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Awix (3310 KP) rated One Cut of the Dead (Kamera o Tomeru na!) (2017) in Movies
May 11, 2019 (Updated May 11, 2019)
Wildly inventive, brilliantly entertaining and original take on the zombie horror genre. A weary group of actors and technicians struggling to finish a zombie movie, not least because of their unhinged director (Hamatsu), are appalled when real zombies turn up and start attacking the production. However, the director is delighted at this chance to make the most realistic zombie film ever!
If I say that no other film this year has made me laugh as hard or as long as this one, you will perhaps realise that there is more going on here than initially meets the eye. To say more really would be to spoil it, except that - well, if the film does not contain at one point an unbroken 37-minute take, including multiple zombie attacks and gory deaths, then it does a very good job of faking it. Almost like a magic trick in the way it makes you laugh at a series of jokes, deconstructs those gags, and then somehow forces you to laugh at exactly the same jokes all over again, only even harder. Terrific performances from Hamatsu and Shuhama in particular, but this is exceptionally good fun in every way. A gory joy.
If I say that no other film this year has made me laugh as hard or as long as this one, you will perhaps realise that there is more going on here than initially meets the eye. To say more really would be to spoil it, except that - well, if the film does not contain at one point an unbroken 37-minute take, including multiple zombie attacks and gory deaths, then it does a very good job of faking it. Almost like a magic trick in the way it makes you laugh at a series of jokes, deconstructs those gags, and then somehow forces you to laugh at exactly the same jokes all over again, only even harder. Terrific performances from Hamatsu and Shuhama in particular, but this is exceptionally good fun in every way. A gory joy.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Salem's Lot in Books
Sep 14, 2018
King's fantastic take on vampires
Despite being a massive King fan, I've never read Salem's Lot. Its just one of his books that it never occurred to me to read, until i started to collect his entire works and read everything I hadn't read before.
I never knew that this book was about vampires, and whilst this becomes fairly obvious quite early into the book, it was a pleasant surprise. As with most of King's books, this is extremely well written, and has his usual mix of varied and interesting characters, with the writing style split between all of them. There are some good and obvious references to Dracula in this, but its a fantastic modern(ish - 1970s) take on a classic vampire story. And unusually for King, this story isn't an epic novel like some of his others. It doesn't seem to go into as much detail either storywise and characterwise as some of his other bigger novels (The Stand, Needful Things etc), and this is really my only criticism. The story is still detailed and a very good, it just isn't what I'd come to expect from a King novel especially with a plot like this.
I never knew that this book was about vampires, and whilst this becomes fairly obvious quite early into the book, it was a pleasant surprise. As with most of King's books, this is extremely well written, and has his usual mix of varied and interesting characters, with the writing style split between all of them. There are some good and obvious references to Dracula in this, but its a fantastic modern(ish - 1970s) take on a classic vampire story. And unusually for King, this story isn't an epic novel like some of his others. It doesn't seem to go into as much detail either storywise and characterwise as some of his other bigger novels (The Stand, Needful Things etc), and this is really my only criticism. The story is still detailed and a very good, it just isn't what I'd come to expect from a King novel especially with a plot like this.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Murder on Wall Street in Books
Feb 18, 2023 (Updated Feb 18, 2023)
High Finance Murder
Frank Malloy might not normally take on the case of investment banker Hayden Norcross, but when a friend hires him to look into it, Frank can hardly refuse. Hayden was shot in his office after hours, and the list of possible suspects in long. Enlisting the help of his wife, Sarah, and her parents, Frank must navigate society and the world of finance to figure out what happened. Working together, can they do it?
This book is a perfect example of why I love this series so much. All the regulars and supporting players are here and in top form. There were a couple of moments that were absolutely special for those who really know the characters. The plot was complex and kept me guessing right up to the page turning and fun ending. While the book does take on some serious subjects, it balances those with humor, mainly the interactions of the regular characters. The time period also comes to wonderful life. If you are a fan who hasn’t read this book yet, you will be in for a treat.
This book is a perfect example of why I love this series so much. All the regulars and supporting players are here and in top form. There were a couple of moments that were absolutely special for those who really know the characters. The plot was complex and kept me guessing right up to the page turning and fun ending. While the book does take on some serious subjects, it balances those with humor, mainly the interactions of the regular characters. The time period also comes to wonderful life. If you are a fan who hasn’t read this book yet, you will be in for a treat.
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Remind Me (Mystic Beach Fantasy Rockstar Romances, #4) in Books
Feb 6, 2023
Totally invested with every word!
REMIND ME is the fifth book in the Mystic Beach series and it's time for Dicklan's story! And, oh boy, it's a good 'un. Remember that egotistical jerk, who loved all the groupies, and didn't ever think of anyone but himself? Remember him? Well, he's about to disappear for good as Declan reappears.
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) in Movies
May 23, 2021
Usually I would feel the urge to watch the series of films before seeing a new one. In this instance, knowing I've only seen one film (possibly two), kept me happy enough to go with this one. I wasn't convinced I had it in me to watch the whole series.
Detective Banks works alone in his departments after standing up against a corrupt cop. Now he has to partner with a rookie cop as he's thrown into a case as a spate of horrendous murders, with more than a passing resemblance to those that lie deep in the cities past, plague the PD.
The focus on the PD and Banks really worked for me, and the partnership between Banks and Schenk was strong. It transitioned the story well from being a Saw film without being a Saw film. For me that was a bonus.
Chris Rock was an interesting choice in the lead role. There are moments where he stood out and was convincing in the part, but others that gave me flashbacks to Dogma and Lethal Weapon 4. While it was an enjoyable piece of acting, it did occasionally take me out of the story.
Dynamics between the characters were pretty solid throughout, and I'd be hard-pressed to say someone didn't fit in the cast. What did put me out a little was the tension within the police department. There are some flashbacks that give you some context, but the current day points felt... too petty? But that might just be something I don't have enough knowledge of.
Not being tied to the Saw franchise probably helps. I liked the idea of this horror breaking out into a police thriller sort of thing, and I got Bone Collector and Criminal Monds vibes as I watched. Anyone who knows me will know that's a winner.
I was very entertained as I watched, but it wasn't until I got outside and was chatting about it that I kept stumbling across flaws that had thankfully escaped me while in the cinema. I did know the ending before I got there, and that didn't bother me as much as it had in other films. I think mainly because I was engaged in finding out the why of it all. Despite both of those things, it was a good film for me, but I sense a Saw purist might not agree.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2021/05/spiral-movie-review.html
Detective Banks works alone in his departments after standing up against a corrupt cop. Now he has to partner with a rookie cop as he's thrown into a case as a spate of horrendous murders, with more than a passing resemblance to those that lie deep in the cities past, plague the PD.
The focus on the PD and Banks really worked for me, and the partnership between Banks and Schenk was strong. It transitioned the story well from being a Saw film without being a Saw film. For me that was a bonus.
Chris Rock was an interesting choice in the lead role. There are moments where he stood out and was convincing in the part, but others that gave me flashbacks to Dogma and Lethal Weapon 4. While it was an enjoyable piece of acting, it did occasionally take me out of the story.
Dynamics between the characters were pretty solid throughout, and I'd be hard-pressed to say someone didn't fit in the cast. What did put me out a little was the tension within the police department. There are some flashbacks that give you some context, but the current day points felt... too petty? But that might just be something I don't have enough knowledge of.
Not being tied to the Saw franchise probably helps. I liked the idea of this horror breaking out into a police thriller sort of thing, and I got Bone Collector and Criminal Monds vibes as I watched. Anyone who knows me will know that's a winner.
I was very entertained as I watched, but it wasn't until I got outside and was chatting about it that I kept stumbling across flaws that had thankfully escaped me while in the cinema. I did know the ending before I got there, and that didn't bother me as much as it had in other films. I think mainly because I was engaged in finding out the why of it all. Despite both of those things, it was a good film for me, but I sense a Saw purist might not agree.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2021/05/spiral-movie-review.html
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated One Cut of the Dead (Kamera o Tomeru na!) (2017) in Movies
May 13, 2019
A cut above
#onecutofthedead is an extremely #fun and stressful look into the #art of #lowbudget #filmmaking. #Zombie films have literally been done to #death now so when i got the chance to catch this one i was sceptical but still the zombie #fan in me decided it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. I have to say one cut is possibly the most refreshing and unique take on the genre ive seen in quite some time. Essentially 2 films the first half is an impressive little low budget zombie movie creatively shot in one long take while the second half is a look into the film making process itself. Its essentially one big love letter to the art of film making (especially on a low budget) full of #nostalgia and nods to films we all grew up enjoying. We are shown all the passion, team work, #stress, mistakes, cost cutting, disasters, preparation, energy and #emotional investment and above all fun that goes into the making a movie which is extremely refreshing to see. Acting is full of life especially since most of the cast are unknowns and each of them manage to bring great #comedy, realisum and likability to the characters. Themes of #bullying and social awkwardness are touched on here too and the film touches on how a directors can sometimes go to far ending up pushing actors over the brink not only physicall but mentally. Fancy something #gory, #funny, different and quirky? one cut is a film about inspiration, passion, motivation and comitment that pleasantly surprised me and has successfully reanimated the art of zombie movie making. #gore #horror #friyay #scary #silly #movie #filmbuff #filmcritic #beautiful #oldschool #classic #georgeromero #dawnofthedead #throwback #walkingdead
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Jesus Man in Books
May 16, 2018
The Jesus Man by Keith Anthony Baird is a tough book for me to rate, if I’m being honest. It’s part of why, despite completing it last week, I’ve taken so long to write up my review. The book isn’t an easy read by any means, especially with its vast amounts of purple prose. It does, however, have a uniquely intriguing plot.
One of the major deciding factors for me when I read a book is its ability to make me feel emotion. I want a connection with the characters, even if it’s a seething hatred that I feel in the depths of my heart. With The Jesus Man, I felt loathing and disdain, but nothing beyond that. I felt disconnected, for the most part. The characters seemed to me as if they were in limbo between fully and halfway developed.
In regards to plot, Baird does an excellent job. As a horror fan, I end up reading a lot of apocalyptic books. Most of the time, the cause is a viral outbreak of zombies. It’s a cliché we deal with far too often and it’s been beaten to death time and time again. Baird goes an entirely new route, with the dredges of Hell returning to claim what should be theirs. Described as the Fallen, we know these creatures as the angels cast from Heaven in the wake of God’s love for mankind stoking rebellion among them. It’s an interesting take on the world’s post-nuclear was end and I feel that Baird did a wonderful job in this area of his book.
I do have to take a moment to appreciate one beautiful perk to Baird’s ornate writing style: his depiction of gory acts is absolutely stunning. I’m a sucker for splatterpunk, so this served as a nice treat for me. While his characters felt lacking to me (which I discovered was the author’s intent post-read), his vivid descriptions (even if heavy-handed) are breathtaking and nightmare invoking.
I’ve danced between a two and four for this book several times, so ultimately I’m going to go with a three. While I loved the concept, the difficulty of reading this book made it hard for me to enjoy.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of the major deciding factors for me when I read a book is its ability to make me feel emotion. I want a connection with the characters, even if it’s a seething hatred that I feel in the depths of my heart. With The Jesus Man, I felt loathing and disdain, but nothing beyond that. I felt disconnected, for the most part. The characters seemed to me as if they were in limbo between fully and halfway developed.
In regards to plot, Baird does an excellent job. As a horror fan, I end up reading a lot of apocalyptic books. Most of the time, the cause is a viral outbreak of zombies. It’s a cliché we deal with far too often and it’s been beaten to death time and time again. Baird goes an entirely new route, with the dredges of Hell returning to claim what should be theirs. Described as the Fallen, we know these creatures as the angels cast from Heaven in the wake of God’s love for mankind stoking rebellion among them. It’s an interesting take on the world’s post-nuclear was end and I feel that Baird did a wonderful job in this area of his book.
I do have to take a moment to appreciate one beautiful perk to Baird’s ornate writing style: his depiction of gory acts is absolutely stunning. I’m a sucker for splatterpunk, so this served as a nice treat for me. While his characters felt lacking to me (which I discovered was the author’s intent post-read), his vivid descriptions (even if heavy-handed) are breathtaking and nightmare invoking.
I’ve danced between a two and four for this book several times, so ultimately I’m going to go with a three. While I loved the concept, the difficulty of reading this book made it hard for me to enjoy.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Crow (Boston Underworld, #1) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Tough as any Irish mobster out there, Mackenzie has been fighting her way through living on the streets of Boston since she was 13. In and out of foster homes since her father's murder, she is the daughter and granddaughter of two of the best underground Irish fighters and can surely handle herself as such. When her best friend Talia disappears from the Irish mob run strip club she started working at, Mac is determined to find out what happened. On her own she is ready to take on the Russian Mafia and Irish mobsters clearly involved in some way. Deciding to go undercover... she has no idea no idea just how deep this will take her. She finds herself working for Lachlan attempting to get answers without letting on why she is really there. This book sucked me right in from page one... Lachlan was as fierce and determined as he is sexy. Mac has never let anyone in before, determined to be the tough as fighter her Dad raised, yet she simply can't stop the feelings she that continue to grow for this ferocious man... I ABSOLUTELY loved these two!? The book was absolutely fantastic and Im SO glad to have found this author! Ill surely be back for more as the book was so well written, with a fantastic storyline and characters you can't help but fall in love with. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!!
Sam (74 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I really quite enjoyed this. It begins with a lot of mystery which creates a gripping plot right from the start. Blue is introduced almost immediately which left me looking for clues all of the way through the book.
I worked out who Blue was quite quickly, which did leave me shouting at Simon to open his eyes and the big reveal at the end wasn’t as surprising.
I did like that it faced quite modern issues – Simon was called out on an anonymous gossip Tumblr page for his school. I’ve read quite a few books lately that take a focus on cyber bulling and I feel like it is a much-needed topic in YA fiction.
One thing I was unsure of was the justice in the book. Martin blackmails Simon over seeing his emails to Blue yet nothing actually happens to him, despite the fact that he threatened to out Simon if he didn’t do what he wanted. I feel like more could have been done with his character rather than a quick forgive and forget.
I feel like the book needed more, but that’s also why Leah on The Offbeat exists. I can’t wait to get to read it.
I worked out who Blue was quite quickly, which did leave me shouting at Simon to open his eyes and the big reveal at the end wasn’t as surprising.
I did like that it faced quite modern issues – Simon was called out on an anonymous gossip Tumblr page for his school. I’ve read quite a few books lately that take a focus on cyber bulling and I feel like it is a much-needed topic in YA fiction.
One thing I was unsure of was the justice in the book. Martin blackmails Simon over seeing his emails to Blue yet nothing actually happens to him, despite the fact that he threatened to out Simon if he didn’t do what he wanted. I feel like more could have been done with his character rather than a quick forgive and forget.
I feel like the book needed more, but that’s also why Leah on The Offbeat exists. I can’t wait to get to read it.
