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Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Hell Fest (2018) in Movies
Aug 25, 2020
As the movie starts we see a group of friends entering a haunted house at a fairground, they are split up from each other and one is killed by someone in a costume and hung with other bodies like an attraction, this sets the scene for the movie and got me interested straight away.
Next scene we see another group of friends talking about going to hell fest, yeah yeah we know where this is going to end right!? To be fair if hell fest was real, I would want to go too as its right up my street, you know with the murders and all!
Anyway I found the movie very good, you didn't always know if someone was about to be killed or if it was part of the festival which definitely kept you guessing throughout the movie.
The ending is not your typical Slasher movie ending and it did leave me wanting a sequel. Look out for a cameo from candy man's Tony Todd.
Next scene we see another group of friends talking about going to hell fest, yeah yeah we know where this is going to end right!? To be fair if hell fest was real, I would want to go too as its right up my street, you know with the murders and all!
Anyway I found the movie very good, you didn't always know if someone was about to be killed or if it was part of the festival which definitely kept you guessing throughout the movie.
The ending is not your typical Slasher movie ending and it did leave me wanting a sequel. Look out for a cameo from candy man's Tony Todd.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Dreamland Burning in Books
Dec 22, 2018
Great Subject to Read on
I noticed a large trend in these kinds of books where it’s half in the present, and half in the past. It’s not a trend I particularly like as I adore historical fiction and mixing it with things happening in present day takes away the historical aspect, but I gave this book a chance. This one grabbed my attention because of the subject which interests me. I have not heard of the Tulsa Race Riot until I grabbed this book. It was an eye opener, and definitely something that can’t be ignored or forgotten.
The switch between Rowan and William is seamless and flows throughout the novel. Rowan attempts to figure out the mystery behind the skeleton while William’s story not only gives you the background information but also gives you the sense and the climate on how it was for African Americans back in those times. The historical aspects of the book is well written and gives you a good general idea.
At first, William doesn’t seem that all a likable character. As the plot progresses though, you change your mind as his behavior and outlook changes to something much more favorable. Rowan’s side of the story is interesting too. She’s been pretty much sheltered in a good, privileged life who is also suddenly awakened by recent events affecting herself and others around her. She’s a well written character as well, but I’d have to say I prefer reading William’s side of the story more as I found Rowan’s point of view dragged in a few areas of the story.
The plot overall is well done and interesting. The mystery and historical elements of the story also keeps the plot engaging and it’s a good educational read. Definitely something to read more into and a good subject to write about.
The switch between Rowan and William is seamless and flows throughout the novel. Rowan attempts to figure out the mystery behind the skeleton while William’s story not only gives you the background information but also gives you the sense and the climate on how it was for African Americans back in those times. The historical aspects of the book is well written and gives you a good general idea.
At first, William doesn’t seem that all a likable character. As the plot progresses though, you change your mind as his behavior and outlook changes to something much more favorable. Rowan’s side of the story is interesting too. She’s been pretty much sheltered in a good, privileged life who is also suddenly awakened by recent events affecting herself and others around her. She’s a well written character as well, but I’d have to say I prefer reading William’s side of the story more as I found Rowan’s point of view dragged in a few areas of the story.
The plot overall is well done and interesting. The mystery and historical elements of the story also keeps the plot engaging and it’s a good educational read. Definitely something to read more into and a good subject to write about.
Merissa (13298 KP) rated Stalker in Books
Jun 15, 2018
Stalker by Lisa Stone
Stalker is the first book by Lisa Stone I have read, but I can guarantee it won't be the last. The premise of this book is simple enough - a Home Security man who gives his clients that little bit more, even though they don't know about it.
This was a well-paced novel, with plenty of action and suspense to guarantee you keep turning the pages. The scary part of this book is that it is all so simple, and in this day and age, so many options. There were parts that I knew were coming, however that didn't detract from the story in any way. There were still so many questions that needed answering.
With well-defined characters and situations, I found Stalker to be excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that jolted me out of the story. Absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well-paced novel, with plenty of action and suspense to guarantee you keep turning the pages. The scary part of this book is that it is all so simple, and in this day and age, so many options. There were parts that I knew were coming, however that didn't detract from the story in any way. There were still so many questions that needed answering.
With well-defined characters and situations, I found Stalker to be excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that jolted me out of the story. Absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Deborah (162 KP) rated Hungry Hill in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I really got stuck into this family saga from Daphne du Maruier, following five generations of a family and their relationship with the mine at Hungry Hill. With du Maurier you know there's going to be tragedy in there somewhere and there are senseless deaths and senseless happenings a plenty. Despite being beautifully written, I felt somewhat depressed at the end of the novel because I didn't feel it was concluded very well and a lot of very bad things happened to people who frankly didn't deserve it! I feel John-Henry's story wasn't properly tied up and he was just left almost hanging there. The Donovans also seem to come out of things rather well despite their atrocious, murdering behaviour! I think I'm one who likes a good bit of poetic justice in my reading as real life is so unfair to some people!
So, brilliantly written, but I'm not sure I'd want to put myself through reading it again, with all the agonies and the ending which I found unsatisfactory.
So, brilliantly written, but I'm not sure I'd want to put myself through reading it again, with all the agonies and the ending which I found unsatisfactory.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Informer (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
Pete Koslow, an ex-convict finds himself working for the FBI as an informer who has infiltrated a large Polish drug smuggling ring. When a delivery goes bad Pete finds that both the FBI and the Polish gang want him to go back to prison to do one last job.
I have to admit, I didn't really know what to expect from this film, I’d seen the trailer once but that was all, but I was bored and it was the only film I could get to on time so I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed this. The film runs at quite a fast pace with building tensions and emotional family scenes. The plot isn't overly complicated but is interesting enough to keep you entertained. The Informer also doesn't rely on lots of blood and gore. The only real downside was, due to the pacing, it's some times hard to keep track of how long something g has taken, for example I found it hard to tell how long the events in prison had taken.
I have to admit, I didn't really know what to expect from this film, I’d seen the trailer once but that was all, but I was bored and it was the only film I could get to on time so I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed this. The film runs at quite a fast pace with building tensions and emotional family scenes. The plot isn't overly complicated but is interesting enough to keep you entertained. The Informer also doesn't rely on lots of blood and gore. The only real downside was, due to the pacing, it's some times hard to keep track of how long something g has taken, for example I found it hard to tell how long the events in prison had taken.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Shadow Guardian (Blood Shadows #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2022
Kay has never felt wanted or loved by her parents and has a strong resentment towards them. The only people she can trust in her life are Elizabeth, Zayn, James and David. When dark shadows start attacking people Kay will find out who she can trust as she battles to save everybody against the destructive shadows and their chaos.
I absolutely loved this book and did not want it to end! I finished the last page of the last chapter turned the page to see thank and was like no! I've not finished reading that yet I don't want it to finish!
I enjoyed the fight scenes they were really descriptive that you can imagine the tendrils and reactions of every character. I think the growth of the relationship between Kay and Ethan is well written and I can understand the turmoil between them both and found myself at times calling either character a name because of their reaction to an incident.
Completely gripping, with thrills, mystery, love and betrayal. Can't wait to read the next one!
Please read
I absolutely loved this book and did not want it to end! I finished the last page of the last chapter turned the page to see thank and was like no! I've not finished reading that yet I don't want it to finish!
I enjoyed the fight scenes they were really descriptive that you can imagine the tendrils and reactions of every character. I think the growth of the relationship between Kay and Ethan is well written and I can understand the turmoil between them both and found myself at times calling either character a name because of their reaction to an incident.
Completely gripping, with thrills, mystery, love and betrayal. Can't wait to read the next one!
Please read
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Unlike typical Forums and Review Apps with different sub categories, with Smashbomb you are able submit your individual reviews, and read reviews submitted by others, all in one place. Personally, I think that this is imperative as I have found myself exploring alternative genres of books, movies and music that I otherwise would not have without the reviews submitted by yourselves.
The Community here on Smashbomb is not comparable to general Communites that are prevalent throughout Social Media and Apps. Here, we value each others opinions, and we are grateful for those opinions and differentiating genres that then allow ourselves to expand our current genre taste.
Smashbomb also provide giveaways. I myself was fortunate enough to be picked as a winner for a giveaway which was a Funko Pop. I won this giveaway an approximate two years ago, and that same Funko Pop is on my shelf watching as I write this review.
Join, and stay as a member of our Community.
Unlike typical Forums and Review Apps with different sub categories, with Smashbomb you are able submit your individual reviews, and read reviews submitted by others, all in one place. Personally, I think that this is imperative as I have found myself exploring alternative genres of books, movies and music that I otherwise would not have without the reviews submitted by yourselves.
The Community here on Smashbomb is not comparable to general Communites that are prevalent throughout Social Media and Apps. Here, we value each others opinions, and we are grateful for those opinions and differentiating genres that then allow ourselves to expand our current genre taste.
Smashbomb also provide giveaways. I myself was fortunate enough to be picked as a winner for a giveaway which was a Funko Pop. I won this giveaway an approximate two years ago, and that same Funko Pop is on my shelf watching as I write this review.
Join, and stay as a member of our Community.
Oh my word! Well that was a disturbing and dark book but I found myself racing through it and literally couldn't put it down .. a cliché I know but absolutely true in this case.
What can I say? Gripping, frighteningly realistic and topical, dark, tense and heart-wrenching ... just a great book all round really. I must add a warning though, it does deal with violence towards women and whilst this is, as you can imagine, not pleasant, it is I feel an honest portrayal of what is going on in the world today.
Written from the perspective of all the main characters, this is a fast-paced and engrossing read with a twist that caught me by surprise.
I haven't read anything by this author before but will certainly be keeping my eyes open in the future and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to another new author.
What can I say? Gripping, frighteningly realistic and topical, dark, tense and heart-wrenching ... just a great book all round really. I must add a warning though, it does deal with violence towards women and whilst this is, as you can imagine, not pleasant, it is I feel an honest portrayal of what is going on in the world today.
Written from the perspective of all the main characters, this is a fast-paced and engrossing read with a twist that caught me by surprise.
I haven't read anything by this author before but will certainly be keeping my eyes open in the future and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to another new author.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Hunter Killer (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Now let's be honest, we all know that Hunter Killer isn't going to be sweeping the Oscar noms. As action fans, do we care? Noooooope!
This is a film that does exactly what you expect, and want it to do. It's Olympus Has Fallen. It's White House Down. It's Geostorm. It's modern action that you don't have to think about. It's that perfect diversion.
I think they tried to capitalise on the big names in this one for the posters. It doesn't really seem like Gary Oldman is in it enough to warrant second billing, but what do I know? The supporting actors were very good. The more I see Common pop up in films the more I'm enjoying him. There are also great performances from Toby Stephens, Michael Nyqvist and Linda Cardellini, which was a nice surprise.
Thanks to half term and my holiday I was traumatised to realise that I was potentially going to miss this one at the cinema. It was on for just one week at my Cineworld which coincided with my first week away, I got back to find most places weren't showing it any more and as expected, I was annoyed. Stupid half term. Vue ended up coming to my rescue with one slight drawback... it was only showing at a time where I'd have norally been in bed for about two hours.
There was a reason for the last bit of waffle. Having to see it in the middle of the night, I was fully aware that the film starts out relatively slowly. I found myself drifting off a little bit, but when the action started I was drawn in and some of the pieces were very effective.
I ended up doing a bit of an IMDb surf from this film while looking at some of the actors. It was a surprising learning curve. Hunter Killer was one of the last films made by Michael Nyqvist before his death, I also discovered that Toby Stephens is Maggie Smith's son. Two very different things that I'm surprised I didn't know.
What you should do
Hunter Killer is definitely worth watching if you catch it on the TV or streaming. It's an entertaining action film that will pass a couple of hours.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could do with some handy radar that would help me work out if spaces were big enough for me to parallel park in.
This is a film that does exactly what you expect, and want it to do. It's Olympus Has Fallen. It's White House Down. It's Geostorm. It's modern action that you don't have to think about. It's that perfect diversion.
I think they tried to capitalise on the big names in this one for the posters. It doesn't really seem like Gary Oldman is in it enough to warrant second billing, but what do I know? The supporting actors were very good. The more I see Common pop up in films the more I'm enjoying him. There are also great performances from Toby Stephens, Michael Nyqvist and Linda Cardellini, which was a nice surprise.
Thanks to half term and my holiday I was traumatised to realise that I was potentially going to miss this one at the cinema. It was on for just one week at my Cineworld which coincided with my first week away, I got back to find most places weren't showing it any more and as expected, I was annoyed. Stupid half term. Vue ended up coming to my rescue with one slight drawback... it was only showing at a time where I'd have norally been in bed for about two hours.
There was a reason for the last bit of waffle. Having to see it in the middle of the night, I was fully aware that the film starts out relatively slowly. I found myself drifting off a little bit, but when the action started I was drawn in and some of the pieces were very effective.
I ended up doing a bit of an IMDb surf from this film while looking at some of the actors. It was a surprising learning curve. Hunter Killer was one of the last films made by Michael Nyqvist before his death, I also discovered that Toby Stephens is Maggie Smith's son. Two very different things that I'm surprised I didn't know.
What you should do
Hunter Killer is definitely worth watching if you catch it on the TV or streaming. It's an entertaining action film that will pass a couple of hours.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could do with some handy radar that would help me work out if spaces were big enough for me to parallel park in.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Lydia, Woman of Philippi in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I am a picky reader when it comes to Biblical fiction. I've found very few authors who captivate me completely with the Biblical fiction. Diana Wallis Taylor is one of those few authors. When I sit down to Ms. Taylor's work, I know that I can prepare myself for the powerful messages within, I can prepare myself for the feeling as if I am right there in the middle of some of the most incredible happenings in the Bible. That's how good her writing style is.
With Lydia, I got just that. Taken from the book of Acts and Lydia's story, we learn all about the wonderful woman of the color purple. The things she endured with a father who didn't care for the fact that she chose her mother's religion, and with an arranged marriage.....it just really tugged at my heart and made me fall in love! I loved the way she was chiseled so vividly. The way she overcame her issues, and her determination to stand tall despite it all, and the way her heart opened up after meeting Paul....it all really just enveloped me and took me on a ride that I won't soon forget!
This is definitely a 4 star worthy Biblical novel. If you love learning about the Bible in interesting ways, if you want a deeper relationship with reading and with God, then Ms. Taylor's Lydia is one you don't want to miss. You'll be taken to the center of the story, captivated completely, and fall in love with the Biblical accounts in a whole new way. I know I did! I can't wait to read another amazing, moving, and heart twisting story from the talented work of Diana Wallis Taylor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
With Lydia, I got just that. Taken from the book of Acts and Lydia's story, we learn all about the wonderful woman of the color purple. The things she endured with a father who didn't care for the fact that she chose her mother's religion, and with an arranged marriage.....it just really tugged at my heart and made me fall in love! I loved the way she was chiseled so vividly. The way she overcame her issues, and her determination to stand tall despite it all, and the way her heart opened up after meeting Paul....it all really just enveloped me and took me on a ride that I won't soon forget!
This is definitely a 4 star worthy Biblical novel. If you love learning about the Bible in interesting ways, if you want a deeper relationship with reading and with God, then Ms. Taylor's Lydia is one you don't want to miss. You'll be taken to the center of the story, captivated completely, and fall in love with the Biblical accounts in a whole new way. I know I did! I can't wait to read another amazing, moving, and heart twisting story from the talented work of Diana Wallis Taylor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*