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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Final Destination 5 (2011) in Movies

Oct 7, 2019 (Updated Dec 4, 2019)  
Final Destination 5 (2011)
Final Destination 5 (2011)
2011 | Horror
5
7.3 (14 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Surprisingly ok
I remember when FD5 was announced (hilariously titled 5nal Destination initially), I was just completely not bothered. After originally being drawn in by the original, and then being subjected to a series of progressively crappier sequels, not even the prospect of sudden ridiculous gore could reel me in.

I finally got round to watching it at home, and in all honesty, FD5 is actually pretty enjoyable! For the first time in ages, we are presented with characters who are relatively likable!
Plot wise, it's all very much the same, although it does spend more time with the cheating-death-by-killing-someone-else idea.

The deaths are pretty creative (that gym scene though) without feeling too over the top like previous installments.

The film ends on an inspired and unexpected twist, which elevates FD5 over it's predecessors, and arguably delivers the best overall movie experience in the series to date!
  
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Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated A Landscape of Lies (2011) in Movies

Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)  
A Landscape of Lies (2011)
A Landscape of Lies (2011)
2011 | Crime, Drama, Thriller
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
After a fairly violent opening to the film, A Landscape of Lies tells the story of Jacob who is inflicted with PTSD after spending his time in the Gulf war, as he tries to adjust to being back in the UK and is helped along by his former commanding officer, Hilt.

But after Hilt is murdered by a serial killer, Jacob’s reality comes crashing down, Jacob decides that the only thing that he can now do is find out who the killer was and to help bring closure for Louise, Hilt’s widow, after the murder. Jacob then goes head to head with DCI Lane and his partners Sergeant Egan and DC Carter as he tries to discover the killer his life starts to mix with the suspects, such as East End villain and property tycoon Brannigan Woods, Marcus Clancy a workaholic who has put a strain on his marriage to his wife Claire, who is also cheating on him, and their rebellious daughter, Hannah.
  
Overall, this was an enjoyable series. There are a few story devices that I am over such as the cheating boyfriend and “one true mate” but the author has an easy style that, once you get into the story, the story seems to fly by. I didn’t even realize how far into the story I was until I had to set it down.

Derek and Claire are not my favorite couple. Claire comes off as a bit childish despite being 30 something years old, and, honestly, I felt her little pity party early on in the story that brought about the accident was poor storytelling. That being said, I thought Derek was precious in in subtle courtship of her. He wanted to make her happy but thought he couldn’t be with her so he left her little presents. I mean how adorable?

But I digress. The author is skilled with painting a clear portrait of the scenery events. While I wasn’t overly fond of her leads, I was still invested in their HEA.
  
Queen of Spades
Queen of Spades
Michael Shou-Yung Shum | 2016 | Contemporary
10
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Easily the best book I've read in six months. (0 more)
I want more from this first time author....soon! (0 more)
Small story, small setting, gambling and some mystical realism in a down-to-earth story.
Very few characters. Set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. It's about gambling and math and cheating, and winning and losing at life and relationships. The writing is simple and stunning. The characters are few and very well-developed, quickly and slowly at the same time, without a lot of fanfare. There's a touch of mystery.

It's a "small" book, as I like to call them. Kind of like Nicholson Baker's writing. Focused.


Read it in two sittings--started one evening and finished over breakfast. Wish I had savored it more. Have already sent copies to at least seven people. Don't bother with the blurb on the back--doesn't do it much justice for what's really between the covers. Also, the paperback is a joy to hold. Even if you're a fan of eReaders, I recommend buying the real deal for this one.