Castle Panic

Castle Panic

Review: Board Game

Ages: 10+

Players: 1-6

Price: $25

Play Time: about an hour

Release Date: 2009

Rating: ****

Amazon

            One gets their money’s worth with Castle Panic.

Theme

           Players work together to defend their kingdom against troll, goblin, and orcs.  Once the players run out of monster tokens, the players win.  However, if the castle towers are destroyed first, game over.

Difficulty

            The game took a while to understand, but once one has read through the pamphlet and played through it a tad, then the game is fairly simple.  The deck includes “game play” cards to remember the six steps to everyone’s turn, which helps beginners tremendously.  Though my teammate and I had to look back at the pamphlet a few times as we played, the game was still quite accessible.

            I even played with my 10-year-old cousin who was doing well with the game.  She struggled a little with sticking with the steps.

Age Appropriateness

            As I mentioned, my 10-year-old cousin seemed interested and was able to understand it alright.  Though it could be somewhat a challenge to discover technique, I think it is friendly for teens to young adults.  Older adults, depending on their personality, may not be interested in a such a fantasy game.  It may even get too simple for them.

Time

            The game takes about an hour to play.  In order to win the game, one has to kill off all of the monsters, and there are a lot of them.  However, if one wanted a quicker game, they can play with fewer monsters.  They can also twist the game a little by putting more monsters on than required. 

Alternate Versions

            Besides co-op, where everyone works together against the monsters, there are two other versions.  In one, a player controls the monsters and plays against the other players.  In another, one can play by themselves.  There are also ways to bring “more panic” to the game by adding various challenges.  These versions allow the player to get the most out of the game they purchased; they are able to try more out and hopefully never get bored.

            One can also buy an expansion pack, which comes with more playing cards, monster cards, and a tower!  This, of course, must be bought separately.

Conclusions

            Buyers can get the most out of their money with this game because of its variety and age appropriateness whether one person plays or eight.  The game is geared for the fantasy and strategy lovers, as one has to decide how to use their cards and what monster to attack too.  The game also encourages working together with others, a lesson appropriate for children, teens, and adults.

Disney's Be Our Guest restaurant

Be Our Guest Passes the Test

Review: Restaurant—

Location: Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL

Price: $$$ ($9-23 for entrees)

Serves: lunch, dinner, and dessert including sandwiches, cupcakes, cream puffs, and soup

Rating: *****

Disney's Be Our Guest

Atmosphere

                The restaurant is inside the beast’s castle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  When one enters, he or she sees finally carved statues of animals, holding up the castle.  

Then one is escorted through a corridor with knights into a room with drapes where he or she will order his or her food at a touch screen location; there are multiple locations available.  Then there are three locations that one can eat at: the ballroom, the mysterious (and forbidden) west wing, and the library.

                On a side note, the west wing includes a rose, which many took pictures with, and the ballroom’s windows displayed fake falling snow.  Walking into this castle was like walking into the movie.  It was enriched with such specific and colorful details.

Service

                I went to this restaurant a few days after New Years for lunch and there was an estimated hour and a half wait.  However, my parents and I were able to eat within 45-minutes, so the service was rather quick.

                While we were ordering our food on the touch screen, there was a man helping us the whole time (and we had a lot of confusion).  He was patient and kind, giving us directions and mixing our mistakes

                Our food came about five minutes after we sat down.  Keep in mind, however, that I was there for lunch, which was a quick service.  It will probably take longer if one goes to dinner here.

Food

                Lunch

There were many sandwich options during this visit.  I ordered to Croque Monsieur sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich with a side of green beans and French onion soup.  The soup was the best I had ever tasted, the green beans came with some other chopped vegetables and was flavorfully seasoned, and the sandwich was fair.

A turkey sandwich, roast beef sandwich, vegetable quiche, braised pork, etc are also offered.  These options range from $9-14.  The soups – French Onion and Potato Leak – are $5.

The drinks are mostly standard: Coke products, juices, teas, milk, hot chocolate, coffee, and bottled water.  These range from $2-3.

                Dinner

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/be-our-guest-restaurant/menus/dinner/

                Dessert

The dessert options for lunch included cream puffs and cupcakes.  I ordered the strawberry cream cheese cupcake, and it was also the best cupcake I ever had.  The cake was moist and flavorful, and the filling and frosting too were filling with rich, strong flavor.  The cupcake was topping with small, pink strawberry balls, which was unique but flavorful as well.

There was also a triple chocolate cupcake, lemon meringue cupcake, chocolate cream puff, passion fruit cream puff, and a lemon-raspberry cream puff.  These were $3.

                Kid’s Meal

The meals for lunch included meatloaf, a turkey sandwich, pulled pork, whole grain mac and cheese, and mahi-mahi for $7-8.

                 

Specials

                Reservations can be made for dinner. 

Conclusion

                Though the main meal cost more than the Applebee’s or the Arby’s, the taste and sites make it worth the penny for any Disney lover.

Taiwan's "Skip Beat:" Stars Fall Short

Review: Television Series-foreign

Release Date: 2011-2012

Run time: 15 episodes, 30 minutes per part

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: ***

Wikipedia

Plot: Gong Xi has been used by the boy so heartedly loved, Shang, and wants nothing more than to beat him.  The way to seek revenge – become bigger and better than him in the entertainment world

Anime/Manga: This Taiwanese drama is based off of the manga series Skip Beat (still being made) and relates to the anime series, also known as Skip Beat (hasn’t had an episode since 2009).  The biggest difference between the manga/anime and this live-action series is that the characters look quite different.  Gong Xi did not die her hair blond at the end of the first episode, and Shang’s hair IS generally lighter, but the appearances of quite different. 

The names of the people are also different.  In the anime/manga, Shang is called Sho, Gong Xi is Kyoko, and Lian is Ren. 

The scenes are also exaggerated, like the anime/manga, and the story line is the same, though done in a slightly different way.  For example, in the first episode, Gong Xi rides her bike to get Shang’s poster.  This series shows her passing by cars, a train, and even Superman to show how fast she was going.  There are also more details, making one anime episode as long as three live-action

Positive Elements-The first episode is humorous with exaggerated motions and socially awkward, entertaining personal attributes, at time.  The first episode also develops the characters, making them unique.   It also lines up well with the anime/manga, while adding in additional scenes.

Sexual-A man and a woman have their arms around each other.

Language-It said bast*** once.

Drug/Alcohol Use-There was no drug use or alcohol consumption

Violence-A character was punched by his father in a flashback scene.

Spiritual Elements-The anger that was held inside her chest was released, causing “little Gong Xi demon” things to circle around her.  However, I believe this to not be literal demons, but a representation of how angry she really was.

Negative Elements-compared to the anime/manga, it feels exceptionally long.

Conclusion-The show is entertaining and uses far less language.  However, it feels long and may not necessarily be an improvement to what is already out.

"The Hobbit" Lacks Holes

Review: Film

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Run Time: 169 minutes

Release Date: 2012

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Rating: ****

IMDB.COM

            The Hobbit is a wonderful masterpiece of lovable characters, insightful history, and intriguing scenery.

Plot

           Just before Bilbo’s birthday party, Bilbo feels the need to tell Frodo the whole story of his adventures, which he does in a book format.  The stories goes as this: the dwarf kingdom has long been captured by Swaug the terrible, a greedy dragon who never leaves its lute.  Sixty years after the dwarves defeat a team of 14, including Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, goes in to win back their home.

NEGATIVE INFLUENCES

Sexual Themes

None, (though there are two people who looked debatably flirty in my opinion).

Language

There was a pun using the word “balls.” (When a dwarf and Bilbo are talking about crocket, the dwarf says that for someone to play the game, they should have the balls for it.)

Violence

There is a lot of violence.  There are multiple battles/fight scenes that occurs with lots of sword slashing.  It isn’t that detailed and bloody, but a few people/creatures get beheaded.

Drug/Alcohol Use

The people in this movie recreationally drink (red wine, grog, and ale) and smoke with pipes.

Length

The movie is almost 3 hours, so one may beg the question “does the movie drag on?”  This, of course, just depends directly on the viewer.  I myself was struggling towards the end.  The story line, characters, and detail made the movie enjoyable, but most people are not use to sitting still for a movie of that duration.  I believe this movie may depend on how much of a Tolkien fan a person may be.

POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES

Music

The music was both instrumental and vocal.  There were two or three songs that were sung, which contributed to the character development, history, and mood.  There was also some instrumental music, which contributed to the mood and culture in general.

Characters

The acting contributed to the story lined and were developed adequately.  Older Bilbo, Gandalf, and Frodo’s character seemed to relate to their personality in the other movies.  The dwarf leader, Thorin, walked with confidence and pride.  Young Bilbo was whimsical, to say the least.  His personality, including his ambivalence, rightly aligned with someone who was both a Baggins (simple living) and a Took (an adventurer).  And other characters were jolly, but strong.

Scenes

The scenes were wonderful and plenty.  Each was filled with such detail – from the caves and the forest to Rivendale and Bilbo’s house.  Also, various scenes connect to or expand the details in previous movies.  For example, we see Frodo put up Bilbo’s sign on the front gate that says “No Admittance.”  This sign is present in the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring.  

Lessons

The movie is a tale of good versus evil, loyalty, friendship, and courage.  In this movie, courage is not defined by the chances one takes, but more so the ones that people do not.  In one scene, Gandalf teaches young Bilbo that courage is not measured by knowing when to kill, but knowing when to spare a life.  The viewers see that Bilbo learns this lesson later on when faced with a particular situation.

Conclusions

Overall, the movie is wonderful.  One may want to restrict their kids – at least of a younger age group – against the violence that the movie has.  The drug use seems particular to that time and culture; they are also all of age.  The biggest problem one has to deal with is the movie length.  But compared to the characters, music, and scenery, it was all so marvelous.

On another note: this is the first installation of a three.  The next installation, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is supposed to come out in 2013, and the third “There and Back Again” should be out by 2014.

Golden Corral Comes in Silver

Golden Corral Comes in Silver

Review: Restaurant—buffet

Location: Corner of Main and Douglas in Mishawaka, IN

Price: $$ ($5-15)

Serves: breakfast, take out, lunch, dinner-various types of food for each

Rating: ***

GoldenCorral

Atmosphere

                Golden Corral sets up a fun atmosphere with its décor and color.  Red and yellow lamp shades dangle above the tables, and signs fell from the ceiling with phrases such as “we get our produce from the crate” and “made to order omelets.” 

                One gets the satisfaction of knowing that the food is made fresh by seeing produce stacked behind the Greenhouse and workers making the food at the bakery and grillhouse.

Service

                When we first appeared, the restaurant was very busy – perhaps because it had opened only weeks before this visit.  However, the line moved quickly, and we were at the cash register within five minutes.

                In the first 3 minutes of eating, 2 people approached asking how we were.  Even after that, we received constant kind service throughout the meal. 

                The only negative aspect noticeable was that there was only one cash register being used when we were waiting in line.  (Note: one was broken).  Given how large the restaurant is, I would hope that there would be a few more cash registers to keep the line really moving.

Food

                The store offers breakfast Friday to Sunday and lunch and dinner the other days.

                Drinks

                The drinks that were available at my location included the following: Ocean Spray (apple, grapefruit, cran-grape, and cranberry), Rockstar, water, Old Savannah sweetened and unsweetened ice tea, Pepsi products, Sobi, Amp, Diet Dr. Pepper, horchata, lipton tea, and a Jamaica drink (specifically called “Jamaica”).

                Sections

                Once one approaches the buffet, they will come across various sections of food to choose from: the Greenhouse for mainly salads, the Wok for Asian food, the Hacienda for Mexican food, the Grillhouse for burgers, steak, etc, Lighthouse Bay for seafood, the Piazza for Italian food, the Bread Co. for various types of bread, and Brass Bell Bakery for the desserts.

                Main Meals Foods

                The food I chose on this particular lunch excursion included the flavorful green bean casserole and pulled pork.  I also picked up a slider (small hamburger), which was adequate.  Mine was made medium, though my grandfather’s was made well.  The ham and cheese grilled sandwich was made right in front of me and was a unique addition to a buffet.  I found it quite enjoyable.  It was both sweet and fresh.  The tempura battered onion ring was ok, nothing special, and the Lo Mein was a little spicy.  The bourbon chicken I picked up was a little salty.  Lastly, the drink I had on this day was the horchata.  Like the green bean casserole and pulled pork, the horchata was very flavorful.  This drink was a sweet, cinnamon rice milk for those who have not had the fortune of trying it.  There’s was one of the best I’ve had.

                Dessert Options

                The best quality food was at main section.  I found that the various foods I tasted at the dessert section lacked flavor and quality.

                The macaroons they supplied were satisfactory, but not the best that I have had at a Golden Corral in any regards.  The coconut cream pie was soft but only good.  The carrot cake too lacked flavor as well as the pumpkin cookie.  It can be seen why the chocolate fountain is there main attraction since it adds flavors to a number of their options.  I found that, after trying a macaroon dipped in chocolate, it immediately tasted much more flavorful.  Lastly, the cotton candy was airy, plentiful, and delicious. 

                 

Payment

                Breakfast and lunch – for those who are not children or seniors – is $8.19 plus a $1.19 drink.  Dinner is $11.00 plus a drink.

Specials

                There is a senior discount for the buffet (about a dollar reduced), a take out-option (4.89/lb), and a kid’s buffet option (free for 3 years and younger, $4 for ages 4-8, and $5 for 9-12).

Conclusion

                Mishawaka’s Golden Corral has the best quality food compared to local buffets with comparable prices.

                The service was excellent and the main meal foods were desirable.  However, a number of the dessert foods lacked flavor and interest, especially compared to the main meal foods.

Yummy Gyros: Niro's Gyros

Niro’s Gyros: Home of the Triple Gyro Plate

Review: Restaurant

Location: Bourbonnais, IL

Service: Hot Dogs, Gyros, Italian Beef, Burgers, Steak, Chicken, Salads, etc

Price: ** ($0-15)

Rank: ****

     Upon entering the small restaurant, I saw a large board that displayed the many food options and was greeted by the one cashier.  I was surrounded by Greek decorations, mostly posters, and a few tables.  Cookies and pound cake lined the wall that stood behind the cashier.  It was obvious where one would order and pay.

Prices

            Extras aside, the cheapest items on the list are the drinks: 1.59 for a 20 oz drink and 1.79 for a 32 oz.  As far as food, the side items French Fries ($1.79) and onion rings ($1.99) are the next cheapest, followed by a Chicago hot dog ($2.49), baklava ($2.49) a chili dog ($2.69), and then a ¼ lb burger ($2.69).  The most expensive item they offer is another side, 20 chicken wings with fries ($13.99).  The triple gyro follows close behind at $12.99.

            Looking across the menu, however, most of the food lies between $3 and $5.

Options

            Niro’s Gyros offers a variety of gyros, Italian beef, chicken, burgers, steak, salads, and hot dogs.  It also has multiple extras including hot or sweet peppers, feta cheese, gyro sauce, and extra pita.  There are also many sides to choose from: mozzarella sticks, gyro cheese friends, poppers, pizza puffs, breaded mushrooms, and chicken strips.

Location

            This particular restaurant is located off of a busy street by Olivet Nazarene University.

Family Friendly

            There is not much room for people to eat in here since it is a small restaurant.  One can order their food and take it to go or eat at one of the 10 or so tables. 

            There are two tvs that are on, which at the time of my visit, were playing the news.  

            There were no kid’s meals, but that is not to say that there are no kid-sized foods.

Quality

            I order a single gyro ($5) and baklava ($2.50), and I enjoyed both very much. 

            The gyro was messy, especially due to the cucumber sauce.  It was also hard to eat since they jam-packed the warm pita bread with the seasoned lamb meat, uncooked onions, and tomato slices.  In order to fold the gyro, I had to take about half of the food out of it.  However, all of the ingredients tasted very well together.

            The baklava was also very flavorful, to say the least, and I was given a filling portion for my $2.50 charge.  The top layer was somewhat crisp and the rest was almost juicy.

Conclusion

            The food I got was at a price comparable to other restaurants, and it tasted exceptionally well.  However, the restaurant was small and not as fun and exciting as other locations.  I recommend the food, but eating there is up for debate.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green Reaches Great Heights

Review: Film
Genre: Fantasy, Family, Comedy

Run Time: 105 minutes

Release Date: 2012

Motion Picture Rating: PG

Rating: *****

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

            Disney’s 2012 film The Odd Life of Timothy Green leaves family members of every age with hope, happiness and helpful life lessons.

Plot

Jim and Cindy Green hope to have a child only to discover that one of them is infertile.  This leads to the beginning scene where the couple has a meeting with two social workers at an adoption agency.  The movie alternates between the meeting and a tale about the couple’s previous experience with Timothy, a boy who sprouted from their garden.

           

NEGATIVE INFLUENCES

One may see negative influences in various parts of the movie, though they appear few.  In one scene, two classmates spread food over Timothy’s face.   Afterwards Jim approaches the classmates’ father, Jim’s boss, about the issue, and the boss responds, “Your son ratted out my boys?”  This encounter leads Jim to teach Timothy to fight back.  This scene does not teach the viewers that bullying is wrong.  It teaches them to fight, which may not be the message that parents want to portray. 

Sexual Themes

The couple share three brief kisses.  Also, in the pool party scene a girl is wearing a bikini and another reveals her stomach as she is wearing a midriff shirt.

Language

A character swears once (he**) and there are two inappropriate uses of religious words.

Violence

A boy kicks a girl in the head.

Drug Use

There is no drug use.

POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES

Music

Instrumental music is used in the movie to create emotion.  A slow and sad tone of music plays when Jim and Cindy are meeting with an adoption agency.  Later, quick and happy music rings out as Timothy rides a bike through town with his friend Joni. 

Characters

The characters are distinct.  The father is hard working, the son is cheerful, funny and relaxed, and the mother’s personality is loving, at times over protective and worrisome.  For example, in the middle of the movie, she calls her husband at work to tell him to look out the window at their son with a girl.  “He’s too young [to be close to a girl].  You told him to run the other way, and he’s not running.”  She tells her husband multiple times that Timothy should not spend time with that girl.

The Green Family

Timothy and Joni

Lessons

Positive elements shine throughout each scene as Timothy teaches optimism, kindness and honesty to each person he meets.  In one scene, Timothy is at his first soccer practice.  He runs at the ball to kick it and tumbles over the ball.  His coach asks, “Why are you smiling?” and Timothy responds, “I can only get better.”  Timothy also shows his honesty when his mom’s boss asks him his opinion of a painting that was done of her.  He hates it, so he tries to draw one.  He draws the woman as he sees her – hairy chin and all.

Conclusions

The Green family tale is encouraging to all ages.  The music is emotional, and the film is professionally-made.  Overall, it reaches great heights.