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Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar (2019)
2019 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
The Wicker Man 2.0
Contains spoilers, click to show
Grieving over the Murder/Suicide of her mentally ill Sister and Parents, Dani decides to get away for a while to Hårga, in Hälsingland, the Swedish community that her and her Boyfriend Christian's mutual friend Pele lives in. Christian and Dani's relationship is at breaking point (unbeknownst to Dani) and the other 2 friends of Christian are encouraging him to finally split with Dani. However, feeling bad about what happened to her Family, Christian and Pele ask Dani to take the trip with them and on to Hälsingland the group of 5 friends go. On the first leg of the road to Hälsinglang, where it is their time to have a special festival called Midsommar, they hang out in a field where they are prompted to partake in some Magic Mushrooms, to which they all have a nice trip before moving on to the "Community". Hälsinglang is a beautiful and seemingly gentle and friendly community, however small cracks start to appear... and Dani's friends start to go missing. Is this community, in fact, a Cult? Or will Dani find the salvation she so desperately needs...

I have to admit, Ari Aster hasn't had me from the jump. Hereditary in my opinion is a bit beige and "meh", but the Culty look of Midsommar attracted my attention straight away and did not disappoint! It's visually beautiful and the story is actually very tragic and gives you a realistic look as to why and how some people actually do join cults. It's an absolutely mind blowing watch and a Movie that I see myself watching many more times in the future. Well done, Ari Aster!
  
Hunt the Dawn (Fatal Dreams, #2)
Hunt the Dawn (Fatal Dreams, #2)
Abbie Roads | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance, Thriller
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
We enter Hunt the Dawn at a conference where our main man, Lathan, is trying to speak to a specialist in order to catch a serial killer. Unfortunately, due to Lathan's special abilities, he is unable to remain. He drives off to his home, in search of the peace he knows he needs. While this is going on, we meet with Evanee, soon to be known as Honey. She's had a tough slot in life so far, but is doing the best she can with what she's got. Circumstances conspire (and not in a good way) to have these two together, and once they do the story really lifts off!

We meet up with Isleen and Xander from book 1, which was a pleasure! To be fair though, and sorry to them!, but they weren't really 'needed' as Lathan and Honey's story was compelling reading. HOWEVER, with the addition of Xander and Isleen, and the help that they gave, it gave this story an edge; expanded on what was already brilliant, and gave it a tiny piece of extra sparkle.

As always, this book was exceptionally well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. The pace is smooth, building up to the climax. There is a twist (sort of) at the end, but I loved that. I really can't recommend this book or series highly enough. Now I just need to know what is coming next from this amazing author.

* 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!
  
12 Strong (2018)
12 Strong (2018)
2018 | Drama, History, War
Story: 12 Strong starts on the day of 9/11, Captain Mitch Nelson (Hemsworth) witnesses the horrors of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, returning to his military base, he wants to lead her unit into battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Once receiving permission and earning the right, Mitch is joined by Hal Spencer (Shannon) and his 10 other trusted soldiers that head into Afghanistan to work with the Afghan Warlord General Dostum (Negahban) as they unleashes the first attack in retaliation after the 9/11 attack.

 

Thoughts on 12 Strong

 

Characters – These soldiers are real people, Mitch Nelson is the unexperienced combat Captain that takes his driven man into battle, he must use his own smarts to be given the opportunity to be the first in the retaliation, he uses his knowledge to work with General Dostum as the two different cultures and ideas must come together for the battle. Hal Spencer is the second in command of the unit, he is older and offers the advice he soldier needs to get himself to the right answers. The rest of the unit all have their moments through the story and by the end you will believe you are watching a real unit.

Performances – Chris Hemsworth in the leading role is fantastic, he keeps himself looking like the star even though he needs to work with a unit to get the right answers, showing he can handle the serious roles once again. Michael Shannon in the supporting role shines even though it is strange seeing him in a good guy role after his recent run as a villain. The rest of the cast are great, they all have wonderful chemistry which the unit needs to pull this off.

Story – The day of 9/11 shocked the world, America the most and this shows the plan to retaliate after the attacks, the first men to go into combat against the Taliban as they risked everything to get a strike back and prevent what was believed to be another big attack. This is a true story, this could easily have been a fictional story because after the mission starts, you are pulled into seeing just what the men will do to get the job done and of course it is an against the odd style mission.

Action/History/War – The action sequences are shot in a brutal style that doesn’t hold back with what happens, we are left shocked by certain moments and on the edge of our seats the next because of the war time battle sequences.

Settings – The settings look the part, we are mostly just in and around caves and canyons which is where the Taliban would be hiding and preparing.

Special Effects – The effects for the battle sequences are flawless, looking brutal and the stunt team need praise for the work they have put into this movie.


Scene of the Movie – The final surge, wonderfully shot moment.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – It is ‘we are America, we are great’

Final Thoughts – This is one of the best war movies or recent years, it shows the brutally of the war, the thin line between good and evil between the Afghan units and just how bringing together two cultures can unit for a same enemy.

 

Overall: Must watch action movie.

https://moviesreview101.com/2018/01/27/12-strong-2018/
  
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Darren (1599 KP) rated Quatermass and the Pit (1967) in Movies

Oct 2, 2019 (Updated Oct 24, 2019)  
Quatermass and the Pit (1967)
Quatermass and the Pit (1967)
1967 | Horror, Sci-Fi
7
7.7 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Characters – Dr Mathew Roney is one of the team that is set to investigate the discovery, he takes and scientific approach to everything working with the historian to put the pieces together. Professor Bernard Quatermass brings the historical point of view to the table, wanting to study the discovery and using previous historical discoveries to help figure out the truth. Colonel Breen brings the military point of view often looking to use the quick answer over the smart answer. Barbara Judd is a reporter that is trying to put together a story for the public who believe this is an unexploded bomb.

Performances – The performances from the whole cast is great throughout, we believe the scientific figures, the military ones and the reporter looking for a story. the four main stars of the film know how to make the most of their scenes where their character needs to be the larger focus.

Story – The story follows an object being discovered in London while digger to make the underground larger, we follow how the investigation to learn what this could be from different perspectives which shows how this would be handled in real life. We do have twists which comes from the discoveries going on, but for the most part this keeps things simple, with an air of mystery about what could be happening around the object.

Horror/Mystery/Sci-Fi – The horror surrounding this movie comes from what could come from the object, it could bring horrific consequences, this plays into the mystery as we are left with the mystery behind what could be behind it. The sci-fi side of the film comes from the explanation to what could be behind the object and the potential of space being involved.

Settings – The film is set in London and the underground, this is always a tight compact location which will add to suspense and horror in anything.

Special Effects – This film was released in the 1960s, the special effects for the time were great, while we might look down on them now, it showed us just what was capable for the time.


Scene of the Movie – The final act which we are built up to nicely.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – The fact they just look like grasshoppers and no one says this.

Final Thoughts – This is one of the best hammer horror mystery sci-fi horror films out there, it keeps you guessing before letting everything out in the final act instead of giving away too much too early.

 

Overall: Must watch Hammer Horror
  
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Debbie (52 KP) rated Starworld in Books

May 4, 2019  
Starworld
Starworld
10
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
StarWorld
By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Candlewick Press
Teens and YA
Pub Date 16 April 2019
352 pages
#Starworld #NetGalley
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Even though this book took me awhile to read I really enjoyed it. It isn't the books fault for the amount of time I took to read it but family and activities that were happening. This book is already out and I highly recommend that you read this book.
At first I thought this book would be about space and wasn't sure about it but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is about a made up world called Starworld. This is a made up world that two teenage girls go to in text messages back and forth to take them away from their problems.
The girls names are Zoe and Sam. Zoe is adopted with a mom who has cancer and is in partial remission and a younger brother who has special needs. Sam is a girl who likes girls. Her parents are divorced and her Mom has a severe of OCD and Dad lives in London. Sam likes Zoe as more than a friend and Zoe only likes Sam as a friend. This book was hard to put down. I love the world they created and the way they interacted both on the phone and in real life together.
Sam and Zoe get along great and have some wonderful times together and things happen which make them look at themselves and to make their lives better.
  
TF
The Furthest Station (Peter Grant, #5.5)
Ben Aaronovitch | 2017 | Crime, Paranormal
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review </i>

<i>The Furthest Station</i> starts off with the same flair we've seen in previous installments to the Peter Grant series and I'll tell you, it's good to be back with Peter.

Though short at only 144 pages The Furthest Station is packed with enough information to give you an insight into the trouble peter can get into when left to his own devices. 

This novella is about ghosts predominantly and we experience Toby the wonder dog in his element. The same characters from the previous books star with a special mention to Jaget and Abigail - Abigail in particular was brilliant - incredibly smart and up on all thing supernatural. 

Ben Aaronovitch's typical descriptive monologing through Peter is as always brilliant. My favourite is below:

<blockquote> ...it is the cry of the guilty middle-class homeowner.

This sort of thing always creates a dilemma since the scale of guilt you're dealing with ranges from using a hosepipe during a ban to having just finished cementing your abusive husband into the patio.</blockquote>

The ghosts eventually give Peter the information he needs to locate a crime happening and in true Folly flair it's filled with supernatural hijinks and Nightingale at his best. The magic was few and far between but the ghosts made up for it and the relationship between Peter, Nightingale and Abigail as well as Abigail and Molly were written very well. I look forward to seeing where the growing friendship between Abigail and Molly goes in the next books. 

It was a touch odd reading book 5.7 after reading book 6 but there were no crossed boundaries that made things seem complicated so great news there. Overall, very well written.
  
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dog Soldiers (2002)
2002 | Action, Horror
8
8.2 (26 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Great British cast (3 more)
Black/dark humour throughout
Great one liners
One of the last films I remember to use makeup, costumes, and what looks like actual sausages for special effects and gore.
There is no Spoon
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is just one of those films from my youth that will never look back on with anything but pure joy.

The plot has already been laid out here, the reasons to watch this movie aren't really based around storyline. It's more that a group of "everyman" type British soldiers are thrust into a bat sh*t crazy situation, fighting off seven foot werewolves inside an abandoned farmhouse in the Scottish highlands. Comedy is of course going to come with that.

If the premise doesn't grab you, come for Liam Cunningham (AKA Ser Davos Seaworth) playing a bad guy, it's such a brilliant thing to see his range. If that doesn't do it, come to hear Sean Pertwee say "We are now up against live, hostile targets. So, if Little Red Riding Hood should show up with a bazooka and a bad attitude, I expect you to chin the bitch."

The jokes and quotables are thick and fast, the makeup and costumes of the werewolves is still analogue, and the work put into them must have been immense. They are genuinely menacing, and it's nice to remind yourself that not everything needs to be computer generated to have impact.

As a last point, Id like to point out that besides the great cast, the comedy, and the quotes, this isn't really jump scare, or torture p*rn, it's just an old fashioned run and gun, action comedy horror. It also ends in a way I just haven't seen before, with the use of photographs in a particular "action shot" kind of way, set up during the movie. Excellent.

- Rob
  
I Am Mother (2019)
I Am Mother (2019)
2019 | Sci-Fi, Thriller
Intriguing and Intense
I Am Mother is a 2019 sci-fi/thriller movie directed by Grant Sputore, with screenplay written by Michael Lloyd Green. It was produced by Penguin Empire, Southern Light Films, Mister Smith Entertainment and Endeavor Content and distributed by Netflix and Studio Canal. The film stars Luke Hawker, Clara Ruggard, Rose Byrne, and Hilary Swank.


A robot named "Mother" grows a human embryo and cares for her over several years when after an extinction event, an automated bunker activates to repopulate humanity. Mother teaches a teenage girl named "Daughter" complex moral and ethical lessons advising her that she needs practice being a good parent. Daughter captures a mouse but Mother disposes of it and explains that surface contamination with the outside world makes contact potentially lethal. Their bond is tested when Daughter becomes increasingly curious about the outside world and opens the bunker's airlock to let in a wounded woman begging for help and claims all is not as Mother claims.


This movie was awesome, classic sci-fi but with great acting and special effects. I like how suspenseful it was and how it told such a compelling story. It had me paying attention to every detail and trying to predict how it was going to unravel plot wise and though some parts I could see coming, it threw a couple of curve balls here and there. There wasn't a lot to complain about other than some people saying it revealed too much a little too soon and that it was a slow paced film. I just really like the way it played out, with one of those classic, sci-fi, artificial intelligence concepts. I give this movie a 8/10. And I also give it my "Must See Seal of Approval".
  
VN
Viral Nation (Viral Nation, #1)
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
3½ out of 5 stars

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm…

Well lets start with the cover. It’s amazing; really eye-catching and appropriate to the story. If I’m honest, it’s what drew me to the book in the first place.

Then the plotline: It sounded very interesting, which is the second thing I go for in a book, first the cover then the synopsis. I didn’t realise at the time that it sounds a bit like Acid by Emma Pass, another book I’ve reviewed recently, though it was minus the time-travelling and the autistic girl.

Speaking of, this is the first book I’ve ever read where the character has had “special needs”, though I’m not a fan of that phrase. Clover has autism and struggles with a few things, like crowded places and people arguing.

I’ve never really known anyone who has had autism so it was interesting reading it from the characters perspective and how she has to escape almost into herself to overcome these “issues” and how her dog helped her by applying a gentle pressure to her to anchor her in the here and now.

Up to about the 20% mark I was really liking the story and then it got a little boring and then at about the 35% mark it got interesting again. If a longer book cant keep my interest, I wont carry on reading and luckily for this one, it got good just as i was getting bored. That sounds harsh, but this is an honest review. Anyway, after that point I was really intrigued and almost couldn’t put it down.

I enjoyed it and trying to work out the mystery that was unfolding before me with every page.

If you like young adult dystopian books then you will most definitely like this one.
  
Black Sheep  (2006)
Black Sheep (2006)
2006 | Comedy, Horror
Characters/Performance – Henry is the successful brother that gets traumatised when he is young, now grown up he comes to back to the farm to collect his part of the money. When he learns the truth, he must now face his nightmares and fight off the killer sheep running over the farm. Angus the brother that has been experimenting on sheep for his own personal gain, this puts his own life and members of his farm. Experience is the environmentalist that wants to expose the farm but she quickly turns when she needs to fight to survive.

Performance wise, each performance adds to the comedy being told through this film, no one is great but they all know just how to get the extra laugh needed from their characters.

Story – Only in horror could you come up with an idea of genetical altered sheep that will try to kill people. If you watch this story with this in mind, you will truly enjoy this story because it is just that bonkers it works.

Horror/Comedy – The horror would be, how scary do you find sheep? Well what about killer mutant sheep, that is your horror side to the story but this could also be used to describe the comedy involved in this film too.

Settings – The film is set upon on the farm which is good for the horror isolation side of the film as they must use the land to fight the sheep off.

Special Effects – All the effects are practical and all come off looking fantastic when you look to add the extra element of gore to the film.

Final Thoughts – This is one of those horrors you can put on and enjoy because the laughs and idea are so farfetched you just must laugh to get through it all.

 

Overall: Fun and enjoyable horror comedy.