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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) in Movies
Apr 6, 2019 (Updated Apr 6, 2019)
Good-natured family fantasy based on Arthurian legend. Alex Elliot draws a magic sword from a stone and finds himself charged with defending Britain from an ancient sorceress, the problem being he's only twelve years old.
Scores highly on the CGI spectacle front, and some good gags as well, but some of the learning-and-growing stuff feels a bit laborious and it's probably about twenty minutes too long. Child acting is mostly acceptable and Patrick Stewart is always good value, even though he's hardly in it. Given the film is trying hard to hit the same beats as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, and mostly succeeding, it's a little hard to see why it has turned out to be such a flop; a victim of too many other dud films based on classic mythology leaving a bad taste in the mouth, I guess. No-one involved in this one has any real reason to feel ashamed of themselves, anyway.
Scores highly on the CGI spectacle front, and some good gags as well, but some of the learning-and-growing stuff feels a bit laborious and it's probably about twenty minutes too long. Child acting is mostly acceptable and Patrick Stewart is always good value, even though he's hardly in it. Given the film is trying hard to hit the same beats as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, and mostly succeeding, it's a little hard to see why it has turned out to be such a flop; a victim of too many other dud films based on classic mythology leaving a bad taste in the mouth, I guess. No-one involved in this one has any real reason to feel ashamed of themselves, anyway.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) in Movies
Dec 23, 2019
Better than Last Jedi (1 more)
Some very good action scenes
May the force be with you
Well first of all the good news is that this is better than the last Jedi! Thankfully more in line with the Force awakens. It manages to clear up some things from the Last Jedi that many people were not happy about. There are plenty of good actions scenes. Which often feel like they took what people enjoyed from the original films and made sure they included in this sign off film. There are some nice elements that ground the film with things that happened in the original films as well. Also a big plot development out of no where. So why it might not be the ending everyone will be happy with, it does improve on the last film. Most will enjoy the retro aspects along with the new characters and developments. A decent send off.
Awix (3310 KP) rated What We Do In The Shadows (2014) in Movies
Jun 10, 2020
Mockumentary about vampires living in modern-day New Zealand manages to mix darkness, pathos, and a huge amount of silliness with surprisingly effective results. Excitement builds as the premier undead social event of the year approaches, but apart from the everynight realities of vampire existence - finding prey, looking good without a mirror, doing the washing-up - the documentary subjects have other concerns, such as new vampires in their turf, a pack of mild-mannered werewolves, and their various exes.
Takes the horror element just seriously enough not to feel completely frivolous, and there are many references to and spoofs of other bits of vampire lore. Nevertheless, largely powered along by another energetic comic performance from Taika Waititi, although the rest of the ensemble is also good. Polished production and pretty good effects too, given the low budget (that's modern computers for you I guess). Not exactly ground-breaking stuff but consistently amusing.
Takes the horror element just seriously enough not to feel completely frivolous, and there are many references to and spoofs of other bits of vampire lore. Nevertheless, largely powered along by another energetic comic performance from Taika Waititi, although the rest of the ensemble is also good. Polished production and pretty good effects too, given the low budget (that's modern computers for you I guess). Not exactly ground-breaking stuff but consistently amusing.
Cycled (Gold Hockey #13)
8.0
Rate It
Book
No matter how hard Scarlett tried to be good, she always ended up being bad. But everything was...
Contemporary Romance Sports
Dean (6927 KP) rated Jurassic World: Dominion (2022) in Movies
Jun 14, 2022
Jurassic Park cast (2 more)
Nostalgia in various ways
New Dinosaurs
Covering old ground (1 more)
Plot isn't the best
Fun for fans
Potentially bringing the Jurassic World series to a close. This is one fans will appreciate more than others. After the Dinosaurs escape and mix in the real world, life has to find a way to adapt. There are still shady companies and characters around who are up to no good.
It's good to see a new real world setting for the dinosaurs and there is plenty of actions scenes. Good to see some totally different species and some old favourites. Towards the end it does start to all feel a bit familiar and like a reboot of some previous plot elements from the Jurassic Park films. Fun to see all the main cast back together along with some easter egg type nods to the other films. Overall maybe not the grand finale most would have hoped for but still a fun film to enjoy.
It's good to see a new real world setting for the dinosaurs and there is plenty of actions scenes. Good to see some totally different species and some old favourites. Towards the end it does start to all feel a bit familiar and like a reboot of some previous plot elements from the Jurassic Park films. Fun to see all the main cast back together along with some easter egg type nods to the other films. Overall maybe not the grand finale most would have hoped for but still a fun film to enjoy.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1) in Books
Jan 3, 2022
I didn’t expect too much from this as I watched the show before reading the book, but I think the show did a really good adaptation as it wasn’t too far off the source material!
I thoroughly enjoyed following Daphne and Simon through their fake courtship and into them ending up getting married and the trials that came with married life.
It was really well written, and kept me completely engrossed… so engrossed that I read it in an evening! It was good that it focused a lot more on their blossoming relationship with each other than the parties and other characters, as I feel this gives you more of a want to read the rest of the books in the series to find out more about Daphne’s siblings.
I can’t wait to carry on with the series, I think Julia Quinn’s writing is beautiful and I have hopes that the rest of the series is just as good as this book has been!
I thoroughly enjoyed following Daphne and Simon through their fake courtship and into them ending up getting married and the trials that came with married life.
It was really well written, and kept me completely engrossed… so engrossed that I read it in an evening! It was good that it focused a lot more on their blossoming relationship with each other than the parties and other characters, as I feel this gives you more of a want to read the rest of the books in the series to find out more about Daphne’s siblings.
I can’t wait to carry on with the series, I think Julia Quinn’s writing is beautiful and I have hopes that the rest of the series is just as good as this book has been!
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (1951) in Movies
Apr 26, 2019
Good cast. (3 more)
Good acting, even among the children.
Scenery
Not too religious.
Subservient wife role. (2 more)
Some plot holes.
Lack of character development in minor roles.
A sweet, simple feel-good movie.
This is a simple film about a new wife (from the city) who has gone to live with her preacher husband in the country around the turn on the century. It's based on the protagonist's biography. At first, she's unsure that she'll like it or will fit in but she grows into her role as a preacher's wife and grows to love those in the community.
Though the characters are religious, they are not all fire and brimstone about their faith. Instead, the characters are simple, gentle, kind, and moral. The preacher's attitude reminds me of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Susan Hayward plays the preacher's wife in a very believable way as the character journeys from a new wife to a more well-rounded person. Her character grows through hardship and shows real grit and backbone.
If you like classic movies and long for simpler times, this is a good one to watch.
Though the characters are religious, they are not all fire and brimstone about their faith. Instead, the characters are simple, gentle, kind, and moral. The preacher's attitude reminds me of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Susan Hayward plays the preacher's wife in a very believable way as the character journeys from a new wife to a more well-rounded person. Her character grows through hardship and shows real grit and backbone.
If you like classic movies and long for simpler times, this is a good one to watch.
Nige625 (8 KP) rated Ticket to Ride in Tabletop Games
May 9, 2019
Excellent game
Wonderful game. Collect rail truck cards of the colours you require, but don't leave it too long, there are only a very limited number of tracks available to link your cities. If someone beats you to a track, you will need to try to find another (usually longer) route to fulfil your quest. This game keeps you on your toes, as you will need to keep a tight eye on your opponents in case they can scupper you. Points make prizes. A great stand alone game with many expansions available. My advice? Stick to the base game and maybe a couple of expansions later. Don't get too carried away. The base game is great as is. Plays nicely 2-4 players. No excess concentration needed, so a good social game to chat and eat snacks over! Once you have played this a couple of times instead of going out, it has paid for itself and you have it forever more! Well worth the price. Good quality, good value for money. Enjoy! Nige
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated No Filter (no shame series book 1) in Books
Nov 3, 2017
freakin loved it
oh this was so so so good.. oh man.. i loved it so much.. i was completely blown away by this story.. i had no clue what i was getting into.. i had no idea the emotions this would throw through me and make me feel as if someone just threw me under a bus and ran me over.. it was superb.. it was wonderful and omg.. i loved it so much. i am s glad i got to review it
Dean (6927 KP) rated Green Lantern (2011) in Movies
Jan 9, 2018
Odd ball hero film
It starts out pretty well but I think it lost its way about half way through. It's an ok mix of action, comedy but sometimes tries to be too serious and other times too funny! There is far too much cgi for me and despite the budget not all of it looks that good. By the time you get to the last 15mins it just didn't feel like the right ending for the film? A mix of the Mask with Superman, odd combo!