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Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Dec 28, 2017
Music (1 more)
Hugh Jackman
Heartwarming with a fantastic soundtrack
I'll be honest and say that I'm a sucker for musicals, so it was pretty unlikely that I was ever not going to like this. And unsurprisingly, I did think it was really good.
It's a genuinely feel good and enjoyable film, with a fantastic soundtrack. The plot is interesting and they speed through the storyline instead of dwelling and trying to drag it out beyond the 2 hour mark. Hugh Jackman is probably one of the best and most loveable leading men in Hollywood and he puts on another fine show here. It's so entertaining to watch him sing and dance. It was refreshing too to see Zac Efron singing and dancing again since his High School Musical days.
Parts of the script and some scenes seem a little bit cheesy and cringeworthy, but fortunately the true star of this film is the music. All the songs were catchy and made me really want to sing along. They were that good that I have a feeling the soundtrack is going to be on repeat in my car now for quite some time to come.
I tend to rate films based on whether I'd go out and buy them, and I would definitely fork out some cash for this. Although it isn't the best musical I've ever seen, it's still hugely enjoyable with brilliant music.
It's a genuinely feel good and enjoyable film, with a fantastic soundtrack. The plot is interesting and they speed through the storyline instead of dwelling and trying to drag it out beyond the 2 hour mark. Hugh Jackman is probably one of the best and most loveable leading men in Hollywood and he puts on another fine show here. It's so entertaining to watch him sing and dance. It was refreshing too to see Zac Efron singing and dancing again since his High School Musical days.
Parts of the script and some scenes seem a little bit cheesy and cringeworthy, but fortunately the true star of this film is the music. All the songs were catchy and made me really want to sing along. They were that good that I have a feeling the soundtrack is going to be on repeat in my car now for quite some time to come.
I tend to rate films based on whether I'd go out and buy them, and I would definitely fork out some cash for this. Although it isn't the best musical I've ever seen, it's still hugely enjoyable with brilliant music.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Entwined in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Let me begin by saying that this is not at all the type of book that I am usually found curled up with. I am more of a mystery, crime, drama person & shy away from fairy tales. I am glad that I gave this one a shot though.
This is a retelling of "12 Dancing Princesses." It tells the tale of 12 sisters who also happen to be princesses. At the beginning of the book, their mother, the queen, is gravely ill. She passes away during the annual Christmas Eve ball plunging the castle into mourning. Azalea, the eldest sister, is left in charge of her siblings as the King heads off to war. The castle's drapes are drawn, the dresses are dyed black, but worst of all for the sisters, they are not allowed to dance. That is what causes all the drama.
The story did drag in places, but the last 100 pages or so left me holding my breath. I wish there were a way to give this book 3.5 stars because that is truly what I would rate it. It is not quite a 4 just because the middle section of the book seemed to roll on with only a few points that captured my attention. But, that being said, I really did enjoy reading this book! I think it just might convince me to give a few more novels along this vein a shot too. That is always a good thing!
This is a retelling of "12 Dancing Princesses." It tells the tale of 12 sisters who also happen to be princesses. At the beginning of the book, their mother, the queen, is gravely ill. She passes away during the annual Christmas Eve ball plunging the castle into mourning. Azalea, the eldest sister, is left in charge of her siblings as the King heads off to war. The castle's drapes are drawn, the dresses are dyed black, but worst of all for the sisters, they are not allowed to dance. That is what causes all the drama.
The story did drag in places, but the last 100 pages or so left me holding my breath. I wish there were a way to give this book 3.5 stars because that is truly what I would rate it. It is not quite a 4 just because the middle section of the book seemed to roll on with only a few points that captured my attention. But, that being said, I really did enjoy reading this book! I think it just might convince me to give a few more novels along this vein a shot too. That is always a good thing!
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Final Girls in Books
May 16, 2018
Final Girls by Riley Sager is yet another title with far too much hype, much to my chagrin. I expect thrillers to have a bit more of an edge to them, but this book is more of a slow simmer. Much of the guessing is conveniently cut out by the blurb which I feel to be more of a spoiler than most reviews.
The story focuses on Quincy’s day to day life, then her struggles with Sam when she shows up to disrupt Quincy’s lifestyle in the wake of Lisa’s death. During this time period, flashbacks riddle Final Girls. This element is one I hoped to find exciting, but it only serves the purpose of helping the story drag dreadfully.
In some ways, I think Final Girls tries too hard to be something it isn’t. I’m aware many readers devoured this book and even my idol, Stephen King, sings its praises, but it simply doesn’t sate my own hunger. There’s too much left wanting and far too many things that seem to be more for the sake of convenience. I also felt there are loose ends that were never truly wrapped up – such as the manipulation of Quincy’s mind. I definitely would not categorize this as horror.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is unbiased and written freely of my own will.
The story focuses on Quincy’s day to day life, then her struggles with Sam when she shows up to disrupt Quincy’s lifestyle in the wake of Lisa’s death. During this time period, flashbacks riddle Final Girls. This element is one I hoped to find exciting, but it only serves the purpose of helping the story drag dreadfully.
In some ways, I think Final Girls tries too hard to be something it isn’t. I’m aware many readers devoured this book and even my idol, Stephen King, sings its praises, but it simply doesn’t sate my own hunger. There’s too much left wanting and far too many things that seem to be more for the sake of convenience. I also felt there are loose ends that were never truly wrapped up – such as the manipulation of Quincy’s mind. I definitely would not categorize this as horror.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is unbiased and written freely of my own will.
Sarah (126 KP) rated The Sinner - Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
Good - but ultimately dissatisfying
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what made this into an OK, but not great, series.
The storyline was certainly compelling - a seemingly random and mindless act of violence committed by an outwardly "normal" wife and mother, and one man's mission to find out what was truly behind it.
However, it just lacked something.
I couldn't bring myself to feel for Cora, the female lead played by Jessica Biel. The character had nothing about her - or her entire family, for that matter - that made me want to empathise with her and I didn't feel vested in the outcome for any of them.
The story seemed to drag on and on, with certain elements just going nowhere.
Bill Pullman's character clearly has something more going on, but that's never really truly explained or delved into in any great detail to show us why he is the way he is.
The ending was a complete letdown.
The series felt like it had so much potential, but was marred by the fact that the writing was all over the place. Much of the storyline was presented in the form of flashbacks - which can often (as was the case here) be annoying if not done incredibly well - and so much of the characterisation was superficial. Ultimately, the whole thing was rather unsatisfying, and left me feeling "so what?".
But, that didn't stop me from watching Series 2...
The storyline was certainly compelling - a seemingly random and mindless act of violence committed by an outwardly "normal" wife and mother, and one man's mission to find out what was truly behind it.
However, it just lacked something.
I couldn't bring myself to feel for Cora, the female lead played by Jessica Biel. The character had nothing about her - or her entire family, for that matter - that made me want to empathise with her and I didn't feel vested in the outcome for any of them.
The story seemed to drag on and on, with certain elements just going nowhere.
Bill Pullman's character clearly has something more going on, but that's never really truly explained or delved into in any great detail to show us why he is the way he is.
The ending was a complete letdown.
The series felt like it had so much potential, but was marred by the fact that the writing was all over the place. Much of the storyline was presented in the form of flashbacks - which can often (as was the case here) be annoying if not done incredibly well - and so much of the characterisation was superficial. Ultimately, the whole thing was rather unsatisfying, and left me feeling "so what?".
But, that didn't stop me from watching Series 2...
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Tag (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Lag
#tag is a drag of a movie that takes a cool concept & does nothing exciting with it at all. #tagmovie from the #trailer looked quite a #fun & #original #film so it was to my surprise when I found myself 40 minutes in without #laughing or with a desire to continue watching. My biggest problem with this movie was I found experiencing it boring/bland & ultimately I was confused as to why a film about such a fun & exciting game was failing to hold my attention so much. Maybe it was the unlikable characters, the non believable relationships, the childish repetitive humour & over used weed #jokes, the silly thoughtless set pieces, the constant plot holes & the lack of any omph/urgency or tension (thus not allowing us to feel the excitement we did when playing this game as a kids). They even have a character around that follows the main ones about that just constantly spurts out exposition & gives a reason to explain the games rules which is exhaustingly monotonous. All in all Tag felt like they made it all up as they went along, not much happens & when it does its #dumb/pointless & just a really uninteresting watch & a big missed opportunity. Overall I can't recommend Tag at all & would of rather took my chances with #patrick instead. #odeonlimitless #odeon #sundayfunday #weekend #cinifile #moviecritic #hot #funny #silly #jeremyrenner #edhelms #islafisher #comedy #moviereview #truestory #game #school #review #playground #stupid
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Alhambra in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2018
Simple, (3 more)
Elegant
Good Depth
tons of expansions that make the game better
Great Tile Laying Game, with interesting economic system
I love this game, it's great. Simple elegant. each turn you either buy tile and add them to your city, or you take money to prepare for the next turn. which makes turns relatively quick. but the depth of press your luck and anticipating what others might want is strong. There are plenty of expansions. I have the big box and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use, but each makes the game longer, so prepare yourself for longer games, which sometimes you want, other time is can drag because of it. One expansion allows you to take a tile out of turn if you can pay for it with exact change, we love that one. and there are exchange cards which allows you to convert blue money to orange money and we adore those cards too. This game has the quick feel of Ticket to Ride, with the Tile laying of Carcassone, but also the market system and a reward for paying with the exact right amount, so you have to decide if it's worth over paying for or you can be patient and get it with just the right amount. Also I highly recommend checking out Grenada which is a just a little more depth to it.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated By the Rivers of Water: A Nineteenth-Century Atlantic Odyssey in Books
Nov 5, 2018
I was highly intrigued by this book when I first read about it as I have a minor obsession with everything and anything to do with the American Civil War. Admittedly, this is pre-war and gives an insight into the efforts of missionary do-gooders in trying to relocate the African American population back to their 'native' home.
I was expecting a more fictional style of writing, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it is written in more of a recount style of the lives of the main family, namely Leighton Wilson. The detail and attention paid to the research shone through in every page and was highly informative to read. However, at times this book did have a tendency to drag, and I suspect it is due to the overwhelming attention to small detail. Fabulous if you're using the book as a research project, not so if you're reading out of curiosity into this era of history. In addition, it also occasionally lacked the fine balance between informative on the religious aspect of the missions and preaching through the pages. As a not so religious person, this did become annoying at times, but I could understand why Clarke had this tone in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable, if not very long, book that was incredibly informative and rather enjoyable. The addition of the photographs and personal snippets from letters added a very personal and enjoyable aspect to the tale of the Wilson's.
I was expecting a more fictional style of writing, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it is written in more of a recount style of the lives of the main family, namely Leighton Wilson. The detail and attention paid to the research shone through in every page and was highly informative to read. However, at times this book did have a tendency to drag, and I suspect it is due to the overwhelming attention to small detail. Fabulous if you're using the book as a research project, not so if you're reading out of curiosity into this era of history. In addition, it also occasionally lacked the fine balance between informative on the religious aspect of the missions and preaching through the pages. As a not so religious person, this did become annoying at times, but I could understand why Clarke had this tone in the book.
Overall, an enjoyable, if not very long, book that was incredibly informative and rather enjoyable. The addition of the photographs and personal snippets from letters added a very personal and enjoyable aspect to the tale of the Wilson's.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Just the Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Just the Way You Are is more than just a good book. It is a modern day fairytale filled with redemption and grace that will capture your heart from the first moment. Within the pages of this book you will find real people, with real life issues. This story will sweep you off your feet and drag you into a world that is every nerd girl's fantasy and you will soon find yourself consumed with researching history, "treasure" hunting, chocolate, British accents, Appalachia, AND.........Kisses.
Chocolate kisses, closet kisses, abandoned tower kisses, leave you senseless kisses...This book is PACKED with such romance that you may need to take precautionary actions to prevent injury from fainting! (such as a fainting couch, fan, smelling salts, etc.)
Don't let the passion fool you though. Pepper writes such sweet, unadulterated romance coupled with complete and total redemption. It blows my mind every single time I read one of her books. Just the Way You Are is the first contemporary novel I have read of Pepper's, and this easily makes it to the top of my favorite Rom Com stories EVER. I wish to see this in movie form so badly! "Ghirardelli in human form"...yes please! Haha!
The adventure, the romance, the grace...all woven together creates a beautiful masterpiece.
I received a complimentary copy of Just the Way You Are. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Chocolate kisses, closet kisses, abandoned tower kisses, leave you senseless kisses...This book is PACKED with such romance that you may need to take precautionary actions to prevent injury from fainting! (such as a fainting couch, fan, smelling salts, etc.)
Don't let the passion fool you though. Pepper writes such sweet, unadulterated romance coupled with complete and total redemption. It blows my mind every single time I read one of her books. Just the Way You Are is the first contemporary novel I have read of Pepper's, and this easily makes it to the top of my favorite Rom Com stories EVER. I wish to see this in movie form so badly! "Ghirardelli in human form"...yes please! Haha!
The adventure, the romance, the grace...all woven together creates a beautiful masterpiece.
I received a complimentary copy of Just the Way You Are. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
“Ice Age: Continental Drift” starts with Sid the Sloth telling a cute joke that sets up the whole movie plot and telling a new character how he and his friends fought dinosaurs and glaciers in the past. Manny, Sid and Diego are back on a new adventure going around the world looking for Sids prize acorn.
Manny is sadly separated from his mate Ellie and their daughter. While the trio are on the iceberg Peaches is on land trying to keep up with the cool kids of her class, which brings in a lot of new celebrity voices including Drake, Nicki Minaj and Heather Morris from Glee.
The story then jumps back to the iceberg when the trio comes across a Pirate Monkey named Captain Gutt, and a love interest for Diego in the form of a white tiger named Shira voiced by Jennifer Lopez. The Pirates try to take over and stop the friends from sailing on the high seas.
The movie tends to drag a little and songs are also now included in the dialog. The movie does deliver some rude jokes that younger audiences may not get, which makes it a family flick and a little bit of everything for the whole family. There are some laugh out loud moments and a few tears to be shed, however you would like to slice it, it will make for a nice afternoon movie with the family with younger children.
Manny is sadly separated from his mate Ellie and their daughter. While the trio are on the iceberg Peaches is on land trying to keep up with the cool kids of her class, which brings in a lot of new celebrity voices including Drake, Nicki Minaj and Heather Morris from Glee.
The story then jumps back to the iceberg when the trio comes across a Pirate Monkey named Captain Gutt, and a love interest for Diego in the form of a white tiger named Shira voiced by Jennifer Lopez. The Pirates try to take over and stop the friends from sailing on the high seas.
The movie tends to drag a little and songs are also now included in the dialog. The movie does deliver some rude jokes that younger audiences may not get, which makes it a family flick and a little bit of everything for the whole family. There are some laugh out loud moments and a few tears to be shed, however you would like to slice it, it will make for a nice afternoon movie with the family with younger children.
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