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David McK (3649 KP) rated Independence Day (1996) in Movies

Nov 23, 2019 (Updated Feb 5, 2023)  
Independence Day (1996)
Independence Day (1996)
1996 | Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
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!
  
Dune: The Graphic Novel, part 1
Dune: The Graphic Novel, part 1
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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 ...
  
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ClareR (6037 KP) Apr 13, 2025

Thanks for the links 😊

To Kill a Kingdom
To Kill a Kingdom
Alexandra Christo | 2018 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.9 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
Plot, characters, storyline (0 more)
Length of book, progression of characters (0 more)
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.