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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Love and vice A multi-author erotic collection in Books
Jan 22, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
So I've done a small comment on each but overall most of the were pretty good! I have several new authors to read and loved a select few! If you are looking for pure naughtiness it's definitely in this book!
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely š
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy šš¤£
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too š¤£š¤£. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book šš
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely š
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy šš¤£
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too š¤£š¤£. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book šš
Debbiereadsbook (1087 KP) rated Drake (Twilight Falls #5) in Books
Apr 26, 2021
bloody loved this one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Twilight Falls series, but can be read as a standalone. I would, however, personally recommend you DO read them. It will give you a better feel for this group of men, and they aināt too shabby either! Iāve not read book 4, Wyatt, though.
Drake meets Roman at Carter (book2) and Elijahās wedding. There is instant and powerful chemistry. Roman is only in town for the night though. When Drake finds out that Roman bought the house he has been after for years, and then hires Drake to do the renovations, they embark on a mutual arrangement to satisfy their needs. But deep down, Drake knows he canāt be really happy, not ever. And Roman isnāt the happy ever after kind, right?
Oh
My
Days!
I loved this instalment from Twilight Falls, I really did! Drake and Roman have powerful and incendiary chemistry, and it burns right through the book. But very quickly, that changes, gets deeper between them, but neither is willing to say the words they feel.
Romanās past comes back to haunt him, and I think at THIS point, Drake realises that heās in too deep. But it takes Roman leaving, for Drake to admit to himself, that just because his PAST was bad, doesnāt mean that HE will carry that forward. He needs Roman and he gets what he wants.
I loved that all the guys from the previous books pop up here, and I loved the band mates of Romanās and how well everyone gets along, eventually. The manager isnāt too happy with Drake in the beginning, but he sees, he really SEES that Drake is good for Roman.
I have just one comment, and it IS just a comment, rather than anything else!
Does Miles get talked about before, the seventh member of this little group of childhood friends? Indeed, was the name of the group mentioned? I donāt recall, so maybe I missed it, but Iāve been to sleep since I read book 3, so maybe itās just me not recalling correctly.
Given what occurs here, with Tristan and James, or more whatās IMPLIED here with those two, I assume their book is next. And then? Miles? Since he will be the only one left, and I look forward to reading his book the most now!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Twilight Falls series, but can be read as a standalone. I would, however, personally recommend you DO read them. It will give you a better feel for this group of men, and they aināt too shabby either! Iāve not read book 4, Wyatt, though.
Drake meets Roman at Carter (book2) and Elijahās wedding. There is instant and powerful chemistry. Roman is only in town for the night though. When Drake finds out that Roman bought the house he has been after for years, and then hires Drake to do the renovations, they embark on a mutual arrangement to satisfy their needs. But deep down, Drake knows he canāt be really happy, not ever. And Roman isnāt the happy ever after kind, right?
Oh
My
Days!
I loved this instalment from Twilight Falls, I really did! Drake and Roman have powerful and incendiary chemistry, and it burns right through the book. But very quickly, that changes, gets deeper between them, but neither is willing to say the words they feel.
Romanās past comes back to haunt him, and I think at THIS point, Drake realises that heās in too deep. But it takes Roman leaving, for Drake to admit to himself, that just because his PAST was bad, doesnāt mean that HE will carry that forward. He needs Roman and he gets what he wants.
I loved that all the guys from the previous books pop up here, and I loved the band mates of Romanās and how well everyone gets along, eventually. The manager isnāt too happy with Drake in the beginning, but he sees, he really SEES that Drake is good for Roman.
I have just one comment, and it IS just a comment, rather than anything else!
Does Miles get talked about before, the seventh member of this little group of childhood friends? Indeed, was the name of the group mentioned? I donāt recall, so maybe I missed it, but Iāve been to sleep since I read book 3, so maybe itās just me not recalling correctly.
Given what occurs here, with Tristan and James, or more whatās IMPLIED here with those two, I assume their book is next. And then? Miles? Since he will be the only one left, and I look forward to reading his book the most now!
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated The Hate U Give (2018) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
Itās a turf war on a global scale.
I saw this as part of a āSecret Cinemaā event by Cineworld cinemas in the UK. Thatās where you go to see a pre-release movie without knowing what it is going to be. Itās an interesting litmus test for a) a movieās upfront marketing appeal (how many people get up and walk out when the BBFC title appears) and b) the āgrab āem earlyā appeal of the movie itself (how many people get up and walk out during the first 20 minutes of so).
Iām afraid this movie didnāt do very well on either a) or b) at my showing: about 20 people left immediately, and more tellingly about another 20 people left in the first half hour. Thereās a reason for that: the first half hour of this film is goddamn awful!
Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a sixteen year-old resident of Garden Heights, a black neighbourhood in a US city, where she lives with her younger brother and step-brother. Their parents Maverick (Russell Hornsby, āFencesā) and Lisa (Regina Hall) are devoting all of their energies to ābreak the cycleā and get their kids out of the neighbourhood and off to college and better futures. As such, the kids attend not the rough-house local school but a much more upper-class establishment: there Starr has to play a different role, with links to her origins being kept hidden even from her white boyfriend Chris (K.J. Apa).
But all that changes when her boyhood friend Khalil (Algee Smith) is shot and killed in a police stop-and-search. As the only witness, and with Khalil linked to local gang lord King (Anthony Mackie), Starrās anonymous world is about to get a national focus shone onto it.
Manā¦ I hate voiceovers in films and always have. So I really hated the start of this film which has Starr narrating ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING (āBlah, blah, blah..ā): no audience discovery is required. It also starts with a sort of highschool romance vibe, but not one thatās well done with kissing (āBlah, blah, blah..ā) while the local Mean Girls look on (āBlah, blahā) then with Starrās friends trying to act street (āblah, blahā) while Starr tries not to be street, all to the constant droning of Starrās voiceover (āBlah, blah, blah..ā). (I never walk out of moviesā¦. but I can kind of understand the rationale of those who did).
Fortunately the voiceover then largely recedes (it only pops up with occasional staccato āthoughtsā, before storming back for a āblah, blahā finale). And with the shooting, the film takes on a much more interesting slant, giving Amandla Stenberg a chance to really shine.
I have commented on Ms Stenberg before: she was the only really good thing in the recent āThe Darkest Mindsā. Here she exhibits a tremendous range from the delighted (her smile is radiant and seems astonishingly unforced) to the heartbroken and furious. Thereās also a really strong supporting cast with great turns from Hornsby, Hall, Mackie and Smith. Hornsby in particular I found great as the Dad desperately tutoring his kids in military (but loving) fashion to avoid his mistakes.
For me, this seemed to be a surprisingly atypical view of a black ghetto-living family. A scene set in a diner is genuinely touching at emphasising the loving and close-knit nature of the Carter family.
Where I will struggle here is in trying to interpret my overall feelings about the film. As a white, older male person I have three degrees of separation from Starrās perspective. And these are undoubtedly difficult issues to juggle with. The riots that happened recently in towns like Ferguson ape the activities on screen uncomfortably. Your sympathies might lie to some degree with the unfortunate white police officer (Drew Starkey); sympathies supported by the views of Starrās police officer uncle Carlos (Common): until Starr points out via a punchy question that you REALLY shouldnāt feel like thatā¦ and your views are brought up with a jolt.
Aside from the rights and wrongs of the incident, thereās a frustrating dichotomy at play in the film with black and white communities wanting to be treated equally but never wanting to be treated the same. āYou donāt SEE meā wails Starr. āI see youā replies Chris (as if James Cameron was directing!) But does he really? Without colour, I do not consider myself to be remotely capable of fully understanding Starrās perspective on life. It made me want to read the source novel by Angie Thomas to try to get better insight.
Directed by George Tillman Jr., itās undoubtedly a mixed bag, but I came down in the end on the side of it being good rather than badā¦ it has certainly had me thinking for a couple of days. The clumsy voiceovers and story elements in the opening and closing scenes mask a number of parallel and interesting story strands that generate conflicting thoughts about the state of race relations in todayās America. Jackson sang āIt doesnāt matter if youāre black or whiteā: and it really shouldnāt, but actually in some quarters, it clearly still does.
Iām afraid this movie didnāt do very well on either a) or b) at my showing: about 20 people left immediately, and more tellingly about another 20 people left in the first half hour. Thereās a reason for that: the first half hour of this film is goddamn awful!
Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a sixteen year-old resident of Garden Heights, a black neighbourhood in a US city, where she lives with her younger brother and step-brother. Their parents Maverick (Russell Hornsby, āFencesā) and Lisa (Regina Hall) are devoting all of their energies to ābreak the cycleā and get their kids out of the neighbourhood and off to college and better futures. As such, the kids attend not the rough-house local school but a much more upper-class establishment: there Starr has to play a different role, with links to her origins being kept hidden even from her white boyfriend Chris (K.J. Apa).
But all that changes when her boyhood friend Khalil (Algee Smith) is shot and killed in a police stop-and-search. As the only witness, and with Khalil linked to local gang lord King (Anthony Mackie), Starrās anonymous world is about to get a national focus shone onto it.
Manā¦ I hate voiceovers in films and always have. So I really hated the start of this film which has Starr narrating ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING (āBlah, blah, blah..ā): no audience discovery is required. It also starts with a sort of highschool romance vibe, but not one thatās well done with kissing (āBlah, blah, blah..ā) while the local Mean Girls look on (āBlah, blahā) then with Starrās friends trying to act street (āblah, blahā) while Starr tries not to be street, all to the constant droning of Starrās voiceover (āBlah, blah, blah..ā). (I never walk out of moviesā¦. but I can kind of understand the rationale of those who did).
Fortunately the voiceover then largely recedes (it only pops up with occasional staccato āthoughtsā, before storming back for a āblah, blahā finale). And with the shooting, the film takes on a much more interesting slant, giving Amandla Stenberg a chance to really shine.
I have commented on Ms Stenberg before: she was the only really good thing in the recent āThe Darkest Mindsā. Here she exhibits a tremendous range from the delighted (her smile is radiant and seems astonishingly unforced) to the heartbroken and furious. Thereās also a really strong supporting cast with great turns from Hornsby, Hall, Mackie and Smith. Hornsby in particular I found great as the Dad desperately tutoring his kids in military (but loving) fashion to avoid his mistakes.
For me, this seemed to be a surprisingly atypical view of a black ghetto-living family. A scene set in a diner is genuinely touching at emphasising the loving and close-knit nature of the Carter family.
Where I will struggle here is in trying to interpret my overall feelings about the film. As a white, older male person I have three degrees of separation from Starrās perspective. And these are undoubtedly difficult issues to juggle with. The riots that happened recently in towns like Ferguson ape the activities on screen uncomfortably. Your sympathies might lie to some degree with the unfortunate white police officer (Drew Starkey); sympathies supported by the views of Starrās police officer uncle Carlos (Common): until Starr points out via a punchy question that you REALLY shouldnāt feel like thatā¦ and your views are brought up with a jolt.
Aside from the rights and wrongs of the incident, thereās a frustrating dichotomy at play in the film with black and white communities wanting to be treated equally but never wanting to be treated the same. āYou donāt SEE meā wails Starr. āI see youā replies Chris (as if James Cameron was directing!) But does he really? Without colour, I do not consider myself to be remotely capable of fully understanding Starrās perspective on life. It made me want to read the source novel by Angie Thomas to try to get better insight.
Directed by George Tillman Jr., itās undoubtedly a mixed bag, but I came down in the end on the side of it being good rather than badā¦ it has certainly had me thinking for a couple of days. The clumsy voiceovers and story elements in the opening and closing scenes mask a number of parallel and interesting story strands that generate conflicting thoughts about the state of race relations in todayās America. Jackson sang āIt doesnāt matter if youāre black or whiteā: and it really shouldnāt, but actually in some quarters, it clearly still does.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Oceanās 8 (2018) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018
Sandra Bullock stars as Debbie Ocean, sister of Danny Ocean (George Clooney) from the previous Oceans movies. She begins the movie in jail, being released on parole and promising to go straight. She has 45 dollars in her pocket and manages to get to New York, scam herself some free makeup and a hotel room, and pretty much everything else she needs. She's clearly just like her brother, able to con her way to getting whatever she wants.
After that it's all a bit of an incoherent blur for a while. She's got a plan, she knows people who can help, they know people that can help, so they all start joining forces and forming some kind of plan, starting with an old accomplice, Lou (Cate Blanchett). The sloppy plot building is papered over with cool music, witty dialogue and snappy editing techniques similar to those in the far superior Ocean's 11. It's a frustrating and dull start to the movie.
Once the team of girls are all together though and they begin working through their plan, things loosen up a bit and are a bit more enjoyable. The heist they're planning is to steal a very expensive Cartier necklace from the neck of movie star Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) while she attends New York's Met Gala, and under the watchful gaze of a team of security guys. With the help of a hacker (Rihanna), a fashion designer (Helena Bonham Carter), a pickpocket (Awkwafina), a jeweller (Mindy Kaling) and another old con partner (Sarah Paulson), the details of the heist are slowly refined - security cameras hacked, the necklace analysed and recreated via 3D printing. When it comes to the heist itself, it all plays enjoyably enough, but everything goes far too smoothly, with no real tension or suspense or any suggestion that they might not pull it off. Once again, it just feels inferior compared to Ocean's 11.
Sandra Bullock is the only one here displaying real screen presence, which is a real shame when you consider the talent involved. Cate Blanchett feels underused and Anne Hathaway is the only other actress making any real impact. Everyone else just feels wasted, too restricted to the roles they need to carry out in order to get the job done, with not much else going on.
We didn't really need another Ocean's movie. The quality of the previous series diminished with each one anyway and although I'm all up for the refreshing change of an all female heist movie, I felt this would have been much better overall without the whole 'Ocean' connection and the need to live up to the previous movies.
After that it's all a bit of an incoherent blur for a while. She's got a plan, she knows people who can help, they know people that can help, so they all start joining forces and forming some kind of plan, starting with an old accomplice, Lou (Cate Blanchett). The sloppy plot building is papered over with cool music, witty dialogue and snappy editing techniques similar to those in the far superior Ocean's 11. It's a frustrating and dull start to the movie.
Once the team of girls are all together though and they begin working through their plan, things loosen up a bit and are a bit more enjoyable. The heist they're planning is to steal a very expensive Cartier necklace from the neck of movie star Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) while she attends New York's Met Gala, and under the watchful gaze of a team of security guys. With the help of a hacker (Rihanna), a fashion designer (Helena Bonham Carter), a pickpocket (Awkwafina), a jeweller (Mindy Kaling) and another old con partner (Sarah Paulson), the details of the heist are slowly refined - security cameras hacked, the necklace analysed and recreated via 3D printing. When it comes to the heist itself, it all plays enjoyably enough, but everything goes far too smoothly, with no real tension or suspense or any suggestion that they might not pull it off. Once again, it just feels inferior compared to Ocean's 11.
Sandra Bullock is the only one here displaying real screen presence, which is a real shame when you consider the talent involved. Cate Blanchett feels underused and Anne Hathaway is the only other actress making any real impact. Everyone else just feels wasted, too restricted to the roles they need to carry out in order to get the job done, with not much else going on.
We didn't really need another Ocean's movie. The quality of the previous series diminished with each one anyway and although I'm all up for the refreshing change of an all female heist movie, I felt this would have been much better overall without the whole 'Ocean' connection and the need to live up to the previous movies.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
With the slow, familiar strains of āHedwigās Themeā, the leitmotif that shepherds us into the world of Harry Potter, weāre once again immersed in the magic and adventure of the wizarding world. If for some reason you forgot where the story left off at the end of The Half-Blood Prince, the mournful dirge that plays as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley prepare to meet reminds you that their world has changed drastically.
Like returning to your childhood home, it all looks familiar, but everything feels different. Gone are the school preparations, the train ride to Hogwarts, uniformed students jostling about, the easygoing camaraderie between our favorite trio, all the whimsical elements weāve come to expect in a Harry Potter movie. Instead we have unease, sorrow and anger taking turns in the form of Hermione, Harry and Ron.
The Deathly Hallows Part I is the first of a two-part adaptation of the final book of J.K. Rowlingās popular series. Just like the anticipation of getting the seventh and final book, my excitement at screening this movie was tempered with the dread of seeing the series end. I actually did not have high expectations for this installment as the first part of the book was slow-paced and, not unlike another movie about wizards and elves, had a lot of walking and searching. But instead of one elusive ring, Harry, Hermione and Ron are searching for three Horcruxes, objects in which Harryās nemesis, Lord Voldemort has implanted a part of his soul in his quest to achieve immortality. While they seek clues to the remaining Horcruxes, they learn that Voldemort seeks one of three Deathly Hallows, three sacred objects, the stories of which are revealed in a beautifully mesmerizing shadow-puppet sequence.
Director David Yates balances dark action with solid storytelling and arresting cinematography. Daniel Radcliffe is in turn sympathetic and charming as the heavily burdened hero. Rupert Grintās Ron Weasley brings most of the movieās humor again, but heās most impressive when he becomes believably tortured and resentful when the dark magic of Voldemortās Horcrux takes over. Emma Watson gracefully infuses the normally astute and self-assured Hermione with weary resolve and poignant anguish. The most charged moments are of course when the trio share the screen with the dark wizards, the most notable played with relish by Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and Helena Bonham Carter as his most ardent minion, Bellatrix.
Having waited what felt like an eternity for this installment, it seems almost cruel to be made to wait until next summer for the conclusion. But thatās the only real complaint I can make about this movie. Widely and wildly anticipated, Deathly Hallows Part I will not disappoint.
Like returning to your childhood home, it all looks familiar, but everything feels different. Gone are the school preparations, the train ride to Hogwarts, uniformed students jostling about, the easygoing camaraderie between our favorite trio, all the whimsical elements weāve come to expect in a Harry Potter movie. Instead we have unease, sorrow and anger taking turns in the form of Hermione, Harry and Ron.
The Deathly Hallows Part I is the first of a two-part adaptation of the final book of J.K. Rowlingās popular series. Just like the anticipation of getting the seventh and final book, my excitement at screening this movie was tempered with the dread of seeing the series end. I actually did not have high expectations for this installment as the first part of the book was slow-paced and, not unlike another movie about wizards and elves, had a lot of walking and searching. But instead of one elusive ring, Harry, Hermione and Ron are searching for three Horcruxes, objects in which Harryās nemesis, Lord Voldemort has implanted a part of his soul in his quest to achieve immortality. While they seek clues to the remaining Horcruxes, they learn that Voldemort seeks one of three Deathly Hallows, three sacred objects, the stories of which are revealed in a beautifully mesmerizing shadow-puppet sequence.
Director David Yates balances dark action with solid storytelling and arresting cinematography. Daniel Radcliffe is in turn sympathetic and charming as the heavily burdened hero. Rupert Grintās Ron Weasley brings most of the movieās humor again, but heās most impressive when he becomes believably tortured and resentful when the dark magic of Voldemortās Horcrux takes over. Emma Watson gracefully infuses the normally astute and self-assured Hermione with weary resolve and poignant anguish. The most charged moments are of course when the trio share the screen with the dark wizards, the most notable played with relish by Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and Helena Bonham Carter as his most ardent minion, Bellatrix.
Having waited what felt like an eternity for this installment, it seems almost cruel to be made to wait until next summer for the conclusion. But thatās the only real complaint I can make about this movie. Widely and wildly anticipated, Deathly Hallows Part I will not disappoint.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Oceanās 8 (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
For the last five plus years all Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) has had to think about was how to steal a $150 million dollar necklace of the neck of a mark during the Met Gala. Why she had all that time to think about was because she was incarcerated. The plan is flawless on paper but it would have to be to pull off this caper at one of the most high profile events of the year. Meticulously thought out and every eventuality covered. Now all she needs is a crew to make it happen. She gets her right hand girl Lou (Cate Blanchett) and they set out to plan the heist. The start with getting down on her luck designer Rose Weil (Helena Bonham Carter), who must persuade the mark, socialite actress Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), to wear her dress and the diamonds to the even. Then let add a fence, Tammy (Sarah Paulson), a pick-pocket, Constance (Awkwafina), diamond expert, Amita (Mindy Kaling), and a hacker, Nine Ball (Rihanna), everyone they need to make this plan happen. The plan is made, the crew is assembled and the Met Ball is days away and all they have to do is rob a highly protected necklace in a museum filled with people and more cameras than you can count.
David Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) wrote and directed the most recent film in the Oceanās storyline. It definitely is in the same mold of the male dominated Oceanās trilogy of films. There are even cameos from the old crew and the direct link of the main character being the sister of the protagonist of those films really ties them together. There are several nods to the original films and even the music and cinematography match up pretty well. At times I would say that it tries too hard to be like those films.
The cast does a great job. The character development is really good and if successful could definitely lead to follow up films. Awkwafina, who I had not heard of before going into this film, was a real bright spot and stood out in the scenes she was in. James Corden, as insurance investigator John Frazier, was also fun. The flow and pace of the film really went along well. There were definitely fun moments, also some moments that were a little cheesy, which are to be expected. Also to be expected in heist movie are some twist and turns, which this film delivers on. It keeps you guessing until the end.
Overall this was a fun movie going experience but maybe on I would be more likely to rent than see on the big screen.
David Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) wrote and directed the most recent film in the Oceanās storyline. It definitely is in the same mold of the male dominated Oceanās trilogy of films. There are even cameos from the old crew and the direct link of the main character being the sister of the protagonist of those films really ties them together. There are several nods to the original films and even the music and cinematography match up pretty well. At times I would say that it tries too hard to be like those films.
The cast does a great job. The character development is really good and if successful could definitely lead to follow up films. Awkwafina, who I had not heard of before going into this film, was a real bright spot and stood out in the scenes she was in. James Corden, as insurance investigator John Frazier, was also fun. The flow and pace of the film really went along well. There were definitely fun moments, also some moments that were a little cheesy, which are to be expected. Also to be expected in heist movie are some twist and turns, which this film delivers on. It keeps you guessing until the end.
Overall this was a fun movie going experience but maybe on I would be more likely to rent than see on the big screen.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Big Fish (2003) in Movies
May 1, 2020
Whimsical, Fantastical and Entrancing
Looking for a charming, fantastical diversion that will whisk you away from this world for 2 hours? Look no further than the heartwarming father/son story BIG FISH.
Set in the unmistakable stylings of idealic living from the mind of Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the tale of a father by the name of Ed Bloom (the great Albert Finney) who's son, Will Bloom (Billy Crudup - fresh off of ALMOST FAMOUS) has separated himself from his father for he is sick of the "tall tales" that his father tells about his life. Most of the movie is the reconciliation of father and son set against the backdrop of these fantastical stories (the younger Ed Bloom is played with whimsical wonder by Ewan McGregor).
And...it is the telling of these stories where Director Tim Burton really shines. It is a perfect match of Director, tone and style to tell the story. He uses a primary color palate (much the same way he used it in Edward Scissorhands) punctuated by "steam punk blacks and grays" that creates a world that is a wonder to look at and is instantly recognizable not only by what is familiar but also by how it is UN-familiar. If overused, this type of stylings could be a detriment to the storytelling, but in BIG FISH, Burton paints the canvas perfectly.
As I stated, McGregor is whimsical as the young Ed Bloom. You can see a young man exploring and drinking in all the world has to offer. On the other side, Albert Finney shows that he has a twinkle in his eye (even though the older Ed Bloom is battling a chronic disease). He sparkles when he tells his stories. Finney's performance draws you in while McGregor's keeps you there.
As does the performances of such terrific actors like Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter and Danny DeVito (as individuals that Ed meets along the way). They "get" what Burton is going for and embrace the charm and whimsy of it all. "Back in the real world" - a (then) unknown Marion Cotillard is engaging as Will Bloom's pregnant wife and Jessica Lange shines as Ed's wife who has "heard it all" and is still charmed by it all after all these years. There is a scene later in the film between Finney and Lange (and a bathtub) that shows that these 2 veteran actors can throw their fastball when asked.
I was entranced by the tall tales told in this film and I think you will be to.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Set in the unmistakable stylings of idealic living from the mind of Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the tale of a father by the name of Ed Bloom (the great Albert Finney) who's son, Will Bloom (Billy Crudup - fresh off of ALMOST FAMOUS) has separated himself from his father for he is sick of the "tall tales" that his father tells about his life. Most of the movie is the reconciliation of father and son set against the backdrop of these fantastical stories (the younger Ed Bloom is played with whimsical wonder by Ewan McGregor).
And...it is the telling of these stories where Director Tim Burton really shines. It is a perfect match of Director, tone and style to tell the story. He uses a primary color palate (much the same way he used it in Edward Scissorhands) punctuated by "steam punk blacks and grays" that creates a world that is a wonder to look at and is instantly recognizable not only by what is familiar but also by how it is UN-familiar. If overused, this type of stylings could be a detriment to the storytelling, but in BIG FISH, Burton paints the canvas perfectly.
As I stated, McGregor is whimsical as the young Ed Bloom. You can see a young man exploring and drinking in all the world has to offer. On the other side, Albert Finney shows that he has a twinkle in his eye (even though the older Ed Bloom is battling a chronic disease). He sparkles when he tells his stories. Finney's performance draws you in while McGregor's keeps you there.
As does the performances of such terrific actors like Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter and Danny DeVito (as individuals that Ed meets along the way). They "get" what Burton is going for and embrace the charm and whimsy of it all. "Back in the real world" - a (then) unknown Marion Cotillard is engaging as Will Bloom's pregnant wife and Jessica Lange shines as Ed's wife who has "heard it all" and is still charmed by it all after all these years. There is a scene later in the film between Finney and Lange (and a bathtub) that shows that these 2 veteran actors can throw their fastball when asked.
I was entranced by the tall tales told in this film and I think you will be to.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
The extent of my knowledge of Wonder Woman comes from vague memories of the TV show with Lynda Carter in the 70s and the Super Friends cartoon in the early 80s. So I knew she was an Amazon princess from Paradise Island who flew an invisible plane. I may have been Wonder Woman for Halloween back when you stuck your arms through a plastic sheet with Wonder Womanās torso painted on it, that tied at the neck like a cheap, hospital gown, with a mask with eyes cutout and a mouth you really couldnāt breathe through. So really, I knew OF her, but I never really actually knew much about Wonder Woman.
Fast forward some 40 years later and Iām in a theater learning Diana is the fiercely spirited daughter of Queen Hippolyta who sculpted her from clay and was brought to life by Zeus. Wait. What? Tell me more! Sheās raised on the secluded island of Themyscira where, thanks to her aunt Antiopeās training, Diana develops extraordinary skill in combat.
Those skills come in handy when Steve Trevor somehow crashes through the protective barrier surrounding Themyscira, while trying to escape from the Germans. Suddenly made aware of an outside world, Diana decides to leave Themyscira with Trevor for war-torn Europe believing she must help stop the great war.
Gal Gadot portrays Wonder Woman as a strong-willed, worldly but still naĆÆve force to reckon with. Chris Pine plays a wiley American spy who isnāt immune to Dianaās beauty but remains respectful of the innocence he can see behind her conviction. Together they team up with a motley crew of unlikely heroes to bring down a horrific German, whom Diana believes is Ares, the God of War, reborn.
I wasnāt sure what kept me more riveted, the storyline, the chemistry between Gadot and Pine,or Wonder Womanās physical beauty and prowess. I can tell you that I never heard a screener audience cheer for Batman or Superman like they did for Wonder Woman, just at the sight of the determined superhero slowly walking towards battle, prompted in part by the pounding opening wails of Wonder Womanās theme music.
Wonder Woman is an origin story well-told, something I really canāt say for the previous Justice League movies. Where Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad have left me āmehā for future DC movies, Wonder Woman left me hopeful for Justice League and future DC Extended Universe movies. I hope the directors of DCEU movies take some lessons from Wonder Womanās director, Patty Jenkins. Simply put, we want to root for a multi-dimensional superhero with a story we can easily follow and get behind. In other words, be like Wonder Woman.
Fast forward some 40 years later and Iām in a theater learning Diana is the fiercely spirited daughter of Queen Hippolyta who sculpted her from clay and was brought to life by Zeus. Wait. What? Tell me more! Sheās raised on the secluded island of Themyscira where, thanks to her aunt Antiopeās training, Diana develops extraordinary skill in combat.
Those skills come in handy when Steve Trevor somehow crashes through the protective barrier surrounding Themyscira, while trying to escape from the Germans. Suddenly made aware of an outside world, Diana decides to leave Themyscira with Trevor for war-torn Europe believing she must help stop the great war.
Gal Gadot portrays Wonder Woman as a strong-willed, worldly but still naĆÆve force to reckon with. Chris Pine plays a wiley American spy who isnāt immune to Dianaās beauty but remains respectful of the innocence he can see behind her conviction. Together they team up with a motley crew of unlikely heroes to bring down a horrific German, whom Diana believes is Ares, the God of War, reborn.
I wasnāt sure what kept me more riveted, the storyline, the chemistry between Gadot and Pine,or Wonder Womanās physical beauty and prowess. I can tell you that I never heard a screener audience cheer for Batman or Superman like they did for Wonder Woman, just at the sight of the determined superhero slowly walking towards battle, prompted in part by the pounding opening wails of Wonder Womanās theme music.
Wonder Woman is an origin story well-told, something I really canāt say for the previous Justice League movies. Where Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad have left me āmehā for future DC movies, Wonder Woman left me hopeful for Justice League and future DC Extended Universe movies. I hope the directors of DCEU movies take some lessons from Wonder Womanās director, Patty Jenkins. Simply put, we want to root for a multi-dimensional superhero with a story we can easily follow and get behind. In other words, be like Wonder Woman.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Enola Holmes (2020) in Movies
Oct 18, 2020
A Winning (enough) combination
I'm a sucker for Sherlock Holmes. I grew up watching the fantastic black and white Holmes films from the 1940's starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. I checked out '70's Holmes flicks like MURDER BY DECREE and the 7 PERCENT SOLUTION and then re-fell-in-love with Holmes with the Jeremy Brett BBC SHERLOCK HOLMES TV series of the 1980's and, of course, Benedict Cumberbatch's modern take on the master sleuth in the 2000's was "must see TV" for me. I was even on-board with Robert Downey Jr's. "take" on this iconic sleuth and was thrilled when Sir Ian McKellen portrayed an elderly Sherlock Holmes in MR. HOLMES.
So...I eagerly awaited the Netflix treatment of the "younger" sister of Sherlock Holmes in ENOLA HOLMES -and, I gotta say, I wasn't disappointed.
Based on the Young Adult series of novels by Nancy Springer, ENOLA HOLMES introduces us to the (heretofore unknown) younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Raised by a fiercely independent mother in the late 1880's, Enola goes searching for her when she goes missing and gets mixed up in the "The Case of the Missing Marquess" along the way.
Millie Bobbie Brown (STRANGER THINGS) is a winning, charismatic (enough) performer as Enola. She is a steady and sure hand at the helm of this ship throughout the course of this 2 hour and 3 minute adventure. While I would have liked her to command the screen more with her presence, she does enough to make it a good, solid, effort.
The supporting cast is just as good. Helena Bonham Carter (FIGHT CLUB) is perfectly cast as Enola's (and Sherlock's and Mycroft's) mother - she has that fierce streak of independence and "don't mess with me" energy while carving her own path. She is the type of character that one would go looking for if she went missing. Sam Claflin (HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE) is finely unrecognizable (at least to me) as Mycroft - written in this piece as the more "traditional" of the Holmes family and Henry Cavill (MAN OF STEEL) brings a strong arrogance to his portrayal of Sherlock. He also brings something else - heart - to this character, a character trait that has "traditional" fans of this character up in arms. For me, it works well in the context of this film.
As for the film itself - it is good (enough). I found myself enjoying the mystery and the characters and enjoyed my time in this world. It's not anything new, but it's like putting on a pair of old shoes - comforting to wear.
This is an adaptation of the first book of the series, and I, for one, hope that there are more. It's a winning combination that was pleasant to watch.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
So...I eagerly awaited the Netflix treatment of the "younger" sister of Sherlock Holmes in ENOLA HOLMES -and, I gotta say, I wasn't disappointed.
Based on the Young Adult series of novels by Nancy Springer, ENOLA HOLMES introduces us to the (heretofore unknown) younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Raised by a fiercely independent mother in the late 1880's, Enola goes searching for her when she goes missing and gets mixed up in the "The Case of the Missing Marquess" along the way.
Millie Bobbie Brown (STRANGER THINGS) is a winning, charismatic (enough) performer as Enola. She is a steady and sure hand at the helm of this ship throughout the course of this 2 hour and 3 minute adventure. While I would have liked her to command the screen more with her presence, she does enough to make it a good, solid, effort.
The supporting cast is just as good. Helena Bonham Carter (FIGHT CLUB) is perfectly cast as Enola's (and Sherlock's and Mycroft's) mother - she has that fierce streak of independence and "don't mess with me" energy while carving her own path. She is the type of character that one would go looking for if she went missing. Sam Claflin (HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE) is finely unrecognizable (at least to me) as Mycroft - written in this piece as the more "traditional" of the Holmes family and Henry Cavill (MAN OF STEEL) brings a strong arrogance to his portrayal of Sherlock. He also brings something else - heart - to this character, a character trait that has "traditional" fans of this character up in arms. For me, it works well in the context of this film.
As for the film itself - it is good (enough). I found myself enjoying the mystery and the characters and enjoyed my time in this world. It's not anything new, but it's like putting on a pair of old shoes - comforting to wear.
This is an adaptation of the first book of the series, and I, for one, hope that there are more. It's a winning combination that was pleasant to watch.
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Debbiereadsbook (1087 KP) rated The Game (Charleston Condors #2) in Books
Aug 15, 2023
loved Beck and Micah!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Charleston Condors, The Star is book one. While I don't think it's strictly necessary that you read that book first, it will probably help you see what Beck was like, before Micah came back into his life. I gave that book 4 stars.
But this one?? I LOVED this book!
We don't get what happened to Beck and Micah a couple of years ago, but you get clues and hints in The Star. And I put those clues and hints together in the wrong way and was way off base.
What DID happen was heartbreaking for Beck, but for Micah too. But it takes time for Micah to tell Beck what happened fully, and it made me cry when he eventually gets it all out.
What I loved the most about this, was how forgiving Beck was, right at the start. Yes, Micah had hurt him and both men were still hurting from that but Beck could see Micah needed a FRIEND more than anything else. And offering Micah that olive branch was the best thing he ever did.
Loved the whole Vegas thing! Granted they were drunk but not so that they didn't know what they were doing. Granted they BOTH thought on waking that they did NOT want to undo what they did. It takes them time to settle into the husband thing but they really do love each other and want to make it work.
I found myself falling out with Beck's mum at one point, but given the outcome of that, she redeemed herself.
I said in my review for the Star that I really linked that there was very little drama. While the history of Beck and Micah is full of drama, once they get back together, there isn't much here either! And I'm loving that.
I also said in The Star that I didn't like the long descriptive passages about the football games. Now, whether it is because I knew they were coming, or not, I don't know, but I found them less difficult to read here. I'm still not a fan, (and will never be!) and I still didn't understand half of those passages, but I didn't find them as many or as difficult.
There were some characters that helped Micah while he and Beck were apart, I'd like to go back and read about Scott and Asa. And Carter (Beck and Micah's team mate) gets the next book. I'm really REALLY looking forward to reading his story. He's a character here, but I have a strong feeling it's all a freaking front and the man is falling apart underneath.
Beck and Micah really are perfect for each other, and I loved their story.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Charleston Condors, The Star is book one. While I don't think it's strictly necessary that you read that book first, it will probably help you see what Beck was like, before Micah came back into his life. I gave that book 4 stars.
But this one?? I LOVED this book!
We don't get what happened to Beck and Micah a couple of years ago, but you get clues and hints in The Star. And I put those clues and hints together in the wrong way and was way off base.
What DID happen was heartbreaking for Beck, but for Micah too. But it takes time for Micah to tell Beck what happened fully, and it made me cry when he eventually gets it all out.
What I loved the most about this, was how forgiving Beck was, right at the start. Yes, Micah had hurt him and both men were still hurting from that but Beck could see Micah needed a FRIEND more than anything else. And offering Micah that olive branch was the best thing he ever did.
Loved the whole Vegas thing! Granted they were drunk but not so that they didn't know what they were doing. Granted they BOTH thought on waking that they did NOT want to undo what they did. It takes them time to settle into the husband thing but they really do love each other and want to make it work.
I found myself falling out with Beck's mum at one point, but given the outcome of that, she redeemed herself.
I said in my review for the Star that I really linked that there was very little drama. While the history of Beck and Micah is full of drama, once they get back together, there isn't much here either! And I'm loving that.
I also said in The Star that I didn't like the long descriptive passages about the football games. Now, whether it is because I knew they were coming, or not, I don't know, but I found them less difficult to read here. I'm still not a fan, (and will never be!) and I still didn't understand half of those passages, but I didn't find them as many or as difficult.
There were some characters that helped Micah while he and Beck were apart, I'd like to go back and read about Scott and Asa. And Carter (Beck and Micah's team mate) gets the next book. I'm really REALLY looking forward to reading his story. He's a character here, but I have a strong feeling it's all a freaking front and the man is falling apart underneath.
Beck and Micah really are perfect for each other, and I loved their story.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere