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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Hacksaw Ridge (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2019
World War II was an event that changed America’s standing globally and ensured the end of Hitler’s tyranny over Europe. It witnessed an isolated nation enter the war after being attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. The war forced men from all walks of life to step up in defense of their nation and for the freedom of those abroad. Desmond Dawes was one of these men, however, he sought to serve a different function in war. Instead of taking lives, he wanted to save them.
Hacksaw Ridge brings viewers a different perspective of war and the soldiers that were fighting it. Unlike previous films, this one discusses and displays the contributions made by a pacifist, a contentious objector, something that we look at as an anomaly and counter to the personalities and individuals that we are accustomed to seeing in a warfighting capacity. We don’t typically think about those who would resist fighting, other than those who dodged the draft or sought deferments. This film allows for a glimpse into how one man’s principles and faith allow him to resist actively fighting in order to serve as a combat medic in order for his fellow soldiers to return home. The story is harrowing and audiences will find themselves rooting for Private Dawes while questioning how his principles could remain so strong despite all of the obstacles that are put in his way. He wants to serve his country in the war, but does not want to kill in service to it. He is constantly referred to and treated as a coward for his stance. Despite this, he proves himself of heroism that cannot be measured.
The film is beautiful in displaying the various complexities in warfare and individual soldiers’ experiences. We get to see how Dawes is shaped into having the beliefs that guide him in his quest to become a soldier. We see the relationships that he develops in his hometown, his family, and the conflict that erupts between him and other members of his unit. We see that war is more complex than men fighting and killing. There is depth. There is character. These men are not simply numbers on a board or text. There is something about each one of them that played into the success of taking Okinawa as part of the Pacific campaign.
Hacksaw Ridge is not simply a film about one man’s journey to serve his principles and God while struggling against various agents seeking to break his spirit and demean who he is. The battle scenes and brutality rival that of Saving Private Ryan. Audiences seeking to see a traditional “rah rah” war film are going to be surprised with the way that this film will, hopefully, make them think more deeply about the calamity and horror of war. It will hopefully have them think about how far we have come as a people. More importantly, it will make us think differently about the men who served and helped to ensure democracy globally.
The film, overall, is strong with its presentation of information, action, sequences and storytelling. It may surpass previous WWII films with respect to significance and allowing itself to serve as a historical lens to the past. Audiences will be satisfied, shocked, and a bit disgusted with what is on display whether it is how war is conducted or in how we treat others with different beliefs or stances. Hacksaw Ridge may be an instant classic in not only its approach to the Pacific Theater, but in how we look at the soldiers and their contributions to this period.
Hacksaw Ridge brings viewers a different perspective of war and the soldiers that were fighting it. Unlike previous films, this one discusses and displays the contributions made by a pacifist, a contentious objector, something that we look at as an anomaly and counter to the personalities and individuals that we are accustomed to seeing in a warfighting capacity. We don’t typically think about those who would resist fighting, other than those who dodged the draft or sought deferments. This film allows for a glimpse into how one man’s principles and faith allow him to resist actively fighting in order to serve as a combat medic in order for his fellow soldiers to return home. The story is harrowing and audiences will find themselves rooting for Private Dawes while questioning how his principles could remain so strong despite all of the obstacles that are put in his way. He wants to serve his country in the war, but does not want to kill in service to it. He is constantly referred to and treated as a coward for his stance. Despite this, he proves himself of heroism that cannot be measured.
The film is beautiful in displaying the various complexities in warfare and individual soldiers’ experiences. We get to see how Dawes is shaped into having the beliefs that guide him in his quest to become a soldier. We see the relationships that he develops in his hometown, his family, and the conflict that erupts between him and other members of his unit. We see that war is more complex than men fighting and killing. There is depth. There is character. These men are not simply numbers on a board or text. There is something about each one of them that played into the success of taking Okinawa as part of the Pacific campaign.
Hacksaw Ridge is not simply a film about one man’s journey to serve his principles and God while struggling against various agents seeking to break his spirit and demean who he is. The battle scenes and brutality rival that of Saving Private Ryan. Audiences seeking to see a traditional “rah rah” war film are going to be surprised with the way that this film will, hopefully, make them think more deeply about the calamity and horror of war. It will hopefully have them think about how far we have come as a people. More importantly, it will make us think differently about the men who served and helped to ensure democracy globally.
The film, overall, is strong with its presentation of information, action, sequences and storytelling. It may surpass previous WWII films with respect to significance and allowing itself to serve as a historical lens to the past. Audiences will be satisfied, shocked, and a bit disgusted with what is on display whether it is how war is conducted or in how we treat others with different beliefs or stances. Hacksaw Ridge may be an instant classic in not only its approach to the Pacific Theater, but in how we look at the soldiers and their contributions to this period.
ClareR (6054 KP) rated The Mystery Knight: A Graphic Novel in Books
Nov 15, 2017
More Westeros back story
One of the tales of Dunk and Egg (Ser Duncan, a Hedge Knight and Prince Aegon, his squire. Aegon went on to be the Maester of the Black Watch at the wall - I'm not sure if that's a spoiler or not?!). As with most of the Song of Ice and Fire stories, there's a fair bit of intrigue and double crossing going on in this story. Lots of fighting, bloodshed. The artwork is lovely - the opening scene shows a picture of a head on a spike, decaying and having been eaten by birds/ animals. So lovely, yes!
I found this at the library, and I'd be keen to read more as they get them. I'm aware that this isn't the first in the series, but I don't think it really matters. I don't feel as though I missed out on any former knowledge.
I found this at the library, and I'd be keen to read more as they get them. I'm aware that this isn't the first in the series, but I don't think it really matters. I don't feel as though I missed out on any former knowledge.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated When Lightning Strikes in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<i>When Lightning Strikes</i> is not your average time-traveling romance. It introduces you to two very interesting and unique characters. Alaina Costanza (Lainie), an edgy, wise-cracking romance writer with a rough past, and John Killian, or just Killian as he is mainly known, the villian from the historical western she is in the midst of writing. So when she gets struck by lightning, she gets way more than she bargained for!
This book made me laugh, and at the same time it pulled at my heart. The chemistry between the two leads and their fighting that attraction was realistic and heartwrenching. Even though this is a romance, I was unsure of how it was going to end, it was a real nail-biter! I couldn't finish soon enough, and when I did, it left me feeling fulfilled. I couldn't recommend this book more!
This book made me laugh, and at the same time it pulled at my heart. The chemistry between the two leads and their fighting that attraction was realistic and heartwrenching. Even though this is a romance, I was unsure of how it was going to end, it was a real nail-biter! I couldn't finish soon enough, and when I did, it left me feeling fulfilled. I couldn't recommend this book more!
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
May 21, 2019
This was a good film (except for the scenes I couldn't see that included a certain wrestler.)
The Transformer movies have steadily slid into convoluted messes of CGI and plot holes. So, heading into this one I didn't know what to expect. This still had the robot fighting action you expect but seemed to take a step back from the other films and focus on a well-written story. Hailee Steinfeld is good in her role. She along with the ET-esque Bumblebee carry the heart of the film and force the audience to care about the "Robots in Disguise," something earlier films in the series seemed to have forgotten about. John Cena is also decent in his role. Overall, it's a cute and fun story of loss and rising from the ashes of that loss to return to life again. In my opinion the best one in the series.
Lumos (380 KP) rated Quarriors! in Tabletop Games
Mar 19, 2018
A unique spin on the "deck builder". I like that instead of building a deck of cards, you are building a bag of dice. Each die has a different "spell" with a different power depending on how you roll. The game has the potential to be different every time you play, depending on the expansions you have. The fighting mechanic is well done and easy to maneuver. I would suggest using the "mat" included on the back of the instructions as sometimes it is hard to remember what has been spent and what is locked or on deck.
If you like to have complete sets of games and own all the expansions (like my friends and I do), it's good to know that the Light and Dark expansion doesn't really play well when mixed with the rest of the game. It does work as a stand alone though.
If you like to have complete sets of games and own all the expansions (like my friends and I do), it's good to know that the Light and Dark expansion doesn't really play well when mixed with the rest of the game. It does work as a stand alone though.
CKD (37 KP) rated West By Sea: A Treasure Hunt that Spans the Globe in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Such a great book. Michelle was diagnosed with a brain tumor...instead of feeling sorry for herself, she and her husband, Ed, embarked on a voyage around the globe for 105 days. Each page in the book is written like a journal entry of their travels and life aboard the ship. There are photos on each page, along with the coordinates for that particular day and a quote. There are several layers to this book/story - (1) the travelogue; (2) Michelle's diagnosis and treatment(s); and (3) the treasure hunt. I have not yet embarked on deciphering the treasure hunt as I've already loaned the book out to someone else to read. While reading the book, I felt like I was there with them in every port of call and through the ship's daily activities, including fighting for the ability to do laundry! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Silverthorn in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Loved it
A poisoned bolt has struck down the Princess Anita on the day of her wedding to Prince Arutha of Krondor.
To save his beloved, Arutha sets out in search of the mystic herb called Silverthorn that only grows in the dark and forbidding land of the Spellweavers.
Accompanied by a mercenary, a minstrel, and a clever young thief, he will confront an ancient evil and do battle with the dark powers that threaten the enchanted realm of Midkemia.
I love this saga. Facing a new treat as well as fighting to find a cure for Anita we follow Arutha and crew. I just adore Jimmy his humour had me laughing out loud several times.it was great to see characters from the first two books, especially Pug. He travels back through the rift to find more about the new treat. Such a good read!
Recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐
To save his beloved, Arutha sets out in search of the mystic herb called Silverthorn that only grows in the dark and forbidding land of the Spellweavers.
Accompanied by a mercenary, a minstrel, and a clever young thief, he will confront an ancient evil and do battle with the dark powers that threaten the enchanted realm of Midkemia.
I love this saga. Facing a new treat as well as fighting to find a cure for Anita we follow Arutha and crew. I just adore Jimmy his humour had me laughing out loud several times.it was great to see characters from the first two books, especially Pug. He travels back through the rift to find more about the new treat. Such a good read!
Recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Dragon Prince - Season 1 in TV
Nov 24, 2019
Amazing Series
Humans have killed the Lord of Dragons with their Dark Magic, and a war between them and the Elves has resulted in fear, bitterness, and prejudice on both sides.
The young princes of the human kingdom discover that the only egg of the Lord of Dragons was not destroyed, but kept hidden, now embark on a quest, together with an elf, to return the egg to its mother, and hopefully, put an end to the fighting that has claimed so many lives.
Cute, witty and heartfelt, the creators of Avatar, the Last Airbender, have made another absolute gem! This one is suitable for kids, as well as animation loving adults. It explores themes of ignorance, loyalty, open mindedness and loss, in a deep and also funny way.
The third series has just come onto Netflix, and I can not wait to het started!!!!
The young princes of the human kingdom discover that the only egg of the Lord of Dragons was not destroyed, but kept hidden, now embark on a quest, together with an elf, to return the egg to its mother, and hopefully, put an end to the fighting that has claimed so many lives.
Cute, witty and heartfelt, the creators of Avatar, the Last Airbender, have made another absolute gem! This one is suitable for kids, as well as animation loving adults. It explores themes of ignorance, loyalty, open mindedness and loss, in a deep and also funny way.
The third series has just come onto Netflix, and I can not wait to het started!!!!
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Ready to Rumble (2000) in Movies
Mar 20, 2020
Wrestlings not fake!
Before jack black did Nacho Libre
Before john Cena did Legend
Before Mickey Rourke did the wrestler and before the Release of paiges career movie fighting with my family, there was READY TO RUMBLE.
The story follows Sewage workers Gordie and Sean who are huge wrestling fans, as they watch their hero, WCW World Heavyweight Champion Jimmy King cheated out of the title, Jimmy quickly spirals down and hits Rock Bottom (see what I did there)
The boy's decide to embark on a quest to restore their icon's glory.
The road trip includes meeting jimmys estranged (ex?) Wife & son, barnyard wrestling tryouts, wrestling and OAP & a 3 cages of hell match, not to mention all the toilet humour- Literally.
Starring Goldberg, sting, ddp, Booker T, billy kidman, bam bam bigelow and many more
Also starring David Arquette, sean caan, Rose McGowan and Oliver platt.
Before john Cena did Legend
Before Mickey Rourke did the wrestler and before the Release of paiges career movie fighting with my family, there was READY TO RUMBLE.
The story follows Sewage workers Gordie and Sean who are huge wrestling fans, as they watch their hero, WCW World Heavyweight Champion Jimmy King cheated out of the title, Jimmy quickly spirals down and hits Rock Bottom (see what I did there)
The boy's decide to embark on a quest to restore their icon's glory.
The road trip includes meeting jimmys estranged (ex?) Wife & son, barnyard wrestling tryouts, wrestling and OAP & a 3 cages of hell match, not to mention all the toilet humour- Literally.
Starring Goldberg, sting, ddp, Booker T, billy kidman, bam bam bigelow and many more
Also starring David Arquette, sean caan, Rose McGowan and Oliver platt.
Rinder's Rules: Make the Law Work for You!
Book
Too many lawyers spout jargon...I'm here to cut the bulls**t. Robert Rinder. Have you had a holiday...