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Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Stronger Than Longing (Chesapeake Days #3) in Books
Oct 28, 2022
great addition to series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Chesapeake Days series, and while not necessary to have read books one, Stronger Than Hope and two, Stronger Than Passion before this one, I personally recommend you do. I loved them.
And while I enjoyed this one, it didn't grab me quite as much as those two books and (insert whining noise) I don't know why!
Taran pops up in the previous 2 books, but Silas does not, as he returns to town to meet his daughter.
I liked that Taran had Silas as his high school crush, and Silas had no clue. I liked that they both started into that first encounter with open eyes, but very quickly they both realised that a one and done was not going to work for them. Silas did not want a relationship but Taran does.
It's relatively lower on the angst scale, with all the drama revolving around Silas' daughter and the stoopid decision he makes that pushes Taran away. I found it lower on the emotion scale, and lower on the explicit scale. Passion and love, yes but smexy times were on the lower scale. Not a bad thing, I'm just trying to write out why I didn't love this one, so needs a mention.
Both Taran and Silas have a say, and baby Fi steals the show. We get to catch up with Nico and Hudson and with Nate and Linc and I did LOVE that we did.
I can't work out why this one didn't connect with me the way the previous two did, but it was still a very VERY good read.
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Chesapeake Days series, and while not necessary to have read books one, Stronger Than Hope and two, Stronger Than Passion before this one, I personally recommend you do. I loved them.
And while I enjoyed this one, it didn't grab me quite as much as those two books and (insert whining noise) I don't know why!
Taran pops up in the previous 2 books, but Silas does not, as he returns to town to meet his daughter.
I liked that Taran had Silas as his high school crush, and Silas had no clue. I liked that they both started into that first encounter with open eyes, but very quickly they both realised that a one and done was not going to work for them. Silas did not want a relationship but Taran does.
It's relatively lower on the angst scale, with all the drama revolving around Silas' daughter and the stoopid decision he makes that pushes Taran away. I found it lower on the emotion scale, and lower on the explicit scale. Passion and love, yes but smexy times were on the lower scale. Not a bad thing, I'm just trying to write out why I didn't love this one, so needs a mention.
Both Taran and Silas have a say, and baby Fi steals the show. We get to catch up with Nico and Hudson and with Nate and Linc and I did LOVE that we did.
I can't work out why this one didn't connect with me the way the previous two did, but it was still a very VERY good read.
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Ascent (House of Normandy #1) in Books
May 11, 2023 (Updated May 11, 2023)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Poppa is in church for service when her village is attacked by the Vikings, she refuses to take things lying down. She stands up for her people and tries to save the men that are being taken as slaves. One thing she is absolutely sure of is she will have nothing to do with these Norse heathens no matter what her father the Count of Bayeux insists, she would rather die! Who would or could ever find themselves loving a savage like them?
This is the story of Poppa and although it is fictional it seems to have a lot of depth to what has been written. There are little bits of history weaved within Poppa's tale and it makes it all the more interesting to read. I have enjoyed reading about the life of a count's daughter and how she deals with raids and her friends being taken as well as the life she knew and how she is able to deal with the hardships and tasks that are sent her way. When I first started reading I thought Poppa was a brat and could see us clashing, as I read further into the book I had more compassion for her and she ended up being my favourite. I could see myself reading other books like this by the same author as she has a flare for pulling you into the story and involving you.
Completely recommended
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Poppa is in church for service when her village is attacked by the Vikings, she refuses to take things lying down. She stands up for her people and tries to save the men that are being taken as slaves. One thing she is absolutely sure of is she will have nothing to do with these Norse heathens no matter what her father the Count of Bayeux insists, she would rather die! Who would or could ever find themselves loving a savage like them?
This is the story of Poppa and although it is fictional it seems to have a lot of depth to what has been written. There are little bits of history weaved within Poppa's tale and it makes it all the more interesting to read. I have enjoyed reading about the life of a count's daughter and how she deals with raids and her friends being taken as well as the life she knew and how she is able to deal with the hardships and tasks that are sent her way. When I first started reading I thought Poppa was a brat and could see us clashing, as I read further into the book I had more compassion for her and she ended up being my favourite. I could see myself reading other books like this by the same author as she has a flare for pulling you into the story and involving you.
Completely recommended
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Naked Choke (More Than A Cowboy #1)
10.0
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Trapped at the bar during her best friend’s engagement party, Emory finds herself with Mr. Dud and...
Contemporary Romance
Angel 6.0: Concubine (Angel 6.0 #1)
8.0
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My name is Angel, and I live on Nugene Station. My days are filled with doctor's tests, but I spend...
Science Fiction Erotica
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated I'm With The Band (Rock My World #3) in Books
Jun 1, 2023
doesn't quite work for me!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm kinda on the fence about this one, and I really cannot pinpoint why, so this review will be short and I'm sorry for that.
Only Tawny gets a say. 99.9% of the time, I will say I wanted to hear from everyone, and I stand by that here. I didn't much like Tawny to be honest!
What I DID like, was being kept on my toes. You don't get the full story as to what happened between Tawny and Marsh, all those years ago, in one fell swoop. Oh no. You get a hint and a clue, and a randomly placed thought that makes you put the pieces together in totally the wrong way and then when we DO get the full story, you go, like DUH! Of COURSE that's what happened! The clues are all there, and I loved being shown that I really did NOT put the pieces together in the right order.
I liked the band guys, and they seem like they all have a great story to tell.
It's only a short book, less than 100 pages, but because I didn't much like Tawny, it took me far longer than it should to read.
There is on page stalking and talk of past drug abuse. It's really quite necessary to the story, cos you need to know what happened to everyone, and how they came out the other side, or not, in some cases. Please be mindful of your triggers.
First I've read of this author. I'd like to read something else, not this series, at some point. This one just didn't float my boat.
3 good, but not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm kinda on the fence about this one, and I really cannot pinpoint why, so this review will be short and I'm sorry for that.
Only Tawny gets a say. 99.9% of the time, I will say I wanted to hear from everyone, and I stand by that here. I didn't much like Tawny to be honest!
What I DID like, was being kept on my toes. You don't get the full story as to what happened between Tawny and Marsh, all those years ago, in one fell swoop. Oh no. You get a hint and a clue, and a randomly placed thought that makes you put the pieces together in totally the wrong way and then when we DO get the full story, you go, like DUH! Of COURSE that's what happened! The clues are all there, and I loved being shown that I really did NOT put the pieces together in the right order.
I liked the band guys, and they seem like they all have a great story to tell.
It's only a short book, less than 100 pages, but because I didn't much like Tawny, it took me far longer than it should to read.
There is on page stalking and talk of past drug abuse. It's really quite necessary to the story, cos you need to know what happened to everyone, and how they came out the other side, or not, in some cases. Please be mindful of your triggers.
First I've read of this author. I'd like to read something else, not this series, at some point. This one just didn't float my boat.
3 good, but not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1) in Books
Dec 26, 2023
so close to 5 stars but I needed the guys too!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
One thing, and one thing alone stopped this book getting 5 stars. Well, maybe 2, but the second thing is just me being greedy, but I'm allowed, right??
So that thing? Single person point of view. Only Ari has a say, in the first person. Now, I always want to hear from everyone, but I think HERE, in this case, I am fully justified in wanting to hear from Magnus, the vampire; Gareth, the yeti; Gabe and Lucien, the gargoyles and Rivak, but I'm not telling you what he is, it takes time for the full reveal and you do need that suspense! But it was Rivak that I needed to hear from the most. When he tells of why he holds himself back, you understand but I needed to hear from HIM, you know?
There are other points that I need to make, but I don't think these affect my star rating. The rival clan thing was never fully explained. And I would have loved more about that way this clan of 5 came to be, their history.
It's clear that Ari's two friends, Cami and Lyssa, have a story with their own clan. I hope I get to read them!
So, the other thing that's just me being greedy?? It's very much Ari and HER mates. I would have loved that they were ALL mates, you know?? Obviously, not Gabe and Lucien, since they are twins, but I would have loved some contact between the monsters as well as Ari, you know?? Greedy, like I said!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
One thing, and one thing alone stopped this book getting 5 stars. Well, maybe 2, but the second thing is just me being greedy, but I'm allowed, right??
So that thing? Single person point of view. Only Ari has a say, in the first person. Now, I always want to hear from everyone, but I think HERE, in this case, I am fully justified in wanting to hear from Magnus, the vampire; Gareth, the yeti; Gabe and Lucien, the gargoyles and Rivak, but I'm not telling you what he is, it takes time for the full reveal and you do need that suspense! But it was Rivak that I needed to hear from the most. When he tells of why he holds himself back, you understand but I needed to hear from HIM, you know?
There are other points that I need to make, but I don't think these affect my star rating. The rival clan thing was never fully explained. And I would have loved more about that way this clan of 5 came to be, their history.
It's clear that Ari's two friends, Cami and Lyssa, have a story with their own clan. I hope I get to read them!
So, the other thing that's just me being greedy?? It's very much Ari and HER mates. I would have loved that they were ALL mates, you know?? Obviously, not Gabe and Lucien, since they are twins, but I would have loved some contact between the monsters as well as Ari, you know?? Greedy, like I said!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Mirror Image in Books
Feb 13, 2024
Not really for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1110 KP) rated Hidden Rooms in Books
May 3, 2024
4 very VERY good stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian via BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the author's debut novel, and I reckon she nailed it!
Riley's sister-in-law to be, Beth, is murdered, and her brother Ethan, is the prime suspect. Riley knows he's innocent, and sets about to prove it.
What I particularly liked about this, was being kept on my toes! Until it all came out, I didn't know whether Ethan did it or not!
Beth is keeping secrets, and those secrets cost her, but again, it takes time for things to come out.
Everything does take a time to come out, and I suggest, if like me, you weren't liking the slow pace, KEEP AT IT! It does speed up and move at pace. I am glad I kept with it.
Riley tells a great tale, even with this illness that rocks her through much of the book. I enjoyed her, especially as she is the only voice in the book. I liked the way the illness was dealt with, or not for much of the time!
I think I might not have enjoyed this so much had someone else had a say, which is contrary to my usual "I wanted to hear from everyone" thing, I know, but I really did like Riley.
It's well written, and well delivered. There is just enough suspense, once it kicks off, to keep you fully engaged and invested with this group of people.
As an ARC reader of many years, my primary genre is romance. Once in a while something different will come through and my interest is piqued. I am certainly glad I took this one on, and will absolutely read more by this author as and when.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Splice (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
I consider myself a pretty well educated horror-movie buff. As a child, my brother lovingly showed me movies like Critters” and Ghoulies, along with the Halloween and Friday the 13th series. Freddy Krueger scared me no more than Ronald McDonald did (and no, I don’t have a fear of clowns). I have pretty much grown immune to horror films and their ilk, so it takes a lot to get a rise out of me. Sadly, like many many others, Splice failed miserably in doing so.
Meet Clive (Adrian Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley), two very cliché, defiant scientists who lead their industry by creating a prototype of the first ever genetically engineered creature. These two creatures, dubbed “Fred” and “Ginger”, claim a genetic code that they hope to someday use for veterinary and medicinal advances. In light of their success, Elsa conveys her desire to start working with human genes, a desire her supervisors immediately shoot down. Ever rebellious, Elsa and Clive begin splicing human genomes on their own, hoping to create a creature that will be unequaled in its genetic capabilities and advances. Yet their result turns out to be something far more humanoid than previously hoped. Soon they find themselves with a creature, lovingly named “Dren”, that’s startlingly human and yet embodies the abilities of amphibian and bird, a creature that’s capable of employing human emotion and intelligence while reveling in its animalistic tendencies. Even with Elsa's nurturing, their experiment takes a turn for the worse.
At first I had high hopes for this film. It was an independent film that premiered at Sundance (it's also being shown currently at the Seattle Independent Film Festival), had Adrian Brody as its lead, and one of my favorite directors, Guillermo Del Toro as one of its executive producers. All in all, I thought this might prove to be one of those rare horror-movie exceptions. But I was wrong.
Remember that time when you first watched Saw in the movie theater, and how comical that scene was where Cary Elwes' character is sawing off his leg to break free to save his family, only to have the game end less than an hour or so later? It was supposed to be one of those "dramatic" moments but everyone ends up laughing instead. Yeah, that's kind of what happens in Splice. Numerous times throughout the movie, the audience ended up laughing at the more dramatic moments. Sadly, the plot in and of itself was decent.
Perhaps if there had been a bigger budget or if more attention had been paid to the acting and the movie's resolution it might have turned out in much better form. It's my understanding that the original Sundance film had been edited and altered, thus resulting in what we see. Whether this was for better or worse, I've no clue. Given the ridiculous ending and the generic horror-movie allure, it flopped terribly and the ending just seemed thrown together more than anything else. Plus, if the plot didn't get under your skin, Dren's chirps and warbles would.
The opening credits were amazing (I have to give credit where credit is due) and the beginning scenes weren't terribly bad. Overall, the movie is more comical than terrifying and the plot weaker than watered-down instant coffee. There are far too many holes in the storyline and Adrian Brody's character wasn't strong enough to carry a cast as obscure as this. I would wait to see what the DVD would hold for this one. Maybe the extras will help fill in the gaps or the unedited film will present itself in a different light?
Meet Clive (Adrian Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley), two very cliché, defiant scientists who lead their industry by creating a prototype of the first ever genetically engineered creature. These two creatures, dubbed “Fred” and “Ginger”, claim a genetic code that they hope to someday use for veterinary and medicinal advances. In light of their success, Elsa conveys her desire to start working with human genes, a desire her supervisors immediately shoot down. Ever rebellious, Elsa and Clive begin splicing human genomes on their own, hoping to create a creature that will be unequaled in its genetic capabilities and advances. Yet their result turns out to be something far more humanoid than previously hoped. Soon they find themselves with a creature, lovingly named “Dren”, that’s startlingly human and yet embodies the abilities of amphibian and bird, a creature that’s capable of employing human emotion and intelligence while reveling in its animalistic tendencies. Even with Elsa's nurturing, their experiment takes a turn for the worse.
At first I had high hopes for this film. It was an independent film that premiered at Sundance (it's also being shown currently at the Seattle Independent Film Festival), had Adrian Brody as its lead, and one of my favorite directors, Guillermo Del Toro as one of its executive producers. All in all, I thought this might prove to be one of those rare horror-movie exceptions. But I was wrong.
Remember that time when you first watched Saw in the movie theater, and how comical that scene was where Cary Elwes' character is sawing off his leg to break free to save his family, only to have the game end less than an hour or so later? It was supposed to be one of those "dramatic" moments but everyone ends up laughing instead. Yeah, that's kind of what happens in Splice. Numerous times throughout the movie, the audience ended up laughing at the more dramatic moments. Sadly, the plot in and of itself was decent.
Perhaps if there had been a bigger budget or if more attention had been paid to the acting and the movie's resolution it might have turned out in much better form. It's my understanding that the original Sundance film had been edited and altered, thus resulting in what we see. Whether this was for better or worse, I've no clue. Given the ridiculous ending and the generic horror-movie allure, it flopped terribly and the ending just seemed thrown together more than anything else. Plus, if the plot didn't get under your skin, Dren's chirps and warbles would.
The opening credits were amazing (I have to give credit where credit is due) and the beginning scenes weren't terribly bad. Overall, the movie is more comical than terrifying and the plot weaker than watered-down instant coffee. There are far too many holes in the storyline and Adrian Brody's character wasn't strong enough to carry a cast as obscure as this. I would wait to see what the DVD would hold for this one. Maybe the extras will help fill in the gaps or the unedited film will present itself in a different light?
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Little Women (2019) in Movies
Feb 5, 2020
A Worthy Adaptation
There have been many adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's 19th Century Classic novel LITTLE WOMEN following the adventures, loves and losses of the 4 March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth.. My favorite is the Orono High School's production of the musical version of LITTLE WOMEN (starring my daughter as Jo), but coming in a close second is the 1933 version with Katherine Hepburn starring as Jo (the quintessential Jo, in my book). So was there really a need for ANOTHER version of this?
Well...yes...and...no.
As adapted and directed by Greta Gerwig, this version of LITTLE WOMEN stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy and Eliza Scanlen as Beth and has a strong "2019" female empowerment vibe to it (this is intended to be a compliment). I've seen this called a "Little Women for the #metoo era" and I think this is misguided branding - for it does disservice to the #metoo movement - and to this film.
Ronan - as expected - was Oscar nominated for her strong, independent turn as the strong and independent Jo. This is a perfect marriage of performer and material (almost as good as the Hepburn turn) and Ronan lands this character strongly (and correctly) at every turn. Timothee Chalamet matches her beat for beat as her erstwhile love, Laurie. This is the 2nd time that these two have played opposite each other (LADYBIRD was the other time) and there is a strong chemistry between these two - I look forward to many, many more pairings of Ronan and Chalamet in the future.
Famously (or maybe, it's infamously) Greta Gerwig did NOT receive and Oscar nomination for her Direction - and I think that is a shame (there are at least 2 nominated Directors that I would take off the list in favor of her). Because she adapted the screen play (a piece of work that she WAS Oscar nominated for - and will win in an effort to make up for the Directing snub), her Direction is sure-handed and strong throughout. She has a very good feel for the material and knows what she wants to do throughout, to interesting results.
This is because Gerwig chooses to focus much of this version on the relationship between Jo and Amy - a relationship that gets short shrift in most of the other adaptations. By casting Florence Pugh (also Oscar nominated) in the Amy role, Gerwig has a strong antagonist to Ronan's protagonist - with shades of both being grey. Neither character (or performance) is black and white they are both interacting with each other as realistic sisters would, both taking turns being "in the right"....and "the wrong".
Because of the focus on the Jo and Amy characters, the other 2 sisters - Meg and (especially) Beth - get short changed and even though both Watson and Scanlen are "game", they have precious little to do. The same goes with Meryl Streep (Aunt March), Laura Dern (Marmie), Tracy Letts (who seems to be in EVERYTHING right now) and Bob Odenkirk (of all people). They are all strong - and earnest - in their limited time on screen, but NONE of them have that much to do. Only Chris Cooper shines brightly in his small, supporting role.
I have to admit that because I've seen this story many, many times, I found my mind wandering a bit - especially at the beginning. But by the time Ronan/Chalamet/Pugh started working off of each other, the film - and my interest - rose.
So...is another version of LITTLE WOMEN necessary? I'd say no. But...if this version of LITTLE WOMEN is the one that the Little Women of today see - and can identify with - then I say "bring it on."
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Well...yes...and...no.
As adapted and directed by Greta Gerwig, this version of LITTLE WOMEN stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy and Eliza Scanlen as Beth and has a strong "2019" female empowerment vibe to it (this is intended to be a compliment). I've seen this called a "Little Women for the #metoo era" and I think this is misguided branding - for it does disservice to the #metoo movement - and to this film.
Ronan - as expected - was Oscar nominated for her strong, independent turn as the strong and independent Jo. This is a perfect marriage of performer and material (almost as good as the Hepburn turn) and Ronan lands this character strongly (and correctly) at every turn. Timothee Chalamet matches her beat for beat as her erstwhile love, Laurie. This is the 2nd time that these two have played opposite each other (LADYBIRD was the other time) and there is a strong chemistry between these two - I look forward to many, many more pairings of Ronan and Chalamet in the future.
Famously (or maybe, it's infamously) Greta Gerwig did NOT receive and Oscar nomination for her Direction - and I think that is a shame (there are at least 2 nominated Directors that I would take off the list in favor of her). Because she adapted the screen play (a piece of work that she WAS Oscar nominated for - and will win in an effort to make up for the Directing snub), her Direction is sure-handed and strong throughout. She has a very good feel for the material and knows what she wants to do throughout, to interesting results.
This is because Gerwig chooses to focus much of this version on the relationship between Jo and Amy - a relationship that gets short shrift in most of the other adaptations. By casting Florence Pugh (also Oscar nominated) in the Amy role, Gerwig has a strong antagonist to Ronan's protagonist - with shades of both being grey. Neither character (or performance) is black and white they are both interacting with each other as realistic sisters would, both taking turns being "in the right"....and "the wrong".
Because of the focus on the Jo and Amy characters, the other 2 sisters - Meg and (especially) Beth - get short changed and even though both Watson and Scanlen are "game", they have precious little to do. The same goes with Meryl Streep (Aunt March), Laura Dern (Marmie), Tracy Letts (who seems to be in EVERYTHING right now) and Bob Odenkirk (of all people). They are all strong - and earnest - in their limited time on screen, but NONE of them have that much to do. Only Chris Cooper shines brightly in his small, supporting role.
I have to admit that because I've seen this story many, many times, I found my mind wandering a bit - especially at the beginning. But by the time Ronan/Chalamet/Pugh started working off of each other, the film - and my interest - rose.
So...is another version of LITTLE WOMEN necessary? I'd say no. But...if this version of LITTLE WOMEN is the one that the Little Women of today see - and can identify with - then I say "bring it on."
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)