Search
Search results
David McK (3600 KP) rated Batman, Volume 3: Death of the Family in Books
Jan 30, 2019
With a title that references the famous Batman story 'A Death in the family' (in which the Joker bumps off Robin - or, at least, one of the characters to hold that mantle), this is third volume in 'The New 52' series of Batman comics (after [b:Batman, Volume 1: The Court of Owls|13223349|Batman, Volume 1 The Court of Owls|Scott Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342307351s/13223349.jpg|18412501] and [b:Batman, Volume 2: The City of Owls|15752115|Batman, Volume 2 The City of Owls|Scott Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342309403s/15752115.jpg|21446852]), and sees the return of who is commonly considered to be ol' Bat's arch-nemesis: that of the Joker.
And, boy, is the clown prince of crime scary in this.
With more in common, perhaps, to Heath Ledgers portrayal of that character in 'The Dark Knight' than to Cesar Romero's (Batman '66 TV series) or even Jack Nicholson (the 1989 Batman movie), this version is pretty much just a pure agent of chaos, and a formidable (and scary) foe indeed - this is definitely not a read for the kiddies, say.
Taking in a couple of plot-strands from other New 52 titles (including The Joker, Nightwing, Batgirl and Detective Comics, amongst others) this version of the Joker is out to re-create his early crimes; out to (effectively) 'reset' tgime back to when it was just Batman and him duking it out.
And, boy, is the clown prince of crime scary in this.
With more in common, perhaps, to Heath Ledgers portrayal of that character in 'The Dark Knight' than to Cesar Romero's (Batman '66 TV series) or even Jack Nicholson (the 1989 Batman movie), this version is pretty much just a pure agent of chaos, and a formidable (and scary) foe indeed - this is definitely not a read for the kiddies, say.
Taking in a couple of plot-strands from other New 52 titles (including The Joker, Nightwing, Batgirl and Detective Comics, amongst others) this version of the Joker is out to re-create his early crimes; out to (effectively) 'reset' tgime back to when it was just Batman and him duking it out.
Fred (860 KP) rated Brightburn (2019) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019
Don't bully Superman
A horror retelling of the Superman origin story. A child crashes on the Earth & is raised by a couple. The child has super powers. He can fly, has super speed, shoot beams from his eyes & is impervious to pain & damage. The difference is this kid is not a very good guy.
He gets messages & images from the space pod he arrived in as an infant. He's somewhat bullied & treated bad from adults all around him. Not very good for them. I'm sure you can guess where this movie goes.
I have to say the acting is damn good. Jackson Dunn, who plays the super-powered kid is excellent. He's very believable & creepy.
People were saying the movie was super-gory. I didn't find it to be the case. Sure, there were some gory parts, but nothing that would make me say it's a gory film. There were quite a few jump scares in the film, which normally I don't like, but they work here. The special effects were done very well. I loved the shots of Brandon (the kid) flying around at night, backlit by the moon.
The movie doesn't end like you would think & this is a very good thing.If I say any more, i may ruin it, so I'll just end here by saying if you're a horror fan, see it. If you're sick of all the superhero movies today, this may be a good change for you.
He gets messages & images from the space pod he arrived in as an infant. He's somewhat bullied & treated bad from adults all around him. Not very good for them. I'm sure you can guess where this movie goes.
I have to say the acting is damn good. Jackson Dunn, who plays the super-powered kid is excellent. He's very believable & creepy.
People were saying the movie was super-gory. I didn't find it to be the case. Sure, there were some gory parts, but nothing that would make me say it's a gory film. There were quite a few jump scares in the film, which normally I don't like, but they work here. The special effects were done very well. I loved the shots of Brandon (the kid) flying around at night, backlit by the moon.
The movie doesn't end like you would think & this is a very good thing.If I say any more, i may ruin it, so I'll just end here by saying if you're a horror fan, see it. If you're sick of all the superhero movies today, this may be a good change for you.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) in Movies
Dec 31, 2019
An average sequel
The original Lego movie (and the Lego Batman film) were surprisingly great films, so it's no surprise they decided to make a sequel. Sadly it's also no surprise that the sequel only ends up fairly average.
It looks visually stunning, and I loved how they've tied this in more with the real world. I think it's quite smart how they've managed to link the characters to the real life toys. The problem is the story itself is rather lacklustre and a little all over the place, and most of the jokes fall flat. There was only 1 or 2 things I laughed at during the entire film, which is a shame as the original and Batman film were downright hilarious. Even the music is pretty dull. There's no song that really matches up to the brilliant Everything is Awesome and the ones that almost do are the remix versions of that song. Although I did love the Lonely Island song over the credits. There's a great voice cast in this too, to the point where I spend most of the film trying to figure out who's who. But there are some who sound a little out of place - Richard Ayoade and Noel Fielding to name a couple. And also what was with Will Ferrell? He barely featured in this at all apparent from being a voice from another room, rather odd!
It looks visually stunning, and I loved how they've tied this in more with the real world. I think it's quite smart how they've managed to link the characters to the real life toys. The problem is the story itself is rather lacklustre and a little all over the place, and most of the jokes fall flat. There was only 1 or 2 things I laughed at during the entire film, which is a shame as the original and Batman film were downright hilarious. Even the music is pretty dull. There's no song that really matches up to the brilliant Everything is Awesome and the ones that almost do are the remix versions of that song. Although I did love the Lonely Island song over the credits. There's a great voice cast in this too, to the point where I spend most of the film trying to figure out who's who. But there are some who sound a little out of place - Richard Ayoade and Noel Fielding to name a couple. And also what was with Will Ferrell? He barely featured in this at all apparent from being a voice from another room, rather odd!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Starve Acre in Books
Nov 1, 2019
A very unusual book
Starve Acre is first and foremost a book about loss. Richard and Juliette Willoughby have recently lost their 5 year old son, and both are struggling to come to terms with their loss and grief in their different ways. Richard has taken to digging up a nearby field, looking for evidence of an ancient oak tree that once stood there. Juliette has just gone into herself and refuses to let Ewan go, convinced she heard him at night.
The interactions between the two, and the lack of interactions, beautifully tell a story of shared yet so personal loss. Neither can truly help or understand the other's loss.
Throughout the story, which is told without chapter breaks, we get a picture of Ewan's short life and the beginnings of odd behaviour, as well as some odd findings while Richard is digging in the field.
There are some very odd, creepy moments in this book, and some very touching moments. However, I felt slightly let down by the ending. There was a good amount of exposition in the last couple of pages (which may sound like a cop-out rushed ending but is well delivered) but the very final scene felt like a missed trick to me. I was expecting a very horror ending, but while what I got was unsettling, there was an element of ridiculousness to it that spoiled it.
A very enjoyable short read.
The interactions between the two, and the lack of interactions, beautifully tell a story of shared yet so personal loss. Neither can truly help or understand the other's loss.
Throughout the story, which is told without chapter breaks, we get a picture of Ewan's short life and the beginnings of odd behaviour, as well as some odd findings while Richard is digging in the field.
There are some very odd, creepy moments in this book, and some very touching moments. However, I felt slightly let down by the ending. There was a good amount of exposition in the last couple of pages (which may sound like a cop-out rushed ending but is well delivered) but the very final scene felt like a missed trick to me. I was expecting a very horror ending, but while what I got was unsettling, there was an element of ridiculousness to it that spoiled it.
A very enjoyable short read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Scone Cold Dead in Books
Jul 23, 2019
Can Natalie Find a Scone Cold Killer?
It’s late spring on Cranberry Island, but the beautiful weather is doing nothing for the tensions building. Something is going on with the lobstermen on the island. There are rumors of illegal activity, but no one seems to have any proof. Natalie Barnes is concerned about that, but she is also concerned that her bed and breakfast doesn’t have reservations like in years past. Fortunately, she does have some guests thanks to the new artists commune her niece, Gwen, has opened. But when the tension on the island leads to murder, will Natalie figure out what happened?
It’s always a pleasure to visit Cranberry Island, and this book is no exception. The characters are old friends by this point, and there are a couple of sub-plots that focus on them that helped pull me into the book early. Not that the mystery itself wasn’t compelling, and the sub-plots and mystery weave in and out of each other expertly. There are several good fully developed suspects we meet and plenty of turns before we hit the suspenseful climax. Natalie is working on recipes for a scone competition, so it is no surprise that three of the recipes at the end of the book are scones. Fans of the series will be happy with our latest visit to the island, and this book is fun enough to hook new fans as well.
It’s always a pleasure to visit Cranberry Island, and this book is no exception. The characters are old friends by this point, and there are a couple of sub-plots that focus on them that helped pull me into the book early. Not that the mystery itself wasn’t compelling, and the sub-plots and mystery weave in and out of each other expertly. There are several good fully developed suspects we meet and plenty of turns before we hit the suspenseful climax. Natalie is working on recipes for a scone competition, so it is no surprise that three of the recipes at the end of the book are scones. Fans of the series will be happy with our latest visit to the island, and this book is fun enough to hook new fans as well.
Trackie (153 KP) rated Sex Education in TV
Jan 17, 2019
Sex Education Season 1
Young or old, in some way or another, you will relate to this show.
Sex Education isn't just about sex, it's about learning self appreciation, respect and living life as best as possible with the choices we have in front of us.
This starts off as a raunchy series, quickly turning into a story of many characters who seem to have it all or nothing in between. They soon come to realize that they are no more special than the person next to them, no more right or wrong than the one they criticize or blame.
Casting is fantastic - The leading role, wow; a normal and confused 16 year old who has an amazing gift, to calm and guide those who seek his help in finding the answer to any slight imperfections they may have with themselves or with their partner.
A blend of comedy, love and drama - Sex Education is a well balanced and written series that takes you for a ride that's full of heart.
With the variety of characters in this show, each and every one of us should have some one to feel familiar with.
I can’t recommend this series enough and can’t wait for series 2. There are talks about a second season but we won’t know for a couple of months yet if or when it will happen.
Sex Education isn't just about sex, it's about learning self appreciation, respect and living life as best as possible with the choices we have in front of us.
This starts off as a raunchy series, quickly turning into a story of many characters who seem to have it all or nothing in between. They soon come to realize that they are no more special than the person next to them, no more right or wrong than the one they criticize or blame.
Casting is fantastic - The leading role, wow; a normal and confused 16 year old who has an amazing gift, to calm and guide those who seek his help in finding the answer to any slight imperfections they may have with themselves or with their partner.
A blend of comedy, love and drama - Sex Education is a well balanced and written series that takes you for a ride that's full of heart.
With the variety of characters in this show, each and every one of us should have some one to feel familiar with.
I can’t recommend this series enough and can’t wait for series 2. There are talks about a second season but we won’t know for a couple of months yet if or when it will happen.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated A Vixen in Venice in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Totally Bound Publishing in return for a fair and honest review.
This book is part of the Totally 5 Star series which has the focus on a different city in each book. Although, to be fair, the focus of this book definitely wasn't on Venice but rather the goings on in Venice.
I enjoyed reading this book - it is a hot, steamy but also fun read. A couple of things didn't sit right with me which I'll go into shortly. If, however, you're looking for a book to read for pure pleasure and not to worry about the nitty gritty then I can definitely recommend this one. On the whole though, this was thoroughly enjoyable and a raunchy, fast-paced story.
The things that didn't seem to work (for me) was what Alessandro actually did. There is an explanation in the book but by the time I reached that point, I think my mind had gotten too confused with it. It's also not clear why he was brought in to supervise Monique although she does need it. She comes across as very flighty which is not something that you would expect from someone who needs this job and income.
On the whole, the characters are good, the story is well-written and the sex scenes are smoking. An escape from reality? Yes! Definitely recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is part of the Totally 5 Star series which has the focus on a different city in each book. Although, to be fair, the focus of this book definitely wasn't on Venice but rather the goings on in Venice.
I enjoyed reading this book - it is a hot, steamy but also fun read. A couple of things didn't sit right with me which I'll go into shortly. If, however, you're looking for a book to read for pure pleasure and not to worry about the nitty gritty then I can definitely recommend this one. On the whole though, this was thoroughly enjoyable and a raunchy, fast-paced story.
The things that didn't seem to work (for me) was what Alessandro actually did. There is an explanation in the book but by the time I reached that point, I think my mind had gotten too confused with it. It's also not clear why he was brought in to supervise Monique although she does need it. She comes across as very flighty which is not something that you would expect from someone who needs this job and income.
On the whole, the characters are good, the story is well-written and the sex scenes are smoking. An escape from reality? Yes! Definitely recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Hidden Design, the Prophecy in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Hidden Design, the Prophecy is about an interior designer who finds out exactly what her customers want in a 'slightly' unorthodox manner. She gets called by her friend, Paul, who works at the FBI, to see if she can help with a missing child. This unlocks the door to more than she can possibly realise, and she tumbles headfirst into the rabbit hole.
This story is well written, with a smooth and flowing pace that builds up nicely to the climatic ending. With a series of shocks and twists to go through, there is something here for everyone. Funnily enough, the main male (who also has hints as the 'romance' lead) is the one person that she DOESN'T sleep with immediately. That would be the one thing for me - Mikki starts off by having sex with a couple or so 'special' clients. Then she is basically sleeping with anyone and everyone, with no willpower or inclination to say no; and still being surprised by her actions the following morning. Surely once she's found herself in this situation once or twice, she can realise and stop it from happening again?
Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The ending wraps everything up for this story, whilst keeping things open for the next. Certainly an interesting read, and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story is well written, with a smooth and flowing pace that builds up nicely to the climatic ending. With a series of shocks and twists to go through, there is something here for everyone. Funnily enough, the main male (who also has hints as the 'romance' lead) is the one person that she DOESN'T sleep with immediately. That would be the one thing for me - Mikki starts off by having sex with a couple or so 'special' clients. Then she is basically sleeping with anyone and everyone, with no willpower or inclination to say no; and still being surprised by her actions the following morning. Surely once she's found herself in this situation once or twice, she can realise and stop it from happening again?
Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The ending wraps everything up for this story, whilst keeping things open for the next. Certainly an interesting read, and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Not a Creature was Stirring in Books
Jan 24, 2019
Who was Enough of a Scrooge to Leave the Dead Body in Merry's Motorhome?
Merry is hoping to turn her Christmas crafting business into a full-time job, and as part of that plan, she's purchased a motorhome from her ex-step-daughter. The hope is she can use it as a mobile crafting studio and a place to show her stuff at some of the more popular craft shows. She's trying it out at the Christmas Holiday Bazaar, one of her favorite events of the year. However, when she's unloading her products, she finds the dead body of her ex-husband in one of the storage compartments. How did his dead body get into the RV?
With as much as I love Christmas, this book was a lot of fun. We got lots of talk about everything Christmas, even comparing characters to famous fictional Christmas characters. I did feel the book needed another polish to flesh a few things out, and I found Merry's concern for her ex-husband's family a little hard to believe considering how short her marriage had been. On the other hand, I loved the majority of the characters, and Merry's relationships with her own kids was fabulous. The plot was good with many twists and turns. I figured out a couple of things early, but I was left guessing about the rest of it until the end.
With as much as I love Christmas, this book was a lot of fun. We got lots of talk about everything Christmas, even comparing characters to famous fictional Christmas characters. I did feel the book needed another polish to flesh a few things out, and I found Merry's concern for her ex-husband's family a little hard to believe considering how short her marriage had been. On the other hand, I loved the majority of the characters, and Merry's relationships with her own kids was fabulous. The plot was good with many twists and turns. I figured out a couple of things early, but I was left guessing about the rest of it until the end.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Possession (2012) in Movies
Dec 4, 2019 (Updated Dec 4, 2019)
Whats In The Box???
The Possession- came out in 2012 is anethor very good horror movie that hardly no one talks about and knows about. It came in 2012, and i forgot that this movie came out in 2012 cause 2012 was a big year for movies and was directed by Ole Bornedal, who you may say? Well he directed Nightwatch a danish thriller film in 1994 than he remade it in 1997 and started Ewan McGregor, Patricia Arquette, Josh Brolin and Nick Nolte. It was written by Bornedal and Steven Soderbergh. And i will review that movie at somepoint. Cause the movie is really underreated and a good horror movie. And well thats pretty much it, that he directed. So whats this film about than...
The Plot: When their youngest daughter, Em (Natasha Calis), becomes strangely obsessed with an antique wooden box bought from a yard sale, parents Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm. However, Em becomes increasingly unstable, leading the couple to fear the presence of a malevolent force. To their horror, Clyde and Stephanie learn that the box contains a dybbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits -- and ultimately devours -- a human host.
This is a really good movie, its scary, thrilling, horrorfying, spooky, creepy and overall a underrated horror jem. Plus you have Jeffrey Dean Morgan in it and thats a plus.
Like i said this movie is really good and a must watch.
The Plot: When their youngest daughter, Em (Natasha Calis), becomes strangely obsessed with an antique wooden box bought from a yard sale, parents Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm. However, Em becomes increasingly unstable, leading the couple to fear the presence of a malevolent force. To their horror, Clyde and Stephanie learn that the box contains a dybbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits -- and ultimately devours -- a human host.
This is a really good movie, its scary, thrilling, horrorfying, spooky, creepy and overall a underrated horror jem. Plus you have Jeffrey Dean Morgan in it and thats a plus.
Like i said this movie is really good and a must watch.