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Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The 15:17 To Paris (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
Based on book, The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Soldiers by Jeffrey E. Stern, Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos, the film, The 15:17 to Paris tells the story of three America friends who stop a terrorist attempt on a train to Paris.
The men are heroes and it is inspiring to see how ordinary people can step up and put their lives at risk to save lives.
As such, this film would have been better told as a short documentary. Mostly because I found myself wondering what these men were thinking in those moments. How were they feeling when they saw people running and heard a gunshot. What made them take action? Was there doubt? And how did their friendship/bond contribute to being able to support each other in that moment and after?
Unfortunately, we do not get the answers to these questions. Instead Director Clint Eastwood decided to make a film that was trying to imitate real life as much as possible. So much so, the three actual heroes Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos play themselves. If Eastwood’s goal was to show how mundane life is in every day moments and a terrorist attack can happen at any moment in any mundane situation and end just as quickly, he succeeded. These three friends have cringe worthy dialogue that goes nowhere throughout the story. It makes these real life friends feel like they do not have any chemistry as it is clear they all feel out of their element in front of the camera. Not exactly the level of amateurism you would expect from a full feature film.
The semi bright spot is when we are shown how these three men became friends as boys and how they grew up. We get an understanding of how they like to play “war” in their back yard and how they would get in trouble but still have each other’s back when it counted. However, like the rest of this film, I wish this was told as a documentary or dramatic documentary. I wanted to hear from them firsthand what they thought about their friendship and how it evolved.
Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos are Heroes. They deserve better than this film. These three men deserve an opportunity to have their story told so people everywhere can care and understand. One of them had a call to duty because of his grandfather who served in WWII. What did that truly mean to him? We don’t know. One felt like he was being pushed to greatness by the universe. What did that mean to him now that it’s happened? We don’t know because we don’t hear from him first hand. The other was always just looking to have a good time. How does he feel about what happened and his friends? We don’t know. Because we are never given anything buy hollow dialogue, some loose information to surmise these things and bad screen chemistry from three real life friends.
I left the movie in awe of what the trio did in a moment where most people would run or think only of themselves. But I cannot in good faith recommend anyone spend money at a theater for a film that feels like it was produced by an amateur and should have been premiered on YouTube.
The men are heroes and it is inspiring to see how ordinary people can step up and put their lives at risk to save lives.
As such, this film would have been better told as a short documentary. Mostly because I found myself wondering what these men were thinking in those moments. How were they feeling when they saw people running and heard a gunshot. What made them take action? Was there doubt? And how did their friendship/bond contribute to being able to support each other in that moment and after?
Unfortunately, we do not get the answers to these questions. Instead Director Clint Eastwood decided to make a film that was trying to imitate real life as much as possible. So much so, the three actual heroes Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos play themselves. If Eastwood’s goal was to show how mundane life is in every day moments and a terrorist attack can happen at any moment in any mundane situation and end just as quickly, he succeeded. These three friends have cringe worthy dialogue that goes nowhere throughout the story. It makes these real life friends feel like they do not have any chemistry as it is clear they all feel out of their element in front of the camera. Not exactly the level of amateurism you would expect from a full feature film.
The semi bright spot is when we are shown how these three men became friends as boys and how they grew up. We get an understanding of how they like to play “war” in their back yard and how they would get in trouble but still have each other’s back when it counted. However, like the rest of this film, I wish this was told as a documentary or dramatic documentary. I wanted to hear from them firsthand what they thought about their friendship and how it evolved.
Stone, Sadler and Skarlatos are Heroes. They deserve better than this film. These three men deserve an opportunity to have their story told so people everywhere can care and understand. One of them had a call to duty because of his grandfather who served in WWII. What did that truly mean to him? We don’t know. One felt like he was being pushed to greatness by the universe. What did that mean to him now that it’s happened? We don’t know because we don’t hear from him first hand. The other was always just looking to have a good time. How does he feel about what happened and his friends? We don’t know. Because we are never given anything buy hollow dialogue, some loose information to surmise these things and bad screen chemistry from three real life friends.
I left the movie in awe of what the trio did in a moment where most people would run or think only of themselves. But I cannot in good faith recommend anyone spend money at a theater for a film that feels like it was produced by an amateur and should have been premiered on YouTube.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Sleeping with a Psychopath in Books
Aug 29, 2022
I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, sometimes the true life stories aren’t particularly gripping, but this one was in all the right ways.
We follow Carolyn through meeting and her subsequent relationship with Mark. With the benefit of hindsight, Carolyn is able to point out where she should have seen red flags and where she should have questioned things more. The story that she told and then excuses that Mark came up with throughout their relationship were so outlandish that you would think that she would have seen through them, but I think that Carolyn thought they were so crazy that you couldn’t possibly make them up and think you could get away with them.
We then follow Carolyn through the process of deciding to end the relationship, realising who Mark really is and the process of going to the police, the long process trying to get him arrested and the subsequent court case. It was interesting for this to be included in the book, as quite often the book ends after the relationship has ended with a quick chapter on what has happened since and how they got their life back on track. But this was different, as it showed the process she went through and the way that she was failed quite a lot by the police at the start of the investigation, but by being persistent and not dropping the case (even though it was obvious the officer wanted her to) she eventually got what she wanted. Although it wasn’t solely the police investigations that got her to that point, and Carolyn writes that if anything like this ever happens to you, you should make sure you become friends with a good investigative journalist as they will help you with leads that the police may not even have.
I did enjoy this book, and was happy that Carolyn is now rebuilding her life and seems happy. It is amazing to see how resilient she has been, and although she may have lost herself for a good few years, she shows how victims can get their lives back and become a new version of their former selves. The photos included at the end of the kindle edition were interesting to see, and you finally get to put faces to the names (especially Mark’s) and it makes it all the more real.
We follow Carolyn through meeting and her subsequent relationship with Mark. With the benefit of hindsight, Carolyn is able to point out where she should have seen red flags and where she should have questioned things more. The story that she told and then excuses that Mark came up with throughout their relationship were so outlandish that you would think that she would have seen through them, but I think that Carolyn thought they were so crazy that you couldn’t possibly make them up and think you could get away with them.
We then follow Carolyn through the process of deciding to end the relationship, realising who Mark really is and the process of going to the police, the long process trying to get him arrested and the subsequent court case. It was interesting for this to be included in the book, as quite often the book ends after the relationship has ended with a quick chapter on what has happened since and how they got their life back on track. But this was different, as it showed the process she went through and the way that she was failed quite a lot by the police at the start of the investigation, but by being persistent and not dropping the case (even though it was obvious the officer wanted her to) she eventually got what she wanted. Although it wasn’t solely the police investigations that got her to that point, and Carolyn writes that if anything like this ever happens to you, you should make sure you become friends with a good investigative journalist as they will help you with leads that the police may not even have.
I did enjoy this book, and was happy that Carolyn is now rebuilding her life and seems happy. It is amazing to see how resilient she has been, and although she may have lost herself for a good few years, she shows how victims can get their lives back and become a new version of their former selves. The photos included at the end of the kindle edition were interesting to see, and you finally get to put faces to the names (especially Mark’s) and it makes it all the more real.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
May 14, 2019
Made me cry! Beautiful story.
The Fault in our Stars is an international bestseller by an award winning author John Green. This is John Green’s most loved and heartbreaking story yet which will be hard to beat! If you have not heard about The Fault in our Stars, where have you been hiding? Age does not matter with this five star beautifully written, heart warming, must read story! Do not wait to read this book, bump it up your pile or BUY IT NOW! I will forever praise and highly recommend this book to you all.
I could not put this book down until I had finished it (I was in another world while reading this book). As most of you will know this story has been adapted into a film and if you are a book worm like me, the book has to be read first! I cannot compare this book to the film as I have STILL not managed to watch the film yet! This is the perfect book for you all but specifically for those who enjoy the young adult, drama, death, romance and contemporary genre’s. This has to be on of my favourite books ever by John Green which led me to reading all his other books, I did find The Fault in our Stars a very emotional read so be warned!
This is Hazel’s story, Hazel has terminal cancer and will not expect what is about to happen… When Augustus walks into her life Hazel’s story will be completely re-written. Will they fall in love? Will Augustus show Hazel how beautiful life really is? That is for you to find out not if, but WHEN you read this outstanding story, trust me it will not let you down and will stick in your heart and mind forever! Enjoy, try not to cry!
I could not put this book down until I had finished it (I was in another world while reading this book). As most of you will know this story has been adapted into a film and if you are a book worm like me, the book has to be read first! I cannot compare this book to the film as I have STILL not managed to watch the film yet! This is the perfect book for you all but specifically for those who enjoy the young adult, drama, death, romance and contemporary genre’s. This has to be on of my favourite books ever by John Green which led me to reading all his other books, I did find The Fault in our Stars a very emotional read so be warned!
This is Hazel’s story, Hazel has terminal cancer and will not expect what is about to happen… When Augustus walks into her life Hazel’s story will be completely re-written. Will they fall in love? Will Augustus show Hazel how beautiful life really is? That is for you to find out not if, but WHEN you read this outstanding story, trust me it will not let you down and will stick in your heart and mind forever! Enjoy, try not to cry!
Pizza Maker Game - Fun Cooking Games HD
Games and Food & Drink
App
Try out a brand new cooking game for kids! A pizza game which is funny and educational game! In...
Pizza Maker Game - Fun Cooking Games
Games, Food & Drink and Stickers
App
Try out a brand new cooking game for kids! A pizza game which is funny and educational game! In...
Tom Jones recommended Just as I Am by Bill Withers in Music (curated)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Tear Me Apart in Books
Mar 11, 2019
Quick, engaging read
Mindy Wright--an up and coming competitive teenage skier-- breaks her leg in competition. During surgery, doctors discover that Mindy is sick: she has an aggressive form of leukemia and needs a stem cell transplant. But when her family is tested, it is discovered that Mindy's parents are not her biological parents. What does this mean? Was she switched at birth, or did something more dark and dramatic happen? At the core, Mindy needs to live. But beyond that, what are the ramifications for the Wright family? What secrets will be revealed and uncovered while trying to save their precious daughter?
This was a dramatic and interesting story that grabbed me from the beginning. The first portion is told from the perspective of three women: Mindy, age 17; her mother, Lauren; and Lauren's sister, Juliet, who actually works as a scientist in a DNA crime lab. This gives Juliet early and easy access to DNA samples relating to Mindy and the "case" as it progresses on. We also get excerpts of letters that appear to be from or relating to a psychiatric hospital in the early 1990s. All of this makes for an interesting and compelling format to our story, with a slow and steady reveal of strange information that you know does not add up: a twisted web of secrets and lies. We are immediately left wondering what happened with Mindy--how is she not Lauren's daughter? What is going on?
I do not want to go into too much detail and ruin much of the plot, but I found this one very intriguing, as I was wondering where the story would go. I might have been a little slow on the uptake as to who was Mindy's real mother, but I did find it exciting to put all the pieces together. I really liked the characters of Mindy and Juliet and a few others who were introduced later on (the story is told in various parts, so you get some different narrators, too).
In true Ellison fashion, there's some great drama and a few good "whoa" moments, as well. When I first started the book, I hadn't refreshed myself on the description, and I was a little worried that this would be more of a family drama than a mystery, but have no fear--while this family has more than their share of drama, there's a great mystery/thriller aspect as well. In fact, the novel can get downright creepy at times, with a villain who can give you the chills.
Overall, I thought this was another winner from Ms. Ellison. It's a quick, engaging read with interesting characters and a plot that encourages you to put the pieces together. She's quickly becoming a go-to author of mine. I'm actually chasing down her Taylor Jackson series on Paperbackswap, because I want to read more of her books! If you enjoy a dramatic, quick-moving thriller, I highly recommend this one!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
This was a dramatic and interesting story that grabbed me from the beginning. The first portion is told from the perspective of three women: Mindy, age 17; her mother, Lauren; and Lauren's sister, Juliet, who actually works as a scientist in a DNA crime lab. This gives Juliet early and easy access to DNA samples relating to Mindy and the "case" as it progresses on. We also get excerpts of letters that appear to be from or relating to a psychiatric hospital in the early 1990s. All of this makes for an interesting and compelling format to our story, with a slow and steady reveal of strange information that you know does not add up: a twisted web of secrets and lies. We are immediately left wondering what happened with Mindy--how is she not Lauren's daughter? What is going on?
I do not want to go into too much detail and ruin much of the plot, but I found this one very intriguing, as I was wondering where the story would go. I might have been a little slow on the uptake as to who was Mindy's real mother, but I did find it exciting to put all the pieces together. I really liked the characters of Mindy and Juliet and a few others who were introduced later on (the story is told in various parts, so you get some different narrators, too).
In true Ellison fashion, there's some great drama and a few good "whoa" moments, as well. When I first started the book, I hadn't refreshed myself on the description, and I was a little worried that this would be more of a family drama than a mystery, but have no fear--while this family has more than their share of drama, there's a great mystery/thriller aspect as well. In fact, the novel can get downright creepy at times, with a villain who can give you the chills.
Overall, I thought this was another winner from Ms. Ellison. It's a quick, engaging read with interesting characters and a plot that encourages you to put the pieces together. She's quickly becoming a go-to author of mine. I'm actually chasing down her Taylor Jackson series on Paperbackswap, because I want to read more of her books! If you enjoy a dramatic, quick-moving thriller, I highly recommend this one!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Mending Fences (The Deacon's Family #1) in Books
Mar 8, 2019
I am sure if you have read Suzanne Woods Fishers book or a few you may have read a book about Luke Schrock in one of her books. Then you ran into Stoney Ridge community. I know I did. It nice to see Luke and see if he make it in the world.
He is mentioned in the “The Queting” in the Bishop series. This book is mostly about Luke and him making amends. Though we meet someone new named Issy? Luke seem to want to be friends with this girl that at windmill farm.
There seems to be a story behind Issy and we get her side and Luke's. Will Luke be able to help Issy? What is really behind Issy and her looking for her mother? I can say you will be surprised to find out how David and his family and Amos Lapp stories or past are connected. There seems to be mystery to Chris and Jenny Yoder.
We follow Luke on his journey though this book. I really think this is book about redemption and learning to trust god. Will Issy and Luke get together? We see Fern and Amo's health and their lives and how they add other trouble children to stay with them.
He is mentioned in the “The Queting” in the Bishop series. This book is mostly about Luke and him making amends. Though we meet someone new named Issy? Luke seem to want to be friends with this girl that at windmill farm.
There seems to be a story behind Issy and we get her side and Luke's. Will Luke be able to help Issy? What is really behind Issy and her looking for her mother? I can say you will be surprised to find out how David and his family and Amos Lapp stories or past are connected. There seems to be mystery to Chris and Jenny Yoder.
We follow Luke on his journey though this book. I really think this is book about redemption and learning to trust god. Will Issy and Luke get together? We see Fern and Amo's health and their lives and how they add other trouble children to stay with them.
mmb02191 (81 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story - Soundtrack by John Powell in Music
Aug 16, 2018 (Updated Aug 16, 2018)
Sounded LIKE John Williams
I received a gift copy for this review.
I listened through this CD a few times, and I don't DISLIKE it. But.. it just isn't John Williams.
I will break it down to a few songs that stuck out to me. The first selection, the main theme, was full of energy and power. You are transported as soon as you begin listening to this and it takes you on a ride into the star wars universe. It definitely is not as memorable as most Star Wars' themes though. It doesn't stick with you longer than just simply listening to it.
Reminiscence Therapy just seemed like a letdown for me. Wasn't too interesting.
I really liked what he did with Marauders Arrive though. It was a very interesting choice to have the voices in there, and I really enjoyed the different style.
Adventures of Han was almost reminiscent of Indiana Jones, and I really liked that. It wasn't a carbon copy, but it still had that happiness even in the face of danger feeling.
Finally, my favorite had to be Chicken in the Pot because of the beautiful vocals in it. That woman can sing!
I listened through this CD a few times, and I don't DISLIKE it. But.. it just isn't John Williams.
I will break it down to a few songs that stuck out to me. The first selection, the main theme, was full of energy and power. You are transported as soon as you begin listening to this and it takes you on a ride into the star wars universe. It definitely is not as memorable as most Star Wars' themes though. It doesn't stick with you longer than just simply listening to it.
Reminiscence Therapy just seemed like a letdown for me. Wasn't too interesting.
I really liked what he did with Marauders Arrive though. It was a very interesting choice to have the voices in there, and I really enjoyed the different style.
Adventures of Han was almost reminiscent of Indiana Jones, and I really liked that. It wasn't a carbon copy, but it still had that happiness even in the face of danger feeling.
Finally, my favorite had to be Chicken in the Pot because of the beautiful vocals in it. That woman can sing!
Merissa (12015 KP) rated Saving Jasmine (Satan's Bears #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2018
Saving Jasmine (Satan's Bears #1) by Rose Nickol
Saving Jasmine is the first book in the Satan's Bears series, and we are quickly thrown into the story. Maisy is twenty-four years old, responsible for her younger sister, Jasmine. Maisy is the one on the straight and narrow, Jasmine, the wild child. However, Maisy will work in a biker bar to get information on where her sister is. Stud in the leader of the bikers, and quickly claims Maisy for his own.
This was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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 was a very rough and ready story, almost raw in its execution. Although you get some information about the various groups, you don't get a lot, and that did leave me feeling like I had missed out. I found the characters to be rather weak and one dimensional, especially Stud. However, Maisy seemed happy with him, so I guess that's something.
This was a fast-paced story, so be prepared. If you are looking for a 'down and dirty' read, then this book may be just what you are looking for.
* 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!