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Wörterbuch Deutsche Rechtschreibung von PONS
Reference and Education
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The unbeatable app for German spelling with 140,000 keywords. Are you sometimes unsure how to spell...

Practical SharePoint 2010 Information Architecture
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Practical SharePoint 2010 Information Architecture is a guide and tool set for planning and...

Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated Maneater in Video Games
Jul 7, 2020
Playing as a shark (4 more)
Nice open world
Funny characters
Location collection quest
Story
Bugs (3 more)
Lack of targeting
Bit repetitive
Similar to other open world RPG titles
A game with Bite
Let me start by saying any game where you play as a "monster/ animal" against evil people is fun. This game is really fun and addictive.
The controls are simple enough and work, never felt I had no control over my shark. Graphics are not AAA for this generation and sometimes takes few seconds to render the Shark or some environment.
Gameplay by far is what I love about this game even when it is a bit repetitive. In fairness Sharks can only do so much. Nothing more fun than swimming around eating other predators and humans.
Game starts you of as a "pup" meaning you need to avoid alligators and eat as much as possible to level up to a "teen". Even then alligators will kill you 90% of the time. Once you get to around level 10 you grow to an "adult" then you can take it to the gators and pretty much anything in your first few areas.
Yes this game is open world, however it uses a trope seen in Witcher 3 and Assassin's Creed. Where by the story keeps you in areas to allow you enjoy the increase in difficulty. Letting you level up and evolve your shark before heading out into the ocean.
The games story is fun, full of over the top characters, like a throw back to GTA3 etc. Only just getting started. But the main Villain Scaly Pete is fair flushed out. Based on a sort of Ahab type character seeking revenge against sharks.
Gameplay is a mix of kill so many humans/prey, kill this predator/ human, collection quests and starting trouble to kill hunters which increases you infamy rating.
The ideas are not original, but they work really well. Knowing when to pick a fight with a rival predator is key. This is based on their and your level. As seen in AC Origns/ Odyssey and Witcher 3. Evolving reminds me of upgrading Max's car in Mad Max and feels fun. The story has elements of GTA or Saints Row with its OTT characters.
Sadly it can be a bit repetitive and sometimes feels bit of a slog having to swim somewhere to kill so many of something. But sometimes this is good as it is easy to drop in and out off. If you like Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, The Meg and any SyFy B Movie with killer sharks. Then this is the game for you.
It's a good game kept from greatest by few bugs and the limitations of being a Shark.
The controls are simple enough and work, never felt I had no control over my shark. Graphics are not AAA for this generation and sometimes takes few seconds to render the Shark or some environment.
Gameplay by far is what I love about this game even when it is a bit repetitive. In fairness Sharks can only do so much. Nothing more fun than swimming around eating other predators and humans.
Game starts you of as a "pup" meaning you need to avoid alligators and eat as much as possible to level up to a "teen". Even then alligators will kill you 90% of the time. Once you get to around level 10 you grow to an "adult" then you can take it to the gators and pretty much anything in your first few areas.
Yes this game is open world, however it uses a trope seen in Witcher 3 and Assassin's Creed. Where by the story keeps you in areas to allow you enjoy the increase in difficulty. Letting you level up and evolve your shark before heading out into the ocean.
The games story is fun, full of over the top characters, like a throw back to GTA3 etc. Only just getting started. But the main Villain Scaly Pete is fair flushed out. Based on a sort of Ahab type character seeking revenge against sharks.
Gameplay is a mix of kill so many humans/prey, kill this predator/ human, collection quests and starting trouble to kill hunters which increases you infamy rating.
The ideas are not original, but they work really well. Knowing when to pick a fight with a rival predator is key. This is based on their and your level. As seen in AC Origns/ Odyssey and Witcher 3. Evolving reminds me of upgrading Max's car in Mad Max and feels fun. The story has elements of GTA or Saints Row with its OTT characters.
Sadly it can be a bit repetitive and sometimes feels bit of a slog having to swim somewhere to kill so many of something. But sometimes this is good as it is easy to drop in and out off. If you like Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, The Meg and any SyFy B Movie with killer sharks. Then this is the game for you.
It's a good game kept from greatest by few bugs and the limitations of being a Shark.

Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Of Thorns and Beauty in Books
Dec 29, 2020
Never has a retelling been so close but so unimaginabley far away from the original fairytale. Of Thorns and Beauty is a New Adult masterpiece which will reel you in from its first pages and not let you go until its cruel cliffhanger.
A quick note that this is definitely a New Adult novel. Although not written about in detail this take includes the subjects of abuse, murder and rape as well as a bucket load of sexual tension.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is written solely from the perspective of our protagonist-the beauty Zaina. Forced into an arranged marriage with the renowned beast King Einar and denied any companions to accompany her, Zaina enters the "Beast's" castle entirely on her guard and unaware as to what sort of a life lays before her.
It quickly becomes apparent that Zaina's beauty has only ever caused pain and hardship for her in the past. As a result of this, she is a far cry from the bookish village girl seeking an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Zaina is fiery, sarcastic, dangerous and her prickly, defensive demeanour makes her few friends in her new home.
The use of a first person perspective with a protagonist such as Zaina really brings this novel to life. Zaina is such a damaged character and the reader is drip fed memories so partially and so slowly that we still don't know the extent of her suffering once the book has ended.
The style of writing also allows us to share Zaina's frustration at attempting to read her husband Einar's emotions: quite ironic for someone so closed off herself. The reader does not always feel empathy though: Zaina's defences are so high that she shuns any attempt at friendship; sometimes you just want to shake her!
Elements of the original beauty and the beast tale remain: there is indeed a curse, a rose and a forbidden west wing. However, these are so cleverly twisted that the reader will finish this book with an entirely different concept of who the Beast really is.
The fact that the authors themselves apologise for the cliffhanger, explaining that the characters and storyline just required more pages and more time, shows the sheer commitment to world building and character development.
Madison and Mahle introduce us to a whole new world of scenery and creatures; they pull us into the painful past of both main characters; place slimy villains in the shadows and raise our hopes of romance before throwing them off a cliff. This book is impossible to put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Booksirens for the opportunity to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note that this is definitely a New Adult novel. Although not written about in detail this take includes the subjects of abuse, murder and rape as well as a bucket load of sexual tension.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is written solely from the perspective of our protagonist-the beauty Zaina. Forced into an arranged marriage with the renowned beast King Einar and denied any companions to accompany her, Zaina enters the "Beast's" castle entirely on her guard and unaware as to what sort of a life lays before her.
It quickly becomes apparent that Zaina's beauty has only ever caused pain and hardship for her in the past. As a result of this, she is a far cry from the bookish village girl seeking an adventure in the great wide somewhere. Zaina is fiery, sarcastic, dangerous and her prickly, defensive demeanour makes her few friends in her new home.
The use of a first person perspective with a protagonist such as Zaina really brings this novel to life. Zaina is such a damaged character and the reader is drip fed memories so partially and so slowly that we still don't know the extent of her suffering once the book has ended.
The style of writing also allows us to share Zaina's frustration at attempting to read her husband Einar's emotions: quite ironic for someone so closed off herself. The reader does not always feel empathy though: Zaina's defences are so high that she shuns any attempt at friendship; sometimes you just want to shake her!
Elements of the original beauty and the beast tale remain: there is indeed a curse, a rose and a forbidden west wing. However, these are so cleverly twisted that the reader will finish this book with an entirely different concept of who the Beast really is.
The fact that the authors themselves apologise for the cliffhanger, explaining that the characters and storyline just required more pages and more time, shows the sheer commitment to world building and character development.
Madison and Mahle introduce us to a whole new world of scenery and creatures; they pull us into the painful past of both main characters; place slimy villains in the shadows and raise our hopes of romance before throwing them off a cliff. This book is impossible to put down and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Booksirens for the opportunity to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Hillbilly Elegy (2020) in Movies
Apr 22, 2021
General Shoutiness and a glowering Glenn Close
I missed Ron Howard's "Hillbilly Elegy" when it came out at the end of last year, but principally wanted to catch up on it to see Glenn Close's Oscar nominated performance before Sunday's Oscars.
Positives:
- When this film started, I suspected that the Glenn Close nomination might be another 'Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love' - - where her acceptance speech is longer than the time spent on screen! But no. Because of the flashback format deployed in the film, she actually gets a good amount of air time. And it's a really solid and impressive performance.
- The supporting cast is also good. Amy Adams is given a lot to do with a challenging role, and (just about) pulls it off. And young Owen Asztalos as the younger J. D. particularly impressed me.
Negatives:
- Although it's based on J. D. Vance's true life story, I really struggled to get very invested in the story. The choppy nature of the narrative - hopping repeatedly between 'the present' and multiple flashback timelines - really doesn't help with this.
- The whole J. D. / Usha romance element almost felt like it belonged in a different film. In fact, I found it frustrating that I found the elements with J. D.'s struggles at college, with the emerging love and guidance of Usha, as a more compelling narrative than the druggie mother lead story. Perhaps the movie was just trying to be too ambitious?
- Apart from one 'personal decision' scene in a motel bedroom, there's not much of an "up-side" to the story for the viewer to take away. It's not a movie that I found a positive experience.
Viewer Advisory;
If you've had any history of life in a dysfunctional family, there is a lot of shouting, slapping and general tension in this movie which you might find disturbing.
Summary Thoughts:
So, I came to this to see the performance of Glenn Close, and it's very good. I would personally be surprised if she takes the Oscar for this. However, having been nominated eight times before and never won, the 'sympathy vote' may play here.
But one of my bellweathers for a movie is to think whether I'll remember it in six months time. I'm afraid this one is unlikely to pass the test. If you say "Hillbilly Elegy" to me in October, I'll probably recall a whole lot of shouty people and Glenn Close glowering at me from the screen. That's not a wholly great recommendation for a movie. Sorry Mr Howard, but this one's a 'miss' for me.
(For the full graphical review, please see the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/04/21/hillbilly-elegy-review/ ).
Positives:
- When this film started, I suspected that the Glenn Close nomination might be another 'Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love' - - where her acceptance speech is longer than the time spent on screen! But no. Because of the flashback format deployed in the film, she actually gets a good amount of air time. And it's a really solid and impressive performance.
- The supporting cast is also good. Amy Adams is given a lot to do with a challenging role, and (just about) pulls it off. And young Owen Asztalos as the younger J. D. particularly impressed me.
Negatives:
- Although it's based on J. D. Vance's true life story, I really struggled to get very invested in the story. The choppy nature of the narrative - hopping repeatedly between 'the present' and multiple flashback timelines - really doesn't help with this.
- The whole J. D. / Usha romance element almost felt like it belonged in a different film. In fact, I found it frustrating that I found the elements with J. D.'s struggles at college, with the emerging love and guidance of Usha, as a more compelling narrative than the druggie mother lead story. Perhaps the movie was just trying to be too ambitious?
- Apart from one 'personal decision' scene in a motel bedroom, there's not much of an "up-side" to the story for the viewer to take away. It's not a movie that I found a positive experience.
Viewer Advisory;
If you've had any history of life in a dysfunctional family, there is a lot of shouting, slapping and general tension in this movie which you might find disturbing.
Summary Thoughts:
So, I came to this to see the performance of Glenn Close, and it's very good. I would personally be surprised if she takes the Oscar for this. However, having been nominated eight times before and never won, the 'sympathy vote' may play here.
But one of my bellweathers for a movie is to think whether I'll remember it in six months time. I'm afraid this one is unlikely to pass the test. If you say "Hillbilly Elegy" to me in October, I'll probably recall a whole lot of shouty people and Glenn Close glowering at me from the screen. That's not a wholly great recommendation for a movie. Sorry Mr Howard, but this one's a 'miss' for me.
(For the full graphical review, please see the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/04/21/hillbilly-elegy-review/ ).

Tom Turner (388 KP) rated White Dolphin in Books
May 10, 2021
I decided to read this book when I saw a confirmation from the author posted on Facebook, confirming that one of the characters shared my disability, Hemiplegia. My disability is often overlooked in representation as people mainly go for deaf, blind, wheelchair user or someone with down syndrome. So I was intrigued to find out how well Gill Lewis had done it.
First thing I will say, in the book she doesn't make the particular disability, just referring to Cerebral Palsey, an umbrella term which covers a number of physical disabilities. Though it would have been nice to see the name dropped, I can understand why this is. The book is aimed at an audience aged around 11, and throwing up technical terms and explainations might be too much. Most children through osmosis know what Cerebral Palsey is, and if they don't, they've learned something. Plus, with the confirmation from the author, be and the knowledge of what Hemiplegia looks like it was obvious from the start that this is what it was meant to be.
But a novel is more than just a one aspect of a character, and so how did the story fair. At first I worried it might turn out to be a Free Willy rip off. But without going into detail, while there are elements of that in here it is just one part of the whole. There was a lot going on, ans not only were we seeing it act out through the eyes of a girl dealing with real issues, Kara felt incredibly real to me. I was surprised how psychologically deep Lewis was able to make her characters, and this kept me reading on. Never once did I feel Felix (the disabled character that had attracted me to the book in the first place) as a one dimensional character. More often than not fictional disabled people are flanderised so that their disability is their personality. This was not Felix. Sure, he had his frustrations with life due to his disability, but that was just a part of his personality. Nor was his narrative solely that of overcoming his disability. A chapter before Felix becomes joint hero with Kara, we have a scene where he's struggling to walk up a flight of outside steps because the rail stops short (something I personally have experienced too many times!) Emphasising and reminding the reader that while he is able to excel in one area, life can still be a frustration elsewhere.
I'm really glad I picked this book up. And will definitely be encouring my Goddaughters to read it - especially as they are currently the demographic this book is aimed at.
First thing I will say, in the book she doesn't make the particular disability, just referring to Cerebral Palsey, an umbrella term which covers a number of physical disabilities. Though it would have been nice to see the name dropped, I can understand why this is. The book is aimed at an audience aged around 11, and throwing up technical terms and explainations might be too much. Most children through osmosis know what Cerebral Palsey is, and if they don't, they've learned something. Plus, with the confirmation from the author, be and the knowledge of what Hemiplegia looks like it was obvious from the start that this is what it was meant to be.
But a novel is more than just a one aspect of a character, and so how did the story fair. At first I worried it might turn out to be a Free Willy rip off. But without going into detail, while there are elements of that in here it is just one part of the whole. There was a lot going on, ans not only were we seeing it act out through the eyes of a girl dealing with real issues, Kara felt incredibly real to me. I was surprised how psychologically deep Lewis was able to make her characters, and this kept me reading on. Never once did I feel Felix (the disabled character that had attracted me to the book in the first place) as a one dimensional character. More often than not fictional disabled people are flanderised so that their disability is their personality. This was not Felix. Sure, he had his frustrations with life due to his disability, but that was just a part of his personality. Nor was his narrative solely that of overcoming his disability. A chapter before Felix becomes joint hero with Kara, we have a scene where he's struggling to walk up a flight of outside steps because the rail stops short (something I personally have experienced too many times!) Emphasising and reminding the reader that while he is able to excel in one area, life can still be a frustration elsewhere.
I'm really glad I picked this book up. And will definitely be encouring my Goddaughters to read it - especially as they are currently the demographic this book is aimed at.

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Live From Studio Hotel Earth by Laura Jean Anderson in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Laura Jean Anderson is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Olympia, Washington. Not too long ago, she released an EP of live in-studio tracks, entitled, “Live From Studio Hotel Earth”.
The 6-track project contains songs from her debut EP, entitled, “Lonesome No More”, alongside a cover of The White Stripes’ “I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)” single.
“I miss my mother, I miss being her one. As crazy as I was, I guess I wasn’t much fun. Sometimes, I miss her so much, want to hop on the next jet. I get lonely, but I ain’t that lonely yet.” – lyrics
‘I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)’ tells a depressing tale of a young woman who is in need of human contact. Apparently, she doesn’t want to bother her loved ones, therefore, she doesn’t tell them that she misses them.
Later, she admits that sometimes she wants to give them a call, but doesn’t want to feel like a pest. Even though she feels regret for being desolate, she keeps on keeping on. What she really wants is to find a friend, someone who she can talk to one on one.
‘I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)’ contains a gloomy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental blues and folk elements.
“Making a record and having the vast possibilities of production and instrumentation is exciting, but there is something special about limitation. This live EP brings the songs back to how they were written. Back to those intimate moments of writing alone late at night with just me and my guitar. These songs are really personal to me. All about very vivid moments and stories of my life so being able to record them stripped-down and intimately was really emotional but beautiful. The day of the recording was really special for me. I’m a huge believer in the power of a community of people. So it was really special having my old friend Theo Karon record this in his new studio.” – Laura Jean Anderson
Laura Jean Anderson had a strict Mormon upbringing. During her teenage years, she used music as an outlet for rebellion and enhanced her vocal skill in church choirs.
After a bronchitis-ridden audition, she gained acceptance to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she studied classical voice.
Since then, she has gained experience as a blue collared musician who built her career working odd jobs which involved painstaking hard labor.
Get acquainted with her music by streaming her “Live From Studio Hotel Earth” EP via Spotify.
Laura Jean Anderson recorded her “Live From Studio Hotel Earth” EP in one-take.
Also, this summer, she will embark on a tour as direct support with L.A. alt-rock outfit Grizfolk.
The 6-track project contains songs from her debut EP, entitled, “Lonesome No More”, alongside a cover of The White Stripes’ “I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)” single.
“I miss my mother, I miss being her one. As crazy as I was, I guess I wasn’t much fun. Sometimes, I miss her so much, want to hop on the next jet. I get lonely, but I ain’t that lonely yet.” – lyrics
‘I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)’ tells a depressing tale of a young woman who is in need of human contact. Apparently, she doesn’t want to bother her loved ones, therefore, she doesn’t tell them that she misses them.
Later, she admits that sometimes she wants to give them a call, but doesn’t want to feel like a pest. Even though she feels regret for being desolate, she keeps on keeping on. What she really wants is to find a friend, someone who she can talk to one on one.
‘I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)’ contains a gloomy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental blues and folk elements.
“Making a record and having the vast possibilities of production and instrumentation is exciting, but there is something special about limitation. This live EP brings the songs back to how they were written. Back to those intimate moments of writing alone late at night with just me and my guitar. These songs are really personal to me. All about very vivid moments and stories of my life so being able to record them stripped-down and intimately was really emotional but beautiful. The day of the recording was really special for me. I’m a huge believer in the power of a community of people. So it was really special having my old friend Theo Karon record this in his new studio.” – Laura Jean Anderson
Laura Jean Anderson had a strict Mormon upbringing. During her teenage years, she used music as an outlet for rebellion and enhanced her vocal skill in church choirs.
After a bronchitis-ridden audition, she gained acceptance to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she studied classical voice.
Since then, she has gained experience as a blue collared musician who built her career working odd jobs which involved painstaking hard labor.
Get acquainted with her music by streaming her “Live From Studio Hotel Earth” EP via Spotify.
Laura Jean Anderson recorded her “Live From Studio Hotel Earth” EP in one-take.
Also, this summer, she will embark on a tour as direct support with L.A. alt-rock outfit Grizfolk.

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Dawn by SG Lewis in Music
Jun 26, 2019
SG Lewis is a London-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Not too long ago, he released his “Dawn” EP ahead of his two high profile festival appearances at North Coast Music Festival and Jay-Z’s Made In America, and a headlining tour in September.
His 6-track project, released via Casablanca and Republic Records, is the third and final chapter of his three-part concept album, entitled, Dusk, Dark, Dawn.
“I forgive, I forget all the words I’ve never spoken. I’ve been lost, I’ve been hurt, I’ve been blamed. Sitting here on the floor feels like I’ve been high forever. Coming down, falling hard, all in vain.” – lyrics
‘Easy Loving You’ tells a bittersweet tale of a heavy-hearted young man who struggles to cope with the pain after suffering an emotional breakup with his girlfriend.
Looking back in hindsight, he realizes that she wasn’t an easy person to love, and their problematic relation was doomed from the start because they were oceans apart.
Later, he admits that both of them are broken and in need of emotional repair. Also, it hurts every time he remembers that they are no longer together.
‘Easy Loving You’ contains a gloomy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with sentimental and electro-R&B elements.
“Blue, in your eyes as I fall for the night. But you’ll fade away when morning light is rising. Leave a taste lingering on my skin. Have I been here before? You touch me and I fall. I close my eyes on the horizon, me and you. I can see the lights inside my mind are glowing blue.” – lyrics
Not too long ago, SG Lewis released the psychedelic, Rainbow Road tinged music video for his EP opener, entitled, “Blue”.
The likable tune was inspired by the countless amount of hours that Lewis spent in airports while touring over the last year.
Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Dawn” EP via Spotify.
“‘Dawn’ is the final phase of the 3-part album I have spent the last 18 months working on. ‘Dawn’ captures the energy of the end of the night, the intimacy of the quieter moments, and the emotions felt after the energetic highs of ‘Dark’. It is a more introspective phase, and is the most personal music I think I have ever released.” – SG Lewis
It’s been an impressive year for SG Lewis, with SOLD-OUT shows across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Not too long ago, Dark‘s lead single, “Hurting”, hit No.1 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart.
Also, Lewis played a prime slot at this year’s Coachella and continues to cement his status as not one of London’s hottest new talents, capable of making a splash on both sides of the Atlantic.
His 6-track project, released via Casablanca and Republic Records, is the third and final chapter of his three-part concept album, entitled, Dusk, Dark, Dawn.
“I forgive, I forget all the words I’ve never spoken. I’ve been lost, I’ve been hurt, I’ve been blamed. Sitting here on the floor feels like I’ve been high forever. Coming down, falling hard, all in vain.” – lyrics
‘Easy Loving You’ tells a bittersweet tale of a heavy-hearted young man who struggles to cope with the pain after suffering an emotional breakup with his girlfriend.
Looking back in hindsight, he realizes that she wasn’t an easy person to love, and their problematic relation was doomed from the start because they were oceans apart.
Later, he admits that both of them are broken and in need of emotional repair. Also, it hurts every time he remembers that they are no longer together.
‘Easy Loving You’ contains a gloomy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with sentimental and electro-R&B elements.
“Blue, in your eyes as I fall for the night. But you’ll fade away when morning light is rising. Leave a taste lingering on my skin. Have I been here before? You touch me and I fall. I close my eyes on the horizon, me and you. I can see the lights inside my mind are glowing blue.” – lyrics
Not too long ago, SG Lewis released the psychedelic, Rainbow Road tinged music video for his EP opener, entitled, “Blue”.
The likable tune was inspired by the countless amount of hours that Lewis spent in airports while touring over the last year.
Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Dawn” EP via Spotify.
“‘Dawn’ is the final phase of the 3-part album I have spent the last 18 months working on. ‘Dawn’ captures the energy of the end of the night, the intimacy of the quieter moments, and the emotions felt after the energetic highs of ‘Dark’. It is a more introspective phase, and is the most personal music I think I have ever released.” – SG Lewis
It’s been an impressive year for SG Lewis, with SOLD-OUT shows across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Not too long ago, Dark‘s lead single, “Hurting”, hit No.1 on the Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart.
Also, Lewis played a prime slot at this year’s Coachella and continues to cement his status as not one of London’s hottest new talents, capable of making a splash on both sides of the Atlantic.

Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Gate (1987) in Movies
Sep 29, 2019
Gremlins meets Explorers in some good 80's fun!
After a lightning storm, a major tree get uprooted in the suburban back yard of Glen and his sometimes nice big sister, Al. Glen and his best friend Terry proceed to investigate and discover some cool geode stones. At the same time, Glen and Al's parents are going away and leaving the teen and pre-teens home alone (doesn't this always happen in 80's movies).
All seems well enough until the boys split the geode and it spurts out some ancient writing that Glen reads aloud. Al decides to have a party while her parents are away (go figure) where Glen is levitated during a mini seance. Terry discovers during one of his headbanging sessions some of these events coincidentally are said to open a demonic gate where strange creatures can emerge, torment those they find and ravage the Earth.
The three protagonists decide to try and close the "gate" by reading ancient text and Bible verses. This proves successful and small, feisty demons begin to appear and creep into their house. After several run ins, more unusual things start happening within the home, possibly as a precursor for something even bigger on the horizon.
The teens must formulate a plan to dispose of their new house-guests before it is too late!
Funny that Glen is played by a very young Stephen Dorff in his very first role. He reminds me of a young Ethan Hawke in Explorers as his nerd friend Terry reminds me of River Phoenix in the same film.
The movie is cheesy with dated special and optical effects that modern audiences might get annoyed by or find lame and of poor quality. The small demons are more funny than they are scary, but I still enjoyed seeing them on screen. I actually thought it was stop motion animation similar to a Ray Harryhausen film like Clash of the Titans, but they were actually actors in demon costumes and then shot in forced perspective to make them seem smaller.
The movie is only 85 minutes and the plot does take a little while to get going. The first half of the movie is more like every 80's movie you have ever seen with dated hairstyles, clothing and dialogue, but once the demon stuff manifests it becomes more interesting.
Even though PG-13 with some semi scary moments, the movie does seem the style of Gremlins meaning maybe aiming more for a younger audience rather than being excessively disgusting or graphic.
Hopefully you can put aside the elements I mentioned that aren't up to today's standards and enjoy the cute, interesting story this film inhabits. I surely did.
All seems well enough until the boys split the geode and it spurts out some ancient writing that Glen reads aloud. Al decides to have a party while her parents are away (go figure) where Glen is levitated during a mini seance. Terry discovers during one of his headbanging sessions some of these events coincidentally are said to open a demonic gate where strange creatures can emerge, torment those they find and ravage the Earth.
The three protagonists decide to try and close the "gate" by reading ancient text and Bible verses. This proves successful and small, feisty demons begin to appear and creep into their house. After several run ins, more unusual things start happening within the home, possibly as a precursor for something even bigger on the horizon.
The teens must formulate a plan to dispose of their new house-guests before it is too late!
Funny that Glen is played by a very young Stephen Dorff in his very first role. He reminds me of a young Ethan Hawke in Explorers as his nerd friend Terry reminds me of River Phoenix in the same film.
The movie is cheesy with dated special and optical effects that modern audiences might get annoyed by or find lame and of poor quality. The small demons are more funny than they are scary, but I still enjoyed seeing them on screen. I actually thought it was stop motion animation similar to a Ray Harryhausen film like Clash of the Titans, but they were actually actors in demon costumes and then shot in forced perspective to make them seem smaller.
The movie is only 85 minutes and the plot does take a little while to get going. The first half of the movie is more like every 80's movie you have ever seen with dated hairstyles, clothing and dialogue, but once the demon stuff manifests it becomes more interesting.
Even though PG-13 with some semi scary moments, the movie does seem the style of Gremlins meaning maybe aiming more for a younger audience rather than being excessively disgusting or graphic.
Hopefully you can put aside the elements I mentioned that aren't up to today's standards and enjoy the cute, interesting story this film inhabits. I surely did.

Darren (1599 KP) rated Hellmington (2018) in Movies
Sep 13, 2019
Characters – Samantha Woodhouse is a detective from a big city, she returns home with her father being on his deathbed, to help plan for the next stage, she decides to stick around after learning about missing person that hasn’t ever been solved, where she must face her own connection of her past, while trying to understand what actually happened to the missing girl. Rupert is the Uncle to Samantha, he is the local sheriff that bought her back, only to wish for her to leave the case alone. Professor Freeborn is one of the locals experts that is helping Samantha understand the truth around what might be happening. We do meet a host of potential suspects, or residents that do have a chapter to say when it comes to unlocking the truth.
Performances – This movie revolves around the performance Nicola Correia-Damude gives, she is involved in every scene and you can understand the mindset of her character as she both learns truths and faces pasts through the film. Michael Ironside might well be the biggest name in the film and does everything we need him to do. The rest of the cast is strong through the film too.
Story – The story follows a detective that returns home for her father’s funeral, only to find herself investigating a missing persons case, one that does mean she must face her own past to learn the truth. This is an interesting story because it does show us how your past can come back to haunt you and investigating a bigger case can only make you see the people in your life in a different light. We do follow just one character which will show us how they are learning about the case, just as we are, which is nice too be left in the dark about certain parts instead of being given all answers. We do get pushed down different ideas of what is happening which does keep us guessing and will leave shocked by the truth.
Horror – The film does use horror elements which involve how the Samantha is experience strange events while trying to uncover the truth.
Settings – The film is set in one locations which is the hometown of the Samantha which is filled with memories, some she liked, others she doesn’t want to.
Special Effects – The effects in the film are strong when needed, we don’t use them too often which isn’t needed.
Scene of the Movie – The first visit of the stranger.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Slightly rushed finished.
Final Thoughts – This is an interesting horror that deals with the investigation into a missing person, it has a wonderful leading lady performance and does keep you guessing.
Overall: Strong horror investigation.
Performances – This movie revolves around the performance Nicola Correia-Damude gives, she is involved in every scene and you can understand the mindset of her character as she both learns truths and faces pasts through the film. Michael Ironside might well be the biggest name in the film and does everything we need him to do. The rest of the cast is strong through the film too.
Story – The story follows a detective that returns home for her father’s funeral, only to find herself investigating a missing persons case, one that does mean she must face her own past to learn the truth. This is an interesting story because it does show us how your past can come back to haunt you and investigating a bigger case can only make you see the people in your life in a different light. We do follow just one character which will show us how they are learning about the case, just as we are, which is nice too be left in the dark about certain parts instead of being given all answers. We do get pushed down different ideas of what is happening which does keep us guessing and will leave shocked by the truth.
Horror – The film does use horror elements which involve how the Samantha is experience strange events while trying to uncover the truth.
Settings – The film is set in one locations which is the hometown of the Samantha which is filled with memories, some she liked, others she doesn’t want to.
Special Effects – The effects in the film are strong when needed, we don’t use them too often which isn’t needed.
Scene of the Movie – The first visit of the stranger.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Slightly rushed finished.
Final Thoughts – This is an interesting horror that deals with the investigation into a missing person, it has a wonderful leading lady performance and does keep you guessing.
Overall: Strong horror investigation.