Search
Search results
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I was warned off of this book by a friend of mine, but I figured since I am FINALLY going to see the musical in January I'd give it a shot. Boy am I ever glad I did! I really enjoyed it!! This is another book that should allow half stars, because truly it is a 4.5 not a 4. The only reason it isn't 5 is that there are a few parts that drag, but not enough that I didn't enjoy the book as a whole.
Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West. It is incredibly interesting to see the famous story from another character's point of view. I must admit there were things that surprised me completely. I was always fascinated by the Witch when I was younger & now she makes so much more sense. I was never afraid of her, but her Flying Monkeys were another story.
I don't want to say too much & give anything away, but let's just say the Wicked Witch never intended to be wicked, nor was she really a witch! Mind blown!!! :)
Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West. It is incredibly interesting to see the famous story from another character's point of view. I must admit there were things that surprised me completely. I was always fascinated by the Witch when I was younger & now she makes so much more sense. I was never afraid of her, but her Flying Monkeys were another story.
I don't want to say too much & give anything away, but let's just say the Wicked Witch never intended to be wicked, nor was she really a witch! Mind blown!!! :)
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
May 29, 2019
I knew before watching this that it wasn’t your average biopic but that still didn’t prepare me for how truly wacky and wonderful it was. But then when you think of Elton John, would you really expect anything less flamboyant?
This is more like an Elton John musical complete with rather strange fantasy elements, and I have to admit that the fantasy is mostly the bit I didn’t like. Singing with younger versions of himself were fine, but the rest I just found a little too odd and ill fitting. However despite this, it’s still a rather good musical. All of the songs that you’d expect are in here and it was a struggle not to sing along. I do think that the general sound on the music in this didn’t seem quite as good as Bohemian Rhapsody, it didn’t feel quite as immersive and concert like and it was in the same screen!
Taron Egerton does a wonderful job, I’ve said before that he’s a marvellous actor and he proves it yet again here. Whilst he doesn’t look exactly like Elton John i can’t imagine anyone else playing this role and there were some moments later on in the film that I had to do a double take as he looked so like him! There are other great performances too, namely Richard Madden as the smarmy John Reid and Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. There are some scenes with Bernie and Elton that almost have me in tears. I know fairly little about Elton’s earlier life so for me this was rather an informative and fascinating film too, and I was beyond glad at the end to hear that Bernie is still going. I couldn’t have coped if he wasn’t!
This film isn’t faultless and I felt like it was rather drawn out, but it’s still a rather good musical biopic and definitely one I’d like to see again and sing along too. Indeed, wouldn’t this be marvellous as a musical stage show?
This is more like an Elton John musical complete with rather strange fantasy elements, and I have to admit that the fantasy is mostly the bit I didn’t like. Singing with younger versions of himself were fine, but the rest I just found a little too odd and ill fitting. However despite this, it’s still a rather good musical. All of the songs that you’d expect are in here and it was a struggle not to sing along. I do think that the general sound on the music in this didn’t seem quite as good as Bohemian Rhapsody, it didn’t feel quite as immersive and concert like and it was in the same screen!
Taron Egerton does a wonderful job, I’ve said before that he’s a marvellous actor and he proves it yet again here. Whilst he doesn’t look exactly like Elton John i can’t imagine anyone else playing this role and there were some moments later on in the film that I had to do a double take as he looked so like him! There are other great performances too, namely Richard Madden as the smarmy John Reid and Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. There are some scenes with Bernie and Elton that almost have me in tears. I know fairly little about Elton’s earlier life so for me this was rather an informative and fascinating film too, and I was beyond glad at the end to hear that Bernie is still going. I couldn’t have coped if he wasn’t!
This film isn’t faultless and I felt like it was rather drawn out, but it’s still a rather good musical biopic and definitely one I’d like to see again and sing along too. Indeed, wouldn’t this be marvellous as a musical stage show?
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Men in Black International (2019) in Movies
Feb 17, 2020 (Updated Feb 19, 2020)
I really happily enjoyed this film! Maybe because I love Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth together, maybe because Pawny is so funny and cute, maybe because Emma Thompson is a badass and it's a different pace of roll for Liam Neeson, or it's a combination of all of those things!
I really enjoyed the plot and the pacing of this film. I was worried that they showed their hand too early in the film and was genuinely afraid that this movie was going to be a let down so I was very happy at how it actually turned out and that it wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be.
Part of me is really hoping that there is a sequel to this film, but if there is, I think it'd really have to be good. I don't think there was much left unresolved other than the obvious - you'll know what I mean once you see the film - and a whole movie about that? I think that'd be disappointing. I enjoyed the fact that H and M's future partnership remained open for the possibility of a sequel, though.
I was also surprised at the drastic difference between ratings on the critic side in comparison to ratings from the general audience. Sometimes I think professional critics forget to enjoy the films they watch and instead critique everything. I personally enjoyed this film and it was a fun watch. Glad I didn't see it in theaters but also glad I spent the time to watch it at home.
I really enjoyed the plot and the pacing of this film. I was worried that they showed their hand too early in the film and was genuinely afraid that this movie was going to be a let down so I was very happy at how it actually turned out and that it wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be.
Part of me is really hoping that there is a sequel to this film, but if there is, I think it'd really have to be good. I don't think there was much left unresolved other than the obvious - you'll know what I mean once you see the film - and a whole movie about that? I think that'd be disappointing. I enjoyed the fact that H and M's future partnership remained open for the possibility of a sequel, though.
I was also surprised at the drastic difference between ratings on the critic side in comparison to ratings from the general audience. Sometimes I think professional critics forget to enjoy the films they watch and instead critique everything. I personally enjoyed this film and it was a fun watch. Glad I didn't see it in theaters but also glad I spent the time to watch it at home.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated Lavender Fields in Books
May 21, 2018
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich was very surprising. It was emotional, thrilling, exciting, and heart breaking. I didn't really know what to expect with this book, as it wasn't something I would have typically chosen for myself. The author, Ashley Rich, put out a request for reviews in one of the book groups I'm in on Facebook. I responded and here we are.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked most of the characters. They were relatable for the most part. I liked the unexpected parts. Honestly this whole book was one surprise after another. I usually read to get sleepy, but this one kept me wake wondering what would happen next.
I didn't like that some aspects of the book were too fantastical (Tom, the Fields themselves) without much explanation. I didn't like all the unanswered questions. Without revealing too much, there was a lot unexplained that was a little of a let down. Where does Tom come from? How did he get into the Lavender Fields?
Lavender Fields by Ashley Rich is Women's Fiction. It was published May 15, 2018 by Curiosity Quills Press.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very fun read, other than unanswered questions. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrills and family drama.
I was provided a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Fortunately, the Milk ... in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I used this book as a read aloud to my inclusion class of fourth graders. It was selected as one of the Sunshine State Young Readers books this year & I thought it would be a great way to hopefully inspire them to check out some of the other books on the list. They absolutely adored this book. I don't think there was a single page that went by where they weren't laughing or guessing what would happen next or bursting at the seams to tell me how they pictured this scene or that character. To me, any book that can bring together a group of kids that fall all across the reading level spectrum is worth at least a 5 star review!!!
I won't lie...I really enjoyed this book too. There are so many awesome "younger aged" books out there that way too many adults pass up thinking they are too sophisticated to read them. News flash people, if you enjoy a book who cares if it's a 4th grade reading level or aimed at a doctoral student!? Reading is supposed to be fun. Thank you Neil Gaiman for showing my reluctant readers just that!!!!
I won't lie...I really enjoyed this book too. There are so many awesome "younger aged" books out there that way too many adults pass up thinking they are too sophisticated to read them. News flash people, if you enjoy a book who cares if it's a 4th grade reading level or aimed at a doctoral student!? Reading is supposed to be fun. Thank you Neil Gaiman for showing my reluctant readers just that!!!!
Sonofdel (6291 KP) rated Let it bleed in Books
Jul 4, 2022
Not his best
I did not think this was as good as the previous novels i have read in the series. Although the story was clever and had lots of different characters it relied to much on your knowledge of the Scottish peerage system and a lot of it went right over my head. There were too many acronyms and codes for various departments and to be honest i got bored with trying to figure out what they were supposed to represent. I would say this is the worst out of the series so far :( It wont put me off though and i will be reading book 8 soon :)
Rose (201 KP) rated Thor: Ragnarok (2017) in Movies
Nov 6, 2017
Stunning visuals (3 more)
Banter between Thor and Loki
Thor's super grin
HEIMDALL
This movie was a real joy to watch:
It was entertaining, hilarious, a lot of the effects were beautiful or amazing (or both), and had a great story.
I've heard criticisms of the running time and the fact that the movie was far too funny for their tastes.
At over two hours, I had feared that the movie would be bloated or would have too many slow lulls. I don't remember coming across these problems: each moment seemed to either push the story forward, entertain, or give insight to future events.
As for it being "too funny," I didn't have a problem with that. I enjoyed it. In fact, I expected it to be hilarious given that the previews for the movie were hilarious. And there were certainly serious moments as well.
The actors did a great job embodying the characters and I loved the addition of the Valkyrie character.
I highly recommend watching this movie with friends or anyone that wants to have a good time.
It was entertaining, hilarious, a lot of the effects were beautiful or amazing (or both), and had a great story.
I've heard criticisms of the running time and the fact that the movie was far too funny for their tastes.
At over two hours, I had feared that the movie would be bloated or would have too many slow lulls. I don't remember coming across these problems: each moment seemed to either push the story forward, entertain, or give insight to future events.
As for it being "too funny," I didn't have a problem with that. I enjoyed it. In fact, I expected it to be hilarious given that the previews for the movie were hilarious. And there were certainly serious moments as well.
The actors did a great job embodying the characters and I loved the addition of the Valkyrie character.
I highly recommend watching this movie with friends or anyone that wants to have a good time.
James Alexander (39 KP) rated Mortal Engines (2018) in Movies
Mar 31, 2019
Maybe one good character? (1 more)
Special effects
Predictable (3 more)
Trope-y
Lacking a feasible narrative story
Unexplained plot holes
I want my 2 hours back
Where do I start with this movie? If you've seen the trailer, you've seen the entire movie. The story was ridiculously underdeveloped, the characters were boring at best, it was far too predictable, and there were crucial things that needed to be explained that weren't. Don't waste your time with this garbage heap.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019 (Updated Jun 11, 2019)
Big, loud, fun.
I'm not quite sure where all the bad reviews are coming from with this one, truth be told! I fully accept that there many action film cliches littered throughout, and the dialogue is just silly at times, but how much can you really dislike the spectacle of this sequel when the monsters turn up (and that doesn't take long!)
I liked the first one a lot, even though we didn't see a huge amount of Godzilla himself, and I also really rate Kong: Skull Island as well, so I've been looking forward to this one, and it's exactly what I expected it to be - it's loud, and it's dumb, but it works because it's an impressive looking monster film - and there a huge amount of them this time around.
Lifting various Godzilla opponents from the Japanese run of films, watching Kaiju like Ghidorah, Rhodan and Mothra get involved is pretty thrilling, especially coupled with the old school Godzilla theme music.
The effects themselves are pretty impressive, and all makes for an enjoyable blockbuster.
I didn't really care too much about the human characters (except Millie Bobbie Brown, and Charles Dance... Because it's Charles Dance) but I wasn't there for them!
And I guess there is where my main issue was, there was just a bit too much time spent on characters I struggled to care about.
Aside from that, it was pretty entertaining. Bring on Godzilla vs Kong!
I liked the first one a lot, even though we didn't see a huge amount of Godzilla himself, and I also really rate Kong: Skull Island as well, so I've been looking forward to this one, and it's exactly what I expected it to be - it's loud, and it's dumb, but it works because it's an impressive looking monster film - and there a huge amount of them this time around.
Lifting various Godzilla opponents from the Japanese run of films, watching Kaiju like Ghidorah, Rhodan and Mothra get involved is pretty thrilling, especially coupled with the old school Godzilla theme music.
The effects themselves are pretty impressive, and all makes for an enjoyable blockbuster.
I didn't really care too much about the human characters (except Millie Bobbie Brown, and Charles Dance... Because it's Charles Dance) but I wasn't there for them!
And I guess there is where my main issue was, there was just a bit too much time spent on characters I struggled to care about.
Aside from that, it was pretty entertaining. Bring on Godzilla vs Kong!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Foremost Good Fortune in Books
Jan 15, 2018
So I am not usually big fan of memoirs. I won this book from First Reads & only entered the giveaway because it said something about cancer. Unfortunatly I know too many people who have been diagnosed with it. All of them have fought bravely, some have won the battle but some have lost it too.
This book was interesting on many fronts. I was fascinated to read about life in China & how the author & her family adapted to China. They were just beginning to feel comfortable there, when I author was diagnosed with breast cancer. The book follows their journey through China, the US & back to China. I was entranced with Conley's descriptions of her battle with cancer. I have watched people fight this from the outside & thankfully have not had to experience from the other side. Her thoughts & descriptions gave me a peek into what a cancer patient goes through.
My heart went out to her & her family. I was rooting for her & them through the entire ordeal. I hope she continues to live a long, happy, & healthy life. I look forward to reading more from her!
This book was interesting on many fronts. I was fascinated to read about life in China & how the author & her family adapted to China. They were just beginning to feel comfortable there, when I author was diagnosed with breast cancer. The book follows their journey through China, the US & back to China. I was entranced with Conley's descriptions of her battle with cancer. I have watched people fight this from the outside & thankfully have not had to experience from the other side. Her thoughts & descriptions gave me a peek into what a cancer patient goes through.
My heart went out to her & her family. I was rooting for her & them through the entire ordeal. I hope she continues to live a long, happy, & healthy life. I look forward to reading more from her!