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Awix (3310 KP) rated Power Rangers (2017) in Movies

Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)

Power Rangers (2017)

2017 | Action, Sci-Fi

6.4

(100 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Mmm, Doughnuts

I had no idea I'd been waiting all my life for a film which combined juvenile sci-fi, plastic karate, diversity-friendly teen angst, industrial levels of product placement for Krispy Kreme, and jokes about jerking off bulls, but it turned out that I was and here it is.

A bunch of high school kids discover magic medallions that turn them into (basically) action figures, tasked with stopping the evil Rita Repulsa from locating a mystical crystal hidden in a vital location somewhere on Earth (the vital location may or may not be connected to selling a range of delicious fried-dough confectionary), helped by the ghost of an ancient alien hero (the producers must have some juicy dirt on Bryan Cranston and have blackmailed him into appearing).

Now, the high school kids are all played by actors who are clearly in their 20s, the tone is all over the place (to put it mildly), and long before the end it has quietly transformed itself into a massive advert for toys, but this is still a weirdly diverting and undeniably fun film, mainly because - underneath all the complete nonsense - the script is solid and no-one seems to be taking it too seriously. All right, much of it makes no sense at all, but it does so in a rather charming way. The finest kind of bad movie. Best line - Bryan Cranston: 'Have you ever morphed before?' Black Power Ranger: 'Only in the shower.'

Kudos

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Before I Fall in Books

Feb 8, 2018

Before I Fall

Lauren Oliver | 2017 | Children

7.6

(60 Ratings)

Book Rating

I think I would have enjoyed this book even more if it wasn't coming on the heels of me reading several other tragic YA books about teenagers dying (including The In Between and If I Stay). I sort of felt bludgeoned by the senseless tragedy of it all - perhaps I need to get out more?!

Anyway, the book follows the main character Sam, who dies in a car crash one night after a party. However, she finds herself reliving that day over and over (think Groundhog Day) for some reason and has to figure out how to make it stop. It's a rather weird premise and the way she finally breaks out sort of bothers me, so I felt a little deflated at the end.

That being said, I really liked Sam. She's a compelling character. Also refreshing is the fact that Sam and her gaggle of friends are the popular kids, on top of the pyramid at school. It's a change of pace from the usual romantics and geeks that show up in YA novels. (It does, however, make me 110% terrified for my children to reach high school.) As Sam starts to realize her own mean girl status-- and that of her friends--Oliver sets up a good message about high school and friendship. Not sure it would be readily apparently to every teen reading the novel, but I appreciate the effort.

Kudos

Kyera (8 KP) rated Something in Between in Books

Feb 1, 2018

Something in Between is a timely novel that is so relevant to the political environment in our country today and a must read. Jasmine's life is turned upside down when she realizes that she and her family are in America, illegally. Her whole life she thought that they had green cards. She worked hard, was top in her class and ran herself ragged to be the best and to do everything from class president to cheer captain. It all seemed to pay off when she received a scholarship that would allow her to attend any college in the US, until her parents informed her that she wouldn't be able to accept. Couldn't accept, because she was an illegal immigrant.

Life turned upside down, Jasmine must figure out what to do and how to come to terms with her changed identity. Then Jas falls for the son of a politician who is spearheading the fights against undocumented workers. How will she reconcile her new self-identity in the world she lives in? Will she and her family be able to stay in America will they be forced to move back to the Philippines, a country her brothers have never known. And, will all of her hard work be for naught because she cannot find a way to attend college? Find out in this young adult/teen contemporary fiction novel about family, friends and growing up.

Kudos

Kyera (8 KP) rated Wayfarer in Books

Feb 1, 2018

Wayfarer

Alexandra Bracken | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)

8.5

(6 Ratings)

Book Rating

The sequel and finale to the series is as well written as the first. I don't want to spoil anything but my emotions were in turmoil throughout this book. The author revealed truths to Etta and tore our hearts open with sympathy, hurt, compassion, love, and happiness. The rollercoaster of emotions never faded and we hoped that maybe Etta would find her place. That maybe not all travelers were scoundrels. That maybe there was a future out there for her.

Wayfarer is a wonderful fictional trip through history spanning thousands of years and crossing the globe. It is not all shiny, rose-tinted history but the truthful depiction of disease and death that so many faced. It brings a level of realness to the book that makes the reader more invested in what's happening to their beloved characters.

I found myself enjoying the sequel even more than the first, so overall this series is wonderful. Be prepared to be hit in the gut with feelings. I cannot prmise that you won't shed a tear. But believe me, this series is worth it. It was a very satisfying conclusion to a well written, riveting and emotionally taxing (in the best way) duology.

Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who are fans of historical fiction. This is so well written and fascinating that I believe most people who pick it up will be a fan, even if they don't normally gravitate towards historical books.