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Darren (1599 KP) rated 50/50 (2011) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Verdict This comedy drama will make you laugh but it will also make you cry. The actor from everyone is among some of the best you will see with ever character being a believable and someone who everyone could have in their own lives. I found the comedy level is the perfect level to complement the serious nature of the movie. This is a movie that everyone will enjoy it has everything you need in a good movie without have to have anything over the top happening, you should watch this movie.
Story Mark 10/10 Perfect story
Comedy Mark 9/10 Light heart comedy on serious issue
Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 Adam and Kyle look like lifelong friends
Romantic Chemistry Mark 9/10 Adam chemistry with Katherine work perfectly and you can see Adam and Rachael falling apart
Star Performances Joseph Gordon Levitt he put in one of the best performance of the year and of his career so far.
Anna Kendrick great performance to keeping up her good record of strong performances
Seth Rogen most likely his best performance of his career right up there with his performance in Funny People.
Favourite Character I have to go with Adam just seeing how he deals with the situation is just incredible.
Least Favourite Character Rachael watch and you will see why.
Best Part It’s pretty much perfect never to funny or sad.
Worst Part Hard to find one
Best Quote Adam ‘’See, but… that’s bullshit. That’s what everyone has been telling me since the beginning. “Oh, you’re gonna be okay,” and “Oh, everything’s fine,” and like, it’s not… It makes it worse… that no one will just come out and say it. Like, “hey man, you’re gonna die.”
Similar Too – Funny People
https://moviesreview101.com/2011/11/23/5050-2011/
Story Mark 10/10 Perfect story
Comedy Mark 9/10 Light heart comedy on serious issue
Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 Adam and Kyle look like lifelong friends
Romantic Chemistry Mark 9/10 Adam chemistry with Katherine work perfectly and you can see Adam and Rachael falling apart
Star Performances Joseph Gordon Levitt he put in one of the best performance of the year and of his career so far.
Anna Kendrick great performance to keeping up her good record of strong performances
Seth Rogen most likely his best performance of his career right up there with his performance in Funny People.
Favourite Character I have to go with Adam just seeing how he deals with the situation is just incredible.
Least Favourite Character Rachael watch and you will see why.
Best Part It’s pretty much perfect never to funny or sad.
Worst Part Hard to find one
Best Quote Adam ‘’See, but… that’s bullshit. That’s what everyone has been telling me since the beginning. “Oh, you’re gonna be okay,” and “Oh, everything’s fine,” and like, it’s not… It makes it worse… that no one will just come out and say it. Like, “hey man, you’re gonna die.”
Similar Too – Funny People
https://moviesreview101.com/2011/11/23/5050-2011/

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Now and Forever (Wild at Heart, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Romance and suspense in the mountains of Idaho Territory, 1866.
Shannon Wilde, the middle sister, has a soft spot for animals. She cares for her flock of sheep on her homestead. When her life takes a dramatic turn off of a cliff with Matthew Tucker, she finds herself married to the rugged mountain man. Shannon is a strong independent woman who is not used to being protected by a man. But as attacks begin to try and drive her off her land, maybe she needs that protection after all. The attacker picked the wrong family to mess with, Tucker's fury is not something to trifle with. But will he be able to protect the wife that he is falling in love with? Will her past drive a wedge between them? Find out on another adventure with the Wilde family!
Mary Connealy is quickly becoming one of my favorite western authors. Her romantic comedy has a side of action and terror, which makes her books well balanced. Now & Forever is not for squeamish stomachs however. I found myself grimacing as I read through a couple of the scenes. I was hooked from the start though, and I couldn't put it down through all of the action and suspense. It really felt like Criminal Minds meets the Old West as they try to find out who is behind the attacks. I enjoyed watching as Shannon and Tucker's relationship developed, turning into love and respect for one another. After experiencing unbelievable horrors in he Civil War, Shannon's faith is on shaky ground. Tucker helps her through her journey of reestablishing that faith in God. Even with their challenging upbringings and pasts, they learn to work through their differences, becoming a team that is inseparable.
I received a free copy of Now & Forever from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Shannon Wilde, the middle sister, has a soft spot for animals. She cares for her flock of sheep on her homestead. When her life takes a dramatic turn off of a cliff with Matthew Tucker, she finds herself married to the rugged mountain man. Shannon is a strong independent woman who is not used to being protected by a man. But as attacks begin to try and drive her off her land, maybe she needs that protection after all. The attacker picked the wrong family to mess with, Tucker's fury is not something to trifle with. But will he be able to protect the wife that he is falling in love with? Will her past drive a wedge between them? Find out on another adventure with the Wilde family!
Mary Connealy is quickly becoming one of my favorite western authors. Her romantic comedy has a side of action and terror, which makes her books well balanced. Now & Forever is not for squeamish stomachs however. I found myself grimacing as I read through a couple of the scenes. I was hooked from the start though, and I couldn't put it down through all of the action and suspense. It really felt like Criminal Minds meets the Old West as they try to find out who is behind the attacks. I enjoyed watching as Shannon and Tucker's relationship developed, turning into love and respect for one another. After experiencing unbelievable horrors in he Civil War, Shannon's faith is on shaky ground. Tucker helps her through her journey of reestablishing that faith in God. Even with their challenging upbringings and pasts, they learn to work through their differences, becoming a team that is inseparable.
I received a free copy of Now & Forever from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Song Unheard (Shadows Over England, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Roseanna's books continue to completely blow my mind! Filled with so much heart-wrenching, heart-stopping, heart-melting events that it literally takes DAYS to recover. My poor heart can't handle any more at the moment. That being said...YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES!!! (Start with Book One, A Name Unknown) Set during the beginning of World War I we see a different side of the war than what we may be used to. The Belgium Orchestra Relief Fund...Based in Wales. So.Much.Music! I LOVE it!!!
One of the aspects of this story that struck me in the heart, is the fact that God KNOWS us. And He will speak to us in a unique and individual way that will grip our heart and MEAN SOMETHING to us. For me personally, God uses books, songs, art, and dance...pretty much anything in the 'arts'...to speak life and truth into my life. For Willa...well...you will have to wait and see.
Lukas and Willa create the perfect romantic tension and reminds us that no one is beyond saving. I absolutely adore Margot (Lukas's sister) and am so glad that we also get to see this story from her perspective in Brussels. Her brilliant mind and unique gift for "puzzles" adds a whole different layer to the story. It just goes to show, that when God has given us a gift, there are numerous ways that we can use it to help others and glorify Him.
If you love romance, mystery, history, and have a soft spot for music...You will fall in love with Lukas, Margot, and Willa and her "family" in a heartbeat.
I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
One of the aspects of this story that struck me in the heart, is the fact that God KNOWS us. And He will speak to us in a unique and individual way that will grip our heart and MEAN SOMETHING to us. For me personally, God uses books, songs, art, and dance...pretty much anything in the 'arts'...to speak life and truth into my life. For Willa...well...you will have to wait and see.
Lukas and Willa create the perfect romantic tension and reminds us that no one is beyond saving. I absolutely adore Margot (Lukas's sister) and am so glad that we also get to see this story from her perspective in Brussels. Her brilliant mind and unique gift for "puzzles" adds a whole different layer to the story. It just goes to show, that when God has given us a gift, there are numerous ways that we can use it to help others and glorify Him.
If you love romance, mystery, history, and have a soft spot for music...You will fall in love with Lukas, Margot, and Willa and her "family" in a heartbeat.
I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated In the Shadow of Denali (The Heart of Alaska #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Excuse me while I find a train headed to Alaska...THIS book makes me want to visit Alaska even more than I did before. The beauty and the majestic land is captured in a way that speaks to the adventurous corners of my heart. Denali in all its wonder, is a sight that I want to see with my own eyes. Tracie and Kimberley have brought us an incredible story of faith and forgiveness set in the heart of the frontier of Alaska. The dangers, beauty, and awe of the land are expressed in detail on every page.
There are multiple viewpoints in this book which I love, but can be maddening at times. As the reader we can see ALMOST the whole picture, there are a few details that must work themselves out as we read. But in other situations, I just wanted to slap the characters and tell them what was REALLY going on. That being said, I really do enjoy the specific viewpoints that the authors highlighted.
In the Shadow of Denali is filled with so many emotions. Heartbreak, unforgiveness, hatred towards God, jealousy, greed, and yet we also see tender love, strong family bond, sweet surrender to Christ, forgiveness, and inner beauty. This is a journey that I am excited to continue! Travel back to 1923 and experience the mountain for yourself. The book ends with a tender, romantic scene that simply took my breath away. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Heart of Alaska.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Denali from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
There are multiple viewpoints in this book which I love, but can be maddening at times. As the reader we can see ALMOST the whole picture, there are a few details that must work themselves out as we read. But in other situations, I just wanted to slap the characters and tell them what was REALLY going on. That being said, I really do enjoy the specific viewpoints that the authors highlighted.
In the Shadow of Denali is filled with so many emotions. Heartbreak, unforgiveness, hatred towards God, jealousy, greed, and yet we also see tender love, strong family bond, sweet surrender to Christ, forgiveness, and inner beauty. This is a journey that I am excited to continue! Travel back to 1923 and experience the mountain for yourself. The book ends with a tender, romantic scene that simply took my breath away. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment of Heart of Alaska.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Denali from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Life and Other Inconveniences in Books
Oct 24, 2019
Emma London is kicked out her home as pregnant teen. It particularly stings, because when Emma's mom died when she was a kid, her dad dropped her on his own mom's doorstop and never looked back. Genevieve, Emma's wealthy grandmother, took her in and raised her, but she never had much love for Emma. Perhaps because Genevieve was already dealing with her own tragedies: the disappearance of her young son, followed by the early death of her husband. Still, she had time to build a fashion empire--and neglect her other son (Emma's father). Emma hasn't let any of her family baggage stop her. She's built a good life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley. But now she has a surprise call from Genevieve, asking her for help. Emma isn't sure she can go home again, but what if it's what's best for Riley? And maybe even for her?
What a wonderful read! This was a great book to consume poolside this summer.
I love Kristan Higgins' books and this one was no exception. Don’t go in expecting a light and fluffy romance, though. Sure, there are some romantic elements here and plenty of Higgins’ trademark wit and humor, but this is also a serious read that deals with momentous life events and tragedies. It’s sad, poignant, touching, and real. Because Higgins’ characters are so true to life, and because she immerses you so fully in their world, it’s easy to both laugh and cry while reading. It’s a character-driven read, and I was quickly drawn to Emma, Riley, and several others.
I definitely recommend this one, and if you haven’t picked up any of Higgins’ work, now is the time to start! 4.5 stars.
What a wonderful read! This was a great book to consume poolside this summer.
I love Kristan Higgins' books and this one was no exception. Don’t go in expecting a light and fluffy romance, though. Sure, there are some romantic elements here and plenty of Higgins’ trademark wit and humor, but this is also a serious read that deals with momentous life events and tragedies. It’s sad, poignant, touching, and real. Because Higgins’ characters are so true to life, and because she immerses you so fully in their world, it’s easy to both laugh and cry while reading. It’s a character-driven read, and I was quickly drawn to Emma, Riley, and several others.
I definitely recommend this one, and if you haven’t picked up any of Higgins’ work, now is the time to start! 4.5 stars.

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Date Night (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Date Night, directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum), is a surprisingly funny film. More often than not, you can determine the quality of a film by the time you finish watching its trailer. This movie was a nice wake-up call that what you see isn’t always what you get.
Steve Carell and Tiny Fey have an unexpected amount of on-screen chemistry. This affinity is most evident in a clever dining scene in the beginning of the film, during which they each ad-lib other restaurant patrons’ conversations (be sure to stay in your seats during the credits for several hilarious out-takes of this scene). Carell and Fey genuinely feel like a couple in a bit of a slump in their marriage. Romantic comedies are often guilty of betraying a stunning lack of subtlety when it comes to heartfelt dialogue, but not in this case. The way they work through it during the countless shenanigans of their date night never comes across as trite or clichéd.
I was surprised the type of humor varied quite a bit during this film. Each of us have a different type of funny bone, so while some jokes fell relatively flat on me personally, these same moments were met with a good amount of laughter from others in the theater. Don’t come into this movie expecting a singular form of comedy. Visual humor, situational comedy, unexpected irony, running gags (involving Mark Wahlberg), and several obviously bad jokes told with fearless gusto pushed this movie to unanticipated levels of laughter.
After a few questionable plot events, the ending was something of a deus ex machina. The writer, Josh Klausner, ended up working the implausibility into the story nicely for a decent finish to a funny film.
Steve Carell and Tiny Fey have an unexpected amount of on-screen chemistry. This affinity is most evident in a clever dining scene in the beginning of the film, during which they each ad-lib other restaurant patrons’ conversations (be sure to stay in your seats during the credits for several hilarious out-takes of this scene). Carell and Fey genuinely feel like a couple in a bit of a slump in their marriage. Romantic comedies are often guilty of betraying a stunning lack of subtlety when it comes to heartfelt dialogue, but not in this case. The way they work through it during the countless shenanigans of their date night never comes across as trite or clichéd.
I was surprised the type of humor varied quite a bit during this film. Each of us have a different type of funny bone, so while some jokes fell relatively flat on me personally, these same moments were met with a good amount of laughter from others in the theater. Don’t come into this movie expecting a singular form of comedy. Visual humor, situational comedy, unexpected irony, running gags (involving Mark Wahlberg), and several obviously bad jokes told with fearless gusto pushed this movie to unanticipated levels of laughter.
After a few questionable plot events, the ending was something of a deus ex machina. The writer, Josh Klausner, ended up working the implausibility into the story nicely for a decent finish to a funny film.

Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Deathwatch (Broslin Creek #1) in Books
Nov 12, 2019
Kat Bridges is the only person able to identify the FBI's most wanted assassin, but despite their protection there is a nearly successful attempt on her life. Now on the run from both the FBI and the assassin she takes refuge in the small town of Broslin Creek. When Murphy Dolan returns injured from active duty and finds her in his house he is at first annoyed but then realises that she needs help. With certain knowledge that she is being tracked by a killer, they both become closer than either of them is prepared for.
The first thing to say about this novel is that the cover does it a disservice in my opinion. It isn't some slushy romance - certainly there are romantic parts but the main part of the story is the gradual unfolding of both Kat and Dolan, their interactions in the small town and the realisation that one of the other people in the town is trying to kill Kat.
All this makes for something of a breathtaking read. The characters - even the minor ones - are realised well, especially as any of them could be gunning for Kat. The main characters work very well and as the story is told from both of their points of view it gives a good insight into what makes them tick - and also how they each need the other in lots of ways.
The assassin plot works well and keeps both the reader and Kat and Dolan on their toes. The action scenes are handled with relish, told in a fast moving but simple style so that they don't get too confusing. All the character interactions are good and realistic.
Definitely a good read if you are looking for a thriller with an undercurrent of romance
The first thing to say about this novel is that the cover does it a disservice in my opinion. It isn't some slushy romance - certainly there are romantic parts but the main part of the story is the gradual unfolding of both Kat and Dolan, their interactions in the small town and the realisation that one of the other people in the town is trying to kill Kat.
All this makes for something of a breathtaking read. The characters - even the minor ones - are realised well, especially as any of them could be gunning for Kat. The main characters work very well and as the story is told from both of their points of view it gives a good insight into what makes them tick - and also how they each need the other in lots of ways.
The assassin plot works well and keeps both the reader and Kat and Dolan on their toes. The action scenes are handled with relish, told in a fast moving but simple style so that they don't get too confusing. All the character interactions are good and realistic.
Definitely a good read if you are looking for a thriller with an undercurrent of romance

Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Immortal in Death (In Death, #3) in Books
Nov 18, 2019
I read the first two books in this series quite a while ago now and the only thing I remember is Eve and Roarke's relationship progressing quite quickly.
This has taken me a long time to finish and I think that's due to its length. I'm not the biggest fan of long books and the fact the writing in the kindle app for PC is so tiny tells me it's a long one. I've been reading it in spurts between other books but as the investigation into Pandora's death got going I decided to just concentrate on this one and finally get it finished.
So Pandora is a successful model, loved the world over for her style and flair but also loathed for being vicious and cruel. When she's murdered and the prime suspect is Mavis, Eve's long time friend, Eve is determined to help solve the mystery and get her friend off the charge of murder and find the real killer.
I loved the twists and turns in this. I, like Eve, thought that they'd found the killers at about the 66% mark but then like how did they go about proving it? And then it turns out it wasn't those people?! I was like, WHAT?!
Of course, this one also contains Eve and Roarke's wedding and the stuff that leads up to it, including dress shopping, hen and stag nights and picking flowers. Admittedly, we don't get the wedding in this as such, just Eve getting dressed and walking out to make her promise to Roarke.
Although I didn't enjoy this as much as previous books, I think that was down to me not being in the mood for a mystery/crime/romantic suspense book as well as it's long length. Nevertheless I will be reading more books in the series at a later date.
This has taken me a long time to finish and I think that's due to its length. I'm not the biggest fan of long books and the fact the writing in the kindle app for PC is so tiny tells me it's a long one. I've been reading it in spurts between other books but as the investigation into Pandora's death got going I decided to just concentrate on this one and finally get it finished.
So Pandora is a successful model, loved the world over for her style and flair but also loathed for being vicious and cruel. When she's murdered and the prime suspect is Mavis, Eve's long time friend, Eve is determined to help solve the mystery and get her friend off the charge of murder and find the real killer.
I loved the twists and turns in this. I, like Eve, thought that they'd found the killers at about the 66% mark but then like how did they go about proving it? And then it turns out it wasn't those people?! I was like, WHAT?!
Of course, this one also contains Eve and Roarke's wedding and the stuff that leads up to it, including dress shopping, hen and stag nights and picking flowers. Admittedly, we don't get the wedding in this as such, just Eve getting dressed and walking out to make her promise to Roarke.
Although I didn't enjoy this as much as previous books, I think that was down to me not being in the mood for a mystery/crime/romantic suspense book as well as it's long length. Nevertheless I will be reading more books in the series at a later date.

Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Nightlife: New York (The Nightlife #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
When Aaron sees a beautiful woman being shaken down by two corrupt cops on the streets of New York he steps in to try to help her. But Michelle does not need his help and is well able to deal with the police. However in the fracas Aaron is accidentally shot and fatally wounded. Michelle feels guilty and feels she has to save his life the only way she can - by turning him into what she is. A vampire.
Michelle teaches Aaron about his superhuman powers and how he has to live now but there is trouble brewing as Aaron comes to terms with his new life, the control Michelle has over him and letting go his old existence, the two corrupt police officers are determined to track Michelle down and make her pay.
Along the way there is plenty of sex. Vampires have always been sexy and the recent romantic resurgence of vampires has only emphasised this. Luedke takes this one step further. Vampire bites induce sexual arousal in their victims and Michelle teaches Aaron to use this with care, except when they are together when they are able to withstand each other's bites.
It would have been easy for the sex scenes to overwhelm the book but Luedke manages to keep everything as an integral part of the plot which evolves neatly throughout the course of the book as the various plot strands come together.
There are some terrific action scenes too with the vampires' hightened abilities resulting in some sequences that reminded me of The Matrix complete with 'bullet time'.
So if you want your vampires sexy and powerful and your stories thrilling and full of action this is the story for you.
Rated: Scenes of sex and violence. Frequent swearing.
Michelle teaches Aaron about his superhuman powers and how he has to live now but there is trouble brewing as Aaron comes to terms with his new life, the control Michelle has over him and letting go his old existence, the two corrupt police officers are determined to track Michelle down and make her pay.
Along the way there is plenty of sex. Vampires have always been sexy and the recent romantic resurgence of vampires has only emphasised this. Luedke takes this one step further. Vampire bites induce sexual arousal in their victims and Michelle teaches Aaron to use this with care, except when they are together when they are able to withstand each other's bites.
It would have been easy for the sex scenes to overwhelm the book but Luedke manages to keep everything as an integral part of the plot which evolves neatly throughout the course of the book as the various plot strands come together.
There are some terrific action scenes too with the vampires' hightened abilities resulting in some sequences that reminded me of The Matrix complete with 'bullet time'.
So if you want your vampires sexy and powerful and your stories thrilling and full of action this is the story for you.
Rated: Scenes of sex and violence. Frequent swearing.

JT (287 KP) rated I Am Number Four (2011) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Bland and flat for the first half then bells and whistles for the final act, it’s not awe inspiring stuff really, a Twilight for the Sci-fi genre. When their home planet is destroyed by Mogadorians, nine infant aliens with extraordinary powers and their guardians are scattered around the Earth hiding from certain death.
With the first three dead the leather trench coat wearing villains, complete with odd looking tattoos and piranha like teeth come after Number 4, John Smith (Pettyfer).
Hiding out in a small town Smith tries to fit in, experiencing everything that a normal everyday teenager would do, while trying to suppress hidden powers that he slowly grasps the responsibility of.
He falls for the shy blonde, Sarah (Agron) who hides behind the lens of her camera, and befriends the local nerd who believes that Aliens have abducted his dad, well help is at hand there.
It really is a film of two halves, with the romantic adolescents looking to find each other and rebelling the elements that threaten to tear them apart.
Caruso then suddenly ramps the action and visual set pieces up as the battle across town heats up with the Mogadorians hot on their heels. There is also the introduction of Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), leather clad and sexy she rides in on a shiny red Ducati to help save the day complete with her own set of unique powers.
There is no denying that the finale certainly lifts the film but by this time the only thing it will achieve will be waking the audience up from what was a boring opening.
A sequel is no doubt a sure thing, but do we really need another franchise of teen lust and super powers? We’ve already had Potter and Cullen!
With the first three dead the leather trench coat wearing villains, complete with odd looking tattoos and piranha like teeth come after Number 4, John Smith (Pettyfer).
Hiding out in a small town Smith tries to fit in, experiencing everything that a normal everyday teenager would do, while trying to suppress hidden powers that he slowly grasps the responsibility of.
He falls for the shy blonde, Sarah (Agron) who hides behind the lens of her camera, and befriends the local nerd who believes that Aliens have abducted his dad, well help is at hand there.
It really is a film of two halves, with the romantic adolescents looking to find each other and rebelling the elements that threaten to tear them apart.
Caruso then suddenly ramps the action and visual set pieces up as the battle across town heats up with the Mogadorians hot on their heels. There is also the introduction of Number 6 (Teresa Palmer), leather clad and sexy she rides in on a shiny red Ducati to help save the day complete with her own set of unique powers.
There is no denying that the finale certainly lifts the film but by this time the only thing it will achieve will be waking the audience up from what was a boring opening.
A sequel is no doubt a sure thing, but do we really need another franchise of teen lust and super powers? We’ve already had Potter and Cullen!