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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Seed of Chucky (2004) in Movies
Nov 26, 2019 (Updated Jan 7, 2020)
What even is this film!?
Seed of Chucky is the fifth in the Child's Play series, and definitely is the peak of absurdity in this particular franchise.
After writing the first four, Don Mancini steps behind the camera for the first time to direct this entry, and it's crystal clear he wanted to take it into comedic territory, and honestly, it works for the most part.
A lot of Seed is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh.
Chucky plans to transfer his soul into Redman of all people, Britney Spears gets blown up, there's a live ventriloquist competition that looks more jumping than a metal concert, there's a member of S Club 7 in it, Jennifer Tilly, John Waters, Redman, and Jason Flemyng (because why the hell not) all play themselves - I could go on.
Jennifer Tilly especially deserves credit, as her willingness to poke fun at herself is a big part of what makes this film fun.
Billy Boyd voices Glen/Glenda, the spawn of Chucky, and that's also just ridiculous as it sounds.
Seed has some genuinely nice gore effects going on but as a horror film, it's rubbish. Nothing scary happens at all. But as an all out, stupid comedy with horror leanings, it hard not to like.
I love the more unsettling Chucky of the first two movies, and would take him over the quippy Chucky of the later movies - a huge reason why I didn't care much for Bride of Chucky - but when it's this over the top, I can get on board without too much fuss.
After writing the first four, Don Mancini steps behind the camera for the first time to direct this entry, and it's crystal clear he wanted to take it into comedic territory, and honestly, it works for the most part.
A lot of Seed is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh.
Chucky plans to transfer his soul into Redman of all people, Britney Spears gets blown up, there's a live ventriloquist competition that looks more jumping than a metal concert, there's a member of S Club 7 in it, Jennifer Tilly, John Waters, Redman, and Jason Flemyng (because why the hell not) all play themselves - I could go on.
Jennifer Tilly especially deserves credit, as her willingness to poke fun at herself is a big part of what makes this film fun.
Billy Boyd voices Glen/Glenda, the spawn of Chucky, and that's also just ridiculous as it sounds.
Seed has some genuinely nice gore effects going on but as a horror film, it's rubbish. Nothing scary happens at all. But as an all out, stupid comedy with horror leanings, it hard not to like.
I love the more unsettling Chucky of the first two movies, and would take him over the quippy Chucky of the later movies - a huge reason why I didn't care much for Bride of Chucky - but when it's this over the top, I can get on board without too much fuss.
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Jigsaw (2017) in Movies
Oct 7, 2019
275. Jigsaw. Yea, I'm just about a full year late on this one. I wanted to see it, just got put on the back burner and forgotten, sorry Tobin. So somewhere along the way I was lead to believe this was a prequel. Well, it wasn't. Not sure why they changed the name to Jigsaw and not just Saw VIII. Several of the chapters took place after the death of John Kramer. Is it because the previous one was "The Final Chapter"... Friday the 13th did two final chapters, lol. So really there wasn't anything new to this one. I mean the trailers give away the most of the movie, so... We are lead to believe Jigsaw has a new game going, even though he's been a corpse for a decade, cops are baffled, bodies are piling up, who the hell could it be??? And if you are a fan of the series, c'mon you got this, the last one ended with Jigsaw having a cult like following, the audience knows he is very much indeed dead, and its been a common theme, that John is really just a guy there to help you... Help him, help you!!! And he once in awhile takes someone under his wing... duh... Amanda, Hoffman, and of course Dr. Gordon (I was kinda dissappointed he didnt pop up in there) But all in all... Jigsaw was a pretty cool blood fest, and sequel... you may disagree... but this is mainly for me... Filmbufftim on FB
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Lost (Jonah Colley #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
Oh my goodness!! This is one of my reads of 2021; it grabbed me round the neck from page 1 and didn't let go right to the very end.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Debbiereadsbook (1407 KP) rated Little Treasure He Hides (Little Paws Haven #1) in Books
Aug 18, 2022
Loved this!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first in a new series between this pair of authors, and by gosh, it's so good!
Gabai wasn't too impressive when he first meets Asher, but the big bear Daddy does redeem himself once he gets his head out his ass and realise just what Asher needs, not what Gabai does.
Asher's pain is so deep, you can almost taste it. Once we get the full story about why Ash (and I loved that Gabai shortened his name, but no one else could get away with that!) you can understand why he doesn't like to be touched, and just why he hates being called boy.
The way Gabai deals with the perpetrator of the damage to the club shows how much he cares about the Littles in his club, even if he can't be their chief hugger now Ash is about.
I loved that, once he gets Ash, Gabai lets Ash set the pace to bring his little out once more. The little steps are important, they start a big journey, and Ash and Gabai have a wonderful start to that journey now.
Lots of characters who need stories, there is bit at the end of this one for the next story, but I'm not sure if I put things together right so we'll wait, very impatiently, for the next book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the first in a new series between this pair of authors, and by gosh, it's so good!
Gabai wasn't too impressive when he first meets Asher, but the big bear Daddy does redeem himself once he gets his head out his ass and realise just what Asher needs, not what Gabai does.
Asher's pain is so deep, you can almost taste it. Once we get the full story about why Ash (and I loved that Gabai shortened his name, but no one else could get away with that!) you can understand why he doesn't like to be touched, and just why he hates being called boy.
The way Gabai deals with the perpetrator of the damage to the club shows how much he cares about the Littles in his club, even if he can't be their chief hugger now Ash is about.
I loved that, once he gets Ash, Gabai lets Ash set the pace to bring his little out once more. The little steps are important, they start a big journey, and Ash and Gabai have a wonderful start to that journey now.
Lots of characters who need stories, there is bit at the end of this one for the next story, but I'm not sure if I put things together right so we'll wait, very impatiently, for the next book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Orphan (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
For the Coleman family the idea of adopting a beautiful little Russian orphan girl is no easy task, having overcome a number of heart breaking obstacles from alcoholism to the loss of a child. But Ester (Isabelle Fuhrman) seems to be a perfect fit for the family; she is independent, clever, and interested in the arts. When a series of dangerous yet untraceable events begin to occur whenever Ester is around, the Coleman’s wonder if their bad luck is over.
When I entered the theater I expected a creepy female version of Damien adorned in a lacey Victorian dress. But “Orphan” was surprising and interesting in ways than I ever could have expected. More like the 2002 film “He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not” than part of the “Omen” series, “Orphan” packs a punch… and a stab and a gunshot or two.
The full-bodied story starts straight from the films shocking beginning. Yes at times the plot does take some significant suspended belief, a recently recovering alcoholic adopting a child, for instance.
But “Orphan” is an emotional roller coaster splicing unexpected comedic moments with stabbing suspense.
The mix of hauntingly familiar music and color filled imagery make this not just another suspense film but a more artistic take on the genre. Film themes range from love, trust, and childhood, to the ongoing questions of good and evil.
Additionally reoccurring use of color, sex, and connection to family are well woven into the film. Not to mention the use of classic horror elements such as the creepy tree house used in conjunction with newer style choices such as some subtitling and scare turned laughter moments.
A thrilling and full-bodied story “Orphan” is a chilling tale with an interesting while not entirely believable plotline. People will talk about this one.
The DVD release offers sharp sound and picture quality and numerous bonus features including an alternate ending to the film.
When I entered the theater I expected a creepy female version of Damien adorned in a lacey Victorian dress. But “Orphan” was surprising and interesting in ways than I ever could have expected. More like the 2002 film “He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not” than part of the “Omen” series, “Orphan” packs a punch… and a stab and a gunshot or two.
The full-bodied story starts straight from the films shocking beginning. Yes at times the plot does take some significant suspended belief, a recently recovering alcoholic adopting a child, for instance.
But “Orphan” is an emotional roller coaster splicing unexpected comedic moments with stabbing suspense.
The mix of hauntingly familiar music and color filled imagery make this not just another suspense film but a more artistic take on the genre. Film themes range from love, trust, and childhood, to the ongoing questions of good and evil.
Additionally reoccurring use of color, sex, and connection to family are well woven into the film. Not to mention the use of classic horror elements such as the creepy tree house used in conjunction with newer style choices such as some subtitling and scare turned laughter moments.
A thrilling and full-bodied story “Orphan” is a chilling tale with an interesting while not entirely believable plotline. People will talk about this one.
The DVD release offers sharp sound and picture quality and numerous bonus features including an alternate ending to the film.
Merissa (12660 KP) rated Air Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy #2) in Books
May 29, 2023
AIR WITCH is the second book in the Witches of Westwood Academy series and, although it follows on from Water Witch, you could read it as a standalone and still understand the story.
Maia is the poor little rich girl (her words, not mine) with issues at home she won't tell anyone about, plus she is getting grief from one of the Assistants. She wants to get perfect grades so she can stay on at school and not become a magical battery for the male half of her family to leech from. Enoch Zell is the assistant who keeps on giving her B's instead of A's, thus lowering her overall grade.
I loved the magical side of it, although I would have liked to have known more about Maia's talents of her own, not just when she is with Enoch. I liked how she was sent to school to become powerful enough so she could be drained, but not too powerful to break free. I also loved the idea of the perfume and how that worked!
The relationship with Enoch was a bit abrupt. We get told time has passed with nothing but snark between them. Along comes Enid and he is there in the dorm room, which Maia vacates. Then... one meeting on a rooftop and it's all on. It just seemed rather quick to me, with nothing much building up to it.
Saying that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and being back in the Academy. Along with the Meriweathers, I really hope those Professors were looked at too! A great addition to the series and I look forward to Fire Witch. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2023
Maia is the poor little rich girl (her words, not mine) with issues at home she won't tell anyone about, plus she is getting grief from one of the Assistants. She wants to get perfect grades so she can stay on at school and not become a magical battery for the male half of her family to leech from. Enoch Zell is the assistant who keeps on giving her B's instead of A's, thus lowering her overall grade.
I loved the magical side of it, although I would have liked to have known more about Maia's talents of her own, not just when she is with Enoch. I liked how she was sent to school to become powerful enough so she could be drained, but not too powerful to break free. I also loved the idea of the perfume and how that worked!
The relationship with Enoch was a bit abrupt. We get told time has passed with nothing but snark between them. Along comes Enid and he is there in the dorm room, which Maia vacates. Then... one meeting on a rooftop and it's all on. It just seemed rather quick to me, with nothing much building up to it.
Saying that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and being back in the Academy. Along with the Meriweathers, I really hope those Professors were looked at too! A great addition to the series and I look forward to Fire Witch. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2023
Merissa (12660 KP) rated Caressed by the Edge of Darkness (Rulers of Darkness #5) in Books
Dec 20, 2017
Caressed by the Edge of Darkness (Rulers of Darkness #5) by Amanda J. Greene
Caressed by the Edge of Darkness is the fifth book in the Rulers of Darkness series, and it is time for Gabriel's story. He became obsessed by Jordan when he first saw her, and tried to preempt her abduction by Boras. When he failed at that, he was desperate to find her. Now Jordan is not your typical wilting wallflower. She was raised as a hunter and is capable of protecting herself. However, her abductors decide to drug her to keep her pliant, and even she can't fight that.
I love a tortured hero, and you don't get more tortured than Gabriel. Once you read about his past, you understand why he is the way he is. Jordan is his perfect match, if he would just trust himself. These two constantly spark off each other, making this a fun read. It is also sexy, with plenty of steamy times. We also get cameo appearances from Dimitri and Kerstyn, and hints towards Gannon and Silvie.
This book is an amazing read, but the one thing that detracts from it is the editing and grammatical errors. Spelling errors are sprinkled throughout, which is a shame because the story itself is wonderful. I would recommend this book, and series, but only if you can skim over errors without them affecting your enjoyment of the story.
* 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!
I love a tortured hero, and you don't get more tortured than Gabriel. Once you read about his past, you understand why he is the way he is. Jordan is his perfect match, if he would just trust himself. These two constantly spark off each other, making this a fun read. It is also sexy, with plenty of steamy times. We also get cameo appearances from Dimitri and Kerstyn, and hints towards Gannon and Silvie.
This book is an amazing read, but the one thing that detracts from it is the editing and grammatical errors. Spelling errors are sprinkled throughout, which is a shame because the story itself is wonderful. I would recommend this book, and series, but only if you can skim over errors without them affecting your enjoyment of the story.
* 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!
Merissa (12660 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Bryce (Highland Gargoyles #3) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Bryce (Highland Gargoyles #3)
Knights of Stone: Bryce is the third book in the Highland Gargoyles series. It features the second oldest of the brothers, who is also second in command. On a return trip from the Highlands, Bryce feels like he is being watched. With strange rumours of people being attacked, he is on his guard. What he finds though, was not what he expected. He finds a young Gargoyle woman, alone and traumatised, although still feisty as hell! When she tells him her story, he knows that the clan his mother and father belong to must be informed, otherwise all Gargoyles are in danger. He tries to ignore his protective instinct, which is going off the charts since he met Mairi.
Well, Bryce may have tried, but we all know how these things work. He didn't have a cat in hell's chance of withstanding the pull of Mairi, even if she wasn't actually doing anything! This book is full of action, although only one 'steamy' scene Bryce and Mairi. With demons to fight, brothers to contend with, and a protective instinct to overcome, Bryce has his hands full. This book felt very balanced, with equal time being given to Mairi and Bryce. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and one scene flowed into the other. This is turning out to be a wonderful series, with excellent world building and characters. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Well, Bryce may have tried, but we all know how these things work. He didn't have a cat in hell's chance of withstanding the pull of Mairi, even if she wasn't actually doing anything! This book is full of action, although only one 'steamy' scene Bryce and Mairi. With demons to fight, brothers to contend with, and a protective instinct to overcome, Bryce has his hands full. This book felt very balanced, with equal time being given to Mairi and Bryce. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and one scene flowed into the other. This is turning out to be a wonderful series, with excellent world building and characters. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I adored this book.
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crimson Shore (Pendergast, #15) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I always look forward to a new Pendergast adventure, and was so excited to read this one! It started out as any mystery might - Agent Pendergast is hired to find out who broke into a lighthouse-turned-residence and made off with the owner's extensive wine collection. He wouldn't normally be bothered with anything so mundane, but there is a rare bottle of wine to be had if he can find the thieves.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.