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Awix (3310 KP) rated Contagion (2011) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019
One Flu Over - The Cooker's Next
Steven Soderbergh's crack at the all-star disaster movie genre starts well but is eventually tripped up by its own insistence on naturalism and scientific rigour. Gwyneth Paltrow comes back from a business trip with mutant pig-bat flu, drops dead, gets cremated (see review title), authorities struggle to contain the spread of the virus. Gwynnie's widower Matt Damon wanders about looking mournful wondering how well he really knew his wife.
More a collection of subplots than an actual narrative, but there are plenty of good moments and strong performances to begin with (maybe not Jude Law's Australian accent, come to think of it). The problem is that Soderbergh sets out to do this seriously, which means that he struggles to build the thing to a proper climax with any real sense of closure: a real pandemic would be horrible, but not apocalyptic in the way it's usually presented in movies and TV shows. Soderbergh can't help but be effortlessly watchable and stylish though. Not sure what the point of the film is, except to traumatise germophobes and hypochondriacs, but it's good at that and engaging for everyone else.
More a collection of subplots than an actual narrative, but there are plenty of good moments and strong performances to begin with (maybe not Jude Law's Australian accent, come to think of it). The problem is that Soderbergh sets out to do this seriously, which means that he struggles to build the thing to a proper climax with any real sense of closure: a real pandemic would be horrible, but not apocalyptic in the way it's usually presented in movies and TV shows. Soderbergh can't help but be effortlessly watchable and stylish though. Not sure what the point of the film is, except to traumatise germophobes and hypochondriacs, but it's good at that and engaging for everyone else.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians (2018) in Movies
Jun 7, 2019
Crazily good
I had not expected to like this film, mainly because it's a modern rom-com and most of them turn out to be pretty rubbish - but Crazy Rich Asians however is definitely not one.
It's a rom-com, so I'm afraid to say it is ridiculously predictable but I've yet to see a rom-com that isn't. However in this film it's the getting there that matters. It's funny, witty and full of a surprising amount of heart. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty much in tears by the end. It does drag a little in the middle and could have been cut a little shorter, however it's saved by a very engaging cast. It's so refreshing to see a film cast entirely made up of Asian actors and some very good ones at that. From Michelle Yeoh to Gemma Chan, it's the performances that really make this worth watching. This is probably the best modern rom-com I've seen in a long time, and while it doesn't quite match up to the classics like When Harry Met Sally, it's still a highly entertaining and emotional film.
It's a rom-com, so I'm afraid to say it is ridiculously predictable but I've yet to see a rom-com that isn't. However in this film it's the getting there that matters. It's funny, witty and full of a surprising amount of heart. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty much in tears by the end. It does drag a little in the middle and could have been cut a little shorter, however it's saved by a very engaging cast. It's so refreshing to see a film cast entirely made up of Asian actors and some very good ones at that. From Michelle Yeoh to Gemma Chan, it's the performances that really make this worth watching. This is probably the best modern rom-com I've seen in a long time, and while it doesn't quite match up to the classics like When Harry Met Sally, it's still a highly entertaining and emotional film.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Hot Target (Troubleshooters, #8) in Books
Mar 15, 2018
While many of the books I've read have certainly contained romantic elements or plots, I have never read a book that would actually be categorized as Romance, but one of my best friends loves the genre and so I thought I'd give one a go to see what she's always on about. She recommended I try this particular book and I have to say it was a smart choice for someone new to the genre. The characters are all pretty engaging and the plotline is more than suspenseful enough to keep your interest piqued throughout. Most important perhaps though, is that the romantic entanglements themselves all felt pretty believable. I couldn't help but feel genuinely concerned about their outcomes and was actively rooting for the couples, which I would imagine is a requirement of a truly successful example of the genre. My only complaint would be that some of the dialogue felt a little clunky to me, but that was only occasionally a problem and didn't do anything to detract from my enjoyment of the book. This is a great introduction to the genre for the uninitiated and a must-read for those who are already fans.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018
Better than The Last Jedi
Did we really need a Han Solo origin story? Even after watching this I'm not entirely sure.
The cast are fantastic, there are some great performances here and you can't really go wrong when you throw Woody Harrelson into the mix. The film plods along at a fairly decent pace and the plot is engaging, albeit fairly predictable. Some of the dialogue is a bit stilted and the humour seems very misplaced. With l3 it seems like they've tried to add a new version of K2S0 from Rogue One to generate some laughs, but sadly unlike K2S0, L3 just doesn't really work.
I feel like this film is just trying to tick some boxes and cover the Solo basics (how he meets Chewie, Lando, and wins the Falcon), and it seems to gloss over all of these in a few minutes. Far too quickly. As an origin story it should almost show us how Han changes into the person he is in the later films, but it doesn't. You don't see the jaded untrusting cynic he becomes.
Don't get me wrong this film is fairly fun and enjoyable, it's just a little forgettable.
The cast are fantastic, there are some great performances here and you can't really go wrong when you throw Woody Harrelson into the mix. The film plods along at a fairly decent pace and the plot is engaging, albeit fairly predictable. Some of the dialogue is a bit stilted and the humour seems very misplaced. With l3 it seems like they've tried to add a new version of K2S0 from Rogue One to generate some laughs, but sadly unlike K2S0, L3 just doesn't really work.
I feel like this film is just trying to tick some boxes and cover the Solo basics (how he meets Chewie, Lando, and wins the Falcon), and it seems to gloss over all of these in a few minutes. Far too quickly. As an origin story it should almost show us how Han changes into the person he is in the later films, but it doesn't. You don't see the jaded untrusting cynic he becomes.
Don't get me wrong this film is fairly fun and enjoyable, it's just a little forgettable.
HLD (99 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why: (TV Tie-in) in Books
Jun 26, 2018
It's engaging (1 more)
As a show - without the b.s. of pretending they care about suicide prevention, it is actually quite good
Mixed feelings about it
As someone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts for over a decade, I cannot say that this show brings any kind of awareness. It is a show; nothing more, nothing less. Don't omit this as the holy grail of mental health advertising, because it isn't.
It is an interesting show with an interesting plot. Too many viewers, and those involved with production, felt the need to blow the meaning of '13 reasons why' out of proportion.
It is not going to shine a light on those in your family that want to take their own life. I would also argue it is not going to influence someone to take their own life.
Not everybody is the same, I know. But I was engaged until the very end, and the urge I have had to end my life was no greater and no lesser after having watched the show.
It is an interesting show with an interesting plot. Too many viewers, and those involved with production, felt the need to blow the meaning of '13 reasons why' out of proportion.
It is not going to shine a light on those in your family that want to take their own life. I would also argue it is not going to influence someone to take their own life.
Not everybody is the same, I know. But I was engaged until the very end, and the urge I have had to end my life was no greater and no lesser after having watched the show.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Wolves and Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum book 1) in Books
Sep 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It follows the story of Bryar Rose a human girl who should be following a Sleeping Beauty life template, however Bryar has different ideas.
This book is not a re telling of Sleeping Beauty it has lots of different elements that make the story unique. The story has quite a few secrets and mysteries which was good as the reveals were often a surprise. The story was quite fast paced which kept it engaging and the ending was not rushed.
I liked Bryar’s character as I found her a realistic teenage girl. She gets a bit boy crazy but not to the point that she loses her character. She likes to ignore/ put off some of her problems and pretend she is normal when things get a bit too crazy. I enjoyed seeing her friendship with Elle as it did show her more mature side.
This book is part of a series so most of Bryar’s story is resolved there is a novella and another book left of Bryar before we move onto Elle’s story. So I imagine the big storyline which effects other characters will still take a while to finish.
This book is not a re telling of Sleeping Beauty it has lots of different elements that make the story unique. The story has quite a few secrets and mysteries which was good as the reveals were often a surprise. The story was quite fast paced which kept it engaging and the ending was not rushed.
I liked Bryar’s character as I found her a realistic teenage girl. She gets a bit boy crazy but not to the point that she loses her character. She likes to ignore/ put off some of her problems and pretend she is normal when things get a bit too crazy. I enjoyed seeing her friendship with Elle as it did show her more mature side.
This book is part of a series so most of Bryar’s story is resolved there is a novella and another book left of Bryar before we move onto Elle’s story. So I imagine the big storyline which effects other characters will still take a while to finish.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Battle of the Sexes (2016) in Movies
Oct 2, 2018
Interesting with some great acting
It's worrying to think that the events in this film happened in the 70s, and whilst a lot of things have changed, these sort of opinions towards women still haven't been completely eradicated. That said, this film does a great job with this particular story and as it's not one i knew much about, I found it really interesting.
Both Emma Stone and Steve Carell are fantastic in this. Carell especially is hilariously bonkers and engaging to watch. The story itself is fairly motivating, if not slightly depressing and disturbing regarding women's rights and treatment. I have no issue with any of the romantic side of this film, and I think knowing the motivations and backstory of the characters helps, however I felt some of the romance side was a little forced and could've been dealt with a little better. This could've been due to the excessive amount of close up camera shots that got a little unnerving after a while.
This is a good interesting film and definitely one to watch, although it's not one you'd ever need a repeat viewing of.
Both Emma Stone and Steve Carell are fantastic in this. Carell especially is hilariously bonkers and engaging to watch. The story itself is fairly motivating, if not slightly depressing and disturbing regarding women's rights and treatment. I have no issue with any of the romantic side of this film, and I think knowing the motivations and backstory of the characters helps, however I felt some of the romance side was a little forced and could've been dealt with a little better. This could've been due to the excessive amount of close up camera shots that got a little unnerving after a while.
This is a good interesting film and definitely one to watch, although it's not one you'd ever need a repeat viewing of.
Deborah (162 KP) rated When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Not so very long ago I reviewed the first of James' fairy tales series, A Kiss at Midnight, which I found OK, but not one to hang on to and read again, and I said that I always thought I should like her books more than I actually do. I have to say that it was almost as if someone was listening, as I liked this book a whole lot better. There is only a thematic connection with the other books; there don't appear to be any characters in common.
I liked this book as the two protagonists had personality and you could see what they would see in each other, which I found hard in the last book. The whole set up was maybe a bit far fetched, but it was quite an amusing tale - with a fair sprinkling of strong language. I smiled when the heroine had been reading Miss Butterworth & the Mad Baron - as I'm sure many readers of Julia Quinn will! A much more engaging and entertaining read, good protagonists and interesting supporting characters, giving enough interest but without detracting from the main plot.
I liked this book as the two protagonists had personality and you could see what they would see in each other, which I found hard in the last book. The whole set up was maybe a bit far fetched, but it was quite an amusing tale - with a fair sprinkling of strong language. I smiled when the heroine had been reading Miss Butterworth & the Mad Baron - as I'm sure many readers of Julia Quinn will! A much more engaging and entertaining read, good protagonists and interesting supporting characters, giving enough interest but without detracting from the main plot.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Yesterday (2019) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2020)
Highly-anticipated high-concept collaboration between two of British cinema's biggest names doesn't really live up to expectations. Going-nowhere singer-songwriter falls off his bike during a mysterious black-out and when he wakes up discovers he is now living in a world where the Beatles have never existed. Fame and fortune naturally beckon, but will they come at the expense of The Important Things in Life?
It's a fascinating premise, but one the film largely ignores in favour of a very familiar rom-com storyline that doesn't do anything particularly interesting or engaging. You can't help wondering: what has happened to the world? How come (almost) nobody remembers the Fab Four? The whole point of this kind of story is surely for the absence of the Beatles to reveal, by implication, their greatness and significance, but the film suggests they can vanish leaving barely a ripple in terms of cultural or musical legacy. The results are intermittently amusing and occasionally interesting, but the film only succeeds at aiming low. Decent performances from the leads help; Kate McKinnon is good value as usual, but James Corden and Ed Sheeran are in it too.
It's a fascinating premise, but one the film largely ignores in favour of a very familiar rom-com storyline that doesn't do anything particularly interesting or engaging. You can't help wondering: what has happened to the world? How come (almost) nobody remembers the Fab Four? The whole point of this kind of story is surely for the absence of the Beatles to reveal, by implication, their greatness and significance, but the film suggests they can vanish leaving barely a ripple in terms of cultural or musical legacy. The results are intermittently amusing and occasionally interesting, but the film only succeeds at aiming low. Decent performances from the leads help; Kate McKinnon is good value as usual, but James Corden and Ed Sheeran are in it too.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated What Happens in Paradise in Books
Nov 7, 2019
It’s been a year since Irene Steele received the news that her husband Russ was killed in a helicopter crash. The most shocking part: it occurred on the island of St. John, where he apparently lived a double life with another family. Now Irene and her two grown sons are back on the island, trying to move on—and learn more about the life Russ led there.
I really am loving this series. I worried for naught this book wouldn’t be as captivating as the first! It was, per usual, a delicious Hilderbrand read. I love these characters, especially stalwart Irene. And Huck, oh Huck, the tough yet sweet fishing captain. She just captures them all so perfectly!
This book is really quite fascinating—almost a mystery. There’s plenty of good relationship drama, too and lots of curiosity about Russ’ business dealings. It’s so easy to get caught up in everyone’s lives.
This is a fun, dramatic, and engaging read. You can read it out of order, but pick up Winter in Paradise first (if you haven’t already) for the full experience!
(Also, this was my first read BOTM. Yay!)
I really am loving this series. I worried for naught this book wouldn’t be as captivating as the first! It was, per usual, a delicious Hilderbrand read. I love these characters, especially stalwart Irene. And Huck, oh Huck, the tough yet sweet fishing captain. She just captures them all so perfectly!
This book is really quite fascinating—almost a mystery. There’s plenty of good relationship drama, too and lots of curiosity about Russ’ business dealings. It’s so easy to get caught up in everyone’s lives.
This is a fun, dramatic, and engaging read. You can read it out of order, but pick up Winter in Paradise first (if you haven’t already) for the full experience!
(Also, this was my first read BOTM. Yay!)