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Awix (3310 KP) rated Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) in Movies
Jun 15, 2018
Umpty-tumpth Tarzan movie goes back to Burroughs and features most of the stuff you'd expect from this kind of thing: posh English couple cark it somewhere in Africa, leaving infant son to be raised by wild apes. He grows up, quickly learns to wear a loincloth so as not to outrage the censor, rediscovers his heritage, and so on.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Our Chemical Hearts in Books
Sep 15, 2018
An okay YA
I ummed and ahhed about the rating for this book, round up to 4 or not but I’m sticking where I am. There is so much I liked about this book, not least the fantastic male POV narration.
Henry is the narrator of this tale and he was the biggest strength of this book. A young man experiencing his first love but someone who was the best friend a girl could have. Grace was complex, understandably so. Her issues prompt compassion but the impact on Henry is difficult and there was just something about her that from Henry’s perspective, saddened me.
For me, this book had two phases, a stronge first half or more and a weaker latter part. I think there’s is a realism in where this book journey goes but I cannot deny a little dissatisfaction. However, the writing was generally strong and the characters interesting. I would definitely read more from this author.
Henry is the narrator of this tale and he was the biggest strength of this book. A young man experiencing his first love but someone who was the best friend a girl could have. Grace was complex, understandably so. Her issues prompt compassion but the impact on Henry is difficult and there was just something about her that from Henry’s perspective, saddened me.
For me, this book had two phases, a stronge first half or more and a weaker latter part. I think there’s is a realism in where this book journey goes but I cannot deny a little dissatisfaction. However, the writing was generally strong and the characters interesting. I would definitely read more from this author.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Mile 22 (2018) in Movies
Sep 24, 2018
Great action scenes (1 more)
Bloody and brutal 18 certificate
Great action film
I really don't get the critic and low ratings for this film. This ticks all the boxes for an 18 rated film. Good to see things not watered down just to achieve a 15 rating. A film with close proximity fights to the death and shoot outs is going to be bloody!
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.
Aurora (9 KP) rated The Keeper Of Lost Things in Books
Nov 7, 2018
Heartwarming (3 more)
Interwoven storylines
Emotional
Flawed, but lovable characters
Great Read
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Keeper of Lost Things intrigued me from the very start. I absolutely love interweaving storylines and the sense of mystery the author instills in everyday objects. The characters, even the most minor ones, are very well-written and flawed in really believable ways. I was impressed by the different struggles that characters had, as well as how relatable the author made their pain. The reader can really feel the despair of grief, pain of watching family members age, and awkwardness of a date gone horribly wrong. What disappointed me, however, was that this poignant realism was often followed by fairly generic ghost-story spirit antics. In my opinion, the author could have stopped with Sunshine's unique empathetic abilities and left out the angry ghosts to keep from going a step too far. Still, I was engrossed in this book and do recommend it, particularly to those who enjoy a bit of the supernatural.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Jan 14, 2019
Outstanding cast and dialogue
I won't belabour this review, I have nothing new to say that isn't already in these reviews.
The dialogue in this film from start to finish is top notch. The jokes, the put-downs, the nastiness, the crass-ness is all on-point and perfect.
While I hate a film not having an ending, it seemed to fit this film. It really was some people trying to get by and work out how they deal with the hand life deals them and not really moving on. The film tells of the journey of those people, and not where they end up.
The subject matter is very grim, as are some of the events in the film, but it is told with enough realism and so wonderfully acted as to give it all the gravitas it needs, but also to cut through that at times with dark humour.
A brilliant film.
The dialogue in this film from start to finish is top notch. The jokes, the put-downs, the nastiness, the crass-ness is all on-point and perfect.
While I hate a film not having an ending, it seemed to fit this film. It really was some people trying to get by and work out how they deal with the hand life deals them and not really moving on. The film tells of the journey of those people, and not where they end up.
The subject matter is very grim, as are some of the events in the film, but it is told with enough realism and so wonderfully acted as to give it all the gravitas it needs, but also to cut through that at times with dark humour.
A brilliant film.
Andrew Sinclair (25 KP) rated War Cry in Books
Nov 24, 2019
This is a fascinating story that follows the lives of two characters who finally meet about 3 quarters of the way through the book. Despite their circumstances they can't resist each other hurting close friends in the process. Meanwhile World War 2 is brewing and both are caught up in the action on opposing sides. At this point the story becomes a kind of global Romeo and Juliet where they must endeavour to keep their relationship secret as there are those who would seek to tear it apart. When you follow their journey as a reader and get to know both characters you can't help but route for them even though some of their actions make you question their morality. This gives it a true sense of realism as the heroes of the book don't always do the right thing. It's an engrossing read and I can't wait to read the sequel which I have already bought.
Jean Cocteau
Susan Williams, Diana Holmes, Robert Ingram and James S. Williams
Book
This is a comprehensive, original and accessible account of all aspects of Jean Cocteau's work in...
Maurice Pialat
Susan Williams, Diana Holmes, Robert Ingram and Marja Warehime
Book
One of the most gifted directors of the post New Wave, Maurice Pialat is frequently compared to such...
Sergei Paradjanov: Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Book
Released in 1965, Sergei Paradjanov's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a landmark of Soviet-era...