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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
1968 | Classics, Sci-Fi

"It’s like a monolith to me, that movie. Every time it’s re-shown in theaters, I always go. Star Wars was a big hit in 1977 which created a big sci-fi boom. So 2001 came to Japan, and I saw it in theaters when I was in middle school. Before experiencing that, I was just listening to radio dramas. I read the original novel, but the movie was totally different. I didn’t really understand it the first time. Now, I have a different interpretation every time I watch it. As a creator, I have periods of difficult times, but whenever I feel particularly in need of a pick-me-up, I watch 2001. It’s a perfect movie for me. It was a real space experience. Exploration even before man went to the moon. I always wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid, but Japan doesn’t have NASA. You had to go either to USSR or China. Although I felt like I had to give up on the dream of becoming an astronaut, when I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey, I felt like I really went to outer space. It’s a life-changing movie because it made me feel like I accomplished a dream."

Source
  
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
2001 | Comedy, Romance

"I’m also a big fan of comedy as well, so even things to this day like Bridget Jones’s Diary, there was just something about Bridget Jones that I thought … And I guess it’s [Renée Zellweger‘s] performance. I remember there was a lot of talk about the fact that they cast an American in that role, but I think she captured the sensibility of a repressed English girl who was desperate to fall in love so beautifully And as an actor myself, often you caught slack if you’re playing a gay person and you’re not really gay, or you’re playing an American and you’re not really American, or you’re playing whatever it happens to be. I just think if you can find the essence in a character and pull it off, then it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your nationality is, etc. There’s something to me about that film that’s like the perfect romantic comedy. I just think it’s a bit hard to put my finger on what it is, to be honest. It’s just beautifully executed. Everything’s so well balanced. Often whenever I read a romantic comedy now, I’m comparing it to Bridget Jones and if it’s planned well."

Source
  
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
2020 | Drama, Horror, Thriller
I've been waiting an entire year for this film. This is my favorite book I've ever read, so I had a bit of skepticism coming into it, but if anyone could do it, Kaufman could. Now, I've seen it, and I'm incredibly conflicted. I'm kind of disappointed that Kaufman used his normal "I'm so quirky and this is off-putting" doalogue instead of leaning into the psychological horror aspects that the book heavily relies on. He also takes a lot of creative liberty with some stupid jokes, like the whole Zemeckis joke which is nowhere to be found in the book. It just kinda peeves me how Kaufman seemed very unwilling to step outside of his comfort zone, but that's a conversation for another day.

That being said, it's impossible for me to deny that it's a great film. It's technically brilliant, and aside from some occasionally grating dialogue, or monologue, the pacing and script is very well done. Although I'm very disappointed in the film that I was given, I'd be very wrong to identify it as anything other than brilliant.

Edit: After reading his Indiewire interview, I fucking hate Kaufman and the way that he butchered the original material with reckless abandon. Fuck his pretentious ass.
  
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Keeper ( Matefinder: Next Generation book 1)
By Leia Stone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What would you do if you found out your mate was dying?
Anya has inherited her mother's gift. Born in a set of twins, she is the next Matefinder and her brother, Jaxon, is her sworn protector. But it looks like finding mates for the werewolf kind isn’t what Spirit has in plan for her. And when she starts dreaming about a human guy in trouble, her whole life changes. With the clock ticking on both of their lives, will Anya be able to do what needs to be done to survive?
*Author note: This is stand alone series that follows the daughter of Kai and Aurora from the Matefinder series twenty years in the future. It is not necessary to read the Matefinder series first.

I loved the Matefinder set and I loved this book! We are now following the next generation. I loved the switch in this it brought something different to the story. It had me glued from start to finish. Loved catching up with the characters from the Matefinder series too. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
  
Under By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection #1)
Under By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection #1)
Kayla Stonor | 2014 | Erotica, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This story starts with General Jaden trying to shoot down an aircraft that he doesn't think has the authorisation to be there. It turns out that it does, and he is drawn into a meeting with the Ambassador and the President. Demands are made, and Jaden is forced to agree to their terms.

This story moves along at a fast pace, but not so fast to be confusing. Jaden has to learn every aspect of a culture very different to his own, including the fact that he is now 'property' and what that may entail. His personality finds it difficult to submit, and the training is brutal. Punishments are usually only needed to be given once, put it that way!

The world-building and characters are top-notch. It is easy to follow the story and the different foibles of each character. With an amazing twist towards the end, this is Sci-Fi to be thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended, and I will be looking for more from this author.

* 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!
Mar 26, 2016
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2532 KP) rated Villains’ Realm in Books

Jun 6, 2024 (Updated Jun 6, 2024)  
Villains’ Realm
Villains’ Realm
Ridley Pearson | 2024 | Children
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Enchantment Creating New Lands
Disney’s CEO has completely changed his mind about opening a Villains’ Realm in each park. The man was opposing it because it was a clear threat, giving the villains a foothold. But now, he’s greenlit them, and constructions has started immediately. In order to stop them from being completed, Eli and his friend Blair are going to have to team up with Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Can they stop it in time?

If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
  
Fire Colour One
Fire Colour One
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is one of those books that you see displayed in the library and just think, "What the heck? I'll give it a go."

This is YA book, as most of the books I read are. It's named after a painting, which ends up as quite a significant aspect in this novel.

Iris lives with her mother Hannah and step-father Lowell. She doesn't remember her real father. Hannah has always told her that he didn't want her, that he didn't care. She blamed him for their debts, their problems.

Thurston is Iris's best friend, her only friend. He means everything to her. He's always been there for her, until she has to move away to England without any means of telling him where she's gone.

Iris herself is a pretty troubled girl. Family life isn't great - Hannah and Lowell want her to be more like them, more conscious of her appearance and wealth. But all Iris really cares about is fire. There's nothing like the soothing flicker of a flame.

When she meets her father Ernest, Iris soon realises that everything she's been told by her mother has been a lie. He didn't leave her; Hannah took her, changed her name and hid. Ernest had been searching for her for years. But now it was too late.

The book actually begins with Ernest's funeral, and sort of goes backwards a few times. There's memories written throughout, clips from the past. We slowly learn more and more about Iris's personality, and we watch her re-develop her relationship with her father.

It's actually a pretty great book. It's so realistic, and unique. It isn't a fantasy, it isn't a cheesy romance, it isn't even really a book with a typical happy ending.

Although I wouldn't have searched this book out in particular, I am happy I read it. I'm not sure it quite gets 4 stars from me, so I'll give it 3.5.
  
Among Us (Dyson Bridge #2)
Among Us (Dyson Bridge #2)
V.G. Harrison | 2025 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ANother Cliffhanger!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Dyson Bridge series, and it cannot be read as a stand alone, you MUST read Abandon Station first.

I said in my review for that book, that I was annoyed at that book,because it left me on a cliffhanger I did not see coming. And guess what?? I'm annoyed at THIS book because I DID see the cliff hanger coming!

This is only short, some 120 pages, and I could not see an end for Merida and her people coming at me from about half way through. There just weren't enough pages left!

Merida has escaped the Feds, and is seeking help to get her people home. Not just for themselves, but for this New Earth. If the station continues in its decaying orbit path, it will spell disaster. She does find some help, though, and they are a step closer to getting home. I liked that she got a surprise when she switched her communication device on!

BUT they aren't there yet, and time is moving on and running out for Merida and her crew. The epilepsy they have been diagnosed with, isn't what it seems and is leading to a much more sinister path for them.

Only Merida has a say. I can't remember in book 1, if it was just Merida ( I didn't mention it in my review!) but it is here. I think she needs to be the voice for her people though. Ordinarily, I would say I wanted to hear from everyone but I don't think this would have worked if they did.

SO, now we wait. Again! last time I had to wait 18 months to get this book! I hope it isn't quite so long this time.

4 very good, fully invested in Merida and her people, stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Still Waters, Deep (Between Hill and Sea)
Still Waters, Deep (Between Hill and Sea)
Morgan Sheppard | 2026 | Contemporary, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
love the descriptive passages!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is the first in a new series by Ms Sheppard, and it reads a little bit different to her other books.

Seren is an archivist, and Talise a hydrologist. Catrin wrote about the water of Llyn Du, over 100 years ago, before she disappeared and now all three ladies are entwined by a red thread of fate.

It took time for the threads to weave, and as such, I didn't know where it was all going for a long time. It meant I had to slow down my reading, and concentrate really hard, which in turn meant it took me longer to read. Not a bad thing, just needs a comment, cos Book Feelings are important!

I enjoyed that Seren and Talise have a voice, and Eifion doesn't. I think if he had, the water might have muddled a bit(see what I did there?) between Catrin and Talise, around the lake and what was happening to Talise and what had happened to Catrin.

It's full of Ms Sheppard's signature Welsh myths and legends. There is a bit at the end that talks about Llyn Du and the red thread of fate. I didn't read it. but some might fine it helpful.

It's also full of descriptive passages that you can actually feel. You can feel how the lake reacts to Talise. You can feel how heavy the bell is, how Talise can feel it in her bones. You can feel how Seren reacts to the red thread, so far away from the lake. I love these passages, the way Ms Sheppard writes them. They come across so beautifully, so emotionally, so real.

There is no violence, and no smex. And I loved that there isn't!

Like I said, first in a new series, all connected by that red thread of fate, Welsh myths and nothing more. I look forward to reading what comes next!

4 very VERY good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Cuckoo's Calling
The Cuckoo's Calling
Robert Galbraith | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read (listened to) The Cuckoo’s Calling before I knew who the real author was. Here I was so excited about finding a new author for my author watch page, and it turns out it’s J.K. Rowling! I mean, I guess I can’t complain, as long as she keeps writing books like this one.

I really liked The Cuckoo’s Calling. There were so many little details and hints that brought the whole thing together in the end (typical of Rowling, and I see that now) and it made for a wonderful detective novel. It wasn’t very “gripping,” though. It was “put-down-able.” At any given time I could stop and move on to something else. It kept me interested while I was reading, but when I needed to stop, it didn’t drag me back to my chair for another chapter. I feel like that gripping aspect is needed in a detective novel, and that’s the only thing that was missing. That being said, I still really loved the book. I loved Strike, the main character, and the supporting character he hires as his P.A. (unwillingly at first, but then he realizes how totally awesome she is). I really hope “Galbraith” continues with another book with these characters!

Content/Recommendation: Little language, no sex. Ages 15-adult