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Erika (17788 KP) rated Neverwhere in Books
Jun 19, 2018
Gaiman is very hit or miss for me. I've only really liked one book.
I really disliked Neverwhere when I first read it, it took me forever to get through, and I really liked the idea of the novel, just not the execution. But, yes, I am rating this an 8. The reason for this high of a rating is the BBC production of this book with James McAvoy. That radio adaption made me like it so much more, and I've now listened to it twice.
After this, I decided to only audiobook or get BBC productions of Gaiman's novels, but thus far, it's still been a bust.
I really disliked Neverwhere when I first read it, it took me forever to get through, and I really liked the idea of the novel, just not the execution. But, yes, I am rating this an 8. The reason for this high of a rating is the BBC production of this book with James McAvoy. That radio adaption made me like it so much more, and I've now listened to it twice.
After this, I decided to only audiobook or get BBC productions of Gaiman's novels, but thus far, it's still been a bust.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Elf (2003) in Movies
Dec 23, 2018
It isn’t Christmas without Elf
The majority of classic Christmas films tend to be fairly old school, but Elf is by far the best more modern Christmas film - despite now being 15 years old.
It’a absolutely hilarious, and so lovely and heart warming too. The plot is fun and entertaining, and there are some great performances from Will Ferrell and James Caan, there are some really brilliant quotes and lines in this. It’s showing it’s age a little bit now and some of the effects are a bit dodgy, but it’s still a classic festive film. It really isn’t Christmas until you watch Elf.
It’a absolutely hilarious, and so lovely and heart warming too. The plot is fun and entertaining, and there are some great performances from Will Ferrell and James Caan, there are some really brilliant quotes and lines in this. It’s showing it’s age a little bit now and some of the effects are a bit dodgy, but it’s still a classic festive film. It really isn’t Christmas until you watch Elf.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated The Conjuring 2 (2016) in Movies
Sep 12, 2018
James Wan's style is all over the film (1 more)
Well made high budget horror
You get exactly what you ask for
First off, if you liked the first conjuring, you will like the second one.
James Wan's classy approach to horror, complete with clever camera movements, tension building sustained shots and a patient approach to scares are still consistent throughout the movie, and there is simply no doubt that this is one of his movies.
The plot continues to follow the controversial Warren's investigations into paranormal events, with the excellent Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga perfectly capturing the cooky and over the top personalities of the Warrens, and adding a bit of light-heartedness to what is otherwise a fairly grim and unrelenting plot-line.
This time the story is set in England and revolves around the story of the Enfield Haunting, a very famous "real story" about a family experiencing a poltergeist in the 70's.
Obviously Wan and Co take this story and ramp it up to 11, introducing new characters and making it much more of a spectacle, and it is largely an enjoyable rollercoaster, with just enough jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat, but without getting tiring.
Horror Reddits and Forums constantly argue about whether the conjuring 1 or 2 is the stronger film, and I choose not to enter that particular argument, other than to say that one is probably as good as the other, similar in tone and presentation as they are.
Some will argue that these films are not particularly original. and they may have a point.
Still there is no doubt that James Wan delivers on high quality, well made horror, and that is something for us all to enjoy.
James Wan's classy approach to horror, complete with clever camera movements, tension building sustained shots and a patient approach to scares are still consistent throughout the movie, and there is simply no doubt that this is one of his movies.
The plot continues to follow the controversial Warren's investigations into paranormal events, with the excellent Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga perfectly capturing the cooky and over the top personalities of the Warrens, and adding a bit of light-heartedness to what is otherwise a fairly grim and unrelenting plot-line.
This time the story is set in England and revolves around the story of the Enfield Haunting, a very famous "real story" about a family experiencing a poltergeist in the 70's.
Obviously Wan and Co take this story and ramp it up to 11, introducing new characters and making it much more of a spectacle, and it is largely an enjoyable rollercoaster, with just enough jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat, but without getting tiring.
Horror Reddits and Forums constantly argue about whether the conjuring 1 or 2 is the stronger film, and I choose not to enter that particular argument, other than to say that one is probably as good as the other, similar in tone and presentation as they are.
Some will argue that these films are not particularly original. and they may have a point.
Still there is no doubt that James Wan delivers on high quality, well made horror, and that is something for us all to enjoy.
Goldenarrow74 (10 KP) rated Top Secret! (1984) in Movies
Jun 3, 2018
Indiana Jones meets James Bond meets Airplane
Having watched this many, many times in my youth, it was a bit of a delight to revisit this and still find myself thoroughly entertained.
Like Indiana Jones, meets James Bond, meets National Lampoon, meets Rocky Horror. Only this time its spies that are being spoofed.
In fact this viewing probably revealed more jokes that I wouldn’t have even fully understood before.
Daisy’s careful infiltration of the German stronghold was wonderfully ludicrous. With her welly-boots and polka dot hide, the guards stood no chance of spotting her as different to the rest of the herd.
One of the most memorable bar-room-brawls ever tales place towards the end between Nigel and Nick... under the surface of a lake.
Not only do we get treated to chairs smashed over heads we even get a glimpse of the Ali Shuffle, all fully submerged.
Like Indiana Jones, meets James Bond, meets National Lampoon, meets Rocky Horror. Only this time its spies that are being spoofed.
In fact this viewing probably revealed more jokes that I wouldn’t have even fully understood before.
Daisy’s careful infiltration of the German stronghold was wonderfully ludicrous. With her welly-boots and polka dot hide, the guards stood no chance of spotting her as different to the rest of the herd.
One of the most memorable bar-room-brawls ever tales place towards the end between Nigel and Nick... under the surface of a lake.
Not only do we get treated to chairs smashed over heads we even get a glimpse of the Ali Shuffle, all fully submerged.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2065 KP) rated Stuff Dreams Are Made of in Books
Feb 16, 2023
“There May Have Been a Murder”
Skip Lesser and James Moore have renovated James’s truck to use it to serve food at the revival meetings being help by Reverend Cashdollar. They quickly start to hear rumors of several deaths connected to this ministry, including someone Skip met 10 years ago. Will they figure out what is going on over the course of the weekend?
Obviously, this “reverend” is not preaching anything I would consider Biblical, and I appreciated the fact that I never got the feeling anyone was taking it seriously as such. While this set up might sound like it, this isn’t a cozy, with a liberal amount of foul language and a bit more violence. The pacing was very uneven, with some page turning twists and suspenseful scenes being slowed down by lots of recaps and talking. Still, I do like Skip and James and their struggles with life in general. I don’t think this will be a favorite series, but I’m glad I am finally getting to book two.
Obviously, this “reverend” is not preaching anything I would consider Biblical, and I appreciated the fact that I never got the feeling anyone was taking it seriously as such. While this set up might sound like it, this isn’t a cozy, with a liberal amount of foul language and a bit more violence. The pacing was very uneven, with some page turning twists and suspenseful scenes being slowed down by lots of recaps and talking. Still, I do like Skip and James and their struggles with life in general. I don’t think this will be a favorite series, but I’m glad I am finally getting to book two.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Ready Player Two in Books
Oct 30, 2021
This is a direct sequel to Ready Player One, picking up not soon after the events of that previous novel.
It also follows the same characters, told in the same first person point of view as previous - I must admit, I initially found that a bit jarring, as I would have expected (with a title such as it is) that it would follow a different character - after all, how often IRL is Player Two the same person as Player One in a computer game?
Anyway, Wade Watts.
Still an obsessed geek; still fan-worshipping the creator of the Oasis James Halliday (at least initially). However, with the release of new technology by the company he now owns that not only allows its user to control an avatar, but to *feel* like they actually are that person - sight, taste, hearing, sensations and all - and with further experiences (I don't want to give too much away), Watts finds his hero-worshipping lessening somewhat.
If I'm honest, I did also find parts of this novel to drag somewhat, especially in the lengthy section where Cline goes into great detail around the Oasis world dedicated to 'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince' (which just made me uncomfortable). I also had to shake my head at just how some of the characters behaved ...
(yes, I know they're not real. Still need to to be believable, though!)
It also follows the same characters, told in the same first person point of view as previous - I must admit, I initially found that a bit jarring, as I would have expected (with a title such as it is) that it would follow a different character - after all, how often IRL is Player Two the same person as Player One in a computer game?
Anyway, Wade Watts.
Still an obsessed geek; still fan-worshipping the creator of the Oasis James Halliday (at least initially). However, with the release of new technology by the company he now owns that not only allows its user to control an avatar, but to *feel* like they actually are that person - sight, taste, hearing, sensations and all - and with further experiences (I don't want to give too much away), Watts finds his hero-worshipping lessening somewhat.
If I'm honest, I did also find parts of this novel to drag somewhat, especially in the lengthy section where Cline goes into great detail around the Oasis world dedicated to 'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince' (which just made me uncomfortable). I also had to shake my head at just how some of the characters behaved ...
(yes, I know they're not real. Still need to to be believable, though!)
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Savannah James: Pendale High Class of ‘87 in Books
Jul 29, 2021
117 of 250
Kindle
Savannah James: Pendale High Class of ‘87
By Candi Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Welcome to 1987, where the high school antics include hot rock stars running beside the smoking jocks.
Savannah James wants love and finds it with Stone Blackwell when he rescues her from an embarrassing speckle with punk metal bassist Aaron Angel.
But all is not fair in love and war, and Stone makes a terrible mistake. Can their connection be saved or will the star QB Thad Harrison make his pass and win the girl?
Pendale High, Class of ’87 is not a YA novel.
I wanted to like it and please don’t be put off this is just My opinion! I thought I t started really well but was seriously rushed in places. I know she’s a mature 17 year old but my god she still came across a child or just all felt a little wrong to me. The ending was very predictable and a little cringy. This was a girl damaged from abuse throwing herself at and man showing her attention. I found it quite toxic!
Kindle
Savannah James: Pendale High Class of ‘87
By Candi Fox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Welcome to 1987, where the high school antics include hot rock stars running beside the smoking jocks.
Savannah James wants love and finds it with Stone Blackwell when he rescues her from an embarrassing speckle with punk metal bassist Aaron Angel.
But all is not fair in love and war, and Stone makes a terrible mistake. Can their connection be saved or will the star QB Thad Harrison make his pass and win the girl?
Pendale High, Class of ’87 is not a YA novel.
I wanted to like it and please don’t be put off this is just My opinion! I thought I t started really well but was seriously rushed in places. I know she’s a mature 17 year old but my god she still came across a child or just all felt a little wrong to me. The ending was very predictable and a little cringy. This was a girl damaged from abuse throwing herself at and man showing her attention. I found it quite toxic!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Body at the Tower (The Agency, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>3.5 stars</b>
Good, but not quite as good as the first book, [b:A Spy in the House|6698199|A Spy in the House (The Agency, #1)|Y.S. Lee|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IGDM-I3oL._SL75_.jpg|6502621]. The plot and its mystery didn't interest me that much and could be boring. I kept hoping for a big twist, but it never came, so the mystery wasn't very mysterious at all. The secondary characters were okay but nothing special, so I didn't care what happened to who or whodunit. Still, it's a fun series and I like Mary, James, their exchanges with each other, and the idea of the Agency. I look forward to the third (and final?) installment.
Good, but not quite as good as the first book, [b:A Spy in the House|6698199|A Spy in the House (The Agency, #1)|Y.S. Lee|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IGDM-I3oL._SL75_.jpg|6502621]. The plot and its mystery didn't interest me that much and could be boring. I kept hoping for a big twist, but it never came, so the mystery wasn't very mysterious at all. The secondary characters were okay but nothing special, so I didn't care what happened to who or whodunit. Still, it's a fun series and I like Mary, James, their exchanges with each other, and the idea of the Agency. I look forward to the third (and final?) installment.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Dead Silence (2007) in Movies
May 15, 2021
Dont Say Her Name
Dead Silence- is a really good psychological horror mystery and the twist at the end was out of nowhere and i had to watch it again cause it was that good. James Wan and Leigh Whannell did a excellent job with this film.
The plot: After his wife meets a grisly end, Jamie Ashen (Ryan Kwanten) returns to their creepy hometown of Ravens Fair to unravel the mystery of her murder. Once there, he discovers the legend of Mary Shaw (Joan Heney), a murdered ventriloquist whose eerie presence still looms over the town. As he desperately digs for answers, Jamie encounters the curse that took his wife's life and threatens his own.
I highly recordmend it.
The plot: After his wife meets a grisly end, Jamie Ashen (Ryan Kwanten) returns to their creepy hometown of Ravens Fair to unravel the mystery of her murder. Once there, he discovers the legend of Mary Shaw (Joan Heney), a murdered ventriloquist whose eerie presence still looms over the town. As he desperately digs for answers, Jamie encounters the curse that took his wife's life and threatens his own.
I highly recordmend it.
JT (287 KP) rated Street Kings (2008) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Street Kings follows the likes of Training Day and Harsh Crimes in dramatising the murky underworld of police corruption. In the hands of director David Ayer he’s scattered the narrative with gritty confetti. Pre John Wick, Keanu Reeves was still kicking ass and taking names – he is a shoot first ask questions later kind of guy – nothing new there then.
Reeves plays vodka-swilling undercover cop Tom Ludlow, who is still reeling from the death of his wife and has been implicated in the murder of an officer. Now he has to fight to clear his name with the help of Forest Whitaker.
Ayer is well suited to this genre having written the scripts for Training Day, End of Watch and Harsh Times, so he understands the complexities of the genre in order to deliver a fast paced story. Intercutting the action at the right times.
Of course corruption is not uncommon in fiction and there is always a group of officers hell bent on covering up as much as they can and disposing of as many people as they need to.
The introduction of Hugh Laurie as Captain James Biggs, a man who seems clean cut but is not to be trusted, is a solid addition, although I still seem him as the idiotic Prince Regent in the Blackadder series.
Reeves and Whitaker each turn in a decent performance and there is enough meat on the bone make this a intelligently paced thriller.
Reeves plays vodka-swilling undercover cop Tom Ludlow, who is still reeling from the death of his wife and has been implicated in the murder of an officer. Now he has to fight to clear his name with the help of Forest Whitaker.
Ayer is well suited to this genre having written the scripts for Training Day, End of Watch and Harsh Times, so he understands the complexities of the genre in order to deliver a fast paced story. Intercutting the action at the right times.
Of course corruption is not uncommon in fiction and there is always a group of officers hell bent on covering up as much as they can and disposing of as many people as they need to.
The introduction of Hugh Laurie as Captain James Biggs, a man who seems clean cut but is not to be trusted, is a solid addition, although I still seem him as the idiotic Prince Regent in the Blackadder series.
Reeves and Whitaker each turn in a decent performance and there is enough meat on the bone make this a intelligently paced thriller.