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Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
1981 | Horror
7
7.0 (27 Ratings)
Movie Rating
After the runaway success of the first Friday the 13th a mere year earlier, Part 2 is the first of many sequels spaffed out in a short space of time. The sequels are mostly ok, certainly watchable, with only a couple that I would say step into crappy territory.
Part 2 is one of the half decent ones, and for better or worse, I actually quietly love it.
Not too dissimilar to its predecessor, it's overflowing with over acting. This time around, the dialogue is pretty much balls awful and cheesy, but it's not enough to stop me from enjoying what is a damn fun horror sequel.
It set the stage for what slasher follow ups would become known for - more gore, more victims, more nudity, more silliness. It's just the way these things go and Friday the 13th Part 2 arguably introduced these sequel tropes to the world.

Of course, this is our first proper introduction to Jason, pre hockey mask, and I've always found Part 2 Jason to be quite intimidating. The hockey mask is undoubtedly iconic, and cemented Jason as a horror icon, but here he dons some dungarees and a potato sack over his face. There's something truly unsettling about a big dude in that get up, chasing people with a massive pick axe.
The closing moments of the movie boasts a memorable 'gotcha' moment once again, whilst showing off the decent make up and effects work, and a returning Harry Manfredini is present once again to provide a jarring music score.

Part 2 is trashy in parts but I can't help but love it. 💀
  
The Frame-Up (The Golden Arrow Mysteries Book 1)
The Frame-Up (The Golden Arrow Mysteries Book 1)
Meghan Scott Molin | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great idea but could've been executed better
When I first saw the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded great - superheroes, geeks and comic books is right up my street. However what is a great idea for a story isn't executed very well.

My main problem is the character of MG herself. A female geek character is a great idea, but my issue is that I found MG very unlikeable. Her attitude and actions started off fairly well, but by the end I found myself getting so irritated by her inability to listen to other people and her stubborn and rash attitude. The romance aspect of this novel doesnt help matters - it sounds like every geeks dream and so farfetched and ridiculous it's laughable. This could not be any more predictable and cliched than it already is. Matteo as a character too seems fairly undeveloped and comes across as a rather one dimensional love interest.

This is a shame as the idea behind the story is quite interesting and rather fun to read. There's also some very decent minor characters like Lawrence who are a lot more intriguing and fun that should've been featured more. I also loved the references to geek and pop culture, and overall this aspect of the book was a lot of fun. I did find the lack of resolution in some parts of the story frustrating - your typical sequel baiting. I do have the sequel to read which I probably will read as I enjoyed this book enough, but I pray for a resolution as I doubt this series will hold my attention enough longer than that.
  
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
2016 | Fantasy
Character development (2 more)
Creativity that added new elements to the world
Soundtrack on point
Lived up to the hype
Man, I love this movie. I actually would watch it before most of the Harry Potter films. Just everything about it hit the right chords for me. I loved the new characters and found them just as lovable as the original trio. The fresh setting of New York is also a welcome change of pace.

I thought that this film balanced the darkness and humor so well, which is something Rowling has always done well...I should never have doubted her! Far from a die-hard fan, but am more than pleased that this film lived up to my expectations. Looking forward to the sequel (although I have my reservations about Depp and Law).
  
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors
An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors
Curtis Craddock | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Thoughtful Characters (2 more)
Unique World
Intelligent Prose
Thoroughly enjoyable and intelligent
I had a sudden craving for sci-fi/fantasy one day and stumbled across this book just days after it had been released. The lead character was a strong, boundary-defying female with her own flaws to overcome - and she was handled very well in terms of development and realistic emotion.

The writing was wonderful, I was sucked in and finished the book in less than a few days (with my busy schedule, that really is a feat!). The villains were not so easy to identify, making the tale of political intrigue that much more interesting.

If you're looking for a story of magic and a rebel heroine, then look no further. I cannot wait for the sequel!
  
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Dean (6927 KP) rated REC (2007) in Movies

Jan 7, 2018  
REC (2007)
REC (2007)
2007 | Horror
8
7.5 (13 Ratings)
Movie Rating
One of the best found footage films (1 more)
Genuinely scary
Scary
A great little Spanish horror film that has a realism about it you just don't get in many horror films. This did so well the Western remake was done just a few months later and also got good reviews @Quarantine (2008) . It's very short at 70mins but brutal and shocking after a slow opening. Filmed from the point of view of a local TV camera man, it's a found footage film like Blairwitch and Cloverfield, making a documentary about the local fire service. They go out on a call to a local apartment block, beginning a series of shocking events.
There are 2 sequels that are worth checking out and a sequel to the American version as well.
  
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
2001 | Adventure, Fantasy
Start of a brilliant trilogy
One of my favorite book series of all time. This is the sequel to the hobbit books. It tells thr story of how the magic ring was found and that yet again a young hobbit who is destined to bring it back to the famous mountain where it it was found. We learn of it's power and the fellowship who chooses to help the young halfling to bring it back and keep him unharmed. The book is so much better because of the detail in it but the acting is great and tries to keep up with the book. The best way to view these movies is to watch the hobbit movies and then start this series as it helps answer many questions.
  
Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
2009 | Drama, Mystery
6
7.7 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
I recently watched the first Bad Lieutenant film, not sure if this is a sequel of sorts or not? It is no where near as dramatic as the first, but I actually prefer this version as it has a bit more structure to it and less random. Cage plays a cop who may do bad things but often it is a means to an end. He has a drug problem, gambling and is walking a fine line on being the wrong side of the law. Can he redeem himself when a family of 5 is killed in a drug shooting. This is an enjoyable film, Cage's performance does get a bit trippy at times. Overall it's a entertaining film with a good story if not anything ground breaking.
  
TV
The Vampire Secret
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I read the blurb I thought oooooooh I can't wait and a started it, read the first chapter and thought hmmmm this may not be for me and I read a different book.
I then went back to it and it must have been me just not being in the right genre mindset because the 2nd chapter onwards I was hooked.
I love love love vampire books and it was a new take on the human / vampire love story.
The character building was amazing and there are so many layers to each character.
I think it's awesome that she was the one to chase and stalk the vampire and I'm gutted the book ended as I want to know what happens next so I'm looking forward to the sequel :)