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Lily Collins recommended Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) in Movies (curated)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Final Destination 5 (2011) in Movies
Oct 7, 2019 (Updated Dec 4, 2019)
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!
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!
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated A Landscape of Lies (2011) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
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.
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.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Scottish Werebear: Books 1-3 (Scottish Werebear, #1-3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
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 didnt 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 couldnt 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 wasnt overly fond of her leads, I was still invested in their HEA.
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 couldnt 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 wasnt overly fond of her leads, I was still invested in their HEA.
Christine Allard (22 KP) rated Queen of Spades in Books
Jan 26, 2018
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.
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.
Tom Jones recommended Hank Williams as Luke The Drifter by Hank Williams in Music (curated)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Warcraft (2016) in Movies
Jun 3, 2020
Joyless and gruelling fantasy action movie, made in the bad old style. Orcs from another dimension invade Generic Fantasyland; people ride about, waving swords and hammers, spectacular mystical events occur, the CGI bill rockets upward at supersonic speed, and - I suspect - two days later you won't remember more than the most basic elements of the plot. (Most of the Orc characters are played by human actors in greenface makeup; I can't understand why there hasn't been more fuss about this.)
Half-decent score and I suppose the art direction is okay, if not exactly subtle, but this is the worst kind of fantasy film, as characters, places and concepts feel like they've been arbitrarily created to suit the story - 'cheating at cards to win paper money', as one novelist once described this kind of narrative. No depth, no resonance, no involvement - but then I've never played the game and have no awarenes of the Warcraft franchise beyond this film. (No doubt if they ever get around to doing a Euro Trucker 2 movie the boot will be on the other foot.)
Half-decent score and I suppose the art direction is okay, if not exactly subtle, but this is the worst kind of fantasy film, as characters, places and concepts feel like they've been arbitrarily created to suit the story - 'cheating at cards to win paper money', as one novelist once described this kind of narrative. No depth, no resonance, no involvement - but then I've never played the game and have no awarenes of the Warcraft franchise beyond this film. (No doubt if they ever get around to doing a Euro Trucker 2 movie the boot will be on the other foot.)
Merissa (11734 KP) rated Her Dark Angel (Her Angel: Bound Warriors #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The start of a new series by Felicity Heaton and what a start. Apollyon is still faithfully doing his duty and yet wants to be free from 'the fires of hell' and feel the sun on his wings again. Serenity has had a bad break-up from her cheating boyfriend and wants revenge, she wants him to feel as bad as she does. Both her heart and her words call out and Apollyon answers. I've got to say that if I was looking for revenge on an ex in this way then I would certainly hope for someone like Apollyon to drop into my life!
This is only a novella so the storyline is fast-paced so that everything is in place before it finishes. I can see this series being another hit for Felicity Heaton and am looking forward to reading more.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 29, 2016
This is only a novella so the storyline is fast-paced so that everything is in place before it finishes. I can see this series being another hit for Felicity Heaton and am looking forward to reading more.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 29, 2016
Merissa (11734 KP) rated Not Okay Cupid in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 17, 2023)
An old tale of cheating boyfriends and betraying best friends gets a revamp in this YA, humour-filled story, starring Felix and Hazel. Written from the perspectives of both of them, you are with Hazel as she learns about her boyfriend, Jay, and her best friend, Kimmy, now becoming a couple even though Jay forgot to mention it to her. School is tough and to find out in the school cafeteria is a hard one. Felix isn't prepared to let Hazel deal with it by herself, so he puts a plan in motion.
Well-written, humorous and with plenty of opportunities for reflection and passion, this story is light and thoroughly enjoyable. Movie references from the '80s abound, including one from The Princess Bride! I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 11, 2016
Well-written, humorous and with plenty of opportunities for reflection and passion, this story is light and thoroughly enjoyable. Movie references from the '80s abound, including one from The Princess Bride! I would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 11, 2016
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated Trophy Wife (The Dumont Diaries, #0.5-5) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
MMM, this is a hard one, on the one hand, I very much enjoyed Trophy Wife and on the other, there was some real no no's that totally turn me off when it comes to erotic fiction.
This is the main reason I've marked it down in my ratings.
Now obviously what sinks my ship may float your boat and more, we are all different and you may find my reasons don't bother you at all.
Now there are gonna be some teeny spoilers ahead as It's major unavoidable if I am going to explain why I've marked this down.
My major hard limit
CHEATING!!!!!
and not only cheating, the fact that no one's really bothered and I know this may seem a bit boring, but I like my Lover & Lovee to save the honey for each other, no excuses, no we were on a break and definitely no contact of any kind whatsoever, no exceptions and that means kissing also.
Why you might ask.
BECAUSE THERE MEANT TO BE BLOODY IN LOVE!!!!!!
or getting there at least and I'm a die hard romantic like that.
So yes no bodily contact with others while still being as filthy as downright sin is the flavour I like to see in my reading.
So, of course, this is where Trophy Wife let me down a bit, I maybe could have overlooked this if either Nathan or Candy had got their knickers in a twist diva style or something to that effect, but no let's brush it under the carpet like it never happened, and yes it's still cheating in my book when he takes his ex-girlfriend back and sleeps with her while still being married to Candy.
So the poor boy needed to get his leg over with his ex to decide he's in love with his wife geez!!
What happened did a shag unlock his brain.
And I do know that Candy is not exactly innocent either, They both behaved like a pair of absolute bloody pillocks in my opinion.
The second thing I had an issue with was the car incident. I have nothing against voyeurism at all but when Nathan gets candy to perform a certain service for his business associate and calls her a derogatory name in front of him well this wasn't hot or sexy one iota I was cringing in shame for the poor girl, awful behaviour.
The third and final thing and it may seem a tad silly but it's the name CANDY!!!
I hate it, it sounds like a stereotypical strippers name, which I know Candy is, but couldn't the poor girl have had something more sophisticated than Candy.
Despite my above bugbears, I really did like the rest of this book. It was mucky as hell and hot hot hot.
The story flowed brilliantly and I especially loved seeing the inner thoughts of both Candy & Nathan.
I feel that we needed to see inside Nathan's head as well as if I hadn't I don't know if I could have warmed to him at all.
He was such a dominant man, his vulnerability was so well hidden that it was his musings inside is own head that showed he had a softer side.
Trophy Wife by Alessandra Torre gets a three & half from me a great read with some issues that for me are just personal preferences.
You they might not affect at all.
Trophy Wife is currently free on KU.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
This is the main reason I've marked it down in my ratings.
Now obviously what sinks my ship may float your boat and more, we are all different and you may find my reasons don't bother you at all.
Now there are gonna be some teeny spoilers ahead as It's major unavoidable if I am going to explain why I've marked this down.
My major hard limit
CHEATING!!!!!
and not only cheating, the fact that no one's really bothered and I know this may seem a bit boring, but I like my Lover & Lovee to save the honey for each other, no excuses, no we were on a break and definitely no contact of any kind whatsoever, no exceptions and that means kissing also.
Why you might ask.
BECAUSE THERE MEANT TO BE BLOODY IN LOVE!!!!!!
or getting there at least and I'm a die hard romantic like that.
So yes no bodily contact with others while still being as filthy as downright sin is the flavour I like to see in my reading.
So, of course, this is where Trophy Wife let me down a bit, I maybe could have overlooked this if either Nathan or Candy had got their knickers in a twist diva style or something to that effect, but no let's brush it under the carpet like it never happened, and yes it's still cheating in my book when he takes his ex-girlfriend back and sleeps with her while still being married to Candy.
So the poor boy needed to get his leg over with his ex to decide he's in love with his wife geez!!
What happened did a shag unlock his brain.
And I do know that Candy is not exactly innocent either, They both behaved like a pair of absolute bloody pillocks in my opinion.
The second thing I had an issue with was the car incident. I have nothing against voyeurism at all but when Nathan gets candy to perform a certain service for his business associate and calls her a derogatory name in front of him well this wasn't hot or sexy one iota I was cringing in shame for the poor girl, awful behaviour.
The third and final thing and it may seem a tad silly but it's the name CANDY!!!
I hate it, it sounds like a stereotypical strippers name, which I know Candy is, but couldn't the poor girl have had something more sophisticated than Candy.
Despite my above bugbears, I really did like the rest of this book. It was mucky as hell and hot hot hot.
The story flowed brilliantly and I especially loved seeing the inner thoughts of both Candy & Nathan.
I feel that we needed to see inside Nathan's head as well as if I hadn't I don't know if I could have warmed to him at all.
He was such a dominant man, his vulnerability was so well hidden that it was his musings inside is own head that showed he had a softer side.
Trophy Wife by Alessandra Torre gets a three & half from me a great read with some issues that for me are just personal preferences.
You they might not affect at all.
Trophy Wife is currently free on KU.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/