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AT (1676 KP) rated Last Pick Book 1 in Books
Jan 5, 2019 (Updated Jan 5, 2019)
I don't even remember where I ran across a synopsis of this graphic novel, but I'm glad I did! It's written for a young adult audience, but for me, I connected with it even more because there's a special needs character in the story, and I've got a child with special needs. It's refreshing to see a story give a character with differences strength and hope. The aliens in the story deal with weaknesses being perceived as bad, unwanted things. However, the differences that the character has may just prove to be an asset to his survival.
GustavoCampello (6 KP) rated The Wild Goose Lake (2019) in Movies
Feb 10, 2022
Beautiful film nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The director plays with various genres ranging from action, drama, noir and romance. The technical part is perfect and the rhythm helps a lot. It's funny how during the film we completely forget that the main character is not really a good guy, but a criminal without many scruples, and this is a very interesting asset of the film, as he intentionally manipulates the spectator's perception. The performances are great, but it's a picture movie, even when the lighting is dark. There are some clichés throughout the movie, but the pacing helps to soften that. I really liked it.
The Lawsons bought a house before the boom and are now sitting ‘asset rich’ in a leafy London suburb. Fi Lawson arrives home one afternoon to find her house has been sold and new people are moving in. Her estranged husband Bram has disappeared, and she is facing this chaos alone. Candlish opens with this almost farcical beginning and pulls you into the story. Things take a darker turn when Fi starts to relay her situation on a popular radio podcast. This timeline is spliced between paragraphs of a letter from Bram. As both sides of the story unfold and both characters think they know all the facts, this novel is an interesting twist on domestic noir. Thoroughly enjoyable.
David Hudson recommended M (Movie) (1931) in Movies (curated)
GustavoCampello (6 KP) rated Another Earth (2011) in Movies
Feb 10, 2022
The film does refer, albeit in a shallow way, to Tarkovsky and this is perhaps its greatest asset. There are exaggerations. There is not the same poetry as in the Russian master's films, but the drama that unfolds at the same time as we have a science fiction in the background can't help but remember Stalker. The two actors are well in the roles, I think it was necessary to explore a little better Rhoda's relationship with her family. Some resolutions at the end were rushed and kind of gibberish, but the film is far from the American production standard, that in itself makes it much better than most of the garbage that Hollywood throws at the crowd. The final balance is much more positive than negative, and the ending makes you think, it's not something chewy, I like endings like that.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Medusa Touch (1978) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Rather ropey Omen rip-off with Richard Burton, Lino Ventura and Lee Remick (told you so). A French detective seconded to the London police (zis is ze co-production, bien sur) investigates the life of a writer and noted grump who has just had his head bashed in (Burton); the victim believed he had the power to cause disasters and gradually le inspecteur comes to agree with him.
Some genuinely interesting ideas, but a peculiar narrative structure and obviously low budget are definite limiting factors. Film makes good use of its biggest asset, Richard Burton, who gives his various misanthropic rants 110% and seems to be genuinely off his head (one wonders if he spent most of the shoot wrecked). Playing spot the cameo is also somewhat entertaining. Climax is a bit disappointing though; the whole film is never quite as chilling, powerful, or convincing as it thinks it is.
Some genuinely interesting ideas, but a peculiar narrative structure and obviously low budget are definite limiting factors. Film makes good use of its biggest asset, Richard Burton, who gives his various misanthropic rants 110% and seems to be genuinely off his head (one wonders if he spent most of the shoot wrecked). Playing spot the cameo is also somewhat entertaining. Climax is a bit disappointing though; the whole film is never quite as chilling, powerful, or convincing as it thinks it is.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated The Scam in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The unlikely duo of criminal Nick Fox and FBI Agent Kate O’Hare are after a casino owner who is knowingly helping launder money that goes to terrorists. But as their con is set in motion, things quickly spiral out of control. Will they be able to turn their target into an FBI asset?
These books are always light, fun reads and this book is no exception. The characters could have more depth, but they are developed enough to keep my interest, and the crew that Nick and Kate always pull together is half the fun. The twists and plentiful and the ride is fun. I’m very anxious to get my hands on the next in the series.
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/2015/09/book-review-scam-by-janet-evanovich-and.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
These books are always light, fun reads and this book is no exception. The characters could have more depth, but they are developed enough to keep my interest, and the crew that Nick and Kate always pull together is half the fun. The twists and plentiful and the ride is fun. I’m very anxious to get my hands on the next in the series.
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/2015/09/book-review-scam-by-janet-evanovich-and.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Cable Left, Cable Right: 94 Knitted Cables in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has never knitted a cable before, this was a great book to start with. The first thing I noticed about this novel is how beautiful the images are. They are so clear and crisp that it is easy to see the stitching, a huge plus for any knitting book.
The book begins with explained what a knitted cable actually is and some terminology and charting symbols you should familiarize yourself with. I appreciated that the charting symbols not only came with the images but short little descriptions of how to do them. The book also explains other important symbols to know as well as different types of needles used. The best about this book? The step by step descriptions and images that went with each. As a visual learner, it was a great asset to me especially since I am not as familiar with knitting as I am crochet.
I couldnt have asked for a better book to try and learn cable stitches from. I have always loved cable stitches, and now I can finally knit my own!
As someone who has never knitted a cable before, this was a great book to start with. The first thing I noticed about this novel is how beautiful the images are. They are so clear and crisp that it is easy to see the stitching, a huge plus for any knitting book.
The book begins with explained what a knitted cable actually is and some terminology and charting symbols you should familiarize yourself with. I appreciated that the charting symbols not only came with the images but short little descriptions of how to do them. The book also explains other important symbols to know as well as different types of needles used. The best about this book? The step by step descriptions and images that went with each. As a visual learner, it was a great asset to me especially since I am not as familiar with knitting as I am crochet.
I couldnt have asked for a better book to try and learn cable stitches from. I have always loved cable stitches, and now I can finally knit my own!
kitty ♡ (68 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Jul 26, 2017
tony stark's presence (5 more)
peter's friend, ned, & his lines
zendaya's character
pepperony is back together
no uncle ben dying
miles morales mention
it did what it set out to do.
Contains spoilers, click to show
this isn't the most amazing movie i've seen marvel produce. but it's pretty good. i think what marvel wanted to do is to create a movie that just screams TEENHOOD, and they did just that. i've read other reviews that said the movie was rather john hughes-esque, and i agree.
the best part about this movie is unlike in the previous franchises (the original trilogy & the amazing spider-man), the actors playing these teens aren't in their mid-20s, going on 30s. while it is true that peter's aged up in those versions, a 27 year old still shouldn't be playing a high school student.
the other great things about this movie are the "oh shit" factor of peter finding out who his crush's dad is, his conversations with the suit's AI, and the "asset manager" constantly ignoring peter
i would have loved more of donald glover. i would love to see his character alongside peter, & as miles morales is mentioned, i reckon he's going to make an appearance soon! YES!
the best part about this movie is unlike in the previous franchises (the original trilogy & the amazing spider-man), the actors playing these teens aren't in their mid-20s, going on 30s. while it is true that peter's aged up in those versions, a 27 year old still shouldn't be playing a high school student.
the other great things about this movie are the "oh shit" factor of peter finding out who his crush's dad is, his conversations with the suit's AI, and the "asset manager" constantly ignoring peter
i would have loved more of donald glover. i would love to see his character alongside peter, & as miles morales is mentioned, i reckon he's going to make an appearance soon! YES!
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated American Ultra (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Jesse Eisenberg plays a “stoned” cold killer without a memory in the new action comedy American Ultra. But when the pompous government weasel played by Topher Grace decides to eliminate the asset, Stoner Eisenberg finds himself running for his life and yet relying on secret spy skills he didn’t know he had. Think Jason Borne meets Pineapple Express. Only with way more low budget action and far less stoner humor. Which is a shame because American Ultra doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. If it would have made a commitment to either the action or the stoner comedy, we would could have and a solid movie in either direction, but instead we just get, meh.
That isn’t to say the film is bad. I went in with low expectations and enjoyed myself. It has some chuckles but they are few and far between. Kristen Stewart seems right at home with her performance of Eisenberg’s girlfriend who is caught up in the ride and helps him along the way. While Jesse Eisenberg and Topher Grace are not menacing and their action sequences seem stiff and awkward. However this film makes it clear that it doesn’t take itself seriously and thus if you just go along with the ride you may enjoy it.
That isn’t to say the film is bad. I went in with low expectations and enjoyed myself. It has some chuckles but they are few and far between. Kristen Stewart seems right at home with her performance of Eisenberg’s girlfriend who is caught up in the ride and helps him along the way. While Jesse Eisenberg and Topher Grace are not menacing and their action sequences seem stiff and awkward. However this film makes it clear that it doesn’t take itself seriously and thus if you just go along with the ride you may enjoy it.