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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated First Comes Love in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Josie and Meredith are sisters with an often antagonistic relationship. Older, impulsive Josie is single and seems to approach life head-on. Meredith, a married lawyer with a four-year-old daughter is more cautious and often annoyed by what she sees as her sister's antics. Josie, a first grade teacher, wants to find a man and settle down, but she wants to become a mom more than anything. Meanwhile, Meredith feels restless and trapped in her marriage, plagued by doubts and insecurities. Meredith and Josie lost their older brother in a tragic accident: an incident that influences and affects their entire family, even after fifteen years. With the anniversary of Daniel's accident looming, Josie and Meredith have to face their painful past, for once and for all.
This was a difficult book, but one I really enjoyed. I will warn you up front: neither Josie nor Meredith is a particularly likeable character. However, they were, at least to me, relatable, which is key. Their flaws are human and ones we can spot in ourselves and those around us. This book particularly hit home to me as a very real portrayal of how families deal with with loss and grief. Giffin did an excellent job of showing how Meredith, Josie, and Daniel's parents and close friends were still so affected by his passing after fifteen years. This will hit home to others in similar situations, grappling with the guilt and grief that comes with losing someone you love.
The book isn't always easy to read because of this, but I do think it's worth it. There are some comedic moments in there as well. Still, sometimes it's good to read about real life and to see it portrayed so realistically and clearly. The characters are flawed, but vivid and real and you become invested in their lives. Their tangled web is a twisted one, but it's one you want to see them emerge from. By the end, I found myself smiling and feeling at peace; I had really become caught up in these characters' lives, which I feel is the sign of a good book. It's not the tense sort of novel I'd like to read all the time, but this one resonated with me.
I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 06/28/2016.
This was a difficult book, but one I really enjoyed. I will warn you up front: neither Josie nor Meredith is a particularly likeable character. However, they were, at least to me, relatable, which is key. Their flaws are human and ones we can spot in ourselves and those around us. This book particularly hit home to me as a very real portrayal of how families deal with with loss and grief. Giffin did an excellent job of showing how Meredith, Josie, and Daniel's parents and close friends were still so affected by his passing after fifteen years. This will hit home to others in similar situations, grappling with the guilt and grief that comes with losing someone you love.
The book isn't always easy to read because of this, but I do think it's worth it. There are some comedic moments in there as well. Still, sometimes it's good to read about real life and to see it portrayed so realistically and clearly. The characters are flawed, but vivid and real and you become invested in their lives. Their tangled web is a twisted one, but it's one you want to see them emerge from. By the end, I found myself smiling and feeling at peace; I had really become caught up in these characters' lives, which I feel is the sign of a good book. It's not the tense sort of novel I'd like to read all the time, but this one resonated with me.
I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 06/28/2016.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Great Race (1965) in Movies
Jul 6, 2018
A fun throwback to 1920's Silent Film Farces
In a tribute to films of a bygone era, Director Blake Edwards pays homage to silent film farces of the 1920's - even dedicating this film to "Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy" - with the slapstick comedy THE GREAT RACE - and succeeds, mostly.
Reteaming Tony Curtis (as the brave, virtuous and good "The Great Leslie") and Jack Lemmon (as the sinister, dastardly and evil "Professor Fate"), The Great Race is great fun watching these two cartoon characters spar and parry with each other throughout the course of this 2 hour and 40 minute farce.
Lemmon, in particular, relishes in dual roles as the menacing Fate, always dressed in black, twirling his mustache and coming up with scheme after scheme to derail Leslie (think the Coyote in the RoadRunner cartoons). His overacting and hammyness in the character is perfect for the tone that this film has set. And his maniacal laugh is one to remember - unless you are remembering the childlike guffaws of the other character Lemmon portrays, the doppelganger of Fate, Crown Prince Frederick. Both these characters are fun to watch and Fate, especially, plays well against his bumbling assistant and foil, "Max", played in utter buffoonishness by the great Peter Falk.
Joining Curtis for the "good guys" is Natalie Wood as Suffragette and Newspaper
Reporter Maggie DuBois (obviously tailored after real life Suffragette and Newspaper Reporter Nellie Bly). It is said that Curtis and Wood did not get along on set (they had worked together in 2 other films and grew to dislike each other), but their on-screen chemistry cannot be ignored and they are fun together. As is the great Keenan Wynn as Leslie's mechanic and friend Hezekiah Sturdy.
But it is not the characters that makes this film go it is the set pieces and frenetic pacing that Director Edwards put before us. From thrilling chase scenes to a Western barroom brawl, to a trip through a blizzard with a polar bear to the "largest pie fight ever put on screen", this film delivers the goods in a wholesome, 1960's way that makes me truly say...
"They don't make 'em like this anymore".
8 out 10 stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Reteaming Tony Curtis (as the brave, virtuous and good "The Great Leslie") and Jack Lemmon (as the sinister, dastardly and evil "Professor Fate"), The Great Race is great fun watching these two cartoon characters spar and parry with each other throughout the course of this 2 hour and 40 minute farce.
Lemmon, in particular, relishes in dual roles as the menacing Fate, always dressed in black, twirling his mustache and coming up with scheme after scheme to derail Leslie (think the Coyote in the RoadRunner cartoons). His overacting and hammyness in the character is perfect for the tone that this film has set. And his maniacal laugh is one to remember - unless you are remembering the childlike guffaws of the other character Lemmon portrays, the doppelganger of Fate, Crown Prince Frederick. Both these characters are fun to watch and Fate, especially, plays well against his bumbling assistant and foil, "Max", played in utter buffoonishness by the great Peter Falk.
Joining Curtis for the "good guys" is Natalie Wood as Suffragette and Newspaper
Reporter Maggie DuBois (obviously tailored after real life Suffragette and Newspaper Reporter Nellie Bly). It is said that Curtis and Wood did not get along on set (they had worked together in 2 other films and grew to dislike each other), but their on-screen chemistry cannot be ignored and they are fun together. As is the great Keenan Wynn as Leslie's mechanic and friend Hezekiah Sturdy.
But it is not the characters that makes this film go it is the set pieces and frenetic pacing that Director Edwards put before us. From thrilling chase scenes to a Western barroom brawl, to a trip through a blizzard with a polar bear to the "largest pie fight ever put on screen", this film delivers the goods in a wholesome, 1960's way that makes me truly say...
"They don't make 'em like this anymore".
8 out 10 stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated Voyage of the Heart in Books
Oct 5, 2018
Taken from my review on Goodreads:
As a romance, I wasn't sure if it was gonna go the stereotypical route or a more serious route. After giving this a five-star rating, yeah, this went a route that I didn't expect at all. You have four women from England who married four different men from America during World War II so that when WWII ended, they would finally come to America and live happier married lives. Some of them are promised wonderful lives, but wonderful doesn't come without challenges. June is happily married but is struggling to have children, her one dream she always wanted. Alice's husband, suffering from PTSD, has become an alcoholic, leaving Alice being given attention by her womanizing, married boss. Betty, who had just given birth on the boat coming into the US, learns that her husband was killed while on a mission, so she's under the care of her late husband's brother. Madeline becomes a farmer's wife and is abused by her husband and the rest of his family because of her upbringing. All of these women are 100% relatable, and you sympathize with their struggles. While I kinda question Alice's not being there for her husband when he's clearly suffering, at the same time, I do understand that she doesn't get what being a soldier's wife is really like, and at least her husband does acknowledge that he has a problem. However, my favorite character is Betty because instead of focusing on how miserable she is after finding out her husband died, though I still sympathize with her for that, her main focus is her newborn son because he is the legacy that her husband left behind for her to remember him. Plus, her husband's brother is a doll! I wish I knew more about June. Her life is the more boring one because she has a very great husband and her main issue is the baby thing, but I expected more drama to happen there while the rest of the drama is poured onto Alice, Betty, and Madeline. Either way, I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend that you guys read it if you are history and romance buffs.
As a romance, I wasn't sure if it was gonna go the stereotypical route or a more serious route. After giving this a five-star rating, yeah, this went a route that I didn't expect at all. You have four women from England who married four different men from America during World War II so that when WWII ended, they would finally come to America and live happier married lives. Some of them are promised wonderful lives, but wonderful doesn't come without challenges. June is happily married but is struggling to have children, her one dream she always wanted. Alice's husband, suffering from PTSD, has become an alcoholic, leaving Alice being given attention by her womanizing, married boss. Betty, who had just given birth on the boat coming into the US, learns that her husband was killed while on a mission, so she's under the care of her late husband's brother. Madeline becomes a farmer's wife and is abused by her husband and the rest of his family because of her upbringing. All of these women are 100% relatable, and you sympathize with their struggles. While I kinda question Alice's not being there for her husband when he's clearly suffering, at the same time, I do understand that she doesn't get what being a soldier's wife is really like, and at least her husband does acknowledge that he has a problem. However, my favorite character is Betty because instead of focusing on how miserable she is after finding out her husband died, though I still sympathize with her for that, her main focus is her newborn son because he is the legacy that her husband left behind for her to remember him. Plus, her husband's brother is a doll! I wish I knew more about June. Her life is the more boring one because she has a very great husband and her main issue is the baby thing, but I expected more drama to happen there while the rest of the drama is poured onto Alice, Betty, and Madeline. Either way, I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend that you guys read it if you are history and romance buffs.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Minions (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Those lovable and mischief filled Minions are back and this time they have a new solo adventure that chronicles their history.
The film chronicles the minions through the ages as they have followed their compulsion to find a master to serve which always results in hilarious misfortune for the Masters.
After a recent setback, the Minion tribe takes refuge in an ice cave and builds their society over the passing years. Unfortunately, depression seeks in as the Minions are missing their basic drive and as such, an inspired member named Kevin decides he will venture out to find a new Master for them to follow.
Kevin is joined by Stuart and Bob and after a long trip; they find themselves in New York in 1968. Of course the city that never sleeps is an ideal place for them to get into all sorts of mischief and also allows them to view and underground television broadcast promoting a Villain Con in Orlando.
Inspired, the trio sets off and makes some dubious travel companions along the way, yet eventually arrive at their destination.
At the convention they encounter Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock), and in a twist of fate, become her new apprentices. Kevin decides to call the tribe and tell them to head to London to start serving their new master, who is as unstable as she is evil.
Scarlett and her husband Herb (Jon Hamm, have devised a plan so cunning and diabolical that nothing can stop them from carrying it out, nothing that is save for the Minions.
The film takes a bit of time to get up to speed but is as charming and funny as you would wish for. The Minions generate plenty of laughs and there are tons of Pop Culture gags that fill the entire film.
For me the 3D animation was a nice touch and really added to the enjoyment of seeing the lovable characters in action and the new cast members did a great job adding to the lore of the Minions.
The film moves along at a steady pace and keeps the laughs coming throughout. With “Despicable Me 3” due in 2017, it is not out of the realm that we could see more solo minion outings in the future. This is a move that would bring plenty of smiles, as there is much to like about this film.
http://sknr.net/2015/07/07/minions/
The film chronicles the minions through the ages as they have followed their compulsion to find a master to serve which always results in hilarious misfortune for the Masters.
After a recent setback, the Minion tribe takes refuge in an ice cave and builds their society over the passing years. Unfortunately, depression seeks in as the Minions are missing their basic drive and as such, an inspired member named Kevin decides he will venture out to find a new Master for them to follow.
Kevin is joined by Stuart and Bob and after a long trip; they find themselves in New York in 1968. Of course the city that never sleeps is an ideal place for them to get into all sorts of mischief and also allows them to view and underground television broadcast promoting a Villain Con in Orlando.
Inspired, the trio sets off and makes some dubious travel companions along the way, yet eventually arrive at their destination.
At the convention they encounter Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock), and in a twist of fate, become her new apprentices. Kevin decides to call the tribe and tell them to head to London to start serving their new master, who is as unstable as she is evil.
Scarlett and her husband Herb (Jon Hamm, have devised a plan so cunning and diabolical that nothing can stop them from carrying it out, nothing that is save for the Minions.
The film takes a bit of time to get up to speed but is as charming and funny as you would wish for. The Minions generate plenty of laughs and there are tons of Pop Culture gags that fill the entire film.
For me the 3D animation was a nice touch and really added to the enjoyment of seeing the lovable characters in action and the new cast members did a great job adding to the lore of the Minions.
The film moves along at a steady pace and keeps the laughs coming throughout. With “Despicable Me 3” due in 2017, it is not out of the realm that we could see more solo minion outings in the future. This is a move that would bring plenty of smiles, as there is much to like about this film.
http://sknr.net/2015/07/07/minions/
ClareR (5955 KP) rated Starve Acre in Books
Oct 28, 2019 (Updated Oct 28, 2019)
Prepare for a tense, rather scary read!
Starve Acre was a novel that had me wondering whether I’d picked up the right book. I thought I’d chosen a book about a couple struggling to deal with the death of their young son, but by about a third of the way through, I was so gripped and jumping at shadows that I couldn’t decide whether this was a thriller or a horror! It is, I’ve decided, my favourite kind of scary book. You’re never quite sure what you’re supposed to be scared of, but the hairs standing up on the back of your neck would tell you that whatever it is, it’s THERE on the page in front of you! I should’ve guessed that it would be like this. I mean, who lives in a house called Starve Acre and doesn’t expect something to go wrong? And that cover! Jo McLaren has done an amazing piece of art - it’s what made me want to read it, after all.
Children are always the ones that seem to be more sensitive to the supernatural, and Richard and Juliette’s son Ewan is no exception. Before his death, he talks of a menacing figure called Jack Grey, who tells him to do certain things - none of which make him popular in the village. Ewan becomes more and more unhappy, and his behaviour becomes more erratic.
After Ewan’s death, Richard and Juliette’s grief becomes suffocating - I could feel it coming off the page. Juliette’s sister expects her to pull herself together, but Juliette is convinced that Ewan is still in the house. So she invites The Beacons, a group of Spiritualists, to come and contact him and put him to rest. And this is where it starts to get really macabre. If I could have read this with my eyes shut, I would have. The fact that this isn’t written in your stereotypical ‘horror story’ fashion, is what makes it truly unsettling. I was never sure what was real and what was some sort of mass hallucination.
I just loved this book, and it’s going on my Keeper Shelf(yes, it has capital letters). Highly recommended to be read during daylight hours only, unless you like being chilled to the bone!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Readers First for my copy of this book to read and review.
Children are always the ones that seem to be more sensitive to the supernatural, and Richard and Juliette’s son Ewan is no exception. Before his death, he talks of a menacing figure called Jack Grey, who tells him to do certain things - none of which make him popular in the village. Ewan becomes more and more unhappy, and his behaviour becomes more erratic.
After Ewan’s death, Richard and Juliette’s grief becomes suffocating - I could feel it coming off the page. Juliette’s sister expects her to pull herself together, but Juliette is convinced that Ewan is still in the house. So she invites The Beacons, a group of Spiritualists, to come and contact him and put him to rest. And this is where it starts to get really macabre. If I could have read this with my eyes shut, I would have. The fact that this isn’t written in your stereotypical ‘horror story’ fashion, is what makes it truly unsettling. I was never sure what was real and what was some sort of mass hallucination.
I just loved this book, and it’s going on my Keeper Shelf(yes, it has capital letters). Highly recommended to be read during daylight hours only, unless you like being chilled to the bone!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Readers First for my copy of this book to read and review.
Story: P2 starts as businesswoman Angela (Nichols) starts running late to her family’s Christmas party after her work party, gets trapped inside her work structure after her car fails to start, leaving her at the hands of security guard Thomas (Bentley).
As the night unfolds Thomas puts Angela through a string off tests, before she tries to figure out a way to escape this psychopath.
Thoughts on P2
Characters – Angela is a businesswoman that finds herself working late too often becoming more distant from her family, while not starting her own. When another late night finds her car breaking down and missing her taxi, she finds herself locked in the parking structure being chased down by the crazed security guard. Thomas is the security guard that has his own plan for Christmas, to keep Angela locked inside completing his twisted ideas.
Performances – A crazy Wes Bentley is always something we like to see, but even he doesn’t reach the levels we would like to see him get too. Rachel Nichols is fine in the leading role as the damsel in distress, trying to fight back.
Story – The story is very simple, crazed man prevents girl from escaping her parking lot only to want to get involved in a game to se how far he can push her. There isn’t much more to this story, we get glimpses into the idea that he is doing this to protect her against men that have done wrong, but otherwise, it is a cut and dry story with little in the way of twists along the way.
Crime/Horror – The crime comes from what Thomas does, which works for the film, the horror never reaches the levels he could do for where the film tries to go.
Settings – The film is set inside the parking lot which does make for a good setting with no escape once locked in.
Special Effects – The effects are used when needed, the film doesn’t rely on them, when it could easily do so.
Scene of the Movie – Merry Christmas Thomas.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – She would know how to drive a car.
Final Thoughts – This is a crime horror that grabs the basic ingredients and does nothing interesting with the story to make it a stand out.
Overall: Not worth the time it takes.
As the night unfolds Thomas puts Angela through a string off tests, before she tries to figure out a way to escape this psychopath.
Thoughts on P2
Characters – Angela is a businesswoman that finds herself working late too often becoming more distant from her family, while not starting her own. When another late night finds her car breaking down and missing her taxi, she finds herself locked in the parking structure being chased down by the crazed security guard. Thomas is the security guard that has his own plan for Christmas, to keep Angela locked inside completing his twisted ideas.
Performances – A crazy Wes Bentley is always something we like to see, but even he doesn’t reach the levels we would like to see him get too. Rachel Nichols is fine in the leading role as the damsel in distress, trying to fight back.
Story – The story is very simple, crazed man prevents girl from escaping her parking lot only to want to get involved in a game to se how far he can push her. There isn’t much more to this story, we get glimpses into the idea that he is doing this to protect her against men that have done wrong, but otherwise, it is a cut and dry story with little in the way of twists along the way.
Crime/Horror – The crime comes from what Thomas does, which works for the film, the horror never reaches the levels he could do for where the film tries to go.
Settings – The film is set inside the parking lot which does make for a good setting with no escape once locked in.
Special Effects – The effects are used when needed, the film doesn’t rely on them, when it could easily do so.
Scene of the Movie – Merry Christmas Thomas.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – She would know how to drive a car.
Final Thoughts – This is a crime horror that grabs the basic ingredients and does nothing interesting with the story to make it a stand out.
Overall: Not worth the time it takes.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Crawl (2019) in Movies
Jul 26, 2019
Like Sushi Stuffed With Korean BBQ: Try it and You Just Might Like it
When a woman goes to check on her dad during a hurricane, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers alligators are in the crawl space. Yes, Crawl sounds dumb, but if you give it a chance, there is a possibility that you might just have a good time.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
There was a surprising amount of gator gore that I wasn’t prepared for, but welcomed. I never knew how much I needed to see a gator take a Floridian’s head off until the moment I watched Crawl. From an effects standpoints, the film is facing two hurdles: The ongoing hurricane and making the gators feel and look realistic. For the most part, both hurdles were leapt with ease. A lot of this film takes place within a tight space and director Sam Raimi effectively makes sure each shot looks original and the setting doesn’t get overdone.
Conflict: 10
Agree or disagree with the realism of the plot, you can’t deny the fact that this movie has consistent action throughout. After a slow start, the action quickly kicks in and there is always something happening. The tension buildups were perfect, leaving me on the hook for just long enough to make me want to scream out loud for them to get it over with.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 8
Pace: 10
At one point while gathering my thoughts, I wrote, “Not going to win any awards but still manages to hold your attention with a consistent pace.” It doesn’t just hold your attention, but commands it with things, crazy things, liable to happen at any moment. Those damn gators could be lurking anywhere as the crawlspace continues to fill up with water. It’s high-level intensity at its finest.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 8
Overall: 75
I never thought I would say this after watching the trailers but…I’d watch Crawl again. Not a classic by any stretch, but there are some that will like it and some that will love it. At a certain point, I was actually hoping it would really exceed my expectations and blow my mind, but I won’t get carried away. It’s good, but it’s not knocking anyone’s socks off.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
There was a surprising amount of gator gore that I wasn’t prepared for, but welcomed. I never knew how much I needed to see a gator take a Floridian’s head off until the moment I watched Crawl. From an effects standpoints, the film is facing two hurdles: The ongoing hurricane and making the gators feel and look realistic. For the most part, both hurdles were leapt with ease. A lot of this film takes place within a tight space and director Sam Raimi effectively makes sure each shot looks original and the setting doesn’t get overdone.
Conflict: 10
Agree or disagree with the realism of the plot, you can’t deny the fact that this movie has consistent action throughout. After a slow start, the action quickly kicks in and there is always something happening. The tension buildups were perfect, leaving me on the hook for just long enough to make me want to scream out loud for them to get it over with.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 8
Pace: 10
At one point while gathering my thoughts, I wrote, “Not going to win any awards but still manages to hold your attention with a consistent pace.” It doesn’t just hold your attention, but commands it with things, crazy things, liable to happen at any moment. Those damn gators could be lurking anywhere as the crawlspace continues to fill up with water. It’s high-level intensity at its finest.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 8
Overall: 75
I never thought I would say this after watching the trailers but…I’d watch Crawl again. Not a classic by any stretch, but there are some that will like it and some that will love it. At a certain point, I was actually hoping it would really exceed my expectations and blow my mind, but I won’t get carried away. It’s good, but it’s not knocking anyone’s socks off.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Coloma in Tabletop Games
Nov 11, 2019
Tight economy (3 more)
You build your engine for resources
everything is a good choice, there are no terrible choices.
good amount of planning is needed without being too deep.
Very well made Western Euro style game
I have played two games of it and so far I really like it. This is a euro game based in the gold rush american west about managing your resources and building an town (engine), and you select the actions you want to take and get a bonus if you don't do the same as other players. it's simultaneous, so you have to guess what other players are doing. I got my Kickstarter copy about a week or two ago, and finally got to break it out this weekend. we played it Saturday and then Sunday morning my wife requested we play it a 2nd time... always a very good indicator of a great game. We generally like more medium to heavy weight games, so the fact that she requested a game that is this light was another vote in its favor. It's not light like Catan, or Kingdomino, or splendor, but it's Lighter than say a Tzolkin, Newton, Castles of Burgundy, or Terraforming Mars. I would say this game is above gateway, but not too deep past that. We plan to introduce this to our newer game friends and see what happens, the turns are quite quick early as you don't do much and then get longer as you get to do more, and I'm anxious to see how that plays with larger play counts. One of the major pluses in the game is how you control how you want to play the game and what you want to do. You could go after horses, and then ride the territory and focus on the post office and stables, and then also go after gold and dudes and then chase the rivers and bridges.... or maybe you just buildup your town to the max and get more of everything on every turn... there seems to be lots of plausible routes to winning and it's just about how efficient you are with your strategy. Looking forward to having this in my collection for a long time.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Insurgent in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-insurgent-by-veronica-roth.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>.
YAYYYYY. Le Book Club decided to go straight to Insurgent after reading Divergent. Of course, I probably would've read it right before the book came out so I wouldn't be all "anticipation is killing me!!!" But a bookworm never runs out of books to read, so I'll just sit back, chillax and wait. And wait. And wait. Until the 3rd and final book finally comes out at last so I can beg my mom to go to the bookstore JUST so I can buy it. (I can always wait for the library though.) I mean, come on. Drastic cliff-hanger there. It's agonizing. Too agonizing.
There are lots of shocking secrets here too. For one thing, WHY, CALEB, WHY?!?!?! I'm not even gonna say what he did for those who haven't read it. I just thought I was walking on my bedroom ceiling for a few minutes there when I read it. Of course... I wasn't. Or I would see clothes littering the ceiling and whatever's on the floor (not necessarily clothes). Oh, and Peter. Wow. Just wow. -_- But hey, without that, who knows what would've happened? But I am glad to say there are some peeps that are well, good riddance to them.
I didn't get what the title really meant at first. It didn't even make sense, in my opinion. Until later. Until it was explained (kinda). But oy, what a way to end. Totally unexpected. As much as I'm a bit exhausted with Dystopian Fiction (believe me, there are probably a lot that are lurking on my Kindle App and I have no clue about. Or do I?), I'll say Insurgent was a delightful read. On the overall end, I kinda liked Divergent more. By no means of bashing whatsoever, it was more... unique from The Hunger Games (I guess that applies to all first books in a series), in the means of corrupted government.
But what can I say? Perks to Veronica Roth for creating a unique world with it's own unique parts. :3
And now, I have to wait. And wait. And wait. For a few months. Or is it? *checks date on Goodreads* Oh facepalm. More than a few months. Oh wait, it comes out 10 days after I'm 16! Hey, when's the choosing ceremony for us? :p
YAYYYYY. Le Book Club decided to go straight to Insurgent after reading Divergent. Of course, I probably would've read it right before the book came out so I wouldn't be all "anticipation is killing me!!!" But a bookworm never runs out of books to read, so I'll just sit back, chillax and wait. And wait. And wait. Until the 3rd and final book finally comes out at last so I can beg my mom to go to the bookstore JUST so I can buy it. (I can always wait for the library though.) I mean, come on. Drastic cliff-hanger there. It's agonizing. Too agonizing.
There are lots of shocking secrets here too. For one thing, WHY, CALEB, WHY?!?!?! I'm not even gonna say what he did for those who haven't read it. I just thought I was walking on my bedroom ceiling for a few minutes there when I read it. Of course... I wasn't. Or I would see clothes littering the ceiling and whatever's on the floor (not necessarily clothes). Oh, and Peter. Wow. Just wow. -_- But hey, without that, who knows what would've happened? But I am glad to say there are some peeps that are well, good riddance to them.
I didn't get what the title really meant at first. It didn't even make sense, in my opinion. Until later. Until it was explained (kinda). But oy, what a way to end. Totally unexpected. As much as I'm a bit exhausted with Dystopian Fiction (believe me, there are probably a lot that are lurking on my Kindle App and I have no clue about. Or do I?), I'll say Insurgent was a delightful read. On the overall end, I kinda liked Divergent more. By no means of bashing whatsoever, it was more... unique from The Hunger Games (I guess that applies to all first books in a series), in the means of corrupted government.
But what can I say? Perks to Veronica Roth for creating a unique world with it's own unique parts. :3
And now, I have to wait. And wait. And wait. For a few months. Or is it? *checks date on Goodreads* Oh facepalm. More than a few months. Oh wait, it comes out 10 days after I'm 16! Hey, when's the choosing ceremony for us? :p
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated World War Z (2013) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019 (Updated Aug 6, 2019)
World War Z - the movie that finally dared to make the zombie genre family friendly.
That premise sounds horrible on paper, but somehow, it's not too bad!
Zombie films as a rule of thumb, tend to have a slow build up, before all hell breaks loose, and were treated to over the top violence and gore.
Not the case here... WWZ takes no time at all to kick off, as Brad Pitt and his family find themselves stuck in traffic when the shit hits that fan. Were less than 5 minutes in at this time.
As mentioned, the gore is kept to a minimum, but that didn't bother me. WWZ is more a disaster film than horror, but instead of a tidal wave or a hurricane, the threat are the undead.
And there a lot of them. The zombies here run fast, and in huge numbers, making for some true spectacles as they climb on top of each other to climb buildings etc.
There are two set pieces that are particularly eye catching. The scene in Jerusalem, and the scene on the plane, are both pretty full on and entertaining.
The last quarter of the film is a bit puzzling.
After the aforementioned set pieces, the film really slows down for the last 25 minutes. It's not necessarily a bad move, but just a bit...odd for a Hollywood blockbuster.
The film ends rather abruptly (after feeling a little overlong) and on a freeze frame no less (shoot me now).
The cast are pretty good for the most part - I'm an absolutely unashamed fan of Brad Pitt. I've never seen him play a bad part, so his involvement was always going to be a winner for me.
I've never read the book of WWZ but from what I've heard, the movie sharply deviates from it, pretty much only sharing the title.
From what I've gathered about the books layout, it seems that the film could have explored so much more - it may even suit a series rather than a movie.
WWZ is not much more than a dumb, Hollywood action film, with a couple of jump scares thrown in, but it's pretty entertaining here and there.
And with David Fincher in the directors chair for a future sequel, I'm up for what comes next.
That premise sounds horrible on paper, but somehow, it's not too bad!
Zombie films as a rule of thumb, tend to have a slow build up, before all hell breaks loose, and were treated to over the top violence and gore.
Not the case here... WWZ takes no time at all to kick off, as Brad Pitt and his family find themselves stuck in traffic when the shit hits that fan. Were less than 5 minutes in at this time.
As mentioned, the gore is kept to a minimum, but that didn't bother me. WWZ is more a disaster film than horror, but instead of a tidal wave or a hurricane, the threat are the undead.
And there a lot of them. The zombies here run fast, and in huge numbers, making for some true spectacles as they climb on top of each other to climb buildings etc.
There are two set pieces that are particularly eye catching. The scene in Jerusalem, and the scene on the plane, are both pretty full on and entertaining.
The last quarter of the film is a bit puzzling.
After the aforementioned set pieces, the film really slows down for the last 25 minutes. It's not necessarily a bad move, but just a bit...odd for a Hollywood blockbuster.
The film ends rather abruptly (after feeling a little overlong) and on a freeze frame no less (shoot me now).
The cast are pretty good for the most part - I'm an absolutely unashamed fan of Brad Pitt. I've never seen him play a bad part, so his involvement was always going to be a winner for me.
I've never read the book of WWZ but from what I've heard, the movie sharply deviates from it, pretty much only sharing the title.
From what I've gathered about the books layout, it seems that the film could have explored so much more - it may even suit a series rather than a movie.
WWZ is not much more than a dumb, Hollywood action film, with a couple of jump scares thrown in, but it's pretty entertaining here and there.
And with David Fincher in the directors chair for a future sequel, I'm up for what comes next.