Shinjuku Triad Society (1995)
6.5
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Movie
The film is based around the interactions of a triad group with a police officer as well as opposing...
David McK (3377 KP) rated The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes in Books
Nov 24, 2023
This collection also includes (and ends with) the famous Reichenbach Falls short story, written when Conan Doyle was getting tired of the character, which was to leave so many readers desolate at the time of publication!
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Lawless (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
While adapted from the pages of a successful book, the plot of “Lawless” portrays a familiar story. A young romance slated against the challenges of a family who is literally and metaphorically, sticking to their guns. The brilliance of the film exists in the vivid set work, understated characterization, and graphic portrayals of unbridled yet historically accurate punishments.
There are bullet holes everywhere in this wild land of violence. The depictions of torture, while not the most graphically intensive in cinema, are characterized by psychological malice. The result is a film that manages to entirely pull the viewer into a different, much less civilized, time.
Led and narrated by seasoned actor, Shia LaBeouf, as the youngest brother, Jack Bondurant, the role is hardly a challenge. Yet his performances only stands out when supported by other cast members, such as the gangster Floyd Banner, played by Gary Oldman. And while LaBeouf’s performance is not a great as it could be, it shines next to his lackluster costar, Mia Wasikowska as Bertha Minnix the forbidden preacher’s daughter and object of young Jack’s eye.
The best performance in the film is not the lead, but that of his brother Forrest who dispenses well-timed wisdom or humor even in direst situations. Further helping in the films success are the supporting characters; the third Bondurant brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), mechanically gifted family friend, Cricket Pate (Dane DeHaan), and city wise beauty Maggie Beauford (Jessica Chastain).
While not as impressive as expected, the slow but steady story and complex visceral nature of “Lawless”, make it a film that is worth the price of a ticket, for anyone who can make it through the squeamish bits.
Debbiereadsbook (1174 KP) rated The Star (Charleston Condors #1) in Books
Aug 6, 2023
This is book 1 in the Charleston Condors series, and I will admit that I only read it, because I was offered book 2 via the blog, but said I would read this one too.
I'm glad I did!
I really rather enjoyed this. The thing I loved, and I mean LOVED, the most was: there really isn't much drama in this book!
Oh there is some, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly around Riley's big brother, Aidan, being an overbearing twatwaffle! I get it, to some extent, but Aidan took the "bringing my brother up" thing to the extreme and became . . . difficult. Landry, as Aidan's best friend, was kinda stuck between them, but I loved that Landry stood up for Riley against Aidan, even before Landry was fully aware of his feelings for Riley. But there is no DRAMA, you know? There is not nutty ex, no massive break up/make up, none of that, Just one man falling in love with his best friends little brother, when he thought he was straight, and that little brother acting on his long time crush! And it made for a wonderful read.
My only niggle, and it really is just a very personal, none-US citizen thing. There is a lot of detailed football play. The majority of the terms used, and what they mean, went straight over my head and I mostly glanced over those scenes. I have no clue about what American football entails, or what a play is, or any of those terms, so on that point, I didn't like it.
BUT!
Now I know what to expect, I can brace myself for the second book, The Game. I am aware of the football scenes coming, and I can make peace with them :-)
4 wonderful Stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
The Genius Plague
8.7
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Book
THE CONTAGION IS IN YOUR MIND In this science fiction thriller, brothers are pitted against each...
Science fiction thriller
World Whisperer
9.0
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A devastating sacrifice. A daring rescue. A new world of magic unveiled. As a fourteen-year-old...
Fantasy Coming of Age YA
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Blues Brothers (1980) in Movies
Jun 20, 2018
Do you like musicals? Do you like car chases (one of the most epic of all time)? Do you like comedies? Do you like epic road films? Do you like Carrie Fisher with a flamethrower?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the film for you.
After his brother Jake gets out of prison, Elwood Blues and his newly freed brother visit a church where they discover it is going to close unless they can raise enough money to keep it running. Through a profound religious experience, Jake discovers he must get his old rhythm and blues band back together to raise money for this noble cause.
The film truly is perfect in every way!
The Air Raid and the Easter Egg: Two Stories of a Scottish Childhood, 1940
Book
On the way to school one morning in 1940, six-year-old Maisie hears the air raid siren for the first...
The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine, #1)
6.0
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A prodigal son. A dangerous love. Haunted yearning . . . Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor,...
Shadow Souls (The Vampire Diaries: The Return, #2)
6.5
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Book
Elena Gilbert is once again at the center of magic and danger beyond her imagining. And this time,...