Search
Search results
Ross (3282 KP) rated Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast in Podcasts
Jan 4, 2018 (Updated Jan 5, 2018)
Superb silliness but at times insightful
RHLSTP is like an unregulated Jonathan Ross, if Jonathan Ross spent a lot less time on researching his guests and made fumbling attempts to ask them about their work before resorting to emergency questions, all to hilarious consequences.
The guests range from big name stars from off of the telly (Steve Coogan, Stephen Fry) to young up and coming comedians (John Robins, Nish Kumar).
All guests get the same cheeky tone from Herring and there is no sycophancy present at all.
Herring's repertoire of emergency questions (have you ever seen a big-foot, would you rather have a hand made of ham or an armpit that dispensed sun cream) help keep a consistent tone and sometimes lead to surprising answers (eg when asked "What is it like being Stephen Fry?" the answer led to an admission of attempted suicide).
The guests range from big name stars from off of the telly (Steve Coogan, Stephen Fry) to young up and coming comedians (John Robins, Nish Kumar).
All guests get the same cheeky tone from Herring and there is no sycophancy present at all.
Herring's repertoire of emergency questions (have you ever seen a big-foot, would you rather have a hand made of ham or an armpit that dispensed sun cream) help keep a consistent tone and sometimes lead to surprising answers (eg when asked "What is it like being Stephen Fry?" the answer led to an admission of attempted suicide).
Awix (3310 KP) rated Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) in Movies
Jul 2, 2020
'Why would someone shoot at a police station?' John Carpenter's exemplary action exploitation movie is set in mid-70s Los Angeles but is basically a mash-up of a western and a zombie movie. Two convicts, a secretary and a highway patrol officer find themselves besieged in a soon-to-be-derelict police precinct by hordes of psychopathic street gang members.
One of those examples of a virtually perfect movie: an incredibly economical script with immaculate storytelling is brought to the screen with immensely charismatic performances by the three leads (you watch it now and it's genuinely baffling that none of them had more substantial movie careers). Also a fascinating mixture of old-style and new Hollywood - scenes pastiching the style of Howard Hawks movies sit alongside genuinely provocative moments like the ice cream scene. Overall, though, just a tremendously enjoyable action film, and exhibit A for the case that John Carpenter did his career backwards.
One of those examples of a virtually perfect movie: an incredibly economical script with immaculate storytelling is brought to the screen with immensely charismatic performances by the three leads (you watch it now and it's genuinely baffling that none of them had more substantial movie careers). Also a fascinating mixture of old-style and new Hollywood - scenes pastiching the style of Howard Hawks movies sit alongside genuinely provocative moments like the ice cream scene. Overall, though, just a tremendously enjoyable action film, and exhibit A for the case that John Carpenter did his career backwards.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Oh Say Can You Fudge (Candy-Coated, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Rating ( of 5 stars)
***NOTE: I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley***
Book #3 in the Candy Coated Mystery series
Allie McMurphy runs the historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island. Still seen by some as an outsider, she's worked hard to get onto the Star Spangled Fourth Committee to help plan the island's Fourth of July celebration. After missing several calls from her fireworks expert while working out a recipe for a new red, white, and blue fudge, Allie finally tries to return his call but gets no answer. Worried that something might go wrong with the fireworks show she is in charge of, she heads over to the warehouse where the fireworks are being stored and arrives just minutes before the building explodes.
With several recent fires and now an explosion, it appears that there may be an arsonist running around the Island. As if that wasn't enough to keep Allie busy, the committee is insistent that finding replacement fireworks at the last minute is her responsibility, since she is the one who wanted to hire someone new for this year's fireworks show. Allie has to make sure the fireworks go off without a hitch and stay out of the way of an arsonist who seems more and more determined to stop her from finding the culprit.
This was the third book in the series, but the first I had read. I was happy to find that the author briefly re-introduced returning characters so I had no trouble keeping up with the cast and their relations to Allie. The mystery kept me guessing until near the end of the book. It was suspenseful and humorous, with just a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. The heroine herself is a likable person, and her puppy Mal makes her that much more endearing.
There are several very yummy sounding fudge recipes included in the book as well. The recipes in this volume were all pie-flavor themed. I can't wait to try the Coconut Cream No Bake Fudge or the Strawberry Cream Pie Fudge, and to read more books from this series.
***NOTE: I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley***
Book #3 in the Candy Coated Mystery series
Allie McMurphy runs the historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island. Still seen by some as an outsider, she's worked hard to get onto the Star Spangled Fourth Committee to help plan the island's Fourth of July celebration. After missing several calls from her fireworks expert while working out a recipe for a new red, white, and blue fudge, Allie finally tries to return his call but gets no answer. Worried that something might go wrong with the fireworks show she is in charge of, she heads over to the warehouse where the fireworks are being stored and arrives just minutes before the building explodes.
With several recent fires and now an explosion, it appears that there may be an arsonist running around the Island. As if that wasn't enough to keep Allie busy, the committee is insistent that finding replacement fireworks at the last minute is her responsibility, since she is the one who wanted to hire someone new for this year's fireworks show. Allie has to make sure the fireworks go off without a hitch and stay out of the way of an arsonist who seems more and more determined to stop her from finding the culprit.
This was the third book in the series, but the first I had read. I was happy to find that the author briefly re-introduced returning characters so I had no trouble keeping up with the cast and their relations to Allie. The mystery kept me guessing until near the end of the book. It was suspenseful and humorous, with just a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. The heroine herself is a likable person, and her puppy Mal makes her that much more endearing.
There are several very yummy sounding fudge recipes included in the book as well. The recipes in this volume were all pie-flavor themed. I can't wait to try the Coconut Cream No Bake Fudge or the Strawberry Cream Pie Fudge, and to read more books from this series.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated A Whole New World in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Pros:
▪ Strong storyline
▪ Loveable characters
Cons:
▪ White pages
▪ Some gore
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from the start, it grasped my interest and held onto it throughout. The story line is brilliant and keeps it's high standards throughout.
Honestly it made me fall in love all over again with Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, the Genie and of course new names.
This has definitely been retold for the interest of adults, reason I say that is because there are quite a few parts that contains violence and grim details so I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, don't be falled by it being Disney!
The only other con I had for this was that the pages are white, when I first opened it, it took my eyes some time to adjust to the black on white contrast, I have vision problems so the general standard of cream pages are much more easy on the eyes. The white pages do look much more brighter and clean though in terms of overall presentation.
▪ Strong storyline
▪ Loveable characters
Cons:
▪ White pages
▪ Some gore
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from the start, it grasped my interest and held onto it throughout. The story line is brilliant and keeps it's high standards throughout.
Honestly it made me fall in love all over again with Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, the Genie and of course new names.
This has definitely been retold for the interest of adults, reason I say that is because there are quite a few parts that contains violence and grim details so I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, don't be falled by it being Disney!
The only other con I had for this was that the pages are white, when I first opened it, it took my eyes some time to adjust to the black on white contrast, I have vision problems so the general standard of cream pages are much more easy on the eyes. The white pages do look much more brighter and clean though in terms of overall presentation.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Phantasm: Ravager (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2018
Great end to the Phantasm saga!
The final Phantasm film focuses mostly on everyone's favorite former ice cream man ,Reggie, and takes place through multi dimensions..
He keeps shifting through time and locations and is desperately trying to figure out which is real and how he can stop the Tall Man and his death spheres one final time.
The film find of reminded me of the final episode of Star Trek TNG when Captain Picard was kind of doing the same thing. It made the story interesting and not just more of the same. It also was mostly a continuation of the same story with some nostalgia since there had been almost twenty years since the last Phantasm film was made. I liked the continuity, but attempt to make something original.
The make up and special effects ranged from pretty good to almost Sharknado bad, so that was a little distracting.
I enjoyed watching and had a fun time with the Phantasm films in general. Generally speaking a cut above the normal generics horror schlock.
He keeps shifting through time and locations and is desperately trying to figure out which is real and how he can stop the Tall Man and his death spheres one final time.
The film find of reminded me of the final episode of Star Trek TNG when Captain Picard was kind of doing the same thing. It made the story interesting and not just more of the same. It also was mostly a continuation of the same story with some nostalgia since there had been almost twenty years since the last Phantasm film was made. I liked the continuity, but attempt to make something original.
The make up and special effects ranged from pretty good to almost Sharknado bad, so that was a little distracting.
I enjoyed watching and had a fun time with the Phantasm films in general. Generally speaking a cut above the normal generics horror schlock.
Morgan Sheppard (926 KP) created a post
Mar 5, 2020
Midge (525 KP) rated Chocolate Cream Pie Murder in Books
Feb 26, 2019
Captivating Cozy Mystery!
“Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is the twenty-fourth book in the Hannah Swensen Series by the author, Joanne Fluke. Why did I want to read this novel? Well, I love to curl up on the sofa on a dark winter’s night, or any time, really, with a mug of hot chocolate and a good cozy mystery and if it’s about food, as this one is, then so much the better!
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series yet, however, I don’t think that this spoilt my enjoyment of this novel. That said, there is nothing more exciting than picking up a book which is the first in a new series.
When Hannah’s Bakery, The Cookie Jar, becomes the setting of a TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes the spotlight will be shining on her bakery, and not the unsavoury scandal about her personal life. But that’s impossible with a disturbing visit from someone she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, moving to her mother Delores’ penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case and as suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must find the killer prowling around Lake Eden before someone takes a slice out of her…
I liked that the opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. Although I had to wait a while before an actual murder took place there was still a lot going on. I found many of the characters very funny and easy to relate to, particularly Hannah herself and many of the other characters in the book were extremely amusing and unusual. I even liked the bad guy, the one everyone loves to hate.
The book had a natural, steady pace, and even though the murder occurred towards the end, I was kept guessing until the surprising reveal. Delightful and entertaining “Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is a quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series yet, however, I don’t think that this spoilt my enjoyment of this novel. That said, there is nothing more exciting than picking up a book which is the first in a new series.
When Hannah’s Bakery, The Cookie Jar, becomes the setting of a TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes the spotlight will be shining on her bakery, and not the unsavoury scandal about her personal life. But that’s impossible with a disturbing visit from someone she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, moving to her mother Delores’ penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case and as suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must find the killer prowling around Lake Eden before someone takes a slice out of her…
I liked that the opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. Although I had to wait a while before an actual murder took place there was still a lot going on. I found many of the characters very funny and easy to relate to, particularly Hannah herself and many of the other characters in the book were extremely amusing and unusual. I even liked the bad guy, the one everyone loves to hate.
The book had a natural, steady pace, and even though the murder occurred towards the end, I was kept guessing until the surprising reveal. Delightful and entertaining “Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is a quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Jude (1996) in Movies
Jan 29, 2018 (Updated Jan 29, 2018)
Meh
Set in the late 1800's, Jude Fawley (Christopher Eccleston) leaves his country home to enroll in a university and finds a taboo love in the process. It's somewhat ironic that I'm reviewing this just after my dog vomited because the story unfolds just as slowly. Just as I screamed "Just do it already!" to my beagle, I felt Jude could have gotten to the point a little faster. I have some ideas about how this could have been accomplished, but I can't share them without spoiling the film.
The slow progression of the plot would have been fine had the ending been stronger. The last twenty minutes were a whirlwind and not in a good way. If the film is an unsettling ice cream sundae, the ending was an ugly cherry that tastes as bad as it looks.
For what it's worth, the story is definitely intriguing with simple, yet complex details. It's weird, yet somehow heartwarming. Despite my dislike for the film as a whole, Eccleston and Kate Winslet both played phenomenal roles. Two performances that were almost enough to carry the film.
Not quite. I give Jude a 67.
The slow progression of the plot would have been fine had the ending been stronger. The last twenty minutes were a whirlwind and not in a good way. If the film is an unsettling ice cream sundae, the ending was an ugly cherry that tastes as bad as it looks.
For what it's worth, the story is definitely intriguing with simple, yet complex details. It's weird, yet somehow heartwarming. Despite my dislike for the film as a whole, Eccleston and Kate Winslet both played phenomenal roles. Two performances that were almost enough to carry the film.
Not quite. I give Jude a 67.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated 100% Wolf (2020) in Movies
Aug 21, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
100% Wolf is a children's animated movie about werewolves, in particular, Freddy Lupin the soon to be leader of his pack.
The pack spend their full moon's rescuing people from fires and other disasters but still hiding from the public at large and especially from the local ice cream sales man who is convinced he has proof that the werewolves exist. By day the pack is trying to rid the city of dogs, who they see as inferior
on the night he is meant to take his roll as pack leader, Freddy steps into the moon light expecting to be transformed into a large, savage wolf but, instead emerges as a small poodle.
100% Wolf is about acceptance, Freddy has to accept that he is different, both from what he expected and from what his pack wants. He also needs to accept help from the local dog's who he has been taught to hate.
100% Wolf is a surprisingly good film, funny, with just the right amount of action and a good sound track. It's a bit predictable but only because it's a children's film.
The pack spend their full moon's rescuing people from fires and other disasters but still hiding from the public at large and especially from the local ice cream sales man who is convinced he has proof that the werewolves exist. By day the pack is trying to rid the city of dogs, who they see as inferior
on the night he is meant to take his roll as pack leader, Freddy steps into the moon light expecting to be transformed into a large, savage wolf but, instead emerges as a small poodle.
100% Wolf is about acceptance, Freddy has to accept that he is different, both from what he expected and from what his pack wants. He also needs to accept help from the local dog's who he has been taught to hate.
100% Wolf is a surprisingly good film, funny, with just the right amount of action and a good sound track. It's a bit predictable but only because it's a children's film.