Book Review - Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Title: Parable of the Sower (Earthseed # 1)
Author: Octavia E. Butler
Genre: Science Fiction/ Dystopia/ Classic
Published: 1993
 
Description: In 2024, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, one woman begins a fateful journey toward a better future.
 
Lauren Olamina and her family live in one of the only safe neighborhoods remaining on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Behind the walls of their defended enclave, Lauren’s father, a preacher, and a handful of other citizens try to salvage what remains of a culture that has been destroyed by drugs, disease, war, and chronic water shortages. While her father tries to lead people on the righteous path, Lauren struggles with hyperempathy, a condition that makes her extraordinary sensitive to the pain of others.
 
When a fire destroys their compound, Lauren’s family is killed and she is forced our into a world that is fraught with danger. With a handful of other refugees, Lauren must make her way north to safety, along the way conceiving a revolutionary idea that may mean salvation for all mankind.
 
Review: “Parable of the Sower” tells the story as the various crises that are now also taking place in 2025 have developed further. The climate crisis has led to environment where it almost never rains. Water is scarce. The economic crisis has increased the gap between rich and poor. Polarization has caused entire groups of people to be pitted against other people and you can no longer trust anyone again. The story starts in 2024, but was written in 1993. That blows my mind.
 
In this America that Octavia E. Butler wrote about, cannibalism is back. Drugs that numb cause the worst type of crimes. Lauren Olamina is our protagonist. She lives with her father, a preacher, in a walled community in the hope of being protected from her anarchy outside. Lauren is very sensitive, has hyperempathy, and picks up emotions and pain from other people. Lauren has developed her own ideology, the Earthseed. She believes in a God who is change. This belief develops over the course of the story and ensures that she can persevere.
 
“Parable of the Sower” is a very special book. Especially because of the world Butler is describing and the fact that it was written over 30 years ago. Lauren is a wonderful character, easy to empathize with. Lauren’s beliefs in change, which she shapes and develops through her thoughts, makes you realize that change is possible. That gives hope and courage. And each chapter starts with a piece of her journal: Earthseed, the book of the living.
 
The writing style is descriptive and compelling. More people should read this book to realize what kind of world we would create if we do nothing. Because it is reality, even though this book is categorized as science fiction. Sadly Octavia E. Butler passed away in 2006, but I will read everything on her backlist.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Babygirl

Director: Halina Reijn
Genre: Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, Esther McGregor, Vaughan Reilly 
 
Description: A high powered CEO (Nicole Kidman) puts her career and family in the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much-younger intern (Harris Dickinson).
 
Review: Romy Mathis has made it. She is the CEO of a company specializing in AI and robotics, and her marriage to stage director Jacob has lasted for years. But one day, during an anxious moment, she meets twenty-something Samuel. Who she lates sees back at her company as an intern. Samuel takes a brutal, confrontational and transgressive attitude toward Romy; to the point that she is completely thrown off guard. Samuel continues to challenge her and eventually Romy gives in. She risks paying a high price for a slip-up that grows into much more than that.  

This is the second English-language film by once actress ut now established Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn (previously directed “Bodies Bodies Bodies”). “Babygirl” is an erotic thriller, like many that were made in the nineties. Yet fresh and surprising, because we now see through the eyes of the woman, who is not always allowed to act morally pure. The film does not believe in good and bad, but lustfully digs in the gray area in between.  

Kidman shines as the complex Romy and the film manages to break taboos as well as explore current themes around consent and gender roles.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Pig

Director: Michael Sarnoski
Genre: Drama/ Mystery
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 13: A FILM FROM 2021
 
Description: A truffle hunter (Nicolas Cage) who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must return to his part in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.

Review: Nicolas Cage is either very over the top or really subdued. For “Pig” it’s the latter. It’s a fairly quiet film with a meandering style. Cage plays Rob, a man who was once the best chef in town, but now lives a reclusive life in the woods of Oregon. There he lives, along with his pig, who helps him search and root for truffles. But then his quiet life gets disturbed and his pig gets stolen. Rob has to go back to the city and find her.

In core the film is about learning to care about something and not fall prey to hypocrisy. I absolutely loved this film. It’s a slow film, no action, just a man looking for his beloved pig. And Nicolas Cage is wonderful. His rage is now very contained and it works perfectly for “Pig”.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - The Last Town by Blake Crouch

Title: The Last Town (Wayward Pines # 3)
Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2014

Description: Welcome to Wayward Pines, the last town.
 
Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrived in Wayward Pines, Idaho, three week ago. In this town, people are told who to marry, where to live, where to work. Their children are taught that David Pilcher, the town’s creator, is god. No one is allowed to leave; even asking questions can get you killed.
 
But Ethan has discovered the astonishing secret of what lies beyond the electrified fence that surrounds Wayward Pines and protects it from the terrifying world beyond. It is a secret that has the entire population completely under the control of a madman and his army of followers, a secret that is about to come storming through the fence to wipe out the last fragile remnant of humanity.
 
Review: “The Last Town” is the third and final book in the “Wayward Pines” series. And it’s different in tone. Where “Pines” and “Wayward” were more sci-fi, mystery, thriller, “The Last Town” has more horror elements to it. And it’s really good.
 
WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS TWO BOOKS OR ARE READING THEM RIGHT NOW, PLEASE BE AWARE THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
In “The Last Town”, only a month has passed since Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke has arrived at Wayward Pines. He has finally confronted the residents of the town with the horrific truth that its creator David Pilcher has been hiding from them. But has Ethan done the right thing? After all, aren’t the residents much better of living in ignorance? But Pilcher has his own plan and confronts the residents with the horrific outside world. The result: a life and death struggle.
 
In the previous books the tension was mainly caused by the secrets in the town. Not knowing what was really going on. But in “The Last Town”, the story becomes significantly terrifying because of the monsters on the loose and bloody attacks. It’s very easy to see the story happening in your head while reading and that’s all due to Blake Crouch’s wonderful writing.
 
The main characters in the book are the same ones who played important roles in the other books. In the process we learn more about their pasts. What led Pilcher to create Wayward Pines. What secrets does Theresa carry with her? Beautiful in this is to see how each of the characters deals with the prevailing danger. The writing style is accessible with short chapters, cliffhangers and POV changes.
 
“The Last Town” is an exciting, terrifying and very worthy finale in the “Wayward Pines” trilogy. With a perfect score for all three books, this series became one of my favorite books series I’ve ever read.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Nosferatu

Genre: Fantasy/ Horror/ Mystery
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney
 
Description: A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman (Lily-Rose Depp) and the terrifying vampire (Bill Skarsgård) infatuated with her, causing untold horror in it awake.
 
Review: The 1922 “Nosferatu” by F.W. Murnau is an illicit adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. It’s a chilling masterpiece that overambitious directors had better stay away from when thinking of a remake. Especially after all the countless Dracula films adaptations that add little to nothing to the original story. But director Robert Eggers has proven with movies such as “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman” that he can do something and has a unique vision. “Nosferatu” is a story that was made for him and the result is worth watching.

The 1922 “Nosferatu” is a silent film that terrified audience at the time. Eggers stays away from the theatrical and operatic style that many vampire movies often use. He does not hide away his admiration for Murnau’s original. But he uses his own style and made a unique and personal work with an original approach.

The story broadly follow that of the classic. In 1838, Thomas Hutter must leave his young bride Ellen behind in Wisborg, Germany, and travel to Transylvania. He must personally hand over the purchase papers of an old property to the buyer, the mysterious Count Orlok. Too late, Thomas realizes that his host is a vampire who harbors an all-consuming love for Ellen. Orlok sails a doomed ship to Wisborg to claim his bride.

Probably the biggest change that Eggers made, is Orlok’s look. Max Schreck was a bald-headed vampire with sharp rabbit-like teeth. What stands out most about Bill Skarsgård as Orlok, is the thick moustache. In the first half of the film, Eggers leaves him mostly in the shadows, but in the second half you see him in more detail.

Eggers uses a monochromatic look, with sometimes scenes fully in black an white. This fits the atmosphere and also Egger’s style. The camera work is excellent. It’s panning, where is doesn’t feel like it’s spinning nor is it stationary.

“Nosferatu” is not a nail-biter, but it is very scary. But the terror is more in the portrayal of the characters, the atmosphere and the way it’s filmed. The shadow especially impressed me and was very creepy. Performances by Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe and Nicholas Hoult are really strong, but it’s Lily-Rose Depp who really delivers a stellar performance.

If you are familiar with Robert Eggers’ previous work and those were not your cup of tea, “Nosferatu” will probably not be for you. If you’re a fan of his style and type of storytelling, you will love this too. Just beware of the gore that is coming.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Cargo

Director: Ben Howling, Yolanda Ramke
Genre: Horror/ Drama/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, Susie Porter

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 12: A FILM WITH MARTIN FREEMAN
 
Description: After and epidemic spreads all over Australia, a father (Martin Freeman) searches for someone willing to protect his daughter.

Review: “Cargo” is an ambitious variation on the zombie genre, about a married couple and their young daughter trying to stay out of the grip of the infected in the Australian outback. While the white Australians show little solidarity among themselves, the Aborigines actually gravitate toward each other.
The film never explains what happened, why and where this epidemic has started. That’s not really necessary to know. And we don’t get to see that many of the infected (they are never called zombies, but they technically are). The emphasis is more on disintegrating relationships, rather than flesh-eating undead.

Martin Freeman is the lead in this film and he is really strong. Just an ordinary citizen in an unusual situation. Doing everything to keep his young daughter Rosie safe.

“Cargo” is somewhat of a hidden gem on Netflix, it’s really worth your time.

Rating: 4/ 5 

Book Review - Wayward by Blake Crouch

Title: Wayward (Wayward Pines # 2)
Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2013
 
Description: Welcome to Wayward Pines, population 461. Nestled amidst picture-perfect mountains, the idyllic town is a modern-day Eden… except for the electrified fence and razor wire, snipers scoping everything 24/ 7, and the relentless surveillance tracking each word and gesture. None of the residents know how they got there. They are told where to work, how to live, and who to marry. Some believe they are dead. Others think they’re trapped in an unfathomable experiment. Everyone secretly dreams of leaving, but those who dare face a terrifying surprise.
 
Ethan Burke has seen the world beyond. He’s sheriff, and one of the few who knows the truth. Wayward Pines isn’t just a town. And what lies on the other side of the fence is a nightmare beyond anyone’s imagining.
 
Review: Imagine living in a beautiful small village. The surroundings are breathtaking and the families who live there look perfect. Everyone has jobs and a beautiful house to live in. it sounds great, but as we all know, nothing is perfect. And Wayward Pines certainly isn’t.
 
“Wayward” is the sequel to “Pines”, in the “Wayward Pines” series. The first book ended with a cliffhanger that shook the entire story. The second book builds on this reveal we got and it works amazing.
 
WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK OR ARE READING IT RIGHT NOW, PLEASE BE AWARE THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
 
Ethan Burke has accepted the challenge and now works as the sheriff of Wayward Pines. Although he has little to do most days, he carries a big secret with him – the truth. And as soon as his wife Theresa reveals that she has doubts about Wayward Pines, Ethan is faced with a decision whether to inform her or not. In doing so, he plays a double role as sheriff. On the one hand, the wants to do something himself with what he knows. On the other hand, he must make sure that the residents of the town continue to behave themselves and, above all, do not find out the truth.
 
The sequel delves more into the history and origins of Wayward Pines. This ensures, that the cliffhanger the first book ended with becomes more believable. The reader gets more fo a handle on the explanation regarding the origins of Wayward Pines. In the process, the reader also learns more about Ethan Burke and his past before his arrival in Wayward Pines.
 
“Pines” was one of the best books I read in 2024, and I think “Wayward” will be in 2025. Its just as good as its predecessor and I immediately want to read the third book, since this one also ended with a cliffhanger.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

TV Show Review - Adolescence (Mini Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Drama
Number of episodes: 4
Year: 2025
Starring: Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Amelie Pease, Erin Doherty

Description: When 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) is accused of the murder of a classmate, his family, therapist and the detectives in charge are all left asking what really happened.

Review: One morning a police team invades a British family to arrest 13-year-old Jamie. He is suspected of stabbing a classmate. From that moment on his parents and his sister end up In hell. Meanwhile, the police investigate to gather enough evidence.

Actor Stephen Graham, who plays father Eddie, wanted to create a series in which each episode consists of one uninterrupted shot. And even though the show is amazing on its own, the way this series was shot makes the series outstanding and extraordinary and one of the best shows I have seen in a while.
You are literally walking and driving along with the characters, going through the hallways, driving from the house to the police station, going around a room. It’s so impressive. This makes the series realistic and raw and the story that is happening in front of you hits even harder. The camera work gets the viewer involved.

Whether Jamie is guilty or not is left in the dark for a while. That keeps the suspense going. But this series is more about the why then the what. Young Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, manages to give away a very strong performance. Knowing that this was his first ever acting job, makes it even more impressive. And Stephen Graham, who has been a favorite actor of mine for a long time, proofs how fantastic he is. You feel his anger, pain and sorrow. He just makes you feel every emotion. I don’t understand why Graham doesn’t get more praise, he is such a fantastic actor, who has been around for many many year already.

Of all the shows that are coming out right now, “Adolescence” is the one you should watch. There is a reason why this show is being hyped up as much as it is, it really lives up to the hype.

00s Movie Review - Red Eye

Director: Wes Craven
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox, Jayma Mays
 
Description: Lisa (Rachel McAdams) on her flight to Miami befriends Jackson (Cillian Murphy) who turns out to be a terrorist. Holding her hostage, he forces her to help him assassinate the United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

Review: Director Wes Craven usually deals with frenzied, supernatural and/ or gory horror slashers. “Red Eye” is a little different. It’s an efficient psychological thriller with an very simple premise.

Hotel manager Lisa Reisert meets the charming Jackson, before her overnight flight to Miami and is pleasantly surprised to find him sitting next to her on the plane. There is a very sinister reason behind it.
With many of these type of films, it’s mostly the atmosphere that carries the film. But in “red Eye” both characters we’re following have depth. You can relate to Lisa and root for her. And the character of Jackson is really fleshed out as well, he’s not just your standard bad guy with a sinister plan.

The feeling of claustrophobia adds to the atmosphere and thrill, because most part of the film is set on an airplane. Because the characters are stuck in a closed off location, it’s becomes an edge-of-your-seat experience.

Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy are both really good in “Red Eye” and I think this film deserves a lot more praise then it’s getting. It’s a really good, exciting, strong thriller, that I enjoy every time I’m watching it.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Small Things Like These

Director: Tim Mielants
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson

Description: In 1985 devoted father Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own.

Review: Why is nobody talking about this film?

Bill is an introverted coal merchant who delivers to a home for unwed mothers. He knows the rumors going around, but like the rest of the village, he has always looked the other way. Until her experiences something he cannot reconcile with his conscience. But then the questions is: will he stand up to the powerful church and risk his own family’s future?

The book is based on the novel by Claire Keegan and is set in Ireland during the 1980s. In the small town where Bill lives, the Catholic church holds a tight rein. They nuns take care of so-called ‘fallen’ women and girls who they feel brought shame to their families. Bill sees how these women are exploited and abused and he can no longer look away. He himself is the father of five daughters and he wonders if it was one of his daughters.

Bill reminded me of my father, a hard-working, loving father and husband. Who always felt the need to help the ones in need, when no one else would.

“Small Things Like These” is very minimalistic, but the main characters are sublime and the clear moral is as urgent as it is heartwarming. I absolutely loved this film, that I went on an bought the novel right away.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Here

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly
Description: A generational story about families and the special place they inhabit, sharing in love, loss, laughter, and life.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 11: A FILM WITH ROBIN WRIGHT
 
Review: Robert Zemeckis, once the Hollywood legend of blockbusters such as “Back to the Future” and “Forrest Gump”, hasn’t had many success lately. His last one was probably “The Walk” from 2015. With “Here” he proves what a talent he has.

“Here” is based on a graphic novel and it seems difficult to film. The book is quite experimental, telling the history of a particular place without a traditional storyline. The point of observation remains the same; the reader is merely an observer of events. Such a non-narrative concept is not easy to translate to film, but in the right hands it van produce something very special. As a result, the films has some engaging plot lines, but no concrete story. “Here” is more about theme and the bigger picture than individual stories. The graphic novel focuses primarily on the broader existential question surrounding forgotten history and emotions of a place. The film has a clearer focus and acts as a silent reflection on American history.

The film shows moments from different times, sometimes even within the same fram. While an important event takes place in the living room, other parts of the screen show what took place there years earlier and later. As a result, you not only see how society is changing, but also get an intriguing glimpse into the lives of everyday people.

A common criticism concerns the CGI rejuvenation of Tom hanks and Robin Wright. Although the effects look technically very impressive, and they both look as how they did years ago, it’s still strange because we know they are much older know. Because when we meet these characters they are teenagers, when they’re both well in their fifties and sixties.

Regardless of the quality of this, all the actors deliver great performances. Hanks an Wright reunite after having worked together in “Forrest Gump”. Paul Bettany is actually the one that stands out the most.
I really think that the concept of this film is really unique and special and I’m glad that Robert Zemeckis hasn’t lost his groove yet. I feel that “Here” deserved more attention when it came out, I feel that this was a very overlooked film. I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Title: We Solve Murders (We Solve Murders # 1)
Author: Richard Osman
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2024
 
Description: Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigative work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: te pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
 
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for he soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job…
 
Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sight on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?
 
Review: Many fans must have been disappointed with the fact that Richard Osmam didn’t release a new book in his popular series “The Thursday Murder Club”. But no worries, “We Solve Murders” is the first book in a new series, that follow a retired detective and his daughter-in-law solving crimes.
 
Steve is a widower and a retired detective, living a quiet life in the English country. He still does some investigative work, but more in the line of finding someone’s lost dog. His daughter-in-law Amy is working in the private security sector and is in for some excitement. When a murder occurs, and someone’s are also after her, Amy asks Steve for help. Taking him our of his trusted, quiet habitat.
 
Richard Osman is a fantastic author and his strength lies in the way he brings his characters to life. Steve and Amy are both amazing characters and especially loved their dynamic together. It’s fun to read from a father and daughter-in-law relationship.
 
I’ve never given any of his books a 5-star rating, mainly for the same reason. The books are always a bit slow and dragging in the middle. But all of his books, so far, have been winners and they are all super solid. And so is “We Solve Murders”. Even though I didn’t like it as much as “The Thursday Murder Club” series, I did really enjoy the mystery and especially the two main characters. And I am looking forward to reading more about Steve and Amy’s adventures together.
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

Title: Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV show while also in an actual cult
Author: Bethany Joy Lenz
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Memoir
Published: 2024
 
Description: In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama “One Tree Hill”. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s million’s of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult.
An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she’d been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives. However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister – a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz began to give away her autonomy, ultimately relocating to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound, overseen by a domineering minister who would convince Lenz to marry one of his sons and steadily drained millions of her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”- inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal.
 
Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help a “One Tree Hill” superfan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith.
 
Review: I don’t read non-fiction a lot, especially not when it’s a memoir. I’m not particularly drawn to them, nor do they interest me for the most part. But “Dinner for Vampires” is different. I watched “One Tree Hill” when it aired in the early 2000s and my favorite character, from the start, was Haley James, played by Bethany Joy Lenz. I have followed Lenz on social media for years and I was not aware of what life she had outside her job as an actor, until she wrote this book.
 
In “Dinner for Vampires” Lenz talks about her life, how she started as and actor. But also about her life outside that and that she was part of a cult. Because of her lack of belonging when she moved away from her home to become and actress, she joined a Bible study group. There Lenz felt like people understood her and she didn’t feel so alone anymore. While being part of the group, she landed her breakthrough role on “One Tree Hill”. No one ever knew she was on a cult, even though there were several people that had suspicions or at least found her Bible group family a bit strange.
 
Lenz is very openhearted in her memoir. She is open, has wit, uses humor in her storytelling as well, even though it being a heartbreaking story at times. I’m not religious, I don’t feel a connection with any religion. In fact, religion kind of scares me. And this book shows exactly how scary things could get. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that everyone practicing any religion is automatically in a cult. I respect everyone’s believes and would never judge anyone for believing in a higher power. But, religion can be dangerous if people use it to gain from it or to manipulate other people. And that’s what Lenz had to endure. Het faith was very important to her and people took advantage of that. Making her doubt herself, she had lack of self-worth and Lenz sacrificed a lot for her religion.
 
If you decide to read this, I would highly really recommend the audiobook. It’s narrated by Bethany Joy Lenz herself, with some guest appearances from a few of her “One Tree Hill” co-stars. It being read aloud by the author herself makes this story hit even more. There is one moment in the end where her co-star Paul Johansson says some kind words to her and that really made me cry. Just like that moment that followed. She tells a beautiful, heartbreaking story and I’m very happy I read it.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Body of Lies

Director: Ridley Scott
Genre: Thriller/ Action/ Drama
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac

Description: A CIA Agent (Leonardo DiCaprio) on the ground in Jordan hunts down a powerful terrorist leader while being caught between the unclear intentions of his American supervisor (Russell Crowe) and Jordan Intelligence.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 10: A FILM FROM 2008
 
Review: As Al Qaeda-like terrorists use less and less eavesdropping phones and the internet, the CIA sends spies to the Middle East to gather information using old-fashioned handiwork. Roger Ferris does do at the behest of CIA boss Hoffman in Iraq and Jordan, where he must team us with the head of Jordanian intelligence to roll up a terrorist organization.

This is your typical spy thriller; who is deceiving whom? It is an interesting thriller, full of pace and action. It could have been a little more subtle and the film is a bit too long for me. But overall, I don’t really have strong feelings about this film.

Rating: 3 / 5

Book Review - We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Title: We Used to Live Here
Author: Marcus Kliewer
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Published: 2024
 
Description: As a young, queer couple who flips houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.  
 
As soon as the strangers enter their home, inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family – or is Eve just imagining things?
 
Review: “We Used to Live Here” was all over Booktube in 2024. This debut novel by Marcus Kliewer ended up on many readers’ favorite lists. I already had it on my TBR and it was time for me to finally read it as well. And it really met my expectations.
 
We meet Eve, who lives together with her girlfriend Charlie. They just bought a new house. One day, when Eve is home alone, a family stands before her door. The father tells Eve he used to live in the house and he wonders if he could show his family around. After much hesitation, Eve lets them in. But strange things start to happen and for some reason the family doesn’t leave.
 
By reading the premise, you can already have many theories of what will happen. But you can throw them all inthe bin, because you will never guess where this story is headed. This book constantly keeps you guessing. It’s mysterious, creepy, scary, unpredictable and very original.
 
In the end, you still don’t really know what happened. It’s ambiguous. It leaves you guessing. And I do love an open ending where there is much room for your own interpretation. But there were some questions I did want answers to.
 
The story is told from the perspective of Eve. And in between you get these chapters that share certain information. At first, they seem like random pieces of information, no idea why they are shared. But eventually these pieces fall into place. And at the end of these chapters, there is a word in morse code. If you decipher these words, you get a sentence that will give you a very important hint.
 
I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Marcus Kliewer wrote a very well-crafter horror story, that is very original and clever, and it really haunted and scared me. This book gives you a lot of food for thought, because a lot has not been explained. Perfect book for a book club discussion. I really loved “We Used to Live Here” and I hope Kliewer will write more books in the future. Because he’s a talented author to look out for.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Collateral Beauty

Director: David Frankel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 97
Year: 2016
Starring: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Hellen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Naomi Harris, Michael Peña, Jacob Latimore, Ann Dowd

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 9: A FILM WITH EDWARD NORTON
 
Description: Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

Review: For advertising man Howard, there are three main abstractions in life that he not only proclaims as a pep talk to his co-workers, but reveals themselves to himself after a tragic loss. He writes letters to each of them: love, time and death. And he gets answers.

It’s orchestrated by his best friends and co-workers, who can no longer watch how Howard is drowning in his grief. They hire three actors, to portray love, time and death. And talk to Howard about the letters he has written.

It’s a thoughtful act, but it feels like more of a way to save their company then to actually help their friend. There is so much misery to digest that cramming it into barely an hour and a half is impossible. Many scenes feel rushed and unfinished. And there is also this plot twist, that I kinda saw coming.

“Collateral Beauty” has an interesting premise and the film is filled with amazing, talented actors. Unfortunately, the film feels rushed and many characters are given background stories, but are left underdeveloped. Some of the actors are underused and didn’t really have much do to with their characters. Director David Frankel did so little with everything that he had and turned it into an over-sentimental forgettable drama.

Rating: 2,5/ 5