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David McK (3372 KP) rated The Running Man in Books
Jan 28, 2019
First and foremost, if you think this is anything like the Arnie movie, think again! That movie only shares the title, a few names, and the idea of a game show with the book.
Written by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King), this is set in a future dystopia where the gulf between the rich and the poor has widened even further, to the extent that, while the rich have access to new gadgets, medicine and groceries, life is a daily struggle to survive for the poor (who are now treated as vermin by the rich).
The top TV shows are all game shows (OK: like the movie); in all the poor are more-or-less tortured (the shows have names like 'Swimming with Crocidiles' or 'Treadmill to Fortune') to earn money. Of these, the most popular by far is 'The Running Man', which is - basically - a televised manhunt.
This is a pretty quick read - only took me about one day - with the Ben Richards of the novel far more sickly and wasted than the muscular Arnie of the film (Steve Buscemi, perhaps?), with the novel also covering a wider area of land than the Running Man set of that movie (which, remember, is only set in four zones - here, it's more-or-less right across America). The ending is also far more downbeat!
Written by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King), this is set in a future dystopia where the gulf between the rich and the poor has widened even further, to the extent that, while the rich have access to new gadgets, medicine and groceries, life is a daily struggle to survive for the poor (who are now treated as vermin by the rich).
The top TV shows are all game shows (OK: like the movie); in all the poor are more-or-less tortured (the shows have names like 'Swimming with Crocidiles' or 'Treadmill to Fortune') to earn money. Of these, the most popular by far is 'The Running Man', which is - basically - a televised manhunt.
This is a pretty quick read - only took me about one day - with the Ben Richards of the novel far more sickly and wasted than the muscular Arnie of the film (Steve Buscemi, perhaps?), with the novel also covering a wider area of land than the Running Man set of that movie (which, remember, is only set in four zones - here, it's more-or-less right across America). The ending is also far more downbeat!
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Kids (1995) in Movies
Nov 16, 2019
Daddy Never Understood!!
Kids mainly follows 2 friends, Telly and Casper, whilst they hang around New York and meet up with friends. Telly is a guy who thinks he's God's gift to girls, this opinion solidified by the amount of girls he de-virginises on a daily basis. Casper is a fucked up Skate kid with a penchant for drugs and disturbing behaviour. Although this seems to be a regular day in New York for the 2 young guys, they'd better enjoy the day, as their lives are going to be turned upside down forever...
I think Kids is absolutely amazing; it really captures the New York Street vibe and each character has their own fascinating personality, even if they're only on screen for a short period. Even though the storyline might not sound like much (I've tried my best not to spoil any of it!) it's captivating and keeps you hooked until the last second as something is ALWAYS going on. It deals extremely well with controversial topics and thrusts them unfalteringly into the spotlight, but does so in a way that is respectful and tactful yet still shocking. It's a Movie that deserves more recognition than it's ever got. I love it so much that I even got the Script of it! Amazing Movie.
I think Kids is absolutely amazing; it really captures the New York Street vibe and each character has their own fascinating personality, even if they're only on screen for a short period. Even though the storyline might not sound like much (I've tried my best not to spoil any of it!) it's captivating and keeps you hooked until the last second as something is ALWAYS going on. It deals extremely well with controversial topics and thrusts them unfalteringly into the spotlight, but does so in a way that is respectful and tactful yet still shocking. It's a Movie that deserves more recognition than it's ever got. I love it so much that I even got the Script of it! Amazing Movie.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Siege and Sacrifice in Books
Dec 12, 2019
A good conclusion
Contains spoilers, click to show
The final part of this trilogy starts with what should be an almighty conflict. The (somewhat damp squib of a) second book in the series ended with the much-feared monster being summoned into the body of the presumed-dead Anon, Sandis' brother. Sadly, this opening scene is short-lived as the heroes scarper and live to fight another day (though admittedly it was always going to be that way!).
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
That opening anti-climax out of the way, this book is a more intelligent and thoughtful one that the previous two. Finally we have some answers and insight into the world we are in, and where the ancient mystical race went, as well as where the summoned demons come from. While I didn't feel this was missing from the first two books, it is good to have some answers and extra world-building to get stuck into.
The first third of the book rattles along quite well, the humans trying to track down the host of the demon and hence stop its daily attacks. The middle third was a bit of a slog, with much less happening, quite heavy on the exposition and endless narrative descriptions. The final was much more pacey, though I was starting to tire of the book by then and skimmed some chapters.
All in all a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Pillars of the Earth in Books
Aug 3, 2019
Very good read
Contains spoilers, click to show
Against this richly imagined and intricately interwoven backdrop, filled with the ravages of war and the rhythms of daily life, the master storyteller draws the reader irresistibly into the intertwined lives of his characters into their dreams, their labors, and their loves: Tom, the master builder; Aliena, the ravishingly beautiful noblewoman; Philip, the prior of Kingsbridge; Jack, the artist in stone; and Ellen, the woman of the forest who casts a terrifying curse. From humble stonemason to imperious monarch, each character is brought vividly to life.
The building of the cathedral, with the almost eerie artistry of the unschooled stonemasons, is the center of the drama. Around the site of the construction, Follett weaves a story of betrayal, revenge, and love, which begins with the public hanging of an innocent man and ends with the humiliation of a king.
I don't really know where to start. This book brought so much suspense ,fear ,love ,hate ,romance ,death and heartache! I loved it! I waited all 900+ pages for William to get what he deserved and it was worth it! This book showed how harsh life can be aswell as how amazingly strong people can be.
Highly recommended to anyone who hasn't yet read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

The building of the cathedral, with the almost eerie artistry of the unschooled stonemasons, is the center of the drama. Around the site of the construction, Follett weaves a story of betrayal, revenge, and love, which begins with the public hanging of an innocent man and ends with the humiliation of a king.
I don't really know where to start. This book brought so much suspense ,fear ,love ,hate ,romance ,death and heartache! I loved it! I waited all 900+ pages for William to get what he deserved and it was worth it! This book showed how harsh life can be aswell as how amazingly strong people can be.
Highly recommended to anyone who hasn't yet read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The Five-Year Engagement (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Based upon my past experiences with Judd Apatow movies, I knew what I was in for: witty banter, great “one-liners”, and lots of “oh dear god” moments. And, as with all of Apatow’s movies, I wasn’t disappointed.
The movie follows the love story of Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt). Tom is your typical Jewish geeky guy while Violet is your educated British ideal. Both meet at a New Year’s Eve party dressed as their respective made-up superheros and an unlikely romance blossoms forth. Where the movie set forth with the sweet set up of their engagement, from there it follows an utterly unique and random path. For one reason or another, their wedding is postponed and delayed. Family deaths ensue, hunting escapes and knitted sweaters happen, toes are lost, but, as with all romantic-comedies, the happy ending prevails.
Segel and Chris Pratt provide for excellent witty banter and dramatics while Blunt and Alison Brie make for a fantastic sisterly pair. Regardless if you cry from the cheesy sweetness of it all or from the hilarity of Segel’s antics, this movie provides for great entertainment all around.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and yes, I will be using many of the movie’s quotes as part of my daily repertoire.
The movie follows the love story of Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt). Tom is your typical Jewish geeky guy while Violet is your educated British ideal. Both meet at a New Year’s Eve party dressed as their respective made-up superheros and an unlikely romance blossoms forth. Where the movie set forth with the sweet set up of their engagement, from there it follows an utterly unique and random path. For one reason or another, their wedding is postponed and delayed. Family deaths ensue, hunting escapes and knitted sweaters happen, toes are lost, but, as with all romantic-comedies, the happy ending prevails.
Segel and Chris Pratt provide for excellent witty banter and dramatics while Blunt and Alison Brie make for a fantastic sisterly pair. Regardless if you cry from the cheesy sweetness of it all or from the hilarity of Segel’s antics, this movie provides for great entertainment all around.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and yes, I will be using many of the movie’s quotes as part of my daily repertoire.
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