The Hunger Games

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor
The teen movie of 2012. Katniss refuses to go down without a fight. This phenomenal movie and book trilogy has critics, readers, and movie lovers raving about The Hunger Games. And I am Team Gale all the way :)
Review
I absolutely love The Hunger Games! It is definitely the best teen movie of 2012 in my opinion. I went on March 23 to see it and the theater was packed! I was just amazed by the whole movie all together. The cast and crew did such a phenomenal job capturing the essence of the book and transforming it on the screen. Everything looked like it was brought to life. The actors and actresses fit the characters in the book perfectly.  Personally, the people's personalities in the Capitol and the way they dressed was the most mind blowing to me. Their hair, clothes, and make up just took my breath away. Hats off to the make up stylists for that! The setting in the arena was spot on. I really liked how the Gamemakers could just drag whatever they wanted into the arena and it magically burst into existence. I wish that type of technology existed in real life. I honestly can't give the book justice with words, because I'm speechless. You could really sympathize with Katniss because of the heart breaking predicament she is placed in when she volunteers as tribute to save her 12 year old sister, Prim. Katniss as a character and person is very likable. She is bold, brave, caring, and lives by her set own set of rules to protect her family. One thing I like about her: Katniss doesn't pretend to believe the lies they are fed from Peacekeepers and the President, because at the end of the day, she and her family don't have enough food to eat and scrape by with bare essentials. Katniss fends for herself and sticks up for what she believes in. I rate The Hunger Games 5/5 stars!
Summary
Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen hates the world she is forced to live in. Panem basically exists of 12 districts-The Capitol, and 11 other districts that each specialize in something. In district 12, one of the poorest districts, everyone makes do with what little they have. Katniss' dad passed away during a coal mine accident and her mom is still in depression. Katniss is a very talented archer and goes every day into the woods and hunts food for her family to eat with her best friend Gale. Together, they somehow manage to get a little food to run their family. Annually, one male tribute and one female tribute between the age of 12-18 is taken from every district to participate in the Hunger Games. Every year, one slip is entered for each child between the age of 12-18. With the exception that the names can be entered multiple times in exchange for portions of food. The 24 participants are placed in an arena to kill each other and only one winner comes out. A series of obstacles and challenges are thrown at the contestants by the Gamemakers, who design the arena. This merciless competition shows people the price to living in Panem and makes sure that everyone stays under the Presidents control. The day of the Reaping, or when the contestants are chosen for each district, Prim nervously gets ready for her first Hunger Games. Katniss reassures her because Prim's name is only entered once. When Effie, the Capital's representative, reads out four letters for district 12's girl, Katniss' heart stops beating. Prim. Katniss immediately volunteers as tribute to save her little sister. Will she be able to survive? Watch the movie to find out! It is already on DVD :)!
Lessons Learned
The Hunger Games has many lessons behind it, but this is one that I learned. This movie taught me to be responsible with the stuff I use in everyday life that most people take for granted; because somewhere else in a poorer place people had to work to provide the resources. For example, paper towels. I know for a fact that in many households, kids and adults unknowingly go through a lot of paper towels in one day. Especially in the United States. Honestly, I'm one of them. To make that paper towel that people use so effortlessly, somewhere else in the world someone had to cut down a tree for the buyer to wipe their hands once and throw it into the dustbin. How does this relate to The Hunger Games? Well, to understand that you have to think a little deeper. All of the 12 districts specialize in something: medicine, technology, fishing, scientific research, lumber, textiles, transportation, power, livestock, grain, agriculture, and coal mining. Because of all of these items and facilities provided, the people who live in the Capitol have a comfortable life filled of luxury. This is similar to how our world works. The job that one person does is taken for granted by someone with more money. We can stop this by cutting back, using an alternative resource that is more abundant, and give back to the environment. For every paper towel that a person uses, they can plant two trees. All of these baby steps will add up and make a change.
-Sneha

                     

     

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

My Review
After reading and falling in love with Delirium, I thought that Pandemonium would never be able to top the first book. Lauren Oliver most certainly exceeded my expectations! Delirium had such a dramatic ending that got readers hanging on to each and every last word, so Pandemonium was full of action, drama, and suspense from the beginning to end. I personally think that the way Lauren Oliver writes is amazing. I love reading dystopian books because I'm always puzzled and simply in awe by how authors have the imagination and creativity to create another world with such dynamic characters that rebel against society and fight for what they believe in. Lauren Oliver is one of my favorite authors and I admire her because she brought Delirium and Pandemonium, two mind blowing books, to life. The whole "now" and "then" style was a great way to write the book because it gave readers information like clues, in pieces, that is part of a bigger picture. In Pandemonium, a lot of new characters are introduced and a fierce Lena who fights for what she believes in is born. The ending of Pandemonium was very shocking and suspenseful. I am eagerly awaiting Requiem, the third book in the Delirium trilogy, that is releasing in February 2013. I rate Pandemonium 5/5 stars because there's always new, exciting twists that you would would never see coming.
Summary
Lena is half-dead and stranded in the Wilds. It was always her dream to be in the Wilds, but a big part of her picture perfect dream is missing. Alex. She doesn't know whether he is dead or alive. Lena just does what Alex told her before he was shot...Run. She runs and runs, past the border and into the Wilds until she collapses. Nothing matters anymore, because Alex is nowhere to be found. Raven finds Lena passed out and generously takes her in at the homestead. Love makes life  beautiful, but it also makes it painful. Life at the homestead with the Invalids is worlds apart from the perfect, neat life inside the borders. Everything is scarce and rationed here. There is barely any food- not nearly enough with the hard labor everyone does. After a week of resting and recovering, Lena starts learning the hard ways of the Wilds. She does the chores Raven tells her to do and tries to keep herself occupied, so she doesn't think about Alex. Lena forgets the life she had before and just focuses on surviving. After finally getting an assignment to watch the DFA (Deliria-Free America) for the Resistance from Raven and Tack, Lena goes undercover as Lena Morgan Jones and watches Julian Fineman, the youth president of the DFA. She does her job-watches, observes, and blends. One day at a DFA rally, Scavengers, uncureds who want the world to be destroyed, attack and capture Julian. Lena goes after Julian, so they capture her too. Now Julian and Lena are stuck together, but Lena's mission was to watch Julian under any circumstance. They fight together and try to escape. Along the way, Lena and Julian fall in love. But what if the whole thing was planned by people you trust? Read the book to find out!
-Sneha                                      
I love the Book Summary at the back of Pandemonium, so I had to include it in my review because it goes so well with the story. :)

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,                                                                   behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Between The Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Summary!
Delilah is a teenager in high school, and just like everyone else, she's trying to discover herself. In Delilah's case though, things are a little hard- considering that every time she tries to fit in, she just ends up being picked on and hated even more. Her social life pretty much consists of one friend and a bunch of people who hate her for various reasons (including an incident where she broke the head cheerleader's kneecap). Delilah is the type of girl who spends lunch in the library with her head buried in a book. One day, she stumbles upon Between The Lines, a children's fairy-tale by Jessamyn Jacobs. Delilah immediately falls in love with the concept of happily ever after and is obsessed with the fairy-tale. She also falls in love with Oliver, the flawless, brave prince she has always wanted to be with. Delilah knows that this is impossible, but she secretly wishes that, for once, it could be true. What happens when your wishes come true? Turns out that there is more to a book than just words. One book, particularly. In Between The Lines, all of the characters are alive. Every time a Reader opens a book, they are compelled to play the same story and roles over and over again. All of the characters are trapped in a fairy-tale world. Everyone is happy, but Oliver. It makes no sense, as he is the prince and has a royal life with a beautiful princess who loves him very much. Oliver always wishes that he could have the opportunity to live in the Otherworld and explore things the people take for granted. For years, Oliver has been screaming for help to all of the Readers, but no one can hear him. Until he meets Delilah, the most beautiful girl with honey colored eyes. Oliver falls in love with her, because she's different. Delilah can hear him! But what extent will Delilah go to to get a make believe prince out of a fairy-tale? Read the book to find out!
My Review!
I think the idea of Between The Lines is really innovative and fresh. It is definitely different and caught my eye when I was desperately looking for a new book to read. I personally can relate to Delilah's character because she's so down to earth and just wants to fit in like everyone else. The book is written alternating between Delilah's and Oliver's perspective every chapter. That is something that I really love about Jodi Picoult. She writes her books in such a perfect, mind blowing way so you can get a sample of how all of the characters think and feel. Between The Lines appeals to a younger crowd, which is nice because most of her other books revolve around adult topics. I really liked it because I'm 12, but I don't think that teenagers will enjoy it as much. Samantha Van Leer should be congratulated for co-writing a book at such a young age. I would probably rate it 4/5 stars, because at times it seemed childish and boring.
-Sneha :)

Housefull 2

My Review!

Omg, this is the first time I have had trouble writing a review. Normally words just flow out of my mouth, but I seriously don't know what to say about Housefull 2. I usually like watching simple, easy to understand chick flicks, like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, and here is why I had to settle for Housefull 2. I finally got a hold of the Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani DVD and sat down to watch it with very high expectations (because I really like the songs). So...at first the DVD wasn't working and then when I finally got it to play, it freezes halfway :(. The only other interesting movie I had to watch was Housefull 2. I put the DVD in, disappointed that Ajap Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani wasn't working, and in less than 2 minutes my mood turned around and I was rolling with laughter. Housefull 2 was a very good pass time movie to watch. 

I really enjoyed it because:

-The movie was hilarious

-All of the actors and actresses did a really good job getting into character with their humorous roles

-The movie makes you feel like you know are being trusted to keep the real truth safe, so when the other character's who are being deceived into thinking something else fall for the fake story that they are going to have the richest son-in-law, it makes you want to yell into the tv screen :). 

-I could still understand the story, although I haven't seen the first Housefull movie.

-It was a fun, happy movie with a happily ever after ending

-Housefull 2 is a type of movie that any type if person of any age would enjoy

I rate Housefull 2 4/5 stars because I liked it a lot and it was definitely a good way to pass time.

Summary!

Housefull 2 is a story of 2 brothers who hate each other and have to share everything-including their house, which is divided into two parts. Mr. Kapoor, and Mr. Real Kapoor. The brothers fight about which one of them is illegitimate and legitimate. Their rivalry dates back to when they were both kids, so genuinely each of their families hate each other. Both the wives fight over who is more beautiful and both daughters despise each other. Each father want his daughter to marry the richest son-in-law. They get a proposal from a very rich family, but when the boy's parents go to meet Mr. Real Kapoor things turn into a disaster. Jai's kind father has a heart condition which requires the people around him to talk a little softer. So when Mr. Real Kapoor starts yelling in anger, Jai's dad winds up in the  hospital. Before he had a heart attack, Jai's dad told Jai to agree to marriage. Jai, who has never disobeyed his dad, agrees, although he loves someone else. When Jai finds out about Mr. Real Kapoor and what he did to his dad, he forms a plan. Mr. Real Kapoor now wants his daughter to marry JD's son, who just turns out to be Jai's childhood friend. What started as revenge turns into something way more complicated. This is only the first part of a long, complicated, hilarious story including tons of people...thus the name Housefull 2! :)

-Sneha :o)

"a house full of four beautiful brides, four badmaash grooms, and four bustling fathers."

Directed by: Sajid Khan
Produced by: Sajid Nadiadwala
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Asin Thottumkal, Jacqueline Fernandez, John Abraham, Ritesh Deshmukh, Zarine Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Shazahn Padamsee, Rishi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Randhir Kapoor, Boman Irani

Step Up Revolution

Summary!
Emily is working her way down the hard path to becoming a professional dancer and arrives in Miami to fulfill her dreams. Although Emily's father, a successful business man, despises the idea of Emily becoming a dancer, Emily doesn't give up. At the beach club in her father's restaurant, Emily meets Sean, who challenges her to dance with him. Emily agrees, stunned by his loose, cool swagger. Both of them steal the show and dance phenomenally together. Sean is the leader of the MOB, which is made up of dancers who want to be heard. They are tired of being invisible in the big beach city, Miami, and start doing amazing flash mobs which make people stop, stare, and listen. After meeting at the beach club, Sean knows there's something special about Emily from their connection and the way she danced. Sean invites Emily to one of the flash mobs. She is immediately amazed and wants to join. Eddie, the MOB's co-leader, gives Emily lead at the next flash mob. After seeing Emily perform, everyone is the group genuinely likes Emily as a dancer and person. Sean helps Emily loosen up and just enjoy dance from a different perspective. Everything's fine until the MOB's neighborhood is going to be destroyed so a hotel can be built in place. Along with hundreds of people's homes, the MOB will loose their practice places which are filled with precious memories. Emily's dad is the project leader and when Emily gets to know about this plan, she has an idea to stop him. Instead of just pleasure dancing flash mobs, the MOB can be the voice for the community and stand up through their dancing. Everyone is on board, until the MOB members get to know Emily's dad is the project manager. Sean and Emily kept this fact from them to avoid complications, but the secret had to be revealed someday. What will happen next???
My Review!
Step Up Revolution was an okay movie, definitely one that isn't so special to be a favorite, in my opinion. I think that teenage dance lovers would enjoy it if they haven't watched Step Up, Step Up 2, and Step Up 3D.  Since I've seen the first three Step Up movies, Step Up Revolution seemed like a repeat. The concept was practically the same, just executed with a different cast. On the positive side, I really enjoyed watching the dances. They were very innovative, fresh, and unique. I think my favorite dance was the art museum one where the dancers camouflaged with the paintings/statues and then mysteriously emerged on cue when the music started. I really liked the glow in the dark ballerinas because the costumes were awesome and they were all very synchronized. The art was also very cool. How the artist could write the MOB so quickly and turn the letters into a masterpiece was just astounding. All of the dancers were amazing and should be commended for their hard work and practice because they successfully brought the dance pieces to life. I rate Step Up Revolution 3.5 stars.
-Sneha :)                                                                                

Directed by: Scott Speer
Produced by: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Kathryn McCormick 
               Ryan Guzman
               Adam Sevani
               Misha Gabriel 
               Peter Gallagher 







                                 

Crossed by Ally Condie

Summary

Cassia has finally managed to escape from the torturous work camps that she has been enduring in search of Ky, but now what? After realizing Ky was nowhere to be found in these work camps the society supposedly sent him to, Cassia becomes anxious and decides to run away. With Indie, another girl from camp, as a companion, both of them escape. With a parched mouth, sore legs, and adrenaline pumping through her veins,Cassia runs as fast as she can through the carving looking for signs of Ky, determined not to let her determination falter. Ky has also been working in camps and has waiting for a change to escape and reunite with his true love, Cassia. Ky takes Eli, the youngest boy in camp, and Vick, the camp head who has been there the longest, the night of a firing from the Enemy and all of them flee. Ky regrets not taking the rest of the work boys along, but he had no choice.
*SPOILER ALERT*
In the carving, both Cassia and Ky cross paths.They discover the abandoned settlement of the Anomalies where they find amazing paintings and piles of ancient books filled with information about the Rising. Will Cassia be able to convince Ky to join the Rising with her? Sweet, predictable Xander has a dangerous secret. What will it be? Read the book to find out!
My Review
Crossed was filled with lots of adventure. A lot of secrets were revealed about Ky's past so you got to know his character better. Innocent, perfect Xander has a game-changing secret. I personally think that the first part of Crossed was a drag on. It's like yeah Cassia and Xander are looking for each other blah blah blah...star-crossed lovers...they can hear each other's heart's beating and thoughts and what not. I mean they're like stranded in the desert trying to find each other. That's fine for a few chapters but how much sappiness? It becomes crazy in real life and boring/nonsensical to read. This drama doesn't end for the first 200 pages and then the endless info about the Rising starts. Crossed by Ally Condie was okay...I didn't really like it cuz it was very boring. At times the book was good, no doubt that, but i don't know...the rest didn't really strike a cord and say like 'wow this book is amazing'. Ally Condie should definitely be commended for writing this book and thinking of this whole other world-The Society. The writing style was amazing again and the book was written with each chapter alternating between the perspective of Ky and Cassia. I really liked that fact and am eagerly waiting for the third book, Reached, to release. I rate Crossed 3/5 stars.
-Sneha   (Reached is releasing 11/13/12                                                                                                

                                                         

Matched by Ally Condie

Summary
"In the society, Ofiicials decide. The person you love. Where you work. When you die."
Cassia has always believed them until her matching ceremony. The day where she would get paired with the person the society thinks would be a good life partner. To Cassia's fortune, her match just turns out to be Xander Carrow, her best friend and the perfect guy-intelligent, good looking, and safe. Cassia has a good, secured future and all the girls envy her for having Xander as her match. Cassia's happy, obviously, with this perfect life she gets to spend with her best friend and is relieved that she wasn't matched to some stranger like all the other girls. This match was unique. Cassia already knows everything about Xander so there is nothing to learn. When Cassia inserts the microcard that every matchee receives with information about their match, something strange happens that will drastically change her life.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Ky's picture flashes for a minute on the microcard, but that moment was enough to capture Cassia's heart. In that moment, Cassia's world turned upside down and her heart did a flip. A matching Official tells Cassia that it was just a malfunction and assures her that Xander is still her match, but Cassia can't believe her. The society doesn't make mistakes. The Official also tells Cassia that Ky is an Abberation, so he can never be entered for real in the matching pool. Abberations are people who have a status below Citizens; they disobeyed the society somehow. Wondering why Ky's face was really on her microcard, Cassia rushes to her grandfather for help. Cassia's wise grandfather is about to turn 80, the day where all citizens die. On the day her grandfather is going to die, his 80th birthday, he gives Cassia a poem that is not included in the 100 poems. Puzzled, Cassia starts to doubt the society. Xander and Ky are friends, so when Cassia goes to hang out with Xander, her future match, she often sees Ky. Intrigued by his sad, troubled demeanor, Cassia is surprised to see his softer side. Every new thing she learns about Ky makes her want to know more. Ky is different. He knows how to write and paint, a skill no one else knows how to do. In the society, citizens are only allowed to use ports, scribes, and readers and view the Hundred paintings, stories, and poems. Ky and Cassia fall in love. But who does Cassia choose: Ky or Xander?
My Review
I really liked Matched by Ally Condie. The writing style was so captivating and vivid. I was hooked on the concept of the story and practically devoured the book. I think that Matched was amazing until the last 20 pages where things started to get confusing. I would rate Matched 4/5 stars because the ending could be improved.
-Sneha =)