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⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Truly a masterpiece that exemplifies video games as an art form. Beautiful narrative, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. I don't feel like I'm ready to leave it yet.

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) Finally finished this series! I sort of loved it, even though it was mostly completely ridiculous. Some really emotional moments, but mostly really light-hearted and silly. I love that the main 3 characters are Latina women, that there are so many strong female characters, and that it was surprisingly witty, funny, and unpredictable. Definitely lots of eye rolls, too, with over-the-top characters and insane plot twists, but I still looked forward to watching it.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This book is weird. I think in a good way? It's magical realism, where miracles exist, but first might turn you into a giant or make a rain cloud rain on you constantly to expose your inner darkness. So it's definitely unique, and it's told in a way that feels like a fable. It took me a while to get into it and figure out what was going on, but it eventually speeds up. Stiefvater is a talented writer, and I've loved some of her other work. But while I enjoyed the uniqueness and idea of this one, it just felt a little hollow, and some ideas weren't fleshed out enough. Also it has all latinx characters, and Stiefvater is not Latina, so that was concerning for me.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) I continue to love this show. I was resistant to an updated cast, but they are phenomenal (Tobias Menzies as Philip in particular had the best moments for me). Only one episode was a dud, and unfortunately it was the finale, which prevents a full on 10. Other than that there were several standout episodes in this season. The themes of aging and death are very prominent (aging cast works nicely here), and the tension of the royal family's relevance in a modern world is what makes this show so interesting. I don't always love the framing of each episode taking place around some real life historic event, since the parallels can be a bit on the nose, but they always pull it off, and I come away feeling like I have learned something about history. It's fascinating to see myth-making about such recent events. Overall, between the acting, writing and set design, this is the best TV your parents-in-law's Netflix account can buy. Seriously, s...

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Anita) This book was unlike anything I've read before since I've never read anything written in verse and it was marvellous. I lovvved the character, 'Swing', and the main character was really relateable. It was about high school kids which is not my favourite age to read about but it really surprised me with its depth and themes. I really enjoyed it!

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Anita) This was such a heart-warming tale! It's based off true events with some embellishments involving talking animals which was fantastic. The characters are so incredibly lovable!

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Jess) I’m going fond of the new doctor, and the relationship between him and his companion. This season ended with heartbreak and I’m not sure that I will fully recover. I did feel like this season had more filler episodes than usual. Still a great show!

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by tbergen) So, this was not the first time I've watched this movie. I like to watch it every once in a while to help get a good cry in. The only way to deal with sadness is to watch a sad movie. Obviously. As someone who experiences emotions in extremes, this movie is a big deal. However, I can't seem to figure out who is in control in my brain. Is it joy? Sadness? Fear? I'd say they’re all front runners! You may think I'm being too generous with my 10 star rating. Too bad. Pixar done good! Also, who knew good ole nostalgia could ruin major life events with such callous and ease?

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Exactly what I wanted and expected from Jamie. This is a brief memoir that quickly takes us from her childhood to their time in Costa Rica doing a terrible job as missionaries. It's funny, interesting, and convicting, and made me think a lot about my own time overseas. There wasn't a ton I haven't heard or thought before, but still great to see this point of view, and to learn more about Jamie's life.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Not to be confused with Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this is a short animated show (3 seasons, each around 30 minutes) that bridges the gap between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Really loved the simple animation style (same guy who did a ton of the Cartoon Network shows), and it lends itself to some awesome battle scenes. A couple minutes of Padme and Anakin interaction build a more convincing love story than the prequel trilogy, and the classic Star Wars music is used well here. Some other cool moments, including the introduction of General Grievous and another cool sith named Asajj Ventris, make this a fun watch and a meaningful entry in the Star Wars universe (although it might be non-canon now? No idea).

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) A gritty story about two detectives tracking down a serial killer, it's an exciting and suspenseful movie. Pretty sure it was one of a kind at the time, and since then it has influenced a lot of other movies, but I just wasn't that into it. There is an iconic twist at the end, and me knowing what it was had me anticipating it, but it didn't seem to have the story weight I was expecting. Kind of a let down to the 7 deadly sins theme going on the whole time. Still enjoyed it, but expectations let me down.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Will) Far-future universe where humanity is contained to one planet because they're considered too dangerous to join the broader galactic community. In the genre of YA sci-fi/fantasy, it doesn't get much better than this. Super fast-paced, not overly serious, really interesting throughout, and hard to put down. Disappointed by the ending though, which didn't resolve enough for me. Sanderson has one more book planned to make this a trilogy.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This book was about 1/3 biography of Genghis Khan and about 2/3 Mongolian history, and man was it fascinating. I had no particular interest in this era of history but I am really glad I decided to pick it up. It was clear and accessible and followed a pretty clear narrative. It also had a lot of comments on how he changed the world and how that extends to today. If you have any interest at all about the history of Asia, the making of empires, interesting world leaders or just general world history, I 100% recommend starting with this one. I used audiobook which was great, but I would imagine a physical copy would be even better with pictures and maps.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Rebecca) I've been playing this game for 4 years now, and it still brings me so much joy, especially with the multiplayer mode. Such a fun way to hang out with friends. And the possibilities are endless when you factor in mods! Honestly, the perfect game. I do indeed intend to run a farming empire with my friends.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Jona) A heartwarming film of a boy with down syndrome wanting to fulfilled his dream of being a wrestler, and the crazy journey he takes to get him there. Even though the ending wasn’t the best, it was still a great performance by Zack Gottsagen and Shia LaBeouf. Highly recommend.

⭐ 1.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) I did some thinking, and as hard as I tried I couldn't think of a movie worse than this. Maybe the next Fantastic Beasts movie can top it. A romantic comedy that is neither funny nor romantic, with lazy jokes that stretch on way too long, and romances that are confusing and beyond unrealistic. I wanted to stop watching, but I spent 4 dollars of hard earned Google survey money to rent this on YouTube. One star for a Mr Bean cameo, although this is also maybe his worst work.

⭐ 3.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) Honestly hard to finish this one. The characters are insufferable, the humour isn’t funny, and it was hard for me to watch marriage be treated so flippantly. It gets ANY stars because the strange friendship between the 6 (I think?) main characters produced a touching moment or two. For some reason this is considered a classic I guess and that confuses me. Skip it.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) About a nonverbal, very smart girl with cerebral palsy who gets a computer to help her speak and tries to integrate more at school. I've read a few similar books, but this was so sweet and so moving, even I, who has no heart, shed a few tears. She's so plucky and wants so badly to communicate... 😢 I really loved it.

⭐ 4.0/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) So I had some qualms with the first 2 books in this series, but it was captivating enough to continue. However, I just stopped reading this one half way through and returned it to the library. These books are so freaking long, and unnecessarily so. The drama felt like it was dragging on, and the relationships were becoming cliche and cringey. It takes a lot for me to stop a book mid-way, especially when I've started a series, but I knew it was time when I dreaded picking it up again.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) Mind blowing book! I loved Dark Matter and had high expectations for this one, and it totally lived up to them. I did get confused at times (because time travel), but overall I think he did a wonderful job of explaining how things worked and making it make sense.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) So I'm not actually a huge Star Wars fan to begin with (SO MUCH BAD ACTING), but the newest movies have improved in the acting department enough to prevent me from cringing. This one was entertaining enough, but didn't leave me particularly impressed or inspired.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This movie is nothing special plot or theme-wise, but I laughed out loud multiple times, which is just what I needed during a sick day. Also it's rare to get a comedy that's all female-led and revolves around friendship. And starring middle-aged, normal-looking women at that! I had a good time watching it, and that's all I was asking for.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by KathleenQ) When this show first came out it took me some time to get past the fact that the writers were creating entirely new characters and plots from the book -- I worried it was getting the Hobbit Treatment. But after coming to terms with this creative choice I was able to appreciate it as an entirely separate piece of art. The Amazing: The casting of this show is absolutely inspired. Every choice is perfect. Every actor manages to capture the exact spirit of the character. Especially Anne, Marilla and Matthew. The creators have unparalleled respect for teenage girls. I've never seen anything like it (except maybe Eighth Grade). In a culture where teen girls are not taken seriously at best and openly mocked/reviled at worst, it's incredibly refreshing to see them portrayed as complex, insightful human beings with much to offer. Even when characters are being silly, they're presented sympathetically. The show is beautiful in every way, per...

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Another enjoyable season of this little show. I don't love all of the storylines of this show, but there's enough to keep me watching. In this season Sam goes to college, and I appreciated the look at the struggles someone on the spectrum would have with all these changes. And the actors on the spectrum are great. Good bromance, good sibling relationships, good representation.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) My first time EVER watching this iconic movie. Thought it was so funny, amazingly over the top, and a great movie to watch with a group of people. How can I get my hands on some sploosh? My feet reek! An interesting observation we made was that Caveman and Zero were both involved in the same theft that led them to the camp. And yet, Zero had apparently been there for months by the time Caveman got there? Even with the evidence being on Caveman it was still a longer process? Much to think about.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by The_John) Interesting space opera about a spaceship's AI that inhabits many human bodies at once (its ancillaries) in addition to the ship. After being wronged by a dictator, it ends up stuck in one human body and goes on a quest for revenge. It was quite confusing at times and I wished the author had taken more time to explore the different worlds and cultures, but interesting nonetheless

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) A podcast where the two hosts go through episodes/ books/ movies of a series all at once. They have done like 100 episodes each on Game of Thrones, then Harry Potter and now are doing Star Wars. The hosts are absolutely hilarious and I recommend people who want to go through Harry Potter again to go through it with this pod. However they are also pretty explicit at times so keep that in mind. But the entertainment value is top touch, they make me laugh every single episode.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Basketball podcast that is super detailed and niche and not for the faint of heart. But I really appreciate all the high level analysis and attention to detail of what is happening in the margins of the NBA. This is a pod strictly for super nerds who have too much time to consume audio, so in other words it is perfect for me. They upload basically daily so it's my first listen every morning.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Jess) Watching the second season again continued to remind me how much I love this show. I was surprised at how much I didn’t remember of this season, but I think it’s because I blocked it out, for good reason. I love British TV.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Still well acted and some nice camerawork. The first season was made super dramatically which I really liked, but it's starting to wear me down a bit. Maybe tone down the intense music a touch? Otherwise this is still a pretty gripping show that I'm almost always in the mood to watch.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Will) This book was a bit conflicting for me. First, it blew my mind that Asimov was able to write futuristic science-fiction in the 1940's that got so much right about robots and technology. I think everybody would find this interesting, and more people should read it - his exploration of logic, robots, and artificial intelligence is more relevant than ever given how tech has advanced. At the same time, I'm a software developer. My primary life skill is thinking logically and I read about artificial intelligence for fun, and this made it a bit hard to read the book because there were so many things that just didn't make sense to me. Asimov can be forgiven, obviously, for not seeing perfectly into the future 80 years. And yet, I still found myself regularly taken out of the narrative by pieces that were so wrong.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Anita) I loved this show so much! First of all, I love period dramas, so that was a win. But also I loved Matthew and Marilla SO much! It made me incredibly happy that I was not born during that time period though... so much judging! Almost all of the sub-plots were really interesting too and I was just hooked. It's a good one!

⭐ 6.5/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I really liked the concept of this anime, but since I personally don't really care about science, I didn't enjoy all of the episodes. I wanted more discussion of the philosophical ideas! I know it has a lot of fans, it just wasn't hitting the spot for me. It didn't go in the direction I expected at all, and this time it was a negative.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) Ashley went from indie queen to pop superstar in a matter of 5 years. The craziness of this teen girl becoming one of the biggest super stars in the world is what this album is kind of about. Super diverse, no two songs sound the same. She jumps from punk rock to pop hit to guitar strumming country tinged music. She has a really unique voice that I feel like sets her apart. Finally//beautiful stranger, You Should be Sad, Without Me, and 3 a.m are my favourites.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) Was so fascinated by the one-shot style of this movie. Right off the bat it felt more personal and like I had a connection with the main characters. I was at times audibly shocked with how this movie went, and I thought it portrayed what I think war would look like so well. Super intense and even quite emotional. Incredible film that left my legs sore from tensing up.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by KathleenQ) Breathtaking. I cried so many tears. I already think it will be one of my favourites of 2020. This is one of those rare instances where I thought the movie improved on the book. It took the essence of the story and removed the long, boring, often moralizing passages. And honestly, it managed to helped me sympathize more with the characters and the choices they made. (Often, in the book, I was flummoxed by why the characters did what they did, and I thought Amy was a totally unlikeable brat. This movie helped me to understand why she did what she did. And it made her kind of adorable.) Men and women alike should watch this movie.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) Well, it’s over. I feel underwhelmed by the whole thing. I’m not mad at some of the big decisions the show made, but it makes no no sense how they smushed so much into a single six episode season. Was hard to follow how they’ve gotten where they have. Had some beautiful redeeming moments, but mostly just meh. This makes me excited to read how the books will move forward.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) I agree with most of the reviews here (except Jess's!). Super intense, super immersive, and a high level of what I would imagine is wartime realism. Definitely a favorite among war movies for me.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Jess) This is the second time I’ve watched it, it’s still amazing. I love the relationship between Will and Robin Williams, so heartwarming. I also just love movies about geniuses. It’s mostly a happy movie, might shed a tear or two.

⭐ 6.5/10 (Originally written by Jess) I needed to continue watching this because the I liked the first season. I liked that the first season was more murder mystery, this new season felt like a typical drama show. It was ok.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Jess) Not sure why I read two tragic books back to back, but they were both really good. I appreciated that this book had the element of romantic love in it, I don’t often see that in Nazi Germany novels and movies.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Jess) Great book. I didn’t expect so much tragedy and heartbreak. I know this book isn’t based on a true story, but it really made me more aware of the horrible things that have happened out there. Read it.

⭐ 3.0/10 (Originally written by Jess) NOT FOR ME It gets three stars because Robb Stark.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This anime was kind of meh, and just funny enough for me to finish it. I appreciated Misaki as the main female protagonist, because she was strict and a good leader, and for once not one of those stereotypical anime girls. Plot was very meandering, and I think it was supposed to be mostly a romance, but there was pretty much no progress for a lot of the show. A lot of the arcs felt like filler. And I hated all the "swoony moments." I know they exist in all Asian tv, but these felt especially out of character.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Everything moves too quickly in a condensed final season. I don't mind the conclusions for a couple of the characters, but a lot of them are contrived and don't pack the punch that 8 seasons of character development should bring. Having a perfect ending is impossible, but the show fell off the tracks a while ago, so those ending checkpoints just felt quick and incomplete. The door is open for George to finish the book and make it better now!

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) This is an incredible movie. I was literally anxious from start to finish because of how real every moment felt (and as exhausting as that feeling is, that’s what makes this film so incredibly great). It’s stunning, harsh, gripping and immersive. I’m not usually a lover of war movies, but to me 1917 was more about human resiliency and perseverance against unthinkable odds. See this one in theatres if you can.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) It's cliche to say that a movie makes you feel like you are in a war, but that's definitely what this one is going for, and it succeeds. The one shot gimmick is pretty spectacular, and I had sweaty palms and an increased heart rate the whole time. I don't know if I love following the same characters all movie straight with no breaks. Makes it feel a bit linear, almost like a video game. However, I love how that gives you a mental map of the journey throughout the movie, with the sense of time passing and distance travelled really adding to the realism. If you are going to see this one, I would recommend doing it while it's still in theatres.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by The_John) Kind of a weird movie. Visuals and acting were amazing, had some action, but a lot of eerie background music with philosophical introspection.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) Visually amazing, and I always love a good space movie. Felt a bit eerie and depressing, though, and as far as space travel goes, things seemed a little too easy and unrealistic. Like seriously, they've made pretty much no progress on space travel since going to the moon 50 years ago.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Rebecca) Another amazing season. I truly just love these characters so much, they're all so unabashedly over the top, but in such a down-to-earth setting, which is delightful. Last two episodes were surprisingly touching, and I love the family dynamics as much as the friendships and romances (which are all wonderful, and I'm not easy to please).

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This show just keeps getting better. You can see so much character growth, and there were several really poignant moments in this season. ♥️Patrick + David. Also Stevie finally got more attention! But obvs the humour is the real star of this show. The characters' quirks just get funnier as they grow. Alexis and her expressions just kill me.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I was originally gonna rate this album lower because I didn’t think it was anything special, but I find myself keep coming back to it which says something. I always put it on during drives so I’ve listened to it a lot. It kinda has electric vibes, so every song feels like you can move to it. Some introspective numbers that are really good. People You Know, Crowded Room, and Vulnerable are my top songs.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Paul) Well, as well done as the movie as it is. It also stole so much happiness from my life. So say bye to that. Possible spoiler ahead............................................................. So watch out. Sam Rockwell can still be redeemed in a movie even when he's the worst.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This is not so much a story, but more a commentary about the development of this tale that Tolkien never finished. The story itself is an interesting enough read, though not one of my favorites by Tolkien, and there are essentially 3 iterations of it. The commentary honestly just feels a little unnecessary, or at least doesn't deserve it's own book. I'm a big Tolkien fan and even I was pretty uninterested in much of the commentary. I really wish Christopher Tolkien would have just taken the liberties necessary to write one cohesive story much like Hurin.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Doreen is 14 and secretly has a tail and squirrel powers. Totally silly and absurd, but so much fun. It's set in the MCU (apparently there are Marvel comics about her?), so all the superhero references and cameos were great. It's got a powerful, optimistic girl as the hero, and a deaf Latina and a bunch of squirrels as her sidekicks. Perfect for kids (and adults). My only complaint is that there's not a lot of depth, but maybe that'll come in the sequel.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Non-fiction book about unmarried women and their role in our society. Covers all aspects, including why there are more than ever, where we live, our jobs, female friendships, marriage trends, etc. I learned a ton, and this microhistory of an overlooked group was so interesting. I thought the married-late-in-life author did a great job explaining all sides of it: pros, cons, struggles, joys, everything.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by kare) I’ll admit it. I judged this movie very harshly before ever watching it. It took me until now to watch it because I was so sure I was going to hate it that I had no desire to even give it a chance. Oops. Within the first 5 minutes, I was involuntarily grinning from ear to ear, and that continued until the credits. I genuinely loved it! Mena Massoud did an incredible job playing the charming street rat that most 90s-born girls had a crush on. And Will Smith as the genie had me laughing out loud. The Disney purist in me appreciated how much they stayed true to the original while still adding fresh ideas to expand upon the story and make it more exciting. I will absolutely be watching this one again! The lost point is for the lack of Brad Kane’s heart-melting singing voice, and that AWFUL reprise of Jasmine’s new song “Speechless”. I mean, what kind of nonsense was that?? Who approved that scene?! I just wanna talk.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Rebecca) Not a great movie even when I DID close my eyes during all the scary parts, but I was committed to watching it because I was invested in the characters, and honestly I did enjoy it even though it was objectively not very good. And I just love those friendship themes. Wish it was...better.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Will) A silverback gorilla lives in a cage at a mall, along with a couple other animals. I read this to my daughter (7). It's technically children's literature, but the kind that's a few hundred pages long and won a Newbery medal (deservedly so). Touching, and heartbreaking at times, and overall we both loved it. You'll fall in love with the silverback gorilla that has nothing to protect.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I’m giving everything a 10 these days. Such an incredibly powerful, moving story about death and life. Probably my favourite thing about this movie was how immersive it was. I felt like I got a really good look into Chinese culture and the different family dynamics. A small part of me does wonder if they’re on to something by not telling people they’re dying. I would personally hate it, and I would kick my kids’ ass once they eventually get to heaven, but I’ve been in a similar situation and it makes ya wonder. Thought they did an incredible job showing the arbitrariness of life and how no matter what happens life goes on. Was really hit hard with that. Would recommend this to everyone.

⭐ 5.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) This season had me literally screaming at the TV (sorry upstairs neighbour) because I was upset about the stupidity of it all. By some miracle everyone who matters lives and obviously ends up all together on stupid missions with stupid plans and they just do stupid things. I was so angry with how stupid characters I’ve grown to love have become. It feels like I have no one left to root for (maybe Jon? Maybe?) and I feel like I’m still watching GOT because at this point we just need to finish. Plus I’m a baby and I can’t watch the epic battles and violent moments that some say redeem the season. But I do agree that where this season concludes isn’t necessarily bad. Hence a generous 5 stars.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) This movie is an overwhelming experience from start to finish. A story set in the Vietnam War about the breaking of the souls of the people involved, it feels like a boat ride taking the characters down the river to hell. You watch in a psychedelic haze as soldiers become complicit and accustomed to the horrors around them. The visuals in this movie are stunning, with colourful smoke bombs and blood red sunsets lighting the dirty shadowed faces of the characters. The set pieces are spectacular, the standout being a devastating and iconic helicopter attack on a beach that the general wants to surf on ("I love the smell of napalm in the morning"). I can only imagine the amount of work, and money, involved in a scene like this, between the explosions and helicopters and choreography. The combination of my fascination with how they did it paired with how completely mesmerizing it was to watch makes it one of the greatest scenes in a movie I h...

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) I watched this season over the course of around 4 months, and even with such long breaks between episodes every one put me right back in the world. The people of Deadwood are unsavoury to say the least, and the town reflects its inhabitants, but watching them scheme, monologue and maneuver to try and stake their claim in the rapidly changing colony is a unique TV watching experience. Seriously, their dialogue is like nothing else I have heard, with profanities I could never have dreamed up and moments of humour from unexpected sources. All of the plotting results in many explosive moments, often violent, but always leaving me more emotionally connected to these people than I would have thought possible.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) A really emotional, inspiring story of a black man on death row in Alabama. Based on a true story of a black lawyer moving there to help incarcerated prisoners who can’t afford legal help. It was based on true events, which made this one hit a little harder. I read up on the main characters life a bit and he truly is a legend. A saint among us for the work he’s done. Was really horrified at the statistics of inmates on death row who are executed versus who are exonerated. A really great movie about an individual who pursues justice and mercy with all his heart. I was truly inspired after watching this.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Rebecca) A really charming book with wonderful found family - and biological family - themes, sometimes excessive metaphor, a great cast, and a unique narration style that I sometimes loved and sometimes rolled my eyes at. Uninspiring romance between the main characters, but a really nice one in the background. Platonic relationships really shone through.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by The Original Susanne) This movie was great. Awesome cast, funny, hit on some major social issues, but wasn't cliche.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) The second book in a trilogy, I found this one more exciting than the first. I was more invested in the main characters after spending a whole book with them, and there were some great twists that really paid off. I like the gritty world, which has a real ASOIAF feel, but the focus on just a couple key characters makes it less about the world building and more about the character arcs. The weight of history that is constantly present in ASOIAF is almost completely absent here (with the exception of one character), and although I love intricate worlds it makes this an easier read. If you are a fan of ASOIAF or the Gentleman Bastard series, I would really recommend this one. Feels like a middle-ground between the two.

⭐ 5.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) On the rewatch, I realized I like where all our characters end up when the season concludes. The bullet point outline of the season is solid, with some major moments and epic set pieces. It was clear they had checkpoints to reach, but the way every single thread got there was pretty baffling. Ridiculous schemes, useless reveals, fast travel, and incoherent logic make for a frustrating watch, undermining the world building they have been doing so expertly for 6 seasons. But hey, there are some pretty sweet battle scenes.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) The older the 1D boys get, the more I like their music. I was never a huge One Direction fan but I will say it’s hard to ignore the talent of the individual members. This album feels really folky which is a great sound for him. To Be So Lonely and Watermelon Sugar are stand out tracks, but Falling takes the crown.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This was technically a reread, though a unique experience for me because I listened to it on audiobook as read by the great Christopher Lee. I wanted to appear unbiased in this review, but I must say this book is deeply underrated! The ancient-tale writing style and the heart wrenching manner of the book, upon reread, forced me to consider this as my second favorite work by Tolkien behind only LOTR. It is absolutely not for everyone and you almost have to be a Tolkien fan beforehand to enjoy it, but in terms of written fantasy, this is some of the best. Extra credit for Lee, although he reads super slow and kinda makes every voice sound like Saruman...

⭐ 6.5/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) A gender-swapped retelling of Robin Hood, where Robin dies (😦) and Marian gets caught up pretending to be him and helping the people in his place. Super cool concept, not great execution, which was especially disappointing because I loved her other book, Hunted. I was really invested for much of the book, but then it got convoluted, and I hated the romance. It just felt messy and unnecessarily long in the end.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I spent half this show trying to figure out who the main character was without googling it; it’s the “fairy godmother” from A Cinderella Story with Hillary Duff. Goodnight. Really enjoyed this show. Every episode was more intense than the last and I never could have predicted what was gonna happen next. Felt like a really great, fresh spin in the superhero genre. Pretty dark, lots of swears, so definitely not for everyone.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This is a book about how and to what degree genetics influence athletic performance (why Jamaicans are good sprinters, Kenyans good Marathon runners, etc). This is the second Epstein book I've read and he's quickly becoming my favorite journalist. Everything in this book was is incredibly interesting and enlightening. I feel like I'll never view sports the same way again. Even if you have little interests in sports, I feel like anyone would find this book interesting as it gives tons of insight into genetics and why cultures developed the way they did. It just missed a 10 because I just can't be the guy who gives a sports book a perfect score 🤷‍♂️

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Jess) I really enjoyed this movie, a lot more than I thought I would. It had more humour than I was expecting, which I appreciated.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I wanted to read this because McCaffrey was one of the first female writers of SFF, and the first to win a Hugo and a Nebula. And many credit her books as the ones to get them into fantasy as kids. Also DRAGONS! I really appreciated this cool blend of sci-fi and fantasy - dragons in space! And I can see why this book captured a lot of hearts, especially in the 60s when this would be been really new and fresh. I enjoyed a lot of parts of it, and what it represents. But there are many problematic elements for today's readers as well, especially concerning gender roles, sexism, and consent. I'm glad I read it, particularly for my understanding of the history of fantasy novels, but I think the genre has improved since.

⭐ 5.0/10 (Originally written by kare) May I present a review based on true events that occurred in the closing moments of my film-watching experience. The final dialogue is spoken. The screen fades to black. A moment of silence in this surprisingly full theatre as we sit together in the dark, suddenly very aware of our own mortality. A man bursts into laughter. The credits roll. We are all this man.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by kare) I stumbled across this album by accident one day, and what a happy accident it was! I’ve enjoyed a couple of Ingrid’s songs in the past, but never listened to enough of them to consider myself a true fan of hers. Until now. This album is definitely in my top 5 favourites of all time, and she has earned the title of my favourite female artist.  If you can’t tell by the title, it’s an entire album of songs inspired by Stranger Things. As a big fan of the series, that piqued my interest right off the bat. I went in expecting a fun listen. I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to embark on. I danced, I smiled, I cried, and I found my love for the show renewing and enhancing with every song.  Ingrid, being a self-proclaimed superfan of Stranger Things herself (celebrities, they’re just like us!), put so much thought into the writing of these songs to help the listener get into the minds of the characters. She stay...

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by DominantLaw) Anyone who doesn’t like this movie is getting blocked and deleted

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by CRACKPIPE) By far my favourite game on the ps2. GTA san andreas features a large open world filled with gangs and violence that you can jump right into with free roam, or 1 of the hundreds of different missions from racing and robbing to Showing the cholos your hydraulic lowriding skills. listening to classic hip hop stations while driving around the hood you have to protect from rival gangs gives you a real gangster like feel while playing the main character. The story also doesnt dissapoint when bonds are broken and families torn. However it truly lacks the suspension that lures you further in the story.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Paul) What more could you ask for in perfection. I would say this album is one of my top 10 albums of forever. The huge difference in the human condition to GSP is amazing and the amount of influences brought on this album from so many other great artists / producers is just wonderful.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Paul) Neotheater from AJR. Absolutely incredible album and I will continue to listen to this album for years to come. The production quality put into this album by Ryan is so very impressive and keeps me wanting more. The tiny easter eggs put into the album are also a fun treat for replay-ability.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Will) A bit experimental for them, and overall just ok for me. It's kind of slowly been getting better as I listen to it more, but there's very little here that stands out for me. That being said, I love some of their older stuff so even "just ok" from them is worth listening to for me.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Will) I've been listening to this again lately, and it is still an absolute masterpiece. This was my most memorable musical experience of the last decade I think. I don't love every song by any means but there are enough incredible tracks, and the soundtrack does a masterful job of telling the story. Favorite tracks (but you have to listen to the whole thing in order the first few times!) Satisfied My Shot Stay Alive Guns & Ships

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Burned through this game really quickly, as the constant skill upgrades make traversing the map quicker and more fun throughout. The art is beautiful, the music is beautiful. Only negatives are that there are certain level designs I found unfairly frustrating, as finer movement was difficult. Also unclear what the story is about, and the intro to that story is painfully slow. Would have given it a higher score, but I found myself comparing it to Hollow Knight the whole time, which is a 10 for me. This is a much shorter game, with a smaller map and less interesting bosses/combat, but it was excellent nonetheless. Can't wait for more.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This is nearly the perfect video game in my opinion. The gameplay was awesome with smooth mechanics and fun movement. It has terrific visuals and music, and the story is cute although pretty abstract and a little hard to understand. I have no real complaints, but I find it hard to give it a 10 perhaps just because it was short and I didn't feel too immersed, even at the end. I would love to see things like bosses and challenging end game content in the sequel.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Not a great season, and maybe the first indicator that the show might be going off the rails without a book to follow anymore. Lot's of characters on meaningless or boring quests, with random bursts of excitement or reveals. However, it also has 3 spectacular episodes, including a sequence that is probably the best of the entire series. The last 2 episodes in particular are incredible, so recency bias forces me to bump the score up a full star higher than I thought I would.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) This books is about a family that moves to Iraq in 2006 as missionaries. Their mission has changed over the years. From, we must convert these Muslims! To, “love first, ask questions later”. To now, where their life is ruled by the mantra “Love Anyway”. Really, really hard book to read. Felt like fiction at times because the reality was so horrific. Made Evil seem so big and consuming. But they press on, and are pressing in and building that new Kingdom that is built on and with Love. This book made me cry a lot but gave me so much hope. One of those things that’s hard to recommend but important to know about. I learned a lot about the Middle East and the wars that have decimated the area. Learned a lot about peacemaking and loving anyway.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Jona) It took some time to get through the last quarter of the book, but overall it was a great read. A true story of redemption, perseverance, and a desire to change the world. One person's actions can make a lasting impact. It was also a healthy reminder that it doesn’t matter how far you feel from God, He can still use your gifts and passion to serve.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) I couldn't decide how I felt about this movie in terms of its social message, so I'll just say that I thought it was thoughtful and put the characters in unique positions, though it may have been over simplistic. I did think this movie was genuinely hilarious and I loved Italian Aragorn, qualities I was not expecting.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Rebecca) I rewatch this movie approximately once a year but every time I have to re-remember how to make sense of it. That being said, I feel like I get something new out of it ever time, and am blown away by how cool the concept is and how they pull it off. You do have to pay SUPER close attention, though. Can't get distracted for a second, even on your fifth time rewatching...

⭐ 5.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Well. This was... something. I mean, the source material itself is super weird and not really intended for the masses. But then they tried to make it into a movie and add some plot and typical Hollywood elements and made it way worse. The musical doesn't make sense, so don't try!! Who was this for?? That said, I had a GREAT time watching this, laughing incredulously at the terrible attempts to form a plot out of it and the bad special effects. And like, the songs are great because my man Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote them. But how much I enjoyed it is not equal to how good it was.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Oiracul) The progression through each character and the family business is really engaging to see. The show is set after the first world war, and shows a magnificent depiction of the psychological effects of the war through each of the characters. You really see how these effects impact the actions of the characters living in a crime ridden area in Burmingham. There is a lot of violence and substance use so not necessarily family friendly but would really recommend to those more mature.

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Oiracul) The setting looked great and the addition of the wild area was awesome but it still felt lack luster. Not an amazing soundtrack and the story felt unrealized but the gameplay was still enjoyable.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Jess) A rewatch. I enjoyed it just as much the second time, I love David Tennant and Olivia Colman. It was just so hard not to react to things so that Joe wouldn’t get any hints. My goal was to closely observe the murderer during the show to see if I missed things the first time around. If you’re a sucker for British TV like me, watch it.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) This was a murder mystery and a good one at that. I was ready to give it 9 or 10 stars, but I will say the last episode felt a little unearned for both the audience and the characters. Nonetheless, this show had almost everything I could have wanted. The acting and writing was terrific with the two leads being exceptional. The cinematography was great though a little over the top at times. But overall the tension it created made me want to keep watching.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) This book was a real page turner! I can’t actually remember the last time I read something so quickly. It had me guessing til the end and I enjoyed reading it! The characters are intriguing and their stories are intertwined in powerful, albeit unrealistic, ways—the novel kept me sucked into their world to the very last page.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I enjoyed this a lot. It was quirky and funny, but it still made me wrestle with tough questions. I can see why the parents wanted to live off the grid and cut off from capitalist America! The cast of kids was also great, and the scenes of them surviving in the forest almost made me want to get up and climb some rocks or something.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Abefrozo) my new fav browser game. simple mindless fun

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) In terms of a biography, this book was mostly just okay. NT Wright seemed less concerned with writing a biography than he was exploring Paul's writings and evolution of thought. He often states that his goal is to describe "what made Paul tick" which just isn't the point of a biography. In terms of a book on theology, this book is also just okay. I've read his work before, and I just find it a bit dry. However, there was some great stuff in this book and it really helped Paul appear more human. If you read it, I would encourage reading the paper version rather than audiobook like I did so you can sit down and look stuff up as you read. Lots to learn here, but too much to plod through in order to find it.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I feel like this movie should be a rite of passage for every person graduating high school - both as a warning and because it’s so great. This movie was so awkward at times which made it feel so real to me. I thought her parents were amazing and so supportive. I will say though, she makes being pregnant look veryyyy easy. Michael Cera=legend.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Went in with no expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. Well cast and well written. I've never been to the 1950s but I imagine they did a very good job recreating the time because it all feels real.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Mathew) Incredibly well done show that took the source material very seriously. The changes made from the books may have seemed out of place at first but nearly always resolved themselves for the bigger picture. Only complaint was the occasional time it was obvious they had to make small cuts with the CGI (missing daemon companions). Highly recommended but the books should definitely be read first. I'll have to write a 10/10 review for those shortly.

⭐ 3.0/10 (Originally written by Will) I gave this a shot because Ryan Reynolds and because Netflix spent a ton of money on it, but I couldn't even finish it. I just had no idea what the movie was trying to be. There are outrageous car chase and parkour scenes reminiscent of The Fast and The Furious, almost immediately followed by scenes that look like they're taken from a war documentary filmed in Iraq in 2001. The violence in the movie is also purposely, ridiculously over-the-top at times, which just isn't my thing. Hard pass for me.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) I was less emotionally moved during this season, and laughed less than last season, but the show is as sharp as ever. Very clearly has a lot to say about God, and I was fascinated by some of the plot wrinkles it introduced. I think I maybe burned through the season too quickly, not enough time to dwell on things. But with only 6 episodes, each under 30 minutes, it was almost too easy. Edit - Rewatched this with my wife, and was able to appreciate it more. Definitely better than the first season, a lot more tension, and the ending made us both very emotional. The theory that I watched it too fast the first time is for sure the reason my initial score was so low.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) Hard to recommend this one, given that the main character lives a... let's call it "unwholesome"... lifestyle. However, the show really picks up when you realize her immoral pursuits are her attempts to cope with some severe trauma in her past, making you second guess every laugh she has caused. Some really great moments as it explores how people attempt to deal with grief, guilt, betrayal and family.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) Very funny moments, very good writing, but it was hard for me to get past how screwed up and damaged fleabag was. I couldn't understand her way of life and her choices and as great as the show was, it was hard for me to be entertained by her raunch. 100% worth the watch JUST to get to Season 2.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) I enjoyed this season of Fleabag much more than Season 1. Much less raunchy, we see our fleabag deal with trauma, family drama and fall in love. This season had me cheering for her happiness, laughing out loud, and sobbing as we... (SPOILER) weren't invited to follow her story any longer. This legit wrecked me, and I feel like I experienced every high and low of human emotion with fleabag this season. (Tim can attest I cried a lot when the show ended) Season 1 IS a necessary pre-cursor to season 2, but season 2 blew me away.

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Jess Dyck) As someone who would not describe herself as a "true" Star Wars fan, this movie was just a whole lot of fun! I love these characters, the action was sweet and there are some genuinely funny moments. I understand the frustration people have with story inconsistency, the film having no stakes, and just generally making zero sense, but I had a good time watching it!

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Best movie I saw in 2019. Cinematography is incredible, and the story is like nothing I have seen. Things really go off the rails in a way I did not expect, which is a huge payoff for all the suspense that is built throughout. It is also a movie I keep thinking about - has a lot to say about wealth disparity, but there are a ton of other themes and ideas being expressed. Expertly crafted, feels like a movie where every time you watch it you will notice other details and make new connections. I have had some great conversations with friends who explained things I didn't understand or made connections I couldn't. Go see it.