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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies

Jul 11, 2019  
Happy Death Day (2017)
Happy Death Day (2017)
2017 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
7
6.9 (82 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Using familiar themes can be a risk. What we have seen in previous films that define a style, becomes cliché and bores the audience. Then there are times when movies turn the trope on its head and gives us a clever take on the familiar. Christopher Landon (Scout’s Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse) has directed a fun romp in suspense and horror. Yes, there is the blatant reference to Groundhog Day, but this film is definitely a homage to John Carpenter, the master of the genre.

We know from the trailer that this is a horror/suspense loop and there are expectations set in this type of film. The young, attractive, woman, stalked by an unknown, masked assailant with a penchant for cutlery. As we know, Tree (Jessica Rothe) gets killed repeatedly on her birthday. We know it’s a slasher flick, expecting to see lots of blood and gore. Putting the main character in a time loop is definitely a twist in the storytelling.

Using repetition in film can be a tricky, stalling the momentum of the film. There was a moment during where I wondered when the loop would end, creating the feeling of hopelessness. It is at that time where Tree’s through process shifts and we travel with her in this never ending day. It takes a few times in the loop for Tree’s character to become enlightened She does figure out that each return is a do-over, an opportunity to make different choices.

The film also tips it’s hat to the college/high school, mean girl movies and definitely a nod to John Hughes Sixteen Candles. It had humor, wit and clever character development, I certainly did not expect to enjoy the film as much as I did. I would definitely watch it again to catch all of the references.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Cardiac Arrest in Books

Mar 23, 2018  
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac Arrest
Lisa Q. Mathews | 2015 | Mystery
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
An Arresting Series Debut
When Milano, Florida, cardiologist Dr. Anthony Amoretto, aka Dr. A, dies in his office one morning, it brings Summer Smythe and Dorothy Westin together. Summer is a twenty-something working her first day for Dr. A, and she becomes the prime suspect since she handed him his morning shake. Meanwhile, Dorothy is a woman of a certain age who was Dr. A’s first appointment. The unlikely friends set out to find out what happened to Dr. A to clear Summer’s name. What will they uncover?

This book was a delight from start to finish. Dorothy and Summer are true partners, even acting as our third person point of view characters at various times, and both uncovering key pieces of the puzzle. Dr. A had plenty of secrets, and I had no clue where things were going until we reached the logical end. A few of the characters are a bit over the top, but they work for the comedic tone of the book. Summer would annoy me at times, but then she’s show a hidden depth that would make me rethink her. I hope she matures as the series progresses. Dorothy, on the other hand, was a pure delight. I can’t wait to visit this duo again.