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CHILLFILTR (46 KP) rated Electric Light by James Bay in Music
Jun 5, 2019 (Updated Jun 5, 2019)
https://chillfiltr.com/blog/2019/5/24/james-bay-bad
Bad is the latest single from Electric Light, which is the latest studio album by British singer-songwriter James Bay. He took the world by storm in 2014 when his EP Let It Go debuted on the iTunes album top 10.
Since then, he has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran, performed on the Burberry runway, and toured with Hozier: his star is certainly on the rise, while his classic combination of angelic falsetto and crush-worthy good looks will continue to bring adoring new fans to his side. Produced by Dan Wilson, Bad quickly became a fan favorite after a recent US headline tour this spring. It features the melancholic soul of his powerful tenor voice, as well as a stripped-down roots vibe from the rhythm section that leaves the vulnerability intact - we are left with the painful residue of a tough situation.
Bay says of the track:
'I wanted to be honest about some of my own stories and other stories I was being pulled into. Bad is a break up song, it’s just not my break up.'
Bad is the latest single from Electric Light, which is the latest studio album by British singer-songwriter James Bay. He took the world by storm in 2014 when his EP Let It Go debuted on the iTunes album top 10.
Since then, he has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran, performed on the Burberry runway, and toured with Hozier: his star is certainly on the rise, while his classic combination of angelic falsetto and crush-worthy good looks will continue to bring adoring new fans to his side. Produced by Dan Wilson, Bad quickly became a fan favorite after a recent US headline tour this spring. It features the melancholic soul of his powerful tenor voice, as well as a stripped-down roots vibe from the rhythm section that leaves the vulnerability intact - we are left with the painful residue of a tough situation.
Bay says of the track:
'I wanted to be honest about some of my own stories and other stories I was being pulled into. Bad is a break up song, it’s just not my break up.'
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian in Books
Jan 17, 2018 (Updated Jan 17, 2018)
As bad as the original trilogy
I actually feel embarrassed that I’ve read this book. I read the original trilogy (skim reading by the time I got to the third one) and was vaguely interested in seeing if it being told from Christian’s perspective made for a better read. Short answer is no.
This has obviously been written for the money and I don’t doubt that it’s done very well. However Christian’s perspective is not a good one. In the original books he’s very aloof, cold and confident but in this he just comes across as a petulant clingy teenager. I’m sure it was intended to show his softer side, but it’s just made him out as weak and ridiculously irritating. His internal monologue too is atrocious, his constant use of “baby” made me want to cringe and it makes him sound so childish.
And the “erotic” parts.... they’re just repetitive, laughable and about as erotic as dirty dish water. This book (and the rest of the trilogy) are just a nonsense fairytale for people who don’t know any better. Avoid at all costs!
This has obviously been written for the money and I don’t doubt that it’s done very well. However Christian’s perspective is not a good one. In the original books he’s very aloof, cold and confident but in this he just comes across as a petulant clingy teenager. I’m sure it was intended to show his softer side, but it’s just made him out as weak and ridiculously irritating. His internal monologue too is atrocious, his constant use of “baby” made me want to cringe and it makes him sound so childish.
And the “erotic” parts.... they’re just repetitive, laughable and about as erotic as dirty dish water. This book (and the rest of the trilogy) are just a nonsense fairytale for people who don’t know any better. Avoid at all costs!
Becka Plitt (2 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Jan 18, 2018
I was personally really excited to watch the live action Beauty and the Beast. It was my favorite Disney movie growing up, and I'm a huge Emma Watson fan, so I figured nothing could go wrong. I ended up not being overly impressed. There were some good things about it, of course. The CGI was impressive, the music was excellent, and everyone other than Emma Watson were extremely talented singers.
That is where my first complaint comes into play. In my opinion, the Disney Princess shouldn't be the least talented person in the film. Her voice was very clearly edited and it sounded bad. Along with that, I feel like Emma Watson made some other mistakes that took away from the movie. I'm aware that she was involved in making costume decision for her role, and I think she made a huge mistake. Frankly, Belle's dress was a disappointment to me, and many of the other things she wore were unimpressive as well in comparison to the elegant gowns worn by everyone else.
The added backstory for Belle also seemed forced and unnecessary to me. It was underdeveloped and didn't really need to be there.
That is where my first complaint comes into play. In my opinion, the Disney Princess shouldn't be the least talented person in the film. Her voice was very clearly edited and it sounded bad. Along with that, I feel like Emma Watson made some other mistakes that took away from the movie. I'm aware that she was involved in making costume decision for her role, and I think she made a huge mistake. Frankly, Belle's dress was a disappointment to me, and many of the other things she wore were unimpressive as well in comparison to the elegant gowns worn by everyone else.
The added backstory for Belle also seemed forced and unnecessary to me. It was underdeveloped and didn't really need to be there.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Jabberwocky (1977) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Little bit Slithy, little bit Frabjous
Oddball comedy-drama that sets the tone for much of Terry Gilliam's career by being visually ravishing but a bit all-over-the-place story-wise. Gilliam's background at the time was in TV comedy, which may explain why so many well-known TV comics turn up in the film - apart from Michael Palin, there's Warren Clarke, Harry H Corbett, John le Mesurier, and so on.
The thing is that this isn't actually very funny - there are the seeds of some good jokes here, but the fact the movie has been filmed and edited in the style of an art-house historical drama kills most of them dead. Still, the medieval period has seldom been brought to the screen with such an authentic sense of filth, squalour, and misery, and the monster suit is pretty good. That said, if you're not into absurd comedy, Dragonslayer (1981) tells a very similar story in a more accessible style.
(And I have to say I'm astounded a film so focused on gore and bodily functions has only got a PG certificate. Caveat emptor.)
The thing is that this isn't actually very funny - there are the seeds of some good jokes here, but the fact the movie has been filmed and edited in the style of an art-house historical drama kills most of them dead. Still, the medieval period has seldom been brought to the screen with such an authentic sense of filth, squalour, and misery, and the monster suit is pretty good. That said, if you're not into absurd comedy, Dragonslayer (1981) tells a very similar story in a more accessible style.
(And I have to say I'm astounded a film so focused on gore and bodily functions has only got a PG certificate. Caveat emptor.)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Whispers of Warning (A Change of Fortune Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Between plans to open the new pier in Old Orchard, Maine, and suffragist Sophronia Foster Eldridge being in town, things are busy for Ruby Proulx. The Belden, the hotel her aunt owns, is completely booked. Then a guest is murdered. With the police focused on the pier opening, Sophronia finds herself trying to track down the killer. Can she do it?
Once again, I found myself caught up in turn of last century Maine. It’s a great look at life back then. The mystery took a little while to really take off, but the story did a good job of using that time to introduce us to the suspects. Once the murder happened, I was glued to the page. Ruby is a fascinating main character, and I also enjoy the scenes we get from police detective Yancey’s point of view. The supernatural element is prevalent but still mild. I’m not usually a fan, but here it works well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-whispers-of-warning-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Once again, I found myself caught up in turn of last century Maine. It’s a great look at life back then. The mystery took a little while to really take off, but the story did a good job of using that time to introduce us to the suspects. Once the murder happened, I was glued to the page. Ruby is a fascinating main character, and I also enjoy the scenes we get from police detective Yancey’s point of view. The supernatural element is prevalent but still mild. I’m not usually a fan, but here it works well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-whispers-of-warning-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Grilled For Murder (Country Store Mysteries, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Robbie Jordan is keeping her restaurant open on a Saturday night for a special welcome home party for Erica Shermer. However, not everyone is thrilled that Erica is back, as Robbie sees when Erica fights with several of the guests. Still, she’s surprised when she comes down the next morning to find Erica dead in the restaurant. What was Erica doing back at the restaurant? And who killed her?
I fell in love with these characters when I read the first in the series, so it was great to be back spending time with them again. The new characters are just as fun and make wonderful suspects. One item introduced as part of the plot was left open, but I can easily see it being resolved in a future book. The main mystery of who killed Erica is well done, giving us a steady dose of clues and suspects until we reach the logical and suspenseful end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-grilled-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I fell in love with these characters when I read the first in the series, so it was great to be back spending time with them again. The new characters are just as fun and make wonderful suspects. One item introduced as part of the plot was left open, but I can easily see it being resolved in a future book. The main mystery of who killed Erica is well done, giving us a steady dose of clues and suspects until we reach the logical and suspenseful end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-grilled-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Building Stories in Books
Mar 15, 2018
The unique presentation had me more than a little curious to get into this one, and I found it worked wonderfully for the material. Very well drawn, and with recurring themes and symbolism that are alternately beautiful and sad. This is decidedly not an uplifting work, with the harshness of life and the world around us seeming to be an even more universal theme throughout than the building around which the stories revolve. Luckily for me I suppose, the piece I randomly read last, while possibly being the saddest of all, also contained a really solid prospect of hope and one of the few truly uplifting portions found inside, thus making giving it the best ending I could have hoped for (for my tastes anyway). This is a truly incredible work of art that I cannot recommend highly enough.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
Didn't quite get its message across
I'm a little disappointed with this film. I was hoping it'd be a strong powerful message against the meat industry, but sadly it fell a little short of the mark.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Merissa (13422 KP) rated No Filter (no shame series book 1) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Filter (No Shame #1) by Nora Phoenix
No Filter is the first book in the No Shames series, and we meet Indy, who is disguised as a woman. The reasons for this become clear, so don't worry about that. He meets Josh in a shop, and has to help him in an unusual way to stop him from being hurt. This in turn leads him to meeting Noah.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
Kimmic (814 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Well written (3 more)
Likeable characters
Good story line
I like the fact that its a true story
Not sure how accurate some parts are (1 more)
At some points it seems to downplay the severity of the camp and the treatment of the prisoners
A Novel based on a true story
This book has received a massive hype about being amazing. So much so that I went over my usual budget on the purchase of a book to get a new hardback copy.
Although I read this book in a day, and did enjoy it, I hoped for a better insight into the life at the camp, and often found myself questioning whether certain things claimed in the book were true.
This was a good book, and I understand that some adaptations were made when converting it into a novel, but I think this has either been slightly overdone to play up the romance in the novel, or the lead character genuinely had a huge advantage over the other prisoners due to his role?
All in all, I am giving this a 7 because it was good, but doesn't quite reach the huge hype that it seems to have been given.
Although I read this book in a day, and did enjoy it, I hoped for a better insight into the life at the camp, and often found myself questioning whether certain things claimed in the book were true.
This was a good book, and I understand that some adaptations were made when converting it into a novel, but I think this has either been slightly overdone to play up the romance in the novel, or the lead character genuinely had a huge advantage over the other prisoners due to his role?
All in all, I am giving this a 7 because it was good, but doesn't quite reach the huge hype that it seems to have been given.