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David McK (3207 KP) rated Onward (2020) in Movies
Nov 6, 2020
Late 2019, early 2020.
I rsaw a lot of ads in the cinema for this film. Then (in the UK) Covid-19 hit.
As a result, I'm not honestly sure whether this got a big screen release or not: I actually watched it via Disney+, not really knowing what to expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Set in a mystical realm where magic had all but died out (Unicorns as garbage rats? Genius!) due to the advent of technology, this follows two elf brothers who are able to partially bring their deceased dad briefly back to life, after the younger of the 2 opens his birthday present from said dad of a wizards staff. Only enough magic to 'bring back' his legs, so off they go on a quest for a power source to enable them to bring back the rest of his body.
What really follows is a story about familial bonding, that pulls in the heartstrings as well as made me laugh out loud on a few occasions!
I rsaw a lot of ads in the cinema for this film. Then (in the UK) Covid-19 hit.
As a result, I'm not honestly sure whether this got a big screen release or not: I actually watched it via Disney+, not really knowing what to expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Set in a mystical realm where magic had all but died out (Unicorns as garbage rats? Genius!) due to the advent of technology, this follows two elf brothers who are able to partially bring their deceased dad briefly back to life, after the younger of the 2 opens his birthday present from said dad of a wizards staff. Only enough magic to 'bring back' his legs, so off they go on a quest for a power source to enable them to bring back the rest of his body.
What really follows is a story about familial bonding, that pulls in the heartstrings as well as made me laugh out loud on a few occasions!
Working Stiffs - A Charity Anthology
Roberta Blablanski, Tanya Chris, K. Evan Coles, H.L. Day, Lyra Evans, Mel Gough, Crystel Greene, Eliott Griffen, Sadie Jay, Edie Montreux, Megs Pritchard, A.J. Sherwood and R.J. Sorrento
Book
Not all vampires are idly rich. Some of them have day jobs. Er, night jobs. In a world struggling...
MM Paranormal Romance Vampires Anthology Short Stories
A Plague Among Us (Mimi Goldman Chautauqua Mysteries #8)
8.0
Rate It
Book
When Al Martin, the editor of a satiric newspaper in Chautauqua, N.Y., reportedly dies of COVID-19,...
Mystery
New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst
Reed Farrel Coleman, Tom Straw, Elizabeth Crowens, Charles Salzberg, Randee Dawn, Barbara Krasnoff, Steven Van Patten and Triss Stein
Book
New York, NY – Writer and photographer, Elizabeth Crowens is one of 500 New York City-based...
Coffee Table Book Photography Short Stories New York
Ali A (78 KP) rated Hello (from Here) in Books
Sep 14, 2021
Trigger Warnings: Covid-19, death of a parent, AIDS, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks,
Max and Jonah bump into each over at the grocery store right when the Covid-19 lockdown was beginning in California. Max's part-time job as a personal shopper begins to transform into a bit of a nightmare and Jonah's pre-existing anxiety disorder is becoming a daily struggle. Can the two come together even though they must stay apart? Hello (from Here) jumps into the first two months of the quarantine and the love lives and two teenagers trying to figure out this new world.
This wasn't my favorite book on the planet, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I will also keep it on my shelves and possibly come back to it another time (when the Corona Virus isn't still running wild). Like most who have reviewed this book, I feel like it may have been too soon.
The main characters were okay, but not amazing, I did find them a little whiny towards the end... Olivia, Jonah's sister, was probably my favorite out of everybody and I'd kind of like to hear some more of her story! Also Arlo and his story! Kate and Jonah's "step-parent replacing late parent" trope was shown well in the novel. I thought the development of their relationship was well handled and realistic. I was happy with the end result for them.
I also thought the anxiety disorder representation was handled well in this novel too. As someone with anxiety who has had panic attacks (though not quite like Jonah's), I felt like one could still understand what he was going through, especially in his current situation.
I feel like this novel fell short - mostly by tackling too much all at once. I felt a little anticlimactic by the time I closed it. So many things were brought up: important issues and themes, but then were finished limply in the end. (view spoiler).
The cheating storyline was just - bleh. It wasn't needed and was more of a distraction. I also felt like it didn't make much sense for how the character had been acting throughout the whole storyline.
Overall, I feel like this was just too soon. I'm sure it will be good in a few years time though, when we weren't all still going through the same pandemic.
Max and Jonah bump into each over at the grocery store right when the Covid-19 lockdown was beginning in California. Max's part-time job as a personal shopper begins to transform into a bit of a nightmare and Jonah's pre-existing anxiety disorder is becoming a daily struggle. Can the two come together even though they must stay apart? Hello (from Here) jumps into the first two months of the quarantine and the love lives and two teenagers trying to figure out this new world.
This wasn't my favorite book on the planet, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I will also keep it on my shelves and possibly come back to it another time (when the Corona Virus isn't still running wild). Like most who have reviewed this book, I feel like it may have been too soon.
The main characters were okay, but not amazing, I did find them a little whiny towards the end... Olivia, Jonah's sister, was probably my favorite out of everybody and I'd kind of like to hear some more of her story! Also Arlo and his story! Kate and Jonah's "step-parent replacing late parent" trope was shown well in the novel. I thought the development of their relationship was well handled and realistic. I was happy with the end result for them.
I also thought the anxiety disorder representation was handled well in this novel too. As someone with anxiety who has had panic attacks (though not quite like Jonah's), I felt like one could still understand what he was going through, especially in his current situation.
I feel like this novel fell short - mostly by tackling too much all at once. I felt a little anticlimactic by the time I closed it. So many things were brought up: important issues and themes, but then were finished limply in the end. (view spoiler).
The cheating storyline was just - bleh. It wasn't needed and was more of a distraction. I also felt like it didn't make much sense for how the character had been acting throughout the whole storyline.
Overall, I feel like this was just too soon. I'm sure it will be good in a few years time though, when we weren't all still going through the same pandemic.
ClareR (5589 KP) rated The Sleeper and the Spindle: Winner of the Cilip Kate Greenaway Medal 2016 in Books
Jul 8, 2020
I’ve been wanting to read this for quite some time, but for one reason or another, I haven’t. COVID-19 and lockdown gave me the ideal opportunity to borrow it from my library’s ebook selection. It’s a quick read for an adult and possibly some young people too, but it’s just the right length for the story.
I loved it - Sleeping Beauty with a twist. It definitely has the fairy story vibes, where the good people are good, and the bad are thoroughly bad. Some would say that’s a very one-dimensional way of looking at it, but isn’t that what fairy stories are all about? As for those who’s ah it’s too scary for young children, I would disagree. I would have loved this as a young child. Yes, it’s scary in places, but it’s a typical fairy story, in that good triumphs over evil. Actually, who am I kidding? I loved this as an adult!
And the art work is stunning. Chris Riddell’s drawings are always wonderful, and the drawings in this book are no exception. Beautiful drawings that complimented the story so well.
I loved it - Sleeping Beauty with a twist. It definitely has the fairy story vibes, where the good people are good, and the bad are thoroughly bad. Some would say that’s a very one-dimensional way of looking at it, but isn’t that what fairy stories are all about? As for those who’s ah it’s too scary for young children, I would disagree. I would have loved this as a young child. Yes, it’s scary in places, but it’s a typical fairy story, in that good triumphs over evil. Actually, who am I kidding? I loved this as an adult!
And the art work is stunning. Chris Riddell’s drawings are always wonderful, and the drawings in this book are no exception. Beautiful drawings that complimented the story so well.
ClareR (5589 KP) rated Back to Nature: How to love life - and save it. in Books
Jul 20, 2021
Back to Nature was written during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it illustrates how much many people relied on the natural world at a time when we were confined to our own living spaces during the first lockdown in the UK. Those with gardens discovered a space filled with nature, and if they didn’t they avidly watched the Self-Isolating Bird Club on social media every morning to discover tips on how to invite nature into their lives. Those without gardens were able to find little pockets of nature on their daily walks.
This book talks about how we can preserve nature, and how important it is to do so. It talks about how it’s not just up to the individual to put a stop to Climate Change, but it’s also the responsibility of big business and governments globally. It shows the mistakes that have been made, and how local groups are trying to do their bit to save nature.
Chris’ sections look at the big picture, and Megans look at more detailed aspects of nature - which are linked to the wider considerations.
It’s a really interesting, well-written and accessible book.
This book talks about how we can preserve nature, and how important it is to do so. It talks about how it’s not just up to the individual to put a stop to Climate Change, but it’s also the responsibility of big business and governments globally. It shows the mistakes that have been made, and how local groups are trying to do their bit to save nature.
Chris’ sections look at the big picture, and Megans look at more detailed aspects of nature - which are linked to the wider considerations.
It’s a really interesting, well-written and accessible book.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Kingdom of Bones (Sigma Force #16) in Books
Oct 22, 2023
I read this in the latter stages of 2023, approximately 3 years after the Covid-19 Worldwide pandemic had first struck.
It was a little uncomfortable doing so at first, especially as the main driver for the plot was the start of a worldwide pandemic that badly affected the Human Race.
Caused by mans encroachment of, and deforestation of, Nature.
Sound at all familiar?
Indeed, in his foreward the author even states that he debated finishing the novel for that very reason ...
Anyway, once you get past the uncomfortable feeling, what you have here is a fairly standard Sigma Force story, with Guy Pierce and his team racing against the clock to find the cause of, and a cure to, the contagion whilst other members of the team look for a scientific solution.
I have to say, however, that this particular entry didn't gel as much with me: perhaps because of the complete sidelining of Seichan and Guy's home life? Perhaps because I didn't find the heavy focus on the natural world as interesting as those that focus more on history (and mythology).
Whatever the reason, it just didn't come across as enjoyable to me.
It was a little uncomfortable doing so at first, especially as the main driver for the plot was the start of a worldwide pandemic that badly affected the Human Race.
Caused by mans encroachment of, and deforestation of, Nature.
Sound at all familiar?
Indeed, in his foreward the author even states that he debated finishing the novel for that very reason ...
Anyway, once you get past the uncomfortable feeling, what you have here is a fairly standard Sigma Force story, with Guy Pierce and his team racing against the clock to find the cause of, and a cure to, the contagion whilst other members of the team look for a scientific solution.
I have to say, however, that this particular entry didn't gel as much with me: perhaps because of the complete sidelining of Seichan and Guy's home life? Perhaps because I didn't find the heavy focus on the natural world as interesting as those that focus more on history (and mythology).
Whatever the reason, it just didn't come across as enjoyable to me.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Tenet (2020) in Movies
Sep 30, 2022
Massive letdown from Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan has a bit of a name for himself, and a bit of a following.
While I haven't seen all of his films, I have (mostly) quite enjoyed the ones I have seen - The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, The Prestige, Insomnia, Dunkirk and Interstellar - so it's always an event when he releases a new movie.
This particular one had the mis(?)fortune to be released in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when large gatherings put health at risk and when cinemas were struggling after being closed for months on end.
I never saw it on the big screen as a result.
Having now seen it (on Amazon Prime), I'm quite glad that I didn't pay (and put my health at risk) to see it in the cinema - honestly, I found it mostly dull, incomprehensible (in that I couldn't make out half the dialogue) and interminable in length, despite the occasional 'money-on-the-screen' sequence
If you want to see a good 'backwards' story, watch the Backwards episode of Red Dwarf (season 3, episode 1) instead.
While I haven't seen all of his films, I have (mostly) quite enjoyed the ones I have seen - The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, The Prestige, Insomnia, Dunkirk and Interstellar - so it's always an event when he releases a new movie.
This particular one had the mis(?)fortune to be released in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when large gatherings put health at risk and when cinemas were struggling after being closed for months on end.
I never saw it on the big screen as a result.
Having now seen it (on Amazon Prime), I'm quite glad that I didn't pay (and put my health at risk) to see it in the cinema - honestly, I found it mostly dull, incomprehensible (in that I couldn't make out half the dialogue) and interminable in length, despite the occasional 'money-on-the-screen' sequence
If you want to see a good 'backwards' story, watch the Backwards episode of Red Dwarf (season 3, episode 1) instead.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Wish You Were Here in Books
Jan 26, 2022
I didn’t quite realise how much this book would resonate with me until I started reading it. It reminded me sometimes about the awful things that we have lived through the past 2 years but also reminded me how strong people can be.
Diana and Finn are living in New York as the Covid-19 pandemic is beginning, they have planned to go on a once in a lifetime holiday to The Galápagos Islands just as the world seems to be shutting down. Finn, being a surgical resident, has been told that he can’t take time off, even pre planned holidays. While Diana, who is an art specialist working for Sotheby’s, knows that she needs to take time off as a deal she had brokered for a painting has fallen through. Finn tells Diana to go anyway as he doesn’t want to make her sick since he’s working in the hospital.
We then follow Diana exploring the beautiful, scenic Isabela island, and meeting a family who take her in and look after her when she becomes stranded there. She explores the island and although she doesn’t speak the language she manages to get by because she needs to. She has no phone service and very limited access to the internet so she has no way to contact the outside world, but it doesn’t seem to matter too much when you’re in paradise.
The second part of the book was a complete surprise, but a pleasant one. It reminded me of exactly how we were at the start of the pandemic, wiping down anything that came from outside, not opening mail for days and for some of us stripping as soon as we came in from work for fear we’d brought the virus home with us. I am a support worker and so had no choice but to go into work and look after people that had Covid-19 because as much as I was scared, I knew that they needed me more. One line that sticks in my head is also one that I thought myself: “Well if I catch it, I catch it” and that became my opinion for a lot of the pandemic.
It was a nice change that not everything was tied up with a neat little bow at the end of this book, as that’s how life is sometimes. I really enjoyed this book and I feel like it will be one of those that helps us to remember the pandemic in years to come.
Diana and Finn are living in New York as the Covid-19 pandemic is beginning, they have planned to go on a once in a lifetime holiday to The Galápagos Islands just as the world seems to be shutting down. Finn, being a surgical resident, has been told that he can’t take time off, even pre planned holidays. While Diana, who is an art specialist working for Sotheby’s, knows that she needs to take time off as a deal she had brokered for a painting has fallen through. Finn tells Diana to go anyway as he doesn’t want to make her sick since he’s working in the hospital.
We then follow Diana exploring the beautiful, scenic Isabela island, and meeting a family who take her in and look after her when she becomes stranded there. She explores the island and although she doesn’t speak the language she manages to get by because she needs to. She has no phone service and very limited access to the internet so she has no way to contact the outside world, but it doesn’t seem to matter too much when you’re in paradise.
The second part of the book was a complete surprise, but a pleasant one. It reminded me of exactly how we were at the start of the pandemic, wiping down anything that came from outside, not opening mail for days and for some of us stripping as soon as we came in from work for fear we’d brought the virus home with us. I am a support worker and so had no choice but to go into work and look after people that had Covid-19 because as much as I was scared, I knew that they needed me more. One line that sticks in my head is also one that I thought myself: “Well if I catch it, I catch it” and that became my opinion for a lot of the pandemic.
It was a nice change that not everything was tied up with a neat little bow at the end of this book, as that’s how life is sometimes. I really enjoyed this book and I feel like it will be one of those that helps us to remember the pandemic in years to come.