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Mr. Nobody
6.0
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When a man is found on a Norfolk beach, drifting in and out of consciousness, with no identification...
CSmart for craigslist - Mobile classifieds app
Catalogs and Finance
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*WARNING* BUILT-IN POST COMING NEXT MAJOR UPDATE, PERSONALS SECTION NOT INCLUDED. Please read the...
Monkey Math School Sunshine
Education and Games
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From the creators of the #1 Preschool App “Monkey Preschool Lunchbox”! Join your child’s...
Solitaire by MobilityWare
Games
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Solitaire by MobilityWare is the ORIGINAL maker of Solitaire with Daily Challenges. We’ve made...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Harder They Fall (2021) in Movies
Nov 13, 2021
Terrific Ending
I am a “bitter-ender”, I will stay until the end of a Sporting Event or a Movie in the hopes that something interesting will happen.
And, in the case of the Netflix Original Film THE HARDER THEY FALL, I was rewarded for my patience.
Based on real-life African-American characters - and with an All-Black Cast - THE HARDER THEY FALL tells the tale of 2 rival gangs in the “Old West” (circa 1880 or so) as they rob, cheat, outsmart and kill each other.
This 2 1/2 hour epic has 2 distinct parts. The first 2 hours is all set up. A film that looks like a pale imitation of a Quentin Tarantino film by Writer/Director Jaymes Samuel (best known as collaborating with Baz Luhrman and Jay Z on the soundtrack for THE GREAT GATSBY). He is clearly influenced by Tarantno and tries to mimic Tarantino’s style - and, like most imitators - falls short mainly because he focused on the style and not the substance of what Tarantino does.
He populates this film with some of the finest Black Actors working today - Idris Elba, DelRoy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Lakeith Stanfield and Zazie Bettz are all underutilized during the first 2 hours of this film and I had myself wondering why they agreed to do this film.
And then came the last 1/2 hour.
The final portion of THE HARDER THEY FALL is about as good a piece of film-making that you will see, with the showdown between the 2 rival gangs really paying off and Majors, Lindo and Elba (especially) finally get their chance to shine - and answers the question as to why these fine performers were in this film. It’s as if Samuels had a great ending in mind and patched together a film (and plot) that would get the characters to that point.
And then there is the case of Regina King - who was acting in a different kind of film all along. She reigns in this film like a true MOVIE STAR, commanding the screen - and your attention - whenever she shows up. She has a wonderful monologue in the underwhelming first 2 hours of this film - that is worthy of Tarantino - and shows why King is undeniably a MOVIE STAR. This monologue alone almost makes the first 2 hours bearable.
You will have a conundrum when contemplating seeing THE HARDER THEY FALL. Will you be willing to sit through 2 hours of a B- film (a “C” film, if it wasn’t for King) to, finally, be rewarded with an A+ ending?
The choice is yours.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And, in the case of the Netflix Original Film THE HARDER THEY FALL, I was rewarded for my patience.
Based on real-life African-American characters - and with an All-Black Cast - THE HARDER THEY FALL tells the tale of 2 rival gangs in the “Old West” (circa 1880 or so) as they rob, cheat, outsmart and kill each other.
This 2 1/2 hour epic has 2 distinct parts. The first 2 hours is all set up. A film that looks like a pale imitation of a Quentin Tarantino film by Writer/Director Jaymes Samuel (best known as collaborating with Baz Luhrman and Jay Z on the soundtrack for THE GREAT GATSBY). He is clearly influenced by Tarantno and tries to mimic Tarantino’s style - and, like most imitators - falls short mainly because he focused on the style and not the substance of what Tarantino does.
He populates this film with some of the finest Black Actors working today - Idris Elba, DelRoy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Lakeith Stanfield and Zazie Bettz are all underutilized during the first 2 hours of this film and I had myself wondering why they agreed to do this film.
And then came the last 1/2 hour.
The final portion of THE HARDER THEY FALL is about as good a piece of film-making that you will see, with the showdown between the 2 rival gangs really paying off and Majors, Lindo and Elba (especially) finally get their chance to shine - and answers the question as to why these fine performers were in this film. It’s as if Samuels had a great ending in mind and patched together a film (and plot) that would get the characters to that point.
And then there is the case of Regina King - who was acting in a different kind of film all along. She reigns in this film like a true MOVIE STAR, commanding the screen - and your attention - whenever she shows up. She has a wonderful monologue in the underwhelming first 2 hours of this film - that is worthy of Tarantino - and shows why King is undeniably a MOVIE STAR. This monologue alone almost makes the first 2 hours bearable.
You will have a conundrum when contemplating seeing THE HARDER THEY FALL. Will you be willing to sit through 2 hours of a B- film (a “C” film, if it wasn’t for King) to, finally, be rewarded with an A+ ending?
The choice is yours.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Unleashing Happiness: How I Helped Free My Child from Anxious Thoughts
Book
Is it really possible for a mother to heal her angry child, changing her daughter's personality from...
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Thicker Than Water (Redwater Demons #1) in Books
Jul 27, 2024
freaking loved this book!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right here, is what I love MOST about reviewing. I come across a blurb that I love the sound of, by an author that is new to me, and the book blows me away! I freaking LOVED this book!
Julian is a demon hunter. His latest job finds himself adopted by the demon he was sent to kill. But she's just a little girl, and he cannot. He then finds said toddler kidnapped from him, and a demon contacts him, to share custody! (I'm sorry, but that really did make me chuckle!) But as Cassius and JJ bond over Desi, pieces are being moved on the cheesboard, and it's not very clear who will come out on top.
Like I said, freaking loved this book!
I loved the jump straight in for JJ and Desi. I loved the gentle way we are told about this world and the people and demons in it. The world building is excellent, and I could keep up and follow what was being thrown at me at all times. Cass and JJ have redefined the SLOW BUILD! I love the gradual way the attraction builds between these two. It's slow and subtle, and one of them thinks/says something and its "say what now??" SOme funny moments, too.
It's violent in places. JJ bears the brunt of that but not all is on page. MUCH is implied. I liked that we don't get it all, but we get some clues as to how bad it really was.
While JJ and Cass have a slow build, when we get to the main event?? Totally fade to grey and I freaking LOVED THAT TOO!! I'm big enough to admit, I like my books on the steamy side, and I'm also big enough to admit that not all books nned to be explicit. I loved that this one was not.
Betrayal of the highest order is painful for JJ, but Cass comes to the rescue, in his true form. And I loved that there was no indication that demons in this world had another form! There is some indication who might be next, at the end of this one with a bit of the next book. Actually, it gives you the next TWO books, I hope!
This is a new to me author, at the start of a new series. Two questions I ask myself when I read new authors and starts of series: will I read more by this author?? And will I continue the series. My answers to both questions is a HELL FREAKING YES!!
I can't fault this, I really cannot.
5 full and oh-so shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book, right here, is what I love MOST about reviewing. I come across a blurb that I love the sound of, by an author that is new to me, and the book blows me away! I freaking LOVED this book!
Julian is a demon hunter. His latest job finds himself adopted by the demon he was sent to kill. But she's just a little girl, and he cannot. He then finds said toddler kidnapped from him, and a demon contacts him, to share custody! (I'm sorry, but that really did make me chuckle!) But as Cassius and JJ bond over Desi, pieces are being moved on the cheesboard, and it's not very clear who will come out on top.
Like I said, freaking loved this book!
I loved the jump straight in for JJ and Desi. I loved the gentle way we are told about this world and the people and demons in it. The world building is excellent, and I could keep up and follow what was being thrown at me at all times. Cass and JJ have redefined the SLOW BUILD! I love the gradual way the attraction builds between these two. It's slow and subtle, and one of them thinks/says something and its "say what now??" SOme funny moments, too.
It's violent in places. JJ bears the brunt of that but not all is on page. MUCH is implied. I liked that we don't get it all, but we get some clues as to how bad it really was.
While JJ and Cass have a slow build, when we get to the main event?? Totally fade to grey and I freaking LOVED THAT TOO!! I'm big enough to admit, I like my books on the steamy side, and I'm also big enough to admit that not all books nned to be explicit. I loved that this one was not.
Betrayal of the highest order is painful for JJ, but Cass comes to the rescue, in his true form. And I loved that there was no indication that demons in this world had another form! There is some indication who might be next, at the end of this one with a bit of the next book. Actually, it gives you the next TWO books, I hope!
This is a new to me author, at the start of a new series. Two questions I ask myself when I read new authors and starts of series: will I read more by this author?? And will I continue the series. My answers to both questions is a HELL FREAKING YES!!
I can't fault this, I really cannot.
5 full and oh-so shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13197 KP) rated Bratva's Intern (Bratva's Undoing #1) in Books
Jul 8, 2025
BRATVA'S INTERN is the first in the Bratva's Undoing series and the first of two that has Maxim and Wren as the main characters.
So, firstly, as you may have gathered from the title, this has to do with the Russian mob. Maxim travelled to America when he was young and built up from there. Wren is a (in his own words) completely average and unremarkable student, who suffered the disappearance of his father when he was twelve. He doesn't mention his mother much, so I'm not sure if she's still alive or not. Anyway, these two meet in a coffee shop, and it all goes from there, but I won't say too much as I don't want to give any spoilers.
This was a one-sitting read for me. I simply couldn't put it down once I'd started it. The back-and-forth between them, the confusion, the jealousy, the 'what the hell is going on here?' moments; they all add up to a fantastic story. Maxim is possessive of Wren and makes no bones about telling him, which is just what Wren needs to hear. I loved how Wren showed his backbone to stick up for others, and yet failed to stand up for himself. I shouted out when Maxim helped give him more confidence, and the backing and support Wren hasn't had for far too many years. Maxim tries to keep Wren out of it for the most part, but Wren is a stubborn and independent man who just didn't see the danger (because he's been kept out of it!) until it was too late.
I loved the ending of this book. It ties some things up nicely, giving a HFN ending for Maxim and Wren, while leaving me with answers I still need! What happened to Wren's dad? What is going on with Archie? Who applied on Wren's behalf for the internship?
Honestly, I loved Maxim and Wren so much. They are ably supported by other characters, some of whom I adored (Nik, Jess, Darius), and some of whom gave me an itchy feeling, where it feels as though more is going on, but I won't know until the author shares. And, no, I don't need to name them because anyone who's read the book knows d@mn well who I'm on about!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. I can't wait for the second book in this series!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 1, 2025
So, firstly, as you may have gathered from the title, this has to do with the Russian mob. Maxim travelled to America when he was young and built up from there. Wren is a (in his own words) completely average and unremarkable student, who suffered the disappearance of his father when he was twelve. He doesn't mention his mother much, so I'm not sure if she's still alive or not. Anyway, these two meet in a coffee shop, and it all goes from there, but I won't say too much as I don't want to give any spoilers.
This was a one-sitting read for me. I simply couldn't put it down once I'd started it. The back-and-forth between them, the confusion, the jealousy, the 'what the hell is going on here?' moments; they all add up to a fantastic story. Maxim is possessive of Wren and makes no bones about telling him, which is just what Wren needs to hear. I loved how Wren showed his backbone to stick up for others, and yet failed to stand up for himself. I shouted out when Maxim helped give him more confidence, and the backing and support Wren hasn't had for far too many years. Maxim tries to keep Wren out of it for the most part, but Wren is a stubborn and independent man who just didn't see the danger (because he's been kept out of it!) until it was too late.
I loved the ending of this book. It ties some things up nicely, giving a HFN ending for Maxim and Wren, while leaving me with answers I still need! What happened to Wren's dad? What is going on with Archie? Who applied on Wren's behalf for the internship?
Honestly, I loved Maxim and Wren so much. They are ably supported by other characters, some of whom I adored (Nik, Jess, Darius), and some of whom gave me an itchy feeling, where it feels as though more is going on, but I won't know until the author shares. And, no, I don't need to name them because anyone who's read the book knows d@mn well who I'm on about!
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. I can't wait for the second book in this series!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 1, 2025
Merissa (13197 KP) rated Bratva's Vow (Bratva's Undoing #2) in Books
Aug 19, 2025
BRATVA'S VOW is the concluding part of Wren and Maxim's story, although not the end of the series! Phew!!! You really do need to read the first book to fully appreciate this one, so I won't go over the story again, apart from to say that it follows on from the first one.
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 19, 2025
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 19, 2025