed together! It was perfect. The scenes were intense, no matter if you're with Princess Buttercup and Westley in the Fire Swamp avoiding capture by Prince Humperdinck or if you're Inigo Montoya finally face-to-face with the six-fingered-man. It's a very gripping tale.

And the cast, you couldn't find better people for the roles. Of course, young girls everywhere had swooned over Cary Elwes as Westley. And Mandy Patinkin portrayed Inigo Montoya with unforgettable grace. And Andre the Giant made Fezzik a truly amazing character. There really wasn't anybody who could play these characters better than the chosen cast.

Really, I can't see how anyone can leave this classic movie out of their DVD collection.

Book - Laura Resnick's Disappearing Nightly (2005), Doppelgangster (2010) and Unsympathetic Magic (2010)

Okay, so I do usually review books and novels with some sort of following, but I think it's time to make an exception. Laura Resnick's Esther Diamond novels are a must read. Seriously, if you haven't heard of them -- and you probably haven't -- you need to find the closest book store, now.

The premise of the books is that the main character, Esther Diamond, a character actor struggling to make ends meet keeps falling into these mystical situations. The first book it's disappearing magician's assitants and actors, the second book it's the doppelganger of mobsters and this third book it's zombie and gargoyle-like creatures controlled by a Petro Vodou Mambo. Or, an evil voodoo priestess.

The reason I started reading the Esther Diamond series was simply because a friend recommended them to me, and she hadn't steered me wrong in the past. The reason I continue to read the Esther Diamond series? Well, I can't point just one thing out anymore. The characters are so compelling. Esther, as odd as she is, can still be so easy to relate to. You can feel what she's going through and you can tell what she's about to do as she goes from scene-to-scene. Dr. Max Zadoc is a genius and although he has his quirks, you learn to fall in love with him. He'll remind you of your uncle, your father, your grandfather. He's so compassionate, yet he can be fierce. And don't get me started on Detective Connor Lopez. Seriously, Laura Resnick's had me swooning over him since the very first book and chapter-after-chapter, you learn to love him a little bit more. Even the supporting characters are amazing, you start to care for them so deeply that you long to find traces of them in books or scenes where they are not.

Another reason I love the Esther Diamond series is that it's a fantasy, a horror, a monster story taking place in the here-and-now. It's an urban fantasy. Magicians disappear off stage. Mobsters in Little Italy are seeing their doppelgangers. Zombies are present in Harlem. All of this is happening in our world. In New York City to be precise. It's something you can trick yourself into believing could happen anywhere.

The books are all very easy to read, while still being educational. They all go into different mythology or travel different aspects of religions. Like in Doppelgangster, we take a look at the beliefs of different cultures on the topic of doppelgangers. And in Unsympathetic Magic, we look into many different aspects of Vodou beliefs and how all religions have their dark side but that doesn't mean the religion itself is bad.

They read almost like murder mysteries or crime books. You follow Esther and Max as they try to piece together a mystical crime before it's too late. You pick up clues and evidence from Lopez and supporting characters. And honestly, you can't put the book down until you're through. They're very quick reads as well. I read the last book in five hours. And I probably timed around the same for the previous books.

Seriously, I'd recommend these books to everybody. The Esther Diamond series is so gripping and enticing, I can guarantee that no matter what your flavour is, you'll love the books as much as I do. The very first book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read Vamparazzi and I hope Laura Resnick still has many books planned for this series.

Go read them, now!

Book - Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire (1976)

Lately, in the news, I had heard that Anne Rice, author of the most popular vampire series, had renounced her faith. After her husband had died, Rice turned to Christianity and stopped writing the Vampire Chronicles. I was heart-broken at the time. But, in light of the news that there will be at least another book in the works, I thought it may be appropriate to review the first book in the series.

Interview With the Vampire is meant to enthrall you in this world of vampires. It's written as one of the main characters, Louis de Pointe du Lac, looks back on his life with his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt. The book starts as an interview, but reads as if you're living the moments with the characters. And despite how strongly Louis feels for Lestat, you can read Lestat's character clearly with only a thin veil of Louis's bias.

I believe that Rice is a literary genius. While, I admit, I was a little hesitant to pick up the book in the beginning -- what with how many truly atrocious vampire tales there are to choose from these days -- and I had no idea what to even expect. Now, I am glad to say, I devoured the book in less than a week. Reading at any chance I had. Rice's writing style is simple to follow yet magnificently diverse as well. She captured the heart and soul of her characters in every word.

Despite the novel being written in Louis's perspective, it was plain to see what was going on in the other characters's heads. You could see how Lestat felt about Louis, see how frustrated and angered he was with Claudia. I was able to see how Claudia felt jealousy for Louis's relationship with Armand, you could see how immature she was as she'd pit Lestat against Louis. Yet, still, it doesn't give everything away. Not even from Louis. It leaves enough mystery to keep you wanting to read more. And each book after it continues that cycle.

I'm only a few books in. I still have not caught up entirely to the Vampire Chronicles. Honestly, I don't plan to drop the books until they are finished. Within the span of a few short chapters, you are captivated by these characters. They have such depth to them, such mystery. I can honestly say that not a single page has me feeling bored or disappointed. Anne Rice is a literary genius and I cannot wait to hear about a new Vampire Chronicles novel.

Movie - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Okay I know that everyone loves it, so I am just going to say it. Star Wars rocked!!!! I myself am a fan the original trilogy, episodes 4, 5 and 6. These movies started the huge war between the Star Trek fans -- I don't like Star Trek -- and the Star Wars fans. Everyone is always asking which is better and yet it can never be said because everyone has their own opinion on why they were the better one in their differences.

Episode 4 - A New Hope:
This movie was the very first Star Wars movie, made in 1977. This futuristic view of an everyday man turned into a hero was a huge hit the moment it came out. Gun fight, chase scenes, evil emperors, hot main characters and a woman in trouble..... kinda sounds like a western but with technology. At the beginning of this movie, it shows how normal and plain the main character, Luke Skywalker's life is. Like everyone his age, wanting something more, wanting something better. Soon after he realizes that his normal old life wasn't so bad. Then, the ever badass Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford, shows up to help Luke with his journey. This movie marked the beginning of the original trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars craze.

Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back:
Out of the original three, this movie was my favorite. It had the action, the strategy and Yoda. He rocks! When Luke goes to find out how to use his Jedi powers, passed-down to him, he encounters a short, green, powerful, old man who helps him. Being apart from his friends -- Han, Leia and C3P0 -- gives him time to concentrate on his own powers. Being apart from each other also gives Han and Leia time to argue uninterrupted...... except for one time by C3P0. Later in the movie, some people show up that give the audience a little understanding to what the main characters's pasts were like and how they came to be where they are now (an example would be Lando). This movie kicked the sci-fi genre's ass!!!!!

Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi:
The last movie that did the series justice. The fall of hope, no escape, close encounters with defeat.... sorry, I lost myself for a moment. This last movie put all of the missing pieces together, explains how this terrible war started, though you kinda have to figure it out yourself. And has an awesome conclusion.

Would I recommend this series to the world? Hell yes!!!! And if you don't watch it then you are way way behind the times and you obviously have no life, so watch it right now.... I can give you sites.

Book - Emily Pohl-Weary's A Girl Like Sugar (2004)

Emily Pohl-Weary may not be very well known, even to fellow Canadians, but she definitely should be. A Girl Like Sugar was Pohl-Weary's first novel. Typically Pohl-Weary writes poetry and short stories. I hadn't yet heard of her when I had first started A Girl Like Sugar. But am I ever glad I did finally pick up that book.

A Girl Like Sugar is a story about a young woman, once dependant upon her rock star boyfriend. They lived together through thick and thin. Unfortunately, she lost him at a young age and now she's trying to learn to live again. In something akin to a moment straight from Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990), Sugar Jones's boyfriend returns to her from beyond the grave. Yet, still, she must learn to move on and learn that her life didn't end when his did.

Despite all the thick emotions, Pohl-Weary's writing style made it easy to read and allowed room for wit and comedy. You really get a feel for what Sugar is going through and what she had been through to get where she now is. It's full of scenes and moments from her past. How much she had felt for her boyfriend, and how she still feels is evident on each and every page. But, in some instances, it is the supporting characters that really make the moment. You can see how her friends are coping with the loss of Sugar's boyfriend and in a way, the loss of Sugar in some aspects. But, it gives her room to grow. By the end, you really feel like you've learned something valuable.

I really wish I had been smart enough to buy myself a copy of this book instead of borrowing it from the library. Next time I'm out shopping, I'm going to make time to find a copy. I really suggest you do the same.