Search
Search results
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Troop in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I was looking for something a little less serious-minded to read when I this new release came to my attention. It felt like I hadn't read any horror for a while so it seemed a perfect selection, and boy was it. Following 5 boys on a scout camping trip on a remote island does provide the author some chances to delve into what it's like being a teenage male right now, and he does so very well, fully fleshing out each of the characters. But once a strange, emaciated man arrives on the island looking for food, things take a turn for the worse, and rapidly spiral further and further downward from there. Interspersed throughout are clippings from news reports and court transcripts that help to fill in some of the backstory of exactly what lead to the events on the island, which also help to give the proceedings a feeling of being more real. And thinking what happens out there could be real only lends the proceedings that much more horror. I don't want to give away anything about what transpires, but I will say that if you are faint of heart or, perhaps more importantly, weak of stomach, then this book is not for you. If you are looking for something that will leave you genuinely creeped out however, then you should pick up a copy right away.
Awix (3310 KP) rated War of the Worlds (2005) in Movies
Mar 25, 2018 (Updated Mar 25, 2018)
Here's the paradox: H.G. Wells' original novel is an absolute classic. The 1953 film version is not particularly faithful to the book, but still really a classic. Spielberg's film kind of tries to split the difference between the two and ends up not being a classic. (Maybe he should have kept the definite article in the title.) Belligerent aliens whose technological mastery is oddly lacking when it comes to getting their vaccinations embark upon slightly eccentric invasion scheme; Tom Cruise spends most of the film running away, bravely.
Still, it's not all bad: looking back on it, this is yet another of those films which attempts to use SF as a device to try and process the September 11th attacks and ends up not being nearly as profound as it thinks it is, and the way it's structured so that, hey, cities are smashed and thousands slaughtered by the Martians (look, they could be Martians, it doesn't say they're not), but at least Cruise gets to become a better dad, so it's not all bad news, is quite fatuous. But it does get closer to Wells' original intent, just about, it looks very good, and there's always Spielberg's casual mastery of the genre to enjoy. A decent stab at a book which probably isn't as easy to adapt as it first appears.
Still, it's not all bad: looking back on it, this is yet another of those films which attempts to use SF as a device to try and process the September 11th attacks and ends up not being nearly as profound as it thinks it is, and the way it's structured so that, hey, cities are smashed and thousands slaughtered by the Martians (look, they could be Martians, it doesn't say they're not), but at least Cruise gets to become a better dad, so it's not all bad news, is quite fatuous. But it does get closer to Wells' original intent, just about, it looks very good, and there's always Spielberg's casual mastery of the genre to enjoy. A decent stab at a book which probably isn't as easy to adapt as it first appears.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Desert Moon: Also Includes Bonus Story of Honor Bond by Colleen L. Reece in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Desert Moon by Susan Page Davis is a wonderful historical fiction. The story takes place in Arizona. There is a sweet romance throughout the story with a little bit of danger and mystery added. The story begins fast with a stage coach robbery and then blames of the crime are made and with evidence.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated That Good Night (2018) in Movies
Jun 23, 2018 (Updated Jun 23, 2018)
It would be lovely to report that John Hurt's valedictory screen performance appears in a worthy production, but sadly this one is no better than functional. Crabby old git who has spent his life being feted for his writing while treating everyone around him appallingly gets bad news from his specialist, is forced to reassess his life and his attitudes to death. I mean, as premises go it's not dreadful, but the realisation of the story is just clunky - long, talky scenes in which characters articulate their issues with each other at great length are interspaced with ones where Hurt and Dance debate the ethics of euthanasia.
The theatrical origins of the piece are never in doubt, and it all feels very trite and tips over into sentimentality before the conclusion. There's also a plot twist, of sorts, which I think you would have to work very hard not to guess in advance. Nevertheless, there are very good performances from Hurt and Dance, also Helin - even if one can't help feeling she doesn't really get material worthy of her talents. Looks nice, but the bland score is annoyingly intrusive - if this came on the telly on a Sunday night it would pass the time inoffensively enough, it's just not much of a movie when you watch it on the big screen.
The theatrical origins of the piece are never in doubt, and it all feels very trite and tips over into sentimentality before the conclusion. There's also a plot twist, of sorts, which I think you would have to work very hard not to guess in advance. Nevertheless, there are very good performances from Hurt and Dance, also Helin - even if one can't help feeling she doesn't really get material worthy of her talents. Looks nice, but the bland score is annoyingly intrusive - if this came on the telly on a Sunday night it would pass the time inoffensively enough, it's just not much of a movie when you watch it on the big screen.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
Oct 6, 2018
Funny and poignant
BORN A CRIME was engaging from start to finish. I have to recommend the audio of this book because you get Trevor Noah as the narrator and that truly was everything. The narration, the amusement and feelings that his own narration evoked, enhanced this book ten-fold.
So many issues and topics were covered in this book but most of all, I’ve been educated. I grew up with apartheid being reported daily on the news, I remember the celebration at it’s demise but being a close spectator to life in Soweto and other places, beginning to understand Trevor’s position as not black and not white was truly eye-opening. All this could be such a heavy topic, but actually Trevor brings his naughtiness as a child, the funny side of things and the very tragic too.
Both my kids listened to chapters of this with me in the car and thoroughly enjoyed it. My eldest commented on it being relevant both to her politics and sociology classes, my youngest just loved the ride, especially the tale of Fufi the dog. Some of the book wouldn’t have been suitable for my youngest, but I will be buying it for him when he’s older.
Even if you’re not a biographical or non-fiction reader, give this a go. I think you’ll find yourself unable to look away.
So many issues and topics were covered in this book but most of all, I’ve been educated. I grew up with apartheid being reported daily on the news, I remember the celebration at it’s demise but being a close spectator to life in Soweto and other places, beginning to understand Trevor’s position as not black and not white was truly eye-opening. All this could be such a heavy topic, but actually Trevor brings his naughtiness as a child, the funny side of things and the very tragic too.
Both my kids listened to chapters of this with me in the car and thoroughly enjoyed it. My eldest commented on it being relevant both to her politics and sociology classes, my youngest just loved the ride, especially the tale of Fufi the dog. Some of the book wouldn’t have been suitable for my youngest, but I will be buying it for him when he’s older.
Even if you’re not a biographical or non-fiction reader, give this a go. I think you’ll find yourself unable to look away.
Awix (3310 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
The story that's been resurrected more times than Dracula is back again, this time with Bradley Cooper as troubled country-rocker Jackson Maine, and Lady Gaga as the aspiring singer-songwriter who starts off as his protege/girlfriend but whose talent threatens to eclipse his. Better bring your hankies (or some kind of absorbent cloth, anyway).
Well, the good news is that Cooper can sing and Gaga can act, so the film hangs together as a dramatic musical, but it's still probably at its best when Cooper is acting and Gaga is singing. Some of the songs are absolutely lovely, but to be quite honest, the film goes on a bit too long, especially the wallowing-in-existential-misery stuff near the end. It's also made quite clear from the opening moments that Cooper's character has problems, so the story kind of comes across as one last detour on the way down than a genuine romantic tragedy.
Still, well acted, well sung, convincing stuff: the kind of old-fashioned meaty melodrama that often does very well for itself both critically and commercially, though it may have come out a bit too early to really storm the Oscars next year. Brace yourself for a remake of The Bodyguard with Katy Perry or Taylor Swift, I shouldn't wonder.
Well, the good news is that Cooper can sing and Gaga can act, so the film hangs together as a dramatic musical, but it's still probably at its best when Cooper is acting and Gaga is singing. Some of the songs are absolutely lovely, but to be quite honest, the film goes on a bit too long, especially the wallowing-in-existential-misery stuff near the end. It's also made quite clear from the opening moments that Cooper's character has problems, so the story kind of comes across as one last detour on the way down than a genuine romantic tragedy.
Still, well acted, well sung, convincing stuff: the kind of old-fashioned meaty melodrama that often does very well for itself both critically and commercially, though it may have come out a bit too early to really storm the Oscars next year. Brace yourself for a remake of The Bodyguard with Katy Perry or Taylor Swift, I shouldn't wonder.
David McK (3162 KP) rated A Ship of War (Charles Hayden, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third novel in Sean Thomas Russell's <i>Charles Hayden</i> series (after [b:Under Enemy Colours] and [b:A Battle Won|7977384|A Battle Won (Charles Hayden, #2)|S. Thomas Russell|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348601989s/7977384.jpg|12314972]) which, I have to say, I did not enjoy as much as either of the previous two.
A large reason for that, perhaps, is that I spent roughly about the first half of the book trying to remember what had happened previously, particularly in relation to Hayden's private life! As such, I wouldn't recommend this as the first novel to read in the series: although it is (eventually) cleared up over the course of the events, having some clear idea of just why the characters are acting the way they are/even who they are does help immeasurably.
While it largely alternates between events at home and on the sea, this novel can also be split into several distinct sections: the first section dealing with Hayden (aboard his ship <i>Themis</i>) blockade of France, and his attempts to get back to England with news of vital import, the next section with shipwreck and recovery in France and the final section with the battle of 'The Glorious First of June'.
And yes, some of that has been covered before (and, IMO, better) in CS Forester's famous <i>Hornblower</i> series.
A large reason for that, perhaps, is that I spent roughly about the first half of the book trying to remember what had happened previously, particularly in relation to Hayden's private life! As such, I wouldn't recommend this as the first novel to read in the series: although it is (eventually) cleared up over the course of the events, having some clear idea of just why the characters are acting the way they are/even who they are does help immeasurably.
While it largely alternates between events at home and on the sea, this novel can also be split into several distinct sections: the first section dealing with Hayden (aboard his ship <i>Themis</i>) blockade of France, and his attempts to get back to England with news of vital import, the next section with shipwreck and recovery in France and the final section with the battle of 'The Glorious First of June'.
And yes, some of that has been covered before (and, IMO, better) in CS Forester's famous <i>Hornblower</i> series.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Brightburn (2019) in Movies
Jul 6, 2019
Dark Justice anyone??
First thing to clear up - This is a comic book film. The premise - what if Superman wasnt all about truth, justice and the American way? Familiar story - couple discover crashed spaceship with baby inside and raise him as their own. As child gets older it starts to realise it has powers but rather than use them for good he uses them for his own gain. All the performances are excellent but the one thing the really surprised me is the gore. There are 3 scenes in particular that are possibly the best gore I've scene in years - an eye, a jaw and the first time we've ever seen heat vision to the face properly in live action...now this part involves some SPOILERS - this was written by James Gunn's brothers and produced by Gunn himself. This is an audition for Gunn to direct a Dark Justice League film. This is further teased at the end during Michael Rookers news program where he talks about other threats and shows rough drawings and describes wonder woman, batman and Martian manhunter - obviously not by name as it's not a DC film. Yet! This needs to be made - give the Gunn's the keys and let's start a new Dark DC universe! I'm in!!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One #3) in Books
Dec 16, 2019
A wonderful end to a fantastic trilogy.
The conclusion to this trilogy was everything I wanted it to be and more. A truly beautiful ending. I want to be very mindful of spoilers so as not to ruin the magic (see what I did there?) for other readers.
The evolution of Fallon's relationship with Duncan was exactly right; I love him for her. In fact, I loved all of the relationships in this story.
When they travel to New York, back to where it all began, I could still picture everything the way it was described in the first book, overlaying the current state of things in my mind. This is great storytelling, in my opinion. I could see Arlys at the news desk next to the corpse of her co-worker. I could see Fred and Arlys traversing the tunnels. I could see a frightened Lana discovering her powers.
There are deaths, of course, because, you know, war. One absolutely heartbreaking death in particular - and the characters' reactions to it - literally brought tears to my eyes.
The emotions throughout this story are so powerful. You can FEEL their triumph, their heartbreak, their joy, their rage.
And, while this is classified as fantasy, the entire story certainly feels like a commentary on modern society, no?
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARE!
The evolution of Fallon's relationship with Duncan was exactly right; I love him for her. In fact, I loved all of the relationships in this story.
When they travel to New York, back to where it all began, I could still picture everything the way it was described in the first book, overlaying the current state of things in my mind. This is great storytelling, in my opinion. I could see Arlys at the news desk next to the corpse of her co-worker. I could see Fred and Arlys traversing the tunnels. I could see a frightened Lana discovering her powers.
There are deaths, of course, because, you know, war. One absolutely heartbreaking death in particular - and the characters' reactions to it - literally brought tears to my eyes.
The emotions throughout this story are so powerful. You can FEEL their triumph, their heartbreak, their joy, their rage.
And, while this is classified as fantasy, the entire story certainly feels like a commentary on modern society, no?
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARE!
David McK (3162 KP) rated The Emperor's Exile in Books
Apr 25, 2021
There's a bit not far into this novel - and not long before Macro exits, stage left (or is it stage right?), where he and Cato are discussing their shared past, not long after returning to Rome following their failure of their recent campaign on the eastern frontier (in both 'The Blood of Rome' and 'Traitors of Rome.')
Cato: "What words could convey the adventures we have lived through?"
"True," Macro reflected "If some c**t wrote it all down, who would ever believe it!"
And that, pretty much, sums up the last 18 (19, including this!) in Simon Scarrow's 'Eagles of the Empire' series, that first started way back when with Under the Eagle.
Ostracized at Nero's court because of that failure, Cato is blackmailed into accompanying the Emperor's (former, low-born) mistress Claudia Acte into exile on the province of Sardinia: a province that is suffering from both insurgency and an outbreak of plague.
It's up to Cato to supress that insurgency, in a race against time, as the plague starts affecting his ramshackle troops ...
This is another enjoyable read in the series, although I did miss the presence of macro for large swathes of the novel (good news, though: it looks like he's returning in the next instalment). I have to wonder, though, was Apollonius being written as his replacement ...?
Time will tell.
Cato: "What words could convey the adventures we have lived through?"
"True," Macro reflected "If some c**t wrote it all down, who would ever believe it!"
And that, pretty much, sums up the last 18 (19, including this!) in Simon Scarrow's 'Eagles of the Empire' series, that first started way back when with Under the Eagle.
Ostracized at Nero's court because of that failure, Cato is blackmailed into accompanying the Emperor's (former, low-born) mistress Claudia Acte into exile on the province of Sardinia: a province that is suffering from both insurgency and an outbreak of plague.
It's up to Cato to supress that insurgency, in a race against time, as the plague starts affecting his ramshackle troops ...
This is another enjoyable read in the series, although I did miss the presence of macro for large swathes of the novel (good news, though: it looks like he's returning in the next instalment). I have to wonder, though, was Apollonius being written as his replacement ...?
Time will tell.