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Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
1961 | Classics, Comedy, Drama
Technically highly proficient adaptation of the Capote novella, as kooky free spirit/irritating self-absorbed freeloader Holly Golightly (Hepburn) wins the heart of George Peppard's young novelist. Probably looked old-fashioned even in 1961; absurdly romanticised depiction of New York (even the drug barons are charming old gentlemen) is effectively done and rather compelling.

Perhaps the problem is that the presentation of the emotional havoc Holly leaves in her wake is a bit too effective: I couldn't help feeling sorry for Doc (Buddy Ebsen), and wasn't inclined to let Hepburn's charm and good looks sway me (having met people like Holly Golightly for real may have prejudiced me a bit). I must be in the minority - for most people, the film clearly manages the trick of having its cake and eating it, by presenting Hepburn's character as trouble but making the audience fall in love with her anyway. Speaking of minorities, the grotesque racial caricature of Mickey Rooney's character is appalling - but hey, the theme song is nice.
  
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Chrissy (8 KP) rated Bewitching Hannah in Books

Jan 25, 2018  
BH
Bewitching Hannah
Leigh Goff | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bewitching Hannah is a page turner about 16-year-old Hannah. It tells an amazing tale of how her life changes, challenges she faces, and survival. Hannah has lost both of her parents, and goes to live with her Aunt J. When she starts school, she makes new friends, and frenemies. Although dealing with these high school “mean girls” does not happen in the normal fashion.

Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.

This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldn’t put down.

I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) in Movies

Mar 4, 2018 (Updated Mar 4, 2018)  
The Quatermass Xperiment (1955)
The Quatermass Xperiment (1955)
1955 | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
7
6.8 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The original Hammer horror movie; the studio did actually know how to spell 'experiment', but the title refers to the 'X' certificate that all self-respecting horror films had at the time this was made. Astronaut comes back from space a changed man; the rest of his crew mysteriously vanished - just what went on out there? Professor Q must figure it out before the mutation afflicting the astronaut reaches its final form.

Actually really, really tame as a horror movie by modern standards, obviously, but also of great historical interest as the birth of a legend in British cinema. One can't help suspecting the TV show was a lot more thoughtful, but this still works pretty well as an SF movie, and an influential one at that, and the juxtaposition of B-movie SF ideas and images with post-war Britain is interesting. Imported American star Brian Donlevy is not very good as Professor Q (original writer Nigel Kneale claimed he was on the sauce all the time); Richard Wordsworth is mesmerising as the doomed astronaut.
  
RM
Read Me Like a Book
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
⚢⚢⚢⚢ <b>4 'Be True To You' Stars</b> ❤

This was such a beautiful book, inside and out (just look at this gorgeous cover art) I could of done with having this book years ago!
Here we have our wonderful MC Ashleigh who is on a journey of self-discovery in the world of love. When things start to fall flat with her current boyfriend she turns to her teacher Miss Murray for help and support...little did Ashleigh know that friendship would turn into love.

A wonderful 'coming-out' story split into 3 sections following Ashleigh's bond with her teacher, the warm fuzzy feelings to ice cold heartbreak, this book will put you through the wringer...but in a good way!

I liked all of the characters and I found that it some ways I could relate to the story. The only downside for me was everyone 'knew' Ash was gay before she knew herself. This didn't sit too well with me...stereotyping maybe? Perhaps.

Overall, a great read!