More Social Distancing Recommendations - Movie Club Edition

As this time of social distancing/quarantine/self isolation continues we could probably all use some recommendations on what to watch to fill some of our time. I know I certainly welcome any recommendations right now, especially since I have two weeks of vacation from work coming up at the end of May and am unfortunately unable to go anywhere for it.

I thought I would share some great places to get recommendations for movies to watch from various movie clubs that I have found. Some have weekly picks, while one has a daily movie for you to watch during this time where we'll all spending more time indoors.

First up is the American Film Institute's Movie Club. 

They are recommending a movie a day for you to follow along with. All of the movies seems to be from various AFI lists and offer a wide range of selection which is sure to have something for everyone. They currently have around thirty movies listed if you want to catch up.

Next up is the It's The Pictures That Got Small podcast/movie club.

Karina Longworth and Nate DiMeo are joined by a guest each week who picks the movie they'll watch and discuss for that week's podcast. They've watched movies like Cast Away, The Grapes of Wrath and From Here to Eternity. The Eyes of Laura Mars is this week's pick with the podcast episodes releasing late Wednesday/early Thursday (so the discussion of The Eyes of Laura Mars will be on the May 7th episode). I have really enjoyed following along with this movie club and have watched movies I did not expect to as a result.

Last, is the Little Gold Men podcast's movie club.

This is Vanity Fair's Oscar podcast which has shifted into discussions about movies that are voted on by listeners. You can vote on the Little Gold Men's twitter page and watch the selected movie before listening to the podcast discussion after. They have good mix of movies included and I definitely recommend this podcast for even non quarantine times as they offer some of the best Oscar coverage out there.

Anyone else have a movie club they would recommend check out? Movies that you feel should be on everyone's watch list? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ... Instant Karma

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this young adult contemporary romance, a girl is suddenly gifted with the ability to cast instant karma on those around her—both good and bad.

Chronic overachiever Prudence Daniels is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, after a night out with her friends, she wakes up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to karaoke hecklers, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner and all-around mortal enemy. Soon, Pru begins to uncover truths about Quint, her peers, and even herself that reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed . . . love and hate.

I have loved every book that Marissa Meyer has released. I love her twists on fairytales just as much as her take on superheros and villains. Instant Karma is her take on the rom-com but still seems to have a bit of magic to it.

It seems really far away with that November 3 release date, but I am sure it'll be here before we know it.

Expected release date - November 3, 2020

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Release Date - October 15, 2019

Publisher Website -  Little Brown and Company
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In a dramatic account of violence and espionage, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Ronan Farrow exposes serial abusers and a cabal of powerful interests hell-bent on covering up the truth, at any cost.

In 2017, a routine network television investigation led Ronan Farrow to a story only whispered about: one of Hollywood's most powerful producers was a predator, protected by fear, wealth, and a conspiracy of silence. As Farrow drew closer to the truth, shadowy operatives, from high-priced lawyers to elite war-hardened spies, mounted a secret campaign of intimidation, threatening his career, following his every move and weaponizing an account of abuse in his own family.

All the while, Farrow and his producer faced a degree of resistance that could not be explained - until now. And a trail of clues revealed corruption and cover-ups from Hollywood, to Washington, and beyond.

This is the untold story of the exotic tactics of surveillance and intimidation deployed by wealthy and connected men to threaten journalists, evade accountability and silence victims of abuse - and it's the story of the women who risked everything to expose the truth and spark a global movement.

Both a spy thriller and a meticulous work of investigative journalism, Catch and Kill breaks devastating new stories about the rampant abuse of power - and sheds far-reaching light on investigations that shook the culture.

The phrase 'catch and kill' refers to the practice of purchasing negative news stories about an individual to ensure it is not made public. In his book, Catch and Kill, Ronan Farrow details this practice and specifically examines it through the lens of his investigation into the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein.

The first thing you should know is how well written this book is. It is meticulously constructed so that the narrative flow is engaging from beginning to end. It is laid out like any good foundation is and built up in a manner that allows the reader to understand the individual parts before revealing the larger picture. It spotlights Ronan's attention to detail and skill as an investigative journalist while also reading like a taunt spy thriller.

This investigation needed so many people and things to come together for it to be successful. Many had tried to bring this story into the light before only to have their investigation stall or have it shut down.  Much of this success comes down to Ronan's seemingly effortless ability to make the people he is interviewing comfortable. He has compassion and integrity which I thinks comes through and puts people at ease.

All of the women who came forward are inspiring. It is their bravery that ensured this story got out and their determination that made sure the story did not remain a well known secret. I am in awe of their strength, especially after knowing the lengths it took to finally get this story out.

I appreciated the glimpse that Ronan offered into his life and state of mind while researching this story. Ronan may not want to be the focus but part of the story is his journey to publication and it needed to be included. I felt there was the perfect balance between the meat of the story and those little windows into his time developing this story. It not only helped with the easing of concerns of a man reporting this story by knowing he cared, but it gave a window into what it is like to both be a journalist and to be someone in a relationship with a journalist.

This is the book version of that 'hold my beer' meme; just when you think it cannot get any more mind blowing it proves you wrong. The amount of rage I felt reading this novel was off the charts. The system that has allowed men like Harvey Wienstien to not only get away with his crimes but thrive is both not surprising and eye opening.

The details about the sexual abuse ncluded in these pages, while hard to read, are never sensationalized or used salatiously. They are reported with tact and sensitivity. I would still give anyone a content warning before diving in but it was depicted with the utmost care.

Even if you think you know this story I highly encourage you to pick up Catch and Kill. While it is, at times, a hard read content wise, it is a page turner in the truest sense and offers up the hope that stories like this won't continue to be hidden in the dark.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Sabrina

Sabrina

Director: Billy Wilder

Length:  113 minutes

Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

Release Date:  September 9, 1954

Synopsis: Chauffeur's daughter Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) returns home from two years in Paris a beautiful young woman, and immediately catches the attention of David (William Holden), the playboy son of her father's rich employers. David woos and wins Sabrina, who has always been in love with him, however their romance is threatened by David's serious older brother, Linus (Humphrey Bogart), who runs the family business and is relying on David to marry an heiress in order for a crucial merger to take place.

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Sabrina is one of those movies that pops up on all those must see movie lists. It's considered one of the must sees as part of your classic Hollywood education.

Audrey Hepburn is luminous in that way she so often is. Her delicate beauty felt highlighted here, particularly when her returns from Paris. You can see how both of the brothers would have their heads turned by her. She radiates such a presence on the screen and you instantly care about her character.

The rest if the cast is equally well suited to their roles. William Holden nails the flighty, entitled playboy role. I have not seen many Bogart movies but this (and Casablanca) made me appreciate his particular brand of charisma and swagger. He is suited to the role of the more serious brother who is more than a little guarded.

The movie definitely has elements that showcase it has a product of the time it was made in. The only moment that shocked me is the casualness in which they present a suicide attempt. It was the element that most felt like a product of the time the movie was made in.

The romance for me was the crux if this movie. I was not sure I was going to be invested in it st all. Sabrina is in love with David and has been for as long as she can remember. It is easy for the viewer to see that those feelings are misplaced. David has barely glanced in her direction and seems every inch the rich, spoiled, self involved playboy. I instantly felt Sabrina could and should do better. It is a testament to Audrey Hepburn's charm that you want Sabrina to get what she wants, even if the object if her affection seems unworthy.

David's about face when a more polished/glamorous Sabrina returns from Paris only served to generate more eye rolls from me (especially as he is already involved with someone else). It is not that it is not believable. Audrey Hepburn is probably the on actress I believe would have that sort of impact but it just continues to display the type of guy he is. It isn't until Linus enters the picture that I felt anything in regards to the romantic plot.

The chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart was one of my favourite things about this movie. There is a scene where he asks her how to say some phrases in French that are particularly swoon inducing. Their ease with one another and the way in which they play off eac other made watching them a delight. They both cause the other to reflect and change in ways that I really liked as well. Their chemistry is made all the more striking against the rumours that they did not get along on set.

The ending is as smile inducing and satisfying as one could hope for. There is even evidence of character growth and sibling love between the two brothers. It worked for me on so many levels and feels picture perfect for the story being told.

This may not be my favourite Audrey Hepburn movie (Roman Holiday is superior in my opinion) but it is up there on the list. There is plenty of charm, humour, and charisma to make this a worthy watch. It's also one I would consider on my own essentials of classic Hollywood list if I were to make one.

Reading During A Pandemic

Most of us are at least a month or more into shelter in place/social distancing/self isolation. I have been working from home for just over a month and have only made trips for essentials (and I have been lucky to get many of those delivered). I thought it might be interesting to  check in and see how everyone is doing reading wise.

I, naively, thought that I would use the extra time I find myself with to read many of the books I have been wanting to get to. I expected that I would be looking for that escape even more now. I was mistaken.

It turns out that being stressed and unable to focus does not lend itself to reading. I am slowly getting into the new routine of my daily life and I have noticed that I am beginning to read more but it is slow going. It is still an adjustment one month in.

I have noticed many of my bookish friends having the same issues as me. Reading slumps that are the by product of a global pandemic. Some are finding it difficult to read certain genres during this and are looking for fluffy feel good reads. Others are embracing the unexpected comfort of reading novels about pandemics. Others may find contemporary reads are feeling a little less realistic in these current times. It is comforting to know that even though it is taking g different forms we are not experiencing it alone.

I am definitely in awe of the people who are reading up a storm and making progress on the never ending tbr pile that we all seem to have.

What about you? What has your reading experience been like during this pandemic? Any tips that you find helped you out of your Covid19 reading slump? Are you reading more now than ever before? Let me know in the comments. I am looking forward to reading about everyone's experiences.

Stay healthy!

Waiting On Wednesday .... Party of Two

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking.

Dating is the last thing on Olivia Monroe's mind when she moves to LA to start her own law firm. But when she meets a gorgeous man at a hotel bar and they spend the entire night flirting, she discovers too late that he is none other than hotshot junior senator Max Powell. Olivia has zero interest in dating a politician, but when a cake arrives at her office with the cutest message, she can't resist--it is chocolate cake, after all.

Olivia is surprised to find that Max is sweet, funny, and noble--not just some privileged white politician she assumed him to be. Because of Max's high-profile job, they start seeing each other secretly, which leads to clandestine dates and silly disguises. But when they finally go public, the intense media scrutiny means people are now digging up her rocky past and criticizing her job, even her suitability as a trophy girlfriend. Olivia knows what she has with Max is something special, but is it strong enough to survive the heat of the spotlight?The main character was compared to Jessica Jones in the announcement of this book and I was immediately in. I also love anything Disney so this would have been added to my reading wishlist either way.

Jasmine Guillory's books are always the cutest reads and this one sounds like no exception. I am noticing a trend of politically themed romance novels coming out in the next little bit and I am cautiously looking forward to seeing what they offer. I think Jasmine's going to handle the topic perfectly and I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

It releases in June which is the season for rom-coms and light reads so hopefully everyone packs this in their (metaphorical) beach bag this year.

Expected release date - June 23, 2020

The Goal by Elle Kennedy

The Goal by Elle Kennedy
Release Date -  September 26, 2016

Publisher Website - CreateSpace Independant Publishing
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  350 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**borrowed for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated...

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

The Goal is the fourth (and final) book in the Off-Campus series. I was excited to read Tucker's story  but also sad that it was ending. The Goal may not be my favourite of the Off-Campus books but it is still a fun, quick read that was exactly what I wanted it to be.

The books in this series are mostly able to be read as standalone novels, but I find the experience of reading them is made richer by reading them in order. The events in this book mostly run parallel to the events in The Score (the 3rd book in the series) so it is even more beneficial to have that background.

The pacing of this book does suffer a bit from having it so closely aligned with the events in the previous book. While we are getting them from a new perspective it does sort of feel like a rehashing of everything. The best moments are when the book truly becomes Sabrina and Tucker's story.

Sabrina has a lot going on in her life. She comes from a really bad home life, has abandonment issues, and does not have time to be distracted by a guy. She is up for a hook up but cannot even consider anything more. She might come across as cold but is really reacting out of self preservation. She has a plan for how the future will be and nothing is going to stop her. She is stubborn and so clearly focused that it can be intimidating  I, personally, found myself rooting for her to let those walls down and to let Tucker in. You end up wanting happiness for her.

Tucker is probably the sweetest out of all the guys we've met in the Off Campus series. His patience apparently knows no limits and he is so incredibly kind. He is perfect for someone like Sabrina because he doesn't scare easily and is willing to put in the time and effort when he wants something. He is just as driven as Sabrina but his drive doesn't come from the desperation that hers does so it feels different.

My favourite part of companion style series is getting to see the previous charactere in other books in the series. It is a nice little check in on characters we already care about. This book is no exception. We get some great moments featuring the other couples from the previous books and it was a nice way to wrap up the series.

Tucker and Sabrina's story is all about life happening while you are busy making other plans. Neither of them saw the other coming and neither expected the events that happen in this novel. I recommend not only this book but the series in general to anyone looking for a good New Adult read.