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Sam (74 KP) rated The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events #4) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Here we are again, with yet another review of a book from A Series of Unfortunate Events. I hope You’re not bored of these yet, you’ve still got 9 more of them to go!
The Baudelaire’s are now under the care of yet another guardian, this time it’s a man just known as Sir who always has a cloud of smoke around his head. He owns Lucky Smells Lumber Mill with his partner Charles. He comes to an arrangement with the orphans that if they work for the lumber mill, he will keep them safe from Count Olaf. The Baudelaire’s don’t have any option other than to accept his offer and are put straight to work.
I’ve got to say I absolutely love Charles. He’s probably the best character in the whole series, the way he’s always happy no matter what is happening and how nice he is to the Baudelaires.
The Miserable Mill is probably one of the least mysterious books in the series as it’s quite clear quite soon on what is going to happen and how it’s going to end, however (without adding too many details) it does have one of the most gruesome endings out of them all.
I read it in a day which speaks for itself how much I loved this book. More than anything I was excited to move onto the books that haven’t been adapted on Netflix quite yet and this was the last of the books that they adapted in season one.
The Baudelaire’s are now under the care of yet another guardian, this time it’s a man just known as Sir who always has a cloud of smoke around his head. He owns Lucky Smells Lumber Mill with his partner Charles. He comes to an arrangement with the orphans that if they work for the lumber mill, he will keep them safe from Count Olaf. The Baudelaire’s don’t have any option other than to accept his offer and are put straight to work.
I’ve got to say I absolutely love Charles. He’s probably the best character in the whole series, the way he’s always happy no matter what is happening and how nice he is to the Baudelaires.
The Miserable Mill is probably one of the least mysterious books in the series as it’s quite clear quite soon on what is going to happen and how it’s going to end, however (without adding too many details) it does have one of the most gruesome endings out of them all.
I read it in a day which speaks for itself how much I loved this book. More than anything I was excited to move onto the books that haven’t been adapted on Netflix quite yet and this was the last of the books that they adapted in season one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated Sunny Side Up in Books
Sep 19, 2018
Cruise of Murder and Bullies
Liam Johnson is thrilled to have landed a job on the prestigious Howard Cruise Line as a waiter. His family needs the money he will be making. However, he quickly discovers that his boss hates him and some of the customers he must deal with delight in making his life miserable as well. That doesn't prepare him for finding the body of one of the passengers dead on the Sunbathing Deck. The ship's doctor is quick to rule it an accidental death due to sunstroke, but Liam isn't so sure. Several things about the scene are off. Can he prove it was murder before the cruise ends?
I really thought this book sounded like fun, but it turned out to be much more somber than I was expecting it to be. Liam faces quite a bit of abuse and bullying over the course of the story, and I didn't find it that fun to read. Even his friends on the ship turn on him regularly. The mystery is well put together with plenty of clues. I did feel things were a bit overly complex, but the clues were all there when Liam explains things at the end. This books definitely falls on the traditional side of the spectrum with a smattering of language and talk about sex (but nothing on the page) that keep it from being a true cozy. This wasn’t' truly a bad book, but I did hope for something sunnier when I picked it up.
I really thought this book sounded like fun, but it turned out to be much more somber than I was expecting it to be. Liam faces quite a bit of abuse and bullying over the course of the story, and I didn't find it that fun to read. Even his friends on the ship turn on him regularly. The mystery is well put together with plenty of clues. I did feel things were a bit overly complex, but the clues were all there when Liam explains things at the end. This books definitely falls on the traditional side of the spectrum with a smattering of language and talk about sex (but nothing on the page) that keep it from being a true cozy. This wasn’t' truly a bad book, but I did hope for something sunnier when I picked it up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2084 KP) rated The Subject of Malice in Books
Jul 29, 2019
A Study in Malice
English professor Lila Maclean is attending an academic conference she has helped organize near her university in Colorado, and she is looking forward to presenting a paper, attending panels, and rubbing elbows with the publisher that has accepted her book. The downside is that her rival, Simone, and Simone’s twin sister, Selene, are also attending the conference and trying to make life miserable for her. The conference organizers have some surprises up their sleeves, but the dead body after the opening night dinner wasn’t one of them. Did someone’s academic rivalry boil over to murder?
In this book, Lila is approached by her boyfriend, police detective Lex Archer, about helping investigate because she knows the players and the motives. That stretched credibility a bit for me, but I was having so much fun I didn’t let it bother me too much. There is plenty of malice at the conference, not all of it connected to the murder, and that was enough to keep me turning the pages as quickly as possible until I reached the satisfying climax. Lila is once again a great main character who faces a couple of twists in her personal life in this book. We don’t see all of the supporting cast, but the ones we do see are great as usual, and the suspects are strong as well. The setting of the conference, an old movie studio turned into a resort, added a layer of fun to things as well. All told, I give this book a grade of A+.
In this book, Lila is approached by her boyfriend, police detective Lex Archer, about helping investigate because she knows the players and the motives. That stretched credibility a bit for me, but I was having so much fun I didn’t let it bother me too much. There is plenty of malice at the conference, not all of it connected to the murder, and that was enough to keep me turning the pages as quickly as possible until I reached the satisfying climax. Lila is once again a great main character who faces a couple of twists in her personal life in this book. We don’t see all of the supporting cast, but the ones we do see are great as usual, and the suspects are strong as well. The setting of the conference, an old movie studio turned into a resort, added a layer of fun to things as well. All told, I give this book a grade of A+.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Crystal Shard (Paladins of Crystal. #1) in Books
Aug 16, 2022
Crystal's life pretty much sucks - she was abandoned at birth, she feels a burden to her adoptive brother and his pregnant wife and, on top of that, she has just assaulted her boss! She wishes she could just be whisked away from it all until she is then she just wants to get home to her miserable life... until she goes on an adventure with a few rather handsome, extremely hot men, especially one who she would give anything to be with but he is betrothed to another, on this adventure can she find more than herself?
This is the first book in a new series by the author, a fantastically written story with some twists and turns. Talk about having some saucy dreams honestly I was blushing! Totally understandable though! The style Nicola has written in everything just flows and there's no confusion about what's happening, she makes it so easy to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the camaraderie between the group and the way they fit together is just like a jigsaw puzzle, they were meant to find each other. I've read other books by Nicola and I get so into her writing I get lost in the worlds she has created. She has got a fantastic style and has you captured with every written word it doesn't seem forced or let's put that bit in it fills a gap, I cannot give her enough praise.
I highly recommend this book and give Nicola.M.Cameran's other books a read. I can't wait to read the next one.
This is the first book in a new series by the author, a fantastically written story with some twists and turns. Talk about having some saucy dreams honestly I was blushing! Totally understandable though! The style Nicola has written in everything just flows and there's no confusion about what's happening, she makes it so easy to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the camaraderie between the group and the way they fit together is just like a jigsaw puzzle, they were meant to find each other. I've read other books by Nicola and I get so into her writing I get lost in the worlds she has created. She has got a fantastic style and has you captured with every written word it doesn't seem forced or let's put that bit in it fills a gap, I cannot give her enough praise.
I highly recommend this book and give Nicola.M.Cameran's other books a read. I can't wait to read the next one.
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Starfolk Falling (The Starfolk Trilogy #2) by Martha Dunlop in Books
Jul 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
STARFOLK FALLING is the second book in The Starfolk Trilogy and we continue where book one left off. Amelia is still shouting loudly about Soul Snatchers, whilst Jonan, Beth, and the others try to contain the madness.
We learn more about the history and pasts of each of our characters, and figure out just how they worked together - or were supposed to! We are also introduced to new characters who have big roles to play, even if one of them isn't that old.
Amelia is fraying slightly at the edges, which is fair enough considering the torment she is putting others through. I still love Bill and love how he is making her life as miserable as possible! Roland goes through a lot in this book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he works it out AND Beth is able to help Layla!
Just as much intrigue and suspense in this book but, for me, it flowed a little better. I was able to get lost in the story much quicker than in book one. Maybe it's because I already had the background of the characters. I don't know. All I know is I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the final! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2022
We learn more about the history and pasts of each of our characters, and figure out just how they worked together - or were supposed to! We are also introduced to new characters who have big roles to play, even if one of them isn't that old.
Amelia is fraying slightly at the edges, which is fair enough considering the torment she is putting others through. I still love Bill and love how he is making her life as miserable as possible! Roland goes through a lot in this book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he works it out AND Beth is able to help Layla!
Just as much intrigue and suspense in this book but, for me, it flowed a little better. I was able to get lost in the story much quicker than in book one. Maybe it's because I already had the background of the characters. I don't know. All I know is I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the final! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2022
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother in Books
May 29, 2018
So. Much. Anxiety. If I had kids, I would totally be Kate. Lost in between two worlds and failing miserable at balancing them both. I just cannot seem to grasp the high demand job + motherhood balance, and it gives me heart palpitations just thinking about it. EVERYTHING in this book just confirmed that motherhood is not for me! Don't get me wrong - I admire the people who can do it! I just have ZERO faith in myself that I'd ever be able to balance the two without buckets of Xanax and a therapist on speed dial.
Kate Reddy is having a hard time. She's got a high power job and some littles at home and she is struggling making it all work. She refuses to become a Pinterest mom, and doesn't really have the time anyway, plus, her job doesn't take her as serious as they should - because she's a ROCKSTAR, but she's a women, so... well, 'nuff said. Trying to find the time to be a good mom to her kids, wife to Richard, and give her job the attention it deserves - is not working out, and Kate needs to figure out her priorities - and fast!
I love Allison Pearson's writing - its quick, descriptive, and so witty. I get a bit lost in some of the British slang, but it's still fun pretending I understand it. Kate trying to figure out how to be a mother in a man's world, is equally sad and hilarious and I had fun reading this. Next up is How Hard Can it Be! I'm excited to read the follow up to this book and see where Kate has landed at 50!
Kate Reddy is having a hard time. She's got a high power job and some littles at home and she is struggling making it all work. She refuses to become a Pinterest mom, and doesn't really have the time anyway, plus, her job doesn't take her as serious as they should - because she's a ROCKSTAR, but she's a women, so... well, 'nuff said. Trying to find the time to be a good mom to her kids, wife to Richard, and give her job the attention it deserves - is not working out, and Kate needs to figure out her priorities - and fast!
I love Allison Pearson's writing - its quick, descriptive, and so witty. I get a bit lost in some of the British slang, but it's still fun pretending I understand it. Kate trying to figure out how to be a mother in a man's world, is equally sad and hilarious and I had fun reading this. Next up is How Hard Can it Be! I'm excited to read the follow up to this book and see where Kate has landed at 50!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018) in Movies
Aug 8, 2018
An entirely unnecessary sequel
I can't for the life of me fathom why they decided to make this film. It is one of the most depressing musicals I've ever seen (and yes I have seen Les Mis). Whilst the first film wasn't great, at least it was happy feel good sing along. This however is for the most part plain old depressing and miserable. If it wasn't for Julie Walters and the young & old Harry, this would also be entirely devoid of any form of humour.
The problem with this sequel is that it ruins the ending of the original and also tells a story that we didn't need to know. The whole flashbacks about how Donna met the guys isn't massively interesting and doesn't turn out as exciting as the first film made it sound. There's also an issue with the music. I'm not the biggest Abba fan, but I know quite a lot of their well known music, however I must have known less than half of the songs in this. I had thought they must have to use different songs, but in all honesty I wished they hadn't and just kept the more popular ones again.
This has a great cast but I think they're ruined by such a poor plot and overall film. Cher has a great voice still, but her acting skills are marred by the inability to move her face because of all the work she's had done. The whole thing is just a bit of a mess, lacks any form of spark or heart and is really just a bit pointless.
The problem with this sequel is that it ruins the ending of the original and also tells a story that we didn't need to know. The whole flashbacks about how Donna met the guys isn't massively interesting and doesn't turn out as exciting as the first film made it sound. There's also an issue with the music. I'm not the biggest Abba fan, but I know quite a lot of their well known music, however I must have known less than half of the songs in this. I had thought they must have to use different songs, but in all honesty I wished they hadn't and just kept the more popular ones again.
This has a great cast but I think they're ruined by such a poor plot and overall film. Cher has a great voice still, but her acting skills are marred by the inability to move her face because of all the work she's had done. The whole thing is just a bit of a mess, lacks any form of spark or heart and is really just a bit pointless.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The War of the Worlds in TV
Dec 6, 2019
Wasted talent & story
I really can't understand what the BBC were thinking with this one. A great story and a really good cast, completely squandered.
The first episode started off slowly but well with quite a decent build up. Even when the martians appeared it was rather tense and exciting, with a great sense of foreboding. The problem with this is the main George & Amy storyline. Despite it being set in the Edwardian period, slightly earlier than the book (but still a lot closer than that Tom Cruise abomination) they seem to have decided to ignore the majority of the book's storyline and instead include a rather convoluted and modern storyline about George and his mistress. It's entirely unnecessary and is the main focus of the series, despite it being a complete bore. This is the main issue with the 2nd and third parts of the series, they're so dull and there's no interest or excitement because it concentrates solely on George and Amy. The martians are almost an after thought. It doesnt help either that they try and explain the subtleties and intricacies of the book with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
Even the cast can't save this, as they seem to have given up on trying to put in believable performances. And what was with the flitting between different time periods? Trying to include a bit of intrigue with a storytelling mechanism that has worked so well with other films but fails miserable in this, as it spoils the entire ending and resolution of the story.
A classic case of looks good, starts off well but falls completely flat. Such a disappointment.
The first episode started off slowly but well with quite a decent build up. Even when the martians appeared it was rather tense and exciting, with a great sense of foreboding. The problem with this is the main George & Amy storyline. Despite it being set in the Edwardian period, slightly earlier than the book (but still a lot closer than that Tom Cruise abomination) they seem to have decided to ignore the majority of the book's storyline and instead include a rather convoluted and modern storyline about George and his mistress. It's entirely unnecessary and is the main focus of the series, despite it being a complete bore. This is the main issue with the 2nd and third parts of the series, they're so dull and there's no interest or excitement because it concentrates solely on George and Amy. The martians are almost an after thought. It doesnt help either that they try and explain the subtleties and intricacies of the book with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
Even the cast can't save this, as they seem to have given up on trying to put in believable performances. And what was with the flitting between different time periods? Trying to include a bit of intrigue with a storytelling mechanism that has worked so well with other films but fails miserable in this, as it spoils the entire ending and resolution of the story.
A classic case of looks good, starts off well but falls completely flat. Such a disappointment.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jul 2, 2020
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Hobo With a Shotgun (2011) in Movies
Aug 31, 2019
One Shell at a Time...
Somewhere between Peter Jackson's Dead Alive (Braindead) and maybe a Troma or Roger Corman classic B movies lies Hobo With A Shotgun.
You have to be in the right mood to watch a movie like this. Watching cool practical effects means everything was performed on the set without the use of separate visual or CGI effects. These were obviously used exclusively back in the day before ILM and the many CGI effect groups which exist today. I still feel generally speaking they are more realistic and don't take you out of a scene like bad CGI does.
Your friendly neighborhood hobo gets fed up with the local town's hoodlum brothers and their father owning the police and generally making life miserable for everyone so he decides to take the law into his own hands and dispense his own quick justice. while he is at it, he also removes other scum from the Earth including pedophile Santas and convenience store bandits.
He befriends the girl toy of one of the hoodlums and she becomes his sort of partner in crime when she is not getting sawed into and generally degraded in every way.
When I was looking through IMDb at the career of now the late Rutger Hauer, I was amazed on how many truly bad movies or most I had never heard of he had done in his career. Not saying he was the best actor, but he did have screen presence (especially in Blade Runner) which not every actor has.
He will be missed.
You have to be in the right mood to watch a movie like this. Watching cool practical effects means everything was performed on the set without the use of separate visual or CGI effects. These were obviously used exclusively back in the day before ILM and the many CGI effect groups which exist today. I still feel generally speaking they are more realistic and don't take you out of a scene like bad CGI does.
Your friendly neighborhood hobo gets fed up with the local town's hoodlum brothers and their father owning the police and generally making life miserable for everyone so he decides to take the law into his own hands and dispense his own quick justice. while he is at it, he also removes other scum from the Earth including pedophile Santas and convenience store bandits.
He befriends the girl toy of one of the hoodlums and she becomes his sort of partner in crime when she is not getting sawed into and generally degraded in every way.
When I was looking through IMDb at the career of now the late Rutger Hauer, I was amazed on how many truly bad movies or most I had never heard of he had done in his career. Not saying he was the best actor, but he did have screen presence (especially in Blade Runner) which not every actor has.
He will be missed.