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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Bleed For This (2016) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
Bleed for This is the true story of boxer Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller). Vinny is the type of person that in and out of the ring goes all out to the point he can go no further. This mindset puts him on the verge of being out of boxing after losing three straight fights, which he drastically cuts weight to fight. As he searches for one last chance, he is paired with a new trainer, Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart), who is also seemingly given his last chance to revive his career. Rooney sets out to change the way Vinny trains and convinces him that fighting at a heavier weight will help his body, he previously was taking drastic measures to cut weight for fights. The pair are committed to success even with Vinny’s head strong father’s (Angelo Pazienza played by Ciarán Hinds) disapproving of the change, his mother (Louise Pazienza played by Katey Sagal) not wanting Vinny to get hurt, and his own Manager (Lou Duva played by Ted Levine) saying he should quit boxing all together. After some convincing and a lot of hard work Vinny gets his chance at one last fight. But he is moving up two weight classes and is put into a title fight against a seasoned opponent. Vinny shocks seemingly everyone by overcoming these obstacles and knocking out his favored opponent to become a World Champion.
After the biggest win of his career when everything appears to be going Vinny, his families and Rooney’s way, there is a terrible car accident and Vinny suffers a broken neck. The doctor tells him that he may never walk again, let alone box. With everyone telling him that his boxing career is over, Vinny is single-mindedly determined to do everything he can to get back into the ring. He opts to not have surgery in hopes that his neck can heal on its own and he can return to champion ship form. He has to convince Rooney to train him, find someone willing to fight him, and has to overcome his once over bearing father being unwilling be in his corner for the first time in his life. Even with a mountain of obstacles in his way, he begins his quest to get back into the ring and show everyone that he can do the impossible and regain his past form.
Writer and Director Ben Younger (Prime and Boiler Room) does an excellent job with this inspirational true story. The supporting cast provide solid performances, especial Eckhart and Hinds, but Miles Teller’s performance is what really makes this a fun film to watch. He really seemed to fit into this role really well. His performance was both compelling and fun. There were several times that the film showed actual old footage and footage just made to look old and you really couldn’t tell if it was Teller or the real Vinny Pazienza on the screen. I liked how the boxing sequences were not over dramatized, no mouth pieces flying across the ring, it looked like there was an effort to just keep them as true to the actual fights as possible. I also enjoyed the moments of comedy. For a story full of drama there was a good amount of well-timed comedy, mostly provided by Teller. Visually they did a good job of making the film feel like you were in late 80s and early 90s. There were a couple of slow scenes but overall the film flowed really well.
Overall this was a well done boxing genre movie. Good story, great acting performances and solid directing.
After the biggest win of his career when everything appears to be going Vinny, his families and Rooney’s way, there is a terrible car accident and Vinny suffers a broken neck. The doctor tells him that he may never walk again, let alone box. With everyone telling him that his boxing career is over, Vinny is single-mindedly determined to do everything he can to get back into the ring. He opts to not have surgery in hopes that his neck can heal on its own and he can return to champion ship form. He has to convince Rooney to train him, find someone willing to fight him, and has to overcome his once over bearing father being unwilling be in his corner for the first time in his life. Even with a mountain of obstacles in his way, he begins his quest to get back into the ring and show everyone that he can do the impossible and regain his past form.
Writer and Director Ben Younger (Prime and Boiler Room) does an excellent job with this inspirational true story. The supporting cast provide solid performances, especial Eckhart and Hinds, but Miles Teller’s performance is what really makes this a fun film to watch. He really seemed to fit into this role really well. His performance was both compelling and fun. There were several times that the film showed actual old footage and footage just made to look old and you really couldn’t tell if it was Teller or the real Vinny Pazienza on the screen. I liked how the boxing sequences were not over dramatized, no mouth pieces flying across the ring, it looked like there was an effort to just keep them as true to the actual fights as possible. I also enjoyed the moments of comedy. For a story full of drama there was a good amount of well-timed comedy, mostly provided by Teller. Visually they did a good job of making the film feel like you were in late 80s and early 90s. There were a couple of slow scenes but overall the film flowed really well.
Overall this was a well done boxing genre movie. Good story, great acting performances and solid directing.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Pushing Daisies - Season 2 in TV
Jan 9, 2018
As mentioned in the first season, the story follows Emerson Cod, a private investigator; Charlotte Charles, Ned's childhood sweetheart brought back from the dead by Ned; and Ned, who has the ability to bring the dead back to life for one minute before something else takes its place.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.
Each episode entails all kinds of quirky murder mysteries in which Ned, Emerson, and Charlotte must solve together. As the season progresses, we learn more about each character and other sub characters such as Olive Snook.
We see Emerson in his flight to get in contact with his long lost daughter, Charlotte who tricks Ned into bringing her deceased father back to life, Olives unrequited love with Ned, and Ned who can never touch his only true, Charlotte, love again.
However, I will warn you, the series end kind of abruptly. The contract for a third series, for some reason, was cancelled meaning everything had to be tied up at the end when it should not have. It is rather unfortunate because it is such a good series.
Kieran Harvey (51 KP) rated Alien: Covenant (2017) in Movies
Jul 18, 2017
Great cast (6 more)
Michael Fassbender
Action
Genuinely scary in some parts
Visuals are amazing
Cinematography
Great twist
A solid Alien Sequel that's more Alien than Prometheus
I love the alien movies and I really liked Prometheus despite mixed reviews so it's fair to say I was excited for this movie, and rightly so. From the start this is clearly going to be a great horror/thriller and a true alien movie and it doesn't disappoint. Michael Fassbender in this movie is amazing as he plays android Walter and David from Prometheus. The action is outstanding and horrific despite not occurring frequently, and there are a couple of great twists in the story. The final twist completely shocked me and I loved it and couldn't stop thinking about it for a long time it's so genius but that's for you to find out and hopefully love as well. Some may have predicted it but I don't care because I try not to predict where a film will go, I just enjoy the ride and this ride is fantastic!
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated A Royal Christmas Wedding in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Avery Truitt is someone who was going to college to be a professional volleyball player. 5 years before she meets Prince Colin when she was with her sister Susanna went to Cathedral City. What ever happen to Avery and Colin?
Susanna has invited both her sister and mother to the Brington Kingdom for the Christmas season. Will their mother get over their father’s death? There appear someone brings Avery and Colin together at every turn. Will Colin father help or harm Colin? The old bell rings and who has pulled it and rung it?
People do not believe that God had pulled the 600-pound bell that started ringing and brings all people to the where the accident of Prince Michael died. Do I love that fact that there is a meaning and some true relationship trouble and Hauck shows that in each story in The Royal Wedding Series? She let the characters work it out their own problems. She does not rush them. Rachel Hauck does well with the plot and her writing is wonderful as well.
Susanna has invited both her sister and mother to the Brington Kingdom for the Christmas season. Will their mother get over their father’s death? There appear someone brings Avery and Colin together at every turn. Will Colin father help or harm Colin? The old bell rings and who has pulled it and rung it?
People do not believe that God had pulled the 600-pound bell that started ringing and brings all people to the where the accident of Prince Michael died. Do I love that fact that there is a meaning and some true relationship trouble and Hauck shows that in each story in The Royal Wedding Series? She let the characters work it out their own problems. She does not rush them. Rachel Hauck does well with the plot and her writing is wonderful as well.
ClareR (6067 KP) rated Star of the North in Books
May 3, 2018 (Updated May 3, 2018)
One of my favourite books of the year!
I feel like I’ve just stepped off a roller coaster - what a ride that was!!
Twelve years after her sister was kidnapped on a South Korean beach, Jenna, a Korean-American and a well-respected lecturer in North Korean studies, joins the CIA. She thinks that she may be able to track down her sister, who she believes is alive. Mrs Moon is a North Korean peasant, who builds a business after finding contraband food that was sent over by balloon from South Korea. Cho is a high ranking North Korean official who is found to have undesirable ancestors and is punished. These three storylines end up coming together so cleverly, in a story that is exciting and told at a breakneck speed. I loved it. This is one of those ‘un-put-downable’ books. The ending is so unexpected and explosive - just wow!! Honestly, this has ‘movie adaptation’ written all over it. And when you realise that this is all based on fact and true stories...
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for my copy!!
Twelve years after her sister was kidnapped on a South Korean beach, Jenna, a Korean-American and a well-respected lecturer in North Korean studies, joins the CIA. She thinks that she may be able to track down her sister, who she believes is alive. Mrs Moon is a North Korean peasant, who builds a business after finding contraband food that was sent over by balloon from South Korea. Cho is a high ranking North Korean official who is found to have undesirable ancestors and is punished. These three storylines end up coming together so cleverly, in a story that is exciting and told at a breakneck speed. I loved it. This is one of those ‘un-put-downable’ books. The ending is so unexpected and explosive - just wow!! Honestly, this has ‘movie adaptation’ written all over it. And when you realise that this is all based on fact and true stories...
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for my copy!!
Domonique (0 KP) rated The Walking Dead: v. 1: Days Gone Bye in Books
May 12, 2018
This was awesome! I've been watching the show for years, but I never read the comic even though I knew that's what it was based on. And people kept saying how good it was, but I read so many other things that I just never had a chance to check out. But I got this free trial on Comixology and thought, why not? And let me tell you, I am hooked, I think I read this in a day and it's a comic book so it's not like it takes longs to read anyway but I found it hard to focus on other things when all I wanted to do was read this. It's exactly like the show, and of course I know this came first, but it's kind of cool to read this after watching the show to see how true they stayed to the story. I've started Volume 2 already and I'm pretty sure I'm going to finish this quickly as well. Before long, I might be caught on the comics like I am with the show.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Highwaymen (2019) in Movies
Apr 24, 2019
Excellent acting (1 more)
Period cars and outfits (love it ?)
A Different Side to Bonnie and Clyde
I really enjoyed this. It was complex and interesting, and the characterisations were fantastic. I will admit it was a little slow to start and there were parts I thought needed more explaination (but then it happens a little later and it fleshes the characters out more). I often find the story of Bonnie and Clyde to be romanticised (which to an extent I suppose it's true) but those versions never really show how truly violent and senseless their crime spree was. This however, shows how callous and truly intelligent they were as a team, it's refreshing to see that, because it truly was the truth of the situation. I've always been a fan of Woody (Zombieland is still one of my favourite movies) and this movie shows a different side of his abilities as an actor so that was pretty cool. Overall, it's a thoughtful and interesting film I enjoyed immensely.
Dakota Morrill (17 KP) rated The Shawshank Redemption (1994) in Movies
Mar 2, 2018
Great movie with one annoying flaw
Contains spoilers, click to show
I saw this movie for the first time only recently after hearing my friends preach about it for years. I knew it was a short story by Steven King that was adapted into an extremely long movie, but I had no idea what the movie was about until I hit that play button.
The question of whether or not Andy actually killed his wife and her lover is never answered. I’d held my breath hoping we’d get some form of true closure, but with the events that transpire, any chances of finding out what truly happened is shut down.
The biggest reason that I would prefer to give this film an 8.5 however is the boring stereotypical ending involving Andy escaping, the evil Warden dying, the mean enforcer being enforced, and Red simply joining Andy in dream land working together forever more to live happily ever after. It feels like they just got bored after writing such a long script that they wrote a placeholder then walked away, forgetting to come back later and finish. Disappointing.
The question of whether or not Andy actually killed his wife and her lover is never answered. I’d held my breath hoping we’d get some form of true closure, but with the events that transpire, any chances of finding out what truly happened is shut down.
The biggest reason that I would prefer to give this film an 8.5 however is the boring stereotypical ending involving Andy escaping, the evil Warden dying, the mean enforcer being enforced, and Red simply joining Andy in dream land working together forever more to live happily ever after. It feels like they just got bored after writing such a long script that they wrote a placeholder then walked away, forgetting to come back later and finish. Disappointing.
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
What a sweet story this book is. Emma and her brother Ryan start out on a steamer boat. They are attack by pirates. Emma see that the steam boat catch fire. Emma and Ryan jump into the lake and are now trying to survive. Patrick see the steam boat catch fire.
Things start to happen once they arrive to the island. Patrick is in need of a wife to watch over his son Joisah. There are secrets and a romance and a traveling preachers believe they may be answers to each other problems. Can they find the true meaningful word of wife and husband. Will Emma find her own home? Though for having faith you need to believe in god himself and not believe in people. You can not put all your faith in people you love to have all that you need. Does Patrick, Emma or Ryan find that faith? Do they find Joisah? To know these answer and more you need to read the book. Will Patrick get over his Past?
Things start to happen once they arrive to the island. Patrick is in need of a wife to watch over his son Joisah. There are secrets and a romance and a traveling preachers believe they may be answers to each other problems. Can they find the true meaningful word of wife and husband. Will Emma find her own home? Though for having faith you need to believe in god himself and not believe in people. You can not put all your faith in people you love to have all that you need. Does Patrick, Emma or Ryan find that faith? Do they find Joisah? To know these answer and more you need to read the book. Will Patrick get over his Past?
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Only The Brave (2017) in Movies
Mar 21, 2018
You need to see this...
The true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots is compelling in every way and should not be missed.
Their triumphs and tragedies make for enriching, adventurous drama as well as seat-gripping adventure.
Jeff Bridges has the quote of the film saying : "If you're looking for sympathy, the only place you're going to find it is in the dictionary, somewhere between shit and syphilis."
The bravery of these men running into fire while the rest of us run away should make us average folk not so worried about our cell phone batteries or what you are having for dinner tonight.
The film is not only about the men, but their relationships, families and the hard choices they must make in order to be a part of this daredevil profession lifestyle.
I loved this film.
P.S. How does Jennifer Connelly keep getting more beautiful ? I looked it up and she's actually older than me and I look like a dried up turd. Unbelieveable!
Their triumphs and tragedies make for enriching, adventurous drama as well as seat-gripping adventure.
Jeff Bridges has the quote of the film saying : "If you're looking for sympathy, the only place you're going to find it is in the dictionary, somewhere between shit and syphilis."
The bravery of these men running into fire while the rest of us run away should make us average folk not so worried about our cell phone batteries or what you are having for dinner tonight.
The film is not only about the men, but their relationships, families and the hard choices they must make in order to be a part of this daredevil profession lifestyle.
I loved this film.
P.S. How does Jennifer Connelly keep getting more beautiful ? I looked it up and she's actually older than me and I look like a dried up turd. Unbelieveable!