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Young Jean Lee recommended Solaris (1972) in Movies (curated)

Solaris (1972)

1972 | Sci-Fi

8.4

(5 Ratings)

Movie Favorite

"My favorite Tarkovksy film is Stalker, and it would have been number two on my list if it were part of the Criterion Collection. But Solaris is great, too. Its main characters have no qualities that interest me, and some elements in the film seem purposely absurd. The clumsy pseudo-scientific dialogue, for example, or Kelvin’s ridiculous “futuristic” outfit with its unflattering yellow mesh shirt. And yet somehow I find myself absorbed into the world of these people I don’t want to care about. The images and pacing have a hypnotic effect that causes me to be like, “Oh no, Kelvin feels bad!” even though I don’t like Kelvin. You know that old saying about how a good actor can read the phone book and make it sound interesting? I feel like Tarkovsky could make a compelling film out of the phone book."

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Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Hostel Part II (2007) in Movies

Jan 20, 2021

Hostel Part II is certainly an improvement on the first. Hostel feels like it was made to shock, and dare audiences to keep their eyes open. Part II isn't too dissimilar in that regard, but it feels like it has a deeper sub text this time around, and that sub text has everything to do with how women are treated within various industries, and it's really quite horrifying. Its not an overly subtle execution, but it shouldn't be, and for that, I can respect what Eli Roth is going for.

In terms of narrative, Part II doesn't just repeat the same old tricks from before. The scenario is seen from differing perspectives, and offers some interesting ideas. As far as this kind of horror goes, it certainly gives us a more compelling reason to sit through another helping of mean spirited gore.

Kudos

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Family Upstairs in Books

Oct 6, 2019

The Family Upstairs

Lisa Jewell | 2019 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller

8.6

(9 Ratings)

Book Rating

A compelling, creepy and riveting read from start to finish.

When Libby hits her 25th birthday, she inherits a house in Chelsea with a very dark past. Gradually, you begin to learn of that past with the use of different time periods and different character viewpoints. I admit that at first this took a while to get my head around but it does fall into place and works extremely well.

The story is gripping and dark; the characters are well developed, interesting and authentically flawed; the writing is easy to read and set at a good pace and the mystery elements are perfectly formed.

I would most definitely recommend this to people who love a good psychological thriller and want to thank Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.