REVIEW: The Lightning Thief

   As a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series, it's only natural that I'd feel the desire to re-read the books every now-and-then. Plus, I have to keep myself fresh since Riordan is still releasing books! I finally just finished The Blood of Olympus and am SO pumped for Trials of Apollo to come out this summer!!
   This time, after reading the books, I decided to re-watch the movie. I remember seeing The Lightning Thief in theaters when it came out back in 2010. I didn't like it. After re-watching it, the book fresh in my mind... I still didn't like it. Yes, I'm biased having read the whole series, but even if I hadn't read it, I don't think I would have cared much for it... Simply put, The Lightning Thief movie just doesn't have any real depth..!

   Let's start at the beginning: you see Zeus and Poseidon arguing over this missing bolt, and that was the first wrong thing! The whole point of a book or film is to learn along with the characters! If you just hand everything to your audience, there's nothing left for us to figure out. There was no mystery! From the very beginning you already know that Percy is Poseidon's son... The WHOLE POINT of the first, like, 5 chapters is the mystery about WHO Percy's godly parent is! Also, the audience is supposed to follow alongside Percy as he grows and learns about his special powers, in the movie he pretty much has got everything figured out already. How boring.
   And speaking of characters... Am I the only one that is still annoyed that everyone is high school age when they're supposed to be 12??? The whole point of them being in middle school is because that's the world renowned age group of awkwardness! You're no longer a kid, your suddenly starting to notice the opposite sex, you feel like you don't fit in anywhere- which is pretty much the whole story of Percy Jackson, just with all the Greek Mythology mixed in...
   On top of that, we have the lack of character development. Percy never had to wonder and worry about being claimed (not that "being claimed" was ever mentioned in the movie anyways), Chiron sent him directly to the Poseidon cabin. Whatever happened to him being the new kid?? ((And about the cabins- why did we never see any of the others?? Luke has a random tent to himself- where's the rest of Hermes Cabin???)) Grover, in the movie, starts out as this overly confident, mature, cool-kid satyr who's the center of the party; however, the real Grover is nothing like that. Grover is supposed to start out as a pitiful, crybaby, kid who's unsure of himself and eventually grows into a self-assured grown satyr with a searcher's license and an adorable romance. Annabeth, on the other hand, is pretty much herself except with a lot more of the bitchy attitude from the get-go. In the book, Annabeth is a love-sick girl who acts confident but is really trying to find her way in the real world. She's high-strung, adorable, highly intelligent, and not very much like her film counterpart. And, of course, I have to say it: WHY WASN'T SHE BLONDE??? And the worse part? If you decide to make Annabeth brunette in the first film, don't change it for the second one! You've already made the mistake, now you're just making it worse...!

   I also didn't like how different they made the world, either. Don't get me wrong, the art and graphics were amazing, especially Olympus and The Underworld, but what about the spectacular world of the Greek gods in Western civilization? In Rick Riordan's world, what makes this story so appealing is the idea that the Greek gods and monsters and myths could be lurking right around the corner. How the simplest things like a fast food chain, a mattress store, or the Empire State Building could be connected to a whole other world. But in the movie, everything relatively "normal" was just glossed over. Finding their way into Hades had to be complicated and secretive- why couldn't they just find themselves to the rundown LA music studio??
   And let's not forget the whole plot change..! Ares had no part in the movie, and I actually loved the badass Ares we meet in the book! Especially how Percy wins their little scuffle at the end- how do you think he becomes famous in the camp?? Well, besides the whole returning the lightning bolt, thing... Hermes is also missing. The kindly cousin who gives Percy a push every now-and-then, and truly feels for his lost son, Luke. And Luke... He genuinely has a strong dark purpose for wanting to overthrow Olympus, but in the film he sounds just like any run-of-the-mill bad guy. So you have to ask, where is Kronos??? The main baddee calling the shots from Tartarus, the one pulling the strings through everyone's nightmares?? Way to kill the story...
  And the last thing I have to mention: the learning aspect of it all. One of the major pulls of every Riordan series is getting to learn. Throughout the book Percy meets various monsters and gods, he ventures to all sorts of places throughout the world, meeting heroes and villains of myth. But that's not the case in the film. We don't have Annabeth giving us a history lesson every time we meet a new monster, or Grover and Chiron teaching us about the gods and their part in the world we live in today.
   I don't want to say that the movie was bad, but it definitely wasn't good. And it certainly didn't live up to the book. All they did was make an action movie, geared towards teens and young-adults, with the cool addition of Greek Mythology... And Riodan's books are so much more than that. You can't have a decent film without heart, and honestly, that's exactly what it was lacking.  

REVIEW: Coraline

   Many years ago I watched for the very first time a dark and spooky film, advertised for children. Ever from that first moment until now, I still think calling this movie a "Children's Movie" is quite a stretch. Coraline is a fantastically creepy movie with humor, adventures, beautiful art, and a totally spooktacular soundtrack.

   Suzette loved the movie so much my niece was even named Coraline. Of course, she's a positively bright princess, so I guess she's not doing too well living up to the name; however, our very own little Coraline loves the movie she was named after just as much as we do.
   Many years after first discovering the movie, Coraline, I finally got my hands on the book! To anyone who hasn't read the book, be warned, it's just as dark and demented as the film..! Personally, I think the book was even more creepy. With the book you get more details on Coraline's creepy adventure. There's also not as much comedy relief. I didn't know before diving into the book, but the character Wybie from the movie, doesn't even exist. I also would have to say that the movie has a lot more colors and happier scenes compared to the dark and danky book format. There's just a lot more creepiness as a whole in the original...

   Now, don't get me wrong, I loved the book! It was definitely thrilling, and the art fantastically gruesome; however, the movie was still equally as fun. I finished the book in one day, that's how easy of a read it was, and I would totally purchase it for my collection someday.
   I also have to give a hand out to the director, Henry Selick, and writers of the Coraline film, though. With the little that the original book gave, they were able to create a whole new world of magic and wonder, surprisingly bigger than Neil Gaiman could have imagined.

2016 New Year's Resolutions... Except, not..?

And here we are again- a new year! Ok, it's actually the middle of February, but it still feels like 2015 was only yesterday..! Does that mean that I have to make a million promises to myself that a may, or may not stick to??? No... I haven't really made a "New Year's Resolution" thing in a long while... I have set goals for myself, goals that I make sure are very general and are normal everyday things that I either already do, or want to do more of...? With setting general goals like these, it never feels like do-or-die whether they become fulfilled, which makes it much more likely to accomplish since I won't feel stressed about it. These are all goals that I want to work on in order to improve myself, just for me, and no one else...

And so, here is my 2016 Goals:

Read More!
Watch More Movies!
Catch up on Shows!!
Practice Japanese!
&&&& Spanish...!
Work on Poke'mon: Princess Debut!
Keep up with a Workout Routine!
Eat Healthy!
Get out of "Family Debt" (>v<)
Meet all the Disney & Universal Characters!
Actually GO SHOPPING!?
Hang out with Friends & Family/ Stop being a HERMIT!

And lastly, get into the Disney Entertainment Industry!

Another Kind of Magic...

Today I had my first day of Orientation for Universal Orlando!

It’s definitely strange having to wake up early and actually being around people for 8+ hours out of my day, haha, but I guess I’ll just have to readjust to it…! #IntrovertProblems (-u-)
Of course, since it was only the first day, we had to cover all of the basics. We did the usual new hire paperwork, payroll, benefits, taxes & all that good stuff. And don’t forget about learning about Safety! Surprisingly, this whole section, though, was a lot of fun! Rather than sitting in front of a computer reading about hazardous chemicals, or playing games about safety awareness, Universal took it to a whole new level. They mashed up a bunch of clips from their movies like The Mummy or The Nutty Professor, and re-dubbed the characters to say all this random safety information. What made it great, though, was the fact that Universal was able to make fun of themselves. They know that learning Safety Critical information is boring, so why not make it fun and entertaining?? And so, with the help of the Mighty Safety Man! we covered a whole 45minutes “Safety Begins With You” lecture without ever being bored.
The best part of today was definitely getting to walk back-stage. We only took a trip to the Backlot Bistro for lunch, but I couldn’t help but stare with amazement at all the witches and wizards passing me by! And did I mention we got to walk under the Hogwarts Express??? I was having so many Fangirl Moments- it was great! It’s too bad we’re not allowed any photos, I wish people could see all of the amazing things I get to witness on a daily basis..!
Another big part of today, I thought, was differentiating between the cultures of being a Disney Cast Member and a Universal Studios Team Member. Now, if I didn’t love both companies and theme parks EQUALLY I wouldn’t be working there. I even said it during my interview- I have to be in a work environment that I enjoy..! And I really do! Yes, you’re working for the busiest theme parks in the world & you have to deal with crazy/ incompetent/ rude guests quite often &&& the weather can be grueling in Florida &&&&&& sometimes the pay and/ or hours just plain suck- but so what??? Personally, the Magical Moments are what make it all worth it. Whether it’s having a wonderful experience with a guest or getting to learn about the wonderful things happening back-stage and within the company before anyone else- I absolutely have loved “working for the mouse,” and I’m certain I’m going to love working for Universal as well..!
As for learning to differentiate between the two- I’m sure more will come to light once I actually start working for Universal, but here’s some of what I’ve noticed.

Favorite Things About Working for Disney:
Free entry into all 4Major Theme Parks plus 3Water Parks as well as Guest Resorts.
FREE PARKING
Great Cast Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants.
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Cast Members in the World.
Most of the Managers I know are very helpful and great to their Cast Members.
Parties in the Tunnel!
And Disney gives us Free Food a lot, haha! At least for Fantasyland Attractions!
Peer Recognition! (It’s great when you get it, but really sad when you KNOW you’re a fanfuckingtastic worker, but no one actually recognizes you…!)
That warm fuzzy feeling when you get to make a family vacation even more magical
Being with my people!! WE ALL LOVE DISNEY & RANDOMLY BREAK OUT INTO SONG & DANCE!
It’s Disney!! ‘Nuf Said!!!
What I Greatly Dislike About Working for Disney:
Block-Out Dates for Cast Members!! (>_<)
Having to pay extra for the Hard Ticketed Events..!
The company is so large there’s often miscommunication between departments.
Sometimes I feel that Disney can be a bit too-faced (sorry! I still love you!)
Favorite Things About Working for Universal (so far):
Free Entry into both Universal Orlando and Island of Adventures as well as Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens pluuuus discounted tickets at Wet ’n Wild.
NO BLOCK OUT DATES FOR UNIVERSAL!!
FREE ENTRY FOR HARD TICKETED EVENTS!
FREE PARKING @ Universal
Greeeeaaat Team Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants &&& QUICK SERVICE! (FUCK YA!)
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Team Members in the World.
So far the Management Team seem great and very helpful/ reliable to their new members!
They hold an Annual Team Member Survey just to hear what we have to say
There’s a Party Trolley?? That’s cool!
They even celebrate Mardi Gras! Awesome!
They gave me a free lunch today, so that counts! Haha..!
On top of getting recognized by your fellow Team Members at your specific location, you get to gloat about your success with a photo in the UO Newsletter &&& a personalized parking spot (if you get recognized for the month)!
PLUS, all of your recognition can actually be redeemed for real money! Now that’s what I’m talking about!
We’re all Nerds Here! While Disney has it’s fair share of Magic, I love to let my inner nerd out! Bring on the MARVEL Universe & the Harry Potter Wonderment!!!
Dislikes of Working for Universal:
Weeeell, I can’t exactly put anything here yet since I’ve only been to 1day of orientation, but I’m sure it’s going to be similar… Dumb Guest Interactions, dealing with Florida weather… Who knows..??

It may actually be because I actually worked at Disney for 6months and I am so ready to take on a new challenge, but I still love it! I wouldn’t be going back if I didn’t! That’s another thing! I hate that people complain about Disney so much! If you hate it so much, then fucking leave! I don’t wanna hear your nonsense! When you work for a theme park, especially for a place like Universal or Disney, you HAVE to be happy! Be grateful that you fucking have a job & more importantly, show that you LOVE your job! You may be having a crappy day, whether because of something personal or something work related, but that has nothing to do with the Guests. I hate when I’m working with someone who has nothing good to say about their job. Do you not realize how many thousands of people would kill for an opportunity like this??? I know I greatly appreciate my job- both of them! And I’m so glad that I’m getting to live out my dreams.
Mom keeps telling me how proud she is of me, which is the mom thing to do, of course. But what she added to that really warmed my heart. “Most people work all their lives wishing to find their dream job. And you did it right out of college.” I never thought about it until she told me, but it’s so true. I know so many people, my mother included, who are only finding their dream job in the later years of their life. So many people who say they have regrets for not pursuing their dreams… And maybe that’s why I’m so adamant about chasing my own. I know I must sound like a silly little girl, but I truly believe in chasing your dreams and following your heart. (Obviously, that’s the Disney Kid in me!) But then again, if I didn’t think like that not only would I not be a Theatre Major, or an Actress pursuing an almost impossible dream, but I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
I had dreamed of someday visiting Japan ever since I was in the 5th grade- summer 2012, I made that dream come true. The Disney College Program became a dream of mine way back during my Junior Year of High School- 5years later, I made it happen. Auditioning for FUNimation, working with renowned Anime Voice Actors- all dreams and goals I made for myself years and years ago and somehow, it all came true. Even getting to work for Universal! Although I never actually said I wanted to, I’ve wished to be a wizard since forever, and now I’ll be helping make the Wizarding World of Harry Potter come to life! There’s just so much I want to do with my life, so many goals and so many dreams… I am so grateful that at such a young age I’m already getting to see the fruit of my labors and I am more than happy to be, as my family has often told me, a “role model” for my younger brothers and cousins. 2015 was such a Magical Year and 2016 looks like it’s going to be quite an Adventure..!

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Here’s to my year- The Year of the Fire Monkey!

And although I know most people don’t believe in the pseudoscience of Astrology or the sacred power of the Chinese New Year, but when it’s so accurate to my current life situation so much of the time, how can I not believe?? And so, I leave you with a little Monkey Wisdom:
“With the right blend of optimism, playfulness, dedication, and passion, you can experience amazing achievements in every area of life.” 

MARVEL- Phase 1...

Because I obviously don't already have a million things going on in my life right now, I decided to work on not only watching all of the Disney Productions of the past, pluuuuus the Studio Ghibli films, why not also re-watch some MARVEL movies???
I've been re-watching some of the series that I already own like the Spider-Man and X-Men movies, but of course I had to add in the Phases as well! So, of course, we're gonna start with Phase 1 and continue on until I catch up to where we are right now!
SOOOooooo excited for Phase 3 to begin- WHOOO!!!!! (*w*)

Phase 1-

Iron Man

The Incredible Hulk

Iron Man 2

Thor

Captain America: The First Avenger

The Avengers

Phase 2-

Iron Man 3

Thor: The Dark World

Captain America: Winter Soldier

Guardians of the Galaxy

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ant-Man

Studio Ghibli... Miyazaki's World...

Along with my goal of watching all and every Disney production, I decided to go ahead and join this with the Studio Ghibli films. Of course, as we all know, Ghibli became so very well known due to the various Hayao Miyazaki stories- even though there are others out there- but here is the listing of all his works so far, in order! AND SO- let us begin another series of movies to spend all my time on, haha! (^-^)

Castle in the Sky

Grave if the Fireflies

My Neighbor Totoro

Kiki's Delivery Service

Only Yesterday

Porco Rosso

Pom Poko

Whisper of the Heart

Princess Mononoke

My Neighbors the Yamadas

Spirited Away

The Cat Returns

Howl's Moving Castle

Tales from Earthsea

Ponyo

Arrietty

From Up On Poppy Hill

The Wind Rises

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

When Marnie was There

It All Started With A Mouse...

We've all heard this saying and it's something that definitely has inspired me in my everyday life. When I look at the empire that Disney has become since Walt's humble beginnings, it not only makes me appreciate what I have in life, but it gives me hope to pursue my own impossible dreams.
I grew up watching Disney movies and I watched all of the television shows. Even today, I make sure to keep an eye out for the latest Pixar Release, and I'm always up-to-date on the newest Disney Princesses coming to join the family. The wonderful world of Disney has always been near and dear to my heart, and now that I work for the company, it's even more-so. I am honored to call the Magic Kingdom my Home.
I'd like to admit that I've fallen head-over-heels for the Disney Company and as such, I've decided to take it upon myself and learn all there is to know about it. After reading my Disney Biography last year, I wanted to watch all of the original Disney Creations and really get a sense of the Disney History. And so, I began a list... And somehow, someway, I will watch every single one of Disney's works- even those Silly Symphonies that came before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! And the television shows that no one even knows about?? Yup, I'm gonna watch those too! Who knows how long it'll take, haha, but I'll get it done! After all, when I set my mind on something, I make it happen, no matter what. Walt was the one that taught me that...!