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Sean J (5 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies

Jul 5, 2018 (Updated Jul 8, 2018)

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

2018 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

7.1

(185 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Enjoyable that sets up what should be an epic final film

The Fallen Kingdom takes place some time after the first Jurassic World film. The volcano on the island of Isla Nubla is becoming active and there are the questionable morals of whether the dinosaurs should be saved or not and so begins the adventure. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return along with a cameo from Jeff Goldblum reprising their roles of Owen, Claire and Ian Malcolm respectively. The film follows the same routine as the previous 4 teasing the story in the initial 5-10 minutes, followed by the usual character based introductions that lead into the story. It's a tried and tested method and though familiar still works for these films. Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom has a darker tone than the original and builds to its conclusion feeling a little rushed. The pace of Jurassic World kind of felt right however this just seems off. The acting is very good, special effects are great. A solid film that sets up the third Jurassic World film very nicely for something epic, if done right.

Kudos

Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Golden Tup (Red Grouse Tales) in Books

Nov 13, 2019

Another of the Red Grouse Tales, this is a story about a young couple who were infamous for having killed their baby. Told by someone who new them, it perhaps offers an explanation for their actions.

Matthew and Constance buy an old abandoned farmhouse and set about renovating it. All goes well despite the hard work. But something doesn't feel right about one of the courtyards and there is a strange carving in the barn. Only their friend Gabriel is able to offer them any advice but their situation just goes from bad to worse.

As with the other Red Grouse Tales there is a strong paranormal thread running through this story. Much darker in tone than the others, this provokes the reader to ask themselves who they believe in regards the killing of their baby, the word of Constance that dark forces are at work or the facts as common sense would dictate them.

As with the other stories in the collection the writing is clear and fluent, the characterisation sharp enough for the reader to sympathise with the couple despite knowing their eventual fate. The story is engrossing and gets more chilling as it reaches its conclusion

Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Castlevania - Season 1 in TV

Mar 20, 2020

Castlevania - Season 1

2017 | Animation, Fantasy, Horror

7.0

(1 Ratings)

TV Season Rating

The first season of Castlevania could be more accurately described as a 'teaser-season'. It's four episodes acts as a set up for what is to come, introducing us to the key players in the war between man and vampire.

The episodes run for around 25 minutes, meaning that the season has a limited time to establish what it needs to, and it does this pretty effectively. A decent script ensures that the three main protagonists Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), Sypha (Alejandra Reynoso) and Alucard (James Callis) are all immediately likable, and even gives an incredibly sympathetic villain in Dracula. There's also a nice sense of humour running underneath all of the dramatics.

The animation style shows signs of budget restriction on occasion, but for the most part is easy to take in. A lot of close ups on characters show off some nice detail, long shots of locations look great, as do the combat scenes. To darker colour choices work well with the gothic setting, and the frequent strong violence.

Above all, this short but sweet season leaves the viewer wanting more, which was surely the aim in the first place!

Kudos

Russell Evans (179 KP) rated The Mandalorian in TV

Feb 22, 2020

The Mandalorian

2019 | Sci-Fi

8.7

(68 Ratings)

TV Show Rating

The Star Wars franchises new hope

The Star Wars franchises new hope.
As a massive Star Wars fan and being old enough to have experienced the originals, I really enjoyed season 1. While I have liked the new Disney Star Wars films to varying degrees, I haven’t loved them entirely. I didn’t have great hopes for Disney’s series - I found my own lack of faith disturbing.
I happy to admit I was wrong. It feels so much more authentic and more star warsy than the recent films, the filming feels nostalgic. With the absence of the politicised content that has pervaded the Star Wars universe recently, The Mandalorian is darker, grittier, great effects, action packed and (perhaps most importantly) just a simpler story – told well. Also worth mentioning is the awesomeness of The child aka ‘baby yoda’.
My only minor criticism would be that the episodes got to be a bit formulaic – Mandalorian turns up at new location, makes a new ally, defeats that episode enemy, moves on … reminded me a little of the weekly A-Team episodes. Just me?
Highly recommended - A must see for Star Wars Fans!