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Matisse - Bonnard: Long Live Painting!
Felix Kramer, Dita Amory, Jenny Graser and Margrit Hahnloser-Ingold
Book
"Long live painting!" With this rallying cry, Henri Matisse, greeted his colleague Pierre Bonnard on...
Hard Sun
7.2
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TV Show
Jim Sturgess (One Day, The Way Back) and Agyness Deyn (Sunset Song) play detectives Charlie Hicks...
Drama Crime Science fiction
King Oddball
6.0
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Video Game
Blow up tanks! Crash helicopters! Squash puny humans! Collapse structures! Hurl boulders until...
puzzles
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Murder on Fifth Avenue in Books
Nov 7, 2020
Death at a Gentlemen’s Club
When a member of the Knickerbocker club dies one afternoon, everyone assumes it was a heart attack – until they move the body and discover that he had been bleeding. Midwife Sarah Brandt’s father, Felix Decker, is a member of the club, so he immediately calls Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate. The victim was Chilton Devries, the head of a wealthy family. However, Frank soon learns that Chilton was not a well-liked man. With Sarah using her status in society to gain access to the family, the two begin to gain a long list of suspects. But who actually killed the man?
It’s always a pleasure to return to Sarah and Frank’s world, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the fact that, in addition to who and why, we were trying to figure out how. That added a nice twist of the book. I try to space out authors because I start to pick up on some of their plotting techniques, and that did enable me to figure out a couple of twists early, but I was still left puzzled by many things until I reached the end. I was hooked, staying up late two nights in a row to finish it. The characters are strong, and the series regulars provided some moments that made me laugh out loud as I read. I’m anxious to find out what happens next thanks to a tease at the end of the book. I may have been late to this series, but I’m so glad I started it.
It’s always a pleasure to return to Sarah and Frank’s world, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the fact that, in addition to who and why, we were trying to figure out how. That added a nice twist of the book. I try to space out authors because I start to pick up on some of their plotting techniques, and that did enable me to figure out a couple of twists early, but I was still left puzzled by many things until I reached the end. I was hooked, staying up late two nights in a row to finish it. The characters are strong, and the series regulars provided some moments that made me laugh out loud as I read. I’m anxious to find out what happens next thanks to a tease at the end of the book. I may have been late to this series, but I’m so glad I started it.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Shadow (Pendulum #2) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
Shadow is the second book in the Pendulum series of novels by Will Elliott. Following on immediately from the first book, The Pilgrims (reviewed previously) it follows the adventures of Eric, a regular guy who ends up in the mysterious and dangerious world of Levaal.
Taking up the story where the predecessor left off, this is a book of regrouping and answers. Following the destruction of the wall between the two halves of Levaal seemingly unstoppable forces are unleashed. The pendulum has started to swing - and signals the end of life on Levaal if it is not stopped.
This book is one of regrouping and answers. The various players were scattered at the end of the first book and now some of them arrive at the same destination. We also have answers to a number of questions from the first book, which given how many questions there were really is a considerable relief. Mysterious protagonists with opaque drives are all very well (and probably required these days to raise any story above the rest) but it is really good to see that Elliott really does know what is going on (even if as a reader it still not entirely clear). The description of how magic works was particularly good, and as with the first book this is a really strong point in the creation of the mythology here.
Most of the characters are the same faces, but there are a few new ones. Most notably Shadow who is referred to a couple of times in the first book (mostly in terms of Eric potentially being Shadow). The title character appears here as a main character and drives most of the plot. Clearly a being of power, the back story of where Shadow came from and why is also touched on. The great dragons who apparently rule the world also take a more direct hand and are as devious and manipulative as expected.
Meanwhile the Arch Mage is losing control of Vous as he nears godhood and the unpredictable destruction wrought by Vous is creating a dangerous instability as the forces representing the Castle fragment into their own factions, each with their own agenda,
The writing continues to be strong, the story moves again at some pace although inevitably there is a lot more talking and exposition as the nature of the threats are explained. Elliott's inventiveness is not diminished with more odd characters and situations and locations at every turn.
Although light on actual plot, this book is clearly required as a bridge between the first book and the third, giving the reader enough information to understand exactly what is going on before what is shaping up to be a strong and no doubt surprising finale.
Taking up the story where the predecessor left off, this is a book of regrouping and answers. Following the destruction of the wall between the two halves of Levaal seemingly unstoppable forces are unleashed. The pendulum has started to swing - and signals the end of life on Levaal if it is not stopped.
This book is one of regrouping and answers. The various players were scattered at the end of the first book and now some of them arrive at the same destination. We also have answers to a number of questions from the first book, which given how many questions there were really is a considerable relief. Mysterious protagonists with opaque drives are all very well (and probably required these days to raise any story above the rest) but it is really good to see that Elliott really does know what is going on (even if as a reader it still not entirely clear). The description of how magic works was particularly good, and as with the first book this is a really strong point in the creation of the mythology here.
Most of the characters are the same faces, but there are a few new ones. Most notably Shadow who is referred to a couple of times in the first book (mostly in terms of Eric potentially being Shadow). The title character appears here as a main character and drives most of the plot. Clearly a being of power, the back story of where Shadow came from and why is also touched on. The great dragons who apparently rule the world also take a more direct hand and are as devious and manipulative as expected.
Meanwhile the Arch Mage is losing control of Vous as he nears godhood and the unpredictable destruction wrought by Vous is creating a dangerous instability as the forces representing the Castle fragment into their own factions, each with their own agenda,
The writing continues to be strong, the story moves again at some pace although inevitably there is a lot more talking and exposition as the nature of the threats are explained. Elliott's inventiveness is not diminished with more odd characters and situations and locations at every turn.
Although light on actual plot, this book is clearly required as a bridge between the first book and the third, giving the reader enough information to understand exactly what is going on before what is shaping up to be a strong and no doubt surprising finale.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated It Comes At Night (2017) in Movies
Jul 25, 2017
Full of tension and paranoia (1 more)
Great acting
Raises far too many questions (1 more)
Not a traditional horror
Tense and interesting, but ultimately disappointing
I knew little about this film other than it was billed as an 'end of the world' type horror, although as with most films I was fairly sceptical.
First off, this isn't a traditional horror so if you go in expecting a slasher flick, you'll be severely disappointed. However it is very tense, and I found myself feeling very uneasy throughout the entire film (but in a good way). The acting itself was great too and I think as a story, the main idea of the plot was good, I just don't think they quite pulled it off in reality.
I'm of the opinion that sometimes in films etc that less is more, that drawing your own conclusions is sometimes better than being spoon fed an entire story. My issue with this film is that it goes a little too far and it barely answers any questions. It doesn't explain anything and by the end it just leaves you with a "WTF just happened?". If they had just answered at least some of the questions raised, this review would've been so much better.
First off, this isn't a traditional horror so if you go in expecting a slasher flick, you'll be severely disappointed. However it is very tense, and I found myself feeling very uneasy throughout the entire film (but in a good way). The acting itself was great too and I think as a story, the main idea of the plot was good, I just don't think they quite pulled it off in reality.
I'm of the opinion that sometimes in films etc that less is more, that drawing your own conclusions is sometimes better than being spoon fed an entire story. My issue with this film is that it goes a little too far and it barely answers any questions. It doesn't explain anything and by the end it just leaves you with a "WTF just happened?". If they had just answered at least some of the questions raised, this review would've been so much better.
Technowize
Magazines & Newspapers
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Technowize is one of the most premier media brands in the world. We are an innovative digitally...
Hauntingly moving.
Unlike a lot of TV I’ve watched lately this is non stop gripping from beginning to end. I was constantly on full alert to what was happening and didn’t even glance at my phone while watching (high praise from a phone addict!) This dramatisation of the 1986 nuclear accident is one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever watched.
The terrifying detail shown of the effects of a high dose of radiation had was hard to watch, even for my horror hardened eyes. Seeing dogs being killed almost broke me but it was the little personal narratives (on the whole very well acted) throughout that brought home what a huge tragedy this event was. The whole thing is depicted with perfectly haunting cinematography.
The timing of this seems to also have a poignant feel to it with a close look at the consequences of the secretive nature of the Soviet government and the spin they wanted to put on the accident in the news for the rest of the world to see. Fake news is no new phenomenon….
This is one of those important real life stories that has a lot for us to learn from it and also happens to be an incredibly well done piece of TV. Everyone should watch (age appropriately, of course.)
The terrifying detail shown of the effects of a high dose of radiation had was hard to watch, even for my horror hardened eyes. Seeing dogs being killed almost broke me but it was the little personal narratives (on the whole very well acted) throughout that brought home what a huge tragedy this event was. The whole thing is depicted with perfectly haunting cinematography.
The timing of this seems to also have a poignant feel to it with a close look at the consequences of the secretive nature of the Soviet government and the spin they wanted to put on the accident in the news for the rest of the world to see. Fake news is no new phenomenon….
This is one of those important real life stories that has a lot for us to learn from it and also happens to be an incredibly well done piece of TV. Everyone should watch (age appropriately, of course.)
The Rise and Fall of the Italian Film Industry
Book
Italian cinema triumphed globally in the 1960, with directors such as Rossellini, Fellini, and...
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Detroit: Become Human in Video Games
Nov 9, 2018
Best story of the year (3 more)
Incredible voice acting
So many different possibilities
Amazing replayability
An almost perfect game let down by 1 or 2 slow parts
Wow what a game. I have to say straight away that game of the year this year shouldn't be a thing. There are so many incredible games out this year. Red dead redemption 2 and God of war are incredible games and 1 of them to me will end up being game of the year but if it was based on story alone then this would win easy.
The concept has always intrigued me. The whole idea of there being androids then they develop a consciousness and gaining free will. I can see our world going there and this showed that world perfectly. Throughout the world you can find magazines and I found myself reading these and being in awe at how accurate they are. They all felt they could each be a plot to an episode of black mirror. Everything from there being less babies born because people are having sex with androids more to music concerts not being a thing due to VR. There were a lot of political, racism, slavery and abuse messages throughout the game which felt very relevant.
The gameplay was great. It felt like an interactive movie with quick time events that actually mattered. There was genuine fear for these characters since any could die. There was a certain mission that was extremely slow paced and I got bored a little but luckily that was the only part. I fell in love with the characters and their relationships towards humans and other androids. The choices given to me felt like I was making my own personal story. Acting was incredible and it was graphically beautiful. The expressions were incredible.
The flowchart at the end of each mission a welcome addition. You are able to see all the many paths you could take without seeing what they actually were. You could see the complex mind of David cage behind this chart and it looked incredible. This got me very excited to go back in the future to try out the different paths and see what happens.
This is another incredible exclusive for ps4 and it should not be missed. A beautiful score and complex writing make this a game that leaves you thinking weeks after finishing and I look forward to another playthrough and maybe even another game in this world.
The concept has always intrigued me. The whole idea of there being androids then they develop a consciousness and gaining free will. I can see our world going there and this showed that world perfectly. Throughout the world you can find magazines and I found myself reading these and being in awe at how accurate they are. They all felt they could each be a plot to an episode of black mirror. Everything from there being less babies born because people are having sex with androids more to music concerts not being a thing due to VR. There were a lot of political, racism, slavery and abuse messages throughout the game which felt very relevant.
The gameplay was great. It felt like an interactive movie with quick time events that actually mattered. There was genuine fear for these characters since any could die. There was a certain mission that was extremely slow paced and I got bored a little but luckily that was the only part. I fell in love with the characters and their relationships towards humans and other androids. The choices given to me felt like I was making my own personal story. Acting was incredible and it was graphically beautiful. The expressions were incredible.
The flowchart at the end of each mission a welcome addition. You are able to see all the many paths you could take without seeing what they actually were. You could see the complex mind of David cage behind this chart and it looked incredible. This got me very excited to go back in the future to try out the different paths and see what happens.
This is another incredible exclusive for ps4 and it should not be missed. A beautiful score and complex writing make this a game that leaves you thinking weeks after finishing and I look forward to another playthrough and maybe even another game in this world.