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ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Immortalists in Books
May 6, 2018
Do we have a choice or is it all dates?
Starting in 1969, four siblings visit a fortune teller who tells them the exact day that they will each die. This is about how they decide to live their lives knowing that date. Each pet of the book follows a separate sibling, starting with the one who dies the youngest. Each subsequent part takes up after the previous sibling dies.
I really liked this: I liked how the author describes their lives and decisions. I felt that it made them more human and not just another story. I like these family dramas though, and the chance to peek into someone else’s life.
This is definitely not a fantasy or science fiction book though. I did think there was a possibility that it might be when I first read the synopsis, but it’s definitely set in our world. AIDS, depression, obsession, OCD: these people have real life struggles.
It wasn’t always a comfortable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really liked this: I liked how the author describes their lives and decisions. I felt that it made them more human and not just another story. I like these family dramas though, and the chance to peek into someone else’s life.
This is definitely not a fantasy or science fiction book though. I did think there was a possibility that it might be when I first read the synopsis, but it’s definitely set in our world. AIDS, depression, obsession, OCD: these people have real life struggles.
It wasn’t always a comfortable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Akward (448 KP) rated Pandemic in Tabletop Games
May 24, 2018
Cooperative (1 more)
Thematically interesting
Pandemic is a lot of board gamers first cooperative game, and for that it has a lot of value. A lot of people have fond memories getting destroyed over and over, feeling that their first win was a big accomplishment. Unfortunately, after your first few wins, the game loses a lot of its charm. You start to recognize the patterns, and can pretty much tell within the first few terms if your group is going to win. As a result, this game is likely gathering dust in a lot of people's collections: too nostalgic to sell, but not good enough to play.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Slaughterhouse-Five in Books
Feb 9, 2018
So it goes...
Like most Vonnegut books you either love Slaughterhouse-Five or simply hate it, I can admit Vonnegut really isn't for everyone but for me his books are hilarious and leave me thinking about them more days after I finish them.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Murder Most Fowl in Books
Mar 9, 2018
One morning in March, Cam’s neighbor dies at his breakfast table, just hours after his chicken farm his hit by animal rights activists. Wayne was a very nice man, often offering Cam advice on her own heard of chickens. When the man’s daughter turns to Cam for help understanding what happened to him, Cam starts investigating. But can she find the killer?
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-murder-most-fowl-by-edith.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I always enjoy my time on Cam’s farm, and this book was no exception. The pacing was a tad uneven, but that was only a minor issue. The mystery is still strong, with good clues, red herrings, and a great climax. While a couple of supporting characters sat this one out, the rest of the cast is back and as strong as ever. This will leave you turning pages until you read the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-murder-most-fowl-by-edith.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in Video Games
Dec 8, 2018 (Updated Dec 8, 2018)
An amazing addition to an already fantastic franchise!
I haven't tried the actual online gameplay yet, but I can tell you that adventure mode is fantastic. I spent 8 hours after a full workday playing adventure mode; I've unlocked maybe a dozen fighters all told, some of whom I don't even recognize. There's a new mechanic that allows me to customize each fighter as I play, which allows me to improve characteristics that I like or use more frequently. I can even train my fighters to have different statistics, which unlocks a multitude of different playstyles.
I haven't actually tried to play the online Quickplay yet, though I will probably do so sometime this weekend. It's great that they have online as an option, because that was always an issue for me--often I couldn't find anyone available at the same time as myself, so I only had CPUs or each hero's journey to complete.
I'd give this 15 out of 10 if I could... And 20 out of 10 with the more traditional controller!
I haven't actually tried to play the online Quickplay yet, though I will probably do so sometime this weekend. It's great that they have online as an option, because that was always an issue for me--often I couldn't find anyone available at the same time as myself, so I only had CPUs or each hero's journey to complete.
I'd give this 15 out of 10 if I could... And 20 out of 10 with the more traditional controller!
I have to admit, I was one of the few people who didn't really know anything about the Golden State Killer. I picked this book up after he was caught because I wanted to learn more and because it is the first book in a new online book club that I joined. I have always found serial killers interesting so I was excited to sit down and listen to this book. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I never knew Michelle McNamara's writing style or detective skills so I prepared myself to be disappointed. That disappointment never came.
This book was phenomenal. The research that Michelle & her editors put into this was simply impressive. I was constantly in awe while reading this book. This is probably one of the top true crime novel that I have read. Michelle has a way to pull you into the story and leave you wanting to continue on her hunt (which thankfully we don't have to do now that he is caught).
All in all, this is a great true crime which I will recommend to everyone!
This book was phenomenal. The research that Michelle & her editors put into this was simply impressive. I was constantly in awe while reading this book. This is probably one of the top true crime novel that I have read. Michelle has a way to pull you into the story and leave you wanting to continue on her hunt (which thankfully we don't have to do now that he is caught).
All in all, this is a great true crime which I will recommend to everyone!
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Dracula - Dead and Loving It (1995) in Movies
Jul 14, 2018
A lot of fun, the humour is great (1 more)
A fun cast
Its just a fun movie
This is a fun movie. You should not take this seriously. I have found myself quoting this more and more as the years went on. I saw this again and again as a child and watching it again after so long I can appreciate it a lot more.
Leslie Nielson is great as Dracula. He brings in a fun, charming performance as always. Not his best role but does a good job with it.
Peter MacNicol as Renfield is by far my favourite character right from the start. He is funny, crazy with some amazing lines. He is where my favourite quotes come from mostly.
This is a typical Mel brooks spoof movie. He directs and stars and is quite funny. The rest of the cast I wasn't that interested about to be honest.
Not sure if it's intentional but the acting isn't the greatest but still a lot of fun.
Leslie Nielson is great as Dracula. He brings in a fun, charming performance as always. Not his best role but does a good job with it.
Peter MacNicol as Renfield is by far my favourite character right from the start. He is funny, crazy with some amazing lines. He is where my favourite quotes come from mostly.
This is a typical Mel brooks spoof movie. He directs and stars and is quite funny. The rest of the cast I wasn't that interested about to be honest.
Not sure if it's intentional but the acting isn't the greatest but still a lot of fun.
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) in Movies
Jul 23, 2018
Lawyer Jokes Optional
William H. Macy is one of the most underrated actors in film history. And he's in this one! And then there are the Oscar winners Marisa Tomei and Matthew McCounaghey. But who cares about them? Just kidding. Every member of the all-star cast bring this slightly predictable tale to life.
Mick Haller is a slick lawyer. He's always quick with a quip and knows which palms to grease. When he comes to represent rich-kid Louis Roulet, it seems he is in for a sweet payday. Cha-ching! Anyhow, the case becomes more complicated than he originally anticipated. This movie becomes dark and suspenseful quite quickly after that.
I would say more, but I want to avoid spoilers. I was pleased to see John Leguizamo and Michael Pena in supporting roles as well. My mom liked it and my mom doesn't like just any movie. As she advised me, pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy.
Mick Haller is a slick lawyer. He's always quick with a quip and knows which palms to grease. When he comes to represent rich-kid Louis Roulet, it seems he is in for a sweet payday. Cha-ching! Anyhow, the case becomes more complicated than he originally anticipated. This movie becomes dark and suspenseful quite quickly after that.
I would say more, but I want to avoid spoilers. I was pleased to see John Leguizamo and Michael Pena in supporting roles as well. My mom liked it and my mom doesn't like just any movie. As she advised me, pop some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy.
Reiko LJ (126 KP) rated Hearts in Atlantis in Books
Jul 26, 2018
Hearts in lukewarm water
As someone who hasn't read any of the Dark Tower series outside of the mentions in King's short stories it was interesting to have a reference pop up again. Coupled with the "The Little Sisters of Eluria" from 'Everything's Eventual' it's enough to pique my interest in the series.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Predator (2018) in Movies
Sep 13, 2018 (Updated Sep 14, 2018)
The second half (1 more)
Predator dog... WTF?!
So, another week, another disappointment at the cinema. This week, it's the turn of The Predator.
For the first 40 minutes or so though, I actually really enjoyed this latest installment of a franchise that has always struggled to match the original. Some interesting ideas and characters are introduced and there's a healthy dose of intense action as a captured Predator escapes a facility it's being held captive in. Overall, plenty of potential.
But then, probably soon after the arrival of the huge CGI Super Predator, the movie slowly descends into nonsense. What doesn't help is that the editing is noticeably bad from then on too. Scene cuts that don't make sense and numerous occasions when you just can't tell who is doing what, where people are and who is getting killed. It's a frustrating, jumbled mess.
And in among all of that, there's a predator dog that goes from trying to kill everyone to following them around and wanting to play fetch like a real dog!! Ridiculous.
For the first 40 minutes or so though, I actually really enjoyed this latest installment of a franchise that has always struggled to match the original. Some interesting ideas and characters are introduced and there's a healthy dose of intense action as a captured Predator escapes a facility it's being held captive in. Overall, plenty of potential.
But then, probably soon after the arrival of the huge CGI Super Predator, the movie slowly descends into nonsense. What doesn't help is that the editing is noticeably bad from then on too. Scene cuts that don't make sense and numerous occasions when you just can't tell who is doing what, where people are and who is getting killed. It's a frustrating, jumbled mess.
And in among all of that, there's a predator dog that goes from trying to kill everyone to following them around and wanting to play fetch like a real dog!! Ridiculous.