Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (Book 4)

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Author: Jeff Kinney

Year: 2009

Synopsis: It’s summer vacation, the weather’s great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where’s Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn.

Greg, a self-confessed "indoor person,” is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg’s mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and "family togetherness.”

Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

I was not expecting much from this book, since the last one was a major disappointment, but this book was actually good. It has some good jokes that made me smile and laugh. There were some moments that made me feel pity for Greg, he is so naive sometimes. The story is about what you'd expect from reading the synopsis: Greg's many occurrences and shenanigans during the summer. He played pranks, got into trouble, found love and more, all the while being as awkward as ever. However, I don't think the title of this book is accurate, because the dog only appears for a few pages. It should have been Summer Days, or something like that.

Mirror Mirror (2012)

Title: Mirror Mirror


Year: 2012


Director: Tarsem Singh

Synopsis: An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

This movie is a very good retelling of Snow White’s story; it has the perfect combination of classic elements with some modern touches which unfolded a likable, witty and charming new version of an old story. 

I love how well the old and the new complimented each other, and not just story-wise. Even though, thinking about it, Mirror, Mirror doesn’t have actual, physical, modern elements. Snow White is not a high school underdog that fights against the cheerleader captain or something like that. The story keeps its classic setting but there’s something about it that makes it feel more relatable to present-day viewers. Could be that the topics presented in the movie are actually timeless: honor, money and love. No matter the year, stories revolve around, at least, one of these topics.

Julia Roberts and Armie Hammer’s characterizations were splendid. Roberts was magnificent as always. I loved how she managed to be funny whilst being mean and/or cruel. And Hammer, well, I had never seen any of his performances so I thought he was chosen for this role for his good looks. Nevertheless, after watching this movie I can say that I stand corrected. His portrayal of a puppy was hilarious, surprising and, awkwardly, dead on. 

When it comes to the cons, I didn’t like that the truth about the beast in the woods was predictable. I don’t know why I saw it coming from the beginning of the movie. Also, I was expecting more Sean Bean! I literally screamed when I saw him, but then he was onscreen for about three minutes. Very disappointing. Another things is the scene with the poisoned apple at the end, it felt forced. It felt like the makers of the movie wanted to include the apple because it’s Snow White’s most iconic moment, yet, they didn’t have where to include it, so they put it wherever they could. Granted, it makes sense; it still felt forced to me, though.

However, these moments that I disliked are but a very small part of the movie and don’t spoil the whole experience. This is actually a really good, entertaining movie and story. I could, and have, watch this movie many times and I still enjoy it.