Sign up
Search
Advanced search settings

Search only in certain items:

Search results
All (4293)
Content
People
Apps
Books
Orbs
Movies
Music
Podcasts
Shows
Tabletop Games
Tech
TV
Video Games
YouTube Channels
Videos
40x40

LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Saw (2004) in Movies

Sep 26, 2020  
Saw (2004)
Saw (2004)
2004 | Horror
8
8.1 (56 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
The first Saw film has become tarnished over the years, due to the relentless shit filled wave of increasingly torturous (both for the audience and the characters) sequels, when really, Saw is a relatively low budget but super tight thriller.

The premise of a serial killer who kidnaps people who don't appreciate life itself, puts them in a dire situation, but gives them a chance to escape if they fight hard enough for it, is one that is intriguing, and captured the imagination of thousands - Jigsaw has since become an iconic horror antagonist.
The unlucky victims first time around are played by Cary Elwes and writer Leigh Whannell.
The two of them are situated in a very minimalist setting. It's grimy and nasty. Director James Wan works wonders with what little he has in that respect.
The cast also includes Danny Glover, which is always a win in my book.

The gore on show in Saw is pretty minimal compared to what's to come, but what we do see is effective and was just right - coupled with a plot that keeps the audience guessing until the final minute, it was enough to get everyone talking back in 2004.
And that ending absolutely shattered me on first watch. An iconic 'Gotcha!' moment for the ages.

Saw is a genuinely decent horror thriller and a rewarding experience for those that like a good twist. Just a shame about those sequels!
  
40x40

ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Rain Heron in Books

Aug 23, 2021  
The Rain Heron
The Rain Heron
Robbie Arnott | 2020 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Rain Heron has a dreamlike, fairytale quality to it that I loved. In fact, the first part of the novel is exactly like a fairytale: an unlucky farmer is rewarded by becoming more prosperous, but in remembering the hard times that they had, the farmer shares their wealth. However, a jealous neighbour soon makes their feelings felt, and no one comes out of the situation well.

Further away, near the sea, another mans jealousy of nature has terrible consequences, causing poverty and abandonment of a seaside village.

These threads of story are interwoven with that of a woman who lives alone in the mountains in order to escape the effects of a military coup. But the soldiers come looking for her - and for the Rain Heron.

This is a book about mans need to control nature and their inability to. The more man tries to control it, the more damage is done.

I loved the feel of this novel. It’s a fable of our modern times, about how our actions are having a lasting and devastating effect on our climate and nature.

I would most definitely recommend this book, and Arnott’s previous book as well, Flames, if you haven’t read it. Both are masterpieces in magical realism. Rain Heron is a timely book as we come to realise just what an impact climate change is having on our world, and comes highly recommended from me!
  
40x40

Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Downsizing (2017) in Movies

Feb 3, 2018  
Downsizing (2017)
Downsizing (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
7
6.0 (47 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Drink Me but you can't eat me
The story of Paul Safranek (Damon) whose life as a physical therapist wants more out of his life with his wife but, can't seem to grasp the brass ring. An medical procedure called Downsizing which not only can make Humans but, anything we use to live a fraction of it's size is the in thing to do. It is supposed to be the escape from your current life to a better life that is easier to bear and suppose to be good for the planet as well. Paul convinces his wife that this is they way for them to get a new start but, at the last minute fear gets the better of her. Now he his forced to live in this new version of the easy life with out her and he comes to realize that things aren't all that different from what he left and niether is the world around him. However one thing changes his prespective on life as he is learning to live it that makes him see the betterment of being one way over the other.

Not usually a Matt Damon fan but, in this movie he was really good. Not that this would win any oscars but, it should have been nominated for best original screenplay as this is a great original story.
  
40x40

AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Closer Than You Think (The Cincinnati Series) in Books

Dec 22, 2019  
Closer Than You Think (The Cincinnati Series)
Closer Than You Think (The Cincinnati Series)
Karen Rose | 2014 | Thriller
9
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Different is good
Dr Faith Corcoran, therapist to sex offenders and rapists is on the run. She has changed her identity and moved from Florida to Ohio to escape the man that has been stalking her for years.
En route to her new home, she discovers a woman, naked in the road, in need of help.
Help arrives in the form of Deacon Novak. A mysteriously handsome, white haired man, with unusual eyes, and a long leather coat.
Deacon and Faith share instant chemistry, and D can’t help but feel the urge to protect her. Especially when the naked stranger utters Faiths name.
Unfortunately for Faith, her new home is a playground for a serial killer hellbent on getting rid of Faith, and now Deacon, and all they care about.
Faith and Deacon have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive, and save his hostages.
Reading this I was gripped from the start, and then caught up in the twists and turns that Rose weaves into the plot line. The characters are really likeable, and you can’t help but feel some of the turmoil they are going through to stay safe. Its longer than my normal reads, but I didn’t let this put me off, not that it was a hardship! I had more difficulty trying to put it down.