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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2342 KP) rated Deadly Director’s Cut in Books
Oct 3, 2022 (Updated Oct 3, 2022)
The Director Is Cut Out of the Picture
Hollywood has come to Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as famed director Elias Theropodous has decided to use it for some of the outdoor scenes for his new movie. Elizabeth Grady, the resort’s manager, is thrilled with the money, but not the disruptions to life at the resort, especially with Elias’s demands. However, when he dies after a night of eating and drinking at the resort, Elizabeth quickly realizes she has to find the killer in order to save the resort’s reputation. Can she do it?
Hollywood coming to town is a familiar trope, especially in cozies, but authors continue to use it because it works. That’s certainly the case here. The plot kept me engaged, sometimes reading a little later than I had planned, and I loved how the climax played out, although there is a minor continuity error with the climax. It doesn’t impact who the killer is. I also appreciated how the sub-plots some of the regulars had tie in with this main story yet also felt like natural continuations of their arcs from the first book. Naturally, the new characters are strong as well. I enjoyed the setting; I was ready to book a vacation at the resort myself. I also appreciated the way the 1950’s setting came to life, with little bits of everyday life infusing every page. If you are looking for a fun historical cozy, look no further than this book.
Hollywood coming to town is a familiar trope, especially in cozies, but authors continue to use it because it works. That’s certainly the case here. The plot kept me engaged, sometimes reading a little later than I had planned, and I loved how the climax played out, although there is a minor continuity error with the climax. It doesn’t impact who the killer is. I also appreciated how the sub-plots some of the regulars had tie in with this main story yet also felt like natural continuations of their arcs from the first book. Naturally, the new characters are strong as well. I enjoyed the setting; I was ready to book a vacation at the resort myself. I also appreciated the way the 1950’s setting came to life, with little bits of everyday life infusing every page. If you are looking for a fun historical cozy, look no further than this book.
Verner Latskin (74 KP) rated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) in Movies
Jul 23, 2017
Umm... Star Wars is cool? I guess? (1 more)
There was a cool scene with a blind guy... I think?
It was... Good? I think?
I have "seen" this movie three times now, i think. Maybe it's just the fact that I'm bored to tears with star wars anymore, but I swear, i can barely remember anything about it. Not a good sign, i would reckon. I'm not even sure this movie is real. I would guess that instead it's just hollywood gaslighting us all into believing there was some cool new star wars movie. That sounds more plausible to me.
Still better than force awakens tho.
Still better than force awakens tho.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated My Mother Was Nuts in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Of course I've known who Penny Marshall is for awhile, but I never realized just what a fascinating person she is or what an incredible life she's experienced until I picked up this book! She is a unique woman and so strong with such an amazing talent! The overlying message I took from her memoir is that no matter your circumstances if you just stick to your guns and enjoy what you do, you can do anything.
There doesn't seem to be a person in Hollywood that she doesn't know, hasn't screen tested for a movie, or who hasn't lived in her house at some point! It was such a normal life, under such extraordinary circumstances. What an amazing woman!
There doesn't seem to be a person in Hollywood that she doesn't know, hasn't screen tested for a movie, or who hasn't lived in her house at some point! It was such a normal life, under such extraordinary circumstances. What an amazing woman!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated He Said/She Said in Books
Aug 26, 2017
Gripping, horrific look at victim blaming of women
There are so many twists that your head will keep spinning. However, each one has been laid out carefully so it doesn't seem frivolous. The story plot is coherent and the author has done a great job of keeping it together without going completely over the top Hollywood style.
It's a rather sad look at how much victim blaming there is in society especially surrounding violence against women. The woman in this case is Beth, a troubled young girl, and you wonder if she's telling the truth even right near the end. She's portrayed as slightly psychotic while the defendant is "good young boy with a solid reputation ". An important read and completely relevant our times.
It's a rather sad look at how much victim blaming there is in society especially surrounding violence against women. The woman in this case is Beth, a troubled young girl, and you wonder if she's telling the truth even right near the end. She's portrayed as slightly psychotic while the defendant is "good young boy with a solid reputation ". An important read and completely relevant our times.
Enyeh (71 KP) rated The War of the Worlds in Books
Aug 9, 2017
Through the first 2/3 of this book, I thought I was going to be disappointed - in fact, given how far I'd gotten without feeling particularly engaged, I think I can say I was in fact disappointed. But in the end, Wells makes up for it: not with any extreme plot twists or cheap literary tricks, but with a sense of profundity, with a moral. War of the Worlds isn't the Hollywood movie that came after it, or even the notorious radio show that caused the panic of a nation - instead, it's a novel about a man and his thoughts in the face of the worst disaster. It's a discussion of humanity, psychology, and morality, disguised as an alien adventure.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Battle of the Sexes (2016) in Movies
Apr 14, 2018
How far have we come?
While watching this film I kept thinking these events happened nearly fifty years ago and attitudes by powerful men toward women really haven't changed that much. The revelations in Hollywood recently were obviously long overdue and hopefully will start changing things for the better in the future.
The attention to detail in this film and acting were very believable and made you engage with the story immediately. Although the second act seemed to drag a bit, the developing relationships needed time to manifest to assist in the film's payoff.
I love a movie with a good soundtrack and this one didn't disappoint either as my toes were tappin' throughout.
Highly recommended.
The attention to detail in this film and acting were very believable and made you engage with the story immediately. Although the second act seemed to drag a bit, the developing relationships needed time to manifest to assist in the film's payoff.
I love a movie with a good soundtrack and this one didn't disappoint either as my toes were tappin' throughout.
Highly recommended.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated 15 Minutes (A Maizie Albright Star Detective Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Celebrity gossip fans, reality TV fans, and of course mystery fans are going to love Maizie Albright. She is determined, quirky, and lots of fun. A former child actor who played a detective on TV, Maisie returns home to Black Pine, Georgia seeking an apprenticeship with a real private investigator. Will Maisie be able to convince her unwilling mentor that shes more than a hollywood has-been? Full of humor and romance, this is a great start to a new series.
Read more on <a href="https://booksthething.com/2017/01/26/15-minutes-by-larissa-reinhart-blog-tour-giveaway/">The Book's the Thing</a>
<i>I was provided with a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</i>
Read more on <a href="https://booksthething.com/2017/01/26/15-minutes-by-larissa-reinhart-blog-tour-giveaway/">The Book's the Thing</a>
<i>I was provided with a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.</i>
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
A crazy, interesting ride
Since I am a huge Gilliam fan, I was excited to watch this film. From the very first frame you are sucked in to this unusual, sometimes hilarious, sometimes detestable adventure of two men doing drugs, booze women all while in Vegas for a convention.
Some of the movie doesn't make much sense, the voice over helps a little. The awkward situations the two men get into and some of the unique people they encounter are my favorite parts.
Maybe I lost some of the point since I have only seen it sober? Not sure about that.
I do know it was one of the most stolen and/or never returned films in the history of Hollywood Video.
Some of the movie doesn't make much sense, the voice over helps a little. The awkward situations the two men get into and some of the unique people they encounter are my favorite parts.
Maybe I lost some of the point since I have only seen it sober? Not sure about that.
I do know it was one of the most stolen and/or never returned films in the history of Hollywood Video.
Rhage and Mary's story!!
Rhage is different from the other brothers, also known as "Hollywood" for his good looks, but his interest is mostly in killing members of the Lessening Society and being with his brothers.
JR Ward has a way of making you fall in love with each character (one at a time) and feeling a part of their story as it develops. Yes this could be considered a romance to some extent but that isn't what this really is in my opinion. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is a highly addictive series of books with Vampires, action, enemies and the love interest although engaging is a side line to the main story. If you enjoy Vampire books then these are a must read!
JR Ward has a way of making you fall in love with each character (one at a time) and feeling a part of their story as it develops. Yes this could be considered a romance to some extent but that isn't what this really is in my opinion. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is a highly addictive series of books with Vampires, action, enemies and the love interest although engaging is a side line to the main story. If you enjoy Vampire books then these are a must read!
David McK (3557 KP) rated The Boss Baby (2017) in Movies
Dec 31, 2019
Hmmm … that was a weird one.
Ever since Bruce Willis doing the voice of the baby in 'Looks who's talking' I kind of feel that a load of Hollywood actors have wanted to get in the same gig: enter Alec Baldwin in this.
Made mostly for kids, this lacks the sophistication of a Pixar movie (which also has stuff to keep the adults amused), and is pretty much what it says on the tin (and poster): a be-suited baby giving orders to his older (and jealous) sibling while trying to stop the evil plans of the CEO of a Puppy corporation where his parents work.
You can see from the off right where this is going, and how it is going to end up ...
Ever since Bruce Willis doing the voice of the baby in 'Looks who's talking' I kind of feel that a load of Hollywood actors have wanted to get in the same gig: enter Alec Baldwin in this.
Made mostly for kids, this lacks the sophistication of a Pixar movie (which also has stuff to keep the adults amused), and is pretty much what it says on the tin (and poster): a be-suited baby giving orders to his older (and jealous) sibling while trying to stop the evil plans of the CEO of a Puppy corporation where his parents work.
You can see from the off right where this is going, and how it is going to end up ...