Search
Search results
Erika (17789 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
May 20, 2018 (Updated May 20, 2018)
As a superhero movie, the plot was ok, and I thought Julian Dennison did a fantastic job. As a comedy, not so much.
1) The jokes were tired, and already done in DP1. When everyone was cracking up in the first scenes, I looked at my best friend and asked, 'What is everyone laughing at? This sh** is not funny.' How many times does Ryan Reynolds need to make fun of Green Lantern? Seriously, get over it. 2) It was was too long. That's 2 hours and 10 minutes of my life I can never get back. At least it was free with moviepass. 3) Ryan Reynolds was too Ryan Reynolds, rather than the character. Unless, they're supposed to be one of the same? Don't get me wrong, I love Ryan Reynolds comedies (e.g., Waiting/Just Friends), but it was too much. 4) A lot of the scenes were about 5 minutes too long... The unfunny scene at the end where DP just wouldn't go away (no specifics because that'd be a spoiler). 5) You could tell some of the jokes were inserted after the fact because the quality of the sound on it. Yeah, of course they can get away with it sometimes, since RR is wearing the mask... But it was too obvious.
I am surprised that TJ Miller wasn't completely cut from the film (same with Ready Player One), since that seems to be the norm whenever scandals occur now.
1) The jokes were tired, and already done in DP1. When everyone was cracking up in the first scenes, I looked at my best friend and asked, 'What is everyone laughing at? This sh** is not funny.' How many times does Ryan Reynolds need to make fun of Green Lantern? Seriously, get over it. 2) It was was too long. That's 2 hours and 10 minutes of my life I can never get back. At least it was free with moviepass. 3) Ryan Reynolds was too Ryan Reynolds, rather than the character. Unless, they're supposed to be one of the same? Don't get me wrong, I love Ryan Reynolds comedies (e.g., Waiting/Just Friends), but it was too much. 4) A lot of the scenes were about 5 minutes too long... The unfunny scene at the end where DP just wouldn't go away (no specifics because that'd be a spoiler). 5) You could tell some of the jokes were inserted after the fact because the quality of the sound on it. Yeah, of course they can get away with it sometimes, since RR is wearing the mask... But it was too obvious.
I am surprised that TJ Miller wasn't completely cut from the film (same with Ready Player One), since that seems to be the norm whenever scandals occur now.
Becca Major (96 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Apr 12, 2018
THE MUSIC (5 more)
The acting
The energy
The sets/enviornment/colors/costumes
Charity, Lettie, and Phillip
Not falling into cheating husband plot
Not historically accurate, but I didn't expect it to be (2 more)
Most characters are flat
Plot is pretty standard
Amazing Experience
Watching "The Greatest Showman" is a wonderful viewing experience, full of life and energy. You can tell with every shot that the creators of the movie wanted to make something amazing. The music is fantastic, the characters (well, the important ones anyway) are engaging and empathetic, and the costumes and sets are beautiful to look at. Truly, it is one of my favorite movies, and I am so happy to finally own it.
However, even I can admit that there are issues. While I am aware that it is not historically accurate, I don't particularly care that much because I didn't expect it to be a perfect biopic (and most biopics stretch the truth anyway). And, if nothing else, this lack of historical accuracy makes me want to research the actual history. I can also admit that the story is lacking, there is a lot going on. The three main threads are Phineas trying to become rich and achieve his dreams, the drama between Phillip and Anne, and the plight of the circus cast. These three problems don't gel very well narratively, and Phineas' story totally eclipses that of the other two, making them feel rushed.
However, even I can admit that there are issues. While I am aware that it is not historically accurate, I don't particularly care that much because I didn't expect it to be a perfect biopic (and most biopics stretch the truth anyway). And, if nothing else, this lack of historical accuracy makes me want to research the actual history. I can also admit that the story is lacking, there is a lot going on. The three main threads are Phineas trying to become rich and achieve his dreams, the drama between Phillip and Anne, and the plight of the circus cast. These three problems don't gel very well narratively, and Phineas' story totally eclipses that of the other two, making them feel rushed.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated L.A. Confidential (1997) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
A masterpiece, if not THE masterpiece of modern cinema.
A film which understands exactly what it is, what it’s doing and what it’s about and plays out with pace to resolve what is certainly on of the most complex detective stories the multiplex’s have seen in a long while.
The story is built in solid layers, exposing its audience to every clue, with time to digest them, without falling back on the cack-handed cliché of holding back that vital clue to end in order to maintain its twist. This movie had taken its plot, cut it up the pieces and shuffled them about as to confuse the eye, but in the end, it’s all there for the taking. Well acted, directed and supported by a perfectly balanced score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, along with first-rate editing, sound design and cinematography, this is a pleasure to watch, every time.
This is a true classic, that is bathed in the noir which in it is set, pretending at nothing, feeling not like a period piece nor modern, this is timeless in recreation of the 1950′s. Even its gruesome elements don’t feel overplayed, and I’m still always surprised to this day when I think that it is an 18.
All in all, this is the benchmark of modern film making, ticking every box perfectly. A fantastic film, with a first-rate native to drive it. Every filmmaker should see this and learn…
The story is built in solid layers, exposing its audience to every clue, with time to digest them, without falling back on the cack-handed cliché of holding back that vital clue to end in order to maintain its twist. This movie had taken its plot, cut it up the pieces and shuffled them about as to confuse the eye, but in the end, it’s all there for the taking. Well acted, directed and supported by a perfectly balanced score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, along with first-rate editing, sound design and cinematography, this is a pleasure to watch, every time.
This is a true classic, that is bathed in the noir which in it is set, pretending at nothing, feeling not like a period piece nor modern, this is timeless in recreation of the 1950′s. Even its gruesome elements don’t feel overplayed, and I’m still always surprised to this day when I think that it is an 18.
All in all, this is the benchmark of modern film making, ticking every box perfectly. A fantastic film, with a first-rate native to drive it. Every filmmaker should see this and learn…
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Permanently Booked in Books
Feb 22, 2019
Who Help the Librarian Check out Permanently?
Summer Smythe and Dorothy Westin are taking some books to be donated to the Hibiscus Pointe library when they find the body of Lorella, the librarian, on the floor in the stacks. Summer is certain that the strange encounter they had on their way into the library is the best clue to the killer, but Dorothy thinks the book club that Lorella was trying to start in the retirement community might hold the clue. Can the duo work together again to solve the latest mystery?
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was great to get to visit Dorothy and Summer again. They may be very different people, but they make a fantastic team. We get to see that as the book spends equal time in their third person points of view. This technique is perfectly used to allow them both to drive the mystery at various times. The plot is great with several viable suspects and keep us guessing until the end. I did think one or two minor things were left dangling, but it wasn’t a big deal since the important pieces of the puzzle were resolved. The characters range from fairly normal to wacky in a fun way, and I loved spending time with them. If you are looking for a light mystery, this is one to book to put on your reading schedule soon.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was great to get to visit Dorothy and Summer again. They may be very different people, but they make a fantastic team. We get to see that as the book spends equal time in their third person points of view. This technique is perfectly used to allow them both to drive the mystery at various times. The plot is great with several viable suspects and keep us guessing until the end. I did think one or two minor things were left dangling, but it wasn’t a big deal since the important pieces of the puzzle were resolved. The characters range from fairly normal to wacky in a fun way, and I loved spending time with them. If you are looking for a light mystery, this is one to book to put on your reading schedule soon.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Lopsided Christmas Cake in Books
Feb 27, 2019
In trademark fashion, Wanda Brunstetter, along with Jean Brunstetter, has created another captivating Amish novel. It's a fantastic start to a new series, and kept me hooked until the end. The blended writing style of these two talented ladies was a refreshing experience!
Thelma and Elma's characters stole my heart completely! Their characters are unique! They are identical twins, but they are older, in their 30s. That's unusual in books like these but I loved that twist to the story! They are twins, yet so different. These sweet ladies really kept me smiling! Their devotion to their grandparents, God and to each other was really wonderful. The mishaps of their lives, the possibility of being old maids and never finding love, the quirkiness woven into the story, all of it kept me engrossed in the story. Watching one lopsided yummy cake change that, well it was not what I was expecting but was also refreshing.
I loved Joseph and Delbert's characters, too. They really livened up the story!
This is definitely a book worth 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. It's going to the top of my list of 2017 top reads. If you love yummy cakes, quirky characters, God and family, be sure and snatch this one up! You'll be left wanting more mishaps from these lovely twins! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-the-lopsided-christmas-cake-by-wanda-and-jean-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Thelma and Elma's characters stole my heart completely! Their characters are unique! They are identical twins, but they are older, in their 30s. That's unusual in books like these but I loved that twist to the story! They are twins, yet so different. These sweet ladies really kept me smiling! Their devotion to their grandparents, God and to each other was really wonderful. The mishaps of their lives, the possibility of being old maids and never finding love, the quirkiness woven into the story, all of it kept me engrossed in the story. Watching one lopsided yummy cake change that, well it was not what I was expecting but was also refreshing.
I loved Joseph and Delbert's characters, too. They really livened up the story!
This is definitely a book worth 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. It's going to the top of my list of 2017 top reads. If you love yummy cakes, quirky characters, God and family, be sure and snatch this one up! You'll be left wanting more mishaps from these lovely twins! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-the-lopsided-christmas-cake-by-wanda-and-jean-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Jewel Cave (Circles #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Jewel Cave (Circles #3) by Elizabeth Noble
Jewel Cave is the third book in the Circles series, but you can quite easily read it as a standalone as I did. The story focuses Clint and Griff. They have been together for ten years, and are happy with each other. Griff is a US Marshall and Clint is a writer. They have their own issues to deal with, but the main story is about a writer friend of Clint's who goes waaaaay too far.
This was a great story I was really able to enjoy. With plenty of snippets into a writer's life, plus the procedural side of things, there was always something happening for me to get to grips with. I loved how Clint was so strong all the way through, and yet proved himself to be human too. I thought how it was written for both him and Griff afterwards was completely believable, and certainly kept the tension going.
A fantastic read, full of intrigue and danger, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene to another was seamless. Thoroughly enjoyed every word, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a great story I was really able to enjoy. With plenty of snippets into a writer's life, plus the procedural side of things, there was always something happening for me to get to grips with. I loved how Clint was so strong all the way through, and yet proved himself to be human too. I thought how it was written for both him and Griff afterwards was completely believable, and certainly kept the tension going.
A fantastic read, full of intrigue and danger, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene to another was seamless. Thoroughly enjoyed every word, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Retreat House in Books
Mar 15, 2019
THERES SOMEONE IN THE WOODS.
Holly leads her church's youth group, but many in the congregation believe she's too young to supervise the kids. When she finds out that shes pregnant, the pressure is on, and her secret love affair will start to show.
But thats the least of her troubles.
She organizes an overnight fellowship retreat on Pine Cliff Island off the coast of Maine, and six teenagers show up for a night of good clean fun. When the power abruptly goes out, no one notices until one of the teenagers returns with a knife wound.
Most of the resident island snowbirds have flown south, phone service is nonexistent, and a madman stalks the night. Holly is the only one who stands between terrified teens and a lurking maniac.
The race to survive long enough to escape may depend solely on teamwork and knowing who to trust.
This was an enjoyable read even though it had a few inconsistencies about it. The plot is a good premise and the characters are good.
I feel the tension in the plot but not sure the christian element was right for this or maybe a bit of fine tuning would have made this a fantastic read. All in all it is a good story and will look for more from the author.
I received this free from AXP books and this is my honest voluntary review.
Holly leads her church's youth group, but many in the congregation believe she's too young to supervise the kids. When she finds out that shes pregnant, the pressure is on, and her secret love affair will start to show.
But thats the least of her troubles.
She organizes an overnight fellowship retreat on Pine Cliff Island off the coast of Maine, and six teenagers show up for a night of good clean fun. When the power abruptly goes out, no one notices until one of the teenagers returns with a knife wound.
Most of the resident island snowbirds have flown south, phone service is nonexistent, and a madman stalks the night. Holly is the only one who stands between terrified teens and a lurking maniac.
The race to survive long enough to escape may depend solely on teamwork and knowing who to trust.
This was an enjoyable read even though it had a few inconsistencies about it. The plot is a good premise and the characters are good.
I feel the tension in the plot but not sure the christian element was right for this or maybe a bit of fine tuning would have made this a fantastic read. All in all it is a good story and will look for more from the author.
I received this free from AXP books and this is my honest voluntary review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Chestnut Man in Books
Mar 24, 2019
A great debut
If that cover doesn't draw you in and make you pick it up, you are a lost soul !!!
And if the cover doesn't do it for you, the story certainly will. It does make for uncomfortable reading at times given the subject matter but it is a story about a serial killer so some gruesome descriptions of the crimes shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.
The plot is gripping, dark and thrilling and the pace of the book is ideal with a seamless mix of murder, politics and police procedure all wrapped up in a perfect psychological thriller package. I actually don't normally like what is called Scandi-noir after having previously tried and failed to read one by a very successful author but this one is excellent.
The characters are fantastic - I know it's a good book when I can see the characters as real people and imagine who would play them if the book were made into a film or TV series - the Danish actor, Kim Bodnia, from The Bridge (Bron/Broen) and Killing Eve would be perfect for the role of Hess.
This is the debut novel by this author, although he has written the highly acclaimed series "The Killing", and a very accomplished debut it is and my thanks must go to the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
And if the cover doesn't do it for you, the story certainly will. It does make for uncomfortable reading at times given the subject matter but it is a story about a serial killer so some gruesome descriptions of the crimes shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.
The plot is gripping, dark and thrilling and the pace of the book is ideal with a seamless mix of murder, politics and police procedure all wrapped up in a perfect psychological thriller package. I actually don't normally like what is called Scandi-noir after having previously tried and failed to read one by a very successful author but this one is excellent.
The characters are fantastic - I know it's a good book when I can see the characters as real people and imagine who would play them if the book were made into a film or TV series - the Danish actor, Kim Bodnia, from The Bridge (Bron/Broen) and Killing Eve would be perfect for the role of Hess.
This is the debut novel by this author, although he has written the highly acclaimed series "The Killing", and a very accomplished debut it is and my thanks must go to the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated They Both Die At The End in Books
May 23, 2019
Heartwrenchingly good
It's truly a sign of a good book when you get to the end feeling emotionally battered and drained, yet ultimately satisfied and this is exactly what this book manages.
The idea behind this is fantastic and such a unique one. The notion of a an entity called Death-Cast notifying people that they'll die today is a frightening yet thought provoking idea. I spent the entire wondering what I'd do. Whilst this is obviously a book about dying, it focuses really on the two main characters attempts at living within their last hours and it's a truly wonderful read. Rufus and Mateo are likeable and well rounded characters and you get so invested in their lives, but with the added foresight that you know they will die at the end. And there's also intrigue in trying to figure out how they're going to die - I'll admit I didnt predict it and the ending in general is just so sad and bittersweet. This is the first book I've read of Adam Silvera's but I'll definitely be reading more, his writing style is so easy to read and simple yet effective. No overcomplicated prose here.
Yes this is about death but it's also about life and love and really does get you thinking about everything you take for granted. I dont see how anyone could read this book and not shed a tear by the end.
The idea behind this is fantastic and such a unique one. The notion of a an entity called Death-Cast notifying people that they'll die today is a frightening yet thought provoking idea. I spent the entire wondering what I'd do. Whilst this is obviously a book about dying, it focuses really on the two main characters attempts at living within their last hours and it's a truly wonderful read. Rufus and Mateo are likeable and well rounded characters and you get so invested in their lives, but with the added foresight that you know they will die at the end. And there's also intrigue in trying to figure out how they're going to die - I'll admit I didnt predict it and the ending in general is just so sad and bittersweet. This is the first book I've read of Adam Silvera's but I'll definitely be reading more, his writing style is so easy to read and simple yet effective. No overcomplicated prose here.
Yes this is about death but it's also about life and love and really does get you thinking about everything you take for granted. I dont see how anyone could read this book and not shed a tear by the end.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated All That's Dead in Books
May 27, 2019
Darkly humorous and thrilling
Having read and thoroughly loved one of Mr MacBride's previous outings starring Logan McRae - A Dark So Deadly - I was thrilled to be accepted by the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, via NetGalley to read and review "All That's Dead" before publication in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.