Of Mice and Men

(Image from Amazon)

I'm going to level with you, I started reading Game of Thrones in June and got about half way through when July hit, damn it's a long book! I was trying to decide which classic to read when this got returned to the library. I saw the size of it and my problem was solved.

Things I liked

Lennie - If ever there was a character that you immediately warm to it's Lenny. He's a bit of a fool but just lovely.

The guys at the ranch - Most of the guys are lovely, especially Slim who understands Lennie is a bit different.

Things I didn't like

Curly - What a douche, talk about little man syndrome.

The end - Just *sad face*

Verdict

I absolutely loved Of Mice and Men. I read it in two days and although I picked it for being short I had to race through it. It's a beautiful story of friendship and has a deeper meaning. 5/5

Singin' in the rain

(Image from Amazon)

I've got to admit I didn't think I was going to like Singin' in the Rain. I've discovered I'm a bit of a snob about old movies but it was a musical and my friend Jackie was excited to watch it so I gave it a go.

Things I liked

The dancing - Most of the songs were absolutely ace but my favourites were the ones with dance numbers. I love that style of dance and it's something that don't really see in films now.

Cosmo - He is definitely the best character. He's absolutely hilarious and it was cool to see his physical comedy.

Things I didn't like

Lina - Her voice went straight through me and she was such a diva!

The slow songs - Some of the songs were a bit of a snooze fest and the slower ones seemed to go on for ever. I was also a bit baffled about Don's broadway number, I'm still not sure how that fits in with the film.

Verdict

I probably should have known I'd love this as I've not really found a bad musical, Cosmo, Don and Kathy were a great trio. It was a bit let down with the slow numbers though. 4/5

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

(Image by Lotty)

When I was little and used to visit the video rental shop with my dad I always used to pick Alice in Wonderland. I'm not sure why but I just loved it. I've never read the book though and when I watched the Tim Burton film a lot of people said that it made much more sense than the Disney version.

As this was my June book I can't really remember much about the story but I do agree that it is much darker than Disney made it. I remember being a bit baffled throughout and losing track of the story. It's very well written but I guess I just don't relate to the random nature of it, a worm smoking a pipe and telling Alice to eat a mushroom was just bonkers.

I fully intended to read Through the Looking-Glass afterwards but I was kind of relieved to finish Alice. I know a lot of people list this as their favourite book and it did have its moments but I just don't get it, sorry.

Verdict 2/5

In June I...

(Kindle, coffee, chocolate, perfect!)

In June I read:  Alice in Wonderland and got stupidly into Game of Thrones. I've decided I'm going to read the first book and then watch the first season. I'm usually not one to hop onto bandwagons - I will never want to read fifty shades or twilight - but even the bloggers and people I follow on Twitter are joining the party late and raving. I have to say the book has me gripped so far. I've had to put it down for now though so I can read this months classic Of Mice and Men. I chose it purely because it's a short though :)

In June I watched: Back to the Future II and Singin' in the Rain. I've been far too preoccupied with films coming out on DVD and in the cinema to watch classics, slap on the wrist for me! If you didn't manage to go this weekend you need to go and see Despicable Me 2. I saw it last week and laughed harder than I have in ages. I want a minion!

In June I blogged: Nothing! So sorry, life has kind of got in the way but I hope to be updated soon and I should have no excuse in the Summer.

The Goonies

(Image from Amazon)

The Goonies was added to the list by my friend Shawn as it is his all time favourite film. When I tweeted that I was watching it he responded that our friendship was at a 'pivotal moment'.

What I liked

Chunk - I loved all the boys but I think Chunk had to be my favourite. You've gotta love a clumsy chubby kid, he was adorable and hilarious.

The Fratellis - They were funny to watch argue and run around but I liked them most as I had no idea that the band who wrote one of my favourite albums must have stolen their name from them :)

The excitement - I had no idea what was going to come next and how they would get on. 

What I didn't like

Troy - Douche, enough said

Verdict

I loved the Goonies. A fun tale of some friends and an adventure, I couldn't predict any of the twists and turns. The ending with all the parents was too cute! It definitely deserves it's place on the classics list. 5/5

The Great Gatsby

(Image from Amazon)

I'd heard of The Great Gatsby before but never felt the inclination to read it. I'll be honest the real reason I've picked it up this month is because it was due to be in the cinema and I think Leo DiCaprio is a brilliant actor. As this is the fifth classic book that also has a film adaptation I may start doing Film vs Book posts. 

Things I liked

The writing - I've never really understood the phrase 'great writer' before, it's always been a case of whether I've liked or disliked a book and more about the story than the way it's told. Fitzgerald really does have a way with words though, not much happens in the story but every part is eloquently written with just enough description.

Daisy - I think she's a character that could divide opinion but I liked the way she didn't care about voicing her love for Gatsby, at least she didn't hide away from her affair like Tom did. 

Things I didn't like

Tom - He's so crabby and he doesn't appear to have any respect for anyone least of all the women in his life.

The narration - It was interesting to hear Nicks inner monologue but sometimes I felt like I wanted to hear what one of the others was thinking or feeling.

Verdict

I really enjoyed The Great Gatsby, it's a fairly short read but it's captivating. I was almost a little bit sad when it ended. I'm interested to see how the film interprets it. 5/5

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

(Image from Amazon)

I realised I'd been lagging a bit with my film challenge, I did really well in January and then I must have just carried on watching films I wanted to. Anyhow I asked my followers on Twitter what I should watch next and this was one of the suggestions.

What I liked

Cameron - He was a bit bonkers but really funny

The appearance of Charlie Sheen - There's something brilliant about watching an old film and recognising people that are in things you watch now. Charlie doesn't look much different to how he does today :)

Twist and Shout - I love a musical number, me :)

What I didn't like

Ferris - I couldn't relate to him at all. I don't really like smug people and everything just went too right for him, not someone you'd want to be friends with!

The parents - Get a grip and pay attention to your daughter more!

Verdict

I love the 80s and I thought most 'classic' 80's films would be up my street but I wasn't really too interested in this and Ferris annoyed me. It did have a few comedy moments though. 3/5