Reviews by nataliegoes

I think the premise of the book was interesting. The main character, a detective, ends up in that other dimension where things that get lost end up. You know those things, the odd sock, that report you just finished, the set of car keys you never let out of your sight that somehow still disappear. And people who are "Missing" as well. And yet I found the book irritating somehow. It was much too easy to put down, and didn't make me want to pick it up again. I think in the end the main character was just too uninteresting, so I didn't really care what happened, even if the premise was interesting.

I expected to dislike this David Schwimmer movie, but was pleasantly surprised. I loved the tone and mood this movie caught. The main character is a loser, but not one I could relate to. He didn't set out to be a loser, and he's not hugely off-track, life just didn't work out like he thought. The predicaments he gets into (such as giving the eulogy for a classmate he doesn't even remember) happen in plausible ways. But the best thing about this movie is the melancholy that is prevalent throughout. Something that is usually hard to capture...either a movie is too funny, or too maudlin. Good movie for a rainy afternoon when things just aren't going your way.

I read the first HP before most of the world even knew about it yet, as I was working in a book store, and have enjoyed the series tremendously. But I found this book a bit tedious. I thought most of it was just a rehash of the old stories. As with happens in many series, the author spent too much time, bringing back references or "guest stars" from the old books, and too little was actually spent on the mystery of this book. And when you know magic is involved, if something bad happens, you are never quite convinced that something magical undo the bad things. So the trustworthiness of this book is really in question. I really think this book should have been shorter and more time spent on the plot in question and not all the sidelines. A disappointment.

I know I'm supposed to like this movie. It's got a great director, fabulous actors and witty dialog. And yet I hate the plot. Cary Grant spends the whole movie lying and plotting and just being pretty despicable. I guess I like him more when he charms a woman into falling for him (which he does pretty easily) rather than being a loathsome cad. I much prefer Philadelphia Story or Holiday to this movie.

I can no longer be impartial about this film, after having viewed it 20 or 30 times. It's a comfort film to me now. If I need a good emotional roller coaster ride, I reach for this film. Even after viewing it again and again, the jokes still make me laugh, the tragedy still makes me cry and the romance makes me fall in love all over again. I love the settings and cinematography. And the conservative use of dialog is particularly fascinating. This movies has everything I love for in a movie.

The book is broken into 2 halves, in a diary type fashion, into before and after a significant event in the lives of several teenagers at a boarding school. The book centers around a group of misfits, who come together in the usual fashion. They like breaking the rules, and trying to not get caught. It's the usual stuff that kids get into at their age, drinking, smoking and a little sex (but more talking about it than doing it). It was a reasonable way to blow some time, and the sense of place is quite good. However, I'm pretty sure it will quickly be forgotten.

The movie, based on the book by William Golding, is a children's film, that is fun for adults too. It's a fairy tale, and the movie works with that theme. The sets are hokey, like out of a play, to make it feel more like a story. The acting is quite good, and the actors who were not well known then, have all gone on to be A-list names. It's sweet, humorous and good for the whole family.

The "Holy Grail" is a dopey, silly bit of silliness that is best experienced with a group of people. Preferably this group of people should have seen the movie before and be drunk with merriment (or just drunk). Discussing your favorite line, doing lines with the movie or making fun of the movie is half the joy. When watching it by yourself it isn't nearly as good. It's a little slow to get started, they overdo some jokes and the visual quality is poor. However the "Killer Rabbit" and "Bridge of Death" are still good, even by yourself. With a good group of people, this movie is a 10, by yourself it's more like a 6.

I admit that I have read most of Ms. Siddons' books, I still never know whether I shall enjoy her books or not. This was a "not". It was a frustrating novel. It was like being in a car with a driver who is clearly lost, or has taken a wrong turn, but won't stop and ask for directions. Her sense of timing in this book was very annoying, and she goes back on what she has previously said. And the whole thing was written like a 14 year old had written it, as if things happen because you wish they would, not like it really is. And the descriptions of the countryside were never-ending. Don't bother!

The tale of Cinderella told so that our modern sensibilities can still revel in it. This Cinderella is well read and gets the prince to fall in love with her for telling him off about the horrible lives of his peasants. When she needs saving, he gloriously sets off, but unfortunately is a few minutes too late, as she has saved herself. The chemistry between the principals is good, and the lesser characters are humorous without being slapstick silly. Of course the evil people are played over the top, but with moments of vulnerability. But the real star of the movie is the cinematography with lovely details in the location and lighting. Still a favorite of mine.