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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Summer of 84 (2018) in Movies
Sep 26, 2020 (Updated Sep 26, 2020)
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have mixed feelings about Summer of 84, another 80s love letter following in the wake of the cataclysmic popularity of Stranger Things. Probably easier to break this one down into bullet points.
- The four main characters are pretty hit and miss. The actors are all fine, but some of the dialogue and pop culture references seem very forced. They provide the movie with some funny moments for sure, but their characters are fairly cliché and the chemistry goes through some flat moments.
- The story is pretty straightforward and decent, and provides an entertaining mystery, but some of the plot points are odd and a lot of the characters are just insufferably stupid.
- The ending is conflicting as well. Considering the majority of the film is quite comedic and seems intended towards a family audience, the ending is pretty bleak. My initial thoughts were "fair enough, quite ballsy" but now I can't decide whether it was in fact just plain mean spirited. Either way, it left a nasty taste in my mouth, and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
- A couple of positives - I really enjoyed the music score, and the cinematography. The film has a lovely aesthetic to it.
- Not sure how the babysitter character was supposed to be portrayed, but she seemed a bit too old for a love interest to the 15 year old protagonist. Made me feel uncomfortable...
Summer of 84 is an entertaining enough psuedo-slasher thriller, but it suffers from pacing issues amongst other things that stops it being as good is it could have been.
- The four main characters are pretty hit and miss. The actors are all fine, but some of the dialogue and pop culture references seem very forced. They provide the movie with some funny moments for sure, but their characters are fairly cliché and the chemistry goes through some flat moments.
- The story is pretty straightforward and decent, and provides an entertaining mystery, but some of the plot points are odd and a lot of the characters are just insufferably stupid.
- The ending is conflicting as well. Considering the majority of the film is quite comedic and seems intended towards a family audience, the ending is pretty bleak. My initial thoughts were "fair enough, quite ballsy" but now I can't decide whether it was in fact just plain mean spirited. Either way, it left a nasty taste in my mouth, and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
- A couple of positives - I really enjoyed the music score, and the cinematography. The film has a lovely aesthetic to it.
- Not sure how the babysitter character was supposed to be portrayed, but she seemed a bit too old for a love interest to the 15 year old protagonist. Made me feel uncomfortable...
Summer of 84 is an entertaining enough psuedo-slasher thriller, but it suffers from pacing issues amongst other things that stops it being as good is it could have been.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Paper Girls: Volume 1 in Books
Nov 30, 2020
Okay, as I wrote in my Comments for Reading Progress, this was a re-read, as I recently purchased Vol 4 as part of the SDCC Sale this past weekend on Comixology. I may have run through it first time out, because so much of what I read seemed as if this were my beginning go-round instead of a re-read. Hmm.. Time Slip anyone?
So, yes, just as with other BKV-helmed series, the characters are well-defined, given depth that is a progressional unfolding. Each issue allowed for me to see each of the main characters - Erin, KJ. Tiffany and Mac - for who they were and some of their moral fibers, if you will.
As good as Vaughn was at the writing, equally impressive was Cliff Chiang's art. The muted colors (except where needed, as deep red for a wound) really helped the story, making me feel like it was really the eighties instead of 2018! From the cars driven to the newspaper headlines to the housing developments layouts, it felt just like the time frame as the setting!
The easiest way to sum up this series is it is like Netflix's STRANGER THINGS but with all-girl main characters. I recall the later volumes being more science fiction-y as the series progress, but, yeah, definitely like STRANGER THINGS.
All I can say in closing is this is an awesome series! It is a lot of fun, and it is clear during reading it that BKV and Chiang had as good a time making it as I did reading! DEFINITELY CHECK IT OUT!
So, yes, just as with other BKV-helmed series, the characters are well-defined, given depth that is a progressional unfolding. Each issue allowed for me to see each of the main characters - Erin, KJ. Tiffany and Mac - for who they were and some of their moral fibers, if you will.
As good as Vaughn was at the writing, equally impressive was Cliff Chiang's art. The muted colors (except where needed, as deep red for a wound) really helped the story, making me feel like it was really the eighties instead of 2018! From the cars driven to the newspaper headlines to the housing developments layouts, it felt just like the time frame as the setting!
The easiest way to sum up this series is it is like Netflix's STRANGER THINGS but with all-girl main characters. I recall the later volumes being more science fiction-y as the series progress, but, yeah, definitely like STRANGER THINGS.
All I can say in closing is this is an awesome series! It is a lot of fun, and it is clear during reading it that BKV and Chiang had as good a time making it as I did reading! DEFINITELY CHECK IT OUT!
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Equalizer 2 (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Having been a long time since I saw the first one it was difficult to link any of the very specific things between the two. My only recollection of it is that he was a subdued hero who pulled out some extreme vengeance. This one was no different in that respect.
The action was good and at the beginning you see the use of the stopwatch, which is noticeable in it's absence through the rest of the film. The final action sequence trails through the storm torn town as Washington picks off the enemy and the whole thing seems to be going well until some random first-person shooter camera angles are thrown in out of nowhere and seem completely out of place.
But that isn't the only thing that seems out of place. The whole story line about the art loving neighbour of McCall only partly adds to the film. We see his brief secondary story line with the inclusion of his gang friends, but as soon as it appears it disappears, and doesn't really contribute at all. As odd character placement goes there's also Pullman as the bereaved husband. Needed? Possibly. The right choice? Possibly not.
If you can look past the strange conclusion-less pieces of the film then all the action, the main story line and a nice summing up to a side story make for a good film to pass some time. But I didn't feel like it met its potential. A lot of people in the screening seemed to be distracted throughout, another film that while full of action was somewhat slow paced at times.
The action was good and at the beginning you see the use of the stopwatch, which is noticeable in it's absence through the rest of the film. The final action sequence trails through the storm torn town as Washington picks off the enemy and the whole thing seems to be going well until some random first-person shooter camera angles are thrown in out of nowhere and seem completely out of place.
But that isn't the only thing that seems out of place. The whole story line about the art loving neighbour of McCall only partly adds to the film. We see his brief secondary story line with the inclusion of his gang friends, but as soon as it appears it disappears, and doesn't really contribute at all. As odd character placement goes there's also Pullman as the bereaved husband. Needed? Possibly. The right choice? Possibly not.
If you can look past the strange conclusion-less pieces of the film then all the action, the main story line and a nice summing up to a side story make for a good film to pass some time. But I didn't feel like it met its potential. A lot of people in the screening seemed to be distracted throughout, another film that while full of action was somewhat slow paced at times.
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Marek (Guardians of Hades #4) in Books
Jun 12, 2020
Marek is the fourth book in the Guardians of Hades series and I really couldn't wait for the researcher's story! He has been hinted at in the previous books but, of course, you don't find out much until he gets his own story.
Marek has his past that he is "dealing" with. Well, he's not, not really, but it makes him feel better. Caterina goes out hunting vampires every night because she thinks if she kills his sire, her brother will return to 'normal'. When these two meet, sparks fly... literally!
Poor Marek! And poor Caterina!! Both of them were hurting before they found each other but even then it didn't go smoothly. Now, of course, I know it never does but these two really had it bad. How about turning into something the man you're falling for hates and literally fights every day? Yeah, not easy. However, in true Felicity Heaton style, they not only managed to overcome these obstacles but also found their HEA along the way. Of course, they also found murder, more mystery, betrayal, and heartbreak but it's all for a good cause! 😉
This is such a great series and Marek is a fantastic addition to it. A thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, with cameos from the other brothers, and plenty of steam between our two main characters. Absolutely brilliant and I can definitely recommend it. Now, bring on the next!
* 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!
Marek has his past that he is "dealing" with. Well, he's not, not really, but it makes him feel better. Caterina goes out hunting vampires every night because she thinks if she kills his sire, her brother will return to 'normal'. When these two meet, sparks fly... literally!
Poor Marek! And poor Caterina!! Both of them were hurting before they found each other but even then it didn't go smoothly. Now, of course, I know it never does but these two really had it bad. How about turning into something the man you're falling for hates and literally fights every day? Yeah, not easy. However, in true Felicity Heaton style, they not only managed to overcome these obstacles but also found their HEA along the way. Of course, they also found murder, more mystery, betrayal, and heartbreak but it's all for a good cause! 😉
This is such a great series and Marek is a fantastic addition to it. A thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, with cameos from the other brothers, and plenty of steam between our two main characters. Absolutely brilliant and I can definitely recommend it. Now, bring on the next!
* 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!
Stolen Goods (To Catch a Thief #2)
Book
Catch Me If You Can meets Tangled in this funny and feel-good romantic comedy, new from bestselling...
Contemporary Romance Comedy
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Against the Darkness (Cimmerian Moon #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This story starts with a grumpy 17-year-old as she is packed off to Band Camp and refuses to kiss her mom goodbye. Fast forward 20 odd days and the world as she knew it has completely changed. You find out what happened from her perspective and how they are trying to make it back 'home,' if the home still even exists.
This story is gripping and fulfilling. They have a hard time as they are trying to survive and you feel the pain and loss that they go through. This is not a smooth journey with a handful of hardships thrown in for good measure. No, this is serious work where they are fighting for survival every day.
Yes, there's a love triangle but thankfully no insta-love. Wade is the once overweight Band member who suddenly, possibly for a long time but we don't know for sure, wants to be with Sinta. Jason is the boy/man who helps to rescue them from a horrifying situation. I felt that this part was exceedingly well written as Sinta is really troubled about what is going on, Wade tries his best and Jason keeps his distance.
This is definitely a page-turner and you will be wanting to start The Ashes That Remain which is book 2 in this series as soon as you finish this one.
* 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!
April 8, 2017
This story is gripping and fulfilling. They have a hard time as they are trying to survive and you feel the pain and loss that they go through. This is not a smooth journey with a handful of hardships thrown in for good measure. No, this is serious work where they are fighting for survival every day.
Yes, there's a love triangle but thankfully no insta-love. Wade is the once overweight Band member who suddenly, possibly for a long time but we don't know for sure, wants to be with Sinta. Jason is the boy/man who helps to rescue them from a horrifying situation. I felt that this part was exceedingly well written as Sinta is really troubled about what is going on, Wade tries his best and Jason keeps his distance.
This is definitely a page-turner and you will be wanting to start The Ashes That Remain which is book 2 in this series as soon as you finish this one.
* 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!
April 8, 2017
Merissa (13942 KP) rated The Use of Heavy Water (The Valence Chronicles #2) in Books
Nov 23, 2022
THE USE OF HEAVY WATER is the second book in The Valence Chronicles and continues where book one finished. Our quartet is off for some R-and-R planetside. They choose a world known for its first-class accommodations and food, etc. However, their time enjoying themselves doesn't work out quite as they imagined.
A figure from Brog's past sets the cat amongst the pigeons, leaving them vulnerable and defenceless. Pet is the one who is underestimated and therefore put in the position of having to save those he loves, with just help from his new friend, Bug.
I was in total agreement with Pet when it came to Des, Brog, and Xavis arguing. It didn't feel right and I hated how it affected them all. What I did enjoy was reading about Brog's past and how they were put into the current position. There were plenty of times when I was kept guessing, not knowing whether certain people were the good guys or the bad.
Just as with the first book, the world-building was fantastic. We meet new characters, and the pacing of the story was perfect. There were still some steamy moments but I would say the focus is on the action in this book.
A great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
A figure from Brog's past sets the cat amongst the pigeons, leaving them vulnerable and defenceless. Pet is the one who is underestimated and therefore put in the position of having to save those he loves, with just help from his new friend, Bug.
I was in total agreement with Pet when it came to Des, Brog, and Xavis arguing. It didn't feel right and I hated how it affected them all. What I did enjoy was reading about Brog's past and how they were put into the current position. There were plenty of times when I was kept guessing, not knowing whether certain people were the good guys or the bad.
Just as with the first book, the world-building was fantastic. We meet new characters, and the pacing of the story was perfect. There were still some steamy moments but I would say the focus is on the action in this book.
A great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Blood (The McLeod Brothers Trilogy #3) in Books
Jul 14, 2023
BLOOD is the third and final book in The McLeod Brothers trilogy and it's Finn's turn. He is the playboy brother, the one with a different woman every night. Fate matches him with Adelyn, a rare female vampire who is wanted by big bad Caine.
Adelyn is a great character, both strong and sassy even when her situation is dire. She will not be forced to bow to anyone, whether that is someone she loathes (Caine) or her fated mate. I loved reading about her solutions to problems and double-crossings with Caine as she tried to find out what he was up to so she could win her freedom.
Finn; well then. Finn, I had a small problem with. You see, there's been a lot made of him being captured by vampires when he was younger, and how he was changed when he came back. I wanted to know more about that - especially considering his fated is a vampire! Instead, I just got that he didn't feel the same about Adelyn. It felt a little flat, somehow. I never found out how he was captured, how he escaped/was released, how he coped with what had happened; things like that.
I also felt that Finn and Adelyn's personal story was a little overshadowed by Caine and their machinations to bring him to justice.
A good addition to the series but I was left wanting more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2023
Adelyn is a great character, both strong and sassy even when her situation is dire. She will not be forced to bow to anyone, whether that is someone she loathes (Caine) or her fated mate. I loved reading about her solutions to problems and double-crossings with Caine as she tried to find out what he was up to so she could win her freedom.
Finn; well then. Finn, I had a small problem with. You see, there's been a lot made of him being captured by vampires when he was younger, and how he was changed when he came back. I wanted to know more about that - especially considering his fated is a vampire! Instead, I just got that he didn't feel the same about Adelyn. It felt a little flat, somehow. I never found out how he was captured, how he escaped/was released, how he coped with what had happened; things like that.
I also felt that Finn and Adelyn's personal story was a little overshadowed by Caine and their machinations to bring him to justice.
A good addition to the series but I was left wanting more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1) in Books
Aug 13, 2023
109 of 235
Kindle
Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1)
By Aimee Robinson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.
Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.
Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands him in a hospital bed, the last thing he’s prepared for is the beautiful, mysterious woman who barges into his room and demands help—or the long-dead feelings she stirs inside him.
As Sarah tries to unravel clues about her family’s history, her attraction toward the sexy Army veteran only grows. But her time in the past is growing short, and when an old wartime enemy of Jacob’s sets his sights on the blond beauty, Jacob will stop at nothing to keep her safe...even if it means losing her for good.
This was so freaking sweet just truly a lovely read I’m not one for big romance books but this had that time travelling edge. Oh I just fell in love with Jacob I want a Jacob!! Don’t think my hubby would be impressed though 😂. Definitely worth giving a go if you want that feel good happy ending.
Kindle
Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1)
By Aimee Robinson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.
Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.
Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands him in a hospital bed, the last thing he’s prepared for is the beautiful, mysterious woman who barges into his room and demands help—or the long-dead feelings she stirs inside him.
As Sarah tries to unravel clues about her family’s history, her attraction toward the sexy Army veteran only grows. But her time in the past is growing short, and when an old wartime enemy of Jacob’s sets his sights on the blond beauty, Jacob will stop at nothing to keep her safe...even if it means losing her for good.
This was so freaking sweet just truly a lovely read I’m not one for big romance books but this had that time travelling edge. Oh I just fell in love with Jacob I want a Jacob!! Don’t think my hubby would be impressed though 😂. Definitely worth giving a go if you want that feel good happy ending.
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Restrained Desires (Rehoboth Pact #3) in Books
Apr 4, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)
RESTRAINED DESIRES is the third book in the Rehoboth Pact series, bringing to a close this fantastic trilogy. Kyle has played her part in the previous two books, strong and steady but kind of in the background. Now it's her time to shine.
Oh, Kyle! Bless you, sweetheart. You are so completely adorable but, please excuse me as I deck your mother! What a piece of work! It's amazing you turned out as you did. And thank goodness Chelsea can see that.
When I first read fake-date, I will admit to groaning a little. I love that trope but felt Kyle deserved someone who saw her, and who wanted her. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Chelsea has her own issues to contend with but never did she not see Kyle for the wonderful human being she is. (Yes, I do know she's a character!)
Aubrey - you were a sod in this one. I went off you for a while. I'll let you off... just this once.
This is a spicy-hot story with plenty of feel-good moments. I will even admit to my eyes leaking but that's all I'm saying.
Ms McIntyre certainly saved the best until last in my opinion. Absolutely amazing. This whole trilogy is definitely one to buy, keep, and to re-read. ❤
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 31, 2022
Oh, Kyle! Bless you, sweetheart. You are so completely adorable but, please excuse me as I deck your mother! What a piece of work! It's amazing you turned out as you did. And thank goodness Chelsea can see that.
When I first read fake-date, I will admit to groaning a little. I love that trope but felt Kyle deserved someone who saw her, and who wanted her. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Chelsea has her own issues to contend with but never did she not see Kyle for the wonderful human being she is. (Yes, I do know she's a character!)
Aubrey - you were a sod in this one. I went off you for a while. I'll let you off... just this once.
This is a spicy-hot story with plenty of feel-good moments. I will even admit to my eyes leaking but that's all I'm saying.
Ms McIntyre certainly saved the best until last in my opinion. Absolutely amazing. This whole trilogy is definitely one to buy, keep, and to re-read. ❤
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 31, 2022