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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
2019 | Drama
Hanks - brilliant in his quiet stillness (0 more)
The story within the story has been travelled so many times and the pacing is slow (0 more)
"Anything mentionable is manageable"
Tom Hanks' new movie is a film I personally struggled to fully engage with. But some I suspect will truly LOVE it's gentle and feel-good nature.

Who WAS Fred Rogers? Based on a true story this movie very quickly makes you realise that Fred Rogers, who died in 2003, was an American legend. This is supported by the GLOWING reviews here on IMDB by US viewers. Rogers was a children's TV presenter that used puppets and song to help children work through their fears and psychological issues. I suspect, like me, most Brits would say "WHO?" (Just as if a 60's born Brit like me saying "Let's look through the arched window" will similarly get a "WHAT?" from nearly all Americans!)

Here the story revolves not around Fred (Tom Hanks) helping a child with issues, but with Fred's fixation with 'Esquire' journo Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who is fighting his own demons of anger, resentment and pain. For Lloyd is struggling not only with his feelings about fatherhood, with the normal strains that is placing on the relationship with wife and mother Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson), but also with the reemergence on the scene of his estranged and hard-drinking father Jerry (Chris Cooper).

The movie starts (and continues) with model sets reminiscent of the brilliantly barmy "Welcome to Marwen" and (the rather more subtle) "Game Night". Fun is had with matchbox-car freeways and planes flying off and clunking down on model runways.

We join Mr Rogers on set filming his series: and the movie sloooooows to match Rogers' leisurely pace. This was a movie I went into completely blind (which is unusual for me): I knew precisely zip about it. No knowledge of Rogers. No knowledge of the story. No sight of the trailer. Nothing. So these opening scenes were a real "WTF" moment as my brain struggled to work out what the story was all about.

There was undeniably something creepy about seeing the saintly Fred Rogers engaging with sick and vulnerable children. And I realised just what damage the likes of the convicted-paedophiles Jimmy Saville, Stuart Hall and Rolf Harris have done to my suspicions against all such entertainers. I feared - without any background knowledge on Rogers - that the story would take a darker turn. But no! That's not the story....

For as mentioned earlier, this is the story of Lloyd. And it's a relatively simple and linear story of familial stress that we've seen in movies throughout the decades. Whether you will buy into this story-within-the-story, or not, will flavour your overall enjoyment of the film.

Many who are into analysis and 'talking treatments' will - I think - appreciate the script. But I personally didn't really warm to any of the players - other than Rogers - so this was a negative for me. And I found the pace so slow that I ended up a bit fidgety and bored moving into the second reel of the film. Two women got up and walked out at that point - - it was clearly not for them (this was a Cineworld "Unlimited" pre-release screening).

The third reel rather pulled it together again, and established an "It's a Wonderful Life" style of feelgood that I warmed to much more.

This is a movie I predict the Academy will love. And everyone loves Hanks already. Read the tea-leaves. It's a brilliant performance from Hanks in its stillness and quietness.

No more so than in one particular scene....

This is the follow up movie from Marielle Heller to the impressive "Can You Ever Forgive Me?". And this particular scene - let's call it the "Anti-When-Harry-Met-Sally" moment - is a massively brave and striking piece of cinema.

It's truly extraordinary and worth the price of a ticket alone.

In summary, I enjoyed this movie, primarily for watching the master Hanks at work. The pacing for me was somewhat off though. But I can't be overly critical of such a warm-hearted movie. I predict you will see this and go home with a big dose of the warm-fuzzies.

See here for the full graphical review - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/12/12/one-manns-movies-film-review-a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood-2019/
  
If I'm Found (If I Run #2)
If I'm Found (If I Run #2)
Terri Blackstock | 2017 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A long time fan of Ms. Blackstock, I was excited to pick up this book. I wasn't disappointed, that was for sure! From first page to last, I was on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense long in to the night. The rush of anticipation was strong with this book!

Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my  own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.

Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
Carolyn Miller has done it again! She has created a wonderfully written, hope-inspiring novel that is sure to sweet all her fans, new and old alike, off their feet and plop them down in a whole new world filled with uniquely witty characters. I was once again in awe of the way Ms. Miller captured my whole heart and left me wanting more. 

In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story. 

A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller! 

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
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Merissa (13730 KP) rated Liam For Hire in Books

Oct 18, 2018  
Liam For Hire
Liam For Hire
A. Zukowski | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Liam for Hire by A. Zukowski
Liam For Hire can be read as a standalone, but it does feature a couple of characters from the first book - The Boy Who Fell To Earth. That was an amazing read, so I wholeheartedly recommend you do start with that one first, just so you get the full picture.

Liam is one of those characters, and we meet up with him a few months after Sasha. He has mainly got his act together, and is now an escort. He knows what he is, and what he does. He would like more, but he just can't see it. As the story progresses you see many reasons for why he would feel like this, and trust me, it will break your heart. As for Ali, there is little I can say about him apart from I LOVE HIM!! His attitude was perfect for Liam, and helped him in more ways than even Liam realised.

This is a dark read yet again, showing Liam's addiction, and recovery, and addiction. Too many good bits to mention, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book, and read it in one sitting. It was so nice to read a story from Liam's perspective. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in recommeding this story, or this author. Absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait for Chris' story.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
A story filled with intrigue, smugglers, ventriloquist, spies, romance, heartbreak, and a traitor. Travel back in time to 1808 in The Innkeepers Daughter.

This story has so many moving parts that you just want to keep reading to figure out WHAT IS GOING ON??? Also, there were several times our hero needed a good purse whomping. I absolutely LOVED this story. The romantic tension between Alex and Johanna...*whew*...And the climax of that tension in their kiss(es)...Make sure you keep a fainting couch nearby...and possible smelling salts.

The common thread throughout this story is all about giving over the control of our lives to God. It is easy to SAY that we trust God to see us through things...And yet we can still be found trying to fix all the little things that go wrong on our own...Trying to make it all better...in our own power. Instead of trusting for a door to open from God...we pry open the cellar door into destruction and chaos and say, "LOOK! I found a way!!! It isn't a GOOD way...but I did it ALL ON MY OWN!" Michelle Griep addresses the need to trust in our Lord so well. And it really rings true.

If you love a good romance that is clean and passionate, sprinkled with mystery and intrigue, this is definitely a book that you will enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper's Daughter from the publishers through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Midnight Special (2016)
Midnight Special (2016)
2016 | Drama, Sci-Fi
8
7.3 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
As children, we often fantasize about what it would be like to possess superpowers or some trait that sets us further apart from our peers. We imagine ourselves as being able to become invisible, fly, or command animals. The film Midnight Special introduces us to a young boy who is blessed with a special gift that no one can quite comprehend. A religious cult seeks the boy as their savior. The government wants to use him as a weapon. His father wants to protect him.

The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.

Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
  
Batman the Killing Joke
Batman the Killing Joke
Brian Bolland, Alan Moore | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.4 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
I went to London Super Comic Con on Friday and bought a few image books/graphic novels (I can't wait to read them!) and decided to start taking advantage of my boyfriend's extensive comic/graphic novel collection. As I've been intending to read The Killing Joke for ages now, I decided to start with that.

The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.

This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.

Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.

I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.

The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.
  
The Christmas Blanket
The Christmas Blanket
Ed Damiano | 2018 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you looking for a book that might help a child or children find the meaning of Christmas? The Christmas Blanket is a good one for children to read. The story starts with a boy named EJ who wants to see the Rockefeller tree.

The way this story signifies told is lovely. It is the view of the EJ. Does your child or children know the meaning of Christmas? The real meaning of Christmas? This book can help a child or children with this question.

The pictures are down wonderful. There is only one error I found in the ebook format, and that was that the sentence on pages 8 and 9 was on the wrong pages. Other than that, it was a pretty good read; This is why I put the rating at 4.5 Moons (stars). If you see a four-star rating, I could not put the rating at four and a half stars.

I loved the pictures. The hand-drawn images are beautiful; I enjoy looking and looking at the pictures. If I had a hard copy or print copy, I would love to reread it and hold it. I probably would read again yearly. It's a good one to do just that. Parents could make that a tradition of reading this book every year or near the holiday season.

I don't want to give away how the plot of the story and how the story ends. Parents and children will enjoy this book. It would be a great gift or even good to have on the bookshelves around the holiday season. You could even use this book in the advent calendar if you wanted to.
  
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Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Rule in Books

Jan 23, 2022  
The Rule
The Rule
David Jackson | 2021 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was not what I expected at all, from the very first chapter I knew that it was going to be a pleasure to read, and that’s exactly what it was. It’s not often that you find a crime novel that truly makes you laugh out loud, but there were definitely a few snorts while I was reading this one.
There are four different lives intertwined within this story and we change frequently throughout as to who we’re following: Daniel, Scott (Daniel’s father), Hannah (a police officer) and Ronan (the twin brother of someone found murdered). We follow Daniel as he struggles through life and him being bullied without him realising it, whilst also following Scott and finding out just how far he is willing to go to protect his son and wife. Hannah’s story is a bit sadder but I’m glad at the end of the book she comes to peace with everything that has been playing on her mind throughout the book. And then there’s Ronan, who’s twin brother can seemingly do no wrong in their mother’s eyes and after he is murdered Ronan still can’t understand why his mother doesn’t love him as much.
The story is ridiculous, but not in a way that it’s unbelievable. It’s a believable story of someone who gets caught up in the wrong world and the lengths that they’ll go to in order to try and get out of the hole they’ve found themselves in.
David Jackson’s writing was a pleasure to read and I have no doubt that I will pick up another of his books in the future.
  
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Merissa (13730 KP) rated This is Not a Horror Movie in Books

Jun 4, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
This is Not a Horror Movie
This is Not a Horror Movie
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
THIS IS NOT A HORROR MOVIE is a gorgeous story of first love and scary happenings.

Emory is a late bloomer and happy to hide behind horror movies and books so he doesn't have to socialise. He has been in the snarky shadow of his twin sister for a long time and doesn't understand the looks he's now getting. Liz helps to put him on the right track, much to his disgust at the thought of girls wanting to make out with him! Enter Connor, the crush Emory had and shows no signs of dissipating.

This was a great story, full of sibling snark, and romance with the boy of his dreams. Luckily for Emory, Connor feels the same way, and seeing these two grow and develop their feelings was a warm and fuzzy moment for me. Connor is very protective, and with good reason, as Emory doesn't appear to realise just when he's in danger. I loved the supernatural element to the story, although the realtor wasn't much of a surprise! I'm also happy about Leland!!! I was worried about him.

I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the sweet times with Connor and Emory, the promise of the future, and the amazing supporting cast that helped them. A great addition to the Sara Dobie Bauer collection, and absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 4, 2021