Dean (6927 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Oct 10, 2019 (Updated Oct 10, 2019)
This film won't be for everyone. It is a slow burner, character driven piece with little action to speak of. It does showcase Joaquin Phoenix talents though in a performance that must make him the favourite for the Best Actor Oscar. It's a dark film, showing his descent into madness, not coping with his mental illness with a bleak look at his past as well. Set against a backdrop of civil unrest in the city. There are obvious comparisons with @Taxi Driver (1976) which had similar themes. It's also quite violent in places but I think compared to many other films it's no worse than you would expect.
Overall I think this could be a modern classic and definitely deserves high praise for the cinematography, which is very artistically shot and the acting. It's Phoenix's portrayal of Joker that this film will be remembered for.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Dead Set in TV
Aug 18, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
It's also from the mind of Charlie Brooker - the creator of Black Mirror, and the results are pretty good.
The opening episode deals with an eviction night of the British Big Brother series, where everyone involved both on camera and behind the scenes go about their usual business.
As a virus takes hold and chaos quickly ensues, the Big Brother housemates are trapped inside the house - which happens to be pretty secure.
The way that Dead Set is shot is frantic when the action starts. It's nasty and gritty whilst keeping a British dark humour sort of charm without ever going full comedy. In fact, the series is really quite bleak throughout.
The episodes run at 20 minutes each with an extended pilot, clocking in at just over 2 hours and it managed to hold my attention throughout.
Of course, being a Charlie Brooker project, there's an underlying message - as the zombie horde surrounding the house grows and grows, even in death, the public are drawn towards trashy reality shows.
Considering Dead Set is a TV show aired on Channel 4, it's pretty impressive. Well worth checking out for anyone who enjoys horror.
Amy Norman (1048 KP) rated Dead to Me in TV
May 17, 2020
I put Season 1 on as a whim, and it was not what I expected at all, I was pleasantly surprised.
It has the witty gritty humour of older programs like 'Dexter', it touches on some emotional subjects but I wouldn't say it will bring you to tears.
It is more slice of life, as it touches on those subjects with a dark humour you will find yourself relating to.
It was refreshing to see a strong female lead cast, where it just felt like the norm, sometimes programs can push that agenda a bit too hard.
The balance of the two female leads is perfect in their oddly formed symbiotic relationship, and felt a bit closer to reality than other false female friendships you see on TV.
The way the story unfolds is brilliant, and well paced. You will feel those 'oh no' moments, and wonder what will happen next with a sense of dread.
Prepare for almost each episode to be a cliff hanger, or WTF just happened, which will draw you into the next episode.
'Dead to Me' is certainly not what you think it is going to be, and is definitely worth a watch.
P.S. it also makes great use of swearing 😅
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Merissa (14003 KP) rated Lucky (Inked Menace MC #1) in Books
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I loved how strong Cecilia is and how her mouth runs away with her at times. She isn't afraid to stand her ground but also knows when to back down. She is full of surprises and I loved her!
If you like Shifter stories, if you like MC stories, and if you can cope with a reference made to Ghostbusters then I can definitely recommend this book to you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in this series!
(ps - sorry for the Shrek reference 😉)
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 7, 2016