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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Green Book (2018) in Movies
Dec 23, 2018
Phenomenal
Sometimes a solid film can catch you off guard. Blockbusters, Marvel films, anything Disney, those are the ones you expect to succeed and most times they do. However, sometimes films come along that aren’t highly publicized that gives you a glimpse of its potential in a trailer you never even would have seen had you not gone to see a certain movie. Enter Green Book, the story of famous black pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his decision to embark on a tour in the deep south accompanied by his driver and protector, an American-Italian man named Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen).
Acting: 10
You can tell someone is killing at their job as an actor in a movie when you don’t even recognize them. Viggo Mortensen is out of this world amazing in his performance as Tony. He’s tough as nails, but you can see his softer side coming forth as the movie progresses. He and Mahershala Ali have a phenomenal chemistry that carries the story and entertains you from start to finish. They make you feel as if they’re actually becoming the best of friends as their worlds collide. I loved the intensity of some of their scenes and how they could turn on a dime and bring you a little laughter. Also, not-so-small shout out to Linda Cardellini who plays Lip’s wife Dolores as her performance was extremely solid as well.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Tony Lip is easily one of my favorite characters in any 2018 movie this year. He is the typical gruff male and the stereotypical American-Italian type, but it’s eye-opening and fun to watch a character like that in a setting that’s not a mafia movie. His progression is what makes him great, or adds to his greatness rather. I couldn’t imagine coming across a guy like Tony Lip and not liking him after five minutes of meeting him.
I don’t want to downplay Don Shirley’s character, although Lip does steal the show. Shirley is one we can learn from, a guy that fights through adversity and is determined to win at all costs. He is a lost soul that drowns himself in the highs and lows of alcohol and music. You pity him and you cheer for him at the same time.
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
I am always impressed with period pieces and how they are able to capture regions so well. There is such a great depiction here of the northeast vs. the deep south that transports you easily from one region to the next. One minute you’re on a bustling street in the middle of New York and the next you’re on country road surrounded by trees being taken to a backwoods gas station. Just thinking about it even now made me add another point on. I also loved the stark contrast between the beautiful venues where Shirley would play and the grimy hotels he had to stay in because of the color of his skin. It was a major eye-opener and a punch to the gut when you see it on screen.
Conflict: 10
Genre: 8
Memorability: 10
Great choice on the title as it alone helps the film to stand out. You will understand when you see it, trust me. Overall Green Book is a beautiful tale that ultimately breaks stereotypes and spin things in a different light we don’t quite expect. I loved how there were a number of scenes that were not only funny, but touching at the same time.
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
Slightly cheesy, slightly unrealistic. I don’t care. To me, it was a fitting ending to an overall solid story. It’s got my seal of approval.
Overall: 97
I love when unexpected gems hit me in the face like Green Book. Go see this film. You will not be disappointed.
Acting: 10
You can tell someone is killing at their job as an actor in a movie when you don’t even recognize them. Viggo Mortensen is out of this world amazing in his performance as Tony. He’s tough as nails, but you can see his softer side coming forth as the movie progresses. He and Mahershala Ali have a phenomenal chemistry that carries the story and entertains you from start to finish. They make you feel as if they’re actually becoming the best of friends as their worlds collide. I loved the intensity of some of their scenes and how they could turn on a dime and bring you a little laughter. Also, not-so-small shout out to Linda Cardellini who plays Lip’s wife Dolores as her performance was extremely solid as well.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Tony Lip is easily one of my favorite characters in any 2018 movie this year. He is the typical gruff male and the stereotypical American-Italian type, but it’s eye-opening and fun to watch a character like that in a setting that’s not a mafia movie. His progression is what makes him great, or adds to his greatness rather. I couldn’t imagine coming across a guy like Tony Lip and not liking him after five minutes of meeting him.
I don’t want to downplay Don Shirley’s character, although Lip does steal the show. Shirley is one we can learn from, a guy that fights through adversity and is determined to win at all costs. He is a lost soul that drowns himself in the highs and lows of alcohol and music. You pity him and you cheer for him at the same time.
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
I am always impressed with period pieces and how they are able to capture regions so well. There is such a great depiction here of the northeast vs. the deep south that transports you easily from one region to the next. One minute you’re on a bustling street in the middle of New York and the next you’re on country road surrounded by trees being taken to a backwoods gas station. Just thinking about it even now made me add another point on. I also loved the stark contrast between the beautiful venues where Shirley would play and the grimy hotels he had to stay in because of the color of his skin. It was a major eye-opener and a punch to the gut when you see it on screen.
Conflict: 10
Genre: 8
Memorability: 10
Great choice on the title as it alone helps the film to stand out. You will understand when you see it, trust me. Overall Green Book is a beautiful tale that ultimately breaks stereotypes and spin things in a different light we don’t quite expect. I loved how there were a number of scenes that were not only funny, but touching at the same time.
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
Slightly cheesy, slightly unrealistic. I don’t care. To me, it was a fitting ending to an overall solid story. It’s got my seal of approval.
Overall: 97
I love when unexpected gems hit me in the face like Green Book. Go see this film. You will not be disappointed.
Merissa (13288 KP) rated Lady of Thorns (Two Thrones #3) in Books
Dec 13, 2017
Lady of Thorns (Two Thrones #3) by Nicola M. Cameron
Lady of Thorns is the third book in the Two Thrones series, and we focus on two characters we met in the previous book. Amelie and Alain are about as opposite as you can get - noble-born and street rat who has worked hard and got himself a career. However, their births play no part as the sparks fly between these two. They are evenly matched in intelligence, wit, and humour. And then, through Amelie's courage, they find out they are matched in other areas too. With the Harvest Ball coming up, her mother to contend with, and a husband to find, Amelie is happy to take her chances whilst she can. And of course, it doesn't hurt to have a Queen as your best friend!
It was wonderful returning to this world. It is easy to read, and the characters are all superb. It is smoothly written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. I would have loved to have heard more about Matthias and Danae, but then I am greedy where they are concerned. All in all, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and completely un-put-downable. Palace of Scoundrels is still my favourite so far, but Lady of Thorns is absolutely recommended in every way.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
It was wonderful returning to this world. It is easy to read, and the characters are all superb. It is smoothly written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. I would have loved to have heard more about Matthias and Danae, but then I am greedy where they are concerned. All in all, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and completely un-put-downable. Palace of Scoundrels is still my favourite so far, but Lady of Thorns is absolutely recommended in every way.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season 2 in TV
Jul 8, 2017
Der Kinder Stood (5 more)
Whistler
Angelus
Lie to Me
SPIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Judge
Ted (2 more)
Innca Mummy Girl
Go Fish
The competely love an episode or hate an episode season
This series has some of my favorite episodes and some of my least.
It also introduced us to Spike so forever grateful to that.
It has my favorite one time character in the Whistler. When Glenn Quinn left i so wanted Whistler to replace Doyle in Angel.
Season 2 has my favorite one of There are some amazing moments in this series and some fantastic quotes.
“Passion. It lies in all of us. Sleeping... waiting... and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us. Passion rules us all. And we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love... the clarity of hatred... the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow. Empty rooms, shuttered and dank. Without passion, we'd be truly dead.”
"Bottom line is, even if you see them coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So, what are we, helpless? Puppets? Nah. The big moments are gonna come, you can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."
It also introduced us to Spike so forever grateful to that.
It has my favorite one time character in the Whistler. When Glenn Quinn left i so wanted Whistler to replace Doyle in Angel.
Season 2 has my favorite one of There are some amazing moments in this series and some fantastic quotes.
“Passion. It lies in all of us. Sleeping... waiting... and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us. Passion rules us all. And we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love... the clarity of hatred... the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we'd know some kind of peace. But we would be hollow. Empty rooms, shuttered and dank. Without passion, we'd be truly dead.”
"Bottom line is, even if you see them coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So, what are we, helpless? Puppets? Nah. The big moments are gonna come, you can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Adrift (2018) in Movies
May 25, 2019
Confusing (1 more)
Grim
Contains spoilers, click to show
You are immediately thrown into the action of Tami coming to after being tossed about below deck from the hurricane. Had I not been reading a play-by-play on IMDB, I might have been more confused than I was but I was intrigued by what I read so I wanted to see how it all played out onscreen. I would have preferred to see the hurricane shown because I'm a fan of disaster films, but instead, we are shown the aftermath and flashbacks of the couple's first meeting and the romance that followed. I would also have liked to see more of the actual rescue and her telling her story to the Japanese sailors and/or people in Hawaii when she was taken to the island instead of brief and vague glimpses of it.
The doldrums of trying to survive aboard a broken vessel and all the boredom of hours upon hours of being adrift is shown.
The acting is decent enough.
There is very little excitement to hold one's interest. I was disappointed that in the movie but it wasn't my story to tell. This is based on the true story of Tami Oldham Ashcraft, who is listed as one of the writers and is shown briefly at the end of the movie.
It's not great. Reading about the actual story online is more satisfying. I am curious about Ashcraft's book but it's probably as boring as the movie.
The doldrums of trying to survive aboard a broken vessel and all the boredom of hours upon hours of being adrift is shown.
The acting is decent enough.
There is very little excitement to hold one's interest. I was disappointed that in the movie but it wasn't my story to tell. This is based on the true story of Tami Oldham Ashcraft, who is listed as one of the writers and is shown briefly at the end of the movie.
It's not great. Reading about the actual story online is more satisfying. I am curious about Ashcraft's book but it's probably as boring as the movie.
Merissa (13288 KP) rated One Last Heist in Books
May 29, 2018
One Last Heist by Dahlia Donovan
One Last Heist has a host of new characters, and our main couple are already married, which made for a lovely change. They both have jobs by day, but are thieves by night. Mack has a list of rules that he works to, helping to ensure he only robs from those who deserve it. And yes, there are plenty of Robin Hood references guaranteed to make you smile. They get caught up in a situation that quickly takes them from their 'normal' into something far more dangerous that could change their lives forever.
I loved how this story played out. Mack and Toshi are brilliant both together and separately. Charlie, Tosh's sister, is autistic and her coping mechanisms are captured perfectly, along with an explanation of the why's and how's. In fact, I have to say that I thought all of the characters were more than capable of standing on their own two feet. They worked great as a team, with their own individual strengths helping each other, but none were so weak they could ONLY be part of the team.
With plenty of twists and turns, only some of which I saw coming, or partially at least, this story kept my interest from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how this story played out. Mack and Toshi are brilliant both together and separately. Charlie, Tosh's sister, is autistic and her coping mechanisms are captured perfectly, along with an explanation of the why's and how's. In fact, I have to say that I thought all of the characters were more than capable of standing on their own two feet. They worked great as a team, with their own individual strengths helping each other, but none were so weak they could ONLY be part of the team.
With plenty of twists and turns, only some of which I saw coming, or partially at least, this story kept my interest from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated 24 - Season 1 in TV
Aug 21, 2018
KIefer sutherland is great (3 more)
The supporting cast is also great
A lot of cliffhanger endings
Stylish
Kim’s storyline is a bit tiresome (1 more)
Teri isn’t the most endearing character
A TV series that changed TV for good
X files was in its dying throes and I didn’t think I would have a tv series to love for a long time so when BBC2 advertised 24 with a faithless soundtrack, I thought I’d give it a go.
The first six episodes are slow burners but essentially set everything up for everything else that happens so it is worth sticking with it. Jack Bauer is a relatable character who makes decisions others wouldn’t necessarily make but you can understand why he makes them and you’ll be glad he does make these decisions - some are long run decisions that don’t pay off until later in the day.
24 is not just about Jack Bauer though. It is about interweaving plot lines that build up to a tense denouement that you won’t see coming. The story of the first season is that a credible threat has been made against a black presidential candidate and Bauer has to track down who is behind the potential hit. Unfortunately Bauer’s daughter gets kidnapped and this is used to force Bauer to assassinate the candidate himself. That’s just the first 10 hours! Split screens and tight writing keep the action flowing and that beeping clock (not swearing, it actually beeps) reminds you 24 hours may not be enough to stop the hit. You’ll have to watch it to find out!
The first six episodes are slow burners but essentially set everything up for everything else that happens so it is worth sticking with it. Jack Bauer is a relatable character who makes decisions others wouldn’t necessarily make but you can understand why he makes them and you’ll be glad he does make these decisions - some are long run decisions that don’t pay off until later in the day.
24 is not just about Jack Bauer though. It is about interweaving plot lines that build up to a tense denouement that you won’t see coming. The story of the first season is that a credible threat has been made against a black presidential candidate and Bauer has to track down who is behind the potential hit. Unfortunately Bauer’s daughter gets kidnapped and this is used to force Bauer to assassinate the candidate himself. That’s just the first 10 hours! Split screens and tight writing keep the action flowing and that beeping clock (not swearing, it actually beeps) reminds you 24 hours may not be enough to stop the hit. You’ll have to watch it to find out!
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Wanda does it once again with her latest book. Ever wonder what would happen if you mistaking though someone was your relative or grandchild by think that the person got the same hair color as your daughter?
That person goes along with it by pretending to be someone they are not. Well, that is kinda what goes on in this book. Can you fault the person that was asked, if you are acting as that person even though you are not them?
Well, the Lapps do this when they get a letter from their granddaughter Sara and hurry to pick her up at the bus station that day which is July 5th. Not knowing what she looks like or if she is even coming that day.
Michelle is asked if she is Sara Murray? She goes along with them. She never really says their granddaughter or not. We know she wants to stay away from Jerry and his abuse.
As she stays with them, she learns about the Amish culture and a little bit about the Lapps. She meets the family. She is asked questions by the Lapps. She too has questions.
We Eli as well. He seems fond of Michelle. Does he not know if he wants to stay Amish or go English? What will he decide? He comes to help Michelle (Sara), and Lapps. He comes over to the Lapps to see Michelle (Sara).
How does it end? Do we meet the real Sara? You will have to pick up a copy to read to find out.
That person goes along with it by pretending to be someone they are not. Well, that is kinda what goes on in this book. Can you fault the person that was asked, if you are acting as that person even though you are not them?
Well, the Lapps do this when they get a letter from their granddaughter Sara and hurry to pick her up at the bus station that day which is July 5th. Not knowing what she looks like or if she is even coming that day.
Michelle is asked if she is Sara Murray? She goes along with them. She never really says their granddaughter or not. We know she wants to stay away from Jerry and his abuse.
As she stays with them, she learns about the Amish culture and a little bit about the Lapps. She meets the family. She is asked questions by the Lapps. She too has questions.
We Eli as well. He seems fond of Michelle. Does he not know if he wants to stay Amish or go English? What will he decide? He comes to help Michelle (Sara), and Lapps. He comes over to the Lapps to see Michelle (Sara).
How does it end? Do we meet the real Sara? You will have to pick up a copy to read to find out.
Merissa (13288 KP) rated Reckless (Yoga in the City #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Reckless (Yoga in the City #2) by Leigh LaValle
Reckless is the second book in the Yoga in the City series, and this time we focus on Crystal Ananda, one of the partners of the Yoga Studio. She is the one that is always dependable, even if she really doesn't actually want to do it! The reasons for this become clear as the story progresses. And then we have Ford, the workaholic CEO who doesn't spare anyone's feelings in his quest to get the family business back on track. Both their stories - wildly opposite at the start, actually start to show parallels - and Crystal and Ford find something they both want to last.
This was a pleasant story, with laugh out loud moments, and lots of quirkiness (usually on Crystal's side of the family) thrown in for good measure. Crystal is too often see as just a pretty thing, blonde bimbo, type of character, so it was wonderful to see the author turn this on it's head (where needed) and give Crystal her own strengths. Together with Ford, they make a strong team.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a smooth read, with plenty of emotions coming through. The story flowed from one scene to the next, and we even caught up with Hannah and Jake from Breathless. Absolutely 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!
This was a pleasant story, with laugh out loud moments, and lots of quirkiness (usually on Crystal's side of the family) thrown in for good measure. Crystal is too often see as just a pretty thing, blonde bimbo, type of character, so it was wonderful to see the author turn this on it's head (where needed) and give Crystal her own strengths. Together with Ford, they make a strong team.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a smooth read, with plenty of emotions coming through. The story flowed from one scene to the next, and we even caught up with Hannah and Jake from Breathless. Absolutely 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!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Doll Collection in Books
Nov 11, 2018
Strangely entertaining
Once again, this is a love it or hate it book and, once again, I find myself saying that I was strangely entertained ... maybe that says more about me - should I be worried?!?
The main character in this book, Gloria, is a thoroughly despicable person. I can't even begin to tell you how much I disliked her BUT she is perfect for the story ... not only is she a thoroughly loathsome and abhorrent person, she is as mad as a box of frogs let me tell you; I am so pleased that I don't need a lodger or have her living next door to me!
The other characters are a bit "meh" to be honest; very few redeeming qualities amongst any of them, they are a little wooden and one-dimensional which was a little disappointing.
The story is quite unique; it was a refreshing change to have the female as the dominating character over the male and the writing flowed well and at a good pace. The dolls only feature a few times which was odd given the title of the book and although we did get a glimpse as to how and why Gloria started her collection, I don't think this was fleshed out enough.
Overall, although it's not perfect and everything wraps up rather too simplistically, this book is oddly enjoyable and that ending ... I didn't see that coming!
Thank you to the publisher, Bloodhound Books, via NetGalley for my advanced e-copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The main character in this book, Gloria, is a thoroughly despicable person. I can't even begin to tell you how much I disliked her BUT she is perfect for the story ... not only is she a thoroughly loathsome and abhorrent person, she is as mad as a box of frogs let me tell you; I am so pleased that I don't need a lodger or have her living next door to me!
The other characters are a bit "meh" to be honest; very few redeeming qualities amongst any of them, they are a little wooden and one-dimensional which was a little disappointing.
The story is quite unique; it was a refreshing change to have the female as the dominating character over the male and the writing flowed well and at a good pace. The dolls only feature a few times which was odd given the title of the book and although we did get a glimpse as to how and why Gloria started her collection, I don't think this was fleshed out enough.
Overall, although it's not perfect and everything wraps up rather too simplistically, this book is oddly enjoyable and that ending ... I didn't see that coming!
Thank you to the publisher, Bloodhound Books, via NetGalley for my advanced e-copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated These Words by Sunny Birla in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Sunny Birla is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released a bittersweet pop ballad, entitled, “These Words”, produced by Brett Castro.
“It’s only been a while since we’ve been apart. I’m feeling everything I’ve lost. Over, over again I am wondering if things would change. If only I had just told you that night. It feels like nothing can be more right. I don’t need all the planets and stars to align. All I need is to be with you here.” – lyrics
‘These Words’ tells an interesting tale of a lovesick young guy who is unhappy because he regrets losing the love of his life.
Apparently, she’s gone, and all he has left are words which he should have spoken to her when they were together.
Later, he admits that things could have been different between them if he would have acted differently during their relationship.
‘These Words’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and charming instrumentation seasoned with a sentimental pop aroma.
From an early age, Sunny Birla, born Anurag Birla, realized music was not merely a hobby, but a calling. Since then, he has since cultivated a voice that emanates directly from his soul.
Armed with this gift and a smorgasbord of inspiration, he works with creative partner Derrick Wan to create honest songs.
Also, he draws inspiration from a lifetime of experiences with love, loss, and battles with demons. His music resonates with anyone who’s fought their own battles and come out the other side.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/sunny-birla-these-words/
“It’s only been a while since we’ve been apart. I’m feeling everything I’ve lost. Over, over again I am wondering if things would change. If only I had just told you that night. It feels like nothing can be more right. I don’t need all the planets and stars to align. All I need is to be with you here.” – lyrics
‘These Words’ tells an interesting tale of a lovesick young guy who is unhappy because he regrets losing the love of his life.
Apparently, she’s gone, and all he has left are words which he should have spoken to her when they were together.
Later, he admits that things could have been different between them if he would have acted differently during their relationship.
‘These Words’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and charming instrumentation seasoned with a sentimental pop aroma.
From an early age, Sunny Birla, born Anurag Birla, realized music was not merely a hobby, but a calling. Since then, he has since cultivated a voice that emanates directly from his soul.
Armed with this gift and a smorgasbord of inspiration, he works with creative partner Derrick Wan to create honest songs.
Also, he draws inspiration from a lifetime of experiences with love, loss, and battles with demons. His music resonates with anyone who’s fought their own battles and come out the other side.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/sunny-birla-these-words/