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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Chocolat (Chocolat #1) in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Sweet and satisfying
I need to be honest; I’ve never seen the film that is based on this book and never really been particularly interested in watching it either. However having now read the book, I could be tempted as the book is rather wonderful.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
Gareth Michael Lewis (6 KP) rated Storm Front: The Dresden Files, Book 1 in Books
Jan 20, 2018
An exellent introduction into Harry Dresden's world
My lowest score for a Dresden novel ad it's only because I read this book after watching the short-lived TV series The Dresden Files. My perception of Harry was skewed by the excellent Paul Blackthorn portrayal and this book suffered because of it, in my eyes.
I went back to reread this book after the second novel came out and realised my error. The book was so much better than I remembered. Harry as a flawed individual but he is very human in that regard and we can identify with him, despite his magical powers.
Give it a read and dive into the world that keeps getting better with every new book, short story and graphic novel.
I went back to reread this book after the second novel came out and realised my error. The book was so much better than I remembered. Harry as a flawed individual but he is very human in that regard and we can identify with him, despite his magical powers.
Give it a read and dive into the world that keeps getting better with every new book, short story and graphic novel.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've enjoyed every Brandon Sanderson book I've read, and Elantris was certainly no exception. This was a beautiful mix of religious and political intrigue, magical mystery, and just a touch of romance. The ultimate answer to the mystery was so elegantly simple, but discovered so late, that consequences still had to be faced even when the main problem was fixed. (I'm trying to be vague so I don't spoil it!) I loved both Raoden and Sarene, and in a way, Hrathen too. He was a wonderfully written villain - one of those villains whose motivations you get to see and understand, so you end up sympathizing with him even as you don't want to see him succeed. Sanderson definitely has a talent for unusual fantasy novels, with elaborate plots and complex, well thought-out worlds.
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) in Movies
Mar 12, 2018
I love this film. It is just so magical and innocent at the same time. The world building is great and the effort that went into the making of this film really paid off. It is one of few book to film franchise that I actually enjoy. Sure, the film isn't 100% the same as the book, but it never will be. They are two different platforms.
However, the film itself has some memorable moments and although, for a lot of people I know, this film is one of their least favourite of the series, I think it is one of the best. It is the premise of the entire film. The later films are better in the sense that the plot has thickened, the stakes are higher, and you are more involved with the story-line and the characters. But I could literally quote the entirety of this film, which is something I cannot do with the other Harry Potter films.
However, the film itself has some memorable moments and although, for a lot of people I know, this film is one of their least favourite of the series, I think it is one of the best. It is the premise of the entire film. The later films are better in the sense that the plot has thickened, the stakes are higher, and you are more involved with the story-line and the characters. But I could literally quote the entirety of this film, which is something I cannot do with the other Harry Potter films.
Tayla (27 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jun 17, 2018
Characters (2 more)
Plot
Descriptive
Beauty Beast Meets The Fairy World
As shallow as this is, I’ve put off starting this book because the cover and title were not attractive to me. However, I’ve received a ton of recommendations and we chose this book for book club so I finally took the plunge. Long story short.. I shouldn’t have put it off! From the moment I started the book I couldn’t put it down. The entire time the book reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. Maybe a small part reminded me of The Hunger Games too.
I really loved how descriptive the author was. I had no problems visualizing the fairy world and all of the people in it. I even found myself rereading the descriptions because of how lovely they are worded.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the fairy world and enjoyes escaping in a book to a magical place!
I really loved how descriptive the author was. I had no problems visualizing the fairy world and all of the people in it. I even found myself rereading the descriptions because of how lovely they are worded.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the fairy world and enjoyes escaping in a book to a magical place!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Barry Lyndon (1975) in Movies
Jun 27, 2018
Famously demanding costume drama/endurance challenge from Stanley Kubrick. Handsome but dimwitted Irish lad does his thinking with the wrong body parts, becomes fugitive from justice, soldier, duellist, deserter, gambler, and spy before marrying into money; his attempts to climb further up society's tree go badly wrong.
Sounds like a rollicking tale, but many will probably find the, erm, stately pace at which events unfold to be rather punishing; there's also the problem that Ryan O'Neal is basically just an absence of hiatus in the middle of the film - you never really care about Barry Lyndon himself. On the other hand, the film is stuffed with wonderful character cameos and subtly magical moments, and the appearance of the thing is utterly gorgeous. If you're prepared to treat the film essentially as a visual feast peppered with incidental pleasures such as Leonard Rossiter's dancing or the climactic duel, then you will probably find it rather mesmerising - as a conventional piece of entertainment, probably less so.
Sounds like a rollicking tale, but many will probably find the, erm, stately pace at which events unfold to be rather punishing; there's also the problem that Ryan O'Neal is basically just an absence of hiatus in the middle of the film - you never really care about Barry Lyndon himself. On the other hand, the film is stuffed with wonderful character cameos and subtly magical moments, and the appearance of the thing is utterly gorgeous. If you're prepared to treat the film essentially as a visual feast peppered with incidental pleasures such as Leonard Rossiter's dancing or the climactic duel, then you will probably find it rather mesmerising - as a conventional piece of entertainment, probably less so.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Escape From Tomorrow (2013) in Movies
Sep 26, 2018
Not a magical movie...
I don't like writing negative reviews, but this confusing story about a family visiting disney world is...well its a mess.
Its a Lynchian dreamscape of a film, which hints at a lot but doesn't really every explain much, other than to suggest there is a dark undercurrent to Disney.
The fact is though that the narrative is untidy and weirdly paced, and can't ever really settle on what it is that it wants viewers to feel.
You can argue thats the point of this sort of film, but there doesn't feel like there is any cleverness to the confusion, just a movie that deliberately tries to unbalance you for no other reason than to have you unbalanced.
I don't really want to say much more other than that there are many better films out there than this, so only watch this if you really fancy a challenge.
Its a Lynchian dreamscape of a film, which hints at a lot but doesn't really every explain much, other than to suggest there is a dark undercurrent to Disney.
The fact is though that the narrative is untidy and weirdly paced, and can't ever really settle on what it is that it wants viewers to feel.
You can argue thats the point of this sort of film, but there doesn't feel like there is any cleverness to the confusion, just a movie that deliberately tries to unbalance you for no other reason than to have you unbalanced.
I don't really want to say much more other than that there are many better films out there than this, so only watch this if you really fancy a challenge.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Night Voyage: A Magical Adventure and Coloring Book in Books
Jan 2, 2019
From the creative story to the detailed artwork, Daria Song has brought us another fantastic coloring book. Continuing with the dream style story and beautiful pages, this book is sure to keep me occupied for hours. Coloring has becoming a peaceful and quiet outlet for me over the past year or so. Expressing creativity on paper through color is one of my favorite things to do. If you have not experienced the joy of putting your pencil to page, Daria's series is an excellent place to start. I enjoy the intricate detail of her work. I have always had an obsession with stars and Daria's stars have a very unique personality which I love. Purchase your copy today and be whisked into a magical world of dreams and color.
I received a free copy of The Night Voyage from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a free copy of The Night Voyage from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
KatyShubo (75 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Jan 5, 2019 (Updated Jan 5, 2019)
A Dismal Disappointment from Disney
This film has all the right ingredients to be a magnificent reimagining of a Disney Classic but unfortunately it never quite hits the mark.
The supporting cast bring a host of beloved characters to life with charm and whimsy but they aren’t enough to carry the shambolic leads who just do not embody Beauty and The Beast.
I had been so excited about this movie but unfortunately it was a fail. It isn’t able to quite capture the magical enchantment of the original animation instead we are left with a love story between two characters who seem far more engrossed with themselves than they do with each other.
This movie will not grow to be a tale as old as time because it will not stand the test of time but we still have the original and that will never disappoint.
The supporting cast bring a host of beloved characters to life with charm and whimsy but they aren’t enough to carry the shambolic leads who just do not embody Beauty and The Beast.
I had been so excited about this movie but unfortunately it was a fail. It isn’t able to quite capture the magical enchantment of the original animation instead we are left with a love story between two characters who seem far more engrossed with themselves than they do with each other.
This movie will not grow to be a tale as old as time because it will not stand the test of time but we still have the original and that will never disappoint.
ClareR (5879 KP) Jun 17, 2019