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Dale Lawson (13 KP) rated Missing Link (2019) in Movies
Feb 29, 2020
Animation Style (3 more)
Character development
Voice Acting
Hilarity
An adventurous, family-friendly animation.
After winning the BAFTA for best animated feature, my interest in seeing this film rose. As it is conveniently found on Netflix, we watched it as a family for a ‘movie night’. I was prepared for a mediocre adventure in search of a missing link between man and ape. What you actually get is a heartfelt, quintessentially British, global adventure in search of a home for a lonely Sasquatch. The journey each character goes through is wonderful as they learn about family, friendships and individuality before conquering the villain.
With a high calibre cast, this film is full of seasoned voice actors. So much so that it is actually difficult to identify the owner of each voice until the credits roll. This, for the most part, makes the film even more enjoyable as you aren’t left guessing actors or imagining them in the role.
Beginning with two characters on a quest for the Loch Ness Monster, the story is full of mystery and myth. It then becomes a predictable one, when it gets into its flow. For an adult, this can make the film a little expected. However, for a child this film is filled with hilarity. When watching with my three kids, there was non-stop laughter. From the naming of the Sasquatch to him forgetting swimwear, the room was full of joy.
Animation has always been a passion of mine, since I was young: from hand drawn to computer generated. My favourite had always been stop motion. Missing Link is primarily filmed in stop motion, using new techniques that allow for smoother facial transitions. The film’s adventurous nature encourages for exciting sets and explosive additional CGI that makes the film feel incredibly polished.
Captivating the attention of adults and children, alike, Missing Link provides an animated, family friendly adventure that teaches morals and respect. I can see why it won so many awards and challenges Toy Story 4 for the top place.
With a high calibre cast, this film is full of seasoned voice actors. So much so that it is actually difficult to identify the owner of each voice until the credits roll. This, for the most part, makes the film even more enjoyable as you aren’t left guessing actors or imagining them in the role.
Beginning with two characters on a quest for the Loch Ness Monster, the story is full of mystery and myth. It then becomes a predictable one, when it gets into its flow. For an adult, this can make the film a little expected. However, for a child this film is filled with hilarity. When watching with my three kids, there was non-stop laughter. From the naming of the Sasquatch to him forgetting swimwear, the room was full of joy.
Animation has always been a passion of mine, since I was young: from hand drawn to computer generated. My favourite had always been stop motion. Missing Link is primarily filmed in stop motion, using new techniques that allow for smoother facial transitions. The film’s adventurous nature encourages for exciting sets and explosive additional CGI that makes the film feel incredibly polished.
Captivating the attention of adults and children, alike, Missing Link provides an animated, family friendly adventure that teaches morals and respect. I can see why it won so many awards and challenges Toy Story 4 for the top place.

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Conjuring 2 (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Horror and Suspense movies always intrigued me, especially the ones based on true events or are historically based. The fact that it happened to someone actually made me more invested in the story and prompted me to think of the ways that I would deal with that situation should it arise. After watching The Conjuring 2, I hope that day never happens.
Conjuring 2 finds us catching up with Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to Enfield, England to help a family suffering from a paranormal encounter. After gaining a measure of fame for their experience, the Hodgson family is sought out by the Catholic Church and the Warrens in order to determine if the incidents are real or fabricated. They discover that this case pushes them to the limits of their faith and results in them becoming the targets of this demonic possession.
The film itself is a stronger story, filled with more suspense and depth than the first film and goes far beyond Annabelle, which, at times had me not connect at all with the family and I found myself cheering for the doll. The chemistry between Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring, Insidious series) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed, The Conjuring) and Frances O’Connor drive the story and ensure that audiences become invested within the storyline and circumstances and not just for the “frights.”
Sequels can often be plagued with problems, tropes, and going overboard with certain themes and ideas in order to retain its core audience. This is not the case with The Conjuring 2. The story and approach are fresh. Aspects of the film are not predictable. There are no massive holes within the plot. Time was invested within the writing and filming to ensure a solid story, suspense, and impact on viewers beyond their exit from the theater. The Conjuring series looks as though it is just getting started. Personally, I look forward to the remaining stories of the Warren family even if it means sleeping with the lights on after viewing.
Conjuring 2 finds us catching up with Ed and Lorraine Warren as they travel to Enfield, England to help a family suffering from a paranormal encounter. After gaining a measure of fame for their experience, the Hodgson family is sought out by the Catholic Church and the Warrens in order to determine if the incidents are real or fabricated. They discover that this case pushes them to the limits of their faith and results in them becoming the targets of this demonic possession.
The film itself is a stronger story, filled with more suspense and depth than the first film and goes far beyond Annabelle, which, at times had me not connect at all with the family and I found myself cheering for the doll. The chemistry between Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring, Insidious series) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed, The Conjuring) and Frances O’Connor drive the story and ensure that audiences become invested within the storyline and circumstances and not just for the “frights.”
Sequels can often be plagued with problems, tropes, and going overboard with certain themes and ideas in order to retain its core audience. This is not the case with The Conjuring 2. The story and approach are fresh. Aspects of the film are not predictable. There are no massive holes within the plot. Time was invested within the writing and filming to ensure a solid story, suspense, and impact on viewers beyond their exit from the theater. The Conjuring series looks as though it is just getting started. Personally, I look forward to the remaining stories of the Warren family even if it means sleeping with the lights on after viewing.
TI
This is Gail
Book
A national bestseller, this is an inspiring story of one woman's journey through heartbreaking loss...

From Scratch
Book
A poignant and transporting cross-cultural love story set against the lush backdrop of the Sicilian...

Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated Hourglass: Time, Memory, Marriage in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received an ARC via FirstToRead for this book, for an unbiased review.
I am, admittedly, not as familiar with Shapiro's writing as many who seem to have chosen to review this book. As an avid memoir reader, and also as a "wannabe writer", I was drawn to the idea of reviewing a memoir. I was not, at all, disappointed with the choice.
Throughout the book, the ideas of "what if", as well as other writing prompts that she had encountered over time, intermingling with the memories of her family and her life, really brought the book together. I can see now, that I need to make time to read more of her work. I found myself bookmarking page after page, trying to remember details from it so that I could, in the future, use them as guides for my own writing.
I am, admittedly, not as familiar with Shapiro's writing as many who seem to have chosen to review this book. As an avid memoir reader, and also as a "wannabe writer", I was drawn to the idea of reviewing a memoir. I was not, at all, disappointed with the choice.
Throughout the book, the ideas of "what if", as well as other writing prompts that she had encountered over time, intermingling with the memories of her family and her life, really brought the book together. I can see now, that I need to make time to read more of her work. I found myself bookmarking page after page, trying to remember details from it so that I could, in the future, use them as guides for my own writing.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated Musseled Out (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
With fall in the air, Julia must make decisions about her future with the family clambake. Will she stay or return to her job in New York City? That gets put on the back burner when the body of a potential competitor is found on an abandoned boat and the police begin to question her brother-in-law, who is clearly hiding something.
The book started off strong and never slowed down. There are plenty of secrets, clues, and twists along the way to a fantastic ending. The characters were strong and that made me care about the solution to the mystery that much more.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-musseled-out-by-barbara.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book started off strong and never slowed down. There are plenty of secrets, clues, and twists along the way to a fantastic ending. The characters were strong and that made me care about the solution to the mystery that much more.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-musseled-out-by-barbara.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Andy K (10823 KP) rated Facebook in Apps
Oct 13, 2018
Facebook sucks!
I deleted mine 6 months ago and have never been happier. Still have Messenger so I can share and send photos of my dogs to family and friends. (we should have an Orb for pet photos)
I'd rather have actual conversations with actual people rather than hearing people bitch about other people, hating on random strangers, or how much you hate our current president.
I always got so hung up on or disappointed by how many "likes" my posts got and got so upset when I get enough comments or likes on them. Or when only 3 people said "Happy birthday" on my wall or when my mother liked 96 of my posts in a row.
Smashbomb is way better since everyone here is so friendly, happy and discussions of how much you hate anyone are nowhere to be found.
I'd rather have actual conversations with actual people rather than hearing people bitch about other people, hating on random strangers, or how much you hate our current president.
I always got so hung up on or disappointed by how many "likes" my posts got and got so upset when I get enough comments or likes on them. Or when only 3 people said "Happy birthday" on my wall or when my mother liked 96 of my posts in a row.
Smashbomb is way better since everyone here is so friendly, happy and discussions of how much you hate anyone are nowhere to be found.

Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated Queer Eye - Season 1 in TV
Dec 16, 2019
Feel Goof Fun
Yaaaaaas Queen! Such a lovely program. Every episode, the Fab Five take a person (gay, strait, undecided, it don matter!) And give them a makeover. But this is not just any makeover, they cover hair, clothes, home, diet and emotions. Each member if the 5 is in charge of a different element, and they get to the rout of the person's issues, address them, and work with them to turn their life around.
These are usually people who have been through it, who have been sposered by family or friends who want to help.
They seem to care so much, realy take care of them, and have fun with it!
This was my go to program while I had the pregnancy blues, and I found it so uplifting, though I did tear up on occasion.
Love love LOVE it!
These are usually people who have been through it, who have been sposered by family or friends who want to help.
They seem to care so much, realy take care of them, and have fun with it!
This was my go to program while I had the pregnancy blues, and I found it so uplifting, though I did tear up on occasion.
Love love LOVE it!

AT (1676 KP) rated Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) in Movies
Feb 28, 2020
It's hard to find a PG movie that doesn't have any major swear words in it nowadays, so huge thumbs up for that! It was a little cheesy with some of the dialogue in parts, and you could easily draw direct correlation between things in this movie, and things in some of the other major modern classics. However, it didn't make the movie bad. I don't think it deserved all of the awful reviews that it was getting while in the theater. It's a PG movie, based on the characters from Sleeping Beauty. I'm not sure what people expected. I thought it was a cute film, overall, especially considering that it's a sequel. Man, I love Maleficent's wings! I'm glad I finally found the time to watch it with my family. I don't feel cheated out of my time at all.

New Habits: From Sisterhood to Motherhood
Book
The sequel to the popular Kicking the Habit! When Eleanor Stewart abandoned her vows and her life as...