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Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
2002 | Comedy, Drama
10
6.0 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
One of my favourite films of all time
I haven't watched this film for a long time but I absolutely love it. A crew of desperate complete idiots decide to commit what they think is a genius heist, and the whole thing is just so wonderfully touching and funny as they blunder their way through their crime. Each of the main characters is so well realised and work together so well, it really is a joy to watch.
  
Abroad in the Stars (Galaxia Pirates #1)
Abroad in the Stars (Galaxia Pirates #1)
A.M. Halford | 2016 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Abroad in the Stars (Galaxia Pirates #1) by A.M. Halford
Abroad in the Stars is the first book in the Galaxia Pirates series, and we get a very thorough look at just what being a Galaxia pirate involves. Tony is their navigator, and has done a magnificent job of it so far, earning his place among the crew. Only a select few know of his 'real' identity of Antonio Santiago. Personally, I would say that Tony is more real than Antonio, but there you go. When the Captain's brother returns to the ship, sparks fly between him and Tony. Actually it was more than sparks that flew when they first met in a dark alley, but you'll read that bit for yourself. When Tony's parents decide they want him back, the crew of the Galaxia will do all they can to get their crewman back. And Craig will stop at nothing until he gets his lover back.

This is a brilliant story, HOWEVER if you are looking for rainbows and unicorns, then you're probably going to be disappointed! Personally, I loved the rough and tumble of it. Tony wanted exactly what Craig wanted to give. Both of them understood each other with no miscommunication. The steamy scenes are intense and brilliantly written. The world-building is mostly about the ship and Tony's family, but really, that is all you need for this story. You get an exceedingly good idea of the troubles the pirates face, and how much being a crew member means to them, and just what they will do if one of them is in danger.

Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this story grabbed me from the beginning. Fantastic start to the series, fantastic story, can't wait for more. Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Alien (1979)
Alien (1979)
1979 | Horror, Sci-Fi
A masterpiece through and through
Alien is simply put is on of the most perfect horror movies ever committed to film. Decades worth of sequels, prequels, and spin offs don't match it (although Aliens comes pretty damn close) and that is a true testament to the quality of Alien.

The plot is straightforward, and immediately gripping, as a merchant space vessel called The Nostromo, and it's crew, pick up an unidentified distress signal from a nearby moon.
Upon arrival, one of the Crue is attacked by an alien lifeform, and accidentally smuggles something back onto the ship with him, resulting in the infamous chest bursting scene, and a crew trapped floating through space, whilst being hunted one by one.
Said chest bursting scene is one of the single most disturbing scenes in horror, with genuine reactions of surprise by the cast, and horrific practical effects.

Once the plot kicks in, we're presented with a master class of tension. The shadowy setting hides the Xenomorph alien for most of the runtime, offering fleeting glimpses, and occasional bursts of violence.
H. R. Gigers design of the creature is of course iconic, abrasive, and terrifying.

Sigourney Weaver offers a strong female lead in Ellen Ripley, a character that remains a highlight, even throughout the later underwhelming sequels.
Even though Ripley is thrown front and centre in the aftermath of Alien, during this film, she is part of a crew that don't boast any heroes. Everyone aboard feels like real people, way out of their depth in what they're dealing with, and it just adds to the already unsettled surroundings.

Ridley Scott's directing and camera work in Alien manages to be claustrophobic, atmospheric and isolating all at, combining uneasy sound cues with amazing visuals to create a sci-fi horror like no other.

Alien is a film I never tire of watching. As far as this genre goes, it's near perfect.
  
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David McK (3425 KP) rated The Martian in Books

Jan 28, 2019  
The Martian
The Martian
Andy Weir | 2014 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.9 (50 Ratings)
Book Rating
OK ... I'll admit it: I wasn't sure whether I would like this book or not.

I've been burned in the past with books that have been turned into movies where (IMO) the source material just wasn't really all that great.

I also have to make clear - I haven't actually seen the film yet, so can't compare the two, but I did wonder how interesting a story told almost entirely from one person's perspective - with that person also entirely on his own, kinda like a modern-day/near future Robinson Crusoe could be.

Now that I have read it, I must admit: i did find this a gripping read, even if there are passages that just seem to drag on a bit. The story, for anyone who doesn't know, is about astronaut Mark Watney, who has been left behind on the planet Mars by his crew-mates, who believe he has died, and the efforts he goes to to survive, while NASA do their best to formulate a rescue plan (as do his crew-mates when they discover he is still alive, and now the only man on the planet for an entire 2 years or so).

The ending, though, is also a bit anti-climactic: what happens next??
  
G(
Goliath (Leviathan, #3)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Goliath brought an epic conclusion to the Leviathan Trilogy. I read through this book quicker than the others (and that is saying a lot). As the crew of the Leviathan continue their mission, the action and adventure increases! Tensions rise as secrets long kept come into the light. Alek wants to do the right thing, but is his judgement clouded? If you are looking for something new to read, this trilogy is where it is at! Watching Alek and Deryn learn, grow and mature along this journey was a delight. This is a great story and one that I look forward to revisiting in the future.