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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Serenity (2019) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019 (Updated Mar 7, 2019)
Not what I expected
I really don’t see what they were trying to do with this film. From the trailer it looks like it should be a dark and gritty thriller with a fantastic cast, and it all honesty it probably should have stuck with that. Instead it has such a bizarre and unexpected twist that really throws off the balance of the entire film. It’s unpredictable (which is unusual for a twist), but it is just so odd and out of place that I spent the rest of the film trying to figure out whether I actually liked the twist or not. In the end, I decided I didn’t.
And as great as the cast are, some of the acting felt a little too over the top and some are a little underused (Djimon Hounsou and Diane Lane). There are also parts of this film where Matthew McConaughey is driving past corn fields in a pickup truck that made me feel like I was watching Interstellar. I really wish I had been watching that instead.
And as great as the cast are, some of the acting felt a little too over the top and some are a little underused (Djimon Hounsou and Diane Lane). There are also parts of this film where Matthew McConaughey is driving past corn fields in a pickup truck that made me feel like I was watching Interstellar. I really wish I had been watching that instead.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Someone You Know in Books
Mar 15, 2019
When Tess sister Edie disappeared 20 years ago, the case went cold. Now her body has at last been discovered and Tess travels back to her hometown to find out what really happened to her. Who can she really trust from her past?
If you are looking for a thriller with a difference, you will not be disappointed by this. This is a fantastic story with an ending you won't see coming. This debut thriller has red herrings and twists to keep you guessing to the very end. Fabulous fast paced read and the author has a way of drip feeding you little bits at a time and you won't want to stop til you have reached the end.
You have here a thick plot with loads of suspense, well structured characters. The story is done in two timelines that keeps you held in utter suspense. This story is dark, twisted, creepy and very atmospheric; you won't be able to put this one down!
Make this one of your must reads....Highly recommend!!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy.
If you are looking for a thriller with a difference, you will not be disappointed by this. This is a fantastic story with an ending you won't see coming. This debut thriller has red herrings and twists to keep you guessing to the very end. Fabulous fast paced read and the author has a way of drip feeding you little bits at a time and you won't want to stop til you have reached the end.
You have here a thick plot with loads of suspense, well structured characters. The story is done in two timelines that keeps you held in utter suspense. This story is dark, twisted, creepy and very atmospheric; you won't be able to put this one down!
Make this one of your must reads....Highly recommend!!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Passengers in Books
Apr 16, 2019
A highly entertaining, twist filled read
When I first started this book i was a little concerned. The plot about 8 hijacked driverless cars seemed a little thin to be able to stretch over such a long 400+ page book, hug as soon as I started reading it had me hooked.
The 400+ pages flew past in record speed, I just couldn't put this book down. What seemed a fairly similar plot was filled with intriguing and well developed character, as well as some fantastic twists and reveals that I never saw coming. It also features quite a serious commentary on social media and bias and even racism, and despite being set in a society slightly more technologically advanced than our own, you can see the truth in the issues highlighted here. You can also imagine our societies becoming similar to this one in the very near future, which is a very sobering thought. This really is a highly entertaining read, and it's not often I get so enthralled in a story to not see the twists coming!
The 400+ pages flew past in record speed, I just couldn't put this book down. What seemed a fairly similar plot was filled with intriguing and well developed character, as well as some fantastic twists and reveals that I never saw coming. It also features quite a serious commentary on social media and bias and even racism, and despite being set in a society slightly more technologically advanced than our own, you can see the truth in the issues highlighted here. You can also imagine our societies becoming similar to this one in the very near future, which is a very sobering thought. This really is a highly entertaining read, and it's not often I get so enthralled in a story to not see the twists coming!
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Highwaymen (2019) in Movies
Apr 24, 2019
Excellent acting (1 more)
Period cars and outfits (love it ?)
A Different Side to Bonnie and Clyde
I really enjoyed this. It was complex and interesting, and the characterisations were fantastic. I will admit it was a little slow to start and there were parts I thought needed more explaination (but then it happens a little later and it fleshes the characters out more). I often find the story of Bonnie and Clyde to be romanticised (which to an extent I suppose it's true) but those versions never really show how truly violent and senseless their crime spree was. This however, shows how callous and truly intelligent they were as a team, it's refreshing to see that, because it truly was the truth of the situation. I've always been a fan of Woody (Zombieland is still one of my favourite movies) and this movie shows a different side of his abilities as an actor so that was pretty cool. Overall, it's a thoughtful and interesting film I enjoyed immensely.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
May 21, 2019
Tough watch...
Let me preface by saying I'm a fan and thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Potter franchise. The first of the Fantastic Beast series was passable at best so my expectations were low, to say the least heading into the sequel. And this film hit that low spot like a dart to a bullseye. I enjoy many of the actors and actresses in the movie, too. Redmayne does a great job and I really don't mind Johnny Depp as Grindelwald. But this movie is just a dark and confusing slog from start to finish. Every time you get to the point where you think you're about to give up on caring, they are like "Look, we have a cute creature." These little cute distractions are the highlight and lone fun part of the film. My ending thought with the closing credits was the same as it was for its predecessor: I wish Deathly Hallows would have been the end of this franchise. This is just blasphemy to Potterheads everywhere.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Die of Death (The Great Devil War #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
Philip's adventures as the Devil's apprentice have changed himin a good way. Although he misses his friends in Hell, he has made new friends in life. But when the future of the underworld is threatened once again, Philips help is needed. Death's Die has been stolen and immortality is spreading across the globe. Philip throws himself into the searchand discovers a horrible truth about his own life along the way.
The Die of Death is volume 2 in The Great Devil War-series.
Picking up a few months after the conclusion of the first book, Philip has never done better in his life!
I really liked how the world in the story is expanded.
A fantastic and unpredictable book where anything can happen. We meet all the beloved characters again
Surprising ending that leaves one speculating what will happen next.
Really great book and I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy via the author and this is my own voluntary honest review.
The Die of Death is volume 2 in The Great Devil War-series.
Picking up a few months after the conclusion of the first book, Philip has never done better in his life!
I really liked how the world in the story is expanded.
A fantastic and unpredictable book where anything can happen. We meet all the beloved characters again
Surprising ending that leaves one speculating what will happen next.
Really great book and I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy via the author and this is my own voluntary honest review.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 2 in TV
May 27, 2019 (Updated May 27, 2019)
A second fantastic season
Season 2 of Game of Thrones continues the first seasons display of excellent character development and writing.
We follow Robb Stark for much of the season, as he proceeds to March toward King's Landing in open rebellion against the crown after the events of season 1. It's another slow burning season, but once again, nothing becomes dull, every scene is engaging, and you as a viewer are given time to digest all of the information being handed to you, as well as getting to know both new characters, and already established characters - learning to really detest Joffrey is a particular treat (Hats off to Jack Gleeson).
This season also contains the first proper battle of the show, in the episode Blackwater, which remains one of my favourite episodes to this day.
The closing episodes of season 1 showed that GoT was a show that was not afraid to pull any punches, and season 2 is almost an apitizer for what is yet to come.
Top tier TV!
We follow Robb Stark for much of the season, as he proceeds to March toward King's Landing in open rebellion against the crown after the events of season 1. It's another slow burning season, but once again, nothing becomes dull, every scene is engaging, and you as a viewer are given time to digest all of the information being handed to you, as well as getting to know both new characters, and already established characters - learning to really detest Joffrey is a particular treat (Hats off to Jack Gleeson).
This season also contains the first proper battle of the show, in the episode Blackwater, which remains one of my favourite episodes to this day.
The closing episodes of season 1 showed that GoT was a show that was not afraid to pull any punches, and season 2 is almost an apitizer for what is yet to come.
Top tier TV!
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events #2) in Books
May 31, 2019
The Characters (1 more)
The Plot
Ssssomething Ssspecial
Now, this is probably my favourite book out of all the series, one because of my love of reptiles and two it just has that sort of charm that steals you in and doesn’t let you leave!
Usually reptiles (snakes, etc) are the bad guys and are always portrayed in not the best light. Snicket has a fantastic way of turning this on its head (no spoilers, get reading the books). His wit, charm and eclectic use of the English language is fantastical, managing to just keep you turning those pages over and over again until you realise you’ve finished the book … then you just want to carry on reading the next book in the series.
The poor Orphans do suffer a lot at Snickets hand, and we are so intrigued as to how these three will cope and handle that rogue Count Olaf that you can’t help but follow their misadventures and misfortunes.
If you are a fan of misery, mystery and a lot of humour and wit these books are for you!
Usually reptiles (snakes, etc) are the bad guys and are always portrayed in not the best light. Snicket has a fantastic way of turning this on its head (no spoilers, get reading the books). His wit, charm and eclectic use of the English language is fantastical, managing to just keep you turning those pages over and over again until you realise you’ve finished the book … then you just want to carry on reading the next book in the series.
The poor Orphans do suffer a lot at Snickets hand, and we are so intrigued as to how these three will cope and handle that rogue Count Olaf that you can’t help but follow their misadventures and misfortunes.
If you are a fan of misery, mystery and a lot of humour and wit these books are for you!
Danielle Chaplin (81 KP) rated To Kill a Kingdom in Books
Jun 1, 2019
Brilliant!
This is a truly unique and fantastic retelling of the Little Mermaid story, with our main character being a bloodthirsty siren that is forced into human form for disobeying the sea witch.
I loved that the characters weren't instantly attracted to each other, that the prince wasn't as nice as he could have been and that the siren had a backbone to her. The feelings and emotions displayed were well thought out and the story progressed well, however I feel that the relationships could have progressed more during the 'quest' and that the book had every right to be longer than what it was.
I could not put this book down and read it even whilst feeding my baby one handed so that I didn't lose any time in finding out what happens (even though it was a fair chance that it would either have a Disney happy ending or follow the classic fairy tale).
This is the perfect book for those that like alternative retellings of fairy tales and Christina Henry books.
I loved that the characters weren't instantly attracted to each other, that the prince wasn't as nice as he could have been and that the siren had a backbone to her. The feelings and emotions displayed were well thought out and the story progressed well, however I feel that the relationships could have progressed more during the 'quest' and that the book had every right to be longer than what it was.
I could not put this book down and read it even whilst feeding my baby one handed so that I didn't lose any time in finding out what happens (even though it was a fair chance that it would either have a Disney happy ending or follow the classic fairy tale).
This is the perfect book for those that like alternative retellings of fairy tales and Christina Henry books.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Alamo: Flashpoint Between Texas and Mexico in Books
Jun 15, 2019
I've always been proud of my state (Texas), but here lately, I've wanted to learn all I can about Texas Independence as well as the Alamo. This book was my starting book into written literature on the Alamo (besides what I learned in my Texas History classes at school).
The introduction in the beginning of the book by the book's editor, Mary Dodson Wade, was very informative and interesting. What follows are eyewitness accounts. I wish there was a bit more of these accounts. It's a very short book, but what I did read was interesting. I also wish there was some clarification that some parts didn't happen that way such as Potter's account at seeing Dickinson die whilst holding his infant daughter which isn't true. Dickinson died, but his wife and his daughter lived. I did enjoy the illustrations in this book although there aren't many which didn't bother me.
If you're looking for a great starting point to read up on The Alamo, this book would be fantastic. It's a fast and short read. I would definitely recommend it.
The introduction in the beginning of the book by the book's editor, Mary Dodson Wade, was very informative and interesting. What follows are eyewitness accounts. I wish there was a bit more of these accounts. It's a very short book, but what I did read was interesting. I also wish there was some clarification that some parts didn't happen that way such as Potter's account at seeing Dickinson die whilst holding his infant daughter which isn't true. Dickinson died, but his wife and his daughter lived. I did enjoy the illustrations in this book although there aren't many which didn't bother me.
If you're looking for a great starting point to read up on The Alamo, this book would be fantastic. It's a fast and short read. I would definitely recommend it.