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Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Nov 13, 2018 (Updated Nov 13, 2018)
Predictable jumpscares (2 more)
Bad acting
Crappy script
Overhyped Garbage
The Haunting Of Hill House is a 2018 Netflix series directed by Mike Flanagan, who directed last year's fantastically creepy adaption of Stephen King's 'Gerald's Game'. Hill House even features some of the same cast members in Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas, whom I both really like. Before diving into it, I thought that this show was going to be tailor made for me, with a brilliant cast and the same subtle but terrifying horror that Flanagan used in Gerald's Game.
However, after watching the first couple of episodes, I was struggling to get into it. Due to the massive amount of hype and praise that this show was getting I decided to stick with it. By the time I got to episode 6, I was done, but then my girlfriend guilted me into watching that rest of the series because she wanted to see it and she was, "too scared to watch it alone."
What a huge waste of time that turned out to be.
If you have read any of my other reviews of horror-based media, you will know that I have a love/hate relationship with the genre. There are very few horror movies or shows that I feel indifferent about. I hate lazy, formulaic bad horror and that is exactly what Hill House is.
Every single episode consists of a jumpscare at the start of the episode, then a hard cut either forwards or backwards in the timeline. Then about 15-20 minutes of piss poor acting and boring dialogue. This is followed by another cheap jumpscare, usually a woman screaming at an obnoxiously loud volume at the camera. Then we get another hard cut back to the other timeline.
The main issue with this structure, (other than being extremely lazy and repetitive,) is that when the hard cut is made to the other timeline, the audience knows that it is done by an editor and that we are now being asked to focus on a part of the story within the other timeline, but for the characters within the show, it makes no sense. For example, two people are having a conversation when something creepy happens. They go to investigate and a screaming woman comes launching towards them or is standing at the edge of a bed or doing basically any other ghost story cliché you can think of. Then the show cuts away to show the characters as children being haunted by a different ghost, but then when we cut back to the present, we never find out how the last jumpscare was resolved. What was the aftermath of that screaming lady at the end of the bed you ask? How was that resolved? How are the character's mentalities after this happened to them? Who cares?! Say the writers, let's just move on to the next cheap jumpscare.
The script is extraordinarily lazy and the child actors are horribly bad. This is an issue that I feel that there isn't really any excuse for anymore after the brilliant child performances in shows like Stranger Things and Season 2 of the Sinner.
If you judge the quality of something based on what it sets out to do versus what it actually does, then The Haunting Of Hill House is the worst show that I have had the displeasure of sitting through this year. The scares are pathetic, the acting is atrocious in places, the script is diabolically cheesy at times, there is hardly any originality present for an, 'original series,' and the show is overflowing with clichés. Not once did a jumpscare actually scare me, because they were all either laughably predicable or they would be totally out of place just for the sake of shock value and would merit a heavy sigh rather than an legit scare. The most egregious, offensively bad example of this was when two characters were having a conversation in a car in episode 6 and a ghost randomly screams from the backseat.
Please do not waste your time with this series, 2018 had so much brilliance to offer on the small screen and despite what you might hear from big publications, this is not one of them.
However, after watching the first couple of episodes, I was struggling to get into it. Due to the massive amount of hype and praise that this show was getting I decided to stick with it. By the time I got to episode 6, I was done, but then my girlfriend guilted me into watching that rest of the series because she wanted to see it and she was, "too scared to watch it alone."
What a huge waste of time that turned out to be.
If you have read any of my other reviews of horror-based media, you will know that I have a love/hate relationship with the genre. There are very few horror movies or shows that I feel indifferent about. I hate lazy, formulaic bad horror and that is exactly what Hill House is.
Every single episode consists of a jumpscare at the start of the episode, then a hard cut either forwards or backwards in the timeline. Then about 15-20 minutes of piss poor acting and boring dialogue. This is followed by another cheap jumpscare, usually a woman screaming at an obnoxiously loud volume at the camera. Then we get another hard cut back to the other timeline.
The main issue with this structure, (other than being extremely lazy and repetitive,) is that when the hard cut is made to the other timeline, the audience knows that it is done by an editor and that we are now being asked to focus on a part of the story within the other timeline, but for the characters within the show, it makes no sense. For example, two people are having a conversation when something creepy happens. They go to investigate and a screaming woman comes launching towards them or is standing at the edge of a bed or doing basically any other ghost story cliché you can think of. Then the show cuts away to show the characters as children being haunted by a different ghost, but then when we cut back to the present, we never find out how the last jumpscare was resolved. What was the aftermath of that screaming lady at the end of the bed you ask? How was that resolved? How are the character's mentalities after this happened to them? Who cares?! Say the writers, let's just move on to the next cheap jumpscare.
The script is extraordinarily lazy and the child actors are horribly bad. This is an issue that I feel that there isn't really any excuse for anymore after the brilliant child performances in shows like Stranger Things and Season 2 of the Sinner.
If you judge the quality of something based on what it sets out to do versus what it actually does, then The Haunting Of Hill House is the worst show that I have had the displeasure of sitting through this year. The scares are pathetic, the acting is atrocious in places, the script is diabolically cheesy at times, there is hardly any originality present for an, 'original series,' and the show is overflowing with clichés. Not once did a jumpscare actually scare me, because they were all either laughably predicable or they would be totally out of place just for the sake of shock value and would merit a heavy sigh rather than an legit scare. The most egregious, offensively bad example of this was when two characters were having a conversation in a car in episode 6 and a ghost randomly screams from the backseat.
Please do not waste your time with this series, 2018 had so much brilliance to offer on the small screen and despite what you might hear from big publications, this is not one of them.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Kwaan in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
This game reminds me an awful lot of proteus. Very little is told to you. Wandering around a pixelated island trying to sort things out. The point and click mechanics might make you nostalgic. A peppy atmosphere and creative out lets might have you coming back to see what the community has done to the trees and chalk boards.
The game is in early access and it does show. Platforming is going to take a long while to get used to. You get around by shooting a string and pulling yourself up to a point where he can swing to get to the platform sometimes this can be very frustrating. This could be fixed by letting you slide down on the string but that has yet to be seen.
Appearance I genuinely liked the sprite animation, seems like something you might see in say a late Nintendo to early super Nintendo. Intricate works of player art can be found here and there. The over world if bright and colorful during the day.
Quest systems and leveling are something I didn’t quite get here. The story is told in the back ground and you have to go hunting for it. I got caught up in the bright atmosphere and exploring that I really did not get around to that part of the game. There is quite a bit to explore if you have the time and patience.
Ambient music is here and it does suite the mood. I do feel like it’s on an endless loop. Not to mention in the version I’m playing on there is no option menu at all. So either mute all sounds or mute it in the volume mixer. Small problem I know but several small issues can culminate into a bit one.
Velocity is another challenge, you can find yourself making a gap sometimes. Other times you will not be so lucky. Getting your string to attach to a flock of seagulls or a school of fish can feel almost impossible. Spikes and death traps are abound. When you overcome these obstacles for say a treasure chest it can be a bit underwhelming.
The mystery to it all feels very cryptic. I for the life of me could not find anything out. Admittedly I’m terrible at these kind of puzzles. Some clues would be much appreciated. End of the world is coming is about the only thing I could figure out.
The intention of the game feels good. I can see a lot of love and time went into crafting this world. Even with all its color, ambiance and charm I can see the flaws. Early accesses is a phrase I think is more than apt here. However this could be something very special with just a few tweaks.
In the end I could only recommend this game to those willing to support a modern point and click platformer. If you grew up with platformers like Mario and castlevania this might just be a bit to different. Unless you’re willing to look past the controls and or love retro sprites.
http://sknr.net/2015/04/10/kwaan-a-point-and-click-adventure/
The game is in early access and it does show. Platforming is going to take a long while to get used to. You get around by shooting a string and pulling yourself up to a point where he can swing to get to the platform sometimes this can be very frustrating. This could be fixed by letting you slide down on the string but that has yet to be seen.
Appearance I genuinely liked the sprite animation, seems like something you might see in say a late Nintendo to early super Nintendo. Intricate works of player art can be found here and there. The over world if bright and colorful during the day.
Quest systems and leveling are something I didn’t quite get here. The story is told in the back ground and you have to go hunting for it. I got caught up in the bright atmosphere and exploring that I really did not get around to that part of the game. There is quite a bit to explore if you have the time and patience.
Ambient music is here and it does suite the mood. I do feel like it’s on an endless loop. Not to mention in the version I’m playing on there is no option menu at all. So either mute all sounds or mute it in the volume mixer. Small problem I know but several small issues can culminate into a bit one.
Velocity is another challenge, you can find yourself making a gap sometimes. Other times you will not be so lucky. Getting your string to attach to a flock of seagulls or a school of fish can feel almost impossible. Spikes and death traps are abound. When you overcome these obstacles for say a treasure chest it can be a bit underwhelming.
The mystery to it all feels very cryptic. I for the life of me could not find anything out. Admittedly I’m terrible at these kind of puzzles. Some clues would be much appreciated. End of the world is coming is about the only thing I could figure out.
The intention of the game feels good. I can see a lot of love and time went into crafting this world. Even with all its color, ambiance and charm I can see the flaws. Early accesses is a phrase I think is more than apt here. However this could be something very special with just a few tweaks.
In the end I could only recommend this game to those willing to support a modern point and click platformer. If you grew up with platformers like Mario and castlevania this might just be a bit to different. Unless you’re willing to look past the controls and or love retro sprites.
http://sknr.net/2015/04/10/kwaan-a-point-and-click-adventure/
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Kiss Me Again in Books
Jun 28, 2019
difficult, but enjoyable
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Aiden fell from the tree he was working on, and ended up in hospital. The only person who seemed to be ale to get through to Aiden was Ludo. Ludo is fighting his own demons again, and Aiden seems to make him all . . well . . he doesn;t know the word but Aiden makes him feel good. And GOOD is not a thing Ludo has had for some time. When Aiden is released and Ludo not, things for oth of them spiral downhill. A chance meeting puts bth men back on track, but can they really be HAPPY? Either of them?
I found this a difficult read. But a very good one!
Ludo is bi-polar, and tries to keep up with his meds, but they keep changing his doses, and the type of meds he is taking, and he knows when he is going down, he can feel it. He can equally feel his highs. And these are the bits I struggled with the most. I have someone close to me who is bi-polar, and they are never able to voice how things make them feel. Getting into Ludo's head, difficult as it was, gave me a bit more insight into my friend's head. Scared me a bit, to be honest, but I really did not fully get what my friend was trying to tell me before. I do a bit better now. So hopefully I can be a better friend.
Aiden is GRUMPY! Oh he made me laugh, he really is a grumpy git, and he knows it! Ludo though, Ludo makes him want to NOT be and he tries, he really does. It just takes him time, since he's been so grumpy for so long.
The relationship between Ludo and Aiden moves at an even pace, steady and solid along the book. Its not overly sexy, but their is heat and steam aplenty. But its not about the sex between these two, it's about learning to love another, and what that menas for them.
Both Ludo and Aiden have their say. While both men are difficult to read, I did love them to pieces. I wanted to wrap them both up and be mum to them, I really did!
I loved the way Ms Leigh tells her tales. It takes time for Ludo's full medical history to come clear, and you get hints and snippets to put together your own version, not always correctly, mind!
I've not read anything else by Ms Leigh before, and this is what love most about reviewing for the blog. NEW to me authors pop up all the time. These authors have published many books, but not crossed my path before. So I'd love to read more by this author.
A thoroughly difficult but very enjoyable
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Aiden fell from the tree he was working on, and ended up in hospital. The only person who seemed to be ale to get through to Aiden was Ludo. Ludo is fighting his own demons again, and Aiden seems to make him all . . well . . he doesn;t know the word but Aiden makes him feel good. And GOOD is not a thing Ludo has had for some time. When Aiden is released and Ludo not, things for oth of them spiral downhill. A chance meeting puts bth men back on track, but can they really be HAPPY? Either of them?
I found this a difficult read. But a very good one!
Ludo is bi-polar, and tries to keep up with his meds, but they keep changing his doses, and the type of meds he is taking, and he knows when he is going down, he can feel it. He can equally feel his highs. And these are the bits I struggled with the most. I have someone close to me who is bi-polar, and they are never able to voice how things make them feel. Getting into Ludo's head, difficult as it was, gave me a bit more insight into my friend's head. Scared me a bit, to be honest, but I really did not fully get what my friend was trying to tell me before. I do a bit better now. So hopefully I can be a better friend.
Aiden is GRUMPY! Oh he made me laugh, he really is a grumpy git, and he knows it! Ludo though, Ludo makes him want to NOT be and he tries, he really does. It just takes him time, since he's been so grumpy for so long.
The relationship between Ludo and Aiden moves at an even pace, steady and solid along the book. Its not overly sexy, but their is heat and steam aplenty. But its not about the sex between these two, it's about learning to love another, and what that menas for them.
Both Ludo and Aiden have their say. While both men are difficult to read, I did love them to pieces. I wanted to wrap them both up and be mum to them, I really did!
I loved the way Ms Leigh tells her tales. It takes time for Ludo's full medical history to come clear, and you get hints and snippets to put together your own version, not always correctly, mind!
I've not read anything else by Ms Leigh before, and this is what love most about reviewing for the blog. NEW to me authors pop up all the time. These authors have published many books, but not crossed my path before. So I'd love to read more by this author.
A thoroughly difficult but very enjoyable
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Slow Burner
This series came highly recommended, but I didn't get into it straightaway. In all honesty, I failed to see what was so captivating about the object of the stalker's affections, Beck. She came across as vapid and irritating, and unable to take responsibility for herself.
If you are able to get past the annoying characters and suspend belief/overlook certain flaws, then it's actually a very good story, which is worth persevering with.
The story is told from the POV of the stalker, Joe, and we get a good insight into his reasoning and rationale, and watch how he twists situations and circumstances to his advantage.
I probably wouldn't have persevered after the first episode, mainly because I found Beck so annoying, but my husband was enjoying it so we carried on watching. I'm glad we did (although Beck doesn't get any less irritating, if I'm honest).
The twist in the final episode of the series was a real cliffhanger to end on; rather than loose ends being tied up, things are becoming more unravelled for Joe.
If you are able to get past the annoying characters and suspend belief/overlook certain flaws, then it's actually a very good story, which is worth persevering with.
The story is told from the POV of the stalker, Joe, and we get a good insight into his reasoning and rationale, and watch how he twists situations and circumstances to his advantage.
I probably wouldn't have persevered after the first episode, mainly because I found Beck so annoying, but my husband was enjoying it so we carried on watching. I'm glad we did (although Beck doesn't get any less irritating, if I'm honest).
The twist in the final episode of the series was a real cliffhanger to end on; rather than loose ends being tied up, things are becoming more unravelled for Joe.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Admirable Crichton (1957) in Movies
Feb 23, 2019 (Updated Feb 23, 2019)
Well-made but somewhat odd British comedy. Status-obsessed Lord Loam (Parker) and his entourage wind up shipwrecked on a desert island; in order to survive some drastic steps have to be taken, and redoubtable butler Crichton (More) - yes, there is a Red Dwarf character named after him - rises to the occasion. Soon, the traditional hierarchy is upended But what will happen if they ever get rescued?
The Admirable Crichton seems incredibly dated nowadays, but it probably did so back in 1957 as well. Its preoccupation with the class system perhaps feels a bit quaint, but the story predicated on it is still involving - Lord Loam's daughter and Crichton fall in love, but can only be together in the class-inverted society they create on the island; there are similar subplots. It's fairly amusing in a broad sort of way, but the moments that stick with you are the ones of sadness and regret. It's hard to imagine a modern rom-com having the bravery to serve up an ending as downbeat as this one. Probably works better as a comedy-drama, to be honest; does so rather well.
The Admirable Crichton seems incredibly dated nowadays, but it probably did so back in 1957 as well. Its preoccupation with the class system perhaps feels a bit quaint, but the story predicated on it is still involving - Lord Loam's daughter and Crichton fall in love, but can only be together in the class-inverted society they create on the island; there are similar subplots. It's fairly amusing in a broad sort of way, but the moments that stick with you are the ones of sadness and regret. It's hard to imagine a modern rom-com having the bravery to serve up an ending as downbeat as this one. Probably works better as a comedy-drama, to be honest; does so rather well.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The Crown Tower (The Riyria Chronicles, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I read the Riyria Revelations, then I thought I would wait a while before reading this book. I mean, it's reasonable to take a break after six volumes in a universe, right? But I did have a sample chapter, just sitting there in the Kindle app. Just. Sitting. It wouldn't really hurt to just take a peek, would it?
I think you know what happened next. In a few minutes, there was less money in my bank account, but I had the full novel in my greedy hands, so I could get on with learning how Royce and Hadrian met. I read far more slowly this time, taking more time to savor the story. I know all too well that there's only one more novel available at the moment, and I'm trying to make myself wait for that one. Trying is the operative word, here. I enjoy Sullivan's work far too much to be very disciplined about it.
I absolutely recommend ALL of the books, but I do think it might be best to read them in the order in which they were published.
I think you know what happened next. In a few minutes, there was less money in my bank account, but I had the full novel in my greedy hands, so I could get on with learning how Royce and Hadrian met. I read far more slowly this time, taking more time to savor the story. I know all too well that there's only one more novel available at the moment, and I'm trying to make myself wait for that one. Trying is the operative word, here. I enjoy Sullivan's work far too much to be very disciplined about it.
I absolutely recommend ALL of the books, but I do think it might be best to read them in the order in which they were published.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Music of the Heart (Runaway Train, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
This book was an entertaining novel but it really didn۪t speak to me. The fact that Abby was so quick to lose her morals did not impress me. I۪m one for smut, but it felt a little weird to have the heroine give up her moral stance so quickly.
ۏAnd just what do you plan to do? Rape me? ۏNo, I intend on making love with you ے Seriously?!? Agh!
It also seemed that Abby and Jake۪s romance was a little forced. I couldn۪t help but roll my eyes at the plot line and the actions of the characters. This girl is supposed to be angelic yet she gives lap dances to prove someone wrong۟ correct me if I۪m wrong, but that isn۪t very angelic.
While on the subject of angelicness I would like to point out that the religious part of the book also felt forced. The only time her religion came into play was when she was lecturing individuals on being too judgmental.
I liked the concept of the book but for me it felt like a cup of decaf coffee, has a similar taste to coffee but didn۪t give me anything to look forward to.
ۏAnd just what do you plan to do? Rape me? ۏNo, I intend on making love with you ے Seriously?!? Agh!
It also seemed that Abby and Jake۪s romance was a little forced. I couldn۪t help but roll my eyes at the plot line and the actions of the characters. This girl is supposed to be angelic yet she gives lap dances to prove someone wrong۟ correct me if I۪m wrong, but that isn۪t very angelic.
While on the subject of angelicness I would like to point out that the religious part of the book also felt forced. The only time her religion came into play was when she was lecturing individuals on being too judgmental.
I liked the concept of the book but for me it felt like a cup of decaf coffee, has a similar taste to coffee but didn۪t give me anything to look forward to.
Steph (468 KP) rated Poison Study (Study, #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was wel-written, fast-paced, and complex. I thought Snyder did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I absolutely adored Yelena and Valek and their relationship throughout the book! The plot was extremely well-done. There was just the right amount of complexity to leave you satisfied with the political intrigue and not be overwhelmed with detail.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 21, 2018
NEWT!! (2 more)
Jacob
Leta Lestrange
Great story bar Hogwarts timeline
Contains spoilers, click to show
AS whole I really enjoyed fanstic beast crime against Grindlewald. Newt is a throughly delightful charcter and so loveable. Jacob is easy to releate to as well my problems with this film all happen in it around Hogwarts.
First of all Mcgonall isn't born till 1935 she tells Uxbridge in goblet if fire book she started teaching in Hogwarts in 1956 so what she doing alive and an adult in 1927.
The whomping Willow was suppose to be planted in Hogwarts for lupin in 1971 so how did Newt find Pickett in it during a flashback putting the tree there around 1918
Dumbledore always taught transfigruation not DADA obviously this rewrite is covered by the whole you can no longer teach DADA but as we saw in the HP series only the headmaster has that power not Aurors
Finally I know it dramatic effect make it look cooler to appeared onto to middle of the bridge but as we saw in deathly Hallows apperation line isn't middle of bridge it hogemeeade
First of all Mcgonall isn't born till 1935 she tells Uxbridge in goblet if fire book she started teaching in Hogwarts in 1956 so what she doing alive and an adult in 1927.
The whomping Willow was suppose to be planted in Hogwarts for lupin in 1971 so how did Newt find Pickett in it during a flashback putting the tree there around 1918
Dumbledore always taught transfigruation not DADA obviously this rewrite is covered by the whole you can no longer teach DADA but as we saw in the HP series only the headmaster has that power not Aurors
Finally I know it dramatic effect make it look cooler to appeared onto to middle of the bridge but as we saw in deathly Hallows apperation line isn't middle of bridge it hogemeeade
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated Donuts and Disaster in Books
Jul 27, 2019
Donuts and Disaster - other than making me feel extremely peckish throughout I surprised myself by enjoying this short book. I was having a spout of 'I want to read, but nothing is holding onto my interest' when I found this on my #tbr shelf. It's number 4 of a series of Sandy Bay Cozy Mysterys. Meghan runs a bakery and finds herself (yet again apparently) tangled up with a murder. The story was quick paced and a lot happened in a short space of time. If I were to offer a criticism I would say that the murder should happen sooner for such a short book. The murder did not happen until half way through, which means there was only a little time in the short book for it to be solved. But as a quick and easy read after a long day at work - definitely a winner. I like that you can read it as a standalone and not need to know what happened in the previous books. The discovery of a killer disappointed me a little as very little investigative work went into it - I was expecting more Jessica Fletcher than accidental confession/discovery.
Lee (2222 KP) Nov 13, 2018