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Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
May 13, 2019
We arnt Venom
#venom is this years biggest flop. Inconsistent, #boring, generic & makes even #spiderman 3 look good in comparison. What wound me up most is the characters/the acting, every single person in this film underreacts not only to situations but to each others presence too. There's simply no #emotion towards anyone or anything, #sadness, shock, #horror & #panic all feel missing from everyone giving each of them a hollow & cartoonish feel. Characters also lack #motivation for any of their actions making a good chunk of them completely disposable. Tone wise its a mess with the sparce #horrific/#dark scenes edge taken away instantly because they are followed by such a #childish/out of place slapstick #comedy vibe. Infact Venoms tone felt more like watching #Jumanji rather than a 15 certificate #film with most of its runtime feeling like an over simplified dumbed down #family film. There's so many inconsistencies too like relationships going from hostile to fine with no explanation, characters figuring things out first time without having found evidence, people appear out of seemingly nowhere on multiple occasions & nobody ever notices any of the #death/destruction being caused around the city. Its all so obvious that it feels like either huge chunks of the film is either missing or someone was really bad at editing & keeping consistency. Action is poor, forgettable, generic & anticlimactic & the cgi #feels cheap, #lazy & unimaginative like a straight to dvd #movie. Plot is borderline offensive its that basic with so many early visual cues to whats going to happen that its really #inteligence insulting at times. #tomhardy is great as always & really seems like he's giving it his all but the bad writing & awful script kill what #charm & likability his character has completely & the interaction between him & Venom lacks punch & believability too. #Upgrade proved this year that you dont need a big budget to make a great film about losing control of yourself & yet Venom with all its backing doesnt even come close to doing anything right. Last years #life would of made a far better venom movie than this. #wednesdaywisdom #filmcritic #stanlee #mcu #comic #marvel
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
In a tale as vast and epic as the Oceans that frames the story: “Aquaman” has arrived in a flurry of action and adventure.
The film tells the origin of Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), who is half mortal and half Atlantean, thanks to his human father rescuing his mother, an Atlantean royal, and falling in love.
The love between his parents is forbidden under the customs of the people of Atlantis and in time his mother is forced to return to Atlantis, leaving Arthur to be raised by his human father.
When his power-hungry half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), plots to wage war on the surface world, Princess Mera (Amber Heard), attempts to convince Arthur to make his first trip to Atlantis to challenge Orm for the throne and become king. Naturally a lifetime of resentment toward the people who divided his parents has made Arthur unwilling to help, especially when the key to victory requires locating and retrieving an artfact that will bring peace to
his people and those of the surface world.
With an army of Atlantean soldiers pursuing him as well as the evil Black Manta set on revenge, Arthur faces an uphill battle as he races against time and his own conflicted emotions to save the day.
Director James Wan has done an amazing job of giving audiences a lavish and action-filled experience that never loses the characters as the main
focus of the story. He cleverly blends the lore of Aquaman with a modern
twist yet stays true to the character. Jason Momoa has an intriguing presence, giving the character more depth than expected. The supporting cast is solid and the film rarely loses pacing or fails to keep you fascinated throughout.
Warner has had some issues with recent adaptations of DC characters but, like Wonder Woman, “Aquaman” delivers on action and storytelling. The film also contains a strong message about ecology without being preachy. This is one of the more entertaining films of the year and should make fans of the character happy. I look forward to seeing what adventure comes next for Aquaman.
http://sknr.net/2018/12/18/aquaman/
The film tells the origin of Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), who is half mortal and half Atlantean, thanks to his human father rescuing his mother, an Atlantean royal, and falling in love.
The love between his parents is forbidden under the customs of the people of Atlantis and in time his mother is forced to return to Atlantis, leaving Arthur to be raised by his human father.
When his power-hungry half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), plots to wage war on the surface world, Princess Mera (Amber Heard), attempts to convince Arthur to make his first trip to Atlantis to challenge Orm for the throne and become king. Naturally a lifetime of resentment toward the people who divided his parents has made Arthur unwilling to help, especially when the key to victory requires locating and retrieving an artfact that will bring peace to
his people and those of the surface world.
With an army of Atlantean soldiers pursuing him as well as the evil Black Manta set on revenge, Arthur faces an uphill battle as he races against time and his own conflicted emotions to save the day.
Director James Wan has done an amazing job of giving audiences a lavish and action-filled experience that never loses the characters as the main
focus of the story. He cleverly blends the lore of Aquaman with a modern
twist yet stays true to the character. Jason Momoa has an intriguing presence, giving the character more depth than expected. The supporting cast is solid and the film rarely loses pacing or fails to keep you fascinated throughout.
Warner has had some issues with recent adaptations of DC characters but, like Wonder Woman, “Aquaman” delivers on action and storytelling. The film also contains a strong message about ecology without being preachy. This is one of the more entertaining films of the year and should make fans of the character happy. I look forward to seeing what adventure comes next for Aquaman.
http://sknr.net/2018/12/18/aquaman/
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Paris Mysteries in Books
Dec 27, 2019
Crime fiction stripped bare - all tell
"Show, don't tell" is the mantra of many authors. It means give the reader the information so they can decipher the plot at their own pace, with various tidbits of information scattered throughout a book. It doesn't mean long rambling sections of exposition.
This phrase was clearly coined after Poe's demise, as he doesn't seem to have ever heard it.
Yes, he is undoubtedly the first and most important writer of detective/crime fiction. This by no means suggests it is any good.
The three stories are really just a setting out of a mysterious crime with some facts/suspicions, with a lengthy monologue where C August Dupin solves the mystery. That's it. No suspense. No character development. No real scene setting. Just a slightly puzzling crime followed by a smartarse giving the solution.
The main thing to take away from these three Poe stories is that the police and detectives used to be rubbish and looked for the wrong evidence, or were sidetracked by what they wanted to see. There are many crimes and stories with apparently impossible solutions which can't seem to be unravelled. This idea absolutely was the genesis of the rich and varied crime genre we have today. The idea that a strange set of circumstances can arise where an apparently normal crime can be committed but with the evidence so obscure and tangled that unravelling it would take a genius.
Sadly, Poe didn't put the story around the bare bones of these crimes. So all we have is three exam questions with a know-it-all giving the answer, with no charm, no suspense, no thrilling conclusion. One of them barely even concludes the murderer, just spends an age picking holes in the logic applied by various newspapers in trying to document the crime.
I might be interested in reading a retelling of these stories (except the one where a letter has simply gone missing and is found my looking somewhere obvious), where someone actually weaves a narrative around the bare bones.
I appreciate Poe's efforts because of what followed, but not for what they themselves are.
This phrase was clearly coined after Poe's demise, as he doesn't seem to have ever heard it.
Yes, he is undoubtedly the first and most important writer of detective/crime fiction. This by no means suggests it is any good.
The three stories are really just a setting out of a mysterious crime with some facts/suspicions, with a lengthy monologue where C August Dupin solves the mystery. That's it. No suspense. No character development. No real scene setting. Just a slightly puzzling crime followed by a smartarse giving the solution.
The main thing to take away from these three Poe stories is that the police and detectives used to be rubbish and looked for the wrong evidence, or were sidetracked by what they wanted to see. There are many crimes and stories with apparently impossible solutions which can't seem to be unravelled. This idea absolutely was the genesis of the rich and varied crime genre we have today. The idea that a strange set of circumstances can arise where an apparently normal crime can be committed but with the evidence so obscure and tangled that unravelling it would take a genius.
Sadly, Poe didn't put the story around the bare bones of these crimes. So all we have is three exam questions with a know-it-all giving the answer, with no charm, no suspense, no thrilling conclusion. One of them barely even concludes the murderer, just spends an age picking holes in the logic applied by various newspapers in trying to document the crime.
I might be interested in reading a retelling of these stories (except the one where a letter has simply gone missing and is found my looking somewhere obvious), where someone actually weaves a narrative around the bare bones.
I appreciate Poe's efforts because of what followed, but not for what they themselves are.
Shauny (14 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery - Season 1 in TV
Feb 3, 2021
So, I started the series with high hopes and ended it slightly underwhelmed. The first few episodes are fairly gripping if a bit fast paced, but the immediate action ment that I was invested in the plot straight away. The visual effects are stunning, having just watched the original series it's almost jarring to see a star trek series that looks so modern and realistic, the production quality really ups the standard of this show. The overall acting of the show is okay, I particularly enjoyed Sonequa Martin-Greens performance of Micheal. However, I wasn't so keen on her character being the center of the entire plot, and her seemingly endless skills and knowledge, I'm not a huge fan of the 'chosen one' character trope. Compared to the origin star trek series, Discovery is very dark and pessimistic. It's a lot more war focused, a long way away from the original series more optimistic and 'utopian' future. That being said, just because it isn't like the original star trek, it doesn't mean that it doesn't have it's one appeal. The series has an overarching storyline, each episode relating directly to the next, so if your looking for some light watching, this might not be the show for you. There is a particular plot twist near the end of the series that I really enjoyed but felt was slightly rushed, and of course some plot holes but that's inevitable with a show like this. Overall, it's an enjoyable TV series, I would definitely recommend giving it a watch ( just don't go in expecting it to be like other star trek series). Not only is it visually stunning to watch, the plot is engaging, they're are many references that star trek fans will enjoy, and the cast is extremely diverse and refreshing as well!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Like a Lily Among the Thorns in Books
Jun 20, 2022
LIKE A LILY AMONG THE THORNS is a standalone book (at the moment) with an open ending that mixes fantasy with fact, giving information about climate change with 'normal' events.
This story is told mainly from two perspectives - Gabrielle and a narrator. You also get odd chapters either told from other perspectives, or by the narrator giving you further information on one of the other characters.
In a Cinderella-esque way, Gabrielle's life turns around, due to her faith in the cosmos. She practices mindfulness and is determined not to let life get her down. This is partly due to her childhood. Unfortunately, at times, this made her seem un-grounded and living in a fantasy land, refusing to face reality. After some adventures, she ends up at her B&B in Vermont, with a host of characters to support her. In fact, apart from being the owner, I'm not entirely sure what her role was.
This is a wordy book, with some unfortunate info-dumps throughout. There are also hints and questions asked of the reader that goes nowhere. The pacing is okay but it could definitely be tightened up in places. And there is no need to head-hop into the mind of a minor character who is only there for a page or two. Although the blurb states they are a 'group of saviors', just how they are supposed to do this apart from changing the B&B is unclear, especially given that they are all ignoring the problem towards the end.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable book about a crisis I firmly believe in. I guess my hopes were higher than were realistic. This is my first read by this author. If you have read her work before and liked it, I think you will like this story. As for me, I found it tricky to get along with.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
This story is told mainly from two perspectives - Gabrielle and a narrator. You also get odd chapters either told from other perspectives, or by the narrator giving you further information on one of the other characters.
In a Cinderella-esque way, Gabrielle's life turns around, due to her faith in the cosmos. She practices mindfulness and is determined not to let life get her down. This is partly due to her childhood. Unfortunately, at times, this made her seem un-grounded and living in a fantasy land, refusing to face reality. After some adventures, she ends up at her B&B in Vermont, with a host of characters to support her. In fact, apart from being the owner, I'm not entirely sure what her role was.
This is a wordy book, with some unfortunate info-dumps throughout. There are also hints and questions asked of the reader that goes nowhere. The pacing is okay but it could definitely be tightened up in places. And there is no need to head-hop into the mind of a minor character who is only there for a page or two. Although the blurb states they are a 'group of saviors', just how they are supposed to do this apart from changing the B&B is unclear, especially given that they are all ignoring the problem towards the end.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable book about a crisis I firmly believe in. I guess my hopes were higher than were realistic. This is my first read by this author. If you have read her work before and liked it, I think you will like this story. As for me, I found it tricky to get along with.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Kynhaven (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #3) in Books
Dec 27, 2021
KYNHAVEN is the third full-length novel in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series, and we start off with a tragedy. Cora, Mason's twin sister, who we have met in previous books is viciously murdered. Mason is shattered by this news and, with the help of his team, quickly find the killer. As they deal with him, they find out that he had more than one victim, but only one survivor. This sends Mason off to find them, to learn all he can. This leads him to Jessi. She is broken but living, finding peace in tending to her bees. Mason awakens something in her, and her future looks promising. Things change though, and she can't stay where she is forever. She's survived a sadistic killer but will she survive Sziveria Society?
This story moves along at a steady pace, giving the reader time to take in all the emotions and plots that keep it interesting and intriguing. There are 'guest appearances' from previous couples, which is always nice to see and you get an idea of how their lives are moving along.
Mason is the perfect gentleman in this story. He gives Jessi all the power and moves along at her pace, accepting her rejections with grace and dignity, which is just what she needed. Jessi is stronger than she realises and faces challenge after challenge, some of which come from close to home. Trust me, motherly love isn't really a thing in this book!
The overall story arc is also moving along nicely, giving snippets as necessary, whilst still allowing for the romantic storyline to take shape.
There are some steamy moments that show the growth and level of trust between Mason and Jessi.
This was a brilliant addition to the series and highly recommended by me, so long as you start from the beginning so it all makes sense!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
This story moves along at a steady pace, giving the reader time to take in all the emotions and plots that keep it interesting and intriguing. There are 'guest appearances' from previous couples, which is always nice to see and you get an idea of how their lives are moving along.
Mason is the perfect gentleman in this story. He gives Jessi all the power and moves along at her pace, accepting her rejections with grace and dignity, which is just what she needed. Jessi is stronger than she realises and faces challenge after challenge, some of which come from close to home. Trust me, motherly love isn't really a thing in this book!
The overall story arc is also moving along nicely, giving snippets as necessary, whilst still allowing for the romantic storyline to take shape.
There are some steamy moments that show the growth and level of trust between Mason and Jessi.
This was a brilliant addition to the series and highly recommended by me, so long as you start from the beginning so it all makes sense!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Audible – audio books, original series & podcasts in Apps
Nov 2, 2017 (Updated Nov 2, 2017)
Yay to content, nay to app
I'm torn between giving this a good rating for its content and a bad rating for the app itself, which is the worst on my phone.
Audible itself, is an absolutely brilliant service for those who listen to a lot of audiobooks. For one, the collection is mammoth, much more than Kobo and Scribd. And while one credit doesn't seem like much per month for a book, the daily deals are pretty great and reasonably priced. As a result, I'm able to read two books simultaneously, as well as multitask while listening.
The app on the other hand, is the bane of my existence. While you want to look at your stats as it collects the number of hours you listen to per day, if you pause it for a second, it resets to zero. This is for Android in particular. The bugs are a serious problem, which is why I've complained to Amazon several times about this to no avail. So content yes, app itself no.
Audible itself, is an absolutely brilliant service for those who listen to a lot of audiobooks. For one, the collection is mammoth, much more than Kobo and Scribd. And while one credit doesn't seem like much per month for a book, the daily deals are pretty great and reasonably priced. As a result, I'm able to read two books simultaneously, as well as multitask while listening.
The app on the other hand, is the bane of my existence. While you want to look at your stats as it collects the number of hours you listen to per day, if you pause it for a second, it resets to zero. This is for Android in particular. The bugs are a serious problem, which is why I've complained to Amazon several times about this to no avail. So content yes, app itself no.
stacey (81 KP) rated Fighting Destiny in Books
May 16, 2017
Everything (3 more)
plot
character development
Sexy alpha males
I can i get a hell YES!
I've read this book 6 time.. 6 BLOODY times, and i'm still left with the same thought... Who is he?
Now i have my theories in this and i have my doubts but damn is it ever a roller coaster of pure sexual tension.
Now i don't always like when there's too much tension, i mean yea i get it. You want to screw her brains out, but like come on are we teengers afraid to go near the person we like because we're afraid they aren't going to like us back when clearly they are giving you the " come here" eyes.
You're an adult now pull up your big boy panties and go get her, GOD DAMN MAN.
Although.. i will say this, i still love it because even though i've got to wait because the author loves to toy with my emotions -.-" It is incredibly written to the extent that i'm literally laughing with joy at how it proceeds.
Now i have my theories in this and i have my doubts but damn is it ever a roller coaster of pure sexual tension.
Now i don't always like when there's too much tension, i mean yea i get it. You want to screw her brains out, but like come on are we teengers afraid to go near the person we like because we're afraid they aren't going to like us back when clearly they are giving you the " come here" eyes.
You're an adult now pull up your big boy panties and go get her, GOD DAMN MAN.
Although.. i will say this, i still love it because even though i've got to wait because the author loves to toy with my emotions -.-" It is incredibly written to the extent that i'm literally laughing with joy at how it proceeds.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated By The Book in Books
Jun 26, 2017
By the Book by Maria Vickers
By the Book is a story that will give you the warm fuzzies as you pray for Josh and Sam to get together, and to STAY together. This may sound easy, but these two have both families against them. Josh does act immature at times, but he is actually mature enough to realise it! Sam is trying so hard to do the right thing, that he may end up losing the best thing for him.
This is a wonderful story, excellently told, and giving great insight into how family can cause issues even if they are not on the doorstep! With plenty of situations to keep the characters on their toes, their characters grow throughout. This is definitely a feel-good book, that has no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed.
Hot, steamy, tender, poignant, it's all here. Definitely 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!
This is a wonderful story, excellently told, and giving great insight into how family can cause issues even if they are not on the doorstep! With plenty of situations to keep the characters on their toes, their characters grow throughout. This is definitely a feel-good book, that has no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed.
Hot, steamy, tender, poignant, it's all here. Definitely 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!
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Belko Experiment (2017) in Movies
Jul 12, 2017
Axes and Tape Dispensers (2 more)
Tony Goldwyn....kinda
Wicked, imaginative plot
Came on Strong. Imagine Office Space on Bath Salts
Contains spoilers, click to show
Right, so, having seen the trailer for this flick, I thought to myself "Scott, give it a shot... And boy, was I ever considering giving myself a shot of adrenaline to stay awake during this dull roar of an alleged action/horror movie.
It was boring, predictable and utterly stupid. Only reason I gave it a six, was the innovative kills. I mean, come on... A tape dispenser!?!? Fuck yeah, bud.
It drags through the first two acts, and finally picks up speed in the third and final one.
And, honestly, who hasn't dreamt of killing the idiot from from the second Are We There Yet movie??? You know, the whiner from Platoon??? Shithead from Scrubs??? I know I have. And thankfully he dies.... Violently.... Another 90 minutes ii of my life, I will never regain.
Horror can be a fickle bitch, and this flick is no exception.
It was boring, predictable and utterly stupid. Only reason I gave it a six, was the innovative kills. I mean, come on... A tape dispenser!?!? Fuck yeah, bud.
It drags through the first two acts, and finally picks up speed in the third and final one.
And, honestly, who hasn't dreamt of killing the idiot from from the second Are We There Yet movie??? You know, the whiner from Platoon??? Shithead from Scrubs??? I know I have. And thankfully he dies.... Violently.... Another 90 minutes ii of my life, I will never regain.
Horror can be a fickle bitch, and this flick is no exception.