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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated The Wrong Girl (Jane Ryland, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This is the second book about reporter Jane Ryland and Boston detective Jake Brogan. This time around, Jane is helping a former co-worker find out if she was sent to the wrong woman while trying to track down her birth mother. Meanwhile, she is also covering a murder that Jake is investigating. A woman is found murdered. Two kids under 3, both alive, are in the next room. It looks like a simple domestic dispute except the woman has no ID anywhere in the apartment.
I loved the book. It started fast and never let me go until I reached the end. The characters were great as well, and I had a blast spending time with all of them.
I got the book via Amazon Vine.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-wrong-girl-by-hank.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the book. It started fast and never let me go until I reached the end. The characters were great as well, and I had a blast spending time with all of them.
I got the book via Amazon Vine.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-wrong-girl-by-hank.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Black Mass (2015) in Movies
Jul 8, 2018
The Departed it isn't
When it's a gangster film set in Boston, it's always going to get compared to The Departed. The problem with Black Mass is it's very similar to The Departed, but sadly not in quality.
The acting and cast are great, there is some fantastic casting in this although it's Johnny Depp that I'm not too sure on. He seems to be a little over the top and his physical transformation is very creepy and disconcerting. The true story is very interesting, but it sometimes comes across as dull and I do have questions over how true some of this. The film is lacking in humour too and they would've done better to try and liven it up somehow. Whilst I appreciate it's a true story, I do feel it's a little lacking. Not one I'd go out of my way to watch again.
The acting and cast are great, there is some fantastic casting in this although it's Johnny Depp that I'm not too sure on. He seems to be a little over the top and his physical transformation is very creepy and disconcerting. The true story is very interesting, but it sometimes comes across as dull and I do have questions over how true some of this. The film is lacking in humour too and they would've done better to try and liven it up somehow. Whilst I appreciate it's a true story, I do feel it's a little lacking. Not one I'd go out of my way to watch again.
fakegps_location (0 KP) created a post
Nov 2, 2023
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Heat (2013) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
In a fun twist to the traditional buddy-cop movie theme, this time we have a pair of ladies bringing The Heat to the streets of Boston for a laugh-out-loud good time.
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy bring action and some very sharp tongues to the big screen.
The story starts out by painting a picture of the two in their separate worlds. Special Agent Ashburn (Bullock) is very prim, proper, and by-the-book. She dresses for success, knows it all, and doesn’t let so much as an S-bomb pass her lips. As she solves a case (proving herself a know-it-all in front of coworkers), a bleak picture comes into focus that this very uptight FBI agent is just the beginning.
By contrast (and fitting the expected formula), Detective Mullins (McCarthy) uses a down-and-dirty, physical, and foul-mouthed method for cleaning up the streets of Boston. Her neighborhood is definitely her home, and it needs protecting. Mullins’ slovenly lifestyle is the complete polar opposite of Ashburn, as one might expect. This conflict is the driving force behind a typical buddy cop movie. The only difference is that it’s two women instead of the usual ingredients.
Ashburn is given an assignment in Boston. The assignment will be a key, deciding factor in her next promotion, so all she wants is a simple case to solve and close. Naturally, once Mullins and Ashburn meet, sparks fly and hilarity ensues.
I went into this with low expectations, but also a deep loathing for Sandra Bullock as an actress — every role she’s ever played has been essentially the same. I expected the same in The Heat. In an oh-so-surprising twist of fate, she ended up playing the sober, strait-laced character! Despite my lack of appreciation for her acting skills, I must say she did well; her comedic timing was spot-on, and it meshed well with McCarthy’s usual brand of comedy: vociferous and physical, bordering on slapstick. I did note during the film that Bullock is definitely starting to show her age; this is not a knock on her beauty, but more an admission that I am starting to feel old!
Mullins also plays the same character in every movie role she takes, so this character was no stretch for her at all. It seems she is just there to memorize lines and provide her unabashed, high-energy quips. That said, I have to give her mad props for comedic timing and delivery. She is a one-trick-pony, but that one trick is a damn good one.
All in all, this is a great film for laughs. I laughed out loud through much of it, which was a surprise. As with all comedies, I don’t recommend spending your hard-earned cash on these top-dollar theater tickets. Wait for the small screen, but definitely see it for a good, healthy chuckle.
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy bring action and some very sharp tongues to the big screen.
The story starts out by painting a picture of the two in their separate worlds. Special Agent Ashburn (Bullock) is very prim, proper, and by-the-book. She dresses for success, knows it all, and doesn’t let so much as an S-bomb pass her lips. As she solves a case (proving herself a know-it-all in front of coworkers), a bleak picture comes into focus that this very uptight FBI agent is just the beginning.
By contrast (and fitting the expected formula), Detective Mullins (McCarthy) uses a down-and-dirty, physical, and foul-mouthed method for cleaning up the streets of Boston. Her neighborhood is definitely her home, and it needs protecting. Mullins’ slovenly lifestyle is the complete polar opposite of Ashburn, as one might expect. This conflict is the driving force behind a typical buddy cop movie. The only difference is that it’s two women instead of the usual ingredients.
Ashburn is given an assignment in Boston. The assignment will be a key, deciding factor in her next promotion, so all she wants is a simple case to solve and close. Naturally, once Mullins and Ashburn meet, sparks fly and hilarity ensues.
I went into this with low expectations, but also a deep loathing for Sandra Bullock as an actress — every role she’s ever played has been essentially the same. I expected the same in The Heat. In an oh-so-surprising twist of fate, she ended up playing the sober, strait-laced character! Despite my lack of appreciation for her acting skills, I must say she did well; her comedic timing was spot-on, and it meshed well with McCarthy’s usual brand of comedy: vociferous and physical, bordering on slapstick. I did note during the film that Bullock is definitely starting to show her age; this is not a knock on her beauty, but more an admission that I am starting to feel old!
Mullins also plays the same character in every movie role she takes, so this character was no stretch for her at all. It seems she is just there to memorize lines and provide her unabashed, high-energy quips. That said, I have to give her mad props for comedic timing and delivery. She is a one-trick-pony, but that one trick is a damn good one.
All in all, this is a great film for laughs. I laughed out loud through much of it, which was a surprise. As with all comedies, I don’t recommend spending your hard-earned cash on these top-dollar theater tickets. Wait for the small screen, but definitely see it for a good, healthy chuckle.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Unlike Any Other by Ed Londergan in Books
May 18, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
UNLIKE ANY OTHER is the story of Bathsheba Spooner, the first woman to be executed in the new United States of America. You find out, through her eyes, what it was like to live a life of privilege, to be passed on in an arranged marriage, to have all her hopes and dreams dashed, to a point where murder is the only way out.
Bathsheba was brought up to speak her mind, to be strong-spirited. She had dreams of marrying a wealthy man from Boston and joining Society. So when she finds out her father has arranged a marriage to a local merchant, she's not happy but eventually agrees to it. Her marriage isn't a happy one, with Joshua frequenting the local taverns more than he does his home. That doesn't stop him from his conjugal rights though. When a young man, half of Bathsheba's age, stays at their home to recover from an illness, she feels the stirrings of desire she hasn't felt for a long time.
This was a well-written piece of history that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found out more about what it was like for the people of America at that time, as well as the Boston Tea Party! Bathsheba's options were so limited at a time when a woman's rights were close to zero. I do wonder why she didn't contact her brother but, at a time when the war was dividing families, I guess I'm not 100% surprised.
I would have liked to have heard a little from Ezra Ross but maybe there isn't enough written from his account to tell his story.
A historical fiction based on a true story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 12, 2022
Bathsheba was brought up to speak her mind, to be strong-spirited. She had dreams of marrying a wealthy man from Boston and joining Society. So when she finds out her father has arranged a marriage to a local merchant, she's not happy but eventually agrees to it. Her marriage isn't a happy one, with Joshua frequenting the local taverns more than he does his home. That doesn't stop him from his conjugal rights though. When a young man, half of Bathsheba's age, stays at their home to recover from an illness, she feels the stirrings of desire she hasn't felt for a long time.
This was a well-written piece of history that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found out more about what it was like for the people of America at that time, as well as the Boston Tea Party! Bathsheba's options were so limited at a time when a woman's rights were close to zero. I do wonder why she didn't contact her brother but, at a time when the war was dividing families, I guess I'm not 100% surprised.
I would have liked to have heard a little from Ezra Ross but maybe there isn't enough written from his account to tell his story.
A historical fiction based on a true story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 12, 2022
CKD (37 KP) rated The Good House in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Hildy Good is a real estate broker in Wendover, MA - a (fictional) town located north of Boston. Her husband left her for a man and she has 2 daughters with him. She is a grandmother. This story starts after she's been released from rehab for drinking (her daughters put her in rehab). It tells Hildy's story once she's home and trying to work and get through the day without drinking. Rebecca and her husband move to Wendover and Rebecca and Hildy become good friends. Hildy is happy (although she's started drinking secretly) until she discovers a secret about Rebecca and someone else in town. When the secrets start to unravel and there is a mysterious disappearance in town, Hildy begins to question some of her actions. At times funny, sad and poignant, the book is well written and you feel for all of the characters in the story. Ann Leary is the wife of Denis Leary, the comedian.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Great - Single by Androu in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Androu is an NYC-based rapper from Boston, Massachusetts. Not too long ago, he released an attention-grabbing music video for his “Great” single.
The DIY audiovisual for ‘Great’ is simplistic in nature. Also, the footage keeps viewers entertained and strings them along via an interesting storyline.
In the video, Androu introduces us to the greats in his life by paying homage to his talented friends.
The visual serves as a reminder to surround yourself with the right kind of people. The kind that builds you up, continually inspire you and keep you grounded.
‘Great’ contains a relatable storyline, mellow rap vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with an indie hip-hop aroma.
Androu is a musical jack of all trades. The talented artist is a graphic designer by day with Alexander Wang and has a degree in sound art. Also, he writes, sings, produces, and designs all of his material.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/androu-great/
The DIY audiovisual for ‘Great’ is simplistic in nature. Also, the footage keeps viewers entertained and strings them along via an interesting storyline.
In the video, Androu introduces us to the greats in his life by paying homage to his talented friends.
The visual serves as a reminder to surround yourself with the right kind of people. The kind that builds you up, continually inspire you and keep you grounded.
‘Great’ contains a relatable storyline, mellow rap vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with an indie hip-hop aroma.
Androu is a musical jack of all trades. The talented artist is a graphic designer by day with Alexander Wang and has a degree in sound art. Also, he writes, sings, produces, and designs all of his material.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/androu-great/
Faris Badwan recommended Blow'n Chunks by Flipper in Music (curated)
Yoko Ono recommended And Justice For Some: An Expose of the Lawyers and Judges Who Let Dangerous Criminals Go in Books (curated)
