Search
An Imperfect Truth
8.0
Rate It
Book
Chaz can make a perfect latte, but can he handle her imperfect truth? Alexandra Townsen has spent...
Contemporary MF Romance Meet Cute Found Family Interracial Romance
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Mr Harrigan's Phone (2022) in Movies
Oct 10, 2022
Contains spoilers, click to show
Mr Harringan's phone is a film based on a short story by Stephen King. Like a lot of Kings work the film is a slow burn but one without much of a pay off.
Mr Harringan's phone follows Craig, a young boy who is hired by the reclusive Mr Harringan. After working for him for a few years Mr Harringan dies. During his period of grief Craig phones Mr Harringan's old phone and tells him about the problems he is having with a bully, the bully dies soon after and Craig is sure the dead Mr Harringan has something to do with it.
Mr Harringan's phone has the potential to be a great ghost film but it doesn't manage to pull it off. The first 40 to 50 minutes of the film builds up the relationship between Craig and Mr Harringan leaving around an hour for the spooky stuff. However there is little actual horror, there are only 2 deaths due to the ghost and you don't see either of them. The film give what could be natural reasons for the deaths and tries to focuse on the effect they have on Craig as he thinks that he caused them but even this seems lacking.
The film feels like it's trying to be a 'classic' set in the modern day, like a Charles Dickens novel set in the naughties and it does pull this off but still seems to be lacking something.
If you are looking for something like the ring then this probably isn't for you but if you want a slow burn in the gothic/Dickens vain then it may be worth a watch.
Mr Harringan's phone follows Craig, a young boy who is hired by the reclusive Mr Harringan. After working for him for a few years Mr Harringan dies. During his period of grief Craig phones Mr Harringan's old phone and tells him about the problems he is having with a bully, the bully dies soon after and Craig is sure the dead Mr Harringan has something to do with it.
Mr Harringan's phone has the potential to be a great ghost film but it doesn't manage to pull it off. The first 40 to 50 minutes of the film builds up the relationship between Craig and Mr Harringan leaving around an hour for the spooky stuff. However there is little actual horror, there are only 2 deaths due to the ghost and you don't see either of them. The film give what could be natural reasons for the deaths and tries to focuse on the effect they have on Craig as he thinks that he caused them but even this seems lacking.
The film feels like it's trying to be a 'classic' set in the modern day, like a Charles Dickens novel set in the naughties and it does pull this off but still seems to be lacking something.
If you are looking for something like the ring then this probably isn't for you but if you want a slow burn in the gothic/Dickens vain then it may be worth a watch.
Amy Norman (1048 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 (10827 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
Rate It
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...