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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Swing Time in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Soul-moving realism
This is probably my favourite Zadie Smith novel, deeply touching with characters bursting to life out of the pages. Hitting on themes of racial identity and pop culture, it is a brilliant contemporary take on what young adults are currently experiencing. From cultural appropriation to the effects of globalisation all summed up in the relationship of one young woman and her peers.
Her relationship with her mother is one of generational divide while with her friend Tracy is one of class divide. The protagonist's character is the epitome of confusion and attempting to find a place in the world. Well worth the praise.
Her relationship with her mother is one of generational divide while with her friend Tracy is one of class divide. The protagonist's character is the epitome of confusion and attempting to find a place in the world. Well worth the praise.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Love Like Blood in Books
Jan 12, 2018
You would think that by book 14, you would get bored of reading about the same characters but no you won't. Once you open the book, it's like putting on a pair of comfy shoes that might be a bit worn but you always go back to them even if you've bought a new pair! The subject matter of this particular book is unpleasant but, as always, Mr Billingham approaches it with respect and clearly has done his research. Thought-provoking, fast paced and, well, just brilliant. Highly recommended. Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Kung Fu Panda (2008) in Movies
Jan 15, 2018
Very funny for all ages (1 more)
The level of details put in
Brilliant animation
A greatly detailed animation film that is full of fun. You can tell when an animation film has had a lot of time, care and thought put into it. The quality of the lighting, shadows, reflections and even fur are up there with the best animations. It's bright and colourful as well to appeal to the kids. I didn't notice the strong voice cast until the credits came up including Jackie Chan, to have all of them in one film is impressive, in an animated film even more so. This is a funny film all ages should enjoy.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Westworld - Season 1 in TV
Jul 28, 2017
Stellar cast (2 more)
Brilliant writing
Stunning visuals
Are We Really In Control?
This is another prime example of how we are currently living in the golden age of television. Everything about this show is great, the amazing performances, the plot twists, the incredible visuals, the pacing, the tone and the writing and direction. Hopkins is amazing, as is Thandie Newton and Ed Harris. The other performances are great as well and they all come together to make a fantastic ensemble of intriguing characters in an existential, insane world. If you are a fan of dark, morally ambiguous sci fi stories, then this is the best there is.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Ghostbusters (2016) in Movies
Aug 13, 2017
Cameo appearances were awesome (1 more)
Acting from the leading ladies
Shouldn't be compared to the original (2 more)
Even this film was OTT
What was the point of Chris Hemsworth?
Nostalgic at the same time completely novel
It's like Bridesmaids mixed together with the original Ghostbusters. The wit and humour was completely innovative, not even comparable to the original which was excellent, however, the fact that the original four were super clumsy with their weapons was part of the charm - totally missed in this where they seem to be martial art masters after several attempts. The cameos were brilliant, only missing Harold Ramis. Enjoyable but not on the same level by far.
Cinema quality action sequences (2 more)
Dark and realistic tone
Well-written characters
Appeals to viewers of all ages
Arrow, a superhero drama, has an appealing lead performance from Stephen Amell. This show's dark and realistic tone really brings on the suspense. It has a very compelling villain in John Barrowman's Malcolm Merlyn, whom is a pretty well-written character that makes you understand his motives. Sometimes the show includes The CW's melodramatic moments, which can be extremely difficult to get through. However, the show still manages to pull the audience back in with it's well-choreographed, cinema-quality action sequences and brilliant performances from very talented actors and actresses.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Machinist (2004) in Movies
May 4, 2018
Fascinating!
Brilliant character study by the chameleon, Christian Bale, in one of his best performances hardly anyone remembers.
He physically lost over 60 pounds and is almost unrecognizable playing Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who never sleeps who thinks he may be going insane. The characters he interacts with are all interesting but don't seem to help him on his quest for sanity.
Bale is just superb playing this loser, scumbag character. You are not sure whether to root for him, pity him or loathe him.
I love films like this that may not be completely linear and make you think while enjoying some fine acting.
He physically lost over 60 pounds and is almost unrecognizable playing Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who never sleeps who thinks he may be going insane. The characters he interacts with are all interesting but don't seem to help him on his quest for sanity.
Bale is just superb playing this loser, scumbag character. You are not sure whether to root for him, pity him or loathe him.
I love films like this that may not be completely linear and make you think while enjoying some fine acting.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Mystic River (2003) in Movies
Feb 11, 2019
Great performances
This is yet another award nominated film that I've never seen, and this is definitely one that I'm ashamed of.
This film has some terrific performances from a stellar cast - Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon especially - and a brilliant supporting cast as well. The plot itself sounds like it could be a by the numbers predictable thriller, but in fact it turns out to have some good twists and is rather dark and suspenseful. It hasn't aged the best (or it just looks horrendous on Netflix), but as crime thrillers go this is probably one of the best out there.
This film has some terrific performances from a stellar cast - Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon especially - and a brilliant supporting cast as well. The plot itself sounds like it could be a by the numbers predictable thriller, but in fact it turns out to have some good twists and is rather dark and suspenseful. It hasn't aged the best (or it just looks horrendous on Netflix), but as crime thrillers go this is probably one of the best out there.
Smashbomb (4687 KP) created a post in Friends of Smashbomb
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 4, 2019)
