Reviews – Page 46

Crooked House by Agatha Christie – Book Review

November 15, 2018November 9, 2022yggdrasille

Another of my favourite standalone Christie novels, this book also came with the author’s foreword calling it one of her own special favourites and a joy to write (according to Dame Agatha the usual ratio is one book that’s real pleasure to five that are hard work).

Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant – Book Review

November 13, 2018March 15, 2024yggdrasille

Time for some classic French literature! I first read Guy de Maupassant while still in Russia, and the worn-out collection of his short stories was one of the few books I took with us when we emigrated to Australia.

Alien: Resurrection – Film Review

November 8, 2018June 13, 2024yggdrasille

I’ve always had a soft spot for this black sheep of the Alien franchise, probably because I can never hate a movie that’s so utterly bizarre. Since I’ve re-watched Alien 3 recently I thought I might go back and bask again in its weird, awkward, misshapen glory.

A Star is Born – Film Review

November 6, 2018January 12, 2023yggdrasille

There are few things more enjoyable than a big bold old-fashioned melodrama done well, and this new version of an old story with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is melodrama with a whole lot of heart done very very well.

A Royal Affair – Film Review

November 4, 2018July 26, 2024yggdrasille

I continued my recent Danish streak with this historical film about adultery and Enlightenment in the 18th century Denmark, which succeeds both as a sweeping romance and a tense political drama.

The View From the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman – Book Review

November 1, 2018December 19, 2025yggdrasille

I’ll read (almost) anything by Neil Gaiman, so I’m the perfect audience for this non-fiction collection of random bits and bobs Gaiman produced over the years: essays, introductions for other writers’ books, album liner notes, speeches given at professional events, autobiographical pieces and many more.

New Music 10/2018 – Bikini Kill, Elbow, case/lang/veirs

October 30, 2018yggdrasille

90s riot grrrl punk rock; another fine album from one of my favourite UK bands; a folk supergroup make magic together.

Alien 3 – Film Review

October 23, 2018February 5, 2022yggdrasille

My usual stance on this movie is living in Denialville; lalalalala not listening, Ripley, Newt and Hicks made it back to Earth and lived happily ever after with Jonesy the cat. For whatever reason, recently I felt an urge to revisit this dour and divisive entry in the Alien franchise, maybe because watching Alien: Covenant gave me a new appreciation for the installments that at least attempted to do something different.

The Secret in Their Eyes – Film Review

October 16, 2018June 24, 2025yggdrasille

This gripping crime drama (winner of the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2010 Academy Awards) is the first film from Argentina I’ve seen. I definitely would like to watch more.