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David McK (3587 KP) rated Batman: The Dark Knight Returns in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Commonly cited as one of the best Batman graphic novels, this is the one that turned Batman from the Camp Crusader of the Adam West years into the growling anti-hero of the Tim Burton and (later) Christopher Nolan films (leaving aside the Schumacher mis-steps in the middle).
Written in the 80s but set in the near-future, this sees Bruce Wayne return to his role as the vigilante 10 years after unspecified events that saw him hang up his cape. His return, however, also sees the return of some old foes, alongside that of some new.
While - as it was written in the 80s - some of the subject matter is now out of date (most noticeably, the Cold War between America and the USSR), this still holds up surprisingly well. I also have to say that, with some crowded art panels, language and the violence throughout, this is also not one for the kiddies!
Written in the 80s but set in the near-future, this sees Bruce Wayne return to his role as the vigilante 10 years after unspecified events that saw him hang up his cape. His return, however, also sees the return of some old foes, alongside that of some new.
While - as it was written in the 80s - some of the subject matter is now out of date (most noticeably, the Cold War between America and the USSR), this still holds up surprisingly well. I also have to say that, with some crowded art panels, language and the violence throughout, this is also not one for the kiddies!
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Loveday Secrets (Loveday, #9) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I realised when I got this book that it was part of a series, only for some reason I thought it was the first part. When I started reading I found there appeared to be an awful lot of back story and when I checked I found it was something like the 9th book in the series!
That aside, I didn't have any difficulty following the plot and even saw some of the 'secrets' and plot developments coming a mile off. I'm only giving 3 stars as, although it was well enough written, even by the end I didn't find I cared enough about any of the character to wonder what would happen to them next. Even those that I think were supposed to be sympathetic to the reader I really couldn't care about; the book inspired no sense of empathy.
From other reviews on Amazon some people are really enjoying this series, but for me it was lacking in emotional engagement.
That aside, I didn't have any difficulty following the plot and even saw some of the 'secrets' and plot developments coming a mile off. I'm only giving 3 stars as, although it was well enough written, even by the end I didn't find I cared enough about any of the character to wonder what would happen to them next. Even those that I think were supposed to be sympathetic to the reader I really couldn't care about; the book inspired no sense of empathy.
From other reviews on Amazon some people are really enjoying this series, but for me it was lacking in emotional engagement.
Deborah (162 KP) rated To Make a Match (Scandal in London, #3) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Loosely based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, Liana LeFey gives us the tale of a younger sister desperate to find marital happiness and an older sister who seems intent on blocking her at every turn. The sisters nearly end up engaged to the wrong men.... but this is an historical romance, so of course it all works out in the end!
I found this a perfectly enjoyable, easy read, if not one of the best examples of the genre. Lady Victoria Lennox was a bit of a minx and did need holding back a bit, while her older sister, Lady Amelia, was pretty unlikeable for most of the book - it was hard to see what her admirer saw in her. Both main male suitors seemed decent chaps, if not a swoon-worthy as some heroes.... was never quite clear why Victoria's father always seemed so harsh on her though. Ah well.
I found this a perfectly enjoyable, easy read, if not one of the best examples of the genre. Lady Victoria Lennox was a bit of a minx and did need holding back a bit, while her older sister, Lady Amelia, was pretty unlikeable for most of the book - it was hard to see what her admirer saw in her. Both main male suitors seemed decent chaps, if not a swoon-worthy as some heroes.... was never quite clear why Victoria's father always seemed so harsh on her though. Ah well.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated In Darkness (2018) in Movies
Dec 24, 2018
An average thriller
I’m pretty sure this went straight to tv over here, so I wasn’t expecting much however it is slightly better than I expected, even if it still a bog standard thriller.
The soundtrack is great, and the first part of them film is very well executed and comes across as quite arty, with some great music. The problem is that the rest of the film seems to get bogged down with a convoluted plot that’s made more complicated than it needs to be. Natalie Dormer is very good, it’s nice to see Joely Richardson in something recent, and it’s always nice to see Neil Maskell (even if he does play a similar character in everything he’s in - he seems to be the go to bloke for British cops). It’s just a shame that the cast can’t rise above the average plot. And the twist ending I saw coming a mile off.
One of those films that’s watchable but instantly forgettable as being distinctly average.
The soundtrack is great, and the first part of them film is very well executed and comes across as quite arty, with some great music. The problem is that the rest of the film seems to get bogged down with a convoluted plot that’s made more complicated than it needs to be. Natalie Dormer is very good, it’s nice to see Joely Richardson in something recent, and it’s always nice to see Neil Maskell (even if he does play a similar character in everything he’s in - he seems to be the go to bloke for British cops). It’s just a shame that the cast can’t rise above the average plot. And the twist ending I saw coming a mile off.
One of those films that’s watchable but instantly forgettable as being distinctly average.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Super Fun Sexy Time in Books
Jun 21, 2019
Consent (1 more)
Inclusive
Most Graphic of Graphic Novels
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL. Obviously, caps-lock was needed. Super Fun Sexy Times by Meredith McClaren is not your typical graphic novel, nor is it something that is going to be for everyone. It's graphic, and I do mean graphic so that that into consideration. The artwork beautiful, but the content takes the cake on how amazing this book is. This book is full of consent, sweet, fun, and sexy consent. I loved that we saw characters negotiating role play scenes & realistically talking about sex. I also truly appreciated how inclusive this book was. You have people of all shapes, sizes, sexual orientation, etc. which made me want to cry with how beautiful it was.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to the right reader. It is well worth the read & a book that I'm going to have to buy a hard copy of.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL. Obviously, caps-lock was needed. Super Fun Sexy Times by Meredith McClaren is not your typical graphic novel, nor is it something that is going to be for everyone. It's graphic, and I do mean graphic so that that into consideration. The artwork beautiful, but the content takes the cake on how amazing this book is. This book is full of consent, sweet, fun, and sexy consent. I loved that we saw characters negotiating role play scenes & realistically talking about sex. I also truly appreciated how inclusive this book was. You have people of all shapes, sizes, sexual orientation, etc. which made me want to cry with how beautiful it was.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to the right reader. It is well worth the read & a book that I'm going to have to buy a hard copy of.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018) in Movies
Oct 20, 2019
Inoffensive and forgettable
When I saw the first Goosebumps film, I'd been pleasantly surprised and loved it a lot more than I'd expected. Sadly the trailer for this follow up didnt look great, and I'm afraid to say the reality is rather disappointing too.
This is basically your run of the mill "scary" kids film. There was nothing particularly scary about it, the laughs were dull and predictable and even the blink and you'll miss it return of Jack Black's RL Stine isnt enough to make this film entertaining. Slappy is a great character and could be quite creepy, but in this they've really missed the mark. The ventriloquist dummies from Toy Story 4 were scarier than him! The CGI was quite dodgy at times too. The blessing with this film is that it's very short, and whilst it's not great it's still entertaining enough to keep you watching for the 90 minutes, it's just a very poor follow up to the surprising hit of the first.
This is basically your run of the mill "scary" kids film. There was nothing particularly scary about it, the laughs were dull and predictable and even the blink and you'll miss it return of Jack Black's RL Stine isnt enough to make this film entertaining. Slappy is a great character and could be quite creepy, but in this they've really missed the mark. The ventriloquist dummies from Toy Story 4 were scarier than him! The CGI was quite dodgy at times too. The blessing with this film is that it's very short, and whilst it's not great it's still entertaining enough to keep you watching for the 90 minutes, it's just a very poor follow up to the surprising hit of the first.
Versusyours (757 KP) rated Strange Free World by Kitchens Of Distinction in Music
Nov 6, 2019
Sonic landscape (1 more)
Thought provoking lyrics
Lost classic
This artist came to my attention late in my life and I missed them at their peak. This seemed to be to issue with the band and with this album. There was a buzz from critics but this didn't reflect on sales. A loose part of the UK shoegaze scene that used guitar effects to create ethereal and sonic soundscapes Kitchens of Distinction may have been too mellow and introspective in their lyrics, this is not to say that the lyrics are not tight provoking as they still hold up to modern ears. This album saw them at their finest with songs like Railwayed, Quick as Rainbows and Drive that Fast being the picks with these being played on college radio during the early 90s.
Overall this album is worth a visit as it deserves to be in more lives and has aged well in parts
Overall this album is worth a visit as it deserves to be in more lives and has aged well in parts
Erika (17789 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Dec 14, 2019
I was fairly excited that @Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) got a sequel, that film was a pleasant surprise a few years ago.
The entire gang was back, even the people you didn't expect to make an appearance. The film used the same formula as before, but it wasn't nearly as effective. There were little to no laughs for me, it was all very much the same and very predictable. Obviously, since it used the same formula as the last one.
There was nothing good, nor bad about the film. But, what is telling for me is that, while I was entertained watching it on Thursday afternoon, I had COMPLETELY forgotten that I had seen this by Friday morning.
When I was reminded I saw it by a coworker that asked me how it was, the one scene that came to mind was the mid-credit scene. I do hope they make a third (and then stop) to resolve the story completely.
The entire gang was back, even the people you didn't expect to make an appearance. The film used the same formula as before, but it wasn't nearly as effective. There were little to no laughs for me, it was all very much the same and very predictable. Obviously, since it used the same formula as the last one.
There was nothing good, nor bad about the film. But, what is telling for me is that, while I was entertained watching it on Thursday afternoon, I had COMPLETELY forgotten that I had seen this by Friday morning.
When I was reminded I saw it by a coworker that asked me how it was, the one scene that came to mind was the mid-credit scene. I do hope they make a third (and then stop) to resolve the story completely.
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Ten Thousand Doors of January in Books
Jan 11, 2020
I have NO IDEA as to why I thought this YA book may be different from all of the other recent ones I've read, and subsequently sworn off.
There was way too much about race in this, it was so distracting. The main character, vanilla-boring January's physical appearance was mentioned at least every few pages. It's just bizarre to me, this book needed an edit.
The description promises a fantasy, well, there was a lot of fantasy that was talked about, but none that I saw. Show me, don't tell me.
Then, there was the introduction of a story within a story. I stopped reading, then thought to myself, wow, this is pretty crappy, but I'll keep on. After ten minutes, I officially returned the digital copy to the library.
This book was not magical, it was boring, and there was too much exposition. I am NEVER reading another YA book, unless it's a Star Wars one. I've learned my lesson, yet again.
There was way too much about race in this, it was so distracting. The main character, vanilla-boring January's physical appearance was mentioned at least every few pages. It's just bizarre to me, this book needed an edit.
The description promises a fantasy, well, there was a lot of fantasy that was talked about, but none that I saw. Show me, don't tell me.
Then, there was the introduction of a story within a story. I stopped reading, then thought to myself, wow, this is pretty crappy, but I'll keep on. After ten minutes, I officially returned the digital copy to the library.
This book was not magical, it was boring, and there was too much exposition. I am NEVER reading another YA book, unless it's a Star Wars one. I've learned my lesson, yet again.
Becs (244 KP) rated I May Not Be Like You, But We Could Be Friends in Books
Jan 2, 2020
I love the meaning behind this book and the only reason why I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars is because the art style is what got me. I love art in children's books and I saw so much that could have been improved.
The art style was good since it's a children's book, but at the same time it could have been improved a bit. Being a crafty and art fanatic myself, I noticed a lot of times where there were cartoony characters but then some of the characters seemed to be caring on some realistic characteristics. Mixing art styles is totally okay, but at the same time you have to be careful when mixing.
The story: I would have changed a few things myself. But for a child reading it, they would have understood everything just fine.
Would I read it again? No. But I also don't have children so that's a main factor in the rereading category.
The art style was good since it's a children's book, but at the same time it could have been improved a bit. Being a crafty and art fanatic myself, I noticed a lot of times where there were cartoony characters but then some of the characters seemed to be caring on some realistic characteristics. Mixing art styles is totally okay, but at the same time you have to be careful when mixing.
The story: I would have changed a few things myself. But for a child reading it, they would have understood everything just fine.
Would I read it again? No. But I also don't have children so that's a main factor in the rereading category.