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

 
Solaris (1972)
Solaris (1972)
1972 | Sci-Fi

"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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Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season (2020)
2020 | Comedy, Romance
Loved it. It made me cry. Definitely the queer romantic comedy we all deserve. Kristen Stewart is excellent as Abby and Mackenzie does a good turn as Harper, her girlfriend who is struggling coming out to her family (and basically her entire hometown). Harper takes Abby home for the holidays, doesn't act her best, and heartbreak ensues. Daniel Levy is wonderful as Abby's best friend and Aubrey Plaza as Harper's ex. Victor Garber and Mary Steenburgen are spot-on as Harper's parents, who demand perfection from all three of their daughters. If you've ever had to come out to your family, this film will deeply resonate with you. If you're straight and haven't had that experience, watch it, consider what others around you may have gone through and feel some empathy. It's funny, heartbreaking, and sweet.
  
Nine Perfect Strangers
Nine Perfect Strangers
Liane Moriarty | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
6
6.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Really, one word describes the entirety of this book: trippy. It was different, for sure, not something I expected. There was nothing sinister, just wholly unhinged. I kept looking for a terrifying secret, waiting for a crime to be committed, anticipating more action and less words. The beginning reminded me of An Unwanted Guest, both set in isolated areas in which a group of strangers have vacated to in order to relax, but that's where the similarities ended. It wasn't difficult for me to keep up with the change in perspective, despite reading from more than 9 of them. What I liked most was how much hatred, contempt, yet sympathy and compassion I felt for Masha - she was crazy, very unorthodox, but I feel as if she truly had good intentions (at least in the beginning).
  
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)
Sarah J. Maas | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.4 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
KOA was a long, action-packed, unforgettable ending to a lengthy, yet beautiful, series of good versus evil, spiritual and emotional growth, loss and love and healing. I shed tears, I cursed, I smiled. It was a conclusion I was honestly too afraid to hope for and yet it was surrounded by so many unexpected moments. I put off reading this for so long, because the ending is so final and I knew I'd feel the loss deep inside - which I do. Regardless of the opportunity to always start the series over, this is truly goodbye. Sarah wrapped everything up beautifully. I am in awe of the depth of her writing and the intricacies each individual perspective beheld for the entirety of the story. I will not sin forget Aelin, Rowan, or their friends. Well done, Sarah.
  
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Other Boleyn Girl
Philippa Gregory | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
7.6 (23 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read this quite a long time ago, but I have to say that I do read all of Philippa Gregory’s books because they’re just really good stories. I do have a bit of a thing about the Tudor period, and I’ve read a fair bit of both fiction and non-fiction around the period. I’m aware that this (and her others) may be heavily fictionalised, but part of reading is entertainment, no? But I do like how I feel immersed in these stories.
And who knew that Anne Boleyn’s sister had an affair with Henry VIII before Anne married him (well, when the book came out, not many people seemed to know - unless they were very heavily into their history!)? And honestly, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if a lot of goes on in the book actually happened!
  
Baby Driver (2017)
Baby Driver (2017)
2017 | Action, Comedy
I went to see Baby Driver this evening at an Unlimited Screening, the cinema was a great choice as the temperature was beyond ridiculous outside and at home. Evidently this is a prequel to Drive, or so I've been told. But I don't really know how that works when the idea supposedly came from a music video Wright did that was in 2003 and Drive was out in 2011... but anyway. As is always the way, the first big advert for the film was good, and honestly, I didn't feel like I was watching the same film when it started. Never the less, I enjoyed it. There are some quirks that I recognise from other Edgar Wright films, and I enjoyed the way the music was incorporated into the action... although him prancing down the street to get coffee... not so much.
  
The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman, Chris Riddell | 2009 | Children
8
8.1 (28 Ratings)
Book Rating
An interesting tale
My biggest criticism about this book is that it has been written for kids, or young adults, and I feel like this is a big shame as it could have been pretty terrifying. But aside from the fairly creepy first chapter, it falls just a little short of being actually scary (at least for a fully grown adult).

But that doesn't mean it's not a good book, because it is and it's such a wonderful idea for a story. I found it well paced and intriguing, with a lot of interesting characters although j do wish we'd have seen more of some of them. There is a certain lack of threat even considering the death theme, aside for the ghoul gate episode, but this is still such an enjoyable read that this doesn't really matter.
  
    The Stupid Test: Reloaded

    The Stupid Test: Reloaded

    Games and Entertainment

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

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    Are you a complete moron, or a total genius? If you've often pondered this question, ponder no...

Million Dollar Arm (2014)
Million Dollar Arm (2014)
2014 | Comedy, Drama
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Being a huge baseball fan, I was intrigued by the story of two hopeful cricket players being converted to America's pastime.

Jon Hamm is great as an American recruiter sent to India in an attempt to bolster his teams pitching prospect pipeline. Seemingly hopeless upon arrival, JB (Hamm) conducts a sort of makeshift tryout that brings interest from all over the area. A few potential candidates show enough promise to pursue, and teach the game of baseball.

The story that follows is quite amazing and very interesting. The follow up on the real life versions of the characters portrayed in the film shows just how accurate (of course some artistic value is added) the story is and what an exceptional reality those involved lived.

Great movie for any baseball fan or a fan of a feel good story that doesn't know boundaries.