American Independent Cinema: Second Edition
Book
This introduction to American Independent Cinema offers both a comprehensive industrial and economic...
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)
Movie
Comedy starring Robert Downey Jr. Harry Lockhart (Downey Jr.) is basically a decent guy. Sure, he's...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Torture Garden (1967) in Movies
Jul 12, 2020
Written by Robert Bloch, which may explain why it's a bit less cartoony than some of these films, and the final twist is not actually the usual one. However, the decision to go with four stories rather than the five or so does slow the film down a bit and there's a bit of meandering about in some of them before we get to the punchline. In the end, there are some good bits: Burgess Meredith's performance is fun and the moment where one character is attacked by a musical instrument has a sort of kitsch grandeur to it. But other films in this series as livelier and more fun. (I should say: not much torture, even less gardening.)
David McK (3414 KP) rated The Old Guard (2020) in Movies
Jul 14, 2020 (Updated Apr 11, 2021)
Apparently based on a relatively-new comic series, you can also tell that this is a straight-to-TV affair, with it not *quite* having the budget or flair of a Hollywood film. It's also unclear just what happens if any of these immortals lose a limb - does it grow back?
Anyway, the driving force behind this is the discovery of a new immortal, just after the other's last mission goes sideways, with Big Pharma - in a plot development that will surprise no one - now out to see if they can extract the secret of their immortality from the group (who don't know it themselves).
Also definitely set up for a sequel: if it is half as good as this one, I'll be watching.
Austin Garrick recommended M (Movie) (1931) in Movies (curated)
The School of Sophisticated Drinking: An Intoxicating History of Seven Spirits
Kerstin Ehmer, Beate Hindermann and Kevin Brauch
Book
Wherever and whenever people have been found talking, they have been found drinking: an age-old...
Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching
Book
"Truly addictive". (Malcolm Gladwell). "Brilliant". (Susan Cain). "Essential". (Charles Duhigg). How...
Eduardo Sanchez recommended Notting Hill (1999) in Movies (curated)
Joel Schumacher recommended Blade Runner (1982) in Movies (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2196 KP) rated The Sharpest Needle in Books
Feb 3, 2021
There is so much to praise in this book. The plot is strong and always keeps us engaged. It does get a little convoluted as we reach the climax, but as long as you pay attention, you’ll follow what is happening. Real people and fictional characters rub elbows seamlessly, and they all appear fully formed to us. I love watching for cameos. The news of the day impacts the character, and therefore us. Yet we also have talk about the films coming out during that time, which I enjoyed. This is more than a Hollywood mystery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, you need to read these books today.