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David McK (3188 KP) rated The Blade Itself in Books
Jan 28, 2019
So, 'The Blade Itself'.
Like some other of these sprawling epic fantasies, this was a novel that, while I'd heard of it and had heard good things, I'd never actually got round to reading: put off, perhaps, by the sheer size of it?
That is, I'd never read it until now.
Following a group of disparate characters who eventually, by the end of the novel, more-or-less come together (in the same geographical location) or, at least, very obviously heading towards doing so, I have to say that I did quite enjoy it.
While I was initially concerned that the book may drag a bit (again, due to the sheer size ...), thankfully this did not prove to be the case. OK, there may have been certain sections that (IMO) it would have been better where they pruned somewhat, overall the story did move along well enough, and did hold my attention.
Like a heavy dinner, however, I think I may need a break before moving onto the next ([b: Before They Are Hanged|902715|Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)|Joe Abercrombie|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1179318094s/902715.jpg|2116927]): two back-to-back is one too many!
Like some other of these sprawling epic fantasies, this was a novel that, while I'd heard of it and had heard good things, I'd never actually got round to reading: put off, perhaps, by the sheer size of it?
That is, I'd never read it until now.
Following a group of disparate characters who eventually, by the end of the novel, more-or-less come together (in the same geographical location) or, at least, very obviously heading towards doing so, I have to say that I did quite enjoy it.
While I was initially concerned that the book may drag a bit (again, due to the sheer size ...), thankfully this did not prove to be the case. OK, there may have been certain sections that (IMO) it would have been better where they pruned somewhat, overall the story did move along well enough, and did hold my attention.
Like a heavy dinner, however, I think I may need a break before moving onto the next ([b: Before They Are Hanged|902715|Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)|Joe Abercrombie|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1179318094s/902715.jpg|2116927]): two back-to-back is one too many!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Cats (2019) in Movies
Dec 24, 2019
Here's where I wrinkle my nose up at the Smashbomb scoring system - Cats isn't so much 'shoddy' as - well, it's such a particularly strange film that it's actually quite hard to tell whether it's any good or not. My instinct is to say not: a selection of character actors, comedians and musical theatre stars are CGI'd into human-animal hybrids like something out of The Island of Dr Moreau and hoof and yowl their way through a selection of TS Eliot's comic poems set to music. The plot does a good impression of being absolute gibberish, as the singing cat-people compete to get sent off to the bit of the sky that radio waves bounce off where they will receive a new life, while Idris Elba schemes to rig the contest. It's just weird.
Alternatively, this is a quasi-Lovecraftian surreal Arabesque which, fatally, fails to consider the difference between presentational and representational performance modes inherent in the transference of a narrative between theatrical and cinematic contexts. (i.e., people dressed as singing cats in a theatre can be beautiful and moving; people CGI'd into singing cats in a big-budget movie is more disturbing than anything else.) Jennifer Hudson's maximum-Streep, maximum-volume onslaught on 'Memory' made me want to hide under my seat.
Alternatively, this is a quasi-Lovecraftian surreal Arabesque which, fatally, fails to consider the difference between presentational and representational performance modes inherent in the transference of a narrative between theatrical and cinematic contexts. (i.e., people dressed as singing cats in a theatre can be beautiful and moving; people CGI'd into singing cats in a big-budget movie is more disturbing than anything else.) Jennifer Hudson's maximum-Streep, maximum-volume onslaught on 'Memory' made me want to hide under my seat.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated The Shawshank Redemption (1994) in Movies
Mar 2, 2020
I have heard so many things about this movie over the years, I was wondering if it would live up to the hype. I was a little worried it wouldn't, so I've been avoiding it for so long. And it hasn't been available to watch anywhere for free until it came out on Netflix.
I am so glad I watched this film. There is nothing about it I didn't like. It felt like every character was important, there was a story to tell. I loved Morgan Freeman's narration and his performance as Red. Andy is brilliant and kind and cunning and a good friend and a great teacher. Norton is everything the criminal justice system is and shouldn't be. I am floored.
There are very few movies that after I see it, I have to own it. It's only happened a few times and the bar is very high. This film is one of those. I can't recommend it enough. It is a great watch with a great plot and a rolling story that never leaves you hanging. This is easily moving to the top 10 movies I adore - it might even hold the number one spot right now. Watch. This. Film.
I am so glad I watched this film. There is nothing about it I didn't like. It felt like every character was important, there was a story to tell. I loved Morgan Freeman's narration and his performance as Red. Andy is brilliant and kind and cunning and a good friend and a great teacher. Norton is everything the criminal justice system is and shouldn't be. I am floored.
There are very few movies that after I see it, I have to own it. It's only happened a few times and the bar is very high. This film is one of those. I can't recommend it enough. It is a great watch with a great plot and a rolling story that never leaves you hanging. This is easily moving to the top 10 movies I adore - it might even hold the number one spot right now. Watch. This. Film.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Outbreak (1995) in Movies
Apr 5, 2020
This film is really, really good. Incredibly good. Maybe it's the timing of when I'm watching this (in the middle of a pandemic) or maybe it's the story or maybe it's a combination of the two, either way, this film is fantastic. My only complaint is the length. It felt really long and some parts it felt like it was moving very slowly but at the same time, I can't really think of anything that could've been cut down or shaved off - so maybe I'm just weird.
The cast was really there, on par. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I'm normally in love with a small character - the ones with fewer lines, supporting the story, less important to the main plot, but this film is not one of those. Dustin Hoffman's Col. Sam Daniels was incredible. When he was pleading with the pilots? I was just about crying. I loved Cuba Gooding, Jr. too. I think this is one of his best films. And duh, Morgan Freeman. In what movie is Morgan Freeman a bad actor? If you can find me one, I'll give you $5.
This movie is a great watch. It keeps you on your toes and you're invested in the characters.
P.S. A young Patrick Dempsey? Mama mia.
The cast was really there, on par. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I'm normally in love with a small character - the ones with fewer lines, supporting the story, less important to the main plot, but this film is not one of those. Dustin Hoffman's Col. Sam Daniels was incredible. When he was pleading with the pilots? I was just about crying. I loved Cuba Gooding, Jr. too. I think this is one of his best films. And duh, Morgan Freeman. In what movie is Morgan Freeman a bad actor? If you can find me one, I'll give you $5.
This movie is a great watch. It keeps you on your toes and you're invested in the characters.
P.S. A young Patrick Dempsey? Mama mia.
Animal 4D+
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