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Andy Garcia recommended The General (1998) in Movies (curated)

 
The General (1998)
The General (1998)
1998 | Drama
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"I would go back to Buster Keaton’s The General. The accomplishment of that movie in those days, you know… First of all, Buster Keaton as an actor — and as a comedian — but as an actor really, was… again, I think the word “sublime” comes across, because of that sort of deadpan quality that he had. When he was still, you felt as though his feet had roots, and they were sort of embedded and grounded into the ground. And, you know, a hurricane could come and it would never push him over. So that sense of stillness that he had, that had this kind of emotional weight inside of it, created juxtaposition to the stuff that he would do. Even if he was moving around, there was always a sense of a “man against the world” kind of thing that was always very compelling. But that movie, what he did with that movie, with that train, and the kind of stunts he was doing on his own, and just running around… I mean, just the accomplishment of that movie from a technical standpoint in those days was quite something. So that’s my list as of today."

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This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
1984 | Comedy
Funnier than hell, even the DVD menu is hysterical. Still insane how simultaneously convincing and silly this is while also being a dead-on accurate diagnosis of the mundanities and pretentious simplicity of rock/metal culture at the time behind the more complex but similarly demonized and opportunistic shield of the media. Goes from one ingeniously uproarious yet deceptively simple bit to the next while weaving rock-solid characters and a compelling band story out of not much more than nuts and bolts. All the songs slap, and tbh this is actually *more* quotable than people say imo - the improvisation should be but in the history books as some of cinema's most God-tier. Since everyone has their own, my favorite part? The scene where they get lost backstage at their Cleveland gig - priceless comedic perfection. Also RIP - Fred Willard, the man who could say literally anything and make it funny. Though yes... even though this pretty much launched the mockumentary as we know it today and is utterly worth the hype, I must still report that 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳: 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 did it better.
  
A Wrinkle in the Skin
A Wrinkle in the Skin
John Christopher | 1965 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Almost relentlessly bleak SF-disaster novel. An immense series of global earthquakes destroys civilisation overnight, leaving only a handful of survivors. The protagonist has previously been emotionally self-sufficient, but can he maintain this attitude in the face of the horror and desolation around him?

Worlds away from the 'cosy catastrophe' label which this kind of book is occasionally lumbered with, this anticipates The Road in many ways: the central image is of a man and a boy making their way across the devastated landscape, scavenging to survive and trying to avoid lawless mobs of other survivors. Christopher's ideas about human nature are crushingly cynical but unpleasantly compelling; the psychological depth of this book makes most similar works of fiction look frivolous and lightweight. Still, for all the skill with which it is written, this story is both tragic and depressing (the book does a good job of making you realise the difference between the two). It's telling that while it concludes on the promise of hope, it's only a promise: an actual happy ending would feel grotesquely inappropriate. Not without its strengths, but a tough read in many ways - other apocalypses are much more fun.
  
Past Perfect Life
Past Perfect Life
Elizabeth Eulberg | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ally Smith has a happy life in Wisconsin with her dad and her friends. Her only worry is her college applications, but that’s normal. But when Ally officially filed them, they send up a red flag due to her social security number. It seems that Ally Smith isn’t Ally Smith. Her real name is Amanda, and now her happy life is no more. Is her whole life a lie? And what’s going to happen now?

If you’re looking for a captivating and emotional read, look no further than PAST PERFECT LIFE! I won this book via a LibraryThing giveaway, and it was so enjoyable! I found this to be a totally mesmerizing book. If I could have, I would have stayed up all night and read it in one sitting (believe me, I tried. Darn responsibilities.). Ally’s voice was unique, sweet, and just so well-done. The book has a teen style, but this Mama couldn’t stop reading. I loved that it was character-driven yet there was almost a tinge of mystery. It’s emotional, funny, romantic, and completely compelling! Highly recommend! 4 stars.
  
    Feica - Analog film camera

    Feica - Analog film camera

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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Hurry Home in Books

Aug 6, 2020  
Hurry Home
Hurry Home
Roz Nay | 2020 | Romance, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely loved Nay's previous book, OUR LITTLE SECRET, which was utterly engrossing, different, and a total page-turner. She proves again with HURRY HOME that she's a wonderful writer. I flew through this book as well.

It's told from the perspective of Alex and Ruth, alternating between the two sisters. We're never quite sure who to trust or to believe, and we are slowly doled out facts about their childhood. Unfortunately, I did find this novel to be more predictable than Nay's first. There are certainly a lot of great twists and turns, but I did guess a lot of them. I do think some of that is due to my large appetite for thrillers, though. A more casual reader will find this book quite shocking and twisty.

The action stays mainly focused on the sisters, so it can get a little repetitive as they hash through their dramas. But it's a compelling read, with some shocking reveals. Nay is certainly good at capturing the diabolical. While I did find some parts easy to guess, I enjoyed this thriller overall. I'll certainly be on the lookout for Nay's next book. 3.5 stars.
  
Something She's Not Telling Us
Something She's Not Telling Us
Darcey Bell | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Charlotte is a doting mom who adores her five-year-old daughter, Daisy. She's also extremely overprotective and anxious, watching and worrying over Daisy's every move. Charlotte and her brother, Rocco, had a tough childhood. Rocco reacts by dating a variety of troubled women. But it seems like he's finally found someone special in his latest girlfriend, Ruth. Ruth really seems to love Rocco--and Daisy. But Charlotte rankles at how much Ruth likes Daisy and vice versa. Then Daisy is kidnapped from school, and Charlotte is convinced that Ruth took her. Is she right, or is it just Charlotte's fears rearing up again?

This was a twisty read that kept me guessing the entire time. It makes you work a bit to keep up, going back and forth between different perspectives and time periods, but it is interesting, dark, and compelling, with several good surprises thrown in. I was constantly switching my allegiances between Charlotte and Ruth, wondering which one (if either) I should trust. The ending felt a little abrupt and quick, but I would certainly read Bell's other work. 3.5 stars.