Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

Princess Igraine dreams of becoming a famous knight just like her great grandfather, but the truth is, life at the family castle is rather boring. Until the nephew of the baroness-next-door shows up. He's got a dastardly plan to capture the castle and claim as his own the wonderful singing spell books that belong to Igraine's magician parents. To make matters worse, at the very moment of the siege, her mom and dad botch a spell, turning themselves into pigs! Aided by a Gentle Giant and a Sorrowful Knight, it's up to Igraine to be brave and save the day--and the books!

This a wonderful story.  So the book starts on the night before Igraine's 12th birthday. She also has a talking cat,Sisyphus, and an annoying, jug-eared older brother, Albert. 

I really love Cornelia Funke's style of writing. She is a true master of her art.*

Igraine's an adorable heroine, and you're rooting for her all the way, and the nephew of the baroness-next-door is an evil and despicable man who is bent on his own and only his own greatness.

So if you like knights, daring adventures, and hilarious passages,you should read this book. I loved it, and if you like any of the above, I think you will too! (and Igraine the Brave is a completely appropriate book for any age)

*I also wanted to make a note on her illustrations. She does them all, for all her books(and she's an amazing artist)(her best ones in her book 'Restless')

Robin Hood:Season 1 BBC

 Robin of Locksley and his faithful ex-servant and friend, Much, return from the Crusades to claim Robin's family estate. With the land under the thumb of the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham and his deputy Guy of Gisbourne, Robin becomes an outlaw in the first episode.Several men join the outlaws,Will Scarlett,Alan A Dale, and "Little" John.
We started the series a couple weeks ago, and are currently on episode 10 of season 2. 
The first few episodes are a little cheesy,but as you watch them,it stops. The fights are literally bloodless,and are awesome.Robin is played by Jonas Armstrong, Much is Sam Troughton,Marian is acted by Lucy Griffiths. The other cast includes Harry Lloyd,Joe Armstrong(not his brother),Richard Armitage,Keith Allen, Gordon Kennedy, and Anjali Jay.
I really love these, and it's really different than the traditional Robin Hood. Recommend them,and they are on instant watch on Netflix. (There are 3 seasons) and they were made 2006-2009.

Jane Eyre

*Warning: may contain spoilers for those who haven't read the book*

Last night, I watched the new Jane Eyre, starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, and Judi Dench and was directed by Cary Fukunaga. The many reviews have been very different,from loving it, to warning you not to watch it. I do admit that it was crammed somewhat( having to fit it into a 2 hour limit) but they followed the book(which is always an A+). There are also deleted scenes that are wonderful, and should have been included.The interesting thing about this version, it's not in chronological order, as it starts when Jane leaves Thornfield Hall(which is more than half way through the book). All of her childhood is in flashbacks, and I won't say anymore because it is rather hard to explain.

But Mia Wasikowska was the perfect Jane, and Michael Fassbender was a excellent Rochester, and St.John(acted by Jamie Bell) they finally got him right! And, of course, Judi Dench is as awesome as ever as Mrs. Fairfax. I loved the little girl who played Adele Varens(she was adorable),and I thought the Rivers sisters were rather hysterical. I also have decided to make a list of worst-to-best Jane Eyre's:
5.1996 version with William Hurt
4.1997 version with Ciaran Hinds
3.1983 version with Timothy Dalton
2.2006 version with Toby Stephens
1.2011 version with Michael Fassbender

But I know everyone's opinion's differ.

This version was hardly creepy, and I think it would be appropriate for ages 10 and up.

And if you haven't seen the trailer, here's the UK theatrical trailer. As it is MUCH better than the US one.

'Oh CRIVENS'~ The WEE free Men~Terry Pratchett

A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality . . .

Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.

Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself.

'The Wee Free Men'. A Review.
My brother-in-law recommended it to me,and I thought it was hilariously witty and adventurous.Tiffany is a very likable character,and the Nac Mac Feegles have wonderful scottish accents(their one-and-only swear word:Crivens! which can mean anything from oh goodness,to I'm about to start a fight)and other things. There are 4 books in the series(I just finished the 2nd book),and they are The Wee free men, A hat full of sky,Wintersmith, and I shall wear Midnight. I love them so far,and can't wait to read the others!
PS. Be prepared to laugh really,really hard.

Thor

On Thursday last week, I saw Thor at the cheap theater. It is about Thor,the Norse god of Thunder.And here's the plot:

The warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth. 

This is a huge summer for Marvel. First Thor,then X-men:First Class,and then Captain America. And as far as I know,they all did extremely well in the box-office.

Thor was awesome.I really enjoyed it(I almost cried), and the battles were relatively bloodless.Only one kiss passes between Thor and Jane,which you see in the trailer.Darcy(Jane's assistant) is hilarious,and the acting was really well done,the cast including Natalie Portman,Chris Hemsworth,and Anthony Hopkins.8/10 stars, and I can't wait for the sequel!