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Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Evil Genius in TV
Jun 26, 2018 (Updated Jun 27, 2018)
Evil? Most definitely. Genius? More questionable.
Evil Genius is a 4 part documentary series on Netflix created by Trey Borzillieri and Barbara Schroeder. It covers the 2003 Pizza Bomber Bank Heist that took place in Erie, Pennsylvania, a bizarre case that still has many unanswered questions years later.
The documentary opens very strongly, launching you right into the action and the entire first episode is full of WTF moments. Unfortunately after this, the doc slows right down, from the start of episode 2 right up until the last 15 minutes or so of ep4, which thankfully picks up for a decent revelation that round off the show. Due to the doc only being 4 episodes, it meant that it didn't drag on too much like Making A Murderer did, but it also meant that each episode felt a bit uneven, crammed in places and slow in others.
One major disappointment for me was the fact they never spoke to anyone that was actually working in the bank the day that Brian Wells walked in wearing a collar bomb and robbed it. I felt like this was a huge insight that could have answered lots of questions and was totally missed by the filmmakers.
I sort of felt that they instead spent too much time on Marjory Dhiel-Armstrong and her co-conspirators who were most likely the ones that put the collar on Brian and got him to rob the bank. Sure, their weird back stories are kinda interesting, but the most important part of this story is what happened in and outside of the PNC bank in Erie that day.
The documentary opens very strongly, launching you right into the action and the entire first episode is full of WTF moments. Unfortunately after this, the doc slows right down, from the start of episode 2 right up until the last 15 minutes or so of ep4, which thankfully picks up for a decent revelation that round off the show. Due to the doc only being 4 episodes, it meant that it didn't drag on too much like Making A Murderer did, but it also meant that each episode felt a bit uneven, crammed in places and slow in others.
One major disappointment for me was the fact they never spoke to anyone that was actually working in the bank the day that Brian Wells walked in wearing a collar bomb and robbed it. I felt like this was a huge insight that could have answered lots of questions and was totally missed by the filmmakers.
I sort of felt that they instead spent too much time on Marjory Dhiel-Armstrong and her co-conspirators who were most likely the ones that put the collar on Brian and got him to rob the bank. Sure, their weird back stories are kinda interesting, but the most important part of this story is what happened in and outside of the PNC bank in Erie that day.
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Guarding What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #3) in Books
Apr 28, 2025
a bit slower burn, but very good!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Men of Maddox Security series, but I am reading it after book 4. It doesn't matter though, they kind of run concurrently.
Aubree is happy, running her pizza place. But someone is not happy with her. Enter Boone, close protection specialist. Removing Aubree from the danger was always the plan: falling for her was not.
Like I say, book 3 but reading out of order and I am really REALLY enjoying these! Yes, they follow the same vague plot line. Yes there is immediate attraction on both parts. Yes it's got danger and steam and I really don not care. I'm really emjoying BECAUSE I know what's coming, I can see what's coming at me, and ain't a damn thing I can do about it!
There was a duel threat to Aubree, and while I saw one, I did not see the other, so well played there.
I thought this a bit more of a slower burn, than the others but that's not a bad thing, it just makes them different enough to be interesting.
I liked what Dean does for Boone and Aubree! He can really see what's happening between them, as with all his men and I liked that he isn't punishing his men for falling for their charges!
We catch up with all the guys and there is an introduction to a couple more. Whether they will get books or not, remains to be seen but I liked them!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Since You've Been Gone in Books
Mar 25, 2021
A fun, summery YA read
This is the nineteenth book in my #atozchallenge! I'm challenging myself to read a book from my shelves that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Let's clear those shelves and delve into that backlist!
When Emily's best friend Sloane disappears, right on the cusp of the epic summer they have planned, she feels adrift. Sloane is outgoing while Emily is shy, and she doesn't know what to do without her friend. But then a letter arrives from Sloane, with a list of things Emily should do over the summer, such as "kiss a stranger," "dance until dawn," "hug a Jamie," and more. Very little on the list are things Emily feels comfortable with--they are more Sloane-esque--but she embarks on them anyway, hoping they will bring her friend back. Soon she has the unexpected help of Frank Porter, an upstanding fellow classmate and not normally a friend of hers, and her summer is off to an interesting start.
This is a fun and fluffy book, with a small but lovable cast of characters. I really liked Emily and adored Frank. I especially identified with Emily due to her shyness and her intense dislike of horses. Somehow the crossing items off a list concept was fresh and intriguing here. It's a very summery book, filled with all those fun summery things: ice cream, road trips, pizza parlors, falling in love, and more.
It is a little concerning that no one seems to worry that Sloane and her family has been kidnapped, when she just disappears, but maybe kidnapped people don't have access to stamps?
Overall, this is a sweet book focused on teen friendship. It's cute and romantic and will make you long for warm summer nights and falling in love for the first time.
When Emily's best friend Sloane disappears, right on the cusp of the epic summer they have planned, she feels adrift. Sloane is outgoing while Emily is shy, and she doesn't know what to do without her friend. But then a letter arrives from Sloane, with a list of things Emily should do over the summer, such as "kiss a stranger," "dance until dawn," "hug a Jamie," and more. Very little on the list are things Emily feels comfortable with--they are more Sloane-esque--but she embarks on them anyway, hoping they will bring her friend back. Soon she has the unexpected help of Frank Porter, an upstanding fellow classmate and not normally a friend of hers, and her summer is off to an interesting start.
This is a fun and fluffy book, with a small but lovable cast of characters. I really liked Emily and adored Frank. I especially identified with Emily due to her shyness and her intense dislike of horses. Somehow the crossing items off a list concept was fresh and intriguing here. It's a very summery book, filled with all those fun summery things: ice cream, road trips, pizza parlors, falling in love, and more.
It is a little concerning that no one seems to worry that Sloane and her family has been kidnapped, when she just disappears, but maybe kidnapped people don't have access to stamps?
Overall, this is a sweet book focused on teen friendship. It's cute and romantic and will make you long for warm summer nights and falling in love for the first time.
Nancy Whang recommended Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys in Music (curated)
Mark Arm recommended Abattoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave / Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds in Music (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust in Books
Feb 23, 2024 (Updated Feb 23, 2024)
Mystery Didn’t Quite Work for Me
Summer is winding down soon, which means that the crowds will be disappearing from Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Unfortunately for Delilah O’Leary, she hasn’t earned quite as much as she needs during her deep dish pizza restaurant’s first season opened to survive the coming winter season comfortably. Which means she needs to win the upcoming “Taste of Wisconsin” contest held during the annual Labor Day festival. She’s been trying to prefect her recipe for weeks. However, she is less than thrilled when she learns who the judge is going to be.
All that takes a back seat when someone drops dead in the new juice bar in town. Delilah happens to be on hand, and she can’t help but get involved in the investigation. But can she figure out what happened?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, and was looking forward to returning to the great characters and setting. Unfortunately, the plot tries to do too much. Early on, I was enjoying trying to figure out what was part of the mystery and what was part of any subplots, but when we reached the climax, things were just too rushed because of everything else going on. In fact, it felt like the mystery was undercooked overall, and I was left with a major question about why a character did what they did. Which is a shame because the characters and setting were great once again. I love Delilah and the rest of the crew, and I’d love to visit the town. There are some fun laughs, including in the recipes. Seriously, they are written by some of the characters, and they are great. I already have book three, so hopefully, the plot is stronger in that one.
All that takes a back seat when someone drops dead in the new juice bar in town. Delilah happens to be on hand, and she can’t help but get involved in the investigation. But can she figure out what happened?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, and was looking forward to returning to the great characters and setting. Unfortunately, the plot tries to do too much. Early on, I was enjoying trying to figure out what was part of the mystery and what was part of any subplots, but when we reached the climax, things were just too rushed because of everything else going on. In fact, it felt like the mystery was undercooked overall, and I was left with a major question about why a character did what they did. Which is a shame because the characters and setting were great once again. I love Delilah and the rest of the crew, and I’d love to visit the town. There are some fun laughs, including in the recipes. Seriously, they are written by some of the characters, and they are great. I already have book three, so hopefully, the plot is stronger in that one.
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated The Dream Runner in Books
Dec 19, 2017
Contains spoilers, click to show
DEFINITELY DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
Hmmmm.... I am of a mixed mind about this book. First of all -- my very first thought? It ended much too abruptly. I was reading right along, and all of a sudden, I turn the page expecting to see the next paragraph and see "Thank you so much for reading 'The Dream Runner' by Kerry Schafer!"
What what?!?!
Totally threw me off... completely. I realize this was a novella AND part of a series to boot, but still... very disappointing ending.
On the plus side of things, the premise for the book was pretty great. Custom-tailored dreams, made to order? Piping hot, fresh, and delivered in 40 minutes or less or its free? (Wait... is that pizza?)
Still. Very cool. I even really like the mystery surrounding the Dream Merchant. But Jesse is not a great protagonist. I felt no empathy for her at all. She suffered a terrible loss as a teenager, but her reaction to it is so far BEYOND extreme... she literally terrorizes her ex lover every night in her custom dream world because he killed her father in a complete freak accident to which he could not POSSIBLY have changed the outcome. Even at the end, when she has her big moment of honesty and self-realization... yeah. It actually made me like her even less.
Furthermore, some of the scenes in the book were very "out of left field" and felt very forced. There was no reason for them at all. It was as though the author thought, 'Hmmmm...maybe people would enjoy this more if I threw some obligatory sex in there. Or at least hint at it.' But it is very clumsily done and adds nothing to the story.
However, all that being said, this was by no means the worst book I have ever read. With a lot of work, I think this could potentially be turned around and made into a great series.
Hmmmm.... I am of a mixed mind about this book. First of all -- my very first thought? It ended much too abruptly. I was reading right along, and all of a sudden, I turn the page expecting to see the next paragraph and see "Thank you so much for reading 'The Dream Runner' by Kerry Schafer!"
What what?!?!
Totally threw me off... completely. I realize this was a novella AND part of a series to boot, but still... very disappointing ending.
On the plus side of things, the premise for the book was pretty great. Custom-tailored dreams, made to order? Piping hot, fresh, and delivered in 40 minutes or less or its free? (Wait... is that pizza?)
Still. Very cool. I even really like the mystery surrounding the Dream Merchant. But Jesse is not a great protagonist. I felt no empathy for her at all. She suffered a terrible loss as a teenager, but her reaction to it is so far BEYOND extreme... she literally terrorizes her ex lover every night in her custom dream world because he killed her father in a complete freak accident to which he could not POSSIBLY have changed the outcome. Even at the end, when she has her big moment of honesty and self-realization... yeah. It actually made me like her even less.
Furthermore, some of the scenes in the book were very "out of left field" and felt very forced. There was no reason for them at all. It was as though the author thought, 'Hmmmm...maybe people would enjoy this more if I threw some obligatory sex in there. Or at least hint at it.' But it is very clumsily done and adds nothing to the story.
However, all that being said, this was by no means the worst book I have ever read. With a lot of work, I think this could potentially be turned around and made into a great series.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Terrifier (2017) in Movies
Sep 9, 2019
When two women see a creepy clown in a pizza place they soon find themselves fighting for their livers in an abandoned building.
Terrifier could easily be mistaken for an 80’s or 90’s slasher movie as Art the Clown (never actually named in the film) cut’s, stabs, shoots and strangles his way through the rest of the cast using a variety of different weapons. Art the Clown seems to stand out in a genre that could almost be called over saturated, he speaks less than either Mike Myers or Jason Voorhees but carries out his kills with a comedic joy that almost matches Freddy Kruger, acting out his pleasure through mime which seems to intensify the silence he exudes.
The film seems to have a homemade feel about it, that’s not saying that it seems cheap but that the cast seem to get along well and that it could almost be something that was shot for fun by a group of friends in the same way the ‘Evil Dead’ or the original ‘Night of the Living Dead’ was. This is helped by a small cast and limited locations.
Being a slasher there is, of course; blood, violence, screaming and a bit of nudity but no sex, in fact the reason one character gets involved it to avoid being in the room with a couple who are getting amorous. Art dispatched his victims in a number of ways, most of which have been done before, after all there are only so many ways to stab or shoot someone, however, Art brings a joyfulness to his actions and, although I have already compared him to Freddy Kruger, Art seems to really see a funny side to what he is doing unlike Freddy who just enjoys the kill.
I have seen that there is a sequel slated for 2020 and given the being/end of Terrifier I think that is could be very interesting.
Terrifier could easily be mistaken for an 80’s or 90’s slasher movie as Art the Clown (never actually named in the film) cut’s, stabs, shoots and strangles his way through the rest of the cast using a variety of different weapons. Art the Clown seems to stand out in a genre that could almost be called over saturated, he speaks less than either Mike Myers or Jason Voorhees but carries out his kills with a comedic joy that almost matches Freddy Kruger, acting out his pleasure through mime which seems to intensify the silence he exudes.
The film seems to have a homemade feel about it, that’s not saying that it seems cheap but that the cast seem to get along well and that it could almost be something that was shot for fun by a group of friends in the same way the ‘Evil Dead’ or the original ‘Night of the Living Dead’ was. This is helped by a small cast and limited locations.
Being a slasher there is, of course; blood, violence, screaming and a bit of nudity but no sex, in fact the reason one character gets involved it to avoid being in the room with a couple who are getting amorous. Art dispatched his victims in a number of ways, most of which have been done before, after all there are only so many ways to stab or shoot someone, however, Art brings a joyfulness to his actions and, although I have already compared him to Freddy Kruger, Art seems to really see a funny side to what he is doing unlike Freddy who just enjoys the kill.
I have seen that there is a sequel slated for 2020 and given the being/end of Terrifier I think that is could be very interesting.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Party in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Being a teenager is hard. You believe that all the events that are taking place now are going to be the end all of your life, but it's just the beginning of life. For Hannah, she wants to be a part of the cool kids so bad, she decides to invite a couple to her modest 16th birthday party. Nothing extravagant, just a few teenage girls in the basement for pizza and sleepover, what could go wrong? But when an unfortunate accident leaves one girl badly injured, the whole school will be turned upside down.
Hannah and Ronnie had been friends when they were little. As they grew older, they grew apart. Now Ronnie is part of the popular crew at school and Hannah is dating a popular boy, but still has her more down to earth friends as well. When her two worlds come together at her birthday party, chaos ensues. Given the house rules, everyone at the birthday party breaks them. They drink, take drugs, invite boys over and Ronnie gets seriously injured. After the incident, Hannah is torn between wanting to retain her popularity and keeping her friendship with Ronnie.
What would you do if a child was seriously injured while in your care? What if their parents wanted to ruin you financially, no matter how the child felt about it?
For me, I wasn't sure whose side I was on in this book. I knew I was on the side of the kids. I was a young dumb kid at one point in my life, doing all the things these kids did at this sleepover. The kids understood that what they did was wrong and dumb and that they had to deal with the consequences of their actions. I don't think that I met any people who have turned on their friends the way the kids in this book do. If something happened to my child at a party, I don't know if I would try and get money out of the other family. I don't think I could do that. But I've never been in that situation.
Hannah and Ronnie had been friends when they were little. As they grew older, they grew apart. Now Ronnie is part of the popular crew at school and Hannah is dating a popular boy, but still has her more down to earth friends as well. When her two worlds come together at her birthday party, chaos ensues. Given the house rules, everyone at the birthday party breaks them. They drink, take drugs, invite boys over and Ronnie gets seriously injured. After the incident, Hannah is torn between wanting to retain her popularity and keeping her friendship with Ronnie.
What would you do if a child was seriously injured while in your care? What if their parents wanted to ruin you financially, no matter how the child felt about it?
For me, I wasn't sure whose side I was on in this book. I knew I was on the side of the kids. I was a young dumb kid at one point in my life, doing all the things these kids did at this sleepover. The kids understood that what they did was wrong and dumb and that they had to deal with the consequences of their actions. I don't think that I met any people who have turned on their friends the way the kids in this book do. If something happened to my child at a party, I don't know if I would try and get money out of the other family. I don't think I could do that. But I've never been in that situation.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Toy Story (1995) in Movies
Jan 22, 2018
Classic
Toy Story's magic amazingly manages to hold decades after its 1995 release. Woody (Tom Hanks), a toy cowboy, is used to being king of the roost in owner Andy's home. When a shiny new toy shows up by the name of Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Buzz and Woody have to figure out a way to coexist in Andy's room.
While the movie largely revolves around the big characters of Buzz and Woody, Toy Story would be nothing without the rest of its fun and lovable crew. My personal favorite was Rex (Wallace Shawn) a T-Rex scared of disappointing any and everyone. His numerous moments of distress keep the comedy level ramped up. He is the antithesis of a film that stresses living in the now as he is always worried about what's going to happen next.
It's an adventure that takes you all over the place while breaking animation barriers in the process. You'll explore an exciting world through the eyes of tiny toys where everything is much bigger. From racing through Pizza Planet and escaping "The Claw" (Ohhhhhhh) to harrowing escapes from attack dogs and evil neighbor kids, you're never bored from one moment to the next. Seriously, what's not to like?
There are so many classic scenes, it's hard to keep track. One scene in particular saw Woody trying to communicate with the other toys from neighbor Sid's window. He's trying to prove that Buzz is still alive but only has Buzz's arm. All hell breaks loose when the other toys realize the truth. The scene is less than two minutes, but easily one of the most memorable.
I saw this film for the first time when I was eleven and the message was lost on me then. Years later, it's staring me dead in the face: It's about not trying to be something you aren't but rather focusing on being the best YOU you can be. It's a magical film that takes us back to a time before video games were everything. The first of one of the best trilogies ever done, I give it a solid 98.
While the movie largely revolves around the big characters of Buzz and Woody, Toy Story would be nothing without the rest of its fun and lovable crew. My personal favorite was Rex (Wallace Shawn) a T-Rex scared of disappointing any and everyone. His numerous moments of distress keep the comedy level ramped up. He is the antithesis of a film that stresses living in the now as he is always worried about what's going to happen next.
It's an adventure that takes you all over the place while breaking animation barriers in the process. You'll explore an exciting world through the eyes of tiny toys where everything is much bigger. From racing through Pizza Planet and escaping "The Claw" (Ohhhhhhh) to harrowing escapes from attack dogs and evil neighbor kids, you're never bored from one moment to the next. Seriously, what's not to like?
There are so many classic scenes, it's hard to keep track. One scene in particular saw Woody trying to communicate with the other toys from neighbor Sid's window. He's trying to prove that Buzz is still alive but only has Buzz's arm. All hell breaks loose when the other toys realize the truth. The scene is less than two minutes, but easily one of the most memorable.
I saw this film for the first time when I was eleven and the message was lost on me then. Years later, it's staring me dead in the face: It's about not trying to be something you aren't but rather focusing on being the best YOU you can be. It's a magical film that takes us back to a time before video games were everything. The first of one of the best trilogies ever done, I give it a solid 98.