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Kyera (8 KP) rated Black Widow: Forever Red (Black Widow, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but this was not it and yet I enjoyed it immensely. It almost makes it okay that we didn't receive a Black Widow movie in Phase 1, since we have this really unique way to explore her character. The book itself was full of the action, espionage and utter heart wrenching agony one would expect from a good Black Widow (back)story. Without wanting to spoil it, I just recommend that you read it and tease that a certain Avenger makes a cameo.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Red Sparrow (2018) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018 (Updated Mar 7, 2018)
Stodgy and slightly bloated twisty-turny espionage thriller is made distinctive, if that's the right word, by extra added leery prurience. Beautiful Russian ballerina (played by American) is blackmailed by her uncle (Belgian) into going to elite hooker-spy school, run by terrifying matron (English). Soon she is packed off on mission to subvert rugged American CIA agent (Australian).
Now there's a discussion to be had about just how appropriate it is to be making blockbuster entertainment about Russian espionage, infiltration, and assassination these days - some would say that a taste barrier has been well and truly breached, and the depiction of the Russian state is cartoon-horrible. But surely we can agree that, at the moment if at no other time, there is something unconscionable about a movie the sine qua non of which is the depiction of an attractive young actress in various provocative situations and states of nudity. Some nastily graphic violence, too, much of it misogynistic and openly sexual. J-Law's performance is not up to the usual standard and mainly consists of doing a Rooshan oksent from behind an unflattering fringe. Competently made, but too long and too much. The kind of film you emerge from wanting to be hosed down with sheep dip. Yuck.
Now there's a discussion to be had about just how appropriate it is to be making blockbuster entertainment about Russian espionage, infiltration, and assassination these days - some would say that a taste barrier has been well and truly breached, and the depiction of the Russian state is cartoon-horrible. But surely we can agree that, at the moment if at no other time, there is something unconscionable about a movie the sine qua non of which is the depiction of an attractive young actress in various provocative situations and states of nudity. Some nastily graphic violence, too, much of it misogynistic and openly sexual. J-Law's performance is not up to the usual standard and mainly consists of doing a Rooshan oksent from behind an unflattering fringe. Competently made, but too long and too much. The kind of film you emerge from wanting to be hosed down with sheep dip. Yuck.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Red Sparrow (2018) in Movies
Mar 23, 2018
I was dreading sitting for 2+ hours to watch this movie, I complained about it all day. But, I'm glad I did. I haven't read the book yet, so I can't comment on how close it was or wasn't to the book.
Jennifer Lawrence seemed to get her Russian accent from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon. It was a little whack, but she did well in the role. Joel Edgerton's character was neither here nor there.
It was a pretty solid espionage thriller, but still, a little long. It was fairly predictable, but it was still interesting.
Jennifer Lawrence seemed to get her Russian accent from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon. It was a little whack, but she did well in the role. Joel Edgerton's character was neither here nor there.
It was a pretty solid espionage thriller, but still, a little long. It was fairly predictable, but it was still interesting.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Steam Park: Play Dirty in Tabletop Games
Aug 20, 2021
In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.
This breakdown is for the action dice-rolling and them park-building game Steam Park’s modular expansion, Play Dirty (as in dirt, not as in adult themes). Play Dirty is a modular expansion, so some modules may be added or left out depending on comfort level and enjoyment of each module.
One major module added to this expansion is the addition of a fifth player to Steam Park. As if Steam Park wasn’t frantic enough with four, go ahead and throw in a fifth set of hands going crazy at the table! Also included are gray “Stingy Visitors,” which act as wild visitor types for color, but provide one less Danari (currency in Steam Park) but create NO DIRT. Excellent! Play Dirty also includes a new set of five stands for robots to do business: Fountain, Hall of Mirrors, Office, Shooting Gallery, and Incinerator. Along with these new stands are a set of stand reference tiles to remind players what each stand actually does in the game. Very handy.
The biggest difference-makers in the expansion box are the Ride Extensions, Park Directors, and Espionage Dice. Ride Extensions do just that – extend existing rides in one’s park, but the two different colored extensions (golden and rusty) have their own rules that are triggered depending on colors of robots upon them. The Park Directors module adds a new twist that changes the rules for an aspect of the base game for all players throughout the entire game. These are very powerful changes, and one Park Director is chosen to be used at the beginning of each game. Espionage Dice are very special in that one is added to each player’s white dice and rolled as normal throughout the game. However, the Espionage Dice cost 4 Danari to activate after the Roll Phase. The power here is that the player using the die pays one Danari less to use it when matching the face of white dice in their opponent’s pig sitting to their right. For example, to use a Build Stand face on Espionage Die will cost four Danari normally. However, should the opponent on the right have four Build Stand symbols showing on their white dice, the Espionage Die activates for free!
Must you own the Play Dirty expansion to truly enjoy your plays of Steam Park? Not at all. I do very much enjoy several of the modules in the box though. I really enjoy the powerful Park Directors because it freshens up a rule from the base game or modifies it in interesting ways. I like the new Stands that come in the box as well for additional options during play, but you MUST use the reference tiles, especially if combining all 10 Stands. The other modules are fine, but I would have been happy with just the ones I mentioned here.
Official recommendation: I remember my first play of Steam Park and falling in love with it right away. I have never felt stagnation in my future plays, but adding Play Dirty certainly is a game-changer in every sense of the term. I say definitely pick it up if you are feeling the base game no longer gives you the excitement and frenzy it once did.
This breakdown is for the action dice-rolling and them park-building game Steam Park’s modular expansion, Play Dirty (as in dirt, not as in adult themes). Play Dirty is a modular expansion, so some modules may be added or left out depending on comfort level and enjoyment of each module.
One major module added to this expansion is the addition of a fifth player to Steam Park. As if Steam Park wasn’t frantic enough with four, go ahead and throw in a fifth set of hands going crazy at the table! Also included are gray “Stingy Visitors,” which act as wild visitor types for color, but provide one less Danari (currency in Steam Park) but create NO DIRT. Excellent! Play Dirty also includes a new set of five stands for robots to do business: Fountain, Hall of Mirrors, Office, Shooting Gallery, and Incinerator. Along with these new stands are a set of stand reference tiles to remind players what each stand actually does in the game. Very handy.
The biggest difference-makers in the expansion box are the Ride Extensions, Park Directors, and Espionage Dice. Ride Extensions do just that – extend existing rides in one’s park, but the two different colored extensions (golden and rusty) have their own rules that are triggered depending on colors of robots upon them. The Park Directors module adds a new twist that changes the rules for an aspect of the base game for all players throughout the entire game. These are very powerful changes, and one Park Director is chosen to be used at the beginning of each game. Espionage Dice are very special in that one is added to each player’s white dice and rolled as normal throughout the game. However, the Espionage Dice cost 4 Danari to activate after the Roll Phase. The power here is that the player using the die pays one Danari less to use it when matching the face of white dice in their opponent’s pig sitting to their right. For example, to use a Build Stand face on Espionage Die will cost four Danari normally. However, should the opponent on the right have four Build Stand symbols showing on their white dice, the Espionage Die activates for free!
Must you own the Play Dirty expansion to truly enjoy your plays of Steam Park? Not at all. I do very much enjoy several of the modules in the box though. I really enjoy the powerful Park Directors because it freshens up a rule from the base game or modifies it in interesting ways. I like the new Stands that come in the box as well for additional options during play, but you MUST use the reference tiles, especially if combining all 10 Stands. The other modules are fine, but I would have been happy with just the ones I mentioned here.
Official recommendation: I remember my first play of Steam Park and falling in love with it right away. I have never felt stagnation in my future plays, but adding Play Dirty certainly is a game-changer in every sense of the term. I say definitely pick it up if you are feeling the base game no longer gives you the excitement and frenzy it once did.
tarabu42 (7 KP) rated The Transatlantic Conspiracy in Books
Nov 2, 2017
Exciting, fast-paced, no fluff
Classic conflicts of child/parent, friend/(boy)friend, working/privileged classes, come to a head with a brutal murder, pre-WWI industrial espionage, and a race to survive the crossing.
The publisher classes it as YA, but it is suitable for a well-read late middle grader as the murder is neither gory nor superfluous to the plot. The language is clear and direct, the dialogue natural, and the settings imaginative.
The publisher classes it as YA, but it is suitable for a well-read late middle grader as the murder is neither gory nor superfluous to the plot. The language is clear and direct, the dialogue natural, and the settings imaginative.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Serpent in the Heather (Dark Talents #2) in Books
Mar 19, 2019
I really dig this alt-history Dark Talents series. Kim is a great character, and I can definitely relate to her. This book began pulling in more characters, which I liked. This book was a good mix of espionage and the sci-fi aspect of these 'talents'. I loved the incorporation of a Talents encyclopaedia about what they know thus far, and how it was sporadically inserted in between chapters. While the plot didn't exactly surprise me in any way, I completely enjoyed reading it.
I'm sad that this will only be a trilogy, and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the last book in April.
I'm sad that this will only be a trilogy, and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the last book in April.
Dean (6921 KP) rated Red Sparrow (2018) in Movies
Mar 8, 2018
A good espionage Thriller
I didn't see many reviews before seeing this, just a trailer. It's a very stylish spy thriller with some great cast members.
The trailer made it seem quite a seductive thriller, whilst it does have some sex scenes and nudity it's gratuitous rather than sexy. It's quite violent and brutal at times with some torture scenes.
Overall the story is interesting but not gripping and the pacing is up and down in the 2nd half of the film. Thankfully the ending was decent and Lawrence does well in a challenging role.
The trailer made it seem quite a seductive thriller, whilst it does have some sex scenes and nudity it's gratuitous rather than sexy. It's quite violent and brutal at times with some torture scenes.
Overall the story is interesting but not gripping and the pacing is up and down in the 2nd half of the film. Thankfully the ending was decent and Lawrence does well in a challenging role.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
In the ways of mystery, intrigue, and espionage in both the past and present narrative, I thought that [b:The Intelligencer|1098168|The Intelligencer|Leslie Silbert|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1180962888s/1098168.jpg|1135397] was better (only brought up because I read it recently). I am a bit disappointed that there wasn't more of those in it and less romance, but not much. While predictible and not always original, it still has a charm of its own and, at times, was impossible to put down. The characters were great and I enjoyed Amy's spirited ways and the banter between her and Richard. All the secondary characters, epecially Jane and Richard's family and friends, were interesting and added to the story. I really liked Eloise, and even though she's not in it much, I really got a sense of knowing her and I can't wait to find out what happens with her next. That intrigues me as much as finding out what happens next with the Pink Carnation!
I haven't come across many books with the past/present espionage storyline and would be interested in reading more, so I'm glad that the author has decided to write more of these novels. I hope the sequels are equally as engaging and fun! And some more mystery might be nice too.
Mini-kinda-spoiler: <spoiler>
The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the title implies it is about the Pink Carnation when there really isn't much about ol' Pinkie. And the one major mission isn't really described at all! Probably because it didn't really involve the central characters or story, I imagine.</spoiler>
I haven't come across many books with the past/present espionage storyline and would be interested in reading more, so I'm glad that the author has decided to write more of these novels. I hope the sequels are equally as engaging and fun! And some more mystery might be nice too.
Mini-kinda-spoiler: <spoiler>
The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the title implies it is about the Pink Carnation when there really isn't much about ol' Pinkie. And the one major mission isn't really described at all! Probably because it didn't really involve the central characters or story, I imagine.</spoiler>
Amy Norman (1042 KP) rated Page Eight (2011) in Movies
Apr 22, 2021 (Updated Apr 22, 2021)
If you enjoy an extremely slow brewed drama then great, this is for you.
Government conspiracies, and 'old school' espionage never looked so dull to me though! This film didn't require action and bullets flying but a little more suspense and mystery wouldn't have hurt.
I can't say a lot happens in this film, but I am sure there is an audience that will get behind the intrigue, and the discussions that this films brings up. It is a thoughtful and intelligent piece, with a painfully A-List British cast (apologies to those that aren't, and sorry for generalising) giving some outstanding performances.
An excellent film for those that enjoy this style but unfortunately not for me.
There are two sequels that follow some of the same characters, if you did enjoy this then look out for:
Turks and Caicos
Salting the Battlefield
From what I have heard they are marginally better.
Government conspiracies, and 'old school' espionage never looked so dull to me though! This film didn't require action and bullets flying but a little more suspense and mystery wouldn't have hurt.
I can't say a lot happens in this film, but I am sure there is an audience that will get behind the intrigue, and the discussions that this films brings up. It is a thoughtful and intelligent piece, with a painfully A-List British cast (apologies to those that aren't, and sorry for generalising) giving some outstanding performances.
An excellent film for those that enjoy this style but unfortunately not for me.
There are two sequels that follow some of the same characters, if you did enjoy this then look out for:
Turks and Caicos
Salting the Battlefield
From what I have heard they are marginally better.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated High Country Contract in Books
Aug 26, 2019
In this quick but engaging read, we are transported to the highlands of the South Island of New Zealand; a beautiful but remote backdrop to this thrilling tale of the hunter unwittingly becoming the hunted.
Once again, I am not disappointed by the writings of Lance and James Morcan; they know how to pull you in and keep you there until the end. I was however disappointed that it wasn't a bit longer ... no sooner had the action began, than it ended which was a shame as I really feel more could have been made of the terrain and the cat and mouse games between the hunter and the hunted. However, it is what it is and it's still a great thriller with interesting and believable characters.
I would recommend anyone read Lance and James' books particularly The Orphan Trilogy which is for lovers of action, espionage, conspiracy theories or just people who enjoy a flippin’ good read ... you won't be disappointed.
Once again, I am not disappointed by the writings of Lance and James Morcan; they know how to pull you in and keep you there until the end. I was however disappointed that it wasn't a bit longer ... no sooner had the action began, than it ended which was a shame as I really feel more could have been made of the terrain and the cat and mouse games between the hunter and the hunted. However, it is what it is and it's still a great thriller with interesting and believable characters.
I would recommend anyone read Lance and James' books particularly The Orphan Trilogy which is for lovers of action, espionage, conspiracy theories or just people who enjoy a flippin’ good read ... you won't be disappointed.