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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Foreigner (2017) in Movies
Jan 1, 2018
Disappointing
Jackie Chan films used to be fun, entertaining and action filled, but sadly that looks to be a thing of the past.
Although this was watchable and it wasn't boring enough to turn it off, it was just so predictable and by the numbers. You knew exactly what was going to happen before it did, and some of it is a little but farfetched. It's nice to see Jackie Chan back again and the fight scenes were alright, but there was a large part of the film where he wasn't even present. The majority of the film was just talking too, where was all the action?
I'm also not entirely sure if a film about terrorists, the IRA and bombings in London (on a bus too?!) is what we want to be watching at the moment considering there's enough of it in real life on the news.
Although this was watchable and it wasn't boring enough to turn it off, it was just so predictable and by the numbers. You knew exactly what was going to happen before it did, and some of it is a little but farfetched. It's nice to see Jackie Chan back again and the fight scenes were alright, but there was a large part of the film where he wasn't even present. The majority of the film was just talking too, where was all the action?
I'm also not entirely sure if a film about terrorists, the IRA and bombings in London (on a bus too?!) is what we want to be watching at the moment considering there's enough of it in real life on the news.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Secret Daughter in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This novel tells the story of two families who become intertwined despite living half a world apart and without really knowing or ever even meeting each other. One is a poor family struggling to survive in rural India. The other is a pair of medical school students who meet and fall in love, one being from India.
The American couple end up having fertility issues, while the destitute couple in India are exactly the opposite. Not wanting to know her husband has disposed of another unwanted girl, the Indian mother smuggles her baby daughter to an orphanage in Mumbai. And it is there, where the American couple end up adopting her.
The story moves through the life of the girl in parallel with the lives of her adoptive and biological parents. In the end it is a tear jerker, but has a great message about who your real family is.
The American couple end up having fertility issues, while the destitute couple in India are exactly the opposite. Not wanting to know her husband has disposed of another unwanted girl, the Indian mother smuggles her baby daughter to an orphanage in Mumbai. And it is there, where the American couple end up adopting her.
The story moves through the life of the girl in parallel with the lives of her adoptive and biological parents. In the end it is a tear jerker, but has a great message about who your real family is.
Rightlywriting (10 KP) rated The Breakfast Club (1985) in Movies
Aug 19, 2017
Dramatic vintage teen flick
Contains spoilers, click to show
They did a good job at portraying all of the types and attitudes of highschoolers during the 80s. As an 80s teen myself, I enjoyed this movie back then as I could identify with the kids portrayed - the rich girl who thought she was above everyone, the smoker, the geek, the jock, and the introvert (I was a geeky introvrrt). Too bad kids in real life from different backgrounds can't figure out how much alike they really are behind their facades the way they do by the end of the movie. My teen daughter in 2009 enjoyed this movie too so I guess today's teens aren't much different. Would be a good movie to show teens in school to show how they can be friends and get along if they put their differences and prejudices aside.
Vincent Jozajtis (1 KP) rated The King's Speech (2010) in Movies
Feb 11, 2019
7.5
The King's Speech is a movie about a man overcoming fear and self-doubt - physically manifested as a stutter - in order to fulfil a role he never chose or thought would be his. Based on the real-life struggle of King George VI, in focusing on his human frailty, the film tells a story anyone placed in such a pressing situation can relate to.
Editing: 1
Cinematography: 2
Performances: 1.8
Story: 1.7
Sound: 1
Total:7.5
Editing: The cut it needed. Unfussy and at the service of the story. Some techniques might have been used to enhance the king's feelings.
Cinematography: Textbook perfection. Every shot expertly framed to elicit emotion and feeling.
Performances: I think some of the best performances in recent cinema.
Story: An extraordinary episode from history and pitch-perfect story telling. I was engrossed.
Sound: No risks taken but none needed.
Editing: 1
Cinematography: 2
Performances: 1.8
Story: 1.7
Sound: 1
Total:7.5
Editing: The cut it needed. Unfussy and at the service of the story. Some techniques might have been used to enhance the king's feelings.
Cinematography: Textbook perfection. Every shot expertly framed to elicit emotion and feeling.
Performances: I think some of the best performances in recent cinema.
Story: An extraordinary episode from history and pitch-perfect story telling. I was engrossed.
Sound: No risks taken but none needed.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Moxie: A Novel in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Jennifer Mathieu has written a strong book featuring a quiet girl, Vivian and her aversion to bullies. One day Viv, cannot put up with it anymore and takes it upon herself to make a stand, starting with a ‘zine she creates herself and distributes anonymously. It’s a small step with a big effect, because it doesn’t take long for things to snowball and soon Moxie becomes an empowering voice to be heard! And I’m not just saying fictional characters here. Every young girl should read this awesome, inspiring and captivating read!
Good for all of you who love the whole ‘girl power’ attitude, and like books which inspire and encourage you in real life to be the person you should be and stand up for yourself. For fledgling feminists everywhere! A fast-paced, bad-ass read full of action and great characterisation. Join the Moxie Movement! Have your say!
Good for all of you who love the whole ‘girl power’ attitude, and like books which inspire and encourage you in real life to be the person you should be and stand up for yourself. For fledgling feminists everywhere! A fast-paced, bad-ass read full of action and great characterisation. Join the Moxie Movement! Have your say!
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
Robin Williams- Duh!
Another classic. It's funny, heart warming, family friendly and can be loved by anyone of any age. My 5 year old nephew enjoys it!
As one of, if not the first full makeover film it sets the standard for all future films of the same thing. As a child, I thought Mrs. Doubtfire was a separate actress!
I love this film somewhat more now as an adult because it tackles real life problems. The divorced parents especially, as this seems more and more common these days. It also shows a loving father, willing to do anything to be with his children which is such a breath of fresh air after so many films with absent fathers that couldn't give a damn.
Lastly, it's Robin Williams so you know you're in for a good one, may he rest in piece.
Fully recommended!
As one of, if not the first full makeover film it sets the standard for all future films of the same thing. As a child, I thought Mrs. Doubtfire was a separate actress!
I love this film somewhat more now as an adult because it tackles real life problems. The divorced parents especially, as this seems more and more common these days. It also shows a loving father, willing to do anything to be with his children which is such a breath of fresh air after so many films with absent fathers that couldn't give a damn.
Lastly, it's Robin Williams so you know you're in for a good one, may he rest in piece.
Fully recommended!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Murder by Decree (1979) in Movies
Feb 27, 2018 (Updated Feb 27, 2018)
Ah, nothing says 'fun' like a movie based on the activities of a brutal real-life misogynistic serial killer. Classy Sherlock Holmes pastiche is as much a vehicle to disseminate one particular Jack the Ripper theory as it is entertainment; fortunately it works very well as the later.
Not really a very good Sherlock Holmes movie - Holmes and Watson are clearly twenty years apart in age, weirdly, and Holmes' fearsome intellect is not much on display; his main method here seems to be to wander about until he stumbles over the solution to a mystery. But a distinguished cast and nice production values make up for the all-over-the-shop script, and the action at the end of the movie is well-staged. Hardly an ideal Holmes, but an entertaining mystery-thriller in a post-Hammer horror sort of style, issues of taste excepted.
Not really a very good Sherlock Holmes movie - Holmes and Watson are clearly twenty years apart in age, weirdly, and Holmes' fearsome intellect is not much on display; his main method here seems to be to wander about until he stumbles over the solution to a mystery. But a distinguished cast and nice production values make up for the all-over-the-shop script, and the action at the end of the movie is well-staged. Hardly an ideal Holmes, but an entertaining mystery-thriller in a post-Hammer horror sort of style, issues of taste excepted.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I loved Katie Alender’s Bad Girls Don’t Die series. I was ecstatic to find out she had written another horror ghost story. Miss Alender did not disappoint me with the Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down. I would have read it all in one sitting too had it not been for real life getting in they way.
I loved all the characters and felt they were well written. Florence was my favorite character though for some reason.
The story line was well written. Plus, I love horror stories where an old house is involved.
Yes, some of the plot twists are predictable, and there were times I had some unanswered questions, but I still loved the book.
I would definitely recommend this book. I’m hoping Miss Alender will write another horror ghost story soon. She’s definitely one of my favorite authors.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down. I would have read it all in one sitting too had it not been for real life getting in they way.
I loved all the characters and felt they were well written. Florence was my favorite character though for some reason.
The story line was well written. Plus, I love horror stories where an old house is involved.
Yes, some of the plot twists are predictable, and there were times I had some unanswered questions, but I still loved the book.
I would definitely recommend this book. I’m hoping Miss Alender will write another horror ghost story soon. She’s definitely one of my favorite authors.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Tag (2018) in Movies
Jun 24, 2018
The main sticking point for me in this movie was the fact that the friendship between the main characters seemed completely superficial. But, I don't think that in reality the relationship between the guys was that way, so I'll give a pass on that.
The cast in the film was amazing, and the comedic timing, in most cases, really worked. I'll watch Jon Hamm in anything, honestly.
Some of the scenes were shot very much like Guy Ritchie scenes, and it was really hilarious given the situation.The CGI on Jeremy Renner's arms was really good, considering he had two broken arms during the shooting.
The thing I think I liked the most is that at the end, they actually showed videos of the real-life friends tagging each other. And, the movie actually utilized some of the costumes, it was great to see.
The cast in the film was amazing, and the comedic timing, in most cases, really worked. I'll watch Jon Hamm in anything, honestly.
Some of the scenes were shot very much like Guy Ritchie scenes, and it was really hilarious given the situation.The CGI on Jeremy Renner's arms was really good, considering he had two broken arms during the shooting.
The thing I think I liked the most is that at the end, they actually showed videos of the real-life friends tagging each other. And, the movie actually utilized some of the costumes, it was great to see.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life in Books
Dec 5, 2018
Real Life Stories (1 more)
Brooks' Experiences as a Writer
If you are planning an epic like LOTR or Shannara, you need to read this
I always wanted to be a writer when I grew up, I loved reading. I don't write much now, but when I was, I read lots of 'How to Write' books. Most are crap. This is one that is worthy of a read.
You can not deny that Terry Brooks has nailed the epic fantasy journey, better than Tolkein, it's still going strong. I love his writing and his stories. Although I didn't take as much from this as King's On Writing, I did enjoy reading it and seeing a little into the man behiind the books. This book is not just for wannabe writers, it's for his fans as well, you learn a little more about how Shannara and Landover came about.
You can not deny that Terry Brooks has nailed the epic fantasy journey, better than Tolkein, it's still going strong. I love his writing and his stories. Although I didn't take as much from this as King's On Writing, I did enjoy reading it and seeing a little into the man behiind the books. This book is not just for wannabe writers, it's for his fans as well, you learn a little more about how Shannara and Landover came about.
Sarah (7800 KP) Jan 2, 2018
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) Jan 2, 2018