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Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Call Me by Your Name (2017) in Movies
Jan 19, 2020
I think this film is wonderfully made. I love the story, the characters, the plot, the setting, all of it. I almost wish they didn't set it in time though. It's supposed to be 1983, but what I loved so much about the book is how timeless the story felt. It didn't feel like it belonged to any one decade, it felt like something that could withstand the tests of time and I wish they would've let that play in the movie too.
I love Timothée Chalamet as Elio so much, I think he's perfect. I loved Armie Hammer as Oliver too, there were some points, though, where he definitely seemed older than 24. I loved their chemistry, I think it's obvious that they got along and they had a lot of trust in one another. My favorite character though is Mr. Pearlman. I love his love for Elio and the way that he talks to him, especially after Oliver leaves and he sees that Elio is so obviously heartbroken. I love that he is just accepting and loves him unconditionally but also pushes him to not run from his feelings and to allow them to wash over him. I hope to be that kind of parent when I have kids.
I think this is the type of film that the LGBTQ+ community has been asking for for so long. I love coming out stories and coming of age stories as much as the next person but the stories where it's just comfortable and it's already there and there isn't any need for them to question who they are, those stories are important too. I don't know that this film entirely fits that box, but I think it fits more into that one than the coming of age type. I don't think Elio ever questioned whether or not he liked boys, I think he just questioned whether or not he should if that makes any sense.
I would've loved to see some scenes in the book make it to the screen, but I know that that isn't always possible. Additionally, the only other downside to this film in it's comparison to the book is that the book is written from Elio's perspective so you get all his thoughts and his loves and his assumptions about Oliver as he falls for him and you can only portray so much of that on film without a narration of sorts and if they did that, it would just take away from the story and the things that aren't said.
Lastly, a random side note, in this film, Timothée reminds me a lot of Shia LaBeouf. I have absolutely no idea why, but he does. I wonder if this would be a film Shia would've done if it was made when he was younger.
Anyways, phenomenal film.
I love Timothée Chalamet as Elio so much, I think he's perfect. I loved Armie Hammer as Oliver too, there were some points, though, where he definitely seemed older than 24. I loved their chemistry, I think it's obvious that they got along and they had a lot of trust in one another. My favorite character though is Mr. Pearlman. I love his love for Elio and the way that he talks to him, especially after Oliver leaves and he sees that Elio is so obviously heartbroken. I love that he is just accepting and loves him unconditionally but also pushes him to not run from his feelings and to allow them to wash over him. I hope to be that kind of parent when I have kids.
I think this is the type of film that the LGBTQ+ community has been asking for for so long. I love coming out stories and coming of age stories as much as the next person but the stories where it's just comfortable and it's already there and there isn't any need for them to question who they are, those stories are important too. I don't know that this film entirely fits that box, but I think it fits more into that one than the coming of age type. I don't think Elio ever questioned whether or not he liked boys, I think he just questioned whether or not he should if that makes any sense.
I would've loved to see some scenes in the book make it to the screen, but I know that that isn't always possible. Additionally, the only other downside to this film in it's comparison to the book is that the book is written from Elio's perspective so you get all his thoughts and his loves and his assumptions about Oliver as he falls for him and you can only portray so much of that on film without a narration of sorts and if they did that, it would just take away from the story and the things that aren't said.
Lastly, a random side note, in this film, Timothée reminds me a lot of Shia LaBeouf. I have absolutely no idea why, but he does. I wonder if this would be a film Shia would've done if it was made when he was younger.
Anyways, phenomenal film.
Brett Anderson recommended Low by David Bowie in Music (curated)
Debbiereadsbook (1620 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
AT (1676 KP) rated The Warehouse in Books
Mar 14, 2020 (Updated Mar 14, 2020)
I didn't love The Warehouse. It was fine, but I hated the end. Not the actual ending, itself, but what was solved. First of all, I was concerned when I reached the halfway point in the book, and not much had happened, and it didn't seem like anyone was going to get to what they were searching for anytime soon. It's difficult to wrap up a novel with less than half of the book left when there is a big unknown lingering around. I think the book either could have stood to be even longer for better explanation, or at least not seem like it was being wrapped up quickly with random details. I felt like it was wrapped up with sudden major, unrelatable situations, just to put an end to the story. I guess it's personal preference. I just think I would've enjoyed it more had the ending had different details. I don't want to give a spoiler, so I don't want to say what the details were that I didn't love, but if you read it, you'll know what I mean. Maybe you'll like it, though. I still gave it a 7, because I don't think it deserves a bomb at 6. I just didn't love the end. The story, itself, was a smooth, easy read, at least. It was fine for me up until a certain point. Interesting environment, that's for sure.
Frank Carter recommended ...Like Clockwork by Queens Of The Stone Age in Music (curated)
Faye Jeffries (1 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Dec 30, 2018
Underwhelmed
Contains spoilers, click to show
After the recent hype all over my social media about this film, I was extremely giddy to find myself with a few hours free after my little womb gnome had gone to bed and the fella was off to play Fifa. Finally, I could see what the drama was about.
The concept of the film is intriguing and it does get you gripped within the first 10 minutes. Similar to The Happening, sure, but the fact that it is seeing something which makes someone commit suicide rather than just being out in wind made it a bit more...tense. You know when you get the 'ohh nooo don't do that!!', you get that a lot in this film.
Sandra Bullock's performance is amazing. It's heartbreaking to see her emotionally cut herself off from the children to help them survive in the long run.
For me though, I felt like there was something missing. There wasn't much of a build up to anything because nothing really happens. It's just watching how it started and then their journey to a safe haven.
I am a bit miffed at the ending. So basically, they grew plants above the open spaces and that's enough? Why not just tell them that little golden nugget over the radio.
I won't watch it again but I did enjoy it, just left feeling a bit frustrated.
The concept of the film is intriguing and it does get you gripped within the first 10 minutes. Similar to The Happening, sure, but the fact that it is seeing something which makes someone commit suicide rather than just being out in wind made it a bit more...tense. You know when you get the 'ohh nooo don't do that!!', you get that a lot in this film.
Sandra Bullock's performance is amazing. It's heartbreaking to see her emotionally cut herself off from the children to help them survive in the long run.
For me though, I felt like there was something missing. There wasn't much of a build up to anything because nothing really happens. It's just watching how it started and then their journey to a safe haven.
I am a bit miffed at the ending. So basically, they grew plants above the open spaces and that's enough? Why not just tell them that little golden nugget over the radio.
I won't watch it again but I did enjoy it, just left feeling a bit frustrated.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Phantom of the Opera (2005) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
I have to admire the spectacle but I found this to be mostly didactic, repetitious as a musical (there's only like 3.5 good songs and the rest are just unendurable variants of the exact same one) and nearly nonexistent as a romance. I do admit this almost works as a total campfest, Gerard Butler totally butchering these classical-inspired ballads that require flawless vocal range is actually pretty hilarious. On the flipside I spent most of the time in complete awe of how astonishing Emmy Rossum is in this, only 18 years old at the time and effortlessly nails every formidable note not to mention looks the part seamlessly. This is through and through her movie, every inch top to bottom. I should also add that the movie looks extraordinary - the sets, the costumes, the makeup, the cast, all of it. But would some fucking choreography every now and again kill these people? The stakes, too, are paper-thin - things just happen without delving too deeply (if at all) into the consequences/implications of them so a good chunk of scenes just pass through without making any sort of effect. Lastly this gets docked extra points for ruining the best part of the musical by making it too obvious that Christine was going to give The Phantom the ring from the start of that moment. I have seen much worse, though; this would have been noticeably better if they'd just gotten more people who could sing.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated The Fear in Books
Mar 22, 2018
The Fear by C.L. Taylor
The Fear tells the story of Louise, a schoolgirl who ran away to France with her karate teacher, thinking it was just for the weekend. Instead it turns into something a whole lot more, which leads to him going to prison for five years. Through a series of flashbacks you learn what happened, and also why Louise never testified against him in court. Told from three different perspectives, you are thrown into this story, and watch as the twists and turns unfold. Nothing is what it seems in this book, and you will question just what is going on - just like Louise does.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a thrilling read that captured my interest from the very start. The way the story unfolds keeps your interest, and I adored the ending - although I won't say anything else about that!
Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a thrilling read that captured my interest from the very start. The way the story unfolds keeps your interest, and I adored the ending - although I won't say anything else about that!
Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Going Under in Books
Jan 11, 2021
3.25 stars.
I liked a lot of this book and there were some bits that I just didn't quite get.
I liked that she was so hell bent on getting justice for her friends and all the other girls. I liked the banter she had going with Terry. I kinda liked the relationship with Ryan, though it seemed to appear out of nowhere after the funeral scene (or maybe I just missed a bit). And though it's wrong of me to like it, the scene with the swim team practise--I thought the author portrayed that really well.
I wasn't so keen on the way she acted with the FSL, I know there was a reasoning behind her behaviour but it did seem to get their attention for the right reasons in the end. Her crazy talking to Beth scenes...I know she's super torn up over her friends death but it's a little too much for me.
I'm just kinda torn over this book because it wasn't entirely comfortable reading at times, knowing what the guys were up to and what she was planning to let happen. But in the end justice prevailed and she got the guy.
I liked a lot of this book and there were some bits that I just didn't quite get.
I liked that she was so hell bent on getting justice for her friends and all the other girls. I liked the banter she had going with Terry. I kinda liked the relationship with Ryan, though it seemed to appear out of nowhere after the funeral scene (or maybe I just missed a bit). And though it's wrong of me to like it, the scene with the swim team practise--I thought the author portrayed that really well.
I wasn't so keen on the way she acted with the FSL, I know there was a reasoning behind her behaviour but it did seem to get their attention for the right reasons in the end. Her crazy talking to Beth scenes...I know she's super torn up over her friends death but it's a little too much for me.
I'm just kinda torn over this book because it wasn't entirely comfortable reading at times, knowing what the guys were up to and what she was planning to let happen. But in the end justice prevailed and she got the guy.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Juliet, Naked (2018) in Movies
Jul 13, 2019
Not up to Nick Hornby’s usual standards
Nick Hornby’s books are marvellous, so adapting them into films is an obvious choice for getting a sure fire hit (a la About a Boy). However sadly this doesn’t quite work for Juliet, Naked.
The plot itself is fine, fairly interesting yet doesn’t appears to be very in depth and i feel like there’s probably a lot missing in this that was in the book. It’s a good idea, just not very well executed and a little dull. It tries for humour but isn’t particularly funny and the romance side is a little lacking too sadly. I’ve always liked Ethan Hawke and he’s good in this but perhaps a little underused, and Rose Byrne is good but her accent is definitely a bit dodgy! Not too sure what was going on with Chris O’Dowd though, I’m not his biggest fan anyway but I found him particularly irritating in this but that may have just been his character. It’s a shame really that this film appears to be lacking all of the usual magic you’d see with Nick Hornby. Think I’ll just go read the book.
The plot itself is fine, fairly interesting yet doesn’t appears to be very in depth and i feel like there’s probably a lot missing in this that was in the book. It’s a good idea, just not very well executed and a little dull. It tries for humour but isn’t particularly funny and the romance side is a little lacking too sadly. I’ve always liked Ethan Hawke and he’s good in this but perhaps a little underused, and Rose Byrne is good but her accent is definitely a bit dodgy! Not too sure what was going on with Chris O’Dowd though, I’m not his biggest fan anyway but I found him particularly irritating in this but that may have just been his character. It’s a shame really that this film appears to be lacking all of the usual magic you’d see with Nick Hornby. Think I’ll just go read the book.