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Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) in Movies
Sep 7, 2018
Some good tension ramping (1 more)
Jump Scares are on point
The 'Baddies' in this lack the pure sinister power of the demon from the first. (1 more)
Its a little 'straightforward haunted house movie' for my tastes
Decent Tension, but disappointingly predictable
Contains spoilers, click to show
Straight off the bat, if you liked the first Insidious, you will likely like the second.
Following straight on from the end of the first film, we are straight back with Wan's favourite boy Patrick Wilson and family, and the plot is a solid continuation of the themes explored in the first movie.
The camerawork in this movie, the framing of some of the shots etc is phenomenal and genuinely half of the tension of this film is generated by clever angles, and the lurching movement of the camera itself.
But where Insidious always began to struggle for me was in the mythos and the 'spirit realm' where it went a bit 'poltergeist' and took me out of the tension build in both films, though some of the ideas were interesting.
This film's antagonists never reach the same level of intimidation and fear as represented by the brilliant 'Darth Maul' Demon of the initial flick, but there are some interesting dynamics introduced using a serial killer and his relationship with his mother.
The biggest disappointment is probably just that Insidious 2 doesn't really ever expand on the first, leaving us with a nicely wrapped up story, but without really expanding our understanding or excitement for what a 3rd installment could offer.
That being said, it does enough right to make it an enjoyable watch, and the class of Wan and Whannell is evident throughout.
A polished, decent scare fest with plenty of strengths, but lacking in a truly memorable antagonist.
Following straight on from the end of the first film, we are straight back with Wan's favourite boy Patrick Wilson and family, and the plot is a solid continuation of the themes explored in the first movie.
The camerawork in this movie, the framing of some of the shots etc is phenomenal and genuinely half of the tension of this film is generated by clever angles, and the lurching movement of the camera itself.
But where Insidious always began to struggle for me was in the mythos and the 'spirit realm' where it went a bit 'poltergeist' and took me out of the tension build in both films, though some of the ideas were interesting.
This film's antagonists never reach the same level of intimidation and fear as represented by the brilliant 'Darth Maul' Demon of the initial flick, but there are some interesting dynamics introduced using a serial killer and his relationship with his mother.
The biggest disappointment is probably just that Insidious 2 doesn't really ever expand on the first, leaving us with a nicely wrapped up story, but without really expanding our understanding or excitement for what a 3rd installment could offer.
That being said, it does enough right to make it an enjoyable watch, and the class of Wan and Whannell is evident throughout.
A polished, decent scare fest with plenty of strengths, but lacking in a truly memorable antagonist.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated New Mutants/X-Force: Demon Bear in Books
Nov 30, 2020
What a great read! No, seriously, this was how you tell a story: a beginning, a middle (oh, good Lord, what a marvelous middle), and an ending! Heroes doing heroic things, the "big bad" doing, well, bad things, and all of this held together by some of Chris Claremont's most solid of writings and some of the trippiest, yet tightly solid art by Bill Sienkiewicz!
The only smear in the book, and I shouldn't call it a smear so much as a disappointment, was the inclusion of X-FORCE (1991): #99. I respect why they did it, as the book was to encompass all the appearances of the Demon Bear through the team's books. However, I, for one, could have done with out it.
The writing by John Francis Moore was okay. It may have been really good, but what killed it for me was the art by Jim Cheung. I am something of an admirer of his style, but here it was just rubbish. The team looked too cartoon-y, while the Demon Bear was not scary in the least!
But, as much of the disappointment as that inclusion, X-Force (2008) #s 7-10, as excerpts, was what helped keep the book together. From Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost's tense, edgy characterization to just the overall flavor. C'mon, it's X-FORCE, written by Laura Kinney's (X-23) "papas"! Sure, it was gonna be good!
If you are looking for some exciting X-store, without all the mess that is currently in the X-Universe, this one would be your best best! But don't take my word for it (thanks, LeVar Burton!), read for yourself and experience what I did..
The only smear in the book, and I shouldn't call it a smear so much as a disappointment, was the inclusion of X-FORCE (1991): #99. I respect why they did it, as the book was to encompass all the appearances of the Demon Bear through the team's books. However, I, for one, could have done with out it.
The writing by John Francis Moore was okay. It may have been really good, but what killed it for me was the art by Jim Cheung. I am something of an admirer of his style, but here it was just rubbish. The team looked too cartoon-y, while the Demon Bear was not scary in the least!
But, as much of the disappointment as that inclusion, X-Force (2008) #s 7-10, as excerpts, was what helped keep the book together. From Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost's tense, edgy characterization to just the overall flavor. C'mon, it's X-FORCE, written by Laura Kinney's (X-23) "papas"! Sure, it was gonna be good!
If you are looking for some exciting X-store, without all the mess that is currently in the X-Universe, this one would be your best best! But don't take my word for it (thanks, LeVar Burton!), read for yourself and experience what I did..
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) in Books
Jun 23, 2022
112 of 230
Book
House of Earth and Blood ( Crescent City book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.
I absolutely loved it from start to finish! It was one emotional journey and yes I had a tear escape! For me the book flowed well it kept me interested and I loved the characters. I’m totally in love with Ruhn. I was expecting the slaughter so soon in the book it was definitely a deep breath moment! I do love Sarah J Maas.
Book
House of Earth and Blood ( Crescent City book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.
I absolutely loved it from start to finish! It was one emotional journey and yes I had a tear escape! For me the book flowed well it kept me interested and I loved the characters. I’m totally in love with Ruhn. I was expecting the slaughter so soon in the book it was definitely a deep breath moment! I do love Sarah J Maas.
The title says it all, on which side will you STAND?
I have loved this book from the first moment I picked it up and couldn't put it down, over 20 years ago . How could you not love a epic novel about the end of the world and the fight between good and evil? The characters are so very human, just a few on the side of good, the matriach, the unwed mother, the good ol' boy, the deaf mute, the judge, the soul singer. The demon/devil, ex-con, former cop, party girl, crazy arsonist are just a few on the dark side. They survive the plague and then have to take a "stand" (and pick a side) and survive the war between good and evil.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated sassy ever after: demon mate in Books
Aug 13, 2017
sexy and wonderful
this was amazing.. i freakin loved it.. brogan is amazing.. i love love love his best friends who choose to go to hell with him to get out his mate.. his mate is sexy as hell and i cannot wait to see what happens with a wolf and a demon.. my only gripe is its too short.. i need soo much more lol.. but i knew it was short going into it so it wasnt a shock haha.. plus so many parts made me laugh and smile.. i love that these two had to get to know each other through other means then sex.. they love before they have sex and thats a fun thing for mate that we dont see often. i loved it and im glad i got to review it
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Twister (1996) in Movies
Jun 10, 2018
I miss Bill Paxton
Bill was remarkable in the range of characters he played throughout his career. Whether it was the obnoxious big brother in Weird Science, the annoy Corporal Hudson in Aliens, or a demon killer in the amazing Frailty, he had dynamic range and energy and he is sorely missed.
Twister is one of those films you can't help watch when it is on even if you have seen many times. Yeah, a lot of the acting is over the top, especially with the "evil" storm chasers, how dare they take corporate money!?!
The storm sequences make up for it though with many intense scenes that make you want to run and hide in your seat.
Bill seems to hold things together, though, as he always does.
I miss him.
Twister is one of those films you can't help watch when it is on even if you have seen many times. Yeah, a lot of the acting is over the top, especially with the "evil" storm chasers, how dare they take corporate money!?!
The storm sequences make up for it though with many intense scenes that make you want to run and hide in your seat.
Bill seems to hold things together, though, as he always does.
I miss him.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Ring Two (2005) in Movies
Oct 18, 2019
The Ring's Grudge
Unlike the first one, this one is bad. It is really different from the first one and thats really effects this movie from the first one. The first one was really horrorfying and terrorfying. This one was not the scary. I mean their were some scary sences, but overall it was not that scary. So whats the plot....
Sequel to the cult horror about a videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it. The journalist from the original film destroys the tape but is pursued by the demon that cursed it and who now wants to possess her son. The Japanese director of the original directs this sequel.
It is confusing, it really doesnt make any sense, really throws everything out that the first one had and just comes out with a awful movie.
Sequel to the cult horror about a videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it. The journalist from the original film destroys the tape but is pursued by the demon that cursed it and who now wants to possess her son. The Japanese director of the original directs this sequel.
It is confusing, it really doesnt make any sense, really throws everything out that the first one had and just comes out with a awful movie.
Natari (73 KP) rated Girls of Paper and Fire in Books
Jul 19, 2019
Tips for reading this book:
1) remove annoying people from your space that disturb you else you may accidentally feel empathy to a moon caste demon who is prejudice against humans.
2) start reading in the morning (not 6pm like me) because there is no point which you can put the book down and the need to sleep is an annoying inteference.
3)ensure reading nest is stocked with fluid and snacks as per 2) there is no point you want to put book down. It does not stop. the action. The love. The horror. The hope. The racing hearts. The fire. No stop. You will not want to stop.
4) have tissues. It is a bittersweet story.
5) you are strong and wonderful and beautiful. Listen to Natasha's advice at the front of the book.
1) remove annoying people from your space that disturb you else you may accidentally feel empathy to a moon caste demon who is prejudice against humans.
2) start reading in the morning (not 6pm like me) because there is no point which you can put the book down and the need to sleep is an annoying inteference.
3)ensure reading nest is stocked with fluid and snacks as per 2) there is no point you want to put book down. It does not stop. the action. The love. The horror. The hope. The racing hearts. The fire. No stop. You will not want to stop.
4) have tissues. It is a bittersweet story.
5) you are strong and wonderful and beautiful. Listen to Natasha's advice at the front of the book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fire Me Up (Aisling Grey #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2020
Aisling Grey is back-and in more trouble than ever. She thought being a courier would be easy. It's not. She thought being a Guardian would come naturally. It doesn't. She thought she could get out of being a wyvern's mate. She can't. And she never thought she'd be irresistible to men. But she is.
I really really struggled with this one! I was looking forward to the witty funny and Sarcy attitude from Aisling that we had in book 1 it just wasn't there! There were a few moments with Jim I found funny I do love that demon but it still wasn't enough to keep me from putting the book down! The ending seemed quite rushed. I will give the next book a go in the hope it's a little better. Drake is really doing my head in!
I really really struggled with this one! I was looking forward to the witty funny and Sarcy attitude from Aisling that we had in book 1 it just wasn't there! There were a few moments with Jim I found funny I do love that demon but it still wasn't enough to keep me from putting the book down! The ending seemed quite rushed. I will give the next book a go in the hope it's a little better. Drake is really doing my head in!
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated The Exorcist (1973) in Movies
Oct 17, 2019
Its a scream
This is a guest review for the stage show of The Exorcist not for the movie written by my good friend jappyscraps (on instagram) which I'm very thankful for.
The Exorcist on stage – Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 16/10/19
It’s my number one film of all-time so naturally I approached this production with some caution. Any stage adaptations of films have to be stripped down for obvious reasons and with The Exorcist having some key technical moments I was eager to see how they achieved them or even included them at all.
There’s a very clever build-up to the show with a steady drone of religious chanting and indecipherable voices, whispers and moans which stay with you before a massive crack rips through the sound system and the theatre is plunged into total darkness. It’s quite unsettling and there were a lot of nervous giggles and squeaks in the audience. A light appears at the top of the stage set and Father Merrin (played by Paul Nicholas, yes him of 80’s sitcom ‘Just Good Friends’ fame and one-time pop star) appears, speaks a few lines which we couldn’t hear at all and then promptly disappears and the stage lights reveal the MacNeil household below where Chris MacNeil and her daughter Regan. They obviously have a close bond and the next few minutes is spent establishing this and introducing the character of Burke, a film director and friend of actress Chris, who provides some occasional comedy touches. There are scenes of Regan playing with a Ouija board which she discovers in the attic. This is the first introduction of the demon that Regan refers to as Captain Howdy. Unlike the film, we hear the demon speaking in the early stages of Regan’s possession. The demon’s voice is provided by (a pre-recorded) Sir Ian McKellen and his performance is brilliant despite it sounding nothing like Mercedes McCambridge in the original.
At this stage we have lost one of the key characters and if you know the story well you will know who this is. As Reagan’s behaviour deteriorates, we are introduced to various doctors and psychiatrists before a priest friend of Chris suggests she talks to Father Karras, a key character in The Exorcist. When Karras first meets Regan she is in her bed, restrained by straps and speaking in the demon’s voice. Susannah Edgeley as Regan does a magnificent job lip-synching to McKellen’s voice, she does not miss a beat and her performance overall steals the show.
Father Karras is not convinced that an exorcism is the answer but, as we know, events take a turn for the worse and a frail Father Merrin is summoned for a showdown with the demon, which is the show’s dramatic (and loud) finale.
If you are wondering if all of The Exorcist’s key moments are included in the stage show I can confirm that most of them are, even if they don’t appear in the same scenes in the film. So, the crucifix scene is present and correct, though not so bloody and graphic. Regan’s head spin is there, achieved by what you might describe as a Penn & Teller trick but it is surprisingly effective. Regan does vomit during the exorcism but the classic scene of her projectile vomiting over Karras isn’t there, probably a step too far for a stage show. There is no levitation in the exorcism but there is a clever effect where Regan is catapulted forward on the bed, as if pushed forward by the demon. It’s all very impressive stuff.
The Exorcist on stage is very good, fans of the film will enjoy picking up on the original dialogue and dissecting the new lines and plotline. Some characters from the film don’t appear at all, the key one being Lieutenant Kinderman (played by Lee J. Cobb in the film) which I was a little disappointed about. My main issues were with the sound on occasions, particularly not hearing the actors deliver their lines clearly but it was a minor niggle. The character of Burke Dennings is renamed Burke Dennis in the stage show and I have no idea why – I was frankly irritated by it. The performances of Susannah Edgeley and McKellen’s demon more than make up for it though. The stage set is excellent and the lights and sound effects were top notch. I’d recommend it without hesitation, just don’t expect a scene for scene reboot of the film or you will be very disappointed.
The Exorcist on stage – Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 16/10/19
It’s my number one film of all-time so naturally I approached this production with some caution. Any stage adaptations of films have to be stripped down for obvious reasons and with The Exorcist having some key technical moments I was eager to see how they achieved them or even included them at all.
There’s a very clever build-up to the show with a steady drone of religious chanting and indecipherable voices, whispers and moans which stay with you before a massive crack rips through the sound system and the theatre is plunged into total darkness. It’s quite unsettling and there were a lot of nervous giggles and squeaks in the audience. A light appears at the top of the stage set and Father Merrin (played by Paul Nicholas, yes him of 80’s sitcom ‘Just Good Friends’ fame and one-time pop star) appears, speaks a few lines which we couldn’t hear at all and then promptly disappears and the stage lights reveal the MacNeil household below where Chris MacNeil and her daughter Regan. They obviously have a close bond and the next few minutes is spent establishing this and introducing the character of Burke, a film director and friend of actress Chris, who provides some occasional comedy touches. There are scenes of Regan playing with a Ouija board which she discovers in the attic. This is the first introduction of the demon that Regan refers to as Captain Howdy. Unlike the film, we hear the demon speaking in the early stages of Regan’s possession. The demon’s voice is provided by (a pre-recorded) Sir Ian McKellen and his performance is brilliant despite it sounding nothing like Mercedes McCambridge in the original.
At this stage we have lost one of the key characters and if you know the story well you will know who this is. As Reagan’s behaviour deteriorates, we are introduced to various doctors and psychiatrists before a priest friend of Chris suggests she talks to Father Karras, a key character in The Exorcist. When Karras first meets Regan she is in her bed, restrained by straps and speaking in the demon’s voice. Susannah Edgeley as Regan does a magnificent job lip-synching to McKellen’s voice, she does not miss a beat and her performance overall steals the show.
Father Karras is not convinced that an exorcism is the answer but, as we know, events take a turn for the worse and a frail Father Merrin is summoned for a showdown with the demon, which is the show’s dramatic (and loud) finale.
If you are wondering if all of The Exorcist’s key moments are included in the stage show I can confirm that most of them are, even if they don’t appear in the same scenes in the film. So, the crucifix scene is present and correct, though not so bloody and graphic. Regan’s head spin is there, achieved by what you might describe as a Penn & Teller trick but it is surprisingly effective. Regan does vomit during the exorcism but the classic scene of her projectile vomiting over Karras isn’t there, probably a step too far for a stage show. There is no levitation in the exorcism but there is a clever effect where Regan is catapulted forward on the bed, as if pushed forward by the demon. It’s all very impressive stuff.
The Exorcist on stage is very good, fans of the film will enjoy picking up on the original dialogue and dissecting the new lines and plotline. Some characters from the film don’t appear at all, the key one being Lieutenant Kinderman (played by Lee J. Cobb in the film) which I was a little disappointed about. My main issues were with the sound on occasions, particularly not hearing the actors deliver their lines clearly but it was a minor niggle. The character of Burke Dennings is renamed Burke Dennis in the stage show and I have no idea why – I was frankly irritated by it. The performances of Susannah Edgeley and McKellen’s demon more than make up for it though. The stage set is excellent and the lights and sound effects were top notch. I’d recommend it without hesitation, just don’t expect a scene for scene reboot of the film or you will be very disappointed.
