Happy July everyone! And Happy 4th. I hope you are able to enjoy a lovely summer break somewhere. We just got back from our trip back East, which was a lot of fun. We rented a cottage along the water near the Thousands Islands area between Canada and northern New York state and there was much to see and do. We especially enjoyed bicycling around and reading by the water, where this boat went by. The humidity and conditions there are much different from where we are out West so it was a welcomed change. We arrived home to a couple days of dreary rain, which is a bit unexpected but hopefully all the rain this past month will help lessen the wildfire season.
I was thinking about summer movies and wondering what the top choice will be this season with viewers. Will it be Tom Cruise and his return in Top Gun: Maverick? Which has already been huge at the box office. In fact it’s by far the most successful movie of the year as well as the most successful of Cruise’s career. Hmm who knew … people would go bonkers for it.
I thought the movie, which I saw at the theater in a chair that moved like a rollercoaster, was quite fun — it’s not exactly brainy material, but this is summer fare after all. It ties in pretty well with the original movie from 1986, though cameos or parts for Meg Ryan and Kelly McGillis would have been a big plus. Jennifer Connolly plays her part well and somehow hasn’t aged a bit after 50 — how does she do it? Though the cheesy lines seemed more memorable from the original movie. Still the new movie delivers some fun and high-octane action. Have you seen it?
Another top summer movie contender is Elvis, which is directer Baz Luhrmann’s biopic about Elvis Presley. Critics seemed to be split on this long movie, which is said to run a bit over 2.5 hours. Some like the concert scenes and performance by Austin Butler, while others say the narration by Elvis’s manager played by Tom Hanks and the arc of the movie are a bit of a churning mess.
I haven’t seen it yet and I wonder if I’m putting it off a bit … due to the length and reviews. Still I’ll likely see it sometime this month. Who can forget where they were when Elvis died. I remember Aug. 16, 1977, when he died at age 42 — my family had rented a cottage in Laguna Beach, Calif., where I spent my time reading the novel Watership Down and trying to surf. The novel definitely made me see rabbits anew. Then I heard about Elvis’s passing and felt sad.
Next there’s the upcoming movie Where the Crawdads Sing due out July 15. It’s likely the novel’s popularity will make it a big success. I read and liked the book in 2018, and now British actress Daisy Edgar Jones will star as Kya, the girl who grew up mostly by herself in the marshes of North Carolina. (Even though apparently the movie was filmed in Louisiana.)
The story slightly reminded me of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird because it’s set in the South and is a bit of a coming-of-age story that becomes a court case after a crime is committed. I have no idea how well it will translate to the big screen, but it should be worth checking out and could draw in a big crowd.
And lastly for summer movie contenders, I’d be remiss not to mention Thor: Love and Thunder (due out July 8), starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman among a big cast that also includes Christian Bale, Chris Pratt, and Russell Crowe. Whoa, is everyone in this? I admit I’m not typically a superhero film watcher and I didn’t see the other two Thor movies from 2011 and 2017, but I’m thinking this movie will likely do well and might be entertaining. And it has great optics. If I had to pick a Viking God like Thor, Hemsworth would definitely be my man. He’s a dreamy kind of Australian who’s 6’ 3” too.
There you have it — so what is your choice for the top summer movie of 2022 — and which is your favorite? It’s okay to wait for streaming and avoid any crowds or the theater. Stay well and safe.
And now I’ll leave you with a couple reviews of novels I finished lately.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan / Grove / 128 pages / 2021
I’m impressed by this short novel about Bill Furlong, a man who delivers coal to households in a small Irish town in 1985. He has a wife Eileen and five daughters who he dotes on … but something isn’t right after he makes a delivery around Christmas to the local convent and sees girls who are seemingly mistreated and slaving away. They are said to be fallen women who’ve had pregnancies out of wedlock. Bill feels for them since he never knew his father, and his teenage mother, when pregnant with him, was luckily taken in by her employer. But now his wife and the town seems to want to look the other way and keep hidden what’s going on at the convent even at a charitable time like Christmas.
I had not known much about the “Magdalene laundries” in the convents in Ireland before reading this, but the Author’s note at the end of the book explains much about this and how awful they were. This little novel cuts to the heart, and the lean, straightforward storytelling reminded me a bit of Edith Warton’s novel Ethan Frome, perhaps too because of its descriptions of the cold and winter. In no time at all, I could feel how very cold it was … and what was happening behind closed doors.
The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens / Mulholland Books / 320 pages / 2021
Allen Eskens has become my go-to author for small-town crime novels and this one did not disappoint. His books make for enjoyable audios that are hard to turn away from. This one stars Lila Nash as a young law prosecutor, who is the girlfriend of Joe Talbert from Eskens’s earlier books.
Lila has been a victim herself of a dreadful crime in high school but is trying to put that behind her and get her life back on track, making her way through college and law school. Unfortunately the first couple of cases she gets remind her of what happened to her in her past. The most serious of which involves a girl who’s been fished out of the river barely alive after being given a date rape drug and then assaulted.
Soon Lila is following leads on a suspect, while also remembering similarities about the crime that affected her about eight years ago. The novel alternates chapters between Lila and the suspect, which give it a cat and mouse eerie feel. There’s also a boss in her law office that’s not working in Lila’s best interests and is out to get her fired. All of this combined make for an engaging challenge to the capable Lila Nash, who is a winsome young lawyer protagonist. Although the ending gets a little predictable, the crime novel kept me fully engaged the whole way through.
This is the third novel I’ve completed by Eskens, who practiced criminal law for 25 years before becoming a novelist. I especially like his crime novels that feature Joe Talbert and his girlfriend Lila Nash. But apparently his next book called Forsaken Country, due out in September, is not part of this series. Too bad.
That’s all for now. What about you — do you know these authors, and if so, what did you think?
Glad you guys got to have a nice vacation! And rain, well, I’ve said to everyone that any excess rain can be sent to Central Texas. We are dry as a bone. I’ve got 3 of Allen Eskins’ books on my shelf and still haven’t read them. Maybe later this summer. I’ve certainly heard good things. As to movies, I’m not sure I’ll ever go to a movie in a theater again. However, I suspect that we will eventually watch Maverick and also the new Thor movie. We’ve seen the previous Thor episodes and also seen him in other Marvel movies. I do like Thor, but honestly, Captain America is my favorite character – regardless of who plays him.
Ha. Good to know Kay. Captain America seems appealing. These new movies will eventually get to pay per view on TV to see.
The trip went well – so thanks! And I’ll try to send you rain from here. We had a lot recently. It’s going to be a long summer of heat there right?
Allen Eskens seems to be writing faster these days. He’s putting out a new book each year or so. I won’t get to them all. Enjoy your week.
Both of the books you feature interest me but you can keep those movies!
Ha Dorothy, okay. The movies are just a bit of fun. but books are the heart. Happy week & reading to you.
Gorgeous pic! I’m glad you enjoyed your vacation. All the summer movies appeal to me, though I’m watching a lot less movies lately than I used to. I’m eager to see Top Gun 2 and Thor: Love and Thunder, particularly the latter because it’s directed by Taika Waititi who directed the previous Thor installment, which was a fun fest. You’re right! Chris Hemsworth is the spitting image of Thor! He is dreamy, isn’t he? 🙂 Your reading sounds interesting and serious. It’s good you “enjoyed” both books. I’ve been busy with two small novels; next, I’m planning to read two ARCs, one TBR in early August.
Thanks Carmen. It’s not everyday you see a boat like that on the water! We had a nice break away.
And I just might have to see the new Thor movie just to see the dreamy Hemsworth – he’s a perfect god, ha. I know you’re an expert on the superhero films and I would think Thor figures prominently. 🙂
I’m curious what you might think of Top Gun 2 … I thought it was fun but my husband didn’t like it much — it’s summer kind of fare & predictable but if you like Tom movies you go with it a bit. Have a great week.
Welcome home – glad you had such a good trip! I’ve been curious about Small Things Like These and appreciate seeing what you thought. I hope to read it this summer.
Thanks JoAnn: the trip was good. The Claire Keegan book is very short but quietly potent. I might read some of her other books, or else look for her next one. She can write. Have a great week!
Glad you had a nice vacation and got some rain back home too. WE haven’t been to the movies in over 2 years now and with “on demand” not anxious to resume.
Small Things Like These has been on my TBR list and I never miss an Eskens book – loved Stolen Hours.
Have a good July.
Thanks Diane. There’s a new Eskens book coming in September. But I really like the Joe Talbert & Lila Nash characters best. Hmm. We’ll see.
I think seeing movies on demand is good & easy at home … and it usually doesn’t take long for new movies to get there. Not sure when I’ll see the next movie.
Enjoy your week.
Ahhh. Your trip near the Thousands Islands sounds delightful. Biking, reading by the water, and a cottage near the water all sound wonderful. As much as I love our RV travels, this sounds like something I’d love to do.
I’m looking forward to seeing the new Top Gun, but we’ll wait until it’s available on a streaming channel. Our Covid numbers have put our county in high risk, so we’re staying away from the touristy attractions, which include the theaters on chilly days. I’m tempted to watch the original Top Gun just for fun. I was working in downtown San Diego back when the movie was filmed and happened upon the film crew at a nearby restaurant/bar while on my evening run. Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan, Kelly McGillis and Anthony Edwards were inside filming that famous scene at the piano, singing “Great Balls of Fire.” Sadly, I didn’t see any of them.
I was never a fan of Elvis and don’t have any recollection of where I was when the news of his death his the airwaves. Summer of 1977 would have been the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I was probably hanging out at the beach in Del Mar, CA, not too far south from where you were vacationing. 🙂
I enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing, so I’ll watch it once it’s available to view at home.
We’ve watched the previous Thor movies, so we’re excited about this new release. Just don’t ask me any details about the movies. My husband knows who plays who. For me, it’s just brain candy.
I’ve only listened to one mystery by Allen Eskens, but as I recall, I enjoyed it. Time to catch up!
Hope you continue to have a good month, Susan. When do you head back to CA?
Hi Lesley, thanks. I’m going to visit my parents in Cal around Aug.11 for about 10 days or so. I’m actually flying into Palm Springs – which will be hot as hell, yikes. That’s a great story that you ran into that film crew in SD, Wow. That’s a fun scene in the original movie. The 2nd movie is worthy seeing but I dont think it matches the original for the lines … though there is a beach football scene (like the beach volleyball in the first one). It plays off the original in good ways.
Brain candy is what these summer movies are! I should have put that in my post, ha. When do your travels start? Our cottage trip was perhaps better than expected and we’ll think about doing it again next year. Have a great week.
Your quiet vacation of relaxing by a lake sounds pleasant! Also going to movie theaters. We have not yet decided that it’s safe to go to theaters, and only watch on streaming. Your movie and book reviews are interesting.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Thanks Mae. Yeah I think streaming is good too. I should have put that in my post so people don’t think I’m advocating to only go to theaters & get covid! Not.
I think I will add a line to that effect. I hope you are well and I look forward to visiting your site soon. Happy July.
What a lovely place to visit, Susan! The boat on the water is beautiful.
I’m unlikely to see any of these movies, but I know people who have been to see the new Top Gun and the Elvis movie, and they liked both of them.
Small Things Like These sounds like a book that might be a heartbreaking read. It’s difficult for me to read about the struggles of women in times past. I don’t know how they did it.
Thanks Deb. We really liked the views from this rental cottage we had. We might stay there again next year.
The Keegan novel has an un settling feeling and you wonder like the main character what is going on. I don’t know how the women did it then either — but we seem to be going back to those days with the recent SC ruling.
Enjoy your week.
I enjoyed reading the reviews! I forgot about Maverick. It was on our list to see, Maybe tonight since we have nothing to do… thanks.
Hi Judee: see what you think of Top Gun Maverick. It seemed pretty entertaining for a summer kind of movie. I guess it depends if you liked the original movie — then it’s for you — but if not then don’t bother.
Have a great week. Happy July.
Your holiday sounds really nice and relaxing.
I haven’t been to a movie theater in years! We just watched Gone Girl, which was really good. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before now.
Have a great week!
Oh yeah Helen: Gone Girl. That was good. Whenever I see actress Rosamund Pike now …. I still think of kooky Amy. Wow diabolical. The movie follows the novel pretty well. I’m sure these movies listed above will soon be streaming as well. You too have a great week. July is already speeding away from us!
I’d like to see Where the Crawdad Sings, as I enjoyed the book. Curious about if and how much they changed the book.
Yeah Harvee, I imagine they might change the Crawdad movie from the book a bit but we will see. Have a great week.
Glad you enjoyed your vacation. I grew up in NYC but sadly never got to see much of upstate New York and the very Northern part of NY that borders Canada has always fascinated me, HAVE not yet read Where the Crawdads Sing but bounds it popular. I should give it a go.
Hi Kathy, yeah it’s an interesting & scenic border area — you’ll have to visit there someday. We return every couple years b/c my husband grew up near there on the Canadian side. But you can see the U.S.
Check out the Crawdads novel if you get a chance. It goes by pretty easily if I recall. Pretty good for summer. Have a great week.
Sounds like you had a great time on your vacation, I love the photo!
I saw Elvis with my daughter and we both LOVED it. We weren’t really fans of his until we saw the movie, now we both are.
I read Where The Crawdads Sing but haven’t had a change to go see it due to work and my daughter’s schedule. Plan on going asap though.
I hope you have a great week!
Thanks Vicki. We had a good time in June there. I’m really glad to hear you loved the Elvis movie. Now I definitely want to see it. Not sure why we haven’t but there’s time! Also we haven’t seen Crawdads yet. Let me know if you see it.
Cheers. & Happy August.
Yes, those poor mistreated girls. And, to me, equally moving the story of Furlong’s life as well. I saw him lonely and almost abandoned much like the girl he saved..our works don’t save us, but surely they helped him be a redeemer in his own way. It seemed like he was making so many wrongs right, or at least trying to. The small number of pages in this book do not limit the huge themes Keagan addresses.
Hi Bellezza: Yes I agree it’s a short book that packs a wallop of quiet power. And I was taken by Bill’s childhood & his mother which I’m sure made a difference in how he views the girls at the convent. I like how you say he was trying to make so many wrongs right … Exactly. Sometime I need to read Keegan’s other books. She packs much into a short space. Thx for letting me know your thoughts. 🙂
Will there be a movie from the book “Small Things Like These”?
Hi Hope — thanks for stopping by. That’s a great question. I have seen no mention of Keegan’s novel being turned into a movie so far, but I think it would make a great movie. It seemed quite visual. I pictured the story from beginning to end. I want to read Keegan’s novel Foster soon! Are you a fan of her books? Cheers.