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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated How Hard Can It Be? in Books
Mar 10, 2019 (Updated Mar 10, 2019)
Things have taken a bit of a turn for Kate Reddy--she's nearing 50, her husband has lost his job and spends most of his time cycling, and her kids are busy teenagers. With Richard out of work, Kate has to return to work. However, she finds that the financial community isn't welcoming to a woman on the cusp of fifty. When Kate decides to pretend she's seven years younger to enter the working world, she winds up working at the hedge fund she originally started. Once back at work, though, she finds herself overwhelmed dealing with everything: the unhelpful husband, the ungrateful kids, the demanding colleagues, and an unexpected appearance from an old flame.
This was a tough one for me. It was a slow read, although in its defense, I read it during a very busy time at work. I empathized with Kate's return to working motherhood--especially juggling kids and work and dealing with a male-driven workplace. I didn't enjoy the intense focus on how old Kate was, making her seem nearly decrepit at fifty. It's one thing to deal with turning the big 5-0 and its ramifications, but its another to make it seem like it's the end of the world. Even worse, while Kate could seem so strong in the workplace, she was such a pushover with her children. She was supposedly clueless with technology, unable to keep up with their exploits, and a complete doormat. (I also couldn't handle the endless endearments she used with her kids--there's only so many "sweeties" and "darlings" I can take.)
There are certainly humorous moments in the novel. This is a sequel to Pearson's first novel featuring Reddy and the parts I enjoyed here were the parts I liked about the first one: Kate's wit, her ability to take on the "big boys" at her fund, and the snippets of emails between her and her friend, Candy. There were definitely pieces of the novel that I found myself nodding along with--her moments of anxiety; her rants about how working moms are treated; some insights into kids and the social media era, etc. And Kate certainly doesn't have an easy go of it, with her clueless husband, helpless kids, crumbling house, aging parents, and stressful job.
That being said, I could see most of the plot twists coming a mile away, and you couldn't help but get frustrated that Kate couldn't see them too. Overall, while I found parts of this novel funny, refreshing, and quite apropos, I couldn't really get over Kate's obsession with her looks or her one-sided relationship with her children. In the end my rating is probably bumped up a bit for a little Kate Reddy nostalgia.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
This was a tough one for me. It was a slow read, although in its defense, I read it during a very busy time at work. I empathized with Kate's return to working motherhood--especially juggling kids and work and dealing with a male-driven workplace. I didn't enjoy the intense focus on how old Kate was, making her seem nearly decrepit at fifty. It's one thing to deal with turning the big 5-0 and its ramifications, but its another to make it seem like it's the end of the world. Even worse, while Kate could seem so strong in the workplace, she was such a pushover with her children. She was supposedly clueless with technology, unable to keep up with their exploits, and a complete doormat. (I also couldn't handle the endless endearments she used with her kids--there's only so many "sweeties" and "darlings" I can take.)
There are certainly humorous moments in the novel. This is a sequel to Pearson's first novel featuring Reddy and the parts I enjoyed here were the parts I liked about the first one: Kate's wit, her ability to take on the "big boys" at her fund, and the snippets of emails between her and her friend, Candy. There were definitely pieces of the novel that I found myself nodding along with--her moments of anxiety; her rants about how working moms are treated; some insights into kids and the social media era, etc. And Kate certainly doesn't have an easy go of it, with her clueless husband, helpless kids, crumbling house, aging parents, and stressful job.
That being said, I could see most of the plot twists coming a mile away, and you couldn't help but get frustrated that Kate couldn't see them too. Overall, while I found parts of this novel funny, refreshing, and quite apropos, I couldn't really get over Kate's obsession with her looks or her one-sided relationship with her children. In the end my rating is probably bumped up a bit for a little Kate Reddy nostalgia.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Boy Erased (2018) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
This is a tough one to get into, not because of the subject matter but because the beginning is just so slow. I actually sat there wondering if this was the movie I had thought I was going to be seeing when I walked in.
Let's just start by saying that Nicole Kidman is genuinely the best thing about this film. You can feel her shame, and the love she feels for her son... and all of that through the horrendous wig. The wig people are definitely out to get her in these recent films.
Boy Erased certainly doesn't pull any punches. There are two scenes in particular that are brutal and quite shocking, but they hit on completely opposite ends of the scale for me. The first sees a relationship develop between Jared and his male friend at college, this leads to a rape scene that should have a massive impact on the film but it somehow didn't. The second is at the conversion program and we see one of the members getting beaten by his family, this one had some very powerful performances. Two shocking scenes that should surely hold similar impact and yet they don't.
There is a break in this film that takes it from bad to good, that divide comes when the conversion therapy enters the story. Before that point nothing seems to hold much weight. Had there been something at the beginning that alluded to the latter part of the film then that incredibly long set up could have been forgiven.
When it comes to the acting it's really all over the shop. As I said, Nicole Kidman knocked my socks off as the leading lady, but when it came to the leading men I was a little underwhelmed. Crowe's performance didn't make me feel anything about his character, possibly because most of his role appears in the beginning of the film where it feels like nothing happens. Until he was able to start developing Jared's character with his interactions with other group members Lucas Hedges' offering wasn't much to write home about either. I could probably go on for ages about the supporting cast but there's good, there's bad, and there's unnecessary, but I'm sure that all the characters are there for a reason.
The story is an important one and had the scope to be amazing but somewhere along the line some choices were made that meant momentum was lost very early on in the film.
What you should do
I think it's worth a watch, but do be aware that it takes a while to reach its stride.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I think we could all do with Nancy's ability to realise her mistake and rectify it against such powerful opposition. "Shame on you, and shame on me!"
Let's just start by saying that Nicole Kidman is genuinely the best thing about this film. You can feel her shame, and the love she feels for her son... and all of that through the horrendous wig. The wig people are definitely out to get her in these recent films.
Boy Erased certainly doesn't pull any punches. There are two scenes in particular that are brutal and quite shocking, but they hit on completely opposite ends of the scale for me. The first sees a relationship develop between Jared and his male friend at college, this leads to a rape scene that should have a massive impact on the film but it somehow didn't. The second is at the conversion program and we see one of the members getting beaten by his family, this one had some very powerful performances. Two shocking scenes that should surely hold similar impact and yet they don't.
There is a break in this film that takes it from bad to good, that divide comes when the conversion therapy enters the story. Before that point nothing seems to hold much weight. Had there been something at the beginning that alluded to the latter part of the film then that incredibly long set up could have been forgiven.
When it comes to the acting it's really all over the shop. As I said, Nicole Kidman knocked my socks off as the leading lady, but when it came to the leading men I was a little underwhelmed. Crowe's performance didn't make me feel anything about his character, possibly because most of his role appears in the beginning of the film where it feels like nothing happens. Until he was able to start developing Jared's character with his interactions with other group members Lucas Hedges' offering wasn't much to write home about either. I could probably go on for ages about the supporting cast but there's good, there's bad, and there's unnecessary, but I'm sure that all the characters are there for a reason.
The story is an important one and had the scope to be amazing but somewhere along the line some choices were made that meant momentum was lost very early on in the film.
What you should do
I think it's worth a watch, but do be aware that it takes a while to reach its stride.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I think we could all do with Nancy's ability to realise her mistake and rectify it against such powerful opposition. "Shame on you, and shame on me!"
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Pushing Daisies - Season 2 in TV
Jan 9, 2018
As mentioned in the first season, the story follows Emerson Cod, a private investigator; Charlotte Charles, Ned's childhood sweetheart brought back from the dead by Ned; and Ned, who has the ability to bring the dead back to life for one minute before something else takes its place.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Thing on the Doorstep in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Wow. I wasn't sure what to I was going to think of this, as several state it's not his best of stories, but as I'm a new reader of Lovecraft, I have nothing to compare this to, so I enjoyed it hugely!
The opening line of this story, <b><i>It is true that I have sent six bullets through the head of my best friend, and yet I hope to show by this statement that I am not his murderer,"</b></i> is enough to completely suck you in to the story. You'll find yourself getting lost in this piece of fiction, coming out the other side of it dazed, horrified and delighted.
This story has some of the best tension building, leaving you to decide what is happening to the ever changing Edward and his mysterious wife Asenath.
The hints to black magic and the occult make this story really ominous, dark and brooding. This is really a terrific horror story. If this isn't one of his best, I'm excited to see what his other stories bring!
The opening line of this story, <b><i>It is true that I have sent six bullets through the head of my best friend, and yet I hope to show by this statement that I am not his murderer,"</b></i> is enough to completely suck you in to the story. You'll find yourself getting lost in this piece of fiction, coming out the other side of it dazed, horrified and delighted.
This story has some of the best tension building, leaving you to decide what is happening to the ever changing Edward and his mysterious wife Asenath.
The hints to black magic and the occult make this story really ominous, dark and brooding. This is really a terrific horror story. If this isn't one of his best, I'm excited to see what his other stories bring!
Charles Burbridge (13 KP) rated Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018
If you were a fan of Pacific Rim and were looking forward to this movie, I'm sorry.
Where Pacific Rim was an action movie that had a soul, Uprising is the equivalent of a Transformers movie. Big things on a screen blowing up with characters that serve a non-existent plot.
Uprising is a big, expensive, stinking turd of a film, dropped on an audience that is expecting a treat and instead gets a face full of fresh, wet, crap. There's absolutely no excuse for how bad this film is. As of right now, less than five minutes after I walked out the theater's door, I cannot remember a single character's name, let alone motivations. Neither can I really remember the action sequences. All I can think of is the disappointment I'm feeling and, yes, anger that what could have been an entertaining franchise being trashcanned by this sequel.
Don't go to it. Don't rent it. Don't reward lazy films like this one. Let this become lost down the memory hole. Forever.
Where Pacific Rim was an action movie that had a soul, Uprising is the equivalent of a Transformers movie. Big things on a screen blowing up with characters that serve a non-existent plot.
Uprising is a big, expensive, stinking turd of a film, dropped on an audience that is expecting a treat and instead gets a face full of fresh, wet, crap. There's absolutely no excuse for how bad this film is. As of right now, less than five minutes after I walked out the theater's door, I cannot remember a single character's name, let alone motivations. Neither can I really remember the action sequences. All I can think of is the disappointment I'm feeling and, yes, anger that what could have been an entertaining franchise being trashcanned by this sequel.
Don't go to it. Don't rent it. Don't reward lazy films like this one. Let this become lost down the memory hole. Forever.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Lady In The Van (2015) in Movies
Nov 30, 2019
Not as Described
If you saw this trailer, and were expect8ng an numerous tale of Maggie Smith playing an obstanant and witty old lady... you are going to be disappointed.
While there is some humour in this film, mostly dark and subtle (Not that that is an issue) it is not as hysterical as the trailer makes out. This is one of those very annoying cases where the genre and themes of the film, we're lost on whoever cut the trailer.
Said trailer is jammed full of every joke in the film, leaving you to think, "oka y, this looks fun, this will cheer me up". Sadly, the overall feel of the film is more drama than comedy.
That said, it is a very good film, well worth a watch, with the usual perfect performance from Maggie, but do not expect to be cheered up by this film, as it is quite sad.
I liked the film, however I was disappointed as I wanted something light and witty, this brought me down man.
While there is some humour in this film, mostly dark and subtle (Not that that is an issue) it is not as hysterical as the trailer makes out. This is one of those very annoying cases where the genre and themes of the film, we're lost on whoever cut the trailer.
Said trailer is jammed full of every joke in the film, leaving you to think, "oka y, this looks fun, this will cheer me up". Sadly, the overall feel of the film is more drama than comedy.
That said, it is a very good film, well worth a watch, with the usual perfect performance from Maggie, but do not expect to be cheered up by this film, as it is quite sad.
I liked the film, however I was disappointed as I wanted something light and witty, this brought me down man.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Bootyogomy in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Max and Kendall have known each other most of their lives. But each of them has feelings for the other, but they don't know. After the opening night of Kendall's new roller rink, they decide that they are going to have a Bootyogomy. No strings attached, but they are the only ones they call for late night nookie. When Kendall finds herself in trouble, Max is there to rescue her as always. Will they keep their bootyogomy or will it become something more serious.
I had to get this book since I was gifted with other books in the series. Frankie Love and C.M. Seabrook write quick steamy books that you can get through in less than an hour. I read this one before bed last night.
When Max lost his family, he moved in with Kendall and her brother Grady who is Max's best friend. Kendall and Max have pined for each other since that time, but never did anything because of Grady. But now is their chance. They are both adults and are doing exactly what they want to be doing.
I had to get this book since I was gifted with other books in the series. Frankie Love and C.M. Seabrook write quick steamy books that you can get through in less than an hour. I read this one before bed last night.
When Max lost his family, he moved in with Kendall and her brother Grady who is Max's best friend. Kendall and Max have pined for each other since that time, but never did anything because of Grady. But now is their chance. They are both adults and are doing exactly what they want to be doing.
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