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Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Jan 6, 2020
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. However, the dialogue is just weird. They both talk like they weren’t born and raised in America. Ana grew up in Las Vegas (?) and Christian, as far as we know, is from the PNW. And yet, sometimes they both talk like they’re English, and not in a cute way. In a, there’s no way in hell anyone born and raised in the states would say that, kind of way. It just made it feel less genuine.
Additionally, Ana is an idiot but I think we all know that.
Additionally, Ana is an idiot but I think we all know that.
Guillermo Del Toro recommended The Irishman (2019) in Movies (curated)
John Berendt recommended The Magic Christian in Books (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Inhale, Exhale in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This started off quite good, then the love triangle aspect was introduced and I loved Grant, he was a hot geek, while Christian came across as some sort of loser boyfriend who occasionally had a nicer, softer, side.
Then it progressed some in the triangledom of relationships and I got a little giddy... And then it all started to go downhill for me from after the sex.
The storyline just got a little too ridiculous for me, and I started skipping pages, just skimming others...
Therefore I'm afraid it's getting a two star. Not for me at all, sorry.
Then it progressed some in the triangledom of relationships and I got a little giddy... And then it all started to go downhill for me from after the sex.
The storyline just got a little too ridiculous for me, and I started skipping pages, just skimming others...
Therefore I'm afraid it's getting a two star. Not for me at all, sorry.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Fifty Shades Darker (2017) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) have returned in “50 Shades Darker” which looks to continue the massive success of the series.
Picking up shortly after the last film, the newly single Anastasia has begun working her dream job as an assistant in a Seattle publishing company. When she is reunited with Christian at a social event, he pleads with her to take him back and offers to redefine the terms of their relationship agreement.
Although cautions, she takes him back and despite telling him she wants to take it slow, the first of many sex scenes follow.
Although happy to be reunited, the pair are plagued by issues from Christian’s past as well as his own inner demons which constantly pull at them and threaten to undermine their new relationship.
Of course much if it is little more than thinly veiled lip service designed to get them into the bedroom time and time again so the camera can focus on their bodies and Christian resorting to his old ways with all manner of restraints and devices.
One would think that a film that is supposed to be so erotic would be far more exciting and titillating but the film’s sex scenes are so dull and by the numbers you will soon find yourself losing interest. A big part of this goes to the total lack of chemistry between the leads. If you thought it was strained in the first film it is pretty much non-existent this time out. The dialogue is also not much better as it is laughably bad in areas and unintentionally funny. The monotone delivery of the leads does not help much as it seems like there is a competition to see how many shots of the beautiful Seattle area and their bodies can be creamed into the film.
Kim Bassinger does bring the film a bit of intrigue as a woman from Christian’s past, but she is not in the film enough to really make that much of a difference as pretty much all of the supporting characters are paper thin and not given the chance to grow.
I did like the film more than I liked the original film, but I continue to struggle with the appeal of the film series. The leads lack any chemistry and supporters of the BDSM lifestyle have said the series does not portray their lifestyle accurately and that what Christian does is abusive.
I posted the question that how much appeal would the series have if Christian was a struggling musician living in a hovel who could not even afford a Starbucks run. He would be considered a deeply damaged individual who women would run from. But package him up as a young and attractive billionaire, and it seems that common sense goes out the window as far as the ladies in his life go, and he gets a pass on behaviors that would be totally unacceptable to most.
For me the lack of eroticism, chemistry between the leads, and a compelling story could be overlooked as despite the issues, it does entertain. But when the characters are so hard to like, I found myself not having much sympathy for any obstacles they encountered. My advice, wait for the video as there are far more erotic and entertaining films on Netflix.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/09/50-shades-darker/
Picking up shortly after the last film, the newly single Anastasia has begun working her dream job as an assistant in a Seattle publishing company. When she is reunited with Christian at a social event, he pleads with her to take him back and offers to redefine the terms of their relationship agreement.
Although cautions, she takes him back and despite telling him she wants to take it slow, the first of many sex scenes follow.
Although happy to be reunited, the pair are plagued by issues from Christian’s past as well as his own inner demons which constantly pull at them and threaten to undermine their new relationship.
Of course much if it is little more than thinly veiled lip service designed to get them into the bedroom time and time again so the camera can focus on their bodies and Christian resorting to his old ways with all manner of restraints and devices.
One would think that a film that is supposed to be so erotic would be far more exciting and titillating but the film’s sex scenes are so dull and by the numbers you will soon find yourself losing interest. A big part of this goes to the total lack of chemistry between the leads. If you thought it was strained in the first film it is pretty much non-existent this time out. The dialogue is also not much better as it is laughably bad in areas and unintentionally funny. The monotone delivery of the leads does not help much as it seems like there is a competition to see how many shots of the beautiful Seattle area and their bodies can be creamed into the film.
Kim Bassinger does bring the film a bit of intrigue as a woman from Christian’s past, but she is not in the film enough to really make that much of a difference as pretty much all of the supporting characters are paper thin and not given the chance to grow.
I did like the film more than I liked the original film, but I continue to struggle with the appeal of the film series. The leads lack any chemistry and supporters of the BDSM lifestyle have said the series does not portray their lifestyle accurately and that what Christian does is abusive.
I posted the question that how much appeal would the series have if Christian was a struggling musician living in a hovel who could not even afford a Starbucks run. He would be considered a deeply damaged individual who women would run from. But package him up as a young and attractive billionaire, and it seems that common sense goes out the window as far as the ladies in his life go, and he gets a pass on behaviors that would be totally unacceptable to most.
For me the lack of eroticism, chemistry between the leads, and a compelling story could be overlooked as despite the issues, it does entertain. But when the characters are so hard to like, I found myself not having much sympathy for any obstacles they encountered. My advice, wait for the video as there are far more erotic and entertaining films on Netflix.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/09/50-shades-darker/
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Fifty Shades Freed (2018) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
The third and final entry in the “Fifty Shades” series has arrived with the release of “fifty Shades Freed”. The story opens with the wedding of Anastasia (Dakota Johnson), and Christian (Jamie Dornan), and follows their honeymoon in the lavish locales of France.
There getaway is cut short by an act of sabotage at Christian’s company and it soon becomes clear that a person from their past has taken things to a dangerous level which requires Christian to implement security measures for Anastasia and their extended family.
In between the intrigue presented by the threat, we also have numerous scenes of nudity and eroticism as Christian is not going to give up his dominating needs anytime soon.
Combine this with a new revelation that threatens to disrupt the crafted and controlled world he has created for himself and Anastasia; the tensions rise between them making a dangerous and stress-filled situation even more complicated.
While the film does have a better plot and is more engaging than the previous films in the series it is hampered by many of the same issues that hindered the series. The two leads have zero chemistry with one another and their supposedly highly erotic scenes are so routine and by the numbers they lack any form of excitement or real titillation. The film also has this message that behavior that would be considered highly unacceptable in others seems to get a pass for Christian as he is a handsome billionaire. He is a very selfish and controlling individual who demands obedience. While Anastasia does have a strong enough character to stand up to him, she tolerates behavior that would be considered unacceptable by many and seems very quick to give him a pass when lavish gifts and trips are bestowed upon her. I wonder how romantic and acceptable his behavior would be if he was a struggling musician who did not have the financial resources to create fantasies and buy his apologies. I know the film is supposed to be romantic fantasy but this really annoys me as he exhibits much of the behavior that is considered unacceptable and to be avoided at all costs, yet it is all wrapped up in a sweet bow of forgiveness.
That aside the series does seem to be losing steam as the last film earned less than the original film and “Fifty Shades Freed” is tracking to open well below the last film as well. Fans of the series will likely enjoy it as a satisfying finale, but I really expected more from the final moments of the series as after following the characters, the ending seemed very anti-climactic.
http://sknr.net/2018/02/08/fifty-shades-freed/
There getaway is cut short by an act of sabotage at Christian’s company and it soon becomes clear that a person from their past has taken things to a dangerous level which requires Christian to implement security measures for Anastasia and their extended family.
In between the intrigue presented by the threat, we also have numerous scenes of nudity and eroticism as Christian is not going to give up his dominating needs anytime soon.
Combine this with a new revelation that threatens to disrupt the crafted and controlled world he has created for himself and Anastasia; the tensions rise between them making a dangerous and stress-filled situation even more complicated.
While the film does have a better plot and is more engaging than the previous films in the series it is hampered by many of the same issues that hindered the series. The two leads have zero chemistry with one another and their supposedly highly erotic scenes are so routine and by the numbers they lack any form of excitement or real titillation. The film also has this message that behavior that would be considered highly unacceptable in others seems to get a pass for Christian as he is a handsome billionaire. He is a very selfish and controlling individual who demands obedience. While Anastasia does have a strong enough character to stand up to him, she tolerates behavior that would be considered unacceptable by many and seems very quick to give him a pass when lavish gifts and trips are bestowed upon her. I wonder how romantic and acceptable his behavior would be if he was a struggling musician who did not have the financial resources to create fantasies and buy his apologies. I know the film is supposed to be romantic fantasy but this really annoys me as he exhibits much of the behavior that is considered unacceptable and to be avoided at all costs, yet it is all wrapped up in a sweet bow of forgiveness.
That aside the series does seem to be losing steam as the last film earned less than the original film and “Fifty Shades Freed” is tracking to open well below the last film as well. Fans of the series will likely enjoy it as a satisfying finale, but I really expected more from the final moments of the series as after following the characters, the ending seemed very anti-climactic.
http://sknr.net/2018/02/08/fifty-shades-freed/
Dean (6925 KP) rated Mindhunters (2005) in Movies
Aug 26, 2017
Great cast (2 more)
Remote location
A mix of Thriller, Whodunit & Horror
Great cat & mouse Thriller
I really enjoyed this despite the fact it seemed to go straight to DVD. It has a well known cast including LL Cool J, Val Kilmer and Christian Slater. It has good production values as well.
A team of Fbi profilers are at a remote location under going a training selection when they start getting bumped off one by one. It has ideas from And then there were none and even some death traps like the Saw films. Well worth checking out if any of that appeals. Similar to @D-Tox (Eye See You) (2002) as well.
A team of Fbi profilers are at a remote location under going a training selection when they start getting bumped off one by one. It has ideas from And then there were none and even some death traps like the Saw films. Well worth checking out if any of that appeals. Similar to @D-Tox (Eye See You) (2002) as well.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Machinist (2004) in Movies
May 4, 2018
Fascinating!
Brilliant character study by the chameleon, Christian Bale, in one of his best performances hardly anyone remembers.
He physically lost over 60 pounds and is almost unrecognizable playing Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who never sleeps who thinks he may be going insane. The characters he interacts with are all interesting but don't seem to help him on his quest for sanity.
Bale is just superb playing this loser, scumbag character. You are not sure whether to root for him, pity him or loathe him.
I love films like this that may not be completely linear and make you think while enjoying some fine acting.
He physically lost over 60 pounds and is almost unrecognizable playing Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who never sleeps who thinks he may be going insane. The characters he interacts with are all interesting but don't seem to help him on his quest for sanity.
Bale is just superb playing this loser, scumbag character. You are not sure whether to root for him, pity him or loathe him.
I love films like this that may not be completely linear and make you think while enjoying some fine acting.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional: Includes 90 Devotions in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional is a good book for young readers. It appears a collection from different Titles of the Berenstain Bears. It got a Christian theme throughout the book. It is a good one for young children.
If parents want to settle down their children this would be good for them to listen to. Children can learn to read through this book as well. You can read any story that you feel is best for you and your children if you want to.
Each story has a life lesson for children to learn and listen to. It is good for family gatherings.
If parents want to settle down their children this would be good for them to listen to. Children can learn to read through this book as well. You can read any story that you feel is best for you and your children if you want to.
Each story has a life lesson for children to learn and listen to. It is good for family gatherings.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated American Hustle (2013) in Movies
Jun 17, 2018
That comb-over!
Great cast does a great job with this interesting story of two decent con artists recruited by the FBI to take down even bigger corrupt individuals and the mob.
The script and acting are both excellent and really engage you in the story and get quickly invested in their lives. The 70s fashion and music are also two more interesting characters in the film.
When you look at Christian Bale (who gained 40 pounds for this role), it's hard to believe he's the same actor who played Batman and was in The Machinist where he was skin and bones.
Highly recommended.
The script and acting are both excellent and really engage you in the story and get quickly invested in their lives. The 70s fashion and music are also two more interesting characters in the film.
When you look at Christian Bale (who gained 40 pounds for this role), it's hard to believe he's the same actor who played Batman and was in The Machinist where he was skin and bones.
Highly recommended.