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Fitness Junkie
Fitness Junkie
Lucy Sykes | 2017 | Food & Drink, Humor & Comedy, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
More book reviews can be found at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com

Ohhhh, this blurb above gives out sooo much… Too much to be honest. But it is really accurate. Jane gets sucked into fitness world with her friend CJ and cousin Ivy, and the whole book was told from Jane and Ivy’s perspectives. I found all the characters really amusing in this book and a little bit weird. They all were very complex personalities, and the whole book has a great balance between elite and common worlds. There are a lot of strong, charismatic and interesting characters to choose from, and I couldn’t pick one.

The narrative of the book was ridiculously informative and funny. I had no idea, that there are so many different fitness trends around the world. Who in a world would eat clay and nothing else and think it is OK? No Hun, it’s not OK, and you need help. I really liked all the research that authors have done for this book, and the personal Lucy’s experience in fashion and business was very visible. I really enjoyed all the turns and twists, which were unexpected, and shocked me even more. I am happy that authors outlined, how some fashion standards affect women by making them insecure about their looks and especially weight.

The writing style was very light and easy to read, with decent length chapters, which made this novel very enjoyable for me. There is nothing traditional about this book, including the ending. I liked that authors chose realistic ending which might be a surprise to some people. But it worked for me. So, to conclude, I found this book really amusing and entertaining, filled with elite characters and a strong message. It is way far from anything traditional, and that’s why I strongly recommend it.
  
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BookwormLea (3034 KP) rated Bridgerton in TV

Jan 11, 2021  
Bridgerton
Bridgerton
2020 | Drama, Romance
Memorable Characters (3 more)
Beautiful fashion design
Handsome men!
Based on a book!
I'm not a debutante in the 1800s marrying into royalty... (0 more)
Thank you Tik Tok!
Contains spoilers, click to show
I don't usually like period dramas or anything historical. But this, is art. The fashion is gorgeous, enough to make me buy a corset and several dresses in the style. And its quite funny for something set so long ago.

Daphne is the beautiful oldest daughter of the Bridgerton house, one of Londons richest. She is one of the debutantes set for marriage along with many other eligible bacholerettes and is highly sought after the Queen dubs her a Diamond. But since their father is gone, her oldest brother Antony is responsible for scaring off matches, and that he does. Leaving her with no choice but some hideous man who I can't even remember the name of.

Simon is the Duke of Hastings, taking over his fathers work after his death. He is very handsome and very rich. All the ladies want him and all the mothers want him for their daughter's. He happens to be Antonys best friend from their boarding school times and after meeting Daphne, they decide to fake a courtship so she can seem desirable again and he will be left alone. But without even realising, they start to fall in love.
After the Queens handsome nephew starts to fall for Daphne, and their plan seems to be working, he realises he wants her and 'defiles' her honour at a party. After a failed duel on her brothers part, they are to be married despite his refusal and his insistence that he can't have children or give her the big family she dreams of.
  
Project Dogway
Project Dogway
Sparkle Abbey | 2021 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dogging a Killer
Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is). Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show. However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish. While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife. Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?

As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
  
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Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated War of the Worlds (2005) in Movies

May 29, 2019 (Updated May 29, 2019)  
War of the Worlds (2005)
War of the Worlds (2005)
2005 | Action, Sci-Fi
The true story part (0 more)
Human issue (0 more)
Alien Invasion or family issues
I loved the Orson Weller radio drama of War of the Worlds...I even like the 1953 take on the story; but this movie. This story doesn't need a Tom Cruise type star because they are going to want the movie focused on them. Like this one. This is a story about alien invasion, not about a dead beat dad. I know the human element has to be in something like this but not in this fashion. I thought this was a very poor interpraraton of War of the Worlds. I would love to see this movie done very closely to the radio drama. That would make a good movie. As for the Tom Cruise version....it needs a heat ray taken to it and wiped off the face of the Earth.
  
TS
True Stories
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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>.
  
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Don Hertzfeldt recommended First Man (2018) in Movies (curated)

 
First Man (2018)
First Man (2018)
2018 | Biography, Drama, History

"Years ago I was on the Sundance jury and handed an award to a bright young Damien Chazelle for one of his short films, which naturally means I can now take credit for his entire career. Honestly though I don’t know how he keeps topping himself. When I was little, I saw “The Right Stuff” and was enthralled. Even after three hours I wished it didn’t have to end and could continue telling the story of the space race in such amazing fashion all the way to the moon landing. Now, over thirty years later, I finally got my wish. “First Man” crackles with energy and dread – the direction, the sound design, the edit, cinematography, it just felt so sharp and right in every department. It’s Mr. Chazelle’s strongest work to date and maybe my favorite film of the year."

Source
  
Rock of Ages (2012)
Rock of Ages (2012)
2012 | Drama, Musical
7
6.8 (25 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Rock of Ages is a film adaptation of the 2006 Chris D’Arienzo comedy rock/jukebox Broadway musical.
It is lightly satirical, a parody at times, that seems to mock our beloved 80’s rock era, while honoring its eccentricities, its tight leopard print pants, big hair, shoulder pads and over the top MTV music videos.

I like to judge a movie not only by how it makes me feel but also by how the audience reacts. This wasn’t an in-your-face-slapstick comedy, yet the whole theater roared with laughter throughout the film. To sum up the experience of Rock of Ages, it’s like watching a string of 80’s music videos mashed into a weak plot, with well-timed laughing points. Some of us laughed because we remember being the ones with those crazy hair-dos and out-of-control fashion sense and some were just laughing because this movie was so well done. It walked the fine line between super over-the-top corny and truly honoring our rock heritage. This movie does play to a specific demographic of ages 30 to 50, those who, with great nostalgia, remember how the 80’s rock and fashion revolution shaped their lives.

As the song goes, just a small town girl, Sherrie Christian played by Julianne Hough, travels to the big city in search of her dreams of becoming a singer, where she meets her city boy, Drew Boley played by Diego Boneta. Together they embark on a musical romance while working at a rock club named The Bourbon Room. Alec Baldwin plays an old rocker named Dennis Dupree struggling to keep his legend of a night club/concert hall open. Russell Brand, as always, steps in as the comic relief while playing the club owner;s assistant named Lonny. Together they work to keep The Bourbon Room afloat while dealing with a vengeful Patricia Whitmore, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who wishes nothing more then to see The Bourbon Room burned to the ground.

There are points in this movie when the acting, the singing and yes, even the plot, grabs you and holds your attention, much like watching the train wreck we call 80’s fashion. Its painful but you can’t look away! There were other times in this movie when the singing felt like it would go on forever. I noticed that the low points would be immediately succeeded by a very entertaining turn of events, so my attention was not lost for long. There came a point, at about the third Glee style 80’s rock mash-up, where I felt like slapping the director, Adam Shankman. Even too much of a good thing can get boring and I felt Shankman reached that point several times in the film. Luckily, he redeemed himself by bringing in Tom Cruise to play the Satan worshiping, alcoholic, megalomaniacal rock god Stacee Jaxx who went above and beyond in perfecting his role.

This movie’s soundtrack features songs and power ballads from Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Pat Benetar, Scorpions, Whitesnake, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner among other epic bands giving Rock of Ages it’s 80’s jukebox musical foundation.

Mary J. Blige, Cruise, Ale Baldwin, Boneta, Hough and the whole cast of mega stars went above and beyond in selling their characters and performing stunning and accurate vocals that really pulled this movie together. The corny 80’s fashion and authentic dance numbers were the real icing on the cake. If you can sit through two hours of 80’s rock and pop nostalgia and know you will enjoy it, then definitely check this movie out.
  
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
2016 | Drama, Mystery
Great story (1 more)
Tension & suspense
The best film of 2016
I don't readily give out full 10 reviews (you'll know that if you've seen any of my others) but this was by far my favourite film of 2016 and the only one from last year that I'd give full marks to.

There's some brilliant acting on all parts, it's ridiculously tense and suspenseful, very dark and completely enthralling. Tom Ford does a fine job (I still can't believe the director and the fashion designer are the same person) and Amy Adams is probably my favourite actress right now. The ending was great, I love an unhappy ending and this doesn't disappoint.


I went on to read the book after this, and it was completely different and nowhere near as good as the film. One of the rare times when the film is better than the book.
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Boys from Brazil (1978) in Movies

Apr 21, 2019 (Updated Apr 21, 2019)  
The Boys from Brazil (1978)
The Boys from Brazil (1978)
1978 | Action, Drama, Mystery
7
7.4 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Another adaptation of one of Levin's pulpy-but-effective thrillers, this one riffing on The Omen a bit (Gregory Peck, paedophobia, etc). Laurence Olivier discovers that Nazi mad scientist Gregory Peck is plotting the death of nearly a hundred 65-year-old men around the world, but why? Could the targets' identical sons have something to do with it?

The material is pure schlock, lifted by the presence of distinguished actors and fairly lavish production values. You could argue that the film also attempts to explore issues of nature and nature in a relatively more sophisticated fashion than most films about (spoiler alert) cloning, but the whole thing retains an air of feverish preposterousness throughout, to say nothing of the fact it is arguably in very dubious taste. That said, it's highly watchable from start to finish; definitely qualifies as a guilty pleasure, though.
  
Vampire Kisses (Vampire Kisses, #1)
Vampire Kisses (Vampire Kisses, #1)
10
6.8 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book. I read it as a late teen and I liked the innocence. The storylines are not as complex or involved as other vamp books but I'd advise you, if you're looking for something more adult, you look at maybe the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris or Halfway to the Grave (also a series) by Jeaniene Frost. The characters were not overly mushy or sexual at all really. I think this book is more for the early teen years. I liked it because I could relate, I was a goth teen and that fashion still sticks with me. I also love vampires!
 The rest of the series grows up with the characters and you see them become more complex and find out new things about them. It's kind of kiddish in its simplicity, but as the series has gone on I've enjoyed it more and more.