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Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Jan 12, 2018
A good sequel
Most sequel's leave bored or really disappointing but, in this case I was very happy with it. The movie is made to be more modern. Instead of a board game it is made into a video game and has great cast. 4 High School teens that are from 4 different cliques are given detention and find an old video game and of course hook it up to an old tv and get sucked into the game. Well their lives do a complete 180 for characters of the the game (the nerd who is weak is strong and fearless, The jock who was strong is the small and weak sidekick, The popular pretty girl is now a fat older man lol and the shy girl is now the kick ass hot girl) and have to work together to use their particular set of skills to return the jewel of Jumanji to it's rightful place. The movie is filled with a great cast who is not only funny but have to kind of change their own selves to mimic the kids that they have become. To me Jack Black has the greatest range and to play the character he does shows how far he can go.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Jessica Rules the Dark Side in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Great Sequel!
I loved the first book and the second one lives up to it (thankfully!) what I really liked about this one while reading was Jessica’s development as a character grows up. Dramatically. Considering she now has to rule and take Lucius place due to the circumstances she had to learn how to take control and she does it gracefully.
The plot itself wasn’t so bad although there could have been more substance to it. The reader already has a hunch as to who is behind the entire plot - a little mystery would have been appreciated and would have kept the plot a little more exciting. So the predictability of it sort of dampens the enjoyment of the book.
Nevertheless it’s the characters that keep the book going. Jessica and Lucius still have that great chemistry together. It’s the light banter Lucius has with Raniero that was also fun to read throughout the story.
Fun to read and it’s light, worth the time - from what I know there’s no more after this one. So to give the duology a nice closing, it’s a good one. (A story about Mindy would be great though.)
Bonus points to the cover. Love it!
The plot itself wasn’t so bad although there could have been more substance to it. The reader already has a hunch as to who is behind the entire plot - a little mystery would have been appreciated and would have kept the plot a little more exciting. So the predictability of it sort of dampens the enjoyment of the book.
Nevertheless it’s the characters that keep the book going. Jessica and Lucius still have that great chemistry together. It’s the light banter Lucius has with Raniero that was also fun to read throughout the story.
Fun to read and it’s light, worth the time - from what I know there’s no more after this one. So to give the duology a nice closing, it’s a good one. (A story about Mindy would be great though.)
Bonus points to the cover. Love it!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I read this book saturday/sunday, and i’ve waited a while to write the review. i wasn’t sure what to say.
obviously, everyone has heard about the Hush, Hush phenomenon. it’s everyone’s new favorite book, it’s everywhere, it’s popular. well people, there’s a reason for that.
this review is going to be different than my others in that I’m breaking my usual format. short and sweet—this will either be your new favorite book, or the dumbest book you’ve ever read in your life. I’m on the favorite side.
I mention the other side because of the twilight phenomenon. people either love it or hate it. same with Harry Potter.
My opinion: I’ll never regret spending $12.00 on this book (I bought it discounted). I’ll read it again and again and i loved it. (but remember that Patch is already taken *coughhesminecough*)
I will say this, though. I’m so excited for the sequel Crescendo. there is no cliff-hanger in this though, rest assured. I just want more of Patch ;)
I'm not writing more than this because i don't want to spoil it and i don't want to give you a preconceived idea about it. i want you to approach it with an open mind ;)
obviously, everyone has heard about the Hush, Hush phenomenon. it’s everyone’s new favorite book, it’s everywhere, it’s popular. well people, there’s a reason for that.
this review is going to be different than my others in that I’m breaking my usual format. short and sweet—this will either be your new favorite book, or the dumbest book you’ve ever read in your life. I’m on the favorite side.
I mention the other side because of the twilight phenomenon. people either love it or hate it. same with Harry Potter.
My opinion: I’ll never regret spending $12.00 on this book (I bought it discounted). I’ll read it again and again and i loved it. (but remember that Patch is already taken *coughhesminecough*)
I will say this, though. I’m so excited for the sequel Crescendo. there is no cliff-hanger in this though, rest assured. I just want more of Patch ;)
I'm not writing more than this because i don't want to spoil it and i don't want to give you a preconceived idea about it. i want you to approach it with an open mind ;)
Still gritty (1 more)
More involved plot and exploration of the Misery
Superb follow-up
* I received an advance copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The sequel to the highly praised Blackwing sees Ryhalt Galharrow trying to move on from losing the love of his life and investigating the theft of a magical artefact from a heavily protected vault.
For the first few chapters this book felt like a Captain Vimes Discworld novel (in a good way) with the humour toned down a little. We were exploring the pre-industrial city and investigating a crime that could have dire consequences for the safety of the city.
The book spends significantly more time in the city than in the Misery (the strange, twisting wasteland) than was the case for the first book, which gives it a very different feel. Plotting and intrigue abound as an evil sorcerer's plot to achieve ultimate power starts to unfold.
The book felt slightly less dark than the first, and has quite a different feel to it than Blackwing, but is still absolutely superb. The flowing prose and cracking dialogue make this a true page-turner and one of the best fantasy books I have read in quite some time.
The sequel to the highly praised Blackwing sees Ryhalt Galharrow trying to move on from losing the love of his life and investigating the theft of a magical artefact from a heavily protected vault.
For the first few chapters this book felt like a Captain Vimes Discworld novel (in a good way) with the humour toned down a little. We were exploring the pre-industrial city and investigating a crime that could have dire consequences for the safety of the city.
The book spends significantly more time in the city than in the Misery (the strange, twisting wasteland) than was the case for the first book, which gives it a very different feel. Plotting and intrigue abound as an evil sorcerer's plot to achieve ultimate power starts to unfold.
The book felt slightly less dark than the first, and has quite a different feel to it than Blackwing, but is still absolutely superb. The flowing prose and cracking dialogue make this a true page-turner and one of the best fantasy books I have read in quite some time.
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated Marvel's Spider-Man in Video Games
Mar 10, 2019
Excellent combat system (5 more)
Changes it up a lot
You are Spider-Man
The story is incredible
Rewards you for being a fan but doesn’t alienate newcomers
References everywhere
Can be repetitive in places (1 more)
Could be considered short (15 hours gameplay)
One of the best games I have played in a while
Spider-Man PS4 is one of the best games I have played in a while. I was dubious getting it at first. It’s the first Spider-Man title I have bought and played all the way through. The game is designed so that while you start with a lot of Spidey’s powers initially, you build upon them to become, as the tagline says, greater. It treats the gamer with respect. You build upon your powers the way you want to progress and how you fight. The story is incredible and one of Spidey’s best (I’ve read a few graphic novels in my time about Spider-Man!). It mixes emotion with great story telling that builds to a very tense climax. Sure questions are left unanswered for a sequel but that raises two questions: how do they go on from there and if this game is great, how do they make it better?
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother in Books
Apr 9, 2019
I saw the movie for this book before I read it. When I saw the movie, I didn't realize it was a book. I wasn't reading as much back in those days. But I received the sequel, How Hard Can It Be? so I decided to read I Don't Know How She Does It. As a working mother I thought that I would be able to relate to Kate Reddy in this book. Even though I don't have a corporate job, trying to find enough hours in the day to fit in time to do for yourself, your job and your family seems nearly impossible. But I couldn't find the connection in this book. While the book as a whole was good, I didn't find myself invested in it. I wanted to know what was going to happen, but I didn't really care.
I think part of my issue is that I kept thinking the book was set in the United States and then having to transfer myself back to the UK. This is why you never watch the movie first. It gives you a false sense of hope. I don't know if I would have felt any differently about the book if I hadn't seen the movie, though.
I think part of my issue is that I kept thinking the book was set in the United States and then having to transfer myself back to the UK. This is why you never watch the movie first. It gives you a false sense of hope. I don't know if I would have felt any differently about the book if I hadn't seen the movie, though.
Fred (860 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Apr 16, 2019
It's an origin story
Can we just talk about James McAvoy for a minute here. We've already seen his performance in "Split", so we already knew what we were getting here. Or were we? He is off the hook here! Just plain amazing. Every second of him on the screen is pure magic. His ability to switch between personalities is amazing & shows he's one of the greatest actors out there.
For those who didn't know, "Glass" is a sequel to both "Unbreakable" & "Split", two films by M. Night Shyamalan . Famous for his twist endings (both good & bad), this film has another, which you won't see coming, but it's not a huge twist. I've heard people say they didn't like the ending, but I found it really good & satisfying.
The story is kind of slow moving, but it keeps you interested. Returning characters from both movies, not including the 3 main stars, are a welcome surprise. I don't want to give too much away, but let's say most of the movie takes place inside an Asylum where a doctor is trying to convince the 3 they don't have superpowers. Yeah, doesn't sound too interesting, but it is. I enjoyed it very much
For those who didn't know, "Glass" is a sequel to both "Unbreakable" & "Split", two films by M. Night Shyamalan . Famous for his twist endings (both good & bad), this film has another, which you won't see coming, but it's not a huge twist. I've heard people say they didn't like the ending, but I found it really good & satisfying.
The story is kind of slow moving, but it keeps you interested. Returning characters from both movies, not including the 3 main stars, are a welcome surprise. I don't want to give too much away, but let's say most of the movie takes place inside an Asylum where a doctor is trying to convince the 3 they don't have superpowers. Yeah, doesn't sound too interesting, but it is. I enjoyed it very much
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) in Movies
May 15, 2019 (Updated May 15, 2019)
A great second Avengers outing
Starring: Robert Downey JR, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Rennee, James Spader, Samuel L Jackson and Paul Bettany.
Directed by: Joss Whedon.
Plot - Tony Stark creates an AI that turns psychopathic and is determined to destroy the world. The Avengers must stop the AI known as Ultron.
With spectacular visuals and an amusing villain this is on the surface of things, exactly what you would want a sequel to the excellent Avengers Assemble to be. The way in which the Avengers are reintroduced is quit simply one of the coolest things I've seen for a while.
The issue is that it treads over a great deal of previous material and doesn't feel as original and fresh as the previous.
Surprisingly something that is handled brilliantly is the volume of characters that are in this. Something that many have tried and failed. Huge kudos for this Mr Whedon.
With a great deal more humour, a romance that feels slightly forced and amazing action sequences I would rate this marginally below Avengers Assemble. That being said, I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend seeing it.
Directed by: Joss Whedon.
Plot - Tony Stark creates an AI that turns psychopathic and is determined to destroy the world. The Avengers must stop the AI known as Ultron.
With spectacular visuals and an amusing villain this is on the surface of things, exactly what you would want a sequel to the excellent Avengers Assemble to be. The way in which the Avengers are reintroduced is quit simply one of the coolest things I've seen for a while.
The issue is that it treads over a great deal of previous material and doesn't feel as original and fresh as the previous.
Surprisingly something that is handled brilliantly is the volume of characters that are in this. Something that many have tried and failed. Huge kudos for this Mr Whedon.
With a great deal more humour, a romance that feels slightly forced and amazing action sequences I would rate this marginally below Avengers Assemble. That being said, I enjoyed it immensely and would definitely recommend seeing it.
Dan sellwood (1 KP) rated Dreams and Shadows in Books
Feb 2, 2018
Fantastic debut
Contains spoilers, click to show
A wonderful debut from C. Robert Cargill. The novel follows the lives of two boys, Ewan and Colby. Both boys have a fantastical journey ahead of them, Ewan is stolen by fairies from his parents at an early age by a specialist child stealing fairy (Dithers) and Colby meets a djinn (Yashar) who agrees to grant him wishes which leads him to see the world.
While sounding at first like a magical fairy story you soon realise the story does carry a certain sadness and darkness. The djinn for example is cursed to only ever grant wishes that end in turmoil. You learn this through small chapters that centre around telling stories about the characters in the book, which I found to be a wonderful way to build chacterisation.
Despite being quite dark the book does well to build on characters enough so that you do find yourself getting attached to them. So not only are the characters well thought through but they bring enough personality and emotion to evoke lots of feeling in the reader.
While I don't promise this book will bring you a happy ending, its hard to put down and will certainly have you wanting to move on to the sequel.
While sounding at first like a magical fairy story you soon realise the story does carry a certain sadness and darkness. The djinn for example is cursed to only ever grant wishes that end in turmoil. You learn this through small chapters that centre around telling stories about the characters in the book, which I found to be a wonderful way to build chacterisation.
Despite being quite dark the book does well to build on characters enough so that you do find yourself getting attached to them. So not only are the characters well thought through but they bring enough personality and emotion to evoke lots of feeling in the reader.
While I don't promise this book will bring you a happy ending, its hard to put down and will certainly have you wanting to move on to the sequel.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Just Killing Time (Clock Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ruth Clagan is devastated to learn that her grandfather has passed away. While they had been estranged recently, she had hoped to reconnect with the man who had been very important to her earlier in her life. Since she has inherited the family clock shop, she returns to Orchard, Massachusetts, to figure out what to do with the business. As she reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, she begins to question what happened to her grandfather. Was his death related to the recent burglary in the shop? Or maybe his work in town? Or is something else happening?
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-just-killing-time-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-just-killing-time-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.