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All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
10
8.4 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is an incredibly moving piece of fiction that anyone who loves reading owes it to themselves to check out. Telling the story of a young German boy and a young, blind French girl over the course of World War II; Anthony Doerr weaves together themes of the horrors of war, the love of one's family, and the beauty that exists in the world around us and within ourselves. The story moves forward at a quick pace and all of the characters will remain with you long after the story is over. Simply put: this is a beautiful book.
  
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Guy Pearce recommended The Elephant Man (1980) in Movies (curated)

 
The Elephant Man (1980)
The Elephant Man (1980)
1980 | Drama, History

"It came out in 1980 and I have a sister with an intellectual disability. I think in 1980 — when I was 12 and I saw The Elephant Man for the first time — the film just struck a chord in me that nothing ever had before, and it does to this day when I watch it. Obviously the performances by Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt and John Gielgud, etc. are just so sensitive and touching that it’s heartbreaking for me. It really touches me in a way that I think has — not to suggest that my sister has the same condition that Joseph Merrick had — but the way in which that character feels ostracized and the way in which people are judgmental of him are all things that really hit home for me as a young boy trying to protect my sister out there in the world. Very much connected to my upbringing, but obviously quite a different story. But I just think Anthony Hopkins in that film, the way that David Lynch captured him, and obviously the way he performed that role of Freddy Treves just… There’s nothing better. Anthony Hopkins is someone who I think does sensitivity on screen better than anybody anyway, so his heartbreak and his compassion for that character was just unforgettable really."

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A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Anthony Marra | 2014 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
(0 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"In a politically fractious America in which “bearing witness” has been attacked as a motive for art in recent years, emerging writers have nonetheless written boldly across divides of class, ethnic identity, and gender. Outstanding among these has been Anthony Marra, a young American author whose first two books are set mainly in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Marra’s debut novel, three survivors of the Second Chechen War band together in an abandoned hospital. In 2015’s The Tsar of Love and Techno, linked short stories follow various characters’ dreams and dashed hopes from the 1930s to the present, and then beyond."

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The Tsar of Love and Techno
The Tsar of Love and Techno
Anthony Marra | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
(0 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"In a politically fractious America in which “bearing witness” has been attacked as a motive for art in recent years, emerging writers have nonetheless written boldly across divides of class, ethnic identity, and gender. Outstanding among these has been Anthony Marra, a young American author whose first two books are set mainly in Russia and the former Soviet Union. In A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Marra’s debut novel, three survivors of the Second Chechen War band together in an abandoned hospital. In 2015’s The Tsar of Love and Techno, linked short stories follow various characters’ dreams and dashed hopes from the 1930s to the present, and then beyond."

Source
  
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Alec Baldwin recommended Oliver Twist (1948) in Movies (curated)

 
Oliver Twist (1948)
Oliver Twist (1948)
1948 |
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"It’s quite hard to consider Lean’s filmography and put forth any favorites. Lean is certainly one of the greatest film directors of all time. The scope and richness of his work, from Great Expectations to The Bridge on the River Kwai, from Lawrence of Arabia to A Passage to India, mark the career of a filmmaker who was bold and determined like no other. However, a fondness for Dickens (and for Lean’s fondness for Dickens), and for the remarkable reality and suffering of the working class of England in the early nineteenth century that is brought to life here, always brings me back. To Guy Green’s photography, to the film’s exquisite art direction, and to the acting. The cast is flawless. Guinness, a young Anthony Newley, Kay Walsh, and the emotional sledgehammer of Robert Newton’s performance. Ronald Neame produced this and other great British films."

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Can a broken engagement ignite the spark of true love?

Sylvia Dowder had almost made it to the altar when her fiancé unexpectedly became a viscount, and dropped her like a stale crumpet to make a more "suitable" match. Though Sylvia's heart has been crushed, her spirit has not. She puts her wits and social savvy to use as a secret gossip columnist—and as the Everton Domestic Society's party planner to the ton. Luckily, she's not in danger of ever falling for an aristocrat again…
Especially not one like Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. Raised in America, Anthony sees no reason to marry when he can enjoy all the perks of being an eligible earl. Determined to convince his family he doesn't need a wife, he hires Sylvia to act as hostess and decorator for upcoming parties. Yet Sylvia is as adept at captivating his interest as she is at beautifying his home. And despite this Everton lady's aversion to titled men, some attractions can't be denied—and love rarely does go where it's told.

A Lady's Virtue by A.S. Fenichel is book Three in the Everton Domestic Society Series. This is the story of Sylvia Dowder and Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. This can be a standalone book.
This is an enjoyable addition to the Everton Domestic Society series. Everton is an employment agency of sorts. They provide ladies to perform tasks such as introducing a debutant to society, planning events, matchmaking, etc. for their clients. All of the proprieties are met and the ladies are provided with chaperones, transportation, etc. during the performance of their tasks. They also live at Everton House.
Sylvia Dowder is the Everton Domestic Society's party planner to the ton. She has decided never to marry after having endured a scandal 3 weeks before she was to marry, being told by her fiancé that she wasn't good enough for him now that he had a title.
Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton, hires Sylvia to redecorate his homes, as well as to plan a ball and be his hostess. He has also decided that he's too young to marry and wants to enjoy life and travel with no attachments.
I absolutely loved these characters and they even had some fun banter between them. The writing was exactly what I wanted; shifting perspectives done right.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lady Sylvia is talented, spunky and will take no nonsense from anyone. She befuddles the new Earl, but also intrigues him.
Highly recommend reading!

I received an ARC download of this story via NetGalley and this is a voluntary review.
  
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
1991 | Horror, Thriller
This movie is classic and for a good reason. Everything about it is superb from the acting to the camera work and everything in between.

Of course the standout performances of Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins are amazing but these two aren't the only two who deserve recognition.

Dr. Chilton's character is also portrayed extremely well. Even though he isn't the villain, the performance makes you just... Dislike him and you don't know why. Maybe it's because he tries to charm young girls... Maybe because he likes himself a bit to much... Whatever the reason is, at some points (for me personally anyway) he becomes even less likeable than Hannibal Lecter himself.

The only one issue I have with this movie is its lack of a certain Doctor after about 2/3 of the movie but they can't help that. Without that absence in this movie, Hannibal (2001) would've never have been possible and man, I wouldn't want to miss that.
  
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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Krampus (2015) in Movies

Dec 18, 2019 (Updated Dec 18, 2019)  
Krampus (2015)
Krampus (2015)
2015 | Comedy, Horror
A Dark Twisted Fantasy Tale
Krampus- is based on the eponymous character from Austro-Bavarian folklore adds more of a dark and twisted tale to it. The one only problem that this movie was PG-13, but remember Gemlins was PG and that came out in 1984 and that movie was dark and twisted. So the PG-13 was good, but could of done more with it.

The Plot: While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.

You Better Watch out for Krampus.
  
Pet Sematary Two (1992)
Pet Sematary Two (1992)
1992 | Horror
3
6.7 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Sometimes Sequels Shouldn't Happen
Pet Sematary Two- should of not happened but it happened. The same director who directed the first one directs this one. Just a fun fact.

The plot: When his mother, Renee (Darlanne Fluegel), dies, young Jeff Matthews (Edward Furlong) moves back to his hometown with his father, Chase (Anthony Edwards). Jeff grows friendly with Drew Gilbert (Jason McGuire) at school, who tells him about the Indian burial grounds that bring people and animals back to life, which led to the deaths of the Creed family who used to live in town. Desperately missing his mom, Jeff ignores warnings and buries her corpse, only to have her return in deadly zombie form.

Is anyone from the first one in this film, probley not. Im guessing not and is a new cast. Does this one even connect or relate to the first one, again probley not. It is its own movie.

I wouldnt reccordmned this movie.
  
Man on Fire (2004)
Man on Fire (2004)
2004 | Action, Drama, Mystery
Whatever It Takes
Man on Fire- is a excellent action thriller, that I have seen about 5-7 times. Its a really great movie, not sure why critics didnt like this movie. Cause Denzel is excellent, Dakota is excellent. The action, suspense and drama is excellent. Its only downfall is its slow for the 1st half, than picks up during the 2nd half.

The plot: In a Mexico City wracked by a recent wave of kidnappings, ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) reluctantly accepts a job as a bodyguard for 9-year-old Lupita (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of wealthy businessman Samuel Ramos (Marc Anthony). Just as Creasy begins to develop a fondness for the young girl, a bloodthirsty gunman (Jesús Ochoa) kidnaps her. Now, Creasy must pick off a succession of corrupt cops and criminals to reach his ultimate object of vengeance.

Its a vengeanful film. Packed with action, suspense and drama.