Grind directed by Casey La Scala

La Scala, Casey. Grind. Perfs. Mike Vogel, Vince Vieluf, Adam Brody, Joey Kern and Jennifer Morrison. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, 2003. 105 minutes. $9.99 ISBN 0790778270

Readers Annotation: After graduation, college and the working world are farthest from these skaters minds.
Plot Summary: Most high school graduates are busy figuring out what college to go to or out applying for a job, but for Eric Rivers (Mike Vogel) that's not on his agenda. What he wants to do is skate, and make it big. Eric and his friend Matt (Vince Lieluf) decide to kidnap hard working Dustin (Adam Brody) on a road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica. They pick up the smooth talking Sweet Lou (Joey Kern) along the way and his decked out van that includes a removable skate ramp. They head through a couple small towns, taking on young teenage skaters, picking up hot girls, and getting their van stolen. The quartet attempt to enter into any skate competitions they can and force their way onto the great Jimmy Wilson's tour band to leave a tape of their skate tricks. Eric falls for cute Jamie (Jennifer Morrison), who ends up being a phenomenal skater. The boys, with help from Matt's circus family, finally make it to the big competition in Santa Monica, but the question is, will they be able to enter and win?
Critical Evaluation: Grind isn't an award winning movie, but definitely has some memorable moments. Six years after I first saw this movie, at 18, I still quote some of the funnier lines. As far as post-graduation adventure movies go, this one is on the more believable side. They encounter problem after problem, including getting their van and all their gear stolen, but yet they keep on going. I suppose there are many teenage boys out there wishing the same thing, to be signed by some skate company and make mad cash skating everyday. What this movie is all about, however, is gross humor, meeting girls, and skating your heart out, and it surely accomplishes this.
Information about the Author: Mike Vogel went on to star in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Poseidon and Cloverfield. After being in several tv shows, most famously being The OC, Adam Brody has starred in several more feature films including Mr. & Mrs. Smith, In the Land of Women, Thank You for Smoking and will be in the comedy horror Jennifer's Body in September. Jennifer Morrison also starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Star Trek and has been Dr. Allison Cameron on House, MD. Casey La Scala was executive producer for teen greats like A Walk to Remember, Donnie Darko, and What a Girl Wants.
Genre: Comedy, Sports-themed
Age Level: PG-13, crude humor
Curriculum Ties: No curriculum ties.
Book talking ideas: Talk about the benefits of a good laugh and the skills involved in skateboarding.
Challenge Issues: The crude humor might be an issue for some parents.
Why I included it: I included Grind because its a good all around teen movie, and one of my favorites from my teen years. As someone who always wished she could skate, watching other people skate is just as good.

She's the Man directed by Andy Fickman

She's the Man directed by Andy Fickman
Fickman, Andy. She's the Man. Perfs. Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, Laura Ramsey, and Vinnie Jones. Universal City, CA: DreamWorks, 2006. 105 minutes. $14.99 ISBN 1415723680
Readers Annotation: After her school's girl soccer team is cut, Viola decides to pose as her brother in order to play for his private school boys team.
Plot Summary: Viola's (Amanda Bynes) love in life is soccer. She lives and breathes soccer, much to her mother's (Julie Hagerty) dismay who insists on turner her tomboy daughter into a beautiful debutant. When her brother Sebastian (James Kirk) on a secret tour in London with his band, Viola takes her only chance at playing soccer. She enlists the help of her best friends Yvonne (Jessica Lucas), Kia (Amanda Crew) and Paul (Jonathan Sadowski) to help her transform into her brother. Viola arrives at school, paranoid that everyone will see through her disguise. Her roommate Duke (Channing Tatum) is also a soccer player and the two form a friendship, Duke helping Viola with her soccer skills and Viola helping Duke get the girl. Soon Violet realizes the she has feelings for Duke but will never be able to express them as her brother. Meanwhile, "the girl," Olivia (Laura Ramsey) falls for Viola as Sebastian and real-Sebastian's ex-girlfriend tries to find out why he dumped her. A tangled-love triangle ensues, with everyone left to "Duke" it out in the end.
Critical Evaluation: She's the Man is another modern interpretation of William Shakespeare, using Twelth Night, or What You Will as it's basis. The result is a creative film that will engage today's teens, giving them a way to relate to Shakespeare. Dealing with the drama of high school and the action of sports, instead of the world of dukes, countesses and sword play. The movie takes everything, including the name of the school, directly from Shakespeare. Viola and Sebastian are the twins, Olivia is a popular high school cheerleader instead of a countess, Duke Orsino is the popular soccer star of Illyria instead of Orsino, Duke of Illyria, and the antagonist has the name Malcom instead of outdated Malvolio. Overall the film is a successful representation of Shakespeare, and a cute romantic comedy.
Information about the Author: Amanda Bynes comes from Nickelodean fame, appearing the shows All That and The Amanda Show, and starred alongside Jennie Garth in What I Like About You. Amanda has been in several romantic teen comedies including What a Girl Wants and the Snow White inspired Sydney White. Channing Tatum went on to star in Step Up, Fighting and G. I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra. Before becoming an actor in high action films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, Vinnie Jones was a British soccer star.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Age Level: PG-13
Curriculum Ties: When discussing Shakespeare
Book talking ideas:
Challenge Issues: The only challenge that may arise from this movie occurs toward the end. Both Viola and Sebastian flash the football fans, proving their femininity and masculinity. While nothing is seen on camera, what they are showing is implied.
Why I included it: I included this movie because it is one of my favorites. I love Shakespeare adaptations and this one is at the top of my list. Amanada Bynes is hilarious. I would have added all of her movies if I could.

10 Things I Hate About You by Gil Junger

Junger, Gil (Director). 10 Things I Hate About You. Perfs. Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik. Burbank, CA: Touchstone Pictures, 1999. 97 minutes. $14.99 ISBN 0788817795
Readers Annotation: Two sisters who couldn't be more opposite find love and friendship in high school.
Plot Summary: Bianca is the cute and popular younger sister of Kat, the rebel outcast. Cameron, the new guy in town, falls hard for Bianca and enlists the help of Patrick to take out Kat in order to date Bianca. Needless to say, Pat and Kat have a love/hate relationship while Cameron is just the friend to Bianca, whose eyes are set on Joey. After shelling out lots of money, and a few punches, Bianca realizes who she really loves, and Kat breaks through her tough exterior.
Critical Evaluation: 10 Things I Hate About You is a great modern day high school retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Bianca, Katherina and Patrick "Verona" are the only names that come directly from Shakespeare. Although it has been a while since I read The Taming of the Shrew, it would seem that it is loosely based on the play. The film will speak to teens though in a way Shakespeare cannot. The high school drama, feelings of being unnoticed, prom, raging hormones, these are the things teenager can identify with. The film doesn't ignore its roots, however. Their English teacher spouts sonnets as if they are raps, and Kat's best friend is obsessed with Shakespeare. Overall, this is a great adaptation of classic literature.
Information about the Author: Julia Stiles went on to star in O, another Shakespeare adaptation, based on Othello. She has also been in several romantic comedies, and also the Bourne trilogy. Heath Ledger, who passed away last year at 28, was in several successful movies including Brokeback Mountain, I'm Not There and Dark Knight. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus comes out later this year.
Genre:
Age Level: PG-13
Curriculum Ties: Great for comparing modern Shakespeare adaptations. Show clips of the movie in reference to parts of the play.
Book talking ideas: Talk to them about Shakespeare and how Shakespeare influences much of modern entertainment.
Challenge Issues: I was 14 when this movie first came out, and as much as I wanted to see it, my parents wouldn't let me. Once I told them it was based on Shakespeare, however, my mom and I ended up watching it together. Now it's one of our favorites. Some of the themes in the movie, like Cameron's friend Michael's obsession with sex, Patrick's comments about beer flavored nipples, and Joey drawing a penis on Michael's face, definitely wouldn't be OK with a lot of parents. Like my parents, maybe if they're informed of what the film is based on, they could change their mind. Although some parents just don't want their children to see films with a lot of sexual references in them.
Why I included it: I included this movie because it has been one of my favorites since I was in my early teens. Even those in their early teens now quote the movie, and it has just been turned into an ABC Family TV show. There can never be too many Shakespeare adaptations.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for Wii

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for Wii
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Electronic Arts: 2009. $49.99 SKU
Readers Annotation: Become a witch or wizard while playing Wii by flying a broomstick, dueling with wands, and making potions.
Plot Summary: This Wii game follows both the book and movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, taking aspects from both. Players are able to start at the beginning, following Harry and his friends as they roam around the castle, take classes, and learn magic at Hogwarts. If following the story isn't your thing, then duel a friend with magic wands, or play quidditch on a broom. This game will give hours of enjoyment as you play your way through Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Critical Evaluation: This Wii game is a step up from the last Harry Potter Wii game based on The Order of the Phoenix. This game allows for up to two players, unlike the previous one which only allowed one player at a time. Although only one player can play the story aspects of the game, two can be part of the Gryffindor Dueling Club. Players can also play quidditch and make potions, which is another step up from the previous game. If only there was a Wii version of the Quidditch World Cup game from a few years ago. Suggested for ages ten and up, teens will really get into the action of the game and the exitement of pretending to fly a broom or hold a wand. I found the game to be much more interesting than the previous Wii game, and a lot more user friendly. The spellwork isn't as complicated as before, and the instructions are easier to follow. Dueling was a blast, literally.
Information about the Author: EA is one of the leading makers of video games, including Madden and all of the other professional sports games, as well as Sims and the new EA Sports Active.
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy
Age Level: Everyone, ages 10 and up
Curriculum Ties: No curriculum ties.
Book talking ideas: Get a Harry Potter discussion going. Discuss how using Harry Potter types magic would make things different.
Challenge Issues: The fact that players are emulating spell work and potion making, essentially wielding magical powers, may make some parents uncomfortable.
Why I included it: How could I not include something Harry Potter? Harry Potter seems to be an intergenerational series, with many teens getting so into the books that they dress up for movie and book releases, and are the same Harry Potter character every year for Halloween (including yours truly). How fun would it be to pretend to be Harry and his friends and battle Lord Voldemort while wielding the Wii remote as a wand?

Tinted Windows, self titled album

Tinted Windows, a self titled album
Carlos, Bun E., Taylor Hanson, James Iha, and Adam Schlesinger. Tinted Windows. New York: S-Curve, 2009. 36 minutes $9.99 ISBN 9786312860006

Readers Annotation: Newest rock'n'roll super-group spans multiple generations.
Critical Evaluation: The new self-titled album by the super-group Tinted Windows is not what fans of the members' previous bands expected. Comprising of Cheap Trick's Bun E. Carlos on the drums, Hanson's Taylor Hanson on vocals, Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha on guitar and Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger on bass, the result is something more early Cheap Trick than anything else. The pop-rock songs are all upbeat and speak on love, love and more love. Their style reminds me of the pop-rock bands of the 70s and early 80s, like The Knack, Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello.
Information about the Author: Each of the band members have had a great deal of success with their other bands, but decided to come together for something new. Cheap Trick has a new album out, and is currently on tour. Smashing Pumpkins went on a 20th anniversary tour last year, with their latest full-length album released in 2007. Hanson will be embarking on a US tour in the fall. Fountains of Wayne is performing a few acoustic shows in the fall.
Genre: Rock, Pop
Age Level: All Ages
Curriculum Ties: History of Music
Book talking ideas: Have them listen to samples from Cheap Trick, Hanson, Smashing Pumpkins and Fountains of Wayne, then compare this to Tinted Windows.
Challenge Issues: No challenge issues.
Why I included it: As a big fan of all bands represented, I was very excited when I heard Taylor Hanson, Bun E. Carlos and James Iha were collaborating. Honestly, the only thing I'd heard up till recently by Fountains of Wayne was "Stacy's Mom," but that isn't a good reflection of their work. I have always loved when talented musicians get together outside of their normal jamming buddies. The result is usually something different, and fantastic. I hope that teens will hear bands like this and become interested in the members' other achievements, especially with those like legendary Bun E. Carlos and the often overlooked Taylor Hanson.

Penelope directed by Mark Palansky

Palansky, Mark (Director). Penelope. Perfs. Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, and Reese Witherspoon. Universal City, CA: Summit Entertainment, 2008. 90 minutes. $19.99 UPC 025195037952

Viewers Annotation: Penelope is like any other girl, except that she was born with a pig snout for a nose. All she wants is to break her curse, and hopefully find true love.
Plot Summary: After a curse falls on the Wilhelm family, Penelope's parents end up the only Wilhelms to have a daughter. Because of the old family curse, Penelope is born with a pig snout for a nose. Fearing the humiliation it would bring their daughter, and themselves, they hide her in their mansion during her childhood. When she is a teenager they begin to find suitors for Penelope in hopes of breaking her curse. Once they glimpse Penelope, however, they run away leaving Penelope with out hope. One day a young man named Max comes to meet the infamous Penelope, under the influence of an aristocrat and a reporter, and is not scared away by her pig nose. When Max eventually breaks her heart like the rest, Penelope sets out on her own and ends up finding herself. She makes true friends along the way and soon realizes that she must love herself before she can hope to break the curse.
Critical Evaluation: This film is a clever modern day fairy tale. The quirky characters and dialogue keep the viewer interested in what happens to Penelope. The appearance of many established actors make this a great film, however the soundtrack and costume design create the whimsical fairy tale. It truly is Beauty and the Beast for the modern day. Although this is a PG film, and very family friendly, it will appeal to any hopeless romantic. At the heart of the story is the ability to love one's self, even when no one else seems to, which is a lesson all teenagers should take to heart. definite must watch for a light hearted distraction.
Information about the Director and Actors: Mark Palansky
Genre: Fairy Tale
Age Level: PG, All ages
Curriculum Ties: Discuss fairy tales and the use of old fairy tales to convey modern situations. Also discuss the differences of movies from their books. Compare selections from the book to the movie.
Book talking ideas: Talk about the book and the benefits of reading the book before watching a movie based on it. Read a chapter of the book and play that scene from the movie.
Challenge Issues: No challenge issues.
Why I included it: I included Penelope because there are so many raunchy romances out there, often pushing cute light-hearted romances to the wayside. With so many great actors like James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Catherine O'Hara, Christina Ricci, Peter Dinklage and a minor appearance by Russell Brand, it is a great film that was overlooked in theatres. For the hopeless romantics, Penelope is an essential film.

Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley

Wagner, Matt and Hadley, Amy Reeder. Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted. New York: Vertigo/DC Comics, 2009. 240 pages. $12.99 ISBN 9781401222918

Readers Annotation: Over the centuries, Madame Xanadu has used magic, divination and spirit to influence great world events. However, her frustration with "The Stranger" causes her to allow great evil to enter the world.
Plot Summary: From before the time of ancient Druids in Britain, Nimue has used her magical divinations to guide her on her path of imortality. Her first encounter with "The Stranger" causes her to ensnare her beloved Merlin, fleeing, a wanderer over the centuries. She is welcomed in Khubla Khan's Asia as a revered seer, and renames herself Madame Xanadu. Here "The Stranger" enlists her help and that of Marco Polo to prevent bad relations between East and West. She then flees to France during La Revolution, but it seems that her divinations come too late. She makes a pact with Death to keep her on earth to be of help to humanity. She later finds herself in Victorian England and 20th century New York City. Each place she travels, she finds herself face to face with the ellusive "Stranger" who infuriates her more and more each meeting. Although both of their intentions are "pure" they find themselves unable to work together to save humanity. In the end, her actions will lead to the creation of a great evil.
Critical Evaluation: Madame Xanadu creatively incorporates magic, divination and history to tell a piece meal story of world history. Not so much an alternate history as it is a suggestion of outside influences that cause history to happen. The illustrations are fantastic, and Madame Xanadu's costumes, while always green when doing something magical, reflect the costumes of the era she is in. It is interesting how the authors combine fantasy with real history to explain the influence magic had in certain events. Although a bit graphic at times in the gore and mild sexuality, it is nothing when compared to movies being made with real graphic imagery. Madame's speech is eloquent, and while she does use magic to influence events she uses her own strength, determination and power to get things done. She portrays a woman who steadfastly hopes to keep the world in balance and bring as little harm as possible. Not necessarily a good role model, but the kind of empowering character teens could use.
Information about the Author: Matt Wagner is most famously known for his work on Grendel, Sandman Mystery Theater and his creation of Mage. Since the early-80's he has become well known in the comic world as one of DC Comics best authors and illustrators. Amy Reeder Hadley is the main illustrator for Madame Xanadu. Her works include Madame Xanadu for Vertigo and Fool's Gold for Tokyo Pop. She is in the best of both worlds as an illustrator for the manga world and also for the world of comics.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Age Level: Mature readers, ages 16 and up
Curriculum Ties: No curriculum ties.
Book talking ideas: Discuss the benefits of learning about history through fantasy. Does it change the truth of history when surrounded by magical elements?
Challenge Issues: There are some instances of crude sexuality including rape, but they reflect the savagery of the times in which they're committed. It may, however, cause some parents to frown upon their teens reading this graphic novel.
Why I included it: When the first issue came out a year ago I was hooked on it, but didn't read the rest of the issues until the graphic novel came out. I am fascinated by the combination of magic, fortune telling, and lore from different cultures but also love the powerful female character. Although this graphic novel is considered more of an adult book, I found that there is often a cross over between what are considered teen graphic novels and adult graphic novels.