Through my bookcase

Movie review — The Matrix (1999)  I finally watched The Matrix properly and I have a lot of mixed feelings about it. It’s one of those movies that almost everyone calls a masterpiece, and I can understand why — it’s visually stunning, creative, and ahead of its time. But after finishing it, I also felt that it’s not perfect, at least not for me. Let’s start with the good. The world-building is amazing. The idea of humans living inside a simulated reality created by machines is still fascinating, even decades later. The green-tinted scenes, the slow-motion effects, and the famous “bullet time” moments all look iconic for a reason. I liked how the movie made me think about what’s real and what isn’t — that’s something few action movies manage to do.Keanu Reeves fits the role of Neo really well. He has this calm, slightly confused energy that works perfectly for someone discovering that everything he believed in might be fake. I also liked Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus — he brings a...

Movie review — Sonic 3 I watched Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in January with my friend and we both absolutely loved it so much that we went to see it again a week later. One of the main reasons this movie stands out is the addition of Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog. His performance gives the film a new tone that makes it feel fresh and different from the first two.  From the start, the movie is full of energy. The pacing is fast, the action scenes look great, and the animation quality feels improved. It’s exciting to watch but also has calm, emotional moments that make the story more meaningful. Shadow quickly became my favorite part of the movie. His character brings a serious and mysterious vibe that balances Sonic’s lighthearted personality. The way their relationship develops throughout the film makes the story more interesting than just another good-vs-evil plot.  Jim Carrey also returns as Dr. Robotnik, and he’s just as entertaining as before — wild, funn...

Love, Death & Robots review     Earlier this month, our English teacher suggested we watch an anthology of animated short films on Netflix. I’ve always been really into animation ever since I was a kid, so I figured I’d give it a try—and honestly, I was super impressed. This wasn’t your typical animated series. Each episode was completely different in style and story, but all of them had something meaningful to say.        What I loved most was how each short used color and lighting to create a specific mood. One of the stories was set in a dark, dystopian world, with harsh shadows and sharp contrasts. Another used warm, glowing colors to tell a more emotional, nostalgic story. It was amazing how much the visuals helped tell the story without needing a ton of dialogue. The techniques varied a lot too—some shorts used 3D animation, others had a hand-drawn or painterly style. It made the whole experience feel like a journey through different creative...

“THE GAME” (1997) by David Flincher review I watched The Game (1997) this month, and I’m still thinking about it—it completely messed with my mind (in the best way possible). It’s a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, who also made Fight Club, so I had pretty high expectations. But honestly, this movie might be my new favorite. The plot follows Nicholas Van Orton, a super-rich and serious businessman who gets an unusual birthday gift from his brother: a chance to participate in a mysterious “game” created by a company called CRS. At first, nothing seems that strange. Nicholas is skeptical, and everything feels like an elaborate prank. But slowly, the game begins to take over his life. Things spiral out of control—his money disappears, people turn against him, and he can’t tell if anything is real anymore. I found myself questioning everything, just like the character. The suspense is insane, and every scene keeps you guessing. I loved how unpredictable it was. Just when ...

 Review of The Wicked King by Holly Black The Wicked King is the second book in Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series, and it takes the tension and drama of The Cruel Prince to the next level. The story picks up months after the events of the first book, with Jude now in a position of power as Cardan’s advisor and secret manipulator. However, her control is fragile, and the political games in Elfhame are more dangerous than ever. This book shines in its exploration of court intrigue and power struggles. Jude is constantly walking a tightrope, balancing her desire for control with the ever-present threat of betrayal. The stakes are higher, the dangers more intense, and the secrets more shocking. Black’s ability to weave suspense and tension through every chapter keeps the reader completely engrossed. Jude and Cardan’s relationship continues to evolve, filled with even more complexity, tension, and ambiguity. Their interactions are charged with underlying attraction and hatred, ma...

 Review of "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince is a captivating fantasy novel that introduces readers to the world of Elfhame, a dangerous and magical faerie realm. The story follows Jude Duarte, a human girl, who, along with her two sisters, was taken to live in Elfhame after her parents were murdered by a faerie general. Growing up in this ruthless world, Jude is determined to prove her worth and gain power in a society that despises humans. The novel excels at creating a dark, vivid world full of intrigue and treachery. Elfhame is not the fairy tale land of light and kindness; instead, it’s a realm where danger lurks in every corner, and no one can be trusted. Holly Black brings this world to life with her rich descriptions, making it both alluring and terrifying. Jude is a complex, fierce protagonist who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, even against the cruel Prince Cardan, one of the most powerful and arrogant fae in Elfhame. Their tense...

  Review of Netflix’s La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) La Casa de Papel is my favorite Netflix show ever. It’s a thrilling Spanish series on Netflix that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The show revolves around a group of criminals brought together by “The Professor,” a mysterious mastermind with a detailed plan to rob the Royal Mint of Spain. Their mission? To print billions of euros while keeping the police and government at bay. What makes La Casa de Papel so gripping is its mix of intense action, complex characters, and unpredictable twists. The story is full of tension as the heist team faces one challenge after another. Each episode leaves you wanting to know what happens next, making it easy to binge-watch the entire season in a single sitting. The characters are one of the biggest strengths of the show. Every member of the heist team has a unique personality and backstory. From the fearless Tokyo to the genius Professor, their motivations and struggles are ex...