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Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Halloween (2018) in Movies
Mar 4, 2019
Great tension throughout (2 more)
John Carpenter returns for the music
Jamie lee curtis is back
The best halloween movie?
I loved this movie. There was so much tension all the way through and i enjoyed every second. A lot of that is down to the amazing but eerie score in which we see John Carpenter return for.
Another return is Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode who is great as usual. The whole cast does a good job. With a couple of familiar faces.
This is a direct sequel to original movie. In some ways i like that. It retcons some stupid stuff where they turned Michael Myers into a supernatural entity. But in other ways it means Halloween H20 is pointless and nor canon which i actually enjoyed. It wasnt as scary but it was entertaining.
This movie goes back to scary Michael. He is brutal and for some someone who does not say a single word, speaks volumes with just his presence and proves to be a real threat to anyone he comes into contact with. We even see the original Myers actor, Nick Castle, see a return for a cameo in a window shot which was a nice touch.
Its easily 1 of the creepiest horrors ive seen in a while and 1 of the greats of 2018 and would happily watch again. From what i hear, development is already going for a sequel with a story already written and i am excited. I just hope they can keep that tension.
Another return is Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode who is great as usual. The whole cast does a good job. With a couple of familiar faces.
This is a direct sequel to original movie. In some ways i like that. It retcons some stupid stuff where they turned Michael Myers into a supernatural entity. But in other ways it means Halloween H20 is pointless and nor canon which i actually enjoyed. It wasnt as scary but it was entertaining.
This movie goes back to scary Michael. He is brutal and for some someone who does not say a single word, speaks volumes with just his presence and proves to be a real threat to anyone he comes into contact with. We even see the original Myers actor, Nick Castle, see a return for a cameo in a window shot which was a nice touch.
Its easily 1 of the creepiest horrors ive seen in a while and 1 of the greats of 2018 and would happily watch again. From what i hear, development is already going for a sequel with a story already written and i am excited. I just hope they can keep that tension.
First off, once again this is an older book that uses the term Asperger's throughout. The book was originally published in 1999, but a few more chapters were added and it was republished in 2014.
Honestly I found it a little hard to get through. Unlike Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate, it was pretty much entirely memoir, and didn't really speak to the reader as if trying to have a conversation at all. It just told Willey's story. Which is fine, it just wasn't what I was expecting after reading Nerdy. The appendices are the only place that have tips and tricks for dealing with the neurotypical world as an autistic person, but there wasn't really anything new or unique there.
I also just don't think I like her writing style as much as I did the writing style in Nerdy, but that's such a personal thing. It's hard to make a recommendation based on that. Autistic people vary so widely in where their strengths and weaknesses are that it's difficult to say which books will be useful to which people, in general.
So - it's worth reading for yet another viewpoint on being autistic, and there are several parts on parenting as an autistic woman, so autistic parents might get more use out of the book than I did, as a childless spouse of an autistic man. But I personally did not like it nearly as much as Nerdy or The Journal of Best Practices.
You can find all my reviews (including for the two other books mentioned) at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Honestly I found it a little hard to get through. Unlike Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate, it was pretty much entirely memoir, and didn't really speak to the reader as if trying to have a conversation at all. It just told Willey's story. Which is fine, it just wasn't what I was expecting after reading Nerdy. The appendices are the only place that have tips and tricks for dealing with the neurotypical world as an autistic person, but there wasn't really anything new or unique there.
I also just don't think I like her writing style as much as I did the writing style in Nerdy, but that's such a personal thing. It's hard to make a recommendation based on that. Autistic people vary so widely in where their strengths and weaknesses are that it's difficult to say which books will be useful to which people, in general.
So - it's worth reading for yet another viewpoint on being autistic, and there are several parts on parenting as an autistic woman, so autistic parents might get more use out of the book than I did, as a childless spouse of an autistic man. But I personally did not like it nearly as much as Nerdy or The Journal of Best Practices.
You can find all my reviews (including for the two other books mentioned) at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) in Movies
Jul 22, 2018
Jackie Chan (3 more)
Fun fight scenes
Beautiful scenery
Good cast
Plot was predictable (1 more)
Slow parts
Is this the best Jackie Chan movie?
First off I just want to say this was a blu ray I again paid just £1 for and it is definatly worth it. As far as Jackie Chan movies go it is 1 of the lesser known in my opinion. I had never heard of this movie, it was pure luck I came across it and I'm glad I did.
It is probably not in the top 5 of the best Jackie Chan movies but it is still great. Not sure if it is just me but in some ways it reminded me of the sorcerer's apprentice, it had that tone.
The fight scenes were well choreographed. Jackie Chan and jet li do what they do best and the acting was good. Obviously with this kind of movie you have to ignore all ideas of believability (learning Kung Fu should not be that quick) and just have a good time with it.
The plot was predictable, especially the ending but getting there was fun. The legend of the monkey king was interesting. That part kinda reminded me of avatar the last airbender and the monkey king did annoy me at times but that was the character. He was meant to have some monkey characteristics.
If you like Jackie Chan, jet li, martial arts mixed with fantasy then you will enjoy it. I feel it is a movie I can watch again.
It is probably not in the top 5 of the best Jackie Chan movies but it is still great. Not sure if it is just me but in some ways it reminded me of the sorcerer's apprentice, it had that tone.
The fight scenes were well choreographed. Jackie Chan and jet li do what they do best and the acting was good. Obviously with this kind of movie you have to ignore all ideas of believability (learning Kung Fu should not be that quick) and just have a good time with it.
The plot was predictable, especially the ending but getting there was fun. The legend of the monkey king was interesting. That part kinda reminded me of avatar the last airbender and the monkey king did annoy me at times but that was the character. He was meant to have some monkey characteristics.
If you like Jackie Chan, jet li, martial arts mixed with fantasy then you will enjoy it. I feel it is a movie I can watch again.
Reiko LJ (126 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Jul 23, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Great cast and chemistry (1 more)
A genuine message at the end of it all
Don't judge a game by its box
Contains spoilers, click to show
I can hold my hands up and genuinely say I was wrong about this film and all my pre-judgements of it.
When the initial trailers dropped I was appalled - not only had they besmirched the good Jumanji name with a cheap remake but it had tropes ahoy and fanservice nonsense with Karen Gillan running round in a skimpy outftit. Also the Jack Black playing a female character just felt like a dodgy observation on a man being funny pretending to speak like a woman.
Well. I was totally wrong.
It sold itself as good fun and it delivered with some actual depth bringing up the rear.
The tropes I was worried about were flipped on their head. The geeky guy didn't chase the popular girl and get her in the end - he always liked the geeky girl. The game gave them a platform to express their mutual feelings to each other and to gain confidence in general.
The jock learned about strengths outside of his physicality. The popular girl learned about being selfless and seeing the world outside of her phone.
The video game format was a great way to bring the film to the modern age and had some really smart nods to aspects within them.
Definitely not what I expected, pleasantly surprised. Hell, the ending even brought a tear to my eye! 100% glad I gave it a shot
When the initial trailers dropped I was appalled - not only had they besmirched the good Jumanji name with a cheap remake but it had tropes ahoy and fanservice nonsense with Karen Gillan running round in a skimpy outftit. Also the Jack Black playing a female character just felt like a dodgy observation on a man being funny pretending to speak like a woman.
Well. I was totally wrong.
It sold itself as good fun and it delivered with some actual depth bringing up the rear.
The tropes I was worried about were flipped on their head. The geeky guy didn't chase the popular girl and get her in the end - he always liked the geeky girl. The game gave them a platform to express their mutual feelings to each other and to gain confidence in general.
The jock learned about strengths outside of his physicality. The popular girl learned about being selfless and seeing the world outside of her phone.
The video game format was a great way to bring the film to the modern age and had some really smart nods to aspects within them.
Definitely not what I expected, pleasantly surprised. Hell, the ending even brought a tear to my eye! 100% glad I gave it a shot
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Finding Joy Street (Love Is In The Cards #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Finding Joy Street isn't your normal, run-of-the-mill, contemporary romance. What you get is a helluva lot more than what you see. Cali Blue gives across the impression of being permanently positive and "practically perfect in every way". However, she is dealing with a whole lot more than what she allows people to see, and this also influences her career of choice. When she meets London for the first time, sparks fly, but not in the way you expect. If I remember correctly, a "prick in a nice suit" is one description of him. However, he gets under Cali's skin and not always in a bad way. When she needs help, he is there unconditionally.
I thoroughly enjoyed how these two got to know each other, figuring out the puzzle of what makes Cali/London Cali/London! The attraction is there, and it does yo-yo for a while, but Melissa Belle allows their relationship to grow way beyond just a quick romp.
If I had one 'bad' thing to say it would be that the place names being names got a bit old, but consider that just one of my personal quirks. About the story itself, I can give nothing bad. It deals with some major issues in a sensitive and sympathetic way, without glamorising or playing the victim card.
Extremely well written, and a joy to read, I look forward to more from The Tarot Series. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I thoroughly enjoyed how these two got to know each other, figuring out the puzzle of what makes Cali/London Cali/London! The attraction is there, and it does yo-yo for a while, but Melissa Belle allows their relationship to grow way beyond just a quick romp.
If I had one 'bad' thing to say it would be that the place names being names got a bit old, but consider that just one of my personal quirks. About the story itself, I can give nothing bad. It deals with some major issues in a sensitive and sympathetic way, without glamorising or playing the victim card.
Extremely well written, and a joy to read, I look forward to more from The Tarot Series. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Cherished (Beholder #3) in Books
May 14, 2021
Cherished is the third book in the Beholder series, and we start with Elea back home on Brannock Farm and trying once again to fit in with her neighbours. She has Phillipe with her this time though, and he tries to smooth things along as best he can. Phillipe has wanted things to change between himself and Elea, but she still sees him as her brother being as her heart still belongs to Rowan, even after everything. Of course, things happen that send Elea back to Rowan, where they find out just who exactly is working against them this time.
I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.
This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.
This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Gunslinger in Books
Dec 26, 2020
Not the best start
As anyone who has read any of my other reviews will know, I'm a huge Stephen King fan. However I spent a large amount of time avoiding the Dark Tower series because I didn't think it would be any good. In 2015 I finally caved and gave it a go, and it became my all time favourite book series. 5 years later, I feel the time is right to read it again.
King himself has said he isn't entirely pleased with The Gunslinger, the first novel in the series, and I'd be inclined to agree with him. As introductions go, our intro to Roland isn't bad but it doesn't feel anywhere near as engaging and intriguing as the later books in the series. It feels a little convoluted and confusing at times, like we're joining a story not quite at the very start. Admittedly some things are explained later on, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people have given up on this series purely because of this first novel.
For me I can appreciate that this is a good novel and a decent introduction to Roland and the world he lives in, but I will admit it could be better. Reading it again does highlight some of the nods and nuances to later happenings in the series that you didn't quite pick up the first time around. But I will say that if youre planning on reading this series, please don't judge it off this instalment alone.
King himself has said he isn't entirely pleased with The Gunslinger, the first novel in the series, and I'd be inclined to agree with him. As introductions go, our intro to Roland isn't bad but it doesn't feel anywhere near as engaging and intriguing as the later books in the series. It feels a little convoluted and confusing at times, like we're joining a story not quite at the very start. Admittedly some things are explained later on, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of people have given up on this series purely because of this first novel.
For me I can appreciate that this is a good novel and a decent introduction to Roland and the world he lives in, but I will admit it could be better. Reading it again does highlight some of the nods and nuances to later happenings in the series that you didn't quite pick up the first time around. But I will say that if youre planning on reading this series, please don't judge it off this instalment alone.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Batman: Gotham After Midnight in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This novel contains 12 episodes of Batman stories, each full of action and crime and excitement. It includes Man-Bat, Axe-Man, Clayface, The Joker, Killer Croc, Catwoman, Scarecrow and the new villain, Midnight. At first, Batman is trying to figure out why his villains are suddenly changing their patterns. But then Midnight comes into the scene...
Batman becomes rather attached to a police officer, although Bruce Wayne has no success with her. But can he save her from this strange, crazy new murderer?
The detective side of this - especially toward the end, when Batman is close to discovering Midnight's identity - is fantastic. Full of suspense. Of course, his encounters with the enemies are great, too. I wasn't sure about his relationship with April, but I like how it all fit together in the end.
The inner monologue - and even the dialogue - wasn't great. The text that was chosen for this also wasn't the wisest. But the story got told and that's all that really matters in the end.
And Alfred... I love him! He's witty and smart, but also caring and wise when it comes to dealing with Batman. He often has to tell Batman to pull himself together and to stop being an idiot. I think he may be my favourite character.
The art was great and I liked the story, but the dodgy, clunky monologue was quite off-putting. Even so, it was an easy read still so it obviously wasn't that bad. I think I'll say 4 stars for this, though I may be being a little generous there.
Batman becomes rather attached to a police officer, although Bruce Wayne has no success with her. But can he save her from this strange, crazy new murderer?
The detective side of this - especially toward the end, when Batman is close to discovering Midnight's identity - is fantastic. Full of suspense. Of course, his encounters with the enemies are great, too. I wasn't sure about his relationship with April, but I like how it all fit together in the end.
The inner monologue - and even the dialogue - wasn't great. The text that was chosen for this also wasn't the wisest. But the story got told and that's all that really matters in the end.
And Alfred... I love him! He's witty and smart, but also caring and wise when it comes to dealing with Batman. He often has to tell Batman to pull himself together and to stop being an idiot. I think he may be my favourite character.
The art was great and I liked the story, but the dodgy, clunky monologue was quite off-putting. Even so, it was an easy read still so it obviously wasn't that bad. I think I'll say 4 stars for this, though I may be being a little generous there.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Insurgent in Books
May 30, 2023
The adventure continues with Tris and Tobias as they try to recover and regroup. With people in their group that they don't like and don't trust, they face an uphill struggle to move forward and make plans, without being betrayed. They both keep secrets aplenty, even from each other, which I found very frustrating, but also understandable. Tris was told by more than one person to never let on that she was Divergent, and now all and sundry are talking about it and seem to know more than she does!
Tobias and Tris face obstacles and difficulties, not just with the war that seems to have started, but also personally and with their relationship. This is all tied in with what is happening and who shows up, but it makes for powerful reading!
With a closer view on the other factions, it shows you the good and the bad. With visits to Amity, Candor and Erudite, we also meet with more characters of all factions. Some that are friendly, some that aren't.
I won't give out anything else, as I hate spoilers, but I will say that with more twists and intrigue than you can shake a stick at, these books are completely enthralling. I am absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the final book. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Mar 19, 2016
Tobias and Tris face obstacles and difficulties, not just with the war that seems to have started, but also personally and with their relationship. This is all tied in with what is happening and who shows up, but it makes for powerful reading!
With a closer view on the other factions, it shows you the good and the bad. With visits to Amity, Candor and Erudite, we also meet with more characters of all factions. Some that are friendly, some that aren't.
I won't give out anything else, as I hate spoilers, but I will say that with more twists and intrigue than you can shake a stick at, these books are completely enthralling. I am absolutely loving this series and can't wait for the final book. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Mar 19, 2016
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Winter Wishes Scattered (Bella and the Beast Master #6) in Books
Dec 23, 2025
WINTER WISHES SCATTERED is the sixth novella in the Bella and the Beast Master series, and takes place as winter slowly loses its grip on Sziveria, but not enough for people to leave their homes.
Markus is nesting (big time!) and worrying over most things, especially if they involve Bella. So you can imagine his reaction when Bella and Willow find a dead body in the greenhouse. With the shared residence locked down for winter, who would do such a thing, and why?
As always, this was brilliantly written, showcasing not only Markus' vulnerability and worries for his soon-to-be family, but also his frustrations with Sziveria and how differently things are done than in his homeland. The mystery itself will lead you in circles as you try to figure out whodunnit, although I will say I really didn't care after Lunah - I just wanted the perpetrator to pay!
A great addition to the series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Honestly, every time I read one of Ms Westill's books, it makes me want to re-read ALL of them! When I'm rich enough, I will absolutely be buying every single one of them in a hardcopy format! This is a clever, heartfelt whodunnit that proves this series just keeps getting better.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 22, 2025
Markus is nesting (big time!) and worrying over most things, especially if they involve Bella. So you can imagine his reaction when Bella and Willow find a dead body in the greenhouse. With the shared residence locked down for winter, who would do such a thing, and why?
As always, this was brilliantly written, showcasing not only Markus' vulnerability and worries for his soon-to-be family, but also his frustrations with Sziveria and how differently things are done than in his homeland. The mystery itself will lead you in circles as you try to figure out whodunnit, although I will say I really didn't care after Lunah - I just wanted the perpetrator to pay!
A great addition to the series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Honestly, every time I read one of Ms Westill's books, it makes me want to re-read ALL of them! When I'm rich enough, I will absolutely be buying every single one of them in a hardcopy format! This is a clever, heartfelt whodunnit that proves this series just keeps getting better.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 22, 2025