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David McK (3251 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
May 26, 2020 (Updated Oct 17, 2021)
Dramatisation/Inspired by the life of PT Barnum and starring none-other than Wolverine himself - Hugh Jackman - in his first role (I think) since saying goodbye to that character in "Logan", this was actually somewhat of a surprise hit - and a surprise to me, too, that Hugh Jackman could sing and dance!
It seems like most of the songs from this show - "The Greatest Show", "This Is Me", "A Million Dreams", "Never Enough", to name but a few - where in the charts forever and a day: indeed, such was the all-encompassing pervasiveness of them that many artists created their own versions (some are better; others worse).
Yes, it glosses over some of the less-savoury aspects of his character and business model (animal cruelty, paying his staff little to nothing), but this is a genuine feel-good movie for the masses!
It seems like most of the songs from this show - "The Greatest Show", "This Is Me", "A Million Dreams", "Never Enough", to name but a few - where in the charts forever and a day: indeed, such was the all-encompassing pervasiveness of them that many artists created their own versions (some are better; others worse).
Yes, it glosses over some of the less-savoury aspects of his character and business model (animal cruelty, paying his staff little to nothing), but this is a genuine feel-good movie for the masses!
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Mother in Books
Mar 28, 2023
This was a pretty tense, heart in your mouth, read on The Pigeonhole.
Heather is released from prison after serving half of her sentence for murdering her MP husband. The thing is, she’s adamant she didn’t do it. She wants to find the real murderer, so that she can get her sons back and clear her name.
I had a lot of trust issues whilst reading this. Honestly, I didn’t trust a single person, whether they were being helpful or not. In fact, I was guessing who could really be responsible for Heather’s husband’s death right up to the end.
I loved Heather’s determination even (or especially) when she was in great danger - which was quite often.
I seem to be one of the last people to discover T.M. Logan, which is both ridiculous and fortunate. At least I have a decent back list to read!
Heather is released from prison after serving half of her sentence for murdering her MP husband. The thing is, she’s adamant she didn’t do it. She wants to find the real murderer, so that she can get her sons back and clear her name.
I had a lot of trust issues whilst reading this. Honestly, I didn’t trust a single person, whether they were being helpful or not. In fact, I was guessing who could really be responsible for Heather’s husband’s death right up to the end.
I loved Heather’s determination even (or especially) when she was in great danger - which was quite often.
I seem to be one of the last people to discover T.M. Logan, which is both ridiculous and fortunate. At least I have a decent back list to read!
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Home on the Range in Books
Jan 3, 2018
Home on the Range was a nice change for me to read. It had little romance. It did it through family then set it all on romance like normal romance books. Ruth Logan Herne doe a wonderfully good job with her book.
This book is based on a single father raising his two daughters. Will he better than his father Sam Stafford. Nick wants to outdo his father and learn it hard to do. Being there for his girls is more important than it is being a ranch hand or owner.
Nick got to deal with this oldest daughter anger and to do that he goes to start therapy to help his daughter. He learns a lesson as well as help out a woman named Elsa as well. There seems to be secrets and twist and turns that ever page turned from binging to end. There seems to be forgiven and courage throughout the book. Will they get what needed or will it all fall apart?
This book is based on a single father raising his two daughters. Will he better than his father Sam Stafford. Nick wants to outdo his father and learn it hard to do. Being there for his girls is more important than it is being a ranch hand or owner.
Nick got to deal with this oldest daughter anger and to do that he goes to start therapy to help his daughter. He learns a lesson as well as help out a woman named Elsa as well. There seems to be secrets and twist and turns that ever page turned from binging to end. There seems to be forgiven and courage throughout the book. Will they get what needed or will it all fall apart?
Ross (3282 KP) rated Logan (2017) in Movies
May 29, 2018
The Wolverine film we've all been waiting for
Finally we get a decent gory, angry Wolverine and for once a dark, violent character being stuck with a child doesn't make him more mild, it made her more ... violent.
The film sees Logan caring for Charles Xavier struggling with dementia and catastrophic seizures, driving a limousine to make ends meet in a world where mutants are outlawed. He ends up journeying across America with young Mexican mutant Laura, whose powers match Wolverine's. While the plot is not particularly new or complex, it is good enough to carry the action.
The action is so much darker and more bloody than in any other X-Men film - I strongly believe Deadpool opened the door for them to make a truly adult film (not like that!), with no spandex in sight.
I see this as the final chapter in Hugh Jackman's time as Wolverine, though I can see more life still in the X-Men franchise (or a re-boot thereof).
The film sees Logan caring for Charles Xavier struggling with dementia and catastrophic seizures, driving a limousine to make ends meet in a world where mutants are outlawed. He ends up journeying across America with young Mexican mutant Laura, whose powers match Wolverine's. While the plot is not particularly new or complex, it is good enough to carry the action.
The action is so much darker and more bloody than in any other X-Men film - I strongly believe Deadpool opened the door for them to make a truly adult film (not like that!), with no spandex in sight.
I see this as the final chapter in Hugh Jackman's time as Wolverine, though I can see more life still in the X-Men franchise (or a re-boot thereof).
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Mistake (Off-Campus, #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
4.5 stars
I really like this series so far and I can't wait to read more of it!
I didn't think I could like this more than I did the first one and up until the half way point I didn't...and then it all started to come together beautifully and I ended up really falling for Logan, too. He came to his senses (finally!) and did everything he could to get Grace back.
I loved the banter between the teammates again in this one and the way they'd rib each other over their failures relationship wise and just in general. It made me smile a few times at least. I also loved how the author wrote the last chapter, not the epilogue, the one before. I, myself, felt a little like crying about Logan's future so I'm glad it all worked out in the end. And then I also loved the epilogue. They were all so happy!
I can't wait to read Dean's story!
I really like this series so far and I can't wait to read more of it!
I didn't think I could like this more than I did the first one and up until the half way point I didn't...and then it all started to come together beautifully and I ended up really falling for Logan, too. He came to his senses (finally!) and did everything he could to get Grace back.
I loved the banter between the teammates again in this one and the way they'd rib each other over their failures relationship wise and just in general. It made me smile a few times at least. I also loved how the author wrote the last chapter, not the epilogue, the one before. I, myself, felt a little like crying about Logan's future so I'm glad it all worked out in the end. And then I also loved the epilogue. They were all so happy!
I can't wait to read Dean's story!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fallen Crest High (Fallen Crest High, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
There's something about Tijan's books that leaves me wondering what I've just read. The same thing happened with Broken & Screwed 1 and 2.
That's not to say that's a bad thing. I did like this. There was just so much going on and people getting together with everyone that I kind of lost the plot a little.
Then the Mason and Sam thing just kind of appeared between one page and the next, it might not have done but that's how it seemed to me. They did make quite a nice couple but I didn't quite get Mason a lot of the time.
Logan on the other hand, I loved. He's crazy but he's loyal and protective of his family.
As for everyone else...well, they're kinda not important. Not in the grand scheme of the book. Though I grew to like Nate too.
I guess I'll have to continue the series to find out what will happen next now, too.
There's something about Tijan's books that leaves me wondering what I've just read. The same thing happened with Broken & Screwed 1 and 2.
That's not to say that's a bad thing. I did like this. There was just so much going on and people getting together with everyone that I kind of lost the plot a little.
Then the Mason and Sam thing just kind of appeared between one page and the next, it might not have done but that's how it seemed to me. They did make quite a nice couple but I didn't quite get Mason a lot of the time.
Logan on the other hand, I loved. He's crazy but he's loyal and protective of his family.
As for everyone else...well, they're kinda not important. Not in the grand scheme of the book. Though I grew to like Nate too.
I guess I'll have to continue the series to find out what will happen next now, too.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
And now for something entirely epic... Of course I had to take a half day to go and see Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, and I wasn't disappointed. Well, not by the film itself, the music selection this time could have been a bit better. The opening sequence though... O. M. G. I love Groot. He is just so f*****g adorable... and yes, I'm sorry, but I did feel the need to swear there. I couldn't help but think that they were trying to make up for the lack of after film scenes in Logan though... because five seemed a bit over the top. It still amazes me that people leave before the end of the credits, especially as one of the scenes came on when they were walking out. There aren't many films that I would bother to see again at the cinema, even though I have my Unlimited card, but I'm probably going to go see this one again. It was very entertaining.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Offside (The Barker Triplets, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I enjoyed this.
Though how those triplets are related, I'll never know. They're always arguing and b*tching about one thing or another in each others lives and it drove me wild whenever they were together in the same room. I get sibling rivalry, but jeez! They were vicious.
As for the romance between Billie-Jo and Logan, I really liked it. It was slow and sweet and had me sighing at certain parts.
I liked the storyline, a female ex-professional ice hockey player playing on an all men's team and showing them that she's good enough to do it and in most cases better than them.
The bits we saw of Bobbie-Jo kinda made me like her, though I'm sure I'll come to like her fully <b>when</b> I read her and Shane's story. As for Betty-Jo, she seemed like a bit of a b*tch with what she did to Billie in this and at present I'm not a fan.
Though how those triplets are related, I'll never know. They're always arguing and b*tching about one thing or another in each others lives and it drove me wild whenever they were together in the same room. I get sibling rivalry, but jeez! They were vicious.
As for the romance between Billie-Jo and Logan, I really liked it. It was slow and sweet and had me sighing at certain parts.
I liked the storyline, a female ex-professional ice hockey player playing on an all men's team and showing them that she's good enough to do it and in most cases better than them.
The bits we saw of Bobbie-Jo kinda made me like her, though I'm sure I'll come to like her fully <b>when</b> I read her and Shane's story. As for Betty-Jo, she seemed like a bit of a b*tch with what she did to Billie in this and at present I'm not a fan.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Reflect Me (Reflect Me, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the first book by K.B. Webb I've ever read, and have found a new favorite to add to my list. After reading Reflect Me and Follow You Down I think I will buy just about anything this amazing writer publishes.
All of the characters in the stories are easy to relate to in some way. Molly is amazing. The way she grows, matures, and finds her true self on this journey is really inspiring. I've been lucky enough to not be a battered woman, but from the way Molly is written this is exactly how I would expect her to act. She starts of weak and timid with rumors flying around of how Molly used to be. Then she starts to cowgirl up if you will.
Logan is a stand up guy. He's been broken in the past, and doesn't really have that many people around him that he really trusts, but you quickly start to see a family come together. Logan is hoe I wish every man would act. Since I know every man doesn't act that way, he seems a little far fetched; but it works for this story.
The supporting characters (Wynee, Justin, Lucas, Brian, and Dani) are all great characters. They are never just filler and always add to the story, which I love. I can't stand characters that just take up space but then never really have a reason to be there in the first place.
Parts of this story were hard for me to read, not because they were bad, but because they were so real. There are several scenes that Molly endures and I had trouble picturing the hell she was going through, and I had trouble imagining what it would be like to hear these hateful words on a daily basis. The scene where Molly stands up for herself and finally starts to take her life back I literally cheered for her.
This book was well written, the characters were not at all one dimensional. I loved that this was an emotional book and also left me wanting more. I will definitely been one clicking more books by this author.
All of the characters in the stories are easy to relate to in some way. Molly is amazing. The way she grows, matures, and finds her true self on this journey is really inspiring. I've been lucky enough to not be a battered woman, but from the way Molly is written this is exactly how I would expect her to act. She starts of weak and timid with rumors flying around of how Molly used to be. Then she starts to cowgirl up if you will.
Logan is a stand up guy. He's been broken in the past, and doesn't really have that many people around him that he really trusts, but you quickly start to see a family come together. Logan is hoe I wish every man would act. Since I know every man doesn't act that way, he seems a little far fetched; but it works for this story.
The supporting characters (Wynee, Justin, Lucas, Brian, and Dani) are all great characters. They are never just filler and always add to the story, which I love. I can't stand characters that just take up space but then never really have a reason to be there in the first place.
Parts of this story were hard for me to read, not because they were bad, but because they were so real. There are several scenes that Molly endures and I had trouble picturing the hell she was going through, and I had trouble imagining what it would be like to hear these hateful words on a daily basis. The scene where Molly stands up for herself and finally starts to take her life back I literally cheered for her.
This book was well written, the characters were not at all one dimensional. I loved that this was an emotional book and also left me wanting more. I will definitely been one clicking more books by this author.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) in Movies
Feb 10, 2020
I firmly believe that this is one of the best movies on the face of the planet. Anyone who knows me and knows my reviews knows how much it bothers me when film adaptations are so bad or so off or they just lose everything the book had. The exact opposite happens here. I think what makes this movie so good and so well put together is that it's still Stephen's story. He wrote the book, then the screenplay, then he directed it so it was his entire vision coming to life on screen and it worked. I think if anyone else would've directed or wrote the script, it wouldn't have translated so well.
Additionally, this cast is phenomenal. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Nina Dobrev, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Paul Rudd, it just works. There are some parts from the book that didn't make it to the screen and that definitely bummed me out - I wish we could've seen Bill and Charlie's relationship more because it was really important in the book and it provided a lot for Charlie in terms of safety and comfort. I also wish some of the lines were verbatim. When Sam gets mad at Charlie after truth or dare, in the book she says, "what the fuck is wrong with you?" while in the movie she says, "what the hell is wrong with you?" I know that it's not a huge difference but I think that would've landed so much better. Also when Charlie defends Patrick. In the book, he says, "If you ever do this again, I'll tell everyone and I'll tell everyone for real. If you come after him again, I'll blind you." or something along those lines and I think that would've been great, especially with how low and solid Logan gave the line in the film. Just small things like that, I wish would've made it to screen.
Regardless, this film and this story are incredible and worth watching at least once for everyone. The same goes for the book. A must-read.
Additionally, this cast is phenomenal. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Nina Dobrev, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Paul Rudd, it just works. There are some parts from the book that didn't make it to the screen and that definitely bummed me out - I wish we could've seen Bill and Charlie's relationship more because it was really important in the book and it provided a lot for Charlie in terms of safety and comfort. I also wish some of the lines were verbatim. When Sam gets mad at Charlie after truth or dare, in the book she says, "what the fuck is wrong with you?" while in the movie she says, "what the hell is wrong with you?" I know that it's not a huge difference but I think that would've landed so much better. Also when Charlie defends Patrick. In the book, he says, "If you ever do this again, I'll tell everyone and I'll tell everyone for real. If you come after him again, I'll blind you." or something along those lines and I think that would've been great, especially with how low and solid Logan gave the line in the film. Just small things like that, I wish would've made it to screen.
Regardless, this film and this story are incredible and worth watching at least once for everyone. The same goes for the book. A must-read.