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Sarah (7799 KP) rated Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) in Movies

Aug 31, 2018 (Updated Aug 31, 2018)

An unnecessary and shoddy sequel

The first Pitch Perfect was great, funny and a breath of fresh air. Whilst the second one wasn't as good, it was still vaguely enjoyable. Unfortunately the third one goes on a steep downward spiral and isn't even slightly entertaining.

The antics of the Bellas are getting a little old now. All of the films follow the same basic plot: Bellas enter a competition, come up against some clearly superior teams but then against all odds they still come out on top. This is getting boring. And clearly the makers of this film realised that as that's why they've thrown in some completely nonsense subplot to try and mix it up a bit. Sadly it doesn't work.

There's also the issue with the soundtrack. In the previous films the soundtracks were almost the best part, but in this third instalment there's nothing at all that stands out. No memorable songs whatsoever. Then there's the cast and the acting - everything just seems a bit cringey and almost verging on bad acting. Fat Amy has finally outstayed her welcome and become beyond irritating, and there's a notably wide gaping hole that was the treblemakers. Even John Lithgow puts in a poor performance. The only saving grace to this film are Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins. They are fortunately still very funny, it's just a shame they've been sidelined to even smaller roles than the previous films.

I love musicals, but I really don't think I d ever care to see this again.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Killed on Blueberry Hill in Books

Nov 6, 2018

Death Leaves Marlee Blue

Summer may be winding down, but Oriole Point, Michigan, is getting in one more berry inspired festival to bring in the tourists. The Blueberry Blow Out Festival includes carnival games, booths, and friendly competition between the various berry growers in the area. At least it is supposed to be friendly. Marlee Jacobs is shocked when she witnesses a fight between her fiance, Ryan Zeller, and Porter Gale, the owner of one of the biggest blueberry farms in the country. Yes, there is bad blood between the two families, but this went much further than a rivalry normally would. When Porter dies a few hours later, people think it is complications from his diabetes. However, the police believe it is something more, and they are looking at Ryan as a suspect. Can Marlee clear him?

I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.

Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Seed of Chucky (2004) in Movies

Nov 26, 2019 (Updated Jan 7, 2020)

Seed of Chucky (2004)

2004 | Comedy, Horror

6.0

(8 Ratings)

Movie Rating

What even is this film!?

Seed of Chucky is the fifth in the Child's Play series, and definitely is the peak of absurdity in this particular franchise.
After writing the first four, Don Mancini steps behind the camera for the first time to direct this entry, and it's crystal clear he wanted to take it into comedic territory, and honestly, it works for the most part.

A lot of Seed is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh.
Chucky plans to transfer his soul into Redman of all people, Britney Spears gets blown up, there's a live ventriloquist competition that looks more jumping than a metal concert, there's a member of S Club 7 in it, Jennifer Tilly, John Waters, Redman, and Jason Flemyng (because why the hell not) all play themselves - I could go on.
Jennifer Tilly especially deserves credit, as her willingness to poke fun at herself is a big part of what makes this film fun.
Billy Boyd voices Glen/Glenda, the spawn of Chucky, and that's also just ridiculous as it sounds.

Seed has some genuinely nice gore effects going on but as a horror film, it's rubbish. Nothing scary happens at all. But as an all out, stupid comedy with horror leanings, it hard not to like.
I love the more unsettling Chucky of the first two movies, and would take him over the quippy Chucky of the later movies - a huge reason why I didn't care much for Bride of Chucky - but when it's this over the top, I can get on board without too much fuss.