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Joey Santiago recommended Donovan's Greatest Hits by Donovan in Music (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Arrangement 2: The Ferro Family (The Arrangement, #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
Once again I was just getting into the story when it ended--rather abruptly, I think.
Well it's been a while since I read book 1 of this series so I was a little confused with how this book started. I remembered a few little bits but as to what was said that she needed to respond to straight away...I had no idea. THEREFORE I RECOMMEND YOU EITHER RE-READ THE FIRST ONE (which I didn't) OR READ THEM ONE AFTER ANOTHER (which I also won't be doing, lol).
I'm not too keen on this being a serial. This is something that should probably have been made into probably 4 or 5 longer books, not 20-odd smaller instalments because I'm refusing to pay the price of them all individually (unless they go to 99p, because I'm tight like that.)
I like it but I'm not in any hurry to carry it on.
Once again I was just getting into the story when it ended--rather abruptly, I think.
Well it's been a while since I read book 1 of this series so I was a little confused with how this book started. I remembered a few little bits but as to what was said that she needed to respond to straight away...I had no idea. THEREFORE I RECOMMEND YOU EITHER RE-READ THE FIRST ONE (which I didn't) OR READ THEM ONE AFTER ANOTHER (which I also won't be doing, lol).
I'm not too keen on this being a serial. This is something that should probably have been made into probably 4 or 5 longer books, not 20-odd smaller instalments because I'm refusing to pay the price of them all individually (unless they go to 99p, because I'm tight like that.)
I like it but I'm not in any hurry to carry it on.
Nick Kroll recommended Wayne's World (1992) in Movies (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Their family looks like any other family, mother, father, two children, but what their posh friends don’t know is that mommy and daddy like to kill people. This story is told from father’s perspective, and I have no idea what his name is. (If he mentioned it and I missed it, please let me know.) His wife Millicent, runs the family, she makes the rules, she cooks and cleans, she is the main earner in the family, and she likes to plot the murders. I really enjoyed reading this book from a males perspective, it was creepy, sometimes disgusting and unbelievable but interesting. I liked the way the author was unfolding the story, there were these little turns and twists throughout the book, that got me intrigued to find out what will happen next.
Sometimes it did feel that the narrative was quite stretched in places, and was just repeating itself, I would’ve liked a little more action.
Sometimes it did feel that the narrative was quite stretched in places, and was just repeating itself, I would’ve liked a little more action.
I don't know if there's another book after this with the same characters - I will look that up after this review, but even if there isn't, I feel like the ending was realistic. I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for these kids to heal and gain a sense of self respect or confidence after everything they've been through, so it felt right that Ellen ended their story in the midst of their healing process. I'm aware that not everyone survives what they did and, if they survive physically, too many don't come back in the emotional and mental sense. Though each character did survive their ordeal (main characters, anyway), and that's not always the case, it was eye opening to see just how deeply affected they were by their experiences and how hard it was for them to recover. Traffick, like it's prequel, was all too real and all too heart breaking.
Stuart Edge
YouTube Channel
A few years ago, Stuart Edge was cleaning porta-potties. As he cleaned, he dreamt of someday...
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Under the Skin (2014) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018
Hoped For More
Under the Skin was doing just fine...until it took a strange direction that I really couldn't get behind. I can't explain it without ruining the movie so I won't. I'm not saying it's not worth watching at least once. However, even if you end up liking it, your appreciation for the film may not be immediate.
I say that because it took me awhile to digest some of the messages sprinkled throughout the film because I was too busy trying to focus on what was actually happening plot-wise. The film preaches that we are victims of our own desires, the things we should probably stay away from but can't. When we don't get the things that we want, we would rather destroy those things than treat them as a loss and move on. How many times have you heard, "I didn't want that job anyway" or "I hate that team. They win too much"? If we can't have the good thing, then no one should have it.
With strong messages like these, It's a wonder the film wasn't better. Overall, it just felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. You're guessing continuously, expecting things to fall into place at some point, but they never do. Again, not a bad film...it just could have been so much more. I expected more excitement and intrigue from a film about an alien female roaming Scotland streets luring men into her van.
For what it's worth, the film does a great job of grabbing your attention and curiosity immediately, setting a tone that demands your attention. Scarlett Johansson was great in her role as Laura the alien life form. You can't help but relate to her struggle of trying to blend in while trying to complete her mission at the same time. Perhaps that was another message: We shouldn't try and change who we are to fit in with social norms. A few tweaks could have made this film a lot better. Overall I give Under the Skin a 75.
I say that because it took me awhile to digest some of the messages sprinkled throughout the film because I was too busy trying to focus on what was actually happening plot-wise. The film preaches that we are victims of our own desires, the things we should probably stay away from but can't. When we don't get the things that we want, we would rather destroy those things than treat them as a loss and move on. How many times have you heard, "I didn't want that job anyway" or "I hate that team. They win too much"? If we can't have the good thing, then no one should have it.
With strong messages like these, It's a wonder the film wasn't better. Overall, it just felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. You're guessing continuously, expecting things to fall into place at some point, but they never do. Again, not a bad film...it just could have been so much more. I expected more excitement and intrigue from a film about an alien female roaming Scotland streets luring men into her van.
For what it's worth, the film does a great job of grabbing your attention and curiosity immediately, setting a tone that demands your attention. Scarlett Johansson was great in her role as Laura the alien life form. You can't help but relate to her struggle of trying to blend in while trying to complete her mission at the same time. Perhaps that was another message: We shouldn't try and change who we are to fit in with social norms. A few tweaks could have made this film a lot better. Overall I give Under the Skin a 75.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated I Still Believe (2020) in Movies
Apr 25, 2020 (Updated Apr 25, 2020)
rip my heart out why don't you
Contains spoilers, click to show
Hear me out. The thing about this film is that if you know anything about Jeremy Camp and his story, you know that Melissa dies. Spoiler alert - but I don't think that's news to anyone. I think what makes this film so good is that it's about a love story but it's almost four different love stories. It's about Melissa's blind, unwavering, awe-inspiring love for God. It's about Jeremy's renewal in that faith and in his belief and his love of God after Melissa dies. It's about Melissa and Jeremy's incredible love story - to walk through the fire together, until the end, to put it the way his dad does in the film. But it's also about God's love. And this is coming from a girl who is unsure about what to believe in the slightest. I'm not the preaching, church-going, praying person. I'm not even sure if there is a God, but I believe that people believe it and I respect them for it. Maybe I'll find it one day, maybe I won't. Regardless, this film is beautiful.
What annoys me about the critics that watched this film and their reviews is that they're almost surprised that she dies and that it's a Christian film. Like, do you know anything about Jeremy Camp and who he is? He's literally a Christian singer - for a living. I think this is one of those films where the audience is way more insightful than critics. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I feel like it's so easy for critics to critique and not just escape in the film. But I digress.
K.J. Apa and Britt Robinson are forces in this film. I think that they already have long, successful careers in front of them, without a doubt, but when they work together, they make some serious magic. This is their second film together and I could watch them in a million more. Shania Twain was a nice plug. I think sometimes when you put big country stars in films - Trace Adkins, Shania, etc. - it can be kind of overpowering (depending on the film), but she's very understated but memorable. The standout though, to me, other than the leads was Gary Sinise as Jeremy's dad. There's a moment towards the end of the film where he's just overcome and he leans against the wall and there's a picture of K.J. (meant to be Jeremy) under him and it just hits you. I feel like that was his strongest moment and one of the best moments of the film.
Overall, I think this film is really beautiful. I'm sure I'll come back to it a million times more. I definitely recommend watching it, just have tissues.
What annoys me about the critics that watched this film and their reviews is that they're almost surprised that she dies and that it's a Christian film. Like, do you know anything about Jeremy Camp and who he is? He's literally a Christian singer - for a living. I think this is one of those films where the audience is way more insightful than critics. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I feel like it's so easy for critics to critique and not just escape in the film. But I digress.
K.J. Apa and Britt Robinson are forces in this film. I think that they already have long, successful careers in front of them, without a doubt, but when they work together, they make some serious magic. This is their second film together and I could watch them in a million more. Shania Twain was a nice plug. I think sometimes when you put big country stars in films - Trace Adkins, Shania, etc. - it can be kind of overpowering (depending on the film), but she's very understated but memorable. The standout though, to me, other than the leads was Gary Sinise as Jeremy's dad. There's a moment towards the end of the film where he's just overcome and he leans against the wall and there's a picture of K.J. (meant to be Jeremy) under him and it just hits you. I feel like that was his strongest moment and one of the best moments of the film.
Overall, I think this film is really beautiful. I'm sure I'll come back to it a million times more. I definitely recommend watching it, just have tissues.
Zoosk (5 KP) rated Stone Roses by The Stone Roses in Music
Dec 5, 2024
A Timeless Masterpiece
Every so often, an album comes along that feels like it was born out of pure magic, and The Stone Roses is one of those rare gems. From the opening notes of “I Wanna Be Adored” to the euphoric closer “I Am the Resurrection,” this debut album is a flawless journey through shimmering guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and an aura of defiance and mysticism.
What sets this album apart is its ability to transcend genres. It’s a perfect blend of jangly indie rock, psychedelic flourishes, and danceable grooves, creating a sound that feels fresh even decades later. John Squire’s guitar work is nothing short of genius—each riff and solo feels meticulously crafted yet completely effortless. Ian Brown’s vocal delivery, while unconventional, perfectly captures the swagger and yearning that permeates every track.
Tracks like “She Bangs the Drums” and “Made of Stone” are anthems of pure joy, brimming with melodies that seem to be pulled straight from the heavens. “Waterfall” is a blissful, sun-drenched escape, while “I Am the Resurrection” is a sprawling epic that perfectly captures the band’s rebellious energy. Every song feels essential; there’s no filler here.
Listening to this album feels like stepping into another world, one where everything is drenched in sunlight and possibility. It’s no wonder it became the defining soundtrack of the late ‘80s Madchester scene, but its influence stretches far beyond that. Bands like Oasis and Arctic Monkeys owe much of their sound and success to this record.
For me, The Stone Roses isn’t just an album—it’s an experience. It’s bold, timeless, and utterly captivating. I can’t think of a single way it could be improved, and for that reason, it’s a perfect 10/10.
What sets this album apart is its ability to transcend genres. It’s a perfect blend of jangly indie rock, psychedelic flourishes, and danceable grooves, creating a sound that feels fresh even decades later. John Squire’s guitar work is nothing short of genius—each riff and solo feels meticulously crafted yet completely effortless. Ian Brown’s vocal delivery, while unconventional, perfectly captures the swagger and yearning that permeates every track.
Tracks like “She Bangs the Drums” and “Made of Stone” are anthems of pure joy, brimming with melodies that seem to be pulled straight from the heavens. “Waterfall” is a blissful, sun-drenched escape, while “I Am the Resurrection” is a sprawling epic that perfectly captures the band’s rebellious energy. Every song feels essential; there’s no filler here.
Listening to this album feels like stepping into another world, one where everything is drenched in sunlight and possibility. It’s no wonder it became the defining soundtrack of the late ‘80s Madchester scene, but its influence stretches far beyond that. Bands like Oasis and Arctic Monkeys owe much of their sound and success to this record.
For me, The Stone Roses isn’t just an album—it’s an experience. It’s bold, timeless, and utterly captivating. I can’t think of a single way it could be improved, and for that reason, it’s a perfect 10/10.
HerCrazyReviews (247 KP) rated Super Size Me (2004) in Movies
Sep 8, 2019 (Updated Sep 8, 2019)
Fast Food May Be Bad But Most Points Made In This Documentary Are Worse
We had to watch this film in school when I was younger and I remember agreeing with most of his points. After re-watching this though, I agree with a few of his statements but what mainly puts me off is how he conducted his thirty day challenge. He went from exercising every day (more then the average person) and eating extremely healthy to not exercising at all and ordering RIDICULOUS sized portions. After ordering these portions instead of saving some for later (you know, like most people do) he decided that he had to eat it all which caused him to constantly throw up. He did this over and over! His doctor also recommended to drink water instead of constantly drinking pop. Even told him that this would help him out a lot but he still didn’t listen. Like, DUDE, listen to your freaking doctors. Instead, he decided not to put his health in peril. I don’t get why he wouldn’t because obviously McDonalds serves water and not everyone gets pop.
This could have been a great documentary talking about how bad fast food is. Which I mean, most people already know about, but he still could have made serious points. And I will admit there were point in here that were good. Such as the Super Size portions are not necessary and when he interviewed that doctor whose family founded an ice cream business. When the doctor was describing the connection between his family’s severe health problems and their eating habits I felt like that was an excellent point! Other then that though most points aren’t proven in the best way possible. Plus, he was adding in bits that didn’t even connect to the fact that fast food is bad. For example, when he showed a child a card with Jesus on it and was surprised that the kid didn’t know Jesus but knew Ronald McDonald. Dude, there is more then one religion out there and not everyone is even religious! (This just upset me a ton!)
I’m just going to jump straight into it and say this documentary pisses me off. While, yes, some people may be obese it isn’t always because they eat too much fast food. There are other reasons why they may not be societies perfect skinny ass version of the normal weight. I do understand though that he is focusing on people being overweight because of fast food not because health reasons or why the BMI index is wrong. I just think that he is going to extreme lengths on purpose which showed an inaccurate representation of what fast food does to the normal consumer because most people don’t eat fast food everyday like Don Gorske.
This could have been a great documentary talking about how bad fast food is. Which I mean, most people already know about, but he still could have made serious points. And I will admit there were point in here that were good. Such as the Super Size portions are not necessary and when he interviewed that doctor whose family founded an ice cream business. When the doctor was describing the connection between his family’s severe health problems and their eating habits I felt like that was an excellent point! Other then that though most points aren’t proven in the best way possible. Plus, he was adding in bits that didn’t even connect to the fact that fast food is bad. For example, when he showed a child a card with Jesus on it and was surprised that the kid didn’t know Jesus but knew Ronald McDonald. Dude, there is more then one religion out there and not everyone is even religious! (This just upset me a ton!)
I’m just going to jump straight into it and say this documentary pisses me off. While, yes, some people may be obese it isn’t always because they eat too much fast food. There are other reasons why they may not be societies perfect skinny ass version of the normal weight. I do understand though that he is focusing on people being overweight because of fast food not because health reasons or why the BMI index is wrong. I just think that he is going to extreme lengths on purpose which showed an inaccurate representation of what fast food does to the normal consumer because most people don’t eat fast food everyday like Don Gorske.