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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Clockwork Dollhouse in Books
Oct 19, 2018 (Updated Oct 19, 2018)
Short but gripping
A very short novella, Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth is a haunting steampunk tale of revenge. Set in a previous century, Governor Robert Pendleton is shocked to discover an intruder in a set of rooms that have not been entered for years. He is even more shocked to discover the intruder is his niece, Ainsley, the daughter of his sister, Jane.
When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?
In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.
When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?
In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire, Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
ClareR (5674 KP) rated Muse of Nightmares in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Just read this book
This is so good. Ok, I could stop right there with this review, really. If you haven't read Strange the Dreamer, then what are you doing here? Go and read it immediately, then come back and read this one. You won't regret it (well, if you don't like Fantasy, you might. I can't say as I haven't tried to convince you though!).
Two new characters pop up in this book: Kora and Nova, and I couldn't for the life of me work out why. Of course it all becomes clear as the book goes on. I loved the way their story was woven into the story of Lazlo, Sarai, Minya, Ruby, Sparrow and Feral.
Laini Taylor writes beautifully, I love her style. It's dreamlike, really.
I'll leave you with a bit from the blurb, because it says it all so well:
"Must heroes always slay monsters, or is is possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to Strange the Dreamer"
They're right: it is gorgeous. Just read it and see.
Two new characters pop up in this book: Kora and Nova, and I couldn't for the life of me work out why. Of course it all becomes clear as the book goes on. I loved the way their story was woven into the story of Lazlo, Sarai, Minya, Ruby, Sparrow and Feral.
Laini Taylor writes beautifully, I love her style. It's dreamlike, really.
I'll leave you with a bit from the blurb, because it says it all so well:
"Must heroes always slay monsters, or is is possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to Strange the Dreamer"
They're right: it is gorgeous. Just read it and see.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated 21 Bridges (2019) in Movies
Dec 11, 2019
The New Training Day
Chadwick Boseman has so much on screen charisma in this movie he could quite soon be one of the biggest names in Hollywood, his performance was utterly compelling. When an actor doesn't even have to speak and you know what they are thinking off by their eyes then that is special. In fact the entire cast is very strong with spot on performances from all of them,
This is a very strong film, if you liked Training Day here is another film with cops and bad guys (or are they one and the same?). Boseman is a detective who lives for the badge out to stop two robbers who have left a bloodbath of cops behind them.Can Boseman solve the mystery and stop the robbers or will he simply get revenge?
The only loss of points for me was I guessed the 'twist' from the beginning, otherwise it could have been even more of a great must watch film
This is a very strong film, if you liked Training Day here is another film with cops and bad guys (or are they one and the same?). Boseman is a detective who lives for the badge out to stop two robbers who have left a bloodbath of cops behind them.Can Boseman solve the mystery and stop the robbers or will he simply get revenge?
The only loss of points for me was I guessed the 'twist' from the beginning, otherwise it could have been even more of a great must watch film
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) in Movies
Mar 13, 2020
Sleepaway Camp 1981: Sack Jason
Its Friday the 13th- my favorite day. To celebrate my favorite day, im going to review 3 of the Friday the 13th movies, starting with this one.
Part 2- picks up right after the first one. New Camp Consulers, a grown up Jason, though he's not wearing his hockey mask, he wears a sack over his face. I like the kills in this movie. Including Marks death- machete to the face, Jeff's and Sandra's death- implaled with a spear.
The only thing i dont like about this movie, that it ends all the suddenly. Thats this movies downfall, other than that its a good movie.
The plot: The second entry in the long-running horror series focuses on a group of teenage would-be counselors converging on Camp Crystal Lake for training under the tutelage of head counselor Paul (John Furey). Inevitably, Paul relates the story of Jason Voorhees (Warrington Gillette), a boy who ostensibly drowned at the camp and whose mother murdered a group of counselors in revenge. No one takes the tale seriously until a very much alive Jason begins gruesomely eliminating people.
Happy Friday the 13th.
Part 2- picks up right after the first one. New Camp Consulers, a grown up Jason, though he's not wearing his hockey mask, he wears a sack over his face. I like the kills in this movie. Including Marks death- machete to the face, Jeff's and Sandra's death- implaled with a spear.
The only thing i dont like about this movie, that it ends all the suddenly. Thats this movies downfall, other than that its a good movie.
The plot: The second entry in the long-running horror series focuses on a group of teenage would-be counselors converging on Camp Crystal Lake for training under the tutelage of head counselor Paul (John Furey). Inevitably, Paul relates the story of Jason Voorhees (Warrington Gillette), a boy who ostensibly drowned at the camp and whose mother murdered a group of counselors in revenge. No one takes the tale seriously until a very much alive Jason begins gruesomely eliminating people.
Happy Friday the 13th.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Hit & Run (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
In this fast passed action comedy, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are a young couple who live in the small town of Milton. Charlie Bronson (Dax Shepard) has a sordid past that prevents him from leaving the small town that he and his girlfriend live in. Charlie’s past includes a bank robber without a name (Bradley Cooper) and he is out to seek revenge against Charlie for testifying against him in an older bank robbery case.
After Annie gets a promotion outside of Milton in L.A., the couple end up heading on a road trip as Charley is determined to get her to her new job on time. Little does she know the road trip to her future may be the end of her relationship, a crazy adventure or a new beginning.
This movie is nothing short of hilarious. In my opinion Tom Arnold who plays Charlie’s protection makes this entire movie worth watching and that is saying something.
While I was not a fan of the cinematography used in this film , the humor makes up for it for sure. This film should not be missed especially if you like really fast cars.
After Annie gets a promotion outside of Milton in L.A., the couple end up heading on a road trip as Charley is determined to get her to her new job on time. Little does she know the road trip to her future may be the end of her relationship, a crazy adventure or a new beginning.
This movie is nothing short of hilarious. In my opinion Tom Arnold who plays Charlie’s protection makes this entire movie worth watching and that is saying something.
While I was not a fan of the cinematography used in this film , the humor makes up for it for sure. This film should not be missed especially if you like really fast cars.
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated American Assassin (2017) in Movies
Apr 20, 2020
Superhero spy movie?
415. American Assassin. It was pretty brutal, I dug it. Once Michael Keaton enters the scene, I couldn't help but think it was 89' Bruce Wayne training Robin to be the next Batman! Anyways, on the day that Mitch decides to propose to his special lady friend, a terrorist organization decides to strike, opening fire in a crowded resort killing anyone that crosses their path. You may have guessed that Mitch's girl gets killed, Mitch himself is hit several times himself but survives. And now he wants revenge. Starts some intense training and some pretty decent covert ops stuff all by his lonesome, and this gets the attention of the CIA, and gets himself recruited by Sanaa Lathan, she knows a few things about warfare, she did fight side by side with a Predator against some Xenomorphs! She see's something special in Mitch and she sends him to Michael Keaton's character Batman and he trains Mitch to be an unstoppable killing machine. And when an old foe surfaces it's Batman and Robin to the rescue! Pretty action packed, fun to watch Mitch enjoying his new job to the fullest!! Do it!! Filmbufftim on FB!
Lenard (726 KP) rated Fantasy Island (2020) in Movies
Feb 24, 2020
Much like the recent adaptation of the Banana Splits Hour, Blumhouse's Fantasy Island took a show from my childhood and added horror elements to the premise. Five strangers land on an island where their fantasy is granted. The island is overseen by a mysterious Latino named Mr. Roarke, played by master monologuist Michael Pena. As you may have seen in the trailer, two are given everything that they want (money, sex, a mansion), one plays soldier, one is given a fresh start, and one gets revenge on a middle-school bully. However, a fantasy can easily become a nightmare and the island does not distinguish. As the five strangers are slowly brought back together, they learn that the island did not randomly select them. Someone else has their own nightmarish fantasy to live. I will not spoil the secret, but the mysterious person behind it all makes precious little sense unless he or she had a traumatic brain injury before and during the plot of the movie. Some scenes were very good and it could have been a good horror movie if it had just left the storylines separate like the tv show managed to do.
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