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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Love and vice A multi-author erotic collection in Books
Jan 22, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
So I've done a small comment on each but overall most of the were pretty good! I have several new authors to read and loved a select few! If you are looking for pure naughtiness it's definitely in this book!
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely đ
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy đđ¤Ł
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too đ¤Łđ¤Ł. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book đđ
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely đ
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy đđ¤Ł
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too đ¤Łđ¤Ł. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book đđ
JT (287 KP) rated Insidious (2010) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
James Wan has all the talent but for some reason is unable to put the killer instinct into his films and finish them off like they should be. With the exception of being one of the founding members of the Saw franchise, his films to date havenât quite lived up to the expectations we know he can and should be able to deliver on.
Wan returns with Leigh Whannell the creator and writer of Saw, with the pair looking to yet again scare everyone shitless with a haunted house tale, this time focussing on a young boy whose slipped into a coma and drifted into the outer realms called The Further.
When writing Insidious Whannell wanted to make sure that he avoided all the haunted house cliches, and he pretty much did that. What he failed to do though was script a stronger third act, something which might have brought this up on a par with Saw.
Dalton is the one in peril as he suddenly slips into a coma one morning, his mother Renai (Byrne) is then forced to spend time looking after her trio of kids all the while looking over her shoulder, as she hears one bump to the next occurring both in broad daylight and at night.
After some decent scares from the outset including the old âheâs behind youâ and murmurings through the baby monitor the film was almost guilty of slipping into a farce as our protagonist Josh Lambert (Wilson) was forced to engage in some astro physics in order to save the day.
It was a real shame as up till that point youâd have spent most of the run time hiding under the covers, as Wan introduced one jolt after another, some more subtle than others but ultimately offering the same desired effect.
The introduction of Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) the Ghost hunter whose come to see what all the fuss is about is pretty much inevitable. Armed with the latest high tech equipment and a couple of geeks, the aptly named Specs and Tucker, provides much amusement as Rainier delivers the killer line âItâs not the house thatâs hauntedâ.
The film moves through the gears well, but itâs that annoyingly poor third act that ruins it for me. It does try and redeem itself with an all too predictable ending, those that have seen Wan and Whannelâs other film Dead Silence will know what I mean.
At the end of the day you feel all Wan had to do was hit the target, but this is just off to the right!
Wan returns with Leigh Whannell the creator and writer of Saw, with the pair looking to yet again scare everyone shitless with a haunted house tale, this time focussing on a young boy whose slipped into a coma and drifted into the outer realms called The Further.
When writing Insidious Whannell wanted to make sure that he avoided all the haunted house cliches, and he pretty much did that. What he failed to do though was script a stronger third act, something which might have brought this up on a par with Saw.
Dalton is the one in peril as he suddenly slips into a coma one morning, his mother Renai (Byrne) is then forced to spend time looking after her trio of kids all the while looking over her shoulder, as she hears one bump to the next occurring both in broad daylight and at night.
After some decent scares from the outset including the old âheâs behind youâ and murmurings through the baby monitor the film was almost guilty of slipping into a farce as our protagonist Josh Lambert (Wilson) was forced to engage in some astro physics in order to save the day.
It was a real shame as up till that point youâd have spent most of the run time hiding under the covers, as Wan introduced one jolt after another, some more subtle than others but ultimately offering the same desired effect.
The introduction of Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) the Ghost hunter whose come to see what all the fuss is about is pretty much inevitable. Armed with the latest high tech equipment and a couple of geeks, the aptly named Specs and Tucker, provides much amusement as Rainier delivers the killer line âItâs not the house thatâs hauntedâ.
The film moves through the gears well, but itâs that annoyingly poor third act that ruins it for me. It does try and redeem itself with an all too predictable ending, those that have seen Wan and Whannelâs other film Dead Silence will know what I mean.
At the end of the day you feel all Wan had to do was hit the target, but this is just off to the right!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Jobs (2013) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Whatever you may think of the Apple line of products, Apple as a company, or Steve Jobs himself; one cannot deny that Apple is an innovator and one of those companies that shape economies as well as how we see ourselves.
JOBS is the story of Steve Jobs who, after dropping out of college, created the billion-dollar company so many people buy phones from now. Ashton Kutcher portrays Jobs right down to his many behavioral quirks, and does a very good job; there were even times I forgot I was watching Kutcher. He even mimicked the set of Jobsâ mouth perfectly. I found myself wondering if the people who knew Jobs would feel like they were seeing a ghost.
The movie follows Jobs as he drops acid in the 60s, finds computers in the 70s, âgrows upâ, while growing his business, in the 80s, and then actually grows up in the early 90s (kind of). It is well known that Jobs was hard to with, but this film shows that he was a gigantic jerk at times. He cut people out of things others would think they deserved; he treated his friends and coworkers alike, and never batted an eyelash at the hurtful things he said to those people. That being said; he truly had a vision and knew what it would take to make that vision come to life. Most driven people tend to be selfish and Jobs was no exception to this; he actually took it to a whole new level at times. The movie doesnât shy away from this side of his personality, but it does try to explain some of the ticks. This was an area that I thought could have been done a bit better; it would have been nice to see what about his childhood left such an impression that he felt it was ok to be so mean to people. At times I found the movie difficult to watch simply due to his treatment of others, and total lack of understanding how what he said and did affected them. âOh, thatâs just Steveâ was an actual line said in the film.
Other than this I found JOBS to be a very interesting look into a modern day legend. One that doesnât pull as many punches as I thought it would, but that also doesnât make a villain of a man who, while having extraordinary vision, was nothing more than a man.
If you are a fan of Apple, Jobs, or are just looking for a break from the summer block buster movies, check out JOBS.
JOBS is the story of Steve Jobs who, after dropping out of college, created the billion-dollar company so many people buy phones from now. Ashton Kutcher portrays Jobs right down to his many behavioral quirks, and does a very good job; there were even times I forgot I was watching Kutcher. He even mimicked the set of Jobsâ mouth perfectly. I found myself wondering if the people who knew Jobs would feel like they were seeing a ghost.
The movie follows Jobs as he drops acid in the 60s, finds computers in the 70s, âgrows upâ, while growing his business, in the 80s, and then actually grows up in the early 90s (kind of). It is well known that Jobs was hard to with, but this film shows that he was a gigantic jerk at times. He cut people out of things others would think they deserved; he treated his friends and coworkers alike, and never batted an eyelash at the hurtful things he said to those people. That being said; he truly had a vision and knew what it would take to make that vision come to life. Most driven people tend to be selfish and Jobs was no exception to this; he actually took it to a whole new level at times. The movie doesnât shy away from this side of his personality, but it does try to explain some of the ticks. This was an area that I thought could have been done a bit better; it would have been nice to see what about his childhood left such an impression that he felt it was ok to be so mean to people. At times I found the movie difficult to watch simply due to his treatment of others, and total lack of understanding how what he said and did affected them. âOh, thatâs just Steveâ was an actual line said in the film.
Other than this I found JOBS to be a very interesting look into a modern day legend. One that doesnât pull as many punches as I thought it would, but that also doesnât make a villain of a man who, while having extraordinary vision, was nothing more than a man.
If you are a fan of Apple, Jobs, or are just looking for a break from the summer block buster movies, check out JOBS.
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated Part of Her Plan (Cupid's Cafe #5) in Books
Jul 21, 2021
not an easy read, but a bloody good one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have no idea what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't this!
Jenny and Lydia have real life problems. Both are recovering from their respective addictions (or not, as the case may be) and this book focuses on that, more than the romance, and I really LOVED that. All too often these topics get brushed under the carpet and here, they are front and centre.
Lydia has a plan, to get her own apartment, and then be on her own. Meeting with Jenny again should not waver her from her plan. She's doing well, and is committed to get to the end. Jenny, on the other hand, isn't doing so well and the place in the sober living house SHOULD be her ticket to get to be with her brother again. But Jenny's recovery isn't going to plan, and one single mistake might ruin them both.
At one point, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. I started it, and it took a downward turn (I thought) and I contemplated leaving it. But something made me carry on and I am so bloody glad I did!
Yes, it's not an easy read. it certainly isn't a fluffy romance that you can breeze through, but it IS a bloody good book! It shows the struggles, the real life struggles that people face. How people spiral downwards, how they hit the bottom and try to get back up. How the deal with their addiction (in this case drugs and alcohol) and what they do when faced with what might possibly be their last chance.
Jenny and Lydia are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other, and other than the issues with their addictions, the romance side of things moves along slow, at first, but then speeds up, and slows down again. I loved that it wasn't explicit. There is steam and passion a-plenty, but the detailed sex scenes are not here, and I truly think had they been, I would not have liked this book as much!
I've not read anything by this author before, nor any of the previous books in this series, I don't think you need to, to enjoy this one. I might go back and read them!
But please, be aware of the subject matter: drug abuse and alcohol abuse mostly. Some people might not be able to read this because of triggers.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I have no idea what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't this!
Jenny and Lydia have real life problems. Both are recovering from their respective addictions (or not, as the case may be) and this book focuses on that, more than the romance, and I really LOVED that. All too often these topics get brushed under the carpet and here, they are front and centre.
Lydia has a plan, to get her own apartment, and then be on her own. Meeting with Jenny again should not waver her from her plan. She's doing well, and is committed to get to the end. Jenny, on the other hand, isn't doing so well and the place in the sober living house SHOULD be her ticket to get to be with her brother again. But Jenny's recovery isn't going to plan, and one single mistake might ruin them both.
At one point, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book. I started it, and it took a downward turn (I thought) and I contemplated leaving it. But something made me carry on and I am so bloody glad I did!
Yes, it's not an easy read. it certainly isn't a fluffy romance that you can breeze through, but it IS a bloody good book! It shows the struggles, the real life struggles that people face. How people spiral downwards, how they hit the bottom and try to get back up. How the deal with their addiction (in this case drugs and alcohol) and what they do when faced with what might possibly be their last chance.
Jenny and Lydia are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other, and other than the issues with their addictions, the romance side of things moves along slow, at first, but then speeds up, and slows down again. I loved that it wasn't explicit. There is steam and passion a-plenty, but the detailed sex scenes are not here, and I truly think had they been, I would not have liked this book as much!
I've not read anything by this author before, nor any of the previous books in this series, I don't think you need to, to enjoy this one. I might go back and read them!
But please, be aware of the subject matter: drug abuse and alcohol abuse mostly. Some people might not be able to read this because of triggers.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated Sleigh Bells and Second Chances (Love in Mission City #3) in Books
Nov 12, 2024
Ryan's trauma is front and centre, Simeon's is not.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Mission City series. I have not read all of book 1 and book 2 not at all, YET. They can all be read as stand alone, and will only really give you spoilers for the previous book. I WILL get to them, I really enjoyed this one.
Ryan is at The Healing Horses Ranch for some major healing, both physically and mentally. Being in a war zone will do that to a man, add in all his team NOT coming home, and Ryan is a mess. Simeon is the handy man at the ranch and after a fraught first meeting, they begin as friends and develop into more. But Ryan will be leaving soon. Can Simeon give his heart only for Ryan to take it with him?
What I loved MOST about this book, was that while Ryan's trauma was front and centre, Simeon's was not. There were hints and clues dropped along the way but it wasn't til Simeon admitted it, even if to himself, what his trauma was. I wasn't able to put the clues together fast enough. My book brain was whirring, but not in the right direction.
I loved that Simeon felt comfortable around Ryan, right from the start. His stutter was not really a thing for Ryan. Simeon was just Simeon and very quickly Ryan found a safe place with Simeon.
It's fairly midrange angst, and is a SUPER slow burn, but I LOVED that it took til near the very end of the book, for Ryan and Simeon to get to the main event. Oh, its steamy and smexy but the smxey times are not what this book is about. It's super gentle, and sweet and almost warm and fuzzies but due to the emotional aspect.
It's about finding your forever person, when you least expect to, and being accepted into an extended family in a way your own family didn't really did.
Oh, I loved that Ryan's dad came good. Ryan had a complicated relationship with him before he left for the Ukraine, and it took time to repair that. I wasn't sure he would, to be honest.
As I said, not really necessary to read the other books first, but I will go back and read them.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Desperation Road in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Read my review here: https://bookbumzuky.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/review-desperation-road-by-michael-farris-smith/
<b><i>Now they loved different lives, different from what any of them probably imagined. How could you imagine the complexities of what might come?</b></i>
One night, eleven years ago, Russell did something stupid, made a terrible mistake - he drank and drove and ended up killing someone. Now heÂs done his time in prison and he just wants to settle down into a normal life. On the same day as RussellÂs release, troubled Maben, and her daughter, are trudging through the grass along the interstate. That night they end up in a motel with no money left and Maben decides thereÂs something sheÂs got to do to get them some cash. The night ends, instead, with a dead deputy and Maben pulling her daughter off running. The next day, Russell and Maben cross paths and Russell has to decide if it's his life, or theirs, that heÂs going to save.
This is a story about revenge, redemption and acceptance. Quite a different novel to what IÂm used to but I do like to step outside my comfort zone every once in awhile. I ended up really enjoying this book, even though, as the title suggests, itÂs a little bit dark and depressing at times.
What I loved the most about this book was how realistic it was. There are millions of mystery thrillers out there, that I read on the daily, that are based around Ânormal people;s lives but we know, could never be real. This story, on the other hand, is perfectly plausible to imagine in a bit of a down-and-out town. With inherently flawed but morally conscious people and others who are driven to madness and evil by their deep rooted emotions, this is the kind of novel that can really hit home.
Russell, although flawed in many ways, is one of the most likeable characters IÂve ever come across. He means no harm to anyone and does everything out of the good of his heart.
My only issue with this novel was the ending, that I felt could have been grown upon. It felt a bit dead-ended and cut off, but other than that, this was a beautiful story.
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
<b><i>Now they loved different lives, different from what any of them probably imagined. How could you imagine the complexities of what might come?</b></i>
One night, eleven years ago, Russell did something stupid, made a terrible mistake - he drank and drove and ended up killing someone. Now heÂs done his time in prison and he just wants to settle down into a normal life. On the same day as RussellÂs release, troubled Maben, and her daughter, are trudging through the grass along the interstate. That night they end up in a motel with no money left and Maben decides thereÂs something sheÂs got to do to get them some cash. The night ends, instead, with a dead deputy and Maben pulling her daughter off running. The next day, Russell and Maben cross paths and Russell has to decide if it's his life, or theirs, that heÂs going to save.
This is a story about revenge, redemption and acceptance. Quite a different novel to what IÂm used to but I do like to step outside my comfort zone every once in awhile. I ended up really enjoying this book, even though, as the title suggests, itÂs a little bit dark and depressing at times.
What I loved the most about this book was how realistic it was. There are millions of mystery thrillers out there, that I read on the daily, that are based around Ânormal people;s lives but we know, could never be real. This story, on the other hand, is perfectly plausible to imagine in a bit of a down-and-out town. With inherently flawed but morally conscious people and others who are driven to madness and evil by their deep rooted emotions, this is the kind of novel that can really hit home.
Russell, although flawed in many ways, is one of the most likeable characters IÂve ever come across. He means no harm to anyone and does everything out of the good of his heart.
My only issue with this novel was the ending, that I felt could have been grown upon. It felt a bit dead-ended and cut off, but other than that, this was a beautiful story.
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) in Movies
Jan 10, 2019 (Updated Jan 10, 2019)
A winning anthology
I am NOT a Coen Brothers apologist. For every good/great film that they have made (like FARGO, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN or underrated THE HUDSUCKER PROXY) there are duds/movies that didn't work for me (like O' BROTHER WHER ART THOU, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS and the movie I ranked as the worst film of 2016, HAIL, CAESAR). So when I heard that the latest Coen Brothers flick was going straight to Netflix AND (like HAIL, CAESAR), it was a film anthology of 6 short stories, I dragged my feet in checking this out.
But...I am glad I finally got around to it...for THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS is a strong film, taking on a heavy subject (death) in a variety of ways - light-hearted, poignant and deadly (pun intended) serious. The tone of this film - or, more accurately, these 6 short films - worked for me and I felt they wove together very well to tell an overarching story of man's relationship with death - as seen through the eyes of Wild, Wild West characters.
And what characters they are! From Tim Blake Nelson's titular character, Buster Scruggs, to James Franco's hapless (but lucky) Outlaw to Liam Neeson's traveling theatrical show to Tom Waite's grizzled prospector to Zoe Kazan's lonesome Prairie Widow to the group of passengers on the Stagecoach in the last vignette, all are interesting to watch, and listen to.
Credit, of course, needs to go to Joel and Ethan Cohen. These characters are interesting to watch, because these two put wonderful scenes and scenery up on the screen with dialogue (or lack of dialogue) that perfectly reflects what is going on and what the characters are feeling. In my opinion, the Coen Brothers are at their best when they focus on gritty subjects with poignancy (BARTON FINK) but fail when they try to get "wacky" or "over-serious" (BURN AFTER READING, A SERIOUS MAN), this film is full of the former and has very little of the latter.
I'm sure, like all Coen Brothers films, that this anthology of short films is not for everyone - and not every film will work for everyone - but they did for me. I thought each short film was the better than the one before it. I caught the vibe of what the Coen's were after and I fell under their spell.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars out of 10 and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
But...I am glad I finally got around to it...for THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS is a strong film, taking on a heavy subject (death) in a variety of ways - light-hearted, poignant and deadly (pun intended) serious. The tone of this film - or, more accurately, these 6 short films - worked for me and I felt they wove together very well to tell an overarching story of man's relationship with death - as seen through the eyes of Wild, Wild West characters.
And what characters they are! From Tim Blake Nelson's titular character, Buster Scruggs, to James Franco's hapless (but lucky) Outlaw to Liam Neeson's traveling theatrical show to Tom Waite's grizzled prospector to Zoe Kazan's lonesome Prairie Widow to the group of passengers on the Stagecoach in the last vignette, all are interesting to watch, and listen to.
Credit, of course, needs to go to Joel and Ethan Cohen. These characters are interesting to watch, because these two put wonderful scenes and scenery up on the screen with dialogue (or lack of dialogue) that perfectly reflects what is going on and what the characters are feeling. In my opinion, the Coen Brothers are at their best when they focus on gritty subjects with poignancy (BARTON FINK) but fail when they try to get "wacky" or "over-serious" (BURN AFTER READING, A SERIOUS MAN), this film is full of the former and has very little of the latter.
I'm sure, like all Coen Brothers films, that this anthology of short films is not for everyone - and not every film will work for everyone - but they did for me. I thought each short film was the better than the one before it. I caught the vibe of what the Coen's were after and I fell under their spell.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars out of 10 and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Jan 10, 2018
Solid Film
In their efforts to be cost efficient and profitable, the Mirando Corporation creates a breed of "super pigs" that will be able to feed more homes per pig. One pig in particular, Okja, is being raised by little Mija (Seo-hyeon Ahn) in the mountains of South Korea. When the Mirando Corporation come to claim what is theirs, Mija will stop at nothing to get her best friend back.
There is a lot to like about this film, but one primary thing bothered me overall. At one point, Okja takes an extremely dark turn that I was neither ready for nor did I think was absolutely necessary. People that have seen the film probably know exactly which part I'm referring to. It was merely a piece of an overall delightful puzzle that just didn't match.
Solid acting performances abound in the film and it's not just the big names carrying their weight. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal (almost spelled his name right on the first try!) were really in tune with their respective zany characters. As a viewer the two show you that they are more than mere cardboard antagonists, but rather there were layers and levels to their characters that left you with insight. Of course that can't be pulled off without a solid actor/actress behind the helm. Ahn's performance as Mija was stellar. To be able to exemplify such strength and weakness in the same role takes real talent. My personal favorite of them all was Kim's role played by Choi Woo-Shik. His humor is subtle yet sidesplitting. He accomplishes a lot in the small amount of time he's on screen.
This films captures your attention both in its originality and a consistently entertaining pace. Even during the scenes with heavy dialogue, the film managed to hold on to its unique feel that captured my attention in the first place. Prepare to run the gauntlet of emotions as it goes from funny to heartbreaking to heartwarming to just plain sad at times. So glad I saw what I think has the potential to become a cult classic. I give it an 84.
There is a lot to like about this film, but one primary thing bothered me overall. At one point, Okja takes an extremely dark turn that I was neither ready for nor did I think was absolutely necessary. People that have seen the film probably know exactly which part I'm referring to. It was merely a piece of an overall delightful puzzle that just didn't match.
Solid acting performances abound in the film and it's not just the big names carrying their weight. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal (almost spelled his name right on the first try!) were really in tune with their respective zany characters. As a viewer the two show you that they are more than mere cardboard antagonists, but rather there were layers and levels to their characters that left you with insight. Of course that can't be pulled off without a solid actor/actress behind the helm. Ahn's performance as Mija was stellar. To be able to exemplify such strength and weakness in the same role takes real talent. My personal favorite of them all was Kim's role played by Choi Woo-Shik. His humor is subtle yet sidesplitting. He accomplishes a lot in the small amount of time he's on screen.
This films captures your attention both in its originality and a consistently entertaining pace. Even during the scenes with heavy dialogue, the film managed to hold on to its unique feel that captured my attention in the first place. Prepare to run the gauntlet of emotions as it goes from funny to heartbreaking to heartwarming to just plain sad at times. So glad I saw what I think has the potential to become a cult classic. I give it an 84.
Dana (24 KP) rated Burned (Burned, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I honestly didn't know how I would feel about this book. I haven't been having the best week or so, so I didn't necessarily want to read something too heavy. While this book did have a lot of heavy themes, it wasn't too dark for me, which I was glad about.
The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so read at your own peril.
I didn't really know much about this book as I was going into it. My roommate gave it to me on a recommendation, so I read it the next day and I really enjoyed it. I know it came out ages ago, but I don't think I was really emotionally mature enough to really appreciate the story. Overall, I am glad I waited until I was a bit older.
Even though it is close to 550 pages, it doesn't feel that long because of the way it is set up. The poetry gives it a fresh perspective and a very interesting storytelling perspective. I absolutely loved the formatting, especially the shapes of the poems.
This book talks a lot about religion, abuse (specially religious and familial abuse), independence, sex, and relationships in a very mature, yet approachable way.
This book supports the idea that you should get help from someone when you need it-even if it is not the authorities.
It was interesting to see Pattyn's development throughout the book, as heartbreaking as it was. She starts off as such a timid, rule-abiding girl, and then turns into someone with her own thoughts and morals. I feel like that as she was able to experience more, she grew into her own person to an extent.
I love Aunt Jeanette-she just wants what is best for Pattyn.
The ending crushed me. I just wanted Pattyn to be happy with Ethan, but no. It just had to come to a horrible end, didn't it?
Sorry this review is pretty short. I can't really find all the right ways to say what I'm thinking about this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I think I will check out more of Ellen Hopkins's books.
The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so read at your own peril.
I didn't really know much about this book as I was going into it. My roommate gave it to me on a recommendation, so I read it the next day and I really enjoyed it. I know it came out ages ago, but I don't think I was really emotionally mature enough to really appreciate the story. Overall, I am glad I waited until I was a bit older.
Even though it is close to 550 pages, it doesn't feel that long because of the way it is set up. The poetry gives it a fresh perspective and a very interesting storytelling perspective. I absolutely loved the formatting, especially the shapes of the poems.
This book talks a lot about religion, abuse (specially religious and familial abuse), independence, sex, and relationships in a very mature, yet approachable way.
This book supports the idea that you should get help from someone when you need it-even if it is not the authorities.
It was interesting to see Pattyn's development throughout the book, as heartbreaking as it was. She starts off as such a timid, rule-abiding girl, and then turns into someone with her own thoughts and morals. I feel like that as she was able to experience more, she grew into her own person to an extent.
I love Aunt Jeanette-she just wants what is best for Pattyn.
The ending crushed me. I just wanted Pattyn to be happy with Ethan, but no. It just had to come to a horrible end, didn't it?
Sorry this review is pretty short. I can't really find all the right ways to say what I'm thinking about this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I think I will check out more of Ellen Hopkins's books.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Plus One in Books
Oct 21, 2018
Did Not Finish it...
Full review can be found on my blog: www.diaryofdifference.com
I love romance, and chick-literature. I love fast reads, and enjoyable nonsense. The cover looked so cute, and when I got approved the ARC on The Plus One from Sophia Money-Coutts on Netgalley, I was excited to read it. And then, it all started going downhillâŚ
The Plus One is a book about Polly Spencer. She is thirty, single and works for Posh! Magazine. I didnât like the Poly Spencer of now, and I thought, this might be a book where the main character is a lady with no self-respect, gets dumped, doesnât have any ambition in life, and thatâs okay.
People learn, people change, or if people donât change, they start to be happy in their own world, without bothering what others think about it.
But Polly - she is all of these things, and on top of that she is not a happy bunny. She keeps complaining about things without trying to act on it, and her day consists of her checking if the phone has a message of her âcrushâ, and asking herself eighty-six times whether to send a message first or not.
I usually love these types of books, but not in cases where the character is just so⌠I donât even have the words to explain.
And the book is full of words used too often (Shenanigans is such a lovely word, and Sophia destroyed it for me), lame pick up lines (âI carry farm animals. I can manage you.â - WHO SAYS THAT?), dialogues and useless waste of pages with people deciding what to eat:
âSo letâs get some onion bhajis to start. And then Iâm going to have a butter chicken. And it comes with popadoms, right?â
âYesâ - I said, taking the menu from him.
âAnd Iâll get the chicken jalfrezi. And plain rice. Mums, do we have any chutney?â
And it goes onâŚ
At 42%, I decided to store this is my DNF stack. I really wish I had loved it, and I am so sad I didn't.
But life is too short to read the books you donât like...
I love romance, and chick-literature. I love fast reads, and enjoyable nonsense. The cover looked so cute, and when I got approved the ARC on The Plus One from Sophia Money-Coutts on Netgalley, I was excited to read it. And then, it all started going downhillâŚ
The Plus One is a book about Polly Spencer. She is thirty, single and works for Posh! Magazine. I didnât like the Poly Spencer of now, and I thought, this might be a book where the main character is a lady with no self-respect, gets dumped, doesnât have any ambition in life, and thatâs okay.
People learn, people change, or if people donât change, they start to be happy in their own world, without bothering what others think about it.
But Polly - she is all of these things, and on top of that she is not a happy bunny. She keeps complaining about things without trying to act on it, and her day consists of her checking if the phone has a message of her âcrushâ, and asking herself eighty-six times whether to send a message first or not.
I usually love these types of books, but not in cases where the character is just so⌠I donât even have the words to explain.
And the book is full of words used too often (Shenanigans is such a lovely word, and Sophia destroyed it for me), lame pick up lines (âI carry farm animals. I can manage you.â - WHO SAYS THAT?), dialogues and useless waste of pages with people deciding what to eat:
âSo letâs get some onion bhajis to start. And then Iâm going to have a butter chicken. And it comes with popadoms, right?â
âYesâ - I said, taking the menu from him.
âAnd Iâll get the chicken jalfrezi. And plain rice. Mums, do we have any chutney?â
And it goes onâŚ
At 42%, I decided to store this is my DNF stack. I really wish I had loved it, and I am so sad I didn't.
But life is too short to read the books you donât like...