Book: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

This was a comedy with many underlying social criticisms. The fickle relationships, although a result of magic, symbolize the ephemeral courtings of then (and now). Nick Bottom's transformation represented how lowly the working class was viewed. All seriousness aside, the play was fun to read with witty lines and constant change.

Grade: A

Book: King Lear by William Shakespeare

Written in Shakespeare's poignant prose, King Lear was a touching tale of family. The theme of overlooking those who care the most is not unheard nor is it uncommon. However, Lear's demise is especially moving because of the way his words evoke emotion. Cordelia's love for her father emanates from the pages while her sisters make you loathe humanity and its selfishness. No other Shakespeare has moved me as this one did.

Grade: A

Movie: Bandslam

Not only was this movie uneventful, it wasn't even inspiring. Everyone who begins a high school misfit ends up popular and achieving their dreams. If this transformation had been gradual or even done realistically, the movie may have been interesting. The one good thing about the movie was the music.

Grade: D

Movie: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

This movie was a disappointment because nothing really happens. The focus is on relationships and there is no fight scene. The main character, played by Radcliffe, is devoid of emotion. His expression remains the same whether he is angry, sad, or in love. Maybe I'm judging too harshly because I liked the book, but I just wasn't satisified with the movie.

Grade: C

Movie: Up

It was a Disney movie for all ages. I know quite a few people, young and old, who cried. It was sentimental but kept you laughing the whole time. I loved their transition from children to adults to old people. It was done smoothly in one song. Although a balloon house seemed ridiculous at first, by the end of the movie you were believing it. This was a great movie that I would want everyone to see.

Grade: A

Book: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

I had high expectations for Hamlet after hearing its famous quotation over and over again. Although it was a good read, I was not enthralled by the story. Even the "To be or not to be" soliloquy was not as exciting as I thought it would be. Hamlet's lack of action or passion dampered the action that could have been. He spent more time talking than taking action. Also, the climax happens too quickly to make an impact.

Grade: B

Movie: The Day After Tomorrow

I recently saw this movie on TV and I was disappointed. From the reviews, I expected a much more fast-paced thriller. The phenomenon was incredibly done with special effects, but it was the acting that was a bit boring. I didn't connect with the characters and that is usually what makes disaster movies hit me.

Grade: B

Book: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

This was my second time reading this book, and I enjoyed it much more this time around. The first time I read it in a rush to find what happens. This time, I read with more attention to detail and was able to distinguish many nuances I had previously missed. The characters were very well developed; I could sense the anger and sadness even when they were not explicitly stated. The story was packed with action, my favorite being the final feud between the good and bad wizards.

Grade: A

Website: Bing.com

I checked out Bing.com because I heard it was a vast improvement of Windows Live Search. However, nothing I saw want to make me switch from my regular search engine, Google. In addition, the results I got were not as relevant as those I got on Google for several searches. It may be an improvement but doesn't have anything that would want to make people switch.

Grade: B

Book: The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

The appealing aspect of this book was not the storyline, but angst of the antagonist, Shylock. The racial prejudices and stereotypes were, I hope, products of the time. Yet, no matter how base Shylock's request, I saw justice in his words. He may have been harsh, but the harshness was only a result of the undeserved criticism and slander he's received all his life. Expecting better from Shakespeare, I was shocked he concluded by converting Shylock into a Christian.

Grade: B

Book: Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

It's the second book in a series by Libba Bray and was just as interesting as the first one. Set in Victorian England, it combines the strict customs and regulations of the times with the freedom and power of a spirit world only women can access. Being a big fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed the way the book gave you a taste of England in the 1600s with the adventure of a fantasy story.

Grade: A

Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I was surprised I liked this book. It started off really slowly with new characters mentioned left and right. Many times in the book I was forced to refer to the lineage in the front to figure out where I was in the family tree. All of the male names repeat many times with their stories overlapping. However, by the end, this convoluted concoction sucks you in. I had to finish just to find out what happened to the last Buenidos.

Grade: A

Movie: Julie & Julia

Though not everything has a happy ending, this was the story of 2 women who created one in their personal life, good and memorable.

Grade: A

Movie: Angels and Demons

It was again so good. I enjoyed it immensely and was sitting tight the whole time with suspense.

Grade: A

Movie: Transformers 2

AWESOME! YES!

Grade: A