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1 to 25 of 305 items
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The Yellow House, Book

by Broom, Sarah M.
Book - 2019 | First Grove Atlantic edition.
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 22, 2021

Comment:

A layered, compelling memoir of a life spent both running from and towards what it is that makes family and the concept of home. Born the youngest child of 12 into a family of siblings born across decades, Sarah's childhood is built on the memories and mythologies of others in the crumbling yellow house that her mother was once so proud of. With her father dying as Sarah is born, the family does what they can to survive in the forgotten neighborhoods of East New Orleans. Sarah Broom paints a vivid picture of her world and how she took every opportunity to leave it, eventually traveling all over the world. Yet somehow it kept calling her back.

Made in Italy, DVD

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 22, 2021

Comment:

A young man in London finds himself battling with his soon-to-be-ex-wife over the future of the art gallery they have been running together. Desperate to find the money to buy her out, he reluctantly makes contact with his estranged father, to try and sell their neglected family home in Italy. As the father and son work to repair the house, they begin to repair their relationship as well. A nice mix of humor and drama, and beautiful shots of Italy.

Princess of Thieves, DVD

DVD - 2003
vickmeister's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 21, 2021

Comment:

I checked it out because I like Keira Knightley. For what it is, it hits all of the expected notes and was pleasant entertainment. High quality production and excellent acting all around. Just not my thing.

A Rainy Day in New York, DVD

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 21, 2021

Comment:

A fun romantic comedy with lots of plot twists and plenty of humor, as a young couple comes to NYC for a weekend that becomes anything but what they expected. Elle Fanning is charming as the enthusiastic and slightly clueless Ashleigh, a budding journalist excited about a once-in-a-lifetime interview opportunity. I was less enthused by the character of her boyfriend, Gatsby, portrayed by Timothee Chalamet. His character didn't ring true for me. He just didn't come across as believable with the lines he is given: dialogue that seemed way too old for him and pretentious. I could picture Woody Allen delivering the lines himself and I think that was the issue: lines more suitable for an older, more jaded man. That being said, Chalamet did the best with what he was given and I was usually able to roll with it and enjoyed the rest of the movie.

The Irishman, DVD

DVD - 2020 | Director approved two-DVD special edition.
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 14, 2021

Comment:

Here we find Scorsese right smack in his comfort zone with this sweeping tale of mob associate Frank Sheeran and his relationship with ill-fated union leader Jimmy Hoffa, done in the familiar autobiographical style he perfected with "GoodFellas." Unsurprisingly, De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci all turn in excellent performances, as well as the fine supporting cast. I always find it fun to see faces familiar to me from other Scorsese works. I found it a little slow to get started, but once it gets going, you will be on the edge of your seat as we move through decades of history that intertwines with mafia influence. I did think that it was a little too long and dragged in various spots. It was also hard for me to remember that the very Italian De Niro and Pacino were playing non-Italians and so some of the dialogue gets confusing! But overall an excellent film.

Walking Through History, DVDSeries 3

DVD - 2017
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 12, 2021

Comment:

Another interesting series of history walks across Britain, brought to you by the cheerful Tony Robinson. Fun and informative.

Misbehaviour, DVD

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 12, 2021

Comment:

I loved this movie. Worlds collide on the eve of the 1970 Miss World Pageant being held in London, as a group of women from the burgeoning Women's Liberation movement decide to hold a protest over what they see as an outdated, sexist institution that values women only for their appearance. The film explores themes of duty and opportunity as we meet a cross-section of women of various ages and backgrounds. Some struggle against the male-dominated world of their day as they work to achieve their goals, others see the pageant as their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while many are happy to or simply resigned to play the role that life has assigned them. Lively and fun, thought-provoking; a fresh take on an ongoing issue.

We Two, BookVictoria and Albert : Rulers, Partners, Rivals

by Gill, Gillian
Book - 2009 | 1st ed.
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 09, 2021

Comment:

A highly readable examination of the relationship between Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. This work explores the various ways in which the two of them both benefited from and were negatively impacted by each other's behavior, as were their children, the governance and future direction of England, and even the future history of Europe.

John Cleese's Wine for the Confused, DVD

DVD - 2004
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 09, 2021

Comment:

I'm not particularly a wine person but checked this out because I love John Cleese and enjoy all of his work. As expected he brought the humor but I also learned a lot. He presents interesting facts about winemaking and helpful suggestions for choosing and purchasing wine.

Dead Still, DVD[Season 1]

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 08, 2021

Comment:

I really enjoyed this mystery series set in 1880s Ireland, surrounding a photographer who specializes in photographing the dead. The mystery keeps you guessing and there is a lot of snappy humor despite the darker subtext of the storyline. Sure, it's not 100% true to period but it was still enjoyable to watch. Beautiful period sets and costumes and some interesting characters.

The Anniversary Party, DVD

DVD - 2002 | Widescreen version.
vickmeister's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 01, 2021

Comment:

I checked it out because I love Alan Cumming and it has an outstanding cast. But overall I found it to be very strange and all over the place. It did make me laugh out loud various times but the melodrama got to be too much. Was this movie really necessary?

Sigh, Gone, BookA Misfit's Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit in

by Tran, Phuc
Book - 2020 | First edition.
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 29, 2021

Comment:

Phuc Tran grew up in a small town in the USA as part of a family of Vietnamese refugees. Each day he navigated the tricky waters of being an Asian immigrant in 1980s America: trying hard to fit in while dodging daily prejudice and interpreting confusing American ways, so different than his traditional Vietnamese family life at home. With a keen intelligence and a fighting spirit encouraged by the abusive style of parenting he received, Tran eventually found solace in the unlikely combination of punk rock and classic literature. Told with humor and insight, Tran's story is both unique and universal.

Ultimate London, DVDA Travel Guide

DVD - 2012
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 25, 2021

Comment:

Excellent series of travelogues around London and the surrounding areas. The humor gets a little corny at times but otherwise presents some interesting and helpful travel tips as well as relevant history.

Is This Anything?, Book

by Seinfeld, Jerry
Book - 2020 | First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition.
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 21, 2021

Comment:

Not a biography, but a collection of Jerry Seinfeld's comic bits throughout the decades. As someone who has been a fan since the 1980s I found this a fun visit through his jokes familiar and new.

The Spanish Princess, DVD

DVD - 2019
vickmeister's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 15, 2021

Comment:

Historically accurate it is not: with generous liberties taken with known events, and all of the women sassy postfeminist protagonists who take charge of their destinies like modern 21st century heroines. That being said, if you can let the historical accuracy part go, this is a highly entertaining Tudor soap opera. Strong cast, beautiful sets, fun to watch.

HRH, BookSo Many Thoughts on Royal Style

by Holmes, Elizabeth
Book - 2020 | First edition.
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 12, 2021

Comment:

In the 20th century, the British Royal Family truly moved into the world of celebrity, alternately feted and faulted in the media of their day. Starting with Queen Elizabeth II, the royals quickly learned how to dress for the occasion, sending subtle messages with hemlines and accessories and sending admirers immediately to the shops to purchase copies of their favorite looks. This book highlights four style-making Royal women, including Princess Diana, and Duchesses Kate and Meghan, and how what they chose to wear had an influence all on its own. Great for the Royal fan.

The Great Tours, DVDEngland, Scotland, and Wales

DVD - 2018
vickmeister's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 06, 2021

Comment:

Part travelogue, part history lesson, this series of engaging lectures presented by Patrick Allitt covers the most interesting and notable places and events around Britain. He has a pleasant, easygoing style that makes him easy to listen to, and each lecture is more of an overview than a comprehensive study, hitting the highlights of each topic. If you get the DVD set, be prepared to invest a considerable time commitment!

Rebellion, BookThe History of England, From James I to the Glorious Revolution

by Ackroyd, Peter
Book - 2014 | First U.S. edition.
vickmeister's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 04, 2021

Comment:

The religious turmoil of the Tudor era tumbled over into the Stuarts, where Catholic and Protestant and other breakaway factions still fought with each other over supremacy and the right to worship. Add to the mix a complacent king who spent ever-increasing amounts of money and expected Parliament to just keep handing it over, to benefit his cronies and support dubious military actions. Thus were the circumstances that eventually led to the assassination of Charles I and the beginning of the English Civil War. If you are interested in this period this is a fascinating read, also including chapters on the customs, culture, famous writings and beliefs of the time.

The Duchess, DVD

DVD - 2008
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 02, 2021

Comment:

Outstanding period drama featuring Keira Knightley in the role of the controversial Duchess of Devonshire during the Georgian era. Her originality, style, and personality bring her attention and admiration, as she creates her own fashion and finds her way into the political circles of the era. However, she is trapped within the rigid expectations for women of the aristocracy: obey her husband and put up with abuse, ignore his infidelities, and produce an heir. A friendship with a woman met at a dance soon turns into a tangled emotional triangle, with the Duchess unable to find her way out. Riveting to the end.

Treasures of New York, DVD

DVD
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 28, 2021

Comment:

A series of excellent short documentaries on notable sites in NYC, some more well-known than others to non-New Yorkers. They go into the history of each site, its original development and subsequent renovations. Interesting and engrossing.

Walking Through History, DVDSeries 1

DVD - 2017
vickmeister's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 23, 2020

Comment:

The easygoing Tony Robinson, who may be familiar to you as Baldrick from the Blackadder series, takes us on a series of walks around Britain that focus on specific periods of history. It does a good job of putting each location into its historic context, explaining what happened then and showing us what remains now that can be toured or viewed. I enjoy his friendly manner and humor. Check it out if you love British history.

Story of England, DVD

DVD - 2012
vickmeister's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 22, 2020

Comment:

The British Isles have a history that goes back deep into the past, with so many periods of interest, conflicts, and development. This documentary focuses on one town in central England and follows it through the centuries, taking a thorough look at all aspects of what life must have been like for the residents during each period, and the impacts of change. Excellent viewing for the history lover.

Secrets of Chatsworth, DVD

DVD - 2013
vickmeister's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 19, 2020

Comment:

Excellent documentary covering the fascinating history of a beautiful grand home.

Sometimes Always Never, DVD

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 19, 2020

Comment:

An unexpected pleasure. A quiet character study surrounding a father, played by Bill Nighy, and his second son, Sam Riley, who are coming to terms with the fact that the older son stormed out during a Scrabble game, never to be seen again. As Nighy's character obsesses over the disappearance and finds solace and satisfaction in Scrabble, Riley's character struggles to gain his father's attention. Overall it has the feel of "Napoleon Dynamite," with quirky characters and many moments of unexpected quiet hilarity. Who knew that a Scrabble game could be so competitively hilarious?

Bill & Ted Face the Music, DVD

DVD - 2020
vickmeister's rating:
1 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 15, 2020

Comment:

The original Bill and Ted movies, while very silly, were still quite entertaining due to the overriding sense of glee that permeated all of the action. In contrast, this one is dead on arrival. The pace is downright glacial, and Bill and Ted are basically just blinking statues. The jolly ignorance that worked so well with cheerful young men falls flat with these middle age zombies. I gave up on it halfway. Don't bother; go watch the originals.
1 to 25 of 305 items

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