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Bill Plympton recommended Mind Games (2002) in Movies (curated)
Monumental Book but Average Entry
It seems like a normal case. In fact, if it weren’t for the fact that the South LA bureau is too busy, Harry and his partner would never have taken on the case. The owner of a convenience store has been shot and killed. Because the owner is Asian, Bosch quickly calls in the Asian Crime Unit, and the trail seems to lead to the Chinese triad. But that’s when things get personal, and Bosch finds himself heading to Hong Kong on a personal mission. Will he succeed? Will that impact his case at home?
Normally, I love Michael Connelly’s books, but this one felt a bit forced. The initial set up in Los Angeles was good, and as we traveled to Hong Kong, I was all in. Maybe it was the fact that I knew how the portions in Hong Kong would end, but I started to get frustrated there. While I bought the trail that Bosch followed, I felt that Bosch was too over the top in his arrogant behavior. I kept wanting him to slow down and listen to the advice others were giving him. The end of the book contains some twists that I might have bought elsewhere, but here, they felt completely forced into the story. Of course, even subpar Connelly is still worth reading; it just isn’t his strongest. Fans of the series will want to read this one since it will impact Bosch’s life for the rest of the series.
Normally, I love Michael Connelly’s books, but this one felt a bit forced. The initial set up in Los Angeles was good, and as we traveled to Hong Kong, I was all in. Maybe it was the fact that I knew how the portions in Hong Kong would end, but I started to get frustrated there. While I bought the trail that Bosch followed, I felt that Bosch was too over the top in his arrogant behavior. I kept wanting him to slow down and listen to the advice others were giving him. The end of the book contains some twists that I might have bought elsewhere, but here, they felt completely forced into the story. Of course, even subpar Connelly is still worth reading; it just isn’t his strongest. Fans of the series will want to read this one since it will impact Bosch’s life for the rest of the series.
Jackjack (877 KP) rated Never Have I Ever - Season 1 in TV
May 1, 2020
Coming of age teen comedy
Brilliant program with a but of something for everyone! Easily relatable.
From the mind of Mindy Kaling, the show takes us into the crazy yet completely relatable world of Asian-American teenager Devi Vishwakumar.
She’s had some major downs in the past year and is determined to turn it all around as she focuses on becoming cool, getting a boyfriend and just living her best life.
That’s all easier said than done, of course. And watching her attempts in the hilarious 10- episode series is an absolute hoot.
But if you need a bit more convincing then we’re more than happy to explain all the reasons why this is the best Netflix show you’re not watching right now
From the mind of Mindy Kaling, the show takes us into the crazy yet completely relatable world of Asian-American teenager Devi Vishwakumar.
She’s had some major downs in the past year and is determined to turn it all around as she focuses on becoming cool, getting a boyfriend and just living her best life.
That’s all easier said than done, of course. And watching her attempts in the hilarious 10- episode series is an absolute hoot.
But if you need a bit more convincing then we’re more than happy to explain all the reasons why this is the best Netflix show you’re not watching right now
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians (2018) in Movies
Aug 23, 2018
You don't have to be a CRA to enjoy this film
I am not Crazy (debatable), Rich (not even close) or Asian (not going to touch that one). So, it was an interesting test to see if I would be entertained by CRAZY RICH ASIANS, a RomCom focused on groups that I am not a part of.
Surprisingly, the answer is not just "yes", it's "heck, yes!"
Based on the bestselling book by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians (CRA from hereout) tells the story of Asian-American College Economics Professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) who heads to Singapore for a wedding with her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding) unknowingly heading into the "belly of the beast" of his ultra-rich family and the various relatives, friends and hangers-on who are not shy about letting Rachel know if they approve of her.
This film is being hailed as a landmark in Cinema, for a mainstream movie is filled with nothing by Asian actors and actresses, and it acquits itself nicely not just as a mainstream film filled with Asian actors and actresses, but as a GOOD film regardless of the nationalities of the people portrayed and the actors portraying them.
For the most part, Director Jon M. Chu has crafted a beautiful, funny film that sends a message and brings the viewer into a world that is, heretofore, not seen on the screen. And he brings this to the viewer with a loving eye and deep, soulful heart that shines throughout.
As the lead couple, Wu and Golding are charming, charismatic and VERY GOOD TO LOOK AT, they are an easy pair of people to spend some time with. Most of the other actors on the screen are very well cast and some standouts include Nico Santos as Oliver and good ol' Ken Jeong as Wye Mun Goh.
But it is the work of three very good, very different, but very PROFESSIONAL actresses that caught my eye. The first is Awkwafina (OCEAN'S 8) as an old College roommate of Rachel's who is the funniest thing in the film (think Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids) she brings a much needed level of irreverence to the stodginess of Nick's family. Gemma Chan (TV's HUMANS) carries a good deal of the dramatic and emotional weight of this film as Nick's Sister - a "cool on the outside, emotionally troubled on the inside" soul who steals any scene she is in. I think we have a real star in the making with her.
And then there is Michelle Yeoh (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) as Nick's "Tiger Mom" who disapproves of his girlfriend and her "American ways". She's a traditionalist who gave up quite a bit for her family and expects the same level of familiar commitment from her children. It would be easy to make this character one-dimensional, but in Yeoh's capable hands, it is anything but.
It's not a perfect film - I felt it dragged a bit in the middle - but the beginning and (especially) the last 1/2 hour of this film is funny, poignant and emotional (bring your hankies - you're gonna need them).
Oh...and stay through the first part of the credits, there is a scene about 2 minutes in that sets up the sequel (there are 3 books in this series).
This is a good film for EVERYONE - whether your are a CRA or not!
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Surprisingly, the answer is not just "yes", it's "heck, yes!"
Based on the bestselling book by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians (CRA from hereout) tells the story of Asian-American College Economics Professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) who heads to Singapore for a wedding with her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding) unknowingly heading into the "belly of the beast" of his ultra-rich family and the various relatives, friends and hangers-on who are not shy about letting Rachel know if they approve of her.
This film is being hailed as a landmark in Cinema, for a mainstream movie is filled with nothing by Asian actors and actresses, and it acquits itself nicely not just as a mainstream film filled with Asian actors and actresses, but as a GOOD film regardless of the nationalities of the people portrayed and the actors portraying them.
For the most part, Director Jon M. Chu has crafted a beautiful, funny film that sends a message and brings the viewer into a world that is, heretofore, not seen on the screen. And he brings this to the viewer with a loving eye and deep, soulful heart that shines throughout.
As the lead couple, Wu and Golding are charming, charismatic and VERY GOOD TO LOOK AT, they are an easy pair of people to spend some time with. Most of the other actors on the screen are very well cast and some standouts include Nico Santos as Oliver and good ol' Ken Jeong as Wye Mun Goh.
But it is the work of three very good, very different, but very PROFESSIONAL actresses that caught my eye. The first is Awkwafina (OCEAN'S 8) as an old College roommate of Rachel's who is the funniest thing in the film (think Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids) she brings a much needed level of irreverence to the stodginess of Nick's family. Gemma Chan (TV's HUMANS) carries a good deal of the dramatic and emotional weight of this film as Nick's Sister - a "cool on the outside, emotionally troubled on the inside" soul who steals any scene she is in. I think we have a real star in the making with her.
And then there is Michelle Yeoh (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) as Nick's "Tiger Mom" who disapproves of his girlfriend and her "American ways". She's a traditionalist who gave up quite a bit for her family and expects the same level of familiar commitment from her children. It would be easy to make this character one-dimensional, but in Yeoh's capable hands, it is anything but.
It's not a perfect film - I felt it dragged a bit in the middle - but the beginning and (especially) the last 1/2 hour of this film is funny, poignant and emotional (bring your hankies - you're gonna need them).
Oh...and stay through the first part of the credits, there is a scene about 2 minutes in that sets up the sequel (there are 3 books in this series).
This is a good film for EVERYONE - whether your are a CRA or not!
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Other Side of the Door (2016) in Movies
Sep 3, 2017
Love the South Asian-west mix of horror, but not particularly scary
An interesting concept, mixing some deep cultural traditions from India with western horror. After a mother loses her son in an accident, she brings him back by attempting to communicate with the dead. But what comes back is another being altogether. It's been done a million times, even in the form of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, but I like the Indian twist, especially for those who know that these kind of beliefs still exist. Shiva shamans, who are known to dabble in black magic, begin to stalk the family in an attempt to rid the house of spirits as well as other ghoulish entities. Great for those who understand the superstitions of India, but not for horror fans.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated I Am Groot in Books
Nov 30, 2020
This was FUN! Not 5-star fun, but still fun nonetheless! Christopher Hastings clearly had a good time writing this cute li;l gem! And while I could go on and on how Hastings' handling of all the G0tG member 9which was A+ for sure!), I feel the need to shower Flaviano Armentaro with a more than hearty helping of paise for his adorable art (rendered in an "old skool" Disney-esque style)! Everything about this series says perfect for a lazy afternoon with some Stash Asian pear green tea and a dog in your lap!
Oh, and I challenge you to NOT hear the late David Bowie's voice when you read the Adminstrator's dialogue!
Now, scoot, go and read it, summer is nearly here, and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is already at the movies!
Oh, and I challenge you to NOT hear the late David Bowie's voice when you read the Adminstrator's dialogue!
Now, scoot, go and read it, summer is nearly here, and AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is already at the movies!
Bai Ling recommended Red Corner (1997) in Movies (curated)
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Zombie's Y'All in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I was excited to get this book as to review from LibraryThing since I now reside in Savannah. I wasn't disappointed. The description of the city locations were spot on and the students described the type you can find all over Savannah due to the local art college.
The story was a different take on zombies, which in this zombie infested market is hard to accomplish. The zombies are ghost zombies destroying one of Savannah's most well known attractions, it's ghosts.
The characters remind me of Carl Hiaasen's. The smart, the goofy and the clueless. All unique and entertaining. This is a very character driven novel.
My only complaint was the use of the Asian stereo type when the characters had a conversation. I did not feel this was necessary. Although, over all I would recommend this book.
The story was a different take on zombies, which in this zombie infested market is hard to accomplish. The zombies are ghost zombies destroying one of Savannah's most well known attractions, it's ghosts.
The characters remind me of Carl Hiaasen's. The smart, the goofy and the clueless. All unique and entertaining. This is a very character driven novel.
My only complaint was the use of the Asian stereo type when the characters had a conversation. I did not feel this was necessary. Although, over all I would recommend this book.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Lost Horizon (1973) in Movies
Apr 26, 2019 (Updated Apr 26, 2019)
Horribly misjudged update of Frank Capra's classic fantasy. A group of westerners are abducted to a mystical Himalayan paradise, where the locals pass the time practising politeness and kindness; everyone should really spend more time practising their choreography because the dance routines in this film are really, really grim, although the songs may actually be worse.
You know how some films are hilariously bad? This is not one of them. This one is just jaw-droppingly awful: poorly-staged (the remote lamasery resembles a resort hotel) and stuffed with terrible creative decisions (John Gielgud plays an Asian character called Chang, through the miracle of sticky tape on his eyelids). Once the shock wears off it is more gruelling to watch than anything else; you stay to the end out of a sense of sheer disbelief more than anything else.
You know how some films are hilariously bad? This is not one of them. This one is just jaw-droppingly awful: poorly-staged (the remote lamasery resembles a resort hotel) and stuffed with terrible creative decisions (John Gielgud plays an Asian character called Chang, through the miracle of sticky tape on his eyelids). Once the shock wears off it is more gruelling to watch than anything else; you stay to the end out of a sense of sheer disbelief more than anything else.
