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Jason Patrick (12 KP) rated It (2017) in Movies
Oct 24, 2017
Directing (2 more)
Acting
Score and Soundtrack
Much more than a Horror film...
While this film is a little lackluster in the scare department, it makes up for it with almost other aspect in the film! While the scares are good and tense, its nowhere near as scarey as the marketing makes it out to be. The tone of the film ranges from a horror, to a coming of age story, and some slight comic relief. The best thing about this film is the kids and their chemestry together on screen. Their performances are solid and you actually believe their friendship with each other. The director does such a great job making you care for the kids that when one of them is in danger, you actually worry for them. Skarsgard is also perfect as Pennywise with just the right balance of creepyness. The films score is also worth noting. Just like the film itself, the score isnt just your typical horror score. It ranges anywhere from scary, to sweet and at times somber. Overall, if you're expecting to be terrified as the marketing implies, then you might be disapointed. But if you watch the film expecting some decent scares with some emotional weight as well, then I believe you'll find yourself enjoying the film quite a bit.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Unseen (The Unseen Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
It's been some time since I've read a book that is deserving of more than five stars as such is this book.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Call Me by Your Name (2017) in Movies
Jan 7, 2018 (Updated Jan 7, 2018)
Slow first-half, heartbreaking in the second
For fans of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise/Sunset series, Call Me By Your Name definitely has the same tone and visual style. Focusing on an unknown northern Italian landscape, the audience is taken on a journey in this coming of age film, in which 17-year-old Elio welcomes an American houseguest for the summer, and it is apparent that he begins to develop feelings for him.
From denial and hatred, to jealousy and love, Elio is portrayed as a clearly complex teenager in the sense that he is more withdrawn than his peers, infatuated with his music. But it is soon obvious why he feels like an outsider and misunderstood. On the other hand, Oliver, a charming and confident archaeologist, appears to be playing games at first only to reveal his mutual love in return. The last scene is heartbreaking when the reality dawns on them both.
The first half is definitely slow-paced, the build-up may have taken a little too long, because by the time the relationship develops, most of the film has passed. But in the meanwhile, we explore the sights and sounds of rural Italy, which is utterly glorious. The language and cultural exchange is exquisite and Elio's parents are to be hailed as truly inspiring. It is bittersweet, yet realistic.
From denial and hatred, to jealousy and love, Elio is portrayed as a clearly complex teenager in the sense that he is more withdrawn than his peers, infatuated with his music. But it is soon obvious why he feels like an outsider and misunderstood. On the other hand, Oliver, a charming and confident archaeologist, appears to be playing games at first only to reveal his mutual love in return. The last scene is heartbreaking when the reality dawns on them both.
The first half is definitely slow-paced, the build-up may have taken a little too long, because by the time the relationship develops, most of the film has passed. But in the meanwhile, we explore the sights and sounds of rural Italy, which is utterly glorious. The language and cultural exchange is exquisite and Elio's parents are to be hailed as truly inspiring. It is bittersweet, yet realistic.
The Maddie Diaries
Book
Teen dance prodigy, breakout Dance Moms star, and judge on So You Think you Can Dance: The Next...
Biography dance
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Wild Things - Single by Annprincess in Music
Jun 21, 2019
Annprincess is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Oslo, Norway. Not too long ago, she released a dance video for her “Wild Things” single.
‘Wild Things’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and tropical-dance elements.
Also, the likable tune showcases Annprincess’ effortless gift for writing R&B-infused pop tunes.
Annprincess fled her home country of Liberia at the age of seven as a refugee. Shortly afterward, she and her mother found sanctuary in Norway, the place she now calls home.
At the time, Liberia had internal conflict and attempted coups were an everyday occurrence.
Also, Annprincess’ father, Prince Yormie Johnson, was one of the prominent figures in the first Liberian Civil War (1989-1997).
He became notorious for killing anyone who opposed his views or actions. And Annprincess’ mother was repeatedly jailed for her opposition to him.
Also, his role in the torture and murder of President Samuel Doe in 1990 is well documented on video, a part for which there is a regular talk of him being indicted for war crimes.
One of ten children to Prince Yormie’s multiple wives, Annprincess grew up with a dysfunctional view of relationships.
Even those closest to her, leading to her songwriting in which many of her lyrics deal with failed interactions between people.
Forever feeling she has been the underdog in life, Annprincess’ resilience sees her balancing two jobs alongside her music career, not to mention being a successful football player and coach.
Along with her mother, she has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at her and adapted to an alien culture and language.
Also, she used the negative experiences of her story to become an inspirational example to others to never give up in the pursuit of your dreams.
‘Wild Things’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and tropical-dance elements.
Also, the likable tune showcases Annprincess’ effortless gift for writing R&B-infused pop tunes.
Annprincess fled her home country of Liberia at the age of seven as a refugee. Shortly afterward, she and her mother found sanctuary in Norway, the place she now calls home.
At the time, Liberia had internal conflict and attempted coups were an everyday occurrence.
Also, Annprincess’ father, Prince Yormie Johnson, was one of the prominent figures in the first Liberian Civil War (1989-1997).
He became notorious for killing anyone who opposed his views or actions. And Annprincess’ mother was repeatedly jailed for her opposition to him.
Also, his role in the torture and murder of President Samuel Doe in 1990 is well documented on video, a part for which there is a regular talk of him being indicted for war crimes.
One of ten children to Prince Yormie’s multiple wives, Annprincess grew up with a dysfunctional view of relationships.
Even those closest to her, leading to her songwriting in which many of her lyrics deal with failed interactions between people.
Forever feeling she has been the underdog in life, Annprincess’ resilience sees her balancing two jobs alongside her music career, not to mention being a successful football player and coach.
Along with her mother, she has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at her and adapted to an alien culture and language.
Also, she used the negative experiences of her story to become an inspirational example to others to never give up in the pursuit of your dreams.
Zayn: A New Direction
Book
When Zayn Malik unexpectedly announced on 25 March 2015 that 'after five years, I feel like it is...
TS
The Second Digital Turn: Design Beyond Intelligence
Book
In the early 1990s the design professions were the first to intuit and interpret the new logic of...
A Brief History of Walt Disney
Book
Both a fascinating account of Walt Disney's own significant artistic creations, from the iconic...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Keep the Ends Loose in Books
Feb 13, 2018
I wanted to like this book. I really did. It was a quick read, but honestly, I kept reading partly because the ridiculous and far-fetched plot sucked me in and partially because I just wanted it to be over. There were times when I found myself gritting my teeth because of the rather annoying diction and narration. You sort of became lulled into it the more you read, but it really was awful.
The novel follows 15-year-old Miranda (Mandy), who thinks she has a rather boring life and family, until her mother reveals a shocking secret that turns the family upside down. It involves Mandy's aunt, Iris, whom she adores, and encompasses the entire family - her father, Roy; her 17-year-old brother Adam; her best friend, Barley (seriously, Barley); and a whole cast of other characters.
I'll hand it to Campbell - she creates a cast of rich characters and it's a plot worthy of a soap opera. The problem is that everything just seems a little off. Mandy is so adamant about her life previously being so boring and her startling "realizations" that adults, too, have depth and problems, that you feel like you're being hit over the head with it. The author bashes you over and over with Mandy's coming of age thoughts, rather than simply letting them unfold from the plot.
Further, while Mandy is supposed to be a naive 15-year-old, at times she sounds like a kid. Other times, she's drinking beer and ruminating on sex. It's really disconcerting. Her narration is jumbled and I was left wondering if the author actually knew any teens at all. Both Mandy and Adam exhibit a host of age-inappropriate behaviors and diction -- no matter what happens to them!
Finally, the storyline is so inane that I found myself wondering what sort of parents would actually do this to their children? If Mandy's parents were so supposedly boring and placid, the behavior seemed awfully odd. It was all just a little unbelievable and again, left you a tad jarred.
Overall, about 2.5 stars. A lot of promise, really, but just didn't get fulfilled.
(Note: I received an advance ebook copy of this novel from Netgally in return for a honest review.)
The novel follows 15-year-old Miranda (Mandy), who thinks she has a rather boring life and family, until her mother reveals a shocking secret that turns the family upside down. It involves Mandy's aunt, Iris, whom she adores, and encompasses the entire family - her father, Roy; her 17-year-old brother Adam; her best friend, Barley (seriously, Barley); and a whole cast of other characters.
I'll hand it to Campbell - she creates a cast of rich characters and it's a plot worthy of a soap opera. The problem is that everything just seems a little off. Mandy is so adamant about her life previously being so boring and her startling "realizations" that adults, too, have depth and problems, that you feel like you're being hit over the head with it. The author bashes you over and over with Mandy's coming of age thoughts, rather than simply letting them unfold from the plot.
Further, while Mandy is supposed to be a naive 15-year-old, at times she sounds like a kid. Other times, she's drinking beer and ruminating on sex. It's really disconcerting. Her narration is jumbled and I was left wondering if the author actually knew any teens at all. Both Mandy and Adam exhibit a host of age-inappropriate behaviors and diction -- no matter what happens to them!
Finally, the storyline is so inane that I found myself wondering what sort of parents would actually do this to their children? If Mandy's parents were so supposedly boring and placid, the behavior seemed awfully odd. It was all just a little unbelievable and again, left you a tad jarred.
Overall, about 2.5 stars. A lot of promise, really, but just didn't get fulfilled.
(Note: I received an advance ebook copy of this novel from Netgally in return for a honest review.)
Falling Short: The Coming Retirement Crisis and What to Do About it
Charles D. Ellis, Alicia H. Munnell and Andrew D. Eschtruth
Book
The United States faces a serious retirement challenge. Many of today's workers will lack the...