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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2196 KP) rated Room for Doubt in Books
Aug 21, 2018
Suicide or a Serial Killer?
A body has been found hanging from the Hollywood sign, and radio reporter Carol Childs is sent to the scene. The police have ruled it a suicide, but Carol thinks something else is going on. Before the weekend is over, Carol is contacted by a PI who shares her belief that there is more to this death. Then a caller to Carol’s new late Sunday show all but confesses. What is really going on?
From this intriguing premise, we get another fun mystery filled with plenty of suspense. I did have some issues with some moral issues brought up in this book, which is funny because I am on the opposite side of things on some TV shows I watch. A psychic we met in the first book is back, but I was happy that her “ability” only played a small part in the book. In fact, I enjoyed seeing her again since she is a fun foil for Carol. I really liked the cast of characters as well. There were some timeline issues in the middle of the book, but overall, they were a minor annoyance.
From this intriguing premise, we get another fun mystery filled with plenty of suspense. I did have some issues with some moral issues brought up in this book, which is funny because I am on the opposite side of things on some TV shows I watch. A psychic we met in the first book is back, but I was happy that her “ability” only played a small part in the book. In fact, I enjoyed seeing her again since she is a fun foil for Carol. I really liked the cast of characters as well. There were some timeline issues in the middle of the book, but overall, they were a minor annoyance.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Aug 21, 2018
I don't know how to start. I assume that everything I say will make the special effect of this book to disappear. There's one thing I learned from this book. We all have to die. It's the way it is. We can't change our Judgment Day. But we can define all our days before that day. The girl, Heizel, made me think about what it looks like to be diagnosed with cancer. I can't imagine it. She made me realize how lucky I am to be 17 and to be perfectly fine. It also made me think and not to forget that it all can actually change. As the teacher in the movie ,,Dead Poets Society'' said: Carpe diem - Seize the day. I realized I have to spend everyday like it is my last. But not to try to be remembered by all the people, but to be loved by the people that I also love. This is not a perfect Hollywood love story ok.. This is a reality show, it's exactly described as it is - painful and awful life. The one we all have to live...
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Exorcist (1973) in Movies
Oct 30, 2018
Shocking for its time
The Exorcist is one of those classics that for me is perhaps slightly overrated. Don't get me wrong, for something made in the 70s it's very impressive, it's just very difficult to judge an older film when you live in more modern times.
The film itself is a very slow burner, which isn't a bad thing as it at least relies more on subtlety rather than being in your face like a lot of more modern horrors are. For me it was a little too slow in parts and I wouldn't say this was scary in the slightest. The physical effects are very good for its time, and some of the scenes are still fairly shocking even now. There are some brilliant classic lines in this too, and Linda Blair is very good as Regan. What I like the most about this film is the ending, as it isn't quite your bog standard predictable Hollywood ending and the first time I saw this I was hugely surprised (but pleased) at how this played out.
This is definitely a classic and one worth watching, just try not to judge on today's standards!
The film itself is a very slow burner, which isn't a bad thing as it at least relies more on subtlety rather than being in your face like a lot of more modern horrors are. For me it was a little too slow in parts and I wouldn't say this was scary in the slightest. The physical effects are very good for its time, and some of the scenes are still fairly shocking even now. There are some brilliant classic lines in this too, and Linda Blair is very good as Regan. What I like the most about this film is the ending, as it isn't quite your bog standard predictable Hollywood ending and the first time I saw this I was hugely surprised (but pleased) at how this played out.
This is definitely a classic and one worth watching, just try not to judge on today's standards!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Midway (2019) in Movies
Nov 12, 2019
Wallowing historical re-enactment is technically an independent movie but certainly feels like a by-the-numbers Hollywood war film. On one level this is a decent attempt at a more even-handed re-telling of the first part of the war in the Pacific, including events like the raid on Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle attack on Tokyo, and the battle of the Coral Sea before moving on to the battle of Midway itself. However, this just results in a bloated narrative which struggles to stay focused and often feels repetitive.
Much money has obviously been spent on special effects, but the film is too often becalmed in the nautical equivalent of the uncanny valley. Too much of it takes place at the pitch of a single note of macho, stoic patriotism. There are some good performances amongst the cast, but Ed Skrein's lead character is difficult to warm up to. It's never actually dull to watch, but neither is it especially thrilling or moving. In the end it passes the time, but I can think of other Emmerich movies which are less respectable but much more fun.
Much money has obviously been spent on special effects, but the film is too often becalmed in the nautical equivalent of the uncanny valley. Too much of it takes place at the pitch of a single note of macho, stoic patriotism. There are some good performances amongst the cast, but Ed Skrein's lead character is difficult to warm up to. It's never actually dull to watch, but neither is it especially thrilling or moving. In the end it passes the time, but I can think of other Emmerich movies which are less respectable but much more fun.
Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated The Mule (2018) in Movies
Dec 6, 2019 (Updated Dec 6, 2019)
Clint still going strong...
To see Clint Eastwood still going strong at the age of 89 is simply incredible, sadly this film is not some of his best work.
From the start the movie feels a little bit disjointed and a bit all over the place but if you can get past that and the blatant plot holes in the script, there is a half decent movie in there somewhere.
Clint Eastwood is solid as always as the 90 year old, politically incorrect Korean war veteran. However the very talented supporting cast including Bradley Cooper & Laurence Fishburne feel very restricted and underused, I can't actually believe Laurence Fishburne took this role if I'm being honest, as his screen time is very limited to say the least.
To sum it up if you are a Clint Eastwood fan like myself then on the whole, The Mule is a watchable and at times enjoyable movie. Although admittedly not his greatest piece of work, if this does indeed turn out to be his last movie then I think we can all safely say it has been one hell of a career for a true Hollywood legend.
From the start the movie feels a little bit disjointed and a bit all over the place but if you can get past that and the blatant plot holes in the script, there is a half decent movie in there somewhere.
Clint Eastwood is solid as always as the 90 year old, politically incorrect Korean war veteran. However the very talented supporting cast including Bradley Cooper & Laurence Fishburne feel very restricted and underused, I can't actually believe Laurence Fishburne took this role if I'm being honest, as his screen time is very limited to say the least.
To sum it up if you are a Clint Eastwood fan like myself then on the whole, The Mule is a watchable and at times enjoyable movie. Although admittedly not his greatest piece of work, if this does indeed turn out to be his last movie then I think we can all safely say it has been one hell of a career for a true Hollywood legend.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated 21 Bridges (2019) in Movies
Dec 11, 2019
The New Training Day
Chadwick Boseman has so much on screen charisma in this movie he could quite soon be one of the biggest names in Hollywood, his performance was utterly compelling. When an actor doesn't even have to speak and you know what they are thinking off by their eyes then that is special. In fact the entire cast is very strong with spot on performances from all of them,
This is a very strong film, if you liked Training Day here is another film with cops and bad guys (or are they one and the same?). Boseman is a detective who lives for the badge out to stop two robbers who have left a bloodbath of cops behind them.Can Boseman solve the mystery and stop the robbers or will he simply get revenge?
The only loss of points for me was I guessed the 'twist' from the beginning, otherwise it could have been even more of a great must watch film
This is a very strong film, if you liked Training Day here is another film with cops and bad guys (or are they one and the same?). Boseman is a detective who lives for the badge out to stop two robbers who have left a bloodbath of cops behind them.Can Boseman solve the mystery and stop the robbers or will he simply get revenge?
The only loss of points for me was I guessed the 'twist' from the beginning, otherwise it could have been even more of a great must watch film
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018) in Movies
Feb 11, 2020 (Updated Feb 11, 2020)
Alfred The Movie
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies- has some great references, surprising comedic cameo, nice nods to the tv show and its also very funny.
Plus it finally has Nicolas Cage as Superman, he is only voicing him though, but still finally get Nicolas Cage as Superman after all these years. I would of still loved to see the live action verison with Nicolas Cage and Tim Burton directing it.
Anyways the plot: It seems that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the Teen Titans. Robin is bound and determined to remedy that situation by becoming a star instead of a sidekick. With a few madcap ideas and a song in their hearts, the Teen Titans head to Hollywood to fulfill their dreams. Things soon go awry, however, when a supervillain plans to take over the planet -- putting the very fate of the young heroes on the line.
Its a really great/intresting plot. If you havent seen this movie, than go watch it. Cause its a must see.
Plus it finally has Nicolas Cage as Superman, he is only voicing him though, but still finally get Nicolas Cage as Superman after all these years. I would of still loved to see the live action verison with Nicolas Cage and Tim Burton directing it.
Anyways the plot: It seems that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies -- all but the Teen Titans. Robin is bound and determined to remedy that situation by becoming a star instead of a sidekick. With a few madcap ideas and a song in their hearts, the Teen Titans head to Hollywood to fulfill their dreams. Things soon go awry, however, when a supervillain plans to take over the planet -- putting the very fate of the young heroes on the line.
Its a really great/intresting plot. If you havent seen this movie, than go watch it. Cause its a must see.
JT (287 KP) rated Silent House (2011) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
The tag line for The Silent House is “real fear in real time” the main premise being that the film is shot in one continuous take. You can believe it or not and debate how hard it would be to pull off?
Laura (Florencia Colucci) and her father Wilson (Gustavo Alonso) head to an old house with the intention of spending a few days clearing it out as the owner is looking to put it up for sale. Arriving late they settle in for the night, but it’s not long before all hell breaks loose.
With a noise coming from upstairs Wilson goes to investigate but when he comes back down a little worse for wear Laura has to embrace the darkness and avoid the terror within. It’s an exceptional piece of film making which will leave you breathless. There are a few little twists and turns and a great sequence involving a polaroid camera.
Of course Hollywood has capitalized on this success and churned out a pointless remake as they do with most other foreign films. But it’s not as good as this original horror gem.
Laura (Florencia Colucci) and her father Wilson (Gustavo Alonso) head to an old house with the intention of spending a few days clearing it out as the owner is looking to put it up for sale. Arriving late they settle in for the night, but it’s not long before all hell breaks loose.
With a noise coming from upstairs Wilson goes to investigate but when he comes back down a little worse for wear Laura has to embrace the darkness and avoid the terror within. It’s an exceptional piece of film making which will leave you breathless. There are a few little twists and turns and a great sequence involving a polaroid camera.
Of course Hollywood has capitalized on this success and churned out a pointless remake as they do with most other foreign films. But it’s not as good as this original horror gem.
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