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Angelfire (Angelfire, #1)
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First there are nightmares. Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous...
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Wild Rose (2018) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
Right from the very start of Wild Rose I had the same feeling that I had for the brilliant A Star is Born with Lady GaGa and Bradley Cooper, the opening music for Wild Rose just has you ready for a film that you know is going to be a well made and produced British made movie and it is.
Julie Walters is brilliant as Rose’s mother her Scottish accent is nicely done and you can see from her performance why she is one the best British actresses that we have around at the moment, her on-screen presence with Jessie Buckley certainly brings across the rocky mother and daughter relationship.
Jessie Buckley comes across very well as the down-trodden mother that only wants her dream to come true and head over to Nashville to sing Country, she puts on a great performance as Rose-Lynn, at first you get the feeling that you aren’t going to like the foul-mouthed “Wild Rose“, but as the mother progresses and you see that there is so much more to just wanting to sing.
Julie Walters is brilliant as Rose’s mother her Scottish accent is nicely done and you can see from her performance why she is one the best British actresses that we have around at the moment, her on-screen presence with Jessie Buckley certainly brings across the rocky mother and daughter relationship.
Jessie Buckley comes across very well as the down-trodden mother that only wants her dream to come true and head over to Nashville to sing Country, she puts on a great performance as Rose-Lynn, at first you get the feeling that you aren’t going to like the foul-mouthed “Wild Rose“, but as the mother progresses and you see that there is so much more to just wanting to sing.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Infinite (2021) in Movies
Mar 11, 2023
I'm not sure this ever got a theatrical release - at least, it flew beneath my radar if so - with me only seeing it when it was shown on channel 4 relatively recently.
I have to say that - while the bigger screen of the cinema may have helped somewhat - I don't really feel that I missed all that much.
The plot revolves around Mark Wahlberg's character of Evan McCauley, who learns that the hallucinations he has been having throughout his lifetime are actually glimpses of past lives he has lived (and of which he retains the muscle memory) and that there are actually others like him throughout the world: the Nihilists (who want to bring about Armageddon so they can finally die) and the Faithful (out to stop them).
Despite the somewhat intriguing premise, It's not the best of movies, I'm afraid, with some of the action scenes looking somewhat ludicrous even on the small screen and with plot holes big enough to drive a truck through (if the bad guy has a gun that can trap those being reincarnated in limbo and just wants to die, why not just use it on himself?).
I have to say that - while the bigger screen of the cinema may have helped somewhat - I don't really feel that I missed all that much.
The plot revolves around Mark Wahlberg's character of Evan McCauley, who learns that the hallucinations he has been having throughout his lifetime are actually glimpses of past lives he has lived (and of which he retains the muscle memory) and that there are actually others like him throughout the world: the Nihilists (who want to bring about Armageddon so they can finally die) and the Faithful (out to stop them).
Despite the somewhat intriguing premise, It's not the best of movies, I'm afraid, with some of the action scenes looking somewhat ludicrous even on the small screen and with plot holes big enough to drive a truck through (if the bad guy has a gun that can trap those being reincarnated in limbo and just wants to die, why not just use it on himself?).
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Just Mercy (2019) in Movies
Jan 22, 2020
Having seen Clemency in October I felt like I was prepared for what Just Mercy might throw at me. I was not. The two films handle the death row scenario in very different ways and the storyline that runs alongside it gives you two very different experiences.
Based on a true story - when it comes to history this phrase can be a horrible thing, and when you realise that the events of Just Mercy are only actually dating back to the late 80s/early 90s, well that's kind of sickening, it doesn't feel like this should be something from my own lifetime.
In the lead role of Bryan Stevenson we have Michael B. Jordan. We see Stevenson from intern to established lawyer and yet he doesn't really make any notable progression. The person he is at the beginning isn't all that changed by the end. Jordan's performance is fine, nothing felt technically wrong about it but the consistency was completely off. Every time the character was brought face to face with prejudice and high emotions he managed to knock it out of the park, he was nervous, he was scared, he was devastated. In between those moments he was just there, his performance didn't hold any weight against anyone else's.
Jamie Foxx shows us that missing consistency as Walter McMillan. It felt like he was fully immersed in his character the whole time. There are shots where we're focused on him while other characters are talking and he's always attentive to them, you can see him assessing Stevenson in their meetings and it was fascinating to watch. Every moment was strong without the need for any additional motivation.
When we're inside the prison there are so many different things going on. The tension between the guards and inmates, and that extending to Stevenson is powerful and it's development through the film and the change in attitude was a nice one to see. But the camaraderie between the inmates was probably the thing that was the most affecting, the execution in this was surprisingly subtle but very moving.
Just Mercy has a strong message about the divide and prejudice in southern America and the justice system, it's a very strong reminder of how much has changed because of strong-willed people and how much still needs to change. While I might not watch this film again it was certainly something I enjoyed watching, as much as "enjoyed" feels like the wrong word to use.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/01/just-mercy-movie-review.html
Based on a true story - when it comes to history this phrase can be a horrible thing, and when you realise that the events of Just Mercy are only actually dating back to the late 80s/early 90s, well that's kind of sickening, it doesn't feel like this should be something from my own lifetime.
In the lead role of Bryan Stevenson we have Michael B. Jordan. We see Stevenson from intern to established lawyer and yet he doesn't really make any notable progression. The person he is at the beginning isn't all that changed by the end. Jordan's performance is fine, nothing felt technically wrong about it but the consistency was completely off. Every time the character was brought face to face with prejudice and high emotions he managed to knock it out of the park, he was nervous, he was scared, he was devastated. In between those moments he was just there, his performance didn't hold any weight against anyone else's.
Jamie Foxx shows us that missing consistency as Walter McMillan. It felt like he was fully immersed in his character the whole time. There are shots where we're focused on him while other characters are talking and he's always attentive to them, you can see him assessing Stevenson in their meetings and it was fascinating to watch. Every moment was strong without the need for any additional motivation.
When we're inside the prison there are so many different things going on. The tension between the guards and inmates, and that extending to Stevenson is powerful and it's development through the film and the change in attitude was a nice one to see. But the camaraderie between the inmates was probably the thing that was the most affecting, the execution in this was surprisingly subtle but very moving.
Just Mercy has a strong message about the divide and prejudice in southern America and the justice system, it's a very strong reminder of how much has changed because of strong-willed people and how much still needs to change. While I might not watch this film again it was certainly something I enjoyed watching, as much as "enjoyed" feels like the wrong word to use.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/01/just-mercy-movie-review.html
Jonathan Higgs recommended Electro-Shock Blues by Eels in Music (curated)
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Dark Phoenix (Phoenix #2) in Books
May 8, 2023
OMG, I never expected this story to go this way! I will say now that I think I spent far too long actually wanting to whop a character upside his head!
Dark Phoenix pretty much starts where Phoenix Rising left off. Cody and Daughtry are still trying to learn what it's like to be bonded mates, but things aren't going too well given outside circumstances. For example, there is a big shocker that happens about who it was that actually kidnapped Daughtry. This results in Cody being a complete donk and pushing Daughtry away. She is feeling overwhelmed and her feelings of inadequacy are rampant. She also feels very lonely as her friendships with John and Suz take a beating too. Daughtry is so strong in some ways, as Morgan very eloquently said. She has faced so much, been betrayed by so many, and yet still carries on with a pure heart.
Just like with book one, this book has it all - an action-packed climax, enough feels to leave you feeling wrung out, and a big enough dollop of humour that you feel like you just have to carry on. The secrets and mysteries that are revealed in this book are stunning and I personally hope for some more from this series, as I don't feel that I am ready to leave Daughtry and Cody yet. I am hopeful from the way it ended that there will be more to come. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2015
Dark Phoenix pretty much starts where Phoenix Rising left off. Cody and Daughtry are still trying to learn what it's like to be bonded mates, but things aren't going too well given outside circumstances. For example, there is a big shocker that happens about who it was that actually kidnapped Daughtry. This results in Cody being a complete donk and pushing Daughtry away. She is feeling overwhelmed and her feelings of inadequacy are rampant. She also feels very lonely as her friendships with John and Suz take a beating too. Daughtry is so strong in some ways, as Morgan very eloquently said. She has faced so much, been betrayed by so many, and yet still carries on with a pure heart.
Just like with book one, this book has it all - an action-packed climax, enough feels to leave you feeling wrung out, and a big enough dollop of humour that you feel like you just have to carry on. The secrets and mysteries that are revealed in this book are stunning and I personally hope for some more from this series, as I don't feel that I am ready to leave Daughtry and Cody yet. I am hopeful from the way it ended that there will be more to come. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2015
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Dana (24 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Oh my goodness.
I absolutely adored this book! I am a huge sucker for any kind of fairy tale retelling and this one did not disappoint!
Through about the first half of the book, I had this warm, floaty kind of feeling in my chest. The writing actually made me feel like I was in love (or what I assume it to feel like). The way the characters talked to each other and interacted just made me feel so good about this book.
Speaking of the characters, can I say well written? Because, wow! I felt really connected to the characters (especially Feyre's sassy-ness and care for her family). They were very well written and drawn out. I didn't feel like they were flattened or abused in any way, even when they were being beaten up on the pages. There was a great deal of respect that was shown to all of the characters in this book. I really enjoyed the strength that Maas gave to each of her characters. It was as if they had their own way to deal with their weaknesses and strengths. They felt so real! I think what helped with creating this reality was making some of the characters seem super awkward at times. I mean, everyone gets awkward, but the way it was done was to show how the characters really were, not necessarily how the narrator was seeing them.
The plot was amazingly paced. I didn't feel like I was waiting for something exciting to happen because it was always happening. Even down to the smallest of parts in this novel were exciting. But even then, it didn't feel too over the top in excitement. There was a great balance between pacing and excitement (I have said that word too many times in this review, but who cares!)
I didn't feel like there was much missing from this book except for more pages. I didn't want it to end!!
If I could, I would give this a higher rating than a 5 star because it was just that amazing!!
I recommend this to anyone who adores fairy tale retellings, fantasy, fairies, or just a damn good read. Honestly, if you haven't picked this book up, I really recommend that you do. I am kind of kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner!
******Also, spoiler-ish thing ahead:*******
*
*
*
*
*
*
I just want to know, did anyone else guess that riddle when they first read it, because I did. I started yelling and cheering at the end part when she figured it out!!
I absolutely adored this book! I am a huge sucker for any kind of fairy tale retelling and this one did not disappoint!
Through about the first half of the book, I had this warm, floaty kind of feeling in my chest. The writing actually made me feel like I was in love (or what I assume it to feel like). The way the characters talked to each other and interacted just made me feel so good about this book.
Speaking of the characters, can I say well written? Because, wow! I felt really connected to the characters (especially Feyre's sassy-ness and care for her family). They were very well written and drawn out. I didn't feel like they were flattened or abused in any way, even when they were being beaten up on the pages. There was a great deal of respect that was shown to all of the characters in this book. I really enjoyed the strength that Maas gave to each of her characters. It was as if they had their own way to deal with their weaknesses and strengths. They felt so real! I think what helped with creating this reality was making some of the characters seem super awkward at times. I mean, everyone gets awkward, but the way it was done was to show how the characters really were, not necessarily how the narrator was seeing them.
The plot was amazingly paced. I didn't feel like I was waiting for something exciting to happen because it was always happening. Even down to the smallest of parts in this novel were exciting. But even then, it didn't feel too over the top in excitement. There was a great balance between pacing and excitement (I have said that word too many times in this review, but who cares!)
I didn't feel like there was much missing from this book except for more pages. I didn't want it to end!!
If I could, I would give this a higher rating than a 5 star because it was just that amazing!!
I recommend this to anyone who adores fairy tale retellings, fantasy, fairies, or just a damn good read. Honestly, if you haven't picked this book up, I really recommend that you do. I am kind of kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner!
******Also, spoiler-ish thing ahead:*******
*
*
*
*
*
*
I just want to know, did anyone else guess that riddle when they first read it, because I did. I started yelling and cheering at the end part when she figured it out!!
The Craggus (360 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Apr 6, 2019 (Updated Apr 6, 2019)
The Shazam! (2019) movie is the Billy Batson of the DCEU
The movie comes properly into focus when it becomes clear that thematically, the movie itself is echoing Billy Batson’s character arc. Just as SHAZAM derives his power from the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas; the energy bolts of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury, so “Shazam!” inherits potent traits from its forebears. Like “Man Of Steel”, it’s perhaps a little too fond of fight scenes featuring flying people being flung through skyscrapers. Like “Aquaman”, it suffers the curse of a conspicuously ropey special effects moment. Like “Suicide Squad”, it’s trying a little too hard with its soundtrack choices and like “Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice” it relies too heavily on YouTube clips for exposition. And just as Billy Batson has to battle his own mean-spirited, selfish and angsty urges to become the hero Shazam is meant to be, so too does “Shazam!” push back against the DCEU grimdark tropes to forge a bright new pathway to fun, adventure and a hopeful tone without sacrificing the superhero action...
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusShazam
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusShazam