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Dean (6921 KP) rated No Time to Die (2021) in Movies
Oct 7, 2021
Great action scenes (2 more)
Lots of traditional Bond Elements
Aston Martin cars đ
Bond is back!
Well finally Bond is here after the long delays for the release of this last outing for Daniel Craig.
This is a great film everyone will enjoy and Bond fans will love. It has all the best Bond elements. Exotic locations, amazing Aston Martin cars including the classic DB5. Great action scenes, gadgets and awesome Bond girls. Special mention for Ana de Armas kicking butt while in a cocktail dress and heels.
The storyline is typically Bond as well, complete with an evil villian and cool hideout. It has a lot of elements to other Bond films whether by location, Car, songs that will ring bells for those who are big fans. A nice touch.
Probably Craig's best outing in the Bond role signing off in style. Catch it at the cinema!
This is a great film everyone will enjoy and Bond fans will love. It has all the best Bond elements. Exotic locations, amazing Aston Martin cars including the classic DB5. Great action scenes, gadgets and awesome Bond girls. Special mention for Ana de Armas kicking butt while in a cocktail dress and heels.
The storyline is typically Bond as well, complete with an evil villian and cool hideout. It has a lot of elements to other Bond films whether by location, Car, songs that will ring bells for those who are big fans. A nice touch.
Probably Craig's best outing in the Bond role signing off in style. Catch it at the cinema!
Kevin Phillipson (9955 KP) rated No Time to Die (2021) in Movies
Sep 30, 2021
Daniel craig (2 more)
Lea seydoux
Aston martin
Yes finally seen bond after 18 months of delays due to covid I've finally watched it there was a point I fought I would never see the movie. On to the review was the film any good yes was it worth the wait yes coming out the movie I would say contender for my film of the year it has everything the first 20 mins very action packed before we even get to Billie ellish singing the theme song Daniel Craig gives his best bond performance for last and what a ride its been over five movies there are twists I didn't see coming which I won't give away here the only gripe I would say too long at 2 hours 45 mins making it the longest bond movie ever could have been slightly shorter but that's my only gripe overall probably my favourite craig bond of all
David McK (3194 KP) rated Die Another Day (2002) in Movies
Sep 4, 2022
Brosnan's last Bond
Pierce Brosnan's last outing as James Bond, commonly viewed as one of the worst in the oeuvre (especially with the introduction of the Aston Martin Vanish car)
it's not all that bad, however - I have to say, I still prefer this style of Bond film - guns, gadgets, insane plans, etc - over the overly-dour and oh-so-serious films that were to follow in Daniel Craig's tenure.
Anyway, this is the film that starts with Bond captured by the North Koreans before being released as part of a prisoner exchange, that has Rosamunde Pike in an early breakout role (and *that* Madonna cameo), and that also stars Halle Berry as Jinx.
Yes, the plot is ridiculous and feels like something out of a video game (of which this was turned into, in the PS2 era), but still and all ...
it's not all that bad, however - I have to say, I still prefer this style of Bond film - guns, gadgets, insane plans, etc - over the overly-dour and oh-so-serious films that were to follow in Daniel Craig's tenure.
Anyway, this is the film that starts with Bond captured by the North Koreans before being released as part of a prisoner exchange, that has Rosamunde Pike in an early breakout role (and *that* Madonna cameo), and that also stars Halle Berry as Jinx.
Yes, the plot is ridiculous and feels like something out of a video game (of which this was turned into, in the PS2 era), but still and all ...
David McK (3194 KP) rated Skyfall (2012) in Movies
Aug 27, 2023
"What were you expecting, an exploding pen? We don't go in for that sort of stuff anymore"
That, for me, summed up everything that was wrong with the Daniel Craig Bond films, of which this was the third - give me my exploding pen, dangit!!
Anyway, this oft pops up on lists of 'best of' Bond films, with the plot to do with Bond on the trail of a stolen hard disk drive that contains a list of undercover agents, and with Judi Dench's 'M's past (and a bit of Bonds own).
Thankfully, they start bringing back the gadgets towards the end of the film - in particular, during the final act in Scotland - in the form of Bond's Aston Martin(?), complete with machine guns behind the headlights and an ejector seat!
It is a strong entry in Craig's tenure, yes, but I *think* I still prefer Casino Royale.
That, for me, summed up everything that was wrong with the Daniel Craig Bond films, of which this was the third - give me my exploding pen, dangit!!
Anyway, this oft pops up on lists of 'best of' Bond films, with the plot to do with Bond on the trail of a stolen hard disk drive that contains a list of undercover agents, and with Judi Dench's 'M's past (and a bit of Bonds own).
Thankfully, they start bringing back the gadgets towards the end of the film - in particular, during the final act in Scotland - in the form of Bond's Aston Martin(?), complete with machine guns behind the headlights and an ejector seat!
It is a strong entry in Craig's tenure, yes, but I *think* I still prefer Casino Royale.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Different to other Marvel films (1 more)
Strong female characters
CGI (2 more)
Some under developed characters
Weak villain
Good but a little overrated
Considering the general praise for this film, I had been expecting great things and although for a Marvel origins film it's pretty good, I still found it a bit disappointing.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Mar 5, 2018 (Updated Mar 5, 2018)
Cool For Cats
Marvel's latest hotly anticipated superhero epic Black Panther, has arrived. Chadwick Boseman stars as the titular hero and gives a subdued, collected performance, which I didn't expect. The first time that we saw this character was in Civil War and while I understand he was on a revenge quest in that movie, he conveyed an sense of energy that is isn't present in Black Panther. I don't think that this was Chadwick Boseman's decision, but is instead based on what Ryan Coogler's vision of who Black Panther should be.
There are a lot of stand out performances in the film though Michael B Jordan, who is a Coogler movie staple at this point, brings us the best Marvel villain so far, or at the very least, the most believable motivation for doing villainous things that we have seen so far in the MCU. The rest of the cast bring their A game too, including Danai Guira, Lupita Nyongâo, Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whittaker, Martin Freeman and Sterling K Brown.
The costume design and sets where fantastic to look at, but some of the character CGI looked a but too bouncy and unrealistic. I also felt like the movie dragged a bit in the second act. While the soundtrack started off great and added to the excitement of certain scenes in the movie's first act, by around halfway through the movie, I was sick of hearing African drums and chanting.
Overall though, this is a pretty great entry into the MCU and although it isn't Marvel's best ever, it is also definitely not their worst.
There are a lot of stand out performances in the film though Michael B Jordan, who is a Coogler movie staple at this point, brings us the best Marvel villain so far, or at the very least, the most believable motivation for doing villainous things that we have seen so far in the MCU. The rest of the cast bring their A game too, including Danai Guira, Lupita Nyongâo, Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whittaker, Martin Freeman and Sterling K Brown.
The costume design and sets where fantastic to look at, but some of the character CGI looked a but too bouncy and unrealistic. I also felt like the movie dragged a bit in the second act. While the soundtrack started off great and added to the excitement of certain scenes in the movie's first act, by around halfway through the movie, I was sick of hearing African drums and chanting.
Overall though, this is a pretty great entry into the MCU and although it isn't Marvel's best ever, it is also definitely not their worst.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
May 19, 2019 (Updated Jun 8, 2019)
A by the numbers origin story, with some great performances that elevate
Black Panther was introduced into the MCU during Civil War, with little time for much backstory. And Ryan Cooglers efforts to illustrate said back story works for the most part.
This film is filled to the brim with vibrant colours, and an extremely likable cast.
Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira (literally throwing wigs at one point), Daniel Kaluuya, and Lulita Nyong'o are all great, and really paint a picture of the tribal togetherness that is Wakanda.
The two villains are where the cast really shines however, and of course, mainly Michael B. Jordan.
Here we have a layered Marvel villain, someone who you can truly sympathise with, whose backstory is fleshed out enough to almost side with him. Almost.
Jordan does a great job of bringing Killmonger to life.
Similar props to Andy Serkis. After a tiny roll in Age of Ultron, he gets a chance here to play Klaue like and absolute psychopath, and it's clear just how much fun he has in to roll.
A few negatives.... The way that Klaue's story arc is concluded is hugely unsatisfying.
The CGI is dodgy in parts, especially during then climatic battle.
The last battle itself is fun for the most part, but the fight between Black Panther and Killmonger falls into the age old MCU trope of 'the-hero-fighting-an-evil-version-of-themselves-in-a-similar-oufit' (see Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Ant-Man for reference)
Martin Freeman's character seems and largely unnecessary addition here, but it's always fun to see characters from other MCU movies.
All in all, Black Panther can be bland in places, but it's done the important part of finally establishing Wakanda in the MCU, and I for one am looking forward to what other stories will occur there (fingers crossed for a Sub-Mariner story line in a sequel!)
This film is filled to the brim with vibrant colours, and an extremely likable cast.
Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira (literally throwing wigs at one point), Daniel Kaluuya, and Lulita Nyong'o are all great, and really paint a picture of the tribal togetherness that is Wakanda.
The two villains are where the cast really shines however, and of course, mainly Michael B. Jordan.
Here we have a layered Marvel villain, someone who you can truly sympathise with, whose backstory is fleshed out enough to almost side with him. Almost.
Jordan does a great job of bringing Killmonger to life.
Similar props to Andy Serkis. After a tiny roll in Age of Ultron, he gets a chance here to play Klaue like and absolute psychopath, and it's clear just how much fun he has in to roll.
A few negatives.... The way that Klaue's story arc is concluded is hugely unsatisfying.
The CGI is dodgy in parts, especially during then climatic battle.
The last battle itself is fun for the most part, but the fight between Black Panther and Killmonger falls into the age old MCU trope of 'the-hero-fighting-an-evil-version-of-themselves-in-a-similar-oufit' (see Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Ant-Man for reference)
Martin Freeman's character seems and largely unnecessary addition here, but it's always fun to see characters from other MCU movies.
All in all, Black Panther can be bland in places, but it's done the important part of finally establishing Wakanda in the MCU, and I for one am looking forward to what other stories will occur there (fingers crossed for a Sub-Mariner story line in a sequel!)
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) in Movies
Feb 2, 2021
Racism has all too often reared its ugly head in recent years with the rise of extremist groups who felt emboldened by recent political climates. As violence leads to protests which can themselves become violent; the perpetual cycle seems unending.
In the new film âJudas and the Black Messiahâ, audiences are told the real-life story of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) who runs a local chapter of The Black Panthers in Illinois in the 1960s.
The rise of what is perceived as militant groups in the wake of the killings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King has caused increased police and Federal actions which have caused many in Hamptonâs community to feel they are at war with the authorities and fighting for their very survival against a system of injustice and systemic racism.
When car thief William OâNeal is arrested, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons); offers OâNeal a chance to avoid prison and earn some money by becoming an informant. Despite his reservations; OâNeal works his way into Hamptonâs inner circle and develops a friendship with the man as he learns of his plans to unify the various factions in their communities.
OâNeal sees how there is more to the Black Panthers as they feed, educate, and assist members of their community and work to contain more extreme elements that look to make statements through bombings and extreme actions.
The threat posed by Hampton draws the attention of FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), and plans are developed to take down Hampton and his organization which in turn puts even more pressure on Mitchell and OâNeal.
The movie is a gripping, disturbing, and sure to be controversial look into the lives of the key figures as well as the ongoing debates on racial injustice, police violence, hate groups, and violence in the community.
Director Shaka King attempts to find a balance in the film as there are moments where party members draw their weapons against the police and kill wounded officers. There are also numerous scenes where police beat and shoot unarmed individuals or use excessive force which underscores Hamptonâs stance that his community is at war and this is a life or death struggle.
The last time I was so disturbed by a film of this genre was âDetroitâ which shocked me with the horrific true crimes that were portrayed and how those involved escaped justice. I thought if as a Caucasian I could be so disturbed and disgusted by the terrifying events portrayed in the film; then they would be truly the stuff of nightmares for people of color.
The cast is very strong and gives memorable performances that show the complexity of their characters. They are not simply a militant and a snitch, but rather complex individuals trying to survive.
âJudas and the Black Messiahâ is a very well-crafted film that is equally informative and disturbing and does what good cinema does best; educate, entertain, and inform.
4.5 stars out of 5
In the new film âJudas and the Black Messiahâ, audiences are told the real-life story of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) who runs a local chapter of The Black Panthers in Illinois in the 1960s.
The rise of what is perceived as militant groups in the wake of the killings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King has caused increased police and Federal actions which have caused many in Hamptonâs community to feel they are at war with the authorities and fighting for their very survival against a system of injustice and systemic racism.
When car thief William OâNeal is arrested, FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons); offers OâNeal a chance to avoid prison and earn some money by becoming an informant. Despite his reservations; OâNeal works his way into Hamptonâs inner circle and develops a friendship with the man as he learns of his plans to unify the various factions in their communities.
OâNeal sees how there is more to the Black Panthers as they feed, educate, and assist members of their community and work to contain more extreme elements that look to make statements through bombings and extreme actions.
The threat posed by Hampton draws the attention of FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen), and plans are developed to take down Hampton and his organization which in turn puts even more pressure on Mitchell and OâNeal.
The movie is a gripping, disturbing, and sure to be controversial look into the lives of the key figures as well as the ongoing debates on racial injustice, police violence, hate groups, and violence in the community.
Director Shaka King attempts to find a balance in the film as there are moments where party members draw their weapons against the police and kill wounded officers. There are also numerous scenes where police beat and shoot unarmed individuals or use excessive force which underscores Hamptonâs stance that his community is at war and this is a life or death struggle.
The last time I was so disturbed by a film of this genre was âDetroitâ which shocked me with the horrific true crimes that were portrayed and how those involved escaped justice. I thought if as a Caucasian I could be so disturbed and disgusted by the terrifying events portrayed in the film; then they would be truly the stuff of nightmares for people of color.
The cast is very strong and gives memorable performances that show the complexity of their characters. They are not simply a militant and a snitch, but rather complex individuals trying to survive.
âJudas and the Black Messiahâ is a very well-crafted film that is equally informative and disturbing and does what good cinema does best; educate, entertain, and inform.
4.5 stars out of 5
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
Black Ops.
There was a joke on the internet the other day that made me laugh and laugh. Virtually the only white people in âBlack Pantherâ are the Hobbit/LOTR stars Martin Freeman and Andy SerkisâŚ. they are the Tolkein white guys! Itâs actually getting to feel quite isolating as an âaverage white guyâ at the movies! After a plethora of #SheDo films about empowered women, now comes the first black-centred Marvel film⌠stuffed full of powerful women too!
The setting is the hidden African kingdom of Wakanda, where due to an abundance of a an all-powerful mineral called McGuffinite⌠so, sorry, Vibranium⌠the leaders have made their city a technological marvel and developed all sorts of ad tech to help the people keep their goats well and weave their baskets better (there are a few odd scenes in this film!). TâChalla (Chadwick Boseman) succeeds his father TâChaka (John Kani) to become the king and adopt the role of The Black Panther, being bestowed superhero powers by drinking a glass of Ribena.
But it emerges that TâChaka has a dark secret in the form of Eric Killmonger (Michael B Jordan, âCreedâ) who is determined to muscle in on the king-stuff. âIt never rains but it poursâ, and the whole of Wakandaâs secrets are in danger of being exposed by the antics of the vicious South African mercenary Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis, âWar For The Planet Of The Apesâ), trying to get his hands on vibranium to sell on to CIA operative Everett Ross (Martin Freeman, âThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armiesâ, âThe Worldâs Endâ).
After âThor: Ragnarokâ, this is back to the more seriously-played end of the superhero spectrum: there are a few jokes but itâs not overtly played for comedy. Holding the film together are some sterling performances from the ensemble cast with Michael B Jordan very good as the villain of the piece. Adding to the significant black girl power in the film are Angela Bassett (âLondon Has Fallenâ) as the queen mother; Danai Gurira (âWonder Womanâ) as the leader of the Dora Milaje: the all-female kingâs guard; and Lupita Nyongâo (â12 Years a Slaveâ, âStar Wars: The Force Awakensâ) as the spy and love interest Nakia. But the star performance for me, and one I found absolutely spot-on as a role model for young people, was Letitia Wright (âThe Commuterâ) as Shuri, the kingâs chief scientist. She is absolutely radiant, adding beauty, rude gestures and energy to every scene she is in.
Man of the moment Daniel Kaluuya (âGet Outâ) also adds to his movie-cred as a conflicted courtier.
On the white side of the shop Andy Serkis has enormous fun as Klaue and I really wanted to see more of his character than I did. Martin Freeman feels rather lightweight and under-used, and I couldnât quite get past his dodgy American accent.
In terms of storyline, the film is a hotch-potch of plots from multiple other films, with âThe Lion Kingâ featuring strongly (but almost in reverse!). But thatâs no crime, when the Shakespearean-style narrative is good, and interpolating the strongly emotional story into the Marvel universe works well.
Where I felt a little uncomfortable is the element of racism â that is, racism *against* white people â reflected in the story. If there was a movie plot centred (basically) on the topic of whites killing blacks and taking control of every black-controlled country in the world (yes, I know, Iâm British and we have historically been there!) then there would be justified uproar, and the film would be shunned.
In the technical department, I had real problems with some of the effects employed. Starting with a dodgy âaircraftâ shadow, things nose-dive with an astonishingly poor waterfall scene with Forest Whitaker (âRogue Oneâ, âArrivalâ) as Zuri, green-screened against some Disneyworld cascades and hundreds of cut and pasted tribesmen randomly inserted onto the cliffs. Almost matching that is a studio-set scene in a jungle clearing, where if feels they could hardly have bothered to take the plants out of their pots. Think âDaktariâ quality (kids, ask your parents/grandparents).
But overall, the film, directed by Ryan Coogler (âCreedâ), is a high-energy and uniquely different take on Marvel that absolutely pays off. And it is without doubt an important movie in moving the black agenda forward into properly mainstream cinema.
The setting is the hidden African kingdom of Wakanda, where due to an abundance of a an all-powerful mineral called McGuffinite⌠so, sorry, Vibranium⌠the leaders have made their city a technological marvel and developed all sorts of ad tech to help the people keep their goats well and weave their baskets better (there are a few odd scenes in this film!). TâChalla (Chadwick Boseman) succeeds his father TâChaka (John Kani) to become the king and adopt the role of The Black Panther, being bestowed superhero powers by drinking a glass of Ribena.
But it emerges that TâChaka has a dark secret in the form of Eric Killmonger (Michael B Jordan, âCreedâ) who is determined to muscle in on the king-stuff. âIt never rains but it poursâ, and the whole of Wakandaâs secrets are in danger of being exposed by the antics of the vicious South African mercenary Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis, âWar For The Planet Of The Apesâ), trying to get his hands on vibranium to sell on to CIA operative Everett Ross (Martin Freeman, âThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armiesâ, âThe Worldâs Endâ).
After âThor: Ragnarokâ, this is back to the more seriously-played end of the superhero spectrum: there are a few jokes but itâs not overtly played for comedy. Holding the film together are some sterling performances from the ensemble cast with Michael B Jordan very good as the villain of the piece. Adding to the significant black girl power in the film are Angela Bassett (âLondon Has Fallenâ) as the queen mother; Danai Gurira (âWonder Womanâ) as the leader of the Dora Milaje: the all-female kingâs guard; and Lupita Nyongâo (â12 Years a Slaveâ, âStar Wars: The Force Awakensâ) as the spy and love interest Nakia. But the star performance for me, and one I found absolutely spot-on as a role model for young people, was Letitia Wright (âThe Commuterâ) as Shuri, the kingâs chief scientist. She is absolutely radiant, adding beauty, rude gestures and energy to every scene she is in.
Man of the moment Daniel Kaluuya (âGet Outâ) also adds to his movie-cred as a conflicted courtier.
On the white side of the shop Andy Serkis has enormous fun as Klaue and I really wanted to see more of his character than I did. Martin Freeman feels rather lightweight and under-used, and I couldnât quite get past his dodgy American accent.
In terms of storyline, the film is a hotch-potch of plots from multiple other films, with âThe Lion Kingâ featuring strongly (but almost in reverse!). But thatâs no crime, when the Shakespearean-style narrative is good, and interpolating the strongly emotional story into the Marvel universe works well.
Where I felt a little uncomfortable is the element of racism â that is, racism *against* white people â reflected in the story. If there was a movie plot centred (basically) on the topic of whites killing blacks and taking control of every black-controlled country in the world (yes, I know, Iâm British and we have historically been there!) then there would be justified uproar, and the film would be shunned.
In the technical department, I had real problems with some of the effects employed. Starting with a dodgy âaircraftâ shadow, things nose-dive with an astonishingly poor waterfall scene with Forest Whitaker (âRogue Oneâ, âArrivalâ) as Zuri, green-screened against some Disneyworld cascades and hundreds of cut and pasted tribesmen randomly inserted onto the cliffs. Almost matching that is a studio-set scene in a jungle clearing, where if feels they could hardly have bothered to take the plants out of their pots. Think âDaktariâ quality (kids, ask your parents/grandparents).
But overall, the film, directed by Ryan Coogler (âCreedâ), is a high-energy and uniquely different take on Marvel that absolutely pays off. And it is without doubt an important movie in moving the black agenda forward into properly mainstream cinema.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated More Holmes for the Holidays in Books
Mar 1, 2018
[a:Martin H. Greenberg|6436872|Martin H. Greenberg|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66.jpg] and company have provided a fine collection of Sherlockian holiday stories that fit in quite well with the traditional set.
"The Christmas Gift" by Anne Perry is a nice little piece about a stolen Stradivarius and a couple who want to marry against the wishes of the young lady's father. There is an excellent red herring, one of the few in this anthology.
In "The Four Wise Men" by Peter Lovesey, Watson must answer a call to duty from his former commanding officer in the Army, in order to help guard a medieval treasure in a Christmas pageant. The game is soon afoot, and Sherlock's powers of observation are as keen as ever.
Barbara Paul's "Eleemosynary, My Dear Watson" gives Holmes a jewel theft and a kidnapping to solve, which he does in his inimitable way. One clue seemed slightly too obvious to me, but it may not to other readers.
In "The Adventure of the Greatest Gift" by Loren D. Estleman, Holmes receives a wax cylinder containing a recording of a song popular in America. He takes it as a warning of a crime which could lead to war between Britain and France, and of course he leaps into action. This is Mycroft Holmes' only appearance in the volume.
There's plenty of misdirection in "The Case of the Rajah's Emerald" by Carolyn Wheat. Somehow, though, I suspected one of the great revelations in this one from the beginning, but I couldn't tell you exactly why. It didn't ruin the story for me, and there was still a surprise at the end.
On the other hand, Edward D. Hoch's "The Christmas Conspiracy" managed to take me completely unawares. I couldn't fathom why the crime would be committed or by whom, despite having a major clue dropped by one character. Very well done!
"The Music of Christmas" by L.B. Greenwood telegraphed the identity of the criminal from the start, but was well worth reading. One of the characters also tugged at the heartstrings.
Bill Crider's "The Adventure of the Christmas Bear" is largely memorable because of the appearance of Oscar Wilde as a character.
"The Adventure of the Naturalist's Stock Pin" by Jon L. Breen gives us Charles Darwin as Holmes' client. The mystery is less Sherlockian than some of the others, but I didn't mind reading it.
Daniel Stashower's "The Adventure of the Second Violet" was an interesting twist on a well-known Christmas story. I cannot say more without spoiling it, but he has a nice touch.
"The Human Mystery" by Tanith Lee is as dark as I expect from her, and was a depressing ending to the collection. It was, however, very well-written.
The anthology left me hungry for more Holmes, and wishing that I weren't between seasons of BBC's Sherlock or that I had another collection of stories on hand. That's the sign of a success, I think.
"The Christmas Gift" by Anne Perry is a nice little piece about a stolen Stradivarius and a couple who want to marry against the wishes of the young lady's father. There is an excellent red herring, one of the few in this anthology.
In "The Four Wise Men" by Peter Lovesey, Watson must answer a call to duty from his former commanding officer in the Army, in order to help guard a medieval treasure in a Christmas pageant. The game is soon afoot, and Sherlock's powers of observation are as keen as ever.
Barbara Paul's "Eleemosynary, My Dear Watson" gives Holmes a jewel theft and a kidnapping to solve, which he does in his inimitable way. One clue seemed slightly too obvious to me, but it may not to other readers.
In "The Adventure of the Greatest Gift" by Loren D. Estleman, Holmes receives a wax cylinder containing a recording of a song popular in America. He takes it as a warning of a crime which could lead to war between Britain and France, and of course he leaps into action. This is Mycroft Holmes' only appearance in the volume.
There's plenty of misdirection in "The Case of the Rajah's Emerald" by Carolyn Wheat. Somehow, though, I suspected one of the great revelations in this one from the beginning, but I couldn't tell you exactly why. It didn't ruin the story for me, and there was still a surprise at the end.
On the other hand, Edward D. Hoch's "The Christmas Conspiracy" managed to take me completely unawares. I couldn't fathom why the crime would be committed or by whom, despite having a major clue dropped by one character. Very well done!
"The Music of Christmas" by L.B. Greenwood telegraphed the identity of the criminal from the start, but was well worth reading. One of the characters also tugged at the heartstrings.
Bill Crider's "The Adventure of the Christmas Bear" is largely memorable because of the appearance of Oscar Wilde as a character.
"The Adventure of the Naturalist's Stock Pin" by Jon L. Breen gives us Charles Darwin as Holmes' client. The mystery is less Sherlockian than some of the others, but I didn't mind reading it.
Daniel Stashower's "The Adventure of the Second Violet" was an interesting twist on a well-known Christmas story. I cannot say more without spoiling it, but he has a nice touch.
"The Human Mystery" by Tanith Lee is as dark as I expect from her, and was a depressing ending to the collection. It was, however, very well-written.
The anthology left me hungry for more Holmes, and wishing that I weren't between seasons of BBC's Sherlock or that I had another collection of stories on hand. That's the sign of a success, I think.