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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Quantum of Solace (2008) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
With the success of “Casino Royale” featuring new Bond Daniel Craig, the world has waiting eagerly for the follow up, “Quantum of Solace” which continues the historic spy franchise.
Picking up exactly where the last film ended, Bond is walking a fine line between revenge and doing his duty after being betrayed by Vesper at the end of the last film. While interrogating a suspect with M (Judy Densch), it is learned that there is an organization that is very dangerous and influential that even has influence in the C.I.A. and MI6.
Before they can learn any further information, a shocking betrayal happens and Bond is in hot pursuit of the suspect across the rooftops of Italy and soon locked in a deadly confrontation with the traitor.
The recent events have M concerned and Bond is dispatched to Haiti to follow on a lead which thanks to a case of mistaken identity leads Bond to a woman named Camille (Olga Kurylenko). Olga is involved in a deadly game with a corrupt businessman named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), and a Bolivian General named Medrano (Joaquin Cosio).
Unsure of their involvement, Bond follows Greene, and learns that he heads an environmental group and has designs on a track of desert in Bolivia. Unsure if Greene’s interest in the area is related to diamonds, oil, or something else, M tasks Bond with finding out what is going on, as her superiors are betting that it is related to oil, and with the C.I. A. involved, it is reasoned that the England cannot be left out of an already dwindling oil supply.
It is at this point that the film lost much of its steam for me as the final revelation seemed to be much ado about nothing as this sort of thing happens, and has happened the world over for years and is hardly worthy of involving the MI6, much less the worlds must dangerous spy.
What follows is a series of betrayals and a few action scenes leading up to a fiery climax which almost redeems the film.
Let me say at the outset that I am a Bond fan and a traditionalist. I understand change happens over time and I am not one who thinks that the role began and ended with Sean Connery. I enjoyed Roger Moore though found him a bit camp. Timothy Dalton did not work for me, and George Lazenby was only Bond for one film so it is hard to judge him fairly. That being said, I found Pierce Brosnan to have been the best Bond since Connery as his interpretation of the character is dead on.
Sir Ian Fleming created the character and has said that he was influenced by people he knew. Bond is a well educated and cultured individual who was educated at the top schools, was an officer in the Royal Navy, and is a suave and charming individual as well as a cold and deadly killer when needed. He is scarred by events in his past, as such he relies on alcohol, duty, and woman to get by, but never once allows himself to get to close to anyone.
When they rebooted the franchise with Craig, much of the 40 years of Bond as well as the essence of the character have been lost. Craig’s Bond is not a cultured blue blood, he is a common thug. In my review of “Casino Royale” I mentioned that the new Bond passed up spending a night with a woman in order to pursue a lead, and how Connery would have found time to do both with style.
Craig’s Bond is very light on womanizing and the film has zero sexual tension and only a very brief romance seen that seems tacked on. The underlying themes of Bond has been guns, gadgets, girls, and action, and this film has chosen to pretty much eschew almost all of this as there are zero gadgets in the film and to be honest, I found the plot to be uninspired.
I think that in many ways the people behind the film have tried to get as far away from the past Bond films as possible especially the maniacal villains who were bent on destroying the world.
As an action film, the movie does have its moments and if it was not a Bond film would be a passable action thriller. As a Bond film, it promises the world and will likely disappoint much long term Bond fans and appeal mainly to those who do not have a longstanding history with the character from book to film. I have to wonder if Sir Ian Fleming is spinning in his grave over what they have done to his gentleman spy in the name of progress.
Picking up exactly where the last film ended, Bond is walking a fine line between revenge and doing his duty after being betrayed by Vesper at the end of the last film. While interrogating a suspect with M (Judy Densch), it is learned that there is an organization that is very dangerous and influential that even has influence in the C.I.A. and MI6.
Before they can learn any further information, a shocking betrayal happens and Bond is in hot pursuit of the suspect across the rooftops of Italy and soon locked in a deadly confrontation with the traitor.
The recent events have M concerned and Bond is dispatched to Haiti to follow on a lead which thanks to a case of mistaken identity leads Bond to a woman named Camille (Olga Kurylenko). Olga is involved in a deadly game with a corrupt businessman named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), and a Bolivian General named Medrano (Joaquin Cosio).
Unsure of their involvement, Bond follows Greene, and learns that he heads an environmental group and has designs on a track of desert in Bolivia. Unsure if Greene’s interest in the area is related to diamonds, oil, or something else, M tasks Bond with finding out what is going on, as her superiors are betting that it is related to oil, and with the C.I. A. involved, it is reasoned that the England cannot be left out of an already dwindling oil supply.
It is at this point that the film lost much of its steam for me as the final revelation seemed to be much ado about nothing as this sort of thing happens, and has happened the world over for years and is hardly worthy of involving the MI6, much less the worlds must dangerous spy.
What follows is a series of betrayals and a few action scenes leading up to a fiery climax which almost redeems the film.
Let me say at the outset that I am a Bond fan and a traditionalist. I understand change happens over time and I am not one who thinks that the role began and ended with Sean Connery. I enjoyed Roger Moore though found him a bit camp. Timothy Dalton did not work for me, and George Lazenby was only Bond for one film so it is hard to judge him fairly. That being said, I found Pierce Brosnan to have been the best Bond since Connery as his interpretation of the character is dead on.
Sir Ian Fleming created the character and has said that he was influenced by people he knew. Bond is a well educated and cultured individual who was educated at the top schools, was an officer in the Royal Navy, and is a suave and charming individual as well as a cold and deadly killer when needed. He is scarred by events in his past, as such he relies on alcohol, duty, and woman to get by, but never once allows himself to get to close to anyone.
When they rebooted the franchise with Craig, much of the 40 years of Bond as well as the essence of the character have been lost. Craig’s Bond is not a cultured blue blood, he is a common thug. In my review of “Casino Royale” I mentioned that the new Bond passed up spending a night with a woman in order to pursue a lead, and how Connery would have found time to do both with style.
Craig’s Bond is very light on womanizing and the film has zero sexual tension and only a very brief romance seen that seems tacked on. The underlying themes of Bond has been guns, gadgets, girls, and action, and this film has chosen to pretty much eschew almost all of this as there are zero gadgets in the film and to be honest, I found the plot to be uninspired.
I think that in many ways the people behind the film have tried to get as far away from the past Bond films as possible especially the maniacal villains who were bent on destroying the world.
As an action film, the movie does have its moments and if it was not a Bond film would be a passable action thriller. As a Bond film, it promises the world and will likely disappoint much long term Bond fans and appeal mainly to those who do not have a longstanding history with the character from book to film. I have to wonder if Sir Ian Fleming is spinning in his grave over what they have done to his gentleman spy in the name of progress.
Ross (3284 KP) rated T2 Trainspotting (2017) in Movies
Jan 8, 2018
As an Edinburgh resident (ish) I had high hopes for T2. I was worried when I heard it was based on the plot of "Porno" but very pleased to say it was only very loosely based on the book.
Mark Renton is back from the wilderness and looking to catch up with (some) old friends. Sadly, Frank Begbie escapes from prison and spots Renton and goes on the rampage to track him down.
There were moments of brilliance (the theft of the Rangers fans was inspired) but overall the film may have missed the target at times.
Mark Renton is back from the wilderness and looking to catch up with (some) old friends. Sadly, Frank Begbie escapes from prison and spots Renton and goes on the rampage to track him down.
There were moments of brilliance (the theft of the Rangers fans was inspired) but overall the film may have missed the target at times.
NerdGeek (155 KP) rated Inkheart (2009) in Movies
Jul 7, 2018
Acting (1 more)
Premise of story
Paul Bethany makes this film
I wasn't sure about this movie the first time I watched it, but over the years I have come to respect Paul Bettany so much as an actor that I will watch, and enjoy, anything he's in. This story centers around Mo, and his ability to read characters out of books. He's known as a silvertongue. But when he accidentally swaps his wife into a book, releasing a criminal in her place, he refuses to ever read aloud again.
This movie is good. It's worth a watch if you're in the mood for something different and enjoyable.
This movie is good. It's worth a watch if you're in the mood for something different and enjoyable.
Lost Horizon (1973)
3.0
Rate It
Movie
Musical adaptation of the 1937 film version of James Hilton's novel. A disparate group of travellers...
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Sybil: The True Story of a Woman Possessed by Sixteen Separate Personalities in Books
Nov 9, 2018
21/08 - Page 279
I must say that I am completely fascinated by this book, the strength of this woman is very inspiring. Before picking up this book I had never heard of this story before, I didn't know who Sybil was and I had definitely not seen the film. Before reading the other reviews I did not know that this story had been exposed as fake, which I admit did take the wind out of my sails a bit but I decided to read the book anyway as I was still very much intrigued by the whole story. The thought of someone having 16 different personalities is extraordinary and so when I found this online when looking at my local library's website I did not hesitate in reserving it for pick up. Even though I still have a big chunk of the book left to go through I thought I would take some time to comment on how truly fascinating this book is and I hope it continues to hold my attention. After a shaky start I was somewhat disappointed, the narrative and the language didn't sit well with me but thankfully after a shift in time and an exploration of different perspectives this book did pick up for me. I am very much enjoying reading about Sybil and her other selfs and how these other selfs possibly came to be thanks to an abusive mother and a passive father. For Sybil to express the amount of hurt and disappointment she has experienced by releasing another self is brilliant yet harrowing as I found myself really hoping that she will get well and return to her 'whole self'.
30/08 - Finished
I must say that I continued to enjoy this book, as I turned every page it just kept improving. However, after finding out that this book is indeed fake I felt kind of deflated which took away a star (seeing as it's advertised as a true story) but that was my only reason to deduct a star. The writing improved immensely compared to the beginning of the book as I was definitely struggling to get into the story...it became easier when the time shift happened as well which I was grateful for.
It took me quite a while to get through this book but I thought I would mention that the amount of time taken isn't a reflection on the book, life just kept getting in the way of my reading. If you are interested in the subject matter, even if just slightly, then I would recommend reading this book as it is just fascinating. Although fiction, the trauma and situations this woman goes through will have you on the edge of your seat with your breath held. I must warn readers, however, that this is not reading for the faint of heart as the descriptions of child abuse are very graphic.
Overall, highly recommended from me.
I must say that I am completely fascinated by this book, the strength of this woman is very inspiring. Before picking up this book I had never heard of this story before, I didn't know who Sybil was and I had definitely not seen the film. Before reading the other reviews I did not know that this story had been exposed as fake, which I admit did take the wind out of my sails a bit but I decided to read the book anyway as I was still very much intrigued by the whole story. The thought of someone having 16 different personalities is extraordinary and so when I found this online when looking at my local library's website I did not hesitate in reserving it for pick up. Even though I still have a big chunk of the book left to go through I thought I would take some time to comment on how truly fascinating this book is and I hope it continues to hold my attention. After a shaky start I was somewhat disappointed, the narrative and the language didn't sit well with me but thankfully after a shift in time and an exploration of different perspectives this book did pick up for me. I am very much enjoying reading about Sybil and her other selfs and how these other selfs possibly came to be thanks to an abusive mother and a passive father. For Sybil to express the amount of hurt and disappointment she has experienced by releasing another self is brilliant yet harrowing as I found myself really hoping that she will get well and return to her 'whole self'.
30/08 - Finished
I must say that I continued to enjoy this book, as I turned every page it just kept improving. However, after finding out that this book is indeed fake I felt kind of deflated which took away a star (seeing as it's advertised as a true story) but that was my only reason to deduct a star. The writing improved immensely compared to the beginning of the book as I was definitely struggling to get into the story...it became easier when the time shift happened as well which I was grateful for.
It took me quite a while to get through this book but I thought I would mention that the amount of time taken isn't a reflection on the book, life just kept getting in the way of my reading. If you are interested in the subject matter, even if just slightly, then I would recommend reading this book as it is just fascinating. Although fiction, the trauma and situations this woman goes through will have you on the edge of your seat with your breath held. I must warn readers, however, that this is not reading for the faint of heart as the descriptions of child abuse are very graphic.
Overall, highly recommended from me.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated It: Chapter Two (2019) in Movies
Sep 7, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
IT, Chapter two
The Losers are all grown up and living their own lives when they each receive a call to return to Derry, the town they all grew up in. The problem is none of them remember their childhoods or why they need to return.
IT Chapter Two picks up 27 years after the first film, the main cast have all moved on with their lives when Pennywise re-appears in Derry and so they all have to return to try to stop the creature once and for all.
There is a lot going on in the film, first off, it is a lot more like the original mini-series as it predominantly follows the losers as adults but also flashes back to them as children. The flashbacks show each of the young losers having separate meetings with Pennywise and none of these are shown in the first film. We also find out more about where Pennywise came from although the film does give us two possibilities’ (Kind of) although only one is real. There is also details of a group of native Americans who encountered and (Supposedly) defeated Pennywise, although he was not in clown form then. We also get more of a glimpse of Pennywise’s shape changing ability’s which include the spider form that is seen in the original mini-series.
IT Chapter two also plays homage to a lot of other films, the most obvious are the thing, the shining and poltergeist. There is also a recurring theme where it is mentioned by a number of different characters (one played by Stephen King) that Bill does not know how to finish a story, this is a complaint that Stephen King has received more than once, some people found a scene at the end of the IT novel wrong and a lot of people didn’t like the ending of the seventh and final (At the time) ‘Dark Tower’ book.
All of this leads to the film being just under three hours long, but honestly you don’t notice it.
The Losers are all grown up and living their own lives when they each receive a call to return to Derry, the town they all grew up in. The problem is none of them remember their childhoods or why they need to return.
IT Chapter Two picks up 27 years after the first film, the main cast have all moved on with their lives when Pennywise re-appears in Derry and so they all have to return to try to stop the creature once and for all.
There is a lot going on in the film, first off, it is a lot more like the original mini-series as it predominantly follows the losers as adults but also flashes back to them as children. The flashbacks show each of the young losers having separate meetings with Pennywise and none of these are shown in the first film. We also find out more about where Pennywise came from although the film does give us two possibilities’ (Kind of) although only one is real. There is also details of a group of native Americans who encountered and (Supposedly) defeated Pennywise, although he was not in clown form then. We also get more of a glimpse of Pennywise’s shape changing ability’s which include the spider form that is seen in the original mini-series.
IT Chapter two also plays homage to a lot of other films, the most obvious are the thing, the shining and poltergeist. There is also a recurring theme where it is mentioned by a number of different characters (one played by Stephen King) that Bill does not know how to finish a story, this is a complaint that Stephen King has received more than once, some people found a scene at the end of the IT novel wrong and a lot of people didn’t like the ending of the seventh and final (At the time) ‘Dark Tower’ book.
All of this leads to the film being just under three hours long, but honestly you don’t notice it.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
May 14, 2019 (Updated Dec 15, 2019)
A refreshing, and often humourous entry into the otherwise troubled DCEU
Contains spoilers, click to show
I went into Shazam! with low expectations, after not being particularly taken with the majority of past DCEU films.
I left feeling pretty positive about the whole goofy experience.
As with most DC material, the film starts on a fairly dark note, introducing us to a young Dr Sivana (a truly old school super villain, dating all the way back to the late 30s).
After a bit of back story as to why he gets all villainy, the movie wastes no time introducing us to Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and the rest of his foster family, and the movie succeeds in making all of the younger characters likable.
After a bit of comic book magic, we're eventually acquainted with the true power of Shazam!
Zachary Levi absolutely shines as he clearly relishes in playing this goofy, excitable teenager trapped in the body of a God. He bounces back and forth with Jack Dylan Grazer pretty well, and for the most part the relentless stream of jokes land nicely.
The film starts to waiver slightly towards the end, as the story hurtles towards a standard comic book movie CGI showdown, with a by the numbers comic book movie performance from Mark Strong, and some sketchy CGI cloud monsters, but it's hard not to grin with the surprise introduction of the Shazam! family (something I would surely expect from a sequel).
Shazam! also struggles at times to balance it's humour with it's more serious beats, but for the most part is an enjoyable origin story that the whole family can enjoy.
I left feeling pretty positive about the whole goofy experience.
As with most DC material, the film starts on a fairly dark note, introducing us to a young Dr Sivana (a truly old school super villain, dating all the way back to the late 30s).
After a bit of back story as to why he gets all villainy, the movie wastes no time introducing us to Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and the rest of his foster family, and the movie succeeds in making all of the younger characters likable.
After a bit of comic book magic, we're eventually acquainted with the true power of Shazam!
Zachary Levi absolutely shines as he clearly relishes in playing this goofy, excitable teenager trapped in the body of a God. He bounces back and forth with Jack Dylan Grazer pretty well, and for the most part the relentless stream of jokes land nicely.
The film starts to waiver slightly towards the end, as the story hurtles towards a standard comic book movie CGI showdown, with a by the numbers comic book movie performance from Mark Strong, and some sketchy CGI cloud monsters, but it's hard not to grin with the surprise introduction of the Shazam! family (something I would surely expect from a sequel).
Shazam! also struggles at times to balance it's humour with it's more serious beats, but for the most part is an enjoyable origin story that the whole family can enjoy.
Erika (17789 KP) rated John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) in Movies
May 25, 2019
John Wick Chapter 3 picks up immediately after Chapter 2, which I liked, so it got going right away. The fighting is so well choreographed, and my favorite section of fighting was with the book in the New York Public Library. You apparently can kill someone with a very weighty book.
This chapter provided much more information on the Continental/High Table mythos, which I thought was cool. Asia Kate Dillon was stone cold as the Adjudicator, and I can't wait to see more of Dillon in Chapter 4.
I could have done without Halle Berry being in the film. She really didn't add anything, and both my father and I were annoyed that it cut away from Keanu fighting to show her, when frankly, the only person I really want to see kicking ass is Keanu.
This chapter provided much more information on the Continental/High Table mythos, which I thought was cool. Asia Kate Dillon was stone cold as the Adjudicator, and I can't wait to see more of Dillon in Chapter 4.
I could have done without Halle Berry being in the film. She really didn't add anything, and both my father and I were annoyed that it cut away from Keanu fighting to show her, when frankly, the only person I really want to see kicking ass is Keanu.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Body Finder (The Body Finder, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
Okay, so I didn't fall in love with this book right away. For awhile, I thought I was going to rate the book 2, maybe 3 stars. However, about 2/3 of the way into the book, it became really good, and it definitely got boosted to 4 stars.
I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Jay & Violet. I thought it was really sweet =) I loved how protective he was of her, not in the "she's a girl so she can't take care of herself" way but because he genuinely cared for her.
The character of Chelsea made me laugh. I loved her sarcasm =)
It did have a hint of Mean Girls in it though. The character of Claire reminded me a lot of Amanda Seyfried's character in the film. And there is the mention of a Queen Bee.
I loved the plot as well. I've never read anything like it. I like the way the author brought together the elements of suspense, crime, romance, and paranormal. They all blended very well.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It does take a long time to get going, as I've said before, but once it does, it definitely drags you in!
I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Jay & Violet. I thought it was really sweet =) I loved how protective he was of her, not in the "she's a girl so she can't take care of herself" way but because he genuinely cared for her.
The character of Chelsea made me laugh. I loved her sarcasm =)
It did have a hint of Mean Girls in it though. The character of Claire reminded me a lot of Amanda Seyfried's character in the film. And there is the mention of a Queen Bee.
I loved the plot as well. I've never read anything like it. I like the way the author brought together the elements of suspense, crime, romance, and paranormal. They all blended very well.
I'd definitely recommend this book. It does take a long time to get going, as I've said before, but once it does, it definitely drags you in!
Zerovillie
Book
A Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Newsweek Best Book of the Year It is an August afternoon...