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Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Gracefully Grayson in Books

May 27, 2018

Gracefully Grayson

Ami Polonsky | 2014 | LGBTQ+, Young Adult (YA)

8.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

I have to say, this book was much better than I was expecting. I'm always wary going into a book about trans issues not written by trans people. But Grayson's story was treated thoughtfully and with respect. (Such a stereotypical name, though!) However, I'm disappointed that this story focused so much on violence and social resistance to trans people. While that can often be the reality for some of us, this book is intended for young readers, and I'm concerned that this could be scary for them. On the other hand, cisgendered kids who pick this one up might be more empathetic towards trans people in general. (But would cisgender kids be inspired to pick GRACEFULLY GRAYSON up if they've already formed negative opinions on trans issues? I don't know; I'm thankfully not a parent.)

Another thing: did this story really have to coalesce in a bathroom? It felt lazy. Where we pee is not the only political issue we face, and it's obvious the author knows this. I don't know. This book left me with mixed feelings.

Kudos

Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Isle of Dogs (2018) in Movies

Sep 20, 2018

Isle of Dogs (2018)

2018 | Adventure, Animation

7.8

(39 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Amazing animation (1 more)

Fantastic voice acting

Good Dog

In my opinion, Wes Anderson is pretty overrated. Other than Grand Budapest Hotel, I haven't been a big fan of anything else that he has done, yet critics and fans seem to adore everything he touches. This meant that I had hardly any hype going into Isle Of Dogs and only seen it because of some good reviews I had read online.
This film is great. It features an incredible cast, whose voices all work remarkably well for this story. The stop-motion animation is astonishing and beautiful at times and it tells an interesting, satisfying story.
There isn't much not to like here, the only thing that I will say is that although the animation style makes this sort of look like a kids movie, I would not recommend it for kids. There are some fairly adult themes present and a kid would probably get bored while watching too.
Overall, this film is definitely worth a watch, even if only to see the impressive stop-motion animation on show.

Kudos

Otway93 (580 KP) rated Mary Poppins Returns (2018) in Movies

Apr 19, 2020

Acting (1 more)

Animation

Story (1 more)

Music

Unfortunately, I appear to have outgrown poor Mary...

Unfortunately, after wearing out my video of the original Mary Poppins, recorded off of the TV in 1996, I have outgrown Mary Poppins, and unfortunately did not enjoy Mary Poppins or Mary Poppins Returns.

But that is not to say they aren't excellent movies for kids! For kids, both movies are practically perfect in every way, practically because the endless music will likely drive parents to despair as it did with me.

But it did have its redeeming features, I was dubious about a sequel to Mary Poppins after so many years with a new younger actress. But Emily Blunt fills the role perfectly, and gives a pleasant surprise!

Another plus is good old fashioned animation, similar to the original, a mix of animation and real life reminiscent of the original, and other classics such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Pete's Dragon.

So overall, come for the nostalgia, leave when the music starts.

P.S. Thank you Smashbomb for the DVD, I apologise for the delay in the review! :)