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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Klaus (2019) in Movies
Dec 15, 2019
New Christmas films always make me a little sceptical, a lot don't seem to take things very seriously and that means something naff that isn't always good. Seeing the trailer for Klaus made me hopeful though, I love an origin story.
Jesper has had a privileged life up until this point, when daddy is in charge of the business you can skate by with the minimum of effort. Things are about to change though, his father has had enough of his loafing around.
One year. 6,000 letters. This is what Jesper must achieve or he'll be cast out of the life of comfort he knows. That sounds doable, right? It does until you find out he's being sent to the farthest reaches where many postmen have gone before and soon fled. The town aren't the communicative type unless it involves and insult and a projectile weapon. Jesper is set on giving up until he spots a house out on the very edge of the map, this home belongs to a reclusive woodsman named Klaus.
At first glance the animation on Klaus looked too simplistic, in a world where computer animation and effects exist you sometimes forget that something doesn't have to be overcomplicated to be good. By the end I was amazed at how much this "simple" looking film managed to get across. The contrast between the bright happy world and the dark glum one in Smeerensburg is wonderful to behold, the colours (or lack thereof) get across the despair, and mixed with the characters it shows you exactly what sort of situation Jesper is dealing with.
What I particularly like about the amination is how well each scene is crafted outside of the characters. It's so atmospheric, the fog over the town, the mist in the forest, the way the light works with the weather, it's magical.
Smeerensburg's townsfolk match their surroundings perfectly and I'd really like to congratulate the person who came up with that crazed little stabby girl, she might be my favourite character of all. Seeing how the changes unfold throughout the film was lovely, each one brought with it a thrill that warmed this cold heart on a winter's day.
"A true act of goodwill always sparks another."
The story itself is a staple of Christmas films, love and friendship conquering selfishness, but it's a very charming way to look at it. I liked that the obligatory love interest storyline was actually not the main point, the friendship made for a much better focus. Klaus weaves a wonderful tale of how simple deeds can change the world... yes, I'm being overly dramatic!
I wasn't prepared for how much this was going to get to me, I've watched it twice this weekend and I'll be watching it again before Christmas is here. Thank you, Netflix. I'm adding this to my regular Christmas watching rotation.
Originally posted on: http://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/12/klaus-movie-review.html
Jesper has had a privileged life up until this point, when daddy is in charge of the business you can skate by with the minimum of effort. Things are about to change though, his father has had enough of his loafing around.
One year. 6,000 letters. This is what Jesper must achieve or he'll be cast out of the life of comfort he knows. That sounds doable, right? It does until you find out he's being sent to the farthest reaches where many postmen have gone before and soon fled. The town aren't the communicative type unless it involves and insult and a projectile weapon. Jesper is set on giving up until he spots a house out on the very edge of the map, this home belongs to a reclusive woodsman named Klaus.
At first glance the animation on Klaus looked too simplistic, in a world where computer animation and effects exist you sometimes forget that something doesn't have to be overcomplicated to be good. By the end I was amazed at how much this "simple" looking film managed to get across. The contrast between the bright happy world and the dark glum one in Smeerensburg is wonderful to behold, the colours (or lack thereof) get across the despair, and mixed with the characters it shows you exactly what sort of situation Jesper is dealing with.
What I particularly like about the amination is how well each scene is crafted outside of the characters. It's so atmospheric, the fog over the town, the mist in the forest, the way the light works with the weather, it's magical.
Smeerensburg's townsfolk match their surroundings perfectly and I'd really like to congratulate the person who came up with that crazed little stabby girl, she might be my favourite character of all. Seeing how the changes unfold throughout the film was lovely, each one brought with it a thrill that warmed this cold heart on a winter's day.
"A true act of goodwill always sparks another."
The story itself is a staple of Christmas films, love and friendship conquering selfishness, but it's a very charming way to look at it. I liked that the obligatory love interest storyline was actually not the main point, the friendship made for a much better focus. Klaus weaves a wonderful tale of how simple deeds can change the world... yes, I'm being overly dramatic!
I wasn't prepared for how much this was going to get to me, I've watched it twice this weekend and I'll be watching it again before Christmas is here. Thank you, Netflix. I'm adding this to my regular Christmas watching rotation.
Originally posted on: http://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/12/klaus-movie-review.html
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Bone Clocks in Books
Dec 29, 2017
This is a very unusual book. Not quite in the realms of Cloud Atlas, but it’s still a strange and interesting read.
This is unusual because it starts off as a character driven life story, and a very good one at that, with a few odd snippets of a underlying fantasy subplot that create quite a lot of intrigue. Even when the focus of a chapter shifts to a different main character, it doesn’t lose the interest and great writing. It shows a great take on a dystopian future and it’s almost disturbing to read as it’s a future most of us could imagine coming true.
It’s also unusual as the main fantasy subplot isn’t fully revealed until well over two thirds of the way through the book. But for me, this is where the problem starts as the fantasy strands turn out to be the main plot and it’s a bit of a letdown. It isn’t complete nonsense, it just seems very overcomplicated and out of place with the rest of the novel. Parts of it could have worked well, but it has perhaps been a little overthought.
This is unusual because it starts off as a character driven life story, and a very good one at that, with a few odd snippets of a underlying fantasy subplot that create quite a lot of intrigue. Even when the focus of a chapter shifts to a different main character, it doesn’t lose the interest and great writing. It shows a great take on a dystopian future and it’s almost disturbing to read as it’s a future most of us could imagine coming true.
It’s also unusual as the main fantasy subplot isn’t fully revealed until well over two thirds of the way through the book. But for me, this is where the problem starts as the fantasy strands turn out to be the main plot and it’s a bit of a letdown. It isn’t complete nonsense, it just seems very overcomplicated and out of place with the rest of the novel. Parts of it could have worked well, but it has perhaps been a little overthought.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, #2) in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Stephanie Plum is at it again. This time she is on the hunt for Kenny Manusco. Kenny shot one of his best friends in the knee and then, he ends up dead. Kenny missed his court appearance for the knee shooting and Stephanie is going to hunt him down. For this case she has a little extra help, some she wants and some not so much. Some of the same characters from One for the Money are back in this second edition. My favorite by far though is Grandma Mazur. She plays quite a big role is this book.
I laughed out loud several times during this book. I'm sure people were looking at my strangely. I really hope that Grandma Mazur is going to keep making her appearances. She adds a great variety to Stephanie's cases. You never know what she is going to do.
So, I'm three books down for my Janet Evanovich challenge. My goal is to read everything she has ever written. She has written over 50 books so I guess this should take me about a year or more to complete.
I laughed out loud several times during this book. I'm sure people were looking at my strangely. I really hope that Grandma Mazur is going to keep making her appearances. She adds a great variety to Stephanie's cases. You never know what she is going to do.
So, I'm three books down for my Janet Evanovich challenge. My goal is to read everything she has ever written. She has written over 50 books so I guess this should take me about a year or more to complete.
Stampy ;) (90 KP) rated Rise to Nobility in Tabletop Games
Apr 28, 2019
Solo mode - play by yourself with various challenges (3 more)
Complex but not confusing
Aim of the game easy to grasp and fun
Beautiful Artwork
Exceptional game that can be play solo as well as a group
I purchased/funded this game on Kickstarter and it's now one of my all time top 5 games I like to play. Even my wife loves it and it's the only game she requests to play. The gameplay has many elements to it allowing the you to stick with a favourite strategy or change it as you go along to best you chances of winning. The game is fun and has you always thinking of you next move. One big selling point for me my the solo mode where you can play the game by yourself (when you fancy it) and it does not disappoint. Solo mode plays exactly the same as the group mode except for giving you a challenge to achieve by the end of the game. I think this game is great and would bring hours of enjoyment to any keen gamer.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Hunt (Hunter's Mate, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I had high hopes for this book. The plot is right up my alley with the mythology aspect and I was curious to see where the author would take it. Unfortunately, I found myself jaded with it by the time I finished. There seems to be a lot to the story that the author isnt telling. I am not sure if she planned on elaborating in future installments, but she doesnt even give us enough to really be curious. For example, the female lead will make a mental comment about her master but thats it.
The leads were also much to be desired. There wasnt anything about the lead female to make me like her. In fact, I felt disconnected from her as person in general.
I think my biggest problem was that I was a disappointed there wasnt more erotica to it. We are given two scenes and they are so short I wondered why the author wasted her time. I loved the world and mythology the author created, but I guess it just wasnt the story I wanted.
The leads were also much to be desired. There wasnt anything about the lead female to make me like her. In fact, I felt disconnected from her as person in general.
I think my biggest problem was that I was a disappointed there wasnt more erotica to it. We are given two scenes and they are so short I wondered why the author wasted her time. I loved the world and mythology the author created, but I guess it just wasnt the story I wanted.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2425 KP) rated A Souffle of Suspicion in Books
Jul 11, 2018
Crush Week, Sweets Fest, and Murder
Things are hopping at Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Tourists have flocked to the Napa Valley for Crush Week and the first Sweet Treat festival is being hosted on the grounds of the hotel. Mimi is thrilled that both hotel and restaurant are booked solid for the week. Things take a deadly turn when Renee, the festival organizer and sister of Mimi’s head chef Camille, is found murdered in Camille’s kitchen. Who had a reason to murder the woman?
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
David (771 KP) rated Bonded in Blood in Books
Sep 6, 2018
Great modern take on vampire genre
I won this book in a giveaway by Smashbomb, thank you. That said, it will not influence my review.
I haven't read many books with a prologue, this one had one and set the book up nicely that it wasn't going to shy away from the gruesome, being a vampire story you would expect nothing less.
The main characters Taz (no relation to Warner Bros one that ate everything) and Morgana (Morgan) I liked pretty much straight away for their love/hate relationship in and out of the bedroom (Some steamy scenes, be warned). Taz, arrogant, egotistical and generally full of himself, then you have Morgan, she reminded me of Selene from Underworld films in that she took no nonsense and was her own woman. They are forced to work together to solve the gruesome murders that threaten to uncover the centuries hidden vampire world that Kayla (human) thinks she is very close to uncovering.
A book that you can't put down, full of excitement, sex and vampiric action. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read the next book.
I haven't read many books with a prologue, this one had one and set the book up nicely that it wasn't going to shy away from the gruesome, being a vampire story you would expect nothing less.
The main characters Taz (no relation to Warner Bros one that ate everything) and Morgana (Morgan) I liked pretty much straight away for their love/hate relationship in and out of the bedroom (Some steamy scenes, be warned). Taz, arrogant, egotistical and generally full of himself, then you have Morgan, she reminded me of Selene from Underworld films in that she took no nonsense and was her own woman. They are forced to work together to solve the gruesome murders that threaten to uncover the centuries hidden vampire world that Kayla (human) thinks she is very close to uncovering.
A book that you can't put down, full of excitement, sex and vampiric action. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read the next book.
Leah Rothwell (170 KP) rated Three Dark Crowns in Books
Oct 10, 2018
Captivating and unique
I was really captivated by this book and it’s sequel. I like the complexity of the 3 intertwined stories and how they unravel throughout. I didn’t find it difficult to follow or get bored which often is the case with teen fiction.
The story follows 3 very unique girls with unique abilities, you never quite know what the story is going to throw at you. I was surprised by most of the twists and really enjoyed not knowing. Each girl really draws you in, each in different ways, there’s no way to have a favourite (at least I didn’t have one).
You will feel their pain but also their joy, I really hope more books will be released as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and personally wished that the books were longer and in more depth.
If you choose to read this book you need to take your time and get to know each person as they all have a massive impact on the story and they will provide better insight into everyone else. I promise you’ll love this book as much as me.
The story follows 3 very unique girls with unique abilities, you never quite know what the story is going to throw at you. I was surprised by most of the twists and really enjoyed not knowing. Each girl really draws you in, each in different ways, there’s no way to have a favourite (at least I didn’t have one).
You will feel their pain but also their joy, I really hope more books will be released as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and personally wished that the books were longer and in more depth.
If you choose to read this book you need to take your time and get to know each person as they all have a massive impact on the story and they will provide better insight into everyone else. I promise you’ll love this book as much as me.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Serpent and the Light (Abscondita Est Magicae Book 1) in Books
Aug 13, 2019 (Updated Sep 28, 2020)
The characters (4 more)
Details in the descriptions
Cover Art
realistic reactions
twists
After contacting the author, he pulled the books and got an editor. He sent me an updated version to re-review. The flow of the story is smoother making an easier read. While there are some grammar mistakes, they don't distract from the story. Had I not mentioned them before I wouldn't have noticed them this time.
I was hooked on this story in the first page. It is an extremely creative story set in Tulsa, Oklahoma involving a cult of Chuthlu, death, college students, pot, police. Told from 4 different POVs. It is hard not to have some sort of reaction to the characters whether it be from disgust, dislike, or wanting to encourage them and afraid for them. There are also a few twists that may take you by surprise.
Warning:
This story is graphic and can get uncomfortable with it's descriptions. Without too much of a spoiler there are some disturbing scenes and situations.
There's a pretty good balance of humor, fear, amazement, and horror.
I can't wait to read the next book
I was hooked on this story in the first page. It is an extremely creative story set in Tulsa, Oklahoma involving a cult of Chuthlu, death, college students, pot, police. Told from 4 different POVs. It is hard not to have some sort of reaction to the characters whether it be from disgust, dislike, or wanting to encourage them and afraid for them. There are also a few twists that may take you by surprise.
Warning:
This story is graphic and can get uncomfortable with it's descriptions. Without too much of a spoiler there are some disturbing scenes and situations.
There's a pretty good balance of humor, fear, amazement, and horror.
I can't wait to read the next book
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Happy Death Day 2U (2019) in Movies
Dec 7, 2019
Missing the slasher element
Watching this sequel has really made me want to reevaluate & appreciate the first film more than I did originally, as it was actually pretty good. And I dont think the sequel quite matches up to it.
This film takes on a mainly sci-fi theme and whilst this is a smart move to do something different to the first film, I found myself missing the slasher horror. I don't think we really needed this sci-fi based explanation of the events in the first film, like many sequels this definitely suffers from a case of less is more. It's funny though like the original, and there's another fun montage of death scenes to bring in the laughs. There are parts of this story though that are a lot more serious than you'd expect or want, which brings the film down a little. There's no place for seriousness in a film like this!
Overall it's not bad and a refreshing change to a lot of other films that take themselves far too seriously, but it just doesn't quite meet up to the first.
This film takes on a mainly sci-fi theme and whilst this is a smart move to do something different to the first film, I found myself missing the slasher horror. I don't think we really needed this sci-fi based explanation of the events in the first film, like many sequels this definitely suffers from a case of less is more. It's funny though like the original, and there's another fun montage of death scenes to bring in the laughs. There are parts of this story though that are a lot more serious than you'd expect or want, which brings the film down a little. There's no place for seriousness in a film like this!
Overall it's not bad and a refreshing change to a lot of other films that take themselves far too seriously, but it just doesn't quite meet up to the first.
