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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) in Movies
Jul 4, 2021
I'm sorry, I tried my best - but I couldn't resist its charms. I loved all the characters (minus Mickey Rooney's third-rate impersonation of what dumbass white people in the 60s thought Asian people were like), the music is beautiful, its aesthetic is every bit as iconic as reported (naturally the outfits being the highlight), and this entire movie is carried so heavenly by George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn's wondrous performances. The chemistry these two have is simply out-of-this-world, I have no problem ranking it as one of the most affecting Hollywood romances ever to grace the screen. That being said, that is also close to all this movie has going for it. It has great scenes but even at its best it seldom ever rises above too much more than escapist fluff where story elements abruptly intrude on the romance rather than flow nicely with it (am I high or did some old dude come in about halfway through to talk about marrying a 14 year old girl?). It also dons some regressive 60s thoughtpoints on ownership in relationships and pointless racism that sticks out like a sore thumb - but that stupid shit is barely in the film for two minutes meanwhile most of your faves are probably problematic for longer, anyway. Idk man, I cherish the romance but the rest of the film is so jarring in comparison to it - it ain't really all that. Super cute but not as good as the Deep Blue Something song.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Saw (2004) in Movies
Jul 4, 2021
Now *this* is more like it. Cruel, grimy, and goofy in just about equal measure - I sorely underrated this deservedly revolutionary gem the first time I saw it. Uses aspects which are unfairly maligned by other horror/thriller filmmakers who claim to be 'above' them much to its advantage; you're going to sit there and tell me that sped-up series of 360 shots around the reverse bear trap wasn't totally fucking awesome? Elements like that tap so deeply into that primal survival instinct which few other films of the genre even dare to explore, let alone as well as this does. The acting gets a lot of shit but tbh Cary Elwes and - in particular - Leigh Whannell are stellar as these two clashing personalities that effortlessly carry the entire movie on their backs. The decision to play up these performances akin to a WWE episode (even confining them to a stage-like arena for weaponized melodrama) adds even further to its untouched singularity. Could you imagine the direction of Wan with the gore of the sequels? Goddamn what an A1 product that would be. Just a concoction of ideas that work beautifully together: from the memorable aesthetic to its dastardly smart premise it's about as engrossing as can be. The twist is still just as riveting as it was back then if only because of the sheer commitment to delve into such gonzo levels of outlandishness. The fact that šš±šŖš³š¢š turned this one's iconically atmospheric music into a cringe 21 Savage song tells you all you need to know about it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Right to Remain Silent in Books
May 2, 2021 (Updated May 2, 2021)
I Wonāt Remain Silent About This Book
Sparkle Bodie was declared dead, but then came back to life at the funeral home. Sheās rushed to the hospital where she dies for real ā smothered by a pillow. The sheriff thinks that Sparkleās son, Caleb, is responsible for her murder ā the son that is deaf and has had very little interaction with anyone else. Connor is asked by Sparkleās other son to try to communicate with his brother and find out what really happened. That is proving to be a challenge even before someone lets Caleb out of jail. Can she prove he is innocent?
This is a strong third book in the series. Connor being deaf herself makes her a unique main character, but I love how she navigates life. The other characters, series regulars or suspects, are strong and help make the book compelling. The mystery contains enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I did feel the climax was a bit convoluted at first, but the more Connor explained things, the more it made sense. The paperback originally came out in the late 1990ās, so there are some dated elements in the book, and since thatās what I read, I donāt know if the ebook was updated. As long as you know that going in, you should be okay. Thereās a smattering of foul language, but this is worth noting in passing. Iām glad Iām finally reading about Connor and am hoping I can continue the series soon.
This is a strong third book in the series. Connor being deaf herself makes her a unique main character, but I love how she navigates life. The other characters, series regulars or suspects, are strong and help make the book compelling. The mystery contains enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I did feel the climax was a bit convoluted at first, but the more Connor explained things, the more it made sense. The paperback originally came out in the late 1990ās, so there are some dated elements in the book, and since thatās what I read, I donāt know if the ebook was updated. As long as you know that going in, you should be okay. Thereās a smattering of foul language, but this is worth noting in passing. Iām glad Iām finally reading about Connor and am hoping I can continue the series soon.
Gaz Coombes recommended New Values by Iggy Pop in Music (curated)
Gaz Coombes recommended track Copenhagen by Scott Walker in Scott 3 by Scott Walker in Music (curated)
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated X-23 (2018-) #2 in Books
Nov 30, 2020
Gabby: "Why are you party pooper?"
Laura: "It's arguably in my DNA."
That quote comes only a couple pages or so into Issue 3. It is probably the most fun dialogue in a story arc that is anything light in nature. And honestly, that is one of the aspects that really wowed by Ms. Tamaki's opening arc: she can balance the dark and the light, the humor and the not so humorous. I liked Tom Taylor's initial beginnings on ANW, but that so became imbalanced, as he chose to focus more on humor, rather gritty plot elements.
Through this issue, as well as the first one, it is clear that we will truly be "inside" Laura Kinney's head. Tamaki provides us with Laura's thoughts and reflections, further adding to the character's complex inner workings. It aids in defining a character who is often underutilized and written poorly (*cough* Bendis *cough* Hopeless *cough cough*).
As fantastic as the writing is on Laura's new book, I really want to stress how AWESOME Juann Cabal's art is to the series! Prior to witnessing his art, I found David Lopez's art (re: ANW) to be all aces! And while it is still quite good, Cabal just builds off of that and gives us so much more! I truly, truly hope that Marvel is smart enough to pay him well and keep him on board for the run of the series.
Overall, this was another great issue, and if you are a fan of Ms. Kinney, you will not be disappointed!
Laura: "It's arguably in my DNA."
That quote comes only a couple pages or so into Issue 3. It is probably the most fun dialogue in a story arc that is anything light in nature. And honestly, that is one of the aspects that really wowed by Ms. Tamaki's opening arc: she can balance the dark and the light, the humor and the not so humorous. I liked Tom Taylor's initial beginnings on ANW, but that so became imbalanced, as he chose to focus more on humor, rather gritty plot elements.
Through this issue, as well as the first one, it is clear that we will truly be "inside" Laura Kinney's head. Tamaki provides us with Laura's thoughts and reflections, further adding to the character's complex inner workings. It aids in defining a character who is often underutilized and written poorly (*cough* Bendis *cough* Hopeless *cough cough*).
As fantastic as the writing is on Laura's new book, I really want to stress how AWESOME Juann Cabal's art is to the series! Prior to witnessing his art, I found David Lopez's art (re: ANW) to be all aces! And while it is still quite good, Cabal just builds off of that and gives us so much more! I truly, truly hope that Marvel is smart enough to pay him well and keep him on board for the run of the series.
Overall, this was another great issue, and if you are a fan of Ms. Kinney, you will not be disappointed!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) in Movies
Jan 25, 2021
Comedy comes in many forms and is certainly subjective. Unfortunately, slapstick comedy which is plastered all over the second outing for Indiana Jones really holds the film back as a whole for me.
Where Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade are more straight shooting adventures, the comedic elements in them are placed fantastically, sparingly, and add to the overall experience. Temple of Doom is more of a gauntlet of jokes and over the top silliness, and most of it unfortunately doesn't land.
A lot of this comes from Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), who acts as (constant) comic relief and Indiana Jones' love interest. The character is written in a way that she ends up at worst not being remotely likable, and at best being hugely grating.
Thankfully, the final third of Temple of Doom redeems matters a fair bit. The whole last sequence is unrelenting in its series of events. The action is masterfully executed, and feels like Spielberg was just constantly trying to one up himself in what he was doing, and his efforts result in an extremely fun and thrilling final act.
Once again, a lot of practical effects on display that lends this blockbuster series a sense of magic in a pre CGI age, and an as-per-usual incredible score from John Williams can be considered huge positives.
Overall then, Temple of Doom is a mixed bag for me, and easily my least favourite of the initial trilogy, even if I do have some find childhood memories attached to it!
Where Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade are more straight shooting adventures, the comedic elements in them are placed fantastically, sparingly, and add to the overall experience. Temple of Doom is more of a gauntlet of jokes and over the top silliness, and most of it unfortunately doesn't land.
A lot of this comes from Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), who acts as (constant) comic relief and Indiana Jones' love interest. The character is written in a way that she ends up at worst not being remotely likable, and at best being hugely grating.
Thankfully, the final third of Temple of Doom redeems matters a fair bit. The whole last sequence is unrelenting in its series of events. The action is masterfully executed, and feels like Spielberg was just constantly trying to one up himself in what he was doing, and his efforts result in an extremely fun and thrilling final act.
Once again, a lot of practical effects on display that lends this blockbuster series a sense of magic in a pre CGI age, and an as-per-usual incredible score from John Williams can be considered huge positives.
Overall then, Temple of Doom is a mixed bag for me, and easily my least favourite of the initial trilogy, even if I do have some find childhood memories attached to it!
Kristina (502 KP) rated The Pawn (Endgame, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
The Pawn, a book that reminded me of several other books, but was uniquely its own in so many ways. Mythical tales, love, loyalty, and betrayal are just some of the elements Skye has included in this story. From the very beginning, it's impossible not to root for Avery as she does what's necessary to take care of her ailing father. With a strength that should be admirable by everyone, she chooses to sell herself in order to keep her dad alive and pay, not only for his care, but for bills. When she's bought at an auction by Gabriel, as a reader, I didn't know whether to be relieved - I mean, isn't it safer to stay with the devil you know than the devil you don't? - or worried. Not only because Gabriel is buying her body and buying her virginity, but because her father had betrayed him. Does Gabriel want more than just her body? Does he plan to use her as a way to extract even more revenge from her father? Or does he want to humiliate Avery even more to prove he is a man not to be messed with? These uncertainties haunt each moment the two of them spend together. With each turn of the page, I learned more secrets, which only lead to more questions. By the end, the unforgivable sting of betrayal and the promise of revenge are what makes me desperate to read the sequel. I loved every moment of this book - Skye, a job well done!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Ghost - Single by TriOrca in Music
Jun 25, 2019
TriOrca is a cross Atlantic band based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their āGhostā single.
āFallen leaves, it was me that I couldnāt see through the trees. But I been loving someone though and every time when someone goes. Every time I canāt give up the ghost ācause the cracks in the floor keep bleeding out.ā ā lyrics
āGhostā tells an interesting tale of a young woman who waits around for the telephone to ring. Apparently, she wants to receive a call from someone who she desires to be with romantically.
Later, she reveals that the above-mentioned individual might not be thinking about her, and thatās why the phone isnāt ringing. If thatās the case, then in return, she decides to give up his ghost.
āGhostā contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with neo-soul and contemporary R&B elements.
TriOrca comprises of Phil Simmonds (multi-instrumentalist, producer), David Diaz (drummer, producer) and Whitney Meyer (writer, vocalist).
The bubbly trio is a unique ensemble of creatives who meet at the nexus of artistic intent and musicianship.
Simmonds has toured the world with Jessie J. Not too long ago, Meyer performed a duet with Sam Henshaw at an LA nightclub.
Diaz laid down live drums for Eryn Allen Kaneās forthcoming project while Simmonds played the bass, keys, and worked the boards. Also, while that was happening, Meyer was in another studio, laying down vocals for Empire of the Sun.
āFallen leaves, it was me that I couldnāt see through the trees. But I been loving someone though and every time when someone goes. Every time I canāt give up the ghost ācause the cracks in the floor keep bleeding out.ā ā lyrics
āGhostā tells an interesting tale of a young woman who waits around for the telephone to ring. Apparently, she wants to receive a call from someone who she desires to be with romantically.
Later, she reveals that the above-mentioned individual might not be thinking about her, and thatās why the phone isnāt ringing. If thatās the case, then in return, she decides to give up his ghost.
āGhostā contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with neo-soul and contemporary R&B elements.
TriOrca comprises of Phil Simmonds (multi-instrumentalist, producer), David Diaz (drummer, producer) and Whitney Meyer (writer, vocalist).
The bubbly trio is a unique ensemble of creatives who meet at the nexus of artistic intent and musicianship.
Simmonds has toured the world with Jessie J. Not too long ago, Meyer performed a duet with Sam Henshaw at an LA nightclub.
Diaz laid down live drums for Eryn Allen Kaneās forthcoming project while Simmonds played the bass, keys, and worked the boards. Also, while that was happening, Meyer was in another studio, laying down vocals for Empire of the Sun.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I'll Find You in Dreams - Single by Tiphanie Doucet in Music
Jun 26, 2019
The Racer is an indie-band from New Yorkās Hudson Valley. Not too long ago, they released their āIāll Find You in Dreamsā single featuring singer Tiphanie Doucet.
āHead down canāt keep from falling over. Eyes blurred with grief, weāve grown like the trees, now slowly older, and Iāll never be your island king. The city sings her song to me. The only soul alone on these tangled streets.ā ā lyrics
āIāll Find You in Dreamsā tells an emotional tale of an individual who yearns for something or someone who seems completely out of reach.
The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and emotional instrumentation flavored with great piano lines, evocative synths, and nostalgic elements.
The Racer consists of Pete Marotta (vocals, keys), Mike Esserman (guitar, keys), Eric Sosler (bass, keys, sax).
One day, while looking for artists in New Jersey to be on a show they were organizing, they came across Tiphanie Doucetās music and loved it.
Shortly afterward, they performed live with Doucet at their show. Later, while hanging out, they asked her to sing on their āIāll Find You in Dreamsā single.
At the age of 15, Tiphanie Doucet starred in the film Le bĆ©bĆ© dāElsa, and later in the Glee-like TV series Chante!
Those exposures increased her popularity in France, where she grew up studying ballet and harp. After her career in TV ended, she made her way to America for a fresh start.
Since then, sheās been writing songs and testing them out on street corners, cruises, and cafĆ©s throughout New York and Jersey City.
āHead down canāt keep from falling over. Eyes blurred with grief, weāve grown like the trees, now slowly older, and Iāll never be your island king. The city sings her song to me. The only soul alone on these tangled streets.ā ā lyrics
āIāll Find You in Dreamsā tells an emotional tale of an individual who yearns for something or someone who seems completely out of reach.
The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and emotional instrumentation flavored with great piano lines, evocative synths, and nostalgic elements.
The Racer consists of Pete Marotta (vocals, keys), Mike Esserman (guitar, keys), Eric Sosler (bass, keys, sax).
One day, while looking for artists in New Jersey to be on a show they were organizing, they came across Tiphanie Doucetās music and loved it.
Shortly afterward, they performed live with Doucet at their show. Later, while hanging out, they asked her to sing on their āIāll Find You in Dreamsā single.
At the age of 15, Tiphanie Doucet starred in the film Le bĆ©bĆ© dāElsa, and later in the Glee-like TV series Chante!
Those exposures increased her popularity in France, where she grew up studying ballet and harp. After her career in TV ended, she made her way to America for a fresh start.
Since then, sheās been writing songs and testing them out on street corners, cruises, and cafĆ©s throughout New York and Jersey City.









