Movie Review: Shin Godzilla (2016)

Shin Godzilla.jpg

Godzilla needs no introduction, right?

I mean, even if you’re not a fan of Godzilla movies, you know who he is. And you probably know about the current American reboot of the series, which started in 2014, included this year’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and will wrap up next year with Godzilla vs King Kong.

However, you may not be aware that a couple of years ago, Japanese filmmakers made their own original Godzilla movie, the first in over a decade.

I went into this movie not having the slightest clue what the plot was. Really, all I knew is that it was a Japanese Godzilla movie made in 2016. And I really liked it! Thanks to Julie for ordering this for me and adding it to the collection!

Continue reading “Movie Review: Shin Godzilla (2016)”

Old Favorites: Raymond Chandler

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2019, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Next week marks the 131st birthday of noted hardboiled writer Raymond Chandler. You may or may not recognize Chandler’s name, depending on your familiarity with the genre, but you’re sure to have heard of his most famous creation–private eye Philip Marlowe.

And what better way to celebrate Chandler’s birthday–or just get in touch with some great classic detective fiction–than to revisit his work and adaptations of it?

Continue reading “Old Favorites: Raymond Chandler”

Shawn Levy’s The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont (2019)

The Castle on Sunset

“If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont”–Harry Cohn

“If you want to be seen, go to the Beverly Hills Hotel. If you don’t want to be seen, go to Chateau Marmont.”–pretty much everyone who was anyone in Hollywood since the 1930s

Need a relatively quiet place to write a screenplay or stay while you film a project in town? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

Need a private place to stay after your spouse kicked you out of the marital home? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

Need a discrete place to stay for, ahem, extracurricular activities that could endanger your reputation? Check into the Chateau Marmont!

(Obviously I missed my calling writing ad copy for this place. . . .)

Continue reading “Shawn Levy’s The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont (2019)”

Book Buzz: Literary Science Fiction, A Genteel but Murderous Groundhog Day, Regional Ozark Literature

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For July, we’re looking at a haunting story about families and scientific experimentation gone awry, a madcap mystery set on a British estate, and an anthology collection of local literature.

Continue reading “Book Buzz: Literary Science Fiction, A Genteel but Murderous Groundhog Day, Regional Ozark Literature”

The Mule (2018)

The Mule.jpg

I was raised on a steady diet of Clint Eastwood’s iconic 60s and 70s movies. These were mostly his Westerns, both those of the spaghetti and non-spaghetti persuasion, as well as his cop movies. Though Eastwood has gone on to be a noted director for a wide range of acclaimed films–many of which I have enjoyed–I always still think of Clint as, well, The Man with No Name, Dirty Harry, and Josey Wales.

Man with no Name.png
The Man With No Name (though he does actually have a name in all the movies 😉 )

As Eastwood’s career has shifted behind the camera, his own appearances on the other side of the lens have become somewhat rare. Mary-Esther recently suggested I review his latest movie–The Mule (which he stars in, directed, and produced)–and I’m glad I did! It was an interesting change of pace for him that still plays to his strengths as a performer. Thanks for the great suggestion, Mary-Esther!

Continue reading “The Mule (2018)”

Old Favorites: Larry McMurtry

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2019, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Larry McMurtry celebrated his 83rd birthday earlier this month. Anyone who’s known me any length of time knows I’m a big Lonesome Dove fan. But there is a lot more to McMurtry’s work than that series, great as it is on its own, or even just his Western novels. And if you’re interested in exploring more of his work, well, the library has you covered. . . .

Continue reading “Old Favorites: Larry McMurtry”

Exciting News and Announcements

"Our Library, Our Future"
We have a snazzy new logo. 🙂 But that’s not the big announcement.

Usually, I try to do a book review for the second week of every month, but I wanted to take a break from our regular blog programming to chat about some exciting new developments here at the Berryville Public Library. . . .

Continue reading “Exciting News and Announcements”

Book Buzz: Aquatic Friendships, Austen in Pakistan, and a Magician’s Secrets

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For June, we’re looking at historical fiction set on a unique Korean island, a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that is set in modern Pakistan, and a memoir from a magic enthusiast/amateur magician.

Continue reading “Book Buzz: Aquatic Friendships, Austen in Pakistan, and a Magician’s Secrets”

Movie Review: Move Over, Darling (1963)

Move Over, Darling

Confession: Until recently, I had never watched a Doris Day movie.

Now, that’s not to say I had anything against Doris Day! I just had never had the opportunity to watch one of her movies and had never given it much thought beyond that.

A couple of our patrons, Joan and her daughter, are big Doris Day fans. Not too long ago, I was helping them find some Doris Day movies when it came out that I had never watched one. They encouraged me to give one a try, and I thought in light of Day’s recent passing at the age of 97, it would make for a good opportunity for a movie review.

So, a big thank you to Joan and her daughter–I did enjoy the Doris Day movie I watched. 🙂

Continue reading “Movie Review: Move Over, Darling (1963)”

Old Favorites: Arthur Conan Doyle

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2019, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Tomorrow marks the 160th anniversary of Arthur Conan Doyle’s birthday. A doctor and writer of numerous genres, he will always be best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, though his relationship with his most famous creation was a tempestuous one. Doyle himself was an interesting fellow, and what better time to learn more about him?

Continue reading “Old Favorites: Arthur Conan Doyle”