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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Nice Guys (2016) in Movies
Sep 9, 2018
Great pairing makes this worth watching
What makes this film work is the brilliant pairing of Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. They’re very much like the odd couple, but they’re absolutely hilarious together and along with a pretty funny script, this is what makes this film so good. Ryan Gosling’s cowardice and girly screaming had me in hysterics throughout. And although Russell Crowe is playing to type as the hard man, he’s the perfect foil to Gosling’s character.
The 70s LA setting, whilst reminiscent of other LA based period films, really works too and is much better than any modern day setting. The real issue with this film is the plot - it seems a little bit silly and far fetched, and also a little bit confusing. It needed a much stronger crime plot to support the rest of the film. But despite this, it’s really worth watching for Gosling and Crowe alone, just be wary of the plot!
The 70s LA setting, whilst reminiscent of other LA based period films, really works too and is much better than any modern day setting. The real issue with this film is the plot - it seems a little bit silly and far fetched, and also a little bit confusing. It needed a much stronger crime plot to support the rest of the film. But despite this, it’s really worth watching for Gosling and Crowe alone, just be wary of the plot!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Better Call Saul - Season 4 in TV
Oct 31, 2018
Following his disbarment and the death of his brother Chuck, Jimmy (Saul) tries to come to terms with life after lawyering. He soon finds himself partaking in various scams to make ends meet or, more telling, to alleviate the boredom of working in the world's quietest cellphone store. Jimmy's activities, and Kim being dragged into them shows the human desire to take risk and seek excitement, the thrill of winning against unassailable odds by bending the rules. More and more Jimmy becomes Saul.
Meanwhile, Mike oversees the construction of Gus Fring's underground meth lab and we start to see how the former cop, who has dealt out street justice and used his skills against some low-lifes and druglords, also starts to break more rules and will go beyond in order to protect his own interests, and keep his own honour.
Brilliant, arty but engaging series telling two stories that for now are distinct, but will start to overlap more eventually.
Meanwhile, Mike oversees the construction of Gus Fring's underground meth lab and we start to see how the former cop, who has dealt out street justice and used his skills against some low-lifes and druglords, also starts to break more rules and will go beyond in order to protect his own interests, and keep his own honour.
Brilliant, arty but engaging series telling two stories that for now are distinct, but will start to overlap more eventually.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018 (Updated Nov 2, 2018)
Absolutely awful
A fracking site close to a private school deep in the countryside causes a sinkhole to appear. From which, a bunch of subterranean creatures emerge and begin munching on the teachers and pupils. It's then up to a group of them to band together and do whatever it takes in order to save the school.
Slaughterhouse Rulez boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Sheen, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost are even credited as executive producers, so you'd be forgiven for expecting something along the lines of the brilliant three flavours Cornetto trilogy. Unfortunately, it comes nothing close, and I cannot believe those 3 had anything to do with this. The characters are mostly lazily written stereotypes and it's not at all funny. The creatures themselves have good potential, but due to poor editing they don't even come across as scary. It's just not very good at all. Such a disappointment.
Slaughterhouse Rulez boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Sheen, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost are even credited as executive producers, so you'd be forgiven for expecting something along the lines of the brilliant three flavours Cornetto trilogy. Unfortunately, it comes nothing close, and I cannot believe those 3 had anything to do with this. The characters are mostly lazily written stereotypes and it's not at all funny. The creatures themselves have good potential, but due to poor editing they don't even come across as scary. It's just not very good at all. Such a disappointment.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Small Hand in Books
Nov 14, 2018
After browsing through the shelves at my local library I spotted this book and knew I recognised the author's name...the brilliant author who wrote The Woman in Black (which I read quite recently and very much enjoyed) so I thought I would pick this one up.
The Small Hand is a nice, enjoyable ghost story which unfortunately lacked a certain chill, I did not find it to be scary in any way and I found that perhaps I was somewhat spoilt by the rollercoaster of The Woman in Black. I got a bit bored part way through with the constant diversions and the lack of depth, I wanted more meat that was sadly missing from this short book, this made it feel rushed or if there were pages missing.
I would still say that if you enjoy ghost stories please do give this one a read, it's not bad but in my opinion it just wasn't that great either.
The Small Hand is a nice, enjoyable ghost story which unfortunately lacked a certain chill, I did not find it to be scary in any way and I found that perhaps I was somewhat spoilt by the rollercoaster of The Woman in Black. I got a bit bored part way through with the constant diversions and the lack of depth, I wanted more meat that was sadly missing from this short book, this made it feel rushed or if there were pages missing.
I would still say that if you enjoy ghost stories please do give this one a read, it's not bad but in my opinion it just wasn't that great either.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Father Ted in TV
Dec 23, 2018
A classic
I grew up watching Father Ted and loved it then, and I can't believe that over 20 years on, the original few series are still being shown on tv. They really don't make sitcoms like this anymore, it's such a classic and can beat any modern day sitcoms hands down.
You'd never think a comedy about priests on a small island would work, but its absolutely hilarious - mainly due to a great script and a fantastic cast and characters. Ted, Dougal, Jack and Mrs Doyle are such loveable comedic characters, it's hard not to like this show.
It's showing it's age a little now, unsurprising consider it first came out in 1995. Its a shame really that they were never able to make any more series, but in a way this is probably better than them taking it too far (or god forbid doing a modern day series). But it's still brilliant.
You'd never think a comedy about priests on a small island would work, but its absolutely hilarious - mainly due to a great script and a fantastic cast and characters. Ted, Dougal, Jack and Mrs Doyle are such loveable comedic characters, it's hard not to like this show.
It's showing it's age a little now, unsurprising consider it first came out in 1995. Its a shame really that they were never able to make any more series, but in a way this is probably better than them taking it too far (or god forbid doing a modern day series). But it's still brilliant.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated I, Tonya (2017) in Movies
Dec 30, 2018
Great performances
I missed out on watching this when it was out at the cinema and I’m really disappointed I did, especially as it is actually quite good.
I didn’t know anything about true story about Tonya Harding, so for me this film was a real eye opener. It’s a fascinating story and the film features some great performances from both Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. However it’s Alison Janney that steals the entire film as the mother from hell, she’s horrible yet absolutely hilarious too. The way this film unfolds using a documentary style storytelling really works and makes for such an entertaining film. The film drags a little during certain parts, and it’s a little ambiguous as to whether you should feel truly sorry for Tonya or not, especially with the conflicting stories between her and Jeff. But it’s the brilliant cast and the unique story telling theta really make this film worth watching.
I didn’t know anything about true story about Tonya Harding, so for me this film was a real eye opener. It’s a fascinating story and the film features some great performances from both Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. However it’s Alison Janney that steals the entire film as the mother from hell, she’s horrible yet absolutely hilarious too. The way this film unfolds using a documentary style storytelling really works and makes for such an entertaining film. The film drags a little during certain parts, and it’s a little ambiguous as to whether you should feel truly sorry for Tonya or not, especially with the conflicting stories between her and Jeff. But it’s the brilliant cast and the unique story telling theta really make this film worth watching.
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Ghost of a Chance (Redclaw Security #2) in Books
Oct 21, 2019
GHOST OF A CHANCE is the second book in the Redclaw Security series, and I was delighted to get the opportunity to read it.
Sarah starts off a bit dubiously but don't worry. She comes into her own. She just needs to figure things out first. Casey is a wonder from the very start. I don't think there was a moment when I didn't like him.
There is mystery and plenty of steamy times in this book, although both Sarah and Casey fight it to begin with. I loved how Redclaw had Casey's back even though he was determined he wasn't part of them anymore.
This book has an amazing cast of characters, and once again, we had Ryker! Woot!!! With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was engrossed from start to finish.
I am loving the Redclaw Security series and have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series. Brilliant!
Sarah starts off a bit dubiously but don't worry. She comes into her own. She just needs to figure things out first. Casey is a wonder from the very start. I don't think there was a moment when I didn't like him.
There is mystery and plenty of steamy times in this book, although both Sarah and Casey fight it to begin with. I loved how Redclaw had Casey's back even though he was determined he wasn't part of them anymore.
This book has an amazing cast of characters, and once again, we had Ryker! Woot!!! With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was engrossed from start to finish.
I am loving the Redclaw Security series and have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series. Brilliant!
Lea (77 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Can we just take a moment and mention THAT scene!!!? Yes, you know the one I mean.
A longtime fan of the Jurassic films I never thought I'd find myself sat in the cinema crying at one of the films the way I did this one.
But the scene with the Brachiosaurus on the dock as the ship containing the rescued dinosaurs leaves as the aftermath of the volcanic eruption envelopes the island once and for all was something wasn't it?... To say that scene was traumatising and heartbreaking is an understatement, I haven't been that affected by a dinosaurs death since The Land Before time. Can we also mention the fact that the Brachiosaurus that was seen is noted to be the exact same one Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler encountered in Jurassic Park.
Overall it was a brilliant film and echoed it's original predecessors in a fitting way. I'm hoping they roll out a 3rd installment
A longtime fan of the Jurassic films I never thought I'd find myself sat in the cinema crying at one of the films the way I did this one.
But the scene with the Brachiosaurus on the dock as the ship containing the rescued dinosaurs leaves as the aftermath of the volcanic eruption envelopes the island once and for all was something wasn't it?... To say that scene was traumatising and heartbreaking is an understatement, I haven't been that affected by a dinosaurs death since The Land Before time. Can we also mention the fact that the Brachiosaurus that was seen is noted to be the exact same one Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler encountered in Jurassic Park.
Overall it was a brilliant film and echoed it's original predecessors in a fitting way. I'm hoping they roll out a 3rd installment
Ross (3284 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Jan 14, 2019
Outstanding cast and dialogue
I won't belabour this review, I have nothing new to say that isn't already in these reviews.
The dialogue in this film from start to finish is top notch. The jokes, the put-downs, the nastiness, the crass-ness is all on-point and perfect.
While I hate a film not having an ending, it seemed to fit this film. It really was some people trying to get by and work out how they deal with the hand life deals them and not really moving on. The film tells of the journey of those people, and not where they end up.
The subject matter is very grim, as are some of the events in the film, but it is told with enough realism and so wonderfully acted as to give it all the gravitas it needs, but also to cut through that at times with dark humour.
A brilliant film.
The dialogue in this film from start to finish is top notch. The jokes, the put-downs, the nastiness, the crass-ness is all on-point and perfect.
While I hate a film not having an ending, it seemed to fit this film. It really was some people trying to get by and work out how they deal with the hand life deals them and not really moving on. The film tells of the journey of those people, and not where they end up.
The subject matter is very grim, as are some of the events in the film, but it is told with enough realism and so wonderfully acted as to give it all the gravitas it needs, but also to cut through that at times with dark humour.
A brilliant film.
Merissa (13100 KP) rated The Hawk's Shadow (Black Earth, Prequel) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The idea of bridging one book to a new trilogy via a novella was, well, brilliant and 'novel' if you pardon the pun. I am not usually a big fan of novellas as I prefer to have more detail which is usually denied me due to the length. However, being as this dealt with characters from "Raven's Heart" so you have already been introduced to them and their lives and struggles. This story continues on perfectly with two of them - Hawkwing and his brother, The White Demon/Collin.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.
CJ (8 KP) Sep 11, 2018
Parfs (178 KP) May 7, 2019