Search
Search results
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Fate of the Furious (2017) in Movies
Jun 23, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Hobbs and the family are back to face their most dangerous enemy yet, Dom in the 8th instalment of the 'Fast and Furious' franchise.
Like the last few films in the franchise, Fate tries to go bigger and louder with more action, guns, missiles, tanks and submarines although there is less time spent on the actual cars.
The film adds more of an element of mystery and questions the ties of family more than any of the other films when the team is betrayed by one of their own and they need to find out why,
I think 'Fate' has more stand out scenes than some of the other films in the franchise, mainly (and spoilers here) The prison break and Shaw shooting up the plane whilst carrying the baby.
I feel that we are now getting into the realms of 'more of the same', the first first few films tried to be a bit different but now we are getting 'The family gets hired by someone, mission goes bad, family need to sort it out' and this isn't necessarily a bad thing, trying to keep thing different is what lead to Tokyo drift, which most fans think is the worst of the franchise.
It's also nice knowing what you are going to get , a fast paced action film, with cars that is relatively safe for most people to watch. That is that, although there is some violence and peril, the language it quite tame, the humour is not to crude and, although there are plenty walking around with not much on, the franchise has never fallen into the trap of relying on sex to spice things up. Instead it keeps the pace fast, the story's (relatively) simple and the one liners fun.
Over all Fate of the Furious is a good addition to a franchise that is getting more over the top by the film.
Like the last few films in the franchise, Fate tries to go bigger and louder with more action, guns, missiles, tanks and submarines although there is less time spent on the actual cars.
The film adds more of an element of mystery and questions the ties of family more than any of the other films when the team is betrayed by one of their own and they need to find out why,
I think 'Fate' has more stand out scenes than some of the other films in the franchise, mainly (and spoilers here) The prison break and Shaw shooting up the plane whilst carrying the baby.
I feel that we are now getting into the realms of 'more of the same', the first first few films tried to be a bit different but now we are getting 'The family gets hired by someone, mission goes bad, family need to sort it out' and this isn't necessarily a bad thing, trying to keep thing different is what lead to Tokyo drift, which most fans think is the worst of the franchise.
It's also nice knowing what you are going to get , a fast paced action film, with cars that is relatively safe for most people to watch. That is that, although there is some violence and peril, the language it quite tame, the humour is not to crude and, although there are plenty walking around with not much on, the franchise has never fallen into the trap of relying on sex to spice things up. Instead it keeps the pace fast, the story's (relatively) simple and the one liners fun.
Over all Fate of the Furious is a good addition to a franchise that is getting more over the top by the film.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Gathering Dark in Books
Dec 29, 2020
This is a book I have had on my "to-be-read" pile since August 2020 and given I had a few days off work over the festive season, I decided to try and catch up a bit ... one down and loads more to go!
I have read and enjoyed a couple of Candice Fox's books before so was looking forward to reading this new story set in America and although I wasn't blown away, I did enjoy the ride.
Set in Los Angeles, the story centres around two main characters and from whose perspective the book is written - Blair and Jessica. Blair, as the blurb says, is restarting her life after being released from prison for murdering her neighbour. Jessica is a Police Officer who put her there and who has just inherited a very expensive and exclusive property.
The blurb makes the plot sound simple however, it is far from it. Throw in Blair's ex cell-mate's daughter going missing, a gang leader, very disgruntled colleagues of Jessica, the legend of missing millions and then a gopher and what you have is a very complex story which is a bit OTT and unbelievable in parts with one too many coincidences but it keeps you hooked as you just need to find out how all these threads fit together and they do very satisfyingly and at a good pace. I did find there were one or two chapters that just seemed to be thrown in for the sake of it rather than them adding to the story and it was a bit wordy in parts but overall, it kept my interest.
The ending leaves the door open for other stories to follow and I for one would like to see where Blair and Jessica go in both their personal lives and their potential partnership.
Thank you to Random House UK / Cornerstone and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have read and enjoyed a couple of Candice Fox's books before so was looking forward to reading this new story set in America and although I wasn't blown away, I did enjoy the ride.
Set in Los Angeles, the story centres around two main characters and from whose perspective the book is written - Blair and Jessica. Blair, as the blurb says, is restarting her life after being released from prison for murdering her neighbour. Jessica is a Police Officer who put her there and who has just inherited a very expensive and exclusive property.
The blurb makes the plot sound simple however, it is far from it. Throw in Blair's ex cell-mate's daughter going missing, a gang leader, very disgruntled colleagues of Jessica, the legend of missing millions and then a gopher and what you have is a very complex story which is a bit OTT and unbelievable in parts with one too many coincidences but it keeps you hooked as you just need to find out how all these threads fit together and they do very satisfyingly and at a good pace. I did find there were one or two chapters that just seemed to be thrown in for the sake of it rather than them adding to the story and it was a bit wordy in parts but overall, it kept my interest.
The ending leaves the door open for other stories to follow and I for one would like to see where Blair and Jessica go in both their personal lives and their potential partnership.
Thank you to Random House UK / Cornerstone and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
LaBMaC (116 KP) rated Psychopath with Piers Morgan (Crime Documentary) in TV
Jul 10, 2019
Direct and in depth interview technique (3 more)
Able to see family interaction in video footage
Mothers point of view is shared
Expert point of view is shared
Over dramatisation (1 more)
Piers questions repeatedly ask Paris to describe feelings that he may not have.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Paris Bennett is a diagnosed psychopath incarcerated in the Ferguson Unit within Texas State prison for stabbing his 4 year old sister to death.
Piers, revealing that Paris has a 'genius' level intellect.. an IQ score of 141 'wants to find out how their (psychopaths) minds work'.
When Piers opens the interview, in which he is separated from Paris by 'toughened glass', Paris begins with 'Since this is going to be done for ITV would you like me to speak in Queens English'. The comment, clearly planned, is blurted out almost in excitement and followed with a self-satisfied smile. Immediately, arrogance comes accross reflecting his narcissism.
This interview is mesmerising in that, despite his attempts to control his responses, you see the presentation of psychopathy quite clearly in the detachment and monotone used by Paris in describing horrific acts.
The documentary provides context by showing videotaped interactions between Paris, his sister and his mother which while appearing normal and happy, contained the odd disturbing comment from Paris that may have revealed his mindset. For example, to his mother:' what is your favourite sentence?,' I don't know ',' kill Charity's children? '.
Piers carries it out in a professional manner, calmly yet assertively seeking information. However the focus of his questions, on asking Paris to describe emotions, while helping to reveal the nature of psychopathy, do seem unfair.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this documentary is the fact that Charity, who has another child, has not only remained in contact with Paris but that she encourages his contact with his sibling rather than putting as much distance between him and Paris as possible.
Because Paris was a juvenile when convicted he will be up for parole in a few years in spite of his diagnosis.
Piers, revealing that Paris has a 'genius' level intellect.. an IQ score of 141 'wants to find out how their (psychopaths) minds work'.
When Piers opens the interview, in which he is separated from Paris by 'toughened glass', Paris begins with 'Since this is going to be done for ITV would you like me to speak in Queens English'. The comment, clearly planned, is blurted out almost in excitement and followed with a self-satisfied smile. Immediately, arrogance comes accross reflecting his narcissism.
This interview is mesmerising in that, despite his attempts to control his responses, you see the presentation of psychopathy quite clearly in the detachment and monotone used by Paris in describing horrific acts.
The documentary provides context by showing videotaped interactions between Paris, his sister and his mother which while appearing normal and happy, contained the odd disturbing comment from Paris that may have revealed his mindset. For example, to his mother:' what is your favourite sentence?,' I don't know ',' kill Charity's children? '.
Piers carries it out in a professional manner, calmly yet assertively seeking information. However the focus of his questions, on asking Paris to describe emotions, while helping to reveal the nature of psychopathy, do seem unfair.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this documentary is the fact that Charity, who has another child, has not only remained in contact with Paris but that she encourages his contact with his sibling rather than putting as much distance between him and Paris as possible.
Because Paris was a juvenile when convicted he will be up for parole in a few years in spite of his diagnosis.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Monster of Farewell (Blacklighters #1) in Books
Aug 28, 2019
Kickass females!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Mercury Havenworth
My mother always told me I had nothing. No place in civilized society. No moral compass. No soul...
But despite all my shortcomings, there is one thing I do have: Farewell. It's my home. My sanctuary and birthright. It's everything to me, and one day soon, I will oversee this feral matriarchy which gave me life.
The men who step through our gates see a crumbling mansion, they see a handful of women willing to bleed for a cause, but Farewell is so much more than that.
It's an empire.
MY empire.
Kessler Lawson
After eight years of incarceration, I'm a free man...for approximately two hours.
That's how long it takes to ruin my life.
Wedged between freedom and the officer who put me behind bars in the first place, I'm given a choice: Help the New Liberty Police Department infiltrate a band of criminals ruling over Farewell, Missouri...or score a one-way ticket back to prison.
With enemies on both sides, falling into bed with the boss's murderous daughter probably isn't the best idea, but there's no going back now...not after undressing the monster of Farewell.
(Warning: This book includes dark themes, offensive language, and explicit scenes that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read with caution.)
<strong>Very good</strong>
I don't know what one as expecting but I really really enjoyed it. The whole women kicking ass and the men do the "woman's work" was brilliant . The book was so well written it had a touch of violence but not to the point of being over the top, it had seriously hot sex scenes , strong female roles as well as some strong male characters it was well balanced read!
Watching Mercury develop through the book was empowering in a way. If I had one thing I thought could have bee better maybe the end not so rushed.
Highly recommend

My mother always told me I had nothing. No place in civilized society. No moral compass. No soul...
But despite all my shortcomings, there is one thing I do have: Farewell. It's my home. My sanctuary and birthright. It's everything to me, and one day soon, I will oversee this feral matriarchy which gave me life.
The men who step through our gates see a crumbling mansion, they see a handful of women willing to bleed for a cause, but Farewell is so much more than that.
It's an empire.
MY empire.
Kessler Lawson
After eight years of incarceration, I'm a free man...for approximately two hours.
That's how long it takes to ruin my life.
Wedged between freedom and the officer who put me behind bars in the first place, I'm given a choice: Help the New Liberty Police Department infiltrate a band of criminals ruling over Farewell, Missouri...or score a one-way ticket back to prison.
With enemies on both sides, falling into bed with the boss's murderous daughter probably isn't the best idea, but there's no going back now...not after undressing the monster of Farewell.
(Warning: This book includes dark themes, offensive language, and explicit scenes that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read with caution.)
<strong>Very good</strong>
I don't know what one as expecting but I really really enjoyed it. The whole women kicking ass and the men do the "woman's work" was brilliant . The book was so well written it had a touch of violence but not to the point of being over the top, it had seriously hot sex scenes , strong female roles as well as some strong male characters it was well balanced read!
Watching Mercury develop through the book was empowering in a way. If I had one thing I thought could have bee better maybe the end not so rushed.
Highly recommend

Execution is the sixth book set in Elizabethan world of Giordano Bruno. I have read the first book in this series, so it was definitely on my radar, but as so often happens with me, I got distracted by other books 🤯
The fact that I haven’t (yet) read books 2-5 has made no difference at all to my great reading enjoyment, so this can be read as a one off (but why would you do that? Books 1 and 6 are fab, so I’ll be reading books 2-5 without a doubt).
Bruno is working undercover for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, and they hope to stop what becomes known as The Babington Plot - a plot to kill Elizabeth I, break Mary Queen of Scots out of prison and put her on England’s throne instead. This is all about Elizabeth’s claim to be queen. Henry VIII has disowned her as illegitimate when Anne was beheaded, and she was a Protestant to boot! Babington and his crew are staunch catholics, and they want a catholic on the throne. Mary fits the bill.
Francis Walsingham is desperate to find an excuse to dispose of Mary, and Babington is providing the goods. There is a secret letter exchange going on between the plotters and that Walsingham knows about, but he needs to catch them in the act - and he needs to ensure that Mary implicates herself completely.
This is all historical fact, as is Bruno’s existence, and I think that’s what puts the icing on the cake for me. I love historical fiction that brings real characters to life on the page. Bruno is a great character - he’s intelligent, funny and emotional. Basically, he’s a great character to build a story around.
So much research must have gone in to this book, and I really appreciate that. The side characters add couloir and substance to the whole story.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and I’ve now given myself the rather enjoyable task of catching up with Bruno!
The fact that I haven’t (yet) read books 2-5 has made no difference at all to my great reading enjoyment, so this can be read as a one off (but why would you do that? Books 1 and 6 are fab, so I’ll be reading books 2-5 without a doubt).
Bruno is working undercover for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, and they hope to stop what becomes known as The Babington Plot - a plot to kill Elizabeth I, break Mary Queen of Scots out of prison and put her on England’s throne instead. This is all about Elizabeth’s claim to be queen. Henry VIII has disowned her as illegitimate when Anne was beheaded, and she was a Protestant to boot! Babington and his crew are staunch catholics, and they want a catholic on the throne. Mary fits the bill.
Francis Walsingham is desperate to find an excuse to dispose of Mary, and Babington is providing the goods. There is a secret letter exchange going on between the plotters and that Walsingham knows about, but he needs to catch them in the act - and he needs to ensure that Mary implicates herself completely.
This is all historical fact, as is Bruno’s existence, and I think that’s what puts the icing on the cake for me. I love historical fiction that brings real characters to life on the page. Bruno is a great character - he’s intelligent, funny and emotional. Basically, he’s a great character to build a story around.
So much research must have gone in to this book, and I really appreciate that. The side characters add couloir and substance to the whole story.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and I’ve now given myself the rather enjoyable task of catching up with Bruno!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo (2020) in Movies
Sep 6, 2020
Danny Trejo is a man with the most terrifying voice I've ever heard, but after watching this, I just really really really want to be his friend.
I remember being completely drawn in by his silent character in Desperado, and then shortly after, recognising him in From Dusk Till Dawn. He's a guy who always manages to cut an intriguing and intimidating figure whatever movie he has been in.
His backstory has become just as famous, his incarceration at San Quentin in particular being pretty common knowledge.
This documentary really dives into his life story, starting with his childhood years, through his time in multie prisons, and then through his acting career and life as a changed man, and a genuinely good person. Watching Trejo speak about his life is just wonderful. The details he recalls are hugely interesting and the way he speaks about everyone he has come across through his life is respectful. He acknowledges that his life these days is a good one, and he can look back on his tougher years and find the humour in some of the shit that he endured.
All of the guests on this documentary, from fellow actors like Donal Logue and Michelle Rodriguez, to director Robert Rodriguez, to fellow inmates, to family members, all speak of him with a lot of warmth.
While Inmate #1 (a reference to some of his early acting credits) does indeed chronicle all of his misdemeanors, his difficult upbringing, his criminal life, it also shines a light on all of the good he has done since leaving prison in 1969. The amount of work he has done for his community is tremendous, and he still gives talks and lectures today, trying to help people who need it. It's an important balance in the way the narrative is told and reveals Trejo to be a pretty down to earth guy.
Its a super interesting story that's worth checking out. Long Live Dany Trejo.
I remember being completely drawn in by his silent character in Desperado, and then shortly after, recognising him in From Dusk Till Dawn. He's a guy who always manages to cut an intriguing and intimidating figure whatever movie he has been in.
His backstory has become just as famous, his incarceration at San Quentin in particular being pretty common knowledge.
This documentary really dives into his life story, starting with his childhood years, through his time in multie prisons, and then through his acting career and life as a changed man, and a genuinely good person. Watching Trejo speak about his life is just wonderful. The details he recalls are hugely interesting and the way he speaks about everyone he has come across through his life is respectful. He acknowledges that his life these days is a good one, and he can look back on his tougher years and find the humour in some of the shit that he endured.
All of the guests on this documentary, from fellow actors like Donal Logue and Michelle Rodriguez, to director Robert Rodriguez, to fellow inmates, to family members, all speak of him with a lot of warmth.
While Inmate #1 (a reference to some of his early acting credits) does indeed chronicle all of his misdemeanors, his difficult upbringing, his criminal life, it also shines a light on all of the good he has done since leaving prison in 1969. The amount of work he has done for his community is tremendous, and he still gives talks and lectures today, trying to help people who need it. It's an important balance in the way the narrative is told and reveals Trejo to be a pretty down to earth guy.
Its a super interesting story that's worth checking out. Long Live Dany Trejo.
The Reckoning (The Taker Trilogy #2)
Book
A love triangle spanning 200 years…Alma Katsu takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the...
Pixel Dungeon
Games
App
Pixel Dungeon is an exciting and extremely popular roguelike. Explore the depths of Pixel Dungeon,...
Boundless Awareness: A Heart-Centered Approach to Spiritual Awakening and Freedom from Suffering
Book
Suffering is part of the human experience, and everyone in the world is seeking relief. But there is...
mind body spiritual
The Guardians
7.5
Rate It
Book
22 years ago Quincy Miller was sentenced to life without parole. He was accused of killing Keith...