When our 18 month old GE top-loading washing machine broke, and the parts and labor to fix it would have cost more than the washing machine itself, we went shopping…

We ended up getting a whirlpool duet front loader and I was skeptical – the cost jump from top loaders to front loaders is still a bit big and I was worried that it wouldn’t be worth it.

But it is! Most definitely worth it. Clothes that I thought stained and dingy beyond repair are now clean and fresh looking again, and after just one run through the new front loader. It’s also a lot quieter than the old top loader!

Photo by Editor B

Fantasy genre

Young Adult reading level

The Plot:

On Isabella “Bella” Swan’s 18th birthday, Edward Cullen, the vampire she loves, and his family throw her a birthday party. While unwrapping a gift, she gets a paper cut, which causes Edward’s adopted brother, Jasper, to be overwhelmed by her blood’s scent and attempt to kill Bella. To protect her, Edward decides to end their relationship, and the Cullens move away from Forks. This leaves Bella heart-broken and depressed.

In the months that follow, Bella learns that thrill-seeking activities, such as motorcycle riding, allow her to “hear” Edward’s voice in her head. She also seeks comfort in her deepening friendship with Jacob Black, a cheerful companion who eases her pain over losing Edward. Bella later discovers that Jacob and other tribe members are shape-shifters who assume gigantic wolf forms. Jacob and his pack protect Bella from the vampire Laurent and also Victoria, who seeks revenge for her dead mate, James, whom the Cullens killed in Twilight.

Meanwhile, a series of mis-communications leads Edward to believe that Bella has killed herself. Distraught over her supposed suicide, Edward flees to Italy to provoke the Volturi, vampire royalty who are capable of killing him. Alice and Bella rush to Italy to save Edward, arriving just in time to stop him. Before leaving Italy, the Volturi tell Edward that Bella, a human who knows that vampires exist, must either be killed or transformed into a vampire. When they return to Forks, Edward tells Bella that he has always loved her and only left Forks to protect her. She forgives him, and the Cullens vote in favor of Bella being transformed into a vampire, to Edward’s dismay. However, Edward gives Bella a choice: either she lets Carlisle change her after her graduation, or, if Bella agrees to marry him, he will change her himself.

via New Moon (novel) – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Good:

Book two of the Twilight saga, the story really starts to get interesting now. The first time I read these books, I almost quit reading when the Cullens left Forks. But then, after forcing myself to pick the book back up (like ten minutes later) I found that Jacob only made the story more interesting, instead of less, and I quickly became a big Jacob fan. I’d love to see the author come out with supplemental books on Jacob and the rest of the La Push gang.

The Bad:

The ending is a bit anti-climatic.
The Recommendation:

Definitely worth reading, I can’t wait to get my own set of these books, as my sister is wanting hers back.

Twilight

2008 – Sci-Fi & Fantasy – PG 13

The Plot:

When Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) reluctantly moved to the perpetually overcast town of Forks, WA, and set out to carve a niche for herself, she assumed it would be one similar to the low-profile social position she held back in Phoenix. First on the list of surprises was the unfamiliar attention from the male population of her new high school; second, the attention from one male in particular: Edward Cullen, Vampire (Robert Pattinson). Before long, the unlikely soul mates find themselves in a passionate relationship with a variety of significant setbacks, including Edward’s special-needs diet (he doesn’t eat humans, but Bella’s scent inspires a nearly impossible to harness bloodlust) and the human girl’s mortality. Though things proceed relatively smoothly at first (Edward even introduces Bella to his adoptive vampire family), a visiting vampire clan consisting of James (Cam Gigandet), Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre), and Laurent (Edi Gathegi) catches Bella’s unique scent and threatens the young couple’s budding, if dangerous, happiness. James, known for his powerful tracking ability, becomes obsessed with making Bella his next victim. Fearing for Bella’s safety and that of her loved ones, the Cullens must combine their collective talents in order to stop the highly predatory James before his goal is accomplished. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Just about everything. A wonderful movie based on an even better book, although I didn’t find this movie seriously lacking from the novel version, as I usually do. They stuck to the storyline of the novel very closely, and I even think a few of the scenes from the movie worked better than the book, such as the scene in the woods where she confronts him about being a vampire. They couldn’t have cast better on almost all of the main characters, Edward is perfect, Alice is perfect as are Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme.

After reading the whole series of books and then watching the movie again, I did find that the movie doesn’t follow the book as closely as it could, which is kind of disappointing, but it’s still a great movie.

The Bad:

I’m not too fond of the casting on Bella or Rosalie. Bella shows almost not emotion throughout the entire movie – she always has the same expression on her face, which got a little annoying at first to me, and I’m not sure if she should have been quite so emotionless, even though it’s slightly how the character was written. I personally blame the director. But then after watching it a few times, I got over it. Rosalie was good in this movie, but she just didn’t seem to fit the character that she really is in the latter books in this series, but I guess I’ll wait and see. I’m also anxious to see how the character to Jacob Black does in the latter movies – he is quite a cutie!

The Recommendation:

It doesn’t matter if you’re into vampires or not, or sappy love stories – I think you’ll love the Twilight experience!

Journey To The Center Of The Earth

2008 – Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action / Adventure – PG

The Plot:

Academy Award-winning visual effects artist Eric Brevig makes his feature directorial debut with this adaptation of the classic Jules Verne fantasy starring Brendan Fraser. When an ambitious science professor (Fraser) develops a decidedly unconventional hypothesis, the mere mention of his name is enough to elicit laughter within the academic community. However, during a subsequent excursion to Iceland, the professor and his nephew make a major scientific discovery that sends them miles beneath the surface of the Earth, where they discover not only strange new worlds, but also encounter creatures so alien they appear to be from another world entirely. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Brendan Fraiser and a great story. Yes, I’m a huge Brendan Fraiser fan. Even the kids loved this movie, which we watched as a family – something that rarely happens in our household because we have such different tastes in movies. The special effects were great, the scenery pretty cool and the storyline captivating.

The Bad:

Can’t think of anything to criticize about it.

The Recommendation:

This is a movie for everyone from Grandparents to young children alike.

Dude Where’s My Car

2000 – Comedy – PG13

The Plot:

The startling effects of chemically induced short-term memory loss provide the backdrop for this resinous teen comedy. Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott) are two hard-partying dudes who wake up after a very long night on the town to discover they’ve forgotten the presents they bought for their girlfriends Wanda (Jennifer Garner) and Wilma (Marla Sokoloff), twins who are more than a bit miffed that the stoners they’ve come to tolerate appear to have forgotten their anniversary. The presents are in Jesse’s car, but they’re so fuzzy on the details of the previous 24 hours that they have no idea where they left said automobile. Jesse and Chester set out to find their wheels, and along the way they discover that they had an even more eventful evening than they imagined, as strippers, aliens, a suitcase full of money, and a kitchen full of pudding become important pieces in the puzzle of the missing car. Dude, Where’s My Car? also stars Hal Sparks, Kristy Swanson, Kevin Christy, and Fabio; it was written by Philip Stark, previously a writer for the TV series That 70′s Show, which also features Kutcher in its cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Hilarious stupidity. Definitely an early Ashton Kutcher flick.

The Bad:

Unless you’re in the mood for a movie like this, it can be a bit too stupid.

The Recommendation:

Have an evening to relax? Have a few drinks before watching this movie – it really helps you to enjoy it!

Mama Mia

2008 – Musical – PG13

The Plot:

Longing to discover the identity of her true father before she exchanges her wedding vows, the daughter of a once-rebellious single mother secretly invites a trio of paternal candidates to her upcoming wedding in this feature adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Independent-minded single mother Donna (Meryl Streep) has always done her best to raise her spirited daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), while simultaneously running a successful hotel on a small Greek island, but now the time has come for this hardworking mom to finally let go. In just a few days, Sophie will be married, and Donna will stand by bittersweetly as her little girl takes flight. Of course, Donna’s lifelong friends Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski) will both be present at the wedding, but unbeknownst to the mother, Sophie has furtively invited three very special guests of her own. When Sophie walks down the aisle on that fateful day, she wants her father to hand her off. The only problem is that Donna has never revealed the true identity of Sophie’s father, leaving the resourceful future bride to narrow the list down to three potential candidates. Now, as three key figures from Donna’s past return to the picturesque Mediterranean shores they all walked 20 years prior, one beautiful bride will discover the secret of her past while one lonely mother finds out that it’s never too late for a little romance. Phyllida Lloyd, director of both the original London sensation as well as the hit Broadway incarnation, makes her feature directorial debut with this big-screen version of the beloved musical featuring 22 classic ABBA hits. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, and Dominic Cooper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Meryl Streep, Pierce Bronson and the setting. There are a few scenes that will have you chuckling. The storyline could have been interesting, without all the song and dance.

The Bad:

It’s a musical. No one told me that until I started watching it. It’s ridiculous. People just don’t burst out into song and dance at random times. They ruined a perfectly good story with the ridiculous song and dance crap.

The Recommendation:

Unless you walk around singing show tunes all the time, or love musicals for some insane reason – Avoid this movie at all costs. I fear that someday I’ll be forced to sit in a high school auditorium forced to watch this again.

Paul Blart Mall Cop

2009 – Comedy – PG

The Plot:

A New Jersey rent-a-cop gets his moment to shine as the holidays approach and Santa’s little helpers stage a coup at the local shopping mall in this comedy starring King of Queens’ Kevin James. Paul Blart (James) is a single suburban dad attempting to make ends meet by working as a mall security guard. Paul takes his job very seriously; unfortunately the same can’t be said for the shoppers he deals with on a daily basis. That all changes the day that Santa’s little helpers shut down the mall and start taking hostages, including Paul’s daughter and his main squeeze. Realizing that no one knows the mall better than the man who’s paid to guard it, Paul mounts his Segway and speeds to the rescue. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Good:

It was pretty funny.

The Bad:

Not really as funny as we thought it would be.

The Recommendation:

It’s worth watching, but I’d rent it instead of buying, because you probably won’t want to watch it again!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2008 – Drama – PG13

The Plot:

David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story, re-teams the director with Brad Pitt, who takes on the title role. What makes Button such a curious case is that when he is born in New Orleans just after World War I, he is already in his eighties, and proceeds to live his life aging in reverse. This sweeping film follows the character’s unusual life into the 21st century as he experiences joy and sadness, loves lost and found, and the meaning of timelessness. Cate Blanchett co-stars along with Tilda Swinton, Elias Koteas, and Julia Ormond. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Brad Pitt, of course. Russ really seemed to like this movie, as he actually stayed awake the whole way through it.

The Bad:

It couldn’t pull my attention away from the Twilight books, not even for a few minutes at a time.

The Recommendation:

Russ claims it’s worth watching, and that it was pretty good – in a different sort of way (his words, not mine) – but he also didn’t add it to the list of movies he’d like to own.

Rachel Getting Married

2008 – Drama, Comedy – R

The Plot:

Lingering tensions clash with new hopes in director Jonathan Demme’s ensemble drama set during an idyllic wedding that threatens to descend into chaos with the appearance of the bride’s estranged sister — a volatile and unpredictable girl whose turbulent history of personal crisis and family conflict quickly threatens to take precedence over the happy ceremony. Rachel Buchman (Rosemarie DeWitt) is about to be married to the love of her life, but while the weather outside may be perfect, there’s a storm blowing in. That storm goes by the name Kym (Anne Hathaway). Kym is the family black sheep, and wherever she goes disaster is sure to follow. Now, as friends and family gather together for a memorable day of dining, dancing, and celebration, everyone braces themselves knowing that, at any given moment, old skeletons may be dragged out and dusted off for display by the bombshell who seems to have an acerbic one-liner for every situation, and a flare for drama that could set their family home ablaze. Bill Irwin and Debra Winger co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Good:

Anne Hathaway.

The Bad:

First off, how in the world can a movie be both a drama and a comedy, at the same time? Then, it may just be me, or the fact that when I started watching the movie I had a cranking headache, but the camera seemed to shake so much that I almost lost my lunch watching it. It seemed to me that it was quite similar to watching a video that my children had made.
It also just didn’t seem right watching Anne Hathaway play a recovering addict, she just seems too clean cut and not right for a part like this, I mean heck, I’m used to seeing her as a princess. There also didn’t seem to be too much of a storyline, okay so they’re getting ready for a wedding and the bride’s sister just got out of rehab, and chain smokes and complains a lot, I hardly see the point.

The Recommendation:

Unless you like to watch, shaky, poorly lit movies – I’d stay away. I have to admit, I could only force myself to watch the first half an hour or so and then I turned it off and promptly shipped it back to blockbuster, so that the next poor soul can try to figure out why an actress like Hathaway would take a part like that.

But it did get pretty good reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.

Lost Treasures of the Grand Canyon

2009 – Action/Adventure – Not Rated

The Plot:

The search for an ancient treasure turns deadly when a group of fortune-hunting adventurers fall victim to a powerful Aztec curse. At the dawn of the 20th Century, Dr. Samuel Jordan led a team of explorers deep into the Grand Canyon in search of a mythical lost city. They were never heard from again. Convinced that her father is still alive, Dr. Jordan’s archeologist daughter Susan (Shannon Doherty) assembles a rescue party and guides them into the uncharted valley. There, Susan and her team come into contact with an ancient civilization that practices human sacrifice in order to appease a mythical monster that thrives on carnage. With savage warriors closing in on all sides and an unimaginable evil hot on their heels, the terrified explorers struggle to escape before they become the guests of honor at a horrifying ancient ritual. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Good:

We’re not sure how this movie got into our list, no one will own up to adding it. There was only one person in it that we actually recognized, and that was Shannon Daughtery. But it did have a couple of rather dishy men fighting over Shannon.

The Bad:

It was a tad outlandish, and sometimes a little graphic.

The Recommendation:

Not too bad, I suppose it’s actually worth watching. I believe Russ’s word for it was: interesting.