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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Heartstopper Volume One in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com/
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This was a recommendation on Goodreads after finishing Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda so when I saw it on Amazon today as a 99p deal, I just went and bought it. As a graphic novel, it's a quick read and I did find it very cute.
So Charlie is an openly gay young man in an English all-boys school. He's a really good runner and is invited by his form group seating partner, Nick, to join the rugby team as they are needing new players. The pair grow close as they spend time practising the game and talking in their form group and spend time around at each others houses. Charlie quickly falls for Nick but Nick's straight, right?
I did really like this. The storyline was engaging and I really felt for these two characters.
The artwork was a little strange at times but really detailed at others. I loved head on shots, the dog ♡, the trainers/converse near the end.
I would love to continue this at some point since it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This was a recommendation on Goodreads after finishing Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda so when I saw it on Amazon today as a 99p deal, I just went and bought it. As a graphic novel, it's a quick read and I did find it very cute.
So Charlie is an openly gay young man in an English all-boys school. He's a really good runner and is invited by his form group seating partner, Nick, to join the rugby team as they are needing new players. The pair grow close as they spend time practising the game and talking in their form group and spend time around at each others houses. Charlie quickly falls for Nick but Nick's straight, right?
I did really like this. The storyline was engaging and I really felt for these two characters.
The artwork was a little strange at times but really detailed at others. I loved head on shots, the dog ♡, the trainers/converse near the end.
I would love to continue this at some point since it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Natalia (73 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Dec 14, 2018
I have to admit that I will come off a bit biased in my review of this book, since it's one of my genuine favorites. Albertalli seems to just have this way of writing that can keep just about anyone engaged, and this paired up with such a touching, personal, and still-somehow-humorous story works perfectly.
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Such a heartwarming film
I really loved the book, and I’m so pleased to say that the film is just as good. Which if you know me, happens very rarely!
There are some slight differences to the book but nothing drastic, and all of the characters are in keeping with the book counterparts. Nick Robinson is brilliant and so sweet as Simon, but the rest of his friends and cats too are so relatable. Even the annoying Martin. And Tony Hale is a riot as the principal, and brings in a lot of the laughs.
This is a truly heartwarming, sweet and sometimes funny tale of love and a coming of age/coming out story. It’s a romantic story that manages to steer clear of the cheesy romantic cliches and this makes it all the better to watch. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears by the end.
There are some slight differences to the book but nothing drastic, and all of the characters are in keeping with the book counterparts. Nick Robinson is brilliant and so sweet as Simon, but the rest of his friends and cats too are so relatable. Even the annoying Martin. And Tony Hale is a riot as the principal, and brings in a lot of the laughs.
This is a truly heartwarming, sweet and sometimes funny tale of love and a coming of age/coming out story. It’s a romantic story that manages to steer clear of the cheesy romantic cliches and this makes it all the better to watch. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears by the end.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018) in Movies
Mar 2, 2019
Slaughterhouse Doesn't Rule!
This really pains me to write this as I LOVE Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Ever since Spaced and Big Train I've loved everything they've done...until now. This black comedy has no laughs! The attempted 'comedy' in this is 'theyre posh' and have funny voices. It really does fall flat at every turn. The characters don't really develop and the creature designs are terrible. It would get a 3/10 but I gave it an extra mark for some good gore but all in all this is a shame and such a massive waste of Pegg, Frost and the (normally) excellent Michael Sheen who again is used for laughs by having a posh voice! Such a shame...I need to go watch Shaun of the Dead to get the bad taste out of my mouth.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I’ve heard so much hype about Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda that I was a little afraid to read it. I am one of those people that usually dislikes books that everyone raves about. Or it gets so much hype that it doesn’t live up to the hype. Anyway… This book lived up to the hype. This book was great! I loved Simon and his voice. He was awkward, down to earth, funny, and witty. I want Simon to be my best friend. Some of the supporting characters I wasn’t super fond of. Abby, and Nick were just kind of there for me. I also didn’t think that Alice was a necessary character. We didn’t get to know her in any way. I would have loved to have seen more of Simon’s parents and more of Leah. I am dying to read Leah on the Offbeat.
The emails back and forth between Simon and Blue were amazing and about 10 times throughout the book I was 100% sure I knew who Blue was, and I was completely off. I loved having that surprise element and having the suspense until the end. I think having that suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and reading because I had to know who Blue was.
It took me about 3 days to read this book, and I’m a slow reader, so for me 3 days is pretty incredible. The authors writing style worked really well for me and she did an amazing job of giving each of the characters their own voice and sticking with it. Often times I see where the beginning of the book characters have their own voice and then by the end they all start to sound the same.
Over all I really enjoyed this book, the adventure, the characters, and the growth the characters experienced. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I think it’s a great quick read that will teach you not to fight who you are, you are you and that is amazing. It also teaches you about the impact that you can have on another person’s life, so be kind and choose your words and your actions carefully. Be kind.
The emails back and forth between Simon and Blue were amazing and about 10 times throughout the book I was 100% sure I knew who Blue was, and I was completely off. I loved having that surprise element and having the suspense until the end. I think having that suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and reading because I had to know who Blue was.
It took me about 3 days to read this book, and I’m a slow reader, so for me 3 days is pretty incredible. The authors writing style worked really well for me and she did an amazing job of giving each of the characters their own voice and sticking with it. Often times I see where the beginning of the book characters have their own voice and then by the end they all start to sound the same.
Over all I really enjoyed this book, the adventure, the characters, and the growth the characters experienced. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I think it’s a great quick read that will teach you not to fight who you are, you are you and that is amazing. It also teaches you about the impact that you can have on another person’s life, so be kind and choose your words and your actions carefully. Be kind.
Debbiereadsbook (1087 KP) rated Soul of Discretion in Books
May 1, 2018
great collaboration!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author, that I write a review was not required.
You know how you love a particular author, all their books are mostly 5 stars reviews, and then one comes along that throws you for a loop, and you did not love it, but you cannot figure out why?? This one, right here.
Simon is in Canada to see just what has happened to his money, and more importantly, his friend. His hook-up provides him with some much needed relief. When said hook-up turns out to be the police officer dealing with his friend, both Simon and Nick realise they have to stay apart. But neither man can do that, because each man feels more for the other than just a hook-up. But how can things work, with them living on opposite sides of the world??
I LIKED this, I really did, I just didn't love, and it pains me deeply to say that, and I really don't know why!
I loved Simon, being an Earl, but he doesn't lord it over others. He works hard, makes his millions by working hard and pushing others to work hard for him. Loved Nick, who is, up to now, quite happy in his job as a Mountie. Loved the supporting cast of characters that take part in this story. Loved how they came together, and that they both thought, quite quickly, that there could be more between them.
I just didn't love the story! I did love how Jack, Simon's friend, redeemed himself, and the bad guys got their comeuppence, though.
This is a collaboration between Susan Mac Nicol, and M.Tasia. I LOVE Ms Mac Nicol, but have only read one short by Ms Tasia. I tried really hard to pick out where each author had their say, as it were, but I couldn't find any seams. The changes between each author are smooth and painless and unless you KNOW where they are, you might never be able to pick those seams apart. So, very well done for that!
So, as much as I enjoyed the story, I just didn't love it and for that I'm deeply sorry!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
You know how you love a particular author, all their books are mostly 5 stars reviews, and then one comes along that throws you for a loop, and you did not love it, but you cannot figure out why?? This one, right here.
Simon is in Canada to see just what has happened to his money, and more importantly, his friend. His hook-up provides him with some much needed relief. When said hook-up turns out to be the police officer dealing with his friend, both Simon and Nick realise they have to stay apart. But neither man can do that, because each man feels more for the other than just a hook-up. But how can things work, with them living on opposite sides of the world??
I LIKED this, I really did, I just didn't love, and it pains me deeply to say that, and I really don't know why!
I loved Simon, being an Earl, but he doesn't lord it over others. He works hard, makes his millions by working hard and pushing others to work hard for him. Loved Nick, who is, up to now, quite happy in his job as a Mountie. Loved the supporting cast of characters that take part in this story. Loved how they came together, and that they both thought, quite quickly, that there could be more between them.
I just didn't love the story! I did love how Jack, Simon's friend, redeemed himself, and the bad guys got their comeuppence, though.
This is a collaboration between Susan Mac Nicol, and M.Tasia. I LOVE Ms Mac Nicol, but have only read one short by Ms Tasia. I tried really hard to pick out where each author had their say, as it were, but I couldn't find any seams. The changes between each author are smooth and painless and unless you KNOW where they are, you might never be able to pick those seams apart. So, very well done for that!
So, as much as I enjoyed the story, I just didn't love it and for that I'm deeply sorry!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Paige (277 KP) rated Shaun of the Dead (2004) in Movies
Dec 7, 2018 (Updated Dec 7, 2018)
Casting (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost). (3 more)
Prosthetic Makeup.
Irony.
Emotional Investment.
Shaun of the Dead (2004).
'Take car. Go to Mum's. Kill Phil. Grab Liz. Go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over. How's that for a slice of fried gold?'
Shaun of the Dead is a 'slice of fried gold,' with consistent irony throughout that contributes towards the comedic content, uncommon throughout differentiating zombie movies. 'Next time I see him, he's dead,' is an ironic quote from Shaun of the Dead (2004) that is also foreshadowing.
Progressing from this, the casting for Shaun of the Dead (2004) was exceptional. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have done alternative movies together, encompassing Hot Fuzz and The World's End. Their undeniable friendship contributes significantly towards their ability to collectively produce fantastic movie's, all of which have no fault.
Furthermore, the prosthetic makeup is also an imperative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead (2004). When taking into consideration that this film was released in 2004, the prosthetic makeup was beyond expectation, with multiple scenes that are hard to watch attributable to the gore.
Comparable to this, an alternative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead would be the emotional investment in each character. Shaun of the Dead (2004) makes evident an imperative moral; to not take those you love for granted. One of many subtle morals throughout Shaun of the Dead (2004), which subsequently contribute towards the emotional investment in each character, to be understood upon watching the movie.
To conclude, Shaun of the Dead (2004) is a contributor towards the extensive amount of zombie movies released. However, it is an innovative, unique zombie movie, integrating comedic content and irony, whilst maintaining the high quality of prosthetic makeup and emotional investment you would expect from a movie depicting the prospective end of the world.
Shaun of the Dead is a 'slice of fried gold,' with consistent irony throughout that contributes towards the comedic content, uncommon throughout differentiating zombie movies. 'Next time I see him, he's dead,' is an ironic quote from Shaun of the Dead (2004) that is also foreshadowing.
Progressing from this, the casting for Shaun of the Dead (2004) was exceptional. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have done alternative movies together, encompassing Hot Fuzz and The World's End. Their undeniable friendship contributes significantly towards their ability to collectively produce fantastic movie's, all of which have no fault.
Furthermore, the prosthetic makeup is also an imperative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead (2004). When taking into consideration that this film was released in 2004, the prosthetic makeup was beyond expectation, with multiple scenes that are hard to watch attributable to the gore.
Comparable to this, an alternative aspect to confer when deliberating the positive aspects of Shaun of the Dead would be the emotional investment in each character. Shaun of the Dead (2004) makes evident an imperative moral; to not take those you love for granted. One of many subtle morals throughout Shaun of the Dead (2004), which subsequently contribute towards the emotional investment in each character, to be understood upon watching the movie.
To conclude, Shaun of the Dead (2004) is a contributor towards the extensive amount of zombie movies released. However, it is an innovative, unique zombie movie, integrating comedic content and irony, whilst maintaining the high quality of prosthetic makeup and emotional investment you would expect from a movie depicting the prospective end of the world.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018 (Updated Nov 2, 2018)
Absolutely awful
A fracking site close to a private school deep in the countryside causes a sinkhole to appear. From which, a bunch of subterranean creatures emerge and begin munching on the teachers and pupils. It's then up to a group of them to band together and do whatever it takes in order to save the school.
Slaughterhouse Rulez boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Sheen, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost are even credited as executive producers, so you'd be forgiven for expecting something along the lines of the brilliant three flavours Cornetto trilogy. Unfortunately, it comes nothing close, and I cannot believe those 3 had anything to do with this. The characters are mostly lazily written stereotypes and it's not at all funny. The creatures themselves have good potential, but due to poor editing they don't even come across as scary. It's just not very good at all. Such a disappointment.
Slaughterhouse Rulez boasts an impressive cast, including Michael Sheen, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost are even credited as executive producers, so you'd be forgiven for expecting something along the lines of the brilliant three flavours Cornetto trilogy. Unfortunately, it comes nothing close, and I cannot believe those 3 had anything to do with this. The characters are mostly lazily written stereotypes and it's not at all funny. The creatures themselves have good potential, but due to poor editing they don't even come across as scary. It's just not very good at all. Such a disappointment.
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Festival (2018) in Movies
Aug 29, 2018
Fairly enjoyable comedy
The Festival is directed by Iain Morris, who co-created and wrote The Inbetweeners show and subsequent movies. It feels just like another Inbetweeners movie too, especially as star Joe Thomas plays what appears to be an exact copy of his Inbetweeners character Simon, pining for his girlfriend and obsessing over her throughout the movie. The result is a fairly likeable and enjoyable comedy, still a lot better than most movie comedies these days, and with some laugh out loud moments. But, you can't help comparing it to The Inbetweeners and, unfortunately, it's just nowhere near as good as that.
In The Festival, Joe Thomas plays Nick, preparing to graduate and soon to head off to a festival with best friend Shane and girlfriend Caitlin. After a cringe-worthy ejaculation gag involving his mother, getting dumped by Caitlin and having a breakdown on stage at his graduation ceremony, Nick becomes depressed and it's up to Shane to try and drag him along to the festival and moveon with life. On the train to the festival they meet up with Amy, who's also on her way to the festival, and when they do finally get there they end up camping right next to ex-girlfriend Caitlin and her friends.
Your level of enjoyment throughout The Festival is going to vary depending on how you feel about festivals as a whole. If you're like Nick for much of the movie, then you're going to share his discomfort with the mud, the toilets and the cramped camping arrangements, laughing at him and his frustrations with it all ("I just want to go home and have a nice shower and a poo!"). If you're a festival goer yourself then you'll revel in the whole experience lived out on screen, as the movie was actually filmed during a real festival. Along the way there's drink, drugs, druids(!) and nudity for Nick to endure as he hopes to get back with Caitlin, and then later on a blue smurf girl who he hooks up with for a one night stand.
The supporting cast are all fairly funny, particularly Hammed Animashaun and Claudia O'Doherty as friends Shane and Amy. But, it's the brilliant Jemaine Clement as Shanes stepdad who manages to steal every single scene he's in and is just hilarious. Sadly though he's not in it as much as he should be.
In The Festival, Joe Thomas plays Nick, preparing to graduate and soon to head off to a festival with best friend Shane and girlfriend Caitlin. After a cringe-worthy ejaculation gag involving his mother, getting dumped by Caitlin and having a breakdown on stage at his graduation ceremony, Nick becomes depressed and it's up to Shane to try and drag him along to the festival and moveon with life. On the train to the festival they meet up with Amy, who's also on her way to the festival, and when they do finally get there they end up camping right next to ex-girlfriend Caitlin and her friends.
Your level of enjoyment throughout The Festival is going to vary depending on how you feel about festivals as a whole. If you're like Nick for much of the movie, then you're going to share his discomfort with the mud, the toilets and the cramped camping arrangements, laughing at him and his frustrations with it all ("I just want to go home and have a nice shower and a poo!"). If you're a festival goer yourself then you'll revel in the whole experience lived out on screen, as the movie was actually filmed during a real festival. Along the way there's drink, drugs, druids(!) and nudity for Nick to endure as he hopes to get back with Caitlin, and then later on a blue smurf girl who he hooks up with for a one night stand.
The supporting cast are all fairly funny, particularly Hammed Animashaun and Claudia O'Doherty as friends Shane and Amy. But, it's the brilliant Jemaine Clement as Shanes stepdad who manages to steal every single scene he's in and is just hilarious. Sadly though he's not in it as much as he should be.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Jan 25, 2018
Nick Robinson (3 more)
Tony Hale
Plot/premise
Subject matter well handled
So close to 10 out of 10
This was a beautiful stunning film. If you like Rom coms or teenage films then this is a must see.
Nick Robinson not only does Simon justice. He is truely captivating at holding each and every scene. His character and presence is remarkable. I truely believe he is a superstar on the rise.
Every cast member in this film was good and some really suprised me. I Think the most surprising for me was Tony Hale preformance as the vice principal in the book this is a character I have very little emotion or love for on screen he makes the characharacter cter vibrant.
I have read the book and so went into this film with certain expectations. Whilst I understand you will never get an exact book to screen represetation (more the pity) I do get annoyed if film makers throw premise out of the window or do what I call hollywoodising it to make it dramtic for rating. Until this film was nearly finished I was sat going oh my god they done a brilliant representation then an event happens and for a couple of scence I though it lost it way but unlike most films. This film brought it back to premise and story and had a great ending.
Nick Robinson not only does Simon justice. He is truely captivating at holding each and every scene. His character and presence is remarkable. I truely believe he is a superstar on the rise.
Every cast member in this film was good and some really suprised me. I Think the most surprising for me was Tony Hale preformance as the vice principal in the book this is a character I have very little emotion or love for on screen he makes the characharacter cter vibrant.
I have read the book and so went into this film with certain expectations. Whilst I understand you will never get an exact book to screen represetation (more the pity) I do get annoyed if film makers throw premise out of the window or do what I call hollywoodising it to make it dramtic for rating. Until this film was nearly finished I was sat going oh my god they done a brilliant representation then an event happens and for a couple of scence I though it lost it way but unlike most films. This film brought it back to premise and story and had a great ending.