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Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated None of the Above in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This book took my world by storm. From page one of None of the Above I was captivated. The characters latched onto my heart any wouldn’t let go. The fluid writing style had me flipping pages faster well into the night. I wasn’t expecting to love this book or these characters so much but I couldn’t help but love everything about this story.
Kristin’s story of learning that she is an Intersex Individual was both poignant and moving. The questions and thoughts rolling around in Kristin’s head really have us questioning what it means to be male or female, and Physical Gender vs. Gender Identity. Kristin’s story become exponentially more devastating when the entire school finds out that she is intersex. Kristin finds herself in the middle of an identity crisis all while losing her closest friends, her boyfriend, and truly questioning who she is. Throughout her crisis she finds there is an unexpected constant; the son of her father’s ex-girlfriend Darren who goes to school with Kristin. When her friends and peers turn their back on her Darren shows increasing support of Kristin and befriends when she needs him most.
There are points throughout this story where Kristin is a bit whiny and wallowing in her sadness, and it can get a bit old. To be honest I can’t really say that I would be any different had I been in her shoes. She goes through a monumental change and morphs into a strong, resilient, and empowered young woman. I couldn’t be prouder of this character and her growth. The author did a tremendously fabulous job creating Kristin and developing her character throughout the story.
The supporting characters are all great in their own ways. Kristin’s father and Darren are my two favorites of the supporting characters for that specific reason that they are supportive of her and what she’s dealing with. They are patient and kind and are willing to help her work through and process the changes she’s going through.
This book needs to be shared, loaned, and spread around. The teachings of acceptance, patience, and resilience is so valuable in todays society where there is so much intolerance. If you’ve read this book and enjoyed it I recommend reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides; or if you’ve read that book and enjoyed it I recommend None of the Above.
Kristin’s story of learning that she is an Intersex Individual was both poignant and moving. The questions and thoughts rolling around in Kristin’s head really have us questioning what it means to be male or female, and Physical Gender vs. Gender Identity. Kristin’s story become exponentially more devastating when the entire school finds out that she is intersex. Kristin finds herself in the middle of an identity crisis all while losing her closest friends, her boyfriend, and truly questioning who she is. Throughout her crisis she finds there is an unexpected constant; the son of her father’s ex-girlfriend Darren who goes to school with Kristin. When her friends and peers turn their back on her Darren shows increasing support of Kristin and befriends when she needs him most.
There are points throughout this story where Kristin is a bit whiny and wallowing in her sadness, and it can get a bit old. To be honest I can’t really say that I would be any different had I been in her shoes. She goes through a monumental change and morphs into a strong, resilient, and empowered young woman. I couldn’t be prouder of this character and her growth. The author did a tremendously fabulous job creating Kristin and developing her character throughout the story.
The supporting characters are all great in their own ways. Kristin’s father and Darren are my two favorites of the supporting characters for that specific reason that they are supportive of her and what she’s dealing with. They are patient and kind and are willing to help her work through and process the changes she’s going through.
This book needs to be shared, loaned, and spread around. The teachings of acceptance, patience, and resilience is so valuable in todays society where there is so much intolerance. If you’ve read this book and enjoyed it I recommend reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides; or if you’ve read that book and enjoyed it I recommend None of the Above.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Into the Blue (2005) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
In the thriller Into the Blue Sam (Jessica Alba), and Jared (Paul Walker), spend a lot of time scantily clad and swimming in the clear waters in some of the most lavish locales known.
Sam is an Oceanographer and Jared spends his time trying to restore his boat in hopes of searching for lost treasure and artifacts at various spots where ships were reported to have been lost over the years. They have a simple yet happy life, and although Jared feels that the time has come for him to make something of his life.
An arrival of Bryce (Scott Caan), and his new girlfriend Amanda (Ashley Scott), who seek to have some fun and party the days away provides a distraction to Sam and Jared and before long, they are taking in the luxury of the house Bryce is using, and its lavish boat.
A series of dives eventually leads the group to a sunken plane filled with cocaine and into more danger than they can realize. Convinced they have found the fabled lost ship Jared has long sought, he fears that turning the plane in will result in the loss of his claim. The group makes a pact to keep the plane, cargo and location a secret until they can finalize their claim on the shipwreck. Before long, the need for money leads to thoughts of selling the drugs to finance a salvage operation.
A bad situation becomes even worse when the owners of the drugs become aware of what the group is up to, and seek to reclaim their lost fortune letting nothing stand in their way.
While the film is mostly Alba, Walker, and the cast lounging semi clothed in the sun, with numerous close ups of Alba swimming slowly by the camera, there are some good moments in the film. Despite the plot holes, gaps in logic, and some bad acting, the film does have some entertaining moments. The buzz on the film was largely negative prior to my screener, yet I found myself enjoying it. The final segment of the film lost much of the earlier progress as the formulaic and stale ending, complete with the stiff and drawn out action, sink what could have been a good film.
That being said, the film does make for a nice diversion, just keep your expectations low.
Sam is an Oceanographer and Jared spends his time trying to restore his boat in hopes of searching for lost treasure and artifacts at various spots where ships were reported to have been lost over the years. They have a simple yet happy life, and although Jared feels that the time has come for him to make something of his life.
An arrival of Bryce (Scott Caan), and his new girlfriend Amanda (Ashley Scott), who seek to have some fun and party the days away provides a distraction to Sam and Jared and before long, they are taking in the luxury of the house Bryce is using, and its lavish boat.
A series of dives eventually leads the group to a sunken plane filled with cocaine and into more danger than they can realize. Convinced they have found the fabled lost ship Jared has long sought, he fears that turning the plane in will result in the loss of his claim. The group makes a pact to keep the plane, cargo and location a secret until they can finalize their claim on the shipwreck. Before long, the need for money leads to thoughts of selling the drugs to finance a salvage operation.
A bad situation becomes even worse when the owners of the drugs become aware of what the group is up to, and seek to reclaim their lost fortune letting nothing stand in their way.
While the film is mostly Alba, Walker, and the cast lounging semi clothed in the sun, with numerous close ups of Alba swimming slowly by the camera, there are some good moments in the film. Despite the plot holes, gaps in logic, and some bad acting, the film does have some entertaining moments. The buzz on the film was largely negative prior to my screener, yet I found myself enjoying it. The final segment of the film lost much of the earlier progress as the formulaic and stale ending, complete with the stiff and drawn out action, sink what could have been a good film.
That being said, the film does make for a nice diversion, just keep your expectations low.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Dracula (1958) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019
Characters – Doctor Van Helsing has been trying to hunt down Dracula for years now, his latest attempt sees him anger the vampire, forcing him to defend his loved ones before he starts his own attack on the vampire. Count Dracula has lived a life where his presence has struck fear in the locals, he is a vampire with his age seemingly unknown, after his bride is taken from him, he goes after the people that took her, in search of finding his new bride. Arthur is one of the people working with Van Helsing, it is his family that has becomes the target of Dracula, with Mina being the wife of Arthur that is one of the women Dracula wants to make his brides.
Performances – Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are the icons on the 50’s horrors, this film shows they are just wonderful in the horror performances both sides of the good and evil scale. When it comes to the supporting roles, it appears that the rest of the cast are meant to just let the lead two stars take the spotlight.
Story – The story here is the basic Dracula story, where after one of his brides is killed, Dracula targets the family that took his bride to get his own new bride and revenge. The Dracula story has been told so many times, it does become slightly boring to watch a story that doesn’t offer anything new to the tried and tested formula. If you do know the basic story, you will know everything that happens in this film which just ends up being nothing refreshing.
Horror – The horror comes the ideas of vampires with Dracula lurking in the darkness, most doesn’t come off scary though which is disappointing.
Settings – The film uses the couple of main locations, we have the castle of course which we don’t spend enough time around, the English house that shows how the family will try to hide from Dracula.
Special Effects – The effects are practical which do bring one of the most memorable scenes in the film.
Scene of the Movie – final showdown.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It isn’t anything new.
Final Thoughts – This is a hammer horror version of Dracula, it works well enough for the basic idea, only it doesn’t reach too much new to the story idea.
Overall: Hammer Horror Dracula.
Performances – Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are the icons on the 50’s horrors, this film shows they are just wonderful in the horror performances both sides of the good and evil scale. When it comes to the supporting roles, it appears that the rest of the cast are meant to just let the lead two stars take the spotlight.
Story – The story here is the basic Dracula story, where after one of his brides is killed, Dracula targets the family that took his bride to get his own new bride and revenge. The Dracula story has been told so many times, it does become slightly boring to watch a story that doesn’t offer anything new to the tried and tested formula. If you do know the basic story, you will know everything that happens in this film which just ends up being nothing refreshing.
Horror – The horror comes the ideas of vampires with Dracula lurking in the darkness, most doesn’t come off scary though which is disappointing.
Settings – The film uses the couple of main locations, we have the castle of course which we don’t spend enough time around, the English house that shows how the family will try to hide from Dracula.
Special Effects – The effects are practical which do bring one of the most memorable scenes in the film.
Scene of the Movie – final showdown.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It isn’t anything new.
Final Thoughts – This is a hammer horror version of Dracula, it works well enough for the basic idea, only it doesn’t reach too much new to the story idea.
Overall: Hammer Horror Dracula.
Darren (1599 KP) rated All Hallows' Eve (2013) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019
Characters – Sarah is our babysitter that is watching these horror shorts, she is trying to be responsible to the children she is babysitting for, the other characters we meet are from the shorts which are horror made and our typical heroines that don’t stand much of a chance against their enemies. The clowns are a big part of the film too appearing in certain parts right along the way and soon are just as involved in the horror.
Performances – This is a low budget movie and most of the shorts that were used, were done with actors that were just getting started, you can see the talent there without them being truly standout. Katie Maguire does the most work and is good for her part in the film.
Story – When it comes to anthology films we always need variety in the horrors we are watching, we get that which is good, the style of the shorts feels like 80s too, so we get to play with the trademarks of the horror for that era. The story outside that connections the stories works well too because it brings the unexplained to the mix to why the video was given to a child. We clearly have stronger stories which i feel was the third one and as always the middle ones are often the weakest.
Horror – When it comes to horror we get to see different styles of horror with an 80s theme throughout, each one gets to play on what we have come to know about where things will go, but with the low budget effects we know just what we have gotten ourselves into.
Settings – The film takes us to different locations which makes each story feel unique to what we are experiencing.
Special Effects – The effects are low budget which can make things look cheap, though they are used to make them have a grindhouse feeling which was nice to see.
Scene of the Movie – Most of the third tape.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – I felt the first story is too short and I wanted to see more.
Final Thoughts – This is a nice solid horror anthology which goes mostly for gore over suspense, it works and I can see the horror fans enjoying this one.
Overall: Nice low budget horror anthology.
Performances – This is a low budget movie and most of the shorts that were used, were done with actors that were just getting started, you can see the talent there without them being truly standout. Katie Maguire does the most work and is good for her part in the film.
Story – When it comes to anthology films we always need variety in the horrors we are watching, we get that which is good, the style of the shorts feels like 80s too, so we get to play with the trademarks of the horror for that era. The story outside that connections the stories works well too because it brings the unexplained to the mix to why the video was given to a child. We clearly have stronger stories which i feel was the third one and as always the middle ones are often the weakest.
Horror – When it comes to horror we get to see different styles of horror with an 80s theme throughout, each one gets to play on what we have come to know about where things will go, but with the low budget effects we know just what we have gotten ourselves into.
Settings – The film takes us to different locations which makes each story feel unique to what we are experiencing.
Special Effects – The effects are low budget which can make things look cheap, though they are used to make them have a grindhouse feeling which was nice to see.
Scene of the Movie – Most of the third tape.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – I felt the first story is too short and I wanted to see more.
Final Thoughts – This is a nice solid horror anthology which goes mostly for gore over suspense, it works and I can see the horror fans enjoying this one.
Overall: Nice low budget horror anthology.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Patient Seven (2016) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Dr Daniel Marcus is the man trying to learn about six disturbed patients at a mental hospital, each story needs to be broken down in a different way, he is doing research for his book, but leaving us wondering what his motives are is the biggest mystery in this film. we do meet the different patients which all have different stories and we follow the events of their stories each different from the rest. We do meet the doctors, but as the film is an anthology we just don’t get enough time to look into their characters.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Ruin Me (2017) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Alex joins her boyfriend on this weekend, she isn’t the biggest horror fan, but a couples weekend, is a couple weekends, she has a past which has seen her struggle through events in her life, which will make her fit the typical final girl for a slasher experience. Nathan is the boyfriend that was going on this weekend with his best friend who paid for everything, only to drop out, he has always been loyal toward Alex, whatever her struggles. Larry is a lone man that has been on this style of weekend before and enjoys meeting the new people that take part in the games. Marina is one half of a horror fan couple, she does fill the slutty figure of the cast.
Performances – Marcienne Dwyer in the leading role is strong through the film, we see her go through the range of emotions as her character becomes more complex as the film unfolds. When it comes to the rest of the cast they do hit their characters well and look like they fit into the horror genre.
Story – The story follows six people that entertain a horror theme weekend of fun that soon spirals out of control as one of them finds themselves alone and wondering if this is real or not. This is an interesting story to watch unfold, we are entering a world where horror films exists which is important for the way of surviving what is happening. We will be left to wonder if this is real or not which is just what we want. This is a simple enough story that will keep us guessing and waiting to see how the events unfold.
Horror – The horror in this film comes from knowing horror movies, which will see how the group look to survive the events of a horror film.
Settings – The film uses the settings that are known in horror, including the woods which is one of the easiest slasher locations in horror.
Special Effects – The film uses practical effects to achieve everything it wants to during the weekends events.
Scene of the Movie – The beach.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – The supporting members of the group feel too generic for the genre of horror.
Final Thoughts – This is a fun horror that really does try to push the limits of the audience by showing us just how people can become affected by a horror weekend event.
Overall: Enjoyable horror.
Performances – Marcienne Dwyer in the leading role is strong through the film, we see her go through the range of emotions as her character becomes more complex as the film unfolds. When it comes to the rest of the cast they do hit their characters well and look like they fit into the horror genre.
Story – The story follows six people that entertain a horror theme weekend of fun that soon spirals out of control as one of them finds themselves alone and wondering if this is real or not. This is an interesting story to watch unfold, we are entering a world where horror films exists which is important for the way of surviving what is happening. We will be left to wonder if this is real or not which is just what we want. This is a simple enough story that will keep us guessing and waiting to see how the events unfold.
Horror – The horror in this film comes from knowing horror movies, which will see how the group look to survive the events of a horror film.
Settings – The film uses the settings that are known in horror, including the woods which is one of the easiest slasher locations in horror.
Special Effects – The film uses practical effects to achieve everything it wants to during the weekends events.
Scene of the Movie – The beach.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – The supporting members of the group feel too generic for the genre of horror.
Final Thoughts – This is a fun horror that really does try to push the limits of the audience by showing us just how people can become affected by a horror weekend event.
Overall: Enjoyable horror.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Perfect Creature (2006) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Silus is the vampire from the brotherhood, he has a connection with his brother Edgar and will not let him take over once he becomes the blood thirty infected version of himself. Lilly is the nonsense cop that has suffered her own share of heartache with the viruses in the world, she doesn’t take any shit from anyone she believes to be guilty. Edgar is the brother of Silus that has become infected while trying to find the next cure for the human and Brotherhood medical problems which makes him the first member of the brotherhood to kill a human.
Performance – Dougray Scott is fine without being that impactful in the leading role and the same could be said for Saffron Burrows, the highlight of the film would be Leo Gregory as the Edgar the bloody thirsty crazy vampire.
Story – The story does feel like it could be another chapter of the Underworld saga, it has the vampires of the world living in peace with the humans but when one goes rogue it becomes personal. This isn’t the most original and strays too far into the middle of the fantasy world we are trying so desperately to head towards. We don’t find enough time to create the fantasy world that could become a franchise let alone a new story because in the end this could have just been a crime thriller.
Action/Fantasy/Horror – The action is fine, it mostly contains fights that try to offer an extra punch where needed but isn’t the most original, while the fantasy world doesn’t click for the story we are experiencing, the horror is tame too with it only being a couple of vampire like moments.
Settings – We have murky settings which is designed to show us the different in class between the two races.
Special Effects – The effects are all fine and at least the film doesn’t turn into a bad CGI moment film.
Scene of the Movie – The special gun that instant sleeps and enemy.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It just doesn’t seem to feel fresh in any way.
Final Thoughts – Disappointing movie that doesn’t connect with the audience on the levels it could have because it wants to be a fantasy film but plays out only like a dark crime thriller.
Overall: Disappointing film.
Performance – Dougray Scott is fine without being that impactful in the leading role and the same could be said for Saffron Burrows, the highlight of the film would be Leo Gregory as the Edgar the bloody thirsty crazy vampire.
Story – The story does feel like it could be another chapter of the Underworld saga, it has the vampires of the world living in peace with the humans but when one goes rogue it becomes personal. This isn’t the most original and strays too far into the middle of the fantasy world we are trying so desperately to head towards. We don’t find enough time to create the fantasy world that could become a franchise let alone a new story because in the end this could have just been a crime thriller.
Action/Fantasy/Horror – The action is fine, it mostly contains fights that try to offer an extra punch where needed but isn’t the most original, while the fantasy world doesn’t click for the story we are experiencing, the horror is tame too with it only being a couple of vampire like moments.
Settings – We have murky settings which is designed to show us the different in class between the two races.
Special Effects – The effects are all fine and at least the film doesn’t turn into a bad CGI moment film.
Scene of the Movie – The special gun that instant sleeps and enemy.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It just doesn’t seem to feel fresh in any way.
Final Thoughts – Disappointing movie that doesn’t connect with the audience on the levels it could have because it wants to be a fantasy film but plays out only like a dark crime thriller.
Overall: Disappointing film.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Beyond Reach / Skin Privilege (UK) (Grant County, #6) in Books
Oct 19, 2019
A worthy end to a solid series - would recommend reading in order.
For some reason, the UK version of this book has a different name (Skin Privilege) to the rest of the world’s Beyond Reach title. Whatever you call it its the end of the Grant County series and what a way to finish!!! It’s a strong and worthy ending to a solid series that had a few ups and downs along the way for me.
We meet up again with Detective Lena Adams back in her hometown of Reece; where she has got herself into a whole world of trouble (no surprise there, it’s her special talent.) With a vicious (and I mean typical Slaughter full-on vicious) murder Lena is the only suspect and our intrepid heroes, Jeffery and Sara; rush to do what they do best i.e. stick their noses in and try to figure out what the hell is going on.
We get 2 different timelines and general POVs with us following Lena pre murder trying to unearth the truth of her family history and Sara and Jeffery trying to piece together Lena’s involvement in a murder. Lena looks especially involved in it when she does a runner from local law enforcement. The two main POVs work well together to slowly lead you through an enjoyable mystery.
I’ve previously not been a huge fan of Jeffery and Lena but this book worked to give me a better understanding and more empathy for Lena; although she is still annoyingly stubborn to the point of it being pretty stupid.
I thought the ending was what this series needed and for those that don’t like it there is a letter from Slaughter on her website explaining her thoughts (don’t read until after you have read the book.) Overall the Grant County Series has had some really high points (the first two books were particularly good) and some low points; A Faint Cold Fear and Indelible didn’t do much for me but overall I’m glad I kept with it and look forward to maybe meeting some of the characters again in the future - I think there is a tie in at some point in her Will Trent series that I’ve not read any of yet but look forward to giving a go - I do enjoy Slaughters writing.
We meet up again with Detective Lena Adams back in her hometown of Reece; where she has got herself into a whole world of trouble (no surprise there, it’s her special talent.) With a vicious (and I mean typical Slaughter full-on vicious) murder Lena is the only suspect and our intrepid heroes, Jeffery and Sara; rush to do what they do best i.e. stick their noses in and try to figure out what the hell is going on.
We get 2 different timelines and general POVs with us following Lena pre murder trying to unearth the truth of her family history and Sara and Jeffery trying to piece together Lena’s involvement in a murder. Lena looks especially involved in it when she does a runner from local law enforcement. The two main POVs work well together to slowly lead you through an enjoyable mystery.
I’ve previously not been a huge fan of Jeffery and Lena but this book worked to give me a better understanding and more empathy for Lena; although she is still annoyingly stubborn to the point of it being pretty stupid.
I thought the ending was what this series needed and for those that don’t like it there is a letter from Slaughter on her website explaining her thoughts (don’t read until after you have read the book.) Overall the Grant County Series has had some really high points (the first two books were particularly good) and some low points; A Faint Cold Fear and Indelible didn’t do much for me but overall I’m glad I kept with it and look forward to maybe meeting some of the characters again in the future - I think there is a tie in at some point in her Will Trent series that I’ve not read any of yet but look forward to giving a go - I do enjoy Slaughters writing.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated LuLu’s Cafe in Books
Nov 1, 2019
Contemporary Romance
When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves. On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming. Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run? Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.
My Thoughts: This is such an enjoyable read; it was hard to put this novel down; the author's writing draws the reader into the story and jkeeps the readers attention. This is a book about overcoming abuse, finding love, kindness, and healing. It's about people learning patience with those who are broken and giving people second chances. Leah is a broken abused woman who finds solace and healing in a small southern town. She slowly learns that she can trust those who have shown her nothing but kindness and love. The readers will love Lulu, a woman who is grounded in Christ's love who pours kindness and love on those around her. She always seems to have the right answer and always has a cheerful attitude.
This is a book that although it deals with the topic of abuse, it is full of humor, romance, and love. The readers will fall in love with this small southern town and its townspeople. A wonderful story of a woman who finally finds the meaning of true love.
My Thoughts: This is such an enjoyable read; it was hard to put this novel down; the author's writing draws the reader into the story and jkeeps the readers attention. This is a book about overcoming abuse, finding love, kindness, and healing. It's about people learning patience with those who are broken and giving people second chances. Leah is a broken abused woman who finds solace and healing in a small southern town. She slowly learns that she can trust those who have shown her nothing but kindness and love. The readers will love Lulu, a woman who is grounded in Christ's love who pours kindness and love on those around her. She always seems to have the right answer and always has a cheerful attitude.
This is a book that although it deals with the topic of abuse, it is full of humor, romance, and love. The readers will fall in love with this small southern town and its townspeople. A wonderful story of a woman who finally finds the meaning of true love.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Crawl (2019) in Movies
Jul 26, 2019
Like Sushi Stuffed With Korean BBQ: Try it and You Just Might Like it
When a woman goes to check on her dad during a hurricane, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers alligators are in the crawl space. Yes, Crawl sounds dumb, but if you give it a chance, there is a possibility that you might just have a good time.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
There was a surprising amount of gator gore that I wasn’t prepared for, but welcomed. I never knew how much I needed to see a gator take a Floridian’s head off until the moment I watched Crawl. From an effects standpoints, the film is facing two hurdles: The ongoing hurricane and making the gators feel and look realistic. For the most part, both hurdles were leapt with ease. A lot of this film takes place within a tight space and director Sam Raimi effectively makes sure each shot looks original and the setting doesn’t get overdone.
Conflict: 10
Agree or disagree with the realism of the plot, you can’t deny the fact that this movie has consistent action throughout. After a slow start, the action quickly kicks in and there is always something happening. The tension buildups were perfect, leaving me on the hook for just long enough to make me want to scream out loud for them to get it over with.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 8
Pace: 10
At one point while gathering my thoughts, I wrote, “Not going to win any awards but still manages to hold your attention with a consistent pace.” It doesn’t just hold your attention, but commands it with things, crazy things, liable to happen at any moment. Those damn gators could be lurking anywhere as the crawlspace continues to fill up with water. It’s high-level intensity at its finest.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 8
Overall: 75
I never thought I would say this after watching the trailers but…I’d watch Crawl again. Not a classic by any stretch, but there are some that will like it and some that will love it. At a certain point, I was actually hoping it would really exceed my expectations and blow my mind, but I won’t get carried away. It’s good, but it’s not knocking anyone’s socks off.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 6
Cinematography/Visuals: 8
There was a surprising amount of gator gore that I wasn’t prepared for, but welcomed. I never knew how much I needed to see a gator take a Floridian’s head off until the moment I watched Crawl. From an effects standpoints, the film is facing two hurdles: The ongoing hurricane and making the gators feel and look realistic. For the most part, both hurdles were leapt with ease. A lot of this film takes place within a tight space and director Sam Raimi effectively makes sure each shot looks original and the setting doesn’t get overdone.
Conflict: 10
Agree or disagree with the realism of the plot, you can’t deny the fact that this movie has consistent action throughout. After a slow start, the action quickly kicks in and there is always something happening. The tension buildups were perfect, leaving me on the hook for just long enough to make me want to scream out loud for them to get it over with.
Entertainment Value: 5
Memorability: 8
Pace: 10
At one point while gathering my thoughts, I wrote, “Not going to win any awards but still manages to hold your attention with a consistent pace.” It doesn’t just hold your attention, but commands it with things, crazy things, liable to happen at any moment. Those damn gators could be lurking anywhere as the crawlspace continues to fill up with water. It’s high-level intensity at its finest.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 8
Overall: 75
I never thought I would say this after watching the trailers but…I’d watch Crawl again. Not a classic by any stretch, but there are some that will like it and some that will love it. At a certain point, I was actually hoping it would really exceed my expectations and blow my mind, but I won’t get carried away. It’s good, but it’s not knocking anyone’s socks off.