This past week I have been busy, but not in a way normally considered ‘busy’. You see I have been watching movies and reading books. I had originally intended to make separate posts for each book I read, but they are all stacking up (which does tend to happen when you read 3 in a week).
Thus, welcome to: ‘Assorted Review Day’.
BOOKS:
The Red Necklace: A Story of the French Revolution. By Sally Gardner
This book is really aimed at the ‘teen’ reader, though I still enjoyed it. The story centers around a young gypsy boy, his dwarf mentor, a beautiful girl and an evil man. While reading this I was strongly reminded of the Charles Dickens classic ‘Tale of Two Cities‘ and I think the author borrowed her version of the atmosphere in revolution-era France quite heavily him. It is a story with a lot of heart, and the characters are quite endearing. All in all it was an enjoyable, if predictable read which would probably be enjoyed more by someone younger.
Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Low Life. By Sam Savage
Unfortunately I cannot find a picture of the book cover I actually own, which is a pity because it is actually very cute. Anyway. This is a great book. It was a gift from my boyfriend a couple of years ago, however I didn’t finish reading it because he told me the ending was sad. This week I decided to read it anyway, and I’m glad I did. I think most books with cute animal cartoons on the cover would be assumed to be for children, but this book is definitely not. It draws on themes of loneliness, isolation and frustration, as well as the feelings of dislocation when areas of a city are ‘re purposed’. The majority of the book takes place in a bookstore in New York, and is told in the voice of Firmin, a rat who can read. Despite being quite sad (I think) the overall vibe of the book is positive and I was left feeling very contemplative. Lots of literary references in there too, for those who like such things.
Dreamcatcher. By Stephen King
This is the second Stephen King novel I have read(The first was Green Mile) and though I enjoyed it I do find his style of writing a bit frustrating. The sharp ‘jumps’ in the timeline of the plot and changes in point-of-view were beginning to annoy me by the time I reached the last few chapters. Apparently ‘Dreamcatcher’, and the movie by the same name, is quite famous, so I won’t dwell on the plot; 4 boys rescue a disabled boy from bullies, and in return they all receive a ‘gift’ of sorts. They grow up, live their dysfunctional lives, but keep in contact, going hunting each year. The main action takes place on one of their hunting trips when aliens land on earth. From then on it just gets weird. If you like aliens or scary things or doomsdays scenarios this is for you. If you like love stories this is probably not for you. As you may have already deduced, I will read anything, and this book was not a disappointment.
MOVIES:
The Maiden Heist
Guest Review by Dimitri: Morgan Freeman holding a stick of fairyfloss with a look of unrepentant seriousness. This movie is serious, he conveys, all the while the delicious, diabetes-inducing stick of traditional festival food wobbles precariously in the wind like a pink cloud. The Maiden Heist is a classic example of a hidden gem: a direct-to-dvd, low budget affair with a quirky, offbeat plot and a cast that, though once they may have been considered cinematic giants, have now whether by choice or circumstance been quietly shuffled off to the sidelines to make way for the latest in a long line of pretty faces. It’s enjoyable, with a simple plot and funny premise (ageing security guards Charles, Roger and George have concocted a crazy scheme to steal their favourite works of art from the museum they work in, before they’re shipped to a museum overseas) but this just makes me wonder how the writer and director could have still overlooked the massive plot hole that threatens to swallow their film whole. But it’s an absolute joy to see Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman and William H Macy bring their respective roles to life, regardless of how bumpy the film’s ride is. Therefore, I give this film six Dimitris out of ten.
Just Buried
I really enjoyed this movie. It was a dark comedy, centered around an almost bankrupt funeral home in a town where no one is dying. The main characters, played by Jay Baruchel and Rose Byrne are wonderfully ‘real’ with all their quirks and hang-ups. There was some really great scenes, and I think I will try and find stills of my favourite parts (which included a murderous bride wielding an autopsy tool).
Bride Wars
This movie was (in contrast to the gritty, witty dialogue of Just Buried) rather bland. It went through the motions of a Hollywood ‘chick-flick’ and I was happy enough with that. When there are no expectations that you will be challenged or confronted by a film you can just enjoy it for what it is. There was also some really wonderful fashion in this movie, especially a gorgeous Vera Wang wedding dress. I think I can feel a bridal feature coming in the next week or two! A great light ‘girly’ movie for a rainy day.
St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Frittons Gold
This movie was terrible.. The only redeeming part was some of the great outfits worn by the various characters. The costume designers must have had a great time re-working the ‘school uniform’ theme to suit the various cliques. The first(recent) St Trinian’s movie was great! But this was a huge let-down and I think it went straight to dvd. I bet Colin Firth is kicking himself for being involved. If you want to watch a fun British boarding school movie with interesting fashion and lots of laughs try the first St Trinian’s or Wild Child.
Quantum of Solace
I don’t think this movie really needs a review, it is a Bond film; lots of action, some ladies and an almost incomprehensible (or inconsequential depending on your preference) plot. I just needed an excuse to look at picture of Daniel Craig. That said I really did watch this movie this week.
Tags: Book review, Books, comedy, drama, fashion, fiction, horror, mystery, thriller
