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RəX Regent (349 KP) rated L.A. Confidential (1997) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
A masterpiece, if not THE masterpiece of modern cinema.
A film which understands exactly what it is, what it’s doing and what it’s about and plays out with pace to resolve what is certainly on of the most complex detective stories the multiplex’s have seen in a long while.
The story is built in solid layers, exposing its audience to every clue, with time to digest them, without falling back on the cack-handed cliché of holding back that vital clue to end in order to maintain its twist. This movie had taken its plot, cut it up the pieces and shuffled them about as to confuse the eye, but in the end, it’s all there for the taking. Well acted, directed and supported by a perfectly balanced score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, along with first-rate editing, sound design and cinematography, this is a pleasure to watch, every time.
This is a true classic, that is bathed in the noir which in it is set, pretending at nothing, feeling not like a period piece nor modern, this is timeless in recreation of the 1950′s. Even its gruesome elements don’t feel overplayed, and I’m still always surprised to this day when I think that it is an 18.
All in all, this is the benchmark of modern film making, ticking every box perfectly. A fantastic film, with a first-rate native to drive it. Every filmmaker should see this and learn…
The story is built in solid layers, exposing its audience to every clue, with time to digest them, without falling back on the cack-handed cliché of holding back that vital clue to end in order to maintain its twist. This movie had taken its plot, cut it up the pieces and shuffled them about as to confuse the eye, but in the end, it’s all there for the taking. Well acted, directed and supported by a perfectly balanced score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, along with first-rate editing, sound design and cinematography, this is a pleasure to watch, every time.
This is a true classic, that is bathed in the noir which in it is set, pretending at nothing, feeling not like a period piece nor modern, this is timeless in recreation of the 1950′s. Even its gruesome elements don’t feel overplayed, and I’m still always surprised to this day when I think that it is an 18.
All in all, this is the benchmark of modern film making, ticking every box perfectly. A fantastic film, with a first-rate native to drive it. Every filmmaker should see this and learn…
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Stalker (Joona Linna #5) in Books
Mar 21, 2019
5th novel in the Joona Linna series. Can stand-alone
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Stalker by Lars Kepler is the 5th novel in the Swedish police series involving the main character, Joona Linna. Linna is a detective who is on the hunt of an obsessive, stalking serial killer who secretly video records his victims before brutally murdering them. He taunts police by sending them videos showing the victim alive and clearly unaware they are being recorded.
This novel can stand-alone but, according to reviews on Goodreads, the earlier novels provide information and background stories on characters in the series. I have never read the previous books but have had several of them on my "want to read" list since the 4th book, Sandman, could be found all over social media last year.
I was hesitant to start the series because, I have found when a book has that much hype surrounding it, it feels like a disappointment when reading. I did not feel that when reading Stalker. The novel started off slowly. This may be because I was not familiar with the characters. Familiar or not, after the slow start, I was sucked into the story and will be moving the rest of the series to the top of my "want to read" list.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/21/19.
Stalker by Lars Kepler is the 5th novel in the Swedish police series involving the main character, Joona Linna. Linna is a detective who is on the hunt of an obsessive, stalking serial killer who secretly video records his victims before brutally murdering them. He taunts police by sending them videos showing the victim alive and clearly unaware they are being recorded.
This novel can stand-alone but, according to reviews on Goodreads, the earlier novels provide information and background stories on characters in the series. I have never read the previous books but have had several of them on my "want to read" list since the 4th book, Sandman, could be found all over social media last year.
I was hesitant to start the series because, I have found when a book has that much hype surrounding it, it feels like a disappointment when reading. I did not feel that when reading Stalker. The novel started off slowly. This may be because I was not familiar with the characters. Familiar or not, after the slow start, I was sucked into the story and will be moving the rest of the series to the top of my "want to read" list.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/21/19.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Boy: Broussard and Fourcade Book 2 in Books
Mar 28, 2019
2nd novel in Tami Hoag's Broussard and Fourcade series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The Boy by Tami Hoag is the 2nd novel in her series about Broussard and Fourcade, a husband and wife team who are detectives in Bayou Breaux, a little town in Louisiana. I often read detective fiction and enjoyed the pairing of Detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard. The novel focuses mostly on their police pairing but does have some sections about their home life. The dynamics of the relationships of the people surrounding the investigative team are well formed but not the main focus of the story. The boy is. Well, the murder of the boy is.
Hoag shows her characters' flaws but she does not make them the focus of the characters. Broussard and Fourcade are like every married couple and have difficult days. Again, Hoag does not make those days the focus of the story. The boy is. The story has twists and turns. Some of the reveals were expected but not all of them. Hoag surprised me with several details.
I have had Tami Hoag on my "want to read" list for years but never got around to reading any of her work. After reading The Boy, I am disappointed I have not read her sooner.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/27/19.
The Boy by Tami Hoag is the 2nd novel in her series about Broussard and Fourcade, a husband and wife team who are detectives in Bayou Breaux, a little town in Louisiana. I often read detective fiction and enjoyed the pairing of Detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard. The novel focuses mostly on their police pairing but does have some sections about their home life. The dynamics of the relationships of the people surrounding the investigative team are well formed but not the main focus of the story. The boy is. Well, the murder of the boy is.
Hoag shows her characters' flaws but she does not make them the focus of the characters. Broussard and Fourcade are like every married couple and have difficult days. Again, Hoag does not make those days the focus of the story. The boy is. The story has twists and turns. Some of the reveals were expected but not all of them. Hoag surprised me with several details.
I have had Tami Hoag on my "want to read" list for years but never got around to reading any of her work. After reading The Boy, I am disappointed I have not read her sooner.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/27/19.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
Magical (I'm 30 years old dammit)
I was the exact target audience at the time of the original Pokémon cartoon series, and invested a fair portion of my childhood playing through Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, so seeing this all unfold on screen was quite something.
The action kicks off immediately, with Mewtwo (all of my friends bloody loved a bit of Mewtwo back in the day), ticking all the right nostalgia boxes from the start.
It's not long before were pushed into the wider world of Pokémon, both original and later generations, and it just filled me with childish joy to be honest.
The CGI is odd - in a way that I was aware that I was watching CGI creatures, but at the same time, they didn't feel out of place alongside the human characters, it all blends pretty well.
Looking past the blinding nostalgia, the story was engaging enough (even if it does get to absurd levels of silly towards the end), the action pieces were all pretty fun, and the cast were likable enough for the most part.
I spend more time than I probably should playing video games, so it's exited me to no end that we finally have a pretty decent video game movie, and I can only hope that Detective Pikachu is the start of something good, both for future Pokémon installments, and just video game adaptions in general.
The action kicks off immediately, with Mewtwo (all of my friends bloody loved a bit of Mewtwo back in the day), ticking all the right nostalgia boxes from the start.
It's not long before were pushed into the wider world of Pokémon, both original and later generations, and it just filled me with childish joy to be honest.
The CGI is odd - in a way that I was aware that I was watching CGI creatures, but at the same time, they didn't feel out of place alongside the human characters, it all blends pretty well.
Looking past the blinding nostalgia, the story was engaging enough (even if it does get to absurd levels of silly towards the end), the action pieces were all pretty fun, and the cast were likable enough for the most part.
I spend more time than I probably should playing video games, so it's exited me to no end that we finally have a pretty decent video game movie, and I can only hope that Detective Pikachu is the start of something good, both for future Pokémon installments, and just video game adaptions in general.
Joe Julians (221 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Jan 30, 2018
Solid performances (1 more)
Beautifully shot
An average movie with some great performances
Kenneth Brannagh steals the show on Murder on the Orient Express, which is all the more remarkable when you consider he's pulling double duty here being the star and the director. His rendition of the greatest detective of all time, Poirot, is note perfect and almost always performed with a degre of a nuance that keeps him feeling like a real and grounded individual. He's backed up by a strong supporting cast that all do their best with limited screen time to bring something special to a script that doesn't always give them the most to work with.
It's the script here that I feel is the largest problem. Being a murder mystery, it's integral that all the pieces slot together so that by the time the killer reveal comes along- it feels earned. It's here where the movie really stumbles. Being an adaptation, it doesn't have much wriggle room when it comes to who the killer is, but when the movie draws to a close and we learn who's responsible, it comes across as a quite a weak resolution. The story hadn't built up to a point where it all feels real and instead it comes across as a random resolution that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Still though, its an enjoyable watch. I would however be interested to hear what others who are already familiar with the story feel about it.
It's the script here that I feel is the largest problem. Being a murder mystery, it's integral that all the pieces slot together so that by the time the killer reveal comes along- it feels earned. It's here where the movie really stumbles. Being an adaptation, it doesn't have much wriggle room when it comes to who the killer is, but when the movie draws to a close and we learn who's responsible, it comes across as a quite a weak resolution. The story hadn't built up to a point where it all feels real and instead it comes across as a random resolution that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Still though, its an enjoyable watch. I would however be interested to hear what others who are already familiar with the story feel about it.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Great Shelby Holmes (The Great Shelby Holmes, #1) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg was a wonderful story that I enjoyed. At the beginning of the story the reader is introduced to John Watson who recently moved with his mother to 221 Baker Street in Harlem, New York. John's parents recently divorced. John's mom finished her tour of duty as a military doctor and is recovering from a wound she received in Afghanistan. Mrs. Hudson, new landlady, introduced John to the girl, Shelby, who lives in apartment 221B. John is use to moving around and making friends easily as a military brat but this is the first non-Army post. John's mom selected an apartment to move to in order to be near her new john and a great school for John.
School has not started yet and John does not know anyone or his way around the neighborhood. However, with Shelby as his guide, John learns his way around town soon. He discovered that Shelby knows everyone in their area. Shelby is a talented child who solves mysteries around the neighborhood, but this is an annoyance to Detective Lestrade for the NYPD. John and Shelby friendship causes the reader to be pulled into the story. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out the answers to my questions and the mysteries.
I give this book a 4 out 5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
School has not started yet and John does not know anyone or his way around the neighborhood. However, with Shelby as his guide, John learns his way around town soon. He discovered that Shelby knows everyone in their area. Shelby is a talented child who solves mysteries around the neighborhood, but this is an annoyance to Detective Lestrade for the NYPD. John and Shelby friendship causes the reader to be pulled into the story. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out the answers to my questions and the mysteries.
I give this book a 4 out 5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Case of the Paranoid Panda: An Irwin Lalune Mystery in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Case of the Paranoid Panda</i> is a delightful children’s story by Bruce Murphy about a skunk detective who enjoys solving mysteries. Irwin Lalune is a skunk on a mission after he is informed about a panda at the zoo that has been acting strangely. The panda – Ling Ming – has not been eating or sleeping and has become very paranoid; Irwin is determined to find out why.
With the help of Larry the squirrel, Irwin investigates and interviews a variety of animals as he slowly pieces together what it was that scared the panda so much. The more Irwin probes into the case the more dangerous it becomes.
<i>The Case of the Paranoid Panda </i>is an enchanting little story that will amuse both children and adults. It is full of wit and adorable characters that everyone will be able to appreciate. Some of the humour may not be detected by younger readers, therefore readers of ages eight and upwards are the most appropriate target audience for this book.
Christian Paniagua has provided charming illustrations of the characters throughout the book, which will greatly appeal to youngsters. Although this is the only Irwin Lalune mystery so far, there is great potential of developing a series of stories with animal related cases for the skunk to crack.
The Case of the Paranoid Panda</i> is a delightful children’s story by Bruce Murphy about a skunk detective who enjoys solving mysteries. Irwin Lalune is a skunk on a mission after he is informed about a panda at the zoo that has been acting strangely. The panda – Ling Ming – has not been eating or sleeping and has become very paranoid; Irwin is determined to find out why.
With the help of Larry the squirrel, Irwin investigates and interviews a variety of animals as he slowly pieces together what it was that scared the panda so much. The more Irwin probes into the case the more dangerous it becomes.
<i>The Case of the Paranoid Panda </i>is an enchanting little story that will amuse both children and adults. It is full of wit and adorable characters that everyone will be able to appreciate. Some of the humour may not be detected by younger readers, therefore readers of ages eight and upwards are the most appropriate target audience for this book.
Christian Paniagua has provided charming illustrations of the characters throughout the book, which will greatly appeal to youngsters. Although this is the only Irwin Lalune mystery so far, there is great potential of developing a series of stories with animal related cases for the skunk to crack.
David McK (3547 KP) rated Batman, Volume 3: Death of the Family in Books
Jan 30, 2019
With a title that references the famous Batman story 'A Death in the family' (in which the Joker bumps off Robin - or, at least, one of the characters to hold that mantle), this is third volume in 'The New 52' series of Batman comics (after [b:Batman, Volume 1: The Court of Owls|13223349|Batman, Volume 1 The Court of Owls|Scott Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342307351s/13223349.jpg|18412501] and [b:Batman, Volume 2: The City of Owls|15752115|Batman, Volume 2 The City of Owls|Scott Snyder|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342309403s/15752115.jpg|21446852]), and sees the return of who is commonly considered to be ol' Bat's arch-nemesis: that of the Joker.
And, boy, is the clown prince of crime scary in this.
With more in common, perhaps, to Heath Ledgers portrayal of that character in 'The Dark Knight' than to Cesar Romero's (Batman '66 TV series) or even Jack Nicholson (the 1989 Batman movie), this version is pretty much just a pure agent of chaos, and a formidable (and scary) foe indeed - this is definitely not a read for the kiddies, say.
Taking in a couple of plot-strands from other New 52 titles (including The Joker, Nightwing, Batgirl and Detective Comics, amongst others) this version of the Joker is out to re-create his early crimes; out to (effectively) 'reset' tgime back to when it was just Batman and him duking it out.
And, boy, is the clown prince of crime scary in this.
With more in common, perhaps, to Heath Ledgers portrayal of that character in 'The Dark Knight' than to Cesar Romero's (Batman '66 TV series) or even Jack Nicholson (the 1989 Batman movie), this version is pretty much just a pure agent of chaos, and a formidable (and scary) foe indeed - this is definitely not a read for the kiddies, say.
Taking in a couple of plot-strands from other New 52 titles (including The Joker, Nightwing, Batgirl and Detective Comics, amongst others) this version of the Joker is out to re-create his early crimes; out to (effectively) 'reset' tgime back to when it was just Batman and him duking it out.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Destroyer (2018) in Movies
Jul 23, 2019
Nicole Kidman: a career best performance (2 more)
Slow burn build of characters, through flashback
Brilliant twist in the third act I didn't see coming
Gritty but unpredictable version of an oft-told tale
The plot is both familiar (think “The Departed” mixed with “Hell or High Water”) but at the same time intricate. Nicole Kidman plays police detective Erin Bell who’s in a bad place. She looks to be on her last legs through drink and drugs, but she is being propped up in her post by an understanding boss and a tolerant partner (who spends most of his time leaving “Where the hell are you?” voicemails).
Erin is in pursuit of a truly evil man – Silas (Toby Kebbell) – who is back after a long absence. Erin and Silas have a past that is only unfolded as the film evolves. (To say more would ruin what is an outstandingly well-constructed screenplay). Aside from the “day job”, what Erin also has to contend with her truly wayward 16 year old daughter Shelby (Jade Pettyjohn).
“Destroyer” seems to have had mixed reviews, but it is really one of the most gripping watches I’ve seen in 2019. A career best from Kidman (imho) and an intelligent, slow and thoughtful motion picture.
For the full graphical review please go to One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/20/one-manns-movies-dvd-review-destroyer-2019/
Erin is in pursuit of a truly evil man – Silas (Toby Kebbell) – who is back after a long absence. Erin and Silas have a past that is only unfolded as the film evolves. (To say more would ruin what is an outstandingly well-constructed screenplay). Aside from the “day job”, what Erin also has to contend with her truly wayward 16 year old daughter Shelby (Jade Pettyjohn).
“Destroyer” seems to have had mixed reviews, but it is really one of the most gripping watches I’ve seen in 2019. A career best from Kidman (imho) and an intelligent, slow and thoughtful motion picture.
For the full graphical review please go to One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/20/one-manns-movies-dvd-review-destroyer-2019/
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Daughter of Time (Inspector Alan Grant, #5) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I've read this several times before, but it has been a while and I'd forgotten just how good a book this is! It's really almost like a play in some ways, as the action takes place entirely in one location - a hospital ward. Mentally of course, the reader follows Inspector Grant's mind as he finds an intellectual exercise that ends up absorbing him and taking him right out of the hospital bed!
Josephine Tey may have been writing in the golden age of detective fiction, but she's didn't stick to the accustomed 'rules' and went her own way, making for some very interesting books. The Daughter of Time is probably her best known book. It's a book that works on more than one level as it's about what it's ostensibly about, but I also see it as a comment on the meaning of Truth (The Daughter of time of the title) and of course, Tonypandy! In our modern age with 24 hour news, social media, 'fake' news, I'd say this book is more relevant than ever!
It's just a very well written book and I'll finish with one bit that really came out to me this time as simply a fantastic thought, beautifully put: "...perhaps a series of small satisfactions scattered like sequins over the texture of everyday life was of greater worth than the academic satisfaction of owning a collection of fine objects at the back of a drawer."
Josephine Tey may have been writing in the golden age of detective fiction, but she's didn't stick to the accustomed 'rules' and went her own way, making for some very interesting books. The Daughter of Time is probably her best known book. It's a book that works on more than one level as it's about what it's ostensibly about, but I also see it as a comment on the meaning of Truth (The Daughter of time of the title) and of course, Tonypandy! In our modern age with 24 hour news, social media, 'fake' news, I'd say this book is more relevant than ever!
It's just a very well written book and I'll finish with one bit that really came out to me this time as simply a fantastic thought, beautifully put: "...perhaps a series of small satisfactions scattered like sequins over the texture of everyday life was of greater worth than the academic satisfaction of owning a collection of fine objects at the back of a drawer."