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Ronyell (38 KP) rated Hocus Pocus (1993) in Movies
Aug 4, 2020
Three Crazy Witches Who Can Sing!
Wow! I'm actually surprised that I enjoyed this movie as much as I did! When I first heard about this movie, I was a bit intrigued about what this movie was all about. So, when I finally watched this movie, I was completely hooked! I liked the fact that the movie tackled the subject of sibling relationships and how important it is to care about your siblings, no matter how annoying they can be. This was best shown between the Sanderson Sisters, Thackery and his little sister Emily and Max and his little sister Dani. The Sanderson Sisters are like the negative side of the sibling relationship as Winifred abuses her younger sisters Mary and Sarah and wouldn't think of protecting them. Thackery and Emily are on the more positive side of the sibling relationship as Thackery truly cares about his sister Emily, although he failed to save her. And then we have Max and Dani who are in the middle as they argue with each other a lot, but they would do anything to protect each other. I also loved the way that the movie had a nice balance between horror and comedy as I laughed out loud during the Sanderson Sisters' crazy antics and yet, I was a bit scared for the children being threatened with death throughout this film. Especially during the scene where Emily, a little girl , ends up dying at the beginning of the movie. I especially loved the actors' performances in this film, with the Sanderson Sisters being the best part of the film. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy did a fantastic job at portraying the Sanderson Sisters as they were so hilarious and entertaining to watch! I also enjoyed Thora Birch's performance as Dani as she made Dani quite snarky yet energetic at the same time.
The only issues that I had with this film was that I felt that the protagonists were a bit too flat and I wished that they had explained the backstories of some of the characters. Even though Max and Allison were interesting characters, they weren't as entertaining as the Sanderson Sisters and the only protagonists that were pretty entertaining were Dani and Binx the Cat. Also, I would like to know how the Sanderson Sisters became witches in the first place (although it was implied that the Devil gave them their powers).
Overall, "Hocus Pocus" is a fantastic film that both children and adults will enjoy! It balances horror and humor very well and it has some of the best performances from Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy!
The only issues that I had with this film was that I felt that the protagonists were a bit too flat and I wished that they had explained the backstories of some of the characters. Even though Max and Allison were interesting characters, they weren't as entertaining as the Sanderson Sisters and the only protagonists that were pretty entertaining were Dani and Binx the Cat. Also, I would like to know how the Sanderson Sisters became witches in the first place (although it was implied that the Devil gave them their powers).
Overall, "Hocus Pocus" is a fantastic film that both children and adults will enjoy! It balances horror and humor very well and it has some of the best performances from Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy!
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Half Sister in Books
Oct 5, 2020
I am so happy to have the opportunity to be part of the blog tour for The Half Sister by Sandie Jones. Thank you to the team at Pan Macmillan, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
About The Author:
I have heard a lot about Sandie Jones, but I haven’t read any books by her prior to The Half Sister. Sandie Jones has worked as a freelance journalist for over twenty years, and has written for publications including the Sunday Times, Woman’s Weekly and the Daily Mail. She lives in London with her husband and three children. The Other Woman is her debut novel.
Synopsis:
I need to mention that the original synopsis of the book may be a bit misleading. Lauren and Kate are two sisters, but they don’t get along too well and their relationship is complicated.
Kate is a reporter, married to lovely Mark, and going through many rounds of IVF treatment, hoping to start a family. Kate had a very close relationship with her father until the day he died, but was never too close to her sister Lauren and their mother, Rose.
Lauren, on the other hand, is a full time mom of three, with a demanding and overprotective husband. She is very close to her mum, and had a complicated relationship with her father, never forgiving him for understanding her in the past.
One day, while Kate, Lauren and their mum are having their usual Sunday roast, a woman knocks on their door and drops a bombshell. Jess claims to be their half-sister.
This allegation is met with denial - how could she be a secret daughter of their father. Their mother is devastated, Lauren is not surprised, and Kate doesn’t believe Jess at all. But as more secrets start to unravel, no one can know who to trust anymore…
My Thoughts:
I loved the idea of this book, even though I am not too big of a fan of domestic mysteries and drama. My impressions were that this would’ve been more psychological thriller, but I was in the wrong. However, despite this, the book is really surprisingly well-written and kept me on my toes until the very end.
The lives of Lauren and Kate in particular were very well written. I can imagine people being able to easily relate to their struggles. The difference between the two sisters is like night and day. I loved the fact that this book was not sugar coating this, and it didn’t end it with a “happily ever after”. Instead, it ended with “we know we are different, and we are working to fix our relationship in its natural course”.
The story about how Jess comes into their lives, and the whole DNA situation was extremely not believable. As well as the fact that doing another DNA test at the beginning of the novel would have solved all assumptions, rather than people believing hearsay and creating more drama. However, I am also aware that drama was needed to keep the story going, so I can’t hold a grudge.
The ending was predictable half-way through the book. Some scenes are completely unnecessary and make the story more complicated. There are many triggering moments in this book. Cheating, domestic violence and abuse, both physical and emotional and abortion. This book may also trigger people that have had difficult relationships with their parents and/or siblings.<br/><br/>Even though not a favorite thriller, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone that loves domestic thrillers. It is a fast-paced read, and the plot twists are juicy.
About The Author:
I have heard a lot about Sandie Jones, but I haven’t read any books by her prior to The Half Sister. Sandie Jones has worked as a freelance journalist for over twenty years, and has written for publications including the Sunday Times, Woman’s Weekly and the Daily Mail. She lives in London with her husband and three children. The Other Woman is her debut novel.
Synopsis:
I need to mention that the original synopsis of the book may be a bit misleading. Lauren and Kate are two sisters, but they don’t get along too well and their relationship is complicated.
Kate is a reporter, married to lovely Mark, and going through many rounds of IVF treatment, hoping to start a family. Kate had a very close relationship with her father until the day he died, but was never too close to her sister Lauren and their mother, Rose.
Lauren, on the other hand, is a full time mom of three, with a demanding and overprotective husband. She is very close to her mum, and had a complicated relationship with her father, never forgiving him for understanding her in the past.
One day, while Kate, Lauren and their mum are having their usual Sunday roast, a woman knocks on their door and drops a bombshell. Jess claims to be their half-sister.
This allegation is met with denial - how could she be a secret daughter of their father. Their mother is devastated, Lauren is not surprised, and Kate doesn’t believe Jess at all. But as more secrets start to unravel, no one can know who to trust anymore…
My Thoughts:
I loved the idea of this book, even though I am not too big of a fan of domestic mysteries and drama. My impressions were that this would’ve been more psychological thriller, but I was in the wrong. However, despite this, the book is really surprisingly well-written and kept me on my toes until the very end.
The lives of Lauren and Kate in particular were very well written. I can imagine people being able to easily relate to their struggles. The difference between the two sisters is like night and day. I loved the fact that this book was not sugar coating this, and it didn’t end it with a “happily ever after”. Instead, it ended with “we know we are different, and we are working to fix our relationship in its natural course”.
The story about how Jess comes into their lives, and the whole DNA situation was extremely not believable. As well as the fact that doing another DNA test at the beginning of the novel would have solved all assumptions, rather than people believing hearsay and creating more drama. However, I am also aware that drama was needed to keep the story going, so I can’t hold a grudge.
The ending was predictable half-way through the book. Some scenes are completely unnecessary and make the story more complicated. There are many triggering moments in this book. Cheating, domestic violence and abuse, both physical and emotional and abortion. This book may also trigger people that have had difficult relationships with their parents and/or siblings.<br/><br/>Even though not a favorite thriller, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone that loves domestic thrillers. It is a fast-paced read, and the plot twists are juicy.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Logan Lucky (2017) in Movies
Sep 20, 2017
A Hugely Humerous, High Quality, Hillbilly Heist
Steven Soderbergh has made some good movies and some bad movies over the years, but I'm glad to say his comeback movie falls on the right side of his filmmaking. Teaming up again with Channing Tatum in the lead role, the movie follows two brothers who are known in their town for being unlucky. They recruit their younger sister and an off-kilter Daniel Craig and decide to attempt to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
What ensues is fun, witty and moves at a brilliant pace. The ending of the movie isn't quite what you expect and although some of the big twists can be seen coming, the way that it is executed plays well.
Overall, the movie is a lot of fun and pretty stylish in places too.
What ensues is fun, witty and moves at a brilliant pace. The ending of the movie isn't quite what you expect and although some of the big twists can be seen coming, the way that it is executed plays well.
Overall, the movie is a lot of fun and pretty stylish in places too.
ClareR (6118 KP) rated The Catherine Howard Conspiracy (The Marquess House Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2019
This is set in two timelines: modern day and the Tudor Court. Dr Perdita Rivers and her twin sister, Piper, have been left an enormous bequest by their maternal grandmother. Perdita’s grandmother was a renowned Tudor historian, and had cut off all ties with her granddaughters after the death of their mother. So this is a bit of a shock!
The other timeline follows Catherine Howard in the lead up to her marriage to Henry VIII, and those fateful months that followed it.
I really do like historical novels, and the Tudor period has always particularly fascinated me. I loved all of the historical detail (and I know a lot of it is just conjecture, but it’s fun to imagine!), and Perdie’s research was very interesting too. I’d love a library like hers!
I’m very much looking forward to reading the second instalment as the ending was most intriguing!!
The other timeline follows Catherine Howard in the lead up to her marriage to Henry VIII, and those fateful months that followed it.
I really do like historical novels, and the Tudor period has always particularly fascinated me. I loved all of the historical detail (and I know a lot of it is just conjecture, but it’s fun to imagine!), and Perdie’s research was very interesting too. I’d love a library like hers!
I’m very much looking forward to reading the second instalment as the ending was most intriguing!!
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated A Heart's Betrayal (A Journey of the Heart #4) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Colleen Coble takes us on another journey. We are lead to another action filled story. We learn about Ben's Oldest sister Emma. What a way to be introduced her. She does not know what happen to her brothers except that they traveled west.
Emma is dealing with the death of her husband. A woman comes in with her son and claims that she is the wife of Emma's late husband. Her home is taken from her. Emma decides to leave her home and go to help Sarah.
She arrives at the fort where Sarah and Rand are stationed. What will happen to them? Rand and Sarah and Emma are then transferred to a new station in the army and where Sarah friend and Rand brother, Jacob are stationed.
Thre are surprises and turns the story continues. What will happen with Emma? Will faith and trust prevail?
Emma is dealing with the death of her husband. A woman comes in with her son and claims that she is the wife of Emma's late husband. Her home is taken from her. Emma decides to leave her home and go to help Sarah.
She arrives at the fort where Sarah and Rand are stationed. What will happen to them? Rand and Sarah and Emma are then transferred to a new station in the army and where Sarah friend and Rand brother, Jacob are stationed.
Thre are surprises and turns the story continues. What will happen with Emma? Will faith and trust prevail?
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated The Amish Nanny (The Women of Lancaster County, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This book is about the story of Ada Rupp. When her sister found her story. Ada now she need to commit to the faith. She was raised Amish. Though she has love for the widower Will Gundy. She is restless and want to find her story. So she finds out that a few of her family members are traveling to Switzerland.
Her family and Grundy family need to work something out with the deed all the way back in the Switzerland. Alice and Christy go and Ada goes represent a member for her grandmother. Things her she start to want feeling for Daniel there travel companion though will she have found her true love and her story. She also is hoping to talk to her mother who is staying in Switzerland. Find out more by reading. You learn about Switzerland a bit as well.
Her family and Grundy family need to work something out with the deed all the way back in the Switzerland. Alice and Christy go and Ada goes represent a member for her grandmother. Things her she start to want feeling for Daniel there travel companion though will she have found her true love and her story. She also is hoping to talk to her mother who is staying in Switzerland. Find out more by reading. You learn about Switzerland a bit as well.
Emma and Granny find themselves in the middle of a family fight when Rikki Ricardo asks them to contact her deceased father to help her stop her older sister Lucy from selling the family restaurant and food business. However, her father’s ghost wants Rikki to sell before something happens to her. Is Rikki in danger?
This book was outstanding. The plot is strong with conflict you could feel between the characters and so much suspicious behavior it was hard to figure out who to trust. The new characters were strong, making us truly care about the outcome. A dash of humor added depth to the at times serious plot. I couldn’t put it down.
NOTE: I was given a copy of this book. My opinion is still my own.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-ghost-in-guacamole-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book was outstanding. The plot is strong with conflict you could feel between the characters and so much suspicious behavior it was hard to figure out who to trust. The new characters were strong, making us truly care about the outcome. A dash of humor added depth to the at times serious plot. I couldn’t put it down.
NOTE: I was given a copy of this book. My opinion is still my own.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-ghost-in-guacamole-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated Here to Stay in Books
Oct 21, 2018
This is one of those romance novels that reviews encouraged me to keep on reading. Like everyone else (most probably), I hated Luke at first because I really couldn't stand "the disabled kid being the world's biggest brat" trope, but that quickly changed after I got through the first few chapters.
Sometimes as I read novels, I question why characters get together (like the majority of romance novels), but for this one, I was so happy that they did. For a party guy, Zach is the nicest person I've ever read about in my life. And I feel so bad for Mandy because though I didn't grow up in an abusive household, but I've been in her shoes for taking care of my little sister, too.
I really don't wanna spoil the book, but it really turned in places I didn't expect, and I really hope that people will read this.
Sometimes as I read novels, I question why characters get together (like the majority of romance novels), but for this one, I was so happy that they did. For a party guy, Zach is the nicest person I've ever read about in my life. And I feel so bad for Mandy because though I didn't grow up in an abusive household, but I've been in her shoes for taking care of my little sister, too.
I really don't wanna spoil the book, but it really turned in places I didn't expect, and I really hope that people will read this.
ClareR (6118 KP) rated Elizabeth is Missing in Books
Jun 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book - in a heart in mouth, trying not to cry kind of way. It was rather close to home for me. My grandmother had dementia, and I can clearly remember her slide into it. Like Maud, she would be able to reminisce about her formative years, but the present day was a mystery to her. This book was so sympathetically written, and the frustration of family members was so well put across too. The story running alongside that of the present day Maud, that of the disappearance of her sister, was well slotted in to the narrative.
I can see that this novel has has some very mixed reviews, and I can understand some of the reasons, but I'm a great believer in trying something out for yourself. And I'm glad that I did in this case. A lovely, sad, bittersweet novel.
I can see that this novel has has some very mixed reviews, and I can understand some of the reasons, but I'm a great believer in trying something out for yourself. And I'm glad that I did in this case. A lovely, sad, bittersweet novel.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Hansel and Gretel (1988) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
A great telling of an old tale
Contains spoilers, click to show
Saw this on Netflix and decided to give it a try, honestly wasn't a bad movie.
Cheesy Old school graphics help tell this tale very well and I praise the effort.
A few enjoyable musical numbers that are actually a little fun to hear.
Brother and sister Hansel (Hugh Pollard) and Gretel (Nicola Stapleton) are careless and leave food out for a donkey to eat. This enrages their mother (Emily Richard) because the family is poor and cannot afford to waste food. She orders the children to go out and pick some berries. Lost in the woods, they eventually find a magical cottage made of gingerbread and meet a nice old woman named Griselda (Cloris Leachman). But Griselda is a witch who imprisons the children and plans to eat them.
Initial release: 1987
Cheesy Old school graphics help tell this tale very well and I praise the effort.
A few enjoyable musical numbers that are actually a little fun to hear.
Brother and sister Hansel (Hugh Pollard) and Gretel (Nicola Stapleton) are careless and leave food out for a donkey to eat. This enrages their mother (Emily Richard) because the family is poor and cannot afford to waste food. She orders the children to go out and pick some berries. Lost in the woods, they eventually find a magical cottage made of gingerbread and meet a nice old woman named Griselda (Cloris Leachman). But Griselda is a witch who imprisons the children and plans to eat them.
Initial release: 1987