Taken--The Movie

A fast-paced, action-packed movie about a man (Neeson) who has given up everything he knows to live a life in the shadows to be close to his spoiled teenage daughter. Through deceit, his ex-wife (Famke Johannsen)and daughter fenagle his agreement to let her spend some time abroad being a groupie which has deadly results--consequences he foretold and specifically warned against.

 There's really no holding back from here on out. Neeson's character as a father on a mission to rescue his daughter from black-market sex slave trading leaves no thug un-beaten, no consipiracy unturned, andno building intact. A gritty thriller that allows the audience a peak at a dark underworld where virginity gets the highest price and human collaterol is left in its unapologetic wake, Taken is a neat package of adrenaline and drama.

Four out of Five Stars!

White Witch Black Curse - Spoilers ahead, geniuses.

The Rachel Morgan saga continues! I was looking forward to this book because, despite my recent disappointment with the direction of the series plot, the idea of the Hollows world, its originality, relatable characters, and fantastic imagery alight my imagination and enthrall me with intricate twists Kim Harrison weaves. We learn much more about what happened to Kisten and the role Rachel played in his death, however anticlimactic and unimportant the perpetrator is. I was hoping that, with Harrison’s prowess at throwing bombshells this would open up another underlying forewarning of a bigger plot yet to come, but it was not to be. Instead, the reasons behind seems solely for the punishment of Ivy, Rachel’s live-in vamp and fellow runner, so that she can further become a tortured soul.

Speaking of souls, I do believe there was a bit of foreshadowing on just how Rachel may be able to save the vampire race’s souls after death so that they don’t become living instinctual animals, a mere shadow of their selves. It makes sense that, because of Rachel’s high-profile demon-dealing has gotten her shunned, thusly excommunicating her from her witchy world and family, however the reason Harrison has done this (transparently) worry me. Cutting Rachel off from everyone who makes her who she is (including Marshal), it would appear the only person she has left to lean on is Ivy. Which, many of her audience wishes to see a same-sex relationship with her, and that to me is very perturbing. That shouldn’t take precedence, but feels like it’s going to be more of a storyline than it should be. The theme of this story was being alone, and now she is truly utterly alone.

Another curve ball that seemed like after-thought fabricated back story for Rachel was the appearance of ghost named Pierce. And, because of his complete unattainability, he is extremely “Rachel-ly”. I know. I was disappointed too. When we emotionally invested so much into Marshal, and for him to completely walk away from her due to being shunned was a bit of a head-scratcher. The way Harrison had portrayed him, Marshal seemed to have more depth than that – and understanding. But, Harrison seemed to think he was now an inconvenience, so snip! Just like she did to Nick, only Nick was an interesting plot twist.

While I still love the idea of new Inderlander breeds, the beauty of the Hollows and its people, the plots seem to become quite predictable, as are the actions of the characters despite the plot twists thrown in. I also enjoy how Harrison isn’t afraid to bring death into the mix. She’ll kill of characters when things get thick – just like in real life – no one is magically saved and there is no reset button. In bad situations there is collateral damage. I’m glad she’s not afraid to do that, it’s just the ulterior motives behind the scenes I worry about. I’m curious to see where it’s going to go from here. I just hope Harrison doesn’t sacrifice her wide-eyed naïve protagonist who can kick some serious butt for the sake of satisfying her audience begging for something better suited for a Laurel K Hamilton book.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Every war has a beginning...

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is the prequel to the other two Underworld movies featuring the centuries old feud between Death Dealers and Lycans. Starring rising action heroine Rhona Mitra (Nip/Tuck, Highway Men, Doomsday), and the original cast including Viktor's Bill Nighy (Pirates of the Carribean, Hot Fuzz) and Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon).  The previous two Underworld movies never really made me think, "yeah, that's an awesome Vampire flick - original new spin!". Really, how many new ways can you spin a vampire story? What Vin & I didn't like about the Underworld franchise stories was the inherit lack of power the vampires had. Were they simply blood sucking immortals that must rely on cell phones and automatic weaponry? With no back story, attempt at character depth the stories are then based entirely on sex, blood and gory action. The second one (but last in the trilogy sequence) illustrated Kate Beckinsale's character having abilities with speed and stealth - which, I wonder why they didn't use in ANY OF THE OTHER MOVIES, but only when it was convenient.

My hopes for RotL were to provide more back story, character depth and provide more of an insight to the relationships of the characters involved. And perhaps an inventory of special abilities. But, no. There is little empathy we can have for the Capulet and Montague-esque romance between Sonya and Lucian, because there is no attempt to relish in their feelings other than those of the carnal kind. But apparently they're both willing to die for each other's freedom. The story doesn't provide luxuries like stolen moments, or conversation illustrating the depth of their relationship, though Michael Sheen does great at communicating with his eyes rather than with poorly stunted lines like Rhona Mitra muddles through with no emotion in her face. It seemed too much like Rhona was copying Kate's character when Sonya was previously depicted as a warm heart, but in RotL she's a ball-busting wolf-slayer, centuries old defiant teenager to her father but absolutely weak and powerless in reality. And, if the Lycans are so strong and dangerous - why are they housed in prisons with metal bars? Can't the Lycans simply break out?? Things like these are not explained, like if the bars were made out of a metal that rendered the Lycans weak. Instead, without it, it makes the story weak.

Too many conflicts in character description from the past two portrayals of Sonya in RotL and descrepancies with creature abilities. How, in the world can a dozen Death Dealers be ambushed by Lycans when they can "smell" them from miles away? The principles the vampires follow are confusing, nonsensical and the relationship with the whipped whelps is laughable.

If you want to see some great eye candy, fast action and neat special effect, see the movie but don't expect too much else from it. The real talent is Michael Sheen with his wide range.  We kept expecting Viktor to bust out with a "Captain Jack Spaarrrrooow!"

2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Miabella Gelato

Recently, Sleeping CB and Anna introduced us to a small boutique jewel - Miabella Gelato.  Tucked away in Roseville's exclusive Fountains, this Gelato shop is a unique opportunity to taste something special. With flavors hardly pronounceable, it doesn't matter, because it tastes SO good - to simple and exotic gelato flavors like Rose. Yes, really, a rose flavored ice cream. But don't call it ice cream! It's silky, less sinful, packs a punch of flavor and the ambience is a small home-town shoppe. Classy and traditional, Miabella is easy on the wallet and beautiful on the tongue and kind to the waist-line. It's perfect for a romantic stroll through the Fountains.

The Grotto, Crescent City

The Grotto, Vin remembers, was in a different place on the docks than it is now due to a fire in 1995. The Grotto was founded in 1961 in Crescent City.  A few years later, during the Tsunami it sustained a little damage, but was still in business until it had to rebuilt in a different location because of the fire.

It's a simple restaurant - one large room with the ability to divide the room for a party. Simple menu and wine list with a 270º view of the harbor. It's neat and clean with usually hospital service.  At night the lights are dimmed for ambience but during the day it's a cozy place to watch the fog roll in or the waves crash on the shore. Or, all the kitties roaming around.

The food is excellent. In our opinion, the ONLY place to eat in Crescent City.  The food is light, savory and affordable.  They have a secret recipe for clam chowder that makes it like NO other. Vin had the red snapper this last time and I did to for our last dinner there. It was phenomenal. Tasty, not too much and the sides, while being sides, are just as good as the main course.

We give it 5 out of 5 stars!