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Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
8.0
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A dual biography of Winston Churchill and George Orwell, who preserved democracy from the threats of...
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Jan 2, 2018
Wish it focused on the importance of this historic event
I might be an anomaly here, but sadly I didn't find Christopher Nolan's blockbuster as good as it should have been, and actually am fairly disappointed. The battle at Dunkirk is one of the most catastrophic moments in British military history, essentially British soldiers were completely out of their depth, with little backing and resources, and it was the tipping point in which Britain was very likely to lose the war - if it wasn't for a costly strategic mistake by the Germans to show leniency. It was then that Winston Churchill made his renowned speech, "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" - which we saw a glimpse of in the last scene.
Unfortunately none of this was apparent in the film, and as much as I love Nolan as a director, he seems to have concentrated too much on the cinematography rather than the importance of this event. No doubt, visually it was as beautiful as some of his previous work such as Interstellar, and the acting was subtle, yet stirring. As per usual, Mark Rylance stands out as the most understated and refined actor - but it was an all-round great cast. It's watchable, but it doesn't really show the true magnitude and significance of this period.
Unfortunately none of this was apparent in the film, and as much as I love Nolan as a director, he seems to have concentrated too much on the cinematography rather than the importance of this event. No doubt, visually it was as beautiful as some of his previous work such as Interstellar, and the acting was subtle, yet stirring. As per usual, Mark Rylance stands out as the most understated and refined actor - but it was an all-round great cast. It's watchable, but it doesn't really show the true magnitude and significance of this period.
Luke (278 KP) rated La La Land (2016) in Movies
Jul 21, 2017
The Songs Are Very Good (1 more)
It Can't Decide What Kind Of Film It Wants To Be
The People Handing Out Awards & Praise For This Film Are In La La Land
As a man that loves musicals, I do not love this. There are amazing musicals such as Les Mis which is breath taking in everyway, then theres disappointments like this.
Its a shame becuase i love emma stone, any film she does automatically drags it up to a better standard. However the style of singing at parts was not her best, she has a beautiful voice when she sings, slow talk singing doesnt work best for her.
When me and my wife first saw the trailer we said "Deffinatly not watching that it looks like a mess" but after all the awards we thought we would give it a go.
The best way to summarise would be to describe the cinema, There a lot of people of all different ages. I look around near the end and i can see people putting there jackets on wanting to leave, as soon as it ends a older man stands up and turns to his wife and says "What a crock of S*%&"... I laughed quite hard that he said it that loud we heard it across the room, but that was the feel of the room
Its a shame becuase i love emma stone, any film she does automatically drags it up to a better standard. However the style of singing at parts was not her best, she has a beautiful voice when she sings, slow talk singing doesnt work best for her.
When me and my wife first saw the trailer we said "Deffinatly not watching that it looks like a mess" but after all the awards we thought we would give it a go.
The best way to summarise would be to describe the cinema, There a lot of people of all different ages. I look around near the end and i can see people putting there jackets on wanting to leave, as soon as it ends a older man stands up and turns to his wife and says "What a crock of S*%&"... I laughed quite hard that he said it that loud we heard it across the room, but that was the feel of the room
I was really excited when I saw this book. I love romantic comedies and I had high hopes for this book. I was a bit disappointed.
Jason is a batchelor and has been for a while. He is a duty manager at the local hotel and is currently living with his two closest friends, Sean and Jim. When Jason receives a wedding invitation in the mail from his ex-girlfriend, Lila Holmes, his world goes into a tailspin thinking about the one that got away. His friends are on a quest to find him a plus one, while Jason is wallowing in the sorrow of knowing he would not be the one to marry Lila.
This book did not have very much romance in it and to me it wasn't really that funny. I didn't find myself laughing out loud or really connecting with the characters at all. On the positive side though, I didn't stop reading the book. I did want to know what was going to happen next and how Jason was going to actually face his ex when the time came. There were a ton of movie references in this book which really didn't add to the story. I will read another book by this author, though.
**I was given a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.**
Jason is a batchelor and has been for a while. He is a duty manager at the local hotel and is currently living with his two closest friends, Sean and Jim. When Jason receives a wedding invitation in the mail from his ex-girlfriend, Lila Holmes, his world goes into a tailspin thinking about the one that got away. His friends are on a quest to find him a plus one, while Jason is wallowing in the sorrow of knowing he would not be the one to marry Lila.
This book did not have very much romance in it and to me it wasn't really that funny. I didn't find myself laughing out loud or really connecting with the characters at all. On the positive side though, I didn't stop reading the book. I did want to know what was going to happen next and how Jason was going to actually face his ex when the time came. There were a ton of movie references in this book which really didn't add to the story. I will read another book by this author, though.
**I was given a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.**
Jennifer Daniell (108 KP) rated A Wrinkle in Time (2018) in Movies
Apr 17, 2018
A Solid Attempt
I didn't have very high hopes when I saw that they were making this movie, but I think they did an okay job. I love the casting choices for the most part, although Oprah doesn't make a ton of sense for me. That being said I think that however random the casting of the Misses seems they did make it work. I really love that they chose to feature an interracial family and placed emphasis and importance on the acceptance and self love for and of natural hair and features. It is a message little brown girls rarely hear from the world and its an important one. The main issue I had with the movie was that it was very very rushed. Because they crammed multiple books into one movie a lot of details and imagery that make the books so fantastical was lost. The worlds and landscapes they did build and feature were beautifully done, as were the costumes - with one glaring exception - Oprah's eyebrows. Maybe its just me but they were always slightly crooked and just off in general and it was glaring and distracting. If you haven't read the books you will probably enjoy it more than if you have, but you should read them, they're good.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Every House is Haunted in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Standouts:
Cabin D - Intriguing beginning gave way to fascinating ending.
The Nanny - This just made for a neat ghost story.
The Cat - I could use a cat like this, but I don't know if I'd survive.
Charlotte's Frequency - Creepy and weird. Me likey. After reading, I wondered who'd win in a Cat vs. Charlotte battle. <spoiler>I vote for draw, or else they team up and annihilate humanity. That's probably more likely.</spoiler>
The Tattletail - Kinda cute, actually.
Inheritor - I kinda saw where this was headed but it still made for a darned good yarn.
The Candle - Appropriately creepy and a good book ender although I'm not exactly sure what the heck happened.
Ho-hum
Autumnology - I get it, but I think I'd get it more when I'm an old geezer. Physically, not just in mind.
The Dark and the Young - This was just too long and explained things too much but with little point.
Woods - I liked the thought behind this but the ending just didn't do anything for me.
Relaxed Best - In a different anthology, I might have liked this better as I like noir, but I just didn't care for where it went.
Twillingate - Meh.
All the rest of the tales fell somewhere in between awesome and meh, but even in the Ho-hum category, I didn't actually hate any of the stories.
3.5 stars
Cabin D - Intriguing beginning gave way to fascinating ending.
The Nanny - This just made for a neat ghost story.
The Cat - I could use a cat like this, but I don't know if I'd survive.
Charlotte's Frequency - Creepy and weird. Me likey. After reading, I wondered who'd win in a Cat vs. Charlotte battle. <spoiler>I vote for draw, or else they team up and annihilate humanity. That's probably more likely.</spoiler>
The Tattletail - Kinda cute, actually.
Inheritor - I kinda saw where this was headed but it still made for a darned good yarn.
The Candle - Appropriately creepy and a good book ender although I'm not exactly sure what the heck happened.
Ho-hum
Autumnology - I get it, but I think I'd get it more when I'm an old geezer. Physically, not just in mind.
The Dark and the Young - This was just too long and explained things too much but with little point.
Woods - I liked the thought behind this but the ending just didn't do anything for me.
Relaxed Best - In a different anthology, I might have liked this better as I like noir, but I just didn't care for where it went.
Twillingate - Meh.
All the rest of the tales fell somewhere in between awesome and meh, but even in the Ho-hum category, I didn't actually hate any of the stories.
3.5 stars
Christine A. (965 KP) rated With Malice in Books
Feb 21, 2019
I was walking in the library and saw this book, With Malice by Eileen Cook, sitting on the endcap. I recognized the author's name as being one I had on my "want to read" list for "You Owe Me a Murder". It was not for this book but decided to give it a try especially since it is listed on Amazon as "'for fans of We Were Liars and The Girl on the Train".
I am so glad I did. This book was suspenseful from the start. Jill wakes up groggy and annoyed at the alarm clock until she realizes the beep she hears is hospital equipment. She was in an accident and does not remember the accident or the weeks before it. Was she responsible for the accident? Was it an accident? How can she figure it out if she does not even remember anything about the months before it?
With Malice is a fast-paced, well written, YA, mystery/thriller in which the main character does not leave the hospital bed for much of the story. The story keeps you guessing and trying to figure out what happened the same as Jill. We learn the story as she remembers.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/20/19.
I am so glad I did. This book was suspenseful from the start. Jill wakes up groggy and annoyed at the alarm clock until she realizes the beep she hears is hospital equipment. She was in an accident and does not remember the accident or the weeks before it. Was she responsible for the accident? Was it an accident? How can she figure it out if she does not even remember anything about the months before it?
With Malice is a fast-paced, well written, YA, mystery/thriller in which the main character does not leave the hospital bed for much of the story. The story keeps you guessing and trying to figure out what happened the same as Jill. We learn the story as she remembers.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/20/19.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Israel - God's Heart in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I loved this little book! It's full of beautiful, vibrant pictures and I can't say enough how much I loved looking at all of them. It's not a big book, small and perfect for your end table or coffee table. God's beautiful land in Israel is wonderfully portrayed in this eye catching book.
With pictures taken of history, sometimes on land and sometimes aerial, this book gives the reader some Scripture and details about the pictures to coincide. As I looked through this wonderful little book, I felt like I was able to visit the Holy Land without leaving my home. It was so beautiful to see. God's Heart is a wonderful way to describe what I saw in the pages of this book.
This is definitely a 4 star book that I would recommend to those who love pictures of different places. The photos are crisp and detailed, leaving you feeling as though you are the one that took the picture, like you are the one that was there. I would love to see more books like this one to lay out so my guests can enjoy them as much as me! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-israel-gods-heart-landscapes-and-legacy-of-israel-by-ron-gafni-kathleen-barrett/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
With pictures taken of history, sometimes on land and sometimes aerial, this book gives the reader some Scripture and details about the pictures to coincide. As I looked through this wonderful little book, I felt like I was able to visit the Holy Land without leaving my home. It was so beautiful to see. God's Heart is a wonderful way to describe what I saw in the pages of this book.
This is definitely a 4 star book that I would recommend to those who love pictures of different places. The photos are crisp and detailed, leaving you feeling as though you are the one that took the picture, like you are the one that was there. I would love to see more books like this one to lay out so my guests can enjoy them as much as me! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-israel-gods-heart-landscapes-and-legacy-of-israel-by-ron-gafni-kathleen-barrett/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Their Daring Hearts in Books
Feb 27, 2019
It's been some time since I read a Sharlene MacLaren novel, so when I saw the chance to review this, I jumped on it. I wasn't disappointed! I fell in love with Levi and his Quaker family and "Gordon Snipp" was a fun character to get to know!
I loved the historical detail to the Civil War era. Ms. MacLaren chiseled the scenes well, and I felt like I was transported to the heart of the story, the center of the war. All the feelings that Josie, Gordon Snipp, felt, I felt. I loved the way Josie fought for what she felt was right.
Levi's sweet character....oh was he swoon worthy as the Chaplain of his company. I love the way his friendship with "Snipp" blossomed, and later, his love for a beautiful young woman. It was so fun watching them together.
This story of hope, longing, deception and forgiveness is beautifully created. It's 4 star worthy, and I will definitely recommend it to all! Ms. MacLaren brought to life the action of the war, the romance of two God-fearing characters and messages from God of understanding and trust. This is definitely a keeper on my shelf!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved the historical detail to the Civil War era. Ms. MacLaren chiseled the scenes well, and I felt like I was transported to the heart of the story, the center of the war. All the feelings that Josie, Gordon Snipp, felt, I felt. I loved the way Josie fought for what she felt was right.
Levi's sweet character....oh was he swoon worthy as the Chaplain of his company. I love the way his friendship with "Snipp" blossomed, and later, his love for a beautiful young woman. It was so fun watching them together.
This story of hope, longing, deception and forgiveness is beautifully created. It's 4 star worthy, and I will definitely recommend it to all! Ms. MacLaren brought to life the action of the war, the romance of two God-fearing characters and messages from God of understanding and trust. This is definitely a keeper on my shelf!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated An Unexpected Role in Books
Mar 5, 2019
It's hard being a teenager, but when your mother is an author and uses your life as inspiration it can make living difficult. That was life for Josie DelRio. When her mother's newest book comes out, it sends Josie's classmates into a frenzy of malicious teasing, so Josie heads to North Carolina to spend the summer with her aunt.
Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.
This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like. It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read. I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character. What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.
This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like. It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read. I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character. What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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