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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Painter And The Thief (2020) in Movies
Oct 23, 2020
After seeing the trailer for this one I was intrigued to see how the subject was handled in this format.
Barbora Kysilkova's prized paintings have been stolen from a gallery, the culprits were not careful and are soon picked up by the police. But all investigations come back empty handed and the two paintings may never resurface. Barbora is interested to meet one of the men responsible for her loss and soon an unlikely friendship begins between the two of them. As their lives become even more entwined we follow their path through troubles and redemption.
The documentary is split into two main parts, first we follow the painter as she uncovers whatever she can about the crime in an attempt to recover the pieces. The second follows out thief and the struggles of his life. Each side of the story shows very different ways of existing, but as it evolves you make surprising discoveries about them both that open your eyes to how reality is sometimes hidden underneath a persona we project.
We're treated to an enlightening journey with the way the narrative is laid out, and it's one that's almost impossible not to react to. Everything from the simple frustrations, to fear and worry, shows through as the connection between them grows, it feels more and more... uncomfortable. This is actually addressed by Barbora's boyfriend and it seems only evident to us and him that it's all a little nuts. At the end I was particularly shocked by the outcome.
Overall I had expected to see more about the crime itself, and in what I'd seen leading up to this it felt like it was bigger, but the crime actually comes across as quite unexceptional. That leaves us with a documentary that's much more focused on human fascination and curiosity, and in my opinion, how that can turn into an unhealthy obsession. While the second half feels more engaging, it was a bit of a slog getting to that. As a piece about human nature it's interesting, but when presented with something involving a crime I'm much more interested in seeing that than anything else.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-painter-thief-movie-review.html
Barbora Kysilkova's prized paintings have been stolen from a gallery, the culprits were not careful and are soon picked up by the police. But all investigations come back empty handed and the two paintings may never resurface. Barbora is interested to meet one of the men responsible for her loss and soon an unlikely friendship begins between the two of them. As their lives become even more entwined we follow their path through troubles and redemption.
The documentary is split into two main parts, first we follow the painter as she uncovers whatever she can about the crime in an attempt to recover the pieces. The second follows out thief and the struggles of his life. Each side of the story shows very different ways of existing, but as it evolves you make surprising discoveries about them both that open your eyes to how reality is sometimes hidden underneath a persona we project.
We're treated to an enlightening journey with the way the narrative is laid out, and it's one that's almost impossible not to react to. Everything from the simple frustrations, to fear and worry, shows through as the connection between them grows, it feels more and more... uncomfortable. This is actually addressed by Barbora's boyfriend and it seems only evident to us and him that it's all a little nuts. At the end I was particularly shocked by the outcome.
Overall I had expected to see more about the crime itself, and in what I'd seen leading up to this it felt like it was bigger, but the crime actually comes across as quite unexceptional. That leaves us with a documentary that's much more focused on human fascination and curiosity, and in my opinion, how that can turn into an unhealthy obsession. While the second half feels more engaging, it was a bit of a slog getting to that. As a piece about human nature it's interesting, but when presented with something involving a crime I'm much more interested in seeing that than anything else.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-painter-thief-movie-review.html
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Bad Lieutenant (1992) in Movies
Oct 25, 2020
Great Character, Bad Movie
A corrupt cop is forced by a mob boss to pay off his debt or be killed. Hailed as a cinematic classic, Bad Lieutenant truly failed to grab me for a number of different reasons. It misses the mark in a number of ways.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 9
Love him or hate him The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is one memorable character. Every scene he is in is unpredictable as you have no idea what he’s going to do next. While I was more on the hate side of things, I envied him at the same time. The Lieutenant does whatever he wants and gives zero shits about it.
Cinematography/Visuals: 6
A few scenes caught my eye here and there, but there was nothing overall that really stood as overly memorable or powerful. Visually I was unimpressed as it felt like a film just going through the motions. I wasn’t as immersed in the scenes or the world as I had hoped.
Conflict: 5
We know the conflict, we know what’s at stake, yet I can’t feel the true threat of it throughout the film. My other problem was The Lieutenant is such an awful guy that you don’t really care what happens to him. As a result, the conflict then becomes just mediocre.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 3
Pace: 5
You see a lot of casual day-to-day over the course of the movie which slows things down tremendously. Despite Lieutenant’s antics, the movie moves in a really boring fashion. You never get the sense that you are progressing towards anything.
Plot: 2
Resolution: 2
I was hoping for some kind of redemption here, but was extremely overwhelmed. When the credits roll, I was more depressed than anything. It solidified what was a crappy movie in my opinion.
Overall: 52
Don’t believe everything you read. All the critics said this movie was amazing, but it falls well short of today’s offerings. Then again, I’m willing to admit that I could be the one that’s wrong. Give it a shot at your own discretion.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 9
Love him or hate him The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is one memorable character. Every scene he is in is unpredictable as you have no idea what he’s going to do next. While I was more on the hate side of things, I envied him at the same time. The Lieutenant does whatever he wants and gives zero shits about it.
Cinematography/Visuals: 6
A few scenes caught my eye here and there, but there was nothing overall that really stood as overly memorable or powerful. Visually I was unimpressed as it felt like a film just going through the motions. I wasn’t as immersed in the scenes or the world as I had hoped.
Conflict: 5
We know the conflict, we know what’s at stake, yet I can’t feel the true threat of it throughout the film. My other problem was The Lieutenant is such an awful guy that you don’t really care what happens to him. As a result, the conflict then becomes just mediocre.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 3
Pace: 5
You see a lot of casual day-to-day over the course of the movie which slows things down tremendously. Despite Lieutenant’s antics, the movie moves in a really boring fashion. You never get the sense that you are progressing towards anything.
Plot: 2
Resolution: 2
I was hoping for some kind of redemption here, but was extremely overwhelmed. When the credits roll, I was more depressed than anything. It solidified what was a crappy movie in my opinion.
Overall: 52
Don’t believe everything you read. All the critics said this movie was amazing, but it falls well short of today’s offerings. Then again, I’m willing to admit that I could be the one that’s wrong. Give it a shot at your own discretion.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Our Little Cruelties in Books
Dec 17, 2020
William, Brian, and Luke Drumm--three boys each born a year apart. William becomes a successful movie producer. Luke, a famous singer. And Brian, the steady middle brother, watches over careers, money, and their mother. But none of the brothers are as successful and happy as they appear--scarred by their traumatic childhood and their constant attempts to gain the attention of their mother. Now, the brothers are gathered together again: but only two are alive.
"All three of the Drumm brothers were at the funeral. But only one of them was in the coffin."
I made a lot of mistakes with this book. First, I thought I loved Liz Nugent, but then I realized I had her confused with another writer, and that I've never read any of her books. Next, I thought this would be more of a true, suspenseful mystery. It is not.
I feel bad, but this book was not for me. It started out slowly and just never got better. The plot drags on and on. While it is somewhat a mystery about a dead brother (which Drumm has died?), it's mostly a character-driven tale about three awful brothers. Because these three men are terrible and despicable, and I found it nearly impossible to become interested in them or their stories.
The book is told in chunks--from the perspective of each brother. Within their parts, their stories go back and forth in time. It's hard to keep track of the passing of time, especially as the book progresses.
This novel could provide in-depth perspective on mental illness and the impact our parents can have on our lives, but so much of that nuance gets lost in our characters and their abject hatefulness. There is little redemption to be had here. I had twinges of sympathies for the brothers, but, at times, I wasn't sure I would care if they were dead. They are truly evil sometimes.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me. I wasn't interested in the characters, and I wanted this to be a different type of story. Many others found this much more captivating and enjoyed the character driven style, so it may work better for you. 2 stars.
"All three of the Drumm brothers were at the funeral. But only one of them was in the coffin."
I made a lot of mistakes with this book. First, I thought I loved Liz Nugent, but then I realized I had her confused with another writer, and that I've never read any of her books. Next, I thought this would be more of a true, suspenseful mystery. It is not.
I feel bad, but this book was not for me. It started out slowly and just never got better. The plot drags on and on. While it is somewhat a mystery about a dead brother (which Drumm has died?), it's mostly a character-driven tale about three awful brothers. Because these three men are terrible and despicable, and I found it nearly impossible to become interested in them or their stories.
The book is told in chunks--from the perspective of each brother. Within their parts, their stories go back and forth in time. It's hard to keep track of the passing of time, especially as the book progresses.
This novel could provide in-depth perspective on mental illness and the impact our parents can have on our lives, but so much of that nuance gets lost in our characters and their abject hatefulness. There is little redemption to be had here. I had twinges of sympathies for the brothers, but, at times, I wasn't sure I would care if they were dead. They are truly evil sometimes.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me. I wasn't interested in the characters, and I wanted this to be a different type of story. Many others found this much more captivating and enjoyed the character driven style, so it may work better for you. 2 stars.
Carnival by Kanneh-Masons
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Decca Classics announces the release of Carnival, a very special collaboration between Academy...
Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City
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NOTE: iPhone 5s, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Air 1 not supported Submerged is a third-person...
Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road
Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
10.0
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THE RETURN OF BONNIE AND CLYDE Saving democracy, one bank robbery at a time. In the provocative...
series adult fiction Bonnie & Clyde Bonnie and Clyde
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Sins of the Shadow Walkers (The Familiar Curse #3) in Books
Mar 31, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
SINS OF THE SHADOW WALKERS is the last book in The Familiar Curse, and we finish Juliet and Dante's story. I have loved this couple, I really have, and I certainly didn't want this series to end. The good news is... there is more to come! Yey!! This story wraps up Juliet and Dante (although I still want more) but also leaves it open to other characters.
My reason for the 4 stars is this - I wanted to know more about the Shadow Walkers. I get Juliet's history, and I can appreciate how Faye feels. But Kaine, and his mum and dad? The rest of the clan? They were only touched on, and Kaine just sort of disappeared. I am hoping they will feature in future books, so I may get my answers there.
As for some of the others, well now. I'm matching them up in my mind and now I just have to wait to see if my mind matches C.L. Bright's! Nicholas and Sin need to be together. He showed a slight hint of redemption, and Sin is interested in him. Plus, I think he will keep her on her toes, and we all know how Sin hates to be bored. I really want Geori and Serena to get together. I really don't believe Alaric deserves her! And why should the nice guy always finish last? He's the one who has stayed with Serena and supported her. Alaric? Grrr!
I enjoyed this story just as much as the first two, even with the difference in stars. I read it in one sitting, not moving until I had finished. The pacing is smooth and will keep you turning the pages. A brilliant end to this trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next. 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!
Mar 31, 2021
My reason for the 4 stars is this - I wanted to know more about the Shadow Walkers. I get Juliet's history, and I can appreciate how Faye feels. But Kaine, and his mum and dad? The rest of the clan? They were only touched on, and Kaine just sort of disappeared. I am hoping they will feature in future books, so I may get my answers there.
As for some of the others, well now. I'm matching them up in my mind and now I just have to wait to see if my mind matches C.L. Bright's! Nicholas and Sin need to be together. He showed a slight hint of redemption, and Sin is interested in him. Plus, I think he will keep her on her toes, and we all know how Sin hates to be bored. I really want Geori and Serena to get together. I really don't believe Alaric deserves her! And why should the nice guy always finish last? He's the one who has stayed with Serena and supported her. Alaric? Grrr!
I enjoyed this story just as much as the first two, even with the difference in stars. I read it in one sitting, not moving until I had finished. The pacing is smooth and will keep you turning the pages. A brilliant end to this trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next. 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!
Mar 31, 2021
D.B. and Me
Book
In the gripping tale of D.B. and Me, the enigmatic hijacker, D.B. Cooper, parachutes into the...
Contemporary MM Romance True Crime Suspense Mystery
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Lion's Honey: The Myth of Samson in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I was a little surprised as to what comprised this book, as I expected to find a fictional retelling after the reproduction of Judges 13-16 of the King James Bible. Instead, what follows is a detailed commentary that examines and dissects the Biblical account, using even the original language to understand the full meaning of the text, with all of its nuances and allusions. As many times that I have studied the story of Samson in church growing up, there is apparently quite a bit that I never knew about such an interesting character in Hebrew history.
As any person chosen of God to do His will, Samson is a man plagued by his destiny and how it separates him from the rest of humanity. Though chosen of God from the womb to live as a Nazarite, he is still very much human with human urges. Almost constantly at war with himself, Samson seems to set himself up to be hurt by those he puts his trust in so that he may let loose his anger and rage against those who hold his people captive -- the Philistines. Like so many modern-day psychological head cases, much of his choices are also driven by a need for that hidden something lacking in his relationship with his parents. He looks for it in the wrong places and the wrong women, even paying a visit to a prostitute. He seems to use his strength and anger with an artistic flair, first setting up a group of Philistines at his wedding with an unsolvable riddle, and later finding rather unique ways of further punishing the Philistines, such as using the jawbone of an ass to kill a thousand of them. Furthermore, every verbal account from Samson is spoken poetically.
What I found most interesting is the way that David Grossman explored the account of Samson and Delilah. He alludes that Samson in fact knew the betrayal that Delilah harbored and welcomed it in order to finally shed his God-given destiny. While he ends his life in a final act of redemption, I have to wonder if he did complete the task that God had given him to "begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Despite the intense detail that David Grossman goes into when writing this study of Samson, the book is a very good read and well worth my time.
As any person chosen of God to do His will, Samson is a man plagued by his destiny and how it separates him from the rest of humanity. Though chosen of God from the womb to live as a Nazarite, he is still very much human with human urges. Almost constantly at war with himself, Samson seems to set himself up to be hurt by those he puts his trust in so that he may let loose his anger and rage against those who hold his people captive -- the Philistines. Like so many modern-day psychological head cases, much of his choices are also driven by a need for that hidden something lacking in his relationship with his parents. He looks for it in the wrong places and the wrong women, even paying a visit to a prostitute. He seems to use his strength and anger with an artistic flair, first setting up a group of Philistines at his wedding with an unsolvable riddle, and later finding rather unique ways of further punishing the Philistines, such as using the jawbone of an ass to kill a thousand of them. Furthermore, every verbal account from Samson is spoken poetically.
What I found most interesting is the way that David Grossman explored the account of Samson and Delilah. He alludes that Samson in fact knew the betrayal that Delilah harbored and welcomed it in order to finally shed his God-given destiny. While he ends his life in a final act of redemption, I have to wonder if he did complete the task that God had given him to "begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Despite the intense detail that David Grossman goes into when writing this study of Samson, the book is a very good read and well worth my time.