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Awix (3310 KP) rated Mamma Mia! (2008) in Movies
Feb 16, 2018 (Updated Feb 16, 2018)
Licensed to Kill Songs
Massively successful Swedish power-pop jukebox musical. Proof that, when it comes to musicals, high-quality songs and music more than make up for dubious plotting, general cheesiness, and stars who can't actually sing or dance. Greek-island-hotelier's daughter is about to get wed, as a result she discovers her promiscuous youth coming back to haunt her - meanwhile a wounded howler monkey takes up residence in the hotel... oh, sorry, my mistake, that's just what Pierce Brosnan's vocals sound like.
Screenplay is sort of admirable for crossword-setter-like ability to crowbar in as many Abba songs as possible, no matter how tenuous their connection to the plot; cast hurl themselves into the spirit of proceedings with considerable courage. You do come away reminded of what brilliant songwriters Benny and Bjorn are; actual movie is more reminiscent of arriving late at office party and finding everyone else is much more drunk than you. Long-threatened sequel arrives this year; fingers crossed they find a way to include 'The Day Before You Came' and 'Dum Dum Diddle'.
Screenplay is sort of admirable for crossword-setter-like ability to crowbar in as many Abba songs as possible, no matter how tenuous their connection to the plot; cast hurl themselves into the spirit of proceedings with considerable courage. You do come away reminded of what brilliant songwriters Benny and Bjorn are; actual movie is more reminiscent of arriving late at office party and finding everyone else is much more drunk than you. Long-threatened sequel arrives this year; fingers crossed they find a way to include 'The Day Before You Came' and 'Dum Dum Diddle'.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) in Movies
Feb 19, 2018 (Updated Feb 19, 2018)
It's (not really) alive!
Hammer's third Frankenstein movie is basically a soft reboot, disregarding the continuity of the first two. Down-on-his-luck Baron F (Cushing) rediscovers frozen body of his original monster (Kingston), doesn't really think through consequences of hiring someone called Zoltan the Evil Hypnotist (Woodthorpe) to help with monster-wrangling duties as he prepares to try and restore his reputation.
Hammer won the rights to reuse much imagery from the 1930s Universal Frankenstein series (that said, the monster looks more like an Easter Island statue than Boris Karloff); in their delight at this coup they seem to have forgotten to come up with a proper story for this film. Cushing is given a run for his money by the underrated character actor Peter Woodthorpe; in the end the parts are competently assembled but the spark of life remains elusive. Title seems a little harsh, as Frankenstein is certainly more sinned against than sinning on this occasion: poor choice of staff hardly constitutes 'evil', if you ask me.
Hammer won the rights to reuse much imagery from the 1930s Universal Frankenstein series (that said, the monster looks more like an Easter Island statue than Boris Karloff); in their delight at this coup they seem to have forgotten to come up with a proper story for this film. Cushing is given a run for his money by the underrated character actor Peter Woodthorpe; in the end the parts are competently assembled but the spark of life remains elusive. Title seems a little harsh, as Frankenstein is certainly more sinned against than sinning on this occasion: poor choice of staff hardly constitutes 'evil', if you ask me.
Very enjoyable short stories!
This collection of short stories really surprised me. I'm not usually a fan of this type of story (short!), but I seem to be reading more and more of them lately, and I'm beginning to change my mind. Some of these stories are set in Florida, where the natural world seems to be a central theme: uncontrollable, untameable. Two stories are set in France, and another in Brazil. Again, the central characters appear to be in situations where they have no control.
I really enjoyed the stories 'Dogs Go Wolf' where two young girls are abandoned on an island and left to fend for themselves; 'Eyewall', where a woman decides to stay in her home during a hurricane (which I hope never to experience!); 'Above and Below' which tells the story of a young woman who fails her course at university, leaves and becomes homeless. This last story was frankly frightening, as it portrayed how easy it is to become homeless, how little support there is, and how people can become estranged from their families.
A really good collection.
I really enjoyed the stories 'Dogs Go Wolf' where two young girls are abandoned on an island and left to fend for themselves; 'Eyewall', where a woman decides to stay in her home during a hurricane (which I hope never to experience!); 'Above and Below' which tells the story of a young woman who fails her course at university, leaves and becomes homeless. This last story was frankly frightening, as it portrayed how easy it is to become homeless, how little support there is, and how people can become estranged from their families.
A really good collection.
A little gem
What a little gem this is - totally gripping, full of atmosphere, tension and general creepiness all set in the stunning but isolated Scottish island of Rum which creates a sense of trepidation all on its own.
This book can be likened to a classic who-dunnit story - a group of people trapped together in an isolated location with a possible murderer amongst them - it's your job to try and work out who it is from the drips of clues amongst the red herrings provided by the author and I have to give Ms Taylor a round of applause because I didn't figure it out until it was right in my face! and, to be honest, that doesn't happen too often.
Excellent characters - some nice, some not so nice - absolutely perfect setting, great story line and ideal pace makes this a great read and one I have little hesitation in recommending to all psychological thriller lovers out there.
A very big thank you to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
This book can be likened to a classic who-dunnit story - a group of people trapped together in an isolated location with a possible murderer amongst them - it's your job to try and work out who it is from the drips of clues amongst the red herrings provided by the author and I have to give Ms Taylor a round of applause because I didn't figure it out until it was right in my face! and, to be honest, that doesn't happen too often.
Excellent characters - some nice, some not so nice - absolutely perfect setting, great story line and ideal pace makes this a great read and one I have little hesitation in recommending to all psychological thriller lovers out there.
A very big thank you to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated I Walked with a Zombie (1943) in Movies
Jan 8, 2020 (Updated Jan 8, 2020)
One of the granddaddies of the modern zombie movie is almost unrecognisable as such: no blood to speak of and the plot is derived from a novel by Charlotte Bronte. Nice young nurse goes off to morbid, doomy Caribbean island to care for the creepy wife of her employer (can't speak, has no will of her own following strange 'fever'); finds herself falling for her boss (though God knows why, he's so disagreeable). Perhaps the local voodoo spirits can help cure the afflicted woman?
A zombie movie in the traditional sense, and all the creepier for it. The plot is rather melodramatic, and the gentility of the film is quite amusing to the modern eye (male worshippers at a voodoo ritual all turn up in suits and ties), but it scores hugely for atmosphere, though, and there are some genuinely eerie sequences. Usual studied ambiguity and lack of overt 'horror' you often get in Lewton movies, but this just adds to the sense that this is a classy piece of work.
A zombie movie in the traditional sense, and all the creepier for it. The plot is rather melodramatic, and the gentility of the film is quite amusing to the modern eye (male worshippers at a voodoo ritual all turn up in suits and ties), but it scores hugely for atmosphere, though, and there are some genuinely eerie sequences. Usual studied ambiguity and lack of overt 'horror' you often get in Lewton movies, but this just adds to the sense that this is a classy piece of work.
Kelly Rettie (748 KP) rated Animal Crossing: New Horizons in Video Games
Mar 23, 2020
Still a fab game....
I have loved all the animal crossing games so when the new one came out on the switch it was inevitable that I would get it. You move to a dessert island and start by living in a tent which obviously Nook Store will upgrade for you for a fee. It's the same as previous games in that you are still collecting resources and selling items you find, though now when you are shopping there are Nook miles which you can redeem for objects. You also access alot of info on a nook phone which is a nice addition. The only annoying thing which has annoyed me with past versions is it plays in real time, so when Nook says you will get something tomorrow, or your new house will be ready tomorrow, that's exactly when it will be. Overall great game to pick up and play either for a couple of hours of just to pass a little bit of time.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Treasure Planet (2002) in Movies
Mar 26, 2020 (Updated Mar 26, 2020)
Pirates Ahoy
Treasure Planet- is a strange movie, it came out in the early 2000's and thats when Disney was running out of ideas or starting to. I believe that their were starting to run out of ideas. Treasure Planet- is a strange movie, cause it came out after "The Lion King". And the movie's after "The Lion King" were stange. What im saying is after "The Lion King", disney decided to go really strange/a huge left turn/didn't expect that/disappointed and overall a huge downfall. But i will get to those movies. Oh this is one of them.
The Plot: The legendary "loot of a thousand worlds" inspires an intergalactic treasure hunt when 15-year-old Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a map to the greatest pirate trove in the universe in Walt Disney Pictures' thrilling animated space adventure, "Treasure Planet." Based on one of the greatest adventure stories ever told - Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" - this film follows Jim's fantastic journey across a parallel universe as a cabin boy aboard a glittering space galleon.
Its a very underrated film.
The Plot: The legendary "loot of a thousand worlds" inspires an intergalactic treasure hunt when 15-year-old Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a map to the greatest pirate trove in the universe in Walt Disney Pictures' thrilling animated space adventure, "Treasure Planet." Based on one of the greatest adventure stories ever told - Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" - this film follows Jim's fantastic journey across a parallel universe as a cabin boy aboard a glittering space galleon.
Its a very underrated film.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Wizard's chance ( The Realm book 1) in Books
Apr 10, 2020
A romance set in a fantasy world with a modern day heroine.
Curvy, with glasses, and her nose always buried in a book. That's Samantha, a dreamer waiting for her happily ever after and looking for her prince charming.
Her whole life changes the day she walks into the oddest bookshop and finds a magical book that transports her to a tropical island with a hunk who thinks he's a wizard.
And that's not the strangest thing about her sudden arrival in paradise. Try little green people who can breath underwater and an evil sorceress intent on killing Samantha. But the most astonishing thing of all? The slow seduction by a wizard who thinks she's his best chance for breaking his curse.
This book mixed magic and historical romance. It was fun ,quirky and so pleasant to read! Yes some bits a bit cringy but I found it added something to the story. How many of us that read both genres or a good romance and wish to fall into the book? Me for one!!! I'm really looking forward to book 2!!

Curvy, with glasses, and her nose always buried in a book. That's Samantha, a dreamer waiting for her happily ever after and looking for her prince charming.
Her whole life changes the day she walks into the oddest bookshop and finds a magical book that transports her to a tropical island with a hunk who thinks he's a wizard.
And that's not the strangest thing about her sudden arrival in paradise. Try little green people who can breath underwater and an evil sorceress intent on killing Samantha. But the most astonishing thing of all? The slow seduction by a wizard who thinks she's his best chance for breaking his curse.
This book mixed magic and historical romance. It was fun ,quirky and so pleasant to read! Yes some bits a bit cringy but I found it added something to the story. How many of us that read both genres or a good romance and wish to fall into the book? Me for one!!! I'm really looking forward to book 2!!

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Hercules (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Dwayne “no longer the Rock” Johnson shares his acting skills with the world again.
Action star, sure; drama star, not so much.
In this graphic novel adaptation Hercules is made out to be a questionable
demi-god. With a spectacular retelling of his legendary labors, the story begins
showing Hercules as a sword-for-hire. His band of mercenaries helps him use the fame
to intimidate enemies and garner business.
Haunted by his past, the loss of Alcmene and 3 children, Hercules is offered his
weight in gold to save a kingdom from a tyrant.
Hercules sets off on his quest, hoping soon to be done with it all and retire on a
remote island to live out his days.
This star studded cast lends some great acting skill, Johnson withstanding, to the
big screen. The action will entertain, and the humor will grant a chuckle.
I found the story compelling, but I also feel like humor and the main actor were
Worth seeing but probably better suited for an at-home viewing.
Action star, sure; drama star, not so much.
In this graphic novel adaptation Hercules is made out to be a questionable
demi-god. With a spectacular retelling of his legendary labors, the story begins
showing Hercules as a sword-for-hire. His band of mercenaries helps him use the fame
to intimidate enemies and garner business.
Haunted by his past, the loss of Alcmene and 3 children, Hercules is offered his
weight in gold to save a kingdom from a tyrant.
Hercules sets off on his quest, hoping soon to be done with it all and retire on a
remote island to live out his days.
This star studded cast lends some great acting skill, Johnson withstanding, to the
big screen. The action will entertain, and the humor will grant a chuckle.
I found the story compelling, but I also feel like humor and the main actor were
Worth seeing but probably better suited for an at-home viewing.
The Queen of Whale Cay: The Extraordinary Story of 'Joe' Carstairs, the Fastest Woman on Water
Book
Born in 1900 to a promiscuous American oil heiress and a British army captain, Marion Barbara...