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Amanda Palmer recommended In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel in Music (curated)
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I would like to thank Karen Chance for letting me fall in love with paranormal romance again. Its very rare for me to find a paranormal romance series that I love in the never ending shelves filled with them. Among them are Kresley Cole, Gena Showwalter, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Briggs, Lynn Viehl and now Karen Chance.
I brought this book on a 13 hour car ride, not expecting much, just words to fill the time. It was about halfway through when I realized what a gem I really had. The plot was fascinating, the world was so involved and though out, and the characters were just as interesting as the world they were involved in. I would like to thank Karen Chance once more for not making her heroine, Cassandra, so independent that it made me want to gag. Cassandra knew when she needed help and that she wasnt going to survive on her own. Of course, Cassandra has an awesome power that makes her wanted by multiple races. I can forgive that stereotypical plot aspect since Cassandra is not the most power creature to ever exist in the world nor is the only one to have had or will have such power.
But, dear Chance, did you really have to throw in such an erotic scene when I am sitting in the car with my family? I was not expecting anything so steamy from this book that I actually had to put the book down for a moment.
This was one of those novels that made me depressed when I finished it, for the sheer fact that it was over. I immediately turned to my phone to see if there were any more. When I found out it was a series, I ordered every single one.
I brought this book on a 13 hour car ride, not expecting much, just words to fill the time. It was about halfway through when I realized what a gem I really had. The plot was fascinating, the world was so involved and though out, and the characters were just as interesting as the world they were involved in. I would like to thank Karen Chance once more for not making her heroine, Cassandra, so independent that it made me want to gag. Cassandra knew when she needed help and that she wasnt going to survive on her own. Of course, Cassandra has an awesome power that makes her wanted by multiple races. I can forgive that stereotypical plot aspect since Cassandra is not the most power creature to ever exist in the world nor is the only one to have had or will have such power.
But, dear Chance, did you really have to throw in such an erotic scene when I am sitting in the car with my family? I was not expecting anything so steamy from this book that I actually had to put the book down for a moment.
This was one of those novels that made me depressed when I finished it, for the sheer fact that it was over. I immediately turned to my phone to see if there were any more. When I found out it was a series, I ordered every single one.
Maya Flowers sees a new commuter on her train, and knows that he’s The One, so she becomes obsessed, imagining what his life is like and who he is until she plucks up the courage to give him a note.
When I realised that this was based on a true story, I decided to read it, thinking that because it was meant that it wouldn’t to be too pink and fluffy. And I was quite glad that I picked it up because it was entertaining.
I really liked Maya, the fact that she seemed so normal. I loved that her obsession with James was so obvious, it made her such a relatable character.
I did struggle a bit with the pace of the novel. It was quite slow all the way through, when I’m more into novels that jump straight into a good juicy plot. But I should have expected this from a book that’s about missed chances.
It was definitely an enjoyable read, with some funny parts. It also definitely made me smile. However I did definitely struggle with it, and to say that it’s only short, it took me a bit longer to read than I thought it would. It just seemed to be missing something.
But since it’s based on a true story, I’m not sure I can really comment much on the plot.
It’s definitely worth reading if you like Jojo Moyes, and I did enjoy it. My only comment is that the pace seemed to let it down.
When I realised that this was based on a true story, I decided to read it, thinking that because it was meant that it wouldn’t to be too pink and fluffy. And I was quite glad that I picked it up because it was entertaining.
I really liked Maya, the fact that she seemed so normal. I loved that her obsession with James was so obvious, it made her such a relatable character.
I did struggle a bit with the pace of the novel. It was quite slow all the way through, when I’m more into novels that jump straight into a good juicy plot. But I should have expected this from a book that’s about missed chances.
It was definitely an enjoyable read, with some funny parts. It also definitely made me smile. However I did definitely struggle with it, and to say that it’s only short, it took me a bit longer to read than I thought it would. It just seemed to be missing something.
But since it’s based on a true story, I’m not sure I can really comment much on the plot.
It’s definitely worth reading if you like Jojo Moyes, and I did enjoy it. My only comment is that the pace seemed to let it down.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Mile 22 (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
With a run time of 1 hour 34 minutes, and such a fast flowing story line, you certainly don't feel like you're bored at any point during Mile 22. There were plenty of times where I was confused, and a couple where I was amused, but never bored.
Overall the story is a good one and I felt like the twists and turns come in just the right places. But there's no denying that this could have been a 4/5 star film for me had there been some differences.
The opening titles set about cataloging Silva's (Mark Wahlberg) personal history so that we know what sort of person he is and how he's ended up at the head of this team. While it actually worked well I'm unsure of why it was needed at all. Most of the traits that were being shown are ones that frequently pop up in movies in the stereotypical spec ops/military characters, they needed no explanation. Similarly, the back story for Alice seemed surplus to requirements and shoe-horned in so she could have something for Silva to get angry about. Although later in the film she uses the back story to manipulate a baddie when she's cornered and that was quite amusing so I'm willing to let it slide.
By far the best thing about this movie is Iko Uwais. At all times he's consistent to character and his fight scenes were incredible. So it's a little sad that they were marred by some terrible editing. Many of the scenes would flow nicely and you were just becoming engrossed in them when they would cut abruptly to another angle. The only thing it seemed to achieve was speeding up the action, which was already fast and going along very nicely on it's own in the first place. The cuts were chaotic and difficult to watch and ruined what could have been the redeeming feature of this film.
During the film you see Silva talking about the events at some kind of briefing. Although short, they felt like ramblings and didn't make much sense. Placing one "present day" scene at either end of the main events would have achieved a much better job and covered up what felt like a script that had gone awry.
The ending felt like a bit of a cop out to me. Not answering the main question that we were all looking for left me with a deeply unsatisfying feeling and some annoyance at what felt like an obvious attempt to set up for a sequel.
I was surprised to see that this was an 18 certificate. After sitting through the whole thing I feel like it could have quite happily sat at the 15 level. All it would have needed was the removal of a lot of unnecessary language and to have some of the more graphic scenes shot from a different angle/cut better to not show so much of the brutality. That being said though, I didn't find the violence particularly bad compared to other things I've seen.
As an after thought having just rewatched the trailer again before putting it into this post... it's a shame that there weren't some of the computer erasure effects from the trailer in the film. There were certainly opportunities and with the level of technology that they're using it seems to be down played at almost all points.
What should you do?
Watch it for Iko Uwais. His action sequences were so good that they hold up the rest of the film.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could really do with the Hand of God when I'm out and about driving.
Overall the story is a good one and I felt like the twists and turns come in just the right places. But there's no denying that this could have been a 4/5 star film for me had there been some differences.
The opening titles set about cataloging Silva's (Mark Wahlberg) personal history so that we know what sort of person he is and how he's ended up at the head of this team. While it actually worked well I'm unsure of why it was needed at all. Most of the traits that were being shown are ones that frequently pop up in movies in the stereotypical spec ops/military characters, they needed no explanation. Similarly, the back story for Alice seemed surplus to requirements and shoe-horned in so she could have something for Silva to get angry about. Although later in the film she uses the back story to manipulate a baddie when she's cornered and that was quite amusing so I'm willing to let it slide.
By far the best thing about this movie is Iko Uwais. At all times he's consistent to character and his fight scenes were incredible. So it's a little sad that they were marred by some terrible editing. Many of the scenes would flow nicely and you were just becoming engrossed in them when they would cut abruptly to another angle. The only thing it seemed to achieve was speeding up the action, which was already fast and going along very nicely on it's own in the first place. The cuts were chaotic and difficult to watch and ruined what could have been the redeeming feature of this film.
During the film you see Silva talking about the events at some kind of briefing. Although short, they felt like ramblings and didn't make much sense. Placing one "present day" scene at either end of the main events would have achieved a much better job and covered up what felt like a script that had gone awry.
The ending felt like a bit of a cop out to me. Not answering the main question that we were all looking for left me with a deeply unsatisfying feeling and some annoyance at what felt like an obvious attempt to set up for a sequel.
I was surprised to see that this was an 18 certificate. After sitting through the whole thing I feel like it could have quite happily sat at the 15 level. All it would have needed was the removal of a lot of unnecessary language and to have some of the more graphic scenes shot from a different angle/cut better to not show so much of the brutality. That being said though, I didn't find the violence particularly bad compared to other things I've seen.
As an after thought having just rewatched the trailer again before putting it into this post... it's a shame that there weren't some of the computer erasure effects from the trailer in the film. There were certainly opportunities and with the level of technology that they're using it seems to be down played at almost all points.
What should you do?
Watch it for Iko Uwais. His action sequences were so good that they hold up the rest of the film.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could really do with the Hand of God when I'm out and about driving.
Sam (74 KP) rated Bookshop Girl in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Paige Turner works at a bookshop in her hometown alongside going to school, but then she gets the news that it’s closing down. When she finds this out, she decides she has to do something to save it.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
HOLY CRAP!!! THAT TWIST THOUGH!!!!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
Kenan Thompson recommended Coming to America (1988) in Movies (curated)
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Gotham in TV
May 3, 2019
Batman Begins
I wanted to wait until I had watched the series finale to do a full review of the whole show. I can honestly say that in my opinion this is tied with Game of Thrones for the greatest TV show ever made...telling the story of a pre Batman Gotham this show focuses on James Gordon's rise from GCPD detective to Captain and eventual police Commissioner. It also tracks Bruce Wayne's journey from young child who sees his parents gunned down to crime fighting vigilante...what makes this show so good is its attention to detail in the shows characters in particular the villains. We get versions of the classics like penguin, riddler & scarecrow but it's the inclusion of lesser known villains like professor pyg, Solomon grundy & azreal that means theres something for fans of the comics as well as casual viewers. There really aren't any bad series and also no really bad episodes. All the stuff with the mad hatter gets a little slow but that might just be coz I didnt like the character - but maybe that's the point as hes not supposed to be likeable!!!...it all builds to a crescendo in the last season where sometimes so TV shows fall down trying to tie a bow round everything. In Gotham the wait pays off and it the ending feels like watching for all those seasons has paid off...simply put this is not just for comic nerds, it is a quality TV programme the likes of which we may not see again for a while. WATCH THIS SHOW!!!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Midlife Bounty Hunter (Forty Proof, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
I've read a few books in the past by this author and enjoyed them, so I'm hoping this one plays out the same way.
It starts with Breena heading to a graveyard where she's supposed to be attending an interview but things take a decidedly paranormal turn when she meets a skeleton and is chased by a werewolf up a steep come-out-of-nowhere mountain where she finds out she's passed the interview and is now working for a group who do bounty work for the supernatural community.
I did enjoy this but I wasn't fully invested in it. The most exciting thing for me was Crash...and Breena trying to get her house back, but mainly Crash. There was just something about him that drew my attention and intrigued me. Him, I would like to see more of. The rest of the gang...meh. They didn't grow on me that much and I didn't feel like I grew to know them that well.
I feel I should mention Robert and Feish, too. They were the closest people - loosely used term - to Breena in this and they were pretty likeable in this one. I'm sure she'll grow closer to them over the course of the series and they'll turn into valuable allies.
One thing I wasn't a fan of: the continuous referral of her ex husband as "Himself" rather annoying after a while. Why not just "Him" or his name or even "ex"? He does sound like a piece of work, though, and I feel like seeing him get his comeuppance is going to be good.
It starts with Breena heading to a graveyard where she's supposed to be attending an interview but things take a decidedly paranormal turn when she meets a skeleton and is chased by a werewolf up a steep come-out-of-nowhere mountain where she finds out she's passed the interview and is now working for a group who do bounty work for the supernatural community.
I did enjoy this but I wasn't fully invested in it. The most exciting thing for me was Crash...and Breena trying to get her house back, but mainly Crash. There was just something about him that drew my attention and intrigued me. Him, I would like to see more of. The rest of the gang...meh. They didn't grow on me that much and I didn't feel like I grew to know them that well.
I feel I should mention Robert and Feish, too. They were the closest people - loosely used term - to Breena in this and they were pretty likeable in this one. I'm sure she'll grow closer to them over the course of the series and they'll turn into valuable allies.
One thing I wasn't a fan of: the continuous referral of her ex husband as "Himself" rather annoying after a while. Why not just "Him" or his name or even "ex"? He does sound like a piece of work, though, and I feel like seeing him get his comeuppance is going to be good.
Fred (860 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
Mar 16, 2019
G1 Transformers (2 more)
The opening scene on Cybertron
You got the touch!
The stupid "Bumblebee has no voice" crap (1 more)
John Cena is a horrible actor
Robot in disguise
I love the Transformers. I've been a fan since the original cartoon in 1984 & the original comic book run from Marvel. I've loved just about every show & every movie. Yes, they have had their faults, but for pure enjoyment, I loved them too. But now that I've seen Bumblebee, I know that they could have been a lot better.
Yes, this is easily the best of the live-action films. Let's just start by saying G1 versions. That should be enough, but even the story is better than the others. Sure, it's not very original & in one scene there's even a homage (rip off) of the Iron Giant. But it's great entertainment. The action is great, it's funny, but not silly like the others. I like John Cena, when I can see him, but he's terrible in this.But I can overlook it. The Rock has nothing to worry about. My main complaint is they make Bumblebee mute again. So stupid & annoying. Why? What's it bring to the story? Absolutely nothing.
I actually can't wait for the next installment & hope it continues this line instead of the last one.
Yes, this is easily the best of the live-action films. Let's just start by saying G1 versions. That should be enough, but even the story is better than the others. Sure, it's not very original & in one scene there's even a homage (rip off) of the Iron Giant. But it's great entertainment. The action is great, it's funny, but not silly like the others. I like John Cena, when I can see him, but he's terrible in this.But I can overlook it. The Rock has nothing to worry about. My main complaint is they make Bumblebee mute again. So stupid & annoying. Why? What's it bring to the story? Absolutely nothing.
I actually can't wait for the next installment & hope it continues this line instead of the last one.