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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Dog Soldiers (2002) in Movies
Sep 11, 2017 (Updated Dec 24, 2018)
This is one of those small relatively unknown horror films that you watch with little to no expectations, and end up being pleasantly surprised. This is a hilariously funny take on a werewolf film, with a fantastic British cast, lots of blood and guts and is a great debut for Neil Marshall. The old school effects are also make for a refreshing change. There are some great one liners in this that are quotable for a long time afterwards. Sean Pertwee is a great actor and does brilliantly in this, alongside Kevin McKidd and Davos Seaworth himself, Liam Cunningham. This harks back to the days of trashy effects and a silly storyline, and doesn’t take itself too seriously either, giving a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable 2 hours for the watcher.
Gisell Middleton (189 KP) rated Into the Jungle in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Erica Ferencik does it again! In a much more subtle and nuanced way she gives us just as much anticipation, excitement and uncertainty as in her debut. This novel is much more complex in its research, dynamics and characters. While it may seem slow in some spots, you later realize that, much like the Amazon, it is just a brief, and later appreciated, respite from the almost constant anxiety and slow burn of trepidation and exaltation that the rest of the novel delivers. The end felt a bit rushed and, in my opinion, could have easily benefited from another fifty pages but, even so, it was a wonderful foray into a reality that most of us will never live and even fewer would survive. A definite must read!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s nature day at show and tell, and Magnolia has come up with the perfect thing to bring – an alligator. However, when he misbehaves and gets her into trouble, she begins to wonder if it will be worth it in the end.
This is a delightful picture books filled with fun and laughs. Some of those laughs are in the pictures themselves, so be sure to look closely at them. While the book has a main character, the narration is second person, which you don’t see too often but seems to work here. I certainly enjoyed this debut by a new author and am looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-it-you-ever-want-to-bring.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a delightful picture books filled with fun and laughs. Some of those laughs are in the pictures themselves, so be sure to look closely at them. While the book has a main character, the narration is second person, which you don’t see too often but seems to work here. I certainly enjoyed this debut by a new author and am looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-it-you-ever-want-to-bring.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
After being forced to form a book club with her feuding neighbors, Bea is shocked to find the owner of the local Chinese restaurant dead behind his cash register. With events that are mirroring their first book, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Bea and the reading group must figure out what the clues mean to find the killer.
The pace seemed off at times, although part of that was setting up the characters and the series. There was still plenty of time for some great twists that would have made Christie herself proud. Throw in some good characters and a nice dose of humor and you've got a winning series debut.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-mayhem-at-orient-express-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The pace seemed off at times, although part of that was setting up the characters and the series. There was still plenty of time for some great twists that would have made Christie herself proud. Throw in some good characters and a nice dose of humor and you've got a winning series debut.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-mayhem-at-orient-express-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Death al Dente (Food Lovers' Village Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Erin Murphy is back home in Jewel Bay, Montana, to help run the family general store. She's helping run a new event to help bring tourists to town, but it gets off to a rough start with a family friend is found murdered behind the shop on opening night. Who could have done it?
This debut just wasn't quite ready. While Erin and a few core characters are well developed, the rest of the cast is fairly flat. Likewise, the plot moved forward in fits and starts, although there were some interesting twists. Overall average, and I'll think hard before I continue on to the next one.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-death-al-dente-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This debut just wasn't quite ready. While Erin and a few core characters are well developed, the rest of the cast is fairly flat. Likewise, the plot moved forward in fits and starts, although there were some interesting twists. Overall average, and I'll think hard before I continue on to the next one.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-death-al-dente-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Decanting a Murder (A Sommelier Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Katie Stillwell lives for wine, so when her best friend, Tessa, gets her an invitation to Frontier Winery’s 100th anniversary party, Katie gladly accepts. The night ends with tragedy when Katie finds the owner murdered. With Tessa missing, Katie must figure out what is really going on. Can she do it?
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-decanting-murder-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’m not a wine drinker, but I completely enjoyed this debut. Tessa could be a bit much at times, but I liked her at others. I was bothered by how much the detective included Katie in the investigation, but overall I completely enjoyed this book. The story moved forward quickly, and Katie is a great main character. I can’t wait to revisit her.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-decanting-murder-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Fatal Brushstroke (Aurora Anderson Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Rory Anderson is shocked when the body of a well-respected tole painter, Hester Bouquet, is found buried in her backyard. With a police chief who hates her, Rory knows if she wants to avoid going to jail, she needs to find the killer. But who might it be?
This is a strong debut. The plot was steady with interesting suspects and shifting clues and motives. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but it turned out I was wrong. The characters are fantastic as well, and I can hardly wait to visit the series regulars again. Plus I loved the fictional coast town setting.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-fatal-brushstroke-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a strong debut. The plot was steady with interesting suspects and shifting clues and motives. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but it turned out I was wrong. The characters are fantastic as well, and I can hardly wait to visit the series regulars again. Plus I loved the fictional coast town setting.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-fatal-brushstroke-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ClareR (5950 KP) rated The Anomaly in Books
Jul 15, 2018 (Updated Aug 12, 2018)
A surprising debut!
Another book that I didn't expect to like, but the snappy dialogue drew me in much more than the action (to begin with!).
This has been described as Indiana Jones (if he didn't know anything about archaeology) crossed with Tomb Raider (except Nolan is NO Lara Croft!). This is hack archaeology on YouTube which no expert would touch with a barge pole, but the conspiracy theorists love.
The build up left me wanting to visit the Grand Canyon, the middle part made me think twice. The end made me glad there are photos!
It's a bit Sci-fi, adventure, mystery and really quite funny. I really enjoyed it and will look out for any follow-ups!
Thank you to the Pigeonhole for sharing this novel!
This has been described as Indiana Jones (if he didn't know anything about archaeology) crossed with Tomb Raider (except Nolan is NO Lara Croft!). This is hack archaeology on YouTube which no expert would touch with a barge pole, but the conspiracy theorists love.
The build up left me wanting to visit the Grand Canyon, the middle part made me think twice. The end made me glad there are photos!
It's a bit Sci-fi, adventure, mystery and really quite funny. I really enjoyed it and will look out for any follow-ups!
Thank you to the Pigeonhole for sharing this novel!
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Aug 31, 2018
Alicia Vikander Lights up the Screen
Following up his powerful Norwegian disaster movie THE WAVE with this big budgeted English language debut reboot of the video game to big screen series TOMB RAIDER, director Roar Uthaug delivers a fun, fast-paced new take on the series.
Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander picks up the baton left by our previous Lara Croft, Angelina Jolie and has a blast in what is essentially a female spin on INDIANA JONES and NATIONAL TREASURE.
While the film gets pretty ridiculous as it continues, the eye-catching effects and sharp visual visual style, as well as terrific turns by Dominic West and Walton Goggins as her father and the film's villain respectively keep you invested, even if you'll forget it almost as quickly as you've seen it.
Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander picks up the baton left by our previous Lara Croft, Angelina Jolie and has a blast in what is essentially a female spin on INDIANA JONES and NATIONAL TREASURE.
While the film gets pretty ridiculous as it continues, the eye-catching effects and sharp visual visual style, as well as terrific turns by Dominic West and Walton Goggins as her father and the film's villain respectively keep you invested, even if you'll forget it almost as quickly as you've seen it.
Milleen (47 KP) rated Never Greener in Books
Nov 14, 2018
The much-anticipated debut novel by the very talented scriptwriter and actress Ruth Jones (Nessa from Gavin and Stacey) has had mixed reviews from critics but I think I know why. This novel doesnÕt have the quirkiness or levity that youÕd expect from JonesÕ TV work, although it originated from an abandoned TV script she rediscovered. This work delves into affairs and consequences and therefore itÕs a little more pensive. Ex-lovers Kate and Callum meet after seventeen years and consider walking away or taking a second chance to find out if the grass is greener. The two protagonists are not exactly likeable, I found myself wanting to know less about them and more about others. I enjoyed the book but forget any notion of Nessa, Ruth Jones has a voice of her own.