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David McK (3562 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The first Harry Potter book, known in the United States as 'Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone' which I remember first reading well over a decade ago; before even the first (virtually word-to-screen) movie adaptation.
Despite that, on re-reading this I've discovered that while the parts that are faithful to the book are VERY faithful, there's also certain plot-lines that are left out almost entirely.
Framed as Harry's first year at 'Hogwart's school of Witch-craft and Wizardry', I find it impossible to read now without visualising Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role, or Professor Snape as any other than the late, great, Alan Rickman.
The narrative device of allowing Harry to discover the Wizarding world as we do also proves to be a savvy move, in that it allows the reader to identify with the main character while also still allowing the possibility of further surprises in later books: it wouldn't have provided so much of a hook to the reader, for example, if Harry had grown up knowing of his parentage and heritage.
Despite that, on re-reading this I've discovered that while the parts that are faithful to the book are VERY faithful, there's also certain plot-lines that are left out almost entirely.
Framed as Harry's first year at 'Hogwart's school of Witch-craft and Wizardry', I find it impossible to read now without visualising Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role, or Professor Snape as any other than the late, great, Alan Rickman.
The narrative device of allowing Harry to discover the Wizarding world as we do also proves to be a savvy move, in that it allows the reader to identify with the main character while also still allowing the possibility of further surprises in later books: it wouldn't have provided so much of a hook to the reader, for example, if Harry had grown up knowing of his parentage and heritage.
James Cameron (2 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Mar 14, 2018
Predictable (1 more)
Unoriginal
By The Numbers
Contains spoilers, click to show
So Quill discovers his Father is in gfact this alien being called Ego...quite appropriate. Its all part of a plan to remake the universe in his own image.
While the film has a few good moments (baby Groot, Yandu, Rocket all have stand out scenes) it's ultimately a run of the mill, by the numbers comic book movie. Yes it's pretty, yes it's got a big budget, no I didn't enjoy it.
While the film has a few good moments (baby Groot, Yandu, Rocket all have stand out scenes) it's ultimately a run of the mill, by the numbers comic book movie. Yes it's pretty, yes it's got a big budget, no I didn't enjoy it.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan, #8) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I was really disappointed when I realized where the plot was going - Christ's bones? Come on, Reichs. But she did a very good job with the plot, giving the reader plenty of intrigue without ever getting into any mystical nonsense. I found the references to The Da Vinci Code highly amusing (there may have been some that I missed, but I haven't read the book, and I was only half-way paying attention when I saw the movie).
Kalifornia (1993)
7.0
Rate It
Movie Watch
Tense, chilling, psychodrama and darkly comic road movie. Graduate student and his girlfriend set...
Books&Football (34 KP) rated Three Blind Dates in Books
Jan 23, 2018
Extremely Funny with an HEA
Noely Clark is a single, attractive host of Good Morning Malibu. She agrees to be set up with a blind date at a restaurant called "Going in Blind". Noely ends up going on three blind dates and its set up with a suit, a rebel and a jock. The dates are real and her interactions with the men are hilarious. The book has a tie in to the movie "You've Got Mail" which add a nice touch to the story. In the end, she can only choose one of the three men - who will she choose? If you like contemporary romance, this is a book that should not be missed.
Chelsea (166 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians in Books
Sep 29, 2018
I picked this up after I saw the movie because I liked it so much, and I’m very glad I did.
Rachel Chu is thrust into the lifestyle of the crazy rich in Singapore when she and her boyfriend Nick travel to attend a wedding of Nick’s best friend. She is treated horribly by Nick’s traditional family and their friends, who are trying their best to get her out of the picture. We follow as Rachel learns about Nick’s past and family, secrets of her own past, and see her struggle to figure out who she is or what she should do.
The book changes perspective every chapter, so you really get the back story on and thoughts of all the main characters. You learn about this lifestyle that is so extravagant I couldn’t even dream that big. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to pick up the next book!
Rachel Chu is thrust into the lifestyle of the crazy rich in Singapore when she and her boyfriend Nick travel to attend a wedding of Nick’s best friend. She is treated horribly by Nick’s traditional family and their friends, who are trying their best to get her out of the picture. We follow as Rachel learns about Nick’s past and family, secrets of her own past, and see her struggle to figure out who she is or what she should do.
The book changes perspective every chapter, so you really get the back story on and thoughts of all the main characters. You learn about this lifestyle that is so extravagant I couldn’t even dream that big. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to pick up the next book!
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Children of Blood and Bone: Book 1 in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I'd say 3.5 to 4 .. it's full of action and what action is in there is good - it plays out like a movie or books I've read before - but in any book like this I think it would read the same - I called a few things I think though it did not end how I would have expected there were some characters in there that entertained me quite a lot and I am curious if they will be in the next book because I'll be continuing. My only complaint is that I can't understand a word of the names/the magic/the places - I mean I get you have to be unique but at least give me names and places I can pronounced ok thanks.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated My Fair Latte in Books
Mar 4, 2020
Body on Opening Night
Halley Greer has just inherited an Art Deco movie palace in the touristy town of Utopia Springs, Arkansas. She’s decided to turn it into a classic movie theater that features coffee and wine as part of the snack bar options. After weeks or hard work restoring it, she is ready to feature My Fair Lady on opening night. However, during intermission, one of the patrons is found dead in his seat. The police think Halley is a good suspect even though she is new to town. Can she clear her name?
I really enjoyed this series debut. The characters are fantastic. We are making friends along with Halley, and they are a varied lot. I felt we got to know them, and I look forward to spending time with them in future books. The plot was a little slow to get started, but once it did, I was hooked on that as well. I thought I had a couple of things figured out, but I was still surprised by some twists. The suspects are just as strong as the series regulars, and kept me guessing until Halley figured it out. While I’m not much of a coffee or wine drinker, I was drooling over some of the food talked about in the book. The book gives some hints about things to be explored in future books, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit with these characters.
I really enjoyed this series debut. The characters are fantastic. We are making friends along with Halley, and they are a varied lot. I felt we got to know them, and I look forward to spending time with them in future books. The plot was a little slow to get started, but once it did, I was hooked on that as well. I thought I had a couple of things figured out, but I was still surprised by some twists. The suspects are just as strong as the series regulars, and kept me guessing until Halley figured it out. While I’m not much of a coffee or wine drinker, I was drooling over some of the food talked about in the book. The book gives some hints about things to be explored in future books, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit with these characters.
The Cut: Lose Up to 10 Pounds in 10 Days and Sculpt Your Best Body
Morris Chestnut and Obi Obadike
Book
When Morris Chestnut hit the media circuit to promote his latest blockbuster movie The Best Man...
David McK (3562 KP) rated Mortal Engines (2018) in Movies
Sep 18, 2021
Cyberpunk sci-fi movie that should really have been a series, set in the far future centuries after the cataclysmic sixty-minute war and where there are now two main kinds of settlements: the 'traditional' (here, viewed - at least initially - by the main protaganist as barbaric) and mobile: giant cities (London is one) powered by some form of locomotion, who pursue a philosophy of Municipal Darwinism ie hunt down and consume smaller cities to provide supplies and materials.
The problem, however, is that this movie just tries to pack too much into its runtime; too much if the action from the source book on which it is based, with the result that the characters never really seem to develop all that much and, in some cases, are given short shrift (which is why I feel a series would have been better).
Good effect, though.
The problem, however, is that this movie just tries to pack too much into its runtime; too much if the action from the source book on which it is based, with the result that the characters never really seem to develop all that much and, in some cases, are given short shrift (which is why I feel a series would have been better).
Good effect, though.