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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Philomena (2013) in Movies
Oct 26, 2017
A great heartwarming comedy
I avoided this film for a few years mainly because of Steve Coogan, but i can honestly say it is a very funny, heartwarming, sad and disturbing tale.
Judi Dench is as fantastic as ever as Phil. She brings such warmth and a believability to the at times naive Irish woman. The script itself is clever and well written. I didn't think such a disturbing and horrible story could include some truly funny moments, but it pulls them off well. It also really highlights Phil's story without downplaying or making light of, and it's a story that really needs to be told. This isn't something that I was aware of, so it has really opened my eyes to what went on and did in fact make me quite angry.
My only criticism would be Steve Coogan. He seems to play a similar character in most films and other than towards the end of Philomena, you don't feel much ot care much for him.
Judi Dench is as fantastic as ever as Phil. She brings such warmth and a believability to the at times naive Irish woman. The script itself is clever and well written. I didn't think such a disturbing and horrible story could include some truly funny moments, but it pulls them off well. It also really highlights Phil's story without downplaying or making light of, and it's a story that really needs to be told. This isn't something that I was aware of, so it has really opened my eyes to what went on and did in fact make me quite angry.
My only criticism would be Steve Coogan. He seems to play a similar character in most films and other than towards the end of Philomena, you don't feel much ot care much for him.
Southern Today (21 KP) rated Power Rangers (2017) in Movies
Nov 7, 2017
This isn’t a movie for little kids. It IS PG-13 for a reason. The opening scene is enough that I would never want my young child to see it. But if I had a teenager it would be fun to watch and see their reaction to watching that scene with their parent.
The acting was actually pretty good, though the angst with the girls was a bit much, the guys were fantastic. And they upgraded all of the special effects, and one of the things that I appreciated the most was the fact that the outfits actually ended up looking gender neutral. Mostly because they made the guys look like they were wearing bras. I mean, look at this! From straight on they could both be female. They even reference at the end of the movie how no one can tell that the girls are girls.
Overall, as someone who grew up with this series, they did a great job!
(And thank you for the cameo!)
The acting was actually pretty good, though the angst with the girls was a bit much, the guys were fantastic. And they upgraded all of the special effects, and one of the things that I appreciated the most was the fact that the outfits actually ended up looking gender neutral. Mostly because they made the guys look like they were wearing bras. I mean, look at this! From straight on they could both be female. They even reference at the end of the movie how no one can tell that the girls are girls.
Overall, as someone who grew up with this series, they did a great job!
(And thank you for the cameo!)
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Beguiled (2017) in Movies
Nov 22, 2017 (Updated Nov 22, 2017)
Dull and rather pointless
There was very little that was beguiling about this film apart from the usual fantastic performances from Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell.
The premise of the film surrounds the American Civil War, in which an injured soldier (Farrell) is taken in quite reluctantly by a group of women and young girls where Kidman is the matriarch. The mysterious circumstances of Farrell is never explicitly revealed, but he begins to attempt to worm his way into staying by charming all of the women and girls creating sexual tension in a rather repressive household.
The problem was that the film is sold as empowering to women yet it was nothing of the sort. Watching the women throw themselves at a man was rather unappealing, and to be honest the entire movie was very dull. I hear the Clint Eastwood version of the same film @The Beguiled (1971) is superb and the one to watch.
The premise of the film surrounds the American Civil War, in which an injured soldier (Farrell) is taken in quite reluctantly by a group of women and young girls where Kidman is the matriarch. The mysterious circumstances of Farrell is never explicitly revealed, but he begins to attempt to worm his way into staying by charming all of the women and girls creating sexual tension in a rather repressive household.
The problem was that the film is sold as empowering to women yet it was nothing of the sort. Watching the women throw themselves at a man was rather unappealing, and to be honest the entire movie was very dull. I hear the Clint Eastwood version of the same film @The Beguiled (1971) is superb and the one to watch.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Black Bird of the Gallows in Books
Dec 12, 2017
From the moment I started to read this book the world around me disappeared and I found myself utterly immersed within the pages of this amazing book. The story line was well constructed and the characters were fantastic. I fell head over heels with Angie and Reece and honestly who wouldn't!? This book has it all from teenage angst to supernatural creatures with some swoon worthy moments that have left me clamoring for more. This author grabbed a hold of her magical thread and weaved a paranormal tale that kept me glued to my seat. I look forward to what's to come from this talented author. I will end this review with one of my favorite quotes; "The world reeks of death and pain, and you smell like life and joy and everything I can never have."
{I requested a review copy via Entangled Teen and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a review copy via Entangled Teen and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Beneath the Fall in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
If you love fantasy and stories that take place in other worlds then this is for you. A beautifully written story line with fantastic characters and the amazing world building was out of this world. From the moment I saw the cover I knew I was in for a treat and as I flipped through the pages I knew that this book would pull me into the story and keep me wrapped up in all of its beauty. The artwork is truly breathtaking and it all seems to pop out of the pages quickly drawing you in. Reading this book was like eating a delicious treat and I savored every single moment of it. This book is worthy of more than the five stars I can give it and I highly recommend this to one and all.
{I received a copy when I signed up for the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
{I received a copy when I signed up for the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Collateral Beauty (2016) in Movies
Jan 3, 2018
Tackles a difficult subject fairly well
A film about grief and the death of a child is never going to be a pleasant watch, but I felt like Collateral Beauty manages fairly well.
The premise is interesting (although obviously not something you can imagine happening in real life) and it has a fantastic cast. Will Smith does okay although I'm not sure if he was quite as good as id expected. Whenever he isn't on screen, the film almost takes on a lighthearted feel which is good as otherwise it'd be too overwhelmingly depressing. I found the ending a little odd though and I'm not sure the reveal had quite the impact that was intended. I'm also not too keen on the phrase "collateral beauty" - it doesn't quite roll off your tongue and because of this when it's featured in the film itself, to me it didn't come across as meaningful as intended.
The premise is interesting (although obviously not something you can imagine happening in real life) and it has a fantastic cast. Will Smith does okay although I'm not sure if he was quite as good as id expected. Whenever he isn't on screen, the film almost takes on a lighthearted feel which is good as otherwise it'd be too overwhelmingly depressing. I found the ending a little odd though and I'm not sure the reveal had quite the impact that was intended. I'm also not too keen on the phrase "collateral beauty" - it doesn't quite roll off your tongue and because of this when it's featured in the film itself, to me it didn't come across as meaningful as intended.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Man in the High Castle in Books
Jan 8, 2018
Great idea, not very well executed
I was sorely disappointed on this book. I’ve never seen the tv show either, so had nothing whatsoever to bias my views. On paper this is a fantastic idea for a dystopian future, I just felt that it wasn’t very well excecuted or, I’m ashamed to say, very well written either.
I found that I cared very little for the characters, and the plot itself seemed very plodding and boring at times. I read to the end as it was only short and I kept hoping for more, but it never delivered. Yes the ending was good, but could’ve been so more much more. I’m actually very frustrated as this is such a great idea, i love dystopian future novels and this could’ve been so much better than it is. I like Philip K Dick, but I keep imagining how differently this story could’ve been told in the hands of another author.
I found that I cared very little for the characters, and the plot itself seemed very plodding and boring at times. I read to the end as it was only short and I kept hoping for more, but it never delivered. Yes the ending was good, but could’ve been so more much more. I’m actually very frustrated as this is such a great idea, i love dystopian future novels and this could’ve been so much better than it is. I like Philip K Dick, but I keep imagining how differently this story could’ve been told in the hands of another author.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated BioShock The Collection in Video Games
Jul 24, 2017
A collection of one of the greatest gaming series of our time
The first Bioshock is still my favourite by far. The story, atmosphere and voice acting all still hold up today. Although the graphics and mechanics feel fairly dated by today's standards, they sort of add to the aesthetic and charm of the game. The final boss fight is still terrible though.
The second Bioshock is the worst out of the three, but is still a decent ride and if it hadn't been a part of this particular series, it would probably have faired a lot better critically.
When I first played through the third game, I felt it was extremely overrated and while I still feel that it is, the game is more enjoyable now with no hype surrounding it. I actually appreciated this game more in a vacuum than I did at the time whilst it was being bombarded with critical praise.
The second Bioshock is the worst out of the three, but is still a decent ride and if it hadn't been a part of this particular series, it would probably have faired a lot better critically.
When I first played through the third game, I felt it was extremely overrated and while I still feel that it is, the game is more enjoyable now with no hype surrounding it. I actually appreciated this game more in a vacuum than I did at the time whilst it was being bombarded with critical praise.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Breakdown in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Stick with it, takes a while to like the protagonist
After reading the brilliant 'Behind Closed Doors', I was wondering how BA Paris would be able to excel expectations - and she has thankfully managed to avoid the usual psychological thriller pitfalls once again.
There was a massive red herring which provides a brilliant twist and opportunity for the ultimate revenge. Feeling claustrophobic throughout, due to the main character's apparent early onset dementia, it sets an unnerving tone from the outset. At this point I did worry it would end up with the same gaps in information such as in The Girl on the Train. However, Paris manages to steer clear of becoming another wannabe Gone Girl, and totally holds her own.
For about 75 per cent of the time, you will find the protagonist's almost neurotic personality quite annoying until the last quarter of the book where you will end up completely empathising with her. Another fantastic dark tale from BA Paris.
There was a massive red herring which provides a brilliant twist and opportunity for the ultimate revenge. Feeling claustrophobic throughout, due to the main character's apparent early onset dementia, it sets an unnerving tone from the outset. At this point I did worry it would end up with the same gaps in information such as in The Girl on the Train. However, Paris manages to steer clear of becoming another wannabe Gone Girl, and totally holds her own.
For about 75 per cent of the time, you will find the protagonist's almost neurotic personality quite annoying until the last quarter of the book where you will end up completely empathising with her. Another fantastic dark tale from BA Paris.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Time in Between in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book took me longer to read than a book usually does, but not at all because it was bad...just been super busy lately.
The novel tells the life story of a young woman living in Madrid in the time between wars. The plot takes many twists & turns as does Sira's life. She travels the globe & suffers through many hardships. Her life is quite an amazing accomplishment when all is said and done.
The reader is left hanging a bit at the end. But it is not at all an ending that leaves you hanging; it gets wrapped up quite nicely & allows the reader to believe that in the end everything works out. Even though you don't know for sure.
Sira is a fascinating, believable character even is the circumstances she gets thrown into seem quite fantastic. This book is definitely worth a look even if you are daunted by the length of it or the fact that it is a translation.
The novel tells the life story of a young woman living in Madrid in the time between wars. The plot takes many twists & turns as does Sira's life. She travels the globe & suffers through many hardships. Her life is quite an amazing accomplishment when all is said and done.
The reader is left hanging a bit at the end. But it is not at all an ending that leaves you hanging; it gets wrapped up quite nicely & allows the reader to believe that in the end everything works out. Even though you don't know for sure.
Sira is a fascinating, believable character even is the circumstances she gets thrown into seem quite fantastic. This book is definitely worth a look even if you are daunted by the length of it or the fact that it is a translation.