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Sarah (7798 KP) rated I, Tonya (2017) in Movies
Dec 30, 2018
Great performances
I missed out on watching this when it was out at the cinema and I’m really disappointed I did, especially as it is actually quite good.
I didn’t know anything about true story about Tonya Harding, so for me this film was a real eye opener. It’s a fascinating story and the film features some great performances from both Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. However it’s Alison Janney that steals the entire film as the mother from hell, she’s horrible yet absolutely hilarious too. The way this film unfolds using a documentary style storytelling really works and makes for such an entertaining film. The film drags a little during certain parts, and it’s a little ambiguous as to whether you should feel truly sorry for Tonya or not, especially with the conflicting stories between her and Jeff. But it’s the brilliant cast and the unique story telling theta really make this film worth watching.
I didn’t know anything about true story about Tonya Harding, so for me this film was a real eye opener. It’s a fascinating story and the film features some great performances from both Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. However it’s Alison Janney that steals the entire film as the mother from hell, she’s horrible yet absolutely hilarious too. The way this film unfolds using a documentary style storytelling really works and makes for such an entertaining film. The film drags a little during certain parts, and it’s a little ambiguous as to whether you should feel truly sorry for Tonya or not, especially with the conflicting stories between her and Jeff. But it’s the brilliant cast and the unique story telling theta really make this film worth watching.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Hudson's Kill in Books
Oct 25, 2019
Hudson's Kill
If you have seen Gangs of New York then you know the period this novel is set. This book is completely immersive, Hirsch has done an incredible amount of research, to the language used, the the style of buildings. I often felt myself drawn into the period, even dreaming about the city in my sleep, his descriptions become so vivid. Hudson's Kill has pretty much got a bit of everything for everyone. It's a thriller, it's a murder mystery, it's a political and corruption rollercoaster, it's full of action, it has heroes , villains and enough in every page to keep you turning. All this and written in a way that is very easy and absorbing. Hirsch is a master and it is very hard to believe this is only his second novel. Hudson's Kill deserves to be celebrated and loved, a rare book that will delight so many and deserves to be read. 4/5
Laura Turner (36 KP) rated The Silent Patient in Books
Jul 16, 2019
Couldn't put it down
Just finished this book last night. I havent been able to read much lately (busy working mum, boring I know 😂) but this book i couldn't put down. I was excited to find 5 minutes to get stuck back in to it. At first with some of the diary entry style writing I thought it might be a bit gone girl but it wasn't. It's so cleverly written and I found myself reading it fast paced as this felt how it was being written.
Quite a few good twists in the plot and the ending was great. I did find myself guessing some of the end a bit but I like to think of myself as a good detective lol. However it still drew me in and I didn't solve the full story. Gutted to have finished but can't wait to see what else the author has in store.
Quite a few good twists in the plot and the ending was great. I did find myself guessing some of the end a bit but I like to think of myself as a good detective lol. However it still drew me in and I didn't solve the full story. Gutted to have finished but can't wait to see what else the author has in store.
Sammie Hilton (3 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of No Man's Sky in Video Games
Jul 10, 2019
On first play No Mans Sky was terrifying and there was a distinct lack of an intro to the controls which for this game is definitely needed. Upon landing on an acrid desert planet (assuming very likely to be a common first style of planet for most players) you have to harvest resources to fix your ship and get the hell outta there.
Been playing it a few months now and more comfortable, you can either explore the galaxy on your own time after completing some home story missions, or follow the main storyline if you feel you need more to do. You can trade at space stations, buy a new space ship, talk to the local aliens etc. Upon entering one galaxy you get the chance to win a freighter. Both my husband and I play No Mans Sky and our game play couldn't be more different so we have both seen various aspects of the game.
Been playing it a few months now and more comfortable, you can either explore the galaxy on your own time after completing some home story missions, or follow the main storyline if you feel you need more to do. You can trade at space stations, buy a new space ship, talk to the local aliens etc. Upon entering one galaxy you get the chance to win a freighter. Both my husband and I play No Mans Sky and our game play couldn't be more different so we have both seen various aspects of the game.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Doctor Sleep (2019) in Movies
Nov 15, 2019
Originally, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to see this film. I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I am a fan of Kubrick's The Shining. I'm not a huge fan of Stephen King, his writing style is obnoxious to me.
Anyway, I had no idea as to what to expect out of this film. While it was long, it was nicely paced, and I was never bored. I thought Euan McGregor was a great Danny. The story line was interesting, and I liked the new characters introduced.
My favorite part was the end, when they returned to the Overlook.
Also, with the way it was shot, you could tell the director was a huge fan of Kubrick's film. The overhead shots were a good choice.
Overall, I really enjoyed the film. BUT, seriously, the recurring lady in the bathtub freaked me out for a few days and I made sure my shower curtain was drawn all of the way back.
Anyway, I had no idea as to what to expect out of this film. While it was long, it was nicely paced, and I was never bored. I thought Euan McGregor was a great Danny. The story line was interesting, and I liked the new characters introduced.
My favorite part was the end, when they returned to the Overlook.
Also, with the way it was shot, you could tell the director was a huge fan of Kubrick's film. The overhead shots were a good choice.
Overall, I really enjoyed the film. BUT, seriously, the recurring lady in the bathtub freaked me out for a few days and I made sure my shower curtain was drawn all of the way back.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Monster House (2006) in Movies
Dec 19, 2019 (Updated Jan 14, 2020)
A horror film for children - is what Monster House is marketed as, and it's pretty much just that.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Forever Pucked (Pucked #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2020
Happy Ever Afters
Book 4 in the series brings us back round to the original characters. Alex “MC” Waters and his beautiful fiancée Violet Hall!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Miller's Crossing (1990) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020 (Updated Aug 6, 2020)
In a word: Style. Note, in the picture, how Gabriel Byrne’s posture in the chair reflects that of Micheal Corleone in The Godfather! Knowing Joel and Ethan Coen, that is not a mistake. This is a movie designed to the millimetre. The clothes, the furniture, the guns, the cars, everything is meticulously chosen, creating nothing less than a moving work of art. Even the language is poetry, using a vocabulary, largely invented, to highlight the rhythm of the wiseguy era that is entirely romanticized, but so perfectly consistent we wish it was history. It steals knowingly from the best in the genre at every turn, weaving a tale so nuanced and detailed that it demands several watches to truly mine every multi-layered meaning. In every way, a rich feast, about loyalty, weakness and humanity. The film on this list I am mostly likely to keep watching at the drop of… a hat!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Lion King (1994) in Movies
Mar 17, 2020
Hakuna Matata
The Lion King- such a classic. Its perfect, amazing, fantasic and phenomenal and than thier just had to remake last year, live action style because of $$$ and have beyonce voice one of the charcters and have a second soundtrack with rap stars??? Anyways, the songs are so excellent, you have... "Circle of Life", "I Just Cant Wait to be King", "Be Perpared", "Hakuna Matata" and "Can't You Feel The Love Tonight".
The plot: This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the heir of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Simba's wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult (Matthew Broderick) to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
A classic film.
The plot: This Disney animated feature follows the adventures of the young lion Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the heir of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Simba's wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult (Matthew Broderick) to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
A classic film.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Badlands (1973) in Movies
Jul 29, 2019
Impressive debut from the legend himself, Terrence Malick
Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek look so young! Probably because they are!
Impressive directorial debut and the start of great things to come. Some of his visual style are already present including impressive landscape shots or cut scenes featuring animals and nature.
The story is based on the American serial killer Charles Starkweather who befriends a naive young girl, invades her life and brings her along on a mass killing road trip across the southern United States. The victims include almost everyone they meet. The authorities are mobilized and pursue the duo as tensions escalate.
Sheen and Spacek are perfectly cast as the young couple which modern audiences would equate to Natural Born Killers; however, this film is not over the top like NBK. I really enjoyed their reluctant relationship and the mounting peril with the inevitable confrontation with the law.
Highly recommended.
Impressive directorial debut and the start of great things to come. Some of his visual style are already present including impressive landscape shots or cut scenes featuring animals and nature.
The story is based on the American serial killer Charles Starkweather who befriends a naive young girl, invades her life and brings her along on a mass killing road trip across the southern United States. The victims include almost everyone they meet. The authorities are mobilized and pursue the duo as tensions escalate.
Sheen and Spacek are perfectly cast as the young couple which modern audiences would equate to Natural Born Killers; however, this film is not over the top like NBK. I really enjoyed their reluctant relationship and the mounting peril with the inevitable confrontation with the law.
Highly recommended.
Andy K (10821 KP) Dec 30, 2018