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Emily Long (18 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Dec 30, 2018
Adventurous?... Definitely
I found the new movie to be a vast improvement on its previous versions. The lead character presents a confidence and bravery that would encourage anyone. The plot has some good developments and sets it up nicely for following storyline. I look forward to the next few.
Peter G. (247 KP) rated Whiplash (2014) in Movies
Jun 5, 2019
This movie introduces us to newcomer Miles Teller as a high school drummer under the guidance of maniacal music teacher who thinks nothing of shredding pupils confidence in themselves as an excuse to get the best out of them with sometimes grave consequences as they are pushed to the very edge, not to be missed.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Confidence in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Many university students will be able to relate to the panic and dread caused by dissertations and final exams. <i>Confidence</i>, co-written by Rowland Manthorpe and Kirstin Smith, is set at an English university where third year students are cramming in revision sessions in the lead up to their examinations. This story combines two character’s experiences which, although rarely overlap, reveal the effects of the lack of and over-confidence.
Whilst Ellie struggles with her dissertation, Charlie believes that he will successfully complete his degree without the need to revise, giving him more time to focus on his social (and sex) life. Both students are distracted by their less-than-perfect social lives, jeopardizing their exam results and discover that life is not at all what they predicted it to be.
<i>Confidence</i> is a book of multiple stories. Firstly (and secondly) there are Ellie’s and Charlie’s predicaments, but the remainder of the novel contains an autobiography of sorts about the nineteenth-century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche – whom Ellie is penning her philosophy dissertation on. Whether these sections are an example of a student essay – are the authors aware that they are all written in the third person these days? – Nietzsche’s theories regarding confidence are highly relevant to the theme of the book.
The academically well-written sections about Nietzsche, his life and his spiral into insanity are very interesting to read. Composed in an essay-like format, the information is presented in an easy-to-understand, clear manner, making what in reality is a difficult concept to fathom, simple to comprehend. The fictional narrative, however, is much less pleasing in comparison. Filled with expletives, Manthorpe and Smith paint a stereotypical view of student life. Instead of the hard-working and dedicated people that many students are, they are depicted as alcoholic sex-maniacs.
Whilst negatively categorizing students, other issues are also raised such as feminism and mental health. Whereas these concerns are important topics in the twenty first century, the stigma and inaccurate knowledge about illnesses such as Anorexia is almost unforgivable – “[She] would grow out of it…” Seriously?!
As a story,<i> Confidence</i> falls well below my expectations. Although the stresses of university life are relatable, the characters go to extremes, making their scenarios all the more unrealistic. The essay on Nietzsche on the other hand is an enjoyable, informative piece of writing, which saves <i>Confidence</i> from the fate of a completely negative review. Perhaps my interest in philosophy helped me appreciate the depth of detail and knowledge written about Nietzsche, however I still maintain that it has been composed in such a way as to make it entertaining. Perhaps created with a student audience in mind, <i>Confidence</i> will most likely appeal to readers with the ability to think about the world from a philosophical perspective.
Many university students will be able to relate to the panic and dread caused by dissertations and final exams. <i>Confidence</i>, co-written by Rowland Manthorpe and Kirstin Smith, is set at an English university where third year students are cramming in revision sessions in the lead up to their examinations. This story combines two character’s experiences which, although rarely overlap, reveal the effects of the lack of and over-confidence.
Whilst Ellie struggles with her dissertation, Charlie believes that he will successfully complete his degree without the need to revise, giving him more time to focus on his social (and sex) life. Both students are distracted by their less-than-perfect social lives, jeopardizing their exam results and discover that life is not at all what they predicted it to be.
<i>Confidence</i> is a book of multiple stories. Firstly (and secondly) there are Ellie’s and Charlie’s predicaments, but the remainder of the novel contains an autobiography of sorts about the nineteenth-century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche – whom Ellie is penning her philosophy dissertation on. Whether these sections are an example of a student essay – are the authors aware that they are all written in the third person these days? – Nietzsche’s theories regarding confidence are highly relevant to the theme of the book.
The academically well-written sections about Nietzsche, his life and his spiral into insanity are very interesting to read. Composed in an essay-like format, the information is presented in an easy-to-understand, clear manner, making what in reality is a difficult concept to fathom, simple to comprehend. The fictional narrative, however, is much less pleasing in comparison. Filled with expletives, Manthorpe and Smith paint a stereotypical view of student life. Instead of the hard-working and dedicated people that many students are, they are depicted as alcoholic sex-maniacs.
Whilst negatively categorizing students, other issues are also raised such as feminism and mental health. Whereas these concerns are important topics in the twenty first century, the stigma and inaccurate knowledge about illnesses such as Anorexia is almost unforgivable – “[She] would grow out of it…” Seriously?!
As a story,<i> Confidence</i> falls well below my expectations. Although the stresses of university life are relatable, the characters go to extremes, making their scenarios all the more unrealistic. The essay on Nietzsche on the other hand is an enjoyable, informative piece of writing, which saves <i>Confidence</i> from the fate of a completely negative review. Perhaps my interest in philosophy helped me appreciate the depth of detail and knowledge written about Nietzsche, however I still maintain that it has been composed in such a way as to make it entertaining. Perhaps created with a student audience in mind, <i>Confidence</i> will most likely appeal to readers with the ability to think about the world from a philosophical perspective.
Dustin Guy Defa recommended Hoop Dreams (1994) in Movies (curated)
The Craggus (360 KP) rated Suspiria (2018) in Movies
Dec 9, 2018
Suspiria's strictly crone dancing may leave you bewitched, bothered and a little bewildered. (2018) #Review
It takes nerve and vision to remake something as cinematically revered as “Suspiria” so there’s no doubting director Luca Guadagnino’s ambition and confidence. In reimagining the sacred, Guadagnino manages to take the bones of the original and reshape them into something disturbingly new and yet primally familiar...
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusSuspiria2018
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusSuspiria2018
Gary Giddins recommended The Lady Eve (1941) in Movies (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Edge of Never (The Edge of Never, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Oh My God! What a story! I loved it; how you saw they're relationship develop and Camryn's confidence grow. It was an amazing story and recommend it to others.
!!Spoiler Alert!!
That last twelve % was hard to read through my tears, i'm just glad it all worked out in the end considering and as Natalie said "it would be a cruel fairy-tale" if it hadnt worked out.
!!Spoiler Alert!!
That last twelve % was hard to read through my tears, i'm just glad it all worked out in the end considering and as Natalie said "it would be a cruel fairy-tale" if it hadnt worked out.
Toni Lynn Donald (1997 KP) rated Quest For Camelot (1998) in Movies
Oct 3, 2020 (Updated Oct 3, 2020)
One of my favorite animated movies. Lots of adventure, comedy and good songs. I think this would be a good movie for a child or adult I guess who lacks confidence. It is about a blind young guy, a girl and a 2 headed dragon who go on an adventure to find the sword Excalibur. The 2 headed dragon is so funny! The 2 main characters have a great backstory too.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated I Feel Pretty (2018) in Movies
Aug 20, 2019
Such a shame.
Some bits are properly funny, but after a while it becomes stale, found myself reaching for my phone to have something to do.
It's annoying though because the premise is fantastic, it's about being confident in your body, don't care what anyone else thinks. It's just a shame towards the end I'm nearly asleep.
It's annoying though because the premise is fantastic, it's about being confident in your body, don't care what anyone else thinks. It's just a shame towards the end I'm nearly asleep.
"Success is when they have the confidence and resilience to know they can struggle."
Wow. Ms. Lopez is a true inspiration! Everyone who has ever worked in education could learn something from her. Her drive alone is out of this world. There were so many great take aways in this book. It really gives an affirmation to what we as teachers do every day & a reminder that it isn't easy but it is so worth it.
Wow. Ms. Lopez is a true inspiration! Everyone who has ever worked in education could learn something from her. Her drive alone is out of this world. There were so many great take aways in this book. It really gives an affirmation to what we as teachers do every day & a reminder that it isn't easy but it is so worth it.