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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Invisible Ray (1936) in Movies
Oct 23, 2020
Experiment Gone Wrong
The Invisible Ray- is a good sci-fi horror mystery film.
The plot: The film concerns a scientist who creates a telescope-like device that captures light waves from the Andromeda Galaxy, giving him a way to view the distant past. Using this knowledge, he travels to Africa to locate a large, unusual meteorite that fell there a billion years earlier. He discovers that the meteorite is composed of a poisonous unknown element, "Radium X". After exposure to its rays begins to make him glow in the dark, his touch becomes deadly, and he begins to be slowly driven mad.
Prior to production, Universal Pictures was originally developing the film Bluebeard for Karloff and Lugosi. When that production did not start, Universal wanted a release by the end of 1935 with Karloff and Lugosi and hired director Stuart Walker and screenwriter John Colton to make the film The Invisible Ray.
The film was initially given a budget of $166,875, an amount described in the book Universal Horrors as "a fairly lavish budget" for an "upper-class B" film. Filming began on September 17, 1935. Filming concluded on October 25 which was over-schedule and $68,000 over-budget.
Its a classic and a good horror film.
The plot: The film concerns a scientist who creates a telescope-like device that captures light waves from the Andromeda Galaxy, giving him a way to view the distant past. Using this knowledge, he travels to Africa to locate a large, unusual meteorite that fell there a billion years earlier. He discovers that the meteorite is composed of a poisonous unknown element, "Radium X". After exposure to its rays begins to make him glow in the dark, his touch becomes deadly, and he begins to be slowly driven mad.
Prior to production, Universal Pictures was originally developing the film Bluebeard for Karloff and Lugosi. When that production did not start, Universal wanted a release by the end of 1935 with Karloff and Lugosi and hired director Stuart Walker and screenwriter John Colton to make the film The Invisible Ray.
The film was initially given a budget of $166,875, an amount described in the book Universal Horrors as "a fairly lavish budget" for an "upper-class B" film. Filming began on September 17, 1935. Filming concluded on October 25 which was over-schedule and $68,000 over-budget.
Its a classic and a good horror film.
Merissa (11612 KP) rated Write Christmas in Books
Dec 1, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
WRITE CHRISTMAS is a seasonal story about someone who doesn't like Christmas due to an unfortunate event that shaped her life. Abby has chipped away at Christmas, slowly but surely, until her company and her home have no lights, no decorations, no nothing. Then she gets the opportunity to see what it would be like without it and the game changes.
I'm going to be honest here and say I struggled with this one. It reminded me a lot of It's a Wonderful Life which isn't one of my favourite films and the writing style took me a while to get into.
However, because I have an intense dislike for not finishing a book, I kept at it and almost against my will I found myself becoming gripped by the story. Just what would happen? How would it happen? When? You get the idea.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and thought it was perfect for the story as it gives everyone that seasonal glow and warm fuzzies.
I would recommend this book if you like the whole what-if part of Christmas.
* 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!
Dec 1, 2020
I'm going to be honest here and say I struggled with this one. It reminded me a lot of It's a Wonderful Life which isn't one of my favourite films and the writing style took me a while to get into.
However, because I have an intense dislike for not finishing a book, I kept at it and almost against my will I found myself becoming gripped by the story. Just what would happen? How would it happen? When? You get the idea.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and thought it was perfect for the story as it gives everyone that seasonal glow and warm fuzzies.
I would recommend this book if you like the whole what-if part of Christmas.
* 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!
Dec 1, 2020
Merissa (11612 KP) rated The Book of Last Letters in Books
Mar 24, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)
THE BOOK OF LAST LETTERS is the first book by this author I have read, and it won't be the last!
Based on a true story, you get dual-timelines of Elsie in 1940/1 and Stephanie in the present time. Both sides of the story get me gripped! Fantastic characters also appeared in both times although one I disliked (as I was supposed to). In the past, the Golds were a great pair and I would love to know more of them. Nelly, ah, Nelly. You made my eyes leak! But so many of them deserve a mention because they were written so well. In the present time, you have Stevie's friends - Micah, I'm looking at you - but also those she cares for in the home. Oh my, but I loved them! Spreading rumours as they did had me laughing out loud.
An amazing story told of loyalty, friendship, and love in difficult times that kept me turning the pages and left me with a warm, fuzzy glow.
Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Mar 23, 2022
Based on a true story, you get dual-timelines of Elsie in 1940/1 and Stephanie in the present time. Both sides of the story get me gripped! Fantastic characters also appeared in both times although one I disliked (as I was supposed to). In the past, the Golds were a great pair and I would love to know more of them. Nelly, ah, Nelly. You made my eyes leak! But so many of them deserve a mention because they were written so well. In the present time, you have Stevie's friends - Micah, I'm looking at you - but also those she cares for in the home. Oh my, but I loved them! Spreading rumours as they did had me laughing out loud.
An amazing story told of loyalty, friendship, and love in difficult times that kept me turning the pages and left me with a warm, fuzzy glow.
Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Mar 23, 2022
Merissa (11612 KP) rated Bite Club in Books
Mar 17, 2023
A fast read I wasn't ready to end!
BITE CLUB is set in the same post-apocalyptic world divided in two by a wall as WHEN THE GLOW LIGHTS THE WOODS. Lenni comes from the other side of the wall, where they exist on 20 tablets a day and apps for everything. He goes to Bite Club because he needs... something but has no idea what. When he meets Mino, his world turns upside down as he gets what he needs before it gets taken away once more.
To be honest, I found this to be quite a sad story. To be so touch-starved and full of drugs that you hallucinate? Not a life I would like. I would have liked to have learnt more about Lion and just why he approached Lenni in the first place. He seemed as though he wanted to help but only so far.
Mino and Lenni are good together but you just don't get enough of them! This was a fast read that I would have loved more from. The story itself is all there, I just wanted more.
Different from the first book but still a great read and recommended by me.
** 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!
To be honest, I found this to be quite a sad story. To be so touch-starved and full of drugs that you hallucinate? Not a life I would like. I would have liked to have learnt more about Lion and just why he approached Lenni in the first place. He seemed as though he wanted to help but only so far.
Mino and Lenni are good together but you just don't get enough of them! This was a fast read that I would have loved more from. The story itself is all there, I just wanted more.
Different from the first book but still a great read and recommended by me.
** 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2055 KP) rated Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox in Books
Feb 16, 2021 (Updated Feb 16, 2021)
Traveling the Galaxy via…a Lunchbox?
Finn is a typical almost twelve-year-old. He’s got a younger sister who annoys him, he’s struggling to make friends at his new school, he’s being picked on by a bully, and he has a crush on a classmate. His life changes when he accidentally takes his sister’s lunchbox to school one day. When it starts to glow, he discovers that it’s become a portal to another part of our galaxy. On, and this portal is the key to a battle against a race called The Plague that destroys planets. With The Plague now looking at Earth as their next target, Finn is going to have to come up with some kind of plan to save the world.
It’s been a few years since I picked up one of Michael Buckley’s books, so I was thrilled to see he had a new series out. As you might suspect from the description, this is a wild, fast-paced right that I found hard to put down. And I haven’t even mentioned the seven-foot-tall robot yet. I did feel it got a little too apocalyptic for me at times, but that’s a matter of personal taste. The characters are good, although the one that got the most development here was a cliché. The creativity that went into this book is outstanding with lots of details that are fun. Kids will eat this book up and be anxious for the next one when they are done.
It’s been a few years since I picked up one of Michael Buckley’s books, so I was thrilled to see he had a new series out. As you might suspect from the description, this is a wild, fast-paced right that I found hard to put down. And I haven’t even mentioned the seven-foot-tall robot yet. I did feel it got a little too apocalyptic for me at times, but that’s a matter of personal taste. The characters are good, although the one that got the most development here was a cliché. The creativity that went into this book is outstanding with lots of details that are fun. Kids will eat this book up and be anxious for the next one when they are done.
Josh Burns (166 KP) rated Berserker: Hell's Warrior (2004) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Reasonably fun if you like 80s style fantasy. (1 more)
Decent twist in the end.
A less polished Highlander, but with vikings
The first third of the film focuses on a conflict between Vikings and feels like a throwback to 80s fantasy movies. It takes the mythical Valykries and makes them into vampires basically, able to grant immortality and power through a bite.
Without spoiling details, a betrayal occurs that sets a rift between two brothers that are chosen for immortality and power. This rift leads to a conflict that spans centuries as they are reborn again and again to continually face off against each other. One on the name of Odin, the other for his own destiny. The film then jumps to modern times, where the conflict is still going.
The story isn't all that original, but it isn't bad, with a decent twist at the end. The acting for most of the cast is not great, but not bad. The music, however, is quite good.
Overall, it isn't a bad movie, but is severely hurt by production quality and some poor decisions in design. For example, it's difficult to take the protagonist,s enemies seriously when they are running around the city in bear skins and armor. The decision to add an odd and terrible looking glow effect to the Valykries at times or when immortals are killed, was another strike. Despite it's shortcomings, I don't regret watching it. The movie is fun for what it is, and I happen to like 80s fantasy, which whether purposely or not, it captures the feeling of to me.
Without spoiling details, a betrayal occurs that sets a rift between two brothers that are chosen for immortality and power. This rift leads to a conflict that spans centuries as they are reborn again and again to continually face off against each other. One on the name of Odin, the other for his own destiny. The film then jumps to modern times, where the conflict is still going.
The story isn't all that original, but it isn't bad, with a decent twist at the end. The acting for most of the cast is not great, but not bad. The music, however, is quite good.
Overall, it isn't a bad movie, but is severely hurt by production quality and some poor decisions in design. For example, it's difficult to take the protagonist,s enemies seriously when they are running around the city in bear skins and armor. The decision to add an odd and terrible looking glow effect to the Valykries at times or when immortals are killed, was another strike. Despite it's shortcomings, I don't regret watching it. The movie is fun for what it is, and I happen to like 80s fantasy, which whether purposely or not, it captures the feeling of to me.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hidden Magic ( Harper Shadow Academy 1) in Books
May 2, 2023
53 of 235
Kindle
Hidden Magic ( Harper Shadow Academy 1)
By Luna Pierce
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A cursed witch, four sexy men, and a shadow realm hidden within their academy.
My name is Willow Oliver, and I’m descended from a bloodline of powerful yet cursed witches. At least, that’s what my mother claims. Most people think she’s crazy.
I never put too much thought into it—the whole being a witch thing—I assumed my strange quirks were something everyone else had.
Flowers don’t glow when you look at them?
When others my age go off to faraway colleges and escape our sleepy town, I stay close to home so I can continue to keep an eye on my mother.
My new academy buzzes with a familiar energy. One that half the student body doesn’t seem to notice. The others simply disappear through hazy shadows, vanishing into thin air. Three of the four men I’m magnetically drawn to have skin that feels like electric when we touch, something magical hidden under the surface of each of them.
The more I uncover, the more I doubt my sanity, making me consider one of two things: I’m going crazy, too, or maybe my mom was right after all.
And if what she said of our lineage was true, will I be strong enough to face the ancient curse that is stealing our power? Or will I succumb to it while risking the lives of the ones I can’t help but care for?
It was good. Good story, decent characters and pretty much what I was expecting. Didn’t blow me away but was a decent read.
Kindle
Hidden Magic ( Harper Shadow Academy 1)
By Luna Pierce
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A cursed witch, four sexy men, and a shadow realm hidden within their academy.
My name is Willow Oliver, and I’m descended from a bloodline of powerful yet cursed witches. At least, that’s what my mother claims. Most people think she’s crazy.
I never put too much thought into it—the whole being a witch thing—I assumed my strange quirks were something everyone else had.
Flowers don’t glow when you look at them?
When others my age go off to faraway colleges and escape our sleepy town, I stay close to home so I can continue to keep an eye on my mother.
My new academy buzzes with a familiar energy. One that half the student body doesn’t seem to notice. The others simply disappear through hazy shadows, vanishing into thin air. Three of the four men I’m magnetically drawn to have skin that feels like electric when we touch, something magical hidden under the surface of each of them.
The more I uncover, the more I doubt my sanity, making me consider one of two things: I’m going crazy, too, or maybe my mom was right after all.
And if what she said of our lineage was true, will I be strong enough to face the ancient curse that is stealing our power? Or will I succumb to it while risking the lives of the ones I can’t help but care for?
It was good. Good story, decent characters and pretty much what I was expecting. Didn’t blow me away but was a decent read.
Merissa (11612 KP) rated When the Glow Lights the Woods in Books
Jan 5, 2023
A sweet story where magic can happen.
WHEN THE GLOW LIGHTS THE WOODS is set in a post-apocalyptic world divided in two by a wall. We start off on the rural side with Kite. He contributes to the community by helping out on their farm and being a teacher. This year it is his turn to go to the other side of the Wall and meet those who live there. He is worried as he has been told they are robots and he doesn't want to be assimilated.
When he gets there, he realises just how different things are. Everything seems shiny and new but no one will meet his eyes, apart from one angry-seeming young man called Manu. Kite and Manu learn about each other and try to bring both sides together in time for a seasonal HEA for all.
This was a gentle story of opposites. Both sides thought they were doing the right thing to prevent war, but both sides had something the other needed. I would have liked to have known a little more about the world itself, and what happened to the Elders. I loved the slow romance between Manu and Kite, the lost love between Mal and Nellak, and how each person who went over had their own experiences.
A sweet story where magic can happen. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
When he gets there, he realises just how different things are. Everything seems shiny and new but no one will meet his eyes, apart from one angry-seeming young man called Manu. Kite and Manu learn about each other and try to bring both sides together in time for a seasonal HEA for all.
This was a gentle story of opposites. Both sides thought they were doing the right thing to prevent war, but both sides had something the other needed. I would have liked to have known a little more about the world itself, and what happened to the Elders. I loved the slow romance between Manu and Kite, the lost love between Mal and Nellak, and how each person who went over had their own experiences.
A sweet story where magic can happen. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Time & Knots in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Time and Knots is a beautiful book of poetry by poet Taran Singh. This collection was published in 2018. The book is broken down into sections y using seasons to lead you from Summer to Spring and ending with Void. Physically this book stunning. If you place it on your coffee table, you are sure to get comments on the exquisitely designed cover and beautiful aesthetic throughout the book. The level of detail given to the book is part of what makes the look so appealing, from the swirling design on the table of contents page to the Gurmukhi calligraphy at the beginning of each section.
The poetry itself throughout the book has a flowing language that sparks gorgeous imagery in your mind as you read. The topics fluctuate from poem to poem but overall look at the themes of time, memory, self, emotion, light, and dark. Reading this book, I simultaneously felt as though I was looking into the mind and heart of the author and exploring feelings and ideas that resonated within myself. I think this is because of the vulnerability that Singh shows in his writing, unafraid to explore any subject as long as he is searching for truth of feeling. It is hard to pick a favorite poem in this book because so many had lines that I found both beautiful and captivating. If I had to choose some of my top choices that I will surely come back to, they would be “Dark days leaving tangled knots,” “Autumn,” “Broken,” “Glow,” and “Void.” I also very much enjoyed that it was the last poem that was titled “Welcome.”
This is an exceptional body of work, and I immensely enjoyed reading each poem. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves deep and resonating poetry written in beautiful language — definitely a five-star read.
The poetry itself throughout the book has a flowing language that sparks gorgeous imagery in your mind as you read. The topics fluctuate from poem to poem but overall look at the themes of time, memory, self, emotion, light, and dark. Reading this book, I simultaneously felt as though I was looking into the mind and heart of the author and exploring feelings and ideas that resonated within myself. I think this is because of the vulnerability that Singh shows in his writing, unafraid to explore any subject as long as he is searching for truth of feeling. It is hard to pick a favorite poem in this book because so many had lines that I found both beautiful and captivating. If I had to choose some of my top choices that I will surely come back to, they would be “Dark days leaving tangled knots,” “Autumn,” “Broken,” “Glow,” and “Void.” I also very much enjoyed that it was the last poem that was titled “Welcome.”
This is an exceptional body of work, and I immensely enjoyed reading each poem. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves deep and resonating poetry written in beautiful language — definitely a five-star read.
Debbiereadsbook (1056 KP) rated What a Latte Books in Books
Mar 2, 2020
sweet and cute, a lovely read!
I had the enormous honour to beta read this book.
Laura opens her dream business, a book/coffee shop. A book she doesn't remember ordering pulls her attention and draws her into a wonderful story of love. But Laura doesn't expect to ever find the kind of love she reads in the book. Then, she meets Simon and Laura begins to wonder, what is real and what is not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale of a a book shop owner falling in love, not only in the pages of this mysterious book, but in real life too. when the connection between the book and Laura's friends becomes clear, a LOT of things begin to make more sense. I'm not saying they didn't before then, but it's like a light bulb moment, and the penny drops and all the little hints and clues come together and you can see the bigger picture.
Its on the sweet side, with just some kissing, but I liked that (which Ms Morgan found kinda funny, considering what I usually like to read) The book does NOT need the explicitness, because it is sweet, and cute and all kinds of warm and fuzzies that makes you glow inside after reading it!
The love between Laura and Simon grows, steadily thoughout the book, and I liked that it wasn't rushed. There were powerful feelings, from the very begininng, from Laura and between her and Simon, but it takes time for those feelings to become clear for her.
Only Laura has a say though, and I think if he had, I would have enjoyed this just that little bit more.
Still a delightful tale, of finding love wherever you find can.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Laura opens her dream business, a book/coffee shop. A book she doesn't remember ordering pulls her attention and draws her into a wonderful story of love. But Laura doesn't expect to ever find the kind of love she reads in the book. Then, she meets Simon and Laura begins to wonder, what is real and what is not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale of a a book shop owner falling in love, not only in the pages of this mysterious book, but in real life too. when the connection between the book and Laura's friends becomes clear, a LOT of things begin to make more sense. I'm not saying they didn't before then, but it's like a light bulb moment, and the penny drops and all the little hints and clues come together and you can see the bigger picture.
Its on the sweet side, with just some kissing, but I liked that (which Ms Morgan found kinda funny, considering what I usually like to read) The book does NOT need the explicitness, because it is sweet, and cute and all kinds of warm and fuzzies that makes you glow inside after reading it!
The love between Laura and Simon grows, steadily thoughout the book, and I liked that it wasn't rushed. There were powerful feelings, from the very begininng, from Laura and between her and Simon, but it takes time for those feelings to become clear for her.
Only Laura has a say though, and I think if he had, I would have enjoyed this just that little bit more.
Still a delightful tale, of finding love wherever you find can.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**