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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated 20th Century Ghosts in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This turned out to be an ideal read for the Halloween season. While many of the short stories here have a pretty "literary" feel, and some don't necessarily qualify as horror, they each have a haunting quality about them. The characters are always engaging, and I found myself caring for most of them, which is quite a feat given how few pages some were given in which to develop. And don't mistake my earlier comments to mean there is nothing scary in this book. There are quite a few tales here that left me creeped out enough that I will likely remember them for some time to come. This collection isn't perfect, but it really shows the promise of just how great a storyteller Mr. Hill would ultimately evolve into.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Big Hero 6 (2014) in Movies
Mar 12, 2018
Slightly oddball product of Disney's acquisition of Marvel - this started life as a comic book featuring characters from the X-Men - ends up as a typically witty and accomplished animation. Youthful genius has to form super-team to stop a supervillain from misusing one of his inventions.
Now, obviously if you're a purist, you can find things to complain about here - no mutant powers, no Silver Samurai, the whole thing is set in a science-fantasy future - but for everyone else this is an engaging, well-told story that comes close to matching The Incredibles when it comes to evoking the thrill and invention of classic superhero stories. Witty and imaginative; looks gorgeous; thoroughly enjoyable (though you have to wait until after the credits for the obligatory Stan Lee cameo).
Now, obviously if you're a purist, you can find things to complain about here - no mutant powers, no Silver Samurai, the whole thing is set in a science-fantasy future - but for everyone else this is an engaging, well-told story that comes close to matching The Incredibles when it comes to evoking the thrill and invention of classic superhero stories. Witty and imaginative; looks gorgeous; thoroughly enjoyable (though you have to wait until after the credits for the obligatory Stan Lee cameo).
mmb02191 (81 KP) rated Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018) in Movies
Jan 19, 2019
The story (3 more)
The choices
Breaking the 4th wall
Funny moments!
Different and engaging!
I really enjoy black mirror. I like the dystopian feel to the episodes, and the realistic moments that come with that. So when I heard about Bandersnatch, I knew I had to watch it (play it?).
I love choose your own adventure stories and games, so bringing that to a movie was such an interesting idea.
The system was very smooth and didn't lag. It was wonderful and drew me in.
I see some people complaining about it being repetitive.. .but it's a choose your own adventure story, so that kind of goes with it. You need to replay it to get the different endings, and if you mess up, you get sent back. That's part of the joy, in my opinion.
I love choose your own adventure stories and games, so bringing that to a movie was such an interesting idea.
The system was very smooth and didn't lag. It was wonderful and drew me in.
I see some people complaining about it being repetitive.. .but it's a choose your own adventure story, so that kind of goes with it. You need to replay it to get the different endings, and if you mess up, you get sent back. That's part of the joy, in my opinion.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated A Boy Called Christmas in Books
Dec 8, 2019
A wonderfully festive story
Until now, I don't think I've ever read a specifically Christmas themed book and especially not one based around the origin of Father Christmas. Until now that is, and what a wonderfully festive book to choose.
This is ultimately a kids book, so it's nothing fancy language-wise but it's still very well written and engaging. Nikolas is an endearing and lovable main character, although I think him and the rest of the characters in this book are not as well developed as they could be (probably because it's a kids book). The story itself is such fun and heartwarming and quite amusing at times, and it's a great idea for the origin of Father Christmas. It has definitely helped me to get into the festive spirit!
This is ultimately a kids book, so it's nothing fancy language-wise but it's still very well written and engaging. Nikolas is an endearing and lovable main character, although I think him and the rest of the characters in this book are not as well developed as they could be (probably because it's a kids book). The story itself is such fun and heartwarming and quite amusing at times, and it's a great idea for the origin of Father Christmas. It has definitely helped me to get into the festive spirit!
Vicki Coyne (45 KP) rated The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in Books
Jan 3, 2020
The writing is conversational and witty, welcoming the reader right in (2 more)
The story flows really well to the point where it never seems like a good place to stop
It takes on anxiety, social awkwardness and modern family structures without breaking stride
Well written, funny and welcoming. Couldn't put it down.
Nina Hill is anxious, a control freak, competitive, smart and completely socially awkward. And you'll love her.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
LaBMaC (116 KP) rated Brain on Fire (2016) in Movies
Aug 3, 2019
Highlights the real life presentation of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (2 more)
Engaging and emotive plot
Highlights issues surrounding misdiagnosis and psychiatric incarceration
Contains spoilers, click to show
This movie is unsettling as it is based on a true story, told in the book of the same name by Suzannah Cahalan.
A healthy young woman in her early 20's suddenly and inexplicably withdraws from life. As her personality is destroyed as is much of her life. The illness begins with sensory sensitivity and confusion and ends in catatonia.
When watching it I found myself trying to figure out what exactly what could make someone act like this. Epilepsy, stress, schizophrenia, mental breakdown. The diagnosis was none of these and it reminds the viewer that the brain is a complex and vulnerable entity that could fail in numerous ways.
A healthy young woman in her early 20's suddenly and inexplicably withdraws from life. As her personality is destroyed as is much of her life. The illness begins with sensory sensitivity and confusion and ends in catatonia.
When watching it I found myself trying to figure out what exactly what could make someone act like this. Epilepsy, stress, schizophrenia, mental breakdown. The diagnosis was none of these and it reminds the viewer that the brain is a complex and vulnerable entity that could fail in numerous ways.
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