kpelish
The Seattle Public Library
kpelish's Completed Shelf
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Boondock SaintsBoondock Saints, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
kpelish's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2024
Demon CopperheadDemon Copperhead, BookA Novel
by Kingsolver, BarbaraBook - 2022 | First editionBook, 2022. First edition
kpelish's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2024
Comment:
Utterly absorbing—read this book in one evening. “Resilient” is what one caseworker calls the main character, and there’s more passionate grace to the story than just an inter-generational cycle of low expectations, violence, and heartbreak. Part of the story is how Appalachia is disregarded by the rest of America, with a chilling entrance of predatory pharma companies that helped create a regional ecosystem of addiction. Kingsolver is a truly gifted writer.Utterly absorbing—read this book in one evening. “Resilient” is what one caseworker calls the main character, and there’s more passionate grace to the story than just an inter-generational cycle of low expectations, violence, and heartbreak. Part of…
PigletPiglet, BookThe Unexpected Story of A Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family
by Shapiro, MelissaBook - 2021 | First Atria Books hardcover editionBook, 2021. First Atria Books hardcover edition
kpelish's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2024
Comment:
While it’s very clear Dr. Shapiro is a dedicated vet, be aware that this book covers more than just Piglet’s journey—it’s lengthy and sometimes overly detailed. That said, a fine choice for people who love animals and underdogs.
Mafia MammaMafia Mamma, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
kpelish's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
Comment:
Skewers every single stereotype with mostly solid humor: unappreciated, frumpy middle-aged mom who puts others first (check). Blood feuds between dramatic, over the top Mafia families (check). Always-ready, suave Italian lovers (check). Beautiful food, high teetering heels fashion, and sunny locations (check). Unlikely alliances that save a naive American’s life (check). There are occasional moments of vulgarity but in general, makes a great Girls Night movie.Skewers every single stereotype with mostly solid humor: unappreciated, frumpy middle-aged mom who puts others first (check). Blood feuds between dramatic, over the top Mafia families (check). Always-ready, suave Italian lovers (check). Beautiful…
Dark WindsDark Winds, DVDSeason 1
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
kpelish's rating:
Added Jan 28, 2024
Asteroid CityAsteroid City, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
kpelish's rating:
Added Jan 27, 2024
Comment:
Stories within stories, flashbacks, segues from real people to cartoons, and other creative techniques are fine, but randomly applying them meant I found the storyline muddled.
Queen of the DesertQueen of the Desert, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
kpelish's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2023
Comment:
Little chemistry between Kidman and Franco. On one hand, this privileged woman did succeed in stepping outside the suffocating role for any woman in that time period, but on the other, it’s very clear her family’s money made her path possible. In hindsight, the whiff of colonialism is obvious. Fans of the Middle East will appreciate the cultural and historical aspects.Little chemistry between Kidman and Franco. On one hand, this privileged woman did succeed in stepping outside the suffocating role for any woman in that time period, but on the other, it’s very clear her family’s money made her path possible. In…
SisuSisu, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
kpelish's rating:
Added Dec 11, 2023
Comment:
Violence in the style of the Matrix: over the top but satisfying in watching Nazis get picked off 1 by 1.
We Got ThisWe Got This, DVD
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
kpelish's rating:
Added Nov 22, 2023
Comment:
A down-on-his-luck, Peter Pan kind of man gets caught up in conspiracy theories as he bumbles through investigating a famous assassination. Deadpan Swedish humor against a hyper American results in some funny moments (including a loopy trip to visit his mom in Georgia, her woodland quietly seeded with bear traps) but his naive actions soon attract violent characters.A down-on-his-luck, Peter Pan kind of man gets caught up in conspiracy theories as he bumbles through investigating a famous assassination. Deadpan Swedish humor against a hyper American results in some funny moments (including a loopy trip to visit…
TolkienTolkien, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
kpelish's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2023
Comment:
Gives some good insights into how Tolkien’s difficult childhood shaped his imagination and his luck at turning potential bullies into friends when he wins an Oxford scholarship. He also survives WW I war trauma. His inability to express himself nearly costs him the love of his life.Gives some good insights into how Tolkien’s difficult childhood shaped his imagination and his luck at turning potential bullies into friends when he wins an Oxford scholarship. He also survives WW I war trauma. His inability to express himself…
19411941, DVD
DVD - 1999 | Collector's editionDVD, 1999. Collector's edition
kpelish's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2023
Comment:
Meh. None of the charm of Animal House, a similar bawdy film.
The quiet girlThe quiet girl, DVDAn cailín ciúin
DVD - 2023 | IrishDVD, 2023. Language: Irish
kpelish's rating:
Added Nov 11, 2023
Comment:
Thoroughly lives up to its warm reception as gifted Irish storytelling—-a gentle build up over a long, beautifully filmed summer that shows what caring adults can accomplish in making a child feel seen, heard, encouraged, and loved. In return, the girl helps the childless couple heal as well. (There is a slight similarity to the sunnier Eight Cousins, a book by Louisa May Alcott, that also tells the story of a neglected child whose abrupt move changes her life path). Mostly in Gaelic with occasional English.Thoroughly lives up to its warm reception as gifted Irish storytelling—-a gentle build up over a long, beautifully filmed summer that shows what caring adults can accomplish in making a child feel seen, heard, encouraged, and loved. In return, the…
The Phantom of the OpenThe Phantom of the Open, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
kpelish's rating:
Added Nov 11, 2023
Comment:
Dry British comedy as an underdog persists in pursuing his dream of professional golf. Sally Hawkins plays his devoted wife who supports him through the ups and downs, including their embarrassed children. A good choice if you like offbeat characters, and a great 1970s song track.Dry British comedy as an underdog persists in pursuing his dream of professional golf. Sally Hawkins plays his devoted wife who supports him through the ups and downs, including their embarrassed children. A good choice if you like offbeat…
Petite mamanPetite maman, DVD
DVD - 2023 | Director-approved DVD special edition | FrenchDVD, 2023. Director-approved DVD special edition. Language: French
kpelish's rating:
Added Oct 20, 2023
Comment:
An interesting concept: What if you could magically meet your mom at the same age you were during childhood? The two young female actors create an authentic, low key exploration of a fast friendship amidst family ties and a beloved grandmother’s death. If you enjoy this movie, search out 1996’s Ponette, another film that achieves its success through a young girl’s talents (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponette).An interesting concept: What if you could magically meet your mom at the same age you were during childhood? The two young female actors create an authentic, low key exploration of a fast friendship amidst family ties and a beloved grandmother’s…
Wartime girlsWartime girls, DVDThe complete second season
DVD - 2023 | PolishDVD, 2023. Language: Polish
kpelish's rating:
Added Oct 15, 2023
Comment:
The women continue ratcheting up their Nazi body count in this second series. By now the characters are well-developed; each has found a partner and home life is cozily depicted—when they get a moment away from spying, plotting, and risking their lives in the Polish underground. The sadistic, aristocratic Margrethe von Loisin, sent from Berlin, drips evil as she encourages a double agent and Abwehr/Gestapo infighting. From an American viewpoint, there’s a Charlie’s Angels gloss to this show (the 3 women are always well dressed and coifed despite wartime brutality), plus a touch of the cool physicality in Atomic Blonde/SALT/Kill Bill, but their fighting confidence and friendship has increased dramatically as they dig in to save Poland during WW II. Expect violence, anti-semitism, and vicious prison camp interrogations. English subtitles (Polish/German)The women continue ratcheting up their Nazi body count in this second series. By now the characters are well-developed; each has found a partner and home life is cozily depicted—when they get a moment away from spying, plotting, and risking their…
La lloronaLa llorona, DVD
DVD - 2022 | Director-approved DVD special edition | SpanishDVD, 2022. Director-approved DVD special edition. Language: Spanish
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 10, 2023
Comment:
A gripping, lyrical horror story that is infused with Guatemalan history and especially its treatment of Mayans and other minorities. When a young woman (magnificently played by Coroy) mysteriously arrives at a general’s privileged household in turmoil to work as a maid, she starts affecting each family member. Nightmares bubble up and water suddenly appears in odd places—why? The creator/director, Bustamante, deftly interweaves generational trauma with hope for the future. If you liked Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, you will enjoy this one. It’s worthwhile to watch the bonus interview and to read the booklet notes for a richer understanding. Not suitable for children due to graphic slaughter scenes (including children) and implied rape. English subtitles.A gripping, lyrical horror story that is infused with Guatemalan history and especially its treatment of Mayans and other minorities. When a young woman (magnificently played by Coroy) mysteriously arrives at a general’s privileged household in…
Moving onMoving on, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 08, 2023
Comment:
Not much time left to enjoy these two gifted actresses as they consider retirement. Fonda and Tomlin play off each other well as they rekindle their college friendship and team up to confront a typical abuser: charming in public and vicious in private. Will Fonda find a delayed happiness without facing a murder charge? Tomlin also reaches out to lovingly support a boy who’s exploring his gender identity.Not much time left to enjoy these two gifted actresses as they consider retirement. Fonda and Tomlin play off each other well as they rekindle their college friendship and team up to confront a typical abuser: charming in public and vicious in…
UtamaUtama, DVD
DVD - 2023 | SpanishDVD, 2023. Language: Spanish
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 08, 2023
Comment:
Sweetly poignant story of an older couple who’ve worked hard all their lives. Now climate change/fresh water scarcity threatens their minimalist yet quietly rich lives (love in action is shown by the husband’s ever-alertness to a nature object his wife enjoys collecting). Their city bred grandson arrives in the middle of their crisis. The Bolivian landscape is a character as well. Family friendly and suitable for families who may be facing a goodbye to a beloved grandparent (there is minor violence: a brief religious scene where a llama is killed for a rain god sacrifice).Sweetly poignant story of an older couple who’ve worked hard all their lives. Now climate change/fresh water scarcity threatens their minimalist yet quietly rich lives (love in action is shown by the husband’s ever-alertness to a nature object his…
The teamThe team, DVD
DVD - 2019 | DanishDVD, 2019. Language: Danish
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 04, 2023
Comment:
The complex personal lives of the three police leaders is a welcome counterweight to the evil they uncover as they pursue a psychopathic kingpin of human/sexual trafficking and abuse, suspected of murdering prostitutes. In parallel a journalist is also pursuing the criminal, their paths criss-crossing. Besides police corruption, this is violent (murders, rapes, prostitution, porn, drugs, domestic violence) —not recommended for younger children. Fans of dark Nordic crime thrillers would like this series. Occasional subtitles.The complex personal lives of the three police leaders is a welcome counterweight to the evil they uncover as they pursue a psychopathic kingpin of human/sexual trafficking and abuse, suspected of murdering prostitutes. In parallel a journalist is…
The good bossThe good boss, DVDEl buen patrón
DVD - 2022 | SpanishDVD, 2022. Language: Spanish
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 03, 2023
Comment:
Deliciously dark humor as the seemingly benign “father” lays off employees and manipulates others in his firm to win a regional industry prize. However, his privileged luck runs out when his normal routine of selecting a naive summer intern for a quickie affair suddenly goes awry, and a laid off employee won’t quit. Javier Bardem is excellent in the role. In Castilian Spanish with English subtitles.Deliciously dark humor as the seemingly benign “father” lays off employees and manipulates others in his firm to win a regional industry prize. However, his privileged luck runs out when his normal routine of selecting a naive summer intern for a…
Peau d'ânePeau d'âne, DVDDonkey skin
DVD - 2014 | Dual-format Blu-Ray and DVD special edition | FrenchDVD, 2014. Dual-format Blu-Ray and DVD special edition. Language: French
kpelish's rating:
Added Sep 03, 2023
Comment:
Meh. A fairy tale that starts off based in incest is not appealing. With the help of a fairy relative, a young, beautiful Catherine Deneuve flees from her narcissistic father’s marriage proposition, literally wearing a donkey skin and becoming a scullery maid to evade capture.Meh. A fairy tale that starts off based in incest is not appealing. With the help of a fairy relative, a young, beautiful Catherine Deneuve flees from her narcissistic father’s marriage proposition, literally wearing a donkey skin and becoming a…
El último trajeEl último traje, DVDThe last suit
DVD - 2019 | 2-disc special edition | SpanishDVD, 2019. 2-disc special edition. Language: Spanish
kpelish's rating:
Added Aug 27, 2023
Comment:
An elderly Holocaust survivor is determined to return to Poland and bring his childhood friend and savior a tailored suit. As he escapes from his family—who are ready to move him into a retirement home—and wends his way across Europe, he finds his story is not yet over. Well told with well drawn characters; don’t overlook this one because it’s from Argentina (English subtitles).An elderly Holocaust survivor is determined to return to Poland and bring his childhood friend and savior a tailored suit. As he escapes from his family—who are ready to move him into a retirement home—and wends his way across Europe, he finds his…
Shakespeare & HathawayShakespeare & Hathaway, DVDPrivate Investigators. Season Two
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
kpelish's rating:
Added Aug 22, 2023
Comment:
Still funny although there's serious notes as Frank is threatened with death and we finally learn why he left the police force. On an upbeat note, Lu's confidence continues to increase and she sits for her private investigator exam. Their office manager continues his joyously daft impersonations to "help" research their cases.Still funny although there's serious notes as Frank is threatened with death and we finally learn why he left the police force. On an upbeat note, Lu's confidence continues to increase and she sits for her private investigator exam. Their office…
kpelish's rating:
Added Aug 22, 2023
Comment:
Should be required viewing for adolescent girls and boys for how pimps actually do find, groom, and abuse innocent youth. The original CDA legislation allows men to enjoy a gross little corner of the internet set up for their cruelties.
Signora VolpeSignora Volpe, DVDSeries 1
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
kpelish's rating:
Added Aug 21, 2023
Comment:
Emilia Fox plays a very believable spy who relies on her wits rather than super hero strength as she also tries to mend family ties. The Italian countryside is a lovely backdrop for her investigations, with help from a loyal assistant back in the UK.Emilia Fox plays a very believable spy who relies on her wits rather than super hero strength as she also tries to mend family ties. The Italian countryside is a lovely backdrop for her investigations, with help from a loyal assistant back in the…
Comment: