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SmartPlans is a flexible project planner and task manager. It's "Smart" because it manages the time...
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Cuckoo's Calling in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I read (listened to) The Cuckoo’s Calling before I knew who the real author was. Here I was so excited about finding a new author for my author watch page, and it turns out it’s J.K. Rowling! I mean, I guess I can’t complain, as long as she keeps writing books like this one.
I really liked The Cuckoo’s Calling. There were so many little details and hints that brought the whole thing together in the end (typical of Rowling, and I see that now) and it made for a wonderful detective novel. It wasn’t very “gripping,” though. It was “put-down-able.” At any given time I could stop and move on to something else. It kept me interested while I was reading, but when I needed to stop, it didn’t drag me back to my chair for another chapter. I feel like that gripping aspect is needed in a detective novel, and that’s the only thing that was missing. That being said, I still really loved the book. I loved Strike, the main character, and the supporting character he hires as his P.A. (unwillingly at first, but then he realizes how totally awesome she is). I really hope “Galbraith” continues with another book with these characters!
Content/Recommendation: Little language, no sex. Ages 15-adult
I really liked The Cuckoo’s Calling. There were so many little details and hints that brought the whole thing together in the end (typical of Rowling, and I see that now) and it made for a wonderful detective novel. It wasn’t very “gripping,” though. It was “put-down-able.” At any given time I could stop and move on to something else. It kept me interested while I was reading, but when I needed to stop, it didn’t drag me back to my chair for another chapter. I feel like that gripping aspect is needed in a detective novel, and that’s the only thing that was missing. That being said, I still really loved the book. I loved Strike, the main character, and the supporting character he hires as his P.A. (unwillingly at first, but then he realizes how totally awesome she is). I really hope “Galbraith” continues with another book with these characters!
Content/Recommendation: Little language, no sex. Ages 15-adult
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Line of Duty - Season 3 in TV
May 12, 2019
Another excellent series
I’m starting to feel like a broken record reviewing Line of Duty, but it really is a highly entertaining and gripping show, and is showing now signs of slowing down.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Sequence in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2018
Addictive
If you hate card games and strategy games then I’m afraid Sequence really isn’t for you. However if like me you love both types, then Sequence is a highly entertaining and addictive game.
It works a little like Connect 4 with cards, but with a lot more detail and thinking involved. And like games like Monopoly, the cards you get are based solely on luck (of the draw/dice) and your strategy is what helps you win. But unlike most strategy games, Sequence is a fairly short one. It doesn’t drag on for hours (unless you spend a long time picking where to place pieces), and it doesn’t get boring. It can get a little frustrating at times, especially when you know you can have nothing to prevent your opponent from winning, but that’s all part of the game.
The only criticism is that despite stating it is for 2-12 players, it’s actually only for 3 players or 3 teams, as there’s only 3 different colours of chips. Whilst I understand that you can’t have a huge amount of players, surely 4 would’ve been a better and more appropriate number of players/teams/colours?
Despite this, it’s still a hugely addictive and fun game to play, I can’t see it getting old any time soon!
It works a little like Connect 4 with cards, but with a lot more detail and thinking involved. And like games like Monopoly, the cards you get are based solely on luck (of the draw/dice) and your strategy is what helps you win. But unlike most strategy games, Sequence is a fairly short one. It doesn’t drag on for hours (unless you spend a long time picking where to place pieces), and it doesn’t get boring. It can get a little frustrating at times, especially when you know you can have nothing to prevent your opponent from winning, but that’s all part of the game.
The only criticism is that despite stating it is for 2-12 players, it’s actually only for 3 players or 3 teams, as there’s only 3 different colours of chips. Whilst I understand that you can’t have a huge amount of players, surely 4 would’ve been a better and more appropriate number of players/teams/colours?
Despite this, it’s still a hugely addictive and fun game to play, I can’t see it getting old any time soon!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Birthday (Detective Natalie Ward #1) in Books
Dec 9, 2018
The 1st book in the Detective Natalie Ward series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. “The Birthday” is the first in the Detective Natalie Ward series, a new series by Carol Wyer. A five-year-old girl goes missing at a classmate’s birthday party. Two years later her body is found. Soon after, another little girl, who was also at the party, disappears. Det. Ward is in charge of the investigation and worries it will end like her last job which did not end well.
I enjoyed the story-line involving the disappearances of the little girls. However, her last job was mentioned often and did not move the story along. Also included is the detective’s house life with her husband and two teenage children. I found myself attempting to skim those parts too. For me, the disappearance story-line has a nice pace to it. It does not drag or rush the story. The other parts just broke up that story-line and it did not seem to flow well.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. According to the scale used by Goodreads, which means it’s OK. I did not think the book was a waste of time. I would read another book by Wyer but it would not be a priority “to be read” book.
I enjoyed the story-line involving the disappearances of the little girls. However, her last job was mentioned often and did not move the story along. Also included is the detective’s house life with her husband and two teenage children. I found myself attempting to skim those parts too. For me, the disappearance story-line has a nice pace to it. It does not drag or rush the story. The other parts just broke up that story-line and it did not seem to flow well.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. According to the scale used by Goodreads, which means it’s OK. I did not think the book was a waste of time. I would read another book by Wyer but it would not be a priority “to be read” book.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Halloween (2007) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
A successful re-imagining but turned up to 11!
When I first heard director Rob Zombie was going to have a hand at Halloween, I couldn't have been more excited. His films up to that point had been intense, scary, gruesome, gothic, sexual and down-rite awesome!
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Jan 8, 2020
Second rate sequel
I'm probably the only person who didn't really rate the first film in this reboot series. Yes it was better than I expected but not great, although having watched this sequel I can definitely now appreciate the first film.
This is by far a second rate sequel. The whole plot and game premise offered is just a little dull and predictable, and the bad guy is this is even less threatening in the first film (which is a shame seen as he's Rory McCann). They've tried to go even more extravagant with the set pieces and action scenes, but it doesn't quite hide the fact that the plot is fairly weak. Which is a shame as seeing the gang all back together again is actually quite fun. The way they've done the avatars this time round started off ridiculously funny, but there are a couple of characters who soon get very irritating very quickly. Thankfully we've got Jack Black who really shines in this no matter who he is, and he at least makes up for some of the more irritating characters. The inclusion of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover seemed entirely unnecessary.
Overall this was a vaguely enjoyable film but despite it's runtime being less than 2 hours, really seemed to drag. And I hate how they've set it up for yet another sequel.
This is by far a second rate sequel. The whole plot and game premise offered is just a little dull and predictable, and the bad guy is this is even less threatening in the first film (which is a shame seen as he's Rory McCann). They've tried to go even more extravagant with the set pieces and action scenes, but it doesn't quite hide the fact that the plot is fairly weak. Which is a shame as seeing the gang all back together again is actually quite fun. The way they've done the avatars this time round started off ridiculously funny, but there are a couple of characters who soon get very irritating very quickly. Thankfully we've got Jack Black who really shines in this no matter who he is, and he at least makes up for some of the more irritating characters. The inclusion of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover seemed entirely unnecessary.
Overall this was a vaguely enjoyable film but despite it's runtime being less than 2 hours, really seemed to drag. And I hate how they've set it up for yet another sequel.
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