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Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Saw III (2006) in Movies
Apr 6, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Following on (sort of) from Saw 2 we find Jigsaw testing more people in another convoluted and gory game whilst Amanda (the pig) also runs her own games, only this time she has changed the rules.
This is an odd film for couple of reasons:
First up it does a really good job of build on some of the characters . We find out a lot more about Amanda, her relationship with Jigsaw and how his games have affected her. Then we have Eric Matthews & Kerry, two of the characters from the previous films who are killed off at the beginning of this one (although, as always, some things are not as they seem) and so we have two characters who also grown and used to add to the plot just disposed of. I would have liked to see more of Kerry but then I would also have liked to see more of Officer Tapp from the first film (still, he lives on, along with another character in the game 'Dead by Daylight).
Second, this is the most gory Saw so far, Amanda's games have a lot of blood but some of the most disturbing scenes are not part of the games but of Jigsaw having surgery. I think that is due to the fact that that is more real than the games.
There are a couple of times that the effects look a bit ropy but over all the blood and gore is still quite realistic.
As with the other films, Saw 3 is not for the faint hearted with scenes of mutilation, self harm, threat and (dead) pigs being minced it defiantly relies on gore and disturbing images to upset the audience. However Saw 3 does continue to build on what went before, it moves on from the previous films quite quickly but also flashes back to them when necessary.
It goes without saying that, if you're not a fan of gore then this is not for you but, if you have seen any of the others then you will know what to expect.
This is an odd film for couple of reasons:
First up it does a really good job of build on some of the characters . We find out a lot more about Amanda, her relationship with Jigsaw and how his games have affected her. Then we have Eric Matthews & Kerry, two of the characters from the previous films who are killed off at the beginning of this one (although, as always, some things are not as they seem) and so we have two characters who also grown and used to add to the plot just disposed of. I would have liked to see more of Kerry but then I would also have liked to see more of Officer Tapp from the first film (still, he lives on, along with another character in the game 'Dead by Daylight).
Second, this is the most gory Saw so far, Amanda's games have a lot of blood but some of the most disturbing scenes are not part of the games but of Jigsaw having surgery. I think that is due to the fact that that is more real than the games.
There are a couple of times that the effects look a bit ropy but over all the blood and gore is still quite realistic.
As with the other films, Saw 3 is not for the faint hearted with scenes of mutilation, self harm, threat and (dead) pigs being minced it defiantly relies on gore and disturbing images to upset the audience. However Saw 3 does continue to build on what went before, it moves on from the previous films quite quickly but also flashes back to them when necessary.
It goes without saying that, if you're not a fan of gore then this is not for you but, if you have seen any of the others then you will know what to expect.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated A Christmas Horror Story (2015) in Movies
Dec 24, 2020
As far as anthology horrors go, A Christmas Horror Story is so-so. It tells four seperate tales, all connected to each other in someway, not to dissimilar to Trick R' Treat in terms of structure.
They vary in quality of course. One of them is a ghost story, as three students go about exploring the abandoned crime scene of two people murdered in ritual sacrifice on Christmas the year before. This one was plain boring. It was creepy in places, and is presented occasionally in a found footage style. The characters here are pretty unlikable, and doesn't really offer much to the overall film bar a couple of predictable jump scares.
Another revolves around a couple who's child goes missing whilst chopping down a Christmas tree for their home. They find the child, but eventually find out that he is in fact a shapeshifting troll. Chaos ensues. This one was ok, some good performances by Adrian Holmes and Olunike Adeliyi certainly help it carry more gravitas.
A third story revolves around Krampus preying on a family trying to make amends with some long lost relatives. Again, this one was ok. It's quite visually pleasing in its setting, but it's a pretty standard short revolving around a story we've already heard a hundred times. Krampus looks good enough considering it's a dude in make up.
And the the fourth story is easily the best of the bunch. It revolves around Santa fending off his elves in Christmas Eve when they succumb to a zombie style virus. Santa stomping around decapitating zombie elves by the bucket load is exactly what I signed up for. It also has the films best twist, which is pretty damn bleak, and features a Santa vs Krampus showdown. The film's worth watching for this segment alone!
Overall, A Christmas Horror Story is entertaining enough to justify a Yuletide watch. It has half decent production values (if you ignore the occasional piss poor CGI), some passable gore, and all the stories are inter cut by mother fucking William Shatner of all people, who actually seems to be having a good time here. Don't go in expecting a masterpiece and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy.
They vary in quality of course. One of them is a ghost story, as three students go about exploring the abandoned crime scene of two people murdered in ritual sacrifice on Christmas the year before. This one was plain boring. It was creepy in places, and is presented occasionally in a found footage style. The characters here are pretty unlikable, and doesn't really offer much to the overall film bar a couple of predictable jump scares.
Another revolves around a couple who's child goes missing whilst chopping down a Christmas tree for their home. They find the child, but eventually find out that he is in fact a shapeshifting troll. Chaos ensues. This one was ok, some good performances by Adrian Holmes and Olunike Adeliyi certainly help it carry more gravitas.
A third story revolves around Krampus preying on a family trying to make amends with some long lost relatives. Again, this one was ok. It's quite visually pleasing in its setting, but it's a pretty standard short revolving around a story we've already heard a hundred times. Krampus looks good enough considering it's a dude in make up.
And the the fourth story is easily the best of the bunch. It revolves around Santa fending off his elves in Christmas Eve when they succumb to a zombie style virus. Santa stomping around decapitating zombie elves by the bucket load is exactly what I signed up for. It also has the films best twist, which is pretty damn bleak, and features a Santa vs Krampus showdown. The film's worth watching for this segment alone!
Overall, A Christmas Horror Story is entertaining enough to justify a Yuletide watch. It has half decent production values (if you ignore the occasional piss poor CGI), some passable gore, and all the stories are inter cut by mother fucking William Shatner of all people, who actually seems to be having a good time here. Don't go in expecting a masterpiece and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Christmas Cocoa Murder in Books
Sep 26, 2019
Snuggle Up for this Christmas Novella Collection
Kensington has released another Christmas novella collection, this time featuring three authors that haven’t been featured before. All three stories feature hot cocoa is some capacity. Up first is “Christmas Cocoa Murder” by Carlene O’Connor, which takes place in an Irish village leading up to Christmas. Her series main character, Siobhan O’Sullivan, is just a couple of weeks away from joining the police force, but she gets pulled in early when the village’s Santa’s stunt at the annual panto goes horribly wrong and he’s found floating in a dunk tank filled with hot cocoa. Next, we get “Christmas Cocoa and a Corpse” by Maddie Day. Robbie Jordan, the star of the Country Store Mysteries, is looking forward to a quiet Christmas, but first she must figure out what happened to Jed Greenburg who was found dead while out walking a dog and drinking some of Robbie’s special hot chocolate mix. Finally, comes “Death by Hot Cocoa” by Alex Erickson. Krissy Hancock, his main character, has been talked into doing a Christmas themed escape room, but when she and the rest of the participants finish the first part, they find themselves locked in a second room with the body of their host next to a puddle of hot chocolate.
All three of these stories are fun. The only series I read regularly is Maddie Day’s, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying all of them. The plots are all wonderfully constructed and perfect for the shorter novella format. I did feel a little lost with some of the series regular characters in the first story, but that’s to be expected since I haven’t read the series before. However, it didn’t hamper my overall enjoyment at all. The main characters all come to life in the stories, and the suspects are just as vivid. Each story is filled with Christmas detail that will put you in the holiday spirit no matter what time of year you read them. A couple of the stories even feature some recipes, including two different versions of hot chocolate. So, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (or maybe not given the theme of this book) and snuggle up and enjoy.
All three of these stories are fun. The only series I read regularly is Maddie Day’s, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying all of them. The plots are all wonderfully constructed and perfect for the shorter novella format. I did feel a little lost with some of the series regular characters in the first story, but that’s to be expected since I haven’t read the series before. However, it didn’t hamper my overall enjoyment at all. The main characters all come to life in the stories, and the suspects are just as vivid. Each story is filled with Christmas detail that will put you in the holiday spirit no matter what time of year you read them. A couple of the stories even feature some recipes, including two different versions of hot chocolate. So, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (or maybe not given the theme of this book) and snuggle up and enjoy.
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated Same Time Next Year in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Genre: Contemporary
Word Count: 4,560
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.27/5 stars
My rating: 4.5/5 stars
It’s not often a book can surprise me. But Same Time Next Year totally took me off guard.
Every year, for the past either years, Regina White and Tyler Harrison meet at the same hotel, in two connecting rooms for one night.
The receptionist, Elizabeth, thinks she has the whole situation figured out. But she doesn’t know what this night means to the mysterious couple. And somehow she can’t stop thinking about them anyway.
You can read Same Time Next Year for free on Smashwords.
At first I thought I wasn’t going to like this story. I thought it was about two people leaving their depressing and dull lives to have one night of infidelity and debauchery a year, like some sort of modern day fairy tale. On top of that, the “good” character, Elizabeth, is kind of a bitch who is quick to condemn and judge Regina, but smile and admire Tyler.
It’s one thing to disapprove of adultery, it’s another thing to have double standards about it.
But despite my misgivings at first, I got sucked into the very hot sex scene quickly.
“No, I don’t want champagne. I want you. Naked. And wet. And begging.”
Gotta love good dirty talk. Unfortunately the scene ends abruptly and before the couple gets to the really good part, if you know what I mean. 😉
For such a short story there is actually a lot of character development. We learn that Tyler and Regina met at a conference years ago, when they had those two hotel rooms by coincidence. Tyler loves how Regina’s strong and confident in public, but a little submissive in the bedroom. Regina loves how Tyler still wants her, and how he’s always willing to please her. They have great chemistry together and I love how they’re still attracted to each other after all those years, and always come back to the same hotel.
My only complaint, aside from the abrupt end to the sex scene, is Elizabeth. I get why she’s necessary to the story, but she’s undeveloped and unlikeable, and I wish she was gone.
Word Count: 4,560
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.27/5 stars
My rating: 4.5/5 stars
It’s not often a book can surprise me. But Same Time Next Year totally took me off guard.
Every year, for the past either years, Regina White and Tyler Harrison meet at the same hotel, in two connecting rooms for one night.
The receptionist, Elizabeth, thinks she has the whole situation figured out. But she doesn’t know what this night means to the mysterious couple. And somehow she can’t stop thinking about them anyway.
You can read Same Time Next Year for free on Smashwords.
At first I thought I wasn’t going to like this story. I thought it was about two people leaving their depressing and dull lives to have one night of infidelity and debauchery a year, like some sort of modern day fairy tale. On top of that, the “good” character, Elizabeth, is kind of a bitch who is quick to condemn and judge Regina, but smile and admire Tyler.
It’s one thing to disapprove of adultery, it’s another thing to have double standards about it.
But despite my misgivings at first, I got sucked into the very hot sex scene quickly.
“No, I don’t want champagne. I want you. Naked. And wet. And begging.”
Gotta love good dirty talk. Unfortunately the scene ends abruptly and before the couple gets to the really good part, if you know what I mean. 😉
For such a short story there is actually a lot of character development. We learn that Tyler and Regina met at a conference years ago, when they had those two hotel rooms by coincidence. Tyler loves how Regina’s strong and confident in public, but a little submissive in the bedroom. Regina loves how Tyler still wants her, and how he’s always willing to please her. They have great chemistry together and I love how they’re still attracted to each other after all those years, and always come back to the same hotel.
My only complaint, aside from the abrupt end to the sex scene, is Elizabeth. I get why she’s necessary to the story, but she’s undeveloped and unlikeable, and I wish she was gone.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated My Kind Of People in Books
May 21, 2020
This novel cemented Duffy as one of my absolute favorite writers. This is a lovely and touching read, bringing to life the group of islanders who come together to care for Sky. Duffy builds her worlds so perfectly: I was lost on Ichabod Island with these characters--all of whom are so uniquely them. This book will go straight to your heart.
I fell immediately for sweet Sky. We learn that Brian and Ann are Sky's adoptive parents, so she's basically been orphaned twice. She is troubled as her parents were fighting a lot right before they died--going against the town view of them as the "perfect couple." While this novel is mostly a deep dive into its characters, there is a touch of mystery here. Why were Sky's parents fighting, and did it have anything to do with the car crash that caused their death? Also, a mysterious woman arrives in town--what is her role to play in the story? Duffy weaves together all of these plot points so well; I was captivated by the book and even though I wanted to slow down and savor it, I also wanted to know what had happened, to find out what would happen to Sky and Leo.
"A fearless girl who doesn't just think she's safe alone in the dark on an island in the Atlantic. She knows it."
I love that Duffy included a gay couple in her novel--and treats them like regular people. Leo is a wonderful character: complex and struggling with new parenthood. In the end, you feel like you know the entire neighborhood block, from sweet Joe; to Maggie, who is coming into her own in her '50s; to longtime resident Agnes, who is set in her ways; to Sky's tough best friend Frankie; and Sky's newly found grandmother, Lillian. All of these characters play a real role in this story: not an easy feat when the focus is on Leo and Sky.
Overall, this is a wonderfully written novel that covers family, marriage, tragedy, love, and so much more. Duffy's characters are beautiful, and she has an amazing way of bringing you right into the world she has created. I will always read anything she writes. 4.5 stars.
I fell immediately for sweet Sky. We learn that Brian and Ann are Sky's adoptive parents, so she's basically been orphaned twice. She is troubled as her parents were fighting a lot right before they died--going against the town view of them as the "perfect couple." While this novel is mostly a deep dive into its characters, there is a touch of mystery here. Why were Sky's parents fighting, and did it have anything to do with the car crash that caused their death? Also, a mysterious woman arrives in town--what is her role to play in the story? Duffy weaves together all of these plot points so well; I was captivated by the book and even though I wanted to slow down and savor it, I also wanted to know what had happened, to find out what would happen to Sky and Leo.
"A fearless girl who doesn't just think she's safe alone in the dark on an island in the Atlantic. She knows it."
I love that Duffy included a gay couple in her novel--and treats them like regular people. Leo is a wonderful character: complex and struggling with new parenthood. In the end, you feel like you know the entire neighborhood block, from sweet Joe; to Maggie, who is coming into her own in her '50s; to longtime resident Agnes, who is set in her ways; to Sky's tough best friend Frankie; and Sky's newly found grandmother, Lillian. All of these characters play a real role in this story: not an easy feat when the focus is on Leo and Sky.
Overall, this is a wonderfully written novel that covers family, marriage, tragedy, love, and so much more. Duffy's characters are beautiful, and she has an amazing way of bringing you right into the world she has created. I will always read anything she writes. 4.5 stars.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Twyford Code in Books
Feb 24, 2022
The Twyford Code is written in the form of a transcribed voice recording from a mobile phone. It was a bit of a ‘Marmite’ book on The Pigeonhole (where I read it), and I came firmly down in the ‘love’ camp. It was such an original idea.
Steve a former criminal, has recorded messages to the adult son he has only met a couple of times. His son has decided that he doesn’t want to see him, but Steve has something important that he wants to share with him. He repeatedly says that he hopes his son will get to listen to what he has to say. But as the book goes on, it looks increasingly less likely. Danger is around him at every turn.
Steve has joined the hunt for hidden treasure, and he believes the clues are hidden in a series of children’s books by Edith Twyford.
Ok, so apparently the clues can be found in this book, but I’m afraid my brain just doesn’t seem to work like that. So, I’m here to say that I read this, enjoyed it immensely, and was just happy to sit back, read the book, and let the story unfold. If you like puzzle solving, you might enjoy that aspect to it. But it’s not imperative!
I thought it was fascinating. The writing style took a couple of pages to get used to, and often the words were written phonetically. Steve’s Remedial English teachers name was written as ‘missiles’ instead of Miss Isles, for example. There are lots of spellings that follow this pattern, because the recordings have apparently gone through a computer programme that changes the spoken word into text. I did wonder if Steve’s own writing would have been much different, as we learn that he only really learnt to read and write whilst in prison.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil the book, but I will say that this had me hooked. I enjoyed each and every stave on The Pigeonhole. This book deserves the hype!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Janice Hallett and her publisher.
Steve a former criminal, has recorded messages to the adult son he has only met a couple of times. His son has decided that he doesn’t want to see him, but Steve has something important that he wants to share with him. He repeatedly says that he hopes his son will get to listen to what he has to say. But as the book goes on, it looks increasingly less likely. Danger is around him at every turn.
Steve has joined the hunt for hidden treasure, and he believes the clues are hidden in a series of children’s books by Edith Twyford.
Ok, so apparently the clues can be found in this book, but I’m afraid my brain just doesn’t seem to work like that. So, I’m here to say that I read this, enjoyed it immensely, and was just happy to sit back, read the book, and let the story unfold. If you like puzzle solving, you might enjoy that aspect to it. But it’s not imperative!
I thought it was fascinating. The writing style took a couple of pages to get used to, and often the words were written phonetically. Steve’s Remedial English teachers name was written as ‘missiles’ instead of Miss Isles, for example. There are lots of spellings that follow this pattern, because the recordings have apparently gone through a computer programme that changes the spoken word into text. I did wonder if Steve’s own writing would have been much different, as we learn that he only really learnt to read and write whilst in prison.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil the book, but I will say that this had me hooked. I enjoyed each and every stave on The Pigeonhole. This book deserves the hype!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Janice Hallett and her publisher.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Brave: A Wicked Trilogy Volume 3 in Books
Dec 13, 2017
everything about this book is excellent (3 more)
Tink and his trolls
Tink and his amazon Prime Obsession
Fabian
Never fails to suprise
have been a long time fan of Jennifer work and this book is not exception.
Tink is once again the exuberant delight that provides both the comic relief need when things get hard and the loving emotional stable one when needed .
Ivy and Ren are a great couple with everything they faced last book this book sees there relationship tested more than ever and after so much heartache and turbulence already faced only a writer as good as Jennifer can capture how to develop their relationship so completely.
Fabian is a great character for a new character to come in and have such an impact in the final book of a series is rare of course to have a firepower of a once thought extint summer prince what do you expect from the brilliance of Jennifer.
As this is the final book of the series expect the big battle and lot of twist and turns once again.
Tink is once again the exuberant delight that provides both the comic relief need when things get hard and the loving emotional stable one when needed .
Ivy and Ren are a great couple with everything they faced last book this book sees there relationship tested more than ever and after so much heartache and turbulence already faced only a writer as good as Jennifer can capture how to develop their relationship so completely.
Fabian is a great character for a new character to come in and have such an impact in the final book of a series is rare of course to have a firepower of a once thought extint summer prince what do you expect from the brilliance of Jennifer.
As this is the final book of the series expect the big battle and lot of twist and turns once again.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Amazon in Apps
Dec 30, 2017
Not having to put on pants to go shopping (2 more)
Gets everything within a day or two
Pretty much unending list of crap to buy
Really have to look at the different item since they have multiples for very different prices depending on sellers and resellers (1 more)
Can be addicting as all hell
Lazy persons heaven
2017 really was the year of Amazon for me I've had an Amazon Prime account for going on three years but I never really used it too much but this year especially for Christmas shopping I can't get over how much crap I've gotten on Amazon in the past couple months. I always get my packages on time they always have what I'm looking for and as stated above I can go shopping without actually having to put pants on or deal with crowds at malls or Walmart.
And honestly one of my favorite features of Amazon are the reviews there are some truly clever people that leave reviews for some items that it's easy to become addicted to finding the best ones out there.
And honestly one of my favorite features of Amazon are the reviews there are some truly clever people that leave reviews for some items that it's easy to become addicted to finding the best ones out there.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Dec 30, 2017
Easy to keep track of my books (1 more)
Great for updating my reading challenge
Must have for readers
The Goodreads app is probably one of my most used app on my phone it just makes keeping track of my books I've read so easy as well as searching for and adding new books while out and about.
One of the most useful tools that comes with an app that isn't on the website is the book scanning tool you literally just have to open the camera and It'll recognize a book just by its cover for the most part if a cover is too dark at have those couple problems but for the most part I've rarely ran into any serious issues while using it.
The app makes it easy to update my progress on my current books as well as leaving reviews the only real issues I ever have with the app is that attempts to crush on me quite a bit but usually reloads itself pretty fast.
One of the most useful tools that comes with an app that isn't on the website is the book scanning tool you literally just have to open the camera and It'll recognize a book just by its cover for the most part if a cover is too dark at have those couple problems but for the most part I've rarely ran into any serious issues while using it.
The app makes it easy to update my progress on my current books as well as leaving reviews the only real issues I ever have with the app is that attempts to crush on me quite a bit but usually reloads itself pretty fast.
Rachel (48 KP) rated The Second Sister in Books
Jun 17, 2017
Very Interesting
I enjoyed this book hugely, after getting used to the constant dialogue to a character who isn't there!
There are some flaws that stopped me from rating it 5*. Occasionally the actions and dialogue are not natural at all, especially when it comes to a couple of peripheral characters.
Although the ending was very well written and exciting to read I was disappointed by the identity of the perpetrator. There are some hints about past actions right at the end of the book that I with had been detailed a little more - that would have been very interesting.
Altogether, though, this novel is extremely well written and the pace is just right. The characters well rounded and very sympathetic, I cared about what happened to them and always wanted to know more.
Even the bit part character's were interesting - especially the rose carver. The mixture of pity and menace was perfect.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and suspense. I am definitely going to purchase the authors first book and any future ones
There are some flaws that stopped me from rating it 5*. Occasionally the actions and dialogue are not natural at all, especially when it comes to a couple of peripheral characters.
Although the ending was very well written and exciting to read I was disappointed by the identity of the perpetrator. There are some hints about past actions right at the end of the book that I with had been detailed a little more - that would have been very interesting.
Altogether, though, this novel is extremely well written and the pace is just right. The characters well rounded and very sympathetic, I cared about what happened to them and always wanted to know more.
Even the bit part character's were interesting - especially the rose carver. The mixture of pity and menace was perfect.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and suspense. I am definitely going to purchase the authors first book and any future ones