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Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Black Mass (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
He was one of the most dangerous men and most notorious gangsters in American history. For over sixteen years he evaded the FBI and law enforcement until his eventual capture in 2011. Black Mass tells the story of James “Whitey” Bulger and his alliance with the FBI. The film delves deep into the relationship that is built between Bulger and FBI agents which allows him to expand his power beyond the Boston area. Audiences will be awestruck by the actions permitted and overlooked on the part of FBI agents working with Bulger which fall in line with the advice that Bulger gives his son: “If no one saw it, it didn’t happen.”
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands) assumes the role of Bulger and audiences will not be able to take their eyes off of him in this film. Every movement, word, and action that he provides on screen demonstrates his versatility and ability to wear the skin and assume identity of those that he portrays. His portrayal of Whitey Bulger separates him from the “Jack Sparrow” identity that his audiences have become accustomed to. Even more impressive about his acting is the way in which the film’s direction displays more of a human element to this monster. The audience is shown countless acts of brutality undertaken by Bulger or on his orders, but there are moments in which you feel a sense of sorrow for the character. In no way do the moments allow for redemption or offer excuses for his actions, but it allows for the portrayal of a more human element. Humanizing Bulger allows for a much fuller picture of what took place during his life and demonstrates that crime was not the only factor.
The film takes all of us into a very dark place. We see a monster in action. We see countless people fall victim to Bulger and his organization. Depp intimidates not only the other characters being portrayed, but the audience in the way that his eyes always seem so cold and heartless. It is said that when you look into someone’s eyes, you can see their soul. With Whitey Bulger, his soul is absent whenever he is portrayed onscreen. This helps to solidify Depp’s portrayal of Bulger and the way that he lived his life. He was a cold, heartless monster. The only sense of a soul or any humanity comes with the direction of the film to make this monster human.
Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands) assumes the role of Bulger and audiences will not be able to take their eyes off of him in this film. Every movement, word, and action that he provides on screen demonstrates his versatility and ability to wear the skin and assume identity of those that he portrays. His portrayal of Whitey Bulger separates him from the “Jack Sparrow” identity that his audiences have become accustomed to. Even more impressive about his acting is the way in which the film’s direction displays more of a human element to this monster. The audience is shown countless acts of brutality undertaken by Bulger or on his orders, but there are moments in which you feel a sense of sorrow for the character. In no way do the moments allow for redemption or offer excuses for his actions, but it allows for the portrayal of a more human element. Humanizing Bulger allows for a much fuller picture of what took place during his life and demonstrates that crime was not the only factor.
The film takes all of us into a very dark place. We see a monster in action. We see countless people fall victim to Bulger and his organization. Depp intimidates not only the other characters being portrayed, but the audience in the way that his eyes always seem so cold and heartless. It is said that when you look into someone’s eyes, you can see their soul. With Whitey Bulger, his soul is absent whenever he is portrayed onscreen. This helps to solidify Depp’s portrayal of Bulger and the way that he lived his life. He was a cold, heartless monster. The only sense of a soul or any humanity comes with the direction of the film to make this monster human.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Red Dragon in Books
Dec 2, 2020
194 of 200
Red Dragon ( Hannibal Lecter book 1)
By Thomas Harris
RED DRAGON: the novel that introduced Hannibal Lecter
Will Graham was a brilliant profiler of criminals for the FBI - until he suffered terrible injuries in the process of capturing Dr Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter.
Years later, a reluctant Will agrees to help the FBI hunt down a depraved serial killer. But he soon realises that he needs the help of the only mind better than his own at understanding madmen.
The mind of Hannibal Lecter...
I’m a huge fan of Thomas Harris and this is possibly my third reread of this book and series! This time I seemed to enjoy it that little more and I’m not sure if it’s because I have a clearer picture of the characters and feelings surrounding the books from the tv series! He has a way of writing so you get so involved with the story and the characters, that to me is what keeps me coming back to read these books over and over. For the short intervals that Hannibal is in theses books gives you a feeling he’s watching over everything you read. Poor old Will really has had it tough too! On to silence of the lambs!!!
Red Dragon ( Hannibal Lecter book 1)
By Thomas Harris
RED DRAGON: the novel that introduced Hannibal Lecter
Will Graham was a brilliant profiler of criminals for the FBI - until he suffered terrible injuries in the process of capturing Dr Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter.
Years later, a reluctant Will agrees to help the FBI hunt down a depraved serial killer. But he soon realises that he needs the help of the only mind better than his own at understanding madmen.
The mind of Hannibal Lecter...
I’m a huge fan of Thomas Harris and this is possibly my third reread of this book and series! This time I seemed to enjoy it that little more and I’m not sure if it’s because I have a clearer picture of the characters and feelings surrounding the books from the tv series! He has a way of writing so you get so involved with the story and the characters, that to me is what keeps me coming back to read these books over and over. For the short intervals that Hannibal is in theses books gives you a feeling he’s watching over everything you read. Poor old Will really has had it tough too! On to silence of the lambs!!!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 24, 2020
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated The Heist (Fox and O'Hare, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
FBI Kate O'Hare has been chasing conman Nick Fox for years. But when she finally catches him, her life is turned upside down. Now she finds herself teamed up with him to try to catch another criminal.
To me, this book felt like a melding of the TV shows White Collar and Castle, both of which I love. It was funny and a wild ride. The pace was just a little off at times, but for the most part I enjoyed this romp.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heist-by-janet-evanovich.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
To me, this book felt like a melding of the TV shows White Collar and Castle, both of which I love. It was funny and a wild ride. The pace was just a little off at times, but for the most part I enjoyed this romp.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heist-by-janet-evanovich.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Richard Jewell (2019) in Movies
Dec 20, 2019
I've watched specials on the 1996 Atlanta Bombing, and they do seem to always skew negative towards Richard Jewell. A lot of people still think he did it, which is cray because someone confessed to the crime.
Anyway, my interest in this story was what drove me to see this opening weekend. Also, Paul Walter Hauser was AMAZING in I, Tonya, so he was also the draw. Along with Hauser, Sam Rockwell was great. The entire cast worked, and they were entertaining to watch.
Of course, Eastwood threw shade at the FBI and the media, but, they were super shady so... yeah.
Anyway, my interest in this story was what drove me to see this opening weekend. Also, Paul Walter Hauser was AMAZING in I, Tonya, so he was also the draw. Along with Hauser, Sam Rockwell was great. The entire cast worked, and they were entertaining to watch.
Of course, Eastwood threw shade at the FBI and the media, but, they were super shady so... yeah.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Seduced in the Dark (The Dark Duet, #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Well he'll always be Caleb to me--James is far too tame a name for him :P
Awww...
It had me worried at the beginning when I started reading this yesterday, that bit at the start where Livvie's telling the FBI agent...I wanted to cry.
It picked up, though the backward and forward thing had me confused to start with but I quickly warmed to it.
I am most definitely a fan of the author after reading these books and I'm starting Epilogue right now so I can read more about these two: Kitten and Caleb :D
Awww...
It had me worried at the beginning when I started reading this yesterday, that bit at the start where Livvie's telling the FBI agent...I wanted to cry.
It picked up, though the backward and forward thing had me confused to start with but I quickly warmed to it.
I am most definitely a fan of the author after reading these books and I'm starting Epilogue right now so I can read more about these two: Kitten and Caleb :D
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated D-Tox (Eye See You) (2002) in Movies
Sep 19, 2019
Rambo Sees Rocky
D-Tox aka Eye See You- is a underrrated moive starring a 80's action star and a good supporting cast.
Recovering from the psychological effects of witnessing a brutal crime, FBI Agent Jake Malloy (Sylvester Stallone) checks into a rehabilitation clinic for law enforcement officers in the remote wilderness of Wyoming during the dead of winter. He soon finds himself helping other patients as a serial killer begins killing them one by one.
Its one of Stallone's last theatrical movie before he retired for a bit.
I would reecordmend this movie, it is very underrated.
Recovering from the psychological effects of witnessing a brutal crime, FBI Agent Jake Malloy (Sylvester Stallone) checks into a rehabilitation clinic for law enforcement officers in the remote wilderness of Wyoming during the dead of winter. He soon finds himself helping other patients as a serial killer begins killing them one by one.
Its one of Stallone's last theatrical movie before he retired for a bit.
I would reecordmend this movie, it is very underrated.
David McK (3219 KP) rated Now You See Me (2013) in Movies
Feb 6, 2022
Twisty turny mystery thriller about a quartet of stage magicians, who use their skills and talents to perform a trio of impressive and highly publicised crimes (robbing a bank, draining the account of corrupt individuals etc and redistributing their targets wealth), all the time being chased by both an FBI agent and a magician debunker (ummm ... two separate people, just to be clear).
It's flashy stuff, with little in the way of substance, however, and an ending you can see coming from about a 1/3rd of the way through.
Still might watch the sequel, though!
It's flashy stuff, with little in the way of substance, however, and an ending you can see coming from about a 1/3rd of the way through.
Still might watch the sequel, though!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Fix (Amos Decker #3) in Books
May 10, 2018
It's a typical day for Amos Decker. He is on his way to the Hoover Building in downtown Washington, DC when a man pulls out a gun and shoots a woman right in front of FBI Headquarters. Then he turns the gun on himself. What the hell just happened and most importantly for Decker to find out, why? This is Decker's second case working for the FBI and they've moved him and Jamison from Quantico up to the Washington Field Office. Why would someone choose to shoot another person in front of the FBI building? Why would a successful businessman with a family do such a thing? What did the woman he kill do? Will Decker and his team be able to answer these questions before it's too late?
Walter Dabney seems like your average businessman. He lives in a nice house, with his wife. His grown children are all out of the house doing their own things making a lives for themselves. There are so many secrets though that this family is hiding and slowly they all begin to unravel. After Dabney shoots Ann Berkshire in broad daylight and then himself, other people start to turn up dead. Are all of these deaths connected and what is the connection? When Harper Brown from the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) turns up claiming there is spy work involved, it makes Decker even more eager to solve this case. But there are secrets behinds every corner and getting different government agencies to cooperate is not the easiest task.
Government secrets, spies from decades ago, messages passed through dolls and Harry Potter books, how will it all end?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the character of Amos Decker. I like how he has no cut cards, and shoots straight from the hip. He may get up and walk out of a room without explanation. He has a unique personality with his ability to never forget and see things in color. I look forward to the next Decker adventure.
Walter Dabney seems like your average businessman. He lives in a nice house, with his wife. His grown children are all out of the house doing their own things making a lives for themselves. There are so many secrets though that this family is hiding and slowly they all begin to unravel. After Dabney shoots Ann Berkshire in broad daylight and then himself, other people start to turn up dead. Are all of these deaths connected and what is the connection? When Harper Brown from the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) turns up claiming there is spy work involved, it makes Decker even more eager to solve this case. But there are secrets behinds every corner and getting different government agencies to cooperate is not the easiest task.
Government secrets, spies from decades ago, messages passed through dolls and Harry Potter books, how will it all end?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the character of Amos Decker. I like how he has no cut cards, and shoots straight from the hip. He may get up and walk out of a room without explanation. He has a unique personality with his ability to never forget and see things in color. I look forward to the next Decker adventure.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Cut to the Bone in Books
Aug 6, 2020
I absolutely love the Sayer Altair series and book three didn't disappoint one bit. What is not to love about an incredibly intelligent kickass black FBI agent who takes no prisoners? While Sayer lost her FBI agent fiancé, Jake, several years ago--something she's still reeling from--she's now surrounded herself by her own makeshift family: Adi; her neighbor, Tino; and Ezra. And, of course, there's her witty and tough grandmother, Nana, who raised Sayer. Coming back to this crew as a reader feels like returning to family. Cooper excels at capturing each character's unique voice, and I'm so fond of them all. We even get an appearance from Sayer's former boss, Holt, who has been kicked out of the FBI in a scandal covered in the previous books.
The mystery plot here is a really wild but totally engaging case. There are lots of references to Egypt and plenty to keep you on your toes. It is a tense and suspenseful tale and Cooper throws in plenty of well-timed twists and turns. The story turns personal for Sayer, and I was certainly riveted. Cooper writes in a quick, fast-paced style that makes it easy to keep flipping the pages.
All the books in this series are dark, and this one is no exception. They are not especially for the faint of heart. A lot of death and gruesome descriptions. It is easy to see that Cooper, who has a Ph.D. in anthropology and worked as a murder investigator, knows her stuff. For me, the authenticity just makes the story pop off the pages even more.
This book ends with a total boom for Sayer, and I cannot wait for the next installment. As I said, I love this series and adore Sayer and her little family. If you haven't read the entire series, I recommend starting with book one, but this one will standalone, especially if you love a twisty and engaging thriller. 4+ stars.
The mystery plot here is a really wild but totally engaging case. There are lots of references to Egypt and plenty to keep you on your toes. It is a tense and suspenseful tale and Cooper throws in plenty of well-timed twists and turns. The story turns personal for Sayer, and I was certainly riveted. Cooper writes in a quick, fast-paced style that makes it easy to keep flipping the pages.
All the books in this series are dark, and this one is no exception. They are not especially for the faint of heart. A lot of death and gruesome descriptions. It is easy to see that Cooper, who has a Ph.D. in anthropology and worked as a murder investigator, knows her stuff. For me, the authenticity just makes the story pop off the pages even more.
This book ends with a total boom for Sayer, and I cannot wait for the next installment. As I said, I love this series and adore Sayer and her little family. If you haven't read the entire series, I recommend starting with book one, but this one will standalone, especially if you love a twisty and engaging thriller. 4+ stars.