LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Northman (2022) in Movies
May 11, 2022
The first third is a fast moving setup that effectively establishes the characters and shows off quite an epic production. After that, The Northman becomes a tight and slow burning thriller as Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) exacts a psychologically torturous revenge on the people who killer his father. It's a perfect marriage of powerful character drama, weird imagery, Viking culture and beliefs, bizarre gore, and fantasy set pieces, and it's slower pace ensures that it's utterly captivating.
The whole film looks incredible from start to finish and is complimented by a wonderful music score.
It's all cemented by a stacked cast. Skarsgård is a capable lead for sure, and is just a big walking muscle in this, the manly bastard. Anya Taylor-Joy is great as always, and the supporting cast boasts the likes of Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Claes Bang who are all stellar.
I can't heap enough praise on The Northman, another homerun from Eggers. I'd happily call it a masterpiece.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2526 KP) rated A Sprinkle in Time in Books
May 28, 2022 (Updated May 28, 2022)
I enjoyed the first in the series, but this one was even better. I was pulled in right away, and the plot never lagged. Because of how it impacted some of the characters we got to know in the first book, I found it compelling. I had part of the solution figured out, but there was a lot I hadn’t pieced together. The characters are strong again. I laughed at parts, but because of how things were impacting everyone, I also got chocked up a time or two. There are two recipes at the end to help with your cravings for ice cream and sweets in general. I’m already looking forward to visiting the gang again soon.
A Fall of Light
8.0
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LJ Greene brings to life one of her most compelling characters: the intensely creative bass...
Contemporary MM Romance
Double Blind
8.0
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Double Blind follows three close friends and their circle through a year of extraordinary...
Chasing Harmony
Book
A refreshing YA debut from Canadian author Melanie Bell, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Becky...
Young Adult LGBTQIA+
Otway93 (580 KP) rated The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958) in Movies
Dec 29, 2021
The first thing that must be mentioned with the first of the Sinbad trilogy, is Ray Harryhausen's special effects. While his work can't be compared in realism to that of the digital age, but the sheer skill and effort put into the creatures are incredible, and create something that no digital method can approach in charm.
The story, loosely based on one of the 7 voyages of Sinbad from the Arabian Nights, is great fun, and makes for compelling viewing. The acting from the main cast is excellent, if a little cheesy in places, but sadly this is detracted from by some of the questionable acting from smaller cast members and extras, but with these films, it is expected, and in its own way adds to the enjoyment.
Finally, something that couldn't really be helped in that era, but the casting of white people as famous Muslim characters. Obviously being the 1950s things were quite different in terms of inclusion, but they still made a film to be proud of :)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2526 KP) rated Once Upon a Murder in Books
Feb 21, 2024
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
What Remains
Book
What Remains is a haunting dual-timeline mystery that bridges centuries-and secrets-between ancient...
Historical Fiction Dual Timeline Time Slip Fiction Historical Thriller Forensic Fiction Ancient Rome
Excalibur (The Arthurian Chronicles, #1)
6.0
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The sword has the power of Britain in its steel, men will follow and fight for whoever wields it......
Code of Honour (Soldier Spy #3)
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1812 Britain’s war against Napoleon continues. Will Fraser and Duncan Armstrong have served...
Historical Adventure Spy Fiction