Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Hate U Give (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
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.
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Man Who Died Twice in Books
Sep 5, 2021
I am loving being back amongst the members of the Thursday Murder Club - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and the additional, but definitely not superfluous, characters of Chris, Donna, Stephen, Bogdan, Patrice and Kendrick ... I love them all and really enjoyed getting to more about them which was skilfully woven within the story. The relationships they have with each other is special and really shows the value of friendship, trust and loyalty.
Reading The Man Who Died Twice is like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, a fluffy dressing gown, cosying up on the sofa in front of a real fire with the rain pouring down outside - perfect. Do not, however, be mistaken - this is not a cosy mystery, it is so much more than that - it has action, humour (lots of it), violence (although not a lot and not gratuitous) and tender moments all wrapped up in an excellent plot which is addictive and enthralling.
Is it plausible? Not really but its one heck of a hoot and I love it and cannot wait for the next .. there'd better be one Mr Osman!
Many thanks to Penguin General UK via NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Dinner Lady Detectives in Books
Oct 24, 2021
Margery and Clementine are dinner ladies, or to give them their official title 'Education Centre Nourishment Consultants' (really? is that what they're called now?!?!?!), and they are an absolute blast. Their relationship absolutely shines through from start to finish, it's beautiful and very authentic feeling.
Margery and Clementine smell a rat when one of their colleagues is found dead in the walk-in freezer of the school kitchen and so begins their unorthodox investigation into her death which results in all manner of escapades. There are some very funny moments (the suspended school ceiling being a particular highlight for me 🤣🤣) amongst a great and engaging plot with excellent characters throughout.
I raced through this book desperate to find out what happened and how it was all going to come together and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest and I am pleased to read on the publisher website that they have acquired the rights to a three-book deal. I think someone needs to snap this up and make a television series - I can so see Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as Margery and Clem, in fact, that's who I was seeing in my head as I was reading it!
Highly recommended for those of you who want a break from all the doom, gloom and violence in many crime fiction books and who don't mind a bit of dark humour.
Thank you so much Canelo and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.