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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021) in Movies
Jan 17, 2022
1/2 of a GREAT Movie
It is a fun surprise to be perusing all the streaming services available and tripping across a very entertaining film that, heretofore, was unknown.
Such was the case with THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN - a biography (of sorts) of the eponymous English painter, known for his fanciful portraits of cats.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (in the title role) and Written and Directed by Will Sharpe (BLACK POND) based on a story by Simon Stephenson (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Sharpe), THE ELECTICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN is 1/2 of a very good (maybe even GREAT) film that falls apart in the 2nd half.
The first half of this film finds the eccentric Wain finding love and discovering his artistic talent. It is this 1/2 of the film that draws you in - and must have been what drew the talents of Sharpe, Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth in the first few seasons of THE CROWN) and Cumberbatch to this film. Cumberbatch, of course, is superb as Wain (especially in this first half) and his chemistry with Foy (who plays his love interest/wife) is tremendous and IS the reason to see this film.
However, the film shifts focus, by necessity, in the 2nd half to the rising stardom of Wain and his descent into madness. Toby Jones (as his benefactor) and the always under-rated Andrea Riseborough (OBLIVION) take center stage with Cumberbatch in this part of the film and the love, fun, whimsey and depth of the first 1/2 of the film disappears. Riseborough, particularly, suffers from a poorly written role where her character - Wain’s disapproving sister - is (in essence) the “bad guy”, so Sharpe and Stephenson replace love, warmth and support with disapproval, anger and madness. While this is true to the life that Wain lived, it didn’t make for a particularly interesting 2nd half of a film.
Come for Benedict’s and Foy’s chemistry and performances, stay for the rest because…well…it’s still pretty good.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Such was the case with THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN - a biography (of sorts) of the eponymous English painter, known for his fanciful portraits of cats.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (in the title role) and Written and Directed by Will Sharpe (BLACK POND) based on a story by Simon Stephenson (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Sharpe), THE ELECTICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN is 1/2 of a very good (maybe even GREAT) film that falls apart in the 2nd half.
The first half of this film finds the eccentric Wain finding love and discovering his artistic talent. It is this 1/2 of the film that draws you in - and must have been what drew the talents of Sharpe, Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth in the first few seasons of THE CROWN) and Cumberbatch to this film. Cumberbatch, of course, is superb as Wain (especially in this first half) and his chemistry with Foy (who plays his love interest/wife) is tremendous and IS the reason to see this film.
However, the film shifts focus, by necessity, in the 2nd half to the rising stardom of Wain and his descent into madness. Toby Jones (as his benefactor) and the always under-rated Andrea Riseborough (OBLIVION) take center stage with Cumberbatch in this part of the film and the love, fun, whimsey and depth of the first 1/2 of the film disappears. Riseborough, particularly, suffers from a poorly written role where her character - Wain’s disapproving sister - is (in essence) the “bad guy”, so Sharpe and Stephenson replace love, warmth and support with disapproval, anger and madness. While this is true to the life that Wain lived, it didn’t make for a particularly interesting 2nd half of a film.
Come for Benedict’s and Foy’s chemistry and performances, stay for the rest because…well…it’s still pretty good.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Maddie (37 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 2: City of Ashes in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Relatable Characters (1 more)
Colorful Prose
Slower Pace (1 more)
Obvious Love Triangles
Second Installment of Solid YA Series
I just recently re-read the entire Mortal Instruments series and thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe even more so than the first time around). This book is a solid sequel to the first one, and continues to develop Claire's creative world and characters.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
Domonique (0 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Books
May 12, 2018
I can't even remember how I got turned onto this story, I think it might have been my sister. She kept telling me how awesome it was, and I just had to see for myself. From the first moment, I was hooked. I got sucked into the wizarding world of Harry Potter so quick it was like a tornado hit. From the first page, I couldn't put it down, I had to know what happened. I think me I finished this one in two days, that's how hooked I was. As much as I've enjoyed Twilight and Catching Fire, neither of those series made me love to read as much as Harry Potter. Not to mention wishing I had magical powers.
Quinn Blackburn (3 KP) rated Elephant Power by MC Yogi in Music
May 4, 2018
Groovy
I love this artist's fusion of hip hop/rap styles and India inspired meditative topics. This first album flows beautifully from track to track, inspires meditative breathing, is upbeat without being busy, and is actually pretty darn fun. Tracks like Ganesh is Fresh or Rock On, Hanuman give a fun twist to really old tales whether you are familiar with them or not. I enjoy using this in conjunction with light meditation or stretchy yoga as well as a "wake up" cd first thing in the morning, or to keep me inspired while cleaning house. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path and enjoy Matisyahu, this may be the new CD you have been looking for.
Fred (860 KP) rated Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure in Tabletop Games
Feb 8, 2019
I love deck-builders & this was one of the first I played. Although very unique, as far as they go, I didn't find myself enjoying it. I hated moving around the map. Fast-forward to a couple of months ago & I tried it again. After the game, one of the other guys playing whispered to me "Did you like that game?" And I immediately said no. He didn't like it either. I had forgotten my first game, as it was so long ago. But the second game refreshed my memory. I'm giving the game 4/10 as I like the artwork & design of the game. I like the unique game-play of the game. But I don't like actually playing it.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Valentine Kittens in Books
Feb 15, 2019
These were all cute and fun stories. My favorite was Valerie King's A Tangle of Kittens. While I was a little weary of the plot at first, I soon warmed up to it and it was a delightful story (the description on the back of the book is misleading though). Both Anne and Marecham are terrific and they have great conversations between them. The Birthday Kitten is next on my list and it was very sweet, loved both Johnna and Ramsey. Finally, Belling the Kitten was very fun, although not my favorite of the three, I found Amaris to be a twit at first. Love the cats in all the stories too! So cute! All in all a great little Valentine's anthology.
Obsessed book reviews (49 KP) rated Dirty Work (Filthy Politics, #1) in Books
May 7, 2019
this is the first book by chelle bliss that I've read but the second book by brenda rothert I've read. i really enjoyed this book and fell in love with it from the first page. the chemistry between the characters set the pages alight. this book has everything you want in a romance book, fantastic story line, fab characters, plenty of hot steamy scenes and a bit of banter between the characters. these two author have come together and bought you a book which you'll want to keep reading long into the night and leave you wanting more and more. i personally cant wait for more by these two authors in the future.
highly recommended
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress.com/chelle-bliss/
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress.com/brenda-rothert/
https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbookreviews/
highly recommended
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress.com/chelle-bliss/
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress.com/brenda-rothert/
https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbookreviews/
Kevin Wilson (2 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
Jun 1, 2018
Plot (2 more)
Cast
Easter Eggs
A Rarity: Even Better Than The First
If you even remotely like the first Deadpool, you're gonna love Deadpool 2.
This time around Ryan Reynolds has delved even deeper into character. The film follows the 4th wall breaking style of it's predecessor and uses it deliver the type of quick-witted humor that audiences would expect.
There are numerous Easter Eggs. I have now seen this film 4 times and still caught things I hadn't noticed prior. I am not a fan of spoilers, so I shall leave those for you to discover on your own. However, I will say do pay attention to yhe opening credits and stay for the additional scenes that run in the middle of the end-credits.
This time around Ryan Reynolds has delved even deeper into character. The film follows the 4th wall breaking style of it's predecessor and uses it deliver the type of quick-witted humor that audiences would expect.
There are numerous Easter Eggs. I have now seen this film 4 times and still caught things I hadn't noticed prior. I am not a fan of spoilers, so I shall leave those for you to discover on your own. However, I will say do pay attention to yhe opening credits and stay for the additional scenes that run in the middle of the end-credits.
CDewhurst (4 KP) rated Glass Houses (The Morganville Vampires, #1) in Books
Jan 21, 2020
The characters (1 more)
The plot
Vampires as you've never seen them before
I wasn't quite sure what to make of this book at first. Usually I like to read the blurb first to get an overview as what the book is about but that didn't reveal much which frustrated me as I like to know what I'm getting myself into... Emotional turmoil? Drama? Romance? (because I'm soppy). I love the twist the author placed on telling the story. No spoilers but to sum it up: a super smart but fairly young physics genius takes on vampires with the help of her housemates. If you want a dramatic but clever plot line as well in-depth characters that leave much to the imagination, you've got the right book.
Erika (17789 KP) rated McMillions in TV
Apr 25, 2020
I am so glad HBO unlocked some of it's contents. It's no secret I love crime documentaries, it's the majority of television that I watch.
This doc was a first hand account by FBI agents, and the 'winners' of the McDonald's Monopoly game. Agent Mathews was my favorite, he was straight up hilarious. I may have found some of it funnier than most, mainly because in the first ep he complains about healthcare fraud, which is actually the field I work in. FBI agents do not like it in general because it takes forever to prove, speaking from personal interactions with agents.
It was interesting that the 'winners' and other people involved actually participated. It made for a rounded documentary.
This doc was a first hand account by FBI agents, and the 'winners' of the McDonald's Monopoly game. Agent Mathews was my favorite, he was straight up hilarious. I may have found some of it funnier than most, mainly because in the first ep he complains about healthcare fraud, which is actually the field I work in. FBI agents do not like it in general because it takes forever to prove, speaking from personal interactions with agents.
It was interesting that the 'winners' and other people involved actually participated. It made for a rounded documentary.