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Awix (3310 KP) rated Deadpool (2016) in Movies
Feb 19, 2018
Not the first R-rated superhero movie, nor the first superhero comedy film, nor even the first movie to feature Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, but it does a good job of appearing to do something new and different, and has lots of good jokes. Garrulous mercenary volunteers for special procedure in attempt to fend off terminal illness; basically ends up with cancer as a super-power.
The plot is really very secondary to the style of the film, anyway, which is all about being very irreverent and transgressive towards the perceived conventions of the superhero movie; there's a bit of a straw man argument being made here, but the action is well staged and it is, as mentioned, very funny. Not the future of the genre, no matter what people may say, but a well-crafted piece of entertainment nevertheless.
The plot is really very secondary to the style of the film, anyway, which is all about being very irreverent and transgressive towards the perceived conventions of the superhero movie; there's a bit of a straw man argument being made here, but the action is well staged and it is, as mentioned, very funny. Not the future of the genre, no matter what people may say, but a well-crafted piece of entertainment nevertheless.

Awix (3310 KP) rated The Black Hole (1979) in Movies
Feb 13, 2018
Big-budget attempt by Disney to cash in on the success of Star Wars; this sort of thing doesn't happen any more, obviously. Science vessel from Earth discovers fabled lost vessel from a generation before, mysteriously hanging over a black hole; they choose to investigate, eventually there are ray gun battles.
Distinctly odd movie which can't seem to decide whether it's a cheery George Lucas-style family-friendly adventure extravaganza with cute robots and zap guns aplenty, or a post-Stanley Kubrick tale of existential contemplation and all-pervading gloom. In the end the dark tone is mostly triumphant - bemusing final sequence reveals black hole is actually a gateway to hell, which may explain why this has been acclaimed as the most scientifically inaccurate movie in history. Decent cast try hard; very good score from John Barry helps keep things moving along.
Distinctly odd movie which can't seem to decide whether it's a cheery George Lucas-style family-friendly adventure extravaganza with cute robots and zap guns aplenty, or a post-Stanley Kubrick tale of existential contemplation and all-pervading gloom. In the end the dark tone is mostly triumphant - bemusing final sequence reveals black hole is actually a gateway to hell, which may explain why this has been acclaimed as the most scientifically inaccurate movie in history. Decent cast try hard; very good score from John Barry helps keep things moving along.

Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 2 in Books
Jun 8, 2018
I love Drew Hayes' writing style, and it only gets better in book two. His characters continue to deepen and you begin to see the differences in the thoughts of the Melbrook crew. They develop very naturally in my opinion, and I loved the occasional shots of other people, staff and outsiders alike.
There were a couple of major events that really threw me for a loop, but it made me wonder how the students would overcome them. They aren't fictional anymore... They're real. It's rare that an author can immerse me that deeply. Well done!
I can't wait to see what happens in book 3 (thankfully it's already out, so that's a bonus) and where the crew goes next!
This book also cost me $4 and is about 850 pages long. Well worth the price!
There were a couple of major events that really threw me for a loop, but it made me wonder how the students would overcome them. They aren't fictional anymore... They're real. It's rare that an author can immerse me that deeply. Well done!
I can't wait to see what happens in book 3 (thankfully it's already out, so that's a bonus) and where the crew goes next!
This book also cost me $4 and is about 850 pages long. Well worth the price!

Gail (4 KP) rated Agony & Ecstasy (The Marcy Series, #3) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Agony and Ecstasy by Linda Burson
Four Stars
This is book three in the series. We start with Marcy still trying to unlock her nightmares. During one session things start to become clear and her nightmares start to become clear. She is still seeing Liam but has Brad on the side. Its a very interesting story and held my attention. Marcy gets on my nerve with the back and forth between the guys. I don’t understand how you say you love someone but go and find comfort in another mans arms. The author writing style was different and seems to start you out slow and than bam there’s the climax. If your looking for a book series that will have you wanting to know wth this is for you. The author does great with the details but the characters need new personalities.
Four Stars
This is book three in the series. We start with Marcy still trying to unlock her nightmares. During one session things start to become clear and her nightmares start to become clear. She is still seeing Liam but has Brad on the side. Its a very interesting story and held my attention. Marcy gets on my nerve with the back and forth between the guys. I don’t understand how you say you love someone but go and find comfort in another mans arms. The author writing style was different and seems to start you out slow and than bam there’s the climax. If your looking for a book series that will have you wanting to know wth this is for you. The author does great with the details but the characters need new personalities.

Gail (4 KP) rated Twice As Fatal (Jarvis Mann Detective #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Jarvis Mann is back with another amazing adventure. With two cases taking over his life he may have bitten more than he can chew. The author’s writing style is very detailed and visual. I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.
The first case has him trying to find a football player. Hired by the father Jarvis sets out and finds Ray. Thinking it’s over a video is threatened to be released if Ray that could destroy his present and future.
The second case his landlord has him following her husband. She thinks he’s either gambling, cheating and taking her money. When Jarvis finds that the husband is connected to the wrong people. Life just got harder.
A must read if you have fallen for Jarvis Mann. This author creates magic with her words and visual detail. Great job!
The first case has him trying to find a football player. Hired by the father Jarvis sets out and finds Ray. Thinking it’s over a video is threatened to be released if Ray that could destroy his present and future.
The second case his landlord has him following her husband. She thinks he’s either gambling, cheating and taking her money. When Jarvis finds that the husband is connected to the wrong people. Life just got harder.
A must read if you have fallen for Jarvis Mann. This author creates magic with her words and visual detail. Great job!

Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated A Study in Scarlet in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Although I might be a fan of historical fiction, books that were published before I was born are not ones I usually pick up.
Don't get me wrong, there are some brilliant writers; Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, the Austen's, all amazing writers, brilliant minds, but their writing style doesn't appeal to me. I would only pick up their books because of an academic reading list, and since academia doesn't need me to read fiction, I avoid it.
A very wise person recently told me that avoiding things is something I should avoid. Which is one of the reasons why I love this read harder challenge, taking you out of your comfort zone and expanding your reading is the best way to gain perspective.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/read-harder-1900-1950.html
Don't get me wrong, there are some brilliant writers; Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, the Austen's, all amazing writers, brilliant minds, but their writing style doesn't appeal to me. I would only pick up their books because of an academic reading list, and since academia doesn't need me to read fiction, I avoid it.
A very wise person recently told me that avoiding things is something I should avoid. Which is one of the reasons why I love this read harder challenge, taking you out of your comfort zone and expanding your reading is the best way to gain perspective.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/read-harder-1900-1950.html

Becs (244 KP) rated The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money in Books
Aug 9, 2018
The tumblr feel to it. (2 more)
The writing style.
The diagrams.
Great beginner book!
Okay, so I don't ever read books like this but I picked this up for one of my writing jobs and I must say, wow! This was one hell of a read. I was honestly surprised with how fast I blew through The Financial Diet and actually enjoyed reading it!!! That's right, I said I enjoyed it. There are quite a few lessons that are taught in this novel that I feel everyone should take to heart. This is coming from the person who sucks with money and doesn't follow a budget. I got so motivated while reading, that I was stashing away certain tips for the whole budgeting aspect of things and how to save money. I mean who doesn't love saving money!?

Lee (2222 KP) rated Exploding Kittens in Tabletop Games
Aug 31, 2018
Fun Game
My daughter is in love with this bonkers game! Exploding Kittens is a russian roulette style game featuring amusing art from The Oatmeal. Simple to learn, but with some quirky little rules that I have to keep looking up again and again (usually when my daughter uses them on me to full effect!). It's one of those games that isn't that exciting at the beginning of a new game, but as you near the end of the pack and you know that the exploding kitten card is coming soon, the tension and enjoyment really grows. I'm not sure of the longevity of the game though, and that's the only downside to this really. There are expansion packs available, to enhance the gameplay and increase the potential number of players, which I'd be interested to try out some time.

The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Peppermint (2018) in Movies
Sep 12, 2018
Depth of story not associated with Bad Ass-ness (1 more)
Only one reference to peppermint, doesn't warrant the name of the movie as a whole
Solid Suburban Mom Vigilante Bad Ass Movie.
This was a good time. It's like Boondock Saints (minus the style) meets Shooter and Alias. Everyone loves it when untouchable bad guys get their comeuppance. We all like watching the take down of corruption. That said I could've used a little more depth of story. It was mostly by the numbers as far as action films go. I went into this one not knowing the basic premise, my wife picked it and I said ok. Had I known the premise I would've seen most of this movie coming. That's not to say it's less enjoyable, just that it's slightly less awesome. (hence the 7)

Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Separate Lives in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I absolutely loved Separate Lives! I was hooked from page one by the writing style. The characters were well developed and relatable in a lot of ways, tho I wasn't fond of Pippa and her intentions toward Alex. I could also identify with Susie quite a bit tho I wish she'd had more backbone in dealing with Alex at the end of their relationship. The entire time I was reading this book I was so engrossed that it almost felt like the characters were friends of mine. The ending answered a few questions but it left me wanting to know how things wound up with Susie and Will. Overall I truly enjoyed my time with these great characters and will be looking forward to more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!