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Lee (2222 KP) rated Only The Brave (2017) in Movies
Nov 14, 2017
A true story that deserved to be told
Only the Brave is based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots - the first ever municipal fire crew to be certified as Hotshots, which is the name given to the brave firefighters that tackle wildfires on the ground. It's another true story I wasn't aware of, and as with many of the others that have had movies made of them recently, it is just as deserving to be told. My appreciation of the movie, in particular how it all ended, was certainly improved based on the fact that I had no prior knowledge of the story.
Although, we do get to see a number of wildfires throughout the movie and get to fully appreciate the scale and danger that they present to both firefighters and residents in the path of destruction, Only the Brave never descends into an over-the-top disaster blockbuster. Instead, the movies main focus is often on the team of firefighter themselves, their family lives, and how they juggle all of that along with such an intensely demanding work life. At times though, this side of the movie doesn't work so well as we constantly meander through some of the less interesting parts of the lives of the crew, and I felt the whole movie could have benefited by shaving about 30 minutes from its run time. There's a great, all-star cast to help things along though - Josh Brolin is supervisor Eric Marsh, Miles Teller one of his rookies, and that's just the start of it. Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, and Andie MacDowell all feature in strong supporting roles.
Despite its slow start and extended run time, I definitely found Only the Brave an enjoyable and emotional story.
Although, we do get to see a number of wildfires throughout the movie and get to fully appreciate the scale and danger that they present to both firefighters and residents in the path of destruction, Only the Brave never descends into an over-the-top disaster blockbuster. Instead, the movies main focus is often on the team of firefighter themselves, their family lives, and how they juggle all of that along with such an intensely demanding work life. At times though, this side of the movie doesn't work so well as we constantly meander through some of the less interesting parts of the lives of the crew, and I felt the whole movie could have benefited by shaving about 30 minutes from its run time. There's a great, all-star cast to help things along though - Josh Brolin is supervisor Eric Marsh, Miles Teller one of his rookies, and that's just the start of it. Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, and Andie MacDowell all feature in strong supporting roles.
Despite its slow start and extended run time, I definitely found Only the Brave an enjoyable and emotional story.
Incredibly haunting
I won’t be the only one to admit that I know little about the real detail behind the incident at Chernobyl, so for me this series was a true eye opener and not a particularly pleasant one. Whilst I don’t doubt that some of this may have been embellished a little like most tv productions, I really think that most of this is the real truth behind Chernobyl.
This definitely isn’t a nice watch. Right from the first episode it’s harrowing and frankly frustrating and maddening to see how people initially reacted to the incident, and it doesn’t get any easier as the episodes go on. I just cannot believe the denial and actions (or lack of) of those I’m charge. By the end of the final episode with the clips and video of the real events and people, I was virtually in tears it was just so haunting. For me I’ve learnt so much watching this about the true events, and it was good to get the updates on the real life situation and people, with even some good news thrown in amongst the somber. My only criticism is that whilst the cast is fantastic and there’s a lot of recognisable faces that pop up in this even briefly, is that I don’t understand what’s with all of the English accents? It got a tad irritating after a while and surely some attempt at a Ukrainian accent would have been better?
That said, this is a truly harrowing yet informative show and I think everyone should watch this and learn a think or two. I definitely have, and I’ll now have a whole new understanding and appreciation of the true magnitude of the situation when I visit Chernobyl in October.
This definitely isn’t a nice watch. Right from the first episode it’s harrowing and frankly frustrating and maddening to see how people initially reacted to the incident, and it doesn’t get any easier as the episodes go on. I just cannot believe the denial and actions (or lack of) of those I’m charge. By the end of the final episode with the clips and video of the real events and people, I was virtually in tears it was just so haunting. For me I’ve learnt so much watching this about the true events, and it was good to get the updates on the real life situation and people, with even some good news thrown in amongst the somber. My only criticism is that whilst the cast is fantastic and there’s a lot of recognisable faces that pop up in this even briefly, is that I don’t understand what’s with all of the English accents? It got a tad irritating after a while and surely some attempt at a Ukrainian accent would have been better?
That said, this is a truly harrowing yet informative show and I think everyone should watch this and learn a think or two. I definitely have, and I’ll now have a whole new understanding and appreciation of the true magnitude of the situation when I visit Chernobyl in October.
The House of Government: A Saga of the Russian Revolution
Book
On the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, the epic story of an enormous apartment building...
WT
Wondrous Truths: The Improbable Triumph of Modern Science
Book
A fresh, daring, and genuine alternative to the traditional story of scientific progress. Explaining...
The Heart A Rose
10.0
Rate It
Book
The Heart A Rose: A Masterfully Crafted Poetic Journey Through Lifelong Love Are you a hopeless...
poetry
M0v134ss4ss1n (3 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Apr 23, 2019
A Gamers Dream Come True
Contains spoilers, click to show
The movie is in a distant future where GAMING is the way of life. Which, lets be honest, isnt really that far off for us, anyhow...We find out that within this world that there is this great inventor who has hidden 3 magical keys within the game, and in order to find the keys players must crack the clues to figure out where the keys are or how to obtain them. For those of us who grew up in a time where games where just taking off and that grew up in the 80s there is alot of nostalgia within the movie. Anything from the Delorean from the Back to the Future movies, to Bigfoot the monster truck, to songs that make us remmeber when life seemes much more simple, and fun. In the end our heros must face the evil corporation trying to take over and must save the world from said Corporation. All in all this is a must see for gamera and 80s geeks alike.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Small Town Girl in Books
Jan 18, 2018
As far as style goes, Spencer has a beautiful and easy style that seems to seep into her mind like a daydream. It's so easy to read through her works, that you are over before you even realize you have begun. Her characters are solid and real, the type of people you can imagine walking out onto your front porch and seeing no matter where you are from.
I loved the humor and realness that seemed to come naturally to this story. I found myself laugh just as often as I found myself cringing in frustration at the stubbornness of the characters.
However, this novel was so boring, I had a hard time completely it. While the words flowed quickly from the pages, the story itself held no interests whatsoever. It felt like a peak into someone's diary of their everyday life or watching a lifetime movie. It was so true to life (minus the famous country star scenario), that it just didn't seem to have any appeal or magic.
I feel that giving it three stars may be to harsh, and yet at the same time, I cannot justify giving it more.
I loved the humor and realness that seemed to come naturally to this story. I found myself laugh just as often as I found myself cringing in frustration at the stubbornness of the characters.
However, this novel was so boring, I had a hard time completely it. While the words flowed quickly from the pages, the story itself held no interests whatsoever. It felt like a peak into someone's diary of their everyday life or watching a lifetime movie. It was so true to life (minus the famous country star scenario), that it just didn't seem to have any appeal or magic.
I feel that giving it three stars may be to harsh, and yet at the same time, I cannot justify giving it more.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Front Seat - Single by Talii in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Talii is a singer-songwriter based in Orlando, Florida. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her tropical pop tune, entitled, “Front Seat”.
“I don’t think we ever met in this lifetime but my soul knows you. I don’t recognize you with my eyes but I think I’m starting to. You reflect the best of me, make me wanna give my all to you. I’m tryna get to know you better.” – lyrics
‘Front Seat’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who courageously decides to take the lead in her life.
Apparently, she looks within herself for guidance and gets in tune with her soul. Later, she admits, she’s becoming somebody and starting to remember who she truly is.
‘Front Seat’ contains an adorable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and rhythmic instrumentation flavored with tropical, R&B, and dancehall elements.
“The title refers to moving your ego out of the driver’s seat and allowing your true self to take the wheel. It’s a representation of appreciating and loving the person I’m becoming. It reflects my growth and evolution not only musically but within my life overall.” – Talii via Billboard
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/talii-front-seat/
“I don’t think we ever met in this lifetime but my soul knows you. I don’t recognize you with my eyes but I think I’m starting to. You reflect the best of me, make me wanna give my all to you. I’m tryna get to know you better.” – lyrics
‘Front Seat’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who courageously decides to take the lead in her life.
Apparently, she looks within herself for guidance and gets in tune with her soul. Later, she admits, she’s becoming somebody and starting to remember who she truly is.
‘Front Seat’ contains an adorable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and rhythmic instrumentation flavored with tropical, R&B, and dancehall elements.
“The title refers to moving your ego out of the driver’s seat and allowing your true self to take the wheel. It’s a representation of appreciating and loving the person I’m becoming. It reflects my growth and evolution not only musically but within my life overall.” – Talii via Billboard
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/talii-front-seat/
ClareR (5681 KP) rated Gravity Is The Thing in Books
Dec 30, 2019
Gravity Is The Thing is such a lovely, heartwarming book. The main character, Abigail, has had her fair share of grief and hard times already in her life. When she is given the opportunity to go on a retreat connected to ‘The Guidebook’ that she has been receiving chapters of since she was a teenager, Abigail jumps at the chance. When she is selected to be one of the few chosen from a large group to find out the true meaning of The Guidebook, she is stunned at the big reveal. As are the other chosen few. They all leave, feeling disillusioned. But when the course leader, Wilbur, phones her, apologises, and asks if she’ll come to the weekly classes near to where she lives, she agrees. We learn much more about the participants, and Abigail in particular. She’s a single mum who runs her own business, and she works hard.
This was a gorgeous book. It made me laugh and cry, and made me think about my own life as well. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This was a gorgeous book. It made me laugh and cry, and made me think about my own life as well. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Mistress of My Fate; The Confessions of Henrietta Lightfoot in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Hallie Rubenhold's foray into the world of historical fiction brings us to Henrietta Lightfoot and the first volume of her memoirs. I confess that I didn't realise that this was the first book in a planned series and felt a bit frustrated at the end of the book as there were many unresolved questions I was dying to know the answer to!
Books written in the first person can sometimes feel a bit contrived, but that wasn't a problem here at all. An older Henrietta relates the 'true' story of her life, evidently in answer to some untruths put about by a character we have yet to properly meet in this first volume; I'm sure all will become apparent later on!
Many of the characters who weave their way through Rubenhold's tale are actually real, historical figures. Even her fictional characters owe something to the real life experiences of other Georgian inhabitants. This certainly isn't prettified historical fiction; we follow the initially very naive Henrietta through her ups and downs. The main action of the novel takes place over the space of about a year, when Henrietta is still only 17. I look forward to the next instalment!
Books written in the first person can sometimes feel a bit contrived, but that wasn't a problem here at all. An older Henrietta relates the 'true' story of her life, evidently in answer to some untruths put about by a character we have yet to properly meet in this first volume; I'm sure all will become apparent later on!
Many of the characters who weave their way through Rubenhold's tale are actually real, historical figures. Even her fictional characters owe something to the real life experiences of other Georgian inhabitants. This certainly isn't prettified historical fiction; we follow the initially very naive Henrietta through her ups and downs. The main action of the novel takes place over the space of about a year, when Henrietta is still only 17. I look forward to the next instalment!