Search
Search results
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Maze Runner (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Kids have one heck of an imagination, and “The Maze Runner” gives off the impression that is exactly where its plot came from. The film is an adaption of the first book in the young adult sci-fi series written by James Dashner.
In the film, the action starts right out of the gate with a boy in a cage being delivered up to a strange place. Upon his arrival, he encounters a group of boys, each of which arrived in the same way. The boys created a sort of primitive community in a beautiful green glade. Each boy is assigned a specific role in order to contribute to their survival. None of them are able to remember where they came from or their life before arriving.
The plot quickly begins to revolve around the boys who have been deemed maze runners. The glade in which the community resides is surrounded, or I should say enclosed, by a gigantic stone maze. The maze runners run through the maze trying to find out more about it in order to eventually escape. But, the maze is unsolvable because it changes shape each day and is too dangerous to stay in overnight.
The main protagonist Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) quickly interjects himself into the maze runner role, against the wishes of the community. But it isn’t long until he proves himself capable of the role when he becomes the first boy to kill what they call a “griever.” His arrival marks the beginning of new hope for the boys’ escape. At this point, one must wonder why none of the boys had ever killed a “griever” before the arrival of Thomas.
The “grievers” are cyborg spiders residing within the maze. They are the main threat keeping the boys confined to the glade, and they come off as an incredibly hokey aspect of the film. However, this may be really enjoyable for fans of corny science fiction.
I have not had a chance to read the series myself, but something tells me details were left out of the film which would have brought the quality of the plot up a level.
Unfortunately, the plot is poorly developed in crucial areas which could have made the film great, had they been further developed. For example, the creators of the strange place and the robotic spiders are not given much depth. The lack of detail in this area is what gives the execution of the plot a make-believe feel. Perhaps this part of the plot is purposefully left open to lay the ground work for the rest of the series to be made into film.
All criticism aside, what makes “The Maze Runner” enjoyable is that it stems from a unique idea. It takes the audience on a new adventure. However, I would hardly say the film aims to please a young adult audience. Its execution seems tailored for tweens. It lacks any real graphic violence, staying well within its PG rating.
I give “Maze Runner” 3 out of 5 stars.
In the film, the action starts right out of the gate with a boy in a cage being delivered up to a strange place. Upon his arrival, he encounters a group of boys, each of which arrived in the same way. The boys created a sort of primitive community in a beautiful green glade. Each boy is assigned a specific role in order to contribute to their survival. None of them are able to remember where they came from or their life before arriving.
The plot quickly begins to revolve around the boys who have been deemed maze runners. The glade in which the community resides is surrounded, or I should say enclosed, by a gigantic stone maze. The maze runners run through the maze trying to find out more about it in order to eventually escape. But, the maze is unsolvable because it changes shape each day and is too dangerous to stay in overnight.
The main protagonist Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) quickly interjects himself into the maze runner role, against the wishes of the community. But it isn’t long until he proves himself capable of the role when he becomes the first boy to kill what they call a “griever.” His arrival marks the beginning of new hope for the boys’ escape. At this point, one must wonder why none of the boys had ever killed a “griever” before the arrival of Thomas.
The “grievers” are cyborg spiders residing within the maze. They are the main threat keeping the boys confined to the glade, and they come off as an incredibly hokey aspect of the film. However, this may be really enjoyable for fans of corny science fiction.
I have not had a chance to read the series myself, but something tells me details were left out of the film which would have brought the quality of the plot up a level.
Unfortunately, the plot is poorly developed in crucial areas which could have made the film great, had they been further developed. For example, the creators of the strange place and the robotic spiders are not given much depth. The lack of detail in this area is what gives the execution of the plot a make-believe feel. Perhaps this part of the plot is purposefully left open to lay the ground work for the rest of the series to be made into film.
All criticism aside, what makes “The Maze Runner” enjoyable is that it stems from a unique idea. It takes the audience on a new adventure. However, I would hardly say the film aims to please a young adult audience. Its execution seems tailored for tweens. It lacks any real graphic violence, staying well within its PG rating.
I give “Maze Runner” 3 out of 5 stars.
Merissa (13172 KP) rated Surfacing in Books
Nov 28, 2017
Surfacing by Daniel Stephens
Surfacing is the engrossing story of a young man, hurt beyond belief and grieving, lost to his world but desperately trying to reconnect. Everywhere he turns, he drowns in memories of the life and loves that have been taken from him. So he returns to his roots, to the cabin where he spent the summers with his grandparents, hoping to find some solace. What he finds is a family - a group of people where many of them remember him from his youth. Where he can find out just who he is, and learn to deal with the grief, and maybe even move forwards and find love again.
The descriptions in this book are second to none - whether it is the characters, the wolf, or even the cabin. They will pull you in and keep you reading. It is a story of pain, of loss, of heartbreak. And yet there is also the glimmer of hope, of the future, if only you feed the right wolf! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. Whilst this book is also about love, the only thing that is 'shown' is kissing - the rest is fade to black.
This is a poignant story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend to all.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The descriptions in this book are second to none - whether it is the characters, the wolf, or even the cabin. They will pull you in and keep you reading. It is a story of pain, of loss, of heartbreak. And yet there is also the glimmer of hope, of the future, if only you feed the right wolf! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. Whilst this book is also about love, the only thing that is 'shown' is kissing - the rest is fade to black.
This is a poignant story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend to all.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lee (2222 KP) rated Master of None - Season 2 in TV
Nov 29, 2017
A huge improvement on season 1
It's taken me a long time to catch up on season 2 of Master of None but I'm so glad I finally did. Season 1 didn't really grab me as much as I hoped it would and I probably only stuck with it out of my love of Aziz Ansari from his time on the brilliant Parks and Recreation. The supporting characters, with the exception of his parents, didn't really work for me and conversations between them never seemed interesting or natural at all.
Season 2 opens with Dev, now living in Italy in order to escape the heartache he experienced in New York. He's learning to make pasta and is enjoying life. The first episode is shot entirely in black and white and it steers the show into an interesting new direction, the absence of the supporting characters from season 1 greatly improves things. However, when Arnold does visit Dev in episode 2, it's not as bad as before and it's a nice compliment to the story.
After a couple of episodes in Italy, we're back to New York, with a very mixed bag of entertaining episodes. From a story involving a number of different New Yorkers with intersecting lives, to a story involving Dev and Denise celebrating Thanksgiving together over the years, the season goes from strength to strength. The final 2 episodes, covering Devs love for Francesca, a friend from Italy who is also engaged, just had me gripped from beginning to end.
Season 2 opens with Dev, now living in Italy in order to escape the heartache he experienced in New York. He's learning to make pasta and is enjoying life. The first episode is shot entirely in black and white and it steers the show into an interesting new direction, the absence of the supporting characters from season 1 greatly improves things. However, when Arnold does visit Dev in episode 2, it's not as bad as before and it's a nice compliment to the story.
After a couple of episodes in Italy, we're back to New York, with a very mixed bag of entertaining episodes. From a story involving a number of different New Yorkers with intersecting lives, to a story involving Dev and Denise celebrating Thanksgiving together over the years, the season goes from strength to strength. The final 2 episodes, covering Devs love for Francesca, a friend from Italy who is also engaged, just had me gripped from beginning to end.
Horror (6 more)
Creepy
Supernatural
Fiction
Haunted House
Scary
Ghost
Great Horror
I really did enjoy this book immensely. I am always searching for the 'perfect' ghost story and this comes pretty close!
The authors writing style really drew me in, an almost casual voice that ramps up the tension without you really realising it.
The characters were all extremely natural and sympathetic. None of the conversations felt forced, even though they were between characters of very differing ages.
The actions, and reactions, to the dramatic events made sense. At no point did I think "No one would ever do that, how silly" which often happens in supernatural/horror stories.
The way in which the atmosphere and tension slowly crept up meant that I just couldn't put it down. I could actually imagine the growing claustrophobia the characters were feeling.
Because certain events are not as they seem, for reasons you will understand after reading, it really kept me on my toes - did that happen? Can I believe what I'm reading this time?
Even though it kept me guessing it never got annoying - I just wanted to read that little bit more to find out! To me that is a sign of a talented author.
If I had to find fault it would be with the ending, unless there is a sequel planned! It was satisfying until reading the very last chapter, which was left as a kind of cliffhanger.
Rae Louise has managed to write a horror which is genuinely creepy and has suspension and action in spades.
The authors writing style really drew me in, an almost casual voice that ramps up the tension without you really realising it.
The characters were all extremely natural and sympathetic. None of the conversations felt forced, even though they were between characters of very differing ages.
The actions, and reactions, to the dramatic events made sense. At no point did I think "No one would ever do that, how silly" which often happens in supernatural/horror stories.
The way in which the atmosphere and tension slowly crept up meant that I just couldn't put it down. I could actually imagine the growing claustrophobia the characters were feeling.
Because certain events are not as they seem, for reasons you will understand after reading, it really kept me on my toes - did that happen? Can I believe what I'm reading this time?
Even though it kept me guessing it never got annoying - I just wanted to read that little bit more to find out! To me that is a sign of a talented author.
If I had to find fault it would be with the ending, unless there is a sequel planned! It was satisfying until reading the very last chapter, which was left as a kind of cliffhanger.
Rae Louise has managed to write a horror which is genuinely creepy and has suspension and action in spades.
Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated Deadpool (2016) in Movies
Jul 18, 2017
Deadpool! For real this time! (3 more)
Francis!
Damn Near Everything
Ryan Reynolds is Just Perfect
Deadpool Finally Has His Day
Studio execs and producers had no idea just how popular Deadpool would be. If they did, this movie would have been made a lot sooner and with a much larger budget. If that had happened though, we probably would not have been blessed with a Deadpool movie of this high a caliber. Ryan Reynolds poured a lot of himself into getting this movie made, and it shows. He is so perfect for the role, with his sarcastic attitude towards all things and dark undertones in all of his humor. The director and writers have created a faithful iteration of the titular character, with none of that mouthless garbage we received before. Deadpool is funny, with visually striking action and mocking attitude towards the superhero movie genre. The character breaks the fourth wall and insults practically everyone he interacts with, and it is glorious. The R rating, while the studio considered it a big risk, is actually the movie's greatest boon, as it allows Deadpool to be what he is. The only thing the movie suffers from is that the stakes don't ever feel too high, as anyone familiar with Deadpool knows he is capable and powerful enough to take down much greater threats. The movie mostly serves as a primer for bigger and better things for the character, however, and in that function it is an overwhelming success.
QuietlyBookish (65 KP) rated Every heart a doorway in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Unique Concept (2 more)
Diverse Characters
Engaging Plot
Magical Realism At It's Finest
This book was such a unique read, I was intrigued by the concept of following what happens to someone after they return from their adventures and their fantasy worlds, and the plot was executed really well.
I was a bit concerned when I saw that this book was under 200 pages, but it was done very well and I didn't feel like it was lacking anything. We got to know the characters, we got backstories and we got world building all in under 200 pages which was very impressive!
The characters are also diverse, there is an asexual character and a transgender character which was refreshing to read about. These characters are all complex and have a wide range of personalities. I loved reading the interactions between characters, at times I find myself laughing at the strange conversations they'd have!
The plot will drag you in very quickly, this is a fast paced read which went in a direction I wasn't expecting and I was guessing different things each chapter, none of which turned out to be correct! I highly recommend this book if you're trying to get out of a reading slump or you want to finish a book in the same day!
To me, this is reminiscent of Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs so if you're a fan of those books definitely consider this one! I will definitely be reading the next few books in the Wayward Children series!
I was a bit concerned when I saw that this book was under 200 pages, but it was done very well and I didn't feel like it was lacking anything. We got to know the characters, we got backstories and we got world building all in under 200 pages which was very impressive!
The characters are also diverse, there is an asexual character and a transgender character which was refreshing to read about. These characters are all complex and have a wide range of personalities. I loved reading the interactions between characters, at times I find myself laughing at the strange conversations they'd have!
The plot will drag you in very quickly, this is a fast paced read which went in a direction I wasn't expecting and I was guessing different things each chapter, none of which turned out to be correct! I highly recommend this book if you're trying to get out of a reading slump or you want to finish a book in the same day!
To me, this is reminiscent of Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs so if you're a fan of those books definitely consider this one! I will definitely be reading the next few books in the Wayward Children series!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Ahsoka in Books
May 8, 2018
I've been wanting to read this novel for a long time, as Ahsoka Tano is my favorite character from the Clone Wars cartoon, and second-favorite in the entire Star Wars series. (Because General Leia exists.) I picked the book up at a used book store in Oregon when we went home from the holidays, but I've just had so many other things to read. I finally read it for May 4th, Star Wars Day.
I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I've read another book by Johnston, That Inevitable Victorian Thing, which I enjoyed but thought was too fluffy. And comparing this to the last Star Wars book I read - Phasma - this tilts that way too. It's not as fluffy as TIVT - people die, and the Empire is the ever-looming possible doom that it always is - but it just didn't feel as gritty as Phasma did. Perhaps it shouldn't; Phasma is a villain, and her backstory is suitably dark. And Ahsoka, here, is floundering a little in the wake of Order 66, and being alive when none of her compatriots, to her knowledge, are.
I did enjoy learning how she got her lightsabers back, and the story should lead well into the Rebels cartoon, which I have yet to watch.
So I don't know. It was an entertaining book, and it was effective at furthering Ahsoka's story, it just...wasn't quite what I wanted.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I've read another book by Johnston, That Inevitable Victorian Thing, which I enjoyed but thought was too fluffy. And comparing this to the last Star Wars book I read - Phasma - this tilts that way too. It's not as fluffy as TIVT - people die, and the Empire is the ever-looming possible doom that it always is - but it just didn't feel as gritty as Phasma did. Perhaps it shouldn't; Phasma is a villain, and her backstory is suitably dark. And Ahsoka, here, is floundering a little in the wake of Order 66, and being alive when none of her compatriots, to her knowledge, are.
I did enjoy learning how she got her lightsabers back, and the story should lead well into the Rebels cartoon, which I have yet to watch.
So I don't know. It was an entertaining book, and it was effective at furthering Ahsoka's story, it just...wasn't quite what I wanted.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Winning Miss Winthrop (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Carolyn Miller introduces her new series The Regency Brides. In the first book, we are introduced to Catherine Winthrop who has been recovering from feeling rejected by the man who stole her heart and rejected her love, she is finally feeling like she can move on.
When Catherine's father suddenly passes away, she not only loses the only home that she ever knew, but who moves in and takes her father's title? None other than Jonathan Carlew, the man who broke her heart.
With the rumors about Jonathan's birth and being a tradesman find him without the approval of the ladies parents, but now suddenly finding himself well to do and with a title, he now has plenty of prospects for a wife. Jonathan finds that his responsibilities keep him too busy, but also he only thinks of the woman to whom he lost his heart many years ago.
Can time and forgiveness bring them together?
In this novel, we see the value of forgiveness and how holding a grudge can hurt not only ourselves but those around us. It also teaches how we should always take time to listen to those who are precious. to us.
Carolyn Miller has cleverly brought back some of our favorite characters that not only strengthens the storyline but adds some familiarity and nostalgia for her followers who have read her other novels.
This book was an enjoyment to read I look forward to the next in the series "Serena's Secret"
A must-read for those who like to read historical fiction.
When Catherine's father suddenly passes away, she not only loses the only home that she ever knew, but who moves in and takes her father's title? None other than Jonathan Carlew, the man who broke her heart.
With the rumors about Jonathan's birth and being a tradesman find him without the approval of the ladies parents, but now suddenly finding himself well to do and with a title, he now has plenty of prospects for a wife. Jonathan finds that his responsibilities keep him too busy, but also he only thinks of the woman to whom he lost his heart many years ago.
Can time and forgiveness bring them together?
In this novel, we see the value of forgiveness and how holding a grudge can hurt not only ourselves but those around us. It also teaches how we should always take time to listen to those who are precious. to us.
Carolyn Miller has cleverly brought back some of our favorite characters that not only strengthens the storyline but adds some familiarity and nostalgia for her followers who have read her other novels.
This book was an enjoyment to read I look forward to the next in the series "Serena's Secret"
A must-read for those who like to read historical fiction.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019
A Boston doctor moves his family to what is believed to be a quiet town in Maine. He soon discovers that the town has a secret past and supernatural powers. A good horror movie requires an atmosphere and a good movie based on the book makes you want to read the book to see what was left out. Neither requirement is met in this version of "Pet Sematary." The setting of the atmosphere I may have missed due to longer credits attached to "Shazam" that my gig required me to view. When I entered the theater, the family was already in their Maine house. In the short time I was not there, two things were established, the gas trucks that constantly careen through the town, a ominous sign of accidents to come and the family move to Maine to get away from the hustle of the city. The shadow of death could not have come until I was already in the theater. This aspect of the family dynamic was firmly established later when Ellie sees an animal dead on the road. The titular pet cemetary was also introduced while I was in attendance. The directors did not set up any foreboding specters for the cemetary or the family past, a sign of people in need of paying attention to their own creation. Throughout the film, there should be moments that terrify you from Church to the zombie child to Judd's mysteriously dead wife. None of these approach master level suspense.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Adrift (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Sinking ship
#adriftmovie is an uninspiring & disjointed film that fails to stay afloat during its short run time. Have you ever seen the film #Allislost with #robertredford ? if the answer is no waste no time with Adrift & rush out & buy that instead right now, its a #masterpiece & #Adrift is the opposite. So why am I comparing the 2? well 'All Is Lost' not only has a similar story but it does everything Adrift fails at & does it exceptionally well. 'All is lost' manages to tell its tragic tail not only with actual #heart & #soul but fantastically without much dialog too, the cinematography is also stunning & the #bond it successfully helps us build with its main character is tremendous & emotionally powerful. Adrift manages none of this - its told out of chronological order which kills suspense & mystery as well as making the film feel messy, the acting isn't great but that could be down to the atrocious/laughably basic dialog, the #soundtrack makes the tone feel unbalanced & the green screen at times is appalling. Its an ok watch but at a short 1h 30m it drags & by the time we finally get to see the accident I'd lost interest completely. Its a shame because I like #SamClaflin as an actor & there was some nice camera work & some #lovely establishing shots. All in all is a big missed opportunity to give this #heartbreaking #truestory the film it deserves & in the end its a film that just ends up being below average at best. #odeon #odeonlimitless #mondaymotivation #ShaileneWoodley #boobs #movie #filmcritic #cinifile #sad #tragic #filmreview #love #beautiful