Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (3052)

Content

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Postmistress in Books

Feb 15, 2019

The Postmistress

Sarah Blake | 2010 | History & Politics

3.3

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

I have tried for about three months to read this book and I just cannot get into it, so I've finally decided that after reading more than half and still not liking it, to finally give up. For the most part, the writing is technically good, but it lacks depth and I could really do without the author switching viewpoints with no notice. One second I'd be reading one point of view and then the next paragraph would be someone else; I don't like that type of writing, I'd rather have individual chapters or at least stopping points in the chapter. Also, I didn't care for any of the characters, and perhaps if they had more personality or any life whatsoever in them, I could carry on with the book, but it's too late now. Probably the biggest problem I have with the book is that I was suckered into the book by the so-called letter that is supposed to be pocketed by the postmistress; 191 pages in and it still hasn't happened! Since it appeared to be the main storyline, and the prologue had a teaser about this letter, I thought it was going to feature more prominently in the book. Obviously not. To sum it up: writing is okay, but annoying, characters are flat and unsympathetic, the plot meanders, so overall the book is duller than dishwater and a chore to read.

Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Shallows (2016) in Movies

Oct 28, 2019 (Updated Oct 28, 2019)

The Shallows (2016)

2016 | Drama, Mystery

6.7

(25 Ratings)

Movie Rating

I could never make my mind up whilst watching The Shallows if I thought it was good or not... Not usually a good sign but it's pretty straightforward - there are some things about it which are great, and some which are not.

The best thing about The Shallows is easily Blake Lively. It's more a less a one woman show (the rest of the cast are paper thin and take up a tiny amount of screentime.)
She provides us with a lead character who you want to survive, and sells the simple narrative nicely.
The other main character is of course the shark. For the most part, we don't see much of the shark and this is where the horror elements of The Shallows are best realised. The general atmosphere of the first two thirds of the runtime carry a suitable amount of tension.
The final third let's it's slip a bit in this respect, switching out tension for action, which is usually ok, but here we're subjected to some dodgy special effects work, and a whole lot of stupid plot points that don't make a whole lot of sense (silly plot points are actually present throughout, and the main reason why The Shallows isn't better than it is)
One final thought - some of the sweeping shots are really nice - some good camera work going on!

It's not a bad watch by any means, and as far as shark movies go, it's better than most.