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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href=http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-graceling-by-kristin-cashore.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 4.5
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I've heard both good reviews and bad reviews, so like any book, I've had mixed feelings. But I've been wanting to read Graceling since I saw it sitting on the front shelves (where all the Gateway/Truman Award Books are at usually) last year. I just never got the chance to read it until I put it on my 2013 TBR Pile Challenge list (hmm... maybe joining challenges can do me some good after all).
I'm glad to say that Graceling wasn't as bad as I feared it might be. It might be me and fantasy books, or it might just be because Graceling was different from other books I've read. It does have a really pretty cover though.
Like any typical fantasy book, there's a different world. In this world, people with an extreme talent or skill are called Gracelings, and they are generally feared by ordinary people and are “outcasts.” The main character, Katsa, has the Grace of killing and works under King Randa of the Middluns, until she meets Prince Po of Lienid.
What's really surprising is how the author manages to not make the villain very obvious off the bat like other books would normally do until later in the story, when Po and Katsa are actually discussing possible suspects *breaks off sentence before too much comes out*. Who knew such a Grace could be so deadly and powerful?
I'm wondering though, if the villain is gone here, are the other unpleasant ones going to be the villains in the 2nd or 3rd book? No spoilers please!
There are a few parts in Graceling that are probably not recommended for younger/immature (not that I'm calling younger ones immature – there are mature ones as well) people to read. Consider yourself a bit warned.
Original Rating: 4.5
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I've heard both good reviews and bad reviews, so like any book, I've had mixed feelings. But I've been wanting to read Graceling since I saw it sitting on the front shelves (where all the Gateway/Truman Award Books are at usually) last year. I just never got the chance to read it until I put it on my 2013 TBR Pile Challenge list (hmm... maybe joining challenges can do me some good after all).
I'm glad to say that Graceling wasn't as bad as I feared it might be. It might be me and fantasy books, or it might just be because Graceling was different from other books I've read. It does have a really pretty cover though.
Like any typical fantasy book, there's a different world. In this world, people with an extreme talent or skill are called Gracelings, and they are generally feared by ordinary people and are “outcasts.” The main character, Katsa, has the Grace of killing and works under King Randa of the Middluns, until she meets Prince Po of Lienid.
What's really surprising is how the author manages to not make the villain very obvious off the bat like other books would normally do until later in the story, when Po and Katsa are actually discussing possible suspects *breaks off sentence before too much comes out*. Who knew such a Grace could be so deadly and powerful?
I'm wondering though, if the villain is gone here, are the other unpleasant ones going to be the villains in the 2nd or 3rd book? No spoilers please!
There are a few parts in Graceling that are probably not recommended for younger/immature (not that I'm calling younger ones immature – there are mature ones as well) people to read. Consider yourself a bit warned.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Chasing Mavericks (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Can surfing teach you about life and how to live it? Can it drag you out of yourself enough to figure out just what it’s all about? That all depends on the surfer: Chasing Mavericks is based on the true story of Jay Moriarty (played by Jonny Weston), an accomplished surfer, and amazingly positive kid from Northern California. The story begins with a young Moriarty counting the time between wave breaks. He is with Kim, a staple in his life, and future wife. While saving her dog, he gets knocked into the water by a wave and is pushed down. He is saved by a surfer (Gerard Butler as Frosty) who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and tells Jay that he has used up his allotment of dumb luck for life. Jay is bit, and finds an old surf board in his garage.
Skip ahead seven years and Jay is an accomplished surfer outperforming everybody on the water. He watches Frosty, who still lives across the street, and follows him early one morning. This is Jay’s introduction to Mavericks; a set of big waves that roll into the Northern Californian coast each winter. Waves can reach as high as 50 feet and surfers can reach speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour. Jay is instantly attracted to the challenge, and in his excitement gets caught by Frosty.
Somehow Jay convinces Frosty to train him how to ride Mavericks, and his tutelage in both surfing and life begin.
This was a great movie; it was beautifully shot, and shows how determination, skill, and a willingness to go beyond oneself can help achieve any goal. There aren’t any amazing surprises, but the story doesn’t need them; Jay is a great character and his struggle to become a part of something so much bigger than himself is worth watching. The soundtrack is also amazing! For anyone familiar with the music of the time; it will be love at first listen. This is one movie not to miss.
Skip ahead seven years and Jay is an accomplished surfer outperforming everybody on the water. He watches Frosty, who still lives across the street, and follows him early one morning. This is Jay’s introduction to Mavericks; a set of big waves that roll into the Northern Californian coast each winter. Waves can reach as high as 50 feet and surfers can reach speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour. Jay is instantly attracted to the challenge, and in his excitement gets caught by Frosty.
Somehow Jay convinces Frosty to train him how to ride Mavericks, and his tutelage in both surfing and life begin.
This was a great movie; it was beautifully shot, and shows how determination, skill, and a willingness to go beyond oneself can help achieve any goal. There aren’t any amazing surprises, but the story doesn’t need them; Jay is a great character and his struggle to become a part of something so much bigger than himself is worth watching. The soundtrack is also amazing! For anyone familiar with the music of the time; it will be love at first listen. This is one movie not to miss.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Lawless (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Prohibition means profit to the bootlegging Bondurant brothers, until a new deputy appears wanting a cut of the action. When the family, led by oldest brother Forrest (Tom Hardy), refuses, it ignites a pattern of violent lawless retribution between the corrupt local authorities and the moonshine-selling brothers.
While adapted from the pages of a successful book, the plot of “Lawless” portrays a familiar story. A young romance slated against the challenges of a family who is literally and metaphorically, sticking to their guns. The brilliance of the film exists in the vivid set work, understated characterization, and graphic portrayals of unbridled yet historically accurate punishments.
There are bullet holes everywhere in this wild land of violence. The depictions of torture, while not the most graphically intensive in cinema, are characterized by psychological malice. The result is a film that manages to entirely pull the viewer into a different, much less civilized, time.
Led and narrated by seasoned actor, Shia LaBeouf, as the youngest brother, Jack Bondurant, the role is hardly a challenge. Yet his performances only stands out when supported by other cast members, such as the gangster Floyd Banner, played by Gary Oldman. And while LaBeouf’s performance is not a great as it could be, it shines next to his lackluster costar, Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix the forbidden preacher’s daughter and object of young Jack’s eye.
The best performance in the film is not the lead, but that of his brother Forrest who dispenses well-timed wisdom or humor even in direst situations. Further helping in the films success are the supporting characters; the third Bondurant brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), mechanically gifted family friend, Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan), and city wise beauty Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain).
While not as impressive as expected, the slow but steady story and complex visceral nature of “Lawless”, make it a film that is worth the price of a ticket, for anyone who can make it through the squeamish bits.
While adapted from the pages of a successful book, the plot of “Lawless” portrays a familiar story. A young romance slated against the challenges of a family who is literally and metaphorically, sticking to their guns. The brilliance of the film exists in the vivid set work, understated characterization, and graphic portrayals of unbridled yet historically accurate punishments.
There are bullet holes everywhere in this wild land of violence. The depictions of torture, while not the most graphically intensive in cinema, are characterized by psychological malice. The result is a film that manages to entirely pull the viewer into a different, much less civilized, time.
Led and narrated by seasoned actor, Shia LaBeouf, as the youngest brother, Jack Bondurant, the role is hardly a challenge. Yet his performances only stands out when supported by other cast members, such as the gangster Floyd Banner, played by Gary Oldman. And while LaBeouf’s performance is not a great as it could be, it shines next to his lackluster costar, Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix the forbidden preacher’s daughter and object of young Jack’s eye.
The best performance in the film is not the lead, but that of his brother Forrest who dispenses well-timed wisdom or humor even in direst situations. Further helping in the films success are the supporting characters; the third Bondurant brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), mechanically gifted family friend, Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan), and city wise beauty Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain).
While not as impressive as expected, the slow but steady story and complex visceral nature of “Lawless”, make it a film that is worth the price of a ticket, for anyone who can make it through the squeamish bits.
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