Search
Search results
ClareR (5577 KP) rated The Shadow of Perseus in Books
Mar 10, 2023
Have I said lately how much I’m enjoying these retellings of Greek myths? Keep ‘em coming, I say!
And here’s another take on the story of Perseus, except this has more of a historical fiction slant to it. There’s no magic, no snakey hair, no sea monster come to take it’s sacrifice. Instead there is a story packed full of adventure with women who try to make the best of their lives in a world where the patriarchy always comes out on top.
Much like the Perseus in Natalie Haynes’ Stone Blind, Perseus in The Shadow is very unlikeable. He’s immature, sulky, and believes the world - and his grandfather - owes him something. His ability to spin his own heroic deeds (are they heroic?!)makes fools of all the men, I felt. The women aren’t fooled though, and as in the original, Medusa pays the ultimate price.
The Narrator on the audiobook, Olivia Darnley, does a really good job of bringing the characters to life. She evokes the bravery and determination of all three of the female characters: Danae, Medusa and Andromeda. They all for a time become mistresses of their own fate, and I loved them for that. But of course, Perseus puts an end to all of that for all three of them. All through his own selfishness.
I’m going to have to go and read Daughters of Sparta, aren’t I? Oh yes I am! If it’s as good as The Shadow of Perseus, it’ll be time well spent!
And here’s another take on the story of Perseus, except this has more of a historical fiction slant to it. There’s no magic, no snakey hair, no sea monster come to take it’s sacrifice. Instead there is a story packed full of adventure with women who try to make the best of their lives in a world where the patriarchy always comes out on top.
Much like the Perseus in Natalie Haynes’ Stone Blind, Perseus in The Shadow is very unlikeable. He’s immature, sulky, and believes the world - and his grandfather - owes him something. His ability to spin his own heroic deeds (are they heroic?!)makes fools of all the men, I felt. The women aren’t fooled though, and as in the original, Medusa pays the ultimate price.
The Narrator on the audiobook, Olivia Darnley, does a really good job of bringing the characters to life. She evokes the bravery and determination of all three of the female characters: Danae, Medusa and Andromeda. They all for a time become mistresses of their own fate, and I loved them for that. But of course, Perseus puts an end to all of that for all three of them. All through his own selfishness.
I’m going to have to go and read Daughters of Sparta, aren’t I? Oh yes I am! If it’s as good as The Shadow of Perseus, it’ll be time well spent!
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Last Kingdom in TV
Oct 31, 2019 (Updated Oct 31, 2019)
The books are bestsellers, here is the series
If you debating whether to watch this or not, if you haven't seen Vikings yet, ignore this, watch that first. It's one of the best series ever. However when you have watched it you will want more and you can come into this. This is still brilliant. A fascinating bloodthirsty and dangerous part of British history. The noveks have sold bucket loads. The only thing that lets it down is the lead actor should be a little scary as well as the hero and he's mainly just heroic. Still, it doesn't take away from the entertainment factor. I love this.
Paul Morrissey recommended Richard III (1995) in Movies (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Other Guys (2010) in Movies
Jan 22, 2021
I'm a Peacock, you got to let me fly!!!
This is a really funny film. I love the duo of Will Ferrell and Mark Walhberg. It also has a great cast. Micheal Keaton, Samuel Jackson, The Rock, Derek Jeter.
The plot: Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) garner no headlines as they work day to day. Gamble relishes his job as a paper pusher, but Hoitz is itching to get back on the street and make a name for himself. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
Its a must see film.
The plot: Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) garner no headlines as they work day to day. Gamble relishes his job as a paper pusher, but Hoitz is itching to get back on the street and make a name for himself. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
Its a must see film.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Riot Days in Books
Sep 26, 2017
Brave account of fighting injustice from a Russian prison
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
This is an intriguing diary of political activist and Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina. It is heartfelt and almost despairing at times when Alyokhina describes the squalid conditions that she has to be imprisoned in after protesting in a church in Russia. However, her heroic efforts in jail even allowed her to gain some small victories, which makes her an activist through and through. From hunger strikes to taking prison guards to court, her determination should be lauded.
The copy that I received was unformatted making it a little difficult to follow new threads, but reading it as a journal definitely makes more sense as there are small blocks of personal day to day meanderings and quotes.
This is an intriguing diary of political activist and Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina. It is heartfelt and almost despairing at times when Alyokhina describes the squalid conditions that she has to be imprisoned in after protesting in a church in Russia. However, her heroic efforts in jail even allowed her to gain some small victories, which makes her an activist through and through. From hunger strikes to taking prison guards to court, her determination should be lauded.
The copy that I received was unformatted making it a little difficult to follow new threads, but reading it as a journal definitely makes more sense as there are small blocks of personal day to day meanderings and quotes.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Q: The Winged Serpent (1982) in Movies
Mar 31, 2019 (Updated Mar 31, 2019)
Hugely likeable, tongue-in-cheek mash-up of monster movie and crime drama. An ancient Aztec dragon-bird-god begins terrorising window-cleaners, construction workers and other people on top of high buildings in New York. Small-time crook (Moriarty) comes across the lair but will only tell heroic detective (Carradine) if the price is right.
The stuff with the monster is grisly good fun, while the more down to earth scenes are lifted hugely by the terrific performance of Moriarty, who seems to think he's appearing in a John Cassavetes film. The special effects are heroically over-ambitious and a subplot about an Aztec cult committing human sacrifices feels like an awkward afterthought, but that just adds to the entertainment value of an unashamed exploitation movie, and a mighty fine one too.
The stuff with the monster is grisly good fun, while the more down to earth scenes are lifted hugely by the terrific performance of Moriarty, who seems to think he's appearing in a John Cassavetes film. The special effects are heroically over-ambitious and a subplot about an Aztec cult committing human sacrifices feels like an awkward afterthought, but that just adds to the entertainment value of an unashamed exploitation movie, and a mighty fine one too.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Robin Hood (Disney) (1973) in Movies
Jan 1, 2020
The Legend
Robin Hood- rewatching this movie, i loved it. I love the charcters, the plot, the music, everything about it i love it. The action, the comedy, the adventure, the suspense, the thrills, so excellent, so great.
The Plot: An amiable rooster called Alan-a-Dale (Roger Miller) tells stories and sings songs of the heroic Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) and his trusty sidekick, Little John (Phil Harris), in this animated animal-themed adaptation of the legendary story. When evil Prince John (Peter Ustinov) deputizes the Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram) to collect unreasonable taxes from the animals of Sherwood Forest, Robin, Little John and the other merry men wage a lighthearted battle against their evil foes.
Such a classic, if you havent watch it, then go and watch it.
The Plot: An amiable rooster called Alan-a-Dale (Roger Miller) tells stories and sings songs of the heroic Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) and his trusty sidekick, Little John (Phil Harris), in this animated animal-themed adaptation of the legendary story. When evil Prince John (Peter Ustinov) deputizes the Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram) to collect unreasonable taxes from the animals of Sherwood Forest, Robin, Little John and the other merry men wage a lighthearted battle against their evil foes.
Such a classic, if you havent watch it, then go and watch it.
Christiane Amanpour recommended We Were Soldiers Once... and Young: The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam in Books (curated)
Great cast (1 more)
Cinematography
Fascinating Drama
Well I had to check this out as it's one of the highest rated TV shows of all time on Imdb. I was only a kid at the time and know very little about it. Especially in terms of what actually happened. This is a great detailed true life story of what happened, what was at stake and the huge heroic efforts of so many people. Featuring the brief build up to the accident, the efforts to contain it, the effect of the aftermath and the attempts to cover up what happened by the state.
The main trio of the cast are great especially Jared Harris. At only 5 episodes it is one you will want to binge watch. It's fascinating to find out what happened.
The main trio of the cast are great especially Jared Harris. At only 5 episodes it is one you will want to binge watch. It's fascinating to find out what happened.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Only The Brave (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, Only The Brave is the heroic story of one unit of local firefighters that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country.
My normal selection of films doesn't generally include "based on a true story" tales, but this year has really seen to that. I probably wouldn't have seen this one if it hadn't been for the fact it coincided with the next Unlimited Screening. So thank god for that.
I really wish I'd read up about the background story before I went... I was not ready for that ending. It was all I could do to not sob out loud in my seat. Heartbreaking
My normal selection of films doesn't generally include "based on a true story" tales, but this year has really seen to that. I probably wouldn't have seen this one if it hadn't been for the fact it coincided with the next Unlimited Screening. So thank god for that.
I really wish I'd read up about the background story before I went... I was not ready for that ending. It was all I could do to not sob out loud in my seat. Heartbreaking