10s Movie Review - Queen of Katwe

Director: Mira Nair
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Maldina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupitio Nyongo’o

Description: Living in the slum of Katwe, Uganda, is a constant struggle for the young Phiona (Maldina Lawanga) and her family. Her world changes when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 39: A BIOGRAPHICAL FILM
 
Review: Phiona grew up in the slums of Uganda, she never went to school and yet she made it to chess champion in her country. ESPN-journalist Tim Crothers chronicles her impressive life story in a bestseller, which Disney, together with director Mira Nair, then turned into this colorful and cheerful feel-good film.

Phiona lives with her mother, older sister and two younger brothers in the slums of Uganda. Her father has died and mother Harriet is working hard to provide for her children. Because Phiona has to help her mother out, she never went to school. One day, she stumbles upon a group of kids that are playing chess, thought by Robert Katende. Phiona joins them and it turns out she has a talent for the game. Eventually being able to go to a tournament with her new friends.

This film has such a big heart. It’s a feel-good film, with the exception of a few sadder moments, and just warms your heart. It’s an inspirational story, which is probably a bit dramatized, but I loved “Queen of Katwe”. The cast is outstanding. Lupita Nyongo’o, who plays Phiona’s mother Harriet, has become a favorite over the years. She is so strong in this film. As is David Oyelowo, as Robert Katende. Maldina Lawanga portrays Phiona and she does a great job. She knows how to stand strong and is excellents in her role.

A hidden gem from Disney, “Queen of Katwe” is definitely the perfect film if you want a pick-me-up.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Trap

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Ariel Donohue, Alison Pill, Hayley Mills, Johnathan Mills
 
Description: A father (Josh Hartnett) and his teenage daughter (Saleka Night Shyamalan) attend a pop concert only to realize they’ve entered the center of a dark and sinister event.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 38: A FILM FROM 2024
 
Review: With director M. Night Shyamalan, you never know. Somethins the makes great films that really keep you on the edge of your seat and sometime he makes film that are pretty bad. I have liked most, loved some, hated a few. “Trap” is his latest thriller.

Teenager Riley is attending the sold-out concert of world star Lady Raven, together with her dad Cooper. Her dad is acting a bit weird, and somehow that is not strange, since the place is swarming with police. Soon Cooper realizes that they are looking for a serial killer named The Butcher. In fact, the FBI thinks he is at this concert today and they are doing everything they can to capture him.

Josh Hartnett was up and coming in the late 90s, early 2000s. I always loved him as an actor, but he hasn’t done anything major for a while. He was in an episode of the latest season of “Black Mirror”, which was fantastic and where he again showed what he could do. And now he’s starring in M. Night Shyamalan newest film. He plays Cooper and he is kind of perfect for this role.

Night Shyamalan is known for his twists, that, when they deliver they DELIVER! Since the trailer for this movie already showed us a big twist, you would think that there is more to it. I was a bit disappointed that they showed us that twist already, because it really changes the viewing experience. Even though it does have a few surprises, I was still waiting for the final, crazy, unexpected twist. But sadly, that never came. A lot of the things happening in the film, are very convenient for story telling and this way the film loses its credibility a bit. But the first hour of the film is filled with tension and does keep you on the edge of your seat. After that, the tension drops a bit.

Not one of Night Shyamalan’s best films, but it’s certainly not on the list of bad movies. I enjoyed it for the most part, but was disappointed that we didn’t get a better twist. Or any twist for that matter.

Rating: 3/ 5

20s Movie Review - Reality

Director: Tina Setter
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 83 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, Marchánt Davis

Description: A former American intelligence specialist (Sydney Sweeney) was given the longest sentence for the unauthorized release of government information to the media about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections via an email operation.

Review: Suppose you find secret information about an extremely controversial issue that could potentially change the course of history. Would you disclose this? And what if it carries a severe penalty? Reality Winner found herself faced with this dilemma, and this film is the unfortunate outgrowth of her decision. Director Tina Satter, who also made a play about it, makes her debut with this minimalist docudrama. She immediately shows that she knows her stuff. After all, the film was shot in just sixteen days.

Twenty-five-year old Reality Winner’s life takes an unexpected turn on June 3^rd, 2016, when she encounters two FBI agents in her yard when she returns from shopping. The agents have a search warrant but the unsuspecting Air Force veteran is mostly worried about her pets and the groceries that need to go into the fridge. Communication is all friendly and the atmosphere is uncomfortable rather than serious. Until Reality makes an unexpected move. Three blinded SUV’s drive by and it becomes clear that something serious is indeed going on.

Reality is given the choice of being questioned at home or at the FBI office, whereupon the interrogation moves to a fluorescent-lit empty back room of her home. As her home is turned upside down in the background, the agents put her under fire. But what exactly is she suspected of? We learn that Reality works as a translator for the Secret Service and in that capacity has access to confidential information. We get more information, bit by but, and Reality feels the noose tightening around her neck. A secret document has been leaked and she is the prime suspect.  

If you’re not familiar with Reality Winner’s case, the beginning of the film is incredibly alienating and really makes you wonder where the hell it’s all going. Contrary to what yo might expect with such raid, everything is extremely slow and the tension building lies mainly in the uneasy and almost surreal nature of the scene. The agents’ work is so amateurish and stoic that you can hardly imagine that it could be like this in real life, but the opposite is true.

In fact, the film is based on the FBI transport of the audio recording of that day, and this is emphasized several times. So often, in fact, that it almost becomes a gimmick. Every word and sound is taken from the transcript. And this provides the film with an indeniable authenticity.

Because the agents are pretty secretive, the interrogation takes on almost absurdist character and the undoubtedly tactical stretching becomes quite annoying after a while. As a result, the running time of only eighty minutes feels long. Their passive-aggressive behavior, combined with the brightly lit room and ominous background music, does at the same time create an incredibly oppressive atmosphere. The way Reality struggles through the forced pleasantries makes you feel a certain unease.

This is absolutely due to the phenomenal acting by Sydney Sweeney, who portrays the titular character. Sweeney’s performance is raw and believable and she shines thanks to her convincing body language, especially in the awkward silences. With refined facial expressions, fiery eyes, and well feigned nervous twitches, she manages to make the feeling of discomfort really get under your skin.

The end result is an intriguing docudrama that shows without too much embellishment what Reality Winner experienced that particular day. With Sweeney as the highlight.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Mothers' Instinct

Director: Benoit Delhomme
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Anders Danielsen Lie, Josh Charles, Caroline Lagerfelt
 
Description: Alice (Jessica Chastain) and Celine (Anne Hathaway) live a traditional lifestyle with successful husbands and sons of the same age. Life’s perfect harmony is suddenly shattered after a tragic accident. Guilt, suspicion and paranoia combine to unravel their sisterly bond.

Review: Alice and Celine, in addition to being neighbors, are stay-at-home moms and best friends. They live the perfect family life of a family in the 1960s. Married to successful men and mothers of happy sons who also happen to be best friends. Their sweet life takes on a bitter aftertaste when a tragic accident happens to one of the families.

The haunting atmosphere that seeps through everything is tremendously well done. The grief is palpable in all the characters and touches deeply. The terrific acting sets this geeling. Jessica Chastain in particular put on a layered role in which grief, fear and guilt blend seamlessly. Only Anne Hathaway sometimes shoots a little to far, making some scenes a bit over the top.

Extra oppressive is the continues question of where the story is going and whether the various suspicions of the housewives are correct. It’s best to go into this movie with the least amount of info.
The creators of “Mothers’ Instinct” clearly took some inspiration from Hitchcock. The moments of tension and atmosphere can match those of a film by the master of suspense. At other moments it is all just a bit too over the top to be taken seriously. The ending might be a little less credible.

“Mothers’ Instinct” sets up a convincing and exciting story. The set design and costumes contribute to the atmosphere and the intense themes of grief and guilt are very well portrayed in the story. The ending took it a bit too far, but it’s still an amazing movie that I’m surprised not more people are talking about.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Title: Darling Girls
Author: Sally Hepworth
Genre: Thriller
Published: 2024
 
Description: For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate given an elusive second change at a happy family life.
 
But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?
 
Review: We meet three women, that grew up in a foster home together. Now all grown up, they learn of a body being found under the home they lived in for years, Wild Meadows.
 
Jessica went to Wild Meadows when she was only four years old. She became attached to Miss Fairchild and was disappointed when at thirteen, a new girl arrived. This was Norah. She came to miss Fairchild when she was eleven. Norah had been to many foster homes, being treated badly. The third girl, Alicia, only came to Wild Meadows temporarily. She was in the care of her grandmother, but she fell ill and Alicia needed a home. Twelve year old Alicia is clearly not Miss Fairchild’s favorite.
 
Now as adults, Jessica is married and runs a home organization business. Nora still struggles with her past, which made her very violent. Alicia is now a social worker, taking care of foster children herself.
 
Miss Fairchild is an awful person. She treats the girls poorly, has strange rules and suffers from severe mood swings. But because of their common enemy, the three girls became sisters, and still are in adulthood.
 
The story is being told through alternating timelines, twenty five years apart. And we follow the story from different perspectives as well. This really works for this story. We get to know the girls and meet them again as damaged, traumatized women. The story is compelling and so are the characters.
 
The book has some really strong reveals and twists, but just when you think the story is about to wrap up, Sally Hepworth gives us one final twist. And I loved it! I really can’t fault this book, it’s such a good story. I had read from Hepworth before, and I found that book to be just okay. But this book really blew my mind. It’s definitely a new favorite for me. And now I do want to read more of Hepworth’s books.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Title: How to Solve Your Own Murder (Castle Knoll Files # 1)
Author: Kristen Perrin
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: It’s 1965 and teenage Frances Adams is at an English country fair with her two best friends, Emily and Rose. But Frances’s life takes a turn when a fortune teller make a bone-chilling prediction: One day, Frances will be murdered. Frances spends a lifetime trying to solve a crime that hasn’t happened yet, compiling dirt on every person who cosses her path in an effort to prevent her own demise. For decades, no one takes Frances seriously. Until that is, nearly sixty years later, when Frances is found murdered.
 
In the present day, Annie Adams has been summoned to a meeting at the sprawling country estate of her wealthy and reclusive great aunt Frances. But the time Annie arrives in the quaint English village of Catle Knoll, Frances is already dead. Annie is determined to catch the killer, but thanks to Frances’s lifelong habit of digging up secrets, it seems every endearing and eccentric villager might just have a motive for her murder.
 
Can Annie safely unravel the dark mystery at the heart of Castle Knoll, or will dredging up the past throw her into the path of a killer? As Annie gets closer to the truth, and closer to the danger, she starts to fear she might inherit ger great ant’s fate instead of her fortune.
 
Review: In “How to Solve Your Own Murder” we follow Annie, who is on her way to her great-aunt Frances. When she arrives, Frances is found dead. We also follow the storyline of a young Frances, who visits a fortune teller, who tells her Frances will someday be murdered. This turns her life upside down and her whole life she is trying to find out who will murder her. But, it’s too late. Now it’s up to Annie to find out who had it in for her great-aunt.
 
I always enjoyed dual timelines. We follow the present, where Annie is trying to figure out what happened to Frances. And we go back in time, where Frances is young and finds out about her fate, which eventually controls her life. Because Frances documented everything in a diary, Annie does get some help, but she still has to try and solve the mystery herself. And she learns that the people in this town have many secrets.
 
“How to Solve Your Own Murder” has an interesting premise and it does start out great. The mystery is fun to dive into. I never really got invested into any of the characters and felt like most of them were very naïve people. And am I the only one that thinks that the request in Frances’s will was kind of ridiculous and it could potentially put the people involved in danger? Even though I like an amateur sleuth story, they mostly choose to do so themselves. Annie is somehow forced in that role, even though she would have probably gone in that direction herself. It still feels a bit weird. Because more people are put in this position in trying to solve the murder, the stakes are higher.  
 
I’m okay with authors being detailed. Especially in describing surroundings or settings. But I really don’t care about what people are wearing. The characters in this story seem to be obsessed by other people’s appearances. I did not enjoy that.
 
I think “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is an okay mystery, nothing surprising or ground-breaking. Had a good time reading it, but will probably forget about it within a week.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - Pan's Labyrinth by Cornelia Funke, Guillermo Del Toro

Title: Pan’s Labyrinth
Author: Cornelia Funke, Guillermo Del Toro
Genre: Fantasy/ Horror/ Young Adult
Published: 2019
 
Description: Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro and bestselling author Cornelia Funke have come together to transform Del Toro’s hit movie “Pan’s Labyrint” into an epic and dark fantasy novel for readers of all ages, complete with haunting illustrations and enchanting short stories that flesh out the folklore of this fascinating world.
 
This spellbinding tale takes readers to a sinister, magical, and war-torn world filled with richlt drawn characters like trickster fauns, murderous soldiers, child-eating monsters, courageous rebels, and a long-lost princess hoping to be reunited with her family.

Review: It does not happen often that I prefer the movie over the book, but in this case I did. But there is a reason for it. “Pan’s Labyrinth” was a movie before it became a novel. Director Guillermo del Toro asked author Cornelia Funke to translate his masterful film to a book. Not for all ages in my opinion, like the synopsis says, but middle-grade or young adult would be more appropriate.
 
We meet Ofelia, a young girl who loves fairytale stories. Together with her mother Carmen she moves into a house in the woods, with her mother’s new husband Vidal, who Ofelia calls “the Wolf”. Carmen is expecting a baby with Vidal, but Ofelia believes Vidal doesn’t really love her mother and only wants a son to carry on his bloodline. Because Ofelia never feels welcome in her new home, she starts exploring her new ‘neighborhood’. Where she meets Pan, a Faun and the keeper of a secret labyrinth. He believes Ofelia is the long-lost princes Moanna and he gives her task, so she can return to her family. And so a journey begins.
 
The story is beautifully written and it’s accompanied by amazing illustrations. Because I have already seen the movie, it was easy for me to imagine all the creatures, the surroundings and characters of the book. But I felt like the book was missing something that the movie did have and I cant quite put my finger on it. Even though I still believe this book is fantastic and a wonderfully written tale, I believe the film conveys the right atmosphere to the audience better than the book did.
 
I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers, this is the type of fantasy that even I love.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Final Update

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much. And this is my final update, because as of now, I have rewatched all 100 of them. 
 

96/ 100: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” is still a barely outdated ode to the adventure film. We meet archeologist Indiana Jones for the first time in this film. He has to contend with an untrustworthy rival, who has been commissioned by Hitler to search for the mythical Ark of the Covenant, a historical relic said to possess magical powers. Exciting and funny, the absolute embodiment of the adventure genre. And in my opinion still the best film of the series.  Read my full review HERE.
 

97/ 100: Die Hard (1988)
New York cop John McClane travels to L.A. to visit his estranged wife at work. Unfortunately, during the company’s Christmas party, a gang of terrorists led by Hans Gruber, has planned a hostage taking/ robberty operation. This is still Bruce Willis’ most iconic role. Where “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is the embodiment of the adventure genre, “Die Hard” is that for the action film. Also had numerous sequels. I liked all but part 5. HERE you can read my full review.
 

98/ 100: Reservoir Dogs (1992)
“Reservoir Dogs” is director Quentin Tarantino’s masterful debut film, about a jewelry heist that gets completely out of hand. The surviving robbers try to figure out what went wrong and if there may be a mole in their midst. The story is told in a non-linear way, where we get to meet certain characters before the heist, how the heist is planned, the actual day of the heist and the aftermath. A beautifully crafted screenplay with clever and funny dialogue and brilliant acting. Still my favorite Tarantino film to date. Check out my full review HERE.
 

99/ 100: Sin City (2005)
In this film noir  film, based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, we follow three stories of violence in Basin “Sin” City. A big, tough criminal seeks revenge on the killer of his dream woman. A troubled policeman hunts a psychotic child killer. And a private detective tries tot prevent a massacre of “ladies of the night”. The film amazed me the first time and it still does. It’s like your reading the graphic novel, but the images are moving this time. It looks fantastic. I love that this film is black and white, with the occasional touch of color. HERE you can check out my full review.
 

100/ 100: Drive (2011)
Director Nicolas Winding Refn has a very distinctive style and it shows in “Drive”. We follow an unnamed stunt driver who earns extra money as a getaway driver. The camerawork and direction are fantastic, and with the 1980s vibes of the soundtrack Refn creates this stye. Ryan Gosling is amazing as ‘driver’. And an excellent supporting cast with Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Oscar Isaac. Check HERE my full review.

00s Movie Review - Sin City

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Elijah Wood, Nick Stahl, Jaime King, Josh Hartnett, Carla Cugino, Michael Madsen, Rutger Hauer, Powers Booth, Brittany Murphy, Alexis Bledel

Description: An exploration of the dark and miserable Basin City and three of its residents, all of whom are caught up in violent corruption.

Review: “Sin City” is a film noir-like movie which is very faithful to the graphic novel it’s based on. A perfect job for director Robert Rodriguez, who is accompanied by “Sin City” novel writer Frank Miller and director Quentin Tarantino. 

All these creative minds are a guarantee for an explosive and inventive film. “Sin City” looks breathtaking and is groundbreaking. The graphic novel isn’t just made into film, it looks like the novel actually came to life. De original pictures are used for the story

board and stayed intact. The actors had to film in front of a so-called ‘green screen’.
The presented world and its citizens is shown in black and white. Sometimes things as a red dress, golden blonde hair and blood are highlighted with color. The contrasts look great. 

There are lots of extravagant characters in “Sin City”. Like ‘Yellow Bastard’, a violent pedophile with rubbery skin and unhuman physical forms. And Jackie Boy, a corrupt cop. But most memorable is cannibalistic Kevin, a slick man with a sardonic grin on his face. The anti-hero is Marv, played by Mickey Rourke who you barely recognize. As a storm he rages through the city. For the women, it’s Jessica Alba that catches your eye. As a kid she was rescued by John Hartigan, played by Bruce Willis. Now she is a gorgeous, young woman turned stripper. 

Like I said before, “Sin City” is a groundbreaking film and it amazes me every single time.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Title: The Road
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Genre: Fiction/ Dystopia
Published: 2006
 
Description: A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food – and each other.
 
Review: In this gripping story by Cormac McCarthy, a father and sone are on their way to the cost. All they have in their possession is a shopping cart with a few belongings and a gun. Fortunately, they still have each other, because the road is long and life is hard.
 
In “The Road”, the world no longer looks as we know it. There is no more harvest, houses and stores have been looted, the only holdout is the road to the coast. Even though the father is almost certain there is nothing at the coast, there is still a glimmer of hope for his son.
 
Father and son continue to follow the road, but at the same time must be careful not to be seen by anyone else. Because it is every man for himself, you never know when someone has bad intentions. The father explained to his son that they carry the fire and therefore belong on the good side. On the bad side you have the people who steal or worse: kill other people.
 
In a world that has almost perished, everything is allowed. There a no more laws. The book is gripping, terrifying and emotional. As a reader, you get a certain picture of humanity as father and son try to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. Do you choose to survive for yourself or are there other options? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or is it hopeless?
 
The names of the father and son are never mentioned, yet the story feels personal and close. It is as if, as a reader, you are walking with them to the shore. You hope for the father and son that there is more than the road. The father has already seen a lot and his son, despite everything, is still innocent. The young boy knows nothing else, he was raised in this world.
 
It’s not a very spectacular book, it’s focused on the characters, not so much on the plot. It’s a slow book, which may scare you. There is some repetition here and there and there are some moments that drag a little bit. But for the rest, “The Road” is a fantastic book.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - In the Mouth of Madness

Director: John Carpenter
Genre: Thriller/ Horror/ Mystery
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 1994
Starring: Sam Neill, Charlton Heston, Julie Carmen, Jürgen Prochnow
Description: An insurance investigator (Sam Neill) begins discovering that the impact a horror writer’s books have on his fans is more than inspirational.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 37: A THRILLER OR SUSPENSE FILM
 
Review: Sutter Cane is the author of a famous horror series. Cane has gone missing and so is the manuscript of his last book. No copy of it exists. According to insiders, the book is said to be so terribly scary that it drives readers to madness. Cane’s publisher appoints insurance investigator John Trent to find the author and his work. This search leads John to the isolated village of Hobb’s End in the state of New England, where the true nightmare begins.

John Carpenter is most known for his horror films “Halloween” and “The Thing”. Atmosphere is something Carpenter manages to create best and this is also something very present in “In the Mouth of Madness”. The film is suspenseful and very creepy and disturbing. It’s a low-budget film and he lets his imagination run wild. It has a H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King vibes. The film is not for light-sensitive souls. 

I really enjoyed it, even though it’s very weird and scary.

Rating: 4 / 5

Book Review - She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

Title: She’s Not Sorry
Author: Mary Kubica
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: Meghan Michaels is trying to find balance between being a single mom to a teenage daughter and working as a full time nurse. While on duty at the hospital one day, a patient named Caitlin arrives in a coma with a traumatic brain injury, having jumped from a bridge and plunging over twenty feet to the train tracks below.
 
But when a witness comes forward with shocking details about the fall, it calls everything they know into question. Was Caitlin pushed and if so, by whom and why?
 
Meghan has always tried to stay emotionally detached from her patients, but this time, she mistakenly lets herself get too close until she’s deeply entangled in Caitlin’s and her family’s lives. Only when it’s too late, does she realize that she and her daughter could be the next victims.
 
Review: Before I started reading “She’s Not Sorry”, I had only read one other book by Mary Kubica: “Local Woman Missing”. I really liked that book, but I love her newest release!
 
Meghan Michaels is an ICU-nurse and a single mom, who’s recently divorced. One day, new patient Caitlin arrives at the hospital, who is in a coma and suffering from a severe brain injury. Where Meghan normally succeeds in staying emotionally detached from her patients, she is pulled into Caitlin’s and her family’s life. Questioning what really happened to her and maybe somebody did this to her.
 
The book is split up in two parts. When I was reading the first half of the book, I felt a lot was happening. It felt a bit all over the place and I had no clue why these random events were happening. With a mid-way twist, that totally caught me off-guard, the pieces of the puzzle starting falling into place. And that made the book so much better. The first half started making more sense.
 
“She’s Not Sorry” is an easy to read book, you can fly through it, as did I. The story has tension and raises so many questions, that you will get answers to eventually. There are many twists and turns and I was surprised. This book is impossible to put down.
 
Meghan is an interesting character to read from, we follow the story through her POV. You can relate to her at the start of the book, with her being a single mom, working hard to provide for her daughter. You do question some decisions she makes and because the characters still stays a bit on the surface, you never really understand why she becomes so fixated on Nat, an old school friend that she hasn’t seen for 20 years. And the fact that Meghan is constantly concerned about her daughter Sienna, when there is really no reason for it. Making you believe that something bad is going to happen to her.
 
I really loved reading “She’s Not Sorry”, the first chapter sucks you in. The first half of the book doesn’t make a lot of sense because so much is going on. But once you’ve reached the second half, you are in for a treat. So many surprises.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Challngers

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Comedy
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor
 
Description: Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach, transformed her husband (Mike Faist) into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he’ll need to face off against his former best friend, and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend (Josh O’Connor).

Review: Luca Guadagnino has directed one of my favorite films of all-time: “Call Me by Your Name”. It’s one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen in my life, it’s simply perfect. I was excited to see Guadagnino’s newest film, especially since it’s been getting great reviews. “Challengers” is a really good, unpredictable film. While many say it tops “Call Me by Your Name”, I disagree, but I did enjoy “Challengers”. Though I might never rewatch it.

From the beginning it’s clear that there are three main characters: Tashi, Patrick and Art. Their interaction will define the drama. But the script does not the the story chronologically. The film has a fractured structure.

“Challengers” promises to be a sports film about rival tennis players. The film kicks off with the salutations of the ultimate match between Patrick and Art. But how that match evolves, we are given wordy details. Between beginning and end, the viewer is tossed back and forth between past and present, sometimes only for a brief scene.

Pretty soon, Guadagnino reveals that they are moving into a different direction from the classic boy-gets-girl sports drama after all. Art and Patrick used to be bosom bodies, when they were novices, who fell madly in love with then tennis star Tashi. But through the first sequence, which is a glimpse into the future, we know Tashi quit tennis, married Art and decided to coach him. What happened? Why was Patrick left out. Why did Tashi quit?

The mischievous Tashi, formidably portrayed by Zendaya, clearly finds that relationship tantalizing. The question, however, is what or who she really wants. I found Tashi highly unlikeable, as for Patrick. Art was somehow the only one I could somewhat root for, but I never really liked him either. Just three very nasty people, manipulative, seductive, egotistical.

Because of that, I might never want to rewatch this film again. Even though it’s very well put together. The way the story is constructed is so clever and it has some unpredictable twists here and there. But I kind of hated the three main characters, and then I find it somehow really difficult to get behind it.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Village

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2004
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson, Sherry Jones, Adrien Brody, Jesse Eisenberg, Michael Pitt, Judy Greer

Description: A series of evens tests the beliefs of a small isolated countryside village.

Review: If you think of director M. Nigh Shyamalan’s best movies, you think of “The Sixth Sense”, “Unbreakable” and “Signs”. “Split” and “The Visit” will also come to mind. Usually “The Village” is not on that list. And I will not say it’s my favorite, but I certainly believe it’s much better than most people claim it is and feel it’s a bit underrated.

The film is set in an isolated village, with a close community of people that live a sober yet happy life. When dark things start happening, the villagers are made to believe it’s the inhabitants of the forest that are warning them to keep out. But the truth is hidden.

The film is never scary, but there is a lot of suspense that you constantly feel. You know something is wrong, just not yet what that is.

The film has a star-studded cast and Bryce Dallas Howard plays the main female character. She is really good and I loved her in this film. The ending/ twist is something most people don’t really like, but I personally always liked the twist of the film.

I think this movie deserves a little mote love then it’s getting. It’s absolutely not a bad movie. It’s slow and doesn’t rely on scares, but has a lot of atmosphere and a very good premise. With a surprising twist, that I just happened to like.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

 

 

 

80s Movie Review - Die Hard

Director: John McTiernan
Genre: Action/ Thriller
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 1988
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, Paul Gleason, William Atherton

Description: A New York City police officer (Bruce Willis) tries to save his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

Review: I have watched this movie so many times, I can’t believed I never wrote a review for it. Bruce Willis plays his iconic character John McClane. He is visiting his estranged wife in Los Angeles, only realizing that during her company’s Christmas party, some uninvited guest arrive to keep them hostage. Good luck for them, because McClane is a bad ass New York City cop.

The story is pretty simple, but the execution of it is phenomenal. A real action movie with lots of humor interspersed with rock-hard action. “Die Hard” set a trend for a new generation of films in the late 80s and early 90s.

“Die Hard” is a kick-ass movie that ever fan of the action flick lives. Willis’ most iconic role.

Rating: 5/ 5