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Passionate Mothers, Powerful SonsPassionate Mothers, Powerful Sons, BookThe Lives of Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt
by Gray, CharlotteBook - 2023Book, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2024
Hocus PocusHocus Pocus, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2024
The CrownThe Crown, DVDThe Complete Fifth Season
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2024
Comment:
I have enjoyed The Crown since the beginning: well-acted and considering aspects of the Royals' lives that we may not always think about. This season is heavily focused on the dissolution of the Wales' marriage and all of the public and private drama of how it fell apart, so I could see how it might be less appealing for some. I for one thought Elizabeth Debecki totally nailed her inhabitation of the role of Diana. I found the episode dealing with Russia and the Romanovs quite moving. Also of interest is learning about the history of the al-Fayed family and how far they came.I have enjoyed The Crown since the beginning: well-acted and considering aspects of the Royals' lives that we may not always think about. This season is heavily focused on the dissolution of the Wales' marriage and all of the public and private…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Dec 29, 2023
Comment:
There was a time when the name "Astor" was associated with great wealth, privilege, and social exclusivity: when "The" Mrs. Astor ruled New York society as the self-appointed arbiter of who belonged in that world. But it wasn't so long before that that the first Astor came to America as a poor German immigrant, who would make his fortune on the blood and grease of beaver pelts harvested in the emerging American west. Over the decades, the Astor family slowly took over New York City as real estate was snatched up and immigrants exploited, and grand family dwellings belied the humble origins of the Astor money. The Astor story is filled with eccentric characters and family drama on a scale as grand as their name once was. But greed, betrayal, and distrust eventually led to their ultimate demise.There was a time when the name "Astor" was associated with great wealth, privilege, and social exclusivity: when "The" Mrs. Astor ruled New York society as the self-appointed arbiter of who belonged in that world. But it wasn't so long before that…
The MastersThe Masters, BookConversations With Bono, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend
by Wenner, JannBook - 2023Book, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Nov 30, 2023
Comment:
"Rolling Stone" founder Jann Wenner presents a carefully curated collection of his interviews with the men whom he considers the masters of rock and roll music. Whether or not you agree with his selections, there is a lot of interesting material here about the artists and their works. Wenner is skilled at getting his subjects to talk frankly about tricky subject areas. Of particular interest is the John Lennon interview conducted months after the Beatles' breakup shook the music world."Rolling Stone" founder Jann Wenner presents a carefully curated collection of his interviews with the men whom he considers the masters of rock and roll music. Whether or not you agree with his selections, there is a lot of interesting material…
Surely You Can't Be SeriousSurely You Can't Be Serious, BookThe True Story of Airplane!
by Zucker, DavidBook - 2023Book, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Oct 29, 2023
Comment:
In the summer of 1980, unsuspecting audiences came upon a movie unlike anything they'd seen before: a parody of airport disaster movies that took itself seriously but was somehow the funniest thing they had ever seen. I remember laughing so hard and so consistently that I could barely breathe at the nonstop barrage of comedy. It has since become a classic with much of its dialogue entering the common lexicon. But "Airplane!" almost never came to be. Young comedy writers Abrahams and the Zucker brothers had a vision that studio after studio just didn't get: a comedy where the actors are not in on the joke, but deliver their lines seriously. This is the entertaining story of how these friends got their start and persevered to make their movie their way. Filled with remarks from participants and almost-rans that flesh out the story. And don't call me Shirley.In the summer of 1980, unsuspecting audiences came upon a movie unlike anything they'd seen before: a parody of airport disaster movies that took itself seriously but was somehow the funniest thing they had ever seen. I remember laughing so hard and…
The Talented Mr. RipleyThe Talented Mr. Ripley, DVD
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
vickmeister's rating:
Added Oct 22, 2023
Comment:
I came upon this movie by accident: it happened to come on TV after something else I was watching had ended. I became so riveted I had to see it through to the end and it is now one of my favorites. Young Thomas Ripley is barely scraping by when he randomly meets the very wealthy parents of Dickie Greenleaf, and pretends they were college mates. Papa Greenleaf despairs of Dickie leading a bohemian life in Italy since graduation, and comes up with a plan to send Tom to bring him back. In Italy, Tom worms his way into the lives of the beautiful, reckless Dickie, and his long-suffering fiancee, Marge, and admits the truth of his mission. At first, Dickie enthusiastically takes Tom under his wing. But soon it becomes evident that Tom just doesn't quite fit into Dickie's privileged world, and he finds himself slowly cast out. Desperate to stay in Dickie's orbit, Tom finally confronts him and things take a dark turn. As Tom moves on he assumes a new identity but is surrounded by suspicion as he builds a life of lies. A taut thriller, fascinating character study, and beautiful travelogue that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Matt Damon does a brilliant job of inhabiting this role and is surrounded by great performances by Jude Law as Dickie, Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge, and an exceptionally creepy Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dickie's obnoxious pal Freddy.I came upon this movie by accident: it happened to come on TV after something else I was watching had ended. I became so riveted I had to see it through to the end and it is now one of my favorites. Young Thomas Ripley is barely scraping by when he…
SuperfanSuperfan, eBookHow Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir
by Sookfong Lee, JeneBook - 2023eBook, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Oct 07, 2023
Comment:
Jen Sookfong Lee grew up as the youngest of 5 daughters in Vancouver, BC, raised by Chinese immigrant parents. Watching her sisters fighting back against her mother's rage and impossible standards, Jen retreated into quiet corners and took solace in popular culture. She came to realize that as a woman of Chinese heritage, there were very narrow and often inaccurate expectations from others of what she should or could be, emphasized by the stereotypes of how Asian women were depicted in the popular culture she loved. This is her story of finding her way and pushing back.Jen Sookfong Lee grew up as the youngest of 5 daughters in Vancouver, BC, raised by Chinese immigrant parents. Watching her sisters fighting back against her mother's rage and impossible standards, Jen retreated into quiet corners and took solace in…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2023
Comment:
The Lancashire lad who became part of one of the most successful songwriting duos in history tells his story. From his humble beginnings fascinated with the mythos of the American West, Bernie Taupin was a dreamer. Eventually his path leads him to that of another young English dreamer named Reggie Dwight, and together they would cement his success as rockstar Elton John. Bernie shares the stories of his youth and his personal life, entwined with that of his famous friend but with many interesting stories of his own experiences. He dispels some myths and discusses the inspiration for many of his lyrics. A very good read. My only complaint is that due to his love of language, Bernie tends to overwrite things that could have been explained more plainly, so that I had to reread various sections before what he was talking about made sense. Perhaps a deliberate choice to obscure.The Lancashire lad who became part of one of the most successful songwriting duos in history tells his story. From his humble beginnings fascinated with the mythos of the American West, Bernie Taupin was a dreamer. Eventually his path leads him to…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Sep 16, 2023
Comment:
I was amused to see that this had finally been made into a movie, as I had loved the book long ago as a preteen. I felt that they did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the era, how it feels to be an adolescent dealing with all of the aspects of growing up, and also being fair to the adult figures in the story and fleshing them out as real people too. Well acted by all. As the story moved along I kept thinking "Oh yeah, I remember that in the book!" I think the story still could resonate with younger people today as well as being a nice trip down memory lane for those of us who loved the book when we were young.I was amused to see that this had finally been made into a movie, as I had loved the book long ago as a preteen. I felt that they did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the era, how it feels to be an adolescent dealing with all of the…
The Banshees of InisherinThe Banshees of Inisherin, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
vickmeister's rating:
Added Aug 02, 2023
Comment:
Set in a small Irish village in 1923, "Banshees" starts out as a great character study centered around two old friends, Padraic and Colm. One day, Padraic is startled when his old friend Colm suddenly shuns him. The whole town weighs in as the baffled Padraic keeps pestering Colm, trying to find answers to this sudden big change in their small world, until Colm issues a chilling, bizarre ultimatum. At first it seems like a bluff. But when Colm begins to act on it, the film takes a dark and disturbing turn. I didn't wait to see what else might happen. I turned it off.Set in a small Irish village in 1923, "Banshees" starts out as a great character study centered around two old friends, Padraic and Colm. One day, Padraic is startled when his old friend Colm suddenly shuns him. The whole town weighs in as the…
American BeautyAmerican Beauty, DVD
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
vickmeister's rating:
Added Jul 23, 2023
Comment:
Somehow I never got around to seeing this during its heyday. I was quite impressed. We follow the lives of an unhappy suburban father, mother, and daughter who are all frustrated with each other. After an explosive argument, the father decides to quit his job and reverts to obnoxious teenage behavior, including obsessing over his daughter's sexy friend. His frustrated wife and daughter seek comfort in new relationships that bring out different aspects of their personalities, for better and for worse. Everything is not quite as you think it is and each character reveals unexpected aspects of themselves that lay below the surface. Well-acted by all and keeps you guessing until the end, despite the early revelation of the final outcome. Smart, dark, compelling.Somehow I never got around to seeing this during its heyday. I was quite impressed. We follow the lives of an unhappy suburban father, mother, and daughter who are all frustrated with each other. After an explosive argument, the father decides to…
BabylonBabylon, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added May 21, 2023
Comment:
An incoherent mess. I kept waiting for it to start to make sense and ended up giving up on it.
The FabelmansThe Fabelmans, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
vickmeister's rating:
Added Apr 23, 2023
Comment:
Steven Spielberg mines his youthful memories to create the coming-of-age story of a young man in a close Jewish family, who discovers a passion for filmmaking embraced by his lively mother and tolerated by his conservative, scientific-minded dad. Like all families there are the happy times and frustrating times, conflict and secrets. As the family moves from place to place, the young filmmaker's skills grow as he navigates family drama and bullying. I loved it.Steven Spielberg mines his youthful memories to create the coming-of-age story of a young man in a close Jewish family, who discovers a passion for filmmaking embraced by his lively mother and tolerated by his conservative, scientific-minded dad.…
Everything Everywhere All at OnceEverything Everywhere All at Once, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
vickmeister's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2023
Comment:
Not for me. I decided to check it out since it won so many Oscars and I love Jamie Lee Curtis. It started out promising, with strong unique characters in an interesting family situation, laced with humor and intrigue. But they lost me as soon as the parallel universes and violent ninja stuff started. I gave up on it but if you like that kind of movie this may be for you.Not for me. I decided to check it out since it won so many Oscars and I love Jamie Lee Curtis. It started out promising, with strong unique characters in an interesting family situation, laced with humor and intrigue. But they lost me as soon as the…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2023
Comment:
Along with his older brother, Ray, Dave Davies is one of the founding members of the English band The Kinks: a key player amongst the British Invasion bands of the 1960s, with their innovative guitar sounds and strong embrace of their Englishness. Dave paints an interesting portrait of what his life was like growing up in a poor but loving family, his ongoing creative battles with Ray, and gives insight into the origins of many of the Kinks' classic songs. He also speaks of his various relationships and strong interest in the metaphysical, and the experience of what it felt for him to try and build back his "self" after suffering a stroke.Along with his older brother, Ray, Dave Davies is one of the founding members of the English band The Kinks: a key player amongst the British Invasion bands of the 1960s, with their innovative guitar sounds and strong embrace of their Englishness.…
African American LivesAfrican American Lives, DVD2
DVD - 2008DVD, 2008
vickmeister's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2023
Comment:
Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes a look at the ancestry of various African Americans in the public sphere, exploring their differences and similarities, and delving deep into the truly varied experience of what it meant to be Black in the history of the American experience. Engrossing, sobering, and oftentimes surprising as it shatters the narrow preconceptions of what the Black experience must have been. Excellent.Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes a look at the ancestry of various African Americans in the public sphere, exploring their differences and similarities, and delving deep into the truly varied experience of what it meant to be Black in the history of the…
Unmasking AutismUnmasking Autism, BookDiscovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
by Price, DevonBook - 2022Book, 2022
vickmeister's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2023
Diamonds and DeadlinesDiamonds and Deadlines, BookA Tale of Greed, Deceit, and A Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age
by Prioleau, BetsyBook - 2022Book, 2022
vickmeister's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2023
Comment:
The Gilded Age was an era of business tycoons, amassing fortunes and spending them with ever more outrageous ostentatiousness. Among these prominent men was a self-made woman whose story seems to have been lost to history. Miriam Leslie came from dubious Southern roots, seizing every opportunity and romancing strategically in order to achieve her fondest desire: to become one of the social elite. Upon his death she eventually she took over her husband's publishing empire, making millions while covering the sensational stories of the day. But while surrounding herself with the trappings of wealth, Miriam could never quite bore her way into New York society, never quite escaping the rumors surrounding her origins and repeatedly falling for the scams of fake nobility. A fascinating character and pioneering female tycoon.The Gilded Age was an era of business tycoons, amassing fortunes and spending them with ever more outrageous ostentatiousness. Among these prominent men was a self-made woman whose story seems to have been lost to history. Miriam Leslie came from…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2023
Comment:
Growing up in conditions of appalling poverty and abuse will either break a person, or set them determinedly on a path to find something better. Viola Davis is one who survived, rising above a harrowing childhood to seek escape, through the power of acting to become someone else. Reading about her childhood is heartbreaking, but the sheer determination and resilience of her family was what drove Viola to find her way and eventually find success.Growing up in conditions of appalling poverty and abuse will either break a person, or set them determinedly on a path to find something better. Viola Davis is one who survived, rising above a harrowing childhood to seek escape, through the power of…
The ApartmentThe Apartment, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2023
Comment:
Although there is humor sprinkled throughout and a great cast, I didn't like it very much. I found it more depressing than anything else. A story of office politics and people using each other, with little regard for how hurtful their actions towards each other can be.Although there is humor sprinkled throughout and a great cast, I didn't like it very much. I found it more depressing than anything else. A story of office politics and people using each other, with little regard for how hurtful their actions…
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2023
Comment:
Notable Mexican-American author Erika L. Sanchez explores her life and its recurring themes, including issues of sex, race, and mental illness, and does not hesitate to speak her mind. Growing up in a poor family that embraced traditional Mexican values, Sanchez keenly felt the disapproval of her differences and sought to escape the stifling limitations of the life she was born into. A Fulbright scholar who saw what she wanted out of life and went for it, all too often Sanchez would be plagued by depression and mental illness; exacerbated by her repeated poor choices in relationships. Eventually she would find her way forward to a better life.Notable Mexican-American author Erika L. Sanchez explores her life and its recurring themes, including issues of sex, race, and mental illness, and does not hesitate to speak her mind. Growing up in a poor family that embraced traditional Mexican…
Hell's Half-acreHell's Half-acre, BookThe Untold Story of the Benders, A Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier
by Jonusas, SusanBook - 2022Book, 2022
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2023
Comment:
For the early homesteaders moving onto native lands and trying to establish settlements in the 1800s, trying to survive could be pretty brutal. Kindness and support from neighbors was often crucial, but there were plenty who sought to take advantage of others as opportunity arose. In a tiny shack in a valley not far from Independence, KS, the eccentric Bender family offered meager supplies and grumpy sustenance to those who came by; with the attractive, flirtatious Kate a big draw for men. She claimed to have psychic powers and encouraged people to sit for seances, but something seemed amiss. When an increasing number of men passing through the area disappeared, no one really thought the Bender family was smart enough to be involved in any kind of major deception. But when the family fled and their homestead was searched, the true horror of the situation was finally revealed.For the early homesteaders moving onto native lands and trying to establish settlements in the 1800s, trying to survive could be pretty brutal. Kindness and support from neighbors was often crucial, but there were plenty who sought to take advantage…
Everything NowEverything Now, BookLessons From the City-state of Los Angeles
by Baldwin, RosecransBook - 2021Book, 2021
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2023
Comment:
Various vignettes that explore different themes, individuals, and realities of life in Los Angeles. Some were thought-provoking, others I skimmed.
vickmeister's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2023
Comment:
With candor and self-reflection, Prince Harry talks about his life as a member of the British royal family, frankly sharing his thoughts and his side of the story highlighting various events and incidents that have been described in the press all too often with varying degrees of fabrication. He comes across as an eminently rational being reacting to the often bizarre circumstances of his upbringing, and his justifiable rage in the inexcusably predatory way the British press hounded first his mother, Princess Diana, and then his wife, Meghan Markle; with the complicity and cooperation of the Palace.With candor and self-reflection, Prince Harry talks about his life as a member of the British royal family, frankly sharing his thoughts and his side of the story highlighting various events and incidents that have been described in the press all…
Comment: