Search
Search results
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Batman: The Court of Owls in Books
Nov 30, 2020
I'm going to be upfront here. When I saw this available as an ebook for my Kindle, I was like "Hmmmm..", but then I was thinking "Greg Cox is quite good, but did I really want to read a prose adaptation of Snyder's <i>Court of Owls</i> story from BATMAN?". Reading users' reviews on here told me that it was not an adaptation, but an original tale involving Bats and yet another confrontation involving the Court of Owls. So, yup, I was sold on that point alone!
****
Cox does a brilliant job with Batman! Seriously, I wish <u>he</u> had been writing BATMAN instead of Tom King! The characterization is one that shows us the "I'm Batman!" version, as well as allowing us to see a side of him not always presented well in the comics of late: he has a human side, but he also has a dedication to see cases/mysteries through to the end, as it is what he feels he has to do for the city of Gotham, as well as her citizens. The great thing with the way Cox presented both sides was balanced, neither too much of one or the other.
I also quite liked how Cox returned to the Court of Owl's previous "lair", the one with that marbleized labyrinth and that huge marble owl statue in its center. Reading throughout, it really seemed as if Cox had spent more than enough time reading the source material, taking all of it in, and then presenting his addition to Batman's dealings with the Court of Owls. So, so brilliant!
And, while she was not in it as much as Bats, the little bit that Batgirl/Barbara Gordon appeared was spot on. Her dialogue interactions with Bats are tense, in relation to the case, as well as fun and playful, when the situation called for it. Again, just as his treatment of Batman's character, Cox presents us with a balanced Barbara Gordon, making her inclusion a welcome treat!
As much as I loved seeing both Bats and Barbara, I was equally invested in the supporting characters. No one felt like cardboard or trope-ish. Everyone had roles to play within the story, and the roles were played well and memorable, even after the book was finished! Definitely well appreciated of all the effort invested in both the main characters, as well as the not-so-main folks!
I don't know that this would be considered canonical as far as Batman and the Court of Owls, but it should be! The story flows well, offering an edgy, exciting adventure that succeeds in being memorable as well as being taken as canonical! Good stuff, folks, and one not to be missed! Unless, of course, you don't like Batman, and then, well, it would just be a lot of suck! Just sayin'..
****
Cox does a brilliant job with Batman! Seriously, I wish <u>he</u> had been writing BATMAN instead of Tom King! The characterization is one that shows us the "I'm Batman!" version, as well as allowing us to see a side of him not always presented well in the comics of late: he has a human side, but he also has a dedication to see cases/mysteries through to the end, as it is what he feels he has to do for the city of Gotham, as well as her citizens. The great thing with the way Cox presented both sides was balanced, neither too much of one or the other.
I also quite liked how Cox returned to the Court of Owl's previous "lair", the one with that marbleized labyrinth and that huge marble owl statue in its center. Reading throughout, it really seemed as if Cox had spent more than enough time reading the source material, taking all of it in, and then presenting his addition to Batman's dealings with the Court of Owls. So, so brilliant!
And, while she was not in it as much as Bats, the little bit that Batgirl/Barbara Gordon appeared was spot on. Her dialogue interactions with Bats are tense, in relation to the case, as well as fun and playful, when the situation called for it. Again, just as his treatment of Batman's character, Cox presents us with a balanced Barbara Gordon, making her inclusion a welcome treat!
As much as I loved seeing both Bats and Barbara, I was equally invested in the supporting characters. No one felt like cardboard or trope-ish. Everyone had roles to play within the story, and the roles were played well and memorable, even after the book was finished! Definitely well appreciated of all the effort invested in both the main characters, as well as the not-so-main folks!
I don't know that this would be considered canonical as far as Batman and the Court of Owls, but it should be! The story flows well, offering an edgy, exciting adventure that succeeds in being memorable as well as being taken as canonical! Good stuff, folks, and one not to be missed! Unless, of course, you don't like Batman, and then, well, it would just be a lot of suck! Just sayin'..
Whoowasit? - Children's game of the year 2008
Games and Entertainment
App
Whoowasit? has been nominated in the categories „Bestes Kinderspiel“ (best game for kids) and...
Jaipur
Games
8.7
Rate It
App
A Spiel des Jahres Recommended game, Jaipur is one of the most most well-loved 2-player tabletop...
Boardgames BoardgameApps Greatgames 2playerGames
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Apr 5, 2018
Better than expected
As a video game film, this is actually one of the better ones out there. This isn't to say it's an amazing film, but as an adaptation it doesn't do too badly.
When it comes to Tomb Raider, my knowledge is limited. I haven't seen much of the more recent games, my experience is more related to the original with the assault course and the ability to lock the butler in the walk in freezer...
Alicia Vikander isnt a bad choice as Lara and I actually think she does look the part. However, I think there's something not quite right about her. I'm unsure if it's the slightly dodgy accent or just the material she's got to work with. I still think she's a better choice than Angelina Jolie though.
The CGI in parts of this is terrible and so obvious that there's been a green screen in place. The puzzles to solve are sometimes a little basic and simple and a little brainless which is a shame. The opening in London is also a little pointless, trying to provide a back story that isn't properly explained and it could have been cut out without issue, and there's also a load of flashbacks that aren't really necessary.
This is a vaguely entertaining film to a point and is watchable, I just feel like it could have been so much better.
When it comes to Tomb Raider, my knowledge is limited. I haven't seen much of the more recent games, my experience is more related to the original with the assault course and the ability to lock the butler in the walk in freezer...
Alicia Vikander isnt a bad choice as Lara and I actually think she does look the part. However, I think there's something not quite right about her. I'm unsure if it's the slightly dodgy accent or just the material she's got to work with. I still think she's a better choice than Angelina Jolie though.
The CGI in parts of this is terrible and so obvious that there's been a green screen in place. The puzzles to solve are sometimes a little basic and simple and a little brainless which is a shame. The opening in London is also a little pointless, trying to provide a back story that isn't properly explained and it could have been cut out without issue, and there's also a load of flashbacks that aren't really necessary.
This is a vaguely entertaining film to a point and is watchable, I just feel like it could have been so much better.
Kaz (232 KP) rated Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) in Movies
May 24, 2019
A Childhood Favourite
I've loved this film since I was about 3 years old and that's quite a while ago! I love the songs in the film's soundtrack and the quirky character Gene Wilder plays.
Wilder has some fantastic one liners and the children are brilliant, playing the obnoxious winners of the Golden Tickets. Charlie Bucket is very likeable and you feel for him, as he and family struggle to survive.
The only part of the film which I don't particularly care for, is the 'Wonkatania' boat scene, I found this particularly disturbing as a child.
The songs in this are very memorable. Considering the fact that I have probably watched this film 100's of times, I could sing all of them at the drop of a hat! This film has been a part of my life for so long, that most of my family could recite most of the film too!
This is one of my all time favourite films and a guilty pleasure. I have watched the Tim Burton adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel this film is based on and, although it had some nice additions from the original text, which did not feature in this version of the story, I much prefer this version.
If you want to watch a film full of magic and wonder, I suggest watching this film.
Wilder has some fantastic one liners and the children are brilliant, playing the obnoxious winners of the Golden Tickets. Charlie Bucket is very likeable and you feel for him, as he and family struggle to survive.
The only part of the film which I don't particularly care for, is the 'Wonkatania' boat scene, I found this particularly disturbing as a child.
The songs in this are very memorable. Considering the fact that I have probably watched this film 100's of times, I could sing all of them at the drop of a hat! This film has been a part of my life for so long, that most of my family could recite most of the film too!
This is one of my all time favourite films and a guilty pleasure. I have watched the Tim Burton adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel this film is based on and, although it had some nice additions from the original text, which did not feature in this version of the story, I much prefer this version.
If you want to watch a film full of magic and wonder, I suggest watching this film.
Joe Julians (221 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Jan 30, 2018
Solid performances (1 more)
Beautifully shot
An average movie with some great performances
Kenneth Brannagh steals the show on Murder on the Orient Express, which is all the more remarkable when you consider he's pulling double duty here being the star and the director. His rendition of the greatest detective of all time, Poirot, is note perfect and almost always performed with a degre of a nuance that keeps him feeling like a real and grounded individual. He's backed up by a strong supporting cast that all do their best with limited screen time to bring something special to a script that doesn't always give them the most to work with.
It's the script here that I feel is the largest problem. Being a murder mystery, it's integral that all the pieces slot together so that by the time the killer reveal comes along- it feels earned. It's here where the movie really stumbles. Being an adaptation, it doesn't have much wriggle room when it comes to who the killer is, but when the movie draws to a close and we learn who's responsible, it comes across as a quite a weak resolution. The story hadn't built up to a point where it all feels real and instead it comes across as a random resolution that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Still though, its an enjoyable watch. I would however be interested to hear what others who are already familiar with the story feel about it.
It's the script here that I feel is the largest problem. Being a murder mystery, it's integral that all the pieces slot together so that by the time the killer reveal comes along- it feels earned. It's here where the movie really stumbles. Being an adaptation, it doesn't have much wriggle room when it comes to who the killer is, but when the movie draws to a close and we learn who's responsible, it comes across as a quite a weak resolution. The story hadn't built up to a point where it all feels real and instead it comes across as a random resolution that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Still though, its an enjoyable watch. I would however be interested to hear what others who are already familiar with the story feel about it.
LadyDahlia (2 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why: (TV Tie-in) in Books
Jun 3, 2018
The usage of the tapes as a form of a different point of view from the present time in the novel. (2 more)
Bringing awareness to major problems that teens go through in today's society.
I love how beautifully written and imagery driven the poem Hannah wrote was.
Some of the reasons Hannah has are pity. For example, Jessica brutally ending her friendship with Hannah wasn't as horrible as other reasons (1 more)
The lack of character that clay has throughout the book. In contry to the book, the show shows the people involved with Hannah's death as realistic people.
Overall good
Contains spoilers, click to show
In my opinion, Thirteen Reasons Why is a book that I love yet dislike. I love the uniqueness of using tapes to tell Hannah's story on what drove her to her breaking point. Also, I adore that the show actually gives the characters different personalities.
Some of my dislikes about both show and book was the way Hannah could be melodramatic about minor stuff that means nothing. But I understand her reasoning for it. I dislike how the book gave Clay and other characters no personality, which to me is a waste of potential to better improve the novel.
Overall, both Netflix's adaptation of Thirteen reasons why and the novel is a great read for older teens. But I will suggest for younger teens for them to read/ watch the show with adult supervision due to the themes.
Some of my dislikes about both show and book was the way Hannah could be melodramatic about minor stuff that means nothing. But I understand her reasoning for it. I dislike how the book gave Clay and other characters no personality, which to me is a waste of potential to better improve the novel.
Overall, both Netflix's adaptation of Thirteen reasons why and the novel is a great read for older teens. But I will suggest for younger teens for them to read/ watch the show with adult supervision due to the themes.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Fahrenheit 451 (2018) in Movies
Aug 15, 2018
Too much of a slow burner...
It’s been a long time since I read (and hugely enjoyed) the book, however I’m afraid the same can’t be said for this. Although I don’t remember too much about the book, I’m sure I recall it being a fairly dark and gritty dystopian future quite like the one in 1984, but this depiction makes it out to be a little too slick and advanced, and not quite dark enough. I appreciate that the book was written some years ago, but I feel like this version has taken in too much of our idea of future technology instead of sticking closer to the source material. I’m known for not liking films that don’t stick close enough to the books, so maybe that’s affecting my judgement.
Michael B Jordan does okay although I feel he’s a little young for how I imagined Montag to be. Michael Shannon is good as the Captain but i think his character motivations are very well defined and they come across as a bit confused. The plot itself is well explained but the problem is it’s quite slow paced and seems to come across as dull and drags at times. Yet Montag’s motivations seem to too quickly change from devoted Fireman to deviant.
Whilst I don’t think this is a terrible adaptation, it’s not one I’d recommend unless you’ve read the book. The only thing this has done is prompted me to read the book again!
Michael B Jordan does okay although I feel he’s a little young for how I imagined Montag to be. Michael Shannon is good as the Captain but i think his character motivations are very well defined and they come across as a bit confused. The plot itself is well explained but the problem is it’s quite slow paced and seems to come across as dull and drags at times. Yet Montag’s motivations seem to too quickly change from devoted Fireman to deviant.
Whilst I don’t think this is a terrible adaptation, it’s not one I’d recommend unless you’ve read the book. The only thing this has done is prompted me to read the book again!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated To All the Boys I've Loved Before in Books
Dec 20, 2018
I picked this up mostly because the trailer for the Netflix adaptation looked AMAZING. It's the first book in a trilogy, and I really want to read the other two now! Lara Jean is the middle daughter in a house of three daughters, being raised by their widower father. The relationships between the four of them play a large part in the book, as they are all adjusting to the eldest daughter being away at college. Everyone's roles are changing, and in the middle of that, Lara Jean's private love letters get mailed to the boys she wrote them to, throwing her love life into chaos as well.
I loved almost every character in this book - even Lara's troublemaking best friend has a good heart. I definitely need to watch the Netflix show now, because I really want to see how Chris - aforementioned best friend - is represented!
The family scenes around Christmas really tugged at my heart - Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and the author absolutely NAILED the nostalgic, slightly dreamy, loving holiday atmosphere.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before was a cute, sweet read, and really my only negative thing to say about it is the ending left me hanging! Which is part of why I really need to read the other two books, so I suppose it was a good strategy. But man I hate cliffhangers!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
I loved almost every character in this book - even Lara's troublemaking best friend has a good heart. I definitely need to watch the Netflix show now, because I really want to see how Chris - aforementioned best friend - is represented!
The family scenes around Christmas really tugged at my heart - Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and the author absolutely NAILED the nostalgic, slightly dreamy, loving holiday atmosphere.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before was a cute, sweet read, and really my only negative thing to say about it is the ending left me hanging! Which is part of why I really need to read the other two books, so I suppose it was a good strategy. But man I hate cliffhangers!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Defend London
Games and Entertainment
App
Defend London from the attack of Hitler in this spectacular 3D game where you can handle planes,...