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Sarah (7798 KP) rated RuPaul's Drag Race in TV
Mar 24, 2019
Ridiculously addictive
One of my best friends absolutely loves this show, so I decided to give it a watch and I have to admit, it’s a lot more entertaining than I was expecting!
In short, this is basically the drag version of America’s Next Top Model and personally I think it’s a much better version as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has it's heartfelt moments, but for the most part it’s just a hilariously entertaining show with some silly tasks and bonkers and bitchy contestants. RuPaul is a great host, but I really don’t like it when he’s plugging/mentioning the brand name sponsors - I’m not sure if it’s because he seems uncomfortable himself, but it doesn’t come across as very genuine, probably because it’s cheesy advertised and horribly scripted. Also, I’m not sure this show is made for binge watching all 10+ series in the space of a few months - I did get a little sick of hearing the same lines and music episode after episode. I’m sure it’s not quite as bad when you don’t watch loads of episodes in one go!
Despite this, it’s still a highly entertaining and rather addictive show to watch. And a welcome breath of fresh air to other similar shows.
In short, this is basically the drag version of America’s Next Top Model and personally I think it’s a much better version as it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has it's heartfelt moments, but for the most part it’s just a hilariously entertaining show with some silly tasks and bonkers and bitchy contestants. RuPaul is a great host, but I really don’t like it when he’s plugging/mentioning the brand name sponsors - I’m not sure if it’s because he seems uncomfortable himself, but it doesn’t come across as very genuine, probably because it’s cheesy advertised and horribly scripted. Also, I’m not sure this show is made for binge watching all 10+ series in the space of a few months - I did get a little sick of hearing the same lines and music episode after episode. I’m sure it’s not quite as bad when you don’t watch loads of episodes in one go!
Despite this, it’s still a highly entertaining and rather addictive show to watch. And a welcome breath of fresh air to other similar shows.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Weird Sisters in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Rosalind, Bianca, and Cordelia are the Andreas sisters. Rosalind(Rosie) is a professor at the local college, Bianca(Bean) is off in New York, working and enjoying the nightlife, Cordelia(Cordy)is riding the wind wherever it takes her. One summer, they all show up back at home. Although Rosie has never left the town they grew up with, she is staying with her parents a lot more now. Cordy & Bean show up, just when they are needed most. Their mother is sick and is going to need their help. Each sister has been drawn home for a different reason, but being home will change them all.
The Weird Sisters is a weird book. It was written in the third person, but I didn't know which sister was speaking at the time. Maybe this is because I listened to the audio instead of reading the actual book, but I found it strange that it seemed like they were talking about each other, but you never knew who was speaking at that time. Maybe there was a fourth sister.
This book was just okay for me. It was an interesting story, but there wasn't anything that really stood out for me to make this a great book.
The Weird Sisters is a weird book. It was written in the third person, but I didn't know which sister was speaking at the time. Maybe this is because I listened to the audio instead of reading the actual book, but I found it strange that it seemed like they were talking about each other, but you never knew who was speaking at that time. Maybe there was a fourth sister.
This book was just okay for me. It was an interesting story, but there wasn't anything that really stood out for me to make this a great book.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Silence (2019) in Movies
Apr 22, 2019
Nothing new
I’m starting to get a little sick of all these apocalyptic end of the world type films. It’s not so bad when they’re actually done well, but sadly this is not one of those films. It’s a very poor relation of A Quiet Place, and an unnecessary one at that. Apart from Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka, I don’t really have anything good to say about this film.
It’s mostly predictable and pretty dull really, with a lot of plot ideas being taken from other films and shows. There’s nothing truly original about this other than the creatures themselves, and that’s not something to be proud of. Whilst on first glance the creatures might be slightly weird and creepy, the more you see of them the more you realise they’re not actually that scary after all. I started to find them quite laughable. The characters in this are mostly stupid making silly mistakes and despite its short 90 minute run time, this really drags to the point where I was quickly losing attention. And the ending was just lame and rushed.
If you want to watch a creature horror film about silence, watch A Quiet Place, not this.
It’s mostly predictable and pretty dull really, with a lot of plot ideas being taken from other films and shows. There’s nothing truly original about this other than the creatures themselves, and that’s not something to be proud of. Whilst on first glance the creatures might be slightly weird and creepy, the more you see of them the more you realise they’re not actually that scary after all. I started to find them quite laughable. The characters in this are mostly stupid making silly mistakes and despite its short 90 minute run time, this really drags to the point where I was quickly losing attention. And the ending was just lame and rushed.
If you want to watch a creature horror film about silence, watch A Quiet Place, not this.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated BlacKkKlansman (2018) in Movies
Aug 29, 2018
The Acting (2 more)
The Dialog
Cinematic Craftsmanship
The wrong people will see this.... but it's still very good.
First let me say that racism hurts my very soul, it depresses me, and affects me deeply. I know it is alive and well in this country. I really wish it wasn't. I say the wrong people will see this because the people that should see this, don't watch movies like this. Racist people don't watch spike lee joints. Every scene in this movie is beautifully shot, and each ethnic slur packs a punch. I felt slapped around at the end of the film. I felt sick to my stomach and the very tail end was a roundhouse. Normally I don't talk politics, but in this case it's bigger than "politics" and falls under human decency, and we currently are lacking in that. I hope that we can get back on track soon and movies like this will be more comedy than reality.
The acting was superb, and really engaging. there are some big names in this cast. The dialog was so well written despite the horrific things said. The cinematography was excellent, and beautiful. Spike Lee was at the top of his game with this one.
The acting was superb, and really engaging. there are some big names in this cast. The dialog was so well written despite the horrific things said. The cinematography was excellent, and beautiful. Spike Lee was at the top of his game with this one.
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Concealed in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Concealed by Rosalie Redd
Concealed: Lexi is a story from the Blood Courtesan world, a series of standalones by different authors. This one has been written by Rosalie Redd, and an amazing job she has done with it too.
Lexi and Gavin's story is a Beauty and the Beast tale, with a vampirical twist. Not only are there vampires and courtesans in this story, but this vampire can also get sick. Sickness not crossing over to vampires is purely a myth. ? Gavin has his issues, Lexi has hers. You hope they will end up together, but the fun part is seeing just how they do.
This is a fast paced long-novella, with plenty of back history given at the right times - no info-dump here. The characters are nicely rounded out, and the situations believable. Going along with my experience of Rosalie Redd, there were no editing or grammatical errors in this story that disrupted my reading flow.
For the romantic, for those who love a good vampire story, I can highly recommend this!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lexi and Gavin's story is a Beauty and the Beast tale, with a vampirical twist. Not only are there vampires and courtesans in this story, but this vampire can also get sick. Sickness not crossing over to vampires is purely a myth. ? Gavin has his issues, Lexi has hers. You hope they will end up together, but the fun part is seeing just how they do.
This is a fast paced long-novella, with plenty of back history given at the right times - no info-dump here. The characters are nicely rounded out, and the situations believable. Going along with my experience of Rosalie Redd, there were no editing or grammatical errors in this story that disrupted my reading flow.
For the romantic, for those who love a good vampire story, I can highly recommend this!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Hurry - Single by Leena in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Leena is an up-and-coming Miami-raised singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lovely urban pop tune, entitled, “Hurry”.
“I hate feeling like a stranger. I’m so sick of conversations that just leads to confrontations with you. Hoping that you’ll save me. Take my hand and fly away. You’re the one that I’ve been seeing. I can’t seem to find my way with you hoping that you’ll say. Baby, where you at? Im tryna relax so find me when you can and show me, babe.” – lyrics
‘Hurry’ is the second single from Leena’s upcoming EP.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and pleasing vocals. Also, the song possesses melodic instrumentation flavored with urban-pop and contemporary R&B elements.
“’Hurry’ is about finally finding your worth and not waiting for a man to control or contradict your next move. It’s about becoming independent, making your own money and bossing up” – Leena
Leena’s musical influences include Kehlani, Ella Mai, and SZA.
Her music consists of themes describing the hardship and enjoyment of life and love.
“‘Hurry’ is full of emotion that’s expressed with Leena’s lush vocals and beautifully written lyrics that will take listeners into a world of desire.”
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leena-hurry/
“I hate feeling like a stranger. I’m so sick of conversations that just leads to confrontations with you. Hoping that you’ll save me. Take my hand and fly away. You’re the one that I’ve been seeing. I can’t seem to find my way with you hoping that you’ll say. Baby, where you at? Im tryna relax so find me when you can and show me, babe.” – lyrics
‘Hurry’ is the second single from Leena’s upcoming EP.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and pleasing vocals. Also, the song possesses melodic instrumentation flavored with urban-pop and contemporary R&B elements.
“’Hurry’ is about finally finding your worth and not waiting for a man to control or contradict your next move. It’s about becoming independent, making your own money and bossing up” – Leena
Leena’s musical influences include Kehlani, Ella Mai, and SZA.
Her music consists of themes describing the hardship and enjoyment of life and love.
“‘Hurry’ is full of emotion that’s expressed with Leena’s lush vocals and beautifully written lyrics that will take listeners into a world of desire.”
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leena-hurry/
David McK (3425 KP) rated Catching Fire in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The second book in Suzanne Collins' <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy, this is a true sequel to the first in the sense that it shares the same characters and refers to the same events as the original (as opposed to 'only' being set in the same universe).
At the start of the novel, and having survived <i>The Hunger Games</i>, Katniss is back in District 12 in the company of her mother, sister, and Peeta. Things aren't entirely all rosy, however, as her stunt with the berries has enraged President Snow (and the Capitol), who is now looking for ways to further punish her, leading to her heading back into the arena ...
I have to say, the parallels between the Capitol and ancient Rome are even more pronounced this time round than previously, especially in an early(ish) scene where Katniss and Peeta attend a banquet in the Capitol: a banquet that provides it's guests with the means to be sick so they can eat more more, while those in the districts starve (the myth of the Roman Vomitorium, anyone?). Once again, this is told in the immediate first-person sense, with the novel also ending in a definite cliff-hanger for the final part of the trilogy.
At the start of the novel, and having survived <i>The Hunger Games</i>, Katniss is back in District 12 in the company of her mother, sister, and Peeta. Things aren't entirely all rosy, however, as her stunt with the berries has enraged President Snow (and the Capitol), who is now looking for ways to further punish her, leading to her heading back into the arena ...
I have to say, the parallels between the Capitol and ancient Rome are even more pronounced this time round than previously, especially in an early(ish) scene where Katniss and Peeta attend a banquet in the Capitol: a banquet that provides it's guests with the means to be sick so they can eat more more, while those in the districts starve (the myth of the Roman Vomitorium, anyone?). Once again, this is told in the immediate first-person sense, with the novel also ending in a definite cliff-hanger for the final part of the trilogy.
I read this book while away for work, away from my family, stuck in a hotel room in the evenings, exhausted and spent. It might not have been the best choice in hindsight, as this book is rather brutal and sad in its own right, but it wound up being a great diversion. I love Elin Hilderbrand's books, and this was an enjoyable one, despite the sadness. I liked the characters, but loved the Josh the most, our wannabe writer who finds himself caught up in the drama of these women.
And it was easy to get caught up in their lives and craziness. Brenda and Melanie had melodrama, but Vicki, oh Vicki, her storyline broke my heart. I've always had this fear of cancer and leaving my own kids, so this one struck me right in the gut. This book is really heart-wrenching--and doesn't shy away from the hard stuff: Vicki's chemo, her fears of dying and leaving behind her kids, how sick and terrified she feels. It's a tough read, but it's also hopeful and a great story of friendship and family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and it only cemented my desire to keep reading Hilderbrand's back catalog. 3.5+ stars.
And it was easy to get caught up in their lives and craziness. Brenda and Melanie had melodrama, but Vicki, oh Vicki, her storyline broke my heart. I've always had this fear of cancer and leaving my own kids, so this one struck me right in the gut. This book is really heart-wrenching--and doesn't shy away from the hard stuff: Vicki's chemo, her fears of dying and leaving behind her kids, how sick and terrified she feels. It's a tough read, but it's also hopeful and a great story of friendship and family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and it only cemented my desire to keep reading Hilderbrand's back catalog. 3.5+ stars.
AT (1676 KP) rated A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) in Movies
Mar 2, 2020
First of all, for an unpopular opinion, Tom Hanks does not, "look exactly like Fred Rogers". I was so sick of hearing that before the movie came out. He looks like Tom Hanks, playing Fred Rogers, wearing Mister Rogers' outfits. I didn't need him to look exactly like Fred Rogers. Tom Hanks is an actor, and it's a movie. I did enjoy watching the movie. Not that I can say I enjoyed the story in a happy way, since it touched on some very real, very dark adult emotions that had been hidden away for the majority of the main character's life. The way that Lloyd was woven into an episode of Mister Rogers for effect was trippy at times. Since they started out that way, it felt strange, as if the story's execution was wrong at the beginning. But the story does make sense. I just think that the beginning was a little uncomfortable. It was an interesting story, overall, though. Mister Rogers was an amazing man. I'm glad that they found a way to make a story about him that was more focused on an adult issue. It gave the magic and love of Mister Rogers yet another dimension.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Contagion (2011) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
The Outbreak
With all of this news about the coronavirus, i thought i reviewing this movie. This came out when the swine flu was around, so back in 2011. When the trailer came out, it looked really scary, because it was about a deadly virus speading. Now thats happening right now with the coronavirus. Its scary, but if you wash your hands with soap and water/hand Sanitizer, keep away from sick people, cover your mouth when you snezze and dont touch your eyes, you will be okay.
Anways to the plot:
When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. However, two days later, Beth is dead, and doctors tell her shocked husband (Matt Damon) that they have no idea what killed her. Soon, many others start to exhibit the same symptoms, and a global pandemic explodes. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but society begins to collapse as a blogger (Jude Law) fans the flames of paranoia.
It has a all-star cast: includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Ehle. Plus Steven Soderbergh directed it.
If you like medical action thriller film, than you will like this film.
Anways to the plot:
When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. However, two days later, Beth is dead, and doctors tell her shocked husband (Matt Damon) that they have no idea what killed her. Soon, many others start to exhibit the same symptoms, and a global pandemic explodes. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but society begins to collapse as a blogger (Jude Law) fans the flames of paranoia.
It has a all-star cast: includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Ehle. Plus Steven Soderbergh directed it.
If you like medical action thriller film, than you will like this film.