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Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Jan 15, 2018 (Updated Jan 15, 2018)
One of the best scripts ever used in a movie (2 more)
Brilliant direction
Astonishing performances
One Of The Best Movies Of 2017
I was excited for this one ever since it first got announced, as I adore the last two movies written and directed by Martin McDonagh; Seven Psychopaths and In Bruges. This film did not disappoint me. The plot takes several unexpected turns, the dialogue is witty and darkly hilarious and the way that each scene is crafted is masterful. The cinematography compliments the tone set in each scene beautifully. The performances are all fantastic and if Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell don't get an Oscar nod for their respective performances, then there really is no justice.
Everything from the way that the film is structured to the more technical elements such as lighting and score, is absolutely flawless. This film's screenplay is one of the best I've ever seen play out onscreen and it is one of my favourite movies of 2017.
Everything from the way that the film is structured to the more technical elements such as lighting and score, is absolutely flawless. This film's screenplay is one of the best I've ever seen play out onscreen and it is one of my favourite movies of 2017.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated My Sister's Bones in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Predictable, what an anti-climax!
If I ever hear that another book is the "next Gone Girl" or the "next Girl On A Train", I'm going to rate it 0.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Mr. Impossible (Carsington Brothers, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I hate to say it but I just could not get into this at all. I tried numerous times (for many months) and finally had to call it quits on page 120. I really don't know what the problem is. This book had all the elements I enjoy: I really liked Loretta Chase's previous Carsington novel, Miss Wonderful, I loved the Mummy (and the Mummy Returns), not to mention anything that has to do with Egypt, archaeology, history, etc., I like strong female characters, but for some reason this book just fell flat. There's just something missing, maybe it was the two the leads; I didn't love 'em and I didn't hate 'em, they just weren't well-developed. I read the epilogue, which I was glad I did, because it gave a little info of the next book (although there's not much, but it was cute nonetheless). I'm sure there will be many people who will enjoy this even if it didn't mesh with me.
David McK (3666 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019 (Updated Mar 29, 2020)
BB-8 (2 more)
Harrison Ford
Return to practical effects instead of an over excess of cgi
It's no coincidence that one of the earliest lines in the film is 'this will make everything right'.
The first Post-Disney acquisition film in the Star Wars saga, this one had a lot of expectation on its shoulders: it had to appease those who felt 'sold out' by the prequels (i.e. largely those who grew up with the originals) while also had to appeal to a whole new generation. In other words, it had quite a tightrope to walk.
A tightrope which, by and large, it does so successfully.
It's not perfect: JJ Abrams sets up a lot of questions which Rian Johnson would later deem irrelevant (in The Last Jedi), while elements of the plot are, shall we say, more than a little familiar, but by and large...
The first Post-Disney acquisition film in the Star Wars saga, this one had a lot of expectation on its shoulders: it had to appease those who felt 'sold out' by the prequels (i.e. largely those who grew up with the originals) while also had to appeal to a whole new generation. In other words, it had quite a tightrope to walk.
A tightrope which, by and large, it does so successfully.
It's not perfect: JJ Abrams sets up a lot of questions which Rian Johnson would later deem irrelevant (in The Last Jedi), while elements of the plot are, shall we say, more than a little familiar, but by and large...
Sarah (126 KP) rated Seaforth Prison (The Haunted #3) in Books
Feb 18, 2019
A disappointing continuation of the series
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which I've been reading as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, even if certain elements felt a little predictable.
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) in Movies
Mar 3, 2019
Dated but still a fun ride
The Jules Verne classic novel of adventure and mayhem comes to life on the big screen in glorious CinemaScope!
Follow a scientist, his assistant, a beautiful widow and others as they decent into the depths of the Earth itself to see what lies beneath. They encounter all sorts of pitfalls including treacherous caves, salt mines and giant lizards along the way.
Will they make it out alive?
Unfortunately, there is the 1950s version of the views of the female race on display which I was not a fan of. If you can get past that, the acting and story are interesting enough as you watch the posse go along their way.
The sets, music and art direction are well done considering this film's age, and if you can look past some of the cheesy elements it really is quite the adventure ride of a film.
Follow a scientist, his assistant, a beautiful widow and others as they decent into the depths of the Earth itself to see what lies beneath. They encounter all sorts of pitfalls including treacherous caves, salt mines and giant lizards along the way.
Will they make it out alive?
Unfortunately, there is the 1950s version of the views of the female race on display which I was not a fan of. If you can get past that, the acting and story are interesting enough as you watch the posse go along their way.
The sets, music and art direction are well done considering this film's age, and if you can look past some of the cheesy elements it really is quite the adventure ride of a film.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Everybody Knows (Todos Lo Saben) (2018) in Movies
Mar 12, 2019 (Updated Mar 12, 2019)
Spanish-language Euro-drama from Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is about as odd a fish as you might expect. Family wedding is going well until Penelope Cruz's daughter is kidnapped; much stressed is placed on everyone involved and their relationships, causing secrets to bubble to the surface in an unwelcome (to say the least) manner.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) in Movies
May 6, 2019
Decent Wayne western
When four brothers return to their home town to attend their mother's funeral, they soon discover her estate was not as they remember and the circumstances around the death of their father warrants further investigation.
The bad guys eventually present themselves and the good guys are arrested for causing trouble with the local law.
Getting to love Wayne more and more the more films of his I have watched. I can see now how he had such a commanding screen presence which still endures so many years later.
It was great to some some of my other favorites actors including George Kennedy and Dennis Hopper in supporting roles. Also, I didn't think Dean Martin could pull off a western role while staying sober, so he was a pleasant surprise also.
Overall the movie delivers the mostly standard OLD West movie elements including some great shootout scenes which makes it easy to recommend.
The bad guys eventually present themselves and the good guys are arrested for causing trouble with the local law.
Getting to love Wayne more and more the more films of his I have watched. I can see now how he had such a commanding screen presence which still endures so many years later.
It was great to some some of my other favorites actors including George Kennedy and Dennis Hopper in supporting roles. Also, I didn't think Dean Martin could pull off a western role while staying sober, so he was a pleasant surprise also.
Overall the movie delivers the mostly standard OLD West movie elements including some great shootout scenes which makes it easy to recommend.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Potions (ft. JT Roach) - Single by Slander in Music
Jun 6, 2019
SLANDER (Derek & Scott) is a duo based in Los Angeles and Said the Sky is a native of Colorado. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their emo-dance tune, entitled, “Potions”, featuring indie-folk singer-songwriter JT Roach.
‘Potion’ tells a heartbreaking story of love and loss about a young guy who encounters a female who he desires to be with.
Apparently, he never met anyone quite like her before, and never felt the way that he’s feeling right now. Later, he admits that he would take potions and cross oceans for her love.
‘Potion’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and modern dance elements.
SLANDER built a mint name for themselves through jaw-dropping original productions and massive collaborations.
Not too long ago, they added “label heads” to their resume, and turned their popular Gud Vibrations brand into an official record label with NGHTMRE.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/slander-said-the-sky-potions-jt-roach/
‘Potion’ tells a heartbreaking story of love and loss about a young guy who encounters a female who he desires to be with.
Apparently, he never met anyone quite like her before, and never felt the way that he’s feeling right now. Later, he admits that he would take potions and cross oceans for her love.
‘Potion’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and modern dance elements.
SLANDER built a mint name for themselves through jaw-dropping original productions and massive collaborations.
Not too long ago, they added “label heads” to their resume, and turned their popular Gud Vibrations brand into an official record label with NGHTMRE.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/slander-said-the-sky-potions-jt-roach/
Kyera (8 KP) rated Golden Son in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Golden Son takes place more than a year after Red Rising. Darrow has left the Academy, formed bonds with new people and has a new role in society. It was a little confusing to be thrown into the story with all those new elements because it made me feel like I had missed a book. I had to keep piecing together what happened and who these new characters were. Once it became more natural, the book was much more enjoyable to read.
The second book has just as much (if not more) deception, death, and destruction as the first, and thats saying something. It is full of action, betrayal, hope, and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat and tears your emotions apart as you read the final pages you just need to immediately start the finale. Highly recommended, but read Red Rising prior to this as it would make absolutely no sense without it.
The second book has just as much (if not more) deception, death, and destruction as the first, and thats saying something. It is full of action, betrayal, hope, and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat and tears your emotions apart as you read the final pages you just need to immediately start the finale. Highly recommended, but read Red Rising prior to this as it would make absolutely no sense without it.