Saturday, July 26, 2008

Nancy Drew
DVD ~ Emma Roberts (II)
Amazon.com
Price: $19.99
Availability: In Stock
105 used & new from $4.35


Supper Sleuth,
July 26, 2008

Nancy Drew

As a huge Nancy Drew fan, I was very excited to watch this modern day Nancy Drew mystery movie.

The main difference, in this modern day twist, is Nancy's age. They set her age as a teenage high school student. The Nancy from the books is eternally eighteen-years-old. (The first books came out in the 1930's and new books are still being published today).

I was not disappointed in the Nancy Drew movie. She is a crime solving wonder, taking chances, and even going behind her dad's back to solve a mystery. Let's face it, if there is a mystery to be solved, Nancy Drew is your girl.

When Nancy's Dad, Carson Drew takes a job in Hollywood, he hopes for Nancy to make a fresh start and to give up mysteries. Nancy makes a promise to her father, "No more mysteries." When she moves into the home of the deceased Hollywood movie star, Dehlia Draycott, the image of the movie star is prevalent throughout the house. Nancy even hears the voice of Dehlia in her sleep.

Nancy begins to wonder about Dehlia Draycott's mysterious death. How can the teenager keep the promise to her father, when a mystery is all around her? Nancy follows clues which lead her to danger, excitement and a long lost heir. Will she solve the mystery? Will she ever be accepted by her peers at the new school? Will her dad finally understand her need to solve a mystery?

Kids and parents will love Nancy Drew. I really hope this movie will entice a whole new generation of Nancy Drew readers.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
author: Through the Rug
Through The Rug 2 : Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Look for my Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog video trailer
on YouTube

Monday, July 21, 2008

August Rush

A Modern Day Oliver Twist

Evan Taylor is an orphan who knows his parents are out there looking for him. He hears music in everything. He is convinced that if he can play music, his parents will find him.

Evan's father, an Irish musician met Evan's mother, a cello player in a chance encounter. His mother, Lyla is told that her baby has died. His father, Louis was unaware that there ever was a child. Louis and Lyla long for each other. They both give up their music and can't find true happiness.

Evan runs away from the orphanage, saying he is following the music. He goes home with a street musician about his age, who plays for donations. Evan finds himself in a run down theatre, living with many other runaways. The leader, a man called the Wizard, discovers Evans talents, and gives him the choice spot as a street performer. He also names him August Rush, which sounds more like a performer's name.

August Rush follows the music he hears and walks into a church with a choir practicing. Evan can play the piano on his first try. His music leads him to perform his own symphany, in Central Park. August Rush is sure that if his music can be presented to a larger audience he will find his parents.

This is a sweet and happy film. The music is delightful. You will find yourself anxiously hoping for Evan to find his parents. You will also long for Lyla and Louis, who have both turned back to their music after eleven years, to find each other again.

I highly recommend this movie for children and adults. I have seen it two times and hope to watch it again. There are very few movies I will watch twice.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Through the Rug
Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
Look for my Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
video trailer on YouTube

Friday, July 18, 2008

Spiderwick

Going through a divorce, kids missing their father, moving away from friends, Helen Grace has her hands full.

Mallory, Jared and Simon never realize what life has in store for them when their mother moves them into the spooky old mansion of her great-aunt Lucinda.

Jared is a bit rebellious, and Simon is a bit of a nerd. Mallory is the typical older sister, when things happen around the house, she naturally blames her brother. Jared discovers a secret room, with a locked box containing the writings of Arthur Spiderwick. Arthur has been missing for 80 years.

The family and the home are surrounded by creatures that desperately need to get their hands on Arthur Spiderwick’s field manual. Will the creatures get the book? Will the family be forced out of their home?

I did not read the books, but I plan to, soon. Based on only watching the movie, with all stars, I enjoyed Spiderwick. It may be scary for younger children.

Jill Vanderwood
Author of the magical adventure book series,
Through the Rug
Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
Look for my Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
Video trailer on YouTube

Nim's Island

A Modern Day Swiss Family Robinson Tale

Nim and her father, mirobiologist Jack Russo live on a private island in the middle of the Asiatic Sea. They have all the conveniences of home, with regular deliveries from a supply ship. Nim enjoys her friendships with her animal pals, a sea lion, a pelican and an iguana. She also enjoys reading the latest adventure from her favorite author, Alex Rover.

When Nim's father fails to return an excursion to collect specimens, Nim is worried about her own safety and the safety of her father out to sea. She contacts her favorite author, Alex Rover. She is certain that Alex will know just how to find her father.

Alex Rover turns out to be Alexandra Rover, the big city dweller who is afraid to leave the comfort of her own home. Alex braves the wild world just outside her door, by taking a deap breath and listening to the promptings of her fictional adventure character.

How can this pathetic creature go over land and sea to help a courageous child find her father?
Can her father brave the storm and find his way back to his daughter?

This is a fun family movie about going outside yourself and overcoming obstacles.
I enjoyed the acting of Abigail Breslin as much as I enjoyed Jody Foster in her skittish role.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author: Through the Rug
Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
Look for my Through the Rug 2: Follow that Dog
video trailer on YouTube