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The Boy in the Cellar
8.0
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Stephen Smith is the boy who did not exist. Born out of wedlock in the early 1960s, Steve's...
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Queens Corgi (2019) in Movies
Jul 13, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Queens Corgi is an animated children's movie about Rex, the Queen's favourite who, after a disastrous visit from Donald Trump, is tricked into leaving the palace and winds up in the dog pound. This is a common formula in children’s movies both animated and live action and I'm sure most of us can guess what happens next, Rex tries to get back home and, on the way makes some friends and falls in love. So when my daughter wanted to see it I though I'd be in for a funny, possibly sad film. God I was wrong. There is so much wrong with this film and it all seems to go wrong from the scene where Donald Trump visits the Queen and I really wish I could say my problems were politically motivated but unfortunately the film was just that bad.
The character of Trump was reduced to a stereotypical American tourist with Melania passing comments about the size of Donald’s (big) hands being one of the things that attracted her to him.
The problems really start when Melania and the Queen decided it will be a good idea to breed their respective corgis. Melania's Corgi, Mitzi, who is made up in heave eye shadow and lipstick is instantly judged and disliked by all the Queens corgis (both Male and female). Melania's Corgi then passes judgment on all the corgis until she comes to Rex who she decided she wants. The two dogs are then left in a room together after being told by Trump to grab him by the pups.
Now I just want to make the following clear:
1) I've seen plenty of movies where the (normally timid/nerdy) male character is hit on by the strong scary bully female and this normally for comedy value. Although these scenes could be seen as problematic they are normally played for laughs.
2) I understand that dog breeders do choose dogs and put them together to mate. However, as the animals in this film are given human personality's the situation is different.
So when the two dogs are left in the room we are treated to long scene where Mitzi tries to get Rex to mate with her, because Rex wants none of it Mitzi chases him around the room, grabs him, stops him from leaving and generally won’t take no for an answer. This is not done playfully.
Later in the film, Rex is in a dog pound, one of his cell mates starts listing the rules of the pound, rule one, there is no fight club. Now, this may have been ok if it was a one time throw away line, kids films often have little jokes for adults. However, it's not a throw away line, it's used more than once, including the first time the dogs are at a fight club. Yes, the top dog, called Butch, keeps order by making any dog he doesn't like fight. We see a dog carried off on stretcher, Rex is almost thrown into a fire and is only saved when Butch is knock out in one punch which also knocks out half his teeth.
Of course Rex and his new friends make it back to the palace and beat the main villain who is sent off with Trump and Mitzi. Remember non of the palace dogs liked Mitzi and she has all already said she doesn't understand the word no so this has implications for Charlie’s futures. It's ok though because he's the bad guy (not).
So we have a children's film with dog fights, attempted rape, implied rape, judging on appearance and a dull story, that seem find the line between children’s jokes and the adult ones the only reason I'm giving this one star is because it avoids getting political with Trump.
The character of Trump was reduced to a stereotypical American tourist with Melania passing comments about the size of Donald’s (big) hands being one of the things that attracted her to him.
The problems really start when Melania and the Queen decided it will be a good idea to breed their respective corgis. Melania's Corgi, Mitzi, who is made up in heave eye shadow and lipstick is instantly judged and disliked by all the Queens corgis (both Male and female). Melania's Corgi then passes judgment on all the corgis until she comes to Rex who she decided she wants. The two dogs are then left in a room together after being told by Trump to grab him by the pups.
Now I just want to make the following clear:
1) I've seen plenty of movies where the (normally timid/nerdy) male character is hit on by the strong scary bully female and this normally for comedy value. Although these scenes could be seen as problematic they are normally played for laughs.
2) I understand that dog breeders do choose dogs and put them together to mate. However, as the animals in this film are given human personality's the situation is different.
So when the two dogs are left in the room we are treated to long scene where Mitzi tries to get Rex to mate with her, because Rex wants none of it Mitzi chases him around the room, grabs him, stops him from leaving and generally won’t take no for an answer. This is not done playfully.
Later in the film, Rex is in a dog pound, one of his cell mates starts listing the rules of the pound, rule one, there is no fight club. Now, this may have been ok if it was a one time throw away line, kids films often have little jokes for adults. However, it's not a throw away line, it's used more than once, including the first time the dogs are at a fight club. Yes, the top dog, called Butch, keeps order by making any dog he doesn't like fight. We see a dog carried off on stretcher, Rex is almost thrown into a fire and is only saved when Butch is knock out in one punch which also knocks out half his teeth.
Of course Rex and his new friends make it back to the palace and beat the main villain who is sent off with Trump and Mitzi. Remember non of the palace dogs liked Mitzi and she has all already said she doesn't understand the word no so this has implications for Charlie’s futures. It's ok though because he's the bad guy (not).
So we have a children's film with dog fights, attempted rape, implied rape, judging on appearance and a dull story, that seem find the line between children’s jokes and the adult ones the only reason I'm giving this one star is because it avoids getting political with Trump.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated A Perfect Bind in Books
Sep 29, 2021
The Body Behind the Library
Someone is breaking into the secret bookroom that librarian Tru Beckett has set up in the basement of the library and is disturbing the books at night when the building is supposed to be closed. Tru’s only lead is the theory that it is a poltergeist, but she suspects that someone all too human is involved. Then, one morning, the body of Owen Maynard, the town drunk, is found behind the library. Tru’s worried that the attacks on her secret room might be a key to solving the murder, so she jumps in to figure out what is going on so she can keep her secret. Will she solve the crime? Or will her secret be revealed?
I enjoyed the first book in the series because of the unique premise, and this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, the secret bookroom provides a great motive for Tru to get involved in solving a crime, and the plot weaves in some fun, surprising directions. I had the killer figured out before it was revealed, but I think I figured it out about the same time Tru did, so I was proud of myself. A couple of characters annoyed me, but for the most part I loved the cast, and I enjoyed seeing depth to them as the book went along. I smiled and laughed my way through the book, especially at the romantic sub-plots. This book is perfectly delightful.
I enjoyed the first book in the series because of the unique premise, and this book didn’t disappoint. Once again, the secret bookroom provides a great motive for Tru to get involved in solving a crime, and the plot weaves in some fun, surprising directions. I had the killer figured out before it was revealed, but I think I figured it out about the same time Tru did, so I was proud of myself. A couple of characters annoyed me, but for the most part I loved the cast, and I enjoyed seeing depth to them as the book went along. I smiled and laughed my way through the book, especially at the romantic sub-plots. This book is perfectly delightful.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Mothers: A Novel in Books
May 10, 2018
Nadia Turner, Aubrey Evans, and Luke Sheppard are young adults living in Oceanside, CA. They are each going through their lives trying to overcome their individual struggles. One summer they are all joined together by unforeseen events and these events will help to mold them into the people they will be for the rest of their lives.
We all have people in our lives who know everything think that is going on in our lives or think they do whether we want them to or not. In this book, a few ladies at Upper Room Church fill this spot. They narrate the scene for most of the chapters in this book and give their honest opinion on how the story will unfold. They have known these young people most of their lives and have been in their position many years before.
I have been looking forward to reading this book or a long time. I will say that even though I read this book rather quickly it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I would have liked to seen more of a voice from "The Mothers". Other than that, this was an enjoyable read for me.
Nadia, Aubrey and Luke are all around the same age and live in Oceanside. Luke and Nadia date briefly the summer before she leaves for college. Then Luke suddenly cuts her out of his life like a bad habit. She takes a job working as the First Lady's assistant at Upper Room. There she meets Aubrey. Aubrey is quiet and shy, but is instantly drawn to Nadia. Both of them having lost their mothers, although in very different ways, have a connection that no one would have seen. The story follows the trio as they move through life and deal with their pasts in order to move forward with their futures.
This was a very good debut novel and I look forward to more books by Brit Bennett.
We all have people in our lives who know everything think that is going on in our lives or think they do whether we want them to or not. In this book, a few ladies at Upper Room Church fill this spot. They narrate the scene for most of the chapters in this book and give their honest opinion on how the story will unfold. They have known these young people most of their lives and have been in their position many years before.
I have been looking forward to reading this book or a long time. I will say that even though I read this book rather quickly it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I would have liked to seen more of a voice from "The Mothers". Other than that, this was an enjoyable read for me.
Nadia, Aubrey and Luke are all around the same age and live in Oceanside. Luke and Nadia date briefly the summer before she leaves for college. Then Luke suddenly cuts her out of his life like a bad habit. She takes a job working as the First Lady's assistant at Upper Room. There she meets Aubrey. Aubrey is quiet and shy, but is instantly drawn to Nadia. Both of them having lost their mothers, although in very different ways, have a connection that no one would have seen. The story follows the trio as they move through life and deal with their pasts in order to move forward with their futures.
This was a very good debut novel and I look forward to more books by Brit Bennett.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Promises: Part 1 (Bounty Hunters, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
I borrowed this from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
I haven't read a gay romance in a while. This one tells the story of Duke, a bounty hunter/bail bondsman, who's in his mid 40's still pining over the guy he thought he was in love in, Judge. Then steps in his best friends son, Vaughan, a 31 year old lawyer who's had a crush on Duke for the past decade or so and has now come back to Atlanta to claim him as his own. Not all goes to plan though.
Duke is wary of dating his best friends son and Vaughan is determined to make him realise how right they are for each other. It's kinda cute, how they act around each other - like they're having their first crush.
Admittedly though, I did think that Vaughan's behaviour was a bit full on at times. Following Duke to Macy's and then following him into the dressing room? Fair enough we had a hot scene in that dressing room but it was still a little stalker-ish. I think because of that I didn't really feel their relationship. There were some cute moments throughout.
I did like how Duke saw Vaughan. He was bowled over by the sight of him and his description of him was downright awesome. It was how he described Vaughan's voice that I liked the most. Even I got a few tingles.
I liked it but it didn't completely pull me in. The relationship didn't entirely work for me. I get lust but these two seemed to fall into love really quickly and easily. I felt like I missed something.
One thing that has got me intrigued is Quick and Dr Chauncey. With how Quick spoke to the poor doctor in this one, I have no idea how he's going to straighten things out with him but after seeing that bit from the doctor's POV, I really hope they do because the poor guy deserves someone who'll stay.
I may read it at a later time.
I haven't read a gay romance in a while. This one tells the story of Duke, a bounty hunter/bail bondsman, who's in his mid 40's still pining over the guy he thought he was in love in, Judge. Then steps in his best friends son, Vaughan, a 31 year old lawyer who's had a crush on Duke for the past decade or so and has now come back to Atlanta to claim him as his own. Not all goes to plan though.
Duke is wary of dating his best friends son and Vaughan is determined to make him realise how right they are for each other. It's kinda cute, how they act around each other - like they're having their first crush.
Admittedly though, I did think that Vaughan's behaviour was a bit full on at times. Following Duke to Macy's and then following him into the dressing room? Fair enough we had a hot scene in that dressing room but it was still a little stalker-ish. I think because of that I didn't really feel their relationship. There were some cute moments throughout.
I did like how Duke saw Vaughan. He was bowled over by the sight of him and his description of him was downright awesome. It was how he described Vaughan's voice that I liked the most. Even I got a few tingles.
I liked it but it didn't completely pull me in. The relationship didn't entirely work for me. I get lust but these two seemed to fall into love really quickly and easily. I felt like I missed something.
One thing that has got me intrigued is Quick and Dr Chauncey. With how Quick spoke to the poor doctor in this one, I have no idea how he's going to straighten things out with him but after seeing that bit from the doctor's POV, I really hope they do because the poor guy deserves someone who'll stay.
I may read it at a later time.
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Interior Design 3D is the most powerful and user-friendly floor plan creation tool available for the...
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) in Movies
Feb 12, 2019
Everything is no longer awesome
I liked the first Lego Movie a lot. I liked the Lego Batman movie even more. I should have liked this movie too. Maybe I was just having a grumpy Monday, but unfortunately I didn't like this one very much at all.
The Lego movies thrive on being fast paced - a visual feast for the eyes with rapid fire gags and knowing little nods and references to film and other pop culture. Lego Movie 2 is certainly fast paced, but because I didn't find any of the gags funny, I quickly grew tired and annoyed by it all. Only when we start to see a lot more of the real world - brother and sister fighting, Mum getting involved (Will Ferrell reduced to just shouting something out from another room rather than appearing on screen, weirdly) - that we get a real understanding of the impact on the Lego world and why everything is happening. That brought a real coherency and sentimentality to everything and meant that I enjoyed the final third of the movie a lot more than the rest of it.
The Lego movies thrive on being fast paced - a visual feast for the eyes with rapid fire gags and knowing little nods and references to film and other pop culture. Lego Movie 2 is certainly fast paced, but because I didn't find any of the gags funny, I quickly grew tired and annoyed by it all. Only when we start to see a lot more of the real world - brother and sister fighting, Mum getting involved (Will Ferrell reduced to just shouting something out from another room rather than appearing on screen, weirdly) - that we get a real understanding of the impact on the Lego world and why everything is happening. That brought a real coherency and sentimentality to everything and meant that I enjoyed the final third of the movie a lot more than the rest of it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated A Room With a Brew (Brewing Trouble, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Max O’Hara is getting ready for an Oktoberfest celebration in her brewpub, and part of that is going to listen to the band she’s hired. The evening ends on a weird note when a member of the band claims to recognize one of Max’s friends, something the friend denies. Then a member of the band wants to meet with Max, and a dead body turns up. Can Max figure out what is happening?
This book starts strong and never lets up. I couldn’t put it down, and raced through it, enjoying the twists and turns along the way. I love the characters we’ve met in this series, and they are in top form here. That includes Max’s large family and her relationship with her boyfriend. The new characters are just as fun. This book does spoil quite a bit of the first in the series, so start there. You won’t be sorry since all three books in this series are great.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-room-with-brew-by-joyce.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book starts strong and never lets up. I couldn’t put it down, and raced through it, enjoying the twists and turns along the way. I love the characters we’ve met in this series, and they are in top form here. That includes Max’s large family and her relationship with her boyfriend. The new characters are just as fun. This book does spoil quite a bit of the first in the series, so start there. You won’t be sorry since all three books in this series are great.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-room-with-brew-by-joyce.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Micah Ulibarri (79 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Mar 17, 2018
A very different movie from the Marvel universe, Spiderman: Home coming, made perhaps the most overdone movie superhero fresh and exciting again. And how did they do that? Going back to the basics of who and what the character is: A high school kid, who looks like, acts like, and think like a high school kid.
Well acted on both sides of the good and evil, Tom Holland gives us an endearing Spiderman and follows up on his introduction in Captain America: Civil War. The Vulture, Spiderman's villain this go around, played by Micheal Keaton, has the one thing most superhero villains lack: a believable motive.
That's the one place where I think there was a little room to grow in this movie. There are hints of trying to make a social commentary on the military industrial complex and it's effect on the average citizen, but a lot of that gets lost in a visual action story. A small gripe, but, I think, a fair critique.
All in all, one of the stronger and more fun and enjoyable Marvel films to date.
Well acted on both sides of the good and evil, Tom Holland gives us an endearing Spiderman and follows up on his introduction in Captain America: Civil War. The Vulture, Spiderman's villain this go around, played by Micheal Keaton, has the one thing most superhero villains lack: a believable motive.
That's the one place where I think there was a little room to grow in this movie. There are hints of trying to make a social commentary on the military industrial complex and it's effect on the average citizen, but a lot of that gets lost in a visual action story. A small gripe, but, I think, a fair critique.
All in all, one of the stronger and more fun and enjoyable Marvel films to date.