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Angels in Our Hearts
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A moving collection of 6 short stories – Helpless, A Small Boy’s Cry, Two More Sleeps,...
Digging Up Mother: A Love Story
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Doug Stanhope is one of the most critically acclaimed and stridently unrepentant comedians of his...
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated All That's Dead in Books
May 27, 2019
Darkly humorous and thrilling
Having read and thoroughly loved one of Mr MacBride's previous outings starring Logan McRae - A Dark So Deadly - I was thrilled to be accepted by the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, via NetGalley to read and review "All That's Dead" before publication in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Suicide Squad (2021) in Movies
Aug 4, 2021
The Suicide Squad is a (possible) reboot that may or may not follow on from Suicide Squad and (or only) Birds of Prey. Honestly I'm not sure that even DC knows what's going on with their movie time line. Anyway, Margot Robbie and Joel Kinnamen return as Harley Quinn and Rick Flagg to lead another team of criminal misfits on an impossible mission (or, if it's a reboot like James Gunn says then it's the first time they are together and we ignore that Flagg askes Harley why she's back in prison or that Waller's team are checking who has worked with who). This time task force X are sent to the island of Corto Maltese to find and destroy 'Project Starfish'.
Ok so 'The Suicide Squad' is a good film, it looks like it has learned form the problems of the first film and incorporated the humour from 'Birds of Prey'. Firstly It's not as formulaic as the first film, a problem that is caused by the premise of 'Task Force X', if each member of the task force is chosen because they have a skill that is useful for the mission then you would expect that skill to be used and the first film took this too literally, each member had a scene where they did their thing then they just faded into the background and 'The Suicide Squad' avoids this by focusing on the characters was, well characters and not powers.
The film is very action driven and very violent but, unlike some of the other recent DC films it's not dark, it has more of a 'Grindhouse' feel than the dark, brooding style of the Batman/Superman/Justice league films (I liked those but they were a bit heavy in parts). The Suicide Squad has humour in it, some of which is quite immature but it fits the tone of the film. The violence and humour is some what balanced out by the comic book feel the film has, King shark, Weasel and Staro are both some what cartoony in appearance and some of the costumes are straight out of the comic books and I think that this is what managed to keep it at a (UK) rating of 15 because (and I know I've said this) it's violent, it's bloody, people get ripped apart and there is torture and lots of talk about killing children.
Somehow 'The Suicide Squad' is a fun watchable film and defiantly one of the better DC films, don't be put of by the original Suicide Squad (no 'The).
Oh and also there's a, after credit scene that set's up for a film that's been announced so stick around until the credits finish.
Ok so 'The Suicide Squad' is a good film, it looks like it has learned form the problems of the first film and incorporated the humour from 'Birds of Prey'. Firstly It's not as formulaic as the first film, a problem that is caused by the premise of 'Task Force X', if each member of the task force is chosen because they have a skill that is useful for the mission then you would expect that skill to be used and the first film took this too literally, each member had a scene where they did their thing then they just faded into the background and 'The Suicide Squad' avoids this by focusing on the characters was, well characters and not powers.
The film is very action driven and very violent but, unlike some of the other recent DC films it's not dark, it has more of a 'Grindhouse' feel than the dark, brooding style of the Batman/Superman/Justice league films (I liked those but they were a bit heavy in parts). The Suicide Squad has humour in it, some of which is quite immature but it fits the tone of the film. The violence and humour is some what balanced out by the comic book feel the film has, King shark, Weasel and Staro are both some what cartoony in appearance and some of the costumes are straight out of the comic books and I think that this is what managed to keep it at a (UK) rating of 15 because (and I know I've said this) it's violent, it's bloody, people get ripped apart and there is torture and lots of talk about killing children.
Somehow 'The Suicide Squad' is a fun watchable film and defiantly one of the better DC films, don't be put of by the original Suicide Squad (no 'The).
Oh and also there's a, after credit scene that set's up for a film that's been announced so stick around until the credits finish.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Maleficent (2014) in Movies
Oct 19, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
A refreshing take on a beloved classic
Sleeping Beauty is one of the most famous classic animated Disney features of all time, and that is partly thanks to the villain of the piece - Maleficent.
When I think back to watching Sleeping Beauty as a child, Maleficent is the main aspect that sticks out.
A being of seemingly pure evil, who would curse a baby just because.
This live action re telling of Sleeping Beauty shifts the focus to Maleficent almost exclusively, and explores an untold backstory that gives the character a whole different aspect.
And I reckon it's done pretty well.
Angelina Jolie is obviously having fun playing the strong fairy Queen, who turns to the dark side after she's done over by King Stefan, and she plays both the sympathetic and evil parts of Maleficent with style, with sprinkles of dark humour here and there for good measure.
Stefan is played by Sharlto Copley, who I loved im both District 9, and Elysium, so it's interesting to see him do something different here.
Aurora is more of a side character this time around, but Elle Fanning does a good job of fitting in when the narrative calls for it.
The film looks great for the most part. The more colourful palette of The Moors is lovely and feels suitably magical, and the darkness of the thorned forest plays well with a more gothic athstetic, and it's all backed up by a terrific score (courtesy of James Newton Howard).
The CGI is still pretty passable considering the film is now 5 years old, only becoming more obvious in the flying scenes.
The only things I didn't like about Maleficent, was mainly the three fairy godmothers. I know that Disney need to fill a certain quota of silly humour, but they became quickly annoying and actually quite out of place with the rest of the film.
Some of the dialogue is quite cheesy (especially when Maleficent performs the curse on Aurora) but little things like this are to be expected from a Disney fairytale.
All in all, Maleficent is great fun, and pretty good twist to a well established classic story.
When I think back to watching Sleeping Beauty as a child, Maleficent is the main aspect that sticks out.
A being of seemingly pure evil, who would curse a baby just because.
This live action re telling of Sleeping Beauty shifts the focus to Maleficent almost exclusively, and explores an untold backstory that gives the character a whole different aspect.
And I reckon it's done pretty well.
Angelina Jolie is obviously having fun playing the strong fairy Queen, who turns to the dark side after she's done over by King Stefan, and she plays both the sympathetic and evil parts of Maleficent with style, with sprinkles of dark humour here and there for good measure.
Stefan is played by Sharlto Copley, who I loved im both District 9, and Elysium, so it's interesting to see him do something different here.
Aurora is more of a side character this time around, but Elle Fanning does a good job of fitting in when the narrative calls for it.
The film looks great for the most part. The more colourful palette of The Moors is lovely and feels suitably magical, and the darkness of the thorned forest plays well with a more gothic athstetic, and it's all backed up by a terrific score (courtesy of James Newton Howard).
The CGI is still pretty passable considering the film is now 5 years old, only becoming more obvious in the flying scenes.
The only things I didn't like about Maleficent, was mainly the three fairy godmothers. I know that Disney need to fill a certain quota of silly humour, but they became quickly annoying and actually quite out of place with the rest of the film.
Some of the dialogue is quite cheesy (especially when Maleficent performs the curse on Aurora) but little things like this are to be expected from a Disney fairytale.
All in all, Maleficent is great fun, and pretty good twist to a well established classic story.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Part One in TV
Jun 8, 2019
As someone who grew up with the old Sabrina TV Show back as a teenager I didn't exactly have high hopes for this show.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how different and good this new adaptation is! It still keeps the small amount of humour with now more horror and sometimes gruesome imagery.
I am terrified of horror, but even I can cope with this amount of gore and horror without fleeing the room.
I particularly like with this version the different versions of Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda, the way they portray the differences in Witches from the dark and broody to the light and humorous. How you can be good but still grumpy. I love the introduction of Ambrose who keeps the series updated with humour and sass, he is probably one of my favourite characters in this show.
To have Salem as a certain type of familiar (no spoilers i swear) is an interesting touch and brings a new element to the show that the former was lacking. But it does also touch on Witch lore which keeps you interested and motivated into watching this series as it carries on.
The only bad (and not even that bad) thing I could mention is the fact sometimes Sabrina literally goes looking for trouble where she needn't. But that is a character flaw which makes her all the more human/Witch to the viewers. Even though it can be annoying, perhaps it's my age that is making me cynical, I can't dispute it's results in keeping the viewer engaged and interested.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how different and good this new adaptation is! It still keeps the small amount of humour with now more horror and sometimes gruesome imagery.
I am terrified of horror, but even I can cope with this amount of gore and horror without fleeing the room.
I particularly like with this version the different versions of Aunt Hilda and Aunt Zelda, the way they portray the differences in Witches from the dark and broody to the light and humorous. How you can be good but still grumpy. I love the introduction of Ambrose who keeps the series updated with humour and sass, he is probably one of my favourite characters in this show.
To have Salem as a certain type of familiar (no spoilers i swear) is an interesting touch and brings a new element to the show that the former was lacking. But it does also touch on Witch lore which keeps you interested and motivated into watching this series as it carries on.
The only bad (and not even that bad) thing I could mention is the fact sometimes Sabrina literally goes looking for trouble where she needn't. But that is a character flaw which makes her all the more human/Witch to the viewers. Even though it can be annoying, perhaps it's my age that is making me cynical, I can't dispute it's results in keeping the viewer engaged and interested.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated 20th Century Women (2017) in Movies
Oct 15, 2017 (Updated Oct 15, 2017)
A solid drama with beautiful cinematography
I began watching this thinking it would be like Little Miss Sunshine aka dark humour but good comedy. But it's not at all - it's pure drama, but still good nevertheless.
Annette Bening plays a lonely 54 year old mother living with her teenage son, and various lodgers in 1979. There's a massive generational divide, Bening was born in the 1920's and feels overwhelmed with her son in this era where punk rock is all the rage and there's general apathy at the world.
At this point she asks for help from her lodger, a young feminist photographer in remission from cervical cancer and a much older hippy mechanic. Instead they seem to confuse the situation further due to a gap in understanding about one another's circumstances, causing mother and son to further drift apart.
It's a different style of coming-of-age film because it shows how the mother's role is also changing and adapting to a new age of politics and societal pressures. A poignant, beautifully shot drama.
Annette Bening plays a lonely 54 year old mother living with her teenage son, and various lodgers in 1979. There's a massive generational divide, Bening was born in the 1920's and feels overwhelmed with her son in this era where punk rock is all the rage and there's general apathy at the world.
At this point she asks for help from her lodger, a young feminist photographer in remission from cervical cancer and a much older hippy mechanic. Instead they seem to confuse the situation further due to a gap in understanding about one another's circumstances, causing mother and son to further drift apart.
It's a different style of coming-of-age film because it shows how the mother's role is also changing and adapting to a new age of politics and societal pressures. A poignant, beautifully shot drama.
Sam (74 KP) rated The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events #2) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
A Series of Unfortunate Events is my favourite series on Netflix, so a few months ago I decided I was finally going to buy the books and read the whole series, and I don’t regret that decision.
The Reptile Room is the second book in the series and is much better than the Netflix series.
The book opens with Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire on their way to live with their uncle, Dr Montgomery Montgomery, a semi-successful herpetologist with a large collection of reptiles.
Dr Montgomery’s assistant, Gustav, left him without any notice just before the Baudelaire orphans arrive, and his replacement, Stephano is strangely like Count Olaf.
The thing I love about The Reptile Room is the dark humour running throughout it. There are constant jokes that are definitely not aimed towards children which make it such a fun book to read.
It’s funny, sad and entertaining all at the same time and I really do wish I’d have read it when I was younger because it’s just the ideal book for me.
The Reptile Room is the second book in the series and is much better than the Netflix series.
The book opens with Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire on their way to live with their uncle, Dr Montgomery Montgomery, a semi-successful herpetologist with a large collection of reptiles.
Dr Montgomery’s assistant, Gustav, left him without any notice just before the Baudelaire orphans arrive, and his replacement, Stephano is strangely like Count Olaf.
The thing I love about The Reptile Room is the dark humour running throughout it. There are constant jokes that are definitely not aimed towards children which make it such a fun book to read.
It’s funny, sad and entertaining all at the same time and I really do wish I’d have read it when I was younger because it’s just the ideal book for me.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Fortitude - Season 3 in TV
Dec 22, 2018
Good but a little unsatisfying
4 episodes to wrap up the entire events of the first two series of Fortitude is a little ambitious, but for the most part it actually succeeds. I'm glad that they didn't decide to drag this out across another 10 episodes, as that would've been completely unnecessary.
Instead they manage to wrap up quite a few loose ends - including finding out who was behind Khatri's work, and giving some comeuppance to some of the more unlikable characters for the first 2 series. As is standard with Fortitude, there's a fair amount of dark humour and gore. There's also some decent development for some of the characters that have been sidelined in the past (Eric and Ingrid especially).
They've done a fairly decent job in wrapping this series up, but my biggest issue is that the final ending for me was unsatisfying. It wasn't bad, but it just left me feeling a little disappointed. They could easily have added an extra 15 minutes onto this episode just to make it a little neater.
Instead they manage to wrap up quite a few loose ends - including finding out who was behind Khatri's work, and giving some comeuppance to some of the more unlikable characters for the first 2 series. As is standard with Fortitude, there's a fair amount of dark humour and gore. There's also some decent development for some of the characters that have been sidelined in the past (Eric and Ingrid especially).
They've done a fairly decent job in wrapping this series up, but my biggest issue is that the final ending for me was unsatisfying. It wasn't bad, but it just left me feeling a little disappointed. They could easily have added an extra 15 minutes onto this episode just to make it a little neater.
I admit that I actually quite enjoyed this book in a strange kind of way. It was well written, had a unique story-line, surprising ending and great characters although some of them are not particularly likeable. There is ample dark humour which offsets the tension perfectly and although it does seem to be a bit OTT in parts, it does work well in this book however, I have to say that, in my opinion, the wrong person died at the end!!
Please be aware that this is not a politically correct book and there is a lot of violence and blood however, the title and description should have given this away so this shouldn't come as too much of a shock.
I haven't read anything by this author before but I am likely to pick up another of his works in the future.
Thanks to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and for, once again, introducing me to another new author to look out for.
Please be aware that this is not a politically correct book and there is a lot of violence and blood however, the title and description should have given this away so this shouldn't come as too much of a shock.
I haven't read anything by this author before but I am likely to pick up another of his works in the future.
Thanks to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and for, once again, introducing me to another new author to look out for.