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⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This movie is honestly so wild and weird and I loved every minute. It's about an Indian-British teenaged girl who wants to be a stuntwoman, and when her older sister gets engaged, she decides to save her sister from a marriage she thinks is suspicious. It's hilarious from the beginning, and I could not figure out what tone they were going for at first, but eventually it's clear that it's just going for pure ridiculousness. I can't think of another movie I can compare it to, and I expect it borrowed a lot from Bollywood. It's wonderful and wildly funny.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) This was a book club pick, and I was glad to have a reason to finally read a King novel, since I've been curious. Turns out it's not really for me. Louis and his family have moved to a new house in Maine. Close to their house is a pet cemetery, which unsettles the family, and creepy things start to happen. I just assumed that Stephen King books were super scary the whole way through, but it ended up being a lot slower-paced than I expected. A few slightly creepy things happen here and there, and then the last 30 pages were intense. And I just felt like things weren't really adding up, and I need speculative books to have a clear interior logic. I enjoyed parts of the writing and descriptions, and some of the conversation about grief was well done. But the pacing was wonky and I didn't like the epilogue. I doubt I'll try any more King

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Rachel moves to Mumbai with her new Indian husband, hoping that this new country will help her find a new purpose. But soon her mother-in-law, Swati, shows up and announces she's left her husband and is moving in. This is a book about the two women learning to understand and learn from each other and find their own paths through life. It was also the most relatable account of moving to a new country very different from your own that I've read, and despite our different circumstances, it just matched my own experience and feelings so well. It's a pretty slow-moving book that's more character study than plot, but this time it worked for me.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) So this movie is considered like, one of the all-time greats. I watched it when it came out, and liked it, but honestly didn't really get the all-timer hype. After rewatching it, I think my opinion is mostly the same. I think that on the surface, this movie is funny and has this great sense of pace and flair. It's snappy and has lots of cool, artsy shots, and I appreciate all that. That montage midway through that essentially feels like a heist is amazing, and maybe my favorite moment. I also really liked the darkness and mystery that the movie has that kinda jumps out. The tone is pretty different than the rest of the movie, so it really works. I've also always loved how Bong Joo-ho talks about poverty. Better than anyone, he really gets this point that there is little solidarity between poor people, and we're all all willing to step on others if it means getting a leg up, or will willingly leech off the rich. To show this in a s...

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Will) This is a true story that was lots of fun. Some of the details are lightly fictionalized, but it's largely from the author's research and available historical documents. It's got treasure, shipwrecks, scurvy, Robinson Crusoe vibes, and so much more. Recommend for everyone, but docking half a star because the book would have been 10% shorter if the author cut out half his descriptions of how wild the waves were at any given point in time.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) This movie is a 10 I don’t even care. It’s hilarious, inspiring, clever, and so much more. The songs are great, the line delivery is impeccable. It’s so quotable. It’s iconic. Reese Witherspoon is the moment.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Lots of very nice things have already been said about this movie here, but now that I've rewatched it, I've got some to add. Because yeah, this is basically the perfect movie. This is Pixar at the height of their creative power. It's actually kinda interesting to see, because recently all their movies have been about humans, while this movie came out in the era of Cars, Nemo and Monsters Inc. I just can't imagine Disney greenlighting a sci-fi movie about robots who don't say a word for the first 40 minutes today. But yeah, it's a great sci-fi concept that could totally be used in a Hollywood Blockbuster. It's smart and timely, has a great modern theme. But beyond that, this is actually a very beautiful romance movie! That's the part I think I never fully appreciated. So wonderfully wholesome and powerful. Lastly I will just say this movie seems like one that the creators had a ball making. It's funny and char...

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) Ambrose is sent into space to save his sister, but he wakes up not remembering the launch and also paired with another traveler, Kodiak. They have to get along in the small space, and eventually work together when they realize that not everything is as it should be on their voyage. This book went in places I never expected, and got a lot deeper and philosophical than I would've guessed from a YA sci-fi gay romance novel. It ended up being really beautiful and poignant about humanity and purpose and long-lasting love. Honestly, it should've been written for adults and I don't know why it was marketed to teens, but probably all ages would enjoy it.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) There was so much hype around this book last year, but John Green said he loved it so I believed him that it was good. It's about Sam and Sadie, who have had a complicated friendship for decades, who work together to make video games. Told non-linearly, they meet, become estranged, meet again, become successful, struggle... The writing was superb, just that next-level skill that I can't define, but I knew I'd love it right away. It was witty and deep and wise and really captured the human experience. And I don't even care that much about video games, but it gave me a deeper appreciation for them.

⭐ 5.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) Truly devastated at the plummet this show took in my mind. I could go on and on about the negatives. Introducing all these new characters that all suck and aren't interesting. Making the story about a group of people reclaiming a home world that we have no interest or connection in. Calling the Marvel wing of Disney and being told "oh ya, you gotta end the season with a CGI barf-fest of a battle that takes place in the air". Does this show even care about its titular character anymore? Because previous season were about, you know The Mandalorian. They made him look cool, maybe incompetent at times, but a cowboy/samurai in space protecting an adorable baby. I guess it was too successful so they decided to turn it into Kenobi or Boba Fett, two shows that are absolutely atrocious. This season strays so far from what I thought made it good. Its a fantasy series, I get that you need to use the whole galaxy and introduce more people with the...

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Tim) Easily my least favourite of the Hobb books so far, it is hard to judge because it truly feels like the middle section of a very long book, and I wonder if I will look back on it more fondly once I finish this trilogy. It felt like almost no progress was made, and when I think back on memorable moments I often think of things that actually happened in the first book. My main complaint is the stagnant location. Fantasy books need to have a bit of exploration and this one stays in the same place basically the whole book. There is a ton in this book about fatherhood, and I will be a dad soon so it was a bit more touching than it would have been otherwise, especially the parallels of the different dads and foster children throughout the generations of this story. It goes deeper into the magic but it a much more conversational way, instead of putting the characters in novel situations that they need to get out of. I liked the way it brought it a coupl...

⭐ 6.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) Last time we watched a Pixar movie we hadn't seen in Big Hero Six (well, Jess hadn't seen), it became an instant classic in our house. So we decided to give Pixar another chance with one that passed us both by. And well, this one isn't great. Hard to be too critical, since these are kids movies at the end of the day and I am not the target audience, but the compelling idea of Toy Story but with video games doesn't really work. We spend a lot of time with a very annoying character in the little girl, which has a lot to with why I didn't love this one. I like the idea of a bad guy trying to find love, but it just gets convoluted and I ended up zoning out pretty hard, even falling asleep at one point. I will say it deserves credit for not going full Space Jam 2 or Ready Player One with an IP mess of references that have people pointing at the screen in recognition of a small detail. I liked that they made up a whole new game, bu...

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Tim) If Donald Glover makes a TV show I am going to watch it, even if it looks as scary as this one. I was getting some Jordan Peele vibes from the trailer, so I was excited to see what it was like, and it was about as good as I expected. A mega-fan of a particular artist (who is basically just Beyonce) is a part of the "hive", where she is super protective of the artist online, to the point that she ends up killing people in her name. So ya, it gets dark quick. Dominique Fishback is the star, and she is incredible, very unnerving and playing the part so well. She was amazing in Judas and The Black Messiah as well, so its nice to see her getting a lead role. But the real great part of this show was how modern it felt, with the way social media is used and celebrity lives are talked about as if they are family members. The parallels were spooky, and there is even an episode that had me convinced this was all a true story (its not). This show...

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) I loved this. It was so much fun and creative and colourful. The voice acting was amazing and the different worlds were so much fun to explore. So many times I pointed to the screen in glee because of a specific call back to the games. At an hour and a half this movie wastes no time and jumps at a good pace from scene scene. Highly recommend for everyone.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I know only the basics about D&D, but luckily that is not necessary to enjoy this movie. I had a great time watching this! It's silly and funny with a great ensemble cast.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Not sure what led to me rewatching this, but I was genuinely curious to know if I'd still like it. Just look at that cast! I really cannot imagine a group of famous people coming together like this anymore. We have Jeff Goldbloom, Sandra Bullock, Patrick Stewart and Martin Short all just in bit rolls. In a Christian movie?! And yet, I thought the actual movie was kinda meh. Lots of melodrama, especially with Ramses who is the only one to have his accent (not even his parents..?). Despite the cast, I thought the lines were pretty stiff, which probably speaks more to the writing. This is also a kids movie, but is super dark and very serious and has basically no laughs. BUT! HOLY CRAP! This movie is absolute non-stop bangers from start to finish. This might be the best animated musical out there in terms of just music. There is not a bad song. These are all consistent 9-10s. "Let me people go" is such an intense banger that I had to h...

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Man, what a great movie. It's not Pixar, but this felt like one of those prime 1995-2010 era Disney movies. From animation to being legit funny to having some nice emotional moments, I thought this movie had it all. It actually kinda combines some of my favorite current things in that it's a Western/ Fairy-tale mashup and I love it. It borrowed the reduced frame speed for action scenes from Spider-verse which I thought was a cool touch. I would say that maybe one slight negative is that the two main characters are also kinda the least interesting. But that little chihuahua killed me, especially that scene where he was getting bleeped out. A timeless gag that I will laugh at every time.

⭐ 10.0/10 (Originally written by Joseph) Again, as often the case with Lucy (we're on first-name terms by now), this is not really a book I should have any business enjoying. I am almost certainly not the intended audience, and there is not one murder, heist or battle to speak of. But by now, I have fallen completely in love with Lucy and I love her writing style as much as anyone's. The first half of this book is hilarious. It is mostly classic Green Gables style with lots of interaction between our heroine and all the ridiculous people from her rural small town. I will never tire of this. It is clever, cheeky, and the way she can turn a phrase kills me every time. But then the second half has a pretty significant tonal shift, and it goes from light and funny to just stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful. These sentences man. The prose transported me to the untamed wilds of Muskoka and I wanted nothing more than to live in a cottage there with my beloved (which -- I cannot emph...

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Beans) This is a 6 song EP about her divorce with other country music star Morgan Evans. I’d argue that it’s her best stuff yet. It comes a few months after her full length album SUBJECT TO CHANGE which I’ve also been listening but I like this one better so this is the one I’m reviewing. This EP is raw and vulnerable and she leaves no stone unturned. Seemingly calling out her ex in most songs in a way that immediately makes you take her side. He released a song about the break up and she took some of the lyrics in one of her songs; it’s all petty but I love it. She is now dating Chase Stokes and I love them together. As I said before, I also listened to her other album that has a few bangers but I think she makes better singles than albums and that’s why I think this EP is perfect - it’s short and concise and amazing. My favourite song is Penthouse.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Beans) This is the last book in the series I started during my two week quarantine in 2020. My sister Maggie recommended them and I I’ve kept up with the releases every time. So definitely a lot of fondness associated with it but the series was so good! The series follows Christopher who was an apothecary’s apprentice but when his master is murdered it sets him on a path to uncover the truth. I’d describe the series as juvenile Sherlock Holmes. Set in London and everything. This book was really good. The puzzles were fun, I never suspected who the villain was, and the friendship was as so great I even shed a few tears. I like this genre cause they are simple enough to fly through (I finished this 450 page book in 2 sittings), but dense enough to have value and meaning.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joseph) I often refer to Breaking Bad as what I consider to be the best show in TV history. It's been a while since I've watched it, and there have been a million amazing shows since this one, so I was nervous I wouldn't like it as much and I'd have to choose a different best. No need! The pilot is amazing, the second is also solid, but I think it's by the third episode where this show rises to another plane. The drama and suspense are all great, but it's the human side that makes this show special. I think that the writing and direction are not just solid, but quite unique. This show LOVES to take it's time, which is unexpected for an underground, drug-dealing thriller. Long shots of Walt sitting by his pool, or looking out over an overpass. There aren't a lot of words all the time, but you get it. You feel the dilemma in your bones. You relate to Walt in such strong ways. Speaking of which, probably the strongest point i...

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) After loving season 1 and seeing the cast for season 2, I was pretty excited for this. And I definitely did still enjoy it, but as an avid Six of Crows fan, I was a bit disappointed with how their storyline was treated. Regardless, I was still mostly there for the Crows and their hijinks, while I was less invested in the Alina/Mal/Darkling storyline. And they were jamming so much story into every episode that most aspects of the story didn't get enough space to breathe. The guy they cast as Wylan (my favourite character) was perfect though, and I liked some of the other additions to the cast. I'm sure I'll watch more seasons if they make them, but Six of Crows should've always been its own show.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Magdalene) I love a creative Austen fanfiction! This is about Anne de Bourgh, who apparently gets zero lines in P&P and is just there to be Darcy's fragile and ill intended that he rebuffs for Lizzie. In this book she is indeed sickly, but only because she's addicted to laudanum but unaware of it, since it was a common medicine for sickly women and her mom insists on it. So the first part of the book and most of her life she is living in a drug-induced haze, ignored and controlled by her mother, and only her governess believes she is destined for more. But eventually she decides to stop taking her medicine and discover her worth, her sexuality, and her own mind. A super interesting take on a very minor character, making her an (unwilling) addict when knowledge of these things was so minimal. I love Lizzie, of course, but I also love when we get characters like Anne - quiet and unassuming, ignored by most but appreciated by the ones who get to...