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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) in Movies
Aug 28, 2020 (Updated Aug 28, 2020)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is genuinely wonderful.
Like any good drama, it if course has its somber moments, but the overall atmosphere is so heart warming, it honestly feels like a lovely hug, but one of those lovely hugs that makes you cry because life is hard sometimes.
Growing up in the UK, I never watched Mr Rogers, but was always aware of him, and just how much he meant to a massive number of people. This film is less a biopic, and concentrates firmly one one point of Fred Rogers life, namely when he met Tom Junod (presented here as fictional character Lloyd Vogel), a journalist writing for Esquire and profiling Mr Rogers for a piece on American Heroes.
Lloyd is a cynical person, who doesn't hold much love for his fellow man. This begins to change as he spends more time with Fred, a man who truly sees the good in everyone.
At the same time, Lloyd's estranged father is trying to reconnect with him, forcing him to relive past trauma as he struggles to forgive.
It's all very emotionally charged, but wrapped up neatly in Oscar-baiting packaging.
Tom Hanks as Mr Rogers, and Matthew Rhys as Lloyd are nothing short of excellent. Their chemistry is thoroughly believable. Tom Hanks is at the top of his game here, just as much as he has ever been.
The supporting cast are great as well, especially Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper.
ABDITN also looks fantastic. The contrast of real life drama to dream like sequences within Mr Rogers' show is an inspired choice by director Marielle Heller, and the use of model cars and cities as segues is effective.
The original score by her brother Nate Heller is just downright pleasant.
Overall, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a decent drama about the importance of family, and what it means to love others, whilst remaining a well written love letter to Feed Rogers himself. It's just a really swell movie, definitely check it out.
Like any good drama, it if course has its somber moments, but the overall atmosphere is so heart warming, it honestly feels like a lovely hug, but one of those lovely hugs that makes you cry because life is hard sometimes.
Growing up in the UK, I never watched Mr Rogers, but was always aware of him, and just how much he meant to a massive number of people. This film is less a biopic, and concentrates firmly one one point of Fred Rogers life, namely when he met Tom Junod (presented here as fictional character Lloyd Vogel), a journalist writing for Esquire and profiling Mr Rogers for a piece on American Heroes.
Lloyd is a cynical person, who doesn't hold much love for his fellow man. This begins to change as he spends more time with Fred, a man who truly sees the good in everyone.
At the same time, Lloyd's estranged father is trying to reconnect with him, forcing him to relive past trauma as he struggles to forgive.
It's all very emotionally charged, but wrapped up neatly in Oscar-baiting packaging.
Tom Hanks as Mr Rogers, and Matthew Rhys as Lloyd are nothing short of excellent. Their chemistry is thoroughly believable. Tom Hanks is at the top of his game here, just as much as he has ever been.
The supporting cast are great as well, especially Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper.
ABDITN also looks fantastic. The contrast of real life drama to dream like sequences within Mr Rogers' show is an inspired choice by director Marielle Heller, and the use of model cars and cities as segues is effective.
The original score by her brother Nate Heller is just downright pleasant.
Overall, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a decent drama about the importance of family, and what it means to love others, whilst remaining a well written love letter to Feed Rogers himself. It's just a really swell movie, definitely check it out.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Murder Red Ink in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I personally loved "Ghosts of San Francisco" and I'm an avid reader of anything having to do with Jack the Ripper, so when I was given the opportunity to read and review "Murder Red Ink," there was no way I could pass it up. And once again, Mr. McGhee does not disappoint!
This book involves a very interesting take on the Ripper murders, and it kept me engrossed from beginning to end. There were many times I had to put it down because of that pesky thing called "life," but I just didn't want to, and that's how you know a book is awesome.
Wonderful novel, tantalizing plot and theories, and another great story from this author. Keep 'em coming! =)
5 stars
I personally loved "Ghosts of San Francisco" and I'm an avid reader of anything having to do with Jack the Ripper, so when I was given the opportunity to read and review "Murder Red Ink," there was no way I could pass it up. And once again, Mr. McGhee does not disappoint!
This book involves a very interesting take on the Ripper murders, and it kept me engrossed from beginning to end. There were many times I had to put it down because of that pesky thing called "life," but I just didn't want to, and that's how you know a book is awesome.
Wonderful novel, tantalizing plot and theories, and another great story from this author. Keep 'em coming! =)
5 stars
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Flights of Fancy (American Heiresses, #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Miss Isadora Delafield may be an heiress, but her life is far from carefree. When her mother begins pressuring her to marry an elderly and uncouth duke, she escapes from the high society world she’s always known and finds herself to be an unlikely candidate for a housekeeper position in rural Pennsylvania. Mr. Ian MacKenzie is known for his savvy business sense and has built his reputation and fortune completely on his own merits. But when his adopted parents are in need of a new housekeeper and Isadora is thrown into his path, he’s unexpectedly charmed by her unconventional manner. Neither Isadora nor Ian expected to find the other so intriguing, but when mysterious incidents on the farm and the truth of Isadora’s secret threaten those they love, they’ll have to set aside everything they thought they wanted for a chance at happy-ever-after.
My Thoughts: Another winner from Jen Turano! This one will not disappoint the reader. As always Jen comes through with wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline. The reader will be amused as they read along and become acquainted with the characters.
I truly enjoyed this book, a wonderful historical romantic for anyone to enjoy. This one comes highly recommended. I look forward to the next in the series.
My Thoughts: Another winner from Jen Turano! This one will not disappoint the reader. As always Jen comes through with wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline. The reader will be amused as they read along and become acquainted with the characters.
I truly enjoyed this book, a wonderful historical romantic for anyone to enjoy. This one comes highly recommended. I look forward to the next in the series.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Digging Up The Marrow (2014) in Movies
Sep 19, 2018
Weird and Wonderful (Sort of)
Mr Hatchet himself, Adam Green, fronts this mockumentary, playing himself.
In this movie he is investigating the claims of a fan that monsters exists, and that even more than that, he can show Adam where the monsters live!
The movie follows Adam's interviews and investigations as he seeks proof that monsters live in the world below us, in a sort of parallel society that his enigmatic fan has seen himself.
There are a number of developments, regarding the intent and story behind the fan, and you do get some glimpses of...well that would be telling.
The film is a bit goofy, but largely in a good way, and it is mostly a pretty funny take on what the film-maker clearly knew was a surreal plot.
In this movie he is investigating the claims of a fan that monsters exists, and that even more than that, he can show Adam where the monsters live!
The movie follows Adam's interviews and investigations as he seeks proof that monsters live in the world below us, in a sort of parallel society that his enigmatic fan has seen himself.
There are a number of developments, regarding the intent and story behind the fan, and you do get some glimpses of...well that would be telling.
The film is a bit goofy, but largely in a good way, and it is mostly a pretty funny take on what the film-maker clearly knew was a surreal plot.
Mothergamer (1514 KP) rated Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind #8) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
I recently finished reading Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett, the latest book in the Discworld series. The wizards at Unseen University discover a law that states that they must participate in city football games (soccer), but the catch is they can't use any magic. The assistant candle dribbler, Mr. Nutt is brought in to coach this humorous seemingly hopeless team of over the hill wizards. Mr. Nutt is a little odd and seems to be a goblin, but he can't really remember himself. He befriends his candle dribbler boss Trevor Likely whose father was a famous footballer and they strike up an unlikely, but endearing friendship.
I loved this book. The friendship between Mr. Nutt and Trevor makes you smile and even laugh at certain points in the story. Terry Pratchett introduces some new characters like Juliette, Trevor's love interest and assistant cook and Glenda, her supervisor who warns her all the time about men and their ways. There are even cameo appearances by old favorites like Rincewind, the librarian, DEATH, the watch, and even Lord Vetinari.
The pacing starts off a little slow, but it finds its groove and we are told a great story about football, the fans, and the players. We are also shown how wonderful it is when you have friends and loved ones, that see the good in you and because they believe in you, it brings out the best in you. There are also the funny jokes, wit, and social commentary that comes with a Discworld book, overall making it quite an enjoyable read.
If you haven't read Unseen Academicals yet and you are a Discworld fan, I suggest you do. It's a great story and you will find yourself chuckling at various moments.
I loved this book. The friendship between Mr. Nutt and Trevor makes you smile and even laugh at certain points in the story. Terry Pratchett introduces some new characters like Juliette, Trevor's love interest and assistant cook and Glenda, her supervisor who warns her all the time about men and their ways. There are even cameo appearances by old favorites like Rincewind, the librarian, DEATH, the watch, and even Lord Vetinari.
The pacing starts off a little slow, but it finds its groove and we are told a great story about football, the fans, and the players. We are also shown how wonderful it is when you have friends and loved ones, that see the good in you and because they believe in you, it brings out the best in you. There are also the funny jokes, wit, and social commentary that comes with a Discworld book, overall making it quite an enjoyable read.
If you haven't read Unseen Academicals yet and you are a Discworld fan, I suggest you do. It's a great story and you will find yourself chuckling at various moments.
Billy Gibbons recommended Mr. Wonderful by Fleetwood Mac in Music (curated)
If you are looking for a closer walk with God, then please, look no further than this book. It is a book that is well written, and well organized. The aspects of this book are wonderful and really leave the reader thinking things through. Each page is different, each page helping you to understand a little more about God and what you need to do to truly listen to Him, to hear Him out, and make yourself a better person for Him.
The way The Good Book is laid out makes it easy to follow. I understand things a little differently now, in a good way, of course. Mr. Spoo has created a wonderful book, filled with truth and information that will be with the reader long after they finish. This book has verses from the Bible with each chapter and leaves it open for a great discussion and break down of the Bible!
This is a definitely worthy of beyond 5 stars. It’s a great companion to the Bible and and will make a great addition to any Bible study or library collection. Don’t miss out on this great book! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-the-good-book-40-chapters-that-reveal-the-bibles-biggest-ideas-by-deron-spoo/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
The way The Good Book is laid out makes it easy to follow. I understand things a little differently now, in a good way, of course. Mr. Spoo has created a wonderful book, filled with truth and information that will be with the reader long after they finish. This book has verses from the Bible with each chapter and leaves it open for a great discussion and break down of the Bible!
This is a definitely worthy of beyond 5 stars. It’s a great companion to the Bible and and will make a great addition to any Bible study or library collection. Don’t miss out on this great book! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-the-good-book-40-chapters-that-reveal-the-bibles-biggest-ideas-by-deron-spoo/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Mekkin B. (122 KP) rated Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer Royal #1) in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Fabulous Magical Regency Romp
Sorcerer to the Crown is a Regency era fantasy novel packed with romance, mystery, and adventure. Fans of historial fiction and gaslamp fantasy like Jonathan Strange & Mister Norell, the Chrestomanci series, or A Great and Terrible Beauty will enjoy this romantic romp through an alternative London where magic is a gentleman's sport and issues of race, class, and gender are as worrying as the general decline of magic in England.
Zacharias Wythe charms as the stoic Sorcerer Royal and Prunella Gentleman, the snarky orphan with a troubling amount of magical talent, is easily his match. The relationship between the two has a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet quality that still manages to feel fresh and unique.
Cho has crafted a wonderful fantasy world replete with interesting characters and intriguing mysteries, it's easy to see why this book gained a nomination for 2016's Locus Award for Best First Novel.
Zacharias Wythe charms as the stoic Sorcerer Royal and Prunella Gentleman, the snarky orphan with a troubling amount of magical talent, is easily his match. The relationship between the two has a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet quality that still manages to feel fresh and unique.
Cho has crafted a wonderful fantasy world replete with interesting characters and intriguing mysteries, it's easy to see why this book gained a nomination for 2016's Locus Award for Best First Novel.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Cutie's Big Adventures: Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Cutie’s Big Adventures: Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard by Felicia Di John is a wonderful story.
Cutie is a sweet, curious and adventurous dog who lives in a house in the desert. Her mom Ava Rose is six years old and loves Cutie very much. She would like to play with her all day, but she must go to school. Cutie is never happy when her mom leaves her for school because that means she will be home all alone. So today, Cutie decides to go outdoors by herself to play. She explores the desert around her, makes a new friend, and finds that some animals eat strange things. She is having so much fun that she almost forgets to get back home before her mom arrives.
I read this book to my 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students. They loved the book and begged for more stories of Cutie. The story was captivating and the pictures appeared to jump off the page.
Cutie is a sweet, curious and adventurous dog who lives in a house in the desert. Her mom Ava Rose is six years old and loves Cutie very much. She would like to play with her all day, but she must go to school. Cutie is never happy when her mom leaves her for school because that means she will be home all alone. So today, Cutie decides to go outdoors by herself to play. She explores the desert around her, makes a new friend, and finds that some animals eat strange things. She is having so much fun that she almost forgets to get back home before her mom arrives.
I read this book to my 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students. They loved the book and begged for more stories of Cutie. The story was captivating and the pictures appeared to jump off the page.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Neverwhere in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Setting (4 more)
Plot
Characters
World building
Gaiman's writing.
wonderland-esque and oh so good.
This was my first real venture in to the Urban Fantasy genre and I was so surprised I'd never really read anything from it before.
Neverwhere was an amazing book that had my imagination going on a rampage just trying to visualize London below, Gaiman did a wonderful job with combining a wonderland-esque world with modern London and living up to the old saying "No good deed goes unpunished."
The characters from London Below were all so detailed and took on a life of their own even as well as the magic of London Below it all just came off as being so real. My favorite characters hands down was Marquis De Carabas he was just so crafty and I really did not know if he was to be trusted or not, and Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar were some of the best villains I've seen in awhile.
The only thing I had a problem with and the reason even though I loved this book couldn't give it a full five star rating was I just didn't care for Richard Mayhew at all through out the whole book I made no attachment to him in the least bit, I know he was supposed to be this average every man type of person that got thrown into this crazy world but he either really annoyed me or was just kind of forgettable and fell into the background...I honestly forgot he was suppose to be the Protagonist.
Neverwhere was an amazing book that had my imagination going on a rampage just trying to visualize London below, Gaiman did a wonderful job with combining a wonderland-esque world with modern London and living up to the old saying "No good deed goes unpunished."
The characters from London Below were all so detailed and took on a life of their own even as well as the magic of London Below it all just came off as being so real. My favorite characters hands down was Marquis De Carabas he was just so crafty and I really did not know if he was to be trusted or not, and Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar were some of the best villains I've seen in awhile.
The only thing I had a problem with and the reason even though I loved this book couldn't give it a full five star rating was I just didn't care for Richard Mayhew at all through out the whole book I made no attachment to him in the least bit, I know he was supposed to be this average every man type of person that got thrown into this crazy world but he either really annoyed me or was just kind of forgettable and fell into the background...I honestly forgot he was suppose to be the Protagonist.