Lilly Faye's Movie Review: Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt

Dear Readers,

Edge of Tomorrow, sometimes referred to as Live Die Repeat, is based on the Japanese novel All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, which was itself followed by a series of graphic novels or manga by the same name.

In the film version starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, aliens have invaded earth, and all of humanity is working together to fight them. In an echo of World War II, the world's United Defense Force is trying to stop the enemy's advance across Europe. There is even a large scale beach invasion similar to Normandy.

Major Bill Cage (Cruise) is a former advertising guy brought in to sell the war effort. Cage is a coward who wants no part of it. When he challenges the general in charge, he is arrested and forced into joining a suicide mission.

Cage is killed immediately, but keeps coming back to life, reliving the same battle over and over, learning and sharpening his skills each time. Rita (Blunt), a special forces soldier who once had the ability to reset time and lost it, uses her knowledge to train Cage. With Rita's help, Cage develops into a confident, battle-hardened soldier.

Dizzie: Finally, a movie with plenty of tension and conflict! I was on the edge of my seat!

Lilly Faye: I liked Tom Cruise, because of his willingness to let himself be the butt of the joke. This movie had a lot of humor.

Dizzie: I liked Emily Blunt. Hello!

Alfie Cat: Edge of Tomorrow is basically Groundhog Day re-imagined as a sci-fi action movie. Even the female lead in both movies is named Rita.

Lilly Faye: I think that was an homage, Alfie.

Alfie Cat: And why are space aliens always depicted taking over the world? Everyone knows that cats are destined to rule the world.

Lilly Faye: Now that is scary! Time to rate the movie.

Dizzie: I liked it!

Lilly Faye: I agree, Diz. Edge of Tomorrow is fun and entertaining.

Lilly Faye's Movie Rating: Two Paws Up!

Lilly Faye's Movie Review: The Lego Movie, voiced by Chris Pratt, Morgan Freeman, Elizabeth Banks, and Liam Neeson, with an appearance by Will Farrell

Dear Readers,

My blog intern Dizzie and I watched The Lego Movie, a socially relevant and culturally important animated film, over the holiday weekend.

Dizzie: It was the perfect Labor Day movie!

Lilly Faye: It sure was, Diz. Give our readers a brief rundown of the plot.

Dizzie: When Emmet, an ordinary construction worker and Everyman, finds the Piece of Resistance, he is told it means he's special and he's been chosen to save the Lego Universe!

Lilly Faye: It's the call to adventure, which Emmet initially rejects, thus beginning the classic hero's journey, as first presented by Joseph Campbell in his groundbreaking book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces.

Dizzie: The Lego Movie explores the value of free will and imagination, versus always following instructions. I can relate to that! 

Lilly Faye: The movie pays homage to superheroes (Batman, the Green Lantern, Superman, Wonder Woman, and even Abraham Lincoln, among others), as well as more movies, books, and cultural icons than you can recognize in one viewing.

Dizzie: It skewers lots of everyday stuff too, like overpriced coffee, vapid television, and trophies for everyone.

Lilly Faye: There is even a bit of romance between Emmet and Wyldstyle, a biker chick.

In short, The Lego Movie has everything but the kitchen sink, and yet, somehow it works.

Dizzie: And it has a really snappy theme song! 

(sings) "Everything is Awesome!!!"

Lilly Faye: Dear Readers, you can view The Lego Movie Official Trailer on YouTube by clicking on this link:

The Lego Movie Official Trailer

Lilly Faye's Movie Rating: Recommended for children and adults. Two Paws Up! 

The "Miss Julia" Novels by Ann B. Ross, a Soothing Balm for a Stressed-Out World

Dear Readers,

Sometimes I like to shut out all the terrible things that are happening in the world, and curl up with a good book. The "Miss Julia" series by Ann B. Ross is the perfect antidote for the stress, anxiety, and discouragement of modern day life.

There are sixteen books in the series, and counting. I've collected twelve of them, so far. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind sets the stage, so I recommend you read it first.

Miss Julia is a true southern lady, an older woman who has always done exactly what her father, her husband, her church, and her town expected of her. Then her husband dies, and she discovers he was one of the biggest hypocrites who ever lived. Fortunately, she also discovers he was rich.

Now, for the first time in her life, Miss Julia is free to make up her own mind about people, and do exactly as she pleases. These novels are a coming-of-age story about an older woman finally learning who she is, what she wants in life, and how to handle her considerable resources.

Much to her surprise, Miss Julia is also making lots of new and unexpected friends, including her late husband's mistress Hazel Marie, and their young son!

Before you know it, Miss Julia is off on one adventure after another. Although these books aren't billed as mysteries, there is usually a crime or mystery to be solved in each book, with the help of Mr. Pickens, a handsome private detective who is sweet on Hazel Marie, and the local deputy, who rents a room from Miss Julia.

There is even a touch of romance in Miss Julia's life, in the form of a longtime friend who would like to marry her.

Dear Readers, these books are addictive. Once you enter Miss Julia's world, you won't want to leave it.

You can find the books listed in order of publication on Ann B. Ross's website:

Ann B. Ross, Author of the Miss Julia Novels

Enjoy!

Love,

Lilly Faye

Lilly Faye's Book Review: Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich, Part 2 of 2

Dear Readers,

Today I'm pleased to introduce Mr. Frank's little sister, Callie Cat. She's going to help Alfie and me review Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novel, Takedown Twenty.

Welcome, Callie Cat! I'm so glad you are able to join us from your home library, via Skype.

Callie Cat: Thank you for inviting me to your blog, Lilly Faye. Frank speaks very highly of you.

Lilly Faye: Does he? Tee-hee!! 

I have another friend and neighbor on the blog who is also named Cali, although she spells it differently.

Callie Cat: Feel free to call me Ceecee, so nobody gets confused.

Lilly Faye: Thanks, Ceecee! Alfie, say hello to Ceecee.

Lilly Faye: Alfie, why aren't you saying anything?

Ceecee: Maybe he's shy, like me.

Lilly Faye: He's certainly never been shy before. It might be an equipment problem on his end. Let's go ahead and start without him.

To set the scene, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is trying to bring in mobster Salvatore Sunucchi, aka Uncle Sunny, for skipping bail on a murder charge. Stephanie's job is especially difficult, because it seems everyone in Trenton, including a few members of Joe Morelli's family, loves Uncle Sunny. Unfortunately for Stephanie, they are more than happy to help him hide from the authorities.

Stephanie Plum fans sometimes refer to this book as, "the one with the giraffe." That's because there is a subplot involving a giraffe running loose in Trenton. Lula, Stephanie's sidekick, takes a liking to the giraffe, and names him Kevin.

I don't know about you, Ceecee, but I thought the main plot, while well written, wasn't terribly different from the plots of other Stephanie Plum books. However, I loved the Lula and Kevin subplot. It kept me intrigued until the very end. I couldn't wait to find out all the answers, and I was not disappointed.

Ceecee: I agree, Lilly Faye. I also enjoyed reading about Stephanie's hamster Rex, and Joe's dog, Bob. Their antics never get old.

Lilly Faye: Grandma Mazur is always a hoot!

Ceecee: She sure is. And Lula never disappoints.

I'll have to say that for me, this book settled the eternal debate about who I want Stephanie to end up with, Morelli or Ranger. And the answer is...I want Stephanie to stay single. I never thought I'd say that, but Ranger is not the type to settle down, and Takedown Twenty proved Joe comes with too much baggage.

Lilly Faye: I couldn't agree more, Ceecee. Joe and Ranger make great boyfriends though, so she should definitely keep both of them around.

Excuse me a minute, while I contact my blog intern, Dizzie.

Diz...would you please check on Alfie for me? He isn't responding. His audio may be off.

Dizzie: Will do, Boss.

Alfie: Yawoooow!!!

Dizzie: Alfie was hyperventilating in his basket, but I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and gave him a good shake. He'll be fine, Boss.

Lilly Faye: That's a relief. Thanks, Diz.

Well, this has been fun, Ceecee. I hope you'll join us again in the future.

Dear Readers, I recommend Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich for a light, breezy, summer read, or for anytime when you need a laugh. And if you're a longtime Stephanie Plum fan, this just might be the book that helps you make up your mind about Joe and Ranger.

Love,

Lilly Faye

Lilly Faye's Book Review: Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich, Part 1 of 2

Lilly Faye: Hello, Frank.

Mr. Frank: Hi, Doll Face. I have something special to ask you.

Lilly Faye: Sure, Frank!

Mr. Frank: Would you consider inviting my sister to be on your blog?

Lilly Faye: Your sister? I didn't realize you have a sister!

Mr. Frank: She's real shy. She stays indoors most of the time. But, she's a sweet kid, and it would mean a lot if you would have her on your blog. It might help bring her out of her shell.

Lilly Faye: Does she like to read? Alfie and I will be reviewing Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich later this week. Your sister is welcome to join us.

Mr. Frank: That would be perfect. She loves books. Thanks, Doll Face! I won't forget this!

Later...

Lilly Faye: Alfie, Frank's sister will be joining us for our review of Takedown Twenty this week.

Alfie Cat: Frank has a sister? Ooof, the mind boggles.

Lilly Faye: I haven't met her yet. Frank says she's shy.

Alfie Cat: I thought book reviews were going to be our thing from now on, Lilly Faye. I don't know why you think we need a third opinion.

Lilly Faye: Because Frank asked me, and it's the neighborly thing to do. Promise you'll be nice to her.

Alfie Cat: Yeah, sure. (heh, heh)

To be continued...