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Jennifer Daniell (108 KP) rated A Wrinkle in Time (2018) in Movies
Apr 17, 2018
A Solid Attempt
I didn't have very high hopes when I saw that they were making this movie, but I think they did an okay job. I love the casting choices for the most part, although Oprah doesn't make a ton of sense for me. That being said I think that however random the casting of the Misses seems they did make it work. I really love that they chose to feature an interracial family and placed emphasis and importance on the acceptance and self love for and of natural hair and features. It is a message little brown girls rarely hear from the world and its an important one. The main issue I had with the movie was that it was very very rushed. Because they crammed multiple books into one movie a lot of details and imagery that make the books so fantastical was lost. The worlds and landscapes they did build and feature were beautifully done, as were the costumes - with one glaring exception - Oprah's eyebrows. Maybe its just me but they were always slightly crooked and just off in general and it was glaring and distracting. If you haven't read the books you will probably enjoy it more than if you have, but you should read them, they're good.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated The Poisonwood Bible in Books
May 25, 2018
Wow! What a story!
The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, missionaries who are living in (pretty scary) parts of Africa for a large part of the book. The book talks a LOT about their religion, and its in general a pretty chilling book. A lot of reviews are judging this book on Christianity or America, or whatever - but I think this book deserves five stars for the story and writing alone. The story was beautiful and it ALMOST made me question everything I've ever thought or believed in! I learned so very much about things in Africa that most of us have no idea are happening - or have happened.
I do think things sort of went back and forth throughout the story - how amazing the African people are, then what monsters they are - but they're just like every other human in America right? It also follows two sisters who are SO different its almost not believable. Rachel and Leah. Rachel is fun to follow - in a way the only humor in the whole book. Their story is fascinating no matter which point of view it's told from.
The book is VERY long. I could have ended it before the adult part - I was bored by that and felt it unnecessary. Otherwise - would def had been 5 stars!
The Poisonwood Bible follows the Price family, missionaries who are living in (pretty scary) parts of Africa for a large part of the book. The book talks a LOT about their religion, and its in general a pretty chilling book. A lot of reviews are judging this book on Christianity or America, or whatever - but I think this book deserves five stars for the story and writing alone. The story was beautiful and it ALMOST made me question everything I've ever thought or believed in! I learned so very much about things in Africa that most of us have no idea are happening - or have happened.
I do think things sort of went back and forth throughout the story - how amazing the African people are, then what monsters they are - but they're just like every other human in America right? It also follows two sisters who are SO different its almost not believable. Rachel and Leah. Rachel is fun to follow - in a way the only humor in the whole book. Their story is fascinating no matter which point of view it's told from.
The book is VERY long. I could have ended it before the adult part - I was bored by that and felt it unnecessary. Otherwise - would def had been 5 stars!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Blackhat (2015) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019
Terribly dull
I’ve had this film on my Sky box now for well over 2 years and I’ve never felt in the right mood to watch it. Due to changing over my Sky box, I’m now having to watch everything I’ve got recorded and I’ve now found out first hand why I’ve been avoiding watching this film for the past few years.
It is so terribly dull and stupid that it could barely hold my attention. Whilst I find the general subject of hacking quite interesting, this film has made it look so terribly boring. I’m also not the biggest fan of Michael Mann’s style and this is definitely not his best work. The few fight scenes could have been good but were spoilt by dodgy camera work, and the music is oddly overly dramatic and misjudged, and doesn’t fit in with the story at all. The plot itself is just convoluted and silly, and jumps all over the place. It also has the most pointless and unbelievable romantic subplot I’ve seen in quite a while. The entire film is just completely disinteresting and badly underused a very talented cast - I really don’t know what Viola Davis was doing in this. Unless you want to be bored for over 2 hours, I’d highly recommend avoiding this one.
It is so terribly dull and stupid that it could barely hold my attention. Whilst I find the general subject of hacking quite interesting, this film has made it look so terribly boring. I’m also not the biggest fan of Michael Mann’s style and this is definitely not his best work. The few fight scenes could have been good but were spoilt by dodgy camera work, and the music is oddly overly dramatic and misjudged, and doesn’t fit in with the story at all. The plot itself is just convoluted and silly, and jumps all over the place. It also has the most pointless and unbelievable romantic subplot I’ve seen in quite a while. The entire film is just completely disinteresting and badly underused a very talented cast - I really don’t know what Viola Davis was doing in this. Unless you want to be bored for over 2 hours, I’d highly recommend avoiding this one.
Rhubarbio (27 KP) rated Chronicles of Crime in Tabletop Games
May 25, 2019
Great use of QR codes (3 more)
Perfect integration of old and new - VR technology with a board game
Co-operative deductive game
Engaging stories!
Chronicles of Crime by Lucky Duck Games is an amazing co-operative game that incorporates QR codes, to be scanned by a mobile phone, VR technology to see crime scenes in 3D, and a board with locations. Therefore this game not only marries technology with traditional gaming, but does this without being tacky or a gimmick! Originally this game was launched via Kickstarter, but I believe this will have hit general release with a few expansions already. The stories are engaging and the game very enjoyable. I must say, the crime scenes are quite sobering and grim, therefore not for children but an amazing experience for adults. The way the game is structured, Lucky Duck can continue to publish new cases, using the characters and locations on the boards you already have, resulting in a potential for continued play beyond the stories contained in the box. I thoroughly recommend this game at a player count of 2-3...more than this, I think it may become a little boring for additional players.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Kong: Skull Island (2017) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018 (Updated Feb 9, 2018)
The Vietnam Movie That Time Forgot
Surprisingly effective and entertaining attempt to combine classic monster movie structure with a Vietnam War movie vibe. The secret monster-hunting agency of the US government organises an expedition to the mysterious Skull Island; everyone gets more than they bargained for. Is it a spoiler to reveal there's quite a big gorilla called Kong in residence?
Leading players Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson seem a bit all at sea but there is some good work from the supporting cast, who know just how much of the scenery to chew - Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, and John C Reilly all raise a smile. The monster mashes are good fun, too. You could probably argue that doing a King Kong movie where Kong never gets off the island kind of misses the point entirely, but this is still arguably the most faithful take on the general tone of the original movie since the 1930s.
Altogether much lighter on its feet and less portentous than the most recent American Godzilla, with which it is in continuity - they don't make a big deal out of this, thankfully, but all-in-all you do rather hope the forthcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla Vs Kong are closer in style to this than the 2014 movie. Toho fans should stick around for the post-credits bit.
Leading players Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson seem a bit all at sea but there is some good work from the supporting cast, who know just how much of the scenery to chew - Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, and John C Reilly all raise a smile. The monster mashes are good fun, too. You could probably argue that doing a King Kong movie where Kong never gets off the island kind of misses the point entirely, but this is still arguably the most faithful take on the general tone of the original movie since the 1930s.
Altogether much lighter on its feet and less portentous than the most recent American Godzilla, with which it is in continuity - they don't make a big deal out of this, thankfully, but all-in-all you do rather hope the forthcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla Vs Kong are closer in style to this than the 2014 movie. Toho fans should stick around for the post-credits bit.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Language Arts in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Charles Marlow is an English teacher at a private high school. His life, therefore, is filled with language and words. However, all the language in the world cannot help him communicate with his son, Cody, who is autistic. Cody's diagnosis took a toll on his marriage and now Charles finds himself alone in the house -- all his kids are out of the house, his marriage has ended -- and he's wrestling with his demons.
I absolutely loved Kallos' "Broken For You," so I was extremely excited to pick up her latest novel. It definitely took some time for this one to grow on me. The book got off to a slow start and Charles is not the most likable of characters. Still, once I got into the plot, it's a lovely tale and extremely moving. Kallos does an amazing job of tying together her ancillary characters into a beautiful way--not one that's trite, per se, but a manner that seems fitting for each.
Overall, the book is a touching tribute to language, in many forms, and to art, as well. It's also a very insightful look at autism and the toll it can take on a family, but also some of the gifts that those termed as "disabled" by the general public can give to us. Definitely worth reading - just be patient.
I absolutely loved Kallos' "Broken For You," so I was extremely excited to pick up her latest novel. It definitely took some time for this one to grow on me. The book got off to a slow start and Charles is not the most likable of characters. Still, once I got into the plot, it's a lovely tale and extremely moving. Kallos does an amazing job of tying together her ancillary characters into a beautiful way--not one that's trite, per se, but a manner that seems fitting for each.
Overall, the book is a touching tribute to language, in many forms, and to art, as well. It's also a very insightful look at autism and the toll it can take on a family, but also some of the gifts that those termed as "disabled" by the general public can give to us. Definitely worth reading - just be patient.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Different to other Marvel films (1 more)
Strong female characters
CGI (2 more)
Some under developed characters
Weak villain
Good but a little overrated
Considering the general praise for this film, I had been expecting great things and although for a Marvel origins film it's pretty good, I still found it a bit disappointing.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Quantum of Solace (2008) in Movies
Mar 1, 2018 (Updated Mar 2, 2018)
Twenty-second Bond film was initially greeted like an outbreak of flatulence in a crowded train, but with the benefit of a few years it has become clear it's not quite as bad as all that. The first proper sequel in Bond history sees the commander in pursuit of the mysterious Quantum syndicate, a hunt that takes him to the Caribbean, Europe, and South America.
Still a very untypical Bond film, with an austere, bleak mood; likely to feature prominently in pub quizzes as the answer to the questions 'which is the shortest Bond movie?' and 'in which film do Bond and the Bond girl not actually do it?' You can see the influence of the Bourne series in the attempt to turn Bond into a more edgy, self-doubting figure, and the general distrust of security agencies as a whole; but these things are not really the stuff of a good Bond film, and nor is a plot revolving around a plan to topple the government of a country most viewers would struggle to find on a map.
Competently-staged fights and chases, particularly the final set-piece, but most of the jokes fall flat and, well, it's just not really fun enough to really work as a piece of Bond. Commendable attempt though, and not actively painful to watch.
Still a very untypical Bond film, with an austere, bleak mood; likely to feature prominently in pub quizzes as the answer to the questions 'which is the shortest Bond movie?' and 'in which film do Bond and the Bond girl not actually do it?' You can see the influence of the Bourne series in the attempt to turn Bond into a more edgy, self-doubting figure, and the general distrust of security agencies as a whole; but these things are not really the stuff of a good Bond film, and nor is a plot revolving around a plan to topple the government of a country most viewers would struggle to find on a map.
Competently-staged fights and chases, particularly the final set-piece, but most of the jokes fall flat and, well, it's just not really fun enough to really work as a piece of Bond. Commendable attempt though, and not actively painful to watch.
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 :(
Awix (3310 KP) rated Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
Unwanted and underwhelming third outing for Rowan Atkinson's credit-card-advert-character from long ago. When a cyber-attack on the British government exposes the identity of every active agent, retired spy/moron Johnny English is brought back to find those responsible. Much obvious slapstick and many painfully telegraphed punchlines ensue; I did laugh a bit, but possibly out of sympathy.
This time around it seems obvious that the film is being pitched towards a very young audience, which explains its general silliness and reluctance to engage in anything resembling actual satire - as it is, the film's capacity to get real-world issues utterly wrong is almost uncanny (Britain and the Russians team up to stop cyber-terrorists). On the other hand, some of it feels aimed at older viewers who are generally suspicious and resentful of the modern world (the internet is bad, smartphones are bad, the Health and Safety Act is silly, etc). Maybe it's meant to be a film for right-wing grandparents to take their kids' kids to.
On the other hand, it's Rowan Atkinson, who is a superbly gifted clown, and there are inevitably a few amusing bits along the way - but not nearly enough, given his talent. Hopefully this is as close to actually not being funny as he will ever get.
This time around it seems obvious that the film is being pitched towards a very young audience, which explains its general silliness and reluctance to engage in anything resembling actual satire - as it is, the film's capacity to get real-world issues utterly wrong is almost uncanny (Britain and the Russians team up to stop cyber-terrorists). On the other hand, some of it feels aimed at older viewers who are generally suspicious and resentful of the modern world (the internet is bad, smartphones are bad, the Health and Safety Act is silly, etc). Maybe it's meant to be a film for right-wing grandparents to take their kids' kids to.
On the other hand, it's Rowan Atkinson, who is a superbly gifted clown, and there are inevitably a few amusing bits along the way - but not nearly enough, given his talent. Hopefully this is as close to actually not being funny as he will ever get.