Search
Search results
Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated Birdemic: Shock And Terror (2008) in Movies
May 30, 2019
Terrible audio (3 more)
Laughable editing
The worst CG birds ever
Horrific acting
Contains spoilers, click to show
A friend posted a trailer for Birdemic, i have now watched this and must advise others to not make my mistake.
The editing is all over the place and the sound mix is horrendous, espically scenes on the beach. The score just starts and stops at random points. Then theres the cgi birds, oh my god they are the worst cg effects i have seen ever.
The story for the first half is a romance as Rod and Natalie meet and become a couple. To be fair Adam Bagh and Whitney Moore are a likeable couple but cant act and are hindered by the slapshot editing.
Then randomly birds attack. For no reason. They claw people, they explode but never blow up a gas station even though they hit two.
Our hero couple meet another couple and bravely fight the birds with coat hangers!
Get to the other couples van and suddenly they have guns!
They resuce some kids. On a road when in the first shot is deserted but in the rest of the shot is very busy.
They have a picnic. Meet a Dr who lectures us on Global Warming. Humoursly there is a bird in the background of this shot.
The rest of the film is forgettable. The director goes for the Hitchcock-esque ending of the birds just stop attacking and fly off.
This film is bad, characters make bizzare decisions, the birds are the worst they just sort of float there.
The editing is all over the place and the sound mix is horrendous, espically scenes on the beach. The score just starts and stops at random points. Then theres the cgi birds, oh my god they are the worst cg effects i have seen ever.
The story for the first half is a romance as Rod and Natalie meet and become a couple. To be fair Adam Bagh and Whitney Moore are a likeable couple but cant act and are hindered by the slapshot editing.
Then randomly birds attack. For no reason. They claw people, they explode but never blow up a gas station even though they hit two.
Our hero couple meet another couple and bravely fight the birds with coat hangers!
Get to the other couples van and suddenly they have guns!
They resuce some kids. On a road when in the first shot is deserted but in the rest of the shot is very busy.
They have a picnic. Meet a Dr who lectures us on Global Warming. Humoursly there is a bird in the background of this shot.
The rest of the film is forgettable. The director goes for the Hitchcock-esque ending of the birds just stop attacking and fly off.
This film is bad, characters make bizzare decisions, the birds are the worst they just sort of float there.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Measure of a Lady in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I love me some Deeanne Gist, but I have never had a novel make me as angry as this one.
Everything about this novel was so obnoxious and contradictory that I wanted to scream. Rachel is an overbearing sister who is trying to set a good example for them, but, in reality, she is just a control freak who has been uprooted from all she has ever known and clearly does not like change since she does not even try to adapt to her new surroundings. What makes her character even more frustrating is that she tends to break all the rules that she sets forth for her siblings, mainly her sister.
Her younger sister is a whole other can of worms. While the brother seems almost nonexistent in the novel, only appearing when needed for furthering the story, Rachel's sister has grasp onto to this new found freedom, since Rachel cannot control her because she is too busy breaking her rules for being a lady. The younger sister takes this freedom and runs with it, wreaking all sorts of havoc while her bad attitude ever increases.
Out of all of Gist's books, this seems to be the most sensual. In her other books, the relationship of the protagonists seems more important than their hormonal need for each other. I felt like I was reading an 80's romance novel with the way they lusted after each other.
I am giving it two starts only because of its one redeeming factor: Gist's lovely style.
Everything about this novel was so obnoxious and contradictory that I wanted to scream. Rachel is an overbearing sister who is trying to set a good example for them, but, in reality, she is just a control freak who has been uprooted from all she has ever known and clearly does not like change since she does not even try to adapt to her new surroundings. What makes her character even more frustrating is that she tends to break all the rules that she sets forth for her siblings, mainly her sister.
Her younger sister is a whole other can of worms. While the brother seems almost nonexistent in the novel, only appearing when needed for furthering the story, Rachel's sister has grasp onto to this new found freedom, since Rachel cannot control her because she is too busy breaking her rules for being a lady. The younger sister takes this freedom and runs with it, wreaking all sorts of havoc while her bad attitude ever increases.
Out of all of Gist's books, this seems to be the most sensual. In her other books, the relationship of the protagonists seems more important than their hormonal need for each other. I felt like I was reading an 80's romance novel with the way they lusted after each other.
I am giving it two starts only because of its one redeeming factor: Gist's lovely style.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Aboard the Wishing Star in Books
Jul 26, 2018
Aboard the Wishing Star by Debra Parmley
Aboard the Wishing Star is a romantic suspense that is high on romance, and low on suspense, as it is clear from the very beginning who the 'big bad' is. Kara has won a week's cruise, and has taken her best friend for many years with her. It starts off stressful as the airline loses Kara's luggage. She is also phobic about the water, so maybe a cruise wasn't the best idea. However, things look up when she meets Nate, a scuba diving instructor, who takes her under his wing.
I have mixed feelings about this story as I'm afraid I just can't see a man like Nate - self-confident and assured - with a woman like Kara. Although she has nice qualities, she is also quite weak, although she appears to gain some strength at the end. She is also incredibly naive, unbelievably so. She lets her boss and best friend walk all over her. And there are no reasons given for why her best friend's behaviour has suddenly changed within the past year. I didn't feel this made much impact on the story at all, and wasn't really relevant in any way.
However, saying that, it was a nice enough read, with plenty of descriptions. For a story set mainly on a Caribbean cruise, this was a nice getaway read.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I have mixed feelings about this story as I'm afraid I just can't see a man like Nate - self-confident and assured - with a woman like Kara. Although she has nice qualities, she is also quite weak, although she appears to gain some strength at the end. She is also incredibly naive, unbelievably so. She lets her boss and best friend walk all over her. And there are no reasons given for why her best friend's behaviour has suddenly changed within the past year. I didn't feel this made much impact on the story at all, and wasn't really relevant in any way.
However, saying that, it was a nice enough read, with plenty of descriptions. For a story set mainly on a Caribbean cruise, this was a nice getaway read.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018
This book has so much potential. I almost gave it a two & 1/2 stars. The characters can at times be funny and humorous. It has almost no romance beyond the acknowledgement that Whit has a girlfriend. Although, the prophecy is one of the largest let downs since I found out the name of the childlike empress in The Neverending Story. I kinda started to root a little for the siblings.
However, I kept getting hung up on the layout of the book. The chapters really? Truly? I don’t think that there is a chapter longer than 5 pages. I’m not even sure there is a chapter that is 5 pages long. I’m all about short chapters but this takes the cake. There is no reason for at all for some of the chapter breaks. Especially when a double space between the paragraphs or an asterisk (*) would do the job much better.
Here’s an example of one of the worst breaks. This is the last two sentences of chapter 58 which is in Whisty’s pov
“His thick, black hair fell forward over his eyes. ‘Sorry about that, Freckles.’
Chapter 59
Whisky
‘Not Freckles either,’ suggested Whit. ‘Or Carrottop.’”
For the reals. There is no need for this to be a new chapter. All it does is distract and chop up the flow of he book. It made me think they are getting paid per chapter. There are 104 of them!
The idea is there and like I said massive potential.... just feels unfinished.
However, I kept getting hung up on the layout of the book. The chapters really? Truly? I don’t think that there is a chapter longer than 5 pages. I’m not even sure there is a chapter that is 5 pages long. I’m all about short chapters but this takes the cake. There is no reason for at all for some of the chapter breaks. Especially when a double space between the paragraphs or an asterisk (*) would do the job much better.
Here’s an example of one of the worst breaks. This is the last two sentences of chapter 58 which is in Whisty’s pov
“His thick, black hair fell forward over his eyes. ‘Sorry about that, Freckles.’
Chapter 59
Whisky
‘Not Freckles either,’ suggested Whit. ‘Or Carrottop.’”
For the reals. There is no need for this to be a new chapter. All it does is distract and chop up the flow of he book. It made me think they are getting paid per chapter. There are 104 of them!
The idea is there and like I said massive potential.... just feels unfinished.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Finding Joy Street (Love Is In The Cards #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Finding Joy Street isn't your normal, run-of-the-mill, contemporary romance. What you get is a helluva lot more than what you see. Cali Blue gives across the impression of being permanently positive and "practically perfect in every way". However, she is dealing with a whole lot more than what she allows people to see, and this also influences her career of choice. When she meets London for the first time, sparks fly, but not in the way you expect. If I remember correctly, a "prick in a nice suit" is one description of him. However, he gets under Cali's skin and not always in a bad way. When she needs help, he is there unconditionally.
I thoroughly enjoyed how these two got to know each other, figuring out the puzzle of what makes Cali/London Cali/London! The attraction is there, and it does yo-yo for a while, but Melissa Belle allows their relationship to grow way beyond just a quick romp.
If I had one 'bad' thing to say it would be that the place names being names got a bit old, but consider that just one of my personal quirks. About the story itself, I can give nothing bad. It deals with some major issues in a sensitive and sympathetic way, without glamorising or playing the victim card.
Extremely well written, and a joy to read, I look forward to more from The Tarot Series. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I thoroughly enjoyed how these two got to know each other, figuring out the puzzle of what makes Cali/London Cali/London! The attraction is there, and it does yo-yo for a while, but Melissa Belle allows their relationship to grow way beyond just a quick romp.
If I had one 'bad' thing to say it would be that the place names being names got a bit old, but consider that just one of my personal quirks. About the story itself, I can give nothing bad. It deals with some major issues in a sensitive and sympathetic way, without glamorising or playing the victim card.
Extremely well written, and a joy to read, I look forward to more from The Tarot Series. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019 (Updated Dec 19, 2019)
Attack of the Clones is easily my least favourite Star Wars movie, but still, I can't bring myself to completely hate it. It's still Star Wars. It's still a big part of my childhood.
The main issues for me lie within the story, and perhaps most infamously, the romance plot between Anakin and Padme. It's an integral part of the story for sure, but the dialogue is horrible, Hayden Christensen is oddly wooden, and unfortunately, it takes up a big part of Episode II's runtime.
I also find the action set pieces in AOTC a very mixed bag. Nothing particularly stands out, except maybe the arena fight scene with hundreds of Jedis, and the potentially great chase scene near the start is soiled by the needlessly quippy script work.
It's not all bad though. There are some great actors involved - Ewan McGregor is still awesome as Obi Wan, and of course, we're introduced to Count Dooku, played by the ever incredible Christopher Lee (although is character is ultimately pointless).
Locations such as Kamino are something new and different and great to look at, and then of course, the single most important thing about AOTC - it paved the way for the Clone Wars TV show, so it definitely deserves credit for that.
Unfortunately, Episode II feels overstuffed with a while lot of nothing, and is no where the same quality as Star Wars at it's very best, but like I said, I can't hate on it too much. For better or worse, it's part of the Star Wars experience.
The main issues for me lie within the story, and perhaps most infamously, the romance plot between Anakin and Padme. It's an integral part of the story for sure, but the dialogue is horrible, Hayden Christensen is oddly wooden, and unfortunately, it takes up a big part of Episode II's runtime.
I also find the action set pieces in AOTC a very mixed bag. Nothing particularly stands out, except maybe the arena fight scene with hundreds of Jedis, and the potentially great chase scene near the start is soiled by the needlessly quippy script work.
It's not all bad though. There are some great actors involved - Ewan McGregor is still awesome as Obi Wan, and of course, we're introduced to Count Dooku, played by the ever incredible Christopher Lee (although is character is ultimately pointless).
Locations such as Kamino are something new and different and great to look at, and then of course, the single most important thing about AOTC - it paved the way for the Clone Wars TV show, so it definitely deserves credit for that.
Unfortunately, Episode II feels overstuffed with a while lot of nothing, and is no where the same quality as Star Wars at it's very best, but like I said, I can't hate on it too much. For better or worse, it's part of the Star Wars experience.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Infernally Mine (The Infernal Blades #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2020
I'm a killer and I'm good at it.
It's not something you can put on a resume or bring up during a date -- but we all have our secrets.
The visions I see at night are part of mine.
The Elders send me visions of my new targets -- chosen by them -- for me to kill. I don't determine if they are good or bad -- just that their fate is to die by my hand.
Questioning the Elders is suicide. I am just a monster for them to direct.
One night my vision features four sinfully yummy men. They seem to find me delicious as well.
When my life gets thrown into chaos, these men are the only ones I can trust.
What happens when I am not the monster I've always believed myself to be?
I went from being the killer to the target.
One thing is for sure, I don't plan on remaining anyone's prey.
Infernally Mine is the first book in a paranormal RH/#whychoose romance series with assassins, shifters, and a succubus. Intended for mature audiences (18+). Contains MM, foul language, and violence.
This started of brilliant it was aggressive and had some attitude I loved Mara and her attitude! Then the men entered and it all became a bit meh! Then everything was so rushed all ect the sex scenes, now don't get me wrong I love a good sex scene I just think in my opinion this book lost its way a little!
It's not something you can put on a resume or bring up during a date -- but we all have our secrets.
The visions I see at night are part of mine.
The Elders send me visions of my new targets -- chosen by them -- for me to kill. I don't determine if they are good or bad -- just that their fate is to die by my hand.
Questioning the Elders is suicide. I am just a monster for them to direct.
One night my vision features four sinfully yummy men. They seem to find me delicious as well.
When my life gets thrown into chaos, these men are the only ones I can trust.
What happens when I am not the monster I've always believed myself to be?
I went from being the killer to the target.
One thing is for sure, I don't plan on remaining anyone's prey.
Infernally Mine is the first book in a paranormal RH/#whychoose romance series with assassins, shifters, and a succubus. Intended for mature audiences (18+). Contains MM, foul language, and violence.
This started of brilliant it was aggressive and had some attitude I loved Mara and her attitude! Then the men entered and it all became a bit meh! Then everything was so rushed all ect the sex scenes, now don't get me wrong I love a good sex scene I just think in my opinion this book lost its way a little!
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Snow One Like You (Snowed In - Valentine's Inc #9) in Books
Feb 13, 2020
LOVED this book!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted a copy of this book.
Oh yeah, I LOVED this book! So much!
Angelo and Spencer have a great deal of . . .not hatred cos that is too strong a word, but they really dislike each other, with a passion. And it's that passion that spills things over into something much more, something neither of them dreamed of.
So much passion, from these two, it burned the page! While what they say to themselves is hatred of the other, deep down, they both know that there is something more between them and getting stuck in a snow storm together is the time to let it all out, and just FEEL, you know?? So much the feels!
I loved the speed at which these guys fell, once they admitted to themselves at least what they were actually feeling. Usually I don't but the whole book (bar the epilogue) takes place over a few days, some 125 pages, so for it to work, it has to be fast. I loved that they were all in.
Both guys have a say, in the first person, so we get it all from them both. How much Spencer riles Angelo up. How much Spencer gets a kick out of calling him Angel. How much what they both want from the other means to them. LOVED these guys, I really did!
Can't see that I've read anything else by this author, and now I want more!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Oh yeah, I LOVED this book! So much!
Angelo and Spencer have a great deal of . . .not hatred cos that is too strong a word, but they really dislike each other, with a passion. And it's that passion that spills things over into something much more, something neither of them dreamed of.
So much passion, from these two, it burned the page! While what they say to themselves is hatred of the other, deep down, they both know that there is something more between them and getting stuck in a snow storm together is the time to let it all out, and just FEEL, you know?? So much the feels!
I loved the speed at which these guys fell, once they admitted to themselves at least what they were actually feeling. Usually I don't but the whole book (bar the epilogue) takes place over a few days, some 125 pages, so for it to work, it has to be fast. I loved that they were all in.
Both guys have a say, in the first person, so we get it all from them both. How much Spencer riles Angelo up. How much Spencer gets a kick out of calling him Angel. How much what they both want from the other means to them. LOVED these guys, I really did!
Can't see that I've read anything else by this author, and now I want more!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Micah's Bride (All The King's Men #9)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Vampires don’t get married. They mate. But for a human, mating isn’t enough. Micah is a...
Paranormal Romance
To Love and to Cherish
Book
Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in To Love And To Cherish, the third witty contemporary...