Week in Review #31

This week I read one book.

49. Rainbow Valley. L.M. Montgomery. 1919. 256 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, series book, children's classic]

Century of Viewing #31

1930s

• 1933 Deluge. Post-apocalyptic/disaster film. Martin falls in love with Claire after a terrible, horrible disaster (global) threatens all of civilization and life as we know it. BUT bad news for Claire, his wife and kids are still alive. There are also LOTS of men making unwise decisions and acting like hooligans.

1950s

• 1951 The Model and the Marriage Broker. Thelma Ritter stars as a marriage broker or matchmaker in this "romantic comedy" from the 1950s. When there is a mix up with their purses she befriends a young model and without her knowledge begins trying to set her up with a good match. All seems to be going well...until she finds out her friend is a professional match maker. There is more drama and if there's comedy, well, it's on the sadder, darker side. This one examines LONELINESS and aging as a single man (or woman). Those who haven't found their match on their own...and are holding onto hope that their person does exist out there. One of the darker elements is that the "other woman" who stole her husband IS back wanting her to set up a marriage for her now that their former husband has died. It is a thought provoking movie.
• 1958 Space Master X-7. Is this the most dull science fiction movie ever? Possibly. Though I might have seen at least one or two that are worse. Essentially space fungus has been collected and is carnivorous. It doesn't go well for the scientist working with it. BUT because this is not actually science fiction-y. His SECRET, EX-LOVER, has come to visit him to talk about their super secret love child that he has custody of. She's exposed (and doesn't know it) and while allegedly it's her putting the world in danger....it's more HER LUGGAGE with some escaped spores. 80% of the movie is three men looking for this mysterious woman with very few clues. She sees police at the air port? train station? And she's like THEY MUST BE AFTER ME. Is there any real reason why she would know they were looking for her???? NOPE. But she runs. She panics. She does all the things. But they are clueless. It takes most of the movie for them to find her....and her luggage has gotten out of control.

1970s

• 1971 Cold Turkey. This is a great example of a movie I'd never watch if it wasn't for the Century of Viewing challenge. A small town accepts the challenge of giving up smoking for a huge amount of money. Every resident must sign the pledge....and no cheating allowed. Dick Van Dyke stars in this one....as does Bob Newhart.
• 1973 Girl Most Likely To. This DVD cover art isn't the best. Miriam Knight doesn't know it but she's about to enter PETTY UNIVERSITY and get a 4.0. Plain and frumpy Miriam Knight has the perfect chance for sweet, sweet revenge after a car accident gives her a brand new face. BUT those who treated her wrong better watch out!
• 1976 Futureworld. Science fiction. Horror. Though not as horrific (in some ways) as Westworld. A different type of horror for sure. Reporters have returned for the reopening of this theme park. And they are trying to see if there are STILL problems and issues making this park unsafe for humans. This isn't so much about guests going to have a good time as it is investigative reporting with extreme risks.

1990s

• 1996 Daylight. It isn't quite a natural disaster story, but, it is an action-packed, emotional, dramatic survival story. An explosion in a tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey leads to heartache and catastrophe. There are survivors struggling to survive and escape--but I believe both sides of the tunnel are collapsed? DEFINITELY some sadness. But such a good movie if you're into the surviving sort.

2000s

• 2003 Timeline. I wanted to read the book before watching the movie. However, allegedly it's leaving Tubi at the end of the month. Science fiction. Archaeologists travel back in time via a wormhole to medieval France where they face many, many, many challenges trying to survive and get back home. Some romance. Mainly action.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews