Reading: WISH - Chris Saunders (writer/illustrator)

Wish is the story of a very lucky young bunny named Rabbit, who one day is granted not one but three wishes of his choosing. Never having even had one wish at his disposal before, Rabbit wants to do things right so goes one at a time to visit his friends Mouse, Fox, and Bear, asking each for his ideas on what would be a good wish. The results are not only surprising for Rabbit, they also make all his choices so much easier in this charming, beautifully-rendered picture book where even the magic of friendship is stronger than that of a wish. Author Chris Saunders's illustrations are frame-worthy, some of the most beautiful artwork this reader's every seen in kid's literature, the book's message simple but in its way equally profound. A wonderful, touching tale. 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.  

Reading: UNDEAD MESSIAH VOL. 2 - Gin Zarbo

Undead Messiah Volume 2 picks up pretty much where volume 1 left off: our zombie killer hero, 15-year-old Tim, wakes up attached to an I.V. in the small, locked room of what appears to be a castle. In a crib nearby lies the baby Tim and M-Kay were trying to get back from the bandaged-faced messiah in book one, before being snatched by the military, and soon Tim comes face-to-face with the man himself: Dr. Ritch, the raven-haired messiah behind the bandages determined to bring the world into a New Age - and install Tim as their new prophet. Tim, of course, has other plans - particularly when he realizes the purple liquid in the i.v. pouring into his veins will turn him into the kind of creature perfect for Dr. Ritch's cause. To say much more might risks spoilers, suffice to say Undead Messiah Vol. 2 has the same level of gorgeous and gory artwork as book one, this time with the story taking place - for the most part - in a Swiss castle Dr. Ritch uses as his hideout/fortress, complete with a gang of undead kids serving as both minions and experimental guinea pigs to their master. For this reader, book two didn't pack nearly the same wallop as book one, and unearthing Ritch's precise plan and motivation behind it all seemed drawn out a bit. Granted, much like any series part one is always supposed to start with a bang to draw you in, part two providing more exposition and back-story for the characters and what's going on ... and this one certainly does that, as well as providing part two's most important device: The Cliffhanger Ending, when all appears lost and yet even one most disaster occurs on the very last page to make you want to throw the book (or your Kindle) across the room and whine-whine-whine until Volume 3 is released! That is exactly what happened here, and it's definitely a testament to the quality of  this well-written/produced series that I will still be gnashing my teeth until book three drops in July. 3.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. 

Reading: CHARLIE'S ANGELS VOL. 1 - John Layman (writer), Matt Idelson (editor), Joe Eisma (illustrator)

I grew up crazy about "Charlie's Angels". From the pilot film on it was my weekly primetime obsession, and to me nothing will ever replace season one with the original holy trio: Jill, Kelly and Sabrina. Evidently Dynamite Entertainment feels the same, as they've gathered the first five comics of their "Charlie's Angels" series into this groovy graphic novel, which in every way feels as hip, corny, and wonderfully nostalgic as the original series - while, in its own way, giving a wink and a nod as an homage to the show, never (thankfully) taking itself seriously. My only gripe, in fact, is that the characters in the book don't actually look that much like the original actresses (or actor, in Bosley's case) who portrayed them on television. That was a bit jarring at first, but soon I was invested instead in the story, which opens when the angels are called upon to infiltrate an arms deal going down at the ultra-hip Limbo Lounge in Los Angeles (like I said, man, this books is TOO seventies). The angels save the day, of course, each subsequent comic in the collection moving the ladies onto their next case, even as the reader begins to realize more nefarious plans are afoot to shut down the angels for good, in the end. I was really liking the stories and colorful, 70's-style art from the beginning, but a little more than halfway through I found myself caught up in the writing (especially when three "anti-angels" show up), and the ending even held a couple sweet, silly surprises that made me again reflect back to the original series in my mind with a nod and a smile. Being a fan of the show I pretty much went into this expecting to enjoy this - but was surprised, in the end, at how much. Well done, and hope to see more! 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Reading: DARK METRO: THE ULTIMATE EDITION - Tokyo Calen (writer) & Yoshiken (illustrator)

Anyone who has ever ridden a near-empty or deserted subway train - especially underground, and at night - knows the genuine creepiness that can settle in around you. Or, as Dark Metro puts it: "They go through their day to day routine , never suspecting that in the subway tunnels is a gap between the land of the living and the land of the dead." This volume combines books one and two from the manga series, as well as adds the finale - book three - to this 500ish-page total of "Twilight Zone"-style stories carrying you through the various subway systems that snake around and under Tokyo. The black-and-white artwork is stylish and often freaky (bloody as well, God knows), adding to the "Twilight Zone" feel as readers are treated to what happens when a mother take drastic measures to rid herself of the little boy she doesn't love or want ... a group of teenage boys pay the price for acting as unwanted "matchmakers" for their female classmates ... or a samurai sword with a history of evil is reactivated by a greedy foreigner dying to own it. Too many good stories to mention, especially in the first third of the book, during which we're also introduced to the mysterious Seiya, the handsome young man and believer of justice who seems to be the only bridge between both worlds. The second half of the book gives us more information both about Seiya and the world beyond the train tracks, but ultimately it's the stories that shock and satisfy throughout, making at least this reader wonder how he may ever board a subway train at night again after reading this. The last third of the book - the newest addition - feels a bit rushed, the stories not as taught, but as a whole Dark Metro: The Ultimate Edition is as much a recommendation for a permanent place on your shelves as it is to simply read. Currently my favorite manga. 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Watching: THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD

Year: 2018
Rated: TV-14
Director: Dominique Rocher
Another film with a brilliant-sounding premise, The Night Eats the World opens at a big party in a Paris apartment, where loner Sam (Anders Danielsen Lie) has shown up to get back the box of his stuff that his ex-girlfriend (it's her and her new man's party) accidentally took with her when she moved out. The apartment is packed and the girlfriend keeps putting him off, and when Sam accidentally gets struck by a raucous party guest he gives up and retreats to the small private room in the back of the house, shutting the door so anything can barely be heard, to get away from the noise and crowd and nurse his bloody nose. Before long, Sam is asleep in an armchair opposite the door. He remains asleep hours later, even when the mute music turns to muted screams ... but the next morning wakes up to find the apartment empty and trashed, blood on the walls. He finally locates his ex sitting with someone on the steps outside, but when he speaks to her, her head jerks around toward him to reveal half her face eaten away, and Sam slams and locks the door just as she reaches it, barely saving his own life. Paris has suddenly gone quiet, bodies and abandoned cars and the undead filling the streets, and over the days and weeks of being holed up alone, Sam wonders if he might just be the last human alive. A great survivalist film, of sorts, and decent zombie flick with some jump-worthy moments and plenty of gore, but with Sam being virtually the only speaking character in the film you have to really be engaged with him - rooting for him - for the film to work, and I only found myself about 70% there (especially toward the end, when Sam did some really stupid stuff that just got on my nerves - though, in retrospect, I can see why he did them). The film mines for more depth in its second half (generally succeeding), and has an ending some might consider open to interpretation - but if it's still got me thinking about it a couple weeks after seeing it, I guess that says something about the impression the film had on me, either way. 7/10 stars

Watching: VELVET BUZZSAW

Year: 2019
Rated: R
Writer/Director: Dan Gilroy
There's always that rush when you go into a new film featuring the stars (Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo) and writer/director (Dan Gilroy) of a previous film you really enjoyed, the way I enjoyed the creepy Nightcrawler. The trailer, as well, made me anxious to find the Netflix time to watch this. Then I did, and ... well, heck. Morf Vandewalt is a higly-regarded, rather snooty and self-absorbed art critic whose review could make or break an artist - and he enjoys that power. One of his closest friends (or as close as one can get to Morf) is Rhodora Haze, former member of the famous band Velvet Buzzsaw, who now has made a name for herself as an art dealer. Though Morf has a boyfriend at home, he's become re-enamored with one of Rhodora employees, Josephina (Zawe Ashton), and the two begin a torrid affair that only gets more complicated when an upstairs neighbor of Josephina's dies, leaving behind an entire apartment filled with over a thousand paintings and canvases. Josephina didn't know the old guy, and though he left word that every single piece of his artwork was to be immediately destroyed after his death by the property owners (cue ominous music), Josephina recognizes that what she see is incredibly strong and unique, and pretty much smuggles the lot down to her apartment. This is when weird things begin to happen and people begin to die - as did my patience, particularly with Gyllenhaal's performance for at least the first half of the film, where he seems to channel just about every stereotypical gesture, affectation, and mood you'd expect of a gay man in a film ... from 1950. After doing Brokeback Mountain especially, this viewer expected more and was actually offended a couple times during the film. Worse, while a unique and interesting premise, other than a cool scene with a giant silver ball the death scenes in the film are anti-climactic and weak - a condition that lasts throughout most of the scenes in the rest of the film, the one possible exception being Rene Russo in the last scene before the credits roll And I had such hopes, too. 4/10 stars

Reading: UNDEAD MESSIAH VOL. 1 - Gin Zarbo

Tim Muley is a 15-year-old boy in Switzerland obsessed with zombies. So much so, beyond the many, many video games he's played over the years to hone his undead-killing skills, sometimes even his best friend M-Kay wonders if maybe Tim sometimes might be trading fantasy for reality. Meanwhile, an unidentified internet messiah with a bandaged face, along with his child-like female minion, stalk a pregnant woman newly-arrived in the country ... and when Tim's walking home from school one day he discovers a grisly scene at a neighbor's home that makes him even wonder if he is losing his own mind. To say more might give too much away, but suffice to say Tim's lifelong dream of being able to fight zombies comes horrifically true - but it's all just the beginning of this grisly, blood-red manga that I couldn't put down. Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going another surprise loomed, and beyond why things were happening there always hovered the spectre of the mysterious bandaged-faced guy, who seems to be on top of things but reveals nothing. Great writing, illustrated with both grisly horror and dark humor, Undead Messiah Vol. 1 was a surprise that kept me reading until I finished the entire manga in a single sitting. Been a long time since I did that with any book. 4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Reading: THE INFAMOUS RATSOS: PROJECT FLUFFY - Kara LaReau (writer) & Matt Myers (illustrator)

Book three in the adventures of Ralphie Ratso and his older brother Louie opens up their world for readers to learn more about their friends and school, where a poetry contest has caught Louie's interest; he and Ralphie will write and enter a poem together, and use the winning gift certificates to get a pair of new skateboards! Complications ensue when the school's handsome, most popular jock, Chuck Wood, comes to Louie with a problem: he has become smitten with Louie's friend Fluffy - a highly-intelligent rabbit obsessed with gardening - and seeks Louie's help to win her heart. Project Fluffy doesn't get off to the best start, however; worse still, it gets in the way of the brother-bonding time Ralphie has become so accustomed to. Meanwhile, viewers are treated to more humor and heart from the brothers' other school chums (Tiny and Millicent, especially, are personal favorites) ... in the end, as always, with papa Ratso Big Lou offering insight to get things back on track. Project Fluffy is the most well-rounded of the series, expanding the characters and relationships between them while keeping the strong bond of the two brothers at its core - and, as always delivering positive messages about friendship and family tucked neatly inside a genuinely entertaining story. 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Reading: BONE PARISH VOL. 1 (DISCOVER NOW EDITION) - Cullen Bunn (writer), Jonas Scharf (illustrator), Lee Garbett (contributing artist)

Compiling together the first four issues of the Bone Parish comic, this page-turner of a graphic novel, set in New Orleans, follows the Winters - a criminal family led by matriarch Grace - in charge of making and distributing the hottest new drug in the city, as they rise quickly to the top of the local underworld thanks to this new drug infused with (wait for it) the ashes of dead people. Far from just being a new high in highs, what the Winters family sells seems to put you in personal contact with the dead, their memories or personality traits, intelligence or emotions (Grace herself uses the drug to keep her dead husband Andre around, from whom she seeks counseling on day-to-day business operations). It's all harvested locally thanks to grave robbings, and with the drug getting more and more in demand other gangs and criminal organizations want in. Even with her strong and strong-willed sons and daughter (the latter of whom is the only person who knows how to actually make the drug), even Grace recognizes that demand and risks might be growing too big for them to handle - and when a smooth-talking player from the coast wants to buy out the family, while a local mob boss wants to eradicate the Winters altogether, it's up to Grace to prove her family has the cajones to grow, rise, and stay in the game ... no matter what the cost. I can't remember the last time I devoured a graphic novel as I did Bone Parish Vol. 1, which grabbed me by the throat from page one and never let go. The artwork is dark, creepy and gothic - fitting for New Orleans - and writer Cullen Bunn has created, in the Winters, an "Empire"-like family (only without the music) you are always rooting for, no matter how over-the-top they go, because essentially they are just trying to keep what's already theirs ... theirs. Suspenseful, darkly comic at times, original and invigorating, Bone Parish is a comic/graphic novel series not to be missed. Already irritated at the cliffhanger I was left with that left me craving Volume 2!  5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Reading: THE BALLAD OF YAYA BOOK 1: FUGUE - Jean-Marie Omont & Charlotte Girard (writers), Golo Zhao & Patrick Marty (illustrators)

In 1937 Shanghai, eight-year-old Yaya lives a somewhat privileged life with her well-to-do parents in the French Concession area of the city, able to devote time to her favorite obsession: playing the piano.  But war clouds are fast approaching on the horizon, word of a Japanese invasion imminent, and the night before her big audition for a prestigious music school, Yaya's father declares his daughter will not be going; indeed, he intends on spiriting his family away onto a boat leaving Shanghai early the next morning, securing their safety while he still can. Not realizing the full import of what's to come, Yaya decides she will make the audition anyway, meeting her parents at the boat afterward, and leaves a note to this affect before sneaking out of the house before dawn. Meanwhile, in a much less well-off section of Shanghai, a young boy named Tuduo, working essentially as a thief and pickpocket for the crime boss Zhu, decides it's time to escape this life when Zhu sets his eyes on Tuduo's kid brother Xiao to get into the same business. Hiding his brother away with the one person he can trust in the city, Tuduo sets out that same morning to find this better life for him and his brother ... as Japanese fighter planes appear over the city and the bombs begin to fall. As Yaya is awakened to the horrors of war when bombs begin dropping in her own section of the city, both children fight to survive while headed on paths that will bring them together, Yaya desperately seeking her parents as Zhu and his cronies hunt Tuduo through war-ravaged Shanghai, determined he and his brother will always be "family". Reading this book, thanks to the artwork and vibrant color palette containing watercolor tones throughout, I felt very much like I was reading a Studio Ghibli film come to life on the page, due to the wonderful character design. Yaya and Tuduo are both likable, upbeat children thrown into a situation over which they have little control and even less knowledge, yet they remain hopeful and fight for what's important and who they love. The first of a projected 9-volume set, be aware that The Ballad of Yaya Vol. 1: Fugue ends in a meaty cliffhanger ... with part two not due out in the States until July! 4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, Edelweiss and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

January Wrap-Up!

While keeping my film buff status thriving, working to be better with books and reading (my #1 love since childhood) is my BIG goal for 2019 - and I would say, while not yet setting the world on fire, compared to the last year or so, I am already ahead with finishing six books in January, as well as watching six new (to me) films (please click on any image to enlarge)!

Please check for reviews of all of these here, or keep an eye out as they should be up shortly (from my mouth to God's ear), and always - ALWAYS feel free to leave a comment on any post.

Happy Reading and Viewing to all for 2019!

New Book Trailer: THEY ALL FALL DOWN

Looks/sounds CRAZY; reminiscent of Christie's Ten Little Indians/And Then There Were None, yet at the same time fresh and original. In bookstores 9 April, this is a brilliant trailer and thanks to it I am way too anxious to read the book!

Watching: CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

Year: 2018

Rated: R

Director: Marielle Heller
Based on a true story, Can You Ever Forgive Me? is the tale of writer Lee Israel (a wonderful, quietly-understated Melissa McCarthy), who after having a few NYT bestsellers writing celebrity biographies in the 1970's (Israel's talent was in always being able to catch her subject's voice on paper), suddenly finds herself and her writing out of touch with the times, unable to write and with no one - not even her agent (Jane Curtin) - interested in her current output. About to lose her NYC apartment and having already lost her livelihood (not to mention her sick cat), Lee grudgingly breaks down and sells a letter she once received from Katharine Hepburn, still matted and framed on her wall, for cash ... then before long, the idea strikes Lee to use her creative talents in quite a different way. Soon she is doing her research and producing "lost" personal correspondence from the likes of Dorothy Parker, Noel Coward, Fanny Brice, and many more deceased literary and film icons, selling them to local dealers and antique bookstores throughout New York aided by her good friend Jack (Richard E. Grant), putting to good use again her talent for being able to write in a myriad of other people's voices. McCarthy deserves her Oscar nom here, no doubt, but is unlikely to win as Oscar tends to like flashier roles; here, her Lee Israel is more a silent, angry brooder whom McCarthy captures brilliantly. The showier role belongs to Richard E. Grant, who absolutely shines here. Can You Ever Forgive Me? (the title taken from a Dorothy Parker quote) might be too slow-paced for some, but if up for watching a pair of truly outstanding, Jedi-level acting performances unfold on film - or simply curious for a little insight into this side of collectibles and autograph collecting - you could do a lot worse than this well-made/well-cast Oscar nominee.  8/10 stars

Reading: SPIROU: THE DIARY OF A NAIVE YOUNG MAN - Emile Bravo

Spirou and Fantasio, one of most popular Franco-Belgian comics of all time, debuted in 1938. In it, Spirou was a young boy and Fantasio his older friend and mentor, both of them journalists who had many great adventures together, often with Spirou's pet squirrel Spip along for comic relief. Indeed, ask anyone in Brussels and they may well know Spirou better than Mickey Mouse. In more modern times Spirou and Fantasio have gone through huge changes in one-off volumes where their adventures happen well off home turf ... and in 2006 Spirou: The Diary of a Naive Young Man was released to critical acclaim and even a major industry award. The love given to this volume is apparent from page one; set in Brussels in 1939, the artwork looks completely period and Spirou even reminded me of a younger Tintin (one of the reasons I wanted to read this). This story is darker and deeper, however, finding a young Spirou as a bellboy at a five-star hotel while, in attendance there, Polish and German officials are meeting clandestinely, the Polish delegates trying to forestall an invasion from Germany and all-out war. This volume also shows how Spirou and Fantasio meet, with Fantasio a fairly inept reporter for a local paper who is always trying to get Spirou to leak information about the guests - and Spirou even gets a love interest here, in the form of a pretty young maid, new to the hotel, who seems to be a lot more politically aware than Spirou could ever be. I really enjoyed this graphic novel, was totally engaged from the beginning and felt fully transported back to those gray, ominous days just before WWII, before the Nazis made their final push that would start a war; to that end, even got a few chills while reading. But what makes it all come together is that I really like Spirou; yes, beyond naive here when it comes to what is going on, but a good, honorable guy - the quintessential "boy scout" - just trying to do his job well and get the girl.  4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Watching: THE FAVOURITE

Year: 2018
Rated: R
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
It's the early 18th century, England is at war with France, and the British throne's Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) - not in the best of health - always retains her close, long-term friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) by her side for help, companionship and guidance. So much so, most often it's Lady Sarah running the country, either by guiding the queen's mind her way or outright ruling in Anne's stead and doing what she feels is right. Enter a new servant girl, Abigail (Emma Stone), a cousin of Lady Sarah's fallen from grace but determined to work her way back up, who engages both Sarah's curiosity and trust ... but also those favors from the queen herself, as the machinations of the castle and court and how things work become clearer to the young woman. The Favourite is brilliant, with razor-sharp performances by the three leads (Colman, especially, deserves her Oscar) as well as the rest of a fine supporting cast (poor Nicholas Hoult, shafted out of another Oscar nomination he deserved), that mess with the audience when, at first, you dislike Sarah and favor Abigail ... then slowly realize maybe you've had it backwards the whole time. Everything about the film feels spot on - costumes, sets, art direction, cinematography - and though a bit of an oddity with its definite quirks (though I found director Lanthimos's "fish-eyed lens" choices very effective and mood-setting, when used), The Favourite is one of those films I really liked when I first saw it, largely due to the performances ... but the more time that goes on since watching it, the film keeps coming back to my mind again and again, definitive scenes and themes, and it's like I've grown to love it in the interim all the more. Not for everyone, but in this reviewer's mind a dark, darkly-funny must-see.  9.5/10 stars

2019 Oscar Nominations Announcement

Reading: THE INFAMOUS RATSOS ARE NOT AFRAID - Kara LaReau (writer) & Matt Myers (illustrator)

When I read the first novel in this children's book series, The Infamous Ratsos (you can read that review here), I became enamored not only of Louie and Ralphie Ratso and the relationship they have with their single-parent dad Big Lou, but also how writer LaReau and illustrator Matt Myers worked together to bring these character to life in fun, funny stories whose lessons never come off overly sentimental or heavy-handed. Here the Ratsos, in particular big brother Louie, learn to both face their fears and accept responsibility when Louise comes up with the idea of using a junky old vacant lot to set up their own carnival, complete with games and prizes. Gathering up their friends, the boys begin to work on Louie's Great Idea ... even as Louie must deal with the haunted house that sits next to the open lot, while at school Ralphie becomes the victim of rumors about him and a female classmate. While the Bland Sisters series remains my favorite of writer Kara LaReau, Louie and Ralphie and company have taken up a space in my heart as well, their humor and integrity never wavering whether solving a problem, standing up to ghosts and skunks, or enjoying dad's famous spaghetti dinners.  4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. 

Reading: DISNEY MANGA - MONSTERS INC. - Hiromi Yamafuji

Prior to this title, manga had always been on my radar but nothing I'd ever seriously explored on my own. When I first started reading Disney Manga's version of Monsters Inc., I had to adjust to the way Sully looked in black and white; a bit jarring at first, but after about ten pages the story took over and my eyes adjusted and I was on my way. To my surprise, reading the manga felt like re-watching - reliving - the film all over again, even with the characters and panels all having a slightly Japanese "flavor" to them (which actually only enhanced the reading experience for me, making it that much fresher). Because it's a manga, the story covered the film's storyline in much more detail than expected, and I found myself having such fun with the story of Mike and Sully and Boo again so much, by the time I looked up from first starting to read I found I had read half the book already. Like pretty much having the complete film, in book form, to read at any time, Disney Manga's Monsters Inc. has made the transition from screen to print with much of the laughter, heart, and tenderness intact. So much so, am hoping to get my hands on some more Disney manga in the future!  4.5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Watching: MISS POLLY

Year: 1941

Rated: Not Rated

Director: Fred Guiol
You never realize how long it's been since you last laughed out loud ... until you laugh out loud, as I did, with this short Hal Roach-produced feature film starring the brilliant Zasu Pitts as small town spinster Miss Pandora Polly.  Miss Polly is kind, a bit kooky, and a firm believer in love - which makes it extra-hard for her as she tries her best to match-make for the town geek Eddie (Dick Clayton) and the daughter of her next door neighbor, the pretty young Barbara (Elyse Knox). To further complicate matters is Barbara's mother, Minerva Snodgrass (Kathleen Howard). Minerva heads the town's Civic League and rules with the iron fist of a bully, so heck-bent on keeping the local young people from committing sin, there hasn't even been a marriage in town for over two years. Fortunately, Miss Polly won't take no for an answer when it comes to a budding romance, and from sight gags and explosions to pratfalls to what happens when you try decades-old liquor, Miss Polly kept me laughing and smiling from beginning to end (though the ending is a tiny bit abrupt). I loved it; so much so, I think I may go watch it again now ... (NOTE: the video below is the entire film, not just a trailer.)  9/10 stars

Watching: THE MEG

Year: 2018
Rated: PG-13
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Five years ago expert sea diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham and his frown), in trying to rescue members of his crew, claimed to have seen a 70-foot ... "creature" attack him and his crew in the uncharted depths of the Mariana Trench, forcing Taylor to abandon the rescue mission and resulting in a few deaths. Disbelieved (no one else among the survivors saw anything) and dishonorably discharged, Taylor ends up just kind of hanging out in Thailand doing nothing but drinking and taking on odd jobs locally, until five years later when he's sought after again for another undersea rescue in the same region - this time one of the crew members being his ex-wife. Furthermore, Taylor's mythical 70-foot beast has now been seen by the trapped crew, making this an opportunity for Jonas to redeem himself, as well. Thus begins a long fight with a massive prehistoric shark (the Megalodon, hence the title) that's now been released from it's undersea prison, and the small crew - led by Taylor - that has to somehow stop it. The film is silly, brainless even, and full of tropes of the genre, with Jason and his grim frown finding time to maybe even find new love in between bouts of playing shark bait - and I loved every minute of it. The special effects are decent, touches of humor usually work, and there are certainly moments of genuine suspense. If you can sort of check your brain at the door and keep The Meg in mind for what it is - a giant shark movie that doesn't take itself too seriously - going in, you'll probably have a lot of fun with it, too.  7.5/10 stars

ARC Love: THIS IS NOT A LOVE SONG

Thank you Goodreads and Hachette Book Group for the advanced reader's copy of This is Not a Love Song by Brendan Mathews. Been awhile since I read a great collection of short stories, this sounds like it will do nicely!

Trailer: HIGH LIFE

Robert Pattinson's latest.

Teaser Trailer: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Watching: MR. PEABODY AND THE MERMAID

Year: 1948
Rated: Not Rated
Director: Irving Pichel
Not many 12-year-olds can claim Carole Lombard, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and William Powell as their favorite actors - but that was me at that age, when my love for classic Hollywood films kicked in. To this day, the 1930's and 1940's remain the best decades for Hollywood film production, to me ... and one of the best of the best, actor-wise, was always the suave, sophisticated, but entirely hilarious William Powell. Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid was one of his I hadn't seen, so happily I sat down to watch the story of the hapless Mr. Peabody (Powell), just turned fifty and feeling middle age coming on, who while on a vacation with his wife in the Caribbean happens to run into a mermaid. Yes, you read that right; a mermaid, played wonderfully by the classically beautiful Ann Blyth as a blonde. Even buying into the fantastical storyline, I was enjoying the first half of the film ... but ended up ultimately so disappointed in what quickly turns into some kind of diatribe on what happens to a man when he approaches middle age. That's as much as I can say without spoilers, but the film really, truly was such a disappointment - in particular the one heck of a letdown of an ending that do none of the characters - especially Mr. Peabody - justice. The comedy is decent, performances solid, but largely snuffed out by the romance and drama, and with the star power both in front of and behind this film it's a shame the end product packs such a small, wimpy punch. (Note: the video below is the entire film, not just a trailer.)  3/10 stars

Watching: BLACK PANTHER

Year: 2018

Rated: PG-13

Writer/Director: Ryan Coogler
Picking up after the events of Captain America: Civil War, new Black Panther T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home to his native Wakanda to take over as king. Wakanda, a highly-technologically advanced country that's been able to maintain it's peace and beauty by staying hidden from the rest of the world under the guise of being a third-world nation, offers as King T'Challa's first duty to bring to justice Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a low-end thug who somehow managed to steal a cache of vibranium - the substance that Wakanda runs on, which could be deadly in the wrong hands - and get away with it. When a sort of sting operation to get Klaue goes wrong (though makes for one of the coolest action sequences in the film), not only does T'Challa find himself on the bad end of scrutiny by a small faction of his own army ... but soon a stranger, named Erik Killmonger (Micahel B. Jordan), arrives in Wakanda bearing a gift for King T'Challa - and posing a threat to both the future of Wakanda and T'Challa as its leader. Black Panther has one of the best, most perfect ensemble casts every assembled for a film, and pulses with a real heartbeat and genuine social messages that make it far and above just another superhero film. Boseman is sincere and brooding as the conflicted King, with Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira leading an incredibly strong, kick-ass cast of women I would hope would have my back any day. Beautiful, beautifully done, and an important film that speaks out but never preaches - and I loved it. My only fault with the film, oddly enough, is one of my all-time favorite actors in it; for me, Michael B. Jordan's performance in the early scenes of the film comes off very self-conscious, even camera-conscious; over-played. That evens out in time, however, Jordan feeling more locked in with the ensemble about halfway through and only adding to what is already one heck of a terrific film.  9/10 stars 

Reading: DRAMA - Raina Telgemeier

After hearing about both writer and graphic novel for the longest, Drama was  my introduction to the brilliant work of multiple award-winning writer/illustrator Raina Telgemeier. Set in the 8th grade and featuring a young female protagonist so real you would have loved to have her as a best friend back in the day, the book opens with Callie - a theater nut with, sadly, no discernible singing or acting talent - who hungrily jumps at the chance to be set designer for Moon Over Mississippi, her school's new musical. With Broadway ambitions in her future, Callie is determined to create a professional stage on a middle school budget (including a cannon that will fire on-stage), all while navigating classes and tests, a bratty kid brother, the rejection of a crush, a pair of cute twin brothers who become Callie's best friends, and a cast and crew who are constantly squabbling. Beautifully illustrated in brilliant colors, the book reads more like "reading" an animated series, and Telgemeier has certainly tapped into the middle-grade mind because there isn't a false note in the story or especially the characters that all ring true on the page; I knew all of these personalities back in my own middle-school days many years ago. Drama also handles delicate, more sensitive subjects of today with real grace and honesty - not to mention a sense of humor, thanks to one of the most delightful heroines I'd discovered in awhile. Already one of my favorite reads of 2019, and I cannot wait to explore more of Ms. Telgemeier's work.  5/5 stars

Reading: ABBOTT AND BARLEY: A PERFECT PLACE - Silvia Vecchini (writer), Sualzo (illustrator)

On a routine day fishing, Abbott realizes his son Barley is a bit bored and wanting to do something special. Anxious to give his son a unique day with his dad, Abbott comes up with a few unique ideas for fun things to do ... all of which seem to have already been done by Barley's friends. Finally going all out to give his son a one of a kind, out-of-this-world experience, it's actually Abbott who - in the end - is schooled by his son on where the best place is for them to be. A sweet father/son story every dad should read to his little boy, with simple, refreshing, beautiful illustrations by artist Sualzo that only add to the heart of the story. 5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Reading: I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOU - Terry McMillan

Bay-area optometrist Georgia Young, 54, seemingly has it all. A beautiful home, a successful practice, two grown daughters and a pair of granddaughters, a feisty mother, and two decades-old best friends who always have her back. Yet Georgia has hit a rut. Life feels stagnant and without passion. She hasn't dated seriously in years, never mind getting laid, and is bored with her work and life in general. When receiving word of the death of a former beau/acquaintance, Georgia decides on a project in which she will make a list of the men in her life who - for one reason or another - truly meant something to her at one time, and track each of them down to see how he's doing and thank him for being a part of her life. So begins her quest on Facebook, tracking down the past, as Georgia also makes plans to sell her hillside home and even her share of the optometry practice in preparation of a cross-country Canadian train trip ... all in the name of reinventing herself and finding her passion again. Terry McMillan's latest gets a little slow in the middle, but is so well worth the ride thanks to a refreshing heroine whose life and mindset anyone over the age of 50 will understand.  In a sense, it's how Georgia gets her groove back, but also so much more - funny, touching, heartfelt, and romantic without the schmaltz; by the end through moist eyes I was rooting so hard for Georgia, even while I understood how the past could keep her from opening up her heart and trusting again. A sweet fairy tale that left me grinning ear to ear, especially after that "Ah-ha!" moment that revealed the reason behind the title. Still lovin' me some Ms. McMillan. 4.5/5 stars 

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Watching: CRAZY RICH ASIANS

Year: 2018
Rated: PG-13
Director: Jon M. Chu
One of the best romantic comedies to hit the screen in a long time, Crazy Rich Asians opens to find New York-based economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) crazy in love with fellow professor Nick Young (Henry Golding), being asked to accompany Nick to his best friend's wedding in Singapore. American-born Rachel, bowled over even with the idea of such a trip, agrees ... but from their arrival at the airport, where Nick is treated like royalty and the couple end up with their own sleeper suite on the airplane, Rachel soon begins to realize how little Nick has told her about himself and his family. Turns out, not only are the Youngs richer than God and one of the most powerful, preeminent families in Asia - let alone Singapore - but that Nick himself is very much a celebrity on his home turf; the handsome, popular man-about-town bachelor set to inherit a dynasty one day, with every female eye under the age of 50 in all of Asia turned in his direction. And it's those same women who now find their gazes shifting to Rachel, many of them plotting the best way to get rid of the low-class ABC (American-Born Chinese) before Nick and Rachel's plane even hits the ground. Crazy Rich Asians is that rarity of a film - a movie that's actually better than the book - with the slower parts of Kevin Kwan's international bestseller edited, combined and refined to make not only a good romance story, but also one damn funny comedy. The cast is terrific, particularly Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young (Nick's mom), who can't help but always look at Rachel as though she's trying to set fire to the girl with her eyes - and in particular Awkwafina as Peik Lin, an old college chum of Rachel's who is from/lives in Singapore; seriously, every word from Peik Lin's mouth is hilarious, the screen bursting with life every time she's on it. But the romance is there as well as the humor, and thankfully it's not done in such shades of pink and syrup that you'll feel like a toothache is coming on from all that sugar. How terrific to finally see an all-Asian big-budget film get made, let alone do so well, but truth be known Crazy Rich Asians was one of my favorite films of 2019, so full of heart and humor and just the right moments of awe, it might bring a tear or two to the eye. And again: SO damn funny!  9.5/10 stars

   

Watching: BIRD BOX

Year: 2018
Rated: R
Director: Susanne Bier
Though the book resides unread on my Kindle, fear of spoilers accidentally hitting me in my face like firecrackers made me watch the Sandra Bullock horror-thriller soon as it started blowing up on Netflix. Bird Box opens with what appears to a mother (Sandra Bullock) and her two young children - one boy, one girl - fighting their way to get up a river to safety in a small rowboat. All three are blindfolded, and upfront Malorie (Bullock) almost cruelly reminds the children that to remove their blindfolds means they will die. Malorie does, in fact, even hide the kids under a blanket on the boat for warmth and extra protection, rowing upstream while wearing her own blindfold under an iron-gray sky, the only people seen so far in a world where things appear to have gone very, very wrong. Flashback five years, to a pregnant Malorie on the way to her doctor's appointment with her sister Jessica (Sarah Paulson). At the hospital, various news sources playing in the background warn of a strange phenomenon breaking out on the other side of the world: suddenly and for no reason, people by the thousands over in Europe and the Ukraine are committing suicide without warning, usually by whatever means at hand. Within minutes Malorie learns first-hand the thing have already gone local and - suddenly on her own - hurries on foot through the streets until finally finding a home where a small band of (so-far) survivors have gathered against what appears to be an alien invasion where the invaders can't be seen - or, at least when you do see them, you wind up dead by your own hand. A terrific supporting cast backs up Bullock as other survivors - John Malkovich, BD Wong, Jacki Weaver, and Moonlight star Trevante Rhodes (whose star continues to shoot higher than a bottle rocket), to name a few - but one thing to consider is that whether you like Bird Box may well depend on how you like your horror. This is a film relying much more on a slow-burn playing out/reveal of events, and though with its share of violence the GQ (Gore Quotient) remains low overall.  And while the film has its own sense of closure, it may not be enough for viewers who want everything spelled out for them - all questions answered - by The End. For me, Bird Box was kind of awesome; a fun, taught, well-put together suspense thriller that kept me hooked beginning to end, tense and well-acted and sometimes sad - but certainly worth the hype.  8/10 stars