humbleworm
Ottawa Public Library
humbleworm's Completed Shelf
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How to Be A TudorHow to Be A Tudor, BookA Dawn-to-dusk Guide to Everyday Life
by Goodman, RuthBook - 2015Book, 2015
humbleworm's rating:
Added Sep 15, 2023
The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening SunThe French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun, DVDThe French Dispatch Du the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
humbleworm's rating:
Added Apr 20, 2023
Comment:
Mildly amusing at times but mostly just eccentric and disjointed. The Grand Budapest Hotel is stylistically similar but tells more of a story so I'd start with that to judge whether you'd like this.
The Matrix ResurrectionsThe Matrix Resurrections, DVDLa Matrice Résurrections
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
humbleworm's rating:
Added Apr 11, 2023
Comment:
Matrix 4 has some good plot ideas but unfortunately didn't, to quote the movie itself, "eff with my mind" like the original trilogy. The scenes weren't as compelling and special effects weren't a significant part of it. I also missed actors that could have returned. Perhaps real life not being as exciting as a video game is part of the point but it could just have been budget. I certainly didn't regret seeing it, unlike some sequels that should never have been made (Highlander 2 comes to mind) and for that I am thankful.Matrix 4 has some good plot ideas but unfortunately didn't, to quote the movie itself, "eff with my mind" like the original trilogy. The scenes weren't as compelling and special effects weren't a significant part of it. I also missed actors that…
humbleworm's rating:
Added Dec 27, 2022
Comment:
I really liked the original tv series when it came out but admittedly the best parts were the Guide voice-over parts. I signed the series out recently to show my teenage kids but the special effects are now so primitive and the 2nd episode really drags between Vogon poetry and Marvin the robot.I really liked the original tv series when it came out but admittedly the best parts were the Guide voice-over parts. I signed the series out recently to show my teenage kids but the special effects are now so primitive and the 2nd episode really…
humbleworm's rating:
Added Dec 27, 2022
Comment:
The Rick & Morty graphic novels just try to accomplish too much and don't really compare to the show but might appeal to the diehard fan. Despite giving 3 of these books a try, I lost interest pretty quickly in each of them.
HornsHorns, Book
Book - 2014Book, 2014
humbleworm's rating:
Added Sep 11, 2022
Comment:
Horns is a tragedy with an element of fantasy, like Edward Scissorhands.
There's some commentary on morality and early moments of humour due to the bizarre manifestation of Ig's horns but not enough to be called a comedy. I kept thinking this would turn into a version of the Book of Job, but it isn't really even allegorical. The mystery was predictable and the ending was a bit disappointing.Horns is a tragedy with an element of fantasy, like Edward Scissorhands.
There's some commentary on morality and early moments of humour due to the bizarre manifestation of Ig's horns but not enough to be called a comedy. I kept thinking this…
BrazilBrazil, DVD
DVD - 1998DVD, 1998
humbleworm's rating:
Added May 09, 2022
Comment:
I signed this out to watch again after re-reading Orwell's 1984. If I had to choose a favourite Terry Gilliam or Monty Python film though, it would be Time Bandits.
humbleworm's rating:
Added May 09, 2022
Comment:
Teen fiction with elements of Twain's A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court and the animated series Chaotic. Robert Aspirin and Piers Anthony write with a similar style. I find it odd that the library doesn't have the 1st in the series.
NobodyNobody, DVDMoins-que-rien
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
humbleworm's rating:
Added May 05, 2022
Comment:
This is a genre film and other comments pretty much cover that. I do like Bob Odenkirk and the kittycat bracelet is a nice touch, but I have to believe the professional he is supposed to be would have more effective methods involving less contact. If you want a laugh, read the comments for the other film "Nobody" written by people expecting this film.This is a genre film and other comments pretty much cover that. I do like Bob Odenkirk and the kittycat bracelet is a nice touch, but I have to believe the professional he is supposed to be would have more effective methods involving less contact. …
EncantoEncanto, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
Added Apr 25, 2022
Comment:
Encanto is about the problems of typecasting. When you become known for something you are good at, that begins to define you in the eyes of others and can lead to unachievable expectations or at least pressure to conform to that definition. Someone who doesn't fit a specific niche has more flexibility and freedom in a very Darwinian way. That explains how Mirabel, with no powers of her own, is able to understand the rest of her family and help them get past the typecasting. The magic is simply Disney's caricaturization of this for emphasis. Oh yeah, the animation is colourful and music catchy, although just in snippets.Encanto is about the problems of typecasting. When you become known for something you are good at, that begins to define you in the eyes of others and can lead to unachievable expectations or at least pressure to conform to that definition. …
Black WidowBlack Widow, DVD
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
humbleworm's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2022
Comment:
Although this Marvel movie is nominally about Black Widow, it dilutes her backstory and value greatly. It seems like the female lead role is given mostly to her estranged pseudo-sister, who repeatedly mocks her. We find out that the Black Widow character is just one of many widows and the only thing special about her is that she got away. It makes little sense that her fake father Red Guardian is a much lesser version of slob Thor (note the costume scene stolen directly from an Incredibles trailer). Disappointing.Although this Marvel movie is nominally about Black Widow, it dilutes her backstory and value greatly. It seems like the female lead role is given mostly to her estranged pseudo-sister, who repeatedly mocks her. We find out that the Black Widow…
Venom, Let There Be CarnageVenom, Let There Be Carnage, DVDVenom, ça Va être Un Carnage
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
humbleworm's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2022
Comment:
The venom symbiote is portrayed like a petulant child with a gruff voice that sounds more like a dog owner saying "who's a good boy?" That pretty much ruined any willing suspension of disbelief for me. All the scenes of it partially separating for a face to face conversation when it is already in Eddie's head are purely for the film audience.The venom symbiote is portrayed like a petulant child with a gruff voice that sounds more like a dog owner saying "who's a good boy?" That pretty much ruined any willing suspension of disbelief for me. All the scenes of it partially separating for…
Bad Days in HistoryBad Days in History, BookA Gleefully Grim Chronicle of Misfortune, Mayhem, and Misery for Every Day of the Year
by Farquhar, MichaelBook - 2015Book, 2015
humbleworm's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2022
Comment:
Although many events described here are interesting and informative, the thing foremost in my mind as I read this was how much content seemed only loosely associated with their dates. Something significant happening on a given day might be watered down by context spanning weeks or months, or even complete digression about something quite unrelated to the event. Other entries, I sure, are mentioned only to fill gaps. I guess "Bad Days In History" just fell a little short of my expectations of a humourous version of Today In History.Although many events described here are interesting and informative, the thing foremost in my mind as I read this was how much content seemed only loosely associated with their dates. Something significant happening on a given day might be watered…
A Beautiful Day in the NeighborhoodA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, DVDBonjour, Voisin
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
humbleworm's rating:
Added Dec 02, 2021
Comment:
Although I was aware of Mr Rogers, I watched Sesame Street, Friendly Giant and Romper Room as a Canadian kid. When I got older, I remember thinking his show seemed low-budget and a little too saccharin. I fully believe Fred Rogers was a very caring and decent person, but I'm afraid this film did not dispel my perception of some slight creepiness; that could just be Tom Hanks' portrayal, I suppose.Although I was aware of Mr Rogers, I watched Sesame Street, Friendly Giant and Romper Room as a Canadian kid. When I got older, I remember thinking his show seemed low-budget and a little too saccharin. I fully believe Fred Rogers was a very…
SoulSoul, DVDÂme
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
humbleworm's rating:
Added Nov 17, 2021
The Good LiarThe Good Liar, DVDL'art Du Mensonge
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
humbleworm's rating:
Added Oct 12, 2021
Comment:
The film is told only from one character's perspective until the end. I thought it would turn out like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and although the ending is a little more realistic than that, it left me not really liking Helen Mirren's character despite having some sympathy.The film is told only from one character's perspective until the end. I thought it would turn out like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and although the ending is a little more realistic than that, it left me not really liking Helen Mirren's character…
PonyoPonyo, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
Added Apr 15, 2021
His Dark MaterialsHis Dark Materials, DVDThe Complete First Season
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
humbleworm's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2021
Added Mar 23, 2021
The Umbrella AcademyThe Umbrella Academy, BookVolume 3, Hotel Oblivion
by Way, GerardBook - 2019Book, 2019
humbleworm's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2021
Comment:
This 3rd graphic novel, still highly imaginitive, is the most disjointed so far. I'm looking forward to seeing what sense NetFlix can adapt from it.
The GentlemenThe Gentlemen, DVDLes Gentlemen
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
humbleworm's rating:
Added Feb 09, 2021
TenetTenet, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
humbleworm's rating:
Added Jan 19, 2021
Comment:
I'm wouldn't say Tenet was as inspiring as Inception, but it was inspired. Without spoiling the plot, I will say that writing any story around this concept and filming it so that you don't give away the ending until the end is a highly creative challenge. Sure, the audience spends the first half of the movie trying to figure out what is going on, but you'll find that in Watchmen, The Umbrella Academy, WandaVision or any number of works these days. The second half of Tenet is a lot more interesting as the pieces fit together and, in a way, it's like watching a good magician's trick again even after you know how it's done.I'm wouldn't say Tenet was as inspiring as Inception, but it was inspired. Without spoiling the plot, I will say that writing any story around this concept and filming it so that you don't give away the ending until the end is a highly creative…
Finding NemoFinding Nemo, DVDTrouver Nemo
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Added Jan 19, 2021
CarsCars, DVDLes Bagnoles
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Added Jan 19, 2021
Frozen (DVD)Frozen (DVD), Book
Book - 2014Book, 2014
Added Jan 19, 2021
Comment: