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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Dogged in Books
Oct 26, 2018
Joe and Tommy must Doggedly Track Down Another Killer
It starts with the discovery of a naked body in Camelback Mountain. The victim, a female, had been discovered not too far from the hiking path by some early morning hikers. The weirdest part is that all of the bones in her legs and arms had been broken before she died. Phoenix homicide detectives Joe Rodriguez and Tommy Flaherty are assigned to the case, but while they are still tracking down the victim's identity, another body is found. This one has the same broken bones, but it is several months older. Joe is finding himself distracted by his concerns over his new relationship with Bridgid, Tommy's cousin. Can he focus on the case long enough to solve it?
I was very pleasantly surprised earlier this year when I saw this book pop up. This is definitely a book that falls into the traditional part of the mystery spectrum, but it doesn't get much worse than what I teased already. The plot is strong and doesn't try to delve into the mind of the serial killer, just tries to catch the person, and we get a strong mystery as Joe and Tommy work to do that. I did feel the ending was a bit weak since it hit two of my pet peeves, but they were minor overall. The characters are absolutely wonderful, and it was fantastic to see them all again.
I was very pleasantly surprised earlier this year when I saw this book pop up. This is definitely a book that falls into the traditional part of the mystery spectrum, but it doesn't get much worse than what I teased already. The plot is strong and doesn't try to delve into the mind of the serial killer, just tries to catch the person, and we get a strong mystery as Joe and Tommy work to do that. I did feel the ending was a bit weak since it hit two of my pet peeves, but they were minor overall. The characters are absolutely wonderful, and it was fantastic to see them all again.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Book Love in Books
Nov 16, 2018
Easy to relate to and so much fun to read
When browsing NetGalley I couldn't believe my eyes that Debbie Tung's latest book was there and a Read Now too! I was so excited to start this book though I was nervous that it wouldn't live up to her previous book. I'm definitely glad that it lived up to my expectations.
I fell in love with Debbie Tung's comics when I saw them on facebook. I fell even more in love with her comics when I read her first book "Quite Girl in a Noisy World." Book love has the same feel as Quite Girl in a Noisy world but removes the introvert part and substitutes a book reader instead. I love how much fun this book was. Half the time I was convinced that the author has followed me around. Some of the comics seemed to be taken straight from my life.
I love the illustrations and I love the style the comics are in. It has a simplicity and yet on certain pages, it's complex. I just found myself in awe of Debbie Tung's abilities. This book resonates with me just like her first book but in a different kind of way.
I could definitely see any reader loving this book. It's easy to relate to and so much fun to read.
**I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I fell in love with Debbie Tung's comics when I saw them on facebook. I fell even more in love with her comics when I read her first book "Quite Girl in a Noisy World." Book love has the same feel as Quite Girl in a Noisy world but removes the introvert part and substitutes a book reader instead. I love how much fun this book was. Half the time I was convinced that the author has followed me around. Some of the comics seemed to be taken straight from my life.
I love the illustrations and I love the style the comics are in. It has a simplicity and yet on certain pages, it's complex. I just found myself in awe of Debbie Tung's abilities. This book resonates with me just like her first book but in a different kind of way.
I could definitely see any reader loving this book. It's easy to relate to and so much fun to read.
**I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999) in Movies
Jan 29, 2019
Great music, shame about the rest
I loved Joseph when I was a child, and I haven’t seen the stage show since I was in primary school either, so I had to watch this when I saw it had been added to Netflix.
I spent the entire of this film trying to figure out if this was a stage show they’d recorded and made look like a film, or if they’d intentionally made it as a film like this. Looking it up afterwards, I’ve discovered this was a direct to video film and boy can you tell. For a purposely made film, the production values in this are really cheesy and cheap, and the costumes are pretty bad even with it being the late 90s. I also can’t stand the narrator in this, I just found her very irritating - the last scene especially. Donny Osmond is alright but his hair looks so fake I couldn’t help laughing every time there was a close up. The highlight of the cast by far is Richard Attenborough, it’s just a shame he isn't in it very much.
What saves this is the all round entertainment factor and the soundtrack. You can’t question the Lloyd Webber music, it’s truly fantastic and so varied (from country to Elvis rock) and catchy. I just wished the rest of the film lived up to this - they really should have just filmed a stage version.
I spent the entire of this film trying to figure out if this was a stage show they’d recorded and made look like a film, or if they’d intentionally made it as a film like this. Looking it up afterwards, I’ve discovered this was a direct to video film and boy can you tell. For a purposely made film, the production values in this are really cheesy and cheap, and the costumes are pretty bad even with it being the late 90s. I also can’t stand the narrator in this, I just found her very irritating - the last scene especially. Donny Osmond is alright but his hair looks so fake I couldn’t help laughing every time there was a close up. The highlight of the cast by far is Richard Attenborough, it’s just a shame he isn't in it very much.
What saves this is the all round entertainment factor and the soundtrack. You can’t question the Lloyd Webber music, it’s truly fantastic and so varied (from country to Elvis rock) and catchy. I just wished the rest of the film lived up to this - they really should have just filmed a stage version.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Glass Castle in Books
Jun 21, 2019
Jeannette Walls led a very interesting life. Living most of it way below the poverty line and "doing the skedaddle" all over the country. Her parents didn't care much for rules or parenting. The book starts off with Jeannette burning herself at the age of 3 making herself food to eat. What three year old is using a stove? The book continues through her life with some outrageous and mind blowing events. This was a very interesting story that made me hug my kids a little tighter and be thankful for the family I have.
I have heard a lot about this book and the movie, and I wanted to read it before I saw it. What really grabbed my attention during this book was the blatant disregard Rex & Rose Mary for their children was incredible.
I love that Ms. Walls had the courage to tell her story. She was able to make something of her life, despite the circumstances that she was raised in. Some people may see the situation and decide this is the life they have and they can't do anything better. Forced to grow up before she had to and become a parent when hers didn't seem to care that their children had no food to eat. Even though both of her parents were educated, they were more of free thinkers letting the world take them through life.
I enjoyed this book.
I have heard a lot about this book and the movie, and I wanted to read it before I saw it. What really grabbed my attention during this book was the blatant disregard Rex & Rose Mary for their children was incredible.
I love that Ms. Walls had the courage to tell her story. She was able to make something of her life, despite the circumstances that she was raised in. Some people may see the situation and decide this is the life they have and they can't do anything better. Forced to grow up before she had to and become a parent when hers didn't seem to care that their children had no food to eat. Even though both of her parents were educated, they were more of free thinkers letting the world take them through life.
I enjoyed this book.
Nickg24 (492 KP) rated Little Monsters (2019) in Movies
Oct 15, 2019
Lupita NYong'o (1 more)
The School Kids
Saw a trailer for this a while back and didn't think it would amount to much but having watched it definitely makes my top 5 films of the year.
The film starts off showing us a guy going through the various stages of a break up with his GF.He then moves in with his sister and nephew,then he meets his nephews kindergarten teacher and offers to help her chaperone the kids on a trip to a petting zoo.All while this happens a zombie outbreak is going down at a secret military base,said zombies go on a killing spree (creating more in the process) and all escape and make their way to..the petting zoo.
Once both parties finally cross paths at the zoo,its a fight to get to safety for the adults and the kids to avoid going the same way as all the other visitors and before the army nukes the place.
This film was made and produced by the streaming company hulu and it's an absolute delight.Plenty of laughs to be had (especially from tv kids performer with a sex addiction who happens to be appearing at the zoo on that day) with one or two serious parts in between.
If the thought of a bunch of zombies singing and clapping along to some very recognisable kids songs while following a tractor makes you laugh then this is the film for you.
The film starts off showing us a guy going through the various stages of a break up with his GF.He then moves in with his sister and nephew,then he meets his nephews kindergarten teacher and offers to help her chaperone the kids on a trip to a petting zoo.All while this happens a zombie outbreak is going down at a secret military base,said zombies go on a killing spree (creating more in the process) and all escape and make their way to..the petting zoo.
Once both parties finally cross paths at the zoo,its a fight to get to safety for the adults and the kids to avoid going the same way as all the other visitors and before the army nukes the place.
This film was made and produced by the streaming company hulu and it's an absolute delight.Plenty of laughs to be had (especially from tv kids performer with a sex addiction who happens to be appearing at the zoo on that day) with one or two serious parts in between.
If the thought of a bunch of zombies singing and clapping along to some very recognisable kids songs while following a tractor makes you laugh then this is the film for you.
Merissa (12874 KP) rated Enchanted Guardian (Camelot Reborn #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Enchanted Guardian is the tale of two names that are familiar with anyone who has even the faintest inkling of the King Arthur legends - Lancelot du Lac and Nimueh. We last saw Nimueh in Enchanted Warrior when she helped Tamsin and Gawain. Subsequently, she is on the run from Morgan LaFaye. Even considering binding her magic to stop from being found, she nevertheless does one last discreet service to Arthur, and finds Lancelot's statue. Nimueh is planning on disappearing, but fate wants her and Lancelot to have a second chance, so the timing is always 'wrong'.
I love the mythology of Camelot, and by putting it into a modern setting, with the twist of the Fae losing their emotions, is simply wonderful reading! The story weaves itself around you, drawing you into a feud that is centuries old, but with fresh hurts.
It is incredibly well written, with a smooth and flowing pace. There are 'hot spots' where Lancelot and Nimueh spend time exploring each other again, but nothing too descriptive. With no editing or grammatical issues to contend with, I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of the legends of Camelot, or Fantasy/Romance fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I love the mythology of Camelot, and by putting it into a modern setting, with the twist of the Fae losing their emotions, is simply wonderful reading! The story weaves itself around you, drawing you into a feud that is centuries old, but with fresh hurts.
It is incredibly well written, with a smooth and flowing pace. There are 'hot spots' where Lancelot and Nimueh spend time exploring each other again, but nothing too descriptive. With no editing or grammatical issues to contend with, I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of the legends of Camelot, or Fantasy/Romance fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated 2061: Odyssey Three (Space Odyssey, #3) in Books
Nov 8, 2019
Arthur C. Clarke was always keen on incorporating the latest scientific discoveries into his works, and when a flyby of the most famous comet of them all - Halley's Comet - by the probe Giotto revealed an icy surface ravaged by guysers of gas and liquids as the sun boiled away the water and hydrocarbons, Clarke saw a scenario that could get Dr Heywood Floyd out of retirement.
With the return of Halley's Comet in 2061, a luxury trip is proposed which Floyd's sense of adventure can't resist. However when things don't quite go to plan his resourcefulness comes to the fore - as well as his connection to long-lost astronaut Dave Bowman and computer HAL9000.
As a neat piece of science fiction, leaning heavily on the science, this books works well and it's a compelling read, especially the encounter with the comet, a world so utterly alien Clarke does well to capture it in his descriptions. As a sequal to 2001 and 2010 it works perhaps a little less well as it doesn't have a great deal to do with the future of mankind, as the first books do. The sequence around the comet would have worked with any protagonist, it didn't need to be Floyd, but would have been a shorter work. But it just about fits into the Space Odyssey ouvre and it's always good to meet up with old friends.
With the return of Halley's Comet in 2061, a luxury trip is proposed which Floyd's sense of adventure can't resist. However when things don't quite go to plan his resourcefulness comes to the fore - as well as his connection to long-lost astronaut Dave Bowman and computer HAL9000.
As a neat piece of science fiction, leaning heavily on the science, this books works well and it's a compelling read, especially the encounter with the comet, a world so utterly alien Clarke does well to capture it in his descriptions. As a sequal to 2001 and 2010 it works perhaps a little less well as it doesn't have a great deal to do with the future of mankind, as the first books do. The sequence around the comet would have worked with any protagonist, it didn't need to be Floyd, but would have been a shorter work. But it just about fits into the Space Odyssey ouvre and it's always good to meet up with old friends.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
In short, Pacific Rim: Uprising is one of those sequels that does more of the same, but manages to take away something from what came before.
The first PR film is dumb silly fun - the movie equivalent of a kid getting his toys out and smashing them together.
Uprising is more or less the same, but a bit more on the boring side, with characters that aren't very likeable.
John Boyega heads up the cast, and he's ok enough, everyone surrounding him is a gallery of bland characters, I honestly can't remember any of their names, and I saw it earlier today!
There's no sense of urgency this time around. Del Toros first movie was silly for sure, but had a high stakes feeling to it.
Uprising feels like it was geared more towards children this time out, and it shows.
The plot is Hollywood sci-fi nonsense - something about the guy from Always Sunny being possessed by a Kaiju and infecting drones to attack the world and unleash a mega Kaiju - honestly, my attention wobbled more than once as you can probably tell. I could probably do with watching it again but I really don't want to.
Some of the action scenes were pretty fun soooo, yay, I guess?
Pacific Rim: Uprising is a film about monsters and robots kicking the crap out of each other - it shouldn't be this boring and forgettable, but here we are.
The first PR film is dumb silly fun - the movie equivalent of a kid getting his toys out and smashing them together.
Uprising is more or less the same, but a bit more on the boring side, with characters that aren't very likeable.
John Boyega heads up the cast, and he's ok enough, everyone surrounding him is a gallery of bland characters, I honestly can't remember any of their names, and I saw it earlier today!
There's no sense of urgency this time around. Del Toros first movie was silly for sure, but had a high stakes feeling to it.
Uprising feels like it was geared more towards children this time out, and it shows.
The plot is Hollywood sci-fi nonsense - something about the guy from Always Sunny being possessed by a Kaiju and infecting drones to attack the world and unleash a mega Kaiju - honestly, my attention wobbled more than once as you can probably tell. I could probably do with watching it again but I really don't want to.
Some of the action scenes were pretty fun soooo, yay, I guess?
Pacific Rim: Uprising is a film about monsters and robots kicking the crap out of each other - it shouldn't be this boring and forgettable, but here we are.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Knives Out (2019) in Movies
Dec 4, 2019
Fun modern sleuthing
I've been wanting to see this since I first saw the trailer, with such a stellar cast and Rian Johnson behind the helm I had high hopes and this did a fairly decent job of living up to my expectations.
The cast are brilliant. There are some great names in this and they all do well and for the most part they're all fairly equally featured. Nobody really stands out above the others, except for maybe Daniel Craig's southern accent. The film itself looks great and the way the story unfolds is interesting, it's very much like a modern day take on an Agatha Christie story - but a hell of a lot better than the bore that was 2017's Murder on the Orient Express. I do think it seemed to flag a little during the middle (after the midway twist but before the big reveal at the end), but it picked up at the end. I don't want to say the ending was predictable, but more like it wasn't entirely surprising. Still a good ending though and let's face it, with the amount of twist endings in books and crime/thriller films, it takes a lot to come up with a truly unpredictable and shocking denoument so this gives it a good go.
Overall a pretty entertaining and fun sleuthing caper, definitely worth a watch if you're into your murder mysteries. Maybe a little more Chris Evans next time...? 😉
The cast are brilliant. There are some great names in this and they all do well and for the most part they're all fairly equally featured. Nobody really stands out above the others, except for maybe Daniel Craig's southern accent. The film itself looks great and the way the story unfolds is interesting, it's very much like a modern day take on an Agatha Christie story - but a hell of a lot better than the bore that was 2017's Murder on the Orient Express. I do think it seemed to flag a little during the middle (after the midway twist but before the big reveal at the end), but it picked up at the end. I don't want to say the ending was predictable, but more like it wasn't entirely surprising. Still a good ending though and let's face it, with the amount of twist endings in books and crime/thriller films, it takes a lot to come up with a truly unpredictable and shocking denoument so this gives it a good go.
Overall a pretty entertaining and fun sleuthing caper, definitely worth a watch if you're into your murder mysteries. Maybe a little more Chris Evans next time...? 😉
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Street Fighter (1994) in Movies
Feb 27, 2020
A cult classic that's better than legend of Chun Li
1994 saw the release of street fighter, a live action take on the videogame phenomenon.
Starring Jean claude van damme as colonel Guile, a man leading the United nations army against evil dictator General M.Bison (Raul Julia)& his forces.
Guile convinces ken & Ryu to join/infiltrate
The United sides of both Bison and Sagat which becomes problematic.
Chun li & colleagues Balrog & E.Honda are planning on taking out bison themselves.
Although there's more comedy than action, the amount of effort put into the character portrayals, costume designs and character's actually in this is brilliant considering it's only about 90 mins long.
Each character looks near perfect to their videogame counterpart & Raul Julia is no doubt the stand out actor.
Fun from beginning to end, 1994s street fighter is one for die hard fans...now quick, change the channel!
it is an American/Japanese action film written and directed by Steven E. de Souza
Byron Mann - Ryu
Damian Chapa- Ken Masters
Kylie Minogue - Cammy
Ming-Na Wen - Chun Li
Wes Studi. Sagat
Grand L bush - Balrog
Roshan seth - Dhalsim
Miguel A Nunez jr - Dee Jay
Robert Mammone - Charlie/Blanka
Peter tuiasosopo - E.Honda
Gregg Rainwater - T.Hawk
Andrew Bryniarski - Zangief
Jay tavare - Vega
Kenya sawada- Captain Sawada
Based on: Street Fighter; by Capcom
Production company: Capcom
Country: United States; Japan
Starring Jean claude van damme as colonel Guile, a man leading the United nations army against evil dictator General M.Bison (Raul Julia)& his forces.
Guile convinces ken & Ryu to join/infiltrate
The United sides of both Bison and Sagat which becomes problematic.
Chun li & colleagues Balrog & E.Honda are planning on taking out bison themselves.
Although there's more comedy than action, the amount of effort put into the character portrayals, costume designs and character's actually in this is brilliant considering it's only about 90 mins long.
Each character looks near perfect to their videogame counterpart & Raul Julia is no doubt the stand out actor.
Fun from beginning to end, 1994s street fighter is one for die hard fans...now quick, change the channel!
it is an American/Japanese action film written and directed by Steven E. de Souza
Byron Mann - Ryu
Damian Chapa- Ken Masters
Kylie Minogue - Cammy
Ming-Na Wen - Chun Li
Wes Studi. Sagat
Grand L bush - Balrog
Roshan seth - Dhalsim
Miguel A Nunez jr - Dee Jay
Robert Mammone - Charlie/Blanka
Peter tuiasosopo - E.Honda
Gregg Rainwater - T.Hawk
Andrew Bryniarski - Zangief
Jay tavare - Vega
Kenya sawada- Captain Sawada
Based on: Street Fighter; by Capcom
Production company: Capcom
Country: United States; Japan