The Secret Books
6.0
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A world on the brink of catastrophe. A two thousand year old mystery. A lost gospel. ...
Thriller
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated iZombie, Vol. 4: Repossession in Books
Apr 24, 2019
As I said after reading the first volume, other than the resemblance to Gwen, the TV series is so loosely based on the graphic novel that they really are two different stories. I grew used to the campy, out there-ness (I know it's not a word, but just go with it) filled with just about every supernatural creature Bella Lugosi has ever portrayed. But the way this ended was over the top and felt rushed.
The worst part was the way one of the issues was drawn in a completely different style. It was the artwork that kept me reading past the first volume. That and my natural compulsion to see stories through to the end, unless they are just THAT bad that I can't stomach it. But the overly cartoonish images felt off. Think Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go being crammed together in the same volume. It's just not the same.
If you're looking for a light read and don't care to get too invested in the characters, then this is the series for you.
Biohythane: Fuel for the Future
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This book is a novel attempt at describing the fundamental aspects of and advancements in the field...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Cider House Rules (1999) in Movies
Apr 26, 2020
Sound interesting? Then check out THE CIDER HOUSE RULES.
Based on the novel by John Irving, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES follows the life of Homer Wells (a pre-SPIDERMAN Tobey Maguire), a young orphan who is raised/mentored by the head of his Orphanage, Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine). When Homer decides to leave the orphanage and experience the world, he learns quite a bit about life including THE CIDER HOUSE RULES.
This is one of those "coming of age/follow a person through their life"-type films that relies heavily on style, substance and the performance of the actors on the screen. And under the Direction of Swedish Director Lasse Hallstrom and with words of the Screenplay by the author of the novel, John Irving, and with terrific actors like Maguire and Caine (amongst others) speaking those lines - a spell is cast and a heartwarming, life-affirming experience unfolds.
Caine won his 2nd Oscar for his role as Dr. Larch. This is a complex character who has his own, very certain, views on the world and is uncompromising in his care for others. It is a wonderful performance - even taking into account the peculiar Maine/United States accent Caine puts on. His character's empathy, strength and vulnerability are at play throughout this performance and he is a very deserving recipient of the Oscar.
A very young Charlize Theron and a (then) unknown Paul Rudd are engaging, charming and extremely photogenic as a young couple that Homer leaves the orphanage to see the world with. Rudd is the embodiment of the "nice guy" in this film - you can see the seeds of a career of playing "the nice guy" in this performance. Theron radiates beauty, power and a self-reliance that shows the strong actress she will become. While Homer's relationship with Dr. Larch is the heart and conflict of this film, the trio of McGuire/Theron/Rudd are the soul. The film also features a bevy of strong character actors in smaller roles that prop this film up. Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, J.K. Simmons, Kate Nelligan and Delroy Lindo all shine in smaller roles - as do some of the child actors that portray other orphans like Keiran Caulkin and (especially) Per Erik Sullivan as the physically compromised Fuzzy.
But...none of this works if Maguire doesn't hold this film together (for we see this world/film through his eyes and he is in every scene) and he brings it. He has a quiet charm and innocence that helps bring us into his world in a welcoming way. Certainly, the awkwardness that Homer shows around Theron will be in evidence when he plays Peter Parker years later, but it is the inner strength that Maguire shows that really makes this character shine.
John Irving wrote the screen play based on his novel - and the results are satisfying, both to those who've never read the book (or have encountered an Irving novel/book before) or veteran readers/lovers of Irving's work (like myself).
All of this is wrapped in a package by Director Lasse Hallstrom (MY LIFE AS A DOG) in a charming, loving way that show the people, events and times through a lens that amplifies the proceedings in a way that is welcoming and engaging.
It is always a bit of a concern of mine to revisit a film that I remember fondly, but in this case, I am glad I jumped at the chance to revisit this charming film.
And you'll be glad you did, too.
Letter Grade: A
9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Berkeley's Argument for Idealism
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Samuel C. Rickless presents a novel interpretation of the thought of George Berkeley. In A Treatise...
Lucknow Ransom
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Beautiful widow Joan D'Silva is at Howrah Station, fleeing Calcutta with her 11-year-old son Errol....
This is a "fractured fairytale" modeled after Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But this version has a paranormal twist that will keep you entertained throughout the novel.
I have to admit, I was a little confused after the first few chapters, because of all the new characters that got introduced. It was a little hard keeping up with all of them. However, I eventually kept it all straight, and I really enjoyed the story. I used to wonder what happened to Goldilocks after she left the three bears' home, and now I know! Plus, with the epilogue leaving it open for another book based on what Sam finds, I look forward to seeing what happens next in the story.
4 1/2 stars
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
5.0
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James Joyce's first novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is a Kunstlerroman which...
Jekel Loves Hyde
9.0
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Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents' rules - especially the one about never opening the...
The Good Inn
Black Francis, Josh Frank and Steven Appleby
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From Pixies frontman Black Francis, in collaboration with writer Josh Frank and artist Steven...