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Awix (3310 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Mar 8, 2019
Predictably solid Marvel brand-extension is another of those movies where the main character is never actually referred to by their superhero codename, which is a little odd as the film is unafraid to embrace the silliness of its subject matter elsewhere. Slightly convoluted plot concerns Brie Larson's character, who is a fierce alien warrior or a feisty USAF jet pilot (finding out exactly who she is is central to the plot). Aliens infiltrate Earth in 1995, Larson has to team up with Samuel L Jackson (pre-eyepatch) to stop them.
Generally pretty good fun, especially once you get past the (intentionally?) cryptic first act. Good jokes, good action, and the film's big moments are well staged. Larson, Jackson, and Ben Mendelsohn all contribute thoroughly tongue-in-cheek performances which are exactly what the material demands. Dances lightly around the potential girl-power subtext, although arguably misses a trick by not putting the Spice Girls on the soundtrack. Maybe next time.
Generally pretty good fun, especially once you get past the (intentionally?) cryptic first act. Good jokes, good action, and the film's big moments are well staged. Larson, Jackson, and Ben Mendelsohn all contribute thoroughly tongue-in-cheek performances which are exactly what the material demands. Dances lightly around the potential girl-power subtext, although arguably misses a trick by not putting the Spice Girls on the soundtrack. Maybe next time.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Prisoner in TV
Mar 5, 2018
Famously cryptic cult TV show still has things to offer anyone willing to enter its peculiar world. Title character (McGoohan) is whisked off to a very strange prison; subsequent episodes revolve around either his attempts to escape, or the Village masters' schemes to force him to reveal his secrets (things get progressively more outlandishly weird as the series progresses).
Visually striking; the plots represent a weird mashing together of typical ITC action-adventure tropes and something altogether more avant-garde and cerebral: typical episode contains both existential pondering of the nature of society and/or the individual self and at least one punch-up. No-one seems entirely sure what it's all supposed to mean - is it about the conflict between the individual and the collective? The divided self? Patrick McGoohan's frustration at the state of his career? Nevertheless, the show's reputation is deserved - the weaker episodes are simply peculiar, the best ones absolutely mesmerising.
Visually striking; the plots represent a weird mashing together of typical ITC action-adventure tropes and something altogether more avant-garde and cerebral: typical episode contains both existential pondering of the nature of society and/or the individual self and at least one punch-up. No-one seems entirely sure what it's all supposed to mean - is it about the conflict between the individual and the collective? The divided self? Patrick McGoohan's frustration at the state of his career? Nevertheless, the show's reputation is deserved - the weaker episodes are simply peculiar, the best ones absolutely mesmerising.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2057 KP) rated The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches (Flavia de Luce, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Flavia’s mother has been found and her body is being returned to Bishop’s Lacey. Flavia is waiting with the rest of her family on the train station when the body arrives when a stranger comes up to her and gives her a cryptic message. Minutes later, he’s dead. What did his message mean? What does this have to do with Flavia’s mother?
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crime and Catnip (Nick and Nora Mysteries, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
International intrigue, false identities, and a very clever cat will keep you guessing right up to the last moment of this cozy mystery. While meeting with a museum director to discuss a catering job, Nora finds herself also tasked with finding the directors long lost niece and heir. When she isnt running her sandwich shop, Hot Bread, Nora also spends some of her time looking into the disappearance of her cat Nicks former owner, a detective who has been missing for some time. As cryptic messages come in, she eventually realizes that the two cases may be connected in some way. She just has to find the connection before the killer finds her!
Crime and Catnip is book #3 in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but even without having read the earlier two installments, I had no trouble figuring out who was who or what was going on.
Crime and Catnip is book #3 in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but even without having read the earlier two installments, I had no trouble figuring out who was who or what was going on.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2057 KP) rated Pane and Suffering (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Savannah Webb has returned home for her father’s funeral and to sell the family glass shop to longtime family friend Hugh. But then Hugh dies from a heart attack. Since that was her father’s cause of death, Savannah begins to question the coincidence. A cryptic clue and a warning note from her father lead her to further suspect that there is a killer on the loose. But can she figure out what is happening?
I liked stained glass, so I was glad to discover this promising series debut. Savannah and her new friends grew on my as the book progressed, and I’m interested in seeing how they grow in the future. The pacing of the plot could have been a little better since I did feel some of the stained glass class scenes slowed it down, but it did come together for a logical and fun climax.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-pane-and-suffering-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I liked stained glass, so I was glad to discover this promising series debut. Savannah and her new friends grew on my as the book progressed, and I’m interested in seeing how they grow in the future. The pacing of the plot could have been a little better since I did feel some of the stained glass class scenes slowed it down, but it did come together for a logical and fun climax.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-pane-and-suffering-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Knowing (2009) in Movies
Dec 9, 2019 (Updated Dec 9, 2019)
Nic Cage Knows Everything, I Mean Everything.....
I watched this film last month, and i thought holy shit that was something. I mean their were alot of good parts, intresting parts and than the ending which i wouldnt get it. You just have to watch this movie to find out. I like the plot/the concept of the film.
The Plot: Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.
Its really sci-fi though out the movie, expecally the ending, again i wouldnt get into. Its really a good and entertaining film to watch.
Highly reccordmend watching it.
The Plot: Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.
Its really sci-fi though out the movie, expecally the ending, again i wouldnt get into. Its really a good and entertaining film to watch.
Highly reccordmend watching it.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jan 27, 2021
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated The Watch on the Fencepost in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A WATCH THAT REVEALS MORE THAN JUST THE TIME . . . A mysterious gold watch propels 27-year-old Kathryn Frasier into a quest to prove her parents’ recent deaths were not an accident. Following a trail of cryptic clues, she encounters a remarkable cast of characters, including an actress with a talent for disguises, a politician with a dark secret, and a handsome businessman who shows a sudden romantic interest in Kathryn. Can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?
My Thoughts: This is an excellent mystery that not only keeps the readers' interest but actually keeps them glued to the book. The amusing idea of the hunt for clues was fun for myself and I believe other readers will enjoy that also.
The readers will fall in love with the characters Kathryn and Cece, since they both have interesting personalities that the readers will enjoy.
This was a charming read a story of a young woman losing her parents, but gaining so much more as she learns to trust God and the people around her.
A great read for anyone, especially those who love a good mystery with a smidge of romance added in.
My Thoughts: This is an excellent mystery that not only keeps the readers' interest but actually keeps them glued to the book. The amusing idea of the hunt for clues was fun for myself and I believe other readers will enjoy that also.
The readers will fall in love with the characters Kathryn and Cece, since they both have interesting personalities that the readers will enjoy.
This was a charming read a story of a young woman losing her parents, but gaining so much more as she learns to trust God and the people around her.
A great read for anyone, especially those who love a good mystery with a smidge of romance added in.
Merissa (11619 KP) rated Blood King (Heart Stones #1) in Books
Mar 18, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
BLOOD KING is the first in the Heart Stones series and we start the story with Aion and Shiesha. One is heir to the Vampire King's throne, and one has no memory prior to two weeks ago. But fated mates they are, and you know what that means... instant heat, sexual tension, and lots of banter/sniping.
There is so much to this book. It was a delight to read. Nothing is straightforward, and I take my hat off to Ms Sayle for being so goddamned cryptic with those monks! Absolutely brilliant.
Fast but perfectly paced, we see the story through both our main characters' eyes, giving a nicely-rounded view of what's going on. Just don't expect too many answers. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've got more questions than ever now, but I was warned so fair enough.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to getting some answers and seeing where Ms Sayle takes me next!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 10, 2022
There is so much to this book. It was a delight to read. Nothing is straightforward, and I take my hat off to Ms Sayle for being so goddamned cryptic with those monks! Absolutely brilliant.
Fast but perfectly paced, we see the story through both our main characters' eyes, giving a nicely-rounded view of what's going on. Just don't expect too many answers. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've got more questions than ever now, but I was warned so fair enough.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to getting some answers and seeing where Ms Sayle takes me next!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 10, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Seashells , Spells and Caramels in Books
Mar 21, 2021
40 of 250
Kindle
Seashells,Spells& Caramels ( Spells & Caramels book 1)
By Erin Johnson
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A magical French island. A dead contestant. An aspiring baker must clear her name before she gets burned.
Imogen Banks has dreamed her entire life of opening her own bakery in Seattle. But when she accidentally sets fire to her apartment and loses all her possessions, her dreams get toasted. Still coping with her loss, she receives a cryptic invitation she can't possibly refuse: entry into a mysterious baking competition on a beautiful French island.
When Imogen realizes the island village is magical and the bake-off’s participants are witches and wizards, she’s not sure her fledgling powers will be enough to win the coveted contest. In the midst of trying to cast her very first spell, a competitor drops dead and Imogen finds the psychic judges' mystical fingers all pointing at her. Can Imogen unlock her own magic and stop the killer from coming back for seconds or will she jump straight from the frying pan and into the fire?
This was a bit predictable but an easy pleasant read! She has a very entertaining relationship with a living flame and budding sweet friendship with a baking witch. This is British bake off with princes, villains and lots of magic!
Kindle
Seashells,Spells& Caramels ( Spells & Caramels book 1)
By Erin Johnson
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
A magical French island. A dead contestant. An aspiring baker must clear her name before she gets burned.
Imogen Banks has dreamed her entire life of opening her own bakery in Seattle. But when she accidentally sets fire to her apartment and loses all her possessions, her dreams get toasted. Still coping with her loss, she receives a cryptic invitation she can't possibly refuse: entry into a mysterious baking competition on a beautiful French island.
When Imogen realizes the island village is magical and the bake-off’s participants are witches and wizards, she’s not sure her fledgling powers will be enough to win the coveted contest. In the midst of trying to cast her very first spell, a competitor drops dead and Imogen finds the psychic judges' mystical fingers all pointing at her. Can Imogen unlock her own magic and stop the killer from coming back for seconds or will she jump straight from the frying pan and into the fire?
This was a bit predictable but an easy pleasant read! She has a very entertaining relationship with a living flame and budding sweet friendship with a baking witch. This is British bake off with princes, villains and lots of magic!