Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5)
10.0
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Darren Brown spent two years running from his past, but he could only run so far before he was...
MM Paranormal Romance
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2400 KP) rated Solid Gold Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2025 (Updated Jul 30, 2025)
I love the first book in this series, and I’m happy that this book is a solid follow up. The location is great, one I’d want to visit between murders. The mystery is strong with plenty to keep us guessing. And that’s not to mention several subplots that weave in and out of the story. I do wish we saw more of Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, but that’s a minor complaint. The rest of the cast are fun, and the suspects solid. We also get some great laughs. In the way of extras, there are some road trip tips and a recipe. This is another delightful mystery from Ellen Byron. You’ll be glad you picked it up.
Twister
8.0
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Now that I’ve graduated college, I’m expected to join the family accounting business even though...
Contemporary MM Romance
The Good Doctor
8.9
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Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore, “Bates Motel”), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome,...
drama
The Institute
7.8
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In the middle of the night, in a house on a quiet street in suburban Minneapolis, intruders...
Home For Christmas (Texas #9)
8.0
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Can Connor show River a real family Christmas? When Connor finds River on the roof of the campus...
Contemporary M_M Romance Seasonal
Surviving Execution
6.0
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The true story of a death row inmate, awaiting execution, whose case could help kill capital...
Vegas (725 KP) rated Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) in Movies
Jan 8, 2019 (Updated Jan 8, 2019)
A fantastic opening scene is one of the best I’ve seen for a long time and sets up the movie a treat.
The cast of characters are played perfectly, are very well cast and compliment each other as if they have all worked together before.
A special mention should go to Cynthia Erivo for her vocal performance that was stunning and captivating.
The film takes place at the El Royale a hotel/motel straddling the border over two states, that has seen its busy days fade away to the point of only having one member of staff working, and tends to attract the more seedy members of society.
The flash backs, and back tracks in the narrative which explain the story, work in a non complicated way and are interspaced at just the right times.
On top of this, the soundtrack should be one on anybody’s playlist...
I actually can't say too many good thing about this film, it is one of the best new films I have seen for many years...
Rob Halford recommended Led Zeppelin 2 by Led Zeppelin in Music (curated)
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) in Movies
Feb 13, 2019
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
The cinematics of Bad Times At the El Royale are both vibrant and dark at the same time. The El Royale hotel itself is captured in a nostalgic sense where you get the feel that it’s full of history and not all good history either. There is a seedy undertone that’s unshakeable throughout. I love how director Drew Goddard plays with different elements like rain and close spaces. The two-way mirror scenes definitely increase the intensity of the film. There is so much to appreciate here, I will probably have to watch this again to get the full grasp.
Conflict: 7
While the film definitely could have used more action, the scenes that do exist are pretty solid. It leaves you guessing as you have no idea how things are going to play out. Who will die next? Will this person find what they’re looking for? The conflict is not always driven through direct action, but tension as well. There is one scene in particular involving Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, and Dakota Johnson that is easily my favorite in the entire movie.
Genre: 9
The characters really contribute in making this a strong mystery. Most times, it’s hard to tell up from down and you get just a little bit closer as you learn the backstory of each of the motel residents. From beginning to end, you wonder how things will ultimately play out amongst the group. Clever twists and turns along the way help to give the film life.
Memorability: 8
Never quite seen anything like it which makes Bad Times memorable in and of itself. It all goes back to the one scene I mentioned above, a scene that paralyzed me and had me on the edge of my seat. It was masterfully crafted and I can think of about three other scenes (at least) that come almost as close. Much discussion was had on the drive home.
Pace: 7
Although the twists keep things interesting the movie does get slow in some spots. It’s almost like it’s lulling you to sleep before picking up the pace yet again, like a car shifting gears. Some may have balked at the singing interludes, but I welcomed them. Erivo’s voice is captivating and heartwarming.
Plot: 10
Great storytelling here filled with intrigue and misdirection. From beginning to end, I felt pretty entertained for the most part. Watching everything unfold and all the stories collide was a definite treat.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 91
Great beginning that hooks you immediately. A shady cast of characters. Solid performances from the likes of Bridges and Chris Hemsworth. Solid ending. Bad Times At the El Royale is an awesome movie that is well worth your time.