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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated American Pastoral (2016) in Movies
Aug 24, 2017
Ewan McGregor is brilliant (2 more)
Incredibly sad
Not bad adaptation of Philip Roth's book
Harrowing, tragic and moving
Philip Roth's tragic drama about the perfect high school couple and the disintegration of a family has finally made it on to the big screen. Set in the 1960's during massive political upheaval in America, it follows the story of a daughter who disappears after allegedly bombing a store, killing a clerk as part of a 'revolutionary' movement. Her father, played by Ewan McGregor, believes that she has been manipulated and that she is truly innocent throughout, even in the face of all opposing evidence. It's horrific seeing the mother and father's complete breakdown and it seems apparent the daughter Merry is suffering from a mental illness. There's hints of sexual abuse thought to have triggered her stutter, but it is extremely subtle.
It's really quite a sombre watch, especially given that the film begins with the father's funeral. Beautiful acting, but the daughter's character was extremely irritating.
It's really quite a sombre watch, especially given that the film begins with the father's funeral. Beautiful acting, but the daughter's character was extremely irritating.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Tales in Books
May 16, 2018
Toward the end of December, I finally picked up and completed reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This was a first time read for me and, despite knowing the outcome of the story, I can admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I also love how far it delves into the duality of man.
Dr. Jekyll deals with the same dilemma we all do: there’s a darker nature buried within him. This story follows his pursuit of a cure – a way to return him to a wholesome, innocent, good man. Of course, we all know what happens when we try to play the role of a god, and this story is no different.
Stevenson’s pacing is pretty even, which I’m grateful for. I didn’t find the story to difficult to comprehend and I feel that there are some very good points brought up in it. Considering I did not get the chance to study it in high school, I feel as if I missed out on some valuable literature. I would probably read this again.
Dr. Jekyll deals with the same dilemma we all do: there’s a darker nature buried within him. This story follows his pursuit of a cure – a way to return him to a wholesome, innocent, good man. Of course, we all know what happens when we try to play the role of a god, and this story is no different.
Stevenson’s pacing is pretty even, which I’m grateful for. I didn’t find the story to difficult to comprehend and I feel that there are some very good points brought up in it. Considering I did not get the chance to study it in high school, I feel as if I missed out on some valuable literature. I would probably read this again.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated 806 in Books
May 23, 2018
Reads Like a Pop Song
Fast, funny, and frequently surprising (even in spite of its contrivances), Cynthia Weil's rollicking YA road trip novella 806 centers on a trio of very different high school students who discover that they share the same unknown sperm donor father.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To Hell With Love in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I seriously do not even know what to say about this piece of work. It's a rare and special day when you run across a romance novel where the male protagonist is death/devil/Hades. They are personal favorites of mine. So you can imagine I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. I am glad I only dished out $2 for it.
The plot is as thin as wet tissue and more boring than watching mud dry. Every page was obvious and expected, the obstruction between the protagonists was blaring, and it was just very...bland. I will give the author credit for knowing how to write and tell the story she wants to tell. However, I must deduct points for the lack of creativity. I wanted so much to be wowed or at least enjoy the novel, but instead I felt like this would be a the love story about death and his lady as written by a high school freshmen, still dewy eyed.
The plot is as thin as wet tissue and more boring than watching mud dry. Every page was obvious and expected, the obstruction between the protagonists was blaring, and it was just very...bland. I will give the author credit for knowing how to write and tell the story she wants to tell. However, I must deduct points for the lack of creativity. I wanted so much to be wowed or at least enjoy the novel, but instead I felt like this would be a the love story about death and his lady as written by a high school freshmen, still dewy eyed.
Firsts is a novel about high school, friendships and growing up. Mercy hears a guy lament about making his first time with the girl he loves perfect. But all of the pressure is completely freaking him out, so Mercy steps in. She offers to essentially coach him through his first time, so when he's with his girlfriend it is perfect. (Like she expects.) His words, actions, and the ambiance will be all that she dreamed. Her "good deed" goes from five guys to ten, then continues to spiral until her life is out of her control, When her secret gets out, Mercy must find a way to walk the halls despite the cruel names (and food) flung at her. She learns who her friends are, even if she had taken them for granted in the past - learn and grow from her mistakes. This is an entertaining book with likable (and detestable) realistic characters and you might just learn a thing or two about life - or chemistry, from it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Travel to Oceania in this look at a world that was taken over by socialists. We follow Winston Smith as he lives out his life under the constant watchful eye of Big Brother. His vague memories of freedom lead him to hope for another revolution. Can he help in some way? What will happen when he starts an affair with a beautiful woman?
I read this book in high school, and it is just as sobering today as it was back then. Yes, as a novel it is a bit slow, but it does draw you in enough to really drive home the points Orwell is making. Sadly, as our technology begins to catch up to the technology Orwell created, our country begins to walk down this path as well thanks to politicians on both sides. This is a warning we still need to heed today.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-1984-by-george-orwell.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I read this book in high school, and it is just as sobering today as it was back then. Yes, as a novel it is a bit slow, but it does draw you in enough to really drive home the points Orwell is making. Sadly, as our technology begins to catch up to the technology Orwell created, our country begins to walk down this path as well thanks to politicians on both sides. This is a warning we still need to heed today.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-1984-by-george-orwell.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated License to Dill (Pickled & Preserved Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Piper’s ex-fiancee arrives in town hoping to get back together even though she has told him repeated they are over. However, the attention soon turns to the soccer team visiting from Italy and the mini-tournament against a team of locals. The Italian team’s manager was an exchange student when he was in high school, and his reappearance has opened old wounds from back then. When he is murdered, it becomes a question of which of those deeds from the past came back to haunt him in the present?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were just as fun and charming as they were in the first in the series. The plot was wonderful with so many suspects and twists to the story I had a hard time putting it down. Yet things came together for a logical climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-license-to-dill-by-mary.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were just as fun and charming as they were in the first in the series. The plot was wonderful with so many suspects and twists to the story I had a hard time putting it down. Yet things came together for a logical climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-license-to-dill-by-mary.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Dazed and Confused (1993) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018
You haven't seen this movie... It’d be a lot cooler if you did.
I quote this movie so much it's insane.. Like every single day type of quoting and I can hoestly say that as soon as someone gets my reference we become instant friends.
Dazed and confused is such a piece of life movie that it just works so beautifully. Even though I wasn't born until 89 and this movie wasnt made till 93 its such an iconic 70s movie that you just don't question it.
The casting was just so spot in that even the most minor characters feel like real people you could have gone to high school with and it's with that detail that Dazed and confused sucks you in and doesn't let you got to the point that you can watch this movie and rewatxg it multiple times and it's still just as good.
The other stand out factor is the soundtrack is one of the best there is each song just fits so well.
Dazed and confused is such a piece of life movie that it just works so beautifully. Even though I wasn't born until 89 and this movie wasnt made till 93 its such an iconic 70s movie that you just don't question it.
The casting was just so spot in that even the most minor characters feel like real people you could have gone to high school with and it's with that detail that Dazed and confused sucks you in and doesn't let you got to the point that you can watch this movie and rewatxg it multiple times and it's still just as good.
The other stand out factor is the soundtrack is one of the best there is each song just fits so well.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) in Movies
Jun 4, 2018
One of the most quotable comedies of all time!
When I was younger, I resisted watching Ferris Bueller for some reason. I cannot figure out why.
Once I eventually did view the film, I discovered what all my friends were saying. "Wow do I want to be like Ferris, he is the coolest."
Ferris seems to have it all figured out like fooling his parents, getting his best friend to come along and excusing his girlfriend fro class. Even when things start to go south, Ferris is always one step ahead of his pursuers in his quest for one last unforgettable day of fun before his high school days are over.
This is one of those films that will always make me smile if I catch it on TV some Saturday afternoon. I especially love that the film can break th fourth wall with ease. Not many movies can do that.
Give Ferris another watch soon, you will not regret it.
Even Deadpool thinks so.
Once I eventually did view the film, I discovered what all my friends were saying. "Wow do I want to be like Ferris, he is the coolest."
Ferris seems to have it all figured out like fooling his parents, getting his best friend to come along and excusing his girlfriend fro class. Even when things start to go south, Ferris is always one step ahead of his pursuers in his quest for one last unforgettable day of fun before his high school days are over.
This is one of those films that will always make me smile if I catch it on TV some Saturday afternoon. I especially love that the film can break th fourth wall with ease. Not many movies can do that.
Give Ferris another watch soon, you will not regret it.
Even Deadpool thinks so.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Bear Witness to Murder in Books
May 30, 2018
Oktobearfest is Off to a Murderous Start
It’s October, and the town of Silver Hollow is getting ready for their Oktobearfest, a teddy bear themed Oktoberfest event for the entire family. Things are kicking off with a kid and teddy bear friendly tea that Sasha Silverman is helping with. She’s trying to avoid her high school nemesis, Holly Parker, when Holly’s assistant Gina interrupts the tea to announce she is suing the mayor. The next morning, Sasha finds a dead body. Despite vowing to stay out of it, she finds herself pulled into the investigation. Will she learn the truth?
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.