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Awix (3310 KP) rated Jurassic Park (1993) in Movies
Feb 19, 2018 (Updated Feb 19, 2018)
Spielberg's eek-it's-a-dinosaur adventure movie may not have the gobsmack value it once possessed when photo-realistic CGI had yet to rule the earth, but still stands up well due to traditional storytelling virtues, retains the power to irritate palaeontologists with its dubious approach to nomenclature.
Billionaire with mysterious background (i.e. Lord Attenborough's accent wanders a bit) plans to open high-tech theme park with real live dinosaurs; clearly hasn't seen Westworld; chasing about ensues. Long build-up before the biting starts to happen, but Spielberg's corralling of the action sequences is masterly and the casting is extremely good. Still not sure it warranted five whole sequels, but that's what a massive box office take gets you, I suppose.
Billionaire with mysterious background (i.e. Lord Attenborough's accent wanders a bit) plans to open high-tech theme park with real live dinosaurs; clearly hasn't seen Westworld; chasing about ensues. Long build-up before the biting starts to happen, but Spielberg's corralling of the action sequences is masterly and the casting is extremely good. Still not sure it warranted five whole sequels, but that's what a massive box office take gets you, I suppose.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Hell Fest (2018) in Movies
Mar 5, 2019
This generations scream? No - but still ok!
Not to be confused with the very similar 'Blood fest' this slasher has a group of teenagers who go to a horror theme park at Halloween where they start to get picked off my a masked killer. This film is better than 'Blood fest' mainly due to better/cleverer gore and death scenes and a much better killer. What let's it down is highly forgettable and annoying characters (yes - I'm looking at you Bex Taylor Klaus) so you don't really care who survives. The real highlight is the killer and the film keeps them wrapped in mystery and hands us one of the most interesting endings in a long time. Nowhere near a game changer but definitely worth a watch.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Hot Dog Girl in Books
Aug 20, 2020
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Lou's mom left when Lou was a kid and Magic Castle means the world to Lou--it's where her parents shared memories and then Lou later on. Its closing devastates her and she's shocked that the owner has no desire to save it. Coupled with her hopeless crush on Nick, Lou is a pool of self-pity in the beginning of the book and, truly, a bit of a downer. (Although, seriously, I wouldn't want to wear a giant hot dog costume at a roasting hot theme park either, so she has me there.)
But once you get into the rhythm of Lou, this is a fun and really lovely book. There's great queer representation, between Lou's lesbian best friend, Seeley and Lou herself, who is bi. Seeley has recently broken up with her girlfriend, so Lou is also determined to set her up (sometimes with disastrous consequences). Setting a book at an amusement park is great. I love theme parks and while this was just a small town place, it was an enjoyable and fun location to read about, especially when it involved a group of teens.
Dugan captures teens really well, too. Lou, Seeley, Nick, his girlfriend--they all jump off the page. They seem real, and I enjoy that they seemed like actual teens. Not disaffected teens, not rich boarding school teens trying to hide a body, but honest teens whom you would actually meet and be friends with.
There were pages where I found myself laughing out loud. As a bi person, I loved having characters I could empathize with and relate to--this book is sweet and heartwarming. Lou's journey (and Seeley's) is great and makes for an excellent read.
Overall, this is a lovely, touching and also humorous read about love, friendship, and teens growing up. 4 stars.
But once you get into the rhythm of Lou, this is a fun and really lovely book. There's great queer representation, between Lou's lesbian best friend, Seeley and Lou herself, who is bi. Seeley has recently broken up with her girlfriend, so Lou is also determined to set her up (sometimes with disastrous consequences). Setting a book at an amusement park is great. I love theme parks and while this was just a small town place, it was an enjoyable and fun location to read about, especially when it involved a group of teens.
Dugan captures teens really well, too. Lou, Seeley, Nick, his girlfriend--they all jump off the page. They seem real, and I enjoy that they seemed like actual teens. Not disaffected teens, not rich boarding school teens trying to hide a body, but honest teens whom you would actually meet and be friends with.
There were pages where I found myself laughing out loud. As a bi person, I loved having characters I could empathize with and relate to--this book is sweet and heartwarming. Lou's journey (and Seeley's) is great and makes for an excellent read.
Overall, this is a lovely, touching and also humorous read about love, friendship, and teens growing up. 4 stars.
Erika (17788 KP) rated A Crash of Fate (Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) in Books
Sep 28, 2019 (Updated Sep 28, 2019)
This book was trying sooo hard to mimic @Lost Stars (Star Wars) , you can't help but compare them. This definitely hurt this book.
Firstly, the author did not develop the two main characters' childhood friendship enough to understand the bond they had. Therefore, I didn't understand or care about the romance that developed between the characters. The story line was tired and predictable. The characters just weren't developed enough.
The only thing I did like about the book was the description of Bantuu, and the Black Spire Outpost. It's good background for Galaxy's Edge, the new theme parks at Disney World and Disney Land.
Also, the book kept mentioning Hondo, but he never appeared. How old is he by now? His first appearance was the first season of @Star Wars: The Clone Wars . From pictures, I know he wanders around the park.
So, basically, this lame-o YA romance novel was only worth reading for details on Bantuu.
Firstly, the author did not develop the two main characters' childhood friendship enough to understand the bond they had. Therefore, I didn't understand or care about the romance that developed between the characters. The story line was tired and predictable. The characters just weren't developed enough.
The only thing I did like about the book was the description of Bantuu, and the Black Spire Outpost. It's good background for Galaxy's Edge, the new theme parks at Disney World and Disney Land.
Also, the book kept mentioning Hondo, but he never appeared. How old is he by now? His first appearance was the first season of @Star Wars: The Clone Wars . From pictures, I know he wanders around the park.
So, basically, this lame-o YA romance novel was only worth reading for details on Bantuu.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dumbo (2019) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 4, 2019)
Baffling-o remake of beloved-o animated-o Disney classic is misconceived-o on every level. Basic story remains the same: baby elephant arrives at travelling circus with freakishly big ears; the laws of physics and aerodynamics are put to one side as the small pachyderm takes to the air. That probably sounds a bit churlish-o but this is a calculated and mercenary attempt to exploit generations of goodwill towards the original film, which is charming, gentle and whimsical.
The new film blows through the plot of the old one in about forty minutes, at which point the film wanders off into a new storyline about Dumbo being sold to a grasping and exploitative entertainment tycoon who owns his own lavish theme park - did *nobody* at the Disney corporation stop to think that this kind of plot might not be the best of fits for one of their films? Everything is bemusingly dark and depressing. Many call-backs to the original, but everything that made it so special has been scoured away; not just bad, but also dumb.
The new film blows through the plot of the old one in about forty minutes, at which point the film wanders off into a new storyline about Dumbo being sold to a grasping and exploitative entertainment tycoon who owns his own lavish theme park - did *nobody* at the Disney corporation stop to think that this kind of plot might not be the best of fits for one of their films? Everything is bemusingly dark and depressing. Many call-backs to the original, but everything that made it so special has been scoured away; not just bad, but also dumb.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Pacific Rim (2013) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Brave and comparatively rare (these days) attempt to do a blockbuster that isn't a remake nor based on a novel, comic book, toy line, TV show or theme park attraction. Which is not to say this isn't a tremendously derivative movie; clearly inspired by tokosatsu movies, manga, and anime, just with most of the actual Japanese characters replaced by Americans and Australians. (Hmmm, isn't this cultural appropriation?)
Anyway: big monsters lumber out of the sea, get smacked in the mouth by giant robots. Story isn't really anything special, but the background details of this slightly cartoony world are engaging, as are some of the supporting performances. Film subscribes to the prevailing American dogma, which is that giant monster fights must take place at night and preferably in bad weather: apparently this makes them much more believable. The Hong Kong battle is terrific, the others not so much. In the end I think the premise of this movie is really much better than the way it is realised; maybe the sequel will address some of the shortcomings here.
Anyway: big monsters lumber out of the sea, get smacked in the mouth by giant robots. Story isn't really anything special, but the background details of this slightly cartoony world are engaging, as are some of the supporting performances. Film subscribes to the prevailing American dogma, which is that giant monster fights must take place at night and preferably in bad weather: apparently this makes them much more believable. The Hong Kong battle is terrific, the others not so much. In the end I think the premise of this movie is really much better than the way it is realised; maybe the sequel will address some of the shortcomings here.
Charlie (37 KP) rated Stitch! The Movie (2003) in Movies
Oct 16, 2019 (Updated Oct 16, 2019)
My go to film if I ever want to feel better
I first watched it on my 9th birthday, really upset because me and my family travelled for hours to go to a theme park only to find it closed due to a bad storm. From the very start of the film, I was cheered right up.
I love Stitch from the very start and I felt like I could relate to Lilo when I was a kid.
The tells you that you can always find people who will love you and you can always break expectations others hold on you. It has a wide variety of characters from the mad scientist, to the secret agent pretending to be a social worker. The animation is smooth and the designs of the characters are great, completely different to other Disney films, which I love. Plus it's about aliens and I am all for that!
Now that I have rambled about it, it's reminded me that I need to rewatch it!
I love Stitch from the very start and I felt like I could relate to Lilo when I was a kid.
The tells you that you can always find people who will love you and you can always break expectations others hold on you. It has a wide variety of characters from the mad scientist, to the secret agent pretending to be a social worker. The animation is smooth and the designs of the characters are great, completely different to other Disney films, which I love. Plus it's about aliens and I am all for that!
Now that I have rambled about it, it's reminded me that I need to rewatch it!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Deep Blue Sea (1999) in Movies
Feb 20, 2020 (Updated Feb 20, 2020)
Sharks On A Plane
Deep Blue Sea- think of "Jaws", meets "Jurassic Park". What a great cast that is mostly wasted expect for Samuel L. Jackson he is the best in this film. Him and the shark that eats him, oh did i spoil it, its 11 years old at this point. 11 years since it came out in 1999. Thomas Jane, LL Cool J and Stellan Skarsgård are good actors just i think their were wasted in this film. Samuel L. Jackson was the best part of this film, he kills it by a shark.
The Plot: On an island research facility, Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) is harvesting the brain tissue of DNA-altered sharks as a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease. When the facility's backers send an executive (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate the experiments, a routine procedure goes awry and a shark starts attacking the researchers. Now, with sharks outnumbering their human captors, McAlester and her team must figure out a way to stop them from escaping to the ocean and breeding.
Dont forger the main theme song "Deepest Bluest" by LL Cool J and you got a film.
The Plot: On an island research facility, Dr. Susan McAlester (Saffron Burrows) is harvesting the brain tissue of DNA-altered sharks as a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease. When the facility's backers send an executive (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate the experiments, a routine procedure goes awry and a shark starts attacking the researchers. Now, with sharks outnumbering their human captors, McAlester and her team must figure out a way to stop them from escaping to the ocean and breeding.
Dont forger the main theme song "Deepest Bluest" by LL Cool J and you got a film.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Dawn - Single by Mackenta in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Mackenta is a singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Dawn” single.
“I’ve noticed a common theme throughout my past relationships. Both parties weren’t really ready for something serious yet boundaries weren’t established. Therefore, causing a lack of respect. ‘Dawn’ is about falling for someone that you know won’t work in the long run, but letting it happen anyways.” – Mackenta
The audiovisual finds Mackenta chilling at a skate park with her significant other, played by Ty Senoj.
‘Dawn’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with a contemporary R&B aroma.
“I felt a lot of mixed emotions while writing ‘Dawn’. Nostalgia over the good memories and potential. Resentment about not being something more. Shame over allowing the situation to escalate so far. I’m telling it from my point of view, so there’s a sense of blame towards this person who is not mature enough to take things seriously. Also, realizing that I’m equally to blame for not drawing the line or understanding my own intentions. Ultimately, it’s about two people who both need to heal before they could ever be together.” – Mackenta
‘Dawn’ will be featured on Mackenta’s upcoming EP, which will drop later this year.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mackenta-dawn/
“I’ve noticed a common theme throughout my past relationships. Both parties weren’t really ready for something serious yet boundaries weren’t established. Therefore, causing a lack of respect. ‘Dawn’ is about falling for someone that you know won’t work in the long run, but letting it happen anyways.” – Mackenta
The audiovisual finds Mackenta chilling at a skate park with her significant other, played by Ty Senoj.
‘Dawn’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with a contemporary R&B aroma.
“I felt a lot of mixed emotions while writing ‘Dawn’. Nostalgia over the good memories and potential. Resentment about not being something more. Shame over allowing the situation to escalate so far. I’m telling it from my point of view, so there’s a sense of blame towards this person who is not mature enough to take things seriously. Also, realizing that I’m equally to blame for not drawing the line or understanding my own intentions. Ultimately, it’s about two people who both need to heal before they could ever be together.” – Mackenta
‘Dawn’ will be featured on Mackenta’s upcoming EP, which will drop later this year.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mackenta-dawn/
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The House at Phantom Park in Books
Oct 9, 2022
I think I can safely say that I am a fan of Mr Masterton's work and have been for many, many years and whilst, for me, some of his books have been hit or miss, this one is definitely a hit and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mr Masterton has taken the haunted property/ghost theme and added a new dimension to it. The ghosts were something a bit different which I thought was great; even after all these years, I can still be surprised by the way good authors can bring unique and different ways to kill their characters off and give their readers the chills and Mr Masterton does it with skill here.
I didn't particularly like the majority of the characters very much and admit that the main character of Lilian annoyed me a tad, however in this instance, I don't actually think it matters whether you like the characters or not and it certainly didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
Although a little slow to get going, I would recommend this to people who enjoy a horror story which is a bit different and my thanks must go to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The House at Phantom Park.
Mr Masterton has taken the haunted property/ghost theme and added a new dimension to it. The ghosts were something a bit different which I thought was great; even after all these years, I can still be surprised by the way good authors can bring unique and different ways to kill their characters off and give their readers the chills and Mr Masterton does it with skill here.
I didn't particularly like the majority of the characters very much and admit that the main character of Lilian annoyed me a tad, however in this instance, I don't actually think it matters whether you like the characters or not and it certainly didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
Although a little slow to get going, I would recommend this to people who enjoy a horror story which is a bit different and my thanks must go to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The House at Phantom Park.