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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Hate U Give (2018) in Movies

Sep 25, 2019

The Hate U Give (2018)

2018 | Crime, Drama

8.8

(14 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Let me start by saying that this is an incredibly powerful film. There's not a single member of the cast that I didn't believe in their role, and at no point during the film did I stop to wonder why something happened or what was going on. The whole thing flowed perfectly.

There are stellar performances from everyone, but I was really pleased to see Amandla Stenberg in this role. It's a strong lead which was a great relief as I wasn't overly enthusiastic after seeing some of her previous roles. Regina Hall really hit home for me too, I'm used to her as a comedic actor so this break from that was surprising and very welcome. She did still get the chance for moments of humour, they're just not as over the top as we might be used to.

This is an adaptation of the young adult book of the same name by Angie Thomas. While the protagonist is indeed a teenage girl the film certainly doesn't limit itself to that audience. Many adaptations before this have made it difficult to see its success past the intended age group but I can see this being popular on so many levels. It's a tough subject handled in an excellent way. This really feels like something special.

If I have to quibble about something it's that the ending feels a little too "and they all lived happily ever after". I don't know if that's how it ends in the book or not, I'm going to find out. It's still a good ending though, regardless.

What should you do?

See it. No haggling about ticket prices, it's worth every penny.

Movie thing you wish you could take home

The film doesn't quite fall into the category for this part of my post, but I'd really want Starr's determination and courage.

Kudos

Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Immortal Throne (Into the Dark, #3) in Books

Jan 23, 2020

Wow... It's been so long, I didn't even think I would remember this series.

Yet here we are, finally, <i>FINALLY</i>, getting to see the fates of Daphne, Haden and all the others, even after the doors to EgmontUSA closed years ago.
<h2><b>Let's chat about </b><i><b>The Immortal Throne</b></i><b>, shall we?</b></h2>
<b>Let me make it clear early on: I wasn't a fan of the first, and the second was better but not OMG I LOVE THIS SERIES.</b>

But I did want to find out what happened because <b>there was a cliffhanger and even if it's been years, I need that satisfaction. </b>#inthecornercurious
<h3><b>We've got a refresher.</b></h3>
Most people would reread the entire series (or at least skim it), but Despain gave the run down in book two and I was expecting her to do so with book three.

She does exactly that early on, and this makes forgetful me very happy. (Plus there are SO. MANY. BOOKS?! How do I keep track of the deets?)
<h3><b>We're jumping right in after the events in </b><i><b>The Eternity Key.</b></i></h3>
So not only do we get a refresher, but we also get things going on right at the moment, right after everything that happened in the second book. I highly recommend at least skimming the first two novels to get a sense if its been awhile (dont be like me, learn from my mistakes).
<h3><b>The ending is very satisfying.</b></h3>
Honestly Im just happy Daphne and Haden got an end to their story (BECAUSE WHAT IF IT DIDNT HAPPEN AND NO ONE PICKED UP THE LAST BOOK) and theres room for more if Despain so chooses to extend it (I think its fine though).
<h2><i><b>The Immortal Throne</b></i><b> is probably my favorite of the three - there are more risks at stake as we try to find out if the story will end horribly or if itll be a happily ever after.</b></h2>
(Secretly I wanted tragedy but Im evil.)

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/the-immortal-throne-by-bree-despain/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>

Kudos

Erika (17789 KP) rated The Last Full Measure (2020) in Movies

Jan 25, 2020

The main reason I saw this film was because of Sebastian Stan. Of course, the story is interesting. Stan's character is gathering evidence for a Medal of Honor for an Airman named Pitts during Operation Abilene during Vietnam.
It was interesting for the film to show portrayals of multiple cases of PTSD. It was obviously sad, and I had a headache from the tears that wouldn't stop running down my face. It definitely tugs at the heartstrings. It was also pretty depressing. But, of course, it does have a happily ever after.
I found the whole quest for a medal interesting. Since I saw 1917 last weekend, with the main character openly talking about trading his bit of ribbon from the Somme for some wine because it didn't mean anything. Also, I happen to have a bro that was glad when he didn't get a Purple Heart, and wants nothing to do with medals. I suppose the medal was sought for the parents, and because the vets from the Vietnam War were treated poorly. Though, you could argue that vets from every war haven't been treated particularly well.
I think this film was Peter Fonda's last, which shows how long ago it was filmed. I'm not sure why the release was delayed for around 2 years. I guess overall, if you're interested in war films, specifically Vietnam, you would like it. I don't think it would be for everyone.