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Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Jul 24, 2017
Cast (4 more)
Scale
Sound Design
Narrative structure
Direction
A return to form
I personally didn't love Nolan's last two efforts, (Interstellar and The Dark Rises,) but this is a return to form. This isn't Nolan telling an overly ambitious story about interdimensional space travel or a billionaire crime fighter, this is a story that actually happened. Although it feels epic in scope, this movie takes place in one location and it benefits from it. We get to see personal dramas and intimate conflicts and we feel like we are right there alongside the men on that beach. Also the sound design is utterly incredible.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2067 KP) rated Tilt-a-Whirl (John Ceepak Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Danny, a seasonal cop in a Jersey shore town, has been partnered with Ceepak, ex-military and very by the book. The two take the call of a murder on the boardwalk's tilt-a-whirl. A billionaire was shot while his daughter was on the ride next to him. Who could have done it? Definitely darker and more graphic than I normally read, the twists and very real characters kept me turning pages. I love this series still, and it's wonderful to see how the characters grow as the series progresses.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-tilt-whirl-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-tilt-whirl-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Anna Steele (111 KP) rated Warcross in Books
May 26, 2018
Not your Grandma’s sci-fi novel
The tech future has made the biggest game in the world a red vs blue expirence akin to esports and March Madness. The world of the game is highly realized, the augmented reality in real life serves as an addictivly immersive expirence. The young billionaire who created the program has layers upon layers that our heroine, Emika, peels back as she gets to know him. She is a hacker, a coder, a bounty hunter, and an all around badass, whose past is difficult but precious to her once her life gets turned upside down and she joins the annual Warcross tournament.
A great, fast paced read.
A great, fast paced read.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Jurassic Park (1993) in Movies
Feb 19, 2018 (Updated Feb 19, 2018)
Spielberg's eek-it's-a-dinosaur adventure movie may not have the gobsmack value it once possessed when photo-realistic CGI had yet to rule the earth, but still stands up well due to traditional storytelling virtues, retains the power to irritate palaeontologists with its dubious approach to nomenclature.
Billionaire with mysterious background (i.e. Lord Attenborough's accent wanders a bit) plans to open high-tech theme park with real live dinosaurs; clearly hasn't seen Westworld; chasing about ensues. Long build-up before the biting starts to happen, but Spielberg's corralling of the action sequences is masterly and the casting is extremely good. Still not sure it warranted five whole sequels, but that's what a massive box office take gets you, I suppose.
Billionaire with mysterious background (i.e. Lord Attenborough's accent wanders a bit) plans to open high-tech theme park with real live dinosaurs; clearly hasn't seen Westworld; chasing about ensues. Long build-up before the biting starts to happen, but Spielberg's corralling of the action sequences is masterly and the casting is extremely good. Still not sure it warranted five whole sequels, but that's what a massive box office take gets you, I suppose.
Sam (74 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Mar 27, 2019
When I heard about Turtles All The Way Down being released, I didn’t know how I felt. It sounded like a book I would like, but at the same time it was by John Green and I had a strict policy to myself that I wouldn’t get it until it was in paperback and in the sale.
And I kinda stuck to that. I didn’t buy it for myself. I got it for Christmas because I decided that I actually quite wanted to read it and for once I could try and throw my prejudices away.
Aza and her best friend Daisy decide to try and find out where a missing billionaire has gone. This billionaire is coincidentally Aza’s childhood best friend’s father, and the reward for finding him is $100,000.
Aza struggles with mental health illnesses throughout the book, and the book includes narratives between Ava and her thoughts which perfectly show how mental health effects people and what it actually feels like to not be in control of your thoughts. It also shows how your mental health affects people around you, even if it’s a bit brutal when it comes to that.
I love that Daisy is constantly writing fanfics throughout the novel and found her whole attitude entertaining. She’s the typical fictional best friend and is so lovable despite her flaws. She’s one of those characters who is impossible to hate.
I’m a convert. I love John Green now and I may go and try his other books again because Turtles All The Way Down is one of my top books of 2017.
And I kinda stuck to that. I didn’t buy it for myself. I got it for Christmas because I decided that I actually quite wanted to read it and for once I could try and throw my prejudices away.
Aza and her best friend Daisy decide to try and find out where a missing billionaire has gone. This billionaire is coincidentally Aza’s childhood best friend’s father, and the reward for finding him is $100,000.
Aza struggles with mental health illnesses throughout the book, and the book includes narratives between Ava and her thoughts which perfectly show how mental health effects people and what it actually feels like to not be in control of your thoughts. It also shows how your mental health affects people around you, even if it’s a bit brutal when it comes to that.
I love that Daisy is constantly writing fanfics throughout the novel and found her whole attitude entertaining. She’s the typical fictional best friend and is so lovable despite her flaws. She’s one of those characters who is impossible to hate.
I’m a convert. I love John Green now and I may go and try his other books again because Turtles All The Way Down is one of my top books of 2017.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Dark Art: My Undercover Life in Global Narco-Terrorism in Books
Mar 2, 2018
Fascinating look at the empire of drug-related terrorism
An absolutely astounding look at undercover operations in the fight against narco-terrorism.
Edward Follis, a veteran undercover DEA agent, writes about his biggest drug busts in which major heroin, ecstasy and cocaine kingpins from across the globe, are apprehended using covert and exhaustive methods.
From learning Thai in order to intercede Khun Sa's major heroin drug routes, to befriending Afghan opium billionaire Taliban financier, Haji Juma Khan, Follis has had a long and fascinating career.
And at times, the bragging may feel over the top, however, it is completely understandable given what he has endured and some of the traumatic experiences included one of his own informants being brutally murdered. Obviously it is written with an American bias, so it's worth keeping that in mind.
Edward Follis, a veteran undercover DEA agent, writes about his biggest drug busts in which major heroin, ecstasy and cocaine kingpins from across the globe, are apprehended using covert and exhaustive methods.
From learning Thai in order to intercede Khun Sa's major heroin drug routes, to befriending Afghan opium billionaire Taliban financier, Haji Juma Khan, Follis has had a long and fascinating career.
And at times, the bragging may feel over the top, however, it is completely understandable given what he has endured and some of the traumatic experiences included one of his own informants being brutally murdered. Obviously it is written with an American bias, so it's worth keeping that in mind.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fifty Shades Freed (2018) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018 (Updated Feb 12, 2018)
Mercifully brief compared to the other two (1 more)
A good advert for celibacy
Once More Unto the Sex Dungeon
(Hey, I know no shame, I will admit to watching this.) Yet more underwhelming shenanigans from the crayon of E.L. James, as thinly-characterised everygirl Anastasia and mysteriously alluring ripped billionaire Christian Grey embark upon married life together.
More of the same mixture of blandly aspirational low-octane soap opera and profoundly unerotic softcore porno; difficult to say which is more boring. Scores somewhat over the second one by actually having a sort of thriller subplot, which means there are moments which approach being dramatic. Supposedly edgy and transgressive saga concludes with the most conventional image of domestic happiness imaginable; says it all really. One quite funny line: too involved to repeat here, alas.
More of the same mixture of blandly aspirational low-octane soap opera and profoundly unerotic softcore porno; difficult to say which is more boring. Scores somewhat over the second one by actually having a sort of thriller subplot, which means there are moments which approach being dramatic. Supposedly edgy and transgressive saga concludes with the most conventional image of domestic happiness imaginable; says it all really. One quite funny line: too involved to repeat here, alas.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Upgrade (2018) in Movies
Feb 10, 2020
Seeking Revenge
Upgrade- directed by Liegh Whannell was a excellent, fantasic movie. Than combines sci-fi, action and horror into one movie. Think Robocop, Dredd and Terminator all combine into one movie with the horror espect.
The plot: A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure -- an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility -- skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life.
If you like seek revenge movies like Dredd and Robocop than you will love this movie. Logan Marshall-Green is excellent and Leigh Whannell does a excellent job directing.
The plot: A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure -- an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility -- skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life.
If you like seek revenge movies like Dredd and Robocop than you will love this movie. Logan Marshall-Green is excellent and Leigh Whannell does a excellent job directing.
Carma (21 KP) rated A Nanny For the Reclusive Billionaire in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Mallory Worthington needs a change of scenery. She is tired of being labeled the sick kid or handle with care. What she needs is an escape from the stigma that a cancer diagnosis brings. She signs up with a temp agency and finds herself flying to Southern Florida to be a nanny to a Billionaire. It is a far cry from being a chef but it might be just what she needs.
Rhys Dalton is reclusive to say the least. Living in Flamingo Key with his son Oliver and a handful of trusted employees is just what he needs after losing his wife 3 years ago. He couldnt protect Beth but he will do whatever it takes to protect Oliver including cutting them off from civilization. Hiring a nanny to help with Olivers needs while he works seems the perfect solution, until Mallory shows up on his doorstep. Werent nannies old and wrinkled with wool dresses?
Mallory and Rhys find themselves needing each other more than they are willing to admit. Together they bring out the best of each other and can offer more live lessons and love to Oliver. But Mallory is reluctant to share her past with Rhys given his personal history with cancer. That can only mean trouble ahead, right?
A Nanny for the Reclusive Billionaire is the first book Ive read by Regina Kyle after meeting her in Cincinnati earlier this year. I am regretting now, not having known about her before because her writing style is wonderful. Believable characters with great storyline flow and humor. If you havent read anything by Ms. Kyle before make this a one click immediately. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rhys Dalton is reclusive to say the least. Living in Flamingo Key with his son Oliver and a handful of trusted employees is just what he needs after losing his wife 3 years ago. He couldnt protect Beth but he will do whatever it takes to protect Oliver including cutting them off from civilization. Hiring a nanny to help with Olivers needs while he works seems the perfect solution, until Mallory shows up on his doorstep. Werent nannies old and wrinkled with wool dresses?
Mallory and Rhys find themselves needing each other more than they are willing to admit. Together they bring out the best of each other and can offer more live lessons and love to Oliver. But Mallory is reluctant to share her past with Rhys given his personal history with cancer. That can only mean trouble ahead, right?
A Nanny for the Reclusive Billionaire is the first book Ive read by Regina Kyle after meeting her in Cincinnati earlier this year. I am regretting now, not having known about her before because her writing style is wonderful. Believable characters with great storyline flow and humor. If you havent read anything by Ms. Kyle before make this a one click immediately. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Becs (244 KP) rated Always You in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Always You by Krista Carleson
Genre: Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica
Synopsis: The army took my first love and left me with a broken heart. That was ten years ago, but fate has a funny sense of humor. Not only is Aidan Dowell my best friend’s older brother, he happens to be my new roommate: the one who chose duty over love- who I thought had left my life forever. Now that I have to live in the same apartment as Aidan, I try to avoid him and guard my heart, but it’s impossible when the person in question is one gorgeous, sexy billionaire. The pull is too strong. The heat between us is going to burn me again. Little did I know that Aidan has a painful secret that threatens to come between us and now I have to make a choice: Fight for him or refuse this second chance at love?
Audience/ Reading Level: High School+
Interests: Erotica, Novella, Short Stories, Best Friends Brother
Point of View: first person
Difficulty Reading: Short, simple, sweet with a lot of hot and steaminess.
Promise: A short yet compelling read that will leave you wanting just a bit more.
Insights: Writing was a bit amateurish but for being the style of book it is, it was a good read. Would recommend to others who like Eroticas.
Ah-Ha Moment: When the boy gets the girl he’s been in love with for the past ten years. And vice versa.
What will you gain: A simple yet refreshing read.
Aesthetics: It was cool to see a billionaire and his brother living together with Cat. But other than that, there was really anything that stood out that’s worth mentioning.
Genre: Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica
Synopsis: The army took my first love and left me with a broken heart. That was ten years ago, but fate has a funny sense of humor. Not only is Aidan Dowell my best friend’s older brother, he happens to be my new roommate: the one who chose duty over love- who I thought had left my life forever. Now that I have to live in the same apartment as Aidan, I try to avoid him and guard my heart, but it’s impossible when the person in question is one gorgeous, sexy billionaire. The pull is too strong. The heat between us is going to burn me again. Little did I know that Aidan has a painful secret that threatens to come between us and now I have to make a choice: Fight for him or refuse this second chance at love?
Audience/ Reading Level: High School+
Interests: Erotica, Novella, Short Stories, Best Friends Brother
Point of View: first person
Difficulty Reading: Short, simple, sweet with a lot of hot and steaminess.
Promise: A short yet compelling read that will leave you wanting just a bit more.
Insights: Writing was a bit amateurish but for being the style of book it is, it was a good read. Would recommend to others who like Eroticas.
Ah-Ha Moment: When the boy gets the girl he’s been in love with for the past ten years. And vice versa.
What will you gain: A simple yet refreshing read.
Aesthetics: It was cool to see a billionaire and his brother living together with Cat. But other than that, there was really anything that stood out that’s worth mentioning.