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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Life After Life in Books
Sep 29, 2017
Mind-blowing account about different choices
This is really quite a unique novel about the roads taken if a person was given a choice. The story surrounds a woman named Ursula, who dies in various different ways until she makes the right choices. At some points she is aware that she is sensing deja vu, at others, she thinks she's becoming unstable. All throughout however, only snow is a consistent factor in gauging her bearings.
It almost feels like Jacob's Ladder has been amalgamated with Groundhog Day, but in a much more epic fashion, exploring death, conflict, and fate. From dying at birth, to dying during the Second World War, some of the paths are deeply depressing, but bravo to Kate Atkinson for writing a complex yet clear book.
It almost feels like Jacob's Ladder has been amalgamated with Groundhog Day, but in a much more epic fashion, exploring death, conflict, and fate. From dying at birth, to dying during the Second World War, some of the paths are deeply depressing, but bravo to Kate Atkinson for writing a complex yet clear book.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Mad: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know Trilogy in Books
Nov 7, 2017
Awful, I wanted to tear my hair out
I think I may be too sane or too old to have read this book. It definitely did not appeal to me. Most of the time you wish for the antagonist to meet a horrible accident or to be killed in a brutal fashion. But mostly the author's over emphasis on inner monologue becomes grating to the point it gives you a headache.
The story is over the top involving murder plots, psychopaths, sex and the mafia and completely implausible. And it all surrounds a psychopathic twin called Alvina. It's like reading a long drawn episode of Sunset Beach - beyond ridiculous and just irritating to the extreme. I persevered until the end but suffice to say I won't be reading this author's books again.
The story is over the top involving murder plots, psychopaths, sex and the mafia and completely implausible. And it all surrounds a psychopathic twin called Alvina. It's like reading a long drawn episode of Sunset Beach - beyond ridiculous and just irritating to the extreme. I persevered until the end but suffice to say I won't be reading this author's books again.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) in Movies
Feb 26, 2018 (Updated Feb 26, 2018)
Don't Forget the Honey, Mummy
Second of the Subotsky-Rosenberg Dr Who movies eschews the darkness and it-happened-here subtext of the TV serial in favour of a jolly plastic romp set in a startling vision of 2150 where donkey jackets and flat caps have come back into fashion and everyone only eats Sugar Puffs (although that may just be the product placement).
Actually rather charming on its own terms, and a number of good actors (Cushing, Keir, Philip Madoc) are trying really hard with the material. Just sit back and let it wash over you and it's highly entertaining stuff. Contains more bongo-drumming on the soundtrack than any other alien invasion movie in history. Extra point very nearly added for the awesome food machine sequence with Cribbins and the robo-men.
Actually rather charming on its own terms, and a number of good actors (Cushing, Keir, Philip Madoc) are trying really hard with the material. Just sit back and let it wash over you and it's highly entertaining stuff. Contains more bongo-drumming on the soundtrack than any other alien invasion movie in history. Extra point very nearly added for the awesome food machine sequence with Cribbins and the robo-men.
Hutch (9 KP) rated True Romance (1993) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
Who said Romamce was dead?
Tarantino really burst onto the scene in unforgettable fashion in the early 90s and sandwiched between Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction is this often overlooked Tarantino penned gem.
Full of the witty dialogue, odd ball characters and great music that we've all come to expect from Tarantino, all bought to life by a stunning supporting cast.
I've always thought Christian Slater has been under rated and he proves my point here. Playing Clarence with so much charm and swagger that you can't help rooting for him and Alabama right from the start.
And the scene with Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken is so well written and played out that its gotta rank right up there with the best of Tarantino.
Full of the witty dialogue, odd ball characters and great music that we've all come to expect from Tarantino, all bought to life by a stunning supporting cast.
I've always thought Christian Slater has been under rated and he proves my point here. Playing Clarence with so much charm and swagger that you can't help rooting for him and Alabama right from the start.
And the scene with Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken is so well written and played out that its gotta rank right up there with the best of Tarantino.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Gentleman of Her Dreams (Ladies of Distinction, #0.5) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Miss Charlotte Wilson believes that God has brought her the perfect man to marry, Mr. Hamilton Beckett. But is he truly the gentleman of her dreams? Charlotte has devised a flawless scheme to snatch up the perfect husband. But does she have her sights set on the wrong man?
My review of this novella is short because I don't want to give away too many spoilers. I enjoyed reading this short prequel to Jen Turano's series Ladies of Distinction. It is light and full of humor! An excellent start to this series and I can not wait to read the first book, A Change of Fortune. Jen Turano has quickly become one of my favorite authors. After a Fashion is by far one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
My review of this novella is short because I don't want to give away too many spoilers. I enjoyed reading this short prequel to Jen Turano's series Ladies of Distinction. It is light and full of humor! An excellent start to this series and I can not wait to read the first book, A Change of Fortune. Jen Turano has quickly become one of my favorite authors. After a Fashion is by far one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Freaky (2021) in Movies
Jul 5, 2021
Freaky Friday with a killer twist
This nearly went under the radar but once I saw it was from the director of @Happy Death Day (2017) I was keen to check it out. So we have a killer twist on the body swap idea. As a serial killer and a high school girl swap bodies. This leads to a lot of interesting scenarios for both, although amusing they could have done a bit more on the comedy side.
It starts very well and in a very gory fashion with many nods to various slasher films especially Friday the 13th. Definitely a film made for horror fans. Although it slows a little bit before the final act, overall it was a fun film.
It starts very well and in a very gory fashion with many nods to various slasher films especially Friday the 13th. Definitely a film made for horror fans. Although it slows a little bit before the final act, overall it was a fun film.
Zadie Smith recommended Pnin in Books (curated)
Jack Reynor recommended Women in Love (1969) in Movies (curated)
ClareR (5603 KP) rated All About Evie in Books
May 29, 2023
All about Evie was everything I hoped it would be. I loved the first book (The Miseducation of Evie Epworth - another Pigeonhole read!), and this is a worthy sequel
There’s a great 1970’s atmosphere to this, from the fashion (Evie still loves her clothes!), to the music (she likes some very good music!), to the rather delightful attitudes of the men who work with her (it’s not delightful at all, but she doesn’t let them get to her at all!).
Evie is such a likeable character, and someone I’d be more than happy to know. The characters around her are fun, interesting, and as full of personality as Evie herself.
This is a really happy, uplifting and witty read, and I hope that we’ll see more of Evie soon!
There’s a great 1970’s atmosphere to this, from the fashion (Evie still loves her clothes!), to the music (she likes some very good music!), to the rather delightful attitudes of the men who work with her (it’s not delightful at all, but she doesn’t let them get to her at all!).
Evie is such a likeable character, and someone I’d be more than happy to know. The characters around her are fun, interesting, and as full of personality as Evie herself.
This is a really happy, uplifting and witty read, and I hope that we’ll see more of Evie soon!
Eve Oxspring (14 KP) rated Phantom Thread (2017) in Movies
Feb 15, 2018
Excellent performances (2 more)
Interesting concept
Beautiful cinematography
An intense character study with a side of high fashion
Contains spoilers, click to show
I haven't been able to stop thinking about this movie for days. On the surface, it's a somewhat absurd look into the life of a overly privileged, egotistical fashion designer (Day-Lewis). His every whim is provided for by his stoic sister (Manville) and a number of lovers that he, in some way or other, always manages to drive away.
It should have been forgettable, but, in fact was the complete opposite.
The lack of context really makes this film. There are clues throughout, the odd word or image littered here and there, but it is left almost entirely to the audience to piece together the meaning of everything. Woodcock clearly has issues when it comes to his mother, who taught him everything he knew and who died years before the film takes place. He projects these issues onto those around him, involving them in the "game" that is his life. As we, the audience, begin to realise this, so, too, does Alma (Krieps), his current lover. She repeatedly poisons him, knowing the only time she will be truly alone and at his full attention is when he is incapable of being anywhere else. She takes care of him almost as a mother would a small child, further adding to (or relieving?) already prevalent issues in him.
The more I think about this film, the more I love it. I admit, I didn't care for it at all when I first walked out of the cinema, but as time has passed - as I've had a chance to digest and unpack all the gifts this film gives - I find myself liking it more and more. A second viewing is definitely on the cards.
It should have been forgettable, but, in fact was the complete opposite.
The lack of context really makes this film. There are clues throughout, the odd word or image littered here and there, but it is left almost entirely to the audience to piece together the meaning of everything. Woodcock clearly has issues when it comes to his mother, who taught him everything he knew and who died years before the film takes place. He projects these issues onto those around him, involving them in the "game" that is his life. As we, the audience, begin to realise this, so, too, does Alma (Krieps), his current lover. She repeatedly poisons him, knowing the only time she will be truly alone and at his full attention is when he is incapable of being anywhere else. She takes care of him almost as a mother would a small child, further adding to (or relieving?) already prevalent issues in him.
The more I think about this film, the more I love it. I admit, I didn't care for it at all when I first walked out of the cinema, but as time has passed - as I've had a chance to digest and unpack all the gifts this film gives - I find myself liking it more and more. A second viewing is definitely on the cards.