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Ross (3284 KP) rated She Has A Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be in Books
Jun 15, 2020
Good suspenseful paranormal story
I received a free copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Prior to starting this book, I was only aware of Barker from his work with Dacre Stoker on Dracul, the prequel-cum-biography telling a variation of Bram Stoker's life story. This book is very different, though it also tells someone's full life story.
Jack Thatch has had a tough life already when we meet him, his parents dying in a car crash when he was very young, and he spends his childhood living with his Aunt. A chance meeting with a mysterious girl in the cemetery on the anniversary of his parents' death haunts him and each year he returns looking for her, and the mystery continues. This carries on, with a new chapter telling the events of each subsequent year, and the "burned but not burned" bodies that appear on the same day.
There is a little of a Stephen King feel about the book - telling of a young boy growing up and telling every detail of his life and his friendships and gradually letting the paranormal elements of the story build up.
The first third of the book is excellent, setting the scene and sewing the seeds of the mystery to follow and introducing the cast of characters and their interactions and conflicts. This part of the story rattles along with decent pace and the reader can get a good feeling of momentum.
The middle third ground to a halt for me. The chapters became longer, the story being told felt less important and the reduction in pace was a bit of a kick in the teeth.
But the final third this book gets going again in superb style. This could well have been an excellent story in its own right, but definitely benefits from the lengthy build-up. We gradually have one group of characters grow and come into conflict with another, all building up to an inevitable meeting.
This is a great, but long, story of special abilities, how they could impact someone's life and be abused by those in power, and how they will eventually become out of control.
Prior to starting this book, I was only aware of Barker from his work with Dacre Stoker on Dracul, the prequel-cum-biography telling a variation of Bram Stoker's life story. This book is very different, though it also tells someone's full life story.
Jack Thatch has had a tough life already when we meet him, his parents dying in a car crash when he was very young, and he spends his childhood living with his Aunt. A chance meeting with a mysterious girl in the cemetery on the anniversary of his parents' death haunts him and each year he returns looking for her, and the mystery continues. This carries on, with a new chapter telling the events of each subsequent year, and the "burned but not burned" bodies that appear on the same day.
There is a little of a Stephen King feel about the book - telling of a young boy growing up and telling every detail of his life and his friendships and gradually letting the paranormal elements of the story build up.
The first third of the book is excellent, setting the scene and sewing the seeds of the mystery to follow and introducing the cast of characters and their interactions and conflicts. This part of the story rattles along with decent pace and the reader can get a good feeling of momentum.
The middle third ground to a halt for me. The chapters became longer, the story being told felt less important and the reduction in pace was a bit of a kick in the teeth.
But the final third this book gets going again in superb style. This could well have been an excellent story in its own right, but definitely benefits from the lengthy build-up. We gradually have one group of characters grow and come into conflict with another, all building up to an inevitable meeting.
This is a great, but long, story of special abilities, how they could impact someone's life and be abused by those in power, and how they will eventually become out of control.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Dirty Dancing (1987) in Movies
Jul 4, 2020
A Movie Packed With Memorable Moments
During a summer vacation in the Catskills, a young woman is introduced to the sensual world of dirty dancing and her life is forever changed. Seriously, I should apply for a job writing loglines.
Acting: 10
No the acting wasn’t the best around, but it gets the job done. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze are electric on screen together. This movie clearly has no shot without their chemistry. I have to give an honorable mention to Jerry Orbach playing the role of Dr. Jake Houseman. He’s an overprotective father that just wants to see his kids have a good time on vacation. He has a couple of pretty heavy scenes that leave an impact on the movie.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10.
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
So my mom is a single parent which meant I went with her pretty much everywhere, including the movies. I remember her taking me to see this movie. I didn’t understand that first dance when Baby walked into the workers clubhouse, but I knew it was something my young eyes shouldn’t have been looking at. I appreciate the way director Emile Ardolino captures that raw sensuality. I also loved how the disparity between the rich vacationers and the lower class workers was displayed. It sets up the movie well and remains a constant theme throughout.
Conflict: 9
Entertainment Value: 7
Like a Fast and Furious movie, there is something undeniable about Dirty Dancing. You find yourself entranced when you should be saying, “This is extremely corny.” Sure there are some campier moments that are just ripped from a Hallmark movie, but overall the movie has a definite flare that keeps you entertained from beginning to end.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 9
Plot: 9
Resolution: 10
Overall: 89
Back to that dance scene I mentioned earlier. It happens pretty quickly into the movie, about fifteen minutes in. In two minutes that scene accomplishes more for eroticism than the entire Fifty Shades franchise. Just like the movie, it bleeds passion. Dirty Dancing is a testament that you don’t need hundreds of millions of dollars to make a decent film.
Acting: 10
No the acting wasn’t the best around, but it gets the job done. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze are electric on screen together. This movie clearly has no shot without their chemistry. I have to give an honorable mention to Jerry Orbach playing the role of Dr. Jake Houseman. He’s an overprotective father that just wants to see his kids have a good time on vacation. He has a couple of pretty heavy scenes that leave an impact on the movie.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10.
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
So my mom is a single parent which meant I went with her pretty much everywhere, including the movies. I remember her taking me to see this movie. I didn’t understand that first dance when Baby walked into the workers clubhouse, but I knew it was something my young eyes shouldn’t have been looking at. I appreciate the way director Emile Ardolino captures that raw sensuality. I also loved how the disparity between the rich vacationers and the lower class workers was displayed. It sets up the movie well and remains a constant theme throughout.
Conflict: 9
Entertainment Value: 7
Like a Fast and Furious movie, there is something undeniable about Dirty Dancing. You find yourself entranced when you should be saying, “This is extremely corny.” Sure there are some campier moments that are just ripped from a Hallmark movie, but overall the movie has a definite flare that keeps you entertained from beginning to end.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 9
Plot: 9
Resolution: 10
Overall: 89
Back to that dance scene I mentioned earlier. It happens pretty quickly into the movie, about fifteen minutes in. In two minutes that scene accomplishes more for eroticism than the entire Fifty Shades franchise. Just like the movie, it bleeds passion. Dirty Dancing is a testament that you don’t need hundreds of millions of dollars to make a decent film.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Terminator Salvation (2009) in Movies
Jul 5, 2020
The Visuals Keep Getting Better
In the fourth installment of the Terminator franchise, human savior John Connor leads the resistance against the threat of the machines who are trying to enslave and obliterate the earth.
Acting: 10
You can do worse than throwing Christian Bale and Sam Worthington into a movie. Both pack strong performances that are enough to carry this sci-fi movie through the duration. They bring an extra passion to the role, raw emotion you don’t otherwise see in the machines they are fighting against.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Action is consistent and rips through the screen with a number of gunfights and man-to-robot combat scenes. I will admit, I was confused at times at what was actually going on and who I should be rooting against/for, but it somehow didn’t deter the high-impact sci-fi goodness that unfolded throughout. These scenes kept the otherwise sinking movie afloat.
Entertainment Value: 8
Sure the action is good, I just wished they had focused that same energy on shoring up the storyline. If you haven’t seen any of the previous films you have no shot at understanding this. Even if you have, it took me awhile to truly figure out what was what. Definitely took a bit away from the entertainment factor for me.
Memorability: 7
There are quite a few cool moments that stick out in my head, but nothing that made the movie over-the-top amazing. If nothing else, I admire the movie’s effort to stand out, but when you look at other films in the genre like Edge of Tomorrow, you think, “They have a lot of work to do.” Good? Sure. Classic? Nope!
Pace: 10
Plot: 6
Resolution: 1
Overall: 82
Terminator Salvation sees a lot of things happen…that seemingly mean nothing in the grand scheme of the movie. Things are pretty confusing early which makes it hard to fully buy into the movie. But the score is the score because it’s going to satisfy most of the sci-fi action junkies out there that live for these kind of movies. it won’t make history, but it’s one of those movies where you leave saying, “This’ll do.”
Acting: 10
You can do worse than throwing Christian Bale and Sam Worthington into a movie. Both pack strong performances that are enough to carry this sci-fi movie through the duration. They bring an extra passion to the role, raw emotion you don’t otherwise see in the machines they are fighting against.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Action is consistent and rips through the screen with a number of gunfights and man-to-robot combat scenes. I will admit, I was confused at times at what was actually going on and who I should be rooting against/for, but it somehow didn’t deter the high-impact sci-fi goodness that unfolded throughout. These scenes kept the otherwise sinking movie afloat.
Entertainment Value: 8
Sure the action is good, I just wished they had focused that same energy on shoring up the storyline. If you haven’t seen any of the previous films you have no shot at understanding this. Even if you have, it took me awhile to truly figure out what was what. Definitely took a bit away from the entertainment factor for me.
Memorability: 7
There are quite a few cool moments that stick out in my head, but nothing that made the movie over-the-top amazing. If nothing else, I admire the movie’s effort to stand out, but when you look at other films in the genre like Edge of Tomorrow, you think, “They have a lot of work to do.” Good? Sure. Classic? Nope!
Pace: 10
Plot: 6
Resolution: 1
Overall: 82
Terminator Salvation sees a lot of things happen…that seemingly mean nothing in the grand scheme of the movie. Things are pretty confusing early which makes it hard to fully buy into the movie. But the score is the score because it’s going to satisfy most of the sci-fi action junkies out there that live for these kind of movies. it won’t make history, but it’s one of those movies where you leave saying, “This’ll do.”
Ross (3284 KP) rated Legacy of Ash in Books
Dec 21, 2020
Epic but too lengthy
A very ambitious debut novel, epic in scope, cast of characters and plot. However, I found myself struggling to pick it up too often.
The book takes place in an empire with far-from-happy constituent parts and angry neighbours. The heirs of the traitorous Southweald "phoenix" are held captive as figureheads warning off any thoughts of rebellion. Meanwhile, a cliched corrupt council tries to keep the empire safe from impending invasion.
The book is filled with interesting magical creatures and abilities, with a demon, witches, crow-themed goth assassins and ancient spirits. These were at the fore nowhere near often enough, treated as curses and cast aside in favour of political plotting and old fashioned battle.
The first third of the book was awesome: learning about the richness of the world, its history, politics and magic. It really was set up to be an epic story of political intrigue, deception, plotting and underhand nastiness.
Sadly, this all lead to a battle sequence that lasted far too long. It was really like Joe Abercrombie had taken one of the First Law books and shoved The Heroes into the middle of it. I really struggled to get past this long, fairly boring conflict.
The second half of the book then calms down and focuses once again before taking a massive left-turn and changing to something very different.
As with many books of this size, the cast was massive and a number of characters not distinct enough to remember by name. And so many had such promising abilities to offer but were largely absent when they would have been so useful. It was like having a superstar in an amateur dramatic society and leaving them out of most of the script. Having said that, I once saw a pantomime with David Van Day in the cast and it was in everyone's best interests that he was largely absent.
The book finished well, but it was an 800-page book that read like a 1200-page one, taking me 5 weeks to read.
The book takes place in an empire with far-from-happy constituent parts and angry neighbours. The heirs of the traitorous Southweald "phoenix" are held captive as figureheads warning off any thoughts of rebellion. Meanwhile, a cliched corrupt council tries to keep the empire safe from impending invasion.
The book is filled with interesting magical creatures and abilities, with a demon, witches, crow-themed goth assassins and ancient spirits. These were at the fore nowhere near often enough, treated as curses and cast aside in favour of political plotting and old fashioned battle.
The first third of the book was awesome: learning about the richness of the world, its history, politics and magic. It really was set up to be an epic story of political intrigue, deception, plotting and underhand nastiness.
Sadly, this all lead to a battle sequence that lasted far too long. It was really like Joe Abercrombie had taken one of the First Law books and shoved The Heroes into the middle of it. I really struggled to get past this long, fairly boring conflict.
The second half of the book then calms down and focuses once again before taking a massive left-turn and changing to something very different.
As with many books of this size, the cast was massive and a number of characters not distinct enough to remember by name. And so many had such promising abilities to offer but were largely absent when they would have been so useful. It was like having a superstar in an amateur dramatic society and leaving them out of most of the script. Having said that, I once saw a pantomime with David Van Day in the cast and it was in everyone's best interests that he was largely absent.
The book finished well, but it was an 800-page book that read like a 1200-page one, taking me 5 weeks to read.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Groundhog Day, but a little more kick ass. Theresa wakes up on her birthday on Monday, September 18th in a strangers bed. She heads back to her house dismissing everyone she sees, she throws out her roommate's cupcake, she carries on with her professor, and then gets murdered by a hooded figure wearing the mask of their campus mascot.
Groundhog Day, but a little more kick ass. Theresa wakes up on her birthday on Monday, September 18th in a strangers bed... well you get the idea. She runs through her day, but instead of heading to the tunnel that led to her death the night before (tonight?) she heads back to her sorority house where, you've guessed it, she gets murdered.
As she loops through her birthday over and over she gets to know Carter, the guy who's bedroom she keeps waking up in, and he encourages her to try and work out what's going on in the hopes that she might be able to change the outcome.
Yet another one that I hadn't seen anything about until a couple of days before I saw it... and you know what? It was really entertaining. It's down as a slasher movie, but there's a bit of everything in it. I jumped in my seat, which doesn't happen very often. I just really enjoyed it. I was so wrapped up in it that I didn't even see the twist coming.
My only quibble, and this really isn't a major thing (I noticed it, so for me to do that I guess it is a little bit major), was when she was admitted to hospital. Her professor/doctor/lover (talk about conflict of interest) says that she's showing signs of trauma, which as we and she knows is because of how she died in the last loop. If she's showing signs of that trauma, and she says that she's feeling weaker with each loop... then... well... how does she make it too the end of the movie? Admittedly she's going to be running on a lot of adrenaline, but... well, it bugged me a little.
Groundhog Day, but a little more kick ass. Theresa wakes up on her birthday on Monday, September 18th in a strangers bed... well you get the idea. She runs through her day, but instead of heading to the tunnel that led to her death the night before (tonight?) she heads back to her sorority house where, you've guessed it, she gets murdered.
As she loops through her birthday over and over she gets to know Carter, the guy who's bedroom she keeps waking up in, and he encourages her to try and work out what's going on in the hopes that she might be able to change the outcome.
Yet another one that I hadn't seen anything about until a couple of days before I saw it... and you know what? It was really entertaining. It's down as a slasher movie, but there's a bit of everything in it. I jumped in my seat, which doesn't happen very often. I just really enjoyed it. I was so wrapped up in it that I didn't even see the twist coming.
My only quibble, and this really isn't a major thing (I noticed it, so for me to do that I guess it is a little bit major), was when she was admitted to hospital. Her professor/doctor/lover (talk about conflict of interest) says that she's showing signs of trauma, which as we and she knows is because of how she died in the last loop. If she's showing signs of that trauma, and she says that she's feeling weaker with each loop... then... well... how does she make it too the end of the movie? Admittedly she's going to be running on a lot of adrenaline, but... well, it bugged me a little.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Blinded by the Light (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
It's a Sin
1987 Luton, UK: New wave rules the radio, Margaret Thatcher controls the country which is leading to closed factories and people losing their jobs, and Pakistanis are moving into neighbors which the "white" majority resents (when people are losing their jobs, it is easier to blame the "others" moving in instead of the government whose policies have led to these losses). But I digress. Ravi is trapped between two cultures, his Pakistani family and the culture he grows up in in Luton. One day at his school, he meets a Sikh student who gives him two cassettes by Bruce Springsteen and he meets a writing teacher who encourages him to write what he knows. Like the culture clash in his soul, his heart is consumed by these Springsteen songs and expressing his feelings through writing. As is wont in these films, his parents and town learn to accept him and his obvious talent.
Two things struck me about the film. The first is the costume for the father. With the exception of the wedding party which I will discuss in my second, the father is dressed in a dress shirt, tie, and slacks, sometimes a sportcoat. This is the traditional outfit of a 1st generation immigrant. Even though he works in a factory manufacturing cars, he still goes to work or out in public dressed like a successful businessman/financial advisor. There is a belief that in order to achieve success, you must dress as though you have already attained that success. The second is the connection to Bend It Like Beckham, Chadha's previous film, which had a lot more success in the US. There is the best friend's parent who accepts the protagonist quicker than their own. But I am talking about the wedding party scene. In both films, the family is having a wedding party and the protagonist has to leave because there is something urgent that they need to do (play in a soccer game, buy tickets to a Springsteen concert). Family members assist the protagonist to get away without the parents noticing and in each case conflict ensues that brings a feeling of abandonment from the immediate family.
Two things struck me about the film. The first is the costume for the father. With the exception of the wedding party which I will discuss in my second, the father is dressed in a dress shirt, tie, and slacks, sometimes a sportcoat. This is the traditional outfit of a 1st generation immigrant. Even though he works in a factory manufacturing cars, he still goes to work or out in public dressed like a successful businessman/financial advisor. There is a belief that in order to achieve success, you must dress as though you have already attained that success. The second is the connection to Bend It Like Beckham, Chadha's previous film, which had a lot more success in the US. There is the best friend's parent who accepts the protagonist quicker than their own. But I am talking about the wedding party scene. In both films, the family is having a wedding party and the protagonist has to leave because there is something urgent that they need to do (play in a soccer game, buy tickets to a Springsteen concert). Family members assist the protagonist to get away without the parents noticing and in each case conflict ensues that brings a feeling of abandonment from the immediate family.
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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Amistad (1997) in Movies
Aug 13, 2020
Give Us Us Free
Slaves are put on trial when they start a mutiny on the ship bringing them over to America. Although a little long in the tooth, Amistad is a memorable movie that gives you something to root for.
Acting: 10
This was the first time I got to see a performance from Djimon Hounsou. I was blown away by his tenacity. You felt his passion in every single line he utters. This movie wouldn’t have been the same without him. I would argue the same for Anthony Hopkins playing the role of John Quincy Adams. Hopkins is no secret to blockbuster performances so it’s no surprise that he knocks this one out of the park.
Beginning: 10
This is how you start a movie! For me, it has one of the top ten beginning of all time for any movie. It’s riveting and terrifying at the same time. The way Spielberg shot it was genius.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
No surprise here with one of the most iconic directors of all time at the helm. He always has a way of choosing the best angle for the greatest impact. I could spend a whole entry talking about the subtle things he does to leave large impacts. It’s a cinematic treat.
Conflict: 7
The struggle here is the movie mostly revolves around two major cases. The courtroom can be boring in spots on the big screen if not done right. Even in the case of Amistad where things are done right, it can still be a bit much to consume. You feel like nothing is happening when actually there is a whole lot happening at once.
Entertainment Value: 8
I was intrigued to see how this story would unfold from beginning to end. I loved the character development and the understanding of what got both sides to their respective points. Again, despite its length, you will be engaged throughout.
Memorability: 6
Pace: 1
Plot: 10
Resolution: 9
Overall: 81
Improve the pacing here and you have a masterpiece point blank. Despite its length, Amistad is definitely worth the time spent. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Acting: 10
This was the first time I got to see a performance from Djimon Hounsou. I was blown away by his tenacity. You felt his passion in every single line he utters. This movie wouldn’t have been the same without him. I would argue the same for Anthony Hopkins playing the role of John Quincy Adams. Hopkins is no secret to blockbuster performances so it’s no surprise that he knocks this one out of the park.
Beginning: 10
This is how you start a movie! For me, it has one of the top ten beginning of all time for any movie. It’s riveting and terrifying at the same time. The way Spielberg shot it was genius.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
No surprise here with one of the most iconic directors of all time at the helm. He always has a way of choosing the best angle for the greatest impact. I could spend a whole entry talking about the subtle things he does to leave large impacts. It’s a cinematic treat.
Conflict: 7
The struggle here is the movie mostly revolves around two major cases. The courtroom can be boring in spots on the big screen if not done right. Even in the case of Amistad where things are done right, it can still be a bit much to consume. You feel like nothing is happening when actually there is a whole lot happening at once.
Entertainment Value: 8
I was intrigued to see how this story would unfold from beginning to end. I loved the character development and the understanding of what got both sides to their respective points. Again, despite its length, you will be engaged throughout.
Memorability: 6
Pace: 1
Plot: 10
Resolution: 9
Overall: 81
Improve the pacing here and you have a masterpiece point blank. Despite its length, Amistad is definitely worth the time spent. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Square (2017) in Movies
Aug 29, 2020
The Movie That Never Ends
Artsy-fartsy movies are very hit or miss for me. Artsy-fartsy movies about art are almost always going to be a no. Enter The Square, a movie about an art curator who is preparing to launch his next exhibit called…The Square. I wish I could simply tell you to just not watch the movie, but I need to tell you why so here goes…
Acting: 10
How phenomenal is Elisabeth Moss? I appreciate the roles she takes on and I appreciate the obvious time and energy she puts into each. While she is supporting here, I certainly felt the most impact from her role. Sure Claes Bang was solid in the lead role as Christian, but this movie would have been damn near unbearable without Moss. The acting definitely didn’t hinder the success of this movie.
Beginning: 4
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
For all of its flaws, the movie is at the very least gorgeous. I loved the dark and ominous tones throughout that represented a certain foreshadowing. Bright colors and shadows are played with perfectly. Director Ruben Ostlund does a magnificent job of creating an off-putting effect that casts a cloud over the movie (in a good way).
Conflict: 5
Entertainment Value: 3
From the beginning of this movie to its lackluster conclusion, I was just bored throughout. Like really bored. Like “When does this end? Oh my God, it’s almost 2 1/2 hours!” bored. Moss was great, but she wasn’t enough to save a work of art that is so boring and unmoving. Snoozefest.
Memorability: 3
Sure the Human Monkey Scene stands out as something to remember, but even that ultimately became annoying after watching three minutes of it. Nothing stood out in the entire 142 minutes of The Square. It suffers from no edification or value overall.
Pace: 5
Plot: 4
Resolution: 2
Overall: 54
Rule of Thumb: If you’re going to make a movie that’s well over two hours, you have to keep people interested right out of the gates. Otherwise, what’s really the point? That’s what I found myself asking every second of The Square. Not recommended in the least.
Acting: 10
How phenomenal is Elisabeth Moss? I appreciate the roles she takes on and I appreciate the obvious time and energy she puts into each. While she is supporting here, I certainly felt the most impact from her role. Sure Claes Bang was solid in the lead role as Christian, but this movie would have been damn near unbearable without Moss. The acting definitely didn’t hinder the success of this movie.
Beginning: 4
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
For all of its flaws, the movie is at the very least gorgeous. I loved the dark and ominous tones throughout that represented a certain foreshadowing. Bright colors and shadows are played with perfectly. Director Ruben Ostlund does a magnificent job of creating an off-putting effect that casts a cloud over the movie (in a good way).
Conflict: 5
Entertainment Value: 3
From the beginning of this movie to its lackluster conclusion, I was just bored throughout. Like really bored. Like “When does this end? Oh my God, it’s almost 2 1/2 hours!” bored. Moss was great, but she wasn’t enough to save a work of art that is so boring and unmoving. Snoozefest.
Memorability: 3
Sure the Human Monkey Scene stands out as something to remember, but even that ultimately became annoying after watching three minutes of it. Nothing stood out in the entire 142 minutes of The Square. It suffers from no edification or value overall.
Pace: 5
Plot: 4
Resolution: 2
Overall: 54
Rule of Thumb: If you’re going to make a movie that’s well over two hours, you have to keep people interested right out of the gates. Otherwise, what’s really the point? That’s what I found myself asking every second of The Square. Not recommended in the least.