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Zach Smith (62 KP) rated Aladdin (2019) in Movies
May 27, 2019
Will definitely keep your attention.
So I'm a big fan of the Disney classic and was looking forward to this. Right from the start I believe they got Aladdin cast member wrong. Sorry he has a freaking 5 o clock shadow through the majority of the film and hairy ass arms. I thought part of the magic was that the love story between two people at most 20 years of age. So yea not a fan of the post puberty Aladdin. The man sings and acts great however.
Will Smith as the genie was a welcome surprise. He brought his own majic to the part so not to dishonor the legend Robin Williams. The film is great because it is based off of Disney's Aladdin so it is not a word for word live action and even includes two new songs that hold up to the originals.
Another cast member I thought was missing major personality was Jasmine's father. Sure he looked the part but he was not fat or jolly and had a droll type manor. Despite these few differences the movie entertained my son and I and almost felt like a new movie. Snore factor of 0/10 great.
PS I miss Gilbert Godfrey as the birds voice.
Will Smith as the genie was a welcome surprise. He brought his own majic to the part so not to dishonor the legend Robin Williams. The film is great because it is based off of Disney's Aladdin so it is not a word for word live action and even includes two new songs that hold up to the originals.
Another cast member I thought was missing major personality was Jasmine's father. Sure he looked the part but he was not fat or jolly and had a droll type manor. Despite these few differences the movie entertained my son and I and almost felt like a new movie. Snore factor of 0/10 great.
PS I miss Gilbert Godfrey as the birds voice.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Green Mile in Books
Jun 4, 2019
Atmosphere (1 more)
Characters
A disturbing but beautiful book
I'd seen the film a long time ago so no surprises with the plot but wow was I surprised at how well written and captivating this book was.
Written as the memoir of former Prison Guard Paul Edgecombe we get a look into the life of Block E of the Cold Mountain Penitentiary which Paul is the head guard of in the 1930s. In what we would call death row today they call it the “Green Mile” due to the colour of the floor. We get a snapshot of the period on the block around the time of convicted child killer John Coffey coming onto the “Mile.”
Each part of the book has a bit from the present from as Paul is writing this memoir and these served as lovely little bridge to the next part of his story.
I've read quite a bit of King and enjoy a lot of his work with his well crafted stories, but I've never fallen head over heels for his writing....until now.
Very emotionally engaging King really pulls off a great atmosphere, characters and despite a supernatural element, a story that easily carries you along. Not often I cry reading a book but this one got me.
Written as the memoir of former Prison Guard Paul Edgecombe we get a look into the life of Block E of the Cold Mountain Penitentiary which Paul is the head guard of in the 1930s. In what we would call death row today they call it the “Green Mile” due to the colour of the floor. We get a snapshot of the period on the block around the time of convicted child killer John Coffey coming onto the “Mile.”
Each part of the book has a bit from the present from as Paul is writing this memoir and these served as lovely little bridge to the next part of his story.
I've read quite a bit of King and enjoy a lot of his work with his well crafted stories, but I've never fallen head over heels for his writing....until now.
Very emotionally engaging King really pulls off a great atmosphere, characters and despite a supernatural element, a story that easily carries you along. Not often I cry reading a book but this one got me.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Dirty Dancing (1987) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Nobody puts baby in the corner
Makes me want to dance and go on holiday at Kellermans even now in 2019.
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
The development of both characters mix well despite rumours Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze did not get on off screen.
Baby is vulnerable and naive to start and with Jonny's cocky, bad boy influence she seems to grow up as the films goes, becoming a woman. At the same time Baby becomes the right influence on Jonny Castle, bringing out his good, sensitive side. This is done gradually and it doesn't go from just putting up with each other to boom let's get married without any of the in betweens which some films forget about.
The bit that got me was when he says he had a dream that her dad accepted him. This wouldn't have happened at the beginning and I felt it was the perfect way to show how much Jonny had fallen in love with baby without the need of the whole 'I love You' moment which is a big yawn after the 50th film in a chick flick'athon.
Every female should want a man like Jonny Castle and have this DVD in their collection. Also as someone who was born old, the music is fabulous, they don't make music like that anymore!
RebelFleur (1 KP) rated Sex, Lies and Chocolate Cakes in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Online this book is described as 'a delicious laugh out loud comedy' and to be honest with you I do feel as though I have been slightly misled. Although it did make me laugh a few times I do feel as though the writing style was slightly unsophisticated for my taste.
One critisism I feel I have to mention is that the book was very short and was not advertised as so. I enjoy a long book in order to get to know the characters and really feel I can identify with them. However, this was unable to happen due to the length of the book.
Adding to this, I felt as though the book never really 'got going' and due to this it was hard to connect with the characters which I feel is necessary to really enjoy a book. However, there is a sequel which I do intend to read in order to see if the problem is rectified so keep a look out for that!
Overall, I feel as though this is a good book if you don't take it too seriously and simply want a funny addition to add to your collection. Although the writing style did lack some imagination it was an easy read and welcome after a busy night at work.
One critisism I feel I have to mention is that the book was very short and was not advertised as so. I enjoy a long book in order to get to know the characters and really feel I can identify with them. However, this was unable to happen due to the length of the book.
Adding to this, I felt as though the book never really 'got going' and due to this it was hard to connect with the characters which I feel is necessary to really enjoy a book. However, there is a sequel which I do intend to read in order to see if the problem is rectified so keep a look out for that!
Overall, I feel as though this is a good book if you don't take it too seriously and simply want a funny addition to add to your collection. Although the writing style did lack some imagination it was an easy read and welcome after a busy night at work.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated How to Ruin Your Reputation in Ten Days (Ladies of Passion #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
A friends to lovers historical romance that is as cute as it is frustrating.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite subgenres and it was clear from the beginning that Francine and Julian were meant for each other. Sometimes you can just tell that two souls are two halves of a whole.
While the romance is both heartwarming and almost painfully cute, it was the characters that enraptured me. Francine is an absolute doll and Julian is everything the hero should be. In truth, it is the collective of characters that make this story, not just the leads. Francines friends are a force to behold, her mother surprisingly insightful, and the ton as transparent as they ought to be.
The author has a talent for pulling emotions from the reader. With every mishap, misunderstanding, and discovery, I found myself holding my breathing and worrying right along with the heroine. AT some points I had to place the book down because I was either so frustrated I couldnt deal or so shocked I needed to process.
I feel in the end, we got the end we wanted. But I was left wanting, mainly for Marys story. As one of Francines closest friends, I felt that Mary stole the show for me and I am very much looking forward to her own story.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite subgenres and it was clear from the beginning that Francine and Julian were meant for each other. Sometimes you can just tell that two souls are two halves of a whole.
While the romance is both heartwarming and almost painfully cute, it was the characters that enraptured me. Francine is an absolute doll and Julian is everything the hero should be. In truth, it is the collective of characters that make this story, not just the leads. Francines friends are a force to behold, her mother surprisingly insightful, and the ton as transparent as they ought to be.
The author has a talent for pulling emotions from the reader. With every mishap, misunderstanding, and discovery, I found myself holding my breathing and worrying right along with the heroine. AT some points I had to place the book down because I was either so frustrated I couldnt deal or so shocked I needed to process.
I feel in the end, we got the end we wanted. But I was left wanting, mainly for Marys story. As one of Francines closest friends, I felt that Mary stole the show for me and I am very much looking forward to her own story.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Night Sins in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Princess Bride in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I had never read the Princess Bride before, but I was quite familiar with the movie. The director did such a wonderful job translating this book into a movie, that every scene was familiar. I listened to it via audiobook and it was the version narrated by the director himself. It was interesting because he inserted a number of asides during his narration that illustrated the effect the story had on him as a young boy and the changes that his father made in the retelling.
This could be considered a spoiler, so ignore the next paragraph if you want to avoid any possible spoilers.
My biggest qualm about the story is that it does not have an ending. As interesting as it is to decide for yourself what happens, it's never quite as satisfying as reading the entire story from start to finish and knowing what the conclusion is. It feels abrupt and that is the only thing that isn't perfect about it.
The characters, action and adventure, and story hit all of the right notes. It has become a classic for a reason and I'm so glad that I finally got a chance to read it. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it was an enjoyable way to experience the book.
This could be considered a spoiler, so ignore the next paragraph if you want to avoid any possible spoilers.
My biggest qualm about the story is that it does not have an ending. As interesting as it is to decide for yourself what happens, it's never quite as satisfying as reading the entire story from start to finish and knowing what the conclusion is. It feels abrupt and that is the only thing that isn't perfect about it.
The characters, action and adventure, and story hit all of the right notes. It has become a classic for a reason and I'm so glad that I finally got a chance to read it. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it was an enjoyable way to experience the book.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's Learned in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Full disclosure about my review of this book: I have always just liked Lena Dunham and harbored secret fantasies of us becoming friends. I'm sure this influenced my review somewhat. I'll admit that I would have liked to have read a bit more about how she got into the business, versus just random thoughts, but I also recognize that wasn't really the purpose of this particular book.
I also had to remind myself that Lena comes from the oversharing generation. There is a lot in this book that could potentially make you cringe, but if you know her work on <i>Girls</i> or anything else, it won't really come as a surprise. Overall, I found her writing style easy to read, and interesting, if not particularly amazing. I also enjoyed the chance to see any parallels between her life and <i>Girls</i>.
If this hadn't been an ebook I borrowed from the library, I definitely would have dog-eared some of the pages where she talks about how a woman deserves to be treated. There's certainly a lot to be learned from many of her pages, and I found a lot of what she said to be fascinating, if not disturbing, at times.
It was an easy, quick read and gave me some good insight into her life. (And I still want to be friends with her. And Lamby.)
I also had to remind myself that Lena comes from the oversharing generation. There is a lot in this book that could potentially make you cringe, but if you know her work on <i>Girls</i> or anything else, it won't really come as a surprise. Overall, I found her writing style easy to read, and interesting, if not particularly amazing. I also enjoyed the chance to see any parallels between her life and <i>Girls</i>.
If this hadn't been an ebook I borrowed from the library, I definitely would have dog-eared some of the pages where she talks about how a woman deserves to be treated. There's certainly a lot to be learned from many of her pages, and I found a lot of what she said to be fascinating, if not disturbing, at times.
It was an easy, quick read and gave me some good insight into her life. (And I still want to be friends with her. And Lamby.)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Wars: Edge Of The Empire Core Rulebook in Tabletop Games
Mar 7, 2018 (Updated Mar 7, 2018)
Licence-to-print-money Star Wars RPG has had an impressive amount of work put into it; absolutely not a quick cash-in. The game manages to balance crunchy rules, narrative flexibility, and that elusive Star Warsiness with impressive elegance. The main rules mechanic, which involves pools of proprietary dice, may be off-putting for some (the rules are not especially intuitive and you'll be buying a lot of special dice), but once you get used to it the opportunities it gives everyone involved to shape the narrative of the game is rather special.
The EotE-specific material is good; the main 'obligation' mechanic is likely to get overlooked/house-ruled out, but the rest of the book is very solid. A beautiful looking book, very solidly put together, and the line as a whole is well-supported and of the same quality. Fully compatible with the Age of Rebellion and Force and Destiny lines, too: lack of repeated material between books is either a good thing (you seldom pay for the same thing twice) or a pain in the neck (if you're dying to have the rules for a certain race/ship/whatever you will end up buying a lot of other books). My group played this game for almost a year and never got close to feeling bored with the setting or the rules.
The EotE-specific material is good; the main 'obligation' mechanic is likely to get overlooked/house-ruled out, but the rest of the book is very solid. A beautiful looking book, very solidly put together, and the line as a whole is well-supported and of the same quality. Fully compatible with the Age of Rebellion and Force and Destiny lines, too: lack of repeated material between books is either a good thing (you seldom pay for the same thing twice) or a pain in the neck (if you're dying to have the rules for a certain race/ship/whatever you will end up buying a lot of other books). My group played this game for almost a year and never got close to feeling bored with the setting or the rules.
Dana (24 KP) rated And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So I was listening to this audio book when I was driving to and from Los Angeles area and I've got to say, I found myself drifting my thoughts a lot when listening. I didn't want to stay focused on the plot because it was kind of boring.
I think the biggest problem I had with this book is the lack of female characters. Like, there was one. That's it. Really? I understand this being based on "historical facts" but surely there were females in history. And the fact that this is a fictionalized version of this history makes it more irritating that she didn't add in more females. I don't know, I guess I am just wanting more female representation.
Yes, the main female character was strong, but she was presented in a way that makes femininity seem like it's a weakness, not another kind of strength. She shows love as a hindrance, not as something that can help you want to protect the people you love. I think the message of the book was a little skewed in that respect.
I don't know if I am going to pick up the next book or not. I don't know if I want to keep trying. Yes, the writing style was pretty good, but I don't know if I like the story direction enough to keep going. We shall see.
I think the biggest problem I had with this book is the lack of female characters. Like, there was one. That's it. Really? I understand this being based on "historical facts" but surely there were females in history. And the fact that this is a fictionalized version of this history makes it more irritating that she didn't add in more females. I don't know, I guess I am just wanting more female representation.
Yes, the main female character was strong, but she was presented in a way that makes femininity seem like it's a weakness, not another kind of strength. She shows love as a hindrance, not as something that can help you want to protect the people you love. I think the message of the book was a little skewed in that respect.
I don't know if I am going to pick up the next book or not. I don't know if I want to keep trying. Yes, the writing style was pretty good, but I don't know if I like the story direction enough to keep going. We shall see.