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Dean (6925 KP) rated Choose (2011) in Movies

Jun 6, 2021  
Choose (2011)
Choose (2011)
2011 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
5
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Katheryn Winnick (0 more)
Weak plot (0 more)
Had potential
This started off OK, a sort of Slasher film with a twist with the killer forcing victims to choose who to kill or be attacked. With a detective element to it as well. Katheryn Winnick of Vikings stars as a journalism student tracking the killer along with her dad as the local sheriff in a small town.
Just a shame it didn't reach its potential, not a particularly scary film. Seems to be stuck between genres without choosing which direction to go in. The second half of the film unravels without much drama to a rather tame ending. OK if you want a short film to pass the time.
  
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James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Last Kingdom in TV

Oct 31, 2019 (Updated Oct 31, 2019)  
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom
2015 | Action, Drama, History
If you love history, here you are (0 more)
The lead actor isn't quite convincing enough. (0 more)
The books are bestsellers, here is the series
If you debating whether to watch this or not, if you haven't seen Vikings yet, ignore this, watch that first. It's one of the best series ever. However when you have watched it you will want more and you can come into this. This is still brilliant. A fascinating bloodthirsty and dangerous part of British history. The noveks have sold bucket loads. The only thing that lets it down is the lead actor should be a little scary as well as the hero and he's mainly just heroic. Still, it doesn't take away from the entertainment factor. I love this.
  
Berserker: Hell's Warrior (2004)
Berserker: Hell's Warrior (2004)
2004 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6
6.0 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Reasonably fun if you like 80s style fantasy. (1 more)
Decent twist in the end.
The budget really shows in the production quality. (0 more)
A less polished Highlander, but with vikings
The first third of the film focuses on a conflict between Vikings and feels like a throwback to 80s fantasy movies. It takes the mythical Valykries and makes them into vampires basically, able to grant immortality and power through a bite.
Without spoiling details, a betrayal occurs that sets a rift between two brothers that are chosen for immortality and power. This rift leads to a conflict that spans centuries as they are reborn again and again to continually face off against each other. One on the name of Odin, the other for his own destiny. The film then jumps to modern times, where the conflict is still going.
The story isn't all that original, but it isn't bad, with a decent twist at the end. The acting for most of the cast is not great, but not bad. The music, however, is quite good.
Overall, it isn't a bad movie, but is severely hurt by production quality and some poor decisions in design. For example, it's difficult to take the protagonist,s enemies seriously when they are running around the city in bear skins and armor. The decision to add an odd and terrible looking glow effect to the Valykries at times or when immortals are killed, was another strike. Despite it's shortcomings, I don't regret watching it. The movie is fun for what it is, and I happen to like 80s fantasy, which whether purposely or not, it captures the feeling of to me.
  
This Evening and The Morning
This Evening and The Morning
Ken Follett | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Loved it!
46 of 250
Book
The Evening and the Morning ( 0.5 kingsbridge prequel )
By Ken Follet

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns.

In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined. A young boatbuilder's life is turned upside down when the only home he's ever known is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in. . . . A Norman noblewoman marries for love, following her husband across the sea to a new land, but the customs of her husband's homeland are shockingly different, and as she begins to realize that everyone around her is engaged in a constant, brutal battle for power, it becomes clear that a single misstep could be catastrophic. . . . A monk dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a center of learning that will be admired throughout Europe. And each in turn comes into dangerous conflict with a clever and ruthless bishop who will do anything to increase his wealth and power.



I absolutely loved it! After reading the other Kingsbridge books I knew I would enjoy this but not as much as I actually did! From the start I was sucked in I soon got wrapped up in the characters the places and stories! Ken Follet certainly knows how to keep you entertained I was annoyed every time real life dragged me away! Very good prequel!
  
Excalibur
Excalibur
Bernard Cornwell | 1999 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Satisfying conclusion to an epic and excellent trilogy (0 more)
3rd and final part of the fantastic Warlord Chronicles!
Excalibur is the third and final book in the Warlord Chronicles series and is just a compelling and captivating as the first 2 books. (See my earlier reviews for the first 2 parts of this trilogy, ’The Winter King’ and ‘Enemy of God’)
Some epic battles and betrayals conclude this tale of Arthur, told by his loyal friend and Warlord Derfel, now an aged Christian Monk. Overall, the trilogy is a superbly realistic and gritty yet fictional account of the dark ages and the epic journey of Arthur and a magnificently strong cast of characters.
If you liked ‘The Vikings’ or ‘The Last Kingdoms’ series on TV, I would highly recommend that you give this trilogy a read – starting with The Winter King.