Friday, March 6, 2009

Book vs. Movie: City of Ember

Book Cover I just finished City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. I generally want to read the book before I see the movie, but it just didn’t work out that way this time around.

Even though this book was written for kids, adults should not hesitate to give it a read. It was had a fast moving and engaging story line that pulled me further in with every chapter. For over 200 year the people of Ember have lived in harmony, but that peaceful existence is coming to an end. The city’s light is not provided by a natural source but hundreds of lights that are strung high above the city, powered by the city’s huge and ancient generator. But the generator and the city are in decay, the city’s once well stocked store rooms are bare, and the Mayor appears to be corrupt and out of touch. It is up to 2 teens to follow the clues and find the way out of Ember.
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Over all, the Movie was very faithful to the book with only short deviations that did not feel harmful to the plot of the book or movie. I was really taken with the detail of the movie, there was truly was that feeling that people have been living in a confined city for 2 centuries. Everything was worn, things were used and reused over and over, or repurposed in some way.

I loved both the book and the movie. I think they can be enjoyed together or separately, but if I had the chance I would have read the book first.

Cross Posted to GoodReads & Movie, Music, & More Blog.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Independent Spirit Awards

The Independent Spirit Awards annually recognize the best in independent filmmaker. Check out these award winners:


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BEST ACTRESS: MELISSA LEO
Frozen River

By Hunt, Courtney
2009/02 - Sony Pictures
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On a Mohawk reservation on the Canadian border, Ray teams with widowed tribe member Lila to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States. Although the work provides the women with much-needed money, each trip puts them in danger. ...More



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BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Man on Wire

By Marsh, James
2008/12 - Magnolia
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Philippe Petit captured the world's attention in 1974 when he successfully walked across a high wire between New York's Twin Towers. This documentary explores the preparations that went into the stunt as well as the event and its aftermath. Obsessed with the towers even before they were fully constructed, Petit sneaked into the buildings several times to determine the equipment he needed to accomplish his daring feat. ...More

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BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: JAMES FRANCO
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY: DUSTIN LANCE BLACK
Milk

By Van Sant, Gus
2009/03 - Focus
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Sean Penn stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with mayor George Moscone by disgruntled city employee Dan White in 1978. ...More

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BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM
Synecdoche, New York

By Kaufman, Charlie
2009/03 - Sony Pictures
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After his painter wife leaves him and takes their daughter to Berlin, theater director Caden Cotard stages a new autobiographical play in a massive warehouse amid a life-size replica of Manhattan. ...More

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BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: PENELOPE CRUZ
BEST SCREENPLAY: WOODY ALLEN
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

By Allen, Woody
2008/11 - Weinstein Company
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Academy Award winner Javier Bardem stars in the latest effort from legendary filmmaker Woody Allen as a flamboyant painter who finds himself in the middle of a unique relationship with Vicky and Christina, a pair of American tourists. ...More

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BEST DIRECTOR: THOMAS MCCARTHY
The Visitor

By McCarthy, Thomas
2008/10 - Overture Films
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Widowed professor Walter Vale discovers an immigrant couple, Tarek and Zainab, squatting in his Manhattan flat and becomes wrapped up in their lives when Tarek is thrown into a detention center. ...More

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

New Quick Flicks for the Week of 03/03/09

Do you want to know the newest DVD titles available at your library? Check here to find the newest Quick Flicks released at the Gail Borden Library. This fast turnover, no reserves collection is where you will find multiple copies of the most popular DVDs.

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Australia
By Luhrmann, Baz
2009/03 - 20th Century Fox
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In the days leading up to World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley inherits a sprawling cattle ranch in northern Australia. Threatened by land barons, she reluctantly joins her farmhand as he drives 2,000 head of cattle across the outback. While on the grueling trek, they witness the Japanese bombing of Darwin, which heralds Australia's entry into the war. ...More

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Beverly Hills Chihuahua
By Gosnell, Raja
2009/03 - Walt Disney Pictures
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Chloe is a privileged Chihuahua from Beverly Hills who rides in style in her owner's purse -- until she gets lost on a Mexican vacation, and must find her way home with the help of her new found Latin canine friends. ...More

Amexicano
When blue-collar Italian-American Bruno loses his job, he finds himself working alongside illegal aliens in the landscaping business. After befriending Ignacio and his wife Gabriela, he develops a respect and admiration for them as they work to improve their lives.