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Awix (3310 KP) rated Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
Slightly curious true-life tale of literary forger Lee Israel (McCarthy) and her accomplice Jack Hock (Grant). Somewhat unevenly pitched between cheerily amoral caper comedy and downbeat, naturalistic drama exploring big ideas about creativity and authenticity, but the story is well told and fairly involving.
I'm not entirely sure how the two stars have both managed to swing Oscar nominations, for this particular movie at least - it's not as if either of them is actually bad, but they're both essentially delivering variations on their standard performance (McCarthy: abrasive, acid-tongued loudmouth; Grant: pantomime dame). It's hard to shake the impression that McCarthy has managed to get herself Oscar nominated mainly for putting on a wig, but there is a long if somewhat ignoble tradition of the academy rewarding actresses for being brave enough to de-glam themselves on screen. So it goes.
I'm not entirely sure how the two stars have both managed to swing Oscar nominations, for this particular movie at least - it's not as if either of them is actually bad, but they're both essentially delivering variations on their standard performance (McCarthy: abrasive, acid-tongued loudmouth; Grant: pantomime dame). It's hard to shake the impression that McCarthy has managed to get herself Oscar nominated mainly for putting on a wig, but there is a long if somewhat ignoble tradition of the academy rewarding actresses for being brave enough to de-glam themselves on screen. So it goes.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Asia's New Wings in Books
Apr 9, 2019
This is a lovely book. It shows how her parents dealt with their little girls death. It shows the process of how each person who loved Asia began healing.
It also helps other parents who had to deal with loss. What a way to celebrate a child's life in the best way. It talks about the foundation they created in her name.
It references Asia saying's though out the book. It surely amazing that what Asia said to her parents or mother came true as Asia had known she be leaving this world.
I really enjoyed it. It sure has the history of that day. It tells the story of September 11, 2001. It is told in a way a parent loses someone special. The children are more loss to any parents and this book is meant to help them deal with it.
It also helps other parents who had to deal with loss. What a way to celebrate a child's life in the best way. It talks about the foundation they created in her name.
It references Asia saying's though out the book. It surely amazing that what Asia said to her parents or mother came true as Asia had known she be leaving this world.
I really enjoyed it. It sure has the history of that day. It tells the story of September 11, 2001. It is told in a way a parent loses someone special. The children are more loss to any parents and this book is meant to help them deal with it.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar in Tabletop Games
Mar 7, 2018
Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar review
How angsty are you about corn, usually? Pretty relaxed? Easygoing about corn, for the most part? Probably if a friend asked you "how's corn?" you'd respond that it's not a concern. You're doing pretty great.
Prepare to have your world turned upside-down. Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar is an incredible board game about managing Mayan tribes. Yes, the board looks properly Byzantine, and it's true that we're not in Monopoly territory any more. Granny need not be invited. The brother of yours who played Timesplitters once? Tell him you're washing your hair. Because you might need this in your life. If you have anything resembling an attention span, to play Tzolk'in is to have no doubt about its brilliance.
Reviewer: Quintin Smith
Read the full Review here: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-06-tzolkin-the-mayan-calendar-review
Prepare to have your world turned upside-down. Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar is an incredible board game about managing Mayan tribes. Yes, the board looks properly Byzantine, and it's true that we're not in Monopoly territory any more. Granny need not be invited. The brother of yours who played Timesplitters once? Tell him you're washing your hair. Because you might need this in your life. If you have anything resembling an attention span, to play Tzolk'in is to have no doubt about its brilliance.
Reviewer: Quintin Smith
Read the full Review here: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-06-tzolkin-the-mayan-calendar-review
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2452 KP) rated True Stories in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This collection of 10 non-fiction stories feature stories of shipwreck and bear attack from the 1800’s, the life of Blues musician Muddy Waters, and growing up with six older brothers in Vietnam. Personally, I want to start exploring creeks like the guy who wrote the last chapter here.
I don’t normally read non-fiction, but I enjoyed all 10 of the stories here. They were entertaining, which is what it takes to keep me reading. Middle school guys will love it, and anyone looking to learn something in an entertaining fashion will enjoy it.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book, but no review was requested or promised. My thoughts are my own.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-guys-read-5-true-stories.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I don’t normally read non-fiction, but I enjoyed all 10 of the stories here. They were entertaining, which is what it takes to keep me reading. Middle school guys will love it, and anyone looking to learn something in an entertaining fashion will enjoy it.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book, but no review was requested or promised. My thoughts are my own.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-guys-read-5-true-stories.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated 9 to 5 (1980) in Movies
Jul 6, 2018
He's a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot!
One of the movies I have watched the most times in my life, I probably watched this every week when I was between the ages of 10 and 12 (showing my age here).
I watched again recently and the movies still has the magic.
If ever you want revenge or want to give it to your overbearing, jerkoff boss, this is the movie for you.
The teaming of Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton is so perfect as the three secretaries bent on revenge and Dabney Coleman rounds it out as the loser, backstabbing, chauvinist who everyone hates.
The three ladies imagine what it would be like to do him in, then through hilarious turns of events actually begin to do so.
A true comedy classic!
I watched again recently and the movies still has the magic.
If ever you want revenge or want to give it to your overbearing, jerkoff boss, this is the movie for you.
The teaming of Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton is so perfect as the three secretaries bent on revenge and Dabney Coleman rounds it out as the loser, backstabbing, chauvinist who everyone hates.
The three ladies imagine what it would be like to do him in, then through hilarious turns of events actually begin to do so.
A true comedy classic!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Suspiria (1977) in Movies
Oct 19, 2018
The colors, the colors, the colors....
I had heard about this film most of my adult life, but had never seen until tonight.
Boy, was it worth the wait.
I would say after watching, the film is difficult to describe and must be "experienced". The plot, dialogue and acting are all secondary to the wondrous use of color, the beautiful musical score and set decoration of this visual art.
The score especially is mesmerizing and I indeed rewound a few scenes so I could hear the transfixing melody again and again.
The stylized horror has some gruesome moments, but overall fits the unraveling story well as we discover the world of the haunting ballet studio when a young American girl arrives to begin her instruction.
Any true film fan has to see this!
Boy, was it worth the wait.
I would say after watching, the film is difficult to describe and must be "experienced". The plot, dialogue and acting are all secondary to the wondrous use of color, the beautiful musical score and set decoration of this visual art.
The score especially is mesmerizing and I indeed rewound a few scenes so I could hear the transfixing melody again and again.
The stylized horror has some gruesome moments, but overall fits the unraveling story well as we discover the world of the haunting ballet studio when a young American girl arrives to begin her instruction.
Any true film fan has to see this!
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Nov 6, 2018
Like but not Love
I liked this movie, but I didn't love it. Queen was before my time, so I really didn't know much about the band. The story was interesting, and I loved the attitudes of the wannabe rock stars. I think the only true downside for me was that it took Freddie way to long to realize he was being a jerk. I realize that is probably at least somewhat how things happened in real life, but it's still frustrating to watch.
My favorite part was realizing how many songs I knew throughout the movie. Going into I thought the only one I knew was we will rock you. It turns out I know most their songs. I feel like that is really a testament to how well their music has continued to stay popular over the years.
My favorite part was realizing how many songs I knew throughout the movie. Going into I thought the only one I knew was we will rock you. It turns out I know most their songs. I feel like that is really a testament to how well their music has continued to stay popular over the years.
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