Movie Review - Sing Sing

Director: Greg Kwedar
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San Jose, Paul Raci, David Giraudy, Patrick Griffin, Mosi Eagle, James Williams, Sean Dino Johnson
 
Description: Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.
 
Review: Sing Sing Prison is one of the best known and most closely guarded prisons in the United States. Some big criminals have been executed in this New York jail in the past. Therefore, you wouldn’t expect to find theater people in that prison. In 1996 a number of inmates founded the theater company RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts).

Through the theater arts, inmates try to get in touch with their emotions and find themselves. It changes the men considerably. This breaks the American stigma of prisoners as machos, trouble seekers, violent men. Within these walls there are also sensitive theatrical types.

This contrast with our expectations immediately makes you feel sympathy for the main characters. An implicit but clear distinction emerges between who these people were before their imprisonment and who they have become. Such a contrast can quickly come across as implausible, but not in “Sing Sing”. It also helps that many of the actors play themselves, with the exception of Colman Domingo and Paul Raci.

Despite their minimal experience in front of the camera, the actors convey their strong personalities beautifully and authentically. There is a lot of nuance in their roles, allowing them to display a broad spectrum of emotions. In the process, they also reinforce each other: the group dynamic is without a doubt the strongest aspect of the film. The way the men interact with each other immediately shows the deep connection they share.

Colman Domingo shines as the main character John “Divine G” Whitfield, but it’s Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin who steals the show. His transformation from the tough, emotionless jailbird to passionate actor is simply brilliant. As an initial outsider, he comes up with ideas the regular members didn’t think of before. This beautifully exposes the contrats between the characters.

“Sing Sing” is a crowd pleaser, it has emotional depth, an excellent script and great performances. Loved it!

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Title: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games # 0.5)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian/ Young Adult/ Reread/ Science Fiction
Published: 2025
 
Description: As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
 
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is truing not to think too hard about his chances. All eh cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
 
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can fell all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that want to fight… and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
 
Review: If there was one book I was looking forward in 2025, it’s “Sunrise on the Reaping”. In preparation of this, I reread the original trilogy and also read “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”. I was so excited to finally pick up Suzanne Collins’ newest story in the Hunger Games universe. And it did not disappoint. It exceeded every expectation I had.
 
In “Sunrise on the Reaping” we start on the day of the reaping, for the 50^th annual Hunger Games: the games Haymitch Abernathy was in. We already got a glimpse of these games in “Catching Fire”, but in this book we get all the details. And just when you thought these books couldn’t get any darker, Suzanne Collins makes it even more horrific and emotional.
 
When we first meet Haymitch, in “The Hunger Games”, we learn he is a grumpy, bitter man. Drinks a lot, has lost his lust for life. And now I know why. Of course, we knew that he won the 50^th Hunger Games, but we never learn what he had to go through.
 
You would think that, with a book where you already know who the winner is going to be, there will be little surprise. Well, think again. Collins manages to surprise and shock us many times. Just the way Haymitch had to enter the Games alone was a twist.
 
There are many familiar characters in this book, which I will not discuss here. But Collins also introduces us to a bunch of new characters as well. Some of them with links to well-known characters. I especially loved Ampert, Maysilee Donner and Lenore Dove. Great characters, that you really care about. But the star is Haymitch, who was already one of my favorite characters in the series (maybe only Finnick beats him). It’s such a clever idea to focus on his story in this book. And I was invested from start to finish. And you really understand older Haymitch so much better now.
 
I somehow knew that I was going to enjoy “Sunrise on the Reaping” but I never thought I would be so consumed by this book. I loved everything about this, it broke me mentally and emotionally. We experience love, grief, loss, gain, hope, helplessness and so much more in this book. Suzanne Collins did it again and shows us that this series is not dead yet. Far from.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - You (Season 5)

Season: 5
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2025
Starring: Pen Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Griffin Matthews

Description: A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man (Penn Badgley) goes to extreme measures to insert himself into lives of those he is transfixed by.

Review: In the penultimate season, we saw Joe take a trip to the United Kingdom, where he was inexplicably allowed to play the literature teacher. The members of his new elite social circle were not sure of their lives. His friend Kate, who came from a well-to-do family, knew about Joes secret, but like some of her predecessors, she found a way to deal with her lover's killing intent. If only because she only knew half the truth.
 
In season five, we are several years down the road and Joe has moved back to New York with Kate. Kate runs the prosperous family business Lockwood there, but soon finds herself in trouble. This prompts Joe to overcome obstacles in unconventional ways. In addition, he dusts off his old bookstore, where he finds an eccentric woman who calls herself Bronte. Joe decides to hire her as a bookseller, but soon develops an obsession with her.
 
WARNING! THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
It's just the same old story, told again, with some twists and turns here and there. So many things in this season make no sense. Why does Joe decide to become a public figure, with everything he has done? And why is Kate still surprised about Joe, when she knows what he is capable of? And another new woman who Joe claims to be “the one”…..?
 
Season 4 was already a mixed bag for me, but season 5 was just bad. I didn’t like it. It had some twists I thought were pretty good, but most of it was very predictable actually. And in the first couple of seasons I could still, kind of, understand why women fell for Joe. But not anymore. It becomes increasingly implausible that women fall head over heals for him. And I was just hoping, the entire time, that Joe would be exposed. Because he made so many dumb mistakes (this entire season is filled with dumb people and decisions by the way), it doesn’t really feel like Joe Goldberg anymore.
 
They tried, but they should have ended “You” after season 3.

20s Movie Review - The Pod Generation

Director: Sophie Barthes
Genre: Science Fiction/ Dystopian
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Chiwetel Ejiofor

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 17: A FILM WITH EMILIA CLARKE
 
Description: In a not-so-distant future, tech giant Pegazus offers couples the opportunity to share their pregnancies via detachable artificial wombs or pods. And so begins Rachel (Emilia Clarke) and Alvy's (Chiwetel Ejiofor) wild ride to parenthood in this brave new world.

Review: Emilia Clarke shines in this subtle and layered sci-fi satire about a near future where women no longer have to carry their pregnancies themselves but can outsource them to a technologically advanced egg-like pod.

The ambitious Rachel can’t resist the temptation when her promotion includes being offered and immediate discount to the company “Pegasus: The Womb Centre”. After all, if she does not have to carry her pregnancy herself, she can continue to perform well. She embraces the idea. What follows is a scarily realistic and totally alienating, but above all tragicomic.

Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor both have a lot of nuance. Rachel is the one who is overly excited about the idea and she has to convince her husband Alvy. He doesn’t know what to do, when they eventually “get pregnant” and see the pod. But soon they switch Alvy feels more connected to their unborn child and Rachel feels like she is out of her depth.

The world created in “The Pod Generation” is really interesting. Everyone has cognitive assistants, everything is digital, nothing works manually. Technology has taken over. It’s not a grim or dark futuristic world, as in many “Black Mirror” episodes. But this movie could fit in though. Everything is aesthetically pleasing, but nobody seems to have their own voice anymore.

The clever thing about “The Pod Generation” is that it remains lighthearted. But it does raise numerous questions. Especially now, with AI being up and coming. I love the world that was created for this film, enjoyed Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor together and apart and just overall really enjoyed this film. It’s a hidden gem, an underrated and very overlooked movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games # 0)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian/ Young Adult/ Reread/ Science Fiction
Published: 2020
 
Description: It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
 
The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment to mentoring the female tribute from District twelve, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
 
Review: This is the first book in the Hunger Games series that I haven’t read before. In “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, we meet a young Coriolanus Snow, before becoming the relentless President of Panem that we know from the original trilogy. It takes place 64 years before “The Hunger Games”, at the start of the 10^th annual Hunger Games.
 
It’s a villain origin story and we follow it through Coriolanus Snow’s perspective. How was het as an eighteen-year-old? What made him into the merciless President that we know so well?
 
You learn how certain elements of the Hunger Games, that we already knew about from the original trilogy, were introduced in this prequel. In the earlies stage of the games, things were much more primitive. Tributes were thrown into a cage right after they were chosen at the reaping, and treated poorly. They were starving them and some of the tributes wouldn’t even make it to the arena.
 
When we enter the Hunger Games, we see it from a different perspective. We see what Snow sees, because he’s the main character and not one of the tributes. That is also interesting.
 
I don’t think we’re meant to feel any sympathy for Snow, especially because we know what he would do in the future. Even though Snow did know hunger, poverty and love in his younger years, you can already see that he has certain priorities. He really loves to be loved and doesn’t want anyone to know that his family is not rich anymore as when his parents were still alive.
 
The best part of the book was the middle, the Hunger Games. Before and after that I was a bit bored at times. Mainly because I didn’t really care about Lucy Gray Baird or about her relationship with Coriolanus. I felt no connection to either of them.
Although I do believe that this villain origin story is interesting to tell, I expected more from it. I don’t think that what happened to Coriolanus in this book was enough for him to turn out as evil as he did. I enjoyed it enough, but I will probably not ever reread this.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Black Mirror Episodes Ranked - Season 7

“Black Mirror” is an anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tec multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. The show is known for the twists and how technology can sometimes be pretty scary. Season 7 was just released on Netflix and I’m ranking all six episodes. And this was a really strong season.

6. Hotel Reverie
Director: Haolu Wang
Starring: Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, Akwafina, Harriet Walter, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Enzo Cilento
Description: A high-tech, unusually immersive remake of a vintage British film sends Hollywood A-list star Brandy Friday (Issa Rae) into another dimension, where she must stick to the script if she ever wants to make it home.
Review: Using modern-day technology to recreate an old classic movie, and an actress looking for her next big film. And of course things go completely wrong. It’s a very creative idea, however the episode is way too long and did not manage to keep my attention the entire time. Still a good episode, but my least favorite of the season.
 

5. Plaything
Director: David Slade
Starring: Peter Capaldi, Will Poulter, Lewis Gribben, James Nelson-Joyce, Michelle Austin
Description: In a near-future London, an eccentric murder suspect (Peter Capaldi) is linked to an unusual video game from the 1990s – a game populated by cute, evolving artificial lifeforms.
Review: During an interrogation, a man arrested for shoplifting, tells his story. This is a sequel to the film “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and again revolves around a video game. “Plaything” is a very cynical take on technology and has plenty to say about human nature. This feels more like an old-fashioned “Black Mirror” episode. Where “Hotel Reverie” felt too long, “Plaything” could use a few extra minutes. But I did love the ending though.
 

4. Běte Noire
Director: Toby Haynes
Starring: Siena Kelly, Rosy McEwen, Michael Workeye, Hannah Griffiths, Ben Asheden, Amber Grappy,
Description: Confectionary whizz kid Maria (Siena Kelly) is unnerved when her former schoolmate Verity (Rosy McEwen) joins the company she works at – because there’s something altogether odd about Verity, something only Maria seems to notice.
Review: This episode has a great build-up, where we see how Maria is going from the strongest asset in her company hitting rock bottom. We feel what she feels, because we know she is telling the truth. But strange things seem to be happening and there is no explanation for these events. She, and also the audience, suspect that Verity has something to do with it. Because it all started when she joined the company. The plot twists are well put together, but the ending is way too abrupt.
 

3. Eulogy
Director: Christoper Barrett, Luke Taylor
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Patsy Ferran
Description: An isolated man (Paul Giamatti) is introduced to a groundbreaking system that allow its users to literally step inside old photographs – stirring powerful emotions in the process.
Review: Philip gets a call from a company called Eulogy, who collects memories for funerals. With the help of a virtual guide, he thinks back to a woman who was once very important to him. “Eulogy” is masterful. The idea is very original and the plot is not far-fetched. The surprised in the story are believable. This is also an episode that is mostly about the acting. And Paul Giamatti is amazing, as a man is is confronted by his past.
 

2. USS Callister: Into Infinity
Director: Toby Haynes
Starring: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Osy Ikhile, Milanka Brooks, Jesse Plemons, Paul G. Raymond
Description: Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons) is dead, but now the crew of the USS Callister – led by Captain Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) – are stranded in an infinite virtual universe, fighting for survival  against 30 million players.
Review: Season 7 had another sequel. “USS Callister” is still one of the most popular episodes of “Black Mirror” and a fan favorite. And this sequel, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”, continues where the original story ended. A deragned programmer had stuffed clones of his colleagues into a computer game and these clones must now survive in a giant online game. “USS Callister: Into Infinity” should only be seen if you liked the first part and want to know how the story ends. I loved this episode, and it still had some cool twists and turns. Not as good as the original episode, which is also an all-time favorite of mine, but a worthy sequel.
 

1. Common People
Director: Ally Pankiw
Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross
Description: When a medical emergency leaves schoolteacher Amanda (Rashida Jones) fighting for her life, her desperate husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd) signs her up for Rivermind, a high-tech system that will keep her alive.
Review: Without a doubt the best episode of season 7. When Mike decides to save Amanda’s life by signing up with Rivermind, because it was literally the only option to keep her alive, the couple become dependent on the healthcare system. “Common People” is a sharp satire on the American health care system in which making money is more important than someone’s actual health. The first episode of the season and  nothing beat it. It’s also one of the best “Black Mirror” episodes ever.
 
What did you think of season 7 and which episode was the stand-out for you?

10s Movie Review - Frances Ha

Director: Noah Baumbach
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 86 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: great Gerwig, Micky Sumner, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Grace Gummer, Michael Esper

Description: A New York woman (Greta Gerwig) apprentices for a dance company and thros herself headling into her dreams, even s the possibility of realizing them dwindles.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 16: A FILM FROM 2012
 
Review: The strength of Noah Baumbach’s film have always been the characters: they are pure and human, without grand gestures. He shows that you don’t have to go all out to make a compelling drama. With “Frances Ha”, he aptly zooms in on small developments in an average life.

The film revolves around Frances, a young woman who needs stability, but has yet to find it herself. When her boyfriend suggests they move in together, she refuses. After all, she has agreed to stay with her best friend so she can enjoy being an eternal student. But the relationship ends and not much later her friend turns out to have other plans. So the she is, adrift on her own. Yes, she can dance, but not well enough to really get ahead. While people around her begin to settle down, Frances has no idea where to go.

Frances has many traits that make her likeable. She is kind, free-spirited and open-minded. But her more annoying traits make her the protagonist of realy felsh-and-blood with understandable shortcomings. And that this film works so well is because of Greta Gerwig. She has something tough and cheerful, but at the same time you see that she is constantly trying to give herself a certain attitude. A cleverly convincing fake self-assurance.

With a runtime under 90 minutes, a rippling pace and simple black-and-white photography, Baumbach keeps it small and simple. “Frances Ha” is an intimate portrait of a mid-twentysomething trying to get her life on track. Loved it.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (REREAD)

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games # 3)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian/ Young Adult/ Reread/ Science Fiction
Published: 2010
 
Description: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans—except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay—no matter what the personal cost.

 
Review: It’s the last book in the original trilogy. The second book topped the fantastic fist book. When I read it the first time, I really liked it, but it was clearly my least favorite of the three. And I still feel the same way about it.
 
Katniss knows her life will never be the same. And things seem to get worse. People seem to rely on her, she is the face of the rebellion. The story is intense and this is very action packed. It has some emotional moments, Katniss grows even more as a character.
 
I was upset that Katniss ended up with Peeta, the first time I read it. It doesn’t bother me as much anymore, even though I’m still team Gale (unpopular opinion), I feel Peeta was the better choice for Katniss.
 
I had such a good time rereading the original Hunger Games trilogy. Now I’m going to delve into the prequels and I’m most looking forward to “Sunrise on the Reaping”.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Switch

Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson, Juliette Lewis

Description: Seven years after the fact, a man (Jason Bateman) comes to the realization that he was the sperm donor for his best friend's (Jennifer Aniston) boy.

I WATCHED THIS FILM FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 15: A FILM WITH JEFF GOLDBLUM
 
Review: Kassie and Wally have been best friends for a long time. Both single and not successful in the romance department, Wally has just accepted it. But Kassie has one desire: to become a mom. She decides to search for a sperm donor because she feels like time is running out. In a drunk moment, Wally accidentally spills the sperm sample that is supposed to give Kassie her baby and swaps it for his own. But he doesn’t remember doing it when he wakes up hungover. Kassie moves away and seven years later Wally gets to meet her son Sebastian. Who resembles him in every way.

Let’s just start with how ridiculous this premise is. I understand Kassie wanted a baby and deciding to go for a sperm donor. My best friend has done the same. But she hosts a party for it, where the chosen donor is ‘delivering his goods’ in the bathroom when everyone else is at the party. And then Kassie will be impregnated at that same party. Then, Wally, who is obviously a bit jealous and not understanding of Kassie’s choices, tries to mess with the sample and he actually spills it. He then fills the cup with his own sperm. But…. he doesn’t remember he has done it.

Kassie moves away to Michigan, leaving Wally in New York. They speak to each other, but don’t see each other for seven years. He never even goes to visit Kassie when she had her son Sebastian. And they are supposed to be best friends. When Kassie returns, that’s the first time Wally sees her son. And then he realizes that Sebastian has a lot of the same quirks that he has. It feels like looking at a younger version of himself. In the meantime Kassie starts dating the donor Roland, who she thinks to be the actual father of Sebastian. But Wally starts realizing what he has done. It’s one giant mess and I hated it.

It's just too ridiculous for me, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Wally doesn’t remember that he made the switch. And that whole “I’m getting pregnant” party is just stupid. I love Jennifer Aniston and I usually enjoy watching Jason Bateman as well. And my favorite parts where the moments that Wally had with Sebastian. I couldn’t stand Kassie. Why can’t she see that Wally was the best choice from the start? And Jeff Goldblum was fun by the way. But for the rest, I kinda hated this movie.

Rating: 2 / 5 

10s Movie Review - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Drama/ Dystopian
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Sam Claflin,, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Description: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Review: The first film in “The Hunger Games” franchise was a huge success and was really good. The second movie gets a new director, Gary Ross steps down and makes room for Francis Lawrence. 
Instead of getting in to the action right away, Lawrence takes time to look back on the happenings from the first film. The surprising climax of the 74th Hunger Games has changed a lot and it’s not over for Katniss and Peeta just yet. Together they have to visit all the districts for a victory tour, something they both don’t like doing. The people love Katniss and president Snow is anything but happy about it. 

Plutarch Heavensbee is the new game maker and decides to make the 75th Hunger Games into something unforgettable. Together with president Snow they decide to let former winners from each district fight it out in the arena. Because Katniss is the only female winner from district 12, she has to enter. And Peeta joins her again, when he volunteers after Haymitch was chosen. 

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is a case of bigger and better. But also visually it brings us more. No shaky cam here, which make the actions scenes even better. And the new arena brings a lot more variation and new dangers. The story is very true to its source material. 

It takes some time before the actual battle starts, but the movie never bores. This is also a big thank you to Jennifer Lawrence, who shines once again as Katniss. A tough heroine, who can also be vulnerable and it’s easy to identify with her. This franchise separates itself from other young adult films that were based on books. The film also adds some great new characters, like Finnick, Beetee, Plutarch and Johanna. 

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was already my favorite book in the series, it’s a fantastic film as well.

Rating: 5 / 5

Book Review - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (REREAD)

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games # 2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian/ Young Adult/ Reread/ Science Fiction
Published: 2009
 
Description: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol—a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest that she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Review: When reading this book for the first time, it was my favorite of the original trilogy. I still feel that way. Following a book that was so successful, it seems almost impossible. But Suzanne Collins did it.
 
The book starts off right after Katniss and Peeta have won the 74^th Hunger Games. Katniss believes she can pick up her life again, forget what happened and move on. But nothing is further from the truth. She has to re-enter the arena, she and other previous winners of the games. And the Capitol is more relentless then before.
 
“Catching Fire” is, even while rereading it, is exciting and I’m constantly on the edge of my seat. I just couldn’t stop reading. The build-up is fantastic and when they are entering the Hunger Games again, it’s so action-packed and thrilling. It’s even harder for Katniss now, because she knows the people she’s battling now.
 
The arena in this book is fantastic, clever, so original. And the ending was really good. In a way you just have to pick up the next book right away.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - The White Lotus (Season 3)

Season: 3
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2025
Starring: Walton Goggins, Amy Lou Wood, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sam Nivola, Sarah Catherine Hook, Natasha Rothwell, Sam Rockwell

Description: As a new round of guests arrives at The White Lotus Thailand.
 
Review: In the third season of the satirical drama series “The White Lotus”, the once again messed-up yet fascinating hotel guests arrive at the beautiful resort, this time in Thailand.

The series starts off with the discovery of something that looks like a floating body in the water and the sound of gun shots. Then we go back in time, to a week before.

Like each season, showrunner Mike White chooses a new cast of characters and also a new theme. Season 1 was mostly about money, season 2 revolved around sex and the newest season focuses on religions and spirituality.

And with the characters, again, they are all over the place. We meet the cheerful and upbeat British Chelsea and her grumpy, older American boyfriend Rick. Then there is the Ratliff family, clearly affluent as they are dysfunctional. Father Timothy is a businessman who finds out he is in deep trouble at home. His wife Victoria is living her best life. And their three adult children argue as siblings do. Saxon is  an oversexed jerk who works for his father. Daughter Piper is eager to embrace her spirituality. And Lochlan, their youngest brother, feels like he doesn’t belong with his narcissistic, domineering relatives. Finally we meet the three girlfriends, in their forties, who know each other from school. Jaclyn is a famous actress and decided to take her friends Laurie and Kate with her on a holiday. But their friendship is filled with envy, gossip and jealousy.

The only character that we have already met before is Belinda, who was also in season 1 working at the White Lotus in Hawaii. She has arrived in Thailand to recover from burnout and broaden her knowledge. There is one other characters that we know from previous season, but I won’t spoil it for you.

I was invested in all the storylines and really felt like this season brought a lot of memorable characters. Especially Parker Posey as Victoria, with her Southern accent. Patrick Schwarzenegger as her oldest son Saxon, who probably goes through the biggest change of all the characters. And Chelsea, who won over all of our hearts probably, because of Amy Lou Wood’s great performance. Also worth mentioning is Carrie Coon, who broke us all with a perfect monologue in the final episode. Please give her an Emmy for that! And Jason Isaac, as Timothy, the father of the Ratliff family. He went though such an emotional rollercoaster, that had us all in a chokehold the entire season.

I really enjoyed the first two seasons, but I think season 3 is my favorite. That final episode was insane and was worth the wait.

20s Movie Review - Heretic

Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Hugh Grant, Topher Grace

Description: Two young religious women (Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East) are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of a strange man (Hugh Grant).

Review: Two young women go door to door to spread their religion. Many people do no appreciate such practices, let alone take them seriously. Consequently, the task of sisters Barnes and Paxton is difficult. Who would allow themselves to be convinced of a controversial faith in an afternoon? Yet that doesn’t stop the women from passionately proclaiming their beliefs.

In the pouring rain, sisters Barnes and Paxton finally knock on the door of Mr. Reed. He seems to be the only one open to their story. Mr. Reed is not easily persuaded, however; he has done thorough research on several religions.

The whole setting creates a strong sense of unease. Although Barnes and Paxton calmly answer the critical questions, the atmosphere is uncomfortable. Mr. Reed says his wife is baking a cake, but she never shows; Reef himself does not have the best social skills and asks some sensitive questions.

Hugh Grant, as Reid, undoubtedly steals the show. He has a perfect balance of charisma, charm and obnoxiousness. Despite his likeable demeanor, he is intimidating and convincing as a psychopathic bad guy.

The concept of “Heretic” is entertaining, but lacks some depth. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods attempt to provide profound insights into religious dogma via Reed’s sadistic cat-and-mouse game, but unfortunately don’t get beyond surface level.  

The cinematography stood out to me, especially an impressive shot in which one of the sisters appears to be running through a miniature version of the house. That was phenomenal. And the psychological element is quite good, but the pretentious undertone doesn’t work in its favor. Moreover, Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher are completely overshadowed by Hugh Grant. It’s his movie and the focus is on his role. And the conclustion was a little bit of a let down. 

I have mixed feelings about “Heretic”.

Rating: 3/ 5