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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Greatest Love Story Ever Told in Books
Mar 12, 2019
Enjoyable book about two fun and interesting people.
In 2000, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman meet on the set of a play. And the rest, as they say, is history. Their book is the story of their relationship--telling the story of how they met, from each's first impressions of one another and ranging across their courtship, wedding, work, and romance. The book covers such topics as family, past romances, religion, theater, and more.
I love both Megan and Nick immensely, so I was extremely excited when I saw they had a book coming out. My library copy arrived a day after publication, so I hadn't even had a chance to read many reviews. I didn't realize that most of the book is in interview/oral history-type format, so when you read the actual book, it just flips between Megan and Nick chatting back and forth. This takes a little getting used to and while I'm not a big audiobook fan (personal preference, my brain wanders too much), I think this is one that would be *fantastic* in audio form. I'm stalking our public library, waiting for them to get an audio copy for my wife. There are a few chapters that are written out, and I enjoyed those a bit more.
"To my way of thinking, it's an illustration of a relationship that the reader might find surprisingly normal. When all you have by which to judge a relationship are some grippingly cute Instagram videos, it might not occur to one that there's a lot of banal real life." ~Nick
So mostly, this book is just Nick and Megan talking. Because it's Nick and Megan, it's still pretty darn enjoyable. They cover certain topics in various chapters, so it can get a bit repetitive in places (we learn multiple times that Nick's family is salt of the earth and Megan's was, well, not). Still, it's fascinating to learn how the two met, a bit about their various careers (not as much as I would have liked--there are no funny Will and Grace or Parks and Recs anecdotes here), and a lot about their pasts.
The best part is that the book makes you smile--it's clearly apparent how much Nick and Megan love each other. I enjoyed learning more about both of them and how they spend their life together. Megan shares a fun Meryl Streep story, I loved her even more because apparently she's a hermit who loves to read (ME TOO MEGAN LET'S BE FRIENDS), and they are a couple who likes to hang out and do puzzles with their dogs. Life goals at its best.
"It's a wonder that I ever had a boyfriend in my entire life, because all I really like to do is read. I don't even know how I ever met another human."
"All I ever want to do is read. I only leave the house under duress."
Overall, this is fun book about two fun and interesting people. If you're an audiobook fan--even a little bit--I bet you'd enjoy it more in that format. If you like Megan or Nick, you'll find something to enjoy in this one. If you're looking for a chronological history with lots of tidbits about their careers, this isn't that book. But if you want some insight into Megan and Nick as people, this is a worthwhile read.
I love both Megan and Nick immensely, so I was extremely excited when I saw they had a book coming out. My library copy arrived a day after publication, so I hadn't even had a chance to read many reviews. I didn't realize that most of the book is in interview/oral history-type format, so when you read the actual book, it just flips between Megan and Nick chatting back and forth. This takes a little getting used to and while I'm not a big audiobook fan (personal preference, my brain wanders too much), I think this is one that would be *fantastic* in audio form. I'm stalking our public library, waiting for them to get an audio copy for my wife. There are a few chapters that are written out, and I enjoyed those a bit more.
"To my way of thinking, it's an illustration of a relationship that the reader might find surprisingly normal. When all you have by which to judge a relationship are some grippingly cute Instagram videos, it might not occur to one that there's a lot of banal real life." ~Nick
So mostly, this book is just Nick and Megan talking. Because it's Nick and Megan, it's still pretty darn enjoyable. They cover certain topics in various chapters, so it can get a bit repetitive in places (we learn multiple times that Nick's family is salt of the earth and Megan's was, well, not). Still, it's fascinating to learn how the two met, a bit about their various careers (not as much as I would have liked--there are no funny Will and Grace or Parks and Recs anecdotes here), and a lot about their pasts.
The best part is that the book makes you smile--it's clearly apparent how much Nick and Megan love each other. I enjoyed learning more about both of them and how they spend their life together. Megan shares a fun Meryl Streep story, I loved her even more because apparently she's a hermit who loves to read (ME TOO MEGAN LET'S BE FRIENDS), and they are a couple who likes to hang out and do puzzles with their dogs. Life goals at its best.
"It's a wonder that I ever had a boyfriend in my entire life, because all I really like to do is read. I don't even know how I ever met another human."
"All I ever want to do is read. I only leave the house under duress."
Overall, this is fun book about two fun and interesting people. If you're an audiobook fan--even a little bit--I bet you'd enjoy it more in that format. If you like Megan or Nick, you'll find something to enjoy in this one. If you're looking for a chronological history with lots of tidbits about their careers, this isn't that book. But if you want some insight into Megan and Nick as people, this is a worthwhile read.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Goodbye, Vitamin in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Funny (2 more)
Sweet moments
Well-written
Lovely, touching read
After a rough breakup with her fiance, Ruth reluctantly accepts her mother's request to return home and help care for her father, Howard, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Once home, Ruth realizes that Howard--an extremely well-respected professor of history--has his good days and bad days, while her mother has stopped cooking (blaming the aluminum in cookware for Howard's illness). Floundering at first, Ruth eventually steps up, cooking for her family, helping her father, and generally trying to regain her footing. But even she cannot ignore that her father's condition is worsening.
This is an interesting novel, told in short bits and pieces, as if Ruth is talking to her father and describing their days. It covers one year after she comes to stay and comes across almost as if a diary, with a very conversational tone (interspersed with her random thoughts). It's oddly compelling and often humorous, despite the serious subject matter. Occasionally, we get a few snippets from a journal Ruth's father kept during her childhood, chronicling funny things she did or said as a child.
As for Ruth, there's a lightness to many of her stories and observations, but also a sadness: she's watching her beloved, intelligent father fall prey to Alzheimer's; there is a darkness as well, as she grapples with finding out imperfections about her parents' marriage and life. The character list is limited, but all we need, including Ruth's younger brother, Linus; Howard's former teaching assistant, Theo; and a few of Ruth's friends. Ruth comes across as a very real person: she doesn't have it all together, but that's okay. A few pieces of the overall story path are predictable, but do not detract from your overall enjoyment of the book.
The few portions we get from Howard's journal regarding young Ruth are amazing: they humanize him and definitely capture parenthood perfectly. They also so well illustrate how Ruth and Howard are slowly switching roles from child to parent, as Ruth almost begins to have similar observations about her own failing father. The way Khong depicts the sadness and poignancy in these moments is just beautiful and brilliant.
In the end, this is a different kind of book: you have to have the patience for it. It doesn't necessarily tell a story in a full arc, but it's sweet and moving. I very much liked Ruth and the novel (even I did wonder how both Ruth and eventually Linus could afford to stay with their parents, while jobless, but oh well.). Lovely and touching - certainly worth picking up.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review
This is an interesting novel, told in short bits and pieces, as if Ruth is talking to her father and describing their days. It covers one year after she comes to stay and comes across almost as if a diary, with a very conversational tone (interspersed with her random thoughts). It's oddly compelling and often humorous, despite the serious subject matter. Occasionally, we get a few snippets from a journal Ruth's father kept during her childhood, chronicling funny things she did or said as a child.
As for Ruth, there's a lightness to many of her stories and observations, but also a sadness: she's watching her beloved, intelligent father fall prey to Alzheimer's; there is a darkness as well, as she grapples with finding out imperfections about her parents' marriage and life. The character list is limited, but all we need, including Ruth's younger brother, Linus; Howard's former teaching assistant, Theo; and a few of Ruth's friends. Ruth comes across as a very real person: she doesn't have it all together, but that's okay. A few pieces of the overall story path are predictable, but do not detract from your overall enjoyment of the book.
The few portions we get from Howard's journal regarding young Ruth are amazing: they humanize him and definitely capture parenthood perfectly. They also so well illustrate how Ruth and Howard are slowly switching roles from child to parent, as Ruth almost begins to have similar observations about her own failing father. The way Khong depicts the sadness and poignancy in these moments is just beautiful and brilliant.
In the end, this is a different kind of book: you have to have the patience for it. It doesn't necessarily tell a story in a full arc, but it's sweet and moving. I very much liked Ruth and the novel (even I did wonder how both Ruth and eventually Linus could afford to stay with their parents, while jobless, but oh well.). Lovely and touching - certainly worth picking up.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Us (2019) in Movies
Jul 6, 2020
Damn Good Horror Film - 9/10
Us is a 2019 horror movie written, directed, and co-produced by Jordan Peele. It was also produced by Jason Blum, Ian Cooper, and Sean McKittrick; through Monkeypaw Productions and distributed by Universal. It stars Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Evan Alex.
In 1986, on vacation with her parents in Santa Cruz, one night Adelaide Thomas (Madison Curry) wanders off while at the boardwalk on the beach. Only a young girl at the time she enters a scary looking funhouse where she gets lost in the hall of mirrors. Panicking, afraid and looking for the exit, she encounters a doppelganger of herself, leaving her traumatized and unable to speak when she is reunited with her parents. Now an adult, Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o) reluctantly heads with her family: husband Gabe Wilson (Winston Duke), daughter Zora Wilson (Shahadi Wright Joseph), and son Jason Wilson (Evan Alex) to their beach house in Santa Cruz. Adelaide is very apprehensive about the trip, remembering the traumatic incident from her youth, and becomes very discontent. Even during the day while meeting up with friends at the beach, she becomes very erratic for a moment when she cannot find her son who walked a way to use the restroom. She becomes increasingly concerned something bad is going to happen. Later that evening, back at the beach house, she confides in her husband the details of her childhood trauma, which he laughs off until four masked people storm the house forcing them to fight for their survival.
I cannot say how much I enjoyed this movie. It was an awesome horror movie. Jordan Peele knocked it out of the park with this film. It was masterfully done. I like how you can see a lot of the influences from other films yet it was still very original. This movie had me at the edge of my seat gripping the armrests of my chair with a lot of its scarier scenes. Yet it was still funny in a lot of parts. I thought the acting was great especially for so many actors playing duo roles, even the children. The cinematography was very good too with a lot of visuals that will stay with you and hidden meanings to things you will probably only notice or realize on your 2nd or 3rd viewing. I personally can't wait to watch it again. Another critic summed it up better than I ever could "originality in concept, physiological torment+twists, old-world suspense building, and one of the best scorings in modern Horror history"-(Cinema Lovers Club Gmail). I really loved the soundtrack and music in this movie. I give it a 9/10.
In 1986, on vacation with her parents in Santa Cruz, one night Adelaide Thomas (Madison Curry) wanders off while at the boardwalk on the beach. Only a young girl at the time she enters a scary looking funhouse where she gets lost in the hall of mirrors. Panicking, afraid and looking for the exit, she encounters a doppelganger of herself, leaving her traumatized and unable to speak when she is reunited with her parents. Now an adult, Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o) reluctantly heads with her family: husband Gabe Wilson (Winston Duke), daughter Zora Wilson (Shahadi Wright Joseph), and son Jason Wilson (Evan Alex) to their beach house in Santa Cruz. Adelaide is very apprehensive about the trip, remembering the traumatic incident from her youth, and becomes very discontent. Even during the day while meeting up with friends at the beach, she becomes very erratic for a moment when she cannot find her son who walked a way to use the restroom. She becomes increasingly concerned something bad is going to happen. Later that evening, back at the beach house, she confides in her husband the details of her childhood trauma, which he laughs off until four masked people storm the house forcing them to fight for their survival.
I cannot say how much I enjoyed this movie. It was an awesome horror movie. Jordan Peele knocked it out of the park with this film. It was masterfully done. I like how you can see a lot of the influences from other films yet it was still very original. This movie had me at the edge of my seat gripping the armrests of my chair with a lot of its scarier scenes. Yet it was still funny in a lot of parts. I thought the acting was great especially for so many actors playing duo roles, even the children. The cinematography was very good too with a lot of visuals that will stay with you and hidden meanings to things you will probably only notice or realize on your 2nd or 3rd viewing. I personally can't wait to watch it again. Another critic summed it up better than I ever could "originality in concept, physiological torment+twists, old-world suspense building, and one of the best scorings in modern Horror history"-(Cinema Lovers Club Gmail). I really loved the soundtrack and music in this movie. I give it a 9/10.
Kaz (232 KP) rated The Wasp Factory in Books
May 15, 2019
A Sinister, but Excellent Read
I've just finished 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks and all I can say is wow!
This story is told by Frank, a 16 year old boy, who lives on a remote island in Scotland with his father. This is about Frank, his very dysfunctional family and trying to find his brother, who has escaped from a mental institution.
What I love about this book is the way in which Iain Banks writes characters. Frank is such a complex character that, although in essence he is an evil person, there are flashes of innocence and sensitivity about him, that you can't help but like him. One moment you feel like he is the only reasonable member of his family and then gradually, you realize his true character. Despite that, you feel sorry for Frank and the life that he has grown up in and the next, completely horrified by some of the things he does in the novel. He's not just a bad character, which in turn, makes him all the more believable.
I also liked some of the dark humour in this novel. Some of the more disturbing stories of Frank's family history were told in such a way, as to make them funny. I felt guilty for laughing at times, but I couldn't help it!
Away from the story itself, I liked how the novel comments on human nature's need for power and to overpower others. This idea is relevant in the areas of gender, politics and society.
This novel isn't plot driven, but character driven, so the story was a bit slow at times. However, I was not expecting the twist at the end.
This might not be for everyone, because it is so dark and at times, really intense. However, I thought this was a brilliant first read for 2019.
I would give this 5 starts, but I have to knock a point off, because this book dragged a couple of times.
This story is told by Frank, a 16 year old boy, who lives on a remote island in Scotland with his father. This is about Frank, his very dysfunctional family and trying to find his brother, who has escaped from a mental institution.
What I love about this book is the way in which Iain Banks writes characters. Frank is such a complex character that, although in essence he is an evil person, there are flashes of innocence and sensitivity about him, that you can't help but like him. One moment you feel like he is the only reasonable member of his family and then gradually, you realize his true character. Despite that, you feel sorry for Frank and the life that he has grown up in and the next, completely horrified by some of the things he does in the novel. He's not just a bad character, which in turn, makes him all the more believable.
I also liked some of the dark humour in this novel. Some of the more disturbing stories of Frank's family history were told in such a way, as to make them funny. I felt guilty for laughing at times, but I couldn't help it!
Away from the story itself, I liked how the novel comments on human nature's need for power and to overpower others. This idea is relevant in the areas of gender, politics and society.
This novel isn't plot driven, but character driven, so the story was a bit slow at times. However, I was not expecting the twist at the end.
This might not be for everyone, because it is so dark and at times, really intense. However, I thought this was a brilliant first read for 2019.
I would give this 5 starts, but I have to knock a point off, because this book dragged a couple of times.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) in Movies
Jun 17, 2019
Surprisingly Fantastic
Honestly couldn't believe I enjoyed this film. I hate drug use and for a film that has so much of it I still don't understand why I like it.
The direction is superb, the sequence of how he went from the start to the big office is awesome. The narration is awesome too, sometimes it can be like YEAH I GET IT but i felt it was appropriate.
The acting is probably one of the best I've ever seen, how leo didn't get his oscar from this I don't know. Just the scene at the hotel payphone is (despite my pure hatred for drugs) just phenomenal. Also Jonah Hill, he really became the character. He is so underrated it's ridiculous, he's usually typecast to the chubby geeky guy but in this he's a sleezy, philandering a**hole and he plays it to perfection, the way he commits is something people aspiring to become actors should watch and take notes. Margot Robbie, for her first major role in film DAMN. I'm a straight woman but she just oozes sexy. Her accent is spot on, especially when you know she's actually Australian. She got the part and she made it hers, no one else could have played Jordan's wife but her.
The Matthew McConaughey scene is something that will go down in movie history for one of the best (and slightly odd) improvisation moments.
Jordan's character progression is timed perfectly, it's gradual enough to be subtle, but not so slow it's boring
I didn't like the whole shaven head thing, found that a bit omg, as with the prostitutes was too much but the pros of this film outway all that.
I found it to be gritty, sexy, funny, disturbing and a fantastic movie. Definitely should watch it, though maybe not for a family film night!
The direction is superb, the sequence of how he went from the start to the big office is awesome. The narration is awesome too, sometimes it can be like YEAH I GET IT but i felt it was appropriate.
The acting is probably one of the best I've ever seen, how leo didn't get his oscar from this I don't know. Just the scene at the hotel payphone is (despite my pure hatred for drugs) just phenomenal. Also Jonah Hill, he really became the character. He is so underrated it's ridiculous, he's usually typecast to the chubby geeky guy but in this he's a sleezy, philandering a**hole and he plays it to perfection, the way he commits is something people aspiring to become actors should watch and take notes. Margot Robbie, for her first major role in film DAMN. I'm a straight woman but she just oozes sexy. Her accent is spot on, especially when you know she's actually Australian. She got the part and she made it hers, no one else could have played Jordan's wife but her.
The Matthew McConaughey scene is something that will go down in movie history for one of the best (and slightly odd) improvisation moments.
Jordan's character progression is timed perfectly, it's gradual enough to be subtle, but not so slow it's boring
I didn't like the whole shaven head thing, found that a bit omg, as with the prostitutes was too much but the pros of this film outway all that.
I found it to be gritty, sexy, funny, disturbing and a fantastic movie. Definitely should watch it, though maybe not for a family film night!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Grinch (2018) in Movies
Apr 13, 2020
A Quick Story That Doesn't Linger
A retelling of an old classic, The Grinch is the story of a cranky green curmudgeon hell bent on destroying Christmas.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
What’s a great Grinch movie without the star of the show being an awesome character you love to hate? I loved his story that touched a bit on his history and what made him the character he became. The supporting cast adds more excellence to the movie, but it would be nothing overall without the green guy. The movie captures exactly how mean he is like when he knocks down a kid’s snowman or puts something out of reach for a group of old ladies.
The side characters were something to love which added to the film’s originality. I loved the goat and the reindeer as well as his trusted dog Max. Cindy Lou was just the cutest.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 6
The conflict is there, but there is a bit of detraction having heard and seen this tale before. You kind of know what’s going to happen and would be very surprised if the Grinch didn’t end up turning over a new leaf by the end of it. The Who’s aren’t going to lose Christmas and we know it’s only a matter of time before everyone is happy again. Still, it was fun watching everything unfold again.
Entertainment Value: 6
The Grinch does have its merits of originality, but you can’t help but feel like you’ve seen this all before just in a different packaging. It is still funny, endearing, and touching even though it can be a bit repetitive at times.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 6
Overall: 87
Yes The Grinch is a borrowed story, but I loved what Universal Pictures did with this movie. With beautiful animations and sweet story, this movie is definitely worth incorporating into the rotation. I highly recommend it.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
What’s a great Grinch movie without the star of the show being an awesome character you love to hate? I loved his story that touched a bit on his history and what made him the character he became. The supporting cast adds more excellence to the movie, but it would be nothing overall without the green guy. The movie captures exactly how mean he is like when he knocks down a kid’s snowman or puts something out of reach for a group of old ladies.
The side characters were something to love which added to the film’s originality. I loved the goat and the reindeer as well as his trusted dog Max. Cindy Lou was just the cutest.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 6
The conflict is there, but there is a bit of detraction having heard and seen this tale before. You kind of know what’s going to happen and would be very surprised if the Grinch didn’t end up turning over a new leaf by the end of it. The Who’s aren’t going to lose Christmas and we know it’s only a matter of time before everyone is happy again. Still, it was fun watching everything unfold again.
Entertainment Value: 6
The Grinch does have its merits of originality, but you can’t help but feel like you’ve seen this all before just in a different packaging. It is still funny, endearing, and touching even though it can be a bit repetitive at times.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 6
Overall: 87
Yes The Grinch is a borrowed story, but I loved what Universal Pictures did with this movie. With beautiful animations and sweet story, this movie is definitely worth incorporating into the rotation. I highly recommend it.
AT (1676 KP) rated Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther in Books
Feb 15, 2020
I ran across Cat Tale on the New Books shelf at my library. I had no real interest in the subject prior to seeing the cute picture on the cover, along with the bright color scheme. I was also drawn to the word, "Weird," in the title. I flipped the book over, and read the praised reviews on the back, so I decided to give the book a try. I'm so glad that I did! Number one, I live in Florida, but am a transplant from the north. So I see a lot of names on counties, streets, schools, etc., and know them from that, but not from what any of the people or places were involved with in their day. So I did get a little basic name history while reading, which was an added bonus.
The book, itself, reads like a fiction novel. Plus, it's pretty funny throughout, which made it that much more enjoyable! I kept looking names and events up to make sure that they were real when the book seemed too fictional. (They were real.) It's amazing how messed up the whole process got while trying to save the species, and how such a small number of people can end up being so detrimental to any project. There were some unforgettable characters (again, real people!) that assisted Florida during this process. I quickly was drawn to the story and information. To me, it ended up being wildly interesting. Without ruining the details for you, I realize that any non-fiction account needs to be taken with an open mind and a grain of salt at times. However, everything that I questioned was information that could be found easily. I wish more non-fiction books were written for smooth reading like Cat Tale was. Craig Pittman took a potentially dry, possibly boring subject, and made it very engaging all the way through. It's definitely worth reading, if you're even the least bit curious. (Or, if you simply like the cover picture and color scheme!)
The book, itself, reads like a fiction novel. Plus, it's pretty funny throughout, which made it that much more enjoyable! I kept looking names and events up to make sure that they were real when the book seemed too fictional. (They were real.) It's amazing how messed up the whole process got while trying to save the species, and how such a small number of people can end up being so detrimental to any project. There were some unforgettable characters (again, real people!) that assisted Florida during this process. I quickly was drawn to the story and information. To me, it ended up being wildly interesting. Without ruining the details for you, I realize that any non-fiction account needs to be taken with an open mind and a grain of salt at times. However, everything that I questioned was information that could be found easily. I wish more non-fiction books were written for smooth reading like Cat Tale was. Craig Pittman took a potentially dry, possibly boring subject, and made it very engaging all the way through. It's definitely worth reading, if you're even the least bit curious. (Or, if you simply like the cover picture and color scheme!)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Villains (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2021
This one struck a chord with me, and hit all the right notes along the way.
Villains is a witty, often funny, often dark thriller, with a sprinkling of horror for good measure. It's beautifully shot from start to finish and has fantastic performances all round from its small cast. Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe are extremely likeable "protagonists", as two amateur crooks on the run after robbing a gas station hoping to gather enough cash to start a new life together. The chemistry between the two of them is wonderful. When they run out of fuel during their getaway, they break into a nearby house in an attempt to either siphon some gas, or straight up steal a car but are quickly embroiled in a life or death situation when the homeowners return, two people who aren't quite as they seem. Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick are just as great as the two homeowners, both playing up their parts with villanous glee. Donovan's character may just be one of the most likable "bad guys" in recent history.
What follows is an incredibly entertaining and suspenseful film, with a few shocks and the odd splash of violence. The screenplay is brilliant, the pacing is perfect, and the music score is beautiful.
Underneath all of the craziness though, is a story I found to be incredibly sad. None of these people are perfect, some worse than others, but even the worst of the bunch aren't completely awful. These characters are well fleshed out, and are easy to sympathise with. This ensures some well earned emotional moments that really land and the cast are just fantastic sharing the screen together.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Villains but it really got me. I can safely say it's one of my favourites of 2019, which is something considering how many excellent movies there were that year.
Villains is a witty, often funny, often dark thriller, with a sprinkling of horror for good measure. It's beautifully shot from start to finish and has fantastic performances all round from its small cast. Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe are extremely likeable "protagonists", as two amateur crooks on the run after robbing a gas station hoping to gather enough cash to start a new life together. The chemistry between the two of them is wonderful. When they run out of fuel during their getaway, they break into a nearby house in an attempt to either siphon some gas, or straight up steal a car but are quickly embroiled in a life or death situation when the homeowners return, two people who aren't quite as they seem. Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick are just as great as the two homeowners, both playing up their parts with villanous glee. Donovan's character may just be one of the most likable "bad guys" in recent history.
What follows is an incredibly entertaining and suspenseful film, with a few shocks and the odd splash of violence. The screenplay is brilliant, the pacing is perfect, and the music score is beautiful.
Underneath all of the craziness though, is a story I found to be incredibly sad. None of these people are perfect, some worse than others, but even the worst of the bunch aren't completely awful. These characters are well fleshed out, and are easy to sympathise with. This ensures some well earned emotional moments that really land and the cast are just fantastic sharing the screen together.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Villains but it really got me. I can safely say it's one of my favourites of 2019, which is something considering how many excellent movies there were that year.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) in Movies
Dec 29, 2020 (Updated Dec 29, 2020)
I was lucky enough to see this in theaters with my 'rents. I do not agree with Warner Bros decision to release same day on HBO Max, so I initially wasn't going to see it, but my dad bought the tickets.
The story itself isn't bad, but it is wayyyyy too long. I have an issue with how long the first section of the film was, taking place on Themiscyra. It didn't really add to the story, other than showing the gold armor that's worn later. I think it was just an excuse to have Robin Wright and crew in the film.
Kristen Wiig, of course, as horrible as every. Normally, I avoid everything with her like the plague, she's not funny, nor is she a good actress. She was highly annoying, and the CGI at the end was SO BAD. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for bad CGI for these delayed films, they had an extra six months to make sure it looked good.
I loved that Chris Pine returned in WW84, I'm always up for some Chris Pine in movies. I did find Diana's unwillingness to give him up initially a little off for the character. It just wasn't Wonder Woman, and coming from a woman writer, it was weak.
The climatic speech was not the strongest, not unlike the climatic speech in the first film (Seriously, the improper grammar during the climactic speech in WW haunts me). It was just kind of lame.
Now, good ol' Pedro Pascal, I liked his character overall. I wish they'd have shown more of the little snippets of his history prior to the climax, i.e. being made fun of due to being Hispanic, changing his name to something anglo. That was the only point in the film where I actually felt something.
I did like it in general, and I would watch it again. It just wasn't as strong as I wanted.
The story itself isn't bad, but it is wayyyyy too long. I have an issue with how long the first section of the film was, taking place on Themiscyra. It didn't really add to the story, other than showing the gold armor that's worn later. I think it was just an excuse to have Robin Wright and crew in the film.
Kristen Wiig, of course, as horrible as every. Normally, I avoid everything with her like the plague, she's not funny, nor is she a good actress. She was highly annoying, and the CGI at the end was SO BAD. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for bad CGI for these delayed films, they had an extra six months to make sure it looked good.
I loved that Chris Pine returned in WW84, I'm always up for some Chris Pine in movies. I did find Diana's unwillingness to give him up initially a little off for the character. It just wasn't Wonder Woman, and coming from a woman writer, it was weak.
The climatic speech was not the strongest, not unlike the climatic speech in the first film (Seriously, the improper grammar during the climactic speech in WW haunts me). It was just kind of lame.
Now, good ol' Pedro Pascal, I liked his character overall. I wish they'd have shown more of the little snippets of his history prior to the climax, i.e. being made fun of due to being Hispanic, changing his name to something anglo. That was the only point in the film where I actually felt something.
I did like it in general, and I would watch it again. It just wasn't as strong as I wanted.
