Something beyond my control that happened on February 25th 2014 is causing me to make some changes tied to how I post things online. Epinons.com, the review site I have been a member of for almost thirteen years, is no longer allowing members to post reviews, rate reviews, edit, or even delete reviews. Members will no longer be able to log on after March 25.
The site had problems over the years, but I remained optimistic that things would get better, or at least, not get any worse. I really didn’t think they would close up completely like this. I guess that makes me a bit gullible. The site has been a huge part of my life for these almost thirteen years and I feel like something is missing. I truly love writing about books, movies, and television shows. Now that Epinions is no more, I have been thinking on how I would continue to write about those things.
Last year, I joined another site, Bubblews as MarieDragonfire. People can post about anything there and some people say they have made a lot of money there. I posted different things there last year, though mostly still connected to books, movies, or tv shows in some way. Other things happened to sort of suck my motivation for writing in general for a while. In the last few days, I have started to post there again.
I have decided that I will post here about movies more again. I am thinking that some of what I post will be like the reviews I posted at Epinions - and I may even rework reviews that were originally posted there. I think I will also post some other things that may just be me talking briefly about upcoming movies or things like that. I have also decided to start another blog just for writing about books, Purple Dragon Books. I may make one for television shows as well, once I think up another name. I will leave the posts about books that I did previously here.
I still think about writing and posting about books, movies, and tv shows all the time. Hopefully, I can post more actively this year between my blogs and Bubblews than I managed to do last year.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Monday, August 19, 2013
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Book
I quickly got hooked on the Harry Potter books after I received the first one for my birthday in October of 2001. I picked up the other books that were out at the time and went to see the first movie within days of it being released. I have all of the books and have read them multiple times. I recently decided to read them again, the first time in just over two years.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the original title in England - is the first book in the seven book series. It gets off to a good start, setting up things well and it does a good job of introducing the main characters. The story is interesting, and while it may not seem like it on a first reading, there are little hints and things being introduced that will be important later in the series.
While I love the movies overall - though there are things about them I don’t like - I like the books more and think they are better. I know many people have only seen the movies. It is definitely worth it to read the books for those people, and they should definitely start with this book. It is wonderfully detailed and very magical. The story ends up being very interesting and entertaining.
Reading the book again, I rediscovered some little details I had forgotten about, and some other things I just hadn’t thought about in a while, like Peeves. He would have been a very interesting addition to the movies, especially since he was frequently turning up to cause some mischief or complications. For the most part, I think the movie version of this book was done very well and stayed very true to the book. I remember some people complaining about that when the movie came out, saying it wasn’t different enough, something I don’t agree with. In this book, Neville was a little more involved in a few things, which ties into his overall development and it helps to set the foundation for what he ultimately does in the final book.
I feel that the books have more of a sense of magic and they definitely deserve to be read. I still love them and I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone again. I will not let so much time pass before I read them again.
I did post a longer review on Epinions in 2003 that has been updated.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the original title in England - is the first book in the seven book series. It gets off to a good start, setting up things well and it does a good job of introducing the main characters. The story is interesting, and while it may not seem like it on a first reading, there are little hints and things being introduced that will be important later in the series.
While I love the movies overall - though there are things about them I don’t like - I like the books more and think they are better. I know many people have only seen the movies. It is definitely worth it to read the books for those people, and they should definitely start with this book. It is wonderfully detailed and very magical. The story ends up being very interesting and entertaining.
Reading the book again, I rediscovered some little details I had forgotten about, and some other things I just hadn’t thought about in a while, like Peeves. He would have been a very interesting addition to the movies, especially since he was frequently turning up to cause some mischief or complications. For the most part, I think the movie version of this book was done very well and stayed very true to the book. I remember some people complaining about that when the movie came out, saying it wasn’t different enough, something I don’t agree with. In this book, Neville was a little more involved in a few things, which ties into his overall development and it helps to set the foundation for what he ultimately does in the final book.
I feel that the books have more of a sense of magic and they definitely deserve to be read. I still love them and I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone again. I will not let so much time pass before I read them again.
I did post a longer review on Epinions in 2003 that has been updated.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Trying to Catch Up
It seems like I am trying to catch up on several things right now. My DVR is staying right about 90% full even as I watch things. Some things have been on there for a while because I haven’t taken the time to watch them yet. I also have a few movies and episodes of tv shows that I want to save because of how much I enjoyed them. A few weeks ago, it got to 100% full and some movies that had been on there for a while got deleted. Maybe I’ll try to watch something from it later tonight.
I have DVDs and Blu-rays that I haven’t watched yet that I want to watch and then do reviews for Epinions for them. I have finished reading a few books that I want to write about there as well, but I haven’t taken the time to do that either. I need to request the books be added there, and while it isn’t that hard to do and the leads are great about getting them added, it does kind of drain my motivation to get a review done. I want to get more reviews done at Epinions again. I’m also posting things at Bubblews, though not as much as some people have been doing. I have ideas for several things to write for there, but I never seem to find the time to do it. I want to write more here as well. I just need to start taking the time to do it.
Every year for work, I have to do classes for continuing education. Some of them are done in the office, and others are online. There are several online classes that I am interested in - I actually do want to keep learning stuff for my job - but I haven’t gotten going on that yet either.
It seems like there is just never enough time to get everything done that I want to do.
I have DVDs and Blu-rays that I haven’t watched yet that I want to watch and then do reviews for Epinions for them. I have finished reading a few books that I want to write about there as well, but I haven’t taken the time to do that either. I need to request the books be added there, and while it isn’t that hard to do and the leads are great about getting them added, it does kind of drain my motivation to get a review done. I want to get more reviews done at Epinions again. I’m also posting things at Bubblews, though not as much as some people have been doing. I have ideas for several things to write for there, but I never seem to find the time to do it. I want to write more here as well. I just need to start taking the time to do it.
Every year for work, I have to do classes for continuing education. Some of them are done in the office, and others are online. There are several online classes that I am interested in - I actually do want to keep learning stuff for my job - but I haven’t gotten going on that yet either.
It seems like there is just never enough time to get everything done that I want to do.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Harry Potter Film Wizardry
I love the Harry Potter books and movies. I also enjoy books that are about the making of movies. I have been watching for one about the Harry Potter movies for years. When I found Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley, I quickly got it.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry is a little different form other books. It is the only book I’ve ever bought that was come wrapped in shrink wrap. Something else that makes the book different is the fact that it includes replicas of different props from the Harry Potter movies. It does have a higher list price, but I was able to get it for about half off by ordering it online, so I do suggest comparing prices.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry shares information about the making of the Harry Potter movies up through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as well as sharing a little general information about the plots of the movies. The last few pages have pictures of a few things from the last movie without any details being shared. There aren’t technically plot summaries in the book, though certain things are mentioned that will be spoilers for people who haven’t seen the movies or read the books. The information is shared mostly in order, though a few things are briefly mentioned out of order. The organization could have been slightly better, but the book is still very entertaining and worth picking up for fans of the series.
There are several replicas of various props in Harry Potter Film Wizardry. I have several books tied to the making of movies, but this is the only one that has props. I love the prop replicas. They are included in the book where the object is being discussed. The replicas look like the different things from the movie. Most of them are in a sort of clear envelope that protects them. Some of the items include the letter that Harry receives about going to Hogwarts in the first movie, some of the educational decrees, a flyer from the Quidditch World Cup, and a sales flyer from the store that Fred and George open. Some of the items were only briefly seen in the various movies, but they are incredibly detailed. I love the prop replicas.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry has all sorts of information about the movies. The book is really aimed at people who are fans of the movies. There are sections for each of the movies, which helps the organization. A few items aren’t brought up until later for some reason. There are illustrations throughout the book tied to different things as well as pictures taken during filming and pictures that look like they were pulled from the movies.
Overall Harry Potter Film Wizardry is a wonderful book for fans of Harry Potter. It is definitely worth getting for fans Potter fans.
I did get a review posted at Epinions.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry
Harry Potter Film Wizardry is a little different form other books. It is the only book I’ve ever bought that was come wrapped in shrink wrap. Something else that makes the book different is the fact that it includes replicas of different props from the Harry Potter movies. It does have a higher list price, but I was able to get it for about half off by ordering it online, so I do suggest comparing prices.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry shares information about the making of the Harry Potter movies up through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as well as sharing a little general information about the plots of the movies. The last few pages have pictures of a few things from the last movie without any details being shared. There aren’t technically plot summaries in the book, though certain things are mentioned that will be spoilers for people who haven’t seen the movies or read the books. The information is shared mostly in order, though a few things are briefly mentioned out of order. The organization could have been slightly better, but the book is still very entertaining and worth picking up for fans of the series.
There are several replicas of various props in Harry Potter Film Wizardry. I have several books tied to the making of movies, but this is the only one that has props. I love the prop replicas. They are included in the book where the object is being discussed. The replicas look like the different things from the movie. Most of them are in a sort of clear envelope that protects them. Some of the items include the letter that Harry receives about going to Hogwarts in the first movie, some of the educational decrees, a flyer from the Quidditch World Cup, and a sales flyer from the store that Fred and George open. Some of the items were only briefly seen in the various movies, but they are incredibly detailed. I love the prop replicas.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry has all sorts of information about the movies. The book is really aimed at people who are fans of the movies. There are sections for each of the movies, which helps the organization. A few items aren’t brought up until later for some reason. There are illustrations throughout the book tied to different things as well as pictures taken during filming and pictures that look like they were pulled from the movies.
Overall Harry Potter Film Wizardry is a wonderful book for fans of Harry Potter. It is definitely worth getting for fans Potter fans.
I did get a review posted at Epinions.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Naked Heat by Richard Castle
Naked Heat is the second book by Richard Castle featuring the character of Nikki Heat. This book, along with Heat Wave, are a bit unique because they are closely tied to the tv show Castle. Richard Castle is actually one of the main characters on the show. After meeting detective Kate Beckett during an investigation, Rick decides to base a new character on her and gets to tag along on her cases. So far in the show and real life, two books have been released.
The main characters in Naked Heat and Heat Wave are definitely versions of the characters in Castle and some of the situations from the books have been pulled from the episodes of the show as well. I love that aspect of the book and think it makes it more entertaining.
Naked Heat picks up a few months after the first book ended. Nikki and Jameson Rook, the reporter who followed her around to write an article, haven’t seen each other in a while. Nikki is less than pleased with the article and that is why she ends the relationship they had started. Nikki starts investigating the murder of a gossip columnist and Jameson is involved because he was working on an article about her. Jameson convinces Nikki to let him work with her again. While working on the case, they also deal with their issues.
The main focus of Naked Heat is the murder investigation. The mystery in the book is interesting even though it could be a tad stronger. There is a bit of suspense in some scenes and while a few things that happen are predictable, there are surprises as well. Since the victim isn’t that well liked, there are a lot of suspects at first. The case ends up a bit more complicated as more things happen.
Nikki and Jameson are the main characters in Naked Heat. They are clearly versions of Kate and Rick from Castle. They are likable, interesting characters and I really enjoy reading about them. Some of the other characters have also been based on characters from the show. There isn’t a version of Alexis though. Several other minor characters turn up over the course of the book through the investigation.
Naked Heat is a very entertaining book that is worth reading, especially for fans of Castle.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Naked Heat
The main characters in Naked Heat and Heat Wave are definitely versions of the characters in Castle and some of the situations from the books have been pulled from the episodes of the show as well. I love that aspect of the book and think it makes it more entertaining.
Naked Heat picks up a few months after the first book ended. Nikki and Jameson Rook, the reporter who followed her around to write an article, haven’t seen each other in a while. Nikki is less than pleased with the article and that is why she ends the relationship they had started. Nikki starts investigating the murder of a gossip columnist and Jameson is involved because he was working on an article about her. Jameson convinces Nikki to let him work with her again. While working on the case, they also deal with their issues.
The main focus of Naked Heat is the murder investigation. The mystery in the book is interesting even though it could be a tad stronger. There is a bit of suspense in some scenes and while a few things that happen are predictable, there are surprises as well. Since the victim isn’t that well liked, there are a lot of suspects at first. The case ends up a bit more complicated as more things happen.
Nikki and Jameson are the main characters in Naked Heat. They are clearly versions of Kate and Rick from Castle. They are likable, interesting characters and I really enjoy reading about them. Some of the other characters have also been based on characters from the show. There isn’t a version of Alexis though. Several other minor characters turn up over the course of the book through the investigation.
Naked Heat is a very entertaining book that is worth reading, especially for fans of Castle.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Naked Heat
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Welcome to Movie Enthusiast Corner
I have been writing reviews on Epinions.com since 2001, mostly about movies, books and television shows on DVD. I decided to start this blog to go along with the reviews I post on Epinions. My user name there is dragonfire88. I use the name Marie Dragonfire on a few other sites as well.
I started a site where I could share the links to all my reviews, arranged by subject. I thought that would be a more user friendly way for people to find all my reviews. As I post new reviews on Epinions, I add the links on this site.
Since I'm just starting, I'm not completely sure what all I'll post about yet, but there will be things about movies, television shows and books. The posts will vary in length, depending on what I'm writing about. I may write about other things every so often, but I'm sure that I'll mostly be writing about movies, television shows or books.
I started a site where I could share the links to all my reviews, arranged by subject. I thought that would be a more user friendly way for people to find all my reviews. As I post new reviews on Epinions, I add the links on this site.
Since I'm just starting, I'm not completely sure what all I'll post about yet, but there will be things about movies, television shows and books. The posts will vary in length, depending on what I'm writing about. I may write about other things every so often, but I'm sure that I'll mostly be writing about movies, television shows or books.
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