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KarenRC (6 KP) rated The French Girl in Books

Jul 23, 2018

The French Girl

Lexie Elliott | 2018 | Thriller

6.8

(4 Ratings)

Book Rating

Ten years after they all went on holiday to celebrate finishing uni, a group of friends are shocked to hear that the ‘mademoiselle next door’, who went missing just after they left, has now been found, or at least her remains have.. It turns out not all was as it seemed and they are all now under suspicion of murder. The group, who mostly went their separate ways after the trip, are brought back together for fresh questioning by the enigmatic French detective. Suspicions as to what happened and who could be responsible, as well as old wounds being opened that had never fully healed, mean that it is not a totally happy reunion.
The story is told by Kate who, as well as having to deal with this, is also trying to start her own business and is now haunted by visions of Severine. Although it does focus on Kate’s side of the story, it does well to explain the other characters connections to the story and possible theories as to why any one of them would have had reason to cause Severine harm.
I am not too sure on my feelings to this book.. I thought the writing was really good and I was enjoying the unfolding story waiting for something unexpected to happen… but then it didn’t and I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with it, especially the ending. I think it would make a great holiday read and as debuts go, it was ok. I look forward to reading more from Lexie in the future.

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Ghostbusters (2016) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019

Ghostbusters (2016)

2016 | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

6.2

(74 Ratings)

Movie Rating

The new “Ghostbusters,” is intended to be a reboot of the “Ghostbusters” films. This time around starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon. None of which owned their characters in the first twenty minutes of the movie. Although Wiig and McCarthy are among my favorite comedic actresses, they just were not believable in their roles.

The team starts a ghost chasing business in the middle of New York city, although I never see them collect any money. Like the original, they drive around in a hearse. But this time it’s pink and white.

This time around everything is cheesy and over the top. Even the equipment, while pretty cool at times, is mostly flashing lights. The CGI is pretty terrible quite frankly, making the old graphic techniques used in the original put it to shame.

It’s worth pointing out that, of course, avid fans of the original will go in with a skeptical mindset. However, the movie does in fact build in entertainment value as the characters become a bit more believable. Yet, it remains completely slapstick in its comedic style.

It doesn’t present itself as trying to replace the original, and bringing this point home are the subtle and enjoyable cameos that pop up here and there.

While it’s best described as a slapstick comedy, this “Ghostbusters” is a fun and lighthearted movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

A cartoonish version of something loved by many, I give the “Ghostbusters” 2 out of 5 stars.