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Erika (17788 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 16, 2018 (Updated Nov 19, 2018)
Newt (2 more)
The beasts
Jude Law as Dumbledore
Johnny Depp (2 more)
Johnny Depp
and Johnny Depp
*After reading the screenplay, I'm knocking this rating down.
I am completely torn on this one, I liked some parts, but hated others. I also really can't stand Johnny Depp, and I rolled my eyes to myself every time he was on screen...
In my book, Jude Law was playing Richard Harris' Dumbledore, not... Michael Gambon (Don't even get me started on Gambon: 'Did you put your name in the goblet of fire, Harry?' Dumbledore asked CALMLY). So, it was a good way to go.
I did not like the way they went with some characters, namely one, who was rumored to go to Grindelwald's camp. Making a likeable character slightly deranged was irritating. There was a name drop at Hogwarts that had to have been a relative, unless the original character became an adult professor before she was technically born...
However, the possible recons that occurred didn't mess with canon as badly as that terrible Cursed Child mess.
It was largely predictable, and even the end, it was all foreshadowed, and not in a good way. The best bits were of Newt with the beasts... I liked Eddie Redmayne, as always, but can we please stop calling these movies Fantastic Beasts? 6 for him and the Niffler alone.
I wanted to largely stay away from a comparison, but I feel like Rowling is going the George Lucas route. And, that's not a compliment.
I am completely torn on this one, I liked some parts, but hated others. I also really can't stand Johnny Depp, and I rolled my eyes to myself every time he was on screen...
In my book, Jude Law was playing Richard Harris' Dumbledore, not... Michael Gambon (Don't even get me started on Gambon: 'Did you put your name in the goblet of fire, Harry?' Dumbledore asked CALMLY). So, it was a good way to go.
I did not like the way they went with some characters, namely one, who was rumored to go to Grindelwald's camp. Making a likeable character slightly deranged was irritating. There was a name drop at Hogwarts that had to have been a relative, unless the original character became an adult professor before she was technically born...
However, the possible recons that occurred didn't mess with canon as badly as that terrible Cursed Child mess.
It was largely predictable, and even the end, it was all foreshadowed, and not in a good way. The best bits were of Newt with the beasts... I liked Eddie Redmayne, as always, but can we please stop calling these movies Fantastic Beasts? 6 for him and the Niffler alone.
I wanted to largely stay away from a comparison, but I feel like Rowling is going the George Lucas route. And, that's not a compliment.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Books Can Be Deceiving in Books
Dec 2, 2018
In Which I Finally Start This Series
Lindsey Norris is settling into her new life as the director of the public library in Briar Creek, Connecticut. One of her many joys is working alongside her best friend Beth Stanley, the children's librarian. Unfortunately, Lindsey has never warmed to Beth's boyfriend Rick Eckman, and spending more time with him doesn't change that at all. So, Lindsey isn't upset when the two break up. However, Beth gets some surprising news about Rick the next day just before she finds his body. It's obvious that Rick has been killed. With the police certain that Beth is guilty, Lindsey springs into action to clear her best friend. Can she do it?
I'm finally getting around to starting this series, but I've loved the other books from Jenn McKinlay I've read. I pretty much knew what to expect here, and I was right. We get a fantastic cast of characters that I already can't wait to spend more time with. The setting, both the library and the town, are charming as well. I'd move to this town is it weren't for the murder rate (and the fact that it's fictional). There is a bit of series set up that slows things down at the beginning, but the mystery is very strong once it gets started. I was surprised by some of the twists along the way. I also laughed several times along the way, and part of the climax made me want to cheer.
I'm finally getting around to starting this series, but I've loved the other books from Jenn McKinlay I've read. I pretty much knew what to expect here, and I was right. We get a fantastic cast of characters that I already can't wait to spend more time with. The setting, both the library and the town, are charming as well. I'd move to this town is it weren't for the murder rate (and the fact that it's fictional). There is a bit of series set up that slows things down at the beginning, but the mystery is very strong once it gets started. I was surprised by some of the twists along the way. I also laughed several times along the way, and part of the climax made me want to cheer.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 4 in TV
Jun 18, 2019
Another A-class season
Contains spoilers, click to show
For me, seasons 3-4 of Game of Thrones were the best without question. By this point it had truly found its stride, balancing epic avlction set pieces alongside a plot that was still pretty slow, but never failed to be intriguing. I would be watching this weekly and not get bored, still clinging on to every word.
Season 4 has some truly important, stand out moments, perhaps none more important that the Purple Wedding, where we see Joffrey finally get his comeuppance.
An event that everyone had been waiting for, it's initially a fist in the air moment, but then the camera lingers on his purple, choked face, and it's suddenly harder to watch - a fine example of GoT giving us what we want before making us question it all moments later.
In a similar fashion, were also introduced to Oberyn Martell, a great, suave character that everyone loved, only for him to be brutally torn from us, in one of the goriest moments in the shows history. Godammit.
This season also boasts the first episode length battle, where the wildlings attack the wall. It's quite a spectacle, showing that the production values are pretty damn impressive considering it's not a big budget movie.
We are also treated to Tyrions trial, which is another fantastic piece of television - no action needed in this episode, all dialogue, and it's marvellous. For me, GoT never quite hit the peak of season 4 going forward.
The set pieces, the script, the casting, the musical score - it's all perfect.
Season 4 has some truly important, stand out moments, perhaps none more important that the Purple Wedding, where we see Joffrey finally get his comeuppance.
An event that everyone had been waiting for, it's initially a fist in the air moment, but then the camera lingers on his purple, choked face, and it's suddenly harder to watch - a fine example of GoT giving us what we want before making us question it all moments later.
In a similar fashion, were also introduced to Oberyn Martell, a great, suave character that everyone loved, only for him to be brutally torn from us, in one of the goriest moments in the shows history. Godammit.
This season also boasts the first episode length battle, where the wildlings attack the wall. It's quite a spectacle, showing that the production values are pretty damn impressive considering it's not a big budget movie.
We are also treated to Tyrions trial, which is another fantastic piece of television - no action needed in this episode, all dialogue, and it's marvellous. For me, GoT never quite hit the peak of season 4 going forward.
The set pieces, the script, the casting, the musical score - it's all perfect.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Luther - Season 5 in TV
Jan 12, 2019
A welcome return
It seems like such a long time ago since Luther was on our screens, and it’s really good to have him back. Idris Elba is as usual fantastic as the dark and tormented Luther, who as per usual can’t seem to catch a break in this new series. The returning cast are all as good as they’ve ever been, and it’s always good to see Ruth Wilson and Michael Smiley. I do however think some of the newer cast and characters were a little weak. I couldn’t stop staring at Hermione Norris’s face (looked a bit plastic) and Luther’s new partner Halliday was a stereotypical foil to Luther’s law breaking antics. She was definitely no Ripley and I think fell foul to a lack of interest and development in her character in general, only being needed to push along certain plot points.
The plot itself though was as entertaining as ever, switching from near horror film to cat and mouse cop thriller seamlessly. There are a number of shocks, and lots of blood and gore. One thing Luther always does well is that it really pushes the horror aspect of what would otherwise be just a detective show. Like some of the earlier series, there are scenes in this that are absolutely creepy and terrifying. Makers of modern horror films should really take note. I also think the ending of this series was rather fitting, and without spoiling it, I’m hoping that this may be a decent finale for Luther, assuming they doom overdo it and make more.
The plot itself though was as entertaining as ever, switching from near horror film to cat and mouse cop thriller seamlessly. There are a number of shocks, and lots of blood and gore. One thing Luther always does well is that it really pushes the horror aspect of what would otherwise be just a detective show. Like some of the earlier series, there are scenes in this that are absolutely creepy and terrifying. Makers of modern horror films should really take note. I also think the ending of this series was rather fitting, and without spoiling it, I’m hoping that this may be a decent finale for Luther, assuming they doom overdo it and make more.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Military Wife in Books
Jan 26, 2019
Fresh perspective
THE MILITARY WIFE swept me up quickly into Harper's life and story. Harper was a military widow and what was unusual about her tale was that she was five years down the line from being widowed. She was forever changed by her experiences, sad at times but she was also functional and optimistic about life ahead.
This story is told in a past/present chapter approach. Whilst I really did want to be focused in the present and what was happening there, I did appreciate the need to know the story underpinning the 'now'.
A strange revelation in Harper's life threw her into the path of her late husband's closest 'brother' and Bennett is reluctant to see or communicate with Harper. Bennett was a large, interesting but quiet man and Harper was persistent, getting under his skin. What develops between these two is slow-burning and beautiful. Although there was heat, the focus was very much on the emotionality of the connection and this intensity was fantastic.
There was a cast of strong secondary characters including another military family who were in crisis, Harper's son and her mother. The stories around these characters were strong and interwoven inexplicably into Harper and Bennett's tale. This all made for a rich and deep story.
This is my first time reading Laura Trentham but I literally can't wait for more of this series. I will also be perusing her other books as I wait.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
This story is told in a past/present chapter approach. Whilst I really did want to be focused in the present and what was happening there, I did appreciate the need to know the story underpinning the 'now'.
A strange revelation in Harper's life threw her into the path of her late husband's closest 'brother' and Bennett is reluctant to see or communicate with Harper. Bennett was a large, interesting but quiet man and Harper was persistent, getting under his skin. What develops between these two is slow-burning and beautiful. Although there was heat, the focus was very much on the emotionality of the connection and this intensity was fantastic.
There was a cast of strong secondary characters including another military family who were in crisis, Harper's son and her mother. The stories around these characters were strong and interwoven inexplicably into Harper and Bennett's tale. This all made for a rich and deep story.
This is my first time reading Laura Trentham but I literally can't wait for more of this series. I will also be perusing her other books as I wait.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Northanger Abbey (The Austen Project, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
The idea of The Austen Project is for six modern day authors to have a go do writing a modern day re-imagining of each of Jane Austen's major works. The first was Joanna Trollope's version of Sense & Sensibility, where the reviews seem to have been fairly lukewarm. This is the second offering, Northanger Abbey as re-imagined by Val McDermid.
Now, I've not read of of McDermid's works before, although I did think she was pretty smart when she won on Celebrity Mastermind. After reading this, I remain impressed. The novel tracks the original very closely and it's quite clever in how it does this. It is hard to imagine someone quite as naive as Catherine Morland in this day and age, but McDermind's 'Cat' Morland does pretty well. It's a very slangy novel ("amazeballs!"), sprinkled with 'txt spk', but then the original is quite slangy - especially the parts with Isabella Thorpe! I do think that to appreciate it you have to know the original quite well and have a passing knowledge of current popular culture. Catherine believing the General Tilney has murdered his wife or has locked her up somewhere is slightly fantastic, but rather more grounded than Cat's idea that the family may be Vampires.....! Still, if you can suspend your disbelief this is a fun and engaging read - in fact, a very 'nice' book... and with a very 'nice' hero. And I'm pretty sure this Henry Tilney would spell out all his texts properly - no want of grammar and total inattention to stops here!
Now, I've not read of of McDermid's works before, although I did think she was pretty smart when she won on Celebrity Mastermind. After reading this, I remain impressed. The novel tracks the original very closely and it's quite clever in how it does this. It is hard to imagine someone quite as naive as Catherine Morland in this day and age, but McDermind's 'Cat' Morland does pretty well. It's a very slangy novel ("amazeballs!"), sprinkled with 'txt spk', but then the original is quite slangy - especially the parts with Isabella Thorpe! I do think that to appreciate it you have to know the original quite well and have a passing knowledge of current popular culture. Catherine believing the General Tilney has murdered his wife or has locked her up somewhere is slightly fantastic, but rather more grounded than Cat's idea that the family may be Vampires.....! Still, if you can suspend your disbelief this is a fun and engaging read - in fact, a very 'nice' book... and with a very 'nice' hero. And I'm pretty sure this Henry Tilney would spell out all his texts properly - no want of grammar and total inattention to stops here!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
When so much often goes wrong with movie adaptations of video games, it is always pleasant when the occasional one takes you by surprise and becomes a well written, well acted, adventure of a movie. Prince of Persia, directed by Mike Newell, previously of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, captures much of the fun of the video game while telling a compelling story obviously written for the screen, and not pulled straight from the game itself.
Prince Dastan, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, does a fitting job of balancing the devious and dignified sides of his character. Gemma Arterton plays the role of Tamina with good chemistry with Gyllenhaal, and their dialogue always seems to have a spark of something extra. Ben Kingsley and the rest of the supporting cast do a fantastic job of rounding out the story and providing a degree of comic relief, tension, and reasons to use the special effects budget. The special effects are as expected, coming from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, excellent. Still, they don’t distract or otherwise draw too much attention away from the story itself.
The movie, obviously enough, revolves around Prince Dastan and a mystical dagger that can turn back time for short periods. Despite the plot twists and turns (and there are several), this movie kept me guessing and absorbed in the story, but never confused. If you’re looking for a fun time at the movies to start the summer season, look no further than this lively and fun film.
Prince Dastan, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, does a fitting job of balancing the devious and dignified sides of his character. Gemma Arterton plays the role of Tamina with good chemistry with Gyllenhaal, and their dialogue always seems to have a spark of something extra. Ben Kingsley and the rest of the supporting cast do a fantastic job of rounding out the story and providing a degree of comic relief, tension, and reasons to use the special effects budget. The special effects are as expected, coming from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, excellent. Still, they don’t distract or otherwise draw too much attention away from the story itself.
The movie, obviously enough, revolves around Prince Dastan and a mystical dagger that can turn back time for short periods. Despite the plot twists and turns (and there are several), this movie kept me guessing and absorbed in the story, but never confused. If you’re looking for a fun time at the movies to start the summer season, look no further than this lively and fun film.
CarolCorps1592 (21 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of Dragon Age Inquisition in Video Games
Jan 21, 2019
Dragons for All
I am a huge fan of the Dragon Age games and was so excited to play this one. Even though it had a lot of great aspects, there were a few problems that made it so it is my least favorite of the games. DAI is amazing because it takes the things everyone loved about the first two and expanded on them. The characters and story lines are so spectacular. I loved how they played into the last two games and each of the characters are unique and fun. The romances are fantastic and have you laughing your butt off at times. However, they were a lot more limited this time. While it was more realistic for the romances options to have preferences, it's still kind of disappointing to not be able to romance everyone regardless of race or gender. That also leads to the disappointment in character customization. I love that they added a new race, but felt that they should have added more than that. I also love how the game is more open world, however I wonder if they were quite ready for it. For me there were a lot of areas that took me way too long to get into (not due the area being closed). There were also quite a few bugs throughout the game that made it really hard to play at times. Regardless of any issues, I still love to play the game and can't wait for the next in the series.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Lock Every Door in Books
Jul 27, 2019
Lock the Door had me wanting to leave the building, never mind locking the door!
Lock the Door had me wanting to leave the building, never mind locking the door! This suspense-filled thriller by Riley Sager is about a young woman called Jules who finds a job as an apartment sitter in one of New York’s most exclusive buildings. She is jobless, penniless and homeless after an acrimonious split with her boyfriend, and this job comes along at just the right time. It’s a job for three months, and there are rules. They’re not terrible rules (other than no visitors, and absolutely no overnight guests), and the pay is too good to be true - and as it turns out, that really is the case.
This had my heart in my mouth for most of the book: there are definite echoes of Rosemary’s Baby (without the baby). An old building with strange, unfriendly inhabitants, a new tenant who feels like she might be going mad with all the strange goings-on. There the similarity ends though.
The writing terrified me in places: who knew that a dumb waiter could have the same effect as a horror movies cellar (I won’t be using either for the foreseeable future!)? And it’s a twisty, turny read with some really good red herrings along the way.
I loved every minute of this, and highly recommend it - maybe it’s best not to be read just before you go to bed, though!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another fantastic serialisation.
This had my heart in my mouth for most of the book: there are definite echoes of Rosemary’s Baby (without the baby). An old building with strange, unfriendly inhabitants, a new tenant who feels like she might be going mad with all the strange goings-on. There the similarity ends though.
The writing terrified me in places: who knew that a dumb waiter could have the same effect as a horror movies cellar (I won’t be using either for the foreseeable future!)? And it’s a twisty, turny read with some really good red herrings along the way.
I loved every minute of this, and highly recommend it - maybe it’s best not to be read just before you go to bed, though!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another fantastic serialisation.
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Desire at Roosevelt Ranch (Roosevelt Ranch #5) in Books
Dec 7, 2019
Desire at Roosevelt Ranch is the fifth and final book in this series, and we have bad-boy Rex's story. He is hit by cupid's arrow when he stops one night to help a damsel in distress, none other than Tilly from Henry's Diner. Tilly knows all about Rex and doesn't expect anything from him. Rex surprises himself by wanting everything with Tilly.
Rex is a bit underhanded in some ways, but I loved that because that is part of his character. He isn't one to flaunt his help, but will do it quietly and without fanfare. Tilly doesn't know quite what to do with this as how he is behaving with her is very different to what she expected.
I am very sad to come to the end of this series. The small town of Darlington with its inhabitants have come alive to me through Elise Faber's writing. There are quirks and witticisms that have made me smile with each book.
The ultimate jewel in the crown, this book has knocked Sam and Haley off their perch and taken their place as my favourite of the series. Sam and Haley remain just half a star behind though!
This is a fantastic series that can be read as standalones, but seriously, why do that? Get your mitts on each and every one of these, as 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!
Rex is a bit underhanded in some ways, but I loved that because that is part of his character. He isn't one to flaunt his help, but will do it quietly and without fanfare. Tilly doesn't know quite what to do with this as how he is behaving with her is very different to what she expected.
I am very sad to come to the end of this series. The small town of Darlington with its inhabitants have come alive to me through Elise Faber's writing. There are quirks and witticisms that have made me smile with each book.
The ultimate jewel in the crown, this book has knocked Sam and Haley off their perch and taken their place as my favourite of the series. Sam and Haley remain just half a star behind though!
This is a fantastic series that can be read as standalones, but seriously, why do that? Get your mitts on each and every one of these, as 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!