Janice21383
Vancouver Public Library
Janice21383's Completed Shelf
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HeroHero, DVD
DVD - 2004 | ChineseDVD, 2004. Language: Chinese
Janice21383's rating:
Added Dec 23, 2019
The Female ThingThe Female Thing, BookDirt, Sex, Envy, Vulnerability
by Kipnis, LauraBook - 2006 | First editionBook, 2006. First edition
Janice21383's rating:
Added Nov 29, 2019
Comment:
Laura Kipniss is a #MeToo skeptic, a discusser of sexual scandal -- Democrats only -- and a revealer of sexual paranoia on campus (aren't men the REAL victims? Actual quote: "if this is feminism, this is feminism hijacked by melodrama.") Before reading The Female Thing (that title), have a look at some of her articles and interviews she has given. Because you're in for much more of the same. https://www.npr.org/2017/04/09/522909041/laura-kipnis-tackles-campus-sexual-politics-in-unwanted-advances
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/laura-kipnis
https://www.theatlantic.com/author/laura-kipnis/Laura Kipniss is a #MeToo skeptic, a discusser of sexual scandal -- Democrats only -- and a revealer of sexual paranoia on campus (aren't men the REAL victims? Actual quote: "if this is feminism, this is feminism hijacked by melodrama.") Before…
Where Angels Fear to TreadWhere Angels Fear to Tread, DVD
DVD - 1998DVD, 1998
Janice21383's rating:
Added Nov 25, 2019
Comment:
Entertaining, but not a success. The story is topical -- wealthy Englishwoman marries random Italian man -- which would almost be the equivalent of marrying a Central American tribesman or another woman today. The possibilities of cultural misunderstanding and family interference were enormous. But the blend of comedy and tragedy (mostly comedy) doesn't quite jell, and it might have been more plausible if lesser-known actors were the leads. Helen Mirren, for example, is wonderful, but I wondered why she didn't just leave her husband, since she's HELEN MIRREN, if you know what I mean.Entertaining, but not a success. The story is topical -- wealthy Englishwoman marries random Italian man -- which would almost be the equivalent of marrying a Central American tribesman or another woman today. The possibilities of cultural…
The Flipside of FeminismThe Flipside of Feminism, BookWhat Conservative Women Know--and Men Can't Say
by Venker, SuzanneBook - 2011Book, 2011
Janice21383's rating:
Added Nov 07, 2019
Comment:
One of those times you can judge a book by its cover: a photo of a woman with dated hair and makeup (I'd say 1964), in a modest gown, and pregnant. Whether she is barefoot and in the kitchen, I cannot say. For those who don't remember Phyllis Schlafly, she had her heyday in the 1970s and 1980s as an American constitutional lawyer and conservative tastemaker, who campaigned against feminism, abortion, and the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. How she rationalized all that against the message of feminine passivity she pushes I also can't say, but this book is standard stuff, which can be found on right-wing political and/or conservative religious websites. The only reason I can think of for recommending it to female college students is if you are a college student yourself, and need to eliminate as much of the intellectual competition as possible.One of those times you can judge a book by its cover: a photo of a woman with dated hair and makeup (I'd say 1964), in a modest gown, and pregnant. Whether she is barefoot and in the kitchen, I cannot say. For those who don't remember Phyllis…
TrafficTraffic, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
Janice21383's rating:
Added Nov 03, 2019
Comment:
A sprawling look at drug culture, in case anyone's wondering "what's the harm?" True, harm can be reduced by legalization and medical and mental help, but we're fooling ourselves if we think we can get off scot free. This is Stephen Soderburgh's best film, but honestly, I don't care much for him as a director. Traffic is based on a British series of almost the same name -- Traffik (1989) -- which I think is better, but has sadly fallen out of the VPL collection. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096716/A sprawling look at drug culture, in case anyone's wondering "what's the harm?" True, harm can be reduced by legalization and medical and mental help, but we're fooling ourselves if we think we can get off scot free. This is Stephen Soderburgh's…
HAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH THE AGESHAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH THE AGES, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
Janice21383's rating:
Added Nov 03, 2019
Comment:
If you want to see an inspiration for the current film The Lighthouse, Haxan holds up for modern audiences. Surprisingly realistic, considering when it was made and its subject matter. But then, it's about human psychology, which never changes.
The SleepwalkersThe Sleepwalkers, BookHow Europe Went to War in 1914
by Clark, Christopher M.Book - 2013 | First U.S. editionBook, 2013. First U.S. edition
Janice21383's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2019
Comment:
Every new history book needs a hook to sell itself, and The Sleepwalkers's is everyone was equally to blame for World War I. I'm puzzled as to how this a new take, as it has been a standard theory for years, both after WW I and after WW II. Some historians whisper, or out and out state, that the Allies were to blame for the rise of Hitler, because they were mean to Germany after the Great War. You probably heard this in high school. The fact remains that German territorial ambitions in Europe, or fears about them, were one of the main causes of WW I, and the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1894, the Entente Cordiale between France and Britain in 1904, and the convention of 1907 between Britain and Russia were intended to rein Germany in. The Sleepwalkers is supposedly a balanced view, and it mostly is, but readers should be aware that Christopher Clark has written two books highly sympathetic to the rise of Prussia. If you read this, I recommend Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August for another view.Every new history book needs a hook to sell itself, and The Sleepwalkers's is everyone was equally to blame for World War I. I'm puzzled as to how this a new take, as it has been a standard theory for years, both after WW I and after WW II. Some…
Hitler's HollywoodHitler's Hollywood, DVDGerman cinema in the age of propaganda, 1933-1945
DVD - 2018 | GermanDVD, 2018. Language: German
Janice21383's rating:
Added Oct 22, 2019
Comment:
If we accept there are outstanding films made in the Soviet Union and China, when artists struggled for expression under their oppressive regimes, it should follow that the films of Nazi Germany should be reassessed for their merit, not just as historical curiosities. Rudiger Suchsland, director/writer of Hitler's Hollywood, almost makes that case. There were some talented directors and actors trapped by the regime, and certain scenes make you think "hey, this is almost good!" But most of the films were mediocre to poor (think of those films that Turner Classics show at 1 a.m.) Their scripts and even casts were overseen by the starstruck propaganda bureaucrat himself, Joseph Goebbels. The documentary has food for thought about patriotism, entertainment, feminism, Hollywood, and much more -- I would have preferred it be longer, and go into the films in more depth. One technical complaint: the English narration is by Udo Kier, whom I love, but he mumbles the ends of sentences and the background music volume is not adjusted down so we can hear him. Best to watch with subtitles.If we accept there are outstanding films made in the Soviet Union and China, when artists struggled for expression under their oppressive regimes, it should follow that the films of Nazi Germany should be reassessed for their merit, not just as…
DumboDumbo, DVD
DVDDVD
Janice21383's rating:
Added Oct 10, 2019
Comment:
Disney's beloved animated classic -- this is not. It's a jumble of dark, creepy CGI, bad dialogue, self-referential humour and painfully "woke" moments, which are somehow supposed to justify its existence. You want the 1940s version, with gorgeous 2-d animation and memorable songs, which runs a snappy one hour and four minutes. Sure, it has some dated attitudes, but at least your children will stay awake and can discuss them with you afterwards. Jenny Nicholson's review (see video) breaks down how someone not in love with Disney remakes will probably feel about this film.Disney's beloved animated classic -- this is not. It's a jumble of dark, creepy CGI, bad dialogue, self-referential humour and painfully "woke" moments, which are somehow supposed to justify its existence. You want the 1940s version, with gorgeous…
Quotations
- You beautiful one armed cowboy, you've made me a child again.
Video: Dumbo In Depth
Jenny describes why Dumbo is a sad failure. It has spoilers, but do you really care about the extra plot baggage grafted on to the simple original story?
Suitability
Ages 99
UnplannedUnplanned, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Janice21383's rating:
Added Oct 03, 2019
Comment:
Yes, it's a story all right -- but neither dramatic nor true. For some reason, anti-abortion activists have latched onto Unplanned as an unbiased look at this issue in the United States. But when a Planned Parenthood executive character says "abortion is our burgers and fries", you know you're not in Kansas anymore. The film's anti-abortion organization, the one that is depicted as so gentle, reasonable and pure? In real life, Planned Parenthood successfully sued them for threatening violence and misappropriation of their records, an act which may have been orchestrated by the movie's heroine, Abby Johnson. They could still sue her and the film makers for misrepresenting the events of her employment with Planned Parenthood. The production and acting is of higher quality than is typical of films like this, but it's safe to say its bloody and hyper-sensational depiction of a clinic will convince no one who is not convinced already. Or to put it another way, the real events resemble the movie events about as much as Abby Johnson resembles the actress portraying her. ETA: Abby's lies keep being exposed. Who'd have thunk it? https://slate.com/human-interest/2010/01/the-earth-shaking-abortion-that-never-happened.htmlYes, it's a story all right -- but neither dramatic nor true. For some reason, anti-abortion activists have latched onto Unplanned as an unbiased look at this issue in the United States. But when a Planned Parenthood executive character says…
Lie With MeLie With Me, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
Janice21383's rating:
Added Aug 28, 2019
Comment:
Although UK suspense thrillers are my catnip, I can't recommend this one, It was directed by a woman, but written by a man who does not like women, or people in general. You know the kind of thing: women are sluts or victims, or both, the main female character has a dark secret and no friends, and the men in her life are there to show her what's what. The acting is well above average, so it might have worked if it had been written with insight. But as it is, Lie With Me is just depressing. No, you don't get to write about rape and misogyny when you don't know the first thing about it, and enjoy hinting that women deserve it.Although UK suspense thrillers are my catnip, I can't recommend this one, It was directed by a woman, but written by a man who does not like women, or people in general. You know the kind of thing: women are sluts or victims, or both, the main…
Faith of Our FathersFaith of Our Fathers, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
Janice21383's rating:
Added Aug 24, 2019
Comment:
Yet another faith movie from Pureflix that exploits war veterans and patriotism to pull heart strings. If you think it's about anything more than two young men being guilted into that old time religion, you are so, so wrong.
The Quantum ActivistThe Quantum Activist, DVDAmit Goswami
DVD - 2009DVD, 2009
Janice21383's rating:
Added Aug 04, 2019
Comment:
Retired physicist Amit Goswami's theories, which include God is human consciousness, or mysterious energies, or energy in general. There's no doubt that there is energy in the universe, so checkmate there, Dr. Goswami. Such thoughts make many people happy, and are based in Eastern religions and philosophies. But the author goes further, and maintains that science proves God, and other doubtful things. Dr. Goswami seems to be a sweet man who sincerely believes what he is saying; otherwise, I'd be tempted to classify this DVD as more New Age drivel in the style of Deepak Chopra. I don't think it's an accident that Goswami is a RETIRED physicist. I include a Reddit thread, where people discuss his ideas and the problems with them. https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/h0eor/what_is_the_scientific_consensus_on_amit_goswamis/vRetired physicist Amit Goswami's theories, which include God is human consciousness, or mysterious energies, or energy in general. There's no doubt that there is energy in the universe, so checkmate there, Dr. Goswami. Such thoughts make many people…
The World of Charles and Ray EamesThe World of Charles and Ray Eames, Book
Book - 2016Book, 2016
Janice21383's rating:
Added Jul 13, 2019
Die HardDie Hard, DVD
DVD - 2007DVD, 2007
Janice21383's rating:
Added Jul 05, 2019
Comment:
Die Hard has gained near-legendary status, but one upon a time, it was a new film, which I saw in the theatre. I remember thinking "that was fun, but ridiculous." At that time, people were used to more realistic cop/action movies, along the lines of The French Connection. Films like Rambo and Die Hard promoted the first-person shooter style and indestructible hero*, long before they existed in video games. I also remember disliking Bruce Willis's "cowboy" John McLane (whom we're supposed to love), but in no way is he as unpleasant as he is in the next film in the series. And he's more than balanced by Alan Rickman's sublime villain Hans Gruber -- apparently he wrote most of his own part. And the film has other things going for it: a tight "bottle" story, exciting action, and quotable dialogue. Overall, I recommend it, and only wish the following films were as good. *Yes, I know he cut his feet. They didn't bother him long, or in any important way. See attached video.Die Hard has gained near-legendary status, but one upon a time, it was a new film, which I saw in the theatre. I remember thinking "that was fun, but ridiculous." At that time, people were used to more realistic cop/action movies, along the lines of…
Video: Die Quickly
Sure, Die Hard is entertaining, but unconnected to reality. A doctor analyzes the action and the toll it would take on a real life John McLane.
Pacific RimPacific Rim, DVDUprising
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
Janice21383's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2019
Comment:
Warning: this is NOT the original Pacific Rim, but a sequel -- and creators Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro had little or no involvement in it. Some of the characters from the first film reappear, and it's not exactly a bad film, just generic and predictable. Comparing Pacific Rim to Uprising would be an interesting film student exercise in examining the difference between an exciting first film and a disappointing sequel.Warning: this is NOT the original Pacific Rim, but a sequel -- and creators Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro had little or no involvement in it. Some of the characters from the first film reappear, and it's not exactly a bad film, just generic…
NeurotribesNeurotribes, BookThe Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
by Silberman, SteveBook - 2015Book, 2015
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Neurotribes, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 4 copies
Holds: 4 on 4 copies
Janice21383's rating:
Added Jun 07, 2019
Comment:
An engaging series of stories about autism: what it is, how it was treated in the past and at present, and its possible futures. To me, the best -- or at least the one that I needed to read the most -- is the story of Leo and his concerned parents, who are slowly lead down the path of gluten elimination, anti-vaccination, mommy blogging and mega vitamins, to the point they scrimped on measures that could actually help their son (speech and physical therapy) to pay their many medical quacks. They only draw back from chelation therapy when their own intelligence and advice from a concerned doctor grandfather kick in. It is easy to caricature such parents, but Steve Silberman writes with wisdom and compassion.An engaging series of stories about autism: what it is, how it was treated in the past and at present, and its possible futures. To me, the best -- or at least the one that I needed to read the most -- is the story of Leo and his concerned parents,…
Trigger WarningTrigger Warning, Large Print
by Johnstone, William W.Large Print - 2018 | Large print editionLarge Print, 2018. Large print edition
Janice21383's rating:
Added May 26, 2019
Comment:
Unintentionally hilarious story of terrorism and manly manhood on campus, probably written by someone who is very old and who may not have gone to college. Trigger Warning is only available in a Large Print version at VPL, a fact I find telling. Drink! at Audie Murphy references.Unintentionally hilarious story of terrorism and manly manhood on campus, probably written by someone who is very old and who may not have gone to college. Trigger Warning is only available in a Large Print version at VPL, a fact I find telling.…
Video: TW: political correctness won't save you!
Jenny Nicholson breaks down the William W. Johnstone's action story with a message. Can the filmed version, produced by Pureflix, be far behind?
Talking to HeavenTalking to Heaven, DVDA True Story
DVD - 2006DVD, 2006
Janice21383's rating:
Added May 14, 2019
Comment:
The only reason this movie gets any stars at all is because of the number of down-on-their-luck celebrities taking roles in it. If Talking to Heaven is indeed "based on a true story" about James van Praagh, instead of the usual entertainment ghost nonsense, here is his own true story. Van Praagh is a cold reader who relies on guesses and film editing to promote the idea that he is a psychic. (Scroll down to item 2, to see him embarrass himself on live TV. https://www.cracked.com/article_20566_the-6-most-humiliating-public-failures-by-celebrity-psychics.html) If anyone is interested in the real man, shorn of stars, Hollywood glamour, and credibility, I have attached a video with a longer example of his skills.The only reason this movie gets any stars at all is because of the number of down-on-their-luck celebrities taking roles in it. If Talking to Heaven is indeed "based on a true story" about James van Praagh, instead of the usual entertainment ghost…
Video: James Van Praage in action
Will he pass this skeptic's test? Short answer: no.
Oscar and LucindaOscar and Lucinda, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
Janice21383's rating:
Added May 11, 2019
Comment:
An adaptation of Australian author Peter Carey's award-winning novel. If you liked the book, you'll like the movie. If you haven't read the book, it's a comedy/drama with a fantasy spin, NOT a straight-faced period piece. Stellar character work from Cate Blanchett, Tom Wilkinson, and Ralph Fiennes (in an unusual humourous role), and direction from Gillian Armstrong, of a scattered and uneven story.An adaptation of Australian author Peter Carey's award-winning novel. If you liked the book, you'll like the movie. If you haven't read the book, it's a comedy/drama with a fantasy spin, NOT a straight-faced period piece. Stellar character work from…
Video: Oscar & Lucinda trailer
This trailer is a fair representation of what the movie is like, although it does take a serious turn towards the end.
Inside the Atheist MindInside the Atheist Mind, BookUnmasking the Religion of Those Who Say There Is No God
by DeStefano, AnthonyBook - 2018Book, 2018
Janice21383's rating:
Added May 09, 2019
Comment:
To a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and I suppose to devoutly religious people, everything looks like a religion, or perhaps some anti-religious or satanic version of religion. Even lack of belief must come from some authority. That's the only explanation I have for books like this, that "crush" atheists only in their authors' minds. Luckily, it is available at your library, so you don't have to pay to be misinformed. But it would be easier to simply look up the answers to any questions you have on an atheist website, for example: https://www.atheists.org/activism/resources/about-atheism/ Or you could ask atheists, now somewhere between 5% and 11% of the North American population. You may know one. ETA: the reviewer above from Publisher's Weekly (really?!) could also stand to read an atheist website, or read a book written by one. Phew!To a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and I suppose to devoutly religious people, everything looks like a religion, or perhaps some anti-religious or satanic version of religion. Even lack of belief must come from some authority. That's the…
The Sisters BrothersThe Sisters Brothers, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Janice21383's rating:
Added Apr 30, 2019
Comment:
An unconventional Western with two (or four) dubious heroes, and a tone that veers from comedy to tragedy and back again in the same scene or even in the same sentence. What's not to love? Seldom have I cared as much for characters in a movie, which is partly because of the story (from Sidney's own Patrick deWitt), and partly because of the four principal actors. They are so human and real, I just wanted to hug the varmints. Gorgeous cinematography and score, too. If you're looking for something different -- here you go, something different.An unconventional Western with two (or four) dubious heroes, and a tone that veers from comedy to tragedy and back again in the same scene or even in the same sentence. What's not to love? Seldom have I cared as much for characters in a movie, which…
UnplannedUnplanned, BookThe Dramatic True Story of A Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-opening Journey Across the Life Line
by Johnson, AbbyBook - 2010Book, 2010
Janice21383's rating:
Added Apr 21, 2019
Comment:
What a fair and neutral view of both sides of the fence Unplanned is. On one side, wholesome, tolerant protesters, who wouldn't dream of screaming "murderer" at women trying to get healthcare, or shooting an abortion doctor through the head. And they certainly didn't lose $107 million in a suit filed by Planned Parenthood, for among other things, publishing pictures of abortion workers who had been murdered on their website, with X-es over the faces, or publishing "Wanted" posters, complete with home addresses and $5,000 bounty, for people willing to "stop" still-living workers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Coalition_of_Life_Activists On the other side is Dr. Cruella de Ville and her minions, a team of health professionals seemingly trained at Texas Chainsaw Massacre Memorial Hospital. Strangely, Planned Parenthood was cold, even a bit tetchy at the way they were depicted in Abby Johnson's book, and also for the distortion of the real reasons why Ms. Johnson was fired. They sued again, and though the case was thrown out, it may be refiled against the recent film of Unplanned, which apparently is every bit as factual as the book.What a fair and neutral view of both sides of the fence Unplanned is. On one side, wholesome, tolerant protesters, who wouldn't dream of screaming "murderer" at women trying to get healthcare, or shooting an abortion doctor through the head. And…
Fantastic BeastsFantastic Beasts, DVDThe Crimes of Grindelwald
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Janice21383's rating:
Added Apr 21, 2019
Comment:
If you saw the first Fantastic Beasts movie in the theatre, you might remember groans of dismay from the audience when Grindelwald turned into Johnny Depp. Imagine that groan extended over a 133 minute movie, and there you have FB: TCOG. It is well-acted and looks good, if you like a grey and smoky atmosphere, and the beasts are well-designed and charming (you're not going to see much of them, though.) Otherwise, it has little to offer either fans or general viewers, not even consistency with the previous film. Characters are changed and parts of the story are erased without ceremony. Attached is a video by Jenny Nicholson, who explains other problems with the film. So I'll only add that there at least three more in this series to go, and it looks like they're going to tackle WW II and the Holocaust. No, that's not a joke.If you saw the first Fantastic Beasts movie in the theatre, you might remember groans of dismay from the audience when Grindelwald turned into Johnny Depp. Imagine that groan extended over a 133 minute movie, and there you have FB: TCOG. It is…
Video: Crimes of J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter fan Jenny Nicholson does not like Crimes of Grindelwald. A lot.
Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Janice21383's rating:
Added Apr 19, 2019
Comment:
Mary Queen of Scots: the woman, the myth, the martyr. If you think of Mary as a heroine tragically prevented from ruling, you'll like this movie. If you think of her as a tone-deaf political player who lost, there are better films. Saoirse Ronan is a fine actress, but too young to be persuasive -- and Mary needs all the persuasion she can get to convince us she was/would have been a good queen. Re. the script: to quote Matthew Norman of the London Evening Standard it "moonlights...as an undergraduate lecture David Starkey would give after a partial lobotomy." Speaking of whom, watching Starkey's documentaries about this era would be MUCH more entertaining.Mary Queen of Scots: the woman, the myth, the martyr. If you think of Mary as a heroine tragically prevented from ruling, you'll like this movie. If you think of her as a tone-deaf political player who lost, there are better films. Saoirse Ronan is…
Comment: