A series of unfortunate events- Not for the faint hearted

Up until now, I've reviewed only happy novels and movies that have a positive outlook. But this time, I've decided to write a review on an amazing novel, written by Daniel Handler a.k.a Lemony Snicket, which is not so positive. It starts with the Baudelaire family and the three siblings. Violet the eldest was fourteen and a budding inventor. Klaus, the middle child, was twelve and an avid reader who spent most of his time in his library. Sunny was the youngest and had a keen sense of biting things and could use her teeth for almost anything. Their series of unfortunate events began with a fire in their mansion that killed their parents. This takes place in the first chapter of the first novel, so you can expect things to be worse if you continue reading.

Now that they were orphans, they were sent to live with a distant relative, Count Olaf. Let's start by describing him. Cunning, deceitful, rude and zero sense of hygiene. Count Olaf was shaping to be a bad guardian right? Well, actually he was much worse than that. This was where the children's troubles actually began! The Baudelaire's were a very rich family. Violet, being the eldest would inherit her share of the savings when she turned eighteen. Count Olaf's only motive was to get that fortune in his hands by hook or crook. He was ready to do anything. Even marry Violet just to get her share of the fortune! But Violet being very smart, cheated Count Olaf and the three of them made a run for it.

In the following twelve novels, the author tells us how the Count disguised himself to get into the siblings lives and try to get that fortune. In this journey, murder, committing arson and many other crimes were taken up by Count Olaf as desperate measures to reach the money. The novel leaves you wanting to read more and find out the cause of the fire that killed the sibling's parents, what happens to the children in the end and does Count Olaf succeed in his ultimate goal.

The thirteen novels were combined and made into a movie "Lemony Snicket's- The series of Unfortunate Events" which was released in 2004. As a writer, I prefer reading the novel first and then seeing the movie because the novel gives you a better picture of the story. But as a reminder, this series may not be appreciated by all, especially those who crave for happily ever afters.

A father's reaction changes everything- a daughter's point of view

I'm my father's pet. I always strive to be in his good books and almost always acheive this goal. But sometimes I miss it by that much! And because I miss it by "that much" it's harder to accept the fact that my father is unhappy with me. This time my results weren't exactly up to mark. I missed an A grade in two of my favourite subjects by less than a mark. Coincidentally, or more appropriate would be, unfortunately, I'm taking those two subjects next year. Now the pact with my dad is that I have to get an A grade in English and Social Science which will compensate for my downfall in Maths and Science. I didn't live up to that expectation by just one mark! When you miss impressing your father by just one mark, trust me, being a girl, it's your worst nightmare come to life.

We've always heard the term "father's daughter". Being a girl, your one and only purpose in life is to make your father feel proud of you, be able to get his words of praise and encouragement. Mother will always be there to make you feel better, but for a girl, a father's remark changes everything. For instance, you'll be jumping around, in a new dress, admiring yourself in it. But then, when your dad sees it and doesn't approve of it, all the excitement is drained out. When you are happy you got a decent grade and come home and tell your parents, your mom is happy with it, but your dad expects you to go higher and reach for a better score. This, again inevitably, lowers your happiness and you end up crying, thinking where you went wrong, what could you have done better just to get that smile of approval from him.

But, I believe in going forward and not wasting time trying to change the past, because what's done is done. Now my only chance to impress my father by doing what I'm good at and try to be the best in it. Nothing is more important for a girl than to amaze her father by proving him wrong, by making him feel, that yes, my daughter can do it! When a girl decides that she has to do it right, she will leave no stone unturned, she will go through anything just to reach that height. In the end, when she sees her father smiling at her, with a tear of joy in his eye, she'll know that all her efforts have finally given her a result. In Jim Valdano's words, "My father gave the greatest gift anyone could ever give another person, he believed in me". Fathers always believe in your capability. It is because they see your potential that they want you to reach higher. They push you and finally in the end, stumbling and falling on your path, you reach there. And trust me, the view is indescribable!

Disney- The creation and evolution of a child's fantasy (part 2)

This next part of my post talks about the change in Disney movies in the twenty first century. It talks about the change in animation, plots, characters, and many other factors. Let's take a closer look at some of the best Disney movies of the twenty first century.

BOLT-

Bolt was the 48th Animated film released by Disney, released in 2008. It was the first hit which was a computer-animated movie, and also the first to have an animal as a protagonist. Bolt got good reviews from critics and got a 3/4 rating.

UP-

Released in 2009, Up was the first 3D animated movie made by Disney in collaboration with Pixar. When the movie was shown in El Captain Theatre, Calafornia, it was accompanied by "Lighten Up!", a show featuring many Disney characters. The story line of Up was appreciated and the music was also one of the highlights.







TANGLED-

This movie is the modern version of Rapunzel. Released in 2010, this is an adventure-comedy movie and a must watch.
This time, toys featuring Rapunzel's hair and video games were also released to increase the demand for the movie. A short movie, or the sequel of Tangled was released in 2012 which featured Rapunzel's wedding!







WRECK-IT RALPH-

Wreck-it Ralph is a 2012 Computer animated fantasy-adventure movie. It got
positive response and was nominated for many awards and even won a few.
While interviewing the directors it was heard that a sequel of the movie is in the process of making.







FROZEN-

Frozen is the latest Disney movie released in 2013 and is also the 53rd animated movie by Disney. Viewers were more interested in the songs sung in the movie, like "Let it go". Overall the Disny experience was out of the world as usual.







And yet again, Disney continues to thrill us, enchant us and make us believe in fairy tales and "happily ever afters". With more movies like Big Hero 6 on the way, to be released in 2014 November, one can only hope that the magic created by Disney is enjoyed by all children of the future generations to come.

Disney- The creation and evolution of a child's fantasy

The one word any child associates to when he thinks of his childhood has always been Disney. Walt Disney's animated movies really keep the younger audiences engaged and have been loved by them from generations. But the whole story of Disney is still a mystery to some kids out there who don't know much about the person who makes such wonderful movies for them! That is why I am here, to uncover the mysteries of Disney, or in simple terms give you a clear sight on Disney's creation and evolution.

Walter Elias Disney was an American cartoonist, film maker and voice actor. He was the founder of Disney as we know it! The classic Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy were his creations which are still remembered by children of all ages. Another interesting fact is that Mickey Mouse's voice is actually Walt Disney's. He even set up theme parks around the globe in America, Japan, China and France. On 15 December, 1996, the legend passed away, leaving behind his legacy to be continued. Disney has given us the best animated movies right from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Frozen. Let's take a trip down the memory lane and revisit some of the evergreen Disney movies of all time.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS-

 Released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first animated movie made by Disney. It was premiered in Carthay Circle Theatre, Calafornia where it received a standing ovation. It was re-released in 1944 as a comeback. 

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST-

Jumping straight to 1991, Beauty and the Beast was an animated musical romantic fantasy produced by Walt Disney Pictures. 

For the first time ever, an unfinished version of the movie was shown in the New York Film Festival in 1991 where it received a ten minute long standing ovation!














ALADDIN-

The world saw another hit with the release of Aladdin in 1992. It was the 31st film released by Disney.
The main attraction were the songs in the movie, like "A whole new world", "You never had a friend like me".














LION KING-

The Lion King was an animated musical adventure film released in 1994. It took relationships and throne descendants to a whole new level.
The audience, as expected, was ecstatic about its release and the movie deserved the praise it got. It was the first time the trailer of a movie had been a song rather than a dialogue. The famous song "Circle of life" was made the trailer of the movie.










Disney continues to surprise us with many more animated movies in the twentieth century. More on that in my next post.

The Help- Different yet inspiring

Apartheid was the biggest tragedy of our world. It turned humans into animals and made them insensitive and violent. Social reformers, people from all over the world had tried to save those  oppressed by apartheid. But, if you could have gone back to 1963, during Civil War era to Jackson, Mississipi, would you have grabbed it and changed something? Something fundamental to the practice of apartheid? 'The Help' is about this. How a budding writer wanted to see change in society and stood her ground even if her people went against it. She stood for what was right and not what was set by others. She paved the path for African-Americans to stand tall and be proud of themselves rather then feel miserable. It started with, the Help.

It was that era when Americans and African-Americans had differences that were too wide to be measured. The African-American ladies worked at wealthy American's households as Help. They did all the house jobs, looked after the babies and earned very little for the amount of work they did. Aibleen Clark was one of the many women who worked as the help. Eugenia Skeeter was a budding writer, fresh out of college and craving for a job. She went to many magazines and finally got a job at a local newspaper as a "homemaker hints" columnist. So, to get some help, she asked Aibleen to answer some of the questions needed for her article. Soon, the two got talking about the problems Aibleen faced and how it had destroyed her life. Hearing all those stories, Skeeter remembered her own childhood maid and decided to compile a collection of stories from many maids and publish it.

At first, the help did not want to consider it. After a few weeks, they had no choice but to say yes as they thought it might improve their status and give recognition to them. So, Skeeter started her novel and soon got more than seventeen stories! Once she was done, she sent the draft to a New York City editor, hoping it would get published. And just a few weeks later, it was at every bookstore in Jackson. It became a rage soon and they earned a lot of money. But, if the people came to know that these stories were actually stories from their backyard, what would happen to the help? Moreover, what would happen to Skeeter and her career?

This movie is layered with humour, satire and deep thoughts. It shows how a singular person, if shown the right path, can create wonders! It's a truly touching movie and a must watch.

The three mentors- A poem-tribute to all the teachers out there

Teachers are the ones who mold you into what you are today. Without them there is no future for us, no hope for a good job. We are ever indebted to you. So, here's a self-composed poem for showing how much we care for you.

The three mentors

I was a seed searching for a path,
A way for me to grow.
When all of a sudden a bit of soil touched my heart
And I could sense I was no longer alone.

The soil said she was my mentor,
My guide who would teach me how to go through life.
She warned me not to take short-cuts or detours,
Else no amount of hard work would suffice.

Time passed on and I grew everyday,
Learnt so much from her.
Then she said one day,
This is all the knowledge I can give you dear
And saying that she went away.

Then came water, as patient as can be,
Who taught be how to live and learn from my mistakes.
He always preached that you will not survive if you are meek,
Always be alert and always be on your guard, never get scared.

Just as soil's time was up,
Soon that day dawned when water also resigned his job.
I thought my training was over and done,
But there were still things in store I had no clue about.

Air made her way up to me later,
And taught me to soar higher and reach greater heights.
She inculcated values and ethics,
With a hint of humour and laughter in sight.

My final test had come after all the hard work,
Sunlight had come to evaluate me.
With his hard stare and daring smirk,
I knew this wouldn't be easy at all.

After hours of questioning,
He finally came to a conclusion.
He looked down at me smiling
And said I was the perfect plant till now.

To this day I am indebted to my mentors,
Soil, water and air, they shaped me into who I am today.
Without them I would have still been that seed locked away,
From the whole world that looks up to me today!

Happy teachers day! 

Prime Minister addressing children- First of it's kind

On the occasion of Teachers Day, on 5th September 2014, Mr. Narendra Modi, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, addressed school-going children all over the country. Through video conferencing, children from Port Blair, Bhuj and even Assam could interact with the Prime Minister. In the history of India, this is the first time the prime minister has taken time to talk to children and help them out with their problems.

The event was held at Manekshaw Centre in the capital city, New Delhi. Smriti Irani, Human Resource minister accompanied sir in the interaction. The programme saw many children speaking on the importance of Teachers Day and why it is celebrated. In the end, Mr. Narendra Modi also said a few words which truly touched each students heart.

His main question was, why is teaching turning into a dying art? Nowadays, everyone wants to become a doctor, engineer or designer but no one wants to take up teaching as a career. Schools should try and teach students the importance of teaching and how noble it is as a profession. Nowadays with the coming of 24-hour television and internet, a child's life has no play. All he has time for is studying, watching television and spending time on his computer. Sir said that this is the time for children to be out in the sun and play, not sit and home all day! With the coming of technology, everything is at our fingertips. Search engines are always there if we need any help. But in Narendra Modi's words, searching on the internet are facts that are received by you, not knowledge. Knowledge can only come if you take the time to understand the person or thing you're looking for. Understand his life and what he has gone through in life and learn from him.

After his speech, the interaction session began and students from different parts of India asked many interesting questions to Sir. As a Prime Minister, Sir has taken a big step in getting to know the county's future citizens and has taken that extra time to talk to them. We can only hope that the tradition set by Sir continues and shines brighter in the years to come.