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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Before the Fall in Books
Mar 15, 2018
The description of the book (who crashed a private jet killing nearly everyone on board) makes it sound like another twisty-turny thriller along the lines of "The Girl on the Train", and while the central mystery does have some surprises and keeps one wanting to read, this is actually a much smarter book than that. It is far more interested in human nature, what makes each of us what we are, how we cope with tragedy, and how our minds can jump to make conclusions that aren't there. It even manages to dig into themes like art, the recent financial crisis, and the 24-hour news cycle. All of the characters are interesting and very well written. Everything seems entirely believable and the book is full of moments of genuine emotion. Those looking for another trendy "thriller-of-the-month" might be disappointed, but anyone looking for a truly great novel, possibly one of the year's best, should pick this up.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Big Flood: The Story of Noah and the Ark in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Big Flood: The Story of Noah and the Ark by Paul Gully is a wonderful new look at the story of Noah and the Ark. The illustrations are well done, very fun to look at and would definitely appeal to youngsters. The text is rhyming and easy to understand, just right for little ones to enjoy. This is a well adapted Bible story.
The story teaches young kids about the unshakeable faith that Noah portrays when God asks him to build an ark and then take care of all the animals on board. He alerts Noah to the fact that He is sending a huge rainstorm that will result in the flooding of the entire earth and He warns Noah that all the non-believers will perish if they refuse to come onto the ark which will be a safe haven for them.
I received an ARC from Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story teaches young kids about the unshakeable faith that Noah portrays when God asks him to build an ark and then take care of all the animals on board. He alerts Noah to the fact that He is sending a huge rainstorm that will result in the flooding of the entire earth and He warns Noah that all the non-believers will perish if they refuse to come onto the ark which will be a safe haven for them.
I received an ARC from Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stephanie (4 KP) rated Monopoly Deal in Tabletop Games
Jun 24, 2018
This game is a card version of monopoly which is very useful for being on the go. The game only contains card's no board or playing piece's. The main goal of this game is to complete 3 full property set's the fastest. This is a game which is family friendly and allows lots of people to play and can be a quick game so no one will get too bored. This game I would recommend for those that are travelling and want some fun to pass the time . I would also recommend it to the people who don't necessarily want to commit to an overly long game which you tend to find happening during the original monopoly games.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated Record of a Spaceborn Few in Books
Jul 26, 2018
"From the ground, we stand. From our ships, we live. By the stars, we hope..."
The lives of five people and their friends and family are followed on board one of the ships of the Exodus fleet. These are the descendants of those who escaped a dying Earth, not knowing if what they were doing would result in their deaths anyway. It didn't.
I loved reading about these people: they illustrated the different kinds of lives they had, and how they were regarded in the wider universe.
Becky Chambers books are so descriptive without being boring: I felt as though I was walking the corridors and sitting in the 'hexes' with the families. All three of these Wayfarers novels have had that personal feel to them, and this is something that has really appealed to me and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to see where Chambers goes next. Whether she continues with the Wayfarers or not, I'll definitely read them!
I loved reading about these people: they illustrated the different kinds of lives they had, and how they were regarded in the wider universe.
Becky Chambers books are so descriptive without being boring: I felt as though I was walking the corridors and sitting in the 'hexes' with the families. All three of these Wayfarers novels have had that personal feel to them, and this is something that has really appealed to me and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to see where Chambers goes next. Whether she continues with the Wayfarers or not, I'll definitely read them!
Sue (5 KP) rated I Know What You Bid Last Summer (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Sarah Winston, a garage sale expert, knows how to run a successful garage sale and has made a business out of it. As part of a charity event, Sarah volunteers her expertise and agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap. While preparing the event, she is knocked out by a would-be robber and then the day of the event discovers the dead body of the local superintendent.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.
Karenbmwmew (0 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Sep 1, 2018
The Actors (1 more)
Updated version of a great movie
First all you would have to say is The Rock, Jack Black and Kevin Hart and you know it will be funny. Although I have to admit I was a little skeptical before seeing it because it is a reboot and let's face it they are doing a lot of those lately. Not all end up being as good or better then the original, however this is not the case with Jumanji. I thought this was a great reboot of a great movie. I like the updated idea of the game being a video game versus a board game but still follow along with the older version as well.
If you decide to see the movie and you are a Rock fan, or a Jack Black fan or a Kevin Hart fan I don't think you will be disappointed. I laughed quit a bit and my whole family enjoyed seeing it.
If you decide to see the movie and you are a Rock fan, or a Jack Black fan or a Kevin Hart fan I don't think you will be disappointed. I laughed quit a bit and my whole family enjoyed seeing it.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Malevolent (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018
Netflix.... Fuck off
Brother and sister team in the 80s try and make a quick buck by faking paranormal activity in "clients" houses...
The sister is allegedly a psychic and all of the activity appears to be EVP related.
I watch paranormal shows... Do i believe in them??? Sometimes..
But this... Is a hard sell.
I get it Netflix, i really do... But stop putting out every little indie horror flick that catches your eye and leave the scares to the pros.
I can honestly say i think ive only seen one Netflix horror movie that i actually enjoyed. And thats because it was written by Stephen King.
I get it, cash in on what people enjoy... Horror... But expecting fans of the genre to be happy with any slapped together piece of dog vomit is insulting to fans.
While this movie had great potential... It just didn't deliver in the finished product.
Back to the drawing board Netflix...
The sister is allegedly a psychic and all of the activity appears to be EVP related.
I watch paranormal shows... Do i believe in them??? Sometimes..
But this... Is a hard sell.
I get it Netflix, i really do... But stop putting out every little indie horror flick that catches your eye and leave the scares to the pros.
I can honestly say i think ive only seen one Netflix horror movie that i actually enjoyed. And thats because it was written by Stephen King.
I get it, cash in on what people enjoy... Horror... But expecting fans of the genre to be happy with any slapped together piece of dog vomit is insulting to fans.
While this movie had great potential... It just didn't deliver in the finished product.
Back to the drawing board Netflix...
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Costa Rica in Tabletop Games
Nov 20, 2018
Don't leave a guy by himself....
It's a push your luck game, you decide how much you what to gamble based on probabilities. The theme is photography of the wildlife..... I like this idea for a theme, but the theme has very little to do with the mechanics. It's basically abstract. Also when you eliminate down to one player left on an expedition, that person has no reason to not go until they are forced to stop, in our game one person did hat and ate the whole board, he won by almost triple the 2nd place player, (which was me) Part of the game obviously is to prevent this from happening. but also if the game can do that, it's kinda broken.... I feel like this game didn't get play tested enough.... it's a very simple game and there's not much meat to it.... it feels like a game where you teach kids probability. Which if that's the goal it's pretty good.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Coimbra in Tabletop Games
Jun 21, 2019
Lots going on
This is a great game for beginners, to start with there seems to be too much going on, it is fairly easy to grasp this game within 2 or 3 playthroughs though.
The dice drafting and card drafting together give players a nice introduction to both of these game mechanics as well as trying to grow multiple paths at the same time, like many other good gateway games this has a lot to keep you interested without being super heavy or overly complex.
You will find yourself planning ahead a lot in this and it is definitely good for replayability.
I think there are more directions in which they could go with this so I hope to see more expansion packs coming out for it.
There is only one currently which I haven't managed to snag yet but I will.
I will update when I get a copy.
Happy gaming folks
The dice drafting and card drafting together give players a nice introduction to both of these game mechanics as well as trying to grow multiple paths at the same time, like many other good gateway games this has a lot to keep you interested without being super heavy or overly complex.
You will find yourself planning ahead a lot in this and it is definitely good for replayability.
I think there are more directions in which they could go with this so I hope to see more expansion packs coming out for it.
There is only one currently which I haven't managed to snag yet but I will.
I will update when I get a copy.
Happy gaming folks
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Monster House (2006) in Movies
Dec 19, 2019 (Updated Jan 14, 2020)
A horror film for children - is what Monster House is marketed as, and it's pretty much just that.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.