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The Bright Sessions
The Bright Sessions
Arts
10
9.5 (4 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Great plot (3 more)
Brilliant voice actors
Excellent writing
Unique universe
Definitely Atypical
Starting with the introduction of a new patient, Doctor Bright's sessions are recorded in her office as she runs a psychology service for "Atypicals" - people who have a variety of unusual abilities... and associated psychological issues.
The story unfolds, becoming far more involved as the episodes continue. As the story unfolds, the universe expands to involve not just a few Atypicals visiting their doctor, but a vast, shadowy network of government organisations, a population of Atypicals around the world, throughout history, a brilliant "bad guy", and so much more.
Immersive, realistic, unflinching in its poor opinion of much of humanity, dark, moralistic, and all-round fantastic, the only regret is that I didn't discover this podcast until it was already over.
Or is it?
I, for one, certainly hope not!
  
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Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) in Movies

Nov 14, 2019 (Updated Nov 15, 2019)  
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu  (2019)
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
2019 | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Poke-tastic!
The only good film based on a game, ever! Both fun and a little crazy, if is good because it does not take itself too seriously. Ryan Reynolds once again stealing the show, a perfect casting and brings is own wit tho the picture.
Making a live action Pokemon film was going to be a challenge, but they have done a great job, from showing the world of life with Pokemon, to the more realistic looking pokemon, all in a gritty mondern film noir style setting.
It is just nerdy enough to keep fans happy, and has enough Reynolds and jokes to keep everyone else on their seats.
A great film, and lovely to see something that is not a sequel or a remake. It certainly is working hard to be the very best, like no video game film ever was.
  
Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
Chernobyl Diaries (2012)
2012 | Drama, Horror
A subpar horror
The story about Chernobyl is a rather terrifying and hauntingly true story, and having been there in person it is definitely a chilling and atmospheric place to visit. Sadly this film completely misses the point and meaning behind the story.

It is just your generic horror film. Terrible acting with a dull plot with pathetic jump scares. Characters making ridiculous nonsensical decisions that only make sense in a crappy horror. Some bad cinematography featuring scenes that are so dark you can’t see what’s going on, and I’m not convinced about how realistic their version of the location is - at one point the characters seem to make it from the Ferris wheel in Pripyat to the power plant (which is around 2 miles away) in no time whatsoever. A completely ridiculous film that squanders such a fascinating and horrifying true story.
  
1917 (2020)
1917 (2020)
2020 | Drama, War
Whilst a relatively simple story about two soldiers on a journey to deliver a live saving message I found this to be a highly impressive film. Technically brilliant and also quite moving in the human story that it tells and its depiction of the pointlessness of war. The cinematography and use of long takes is very realistic and immersive, you really do feel like you are on the front line. Dedicating the film to his grandfather this is obviously a very personal project for Sam Mendes and the director is at the top of his game here. I found this to be far superior to 'Dunkirk' which whilst also being a feast for the eyes lacked characters that you could actually care about. Mendes manages to get the balance just right and has created one of the best war movies in years.
  
Code 8 (2019)
Code 8 (2019)
2019 | Action, Sci-Fi
Pretty good
Another movie about people with special abilities- but not superheroes. A slightly more realistic take on how society might handle people like this. Not as flashy as most, but with decent effects and cinematography. At it's surface it tells a story about a young man trying to save his ailing mother. Something that leads him down a bad road. The acting in this movie was decent with some familiar faces. This movie has heart, life lessons learned through trials of trust and personal choices. In the end I think the story was a little more tragic than I expected of it. Nothing too flashy or gruesome, so it can be watched with the whole family(although the younger viewers may not understand all of it). Overall, this one is worth a watch on movie night!
  
Excalibur
Excalibur
Bernard Cornwell | 1999 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Satisfying conclusion to an epic and excellent trilogy (0 more)
3rd and final part of the fantastic Warlord Chronicles!
Excalibur is the third and final book in the Warlord Chronicles series and is just a compelling and captivating as the first 2 books. (See my earlier reviews for the first 2 parts of this trilogy, ’The Winter King’ and ‘Enemy of God’)
Some epic battles and betrayals conclude this tale of Arthur, told by his loyal friend and Warlord Derfel, now an aged Christian Monk. Overall, the trilogy is a superbly realistic and gritty yet fictional account of the dark ages and the epic journey of Arthur and a magnificently strong cast of characters.
If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read – starting with The Winter King.
  
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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Rebecca in Books

Mar 15, 2020  
Rebecca
Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier, Sally Beauman | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.6 (32 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a pleasure listening to Anna Massey narrate the audiobook of Rebecca. At first, I thought this was going to be another case of me finding classic raved about novels too much of a slow boil but I was so engaged in the prose and mind of the protagonist I ended up loving it.

Being in the head of the protagonist; who we don't even know the name of; is such a realistic if at times frustrating experience. As a self-doubting socially shy woman she's perfectly written and I'm sure many can sympathise. Thrust into a world of being waited on rather than doing the waiting when she marries Maxim de Winter, the shadow of his late wife looms large in her new home - Manderley

A beautifully written tale of suspense and mystery that will transport you to a different time.
  
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AT (1676 KP) rated Docile in Books

Apr 6, 2020  
Docile
Docile
K. M. Szpara | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is definitely not for younger readers!! (Not that it should be, content-wise, but you never know, so I want to give a warning.) There are detailed sex scenes in this novel.

Docile was an interesting novel. I wasn't sure what to expect as I read it. Luckily, there was no strange twist at the end that ruined it. It followed the main story all the way through. It gave an interesting view of a medically futuristic program to help families pay off their debt. The program isn't without fault, and I, personally, wouldn't want to be a part of it, but in the story, many had no other choice. (Debtors' prison was the alternative.) It was a unique, yet realistic situation to read about. Money speaks loudly, and it definitely screams in this novel.