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David McK (3814 KP) rated Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (Hornblower Saga: Chronological Order, #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
I remember when I read this at first, just before the Ioan Gruffudd led TV series, as part of a collection entitled 'The Young Hornblower', thinking that this would make a good TV series (although, when it cam e out, I also remember thinking that he was to old for the role as written here - he's meant to be all of about 14!).
I was also completely unaware at the time, and only found out within the last couple of weeks, that this is also (technically) a prequel - i.e. written later, but set earlier - to more than a few of Forester's other Hornblower works.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, these are your typical 'boys own' adventures of naval derring-do, that quite obviously set the template for other authors to follow (think [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg] 'Sharpe' Series, or [a:Patrick O'Brian|5600|Patrick O'Brian|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1212630063p2/5600.jpg] 'Master and Commander' series).
Based on real life events, these novels (according to Wikipedia!) were also written in such a way that Hornblower was always off elsewhere when great naval battles occured during those wars, hence the reason he is never caught up in Trafalgar!
This particular entry, however, follows Hornblower's early career from when he first came on board (as a sea-sick Midshipman at Spithead), up until he receives his promotion to Lieutenant whilst a prisoner of the Spanish authorities, taking in night-time raids, 'cutting-out' expeditions, a (failed) attempt to start a revolt in France and his first examination for Lietunancy.
I was also completely unaware at the time, and only found out within the last couple of weeks, that this is also (technically) a prequel - i.e. written later, but set earlier - to more than a few of Forester's other Hornblower works.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, these are your typical 'boys own' adventures of naval derring-do, that quite obviously set the template for other authors to follow (think [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg] 'Sharpe' Series, or [a:Patrick O'Brian|5600|Patrick O'Brian|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1212630063p2/5600.jpg] 'Master and Commander' series).
Based on real life events, these novels (according to Wikipedia!) were also written in such a way that Hornblower was always off elsewhere when great naval battles occured during those wars, hence the reason he is never caught up in Trafalgar!
This particular entry, however, follows Hornblower's early career from when he first came on board (as a sea-sick Midshipman at Spithead), up until he receives his promotion to Lieutenant whilst a prisoner of the Spanish authorities, taking in night-time raids, 'cutting-out' expeditions, a (failed) attempt to start a revolt in France and his first examination for Lietunancy.
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Dean (6927 KP) rated CHIPS (2017) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018 (Updated Feb 9, 2018)
Good stunts (1 more)
Quite funny
Surprisingly good
I thought the worst when I first saw this film was being made about the 70's cop show. I never saw the TV series but often these films are a let down.
So it was a nice surprise this was actually quite funny, had some good action scenes and felt like it had a decent budget. Nothing amazing but good enough for a nights viewing. Starring and Directed by Dax Shepard with a role for his wife Kristen Bell as well.
So it was a nice surprise this was actually quite funny, had some good action scenes and felt like it had a decent budget. Nothing amazing but good enough for a nights viewing. Starring and Directed by Dax Shepard with a role for his wife Kristen Bell as well.
The Craggus (360 KP) rated Widows (2018) in Movies
Nov 21, 2018
Widows (2018) is the movie Ocean's 8 wants to be when it grows up. #Review
With the pedigree of talent behind and in front of the camera, you’d be forgiven for expecting “Widows” to be something very special. And you’d be right, too. Director Steve McQueen, sharing screenwriting duties with Gillian Flynn (“Gone Girl”) in adapting a 1983 British TV series by Lynda La Plante, creates a polished, compellingly multi-layered ensemble drama; the female-led heist movie “Ocean’s 8” wants to be when it grows up...
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusWidows
FULL REVIEW: http://bit.ly/CraggusWidows
Andrea D (21 KP) rated Split (2016) in Movies
Jan 8, 2019
Excellent acting (1 more)
Surprising
Amazing! Good to see M Night back on track.
It's good to see M Night (not butchering his last name here!) back on track with the dark and suspense filled Split. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it and I'm usually the sort of person doing 40 things at once while "watching" a movie or tv series.
It lacked the massive twist expected from M Night but it was better this way and I was pleased to discover the sequel coming out this year.
It lacked the massive twist expected from M Night but it was better this way and I was pleased to discover the sequel coming out this year.
Charlotte Ozanne (108 KP) rated Smashbomb in Apps
Nov 12, 2019
Giveaways (1 more)
KP system
After seeing an advert for Smashbomb on my Facebook news feed, I was intrigued to download the app. I love reading, watching films and playing games, as well as writing so this really screamed out to me. My partner and I now use this site to make decisions on what TV series we should watch next or what game we should next buy. Furthermore, I love the fact that you can enter giveaways. There are some really cool things on there - here's hoping I get chosen for some!
David McK (3814 KP) rated Sharpe's Challenge (2007) in Movies
Dec 10, 2019
2-part TV movie that takes, as it's basis, the earlier-set (India) but later-written of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series of books.
As the actors have aged somewhat since the 90s, this has to take a few liberties with the plot (and covers several of those earlier books), such as setting this after the Battle of Waterloo instead of in the late 1790s, and by replacing Sergeant Hakeswill with another such like character: unfortunately, as there's no real history between that character and Sharpe, the animosity between the two characters never really sits right.
As the actors have aged somewhat since the 90s, this has to take a few liberties with the plot (and covers several of those earlier books), such as setting this after the Battle of Waterloo instead of in the late 1790s, and by replacing Sergeant Hakeswill with another such like character: unfortunately, as there's no real history between that character and Sharpe, the animosity between the two characters never really sits right.