Reviews on Various Media.

I have read a few books and watched a lot of movies in the past few weeks. Let me utter my opinions to you:

Books

Memoirs of a Geisha: Although I was initially disappointed upon discovering that this "memoir" is a work of fiction, it was a very enjoyable read. It provides very interesting cultural insight. It is descriptive even about the day to day tasks of a Geisha, but because the lifestyle is so foreign to me, even that was interesting. I definitely recommend it.

The Road: A post-apocalyptic novel without a flicker of hope. After an implied nuclear war, all that remains are ashes, a dying sun, dozens of cannibals, and a boy and his son. The writing style is unique and poetic. It's awesome.

Her Fearful Symmetry: Audrey Niffenegger's second novel has a very different tone than her first. It's a whimsical and dark tale of mirror twins, ghosts, the Highgate Cemetery (I want to visit it very badly), and deception. The end seems less developed than the first two-thirds or so of the book, but I still enjoyed myself. I love how Niffenegger creates a character out of the setting. She makes you long to explore Highgate cemetery (or Chicago in the case of The Time Traveler's Wife).

In Theaters

Did You Hear About the Morgans?: DO NOT GO SEE THIS MOVIE. It's bland and awkward.

Avatar: The plot borrows from a variety of other stories; in that way, its a bit cliche. But the 3D animation is so wonderful and the world so well developed, it doesn't even matter. I cried with happiness during the film.

Sherlock Holmes: The film was more action-packed than I expected from the English detective, but the characters were likable and the plot interesting. Certain parts dragged on more than necessary, but I had a fun time watching it. And the soundtrack was awesome, especially the heavy use of the banjo!

Up in the Air: I hadn't even heard of this movie, starring George Clooney, until I saw it last night. I really loved it. I found the tale about a man hired to fire employees at various corporations during an economic downturn incredibly relevant and heartfelt. The movie ended on an unexpectedly sad note, but its moral that relationships and communities are the key to happiness was a really important one. The film made me want to hug all of my friends.

Rentals

Julie and Julia: Wonderful! It is evident that Meryl Streep worked extremely hard to replicate the demeanor and mannerisms of Julia Child. Amy Adams is charming as always. Makes you want to spend your life cooking.

Away We Go: A quiet, "indie" feeling film about commitment and dealing with change. A young couple with a baby on the way goes on a road trip to find community and a suitable home for themselves and their child, running into various eccentric relatives and friends on the way. It leaves you with an understated happiness.

Paranormal Activity: The scariest part is that there isn't a lot of in-your-face gore or any kind of exorcism. I was impressed by the concept, but I don't like scary movies because, well, they freak me out.