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Andy K (10823 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Apr 27, 2019 (Updated Apr 27, 2019)
Still more dinosaurs...
I'm not sure what a 5th "Jurassic" film can say that wasn't said in the previous 4 films, but they tried anyways.
After a volcano spews hot lava and ash on the original Jurassic island, humanity is left with the choice whether to save the prehistoric beasts or let them become extinct again maybe as it was supposed to be.
One of John Hammond's original partners is involved in trying to relocate several species from the dying island to a new home where they can be free of tourists and left to live their lives out in peace. Of course evil animal poachers seeking to weaponize the ferocious beasts intervene and only Chris Pratt (overrated) and Bryce Dallas Howard (not sure if she wore high heels the entire film this time) are here to stop them.
Not enough new material here to keep the film exciting and fresh. The same people running, getting eaten, etc is present here and I was bored.
Some cool visuals during the first half with our heroes trying to escape the volcanic habitat were compelling, however, the second half was way too predictable and not very exciting.
This franchise should now become extinct.
After a volcano spews hot lava and ash on the original Jurassic island, humanity is left with the choice whether to save the prehistoric beasts or let them become extinct again maybe as it was supposed to be.
One of John Hammond's original partners is involved in trying to relocate several species from the dying island to a new home where they can be free of tourists and left to live their lives out in peace. Of course evil animal poachers seeking to weaponize the ferocious beasts intervene and only Chris Pratt (overrated) and Bryce Dallas Howard (not sure if she wore high heels the entire film this time) are here to stop them.
Not enough new material here to keep the film exciting and fresh. The same people running, getting eaten, etc is present here and I was bored.
Some cool visuals during the first half with our heroes trying to escape the volcanic habitat were compelling, however, the second half was way too predictable and not very exciting.
This franchise should now become extinct.

Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated Sin For Love (Fortune For Love #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Received this book as a gift from a party.
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3
Sticking to my usual rules - I'm not gonna give anything away.
So - let's start with writing style - good. It flicks between the heroine and heroes pov. Every time the pov changed - it was headed by a name. Made me feel a little thick that I needed to be told but I know some people do struggle reading pov swap books. So I'll overlook that. Written well. Not many errors.
Storyline - well laid out and the writer knew what journey she wanted to take us on. it was emotional and sensual. Almost like a dirty sexual modern day fairy tale where the guy gets the girl after trial by fire.
Sex scenes were well written, creative and steamy as hell. Will warn - public masturbation, and some girl on girl.
Did I like this story - well... Yes and no. Well written and well thought out, steamy. the only bit that put me off were the sins, but they were integral to the story line to be fair, so I can't grumble too much. Liked the back stories and how their lives were linked after an incident in both their pasts.
Definitely worth a read. <3

Andy K (10823 KP) rated The 15:17 To Paris (2018) in Movies
Feb 17, 2018
Major disappointment
Going in I must tell you I am one of the biggest Eastwood fans out there, so if anyone should have loved this movie it would have been me.
Other than the expected climax there is really not much to like here. I think we all take it for granted when we see professional skiers, or tennis players that thy make their jobs look so easy. The same is the case with actors. Eastwood's decision to cast the real-life heroes to play themselves rather than professional actors might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it did not serve this film well AT ALL. Maybe if the screenplay would have been better or even the flow of the story would have been more cohesive it would not have stood out as much.
The climax of the film is certainly riveting and emotional; however, the 95 minutes it took to get there was just not that exciting.
I certainly don't take away anything from the heroism these men displayed or the courage they have in life. We should all step up to the challenge when presented with these events.
Looks like I'll have to go back and watch American Sniper.
Other than the expected climax there is really not much to like here. I think we all take it for granted when we see professional skiers, or tennis players that thy make their jobs look so easy. The same is the case with actors. Eastwood's decision to cast the real-life heroes to play themselves rather than professional actors might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it did not serve this film well AT ALL. Maybe if the screenplay would have been better or even the flow of the story would have been more cohesive it would not have stood out as much.
The climax of the film is certainly riveting and emotional; however, the 95 minutes it took to get there was just not that exciting.
I certainly don't take away anything from the heroism these men displayed or the courage they have in life. We should all step up to the challenge when presented with these events.
Looks like I'll have to go back and watch American Sniper.

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Guards! Guards! Discworld Novel 8 in Books
Mar 19, 2018
A great introduction to the City Watch
You've got to hand it to Terry Pratchett, he knows how to write a good fantasy novel.
Guards! Guards! is yet another great Discworld novel, and the first to introduce Captain Vimes and the City Watch. Vimes himself is a loveable anti-hero who develops greatly over the course of the novel and the same too can be said for the other members of the Watch. Carrot the 'dwarf' provides a real introduction to the Watch and also a lot of the humour from his exploits, and I loved seeing a lot more of the Librarian.
The plot itself on the face of it is a fantasy fairy tale filled story of dragons, maidens and heroes. But with every Pratchett novel, beneath it lies dark wit and humour, and a slightly sad social commentary on human greed and corruption. There are a lot of references in this to other media, like The Hobbit, which really poke fun at the myths and lore used in the fantasy genre.
A great read with some very engaging characters. A little rambling at times, but fortunately the rest of the book makes up for it! Discworld books are the only books that can really make me laugh out loud.
Guards! Guards! is yet another great Discworld novel, and the first to introduce Captain Vimes and the City Watch. Vimes himself is a loveable anti-hero who develops greatly over the course of the novel and the same too can be said for the other members of the Watch. Carrot the 'dwarf' provides a real introduction to the Watch and also a lot of the humour from his exploits, and I loved seeing a lot more of the Librarian.
The plot itself on the face of it is a fantasy fairy tale filled story of dragons, maidens and heroes. But with every Pratchett novel, beneath it lies dark wit and humour, and a slightly sad social commentary on human greed and corruption. There are a lot of references in this to other media, like The Hobbit, which really poke fun at the myths and lore used in the fantasy genre.
A great read with some very engaging characters. A little rambling at times, but fortunately the rest of the book makes up for it! Discworld books are the only books that can really make me laugh out loud.

Moke J Dupman (12 KP) rated Humanarium (Book One in the Humanarium Series) in Books
Sep 9, 2018 (Updated Sep 9, 2018)
One of the best books I read this summer
Best book I’ve read in months! Humanarium by C. W. Tickner is an imaginative, well told story. I love the characters and the plot shows depth on many levels. The book is complete with heroes, bad guys, unfamiliar worlds, excitement, and just a dollop of romance. I also appreciate very much how Mr. Tickner incorporates unity among humans who are sometimes quite different from one another into the story. Some scenes were especially good, such as the return journey thru Drew’s tank. Movie worthy, indeed!
Parts of the story remind me of how humans often keep wild animals as pets for their personal enjoyment when they would be much better off left in their own environment. You’ll see why when you read it...no spoilers from me!
I’m left just intrigued enough to get me to want to read the next book. Going into more detail would give away too much, but there are some mysteries that I hope will be answered in books to follow. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Mr. Tickner’s next release! All in all, I found Humanarium to be thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable and give it a rating of 4.7/5 ⭐️
Parts of the story remind me of how humans often keep wild animals as pets for their personal enjoyment when they would be much better off left in their own environment. You’ll see why when you read it...no spoilers from me!
I’m left just intrigued enough to get me to want to read the next book. Going into more detail would give away too much, but there are some mysteries that I hope will be answered in books to follow. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Mr. Tickner’s next release! All in all, I found Humanarium to be thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable and give it a rating of 4.7/5 ⭐️

Deborah (162 KP) rated A Kiss at Midnight (Fairy Tales, #1) in Books
Dec 19, 2018
I always feel I should like James' books more than I actually do. The first one I read, Much Ado About You, wasn't bad, but since that nothing of hers that I've read has quite hit the spot. I picked A Kiss at Midnight up as part of a 3 for £5 deal in the publishers outlet bookshop, and for that it was OK, but I'm glad I didn't pay any more for it.
For me, the whole thing doesn't hang together comfortably. The hero didn't feel that developed and it was hard to see what the heroine saw in him - obviously when he started getting his shirt off, it gave you a bit more of an idea, but I want something a bit less superficial... You expect the heroine to have more backbone than she really does. She's not going to sleep with him - and then she capitulates. She likes as a virtual slave to her nasty stepmother for seven years and then puts her foot down over impersonating her stepsister.
Entertainment enough for a quick read, but definitely not a keeper for me. A shame, as I usually have a weakness for heroes named Gabriel (Gabriel Cynster, Gabriel Jones....).
For me, the whole thing doesn't hang together comfortably. The hero didn't feel that developed and it was hard to see what the heroine saw in him - obviously when he started getting his shirt off, it gave you a bit more of an idea, but I want something a bit less superficial... You expect the heroine to have more backbone than she really does. She's not going to sleep with him - and then she capitulates. She likes as a virtual slave to her nasty stepmother for seven years and then puts her foot down over impersonating her stepsister.
Entertainment enough for a quick read, but definitely not a keeper for me. A shame, as I usually have a weakness for heroes named Gabriel (Gabriel Cynster, Gabriel Jones....).

AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated In Stitches: The Highs and Lows of Life as an A&E Doctor in Books
Jan 12, 2020
Dr Nick gives a very comedic but serious insight into what life is really like to doctors who work in the busy accident and emergency departments in UK hospitals!
The book is written as a series of blog style entries that work as chapters. Dr Nick expresses the trials and tribulations, the highs and the lows, the many emotions faced by an overworked and unfunded group of individuals. However, he also goes as far as to share his thoughts on the unfairness of other staff working in hospitals, the failures underpinning the mental health support due to lack of funding, the idiotic ways governments try to cut spending without considering the impacts on the staff and individuals requiring access to services and the devastation that alcohol and drug abuse is having on the health system!
These individuals go through a lot of abuse, and work long long hours, are forced to move around frequently, face being sued daily, and still work hard despite a lack of funding and resources to ensure that people are nursed back to health, or are given the support they need should a loved one not make it, and still be expected to smile! NHS staff are heroes to me
The book is written as a series of blog style entries that work as chapters. Dr Nick expresses the trials and tribulations, the highs and the lows, the many emotions faced by an overworked and unfunded group of individuals. However, he also goes as far as to share his thoughts on the unfairness of other staff working in hospitals, the failures underpinning the mental health support due to lack of funding, the idiotic ways governments try to cut spending without considering the impacts on the staff and individuals requiring access to services and the devastation that alcohol and drug abuse is having on the health system!
These individuals go through a lot of abuse, and work long long hours, are forced to move around frequently, face being sued daily, and still work hard despite a lack of funding and resources to ensure that people are nursed back to health, or are given the support they need should a loved one not make it, and still be expected to smile! NHS staff are heroes to me

Amy Norman (1048 KP) rated The Cruel Prince in Books
Apr 1, 2020
I picked this up as a recommendation from my local library, and wasn't disappointed!
I have been lucky enough to pick up the follow up books one after the other, I think having to wait for the next parts would have been far too frustrating.
Holly weaves a fantastical world with perfectly imperfect characters, that you can't help but gravitate towards.
This was a great starter book but the next two in the series were even better.
If you enjoy fantasy lands that intersect with our own, combined with weird and wonderful creatures. Assassin's in training, and the beginnings of many schemes to go awry then this will be perfect for you.
There is also magic in this land but it is not showy, and doesn't become the be all and end all focus, as so many books with magic potential do, and often fall flat because of it.
There is great character development, and you will be torn over whether you should be rooting for 'heroes' or 'villains', and there is a lot of grey area around that.
Please do go and read this series, Holly is a fantastic writer and you can really feel the care and love she has put into building this world, you won't regret picking it up.
I have been lucky enough to pick up the follow up books one after the other, I think having to wait for the next parts would have been far too frustrating.
Holly weaves a fantastical world with perfectly imperfect characters, that you can't help but gravitate towards.
This was a great starter book but the next two in the series were even better.
If you enjoy fantasy lands that intersect with our own, combined with weird and wonderful creatures. Assassin's in training, and the beginnings of many schemes to go awry then this will be perfect for you.
There is also magic in this land but it is not showy, and doesn't become the be all and end all focus, as so many books with magic potential do, and often fall flat because of it.
There is great character development, and you will be torn over whether you should be rooting for 'heroes' or 'villains', and there is a lot of grey area around that.
Please do go and read this series, Holly is a fantastic writer and you can really feel the care and love she has put into building this world, you won't regret picking it up.

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Planes: Fire And Rescue (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
In “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), the former dust cropper turned racing plane, has become one of the top racing competitors. Unfortunately, his racing days are over when he damages his gearbox, a discontinued model that cannot be replaced, rendering him unable to push himself to top speeds.
In attempt to keep Propwash Junction, the beloved airport that Dusty calls home, from being shut down due to a lack of fire trucks and planes, Dusty volunteers to train to become a fire fighter. Dusty travels to Piston Peak National Forest to learn how to fight fires from Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) and his brigade of firefighters.
The sequel to Disneytoons Studio, “Planes” movie is far superior than its predecessor. I must admit I was very disappointed in the first installment due to its lack of connection to the characters and an unengaging storyline. It’s easier to connect with these heroes. In this film, we get a glimpse of the life of firefighters and how they risk their lives every day putting out fires to save people, wildlife, and nature. There are several perilous firefighting rescue scenes which keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed every second.
In attempt to keep Propwash Junction, the beloved airport that Dusty calls home, from being shut down due to a lack of fire trucks and planes, Dusty volunteers to train to become a fire fighter. Dusty travels to Piston Peak National Forest to learn how to fight fires from Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) and his brigade of firefighters.
The sequel to Disneytoons Studio, “Planes” movie is far superior than its predecessor. I must admit I was very disappointed in the first installment due to its lack of connection to the characters and an unengaging storyline. It’s easier to connect with these heroes. In this film, we get a glimpse of the life of firefighters and how they risk their lives every day putting out fires to save people, wildlife, and nature. There are several perilous firefighting rescue scenes which keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed every second.

PINKFONG Birthday Party
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Get ready for the best birthday party ever, starring me! Celebrate your birthday with funny...
Sarah (7800 KP) Apr 27, 2019