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Amy Norman (1042 KP) rated Captive State (2019) in Movies
Jul 23, 2022
Not the usual alien movie.
It's not all over glorified action, instead it is a slow burn, centering around a small rebellion, with the feel of a government espionage/spy thriller.
Overall it felt slightly predictable but I wasn't hugely invested, so was happy to go along for the ride, and just enjoy it for what it was.
There are some acting giants here, that deliver as usual, but were given such short screen time for it to have much impact.
A couple of newbies, that I hadn't encountered, held up the leads, but unfortunately for them they weren't given much to work with, or build on for you too truly feel for them.
It certainly wasn't a bad film, it had some interesting moments but it will likely have faded from my purview within a week or two.
Don't watch if you're into all out battles with humans vs aliens going toe-to-toe, and trying to outsmart each other.
Do watch if you enjoy the slow unfolding of a spy thriller, with small doses of peril peppered throughout (and aliens just to spice it up a little).
It's not all over glorified action, instead it is a slow burn, centering around a small rebellion, with the feel of a government espionage/spy thriller.
Overall it felt slightly predictable but I wasn't hugely invested, so was happy to go along for the ride, and just enjoy it for what it was.
There are some acting giants here, that deliver as usual, but were given such short screen time for it to have much impact.
A couple of newbies, that I hadn't encountered, held up the leads, but unfortunately for them they weren't given much to work with, or build on for you too truly feel for them.
It certainly wasn't a bad film, it had some interesting moments but it will likely have faded from my purview within a week or two.
Don't watch if you're into all out battles with humans vs aliens going toe-to-toe, and trying to outsmart each other.
Do watch if you enjoy the slow unfolding of a spy thriller, with small doses of peril peppered throughout (and aliens just to spice it up a little).
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Predator (1987) in Movies
Apr 28, 2018
If a ever go deaf, it will be because of Predator!
I found a used Blu Ray at a local shop for $1.99 so I decided to upgrade my existing DVD and boy was it worth it. The picture and sound quality was amazing (deafening).
Almost everything about the film holds up given this is my 20+ viewing. Has to be in the top 5 action films of all time right along side Die Hard and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The remote setting, characters, musical score, tension, slow burn reveal and screenplay all lend to the pristine action and compelling storytelling here.
A have to admit a few optical effects and the Predator suit do look a bit dated now, but that does not impact my review.
Such a classic!
Almost everything about the film holds up given this is my 20+ viewing. Has to be in the top 5 action films of all time right along side Die Hard and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The remote setting, characters, musical score, tension, slow burn reveal and screenplay all lend to the pristine action and compelling storytelling here.
A have to admit a few optical effects and the Predator suit do look a bit dated now, but that does not impact my review.
Such a classic!
KarenRC (6 KP) rated The Death of Mrs Westaway in Books
Jul 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! It is a creepy, atmospheric tale of a dysfunctional family full of secrets. Its a bit of a slow burn, but I think that adds to the tension. The characters are all very well written, but especially Hal. Despite knowing that what she is doing is wrong, you can't help but root for her to just get that little break she is hoping for to help get her out of the mess she has found herself in after her Mothers untimely death. Trepassen is the perfect setting for this story, complete with creepy housekeeper and was a character within itself due to the descriptive writing.
Overall, a really good read with twists and turns to keep you guessing and a few surprises along the way.
Overall, a really good read with twists and turns to keep you guessing and a few surprises along the way.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Detectorists in TV
Jan 31, 2020
Beautifully understated comedy (nearly a comedy-drama, really) about the lives and loves of a pair of middle-aged metal detecting enthusiasts. Brilliantly written, directed and performed. Part of the considerable charm of the series is that it is so charming and relaxing to watch: the countryside nearly always looks lovely, and the show is a definite slow burn. It takes its time to establish the characters, but the pay-offs, when they come, are superbly funny.
On the other hand, there is genuine tension in the more dramatic storylines, as the characters mess up important life decisions and struggle with their relationships. Very satisfying to watch; anyone who understands the appeal of pursuing an uncool hobby in the company of your best friends will find a lot that resonates here.
On the other hand, there is genuine tension in the more dramatic storylines, as the characters mess up important life decisions and struggle with their relationships. Very satisfying to watch; anyone who understands the appeal of pursuing an uncool hobby in the company of your best friends will find a lot that resonates here.
Sjon recommended The Taiga Syndrome in Books (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Wait for It in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Once again only four stars
This is only the 2nd out of five or six of the authors books that I've given four instead of five.
I loved young Louis and protective Josh, and Dallas, and seeing Trip and Luther and a few others from the authors previous books but once again something was missing for me.
Yet once again I can't quite pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was the slow burn that didn't really start to show into about the 40% mark, or maybe the fact that it didn't become truly a thing until long after that--about 70%. It wasn't obvious for a long time which guy Diana was going to end up with, which didn't help.
Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more of Mariana's books.
This is only the 2nd out of five or six of the authors books that I've given four instead of five.
I loved young Louis and protective Josh, and Dallas, and seeing Trip and Luther and a few others from the authors previous books but once again something was missing for me.
Yet once again I can't quite pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was the slow burn that didn't really start to show into about the 40% mark, or maybe the fact that it didn't become truly a thing until long after that--about 70%. It wasn't obvious for a long time which guy Diana was going to end up with, which didn't help.
Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more of Mariana's books.
The Crown Of Draga (Draga Court #2)
8.0
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Book
The Draga Galaxy is on the brink of war and Adelina will do everything she can to help, including...
4 stars space opera fantasy/sci-fi romance
The Everything Metabolism Diet Cookbook: Includes Vegetable-Packed Scrambled Eggs, Spicy Lentil Wraps, Lemon Spinach Artichoke Dip, Stuffed Filet Mignon, Ginger Mango Sorbet, and Hundreds More!
Book
Burn fat and lose weight with 300 easy recipes! With The Everything Metabolism Diet Cookbook, you'll...
KalJ95 (25 KP) rated Uncut Gems (2019) in Movies
Jan 12, 2020
The performance of Sandler's career. (2 more)
Nail biting, stressful viewing.
The resolution is worth the slow burn that climbs and climbs.
Sandler's gem.
Often throughout Uncut Gems, I found myself biting my nails to the nearest inch of my skin. At one point, closing in an hour, I realised I started to bleed from my index finger. The blood hadn't even occurred to me until the credits rolled, took a deep breath, and looked. The stressful nature of a character like Howard Ratner was difficult to understand, whether you sympathized with him or not. I neither routed for his destructive behaviour, nor wanted harm to come his way. Sitting on the fence didn't feel comfortable either. And this is why Uncut Gems is so special.
(No spoilers ahead.)
Howard's spiral towards more trouble is so nerve inducing it's hard to watch, even more hard to look away. His bad decision making creates a cause and effect chain, and often when you think his luck will turn around, he weasels and worms his way into even more trouble, all created by his constant addiction to make it big. Undeniably, this is all down to a masterclass from Adam Sandler.
The Safdie Brothers opened a can of worms, and Adam Sandler brought everything out. His slow burn decent towards losing it all is all the effective because he brings so many layers to the role. Ratner is a creep, a loser, a cheat, and a liar. He's also ambitious, outspoken, and sometimes even sympathetic. I never liked him as a person, but I did feel sorry for him.
I've seen some fine performances this year in cinema, and Sandler is most definitely up their with Joaquin Phoenix.
Uncut Gems is pulsatingly good, exhausting and draining, and one of the best thrillers you'll see in years. Adam Sandler, you're redeemed for Jack and Jill.
(No spoilers ahead.)
Howard's spiral towards more trouble is so nerve inducing it's hard to watch, even more hard to look away. His bad decision making creates a cause and effect chain, and often when you think his luck will turn around, he weasels and worms his way into even more trouble, all created by his constant addiction to make it big. Undeniably, this is all down to a masterclass from Adam Sandler.
The Safdie Brothers opened a can of worms, and Adam Sandler brought everything out. His slow burn decent towards losing it all is all the effective because he brings so many layers to the role. Ratner is a creep, a loser, a cheat, and a liar. He's also ambitious, outspoken, and sometimes even sympathetic. I never liked him as a person, but I did feel sorry for him.
I've seen some fine performances this year in cinema, and Sandler is most definitely up their with Joaquin Phoenix.
Uncut Gems is pulsatingly good, exhausting and draining, and one of the best thrillers you'll see in years. Adam Sandler, you're redeemed for Jack and Jill.
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3)
10.0
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Book
Ryan The moment I landed in that war zone, I knew I'd made a big mistake. I wasn't a soldier, and...
Seasonal Contemporary MM Romance Small Town Romance Hurt/Comfort