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Awix (3310 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Third time's a charm
Wasn't it Oscar Wilde who said that to cast one actor as Spider-Man is a sound artistic choice, but to cast three in only fifteen years is possibly taking the mickey? Hey ho. Marvel Studios bring all their usual skill to this latest addition to the series, and the result is as entertaining as you'd expect.
They do make quite a big deal out of the fact that Spider-Man is back in continuity with the Avengers (et al), much more so than happens in the other MCU films, but I suppose it's forgivable. The movie's two big innovations are to basically tell the story as a goofy 80s-style high school comedy, and to actually have a genuinely strong and memorable villain (Michael Keaton makes a real impression as another sort of birdman). Solid script; also very funny; doesn't quite supplant memories of the Sam Raimi-Tobey Maguire films, but stands comparison to them very well.
They do make quite a big deal out of the fact that Spider-Man is back in continuity with the Avengers (et al), much more so than happens in the other MCU films, but I suppose it's forgivable. The movie's two big innovations are to basically tell the story as a goofy 80s-style high school comedy, and to actually have a genuinely strong and memorable villain (Michael Keaton makes a real impression as another sort of birdman). Solid script; also very funny; doesn't quite supplant memories of the Sam Raimi-Tobey Maguire films, but stands comparison to them very well.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Ant-Man (2015) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018 (Updated Jun 9, 2018)
Long-in-the-works Marvel movie gets around lack of big names and (if we're totally honest) significance to the ongoing MCU meta-plot through sheer good humour, inventiveness, and charm. Loveable rogue gets recruited by curmudgeonly ex-superhero to take on his mantle as very tiny special operative Ant-Man. Possibly most famous for the fact that original writer-director Edgar Wright was fired from the movie, allegedly for refusing to stick with the Marvel house style - his influence over the movie is still very noticeable to the discerning, though.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fistful of Dollars (1964) in Movies
Jun 12, 2018 (Updated Oct 22, 2018)
Genre-defining spaghetti western is an Italian-made interpretation of a quintessentially American genre, filmed in Spain and based on a Japanese movie (so stop going on about how much you hate globalisation). Taciturn stranger moseys into a divided town south of the border, decides to make some quick money by playing the two ruling gangs off against one another. Cue many trumpet solos and Clint Eastwood gunning folk down like it's going out of fashion.
Not quite up to the same standards as the film that inspired it, Yojimbo, but still a really impressive film in the way it combines Leone's visual style, Eastwood's inscrutable charisma and Morricone's operatic score. The focus is so visual that the film ends up coming across as slightly superficial and overly interested in violence and sadism, but it is still a classic of its kind and really a landmark in both US and European cinema.
Not quite up to the same standards as the film that inspired it, Yojimbo, but still a really impressive film in the way it combines Leone's visual style, Eastwood's inscrutable charisma and Morricone's operatic score. The focus is so visual that the film ends up coming across as slightly superficial and overly interested in violence and sadism, but it is still a classic of its kind and really a landmark in both US and European cinema.
Akward (448 KP) rated Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization in Tabletop Games
Jun 15, 2018
The most Civilization board game (2 more)
There is a ton of complexity that will keep it interesting for a long time
Variation of gameplay style (war, culture, technology, wonders)
The mechanics will likely be too much for most people (1 more)
A handful of the cards are not balanced well
Civilization in Boardgame Form
Do you like the video game Civilization? Then you will absolutely love this board game. Do you not love intense Euro strategy games? Then you will probably hate this game.
This game is very intense. There are a lot of mechanics, and a lot to learn. It follows the basic mechanics of the Civilization video game fairly closely, but even veteran Civ players took a while to learn it.
You also have to be comfortable with the game taking all day. The time estimate on the box is very wrong. Our first game took us three hours, and we only made it through the first age (there are three).
This game is very intense. There are a lot of mechanics, and a lot to learn. It follows the basic mechanics of the Civilization video game fairly closely, but even veteran Civ players took a while to learn it.
You also have to be comfortable with the game taking all day. The time estimate on the box is very wrong. Our first game took us three hours, and we only made it through the first age (there are three).
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Food52 Mighty Salads: 60 New Ways to Turn Salad Into Dinner in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Food52 Mighty Salads: 60 New Ways to Turn Salad into Dinner--and Make-Ahead Lunches, Too by Editors of Food52 is a very extensive collection of recipes including a lot of earthy recipes as well as some of the classics with European and Asian based choices as well.
What I like the most about Food52 cookbooks is all the helpful hints they give you such as how to refresh wilted greens, best way to store and easiest way to peel hardboiled eggs. This book is filled with good advice as well as gorgeous recipes. It has great photos and there is an abundant amount of dressing recipes and not just your standard vinaigrettes. I really want to try the seared scallop salad with black lentils, peanut noodle salad, spring vegetable panzanella and the Caesar- style kale salad sounds interesting.
I received this book from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What I like the most about Food52 cookbooks is all the helpful hints they give you such as how to refresh wilted greens, best way to store and easiest way to peel hardboiled eggs. This book is filled with good advice as well as gorgeous recipes. It has great photos and there is an abundant amount of dressing recipes and not just your standard vinaigrettes. I really want to try the seared scallop salad with black lentils, peanut noodle salad, spring vegetable panzanella and the Caesar- style kale salad sounds interesting.
I received this book from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Why Not Me? in Books
May 29, 2018
Full disclosure - I'm not really familiar with Mindy Kaling. I know she's got a show and she's funny. And Ive seen her on random talk shows here and there, but I've never actually watched one thing she has acted in. But she's funny, and her books get lots of stars, so I thought - why not get to know her?
It's written more like journal entries than a biography, and tell the most random stories with the most random thoughts interspersed. She goes off topic A LOT. But I kinda feel like that's how my brain works too, so I could totally follow. I like this girl's style! She's does talk a lot about her struggles to fit it - and I think that's something we can all relate too.
I think I'll be checking out some more of Mindy's books - and probably a few TV shows? Movies perhaps? Its interesting to get to know a celebrity through a book - I might just try it again sometime.
It's written more like journal entries than a biography, and tell the most random stories with the most random thoughts interspersed. She goes off topic A LOT. But I kinda feel like that's how my brain works too, so I could totally follow. I like this girl's style! She's does talk a lot about her struggles to fit it - and I think that's something we can all relate too.
I think I'll be checking out some more of Mindy's books - and probably a few TV shows? Movies perhaps? Its interesting to get to know a celebrity through a book - I might just try it again sometime.
Kristin (149 KP) rated M in the Demon Realm (M in the Demon Realm, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest (not necessarily positive) review.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was highly intrigued, so I was excited to be able to read it for review. The story is very interesting, with an exciting premise, and it's definitely pulled me in to where I want to read the second part.
The only drawback (for me personally, not necessarily a bad thing for everyone) was the writing style itself. It comes across as more of a description of something, as if someone were dictating a movie or TV show to someone who hadn't seen it (an episode synopsis, if you will). It doesn't have a very narrative flow, which seemed rather odd to me at times, but it's still a very good story, so I was pulled into it regardless. As I said, I'm looking forward to the next part, so it didn't hinder my enjoyment too much. =)
4 stars
When I read the blurb for this book, I was highly intrigued, so I was excited to be able to read it for review. The story is very interesting, with an exciting premise, and it's definitely pulled me in to where I want to read the second part.
The only drawback (for me personally, not necessarily a bad thing for everyone) was the writing style itself. It comes across as more of a description of something, as if someone were dictating a movie or TV show to someone who hadn't seen it (an episode synopsis, if you will). It doesn't have a very narrative flow, which seemed rather odd to me at times, but it's still a very good story, so I was pulled into it regardless. As I said, I'm looking forward to the next part, so it didn't hinder my enjoyment too much. =)
4 stars
Sarah (126 KP) rated Memoirs of a Geisha in Books
Jul 12, 2018
A Disappointing Read
When I bought this book, it was because I had seen so much excitement around it - how it was thrilling and unlike anything else.
I really should have saved my money.
When I read a book, or watch a film for that matter, I want to care about the characters and to have something vested in the outcome - be it good or bad. I want to hate the bad guys, to be rooting for the hero/ine. Here, I just didn't. The characters were unsympathetic; whether it was the point of view or the style of writing, I read with a feeling of detachment and no great sense of "what will happen next". Even worse, the ending was a huge disappointment, feeling as if it had been tacked on quickly in order to meet a deadline.
In all honesty, a book I wish I hadn't bothered to persevere with to the end.
I really should have saved my money.
When I read a book, or watch a film for that matter, I want to care about the characters and to have something vested in the outcome - be it good or bad. I want to hate the bad guys, to be rooting for the hero/ine. Here, I just didn't. The characters were unsympathetic; whether it was the point of view or the style of writing, I read with a feeling of detachment and no great sense of "what will happen next". Even worse, the ending was a huge disappointment, feeling as if it had been tacked on quickly in order to meet a deadline.
In all honesty, a book I wish I hadn't bothered to persevere with to the end.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
Dean (6925 KP) rated Mile 22 (2018) in Movies
Sep 24, 2018
Great action scenes (1 more)
Bloody and brutal 18 certificate
Great action film
I really don't get the critic and low ratings for this film. This ticks all the boxes for an 18 rated film. Good to see things not watered down just to achieve a 15 rating. A film with close proximity fights to the death and shoot outs is going to be bloody!
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.