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HLD (99 KP) rated The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
Not something you would watch everyday (2 more)
So peculiar you won't forget it any time soon
It's weird, and that's a good thing. At least the director stuck to his vision no matter how it came across to viewers
You may have no idea how to feel about it (1 more)
Don't be afraid to Google the hell out of the story to understand what they are trying to achieve
Prepare to be confused
My girlfriend put this film on without informing me of what it was about. The deadpan acting was something I was sure was on purpose; but I had to Google the film to convince myself this was so.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated For Cheddar or Worse (A Cheese Shop Mystery #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Providence is hosting its first annual Cheese Festival, and several people involved in making and selling cheese are coming together to share ideas on the process. Newlyweds Charlotte and Jordan are excited to be a part of it – until Lara Berry shows up. Lara’s public persona hides a truly nasty person underneath, and she is murdered after telling the rest of the group exactly what she thinks of them. Can Charlotte figure out who actually killed Lara?
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Meet Your Baker (A Bakeshop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
After years at sea, Jules Capshaw has returned to Ashford, Oregon. While she figures out what to do with her life, she is helping her mother with Torte, the family bakeshop. But she’s hardly back in town before she meets Nancy Hudson. Nancy is a new member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival board, and she is obnoxious, picking fights with everyone she meets. When Jules finds Nancy one more in Torte’s kitchen, there are quite a few suspects. But with the police focuses on Jules’s friends, she starts to investigate herself in order to find out the truth. Can she do it?
I’ve long heard of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and I’d love to go sometime. Until that happens, this is a great alternative. The characters are wonderful and already fully formed, although I do feel like part of Jules’s backstory isn’t strong enough for her actions. But that’s probably just me. The plot is good, although it was a little weak at the end. Still, everything is wrapped up in a logical way.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-meet-your-baker-by-ellie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve long heard of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and I’d love to go sometime. Until that happens, this is a great alternative. The characters are wonderful and already fully formed, although I do feel like part of Jules’s backstory isn’t strong enough for her actions. But that’s probably just me. The plot is good, although it was a little weak at the end. Still, everything is wrapped up in a logical way.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-meet-your-baker-by-ellie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
When Edwina’s funds get low enough, she starts advertising for a boarder. Fortunately for her, Beryl sees it. The two women, though very different, are boarding school friends, and this new living arrangement suits them both. But Beryl’s presence in Edwina’s small village creates some gossip, which Beryl fuels by hinting that the two women are actually employed by His Majesty. When someone tries to kill Edwina, the two realize there is a secret to uncover. What might it be?
This book perfectly transports us back to 1920 and the English countryside. The repercussions of World War I are still there, and it is a fascinating look at how the war affected the rest of life. The British Edwina and American Beryl are very different, and their differences can be fun, yet they make a good detecting pair, and we feel the depth of their friendship. The plot is strong, keeping us surprised until the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-murder-in-english-village.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book perfectly transports us back to 1920 and the English countryside. The repercussions of World War I are still there, and it is a fascinating look at how the war affected the rest of life. The British Edwina and American Beryl are very different, and their differences can be fun, yet they make a good detecting pair, and we feel the depth of their friendship. The plot is strong, keeping us surprised until the end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-murder-in-english-village.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Nightmare Man in Books
Mar 15, 2018
<b><i>Like usual, I feel the nightmare man before I see him, before he pulls himself through.</i></b>
This was a superb and creepy short horror story! At only 70, or so, pages, this was a really well thought out novel that rounded itself up perfectly at the end.
I didnt like to read this before I went to sleep because the imagery of the Nightmare Man was so vivid and terrifying that I was worried I was going to start experiencing a creature pulling itself out of a shadowy hole in the corner of my room. Ryker was really good at the nightmarish imagery in this novel, there were certainly some really creepy moments.
This story starts out as a scary story about a man with night terrors but it progresses to be much more meaningful than just that. This novel teaches us that we cant blame others for failures in our lives, that could easily be rectified and that there is an enemy inside us all that we should try to overcome, to become the best person that we can possibly be.
This was a superb and creepy short horror story! At only 70, or so, pages, this was a really well thought out novel that rounded itself up perfectly at the end.
I didnt like to read this before I went to sleep because the imagery of the Nightmare Man was so vivid and terrifying that I was worried I was going to start experiencing a creature pulling itself out of a shadowy hole in the corner of my room. Ryker was really good at the nightmarish imagery in this novel, there were certainly some really creepy moments.
This story starts out as a scary story about a man with night terrors but it progresses to be much more meaningful than just that. This novel teaches us that we cant blame others for failures in our lives, that could easily be rectified and that there is an enemy inside us all that we should try to overcome, to become the best person that we can possibly be.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
Didn't quite get its message across
I'm a little disappointed with this film. I was hoping it'd be a strong powerful message against the meat industry, but sadly it fell a little short of the mark.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Hummus and Homicide (Kebab Kitchen Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lucy Berberian is back in her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, while she tries to figure out what to do next in her life. While she is reconnecting with family and friends, she is also working at her parent’s restaurant, Kebab Kitchen. Her high school nemesis, Heather Banks, is now the health inspector, and goes out of her way to make trouble for Lucy. However, after eating at the restaurant’s hummus bar, Heather dies in the parking lot. With business declining and Lucy the prime suspect, Lucy begins to search for answers. What happened to Heather?
This series is off to a good start. Lucy has a great collection of family and friends, although I did feel that her parents could be better fleshed out. We see hints of more here, something I hope is developed further as the series progresses. The mystery is solid with several believable suspects and plenty of secrets. The ending surprised me and kept me turning pages.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-hummus-and-homicide-by-tina.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series is off to a good start. Lucy has a great collection of family and friends, although I did feel that her parents could be better fleshed out. We see hints of more here, something I hope is developed further as the series progresses. The mystery is solid with several believable suspects and plenty of secrets. The ending surprised me and kept me turning pages.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-hummus-and-homicide-by-tina.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Girl and Her Ren in Books
Jun 18, 2018
I am a complete blubbering mess after finishing this book. After so many times of having to walk away because I couldn't read through my tears.. I made it. WOW, was this story heartbreaking and breathtakingly beautiful. One of those stories that will stay with me forever..
So much love... more than anything else I can say about this book, so. much. love. A beautiful story about true soulmates, two people born for one another and strangers that become more than family.
Pepper never sugar coats it and this story was no different. Ripping my heart out yet again. But real life happens, the ups and downs, good and bad and I couldn't help but experience every emotion right along with them. "This is how humans are supposed to exist." So true, in so many ways in this incredible story about love, loss, and perseverance.
Beautifully written, as always. An absolute emotional rollercoaster for those that are brave enough. I couldn't possibly love this Duet more.
So much love... more than anything else I can say about this book, so. much. love. A beautiful story about true soulmates, two people born for one another and strangers that become more than family.
Pepper never sugar coats it and this story was no different. Ripping my heart out yet again. But real life happens, the ups and downs, good and bad and I couldn't help but experience every emotion right along with them. "This is how humans are supposed to exist." So true, in so many ways in this incredible story about love, loss, and perseverance.
Beautifully written, as always. An absolute emotional rollercoaster for those that are brave enough. I couldn't possibly love this Duet more.
Liliannar (58 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV
Jun 19, 2018
Detail to the book (1 more)
Spot on casting
I just finished the first season of this show last night and though there were some major issues that turned me away from giving this a higher rating, overall it was a good show and one that i intend to share with my teenage sister. This show may be extremely difficult to watch for someone who may be suicidal, or who has experienced sexual assault. The casting was done extremely well and in a manner that really makes you hate the characters you're supposed to hate.
Unfortunately the last few episodes really turned the story from about about WHY the main character killed herself and instead turned it into a revenge story of sorts. It really took quite a bit away from what I felt was the take-home message of the book. It certainly didn't glorify suicide, but it turned the story away from looking at the deeper issues and how one small event can lead down a very dark path and into making it feel like it was drama for the sake of drama. I don't know if I'll continue on to Season 2.
Unfortunately the last few episodes really turned the story from about about WHY the main character killed herself and instead turned it into a revenge story of sorts. It really took quite a bit away from what I felt was the take-home message of the book. It certainly didn't glorify suicide, but it turned the story away from looking at the deeper issues and how one small event can lead down a very dark path and into making it feel like it was drama for the sake of drama. I don't know if I'll continue on to Season 2.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Back in the Habit in Books
Jun 26, 2018
The Return of Sister Mary Regina Coelis
The last thing former nun Giulia ever wanted to do was go back to her former life, but that’s just what she’s had to do. Her PI company has been hired to find out why a Novice committed suicide, and the best way to do that is for Giulia to become Sister Mary Regina Coelis again. Not only is she confronting her past 18 months on the outside, but she’s having to look for secrets. Was it a simple suicide? Or will Giulia uncover more?
I waited too long to get back to Giulia, but I’m pleased I got to visit her again. This book really allows her quite a bit of character growth since it is forcing her to face her past. We do not see as much of the other series regulars as a result, but when we did, we got some of the laughs I expect with the characters. The mystery does take us to some darker places, but it is good. I do feel that the character growth overshadowed the mystery at times, but overall I enjoyed this book.
I waited too long to get back to Giulia, but I’m pleased I got to visit her again. This book really allows her quite a bit of character growth since it is forcing her to face her past. We do not see as much of the other series regulars as a result, but when we did, we got some of the laughs I expect with the characters. The mystery does take us to some darker places, but it is good. I do feel that the character growth overshadowed the mystery at times, but overall I enjoyed this book.