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The Green Knight (2020)
The Green Knight (2020)
2020 | Action, History
It's now been three days since I watched The Green Knight and I haven't able to get it out of my head, it's strong combination of layered narrative and stunning visuals really leave an impression.
The themes running through the film are many. It presents itself as a coming of age tale, but is primarily about the conflict of pride and honour, and what one is willing to do to leave a legend in their stead. All of these threads are executed wonderfully under the skin of a fantasy voyage. The fantasy setting has a near constant feeling of dread running through it. There are moments here and there that flirt with horror, and are genuinely unsettling, thanks in no small part to a unnerving music score by Daniel Hart, a frequent collaborater of director David Lowery. His score draws you in to the point of not being able to look away, even when you want to.
As mentioned, The Green Knight is visually stunning, an unarguable feast for the eyes. The whole runtime is bursting with beautiful vistas, colourful fever dreams, inspired perspective shots, and some moments that are designed to stick in the mind, rent free. The whole aesthetic and world design feels unique, the titular Green Knight being a fine example.
It has a top tier cast just to really sweeten the deal as well.

All of these aspects combined make for an engaging Arthurian tale that is hard to forget. It surely won't be to everyone's liking, but as far as I'm concerned, it's an excellent piece of film making that absolutely deserves to be seen regardless.
  
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Merissa (12788 KP) rated Stolen by Her Bear (Black Ridge Bears #1) in Books

Jul 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)  
Stolen by Her Bear (Black Ridge Bears #1)
Stolen by Her Bear (Black Ridge Bears #1)
Felicity Heaton | 2021 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
STOLEN BY HER BEAR is the first book in the Black Ridge Bears series and we return to the universe of Eternal Mates, and the friendly Cougar Creek neighbours. You could read this by itself, but I personally would recommend you at least read Cougar Creek, just to get some idea of the backstories involved.

Saint is the Alpha of the Bear Pride, and he is none too impressed when they are woken from their hibernation by laughter, frolics, and shenanigans. Unfortunately for him, when he tries to ask nicely, the cougars are holding a grudge and refuse to keep the noise down. Saint's bear takes over and he kidnaps the mate of one of the cougars... except, she isn't!

I loved how Holly was just like her namesake. She was very prickly to begin with, but I couldn't exactly blame her! Saint doesn't want to be grumpy, but he has only just woken up, and his bear is very cranky. He is a sweetie though.

Returning to this universe is like slipping on a favourite pair of shoes. You can walk for miles in them and still feel like going for more. Saint and Holly make a perfect first pair for this series, and I can't wait to see where we go next. (I'm looking at you, Lowe... I think!)

A great, fun read that is definitely 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!
Jul 26, 2021
  
Overlord (2018)
Overlord (2018)
2018 | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Crazy Insane
When a team of American troops take on a routine mission in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, they stumble upon something abnormal and horrifying that they weren’t expecting.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 10

Conflict: 10
From it’s heartpounding beginning to crazy conclusion, you’re put right in front of consistent action. They are the kind of scenes that leave you wanting more. Intensity awaits at every turn with gun battles, explosions, and crazy zombie(esque) fights. The action was managed perfectly, not overdone in anyway.

Genre: 7

Memorability: 8
I remember jumping quite a few times while watching Overlord. It’s one of those movies where you, as an audience member, recognize something is wrong, but the characters don’t seem to pick up on it until it’s too late. Some of the things you see are quite unsettling and hard to get out of your memory.

Pace: 8
Overlord moves at a steady speed, although not perfect. I would prefer “breakneck” with a movie like this, but instead you get “just over the speed limit”. Fortunately there are only a handful of lulls, but they seem to come at the worst times right when you expect the train to keep rolling.

Plot: 7

Resolution: 10
I won’t give anything away, but the ending left me both satisfied and hoping for more. There is definitely room for some kind of a sequel here if they wanted to go that route. All the loose ends that needed to be tied up were taken care of.

Overall: 90
I can’t stress enough that I appreciate when certain genres get reused for the sake of being spun in a different fashion. Sometimes it’s a big miss (insert Pride and Prejudice and Zombies here). Other times, a film succeeds with a big swing. Overlord hits a home run.
  
DS
Dragon Seed
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a new to me author and one I'll be reading again! Dragon Seed really pulled me into the heart of the story instantly. From the start I was completely engrossed and taken on a fast paced ride of what's right and wrong. That's saying something for this book as I'm not a huge fan of young adult reads. However, this book....oh, this book really hooked me!

As a mom of two teens, one of whom is troubled and angry often times, this book hit home with me in so many ways. It's so much more than a simple young adult read. It's a book filled with Bible lessons and messages of prideful ways and seeking more of Him. I loved that! These are the kinds of characters, and plot lines, that I want to see my children reading! Lessons of good versus evil, right versus wrong....all of it so gripping!

This book is definitely worthy of 5 stars. It's phenomenaly created, it's well rounded with complex characters and God's lessons. If you are looking for a laugh out loud book for your child/teenager, then this isn't quite the book for you. If you are looking for a fantabulously written book, that will leave them thinking over and over again, then yes. Definitely grab this book up. It's not only for children/teens, but any adult who seeks a better relationship with God or who struggles with pride. The book comes with devotionals at the end. I can't wait to pass this on to my kiddos to see what they think! Well done, Mr. Machowski! Well done!<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-dragon-seed-by-marty-machowski/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
SO
Starting Over by Niykee Heaton
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Niykee Heaton is a Chicago-born and South Florida-based singer-songwriter/producer. Not too long ago, she released a lovely 3-song EP, entitled, “Starting Over”.

NiyKee Heaton – “Mascara”

‘Mascara’ tells the tale of a woman who’s in a new relationship with a guy she’s feeling. She’s been hurt before and takes pride in wearing make-up because it makes her feel good about herself. Also, when they are being romantic, he’s allowed to ruin her lipstick, bed, hair, her body, but not her life and mascara.

‘Mascara’ contains a unique storyline, soft vocals, and a guitar-driven instrumentation perfumed with sentimental elements.

NiyKee Heaton – “Bad Guy”

‘Bad Guy’ tells a bitter tale of a woman who’s being blamed for something she ‘allegedly’ did. Apparently, her relationship with her significant other is on the rocks and he’s blaming her for the ugly breakup and hates her because of that. But she wears the ‘bad guy’ tag well and tells a different story of why their relationship didn’t work.

“Bad Guy” contains a relatable storyline, soft vocals, and a slow-bouncing instrumentation embedded with dark undertones.

NiyKee Heaton – “Starting Over”

‘Starting Over’ tells the tale of a woman who wants to exit her current relationship. Apparently, it’s problematic, and every time she puts some space between her and her ex, he shows up when she’s almost over him. Eventually, he convinces her for them to start all over again, which is something she doesn’t want to do anymore.

‘Starting Over’ contains a relatable storyline, melodic vocals, and a charming instrumentation oozing with sonic passion.

In conclusion, Niykee Heaton’s “Starting Over” EP is a short and sweet relationship-themed project with replay value. Also, listeners can experience different stages of a relationship, plus gain strength to start all over anew if things turn sour.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/niykee-heaton-starting-ep/
  
Seriously... I&#039;m Kidding
Seriously... I'm Kidding
Ellen DeGeneres | 2013 | Biography
8
7.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
As part of Pride Month, I'm spotlighting books by or about GLBTQIA+ people. Ellen is one of the most prominent lesbians here in the US, between coming out on a sitcom, having her own daytime talk show, and her judging stint on American Idol. This is her third book, but the first one I've read. If the other two are like this one, I need to read them!

Seriously...I'm Kidding is a really funny book. It reads a little bit like an ADHD squirrel, but that's part of its charm. I read the print version, but this is one book I might have to get the audio version of, mostly because of the one chapter she wrote specifically for the audio version:

"Anyway, since you have the benefit of being able to hear this, I thought I would include some bonus material of me making strange noises. For those of you who are reading this the old-fashioned way and can't hear me, I've printed the noises below and I encourage you to use your imagination to think of what they might sound like coming out of my mouth.

Meeeeee
Faaaaaa
Cooooo
Gooooood Morning
Bowwwww
Babowwwww
Yelowwwww
(more strange noises listed)"

The book covers a lot of ground, from producing her show to judging on American Idol to coming out as lesbian to hosting dinner parties. It also varies wildly chapter to chapter, from brief short stories (less than a page) to haiku, to coloring book pages of odd things like toasters, to prose, wandering chapters that are an interesting look at Ellen's thought process.

I really enjoyed this book, and it's definitely worth reading because it's just FUN.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
  
Into the Wild
Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer | 2017 | Biography
6
7.5 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read this as part of my 2014 reading challenge. This book was recommended to me by one of my close friends. This was definitely a book that I would expect a hiker, climber, and all around outdoorsy person to read.

I have to admit, I had a hard time reading this book. The writing was outstanding but I found the book itself a little dull and honestly, a little frustrating.

As many of my friends know, I grew up with my parents working in insurance. I also grew up working in insurance. This means that I have a (as my dad calls it) risk manager's mindset. That means that I had a hard time idealizing a man that took such a high risk with his life and refused most of the help that was offered.

I have to say that I admire this man's ideals and his bravery but I also feel that he was fairly foolish. I don't think that he was foolish for going out into the wilderness alone but I feel that he was foolish for not being able to swallow his pride and accept help. I think that he was foolish for pushing his family and his friends away.

This is the second Jon Krakauer book that I have read and I have to say that I his writing is spectacular but a little dull. I felt that I was reading a text book and not a novel. I think this is simply because I like my books to invoke emotions in me and all I felt in this book was frustration and deep sadness for anyone that knew and loved McCandless.

All in all, this wasn't my typical read but I'm glad that I took time to read it.
  
Making It Up by Kathryn Legendre
Making It Up by Kathryn Legendre
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Kathryn Legendre is a rising singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lovely country tune, entitled, “There You Go”.

“I try to keep myself at bay, but I miss you every day. You took off when I needed you the most. All I’ve got to get me through are these memories of you. It’s easier believing in a ghost. There you go again and here I am alone.” – lyrics

‘There You Go’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who doesn’t like saying goodbye to her significant other.

Apparently, he has to travel on the road again. Therefore, he has to leave the love-of-his-life all by her lonesome.

After his emotional departure, she washes dishes in the sink, hangs with her friends, and counts the hours down to when she will see her partner’s smiling face again.

Later, she admits that it still feels like he just left, and all she has to get her through this lonely period are the memories of him.

‘There You Go’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation scented with a country fragrance.

“I have a dear friend who lost her fiancé in a car accident while he was out on tour. ‘There You Go’ is a song about the fear of your loved one leaving and the fear of them never coming back.” – Kathryn Legendre

Kathryn Legendre drives around Austin with a ‘God Bless Merle Haggard’ sticker on her bumper.

The rising country artist thrives the most when she feels that something is missing. Also, she takes pride in the ability to relate to the human condition

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/kathryn-legendre-there-you-go/
  
Bridget Jones&#039;s Diary
Bridget Jones's Diary
Helen Fielding | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (31 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can’t begin to imagine why it has taken me so very long to get round to reading this book. Of course I was in my mid-teens when the film came out. Obviously I have seen the film, it happens to be one of my favourite chick flick films to curl up under tons of covers to. Maybe that’s why it has taken me so long to get round to….

So unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past 10 years, most people have a rough idea what Bridget Jones’s Diary is all about.

I found Bridget less frumpy then the film portrayed her and I think she is much stronger than she believes she is. Although she was at times pretty self-centred… but this is her diary… everyone thinks about themselves when they talk to their diary and are less concerned with other people.
I could whole heartedly relate to Bridget’s constant dilemma about dieting and trying to lose weight…. And often failing due to food tasting so damn good. On the whole it was as I imagined it would be. I particularly liked the parts where Bridget makes references to fancying Mr. Darcy (ie Colin Firth) from Pride and Prejudice. Never expecting that he would one day turn out to be her Darcy in the film.

If you liked/loved the film and haven’t read the book, I would recommend it. Don’t expect anything more than the film, but you definitely don’t get less. I will read two following books as I am sure there are many other deep thoughts Bridget needs to share with me and it was a fun easy read.
  
The Lion King (2019)
The Lion King (2019)
2019 | Adventure, Animation, Family
The short review: This film is a crowd pleasing movie for fans of the original animated film. This hits all the highlights you love about the first version.

The longer version: It does bring up an interesting point. Mufasa teaches Simba about the Circle of Life where the death of the lions replenishes the savanna with nutrients. The movie shows a circle of life by beginning with the birth of a lion prince cub and ends with the birth of the cub prince of the original cub. In the middle of the movie, the pride of African prey, meerkat, warthog, galago (one of my favorite animals), aardvark, etc., talk about how they only see food and predator. This illustrates that the animals in the middle of a food web can only see the linear relations that affect their life. Only the apex predator have any perspective of the complete circle, the prey/secondary predators have a more limited view of life.

Secondly, the soundtrack is so iconic that when "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" started, I had completely forgotten that oh yeah this is the song that actually won the Academy Award. However, I never once believed this part of the film. It seemed that the filmmakers had to put it here, but they had not earned the major plot point. I did not believe that Simba and Nala were starting to fall into love with each other. Maybe I had started to drift off into a timeline of the songs that had won Best Original Song, but still this is a major moment in the film and it needs to cohere. Unfortunately, though the film is beautiful and has great cinematography from Caleb Deschanel, it needed a much better story to work in "live action."