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Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Lake Mungo (2009) in Movies
Sep 5, 2018
Nice Documentary style (1 more)
Good performances in the main
Wonky Twists (1 more)
Slightly disappointing ending
Lake Mungo delivers some eerieness but outstays its welcome
Contains spoilers, click to show
Lake Mungo is a found footage/documentary style hybrid horror movie that tells the story of a family whose 16 year old daughter drowns, but then continues to appear to her family and in footage and photographs in the local area.
Without wanting to spoiler anything, I will just say that the director manages to create a quite unsettling atmosphere, almost akin to that created in the first 3 paranormal activity movies, using CCTV footage and phone camera footage to add to the eye witness statements and interviews with the family.
The film is a little longer than it needs to be, the last section felt like it began detracting from the earlier scenes as they add a few last twists, but overall it is a well made film, with a strong sense of unease throughout.
Well worth a look if you like Paranormal Activity, and that style of film.
Without wanting to spoiler anything, I will just say that the director manages to create a quite unsettling atmosphere, almost akin to that created in the first 3 paranormal activity movies, using CCTV footage and phone camera footage to add to the eye witness statements and interviews with the family.
The film is a little longer than it needs to be, the last section felt like it began detracting from the earlier scenes as they add a few last twists, but overall it is a well made film, with a strong sense of unease throughout.
Well worth a look if you like Paranormal Activity, and that style of film.
Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated Little Fires Everywhere in Books
Oct 2, 2018
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
“But the problem with rules, he reflected, was that they implied a right way and a wrong way to do something. When, in fact, most of the time there were simply ways, none of them quite wrong or quite right, and nothing to tell you for sure which side of the line you stood on ”
This book focuses on the Richardsons, an idealistic suburban family; Mr Richardson a hotshot lawyer, Mrs Richardson a housewife cum reporter and the Richardson children; Lexi, Trip, Moody and Izzy. They live happily in their 6 bedroom house and had all the material belongings they could long for, but each had a void in their life. This would be filled in some way or another by Mia and her daughter Pearl, new tenants in one of Mrs Richardson’s properties. We watch the two families grow close and form relationships only to be divided by a custody battle taking place in the town.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/10/little-fires-everywhere-by-celeste-ng.html
This book focuses on the Richardsons, an idealistic suburban family; Mr Richardson a hotshot lawyer, Mrs Richardson a housewife cum reporter and the Richardson children; Lexi, Trip, Moody and Izzy. They live happily in their 6 bedroom house and had all the material belongings they could long for, but each had a void in their life. This would be filled in some way or another by Mia and her daughter Pearl, new tenants in one of Mrs Richardson’s properties. We watch the two families grow close and form relationships only to be divided by a custody battle taking place in the town.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/10/little-fires-everywhere-by-celeste-ng.html
Karica Truebenbach (156 KP) rated The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) in Movies
Oct 5, 2018
Jeff Goldblum (1 more)
Funny
Loved it
This is still my favorite in the series, followed closely by Jurassic World and parts of Jurassic Park (original). First let me say I'll watch Jeff Goldblum do darn near anything. He has a dry wit that is so funny to me. I also loved Vanessa Lee Chester as the daughter, but I really appreciated the other characters commenting on the "family resemblance" because I was certainly thinking the same. Julianne Moore and Vince Vaughn also perform really well in this movie.
This is the first time Ingen brings dinosaurs to America, and we see what Dr. Malcolm has been warning us about all along. Dinosaurs+humans= No more humans. Duh. This is the first time Ingen gets mean, too, because it's no longer run by the kindly but stupendously naive old dude. Instead, we get a greedy, quietly menacing but equally naive manager who only manages to bring mayhem and destruction to the States. Aahh karma.
Anyway, Jeff Goldblum IS this whole movie and it's funny and exciting to watch so................watch it.
This is the first time Ingen brings dinosaurs to America, and we see what Dr. Malcolm has been warning us about all along. Dinosaurs+humans= No more humans. Duh. This is the first time Ingen gets mean, too, because it's no longer run by the kindly but stupendously naive old dude. Instead, we get a greedy, quietly menacing but equally naive manager who only manages to bring mayhem and destruction to the States. Aahh karma.
Anyway, Jeff Goldblum IS this whole movie and it's funny and exciting to watch so................watch it.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Dracula vs. Hitler in Books
Oct 6, 2018
The title of this book grabbed me, alone. What wouldn't be cool about Dracula being awakened during WWII to kill some Nazis?
Well, all the crap in between. It was written in epistolary form, like the original Dracula novel. We've got Van Helsing, who wakes Dracula up, who coincidentally (or not) has a daughter named Lucy. A member of the Harker fam shows up, as does Renfield.
There were a lot of scenes of vampire carnage, but then an insta-love story thrown in (gag), and a little Hitler.
I'm sorry, but if you write an alt-history book, and you have Dracula in it, why wouldn't you have him straight up ripping out Hitler's spinal column or something?
I started this book when it came out in October 2016, and picked it back up a few days ago. After reading a few pages, I remembered why I put it away, it moved at a snails pace, and honestly wasn't that interesting. Overall, a yawn.
Well, all the crap in between. It was written in epistolary form, like the original Dracula novel. We've got Van Helsing, who wakes Dracula up, who coincidentally (or not) has a daughter named Lucy. A member of the Harker fam shows up, as does Renfield.
There were a lot of scenes of vampire carnage, but then an insta-love story thrown in (gag), and a little Hitler.
I'm sorry, but if you write an alt-history book, and you have Dracula in it, why wouldn't you have him straight up ripping out Hitler's spinal column or something?
I started this book when it came out in October 2016, and picked it back up a few days ago. After reading a few pages, I remembered why I put it away, it moved at a snails pace, and honestly wasn't that interesting. Overall, a yawn.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Carpe Jugulum (Discworld #23; Witches #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The 23rd Discworld book, this is really what I would term as one of the 'Witches' (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlik and - now - Agnes Nitt) novels, and is also the first to concentrate on 'proper' Vampires (or, as they prefer to be known, Vampyres (with a 'y'))
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Chessmen of Mars (Barsoom #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fifth of Edgar Rice Burrough's <i>Barsoom</i> series of books, this is a return to form after the somewhat disappointing <i>Thuvia, Maid of Mars</i>
I think a large part of the reason for that is because (I have heard) that previous installment was written in installments, which shows throughout the story. I don't know if this one was or not, but it does seem to 'flow' better.
Like <i>Thuvia</i>, neither John Carter himself nor his son Carthoris are the central characters: rather, it is his daughter Tara who is one of the key characters. like the very first book(s), this is book-ended as Edgar Rice Burrough's recounting the tale told to him by John Carter, who only has a minor role in this story, both at the beginning and end.
There's no denying that it does follow the same plot arc as many of the previous books which, one could argue, might show a lack of imagination. However, if it's not broke, don't fix it!
I think a large part of the reason for that is because (I have heard) that previous installment was written in installments, which shows throughout the story. I don't know if this one was or not, but it does seem to 'flow' better.
Like <i>Thuvia</i>, neither John Carter himself nor his son Carthoris are the central characters: rather, it is his daughter Tara who is one of the key characters. like the very first book(s), this is book-ended as Edgar Rice Burrough's recounting the tale told to him by John Carter, who only has a minor role in this story, both at the beginning and end.
There's no denying that it does follow the same plot arc as many of the previous books which, one could argue, might show a lack of imagination. However, if it's not broke, don't fix it!
themaxdog (14 KP) rated The Baron's Bounty in Books
Jul 17, 2019
Sadly, I did not enjoy The Baron's Bounty as much as the previous two books in the collection. I found the main character, Isobel, rather uninspiring and difficult to connect with - similarly, many of the characters in the book did not have the same character depth as I found in Elizabeth Rose's other books.
Similarly, although it was initially quirky, I quickly found Isobel's passion for shoes a little irritating. I mean, she likes shoes - I get it! Coupled with some quite questionably convenient plot points, little character development, and a lot of repetition early on, I just did not enjoy The Baron's Bounty as much as I hoped I would.
On the plus side, I found the action and adventure thrilling, and the character of Rose, Lord Conlin's daughter, was intriguing. I'd certainly be interested to read a future novel telling her own story!
However, I'm afraid I just could not connect with this book and it was a bit of a disappointment for me.
Similarly, although it was initially quirky, I quickly found Isobel's passion for shoes a little irritating. I mean, she likes shoes - I get it! Coupled with some quite questionably convenient plot points, little character development, and a lot of repetition early on, I just did not enjoy The Baron's Bounty as much as I hoped I would.
On the plus side, I found the action and adventure thrilling, and the character of Rose, Lord Conlin's daughter, was intriguing. I'd certainly be interested to read a future novel telling her own story!
However, I'm afraid I just could not connect with this book and it was a bit of a disappointment for me.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Knowing (2009) in Movies
Dec 9, 2019 (Updated Dec 9, 2019)
Nic Cage Knows Everything, I Mean Everything.....
I watched this film last month, and i thought holy shit that was something. I mean their were alot of good parts, intresting parts and than the ending which i wouldnt get it. You just have to watch this movie to find out. I like the plot/the concept of the film.
The Plot: Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.
Its really sci-fi though out the movie, expecally the ending, again i wouldnt get into. Its really a good and entertaining film to watch.
Highly reccordmend watching it.
The Plot: Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.
Its really sci-fi though out the movie, expecally the ending, again i wouldnt get into. Its really a good and entertaining film to watch.
Highly reccordmend watching it.
_RainAllTheTime (17 KP) rated A Quiet Place (2018) in Movies
Jan 9, 2020
So I am very late into the game of watching this film and honestly, I'm so glad I did!
This film was not at all what I expecting.
Firstly, the whole film has only two short scenes of actual dialogue.
The film centres around a couple and their kids trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world with creatures that will eat you if you make a sound.
The creatures are blind but have supersonic hearing so will hear the littlest of sounds, even from very far away, and will devour anything in their path.
Even with the lack of dialogue, the film hits a very emotional punch, but honestly, the film doesn't need any dialogue as it already portrays the perfect atmosphere without them.
The family communicate through sign language, something I assume they knew post apocalypse, as their daughter is deaf.
Everyone in the film plays such great parts and conveys such raw emotions.
If you are a horror or even a thriller fan, I HIGHLY recommend this film.
This film was not at all what I expecting.
Firstly, the whole film has only two short scenes of actual dialogue.
The film centres around a couple and their kids trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world with creatures that will eat you if you make a sound.
The creatures are blind but have supersonic hearing so will hear the littlest of sounds, even from very far away, and will devour anything in their path.
Even with the lack of dialogue, the film hits a very emotional punch, but honestly, the film doesn't need any dialogue as it already portrays the perfect atmosphere without them.
The family communicate through sign language, something I assume they knew post apocalypse, as their daughter is deaf.
Everyone in the film plays such great parts and conveys such raw emotions.
If you are a horror or even a thriller fan, I HIGHLY recommend this film.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case (Jayne Frost #1) in Books
Apr 8, 2020
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost’s daughter, Santa Claus’s niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now…private investigator. Sort of.
Needing someone he can trust, her father sends her undercover to Nocturne Falls to find out why employees at the Santa’s Workshop toy store are going missing.
Doing that requires getting to know the town, which leads to interesting encounters with a sexy vampire, an old flame, and an elevator that’s strictly off-limits. The more Jayne finds out, the more questions she has, but the answers lead her deeper into danger.
Will her magic save her? Or will she come up cold?
First of all I don't think I've read anything like this ever! I found it so bizarre at first I really couldn't get my head round Jack frost and uncle Kris 🤣. But once into it I loved it! I think Jayne is brilliant! The whole idea was so refreshing I definitely need to start the Nocturne series too!
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost’s daughter, Santa Claus’s niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now…private investigator. Sort of.
Needing someone he can trust, her father sends her undercover to Nocturne Falls to find out why employees at the Santa’s Workshop toy store are going missing.
Doing that requires getting to know the town, which leads to interesting encounters with a sexy vampire, an old flame, and an elevator that’s strictly off-limits. The more Jayne finds out, the more questions she has, but the answers lead her deeper into danger.
Will her magic save her? Or will she come up cold?
First of all I don't think I've read anything like this ever! I found it so bizarre at first I really couldn't get my head round Jack frost and uncle Kris 🤣. But once into it I loved it! I think Jayne is brilliant! The whole idea was so refreshing I definitely need to start the Nocturne series too!