My favorite movies

+JMJ+

Wow! It's been awhile. I think I'll do a fresh post

These are my top five favorite movies. I'll include a few honorable mentions at the bottom.

Movie #1

The Fellowship of the Ring- 2001

(Extended Edition)

Of course I like "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King" too. But this is still my favorite.

Cover: Samwise Gamgee, Strider, Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Gray, and Arwen Undomiel

Synopsis: The future of civilization rests in the fate of the One Ring, which has been lost for centuries. Powerful forces are unrelenting in their search for it. But fate has placed it in the hands of a young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who inherits the Ring and steps into legend. A daunting task lies ahead for Frodo when he becomes the Ringbearer - to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom where it was forged.

Main Character

Frodo Baggins

I know, I have shocked people when I said it, but I don't like Frodo. :D

Age: 13+

Movie #2

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- 2005

(This was the first movie I saw in theaters)

Cover: Susan, Edmund, Peter, Aslan, Lucy. White Witch in front.

Synopsis: During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy (Georgie Henley) finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter (William Moseley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and her sister, Susan (Anna Popplewell). There they join the magical lion, Aslan (Liam Neeson), in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton).

Main Characters

Edmund, Peter, Lucy and Susan Pevensie

I liked all the kids in this movie. But I liked them less in the sequels. Except Edmund and Lucy are best in "Prince Caspian" in my opinion.

Ages: All ages. Depends on parents, I mean there are some bad guys who might scare some small children. Maybe six and up.

Movie #3

The Ash Lad in the Hall of the Mountain King- 2017

(Norwegian dubbed film)

This one is so funny. Good clean humor. There are a few things here and there, like all movies.

Cover: Espen "Ash Lad"

Synopsis: Espen "Ash Lad", a poor farmer's son, embarks on a dangerous quest with his brothers to save the princess from a vile troll known as the Mountain King - in order to collect a reward and save his family's farm from ruin.

It's based off of some Norwegian fairy tales.

Main Character

Espen "Ash Lad"

This is one main character I really enjoy. Usually I'm more of a side character person. I don't always like the heroes. But I got to say two of my favorite heroes are Espen and Aladdin.

Movie #4

Unplanned -2019

(Yes, I really liked this movie)

Cover: Abby Johnson

Synopsis: Abby Johnson becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then a life-changing experience turns her into an anti-abortion activist.

This movie is clearly not for everyone. First time I saw it, I cried. Second time I watched it, I turned away during that scene. There are a couple disturbing scenes. At least one of them will probably be to hard on certain people.

Main Character

Abby Johnson

Ages: 18+ Possibly a bit younger for a girl. But it all depends on the person.

Movie #5

Aladdin -2019

(Best Disney remake since Cinderella)

Cover: Jasmine, Rajah, Sultan, Abu, Genie, Aladdin, Aladdin, Magic Carpet, Jafar.

(Yes, Aladdin's on their twice)

Synopsis: Aladdin is a lovable street urchin who meets Princess Jasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. While visiting her exotic palace, Aladdin stumbles upon a magic oil lamp that unleashes a powerful, wisecracking, larger-than-life genie. As Aladdin and the genie start to become friends, they must soon embark on a dangerous mission to stop the evil sorcerer Jafar from overthrowing young Jasmine's kingdom.

Main Character

Aladdin

"Oh come be the first to meet his eye,

You're going to love this guy."

Age: Family friendly. I'd say sixish, same as Narnia. Some kids might be intimidated by Jafar's sorcerer phase.

"Aladdin" and "Cinderella" are the only two Disney remakes that I really liked. Some I thought were okay, but "Aladdin" was still the best.

Honorable mentions in no particular order, I'm also probably forgetting some:

The Adventures of Tintin- 2011

Synopsis: While shopping at an outdoor market, young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), accompanied by his faithful dog, Snowy, buys a model of an old ship called the Unicorn. A shady character named Sakharine (Daniel Craig) and later an American named Barnaby (Joe Starr) try to buy the model from him, but Tintin refuses. The lad discovers that the ship contains a clue about a hidden treasure, but before he can locate it, Tintin is kidnapped and given over to the custody of drunken Capt. Haddock (Andy Serkis).

Best Character: Captian Haddock

The Two Towers- 2002

Extended edition

Synopsis: The sequel to the Golden Globe-nominated and AFI Award-winning "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers" follows the continuing quest of Frodo (Elijah Wood) and the Fellowship to destroy the One Ring. Frodo and Sam (Sean Astin) discover they are being followed by the mysterious Gollum. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), the Elf archer Legolas and Gimli the Dwarf encounter the besieged Rohan kingdom, whose once great King Theoden has fallen under Saruman's deadly spell.

Best Character: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Eowyn (oops, that's 4)

The Return of the King -2003

Extended Edition

Synopsis: The culmination of nearly 10 years' work and conclusion to Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on the timeless J.R.R. Tolkien classic, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" presents the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil fighting for control of the future of Middle-earth. Hobbits Frodo and Sam reach Mordor in their quest to destroy the `one ring', while Aragorn leads the forces of good against Sauron's evil army at the stone city of Minas Tirith.

Best Character: Gandalf the White, Legolas, Gimli, Eowyn (oops, 4 again)

Prince Caspian -2008

Synopsis: One year after their previous adventure, the Pevensie children (Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell) return to the magical land of Narnia and find that 1300 years have passed there. War has come to Narnia once again, and the children join forces with Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) to overthrow the evil King Miraz and restore peace to the land.

Best character: Edmund, Lucy, Repeechiep

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader -2010

Synopsis: Visiting their annoying cousin, Eustace, Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Keynes) come across a painting of a majestic ship called the Dawn Treader. Suddenly, the painting comes to life and draws the youths into Narnia, where they meet their old friend, King Caspian (Ben Barnes). Caspian is on a quest to find the seven lost Lords of Telmar, whose swords will save Narnia from an evil green mist that enslaves men's minds and bodies.

Best character: Eustace, Repeechiep

Cinderella -2015

Synopsis: After her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella (Lily James) finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, who reduce her to scullery maid. Despite her circumstances, she refuses to despair. An invitation to a palace ball gives Ella hope that she might reunite with the dashing stranger (Richard Madden) she met in the woods, but her stepmother prevents her from going. Help arrives in the form of a kindly beggar woman who has a magic touch for ordinary things.

Best character: Fairy Godmother

Pride and Prejudice -1995

Synopsis: Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters attempt to navigate the world of love and high society in an age where class and money matter. Despite their differences, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy manage to look past social standings and fall in love.

Best character: Mr. Darcy

An Unexpected Journey- 2012

Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) lives a simple life with his fellow hobbits in the shire, until the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) arrives and convinces him to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. The journey takes Bilbo on a path through treacherous lands swarming with orcs, goblins and other dangers, not the least of which is an encounter with Gollum (Andy Serkis) and a simple gold ring that is tied to the fate of Middle Earth in ways Bilbo cannot even fathom.

Favorite Character: Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, Kili, Gullom, Bofur, Fili, Lindir

That's all for now.

Aladdin movie review

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+JMJ+

My rating 4 and a 1/2 stars

Going to the theater was always a treat. The first movie I saw in theaters was "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," when I was seven. Yes, that is amazing. Since then I saw several more. But usually never more then once a year. Well, this year, either owing to having a driver's licence or all the remakes being made, I've been to the theaters more then once. Well, the two best movies I've seen were "Unplanned," and "Aladdin." I never saw the original, so I don't know how similar it is, but I loved this version. It was so funny.

Some of the quotes, I'm doing from memory, so they probably aren't spot on.

(Spoilers)

It's mostly quotes, because the quotes were good. :D My siblings and I have been quoting since we saw it. Annoying the members of my family who haven't seen it. It has as good of quotes as "Ash Lad in the Hall of the Mountain King" does. That's another good movie.

I never tell the ending either, so still expect to be surprised when watching the movie.

Aladdin- actor Mena Massoud

When I first watched the previews, I was sure I wasn't going to like him. He was weird. But in the movie he was amazing. He was very likable and heroic. Yes, he was a street rat. Him in Abu were really skilled thieves.

If you don't have anything, you have to act like you own everything.

He wasn't a wimpy hero either. I despise the guys being wimps, while the girls are made so tough and strong. Sure, he was very awkward at times. But I think overall, he had a good character.

I rate him a 5/5

Genie- Will Smith

You really don't know who I am? Genie, wishes, none of that ringing a bell?

I think Aladdin was my favorite character, but a lot of my siblings liked the Genie best. He was halarious.

Aladdin: Do we need the topknot?

Genie: That's like my whole cherry on top.

He had a great personality. He becomes really good friends with Aladdin. They start out a little awkwardly though.

Genie: It's showtime!

Aladdin: No, I'm in charge, and I decide when it's time to...

[Genie blows Aladdin over to Jasmine] 

Aladdin: Really?

The Genie helps Aladdin out of a lot of really nice messes.

In ten thousand years, I have never been so embarrassed.

I rate him a 5/5

Prince Ali- Mena Massoud

Genie: Put your arms down

Aladdin: I'm presenting

Genie: Put your arms down

As Prince Ali of the imaginary unpronounceable land Aladdin is very awkward.

Don't bite his legs, he needs those for dancing.

Aladdin made a grand entrance, but then everything plummeted downhill after the gold camel things and the jam. Don't forget the jam. We have yam jam. Awkward and idiotic, the genie has never been so embarrassed. When he learns that it is Aladdin's first party he wants him to go back to his room. The Genie wants to enjoy himself. But working like a puppet he makes Aladdin the star dancer. He may have over done the back flip though.

Rate: 5/5

Jasmine- Naomi Scott

Aladdin: I thought a princess could go anywhere?

Jasmine: Not this Princess.

Kept nearly a prisoner in the palace by her overprotective father, Jasmine occasionally slips out and mingles with the people under disguise. On one such trip she is rescued from an irate stall tender by Aladdin. Thinking her nothing more then a handmaid to the princess Aladdin quickly starts to like her. But Abu steals her bracelet and she leaves in a huff. She thinks Prince Ali is another brainless fool.

Jasmine: And you think I am for sale:

Prince Ali: But of course. No I mean, yes, I mean of course not.

Rate 4/5

Dalia -Nasim Pedrad

Why are you being so strange?

Handmaiden of the princess. Dalia is always with Jasmine and they are in each others confidence.

She doesn't get out much.

Dalia hopes that Jasmine will make things work between her (Jasmine) and the awkward prince Ali, because she (Dalia) has an eye for his handsome companion.

Please make it work.

But Dalia is just as awkward as Prince Ali.

Excuse me a moment

[shuts door, then jumps into the air]

YES!

[opens door again]

I accept

[takes flowers]

Please continue

Rate: 4/5

Abu

Aladdin's loyal sidekick and accomplice.

Abu, I told you that there is a time we steal and a time we don't. That was a don't.

Abu is very loyal to Aladdin and sticks with him through thick and thin. But mostly thin.

Dirty monkey.

Rate: 5/5

Magic Carpet

I really liked the gang in the movie. Aladdin, Genie, Abu and the Carpet. I must say the Carpet had a better personality then Jafar. But more on that later.

Who couldn't like the Sandcastle building, eager to applaud the Genie Carpet.

Jasmine: How did you get in?

Aladdin: Magic Carpet.

Rate: 5/5

Jafar- Marwan Kenzari

I'm sorry but no one was more boring and unlikable then Jafar, except for his stupid annoying parrot.

No one will ever call me second best again.

I had a very low opinion of both of them.

Jafar: 1/5

Parrot: 1/5

I guess I didn't like them at all. Not even for villains. Jafar was weird and the parrot was simply annoying.

My over all rating of the movie is a 4/5

I would have given it a 5/5 but there is some dancers wearing belly showing clothes doing the icky hip swaying dance. But a lot less then I was actually expecting. And at one point in the Prince Ali song (which was my least favorite song) the Genie wears a woman's costume. I didn't like that either. But other than that and the villain, I really liked the movie.

Singing

I thought the singing was pretty good. Some of you can testify that I am a picky about music. But I didn't shudder at all when listening to the singing. :D

So if you are looking for a decent movie to watch I would recommend "Aladdin." I left the theater after watching it, ready to see it again. That's always good.

God Bless you All for now,

~the Author

Which one is the best?

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+JMJ+

So some of you may know that I published the "Prince Charming Diaries" with the help of my brother, last Spring. Well, this year, I'm attempting to publish the "Prince Charming Diaries: The Third World" or Volume 2 all on my own. As I am not the best with figuring out anything to do with technology, it has been interesting so far. But anyway, This whole post is on an author photo for the book. My sister from The Grouchy Photographer agreed to take a photo shoot with me and the illustrator. I'm posting nearly all of her pictures from the shoot out. 

I soon regretted having books for props.

The Illustrator and a tag-a-long finally arrived.

 

Illustrator, Author and Photographer

~the Author