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ClareR (5603 KP) rated Everything Under in Books
Mar 22, 2022
This is a book to take your time over. It’s not to be rushed, because there’s so much going on under the surface, and you might just miss something.
It’s a story about transitions of gender, family and home. It looks at language, how it can be manipulated and made into something new and different (Gretel and her mother have their own words for some things).
‘Leaving’ is another theme: Margot leaves her family, Gretel is left by her mother, and in a way, Margot leaves herself behind when she becomes Marcus. Everything Under is also a book that reworks the Oedipus legend, as well as using elements of Hansel and Gretel (beyond just the use of the name!), and a made up legend called the Bonak (which is actually a Tagalog word for a stupid child or a ‘dumb kid’) - a monster that destroys, stays and disrupts.
There’s a dreamlike quality to this novel, which really added to the fairytale element - the really menacing versions.
I loved this book.
It’s a story about transitions of gender, family and home. It looks at language, how it can be manipulated and made into something new and different (Gretel and her mother have their own words for some things).
‘Leaving’ is another theme: Margot leaves her family, Gretel is left by her mother, and in a way, Margot leaves herself behind when she becomes Marcus. Everything Under is also a book that reworks the Oedipus legend, as well as using elements of Hansel and Gretel (beyond just the use of the name!), and a made up legend called the Bonak (which is actually a Tagalog word for a stupid child or a ‘dumb kid’) - a monster that destroys, stays and disrupts.
There’s a dreamlike quality to this novel, which really added to the fairytale element - the really menacing versions.
I loved this book.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Anti-Social (2015) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
Story: Anti-Social starts as we meet street artist Dee (Sulkin), his model girlfriend Kirsten (Markle) and his armed robber brother Marcus (Myers) who has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons now. Dee is about to be given motivation from Philip (Berkel) who sees his potential as an artist, while Marcus is getting deeper into the world of crime.
Dee is given the chance to escape the rough streets of crime, only to find himself being caught in the middle of the drug war his brother has started in the streets of London.
Thoughts on Anti-Social
Characters – Dee is a street artist in London, think of him like the Banksy of the local era. His art work has grabbed the attention of many with his big opportunity coming his way, when his brother gets into trouble, he is forced to balance his own future for his brother’s. Marcus is part of an armed robbery gang that are terrorising London, he has rivals from both sides of the law which has put him in the middle of a drug war, he never asks his brother to help him. Kirsten is the model girlfriend of Dee’s, she is an American that isn’t used to the world Dee is from, she doesn’t do much else other than support Dee. Philip is the man from the art world that could easily make Dee’s life better and is willing to make this happen.
Performances – Gregg Sulkin in the leading role is solid enough, we see his difficult life decision being made well enough, though he does lack that true charisma for a leading role. Meghan Markle is the biggest draw for this film now because of her royal status, only she is completely wasted here, given next to nothing to do. Josh Myers gives us a character which only leaves us hating his character, this is something you will see from nearly all of the criminal side of this film.
Story – The story here follows two brothers whose lives are going in very different directions only for the one that is about to escape, needing to return to criminal world where he must make up for his brother’s error. The way this story is told feels very messy, the idea that the street artist getting a bring break is simple and effective along with the idea that he could be made to make a decision about his future. It is the time spent with the criminal brother, we gain no sympathy for him or his crew, we learn nothing about why they are committing these crimes doesn’t help. The number of gangs also isn’t shown in anyway to make us truly understand the world we are living in and while the final act does have tension, it seems to come from the wrong reasoning.
Crime – The crime world we enter in this film is gangs and robbers, we focus on one young man about to leave this world, who gets dragged back into it after his brother’s action, it shows how in London people are willing to just commit crimes for the fun of it.
Settings – The film is set in London and shows us just where the criminals will act to try and make a living from hurting other people.
Scene of the Movie – The airport.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – No sympathy for the criminals.
Final Thoughts – This is a messy crime movie which only ends up making you not care about the characters like it should.
Overall: Messy and drags along.
Dee is given the chance to escape the rough streets of crime, only to find himself being caught in the middle of the drug war his brother has started in the streets of London.
Thoughts on Anti-Social
Characters – Dee is a street artist in London, think of him like the Banksy of the local era. His art work has grabbed the attention of many with his big opportunity coming his way, when his brother gets into trouble, he is forced to balance his own future for his brother’s. Marcus is part of an armed robbery gang that are terrorising London, he has rivals from both sides of the law which has put him in the middle of a drug war, he never asks his brother to help him. Kirsten is the model girlfriend of Dee’s, she is an American that isn’t used to the world Dee is from, she doesn’t do much else other than support Dee. Philip is the man from the art world that could easily make Dee’s life better and is willing to make this happen.
Performances – Gregg Sulkin in the leading role is solid enough, we see his difficult life decision being made well enough, though he does lack that true charisma for a leading role. Meghan Markle is the biggest draw for this film now because of her royal status, only she is completely wasted here, given next to nothing to do. Josh Myers gives us a character which only leaves us hating his character, this is something you will see from nearly all of the criminal side of this film.
Story – The story here follows two brothers whose lives are going in very different directions only for the one that is about to escape, needing to return to criminal world where he must make up for his brother’s error. The way this story is told feels very messy, the idea that the street artist getting a bring break is simple and effective along with the idea that he could be made to make a decision about his future. It is the time spent with the criminal brother, we gain no sympathy for him or his crew, we learn nothing about why they are committing these crimes doesn’t help. The number of gangs also isn’t shown in anyway to make us truly understand the world we are living in and while the final act does have tension, it seems to come from the wrong reasoning.
Crime – The crime world we enter in this film is gangs and robbers, we focus on one young man about to leave this world, who gets dragged back into it after his brother’s action, it shows how in London people are willing to just commit crimes for the fun of it.
Settings – The film is set in London and shows us just where the criminals will act to try and make a living from hurting other people.
Scene of the Movie – The airport.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – No sympathy for the criminals.
Final Thoughts – This is a messy crime movie which only ends up making you not care about the characters like it should.
Overall: Messy and drags along.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Deep Red (Profondo rosso) (1975) in Movies
Jul 19, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Deep Red (aka Profondo rosso) is a thriller/slasher from Italian writer/director Dario Argento.
When Marcus Daly (David Hemmings) witnesses the murder of the women living in the flat below him he finds himself in a race to find the murderer before he becomes their next victim. The films killer follows a lot of what would become familiar tropes in slasher films, the killer is rarely seen and when they are seen they are covered u, they use a number of different ways to kill their victims and they have a habit of sneaking around. There isn't necessarily a a lot of blood from the kills, that is to say blood is sprayed around but when there is blood it is filmed in such a way that you can't miss it, in fact they eye is drawn to it.
Speaking of eyes there are a lot of them, Dario Argento has his own style of filming, he uses filters and strange camera angles and, in Deep Red a lot of closeups on eyes, sometimes just for scene transitions.
As well as being a Slasher, Deep Red is a mystery, as the film progresses Marcus the protagonist find clues as to the identity of the killer giving the viewer the chance to work out who it is as well. But there are red herrings and a lot of things that don't necessarily make sense. There is a clockwork boy, used only one by the killer, there is a creepy girl with a possibly mad farther, two facts that really don't affect the story.
As I said, Deep Red contains a lot of the Slasher tropes but it predates most of them, even beating Halloween by three years and so you can see that it has a big influence on the modern (well 80's so not so modern now) slashers.
The down side is that Deep Red is slow, there is a lot of talking, although contained in this are some clues as to the killers identity and the level of violence isn't quite as much as some of the more modern films, it does however beat some of it's slasher predecessors such as Psycho.
Over all Deep Red is a good film, slightly more mystery than slasher but with enough kills to keep a slasher fan happy. The story does plod along at is own pace but over all an enjoyable film.
When Marcus Daly (David Hemmings) witnesses the murder of the women living in the flat below him he finds himself in a race to find the murderer before he becomes their next victim. The films killer follows a lot of what would become familiar tropes in slasher films, the killer is rarely seen and when they are seen they are covered u, they use a number of different ways to kill their victims and they have a habit of sneaking around. There isn't necessarily a a lot of blood from the kills, that is to say blood is sprayed around but when there is blood it is filmed in such a way that you can't miss it, in fact they eye is drawn to it.
Speaking of eyes there are a lot of them, Dario Argento has his own style of filming, he uses filters and strange camera angles and, in Deep Red a lot of closeups on eyes, sometimes just for scene transitions.
As well as being a Slasher, Deep Red is a mystery, as the film progresses Marcus the protagonist find clues as to the identity of the killer giving the viewer the chance to work out who it is as well. But there are red herrings and a lot of things that don't necessarily make sense. There is a clockwork boy, used only one by the killer, there is a creepy girl with a possibly mad farther, two facts that really don't affect the story.
As I said, Deep Red contains a lot of the Slasher tropes but it predates most of them, even beating Halloween by three years and so you can see that it has a big influence on the modern (well 80's so not so modern now) slashers.
The down side is that Deep Red is slow, there is a lot of talking, although contained in this are some clues as to the killers identity and the level of violence isn't quite as much as some of the more modern films, it does however beat some of it's slasher predecessors such as Psycho.
Over all Deep Red is a good film, slightly more mystery than slasher but with enough kills to keep a slasher fan happy. The story does plod along at is own pace but over all an enjoyable film.
John Woodward (6 KP) rated Last Podcast On The Left in Podcasts
Mar 20, 2019
Incredibly well researched (1 more)
Pretty Funny
This is truly an amazing podcast. If you're in to things that are a little weird, such as Area 51, or skinwalker ranch, or if you have an interest in anything to do with serial killers both well known, or slightly more obscure, then this is something you will love. Marcus Parks, Ben Kissel, and Henry Zebrowski have the kind of chemistry you find when actual friends work together. The amount of research that goes in to all of their episodes, makes each one incredibly informative. Despite this technically being a comedy podcast, it can get really chilling at times. Their recent episodes surrounding the Auschwitz doctor Joseph Mengele, is one prime example. The occasional injection of a silly joke works to break the tension of some episodes, although sometimes, not often though, it can take you a bit too far away from the subject matter. Overall, this is easily my favourite podcast. I will happily sit for hours listening to the three guys talk. I can't recommend it any more highly.
Lee Nightingales (73 KP) rated The Exorcist - Season 1 in TV
Aug 9, 2019
People often see the title of the show and want to frown, because the original movie is now a classic. However, the producers - Jeremy Slater and Sean Crouch never positioned it as a remake. The 1973 movie is also adapted by William Peter Blatty from his 1971 novel.
In the show we follow in the footsteps of Father Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels) and Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) as they discover and fight old and new evil.
The dynamic between the two main characters is crafted well by the writers, and highlighted by the talent of both Daniels and Herrera. These actors work well together on and off screen, and it translates into the roles.
The cinematography brings the viewers an almost old-fashioned horror with a flavour of the original movie. The connections are slowly revealed, and the first season takes an interesting turn. The main and supporting actors do a good job of creating an atmosphere of desperation and fear. The show deals with topics other network tv shows try to avoid when possible. Slater and Crouch don't make a gimmick out of it, but treat it as seriously as they can.
In the show we follow in the footsteps of Father Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels) and Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) as they discover and fight old and new evil.
The dynamic between the two main characters is crafted well by the writers, and highlighted by the talent of both Daniels and Herrera. These actors work well together on and off screen, and it translates into the roles.
The cinematography brings the viewers an almost old-fashioned horror with a flavour of the original movie. The connections are slowly revealed, and the first season takes an interesting turn. The main and supporting actors do a good job of creating an atmosphere of desperation and fear. The show deals with topics other network tv shows try to avoid when possible. Slater and Crouch don't make a gimmick out of it, but treat it as seriously as they can.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Road Trip in Books
Aug 4, 2021
I loved this book. The Road Trip has a different feel to it compared to Beth O’Leary’s previous two novels, and whatever direction she’ll take next, I’m going along for the ride (see what I did there!🤭)
I just love the way that O’Leary writes characters: in this book they’re funny, flawed and feel like genuine, real people. There are those with mental health problems, dysfunctional families and strong sibling relationships.
We see the contrast of the carefree student on holiday, and the way that real life has a habit of sticking its oar in - and not always in a good way.
The road trip element was hilarious though. Deliciously awkward, thanks to Addie, Dylan and Dylan’s friend Marcus, with the devil-may-care attitude of Addie’s sister, Debs. And than there’s Rodney (I’l leave him right here - I don’t want to spoil THIS character for you!).
This book is a little darker in places in comparison to her other books, but I absolutely loved every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Beth O’Leary. Oh, and you should definitely read this book!!
Many thanks to Quercus for my copy via NetGalley.
I just love the way that O’Leary writes characters: in this book they’re funny, flawed and feel like genuine, real people. There are those with mental health problems, dysfunctional families and strong sibling relationships.
We see the contrast of the carefree student on holiday, and the way that real life has a habit of sticking its oar in - and not always in a good way.
The road trip element was hilarious though. Deliciously awkward, thanks to Addie, Dylan and Dylan’s friend Marcus, with the devil-may-care attitude of Addie’s sister, Debs. And than there’s Rodney (I’l leave him right here - I don’t want to spoil THIS character for you!).
This book is a little darker in places in comparison to her other books, but I absolutely loved every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Beth O’Leary. Oh, and you should definitely read this book!!
Many thanks to Quercus for my copy via NetGalley.
David McK (3233 KP) rated Exile (The Last Roman #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Well.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Seeds (2018) in Movies
Sep 13, 2019
Characters – Marcus has a dark past that he is running from, he returns to his childhood home to escape everything that could cause him problems, this sees him needing to look after his niece and nephew, one of which he has feelings for, but has always pushed away from ever giving into them. He believes his house is haunted which sees him needing to figure out what is real or not. Lily is the 17-year-old niece that has a past close relationship with her uncle, now she has grown up she gets caught in the middle of wanting a new one that does cross the line however wrong she sees it being. Spencer is the younger nephew that needs taking care off, Lily does it most of the time, with his fascination with insects keeping him entertained.
Performances – Trevor Long does give us a disturbing performance, where we see just how conflicted he is through the events of the film, Andrea Chen shines too which is important for her role in the film. Garr Long and the rest of the cast have all done well through the film without taking over from the two leads.
Story – The story follows a man dealing with his past while looking after his niece and nephew, believing there is a creature living in his home. This story can be broken down into dealing with temptation and letting the evil in the world manifesting into a thing of nightmares. If we dive deeper, we will end up going full spoilers. The tone of story is unsettling and disturbing throughout, it almost feels like you want to turn away, but you want to know just what is happening at the same time.
Horror – The horror comes from the visits from the long legged creature in the shadows, it only strikes at night, when Marcus is most vulnerable.
Settings – The film is set in one location, a beach house which shows us just where one man will go for time away from the world to fix his mind.
Special Effects – The effects used to create the creature are creepy and feel like they could come for the people being haunted by them.
Scene of the Movie – The first creature appearance.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It does get too deep in places.
Final Thoughts – This is a horror that is looking at life and how it decisions can have different results for the people involved.
Overall: Deep horror.
Performances – Trevor Long does give us a disturbing performance, where we see just how conflicted he is through the events of the film, Andrea Chen shines too which is important for her role in the film. Garr Long and the rest of the cast have all done well through the film without taking over from the two leads.
Story – The story follows a man dealing with his past while looking after his niece and nephew, believing there is a creature living in his home. This story can be broken down into dealing with temptation and letting the evil in the world manifesting into a thing of nightmares. If we dive deeper, we will end up going full spoilers. The tone of story is unsettling and disturbing throughout, it almost feels like you want to turn away, but you want to know just what is happening at the same time.
Horror – The horror comes from the visits from the long legged creature in the shadows, it only strikes at night, when Marcus is most vulnerable.
Settings – The film is set in one location, a beach house which shows us just where one man will go for time away from the world to fix his mind.
Special Effects – The effects used to create the creature are creepy and feel like they could come for the people being haunted by them.
Scene of the Movie – The first creature appearance.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It does get too deep in places.
Final Thoughts – This is a horror that is looking at life and how it decisions can have different results for the people involved.
Overall: Deep horror.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Tell Me Who I Am (2019) in Movies
Oct 25, 2019
It's direction. (2 more)
The courage of the people involved.
The way it's shot.
Heartbreaking. Unbelievable.
The story follows twins Alex and Marcus they are 54 years old and when they were 18 Alex lost his memory. He couldn't remember anything or anyone other than his twin brother. (All in the introduction, no spoilers here)
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.
Merissa (11800 KP) rated Rough Water (Songbird #7) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
We have briefly met Justin during Marcus and Kelly's book. We know he's married to Sarah and 'might' be having difficulties, but that's about it. When the book starts, Justin and Sarah are just about to get married. Time flows fairly quickly at the start of the book as you get up-to-date with what is going on for them. Before you know it, you are in the main part of the story and all the emotions that go along with it.
Sarah and Justin both lose themselves and have to try and find their way back, but whether that is together or separately is yet to be seen. Outside circumstances and internal feelings and emotions stand in their way, together with the normal 'pressure' from family. Being young, married and having to live up to expectations is always a hard thing, especially when you are drowning in sorrow.
A wonderful story told with feeling and sensitivity, and a great addition to the Songbird novel. I really hope that Jane finds her own happiness soon. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2016
Sarah and Justin both lose themselves and have to try and find their way back, but whether that is together or separately is yet to be seen. Outside circumstances and internal feelings and emotions stand in their way, together with the normal 'pressure' from family. Being young, married and having to live up to expectations is always a hard thing, especially when you are drowning in sorrow.
A wonderful story told with feeling and sensitivity, and a great addition to the Songbird novel. I really hope that Jane finds her own happiness soon. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2016