Book Review - The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Title: The Woman in Cabin 10
Series: -
Author: Ruth Ware
 
Description: Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the water is calm and the guest jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the North Sea. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guest are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly wrong.
 
Review: Lo Blacklock has to write a story about the new cruise ship Aurora, for the travel magazine she is working for. A luxury cruise trip doesn’t sound bad, but it’s not the dream job after all. When Lo thinks she witnesses a murder, but no passengers seem to missing from the ship. Lo is determined to unravel the mystery.
 
I really like Ruth Ware, her writing is beautiful, and the set-up for “The Woman in Cabin 10” is promising. I love the setting, a cruise ship on the middle of the sea with no contact to the mainland. But that’s about it.
 
I can honestly say I did not enjoy “The Woman in Cabin 10”. I don’t mind unlikeable characters, but at least they are interesting. The ones in this book are far from interesting. I did not care for a single characters and I didn’t like them either. And the motivations for some are highly questionable as well. Some choices some of them make, made absolutely no sense.
 
I don’t mind clichés either, when they are done well. But there are so many clichés in this story, you know exactly how they play out. With that, the book is repetitive, predictable and I was constantly annoyed by the characters.
 
I know this is probably a very unpopular opinion and it’s by no means a bad book. I just did not enjoy I always base my raking on that. If I would recommend you a Ruth Ware book, it would not be this one. I’m so sorry…
 
Rating: 1,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - From Hell

Director: Albert Hughes, Allan Hughes
Genre: Horror/ Mystery/ Thriller
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Holm, Jason Flemyng

Description: In Victorian-era London, a troubled clairvoyant police detective (Johnny Depp) investigates the murders of Jack the Ripper.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 34: A MOVIE THAT IS BASED ON A GRAPHIC NOVEL
 
Review: Late in the nineteenth century, the Whitechapel district of London is rocked by a series of brutal murders on prostitutes. Of the perpetrator, nicknamed Jack the Ripper, however, every trace is missing. The police seek the help of Fred Abberline, an opium-addicted inspector with psychic abilities. During his search, he comes into contact with Mary Kelly, a friend of all the victims, and a romance between the two blossoms. Meanwhile, Abberline gets closer and closer to the truth, only to discover that the killer has it in for Mary.

The unsolved Jack the Ripper case still fires the imaginations in present day and countless theories about how and why the murders occurred and the identity of the perpetrator have since been devised. But due to the lack of hard evidence, the real facts will probably remain a mystery forever.

The directing brother Allan and Albert Hughes based their film on the graphic novel “From hell” by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, suggesting that the series of murders was politically motivated. This makes “From Hell” a fascinating, heavily stylized horror film.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - The Troop by Nick Cutter

Title: The Troop
Series: -
Author: Nick Cutter
 
Description: Once a year, scoutmaster Tim Riggs leads a troop of boys into the Canadian wilderness for a three-day camping trip; a tradition as comforting as a good ghost story and a roaring bonfire. But when an unexpected intruder – shockingly thin, disturbingly pale, and voraciously hungry – stumbles upon their campsite, Tim and the boys are exposed to something far more frightening than any tale of terror. 
 
Review: Tim is a scoutmaster who, once a year, takes a group of young boy scouts into the wilderness of Canada. Their fun camp trip is disturbed when a strange man visits them, seemingly hungry and very thin. What happens next is something no scout master could ever have prepared them for.
 
Nick Cutter (an alias for author Craig Davidson) has written a book with all the elements for a good horror story: characters you care about, with actual flaws and development, who are thrown into a situation that grabs you by the throat.
 
Even though we mainly follow younger characters, this is an adult horror. Cutter manages to be very detailed and descriptive in his story and it’s very fast paced. And the book is really shocking, disturbing and gory. Major trigger warnings if you have a weak stomach and you can’t deal with body horror and gore. With that, a lot of animal cruelty as well. Those parts in the book were sometimes too hard to deal with, so I had to put the book down a few times just to catch my breath.  
 
The boys in the troop are very well fleshed out, the character building is really strong. Kent is a popular kid, handsome, a future captain of the football theme and son of the police chief. He is used to get his ways and is prepared to fight. Ephraim has a lot of rage in him, he doesn’t want to be an asshole, but he has trouble managing his anger. His best friend Max keeps him calm, the level-headed one of the group. Shelley and Newt are the outsiders. Newt is chubby and dorky, the one that people pick on, the constant target, only because of his appearance. Shelley has a very dark side. People call him “slow” and “retarted”, but there is a lot going on in his head that you can’t tell from just looking at him. And being left alone with four other boys on a secluded island, brings out that dark side.
 
“The Troop” reminded me of movies like “The Thing”, or “Slither”, but it’s also clear that horror master Stephen King was an inspiration for Cutter.
 
I think that “The Troop” is the most disturbing novel I’ve ever read and I loved it. It’s so well-written, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, well-developed characters and a true page-turner. If you’re a horror fan, this is a must-read. Not for the squeamish.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - The Enigma of Room 622 by Joël Dicker

Title: The Enigma of Room 622
Series: -
Author: Joël Dicker
 
Description: One night in December, a dead body is found in Room 622 of the Hotel Verbier, a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. A police investigation begins without definite end, and public interest wanes with the passage of time.
 
Years later, writer Joël Dicker, arrives at that same hotel to recover from a bad breakup, mourn the death of his longtime publisher, and begin his next novel. Little does Joël know that his expertise in the art of the thriller will come in handy when he finds himself investigating the crime.
 
Meanwhile, in the wake of his father’s passing, Macaure Ebezner is set to take over as president of the largest private bank in Switzerland. The succession captivates the news media, and the future looks bright, until it doesn’t. the bank’s board, including a certain Lev Levovitch (Geneva’s very own jay Gatsby) have other plans, and Macaire’s race to the top soon becomes a race against time.
 
Review: Writer Joël is staying at Hotel Verbier, in room 623, and he is surprised to find out there is a room 621 and a room 621-bis, but no room 622. I gradually becomes clear that years earlier a murder was committed in room 622. The police investigation was never completed. Joël finds the perfect story for his new book and starts investigating the case himself. What happened in room 622 twenty years earlier?
 
If you’ve never read a murder mystery or a whodunnit, don’t start with this one. The story has different timelines, has many flashbacks, and we’re introduced to a lot of characters. All pivotal to the mystery. You have to have read more books in the genre, before diving into this beauty.
 
I’m in awe how author Joël Dicker (who’s also the main character in the book) thought of this story. It’s so well-crafted, complex, interesting, surprising and exciting. The mystery is filled with intriguing characters and storylines and has several unexpected twists ad reveals. The only reason I didn’t give this book a 5-star rating, is because it’s too long, it could have been a little bit shorter.
 
It is a whodunnit, but the book goes beyond the mystery. It’s a study of characters and their development, which makes the plot more secondary. But because you don’t know from the start who was killed in room 622 and what really happened, you will stay invested in both he plot and the characters it’s involving.
 
“The Enigma of Room 622” is a book for the more experiences mystery reader, and I would recommend it. It’s a really good mystery novel.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Director: James Cameron
Genre: Action/ Science-Fiction
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 1991
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick

Description: A cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger), identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), must now protect her young son, John Connor (Edward Furlong), from a more advanced cyborg, made out of liquid metal.

Review: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is the proof that sequels can be better than the original. Where “Terminator” was already an amazing movie, this movie manages to top that. Because many sequels have repetition, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is new and original and one of the best movies in the genre.

This is partly because of the script by James Cameron, who also directed the film. He gives enough new insights to keep the movie fresh and spectacular.

Arnold Scharzenegger and Linda Hamilton both return, but their roles are different this time. Arnie plays a good Terminator. He was send back in time to protect John Connor. Sarah Connor is admitted in a mental institution, because she keeps telling everyone that machines will kill everyone. This so called judgment day will wipe out all of humanity. Another, more advanced, Terminator was also send back in time. His task is to kill John Connor.

This is definitely the highlight of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career. This guy breaths action and his one-liners are classic and quotable. Linda Hamilton portrays one of the most memorable female ass-kickers and Robert Patrick as the evil Terminator, does a fantastic job to portray him as cold as steel.

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is the best movie of that year and probably even the best science fiction/ action movie ever made.

Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Dances with Wolves

Director: Kevin Costner
Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ Western
Runtime: 180 minutes
Year: 1990
Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd ‘Red Crow’ Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Robert Pastorelli, Charles Rocket, Maury Chaykin, Jimmy Herman, Michael Spears, Tony Pearce

Description: Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), exiled to a remote western Civil War outpost, befriends wolves and Indians, making him an intolerable aberration in the military.

Review: “Dances with Wolves” was one of the most remarkable and ambitious debut films, which got both criticized and was successful. Kevin Costner, who was only known for his acting, took on the role of director and producer as well for this project. At the time the movie came out, westerns were practically dead. It’s very courageous to make one that is three hours long.

A passion for the subject is very welcome. Costner always wanted to star in a western and he managed to do that in “Silverado”. With “Dances with Wolves” he could make another dream come true, by making one of his own.

Indians were always portrayed as barbarians the ‘white man’ had to overcome and defeat. “Dances with Wolves” breaks that tradition. It’s a revisionary western, where the role of cowboys and Indians are reversed. Others might say it’s just a milder version of the old western.

Kevin Costner plays the role of John Dunbar, a man we can easily identify with. We don’t know much about him, but together with Dunbar we are trying to find his true identity. Like him we are open to new experiences and all the new impressions are magical. We get a personal and unique connection with Dunbar.

The story isn’t very complicated, but it’s told in the most beautiful way. The visuals of the landscapes and the music by John Barry are just amazing. Director Kevin Costner tells the story in a calm and sometimes poetic way. He makes you care for the characters and keeps you captivated for all the three hours long. A very impressive directorial debut.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Het Geheugenspel

Director: Jan Verheyen, Lien Willaert
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Anna Drijver, Gert Winckelmans, Vic de Wachter, Louis Talpe, Daan Creyghton, Maarten Heijmans
 
Description: The body of Nathalie, who disappeared 25 years ago, is found on the Deridder family estate. The event reveals a long-hidden crime, and when secrets are brought forth, the present is overshadowed by the past.

Review: Books by writer’s duo Nicci French are always solid thrillers. No outstanding literature, but enjoyable and real page-turners. The Dutch film “”Het Geugenspel” is based on their book “The Memory Game” (literal translation) and for a Dutch thriller, it really did very well.

It is 1997 when rebellious teen Nathalie disappears during a party. Her best friend Eva has never been able to process the disappearance properly. She has continued to live life as best she can, building a successful career as an architect. Then, years later, Nathalie’s body is found on the ground of the Deridder estate, Nathalie’s family.

Plagued by the trauma and recurring memories, Eva goes into the hypnotherapy. What happened that fatefull night in 1997? Ans why does Eva’s head frantically try to keep the memories of that night under lock and key? Does she subconsciously know more about the disappearance?

“Het Geheugenspel” slowly unfolds as a suspenseful and entertaining whodunnit. For over a hundred minutes, the identity of the culprit can be guessed. The story pushes the audience into a certain direction, only to still come up with a reasonable plot twist. Somewhere you hope the story goes a little deeper into the sharp end, but it touches on the taboo just enough.

The film is far from perfect, but because of the well-written source material, “Het Geheugenspel” is a solid and strong thriller film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Killing Them Softly

Director: Andrew Dominik
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta, Sam Shepard, Max Casella

Description: Jacki Cogan (Brad Pitt) is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 33: A MOVIE THAT’S ON YOUR NETFLIX WATCHLIST
 
Review: In New Orleans, two not too savvy crooks rob an illegal poker night at the behest of an insignificant gangster. Thinking they can conveniently pin the blame on someone else, they have seriously underestimated the case. Soon they are being hunted by an experience hit man.

“Killing Them Softly” is a hard-hitting crime film, that flew under the radar when it came out. I believe more people should be talking about it. The film is often exciting and witty, but it is a bit too preachy at times, in its critique of American optimism. I think that’s the reason why it didn’t really impress a broader audience.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

Title: The Bullet That Missed
Series: The Thursday Murder Club # 3
Author: Richard Osman
 
Description: One Thursday afternoon in the seniors’ venter, a decade-old cold case, their favorite kind, leads the Thursday Murder Club to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. A new foe called “The Viking”, wants Elizabeth to kill former KGB chief Viktor, of he will kill her sweet best friend Joyce. Activist marked for death Ron and psychiatrist Ibrahim chase clues for Viking’s identity, and investigate mob-queen prisoner from the previous book.
 
Review: It’s just another Thursday and everything should be back to normal. But nothing could be further from the truth. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline and together with the Thursday Murder Club they track two cases that are ten years apart, but are somehow linked. And that’s not all. Elizabeth is visited by an old nemesis who gives her a choice: kill or be killed.
 
“The Thursday Murder Club”-series has become one of my favorite series, even though I have not given any of the books a 5-star rating. I just love reading about amateur sleuths, especially when they are in their seventies. The tight knit group living in Cooper’s Chase has really grew on me and I loved following them solve their third mystery.
 
The cold case they are trying to unravel is really interesting and exciting. Like the previous two books, this third one has some slower moments. Never dull, just slower. And it can get you out of it a bit.
 
What makes these books so enjoyable is the characters. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are such a fun foursome and I can’t wait to tag along on every adventure. Joyce and Ibrahim are probably my favorites.
 
If you have enjoyed the other two books in this series, you will most likely have fun with “The Buller That Missed”. The fourth book is coming out in September and I can’t wait!
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review

Director: Felix van Groeningen
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Stefaan de Winter, Dominique van Malder, Boris van Severen, Charlotte Vandermeersch, Sara de Bosschere

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 32: A MOVIE RECOMMENDED BY MY BROTHER
 
Description: The drama follows two brothers (Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir) who start a bar and get swept up in its success in the midst of Belgium’s nightlife scene.

Review: Two brothers, Jo and Frank, who have recently reunited, decided to start a bar together. They get swept up in its success and their lives are never the same.

The film is raw and realistic, but it didn’t do anything for me. I felt like the movie was repetitive and neither comic nor tragic. I mostly enjoy watching film were people do crazy and stupid things, but I never cared for any characters nor for their lives.

“Belgica” was no hit for me, easily forgettable.

Rating: 2/ 5

Movie Review - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Director: James Mangold
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 154 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Toby Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, John Rhys-Davies, Antonio Banderas, Boyd Holbrook, Olivier Richter, Thomas Kretschmann, Karen Allen
 
Description: Archeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.

Review: When it comes to film, Indiana Jones is the adventurer. Harrison Ford gives the iconic character heart and soul.

In this final Indiana Jones adventure, Indy is after an artifact that could change the course of history. He is accompanied by his goddaughter Helena. But we start the movie in the past, where Ford has been made digitally younger. Here is explained what this artifact, a dial made by Archimedes, means to his friend Basil Shaw, Helena’s father.

Even though “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is a big step up from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, it is the first film without Steven Spielberg as a director. James Mangold takes over and does a good job, but you do miss Spielberg at times. It is entertaining and I always like going on an adventure with Dr. Jones. He is my favorite male movie character for a reason. And Ford hasn’t lost it. But this movie never reaches the level of the first three films in the franchise.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Barbie

Director: Greta Gerwig
Genre: Adventure/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Michal Cera, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrara, Helen Mirren
 
Description: Barbie (Margot Robbie) suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.

Review: Most movie trailers show the entire movie in a brief moment. The makers of “Barbie” understood that the first half hour contains enough material to use only its footage to pique the audience’s interest. What follows after that is probably a surprise. For some a disappointment, because they got something completely different as the trailer showed us. To me it was a much wanted delight.

Stereotypical Barbie lives with all the other Barbies and Kens (and Allan) in Barbieland where everything is perfect and women have finally won an equal place in the world. One day Barbie suddenly feels a little less cheerful. She learns that this is because the girl who plays with her in the real human world apparently no longer feels happy either. Barbie travels to the real world to fix it, but that turns her world upside down even more.

People learn their lessons best when they are felt from within. Barbie is a mirror for a major problem in society that many people do not even see in its completeness because it is so deeply rooted.

We are introduced to Barbie by the use of a voice over and a wink to the classic sci-fi film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Helen Mirren narrates and tells us how life works in Barbieland. Next we hear a song by Lizzo, twice in fact: once to describe Barbie’s daily life and then again to depict how, for the first time, things are not going so well. Real people live in the real world and think Barbie’s are just dolls, but there is a hidden reality where Barbies live, enjoying themselves in their own little paradise.

The start of the film, in Barbieland, is very cheesy and over-the-top, just like Barbie is. When Barbie enters the real world, everything is new and she notices the difference between what is normal in her little world and the real one.

The interaction between Barbie and Ken and the people in the real world is hilarious. It doesn’t rhyme with their worldview and they speak about this openly and literally. The mystery of who is behind Barbie’s growing depression is quickly solved; cleverly thought out, because this is not what it’s about anyway.

What follows is razor-sharp criticism of us and society, told in a childlike, naïve way. Barbie speaks up  simplistically and directly; no one will be able to claim that the message is not clear. A certain norm in our society is so standardized that even those who are against it still partially go along with it.

Because the film is so incredibly upbeat and colorful, it never feels pedantic or preachy. The jokes keep coming, Barbieland’s sets are impressive. This is not a woman’s movie, anyone can have a great time with this adventure. But it’s definitely not for children, it will go way over their heads.

Even though the Ken-song towards the end feels a bit out of tune with the rest of the film, I couldn’t help but smile from start to finish. It’s been living rent-free in my head ever since.

 
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were perfectly cast for their respective roles. America Ferrara was a pleasant surprise, her character’s monologue was my favorite moment of the film. And Michael Cera as Allan was just too funny. I think he was my favorite character.

That “Barbie” would be a fun film was to be expected, but it’s a very good movie with a strong, clear message and substantive comedy. Fans of Barbie who were expecting a fun, simple, bubbly Barbie adventure in her dreamhouse, will probably be disappointed. This film has way more substance and layers.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - Ward D by Freida McFadden

Title: Ward D
Series: -
Author: Freida McFadden
 
Description: Medical student Amy Brenner is spending the night on a locked psychiatric ward. She has been dreading her evening working on Ward D, the hospital’s inpatient mental health unit. There are very specific reasons why she never wanted to do this required overnight rotation. Reasons nobody can ever find out.
 
And as the hours tick by, Amy grow increasingly convinced something terrible is happening within these tightly secured walls. When patients and staff start to vanish without a trace, it becomes clear that everyone on the unit is in grave danger. Amy’s worst nightmare was spending the night on Ward D. And now she might never escape.
 
Review: An overnight rotation in Ward D is the last thing Amy wanted as a medical student. For reasons yet unknown, she dreads this night.
 
The book mostly sets place in Ward D, which is closed off to the outside world. Bad cell phone reception, a minimal staff and only one way to get out: Through a secured door with a code, which can not be used in an emergency. We also follow a storyline in the past, from when Amy was younger. This gives us a little insight in Amy’s past and why she might dread her night in Ward D.
 
It becomes more understandable why Amy was afraid to stay in Ward D, when patients and staff start vanishing without a trace. Something is wrong and Amy wants to get out.
 
It’s a very quick read, easy to get through and full of tension. It has some interesting reveals and twist. I guess it’s possible to see some of them, but they are never too obvious. I especially liked the fact that you know bad things are going to happen, since Ward D is such a mysterious place and you have no idea who to trust. Even Amy is unreliable, since she has her own mental health issues.
 
The only thing I didn’t like was the credibility of the story. Some elements are a bit implausible. But that didn’t take away from the entertainment level “Ward D” has. My first Freida McFadden book and I think her thrillers are right up my alley.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Mary Poppins Returns

Director: Rob Marshall
Genre: Comedy/ Musical/ Family/ Adventure
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Wishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Pixie Davis, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Nathanael Saleh, Joel Dawson,

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 31: A DISNEY LIVE-ACTION MOVIE
 
Description: A few decades after her original visit, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), the magical nanny, returns to help the Banks siblings (Ben Wishaw, Emily Mortimer) and Michael’s children through a difficult time in their lives.

Review: Brother and sister Jane and Michael Banks agree. They nod in agreement when the strange antics they pulled with nanny Mary Poppins years ago, when they were children, are brought up. It was a nice fantasy, because those experiences couldn’t possibly be real.

Adults want to rationalize everything. That was precisely the problem with Jane and Michael’s father, an inveterate banker who would rather count money than take his kids to the park. Mary Poppins didn’t have to raise his children, but rather explain to George Banks what the fun of life was and how to reconnect with his family.

More than 50 years after the original, there is a sequel with “Mary Poppins Returns”. For Emily Blunt, the nearly impossible task of following in the footsteps of the legendary Julie Andrews.

We are now in 1930s crisis London. Jane and Michael are adults and have a strong bond. Michael’s wife died earlier in the year and he is trying to make the best of it with his three children. the disaster almost literally knocks on the door of 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Michael is behind on repaying a loan from his late father’s bank, where he now works himself. He is given five days pay or his family will have to move out of their home.

In the attic Michael and Jane are looking for stock certificates, because that would be the solution to their problems. But they can’t seem to find it. When the kids are playing in the park in the meantime, a very special passenger comes down from the sky: Mary Poppins is back!

Emily does the well-nigh impossible: she manages to make Andrews’ iconic rendition disappear within seconds. Her version of Mary Poppins is also a bit more in line with the one in the books. She is a bit stricter, even a bit catty and self-righteous at times, but still undeniably charming.

Back in the days, the original showed a groundbreaking blend of animation and live action. That is not only duplicated here, but surpassed, although it has become a bit easier with modern techniques. The animation sequences is truly magically done. And no Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious this time, but a wise lesson about never judging a book by its cover. Mary Poppins switches effortlessly to unadulterated Cockney for the showstopper.

Marc Shaiman is responsible for the music and he has written a lush score with beautiful timeless melodies that never feel corny or dated anywhere. “Mary Poppins Returns” is packed with catchy performances and a fine cast. Directly opposing Blunt is Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays a lamp lighter, similar to the role of Dick van Dyke who was a chimney sweeper. In addition we see Ben Wishaw and Emily Mortimer as the adult Michael and Jane, Julie Walters as the housekeeper and Colin Firth as a shrewd banker. Meryl Streep is in only one scene, with a super catchy and fun song. 

 
I not ashamed to say that I absolutely loved this movie from start to finish and I even prefer it over the original. And that is first and foremost thanks to Emily Blunt, who is practically perfect in her role as Mary Poppins. An absolute new favorite movie musical.

Rating: 5 / 5

Book Review - The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth

Title: The Mother-In-Law
Series: -
Author: Sally Hepworth
 
Description: From the moment Lucy met her husband’s mother, Diana, she was kept at arm’s length. Diana was exquisitely polite, and properly friendly, but Lucy knew she was not what Diana envisioned. But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar to the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country. Diana was happily married to Tom, and lived in wedded bliss for decades. Lucy wants so much to please her new mother-in-law.
 
That was five years ago. Now, Diana has been found dead, a suicide note near her body. Diana claims that she no longer wanted to live because of a battle with cancer. But the autopsy finds no cancer. The autopsy does find traces of poison and suffocation. Who could possibly want Diana dead? Why was her will changed at the eleventh hour to disinherit both her adult children and their spouses?
 
Review: Lucy has one wish since the moment she meets Ollie: to have a nice connection with her mother-in-law. But from her first meeting with Diana, she knows that’s not in the cars. She is somewhat cold towards Lucy. When years later Diana is found dead, the circumstances are very suspicious.
 
First of all, I want to say that this books doesn’t have the correct genre attached to it. It’s marketed as a thriller, but it definitely isn’t one. It’s more of a suspenseful, domestic mystery.
 
It was my first Sally Hepworth novel and I really love the way she writes her characters. You really get to know them, especially Lucy and Diana. We follow the story through their perspectives and it switches in timelines. I always love that with my stories. This book is more character based than it is plot driven. I prefer the latter.
 
When it comes to the story, I expected a more terrible mother-in-law. Diana isn’t that bad of a person. Yes, she is a bit cold towards Lucy, but that’s mainly it. They just have a very complex relationship.
 
The question you want answered is, did Diana really commit suicide or did someone kill her? I was surprised by the reveal, but overall it’s not a very special book. I enjoyed the family drama and trying to figure out what happened to Diana. But it didn’t really excite me. It was just okay.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Certain Women

Director: Kelly Reichardt
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Michelle Williams, Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Jared Harris, James Le Gros, John Getz

Description: The lives of three women intersect in small-town America, where each is imperfectly blazing a trail.

Review: The American drama film “Certain Women” is about three Montana women who are intentionally and unintentionally connected. Three women, three stories. One is a lawyer who has a difficult client. The other a woman who gets into an argument with her husband over the purchase of a piece of land and the las is a woman who works on a horse ranch and takes lessons from an attorney. All are connected, but how.

“Certain Women” divides opinions. Some though it was three disconnected storylines and other see three stories with the same kind of message. Feminism at its finest. Yes, the threads were very thin between the stories, but they were there. In addition, the visuals were raw and unadorned.

The fact remains that “Certain Women” didn’t live up to my high expectations. It did not convince, too bad, because the acting is very good. A little more emotion and more connections would have done the film good.

Rating: 3/ 5