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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Graceland (2013) in Movies
Apr 3, 2018
Amazing
Graceland is one of those films you remember for a long time after you've watched it. Set in the Philippines, the story revolves around Marlon Villar (Arnold Reyes) who is ambushed while driving his daughter and his boss' daughter home. Things spin wildly out of control when the kidnappers demand a ransom.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
The more I thought about Graceland as a whole, the more it made me think about how well things were filmed. The film is shot in a dark style, giving it a fitting gritty feel that sets the tone throughout. Particularly effective for me were the jarring moments that occur in close quarters, powerful and shocking at the same time. There are a number of points in the film that, due to how things were shot, will stick in my head for years to come.
Conflict: 10
Graceland is jarring and real because of the conflict created. The film never really gives you a chance to catch your breath at any point. You expect things to go one way and then are thrown for another loop. There was never a point where I felt like I could relax, which is exactly the feeling I look for in these type of films.
Genre: 8
Very interesting, original spin on your typical kidnapping story. While you empathize with the main character, you wonder if he's doing the right thing at the same time. He is faced with some tough decisions which you find out very early on in the story. You can never really tell up from down at any point. I can honestly say that I haven't really seen anything like it.
Memorability: 7
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
Overall: 91
Besides seeing film classics, Movies 365 has been all about me finding hidden gems like this one. Watch Graceland currently on Vudu for free. You won't regret it.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
The more I thought about Graceland as a whole, the more it made me think about how well things were filmed. The film is shot in a dark style, giving it a fitting gritty feel that sets the tone throughout. Particularly effective for me were the jarring moments that occur in close quarters, powerful and shocking at the same time. There are a number of points in the film that, due to how things were shot, will stick in my head for years to come.
Conflict: 10
Graceland is jarring and real because of the conflict created. The film never really gives you a chance to catch your breath at any point. You expect things to go one way and then are thrown for another loop. There was never a point where I felt like I could relax, which is exactly the feeling I look for in these type of films.
Genre: 8
Very interesting, original spin on your typical kidnapping story. While you empathize with the main character, you wonder if he's doing the right thing at the same time. He is faced with some tough decisions which you find out very early on in the story. You can never really tell up from down at any point. I can honestly say that I haven't really seen anything like it.
Memorability: 7
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
Overall: 91
Besides seeing film classics, Movies 365 has been all about me finding hidden gems like this one. Watch Graceland currently on Vudu for free. You won't regret it.
Brian Kapfer (2 KP) created a post
May 27, 2018
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Blood Moon in Books
Nov 8, 2019
When businessman Recidio Suarez is kidnapped it is the start of a brutal ordeal of beatings and torture as the gang try to steal as many of his assets as they can, and once they have done so it is clear they will kill him.
The police fail to investigate and it is up to Suarez' lawyer Nolan Stevens to track down the gang and try to stop them before they strike again. He races against time to put the evidence together that he needs, but will his efforts be enough?
Based on a true story, there are two distinct phases of this story. Firstly the kidnapping, torture and theft carried out by the gang. The second that of the attempt to capture them. The first part manage to convey the plight Suarez finds himself in well, the panic, the desperation, the pain and the realisation that he is unlikely to get out of this alive.
But it is with the investigation that this novel really steps up a gear. Stevens is a great foil, using the law to his advantage but also carefully breaking it when he needs to. As he tracks the gang down, piecing together their identities, actions and motivations bit by bit the reader is drawn along too, wanting him to succeed.
Everything is described well, from the sticky heat Suarez has to endure in captivity to the indifference of the police and the planning of the gang and the violence of their crimes. I also couldn't help but chuckle as Stevens find time to settle an old score at the same time.
As crime thrillers go this is a good one. Not a 'whodunnit' as that is revealed very early on, but more showing not only how far some people will go for money but also how guile, wit and tenacity will often produce results in the end.
The police fail to investigate and it is up to Suarez' lawyer Nolan Stevens to track down the gang and try to stop them before they strike again. He races against time to put the evidence together that he needs, but will his efforts be enough?
Based on a true story, there are two distinct phases of this story. Firstly the kidnapping, torture and theft carried out by the gang. The second that of the attempt to capture them. The first part manage to convey the plight Suarez finds himself in well, the panic, the desperation, the pain and the realisation that he is unlikely to get out of this alive.
But it is with the investigation that this novel really steps up a gear. Stevens is a great foil, using the law to his advantage but also carefully breaking it when he needs to. As he tracks the gang down, piecing together their identities, actions and motivations bit by bit the reader is drawn along too, wanting him to succeed.
Everything is described well, from the sticky heat Suarez has to endure in captivity to the indifference of the police and the planning of the gang and the violence of their crimes. I also couldn't help but chuckle as Stevens find time to settle an old score at the same time.
As crime thrillers go this is a good one. Not a 'whodunnit' as that is revealed very early on, but more showing not only how far some people will go for money but also how guile, wit and tenacity will often produce results in the end.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Trust Me in Books
Jul 1, 2021
The protagonist in this book is Ellen, but this book is told from multiple perspectives. Even though she is a civilian, she has seen a lot in her life, which made her brave, compassionate and very determined to solve this case. I really liked all the characters chosen for this novel, some of them were very mysterious and scary, others sweet but misleading. They all created a very thrilling, fast-paced atmosphere, that I enjoyed.
The narrative of this book was a true spiders web. There were so many questions from the first chapter, and the suspense was unbearable. 😀 I really liked Ellen’s and other character’s journeys, investigation and all the twists and turns that this book had to offer. The mystery was very well kept throughout the pages, and the author’s mind manipulations were brilliant. I was soooo confused about what agenda all the characters had, and could not wait to find out all of it. The topics discussed in this book were infertility, PTSD, shady police work, kidnapping, the social media footprint we leave, and many more. This book has a lot of violence and murder, so might not be suitable for sensitive readers.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book. The author really knows how to keep amazing suspense and deliver great characters. The atmosphere is constantly changing, and because of that all this book is kind of “on the go”. The chapters are pretty short and the multiple perspectives kept me glued and did not allow me to put this book down. I really liked the culmination and the ending of this novel as well, it rounded up this story perfectly.
So, to conclude, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, filled with mysterious and absorbing characters as well as the plot that is filled with mystery, questions and the wish to find out what is actually going on there.
The narrative of this book was a true spiders web. There were so many questions from the first chapter, and the suspense was unbearable. 😀 I really liked Ellen’s and other character’s journeys, investigation and all the twists and turns that this book had to offer. The mystery was very well kept throughout the pages, and the author’s mind manipulations were brilliant. I was soooo confused about what agenda all the characters had, and could not wait to find out all of it. The topics discussed in this book were infertility, PTSD, shady police work, kidnapping, the social media footprint we leave, and many more. This book has a lot of violence and murder, so might not be suitable for sensitive readers.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book. The author really knows how to keep amazing suspense and deliver great characters. The atmosphere is constantly changing, and because of that all this book is kind of “on the go”. The chapters are pretty short and the multiple perspectives kept me glued and did not allow me to put this book down. I really liked the culmination and the ending of this novel as well, it rounded up this story perfectly.
So, to conclude, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, filled with mysterious and absorbing characters as well as the plot that is filled with mystery, questions and the wish to find out what is actually going on there.
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated Die Trying (Jack Reacher Book#2) in Books
Sep 14, 2020 (Updated Sep 14, 2020)
Some really tense moments - particularly towards the end (3 more)
Reacher isn’t always right but he always wins
Nice chemistry between the two main characters
A definite resemblance to Far Cry 5
Different from the first but equally as good
Jack Reacher (no middle name)’s second outing is a lot different to his debut. Killing Floor was a personal story and felt more focused around Reacher - it also felt like he had godly powers and never seemed to lose. In Die Trying, Reacher is put in a situation out of his element initially but eventually gets his stride. Without wanting to spoil too much, it involves Reacher and a woman on crutches getting kidnapped. When they find out the purpose of the kidnapping, things are a lot worse than one can imagine.
It isn’t really giving anything away to make parallels with 2018’s Far Cry 5. It would be really surprising if the makers of the Ubisoft hit hadn’t read this book. Child’s style is very too the point - with a little padding here and there that if you preserve you get through. Chapters are broken into segments and sometimes flick between multiple characters, which keeps the pace rolling. Child has a good ability to make an event happen and for it to be seen via multiple character perspectives observing said event. It was a little confusing towards the end with certain twists, if you’re not reading in one go, but it isn’t so dense that you lose track and give up.
The payoff is satisfying and action packed, delivering surprises and rapid story telling. Sometimes novels have difficulty rounding things up but there’s no trouble here. It is a well researched novel as well but Andy McNab’s Nick Stone delivers more authenticity regarding weapon handling and operation.
Read this if you enjoy a Hollywood style thriller. It is compact enough to get through quite quickly but detailed enough to make you enjoy the ride.
It isn’t really giving anything away to make parallels with 2018’s Far Cry 5. It would be really surprising if the makers of the Ubisoft hit hadn’t read this book. Child’s style is very too the point - with a little padding here and there that if you preserve you get through. Chapters are broken into segments and sometimes flick between multiple characters, which keeps the pace rolling. Child has a good ability to make an event happen and for it to be seen via multiple character perspectives observing said event. It was a little confusing towards the end with certain twists, if you’re not reading in one go, but it isn’t so dense that you lose track and give up.
The payoff is satisfying and action packed, delivering surprises and rapid story telling. Sometimes novels have difficulty rounding things up but there’s no trouble here. It is a well researched novel as well but Andy McNab’s Nick Stone delivers more authenticity regarding weapon handling and operation.
Read this if you enjoy a Hollywood style thriller. It is compact enough to get through quite quickly but detailed enough to make you enjoy the ride.
Becs (244 KP) rated Max Einstein: the Genius Experiment in Books
Oct 8, 2019
fast-paced (2 more)
adventure packed
great lessons for young and old
Everybody should read this!
You can also find this review on my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
TRIGGER WARNINGS: a bit of violence, anger issues, absent parent(s), manipulation, attempted kidnapping
REVIEW:
Okay, I don’t typically read middle grade novels but this series seriously makes me want to start! I loved and devoured every second of Max Einstein’s story. When I finished, I craved more. I really hope this is longer than a two (2) book series as I really love Max Einstein’s kick ass heroine character.
I’ve not read much, if anything (?), by James Patterson and his writing really drew me into the story. I was not disappointed one bit! One thing I really loved about this series, is that Max Einstein was portrayed in a way that she could be a role model to not only those younger than her but to the elder crowd as well. James Patterson wrote Max in a way that empowers the reader to think and act on their actions and in the world in a positive way.
The main character, Max, was portrayed to be open-minded, confident, ambitious, observant, thoughtful, and a genius child. She’s not used to having friends and working on a team is something new she works through. But the way the team put their differences behind them and came together to save the world was pure bliss!
Another thing I enjoyed was all the Albert Einstein quotes and the math/science lessons that were taught throughout. There were also villains added to the story, to give it the thriller vibe. IT WORKED! The Genius Experiment was fast-paced, a page turner, humorous, extremely easy to read, and promoted teamwork.
I highly recommend to everyone to read this crazy novel!
“The world is more threatened by those who tolerate evil or support it than by the evildoers themselves.”
TRIGGER WARNINGS: a bit of violence, anger issues, absent parent(s), manipulation, attempted kidnapping
REVIEW:
Okay, I don’t typically read middle grade novels but this series seriously makes me want to start! I loved and devoured every second of Max Einstein’s story. When I finished, I craved more. I really hope this is longer than a two (2) book series as I really love Max Einstein’s kick ass heroine character.
I’ve not read much, if anything (?), by James Patterson and his writing really drew me into the story. I was not disappointed one bit! One thing I really loved about this series, is that Max Einstein was portrayed in a way that she could be a role model to not only those younger than her but to the elder crowd as well. James Patterson wrote Max in a way that empowers the reader to think and act on their actions and in the world in a positive way.
The main character, Max, was portrayed to be open-minded, confident, ambitious, observant, thoughtful, and a genius child. She’s not used to having friends and working on a team is something new she works through. But the way the team put their differences behind them and came together to save the world was pure bliss!
Another thing I enjoyed was all the Albert Einstein quotes and the math/science lessons that were taught throughout. There were also villains added to the story, to give it the thriller vibe. IT WORKED! The Genius Experiment was fast-paced, a page turner, humorous, extremely easy to read, and promoted teamwork.
I highly recommend to everyone to read this crazy novel!
“The world is more threatened by those who tolerate evil or support it than by the evildoers themselves.”
Becs (244 KP) rated Max Einstein: Rebels with a Cause in Books
Oct 8, 2019
fast-paced (2 more)
adventure packed
lessons that are taught within
Amazing sequel to Max Einstein: the Genius Experiment
You can also find this review on my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
TRIGGER WARNINGS: a bit of violence, anger issues, absent parent(s), manipulation, kidnapping
REVIEW:
Rebels with a Cause is book two (2) of the Max Einstein series and it was just as great as book one (1)! The adventures that were packed into this little novel along side Max Einstein still being a great role model was seriously so refreshing.
In Rebels with a Cause, we get to see more of Max thinking on her feet and implementing crazy plans to save not only herself, but her team and the world as well. You also learn more about the villains in this novel, which made for an interesting addition to the plot!
Again, James Patterson really knows how to write a captivating story that is not only well-written but fast-paces as well. There are more math/science lessons in Rebels with a Cause and I really enjoyed that they were applied to real life problems. The way that each were explained were written in an extremely easy to understand way so that the reader, young or old, can know what is being put into the solution.
The task that Max and her team were given to fix was a water crisis and I really loved that this was the main problem in the story. Having clean water available to all is a real world crisis. Water is an extremely important part of the human survival and this topic really hit the spot while reading. James wrote Rebels with a Cause again with a fast-paced, adventure packed, and informative nature. I highly recommend to all!
"I believe that Ghandi's views were the most enlightened among all the political men of our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit; not to use violence in fighting for a cause, but by non-participation and what we believe is evil. - Albert Einstein”
TRIGGER WARNINGS: a bit of violence, anger issues, absent parent(s), manipulation, kidnapping
REVIEW:
Rebels with a Cause is book two (2) of the Max Einstein series and it was just as great as book one (1)! The adventures that were packed into this little novel along side Max Einstein still being a great role model was seriously so refreshing.
In Rebels with a Cause, we get to see more of Max thinking on her feet and implementing crazy plans to save not only herself, but her team and the world as well. You also learn more about the villains in this novel, which made for an interesting addition to the plot!
Again, James Patterson really knows how to write a captivating story that is not only well-written but fast-paces as well. There are more math/science lessons in Rebels with a Cause and I really enjoyed that they were applied to real life problems. The way that each were explained were written in an extremely easy to understand way so that the reader, young or old, can know what is being put into the solution.
The task that Max and her team were given to fix was a water crisis and I really loved that this was the main problem in the story. Having clean water available to all is a real world crisis. Water is an extremely important part of the human survival and this topic really hit the spot while reading. James wrote Rebels with a Cause again with a fast-paced, adventure packed, and informative nature. I highly recommend to all!
"I believe that Ghandi's views were the most enlightened among all the political men of our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit; not to use violence in fighting for a cause, but by non-participation and what we believe is evil. - Albert Einstein”
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Debbiereadsbook (1107 KP) rated The Lies We Tell in Books
Jul 11, 2023
dark and deadly but oh so good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Nate is a police detective tasked with taking down the local gang leader. Ollie witnesses a murder by said gang leader and Nate is tasked to keep him safe. Even if it costs him his own life.
This is a decidedly darker book by Adams, and I loved it!
Nate is a jaded police detective, facing the end of his marriage. He is a grumpy git, with good reason. Meeting Ollie gives him a teeny tiny light to hang on to. Ollie, in turn, comes to rely on Nate to keep him safe. I loved that neither saw the other coming. I mean, Nate thought he was straight, and here is is, drooling over a PICTURE of a possible lead on the gang leader he wants to take down.
I loved that it all crept up on them, Nate and Ollie both. And I loved the way Nate's soon-to-be-ex wife dealt with everything. She could have been a nasty b8tch but I'm glad she wasn't.
Although the blurb says spice and steam, I didn't think it overly explicit, indeed it's quite some time before Nate and Ollie get physical. It's more about the powerful emotions they evoke in each other than the smex.
It is, as I said, on the darker side. Some on page torture of a police officer is described, and on page kidnapping. (Did not see that one coming, I tell ya!) There is Ollie's abuse at the hands of the gang leader (some off and some on page) Gang activities are talked about too. Be midnful of these, if you have triggers.
Pushing my personal boundaries in the best way, an excellent read. I am loving watching Ms Adams grow and develop her skill. It's been a crazy ride so far, but I do not wanna get off!
5 full but dark stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Nate is a police detective tasked with taking down the local gang leader. Ollie witnesses a murder by said gang leader and Nate is tasked to keep him safe. Even if it costs him his own life.
This is a decidedly darker book by Adams, and I loved it!
Nate is a jaded police detective, facing the end of his marriage. He is a grumpy git, with good reason. Meeting Ollie gives him a teeny tiny light to hang on to. Ollie, in turn, comes to rely on Nate to keep him safe. I loved that neither saw the other coming. I mean, Nate thought he was straight, and here is is, drooling over a PICTURE of a possible lead on the gang leader he wants to take down.
I loved that it all crept up on them, Nate and Ollie both. And I loved the way Nate's soon-to-be-ex wife dealt with everything. She could have been a nasty b8tch but I'm glad she wasn't.
Although the blurb says spice and steam, I didn't think it overly explicit, indeed it's quite some time before Nate and Ollie get physical. It's more about the powerful emotions they evoke in each other than the smex.
It is, as I said, on the darker side. Some on page torture of a police officer is described, and on page kidnapping. (Did not see that one coming, I tell ya!) There is Ollie's abuse at the hands of the gang leader (some off and some on page) Gang activities are talked about too. Be midnful of these, if you have triggers.
Pushing my personal boundaries in the best way, an excellent read. I am loving watching Ms Adams grow and develop her skill. It's been a crazy ride so far, but I do not wanna get off!
5 full but dark stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere