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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Lady Bird (2017) in Movies
Mar 12, 2018 (Updated Mar 12, 2018)
Another teen angst coming-of-age film
I was rather disappointed with this film, mostly because it definitely didn't live up to the hype.
There has been a spate of films that capture and showcase a city, and then casually layer it with a superficial story. In this case, it was Sacramento, California.
Here we see nothing particular new - a young teenager, played by the wonderful Saoirse Ronan, who insists on being called Lady Bird, hates her parents and wants to leave the nest desperately. Again nothing to see here. Beautifully shot, but shrug-worthy.
There has been a spate of films that capture and showcase a city, and then casually layer it with a superficial story. In this case, it was Sacramento, California.
Here we see nothing particular new - a young teenager, played by the wonderful Saoirse Ronan, who insists on being called Lady Bird, hates her parents and wants to leave the nest desperately. Again nothing to see here. Beautifully shot, but shrug-worthy.
Kathy Najimy recommended Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family in Books (curated)
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated A Well-Behaved Woman in Books
Oct 6, 2020
During the Gilded Age, New York’s high-society shunned the “Nuevo Riche” no matter how much wealth they had. This was true until Alva Smith decided to turn around both her own fortunes and the standing of the Vanderbilt family by marrying their last eligible son, William. Author Therese Anne Fowler tells this story in her latest book “A Well-Behaved Woman,” and you can find my review of this historical fiction novel, on my blog now.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2018/10/06/the-gilding-of-a-lady/
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2018/10/06/the-gilding-of-a-lady/
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated The Secret of the Wooden Chest in Books
Apr 10, 2018
When Mrs Oberto arrives at the nursing home where Hannah and her nurse and odd job man parents live it is the beginning of a whole new adventure for them both. Hannah, a friendly and curious schoolgirl, is inquisitive about the new lady and although things don't get off to the best of starts they soon work things out and a school project creates a close friendship. But the mystery of the chest that stays on Mrs Oberto's bedside is a constant draw to Hannah and when she is given the opportunity to see what's inside, then a whole new world is opened up to her.
A good read for middle school age boys and girls, especially if an elderly relative is spending time in a hospital or a nursing home, this first part of a series of stories shows them how special and rewarding a close relationship with an older person can be.
A good read for middle school age boys and girls, especially if an elderly relative is spending time in a hospital or a nursing home, this first part of a series of stories shows them how special and rewarding a close relationship with an older person can be.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Conan the Barbarian in Books
Jan 30, 2019
A collection of classic Conan tales, repackaged with a new jacket to tie-in to the new movie coming out. This edition includes:
The Tower of the Elephant (pg 1)
Rogues in the House (pg 27)
The Frost-Giant's Daughter (pg 54)
Queen of the Black Coast (pg 63)
A Witch Shall Be Born (pg 95)
The People of the Black Circle (pg 141)
Red Nails (pg 226)
Beyond the Black River (pg 212)
The Hyborian Age (pg 372)
Cimmeria (verse) (pg 397)
and, to be honest, I'd be more inclined to give the book 1.5 stars (except GR doesn't do 1/2 stars) than 2: I preferred some of my other 2-star rated books, but this wasn't as bad as some of my 1-star rated books either.
The Tower of the Elephant (pg 1)
Rogues in the House (pg 27)
The Frost-Giant's Daughter (pg 54)
Queen of the Black Coast (pg 63)
A Witch Shall Be Born (pg 95)
The People of the Black Circle (pg 141)
Red Nails (pg 226)
Beyond the Black River (pg 212)
The Hyborian Age (pg 372)
Cimmeria (verse) (pg 397)
and, to be honest, I'd be more inclined to give the book 1.5 stars (except GR doesn't do 1/2 stars) than 2: I preferred some of my other 2-star rated books, but this wasn't as bad as some of my 1-star rated books either.
Merissa (11726 KP) rated First Born: The Preevitt Chronicles in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2023)
In this Urban Fantasy, we read the story from the perspective of a moody, disgruntled, and contrary fifteen-year-old. She was orphaned at an early age, and when the orphanages closed down, she lived with her elderly social worker. She is adopted by a family in New Jersey, far away from Michigan. She doesn't want to go but has no choice. Once she is there and meets her family, she settles down slightly. Starting a new school, she meets new friends and starts her new life.
With a very fast pace and a severe case of insta-love, this book tells the story of Preevits and Mugglers. Now Preevits may sound bad, but they have nothing on the Mugglers. And then, of course, you have bad Preevits thrown into the mix too.
Finishing on a high, with a possible link to a further book, this is a book for readers of the YOUNG adult genre, with a paranormal twist.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 30, 2016
With a very fast pace and a severe case of insta-love, this book tells the story of Preevits and Mugglers. Now Preevits may sound bad, but they have nothing on the Mugglers. And then, of course, you have bad Preevits thrown into the mix too.
Finishing on a high, with a possible link to a further book, this is a book for readers of the YOUNG adult genre, with a paranormal twist.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 30, 2016
Rachel King (13 KP) rated She Walks in Beauty in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I knew next to nothing about New York City's gilded age before reading this book, so this was both a history lesson and an eye-opener to the practices of that time period, expecially among the wealthy young women. I had no idea of the extent that corsets were damaging to the body and health of a woman, and it really explains much of the female behavior that has been epitomized in Hollywood's classic films, such as the common fainting spells. It shows that the "modern" world really has not changed very much in regards to the demands put on women to look and act a certain way to be regarded as attractive. The similarities between Hollywood and the Gilded Age are both remarkable and quite sad, from the encouragement of anorexia and the overindulgence of luxury to how the popularity of an individual can be solely determined by the words of the press.
I did enjoy following Clara's rise to fame and infamy, even if the glamour and mystery of it was stripped away, so to speak. The Christian themes of God loving you just as you are and having a purpose beyond the practices of "society" seemed muted and understated throughout the book, but rather than detracting from the plot, it only seemed to enhance it. While I have been under the impression that books that fall in this genre of Christian Fiction should focus mostly on some Christian theme, this particular book did not seem to. The focus seemed more on revealing the truth about what really happened in New York City's Gilded Age through the eyes of a debutante.
I did enjoy following Clara's rise to fame and infamy, even if the glamour and mystery of it was stripped away, so to speak. The Christian themes of God loving you just as you are and having a purpose beyond the practices of "society" seemed muted and understated throughout the book, but rather than detracting from the plot, it only seemed to enhance it. While I have been under the impression that books that fall in this genre of Christian Fiction should focus mostly on some Christian theme, this particular book did not seem to. The focus seemed more on revealing the truth about what really happened in New York City's Gilded Age through the eyes of a debutante.
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated Dragon Slippers (Dragon Slippers, #1) in Books
Mar 4, 2019
An imaginative story of dragons and a poor, plain girl named Creel. This is an excellent read for not only school age children but also adults. I loved the new take on dragons and what they all hoard instead of gold and jewels. The descriptions of dragons as well as Creel's dress work was vivid and believable. I could really place myself there with Creel and go through what she was going through, even down to her itchy feet while wearing her blue dragon slippers. Recommended! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Kaz (232 KP) rated The Lion King (1994) in Movies
Jun 2, 2019
A Classic Disney Film
From the Golden age of Disney, 'The Lion King' combines beautiful animation, a solid story, humour and also some real tension and emotion. All topped`off with some great songs. That's why this is my favourite Disney film.
Even though there have been some successful remakes of Disney's classic animations, I feel that the new version of this story isn't going to live up to this animation. If it isn't broken, why try and fix it?
If you want film for both children and adults, I definitely recommend this.
Even though there have been some successful remakes of Disney's classic animations, I feel that the new version of this story isn't going to live up to this animation. If it isn't broken, why try and fix it?
If you want film for both children and adults, I definitely recommend this.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) in Movies
Nov 3, 2019
Aardman carry on delivering fun funny filns
Aardman make movies that on one hand are just full of a British charm and on the other have a classic slapstick appeal. The new Shaun the Sheep sequel hasn't lost any of its appeal. The alien they introduce is cute and fun and funny. Adults and kids were all laughing out loud such is its accessibility of anyone of any age. I could take a five year old with autism or my grandad to watch this film and both would laugh.