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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Feb 24, 2018 (Updated Feb 24, 2018)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a solid film-going experience, albeit a little cheesy at times. While its overdone ending keeps it just short of a being an action/adventure classic, I have to say I was impressed with how well they were able to take the source material of the original and truly make it something entirely new. In this newer version of the remake, four kids in detention get trapped inside a video game and have to play their way out. They are eached armed with a set of "lives" and, just like in a game, losing lives brings you closer to losing everything. They must rely on the skills of their avatars to traverse the dangerous jungle terrain.
Jumanji gives you conventional funny meaning it's not going to be one of those films where you spend half of it doubled over in laughter. When it comes to characteristics of a solid film, however, the film checks all the boxes. Solid, hilarious characters that make it easy to root for them. The Bethany/Jack Black role alone was enough to keep a smile on my face for the majority of the movie. He is the ringleader in a lot of the hilarious moments, but the other stars (Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart) provide plenty of comedy as well. While the comedy isn't side-splitting, I give it it's due respect for being consistent. A solid, flowing story gets the same recognition as it never lingers in one spot for too long. The action does a good job of connecting plot points while not being overbearing.
I thought that by the time I finally got around to writing this, I would be recommending Jumanji for a home viewing. However, due to some great box office success, it's still kicking in theaters. So....go see it if you haven't already! I give it a solid 90.
Jumanji gives you conventional funny meaning it's not going to be one of those films where you spend half of it doubled over in laughter. When it comes to characteristics of a solid film, however, the film checks all the boxes. Solid, hilarious characters that make it easy to root for them. The Bethany/Jack Black role alone was enough to keep a smile on my face for the majority of the movie. He is the ringleader in a lot of the hilarious moments, but the other stars (Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart) provide plenty of comedy as well. While the comedy isn't side-splitting, I give it it's due respect for being consistent. A solid, flowing story gets the same recognition as it never lingers in one spot for too long. The action does a good job of connecting plot points while not being overbearing.
I thought that by the time I finally got around to writing this, I would be recommending Jumanji for a home viewing. However, due to some great box office success, it's still kicking in theaters. So....go see it if you haven't already! I give it a solid 90.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Flashback - Single by Mathew V in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Mathew V is a singer-songwriter based in Vancouver, Canada. Not too long ago, he released a heartfelt music video for his emo-pop ballad, entitled, “Flashback”.
“I’m weak, is that what you make of me when I had to get up on my own. Seventeen, when he put his hands on me, and I had to find my way back home. But I, oh I, I’d never play you for a fool. But now, I’m here with nothing left to lose.” – lyrics
‘Flashback’ tells a bitter tale of Mathew V’s personal experience with sexual violence/rape at the age of seventeen, and how it affects his personal life today.
Five years ago, the above-mentioned incident occurred, and ever since then, the 22-year-old survivor has been trying his best to cope with the recurring flashbacks of him being violated sexually.
‘Flashback’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and piano-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“Writing this song was one of the hardest things I‘ve had to do in my life. I wrote this song about my experience with sexual violence/rape at seventeen years old, and how that situation has influenced and affected my life today. It was something that I always knew I had to process and had always avoided. But with every new song I wrote, I still had this in my closet, this weight on my chest.” – Mathew V
After 10 years of classical operatic vocal training, Mathew V moved to London, England at the age of 17 to teach himself how to write pop music.
Since then, he has penned a deal with 604 records and his debut single, “Tell Me Smooth”, went Top 40 on Canadian Radio (Hot AC/AC) for 18 weeks, peaking at #18.
Mathew has written with the likes of Dan Mangan, DiRTY RADiO, and on stage, he’s opened up for the likes of Betty Who, Hanson, Daya, MAGIC! and more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mathew-v-flashback/
“I’m weak, is that what you make of me when I had to get up on my own. Seventeen, when he put his hands on me, and I had to find my way back home. But I, oh I, I’d never play you for a fool. But now, I’m here with nothing left to lose.” – lyrics
‘Flashback’ tells a bitter tale of Mathew V’s personal experience with sexual violence/rape at the age of seventeen, and how it affects his personal life today.
Five years ago, the above-mentioned incident occurred, and ever since then, the 22-year-old survivor has been trying his best to cope with the recurring flashbacks of him being violated sexually.
‘Flashback’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and piano-driven instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“Writing this song was one of the hardest things I‘ve had to do in my life. I wrote this song about my experience with sexual violence/rape at seventeen years old, and how that situation has influenced and affected my life today. It was something that I always knew I had to process and had always avoided. But with every new song I wrote, I still had this in my closet, this weight on my chest.” – Mathew V
After 10 years of classical operatic vocal training, Mathew V moved to London, England at the age of 17 to teach himself how to write pop music.
Since then, he has penned a deal with 604 records and his debut single, “Tell Me Smooth”, went Top 40 on Canadian Radio (Hot AC/AC) for 18 weeks, peaking at #18.
Mathew has written with the likes of Dan Mangan, DiRTY RADiO, and on stage, he’s opened up for the likes of Betty Who, Hanson, Daya, MAGIC! and more.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mathew-v-flashback/
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans '66) (2019) in Movies
Nov 26, 2019
Great watch
I've always been a bit of a car person (or at least I like driving fast...) and it was watching Rush at the cinema back in 2013 that really got me into racing films, and is also probably to blame for my F1 interests. Le Mans '66 appealed to me exactly for these reasons and it really is a great film, and not just for the racing.
The main appeal of this film is the relationship between Bale and Damon's characters. These two work so well together and it really pays off on screen. They're funny, heartwarming and serious and you really want to spend the whole 2.5 hours watching them. This isn't just a racing film after all, it's about the relationship between Miles and Shelby. There's a great supporting cast too, although I did think Josh Lucas was a little too slimy and Jon Bernthal was hugely underused. But this is mainly the Bale and Damon show and rightly so.
The film itself looks great and fits in with the era it's set, and the racing scenes are so well done and considering you're just staring at Christian Bale's face most of the time, the races are still surprisingly exciting and thrilling. I do think the 2.5 hour run time is a little long, and there are a few (admittedly brief) occasions in the middle where this does drag just a little, mostly when Bale and Damon aren't on screen together. There's also Bale's questionable accent, which seems a little too put on and not quiet natural.
Despite these few niggles though, this is a very enjoyable, excellent film with some potentially Oscar worthy performances. I knew nothing about the true story behind this, so for me this was also hugely informative. The only problem is that it made me want to drive like a racing driver on my way home, which isn't good for either my car or my license...
The main appeal of this film is the relationship between Bale and Damon's characters. These two work so well together and it really pays off on screen. They're funny, heartwarming and serious and you really want to spend the whole 2.5 hours watching them. This isn't just a racing film after all, it's about the relationship between Miles and Shelby. There's a great supporting cast too, although I did think Josh Lucas was a little too slimy and Jon Bernthal was hugely underused. But this is mainly the Bale and Damon show and rightly so.
The film itself looks great and fits in with the era it's set, and the racing scenes are so well done and considering you're just staring at Christian Bale's face most of the time, the races are still surprisingly exciting and thrilling. I do think the 2.5 hour run time is a little long, and there are a few (admittedly brief) occasions in the middle where this does drag just a little, mostly when Bale and Damon aren't on screen together. There's also Bale's questionable accent, which seems a little too put on and not quiet natural.
Despite these few niggles though, this is a very enjoyable, excellent film with some potentially Oscar worthy performances. I knew nothing about the true story behind this, so for me this was also hugely informative. The only problem is that it made me want to drive like a racing driver on my way home, which isn't good for either my car or my license...
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Dream Pony in Books
Jan 9, 2020
The Dream Pony by Shanon Picciolo is a great bedtime story. It does not have too much action in it and has a nice, calming feel to it.
A young girl by the name of Emilie is outside daydreaming when she thinks she hears hoofbeats. She sits very quietly and soon a pony approaches her. Once she gains the ponys trust she climbs on its back and they go for a ride together.
The pony takes her to a beautiful stream, a faraway valley, and even way up on top of a mountain. Together they play with deer and run with timberwolves. Finally, when it gets dark the pony takes Emilie back home so she can go to bed and dream about a pony in the woods.
What I liked best is that the book takes readers through multiple different areas of the forest and mountains on horseback. Many children dream of having or at least riding a horse one day and Dream Pony takes them on that wonderful journey. What I did not like was that there is one page that is twice as long as the others. Some children with shorter attention spans may have issues with this page as it changes the pace of the story. Parents should be aware of this and ready to help if a child is trying to read it on their own.
Young children will enjoy having this book read to them. Also, children who are starting to read on their own may find this book enjoyable, though they may need help with some of the words. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. Other than the one page being longer than necessary there is nothing negative to say about this book. With the book even ending with the words Good Night this book gives children something great to imagine right before bed and encourages good dreams.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
A young girl by the name of Emilie is outside daydreaming when she thinks she hears hoofbeats. She sits very quietly and soon a pony approaches her. Once she gains the ponys trust she climbs on its back and they go for a ride together.
The pony takes her to a beautiful stream, a faraway valley, and even way up on top of a mountain. Together they play with deer and run with timberwolves. Finally, when it gets dark the pony takes Emilie back home so she can go to bed and dream about a pony in the woods.
What I liked best is that the book takes readers through multiple different areas of the forest and mountains on horseback. Many children dream of having or at least riding a horse one day and Dream Pony takes them on that wonderful journey. What I did not like was that there is one page that is twice as long as the others. Some children with shorter attention spans may have issues with this page as it changes the pace of the story. Parents should be aware of this and ready to help if a child is trying to read it on their own.
Young children will enjoy having this book read to them. Also, children who are starting to read on their own may find this book enjoyable, though they may need help with some of the words. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. Other than the one page being longer than necessary there is nothing negative to say about this book. With the book even ending with the words Good Night this book gives children something great to imagine right before bed and encourages good dreams.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com
JT (287 KP) rated The Hunter (2012) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
There’s something about Willem Dafoe that unnerves me a little and I’ve never been able to quite understand the reason why? Putting my bizarre fears aside for a second The Hunter is a subtle thriller set against the backdrop of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Taking that wilderness as first point of call in the film its beautifully shot, long sweeping takes across desolate bush to the panoramic visuals of mountain ranges, it’s a harsh world to which Martin (Dafoe) finds himself in.
Tasked with locating the revered Tasmanian Tiger who most believe still exists even to this day, Martin goes in search of it with an almost no questions asked mentality. Of course during his stay it’s clear that he is ruffling a few local feathers as the logging population of the town see him as just another tree hugger.
He sets up camp in the home of a local family and although not wanting to at first bonds with the two children, Sass and Bike, who instantly take a liking to him, most likely as their father has gone missing mysteriously in the region that Martin explores weeks at a time.
The film lacks a certain amount of bite to it, and there isn’t really a lot in the way of thrills for the first hour at least. We follow Martin into the wild terrain watching him set traps and record data, it may sound a bit dull but Nettheim does enough to keep us intrigued.
It’s clear that Martin is not the only one after this urban legend, and when a few more sinister occurrences arise Martin starts to fear not just for his own life but for those he has grown close to.
The film has a satisfying conclusion and one that is probably expected, for all the build up has lead to it. The acting might not live up to much but the scenery certainly gives the film an absorbing contrast.
Taking that wilderness as first point of call in the film its beautifully shot, long sweeping takes across desolate bush to the panoramic visuals of mountain ranges, it’s a harsh world to which Martin (Dafoe) finds himself in.
Tasked with locating the revered Tasmanian Tiger who most believe still exists even to this day, Martin goes in search of it with an almost no questions asked mentality. Of course during his stay it’s clear that he is ruffling a few local feathers as the logging population of the town see him as just another tree hugger.
He sets up camp in the home of a local family and although not wanting to at first bonds with the two children, Sass and Bike, who instantly take a liking to him, most likely as their father has gone missing mysteriously in the region that Martin explores weeks at a time.
The film lacks a certain amount of bite to it, and there isn’t really a lot in the way of thrills for the first hour at least. We follow Martin into the wild terrain watching him set traps and record data, it may sound a bit dull but Nettheim does enough to keep us intrigued.
It’s clear that Martin is not the only one after this urban legend, and when a few more sinister occurrences arise Martin starts to fear not just for his own life but for those he has grown close to.
The film has a satisfying conclusion and one that is probably expected, for all the build up has lead to it. The acting might not live up to much but the scenery certainly gives the film an absorbing contrast.
JT (287 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
I've always said that the vast majority of horror remakes just don’t better the original, and this one can also join that list. Stephen King adaptations are a bit hit and miss and this new incarnation is no different.
Providing a few decent scares throughout it never quite lives up to the highs of King’s terrifying novel. The film follows the Creed family as they relocate to the outskirts of a quiet town in Maine, called Ludlow. Head of the family Louis (Jason Clarke), is starting a new job at the university hospital and their new home feels like the perfect place to settle.
But it doesn’t take long for things to go pear-shaped when daughter Ellie (Jeté Laurence) stumbles across a Pet Sematary (misspelt). There she meets neighbour Jud Crandall (John Lithgow) who warns her that it is not the place for a young girl to play – despite a procession of creepy children in masks walking through the woods. However, a family tragedy sparks Jud to reach out to Louis and offer him a way to resurrect the past.
Providing a few decent scares throughout it never quite lives up to the highs of King’s terrifying novel
Co-directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer Pet Sematary skims over family relationships and races right to the tragedy (which was blatantly given away in the trailer) to satisfy the audience by giving them what they want. However, there is not enough time for Kölsch and Widmyer to delve deeper into the pages of King’s novel to extract parts that could have enhanced the narrative even further.
The ending is unsatisfactory and the directors, looking to impart their take on the story, change and leave out significant parts of King’s book. This is both annoying and surprising. That said, the film is not without the odd positive, despite falling just short of being a decent horror remake.
Providing a few decent scares throughout it never quite lives up to the highs of King’s terrifying novel. The film follows the Creed family as they relocate to the outskirts of a quiet town in Maine, called Ludlow. Head of the family Louis (Jason Clarke), is starting a new job at the university hospital and their new home feels like the perfect place to settle.
But it doesn’t take long for things to go pear-shaped when daughter Ellie (Jeté Laurence) stumbles across a Pet Sematary (misspelt). There she meets neighbour Jud Crandall (John Lithgow) who warns her that it is not the place for a young girl to play – despite a procession of creepy children in masks walking through the woods. However, a family tragedy sparks Jud to reach out to Louis and offer him a way to resurrect the past.
Providing a few decent scares throughout it never quite lives up to the highs of King’s terrifying novel
Co-directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer Pet Sematary skims over family relationships and races right to the tragedy (which was blatantly given away in the trailer) to satisfy the audience by giving them what they want. However, there is not enough time for Kölsch and Widmyer to delve deeper into the pages of King’s novel to extract parts that could have enhanced the narrative even further.
The ending is unsatisfactory and the directors, looking to impart their take on the story, change and leave out significant parts of King’s book. This is both annoying and surprising. That said, the film is not without the odd positive, despite falling just short of being a decent horror remake.
An East End Story
Book
One evening in the long hot summer of 1959, Alfred Gardner was walking home along Commercial Road....
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Vanishing Half in Books
Jul 8, 2020
I read The Mothers, Brit Bennett’s first book, and loved it. So when this popped up on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it, and I was so pleased when I was given the opportunity to read it.
It’s a story about secrets, lies and reinvention - the sacrifices someone has to make in order to get the life they want. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Stella and Desirée Vignes are identical twin sisters, brought up in a small southern town, where all the inhabitants are black people who could pass for white people if they wanted to (which a very dangerous thing to try and do at the time the story is set).
The twins escape together, and then Stella leaves Desirée. Stella discovers that she can pass as white, and marries a wealthy white man, who knows nothing of her origins. Desirée marries a black man who beats her, and so she escapes back to her mother with her dark skinned daughter, Jude. Jude is never accepted in Desirée’s home town of Mallard, and so she leaves to go to university as soon as she is able to.
This is where Jude’s life unwittingly intersects with that of Stella’s daughter, and secrets that have been kept for so long, are brought out into the open.
I loved everything about this book. The characters and their motivations, the storyline, the way the book was written - everything! I could see why Stella did what she did, and how she felt trapped by her choices, and it’s a great example of how prejudice and racism works in the USA - and potentially here in the UK as well.
I really do highly recommend this book. It’s such a great story that kept me engaged from start to finish. I have to admit to reading it slower to make it last longer - it’s a book that I’ll be recommending to my friends, that’s for sure!
It’s a story about secrets, lies and reinvention - the sacrifices someone has to make in order to get the life they want. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Stella and Desirée Vignes are identical twin sisters, brought up in a small southern town, where all the inhabitants are black people who could pass for white people if they wanted to (which a very dangerous thing to try and do at the time the story is set).
The twins escape together, and then Stella leaves Desirée. Stella discovers that she can pass as white, and marries a wealthy white man, who knows nothing of her origins. Desirée marries a black man who beats her, and so she escapes back to her mother with her dark skinned daughter, Jude. Jude is never accepted in Desirée’s home town of Mallard, and so she leaves to go to university as soon as she is able to.
This is where Jude’s life unwittingly intersects with that of Stella’s daughter, and secrets that have been kept for so long, are brought out into the open.
I loved everything about this book. The characters and their motivations, the storyline, the way the book was written - everything! I could see why Stella did what she did, and how she felt trapped by her choices, and it’s a great example of how prejudice and racism works in the USA - and potentially here in the UK as well.
I really do highly recommend this book. It’s such a great story that kept me engaged from start to finish. I have to admit to reading it slower to make it last longer - it’s a book that I’ll be recommending to my friends, that’s for sure!
Blood Type Diet®
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The Cactus
8.5
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Susan Green doesn't like surprises - she likes to be in control. But at 45 her perfect life starts...
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