The Psychopath Test Book 12/50

A few weeks ago, my sister's fiancé posted this video about Lord of the Flies, in which he discusses sociopaths/psychopaths as one of the vocabulary terms connected to Golding's novel. In this video, he recommends Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test to individuals interested in learning more. "It's a really entertaining read; it's not very long...and you should totally check it out. It's very much worth reading." I was instantly sold.

For the record, he was 100% accurate in his description of the book. So thank you very much, Tim Calvin, for both recommending and lending to me this book.

And I couldn't put it down. Ronson is a master of anecdotal humor. His chapters are informative and entertaining, providing readers with insight into society's fascination with psychiatry and mental illness.

Blue Lagoon: The Awakening (2012)

First, a disclaimer: I am NOT including this film among my 50/50 collection. This film was watched and reviewed PURELY for the benefit and entertainment of one Lauren Elizabeth Fidler. I can only hope that others will benefit/be entertained as well. But I make no guarantees. It is a Lifetime for Women made-for-TV movie.

On to the review. Be warned, there are spoilers. If you care.

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) Film 38/50

I wanted this movie to be worse/funnier than it was. This review would be longer that way. Instead, you get this:

I went into the theatre with the full intent of rooting for Charlize Theron to take out Kristen Stewart (and for about a third of the film that was the case). But by the end, I was just hoping Chris Hemsworth would just take an axe to the lot of them. Then, he and I could ride off into the sunset and drink lots and lots of mead together. Now that would have been a great movie!

Fifty Shades of Grey Book 11/50

I don't know what you're all talking about...this book is tame.

Just kidding! For the record, I'm nowhere near being done with it yet.

So I've decided to run this review a bit differently than my past ones. Instead of waiting until I've completed reading the book, I'm going to review it in stages. As I start this post, I am currently on page 70. I should also probably warn you that this book is far from tame, and as such, my review of it may also be less than conservative.

Consider yourself warned.

Now on to the journey that is Fifty Shades of Grey...

Thor (2011) Film 37/50

So...Thor. He's the blond one in this photo, just in case you couldn't guess.

For those of you who have read my posts in the past, yes. I'm going into full detail with this one. If you don't want the spoilers, stop reading here. Otherwise, click on the "read more" link below.

Now, let us commence. I'm taking a hammer to this one.

The Descendants (2011) Film 36/50

Yes, I've lost a little momentum with my movie screenings. I blame my thesis project. Sick of hearing that old chestnut yet? Yeah, me too.

But I finally got around to seeing The Descendants. I knew going into it that this was not going to be a happy-go-lucky-sort-of-film. And if you don't know that going into it, you will most likely find yourself severely disappointed in this film. Be prepared for some seriously serious drama.

Battleship (2012) Film 35/50

My sister and I have been excited to see this movie since its release date was first announced as being the same week as her birthday. Plus, it has everything a Birthday Movie should have: references to a classic Hasbro game, an 8-foot tall Swedish God trying his best to convince us all he is related to Taylor Kitsch, Lieutenant Tim Riggins with a haircut, some lady named Rihanna, aliens, and the most awesome video conference call ever.

But let's properly digest this one, as it is truly deserving.

Devil (2010) Film 34/50

I know I should be working on my thesis project, but I saw this was on the other night and needed a break desperately. And so, Devil becomes Film #34.

First of all, I love Chris Messina. Have ever since seeing him star as Claire Fisher's boyfriend in the last few episodes of Six Feet Under. That combined with strangers killing each other off in a haunted elevator was enough to "force" me away from my thesis for eighty minutes.

Just Checking In...

I've been focusing on my thesis work for the past couple of weeks (hence my complete lack of updates in both books and movies). While I could probably include some of my thesis reading as part of my 50/50 work, I'd rather keep my studies separate from the fun.

But I promise to be back with a review of What is the What or The Descendants shortly. Or perhaps Battleship...

Hugo (2011) Film 33/50

I want to live inside a Parisian clock.

This movie has it all: style, mood, Ben Kingsley, trains, clocks, mermaids, robots, orphans, Alec Baldwin/Jack Donaghy's teenage nemesis, heart-shaped keys, love, romance, dogs, pretty smelling flowers, accordion music, the magic of filmmaking, and Jude Law. Something for everyone!