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RəX Regent (349 KP) rated The Good Dinosaur (2015) in Movies
Feb 20, 2019
The first thing so say about this is that the trailers were very misleading. Instead of having a quiet, meek dinosaur meets human tale, we are given the opposite. In a world where the asteroid did not wipe out the dinosaurs, they have evolved into a farming species and after his father death, our eponymous Good Dinosaur is lost and must make his way home, when he befriends human boy, called Spot.
Spot is effectively a dog to our more cultured dinosaur who inhabit a world not at all dissimilar to the American Frontier. And there in lies the problem.
This is without a doubt the most beautifully animated film that I have ever seen, with a photo realistic animation so real, that it was distracting, as I actually wondered if they had cheated and blended real photography with CGI. The other issue was the setting and the love affair with old west which only really works if you are an American.
Yeah, we love a good western but this was just a bit of a weird interpretation, with T-Rex's driving cattle and Brontosaurus' growing corn. But having said all that, the plot as pure Pixar but without the humour. This is simply not funny and a change in tone for the studio but it is keeping with their groundbreaking approach to animation in many ways, this is as significant a breakthrough as Toy Story was back in 1995.
Yes, the animation was effectively driven by the same technology as most mainstream blockbusters but this film savored those moments, leaving us simply awestruck by the look and feel of this film.
Though it does feel at times to be a teaser reel for the animation capabilities of Pixar...
Spot is effectively a dog to our more cultured dinosaur who inhabit a world not at all dissimilar to the American Frontier. And there in lies the problem.
This is without a doubt the most beautifully animated film that I have ever seen, with a photo realistic animation so real, that it was distracting, as I actually wondered if they had cheated and blended real photography with CGI. The other issue was the setting and the love affair with old west which only really works if you are an American.
Yeah, we love a good western but this was just a bit of a weird interpretation, with T-Rex's driving cattle and Brontosaurus' growing corn. But having said all that, the plot as pure Pixar but without the humour. This is simply not funny and a change in tone for the studio but it is keeping with their groundbreaking approach to animation in many ways, this is as significant a breakthrough as Toy Story was back in 1995.
Yes, the animation was effectively driven by the same technology as most mainstream blockbusters but this film savored those moments, leaving us simply awestruck by the look and feel of this film.
Though it does feel at times to be a teaser reel for the animation capabilities of Pixar...
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Gone Girl in Books
May 14, 2019
Outstanding.
Now I guess you have heard about this book as there was and still is a big debate about Gone Girl, you either love it or hate it and I loved it! Gone Girl definitely gained a lot of media coverage especially as it has been adapted to a film since. I have seen both the film and read the book and both were brilliant! It is no wonder Gone Girl is a global bestseller book with many twists and turns that are bound to keep you reading until the end. For my personal review Gone Girl deserves the five stars I have awarded as it kept me glued to the story and is full of suspense and mystery, alongside it being an excellent thriller that will keep you up reading all night. This is the first book I have read by Gillian Flynn and I have already put a selection of her others onto my wishlist already. Let me know what your views are on this book below, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
Gone Girl reveals the secrets at the heart of Nick’s and Amy’s modern marriage. When Amy’s and Nick’s fifth wedding anniversary arrives Nick reports that his wife Amy is missing! Under pressure from friends, family, the police and media will Nick be able to contain all his hidden lies, secrets and deceits? Did Nick kill his wife or is there more hidden beneath the depths of the story? Will Amy ever be found? With an intelligent and cleverly written plot I would highly recommend that you read this book and choose a side of the discussion to join, will you love it or hate it?
Gone Girl reveals the secrets at the heart of Nick’s and Amy’s modern marriage. When Amy’s and Nick’s fifth wedding anniversary arrives Nick reports that his wife Amy is missing! Under pressure from friends, family, the police and media will Nick be able to contain all his hidden lies, secrets and deceits? Did Nick kill his wife or is there more hidden beneath the depths of the story? Will Amy ever be found? With an intelligent and cleverly written plot I would highly recommend that you read this book and choose a side of the discussion to join, will you love it or hate it?
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love in Books
Jun 4, 2019
The title of this book had me wary from the start, but I'd heard good things about it, and the author is a woman, so I hoped it wouldn't be what it sounded like. Because seriously. We don't need more books about angsty white guys complaining about the girl they love not liking them back.
Unfortunately that's exactly what I got in this book.
First, the good points. The author has a very immersive writing style, and she captured the feeling of a Comic Con VERY impressively. I haven't been to NYCC, but I've been to other nerdy cons, and the hectic pace of panels, and getting tickets, and standing in lines, but nerding out over ALL THE GEEKY STUFF - yeah, that was perfectly written. I really enjoyed that. The other characters - Casey and Felicia, specifically, and Samira, and the rest of Roxy and Graham's families - those were also well done. The brief scene with Roxy's Iranian family was especially nice, which is to be expected from an Iranian-American author!
But Graham irritated me. Roxy wasn't well explored because we only saw things from Graham's point of view, and her love interest Devin's appeal wasn't shown very well at ALL.
I spent most of the book wanting to yell at Graham to just TALK TO HER ALREADY. He's all miffed that his plans aren't going right and the obnoxious Brit is stealing his girl but he won't. Just. TALK. To her.
I think the only reason I actually finished the book was because it was short. And for the description of Comic Con, that was actually really good. But the main character was just frustrating. I should have spent this time on another book.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Unfortunately that's exactly what I got in this book.
First, the good points. The author has a very immersive writing style, and she captured the feeling of a Comic Con VERY impressively. I haven't been to NYCC, but I've been to other nerdy cons, and the hectic pace of panels, and getting tickets, and standing in lines, but nerding out over ALL THE GEEKY STUFF - yeah, that was perfectly written. I really enjoyed that. The other characters - Casey and Felicia, specifically, and Samira, and the rest of Roxy and Graham's families - those were also well done. The brief scene with Roxy's Iranian family was especially nice, which is to be expected from an Iranian-American author!
But Graham irritated me. Roxy wasn't well explored because we only saw things from Graham's point of view, and her love interest Devin's appeal wasn't shown very well at ALL.
I spent most of the book wanting to yell at Graham to just TALK TO HER ALREADY. He's all miffed that his plans aren't going right and the obnoxious Brit is stealing his girl but he won't. Just. TALK. To her.
I think the only reason I actually finished the book was because it was short. And for the description of Comic Con, that was actually really good. But the main character was just frustrating. I should have spent this time on another book.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Hobbit in Books
Jun 10, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Plot
Introduction and backstory to a character
What good is a book without a dragon or two in it?
The Hobbit is my all time favourite book not just as a child but as an adult as well, capturing my imagination and love from the first time I picked it up to it now being my go to book when I am feeling sad or when I need to feel like ‘home’.
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
This book is definitely not as lengthly as the it’s cousin, Lord of the Rings, but it holds a certain charm to it. We come to love the foolish but courageous Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and follow his adventure to the lonely mountain with the rag-tag group of Dwarves and the mischievous and ever in trouble Gandalf the Grey.
Coming from a small town that was similar to Hobbiton (I was told that Tolkien actually based Hobbiton on the town I am from) I could relate so well to Bilbo when he had misgivings about leaving his home, but that urge for adventure and lust for the unknown was too much to resist.
This story, although quite sad at the end, is full of humour, wit and no end of riddles and charm that even the grumpiest reader should not be able to resist. Perhaps it is not the most powerful or awe-inspiring book, but I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s not trying to be the best book that you’ve ever read, it’s simply telling a story the best way it can, you can’t help but be drawn in to the characters and the descriptions that Tolkien gives you.
It might not be The Lord of the Rings, but to me it will always be my favourite and best book to keep with me wherever I go and I would be lost without it!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Angelmonster in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I am just going to come out and say that I though this novel was terrible. Not because it was written poorly or because it was unbelievable, but because it just made one feel depressed and dark reading it.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Discovery Express in Books
Jun 18, 2018
All Aboard The Discovery Express Emily Hawkins and Tom Adams is a fantastic interactive book about the history of travel with an intriguing puzzle to solve along the way. There are surprises on every page, discoveries to be made and clues to follow.
On the first page the reader meets Pierre Henri, who is to be the conductor of the journey the reader is about the embark on. He explains that this is to be no ordinary train ride, and along with geographer, explorer and adventurer Nancy Delaney you begin travelling in time, history and across the world. The purpose of this trip is to find Professor Pendleton – the leader of the crew, whom without Pierre and Nancy are lost. As we travel across each carriage, each room, and each landmark there are many many clues and information under each flap and it is important that they aren’t missed. From flying machines, the Panama Canal, to one of my favourite pages on the hot air balloon, there will be much fun to be had while learning about inventions of our past and some of the most talent engineers ever.
My words really cannot do this book justice, it is when you get to see the book in person that you realise just how much it is going to spark the imagination of children. Apart from it looking beautiful, it is a textural delight on each page which sparks interaction between those reading through the book. This book is particularly brilliant for those wanting to be scientists or engineers, and those who simply love discovery and adventure.
I recommend this book to children and people who love adventure and trains.
I received this an ARC of All Aboard The Discovery Express from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
On the first page the reader meets Pierre Henri, who is to be the conductor of the journey the reader is about the embark on. He explains that this is to be no ordinary train ride, and along with geographer, explorer and adventurer Nancy Delaney you begin travelling in time, history and across the world. The purpose of this trip is to find Professor Pendleton – the leader of the crew, whom without Pierre and Nancy are lost. As we travel across each carriage, each room, and each landmark there are many many clues and information under each flap and it is important that they aren’t missed. From flying machines, the Panama Canal, to one of my favourite pages on the hot air balloon, there will be much fun to be had while learning about inventions of our past and some of the most talent engineers ever.
My words really cannot do this book justice, it is when you get to see the book in person that you realise just how much it is going to spark the imagination of children. Apart from it looking beautiful, it is a textural delight on each page which sparks interaction between those reading through the book. This book is particularly brilliant for those wanting to be scientists or engineers, and those who simply love discovery and adventure.
I recommend this book to children and people who love adventure and trains.
I received this an ARC of All Aboard The Discovery Express from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
Kristin (149 KP) rated 'Till the Last Petal Falls (Once Upon a Reality #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Never settle for a fairytale."
During my Psychology classes in college, we discussed how various characters have psychological issues: popular cartoon characters, the cast of "Winnie the Pooh," and the vast majority of the Disney Princesses. Belle is no exception, and this book explores that idea beautifully, no pun intended.
Jolee answers a Craigslist ad which sounds too good to be true, and she finds herself in the mountains of Aspen, tutoring a shut-in with some very serious issues of his own. As time goes by, she learns for and more about this man, and most of it is not good. However, she sticks by him, hoping to "fix" him with her love.
Sound like a recipe for disaster?
I used to teach a rehabilitation class for men convicted of domestic violence, and this book definitely delves into that dynamic head-first. It's a real eye-opener into the lives of those involved in those situations, from both sides of the coin as well as an outsider's perspective. Comparing it to the story of "Beauty and the Beast" really adds a whole new layer to it, as most of us either grew up with that story/movie or fell in love with it because of our kids/grandkids/etc. It's a crazy thought, but the more you think about it, the more you realize Belle suffered from Stockholm syndrome as well as battered-woman syndrome, and that HEA Disney ending is not the one generally associated with those situations.
Bravo to the author for writing this cross-examination of a beloved children's story and shedding some light on this serious issue while also maintaining a gripping novel.
5 stars
"Never settle for a fairytale."
During my Psychology classes in college, we discussed how various characters have psychological issues: popular cartoon characters, the cast of "Winnie the Pooh," and the vast majority of the Disney Princesses. Belle is no exception, and this book explores that idea beautifully, no pun intended.
Jolee answers a Craigslist ad which sounds too good to be true, and she finds herself in the mountains of Aspen, tutoring a shut-in with some very serious issues of his own. As time goes by, she learns for and more about this man, and most of it is not good. However, she sticks by him, hoping to "fix" him with her love.
Sound like a recipe for disaster?
I used to teach a rehabilitation class for men convicted of domestic violence, and this book definitely delves into that dynamic head-first. It's a real eye-opener into the lives of those involved in those situations, from both sides of the coin as well as an outsider's perspective. Comparing it to the story of "Beauty and the Beast" really adds a whole new layer to it, as most of us either grew up with that story/movie or fell in love with it because of our kids/grandkids/etc. It's a crazy thought, but the more you think about it, the more you realize Belle suffered from Stockholm syndrome as well as battered-woman syndrome, and that HEA Disney ending is not the one generally associated with those situations.
Bravo to the author for writing this cross-examination of a beloved children's story and shedding some light on this serious issue while also maintaining a gripping novel.
5 stars
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The One Safe Place in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Review of an uncorrected bound manuscript.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a gripping tale by Tania Unsworth aimed at older children, although completely enjoyable by teens and adults too. Written in the third person and set in the not so distant future, we follow Devin’s story.
In the future the climate has changed, the temperature has risen and rain is very rare. The opening scene reveals Devin, a young boy, on a farm, digging a grave to bury his grandfather who has recently died (presumably of old age and not something sinister). Devin, now alone, decides to head to the city, a place he has never visited, in order to find some help for the farm. The problem is he has never once left the farm and knows nothing of the real world. Here he meets Kit, a young girl on her own living on the roof of a building, and decides to tag along with her. But then they meet Roman who promises them a safe home. Although skeptical, they decide to trust him and thus they arrive at the <i>Gabriel H. Penn Home For Childhood</i>. The place is amazing and has everything a child could want: toys, games, clothes, individual bedrooms, a swimming pool, and most importantly, food and drink. So why are all the other children walking around in limbo, uninterested in everything around them?
Devin, with the help of his friends, and his synesthesia, soon discovers and pieces together what is wrong about the home. The pace picks up as they plan their escape leading to the exciting ending.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a book young readers will love. Well what child would not love a book where the children outsmart the adults?
Review of an uncorrected bound manuscript.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a gripping tale by Tania Unsworth aimed at older children, although completely enjoyable by teens and adults too. Written in the third person and set in the not so distant future, we follow Devin’s story.
In the future the climate has changed, the temperature has risen and rain is very rare. The opening scene reveals Devin, a young boy, on a farm, digging a grave to bury his grandfather who has recently died (presumably of old age and not something sinister). Devin, now alone, decides to head to the city, a place he has never visited, in order to find some help for the farm. The problem is he has never once left the farm and knows nothing of the real world. Here he meets Kit, a young girl on her own living on the roof of a building, and decides to tag along with her. But then they meet Roman who promises them a safe home. Although skeptical, they decide to trust him and thus they arrive at the <i>Gabriel H. Penn Home For Childhood</i>. The place is amazing and has everything a child could want: toys, games, clothes, individual bedrooms, a swimming pool, and most importantly, food and drink. So why are all the other children walking around in limbo, uninterested in everything around them?
Devin, with the help of his friends, and his synesthesia, soon discovers and pieces together what is wrong about the home. The pace picks up as they plan their escape leading to the exciting ending.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a book young readers will love. Well what child would not love a book where the children outsmart the adults?
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Geek Girl (Geek Girl, #1) in Books
Nov 1, 2018
Full review can also be found on my blog: www.diaryofdifference.com
Even though I kept hearing great things about Geek Girl, I never really happened to read it. A month ago, my teen sister borrowed the whole Geek Girl series and told me this is something I must check off my list. And here I am one month later - loving the first book!
Geek Girl tells the story of a young teen Harriet, who is a geek and gets bullied at her school. She might know all the science answers, but she has no clue why people are laughing at her when she goes outside with a cartoon hoodie.
But when Harriet gets discovered by a modelling agency,she realises how things can get different, and she has to choose whether she wants to risk losing everything by changing who she really is.
A very funny and geeky read, where I couldn’t stop but giggle a few times. One moment really got me though:
‘’If somebody offers to shave your legs,’’ she snaps, ‘’let them.’’
Harriet is a typical geeky high-school character, and you can’t help but love her weirdness, her silliness and the ways she believes in.
The read was somewhat predictable from the beginning, and there wasn’t any big plot twist or cliff-hanger, but I believe that this book didn’t really want to achieve that anyways.
This was a perfect read for me to relax and enjoy reading - reminded me of my high-school days and made me remember a lot of similar moments.
I am recommending it to all of you out there - that love being different and are not afraid to stand up for yourselves, no matter how much people laugh at you.
Even though I kept hearing great things about Geek Girl, I never really happened to read it. A month ago, my teen sister borrowed the whole Geek Girl series and told me this is something I must check off my list. And here I am one month later - loving the first book!
Geek Girl tells the story of a young teen Harriet, who is a geek and gets bullied at her school. She might know all the science answers, but she has no clue why people are laughing at her when she goes outside with a cartoon hoodie.
But when Harriet gets discovered by a modelling agency,she realises how things can get different, and she has to choose whether she wants to risk losing everything by changing who she really is.
A very funny and geeky read, where I couldn’t stop but giggle a few times. One moment really got me though:
‘’If somebody offers to shave your legs,’’ she snaps, ‘’let them.’’
Harriet is a typical geeky high-school character, and you can’t help but love her weirdness, her silliness and the ways she believes in.
The read was somewhat predictable from the beginning, and there wasn’t any big plot twist or cliff-hanger, but I believe that this book didn’t really want to achieve that anyways.
This was a perfect read for me to relax and enjoy reading - reminded me of my high-school days and made me remember a lot of similar moments.
I am recommending it to all of you out there - that love being different and are not afraid to stand up for yourselves, no matter how much people laugh at you.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest (A Medieval Fairy Tale, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Danger and romance lie deep in the heart of Thornbeck Forest. Where a poacher's only desire is to feed the poor. The forester determined to catch the poacher. And a margrave who holds the future of all in his hands.
"Because love was the best reason of all!"
Odette Menkels has a burning desire to help the orphans of Thornbeck. And the forest at her doorstep has an abundance of wild game. The only problem is that the game belongs to the king. Nevertheless, Odette braves the wrath of the margrave who is responsible for the Thornbeck forest. Every night she disguises herself, hunts the deer and feeds the poor. Her life is changed in an instant when she meets Jorgen Hartman, the forester, at the Midsummer festival. Jorgen has found evidence of a poacher and would like nothing better than to bring this poacher to justice. What will he do if he finds out that Odette is the poacher? Will Odette have everything stripped from her? There will be many confessions and consequences, but not all are bad...and some may even surprise you!
This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it won't be the last! I already have The Golden Braid on my list to read by the end of the year. I believe that writing medieval fairy tales for adults was a stroke of genius! The thrill of the chase. The excitement of the hunt. Balls and finery, sorrow and hunger, the desire to do good and the consequences of the laws of the land. The tragic circumstances of the day were portrayed very well. Life in 1363 was rough! But we are reminded that the bonds of love and family are not to be trifled with. Enter the forest of Thornbeck and be whisked through an incredible journey.
"Because love was the best reason of all!"
Odette Menkels has a burning desire to help the orphans of Thornbeck. And the forest at her doorstep has an abundance of wild game. The only problem is that the game belongs to the king. Nevertheless, Odette braves the wrath of the margrave who is responsible for the Thornbeck forest. Every night she disguises herself, hunts the deer and feeds the poor. Her life is changed in an instant when she meets Jorgen Hartman, the forester, at the Midsummer festival. Jorgen has found evidence of a poacher and would like nothing better than to bring this poacher to justice. What will he do if he finds out that Odette is the poacher? Will Odette have everything stripped from her? There will be many confessions and consequences, but not all are bad...and some may even surprise you!
This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it won't be the last! I already have The Golden Braid on my list to read by the end of the year. I believe that writing medieval fairy tales for adults was a stroke of genius! The thrill of the chase. The excitement of the hunt. Balls and finery, sorrow and hunger, the desire to do good and the consequences of the laws of the land. The tragic circumstances of the day were portrayed very well. Life in 1363 was rough! But we are reminded that the bonds of love and family are not to be trifled with. Enter the forest of Thornbeck and be whisked through an incredible journey.