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Words in the Dust
6.0
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Winner of the Christopher Medal and a "heart-wrenching" Al Roker's Book Club selection on the Today...
Islam Muslim Afghanistan Coming of Age
Uncarved (Drakon II)
Book
“How do the Uncarved die? They bleed to death. Always.” Fourteen-winter-old Da-Ren joins the...
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The True Adventures of Wolfboy (2021) in Movies
Mar 1, 2021
Nice but lacking in magic
The Adventures of Wolfboy, also known as The True Adventures of Wolfboy, is a 2021 coming of age style drama and the feature film debut from Czech director Martin Krejcí. It follows Paul, a teenager with a life changing physical condition called congenital hypertrichosis that causes an abnormal and excessive amount of hair growth across his entire body, as he journeys to meet his estranged mother.
Paul (Jaeden Martell) lives an isolated life with his father in New York, where he hides away from everyone and only ventures out under the cover of a woolly balaclava, despite his father’s (Chris Messina) attempts to coax him into accepting his condition and revealing himself to the world. After a failed trip out to the local carnival for his 13th birthday, Paul returns home to find a mysterious gift from his mother (Chloë Sevigny), who he’s never known as she left when he was a child. Following a confrontation with his father over his proposal to send him to a special school, Paul runs away from home in search of his estranged mother. Along the way, he meets a number of colourful characters including carnival owner Mr. Silk (John Turturro), complicated and friendly Aristiana (Sophie Giannamore) and the daring and roguish Rose (Eve Hewson).
The Adventures of Wolfboy is undoubtedly a film for young adults or teenagers, meant as a coming of age, ‘accepting yourself’ type of road movie and in this it succeeds, although its message is rather more subtle than you’d expect. It expertly deals with the theme of loving yourself and others just as you are in a very low key manner, to the point where you almost miss the subtle hints at a character’s backstory (which is definitely true for Aristiana). For some this might be a problem, but a lot of films go out of their way to be heavy handed, virtually shoving a message down your throat so for me, I enjoyed the subtleties on display here. They’re helped by an unassuming performance from Jaeden Martell and charismatic turns from both Eve Hewson and Sophie Giannamore, who altogether with a story that doesn’t play out quite as predictably as first thought, make this an entertaining and heartwarming watch.
That said, despite the well meaning and heartwarming intentions, this film does falter. The title itself and the fairytale storyboard chapter titles throughout the film give this a magical sense of fantasy that just doesn’t quite materialise. I feel like it’s meant to be whimsical and adventurous, but the actual finished article falls short. It isn’t helped by John Turturro’s Mr Silk, who despite being the villain just comes across as weird rather than sinister, and what becomes of his character is a little lacklustre too. Generally if feels like it’s missing some ‘oomph’, a magical whimsical boost to turn this into something more than an average coming of age movie.
The Adventures of Wolfboy is a nice heartwarming film, and it’s refreshing to see a subtle take on a subject that has been done many times before. I just wished they’d have taken the magical and whimsical angle further, as this would have made it more than just average.
Paul (Jaeden Martell) lives an isolated life with his father in New York, where he hides away from everyone and only ventures out under the cover of a woolly balaclava, despite his father’s (Chris Messina) attempts to coax him into accepting his condition and revealing himself to the world. After a failed trip out to the local carnival for his 13th birthday, Paul returns home to find a mysterious gift from his mother (Chloë Sevigny), who he’s never known as she left when he was a child. Following a confrontation with his father over his proposal to send him to a special school, Paul runs away from home in search of his estranged mother. Along the way, he meets a number of colourful characters including carnival owner Mr. Silk (John Turturro), complicated and friendly Aristiana (Sophie Giannamore) and the daring and roguish Rose (Eve Hewson).
The Adventures of Wolfboy is undoubtedly a film for young adults or teenagers, meant as a coming of age, ‘accepting yourself’ type of road movie and in this it succeeds, although its message is rather more subtle than you’d expect. It expertly deals with the theme of loving yourself and others just as you are in a very low key manner, to the point where you almost miss the subtle hints at a character’s backstory (which is definitely true for Aristiana). For some this might be a problem, but a lot of films go out of their way to be heavy handed, virtually shoving a message down your throat so for me, I enjoyed the subtleties on display here. They’re helped by an unassuming performance from Jaeden Martell and charismatic turns from both Eve Hewson and Sophie Giannamore, who altogether with a story that doesn’t play out quite as predictably as first thought, make this an entertaining and heartwarming watch.
That said, despite the well meaning and heartwarming intentions, this film does falter. The title itself and the fairytale storyboard chapter titles throughout the film give this a magical sense of fantasy that just doesn’t quite materialise. I feel like it’s meant to be whimsical and adventurous, but the actual finished article falls short. It isn’t helped by John Turturro’s Mr Silk, who despite being the villain just comes across as weird rather than sinister, and what becomes of his character is a little lacklustre too. Generally if feels like it’s missing some ‘oomph’, a magical whimsical boost to turn this into something more than an average coming of age movie.
The Adventures of Wolfboy is a nice heartwarming film, and it’s refreshing to see a subtle take on a subject that has been done many times before. I just wished they’d have taken the magical and whimsical angle further, as this would have made it more than just average.
Martin Scorsese recommended Ashes and Diamonds (1958) in Movies (curated)
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sohng: Prisoner of Fate (Tales of Arca #1) in Books
May 26, 2020
93 of 200
Kindle
Sohng: Prisoner of fate ( Tales of Arca book 1)
By P.H. Hardy
Forever a prisoner, and the only way out is death!
When a young prisoner of Lockhold, opens his eyes in the outside world, he is immediately ostracised by those who saved him from a fate worse than death. Sohng must learn of the world of Arca, and all its dangers, while discovering one of many secrets that places a unique and invaluable price upon his head. When Sohng disappears, some will risk everything to save him from the comfort and the splendour in which he is confined. When all those close to his heart, are faced by the flames of their final breath, Sohng must embrace his haunting fate and uncover the mystery of his past. Only then can he save them, and give Arca any hope of avoiding the coming age of eternal darkness.
What a strange little book! I am so undecided on if I enjoyed it or not! It was a little confused in parts and a few inconsistencies but still an intriguing book! I can see where the author is trying to world-build but not sure if I find it quite rushed! Despite everything I will continue to book 2!
Kindle
Sohng: Prisoner of fate ( Tales of Arca book 1)
By P.H. Hardy
Forever a prisoner, and the only way out is death!
When a young prisoner of Lockhold, opens his eyes in the outside world, he is immediately ostracised by those who saved him from a fate worse than death. Sohng must learn of the world of Arca, and all its dangers, while discovering one of many secrets that places a unique and invaluable price upon his head. When Sohng disappears, some will risk everything to save him from the comfort and the splendour in which he is confined. When all those close to his heart, are faced by the flames of their final breath, Sohng must embrace his haunting fate and uncover the mystery of his past. Only then can he save them, and give Arca any hope of avoiding the coming age of eternal darkness.
What a strange little book! I am so undecided on if I enjoyed it or not! It was a little confused in parts and a few inconsistencies but still an intriguing book! I can see where the author is trying to world-build but not sure if I find it quite rushed! Despite everything I will continue to book 2!
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth
10.0
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Sixteen year-old Evie Epworth stands on the cusp of womanhood. But what kind of a woman will she...
Suitable for YA Coming of Age
Rogues & Kings (Tales of Robin Hood #2)
Book
Deadly secrets. Hidden identities. A true enemy. Silence is the only shield. The year is 1216...
Historical Fiction Robin Hood Medieval England King John
365Flicks (235 KP) rated Pitching Tents (2017) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019
If you have ever taken the time to listen to our Podcast you will have figured out that I am a big fan of Kevin Smith, John Hughes, Cameron Crowe dialogue heavy story driven movies. Throw one of those coming of age end of summer type movies and ill eat them up like a bowl of Shreddies (Other cereals are available I just happen to be eating a bowl as I write this).
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
The Silk Road in World History
Book
The Silk Road was the current name for a complex of ancient trade routes linking East Asia with...
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Sliding Doors (1998) in Movies
Mar 30, 2019
An enjoyable romcom
I’m ashamed to admit that despite this film coming out in 1997, I’ve never seen it until now. Probably with good reason, as it had me bawling my eyes out by the end. This is your typical British romcom, with a lot of heart, humour and some seriously sad moments. It has a great cast, I adore John Hannah and it’s always good to see him in a lead role in a romcom, especially as he isn’t your typical leading man. But who can resist a charming, funny Scot? I also realised that I've not really seen many Gwyneth Paltrow films and she’s actually a lovely and very engaging lead, even though her English accent is a little dodgy at times.
The plot itself isn’t that of your usual typical romcom and I love the unique way of telling two versions of the same story, set apart simply by the small act of missing a train. It’s a great heartwarming and smart film, even if it is sadly showing it’s age now!
The plot itself isn’t that of your usual typical romcom and I love the unique way of telling two versions of the same story, set apart simply by the small act of missing a train. It’s a great heartwarming and smart film, even if it is sadly showing it’s age now!