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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Lords of Chaos (2018) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
I saw one trailer for this and at that point I instantly assumed that it wouldn't show at my local Cineworld, but it did, with a surprising amount of showings. The gentleman and I who attended this particular screening really did not look like your typical black metal fans, but then it's always the quiet ones...
In my non-fan status I can't say anything to its accuracy. From what I understand there are disagreements over some of it, the trailer does state "based on truth and lies" so somewhere along the line they know they've taken some necessary artistic license.
Lords Of Chaos is a pretty honest movie, and by that I mean it doesn't sugarcoat anything. There are violent and horrific scenes that any movie looking for a 15 certificate would have looked away at the last minute or done something artistic with the camera angle, but LOC just went "F*** it, zoom in." and I think that was a great benefit to it. I actually found it less shocking for that exact reason. If you can stomach it then seeing what actually happens is a lot less affecting than being left to imagine it. I'm aware that that probably says something horrific about me personally.
I was... put off? by the casting of Rory Culkin as the lead in this. I couldn't honestly tell you why, I've only really seen him in Scream 4 and I love that. His performance from start to finish was incredible, including the voiceovers which were placed in exactly the right places throughout. I was blown away by him when I'd expected to dislike his character. Culkin seems to know exactly where Euronymous is going, he adapts to the changes in him and you see the schemer, the worrier and all the associated emotions that go with them.
Emory Cohen gave an interesting performance as Varg, but I wasn't particularly fond of the character. To see his transformation from almost puppy dog longing to connect before he spirals into paranoia and his ever-expanding need to be the best was intriguing, it ultimately left me with an awkward feeling that I wasn't particularly fond of.
The two of them together made for a good contrast with both characters progressing in opposite directions yet never meeting and being able to connect in the middle. I liked that they both seemed to underestimate the other and that impact brought out very different characteristics in them both. That ultimately led to a strong conclusion to the film and allowed Culkin to really end it with a bang.
The film itself was beautifully shot and many of the shots seemed frivolous at the time but actually allowed for some respite from the carnage and allowed you to take in the gravity of some of the actions.
While Lords Of Chaos is probably not a film I would have ever seen in the past I was actually pleased that I saw it. This regime of seeing (almost) everything that comes out at my cinema has its ups and downs but this was a pretty interesting watch. Culkin performed his socks off and it was a very entertaining surprise. This is a topic that will definitely need some further reading beyond what is portrayed here as I'm certain that to make a film of this suitable for a movie-going audience it would have needed a lot of tweaking from the truth.
What you should do
This is definitely not for the faint hearted, I would absolutely not recommend it to you if you don't like blood, violence or are susceptible to self-harm on screen. If you can stomach all of those things and have an interest in music then I'd say it's worth giving a go.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Running my own record store looks like it migt be fun, but I don't think that my music taste would make it a very popular shop.
In my non-fan status I can't say anything to its accuracy. From what I understand there are disagreements over some of it, the trailer does state "based on truth and lies" so somewhere along the line they know they've taken some necessary artistic license.
Lords Of Chaos is a pretty honest movie, and by that I mean it doesn't sugarcoat anything. There are violent and horrific scenes that any movie looking for a 15 certificate would have looked away at the last minute or done something artistic with the camera angle, but LOC just went "F*** it, zoom in." and I think that was a great benefit to it. I actually found it less shocking for that exact reason. If you can stomach it then seeing what actually happens is a lot less affecting than being left to imagine it. I'm aware that that probably says something horrific about me personally.
I was... put off? by the casting of Rory Culkin as the lead in this. I couldn't honestly tell you why, I've only really seen him in Scream 4 and I love that. His performance from start to finish was incredible, including the voiceovers which were placed in exactly the right places throughout. I was blown away by him when I'd expected to dislike his character. Culkin seems to know exactly where Euronymous is going, he adapts to the changes in him and you see the schemer, the worrier and all the associated emotions that go with them.
Emory Cohen gave an interesting performance as Varg, but I wasn't particularly fond of the character. To see his transformation from almost puppy dog longing to connect before he spirals into paranoia and his ever-expanding need to be the best was intriguing, it ultimately left me with an awkward feeling that I wasn't particularly fond of.
The two of them together made for a good contrast with both characters progressing in opposite directions yet never meeting and being able to connect in the middle. I liked that they both seemed to underestimate the other and that impact brought out very different characteristics in them both. That ultimately led to a strong conclusion to the film and allowed Culkin to really end it with a bang.
The film itself was beautifully shot and many of the shots seemed frivolous at the time but actually allowed for some respite from the carnage and allowed you to take in the gravity of some of the actions.
While Lords Of Chaos is probably not a film I would have ever seen in the past I was actually pleased that I saw it. This regime of seeing (almost) everything that comes out at my cinema has its ups and downs but this was a pretty interesting watch. Culkin performed his socks off and it was a very entertaining surprise. This is a topic that will definitely need some further reading beyond what is portrayed here as I'm certain that to make a film of this suitable for a movie-going audience it would have needed a lot of tweaking from the truth.
What you should do
This is definitely not for the faint hearted, I would absolutely not recommend it to you if you don't like blood, violence or are susceptible to self-harm on screen. If you can stomach all of those things and have an interest in music then I'd say it's worth giving a go.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Running my own record store looks like it migt be fun, but I don't think that my music taste would make it a very popular shop.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Philomena (2013) in Movies
Oct 26, 2017
A great heartwarming comedy
I avoided this film for a few years mainly because of Steve Coogan, but i can honestly say it is a very funny, heartwarming, sad and disturbing tale.
Judi Dench is as fantastic as ever as Phil. She brings such warmth and a believability to the at times naive Irish woman. The script itself is clever and well written. I didn't think such a disturbing and horrible story could include some truly funny moments, but it pulls them off well. It also really highlights Phil's story without downplaying or making light of, and it's a story that really needs to be told. This isn't something that I was aware of, so it has really opened my eyes to what went on and did in fact make me quite angry.
My only criticism would be Steve Coogan. He seems to play a similar character in most films and other than towards the end of Philomena, you don't feel much ot care much for him.
Judi Dench is as fantastic as ever as Phil. She brings such warmth and a believability to the at times naive Irish woman. The script itself is clever and well written. I didn't think such a disturbing and horrible story could include some truly funny moments, but it pulls them off well. It also really highlights Phil's story without downplaying or making light of, and it's a story that really needs to be told. This isn't something that I was aware of, so it has really opened my eyes to what went on and did in fact make me quite angry.
My only criticism would be Steve Coogan. He seems to play a similar character in most films and other than towards the end of Philomena, you don't feel much ot care much for him.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dead Man’s Gift: Today (Part 3) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Well, what can I say? It started where Part 2 left off ... full on and although I loved it, it did seem to be over way too quickly and I would have liked it to be a little longer - at least as long as the previous 2 parts. Having said that, I think it was an excellent story and will read all 3 parts again but all at once next time. I really like Scope's character and am looking forward to getting to know him more in future books.
I think releasing this in 3 parts was genius and a great idea. It was like a really good tv series that you really look forward to watching each week BUT, if this is going to become a regular thing, each part needs to be of similar length.
I would definitely recommend this to others and other Simon Kernick novels, he hasn't let me down yet.
I think releasing this in 3 parts was genius and a great idea. It was like a really good tv series that you really look forward to watching each week BUT, if this is going to become a regular thing, each part needs to be of similar length.
I would definitely recommend this to others and other Simon Kernick novels, he hasn't let me down yet.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated After the End (After the End, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[After The End] by [Amy Plum] has a deceptive tile because it leads you to think it is an dystopian novel. Although I love those books this was a welcomed surprise. It turned into more of an action/adventure with a little coming of age thrown in for good measure.
[Plum] did an excellent job of developing a creative, fearless, intelligent character in Juneau. Although she is naive do to lack of exposure she know how to survive. Her loyalty to family even though they hurt her is endearing.
Miles, on the other hand, is a spoiled rotten brat who has had the easy life. He starts out for his own gain but what he really gains is a new insight about life and love.
This story has some supernatural aspects but over all is more of an exciting journey of discovery for two young people who have a lot to learn from each other.
[Plum] did an excellent job of developing a creative, fearless, intelligent character in Juneau. Although she is naive do to lack of exposure she know how to survive. Her loyalty to family even though they hurt her is endearing.
Miles, on the other hand, is a spoiled rotten brat who has had the easy life. He starts out for his own gain but what he really gains is a new insight about life and love.
This story has some supernatural aspects but over all is more of an exciting journey of discovery for two young people who have a lot to learn from each other.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Dragonfly in Amber in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wow! Just wow! Talk about a cliffhanger. As I said when I read Outlander, I am by no means a fan of the "romance" novel. That's why I waited so long to dive into the series. But let me tell you, these books are so much more than that. Just like the first installment DiA has its typical romance novel elements but it has much, much more than that too. This book delves much deeper into the history of the time period that Clare falls in to. It took me awhile to really get hooked on this book, but I did. Gabaldon is a wonderful storyteller! She writes with so much detail & passion, not to mention what must be a HUGE amount of painstaking research. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully it won't be as far between the 2nd & 3rd as it was between the 1st & 2nd!!
Frecklesxoxo (6 KP) rated Saven Deception (Saven #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Wow, I love this book! The uniqueness of the storyline keeps you on your toes and really wanting more. I love how Siobhan raises the very real overpopulation crisis and the drastic actions people will go too.
I love the concept of living under the Sea and I did not expect the ending!
Its great to have such a strong heroine, Sadie has obstacles she needs to face and takes it in her stride, never letting the situation get the better of her and working out solutions for the problems she faces, using her initiative and showing great strength and strong will throughout. The only niggle I had was the slight repetition of her friends keeping secrets and not confiding in her throughout the book. But that's it.
I really loved the storyline,the relationships and really look forward to reading number 2 as I need to know what happens
I Received this book via netgalley for an open and honest review
I love the concept of living under the Sea and I did not expect the ending!
Its great to have such a strong heroine, Sadie has obstacles she needs to face and takes it in her stride, never letting the situation get the better of her and working out solutions for the problems she faces, using her initiative and showing great strength and strong will throughout. The only niggle I had was the slight repetition of her friends keeping secrets and not confiding in her throughout the book. But that's it.
I really loved the storyline,the relationships and really look forward to reading number 2 as I need to know what happens
I Received this book via netgalley for an open and honest review
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Wicker Tree (2012) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019
I had the good fortune to attend a screening of this film in the presence of its writer-director Robin Hardy, back in 2012, and afterwards Hardy took us all off to the cinema bar to talk about it. 'So, what did you think?' he asked, clearly very proud. An awkward silence ensued. 'The songs aren't as good as in The Wicker Man,' was all anyone was prepared to say.
Any follow-up to The Wicker Man has a lot to live up to, and the good fortune of Wicker Tree is that it was preceded by the Nic Cage remake ('a ****-up', according to Hardy). It's better than the remake, but by any other standard this is a blunderingly crass and unsubtle semi-remake of the 1973 film, filled with painfully broad humour, gaping plot holes and a cheery anti-Americanism it's difficult to get on-side with. A huge disappointment in all kinds of ways, but Robin Hardy was a true gent.
Any follow-up to The Wicker Man has a lot to live up to, and the good fortune of Wicker Tree is that it was preceded by the Nic Cage remake ('a ****-up', according to Hardy). It's better than the remake, but by any other standard this is a blunderingly crass and unsubtle semi-remake of the 1973 film, filled with painfully broad humour, gaping plot holes and a cheery anti-Americanism it's difficult to get on-side with. A huge disappointment in all kinds of ways, but Robin Hardy was a true gent.
Gail (4 KP) rated Froze (The Melted Series Book 2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Froze by Tarrah Anders
Four Stars
Jacob and Beth were a couple I wouldn’t have imagined together. They’re night and day but their relationship worked. The give and take was even and their relationship doesn’t require one to be less than who they are. The author did a really good job bringing these two together. I feel like the odds were against them and they proved everyone wrong. I loved that Beth stood by him when the going got extremely tough. She could've left him when his past came into their lives. The drama and trouble was too much but her love for him was so much more. Well written characters and a great story line is what you will get from this story. I feel the author added the right amount of drama and relationship goals. I liked that the characters from them previous book were included but didn’t over take the book.
Four Stars
Jacob and Beth were a couple I wouldn’t have imagined together. They’re night and day but their relationship worked. The give and take was even and their relationship doesn’t require one to be less than who they are. The author did a really good job bringing these two together. I feel like the odds were against them and they proved everyone wrong. I loved that Beth stood by him when the going got extremely tough. She could've left him when his past came into their lives. The drama and trouble was too much but her love for him was so much more. Well written characters and a great story line is what you will get from this story. I feel the author added the right amount of drama and relationship goals. I liked that the characters from them previous book were included but didn’t over take the book.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Royals in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Okay, I was not expecting to like this novel as much as I did. I spent more than half of the book absolutely hating some of the characters and that shows me how emotionally invested in Daisy I was. I will admit, I felt a kinship with Daisy. I loved her character & her humor. It was fun and made me laugh a lot.
I loved just about everything about this book except for how quick of an ending it had. I want to know more about what happened. I want to know how the entire story ends which only makes me hope that Rachel Hawkins is considering writing a second book.
This book is a cute, quick read that is sure to make you smile a few times. The romance aspect was cute & sweet. All in all, I loved it.
**I received this book from First to Read in exchange for an honest review**
I loved just about everything about this book except for how quick of an ending it had. I want to know more about what happened. I want to know how the entire story ends which only makes me hope that Rachel Hawkins is considering writing a second book.
This book is a cute, quick read that is sure to make you smile a few times. The romance aspect was cute & sweet. All in all, I loved it.
**I received this book from First to Read in exchange for an honest review**
Joe (2 more)
Twists
Dark humour
Sympathetic stalker.
Joe is an intelligent book store worker and he's not bad looking either. Problem is he might just be a psychopath. He becomes obsessed with women he believes are the one and from there on out he sets out to make them his and protect them no matter what that takes.
It has an underlying theme of dark humor with many finding the character of Joe to be incredibly sympathetic despite his actions and I did quite often find myself laughing at the series. I devoured it in 2 days and just couldn't stop watching despite the fact that I didn't feel at all sympathetic towards his victim Beck and even at times found her quite annoying and pathetic.
You looks set to be one of Netflixs biggest TV hits for this year and with a sequel already in development it's certainly worth a good binge.
It has an underlying theme of dark humor with many finding the character of Joe to be incredibly sympathetic despite his actions and I did quite often find myself laughing at the series. I devoured it in 2 days and just couldn't stop watching despite the fact that I didn't feel at all sympathetic towards his victim Beck and even at times found her quite annoying and pathetic.
You looks set to be one of Netflixs biggest TV hits for this year and with a sequel already in development it's certainly worth a good binge.