I'll Give you the Sun by Jandy Nelson

This has got to be one the best YA novels I’ve read in a long time. It’s the story of a twin brother and a sister, Jude and Noah, and how the secrets they keep create misconceptions that ruin their relationship. The writing is excellent and I love the structure of the novel, how it goes back and forth between the two characters but at different points in time.   It’s a wonderful book.  Grade: A

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

I’m really annoyed. DC comes out with a flawed superhero film and it gets blasted by the critics and everyone says it sucks. Here Marvel puts out a flawed superhero film and it gets nothing but praise and everyone says it’s awesome.  This film is not awesome folks. This entry is going to come across as a bitter DC fan.  I get it.  First, I’m not a Marvel hater.  If I was, why would I keep going to see these films?  I love the Marvel movies and I just wish they were better.  Here for example is an exciting Avenger film (it’s not really a Captain America story, sadly) and it contains many fantastic action sequences.  The story is built around a strong premise: what if our heroes become divided over the principle of governmental control?  The promised battle between frenemies Steve Rogers and Tony Stark is the kind of clash that we- comic book fans- dream of seeing.  Yet behind all of this greatness is a glaring plot contrivance that makes Batman Vs. Superman’s issues seem null.  (More on that later.)   And for all the action, I must admit I became numb after while.  When does it get old seeing people fight each other over and over again?   I was exhausted by the time we got to the big battle at the end.  Still there is a lot to cheer in this film.  Spider-man’s introduction is comic gold and I’m so hyped to see him in his solo offering.  Ant-Man almost steals the show.  Black Panther also promises to be an excellent addition to the MCU.   The Russo Brothers are great at action and I’m glad we get to see what they can do with the Infinity War.  But hopefully the writers of the next big Marvel team combo will give us a villain worthy of existing.  Grade: B+

Spoiler:

The villain in this film is okay.  I like his story. I just hate his plan to destroy the Avengers. Why?  Because it’s the kind of plan that relies so heavily on coincidence that it’s impossible to take seriously.  If one thing had gone wrong, and many of them would have in the real world, Tony and Rogers would not have ended up together with Bucky to battle it out.  And couldn’t this Baddy have just released the video that shows Bucky killing Tony’s parents?  Why all the outlandish breakouts and Mac Guffins?   It’s ludicrous and completely taints this film credibility.  So much so, I don’t want to ever see it again.  In the end I think this film will be remembered for the Airport scene and that’s about it.  That’s the only really perfect moment.   It’s too bad.  After Captain America’s Winter Solider, I couldn’t wait to see what Marvel had planned for the Captain.  I guess it’s clear they’re ready to move on from that character, my favorite.