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Throne of Threats
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The Duchess must fight to save her throne...and her heart. As her royal wedding draws near,...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Spencer (2021) in Movies
Feb 10, 2022
Stewart's Performance Elevates a Mediocre Film
Pablo Loraine’s SPENCER is not a subtle film, it shows the confinement and suffocation of Lady Diana Spencer under the watchful eye of the British monarchy and is not shy about who the bad guys are.
This sort of one-sided-ness of storytelling does not a compelling film make, but what does make this film compelling is the outstanding performance that is at the center of this film, Kristen Stewart as Lady Diana Spencer.
Telling the tale of the last Christmas that Diana spent as a member of the Royal family, SPENCER shows a a person in mental distress, living an ordered life that leaves little room for spontaneity or originality - things that Diana had in spades.
The only thing that makes this film work is the Oscar Nominated performance of Kristen Stewart as Diana. The way this movie was filmed, it would have been very easy for Stewart to portray Diana as a one-note victim, by she embodies this character with joy, sorrow, love, anger, depression and acceptance - sometimes at the same time. It is a tour-de-force performance that is well deserved of the Oscar nom.
What doesn’t work is the perspective of the film by Director Pablo Larrain (who also Directed Natalie Portman to an Oscar nom in JACKIE). He, clearly, had a vision and the look of the film is strong. What isn’t strong is the characters apart from Diana. The Royal family (especially Jack Farthings’ Prince Charles and Stella Gonet’s Queen Elizabeth) are mustache-twirling villians, Diana’s sons William and Harry look like they came out of the “Weasley Family” casting agency, while terrific character actors like Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall and Sean Harris have almost (but not quite) interesting characters that don’t quite gel with what is going on.
But that is besides the point, for this is a story about Diana and Stewart is front and center in almost every scene - and is fascinating to watch - especially as she embodies Lady Diana in the marvelous costumes by Jacqueline Durran.
Come for the look at the Royals, stay for the performance by Stewart - one that I would not be suprised is honored come Oscar night.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
This sort of one-sided-ness of storytelling does not a compelling film make, but what does make this film compelling is the outstanding performance that is at the center of this film, Kristen Stewart as Lady Diana Spencer.
Telling the tale of the last Christmas that Diana spent as a member of the Royal family, SPENCER shows a a person in mental distress, living an ordered life that leaves little room for spontaneity or originality - things that Diana had in spades.
The only thing that makes this film work is the Oscar Nominated performance of Kristen Stewart as Diana. The way this movie was filmed, it would have been very easy for Stewart to portray Diana as a one-note victim, by she embodies this character with joy, sorrow, love, anger, depression and acceptance - sometimes at the same time. It is a tour-de-force performance that is well deserved of the Oscar nom.
What doesn’t work is the perspective of the film by Director Pablo Larrain (who also Directed Natalie Portman to an Oscar nom in JACKIE). He, clearly, had a vision and the look of the film is strong. What isn’t strong is the characters apart from Diana. The Royal family (especially Jack Farthings’ Prince Charles and Stella Gonet’s Queen Elizabeth) are mustache-twirling villians, Diana’s sons William and Harry look like they came out of the “Weasley Family” casting agency, while terrific character actors like Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall and Sean Harris have almost (but not quite) interesting characters that don’t quite gel with what is going on.
But that is besides the point, for this is a story about Diana and Stewart is front and center in almost every scene - and is fascinating to watch - especially as she embodies Lady Diana in the marvelous costumes by Jacqueline Durran.
Come for the look at the Royals, stay for the performance by Stewart - one that I would not be suprised is honored come Oscar night.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Merissa (13389 KP) rated Caelius (Fueled By Lust #5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Caelius is a young man with oodles of old-fashioned charm. It is not just because he is still learning the 'slang' but because this is who he is. And I don't have a single complaint about that, let me tell you!
Rhia is an 'older' lady who can certainly feel like time is creeping not so slowly up on her but can't resist Caelius when he wants to get to know her, simply because of how drawn she is to him.
If, for some reason, you think that reading about an older lady with a young man will make you uncomfortable then let me reassure you. You notice it at the beginning, mainly because Rhia makes a big deal about it when Caelius asks her out for a coffee (psst, love the reactions of the old ladies next to them!!). But you will soon be carried away by the story and hoping and wishing for certain things to be different. And no, I'm not going to be giving away spoilers here. Suffice it to say, I was heartbroken during one part of the book and my eyes were leaking again.
Not only do we have Caelius and Rhia's story here though but we also have the continuation of Ulixes and Kallon. My god, I wanted to bash their heads together! I felt just as exasperated as some of the other characters but was completely unprepared for the emotional whallop their story gave me. Yep, you've guessed it, my eyes were leaking during this part too so consider this fair warning!
Old friends and family (well they feel like that to me anyway!) show up at various points and I am always happy to read about them. Nothing detracts from the main storylines though, just perfect cameo additions.
This series just keeps on getting better and better and I LOVE IT!!! Highly recommended for all fans of Celeste Prater, the Fueled by Lust series and/or erotic Sci-Fi! Absolutely fantastic! The snippet for Maxim already has me drooling and holding my breath - don't worry, Celeste, I promise to keep on breathing but I need to know more about this lady with the triple moon tattoo who knocks Maxim off his feet!
December 19, 2018
Rhia is an 'older' lady who can certainly feel like time is creeping not so slowly up on her but can't resist Caelius when he wants to get to know her, simply because of how drawn she is to him.
If, for some reason, you think that reading about an older lady with a young man will make you uncomfortable then let me reassure you. You notice it at the beginning, mainly because Rhia makes a big deal about it when Caelius asks her out for a coffee (psst, love the reactions of the old ladies next to them!!). But you will soon be carried away by the story and hoping and wishing for certain things to be different. And no, I'm not going to be giving away spoilers here. Suffice it to say, I was heartbroken during one part of the book and my eyes were leaking again.
Not only do we have Caelius and Rhia's story here though but we also have the continuation of Ulixes and Kallon. My god, I wanted to bash their heads together! I felt just as exasperated as some of the other characters but was completely unprepared for the emotional whallop their story gave me. Yep, you've guessed it, my eyes were leaking during this part too so consider this fair warning!
Old friends and family (well they feel like that to me anyway!) show up at various points and I am always happy to read about them. Nothing detracts from the main storylines though, just perfect cameo additions.
This series just keeps on getting better and better and I LOVE IT!!! Highly recommended for all fans of Celeste Prater, the Fueled by Lust series and/or erotic Sci-Fi! Absolutely fantastic! The snippet for Maxim already has me drooling and holding my breath - don't worry, Celeste, I promise to keep on breathing but I need to know more about this lady with the triple moon tattoo who knocks Maxim off his feet!
December 19, 2018
Merissa (13389 KP) rated Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This book is a genteel 'Regency' style book with a dash of magic - imagine Pride & Prejudice with glamour. Imagine a world where as well as improving her sewing, painting and pianoforte, a young lady had to opportunity to decorate and embellish, with the help of glamours. Unfortunately, due to the times, this is only allowed in home (where it is encouraged) but never, for a lady, can it become anything else.
This is a world where ladies are still set to 'marry well', come out in Society and become spinsters if they are not married within a seemly time. Jane is roughly the age where she can be a chaperone, rather than being chaperoned, and she is quite content with this although she does have her eye set on someone. Unfortunately he seems rather more attracted to her sister, the beautiful Melody. However, as we all know, although the surface may be calm in these books, the passion runs deep. Before she knows it, Jane is at the heart of secrets and trying to do her best by everyone.
I thought this book was very well written, which characters that you can associate with. You are left guessing right until the end as to how this will work out for everyone. Mary Robinette Kowal has done a wonderful job of keeping the story moving along but still giving you time to adjust to the period in which it is set. A lovely light read perfect for any historical fiction fans out there.
This is a world where ladies are still set to 'marry well', come out in Society and become spinsters if they are not married within a seemly time. Jane is roughly the age where she can be a chaperone, rather than being chaperoned, and she is quite content with this although she does have her eye set on someone. Unfortunately he seems rather more attracted to her sister, the beautiful Melody. However, as we all know, although the surface may be calm in these books, the passion runs deep. Before she knows it, Jane is at the heart of secrets and trying to do her best by everyone.
I thought this book was very well written, which characters that you can associate with. You are left guessing right until the end as to how this will work out for everyone. Mary Robinette Kowal has done a wonderful job of keeping the story moving along but still giving you time to adjust to the period in which it is set. A lovely light read perfect for any historical fiction fans out there.
So High a Blood: The Life of Margaret, Countess of Lennox
Book
'Who hopes still constantly with patience shall obtain victory in their claim' Sometime heir to the...
Hearts - Card Game
Games
6.0
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This game is Hearts card game. Play the famous game of Hearts against opponents simulated by...
Cometh the Hour
10.0
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Cometh the Hour opens with the reading of a suicide note, which has devastating consequences for...
I inhaled Jane Austen as a teenager, and so I was really intrigued when I heard about Charlotte by Helen Moffett. Ok, so this is a #BeatTheBacklog book - it has been sat on my bookshelf for far too long, but I’m so glad I’ve got round to it at last!
Charlotte is a continuation of Charlotte Lucas’ story after we leave her in Pride and Prejudice. She marries Mr Collins, and whilst we may remember him as something of a buffoon, he is quite different here. He still waxes lyrical about Lady de Bourgh - she does pay the bills after all - but he seems to be a good, loving father, and a decent husband.
There’s some really good insight into a lot of these characters from the original book: Lady de Bourgh, Anne de Bourgh (who becomes friends with Charlotte), Mr Collins, Lizzy and Charlotte herself. All were richly described, and it felt good to be back with them.
What really surprised me was Charlottes inner life: the passion, her heartache, how capable she was as the manager of a house and its servants.
And there was quite a surprising turn of events that I’ll say nothing of, but it was quite exciting and lovely.
I’m glad I’ve read this book at last. If you’re an Austen reader/ fan, I think you’d be interested in this. It’s probably a bit more risqué than Austen would have written at the time, but it’s certainly in the same vein.
Recommended.
Charlotte is a continuation of Charlotte Lucas’ story after we leave her in Pride and Prejudice. She marries Mr Collins, and whilst we may remember him as something of a buffoon, he is quite different here. He still waxes lyrical about Lady de Bourgh - she does pay the bills after all - but he seems to be a good, loving father, and a decent husband.
There’s some really good insight into a lot of these characters from the original book: Lady de Bourgh, Anne de Bourgh (who becomes friends with Charlotte), Mr Collins, Lizzy and Charlotte herself. All were richly described, and it felt good to be back with them.
What really surprised me was Charlottes inner life: the passion, her heartache, how capable she was as the manager of a house and its servants.
And there was quite a surprising turn of events that I’ll say nothing of, but it was quite exciting and lovely.
I’m glad I’ve read this book at last. If you’re an Austen reader/ fan, I think you’d be interested in this. It’s probably a bit more risqué than Austen would have written at the time, but it’s certainly in the same vein.
Recommended.
Dakota Morrill (17 KP) rated Lady Bird (2017) in Movies
Mar 2, 2018
Simple, relatable, beautiful.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut Is truly a spectacular one. Lady Bird is a masterpiece of simplicity. The simply story of a typical teenage girl trying to find who she is and what she wants. The love-hate relationship of Christine and her mother showcasing their struggle to demonstrate of perhaps understand their feelings added a much welcome layer of interesting plot on top of the typical struggles of an awkward high schooler.
If anything, I believe you can learn a few things from this film about forming and maintaining relationships with your parents or child(ren) in hope that when your time with them comes to a close you’ll have no regrets.
If anything, I believe you can learn a few things from this film about forming and maintaining relationships with your parents or child(ren) in hope that when your time with them comes to a close you’ll have no regrets.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated NYPD Puzzle (Puzzle Lady #15) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When lawyer Becky Baldwin gets a new client in NYC she doesn't feel comfortable with, she asks famed Puzzle Lady Cora Felton to act as her body guard. But when they arrive for the meeting, the client is dead with a crossword puzzle on his body. Then Cora is arrested for the murder. What is going on?
This books are always fun and quick witted, and this is no exception. The plot is a little weak, but the characters get frustrated by my frustrations, too, so it was on purpose. Still, fun overall and definitely one fans of the series will enjoy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-nypd-puzzle-by-parnell-hall.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This books are always fun and quick witted, and this is no exception. The plot is a little weak, but the characters get frustrated by my frustrations, too, so it was on purpose. Still, fun overall and definitely one fans of the series will enjoy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-nypd-puzzle-by-parnell-hall.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.