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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Merry Devils in Books

Sep 19, 2021

The Merry Devils

Edward Marston | 1802 | Fiction & Poetry

7.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

151 of 250
Book
The Merry Devils ( Nicolas Bracewell book 2)
By Edward Marston

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Bookholder Nicholas Bracewell, fresh from his triumph holding together his volatile players' company during a treasonous plot against Queen Elizabeth, is set to make the galleries of The Queen's Head ring with laughter with a new comedy, The Merry Devils. The lugubrious landlord is sure mischief will result. Nicholas sees only a harmless comedy that will not summon up real devils, but two actors adept at tumbling. How then, during the crucial scene, do three devils appear on stage, one looking disturbingly real? And what of the deviltry that follow? One imp, in fact, soon lies dead beneath the stage…

Again we meet the Westfield players I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first but again it feel a bit rushed at the end! A decent read all the same with a crime solving book master. On to book 3!

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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Father (2020) in Movies

Apr 7, 2021

The Father (2020)

2020 | Drama

9.3

(4 Ratings)

Movie Rating

1st half is GREAT! The 2nd half? Not so much...

THE FATHER is one of those types of films that, generally, I would not seek out - except at Oscar time. A small, “drawing room” type of drama, based on a stage play and starring a couple of Oscar winning performers at it’s core.

And that is enough to make this film very entertaining and interesting…but, unfortunately…this piece of entertainment falls flat at the end, so one will have to be contented to watching a decent drawing room drama (based on a Stage play) starring 2 strong Oscar winning actors at it’s core.

Written and Directed by Florian Zeller, THE FATHER tells the tale of a…well…FATHER, who is aging and mentally deteriorating. His daughter is trying to aide him and bring him comfort, but his befuddled mind begins to see things (conspiracies) that are not there…or are they?

Zeller wrote the lead role, specifically for Anthony Hopkins and it is a very good thing that Hopkins agree to this role for he is in EVERY scene and commands this picture as only a performer of Hopkins stature and abilities can. Hopkins is, rightfully, nominated for this performance and could pull the upset (but I highly doubt it).

Strongly supporting him - in an Oscar nominated turn herself - as Olivia Colman as his daughter. She has the much less flashy - but no less important - role in this drama and Hopkins would not be as good as he is without her to play against.

Zeller (who was nominated for an Oscar for his Screenplay adaptation of his Stage Play) was smart to cast a strong ensemble of British Stage Actors for this film - Mark Gattis, Olivia Williams, Rufus Sewell and Imogen Poots are all strong, interesting people to watch on screen and they help bring an air of seriousness and gravitas to the proceedings.

The first half of this film is extremely fascinating to watch and I was intrigued by the premise, the direction, the script and the direction it seemed to be headed. But…unfortunately (at least for me) the 2nd half of the film (and I would imagine, the Stage Play) never, really capitalizes on the promise of the first half and THE FATHER just sorts of peters out in the end.

Which, I guess, you could say for the poor souls who suffer from dementia, but I don’t think that was the point that Zeller was trying to make.

Letter Grade: A- (did I mention that I really, really liked the first half)

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)

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My Town : Beauty Contest

Games and Education

(0 Ratings) Rate It

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Calling all aspiring stylists and fashionistas! If you and your child love fashion, design and hair...

Fran Donohoe (856 KP) rated Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2018) in Movies

Nov 19, 2017

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2018)

2018 | Biography, Drama, Romance

6.4

(5 Ratings)

Movie Rating

A star cast (0 more)

Annette bending quirky acting (0 more)

No sparkle but a lot of stars

For a film that I have heard literally nothing about this little film with a big name is a hidden treasure, based on a true story of gloria graham's later live and her love affair with fellow actor 30 years her junior (peter turner) played by Annette Benning and Jamie Bell ,it's just a nice little film that probably would have worked better as a stage play