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Awix (3310 KP) rated Pacific Rim (2013) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Brave and comparatively rare (these days) attempt to do a blockbuster that isn't a remake nor based on a novel, comic book, toy line, TV show or theme park attraction. Which is not to say this isn't a tremendously derivative movie; clearly inspired by tokosatsu movies, manga, and anime, just with most of the actual Japanese characters replaced by Americans and Australians. (Hmmm, isn't this cultural appropriation?)
Anyway: big monsters lumber out of the sea, get smacked in the mouth by giant robots. Story isn't really anything special, but the background details of this slightly cartoony world are engaging, as are some of the supporting performances. Film subscribes to the prevailing American dogma, which is that giant monster fights must take place at night and preferably in bad weather: apparently this makes them much more believable. The Hong Kong battle is terrific, the others not so much. In the end I think the premise of this movie is really much better than the way it is realised; maybe the sequel will address some of the shortcomings here.
Anyway: big monsters lumber out of the sea, get smacked in the mouth by giant robots. Story isn't really anything special, but the background details of this slightly cartoony world are engaging, as are some of the supporting performances. Film subscribes to the prevailing American dogma, which is that giant monster fights must take place at night and preferably in bad weather: apparently this makes them much more believable. The Hong Kong battle is terrific, the others not so much. In the end I think the premise of this movie is really much better than the way it is realised; maybe the sequel will address some of the shortcomings here.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) in Movies
Feb 11, 2018 (Updated Feb 11, 2018)
Rather atypical Godzilla movie with the focus very much on the human characters and a much stronger sci-fi element than usual. When a new Godzilla appears, a widowed scientist and a young pilot both find themselves working on a project to develop Mechagodzilla, a cyborg weapon built from the remains of the creature from the 1954 movie. Needless to say, Mechagodzilla turns out to be unexpectedly ornery - can our heroes turn things around in time to save Tokyo from Godzilla (again)?
Unusually well-characterised for this genre, with a plot that distinctly anticipates that of Pacific Rim. The downside of this is that Godzilla's off-screen or off in the distance for most of the movie, but you can't have everything. Not exactly profound or loaded with subtext, but it does have rather glorious widescreen scenes of indiscriminate property damage, extremely good monster suits, and bags of energy and fun - you can see why the next film in the series was a direct sequel to this one.
Unusually well-characterised for this genre, with a plot that distinctly anticipates that of Pacific Rim. The downside of this is that Godzilla's off-screen or off in the distance for most of the movie, but you can't have everything. Not exactly profound or loaded with subtext, but it does have rather glorious widescreen scenes of indiscriminate property damage, extremely good monster suits, and bags of energy and fun - you can see why the next film in the series was a direct sequel to this one.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Gorgo (1961) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
The poster tagline 'Like nothing you've ever seen before' is really pushing it a bit considering this British suitamation movie is composed almost entirely of bits from other, better-known films. Generations of British people have grown up believing they've seen a proper Godzilla film when in fact they were just exposed to this in their childhood. On the other hand, Eugene Lourie also directed The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, one of the original Godzilla's main inspirations, so you could say he's just repeating himself rather than actually being derivative.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.
Soundly scripted with a decent twist and pretty good performances, and the devastation of London by Gorgo's mum in the final reel is well-staged. Persistent rumour suggests that a young John Carpenter made an unofficial sequel, Gorgo Vs Godzilla, but no-one seems to know for sure if this even exists - shame, as on the strength of this outing Gorgo and his mum had potential for their own series. Only really of interest to fans of vintage monster movies, but a distinctive and rather distinguished entry to this genre.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Jun 4, 2018
I’ve got mixed opinions about this one. I mostly enjoyed reading it, but towards the end you begin to realize that you are being set up for a sequel, which disappoints me every time.
I really did love the premise…especially how Riggs uses the old photographs as part of his narrative, but I’m just a bit underwhelmed overall. I love how Riggs brings up the idea that all of these children are stuck emotionally in adolescence, but then he doesn’t really ever develop that and build it as a plot point.
For some reason, the end feels very similar to The Golden Compass for me. Everything is very rushed and the tone of the narrative gets much darker and everything builds to a climax that doesn’t mesh very well with the rest of the narrative and leaves so much unresolved that I’m just frustrated rather than intrigued.
Unfortunately, a colleague has already lent me the next book, so I feel obligated to continue with the series. Maybe…
I really did love the premise…especially how Riggs uses the old photographs as part of his narrative, but I’m just a bit underwhelmed overall. I love how Riggs brings up the idea that all of these children are stuck emotionally in adolescence, but then he doesn’t really ever develop that and build it as a plot point.
For some reason, the end feels very similar to The Golden Compass for me. Everything is very rushed and the tone of the narrative gets much darker and everything builds to a climax that doesn’t mesh very well with the rest of the narrative and leaves so much unresolved that I’m just frustrated rather than intrigued.
Unfortunately, a colleague has already lent me the next book, so I feel obligated to continue with the series. Maybe…
Kristin (149 KP) rated Destined to Kill (Destined Novels, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Anala is a Hunter, the child of the Leaders of their society, and she's one of the best. Too bad her parents never let her go out and actually hunt any Cursed Ones. One night, she and her friend Thomas are out, and his sister scares them. When Thomas leaves Anala behind to take his sister home, she lets her guard down for one minute; however, that's all it takes. She's bitten, and her life will change forever.
This story pulled me in from the very first sentence. Everybody loves a good vampire story, but this was more than that. It was a coming-of-age story, of sorts, mixed with a little romance, some intrigue, and some good old-fashioned butt kicking. I'm fond of all the characters, even Jenna (the proverbial sour grape), and I would definitely love to read more about this group. I really hope there's a sequel already in the works!!
5 stars =)
Anala is a Hunter, the child of the Leaders of their society, and she's one of the best. Too bad her parents never let her go out and actually hunt any Cursed Ones. One night, she and her friend Thomas are out, and his sister scares them. When Thomas leaves Anala behind to take his sister home, she lets her guard down for one minute; however, that's all it takes. She's bitten, and her life will change forever.
This story pulled me in from the very first sentence. Everybody loves a good vampire story, but this was more than that. It was a coming-of-age story, of sorts, mixed with a little romance, some intrigue, and some good old-fashioned butt kicking. I'm fond of all the characters, even Jenna (the proverbial sour grape), and I would definitely love to read more about this group. I really hope there's a sequel already in the works!!
5 stars =)
Ross (3284 KP) rated The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) in Movies
Sep 17, 2018
The trailer and title do the film no justice - better than expected
On the surface, the storyline to this film is nothing new - child loses parents, child moves in with creepy distant relative in creepier house, weird things happen (Miss Peregrine, Series of Unfortunate Events etc etc)
However, I think this variation on that story is carried out in a much scarier way - should the word "necromancy" ever really be used in a kids film?
The film is definitely a case of style over substance as the plot is quite thin, but the film is enjoyable. There are pretty much no laughs to be had.
I'm not actually sure who the target market for this film is - the film in general is too scary for under 7s, over 10s won't like it because the main character is too young/childish. Seems like a very narrow market being aimed at.
Overall, an enjoyable film but nothing stands out about it and Jack Black's comedy talents are wasted (he actually made it feel like a sequel to Goosebumps).
However, I think this variation on that story is carried out in a much scarier way - should the word "necromancy" ever really be used in a kids film?
The film is definitely a case of style over substance as the plot is quite thin, but the film is enjoyable. There are pretty much no laughs to be had.
I'm not actually sure who the target market for this film is - the film in general is too scary for under 7s, over 10s won't like it because the main character is too young/childish. Seems like a very narrow market being aimed at.
Overall, an enjoyable film but nothing stands out about it and Jack Black's comedy talents are wasted (he actually made it feel like a sequel to Goosebumps).
Kate (493 KP) rated The Unravel in Books
Oct 27, 2019
Loved this book
I loved this book. It was such a good read. It kept me gripped from page 1. There was a few stories going on but they were all connected. There wasn't really anything I didn't like except it took me a few lines of each chapter to realise which person that chapter related to.
It sounded like a book I would normally read and enjoy and it exceeded the blurb.
I really got to understand the characters and their different traits and personalities. I really started to feel for Soul and the book made me really feel.
The book explained why Soul did these things and I really understood but at the same time I wanted to say to her that she is all these people.
If there a sequel I would definitely read this but I don't see how there could be another book with Soul as the genre would have to change. There are more books in regards to the 2nd main character. The police lady.
It sounded like a book I would normally read and enjoy and it exceeded the blurb.
I really got to understand the characters and their different traits and personalities. I really started to feel for Soul and the book made me really feel.
The book explained why Soul did these things and I really understood but at the same time I wanted to say to her that she is all these people.
If there a sequel I would definitely read this but I don't see how there could be another book with Soul as the genre would have to change. There are more books in regards to the 2nd main character. The police lady.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Zombieland (2009) in Movies
Oct 30, 2019
It's so funny (1 more)
Woody Harrelson. He is just brilliant.
Even a whimp like me can enjoy this!
So i first saw this on a zombie night with friends, no idea what possessed a whimp like me to participate in a zombie night but they assured me I'd like this one. They were right.
It has the odd jumpy bits which i can tolerate. This is where I usually hate a film, i HATE to be made to jump, this one does here and there but its nothing major. It's obviously got blood and guts which isn't actually what I'm bothered about.
Out of the zombie films around, its refreshing to see one that's not about the imminent death, but the survival and camaraderie of living in such a place. Reminds me of Shaun of the Dead in that respect, not about making the audience scared but laugh.
Because I'm a major whimp and i enjoy it, it speaks volumes that it's a decent film lol. Definitely recommend it and cannot wait to watch the sequel!
It has the odd jumpy bits which i can tolerate. This is where I usually hate a film, i HATE to be made to jump, this one does here and there but its nothing major. It's obviously got blood and guts which isn't actually what I'm bothered about.
Out of the zombie films around, its refreshing to see one that's not about the imminent death, but the survival and camaraderie of living in such a place. Reminds me of Shaun of the Dead in that respect, not about making the audience scared but laugh.
Because I'm a major whimp and i enjoy it, it speaks volumes that it's a decent film lol. Definitely recommend it and cannot wait to watch the sequel!
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Her Secret Inheritance (Isobel Key #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
So life has gone full circle for Lou and she is returning to the place where she found herself 5 years ago. She has grown up and achieved much during those years but she still wonders what will happen if she happens to run into Brian. Let me tell you, sparks fly! Brian is not the same, easy going laddie that he used to be and yes, some of that is Lou's fault - if you can call it that as she just wasn't ready to settle down. I think I actually like Brian a bit more in this book because he's grown into such a strong character. He still has feelings and compassion but now he won't let anyone, even Lou, tell him what he's got to do.
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)
Kelly (279 KP) rated The Protector in TV
Dec 18, 2018
The backdrop of Istanbul (1 more)
Relationships between the main characters.
A Turkish superhero story
The story of the protector is one that we are familiar with: unlikely orphaned hero suddenly finds out that he was destined to defeat a big evil villain. A story, that over the years we have seen many times in many different ways. Somehow however, this did not bore me as much as it should. The backdrop of Istanbul made the plot line much more interesting to me (having no Turkish background and little knowledge of the country).
The characters were intriguing and I did genuinely care for them, as well as being interested in the love triangle that emerged between Hakan, Leyla and Zeynep. The female characters in the series were portrayed as strong women, which I particularly enjoyed. Hakan was goofy at times, but a likeable character overall. The immortal villain in the series could have been a bit more sinister, but this is just nitpicking.
Overall, I found the show really enjoyable, and hope that Netflix find the opportunity to make a sequel.
The characters were intriguing and I did genuinely care for them, as well as being interested in the love triangle that emerged between Hakan, Leyla and Zeynep. The female characters in the series were portrayed as strong women, which I particularly enjoyed. Hakan was goofy at times, but a likeable character overall. The immortal villain in the series could have been a bit more sinister, but this is just nitpicking.
Overall, I found the show really enjoyable, and hope that Netflix find the opportunity to make a sequel.