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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Isle of Dogs (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.
Before this even hit our screens I was worried I was going to be bored of it because I'd seen the trailer so much. Thankfully that wasn't the case.
It was a beautifully crafted film, and refreshingly different. I loved that it was from the dog's point of view, kind of a reverse Lassie. All the individual dogs and their quirks are very entertaining. And those dumb little moments they have that you'll identify with if you've ever owned a dog.
When Chief and Atari as separated from the rest of the pack on Trash Island I really like how the master/pet relationship is reversed when Atari see's the ride. The amount of times I had been in Chief's position... "Don't do it." *shifty look and edges closer* "Don't" *edges further*
My only wish for this film would be that there was more dog, less person. But despite that it was amusing, and very stylish.
As films go this month there were a few that were hit with "controversy" of some description, and Isle Of Dogs was no exception with cried of cultural misappropriation. I can't say that this is going to be something I can ever say I'd be on the receiving end of, but any rational person would not take a film as an accurate portrayal of a culture and its people.
Before this even hit our screens I was worried I was going to be bored of it because I'd seen the trailer so much. Thankfully that wasn't the case.
It was a beautifully crafted film, and refreshingly different. I loved that it was from the dog's point of view, kind of a reverse Lassie. All the individual dogs and their quirks are very entertaining. And those dumb little moments they have that you'll identify with if you've ever owned a dog.
When Chief and Atari as separated from the rest of the pack on Trash Island I really like how the master/pet relationship is reversed when Atari see's the ride. The amount of times I had been in Chief's position... "Don't do it." *shifty look and edges closer* "Don't" *edges further*
My only wish for this film would be that there was more dog, less person. But despite that it was amusing, and very stylish.
As films go this month there were a few that were hit with "controversy" of some description, and Isle Of Dogs was no exception with cried of cultural misappropriation. I can't say that this is going to be something I can ever say I'd be on the receiving end of, but any rational person would not take a film as an accurate portrayal of a culture and its people.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Project Dogway in Books
Jan 2, 2022
Dogging a Killer
Cousins Caro Lamont and Mel Langston are both in attendance at a dog fashion show fundraiser to help raise awareness for heartworm (in dogs, that is). Mel’s boutique is providing fashion for the dogs that are walking the catwalk, er dogwalk, for the show. However, the show ends early when Phil Tawney drops dead after eating some shellfish. While Caro searches for Phil’s missing award-winning beagle, Mel attempts to comfort the not quite grieving almost ex-wife. Will they wind up gathering the clues needed to catch the killer?
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
As a fan of this series, I was delighted to see the characters return, even if only in a short story. Caro and Mel and still feuding here, so we get the story told in short chapters to make it easier to switch between the cousins as the focal point of the story. The authors do a great job of giving us clues without repeating themselves so that both cousins can solve the crime. We don’t see many of the series regulars, but we had to have time for new characters and the plot in this short story. The mystery is well thought out with a logical solution. We also get the fun of the over-the-top world these books brought to life. Make no mistake, this is a short story I read in about 45 minutes, but as long as you keep that in mind, you’ll be fine. As a series fan, it was fun to revisit the characters. If you are new to the series, it might be a good way to meet the characters. You’ll be hooked and looking for the first book before you know it.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Hulk (2003) in Movies
Feb 22, 2019
Gamma dogs?
OK I recently rewatched this Ang Lee directed almost forgotten 1st Hulk and although it has some truly stupid elements, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The villain was weak, but the look and feel of the film was right on.
I liked the way director Lee made you feel like you were watching a comic book with different boxes and frames the way a comic would have. The Hulk escape and tank/helicopter battle sequence is still very good. I have watched those scenes multiple times for home theatre demos and it never disappoints.
It's too bad Eric Bana did not continue as Hulk as I think he is underrated as an actor although Mark Ruffalo is good in the current version as well.
I liked the way director Lee made you feel like you were watching a comic book with different boxes and frames the way a comic would have. The Hulk escape and tank/helicopter battle sequence is still very good. I have watched those scenes multiple times for home theatre demos and it never disappoints.
It's too bad Eric Bana did not continue as Hulk as I think he is underrated as an actor although Mark Ruffalo is good in the current version as well.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Granite in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This picture book introduces us to Granite, one of the dogs used by Iditarod Trail racer Susan Butcher in her races in the 1980’s. Granite was the runt of his litter, and but Susan felt a bond to him. Will that bond be enough to win races? What else might the pair endure on their quest to win?
This is a heartwarming picture book for dog lovers of all ages. It captures the love between Susan and Granite perfect with pictures and words. It’s hard not to smile as you read and be concerned for the pair when they face danger. The fact that it is based on a real story makes it all the more memorable.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-granite-by-susan-butcher.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a heartwarming picture book for dog lovers of all ages. It captures the love between Susan and Granite perfect with pictures and words. It’s hard not to smile as you read and be concerned for the pair when they face danger. The fact that it is based on a real story makes it all the more memorable.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-granite-by-susan-butcher.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Facebook in Apps
Oct 13, 2018
Facebook sucks!
I deleted mine 6 months ago and have never been happier. Still have Messenger so I can share and send photos of my dogs to family and friends. (we should have an Orb for pet photos)
I'd rather have actual conversations with actual people rather than hearing people bitch about other people, hating on random strangers, or how much you hate our current president.
I always got so hung up on or disappointed by how many "likes" my posts got and got so upset when I get enough comments or likes on them. Or when only 3 people said "Happy birthday" on my wall or when my mother liked 96 of my posts in a row.
Smashbomb is way better since everyone here is so friendly, happy and discussions of how much you hate anyone are nowhere to be found.
I'd rather have actual conversations with actual people rather than hearing people bitch about other people, hating on random strangers, or how much you hate our current president.
I always got so hung up on or disappointed by how many "likes" my posts got and got so upset when I get enough comments or likes on them. Or when only 3 people said "Happy birthday" on my wall or when my mother liked 96 of my posts in a row.
Smashbomb is way better since everyone here is so friendly, happy and discussions of how much you hate anyone are nowhere to be found.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Killing (1956) in Movies
Jul 28, 2019 (Updated Jul 28, 2019)
It's easy to look at Kubrick's first major film with the benefit of hindsight and declare it a work of genius - well, it's certainly a very good, extremely effective thriller. Professional crook puts together a team to steal $2 million from a racetrack, but has to contend with loose lips amongst his men and various other unexpected problems. Always read the luggage regulations when booking your flight, folks...
Clearly a hugely influential film - you can tell it's a major donor amongst the many movies contributing elements to Reservoir Dogs, along with lots of others. The acting is effective and the storytelling completely involving, even if you can't help suspecting that a more mature Kubrick would have employed a slightly lighter touch with some elements of the narrative. An excellent genre movie, whatever else you think about it.
Clearly a hugely influential film - you can tell it's a major donor amongst the many movies contributing elements to Reservoir Dogs, along with lots of others. The acting is effective and the storytelling completely involving, even if you can't help suspecting that a more mature Kubrick would have employed a slightly lighter touch with some elements of the narrative. An excellent genre movie, whatever else you think about it.
Quentin Tarantino recommended Sisters by Bernard Herrmann in Music (curated)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Show Dogs (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Yes I'm giving it four stars and I don't care what you all say!! I laughed on more than one occasion and found it an amusing lift to my day... so ptttttttttttttt to all you misery guts who are saying it's terrible.
The only bad bit about the film was having to share the cinema with children on half term... although I was highly entertained when the 12 year old girl in front of me who had been snapchatting for 50% of the films dropped her phone on the floor.
It's daft humour and it really lifted my spirits, and those are the best movies to have. Even if the CGI panda and tiger were a little terrible.
To sum it up, this movie is basically Rush Hour with dogs. That alone should make you want to see it.
The only bad bit about the film was having to share the cinema with children on half term... although I was highly entertained when the 12 year old girl in front of me who had been snapchatting for 50% of the films dropped her phone on the floor.
It's daft humour and it really lifted my spirits, and those are the best movies to have. Even if the CGI panda and tiger were a little terrible.
To sum it up, this movie is basically Rush Hour with dogs. That alone should make you want to see it.
A masterpiece of a TV show
I didn't really know much about the whole Chernobyl incident (I was 6 years old when it happened) except what I read but this show was a real eye opener.
Its a heartbreaking story on how the disaster affected the lives of the residents and those further afield and shows how the highest authorities in the russian government tried to cover everything up.A few upsetting scenes in depicting the illnesses that occurred after the incident but for me the most heartbreaking part was showing the emotional difficulty one man had in being given the job of going round and having to shoot all the dogs and cats that were left behind and then watch them being buried in the ground and covered in concrete.
A real triumph of a show that everyone really should watch.
Its a heartbreaking story on how the disaster affected the lives of the residents and those further afield and shows how the highest authorities in the russian government tried to cover everything up.A few upsetting scenes in depicting the illnesses that occurred after the incident but for me the most heartbreaking part was showing the emotional difficulty one man had in being given the job of going round and having to shoot all the dogs and cats that were left behind and then watch them being buried in the ground and covered in concrete.
A real triumph of a show that everyone really should watch.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated 3 Holiday Tails (2011) in Movies
Dec 1, 2019
I recorded this one off the TV, 'tis the season for made for TV Christmas movies after all!
Before the first advert break even appeared it was obvious how this film was going to go. It's not really a Christmas film though and there definitely aren't enough festively bedecked dogs.
The storyline is sickly sweet but it does at least give us a fun little romcom. It's a pleasant little film to watch but it isn't going to make anyone's top festive features. It's more likely to fit the bill of harmless film to watch while you put the decorations up or wrap presents.
Julie Gonzalo is a familiar face from lots of different TV shows, most recently Supergirl and she's no bad in the lead role, it's definitely her niece in the film that steals the show though, along with the floofs!
Before the first advert break even appeared it was obvious how this film was going to go. It's not really a Christmas film though and there definitely aren't enough festively bedecked dogs.
The storyline is sickly sweet but it does at least give us a fun little romcom. It's a pleasant little film to watch but it isn't going to make anyone's top festive features. It's more likely to fit the bill of harmless film to watch while you put the decorations up or wrap presents.
Julie Gonzalo is a familiar face from lots of different TV shows, most recently Supergirl and she's no bad in the lead role, it's definitely her niece in the film that steals the show though, along with the floofs!