Search
Search results
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Expendables (2010) in Movies
Nov 22, 2019
Mumble Mumble Mumbe Part 1
Lets get all of the 80's action stars and throw them into a movie. Will Bruce and Arnold be in it, nope well for only 1min and 30secs. Yes you heard that correctly two of the biggest action stars only get 1min and 30sec screen time cameo with Sly. Making jokes and one-liners. So whats the plot then.
The Plot: A group of mercenaries is double-crossed during a mission and are approached by Church to overthrow the ruthless dictator of a South American country. It isn't long before the men realise things aren't quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal. Although their mission is compromised and an innocent is in danger, soldier of fortune Barney and his comrades decide to get the job done.
Also the charcter names are really weird but intresting and predictable. Like Lee Christmas, Gunner Jensen, Yin Yang, Hale Caesar, Toll Road, Toll and Mr. Church.
All of 80's stars are here like Dolph Lundren who, ohh the russian guy from rocky 4 and Randy Couture who, oh a retired MMA fighting.
Its a funny, action movie and will have a good time watching.
The Plot: A group of mercenaries is double-crossed during a mission and are approached by Church to overthrow the ruthless dictator of a South American country. It isn't long before the men realise things aren't quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal. Although their mission is compromised and an innocent is in danger, soldier of fortune Barney and his comrades decide to get the job done.
Also the charcter names are really weird but intresting and predictable. Like Lee Christmas, Gunner Jensen, Yin Yang, Hale Caesar, Toll Road, Toll and Mr. Church.
All of 80's stars are here like Dolph Lundren who, ohh the russian guy from rocky 4 and Randy Couture who, oh a retired MMA fighting.
Its a funny, action movie and will have a good time watching.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated S’more Murders in Books
Jun 25, 2021 (Updated Jun 25, 2021)
Val is on a Collision Course with Murder
Val Deniston has agreed to cater a dinner on a yacht meant to recreate the final dinner for the first-class passengers aboard the Titanic. The evening gets off to a rocky start, and Val begins to question how these particular guests were selected for the invitation. Then the host of the evening vanishes from the yacht. Was it murder? If so, will Val figure out what happened?
If, like me, you are wondering how S’mores got involved in this story, yes the title does make sense. Not that I’m complaining since that is such a wonderful pun. The mystery is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged. I feel like the ending was a little too twisty, and I think we have a question left opened, but that is minor. The big picture definitely comes together for us. The circle of returning characters is smaller, but that was good since it gave us time to focus on getting to know the suspects. We’ve got six more five-ingredient recipes at the end, including a savory take on a s’more. If you are a fan of this series, you’ll be happy with this visit with Val.
If, like me, you are wondering how S’mores got involved in this story, yes the title does make sense. Not that I’m complaining since that is such a wonderful pun. The mystery is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged. I feel like the ending was a little too twisty, and I think we have a question left opened, but that is minor. The big picture definitely comes together for us. The circle of returning characters is smaller, but that was good since it gave us time to focus on getting to know the suspects. We’ve got six more five-ingredient recipes at the end, including a savory take on a s’more. If you are a fan of this series, you’ll be happy with this visit with Val.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Final Cut in Books
Nov 16, 2023
Deadly First Day on Set
Costumer Joey Jessop is happy to be working on the latest big budget superhero movie. However, the first day gets off to a rocky start with the director showing how horrible he can be, an electrical accident, and then a murder. Joey is the person to find the victim, the second assistant director, who just happens to be dating Joey’s ex. With Joey a person of interest, can she figure out what really happened?
Since I love the entertainment industry, this book immediately caught my attention. We get behind the scenes information, sometimes a bit too much, but I did love the Southern California and entertainment settings overall. The plot needed more focus, with the story being driven more by events than Joey’s investigation, which lead us to a climax that was weak on one hand and suspenseful on the other. Several aspects of the plot don’t really get resolved. There is a strong Me Too storyline, and I appreciated that it focused on Joey and her response to it all. Joey and several of main characters came to life for me, and I did like spending time with them. In the end, this one was a mixed bag for me.
Since I love the entertainment industry, this book immediately caught my attention. We get behind the scenes information, sometimes a bit too much, but I did love the Southern California and entertainment settings overall. The plot needed more focus, with the story being driven more by events than Joey’s investigation, which lead us to a climax that was weak on one hand and suspenseful on the other. Several aspects of the plot don’t really get resolved. There is a strong Me Too storyline, and I appreciated that it focused on Joey and her response to it all. Joey and several of main characters came to life for me, and I did like spending time with them. In the end, this one was a mixed bag for me.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Coroner in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Emily Hartford seems to be doing well for herself with a promising surgical career in Chicago and having been recently engaged to a third-year surgical resident. Her world is turned upside down when she receives a call telling her that her estranged medical examiner father has suffered a major heart attack and she must come home.
Upon arrival at her hometown of Freeport, which she fled over 12 years ago after the mysterious death of her mother, Emily is pulled into an investigation. With her ME father unable to assist, Sheriff Nick Larson (Em’s old high school flame) asks her help in finding out if the sudden unexplained death of a Senator’s teen daughter was an accident or murder.
This book is engaging with several different stories going on at once. The first story is the mystery of the Senator’s daughter who was an equestrian, good student, and all around loved individual. How and why was she killed? The second story is about the relationship between Emily and her father. They once were so close, but with the mysterious accident her mother suffered leaving her dead, daughter and father have a rocky relationship. The third story is of Emily and trying to find out what she really wants in life.
The is a true mystery-suspense drama with a very surprising ending.
Upon arrival at her hometown of Freeport, which she fled over 12 years ago after the mysterious death of her mother, Emily is pulled into an investigation. With her ME father unable to assist, Sheriff Nick Larson (Em’s old high school flame) asks her help in finding out if the sudden unexplained death of a Senator’s teen daughter was an accident or murder.
This book is engaging with several different stories going on at once. The first story is the mystery of the Senator’s daughter who was an equestrian, good student, and all around loved individual. How and why was she killed? The second story is about the relationship between Emily and her father. They once were so close, but with the mysterious accident her mother suffered leaving her dead, daughter and father have a rocky relationship. The third story is of Emily and trying to find out what she really wants in life.
The is a true mystery-suspense drama with a very surprising ending.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated My Dad Wrote A Porno in Podcasts
Jul 15, 2020
Absolutely hilarious
Podcasts aren't usually my thing, however working from home full time has made me go insane listening to my usual music and radio shows. A few of my friends have recommended this podcast on numerous occasions so thought I'd give something different a go... now I'm just mega peeved that I hadn't started listening to this sooner!
This is possibly the funniest thing I've ever heard. Let's be honest, this isn't for the faint hearted or those easily offended as it's pretty explicit, but boy is it laugh out loud hilarious. The funniest thing is the fact that this is actually a real book series written by Jamie Morton's dad (aka Rocky Flintstone) and that this hasn't just been written to make fun. His writing style is bonkers and the way it moves from mundane description to ridiculous and completely unappealing porn scenarios is so bizarre. And then listening to this book being narrated by Jamie just adds to the laughs. Listening to his, Alice Levine's and James Cooper's commentary feels like you're sat in a room with friends listening and chatting about it in person. They pick on every grammatical error and plot hole, and not to mention the ridiculous scenarios and inept sales work.
Can't fault this at all, it's downright hilarious and I'll be very sad if/when I get to the last episode.
This is possibly the funniest thing I've ever heard. Let's be honest, this isn't for the faint hearted or those easily offended as it's pretty explicit, but boy is it laugh out loud hilarious. The funniest thing is the fact that this is actually a real book series written by Jamie Morton's dad (aka Rocky Flintstone) and that this hasn't just been written to make fun. His writing style is bonkers and the way it moves from mundane description to ridiculous and completely unappealing porn scenarios is so bizarre. And then listening to this book being narrated by Jamie just adds to the laughs. Listening to his, Alice Levine's and James Cooper's commentary feels like you're sat in a room with friends listening and chatting about it in person. They pick on every grammatical error and plot hole, and not to mention the ridiculous scenarios and inept sales work.
Can't fault this at all, it's downright hilarious and I'll be very sad if/when I get to the last episode.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Muddled Matrimonial Murder in Books
Jun 14, 2023
Dead Stalker
Not only is Thanksgiving approaching, and with it lots of orders for cupcakes that caterer Emory Martinez must fulfill, but she’s also working on the wedding of her best friend, Brad, to Gabe. The road to the wedding is going to be rocky, however, as Gabe seems to be having the worst case of cold feet imaginable. Then Brad and Emory find the body of a woman at the wedding venue. The victim is Brad’s stalker, whom he hasn’t seen in years and didn’t even know was in the area. With the police looking at the grooms as the prime suspects, Emory must add finding a killer to her to do list.
I’d kind of forgotten about Brad’s stalker until she became the focus of this storyline. The plot was great since Emory, despite what she uncovers, keeps coming back to the grooms as the best suspects. Yet when we reach the suspenseful climax, things make perfect sense. There are some interesting developments that fans of the series will enjoy. And yes, I do recommend reading this series in order. That’s fine since the characters are so charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them again here. There are another dozen recipes, including some twists on Thanksgiving favorites and lots featuring cranberries. If you are looking for a fun cozy, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
I’d kind of forgotten about Brad’s stalker until she became the focus of this storyline. The plot was great since Emory, despite what she uncovers, keeps coming back to the grooms as the best suspects. Yet when we reach the suspenseful climax, things make perfect sense. There are some interesting developments that fans of the series will enjoy. And yes, I do recommend reading this series in order. That’s fine since the characters are so charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them again here. There are another dozen recipes, including some twists on Thanksgiving favorites and lots featuring cranberries. If you are looking for a fun cozy, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Merissa (12897 KP) rated In Due Time (Time #2) in Books
Jun 19, 2023
IN DUE TIME is the second book in the Times series and we continue with Tatum as she tries to sort out the world and its problems! You probably could read this as a standalone but I think it is definitely worth reading book one first as it will give you smaller details that help make this story so good.
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Unraveled in Books
Dec 24, 2024 (Updated Dec 24, 2024)
Keefe’s Adventures in the Human World
This book picks up where book 8.5 ended. In order to protect his friends from his new abilities, Keefe leaves the Elfin world behind to hide out among the humans. While his first attempts are rocky, he soon finds a way to survive. And then he hits on an idea to not only figure out how to control his new abilities but also to figure out some things from his past. Will he succeed at either?
Yet another half book for fans of the series, and it does contain some information I’m sure will be critical going forward. However, we got a lot of fluff as well as Keefe tries to adjust to our world. Some of it was funny, but still, it threw off the pacing. We also meet a couple of very minor gay and lesbian characters (so minor they are unnamed). I did like the development we got for Keefe and the chapters at the end that show some scenes from Stellalune from his point of view. Speaking of which, yes, there are spoilers here for the earlier books of the series. At only 400 pages, this is a fast read compared to the more recent books. But fans will be glad they have this information going forward.
Yet another half book for fans of the series, and it does contain some information I’m sure will be critical going forward. However, we got a lot of fluff as well as Keefe tries to adjust to our world. Some of it was funny, but still, it threw off the pacing. We also meet a couple of very minor gay and lesbian characters (so minor they are unnamed). I did like the development we got for Keefe and the chapters at the end that show some scenes from Stellalune from his point of view. Speaking of which, yes, there are spoilers here for the earlier books of the series. At only 400 pages, this is a fast read compared to the more recent books. But fans will be glad they have this information going forward.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated War at the Ice Cream Store 2: Rocky Road vs The Sundae Storm in Books
May 27, 2025
This book is similar to the first book. We meet a few more new characters. One is Sheriff Mults, I believe. We are also introduced to Allen Halfgallon. This book gets more fun. It is funny and loveable. I just loved the characters and their personalities. I also like the wordplay. It is like reading the words in a song.
I like how they try to help and come up with an idea together to save the day. Vanilli Nice calls for help and then tells them about the war emergency at the ice cream store. Will they be able to save the day? Or will the Sundae Storm win out?
We are then introduced to Rocky Road. Will he be able to save the day? Will the frozen treats be able to save the day, and or will the shop be closed on a perfect summer day?
The story can be told by just looking at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable to look at. I enjoy the way the story plays out. Will they rally together to save the historical day, or will they not? I like the Newman telling the story through his eyes as if on the news in weather report style. We also see it through the ice cream flavor point of view.
I like how they try to help and come up with an idea together to save the day. Vanilli Nice calls for help and then tells them about the war emergency at the ice cream store. Will they be able to save the day? Or will the Sundae Storm win out?
We are then introduced to Rocky Road. Will he be able to save the day? Will the frozen treats be able to save the day, and or will the shop be closed on a perfect summer day?
The story can be told by just looking at the pictures. The pictures are colorful and enjoyable to look at. I enjoy the way the story plays out. Will they rally together to save the historical day, or will they not? I like the Newman telling the story through his eyes as if on the news in weather report style. We also see it through the ice cream flavor point of view.
Storyline (1 more)
Characters
Short but Worth the Read!
Being an avid King fan, I could not wait to read his latest novel, Elevation, and was a bit dismayed by the brevity. Upon starting the first chapter, however, I quickly realized that King had once again duped me into thinking he was only capable of writing long, winding novels (I've been duped before by his short story books and by Joyland) and I was pleasantly entertained from the first word to the last.
Elevation is set in a small town, like most of King's stories, one which gives off the air of being both a town to love and one to avoid on a family trip; it has the small town charm we all look for but comes with the small town bigotry as well. Our main character is a long-time resident with an already established problem of which there seems to be no cure and a rocky relationship with his neighbors, one that has a profound effect on his future. King manages to pull his reader in from first page and attach you to his characters, and not just the protagonist but the supporting cast as well, in a way that will leave you desperately wishing there were just a few more pages.
All in all, Elevation is another Stephen King that should not be passed up, filled with a strong central message about how we view the world and the people in it.
Elevation is set in a small town, like most of King's stories, one which gives off the air of being both a town to love and one to avoid on a family trip; it has the small town charm we all look for but comes with the small town bigotry as well. Our main character is a long-time resident with an already established problem of which there seems to be no cure and a rocky relationship with his neighbors, one that has a profound effect on his future. King manages to pull his reader in from first page and attach you to his characters, and not just the protagonist but the supporting cast as well, in a way that will leave you desperately wishing there were just a few more pages.
All in all, Elevation is another Stephen King that should not be passed up, filled with a strong central message about how we view the world and the people in it.