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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian in Books
Jan 17, 2018 (Updated Jan 17, 2018)
As bad as the original trilogy
I actually feel embarrassed that I’ve read this book. I read the original trilogy (skim reading by the time I got to the third one) and was vaguely interested in seeing if it being told from Christian’s perspective made for a better read. Short answer is no.
This has obviously been written for the money and I don’t doubt that it’s done very well. However Christian’s perspective is not a good one. In the original books he’s very aloof, cold and confident but in this he just comes across as a petulant clingy teenager. I’m sure it was intended to show his softer side, but it’s just made him out as weak and ridiculously irritating. His internal monologue too is atrocious, his constant use of “baby” made me want to cringe and it makes him sound so childish.
And the “erotic” parts.... they’re just repetitive, laughable and about as erotic as dirty dish water. This book (and the rest of the trilogy) are just a nonsense fairytale for people who don’t know any better. Avoid at all costs!
This has obviously been written for the money and I don’t doubt that it’s done very well. However Christian’s perspective is not a good one. In the original books he’s very aloof, cold and confident but in this he just comes across as a petulant clingy teenager. I’m sure it was intended to show his softer side, but it’s just made him out as weak and ridiculously irritating. His internal monologue too is atrocious, his constant use of “baby” made me want to cringe and it makes him sound so childish.
And the “erotic” parts.... they’re just repetitive, laughable and about as erotic as dirty dish water. This book (and the rest of the trilogy) are just a nonsense fairytale for people who don’t know any better. Avoid at all costs!
Becka Plitt (2 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Jan 18, 2018
I was personally really excited to watch the live action Beauty and the Beast. It was my favorite Disney movie growing up, and I'm a huge Emma Watson fan, so I figured nothing could go wrong. I ended up not being overly impressed. There were some good things about it, of course. The CGI was impressive, the music was excellent, and everyone other than Emma Watson were extremely talented singers.
That is where my first complaint comes into play. In my opinion, the Disney Princess shouldn't be the least talented person in the film. Her voice was very clearly edited and it sounded bad. Along with that, I feel like Emma Watson made some other mistakes that took away from the movie. I'm aware that she was involved in making costume decision for her role, and I think she made a huge mistake. Frankly, Belle's dress was a disappointment to me, and many of the other things she wore were unimpressive as well in comparison to the elegant gowns worn by everyone else.
The added backstory for Belle also seemed forced and unnecessary to me. It was underdeveloped and didn't really need to be there.
That is where my first complaint comes into play. In my opinion, the Disney Princess shouldn't be the least talented person in the film. Her voice was very clearly edited and it sounded bad. Along with that, I feel like Emma Watson made some other mistakes that took away from the movie. I'm aware that she was involved in making costume decision for her role, and I think she made a huge mistake. Frankly, Belle's dress was a disappointment to me, and many of the other things she wore were unimpressive as well in comparison to the elegant gowns worn by everyone else.
The added backstory for Belle also seemed forced and unnecessary to me. It was underdeveloped and didn't really need to be there.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated 27 Days to Midnight in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This novel far exceeding any expectations I had. The description was more than enough to interest me but I was hooked from day one. I typically dont like young adult, But Kruppa has a distinct voice that it didnt feel like young adult. Not to mention it was steampunk. I am a sucker for steampunk although I find that very few authors can pull it off well. Kruppa is among those.
27 Days to Midnight is a fast paced novel filled with wonder and adventure. It has such an interesting concept, although not the first of its find, and Kruppa is a great storyteller. Her easy style makes it a quick read as I was hungry for every word, turning pages before I even realized I had read them. I was so caught up in the story, it wasnt difficult forget the real world.
Sometimes there are good novels. And then there are novel like this where you can read all the blood, sweat, and tears put into every word. If this sounds like a novel you would be interested in, I implore to not pass it up. Become caught up in Kruppas extraordinarily fantasy.
27 Days to Midnight is a fast paced novel filled with wonder and adventure. It has such an interesting concept, although not the first of its find, and Kruppa is a great storyteller. Her easy style makes it a quick read as I was hungry for every word, turning pages before I even realized I had read them. I was so caught up in the story, it wasnt difficult forget the real world.
Sometimes there are good novels. And then there are novel like this where you can read all the blood, sweat, and tears put into every word. If this sounds like a novel you would be interested in, I implore to not pass it up. Become caught up in Kruppas extraordinarily fantasy.
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 (2532 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 (2532 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 (2532 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>.
Jade Clarke-Mackintosh (7 KP) Jan 18, 2018