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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Those Who Wish Me Dead in Books
Mar 15, 2018
A patron came into the library on Tuesday to return this book and couldn't stop raving about and so I decided to check it out. Well now I can see what they meant when they said they couldn't put it down. It tells the story of a teenage boy who witnesses a vicious murder and is forced into hiding to avoid the pair of killers who are now chasing him. I won't say anything more for fear of giving away any plot points, but I will say this somewhat simple set-up winds up being more complex than it sounds, and leads to many tense and frightening moments. The duo of bad guys are particularly creepy and are used to great effect. The story moves along at breakneck pace and I felt the characters and their back stories were nicely fleshed out, particularly the lead. I was genuinely concerned for the well-being of these people, which is essential for this type of tale. While I was able to put the book down to get some sleep the first 2 nights, last night I wound up reading the entire 2nd half in one sitting; so riveted by the proceedings that I had no choice but to see what would happen next. This was a truly harrowing adventure, with some very frightening sequences, which I can easily recommend to anyone in the mood for a good thrill.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Twenty Days of Turin in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This may seem like an unfair review but I can only give this 3 stars because I didnt exactly understand it. I think thats mainly because Im a little slow to the mark sometimes and because I read this in a distracting environment, but this disappointed me and didnt scare me like I hoped it would.
It was well written, especially since its a translation, but parts of it felt disjointed and I found it hard to follow the uncovering of the Librarys secrets and the cause of the disturbing and brutal murders. There was well built tension in this and the white-as-a-sheet nun was pretty terrifying to imagine, but in general, I missed a whole lot of the horror in this.
Reading the translator's introduction (after I had finished the book) definitely helped me get it a bit more. Maybe if I had known more about Turins history to begin with, I could have connected to the story on a deeper level, but since I had no idea about Turins unrest in the 1970s, that whole subplot went completely over my head.
I hate giving such a little known book a very average review, I like supporting small time authors, but I cant say much about this author and his work when I have no idea what the hell went on. (OK, thats an over exaggeration, I half got it).
It was well written, especially since its a translation, but parts of it felt disjointed and I found it hard to follow the uncovering of the Librarys secrets and the cause of the disturbing and brutal murders. There was well built tension in this and the white-as-a-sheet nun was pretty terrifying to imagine, but in general, I missed a whole lot of the horror in this.
Reading the translator's introduction (after I had finished the book) definitely helped me get it a bit more. Maybe if I had known more about Turins history to begin with, I could have connected to the story on a deeper level, but since I had no idea about Turins unrest in the 1970s, that whole subplot went completely over my head.
I hate giving such a little known book a very average review, I like supporting small time authors, but I cant say much about this author and his work when I have no idea what the hell went on. (OK, thats an over exaggeration, I half got it).
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Feb 27, 2018 (Updated Feb 27, 2018)
Worth the Watch
My sister wanted to see this. I have heard a lot of people raving about it so although I wouldn't normally watch this type of film, I wasn't dreading watching it.
Overall, it was a great film. Not something I would go to the cinema again to see, but it was still something that I enjoyed. It managed to pull me away from the cinema and into the narrative.
Speaking of narrative, the main plot was great. Although not original, it felt like it was told in a different way and it created its own version of the cliche.
However, some of the minor plots could have been developed more. I felt that they were unbelievable in parts, needed more to happen in others, or just simply left unresolved. I would be happy to explain to anyone why if they want to message me, but for the sake of non giving any spoilers, I'll leave it at that.
The music and dancing were by far the best parts to the film. I was mesmerised by the dancing and the cinematography used in the film. Great work from the camera crew and editors, and of course the performers.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. It was worth the watch the one time. But it didn't blow me away and I wouldn't rush out to see it again any time soon.
Overall, it was a great film. Not something I would go to the cinema again to see, but it was still something that I enjoyed. It managed to pull me away from the cinema and into the narrative.
Speaking of narrative, the main plot was great. Although not original, it felt like it was told in a different way and it created its own version of the cliche.
However, some of the minor plots could have been developed more. I felt that they were unbelievable in parts, needed more to happen in others, or just simply left unresolved. I would be happy to explain to anyone why if they want to message me, but for the sake of non giving any spoilers, I'll leave it at that.
The music and dancing were by far the best parts to the film. I was mesmerised by the dancing and the cinematography used in the film. Great work from the camera crew and editors, and of course the performers.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. It was worth the watch the one time. But it didn't blow me away and I wouldn't rush out to see it again any time soon.
Mike Wilder (20 KP) rated The Thing (1982) in Movies
May 30, 2018
A true classic.
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is probably one of the best horror films ever made. A true classic.
The film is filled with great moments and incredible effects. Undoubtedly some of the best pre CGI effects ever filmed. The tension the film creates is perfect. The characters are believable and acted well. The story line starts off confusing as a helicopter with a passenger is seen shooting at a dog as it runs away. The dog runs into the camp and is rescued by a group of American scientists. The scientists head over to a nearby Norwegian research station where they discover that it has been abandoned and there are signs of death and destruction throughout. From there the story quickly progresses to one of terror as the scientists are killed off by a mysterious creature that can imitate them.
For those of a squeamish nature beware, the mutations in this film are expertly done giving a real feel of authenticity. It is a very bloody film with many violent deaths. But this is a horror film after all and you really get your money's worth here. It doesn't go too over the top like many creature films do. The direction of John Carpenter draws us in and along with it the terror felt by the characters.
In 2011, a prequel to this film was released showing what happened to the Norwegian team.
The film is filled with great moments and incredible effects. Undoubtedly some of the best pre CGI effects ever filmed. The tension the film creates is perfect. The characters are believable and acted well. The story line starts off confusing as a helicopter with a passenger is seen shooting at a dog as it runs away. The dog runs into the camp and is rescued by a group of American scientists. The scientists head over to a nearby Norwegian research station where they discover that it has been abandoned and there are signs of death and destruction throughout. From there the story quickly progresses to one of terror as the scientists are killed off by a mysterious creature that can imitate them.
For those of a squeamish nature beware, the mutations in this film are expertly done giving a real feel of authenticity. It is a very bloody film with many violent deaths. But this is a horror film after all and you really get your money's worth here. It doesn't go too over the top like many creature films do. The direction of John Carpenter draws us in and along with it the terror felt by the characters.
In 2011, a prequel to this film was released showing what happened to the Norwegian team.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1) in Books
Jul 13, 2018
Knowing What Is Coming Hurts, but Book Holds Up Well
There’s a mysterious project on an island off the coast of Coast Rica. When John Hammond, the owner, invites Drs. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, and Ian Malcolm to visit the island, they discover that Hammond has cloned dinosaurs and intends to open his park for tourists to enjoy. However, despite the high security measures that are in place, the visitors begin to see potential problems. When the problems become more than potential, will anyone survive?
It is hard to go into this book not knowing what is really happening thanks to the movies, and that puts the reader of today at a disadvantage since the book takes forever with the set up and big reveal. However, once the dinosaurs get free, this is a page turning book that is impossible to put down. While the character names are the same, they are different from how they are portrayed in the movie, and fans of the films will recognize scenes from the sequels that originated here. Naturally, there are more great scenes and tense moments than could be included in the movie, and the climax here is so much better. I could have done without some of the descriptions of the violence in the book, but they didn’t surprise me. Some lectures, while giving us something to think about, do slow things down again late in the book. Overall, this is still a very enjoyable read.
It is hard to go into this book not knowing what is really happening thanks to the movies, and that puts the reader of today at a disadvantage since the book takes forever with the set up and big reveal. However, once the dinosaurs get free, this is a page turning book that is impossible to put down. While the character names are the same, they are different from how they are portrayed in the movie, and fans of the films will recognize scenes from the sequels that originated here. Naturally, there are more great scenes and tense moments than could be included in the movie, and the climax here is so much better. I could have done without some of the descriptions of the violence in the book, but they didn’t surprise me. Some lectures, while giving us something to think about, do slow things down again late in the book. Overall, this is still a very enjoyable read.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated The Byline Bible in Books
Aug 20, 2018
In this wholly entertaining guide for freelance writers looking to climb the publication ladder, professor and scribe Susan Shapiro transfers her highly successful, results oriented course to print in a lively new release.
Serving up various writing assignments that might result in you finding out where your strengths lie, from mining your life for irresistible personal essay fodder to locating someone to pitch it to (as well as how to respond to a critique and the most common reactions to expect), Shapiro guides old and new freelancers throughout the entire process from submit to print.
Reminding writers that the fastest way to burn a bridge is to respond to an email in anger, she offers another practical reason to bite one's tongue as charming someone on the staff of a publication with your sincerity, reliability, and professionalism might make an editor far more willing to work with you to get your piece publication ready than a total stranger would be.
With decades of proven experience to back her up both personally as a writer and professionally as a teacher, Shapiro includes countless columns and articles penned by her students over the years as examples throughout.
Giving it to you straight while maintaining a healthy sense of relatable optimism and dry wit that keeps you flipping pages, Susan Shapiro's compellingly readable Byline Bible makes a worthwhile addition to your nonfiction shelf.
Note: I received this title from Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Serving up various writing assignments that might result in you finding out where your strengths lie, from mining your life for irresistible personal essay fodder to locating someone to pitch it to (as well as how to respond to a critique and the most common reactions to expect), Shapiro guides old and new freelancers throughout the entire process from submit to print.
Reminding writers that the fastest way to burn a bridge is to respond to an email in anger, she offers another practical reason to bite one's tongue as charming someone on the staff of a publication with your sincerity, reliability, and professionalism might make an editor far more willing to work with you to get your piece publication ready than a total stranger would be.
With decades of proven experience to back her up both personally as a writer and professionally as a teacher, Shapiro includes countless columns and articles penned by her students over the years as examples throughout.
Giving it to you straight while maintaining a healthy sense of relatable optimism and dry wit that keeps you flipping pages, Susan Shapiro's compellingly readable Byline Bible makes a worthwhile addition to your nonfiction shelf.
Note: I received this title from Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Is This Thing Cursed? by Alkaline Trio in Music
Sep 11, 2018
Good to be back, but not great.
Alkaline Trio are one of my favourite bands, combining my love of catchy pop-punk with dark (often horror) themes.
They have been releasing good albums for 20-odd years now, and their wry wit and ear for a catchy tune have made them a special place in my heart.
This new release is the first since Matt Skiba joined up with Blink 182, and is a reassuring return to their sound of recent years, with a focus on dark but polished pop-punk.
I have struggled to pick out many tunes that leap from the album and into a best of playlist, with most tunes being enjoyable without really standing on their own.
This may not be a bad thing necessarily, and it may just necessitate additional listens, but after 2 album long listens, I still maintain this position.
I think this is an album for the fans, one that consolidates their fanbase by giving them a solid, safe and unadventurous collection of songs that reassures them that the Trio are still around, but not wanting to risk being accused of changing their sound because of Skiba's involvements elsewhere.
A good album, a 7/10 at this point, but I may revisit later, as sometimes they can grow on you over time.
They have been releasing good albums for 20-odd years now, and their wry wit and ear for a catchy tune have made them a special place in my heart.
This new release is the first since Matt Skiba joined up with Blink 182, and is a reassuring return to their sound of recent years, with a focus on dark but polished pop-punk.
I have struggled to pick out many tunes that leap from the album and into a best of playlist, with most tunes being enjoyable without really standing on their own.
This may not be a bad thing necessarily, and it may just necessitate additional listens, but after 2 album long listens, I still maintain this position.
I think this is an album for the fans, one that consolidates their fanbase by giving them a solid, safe and unadventurous collection of songs that reassures them that the Trio are still around, but not wanting to risk being accused of changing their sound because of Skiba's involvements elsewhere.
A good album, a 7/10 at this point, but I may revisit later, as sometimes they can grow on you over time.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Princess Bride in Books
Sep 19, 2018
Nostalgia (2 more)
Characters
Plot
Great Nostalgia!
For the past week or so I have been struggling to read. Nothing has seemed to grab my attention and due to stress & drama in my life I had to put down books that I would have otherwise loved. Needless to say, I needed something that would help put a smile to my face. I've been putting off reading The Princess Bride simply because I love the movie so much. It's one of those books where I have always worried that it would ruin the movie so I've always put it off even though I owned the book for years. With the mood I've been in, I figured that this was the perfect time to revisit old characters in a new way and boy am I happy I did.
The Princess Bride is a cute quick read. The audiobook has a fantastic narrator & I loved Rob Reiner reading the book to me. It just made it that much better. Don't expect this book to be a beautifully written masterpiece because it isn't. The writing is basic and it's definitely a midgrade book. It's something that you can read to your children and know that they too will enjoy the actionpacked book.
All in all, I'm giving this 5 caffeinated stars. Partially due to nostalgia but mainly due to it being a dang good midgrade book that is sure to pull you into the story.
The Princess Bride is a cute quick read. The audiobook has a fantastic narrator & I loved Rob Reiner reading the book to me. It just made it that much better. Don't expect this book to be a beautifully written masterpiece because it isn't. The writing is basic and it's definitely a midgrade book. It's something that you can read to your children and know that they too will enjoy the actionpacked book.
All in all, I'm giving this 5 caffeinated stars. Partially due to nostalgia but mainly due to it being a dang good midgrade book that is sure to pull you into the story.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Even If It Hurts - Single by Clover the Girl in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Clover the Girl (Brianna Conrado) is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Even If It Hurts” single.
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
Ryan Lakey (48 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Oct 27, 2019
The true main villain is a let down with his absolutely poor motivation being somewhat repetitive of the previous series especially as we will never see a confrontation between Tony and his archenemy (1 more)
Also having stark quit at the end seems pointless as we knew he was in the next avengers film
Iron man 3 a mixed final film
Contains spoilers, click to show
So here it is the final film of marvel's iron man series with Tony stark unlikely to return due to his death in endgame which means we will never see him fight the real mandarin look for him in shang chi however Downey is his usual great self and stark character arc is nice nod to avengers about him being just as heroic without his suit and his ptsd and the supporting cast are just as great.
The film is a fun action piece and has many hilarious moments.
It's shame the film has such a lame villain the twist while being funny you soon stop laughing that your left with another crap mcu villain something marvel is improving on fortunely his motivation are poor and he is a let down also the film with stark giving up being iron man felt redundant given we knew he was in age of ultron
Overall this still an enjoyable watch and will thrill the family
The film is a fun action piece and has many hilarious moments.
It's shame the film has such a lame villain the twist while being funny you soon stop laughing that your left with another crap mcu villain something marvel is improving on fortunely his motivation are poor and he is a let down also the film with stark giving up being iron man felt redundant given we knew he was in age of ultron
Overall this still an enjoyable watch and will thrill the family