Search
Search results
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Eden Lake (2008) in Movies
May 12, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
My boyfriend and I watched Eden Lake the other night, and I actually enjoyed it. With delightfully brutal, cringe-worthy scenes, it’s definitely a film I’ll watch again. It encompasses the typical romantic getaway gone wrong, but it does so with a disturbing beauty you can only find in a horror movie.
What can possibly go wrong when you piss off a bunch of angsty teenagers in the middle of nowhere? As Jenny and Steve, the aforementioned vacationing young couple, learn, a lot. After Steve accidentally kills the gang leader’s dog, all hell breaks loose.
It’s the scenes of death and torture that really give this film its rating. When my boyfriend warned me about how twisted some of the scenes were, “WTF” wasn’t how I expected to react. The age-old, unspoken rule about killing children definitely doesn’t apply here. It’s gritty and jaw-dropping, and perfect for fans of campy horror films.
It should be noted that this film comes without a happy ending–for anyone. That fact alone played a major role in my rating. I’m sick of seeing films where characters get out of an unlikely situation and go on with their lives; Eden Lake, on the hand, doesn’t follow that cliché. It does, however, rely a bit too heavily on coincidence and for that, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
What can possibly go wrong when you piss off a bunch of angsty teenagers in the middle of nowhere? As Jenny and Steve, the aforementioned vacationing young couple, learn, a lot. After Steve accidentally kills the gang leader’s dog, all hell breaks loose.
It’s the scenes of death and torture that really give this film its rating. When my boyfriend warned me about how twisted some of the scenes were, “WTF” wasn’t how I expected to react. The age-old, unspoken rule about killing children definitely doesn’t apply here. It’s gritty and jaw-dropping, and perfect for fans of campy horror films.
It should be noted that this film comes without a happy ending–for anyone. That fact alone played a major role in my rating. I’m sick of seeing films where characters get out of an unlikely situation and go on with their lives; Eden Lake, on the hand, doesn’t follow that cliché. It does, however, rely a bit too heavily on coincidence and for that, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Killer You Know in Books
May 22, 2019
I'll murder three strangers. And you'll know it was me . . .
Summer 1997. When Will jokes about becoming a serial killer, his friends just laugh it off. But Adeline can't help but feel there's something darker lurking behind his words.
Winter 2015: Years later, Adeline returns to Blythe for a reunion of the old gang - except Will doesn't show up. Reminiscing about old times, they look up the details of his supposed murder spree. But the mood soon changes when they discover two recent deaths that match.
As the group attempts to track Will down, they realise that he is playing a sinister game that harks back to one they used to play as kids.
Only this time there are lives at stake . . .
Excellent début novel from this author!
I found this to be a very interesting storyline.
We are set in the present day but flashback to the late 90's.
We have the friend meeting for the reunion but 1 missing and this is where the twists and turns abound.
There is a wonderful mix of nostalgia with thrilling suspense.
Wonderful plot/storyline which is well written.
Loved the characters and were developed well.
Can't wait to see what this author brings us next.
Recommend reading!
Many thanks to Redhook Books, Netgalley, and S. R. Masters for allowing me to read this book; this is my honest voluntary review.
Summer 1997. When Will jokes about becoming a serial killer, his friends just laugh it off. But Adeline can't help but feel there's something darker lurking behind his words.
Winter 2015: Years later, Adeline returns to Blythe for a reunion of the old gang - except Will doesn't show up. Reminiscing about old times, they look up the details of his supposed murder spree. But the mood soon changes when they discover two recent deaths that match.
As the group attempts to track Will down, they realise that he is playing a sinister game that harks back to one they used to play as kids.
Only this time there are lives at stake . . .
Excellent début novel from this author!
I found this to be a very interesting storyline.
We are set in the present day but flashback to the late 90's.
We have the friend meeting for the reunion but 1 missing and this is where the twists and turns abound.
There is a wonderful mix of nostalgia with thrilling suspense.
Wonderful plot/storyline which is well written.
Loved the characters and were developed well.
Can't wait to see what this author brings us next.
Recommend reading!
Many thanks to Redhook Books, Netgalley, and S. R. Masters for allowing me to read this book; this is my honest voluntary review.
Lindsay (1735 KP) rated Disruption (Jake Pendleton #4) in Books
Feb 8, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Disruption is an action pack book. Jake and his partner are to stop a terrorist attack that appears to be a big cyber attack. Will they be able to stop them? What does Iran want? There are several different characters in the book.
It starts out with a man being chased that has the name, Boris. There seem to be a gang of members doing the work for a man named Omar and his plan. Both Jake and Francesca are called into action to go find “the Jew” who name is Daniel.
There this Macro that is Deputy Director in Italy. He seems to be into following and tracking Francesca and Jake. For what reason you will need to read the book. There seems to be a mystery as to what going on. Why and How did Macassa Air 910 disappear or vanish?
Chuck Barrett get you interest immediately with start of the book. If you are looking for a good book or mystery This one is worth your time. Though suggest if you what my opinion I think this is good for readers that are 15 years and up. Parents I would suggest to check it for your safety for your child or children. There are a few gruesome deaths. There a bit of torture in this book as well.
It starts out with a man being chased that has the name, Boris. There seem to be a gang of members doing the work for a man named Omar and his plan. Both Jake and Francesca are called into action to go find “the Jew” who name is Daniel.
There this Macro that is Deputy Director in Italy. He seems to be into following and tracking Francesca and Jake. For what reason you will need to read the book. There seems to be a mystery as to what going on. Why and How did Macassa Air 910 disappear or vanish?
Chuck Barrett get you interest immediately with start of the book. If you are looking for a good book or mystery This one is worth your time. Though suggest if you what my opinion I think this is good for readers that are 15 years and up. Parents I would suggest to check it for your safety for your child or children. There are a few gruesome deaths. There a bit of torture in this book as well.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2304 KP) rated Christmas Caramel Murder (Hannah Swensen, #20) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s Christmas time again in Lake Eden, but trouble is brewing for Lisa, Hannah’s partner at The Cookie Jar. Her husband, Herb, is working late every night, and his new assistant is Phyllis, his high school girlfriend. Then Phyllis is cast as Mrs. Claus opposite Herb in the community play. Naturally, when Phyllis shows up murdered, Lisa and Herb are both suspects, and Hannah must work hard to clear their names.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-christmas-caramel-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-christmas-caramel-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
TacoDave (3772 KP) rated Bubble Boy (2001) in Movies
Aug 10, 2018
Jake Gyllenhaal (3 more)
Humor
Plot
Hijinks
Bubble Boy is Hilarious
When I first saw the trailers for Bubble Boy I thought it looked horrible. But I decided to go see it on opening night anyway (I was bored!) and I was blown away by how funny it was.
Like in an episode of South Park, nothing is sacred or too taboo to laugh at in this movie. It follows Jimmy, a boy born without immunity cells in his body, as he builds a portable bubble (to protect him from germs) and sets off on a road trip to Niagara Falls. Why? Because the woman he loves is getting married and he has to stop the wedding.
I wouldn't want to spoil any of the jokes in this movie, because 95% of them land perfectly and made me laugh. But I'll say this: Zach Galifianakis shows up in one of his first movie appearances and is hilarious. Verne Troyer (RIP) aka Mini Me shows up. There's a bus full of cult members, a biker gang, a train car full of circus freaks, Fabio, an Indian man who runs an "ice cream and curry" truck, and a bunch of crazy situations that constantly surprise.
I've seen this movie at least 6 times and it never stops being funny. Highly recommended.
Like in an episode of South Park, nothing is sacred or too taboo to laugh at in this movie. It follows Jimmy, a boy born without immunity cells in his body, as he builds a portable bubble (to protect him from germs) and sets off on a road trip to Niagara Falls. Why? Because the woman he loves is getting married and he has to stop the wedding.
I wouldn't want to spoil any of the jokes in this movie, because 95% of them land perfectly and made me laugh. But I'll say this: Zach Galifianakis shows up in one of his first movie appearances and is hilarious. Verne Troyer (RIP) aka Mini Me shows up. There's a bus full of cult members, a biker gang, a train car full of circus freaks, Fabio, an Indian man who runs an "ice cream and curry" truck, and a bunch of crazy situations that constantly surprise.
I've seen this movie at least 6 times and it never stops being funny. Highly recommended.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Heir and the Spare in Books
Oct 1, 2018
2.5 stars really but had to round up. I had high expectations for this book. It sounded like the royal we, which I loved, with a bit of mystery thrown in. While it was very similar to the royal we the mystery bit was way too easy to figure out very early on. I didn't like how it jumped around with no lead in or anything to let you know. I also thought it was way too short at 242 pages (nook app). The entire story was horribly underdeveloped. The author could have done so much more both with the characters, who were fairly one dimensional and flat with no real development, and the plot. The back and forth between evie and Edmund got old fast, their relationship could have used more challenges besides the same thing over and over. Would have been nice to see some exploration of the other characters, namely the gang of friends evie and Edmund shared as well as her mother and grandmother. The quest to uncover the family mystery/secret was far too simple. The ending felt rushed. It was just a general disappointment that could have been a great story had the author only taken a little more time to flesh it out. Definitely not worth the $10.99 I paid for it :(
The Unintentional Wish (42 KP) rated Six of Crows in Books
Dec 25, 2019
New Verisom of Sherlock Holmes
Where do I start? Before I read Six Of Crow there was a trilogy before it. And I read it before Six Of Crow came out so when I got my hands on it. I already knew about the world the setting took place. And I recommend anyone to read the trilogy FIRST has there are people, and inside jokes you will miss if you don't but nothing major or important.
But Six Of Crow it self. Was a fanominal book, it was new and different, and there was twist in it I didn't see coming. Six Of Crow left a mark on me where I put it in my Jewel Collection. Kaz is an choas Sherlock Holmes, he dosen't help if there isn't anything in it for him. His gang all have different personalities and back stories. They each add a new element to the story, you get to know them like friends. I don't think there is a si gle thing Leigh could have done to make this story any better. I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what would happen. Also there are some good lessons you could learn for it.
I highly highly recommend this book to anyone willing to expand their taste in genre.
But Six Of Crow it self. Was a fanominal book, it was new and different, and there was twist in it I didn't see coming. Six Of Crow left a mark on me where I put it in my Jewel Collection. Kaz is an choas Sherlock Holmes, he dosen't help if there isn't anything in it for him. His gang all have different personalities and back stories. They each add a new element to the story, you get to know them like friends. I don't think there is a si gle thing Leigh could have done to make this story any better. I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what would happen. Also there are some good lessons you could learn for it.
I highly highly recommend this book to anyone willing to expand their taste in genre.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Jan 8, 2020
Second rate sequel
I'm probably the only person who didn't really rate the first film in this reboot series. Yes it was better than I expected but not great, although having watched this sequel I can definitely now appreciate the first film.
This is by far a second rate sequel. The whole plot and game premise offered is just a little dull and predictable, and the bad guy is this is even less threatening in the first film (which is a shame seen as he's Rory McCann). They've tried to go even more extravagant with the set pieces and action scenes, but it doesn't quite hide the fact that the plot is fairly weak. Which is a shame as seeing the gang all back together again is actually quite fun. The way they've done the avatars this time round started off ridiculously funny, but there are a couple of characters who soon get very irritating very quickly. Thankfully we've got Jack Black who really shines in this no matter who he is, and he at least makes up for some of the more irritating characters. The inclusion of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover seemed entirely unnecessary.
Overall this was a vaguely enjoyable film but despite it's runtime being less than 2 hours, really seemed to drag. And I hate how they've set it up for yet another sequel.
This is by far a second rate sequel. The whole plot and game premise offered is just a little dull and predictable, and the bad guy is this is even less threatening in the first film (which is a shame seen as he's Rory McCann). They've tried to go even more extravagant with the set pieces and action scenes, but it doesn't quite hide the fact that the plot is fairly weak. Which is a shame as seeing the gang all back together again is actually quite fun. The way they've done the avatars this time round started off ridiculously funny, but there are a couple of characters who soon get very irritating very quickly. Thankfully we've got Jack Black who really shines in this no matter who he is, and he at least makes up for some of the more irritating characters. The inclusion of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover seemed entirely unnecessary.
Overall this was a vaguely enjoyable film but despite it's runtime being less than 2 hours, really seemed to drag. And I hate how they've set it up for yet another sequel.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Foul Is Fair in Books
Feb 25, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
It can be said about every book but, especially with this one, people are going to either love or hate Hannah Capin's Foul Is Fair. It is a dark novel of revenge, suicide, abusive relationships, murder, and a gang bang. Oh, and it is a Young Adult novel.
At a party thrown by one of the golden boys of St. Andrew's, the unthinkable happens. It turns out this was not the first time. This time, they picked the wrong girl. Jade has 3 close friends who will help her get revenge. The 4 of them are so close Jade refers to them as her coven. They do not practice witchcraft but their friendship is magical.
It is hard to make such dark themes enjoyable to read but Hannah Capin is able to do it well. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words I would say "dark but fun".
I found myself cheering for Jade and friends to succeed in exacting their revenge. The twists and turns are twisted and gritty. I enjoyed the narrative tone and humor used throughout. Golden boys beware! Something wicked this way comes.
I added Hannah Capin to my "authors to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/24/20.
It can be said about every book but, especially with this one, people are going to either love or hate Hannah Capin's Foul Is Fair. It is a dark novel of revenge, suicide, abusive relationships, murder, and a gang bang. Oh, and it is a Young Adult novel.
At a party thrown by one of the golden boys of St. Andrew's, the unthinkable happens. It turns out this was not the first time. This time, they picked the wrong girl. Jade has 3 close friends who will help her get revenge. The 4 of them are so close Jade refers to them as her coven. They do not practice witchcraft but their friendship is magical.
It is hard to make such dark themes enjoyable to read but Hannah Capin is able to do it well. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words I would say "dark but fun".
I found myself cheering for Jade and friends to succeed in exacting their revenge. The twists and turns are twisted and gritty. I enjoyed the narrative tone and humor used throughout. Golden boys beware! Something wicked this way comes.
I added Hannah Capin to my "authors to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/24/20.
False Apocalypse: From Stalinism to Capitalism
Fatos Lubonja, Andrew Gumbel and John Hodgman
Book
This unique and disturbing work concerns the events of 1997, a tragic year in the history of...