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Ross (3282 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 2 in TV
Jan 14, 2019
So much gorier and darker than the first series, Asylum chronicles the events of Bloody-face, the twisted fictional serial killer of the 1960s. This is the story underlying all events in the series, but there is so much more going on. We are treated to a glimpse into the abuse and disgust of people suffering mental health problems, and the supposed treatments being dreamt up to deal with their issues.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
May 19, 2022
Versusyours (757 KP) rated Seasons in the Sun: The Battle for Britain, 1974-1979 in Books
Nov 6, 2019
Extensive research (1 more)
Detailed storytelling
Informative journey back to when taste was yet to be invented
As a lover of British life on the 70s but to young to have lived it, this book was as good as a time machine and gave a normal and somtimes bizzare look at how Britain felt and how life was being lived. The birth of Punk and the turbulent political system were linked due to the effect on youth and this disaffection became a catalyst that is still felt today. The strikes that shaped the view still held to this day of a broken Britain with dead no longer being buried, piles of rubbish in Trafalgar Square and the miners who play a part in the next book in the series. This book is for those that have a live of detail and the writing style allows this book to be read with speed and ease.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.
Overall this book and the rest of the series give the reader the chance to relive or live a fresh version on the 1950, 1960s and the glorious 70s.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated The Theory of Everything (2014) in Movies
Sep 4, 2020
Unless you have been living in a cave you will have heard of Stephen Hawking, this movie is the story of how he met and came to rely on his wife Jane.
It starts in the 1960s, Stephen is an awkward and nerdy college student attending classes, wondering about the universe and meeting the love of his life. Straight away it is evident from little things that his disease is taking a hold on him even before his diagnosis. Eddie Redmayne does such a good job of portraying him that his decline is hard to watch and you feel the frustration he must have felt too. It not only shows Stephens struggles with his motor neurons disease, but also Jane's struggles with helping him, which understandably pushes her into the arms of another man.
The film has its ups and downs, you feel for Stephen and the people around him, but you also laugh as despite his disease his personality remained intact. It is a long movie (just over 2 hours) and very intense, but worth every minute.
It starts in the 1960s, Stephen is an awkward and nerdy college student attending classes, wondering about the universe and meeting the love of his life. Straight away it is evident from little things that his disease is taking a hold on him even before his diagnosis. Eddie Redmayne does such a good job of portraying him that his decline is hard to watch and you feel the frustration he must have felt too. It not only shows Stephens struggles with his motor neurons disease, but also Jane's struggles with helping him, which understandably pushes her into the arms of another man.
The film has its ups and downs, you feel for Stephen and the people around him, but you also laugh as despite his disease his personality remained intact. It is a long movie (just over 2 hours) and very intense, but worth every minute.
Karla Dee (6 KP) rated Bad Girls Never Say Die in Books
Nov 19, 2021
Thank you so much to Bookishfirst! I received my copy using my bookish first points and chose this book because of the Netflix film Moxie. I loved that movie and have yet to read the book but it is def on my TBR. This is the first book I have read from this author and I definitely plan to check out her other book, Moxie. The authors writing style leaves you wanting more and this was a really good book.
The time setting is in the 1960s and I agree with most of the other reviews that say it reminds you of the outsiders but instead of a bunch of bros there are chicas being badass. Anyone who liked the outsiders should check out this read because the author did base the story on the classic novel so that's why it is super similar. And if you love zines Jennifer Mathieu's book Moxie is perf for all the riot grrls out there and the movie is directed by Amy Poehler!
The time setting is in the 1960s and I agree with most of the other reviews that say it reminds you of the outsiders but instead of a bunch of bros there are chicas being badass. Anyone who liked the outsiders should check out this read because the author did base the story on the classic novel so that's why it is super similar. And if you love zines Jennifer Mathieu's book Moxie is perf for all the riot grrls out there and the movie is directed by Amy Poehler!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Craftsman in Books
Mar 12, 2019
Complex, compelling, and complicated tale
The year is 1999 and Assistant Commissioner Florence Lovelady returns to Lancashire for the funeral of Larry Glassbrook, a murderer she arrested 30 years ago. Larry killed three children, burying them alive in caskets he made himself. He also kidnapped and tortured Florence while she was investigating his case. Thirty years ago, Florence made a name for herself with the Glassbrook case, which changed her life forever. Clay effigies were found with each of the children's bodies, suggesting an element of witchcraft. Now, when Florence returns for the funeral, she finds a fourth: of herself. Does this means Florence is in danger? And what does the message Larry sent her from prison mean? Is there still a killer out there?
"I wonder what words his headstone might carry: Loving husband, devoted father, merciless killer."
I'm a huge Sharon Bolton fan, so I was excited to read this one. I hadn't really read the description in a while, so I didn't realize so much of the narrative took place in the late 1960s. I'm usually more of a modern fiction fan, but I found the 1960s portion--narrated by Florence--to be surprisingly engaging and enjoyable. It offered a really detailed look at how women were treated, especially on the police force, and was a true testament to Florence's strength. She was a fascinating, nuanced character who drew me in from the beginning. The book really revolves around her, but she makes it worth it.
The novel is certainly creepy--definitely a good spooky read for the month of October. It can be dark and gruesome. There's a witchcraft portion that sometimes seems a little unbelievable, but I thought it worked well within the confines of the story. There's even some funny moments--made even better by what a great heroine Florence is.
There's an excellent mystery here, which will keep you guessing from the start. The story skips between 1969 and 1999, and the two portions work together seamlessly. I found the tale to be complex, complicated, and just really compelling. There's something about this book that simply keeps you reading. Florence is an awesome character, the story is fascinating and different, and it's just a really enjoyable (if somewhat dark) read. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
"I wonder what words his headstone might carry: Loving husband, devoted father, merciless killer."
I'm a huge Sharon Bolton fan, so I was excited to read this one. I hadn't really read the description in a while, so I didn't realize so much of the narrative took place in the late 1960s. I'm usually more of a modern fiction fan, but I found the 1960s portion--narrated by Florence--to be surprisingly engaging and enjoyable. It offered a really detailed look at how women were treated, especially on the police force, and was a true testament to Florence's strength. She was a fascinating, nuanced character who drew me in from the beginning. The book really revolves around her, but she makes it worth it.
The novel is certainly creepy--definitely a good spooky read for the month of October. It can be dark and gruesome. There's a witchcraft portion that sometimes seems a little unbelievable, but I thought it worked well within the confines of the story. There's even some funny moments--made even better by what a great heroine Florence is.
There's an excellent mystery here, which will keep you guessing from the start. The story skips between 1969 and 1999, and the two portions work together seamlessly. I found the tale to be complex, complicated, and just really compelling. There's something about this book that simply keeps you reading. Florence is an awesome character, the story is fascinating and different, and it's just a really enjoyable (if somewhat dark) read. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Awix (3310 KP) rated Doppelganger (1969) in Movies
Apr 12, 2020
Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet creator Gerry Anderson turned down Stanley Kubrick's offer of the chance to do the model effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, but jumped at the chance to do his own space adventure film a couple of years later. The good news is that all the model-making and visual-effects skill of the operation that Anderson had put together by the late 1960s is on display in this movie. The bad news is that Anderson and his wife wrote much of the script themselves, resulting in a plodding movie which focuses on all the wrong details instead of telling a compelling story.
The problem is that the basic idea - space mission discovers a replica counter-Earth - isn't properly developed, and the characters take nearly an hour to get there, let alone work out where they've ended up. The generally dour tone and rambling metaphysics would become more prominent in future Anderson shows (much of the supporting cast of this film turn up playing regular roles in UFO), but this first effort with live actors is lumpy and frustrating to watch.
The problem is that the basic idea - space mission discovers a replica counter-Earth - isn't properly developed, and the characters take nearly an hour to get there, let alone work out where they've ended up. The generally dour tone and rambling metaphysics would become more prominent in future Anderson shows (much of the supporting cast of this film turn up playing regular roles in UFO), but this first effort with live actors is lumpy and frustrating to watch.
Ben Watt recommended Blue Afternoon by Tim Buckley in Music (curated)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) in Movies
Jul 13, 2019
A cheese filled nostalgia trip
For better or for worse... The 1960s Batman tv show exists, and it will always be part of our comic book culture.
This recent animated film takes everything from that original show, and runs with it with unrelenting pride...and it's pretty damn entertaining.
Just the fact that Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar all returned for this animated adventure is absolutely fantastic, and it really plays out well.
The absolute absurdity of the 60s show lends itself well to cartoon form.
The movie is filled with silly one liners, ridiculous Bat-Gadgets, and enough charm to make even the most serious Batman fans step back and enjoy.
The only reason I didn't score this higher is purely because some of the more recent DC animated movies such as The Dark Knight Returns are genuinely fantastic, whereas a lot of this movies qualities rely on the viewer understanding and respecting the silliness of the source material. I for one am happy that this exists.
The credit sequence involves a dance off between Batman and Catwoman. Do you really need another reason to check it out!?
This recent animated film takes everything from that original show, and runs with it with unrelenting pride...and it's pretty damn entertaining.
Just the fact that Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar all returned for this animated adventure is absolutely fantastic, and it really plays out well.
The absolute absurdity of the 60s show lends itself well to cartoon form.
The movie is filled with silly one liners, ridiculous Bat-Gadgets, and enough charm to make even the most serious Batman fans step back and enjoy.
The only reason I didn't score this higher is purely because some of the more recent DC animated movies such as The Dark Knight Returns are genuinely fantastic, whereas a lot of this movies qualities rely on the viewer understanding and respecting the silliness of the source material. I for one am happy that this exists.
The credit sequence involves a dance off between Batman and Catwoman. Do you really need another reason to check it out!?
Awix (3310 KP) rated Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967) in Movies
Sep 21, 2021
Soviet horror movie from the 1960s rather unexpectedly turns out to be a close spiritual cousin of the kind of films that Hammer et al were making in the west at the same time. A trainee priest finds himself compelled to spend three nights reading prayers over the body of (supposedly) a wealthy landowner's daughter - but the corpse bears a striking resemblance to that of a witch he earlier killed...
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
Ross (3282 KP) Jan 15, 2019
Amy Christmas (170 KP) Jan 15, 2019