I'm Rising From the Ashes Like A Phoenix...

Hey guys!
I'm still alive!  Sorry it's been SO LONG since I last posted.
But ohh boy has it been a busy few months.  Let's see...

*I graduated high school early, which is something I've wanted to do since I was six.
*I got accepted to an online college (!!!!!) for an English major, and then I'll get a Master's for Secondary Teaching, English.
*I got a job at a local restaurant, which is less than exciting and actually quite dull.  But that's the only way I'll be able to pay for college, so I suppose I should be thankful.

On top of that, I also got my wisdom teeth out and had to take my SAT exams in the thick of ALL OF THE ABOVE THINGS...which was fun.  Let me tell you, if anyone ever gets their wisdom teeth out?  Don't be surprised if you, after anesthesia, are giggling over song lyrics and then bawling your eyes out over your phone case, which somehow just broke.  Also, if you must read, you'll have to use one eye and squeeze the other shut, then alternate.  Your eyes'll be really blurry.  (This was my first surgery ever.)
Oh, also:
*I'm currently working on a book to publish with Amazon's Kindle.  eBook.  I'll let you guys know when it's done and I have a synopsis written up.  (I'm trying not to type in all caps about this, mind; I'm super duper excited about this).

SO.  Now that I'm through with my life changes, which I'm sure are quite boring to readers looking for reviews and whatnot, I'll get to the interesting information.

When I have the time to, I'll be posting lots of reviews.   The Disney Store, today, released their 2015 classic doll collection.  They are GORGEOUS.  The princes seem to have the same face molds as the LE Designer's Collection princes, which is so great!  I'm excited to see some changes to the princes, finally.  And Rapunzel and Belle are absolutely STUNNING.  I'll have reviews up for Rapunzel and Eugene/Flynn as soon as they come in the mail!  Anyone planning on purchasing any of the new dolls?  There aren't any changes for the classic Frozen dolls, but I suppose they just released the Frozen Fever collection earlier this year, so that kind of makes up for it.


Also, on June 19th, Disney/Pixar's Inside Out was released!  It looks really cute; not sure if I'll go see it in theaters or not.  Has anyone seen it yet?

Currently, the reviews I want to get up are as listed:

*Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron (hint: It's AMAZING.)
*Disney 2015 Classic Rapunzel
*Disney 2015 Classic Eugene/Flynn
*The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak
*Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C Bennett
*Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
*The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry
*Matt Maher's album Saints and Sinners*Funko POP! Honey
*Funko POP! Hiro
*Funko POP! Go Go
And...I think there are more but I'm not sure.  We'll see.
Also, I'll be listing a bunch of books and whatnot on eBay, so I'll drop in to let you guys know about them when I get around to it.
I haven't forgotten about you all, I promise!  I've just been so busy!
So, dear readers, how has your summer been going?
[Do I still have any followers?  Am I finally deemed unworthy?  Oops..]

Book Review: God's Not Dead by Rice Broocks

Hey everyone!
I'll be posting quite a few more book/movie/DVD reviews  coming up and hopefully some actual doll/toy reviews here soon.  "A Dolly A Day" has become more like "Random Reviews Of A Person With Too Many Interests"...sorry!
Let's see...today, however, is a probably very short book review for "God's Not Dead" by Rice Broocks. 

It's probably very obvious what the book is about.  God's not dead.  While it is not the book version of the movie "God's Not Dead", information from the book is used in the movie (and there's a little scene where the main character is reading the book.)  This book encompasses some very important information and will help anyone better strengthen themselves against atheist/agnostic arguments.  It also explains some very interesting details - such as how there are differences between science and evolutionists.  This is stuff you don't learn in school.  You also learn how to not let yourself get tricked by some atheist arguments that are thrown out there. 

The book has some varying Christian viewpoints as well, and includes some personal backstory from Broocks about his journey as a Christian.  I originally ordered this book in order to learn how to back up my beliefs and myself when questions inevitably arise, whether online or in face-to-face conversation with someone.  "God's Not Dead" is a very good book to check out if you're curious about Christianity and if you're already Christian and you want to learn how to back your faith.  The only real issue with the book is if you're not into nonfiction or are easily bored, this probably isn't the book for you.  It's not exactly the most fast-paced or intense book ever :} 
And also, I'd definitely recommend watching the movie "God's Not Dead" as well.  It's really, really good!  The end is a bit played up, but the messages themselves are solid and very important. 

See you all soon!  Upcoming reviews include Funko Pop! reviews for Honey Lemon, Hiro, and Go Go Tomago, the Blu-Ray Big Hero 6 's features, Maleficent, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Giver, "Hiro's Journal" book, and some more reviews I can't even remember but have written down somewhere xD. 

Movie Review: How To Train Your Dragon 2

Hey guys!  I finally got to see HTTYD 2 last week (I got the Blu-Ray of both the HTTYD movies and a DVD copy of Beauty and the Beast for my birthday.  So excited!) But anyway, I'm probably one of the very last people to get a movie review up for this puppy, but hey. 

(Image from fandango.com)

Storyline: I'm just going to go on ahead and post spoilers; the movie's been out on DVD since November-ish.  The storyline is superb; one  of the best sequels I've ever seen.  No plot holes, no sense of "they're just doing this for the money and didn't even think this through".  It gives a wonderful backstory and even explains Hic's scar!  The movie shows a wonderful message of how trust is everything, including the strong bond between a human and an animal.  There are plenty of foreshadowing events that you pick up on once you watch it a second time, and it's fascinating.  I love that Valka actually looks like Hiccup, because it was one loose end tied up nicely -- plus, Valka!  I also love how Hiccup and Astrid's relationship is evolving, but not too fast or too slow.  It's just a comfortable kind of friendship/girlfriend/boyfriend relationship and it's great. 


Animation: Holy crumbs, the animation.   I just sat and ooh-ed and awe-d at the TV for the majority of the film.  The graying hairs, the fur pieces, the dragons, how everyone is shown at the appropriate ages and they actually look like themselves...GAH.  Perfection. 

Soundtrack:  I'm a sucker for soundtracks like this.  Scottish/Celtic-type soundtracks like this will automatically get a 11/10 score from me, but this one was amazing.  Plus, the actual songs sung are great and actually feel great for the movie. 

Cast:  I was so excited to hear that the original cast was coming back.  One big mistake with movie companies is that when they reprise a role for a sequel or prequel, they can't/don't get the original cast back.  The fact that Jay, America, Gerard, etc. came back is amazing and I really hope they're still on for the third movie! 


Overall, I would give How to Train Your Dragon 2 a 10/10.  It was very well-thought-out and I hope the third one is as well-made as the first two were!  Have any of you seen HTTYD 2?  Plan to see it?? 

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

Hey everyone!  I know, I'm dreadfully slow at getting this review up, but this is the review for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movie, plus the Blu-Ray extras. 
I'm not going to go into detail about it, just in case someone hasn't seen it yet - just covering the general summary. 

The Movie:
Guardians of the Galaxy is an intense movie with incredible graphics.  The CGI is strong in this one.  The movie is about Peter Quill's origins as Starlord, and how the Guardians of the Galaxy were formed.  Gamora, Groot, Rocket the Raccoon, and Drax the Destroyer are all in the movie as well.  Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser (seeing Lee Pace go from the Elven Thranduil in The Hobbit movies to a blue-skinned terror known as Ronan the Accuser was..interesting!)  and a few others are the villains in this film. 

The movie follows the not-so-orthodox team as they assemble and go on a dangerous mission to keep the entire galaxy safe.  That's not the easiest task, obviously! 

The casting: 
Couldn't have been better.  Chris Pratt is Peter Quill.  Zoe Saldana plays an excellent Gamora.  Dave Bautista is perfect for Drax.  And Vin Diesel..."I am Groot". 

The CGI: The CGI in this movie is impeccable.  Most of this movie is probably CGI, with the exception of a few scenes.  I'd like to know how long it took them to make this movie!  Whew.  I thought the graphics might be a little crappy in the movie, seeing as there's just so much of it, but they pull it off incredibly well and make you feel as if you're right in these strange planets with everyone else! 


The Soundtrack: 
I....I'm hooked on a feelin'...that this soundtrack is as good as the rest of the Marvel movies.  Seriously, I give up even trying to rate the soundtracks for these Marvel movies because they're all so good!!!  While it might not be *as* good as Henry Jackman's for The Winter Soldier or Big Hero 6, it's still great!

The Content: Here's where we hit a little bump.  I was a little surprised with how inappropriate Marvel was with the dirty little jokes.  Therefore, if you have kids and don't want them exposed to dirty jokes, you may want to skip this movie, unfortunately.  That's really the only issue with the movie.  Between the dirty jokes and the extreme usage of a few specific expletives, it's a bit disappointing. 

Overall: 
I would give Guardians of the Galaxy a 9/10.  If it weren't for the content, I'd be giving it an 11 out of 10! 
I still recommend it, however! 

Have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet?  What did you think of it? 

Blu-Ray Special Features list
On the Blu-Ray disc of this movie, you get quite a few special features. This includes:
--Avengers: Age of Ultron exclusive look (!!!!!)
--Audio Commentary
--Deleted Scenes
--Making-Of Featurettes
--Gag Reel

All of these special features are really great - especially the Making-Of Featurettes, if you're into learning how they make the movie.  I recommend paying a few dollars extra to see these features if you can't find them online!

Book Review: The Art of Big Hero 6

Hey everyone!  Today we'll be looking at The Art of Big Hero 6.  It's really a great book and my pictures/description just doesn't do it justice. 

When you take the dust jacket off, the hardcover is black with BH6 printed on it, like so. 

The concept art in the front of the book. 

It's laid out almost like a comic book with the text boxes and the text font used.  It's really neat!  They also include a list, not show here, of all the artists whose work is displayed in the book.  It's a long list.  Really super long. 

"The World of Big Hero 6" is a really big section in the book.  It covers the designs for SFIT, San Fransokyo, apartments, the Lucky Cat Cafe, Krei's buildings, so on and so forth.  There's a lot of structural/architectural things covered in the book. 

The page announcing the section "The Characters of Big Hero 6" displays the team with and without their superhero suits. 

...And they also include other concept ideas; a lot of them.  Almost all the characters are covered in the book.  All of the team characters, Tadashi, Aunt Cass, Krei and Callaghan, Baymax, bot-fighters, etc.  They have a lot of really, really neat information about how the tech in the movie works.  This includes Baymax and his charging station, Wasabi's lasers, Honey Lemon's purse, etc.  As a person who always asks "why" and "how", I loved these sections because they explained how fictional sci-fi stuff could work!  It's SO COOL. 

The "Cinematography" section covers a lot of different things such as color keys and mood with color, but it also includes information on an all-new technology that Disney used for the first time with Big Hero 6.  The program enables a photograph to be rendered into an animated movie; can have one light source listed and it will display a lighting key, etc.  I can't really explain it well, but it's fascinating and it's amazing how far animation has come! 

Examples of the parts in the book that describe how something works.  Wasabi's lasers, in this case.

Back concept art. 

Back of the book's dust jacket. 

I highly, highly recommend The Art of Big Hero 6.  It's very nicely done and has a plethora of information, be it how things work or different concept art.  A lot of the characters could have looked very different, so it's really interesting to see how the characters developed over time.  I have to give it a 10/10. 

Is anyone planning on getting The Art of Big Hero 6?  Has anyone read it already? 

Book Review: Big Hero 6 Junior Novelization

Hey guys!
Today I have a book review for Big Hero 6's Junior Novelization. 

It's much like the Tangled and Frozen Junior Novelizations in the fact that it's very close to the movie, but also has some additional information you don't get in the movie. 
I read the entire thing (over 100 pages) in one sitting and could not put it down.  If you enjoyed the movie, you'll enjoy this little book! 

In the middle of it, there's a little insert with full-color pages.  It has information on team Big Hero 6, with information on each team member's strengths and weaknesses, etc. 
I don't want to go into too much detail about the book, because it has spoilers and I'm trying not to post any Big Hero 6 spoilers on here until the movie's out on DVD. (It's out Digital HD on Feb 7 and on DVD+Blu-Ray Feb 24th.)  
It's a great little book and if you didn't get a chance to see Big Hero 6 in theaters, the book's a great way to get the plot down, at least, and it's a good read!

While I'm at it, I might as well let you all know that the Collector's Edition DVD for Big Hero 6 is out on pre-order from the Disney store: Digital +DVD+Blu-Ray plus free lithographs for $24.95 pre-order price.  I'll be reviewing once I get my copy in the mail!

PLUS, DisneyStore.com is offering free shipping on all orders today only with the code FREESHIP.  

Happy New Year!

Hey everyone!
I hope you all have a happy and safe New Year! 

2014 was kind of a crazy year, and I can't say I'm sad to see it go.  In retrospect, though, God knew what He was doing and He kept me safe.  I'm going into 2015 with a lot less friends/acquaintances than I went into 2014 with.  While I at first didn't see the reasoning behind why everyone seemed to be moving on and leaving me behind, I now see that God knew what He was doing and was protecting me from bad influences and letting those who didn't really need me anymore go.  I now see why each and every one of those people entered my life and why they left my life, and I'm thankful for all of them, as well as for God showing me the way and helping me through some very long nights.
I'm hoping 2015 is an awesome year and I'm hoping to focus more on God and I hope to trust Him more than I did this year.  After all He's done for me, though, it's hard not to trust Him and know that He's got this.  All of this.  This year, I'm also hoping to publish my first book, but we'll see how that goes. 

I hope you all have a blessed 2015 and I hope to talk to you guys soon!

Movie Review: Big Hero 6

Hey everyone!
Today, I've got a movie review for you: Big Hero 6. 

I'm not going to be posting major details about the plot - you're going to have to see it for yourself!  It's too good to spoil.  However, if you do not want any details about the movie at all, it's kind of obvious that you may not want to read on!


Basic Plot: Hiro Hamada is a fourteen-year-old genius who graduated high school at the age of thirteen.  He and his older brother Tadashi live with their Aunt Cass, since their parents died when they were young.  Tadashi is in college at SFIT, and makes an inflatable robot that helps and takes care of people - Baymax, your personal healthcare assistant.  Tadashi convinces Hiro to apply for SFIT, and he does. 

After the college goes up in flames in a terrible accident, Hiro, with the help of Tadashi's college friends - GoGo Tomago, Honey Lemon, Wasabi No Ginger, and Fred -, along with Baymax, have to avenge the accident and catch the villain. 

Some Messages Within The Movie: ****POSSIBILITY FOR SPOILERS*****
*Personal loss. 
At one point in the movie, Hiro is depressed.  While yes, Frozen's Elsa was a metaphor for depression, it is flat-out mentioned in the film, and dealt with throughout the movie.  It's not a snap-your-fingers-and-they're-okay-again deal, like what we see in a lot of movies. 
*Team players.
Hiro, at one point, goes against his teammates in a rage, bent on revenge for the villain who burnt down the college instead of justice.  He, with the help of Baymax, eventually understands his mistake and goes back to the team, and they handle the situation correctly. 
*Never give up. 
While Tadashi never gave up on Baymax or Hiro, this message goes deeper than that.  The movie tells you to never give up on your dreams, on other people, or yourself.  I don't know about you guys, but I think this is something everyone needs to think about.  Earlier this year, I really needed this message!

Main Characters:

Honey LemonVoiced by Genesis Rodriguez, Honey Lemon is the optimistic of the bunch.  Even if someone's trying to kill them, she's seeing the silver lining to the situation!  She's quite a lot like Tangled's Rapunzel in this sense.  She's the chemist of the group. 
Hiro HamadaVoiced by Ryan Potter, Hiro Hamada is a robotics prodigy, as well as the main character in the story.
Tadashi HamadaVoiced by Daniel Henney, Tadashi Hamada is the older Hamada brother and Hiro's role model.  His entire purpose in life is to help people.
Aunt Cass
Voiced by Maya Rudolph, Aunt Cass is the owner of the Lucky Cat Cafe and the guardian of Tadashi and Hiro.  She's the one that has to run after and control her two genius nephews. 
Wasabi No-Ginger
Voiced by Damon Wayans Jr., Wasabi may be the biggest and beefiest character in the movie, but he's just a giant kitten.  He's hindered by severe OCD tendencies and has to overcome these in the movie.
FredT.J. Miller voices Fred.  He's not a mega genius, but is the mascot for SFIT.  Even if he's a huge nerd and doesn't get into all the science-y stuff that the rest of the characters do, he's just as important as the rest of them.
GoGo TomagoVoiced by Jamie Chung (who is Mulan on Once Upon a Time), GoGo is the snarky mechanics geek of the bunch; a real Clint Eastwood type.  She's a woman of few words, but she gets her point across!
BaymaxVoiced by Scott Adsit, Baymax is the inflatable, huggable robot that is very innocent and childlike.  He's the glue that holds the entire team together.

Marvel OriginsBig Hero 6 is a Marvel comic series that isn't very popular at all.  The names of the characters and some minor plot details are used from the comics in this movie, but that's about where the similarities end; however, I have not found the actual comics yet to really read them - though I would love to!  The comic series Big Hero 6 is virtually a love letter to the Japanese culture. 

SoundtrackThe soundtrack is amazing.  The composer is Henry Jackman, the same composer who worked on Captain America: The Winter Soldier's soundtrack.  If you've read my review for The Winter Soldier, you'll know I'm in love with the soundtrack.  Big Hero 6's soundtrack is just as good!  If you liked Jackman's work in The Winter Soldier, I highly, highly recommend this soundtrack as well!  It's on YouTube if you'd like to check some of them out. 

GraphicsThe.  Graphics.  The CG in this movie is simply stunning.  A+ animation.  Not many flaws, and they obviously took their time with creating the film.  

StorylineThe storyline is excellent.  There aren't too many plot holes that I can find - if any - and that is a very, very good thing. 

Overall: I would give the movie a 9.5/10.  I'm docking half of a point because of some suggestiveness in the beginning of the movie whilst Baymax is talking to Hiro about puberty - in which, Hiro cuts him off at a very convenient moment, and I feel like they could've left that out, but overall, the movie is amazing.  It has a very good storyline and very deep, heartfelt messages.  You'll laugh, you'll cry - a lot - and you'll likely fall in love with the movie and want to see it over and over again. 
Plus, there is an after-credits scene with Stan Lee.  It's worth it.  It's worth sitting through the credits. 
Have any of you seen Big Hero 6 yet?  Are you planning on seeing it in theaters? What are your thoughts about the movie? 

Review: The Making of Beauty and the Beast

Hey guys!  Before I get into today's review, I just wanted to thank you all for your patience and willingness to keep up with the blog.  Never thought I'd get over 9600 views and 13 followers on this blog! You guys are all amazing, and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. 
This review's for "The Making of Beauty and the Beast".  I apologize ahead of time, Blogger's being a jerk and uploading photos sideways.  Again.  *facepalm* But anyway. 

The book, of course, is much like the "Art of" books, like Brave, Tangled, and Frozen's, only a little shorter.  There's a neat little section in the margin of one page, shown above, that describes Belle's "warpaint", or where blush, shading, etc. would be placed. 

The book also includes plenty of concept art, like the amazing concept of Beast shown here.  I apologize for the glare, the pages are shiny and..yeah. 

The side margins on the book also include a lot of information about some of the artists that worked on the movie.  The margin above is about Glen Keane, of course.  (Oh boy, these sideways pictures are really getting on my nerves..I'm so sorry guys!)

It also has a lot of information about the architecture in the film, especially about the castle.  There's actually a bit of a floorplan shown!  It's very neat. 

It has a table of contents, which shows how the book is divided into a prologue and two parts: "From Legend to Film" and "The Elements of Animation." 

In the back of the book, a glossary of animation terms is printed.  It'd helpful for if you don't quite understand what some term is! 

And finally, here's just a fun little picture of Belle with her "Making Of" book.  I couldn't resist, because...she's a girl with her nose stuck in a book, reading about the girl with her nose stuck in a book.

Overall, I'd give the book 4.5 / 5 stars.  I'd like to see a bit of a thicker book, for the price, but it's still very informative and I really enjoyed it.  Any fan of Beauty and the Beast would likely enjoy it!   

Merry Christmas!

Hey guys!
I'm so sorry for leaving this for 22 days.  Ugh.  I didn't expect to be going to play practices for my church youth group almost every single day this month.  But the play is over with, and I've never been prouder of my church's youth group.  We all did so well this year, despite several little hiccups with planning this year's Christmas play :D 
Anyway, with that over with, I'll hopefully be posting more.  I have so many ideas and reviews to post about..just not the time. 
But without further ado, I hope you guys all have a very merry and blessed Christmas, and don't forget that Jesus is the reason for the season! 

Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast book review

Hey guys! 
I've got a review for you all today - a review of the book "Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast" by Bob Thomas. 
A note here: I am SO sorry that almost all of these are sideways.  Blogger decided to load them up the wrong way and it's just plain not wanting to work today, so bear with me.  Sorry!

This book is very informative.  Now, if you're interested in any of the other Art of books, or Disney history, you'll most likely enjoy this book.  It includes information on the origins of Walt Disney's company, and about most of (if not all of) the animated features up to "Beauty and the Beast". 

Side note here: this is kind of a 2-in-1 deal here.  It also includes a second book, "The Making of Beauty and the Beast", also by Bob Thomas.  If I would have known this pre-purchase, I wouldn't have bought that book separately (review to come. :P) So in other words, don't pay $11 for The Making of Beauty and the Beast *AND* $5 for Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast when you could just get both for $5. 
Moving on.

The book is divided into several sections...

And includes a lot of interesting information on all of the movies Walt was involved in, especially Snow White.

Part of the table of contents. 
This book seriously has a wealth of information - I couldn't put it down!  It's not like it's riveting and full of action or anything, but I just find it really interesting xD

The side margins of the book has a lot of photos of the workers at the company, as well as captions.  The information in these are also kind of neat! 
The book also includes quite a bit of neat concept art, even including a two-page spread of the movie Fantasia. 

If you're interested in Disney history, this book would probably be an excellent thing to look into.  I bought it from Amazon.com used for about $5, so it's definitely a decent price for such a good book!

I will be posting the review for The Making of Beauty and the Beast book after this, and then will be posting reviews for the Big Hero 6 Junior Novelization, probably The Hunger Games trilogy (and the first two movies, I suppose), a movie review for Big Hero 6 (*muffled screaming* it was amazing), annnd probably a few other things I just can't think of right now :P

Happy [early] Thanksgiving and Upcoming Posts

Hey guys!
SO sorry I haven't posted in awhile...again. 
I'm hoping to get some time set aside to work on some drafts soon - 'tis the season for incredible busyness, right? 
Upcoming posts will include a couple of Disney book reviews and a movie review I think you'll be interested in.  Oh, as well as a soundtrack review and a photoshoot as well - in other words, there will be a lot of posts.  xD  Hoping that I'll get some time to do these all over Thanksgiving break, sometime after Thursday, hopefully. 
So 'til then, happy Thanksgiving to everyone and thanks for your patience! (:

Disney Store & Big Hero 6

Hey guys!
Is anyone going to see Big Hero 6 this weekend? It came out yesterday!

Just wanted to pop in and let you all know that the Disney Store is having a 25% off your entire purchase thing going on until Tuesday with the code DISNEYPAL . 

In other news, I'm trying to get a photoshoot completed and done for you all - in amongst all of the additional commitments I have going on right now: 'tis the season :P 
I'll see you guys soon! 

Disney Store -New Merch

Hey guys!  Just wanted to drop in and let you all know that the Disney Store put two new Frozen doll sets up--an Anna and Elsa skating set and a DAC Elsa/Anna set.  While both sets are absolutely ADORABLE, I likely won't be purchasing either--they're a bit pricey, but they do have both sisters, so...not really I guess xD Anyway, the skating set is $34.95 and the toddler set, I believe, is $99.95.
In addition to this, there is a new DAC Aurora set and a DAC Rapunzel set for $59.95 each.  The Rapunzel set is simply ADORABLE, but I might be a lil biased :P
Anyone planning on purchasing one of the new sets?
Also, there is a sale up for a few toys--the link is on the front page of the Disney Store website if you wanna go check that out as well!

In case you guys haven't seen the Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer that "HYDRA leaked before its proper air date set for Oct. 28", here's the link:
AOU 
Holy cow.
This movie needs to come out now.
Please?

What do you guys think?  Anyone excited for the movie?

Disney Store & JCP updates and movies!

Hey everyone!!
Just thought I'd let you all know that the Disney Store is currently having a sale on the Classic dolls - $10.00 each.  Of course, the Frozen dolls - which are now available -- are not included in this sale, and are still $16.95 (?). 
Also, they have some merchandise for Big Hero 6 up - including an 11" Gogo Tomago doll for $16.95.  I'm debating whether or not I want to get her at some point; I'll wait until after the movie comes out.  I'm hoping they come out with 11" classics for Honey Lemon as well! 
ANDDD JC Penney's has a coronation Anna and Elsa set - both of them for $25.  Of course, their outfits are much simpler and they don't have the articulation, but you can't beat that price.  You can also get free shipping to your local store. 

While I'm at it, some movie DVD release dates that are coming up:
Maleficent: November 4
How To Train Your Dragon 2: November 11
Guardians of the Galaxy: December 9

And, of course, Big Hero 6 is coming out in theaters November 7th!!!  Is anyone excited for it or planning to see it?  I won't be able to see it in theaters, most likely, but I'll be waiting [im]patiently for the DVD release, as always :P 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie review

Hey, everyone!
It has been an INSANE week, but I managed to get some time to write a quick movie review for Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
In a word:  wow.
I feel like it is one of the greatest Marvel movies, but I haven't made a comprehensive list [yet] of the best Marvel movies :P
In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the spoiler-free plot summary is this:
HYDRA returns, and Captain America must team up with the Black Widow and Falcon to take down HYDRA as well as the Winter Soldier.  Cap must also deal with being re-introduced into society, especially since it's the 21st century now.
That's it.
That's all I can say about the plot.
This is one of the movies that you just have to watch, and watch closely, in order to understand everything.  Also, if you spoil anything, it just takes all the fun out of watching it!

In The Winter Soldier, we are introduced to Sharon Carter //Agent 13, Sam Wilson//The Falcon, and...the Winter Soldier.  A less-known fact is that we are introduced to another comic book character, *SPOILERS DON'T READ PAST THIS POINT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SCREAMING ANGRILY AT THE TV THE FIRST TIME HIS FACE APPEARS ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN WHEN YOU SEE THE MOVIE*
*********************************************************************************
Actually, I am going to have you just click and drag from the start of the next sentence to the asterisks, and once you highlight that sentence, you'll be able to read it.  Boom, problem solved..?   We are introduced to Brock Rumlow /// Crossbones.  
Okay.
That blank spot after "...?" can be left blank if you want to be blissfully in the dark of this matter.  
And if you do read that "invisible" spot, you can comment with any questions, I'll be happy to spill my guts and all my hours of research...which may or may not include spoilers for the third movie.

ANYWAY.  With that said, let's move back to the actual review.  I just kind of geeked out there.

Let's see.  The movie was VERY intense, full of action, explosions, shooting, etc.  It had a lot of 'read-between-the-lines' messages in my opinion, but it was GREAT.  There was some swearing, but it wasn't overbearing, exactly.  Not saying I appreciate the swearing, but I'm not going to have a fit over them using it, because...unfortunately, it's everywhere.  That aside, it's also a very emotional film.  We are re-introduced to Peggy Carter, and let's just not go there.  We aren't touching the topic of the Winter Soldier.

And oh my word, the soundtrack.  The composer, Henry Jackman, created an INSANELY sick soundtrack for this movie, and by sick, I mean amazing.  I could listen to it forever.

Overall  - and I am SO SORRY that I didn't include any spoilers, but trust me when I tell you this: the less things you know when you watch the movie for the first time, the better--the movie is AMAZING.  10/10.  I simply cannot wait for the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I'm very excited - and concerned - for the Captain America 3 movie to come out...whenever that's going to be.

Has anyone seen The Winter Soldier?    Is anyone planning (by the way, I'm not sure why my tablet underlined that.  I told it not to, but it somehow did anyway, and Blogger doesn't want to listen... Maybe HYDRA has hacked my tablet...) is anyone planning on watching it?  Your thoughts, ideas, and predictions for Captain America 3?

2014 Rapunzel Disney Store Doll Review

Hey everyone!  Here's the 2014 Rapunzel Disney Doll review I've been promising.  I'd really just like to take a couple of minutes to thank all fourteen of my wonderful followers, and even those who don't follow my blog, but still read posts - you guys are AMAZING, and thank you so much for following me and for sticking with me.  I know I've been terrible for posting lately, so thank you so much. 
Onto the post!
This, as afore-posted, is the front of their boxes. 

And this is the back of Rapunzel's box. 

When I got her out of the box (which was fairly easy.  There were two of those pesky plastic tag things in her dress that left holes, though, which I wasn't exactly pleased about.) 
Under her skirt is an INSANE amount of tissue paper, and it's even wrapped around her legs!  Not sure why she was so wrapped up with the tissue paper this year, seeing as her dress, though glittery, does not shed.  (Which is AMAZING.) 

Here's the beauty herself! 

Front of her dress.  This is the most accurate dress they've made since the original 2010 release, which I was excited about. 

This is blurry, which I didn't notice until just now...sorry!  This kinda shows how full her skirt is, and that the pattern goes the whole way around her skirt.

At first, I was pretty hesitant to buy her -- I mean, to me, she looked a lot like the 2013 release, and I didn't want a duplicate, but on the other hand, I didn't want to break my pattern (I have the 2010, 2011, Wedding 2012, 2013, and now 2014...Only missing a few).  I'm glad I got her, though!  When I first saw her in the box, I thought I probably wouldn't like her, because her eyes are HUGE.  Slightly bigger than the 2013 release's.  Her lips are also a vibrant pink, which I wasn't a fan of.  Buuuut she grew on me, and I love those big eyes!  She's similar to 2013 Rapunzel, but different at the same time. 
Her hair is so silky soft, and a beautiful color.  It goes just barely to her ankles, but it's a lot thinner this year than in previous years.  I'm not meaning that the rooting is poor or patchy or anything, that's fine -- she just has less dense hair.  I don't know how to explain it...
Anyway, like my 2014 Ariel, her hips were really stiff.  Luckily, I was able to work them until they were fine.  And there were no knees harmed in the making of this post.  :D

She has freckles, too! They're bolder once more, but I love 'em anyway.  Also:  her eyes look bluish in this picture, but they're deep emerald greenish in real life.

The gel holding her hair up in her trademark "swoop", as Glen Keane calls it, was almost nonexistent, (which was odd - I got one doll that was gelled wayy too much, and one that wasn't gelled enough!)  so I did the same thing I did with Ariel:  I spritzed her with the fabric softener and water solution and got the gel out.  Her hair falls like this now, and if you position it a certain way, she looks like she has a completely different personality - she goes from bubbly and perky to shy and quiet.  I like it, actually!  It gives her a different air.  

Overall, I give her a 5/5.  While she's not 101% movie accurate (eyes are too dark, lips and freckles too bold), she's still beautiful and nicely made. She's fun to photograph as well!  I need to make a comparison post for her and her predecessor, and I feel a photoshoot coming on.  Anyway, I'd definitely recommend her! 
Anyone planning on getting her?  Anyone have her already? 

2014 Ariel Disney Store Doll Review

Hey, guys!
So today, I've got the 2014 Ariel Disney Doll review up, finally.  Yikes...thanks for waiting patiently! 

So this is the front of the Ariel box (and Rapunzel's). 

My Ariel's box was dented in pretty badly, but luckily nothing happened to her nose or face!

Back of the box.

And the beautiful lady herself!  She's relatively easy to get out of the packaging, which was epic. 

The only thing I didn't like was how gelled her hair was.  It was INSANE.  I could hardly even move it, and it was starting to get really messy by the time I got her into a couple of poses.  Luckily, I spritzed her with some fabric softener/water solution and rubbed it gently through the crusty parts of her hair, and she ended up with almost no gel, but her hair still stays in place.  Her hair was incredibly soft once I got all the nasties out :P 

Her beautiful face - she's very accurate to the movie version of Ariel, in my opinion. 

Her tail is glittery, but it's made out of some fabric that doesn't shed glitter.  It's amazing.  The top and the fins are made out of some really thin fabric - almost puts me in the mind of tulle, but it isn't.  Her tail has elastic at the top, so it's okay to get off -- kinda hard, but doable. 

Her top has clear, rubbery elastic straps, and has a bow-like (or should I say shell?) attachment sewn to the center.  Behind that is just a plain bra, basically.  It has Velcro in the back.  I could see how this would be very, very easily broken, just because of those pesky straps.  I remember breaking many, many of those as a child - anyone else have that problem, or was it just me? 

She has the regular, click-knees, which...

Broke.  Her hips were very, very stiff, but I flexed them a coupla times and they were fine.  When I tried to bend her knees, her one leg broke.  See that second bump that shouldn't be there? That's what happens when they break.  Plus, you can bend them wayyy further than you should be able to.  [And no, I'm not an old wrinkly person.  My hands are just in bad shape because I never use lotion...]

This is her other, unbroken knee, just for comparison. 

She's really fun to take pictures of!

Overall, I would give her 4.5/5 stars.  She's beautiful, and her articulation is the same as the other dolls with similar articulation (2010-11, 2013-14 Rapunzels, Belle, etc.)  She's movie accurate and just very fun.  I docked half of a point, however, for the crummy gel, weak knee joint, and her really stiff hips (though they loosened up a bit with some work.)  It might just be my doll, though.  Otherwise, I would definitely recommend her!  She's my first Ariel, so I can't really compare her to other versions, though.  Anyone planning on getting her?  Does anyone have her already?