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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated You and Me (Faith to Love, #7) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
You and Me by Cleopatra Margot is just that, a story about you and me. It is the everyday moments, the big life decisions, the family drama, and finding love for the first time. I enjoyed Cleopatra Margot’s writing style as it was down to earth and read like you were part of the family. From the decisions that Sam was faced with, the mysteries surrounding Braeden’s family, to some surprising revelations in Sam’s own family; Cleopatra Margot spun a heartwarmingly real and engaging story that kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
I enjoyed getting to know Sam and felt for her and the decisions that she had to make. Her character was very relatable, strong, and gentle all wrapped up in one complete package. Braeden fits his description to a T, Tall, Dark, and Yummy (first time I have heard it put like that, but it fits his character's sense of humor). He had quite a few obstacles to overcome and I loved how he treated Sam through everything, a true gentleman. With the additional side characters, I thought this book was very well rounded and I loved the layers added by the secondary characters.
“But despite the slight chill air this late in August held, there was a warmth inside her.”
The plot was filled with a good bit of mystery mixed with finding your place in the world and a friends to lovers’ type theme. One of my favorite things about this book was the characters continually pointed out that God must be the center of your life before anything else can really grow. I enjoyed this book, and I am going to be going back and reading the previous books in the series so I can read the other family member's stories. Readers who enjoy family centered books (like Susan May Warren or Dee Henderson’s books) will enjoy this one.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I enjoyed getting to know Sam and felt for her and the decisions that she had to make. Her character was very relatable, strong, and gentle all wrapped up in one complete package. Braeden fits his description to a T, Tall, Dark, and Yummy (first time I have heard it put like that, but it fits his character's sense of humor). He had quite a few obstacles to overcome and I loved how he treated Sam through everything, a true gentleman. With the additional side characters, I thought this book was very well rounded and I loved the layers added by the secondary characters.
“But despite the slight chill air this late in August held, there was a warmth inside her.”
The plot was filled with a good bit of mystery mixed with finding your place in the world and a friends to lovers’ type theme. One of my favorite things about this book was the characters continually pointed out that God must be the center of your life before anything else can really grow. I enjoyed this book, and I am going to be going back and reading the previous books in the series so I can read the other family member's stories. Readers who enjoy family centered books (like Susan May Warren or Dee Henderson’s books) will enjoy this one.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Plans We Made in Books
Feb 23, 2021
The Plans We Made; I pick up this book primarily for the name not going to lie. I had never read a book by either of the authors and quite honestly, I tend to stay away from books dealing with cancer as it hits a little to close to home. But I felt like I was supposed to read this book.
The Plans We Made starts out with two separate stories that eventually merge to form a compelling story of honesty, love, and second chances. I think the authors really tried to convey the title of the book throughout the story, always coming back to the plans we make are not always what God knows is supposed to happen in our lives. The plot was slow at first as you are introduced to both stories, which I liked as I got to understand the stories individually without getting names confused. By the end of the story, I was wishing the pace would slow down as I did not want the story to end!
The characters in this book were a wide range of personalities that all seemed to fit together like a puzzle. The more you add the better picture you have. I thought both Caroline and Linda, the main characters, were well laid out and very engaging and realistic with their actions and words.
From this story’s delicate yet real handling of the circumstances surrounding cancer to the struggle of doing what is right even at the cost of your job. I sincerely enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars, as I did have a little trouble with Caroline’s actions at almost the end of the book as they didn’t seem to line up with her personality from the rest of the book. I definitely recommend reading this book if you like Karen Kingsbury, T.I. Lowe, or Denise Hunter.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.<br/>
The Plans We Made starts out with two separate stories that eventually merge to form a compelling story of honesty, love, and second chances. I think the authors really tried to convey the title of the book throughout the story, always coming back to the plans we make are not always what God knows is supposed to happen in our lives. The plot was slow at first as you are introduced to both stories, which I liked as I got to understand the stories individually without getting names confused. By the end of the story, I was wishing the pace would slow down as I did not want the story to end!
The characters in this book were a wide range of personalities that all seemed to fit together like a puzzle. The more you add the better picture you have. I thought both Caroline and Linda, the main characters, were well laid out and very engaging and realistic with their actions and words.
From this story’s delicate yet real handling of the circumstances surrounding cancer to the struggle of doing what is right even at the cost of your job. I sincerely enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars, as I did have a little trouble with Caroline’s actions at almost the end of the book as they didn’t seem to line up with her personality from the rest of the book. I definitely recommend reading this book if you like Karen Kingsbury, T.I. Lowe, or Denise Hunter.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.<br/>
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Healing Thru Service: The Warrior's Guidebook to Overcoming Trauma in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Healing Thru Service by Sgt Q is a book filled with words, thoughts, and tools to help equip anyone who has suffered through trauma and come out the other side with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In all honesty, I think this book and the information in it can help people even if they do not have PTSD.
“Never be content with where you are…. This is a battle; therefore, the rules of war apply: If you aren’t taking ground, you are losing it.”
Sgt Q tells his story, his struggles and his triumphs intermingled with honest debriefings of life with PTSD. I loved getting to know Sgt Q and his story through this book. It helped me better understand what some of my family members live with on a daily basis. He explained the different stages or categories of PTSD in easy to understand ways and I enjoyed his “Tactical Applications” at the ends of the chapters and his biblical integration. Sgt Q dug deep into discovering your identity and who you are as a person outside of the military and I believe Sgt Q explained our need for identity in a very engaging and special way.
“No longer a Soldier, you are now a Warrior.”
From a US Marine’s daughter, this book was one I wish my dad had access to years ago and hope it will help him even now. I really enjoyed Sgt Q’s book and ministry and I am looking forward to passing this book along to more people who need the healing words inside. I highly recommend this book to anyone with PTSD, depression, or pursuing what defines you in life. 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you for your service Sgt Q, and thank you for helping Warriors have a family again.
Sincerely,
The Travelers Wife
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
“Never be content with where you are…. This is a battle; therefore, the rules of war apply: If you aren’t taking ground, you are losing it.”
Sgt Q tells his story, his struggles and his triumphs intermingled with honest debriefings of life with PTSD. I loved getting to know Sgt Q and his story through this book. It helped me better understand what some of my family members live with on a daily basis. He explained the different stages or categories of PTSD in easy to understand ways and I enjoyed his “Tactical Applications” at the ends of the chapters and his biblical integration. Sgt Q dug deep into discovering your identity and who you are as a person outside of the military and I believe Sgt Q explained our need for identity in a very engaging and special way.
“No longer a Soldier, you are now a Warrior.”
From a US Marine’s daughter, this book was one I wish my dad had access to years ago and hope it will help him even now. I really enjoyed Sgt Q’s book and ministry and I am looking forward to passing this book along to more people who need the healing words inside. I highly recommend this book to anyone with PTSD, depression, or pursuing what defines you in life. 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you for your service Sgt Q, and thank you for helping Warriors have a family again.
Sincerely,
The Travelers Wife
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Pudge & Prejudice in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Do you like Pride and Prejudice? Well, I have a love/hate relationship with the story as I love Darcy but want to clobber him at the same time! However, this retelling of the story… is extraordinary. From the first chapter, I was fascinated by Elyse and the way Allison Pittman immersed me in her story. Elyse and Billy Fitz (how cool are their names?!) played off each other so well, I loved their conversations, the letter passing in class, and how both cared so much about the people around them. Allison Pittman also did a great job telling interweaving themes that are so prevalent and realistic into the characters’ thoughts and actions, such as body positivity and being careful who your friends are. Elyse’s older sister Jayne, and Billy’s best friend Charlie, plus the other beloved characters’ help make this story truly unique and engaging.
I loved the setting (Northenfield, TX), the 1980s drama, and the emphasis on music. Plus, all the 1980s references throughout the story helped to shape thing into a funny, realistic, and heart touching retelling of the original. Yet, it stands out as one of the most memorable renditions of Jane Austen’s works, that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was also interesting to see how Allison Pittman took the 1800s classic and evolved it into a new classic.
Overall, I think any age group would enjoy this book especially if you enjoyed the original. I know it will be going down as one of my favorite stories this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
IF Y’ALL LOVE ’80S MUSIC BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PLAY LIST THAT JENN FROM<a href="https://thatswhatshesreading.com/2021/02/05/pudge-and-prejudice-book-review/">THAT’S WHAT SHE’S READING</a> PUT TOGETHER!
I loved the setting (Northenfield, TX), the 1980s drama, and the emphasis on music. Plus, all the 1980s references throughout the story helped to shape thing into a funny, realistic, and heart touching retelling of the original. Yet, it stands out as one of the most memorable renditions of Jane Austen’s works, that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was also interesting to see how Allison Pittman took the 1800s classic and evolved it into a new classic.
Overall, I think any age group would enjoy this book especially if you enjoyed the original. I know it will be going down as one of my favorite stories this year. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
IF Y’ALL LOVE ’80S MUSIC BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE PLAY LIST THAT JENN FROM<a href="https://thatswhatshesreading.com/2021/02/05/pudge-and-prejudice-book-review/">THAT’S WHAT SHE’S READING</a> PUT TOGETHER!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Pearl in the Sand in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Have you ever read a story so deep and touching that it is hard to put into words? Honestly, that is what I felt after reading Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar. The writing, the way she phrased things, the historical detail… it all made me feel like I had woken up from a dream after I finished it.
Rahab is a character that I think lots of women can associate with (although not for the obvious reason of Rahab’s profession). I think most women are plagued by guilt, trauma, or some type of sorrow and we are always looking for reassurance that we are walking the path that God wants us to be on. Tessa Afshar took this thought process and brought it to life in the story of Rahab. I thought Rahab was very well developed from beginning to end and I enjoyed getting to read this story from a perspective that I had not previously thought of before.
I was so intrigued by the storyline of this book as I had never read anything like it before. It certainly lived up to what I had hoped for. Tessa Afshar did a great job explaining Rahab’s time period and the historical time she lived in that I felt like I was there. Combine that with a unique plot and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I will say that I also appreciated how Tessa Afshar covered Rahab's profession without going into to much detail. It's something I am sure we can all imagine the horrors of without having to put words to the thoughts and/or feelings.
I highly recommend this story if you like historically accurate, well written, moving stories that cause you to feel and think. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Rahab is a character that I think lots of women can associate with (although not for the obvious reason of Rahab’s profession). I think most women are plagued by guilt, trauma, or some type of sorrow and we are always looking for reassurance that we are walking the path that God wants us to be on. Tessa Afshar took this thought process and brought it to life in the story of Rahab. I thought Rahab was very well developed from beginning to end and I enjoyed getting to read this story from a perspective that I had not previously thought of before.
I was so intrigued by the storyline of this book as I had never read anything like it before. It certainly lived up to what I had hoped for. Tessa Afshar did a great job explaining Rahab’s time period and the historical time she lived in that I felt like I was there. Combine that with a unique plot and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I will say that I also appreciated how Tessa Afshar covered Rahab's profession without going into to much detail. It's something I am sure we can all imagine the horrors of without having to put words to the thoughts and/or feelings.
I highly recommend this story if you like historically accurate, well written, moving stories that cause you to feel and think. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Nacho's Nachos: The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/nachos-nacho-lone-star-lit/">Travelers Wife 4 Life</a>
Nacho’s Nachos … Try saying that without thinking about your favorite version of the dish! As the saying goes all stories usually have some truth to them and the story of the nacho is no different; it is not just a play on words. I honestly never knew how nachos came to be or that there was a story behind them!
Nacho’s Nachos is a delightfully colorful story filled with imaginative artwork and thoughtful words that lead you to believe you are right there with Nacho on the journey of life discovering how to make people happy and making them the original nacho recipe. (Sandra Nickel thoughtfully included the original recipe in the back of the book). While this book is geared towards a younger audience, I think adults would like it as well because of the fascinating history and the story of the nacho.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history of nachos and how they came to be. The Afterword was filled with many extra tidbits of history that helped to shape this story more fully in my mind. I loved how thoroughly Sandra Nickel researched Nacho (Ignacio Anaya) and found as close to the original story as possible. It was fun seeing all the history surrounding the invention of the nacho and learning more about Nacho himself as well. Combing the story with the beautiful artwork I can honestly say that this is one of my all-around favorite children’s books I have ever read. Sandra Nickel and Oliver Dominguez brought to life this remarkable story of how Nacho’s nachos came to be!
I highly recommend this book as it was packed full of interesting history and vivid artwork that made me smile the whole way through. 5 out of 5 stars. Now to go make some nachos…
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Nacho’s Nachos … Try saying that without thinking about your favorite version of the dish! As the saying goes all stories usually have some truth to them and the story of the nacho is no different; it is not just a play on words. I honestly never knew how nachos came to be or that there was a story behind them!
Nacho’s Nachos is a delightfully colorful story filled with imaginative artwork and thoughtful words that lead you to believe you are right there with Nacho on the journey of life discovering how to make people happy and making them the original nacho recipe. (Sandra Nickel thoughtfully included the original recipe in the back of the book). While this book is geared towards a younger audience, I think adults would like it as well because of the fascinating history and the story of the nacho.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history of nachos and how they came to be. The Afterword was filled with many extra tidbits of history that helped to shape this story more fully in my mind. I loved how thoroughly Sandra Nickel researched Nacho (Ignacio Anaya) and found as close to the original story as possible. It was fun seeing all the history surrounding the invention of the nacho and learning more about Nacho himself as well. Combing the story with the beautiful artwork I can honestly say that this is one of my all-around favorite children’s books I have ever read. Sandra Nickel and Oliver Dominguez brought to life this remarkable story of how Nacho’s nachos came to be!
I highly recommend this book as it was packed full of interesting history and vivid artwork that made me smile the whole way through. 5 out of 5 stars. Now to go make some nachos…
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated State of Lies in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Let’s just start with the first chapter in this book. Can I say WOW?. Siri Mitchell gives us one of the best first chapters I have ever read before. It grabbed my attention as nothing else has in a long time. I picked it up to read when I only had a few minutes and boy was that a mistake. I could not stop thinking about the story and what was going to happen next.
In the first chapter, I got introduced to some of the intrigue, relationships, and mystery that Siri Mitchell weaves with great skill. It made me think in what-if scenarios (i.e. what if I was in Georgie’s or Sean's shoes?). As I picked it up to finish the story, the book continued to unfold much like that first chapter. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. It was such a thrilling ride to figure out how all the clues fit together and seeing the ending. I mean Wow. This book left me giddy smiling to the point my husband asked me what was wrong. I, of course, had to explain the plot and told him he really would only understand if he read the book.
The whole book flowed at a believable rate, not rushing, but letting you get a feel for the thoughts and emotions of the characters. After reading the first chapter I was hooked. The rest of the book kept that same momentum for me, and I highly recommend reading this book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 Stars (If I could give more I would), for the great attention-grabbing first chapter, how Siri Mitchell weaved in a military/political/mystery/romance with such easy, and for the strength of the characters in not giving up in the face of overwhelming odds. Thanks for the wonderful read.
I received this book from Celebration Lit in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
In the first chapter, I got introduced to some of the intrigue, relationships, and mystery that Siri Mitchell weaves with great skill. It made me think in what-if scenarios (i.e. what if I was in Georgie’s or Sean's shoes?). As I picked it up to finish the story, the book continued to unfold much like that first chapter. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. It was such a thrilling ride to figure out how all the clues fit together and seeing the ending. I mean Wow. This book left me giddy smiling to the point my husband asked me what was wrong. I, of course, had to explain the plot and told him he really would only understand if he read the book.
The whole book flowed at a believable rate, not rushing, but letting you get a feel for the thoughts and emotions of the characters. After reading the first chapter I was hooked. The rest of the book kept that same momentum for me, and I highly recommend reading this book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 Stars (If I could give more I would), for the great attention-grabbing first chapter, how Siri Mitchell weaved in a military/political/mystery/romance with such easy, and for the strength of the characters in not giving up in the face of overwhelming odds. Thanks for the wonderful read.
I received this book from Celebration Lit in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated An Amish Reunion in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Wonderful collection of stories about different seasons of change !
In the first story Amy Clipston gives us a story about Marlene and Rudy, a young couple learning change through working together. Marlene navigates the change of moving home after years spent away and she deals with memories of loss associated home. I thought this was a great story on how to push yourself to overcome past sadness and turn it to something new.
In the second story Beth Wiseman tells a story about Ruth and Gideon and how they deal with the loss of a child and the impact on their marriage. They don't handle the loss well at first, but after five years the Lord leads them home to each other. A great story about grief and the growing that can come out of that time in life.
The third story is by Kathleen Fuller. She tells a story about a wonderful, sarcastic, and straight speaking Grandma type lady who is used to matchmaking for other people. But this time God had something special in mind for her. A very sweet story.
Last but not least we get a story by Kelly Irvin. She tells us a story about a young couple who didn't wait and it was made worse by some decisions that were made. But through their trials came forgiveness and growing into the people that God wanted for them to be. A particularly good story as it is not always a subject people will face head on. I loved it and I think it was a great representation of the true circumstances that people go through when they have a baby out of wedlock, especially in an Amish community,
This is a great collection of stories that I would definitely recommend reading, it is great encouragement when going through different seasons of change.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest feedback. The opinions expressed within are my own.
In the first story Amy Clipston gives us a story about Marlene and Rudy, a young couple learning change through working together. Marlene navigates the change of moving home after years spent away and she deals with memories of loss associated home. I thought this was a great story on how to push yourself to overcome past sadness and turn it to something new.
In the second story Beth Wiseman tells a story about Ruth and Gideon and how they deal with the loss of a child and the impact on their marriage. They don't handle the loss well at first, but after five years the Lord leads them home to each other. A great story about grief and the growing that can come out of that time in life.
The third story is by Kathleen Fuller. She tells a story about a wonderful, sarcastic, and straight speaking Grandma type lady who is used to matchmaking for other people. But this time God had something special in mind for her. A very sweet story.
Last but not least we get a story by Kelly Irvin. She tells us a story about a young couple who didn't wait and it was made worse by some decisions that were made. But through their trials came forgiveness and growing into the people that God wanted for them to be. A particularly good story as it is not always a subject people will face head on. I loved it and I think it was a great representation of the true circumstances that people go through when they have a baby out of wedlock, especially in an Amish community,
This is a great collection of stories that I would definitely recommend reading, it is great encouragement when going through different seasons of change.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest feedback. The opinions expressed within are my own.
ClareR (5572 KP) rated People Like Her in Books
Feb 2, 2021
I thought I’d made a mistake when I was approved to read this on NetGalley. I’d requested it based on the cover photo, the fact that I’d seen it popping up on Book Twitter, and the authors name appealed to me! I read the first two pages and still thought I’d made a mistake, and then I COULDN’T STOP READING!! This book is like literary crack!
Emmy, the main character, is one of those outwardly lovely people, who beneath that veneer doesn’t really seem to care about anybody else. I even wondered at one point if she particularly liked her children or husband. Her husband seems long-suffering, backed in to a corner, having to put up with his wife being an Influencer on Instagram and ruling their lives based on the photos she must take, the places she must go to, and the companies she must appease. After all, she’s the main breadwinner in the family. He hasn’t managed to finish his second book after the success of the first. And then there’s another voice in the story.
At first this stalker seems only mildly threatening (like there’s a rating!), but as the book progresses and the stalker tells us more of their story, she begins to become more menacing.
Now, I post book reviews on Instagram more as a personal record. The likes and feedback are a bonus, and I get especially giddy if one of my favourite reviewers or, god forbid, the author, comments on what I’ve written! But to have millions of followers and millions of pounds depending on my content - it’s something that sounds far too stressful! This world was utterly fascinating to me. And the last 30% or so of the book is just devastating (I’m warning you!). This is well worth a read: I’d most definitely recommend this book - and I’m so glad that I chose this book by it’s cover!
Many thanks to the publishers, Mantle, for giving me access to a copy of this book on NetGalley.
Emmy, the main character, is one of those outwardly lovely people, who beneath that veneer doesn’t really seem to care about anybody else. I even wondered at one point if she particularly liked her children or husband. Her husband seems long-suffering, backed in to a corner, having to put up with his wife being an Influencer on Instagram and ruling their lives based on the photos she must take, the places she must go to, and the companies she must appease. After all, she’s the main breadwinner in the family. He hasn’t managed to finish his second book after the success of the first. And then there’s another voice in the story.
At first this stalker seems only mildly threatening (like there’s a rating!), but as the book progresses and the stalker tells us more of their story, she begins to become more menacing.
Now, I post book reviews on Instagram more as a personal record. The likes and feedback are a bonus, and I get especially giddy if one of my favourite reviewers or, god forbid, the author, comments on what I’ve written! But to have millions of followers and millions of pounds depending on my content - it’s something that sounds far too stressful! This world was utterly fascinating to me. And the last 30% or so of the book is just devastating (I’m warning you!). This is well worth a read: I’d most definitely recommend this book - and I’m so glad that I chose this book by it’s cover!
Many thanks to the publishers, Mantle, for giving me access to a copy of this book on NetGalley.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Dec 8, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Had this been released on any regular week I'd have seen Joker the day it came out and not been overly bothered by the Twitter frenzy that happened in the aftermath of the opening... but, Joker came out two days into the London Film Festival and that meant I couldn't see it straight away. I ended up taking a day off in the middle of it and going out to have a regular cinema outing, it was only 6 days after release but the barrage of feedback online was enough to make me bored at the thought of seeing it.
I do not know how to do this review. It's not that I don't have things to say about it, because I do, but there's a lot of grumbling. I'm going to try bullet pointing it as it covers things that cross audience feedback with moaning.
• What is real? We see the Sophie shots replayed without her in them and we realise he imagined it but we also know that he's imagined other things... everything could be a twist on reality.
• I did not assume that the man with Bruce at home was Alfred.
• I would not have found it unbelievable had Arthur and Sophie been a couple.
• This film could easily have been a pre-origin story for the Joker character.
• I know Arthur needs every push to make the story progress but I don't see that Thomas Wayne needed to be that aggressive.
• Wouldn't it have been good if this film made no reference to anything Batman/Joker related and the first time we're actually shown the connection is in that iconic alley scene?
So there are the things I had thoughts, they all have me waffling on for ages when I voice them out loud.
Joaquin Phoenix really commits to the journey of Arthur and it's an incredible depiction. I'm not so bothered about the violence in the movie, what disturbed me more was how Phoenix manages to laugh without it showing on his face... that was chilling. Everything crafted around him really shows his life, the way he's captured in the shots, the way you see the darker side taking over him, you can see it in every scene. It's uncomfortable to watch him sometimes, but that's the way it needs to be.
As an environment you can feel the dirt and the story of the city really comes through in everything you see. There's a very clear divide between rich and poor and I really thought the sets and costumes worked perfectly.
I'm going to mention the song... it worked perfectly in the scene, it had the right tone for it and I thought it was very effective. As you look down the rest of the tracklisting it was nice to see that everything had a very theatrical leaning.
When we get to the point where Arthur, now under the guise of Joker, appears on Murray's talk show there's an element of uncertainty about what's going to happen. The escalation is chilling and when he starts his speech you can feel the change in him. That speech had a moment of understanding in it before you remember everything we've just seen. I would happily have seen the film end with that test card.
What happens after this is a big piece that feels like hallucination moments rather than real ones. I really didn't need that... BUT... it did bring us to that iconic alleyway scene. It was perfectly captured and would have been amazing if we saw the clown slip into the alleyway and then... no pearls. I groaned when I saw that. I'm fed up with it, it took that tense moment and could have left you with that sense of knowing without hitting you with that now rather common slap in the face of an image.
Unlike other films I still don't have a very clear idea of how I feel about this film, there are lots of issues I had with it but then there's that brilliant performance from Joaquin Phoenix. I'm sure this needs another viewing, but even then I'm not sure I'd be totally certain about how I felt.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/11/joker-spoilers-movie-review.html
I do not know how to do this review. It's not that I don't have things to say about it, because I do, but there's a lot of grumbling. I'm going to try bullet pointing it as it covers things that cross audience feedback with moaning.
• What is real? We see the Sophie shots replayed without her in them and we realise he imagined it but we also know that he's imagined other things... everything could be a twist on reality.
• I did not assume that the man with Bruce at home was Alfred.
• I would not have found it unbelievable had Arthur and Sophie been a couple.
• This film could easily have been a pre-origin story for the Joker character.
• I know Arthur needs every push to make the story progress but I don't see that Thomas Wayne needed to be that aggressive.
• Wouldn't it have been good if this film made no reference to anything Batman/Joker related and the first time we're actually shown the connection is in that iconic alley scene?
So there are the things I had thoughts, they all have me waffling on for ages when I voice them out loud.
Joaquin Phoenix really commits to the journey of Arthur and it's an incredible depiction. I'm not so bothered about the violence in the movie, what disturbed me more was how Phoenix manages to laugh without it showing on his face... that was chilling. Everything crafted around him really shows his life, the way he's captured in the shots, the way you see the darker side taking over him, you can see it in every scene. It's uncomfortable to watch him sometimes, but that's the way it needs to be.
As an environment you can feel the dirt and the story of the city really comes through in everything you see. There's a very clear divide between rich and poor and I really thought the sets and costumes worked perfectly.
I'm going to mention the song... it worked perfectly in the scene, it had the right tone for it and I thought it was very effective. As you look down the rest of the tracklisting it was nice to see that everything had a very theatrical leaning.
When we get to the point where Arthur, now under the guise of Joker, appears on Murray's talk show there's an element of uncertainty about what's going to happen. The escalation is chilling and when he starts his speech you can feel the change in him. That speech had a moment of understanding in it before you remember everything we've just seen. I would happily have seen the film end with that test card.
What happens after this is a big piece that feels like hallucination moments rather than real ones. I really didn't need that... BUT... it did bring us to that iconic alleyway scene. It was perfectly captured and would have been amazing if we saw the clown slip into the alleyway and then... no pearls. I groaned when I saw that. I'm fed up with it, it took that tense moment and could have left you with that sense of knowing without hitting you with that now rather common slap in the face of an image.
Unlike other films I still don't have a very clear idea of how I feel about this film, there are lots of issues I had with it but then there's that brilliant performance from Joaquin Phoenix. I'm sure this needs another viewing, but even then I'm not sure I'd be totally certain about how I felt.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/11/joker-spoilers-movie-review.html