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Gripping and gritty
Not normally a fan of British drama, I was persuaded to watch this based on the hype surrounding it and my wife being told by everyone at work how good it was. The first episode was exceptional TV - gripping, tense and realistic with strong characters outlined early on. For me, this was the peak, as PS David Budd (Richard Madden) acts on his suspicions over someone boarding his train.
From there on, Budd becomes embroiled in politics (as the protection officer for the outspoken Home Secretary) and a series of conspiracies. Right up until the final episode, there was a definite feel of early Homeland about this, as you are constantly trying to work out whether Budd is in on it, as the evidence suggests, or is honestly trying to stop the terrorists or find the culprits.
A few clumsy moments here or there that took the edge off for me (most notably certain people suddenly admitting everything under the lamest of police interrogations, but also more practical things like switching radio channels with only one hand).
Overall, Madden was a strong main actor, but as with a number of Scottish actors I find their need to soften their accent comes across as bad, less natural acting and it is hard for me to see past this.
From there on, Budd becomes embroiled in politics (as the protection officer for the outspoken Home Secretary) and a series of conspiracies. Right up until the final episode, there was a definite feel of early Homeland about this, as you are constantly trying to work out whether Budd is in on it, as the evidence suggests, or is honestly trying to stop the terrorists or find the culprits.
A few clumsy moments here or there that took the edge off for me (most notably certain people suddenly admitting everything under the lamest of police interrogations, but also more practical things like switching radio channels with only one hand).
Overall, Madden was a strong main actor, but as with a number of Scottish actors I find their need to soften their accent comes across as bad, less natural acting and it is hard for me to see past this.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Nov 25, 2018
A truly remarkable original modern musical classic!
I'm sure by now I am the only person in the world who hadn't seen The Greatest Showman until tonight. It was very much worth the wait.
The songs, look, art direction, make up, costumes, sets and cinematography were the true stars along with fantastic, mesmerizing performances by the entire cast. I was worried about Zac Efron, but he really held his own and I forgot about his High School Musical days. It was also surprising to see Michelle Williams in this type of role since I am used to seeing her in heavy dramas where she nearly never smiles. That was a pleasant surprise also.
Have to mention Hugh Jackman, a role he was born to play. He has to be the only actor who can command such a presence in gritty action films and charismatic characters like this one.
I could've done without the CGI lions and elephants since they did not look realistic and kind of took you out of those moments but a minor complaint.
The plot is certainly one from a musical meaning non super complicated or in-depth, maybe a little cheesy; however, it didn't bother me in this case.
I'm sure I'll be humming these songs for some time to come and watching it again with my daughter soon.
The songs, look, art direction, make up, costumes, sets and cinematography were the true stars along with fantastic, mesmerizing performances by the entire cast. I was worried about Zac Efron, but he really held his own and I forgot about his High School Musical days. It was also surprising to see Michelle Williams in this type of role since I am used to seeing her in heavy dramas where she nearly never smiles. That was a pleasant surprise also.
Have to mention Hugh Jackman, a role he was born to play. He has to be the only actor who can command such a presence in gritty action films and charismatic characters like this one.
I could've done without the CGI lions and elephants since they did not look realistic and kind of took you out of those moments but a minor complaint.
The plot is certainly one from a musical meaning non super complicated or in-depth, maybe a little cheesy; however, it didn't bother me in this case.
I'm sure I'll be humming these songs for some time to come and watching it again with my daughter soon.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Double Negative in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours as part of their blog tour, in return for a fair and honest review.
Wow, this book packs a punch in more ways than one. It is tough and gritty and doesn't spare your feelings as you read through. You will be neck deep in teenage angst, abuse, drugs, body issues, bullying but also friendships, teamwork and mentorship. This book covers it all and in such a way that you won't be able to stop turning the pages. You will need to read "just a little bit more."
One thing I will say is that I actually found it quite hard to read at the beginning before I got used to Hutch's 'voice'. I actually found it quite painful which is funny when you're not actually reading it. I was very pleased with him as he started to correct his grammar!
As he changes his attitude and takes up 'swimming', I found the book progressed in a wonderful and heartwarming way. His relationship with Maggie in particular brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
I thought the whole book dealt with subjects usually swept under the carpet and in a rough, in your face, dignified and respectful manner. Does that sentence not make sense to you? Read Double Negative and it will make perfect sense!
Wow, this book packs a punch in more ways than one. It is tough and gritty and doesn't spare your feelings as you read through. You will be neck deep in teenage angst, abuse, drugs, body issues, bullying but also friendships, teamwork and mentorship. This book covers it all and in such a way that you won't be able to stop turning the pages. You will need to read "just a little bit more."
One thing I will say is that I actually found it quite hard to read at the beginning before I got used to Hutch's 'voice'. I actually found it quite painful which is funny when you're not actually reading it. I was very pleased with him as he started to correct his grammar!
As he changes his attitude and takes up 'swimming', I found the book progressed in a wonderful and heartwarming way. His relationship with Maggie in particular brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
I thought the whole book dealt with subjects usually swept under the carpet and in a rough, in your face, dignified and respectful manner. Does that sentence not make sense to you? Read Double Negative and it will make perfect sense!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Old Friends and New Enemies (Charlie Cameron #2) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Glasgow private detective Charlie Cameron finds himself out of his depth when he finds out that an old friend has been killed. Getting on the wrong side of an organised crime family would be bad enough but just when he needs hits wits about him the personal nature of the case clouds his judgement. And things aren't made easier by a police detective with a grudge who thinks he is guilty.
This is a terrifically gritty crime novel. Glasgow is a good setting for this kind of work and Mullen does a great job of describing the city and the surroundings. Cameron is a very likeable character and seems very believable. The rest of the cast are just as well defined, from Cameron's slightly dodgy friend to the Rafferty family who are nasty but with a solid basis on why they are.
As the plot unfolds the reader knows more than Cameron which makes some of his mis-steps in dealing with the case agonising to read when he puts himself in more danger when he is trying to extricate himself. The ending ties everything up neatly but don't expect a fairy tale ending.
Overall this is a terrific crime novel and if the other Cameron books are anything like this then it will be a series to get hold of.
This is a terrifically gritty crime novel. Glasgow is a good setting for this kind of work and Mullen does a great job of describing the city and the surroundings. Cameron is a very likeable character and seems very believable. The rest of the cast are just as well defined, from Cameron's slightly dodgy friend to the Rafferty family who are nasty but with a solid basis on why they are.
As the plot unfolds the reader knows more than Cameron which makes some of his mis-steps in dealing with the case agonising to read when he puts himself in more danger when he is trying to extricate himself. The ending ties everything up neatly but don't expect a fairy tale ending.
Overall this is a terrific crime novel and if the other Cameron books are anything like this then it will be a series to get hold of.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Foul Is Fair in Books
Feb 25, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
It can be said about every book but, especially with this one, people are going to either love or hate Hannah Capin's Foul Is Fair. It is a dark novel of revenge, suicide, abusive relationships, murder, and a gang bang. Oh, and it is a Young Adult novel.
At a party thrown by one of the golden boys of St. Andrew's, the unthinkable happens. It turns out this was not the first time. This time, they picked the wrong girl. Jade has 3 close friends who will help her get revenge. The 4 of them are so close Jade refers to them as her coven. They do not practice witchcraft but their friendship is magical.
It is hard to make such dark themes enjoyable to read but Hannah Capin is able to do it well. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words I would say "dark but fun".
I found myself cheering for Jade and friends to succeed in exacting their revenge. The twists and turns are twisted and gritty. I enjoyed the narrative tone and humor used throughout. Golden boys beware! Something wicked this way comes.
I added Hannah Capin to my "authors to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/24/20.
It can be said about every book but, especially with this one, people are going to either love or hate Hannah Capin's Foul Is Fair. It is a dark novel of revenge, suicide, abusive relationships, murder, and a gang bang. Oh, and it is a Young Adult novel.
At a party thrown by one of the golden boys of St. Andrew's, the unthinkable happens. It turns out this was not the first time. This time, they picked the wrong girl. Jade has 3 close friends who will help her get revenge. The 4 of them are so close Jade refers to them as her coven. They do not practice witchcraft but their friendship is magical.
It is hard to make such dark themes enjoyable to read but Hannah Capin is able to do it well. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words I would say "dark but fun".
I found myself cheering for Jade and friends to succeed in exacting their revenge. The twists and turns are twisted and gritty. I enjoyed the narrative tone and humor used throughout. Golden boys beware! Something wicked this way comes.
I added Hannah Capin to my "authors to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/24/20.
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