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David McK (3623 KP) rated Independence Day (1996) in Movies
Nov 23, 2019 (Updated Feb 5, 2023)
Essentially a modern retelling of HG Wells perennial 'War of the Worlds' classic, this - I believe - was also the film that launched Will Smith (then more well known as a rapper and as the French Prince of Bel Air) to mega-stardom, alongside established favourites such as Bill Pullman (as the president of the USA) and Jeff Goldlum being, well, Jeff Goldlum.
Essentially like having USA! USA! USA! shouted in your face for 2+ hours, I remember seeing it in the cinema - the effects, for the time, were mind-blowing (although I do have to wonder how much they would have changed in showing the destruction of the White House and large swathes of the American cities following 9/11), and, yes, Bill Pullman must give the most Jingoistic speech I've ever heard in a movie, but I have to say: leave your brain at the door (the aliens brought down by a computer virus. Really??) and go enjoy!
Essentially like having USA! USA! USA! shouted in your face for 2+ hours, I remember seeing it in the cinema - the effects, for the time, were mind-blowing (although I do have to wonder how much they would have changed in showing the destruction of the White House and large swathes of the American cities following 9/11), and, yes, Bill Pullman must give the most Jingoistic speech I've ever heard in a movie, but I have to say: leave your brain at the door (the aliens brought down by a computer virus. Really??) and go enjoy!
The Ramayana
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White Roses : A Fairytale Retold
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David McK (3623 KP) rated Dune: The Graphic Novel, part 1 in Books
Mar 6, 2022
So, Dune
My only frame of reference is the 2021 movie.
Oh, I knew the basics prior to that: Spice, the giant worms, space politics, but beyond that ... ?
Released in the wake of that movie, this is - apparently (or so the authors say) - a straight visual retelling (as much as is possible) of Frank Herbert 1965 epic, rather than putting their own stamp on it.
Never having read that original, I'm in no position to say whether it is or not.
What I will say, however (if it is) then so is the 2021 movie, although there are distinct visual differences between the two mediums.
This also ends in a different place, slightly earlier than the movie, with Paul and Jessica alone in the desert and before their run-in with the Fremen.
So, yes, engaging if dragging slightly in parts and well set-up for the release of Part 2 in Autumn 2022 ...
My only frame of reference is the 2021 movie.
Oh, I knew the basics prior to that: Spice, the giant worms, space politics, but beyond that ... ?
Released in the wake of that movie, this is - apparently (or so the authors say) - a straight visual retelling (as much as is possible) of Frank Herbert 1965 epic, rather than putting their own stamp on it.
Never having read that original, I'm in no position to say whether it is or not.
What I will say, however (if it is) then so is the 2021 movie, although there are distinct visual differences between the two mediums.
This also ends in a different place, slightly earlier than the movie, with Paul and Jessica alone in the desert and before their run-in with the Fremen.
So, yes, engaging if dragging slightly in parts and well set-up for the release of Part 2 in Autumn 2022 ...
Danielle Chaplin (81 KP) rated To Kill a Kingdom in Books
Jun 1, 2019
Brilliant!
This is a truly unique and fantastic retelling of the Little Mermaid story, with our main character being a bloodthirsty siren that is forced into human form for disobeying the sea witch.
I loved that the characters weren't instantly attracted to each other, that the prince wasn't as nice as he could have been and that the siren had a backbone to her. The feelings and emotions displayed were well thought out and the story progressed well, however I feel that the relationships could have progressed more during the 'quest' and that the book had every right to be longer than what it was.
I could not put this book down and read it even whilst feeding my baby one handed so that I didn't lose any time in finding out what happens (even though it was a fair chance that it would either have a Disney happy ending or follow the classic fairy tale).
This is the perfect book for those that like alternative retellings of fairy tales and Christina Henry books.
I loved that the characters weren't instantly attracted to each other, that the prince wasn't as nice as he could have been and that the siren had a backbone to her. The feelings and emotions displayed were well thought out and the story progressed well, however I feel that the relationships could have progressed more during the 'quest' and that the book had every right to be longer than what it was.
I could not put this book down and read it even whilst feeding my baby one handed so that I didn't lose any time in finding out what happens (even though it was a fair chance that it would either have a Disney happy ending or follow the classic fairy tale).
This is the perfect book for those that like alternative retellings of fairy tales and Christina Henry books.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated My Very First Story Time: Cinderella in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Cinderella: Fairy Tale with picture glossary and an activity (My Very First Story Time) by Pat-a-Cake, Rachel Elliot, Tim Budgen is a retelling of a much loved story, only with a difference, this has a multicultural slant.
Cinderella, (along with many of the other characters in this book) is portrayed as mixed heritage. She is also more capable of looking after herself, and a much better role model for young girls since this story is less about her being a slave to her ugly sisters and her âwoe-is-meâ pity-party and more about how she makes things happen for herself as a valued member of her society. Albeit a magical one.
Iâd say this is great reading for children three years and up, as this has paper pages and doesnât seem to be for an early self-reader, despite the title, but you can still read this story out loud to younger children at bedtime.
A charming book, full of diversity, simple rhythmic words and brightly coloured illustrations.
Cinderella, (along with many of the other characters in this book) is portrayed as mixed heritage. She is also more capable of looking after herself, and a much better role model for young girls since this story is less about her being a slave to her ugly sisters and her âwoe-is-meâ pity-party and more about how she makes things happen for herself as a valued member of her society. Albeit a magical one.
Iâd say this is great reading for children three years and up, as this has paper pages and doesnât seem to be for an early self-reader, despite the title, but you can still read this story out loud to younger children at bedtime.
A charming book, full of diversity, simple rhythmic words and brightly coloured illustrations.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Saving Me in Books
Mar 5, 2018
The Perfect Book
I simply cannot find the right words to use in this review that will do Saving Me any justice. First I'll say that this is the first book I've read written by Sadie Allen and I loved every single moment of this story. You know that you have found the perfect book when you find that you can relate to the story and characters in such a way that it feels like the author could be retelling your own story. We are allowed access to the very soul of Ally, and we can feel her emotional despair, her hopes, desires and what will ultimately be life changing moments. I wept for her, felt anger for her, but I also felt moments of extreme happiness for her. The reflective message contained within the pages of this book will stay with readers of all ages.
{I received a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own,}
{I received a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own,}
Mitchell Knutzen (16 KP) rated Till We Have Faces in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Best Lewis Novel By Far
More than a simple retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, this is a masterwork of storytelling by an author often hobbled by his well known and, in my opinion, laughably ridiculous religious beliefs. Yet unlike so many others that let these beliefs dissolve their efforts of mainstream fiction into so many pieces of nonsense too hamstrung by foolishness to ever assemble something coherent, let alone worth reading, Lewis often managed to rise above it, as with (for the most part) his deservedly beloved Narnia chronicles. Till We Have Faces is nothing short of brilliant, beautiful, at times achingly sad, and very profound. Those of you not fooled by the Jesus parade, but who love a damn good book written by a master of his craft, do yourself a HUGE favor and read this gem of a book. Then do the literary world a favor by passing along the good word (lol, couldn't help myself) that this may be the best book that nobody has heard of.
David McK (3623 KP) rated Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur in Books
Jan 30, 2019
If I'm honest, I'm not really that much of a graphic novel/comic book kinda guy: I usually prefer to let my imagination do the work rather than have it 'shown' to me (which is also why I don't always like TV/movie adaptations).
Having said that, I thought I would give this one a go anyway. A retelling of the Arthurian legend, this takes in pretty much all the main characters and events of that legend, but not necessarily all how I was familiar with them (it involves the seelie/unseelie (i.e. faeries) which I don't remember ever having been part of the legend before).
Starting with Arthur's conception and ending with his 'death' at Badon Hill, the novel also glosses over some of the less savory actions that Arthur is supposed to have carried out (ref Tristan and Isolde).
An OK read, and while yes, I may pick up some of the others in the series, this failed to really change my perception of graphic novels as a whole.
Having said that, I thought I would give this one a go anyway. A retelling of the Arthurian legend, this takes in pretty much all the main characters and events of that legend, but not necessarily all how I was familiar with them (it involves the seelie/unseelie (i.e. faeries) which I don't remember ever having been part of the legend before).
Starting with Arthur's conception and ending with his 'death' at Badon Hill, the novel also glosses over some of the less savory actions that Arthur is supposed to have carried out (ref Tristan and Isolde).
An OK read, and while yes, I may pick up some of the others in the series, this failed to really change my perception of graphic novels as a whole.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Foul Is Fair in Books
Nov 26, 2019 (Updated Nov 26, 2019)
Sweet Revenge Tale for the Modern Era
Loved how this book didnât mess about and just got into the action. Straight off the bat, it gave me a whole Cruel Intentions vibe and added a touch of The Craft for good measure - all teen girl kick ass. In a world that gave us the Brock Turner farse, we deserve this over the top revenge book.
When a group of prep boys choose the wrong girl to target at a party we are taken along for an all-consuming journey of revenge and itâs a delightfully dark ride. For such a disturbing tale itâs beautifully written. I donât tend to like things with any sort of retelling of Shakespeare hints Macbeth in this case) or girly teen YA but this is in its own league of powerful storytelling that sets it apart. I had a strong feeling of where it was going but I wouldnât have missed the ride for anything.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When a group of prep boys choose the wrong girl to target at a party we are taken along for an all-consuming journey of revenge and itâs a delightfully dark ride. For such a disturbing tale itâs beautifully written. I donât tend to like things with any sort of retelling of Shakespeare hints Macbeth in this case) or girly teen YA but this is in its own league of powerful storytelling that sets it apart. I had a strong feeling of where it was going but I wouldnât have missed the ride for anything.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.