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Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Fantasy Island (2020) in Movies
May 19, 2020
Fun
This semi-dark, comedic drama was better than expected. It had some decent(although at times cheesy)humor, light dramatic stories(also with their fair share of cheesiness) and good cinematography which all blended well together. The story, while somewhat predictable, played out well and was reminiscent of the old show. Of course, in true Hollywood fashion, they left it open for a possible sequel. Overall this was an entertaining movie that doesn't really expect you take it too seriously I'm not sure why it's listed as a "horror" though-NOT scary. Even the kids could enjoy it. Worth a watch.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Cruella (2021) in Movies
Jun 1, 2021 (Updated Jun 1, 2021)
Cruella is the newest live-action adaptation of a cartoon character that Disney decided to give us. I only went to see the movie because there was nothing else out in the theater this weekend.
At an overly-long, bloated run time of 2 hours and 12 minutes, we get the entire life story of Cruella, prior to 101 Dalmatians, whose real name is Estella. Of course, it starts with the stereotypical birth scene, continuing through childhood to adulthood. She becomes orphaned, and meets her two future henchmen, played by Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry. They were pretty bumbling, and I found myself both amused and annoyed by them.
Estella dreams of a career in fashion, and by a series of events, ends up at the fashion house of the Baroness. There’s a connection from the Baroness to the events that caused Estella to be orphaned, and when that connection is made by Estella, she goes full on Cruella. I think Disney was attempting to show that Estella/Cruella has some sort of hereditary personality disorder, and I don’t know how I felt about that being used as a plot device. Cruella’s vendetta and revenge are sort of fun to watch, but there’s just too much. Every time you thought the movie was ending, something else happened.
Emma Stone does make Cruella interesting, which is a positive. Emma Thompson as the Baroness was so over the top, but at least Thompson seemed to enjoy playing someone that deranged.
For me, the only positives of this film were the costumes and music. The 60s/70s soundtrack was sick (in a good way), and the fashion was over the top and outrageous. The run time was so long, and Disney should have just slapped it on Disney+, for free, as a miniseries. The movie was not worth the price of a ticket, and definitely not worth that crazy premium pricing on VOD. If you’re interested, wait a couple of months and watch it for free when it joins the Disney+ library.
At an overly-long, bloated run time of 2 hours and 12 minutes, we get the entire life story of Cruella, prior to 101 Dalmatians, whose real name is Estella. Of course, it starts with the stereotypical birth scene, continuing through childhood to adulthood. She becomes orphaned, and meets her two future henchmen, played by Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry. They were pretty bumbling, and I found myself both amused and annoyed by them.
Estella dreams of a career in fashion, and by a series of events, ends up at the fashion house of the Baroness. There’s a connection from the Baroness to the events that caused Estella to be orphaned, and when that connection is made by Estella, she goes full on Cruella. I think Disney was attempting to show that Estella/Cruella has some sort of hereditary personality disorder, and I don’t know how I felt about that being used as a plot device. Cruella’s vendetta and revenge are sort of fun to watch, but there’s just too much. Every time you thought the movie was ending, something else happened.
Emma Stone does make Cruella interesting, which is a positive. Emma Thompson as the Baroness was so over the top, but at least Thompson seemed to enjoy playing someone that deranged.
For me, the only positives of this film were the costumes and music. The 60s/70s soundtrack was sick (in a good way), and the fashion was over the top and outrageous. The run time was so long, and Disney should have just slapped it on Disney+, for free, as a miniseries. The movie was not worth the price of a ticket, and definitely not worth that crazy premium pricing on VOD. If you’re interested, wait a couple of months and watch it for free when it joins the Disney+ library.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Cruella (2021) in Movies
May 26, 2021
Back in 1961; Disney adapted the 1056 Novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians and in doing so; crafted a beloved animated classic and introduced the world at large to Cruella De Vil. The film has not only endured but has spawned television series, a direct to video sequel, merchandise, and two live-action versions.
Despite being delayed due to the Pandemic; Disney has scheduled the much-anticipated “Cruella” for release and I am happy to announce that the film is a Wickedly Delicious new entry into the series.
The story follows young Estella as she and her mom plan to start a new life in London in the 1960s. When tragedy strikes, the young girl finds herself on the streets and working a life of crime and grift with fellow street kids Jasper and Horace.
Flash forward to the 1970s and Estella (Emma Stone) toils away in a store cleaning while hoping for her shot in the world of fashion. When fate arrives and places Estella in the path of vain, self-centered, and vicious fashion magnate The Baroness (Emma Thompson); who hires Estella to begin her career in fashion.
The savage way The Baroness treats those around her intimidates Estella but her friends Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser); see this as an opportunity to rob from The Baroness and this places them at odds with Estella as her designs start to gain traction.
When situations clarify and things begin to evolve into a mission of revenge; Estella transforms into Cruella which had long been the name associated with the darker side of her personality.
Cruella takes the fashion world by storm for her innovative looks, bold designs, and theatrical events which upstage the Baroness at major fashion events.
With her sales and reputation in decline, The Baroness declares war on Cruella which sets a dark and sinister series of events into motion which drives the film into darker content then one may expect from a Disney film.
The cast is very strong as Stone and Thompson are amazing as they are both wicked and captivating without ever going to far over the top or extreme with their characters. The supporting cast is great as well as Fry who was hysterical in the series Plebs brings a depth to Jasper which takes him above just being a stumbling sidekick.
Mark Strong also does great work and elevated all the scenes in which he was in with his strong presence. While at first I wondered if we really needed to have this part of Cruella’s life told; the story is engaging and the cast is fantastic which makes this movie dark and delightful.
While elements of it may not be ideal for younger viewers; the story was captivating and the performances were amazingly engaging.
The film ran about two hours and 10 minutes and seemed a bit long in one segment but the film does regroup brings the story home. There is a mid-credit scene audiences will want to stay for as it was an unexpected and very charming nod to what is to come and is not to be missed.
It will be interesting to see if the film is the hit that I expect it to be if Disney will consider more films in the series as it would be amazing to see this cast return for further wickedly dark adventures.
4 stars out of 5
Despite being delayed due to the Pandemic; Disney has scheduled the much-anticipated “Cruella” for release and I am happy to announce that the film is a Wickedly Delicious new entry into the series.
The story follows young Estella as she and her mom plan to start a new life in London in the 1960s. When tragedy strikes, the young girl finds herself on the streets and working a life of crime and grift with fellow street kids Jasper and Horace.
Flash forward to the 1970s and Estella (Emma Stone) toils away in a store cleaning while hoping for her shot in the world of fashion. When fate arrives and places Estella in the path of vain, self-centered, and vicious fashion magnate The Baroness (Emma Thompson); who hires Estella to begin her career in fashion.
The savage way The Baroness treats those around her intimidates Estella but her friends Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser); see this as an opportunity to rob from The Baroness and this places them at odds with Estella as her designs start to gain traction.
When situations clarify and things begin to evolve into a mission of revenge; Estella transforms into Cruella which had long been the name associated with the darker side of her personality.
Cruella takes the fashion world by storm for her innovative looks, bold designs, and theatrical events which upstage the Baroness at major fashion events.
With her sales and reputation in decline, The Baroness declares war on Cruella which sets a dark and sinister series of events into motion which drives the film into darker content then one may expect from a Disney film.
The cast is very strong as Stone and Thompson are amazing as they are both wicked and captivating without ever going to far over the top or extreme with their characters. The supporting cast is great as well as Fry who was hysterical in the series Plebs brings a depth to Jasper which takes him above just being a stumbling sidekick.
Mark Strong also does great work and elevated all the scenes in which he was in with his strong presence. While at first I wondered if we really needed to have this part of Cruella’s life told; the story is engaging and the cast is fantastic which makes this movie dark and delightful.
While elements of it may not be ideal for younger viewers; the story was captivating and the performances were amazingly engaging.
The film ran about two hours and 10 minutes and seemed a bit long in one segment but the film does regroup brings the story home. There is a mid-credit scene audiences will want to stay for as it was an unexpected and very charming nod to what is to come and is not to be missed.
It will be interesting to see if the film is the hit that I expect it to be if Disney will consider more films in the series as it would be amazing to see this cast return for further wickedly dark adventures.
4 stars out of 5
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Retro Cross Stitch: 500 Patterns, French Charm for Your Stitchwork in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Retro Cross Stitch Véronique Enginger is a beautiful collection of 500 charts for motifs with a French retro flair to cross stitch. The designs are varied and include many smaller designs as well as some larger pieces. Scattered throughout are finished examples stitched onto various articles like linens, bags, framed pictures and labels/cards.
A Touch of Nostalgia, Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Fabulous Journeys, and Fashion. Most of the designs are small, which are perfect for crafters to use in a myriad of ways. With color stitching charts and DMC floss numbers provided, the patterns are easy for even a beginner to be able to follow.
The book has page after page filled with individual patterns grouped together by common subject. The trend towards lazy days during the 1800, parasols and high button boots, tea service and time at the boardwalk or the beach are beautifully imagined. The sections are A Touch of Nostalgia, Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Fabulous Journeys, and Fashion. Most of the designs are small, which are perfect for crafters to use in a myriad of ways. With color stitching charts and DMC floss numbers provided, the patterns are easy for even a beginner to be able to follow.
I received this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Touch of Nostalgia, Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Fabulous Journeys, and Fashion. Most of the designs are small, which are perfect for crafters to use in a myriad of ways. With color stitching charts and DMC floss numbers provided, the patterns are easy for even a beginner to be able to follow.
The book has page after page filled with individual patterns grouped together by common subject. The trend towards lazy days during the 1800, parasols and high button boots, tea service and time at the boardwalk or the beach are beautifully imagined. The sections are A Touch of Nostalgia, Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Fabulous Journeys, and Fashion. Most of the designs are small, which are perfect for crafters to use in a myriad of ways. With color stitching charts and DMC floss numbers provided, the patterns are easy for even a beginner to be able to follow.
I received this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
It is a well known fact that I ADORE Jen Turano. In fact, my friends like to tease me about my "That's Jen Turano" face from when I met her in Nashville last summer. However, I only discovered her books in January of 2015 with After a Fashion. Ever since, I have been building my library and now own all her books and have finally been able to start catching up on reading them!
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
A Change of Fortune is filled with the quirky humour that I have grown to love in Jen's writing. Fun characters, mystery, wit, and romance. A fun quick read that is sure to lift your spirits and bring a smile (or two) to your face. There are also plenty of situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. You won't want to put it down until you know the ending. While Hamilton and Eliza must deal with hurts and betrayals from the past, God uses the troubling circumstances to bring them closer to Himself.
Set in New York City, 1880. The Gilded Age is one of my favorites to read. The fashion, the society, the adventure, is something you won't want to miss! A Change of Fortune is the first full length book in Jen's first series, Ladies of Distinction. Don't miss her other fabulous books.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Peril in Paris in Books
Nov 9, 2022
Murder is Fashionable
Spring of 1936 finds a pregnant Lady Georgiana Rannoch feeling a bit restless. When her husband, Darcy, suggests they go to Paris to visit Georgie’s friend, Belinda, Georgie is delighted. Belinda is there interning with Coco Chanel, and it isn’t long before Georgie finds herself roped into helping with an upcoming fashion show. Darcy, meanwhile, has a small assignment to accomplish, and asks for Georgie’s help. That request winds up putting Georgie in a very uncomfortable spot when someone winds up dead at the fashion show. Can she get out of it without sparking an international incident?
The further along this series gets, the finer the line is between the seriousness of Europe during the era and the fun tone of the series. This book walks that tension perfectly. It also starts more quickly than some of the books in the series do. Some foundation for the plot is laid before it truly takes off, and once it did, I was fully invested until we reached the logical climax. Several of the series regulars are involved, and I enjoyed getting to spend more time with them. We even see a different side of a supporting player. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing. If you haven’t met Georgie yet, I definitely recommend you fix that soon.
The further along this series gets, the finer the line is between the seriousness of Europe during the era and the fun tone of the series. This book walks that tension perfectly. It also starts more quickly than some of the books in the series do. Some foundation for the plot is laid before it truly takes off, and once it did, I was fully invested until we reached the logical climax. Several of the series regulars are involved, and I enjoyed getting to spend more time with them. We even see a different side of a supporting player. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing. If you haven’t met Georgie yet, I definitely recommend you fix that soon.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) in Movies
Jan 13, 2018
Excellent adventure
The story of two senior high school students who need to pass their oral history exam who get an time traveling phone booth to go and borrow historical figures to help them pass the exam in a really excellent fashion. The movie is full of fun and laughs even though the science is a little bit stretched. The fun of seeing Napoleon at a water park or Gengis Kahn go psycho in a mall dressed like a linebacker is worth the time. George Carlin plays the futuristic man who is tasked with getting them on their way and it makes a nice star cameo.
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Snotgirl, Vol 1: Green Hair Don't Care in Books
Aug 2, 2017
Originally reviewed on http://www.frommybookshelf.com
I picked this up on a whim (I find that I really enjoy most Image titles), and what started out as a seemingly fluff story about fashion bloggers and their rather shallow lives takes a surprising turn into something more... sinister? A mysterious "resurrection", possible supernatural elements, a stalker, a police investigation into the possible death of the possibly resurrected friend, and another possible murder. Or is it all just an allergy drug-induced hallucination? We'll have to wait until the next collected edition to find out more, but needless to say I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly intrigued to find out what happens next.
I picked this up on a whim (I find that I really enjoy most Image titles), and what started out as a seemingly fluff story about fashion bloggers and their rather shallow lives takes a surprising turn into something more... sinister? A mysterious "resurrection", possible supernatural elements, a stalker, a police investigation into the possible death of the possibly resurrected friend, and another possible murder. Or is it all just an allergy drug-induced hallucination? We'll have to wait until the next collected edition to find out more, but needless to say I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly intrigued to find out what happens next.
KerrChung (46 KP) rated Fido (2007) in Movies
Jun 14, 2018
Acting (2 more)
Casting
Story
A boy and hit Zombie
Contains spoilers, click to show
In full on 1950s fashion but with an end of the world flare this 2007 film will steal your heart. The misogyny portayed is typical of the time period, but i found myself cheering Carrie Ann Moss on as she decided to stand up for herself. And young Timmy when he gets in trouble Fido either saves the day, or when it was too hard for him he runs home to get mom. And just like in Lassie there is the whole "What is it boy? Is Timmy in trouble?" Dialogue throughout contains a treasure trove of quotable lines.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated American Hustle (2013) in Movies
Jun 17, 2018
That comb-over!
Great cast does a great job with this interesting story of two decent con artists recruited by the FBI to take down even bigger corrupt individuals and the mob.
The script and acting are both excellent and really engage you in the story and get quickly invested in their lives. The 70s fashion and music are also two more interesting characters in the film.
When you look at Christian Bale (who gained 40 pounds for this role), it's hard to believe he's the same actor who played Batman and was in The Machinist where he was skin and bones.
Highly recommended.
The script and acting are both excellent and really engage you in the story and get quickly invested in their lives. The 70s fashion and music are also two more interesting characters in the film.
When you look at Christian Bale (who gained 40 pounds for this role), it's hard to believe he's the same actor who played Batman and was in The Machinist where he was skin and bones.
Highly recommended.