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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Den Of Thieves (2018) in Movies
Feb 4, 2020
The Heist
Den of Thieves- is a decent action heist thriller, its also very slow at many points throughout the movie, only when the action hits thats when the movie is good.
The Plot: Nick O'Brien is the hard-drinking leader of the Regulators, an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Ray Merrimen is the recently paroled leader of the Outlaws, a gang of ex-military men who use their expertise and tactical skills to evade the law. O'Brien, Merrimen and their crews soon find themselves on a direct collision course as the criminals hatch an elaborate plan for a seemingly impossible heist -- the city's Federal Reserve Bank.
Gerald Butler, Pablo Schrieber and O'Shea Jackson Jr. are all good in this film.
What else can i say.
The Plot: Nick O'Brien is the hard-drinking leader of the Regulators, an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Ray Merrimen is the recently paroled leader of the Outlaws, a gang of ex-military men who use their expertise and tactical skills to evade the law. O'Brien, Merrimen and their crews soon find themselves on a direct collision course as the criminals hatch an elaborate plan for a seemingly impossible heist -- the city's Federal Reserve Bank.
Gerald Butler, Pablo Schrieber and O'Shea Jackson Jr. are all good in this film.
What else can i say.
Sam Richardson (11 KP) rated Guns Akimbo (2019) in Movies
Mar 2, 2020
A weird synergy of accents, Guns and violence
It's fair to say that this film is exactly what it says on the tin. Guns. Akimbo. The premise is fairly easy to guess.... Especially In the modern world of internet trolls getting their comeuppance. That's about where it stops for me. The bad guy is fairly intimidate In a panto villain way and the two main leads are acceptable. I was unsure about the way they team them up but it's American so, What can you expect? I'd give it a watch on a Friday night if you aren't going up the pub but there are better films out there if you like a violent flick
Topher Grace recommended Say Anything... (1989) in Movies (curated)
Morgan Sheppard (1036 KP) created a post
Jan 5, 2026
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in America (1984) in Movies
Aug 14, 2022 (Updated Aug 14, 2022)
Before the review recently I've been rating alot films on Disney plus that wouldn't normally be seen on disney but because they have an adult section called star there's alot of adult movies and TV shows on there case in point once upon a time in America.
The film I've never seen the film till this weekend one thing I can say its long movie with brilliant performances from both woods and de Nero very violent in places which is what u expect from a gangster movie then there's the score by ennio morricone one of the best I've heard there's nothing at all wrong with the film expect the runtime. Anyway coming later in the week both heat and King of comedy still to come
The film I've never seen the film till this weekend one thing I can say its long movie with brilliant performances from both woods and de Nero very violent in places which is what u expect from a gangster movie then there's the score by ennio morricone one of the best I've heard there's nothing at all wrong with the film expect the runtime. Anyway coming later in the week both heat and King of comedy still to come
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Summer's End in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a> in October).
As a fan of horror, I thought I'd end up loving this book. However, that wasn't the case. It was an okay read, and I use that term loosely.
Lisa Morton is a horror author who knows a vast amount about Halloween, as in she knows where the tradition started and all the variations. When she gets an email from a university professor saying they found a 1,500 year old Celtic manuscript, she's a bit skeptical. However, she decides to visit the professor and see what he has to say. After translating the manuscript, the professor is found dead. Could this be the work of the manuscript that spoke of the Sidh? It's up to Lisa and Conor ó Cuinn, an Irish archaeologist who found the manuscript, to save the world. But will they be in time?
I'm not a fan of the cover at all. I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a Sidh or not. I have no idea. All I know is that the cover never really pulled me in.
As for the title, it makes me think more of a love story than a horror story. Saying that, one of the translations of Samhain is summer's end according to the book, so the title does fit in with the book.
I thought the world building was alright. I really didn't find any flaws with it. The setting is a university office and an apartment, so nothing too exciting. I though the author did a fantastic job of making the Sidh feel real and like this could actually happen. However, the ending lets the world building down. (This next sentence may be slightly spoilerish). We're led to believe that the world will be destroyed if Bal-sab (the god of death) isn't destroyed. Well, I don't want to give it away too much, but yeah, it's very anti-climatic.
The pacing is extremely slow at the beginning. I was considering adding this title to my DNF (did not finish) pile. For whatever reason, I decided to carry on. Luckily, the story did improve and picked up quickly which meant I was able to finish this book.
The plot was interesting enough. It's told from the author's point of view (although this book is a work of fiction), and she even throws in titles of her other books along the way. I did like the whole Celtic/Pagan mythology throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the little footnotes throughout the book. Anyway, the protagonist of the story needs to translate a Celtic manuscript and save the world. While, it was an interesting premise, I felt that it was poorly executed due to too much info dumping, and what I felt was too much self-promotion for the author's other works.
I felt that the characters were just too run of the mill. They weren't written poorly, but they weren't written well either. I felt that maybe some back story for the characters, especially the main character, would've helped me relate to each character, but I just found myself not really caring what happened to them. I just couldn't relate at all, and believe me, I did try, but all the characters felt too monotonous for my liking. I would've liked it if at least one character had some sort of personality instead of feeling like a cardboard cutout.
The dialogue never seemed forced, but it did feel a bit stale. As I've said before, there was way too much info dumping for my liking especially towards the beginning of the book. The info dumping isn't quite so bad once the story progresses though. As for swear words, there are a few, but it's not too bad.
Overall, Summer's End by Lisa Morton is an okay (again, I use this word loosely) story. It was a fantastic idea but poorly executed, I think.
I'm on the fence with whether or not I'd recommend this book. I'd just say to read it yourself and come to a decision especially if you're into Celtic/Pagan mythology. I'd say the age group it would best fit would be those aged 16+.
I'd give Summer's End by Lisa Morton a 2.5 out of 5.
(I received a free ARC print copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers for a fair and honest review).
As a fan of horror, I thought I'd end up loving this book. However, that wasn't the case. It was an okay read, and I use that term loosely.
Lisa Morton is a horror author who knows a vast amount about Halloween, as in she knows where the tradition started and all the variations. When she gets an email from a university professor saying they found a 1,500 year old Celtic manuscript, she's a bit skeptical. However, she decides to visit the professor and see what he has to say. After translating the manuscript, the professor is found dead. Could this be the work of the manuscript that spoke of the Sidh? It's up to Lisa and Conor ó Cuinn, an Irish archaeologist who found the manuscript, to save the world. But will they be in time?
I'm not a fan of the cover at all. I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a Sidh or not. I have no idea. All I know is that the cover never really pulled me in.
As for the title, it makes me think more of a love story than a horror story. Saying that, one of the translations of Samhain is summer's end according to the book, so the title does fit in with the book.
I thought the world building was alright. I really didn't find any flaws with it. The setting is a university office and an apartment, so nothing too exciting. I though the author did a fantastic job of making the Sidh feel real and like this could actually happen. However, the ending lets the world building down. (This next sentence may be slightly spoilerish). We're led to believe that the world will be destroyed if Bal-sab (the god of death) isn't destroyed. Well, I don't want to give it away too much, but yeah, it's very anti-climatic.
The pacing is extremely slow at the beginning. I was considering adding this title to my DNF (did not finish) pile. For whatever reason, I decided to carry on. Luckily, the story did improve and picked up quickly which meant I was able to finish this book.
The plot was interesting enough. It's told from the author's point of view (although this book is a work of fiction), and she even throws in titles of her other books along the way. I did like the whole Celtic/Pagan mythology throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the little footnotes throughout the book. Anyway, the protagonist of the story needs to translate a Celtic manuscript and save the world. While, it was an interesting premise, I felt that it was poorly executed due to too much info dumping, and what I felt was too much self-promotion for the author's other works.
I felt that the characters were just too run of the mill. They weren't written poorly, but they weren't written well either. I felt that maybe some back story for the characters, especially the main character, would've helped me relate to each character, but I just found myself not really caring what happened to them. I just couldn't relate at all, and believe me, I did try, but all the characters felt too monotonous for my liking. I would've liked it if at least one character had some sort of personality instead of feeling like a cardboard cutout.
The dialogue never seemed forced, but it did feel a bit stale. As I've said before, there was way too much info dumping for my liking especially towards the beginning of the book. The info dumping isn't quite so bad once the story progresses though. As for swear words, there are a few, but it's not too bad.
Overall, Summer's End by Lisa Morton is an okay (again, I use this word loosely) story. It was a fantastic idea but poorly executed, I think.
I'm on the fence with whether or not I'd recommend this book. I'd just say to read it yourself and come to a decision especially if you're into Celtic/Pagan mythology. I'd say the age group it would best fit would be those aged 16+.
I'd give Summer's End by Lisa Morton a 2.5 out of 5.
(I received a free ARC print copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers for a fair and honest review).
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Bratva's Vow (Bratva's Undoing #2) in Books
Aug 19, 2025
BRATVA'S VOW is the concluding part of Wren and Maxim's story, although not the end of the series! Phew!!! You really do need to read the first book to fully appreciate this one, so I won't go over the story again, apart from to say that it follows on from the first one.
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** 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!
Aug 19, 2025
Right then...
This really is a book of two halves, well, three thirds, if you want to get picky. The First Act is where Wren and Maxim are still working on their relationship, with all the secrets that entails. The Second Act is trauma and betrayal - I'll give you three guesses what that part's about. And the Third Act is the culmination of all the behind-the-scenes machinations, more betrayal, LOADS more love, and a possible set-up for the next book.
Once again, I was lost in Wren and Maxim's world. A guy like Maxim would have me heading for the hills in real life, but when I can curl up on the couch and read about it? Yum!! Definitely a guilty pleasure. Maxim is who he is, and he's unapologetic about it. He will move heaven and earth for Wren, if only Wren will let him. He may be the Big Boss in every other aspect of his life, but he will do anything if it makes Wren happy. And Wren himself is so much stronger than he first thought, BUT I adored his reaction when he found out about Maxim. It was lifelike and raw, and I was completely hooked.
If you've read my review for Bratva's Intern, then you'll know I mentioned getting an itchy feeling about a character. I WAS RIGHT!!! My Spidey senses were tingling for a good reason. In fact, they were all the way through. So you can imagine how happy I was to be proven right in every way, from who it was, to what they were doing, and why.
This book gave me all the answers I was looking for, as well as giving me the warm fuzzies for Wren and Maxim, not forgetting Jellybean. I'm really hoping they appear in later books. As for who's next? I'm presuming it's Sergei and Leo, but I don't really care. I will read whoever it is in this series, and no doubt love every word too. Just in case you've not realised, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, so long as you read the other one first.
** 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!
Aug 19, 2025
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Dog Days (2018) in Movies
May 15, 2021
Cheesy but Solid
Dog Days revolves around a number of moving parts stories that shows the strength of relationships between people and man’s best friend.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Typically with stories like these that have a number of different characters sharing screen time, it really can be a challenge to get the film off to a hot start as you introduce everyone. Ten minutes in, I wasn’t completely sold on the film, but it was enough for me to say, “What the hell? I’ll give it a shot.” Not bad, but not great.
Characters: 8
Again, moving parts stories introduce a lot of characters and it’s hard to try and get people to care about everyone. While I wasn’t invested in everyone all of the time, there were plenty of moments where I cared about the character’s outcome. There were certain characters I cared about a lot more than others like the coffee shop girl and the shelter owner.
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
Conflict: 6
This is a family film, very much meant to be light-hearted. While Disney has somehow found a way of perfecting having conflict while keeping things light, Dog Days suffered a bit more in that respect. Maybe it’s the fact that you know everything is going to work itself out in the end. Then again, you kind of know that for most movies, but it’s that drive of conflict that really makes things seem dire and leave you wondering for a bit. Not the case with Dog Days.
Entertainment Value: 10
Not going to lie, this movie really had me invested from beginning to end. It’s funny, endearing, and you get to see a bunch of cute dogs. Not going to win any academy awards, but it’s a fun movie I would recommend for any family. I didn’t leave the theater thinking I had wasted my time. It was more of a, “Wow, that was surprisingly fun.”
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
The 113-minute runtime definitely doesn’t feel like it. Sometimes having a number of storylines can confuse the audience, but I managed to follow along at an easy pace. There are no bumps, it’s pretty smooth sailing from beginning to end.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 9
Overall: 79
I can think of countless family movies that would be a better use of your two hours than Dog Days. However, for what it is, the movie does the trick. It’s undeniably cute and pretty darn entertaining. Even better if you’re a dog lover. For all of it’s cheesiness, it’s pretty solid overall.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Typically with stories like these that have a number of different characters sharing screen time, it really can be a challenge to get the film off to a hot start as you introduce everyone. Ten minutes in, I wasn’t completely sold on the film, but it was enough for me to say, “What the hell? I’ll give it a shot.” Not bad, but not great.
Characters: 8
Again, moving parts stories introduce a lot of characters and it’s hard to try and get people to care about everyone. While I wasn’t invested in everyone all of the time, there were plenty of moments where I cared about the character’s outcome. There were certain characters I cared about a lot more than others like the coffee shop girl and the shelter owner.
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
Conflict: 6
This is a family film, very much meant to be light-hearted. While Disney has somehow found a way of perfecting having conflict while keeping things light, Dog Days suffered a bit more in that respect. Maybe it’s the fact that you know everything is going to work itself out in the end. Then again, you kind of know that for most movies, but it’s that drive of conflict that really makes things seem dire and leave you wondering for a bit. Not the case with Dog Days.
Entertainment Value: 10
Not going to lie, this movie really had me invested from beginning to end. It’s funny, endearing, and you get to see a bunch of cute dogs. Not going to win any academy awards, but it’s a fun movie I would recommend for any family. I didn’t leave the theater thinking I had wasted my time. It was more of a, “Wow, that was surprisingly fun.”
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
The 113-minute runtime definitely doesn’t feel like it. Sometimes having a number of storylines can confuse the audience, but I managed to follow along at an easy pace. There are no bumps, it’s pretty smooth sailing from beginning to end.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 9
Overall: 79
I can think of countless family movies that would be a better use of your two hours than Dog Days. However, for what it is, the movie does the trick. It’s undeniably cute and pretty darn entertaining. Even better if you’re a dog lover. For all of it’s cheesiness, it’s pretty solid overall.
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Songs of Red Current Wine (Colors of Love #6) in Books
Mar 29, 2021
Because of Carl, this becomes a much darker read than the others, but Ms Locey nails it here.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 6 in the Colors Of Love series (you have NO idea, how many times I typed the spelling of Colors!) But you do not have to read the others. Books one and 4 were 5 star reads, from me, and 2 and 3 were 4 stars. I missed book 5!
This is, I thought, a much darker read than all the others, and I read this book in one sitting, 200 odd pages before 8am!
As with the other books, only one of the two main characters have a say, and Carl's voice is powerful. Damaged and broken, but powerful nonetheless. His strong, but often depressive voice makes up for the lack that Tigh doesn't have a say.
Going home for his best friend's funeral would have caused many pain, but for Carl it pushes him over the edge, and into a faster path of self destruction. Only Tigh's strength and help helps Carl pull himself out of that pit of despair, along with a couple of surprising people who I didn't think would help him.
Tigh is Carl's best friend's younger brother, a LOT younger than Carl, but it's not thrown about too much. I liked that it pops up at key points, but only really when it's needed.
Carl's self destruction is painful reading, it really is. You can see it happening right in front of you, and you can't stop it. He was already on a downward spiral when we meet him, but Mike's death was the straw, really.
Because of Carl, this becomes a much darker read than the others, but Ms Locey nails it here. It's very difficult reading, but also, you get sucked in so bad because you want to see how Carl pulls out of it, you NEED to see how this plays out with Tigh and before you know it, you've ran out of tears, of cheers and of pages.
And Arn pops up, I love him! Love the little digs he makes about his clients, who are the subjects of the previous books. That made me laugh. But Arn is sad, and I don't want him to be. Will he get a book?? I hope so.
Trigger warnings for alcohol abuse (Carl) and PTSD recovery (Tigh)
5 amazing stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 6 in the Colors Of Love series (you have NO idea, how many times I typed the spelling of Colors!) But you do not have to read the others. Books one and 4 were 5 star reads, from me, and 2 and 3 were 4 stars. I missed book 5!
This is, I thought, a much darker read than all the others, and I read this book in one sitting, 200 odd pages before 8am!
As with the other books, only one of the two main characters have a say, and Carl's voice is powerful. Damaged and broken, but powerful nonetheless. His strong, but often depressive voice makes up for the lack that Tigh doesn't have a say.
Going home for his best friend's funeral would have caused many pain, but for Carl it pushes him over the edge, and into a faster path of self destruction. Only Tigh's strength and help helps Carl pull himself out of that pit of despair, along with a couple of surprising people who I didn't think would help him.
Tigh is Carl's best friend's younger brother, a LOT younger than Carl, but it's not thrown about too much. I liked that it pops up at key points, but only really when it's needed.
Carl's self destruction is painful reading, it really is. You can see it happening right in front of you, and you can't stop it. He was already on a downward spiral when we meet him, but Mike's death was the straw, really.
Because of Carl, this becomes a much darker read than the others, but Ms Locey nails it here. It's very difficult reading, but also, you get sucked in so bad because you want to see how Carl pulls out of it, you NEED to see how this plays out with Tigh and before you know it, you've ran out of tears, of cheers and of pages.
And Arn pops up, I love him! Love the little digs he makes about his clients, who are the subjects of the previous books. That made me laugh. But Arn is sad, and I don't want him to be. Will he get a book?? I hope so.
Trigger warnings for alcohol abuse (Carl) and PTSD recovery (Tigh)
5 amazing stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Hadley (567 KP) Feb 4, 2020