media update: May

Asterisks denote something I particularly enjoyed or found especially worthy of my time; double asterisks are reserved for the creme de la creme.  As always, your mileage may vary.

FICTION

1. The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers:  Nic hasn't been able to move on since her sister's disappearance seven years ago, but when she meets the sister of another missing woman, she becomes determined to learn the truth.

2. Eat the Ones You Love* by Sarah Maria Griffin:  In an Irish shopping mall on its last legs both financially and physically, a sentient orchid controls a young florist.  Think Little Shop of Horrors but played completely serious, with the added bonus of nasty body horror.

2025 TOTAL SO FAR: 11

NONFICTION

1. Cellar Rat by Hannah Selinger:  A memoir about working in some of NYC's most iconic restaurants.  It's entertaining, though I was sad to read that Christina Tosi is apparently not a very nice person.  I used to like her so much I named one of my Neko Atsume cats after her!

2025 TOTAL SO FAR: 6

MANGA/GRAPHIC NOVELS

1. The Apothecary Diaries vol. 13 by Natsu Hyuuga and Nekokurage

2. Ao-chan Can't Study! by Ren Kawahara

3. My Dress-Up Darling vol. 13 by Shinichi Fukuda 

2025 TOTAL SO FAR: 7 volumes of manga and 3 graphic novels

MOVIES

1. Havoc:  A detective (Tom Hardy) has to rescue a politician's son when he pisses off a mob boss.  This movie was directed by Gareth Edwards, famous for The Raid, and when the first half-hour was kind of tame, I was surprised.  Then things picked up in a big way, and the squib budget must have been massive.  Worth a watch if you have a strong stomach; the nightclub fight alone is worth the figurative price of admission.

2. Paddington in Peru:  The lovable bear goes to Peru (sorry, spoiler?) in search of his missing Aunt Lucy.  I didn't like it as much as the first two movies, but it was still quite charming.

3. Last Breath:  When a deep sea diver is stranded on the ocean floor, his crew mates embark on a risky mission to save him.  Based on a true story.

4. Another Simple Favor:  This is a direct sequel, so I can't review it properly lest I spoil its predecessor.  It isn't as good, but some snappy dialogue, gorgeous scenery, and incredible outfits make it worth a watch.

5. Get Away:  A British family visit an isolated Swedish island for a mysterious festival; the vacation turns out to be anything but restful.  Think Midsommar but funny.

6. Black Bag:  The marriage of two spies (Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett) is put to the test when she's accused of betraying her country.

7. Captain America: Brave New World:  I mean...it was okay?  I don't really have more to say than that.

2025 TOTAL SO FAR: 40