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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Dumbo (1941) in Movies
Nov 18, 2020
Great Story Despite is Flaws
A young circus elephant discovers that his worst attribute is actually his greatest gift. I’ve gotten slack on the Disney animated journey I’ve been traveling, but remembering Dumbo makes me want to dedicate my time once again to the daunting task of watching each and every single movie.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
You can’t help but love little innocent Dumbo, hated for something he can’t help. He’s the perfect hero you want to get behind. His story is one that stays in our hearts, aided by a solid group of supporting characters.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10
A story that’s teeming with originality, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the story of Dumbo. From the moment the circus rolls into town, you expect something interesting to go down. Less than twenty minutes in, things go awry keeping you engaged in the story.
Memorability: 10
Is it the message? The colorful visuals? the creativity? There is something about Dumbo that holds you and makes you want to watch it repeatedly. It still holds up as one of the best animated films ever made.
Pace: 10
Plot: 9
I could’ve done without the elephants on parade in the drunk sequence and the crows were a bit of a sore spot, but the story is magnificent overall. Sometimes you have to overlook a couple things to recognize how good something truly is. Dumbo is a unique story you won’t find anywhere else.
Resolution: 10
Cute ending that ties the message up in a nice little bow. An inspiration for adults and kids alike. Great finale.
Overall: 99
Dumbo shows us that the thing that makes us different makes us special. It’s one of a thousand reasons we loving having Disney+ in our homes. Dumbo still holds up as an animated classic.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
You can’t help but love little innocent Dumbo, hated for something he can’t help. He’s the perfect hero you want to get behind. His story is one that stays in our hearts, aided by a solid group of supporting characters.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10
A story that’s teeming with originality, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the story of Dumbo. From the moment the circus rolls into town, you expect something interesting to go down. Less than twenty minutes in, things go awry keeping you engaged in the story.
Memorability: 10
Is it the message? The colorful visuals? the creativity? There is something about Dumbo that holds you and makes you want to watch it repeatedly. It still holds up as one of the best animated films ever made.
Pace: 10
Plot: 9
I could’ve done without the elephants on parade in the drunk sequence and the crows were a bit of a sore spot, but the story is magnificent overall. Sometimes you have to overlook a couple things to recognize how good something truly is. Dumbo is a unique story you won’t find anywhere else.
Resolution: 10
Cute ending that ties the message up in a nice little bow. An inspiration for adults and kids alike. Great finale.
Overall: 99
Dumbo shows us that the thing that makes us different makes us special. It’s one of a thousand reasons we loving having Disney+ in our homes. Dumbo still holds up as an animated classic.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated The Neverending Story in Books
May 12, 2018
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende is hands down one of the most physically beautiful books I have ever read. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are gorgeous, and the different colored words depending on what world you're reading about is beautiful. The edition shown above is the one I read and own. It was published in 1983, so I don't know what other editions look like.
I loved all the fantastical creatures introduced in the world of Fantastica. It is like walking into the imagination of a child, which is the point. I love the story of strength, courage, and knowing who you are.
My only regret with this book is having not read it as a child. I enjoyed it immensely but would have so much more if I were younger.
Overall, I give The Neverending Story by Michael Ende 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone, especially children.
I loved all the fantastical creatures introduced in the world of Fantastica. It is like walking into the imagination of a child, which is the point. I love the story of strength, courage, and knowing who you are.
My only regret with this book is having not read it as a child. I enjoyed it immensely but would have so much more if I were younger.
Overall, I give The Neverending Story by Michael Ende 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone, especially children.
Frecklesxoxo (6 KP) rated Silent Weapon (Street Soldier #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I received an arc copy from Netgalley of this book for an open and honest review.
I was surprised to find that I really liked this book, more than I expected too. It was well written and interesting. The plot was current and hits home as to just how much work goes on behind the scenes to thwart terrorism and I love how 2 different departments worked together. Its scary and real about radicalisation and I was plesed to see there were no type casts in this story.
There were a few things that made this a 4 star rating- in some areas I felt the story was perhaps a little rushed (near the beginning) and some parts could have been more polished. As I was reading this I felt I had missed something (I didn't know there was a prequel to this) I didn't know the whole background story which threw me off.
But the storyline was greatc and kept me hooked :)
I was surprised to find that I really liked this book, more than I expected too. It was well written and interesting. The plot was current and hits home as to just how much work goes on behind the scenes to thwart terrorism and I love how 2 different departments worked together. Its scary and real about radicalisation and I was plesed to see there were no type casts in this story.
There were a few things that made this a 4 star rating- in some areas I felt the story was perhaps a little rushed (near the beginning) and some parts could have been more polished. As I was reading this I felt I had missed something (I didn't know there was a prequel to this) I didn't know the whole background story which threw me off.
But the storyline was greatc and kept me hooked :)
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated When I Fall (Mile High Romance #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
I did love this story.. It is book 5 in this series and it can be read as a standalone as well. I am a little sad that the other characters didn't come into play in this story as much as they did in the first 4 stories. This one got a little bit more confusing for me.. it had a bit of tech type stuff in it and I don't know the first thing about that but overall it was very well written and interesting. I loved the issues that Jeff had with himself and who he was.. but he was very out and proud.. Drake didnt seem to have those issues but had his own set of issues including not being out. I loved how it came out that he is gay because that was totally sweet. It was a very interesting story and I cannot wait to see what book 6 is about.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Deep and Dark and Dangerous (A Ghost Story) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
By far one of best I have read in a long time. This is exactly the type of ghost stories I love to read! Hahn delivered yet again.
The story chronicles Ali traveling with her aunt up to Michigan to babysit her younger cousin. I think what make this novel so remarkable is that it is one of her less predictable ones. Hahn does not lay everything out for you in the beginning. Instead, she gives you bits and pieces at a time and you place them together.
I also loved that the ghost was not evil, per se. Of course, she had her flaws as do all Hahns characters. However, she did evoke some sympathy.
If you appreciate a good ghost story, I highly recommend it. Again, Hahn writes for a younger generation, but this is a good ole fashion ghost story that needs zero tricks to keep the reader interested.
The story chronicles Ali traveling with her aunt up to Michigan to babysit her younger cousin. I think what make this novel so remarkable is that it is one of her less predictable ones. Hahn does not lay everything out for you in the beginning. Instead, she gives you bits and pieces at a time and you place them together.
I also loved that the ghost was not evil, per se. Of course, she had her flaws as do all Hahns characters. However, she did evoke some sympathy.
If you appreciate a good ghost story, I highly recommend it. Again, Hahn writes for a younger generation, but this is a good ole fashion ghost story that needs zero tricks to keep the reader interested.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Jethro and Joel Were a Troll in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The two-headed troll Jethro and Joel have a problem. While Jethro is quite content to spend his days raising the turnips they love to eat, Joel wants to be terrorizing people. When Jethro finally gives in and allows Joel to have control of their body for one day, what will happen?
I’ve always loved the title of the book, and I still find the story fun. The way he builds up to that final sentence will please adults, and the fast moving story and pictures will entertain the target picture book audience. What surprised me while reading this as an adult is the clear allegory about the dangers of giving in to what you know is wrong. Oh, don’t worry, this is a picture book with a happy ending, and it never slows down the story to lecture us.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-jethro-and-joel-were-troll.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve always loved the title of the book, and I still find the story fun. The way he builds up to that final sentence will please adults, and the fast moving story and pictures will entertain the target picture book audience. What surprised me while reading this as an adult is the clear allegory about the dangers of giving in to what you know is wrong. Oh, don’t worry, this is a picture book with a happy ending, and it never slows down the story to lecture us.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-jethro-and-joel-were-troll.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Jamie (57 KP) rated Only Yours (Fool's Gold, #5) in Books
Nov 26, 2018
I am not big on romance, but while I am healing from my surgery that I had on Friday, I decided to read this book and a couple of other romance books that I have gotten in the mail. Mallery's story line seemed real, more plausible and the goal of Montana was not to find herself a mate, it was to have a healthy relationship with everyone in her life, including the dogs she trains for therapy dogs. I love that part of the story, where she is using therapy dogs in the hospital to help others along in their healing journey. I have met some awesome dogs and their handlers, including my sister in law Kris who helps train the dogs and also some great therapist who use the dogs in support of their work. It is amazing how much an animal can help along with the healing process. Great story and I am glad that I read it.
Becs (244 KP) rated A Room Away From the Wolves in Books
Jan 4, 2019
So many things being represented!
Like LGBTQ+, abuse, assualt, depression, etc. (1 more)
Ghosts + love + death + dark back story = recipe for the best book ever!
A wicked ghost story that will satisfy every need!
I absolutely loved this novel!! I couldn't get enough of it and didn't want it to end. There's LGBTQ+ representation, romance, death, mystery, family drama, talk of suicide and domestic violence. I mean A Room Away From the Wolves has it all!
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
Lorraine Christine Robson (1 KP) rated Devil's Cry : Shade of Devil Book 2 in Books
Dec 6, 2019
The Devil of New York is back!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Sooo many things to love about this book. I mean. Shayne Silvers has found a way to bring Jekyll and Hyde into it. So, we have Olympian forces, Victoria Helsing, Dracula, Doctor F.Stein and Jekyll and Hyde! Some of the most memorable characters from literary history given new life! (He is the Doctor Frankenstein of story writing).
What can I say about Devil's Cry? - I didn't see that coming! Shayne has outdone himself as I found myself immersed in the story to the point I could feel the dirt beneath my fingernails as I read a particular scene in Central Park. As with most vampire stories, things get a little heated. Things get sexy. And there is blood. And magic. I still can't get over how much I am enjoying a Vampire story!
Sorin Ambrogio is no ordinary vampire.
He is the Devil, and he has enraptured me.
What can I say about Devil's Cry? - I didn't see that coming! Shayne has outdone himself as I found myself immersed in the story to the point I could feel the dirt beneath my fingernails as I read a particular scene in Central Park. As with most vampire stories, things get a little heated. Things get sexy. And there is blood. And magic. I still can't get over how much I am enjoying a Vampire story!
Sorin Ambrogio is no ordinary vampire.
He is the Devil, and he has enraptured me.
AT (1676 KP) rated Howl's Moving Castle in Books
Mar 26, 2020 (Updated Mar 26, 2020)
This book has been on my to-read list for a long time. I love the Studio Ghibli movie version, but I had heard that the book was different. It's definitely worth reading if you liked Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer! The story was fairly similar in the beginning to the movie, but then it definitely changed toward the last 3/4 of the book. I really enjoyed the story, all the way through. I think it's difficult to write a story based on fantasy and have it make sense. To write one for a younger audience, have it make sense, AND have the characters stay interesting, that's even more improbable. Diana Wynne Jones did a marvelous job at creating a fantasy world that a reader of any age could step into without feeling lost or confused! I look forward to reading the other two books in the series, that I was unaware of until I finally read this one.