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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Shallows (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The Shallows is simple, suspenseful and satisfying. Everything you want it to be.
The story is simple. Nancy (Blake Lively) is a young woman on a journey to find herself after her mother passes away. She has finally found the “perfect secret” beach her mother always told her about. Nancy surfs the day away in paradise with two other local surfers who eventually leave for the evening. When trying to catch one last wave of the day, she unexpectedly is attacked by a great white shark. Trapped 200 yards off shore on a rock island in low tide, the film becomes a battle of wits and wills between Nancy and one of nature’s most vicious predators.
No doubt, the twiterverse will dismiss this movie as nothing more than a pretty girl in a bikini stuck on a rock in the ocean. But I want to praise Blake Lively’s performance in the film as she is both likeable and believable. We feel her joy, pain, confusion and fear throughout the film. She does a fantastic job keeping our interest in her survival, which is a fine line to walk when the focus is mostly on her and a shark.
I would actually recommend seeing this film in the theater. Not only to get the visual duality of beauty and danger of the ocean, but more importantly, to get that same experience through fantastic sound. There is no thematic score warning you of danger like “Jaws,” In fact, as I write this I cannot remember there being any kind of score at all. If there was, it was minimal. But the sound design set in realism makes you feel the intimate and intense nature of this experience. This creates a satisfying payoff during those suspenseful moments where you want to look away, but cannot bring yourself to do so.
The Shallows is thoroughly enjoyable as it delivers everything it suggests from the trailer and more. At 83 minutes it does not feel long or forced but rather it delivers a simple story with the precision of timing in suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story is simple. Nancy (Blake Lively) is a young woman on a journey to find herself after her mother passes away. She has finally found the “perfect secret” beach her mother always told her about. Nancy surfs the day away in paradise with two other local surfers who eventually leave for the evening. When trying to catch one last wave of the day, she unexpectedly is attacked by a great white shark. Trapped 200 yards off shore on a rock island in low tide, the film becomes a battle of wits and wills between Nancy and one of nature’s most vicious predators.
No doubt, the twiterverse will dismiss this movie as nothing more than a pretty girl in a bikini stuck on a rock in the ocean. But I want to praise Blake Lively’s performance in the film as she is both likeable and believable. We feel her joy, pain, confusion and fear throughout the film. She does a fantastic job keeping our interest in her survival, which is a fine line to walk when the focus is mostly on her and a shark.
I would actually recommend seeing this film in the theater. Not only to get the visual duality of beauty and danger of the ocean, but more importantly, to get that same experience through fantastic sound. There is no thematic score warning you of danger like “Jaws,” In fact, as I write this I cannot remember there being any kind of score at all. If there was, it was minimal. But the sound design set in realism makes you feel the intimate and intense nature of this experience. This creates a satisfying payoff during those suspenseful moments where you want to look away, but cannot bring yourself to do so.
The Shallows is thoroughly enjoyable as it delivers everything it suggests from the trailer and more. At 83 minutes it does not feel long or forced but rather it delivers a simple story with the precision of timing in suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Signature Kill (Frank Behr #4) in Books
Jan 5, 2020
Gritty, dark atmospheric and suspenseful
This is another book that has been on my "to be read" list since 2015 and I have finally got round to reading it and so pleased I did as I really enjoyed it. Although this is book 4 in the Frank Behr series, I haven't read any of the others and I admit that it would probably be better to read the others in order to get some clarity and background to Frank but having said that, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book so will say it works well as a standalone.
This is a pretty disturbing story written from Frank's perspective and that of the killer; this I think was genius in that it gave Frank a strong voice and made him come alive but it also did the same for the killer which was chilling and oddly satisfying but perfect for this book.
The writing style was excellent and easy to read; the suspense and action scenes were described perfectly and all the characters were well developed and authentic.
This is a gritty, dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read that I found gripping and very difficult to put down; I will certainly read more of this series and from this author but hopefully won't delay it so long next time.
Thank you to RandomHouseUK / Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a pretty disturbing story written from Frank's perspective and that of the killer; this I think was genius in that it gave Frank a strong voice and made him come alive but it also did the same for the killer which was chilling and oddly satisfying but perfect for this book.
The writing style was excellent and easy to read; the suspense and action scenes were described perfectly and all the characters were well developed and authentic.
This is a gritty, dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read that I found gripping and very difficult to put down; I will certainly read more of this series and from this author but hopefully won't delay it so long next time.
Thank you to RandomHouseUK / Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated The Shawshank Redemption (1994) in Movies
Jan 10, 2018
EPIC
One of the best movies ever made. The story of an honest banker who finds out his wife is cheating on him and is accused of her and her lovers murder is sent to Shawshank prison for two consecutive life terms. He is put through all the horrible things we hear about in prision. However he befriends an inmate who has been there for a long time who controls the smuggling of hard to get stuff in. Morgan freeman and Tim Robbins give Epic award winning performances in this suspenseful, dramatic movie that never has a dull moment in it. I dare you to try and watch it and take a bathroom break cause you just can't
Will (3 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies
Jan 20, 2018
Other films have tried to do the time loop plot, most successful was if course Groundhogs Day, which gets a pretty cute shout out in this film, but those other films did not have the cleverness of this film. By taking a horror plotline and injecting some dark humor and murder mystery, Happy Death Day becomes a refreshing, darkly comic, at times truly suspenseful horror film. The repeated day is done each new reset with a slightly different visual take, enough differences to keep it from being boring. The reveal of the killer was extremely shocking, at least to this reviewer. If you enjoy dark comedy and horror in the same movie I highly recommend this film
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2494 KP) rated Commander Toad and the Dis-asteroid (Commander Toad) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Commander Toad and the crew of the Star Warts are about to leave Star Fleet headquarters when they are given their new mission. An asteroid is sending out an SOS, and it appears they need beans. Armed with a wide variety, the crew sets out. What will they find when they arrive?
As always, this is a fun book filled with puns, both in the text and the illustrations. The plot, while clever and suspenseful, doesn’t put our characters in as much danger, making it perfect for the more timid reader. Kids and parents alike will enjoy this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-commander-toad-and-dis.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As always, this is a fun book filled with puns, both in the text and the illustrations. The plot, while clever and suspenseful, doesn’t put our characters in as much danger, making it perfect for the more timid reader. Kids and parents alike will enjoy this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-commander-toad-and-dis.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Claire (8 KP) rated Dial M for Merde in Books
Feb 17, 2018
Kind of suspenseful in a Clouseau way! (1 more)
Great witty sarcastic humour
In the south of France, Paul West has a licence to thrill..he's just received an offer he can't refuse..2 weeks in the sun with a beautiful blonde called Gloria Monday
M, as Gloria likes to be called, is producing a report on caviar trafficking - but she's interested in something far more fishy than caviar..
When Paul's best friend Elodie enlists him to do the catering for her wedding..meet her crazy inlaws-to-be..and her ever spaced out fiancé Valery..events start spiralling out of control..the merde is really about to hit the fan
Gaffes, commandos, big fish!
M, as Gloria likes to be called, is producing a report on caviar trafficking - but she's interested in something far more fishy than caviar..
When Paul's best friend Elodie enlists him to do the catering for her wedding..meet her crazy inlaws-to-be..and her ever spaced out fiancé Valery..events start spiralling out of control..the merde is really about to hit the fan
Gaffes, commandos, big fish!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated All Signs Point to Murder (Zodiac Mystery #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
After attending her old friend Genevas wedding, Julia becomes embroiled in a terrible family tragedy. Genevas younger sister is killed the night of the wedding, and her brother-in-law may be to blame. Was it an accident, or something more sinister? Julia is determined to find out before the strain of the situation tears her friends family apart. Julia uses both her brain and her astrological charts to help her track down a killer. Full of suspects and secrets, All Signs Point to Murder is a quick-paced, suspenseful, and entertaining mystery.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book by Netgalley. All thoughts or opinions expressed are my own.
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of this book by Netgalley. All thoughts or opinions expressed are my own.
Suspenseful (2 more)
Page Turner
Twists and turns at every page
Amazing First Book!!!!
What if you have the perfect life, the perfect wife and the perfect child - then, in one shattering moment, you discover nothing is as it seems? What if your whole life was based on LIES?
I received and ARC version of this book and all I can say is it's and amazing first book for this author! I literally could not put this book down (except to take care of family needs here and there) and finished it within the day. So many twists and turns that will literally leave your turning the pages to delve deeper and deeper into the storyline. Highly recommend!
I received and ARC version of this book and all I can say is it's and amazing first book for this author! I literally could not put this book down (except to take care of family needs here and there) and finished it within the day. So many twists and turns that will literally leave your turning the pages to delve deeper and deeper into the storyline. Highly recommend!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Oculus (2014) in Movies
Aug 5, 2019
Mirror of misfortune
Oculus- a underrated horror jem that more people should watch.
It is spooky, thrilling, chilling, horrorfying, terrorfying, twisting, suspenseful, and overall a great horror film.
The plot: Haunted by the violent demise of their parents 10 years earlier, adult siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) are now struggling to rebuild their relationship. Kaylie suspects that their antique mirror, known as the Lasser Glass, is behind the tragedy. The seemingly harmless reflections contain a malevolent, supernatural force that infects the mind of anyone who gazes into it. As Kaylie gets closer to the truth, the siblings become caught in the mirror's evil spell.
A highly reecordmend horror film.
It is spooky, thrilling, chilling, horrorfying, terrorfying, twisting, suspenseful, and overall a great horror film.
The plot: Haunted by the violent demise of their parents 10 years earlier, adult siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) are now struggling to rebuild their relationship. Kaylie suspects that their antique mirror, known as the Lasser Glass, is behind the tragedy. The seemingly harmless reflections contain a malevolent, supernatural force that infects the mind of anyone who gazes into it. As Kaylie gets closer to the truth, the siblings become caught in the mirror's evil spell.
A highly reecordmend horror film.
Seize the Day
Book
Seize the Day is a suspenseful story of considerable scope. Harris a prize winning novelist writes...