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Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Mafia III in Video Games
May 31, 2019
A Deep and complex protagonist. (3 more)
Nice combination of ideas from other sources worked into a fresh new title.
Amazing soundtrack that feels right for time and the game.
Interesting way to tell the story
Not enough side activities when put next to GTA, Watch Digs or Sleeping Dogs (2 more)
Slower pacing than other games in genre.
Sometimes but repeative
A Thrilling Crime Thriller
Still on progress!
I have been playing Mafia 3 for few hours so far. I do really like this game. Adds something to the genre and is missing from GTA or Sleeping Dogs. That is seeing someone go from War Hero to Crimeload.
So far I am just building the Crime Empire up. But from the moment I saw Lincoln I was drawn in by this character who seems to be falling into the darkness. Much like CJ from GTA San Andreas, Lincoln has a shady past, du to his up bringing. However unlike CJ who was a gang-banger. Lincoln has that Crime Syndicate sense of 'honour' and 'respect'. The characters he meets from good of Father James to Cassandra and the other allies are interesting to meet and get to know.
Game play is interesting, not totally original however combine mechanics from other games makes for a unique experience. The stealth had the best parts of Assassin's Creed being able to lure targets into ambushes. Having visual indicates that the law can see you helps also.
I just wish there was more to do away from the main story. GTA, Watch Dogs and Sleeping Dogs all offer a staggering amount of side quests and activities. Mafia 3 seems a bit more linear, which is sad as the characters and world are well developed and flushed out. Even the missions are interesting if a little samey in parts. Overall I am still playing through this and I am hoping for more twists and turns. The story has me roped in and in an age where there are loads of games out there with great stories. That is important
I have been playing Mafia 3 for few hours so far. I do really like this game. Adds something to the genre and is missing from GTA or Sleeping Dogs. That is seeing someone go from War Hero to Crimeload.
So far I am just building the Crime Empire up. But from the moment I saw Lincoln I was drawn in by this character who seems to be falling into the darkness. Much like CJ from GTA San Andreas, Lincoln has a shady past, du to his up bringing. However unlike CJ who was a gang-banger. Lincoln has that Crime Syndicate sense of 'honour' and 'respect'. The characters he meets from good of Father James to Cassandra and the other allies are interesting to meet and get to know.
Game play is interesting, not totally original however combine mechanics from other games makes for a unique experience. The stealth had the best parts of Assassin's Creed being able to lure targets into ambushes. Having visual indicates that the law can see you helps also.
I just wish there was more to do away from the main story. GTA, Watch Dogs and Sleeping Dogs all offer a staggering amount of side quests and activities. Mafia 3 seems a bit more linear, which is sad as the characters and world are well developed and flushed out. Even the missions are interesting if a little samey in parts. Overall I am still playing through this and I am hoping for more twists and turns. The story has me roped in and in an age where there are loads of games out there with great stories. That is important
Kyera (8 KP) rated Smash & Grab in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Smash & Grab isn't a unique premise - "Uptown girl - She's been living in her uptown world". It's a theme that runs through many books. Clearly, Lexi is bored, rich and looking or an adrenaline rush. The moment the book switched to the perspective of the poor, smart "backstreet guy" or "downtown man" - you knew that there was going to be a romance or chemistry between the two. Despite the unsurprising connection between the two main characters, the book was quite enjoyable.
Lexi was not a vapid, rich girl but had a depth to her character. She goes through trials and doesn't just say, "oh woe is me" but actively attempts to remedy things. Yes, her dad might be guilty but he is not alone in his guilt nor was he the mastermind of the scheme. Lexi suspects her father's boss and is determined to do whatever she can to prove his guilt. This plan leads her to cross paths a number of times with a mysterious boy, our other narrator.
Christian is a bank robber. He and his crew, his cousin and a few other neighborhood guys, do jobs for the local Mexican gang. But if Christian had his way, he wouldn't be involved in any of that. He's smart, he loves to read and he wants to go to college. But his family was threatened and that's more important to him. That's how he gets forced into a job that will target the very bank that Lexi is attempting to infiltrate. The one her father used to work at. The one she conned her way into getting an internship at.
The two don't trust each other but know that in order to succeed they must work together. This is certainly a fun, easy summer read. Do not expect a literary classic, but it's definitely enjoyable. The story has good pacing overall, although the end was a little rushed. I recommend checking out this enjoyable read - especially if you want to find out what happens.
Lexi was not a vapid, rich girl but had a depth to her character. She goes through trials and doesn't just say, "oh woe is me" but actively attempts to remedy things. Yes, her dad might be guilty but he is not alone in his guilt nor was he the mastermind of the scheme. Lexi suspects her father's boss and is determined to do whatever she can to prove his guilt. This plan leads her to cross paths a number of times with a mysterious boy, our other narrator.
Christian is a bank robber. He and his crew, his cousin and a few other neighborhood guys, do jobs for the local Mexican gang. But if Christian had his way, he wouldn't be involved in any of that. He's smart, he loves to read and he wants to go to college. But his family was threatened and that's more important to him. That's how he gets forced into a job that will target the very bank that Lexi is attempting to infiltrate. The one her father used to work at. The one she conned her way into getting an internship at.
The two don't trust each other but know that in order to succeed they must work together. This is certainly a fun, easy summer read. Do not expect a literary classic, but it's definitely enjoyable. The story has good pacing overall, although the end was a little rushed. I recommend checking out this enjoyable read - especially if you want to find out what happens.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Mandy (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018
Unique storytelling and visual splendor at its finest!
You never know what to think when you start a movie starring Nicolas Cage. He's almost a mockery of himself these days with so many unusual, crappy over-the-top performances, I was skeptical of this one to say the least.
I don't remember where I even heard of this film. Must have been one of the movie sites I frequent. I actually decided to purchase having not watched first, something I rarely do indeed.
To say this is a story of revenge doesn't really do it justice. In fact any words I can place here in this review won't really explain. When Nicolas Cage and his wife are kidnapped by a gang of hooligan, crazed hippie religious freaks, that is just the beginning. After some bad things happen, Cage is changed forever as he embarks down the long tunnel of revenge and vengeance for blood.
Normally, technical prowess, or saying the film "looks great" doesn't impress me since, in the age of CGI, pretty much every movie looks flawless these days.
Something about the art direction, cinematography, editing, haunting musical score, costumes and gory brutal make-up effects come together to create a truly unique film.
I can see influences from Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness, Rob Zombie's House of 1,000 Corpses and even Lars von Trier's Antichrist at times and even elements from Darren Aronofsky's Mother! or Clive Barker's Hellraiser.
The film is definitely not for everyone. I would predict others rating this film from 1 to 10 (like Mother!) but would have to admit you had never seen anything like it. Director Panos Cosmatos is one I will have to keep an eye on.
Please watch Mandy and let me know what you think whether you agree or disagree. I'd be very interested to hear and debate with you.
I don't remember where I even heard of this film. Must have been one of the movie sites I frequent. I actually decided to purchase having not watched first, something I rarely do indeed.
To say this is a story of revenge doesn't really do it justice. In fact any words I can place here in this review won't really explain. When Nicolas Cage and his wife are kidnapped by a gang of hooligan, crazed hippie religious freaks, that is just the beginning. After some bad things happen, Cage is changed forever as he embarks down the long tunnel of revenge and vengeance for blood.
Normally, technical prowess, or saying the film "looks great" doesn't impress me since, in the age of CGI, pretty much every movie looks flawless these days.
Something about the art direction, cinematography, editing, haunting musical score, costumes and gory brutal make-up effects come together to create a truly unique film.
I can see influences from Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness, Rob Zombie's House of 1,000 Corpses and even Lars von Trier's Antichrist at times and even elements from Darren Aronofsky's Mother! or Clive Barker's Hellraiser.
The film is definitely not for everyone. I would predict others rating this film from 1 to 10 (like Mother!) but would have to admit you had never seen anything like it. Director Panos Cosmatos is one I will have to keep an eye on.
Please watch Mandy and let me know what you think whether you agree or disagree. I'd be very interested to hear and debate with you.
Merissa (12914 KP) rated Illumined Shadows (Treble and the Lost Boys #3) in Books
Jan 7, 2019
Illumined Shadows (Treble and the Lost Boys #3) by G.R. Lyons
Illumined Shadows is the third and final book in the Treble and the Lost Boys series, and we finally get Vic's story. You know something big is behind him, due to how he was with Ryley, however, in this book you get the full tragedy of just what exactly happened.
Everything is brought back to Vic when he rescues Colby from the 'Bad Man'. This was a perfect example of how monsters can hide in the light, when Colby only felt safe in the dark. These two have one helluva road to travel, and the rest of the Treble gang are there to help whenever needed.
This book has a trigger warning for a reason! This is a dark story, that doesn't hold its punches, so be warned. However, it is also excellently written, being descriptive enough to get the full horror, without being gratuitous.
I have loved this series, and have no hesitation in recommending it. I will say the only reason this is a 4-star book is simply because I couldn't quite get my head around Colby's age. Due to his lack of growth, he was small for his age (Vic is able to carry him around on his hip!). Due to his lack of education, and the atrocities that happened to him, his mindset is slightly child-like. Couple this with Vic calling him 'My sweet boy', and it became slightly uncomfortable for me to read. I had to keep reminding myself he was actually 22-years-old.
On the whole, this is a fantastic book that finishes off this series with aplomb. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Everything is brought back to Vic when he rescues Colby from the 'Bad Man'. This was a perfect example of how monsters can hide in the light, when Colby only felt safe in the dark. These two have one helluva road to travel, and the rest of the Treble gang are there to help whenever needed.
This book has a trigger warning for a reason! This is a dark story, that doesn't hold its punches, so be warned. However, it is also excellently written, being descriptive enough to get the full horror, without being gratuitous.
I have loved this series, and have no hesitation in recommending it. I will say the only reason this is a 4-star book is simply because I couldn't quite get my head around Colby's age. Due to his lack of growth, he was small for his age (Vic is able to carry him around on his hip!). Due to his lack of education, and the atrocities that happened to him, his mindset is slightly child-like. Couple this with Vic calling him 'My sweet boy', and it became slightly uncomfortable for me to read. I had to keep reminding myself he was actually 22-years-old.
On the whole, this is a fantastic book that finishes off this series with aplomb. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Summer of '79 in Books
Mar 19, 2020
This is an excellent novella following up with the Foley/Levin gang ten years after the events of Summer of '69. Kate and her children, Blair, Kirby, Tiger, and Jessie, gather again on Nantucket after the death of Kate's mother, Exalta.
"Exalta is dead. She died in her sleep two days earlier in the house on Fair Street, while Mr. Crimmins, their former caretaker, slept beside her."
There are a few books in the world that end perfectly, and you don't need another word. But many books are so engaging--the characters so vivid--that you often wonder what has happened to them. Elin Hilderbrand is such an excellent author and so good at world-building for her characters. It only makes sense that she would allow us to check in on her characters at a later date. And, because she's so good at bringing them to life, the concept works perfectly.
This is a slim e-book (coming out later in book form as part of a tribute anthology to the late Dorothea Benton Frank). I read it easily in one setting and quite enjoyed catching up with Kate and the kids, particularly the youngest, Jessie, who was my favorite in '69 and remains so ten years later.
"She feels like a stranger in her own family, but there’s nothing new about that."
Despite the somber occasion for which the family has gathered, it's quite fun to check in on them ten years later. Hilderbrand switches POV from Kate to all four of the kids, allowing us to see what they've been doing and how they feel. We also find Kate adjusting to moving into the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother.
Overall, if you enjoyed Summer of '69, this is a great novella to catch you up on some beloved characters. I kind of wish we could have novellas like this for other favorite books. 4 stars.
"Exalta is dead. She died in her sleep two days earlier in the house on Fair Street, while Mr. Crimmins, their former caretaker, slept beside her."
There are a few books in the world that end perfectly, and you don't need another word. But many books are so engaging--the characters so vivid--that you often wonder what has happened to them. Elin Hilderbrand is such an excellent author and so good at world-building for her characters. It only makes sense that she would allow us to check in on her characters at a later date. And, because she's so good at bringing them to life, the concept works perfectly.
This is a slim e-book (coming out later in book form as part of a tribute anthology to the late Dorothea Benton Frank). I read it easily in one setting and quite enjoyed catching up with Kate and the kids, particularly the youngest, Jessie, who was my favorite in '69 and remains so ten years later.
"She feels like a stranger in her own family, but there’s nothing new about that."
Despite the somber occasion for which the family has gathered, it's quite fun to check in on them ten years later. Hilderbrand switches POV from Kate to all four of the kids, allowing us to see what they've been doing and how they feel. We also find Kate adjusting to moving into the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother.
Overall, if you enjoyed Summer of '69, this is a great novella to catch you up on some beloved characters. I kind of wish we could have novellas like this for other favorite books. 4 stars.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Are you ready kids?”
“Aye, Aye, Captain…………”
As if, one motion picture wasn’t enough. Nickelodeon decides to release a sequel to the well received 2004 movie, “Spongebob Squarepants.”
The game is afoot with pirate Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas), who finds a treasure map that leads him to a legendary book. This book tells the story of the day in the life of the residence of Bikini Bottom. Spongebob is hard a work flipping burgers at the Krusty Krab. Plankton as usual is trying steal the secret recipe to everyone’s favorite snack, the Krabby patty. In the midst of the battle to save the recipe from Plankton’s evil hands, the recipe vanishes in midair. When the town realizes this may be the end of the Krabby patty forever, everyone begins panic, panic turns into destruction, and destruction leads to a satirical play on every post-apocalyptic film imaginable. Always the skeptic, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) turns the town and Spongebob’s closest friends against him. Forcing Spongebob to team up with Plankton, who has his own ulterior motives, to search for the recipe.
Plankton decides the best way to try to find the recipe is to invent a time machine so they can travel back to just before the recipe disappeared. Thus begins the adventure of travelling through time and ultimately ending with the entire gang, dressed up as superheroes, venturing on land to locate Burger Beard and get the recipe back.
Director Paul Tibbitt does an excellent job at taking all the visual humor that we’ve come to love from the TV show, and presents it with wonderful animation and stellar computer generated sequences for the dry land scenes.
Ninety minutes of Spongebob and friends’ zany antics, absurdities, and that obnoxious laugh is more than any parent can handle. That aside, you don’t have to be a fan of the show to enjoy those goofy laugh out loud moments. Definitely a movie geared towards kids!
“Aye, Aye, Captain…………”
As if, one motion picture wasn’t enough. Nickelodeon decides to release a sequel to the well received 2004 movie, “Spongebob Squarepants.”
The game is afoot with pirate Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas), who finds a treasure map that leads him to a legendary book. This book tells the story of the day in the life of the residence of Bikini Bottom. Spongebob is hard a work flipping burgers at the Krusty Krab. Plankton as usual is trying steal the secret recipe to everyone’s favorite snack, the Krabby patty. In the midst of the battle to save the recipe from Plankton’s evil hands, the recipe vanishes in midair. When the town realizes this may be the end of the Krabby patty forever, everyone begins panic, panic turns into destruction, and destruction leads to a satirical play on every post-apocalyptic film imaginable. Always the skeptic, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) turns the town and Spongebob’s closest friends against him. Forcing Spongebob to team up with Plankton, who has his own ulterior motives, to search for the recipe.
Plankton decides the best way to try to find the recipe is to invent a time machine so they can travel back to just before the recipe disappeared. Thus begins the adventure of travelling through time and ultimately ending with the entire gang, dressed up as superheroes, venturing on land to locate Burger Beard and get the recipe back.
Director Paul Tibbitt does an excellent job at taking all the visual humor that we’ve come to love from the TV show, and presents it with wonderful animation and stellar computer generated sequences for the dry land scenes.
Ninety minutes of Spongebob and friends’ zany antics, absurdities, and that obnoxious laugh is more than any parent can handle. That aside, you don’t have to be a fan of the show to enjoy those goofy laugh out loud moments. Definitely a movie geared towards kids!
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