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The Forever Purge (2021)
The Forever Purge (2021)
2021 | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
6
6.0 (12 Ratings)
Movie Rating
In what is being billed as the final Purge movie; “The Forever Purge” has arrived and like elements of the prior films; gains traction from current events which have only made elements of the film more chilling seeing how the film was originally planned for July of 2020.

Following the abolition of the Purge at the end of the “Purge Election Year”; the Holiday where all crime is legal for twelve hours is restored due to radical elements fueling fears of illegal immigration and the increase in crime immigrants will bring to the largely crime-free country.

It is not made clear what happened with the new President who was a staunch critic of the Purge and only that it has been restored so citizens prepare for its return by arming up, barricading themselves, or paying for armed security in a fortified locale.

It is against this backdrop that Adela (Ana de Reguera) has come to America fleeing the violence in her country as she enters illegally and finds work. Dylan Tucker (Josh Lucas) is a wealthy Rancher who along with his family hires friends and family of Adela though having some disdain for them and what they stand for.

The Purge comes and goes with the main cast unaffected and as they prepare to resume their lives; roving bands of armed gangs have continued to Purge in violation of the law similar to those who took to the street in protest of the election and plans to eliminate the Purge years prior.

This new group is well organized and has no issues taking on law enforcement and the military forcing Dylan, Adela, and their family and friends to flee for their lives. As the terror spreads, their only safety is to try to make it to Mexico who along with Canada has agreed to a six hour window to allow people to cross to escape the violence.

As the danger mounts, the severity of the movement is known as the authorities seem powerless to control and stop what is called The Forever Purge.

The film uses a slightly different formula than the prior films which focused mainly on a group of people trying to survive the night and the terrors that come with Purge Night. There is a greater emphasis on racism and Xenophobia this time around directed more towards foreigners than minorities and poverty-stricken individuals but the underlying message is the same.

This time around we are given a longer timeframe of terror and more social commentary as there are elements from the film which seem eerily inspired by headlines past and present which makes the film even more chilling.

While the story is rather bare and the characters do not get much development; the movie should give fans of the series what they look forward to although it lacks the dramatic tension of the previous films.

In the end “The Forever Purge” is an interesting new chapter in the series but not one of the stronger entries and serves as an effective finale to the series should this turn out to be the final film.

3 stars out of 5
  
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Neil Gaiman | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
8.4 (47 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is the first work I’ve read by Neil Gaiman – and I love it. This short novel tells the story of a young boy. He discovers a sort of magic in the world around him that blends in a delightfully haunting way. The real star of this book isn’t the boy though. It’s the Hempstocks.

This piece of fiction is a quick read and harbors elements of fantasy and horror in a world much like our own. The house at the end of the lane is a bit removed from the rest of society and, to a homegrown, country girl like myself, oozes a rural familiarity. This house, being the home of the Hempstocks, is the source of everything surreal in The Ocean at the End of the Lane and through the little boy and his friend Lettie, we see an entirely different side of things. A place where a child learns morals (such as lying, obeying, etc.) in the most horrifying ways.

I found The Ocean at the End of the Lane nearly impossible to put down – in fact, I only paused long enough to shower and take a brief nap. I refused to sleep until I had turned the last page. It’s nice to see several elements of fiction in play, especially with how Gaiman foreshadows and references certain odd incidents that take place in his story. My next Gaiman read will be American Gods, which I received as a gift from Dad.
  
40x40

Dutch (59 KP) rated The Burning Soul in Books

Feb 22, 2019  
The Burning Soul
The Burning Soul
John Connolly | 2011 | Crime
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
What's the worst thing you have ever done?
The worse thing Randall Haight has ever done was killing a 14-year-old girl when he was only a child himself. Now someone seems to have discovered his secret and is tormenting him anonymously, and, to further complicate things a 14-year-old girl has gone missing in the same town that Randall lives in.
Charlie Parker takes on the case against his better judgement as it brings back painful memories of the death of his own daughter and he also finds himself up against a mobster by the name of Tommy Morris, the FBI and a police chief who may have secrets of his own.
As a rule I generally navigate towards horror but in the Charlie Parker series John Connolly has crafted a multi-layered world that mixes in supernatural elements and a superb supporting cast (Louis, Angel, the Collector) as well as great writing, a flawed (but likeable) main character and most importantly stories that draw me in totally. In fact I would put John Connolly up there with Stephen King as one of my favourite authors and I absolutely cannot get enough of the Charlie Parker series. If you have a love for the crime or horror genres there is no excuse for not diving into this series.
The next book in the series is The Wrath of Angels and it marks the return of the Collecter and promises to bring back the more supernatural/horror elements of the series and that is certainly not a bad thing.
  
Eat, Live, Thrive, Diet
Eat, Live, Thrive, Diet
Danna Demetre, Robyn Thomson | 2019 | Food & Drink, Health & Fitness, Mind, Body & Spiritual
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As some one who was recently diagnosed with food allergies, I knew my diet would have to change. It did. But not in a way I wanted. I was suddenly giving up hope because it was so hard to find food I could eat, food I would enjoy. But, then, not long ago, I received this book. It’s a self help book called Eat Live Thrive Diet.

Since I’m pushing 40, I know my lifestyle isn’t the greatest, but this book. This book is amazing for helping me. There are things in this book to help with boosting your metabolism late in life, for dieting without the big E word mixed in. There are amazing elements to this book that will make you feel refreshed, awake, healthier. I loved, too, that this book had some recipes in it that I could actually use because it uses things like coconut oil or milk, versus the dairy milk that I’m allergic to.

As an added bonus, this 4 star worthy book has a website to go with it, where you register your email and boom. You’ve got other elements beyond the book that these two talented ladies created. Definitely a life gamechanger in my opinion! If you want a fantastically put together self help book, grab this one. You will not be disappointed! I look forward to seeing what these ladies hand us in the future!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Back on Me - Single by Marshall Loren
Back on Me - Single by Marshall Loren
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
marshall loren is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released a heartfelt emo-pop tune, entitled, “Back on Me”.

“I said I know that we’re going different ways right now. Can’t help but think that you’re on your way back now. I know I’m the fool that let you go on the loose. Never thought I’d be the one that’s waiting for you.” – lyrics

 ‘Back on Me’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young guy who wants his ex-girlfriend back. Oftentimes, he reminisces about her and blames himself for their emotional breakup.

Later, he admits if he could change anything, he would have never let her go.
‘Back on Me’ contains a relatable storyline and harmonious vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses murky instrumentation flavored with hip-hop, trap, and urban-pop elements.

“‘Back on Me’ is about ending a relationship with someone that you wish you hadn’t. You see them moving on a lot faster than you anticipated which makes you feel a loss. It’s about wanting that person back in your life. Also, it’s time to bring back the influences of the early 2000s emo scene. This song starts with an old-school steel guitar to bring back those elements that my generation grew up on. The melodies are reminiscent of younger years while having a modern flair. I want to bring back nostalgia for my generation and to show the new kids a style they might not have heard before.” – marshall loren