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David McK (3251 KP) rated Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches #4) in Books
Oct 30, 2022
As a character, Granny Weatherwax first appeared in the third Discworld novel Equal Rites, which was about, well, Equal Rights for both sexes. She then re-appeared (and beacem the unofficial head of her coven) in both Wyrd Sisters (where the broad outline of the plot bears a striking resemblance to certain Scottish play) and Witches Abroad (fairytales as you've never heard them before!). This is thus the fourth Discworld novel to include her as a main character, this time taking its inspiration from another Shakespeare play: A Midsummers night dream.
In this, and unlike the Elves of most comtemporary literature (Elves = good), the Elvish race are a foe to be reckoned with! This quote from about half-way through sums it up:
'Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.
Elves are fantastic. They creat fantasies.
Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.
Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.
Elves are terrific. They beget terror.
The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake ...
No-one ever said Elves are nice.
Elves are bad.'
In this, and unlike the Elves of most comtemporary literature (Elves = good), the Elvish race are a foe to be reckoned with! This quote from about half-way through sums it up:
'Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.
Elves are fantastic. They creat fantasies.
Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.
Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.
Elves are terrific. They beget terror.
The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake ...
No-one ever said Elves are nice.
Elves are bad.'
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Speak (2004) in Movies
Feb 1, 2020
I loved this film. I think it's one of the better film adaptations that's been done. My favorite scene is when Melinda shows Mr. Freeman her closet and all the trees she's ever done. I know it's not in the book, but I almost wish that it was. I think that would've really added to the story.
I think Kristin Stewart was a great Melinda, for the most part, but I wish there was even more emotion. I know that she doesn't talk much in the film, she actually talks even less in the book, but there were moments where I felt the emotion could've been more. Her facial expressions were just blank at times and that can definitely cause the film to lose its believability.
The other thing that I didn't like about this film was the ending. What I loved so much about the book was how open-ended it was - you aren't really sure what happens to Andy, you don't know if Melinda ever tells her parents, we don't know what happens with her friendship with Rachel, there's a lot of unanswered questions. I think that's what makes the book so good. I hate that there's a push in movies for everything to be wrapped up, for all the conflicts to reach some kind of conclusion, and for this film, it was telling Melinda's parents, but I wish they didn't. I wish they would've just ended the film with her walking out of the school after Andy attacked her in the closet. I think that would've held much more meaning than her telling her mom.
Regardless, I think this film is great. I appreciate that it actually felt like high schoolers and not just adults playing 16-year-olds, and I like that the story was the focus and that's what shined through in the end.
I think Kristin Stewart was a great Melinda, for the most part, but I wish there was even more emotion. I know that she doesn't talk much in the film, she actually talks even less in the book, but there were moments where I felt the emotion could've been more. Her facial expressions were just blank at times and that can definitely cause the film to lose its believability.
The other thing that I didn't like about this film was the ending. What I loved so much about the book was how open-ended it was - you aren't really sure what happens to Andy, you don't know if Melinda ever tells her parents, we don't know what happens with her friendship with Rachel, there's a lot of unanswered questions. I think that's what makes the book so good. I hate that there's a push in movies for everything to be wrapped up, for all the conflicts to reach some kind of conclusion, and for this film, it was telling Melinda's parents, but I wish they didn't. I wish they would've just ended the film with her walking out of the school after Andy attacked her in the closet. I think that would've held much more meaning than her telling her mom.
Regardless, I think this film is great. I appreciate that it actually felt like high schoolers and not just adults playing 16-year-olds, and I like that the story was the focus and that's what shined through in the end.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Skin Deep (Dark World, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Kailin works as a counselor at a Drug Rehab Centre but you don't actually spend much time there. Logan is a policeman working for Omega who deal with Paranormal incidences. Kailin ends up being in the middle of an Omega investigation as she makes her own inquiries.
Kailin is a brilliant main female as she states her case, doesn't back down but isn't stupid enough to continue championing something that is a lost cause already. She has relationship issues with family and friends but those she lets in, get close to her. Logan makes the perfect foil for Kailin. He is also young for his profession and has his own secrets and problems.
There is a lot of action in this book - drug issues, torture, disappearance to just name a few. It isn't all physical though - both Logan and Kailin have mental and emotional issues to work through. This is a 'busy' book, with a story that goes all the way through without any dull moments. Some of the things that happen you can guess but there is a lot that will leave you wondering just where out of left field it came from. There is also the hint and promise of romance that runs through it.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a definite page turner. Recommended for all Urban Fantasy/Paranormal fans out there.
Kailin works as a counselor at a Drug Rehab Centre but you don't actually spend much time there. Logan is a policeman working for Omega who deal with Paranormal incidences. Kailin ends up being in the middle of an Omega investigation as she makes her own inquiries.
Kailin is a brilliant main female as she states her case, doesn't back down but isn't stupid enough to continue championing something that is a lost cause already. She has relationship issues with family and friends but those she lets in, get close to her. Logan makes the perfect foil for Kailin. He is also young for his profession and has his own secrets and problems.
There is a lot of action in this book - drug issues, torture, disappearance to just name a few. It isn't all physical though - both Logan and Kailin have mental and emotional issues to work through. This is a 'busy' book, with a story that goes all the way through without any dull moments. Some of the things that happen you can guess but there is a lot that will leave you wondering just where out of left field it came from. There is also the hint and promise of romance that runs through it.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a definite page turner. Recommended for all Urban Fantasy/Paranormal fans out there.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017) in Movies
Nov 12, 2017 (Updated Nov 12, 2017)
Tremendous and hugely tragic
David France’s finely wrought documentary seeks justice for a pivotal figure in queer history from the beginning of Stonewall, whose death was said to have never been investigated properly.
Marsha P. Johnson was many things: outspoken LGBT activist, downtown superstar, model muse to Andy Warhol. In 1992, her body was found in the Hudson River, with police classifying her death as a suicide. The documentary is almost a resurrection of this transgender icon, but also a vivid portrayal of the immense suffering the community has faced over decades, even until this day.
The movie methodically explores who might have had cause to kill her - the local mafia, who were heavily involved in then-still-underground gay bar scene? A violent john or a passing group of straight men bent on hate crime? One of the most important characters in this film alongside Johnson was Sylvia Riviera, and her own tragic life just reflects the dire situation people are left to deal with.
Death is what leads the title and drives the movie. But it's her life - vibrant, pioneering, and much too short - that gives Marsha her flamboyant, beautiful heart. A truly moving portrayal.
Marsha P. Johnson was many things: outspoken LGBT activist, downtown superstar, model muse to Andy Warhol. In 1992, her body was found in the Hudson River, with police classifying her death as a suicide. The documentary is almost a resurrection of this transgender icon, but also a vivid portrayal of the immense suffering the community has faced over decades, even until this day.
The movie methodically explores who might have had cause to kill her - the local mafia, who were heavily involved in then-still-underground gay bar scene? A violent john or a passing group of straight men bent on hate crime? One of the most important characters in this film alongside Johnson was Sylvia Riviera, and her own tragic life just reflects the dire situation people are left to deal with.
Death is what leads the title and drives the movie. But it's her life - vibrant, pioneering, and much too short - that gives Marsha her flamboyant, beautiful heart. A truly moving portrayal.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Love Will Tear Us Apart in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Aug 14, 2018)
More communication needed!!
This book seems to be based around a couples inability to communicate with one another and the problems that goes on to cause. The couple are Kate and Paul, and they have been best friends since they were seven years old. This continues through their teenaged years and into adulthood. They have a pact at 15, that if they aren't married by 30, they'll marry each other. Kate is brought up pretty much by Paul's parents. Hers are too busy initially, and then Kate's mother dies. Her father is too busy and too detached from her by this point. She seems to live a lonely life and the only relief is Paul and his family. We meet them on holiday with their children in the lead up to their 10th wedding anniversary. They seem very distant from one another.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Secret by Alli Fitz in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Alli Fitz is a talented singer-songwriter, YouTuber, and comedian. Not too long ago, she released a lovely urban-pop tune, entitled, “Secret”.
“Last night you called me to get it off your mind. ‘Cause we both know that her love ain’t quite like mine. Sooner or later you’ll be back for more and I’ll be waiting just like every time before.” – lyrics
‘Secret’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who desires to be with a guy who is in a romantic relationship with another woman.
Apparently, he’s confused, therefore, his lover, the woman, reveals to him that she’s a better fit for him than his current girlfriend.
Later, she urges him to let go of his girlfriend so they can be together as a couple. But in the meantime, she promises to keep what they got going on a secret.
‘Secret’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an urban-pop aroma.
“This song describes the mood and feelings you get when you’re trying to convince that special someone that you’re better than the person they’re currently with. We’ve all been there.” – Alli Fitz
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/alli-fitz-secret/
“Last night you called me to get it off your mind. ‘Cause we both know that her love ain’t quite like mine. Sooner or later you’ll be back for more and I’ll be waiting just like every time before.” – lyrics
‘Secret’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who desires to be with a guy who is in a romantic relationship with another woman.
Apparently, he’s confused, therefore, his lover, the woman, reveals to him that she’s a better fit for him than his current girlfriend.
Later, she urges him to let go of his girlfriend so they can be together as a couple. But in the meantime, she promises to keep what they got going on a secret.
‘Secret’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an urban-pop aroma.
“This song describes the mood and feelings you get when you’re trying to convince that special someone that you’re better than the person they’re currently with. We’ve all been there.” – Alli Fitz
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/alli-fitz-secret/
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) in Movies
Mar 14, 2020
405. Sonic the Hedgehog. How was this movie good? Anyone else? So we start with meeting Sonic escaping some other world by jumping through his rings, so thats what their for, he isn't just a greedy bastard. He finds himself on Earth now, in the heartland of America I guess you'd call it. And he loves it, loves all his new friends, well the friends don't know he's there cause he's an alien n all and they might freak out! After a while of being alone, nothing dirty...or is it? Sonic has an explosion of power that knocks the town power out, alien loneliness is different than human i guess. Well the surge of power attracted the gov't in the form of Dr. Robotnik, an amazing over the top performance by Jim Carrey!! And he's there to take this specimen in to be studied, but luckily Sonic met nice police officer Tom, who's willing to help! Ben Schwartz aka Jean Ralphio, was great as Sonic, would've been more interesting as Jean Ralphio, but oh well. It really is funny and pretty exciting, worth checking out!! Filmbufftim on FB
Erika (17788 KP) rated Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel in TV
Mar 1, 2021
The only reason I'm rating this a two, is because it made me actually laugh out loud. The fact that the documentary makers thought it was a good idea to prominently feature these 'internet sleuths', instead of real journalists (sorry not sorry), is BAFFLING.
The internet sleuths were all CUCKOO for COCO Puffs. It was certainly amusing, but it was a major misstep. Where were the real journalists? It was just a car wreck. All of those people might as well have been wearing tinfoil hats on camera.
Towards the end, I was actually offended by the fact these sleuths kept insisting that her cause of death wasn't partially due to her mental illness. Apparently, they're sleuths, but they don't know anyone with bipolar disorder, and decided not to google it? It was disgusting to me. Had they presented the facts re the victims medication, etc, I could have solved it immediately.
This could have easily been an hour and a half. All of the conjecture was annoying, and, quite frankly, insulting to the victim. If I was her family, I'd hit Netflix with a lawsuit for this twaddle.
The internet sleuths were all CUCKOO for COCO Puffs. It was certainly amusing, but it was a major misstep. Where were the real journalists? It was just a car wreck. All of those people might as well have been wearing tinfoil hats on camera.
Towards the end, I was actually offended by the fact these sleuths kept insisting that her cause of death wasn't partially due to her mental illness. Apparently, they're sleuths, but they don't know anyone with bipolar disorder, and decided not to google it? It was disgusting to me. Had they presented the facts re the victims medication, etc, I could have solved it immediately.
This could have easily been an hour and a half. All of the conjecture was annoying, and, quite frankly, insulting to the victim. If I was her family, I'd hit Netflix with a lawsuit for this twaddle.
Hideo Kojima recommended High and Low (1963) in Movies (curated)
