Tag Archives: review

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Report: “Children of Italy”

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Children of Italy -by Christine Simolke

  • DougInNC book report
  • “More than a Review”

Draw me in. Set scenes with senses. Make me want more. Finish the story. This book does all that in wonderful fashion.

Christine Simolke’s “Children of Italy” is about being where you belong, and the journey taken by heart, mind, and body to get there.

The Falconi endeavor crosses an ocean to find their place in America. Family is foremost, with enthusiastic children, coming-of-age women, and adults who look to establish a proper home. Continue reading Book Report: “Children of Italy” →

Movie, Movie Comments 2018, Rant and Rave

8*; Black Panther

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You got me. Experience would say that a modern superhero movie is unlikely to hold my interest. Nor is science fiction adept at providing me with intrigue like it does most moviegoers. Yet, “Panther” held my attention and had topics to ponder.

I’ll say it: “I, uh, uh, … LIKED IT!” Action scenes were prevalent, but not the whole show. Costumes were sharp. Good versus evil was only part of the premise, while the premises included real-world and computer-graphics worlds. Characters had … character!

The actress and role that stole every scene for me was Letitia Wright as sister Shuri. I wanted to give her a “best supporting” award on the spot for her portrayal, her humor, her foreshadowing, her importance to the plot, and becoming a name to remember.

*(star) rating in the title is mine; e.g. 7*=Seven Stars (maximum 10)

Rant and Rave, Stage

The Color Purple -Musical

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Why see it:

  • Ten Tony nominations in 2005
  • A revival on Broadway a decade later
  • Multiple national tours
  • A blockbuster!

But for me The Color Purple was from the Blockbuster era, meaning this touring show had VHS-like shortcomings and there are now better options. Still, I’m pleased to have seen the landmark musical and know the story, despite critiques you’ll read here.

Continue reading The Color Purple -Musical →

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Review: “What Does Love Sound Like?”

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What Does Love Sound Like? -by Padgett Gerler

  • DougInNC book Review

The pace at which this book progresses is as perfect as any I have read. It is imaginative but does not wander. Upon wading in, there is a flow like waves on the ocean as segments of the story well up to capture your full interest. When one element passes, an equally interesting aspect is there to take its place.

When will the movie be made?
Continue reading Book Review: “What Does Love Sound Like?” →

Book, Book Report 2018, Rant and Rave

Book Review: “To Any Soldier”

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To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters– by Kathryn Quigg, G.C. Hendricks

  • DougInNC book Review

My review begins in the book-of-letters style for “To Any Soldier: A Novel of Vietnam Letters.”
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author Kathryn Watson Quigg,
Brilliant! Your letters communicate the sprouting of a flower, the search for understanding, and the striving mind of youth.
Fondly,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Dear Co-Author G. C. Hendricks,
Equally brilliant! Your letters remained focused, cut like a scalpel, and expose vulnerabilities below a hardened surface.
Faithfully,
-Reader
= = = = = = = = =
Continue reading Book Review: “To Any Soldier” →

Rant and Rave, Stage

Frozen -Musical

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Disney delivers a classic with impressive staging.

The Frozen musical began previews when I visited New York City. It was elected (1 in favor, 1 abstention) that I should see the Broadway creation drawn from this modern film classic.

The show began eagerly, with costumed characters taking their positions … in the seats! Scores of children came dressed as Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Staff passed out booster cushions. “Abracadabra.” There was magic in the air from the outset.

Act 1: The cast had their roles honed.
Act 2: Some roughness showed the necessity of previews.
Continue reading Frozen -Musical →

Rant and Rave, Stage

Party Face -Drama

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Off-Broadway drama cast with characters to savor

    Why see it:

  • Acting!
  • Character(s)

Summary and thoughts:

Dramatic plays have been my favorite stage craft. In this era they are drowned out by musicals, but some digging may uncover a gem.

The shiny object drawing me to Party Face is Hayley Mills, who acquired fame in movies as a child. A handful of partners glow equally under these lights, each a unique character. Six actresses give a solid effort.
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Rant and Rave, Stage

Come From Away -Musical

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Those grounded without choice meet those grounded with character.

    Why see it:

  • Entertainment, culture, and history
  • Emotion, energy, and efficiency
  • There, but for the grace of Gander …

Summary and thoughts:

This is a musical to be seen and a story to be known. The non-stop performers wonderfully portray the actions of plain and plane folk under extraordinary stress.

The term “Come From Away” refers to the unexpected influx of 38 aircraft with nearly 7,000 international passengers to Gander, Newfoundland, diverted there September 11, 2001. The Canadian town’s population is only slightly greater than the guest list, but it has one out-sized asset and discovers another.
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Rant and Rave, Stage

Les Misérables -Musical

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> > >  humor on  < < <

Paris: The City of Light
-Les Mis tour: Not enough light.

Les Misérables aficionados talk about it “24 / 7”
-Les Misérables fanatics rave about it “2,4 / 6,0,1”

> > > humor(?) off < < <

“Les Misérables” returned to the DPAC stage in early February, more familiar and more reliable than any groundhog (American cultural reference for February). This show is partly spectacle, reminding me that it was the first on Broadway to stun me with its staging. It is mostly classic musical theater, reminding me that I’m not a pure fan of that genre (see below). This night there was much to like.
Continue reading Les Misérables -Musical →

Movie, Movie Comments 2018, Rant and Rave

7*; Risen (2016)

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Rise up! And fall back in your favorite chair while “Risen” brings back an era of making movies you thought had passed. This film uses dialog, setting, story and scenery like those of the 1950s or early 1960s. Kirk Douglas could have fittingly walked across the landscapes leveraged very effectively in this 2016 film.

Don’t be surprised when you’re not surprised, for you know Yeshua’s story of rising after three days in a tomb. Don’t be picky about the depictions of your favorite apostle. Don’t berate the Biblical scenes you’ve always imagined to be somewhat different.

Do, perhaps, wonder why this film is in color. Do appreciate the orderly story telling by writer/director Kevin Reynolds, who made the intensely scenic but far more chaotic Waterworld twenty-one years earlier. Do, certainly, enjoy a relaxing evening with “Risen.”

*(star) rating in the title is mine; e.g. 7*=Seven Stars (maximum 10)