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Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Bleed For This (2016) in Movies
Aug 11, 2017 (Updated Oct 25, 2017)
Incredible true story (4 more)
Eckhart & Teller are brilliant in the lead performances
The supporting cast are great too
Tight script
Good direction
One Of The Most Remarkable Comebacks In History
If this movie wasn't based in true events, it would be ridiculed for being too far fetched. Don't get me wrong, I am sure that, (as is with the case with all movies based on a 'true' story,) some aspects of the film have been exaggerated for dramatic purposes, but even still, this is an incredible story about triumph over adversity.
The cast are all great, Miles Teller at this point is up there with Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal as a young character actor at the top of his game in my eyes. He is fantastic as Pazienza and does a brilliant job conveying the pain and tragedy that Vinnie faced and the 'nothing will stop me,' attitude that Vinnie possessed. Aaron Eckhart goes from Hollywood heart-throb, to past his prime shlub in this role and he sells it convincingly, he truly is one of the most underrated character actors working today in my opinion.
The rest of the ensemble cast are great. The production is also of an immensely high quality, the sets, sound design and abrupt editing all make up an equally grim and glamorous world that feels realistic and lived in.
Overall this film is definitely worth a watch, whether you are a boxing fan or not, it is a hugely inspirational story that has been brought to life masterfully and is a story that should be witnessed by everybody.
The cast are all great, Miles Teller at this point is up there with Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal as a young character actor at the top of his game in my eyes. He is fantastic as Pazienza and does a brilliant job conveying the pain and tragedy that Vinnie faced and the 'nothing will stop me,' attitude that Vinnie possessed. Aaron Eckhart goes from Hollywood heart-throb, to past his prime shlub in this role and he sells it convincingly, he truly is one of the most underrated character actors working today in my opinion.
The rest of the ensemble cast are great. The production is also of an immensely high quality, the sets, sound design and abrupt editing all make up an equally grim and glamorous world that feels realistic and lived in.
Overall this film is definitely worth a watch, whether you are a boxing fan or not, it is a hugely inspirational story that has been brought to life masterfully and is a story that should be witnessed by everybody.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Place of Peace (Kauffman Amish Bakery, #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Another good read from the talented hands of Mrs. Clipston. I was super excited when I read the blurb for this book. Being married to a firefighter, I'm always partial to books that include a firefighter or anything to do with rescuing. So, when I saw that this was not only another awesome Amish novel, but that it was about an Amish firefighter, I was instantly pulled to it. And, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It was a good combination.
Meeting Jamie and Kayla was like meeting up with long ago friends. Their characters were instantly a part of me and I loved watching their story unfold. Dealing with pain and tragedy, these two hearts beat as one from their first meeting. Watching them grow in their feelings for each other was a refreshing start to a new series.
Like Kayla, when the sirens go, my heart skips a beat. I hold my breath until my husband is home safe and sound. The way Mrs. Clipston blends everyday life of firefighting with the plain, simple living of the Amish is a treat for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read if you want something different. It's detailed and rich, and the characters don't stay characters for long. Each page turn brings you closer to the hearts of Kayla and Jamie, and I am excited to see what Mrs. Clipston has in store for us with book 2! Fantastic job!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Meeting Jamie and Kayla was like meeting up with long ago friends. Their characters were instantly a part of me and I loved watching their story unfold. Dealing with pain and tragedy, these two hearts beat as one from their first meeting. Watching them grow in their feelings for each other was a refreshing start to a new series.
Like Kayla, when the sirens go, my heart skips a beat. I hold my breath until my husband is home safe and sound. The way Mrs. Clipston blends everyday life of firefighting with the plain, simple living of the Amish is a treat for sure!
This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read if you want something different. It's detailed and rich, and the characters don't stay characters for long. Each page turn brings you closer to the hearts of Kayla and Jamie, and I am excited to see what Mrs. Clipston has in store for us with book 2! Fantastic job!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Pray for the Girl in Books
May 22, 2019
Lucy Abbott never pictured herself coming back to Fawn Grove, Maine. Yet after serving time in Afghanistan, then years spent as a sous chef in New York, she's realized her only hope of moving on from the past involves facing it again. But Fawn Grove, like Lucy herself, has changed.
Lucy's sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity--much like the refugees who've arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy's time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy--who knows something about hiding secrets--must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
Lucy is trying to heal from her past, so coming home is supposed to help with that.
I love the authors' description of the characters and town.
Very well developed plot with many layers to this novel.
The twist in part 2 was just a big WOW!
The ending I did not see coming at all.
Really enjoyed reading and have no trouble saying highly recommend!!
Thank you Net Galley, Kensington Books, and Joseph Souza for sending above book for review.
Lucy's sister, Wendy, is eager to help her adapt, almost stifling her with concern. At the local diner, Lucy is an exotic curiosity--much like the refugees who've arrived in recent years. When a fifteen-year-old Muslim girl is found murdered along the banks of the river, difficult memories of Lucy's time overseas come flooding back and she feels an automatic connection. At first glance, the tragedy looks like an honor killing. But the more Lucy learns about her old hometown, the less certain that seems.
There is menace and hostility here, clothed in neighborly smiles and a veneer of comfort. And when another teen is found dead in a cornfield, his throat slit, Lucy--who knows something about hiding secrets--must confront a truth more brutal than she could have imagined, in the last place she expected it . . .
Lucy is trying to heal from her past, so coming home is supposed to help with that.
I love the authors' description of the characters and town.
Very well developed plot with many layers to this novel.
The twist in part 2 was just a big WOW!
The ending I did not see coming at all.
Really enjoyed reading and have no trouble saying highly recommend!!
Thank you Net Galley, Kensington Books, and Joseph Souza for sending above book for review.
Kayla Ackerman (15 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Jun 5, 2019
Sandra Bullock (2 more)
Sort of original plot?
Nice scenery
A combination of 'A Quiet Place' and 'The Happening' (3 more)
Two timelines were not needed to convey the story
The big bad is merely suggested, never revealed
Too much build up for a climax that never comes
Too much hype, not enough follow through.
Maybe in a linear timeline, this would have been a good story: It would have been about a cold, cut off woman learning to open up to those around her in the face of tragedy, only to be met with misery again, which she responds to by closing herself off and becoming cold, rational, and kinda mean, but in the end she has to learn that there is more to life than just survival. That sounds much better than the time jumpy nonsense that spoiled itself every step of the way and took all tension out of half the film because we know they survive at least as long as we have already seen them get.Battling an enemy that literally is the embodiment of your worst fear (or salvation to fractured minds?) is a pretty scary concept, or it would be if I could picture anything other than a Boggart from Harry Potter, which is the issue because I do have to make up my own mind about what it is that they are seeing that makes them kill themselves, since the film never saw fit to show us a sliver of anything. Watching someone react to something that you have never seen is not a lot of fun, and that was the whole movie: characters reacting to vague, off-screen monsters.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated The Earth Bleeds Red in Books
Apr 3, 2018
a good book, just not one for me!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Scott and Jessie, and their 17 year old daughter Ashley, live a good life, a happy life. Til one day, it all goes terribly wrong and Ashley is kidnapped, possibly dead. Scott and Jessie need to keep it together long enough for Ashley to be found alive, or not.
Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is a really good thing but, while a well told story, this one just didn't quite hit the spot. And I don't really know why!
Told mostly from Scott's point of view, in the first, it deals with how a family copes when tragedy strikes.
We do get some other people, in the third person, but they felt more of a narration of their voice, rather than THEM speaking, if that makes any sense?? I didn't connect to them in any way, not even when the bad guy has his five minutes, and you know how much I LOVE getting into the mind of the bad guy! I just felt, apart from Scott, totally disconnected from everyone else.
It is well written, and I saw no editing or spelling errors. It does get a little graphic in places, when being told what was done to Ashley when she was kidnapped, but it is not in any way romantic. Not even before Ashley was kidnapped, did I feel the romance between Scott and Jessie.
A good book, just not one for me and I'm sorry for that!
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Scott and Jessie, and their 17 year old daughter Ashley, live a good life, a happy life. Til one day, it all goes terribly wrong and Ashley is kidnapped, possibly dead. Scott and Jessie need to keep it together long enough for Ashley to be found alive, or not.
Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is a really good thing but, while a well told story, this one just didn't quite hit the spot. And I don't really know why!
Told mostly from Scott's point of view, in the first, it deals with how a family copes when tragedy strikes.
We do get some other people, in the third person, but they felt more of a narration of their voice, rather than THEM speaking, if that makes any sense?? I didn't connect to them in any way, not even when the bad guy has his five minutes, and you know how much I LOVE getting into the mind of the bad guy! I just felt, apart from Scott, totally disconnected from everyone else.
It is well written, and I saw no editing or spelling errors. It does get a little graphic in places, when being told what was done to Ashley when she was kidnapped, but it is not in any way romantic. Not even before Ashley was kidnapped, did I feel the romance between Scott and Jessie.
A good book, just not one for me and I'm sorry for that!
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kristin (149 KP) rated Learn To Love Me in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is an exciting mystery/crime thriller/suspense/sort-of-romance all wrapped together with a tight little bow. Emily is a journalist trying to break into the exciting world of news instead of just writing a column. She gets her wish, but only after a girl she interviewed for her column goes missing. While trying to cope with the tragedy, her marriage is starting to falter, she's not so sure her husband is still the man she fell in love with, and to beat it all, she's getting harassing phone calls at work and home. When the detective assigned to her case turns out to be an old flame, things get really interesting, and Emily's whole life seems to spiral out of control.
This story has everything: journalists, cops, quarreling spouses, old boyfriends, haunted pasts, kidnapping, etc. etc. Once I started reading, I only put it down because my husband yelled at me to go to bed. I kept trying to guess who the bad guy was throughout the story, and I just couldn't settle on one person for too long. The author definitely keeps you guessing until the reveal at the end, and then the explanation is just as crazy as those we hear on the news. I can say, I totally didn't see the Epilogue coming, but it's just fantastic!!
I would definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries, suspense thrillers, crime thrillers, and anybody who just wants to read an awesome story that'll keep you guessing. =)
5 stars (wish I could give more)
This is an exciting mystery/crime thriller/suspense/sort-of-romance all wrapped together with a tight little bow. Emily is a journalist trying to break into the exciting world of news instead of just writing a column. She gets her wish, but only after a girl she interviewed for her column goes missing. While trying to cope with the tragedy, her marriage is starting to falter, she's not so sure her husband is still the man she fell in love with, and to beat it all, she's getting harassing phone calls at work and home. When the detective assigned to her case turns out to be an old flame, things get really interesting, and Emily's whole life seems to spiral out of control.
This story has everything: journalists, cops, quarreling spouses, old boyfriends, haunted pasts, kidnapping, etc. etc. Once I started reading, I only put it down because my husband yelled at me to go to bed. I kept trying to guess who the bad guy was throughout the story, and I just couldn't settle on one person for too long. The author definitely keeps you guessing until the reveal at the end, and then the explanation is just as crazy as those we hear on the news. I can say, I totally didn't see the Epilogue coming, but it's just fantastic!!
I would definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries, suspense thrillers, crime thrillers, and anybody who just wants to read an awesome story that'll keep you guessing. =)
5 stars (wish I could give more)
Louise (64 KP) rated Beside Myself in Books
Jul 2, 2018
I love a family drama mystery and the synopsis instantly pulled me in. Identical twins that swap places! surely the mother would realise or friends and family? Apart from the twins being identical in appearance their personalities are very different. Helen is the devious one, she has loads of friends and is confident, whereas Ellie is perhaps a bit behind for her age and has some social problems. One day Helen thinks it will be fun to play tricks on people by swapping identities and seeing whether they can tell. Only for Helen this is the biggest mistake of her life as Ellie doesn’t want to return to her former self and starts to reinvent herself and be Helen permanently. This lead Helen’s mental health to spiral out of control and becomes instantly labelled as a troublemaker by family and friends as she constantly tries to tell them that they have swapped. Years later when Helen has been cast out by her family, it’s only when a tragedy occurs that she is swept back into the drama by meeting her sister’s husband and daughter.
This book got a little confusing for me, I was having a little of a hard time of trying to keep up with who was who. At times I was skeptical towards the plot as it felt unrealistic in parts.The Mother was just an awful human being and treated her children badly.. This was difficult to read as Helen had such a tragic life and everything and one seemed to be against her. I would recommend reading if you enjoy family psychological drama.
Overall I rated this book 3/5 stars.
This book got a little confusing for me, I was having a little of a hard time of trying to keep up with who was who. At times I was skeptical towards the plot as it felt unrealistic in parts.The Mother was just an awful human being and treated her children badly.. This was difficult to read as Helen had such a tragic life and everything and one seemed to be against her. I would recommend reading if you enjoy family psychological drama.
Overall I rated this book 3/5 stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Summerland in Books
Mar 19, 2020
It's high school graduation on Nantucket. But this usual time of celebration turns to tragedy when--on graduation night--a terrible car crashes kills one local student, Penny Alistair, and leaves her twin brother, Hobson, in a coma. Penny's boyfriend, Jake, and her friend, Demeter, are not hurt, at least physically. But the crash shakes the island and leaves everyone wondering exactly what happened. Why was Penny driving Jake's Jeep that night? What caused her to drive so quickly and recklessly?
I enjoy every Elin Hilderbrand book I read, and I liked this one, though it wasn't one of my all-time favorites. I didn't find myself greatly attached to any one character, or really pulled deeply into the plot. Honestly, while many of Hilderbrand's books have a dark or sad side, this one was really depressing at times, even though there was a layer of hope as well. It hit very close to home, as I am a mother of twins, so maybe that was part of it. I was a little heartbroken, and my heart went out to Zoe, the mother of Penny and Alistair.
As with all Hilderbrand books, the story is interesting, and she weaves a detailed and intricate tale of island life. There's more than just an accident, with intersecting webs of characters. I liked the parallels and ties between the high school children and their parents. It was an engaging story, with a lot of serious subjects.
I'm glad I read this one, but if you're just starting out with Hilderbrand, there are other books I'd recommend first. 3+ stars.
I enjoy every Elin Hilderbrand book I read, and I liked this one, though it wasn't one of my all-time favorites. I didn't find myself greatly attached to any one character, or really pulled deeply into the plot. Honestly, while many of Hilderbrand's books have a dark or sad side, this one was really depressing at times, even though there was a layer of hope as well. It hit very close to home, as I am a mother of twins, so maybe that was part of it. I was a little heartbroken, and my heart went out to Zoe, the mother of Penny and Alistair.
As with all Hilderbrand books, the story is interesting, and she weaves a detailed and intricate tale of island life. There's more than just an accident, with intersecting webs of characters. I liked the parallels and ties between the high school children and their parents. It was an engaging story, with a lot of serious subjects.
I'm glad I read this one, but if you're just starting out with Hilderbrand, there are other books I'd recommend first. 3+ stars.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated To the Boys Who Wear Pink in Books
Mar 31, 2020
To The Boys Who Wear Pink is a standalone novel that details the lives of seven (sometimes eight) men from individual points of view through current time and flashbacks. Most of them were at the same school and we find out what their lives were like, who they were with etc. And then they grow up and a tragedy occurs. It is only about three-quarters through the book when you actually get the full picture but the hints are definitely enough to keep you turning the pages.
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
The Many Lives of Miss K: Toto Koopman - Model, Muse, Spy
Jean-Noel Liaut and Denise Jacobs
Book
A life of glamour and tragedy, set against the watershed cultural and political movements of...