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Laura (40 KP) rated Queens of Geek in Books

Oct 21, 2017  
Queens of Geek
Queens of Geek
Jen Wilde | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Just the book I needed
I read most of this in a single sitting, I couldn’t put it down, nor did I want to. The story takes place over a weekend at a convention, so it is fairly fast paced. There are two alternating perspectives, Taylor and Charlie, both were wonderfully written. I really related to them, especially Taylor who is an introvert, who struggles with anxiety, also she has autism. A lot of what she said really spoke to me, this book is just really well written and I fully recommend it.
  
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Being John Malkovich (1999)
1999 | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

"I feel like that’s going to be a common one on a lot of these people’s list, but for me it’s just about the coolest movie I ever saw. When I saw it I was like, “That is so cool.” I don’t know if that was Charlie Kaufman’s intention, but I love that it was the real John Malkovich. I think that’s where I started to be kind of excessive with pulling back the fourth wall a little bit. Although, that might be a recurring theme with my movies, now that I’m thinking about it."

Source
  
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Michel Gondry recommended The Gold Rush (1925) in Movies (curated)

 
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Gold Rush (1925)
1925 | Classics, Comedy

"I would say The Gold Rush. I mean, I pick this one, but I love all the body of work of Chaplin. He takes some very dramatic moments or situations and he finds hilarious elements in it. And then, the choreography of the scenes is just amazing all the time. And I think the way he thinks influenced me. Not saying that I am Charlie Chaplin, but I think it was so inspiring – I watched all his films when I was very young, and I think it shaped my vision of film."

Source
  
Charlie Chaplin's Own Story
Charlie Chaplin's Own Story
Charlie Chaplin | 2015 | Film & TV
(0 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"I was astonished to realize, relatively recently, that Charlie Chaplin had been a homeless teenager before he became the most famous film artist of his time — and that his character the Little Tramp was based, in part, on his past. As a child watching his films, I was merely entertained, but reading this book, not his “official” biography, (which I find slightly starchy), enlightened me on the daily sufferings and joys of what it was like for him before he became famous. It was published in 1916 — and yet is still so relevant today."

Source
  
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.2 (101 Ratings)
Book Rating
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).

Okay, so I'd been wanting to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky since I heard about the film. Everyone went on about how great the book was, and I knew that I had to read it. There was one major thing that bothered me, but on the whole I loved it!

Charlie is a freshman in high school and is a little bit of a geek. This is the coming of age of Charlie as he writes letters to unknown friend. Together, we experience the highs and lows of one year of his life in which he does a lot of firsts and finds out some important information about himself.

I like the title of this book. I really do. Our main character is a big time wallflower, and he does discover that it has its perks. Therefore, the title really explains the books. I also think it's quite an original title and an interesting sounding one at that.

The cover of this book is quite simple yet it just kind of works. I think that if there would've been more on the cover, it would've lost its appeal.

Chbosky did an excellent job with the world building. Reading this book, it took me back to my high school days. I thought the author did a great job in capturing the essence of high school kids. I also love how the narration of the story was told through letters.

I thought the pacing was spot on. I would've finished this book in less than a day if real life hadn't have got in the way! I devoured every word, and I couldn't wait to find out what Charlie would experience next.

As for the dialogue, I thought it did sound like a bunch of teenagers talking to one another which is was supposed to. However, the way Charlie spoke bugged me a bit. His dialogue (both internally and to the other characters) made him sound like he was either really young or a bit slow. Perhaps this was done on purpose, and I'm missing the point completely. There are references to sex, drugs, and the like so please keep this in mind when deciding if this is the book for you as I know some people might not like reading about that. As for swear words, I think there may've been only one, but it wasn't a bad swear word.

As stated in the previous paragraph, I felt that the character of Charlie seemed to be either slow or really young. I'm not saying that he was a poorly written character because he wasn't. He just came across as too naive on most things to feel believable a lot of the time. He is meant to be 15 year old, yet he acts, speaks and thinks more like a 10 year old. Maybe this was just me, but that really bugged me! However, I did love Sam and Patrick. I loved how feminine and sweet Sam came across as, and I loved how big of a personality Patrick had. I would have to say that Patrick was probably my favourite character in the book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower was definitely an enjoyable read for me. I think if Charlie would've acted more like his age, it would've been a tad bit better.

I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 14+ that enjoys reading about the ups and downs of life as well as those adults who want to remember their high school years.
  
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JT (287 KP) rated Real Steel (2011) in Movies

Mar 10, 2020  
Real Steel (2011)
Real Steel (2011)
2011 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Michael Bay, take note, this is how to make a proper film about robots beating the living shit out of each other. Based on the Richard Matheson short story Steel, this follows the journey of former professional boxer Charlie Kenton (Jackman) who now spends his time in debt, as a promoter for the new sport of robot boxing.

When Charlie meets his 11-year old son Max (Goyo) the two must rediscover themselves and build a relationship strong enough to get them through any of life’s toughest challenges. Let’s get one thing clear right away, this is Levy’s best film to date. Which is not hard when past titles include, both Night at the Museum’s, Date Night and The Pink Panther.

Jackman is strong enough in a role which let’s him flex his muscles from time to time, he’s a rough and rugged character anyway which is why he fits the Charlie Kenton mould so well. Partnered opposite young Max, who has enough cheeky charm and wide eyed looks to seduce any adult in to letting things go his way. But its not just about the Charlie and Max relationship, there is of course ‘Atom’, the sparing robot they discover in a junkyard.

Despite being all metal and wires, there is a strong feeling that Atom has a personality of his own even if it is mirrored by the person standing in front of him. But the scenes that Atom and Max share on screen together are genuine heart felt moments.

There is enough robot smashing mayhem going on through the drama, as Atom beings the road to underdog glory moving from one metal crunching bout to the next. The fights are very well choreographed from no holes barred scrap fights to the glitz and glamour of the Robot Boxing League where the stakes and money are high.

It’s hard not to see the underlying homage to the Rocky franchise, even the final fight which pairs Atom against the mighty Zeus is a robotic version of Balboa Vs Drago, right down to the female Russian, Olga, who sits in his corner. The supporting cast are in effect just that, the chemistry between Kenton and Bailey (Lily) is good, but she’s not really given enough in the script to make her stand out, so sparks are few and far between.

Jackman is likeable and the kid less annoying than others before him, its flashy and packs a punch that produces some great action sequences throughout.
  
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Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated NOS4A2 in TV

Jul 22, 2019  
NOS4A2
NOS4A2
2019 | Drama, Horror
Good cast, makeup is really good, story does have some exciting moments (0 more)
story is very clunky in some places, not as scary as it could be, uncomfortable scenes for certain plot points (0 more)
I have read the book and the book itself is pretty good and has some great moments in it. I was curious about the TV show so I checked it out. It's not bad, but it's not as strong as it could be. Zachary Quinto does an excellent job as the villain of the story Charlie Manx and Ashleigh Cummings does a great job as Vic Mcqueen. The rest of the cast is good as well. However, the TV show concept is very clunky in places and in some spots is kind of boring. There were opportunities for it to be scary because Charlie is supposed to be scary, but it falls flat and sometimes feels tedious and causes the story to drag out. The age makeup they did for Zachary Quinto is fantastic and the makeup for the children is well done as well. Honestly, the writing for the show is pretty weak which is unfortunate for a story that is about a macabre and surreal story. This is a case where the book is definitely better.
  
Bumblebee (2018)
Bumblebee (2018)
2018 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Micheal Bay isnt the director (0 more)
Micheal Bay is the Producer. (0 more)
Car Robot Machine
Bumblebee- I didnt expect thie movie to be this excellent/great. I mean the Transformers Franchise is Garbage, trash and awful, expect for the first one. The first one was good and i liked, but the others though sinkey/pee-ew. Anyways Bumblee was really good, the plot was good, the action was good, no Micheal Bay explotations/what he is known for like shots of hot woman, product placment, explosions, racist charcters/racist people, long run times, etc. I mean thier are some product placements and explosions, but not ever god damn second/minute. Thank you Travis Knight, for taking this franchise into a different direction/new sight.

The plot: On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the brink of turning 18 years old and trying to find her place in the world, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.

If you havent seen this film, than go see it, it is a must watch film.
  
The Magician (The Necronomicon Guardian #1)
The Magician (The Necronomicon Guardian #1)
Maya Daniels | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Magician is the first book in The Necronomicon Guardian series and we meet klutzy Charlie who doesn't appear have to much going for her as far as magic is concerned. And yet, somehow, she gets picked for a job that will get her killed. Instead, she finds herself falling down the rabbit hole and being blackmailed into doing another job that may get her killed!

This is a quick read and the pacing is fast too. It mostly takes place within 24-hours so hold onto your hats. Although you don't meet any of them in depth, there are numerous characters to tantalise and tease. Personally, I want to see more from Glenda. As for Blade, well, we'll just have to see what his story is in future books.

As with all of Maya Daniels' books, it is full of snarky humour and action. I get the feeling this is just the start of a brilliant adventure for Charlie and I can't wait to see what happens next. A wonderful start to a new series and definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
My Heart &amp; Soul (Lyrics of Love #11)
My Heart & Soul (Lyrics of Love #11)
Melody Sweet | 2020 | Contemporary, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
My Heart & Soul is the eleventh book in the Lyrics of Love series and was previously published as Rather Be by Melissa Pearl. In this story, you meet Charlie and Nixon - two high school sweethearts who let life (and parents) get in the way.

Charlie is the free-spirited one, the one who wants to travel the world. Nixon is the steady one, the one whose parents want him to become a lawyer. At first glance, it appears these two have nothing in common but the music they both like so much. Can there be more to their story than just music though?

Their story is as much hopeful as heartbreaking and there are plenty of times when I just wanted them both to spit out just how they felt about each other. It happened, trust me, but all in good time. It was great seeing previous characters in this and catching up on their stories too, whilst the focus remains firmly on Chix.

A great, sweet, contemporary romance that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!