Search
Search results
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.
Casual dieting -weight management app -
Health & Fitness
App
New weight-management app with very popular cute illustrations from Japan! This is a must-see for...
Robert Eggers recommended Fanny and Alexander (1982) in Movies (curated)
Gaz Coombes recommended track We Did It Again by Soft Machine in Vols. 1 & 2 by Soft Machine in Music (curated)
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Heights in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Heights—a contemporary imagining of Wuthering Heights
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Ever After in Books
Apr 9, 2019
What would you do if you found out your husband had an affair? Would you try to end the marriage, or work it out? What if sex was not a part of the affair, would that make a difference? These are the questions that Josie has after she finds out that her husband, Frank, has been having an affair for the past seven weeks. Should she stay or go? He's so great with the kids, but what about her? This book takes you on Josie's journey from her discovery of the affair, to her final decision on whether to stay with her husband or get a divorce.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I'm not sure what I would do if infidelity was a question in my marriage. I think, we can all say what we would do, but until we are faced with that situation, I don't think we fully understand how we would feel. Love is a tricky thing and when you find it with someone, it can be devastating when they break that love apart.
When Josie finds out about Frank's affair, her world is turned upside down. She has to find out the answer to all of her questions. She doesn't know if she will ever be able to trust Frank again or how she is going to live without him, as well. This is the man who is the father of her children and the man she has shared a bed with for so many years. But how could he betray her like this? They both decide to go to counseling. But Josie has conditions that Frank must agree to before she will even entertain the fact of sharing just her time with him. Will he agree or will they just end up going their separate ways.
This book is good for any married woman to read and may help you if this is a situation that you may be going through in your life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I'm not sure what I would do if infidelity was a question in my marriage. I think, we can all say what we would do, but until we are faced with that situation, I don't think we fully understand how we would feel. Love is a tricky thing and when you find it with someone, it can be devastating when they break that love apart.
When Josie finds out about Frank's affair, her world is turned upside down. She has to find out the answer to all of her questions. She doesn't know if she will ever be able to trust Frank again or how she is going to live without him, as well. This is the man who is the father of her children and the man she has shared a bed with for so many years. But how could he betray her like this? They both decide to go to counseling. But Josie has conditions that Frank must agree to before she will even entertain the fact of sharing just her time with him. Will he agree or will they just end up going their separate ways.
This book is good for any married woman to read and may help you if this is a situation that you may be going through in your life.
Comealongpond180 (13 KP) rated Lie to Me (Rising Star#1) in Books
Jul 14, 2018
You need this book now!!!
Please go to: http://ramblingbookaddict.blogspot.com/2018/07/lie-to-me-lee-piper.html : transfer goodreads loses editing in transfer.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!!
So this book ya'll *note to those of you not from the south* *ya'll, you'ins, you people, yo everybody fool is the same thang.* This has been a PSA from the Book Addict. You're welcome.
I'm perfectly aware I stopped mid-sentence to give you a PSA, that's the definition of a PSA. Ahem.
Now that we have that over with, my sarcasm aside, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BOOK, I REPEAT. Are you looking for a gorgeous bad boy drummer and a friggin' amazing female MC that isn't a damsel in distress!?
THIS IS THE BOOK YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOOKING FOR.
Okay so this dang book (not an insult at all), made me laugh so much throughout it, and it also made me love the sweet moments between Shiloh and Reid.
Reid, oh dear sweet heaven, is the best kind of bad boy. He seems so rough and bad but ddddddddddang boy got deep. hehe.
Where can I get one and STAT!
Movinggggggggggggggg OOOOOON!
Sooo we will talk about Shiloh, she has been like my favorite female main character I have read about in a long, LONG time. She wasn't weak even though she did have some problems, that did not make her weak. A mental health condition, it does not make someone weak! I love that the author went this route and made a strong female character, who was brave and faced her fears! Coming from someone that struggles with strong anxiety and depression, I loved getting to read about a strong, funny and beautiful female main character!
So with that, I end my review! I give Lie to Me 5 out of 5 stars. or should say 5 out of 5 Rising Stars??
Maddy
Aka - The Ramblings of a Book Addict
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!!
So this book ya'll *note to those of you not from the south* *ya'll, you'ins, you people, yo everybody fool is the same thang.* This has been a PSA from the Book Addict. You're welcome.
I'm perfectly aware I stopped mid-sentence to give you a PSA, that's the definition of a PSA. Ahem.
Now that we have that over with, my sarcasm aside, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BOOK, I REPEAT. Are you looking for a gorgeous bad boy drummer and a friggin' amazing female MC that isn't a damsel in distress!?
THIS IS THE BOOK YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOOKING FOR.
Okay so this dang book (not an insult at all), made me laugh so much throughout it, and it also made me love the sweet moments between Shiloh and Reid.
Reid, oh dear sweet heaven, is the best kind of bad boy. He seems so rough and bad but ddddddddddang boy got deep. hehe.
Where can I get one and STAT!
Movinggggggggggggggg OOOOOON!
Sooo we will talk about Shiloh, she has been like my favorite female main character I have read about in a long, LONG time. She wasn't weak even though she did have some problems, that did not make her weak. A mental health condition, it does not make someone weak! I love that the author went this route and made a strong female character, who was brave and faced her fears! Coming from someone that struggles with strong anxiety and depression, I loved getting to read about a strong, funny and beautiful female main character!
So with that, I end my review! I give Lie to Me 5 out of 5 stars. or should say 5 out of 5 Rising Stars??
Maddy
Aka - The Ramblings of a Book Addict
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Spenser Confidential (2020) in Movies
Apr 2, 2020
I had such high hopes for this film. I didn't necessarily think it was bad, but it's one of those movies where the trailer really makes it seem so much better than it actually is. You know the ones. I love Winston Duke in this, I think he really shines - especially in contrast with his role in Black Panther as M'Baku.
As much as I didn't really LOVE this film, I am hoping there will be a sequel, especially after the ending of this one left it open for one. I really like the cast they chose, the dynamic is really cool. I think my biggest problem with this film is the pacing. Some parts move very slowly and other parts feel so quick. I also didn't really understand the roles of the Feds they had. Like I get it in the context of the film, but it felt unnecessary to actually have them named and have lines and that whole thing. Maybe that's just me though.
Overall, I think it's a relatively decent film. Definitely not going to win any Academy Awards or probably any recognition from the film world, but it's still a good watch. At least to say you did, if not to say you like it.
As much as I didn't really LOVE this film, I am hoping there will be a sequel, especially after the ending of this one left it open for one. I really like the cast they chose, the dynamic is really cool. I think my biggest problem with this film is the pacing. Some parts move very slowly and other parts feel so quick. I also didn't really understand the roles of the Feds they had. Like I get it in the context of the film, but it felt unnecessary to actually have them named and have lines and that whole thing. Maybe that's just me though.
Overall, I think it's a relatively decent film. Definitely not going to win any Academy Awards or probably any recognition from the film world, but it's still a good watch. At least to say you did, if not to say you like it.
stacey (81 KP) rated Fighting Destiny in Books
May 16, 2017
Everything (3 more)
plot
character development
Sexy alpha males
I can i get a hell YES!
I've read this book 6 time.. 6 BLOODY times, and i'm still left with the same thought... Who is he?
Now i have my theories in this and i have my doubts but damn is it ever a roller coaster of pure sexual tension.
Now i don't always like when there's too much tension, i mean yea i get it. You want to screw her brains out, but like come on are we teengers afraid to go near the person we like because we're afraid they aren't going to like us back when clearly they are giving you the " come here" eyes.
You're an adult now pull up your big boy panties and go get her, GOD DAMN MAN.
Although.. i will say this, i still love it because even though i've got to wait because the author loves to toy with my emotions -.-" It is incredibly written to the extent that i'm literally laughing with joy at how it proceeds.
Now i have my theories in this and i have my doubts but damn is it ever a roller coaster of pure sexual tension.
Now i don't always like when there's too much tension, i mean yea i get it. You want to screw her brains out, but like come on are we teengers afraid to go near the person we like because we're afraid they aren't going to like us back when clearly they are giving you the " come here" eyes.
You're an adult now pull up your big boy panties and go get her, GOD DAMN MAN.
Although.. i will say this, i still love it because even though i've got to wait because the author loves to toy with my emotions -.-" It is incredibly written to the extent that i'm literally laughing with joy at how it proceeds.
Amy Norman (1048 KP) rated LINE WEBTOON - Daily Comics in Apps
May 17, 2020
'Webtoon' is a fantastic free app!
Whether or not you love manga, or comic books, this is a good step towards experiencing these formats in the digital world. It may even be the encouraging bridge towards them, especially if you have thought about dabbling in that world but never taken the leap.
The app itself is easy to use, and there are no adverts thrust upon you, or anything that gets in the way of enjoying the series you are reading.
A great deal of the series are produced weekly, you can 'subscribe' to those ones you enjoy, so that you will receive notifications of when they have been updated.
As with most apps there is also the opportunity to purchase 'coins'. Most series are about 3 weeks ahead of the general release, and you can spend those 'coins' on unlocking episodes ahead of the majority of readers (or if you simply can't wait until the next week!)
There are also occasionally 'challenges' so you can earn coins too.
The different series range from having audiences of a couple of hundred people to the millions, but each series is filled with such care and love, you can't help but fall in love with them all, and want to help the 'smaller' artists, by growing their fanbase!
The app also has different projects that give you tasters of potential series, which you can vote on, and then they will help the artist out and make their series a permanent feature.
There is a great community feel in the comments sections, and it is a perfect way for the artists/authors etc to gain feedback.
The artists/authors will occasionally incorporate this into their work, or even steer a story down a path that they hadn't considered before, or will drop an episode about a fan favourite character.
It all feels very personal, and I always thoroughly enjoy reading the episodes, then diving into the comments sections, to share joy with other enthusiastic fans (spoiler free ofc!)
All of the artwork is stunning, and there are so many styles to suit everyones tastes. Some artists will also work with musicians and incorporate music into the episode, this always adds to the magic, whether it is a few sound effects, or a full track.
The ONLY pitfall I would say is that occasionally it can feel like the episodes are a bit short but I imagine it is hard work keeping up with the schedules sometimes!!
However, if you fall in love with a series, it won't matter how long an episode is, it will always leave you wanting more and excited for the next episode ☺
Whether or not you love manga, or comic books, this is a good step towards experiencing these formats in the digital world. It may even be the encouraging bridge towards them, especially if you have thought about dabbling in that world but never taken the leap.
The app itself is easy to use, and there are no adverts thrust upon you, or anything that gets in the way of enjoying the series you are reading.
A great deal of the series are produced weekly, you can 'subscribe' to those ones you enjoy, so that you will receive notifications of when they have been updated.
As with most apps there is also the opportunity to purchase 'coins'. Most series are about 3 weeks ahead of the general release, and you can spend those 'coins' on unlocking episodes ahead of the majority of readers (or if you simply can't wait until the next week!)
There are also occasionally 'challenges' so you can earn coins too.
The different series range from having audiences of a couple of hundred people to the millions, but each series is filled with such care and love, you can't help but fall in love with them all, and want to help the 'smaller' artists, by growing their fanbase!
The app also has different projects that give you tasters of potential series, which you can vote on, and then they will help the artist out and make their series a permanent feature.
There is a great community feel in the comments sections, and it is a perfect way for the artists/authors etc to gain feedback.
The artists/authors will occasionally incorporate this into their work, or even steer a story down a path that they hadn't considered before, or will drop an episode about a fan favourite character.
It all feels very personal, and I always thoroughly enjoy reading the episodes, then diving into the comments sections, to share joy with other enthusiastic fans (spoiler free ofc!)
All of the artwork is stunning, and there are so many styles to suit everyones tastes. Some artists will also work with musicians and incorporate music into the episode, this always adds to the magic, whether it is a few sound effects, or a full track.
The ONLY pitfall I would say is that occasionally it can feel like the episodes are a bit short but I imagine it is hard work keeping up with the schedules sometimes!!
However, if you fall in love with a series, it won't matter how long an episode is, it will always leave you wanting more and excited for the next episode ☺