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Dean (6927 KP) rated Dune (2021) in Movies
Nov 11, 2021 (Updated Nov 11, 2021)
Great visuals (1 more)
Very good ensemble cast
Space Opera
I'm totally new to Dune, I know nothing of the book or the previous film. So I have nothing to compare it to it that sense.
It's visually stunning and on a grand scale, with many wide angle shots to to get a good effect of scale. The design, look and feel of the film, along with Zimmer's score are all quality.
Then to the story which feels like a mix of The Matrix, meets Game of Thrones with a Star Wars setting. For new comers like myself it might be difficult keeping track of who is in alliance with who, as a lot of various faction names appear. The political side of things doesn't get too bogged down though. I did expect bigger and longer action scenes for a film of this scale. What action you do see is very good and the SFX are great.
So to those who are new to Dune it might be a bit of a mixed bag but there is no doubting the quality overall. Roll on part 2.
It's visually stunning and on a grand scale, with many wide angle shots to to get a good effect of scale. The design, look and feel of the film, along with Zimmer's score are all quality.
Then to the story which feels like a mix of The Matrix, meets Game of Thrones with a Star Wars setting. For new comers like myself it might be difficult keeping track of who is in alliance with who, as a lot of various faction names appear. The political side of things doesn't get too bogged down though. I did expect bigger and longer action scenes for a film of this scale. What action you do see is very good and the SFX are great.
So to those who are new to Dune it might be a bit of a mixed bag but there is no doubting the quality overall. Roll on part 2.
Merissa (13040 KP) rated Check Out in Books
Oct 30, 2023
CHECK OUT tells the story of a shy librarian and an injured marine. Betsy is happy working at the library all her life. That is all shaken up when Nash brings his books back to the library, and her sister turns up for a stay, bringing baggage with her.
This had the potential for a great story. Instead, I read a good one. I don't know if it's the author's writing style or just how I was reading it, but I never once was drugged within the story, as I love. It was always very clear that I was reading a story. The characters were likeable but I couldn't really feel the chemistry between them. The dialogues were somewhat stilted at times which didn't help.
On the whole, this was a quick read that holds the potential for so much more. Still, it was enjoyable, and a good coffee break book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 2, 2018
This had the potential for a great story. Instead, I read a good one. I don't know if it's the author's writing style or just how I was reading it, but I never once was drugged within the story, as I love. It was always very clear that I was reading a story. The characters were likeable but I couldn't really feel the chemistry between them. The dialogues were somewhat stilted at times which didn't help.
On the whole, this was a quick read that holds the potential for so much more. Still, it was enjoyable, and a good coffee break book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 2, 2018
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Black Wings in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Hooked like I didnt think I would be!
I first need to thank the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
"Briella Blake has always been wicked smart. When she's invited to attend a special school for gifted students, she finally has the chance to focus on a project that begins to consume her - the ability to recreate and save copies of a person's entire set of memories. Her friendship with a raven that's as smart as she is leads to conflict with her mother Marian, who is no longer able to deny that there's something wrong with her child."
This is a real page turner!
I do not want to give too much away so I am really unable to elaborate; but this is a wonderful book.
Well-constructed and written book, touched on subjects of motherhood that are often called taboo or women are made to feel they cant talk about or feel.
When I first started reading the book
I had my suspicions about Briella - I tried to like her but I really couldn't. She just had something about her and I turned every page thinking to myself how creepy she made me feel and wondering who she would kill first.
This is a real page turner, made all the more unsettling by the presence of the enigmatic creepy Briella. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes suspenseful thrillers and would also suggest fans of horror give this one a go as well. I feel like this could make a good creepy film if done right!
I first need to thank the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
"Briella Blake has always been wicked smart. When she's invited to attend a special school for gifted students, she finally has the chance to focus on a project that begins to consume her - the ability to recreate and save copies of a person's entire set of memories. Her friendship with a raven that's as smart as she is leads to conflict with her mother Marian, who is no longer able to deny that there's something wrong with her child."
This is a real page turner!
I do not want to give too much away so I am really unable to elaborate; but this is a wonderful book.
Well-constructed and written book, touched on subjects of motherhood that are often called taboo or women are made to feel they cant talk about or feel.
When I first started reading the book
I had my suspicions about Briella - I tried to like her but I really couldn't. She just had something about her and I turned every page thinking to myself how creepy she made me feel and wondering who she would kill first.
This is a real page turner, made all the more unsettling by the presence of the enigmatic creepy Briella. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes suspenseful thrillers and would also suggest fans of horror give this one a go as well. I feel like this could make a good creepy film if done right!
Green Smoothies For Dummies
Consumer Dummies and Jennifer Thompson
Book
Sip your way to ultimate nutrition and feel better than ever Whether you're looking to detox, lose...
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
A feel good film
I would like to first off state that I adore this film as a book, so straight off the bat I was a little worried on what would be happening with these films and how they would differ from the novel.
After watching it, I don’t know what I was so worried about especially when Peter Jackson is the one directing the films (when he did such a fantastic job at Lord of the Rings).
I think the casting for all the characters was spot on, and keeping characters that we were introduced to in Lord of the Rings the same was a fantastic (and so glad that those actors agreed to do these films). Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggin’s is/was an excellent choice that I really couldn’t see any other actor managing to incorporate Bilbo’s sassiness – because let’s face it, that Hobbit knew how to out wit someone and sass when there was need – to his vulnerability and fear of going out into the unknown. I felt he held the role with dignity and grace and made the humorous scenes even better but when he is needed for the more emotional scenes, Freeman is still fantastic at portraying all those reactions clear as day on his face pulling at your heart strings and showing you what a brilliant range he has as an actor!
Another actor I feel that needs credit is Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. Having never really seen him in any films before then I was sceptical. I really shouldn’t have been. His portrayal as the scowling and grumpy Dwarf Prince/King is next to amazing! He managed to make you fall in love with the cantankerous Dwarf, which is a feat in all of itself, by the end. This man’s range as an actor is also very good and his ability to show you what Thorin is feeling just by his eye’s is an ability that not many actors have.
Now I was unsure when we were told that this book was being made into three films, and I still feel that the films were possibly stretched out more than they should have by us being presented with characters who were not even in the books. But, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
To be fully truthful, knowing that this would be the end of the Middle Earth saga that Peter Jackson was doing, I was not quite ready to say goodbye to the stories that we all grew up with. So I may be biased in saying that I enjoyed having the extra screen time to devour.
The Hobbit Trilogy might not be as fantastic as Lord of the Rings, but it is a trilogy that I would happily watch over and over again. The humour, the wit, and the general good-feeling of these films is something that just makes you feel like you are coming home again after a long trip. One feel good trilogy that I’d happily recommend to anyone.
After watching it, I don’t know what I was so worried about especially when Peter Jackson is the one directing the films (when he did such a fantastic job at Lord of the Rings).
I think the casting for all the characters was spot on, and keeping characters that we were introduced to in Lord of the Rings the same was a fantastic (and so glad that those actors agreed to do these films). Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggin’s is/was an excellent choice that I really couldn’t see any other actor managing to incorporate Bilbo’s sassiness – because let’s face it, that Hobbit knew how to out wit someone and sass when there was need – to his vulnerability and fear of going out into the unknown. I felt he held the role with dignity and grace and made the humorous scenes even better but when he is needed for the more emotional scenes, Freeman is still fantastic at portraying all those reactions clear as day on his face pulling at your heart strings and showing you what a brilliant range he has as an actor!
Another actor I feel that needs credit is Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. Having never really seen him in any films before then I was sceptical. I really shouldn’t have been. His portrayal as the scowling and grumpy Dwarf Prince/King is next to amazing! He managed to make you fall in love with the cantankerous Dwarf, which is a feat in all of itself, by the end. This man’s range as an actor is also very good and his ability to show you what Thorin is feeling just by his eye’s is an ability that not many actors have.
Now I was unsure when we were told that this book was being made into three films, and I still feel that the films were possibly stretched out more than they should have by us being presented with characters who were not even in the books. But, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
To be fully truthful, knowing that this would be the end of the Middle Earth saga that Peter Jackson was doing, I was not quite ready to say goodbye to the stories that we all grew up with. So I may be biased in saying that I enjoyed having the extra screen time to devour.
The Hobbit Trilogy might not be as fantastic as Lord of the Rings, but it is a trilogy that I would happily watch over and over again. The humour, the wit, and the general good-feeling of these films is something that just makes you feel like you are coming home again after a long trip. One feel good trilogy that I’d happily recommend to anyone.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Coco (2017) in Movies
Jan 24, 2018
Beautifully made
I feel like this is a Pixar film that has really flown under the radar. It's been pretty poorly advertised from what I've seen (or haven't seen more like), and this seemed to be reinforced by the fact that there was only half a dozen people in my peak time showing less than a week after release.
I don't understand why though as this is a really good film. The animation is superb, which shouldn't be a surprise considering it's Disney and Pixar, but it's still a marvel to watch. The amazing detail and vibrant colours. The story itself is interesting although maybe a tad predictable in places, I didn't feel as though there was as much humour as there usually is in a Disney/Pixar film. But Miguel is such a likeable protagonist and Dante the dog is pretty loveable too, but I wanted more from him! It had me almost wanting to dance in my seat at times and then towards the end I was really struggling not to shed a tear. It's an emotional story and a very good one at that. It might not be my favourite of Pixar films, but it's definitely fairly high on the list. It's just a shame it may not reach as many people as it should.
I don't understand why though as this is a really good film. The animation is superb, which shouldn't be a surprise considering it's Disney and Pixar, but it's still a marvel to watch. The amazing detail and vibrant colours. The story itself is interesting although maybe a tad predictable in places, I didn't feel as though there was as much humour as there usually is in a Disney/Pixar film. But Miguel is such a likeable protagonist and Dante the dog is pretty loveable too, but I wanted more from him! It had me almost wanting to dance in my seat at times and then towards the end I was really struggling not to shed a tear. It's an emotional story and a very good one at that. It might not be my favourite of Pixar films, but it's definitely fairly high on the list. It's just a shame it may not reach as many people as it should.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Mar 30, 2018
Good, but doesn't live up to the book
I've read (and loved) the book, but I really tried to go into this with an open mind and I think for the most part, I succeeded.
Visually, this film is spectacular. But considering its Spielberg, that isn't a surprise. The pop culture references are a lot of fun, and the soundtrack is fantastic. The cast are great, Tye Sheridan plays Wade very well and he's a likeable character. Mark Rylance as usual is very good, but I feel like we could've seen a bit more of him. The only one who didn't come across well was Ben Mendelsohn - his Nolan just doesn't come across as evil enough. He just isn't that threatening.
The main problem is that this is very different from the book. Some things have been changed for the better (the 2nd challenge in the film was a huge surprise and very enjoyable), but for the main I feel like too much of the detail from the book has been left out, leaving just a hollow shell of the story. It's a shame really as i think this could have been fantastic, if it had just stuck a little closer to the book. Instead of coming out of this feeling in awe, I came out feeling a little underwhelmed with the sense that something was missing.
Visually, this film is spectacular. But considering its Spielberg, that isn't a surprise. The pop culture references are a lot of fun, and the soundtrack is fantastic. The cast are great, Tye Sheridan plays Wade very well and he's a likeable character. Mark Rylance as usual is very good, but I feel like we could've seen a bit more of him. The only one who didn't come across well was Ben Mendelsohn - his Nolan just doesn't come across as evil enough. He just isn't that threatening.
The main problem is that this is very different from the book. Some things have been changed for the better (the 2nd challenge in the film was a huge surprise and very enjoyable), but for the main I feel like too much of the detail from the book has been left out, leaving just a hollow shell of the story. It's a shame really as i think this could have been fantastic, if it had just stuck a little closer to the book. Instead of coming out of this feeling in awe, I came out feeling a little underwhelmed with the sense that something was missing.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Halloween (2018) in Movies
Oct 20, 2018 (Updated Oct 20, 2018)
Atmosphere (1 more)
Great Performances
Very formulaic (1 more)
The ending was a little anticlimactic...
Strong Film, curious ending...
This is a very good Halloween movie, with a great atmosphere, some brutal kills, and some great performances.
However, there is very much a familiar feel to the original film, with some shots being used as an homage, but perhaps too often.
This is certainly a 'force unleashed' type of sequel, wearing it's love for the original openly, which isn't especially a bad thing, but the beats of the film do feel familiar and unsurprising.
The tension and atmosphere of the film are great, and most of the film is well paced, and ominous, and probably worthy of an 8 out of 10.
However, the ending largely left me cold.
There is nothing especially wrong with it, it just felt a bit anti-climactic...perhaps the pacing was off, but it felt a beat too soon, and was a bit disappointing.
It's a very good film, and one which I need to rewatch, and maybe I will change my mind about the ending with more viewings, but at the moment it does detract from my overall score.
Generally though this is easily in the top 3 or 4 Halloween movies, and if you are a Myers fan, you will find a lot to love here.
However, there is very much a familiar feel to the original film, with some shots being used as an homage, but perhaps too often.
This is certainly a 'force unleashed' type of sequel, wearing it's love for the original openly, which isn't especially a bad thing, but the beats of the film do feel familiar and unsurprising.
The tension and atmosphere of the film are great, and most of the film is well paced, and ominous, and probably worthy of an 8 out of 10.
However, the ending largely left me cold.
There is nothing especially wrong with it, it just felt a bit anti-climactic...perhaps the pacing was off, but it felt a beat too soon, and was a bit disappointing.
It's a very good film, and one which I need to rewatch, and maybe I will change my mind about the ending with more viewings, but at the moment it does detract from my overall score.
Generally though this is easily in the top 3 or 4 Halloween movies, and if you are a Myers fan, you will find a lot to love here.
