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Awix (3310 KP) rated Cold Pursuit (2019) in Movies
Feb 28, 2019
Latest Hollywood remake of a film with the gall not to be in English (the horror!) is a better-not-call-it-black comedy thriller about a snowplough driver whose rampage of vengeance gets out of control. Liam Neeson drives a plough, murders a bunch of drug dealers, and doesn't think enough about what he says on the publicity tour; the quality of the film kind of vanishes into the backdrop as a result.
After a horribly choppy opening - is it a serious drama about grieving parents or another thickheaded Neeson revenge melodrama? - the film settles down to feel like a pastiche of the sort of thing the McDonagh brothers make, with genre elements drolly deconstructed with offbeat humour and a knowing provocativeness. It's just not quite quirky, funny, or intelligent enough; Neeson underplays it too much and film doesn't seem to have any real point to make. Some good jokes and it passes the time, but it would have slipped into obscurity fairly quickly if only Liam had kept his mouth shut on the junket.
After a horribly choppy opening - is it a serious drama about grieving parents or another thickheaded Neeson revenge melodrama? - the film settles down to feel like a pastiche of the sort of thing the McDonagh brothers make, with genre elements drolly deconstructed with offbeat humour and a knowing provocativeness. It's just not quite quirky, funny, or intelligent enough; Neeson underplays it too much and film doesn't seem to have any real point to make. Some good jokes and it passes the time, but it would have slipped into obscurity fairly quickly if only Liam had kept his mouth shut on the junket.
Awix (3310 KP) rated GoldenEye (1995) in Movies
Mar 16, 2019 (Updated Mar 16, 2019)
Probably the best action thriller named after a duck ever. There was a time when a long gap between Bond films was highly unusual, and the six year absence of the commander from the big screen led some to suggest that maybe the series had had its day. The main achievement of GoldenEye is to take all the classic elements of a Bond film, spruce them up a bit, and produce a film which is fresh and entertaining.
Everyone is clearly working very hard to make this film a success, particularly Pierce Brosnan (even if his hair isn't quite right yet). Makes the obligatory attempt at updating Bond for the 'modern world' but doesn't get dogmatic about it and mostly just worries about entertaining the audience, which is surely as it should be. The tank chase surely features on anyone's list of great Bond sequences; director Martin Campbell would go on to make the hard-edged Casino Royale, which is probably a better film, but this is much more fun.
Everyone is clearly working very hard to make this film a success, particularly Pierce Brosnan (even if his hair isn't quite right yet). Makes the obligatory attempt at updating Bond for the 'modern world' but doesn't get dogmatic about it and mostly just worries about entertaining the audience, which is surely as it should be. The tank chase surely features on anyone's list of great Bond sequences; director Martin Campbell would go on to make the hard-edged Casino Royale, which is probably a better film, but this is much more fun.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Shootist (1976) in Movies
May 4, 2019
The final film starring John Wayne
Who knew that John Wayne's final film would star "The Duke" opposite Ron Howard? Also great performances by Lauren Bacall and James Stewart.
An notorious aging gunslinger learns he has inoperable cancer and decides to try and live out his final days in peace. Unfortunately, not to be as elements from his past come back to haunt him or just won't let him enjoy his final moments. He befriends a widow and her son as he rents a room from them. He wants to tie up some loose ends in his life before his time on Earth ends.
Still being a John Wayne novice, I thought his performance here was miraculous. He showed his usual toughness and charisma, but also real heart and vulnerability at times. You could see he felt remorse for some of his past actions and wanted to atone for them; however, life had other obstacles for him to overcome and to draw his relationships to their conclusion.
Very pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
An notorious aging gunslinger learns he has inoperable cancer and decides to try and live out his final days in peace. Unfortunately, not to be as elements from his past come back to haunt him or just won't let him enjoy his final moments. He befriends a widow and her son as he rents a room from them. He wants to tie up some loose ends in his life before his time on Earth ends.
Still being a John Wayne novice, I thought his performance here was miraculous. He showed his usual toughness and charisma, but also real heart and vulnerability at times. You could see he felt remorse for some of his past actions and wanted to atone for them; however, life had other obstacles for him to overcome and to draw his relationships to their conclusion.
Very pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Homecoming in Books
May 30, 2019
Dark family thriller - not for the faint hearted
There’s not a lot I want to say about this book plot wise, going into it blind is a real thrill, but the opening hook is:
Following the death of their father siblings Aaron, Franny and Bridge, along with their mother are brought to the Belfountain estate for the reading of his will. It turns out he had a lot more money than they thought but also an odd sense of humour. To get there share of the inheritance they have to stay at Belfountain with no contact with the outside world for 30 days. Sounds crazy but who wouldn’t when there are millions up for grab?
What follows is the ever increasing occurrence of creepy stuff and the realisation that none of them know who their father really was. It’s a very dark suspense tale once it gets going, with some strong horror elements.
By the end I felt I’d just read a great Black Mirror episode, so recommended for fans of that.
Following the death of their father siblings Aaron, Franny and Bridge, along with their mother are brought to the Belfountain estate for the reading of his will. It turns out he had a lot more money than they thought but also an odd sense of humour. To get there share of the inheritance they have to stay at Belfountain with no contact with the outside world for 30 days. Sounds crazy but who wouldn’t when there are millions up for grab?
What follows is the ever increasing occurrence of creepy stuff and the realisation that none of them know who their father really was. It’s a very dark suspense tale once it gets going, with some strong horror elements.
By the end I felt I’d just read a great Black Mirror episode, so recommended for fans of that.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Tanners by Tanners in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Tanners is an indie-electro/alternative singer based in Brooklyn, New York. Not too long ago, she released an attractively beautiful self-titled debut EP.
“HOLY WATER“
The video finds Tanners in holy water surrounded by a pink-filtered fog. Also, the following scene shows her in a white revealing outfit alongside two performers.
“Holy Water” is Tanners’ debut single and the first song on her EP. It was produced by Julie Hardy, Mike MacAllister, and Tanners.
“EMPRESS IN REVERSE“
“Empress in Reverse” consists of psychedelic instrumentation, dreamy melodies, and charming vocals that you won’t be able to get out of your head. It’s smooth, delicious, and ear-welcoming.
“THIS CRAZY“
“This Crazy” contains hypnotic instrumentation, attractive vocals, and dreamy and charismatic melodies. Also, its funk and ‘80s elements perfume the atmosphere with audio ecstasy and eargasmic funk.
“WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR“
“What You’ve Been Waiting For” contains lush instrumentation embedded with heavy drums, dreamy melodies, and an engaging storyline.
CONCLUSION
Tanners’ self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work with heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/tanners-ep/
“HOLY WATER“
The video finds Tanners in holy water surrounded by a pink-filtered fog. Also, the following scene shows her in a white revealing outfit alongside two performers.
“Holy Water” is Tanners’ debut single and the first song on her EP. It was produced by Julie Hardy, Mike MacAllister, and Tanners.
“EMPRESS IN REVERSE“
“Empress in Reverse” consists of psychedelic instrumentation, dreamy melodies, and charming vocals that you won’t be able to get out of your head. It’s smooth, delicious, and ear-welcoming.
“THIS CRAZY“
“This Crazy” contains hypnotic instrumentation, attractive vocals, and dreamy and charismatic melodies. Also, its funk and ‘80s elements perfume the atmosphere with audio ecstasy and eargasmic funk.
“WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR“
“What You’ve Been Waiting For” contains lush instrumentation embedded with heavy drums, dreamy melodies, and an engaging storyline.
CONCLUSION
Tanners’ self-titled debut EP is a solid body of work with heavy replay value.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/tanners-ep/
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Born Into Fire in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
An interesting story, to say the least. It was a different concept and I appreciate that. However, there were times when I didnt understand what was going on. The beginning for instance. I know he controlled air, but the passage itself was hard to grasp. I wasnt sure that what I was visualizing in my head is what the author intended.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for more erotica than story. While there was a plot, and it was fairly interesting, the sex heavily outweighed the story.
I suppose I am biased, however, since this novel was exactly up my alley. I love erotica, and I love stories that involve people who can control elements. Besides witches/warlocks, they are my ultimate favorite paranormals. However, if the author wasnt skilled, I wouldnt have enjoyed this story nearly as much. Despite the random scenes I found confusing, it was an enjoyable story.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
An interesting story, to say the least. It was a different concept and I appreciate that. However, there were times when I didnt understand what was going on. The beginning for instance. I know he controlled air, but the passage itself was hard to grasp. I wasnt sure that what I was visualizing in my head is what the author intended.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for more erotica than story. While there was a plot, and it was fairly interesting, the sex heavily outweighed the story.
I suppose I am biased, however, since this novel was exactly up my alley. I love erotica, and I love stories that involve people who can control elements. Besides witches/warlocks, they are my ultimate favorite paranormals. However, if the author wasnt skilled, I wouldnt have enjoyed this story nearly as much. Despite the random scenes I found confusing, it was an enjoyable story.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
Charlotte (210 KP) rated American Psycho: Picador Classic in Books
Jan 21, 2018
this novel is majorly complex and detailed and offers a commentary on materialism, money, power, capitalism, and the mind that is still incredibly relevant today (4 more)
a startling question you have to ask yourself once you approach the end is if any of the narrative was reliable, and this is a question that remains unresolved even after completing the novel
the book goes into monotonous & excruciating detail, not only in its gore but also in its everyday: this can become tedious to read but this is the point as it its pointless, mundane nature that emphasises the futile, self absorbed lifestyle Bateman lives
unnerving character development with elements of the unreliable narrator making you want to reread the whole novel again, but the disturbing nature of the novel's content seems to prevent me from doing so
a book to be disgusted by, but mainly in terms of being disgusted at yourself for finding the whole thing so intriguing
"THIS IS NOT AN EXIT"
Chrissy (8 KP) rated Bewitching Hannah in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Bewitching Hannah is a page turner about 16-year-old Hannah. It tells an amazing tale of how her life changes, challenges she faces, and survival. Hannah has lost both of her parents, and goes to live with her Aunt J. When she starts school, she makes new friends, and frenemies. Although dealing with these high school mean girls does not happen in the normal fashion.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
Mar 2, 2018 (Updated Mar 2, 2018)
Wish it hadn't been written like a screenplay
The Tattooist of Auschwitz reads like a fictional story set during the Holocaust, but what makes it remarkable is the fact that it is anything but formulated.
Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, was given the task of tattooing identification numbers on others at the notorious concentration camp. There he meets Gita, another Slovakian, and he sets himself on a mission to escape with her to freedom by trading food and jewels, revealing his incredible street smarts. If he had been caught, he would have been killed - many owed him their survival.
There are elements where you do think it has been written for the screen, as the scenes fail to connect to one another fluidly. As a result, I did believe it to be a fictional story because the writing failed to completely flourish and the author struggles with the prose. In this respect, it is rather disappointing, however, the memoir is wonderful and it leaves you with huge respect for the Sokolovs.
Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, was given the task of tattooing identification numbers on others at the notorious concentration camp. There he meets Gita, another Slovakian, and he sets himself on a mission to escape with her to freedom by trading food and jewels, revealing his incredible street smarts. If he had been caught, he would have been killed - many owed him their survival.
There are elements where you do think it has been written for the screen, as the scenes fail to connect to one another fluidly. As a result, I did believe it to be a fictional story because the writing failed to completely flourish and the author struggles with the prose. In this respect, it is rather disappointing, however, the memoir is wonderful and it leaves you with huge respect for the Sokolovs.
Aspiring novelist Lena London has been given the change of a lifetime, helping her idol, best-selling author Camilla Graham, polish up her newest novel. But Lena has hardly arrived in town when she finds the dead body of a young man near Camilla’s house. What is going on?
There is a strong element of wish fulfillment in this novel, and I must admit I enjoyed that real life fantasy. Camilla writes gothic novels, and there are elements of those here as an homage to the genre. Even though I’m not familiar with that genre, I still spotted a few; I probably missed others, but it wasn’t that big a deal to me. The characters are fun and the plot was strong. I did have some issues with the pacing at the end, but overall, I enjoyed this. It certainly left me anxious for the next one.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-dark-and-stormy-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
There is a strong element of wish fulfillment in this novel, and I must admit I enjoyed that real life fantasy. Camilla writes gothic novels, and there are elements of those here as an homage to the genre. Even though I’m not familiar with that genre, I still spotted a few; I probably missed others, but it wasn’t that big a deal to me. The characters are fun and the plot was strong. I did have some issues with the pacing at the end, but overall, I enjoyed this. It certainly left me anxious for the next one.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-dark-and-stormy-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.