Search
Search results
Hypeshooter (3 KP) created a post
Jul 12, 2017
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Lincoln in the Bardo in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Epic modern Shakespearean tragedy
Listened on Audible.co.uk.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word (2016) in Movies
Sep 7, 2017
Disappointing even though it's based on a terrifying true story
I was looking forward to watch this film given that the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is on par with the real life mysteries of Amityville and The Omen. However, the film completely missed the point and went straight to a Rob Zombie type horror film.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Europa Report (2013) in Movies
Jul 10, 2017
Storyline (3 more)
Realistic Ending
Excellent Cast
Unique Presentation
A Refreshing Look at Humans in Space
I found this to be a refreshing look at a 'humans in space' movie. It was interesting, intriguing and presented in a unique way. The film itself is told through the cameras on board as well as the crews cameras and helmet cameras, this gives it an 'outsider looking in' feel, as you watch the crew and what they go through to prove there is life in our solar system. The visual effects are not too flashy and rely more on the story and the emotions the characters display. This is what makes the movie for me. The emotions of the characters seem so real, heartfelt, the ending was realistic and allowed you to connect the final dots of the story. For sci-fi fans who have not seen this movie I would recommend you do, it's excellent. Would definitely watch again.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
May 16, 2018
Humorous, insightful and fascinating
We all know about the NHS and doctors and hospitals, yet I'm sure for the majority of us that don't work in this sector, we don't have the slightest idea what goes on in reality.
Adam Kay's book is a fascinating insight into the NHS and the real working life of a doctor. It's ridiculously funny, emotional, heartwarming and also depressing to think this is the state of our health service. I dare you to read this and not feel anything. You can't say a bad word about the NHS after reading this (not that I ever did). I feel glad that Adam has provided such an insightful and thought provoking view of the NHS. I shed a tear when I reached the end and I would have quite happily read a lot more of his stories and anecdotes, they're fascinating.
A must read for anyone in the UK.
Adam Kay's book is a fascinating insight into the NHS and the real working life of a doctor. It's ridiculously funny, emotional, heartwarming and also depressing to think this is the state of our health service. I dare you to read this and not feel anything. You can't say a bad word about the NHS after reading this (not that I ever did). I feel glad that Adam has provided such an insightful and thought provoking view of the NHS. I shed a tear when I reached the end and I would have quite happily read a lot more of his stories and anecdotes, they're fascinating.
A must read for anyone in the UK.
Bryan Connolly (4 KP) rated Abducted in Plain Sight (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019
Great documentary film (7 more)
Netflix
True Story
From family point of view
Real people not actors
Plays the original tapes recorded
Lasts 1hr half
Amazing if like true crime programmes
Not for the people who are anxious or nervous about things (1 more)
Appeals to certain people not for everyone
Abducted in Plain Sight
I sat down on Friday night and watched this documentary. From a dubious position, my wife wanted to watch it and i had doubts.
Was so good. Obviously its not everyones cup of tea but the way the story pans out is amazing. And if it wasnt true story it would be too far-fetched to make up a story like this.
I would seriously recommend this to anybody that likes true life crime movies and programmes.
I feel so sorry for this family and i would never spoiler any film as it would ruin and alter the vision experience you recieve
Was so good. Obviously its not everyones cup of tea but the way the story pans out is amazing. And if it wasnt true story it would be too far-fetched to make up a story like this.
I would seriously recommend this to anybody that likes true life crime movies and programmes.
I feel so sorry for this family and i would never spoiler any film as it would ruin and alter the vision experience you recieve
Erika (17789 KP) rated Occupied (Okkupert)- Season 1 in TV
Mar 2, 2019 (Updated Mar 2, 2019)
When I read that Jo Nesbo had created a television series, I was all in. Nesbo is one of my favorite authors.
When Norway is the first country to move to using all green energy, the rest of the world, specifically countries that rely heavily on oil, try to convince the government to stop the move. When the PM of Norway refuses, Russia invades Norway. This series covers a month at a time, and features several characters in the government, as well as a journalist.
At first, this invasion is seen as temporary and friendly, but when everything starts to turn more sinister, the more interesting the show becomes. The show is mostly in Norwegian, with some portions in English, but the translation seems to be spot on.
Overall, an engaging series, and I can't wait to watch season 2. It is a little creepy that this invasion completely seems like it could happen in real life.
When Norway is the first country to move to using all green energy, the rest of the world, specifically countries that rely heavily on oil, try to convince the government to stop the move. When the PM of Norway refuses, Russia invades Norway. This series covers a month at a time, and features several characters in the government, as well as a journalist.
At first, this invasion is seen as temporary and friendly, but when everything starts to turn more sinister, the more interesting the show becomes. The show is mostly in Norwegian, with some portions in English, but the translation seems to be spot on.
Overall, an engaging series, and I can't wait to watch season 2. It is a little creepy that this invasion completely seems like it could happen in real life.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Before I Wake (2016) in Movies
May 15, 2019
....meh
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018 (Updated Mar 24, 2018)
Wonder Woman (3 more)
Aquaman in the water
Aquaman out of the water
let's be real just Jason Momoa
I am so glad I didn't end up wasting my money to see this.
I demand they give me back the two hours of my life I wasted watching this piece of utter garbage.
Following the absolute success that was Wonder Woman, I had such high expectations for this movie since it seemed that DC finally got their shit together when it came to their cinematic releases but low and behold they just couldn't go a second round.
Even though I sat through this entire freaking movie I can not tell you what the actual plot was or who the villain even was...I honestly don't even remember what happened at the end because I found myself so bored throughout the entire movie. I really wish they would have built up all the other characters The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman just felt slapped together.
Following the absolute success that was Wonder Woman, I had such high expectations for this movie since it seemed that DC finally got their shit together when it came to their cinematic releases but low and behold they just couldn't go a second round.
Even though I sat through this entire freaking movie I can not tell you what the actual plot was or who the villain even was...I honestly don't even remember what happened at the end because I found myself so bored throughout the entire movie. I really wish they would have built up all the other characters The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman just felt slapped together.
On the day Winnie Johnson has to close her bakery due to a huge rent increase, she inherits an antique ambulance. She decides to use it to reopen her bakery as a mobile business, rushing her desserts to those in need. But when her neighbor is murdered, it puts a definite damper on her plans. Who would kill an elderly man?
The mystery aspect takes a back seat at times to getting the new business up and running, but I find the concept of this business absolutely brilliant. I’m wondering why no one hasn’t tried this in real life. The mystery does reach a logical conclusion that wraps things up. The characters are strong, and I’m looking forward to seeing where relationships go in future books. Rush out and get this debut.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-eclair-and-present-danger.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery aspect takes a back seat at times to getting the new business up and running, but I find the concept of this business absolutely brilliant. I’m wondering why no one hasn’t tried this in real life. The mystery does reach a logical conclusion that wraps things up. The characters are strong, and I’m looking forward to seeing where relationships go in future books. Rush out and get this debut.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-eclair-and-present-danger.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.