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Posts Tagged ‘Barnes and Nobel Books’

Nosferatu 2024 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers and starring Bill Skarsgard (Count Orlok), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hunter), Lilly-Rose Depp (Ellen Hunter), and Willem Dafoe (Albin Eberhart von Franz), is a dark tale that follows a mystical young woman haunted by the dark forces of an evil creature as he attempts to possess her heart and mind.

This version of the 1922 horror remake created a level of cinematic depth that opened the moviegoer to a realm of dark creativity. The world-building was authentic and pulled viewers in like a magnet.  The story, loosely based on Dracula, was well written and presented an interesting connection between Emma and Count Orlok. The film explores deeper supernatural elements within the 1800s that deliver a timeless notion between religious beliefs and the belief in Science. All of which push the boundaries of the characters involved.

Nosferatu was well done; Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of The Count created a captivating performance. However, I was a bit disappointed over the Character’s esthetic. The creature design fell short for me. I wanted the Character to look more like the original gangly vampire, with the large piercing eyes, oval-shaped head, and pointed elven ears, all elements that make Max Schreck’s original so memorable. Despite this design oversight, Skarsgard did a fantastic job bringing the creature back to life uniquely. Lilly-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult did a nice job intertwining their characters. The closeness they shared through their distance was another piece that made the story work so well. The costume designs were fabulous and added personality to the development of the characters.  The Gothic nature of this film created a whimsical horror fantasy that will make fans of the genre appreciate the film’s intention.

I gave this film 4 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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The Watchers Review

Posted in New Movie reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning Mild Spoilers below:

The Watchers, directed by Ishana Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, follows the story of a young artist who travels to a remote location in Ireland to deliver an exotic bird, only to find herself trapped and unable to leave.

Mina, portrayed by Fanning, finds herself among a group of lost travelers as they try to work together to survive the mysterious forests surrounding them. Mina learns that she must follow a specific set of rules while allowing a group of creatures to watch her through a mirrored fortress know as the coop. As the pain of her tragic past surfaces, Mina breaks the rules with another lost traveler, Daniel, portrayed by Oliver Finnegan, in hopes of leaving the dreaded forest. Mina’s plan backfires as she learns that the consequences of her rebellious ways.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months; Mina and the others, Clair, portrayed by Georgina Campbell, and Madeline, portrayed by Olwen Fouѐrѐ, begin to uncover the secrets of the forest and other useful information that helps them understand the history behind the forest, and it’s dark inhabitants.

The Watchers was an interesting film that brought Irish folklore into the modern world. Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Mina was revealing, complex and relatable. The supporting cast held their own throughout, and the director’s point of view appeared strong while certain visual and story elements echoed classic M, Night Shyamalan.

I thought this was a good movie to see during fall instead of late spring. There were a lot of jump scares, and “things that go bump in the night.” Horror fans will appreciate the mysteriousness and dark energy this film gives. The flow of the film progressed, and the visual elements were magical. The scenes were authentic and transported moviegoers into the realm of fantasy/horror.

I gave this movie 3 and a half stars.

Please check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Walking Dead Season 4 “Midseason finale

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »

The Walking Dead mid season finale aired this past Sunday on AMC, and I must say that it was one of the best episodes in a very long time.
The return of The Governer had a traumatic impact upon everyone in the prison, as he tried to force his way in. Rick, no longer claiming leadership of the group was forced to take that role again in hopes to negotiate a deal with The Governor as Philip holds Michone,and Hershel as hostages. Things grow in intensity as The Governor is on the verge of waging a war against Rick. As Rick pleads with him, to release Hershel and Michone, The Governor holds Michone’s sword up to Hershel’s neck. Everyone in the prison looks on as they prepare for to defend their land. Just as Rick thinks he has come to an agreement for everyone to live in the prison peacefully, The Governor brings down the sword upon Hershel, slicing his neck. The heartbreaking scene is difficult to watch. The emotion behind the actors is award winning as you feel the same pain as they do. Rick, Maggie and her sister are iconic as believable characters. The bullets immediately start flying the moment Hershal falls to the ground. The Governer finishes the job by chopping off Hershel’s head. Michone escapes and Rick and The Governer go head to head in the fight of their lives. The moment Rick is down, Michone saves him by planting her sword in the Governer. As everyone takes cover, and makes an attempt to flee the now destroyed prison, Rick’s group is “broken” and separated. Judith is missing but a bloody car seat is left behind. Glen is on the bus with the people of Woodberry, while Daryl and others try to regroup after the destruction. The final scene is a heartwrentching one that is parallel to the comic book as Rick and Carl flee up the hill away from the ruins of the prison.
The action was non stop and it prompted me to re-read the books. I’m on book 7. This particular episode was more of a season finale than a midseason finale. The show is now elevated on many levels and I just hate that we have to wait until February to see what happens.
Read the books to pass the time!
L.L

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