Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (2104)

Content

Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Cats Aloft (Anton and Cecil #3) in Books

Jun 18, 2018

Anton and Cecil, Book 3, by Lisa Martin, and Valerie Martin is the third book in the Anton and Cecil historical fiction series. After traveling by ship and train in the first two books, they get an opportunity to travel in the air in this outing. Anton and Cecil hook up with a bloodhound, Ruby LaNez in Chicago, to try a solve the mystery of the stolen white puppies. After helping to capture a bank robber, they head off to the fair to track down half a dozen missing white puppies. When they think they know who the culprits are, Cecil accidentally ends up in a hot air balloon. After a disaster in the sky, he ends up at the circus where he locates the missing puppies. With the help of some of the circus animals and a group of overgrown rats, he comes up with a plan to free a Siberian tiger and rescue the puppies. Anton and Ruby follow their noses and also end up at the circus.
What an enjoyable adventure for a pair of adventurous cats. The illustrations are scattered throughout this early chapter book and add just enough visual appeal that children will enjoy. For readers who love animal adventurers this is a fun series. This is an early chapter book that would be great for those late primary, junior readers to enjoy.

I received an advanced copy this book via NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers. Thanks so much.

Kudos

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cult Classic by Fiona Grey in Music

Jun 21, 2019

Fiona Grey is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Saviour” single featuring Emma Cole.

The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).

The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.

‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.

Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.

“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey

‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.

Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.

“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey

Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.

She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.

Kudos

Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Cotton Club (1984) in Movies

Jul 28, 2019

The Cotton Club (1984)

1984 | Drama, Musical

6.5

(2 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Richard Gere has made a lot of forgettable movies

Really. Seriously. If you think about it. The guy has been acting since the early 70s and he is mostly remembered for Chicago and Pretty Woman. Honorable mentions maybe to Officer and a Gentleman, Primal Fear or American Gigolo.

Director Francis Ford Coppola I'm sure was hoping to recreate the magic of the 1920s/1930s jazz club gangster era as he did with The Godfather in this film and it just didn't work. It seemed I just didn't care about the characters nearly as much and the case just wasn't up to it. Any time you have James Remar is your main bad guy in a film you are in trouble.

The highlight of the film for me was all the great jazz music, large vaudeville song and dance numbers and great tap dancing scenes with the great Gregory Hines. It was cool to see a very young "Larry" Fishburne and lots of other people you know from other movies, but it just wasn't enough. Nicolas Cage overacting (I know what a shocker) and over the top violence just to have over the top violence.

You won't find the caliber of Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall or James Caan here.

I really wanted to love this film as it has been on my "to watch" list for a long time; however, I was ultimately disappointed.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2119 KP) rated Cobblered to Death in Books

Nov 27, 2019

Clobbered by Cherry Cobbler

Courtney Archer has become known to her fans from the TV cooking show, The Farmer’s Daughter. Just one catch – she is actually the daughter of a doctor from Chicago. She hates keeping this secret, but is even more worried when her secret is discovered. The man who makes the discovery is Mick, one of the contestants on The American Baking Battle, a new show that Courtney is co-hosting. Courtney isn’t the only one having issues with Mick. Still, Courtney doesn’t expect to find his dead body on the second day of filming. Worse yet, Mick was hit over the head with a pan of Courtney’s cherry cobbler. Who killed him?

This book started out well, and I was quickly hooked. The setting is a lot of fun, and the characters are wonderful. I was drawn to Courtney and wanted her to succeed. I enjoyed watching her friendship with another character grow, and her producer is a strong character as well. The plot started out strongly, setting up suspects and the victim before killing Mick off. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough suspects to sustain it, and the twists and clues were fewer than they needed to be in favor of time spent on the set of the baking show watching everything being filmed. I suspect the characters and setting will be strong enough to draw people to this new series, but I hope the plots get stronger as the series progresses.