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David McK (3816 KP) rated Thor (2011) in Movies
Sep 12, 2021
One of the earliest movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), - I think it's the 4th - way back in Phase 1, with what was seemingly an odd choice of director in our very own (I'm from Northern Ireland, as he is) Kenneth Branagh.
However, you can soon see why he was chosen, with this film - in particular - having a very Shakespearian feel to it, what with the whole plot of two brothers to the throne (as an aside, also the first film to leave Earth for large portions) and the whole familial drama going on ...
I also remember, prior to this, that my whole recollection of the character came from the old 70s/80s 'The Incredible Hulk' tv show and mini movies, where Thor was more-or-less somewhat similar to Jekyll and Hyde, in that he shared a body with the lead character ('who-so-ever be so worthy') of the crippled doctor Donald Blake - a name dropped in this movie as an Easter egg, as Jane Foster's ex boyfriend, and - temporarily - borrowed by this version of Thor.
Unlike many of the later MCU movies, this has a surprisingly small finale, and the scene with Thor breaking into the SHIELD camp in his attempt to recover Mjolnir is still the best bit of the whole thing.
However, you can soon see why he was chosen, with this film - in particular - having a very Shakespearian feel to it, what with the whole plot of two brothers to the throne (as an aside, also the first film to leave Earth for large portions) and the whole familial drama going on ...
I also remember, prior to this, that my whole recollection of the character came from the old 70s/80s 'The Incredible Hulk' tv show and mini movies, where Thor was more-or-less somewhat similar to Jekyll and Hyde, in that he shared a body with the lead character ('who-so-ever be so worthy') of the crippled doctor Donald Blake - a name dropped in this movie as an Easter egg, as Jane Foster's ex boyfriend, and - temporarily - borrowed by this version of Thor.
Unlike many of the later MCU movies, this has a surprisingly small finale, and the scene with Thor breaking into the SHIELD camp in his attempt to recover Mjolnir is still the best bit of the whole thing.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated My Nightmare is Yours in Books
May 28, 2026
I Found This Book a Dream Not a Nightmare
Several years (and many books) ago, Madison worked for Ned and his then wife, Connie, redesigning their house. While Connie and Madison have stayed friends after the divorce, Madison hasn’t had much to do with Ned. But now he is back, wanting to hire her to turn a 1950’s ranch house into a period recording studio as he hopes to transition from music promoter to music producer. Unfortunately, the morning he hires Madison, Madison and Connie find the dead body of young singing sensation Vanessa Wright, one of Ned’s two clients. With the evidence pointing at him, Madison finds herself in a unique position to find the truth. What will she uncover?
While Connie has popped up in multiple books, it’s been a while since we saw Ned. It was nice to see him again. You can jump in here and follow this book without having all the backstory. The mystery was strong with plenty to keep me engaged on the way to the logical climax. And I enjoyed seeing the growth in Madison and her relationships again here. Those familiar with Doris Day’s movies, especially her second one, will spot an Easter egg or two. When you pick up this book, you’ll find it anything but a nightmare.
While Connie has popped up in multiple books, it’s been a while since we saw Ned. It was nice to see him again. You can jump in here and follow this book without having all the backstory. The mystery was strong with plenty to keep me engaged on the way to the logical climax. And I enjoyed seeing the growth in Madison and her relationships again here. Those familiar with Doris Day’s movies, especially her second one, will spot an Easter egg or two. When you pick up this book, you’ll find it anything but a nightmare.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated Ranch Dressing in Books
Apr 4, 2025
Murder Down on the Ranch
Samantha Kidd’s father-in-law is interested in buying a dude ranch in New Jersey, so Samantha joins him and her husband on a trip to meet the current owner and check it out in depth. She is so out of her element that she must borrow jeans for the trip, but she is doing her best to be supportive and stay in the background. Their first night there, Samantha finds the owner dead in the barn. Can she get the rest of the staff to warm up to her enough to solve the crime?
This book really builds on the growth we’ve seen in Samantha over the last couple of books, which I appreciated. You could jump in here without any spoilers, but you won’t appreciate the character arc as much. I also appreciated that this allowed Samantha’s relationship with her husband to really shine. Meanwhile, the new characters were entertaining. The mystery kept me confused until we reached the logical climax. I laughed as always as I was reading. Trixie Belden fans will enjoy an Easter egg in this book. Now that I’ve caught up on this enjoyable series, I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you aren’t caught up yet, now’s the time to fix that. You’ll enjoy the time spent doing so.
This book really builds on the growth we’ve seen in Samantha over the last couple of books, which I appreciated. You could jump in here without any spoilers, but you won’t appreciate the character arc as much. I also appreciated that this allowed Samantha’s relationship with her husband to really shine. Meanwhile, the new characters were entertaining. The mystery kept me confused until we reached the logical climax. I laughed as always as I was reading. Trixie Belden fans will enjoy an Easter egg in this book. Now that I’ve caught up on this enjoyable series, I can’t wait for the next book to come out. If you aren’t caught up yet, now’s the time to fix that. You’ll enjoy the time spent doing so.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Jul 26, 2022
Odd Inheritance Leads to Danger
Madison Night is surprised when her friend Alice Sweet leaves her the factory for Sweet Dreams, a pajama company that was closed years ago after a tragic death. Rumors over the decades hinted there may be more to the death than was reported at the time, and there are those who want to get in and see if they can find any clues for themselves. Before Madison can decide exactly what to do with the building, she stumbles over a very fresh dead body. Can she figure out what is going on?
This book started out well, and it never really let up. I was engaged the entire time, and the twists came faster as we got closer. Unfortunately, one aspect of the plot was never really fully explained, but the rest of the mystery is successfully wrapped up. Once again, Madison grows here, and I enjoy seeing her journey. The rest of the cast is just as strong and engaging. Fans of Doris Day movies will enjoy a few Easter eggs hidden in the book, although if you miss them (and I’m sure I missed a couple), it doesn’t take anything away from the story itself. Some humor sprinkled throughout the book added to the fun. If you, like me, need to catch up on this series, you’ll enjoy this book.
This book started out well, and it never really let up. I was engaged the entire time, and the twists came faster as we got closer. Unfortunately, one aspect of the plot was never really fully explained, but the rest of the mystery is successfully wrapped up. Once again, Madison grows here, and I enjoy seeing her journey. The rest of the cast is just as strong and engaging. Fans of Doris Day movies will enjoy a few Easter eggs hidden in the book, although if you miss them (and I’m sure I missed a couple), it doesn’t take anything away from the story itself. Some humor sprinkled throughout the book added to the fun. If you, like me, need to catch up on this series, you’ll enjoy this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated Teacher’s Threat in Books
Jul 15, 2023
Going Back to School is Murder
Madison Night needs cash to buy inventory to relaunch her decorating business. After the banks keep turning her down, she hopes that getting an MBA will change their minds. The only class she is finding helpful in the program is Radical Business Theory, even after the professor uses her as an example on her first day. However, when the professor is killed in the parking lot, Madison wonders what is going on at her new school. Can she figure out how to relaunch her business while also solving the murder?
This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.
This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.
Power Remote Pro: PPT Clicker
Utilities and Productivity
App
#Support Internet Connection: No need in the same network. Power Remote Pro is a powerful...
Daniel Johnson (11 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Books
Sep 5, 2017
Plot (2 more)
Characters
Magic
Simply Amazing
Harry Potter is a cultural icon, and reading the books will tell you exactly why.
While I do not believe this is the best Harry Potter book (Read the Goblet of Fire, it is perfect) this book is up there with the best. With a plot that is simple yet magical, it will no doubt be remembered alongside the adventures of Tolkien, with an epic story that is character driven and imaginative to the extreme.
The book takes an even greater appeal when considered alongside the rest of the series, and with the addition of the final book, rereading is crucial. Easter eggs and secrets are hidden deep within these pages and make it a joy to read again, theorise about and delve deep into.
J.K is famous for her world building, creating something of epic scale that feels real despite how crazy it sounds. While avoiding spoilers in this review, it is important that I emphasise the importance of this book with the addition of The Order of the Phoenix. an addition that creates a thrilling new plot line that develops characters masterfully. We see the golden trio grow more than ever before, and it is a joy to experience.
Read Harry Potter, you won't regret it, and you will be a part of the biggest book series since records began. The one that defines this generation of teens, and inspired some of the greatest creators since.
While I do not believe this is the best Harry Potter book (Read the Goblet of Fire, it is perfect) this book is up there with the best. With a plot that is simple yet magical, it will no doubt be remembered alongside the adventures of Tolkien, with an epic story that is character driven and imaginative to the extreme.
The book takes an even greater appeal when considered alongside the rest of the series, and with the addition of the final book, rereading is crucial. Easter eggs and secrets are hidden deep within these pages and make it a joy to read again, theorise about and delve deep into.
J.K is famous for her world building, creating something of epic scale that feels real despite how crazy it sounds. While avoiding spoilers in this review, it is important that I emphasise the importance of this book with the addition of The Order of the Phoenix. an addition that creates a thrilling new plot line that develops characters masterfully. We see the golden trio grow more than ever before, and it is a joy to experience.
Read Harry Potter, you won't regret it, and you will be a part of the biggest book series since records began. The one that defines this generation of teens, and inspired some of the greatest creators since.
Rachael (0 KP) rated Myths and Legends in Podcasts
Dec 6, 2018
Great adaptations (4 more)
Modern retellings and references
Long story arcs. E.g 3 episode stories
Geeky literature Easter eggs. ALL THE TIME.
Great for bedtime listening, and has disclaimers on episodes that are particularly PG rated.
Such a great show for all ages, on the go or at home.
So I absolutely adore this podcast. I feel like I've learnt so much I didn't know already about original stories and heard new ones I've definitely never heard of.
I'm a postwoman, so I spend roughly 6 hours of my day walking around outside, on my own. Finding this podcast had been a godsend. However, the adverts are a lot and I'm glad I have the option to fast forward 15 seconds to get back to the tale. I finally caught up with all the episodes without getting the membership and I do feel bad. Sorry guys, I may have to invest now that you've claimed so many hours of my life! It's taken me nearly a year to catch up and that's including your Fictional Podcast too.
I've tried to find similar podcasts but I've either found the person's voice grates on me or its not really what I'm looking for.
If you're after real, original fairytales, myths, legends (and what the differences are) you need to listen to this show.
I'm a postwoman, so I spend roughly 6 hours of my day walking around outside, on my own. Finding this podcast had been a godsend. However, the adverts are a lot and I'm glad I have the option to fast forward 15 seconds to get back to the tale. I finally caught up with all the episodes without getting the membership and I do feel bad. Sorry guys, I may have to invest now that you've claimed so many hours of my life! It's taken me nearly a year to catch up and that's including your Fictional Podcast too.
I've tried to find similar podcasts but I've either found the person's voice grates on me or its not really what I'm looking for.
If you're after real, original fairytales, myths, legends (and what the differences are) you need to listen to this show.
Egg Head: Peekaboo Baby Fun
Education and Games
App
Fuel your child's imagination with larger than life 'Egg Heads', designed to delight with their...
Doodle Jump HD: Very Addictive
Games, Entertainment and Stickers
App
BE WARNED: Insanely addictive! "possibly the best iPhone game ever created" - Touch Arcade From...