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Awix (3310 KP) rated The 5th wave (2016) in Movies
Jun 13, 2018
Thick-headed attempt to secure a slice of that lucrative post-Hunger Games YA demographic pie wastes the talents of Chloe Grace Moretz, Liev Schrieber, and various CGI technicians. Aliens show up and start conquering the world really slowly, starting by shutting down Instagram and moving on to floods, bird flu, etc etc. Plucky teenage girl sets out to save her young sibling while juggling the attentions of a couple of carefully-differentiated young hunks.
Painfully obvious and derivative, leadenly assembled; mostly just plain bad. What moves it beyond the inept and into the realms of the regrettable is a plotline about child soldiers - if this is trying to make a real-world point it does so with incredible crassness, though it may well be the film simply doesn't operate on that level of awareness. So-so box office returns means it appears we may be spared the threatened sequels; who know, maybe there is a God.
Painfully obvious and derivative, leadenly assembled; mostly just plain bad. What moves it beyond the inept and into the realms of the regrettable is a plotline about child soldiers - if this is trying to make a real-world point it does so with incredible crassness, though it may well be the film simply doesn't operate on that level of awareness. So-so box office returns means it appears we may be spared the threatened sequels; who know, maybe there is a God.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) in Movies
Jun 15, 2018
Umpty-tumpth Tarzan movie goes back to Burroughs and features most of the stuff you'd expect from this kind of thing: posh English couple cark it somewhere in Africa, leaving infant son to be raised by wild apes. He grows up, quickly learns to wear a loincloth so as not to outrage the censor, rediscovers his heritage, and so on.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
Gail (4 KP) rated Froze (The Melted Series Book 2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Froze by Tarrah Anders
Four Stars
Jacob and Beth were a couple I wouldn’t have imagined together. They’re night and day but their relationship worked. The give and take was even and their relationship doesn’t require one to be less than who they are. The author did a really good job bringing these two together. I feel like the odds were against them and they proved everyone wrong. I loved that Beth stood by him when the going got extremely tough. She could've left him when his past came into their lives. The drama and trouble was too much but her love for him was so much more. Well written characters and a great story line is what you will get from this story. I feel the author added the right amount of drama and relationship goals. I liked that the characters from them previous book were included but didn’t over take the book.
Four Stars
Jacob and Beth were a couple I wouldn’t have imagined together. They’re night and day but their relationship worked. The give and take was even and their relationship doesn’t require one to be less than who they are. The author did a really good job bringing these two together. I feel like the odds were against them and they proved everyone wrong. I loved that Beth stood by him when the going got extremely tough. She could've left him when his past came into their lives. The drama and trouble was too much but her love for him was so much more. Well written characters and a great story line is what you will get from this story. I feel the author added the right amount of drama and relationship goals. I liked that the characters from them previous book were included but didn’t over take the book.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Seed of Evil: An Ancient Evil Rises (Saga of Evil, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
There's a military base on Mars, and Earth has lost all contact with it. A rag-tag squad of hooligan Marines has been tasked with figuring out what happened, and they figure it's going to be just another in-and-out before they can get back to what they do best. However, this is going to be anything but an ordinary mission...
This story reminded me of bits and parts of several other sci-fi interests of mine, such as "Prometheus" and "Event Horizon," just to name a couple. It's certainly a very intriguing one, and it definitely doesn't lack for mystery and action. I don't want to say too much for risk of giving away any of the plot, but suffice it to say I would be greatly interested in reading more along this storyline, as I found it truly fascinating, especially within the last 30 pages or so.
4 stars
There's a military base on Mars, and Earth has lost all contact with it. A rag-tag squad of hooligan Marines has been tasked with figuring out what happened, and they figure it's going to be just another in-and-out before they can get back to what they do best. However, this is going to be anything but an ordinary mission...
This story reminded me of bits and parts of several other sci-fi interests of mine, such as "Prometheus" and "Event Horizon," just to name a couple. It's certainly a very intriguing one, and it definitely doesn't lack for mystery and action. I don't want to say too much for risk of giving away any of the plot, but suffice it to say I would be greatly interested in reading more along this storyline, as I found it truly fascinating, especially within the last 30 pages or so.
4 stars
Sue (5 KP) rated Curse Breaker (Red-Line, #4) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
I had the opportunity to read a book in a different genre than I usually do (I read cozy mysteries). The first part of the book was romance and suspense with a good plot and an unexpected twist of who done it and why. I was drawn to the characters and hoped that my favorite wasn't going to turn out to be the murderer. I thought the book was complete (at about 70% on my Kindle) and then the story took a turn. I don't want to spoil anything for the reader, but it was a big surprise as to what happens and how our couple survives the plot twist. I have to admit that I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the last half, but all in all, it was a good book for those who enjoy mystery, romance, suspense, and a bit of supernatural.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Path (Tag #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Simon Bank does not know he is special. He is the one that starts it all by doing something in the system. He needs to fix it to save humanity on Earth.
We learn what we do not know yet. Earth needs to be in balance and if not our world will be gone and we will not know what has happened.
Who and how does Peter and then Apollo and Ra become as they do? Peter Riva has you wondering whether it will happen in our real world after a couple chapters. He does so well that all his characters seem real and that you are a part of the story.
Will earth survive or will it be exterminated? Simeon reveals secrets and meets up with Crammer and Angie and a few others. Will they help or will they not? Can Crammer and Angie protect Simeon? Will they stay on the Path?
We learn what we do not know yet. Earth needs to be in balance and if not our world will be gone and we will not know what has happened.
Who and how does Peter and then Apollo and Ra become as they do? Peter Riva has you wondering whether it will happen in our real world after a couple chapters. He does so well that all his characters seem real and that you are a part of the story.
Will earth survive or will it be exterminated? Simeon reveals secrets and meets up with Crammer and Angie and a few others. Will they help or will they not? Can Crammer and Angie protect Simeon? Will they stay on the Path?
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Ruin Me (2017) in Movies
Sep 9, 2018 (Updated Sep 9, 2018)
Campy, cheesy fun (1 more)
Good pacing
Predictable (1 more)
Some iffy acting
Low budget meta horror
Contains spoilers, click to show
Shudder exclusive 'ruin me' runs a similar line to 'Fear Inc' or 'Hellhouse LLC', with a meta horror experience blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
The cast is a mix of early 2000s tropes, the goth couple, the chubby film nerd, the silent loner etc on a slasher themed survival weekend where events take a turn for the bloody.
They twist and turn a few times, toying with the viewer using an unreliable narrator, our protagonist Alex, whom you aren't ever really sure is in the real world.
Not much will surprise you, but it is a fun trope laden film with no real pretence of being anything other than it is...a low budget meta slasher.
Not a bad 90 mins though, and it's watchable enough so long as you don't mind the sometimes clunky humour and meta elements getting front and centre.
The cast is a mix of early 2000s tropes, the goth couple, the chubby film nerd, the silent loner etc on a slasher themed survival weekend where events take a turn for the bloody.
They twist and turn a few times, toying with the viewer using an unreliable narrator, our protagonist Alex, whom you aren't ever really sure is in the real world.
Not much will surprise you, but it is a fun trope laden film with no real pretence of being anything other than it is...a low budget meta slasher.
Not a bad 90 mins though, and it's watchable enough so long as you don't mind the sometimes clunky humour and meta elements getting front and centre.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Nice Guys (2016) in Movies
Sep 9, 2018
Great pairing makes this worth watching
What makes this film work is the brilliant pairing of Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. They’re very much like the odd couple, but they’re absolutely hilarious together and along with a pretty funny script, this is what makes this film so good. Ryan Gosling’s cowardice and girly screaming had me in hysterics throughout. And although Russell Crowe is playing to type as the hard man, he’s the perfect foil to Gosling’s character.
The 70s LA setting, whilst reminiscent of other LA based period films, really works too and is much better than any modern day setting. The real issue with this film is the plot - it seems a little bit silly and far fetched, and also a little bit confusing. It needed a much stronger crime plot to support the rest of the film. But despite this, it’s really worth watching for Gosling and Crowe alone, just be wary of the plot!
The 70s LA setting, whilst reminiscent of other LA based period films, really works too and is much better than any modern day setting. The real issue with this film is the plot - it seems a little bit silly and far fetched, and also a little bit confusing. It needed a much stronger crime plot to support the rest of the film. But despite this, it’s really worth watching for Gosling and Crowe alone, just be wary of the plot!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Reclaimed (Angel's Halo MC #4) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this series from page 1! Incredible MC series that follows so many great characters where the guys are all just a bunch of big softies for their women. ;-) I love everyone in this group.. the brothers are tough, alpha bikers who would do anything to protect their women and families. The ladies have all gone through so much and are all so different but all such interesting characters each with crazy stories and pasts of their own.
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Guardian Angel (Angel's Halo MC #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this series from page 1! Incredible MC series that follows so many great characters where the guys are all just a bunch of big softies for their women. ;-) I love everyone in this group.. the brothers are hot, tough, alpha bikers who would do anything to protect their women and families. The ladies have all gone through so much and are all so different but all such interesting characters each with crazy stories and pasts of their own.
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!