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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Halloween Party Murder in Books
Aug 26, 2023
After Party Murder
Lucy is helping plan a haunted house fund raiser at the home of relative new comers Ty and Heather Moon. However, when Lucy finds a dead body during the after party, things take an unexpected turn. Will she figure out what is going on?
I don’t normally read this series, so I was thrilled to actually recognize the characters of Ty and Heather since they also featured prominently in the previous Halloween novella collection Leslie headlined. This novella focuses mostly on the mystery at hand, and doesn’t bring in sub-plots involving Lucy’s family. Again, since I don’t read the series, this was a good thing for me since I don’t have the connections to all the supporting characters. The mystery was good, and I enjoyed watching Lucy’s efforts to figure out what was happening. The element I struggled with the most was the politics brought into this story. There is a local election happening, and the campaigning does play into Lucy’s motives to solve the case, but I still felt like we were being lectured during many of those scenes.
NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.
NOTE 2: This novella was originally the headlining story in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
I don’t normally read this series, so I was thrilled to actually recognize the characters of Ty and Heather since they also featured prominently in the previous Halloween novella collection Leslie headlined. This novella focuses mostly on the mystery at hand, and doesn’t bring in sub-plots involving Lucy’s family. Again, since I don’t read the series, this was a good thing for me since I don’t have the connections to all the supporting characters. The mystery was good, and I enjoyed watching Lucy’s efforts to figure out what was happening. The element I struggled with the most was the politics brought into this story. There is a local election happening, and the campaigning does play into Lucy’s motives to solve the case, but I still felt like we were being lectured during many of those scenes.
NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.
NOTE 2: This novella was originally the headlining story in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Jigsaw (2017) in Movies
Oct 30, 2017
Some good twists (2 more)
Good death trap design
Popular cast
I want to play a game
A decent entry to the franchise after a long break from the last film. I like that it centres on one group of people doing several rounds of the "games" rather than lots of individuals. I wouldn't say it was scary but Saw has always been more about the gore and there is enough to keep fans happy. Those playing detective will have plenty of twists and red herrings to keep them entertained as well. Along with a familiar cast from various TV shows, the pieces come together to make a Saw film that's better than many of the later entries. Perfect for Halloween.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Three shorts taped together
When an animated film does well, there is usually a follow-on of some short films, or a TV series. I mean like the Shrek Halloween shorts, or the Boss Baby series on Netflix.
I think this is what was planned here - three short films for distribution some how, but they weren't sure what to do with them. So they seem to have decided to stitch them together and pad them out into a film.
The film as a whole is enjoyable but jumps around all over the place. Each of the stories in isolation are very enjoyable, with enough humour and charm to keep the audience entertained.
I think this is what was planned here - three short films for distribution some how, but they weren't sure what to do with them. So they seem to have decided to stitch them together and pad them out into a film.
The film as a whole is enjoyable but jumps around all over the place. Each of the stories in isolation are very enjoyable, with enough humour and charm to keep the audience entertained.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Chesapeake Crimes: Homicidal Holidays in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This collection of short stories focuses on various holidays. Yes, the majority are Halloween and Christmas, but you also get a few fun days like Groundhog Day and Talk Like a Pirate Day.
There were several stories about a woman getting revenge on a man, and those really bothered me since that kind of justice doesn’t appeal to me. However, the majority of the stories were fun with decent characters and good plots. The variety in stories and holidays makes this a book worth checking out.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/10/book-review-chesapeake-crimes-homicidal.html">Carstairs Considers</>.
There were several stories about a woman getting revenge on a man, and those really bothered me since that kind of justice doesn’t appeal to me. However, the majority of the stories were fun with decent characters and good plots. The variety in stories and holidays makes this a book worth checking out.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/10/book-review-chesapeake-crimes-homicidal.html">Carstairs Considers</>.
Britt Smith (36 KP) rated The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) in Movies
Jul 27, 2018
Look: If you're going to talk about art and cinema, you're going to have to mention NMB4C. It's simply a fact.
The time and effort that went into the movie, coupled against the beautiful storytelling make Tim Burton's classic film worth the watch. This reviewer has been a long-time fan, and continues to watch it at least 2x times per year. Why? Because it's just that fun. Not to mention that Oingo Boingo's front man (and epic composer) Danny Elfman does the singing voice for Jack Skellington. It's simply got a season run between Halloween and X-mas that make the film utterly enjoyable and fun. It's OOAK, and you'll be hard pressed to disagree.
The time and effort that went into the movie, coupled against the beautiful storytelling make Tim Burton's classic film worth the watch. This reviewer has been a long-time fan, and continues to watch it at least 2x times per year. Why? Because it's just that fun. Not to mention that Oingo Boingo's front man (and epic composer) Danny Elfman does the singing voice for Jack Skellington. It's simply got a season run between Halloween and X-mas that make the film utterly enjoyable and fun. It's OOAK, and you'll be hard pressed to disagree.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Halloween II (1981) in Movies
Sep 30, 2018
From suspense to slasher, but still delivers
After the original Halloween film paying ground with a lot of modern horror elements, the 2nd film really felt like a continuation since it begins simultaneously when the first film ends.
This one is more gruesome with more elaborate and bloody death kills, but those who are watching are expecting this to happen.
The film moves from the neighborhood from film one to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital where Laurie Strode is transported to tend to her injuries. Michael of course follows her there leaving a trail of bodies behind him.
Just as entertaining as the film film without some of the suspense in favor of gore instead.
This one is more gruesome with more elaborate and bloody death kills, but those who are watching are expecting this to happen.
The film moves from the neighborhood from film one to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital where Laurie Strode is transported to tend to her injuries. Michael of course follows her there leaving a trail of bodies behind him.
Just as entertaining as the film film without some of the suspense in favor of gore instead.
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