Yesterday a movie arrived from Netflix that had me scratching my head: How I Live Now (2013). I had no recollection of what prompted me to add it to my list. Based on a novel by Meg Rosoff, adapted by four screenwriters, it blends several familiar elements and evokes other films. The story is simple: a beautiful, sullen teenager is sent to live with her cousins in remote Scotland. At first it is a matter of angst, then segues to love, then takes an abrupt turn into a tale of survival. War breaks out. Nuclear bombs devastate at least one city. The parents are absent. The kids must fend for themselves. Details are sketchy, not only in terms of the conflict but the main character’s personal issues, and in possible telepathy. The viewer must read between the lines -- or read the book. Despite this, I enjoyed it. I did not hit the pause button once in the entire 1:50 running time. The chief asset is the performances of the young cast. Saorise Ronan seems to have a bright future. Her big blue eyes are haunting. Harley Bird is perfect as the little sister, as is George MacKay as the oldest brother, as are Tom Holland and Danny McEvoy as the middle brothers. There is not much new here, other than the stars. One powerful scene had the main character opening body bags, dreading finding her relatives. As usual, there is a variety of opinion at IMDb, where it is rated 6.5 of ten, which I think is about right. It’s too sketchy to rate higher than that. It was my first experience with the work of Kevin Macdonald, a Scot. I don’t really understand directing, so I never feel comfortable judging it. I know only that the best create a large body of work and few stinkers. How I Live Now is not a film to regret.
It was a weird day at the floating book shop. The forecast predicted rain. It was still dry when I left the apartment at a few minutes past eleven. I fought the sense of futility and opened for business. After all, sometimes the bulk of the sales occur in the first few minutes. A couple of people browsed the Russian translations of French classics I had on display, but neither bit. When it startled sprinkling just before 12:30, I figured the storm had arrived. I packed up, grabbed the recyclables from the back seat of my car and headed for Stop n Shop. The rain stopped. After completing the task, I returned to my nook, debating whether to re-open. Of course, I did. A few minutes later Susan came along. I've been holding Alison Mcghee's Shadow Baby for her. I liked it a lot more than the three or four prize winners I've read lately. Ten minutes later the rain arrived. Thanks, Sue.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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