David McK (3377 KP) rated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) in Movies
Dec 18, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2020)
Pursued by the Enpire's sinister agents, Princess Leia races home abord her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy ..."
So reads the opening crawl to the first Star Wars film (otherwise known as "Episode IV: A New Hope"), with this opening crawl becoming a feature of all the Star Wars films to date.
That is, until this one - the first to NOT have an opening crawl, and the first to NOT focus on any of the Skywalkers. Instead, this film deals with what was originally only just described in that crawl; by the mission to steal those Death Star plans and, as such, is the first completely self-contained and stand-alone Star Wars film.
I'd heard this described as a war movie, and that's probably a pretty fair comparison - this is more serious than the other six (especially the prequel Trilogy), maybe a bit darker in places, with the Rebel Alliance not afraid of getting their hands dirty and not quite the idealists they were originally portrayed as.
As this is back in galactic Civil War territory, we also have the return of some of the original villains of the saga - it's no secret that Darth Vader casts a shadow over the film (while not being the main villain of it), with an extended sequence towards the end showing just why he was so feared, and probably destined to become - like the 3-way Qui-Gonn Jinn/Kenobi/Maul fight in 'The Phantom Menace', or Vader vs Luke in 'The Empire Strikes back' - one of the most talked about scenes in the entire saga.
(As an aside, and talking of scenes: yes, there are scenes shown in the trailers that don't make it to the final cut, but since I managed to avoid (most of) those trailers, I can't really comment on that.)
Maybe a tad slow in getting started, but the bombastic final act more than makes up for it!
Gluten Exposed: The Science Behind the Hype and How to Navigate to a Healthy, Symptom-Free Life
Peter H.R. Green and Rory Jones
Book
In this essential book on gluten, Dr. Peter H. R. Green, internationally renowned expert on celiac...
Mel Rodriguez recommended Raging Bull (1980) in Movies (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Outcry: Holocaust Memoirs in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I really admired Manny’s and his brother’s creativity to survive in the concentration camps. Both of them are incredibly smart and, to be honest, lucky men. This book is heartbreaking, filled with violence, torture, disgusting human actions which my brain can’t comprehend. So, if you are sensitive, this book is not for you. I really liked the writing style of this book, it is truly beautiful. It is not like a history textbook, crammed with facts, but more like cruel but an amazing evening story, told to you by your grandpa, where it catches your attention and you won’t go away until you will hear it all.
I really liked the way this book was divided into parts, describing each stage in Manny’s life. The chapters were pretty long, but the book was so engrossing to me, that the pages just flew by. Even though Germans are very ashamed of this period in history, it should not be forgotten! The generation who suffered in these events are dying, but I hope the memoirs will survive from not only those who suffered from Germans but as well of those, who suffered from Russians in the same concentration camps in Siberia, during WWII. I truly hope that these books will be read not only in Europe, which was affected but in other countries as well, especially in the US. As Manny mentioned in this book, they were all neighbours, they used to visit each other and were happy until racism, jealousy and violence were encouraged by the government, and that is what I see happening with Trump and his followers.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Jack's Heart in Books
Sep 3, 2019
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure about Jack at the start. He seemed very cocky, almost intimidating in those first few chapters. But he did grow on me, quite a lot in fact. He had lines he wouldn't cross like having sex with Ahri while she was drunk. I liked that. I liked how protective he was of her. One quote summed him up pretty well:
Jack had the whole, "don't judge a book by its cover," down to an art form. There were layers to him no one ever expected, and they were addicting.
Ahrianna was a fighter. She'd had a tough childhood but was striving to do better, be better. She worked two jobs, barely getting any sleep, and was doing an online course so she could get her dream job in management--where the money was.
The sex scenes were a little too dirty for me. We had anal play and very filthy dirty talk (which I'm not the biggest fan of. I don't mind the odd bit but this was very in-your-face-description dirty talk) and I skipped a few paragraphs.
As for the romance in this, it was nice. Two really damaged people coming together and the attraction being so sudden that the romance just evolved naturally. They were...I don't know how to describe it. So alike in so many ways but complimented each other in others. They were a really great couple.
With those first few scenes and the hot sex I expected this to be more erotica than romance but it wasn't like that at all. Definitely more of a romance.
I've just finished it and seen that Ceifador, a character from Jack's past is the next book and with that last scene in the prison I'm wondering if that guy might be him? I may have to read it and find out.
If you like steamy contemporary romances with good-hearted bad boys and feisty female characters then you should give this a try.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Oct 7, 2019 (Updated Oct 13, 2019)
Arthur meets with a Social Worker in an attempt as the seven medications he takes simply are not cutting it and he struggles to cope in a world that has ignored and discarded him.
Arthur dreams of being a comedian but sadly lacks the confidence and ability to pull off his material which is iffy at best. Undaunted he keeps toiling away even when life continues to beat him down mentally and physically.
This all changes when Arthur stops being the victim during and assault and fights back.
Arthur stops taking his medication and becomes more determined and is no longer afraid to confront those who antagonize him.
This leads Arthur to some renewed opportunities such as an appearance on a talk show which he has long idolized.
All of this happens against a smoldering Gotham City where tensions are high and rising even higher due to a Garbage strike and a perception that the elite of the city have abandoned those in need such as eliminating Arthur’s Social Worker due to budget cuts.
With nowhere to go but up; Arthur transforms from a disturbed individual to a violent and deeply disturbed and dangerous individual who is angry and ready for revenge.
Phoenix is fantastic and he is not afraid to let unglamorous scenes of his very thin body or lingering close ups at unflattering angels undermine him. He uses them to illustrate just how disposable Arthur is too many in the film and to also show how little he cares about such matters. The role is deeply dark and disturbing and will no doubt spark much controversy and debate ranging from making a dangerous person a sympathetic figure as well as commentary about class structure and the danger of unstable people inspiring others via a Cult of Personality.
There is a connection to the larger Batman universe even though the film is light on action and FX. This is a character study of a decent into madness and it is deeply disturbing as it is compelling.
4.5 stars out of 5
http://sknr.net/2019/10/02/joker/
CarbsControl - Carb Counter, Carbs Tracker, Nutrition tracker for Diabetes and Low Carb Diets
Health & Fitness and Medical
App
Perfect for people with diabetes and those on low-carb diets, CarbsControl App keeps your carbs...
CarbsControl - Carb Counter, Carbs Tracker, Nutrition tracker for Diabetes and Low Carb Diets - iPad Version
Health & Fitness
App
Perfect for people with diabetes and those on low-carb diets, CarbsControl App keeps your carbs...
Down to the Sea (Mystic Beach, #1.5) by Aislinn Archer
Book
Aedan “Mace” Mason is the lead singer of legendary rock band Telltale Signs and a fixture in the...
Adult Fantasy Romance Irish Celtic
Merissa (11961 KP) rated The Cook and the Gangster (Farthingdale Ranch #5) by Jackie North in Books
Feb 22, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
This was written with heart and soul, giving each of the characters depth and feeling. I loved catching up with the others in their cameos, although Kit played a bigger (necessary) role here than the others. The relationship between Levi and Cassidy is on from the start, simply because they already know each other, they have 'history'! Of course, that includes why Levi left so suddenly.
I had a couple of niggles with this book - nothing major and totally just me, but it wouldn't be a completely honest review if I didn't mention them. So, here we go:
1) - "My Prince" - every time either one of them said this, I couldn't help but think of The Little Prince. I know it came from their childhood, but why so often?
2) - Levi is one who holds onto things. He is still being careful even though he doesn't know why his mum ran from his dad all those years ago. It happened, she was scared, so he keeps on the low-down. And yet, in the midst of holding on, he accepts Cassidy's word that Uncle Mack is sorry. I would have been a bit leerier until I knew the truth for myself.
And there you go. Ninety-eight per cent of this book is absolutely perfect but those two niggles just got me. Sorry, Ms North! I loved the bonus chapter and thought it finished the story perfectly. I really hope we see more of these two as the series continues. Plus, I want to see the Tavern!
I was drawn into this sweet and sometimes steamy novel, set in beautiful surroundings and with great people. I absolutely recommend it. Another corker from Jackie North.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2022