2012 Film Review

2012 is Roland Emmerich's film which uses the Mayan calendar and other end-of-days
prophecies for their doomsday scenario. It imagines the world coming to an end in 2012.
2012 film brings off a series of wonders. The movie hits its peak early on. It starts when
Cusack drives a limo through the streets of Los Angeles as freeways and skyscrapers
crumble all around him from the shock of a 10.5 earthquake. The preposterous flying
sequence is equally thrilling. The climax occurs aboard the giant ark, when an equipment
malfunction almost threatens the entire mission.
Unfortunately, the crucial sequence is not filmed or edited with the requisite clarity. In
2012 film, Emmerich leaves us befuddled as to exactly what is happening to whom.
However, Emmerich' 2012 deserves credit for offbeat casting. Cusack supplies his
trademark hangdog charm. McCarthy has perhaps his best role ever as Peet's cocky.
Danny Glover lends dignity to the role of the tormented president. Chiwetel Ejiofor, as
the chief scientist, brings a moving sense of anguish to a stock role. Platt has fun playing
the villain of the piece, and Woody Harrelson also chews the scenery as a bug-eyed radio
prophet trying to warn his listeners about Armageddon.
All in one, 2012's cinematography, production design and visual effects are awardsworthy. Music also propels the movie. It presents American Idol runner-up, Adam
Lambert, who provides a rousing anthem over the end credits.

ULYA LATIFFAH SARI

XII.IPA 1

Book Review:
Review by Lynn Harnett (OCT 30, 2009)

Benjamin Weaver, Jew, thieftaker, and former pugilist, enjoys a certain notoriety and
standing in 1722 London. As a Jew he is accustomed to derision and discrimination and
has only in recent years come to bask in a sense of family and community. As a champion
boxer he is a bit of a celebrity; feared and admired a natural for the freewheeling,
dubious profession of thieftaker, the 18th century private eye.
Weavers reputation and previous successes earn him hefty fees and allow him his pick of
jobs. He has therefore turned down a risky, unrewarding, and illegal commission to
burgle the heavily guarded headquarters of the East India Company for some office
paperwork.
Unwilling to take no for an answer, his would-be clients have resorted to force,
paralyzing the finances of his elderly uncle and two of his friends, holding ruin over their
heads should Weaver not cooperate. And now, not only do they demand the ridiculous
burglary, they order him to investigate a murder without mentioning the victims name or
asking any questions.
Cornered and furious, Weaver naturally attempts to learn what his clients are up to, only
to find his every move observed, his conversations overheard, and his friends deeper in
peril. Forced to risk the life and liberty of others as well as his own, Weaver is driven to
even greater feats of ingenuity and daring.
What Liss (and Weaver) previously did for the South Sea Bubble of 1720 (A Conspiracy
of Paper) and the political struggle between the Georgians and the Jacobites (A
Spectacle of Corruption), he does now for the burgeoning, scheming, powerful East
India Company, not yet an empire builder but with ambitions in that direction.
The issues of capitalism, big business, justice, globalization and beyond have natural
parallels to the burning issues of today but, as in all of Liss books, this state of affairs
feels natural and unforced and is deeply interesting.

And, as always, Weaver takes us on a two-fisted tour of Londons alleys, taverns, whore
houses (including gay brothels) and thieves dens as well as the feathered nests of the
wealthy and the backrooms of the movers and shakers. Workingmen are a days pay from
poverty and women a mans heartbeat from the streets. The atmosphere is often fetid, the
food and drink foul, but Liss London is vibrant with life.
Theres a woman, too, her smarts and skills a match for Weavers, and fans will hope to
see more of her. The Devils Company is on a par with the best of his work, the Edgar
winning A Spectacle of Corruption.

Book Review:
Review by Jana L. Perksie (DEC 5, 2009)

I usually do not read books labeled young adult. I am an adult, many years away from
being young, (except at heart!!), and, with a few exceptions, i.e., the Harry Potter novels
and Wilson Rawls Where the Red Fern Grows, I read literature for grown-ups. Yet, to
my delight Stephenie Meyer has created an extraordinary young adult series, called The
Twilight Saga. Twilight is also the title of book one. These are original, delightful
novels even for someone who prefers her/his literature a bit more sophisticated. I
could not put the first book down, literallyand will begin book two, New Moon, as
soon as I finish writing this review. Believe me, theres a reason that more than 10 million
Twilight series books are in print. They are addictive.
As an aside.I did see both Twilight films, Twilight and New Moon, which are now
playing in theaters or on DVD. The movie versions are outstanding and true to the
original storylines. The movie characters really resemble those I had in my minds eye as
I read and imagined what Ms. Meyers world, and the folks who people it, look like. And
the books characters, especially Bella and Edward, are amazingly well depicted.
Although all four books are on the market now great Christmas presents for those
uninitiated in The Twilight Series there are two more films in the making to complete
the movie series.
Isabella Swan is seventeen a typical teen, good looking but somewhat clumsy. She is
adapting herself to her long limbs and changing body. Her parents have been divorced
since Bella, as she is called, was a baby. She and her Mom live in sunny Phoenix,
Arizona, where she has few friends. Bella is shy and is somewhat of an outcast amongst
her peers. She is a moody and private person. But she gets along with her mother
miracle of miracles for an adolescent girl/young woman. Bella is also this stories narrator,
so the reader experiences everything from her point of view.
Each year she visits her father, Charlie Swan, the chief of police in rainy, dreary Forks,
Washington. These annual visits have been more of a torture than a treat for Bella. The
constant rain, boredom and loneliness would get anyone down, except for those used to

life in Forks. She has only three friends there Jacob Black, a Native American of the
Quileute tribe, (also a teen and a handsome one at that), his father, Billy Black, and
tribal leader Sam. All three are absolutely fascinating and original characters. They have
known Stephanie since she was a toddler. The three of them have always regaled her with
ancient Quileute legends.
Bellas mother, Renee, is about to travel with her new husband, Phil Dwyer, a minor
league baseball player, to Florida for spring training. Bella has little choice she can
move with her mother and stepfather to Florida, or go to Dad in Forks. She decides to go
to Dad so as not to be a third wheel in her newly wedded mothers marriage. Bella, is not
a selfish person. She tends to consider others needs before her own, a trait that can bring
her joy, but can also endanger her life.
It is in Washington that major changes effect Bellas world. Once installed at Forks, she is
not reticent about expressing her displeasure to Charlie, who would do anything to make
his daughter happy except move away from his home. When she begins high school,
the lovely Bella, the new kid on the block, surprisingly finds herself very popular. With
all the attention she receives, she is quickly befriended by a several students. Unused to
being the center of attention, she is dismayed to find that many boys/young men compete
for her favors. And she begins to enjoy living with her easy-going, somewhat introverted
father. But Bella, who is more embarrassed than flattered by her newfound popularity, has
eyes for only one boy the dazzlingly handsome, aloof, charismatic, Edward Cullen. He
is the most beautiful person she has ever seen, with his golden hair, and his dark brooding
eyes even his voice is mesmerizing. Edward is the youngest son of the mysterious and
reclusive Cullen family. He and his four siblings, also noticeably beautiful, sit apart from
the others, at a separate table, during lunch.but they never eat. He watches her intently,
but alternates between interest in Bella and what appears to be anger at her.
When Edward and Bella are assigned to be lab partners in chemistry class, he avoids
working with her or even looking at her. As a matter of fact, he is downright nasty.
However, when an accident almost ends Bellas life, Edward saves her in a most nonhuman way. It is than when Bella discovers that Edward and his family are benevolent
vampires who have vowed never to drink human blood. They hunt animals, and the
blood of deer, mountain lions, bears, etc., is their source of sustenance. They dont eat
except for animal blood so they dine in private. They do not sleep, and of course, they
all have the usual vampire super human powersand then some. They are all extremely
sophisticated, accomplished and alluring. They can walk in daylight but their skin gleams
and glitters in direct sunlight. These strange and potentially dangerous beings, unlike the
characters in most vampire fiction, seem to have hearts and souls. So as not to give
themselves away, they are happiest when it rains and is dark and misty outside. The head
of the household, Carlisle, is a respected doctor in the community, whose citizens have no
idea that there are vampires in their midst, although Jacob and his Native American tribe
know.
So Bella and Edward grow close as friends, and then they fall intensely in love. They
yearn for each other and although the word yearn may sound corny, it really describes

their feelings for each other. Twilight is labeled young adult because there is no
culmination of the couples strong sexual attraction. They do not have a sexual
relationship. However, there is much sensuality here and plenty of erotic kissing.
Actually, I think the abstinence gives the feeling of more passion than usual more
sexual tension. Edward is a gentleman and also fears that intercourse with Bella might
harm herhim being a super strong vampire and all.
As Bella says, About three things I was absolutely positive: first, Edward was a
vampire; second, there was a part of him and I didnt know how dominant that part
might be that thirsted for my blood; and third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably
in love with him. Bella also discovers the reason behind Edwards initial hostility toward
her. He is torn between his desire to love her and the desire to devour her. He is afraid his
vampire nature might become stronger than his self control.
I do not want to give the plot away. Let it suffice to say there are multiple storylines and
much danger here to Bella and her family. And there is love. Plus, the Native
Americans are more than what they seem.
Whatever flaws there are in this novel, (it IS fantasy fiction!), the magical narrative
overcomes them threefold! I am thrilled that I have three more books to read in the series.
This one is exceptional!
ULYA LATIFFAH SARI
XII.IPA 1

FILM REVIEW

Princess hours is popular Korean drama in Asia when 2006, that production by
MBC. This drama based on the popular soonjong manhwa by Park Soo Hee. And at
2006 Hwan in Roi as film director changed it to Korean series drama. Romantic,
relationship, political and the realization of the heart want is themes of this drama. The
actors of Princess hours is Yoon Eun Hye as Shin Chae Kyung, Joon Ji Hu as Lee Shin,
Kim Jeong as Lee Yul and the last is Sung Ji Hyo as Hyo Rin.
Princess hours setting in the Korean Monarchy. This drama tell about Chae Kyung
a normal teenager married with a Korean prince named Shin. And then she lived in the
palace, became a princess. Chae Kyung know that Shin not loved her, because Shin and
Hyo Rin are relationship. Shin and Chae Kyung liked a cat and dog. But actually their
have a big loved. Shin realize that when Yul his cousin came. Yul fall in loved with Chae
Kyun. Shin beginning jealous if Yul to approach his wife. Will Chae Kyung and Shin
realize what their hearts really want? And will shin forget his relationship Hyo Rin?
This is a great drama to watch. If you want to fall in love for first time all over
again. The story will touching your heart. And this drama is not enough to watching only
once. You will love the actors so much because she or he is very beautiful.

ULYA LATIFFAH SARI

XII.IPA 1