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Sarah (126 KP) rated The Sinner - Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
Good - but ultimately dissatisfying
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what made this into an OK, but not great, series.
The storyline was certainly compelling - a seemingly random and mindless act of violence committed by an outwardly "normal" wife and mother, and one man's mission to find out what was truly behind it.
However, it just lacked something.
I couldn't bring myself to feel for Cora, the female lead played by Jessica Biel. The character had nothing about her - or her entire family, for that matter - that made me want to empathise with her and I didn't feel vested in the outcome for any of them.
The story seemed to drag on and on, with certain elements just going nowhere.
Bill Pullman's character clearly has something more going on, but that's never really truly explained or delved into in any great detail to show us why he is the way he is.
The ending was a complete letdown.
The series felt like it had so much potential, but was marred by the fact that the writing was all over the place. Much of the storyline was presented in the form of flashbacks - which can often (as was the case here) be annoying if not done incredibly well - and so much of the characterisation was superficial. Ultimately, the whole thing was rather unsatisfying, and left me feeling "so what?".
But, that didn't stop me from watching Series 2...
The storyline was certainly compelling - a seemingly random and mindless act of violence committed by an outwardly "normal" wife and mother, and one man's mission to find out what was truly behind it.
However, it just lacked something.
I couldn't bring myself to feel for Cora, the female lead played by Jessica Biel. The character had nothing about her - or her entire family, for that matter - that made me want to empathise with her and I didn't feel vested in the outcome for any of them.
The story seemed to drag on and on, with certain elements just going nowhere.
Bill Pullman's character clearly has something more going on, but that's never really truly explained or delved into in any great detail to show us why he is the way he is.
The ending was a complete letdown.
The series felt like it had so much potential, but was marred by the fact that the writing was all over the place. Much of the storyline was presented in the form of flashbacks - which can often (as was the case here) be annoying if not done incredibly well - and so much of the characterisation was superficial. Ultimately, the whole thing was rather unsatisfying, and left me feeling "so what?".
But, that didn't stop me from watching Series 2...
After the Rain
6.0
Rate It
Book
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Adventures of Winnie #2 in Books
Sep 20, 2022
169 of 230
Kindle
The Advetures of Winnie book 2
By Kelly A Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My world turned upside down the day six guys, who used to be animals, showed up unexpectedly. My hexad is here, in my world, but not for long. Together, the seven of us have to venture back to Hundred Acres and save their parents and every other paranormal creature out there from Huff.
The problem?
We have no idea how to do either of these things. My mom has come back with us to help but, instead of answering questions, she brings up a whole list of new ones. One thing we do learn is a bond cannot be pushed. The connections I have to each of them is growing, but to force them only leads to disaster.
Can we figure out how to break the curse before it’s too late? Did bringing in my mom help or hinder us? The biggest question of all is: where is Ezra?
This is definitely a quirky book to read and certainly will have you seeing the friends of the 100 acre wood differently! It was a fun little read but didn’t hold as much fun as book 1! If you’re looking for a quick quirky read I’d give it a go although book 3 is still nowhere to be found!
Kindle
The Advetures of Winnie book 2
By Kelly A Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️
My world turned upside down the day six guys, who used to be animals, showed up unexpectedly. My hexad is here, in my world, but not for long. Together, the seven of us have to venture back to Hundred Acres and save their parents and every other paranormal creature out there from Huff.
The problem?
We have no idea how to do either of these things. My mom has come back with us to help but, instead of answering questions, she brings up a whole list of new ones. One thing we do learn is a bond cannot be pushed. The connections I have to each of them is growing, but to force them only leads to disaster.
Can we figure out how to break the curse before it’s too late? Did bringing in my mom help or hinder us? The biggest question of all is: where is Ezra?
This is definitely a quirky book to read and certainly will have you seeing the friends of the 100 acre wood differently! It was a fun little read but didn’t hold as much fun as book 1! If you’re looking for a quick quirky read I’d give it a go although book 3 is still nowhere to be found!
What Would Beyonce Do?
Book
You know when you find yourself approaching thirty and your dreams are broken? You've got a temping...
WW
What Would Beyonce Do?!
Book
You know when you find yourself approaching thirty and your dreams are broken? You've got a temping...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Abandon (Abandon, #1) in Books
Sep 5, 2019
3.5 stars.
I had no idea what to expect with this book as the synopsis was a little vague and I have to say now, slightly false.
The way it was written near the start was intriguing, trying to figure out what had happened between Pierce and John in the Underworld when only being given quick peeks here and there and it grabbed my attention. But then when the style continued throughout, going to past situations where John had turned up, it started to annoy me a little.
I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship because it did sort of appear out of nowhere. I can understand John's feelings because he'd met her before and been keeping her safe for the past two years but Pierce was afraid of him during that time so her feelings are a bit doubtful, if you ask me.
I did like John, though he acted a little moody throughout when we read about him. And Pierce, well, she was a bit annoying in places.
I have to admit though I think I will continue the trilogy.
I had no idea what to expect with this book as the synopsis was a little vague and I have to say now, slightly false.
The way it was written near the start was intriguing, trying to figure out what had happened between Pierce and John in the Underworld when only being given quick peeks here and there and it grabbed my attention. But then when the style continued throughout, going to past situations where John had turned up, it started to annoy me a little.
I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship because it did sort of appear out of nowhere. I can understand John's feelings because he'd met her before and been keeping her safe for the past two years but Pierce was afraid of him during that time so her feelings are a bit doubtful, if you ask me.
I did like John, though he acted a little moody throughout when we read about him. And Pierce, well, she was a bit annoying in places.
I have to admit though I think I will continue the trilogy.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Evil Dead II (1987) in Movies
Feb 9, 2022
Let's not beat around the bush here, Evil Dead II is quite simply, one of the best horror movies ever made.
Picking up immediately after the first one concludes, the narrative dives headfirst into another night of chaos for Ash Williams, stuck in a possessed cabin in the middle of nowhere. The breakneck pacing never relents, ensuring that the entire runtime is horrifically entertaining. The serious tone of the first isn't completely replaced, but a dark, slapstick-comedy coat of paint is laid on thick, and it works perfectly with just how absurd proceedings become. This aspect is also bolstered by Bruce Campbell. He manages to be a badass protagonist, but his physical comedy performance is perfectly on point, and his descent into utter madness is well realised. The physical effects work is nothing short of spectacular, and Raimis unique shooting style benefits from a bigger budget.
Evil Dead II is a true, all-time horror great. It's frequently hilarious, flat out ridiculous, has generous lashings of gore, and still manages to deliver some solid scares in spite of its goofiness.
Absolutely. Fucking. Perfect.
Picking up immediately after the first one concludes, the narrative dives headfirst into another night of chaos for Ash Williams, stuck in a possessed cabin in the middle of nowhere. The breakneck pacing never relents, ensuring that the entire runtime is horrifically entertaining. The serious tone of the first isn't completely replaced, but a dark, slapstick-comedy coat of paint is laid on thick, and it works perfectly with just how absurd proceedings become. This aspect is also bolstered by Bruce Campbell. He manages to be a badass protagonist, but his physical comedy performance is perfectly on point, and his descent into utter madness is well realised. The physical effects work is nothing short of spectacular, and Raimis unique shooting style benefits from a bigger budget.
Evil Dead II is a true, all-time horror great. It's frequently hilarious, flat out ridiculous, has generous lashings of gore, and still manages to deliver some solid scares in spite of its goofiness.
Absolutely. Fucking. Perfect.
Merissa (11925 KP) rated A Little Christmas: Danny in Books
Dec 19, 2022
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS: DANNY takes a leaf out of Cinderella's story. Danny was the pampered prince until his parents died and, according to the Will, left him nothing. However, Danny doesn't believe that and will stay, to the detriment of his health, to try and find the proper Will. Danny's uncle Josiah and his boy, Billy, do everything they can to make him leave but Danny is stubborn.
I loved this story! Danny is a sweetheart with a spine of steel. I know he thinks he has nowhere else to go, but to stay there and suffer the abuse as he did... wow. Romeo is caring and concerned about Danny. He can't believe that the other members of this so-called exclusive club could turn their back on him. He does have a wobble but, ultimately, he comes through.
I adored Romeo and his friends. I loved the whole story but after reading about Griff, Jem, etc., I need to find out which books they are in by this author. Josiah and Billy got what they deserved as far as I am concerned!
A brilliant addition to the series, and HIGHLY 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!
I loved this story! Danny is a sweetheart with a spine of steel. I know he thinks he has nowhere else to go, but to stay there and suffer the abuse as he did... wow. Romeo is caring and concerned about Danny. He can't believe that the other members of this so-called exclusive club could turn their back on him. He does have a wobble but, ultimately, he comes through.
I adored Romeo and his friends. I loved the whole story but after reading about Griff, Jem, etc., I need to find out which books they are in by this author. Josiah and Billy got what they deserved as far as I am concerned!
A brilliant addition to the series, and HIGHLY 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!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Fast & Furious 9 (2021) in Movies
Jun 26, 2021
Jesus Christ, this is definitely in the running for the silliest film I've ever seen.
F9 contains everything you would expect from this franchise - big set pieces, defiant feats of physics, obnoxious music intervals, Vin Diesel inaudibly talking about family, increasingly Bond-level villains, a tiny bit of actual racing, a character who is dead not actually being dead, barbeques and Corona, and vague references to what Paul Walker's character is currently up to off screen.
It goes bigger on almost every aspect than it has before, and it's once again a mixed bag. Some of the action scenes are so, so ridiculous, especially a scene during the big finale that involves Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson (no spoilers here), but these moments are bogged down by a whole lot of nothing, providing an unnecessarily padded out runtime that makes the movie feel like a drag on more than one occasion. It overestimates how much the audience actually cares about the characters. But not to worry, at one point Vin Diesel downs a plane by throwing a truck at it, so you know, swings and roundabouts.
There's a whole heap of nonsense absolutely caking what is an enjoyable enough Fast & Furious movie. Nowhere near the best in the series, but a fun time if you can stay awake until the final third.
F9 contains everything you would expect from this franchise - big set pieces, defiant feats of physics, obnoxious music intervals, Vin Diesel inaudibly talking about family, increasingly Bond-level villains, a tiny bit of actual racing, a character who is dead not actually being dead, barbeques and Corona, and vague references to what Paul Walker's character is currently up to off screen.
It goes bigger on almost every aspect than it has before, and it's once again a mixed bag. Some of the action scenes are so, so ridiculous, especially a scene during the big finale that involves Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson (no spoilers here), but these moments are bogged down by a whole lot of nothing, providing an unnecessarily padded out runtime that makes the movie feel like a drag on more than one occasion. It overestimates how much the audience actually cares about the characters. But not to worry, at one point Vin Diesel downs a plane by throwing a truck at it, so you know, swings and roundabouts.
There's a whole heap of nonsense absolutely caking what is an enjoyable enough Fast & Furious movie. Nowhere near the best in the series, but a fun time if you can stay awake until the final third.
Fred (860 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
Aug 16, 2019
Burning out my fuse up here alone.
The comparisons to Bohemian Rhapsody are gonna happen. A bio-pic about a famous gay rock singer? Gotta happen. But these films are so different, there really is no comparison. Where B.R. tried to bring us a realistic (but filled with a lot of B.S.) film, Rocketman is more of a musical in every sense. Rami Malek lip-syncs the entire movie, where Taron Egerton actually sings everything. True, Egerton is nowhere near as good a singer as Elton John is (or myself for that matter.) but he does well enough.
The movie reminded me a lot of "Across the Universe", which used songs from The Beatles to tell a story. Although the story itself had nothing to do with the Beatles. This movie uses Elton's songs to tell the story of Elton John himself. Sure, some of the songs are played way before they actually existed, but this was done on purpose, rather than being an actual blooper, like when the same "mistake" was done in B.R. If you're not a fan of Elton John (they exist?), you may not have known how many hit songs he actually had. And if you are an Elton John fan, you'll realize that if they used all of his hits, the movie would be about 6 hours long.
So what is the movie like? Well, it's crazy. Picture Elton's crazy "Pinball Wizard" scene from the Who's "Tommy" film. It's pretty much like that, but even crazier. I found myself smiling & even laughing joyfully at a few scenes. While watching, my wife said that she liked it better than B.R. & I agree with her. In my review of B.R., I mention thatI would probably never watch it again. But I would definitely watch Rocketman again. Such a fun, entertaining film.
The movie reminded me a lot of "Across the Universe", which used songs from The Beatles to tell a story. Although the story itself had nothing to do with the Beatles. This movie uses Elton's songs to tell the story of Elton John himself. Sure, some of the songs are played way before they actually existed, but this was done on purpose, rather than being an actual blooper, like when the same "mistake" was done in B.R. If you're not a fan of Elton John (they exist?), you may not have known how many hit songs he actually had. And if you are an Elton John fan, you'll realize that if they used all of his hits, the movie would be about 6 hours long.
So what is the movie like? Well, it's crazy. Picture Elton's crazy "Pinball Wizard" scene from the Who's "Tommy" film. It's pretty much like that, but even crazier. I found myself smiling & even laughing joyfully at a few scenes. While watching, my wife said that she liked it better than B.R. & I agree with her. In my review of B.R., I mention thatI would probably never watch it again. But I would definitely watch Rocketman again. Such a fun, entertaining film.