Search
Search results
Lady of Lincoln (The Nicola de la Haye Series #1)
9.0
Rate It
Book
A true story. A forgotten heroine. In a time when women were told to stay silent, could she become...
Historical Medieval Biographical Fiction
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Express (2008) in Movies
Aug 13, 2020
I Tried
I was rooting something fierce for The Express. Sure the trailer looked cheesy, but I wanted to give it a chance. And give it a chance I did. I gave it every chance in the book and it got more painful with every second. It follows the true story of Ernie Davis and his journey to make it to the NFL .
Acting: 7
There are some solid performances for the most part but it’s unfortunately sprinkled in with what I call Hallmark Acting. It’s painfully obvious that not everyone is on the same wavelength here. Fortunately, Rob Brown is strong as Ernie Davis which makes things a bit more bearable throughout the movie.
Beginning: 3
Very slow start, mainly because I didn’t really understand what they were trying to establish with the story. Ernie is narrating, but there are a jumble of images to start and you have to make a push to piece things together. It’s also a very cliche start to a story.
Characters: 10
I did really enjoy Ernie’s character which made the movie better for me since he was the focal point. I also really appreciate his grandparents in the story, particularly his grandfather played by Charles S. Dutton. They are full of love as they make a push to steer Ernie in the right direction. Shout out to Dennis Quaid as well playing the role of the gruff coach Ben Schwartzwalder. He had a few scenes that were definitely made brighter because of him.
Cinematography/Visuals: 5
Conflict: 3
Even without knowing the story (as I didn’t) you can kind of guess and see where things are going. I didn’t feel like they did a solid enough job of showing the obstacles Ernie had to overcome. According to this, he was a beast early on and basically never looked back from there. That’s all good and fine but it takes away from the conflict needed to drive the story.
Entertainment Value: 6
Memorability: 5
Out of all the sports movies I’ve watched, this one doesn’t even hold a candle. I get sleepy just thinking about it at times. The story is ultimately memorable, but there are no real moments or scenes that stand out above the rest.
Pace: 6
Plot: 4
Resolution: 8
Given the rest of the movie, the ending actually wasn’t all that bad. Without giving anything away it was quality closure for the story. It made me wonder why they couldn’t pull this off in the rest of the movie.
Overall: 57
The Express was doing ok for a bit and then it just got really weird. There is a scene where Ernie is out on the field and there are these strange heat shimmers. This, like a number of other things, just had no place in the movie. Given a do over of some sort, this wouldn’t be a bad story to see unfold on the screen.
Acting: 7
There are some solid performances for the most part but it’s unfortunately sprinkled in with what I call Hallmark Acting. It’s painfully obvious that not everyone is on the same wavelength here. Fortunately, Rob Brown is strong as Ernie Davis which makes things a bit more bearable throughout the movie.
Beginning: 3
Very slow start, mainly because I didn’t really understand what they were trying to establish with the story. Ernie is narrating, but there are a jumble of images to start and you have to make a push to piece things together. It’s also a very cliche start to a story.
Characters: 10
I did really enjoy Ernie’s character which made the movie better for me since he was the focal point. I also really appreciate his grandparents in the story, particularly his grandfather played by Charles S. Dutton. They are full of love as they make a push to steer Ernie in the right direction. Shout out to Dennis Quaid as well playing the role of the gruff coach Ben Schwartzwalder. He had a few scenes that were definitely made brighter because of him.
Cinematography/Visuals: 5
Conflict: 3
Even without knowing the story (as I didn’t) you can kind of guess and see where things are going. I didn’t feel like they did a solid enough job of showing the obstacles Ernie had to overcome. According to this, he was a beast early on and basically never looked back from there. That’s all good and fine but it takes away from the conflict needed to drive the story.
Entertainment Value: 6
Memorability: 5
Out of all the sports movies I’ve watched, this one doesn’t even hold a candle. I get sleepy just thinking about it at times. The story is ultimately memorable, but there are no real moments or scenes that stand out above the rest.
Pace: 6
Plot: 4
Resolution: 8
Given the rest of the movie, the ending actually wasn’t all that bad. Without giving anything away it was quality closure for the story. It made me wonder why they couldn’t pull this off in the rest of the movie.
Overall: 57
The Express was doing ok for a bit and then it just got really weird. There is a scene where Ernie is out on the field and there are these strange heat shimmers. This, like a number of other things, just had no place in the movie. Given a do over of some sort, this wouldn’t be a bad story to see unfold on the screen.
The Bringer of Wrath (The King & Alpha #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Shifter and Vampire True Mates story. Alek’s older brother, Justice—the Alpha Zenith—was...
MM Paranormal Romance Vampires Shifters
Dean (6927 KP) rated Trick 'r Treat (2007) in Movies
Oct 31, 2017
Great anthology stories that overlap (3 more)
Great characters
Good make-up effects
Good cast
A new Halloween classic
A great collection of Halloween tales that overlap each other on one Halloween night in a small town. It has some great moments in the 4 main stories, mixing up an urban ghost story, scary creatures, slasher and just the plain weird. It has a good cast including Brian Cox looking a little John Carpenter like and Anna Paquin of True Blood. The film also reminds the viewers of the reasons behind some of the traditions. A bit short at 80mins but very enjoyable, one of the best horror anthologies around! This could become a cult film taking into account it didn't get a cinema release....who knows why!? Plenty of extras on the DVD as well.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Adnan's Story in Books
Jul 25, 2017
Gripping, more explosive claims after Serial
First of all, you must listen to Serial before attempting to listen to this otherwise it makes absolutely no sense. This is an extension from the original podcast and even an expansion in terms of all the claims.
While the author obviously has vested interests in this and there are times of bias, it makes Adnan's story even more personable and the potential allegations of police corruption even more harrowing.
In Serial, the creator briefly mentions Rabia so it's interesting to see her perspective and also how she felt Adnan and the wider community including his family were wronged. She also brings in the social aspect and how the Muslim community as a whole were portrayed in a negative light. Gripping for true crime fans.
While the author obviously has vested interests in this and there are times of bias, it makes Adnan's story even more personable and the potential allegations of police corruption even more harrowing.
In Serial, the creator briefly mentions Rabia so it's interesting to see her perspective and also how she felt Adnan and the wider community including his family were wronged. She also brings in the social aspect and how the Muslim community as a whole were portrayed in a negative light. Gripping for true crime fans.
Tonya (52 KP) rated The Informant! (2009) in Movies
Jan 13, 2018 (Updated Feb 5, 2018)
Matt Damon (1 more)
Lots of twists and turns
It was a train wreck that I just couldn't turn away from
This was a strange movie ... and apparently based on a true story - but I guess real life is the strangest of them all. Matt Damon plays a character bent on doing the right thing and turns his company in for unfair business practices. He's not a very smooth FBI informant but he gets the job done. But don't run to the kitchen for more snacks in the last 30 minutes or you will miss the twists and turns that actually make the movie worth watching. You won't find a lot of action in this movie but you will get a lot of plotting, deception, and worthwhile dialogue.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Marcy Mary's Memoirs: A Dachshund Princess Shows the Way (Marcy Mary, #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2018
When I first saw this book I wasn't sure, a book written from the dog's point of view and a Dachshund's point of view at that, hmmm, how wrong could I have been. The author, Kathleen Chamberlin, captures the spirit and character of doxies totally. Showing how it is their home and life and we should be honoured to be allowed to share it with them. Marcy's disdain for the visitor is clearly felt and when the story takes a twist the reader eagerly follows Marcy, cheering on the family and generally revelling in the feeling of euphoria by the end.
A real, feel-good book for dog or pet owners, but a true treasure for anyone who has ever spent time with a doxie. I love it.
A real, feel-good book for dog or pet owners, but a true treasure for anyone who has ever spent time with a doxie. I love it.
Andy K (10827 KP) rated The Wizard of Lies (2017) in Movies
Mar 8, 2018
Captivating...
Bernie Madoff. What can you say? His Ponzi scheme was so complex, far-reaching and of epic proportions, it ruined many people's lives. Tore their life savings from them based on the betrayal of trust.
"Rain Man' director, Barry Levinson, successfully captures the intrigue, suspense, and also the interesting family dynamics in this compelling true story.
If the family dynamics are to be believed as his wife and sons did not know about any of the lies and fraudulent trading, they were either incredibly naive, incredibly stupid or just living the good life..
De Niro gives one of his most memorable recent performances and almost makes you sympathize with him. The actual reporter who wrote the book plays herself well in the film also.
Was Madoff a sociopath?
"Rain Man' director, Barry Levinson, successfully captures the intrigue, suspense, and also the interesting family dynamics in this compelling true story.
If the family dynamics are to be believed as his wife and sons did not know about any of the lies and fraudulent trading, they were either incredibly naive, incredibly stupid or just living the good life..
De Niro gives one of his most memorable recent performances and almost makes you sympathize with him. The actual reporter who wrote the book plays herself well in the film also.
Was Madoff a sociopath?
Lindsay (1818 KP) rated The Amish Midwife in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This was about Lexie finding her biological family. She is searching for her Identity. Her father died and told her about a box that came and when she finds it set her on mission to find her birth parents. She goes to Pennsylvania to help a midwife in trouble. Though she was to start working in Philly.
She learns some Amish words though her patients that she learns with some true meaning. People in her family are hiding information about her. She arrives at Marta Bayer home and Marta get angry at her. If you want to read more about the surprise or not for she finds a surprise that will be quite suprising to find out. Does Lexie get her Story. You need to read to find out.
She learns some Amish words though her patients that she learns with some true meaning. People in her family are hiding information about her. She arrives at Marta Bayer home and Marta get angry at her. If you want to read more about the surprise or not for she finds a surprise that will be quite suprising to find out. Does Lexie get her Story. You need to read to find out.
Kimmic (814 KP) rated Living with a Serial Killer in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Slow moving (2 more)
Not what you would expect at all
Found it difficult to like the main character
The title is the most exciting bit!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Well, I was very excited to read this book, and was quickly disappointed... I did finish it (with maybe scan reading towards the end). This book is about a weak woman being with a very controlling and dominating partner, there is no reference to him being a killer until the very end.
I am not sure I would even forward this book onto a Charity Shop for someone else to waste their time reading it. The title is very misleading and it was sure will for the book to get better that pushed me through to the end (p.s. it doesn't... get better that is!)
I am not sure I would even forward this book onto a Charity Shop for someone else to waste their time reading it. The title is very misleading and it was sure will for the book to get better that pushed me through to the end (p.s. it doesn't... get better that is!)