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Sarah (7799 KP) rated Unicorn Store (2017) in Movies
Apr 11, 2019
Magical and meaningful
I'm surprised at Brie Larson. Instead of picking something intensely serious and dramatic for her directorial debut, she goes for the whimsical Unicorn Store, and I commend her for it as it isn't half bad.
This is a very silly surreal film about a young woman who still believes in rainbows and unicorns and all things most people grew out of as children. Brie Larson is charming and loveable as the main character Kit and her turn at directing is also quite good too. It was also nice to see her and Samuel L Jackson back together again after Captain Marvel, and it was fun to see him looking silly and covered in streamers.
This might have a silly sounding plot about a unicorn store and there is a few laughs thrown in too, but beneath all of the sparkles and glitter this film has a few serious messages about life and love. To the point where I was almost shedding a tear at the end (and also wishing I had a unicorn and lots of rainbows and glitter in my life).
This film isn't perfect and I probably wouldn't watch it again, but it's a very heartwarming watch that should bring out the child in everyone.
This is a very silly surreal film about a young woman who still believes in rainbows and unicorns and all things most people grew out of as children. Brie Larson is charming and loveable as the main character Kit and her turn at directing is also quite good too. It was also nice to see her and Samuel L Jackson back together again after Captain Marvel, and it was fun to see him looking silly and covered in streamers.
This might have a silly sounding plot about a unicorn store and there is a few laughs thrown in too, but beneath all of the sparkles and glitter this film has a few serious messages about life and love. To the point where I was almost shedding a tear at the end (and also wishing I had a unicorn and lots of rainbows and glitter in my life).
This film isn't perfect and I probably wouldn't watch it again, but it's a very heartwarming watch that should bring out the child in everyone.

BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Lido in Books
May 11, 2019
Uplifting. Beautiful story
There are not enough words to describe this story, but here’s a few; uplifting, comforting, friendship, community, beautiful, joyful, kind, tender, charming and a feel good novel. That should be enough right?
I had my head in this book and didn’t want to leave it or put it down. I was a part of that community with them the whole time, I was their friend and welcomed. I truelly devoured this story and sad that I finished it. It is a stunning debut. A must read if you haven’t already. One you won’t forget.
I loved the whole community within the book. The friendships, the bonds, the stories they tell and lastly how they always stuck together and fought together till the end. My heart was with them the whole time. A beautiful lot of characters, especially Kate and Rosemary they had such a cute and amazing unexpected relationship. I think they both needed each other to be honest. I loved them all.
Beautifully written. I cannot recommend this story enough. A must buy. A well deserved five stars from me and it’s got to have a place in my top twenty of the year. Beautiful. Amazing. Outstanding. Absolutely loved every minute of it.
I had my head in this book and didn’t want to leave it or put it down. I was a part of that community with them the whole time, I was their friend and welcomed. I truelly devoured this story and sad that I finished it. It is a stunning debut. A must read if you haven’t already. One you won’t forget.
I loved the whole community within the book. The friendships, the bonds, the stories they tell and lastly how they always stuck together and fought together till the end. My heart was with them the whole time. A beautiful lot of characters, especially Kate and Rosemary they had such a cute and amazing unexpected relationship. I think they both needed each other to be honest. I loved them all.
Beautifully written. I cannot recommend this story enough. A must buy. A well deserved five stars from me and it’s got to have a place in my top twenty of the year. Beautiful. Amazing. Outstanding. Absolutely loved every minute of it.
A beautiful, thoughtful debut.
Beautifully written, this felt very personal to me - both as written by the author and as the reader. It’s a book about growing up, the relationship between a mother and daughter, fragmented families and trying to fit in.
The chapters jump between the present day as Lucy lives in her deceased grandfather’s (almost derelict) cottage in Donegal, her life in Sunderland as she is growing up, and her time as a student at University in London. Lucy’s life in Sunderland and London seem to be concerned with her striving to fit in to other people’s expectations of her - or what she perceives to be their expectations. Ireland gives her thinking space, where she can learn about herself and put her life in to perspective.
I can’t adequately express how much I loved this. It’s beautifully, poetically written, and it is so emotional. It made me think of my own relationship with my mother, how close we were when I was a child, and how I grew away. The resilience of women is so well described in this book.
I will most definitely look out for more from Jessica Andrews, and I’ll be recommending this book to everyone!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this wonderful book.
The chapters jump between the present day as Lucy lives in her deceased grandfather’s (almost derelict) cottage in Donegal, her life in Sunderland as she is growing up, and her time as a student at University in London. Lucy’s life in Sunderland and London seem to be concerned with her striving to fit in to other people’s expectations of her - or what she perceives to be their expectations. Ireland gives her thinking space, where she can learn about herself and put her life in to perspective.
I can’t adequately express how much I loved this. It’s beautifully, poetically written, and it is so emotional. It made me think of my own relationship with my mother, how close we were when I was a child, and how I grew away. The resilience of women is so well described in this book.
I will most definitely look out for more from Jessica Andrews, and I’ll be recommending this book to everyone!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this wonderful book.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Season 1 in TV
May 28, 2019
A (mostly) enjoyable start to this MCU spin off show
Contains spoilers, click to show
Clark Gregg's Phil Coulson was a fan favourite in the MCU before his untimely demise in Avengers, so it's a pleasure to see him back, heading a SHIELD based spin off show.
The first season, for the first half at least, is pretty average, every week, Coulson and his team come across some kind of comic book threat, and swiftly put an end to said threat, rinse and repeat.
It's when the events of Winter Soldier happen when things really go up a gear.
As soon as the HYDRA plot point from the second Captain America film is put into action, the show turns into a thrilling drama, full of plot turns, good guys turned bad, and pretty solid action for the most part.
The main cast are all extremely likable and in turn, it's easy to become invested in what they do.
Add in some comic book characters here and there (Dethlok was a highlight here) and a cheeky cameo from Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, and you end up with a debut series that is pretty entertaining, even if it does take a while for it to find it's footing.
The first season, for the first half at least, is pretty average, every week, Coulson and his team come across some kind of comic book threat, and swiftly put an end to said threat, rinse and repeat.
It's when the events of Winter Soldier happen when things really go up a gear.
As soon as the HYDRA plot point from the second Captain America film is put into action, the show turns into a thrilling drama, full of plot turns, good guys turned bad, and pretty solid action for the most part.
The main cast are all extremely likable and in turn, it's easy to become invested in what they do.
Add in some comic book characters here and there (Dethlok was a highlight here) and a cheeky cameo from Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, and you end up with a debut series that is pretty entertaining, even if it does take a while for it to find it's footing.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Cardiac Arrest in Books
Mar 23, 2018
An Arresting Series Debut
When Milano, Florida, cardiologist Dr. Anthony Amoretto, aka Dr. A, dies in his office one morning, it brings Summer Smythe and Dorothy Westin together. Summer is a twenty-something working her first day for Dr. A, and she becomes the prime suspect since she handed him his morning shake. Meanwhile, Dorothy is a woman of a certain age who was Dr. A’s first appointment. The unlikely friends set out to find out what happened to Dr. A to clear Summer’s name. What will they uncover?
This book was a delight from start to finish. Dorothy and Summer are true partners, even acting as our third person point of view characters at various times, and both uncovering key pieces of the puzzle. Dr. A had plenty of secrets, and I had no clue where things were going until we reached the logical end. A few of the characters are a bit over the top, but they work for the comedic tone of the book. Summer would annoy me at times, but then she’s show a hidden depth that would make me rethink her. I hope she matures as the series progresses. Dorothy, on the other hand, was a pure delight. I can’t wait to visit this duo again.
This book was a delight from start to finish. Dorothy and Summer are true partners, even acting as our third person point of view characters at various times, and both uncovering key pieces of the puzzle. Dr. A had plenty of secrets, and I had no clue where things were going until we reached the logical end. A few of the characters are a bit over the top, but they work for the comedic tone of the book. Summer would annoy me at times, but then she’s show a hidden depth that would make me rethink her. I hope she matures as the series progresses. Dorothy, on the other hand, was a pure delight. I can’t wait to visit this duo again.

Mayhawke (97 KP) rated Force of Nature (Aaron Falk #2) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
A worthwhile follow-up to The Dry
I loved Harper's debut novel 'The Dry', so I was delighted to receive a proof copy of 'Force of Nature' from LittleBrown. I have been even more delighted to find that it more than lives up to the expectations raised by 'The Dry'.
A group of colleagues take part in a teambuilding weekend in the mountain forests north of Melbourne. Five women start out on the hike together, but when they finally struggle back to the base camp three days later, one of them is missing.
Is her diappearance linked to the serial killer who had made the area his hunting ground twenty years earlier, or is it the result of bullying and anger that permeate the group? Or is it less than a coincidence that the woman who is missing is an informant for Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk?
Fantastically delivered story line. Well paced, atmospheric and with wonderfully realised characters. The story is told through the voices of five different characters, which is no mean feat, particularly as they are all well defined and individual. Using parallel story lines Harper builds her tale gradually to a tense, fast paced climax.
Cannot wait for her third book, now!
A group of colleagues take part in a teambuilding weekend in the mountain forests north of Melbourne. Five women start out on the hike together, but when they finally struggle back to the base camp three days later, one of them is missing.
Is her diappearance linked to the serial killer who had made the area his hunting ground twenty years earlier, or is it the result of bullying and anger that permeate the group? Or is it less than a coincidence that the woman who is missing is an informant for Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk?
Fantastically delivered story line. Well paced, atmospheric and with wonderfully realised characters. The story is told through the voices of five different characters, which is no mean feat, particularly as they are all well defined and individual. Using parallel story lines Harper builds her tale gradually to a tense, fast paced climax.
Cannot wait for her third book, now!

Sharpie0499 (114 KP) rated Speak Your Mind by Anne-Marie in Music
Jul 13, 2018 (Updated Jul 13, 2018)
Catchy songs (3 more)
Excellent songwriting
Songs are relatable
Remarkable vocals
Impossible To Not Listen To
Since I heard 'Ciao Adios', Anne-Marie had me hooked. I was so excited when I heard about her debut album 'Speak Your Mind'. Since it was released in April, I have not stopped listening to it. The songs are catchy, relatable and I can't help but sing and dance along to them whenever I hear them. Her song-writing skills and vocal abilities are amazing and I think she is one of the best female pop artists at the moment. I would say that she is up there with Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, whose songs are amazing and vocals are incredible also. The only downside to this album, is that there are a couple of songs I am not such a fan of: 'Can I Get Your Number' and 'Some People'. If I heard them, I would listen to them and maybe even sing along, but I do prefer her other songs and feel that these two are the weakest on the album. Overall, this album is amazing and I don't think I'm going to stop listening to it anytime soon.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated The Death of an Ambitious Woman in Books
Jul 17, 2018
It Definitely Wasn’t an Accident
The car crash that killed Tracey Kendall was looking suspicious from the start. She was driving way too fast and didn’t break at all for example. Then the mechanic who serviced her car vanishes, which definitely makes acting police chief Ruth Murphy suspect there is more going on than a simple accident. Unfortunately, this comes at the worst possible time with her permanent promotion to police chief about to go through. Can she navigate internal politics and still uncover the truth?
I was thrilled to finally make it back to Barbara Ross’s debut mystery. The mystery is strong, and the internal politics adds a nice layer to an already complex mystery. Ruth and her fellow police officers are strong characters, and I also felt the main suspects were well developed. Some of the supporting players got a little lost, but that is my only complaint about the book. This is a step away from the author’s normal cozy mysteries, with a few four letter words and a touch more description of the aftermath of violence. Still, most of her readers will do just fine with this soft-boiled or traditional tale. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery should pick up this book.
I was thrilled to finally make it back to Barbara Ross’s debut mystery. The mystery is strong, and the internal politics adds a nice layer to an already complex mystery. Ruth and her fellow police officers are strong characters, and I also felt the main suspects were well developed. Some of the supporting players got a little lost, but that is my only complaint about the book. This is a step away from the author’s normal cozy mysteries, with a few four letter words and a touch more description of the aftermath of violence. Still, most of her readers will do just fine with this soft-boiled or traditional tale. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery should pick up this book.

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Stories by Refs in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Refs is an electronic-pop duo based in New York City. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Turn Around” single.
“Day-one Refs’ fans are a patient breed. When we played our first show earlier this year, and over half the audience knew every word to every song, our minds were actually blown. We wanted to tie a bow on what feels like the end of an era, and set the stage for a new one. But above all else, this mixtape is meant as a sincere thank you to our day-one crew.” – Refs
‘Turn Around’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with an electro-pop fragrance.
Refs consists of Zach Lipkins and Richard Saunders. Since revealing “Pain Goes Away” in 2015, the bubbly duo has racked up millions of streams online.
Not too long ago, they grouped all of their released music under the banner of their debut mixtape, entitled, “Stories”.
The project features new versions of their “Turn Around” and “Breeze” singles. Also, it serves as a glistening journey through the gorgeous soundscapes that have seen Refs become regarded as a duo to watch.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/refs-turn-around/
“Day-one Refs’ fans are a patient breed. When we played our first show earlier this year, and over half the audience knew every word to every song, our minds were actually blown. We wanted to tie a bow on what feels like the end of an era, and set the stage for a new one. But above all else, this mixtape is meant as a sincere thank you to our day-one crew.” – Refs
‘Turn Around’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with an electro-pop fragrance.
Refs consists of Zach Lipkins and Richard Saunders. Since revealing “Pain Goes Away” in 2015, the bubbly duo has racked up millions of streams online.
Not too long ago, they grouped all of their released music under the banner of their debut mixtape, entitled, “Stories”.
The project features new versions of their “Turn Around” and “Breeze” singles. Also, it serves as a glistening journey through the gorgeous soundscapes that have seen Refs become regarded as a duo to watch.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/refs-turn-around/

Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Blue on Blue - Single by Just Loud in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Just Loud is a New York-based singer-songwriter from Virginia. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Blue on Blue” single.
The Ben Guzman-directed audiovisual is all about getting to know who Just Loud is and his constantly changing character. The music video reflects him as an entertainer, artist, and his real self.
‘Blue on Blue’ tells an interesting tale which echoes the aftermath of a toxic relationship and downward spiral of a young guy who self-medicates.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, Prince-style falsetto vocals, and neo-funk instrumentation scented with an alternative-pop fragrance.
Written by Just Loud with Dave Katz “Sluggo” (Neon Trees, Good Charlotte) and Patrick Nissley (Thirty Seconds to Mars, Yungblud.
Just Loud was raised around a small county church, but his rebellious and inquisitive nature saw him cast away at the age of 15. Shortly afterward, he found himself homeless in New York on a pursuit to pursue music.
Not too long ago, he released his debut EP, entitled, “Episode 1”. The pleasant project features the Top 25 US Alternative Radio hit, “Electrified”, which has amassed millions of streams online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/just-loud-blue-on-blue/
The Ben Guzman-directed audiovisual is all about getting to know who Just Loud is and his constantly changing character. The music video reflects him as an entertainer, artist, and his real self.
‘Blue on Blue’ tells an interesting tale which echoes the aftermath of a toxic relationship and downward spiral of a young guy who self-medicates.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, Prince-style falsetto vocals, and neo-funk instrumentation scented with an alternative-pop fragrance.
Written by Just Loud with Dave Katz “Sluggo” (Neon Trees, Good Charlotte) and Patrick Nissley (Thirty Seconds to Mars, Yungblud.
Just Loud was raised around a small county church, but his rebellious and inquisitive nature saw him cast away at the age of 15. Shortly afterward, he found himself homeless in New York on a pursuit to pursue music.
Not too long ago, he released his debut EP, entitled, “Episode 1”. The pleasant project features the Top 25 US Alternative Radio hit, “Electrified”, which has amassed millions of streams online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/just-loud-blue-on-blue/