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Michelle (114 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) in Movies
Mar 16, 2018
Loved this film even though all three of the original films were filmed and seen before the first part of the Star Wars series. Mark Hamell, Harrison Ford, The late Carrie Fisher were the best as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Lai she soon should everyone that she was not some helpless princess who let everyone else do things while she sat back and did nothing. Her costumes were amazing, she was right in there fighting along with them to save their homelands/worlds from the Dark Lord Darth Vada. The ariel battles were fantastic. Storm Troopers were meant to be menacing when in fact they were quite funny at times. R2 D2 and 3PO where hilarious and Chewie adorable. The Jedi training was good. The shock about Luke's father I mean who would not be shocked and disgusted at finding out your father is Darth Vada and the girl you love turns out to be your sister.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
All style, no substance
It's a shame that Luc Besson has resorted to this. Considering his previous films, this should have been so much better.
The opening title scene starts off fairly well, it's just a shame that it then goes badly downhill with the introduction of Valerian and Laureline. The script is terrible and very cringeworthy, and it isn't helped by the lack of real chemistry between Dane DeHaan and Cara Delavigne. The plot is very weak and really drags out its 2+ hour run time, and it's very predictable. I have no idea as to why they felt the need to include Ethan Hawke and Rihanna, as their part of the plot was filler at best and could've easily been removed with little effect to the overall outcome. The visual effects are fantastic, it's just a shame they've concentrated on this instead of sorting out the horrendous script and weak plot.
The opening title scene starts off fairly well, it's just a shame that it then goes badly downhill with the introduction of Valerian and Laureline. The script is terrible and very cringeworthy, and it isn't helped by the lack of real chemistry between Dane DeHaan and Cara Delavigne. The plot is very weak and really drags out its 2+ hour run time, and it's very predictable. I have no idea as to why they felt the need to include Ethan Hawke and Rihanna, as their part of the plot was filler at best and could've easily been removed with little effect to the overall outcome. The visual effects are fantastic, it's just a shame they've concentrated on this instead of sorting out the horrendous script and weak plot.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Shape of Water (2017) in Movies
Feb 28, 2018
Beautiful and bizarre
This is another one of those Oscar nominated films that for me didn't quite live up to the hype. That said, it is still a very beautifully made and intriguing film, albeit a very strange one.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
Sarah is running a sport equipment exchange in a local school gym. The night before, as she is about to leave, someone attacks her. Despite the attack, the event goes off without a hitch – until Sarah finds the dead body of the school superintendent. What is going on?
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Spy Ski School (Spy School #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ben Ripley is thrilled to be officially called for his first field assignment. He’s going to Colorado to learn to ski. While there, he needs to befriend a girl so he can get close to her father and figure out his evil plans. However, Ben soon realizes getting close to his target isn’t going to be as easy as he thought. With the clock ticking, can he save the day again?
While the target audience might be middle graders, this is a delightful read for anyone. The story is strong, the pace never lags, and we get some fantastic complications and nail biting action scenes along the way. The characters are fun as always, and we get some good growth in a couple of them. There’s plenty of humor as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-spy-ski-school-by-stuart.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While the target audience might be middle graders, this is a delightful read for anyone. The story is strong, the pace never lags, and we get some fantastic complications and nail biting action scenes along the way. The characters are fun as always, and we get some good growth in a couple of them. There’s plenty of humor as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-spy-ski-school-by-stuart.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated The Ghosts of Misty Hollow in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Emma and Phil are in Massachusetts at the invitation of mystery writer Gino Costello. He plans to include ghosts in his next book, and plans to use Emma’s expertise to get that part right. However, tension between Gino and Vanessa and the presence of many ghosts looking for Emma’s help will keep this trip for being restful.
While I don’t read many paranormal cozies, I enjoy this series because the characters are so much fun. We only really see Emma, Phil, and Granny here, but they are fantastic, and the new characters more than make up for any characters you might miss. The pacing is a little uneven, but the plot is good and the further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down.
Note: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-ghosts-of-misty-hollow-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I don’t read many paranormal cozies, I enjoy this series because the characters are so much fun. We only really see Emma, Phil, and Granny here, but they are fantastic, and the new characters more than make up for any characters you might miss. The pacing is a little uneven, but the plot is good and the further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down.
Note: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-ghosts-of-misty-hollow-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Dangerous Waters (The Guernsey Novels, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
What a refreshing read!! I absolutely loved it & can not fault anything about it!
The pacing was just right for this book. The characters were great! I especially loved Jeanne and Molly! Nick was great as well. I couldn't stand Marcus though. He seemed to be too needy and pushy which is what I think the author was trying to convey.
The plot is fairly predictable although there was one twist I didn't see coming!! However, this didn't put me off.
Dangerous Waters is such a sweet read, and it's reads so easily! Anne Allen is fantastic at writing. This is her first novel, but it would seem that she's been writing for ages with how well this book was done.
The story just works. And this book has made me want to visit Guernsey!
I loved the fact that the author included recipes at the end of the book as well. A nice touch!
The pacing was just right for this book. The characters were great! I especially loved Jeanne and Molly! Nick was great as well. I couldn't stand Marcus though. He seemed to be too needy and pushy which is what I think the author was trying to convey.
The plot is fairly predictable although there was one twist I didn't see coming!! However, this didn't put me off.
Dangerous Waters is such a sweet read, and it's reads so easily! Anne Allen is fantastic at writing. This is her first novel, but it would seem that she's been writing for ages with how well this book was done.
The story just works. And this book has made me want to visit Guernsey!
I loved the fact that the author included recipes at the end of the book as well. A nice touch!
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 3 in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
The series you NEED to read!
Drew has done it again. After Year 2 I was worried that there would be nowhere new and exciting to go... But boynwas I wrong! I've never been so glad to be wrong, either. The twists and turns of the plot would do ANY Subtlety hero proud!
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Human Body: Discover the inner workings of the human body! in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Inside Out Human Body: Explore the World's Most Amazing Machine! by Luann Columbo is a fantastic book full of facts and diagrams which enables us to begin to understand the human body in all its glory. Each section has a layered model which illustrates some of the facts presented. The book is extremely informative.
This book gives the reader information about our muscular system, skeletal system, joints, digestive system, urinary system, respiratory system, and nervous system. Pronunciation tips for more advanced words like pulmonary are provided and there are some simple experiments kids can do to demonstrate what they’re learning, such as looking at the underside of their tongue in a mirror to see their blood vessels.
I recommend this book to any kid or kids and heart who loves learning about the human body.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and becker&mayer kids! for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book gives the reader information about our muscular system, skeletal system, joints, digestive system, urinary system, respiratory system, and nervous system. Pronunciation tips for more advanced words like pulmonary are provided and there are some simple experiments kids can do to demonstrate what they’re learning, such as looking at the underside of their tongue in a mirror to see their blood vessels.
I recommend this book to any kid or kids and heart who loves learning about the human body.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and becker&mayer kids! for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Angelicalynnn (21 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Jun 15, 2018
Easy to find books (7 more)
Great for organizing books
Great way to get reading recommendations
Has a yearly reading challenge to motivate readers
Great place to read and write book reviews
Great place to keep up with what your friends are reading
Awesome reading community!
Has reading clubs/groups you can join.
Must have app
This is definitely my most used app on my phone right behind my kindle app. It’s definitely a must have for any avid reader.
This app makes it so easy to find books. I love that I can organize all the books that I’ve read and want to reading onto “book shelves.” Getting reading recommendations based on the books I’m reading and books that my friends are reading is great. I absolutely love that goodreads has a yearly reading challenge! There is just so much about this app that I love. Goodreads is really a fantastic community for readers! Highly recommend!
This app makes it so easy to find books. I love that I can organize all the books that I’ve read and want to reading onto “book shelves.” Getting reading recommendations based on the books I’m reading and books that my friends are reading is great. I absolutely love that goodreads has a yearly reading challenge! There is just so much about this app that I love. Goodreads is really a fantastic community for readers! Highly recommend!