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Erika (17789 KP) rated Kindred (2020) in Movies
Jul 10, 2021
Kindred is a psychological thriller/horror about the reluctantly pregnant Charlotte (Tamara Lawrance) after her boyfriend, Ben (Edward Holcroft), dies in a workplace accident. After this accident, Charlotte is taken in by Ben’s mother (Fiona Shaw), and creepy stepbrother, Thomas (Jack Lowden). They proceed to basically torture her and question her sanity.
Prior to the accident, Charlotte and Ben visit the decrepit family home to announce they’re moving to Australia for a new start. It obviously did not go over well. After this visit, Charlotte finds out she’s pregnant, and that news gets passed around the small town, and that's how Ben finds out. Charlotte expresses that she doesn’t necessarily want the baby, but it was pretty much brushed aside – red flag, RUN GIRL!
This is when the main portion of the film begins, and they take her in under the guise of taking care of her and the baby. It was pretty obvious the only reason they took care of her, because she was the incubator for the grandchild.
This was basically a 21st Century version of Gaslight (1940/1944). The film wasn’t necessarily unique, and the ending was as expected. As always with films now, it’s about the journey, since you already know the end. There was very heavy-handed symbolism with the crow, which for me, began to get a little tedious, but I understood why it was there.
Full disclosure, I only watched the film because Jack Lowden was in it. I figured, if it’s not good, at least there was someone pretty to look at. As I watched this, I asked myself, is Thomas just a really beautiful dummy who constantly announces he’s making lunch? Hmm.
Tamara Lawrance was great in the film, she was compelling, and you did hope that she would be successful in escaping from the creepy family, and wallpaper-peeling house. Also, I liked that she correctly portrayed the serious frustration of expressing concern to doctors and other medical personnel, and not being taken seriously because the issues are related to female reproductive organs.
My curiosity was what made me keep watching, but I wasn’t necessarily completely engaged the entire time. The tension didn’t really stay the entire time. Although I did have the issues with the predictability, I did still surprising like the film. I’m glad I didn’t let it Rest in Peace in my Hulu watchlist graveyard.
Prior to the accident, Charlotte and Ben visit the decrepit family home to announce they’re moving to Australia for a new start. It obviously did not go over well. After this visit, Charlotte finds out she’s pregnant, and that news gets passed around the small town, and that's how Ben finds out. Charlotte expresses that she doesn’t necessarily want the baby, but it was pretty much brushed aside – red flag, RUN GIRL!
This is when the main portion of the film begins, and they take her in under the guise of taking care of her and the baby. It was pretty obvious the only reason they took care of her, because she was the incubator for the grandchild.
This was basically a 21st Century version of Gaslight (1940/1944). The film wasn’t necessarily unique, and the ending was as expected. As always with films now, it’s about the journey, since you already know the end. There was very heavy-handed symbolism with the crow, which for me, began to get a little tedious, but I understood why it was there.
Full disclosure, I only watched the film because Jack Lowden was in it. I figured, if it’s not good, at least there was someone pretty to look at. As I watched this, I asked myself, is Thomas just a really beautiful dummy who constantly announces he’s making lunch? Hmm.
Tamara Lawrance was great in the film, she was compelling, and you did hope that she would be successful in escaping from the creepy family, and wallpaper-peeling house. Also, I liked that she correctly portrayed the serious frustration of expressing concern to doctors and other medical personnel, and not being taken seriously because the issues are related to female reproductive organs.
My curiosity was what made me keep watching, but I wasn’t necessarily completely engaged the entire time. The tension didn’t really stay the entire time. Although I did have the issues with the predictability, I did still surprising like the film. I’m glad I didn’t let it Rest in Peace in my Hulu watchlist graveyard.
Debbiereadsbook (1669 KP) rated Safe Limits (Kiss of Leather #2) in Books
Apr 24, 2018
darker storyline, but excellent follow up!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Book two in the Kiss of Leather series and I strongly recommend you read book one, Building Bonds, first. Master Gavin and Kyle's relationship continues in this book.
Master Derek agrees to watch over David's best friend, Corey, while Master Josh and David are away. Faced with the young man, Master Derek can't help but soften his natural growlly voice; Corey is scared, and when Master Derek finds out WHY?? Oh my days! Protective instincts abound! Corey needs to know: whatever HE did, he did not deserve what happened to him.
Again, Master Derek and Corey's relationship moves rapidly, far more so that I was expecting, especially when the truth about what Corey ran from becomes clear. Master Derek needs to temper his natural bear-ness, although Corey does has a thing for a bear! It doesn't take long for these two to admit their feelings, though and I rather enjoyed being made to wait for them to consummate their relationship.
Also enjoying again, the EMOTIONS involved! Corey is, by his own admission, a bit of a mess and it takes all of Master Derek's experience as a Master to bring out just what Corey is feeling. I think the event that bought Corey to Master Derek might run on into future books.
Things are progressing at the club, although still not yet open!
Loving these books so far. Loved this one a bit more than book one! Quite a bit more! I hope they are all up to this standard. Trying NOT to read them back to back though! Loving that ALL the guys seem to be taking a part in these books.
This one carries a darker story line, and some readers may find it difficult reading.
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Book two in the Kiss of Leather series and I strongly recommend you read book one, Building Bonds, first. Master Gavin and Kyle's relationship continues in this book.
Master Derek agrees to watch over David's best friend, Corey, while Master Josh and David are away. Faced with the young man, Master Derek can't help but soften his natural growlly voice; Corey is scared, and when Master Derek finds out WHY?? Oh my days! Protective instincts abound! Corey needs to know: whatever HE did, he did not deserve what happened to him.
Again, Master Derek and Corey's relationship moves rapidly, far more so that I was expecting, especially when the truth about what Corey ran from becomes clear. Master Derek needs to temper his natural bear-ness, although Corey does has a thing for a bear! It doesn't take long for these two to admit their feelings, though and I rather enjoyed being made to wait for them to consummate their relationship.
Also enjoying again, the EMOTIONS involved! Corey is, by his own admission, a bit of a mess and it takes all of Master Derek's experience as a Master to bring out just what Corey is feeling. I think the event that bought Corey to Master Derek might run on into future books.
Things are progressing at the club, although still not yet open!
Loving these books so far. Loved this one a bit more than book one! Quite a bit more! I hope they are all up to this standard. Trying NOT to read them back to back though! Loving that ALL the guys seem to be taking a part in these books.
This one carries a darker story line, and some readers may find it difficult reading.
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1669 KP) rated Ravens: A Sons of Olympia Reverse Harem Romance in Books
Mar 22, 2018
hot hot HOT!!!
I was asked to read this by Ms Perry, that I write a review was not required.
But I gotta! OOOEEEE I gotta!!
I've had a run for male/male books to read, and I so desperately needed a down and dirty male/female book and this did not disappoint, three males!
Brenna dreams about 3 raven-haired brothers, who all want to mate with her! By day, her life is plagued by real ravens so she just assumes that the dreams are to counter-act her day, right??
Wrong! Brenna is able to travel to parallel plains, where the brothers are princes and Brenna somehow managed to create a mating bond between them by saving one of them! Waldrom brings Brenna to his home, and they perform a ceremony with Victor and Corbin but Brenna doesn't fully comprehend what she has done, and runs.
I get WHY she runs, though. She did not know what she was agreeing to, hell she would have sold her soul to get the sexy dark haired man to just hurry it up already! A girl's got needs, right?? But she is so miserable after, and the brothers are miserable too. They just have to talk. Lots of sexy time too, but TALK! Sexy time is well written, and well delivered. Hot hot HOT!!!
I love the take on shifters too, with the sci-fi/paranormal hints. Made for an enjoyable read! Very enjoyable! So much so, I stayed up til nearly 2am reading this! And that was after a 14 hour shift at work! I'll probably read book two straight through too!
Loved the other ladies who Brenna meets, Lauren and Jade. Those two know far more about the woods and what it contains than they let on!
Very different from Ms Perry's usual work, but I thank her kindly for writing this! I NEEDED this book!
Thank you!
5 full stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
But I gotta! OOOEEEE I gotta!!
I've had a run for male/male books to read, and I so desperately needed a down and dirty male/female book and this did not disappoint, three males!
Brenna dreams about 3 raven-haired brothers, who all want to mate with her! By day, her life is plagued by real ravens so she just assumes that the dreams are to counter-act her day, right??
Wrong! Brenna is able to travel to parallel plains, where the brothers are princes and Brenna somehow managed to create a mating bond between them by saving one of them! Waldrom brings Brenna to his home, and they perform a ceremony with Victor and Corbin but Brenna doesn't fully comprehend what she has done, and runs.
I get WHY she runs, though. She did not know what she was agreeing to, hell she would have sold her soul to get the sexy dark haired man to just hurry it up already! A girl's got needs, right?? But she is so miserable after, and the brothers are miserable too. They just have to talk. Lots of sexy time too, but TALK! Sexy time is well written, and well delivered. Hot hot HOT!!!
I love the take on shifters too, with the sci-fi/paranormal hints. Made for an enjoyable read! Very enjoyable! So much so, I stayed up til nearly 2am reading this! And that was after a 14 hour shift at work! I'll probably read book two straight through too!
Loved the other ladies who Brenna meets, Lauren and Jade. Those two know far more about the woods and what it contains than they let on!
Very different from Ms Perry's usual work, but I thank her kindly for writing this! I NEEDED this book!
Thank you!
5 full stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13792 KP) rated Lost and Found (Dave&Carter) in Books
Nov 22, 2018
REVIEW BY MERISSA - Lost and Found (Dave&Carter) by Quin Perin
Lost and Found is the first book by Quin and Perin I have read, but it definitely won't be the last.
Dave is the 'Daddy' in this relationship. He has feelings for Carter, and Carter needs him. For reasons I don't quite understand, he pulls back from Carter when Carter mentions feelings. Carter is the 'boy' and falls hard for Dave, but is mature enough to take a step back when he puts himself first.
This may only be classed as a novella, but there is one helluva story packed tightly between these pages. I was gripped from the very beginning, especially as Dave and Carter seemed to fall into their relationship so easily. Of course, it all had to go wrong somehow, and I'm not surprised with how it did. I understand that because of this, Dave might not be the most popular character, but I rather liked him. He is human, and makes mistakes. He has thoughts about what himself and what others might think, which for me, was completely understandable. I loved that once he got over being a jackass, he put Carter first, even though it broke his heart.
Did I get my happy ending? Well, I'll leave that for you to read and find out for yourself. What I will say is that I don't think I've had my fill of Dave and Carter, not at all. I loved this exceedingly well written story, that had no editing or grammatical errors to spoil my reading. With well-rounded out characters, and a storyline that intrigues, I have no hesitation in recommending this great story.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
* 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!
Dave is the 'Daddy' in this relationship. He has feelings for Carter, and Carter needs him. For reasons I don't quite understand, he pulls back from Carter when Carter mentions feelings. Carter is the 'boy' and falls hard for Dave, but is mature enough to take a step back when he puts himself first.
This may only be classed as a novella, but there is one helluva story packed tightly between these pages. I was gripped from the very beginning, especially as Dave and Carter seemed to fall into their relationship so easily. Of course, it all had to go wrong somehow, and I'm not surprised with how it did. I understand that because of this, Dave might not be the most popular character, but I rather liked him. He is human, and makes mistakes. He has thoughts about what himself and what others might think, which for me, was completely understandable. I loved that once he got over being a jackass, he put Carter first, even though it broke his heart.
Did I get my happy ending? Well, I'll leave that for you to read and find out for yourself. What I will say is that I don't think I've had my fill of Dave and Carter, not at all. I loved this exceedingly well written story, that had no editing or grammatical errors to spoil my reading. With well-rounded out characters, and a storyline that intrigues, I have no hesitation in recommending this great story.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
* 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!
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Very Wicked Things (Briarcrest Academy, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Okay where to start with this review. I liked the book a lot and its a great addition to the series, but Dovey didn't resonate with me the way Nora did in Very Bad Things. Dovey was hard for me to relate to, but that doesn't mean she was a bad character by any stretch of the imagination. I loved her back story, and I loved the fact that she was attaining what everyone said her entire life she couldn't attain. I LOVED Cuba's backstory and I wish we could have delved into that a little deeper. I also wish we could have spent a little more time with Dovey and her Very Wicked deeds and her time with Barinsky.
I loved Heather-Lynn and Sarah. They were a great addition to the story, and really what made the story more emotional and tug at your heart strings.
I know I keep going back to how I didn't care for Dovey as a character, I really felt like she didn't grow as a character. Yes her perspectives changed, but she ultimately stayed the same. Cuba on the other hand grew and changed massively throughout the book, which is why I think I liked him more. He lost a lot, ditched the self blame, dropped the walls around his heart, and learned how to put other people first. It was a great journey. In my opinion I think this book is more about Cuba than it is about Dovey.
I did enjoy this book, and do hope for another book in the series, perhaps Sebastian or Emma (we HAVE to know what happens there). I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good series, this is definitely one of the best series I've read in awhile. I do also recommend you read Very Wicked Beginnings as well.
3.5 Very Wicked Stars
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved Heather-Lynn and Sarah. They were a great addition to the story, and really what made the story more emotional and tug at your heart strings.
I know I keep going back to how I didn't care for Dovey as a character, I really felt like she didn't grow as a character. Yes her perspectives changed, but she ultimately stayed the same. Cuba on the other hand grew and changed massively throughout the book, which is why I think I liked him more. He lost a lot, ditched the self blame, dropped the walls around his heart, and learned how to put other people first. It was a great journey. In my opinion I think this book is more about Cuba than it is about Dovey.
I did enjoy this book, and do hope for another book in the series, perhaps Sebastian or Emma (we HAVE to know what happens there). I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good series, this is definitely one of the best series I've read in awhile. I do also recommend you read Very Wicked Beginnings as well.
3.5 Very Wicked Stars
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Alice (117 KP) rated Children of Virtue and Vengeance in Books
Mar 3, 2021
3 is probably generous... review to follow
(There's proabably spoilers in here)
Okay so I hadn't heard great things about this so I was apprehensive about picking it up and after the first half I didn't really see what all the fuss was about but then it happened. This whole book stressed me out and made me angry. The lack of communication was so frustrating that nobody would believe anybody else and it just led to so many unnecessary conflicts. The whole overarching plot was about the war but then every chapter had the exact same conflicts that happened in every chapter before... "Inan is bad, no wait Inan is good, how could we be so stupid of course iInan is bad, but maybe he's good nope still bad" you catch my drift. Also Inan even did this himself because he may be the king but he's not in control of his kingdom which I'm not mad about I think it was good to show that he was a puppet (I'm an Inan sympathiser okay I'm sorry) but when nobody would believe that he was trying because everytime he tried someone else would step in and ruin it. Then there was Zelie flitting between being too weak to be an elder and wanting to run away and vowing to be the leader that her clan needs. Don't get me started on Amari, she had zero chemistry with Inan like I don't think she thought about him at all when he wasn't around and that thing she did towards the end of the book WHAT THE ACTUAL F was that!!!!! Unnecessary love triangles when clearly the only person that Zelie loves is herself. We spent the whole book gaging up for this big battle and then at the end it just never happened??? Need I go on. I don't want to be too scathing because I loved the first book so by proxy still care about this series but I don't really know what happened here.
(There's proabably spoilers in here)
Okay so I hadn't heard great things about this so I was apprehensive about picking it up and after the first half I didn't really see what all the fuss was about but then it happened. This whole book stressed me out and made me angry. The lack of communication was so frustrating that nobody would believe anybody else and it just led to so many unnecessary conflicts. The whole overarching plot was about the war but then every chapter had the exact same conflicts that happened in every chapter before... "Inan is bad, no wait Inan is good, how could we be so stupid of course iInan is bad, but maybe he's good nope still bad" you catch my drift. Also Inan even did this himself because he may be the king but he's not in control of his kingdom which I'm not mad about I think it was good to show that he was a puppet (I'm an Inan sympathiser okay I'm sorry) but when nobody would believe that he was trying because everytime he tried someone else would step in and ruin it. Then there was Zelie flitting between being too weak to be an elder and wanting to run away and vowing to be the leader that her clan needs. Don't get me started on Amari, she had zero chemistry with Inan like I don't think she thought about him at all when he wasn't around and that thing she did towards the end of the book WHAT THE ACTUAL F was that!!!!! Unnecessary love triangles when clearly the only person that Zelie loves is herself. We spent the whole book gaging up for this big battle and then at the end it just never happened??? Need I go on. I don't want to be too scathing because I loved the first book so by proxy still care about this series but I don't really know what happened here.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Oct 9, 2019
An atmospheric slow-burner
I usually can't stand films that are slow burners as I just don't have the interest or the patience, but there's something about Ad Astra that really appealed to me.
For starters, it's one of the most realistic sci-fi films I've seen in a long time. It's a straight forward simple plot with no over elaborate schemes or plans, with a stark and immensely realistic view of what space travel would be like. No shiny spaceships or dodgy aliens to be seen. It's dark and gritty, and the ideas in here are so believable - right down to the commercialised Moon base. You spend the entire film expecting something to happen like it does in every other sci-fi, but it never does. Indeed there's a scene halfway through where the crew attend a ship broadcasting a distress call, and what happens is so unlike what you'd expect that it's both genius and downright hilarious. Whilst being a bit slow going in parts, this film doesn't waste any time with useless preamble - you're thrown into the main plot right from the opening scene and it gets straight down to business. It's just a shame that later on it gets a bit bogged down.
The cinematography is mostly fantastic. The music and effects are spot on, although I did think some of the way this was shot made it look a little dated and cheap, and there's rather too many close up shots of Brad Pitt's face. Pitt is very good in this, a step up from the very disappointing Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but I did find his voiceover cheesy and grating at times. Still despite it's negatives, this is a very atmospheric and often tense sci-fi, which is strange considering not very much happens. The ending is perhaps a letdown or anticlimax and if they had made this slightly less of a slow-burner, it would be a perfect example and how best to do a proper sci-fi.
For starters, it's one of the most realistic sci-fi films I've seen in a long time. It's a straight forward simple plot with no over elaborate schemes or plans, with a stark and immensely realistic view of what space travel would be like. No shiny spaceships or dodgy aliens to be seen. It's dark and gritty, and the ideas in here are so believable - right down to the commercialised Moon base. You spend the entire film expecting something to happen like it does in every other sci-fi, but it never does. Indeed there's a scene halfway through where the crew attend a ship broadcasting a distress call, and what happens is so unlike what you'd expect that it's both genius and downright hilarious. Whilst being a bit slow going in parts, this film doesn't waste any time with useless preamble - you're thrown into the main plot right from the opening scene and it gets straight down to business. It's just a shame that later on it gets a bit bogged down.
The cinematography is mostly fantastic. The music and effects are spot on, although I did think some of the way this was shot made it look a little dated and cheap, and there's rather too many close up shots of Brad Pitt's face. Pitt is very good in this, a step up from the very disappointing Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but I did find his voiceover cheesy and grating at times. Still despite it's negatives, this is a very atmospheric and often tense sci-fi, which is strange considering not very much happens. The ending is perhaps a letdown or anticlimax and if they had made this slightly less of a slow-burner, it would be a perfect example and how best to do a proper sci-fi.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Last Star in Books
Jul 9, 2017
It Just Gets Worse...
Contains spoilers, click to show
This has to be the worst of the three... Finally we get headings that tell us which point of view we are reading but that's the only positive of this entire thing. Oh man where do I even start? Seriously it's that terrible. You think this is the last book we are bound to find out why "The Others" have attacked, what they want, or something... but no... nothing you're left to wonder. I think the author tried to give some kind of reasoning but it made about as much sense as a frog in a blender. "They had no answer for Love"... are you f**king kidding me with this s**t?! Ohhhh you're serious...oh dear... The. Worst. Cliche. Ever. Love makes humans what we are, sorry but there's a lot more to it than that... The ending is so unrealistic it hurts, none of that would happen. None. Of. It. *Spoilers* Self absorbed annoying little Cassie would not save the day because downloading tens of thousands of human "memories" would have killed her or at the very least turned her into a vegetable, and if by some impossibility she did survive the pod would not work because seriously you think a bunch of pyscho aliens are going to bargain with a *human* a cockroach species in their minds, the cities would be blown up, humans would be destroyed, Evan Walker would not survive electrocution and Ringer would have miscarried after the beating she recieved, Zombie and the kids would not have survived a *f**king helicopter crash* and Earth as we know it would no longer exist. This trilogy in no way shape or form should have had a fanatically ridiculous "happily ever after" bulls**t ending, but tragically it did... There's quality sci-fi fiction and then there's half-assed "Fifty Shades of the worst writing ever" stories. This whole series was unfortunately the latter... Don't waste your time...or your brain cells...
Mariafrancesca (30 KP) rated Only Ever Yours in Books
Mar 30, 2019
I am not sure what to think about this book.
I didn't like a single thing, I couldn't put it down for a second but I didn't like it: I didn't like the story or the settings, and the characters are horrible.
Then again I don't think this book is meant to be liked.
It disturbs me in a way that I cannot really understand: it disturbs me because it is so cliche that I would like to laugh at it, but in the same time I can see so much of my younger self in those girls that it scares the hell out of me: all the doubts, and the mean best friends, the willing to fit in no matter the costs - even if it means betraying yourself.
This book makes me feel uncomfortable.
At the beginning I didn't like the line that the author put between women and men, like saying "this is all men's fault, they did this, they are the bad guys", and then you meet this men and you realize that they are just scared teenager as well, with a life already decided for them. Maybe this book disturbs me because it just put you in the middle of the story but it does't explain how humanity arrived at that point: how is it possible that people just stopped to have daughters? Why women didn't fight this culture when it was spreading? Why did they accept all of that in the first place?
Maybe again, this is not the point of the book and maybe what it really bothers me about it is the complete lack of hope: there is not a single character that can be considered good (even though no one can be considered the bad guy), not a single character took the right path, they are all absolutely incapable. But worst than that I think is the complete lack of hope for the society, the resignation to a system that cannot be changed, drugs and death as the only way out.
I didn't like this book at all, I wasn't impress by it, I felt offended, angry, sometimes bored.
But I couldn't put it down until the end, and maybe this is why is worth reading it.
I didn't like a single thing, I couldn't put it down for a second but I didn't like it: I didn't like the story or the settings, and the characters are horrible.
Then again I don't think this book is meant to be liked.
It disturbs me in a way that I cannot really understand: it disturbs me because it is so cliche that I would like to laugh at it, but in the same time I can see so much of my younger self in those girls that it scares the hell out of me: all the doubts, and the mean best friends, the willing to fit in no matter the costs - even if it means betraying yourself.
This book makes me feel uncomfortable.
At the beginning I didn't like the line that the author put between women and men, like saying "this is all men's fault, they did this, they are the bad guys", and then you meet this men and you realize that they are just scared teenager as well, with a life already decided for them. Maybe this book disturbs me because it just put you in the middle of the story but it does't explain how humanity arrived at that point: how is it possible that people just stopped to have daughters? Why women didn't fight this culture when it was spreading? Why did they accept all of that in the first place?
Maybe again, this is not the point of the book and maybe what it really bothers me about it is the complete lack of hope: there is not a single character that can be considered good (even though no one can be considered the bad guy), not a single character took the right path, they are all absolutely incapable. But worst than that I think is the complete lack of hope for the society, the resignation to a system that cannot be changed, drugs and death as the only way out.
I didn't like this book at all, I wasn't impress by it, I felt offended, angry, sometimes bored.
But I couldn't put it down until the end, and maybe this is why is worth reading it.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) in Movies
Feb 6, 2019
Check Into the El Royale, You'll Be Glad You Did
BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE is a bloody movie about bloody people doing bloody things at a bloody hotel.
It's also bloody good.
Showing the same original style and panache that I have come to expect from Director/Writer Drew Goddard (THE CABIN IN THE WOODS), BAD TIMES...follows the storytelling device of a Quentin Tarantino flick like PULP FICTION or THE HATEFUL EIGHT in that it follows a seemingly disparate group of people - each with their own story - who's lives intersect.
Goddard's reputation has, obviously, preceded him as on the surface this film looks like a "B" flick filled with gore and violence, but in Goddard's hands - and with some strong acting talent and VERY strong production qualities (the sets, costumes and music help tell the story), this film is elevated to something much more than a "B" flick.
Jeff Bridges (HELL AND HIGH WATER) stars (at least in one storyline) as a mysterious Priest who shows up at the El Royale for some reason - and it's not to change the Bibles in the rooms. He is joined in the lobby at check-in by a lounge singer played by Cynthia Ervino (WIDOWS), vacuum cleaner salesman portrayed by John Hamm (BABY DRIVER) and by a mystery women played by Dakota Johnson (50 SHADES...) - all have secrets to hide and through flashbacks and chance encounters, their stories erupt on each other. And erupt they do when into the mix comes charismatic, mostly shirtless Cult Leader Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth) and his cult followers.
Goddard orchestrates this group of strong actors well, giving each character/actor moments to shine and play off each other. The dialogue, while not at a Tarantino level, was interesting and intriguing as much as what was NOT said then what WAS said.
But, make no mistake about it, this is an action movie - and action there is. Bodies, bullets and blood start flying as soon as these characters collide at the El Royale and bad times happen, for sure.
But, for me, this was a GOOD TIME AT THE EL ROYALE. If you like Pulp Fiction, Baby Driver, Hell and High Water or John Wick, then you'll like this flick. Check in to the El Royale, you'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
It's also bloody good.
Showing the same original style and panache that I have come to expect from Director/Writer Drew Goddard (THE CABIN IN THE WOODS), BAD TIMES...follows the storytelling device of a Quentin Tarantino flick like PULP FICTION or THE HATEFUL EIGHT in that it follows a seemingly disparate group of people - each with their own story - who's lives intersect.
Goddard's reputation has, obviously, preceded him as on the surface this film looks like a "B" flick filled with gore and violence, but in Goddard's hands - and with some strong acting talent and VERY strong production qualities (the sets, costumes and music help tell the story), this film is elevated to something much more than a "B" flick.
Jeff Bridges (HELL AND HIGH WATER) stars (at least in one storyline) as a mysterious Priest who shows up at the El Royale for some reason - and it's not to change the Bibles in the rooms. He is joined in the lobby at check-in by a lounge singer played by Cynthia Ervino (WIDOWS), vacuum cleaner salesman portrayed by John Hamm (BABY DRIVER) and by a mystery women played by Dakota Johnson (50 SHADES...) - all have secrets to hide and through flashbacks and chance encounters, their stories erupt on each other. And erupt they do when into the mix comes charismatic, mostly shirtless Cult Leader Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth) and his cult followers.
Goddard orchestrates this group of strong actors well, giving each character/actor moments to shine and play off each other. The dialogue, while not at a Tarantino level, was interesting and intriguing as much as what was NOT said then what WAS said.
But, make no mistake about it, this is an action movie - and action there is. Bodies, bullets and blood start flying as soon as these characters collide at the El Royale and bad times happen, for sure.
But, for me, this was a GOOD TIME AT THE EL ROYALE. If you like Pulp Fiction, Baby Driver, Hell and High Water or John Wick, then you'll like this flick. Check in to the El Royale, you'll be glad you did.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)