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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Lies in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Rollercoaster of twists and lies
Wow! I am a frequent reader of psychological thrillers and nearly always can figure out the twists, turns and the obligatory “big reveal”. With T.M. Logan’s “Lies”, I found myself on a rollercoaster of twists and lies. This quick read book felt as if each chapter ended on a cliffhanger that made the book impossible to put down.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
Plot doesn't live up to the technology
I don't want to be judgemental, but when a film gets released on Sky Movies the same day it apparently comes out at the cinema, it isn't a good sign. Whilst Anon isn't terrible, it isn't particularly good or memorable either.
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated American Gods in TV
Jul 23, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Note the Highlighted Letters in the Sign
I am about halfway through season one and I thought I would drop my thoughts down in this app like a deus ex machina. Cue angels singing. The visual representations of the mythical are quite powerfully brought to life by the show.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2436 KP) rated That Touch of Ink in Books
Jul 24, 2018
More Than a Touch of Fun
When decorator Madison Night receives a five thousand dollar bill in the mail, she realizes this rare denomination is a message from her past. Sure enough, her ex-boyfriend Brad is soon back in her life trying to reconcile even after he lied to her to get her out of her life. But Madison has other things to worry about, like the dead body she stumbled upon. What has Brad gotten her involved in?
Warning: allow plenty of time when you pick up this book because you will not be able to put it down. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The plot is a bit more teen sleuth than usual cozy murder mystery, but that’s not an issue at all, and everything makes sense by the end. This is combined with fantastic characters, led by Madison who gets some real growth here. Fans of Doris Day will spot a couple of winks to the movie That Touch of Mink here, but if you haven’t seen the movie, you are still in for a delightful read.
Warning: allow plenty of time when you pick up this book because you will not be able to put it down. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The plot is a bit more teen sleuth than usual cozy murder mystery, but that’s not an issue at all, and everything makes sense by the end. This is combined with fantastic characters, led by Madison who gets some real growth here. Fans of Doris Day will spot a couple of winks to the movie That Touch of Mink here, but if you haven’t seen the movie, you are still in for a delightful read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2436 KP) rated Death on the Menu in Books
Aug 8, 2018
Political Conference Derailed by Theft and Murder
Key West is hosting a conference with some leading dignitaries from Cuba, and Hayley Snow’s mom has landed the plumb catering gig, with Hayley among those helping out. The conference is being greeted with protests, and tensions are high. They only get worse when an artifact on loan from Cuba, is stolen. Then a man helping Hayley’s mom is murdered. Are the two events connected?
I have missed this series, and it was so fantastic to be back. This book has now added two more must visit locations on my bucket list trip to Key West, Harry Truman’s Little White House and Hemingway’s house. The politics of the US Cuban relationship is front and center and handled in a mostly even-handed manner. The politics and the drama around the conference to tend to overshadow the mystery at times, especially in the first half. Things do build to a great climax, however. And it was great to see Hayley and her friends again. Fans will be interested to see the latest in Hayley’s complicated love life, and we get to see plenty of Miss Gloria. This truly was a fun visit.
I have missed this series, and it was so fantastic to be back. This book has now added two more must visit locations on my bucket list trip to Key West, Harry Truman’s Little White House and Hemingway’s house. The politics of the US Cuban relationship is front and center and handled in a mostly even-handed manner. The politics and the drama around the conference to tend to overshadow the mystery at times, especially in the first half. Things do build to a great climax, however. And it was great to see Hayley and her friends again. Fans will be interested to see the latest in Hayley’s complicated love life, and we get to see plenty of Miss Gloria. This truly was a fun visit.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2436 KP) rated Lost Legacy in Books
Sep 5, 2018
Suspicious Suicide Unearths Questions from Zoe’s Past
When paramedic Zoe Chambers arrives at the scene of an apparent suicide, she can’t help but draw parallels to the death of her great uncles several decades ago in the same barn. Meanwhile, Police Chief Pete Adams uncovers another tie to Zoe’s past in the investigation. Is the modern death a murder or a suicide? What is the connection to Zoe?
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
Fred (860 KP) rated Snowpiercer (2013) in Movies
Sep 15, 2018
Great characters (3 more)
Tense action
Tilda Swinton
Great directing & story telling
A chiller thriller!
So, everyone left alive on Earth is on a big train. They can't can't get off the train because the world is frozen. There are classes in society & of course, the higher ups abuse their power. So, the oppressed fight back. As the lower class moves up, we see how the train is laid out. We learn the secrets of the train. And then, well watch the movie. I don't want to give any more of the story away.
Let me say that Tilda Swinton is fantastic in her role. Her character is one of the greatest I've seen on film. You hate her, you laugh at her, she's nice, she's a bitch. She is so great, I just want to watch the movie again to enjoy her.
There are some great scenes as well, that use lighting to a great effect. The action scenes are great, but the characters are better. You really get to know them & you want to know them.
If you're into sci-fi thrillers, don't miss this one!
Let me say that Tilda Swinton is fantastic in her role. Her character is one of the greatest I've seen on film. You hate her, you laugh at her, she's nice, she's a bitch. She is so great, I just want to watch the movie again to enjoy her.
There are some great scenes as well, that use lighting to a great effect. The action scenes are great, but the characters are better. You really get to know them & you want to know them.
If you're into sci-fi thrillers, don't miss this one!
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead (Død snø 2) (2014) in Movies
Sep 27, 2018
Dark sense of humour (1 more)
Uses bigger budget to good effect
EXTREMELY violent (1 more)
Some of the kills may be a little too much for some
Bigger, Funnier and Bloodier
if you had asked me after my first viewing, I may have given a 7/10 but a recent rewatch has reaffirmed just how great this film is.
It takes all of the self-awareness, over-the-top violence and ludicrous setpieces from the original, and just pumps more of all of it straight into its zombified heart.
It becomes more fantastic, more violent, more ruthless...no one is safe, not people in wheelchairs, not women with babies, not children...
Fortunately the brutality is ridiculous enough that it quickly becomes comic-book in terms of its realism, but the gore is plentiful indeed!
The plot is funny in itself, and some of the side characters were great fun, including the world's most unfortunate zombie...
If you haven't seen 'Dead Snow', watch that first (great in its own right) and then watch this.
For fans of Shaun Of the Dead, Tucker & Dale Versus Evil or Troll Hunter
It takes all of the self-awareness, over-the-top violence and ludicrous setpieces from the original, and just pumps more of all of it straight into its zombified heart.
It becomes more fantastic, more violent, more ruthless...no one is safe, not people in wheelchairs, not women with babies, not children...
Fortunately the brutality is ridiculous enough that it quickly becomes comic-book in terms of its realism, but the gore is plentiful indeed!
The plot is funny in itself, and some of the side characters were great fun, including the world's most unfortunate zombie...
If you haven't seen 'Dead Snow', watch that first (great in its own right) and then watch this.
For fans of Shaun Of the Dead, Tucker & Dale Versus Evil or Troll Hunter
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Battle of the Sexes (2016) in Movies
Oct 2, 2018
Interesting with some great acting
It's worrying to think that the events in this film happened in the 70s, and whilst a lot of things have changed, these sort of opinions towards women still haven't been completely eradicated. That said, this film does a great job with this particular story and as it's not one i knew much about, I found it really interesting.
Both Emma Stone and Steve Carell are fantastic in this. Carell especially is hilariously bonkers and engaging to watch. The story itself is fairly motivating, if not slightly depressing and disturbing regarding women's rights and treatment. I have no issue with any of the romantic side of this film, and I think knowing the motivations and backstory of the characters helps, however I felt some of the romance side was a little forced and could've been dealt with a little better. This could've been due to the excessive amount of close up camera shots that got a little unnerving after a while.
This is a good interesting film and definitely one to watch, although it's not one you'd ever need a repeat viewing of.
Both Emma Stone and Steve Carell are fantastic in this. Carell especially is hilariously bonkers and engaging to watch. The story itself is fairly motivating, if not slightly depressing and disturbing regarding women's rights and treatment. I have no issue with any of the romantic side of this film, and I think knowing the motivations and backstory of the characters helps, however I felt some of the romance side was a little forced and could've been dealt with a little better. This could've been due to the excessive amount of close up camera shots that got a little unnerving after a while.
This is a good interesting film and definitely one to watch, although it's not one you'd ever need a repeat viewing of.
