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Awix (3310 KP) rated Dirty Work (1933) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
A cautionary tale of hubristic science operating beyond the constraints of morality, and poor health and safety standards too. Stan and Ollie's latest venture is sweeping people's chimneys for them; they pitch up at the home of mad scientist Professor Noodle who is working on a rejuvenation elixir.
Not quite one of the boys' first-rate shorts - obviously there is boundless potential in the notion of Laurel and Hardy as chimney sweeps (Ollie falls down the chimney, off the roof, etc, etc, while Stan destroys the interior decorations of the house), but the mad scientist plotline feels oddly grafted on and the concluding scenes are peculiar rather than funny. First two-thirds makes the film more than worthwhile, though.
Not quite one of the boys' first-rate shorts - obviously there is boundless potential in the notion of Laurel and Hardy as chimney sweeps (Ollie falls down the chimney, off the roof, etc, etc, while Stan destroys the interior decorations of the house), but the mad scientist plotline feels oddly grafted on and the concluding scenes are peculiar rather than funny. First two-thirds makes the film more than worthwhile, though.
Adam Carolla recommended Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) in Movies (curated)
Kelly Reichardt recommended A Taste of Honey (1961) in Movies (curated)
murphydave (35 KP) rated The Witch (2015) in Movies
Aug 3, 2017
Some genuinely chilling moments (2 more)
Authentic historical setting
Excellent acting
The most chilling thing about this film is knowing that it is based on historical records - that many of the things that happened were things that people of the time genuinely believed to have happened. Whether or not the witches or satanism was genuine is kind of irrelevant, as the true horror came from the consequences of believing in this stuff. The story follows a family who are torn apart by their own internal struggles of morality. It's an interesting piece that I don't think will appeal to everyone, but horror fans with an interest in history, or the occult may enjoys this.
Enyeh (71 KP) rated The War of the Worlds in Books
Aug 9, 2017
Through the first 2/3 of this book, I thought I was going to be disappointed - in fact, given how far I'd gotten without feeling particularly engaged, I think I can say I was in fact disappointed. But in the end, Wells makes up for it: not with any extreme plot twists or cheap literary tricks, but with a sense of profundity, with a moral. War of the Worlds isn't the Hollywood movie that came after it, or even the notorious radio show that caused the panic of a nation - instead, it's a novel about a man and his thoughts in the face of the worst disaster. It's a discussion of humanity, psychology, and morality, disguised as an alien adventure.
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Champion (1949) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020 (Updated Mar 5, 2020)
Already aged 32, Douglas turned down several supporting roles in “bigger” films for MGM in order to take a risk on a lead role that might get him some attention, by showcasing his physicality and skill at playing characters of ambiguous morality. His choice was vindicated, as the role of boxer Midge Kelly, a man who will stop at nothing to reach the top, earned him the first of 3 Oscar nominations and put him firmly on the map. Looking back on it now, everything about it seems dated, except Douglas, whose style, whilst still showing evidence of his theatrical roots, shone head and shoulders above the rest of the cast. Apparently a big influence on Scorsese and DeNiro for the boxing scenes in Raging Bull.
Phil (7 KP) rated Huckleberry Finn in Books
May 23, 2017
Would be hard to meet expectations
Huckleberry Finn is a story about deciding your values. Mark Twain has a lot to say about everything, from slavery, to how we view adults vs children, to general decency. It's a great read if you want to be challenged on morality and the process of judgement and trust. It is, however, really hard to get through some conversations where half the words have to be taken on context. Being a classic of literature, I had built this up unfairly in my mind, so I had to drop the score assuming you'd do the same.
Would be perfect for anyone learning Southerner though, looking for a cheap immersion course.
Would be perfect for anyone learning Southerner though, looking for a cheap immersion course.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Declaration in Books
Jan 22, 2018
This book is a great read for a younger audience looking for a good YA series to sink your teeth into. Although there are many YA tropes and cliches, the premise of the book is interesting enough for this stereotypes to be overlooked.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) in Movies
Mar 4, 2018 (Updated Mar 4, 2018)
Justly acclaimed black comedy is a somewhat atypical film from Ealing Studios, better known for their affectionate depictions of post-war British life. Calculating man-on-the-make Dennis Price sets out to get on in the world by murdering the eight members of the D'Ascoyne family who stand between him and inheriting the dukedom of Chalfont.
Best known for the fact that Alec Guinness plays all the D'Ascoynes, but Dennis Price is just as good as the homicidal would-be aristocrat. The broad comedy of some of Guinness' performances, plus the staging of several of the murders, is underpinned by some much subtler and more understated humour about class and morality. One of those films you can watch several times and still find new layers to enjoy; very funny, too, though that should go without saying.
Best known for the fact that Alec Guinness plays all the D'Ascoynes, but Dennis Price is just as good as the homicidal would-be aristocrat. The broad comedy of some of Guinness' performances, plus the staging of several of the murders, is underpinned by some much subtler and more understated humour about class and morality. One of those films you can watch several times and still find new layers to enjoy; very funny, too, though that should go without saying.
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences in Books
Jul 5, 2018
In cold blood is a true crime story about a family murdered in Kansas. The book shows us through the eyes of both the investigators on the case and their struggle for justice but also the criminals who justify the crime and their actions.
In cold blood opens you up to the reality of human nature. For these criminals to commit the murders of 4 people and not show any remorse is shocking. Towards the end of the book, there is a strong debate about how these criminals should be punished, life imprisonment or capital punishment which in this case was hanging. It brings up the question of morality and responsibility, of whether as humans we can play God and take a life?
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/02/read-harder-5000-miles.html
In cold blood opens you up to the reality of human nature. For these criminals to commit the murders of 4 people and not show any remorse is shocking. Towards the end of the book, there is a strong debate about how these criminals should be punished, life imprisonment or capital punishment which in this case was hanging. It brings up the question of morality and responsibility, of whether as humans we can play God and take a life?
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/02/read-harder-5000-miles.html