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Derrik Osborn (5 KP) rated the PlayStation 3 version of Tomb Raider in Video Games
May 2, 2019
I have always been a huge fan of the Tomb Raider games since the first one in '95. I had high hopes for this game as the modern reboot and they were exceeded. The gameplay, story, and just overall fun of this game made it my favorite game of 2013. The multiplayer was even pretty fun. Much like the Uncharted multiplayer but less focus on action and more on stealth. Throughout the story, you will feel for Lara as she fights her way through overwhelming obstacles. She is the overcomer everybody wants to be.
The rpg elements of this game are very well placed. The level design has a good balance of linear and open world. Puzzles are cleverly thought out (something nobody seems to be able to figure out but creators of tomb raider games). Secrets are everywhere and pretty rewarding.
This is just all around a very well done game. They had a lot to overcome with the success of the Uncharted series but they really did their own thing and proved that Lara Croft is still the better Tomb Raider. The only complaint I have is that the multiplayer seems like they threw it together at the end to try to be like Uncharted. It was still pretty good and fun and somewhat unique but I think unnecessary. It did add longevity to the game. If you have not played this game, you are missing out!
The rpg elements of this game are very well placed. The level design has a good balance of linear and open world. Puzzles are cleverly thought out (something nobody seems to be able to figure out but creators of tomb raider games). Secrets are everywhere and pretty rewarding.
This is just all around a very well done game. They had a lot to overcome with the success of the Uncharted series but they really did their own thing and proved that Lara Croft is still the better Tomb Raider. The only complaint I have is that the multiplayer seems like they threw it together at the end to try to be like Uncharted. It was still pretty good and fun and somewhat unique but I think unnecessary. It did add longevity to the game. If you have not played this game, you are missing out!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Jan 18, 2018
Frances McDormand (2 more)
Sam Rockwell
Comedy
Darkly funny and depressing
I went into this film with a lot of preconceptions, having seen earlier reviews and loved Martin McDonagh’s previous films. I’m not entirely sure for me that it quite lived up to the hype.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a very good film. There are some fantastic performances in it from Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell and they deserve every accolade that gets thrown at them. The rest of the supporting cast too are great, with the exception of Abbie Cornish who I really don’t rate. I know she’s Australian but her accent in this seems very changeable and atrocious.
The cinematography itself is beautiful and the plot takes some very good and unexpected twists and turns. The bits of dark humour throughout really help lift what would otherwise be a very depressing and sad film. My issue is that for me it seemed very slow paced. For me it felt like it had been on for far too long and dragged a little, but I was surprised when it finished that it had been on for less than 2 hours.
I’ll happily acknowledge that this will likely be one of the best films I’ll see in 2018, impressive as it’s only January. But I feel like I need to reserve a final judgement until after a second viewing (preferably in a nice peaceful environment - not a noisy cinema screen).
Don’t get me wrong, it was a very good film. There are some fantastic performances in it from Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell and they deserve every accolade that gets thrown at them. The rest of the supporting cast too are great, with the exception of Abbie Cornish who I really don’t rate. I know she’s Australian but her accent in this seems very changeable and atrocious.
The cinematography itself is beautiful and the plot takes some very good and unexpected twists and turns. The bits of dark humour throughout really help lift what would otherwise be a very depressing and sad film. My issue is that for me it seemed very slow paced. For me it felt like it had been on for far too long and dragged a little, but I was surprised when it finished that it had been on for less than 2 hours.
I’ll happily acknowledge that this will likely be one of the best films I’ll see in 2018, impressive as it’s only January. But I feel like I need to reserve a final judgement until after a second viewing (preferably in a nice peaceful environment - not a noisy cinema screen).
ArecRain (8 KP) rated A Girl's Guide to Landing a Greek God in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I usually dont read novels like this, but as someone who loves mythology, particularly Greek, I was hungry for a good mythology read. Unfortunately, I didnt enjoy this as a modern interpretation. Honestly, if the mythology wasnt involved, I probably would have enjoyed it more. I think I am just a mythology snob
Overall, I thought the story was humorous and engaging. That being said, it was obvious that the author was a male instead of a female. I cant explain it, but males just have a certain voice when it comes to trying to write chick lit/romance. While I liked his characters, sometimes I felt that his female lead was a bit of a caricature. I have to remember, however, that people like that actually do exist. With that in mind, she can be a strong yet quirky woman able to hold her own in the world even if she doesnt always make the best decisions.
As a whole, the story is pretty entertaining. As a woman, I feel a bit put out that a man wrote a novel titled A Girls Guide I dont think I will read the rest of the series but that is more for the fact that it wasnt my tastes, not because it isnt an good book.
I usually dont read novels like this, but as someone who loves mythology, particularly Greek, I was hungry for a good mythology read. Unfortunately, I didnt enjoy this as a modern interpretation. Honestly, if the mythology wasnt involved, I probably would have enjoyed it more. I think I am just a mythology snob
Overall, I thought the story was humorous and engaging. That being said, it was obvious that the author was a male instead of a female. I cant explain it, but males just have a certain voice when it comes to trying to write chick lit/romance. While I liked his characters, sometimes I felt that his female lead was a bit of a caricature. I have to remember, however, that people like that actually do exist. With that in mind, she can be a strong yet quirky woman able to hold her own in the world even if she doesnt always make the best decisions.
As a whole, the story is pretty entertaining. As a woman, I feel a bit put out that a man wrote a novel titled A Girls Guide I dont think I will read the rest of the series but that is more for the fact that it wasnt my tastes, not because it isnt an good book.
Saerie_Faerie (18 KP) rated Annihilation (2018) in Movies
Mar 3, 2018
actors (2 more)
plot
pace
So creepy-cool good! Very conflicted on rating
If you like all female, kickass smart science loving movies then this movie is for you! Unless you aren't a fan of creepy/thriller stuff then maybe steer clear. I also really wish the characters had more in depth backgrounds but for the sake of a movie it has to be somewhat short and this movie was already sitting at 2 hours so I don't think they could have really afforded to make it any longer.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Best Lesbian Erotica: From Sweet to Spicy in Books
May 28, 2018
great box set!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
These stories are only short, 9 stories across 164 pages, but they are so delicious!
I can't say there was a stand out MOST favourite, because they are all really good. Very well written, in a variety of tenses, in the first and third, from lots of different characters. There is no connection between the stories, save the same author and they are lesbian erotica.
Some are really sweet, some more hard core. Some are just about the sex, and some have a more romantic feel to them.
I read them all, which for a box set, is unusual for me!
But there was one that stood out as my LEAST favourite. It's written from the main character's point of view in the first person. But when she talks about her partner, she uses YOU. So it's written using the second person. I find it a really difficult way to read a book, sorry! It doesn't affect my rating, but I felt the need to mention it, and you know I'm all about the feelings!
Apart from that one, they are all really good. I find myself wanting to read more by Ms Reston, something longer, with more pages to lose myself into!
Having had a run of male/male romances, this landed right in the queue at just the right time!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
These stories are only short, 9 stories across 164 pages, but they are so delicious!
I can't say there was a stand out MOST favourite, because they are all really good. Very well written, in a variety of tenses, in the first and third, from lots of different characters. There is no connection between the stories, save the same author and they are lesbian erotica.
Some are really sweet, some more hard core. Some are just about the sex, and some have a more romantic feel to them.
I read them all, which for a box set, is unusual for me!
But there was one that stood out as my LEAST favourite. It's written from the main character's point of view in the first person. But when she talks about her partner, she uses YOU. So it's written using the second person. I find it a really difficult way to read a book, sorry! It doesn't affect my rating, but I felt the need to mention it, and you know I'm all about the feelings!
Apart from that one, they are all really good. I find myself wanting to read more by Ms Reston, something longer, with more pages to lose myself into!
Having had a run of male/male romances, this landed right in the queue at just the right time!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Fortitude - Season 1 in TV
Dec 9, 2018
A genre-spanning atmospheric thriller
I watched Fortitude when it first aired a few years ago, and have decided to give it another watch now to refresh my memory now the final series has aired.
Fortitude is set in a beautiful location in the arctic, and the show really makes the most of showing off this location as often as possible. The plot itself is intriguing and bonkers, but yet doesn't quite go too far. It spans a verify of genres, from murder mystery and crime to drama and gory horror, and it does this really well. Some of the gory horror parts are actually quite disturbing (in an good). This is also a very character driven story, and most of the characters in this are well rounded and developed. It has a fantastic cast including some very well known faces like Stanley Tucci and Michael Gambon. However for me it's Richard Dormer that truly shines in this. He gives Dan a lot of depth and despite his errant and sometime psychotic ways, you do still feel sorry for him. I find it difficult to accept that this is the same person who plays Beric Dondarrion in GoT, he's that good an actor.
If you're looking for something that's well acted, doesn't stick to a specific genre and is honestly a little bizarre and unusual, then this is definitely worth a watch.
Fortitude is set in a beautiful location in the arctic, and the show really makes the most of showing off this location as often as possible. The plot itself is intriguing and bonkers, but yet doesn't quite go too far. It spans a verify of genres, from murder mystery and crime to drama and gory horror, and it does this really well. Some of the gory horror parts are actually quite disturbing (in an good). This is also a very character driven story, and most of the characters in this are well rounded and developed. It has a fantastic cast including some very well known faces like Stanley Tucci and Michael Gambon. However for me it's Richard Dormer that truly shines in this. He gives Dan a lot of depth and despite his errant and sometime psychotic ways, you do still feel sorry for him. I find it difficult to accept that this is the same person who plays Beric Dondarrion in GoT, he's that good an actor.
If you're looking for something that's well acted, doesn't stick to a specific genre and is honestly a little bizarre and unusual, then this is definitely worth a watch.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The BFG (2016) in Movies
Oct 13, 2018
Fun Family Film
An orphan girl is in for the surprise of her life when she stumbles upon a world of giants and, in the process, makes a best friend.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 8
Characters: 10
You quickly learn in The BFG that all giants are not created equal. You have your bullies, your overeaters, your dumb giants. The Big Friendly Giant is in a class of his own, a character you quickly come to appreciate. He’s smart but humble and is the type of being that would give you the shirt off his back…even if that shirt is eight sizes too large. He makes you care about what ultimately happens to him and his intriguing home world.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 2
Genre: 7
Entertaining and worthy of a watch, but falls just short of other upper echelon kids films I’ve seen.
Memorability: 6
Pace: 7
Plot: 2
Resolution: 8
Satisfies with a warm, feel-good ending anyone can get behind. Slightly far-fetched, but definitely a good payoff.
Overall: 70
The BFG gives you a lot to entertain you, namely it’s crisp visuals and the beautiful detail amongst the giants and their world. There is a dream world scene that I highly recommend watching in 4K as it’s colors are brilliant and pop off the screen. The pace, and the film as a whole, is far from perfect but it’s worth at least a single watch.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 8
Characters: 10
You quickly learn in The BFG that all giants are not created equal. You have your bullies, your overeaters, your dumb giants. The Big Friendly Giant is in a class of his own, a character you quickly come to appreciate. He’s smart but humble and is the type of being that would give you the shirt off his back…even if that shirt is eight sizes too large. He makes you care about what ultimately happens to him and his intriguing home world.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 2
Genre: 7
Entertaining and worthy of a watch, but falls just short of other upper echelon kids films I’ve seen.
Memorability: 6
Pace: 7
Plot: 2
Resolution: 8
Satisfies with a warm, feel-good ending anyone can get behind. Slightly far-fetched, but definitely a good payoff.
Overall: 70
The BFG gives you a lot to entertain you, namely it’s crisp visuals and the beautiful detail amongst the giants and their world. There is a dream world scene that I highly recommend watching in 4K as it’s colors are brilliant and pop off the screen. The pace, and the film as a whole, is far from perfect but it’s worth at least a single watch.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Hostile (2017) in Movies
Nov 7, 2018
Claustraphobic (1 more)
Good ramping up of tension
Here in my car, I feel safest of all...
An interesting if not overly original premise, Hostile tells the post apocalyptic tale of a woman in the desert, trapped and injured under her overturned vehicle, whilst being stalked by a mutant creature.
It does a decent job of creating a world and setting for a modest budget, and though its attempts to avoid showing too much for financial reasons are a little transparent at times.
The film oscillates between the post apocalyptic and the pre-catastrophe, and the performances of the main cast are good enough to maintain interest even when going though the largely melodramatic character building of the contemporary setting.
It is ultimately reminiscent of movies like open water, 47 feet under, and even some episodes of the Walking Dead, with the stranded survivor having to survive whilst essentially trapped in one location.
It is a slow burn movie, and very character based, so you spend a lot of time with our protagonist, who was a little cliched, and hard to like most of the time, but a decent enough performance that you can get through the more dialogue heavy parts.
A decent film, and at only 80 minutes, not a huge investment of your time, so might be worth a look if you like your survival movies a bit wasteland-y.
It does a decent job of creating a world and setting for a modest budget, and though its attempts to avoid showing too much for financial reasons are a little transparent at times.
The film oscillates between the post apocalyptic and the pre-catastrophe, and the performances of the main cast are good enough to maintain interest even when going though the largely melodramatic character building of the contemporary setting.
It is ultimately reminiscent of movies like open water, 47 feet under, and even some episodes of the Walking Dead, with the stranded survivor having to survive whilst essentially trapped in one location.
It is a slow burn movie, and very character based, so you spend a lot of time with our protagonist, who was a little cliched, and hard to like most of the time, but a decent enough performance that you can get through the more dialogue heavy parts.
A decent film, and at only 80 minutes, not a huge investment of your time, so might be worth a look if you like your survival movies a bit wasteland-y.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Four Lions (2010) in Movies
Jan 4, 2019
Hilarious take on a serious subject
A comedy about terrorism isn’t something you’d think would ever be made, let alone be any good, but Four Lions takes this serious subject on brilliantly. I’m sure there are many people out there that will take offence, but when the film centres a group of bumbling totally inept terrorists, for me it was very difficult to not find it humorous when the characters are just so stupid. It’s absolutely hilarious, with some great quotes and one liners dotted throughout and also a lot of relevant cultural and locational based references. The references about Alton Towers cracked me up, and the quotes about rubber dinghy rapids has stayed with me ever since I first watched this years ago. I would be intrigued to know how this film is received by those who aren’t British, as I’m not sure a lot of these references would have quite the impact.
This isn’t to say the film isn’t serious at all, because it is. Focusing on the family of Omar brings a bleaker outlook and the ending actually makes you feel sorry for most of them, after everything. Riz Ahmed shines in this, he’s absolutely brilliant and it’s easy to see why he’s now moved over into Hollywood. The rest of the cast are good, Kayvan Novak especially, but it's Riz that stands out.
A fantastically funny British film that’s sure to have you laughing out loud.
This isn’t to say the film isn’t serious at all, because it is. Focusing on the family of Omar brings a bleaker outlook and the ending actually makes you feel sorry for most of them, after everything. Riz Ahmed shines in this, he’s absolutely brilliant and it’s easy to see why he’s now moved over into Hollywood. The rest of the cast are good, Kayvan Novak especially, but it's Riz that stands out.
A fantastically funny British film that’s sure to have you laughing out loud.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Dec 28, 2018
Good but falls short
I’d heard mixed things about this, and Netflix made films are hit and miss at best, but this is actually quite good.
It’s an intriguing premise and for the most part it’s executed fairly well. I liked that it focused not only on the present but also how the events first came about, telling the story as it unfolded, even if it doesn’t quite get as far as a real explanation. There are some obvious comparisons with this and A Quiet Place, and rightly so as despite focusing on different senses, you can see the similarities. It’s nice to see Sandra Bullock back in a starring role, and I especially loved the scenes with her and John Malkovich, they added a nice bit of humour to an otherwise serious story.
This is quite a slow film, and I feel that it could maybe have been cut a little shorter to give it a faster pace. I disliked the ending completely as it is far too Hollywood and yet still didn’t show us what exactly was going on. And why did Sandra Bullock have a full face of makeup on during the entire 5 year span of the film?! I think that annoyed me most of all.
It’s not a bad film and with a few tweaks it could have been much better. However if I had to choose between this and A Quiet Place, I’m afraid A Quiet Place would win hands down.
It’s an intriguing premise and for the most part it’s executed fairly well. I liked that it focused not only on the present but also how the events first came about, telling the story as it unfolded, even if it doesn’t quite get as far as a real explanation. There are some obvious comparisons with this and A Quiet Place, and rightly so as despite focusing on different senses, you can see the similarities. It’s nice to see Sandra Bullock back in a starring role, and I especially loved the scenes with her and John Malkovich, they added a nice bit of humour to an otherwise serious story.
This is quite a slow film, and I feel that it could maybe have been cut a little shorter to give it a faster pace. I disliked the ending completely as it is far too Hollywood and yet still didn’t show us what exactly was going on. And why did Sandra Bullock have a full face of makeup on during the entire 5 year span of the film?! I think that annoyed me most of all.
It’s not a bad film and with a few tweaks it could have been much better. However if I had to choose between this and A Quiet Place, I’m afraid A Quiet Place would win hands down.