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Charles Burbridge (13 KP) rated A Quiet Place (2018) in Movies
Apr 6, 2018
Holy crap!
I just got back from "A Quiet Place." Hands down, it is the best horror film I've seen in years. There really isn't much to compare it to, really. It's great. I honestly think I have a new movie to add to my list of near perfect films.
Because of the nature of the film, I'm only going to give any detail about the first 10 to 15 minutes, and only to give some background. The film follows a family after creatures arrive from somewhere (it doesn't really matter where but maybe space) with extremely sensitive hearing but no sense of sight. They have eaten almost every human being they've encountered. Any sound will attract them, and that will be that, most likely.
The family survives because their daughter is hearing impaired, and thus they can communicate with sign. However, complications ensue.
The cast is tiny. There are only six credited actors. The creature effects are passable, but the design is great. You won't be seeing much of them, anyway.
A teenager with her face in her phone was in front of me, and at the end of the film said to her friend, "That was it?" Yes, that was it. The final five seconds or so are perfect. If you didn't understand that because you've been texting instead of watching the film, you're loss, kiddo.
Anyway, "A Quiet Place" gets 10 out of 10. It's the best film of the year, by far. See it, hopefully with someone who will cling to you while watching.
I just got back from "A Quiet Place." Hands down, it is the best horror film I've seen in years. There really isn't much to compare it to, really. It's great. I honestly think I have a new movie to add to my list of near perfect films.
Because of the nature of the film, I'm only going to give any detail about the first 10 to 15 minutes, and only to give some background. The film follows a family after creatures arrive from somewhere (it doesn't really matter where but maybe space) with extremely sensitive hearing but no sense of sight. They have eaten almost every human being they've encountered. Any sound will attract them, and that will be that, most likely.
The family survives because their daughter is hearing impaired, and thus they can communicate with sign. However, complications ensue.
The cast is tiny. There are only six credited actors. The creature effects are passable, but the design is great. You won't be seeing much of them, anyway.
A teenager with her face in her phone was in front of me, and at the end of the film said to her friend, "That was it?" Yes, that was it. The final five seconds or so are perfect. If you didn't understand that because you've been texting instead of watching the film, you're loss, kiddo.
Anyway, "A Quiet Place" gets 10 out of 10. It's the best film of the year, by far. See it, hopefully with someone who will cling to you while watching.
When it comes to Wanda Brunstetter books, I will read it instantly, no questions asked. She is truly a talented author. So, when I sat down to read this story, I knew I was in for a treat. This book has 3 stories, each about a mother, daughter, and granddaughter. Each story is written by a generation of the Brunstetter family and all were equally captivating.
Each of the women these stories are written about, suffer emotional times, heartache and devastation, and really tug at the heartstrings. I can't imagine going through the But, throughout all, the stories are focused on one beloved, cherished quilt with thought provoking scripture verse embroidered on it. This quilt reminds me of ones that my grandma quilts. She doesn't add the scripture verse but she will often add our names and the year she quilted it to the quilt. I have several and cherish them just as the characters in these stories do!
This book will completely captivate you and keep you up long into the night, turning each page. You'll fall in love with beautifully chiseled characters, and the presence of God is strong within these pages. The bonds of family are wrapped up in this quilted story and I loved that feeling! Wanda, Jean and Richelle, like a quilt, have pieced together a beautiful collection of stories for readers. I can't wait to read another 5 star collaboration by the talented hands of these women.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press/Wanda's Clippity Clop Club and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Each of the women these stories are written about, suffer emotional times, heartache and devastation, and really tug at the heartstrings. I can't imagine going through the But, throughout all, the stories are focused on one beloved, cherished quilt with thought provoking scripture verse embroidered on it. This quilt reminds me of ones that my grandma quilts. She doesn't add the scripture verse but she will often add our names and the year she quilted it to the quilt. I have several and cherish them just as the characters in these stories do!
This book will completely captivate you and keep you up long into the night, turning each page. You'll fall in love with beautifully chiseled characters, and the presence of God is strong within these pages. The bonds of family are wrapped up in this quilted story and I loved that feeling! Wanda, Jean and Richelle, like a quilt, have pieced together a beautiful collection of stories for readers. I can't wait to read another 5 star collaboration by the talented hands of these women.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press/Wanda's Clippity Clop Club and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ross (3284 KP) rated Isn't It Romantic (2019) in Movies
Mar 4, 2019
A slightly self-aware rom-com (yet still a rom-com)
Isn't it Romantic is a self-aware pseudo re-telling of the Bridget Jones' Diary plot. Perennial walkover Natalie (Rebel Wilson) fawns over hunky douche-bag men, while missing the decent, down-to-earth man who clearly has feelings for her. Told from an early age by her mum (a brief, wasted appearance by Jennifer Saunders) that she isn't good enough for fairy tale romance and she shouldn't expect it, Natalie is a huge critic of Rom-Coms and hates their cheesy plots. A bump on the head sees her waking up in a fantasy version of New York where men fall at her feet and she has the apartment of her dreams and a new gay best friend. Finding herself in the plot of her own rom-com, she ends up dating the aforementioned hunky douche-bag while the decent, down-to-earth guy dates a swimwear model.
Some laugh-out-loud moments from here on, as her annoyance at the ridiculous cheesy world she's found herself in. Something similar to Disney Channel's Teen Beach Movie (which I don't mind admitting I love!), but with more adult themes.
But in the end the film lets itself down by falling into the trap of the typical rom-com plot. It nearly saves itself and serves as a good, feminist message but then lets itself down in the dying minutes by reverting to type.
A good funny rom-com but not necessarily the anti-rom-com it bills itself as. Watched with my wife and 11-year-old daughter, it is mostly fine for that age.
Some laugh-out-loud moments from here on, as her annoyance at the ridiculous cheesy world she's found herself in. Something similar to Disney Channel's Teen Beach Movie (which I don't mind admitting I love!), but with more adult themes.
But in the end the film lets itself down by falling into the trap of the typical rom-com plot. It nearly saves itself and serves as a good, feminist message but then lets itself down in the dying minutes by reverting to type.
A good funny rom-com but not necessarily the anti-rom-com it bills itself as. Watched with my wife and 11-year-old daughter, it is mostly fine for that age.
Midge (525 KP) rated The Buried Girl in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A Chilling Psychological Thriller with Gothic Elements
This book caught my eye as I loved the synopsis and I read a lot of books from this genre, although I haven’t read any of the author, Richard Montanari’s books before. “The Buried Girl” is a chilling psychological thriller with some added Gothic elements.
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Beauty Begins is written by mother-daughter team Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha. They have written a book that illustrates what true beauty is and how we as Christians should look at ourselves.
They teach us how to be satisfied with the looks that have been given to us by God and how to look toward our inner beauty rather than focusing on the outer image.
We do live in a society that puts a huge emphasis on the outer image. We see it on the television, in magazines, in advertising. Everywhere you turn you hear about weight loss programs, how to look younger, to be more fit.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is a must-read for every woman no matter what her age. Young or old it needs to be read. My copy is now high lighted and dog-eared. It will be my go-to reference for women (other than the Bible) to teach them about their true inner beauty.
I highly recommend this book, it's well researched, well written and thought motivating for all women who read this. You will come away with a new perspective on how to truly love yourself.
This is a book that can be read alone, or with a group or even as a study for women's groups or a Bible study.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
They teach us how to be satisfied with the looks that have been given to us by God and how to look toward our inner beauty rather than focusing on the outer image.
We do live in a society that puts a huge emphasis on the outer image. We see it on the television, in magazines, in advertising. Everywhere you turn you hear about weight loss programs, how to look younger, to be more fit.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is a must-read for every woman no matter what her age. Young or old it needs to be read. My copy is now high lighted and dog-eared. It will be my go-to reference for women (other than the Bible) to teach them about their true inner beauty.
I highly recommend this book, it's well researched, well written and thought motivating for all women who read this. You will come away with a new perspective on how to truly love yourself.
This is a book that can be read alone, or with a group or even as a study for women's groups or a Bible study.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Midge (525 KP) rated The First Cut in Books
Mar 11, 2019
Nail-biting & Dark
“The First Cut” is actually the third book in a series called the ‘Doctors of Darkness’, the first book being ‘Daddy Darkest’ and the second is ‘The Hanging Tree’. I don’t think this made much difference to my immense enjoyment of the book as plenty of back-story was provided.
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Where The Dead Fall (DI Ridpath #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
One chance encounter, one street side murder, will change everything. The extraordinary new Ridpath crime thriller
DI Ridpath is in the process of getting his life back together when everything goes wrong.
Driving to meet his daughter, he is caught in a gruesome motorway accident, in which a near-naked man is rundown by a lorry, while fleeing from a lone gunman. As Ridpath closes Manchesters road network in search of the assailant, one question remains: why did nobody else see him?
Ridpaths investigations soon unearth a number of inconsistencies, which pulls the police force itself into question, and hint at something sinister to come.
For Manchester is on the brink of a fresh surge of violence unlike anything it has seen in decades, and Ridpath must battle this unprecedented conflict along with his own demons. One thing is for sure. There will be blood on the streets
This is the second book in the DI Tom Ridpath series. This is a really well written book that is full of action and suspense. I thought this was a great follow-up to the first book. The pacing is excellent, the main character is engaging, and I couldn't stop reading til finished.
Excellent plot and great characters,
A roller-coaster of a read, well written with a cast of well rounded characters, good and bad.
Great plot line and an ending I didnt see coming.
This book has so many twists and turns that will leave your head spinning.
Well done, roll on the next.
Would definitely recommend this this novel.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
DI Ridpath is in the process of getting his life back together when everything goes wrong.
Driving to meet his daughter, he is caught in a gruesome motorway accident, in which a near-naked man is rundown by a lorry, while fleeing from a lone gunman. As Ridpath closes Manchesters road network in search of the assailant, one question remains: why did nobody else see him?
Ridpaths investigations soon unearth a number of inconsistencies, which pulls the police force itself into question, and hint at something sinister to come.
For Manchester is on the brink of a fresh surge of violence unlike anything it has seen in decades, and Ridpath must battle this unprecedented conflict along with his own demons. One thing is for sure. There will be blood on the streets
This is the second book in the DI Tom Ridpath series. This is a really well written book that is full of action and suspense. I thought this was a great follow-up to the first book. The pacing is excellent, the main character is engaging, and I couldn't stop reading til finished.
Excellent plot and great characters,
A roller-coaster of a read, well written with a cast of well rounded characters, good and bad.
Great plot line and an ending I didnt see coming.
This book has so many twists and turns that will leave your head spinning.
Well done, roll on the next.
Would definitely recommend this this novel.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Dawn Marie (22 KP) rated The Watcher in the Woods (1981) in Movies
Jan 19, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Disney had a dark period they were not making money horror films and sci fi films were all the rage so Disney decided that they needed to try to get away from the animated film and musicals to scary and sci fi films. This was one of the films. It had problems from the get go the watcher when showed to the preview audiences was not finished and people thought it wasn't scary which caused Disney to get scared and pulled the movie to refinish the movie with a new ending. If you get a dvd copy in the special features you will see the two different cut scenes with the watcher there are other scenes that anchor bay the distribution company wanted to put on a laser disc and a dvd but Disney refused to corporate so we may never see the deleted opening. That being said Jan and her family move into a family manor where the mrs. Elwood played by the great bette Davis lives in the cottage next to her old house. Jan finds out that mrs. Elwoods daughter disappeared in the woods during an eclipse and spooky things start happening to Jan and her sister Ellie could the watcher have something to do with this and could Jan or Ellie be the watchers next victim! The movie has some flaws and is a little cheesy but it is one of my favorite Disney forgotten films! Enjoyable but not what it could of been and defiantly better than the lifetime remake which changed everything that was good about this movie
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Foreigner (2017) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018 (Updated Feb 9, 2018)
I Wanna Know What a Roaring Rampage of Revenge Is
Not-as-lighthearted-as-you-might-expect vehicle for Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan: Chan plays an ex-special forces restauranteur whose daughter is killed in a terrorist attack, Brosnan the IRA man turned politician whom he pursues for information about the men responsible.
Obviously there's a bit of an issue with audience expectations where these two guys are concerned, as this film is considerably heavier than the kind of thing either of them usually makes, and the subject matter of this film might be considered a bit iffy anyway - terrorist bombings and the IRA are not usually the stuff of a jolly evening's entertainment. (Given that Brosnan's character somewhat resembles real-life Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, I would imagine that the libel lawyers had a profitable time with this film, too.)
But, that said, both actors are actually rather good, and when the action sequences come Campbell handles them with his usual aplomb - note I say when, for this is much more of a straight thriller than a martial arts action movie (it's certainly not a comedy of any stripe). It's all a bit dour and you get a distinct whiff of it all having been made on a low budget, but everyone involved deserves credit for being prepared to do something a bit different and doing a decent job with it.
(No idea why there's a picture of Steven Seagal listed with this movie; I suspect there may be more than one film titled The Foreigner and there's been a mixup.)
Obviously there's a bit of an issue with audience expectations where these two guys are concerned, as this film is considerably heavier than the kind of thing either of them usually makes, and the subject matter of this film might be considered a bit iffy anyway - terrorist bombings and the IRA are not usually the stuff of a jolly evening's entertainment. (Given that Brosnan's character somewhat resembles real-life Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, I would imagine that the libel lawyers had a profitable time with this film, too.)
But, that said, both actors are actually rather good, and when the action sequences come Campbell handles them with his usual aplomb - note I say when, for this is much more of a straight thriller than a martial arts action movie (it's certainly not a comedy of any stripe). It's all a bit dour and you get a distinct whiff of it all having been made on a low budget, but everyone involved deserves credit for being prepared to do something a bit different and doing a decent job with it.
(No idea why there's a picture of Steven Seagal listed with this movie; I suspect there may be more than one film titled The Foreigner and there's been a mixup.)
Dana (24 KP) rated Annihilation: Conquest, Book One in Books
Mar 23, 2018
These guys can't catch a break, can they?
So, plot summary: Sentinals are destroying the Kree empire. Starlord (aka Peter Quill), Heather (aka Moondragon, Drax's daughter) and Quasar (aka Phyla-Vell) are saving the Universe with the help of some friends.
We get the origin story for why Peter Quill quit being Starlord which was interesting. He had to kill a world to stop a Herald of Galactus.
I loved seeing the meeting of Groot, Rocket Racoon, and Starlord. I love them in Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's great to see them all as disfunctional and loveable in the comics as they are in the movies.
We were also introduced to Mantis, Captain Universe, Bug, and Shi'ar all of whom I did not know before this comic. They all had to stop an airborne virus beign spread by the Phanlax.
Heather (Moondragon) and Phyla-Vell (Quasar) have to beat an adaptoid working for the Phanlax and is distributing the same virus Starlord and crew had to stop on a Kree planet.
I love that they are a lesbian couple. It is great to see some representation in a popular series.
Moondragon becoming a dragon was epic. And I loved finally getting her whole backstory.
So Moondragon and Quasar had to find the savior, who, of course, is a guy. His name is Adam Warlock who I have no idea who the hell that is. I just wished that it could have been a female as the savior instead of a guy. But hey, it was still good!
Overall, this was a pretty cool comic, and now I have to get the second one.
So, plot summary: Sentinals are destroying the Kree empire. Starlord (aka Peter Quill), Heather (aka Moondragon, Drax's daughter) and Quasar (aka Phyla-Vell) are saving the Universe with the help of some friends.
We get the origin story for why Peter Quill quit being Starlord which was interesting. He had to kill a world to stop a Herald of Galactus.
I loved seeing the meeting of Groot, Rocket Racoon, and Starlord. I love them in Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's great to see them all as disfunctional and loveable in the comics as they are in the movies.
We were also introduced to Mantis, Captain Universe, Bug, and Shi'ar all of whom I did not know before this comic. They all had to stop an airborne virus beign spread by the Phanlax.
Heather (Moondragon) and Phyla-Vell (Quasar) have to beat an adaptoid working for the Phanlax and is distributing the same virus Starlord and crew had to stop on a Kree planet.
I love that they are a lesbian couple. It is great to see some representation in a popular series.
Moondragon becoming a dragon was epic. And I loved finally getting her whole backstory.
So Moondragon and Quasar had to find the savior, who, of course, is a guy. His name is Adam Warlock who I have no idea who the hell that is. I just wished that it could have been a female as the savior instead of a guy. But hey, it was still good!
Overall, this was a pretty cool comic, and now I have to get the second one.