Recommendations: June 22

Brave - A new type of Disney princess for a new era; Brave is the story of Scottish Princess Merida who plunges her kingdom into chaos when she defies an age old custom and tries to choose her own destiny.  This film stars Kelly MacDonald as Merida, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson as her parents, and Julie Walters as the witch.  This movie should be great because 1. it's Disney Pixar, 2. it's set in Scotland, 3. Julie Walters and 4. Emma Thompson.  Have I mentioned that I love Julie Walters and Emma Thompson?

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Based on the book of the same name this film tells the story of Abraham Lincoln and his vampire hunting ways.  After the death of his mother he discovers that vampires are plotting to take over the United States and takes it upon himself to stop it.  What really interests me in this film is the attention to detail that they've claimed to pay and the fact that they're trying to get the history right (in so far as they can given as it's not exactly a historically right story). 

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - I'm still undecided if I want to see this movie or not.  It looks kind of like it's a romantic comedy update of movies like Armageddon or Deep Impact, with the focus being on the people on the planet facing their death instead of those in space trying to prevent the asteroid from hitting the planet.  I usually like Keira Knightley's films but I'm a bit hit-or-miss with Steve Carrell.  I'm sure I'll check this out, but I'm not going in with high expectations.

Your Sister's Sister - Staring a group of people who, for the most part I don't know, the reason why this film caught my attention is because of the presence of Emily Blunt.  I've been a fan of hers since I first watched The Devil Wears Prada, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this latest venture of hers.  Basically, this movie seems to be about a guy who's in mourning so he goes to a friend's cabin, has sex with said friend's sister, and must deal with the ensuing chaos.  Your Sister's Sister has a limited release, so it might just be easier to catch this when it comes out on DVD.

Project X - I really don't know why I want to see this movie.  It's about a group of high school students who try to throw the party to end all parties.  Once again this movie is playing up The Hangover connection, and while it's gotten mixed reviews (and doesn't really look good), it's caught my attention and seems like it might be fun.

Big Miracle - All I know about Big Miracle is that it's set up North and has to do with people trying to save a whale caught in the ice.  Staring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski this looks like it's one of those heart warming, sappy, tear jerkers - and I'm of the opinion that some of the best movies are tear jerkers.

Newsies - Before he was Batman Christian Bale was Jack Kelly, a young newsboy in 1899 who sold newspapers, fought for newsy rights, and sung and dance.  While this film isn't really good it's also totally awesome.  And it's the 20th anniversary of the movie, so it's being re-released on DVD.

Sister Act - Another 20th anniversary and another musically inclined film.  Sister Act stars Whoopi Goldberg as a singer who witnesses a mob hit and is hidden in a convent by the police.  There is nothing about this movie that isn't over the top, but you can't help but love Whoopi Goldberg pretending to be a nun.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Set immediately after the Second World War The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society follows writer Juliet as she embarks upon a series of correspondents the members of a literary society in Guernsey, forcing her to learn about the life of those living on the island of Guernsey and the way that the recent German occupation impacted their lives.  This book is charming, funny, and insightful, and should be on everyone's to-read list.

The Book of Negroes - Another period piece, The Book of Negroes is set during the 18th century and follows the life of Aminata Diallo from when she was taken from her village in West Africa at the age of eleven through her life as a slave in the United States, her eventual freedom, and her quest to abolish the slave trade.  This book is absolutely amazing and really makes you look at the life of a slave and the history that comes with it.  In some parts of the world, The Book of Negroes was published as Someone Knows My Name.