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A Star Is Born (1976)
A Star Is Born (1976)
1976 | Drama, Music, Romance
Decent, But Hoped For More
When a local singer is discovered by a big time star, she finds that her time in the spotlight isn’t all she expected it to be.

Acting: 10
While I wasn’t in love with Barbara Streisand’s lead role of Esther Hoffman, she did alright for the most part. I’ll just say it was a little bit better than bearable. I’m never one to say an actor has to knock it out of the park, but they can’t be so bad as to take me out of the movie. For any of her shortcomings Kris Kristofferson made up for it playing the alcoholic musician John Norman Howard. He definitely carries the chemistry between the two.

Beginning: 10
Solid kickoff as you are immediately engaged with John’s character and his shortcomings as a man. You can see this guy is a trainwreck and anyone that gets close to him will probably be brought down too. While I have seen the previous two versions before this one, it made me interested to see how they would tackle his struggles.

Characters: 8

Cinematography/Visuals: 10
For what it’s worth, I did like what director Frank R. Pierson did in showing Esther’s life at home versus what the glamorous life looked like. Before she makes it big, and even in some of the quieter moments, there is peace, shots of calm and quiet. The road life is an entirely different animal, however, as heaps of fans cheer her on at every turn and you can feel just how overwhelming it is. I appreciated that stark contrast.

Conflict: 7

Entertainment Value: 7
Throughout its 141-minute duration, A Star is Born definitely has its shining spots. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? In a twist you can see coming for some time, this is a rags to riches to mortal endings story. I enjoyed watching her rise to stardom although some parts were truly unbearable with John’s character being such a total anus. It was over-the-top at times and took some of the enjoyment away.

Memorability: 2

Pace: 6

Plot: 8

Resolution: 4

Overall: 72
Of the four versions, this is hands-down the weakest A Star is Born. It’s not a horrible movie and I definitely wouldn’t steer someone away from checking it out at least once. For me, it just doesn’t stand the test of time.
  
Overwatch
Overwatch
Shooter
So many different and interesting characters (4 more)
Different ways to play
Incredible lore
All new maps and characters are free
Amazing graphic style
It won't be for everyone (0 more)
My favourite game of the generation
This is by far my favourite game of the generation and that's saying a lot because there are some amazing games I've played.

It may not be for everyone. There is no single player story campaign. The story and lore are things you kinda have to work out for yourself through voice lines, online comics, animated shorts etc

There will always be a character for someone whether your a medic or a tank protecting everyone or someone who goes running in guns blazing. You have a character who uses a jump jet and shoots rockets but then you have a robot who can turn itself into a turret.

You can play this game for hours and hours and it's an easy game to get into for all newcomers. You used to call of duty? There's a character there with an assault rifle, you got snipers and shotgun users. There are 27 heroes to choose from right now.

And the beauty of this is, no paid dlc. All maps and characters in the future are 100% free. There is no leveling up characters so everyone is on an even playing field. Only reason you level up is to win loot boxes. I know theres a huge controversy surrounding them but you only get comsrtics and they are fun to collect.

The game itself is 6v6 with different modes. Control, escort payload, capture. The usual stuff, then some extra stuff in arcade like mystery heroes where you become a random hero everytime you die, 3v3 elimination, death match. You have the usually quick play games but once you become level 25 you can start playing competitive if that's your thing.

It's a game you are constantly getting better at. Blizzard are constantly tweaking it with patches to keep it fresh. Plus there's a new character coming soon which is a hamster in a mech!!! What's not to love about that????

I do recommend playing it. Its fun to play on your own AND in a group.
  
    imSold! (Sell & Buy)

    imSold! (Sell & Buy)

    Shopping

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    imSold! is a free, mobile marketplace platform, buy both preloved and new items at a bargain and...

    The Chord Wheel

    The Chord Wheel

    Music and Entertainment

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    The best-selling book is now an iPhone App at last. ***** THE CHORD WHEEL; The Ultimate Tool for...

Bad Lieutenant (1992)
Bad Lieutenant (1992)
1992 | Drama, Mystery
5
5.5 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Great Character, Bad Movie
A corrupt cop is forced by a mob boss to pay off his debt or be killed. Hailed as a cinematic classic, Bad Lieutenant truly failed to grab me for a number of different reasons. It misses the mark in a number of ways.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 5

Characters: 9
Love him or hate him The Lieutenant (Harvey Keitel) is one memorable character. Every scene he is in is unpredictable as you have no idea what he’s going to do next. While I was more on the hate side of things, I envied him at the same time. The Lieutenant does whatever he wants and gives zero shits about it.

Cinematography/Visuals: 6
A few scenes caught my eye here and there, but there was nothing overall that really stood as overly memorable or powerful. Visually I was unimpressed as it felt like a film just going through the motions. I wasn’t as immersed in the scenes or the world as I had hoped.

Conflict: 5
We know the conflict, we know what’s at stake, yet I can’t feel the true threat of it throughout the film. My other problem was The Lieutenant is such an awful guy that you don’t really care what happens to him. As a result, the conflict then becomes just mediocre.

Entertainment Value: 5

Memorability: 3

Pace: 5
You see a lot of casual day-to-day over the course of the movie which slows things down tremendously. Despite Lieutenant’s antics, the movie moves in a really boring fashion. You never get the sense that you are progressing towards anything.

Plot: 2

Resolution: 2
I was hoping for some kind of redemption here, but was extremely overwhelmed. When the credits roll, I was more depressed than anything. It solidified what was a crappy movie in my opinion.

Overall: 52
Don’t believe everything you read. All the critics said this movie was amazing, but it falls well short of today’s offerings. Then again, I’m willing to admit that I could be the one that’s wrong. Give it a shot at your own discretion.
  
40x40

Kayla (19 KP) rated Fitbit Blaze in Tech

May 18, 2018  
Fitbit Blaze
Fitbit Blaze
Wearable Technology > Smart Watches
Sleek design (1 more)
Looks good on small wrists
Hard to find comfortable fit (1 more)
Poor battery life
Nice watch
I wear this watch almost constantly! I love being able to keep track of my heart rate and know how well or unwell I'm sleeping. It's especially useful as a first time mom, being able to make sure I get enough sleep when I can't keep my hours straight.
It's very easy to navigate and view your daily tracking, from steps to calories. You are also able to pick specific exercises to track your time, if you choose to do so. It'll pick up activity via heartbeat even if you choose not to do so- picking a category just makes the caloric burn a bit more accurate. There's a timer as well so you can time planks, wall holds, or even cooking if your heart desires!
The Blaze also features coached exercises and meditation, two features I will admit I've never even used. It's really nifty that they throw that in if you find yourselfin need of some guidance. If you don't, it in no way interferes with doing anything else on the watch and you forget it's even there.
The other feature the Blaze offers is a vibration alarm. I'm by no means a deep sleeper (again, first time mom- everything wakes me up) and this alarm does nothing for me. I could set 50 of them and still not wake up. The vibration is just not powerful enough to feel it in your sleep.
Overall, the watch is pretty awesome. You can also answer calls and read texts on it. I suggest never using the all day sync feature with your phone because you'll have to charge up every single day if you do. If you have small wrists it can be very hard to get a comfortable fit. It seems like it's either digging into the skin or flopping around annoyingly with just a single groove change. It offers some useful features, none the less, and I'd still recommend it for anyone looking for a smart watch.
  
Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins
Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins
Jeff Lemire | 2017 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Crime, Horror, Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I just wanted to preface this with this: I was recommended BH Vol 1 by a co-worker (as well as a Good Reads user). At the time, I was reading something else, but filed it away mentally for later. Two sales on Comixology, and I pass on both. However, a recent Dark Horse sale spoke to me, and I bought Vols 1 (as well as 2), and Issue #12 (which is not included in the two tpbs).

The series pays more than enough clever homage to the Silver Age heroes. Barbalien bears more than a passing resemblance to J'onn J'onz in the DC Universe, while Golden Gail shares notable similarities to Shazam, or Captain Marvel, also from DC. However, despite the similarities, Jeff Lemire's intent is purely nostalgia and respect, nothing resembling fan service by any means!

Despite aspects of the series that clearly apply to the superhero genre, this series anything but a typical superhero book. Instead, we are presented with a dark (and I mean DARK, like you'll want a milkshake or some Insomnia Cookies after you are finished reading it) tale that is very much about the people who embody the heroes in the series. There are a lot of human struggles and internal issues, all dealt with in a well-written manner, the end result of a series created out of love for the comic heroes of old.

Jeff Lemire is swiftly becoming one of my favorite writers. I got sucked in with his recent new series, GIDEON FALLS, and then now this. I know everyone else has been a fan for the longest time, but regardless, I consider myself a fan now, too! :)

As praise as I am throwing Lemire's way, I also need to throw some to Dean Ormston, the series' A-MAZ-INGLY talented artist! His art suited Lemire's ideas and concepts, rendering them in a way that further supported the tribute to the Silver Age that this clearly was. I glad Ormston remained the artist, as it helped to maintain continuity without breaking the mood.

In closing, I just want to say a big thank you to Baxter for the recommendation and thank you to Comixology and Dark Horse for the sale! My new found love of this series is now forever owned to you both, as well as Msrs. Lemire and Ormston! THANK YOU!!
  
An Unpresentable Glory
An Unpresentable Glory
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.” Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory. Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.



My Thoughts: What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep? That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life. Her caring changed another persons life. It showed "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.

 This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention. All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.



This novel is about trust, integrity, loyalty and loving God. It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.


This is a good story for everyone.


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