tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66205774424449755482024-03-05T19:20:14.240-08:00From Page to Silver ScreenPTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-51708290984415756092015-06-20T07:02:00.001-07:002015-06-20T07:02:13.561-07:00The Notebook<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4</span><br />
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Happy Summer! Since my last review, I switched gears and was binge watching TV shows (Netflix) and Netflix originals. I also have read a ton of unintelligent, brainless books because...well just because. Now I'm back on the wagon and trying to raise my IQ points again.<br />
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I saw The Notebook when it came to theaters and was immediately sucked into the love story, more so because of the older Noah and Allie. Yes, I was one of those who just thought Ryan Gosling was just too handsome (clean shaven or hairy)<br />
<a name='more'></a>I have never read a Nicholas Sparks book until now and figured I'd give it a whirl. The actual story takes place mainly at the point in the film where Allie has returned to see Noah after seeing his picture with the house he renovated for her in the paper. It's their conversation with flashbacks. The flashbacks give us a glimpse of what their dating history was like, but it was very simply written. Not much detail, which I think made it better to be portrayed on film as there was a creative license to take these scenes and expand them.<br />
Like this:<br />
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this:<br />
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this:<br />
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or this:<br />
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It at least helped me to understand their relationship better and feel more for them as a couple. <br />
and wanted a house just like theirs. <br />
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In the book, Allie's parents aren't as involved and the mother definitely doesn't have as strong a presence as she does in the film. Neither does she ever show or mention a first love to Allie. That was strictly in the movie. <br />
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The film stayed very close to the book, and I think all the actors did a great job of bringing them to life. They seemed to be on point as far as the personalities and behaviors of their character. The end of the book does leave you a bit in the air as to what happens with Noah and Allie, but it's the films ending that sucker punched me--but in a good way. <br />
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There were some moments in the book that got juggled around differently in the movie, but it didn't alter the story or it's tone in anyway. <br />
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I decided to read a few other Sparks books, and they are good at best. Nothing to write home about. With the Notebook, I think it is the fact that it spans the relationship of a husband and wife over the course of their life. Very similiar to <a href="http://pagetosilverscreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/bronze-horseman-discussion-book-review.html#more">The Bronze Horseman</a> trilogy, actually. I have found that these are my favorite love stories. How often do we see couples that have stayed married (and gone out together) for over 40, 50, 60 years? It's rare and when those articles do surface on Facebook, I enjoy reading them.<br />
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I highly recommend this book, especially if you have seen the film. Oh and for all you Ryan Gosling fans, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/why-the-notebook-is-the-worst-most-frustrating-movie-ever-cr#.qsAAGL0Lo">this</a> is for you.<br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-24993869230614285892015-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:52:02.881-07:00In the Heart of the Sea Book and Movie Review<span style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4</span><br />
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"<i>The ordeal of the whale ship Essex was an event as mythic in the nineteenth century...this epic story inspired the climactic scene in Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick'. In 1819, the Essex was rammed and sunk by an enraged sperm whale. It's twenty-man crew, fearing cannibals on the islands to the west, decided instead to sail their three tiny boats for the distant South American coast. They would eventually travel over 4,500 miles. The next three months tested just how far humans could go in their battle against the sea, as one by one, they succumbed to hunger, thirst, disease, and fear.</i>"--jacket cover<br />
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I thought this was a great story and an even greater history. I admit I have never read <i>Moby-Dick</i> (on my list!), so it was very interesting to read the real life events of the Essex crew and how they inspired Melville's novel. The battle with the sperm whale was relatively short. It wasn't a whale who kept coming at them week after week. However the damage it causes leads to pretty catastrophic events. The great irony was in the fact that these men did have to resort to cannibalism of their own crew members despite their fear of cannibals on an island that could have actually saved them. <br />
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The Captain, Captain George Pollard, Jr., was a bright man, but when it came to leadership, he tended to give in to his first mate, Owen Chase, and second mate, Matthew Joy. The men lacked knowledge of the Pacific, and while there were many rumors of cannibalism in the Marquesas (Society Islands), there was a lot of information to the contrary that they could have easily obtained. Instead of pulling rank and carrying out his proposal to sail for he Society Islands, Pollard went with Chase and Joy's plan: sailing directly for the coast of South America. It seemed to be a 50/50 situation. I honestly have no clue what I would have done. However, as seaman, I would have thought they would have truly studied up the area they were sailing. <br />
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The deprivation these men go through is unimaginable. They started suffering from hypernatremia, in which their is an excessive amount of sodium in the body that brings on convulsions. They did find some sea turtles and other fish and birds to eat, but it was never enough. With their bodies in such bad condition, most food didn't stay down long. The hardest part was the men decided on who they would kill next for food. of the twenty-man crew, only eight survive. <br />
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It didn't initially start that way. After men died, the crew would eat them. It was not taken lightly and at first it was extremely difficult to do. They it came to a point where they were drawing sticks to see who would be killed to save the crew. <br />
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The aftermath of their lives once they were rescued and returned home was very interesting. I would have thought Pollard, who started out weak, would have succumbed to his experience and led a very sad life. Instead, he seemed to do extremely well, all these considering, and was beloved by the town. Chase, who presented himself as much stronger, was the one who ended up having massive headaches and going insane. <br />
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Philbrick did great research for his story and he provides ample additional reading material. I cannot imagine the horror these men endured. You cannot judge them for the decisions they made unless you walked in their shoes. Shoes I hope to never fill. <br />
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I am looking forward to the film and how each character is portrayed. I hope they truly capture the misery and devastation of these men. That sounds harsh, but it's important to portray these true life events as honestly as possible to truly appreciate their history.<br />
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I am a Ron Howard fan and with such a great cast, I have high hopes. <br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-13231961660223514382015-04-03T16:02:00.002-07:002015-04-03T16:02:16.584-07:00Before I Go to Sleep UpdateClick for movie review update <a href="http://pagetosilverscreen.blogspot.com/2013/06/before-i-go-to-sleep-bookmovie-review.html">here</a>.PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-89966502529466356902015-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:52:16.671-07:00Before I Go to Sleep Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4.5</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Originally published on 6/21/13--movie review below</span><br />
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Hi everyone!<br />
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I loved this book! Fantastic psychological thriller and mystery. I liked the intimacy of the book. There were truly only three main characters, and one of those was not who I was expecting. I felt the pacing was well done and kept me interested in Christine trying to discover who she is and what exactly happened to her to cause her two decade amnesia.<br />
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I didn't know much about amnesia, so I did some research. Christine suffers from two types of amnesia: <a href="http://www.human-memory.net/disorders_retrograde.html">retrograde</a> amnesia (cased by an accident many years before) and <a href="http://www.simplypsychology.org/anterograde-amnesia.html">anterograde </a>amnesia (short term memory loss casing her to wake up every day not remembering anything from the day before). Both can happen aut the <a href="http://www.intropsych.com/ch06_memory/retrograde_and_anterograde_amnesia.html">same time</a>. I thought the author's choice to have her write in a journal to remember events was well done. Sometimes it didn't make sense that sometimes Christine DID remember some short term moments, but I let it go because it's a fictional story and I was being entertained. While reading this book, I immediately thought of the films "Memento" and "50 First Dates".<br />
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I had no idea where BIGTS was going. I thought the doctor was in on it. Then I thought maybe her bestfriend was involved. I also thought no one was involved with her accident and maybe it was just so horrific, the truth would just blow us away...Well it did blow me away. What a twist!!!</div>
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The only criticism I have is how rushed and perfect the ending is considering all the build up. Her resolve with her husband Ben just seemed to...lovely. I wish there would have been more to that storyline before THE END. </div>
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BIGTS has had the rights bought and the film is set to star Nicole Kidman, Mark Strong, and Colin Firth. Not sure which parts Strong and Firth are playing. Seems like a great cast. I will definitely be seeing it to make comparisons!</div>
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(I'm assuming they will age her appropriately)</div>
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Ben/Mike???? He would be great in that role!</div>
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Dr. Nash????</div>
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Really can't wait to see the film! I read the book in two days!</div>
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4/3/15<br />
I watched the film the other day (at Redox). I haven't watched much live TV lately (thank you Netflix series binge watching!), so maybe I missed all the trailers???? I usually know when films are hitting the theater, but this completely missed my radar. I was surprised to see it at Redox. Either way, I'm glad I finally got the chance to see it. <br />
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I thought the film was underwhelming. The cast was great, but the film just didn't have the same thrill as the book. At least not until the end. Honestly, I think reading the book from Christine's POV makes it more intense. The film did not go that route and maybe that's why it suffered.<br />
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Colin Firth turned out to be Ben/Mike. I thought he did a fantastic job, as usual. Had I not already known the twist ending, I really would have believed he was her husband. Mark Strong gave a solid performance of Dr. Nash. From the trailer, I got a creepy vibe with his character. Due to editing, that was truly not the case and you could tell he was really trying to help Christine. Visually, I felt Nicole really took on Christine. A bit disheveled, one can only imagine what it would be like to wake up everyday trying to figure out who you are. I'm pretty sure fashion isn't high on the priority list.<br />
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I noticed a few minor changes such as the video diary and the age of Dr. Nash. If you remember from the novel, Christine writes her daily happenings in a journal. I liked how they changed to a video diary as it read better to an audience-- knowing what was happening and what she was thinking. In today's age of smartphones, it seems recordings would be more common than journal entries. However, at the time of the novel, journals would have been the medium used. Dr. Nash is also much younger in the book. A very minor detail that doesn't take away from the character at all. <br />
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Christine's moment with Adam at the end of the film was my favorite. To see a young boy who has missed his mother so much see that there is part of her that remembers him was very touching. I can't imagine not remembering my children! <br />
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All in all, it was an ok film. Not great, not good, but ok. Maybe that's why I never noticed it at theaters: it didn't last long. Or at all. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 36% with a 41% audience "liked it". Honestly, I would recommend the book over the film. If you get it from Redox, you aren't wasting your money. <br />
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-86198995186277348022015-03-24T14:09:00.000-07:002015-03-24T14:09:12.824-07:00Child 44 <b>Child 44</b> is set to hit theaters April 17, 2015! It stars Tom Hardy, Joel Kinnaman, Noomi Rapace, and Gary Oldman. I am very excited to see that it is finally coming to the big screen and may just need to brush up on my reading. <br />
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Let us know what you think!<br />
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<a href="http://pagetosilverscreen.blogspot.com/2012/07/child-44-book-review.html">Child 44 book review.</a><br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-84614775464891780482015-01-08T21:17:00.000-08:002015-06-20T05:52:44.274-07:00The Color Purple Book/Movie Review<span style="color: yellow;">Rating: 5</span><br />
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I just finished watching the film and this was me. I can still feel the tears drying on my cheeks. Damn. What a movie AND book.<br />
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I have seen this film several times, but never read the source it came from. I finished the novel two days ago and was not disappointed. Alice Walker pulled the characters from her own ancestors and gave them, particularly Celie (based on her grandmother), a happier ending. This book gives us a look at relationships and the human condition. Parents and siblings are our first family, and then others come along and join us through marriage and friendships. Unfortunately, immediate family can be destructive and we rely on the grace and love of friends to be our true family. On the flip side, family bond can be so sweet and wonderful that distance cannot keep us from one another.<br />
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I love Celie. Her story is real and painful, and yet so tender. All her life she is trying to find someone to love her and it comes and goes (via Shug) with many hardships. Whoopi truly brought Celie alive in her Hollywood introductory role. Her mannerisms she gave Celie really brought her character such depth and sympathy. You really felt her inadequacy in her prison of a life. What really made me adore her was her sense of love that she still had in her heart after years and years of physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. She was always told she was nothing, and yet she showed she WAS somebody. <br />
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<i>The Color Purple </i>is set in the 1900s early south and follows the main characters for about 40 years. It was a time when the black man had more freedoms but was still under a lot of oppression which they seemed to take out on their women. I admit, it was nice to see Mr._____ finally get a dose of his own medicine and make a turn around. I can't help but thing that the struggles of this family (depicting the lives of so many at that time) only made those with goodness in their hearts become mentally and emotionally stronger. <br />
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Alice Walker writes her book in a series of letters: those from Celie (to God) and those of her sister, Nettie (to Celie). She also uses dialect and vocabulary that gives us a more clear understanding of our characters to their time, race, and education. Between main and secondary characters, we see their growth and final sense of peace with themselves and the world by the time the story ends. (Well it doesn't really end in my opinion. The book did, but the story continues on in my head.) <br />
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Alice Walker was part of the production team and Menno Meyje wrote the screenplay. It's one of the few films I have seen that stays incredibly true and close to the actual novel. Yes, there are a few changes, but nothing that deters from the story or makes it something it is not. The book was very serious, but the film did provide moments of badly needed comedic relief. </div>
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One of the more serious scenes takes place when Mr.______ (as he is written in the book) is kicking Nettie off his property and she and Celie will not let go of each other. As noted in the film extras, it was a very difficult scene to film for all three actors. Celie and Nettie were all they had for love and support. Family being torn apart from one another is one of the most painful things to ever witness or experience. Spielberg shared that the scene was incredibly emotional for all three characters, but Glover was the most upset. Spielberg whispered to the actresses to not allow Mr.____to physically separate them. They don't know what was whispered to Glover, but when you watch the scene, those sweet girls were doing whatever they could to not let go and it is incredibly powerful. Nettie's "Why? Why??? WHY?" were not part of the script bur came from her heart. <br />
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Oprah's Sophie was strong and sassy! Oprah was just a news anchor when she got was given the role and she nailed it! Danny Glover's Mr.__________ was impeccable. I actually felt a lot of compassion for him considering his meanness came from the oppression he was under.<br />
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The entire cast and production team gave us a film classic that should be side by side with it's novel, which was a Pulitzer Prize winner. If you have not seen it or read it, please do. It is worth your while.<br />
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I'm sure there is more to write and say, but I'm getting wordy as it is and my brain is fried When I stumble upon a thought I want to share, I will post in the comments section. Now to leave you with my favorite scene. Quincy Jones, your composition just made it that much more emotional.<br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-80567089192270445412014-11-01T18:43:00.002-07:002014-11-01T18:43:49.797-07:00New Serena Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In theaters November 27</div>
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Any thoughts?????</div>
PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-42395117261957132312014-10-18T06:30:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:53:00.490-07:00Gone Girl Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4.5</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">UPDATED </span><br />
Originally published 1/15/14<br />
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Hi everyone! I absolutely loved this book! If you haven't had a chance to read it, please do. It was very well written. When it comes to mysteries, I hate when I can figure out "who done it" and with what and why before I'm halfway into the story. With GG, I did not see the twists coming. <br />
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I will admit, I thought it was a slow start and I was thinking, "Oh no, I hope I can make it through to the end." About a 1/4 of the way in, I was hooked and if I didn't have kids to feed, laundry to fold, and toys to put away, I would have finished this story within two days. <br />
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I had mixed emotions about the ending. I was surprised that it went the direction it did, but then I realized these two people were two peas in a pod and would always try to one up the other. They would never be satisfied with the other one "winning".<br />
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The film is scheduled to be released October 2014. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike are playing Nick and Amy Dunne. I like Affleck, and I have high hopes for him in this role. Unfortunately the only times I have been blown away by his performances were in films he directed. As I was reading, I didn't have any particular actors in mind and think he is a good choice. As for Pike...uh...well...let's just say, I watched <i>Jack Reacher </i>(I was bored and there was nothing else on) and I was less than impressed with her. Maybe I need to see her in other work. I just didn't find her a great actress. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">I don't know what the difference was in the script for Rosamund Pike but she NAILED it as Amazing Psycho Amy! Especially when we get to see her perspective of things. By the end you can tell she is really just a great nut job. Ben Affleck did a great job as well. Actually I thought Carrie Coon as his sister, Margo, stood out a bit more than Affleck. It's not that Nick isn't a well developed character, but somehow Coon really brought Go more to the lime light. She stood out and I really enjoyed her performance. Tyler Perry was smooth as but-tuh as lawyer Tanner Bolt. He's the defense lawyer everyone would want to have on their side!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Edit: Yes, yes she was!!! Thank you Rosamund Pike!</span></td></tr>
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I love Neil Patrick Harris and to see him cast in the stalking role of Desi has me very excited to see what he brings to the character. I think he might really impress me. I hope so. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Was pleasantly surprised. Still had too much of a physical similarity to his HIMYM character, Barney, but the personality was a lot more loving. I just wish they would have made him look different so I thought of him more as Dezi. Not his alter ego or actual self.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"> However, his final scene was splendidly gruesome and fantastic. </span>The rest of the cast, I am not too familiar with. Check out the rest of the cast <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2267998/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">here</a>.<br />
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<b>*spoilers*</b><br />
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As for the book, I liked how Nick's time frame was current and Amy's was flashbacks in her journal. Considering she is missing, it gave us an idea of where she was coming from and what could possibly have gone wrong. Then all of a sudden, BAM! Amy is NOT who we thought she was. Maybe others could have seen the story going in this direction, but I did not. This twist cranked it up for me and I wanted to see just how far she was willing to go and what was going to be her outcome as well as Nick's. For as much as I loved the psychotic, twisty turns in this screwd up relationship, I did feel a little let down by the ending. It's not that it wasn't a good ending or a quick "let's wrap it up" finish, but I wanted to see Amy suffer her consequences. I do give Flynn a thumbs up for the following:<br />
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<i>Nick has spent all his free time these past months slathering my belly with cocoa butter and running out for pickles and rubbing my feet, and all the things good fathers-to-be are supposed to do. Doting on me. he is learning to love me unconditionally, under all my conditions. I think we are finally on our way to happiness. I have finally figured it out. </i><br />
<i> We are on the eve of becoming the world's best, brightest nuclear family.</i><br />
<i> We just need to sustain it. Nick doesn't have it down perfect. This morning he was stroking my hair and asking what else he could do for me, and I said: "My gosh, Nick, why are you so wonderful to me?"</i><br />
<i> He was supposed to say: You deserve it. I love you.</i><br />
<i> But he said, "Because I feel sorry for you."</i><br />
<i> "Why?"</i><br />
<i> "Because every morning you have to wake up and be you."</i><br />
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<i>I really, truly wish he hadn't said that. I keep thinking about it. I can't stop. (p. 414-415)</i><br />
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Wow, that would be horrible to hear from your spouse. So I guess that's worse than any prison time. She's stuck with herself. And even she knows that's not good. <br />
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At the end of the film, you know Nick wants to leave but he is staying for the baby's sake and does whatever Amy needs despite his hatred. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"> I wish the final clip before credits would have been Nick running his fingers through Amy's hair and saying, "I feel sorry for you because every morning you have to wake up and be you." Then focus on Amy's facial reaction. Black out. I think that would have been a stronger punch.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Despite a few changes, which didn't alter or completely change the story, the film stayed very true to the book as far as tone, flashbacks, and details. I checked out who the screenplay writer was and it was the author herself. Explains why her film was truthful. I think most authors should be the only ones to write the screenplay. Most of the time, it works out far better than someone else. Great film and highly recommend it. I would suggest reading the book first. Because of it's thriller nature, it is far more gripping to read and then see just how they are going to portray that onto the screen. I don't think it would be as a great a read seeing the film first. But I have been known to be very wrong, so do whatever you want. haha! Both are excellent.</span><br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-60332071770225186362014-10-01T16:09:00.001-07:002014-10-01T16:09:39.054-07:00Argh! I hate falling behind!<br />
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Hi everyone!<br />
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So I fell off the planet due to summer vacations and moving the family. I still have "Minority Report" sitting in my DVD player, waiting for me to watch. I still plan on reading all the books for the rest of the year and will just have to get on it! October is going to be a busy month. Thank you for your patience!PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-31116365298327580972014-08-11T13:07:00.001-07:002015-06-20T05:53:19.589-07:00Unbroken Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 6--yes a 6 because this story is HOLY-FREAKIN'-AMAZINGLY-INCREDIBLE! But that's our humble opinion. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Updated 12-26-14: Movie review towards the end</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bravo, Ms. Hillenbrand, BRAVO!!!<br />
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Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. GOSH! OH MY GOSH!!! I am currently re-reading this amazing biography because there was so much information and incredible story telling, I couldn't process it all. I read it in three days and cannot suggest this book <i>enough</i>. The life story of Louis Zamperini is not just impressive, but mind blowing and inspirational. I love history, especially that of WWII, so to incorporate his story with vast research on POW camps, my brain got an incredible workout.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louie with director Angelina Jolie</td></tr>
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Honestly I don't know where to begin because there are so many moments that need discussing. Laura Hillenbrand and her team did extensive research that took 7 years and did a beautiful job keeping me engaged and riveted on Louis's story. Louis is just one of many inspiring men from that era, and his story is mind-blowing. I cannot even BEGIN to comprehend his experience as a POW, particularly one for 4 years! What these men endured...my gosh! The will to live is a powerful thing. <br />
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I became so attached to Louis and all the members of <i>The Super Man</i>. Every time I thought, "This is it!" they pulled through. My heart ached for them...oh and Gaga, the little duck! You were such a minor character, but you were my favorite. You brought hope and I <i>really</i> hope "Sh#thead" (that's how he was nicknamed) got what he deserved with The Man Upstairs for what he did to you. <br />
This book will be joining my selective personal library and will be filled with "dog ears" and notes.<br />
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Truly this book is a great example of determination, perseverance, and the will to survive. Not everyone can do it and not everyone does, but it is possible. Thanks to all the men and women who have had to endure such atrocities whether it be through war or in your own home. You help us realize we can rise above such evil. <br />
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Movie Review:<br />
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Today I went with the hubs and friends to see the film. I thought it was very well done. Considering the amount of backstory and history in the life of Louie, I think all the script writers did a thoughtful, emotional, and historical account. Would you believe that Joel and Ethan Coen were part of the screenplay team? They joined Richard LaGravenese and William Nicholson. I was pleasantly surprised considering their usual string of films--The Coen brothers that is. Jolie gets a thumbs up for bringing this incredible story to the screen and I think her cast was excellent. <br />
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Jack O'Connell played a very convincing Zampirini and wow if he didn't resemble the real life hero! Phil, (Domhnall Gleeson) and Mac (Finn Wittrock--yes of famed American Horror Story, Dandy!) broke my heart during their days at sea. Their skeletol frames and desperation to survive were beautiful. Jolie did try to give us a glimpse as to how they survived the days with feeding on birds, fish, and shark as well as their conversations about recipes and football games. Unfortunately, if if you didn't read the book, you wouldn't know that it was Phil and Zampirini's daily conversations of mundane things and sheer positive attitude that ultimately led to their survival. Mac was very beaten down from the beginning of the crash and couldn't pull out of it. <br />
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The only things I found problematic aren't really that bad at all nor do they take away from the film. Again, films cannot capture every nuance, tone, glance, dialogue from the book. I felt that way with Watanabe or "The Bird". Played by Takamasa Ishihara, "The Bird" definitely showed a control freak of epic proportions. However...he didn't seem nearly as nuts or intense as he came across on the pages. He had such hatred for Louie, he had him do push ups in feces. Yes, much was not shown in the film. And yes, I wanted to see my little Gaga, but it wouldn't have served any story line. <br />
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I also missed getting to know the crew of Super Man. We got a brief glimpse of their friendship before all went to hell, but again, it wasn't about them. SAme with getting to know Zamp's family more and seeing what was going on in their lives during his years in the POW camps. But again, for a film, you have to decide which POV you are going to focus on and it was through the eyes of Louie. <br />
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Lastly, I wish we could have seen more of what POW life was like. It's a fine line though because you don't want to leave feeling completely disturbed since this is a story about redemption and unwavering spirit. What Jolie and her team did give us was heart breaking and made me appreciate what all our men and women have endured and still endure during battle. I have talked with many friends whose father's were POWs and it is sickening what a human will do to another. <br />
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I wish there had been time to see his life post war: dealing with severe PTSD, reuniting with Phil, married life and how he was able to forgive his captors. Jolie did give us some snap shots of his life and what happened to him at the end of the film, but for this reader, I wanted more!!! It's important to see what happened when the men came home, especially POWs. Oh well.<br />
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I highly recommend this film and encourage reading the book as well. I plan on reading it again as soon as I am done with my current book. His life truly is a great example, amongst others, of perseverance and optimism during extreme conditions and to never ever lost hope. It also shows how forgiveness can heal even when it seems like the last thing one wants to do. PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-15095841082799443312014-07-14T16:06:00.003-07:002015-06-20T05:53:33.252-07:00Serena Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4</span><br />
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Hi everyone! I thought Serena was a very great read. Ron Rash is a great storyteller. He has an extensive vocabulary relating to the novels era and I found I did have to look up certain words because I was unfamiliar with the terminology. You don't really use "jodhpurs" in your daily conversations nor "chifferobe" for that matter. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chifferobe: attached mini closet and dresseh</td></tr>
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Serena is one crazy, power hungry, manipulative, dominating female villain and she owned every page mentioned. She is the only one in her family not to die from sickness and I can't say that it was the will to live that kept her alive. She is just out to conquer anyone and anything. I think she does love her husband, but I think she loves what power they have over others more. When she feels her husband is distancing himself, she has her "henchman" deal with him. She lives off the land and is very involved in their lumber business, but she never gets her hands "dirty" when it comes to murder. She doesn't care who she has to take out to get what she wants. Rash doesn't focus much on physical description of his characters, but what he does give is enough that we can truly visualize them in our mind. Serena is not a knock down beauty, but has something to her. She doesn't come across as girly but does have a woman's touch to her earthy appearance and attire.<br />
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George, her husband, didn't come across as powerful as his wife. I think what he had going for him was some compassion. Something Serena completely and utterly lacked. Unfortunately that compassion got his can kicked in the end. <br />
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The best part for me was the very end of the book. Many times Rash shared George's slight obsession with the physical similarities of him as a child and the child he fathered with Rachel. As I read the last few pages all I could think was that had to be his son. It had to and he had come back for that wicked witch of lumber yard!!!! No names were used, but it all made sense. Maybe I am wrong, but I love that it was left to me to figure out. <br />
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I would definitely recommend this book, not just for its story, but the history of our early lumberjacks and what their lives were like. It was incredibly dangerous and men were dying left and right. <br />
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The film comes out this year and I am looking forward to it considering Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are the leads. Now as much as I love them, I will admit that the few set pics I have seen make me a little wary. jennifer looks all dolled up and at no point in the book was she that glamorous. I saw her more like Iggy from <i>Fried Green Tomatoes</i>. I hope I'm not disappointed. I get frustrated when a book strays significantly from content. And with that, I would like to add, I don't think audiences will be disappointed with the acting from our actors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love you Jennifer, but I still don't see Serena wearing make up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, a bit more believable. </td></tr>
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-28378557581137094972014-07-05T11:13:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:54:38.782-07:00Before I Go To Sleep TrailerWhat do you think??? <br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-45518379093153751592014-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:51:43.650-07:00The Monuments Men Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4</span><br />
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A great source of history regarding the history of the fine arts stolen by a lunatic dictator and restored by men and women who were willing to die to bring it all back in the name of freedom.<br />
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I thought the author did a wonderful job keeping our attention and a sense of organization with so much history, detail, and many characters. It can be said that sometimes when an author has many characters or jumps timelines or destinations frequently, it can get confusing. I was waiting for this to happen with TMM, but it never did. I also appreciated the list of our protagonists with their handsome photos found at the beginning of the book. <br />
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I didn't know that Hitler wanted to have a Fuhrer Museum and was such a lover of art. Of course he went about it all the wrong way and it didn't work out for him in the end. <br />
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The MM and women made great sacrifices to retrieve the stolen works. They were on their own for much of the process and could have been attacked and killed at any time. Once Hitler's Reich started to unravel he tried to destroy all the artwork. It was up to the MM to save as much as possible.<br />
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The photos, letters home, and letters written by The Reich were incredible to read and gave much more depth and richness in what was happening on the battlefield. <br />
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For as much history was told, I think the film did a pleasantly good job of telling their story. TMM were a group of men and women from thirteen nations, most of whom volunteered to serve in the newly created MFAA: Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section. Many were experts as art scholars, artists, architects, curators, museum directors, and archivists. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: calluna;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">I wish the characters in the film were the same as the book. For example, Rose Vallund becomes Claire Simone and instead of <a href="http://www.northcountrypublicradio.com/news/npr/272512931/behind-the-movie-tales-from-the-real-life-monuments-men">Harry Ettlinger,</a> we get Sam Epstein. Ettlinger's story was one of my favorites and it would have been nice to see that on the screen, especially that magnificent moment when they find the Rembrandt. It's not a big deal, but it would have been nice to have kept the same names. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: calluna;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> It's hard to get all the details and history in one film. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: calluna; line-height: 24px;">All in all, it was a good film, but I did enjoy the book more.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: calluna; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-7880580679601806852014-05-12T20:38:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:54:56.943-07:00The Madman's Daughter Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating...2.5/3</span><br />
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Ehhh...it was a good story. Good enough that I finished it in a few days and went on to read its sequel. I think the story has a great premise and a lot of potential. I was very involved in the story, but there were elements that had me annoyed. <br />
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Why does there have to be a love triangle? I get that it can add a lot of sexual tension, but sometimes I think a story can do without a triangle of anything. It reminded me of Bella/Edward/Jacob (think Twilight) and that was a triangle you either loved or hated. Juliet isn't nearly as lame as Bella, but sometimes her decisions were pretty lame and dangerous. No one in their right mind might try to pull off what she does. There is an Edward, and honestly he's my favorite character, especially in the second book. He's got a lot more dimension and potential character development than the others. Then you have Montgomery. He starts out pretty decent, hangs in there, but then seems to just be a dud. A love triangle in the middle of Juliet's actual problem (her dad's a psycho nut job performing dangerous transformations on animals) is just a bit much.<br />
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I did think that the animals/creations on the island were very interesting and it would be quite impressive to see what Hollywood would create for the big screen. The last part of the book is the most exciting and I think would be visually stunning. <br />
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I do like that Shepherd has taken other stories to create the foundation of her series. Book 1 takes from The Island of Dr. Moreau, book 2 is loosely on Jekyll and Hyde, and apparently book 3 will be from Frankenstein. <br />
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I've read other reviews and it seems to be a love/hate relationship. Either way, I would definitely suggest it and its sequels. It may not be the best writing or story telling, but it is entertaining and given the right screen adapter, could make a very good film. PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-80014748959463583132014-05-03T07:46:00.000-07:002015-06-20T05:55:15.048-07:00Heaven is For Real Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">In conjunction with our sister site, <a href="http://linkedinhollywood.com/">Linked in Hollywood,</a> please join us for our discussion on <a href="http://linkedinhollywood.com/2014/05/02/lih-2014-christian-film-reviews/#more-8057">Christian Films</a>. </span><br />
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Hi everyone! I hope you all had a chance to read this book. I can see why so many people felt inspired. How awesome would it be to know there really IS a Heaven and that we get to be with our loved ones forever, especially in a perfect, young body?!<br />
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Join our discussion to share what you thought of the book and film!<br />
<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-9618785031413802212014-04-07T14:33:00.002-07:002015-06-20T05:55:34.375-07:00Somewhere in Time Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating...2</span><br />
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After two colds, two birthdays, a root canal, and a tooth pulled, I'm finally back. Thank you for patience. Now on with the review!<br />
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Oh. My. Gosh. I commend the late Richard Matheson for writing books that turned into pretty great films, but holy cow, did this book age me. I skimmed a lot of boring details and just thought it was all so silly. The time travel was more realistic than the love story. I thought the character development was severely lacking and just could NOT get into the book.<br />
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Richard actually starts out in Los Angeles and is a screen writer. Elise's mother actually is very involved. To be honest, I've let too much time go by since reading the story to give any good differences and similarities. If you want to read it, go ahead. It's not that bad, and if you are a Matheson fan, then you will probably really enjoy it.<br />
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As for the film, it's still cheesy, but for whatever reason (in my little brain), the story didn't seem half as bad. It did not do we at the box office. But you do have the amazing Christopher Reeve and lovely Jane Seymour to give it some life. Reeve was a great actor and his personal quirks gave more emotion and development than the Richard on paper. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah, I would be caught staring too. Jane is gorgeous!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nooooooo!!!!! Don't look at it!!!!</td></tr>
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Here are some interesting tidbits about the film:<br />
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<i>Christopher Reeve asked not to see the painting of Jane's Elise until it was time to film the scene. The expression he delivers is genuine. </i><br />
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<i>The story is based on Matheson's dream to meet actress Maude Adams.</i><br />
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<i>The book won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1976.</i><br />
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<i>The book takes place at the Hotel Coronado, but they filmed at the Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. Also vehicles are not permitted on the island. The cars used in the film had to get special permission and could only be used during filming. </i><br />
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<i><br /></i>PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-8937109359859422362014-03-18T14:29:00.000-07:002014-03-19T14:30:02.581-07:00Heaven is For Realby Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent<br />
Adapted by Chris Parker<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">While three-year-old Colton Burpo is in surgery, he visits and spends time in Heaven. When he awakes from surgery, he recounts who and what he saw to his parents: things he never could have known. </span></span></div>
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-8861001674405604932014-02-28T15:24:00.000-08:002015-06-20T05:56:06.050-07:00Mary Poppins Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating...3.5</span><br />
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When it comes to children's literature, I have to remember that story lines and characters won't be as fleshed as YA or other adult novels. With that in mind, <i>Mary Poppins</i> was a bit different than what I expected.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The book is a bunch of daily encounters with Mary, Michael and John. There are younger twins, but they are excluded from the film. As a child, I think the adventures and stories Mary tells the Banks' children are fun and exciting. Being an adult, however, they are weird. I wish I could snap my fingers and get all my chores done, but that isn't going to happen. I also didn't like that the parents have pretty much nothing to do with their children. As stated, I had a hard time figuring out Miss Poppins. She is an older woman who is very, very stern and honestly, doesn't seem the least bit likeable. At least with the film, Julie Andrews would smile which gave the appearance that she did care for the children and was a loving woman despite her discipline. Frankly I still can't figure out why kids love Mary aside from the strange, crazy adventures.<br />
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That being said, Michael and Jane have some incredible moments! One of my favorite parts (and it is really quite small) is reading about all the things coming out of Mary's empty bag. Seeing it on the screen really made me wish I had my own magic back. Talk about making travel easy! I have a strong feeling my children will love this book when they are a bit older.<br />
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I loved this movie as a child and wanted to be Mary Poppins riding her carousel horse while singing and dancing. Walt Disney and his crew also took a very short snippet about the bird lady and turned it into a very tender scene. I think he and his writers picked some very good moments from the book, which I am sure was very difficult to do considering there were so many adventures to choose. <br />
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Now as much as I did enjoy the film, it doesn't have much substance and lessons learned are pretty much meaningless. That's why I have to enjoy it for what it is through a child's eye and not as a logical, responsible adult. it's a strange relationship I have with this book/film. PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-31573159306065251412014-01-02T15:24:00.000-08:002014-07-14T17:17:50.161-07:00Happy 2014!Happy New Year, readers!<br />
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I can't believe another year has come and gone. I hope it was a great year for you and I wish you a wonderful, safe, healthy, productive, fun 2014. <br />
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This year, we have another great line up of books to review. For new readers, comments and discussion from previous books are always ongoing. <br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
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January</div>
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February</div>
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March</div>
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April</div>
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May</div>
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June</div>
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July</div>
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August</div>
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September</div>
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October </div>
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November</div>
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December</div>
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-19115255068797851062013-12-09T11:34:00.000-08:002015-06-20T05:56:24.825-07:00The Book Thief Book/Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 5</span></div>
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(Part 2 will be covered in the comments section, and I will be adding info and pictures periodically. The holidays are no match for me!)</div>
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Roughly in the middle of this novel, I find this book very well written. I was captivated by the first few pages and quickly guessed that it was Death who was narrating. This, in my opinion, was Zusak's very unique and brilliant way to grab his audience. Death did not come across as evil, dark, or gloomy, but a personage who is merely there to help carry the souls away when their time on earth is done. It observes people and events by colors. As we know, color has a great impact on all of us from how we paint the walls of our home to the use of colors in film to enhance emotions. I will discuss more about Death later on.<br />
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I was attracted to this book for two reasons: historical background and high recommendations from others. One of our top rated books is The Bronze Horseman, and it's use of history made the story more powerful and real. I think this stands true for The Book Thief. <br />
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The story unfolds in Germany in 1939 and primarily sets in Molching (a fictional town outside of Munich). Hitler is in power and The Hitler Youth Program is underway. Book burnings are very common and Jews were in hiding or trying to hide from the Nazis. Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, is also required reading among the people. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitler and the HItler Youth Program</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.historyonthenet.com/Nazi_Germany/hitler_youth.htm">Hitler Youth facts</a>:<br />
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* Was founded in the 1920s</div>
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* By the end of 1933, the membership was just over 2 million</div>
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* In 1936, the program was compulsory for boys and girls over the age of 10</div>
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* Membership was at 8 million by 1940</div>
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* Indoctrinated with Nazi idealism and Aryan Morals</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German mass book burning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitler's manifesto to his political ideology and future plans for Germany.<br />
This plays an important role throughout the novel.</td></tr>
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This book gives us great insight to the other side of Naziism: those that wanted to protect their Jewish friends, unwillingly fly the Nazi flag, and find the Hitler Youth program ridiculous and boring. We also see how Death cannot comprehend how humans can commit such horrible acts of cruelty and acts of such tenderness and compassion. He is haunted by the survivors, not those that die. Lastly, we see how war impacts people in different ways with different consequences.<br />
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Part 2 will be posted Monday, December 16th.<br />
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-74206242295838668302013-11-04T15:46:00.003-08:002015-06-20T05:56:49.732-07:00The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Book/Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 5-- Can't go wrong with this short scary story.</span></div>
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Hi everyone! (see another discussion about TLSH at <a href="http://linkedinhollywood.com/2013/10/09/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow/">Linked in Hollywood</a>)<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed this short story by Washington Irving. Not only is the story creative and interesting, but the style and language is elegant and engaging. For younger children, I would say it requires advanced comprehension and vocabulary skills as the terms and phrases are early American. The story was first published in 1820 after all. <br />
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I was very interested in the backstory to <i>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow</i>. I found an excellent source and instead of copying and pasting, you can take a gander <a href="http://historicaldigression.com/2011/10/31/the-story-behind-sleepy-hollow/">here</a>. Very, very interesting!!!<br />
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I'm still researching education of the early school masters, so as soon as I have info, I will post. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical 1790s attire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being soft, round, and plump was a sign of wealth.<br />
My vision of Katrina Van Tassel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Ichabod Crane. A colonel in the military, he met with Irving,<br />
and his name was thus used. He wasn't too happy about how the character turned out.<br />
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The many faces of Ichabod:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_9DWxYYlDgfuQa28cDMVfm61-l7-SRx9RIiM9v3HiBZHftI0dbU4fShuaoP1XXIxSKBt7QEyMgeLswnSR0tb7A05RMidlSxzCM4SPSpdmNCBCfJGmWy4YFyazd6ZfO7V78YKgnfytY/s400/Ichabod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm_9DWxYYlDgfuQa28cDMVfm61-l7-SRx9RIiM9v3HiBZHftI0dbU4fShuaoP1XXIxSKBt7QEyMgeLswnSR0tb7A05RMidlSxzCM4SPSpdmNCBCfJGmWy4YFyazd6ZfO7V78YKgnfytY/s320/Ichabod.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite--just watched it with the kids and they LOVED it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/5/57794/1081693-ichabod_crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/5/57794/1081693-ichabod_crane.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Johnny, but he wasn't lanky or nerdy enough for me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/rf/image_r/Boston/2011-2020/2013/09/06/BostonGlobe.com/Arts/Images/101_SH07264(1).r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bostonglobe.com/rf/image_r/Boston/2011-2020/2013/09/06/BostonGlobe.com/Arts/Images/101_SH07264(1).r.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest and greatest, and yes, be still my heart. It's such a different<br />
take on the story and character, that I don't mind the changes. </td></tr>
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I have yet to re-watch Sleepy Hollow, the film, but when I do, I will give my comparison. I think Disney stays relatively true to the book and definitely captures the tone and emotional elements of the character. I know, weird to say, but it's true. There is such a contrast between the lively Van Tassel party and Crane's horrifying horse ride home. Perhaps it's the build up and anticipation of what is to become of our gangly school master. The TV series is a different take on the story. Crane dies in the Revolutionary War with the Hessian soldier (which I love by the way) and is married to Katrina. She is actually a witch of sorts and casts a spell on Ichabod. This keeps him from dying and he wakes up over two centuries later. I stayed open minded and have enjoyed where the story is taking me. Will be back with more follow up and comments. Hope you enjoyed your read!<br />
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-74295065390641498122013-10-21T14:56:00.006-07:002015-06-20T05:58:15.979-07:002013 Carrie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went and saw the newest, latest and greatest rendition of King's <i>Carrie</i> last Saturday. </div>
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Reimagining, remake, reboot...whatever. <br />
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If you are just joining us, we had a book/movie review that you can visit <a href="http://pagetosilverscreen.blogspot.com/2012/11/carrie-bookmovie-review.html">here</a>. <br />
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Ok, ready, set, REVIEW!<br />
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Frist, kudos for attempting to bring this story back to life. Again. Especially after the original was incredibly successful. As a fan, I appreciated that the director stayed closer to the book. Unfortunately, it was only in a few spots. The beginning of this newer film was a different and nice touch. Better than that shower scene with the porno music! hahaha! could never take that scene seriously.<br />
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As a newborn, Carrie was using her telekinesis. I wish we could have seen more of her childhood to really understand why Carrie is treated so brutally by her peers. Especially the part where as a child, she uses her powers and throws a table out the window. Anyway...<br />
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<u>Scenes/characters I didn't like:</u><br />
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Chloe Moretz's portrayal of Carrie. I'm sorry Chloe, but I couldn't nor did believe you as Carrie. You are talented, but I just didn't believe that you could be bullied by your counterparts in high school. I know the make up department worked really hard to make you plain and ugly, but you still looked beautiful. Yes, Sissy Spacek didn't look like book version Carrie either, but she possess a very unique look that allowed her Carrie to really come across as someone stupid teenage girls would pick on. <br />
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Another thing that was difficult to associate Chloe as Carrie was her demeanor. Carrie is shy, completely withdrawn and definitely is scared of her own mother. Chloe's shyness came and went and there were many times where I really felt she wasn't afraid of her mom. Well, yes she was but she was too confident in her speech. What I remember with Spacek's Carrie, was her very vulnerable, delicate nature. She was really too afraid to stand up to her mom. She tried, but even then her voice was weak. You could really tell she was trying, but she was just so beaten down. When you see her at the prom, just blossom, your heart goes out to her and you see how exciting and wonderful her life could be and you root for her. That's what makes the incident with the pigs blood so devastating for her. With Chloe, I didn't feel for her Carrie. I wasn't rooting for her. She wasn't fragile enough leading up to dance where she could really try and come out of her shell. And then there's the blood aftermath.<br />
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I felt the acting was too contrived and forced. Spacek was able to portray a girl who pretty much mentally "checks out". All she had to do was give us this look and she owned the scene. She didn't have to look like she was working hard to use her powers and she didn't need to twist her face in anger and destruction. The checked out look is far more intense, in my opinion. I would rather deal with a person who you can TELL is angry than someone who has a glazed over look. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the winner is...Who is Sissy Spacek, for $500.<br />
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Now for Margaret White. Julianne Moore really did a wonderful job recreating this character. Nonetheless, there was nothing that needed re-creating. Piper Laurie nailed it with the book Mrs. White. She was physically intimidating, with her strong arms and alarming presence, but she was also very vocal and staunch in her religious beliefs. Moore's White was too soft in that approach. yes, she had her fine moments of acting like a religious crackhead, but I felt there were too many moments where she let down her guard and showed how vulnerable she was. I also didn't understand why they added that she is a cutter. All in all, Julianne did put in a good performance, but it still wasn't enough. She didn't even get the line, "They're all going to laugh at you!" with the conviction I felt in the book.<br />
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Piper, you were greatly missed.</div>
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I also was disappointed in how Margaret dies. With the film staying more true to the book, why couldn't they incorporate her death? the knife weilding, Christ on a cross repeat death was ho hum. I think Margarets death by having Carrie painfully slowing her heart could be portrayed very well on film. That is far scarier, but it's not my film to direct. </div>
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I felt the final scenes were headed in the right direction. I liked how it showed her destroying the gym and a bit of the town, but I do wish we could have stayed a little longer on how she was truly destroying it. Also, I felt the death scenes were a bit over the top. I don't think gore was needed. Again, with the 1976 version, crazy eyed Carrie is so intense that you didn't need gore to scare you or get you going. And maybe I am completely wrong here (which is usually the case), but hasn't Carrie harnessed her powers at this point? I thought she had so I couldn't figure out why Chloe/Carrie was focusing and trying so hard with the car. Her expressions were working overtime which I found distracting. Again, that's my own personal complaint and shouldn't deter anyone else's viewing pleasure. </div>
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Finally, the reaction by the adults at the prom scene bother the crap out of me. The minute that pigs blood fell, I don't know of any adult who would have just stood there looking like a stupid fool. There was so much time wasted without one mature adult or high school kid, getting up on stage and doing something about that awful prank. They all acted like a bunch of bafoons in a day and age where bullying is so rampant and society is trying to stop it. No one even tried to help the girl for crying out loud! that was the most annoying part of the whole damn film. </div>
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<u>Scenes/characters I did like:</u></div>
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Portia Doubleday, who played Chris Hargensen, was FANTASTIC! She was a true present day b-yotch and I haaaaaaaaated her! I got more from her Chris and really felt why she was going after Carrie. I felt she wasn't a spoiled girl who didn't get her way, but a youth of today who feels completely entitled to everything and everyone; punishment doesn't exist and if you dare try to discipline her, she's going to make your life a nightmare. I admit that although I didn't need the gore in the film, her death was pretty freakin' awesome. Her character was the most memorable for me. </div>
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Wow. That's it? I guess so. I wish we could merge the acting of the '76 with the additional scenes of '13. In the end though, "Don't mess with a classic, Hollywood!" They are RARELY any better than the original. Also a note to Hollyweird: If you want to reimagine something and use the book as your source, go by the book. I'm pretty sure there are some amazing screenwriters out there who could incorporate Carrie's story through the voice of the townspeople. Now that's the Carrie I would pay to see.</div>
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Which version do you prefer?</div>
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PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-3396513418304044442013-10-03T13:28:00.005-07:002015-06-20T05:59:03.845-07:00Songs of a Dead Dreamer Book Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating...4</span><br />
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Hi everyone! I haven't finished all the stories in this book, but wanted to at least discuss a few of the ones I DID read: <i>The Frolic, Alice's Last Adventure, Dr. Voke and Mr. Veech</i>, and <i>The Journal of J.P. Drapeau.</i><br />
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<i>The Frolic</i>: Didn't find disturbing during the reading as much as I did after. Ligotti has a very intelligent style to his horror writing. Somewhat like Poe, you must think and ponder what you are reading. It's not just horror thrown in your face, but woven in and out of the story. "John Doe" is a creepy enigma who has no name and says he is from nowhere. He says he can come and go as he pleases from the prison. His "frolics" involve the killings of children and on page 12, the psychologist explains to his wife,<br />
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"...nothing that he said was sickeningly graphic the way you might imagine. When he told me about his last frolic and "most memorable frolic", it was with a powerful sense of wonder and nostalgia shocking as that sounds to me now. It seemed to be a kind of homesickness, though his "home" is a ramshackle ruin of his decaying mine." He continues on for a while and with Ligotti's style and imagination, you really see this Doe person/supernatural entity as a complete evil monster. The end didn't surprise me, but it was still spine tingling, nonetheless. <br />
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Here is the trailer teaser to the short film:<br />
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I will be back later with the rest of my reviews!PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-35861358248248629722013-09-06T14:20:00.001-07:002015-06-20T05:59:28.057-07:00Overqualified Book Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating: 4.5</span><br />
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Hi everyone! Ok, so this delayed review is what happens when the night before it should be posted, you and your family decide to make a spontaneous trip to Disneyland. Therefore, once you and family have returned, you have completely forgotten about the review until NOW! <br />
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I thought this was a great book. I thought it was very funny, yet poignant in how it's the people in our lives that matter and not what is going on around us. Well yes, what's happening in the world is important, but the cars we drive, the houses we live in, the clothes we wear, all the technology we HAVE to have are pointless. when Joey loses his brother, his writing expresses what many of us may think and feel, but have never expressed. He has a provocative way of writing that makes you wonder if this guy is serious or sarcastic or both. I kept asking myself, "Wait, is he trying to be funny or is he really thinking this?" Maybe both. <br />
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Who is Joey Comeau? <br />
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Check him and some of his other writings out here: <a href="http://www.asofterworld.com/about.php">A Softer World</a></div>
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I will be back with breakdowns of my favorite chapters. </div>
<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620577442444975548.post-15828214292713079952013-08-06T11:18:00.001-07:002015-06-20T06:00:03.452-07:00I AM LEGEND Book/Movie Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Rating...2.5; maybe 3</span><br />
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First let me state that I think Mr. Matheson is a very great writer. I read several of his short stories and they are quite scary and creepy. I can see how he inspired Stephen King with these works. Matheson wrote several episodes for The Twilight Zone, which include one of my favorites, "Nightmare at 20,000 feet". <br />
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Yes, a young William Shatner</div>
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Several of his books have been adapted to film. One that completely shocked me, considering he is a horror/sci fi author is his adapted film "Somewhere in Time". I couldn't believe it when I read it. I love that film and think it is one of the most beautiful love films. That's a book and film review for a different day.<br />
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Second, I was disappointed with this novel. Not that he didn't tell a good story, and yes, I am probably too attached to the film, but I didn't find it scary in the least. There were some great ideas, but I couldn't emotionally attach myself to the character or story. The dog scenes and Ruth scenes were the best parts, but too short and depressing. There were many differences between the book and the last adapted film by the same title starring Will Smith. There were two other films as well: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4mYireNvcg">"The Last Man on Earth"</a> with Vincent Price and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od_cApZQ-mo">"The Omega Man"</a>. I have those on my queue to watch so I can't compare those yet. <br />
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In the story those infected with the bacteria become vampires. They can be killed by stakes or thrown in to the fire pit. In the film they are more feral creatures with limited intelligence but supernatural strength. They are infected by a virus that was originally used to cure cancer. They seem to change body structure whereas in the book they still look human and the women try to lure Neville out by showing him their naked bodies.<br />
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I think seeing Neville struggle alone for years visually had more of an impression on me than reading about it. I think Smith did a fantastic job showing how he had tried to make a life for himself, coping and dealing. When things get too close and the creatures/vampires know that he exists and actively start hunting him down. when they move the mannequins to the library (or whatever building it was), you seem him start to unravel. I think Smith portrayed the emotions of Robert Neville story wise extremely well. That scene in the film scared me to death and was very well done cinematically. What a turning point!<br />
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I realize that Neville was ahead of his time in writing this book (1954) so I do commend him for writing such a great story. It's just not a favorite of mine. Honestly I think I just need to reread it and not watch the Smith version until I have done so.<br />
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I will say the one thing that I did appreciate in Matheson's story was how he incorporated the title. In the end, a new society of vampires who can live in the day light have taken over and capture Neville. He realizes that he is now what they were too him: scary, foreign and terrifying. Vampires once legend are now the norm and the last man of the human race is now legend. His last line is simply that, "I am legend." <br />
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I guess I have never thought about being a lone survivor of the human race being hunted down by monsters. That would be horrible and depressing and any sign of life would be welcome. I will save more for the discussion. <br />
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Just to give you an idea of the time and setting, it takes place in South Los Angeles near Compton and Inglewood between 1975 and 1979. Of course Matheson had no idea what LA would look like at the time since he wrote this in the 50s, so here is a glimpse back in time. Either way, I can hardly imagine my city being completely desolate with tumbleweeds occasionally blowing down the former busy streets, not a soul to be seen but knowing they are there waiting for nightfall to come out. That would be equal parts terrifying and lonely. <br />
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<br />PTSS/LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02170378760779707707noreply@blogger.com12