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Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Godhunter in Books
Nov 30, 2020
First off, let me say what a real treat this was to read! With the "urban fantasy" genre flooding the market as the flavor of the moment, it's rare for a book like this to come along and force me to reconsider dipping into that genre now and again!
'The God Hunter' feels like the most perfect rollercoaster: the beginning starts out smooth, with a bit of fun, a relaxed feel to the style. Then, it begins to pick up a bit, as more of the bigger picture unfolds, then it heads in the scream-a-rific thrill ride as the coaster dives into the finale.
The one thing that really stuck in my mind while reading this: "Dang! This would make one hell of a great movie!" Seriously, Mr. Lees has a great sense of characterization and pacing that seem to be lacking in so many movies these days!
So, in conclusion, I'd just like to say that in a genre such as "urban fantasy", Tim Lees brings something fresh and fun, with just the right amount of white-knuckled adrenaline rush, to the table!
'The God Hunter' feels like the most perfect rollercoaster: the beginning starts out smooth, with a bit of fun, a relaxed feel to the style. Then, it begins to pick up a bit, as more of the bigger picture unfolds, then it heads in the scream-a-rific thrill ride as the coaster dives into the finale.
The one thing that really stuck in my mind while reading this: "Dang! This would make one hell of a great movie!" Seriously, Mr. Lees has a great sense of characterization and pacing that seem to be lacking in so many movies these days!
So, in conclusion, I'd just like to say that in a genre such as "urban fantasy", Tim Lees brings something fresh and fun, with just the right amount of white-knuckled adrenaline rush, to the table!
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Friend Request (2016) in Movies
Oct 6, 2020 (Updated Oct 6, 2020)
*decline*. Jesus, I usually have a wicked high tolerance for these Gen-Z-catered idiotic mainstream horror flicks but this was abysmal. I'm offended that this could even be uttered within the same sentence as the rip-roaring, unnerving, and highly idiosyncratic 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 films which - at least for a time - were required to shit on because at the time Facebook was still this relatively new and trendy thing that kids liked... but now that it's dying can we finally admit those were actually both genius *and* truly scary? Especially after this absolutely formless drivel. Flimsily acted even by these movies' low standards, and its depiction of mental illness can be generously described as execrable - it initially begins as a sort of interesting dissection of social media etiquette and the very narrow view of what we consider to be 'weird' by its standards... but then it reveals its true colors by demonizing these very real conditions/behaviors by way of shoddy technophobic bullshit. The thing is, this actually has some good horror movie imagery in it too - a fair amount - but it's made in such a repellent way that I also don't really care. Plus it's overcut to hell.
Tony1375 (76 KP) rated Paternity (1981) in Movies
Oct 9, 2020
Burt wants YOU to have his baby!
When a man decides that he wants a son but no wife, he looks for a surrogate to carry his child. Not as easy as he thought it would be, he finds a woman who is willing to help out. But as they get to know each other, life and love takes them down a road they never expected. For a film made in the early 80's (1981), most of the jokes and story plot is somewhat dated. The excellent cast (Burt Reynolds and Beverly D'Angelo) is a big highlight of the film. For many of those individuals who grew up watching movies in the early 80's and are fans of the cast will be drawn to the film. Parents and Parents-to-be will most likely understand the inside jokes. If your looking for a real good laugh, join Burt and Beverly as they prepare for parenthood in this early 80's jem...Paternity!!!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Honest Thief (2020) in Movies
Oct 24, 2020
Decent crime thriller. Liam Neeson plays the In-and-Out Bandit (snigger), who has nicked $9 million out of some obscure principle, and also because he enjoys it. When he wants to settle down with his new lady friend, he tries to negotiate his surrender, but comes up against corruption in the FBI and finds himself framed for murder...
Looks like another one of those movies where some bad guys really tick off Neeson, leading up to the moment where he gets on the phone to them and does his 'I'm coming for you!' speech. And this one is a bit like that, but the violence is employed sparingly and it has a rather neat plot, too. The characters have a bit more depth than you might expect, too - Neeson is giving the same performance as usual, but not an actual bad one, while everyone else manages to find something interesting to work with: Jai Courtney is actually really impressive as his character gradually loses it. It's still a fairly modest genre movie, but it's better than the usual Neeson vehicle and genuinely involving and enjoyable.
Looks like another one of those movies where some bad guys really tick off Neeson, leading up to the moment where he gets on the phone to them and does his 'I'm coming for you!' speech. And this one is a bit like that, but the violence is employed sparingly and it has a rather neat plot, too. The characters have a bit more depth than you might expect, too - Neeson is giving the same performance as usual, but not an actual bad one, while everyone else manages to find something interesting to work with: Jai Courtney is actually really impressive as his character gradually loses it. It's still a fairly modest genre movie, but it's better than the usual Neeson vehicle and genuinely involving and enjoyable.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Jun 29, 2019
Zachary Levi is amazing and charisma leaps off screen. (1 more)
A fun enjoyable film that flew by.
Seemed a bit simplistic. (1 more)
Cooper Andrews is wasted in his supporting role.
An actual fun DC movie.
It goes without saying that most modern DC Universe movies tend to be on the dark and very serious side. So, this was a nice turn. Once the villain is introduced in typical DC dark fashion, the movie tilts to the lightness of youth and the chicanery that can ensue. So many light-hearted fun moments throughout. Zachary Levi is brilliant as the quick-quipping hero and embraces his child alter ego with ease. While the gaining understanding of powers and defeat of the villian seemed a little simplistic to me, overall it was just a fun, enjoyable film. The time flew by. It had laughs. It had heart. The cast had amazing charisma and chemistry. (Though the incredibly charismatic Cooper Andrews is kinda wasted in his supporting role.) While I think Batman and Superman need the gravitas, the light tone fit perfectly here. Great job by DC and a hope that they are making changes for the future thread of films in this universe.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Rampage (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
When three different animals become infected with a dangerous pathogen, a primatologist and a geneticist team up to stop them from destroying Chicago.
Lots of eyebrow action from The Rock, but even that couldn't save him from being upstaged by George the gorilla.
I've got no knowledge of the video game this is based off... but really, who needs it. Yet another film that does what you want it to. It's a solid action adventure with hints of comedy.
The parental advisory at the beginning saying there were crude gestures had me confused. After all I feel like we see that quite a lot in movies but it's never listed on the rating card at the beginning. It all makes sense once you see a giant gorilla flipping off The Rock.
A great monster movie that won't leave you disappointed. I'm almost certain that I'll be seeing this one again. My initial viewing was in 3D, there were no particularly bad parts to it in this but I certainly didn't feel like anything benefited from it.
Classic enjoyable Rock action, love Jumanji, and looking forward to Skyscraper. He's definitely on a roll.
Lots of eyebrow action from The Rock, but even that couldn't save him from being upstaged by George the gorilla.
I've got no knowledge of the video game this is based off... but really, who needs it. Yet another film that does what you want it to. It's a solid action adventure with hints of comedy.
The parental advisory at the beginning saying there were crude gestures had me confused. After all I feel like we see that quite a lot in movies but it's never listed on the rating card at the beginning. It all makes sense once you see a giant gorilla flipping off The Rock.
A great monster movie that won't leave you disappointed. I'm almost certain that I'll be seeing this one again. My initial viewing was in 3D, there were no particularly bad parts to it in this but I certainly didn't feel like anything benefited from it.
Classic enjoyable Rock action, love Jumanji, and looking forward to Skyscraper. He's definitely on a roll.
Terri Wiltshire (21 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings in Books
Sep 1, 2019
Tolkein created a complete detailed universe complete with its own mythology and lore (2 more)
Varied and rounded characters
Epic journey of good verses evil and the grey areas in between
Masterpiece
There is little I can say that has not already been said about The Lord of the Rings. It is an epic story of friendship, love, betrayal, war and essentially a coming of age journey. Middle earth and all its inhabitants come alive in your hands...you are transported to a world in chaos, a world of change where nothing is certain. Battle with dwarfs and elves, fight along side men who are impossibly brave and flawed and cry as the tiniest of people carry the biggest of burdens.
This book and the subsequent movies based on the world have been well quoted and are almost inbedded in British culture.
I envy those who haven't read them yet..you have a fantastic journey ahead. It will not be easy (this is not light reading) but it will be more than worth it. Enjoy, and give the elves my love.
This book and the subsequent movies based on the world have been well quoted and are almost inbedded in British culture.
I envy those who haven't read them yet..you have a fantastic journey ahead. It will not be easy (this is not light reading) but it will be more than worth it. Enjoy, and give the elves my love.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Haunting (1963) in Movies
Oct 4, 2019
The Haunted House
The Haunting- is one of the best horror movies of all time. Its scary, spooky, haunting, terrorfying, horrorfying and more.
The Plot: Dr. John Markway, an anthropologist with an interest in psychic phenomena, takes two specially selected women to Hill House, a reportedly haunted mansion. Eleanor (Julie Harris), a lonely, eccentric woman with a supernatural event in her past, and the bold Theodora (Claire Bloom), who has ESP, join John and the mansion's heir, cynical Luke (Russ Tamblyn). They are immediately overwhelmed by strange sounds and events, and Eleanor comes to believe the house is alive and speaking directly to her.
From the great novel- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.
In 2010, The Guardian newspaper ranked it as the 13th-best horror film of all time. Director Martin Scorsese has placed The Haunting first on his list of the 11 scariest horror films of all time.
The film was remade in 1999 by director Jan de Bont, starring Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Owen Wilson, but that version was heavily panned by critics and audiences. Dont watch that film, but instead watch this masterpiece.
I would highly reccordmend this movie.
The Plot: Dr. John Markway, an anthropologist with an interest in psychic phenomena, takes two specially selected women to Hill House, a reportedly haunted mansion. Eleanor (Julie Harris), a lonely, eccentric woman with a supernatural event in her past, and the bold Theodora (Claire Bloom), who has ESP, join John and the mansion's heir, cynical Luke (Russ Tamblyn). They are immediately overwhelmed by strange sounds and events, and Eleanor comes to believe the house is alive and speaking directly to her.
From the great novel- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.
In 2010, The Guardian newspaper ranked it as the 13th-best horror film of all time. Director Martin Scorsese has placed The Haunting first on his list of the 11 scariest horror films of all time.
The film was remade in 1999 by director Jan de Bont, starring Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Owen Wilson, but that version was heavily panned by critics and audiences. Dont watch that film, but instead watch this masterpiece.
I would highly reccordmend this movie.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader in Books
Oct 10, 2019
Fair to middling Star Wars tie-in novel, dealing with the aftermath of Episode III. For a novel named after Vader with his mush all over the cover, much of the novel deals with Palpatine (which was fine by me) and much with a band of rather bland fugitive Jedi (which unfortunately wasn't). Vader himself doesn't turn up until well into the book, giving it a slightly lopsided feel; the new characters aren't as interesting as the ones from the movies.
Luceno writes quite capably and the book does have a certain Star Warsy feel to it; some of the cameos from well-known characters do feel a bit laboriously contrived, though, and it almost feels as though it's pandering to that desire to have every last detail of the galaxy far, far away's history explained in detail. More seriously, it never feels like it gets a grip on Anakin/Vader as a character in the middle of a psychological transformation - at least not to the point that you really care about it. Easy to read, some good bits, but nowhere near the standard of (say) Matthew Stover's Episode III novelisation.
Luceno writes quite capably and the book does have a certain Star Warsy feel to it; some of the cameos from well-known characters do feel a bit laboriously contrived, though, and it almost feels as though it's pandering to that desire to have every last detail of the galaxy far, far away's history explained in detail. More seriously, it never feels like it gets a grip on Anakin/Vader as a character in the middle of a psychological transformation - at least not to the point that you really care about it. Easy to read, some good bits, but nowhere near the standard of (say) Matthew Stover's Episode III novelisation.
Lenard (726 KP) rated 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019) in Movies
Aug 19, 2019
In the first "47 Meters Down," two friends went cage-diving in shark-infested waters and became trapped on the bottom after the line is tragically severed. The sequel takes place in Mexico with four teenagers who are not exactly friends at the beginning cave-diving in an ancient Mayan city that became submerged. One of the girls secretly rendevouses with an underwater explorer who showed her a secret dock where diving gear was being hidden for archaelogists. She then takes her friends to the secret spot one Saturday when two of the girls who are stepsisters are supposed to take a glass-bottom boat to shark-infested waters. The girls then explore the Mayan cave where they find a shark who has become trapped in the caves. The rest of the movie is the friends attempting to escape these blood-thirsty monsters and bonding. Unfortunately, after Florida alligators and a series of killer shark movies, 47 Meters Down Uncaged does not satisfy in any way (both story or camp-wise). The filmmakers and studio knew this or they would not released the film in the middle of August against four other wide releases.