Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Searchers (1956) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
In this case, I recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy again (seen way too many times). After watching Back to the Future 3, I listened to some of the audio commentary and the filmmakers mention many times how much fun they had making a western this time around and how much they were in awe of the countryside locations where they had filmed mentioning also this is where John Ford had filmed classic scenes from a lot of his more famous western epic films, like The Searchers. That was enough for me to give it another go.
The story is a relatively simple one of a man and his companion going on an epic journey to try and find and save his niece who had been abducted by the Comanche Indians in the Old West. Several of his relatives had also been killed and he was searching for the chief called "Scar" whom he had learned was leading this band of outlaws. His journey for vengeance would take 5+ years and would take him across the sprawling western countryside during both summer and winter.
The main character in the film is the magnificent landscapes and sprawling sunrises and sunsets featured throughout the film. The cinematography is breathtaking and the use of color is just majestic considering this movie is from the mid 50s.
I have to admit to not watching a lot of John Wayne movies (yet), but he gives a memorable performance not quite as heroey as in some of his other classics. Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike) is also very good in the film.
A true masterpiece.
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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Kahayatle (Apocalypsis, #1) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
The book's about a couple of kids coming together after the death of every adult and young child. It's hard to survive, with everyone fighting over any supplies, but things are getting really bad - as in, cannibalism bad.
Bryn partners herself with the skinny, gay kid hiding next door, despite knowing he's not gonna be much help in the defense department. He tells her about the death of his little sister - eaten by other kids. They decide it's no longer safe to stay where they are, and are proven right when attacked inside their home. They plan to retreat to the everglades, where the swamps should be inhospitable enough for others to avoid them, but still safe enough to survive in. On their way, they find Bodo, a German exchange student.
Eventually, they do end up at their destination. But the everglades - or Kahayatle, as the indians call it - hold many new problems.
I did notice a fair few grammar mistakes, and just generally found this book a little unprofessional at times. Often, I find unprofessional books really hard to read - but I actually enjoyed this. I'm even considering buying (or borrowing) the rest of the series.
The tiny bits of romance did seem a little out-of-place, not integrated particularly well sometimes. But I suppose it'll be developed later in the series, and I didn't find it too lovey or anything, which is definitely good.
With a bit more polishing, I think this could easily be a 4 star book. But for now, I'm going to give it 3.5. It was a good read, but there are some improvements that could be made.
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