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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 1 in TV
May 21, 2019
A strong start for one of the most ambitious projects to ever grace television
The first season of the critically acclaimed HBO powerhouse spends most of it's runtime establishing the houses, the politics, and the characters of Westeros.
It's a very dialogue heavy season, and there in lies it's strength. The script of the earlier seasons are second to none, as we get to know all the players of the Game of Thrones, whilst sprinkling hints of events that have happened before the show picks up, which is no easy feat considering the massive cast involved.
All of the cast are incredible - whether they are likable, or poisonous - each viewer ends the season with a least favourite character, and charcters they are rooting for.
All the while, across the sea, magic is returning to the world with the arrival of the first dragons in centuries, and in the far north, an ancient evil rises in the background of the story with the intent of wiping everything out, all while the main cast fight over politics and ruler ship.
With so many plot points being juggled, its white staggering how intrigued this season can keep you, whilst slow burning toward it's bold and devastating conclusion.
It's a very dialogue heavy season, and there in lies it's strength. The script of the earlier seasons are second to none, as we get to know all the players of the Game of Thrones, whilst sprinkling hints of events that have happened before the show picks up, which is no easy feat considering the massive cast involved.
All of the cast are incredible - whether they are likable, or poisonous - each viewer ends the season with a least favourite character, and charcters they are rooting for.
All the while, across the sea, magic is returning to the world with the arrival of the first dragons in centuries, and in the far north, an ancient evil rises in the background of the story with the intent of wiping everything out, all while the main cast fight over politics and ruler ship.
With so many plot points being juggled, its white staggering how intrigued this season can keep you, whilst slow burning toward it's bold and devastating conclusion.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Poster Boy in Books
May 22, 2019
Broadcast live, Rosa Lincoln takes to the stage at her brothers memorial service with a bomb concealed beneath her clothes. Being in Jimmys shadow was never easy, even when he was alive, but in death he has become a national hero.
When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Teresa, she discovers that those she has been taught to view as enemies may not be the real villains after all.
The lies need to be stopped, and Rosa intends on doing just that.
Wow! This book started with a bang - well a potential bang - and didn't let up until the very end with all its twists and turns along the way.
Although this is fiction it very much reflects what is going on around the world right now, sadly. It has its basis in fact and recent happenings which makes it hard-hitting, emotive, topical and timely.
The main issues it explores are terrorism, extremism, propaganda, xenophobia, nationalism, racism, good vs evil and the current political climate; it does so with considerable tact while questioning each of them making this a thought-provoking read.
Very good work of dystopian fiction.
Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Teresa, she discovers that those she has been taught to view as enemies may not be the real villains after all.
The lies need to be stopped, and Rosa intends on doing just that.
Wow! This book started with a bang - well a potential bang - and didn't let up until the very end with all its twists and turns along the way.
Although this is fiction it very much reflects what is going on around the world right now, sadly. It has its basis in fact and recent happenings which makes it hard-hitting, emotive, topical and timely.
The main issues it explores are terrorism, extremism, propaganda, xenophobia, nationalism, racism, good vs evil and the current political climate; it does so with considerable tact while questioning each of them making this a thought-provoking read.
Very good work of dystopian fiction.
Recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018 (Updated Mar 25, 2018)
Final movie in the first Godzilla series often gets some stick for supposedly killing off the original continuity, but is actually not that bad. Bacofoil-wearing aliens team up with mad scientist and his cyborg daughter to conquer the world; there are many opportunities for evil laughter at the planning meetings. The usual strategy of using giant monsters as invasion weapons is employed, despite it having utterly failed in at least five previous movies.
Original director Honda comes back and at least ensures this film has a degree of dignity and craft to it: pretty good monster suits and model work, but the back projection is terrible. There's slightly more focus on character than usual (particularly that of the tragic cyborg girl), which the film seems unsure how to handle. To be honest, one of the main problems is that it's not really about Godzilla any more - he just turns up to fight the bad guys at the end and everyone else takes him for granted. By no means the worst Godzilla movie even of the 1970s, but you can see why Toho decided to take a break. Best line (possibly in the whole of cinema): 'Please kill me - Mechagodzilla's brain is installed in my stomach!'
Original director Honda comes back and at least ensures this film has a degree of dignity and craft to it: pretty good monster suits and model work, but the back projection is terrible. There's slightly more focus on character than usual (particularly that of the tragic cyborg girl), which the film seems unsure how to handle. To be honest, one of the main problems is that it's not really about Godzilla any more - he just turns up to fight the bad guys at the end and everyone else takes him for granted. By no means the worst Godzilla movie even of the 1970s, but you can see why Toho decided to take a break. Best line (possibly in the whole of cinema): 'Please kill me - Mechagodzilla's brain is installed in my stomach!'
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom in Books
Feb 21, 2018
At first the new playground Dr Fell builds in the neighborhood seems innocuous enough. As more and more kids come to play, however, Jerry, Nancy, and Gail realize that it is anything but, and its up to the 3 of them to figure out what is going on, and to stop whatever it is that their new neighbor is up to. Ahh, such a nice man is Dr. Fell.
What a smart, macabre story! The protagonists are a group of clever grade school kids, but not so clever as to seem unrealistic. Dr. Fell himself felt to me like a character from an Edward Gorey illustration inserted into a Goosebumps book. Evil or not, I loved him and his old-fashioned, over-the-top form of speech. While the book is aimed at kids around my daughters ages, I really enjoyed it myself! I hope well be seeing lots more from David Neilsen.
If you'd like to read my interview with the author, visit <a href="https://booksthething.com/2016/08/05/interview-with-david-neilsen-author-of-dr-fell-and-the-playground-of-doom/">my blog.
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own.</i>
What a smart, macabre story! The protagonists are a group of clever grade school kids, but not so clever as to seem unrealistic. Dr. Fell himself felt to me like a character from an Edward Gorey illustration inserted into a Goosebumps book. Evil or not, I loved him and his old-fashioned, over-the-top form of speech. While the book is aimed at kids around my daughters ages, I really enjoyed it myself! I hope well be seeing lots more from David Neilsen.
If you'd like to read my interview with the author, visit <a href="https://booksthething.com/2016/08/05/interview-with-david-neilsen-author-of-dr-fell-and-the-playground-of-doom/">my blog.
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Spy School Secret Service (Spy School, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The evil organization SPYDER is back, and they are planning to assassinate the President. Because of Ben Ripley’s success fighting them in the past, he is sent under cover into the White House to try to find the sleeper agent. However, with the large number of people in the White House each day, Ben soon realizes just how mammoth the task is. Can he figure out what is going on in time to save the President?
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated How to Walk Away in Books
Jul 26, 2018
The kind of book you're enjoying so much that you can't wait to finish it but at the same time will hate to see it end, author Katherine Center managed to such a feat in How to Walk Away.
While as a disabled individual, I'm often disappointed by the way that popular culture portrays disabled characters as either saintly, pitiable, or evil, I was impressed by the way that Center creates a fully three dimensional heroine who goes through a wide range of emotions after surviving a horrific plane crash.
And although on the surface, the thought of adding a romantic comedy subplot to the novel seemed way out of left field, because Center kept the protagonist so firmly grounded in reality, it wound up working really well.
The second recent upbeat romance involving a disabled lead to be chosen as an official selection by Book of the Month alongside Helen Hoang's sexier title The Kiss Quotient, while some of the contrivances in How to Walk Away's final fifty or so pages move it into cliched romcom territory, it's such a sweet, well-earned finale that it's easy to forgive.
A terrific disabled centric beach read, this one will walk away with your heart.
While as a disabled individual, I'm often disappointed by the way that popular culture portrays disabled characters as either saintly, pitiable, or evil, I was impressed by the way that Center creates a fully three dimensional heroine who goes through a wide range of emotions after surviving a horrific plane crash.
And although on the surface, the thought of adding a romantic comedy subplot to the novel seemed way out of left field, because Center kept the protagonist so firmly grounded in reality, it wound up working really well.
The second recent upbeat romance involving a disabled lead to be chosen as an official selection by Book of the Month alongside Helen Hoang's sexier title The Kiss Quotient, while some of the contrivances in How to Walk Away's final fifty or so pages move it into cliched romcom territory, it's such a sweet, well-earned finale that it's easy to forgive.
A terrific disabled centric beach read, this one will walk away with your heart.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) in Movies
Oct 3, 2018
Could've been so much more
I knew relatively nothing about this film but having been impressed by the recent Goosebumps films (not the new sequel), I had fairly high expectations. Sadly it didn't live up to them.
For me this film seemed to be nothing new. I was bored for the most of this and there were only a few parts that I really enjoyed. A lot of the humour and banter between the characters seemed a little too ott and forced and made me cringe more than it made me smile. The effects were alright and there were some truly creepy scenes, just not enough. Cate Blanchett probably saved this, as even Jack Black couldn't bring back the magic he had with RL Stine. And the evil warlock wasn't particularly scary or threatening, and the whole ending was lacking any sort of menacing terror or suspense.
I also spent the entire film thinking the kid was the one from Room (Jacob Tremblay), and wondering why on earth his acting was so bad. The kid was one of the problems in this, I won't lie and his crying was particularly horrendous. And then when the credits rolled I realised it wasn't him after all...
For me this film seemed to be nothing new. I was bored for the most of this and there were only a few parts that I really enjoyed. A lot of the humour and banter between the characters seemed a little too ott and forced and made me cringe more than it made me smile. The effects were alright and there were some truly creepy scenes, just not enough. Cate Blanchett probably saved this, as even Jack Black couldn't bring back the magic he had with RL Stine. And the evil warlock wasn't particularly scary or threatening, and the whole ending was lacking any sort of menacing terror or suspense.
I also spent the entire film thinking the kid was the one from Room (Jacob Tremblay), and wondering why on earth his acting was so bad. The kid was one of the problems in this, I won't lie and his crying was particularly horrendous. And then when the credits rolled I realised it wasn't him after all...
Samantha Reece (16 KP) rated The Great Balance (Beyond the Balance, #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2018
T.A. Davenport has created a wonderful and exciting world in her novel The Great Balance. This is a book about good and evil with just the right amount of romance.
The characters in the book are very well developed. My personal favorite is Briellyn. She is the heroine of the novel, and she seems so real! She is a strong and confident business woman who is also so kind and good. I would love to have her as my boss! Another character I love is Eric. He is just all sorts of amazing. He is the perfect guy.
Ms. Davenport's writing is very vivid and easy to follow. The pace of her work is not too fast nor too slow. It is just right and makes you want to just keep on reading!
Also, the plot in this novel is so fresh and new! I loved the twist on the creation story from the Bible. I have yet to read anything that took a spin on Adam and Eve before, and it was really interesting!
All in all, T.A. Davenport has a special gift, and I am sure there will be more greatness to come!
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The characters in the book are very well developed. My personal favorite is Briellyn. She is the heroine of the novel, and she seems so real! She is a strong and confident business woman who is also so kind and good. I would love to have her as my boss! Another character I love is Eric. He is just all sorts of amazing. He is the perfect guy.
Ms. Davenport's writing is very vivid and easy to follow. The pace of her work is not too fast nor too slow. It is just right and makes you want to just keep on reading!
Also, the plot in this novel is so fresh and new! I loved the twist on the creation story from the Bible. I have yet to read anything that took a spin on Adam and Eve before, and it was really interesting!
All in all, T.A. Davenport has a special gift, and I am sure there will be more greatness to come!
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Josh Burns (166 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of The Bellows in Video Games
Jun 21, 2019
Decent scares (1 more)
Accessable to nongamers
Can you handle this VR haunted house simulator?
The Bellows was an early psvr horror experience that had a mixed to negative reception. It wasn't as "gamey" as most people expected, and it's also quite short. That being said, going into knowing what it is, I liked it. It's basically a VR haunted house that you walk through. It has a creepy atmosphere and some good jump scares (which are way more fun in VR). It's not something you'll play over and over, maybe when Halloween rolls around each year, but there is another big positive to this game. Something that makes it a must have if you like horror that even my beloved Here They Lie, or the acclaimed Resident Evil 7 (aside from the demos) doesn't have. Given it's short length, simple mechanics of... pretty much just walking, anyone can play it, making it a fantastic pass the headset game with friends. You can shut off the tv so no one sees what the player sees so everyone has the same surprises. I cannot say enough how fun it is to watch others get scared in VR. And finally, it has a very cheap price tag.
Josh Burns (166 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of The Brookhaven Experiment in Video Games
Jun 21, 2019
Lovecraftian horror VR waveshooter
This another wave shooter (for more on the psvr wave shooter overload/competition see my Wraith review) and uses either the Move controllers or Aim controller. Move controllers are for small guns and knives, Aim is for bigger guns. The world has gone to hell and is overrun by creepy mutants that have a Lovecraft vibe sometimes. You're out trying to find a solution. The sound design works great to track where enemies are coming from. There are a ton of different enemies, some are huge! The campaign is fun, atmospheric and gets very challenging. You buy upgrades and ammo between levels and there are hidden power ups that you can shoot to collect. There is also a survival mode that has an added map that is based on the mansion in Resident Evil. You can even see a red herb and a green herb flanking the stairs, but you can't use them. Theres a wide variety of environments from sewers, to labs, to city streets and more. It's a lot of fun, but difficult and combining that difficulty with creepiness can make it hard to want to revisit if your stuck on a level because they compliment each other.