Valancy1
Vaughan Public Libraries
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Valancy1's rating:
Added Jul 29, 2023
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2023
Comment:
A children's mystery inspired by the discovery of a box of vintage Nancy Drew mysteries? I really loved the premise of this book. Eleven year old Maizy gets caught up in a mystery involving the unexplained appearance of the books. The mystery seems to involve Maizy's grandmother. Maizy acquires two fellow sleuths along the way, and they discover lots of information about the writing of the Nancy Drew series and how it evolved over the years. I loved the homage to Nancy Drew and the author had really done her research about the origins of the series. I liked the trio of girls, and the school project storyline. Overall the book was okay and a pleasant read. I didn't like it as much as I hoped, however. I found the sections with preachy social commentary felt very forced. The discussion about social issues in the original books really cherry-picked the facts and didn't paint a full or accurate picture. Maizy also spends a lot of time doing self-reflection and analyzing her relationship with her friend Izzy, but I found it got a bit too therapy-ish and became a bit of a downer. This book had so much potential, but in the end wasn't as fun as it could have been.A children's mystery inspired by the discovery of a box of vintage Nancy Drew mysteries? I really loved the premise of this book. Eleven year old Maizy gets caught up in a mystery involving the unexplained appearance of the books. The mystery…
Uncut GemsUncut Gems, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2023
Comment:
This is the type of movie that frustrates me. It got amazing, rave reviews and I like thrillers so I got sucked in to watch it, but I found it utterly loathsome. It is a very ugly movie, about absolutely despicable criminal characters doing awful things. There are no characters that I was rooting for, everyone was truly awful. None of these characters are people I would want to spend one minute with in real life. Adam Sandler plays a character completely different from his usual simple one-note comic roles, but the character is vile. This very dark crime thriller was too depressing and unpleasant for me.This is the type of movie that frustrates me. It got amazing, rave reviews and I like thrillers so I got sucked in to watch it, but I found it utterly loathsome. It is a very ugly movie, about absolutely despicable criminal characters doing awful…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2023
Comment:
This is another great entry in this series. It is long, very long....but I still found it a very compelling and enjoyable read. Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are two fascinating characters. I particularly like Robin, and I have really enjoyed the her evolution as a detective over the course of the series. The mystery itself in this book was good. I found it engrossing. The actual ending felt a bit rushed and a smidge anticlimactic after all the build up. I do think this one could have been edited down a bit, since a lot of time was spent on characters and plotlines that turned out to not be important. I appreciate, however, that Rowling is showing that detective work is often painstaking and the result of hard work. If you like the other books in this series, you will like this one too. I'm looking forward to the next installment!This is another great entry in this series. It is long, very long....but I still found it a very compelling and enjoyable read. Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are two fascinating characters. I particularly like Robin, and I have really…
MulanMulan, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2023
Comment:
This movie is beautiful to watch, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. The production is great and the performances are fine, but it the end it just all felt hollow in the middle. It seemed like it had all the right pieces, but it just didn't add up to anything memorable. It was pleasant to watch, but it just ended up feeling kind of generic.This movie is beautiful to watch, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. The production is great and the performances are fine, but it the end it just all felt hollow in the middle. It seemed like it had all the right pieces, but it just…
Run Towards the DangerRun Towards the Danger, BookConfrontations With A Body of Memory
by Polley, SarahBook - 2022Book, 2022
Valancy1's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2022
Comment:
This was certainly a very compelling read. Not a traditional autobiography, former child actress and contemporary film director Sarah Polley examines some significant periods in her life. Her stories of being an young child working on a Terry Gilliam film, being onstage at Stratford, experiencing various medical challenges like scoliosis, concussion and a very challenging childbirth are all fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking. Her story of abuse and manipulation by a famous person was sadly relatable. Polley tells her stories with honesty and explores the complex emotions that accompany trauma. But I found it frustrating at times that Polley, who resents people making assumptions about her, would make assumptions about others and grandly state things as facts that aren't facts all at. She criticized L.M. Montgomery for not writing diverse books, when Montgomery was in fact writing about the world and the people she knew and many of her characters were based on real-life people around her. Polley also stated definitely the Montgomery committed suicide, but this is speculation and there legitimate arguments both ways. The truth will never be known, so it feels irresponsible for Polley to state it as fact. She also states Lewis Carroll was a pedophile. Again, this is conjecture, and there are arguments both for and against this. It is irresponsible to just state something as fact when the facts will never be known. I also found it patronizing that several times she sneeringly referred to fans of L.M. Montgomery and The Road to Avonlea, the show Polley starred in, as "wholesome-looking girls". I never like it when people appear to dismiss and be condescending to their fans. Overall it was a very fascinating, thoughtful book and I commend Polley for examining difficult times in her life, I just wish she wasn't quite so judgmental about the situations of others.This was certainly a very compelling read. Not a traditional autobiography, former child actress and contemporary film director Sarah Polley examines some significant periods in her life. Her stories of being an young child working on a Terry…
Weathering With YouWeathering With You, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Dec 04, 2022
Comment:
This was a unique and interesting animated film. The animation was beautiful and creative. The story, which takes place in Tokyo, is about a young girl who can control the weather and a boy who befriends her. The movie is a fantasy about friendship and emotions. It was a lovely, thoughtful film. I'm not sure if the ending quite lived up to the premise, but the overall film was a good experience.This was a unique and interesting animated film. The animation was beautiful and creative. The story, which takes place in Tokyo, is about a young girl who can control the weather and a boy who befriends her. The movie is a fantasy about…
UnhingedUnhinged, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Oct 10, 2022
Comment:
This was more entertaining than I was expecting. To be honest, I only watched this road rage/revenge movie because Russell Crowe is in it, but it was a gripping, fast-paced thriller. It wasn't particularly clever or well-written, but it was suspenseful and absorbing. Russell Crowe was extremely convincing as the menacing, rage-filled villain. I wish the rest of the movie was a little better, but he was great! Without him, it would have been an average thriller, but his performance made it worth watching.This was more entertaining than I was expecting. To be honest, I only watched this road rage/revenge movie because Russell Crowe is in it, but it was a gripping, fast-paced thriller. It wasn't particularly clever or well-written, but it was…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Jun 26, 2022
Valancy1's rating:
Added May 15, 2022
Comment:
Another absolutely gorgeous non-fiction picture book by April Pulley Sayre. This book is full of absolutely exquisite photos taken in the fog. You will never look at fog the same way again! Sayre explores the beauty and mystery of fog. This book has very simple accessible text that makes it ideal for young readers, but it is also full of information too. I really love this author's series of nature-themed books full of the most extraordinary photographs! Highly, highly recommended.Another absolutely gorgeous non-fiction picture book by April Pulley Sayre. This book is full of absolutely exquisite photos taken in the fog. You will never look at fog the same way again! Sayre explores the beauty and mystery of fog. This book…
Angel of MineAngel of Mine, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Valancy1's rating:
Added May 15, 2022
Comment:
This was quite a good psychological thriller. Noomi Rapace was excellent as a grieving mother who thinks her deceased daughter may still be alive. She begins infiltrating herself into the lives of the family that she believes has her daughter. It was a fairly short, small film. But it was quite engrossing, suspenseful and thrilling. I'm glad I stumbled across this under the radar gem.This was quite a good psychological thriller. Noomi Rapace was excellent as a grieving mother who thinks her deceased daughter may still be alive. She begins infiltrating herself into the lives of the family that she believes has her daughter. It…
Can You Keep A Secret?Can You Keep A Secret?, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 18, 2022
Comment:
I wanted to like this, but it wasn't easy. This movie is based on a standalone Sophie Kinsella book which I quite like. The book is funny and charming, but the movie kind of missed. The story features a young women on a plane who thinks it's about the crash because of turbulence and spills all of her big secrets to the handsome stranger next to her....who turns out to be her new boss. Alexandra Daddario plays the lead. She is an incredibly beautiful woman, but they made her look bad in this. It looked like she never washed or brushed her hair! The script was bland. The cinematography was poor quality. Some would-be r-rated raunchy dialogue was very cringy. Still, if you like rom-coms and basically turn your brain off while watching it, it was occasionally mildly amusing. If you are looking for a very mild diversion and have nothing else to watch, I have seen worse films so it might be worth watching as long as you keep your expectations low.I wanted to like this, but it wasn't easy. This movie is based on a standalone Sophie Kinsella book which I quite like. The book is funny and charming, but the movie kind of missed. The story features a young women on a plane who thinks it's…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 18, 2022
Comment:
A perfect book for spring. Or anytime, really. I love these gorgeous, non-fiction picture books by April Pulley Sayre. They are full of the most beautiful, glorious photographs of nature and accompanied by simple, accessible text. This book celebrates the wonder and beauty of rain. Even though it is non-fiction, the text is simple enough that it could be used in a storytime. The photos are just stunning. April Pulley Sayre has other similarly beautiful non-fiction picture books celebrating our wonderful planet. This book is highly highly recommended.A perfect book for spring. Or anytime, really. I love these gorgeous, non-fiction picture books by April Pulley Sayre. They are full of the most beautiful, glorious photographs of nature and accompanied by simple, accessible text. This book…
Charlie's AngelsCharlie's Angels, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 16, 2022
Comment:
This was more enjoyable than I was expecting. I don't understand the hate and criticism directed at this reboot. It was entertaining enough, the leads, particularly Kristen Stewart, did a good job. The plot was sometimes silly and some of the would-be humour didn't quite work. It was an entertaining action film with sufficient twists and turns and no sillier and more preposterous in the end than many male-led action films. It wasn't outstanding or brilliant, but I thought it was a decent enough action movie and it doesn't deserve the vitriol aimed its way.This was more enjoyable than I was expecting. I don't understand the hate and criticism directed at this reboot. It was entertaining enough, the leads, particularly Kristen Stewart, did a good job. The plot was sometimes silly and some of the…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Apr 16, 2022
Comment:
This is a lovely, haunting and poignant picture book. "Outside", aka nature, is always waiting for us, and "Outside" is always helping us in so many ways. This gorgeous, simple story shows shows how beautiful and varied "Outside" is, and how connected we are to nature. This is a book that will make you want to rush outside and spend time admiring our wonderful planet. Highly recommended.This is a lovely, haunting and poignant picture book. "Outside", aka nature, is always waiting for us, and "Outside" is always helping us in so many ways. This gorgeous, simple story shows shows how beautiful and varied "Outside" is, and how…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2022
Comment:
This book was such an unexpected delight! This is a truly charming, sweet animal story that is perfect for grades 2-4. The main character is a lonely mouse, Mona, who is stranded and homeless in a storm and is relieved to find sanctuary at the wonderful Heartwood Hotel for animals. Children who enjoy animal stories like Charlotte's Web might really like this lovely series. Mona is a great heroine, and there are many other good animal characters. The story is fairly simple and there are no big surprises, but quite engaging. It would make a great cozy read-aloud. I also loved the charming line drawings throughout the story which added a lot of appeal as well. Highly recommended.This book was such an unexpected delight! This is a truly charming, sweet animal story that is perfect for grades 2-4. The main character is a lonely mouse, Mona, who is stranded and homeless in a storm and is relieved to find sanctuary at the…
19171917, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
Valancy1's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2022
Comment:
This was a very good war movie, but it was often difficult and unpleasant to watch. Set during World War I, it shows the brutality and ugliness of war. Two British soldiers are given an urgent message to carry across enemy lines to warn about a potential trap. The movie is beautifully made and there's a feeling of great urgency and danger throughout the journey. This movie certainly doesn't glamourize war. Not a fun movie to watch, but one that can make you appreciate the sacrifices made by people in the past in order to create the peace we have enjoyed for so long. Let's hope our days of peace can last.This was a very good war movie, but it was often difficult and unpleasant to watch. Set during World War I, it shows the brutality and ugliness of war. Two British soldiers are given an urgent message to carry across enemy lines to warn about a…
Where'd You Go, BernadetteWhere'd You Go, Bernadette, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2022
Comment:
This was a movie I really wanted to like. I love Cate Blanchett and Kristin Wiig, and there were many great supporting actors as well. A quirky story about a reclusive architect with neighbour problems who ends up running away? Sounds great! The movie ended up having a serious side that explored mental illness and lost dreams. Overall I did like it, just not as much as I'd hoped. Between the quirkiness and the discussion of mental illness, it seemed like the movie struggled to find the right tone. And Bernadette wasn't always very likeable. Still glad that I watched it, though.This was a movie I really wanted to like. I love Cate Blanchett and Kristin Wiig, and there were many great supporting actors as well. A quirky story about a reclusive architect with neighbour problems who ends up running away? Sounds great! The…
Angel FaceAngel Face, DVD
DVD - 2007DVD, 2007
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2022
Planes, Trains and AutomobilesPlanes, Trains and Automobiles, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2022
Because of Winn-DixieBecause of Winn-Dixie, Blu-ray DiscWinn-Dixie
Blu-ray Disc - 2005Blu-ray Disc, 2005
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2022
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2022
Comment:
This was a another charming standalone novel from Sophie Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic series. Her standalones have been a bit of a mixed bag, veering from wildly delightful to kind of irritating, but I would rate this as a very solid, good one. Effie, the heroine, is troubled by her parents' divorce, the sale of her beloved family home and her father's problematic new relationship. Effie seemed a trifle whiny at the beginning, but overall she was very likeable and I definitely understood why she was so unhappy about the whole situation. This book is a little different from other Kinsella's because it mostly took place over a 24 hour period. But a lot happens in those 24 hours! Effie sneaks back to her family home during a party weekend to try to retrieve a precious keepsake. Many humourous situations result as Effie blunders about and the book was very amusing. The romance is actually more of a subplot and it is Effie's relationship with her family that is the primary focus. Anyone who likes Kinsella's other books should enjoy this fun, breezy diversion.This was a another charming standalone novel from Sophie Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic series. Her standalones have been a bit of a mixed bag, veering from wildly delightful to kind of irritating, but I would rate this as a very solid, good…
ParasiteParasite, DVD
DVD - 2020 | KoreanDVD, 2020. Language: Korean
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2022
Comment:
This 2019 film is highly acclaimed and won many awards including the Academy Award for best picture. The movie, about the poor Kim family who finds ways to inveigle their way into the lives of the wealthy Park family, is interesting enough and full of twists and turns. The film is suspenseful and gripping. But the more I watched it, the less I liked it. I didn't like any of the characters. Everyone seems awful. And some characters end up doing shocking, horrific acts. While the movie is interesting, overall I found it unpleasant and disturbing. So while it may be acclaimed and felt very original, I didn't really enjoy it much. It is definitely not the stereotypical "inspirational" Oscar film.This 2019 film is highly acclaimed and won many awards including the Academy Award for best picture. The movie, about the poor Kim family who finds ways to inveigle their way into the lives of the wealthy Park family, is interesting enough and full…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2022
Comment:
A dark sci-fi adventure? This isn't something I would normally choose, but I couldn't put it down. It is very suspenseful, thrilling and fast-paced and would be a good choice for reluctant readers. The story, about invasive plants from space that become increasingly more vicious and destructive, is quite gripping. The X-Men-ish story features three young teen protagonists, each of whom starts developing interesting symptoms and powers, who take turns being the focus of the story. This is the first book in a trilogy and I will definitely read the other two as well. While this book is labelled a children's book, I would only recommend it for older, mature children and teens. The story is dark, sometimes creepy and a little violent and it wouldn't be suitable for all young readers.A dark sci-fi adventure? This isn't something I would normally choose, but I couldn't put it down. It is very suspenseful, thrilling and fast-paced and would be a good choice for reluctant readers. The story, about invasive plants from space that…
Valancy1's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2022
Comment: