Austenland: DVD Review and Giveaway

Austenland: DVD Review and Giveaway

If you know me and if you have read any of my movie reviews in the past, you should know I'm not much of a chick flick girl. In fact, I abhor chick flicks and steer clear of them altogether.

While I am also a bookworm, I don't read any romance novels nor have I read a single Jane Austen novel in my life (so far… I'll get on it - I promise!)

So, I really wasn't very excited to watch "Austenland". I hadn't even heard of it before. Since I like the element of surprise, I didn't even read the back of the DVD. All I knew was that Felicity was in it and that it had something to do with Jane Austen novels. Lol.

Austenland: DVD Review and Giveaway

The premise of "Austenland" was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning. There's this girl who's obsessed with Jane Austen and she spends all of her life savings to go to "Austenland" for the 'ultimate Jane Austen experience'. How chick flick-y could you get?

I found myself rolling my eyes by this point, but fortunately, I find Jennifer Coolidge downright entertaining. So, when she showed up - in full insane pinkified attire, I might add - I figured I'd be able to survive the rest of the movie. 

What happened to me after they reached Austenland, however, was intense. I found myself jumping up and down on my bed with a huge grin on my face. I sat up. I inched closer to the TV screen. And I paid so much more attention to the movie, completely ignoring the text messages on my phone and just gushing and gushing and gushing. Why? I'll show you why:

via clotureclub.com

Let me explain: I AM IN LOVE WITH TOM HIDDLESTON. Like, no matter how bad things get in life, show me a meme of Tom Hiddleston and I'll get an instant grin on my face, no matter what.

Well, without my glasses, this guy looked exactly like Tom Hiddleston. In fact, I didn't even realize he wasn't Tom Hiddleston until the end credits rolled. Mega fail on my part, but I don't even care. THEY LOOK ALIKE. COME ON.

via moustacheislove.deviantart.com

I actually plan on watching "Captain America" now coz of him. <3

Anyway, yes, the non-chick-flick-lover that is me ended up loving this movie coz of the eye candy. And, because I want to share this awesome new eye candy discovery and his uber sexy English accent with you, here's a giveaway for a copy of "Austenland" that you can keep and re-watch for yourself. :D 3 winners for this!

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Whether you are a fan of chick flicks or not and whether you read Jane Austen novels or not, "Austenland" is definitely an entertaining (and eye candy-filled!!!) watch. It's the kind of movie you can watch over and over again (well, in my case, anyway coz I'm mababaw) and will make you giddy like a lil school girl.

And OMG! Jane Seymour (of "Somewhere in Time" fame) is in it, too - and she's still a beauty after all this time.

I give it 3.5 stars out of 5. :)

This delightful rom-com is now available on DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Magnavision. It is based on a novel by Shannon Hale. :)

Austenland: DVD Review and Giveaway

Do You Love Tom Cruise Movies? (GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!)

Tom Cruise has been and always will be my first love. As such, it shouldn't come as any wonder if I collect every single movie that he has been in. Fortunately, he hasn't been in any extremely bad ones yet, so there's nothing in my DVD collection to barf about just yet. :p

The good news is that Magnavision has recently released two of Tom Cruise's newer movies  and because I love him so much and because I love you guys so much, I'm hosting a giveaway wherein 3 of you can win a set of Tom Cruise DVDs courtesy of Magnavision.

Those DVDs are as follows:

Jack Reacher

I mean, seriously: what is not to love about this man? He is timeless and so are his movies - including "Jack Reacher". I don't care what anybody else says. :p

Oblivion

Take it from me. This sci-fi mindfuck masterpiece is a definite must-see despite all of the loopholes and confusion that may go on in your head during and after the movie. :p

So, what are you waiting for? Fill up the Rafflecopter below and be one of the 3 lucky winners who will take home some Tom Cruise-y goodness!

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Good luck! :)

DVD Review: Evil Dead (GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!)

I was never a big fan of horror movies. Ever since I was a kid, I would try to shy away from horror movies. Unfortunately, 99% of the time, my oh-so-supportive siblings would force me into watching them anyway.

Horror movies are generally what made me scared of clowns, dead pets, big dogs, corn fields, puppets, bathtubs, shower curtains and even falling asleep.

But then the remake of "Evil Dead" came along and horror movies suddenly became fun. (Or maybe they were always fun and I was just paranoid from birth because of my siblings? Oh, siblings!)

Evil Dead: What Makes It Different?

I watched this movie during the advanced screening coz I got super gripped by the trailer. While I may not be a fan of scary shit, I do love my gore! Is that weird?

"Evil Dead" basically revolves around a group of friends who come together in an abandoned cabin in the woods (so cliche, I know!) with hopes of helping their friend Mia kick her cocaine habit (aahhh! It actually makes sense!)

Now, although "Evil Dead" obviously isn't based on a true story, I enjoyed it immensely. For a low-budget horror film, "Evil Dead" brings together enough gore, brutal terror and black humor to actually be downright entertaining from beginning to end.

Evil Dead: Is the DVD Worth It?

While it is no secret that I absolutely loved watching "Evil Dead" on the big screen (I was even up for seconds, but all my friends are wusses! :p), I enjoyed the DVD of "Evil Dead" even more.

The "Evil Dead" DVD is a definite must-have because of the special features. Truth be told, I have a newfound respect for gory horror movies after watching the special features, especially for Jane Levy and all of the grueling things that she had to go through during the shoot.

It's funny how you get so immersed in horror movies a lot of the time that you don't even stop to think about all of the shit that the actors have to go through for their roles. In "Evil Dead", for example, people get vomited on, run through mud, get buried alive and fight demons in a (literal) bloodshower. Trust me: the Behind the Scenes features in the DVD are definitely worth the watch!

Even if you aren't into horror movies, though, "Evil Dead" would be a good movie to watch for the eye candy in the form of Shiloh Fernandez. You might know him from "Red Riding Hood", but even if you don't: he's yummy. Plus, you can set a movie date with your crush or boyfriend and just grab onto him 99% of the time. :p Sneaky, sneaky!

Evil Dead: The Giveaway

Whether you were able to catch "Evil Dead" on the big screen or haven't seen it yet at all, you are sure to love the DVD that Magnavision is currently dishing out - available on DVD and VCD in stores now.

The good news is that I'm giving away 3 copies of the "Evil Dead" DVD to 3 of my readers! Here's how you can join:

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Good luck! :)

DVD Review: Jack the Giant Slayer

Interestingly enough, I enjoyed "Jack the Giant Slayer" so much more on DVD than I did when watching it on the big screen last March. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood when I watched it then, but I found myself smiling most of the time during the movie this time around.

If you haven't read my movie review for "Jack the Giant Slayer" yet, you can find it here.

While the DVD menus aren't exactly amazing and are actually quite basic and simple overall, the deleted scene of the story about King Erik and the Giant is pretty amazing in itself. In fact, it would work really well as a bedtime story for your kids when you can't find the time to tell one yourself. ;)

The other deleted scenes are quite interesting, as well, and well worth the watch. There's one really good one on a bridge that reminded me of video games (Crash Bandicoot, in particular) and I'm not sure why they deleted it. I sorta wish there was a Director's Commentary with the DVD, so I can find out.

The gag reel is pretty awesome, too. You'll get to see the actors in a more light-hearted mood, which I always love, and you'll even get to see the famed green screen! :D Haha. Sorry. I'm a sucker for behind-the-scenes anythings when it comes to movies. :)

The winners for this giveaway are Menma and Sherry Ann!

Please email me ASAP to claim your prize! :)

Of course, you can also buy the DVD yourself. If you do, then you even stand the chance to win great prizes!

All photos and DVDs courtesy of Magnavision. :)

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Les Miserables DVDs

I had a shoot for Madhouse MNL recently, which was all about transformation and, after re-watching "Les Miserables" last night, I couldn't help but notice how much of it could actually be applied to my "life story".

Like Fantine, there was a time where I was head over heels in love with a boy and imagined our whole future together. I also give my all - though naturally through the same extremes - to ensure that my daughter has a bright future.

Unlike her, though, my faith in God was more like Jean Valjean's, in that it never wavered and I never gave up nor questioned his motives for my future.

Of course, as of this moment, I am also hoping to get Cosette's happily ever after ending. :p

If you are reading this, then your life prolly isn't even close to how miserable the people's lives are in "Les Miserables". But if you watch it again and pay closer attention to the bigger picture, you are sure to be able to relate to at least one of the characters in at least one point in your life.

If you haven't seen "Les Miserables" yet or simply want to be able to re-watch it over and over again the way that I do, then today is your lucky day coz I am giving away 3 copies of the "Les Miserables" original DVD. :D

Here's how you can join:


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By the way, if you haven't read my "Les Miserables" review yet, then you can check it out here.

Anyway, as mentioned earlier, I re-watched "Les Miserables" myself last night and all of those depressed feelings that I had from when I watched it in the cinemas came flooding back. The sounds and the visuals are just as great as when I saw them on the big screen, as well.

The only difference is that I had a bigger supply of tissues here at home and a big pillow to hug. Definitely my preferred way of watching this kind of movie! :)

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Pitch Perfect DVDs

Do you remember how much I raved about "Pitch Perfect" after watching it for the first time? If you haven't read my review on the movie yet, then you can check it out here.

I actually loved Jesse the Treblemaker so much, I even wrote a post on him. Lol. What can I say? The movie is aca-awesome!

If you agree with me, then you would prolly love to get a copy of the DVD yourself, huh?

Well, today is your lucky day! Coz, thanks to Magnavision, I will be giving away 3 copies of the Pitch Perfect DVD. :D

All you gotta do is answer these 5 questions and email them to ariangel.rod@gmail.com with your full name. The 3 winners will be announced on my Twitter account (@the_lil_miss) this weekend! :)

1. What is the name of Rebel Wilson's character?

2. What song did the auditionees have to perform during their audition for the Trebles and Bellas?

3. What is the name of Barden University's male a cappella group?

4. What is the name of Barden University's female a cappella group?

5. Why should you win?

Good luck! :)

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The Hobbit DVDs

Do you remember how much I raved about "The Hobbit" after watching it in the cinemas? If you haven't read my review on the movie, then you can check it out here.

Either way, if you love "The Lord of the Rings" as much as I do, then you prolly can't wait to get your hands on the DVD of this gem. Am I right?

Well, today is your lucky day! Coz, thanks to Magnavision, I will be giving away 2 copies of The Hobbit Single-Disc Edition DVD. :D

Here's how you can join:

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If you are a huge LOTR fan, though, then you might want to know that "The Hobbit" is actually also available on Blu-Ray at Php1,850; Blu-ray 3D at Php2,995; and 2-Disc DVD at Php799.

All of the special DVDs feature 130 minutes of bonus content, so real LOTR fans should definitely look into at least one of them!

I can tell you now that the bonus features are definitely worth the money! :)

DVD Review: Rise of the Guardians (GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!)

Did you see "Rise of the Guardians" when it came out in the cinemas? If so, then you will be happy to hear that the DVD is just as magical, just as awe-inspiring and just as touching as the big-screen version. :)

What makes the DVD better than its movie counterpart, though, is the fact that you get to go behind the scenes and see the actors voice their respective characters.

I don't know about you, but I first fell in love with the special features of DVDs after watching "The Prince of Egypt" on DVD back in 1999. As such, I couldn't wait to watch bits and pieces of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law getting into voice-character.

Now, although I can't give you a baby tooth or a human version of Jack Frost, I can give you the third best thing: a DVD of the movie courtesy of Magnavision! :)

So, if you want to share this movie with the family or just relive your childhood in a whole new way, just fill up this Rafflecopter form:

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DVD Review: Argo

I originally wrote an entire blog post about my love for Ben Affleck - a blog post that would rival even Holden McNeil's monologue on how much he loves Alyssa in "Chasing Amy".

But hey, such is life. This post is meant to be about "Argo" and about "Argo" it shall be.

When I missed "Argo" in the cinemas, I really didn't have any plans of seeing it anymore. My dad was going on and on about how it was about ambassadors and embassies (my dad was an ambassador before retirement). Well, it's not. It's about Ben Affleck. :p And I just want to make a huge shout-out to Magnavision for giving me a copy of the DVD and strengthening my love for him all the more! :)

If you've read my DVD review on "The Vow", then you should know how much I love and appreciate movies based on true stories. Well, that is exactly what "Argo" was.

If done in any other way, "Argo" could have easily come off as try-hard or fake, but with Ben Affleck's magical eye and talent (sorry, sorry, I'm a huge fan - have you seen "The Town"?), "Argo" became a thrilling and exciting movie well worth the Best Movie wins in the Golden Globes and the Oscars (though I still hate The Academy for not nominating Ben as Best Director).

Ben Affleck also seems to have a talent for discovering and finding great talent in his cast (again, see "The Town"!). The cast was perfect for this and I love, love, loved their outfits, the setting and the cars! Lol.

If you haven't seen "Argo" yet, then you should definitely see it. Not only will you learn a thing or two about my birth country (American and proud!) and its relations with other countries, but you will also sense intense tension and maybe even sweat a little while watching. I found myself screaming a lot and even kneading my cheeks a little. Don't judge me. :p

"Argo" is definitely Ben Affleck's best work so far. So, even if he wasn't nominated as Best Director at the Oscars, it couldn't help but win as Best Movie. Watch Ben Affleck's inspiring acceptance speech here:

Oh, Ben. I love you. Please don't stop being so brilliant.

Have you seen "Argo" yet? What did you think of it? I'd love to know! :) Also, do you love Ben Affleck as much as I do? :p Don't forget to like Magnavision on Facebook and follow them on Twitter btw! :)

DVD Review: Hotel Transylvania by Magnavision

"Hotel Transylvania" is one of those movies that I surprisingly loved. I watched it without really expecting much out of it and I found myself laughing out loud from beginning to end.

The voice talents of "Hotel Transylvania" stand out for various reasons: they are all comedians (Selena Gomez aside - or is she?). So, even if you don't actually see their faces, you can totally imagine Adam Sandler's over-the-top acting as Count Dracula and Andy Samberg's awkward but funny acting as Johnny. And who doesn't love Andy Samberg? Seriously.

However, the characters that truly stand out in this movie are the side characters: the werewolves and their hundreds of baby-werewolves, Frankenstein who clearly still doesn't have a good brain on him, the Invisible Man and that tiny old womanly creature who eats everything, to name a few... No idea who that lady was supposed to be, but her line "I didn't do that" is the most memorable one in the movie for me, aside from the Zing lines.

One reason why I love this movie to bits is because Dracula is a single dad in it. Yes, yes, I can relate. And I am so dreading the day when Syrena is old enough to make her own decisions and leave me alone for good. But, hey, the whole point of the movie is to teach parents to let go and that change is all around us, so the least we can do is embrace it. :) Haha. pretty deep for a cartoon, but that's how cartoons have always been.

I actually know everything that I know from cartoons, comic books and fairy tales.
True story.

Of course, the other reason why I love this movie is because of the subtle cheesiness in it. The big quote of the movie is "You only Zing once in your life." Or... wait for it... YOZO. Chyeah. I totes just did that.

There is also a poem in it that I loved:

Two bats crash in the night.

They felt a Zing! Love at first sight.

They knew from that moment,

they'd be husband and wife.

For a Zing only happens once in your life.

Yayuh! Bring on the cheese!

You guys already know that I've found my Zing. I hope you find yours, too. :) If you still don't get what YOZO or Zing means, then that just goes to show that you have to get a copy of "Hotel Transylvania" at your nearest Astroplus branch soon. Massive thanks to Magnavision for mine! :)

Have you seen "Hotel Transylvania"? What did you think of it? I'd love to know! And tell me about the Zing in your life, if you have one! :) Don't forget to like Magnavision and Sony on Facebook and follow Magnavision and Sony on Twitter btw! :)