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Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated The Hunt (2020) in Movies
Mar 11, 2020
The new film “The Hunt” has arrived after being delayed due to world events and controversy over the films content and themes.
The film involves a group of people who wake up gagged in a field and soon find themselves being hunted by a group of unknown individuals.
After a bloody and brutal initial encounter; the remaining individuals head out into the surrounding area and soon becomes a situation with far more questions than answers.
One of the Hunted is Crystal (Betty Gilpin) deduces that things are much more complex then they seem and things take a turn in a new direction.
At this point in the film I was thinking that it was lacking any real tension or suspense as the characters were not overly developed and it made investing in their outcome difficult. The film then changes direction and looks at events of the past and also explains more about the Hunters and their motivations which is somewhat unexpected.
The film is a very difficult one to review as people will expect it to be an Action/Suspense film based on the trailers. That is really just a small part of the story which is actually closer to a Dark Comedy with heavy political overtones.
Those overtones are likely to be very controversial and may put people off from seeing the film. During my post-screening comments I said that I am going to need some time to wrap my head around this film as to if I liked it or not. It is easy to dismiss it as propaganda but it is an interesting hybrid that regardless of where you stand; does make you think.
The film involves a group of people who wake up gagged in a field and soon find themselves being hunted by a group of unknown individuals.
After a bloody and brutal initial encounter; the remaining individuals head out into the surrounding area and soon becomes a situation with far more questions than answers.
One of the Hunted is Crystal (Betty Gilpin) deduces that things are much more complex then they seem and things take a turn in a new direction.
At this point in the film I was thinking that it was lacking any real tension or suspense as the characters were not overly developed and it made investing in their outcome difficult. The film then changes direction and looks at events of the past and also explains more about the Hunters and their motivations which is somewhat unexpected.
The film is a very difficult one to review as people will expect it to be an Action/Suspense film based on the trailers. That is really just a small part of the story which is actually closer to a Dark Comedy with heavy political overtones.
Those overtones are likely to be very controversial and may put people off from seeing the film. During my post-screening comments I said that I am going to need some time to wrap my head around this film as to if I liked it or not. It is easy to dismiss it as propaganda but it is an interesting hybrid that regardless of where you stand; does make you think.
Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated Midnight Special (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
As children, we often fantasize about what it would be like to possess superpowers or some trait that sets us further apart from our peers. We imagine ourselves as being able to become invisible, fly, or command animals. The film Midnight Special introduces us to a young boy who is blessed with a special gift that no one can quite comprehend. A religious cult seeks the boy as their savior. The government wants to use him as a weapon. His father wants to protect him.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
All by Myself, Alone
9.0
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Book
A glamorous cruise on a luxurious ocean liner turns deadly in the latest mystery from “Queen of...
Desperate Measures (Aspen Falls #5)
9.0
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Camila has spent the last ten years trying to leave her dark past behind…but when Alex turns up on...
Contemporary Romance Suspense
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Once again, I have not been disappointed by Jane Casey; she has delivered and written an excellent book that I really enjoyed. Great story line that is full of suspense and keeps you enthralled. The characters are fantastic and believable; I particularly like the working relationship between Kerrigan and Derwent which comes across as being very genuine. Highly recommended read to anyone and you don't have to have read the previous books in the series as this holds up as a stand-alone however, I would suggest you do as you won't be disappointed.
A massive thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
<a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/when-eighteen-year-old-chloe-emery.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
A massive thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
<a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/when-eighteen-year-old-chloe-emery.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
Natalie (23 KP) rated Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Emotional drama with unexpected mystery suspense
I was a little hesitant to read this as it what I had seen about it indicated that it was an 'emotional', 'touching' story, possibly a tear-jerker - not my kind of thing, as I generally prefer books with a dramatic narrative rather than exploring character relationships. I was, however pleasantly surprised.
The novel manages to interweave the development of relationships and characters with the subplot of a mystery. I found myself invested in Eleanor as a character as we delve into her psyche and analyse it alongside her. Frustrating at times and funny at others, it makes for an interesting journey.
The underlying mystery is not overplayed - exposing itself naturally over the course of Eleanor's development and leading to a satisfying resolution.
The novel manages to interweave the development of relationships and characters with the subplot of a mystery. I found myself invested in Eleanor as a character as we delve into her psyche and analyse it alongside her. Frustrating at times and funny at others, it makes for an interesting journey.
The underlying mystery is not overplayed - exposing itself naturally over the course of Eleanor's development and leading to a satisfying resolution.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
*This is a re-read for me, but my first review of the books*
A stellar novel of angst, suspense, blood sucking and romance when you least expect!
J.R. Ward is a phenomenal story teller. She pulled me from page one, and held me captive with Wrath's angst and pain, and with Mary's confusion and love. These characters weren't just created....they were molded into beautiful creatures of the night, and woven into the story line in just the right way.
This story of pain, unexpected love, sorrow and confusion is one that will sit with the reader long after the last page is turn. The Brotherhood is family now, and I look forward to continuing the journeys of each Brother's love story.
Definitely recommended with the highest of 5 stars!
A stellar novel of angst, suspense, blood sucking and romance when you least expect!
J.R. Ward is a phenomenal story teller. She pulled me from page one, and held me captive with Wrath's angst and pain, and with Mary's confusion and love. These characters weren't just created....they were molded into beautiful creatures of the night, and woven into the story line in just the right way.
This story of pain, unexpected love, sorrow and confusion is one that will sit with the reader long after the last page is turn. The Brotherhood is family now, and I look forward to continuing the journeys of each Brother's love story.
Definitely recommended with the highest of 5 stars!
Sam (74 KP) rated The Hostile Hospital (A Series of Unfortunate Events #8 in Books
Mar 27, 2019
They end up volunteering in the library of records in the library which has files on everything, including The Snicket Fire. But of course, as always, Esmé and Olaf aren’t far behind.
The Horrible Hospital is one of the most exciting books in the series. It’s so close to unveiling all of the secrets throughout the book and it’s so full of suspense. It’s actually one of the most unpredictable books in the series, and the twists were shocking.
It’s probably the most terrifying as well, especially with the position Olaf and his troupe have managed to get themselves into.
Olaf is at his most terrifying, and so is Esmé. They have reached a new height where I’m starting to question whether this is actually a children’s series at all.
The Horrible Hospital is one of the most exciting books in the series. It’s so close to unveiling all of the secrets throughout the book and it’s so full of suspense. It’s actually one of the most unpredictable books in the series, and the twists were shocking.
It’s probably the most terrifying as well, especially with the position Olaf and his troupe have managed to get themselves into.
Olaf is at his most terrifying, and so is Esmé. They have reached a new height where I’m starting to question whether this is actually a children’s series at all.
Molly (2 KP) rated Deepwater Horizon (2016) in Movies
Feb 6, 2018
Close to Home
Living in Texas all of my life and being surrounded by the oil and gas industry, this movie was close to my heart. Because of the realness of the event, my rating may be a bit biased, but I did enjoy the film. Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell, along with a pretty dynamic supporting cast, recreated the event well and made me care about the outcome. Semi-spoiler...I HATED the bad guy by the end of the movie. No sympathy for him what-so-ever.