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John Garrett (27 KP) rated Sing Street (2016) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Great music (1 more)
Great acting
The new commitments
This unashamedly small but brilliant movie set in 80s Ireland was the film of 2016 for me. Due to the size and marketing of this movie it sadly didn't receive the audience in cinema it deserved. Thank God for Netflix.
This follows the tale of Connor who's struggling working class parents pull him from private school and into the harsh reality of 80s public school run by a hard nosed priest and bullys. He meets a young beauty Raphina and convinces her he has a band to try and win her over.
This movie does not try and be something it's not and almost having a small budget and unknown cast helps make everything seem real. the acting is fantastic which is something indie films usually lack performances are great especially from Brendon the older brother.
the real star of this film however is the original music used by the titular band. It is 2 parts 80s nostalgia and 1 part genius. I truly belive the song Drive it like you stole it is Oscar worthy and deserves a nod in the least.
I would recommend this film to anyone and suggest people of all ages to watch this film with lots of heart and lots of great music.
This follows the tale of Connor who's struggling working class parents pull him from private school and into the harsh reality of 80s public school run by a hard nosed priest and bullys. He meets a young beauty Raphina and convinces her he has a band to try and win her over.
This movie does not try and be something it's not and almost having a small budget and unknown cast helps make everything seem real. the acting is fantastic which is something indie films usually lack performances are great especially from Brendon the older brother.
the real star of this film however is the original music used by the titular band. It is 2 parts 80s nostalgia and 1 part genius. I truly belive the song Drive it like you stole it is Oscar worthy and deserves a nod in the least.
I would recommend this film to anyone and suggest people of all ages to watch this film with lots of heart and lots of great music.
John Garrett (27 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Tom Holland (2 more)
The villain (thank god)
The script
No real stakes (1 more)
Not enough fighting scenes
Spiderman has never been better
Contains spoilers, click to show
Tom Holland is fantastic. Never has writing a review been so releaving. After the car wrecks that were the first 2 amazing Spiderman movies we finally get a great depiction of the friendly neighbourhood Spiderman. Tom played both the quick witted Spiderman and nerdy Peter Parker fantastically and actually looks like a high school kid.
Michael Keaton plays another winged comic book character in the vulture who unlike other marvel villains added some gravitas and was not just a throw away. He played almost a sympathetic villain where you understand his motivations.
The story was solid. We actually got to see a teenage Peter Parker with teenage worries in high school rather than trying to skip over his school life quickly in other iterations of the character. His high school sidekick Ned was a great comic relief and in my opinion created most of the laughs in this film.
One major worry going in was that iron man would steel the show. Luckily Robert Downey Jr was used almost sparingly and was there in just a mentoring capacity which was good to see.
Overall this was a funny, charming story with a great portrayal of one of the world's most loved characters.
Michael Keaton plays another winged comic book character in the vulture who unlike other marvel villains added some gravitas and was not just a throw away. He played almost a sympathetic villain where you understand his motivations.
The story was solid. We actually got to see a teenage Peter Parker with teenage worries in high school rather than trying to skip over his school life quickly in other iterations of the character. His high school sidekick Ned was a great comic relief and in my opinion created most of the laughs in this film.
One major worry going in was that iron man would steel the show. Luckily Robert Downey Jr was used almost sparingly and was there in just a mentoring capacity which was good to see.
Overall this was a funny, charming story with a great portrayal of one of the world's most loved characters.
Fails to Disappoint :)
This book certainly deserves its status as an essential modern classic.
It provides a somewhat sinister feel, but remains thought provoking. The overall story is short, but it incorporates such strong ideas that it makes up for it being a short read. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also serves to educate the reader on the dangers of attempting a utopian society. Its concept of why it is important to retain human memories – even the bad – in order that wisdom can exist, adds to the fascinating factor.
This book would be great to spur discussion and introspection. Although fans of contemporary dystopian novels will be sure to love this series, the book isn't solely the story of a depressing utopia. It's mainly the story of the relationship between the main characters: the Giver, Jonas, and... I won't say her name, and of course, the baby Gabe. This book is a more of a mystery in which things don't much get answered- they're left to linger. That's part of the beauty and hopefulness in this book! Just read the damn book, then call me.
You won't be disappointed if you read it, because it's an enjoyable read. It contains a great plot, the community is interesting, and the ending is fantastic and JUST a little ambiguous!-- cool!
It provides a somewhat sinister feel, but remains thought provoking. The overall story is short, but it incorporates such strong ideas that it makes up for it being a short read. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also serves to educate the reader on the dangers of attempting a utopian society. Its concept of why it is important to retain human memories – even the bad – in order that wisdom can exist, adds to the fascinating factor.
This book would be great to spur discussion and introspection. Although fans of contemporary dystopian novels will be sure to love this series, the book isn't solely the story of a depressing utopia. It's mainly the story of the relationship between the main characters: the Giver, Jonas, and... I won't say her name, and of course, the baby Gabe. This book is a more of a mystery in which things don't much get answered- they're left to linger. That's part of the beauty and hopefulness in this book! Just read the damn book, then call me.
You won't be disappointed if you read it, because it's an enjoyable read. It contains a great plot, the community is interesting, and the ending is fantastic and JUST a little ambiguous!-- cool!
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Mass Effect: Andromeda in Video Games
Jul 19, 2017
A Perfect Continuation of the Mass Effect Series
I could seriously gush like a fan-girl about this game for hours, so I'll try to keep it brief :p The graphics are astounding, the storyline is a work of art and the characters are really awesome. There are tons of side missions to keep you busy after you finish the main story line, all aspects are really fantastic, the game mechanics are great, shooting, jumping, running, driving, it's all aces. You can be any type of Ryder you like, romantic, logical, casual, professional, or a mix of all. Romances for both male and female Ryder are good, probably the best (or my favourites at least) are Jaal and Vetra. The downside are the romance cut scenes. You can tell Bioware put more effort into some and others not so much (particularly Cora, Jaal and Peebee had the best romance scenes). Disappointments? Not many. The romance scene for Vetra was bs, I was really pissed that they didn't put much effort into it. Also, three characters I fell in love with but couldn't romance, Evfra, Kandros, and Drack. So Bioware, if ya'll are listening, give me my Krogan romance damnit! The biggest disappointment? That the game had to end. I LOVED it! Can't wait for the DLC!
KerysJayne Draganova (21 KP) rated Resistance is futile in Books
Jan 13, 2018 (Updated Jan 14, 2018)
Majority of the characters, especially the main (1 more)
Comedic style of writing
Luke (1 more)
The romance aspect
A decent sci-fi Rom-com hybrid.
First of let me just say, this is the type of book that makes you look incredibly silly when reading it in public. It had me laughing until I couldn't breathe, and thanking my lucky stars that I read it in the comfort of my own home.
The characters in Colgan's book are a breath of fresh air: smart, just the right amount of geeky, and incredibly funny. The mix of the different characters and personalities within the group works perfectly, and as I said they have you crying with laughter. Connie is a fantastic main character: interesting, smart and witty, and I loved reading the adventures from her point of view.
However, I was disappointed with the romance aspect of this book, I didn't find the relationship between Connie and Luke to be believable, and I just couldn't get behind Luke as a character as a whole. I didn't find his character very compelling, and I felt the author went further into the development of other smaller characters than Luke, considering he is supposed to be quite an important part of the story line.
Overall though the characters in this book are so lovable and funny it definitely makes the book worth a read.
The characters in Colgan's book are a breath of fresh air: smart, just the right amount of geeky, and incredibly funny. The mix of the different characters and personalities within the group works perfectly, and as I said they have you crying with laughter. Connie is a fantastic main character: interesting, smart and witty, and I loved reading the adventures from her point of view.
However, I was disappointed with the romance aspect of this book, I didn't find the relationship between Connie and Luke to be believable, and I just couldn't get behind Luke as a character as a whole. I didn't find his character very compelling, and I felt the author went further into the development of other smaller characters than Luke, considering he is supposed to be quite an important part of the story line.
Overall though the characters in this book are so lovable and funny it definitely makes the book worth a read.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Water for Elephants in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I heard time and time again how amazing, wonderful, fantastic this book was. How I just had to read it. How I would love it. How it is one of the best books so and so had ever read. Here's the thing, I enjoyed it, I really did. It was a great story with engaging characters and all kinds of twists and turns. But, was it all it was cracked up to be by the endless stream of people who suggested it to me? No.
Now before you go arguing with me, I am by NO means saying I didn't like this book! It tells the life story of Jacob. How whike he is in vet school at Cornell, his parents die in a car accident leaving him with nothing. He is so consumed by the news that he walks out on his vet school finals. He walks and walks eventually hopping a train, which he soon discovers to be a circus train. The rest as they say is history. There are healthy doses of romance, travel, alcohol, humor and violence without being overdone. For me this is just a case of a book not living up to my expectations after all the hype.
It is a marvelously entertaining read though. And now I can finally let myself.watch the movie!!
Now before you go arguing with me, I am by NO means saying I didn't like this book! It tells the life story of Jacob. How whike he is in vet school at Cornell, his parents die in a car accident leaving him with nothing. He is so consumed by the news that he walks out on his vet school finals. He walks and walks eventually hopping a train, which he soon discovers to be a circus train. The rest as they say is history. There are healthy doses of romance, travel, alcohol, humor and violence without being overdone. For me this is just a case of a book not living up to my expectations after all the hype.
It is a marvelously entertaining read though. And now I can finally let myself.watch the movie!!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Most Dangerous Thing in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This is the first Laura Lippman novel I've read. I had heard fantastic things about her writing style & her ability to write real life characters in real life, yet intriguing situations. This book fits into both of those molds.
The Most Dangerous Thing bounces around through the lives of 5 children. Its focal point is one summer in 1979 & the events that happened while the kids were having adventures in the forest around their homes. The story bounces around quite a bit, but is never hard to follow. The story arc is interesting & very believable. The many & varied characters you meet throughout are all interesting, but not too over the top to prevent you from thinking they couldn't be real. The story really isn't completely known until the very end of the book. I kept guessing at what was what & who did what. I skirted around what "really happened" but never did manage to figure it out.
So, what makes me give it a 3? Well if there were 1/2 stars it would be a 3 & 1/2 if that helps. It was interesting, but I could put it down & not have that burning itch to know what was going to happen. Yet at the same time it was satisfyingly frustrating...I was never quite sure what was going to happen to the main characters.
The Most Dangerous Thing bounces around through the lives of 5 children. Its focal point is one summer in 1979 & the events that happened while the kids were having adventures in the forest around their homes. The story bounces around quite a bit, but is never hard to follow. The story arc is interesting & very believable. The many & varied characters you meet throughout are all interesting, but not too over the top to prevent you from thinking they couldn't be real. The story really isn't completely known until the very end of the book. I kept guessing at what was what & who did what. I skirted around what "really happened" but never did manage to figure it out.
So, what makes me give it a 3? Well if there were 1/2 stars it would be a 3 & 1/2 if that helps. It was interesting, but I could put it down & not have that burning itch to know what was going to happen. Yet at the same time it was satisfyingly frustrating...I was never quite sure what was going to happen to the main characters.
To be honest I knew nothing about TILM until I accepted a new teaching position for next year. The principal is fantastic about including new staff in end of the year communication about prep for next year. One of the things she mentioned is looking for a pilot group to read The Leader in Me & try it out in their rooms. I was skeptical about "adding one more thing"...after 11 years of teaching I've seen more grand ideas & guaranteed fixes come & go. But after reading this I can say this feels different. This isn't a new fad, it's basic skills we should all have &, much like cursive writing, are being pushed aside in our testing culture. The ideas are easy to incorporate & the authors stress easing into it.
But the authors say it best, "In today's global economy, we simply cannot afford to continue waiting until young people receive their first promotion into corporate leadership before we teach them how to get along with others, to set goals, to think ahead. We cannot idly wait for them to become school-teachers, doctors, firefighters, engineers, or parents before we teach them how to organize their lives, to take initiative, or to work in teams. We cannot afford to relax and hope they detect their own worth and potential on their own. They deserve better. They deserve hope. "
But the authors say it best, "In today's global economy, we simply cannot afford to continue waiting until young people receive their first promotion into corporate leadership before we teach them how to get along with others, to set goals, to think ahead. We cannot idly wait for them to become school-teachers, doctors, firefighters, engineers, or parents before we teach them how to organize their lives, to take initiative, or to work in teams. We cannot afford to relax and hope they detect their own worth and potential on their own. They deserve better. They deserve hope. "
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Aug 1, 2017
Brilliant & Very Intense
I have to start off by admitting that Nolan is my favourite director, and although this film is quite different to his previous ones, I'm pleased to say I still loved it.
Visually spectacular, it was so nice to see real effects for a change as opposed to cgi. Story wise it was also refreshing to see a war film not bogged down with erroneous subplots and romantic side stories. Nolan just jumps straight in to the action & carries on throughout, with an impressive run time of less than 2 hours. Some great casting here, although I feel like Tom Hardy could've been given more to do. Even Harry Styles was well cast & I was expecting him to be awful! Hans Zimmer does his usual great job on the score, building up a lot of tension. Nolan also does a fantastic job making the film quite harrowing without feeling the need to go ridiculously violent and gory. And there are also a few typical Nolan plot movements thrown in which made it slightly more than your average war film.
My only negative would be that a little bit of backstory might have been nice, as I personally don't know a lot about the lead up to Dunkirk, and that could've helped the ignorant like me!
Visually spectacular, it was so nice to see real effects for a change as opposed to cgi. Story wise it was also refreshing to see a war film not bogged down with erroneous subplots and romantic side stories. Nolan just jumps straight in to the action & carries on throughout, with an impressive run time of less than 2 hours. Some great casting here, although I feel like Tom Hardy could've been given more to do. Even Harry Styles was well cast & I was expecting him to be awful! Hans Zimmer does his usual great job on the score, building up a lot of tension. Nolan also does a fantastic job making the film quite harrowing without feeling the need to go ridiculously violent and gory. And there are also a few typical Nolan plot movements thrown in which made it slightly more than your average war film.
My only negative would be that a little bit of backstory might have been nice, as I personally don't know a lot about the lead up to Dunkirk, and that could've helped the ignorant like me!
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Star Wars: Han Solo in Books
Aug 2, 2017
I believe this volume takes place shortly after Episode IV: A New Hope.
After deciding to take a break from the Rebellion and go back to being a smuggler, Han Solo is abruptly pulled back into the Rebellion by Leia with a proposal he finds hard to turn down: a chance to race the Dragon Void run, a prestigious racing competition. Of course, Leia has ulterior motives for needing Han, but all he sees is a chance at the prestige of winning this race. The race itself made me feel a little like this was a galactic version of the Hunger Games, as the race's organizers set up specific obstacles for the racers to avoid (not that this is a race to the death, but I just got the impression of that idea). There was also a little more science fiction than I'm used to with Star Wars, with the inclusion of wormholes and other dimensions, but it worked really well here. Marjorie Liu really had a grasp of the characters and handled them quite well; I had no problem hearing Han's and Leia's voices in my head. Mark Brooks' art is fantastic here and I'm hoping that Marvel utilizes him more frequently on the Star Wars titles. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Marvel portion of the Star Wars universe.
After deciding to take a break from the Rebellion and go back to being a smuggler, Han Solo is abruptly pulled back into the Rebellion by Leia with a proposal he finds hard to turn down: a chance to race the Dragon Void run, a prestigious racing competition. Of course, Leia has ulterior motives for needing Han, but all he sees is a chance at the prestige of winning this race. The race itself made me feel a little like this was a galactic version of the Hunger Games, as the race's organizers set up specific obstacles for the racers to avoid (not that this is a race to the death, but I just got the impression of that idea). There was also a little more science fiction than I'm used to with Star Wars, with the inclusion of wormholes and other dimensions, but it worked really well here. Marjorie Liu really had a grasp of the characters and handled them quite well; I had no problem hearing Han's and Leia's voices in my head. Mark Brooks' art is fantastic here and I'm hoping that Marvel utilizes him more frequently on the Star Wars titles. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Marvel portion of the Star Wars universe.