Nette's Thoughts: 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

Movie;The Loft (2014) Caution; Spoiler Alert

The Loft

Came out; 2014

Time; 108 Minutes

Watched on; Netflix

Rating; R for sexual content, nudity, bloody violence, language and some drug use

IMDB Rating; 3.7

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 39% Liked it; 11% Tomatometer; Average Rating 2.9/10; Reviews Counted 36; Fresh 4; Rotten 32

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; Five married guys conspire to secretly share a penthouse loft in the city—a place where they can carry out hidden affairs and indulge in their deepest fantasies. But the fantasy becomes a nightmare when they discover the dead body of an unknown woman in the loft, and they realize one of the group must be involved.

Staring;

Karl Urban as Vincent Stevens

James Marsden as Chris Vanowen

Wentworth Miller as Luke Seacord

Eric Stonestreet as Marty Landry

Matthias Schoenaerts as Phillip Trauner

Thoughts;

Long. Longer than it needed to be to tell the story. Again, we get what this place was for, why did we have to show the sex? Turns out that the everyone was in love with the same woman! Duh, no real surprise there. It was pretty good, since we couldn’t really figure out who was the one who killed her.

Very good twist at the end. All in all, it was pretty good

Movie;The Chosen (2015) Caution; Spoiler Alert

The Chosen

Came out; 2015

Time; 88 Minutes

Watched on; Netflix

Rating; None listed

IMDB Rating; 3.7

Rotten Tomatoes Score; No Reviews

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; When a child stealing demon attaches itself to a little girl, her family is thrust into a battle against time in order to save and send the demon back to hell.

Staring;

Kiran Lawley as Cameron

Elizabeth Keener as Eliza

Angelica Chitwood as Caitlin

Chris Gann as Uncle Joey

Dayna Devon as Aunt Jean

Mykayla Sohn as Angie

Casey James Knight as Randy

Emily Killian as Megan

Thoughts;

At only 88 minutes, my daughter and I didn’t even finish this. This movie had a great concept for a good horror movie. However, there was way too much “junk” in between. It was obvious as to what needed to be done and yet this stupid kid kept not doing it, then telling people about it. We ended up shutting it off and watching something else.

Movie;The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) Caution; Spoiler Alert

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Came out; 2011

Time; 158 Minutes

Watched on; DVD

Rating; R for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language

IMDB Rating; 7.8

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 86%; Average Rating; 7.6/10; Reviews Counted 224; Fresh 193; Rotten 31

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.

Staring;

Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander

Christopher Plummer as Henrick Vanger

Thoughts;

I was actually pretty confused by this movie, almost the entire thing until the end, when they finally reveal “who did it”. I have many questions, and normally if it’s a movie based on a book, I read the book first so that I can better understand what is going on, in this case I didn’t. Rooney Mara’s character is confusing to me. I get why she came into the picture, but I don’t understand the guy she goes to for money or why there is so much sex.

All in all this movie was ok.

Movie;The Lone Ranger (2013) Caution; Spoiler Alert

The Lone Ranger

Came out; 2013

Time; 149 Minutes

Watched on; DVD

Rating; PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, and some suggestive material

IMDB Rating; 6.5

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 31%; Average Rating; 4.9/10; Reviews Counted 219; Fresh 68; Rotten 151

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; Native America warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice

Staring;

Johnny Depp as Tonto

Armie Hammer as John Reid

Willian Fichtner as Butch Cavendish

Tom Wilkinson as Latham Cole

Ruth Wilson as Rebecca Reid

Helena Bonham Carter as Red Harrington

Thoughts;

Not sure why it took us so long to watch this movie. It was actually really good. It was rather long but didn’t seem that way until the end. I like that they made into a “funny” western. I like Johnny Depp and I know that he has made some bad movies, but this wasn’t one of them. He is a good actor that can change into almost any character.

This movie was full of action and comedy

Movie; Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Fifty Shades of Grey

Came out; 2015

Time; 125 Minutes

Watched on; HBO

Rating; R for strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity and for language

IMDB Rating; 4.1

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 25%; Average Rating; 4.2/10; Reviews Counted 228; Fresh 56; Rotten 172

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; Literature student Anastasia Steele’s life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey.

Staring;

Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele

Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey

Thoughts;

Sorry ladies, this is a soft core porn movie! I know tons of “prudish” ladies out there that love this and it’s crazy because this is soft core porn.

I literally watched this movie for as long as I tried to read the first book. When they start writing their letters back and forth, I was done. This movie got super bad reviews and I can see why, the book should have gotten the same. Just my opinion. Lots and lots of sex, very graphic sex.

Movie; Cowboys & Aliens (2011) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Cowboys & Aliens

Came out; 2011

Time; 119 Minutes

Watched on; DVD

Rating; PG-13 for intense sequences of western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference

IMDB Rating; 6.0

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 44%; Average Rating 5.6/10; Reviews Counted 237; Fresh 104; Rotten 133

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over Earth, starting with the Wild West Region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way.

Staring;

Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan

Abigail Spencer as Alice

Buck Taylor as Wes Clairborne

Matthew Taylor as Luke Clairborn

Paul Dano as Percy Dolaryde

Olivia Wilde as Ella Swenson

Thoughts;

I saw this movie at the movie theatre when it came out and haven’t seen it since. It such a good movie and very original. There are still many alien and cowboy movies out there but none that cross like this one.

The movie starts with Daniel Craig waking up in the desert with a wound on his side, not remembering what happened or who he is. He ends up in town and from there, things get a little crazy.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Wax; Kushner Kreations; December 2015

Vendor; Kushner Kreations

Order placed; December 2015

Website; www.kushnerkreations.weebly.com

Facebook; Official Kushner Kreations Fan Page

Owner; April Kushner

YouTube Reveals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2TzEUu9Ass

What I Received;

A jewelry candle in her Northern Lights line, the scent is Vanilla Champagne

A money tart in the scent Santa Baby

Extra “Love” received; Scent Shot in Santa Baby and a small tart in Jack Frost

Thoughts;

I know, I know-I can’t help it. Kushner Kreations has amazing smells, great customer service, quick turn around time and great prices!

I can’t say enough good things about this vendor and I encourage you to check her out!

Wax; Iddy Biddy Wax Factory

Vendor; Iddy Biddy Wax Factory

Order placed; November 2015

Website; www.iddybiddywaxfactory.com

Facebook; Iddy Biddy Wax Factory

Owner; Holly (Hollis) Stevens

YouTube Reveals;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkpjQQZZg8

What I ordered;

2 Samplers

Purse w/ 2 tarts

Jewelry Tart

Thoughts;

She is now using palm wax, she was using paraffin. Her prices are reasonable and her shipping is generally pretty quick. I wish that the samplers each had different scents in them. I did order one fruity and one bakery.

Holly or as she goes by Hollis is such a sweetheart and will get back to you right away with any questions.

Book; The Book of Joan By; Melissa Rivers

The Book of Joan; Tales of Mirth, Mischief and Manipulation

Author; Melissa Rivers

Came out; May 2015

Read on; Nook

Rating; Per Amazon 4.4/5

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis;

Joan Rivers was known all over the world-from the Palace Theater to Buckingham Palace, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the footlights of Broadway, from days of talkies to hosting talk shows. But there was only one person who knew Joan intimately, one person who the authorities would call when she got a little out of hand. Her daughter and best friend, Melissa

Thoughts;

I was actually surprised that I couldn’t put this book down. It was very well written and a great idea of Melissa’s childhood along with Joan’s rise to fame.

It was pretty tame and from the way Joan lived on-screen it was a refreshing surprise to hear how she lived off screen. That she raised her daughter to be a loving, caring, polite member of society!

I love books like this.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Subscription Box; Horror Block; November 2015

YouTube Un-Boxing;

https://youtu.be/tgV2LIDg-Kg

What Box; Horror Block

What is Horror Block; A subscription box for those who love all things horror.

Cost; $16.99 per month for 6 months plus shipping

What I paid; No Discount

How to subscribe; www.nerdblock.com

Choose between; Several options are available

· Nerd Block Jr. Boys

· Nerd Block Jr. Girls

· Horror Block

· Arcade Block

· Comic Block

· Sci-Fi Block

What did I get?

1. T-Shirt with a Vampire

2. Print/Autograph of Addy Miller

3. Rue Morgue Magazine

4. Twilight Zone Mystic Seer

5. Bloody Cleaning Cloth

6. Sharknado Vinyl Bobblehead of The Hoff

Thoughts;

I think this box was better than the October box. This was a good one! The Bobblehead is awesome! Not only is it huge, but it’s David Hasslehoff!!! Amazing.

I like that they are giving you a sneak peak of the next months box in the box you are opening. I also love the fact that you get a shirt in each and every box. I will continue this!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Movie; Last Shift (2014) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Last Shift

Came out; 2014

Time; 90 Minutes

Watched on; Netflix

Rating; R for bloody horror violence, disturbing images and language

IMDB Rating; 5.7

Rotten Tomatoes Score; No Score

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; A rookie cop’s 1^st shift in the last night of a closing police station alone turns into a living nightmare.

Staring;

Juliana Harkavy as Jessica Loren

Joshua Mikel as John Michael Paymon

Natalie Victoria as Marigold

Thoughts;

The movie starts out strange and doesn’t end any differently. This movie is creepy, scary and is different.

The movie starts out with Officer Loren talking to her mom on the phone. She ends the phone call and walks into the station, where she finds another Officer banging on a door and yelling at it. The man turns out to be the Sergeant Cohen, he speaks to her in a strange tone, gives her the tour and a few instructions before leaving. This is when things go from strange to spooky.

As the story line unfolds, you learn that her father was also an officer who died while on duty and the entire thing boils down to a cult that was arrested for several murders and also killed themselves at the station.

This movie really has one person in it with a few “ghosts” popping in and out. Since she has to stay until the crime scene bio hazard people come get the rest of the evidence, she can’t leave but yet you keep wondering why she doesn’t go sit in her car until they show up.

Lots of jump scares, this movie was a relief from all the “found footage” ‘movies out there now!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Wax; Man Made Candles & Gifts; November 2015

Vendor; Man Made Candles & Gifts

Order placed; November 2015

Website; www.amazon.com/ManMadeCandles&Gifts

Facebook; JJ’s Famous Man Made Customers

Owner; JJ Johnson

YouTube Reveals;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9GKBSZL_nU

What I ordered;

Fossil in Candles, although you can’t pick scent I received Berry Delightful

Extra “Love” Clam shell in “Black Cherry”

Thoughts;

My understanding is that JJ has been in business for some time and has just started selling online. He has an Amazon store and is very active on facebook. He is super approachable, I know that sounds funny since we are talking about online, but some people come off as bitchy or rude even before you try to “speak” with them, not JJ, he seems like a super sweet person and is very easy to talk to. I had questions and he got back to me right away.

He asked me if I had a wax type preference, I told him no. The candle and clam smells so good. I am glad I received scents that I like and I truly can’t wait to see what’s in this unique candle!

Book; The World's Weirdest Places; By; Nick Redfern

The World’s Weirdest Places

Author; Nick Redfern

Came out; September 2012

Read on; Nook

Rating; Per Amazon 3.7/5

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis;

In the books mysterious pages, you will Redfern’s personal top 25 paranormal-themed locales, and the strange, amazing and diabolical things that lurk within them. From the legendary Loch Ness, Scotland to the slopes of Mount Shasta, California; from the dark depths of the Solomon Islands to the heart of the Kremlin; and from the magical landscapes of Sedona, Arizona to the turbulent waters of the Devil’s Sea in Japan.

Thoughts;

This was a decent book. Some chapters, which were all different places, were hard to read. Some gave more details than others. I would have loved to have seen lots of details on all of them. Maybe it’s because more was known about certain places.

All in all I would rate this book as Ok, it is not one that I would read again but glad that I read it once.

Movie; Skeleton Crew (2009) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Skeleton Crew

Came out; 2009

Time; 90 Minutes

Watched on; DVD

Rating; R for strong bloody violence throughout, some sexuality and pervasive language

IMDB Rating; 3.6

Rotten Tomatoes Score; No Score

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; An asylum is being used by a film crew trying to film the movie “Silent Creek” based on murders that occurred in the 70’s. The institution was shut down after Doctor Andersson “The Auteur” was caught making snuff films of himself torturing patients to death. It was believed that all films were confiscated, yet the location where they were developed and screened was never found. While doing recordings, the crew find a hidden room. It contains the Doctor’s undiscovered recordings, although the crew is disgusted by the snuff films, they decided not to call the policec. The director of Silent Creek becomes obsessed with Andersson’s films. He beings to act deranged, claiming their film is “not real enough”.

Staring;

Rita Suomalainen as Lisa

Steve Porter as Steven/The Auteur/Sanders

Anna Alkiomaa as Anna

Jonathan Rankle as Darius

Thoughts;

The movie starts, you think you are actually watching the things that happened. Turns out you are watching the filming of the movie within the movie.

The movie is real “campy” and the acting is actually pretty bad. The plot and locations were awesome. The start of the movie was good, but then once they find the hidden “room” it becomes obvious what is going to happen, especially when the crew decides not to call the police.

The movie did have a few things going for it, it was filmed on location in an actual old abandon mental hospital in Finland. The creep factor is there with this. The plot was really good, snuff films aren’t put into movies as the horror factor generally, other than 8 mm with Nicolas Cage.

Better actors and less sex would have made this movie perfect!

Movie; Shallow Ground (2004) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Shallow Ground

Came out; 2004

Time; 97 Minutes

Watched on; DVD

Rating; R for strong violence and gore, nudity and some language

IMDB Rating; 5.1

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 67%; Average Rating 5.8/10, Reviews Counted 6; Fresh 4; Rotten 2. 33% of people liked it

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; A naked teenage boy covered in blood appears at a remote sheriff’s station one year after the brutal unsolved murder of a local girl. Now Sheriff Jack Sheperd, guild ridden over the girl’s murder, must confront his own demons as he desperately searches for the boy’s true identity and possible victims. Little does Jack realize that he has started down a path that will bring him face to face with an unthinkable horror. Before sunrise the living will pay for the pain the dead have suffered.

Staring;

Timothy V. Murhpy as Jack Sheppart

Stan Kirsch as Stuart Dempsey

Lindsey Stoddart as Laura Russell

Patty McCormack as Helen Reedy

Rocky Marquette as Boy

Thoughts;

This movie was a little strange. The “horror” aspect was excellent with the gore. The story line was good, however not something that could actually ever happen. The “naked” boy covered in blood was really good, I just don’t understand why he had to be naked. Along with the women that were seen hanging, I’m not sure I will ever understand why we need nudity in horror films, I don’t think it makes or breaks the film and can be done without. It’s been proven in other movies.

The problem that I have is, the old lady would not have been able to pull any of this off by herself. She wouldn’t have been strong enough and second, while the Sheriff is in her home, which seems to be a bed and breakfast, why didn’t he notice the smell? That would have been a really stinky place and based on true life events we’d know that the smell would have seeped outside.

All in all, it was good. It wasn’t brought to light until the end what was really happening so it did keep you guessing.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Movie; The Harvest (2013) Caution; Spoiler Alert

The Harvest

Came out; 2013

Time; 104 Minutes

Watched on; Netflix

Rating; Not Rated

IMDB Rating; 5.0

Rotten Tomatoes Score; 65%; Average Rating 5.7/10, Reviews Counted 17; Fresh 11; Rotten 6. 43% of people liked it

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; A couple who keeps their sick son in a secluded environment find their controlled lives challenged by a young girl who moves in next door.

Staring;

Samantha Morton as Katherine

Michael Shannon as Richard

Natasha Calis as Maryann

Charlie Tahan as Andy

Thoughts;

This movie was really good. What is really going on isn’t revealed close to the end of the movie, so the entire time you are watching it you know that something is going on. The mother is a complete nut case! The movie plays very well with the creepy and insane parents and is very good with twists and turns.

It starts with showing Maryann moving into her Grandparents home after her parents die. While exploring she finds a house and meets Andy. She comes to know him as a very sick child in a wheelchair who is kept in his room all day.

Andy’s mom doesn’t want Maryann around. Throughout the movie the dad is sneaking around and the parent have a really strange relationship.

After sneaking Andy outside when his mother is away, Maryann finds herself hiding in what she thinks is a closet. Really, it’s the door to the basement which she of course goes down. There she discovers a room with a child in a hospital bed, xrays on the way show two different names. After she is able to sneak out she goes home to “google” the other name and finds that the boy was kidnapped from a hospital shortly after birth.

In the end it is revealed that “Andy” is actually the boy in the hospital bed and the boy we think is Andy was stolen to give organs to the dying boy.

Movie; Exeter (2015) Caution; Spoiler Alert

Exeter

Came out; 2015

Time; 91 Minutes

Watched on; Netflix

Rating; R for strong bloody horror violence, language throughout, sexual references, drug use and some nudity

IMDB Rating; 4.6

Rotten Tomatoes Score; No Rotten Score yet

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Synopsis; A group of teenagers accidentally release an evil spirit that starts to possess them one by one.

Staring;

Stephen Lang as Father Conway

Kevin Chapman as Greer

Kelly Blatz as Patrick

Brittany Curran as Reign

Brett Dier as Brad

Gage Golightly as Amber

Nick Nicotera as Knowles

Nick Nordella as Drew

Michael Ormsby as Rory

Thoughts;

Finally, a good thrasher movie! The movie itself as a little confusing at the end as to who really was the one who was possessing?

My daughter and I really like these types of “scary movies”, there is suspense, horror, blood and guts and yet it’s all really a fake scenario.

A group of kids decides to have a party at an abandon insane asylum that is being fixed up by a church. You know right there that things are going to go bad. One of the kids somehow becomes possessed and it goes from there. They of course get locked in and are picked off one by one. Of course the twist at the end of the movie is the fact that it’s all Father Conway’s fault!

I loved the mix of comedy and horror throughout this movie; it also seemed to lack those “boring” character stories, which was nice!

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Wax; Makana Candles Winnings

Vendor; Makana Candles

Order placed; Winnings

Website; www.etsy.com/shop/MakanaCandlesByMikiB

Facebook; Makana Candles Ohana Page

Owner; Miki Boteler

YouTube Reveals;

https://youtu.be/XYnDyp-O3q4

What I Received;

Mystery Bag

1. Gesha Bag

2. Clam Shells

a. Kona Coffee

b. 2x Fruit Loops

c. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

d. Bubble Gum

3. Jewelry tart in Mango Mojito

4. Hawaiian Dress

5. Magnet

6. Bracelet

Thoughts;

I won this from a game in the facebook group, Candi Kisses Wax and Everything Group. I won about 2 months ago, but just received it, the owner is going through some health issues along with those of her mother.

Communication is key for me, I will wait for any vendor who communicates their orders and how behind they are. I understand that she has spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital, but with technology these days, it takes a few minutes to just check in. Once I established the line of communication with Miki I knew what was coming.

With that being said, Miki is a sweatheart and I truly feel for her and what she is going through. I hope that everything works good in the end for her and she is able to re-open.

Subscription Box; Candy Club November 2015

YouTube Un-Boxing;

https://youtu.be/OapIsrmUX9g

What Box; Candy Club November 2015

What is Candy Club; A monthly box filled with candy

Cost; $22.99 per month for 6 months

What I paid; $12.99 for month one and $22.99 each month after

How to subscribe; www.candyclub.com

Choose between; Several questions are asked to figure out what type of candy you will receive in your box

What did I get?

1. Gimbal’s Orange N’ Crème Soft Chews

2. Albanese Mini Gummi Butterflies

3. Gimbal’s Red Licorice Scottie Dogs

4. Box was filled with Primrose Assoreted Toffees

Thoughts;

The candy comes nicely packed. Each is separate in it’s own labeled container. This box was a little better than last month. The gummi’s are very good. They aren’t hard, they are nice and soft and taste wonderful!

We will continue this until our subscription is done.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Subscription Box; Kawaii Box; October 2015

YouTube Un-Boxing;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KygGToWdH3U

What Box; Kawaii Box

What is Kawaii Box; A subscription box that gives you 10-12 items from Japan and Korea.

Cost; $18.90 per month for 6 months free shipping or $17.90 after 6 months

What I paid; No Discount

How to subscribe; www.kawaiibox.com

What did I get?

1. Meiji Diy Sushi-Bar Gummies

2. Animal Sticker set

3. Neko Emoji mini mini pouch

4. Jewelry seal deco stickers

5. Popcorn Rolling stamp set

6. Heart Shaped Nail flakes

7. Unchi-Kun poop lollipop

8. Pattern Envelope Set

9. Finger Family Monster Pouch

10. Lollipop pen

11. Flan Dakigurumi Plush Pouch

Thoughts;

This was our first box for October 2015 and we both loved it. It comes with some super cute items! My daughter ate the candy and said it all tasted really good!

I definitely think this box is worth it for the price. My only issue is that when you receive the shipping notice it takes over 2 weeks to get to you as it’s coming from Singapore.