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Darren (1599 KP) rated Rabid (2019) in Movies
Oct 14, 2019
Characters – Rose is the quiet assistant to a fashion designer, she has her own ideas that she does want to see made, the girls come to her to get small adjustments, but the designer treats her like a carpet. She isn’t seen in the same light as the models and often keeps to herself. She gets involved in an accident which first sees her horribly disfigured and secondly lose her job, desperate to fix this, she turns to an experimental procedure which fixes everything, giving her a new lease for life and a taste for blood. Brad is one of the co-workers that does try to help Rose come out of her shell by inviting her to the party before the accident. Chelsea is the foster sister to Rose that has been working with her too, she is the one that opens up her home after the accident, helping her get back on her feet, supporting her through the treatment, not looking away like most the others in her life would.
Performances – Laura Vandervoort does give us a strong performance throughout, being able to balance the losing her mind and determined personality. Hanneke Talbot is strong too and the supportive friend, that does get to show the pushy personality her character has around Rose. Benjamin Hollingsworth does show us a strong friend or potential love interest in the film, while big names like Stephen McHattie and C.M. Punk make entertaining supporting appearance.
Story – The story here follows a young lady that sees her life turned upside down after an accident leaves her disfigured, only for an experiment procedure bringing out a new version of herself and an unwanted side effect along the way. This is a remake and one story that can remain similar is places, while bringing the social side of the film to new heights, the fashion world does make a wonderful backdrop for the story because it reflects the world that image needs to be fix with surgery. There are certain ways the story does feel weaker, that is mostly seeing how everything is spreading, which is important, but it doesn’t follow Rose, which is the important side of the story.
Horror/Sci-Fi – The horror side of the film comes from the real world situation that Rose goes through, with the accident before hitting the graphic violence of what is happening to Rose, which is also the sci-fi side of the film, the changes Rose goes through.
Settings – The film uses the fashion world as the main settings backdrop, it shows us just how important image is to Rose and the people close to her.
Special Effects – The complete highlight of this film comes from the practical effects, which look as graphic as they can, the injury suffered by Rose is one of the worst wounds you will see in this year’s horror films. We should give a shout out to the team (According to IMDB) Graham Chivers, Jeff Derushie, Anahita Loghmanifar, Emily O’Quinn and Omar Roessler
Scene of the Movie – The first reveal from the injury.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – We do move away from Rose, as the bigger problems spread around the city, we could have been given more fear from not seeing this, only hearing about it.
Final Thoughts – This is a practical effects masterclass in horror, it will use some of the best you will see this year even if the story is a modernised look at a cult classic.
Overall: Bloody graphic horror.
Performances – Laura Vandervoort does give us a strong performance throughout, being able to balance the losing her mind and determined personality. Hanneke Talbot is strong too and the supportive friend, that does get to show the pushy personality her character has around Rose. Benjamin Hollingsworth does show us a strong friend or potential love interest in the film, while big names like Stephen McHattie and C.M. Punk make entertaining supporting appearance.
Story – The story here follows a young lady that sees her life turned upside down after an accident leaves her disfigured, only for an experiment procedure bringing out a new version of herself and an unwanted side effect along the way. This is a remake and one story that can remain similar is places, while bringing the social side of the film to new heights, the fashion world does make a wonderful backdrop for the story because it reflects the world that image needs to be fix with surgery. There are certain ways the story does feel weaker, that is mostly seeing how everything is spreading, which is important, but it doesn’t follow Rose, which is the important side of the story.
Horror/Sci-Fi – The horror side of the film comes from the real world situation that Rose goes through, with the accident before hitting the graphic violence of what is happening to Rose, which is also the sci-fi side of the film, the changes Rose goes through.
Settings – The film uses the fashion world as the main settings backdrop, it shows us just how important image is to Rose and the people close to her.
Special Effects – The complete highlight of this film comes from the practical effects, which look as graphic as they can, the injury suffered by Rose is one of the worst wounds you will see in this year’s horror films. We should give a shout out to the team (According to IMDB) Graham Chivers, Jeff Derushie, Anahita Loghmanifar, Emily O’Quinn and Omar Roessler
Scene of the Movie – The first reveal from the injury.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – We do move away from Rose, as the bigger problems spread around the city, we could have been given more fear from not seeing this, only hearing about it.
Final Thoughts – This is a practical effects masterclass in horror, it will use some of the best you will see this year even if the story is a modernised look at a cult classic.
Overall: Bloody graphic horror.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Last Night in Soho (2021) in Movies
Nov 5, 2021
Unique
Writer/Director Edgar Wright has developed into one of the more unique film makers working today with a stylistic look, feel and sound to all of his films. Long known as the Director of the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost comedies (SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and AT WORLD’S EDGE), Wright started coming into his own with the under-rated SCOTT PILGRIM vs. THE WORLD and the marvelous BABY DRIVER and with his latest film, the trippy thriller LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, Wright has graduated - in my eyes - as a Director who’s work is “must watch” whenever they come out.
LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is unique, stylized, stunning - both visually and aurally - mind-bending, tense and satisfying. A truly unique film by a unique filmmaker.
To tell the tale of LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is to spoil it. The less you know about it, the better. But, as the trailers suggest, a modern young fashion student is in London and is transported into the “swinging ‘60’s London and ends up living, vicariously, the life of another. That’s all I’ll say. I would recommend just going in and let the story wash all over you - both through the eyes and through the ears - which is why I would recommend this film been seen in a theater (or, at the very least, on a set-up with a killer sound system).
Because of the highly stylized and “go with it” feel of this film, the performances have a tendency to move to the background, but they are very well done. Thomasin McKenzie (JOJO RABBIT) is a strong choice as the Fashion Student who has this “adventure” (to say more is to spoil), she brings the right amount of reality and “unreality” to her character. Anya Taylor-Joy (THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT) is superb as Sandie, the object of the “adventure”. She isn’t asked to do much more than be mysterious - and she does it well.
Wright, wisely, fills the rest of the film with strong supporting players - Matt Smith (DR. WHO), the great Terence Stamp (THE LIMEY) and, most importantly, Dame Diana Rigg (Emma Peel in THE AVENGERS in the 1960’s, in her final film role before her death in September 2020), all bring their “A” game to the festivities and fill their roles well.
It’s not a perfect film, the beginning drags on a bit before things start to get good (and weird) and their is a superfluous subplot involving some “Mean Girls” at the Fashion School that our heroine attends in today’s world - a subplot that never really goes anywhere. The ending, also, does go “over the top”, but by that time, I was swept up in the style of this film and forgave it it’s flaws.
I ended up having LAST NIGHT IN SOHO-type dreams, and indication that this film struck a chord with me and is going to stay with me for awhile - and is probably worth a re-watch (it certainly is one of those types of films that can be different upon a re-watch).
Well worth the effort to check it out on the Big Screen - certainly the visuals and sound will make it worthwhile.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is unique, stylized, stunning - both visually and aurally - mind-bending, tense and satisfying. A truly unique film by a unique filmmaker.
To tell the tale of LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is to spoil it. The less you know about it, the better. But, as the trailers suggest, a modern young fashion student is in London and is transported into the “swinging ‘60’s London and ends up living, vicariously, the life of another. That’s all I’ll say. I would recommend just going in and let the story wash all over you - both through the eyes and through the ears - which is why I would recommend this film been seen in a theater (or, at the very least, on a set-up with a killer sound system).
Because of the highly stylized and “go with it” feel of this film, the performances have a tendency to move to the background, but they are very well done. Thomasin McKenzie (JOJO RABBIT) is a strong choice as the Fashion Student who has this “adventure” (to say more is to spoil), she brings the right amount of reality and “unreality” to her character. Anya Taylor-Joy (THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT) is superb as Sandie, the object of the “adventure”. She isn’t asked to do much more than be mysterious - and she does it well.
Wright, wisely, fills the rest of the film with strong supporting players - Matt Smith (DR. WHO), the great Terence Stamp (THE LIMEY) and, most importantly, Dame Diana Rigg (Emma Peel in THE AVENGERS in the 1960’s, in her final film role before her death in September 2020), all bring their “A” game to the festivities and fill their roles well.
It’s not a perfect film, the beginning drags on a bit before things start to get good (and weird) and their is a superfluous subplot involving some “Mean Girls” at the Fashion School that our heroine attends in today’s world - a subplot that never really goes anywhere. The ending, also, does go “over the top”, but by that time, I was swept up in the style of this film and forgave it it’s flaws.
I ended up having LAST NIGHT IN SOHO-type dreams, and indication that this film struck a chord with me and is going to stay with me for awhile - and is probably worth a re-watch (it certainly is one of those types of films that can be different upon a re-watch).
Well worth the effort to check it out on the Big Screen - certainly the visuals and sound will make it worthwhile.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Laura T (4 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 2 in TV
Nov 4, 2017 (Updated Nov 4, 2017)
Steve And Dustins bromance. (3 more)
Eleven and Hopper as a family.
Lucas’s little sister (she needs a bigger part next time)
Ghostbusters!
Love letter to the 80s
I don’t normally review stuff but I ADORE this show. I love anything geeky anyway but this just combines it with the awesomeness that was the 80s. A fantastic show that you can’t help be sucked into and want to watch them all in one go (who needs sleep?!?) I wasn’t sure whether I’d watch it when I first saw it advertised, but I’m so glad I did. They’ve got it down to a t. Bad hair, crap fashion, awesome music, and fantastic homages to some great 80s films. It’s just one big love letter to some of the best things about that decade. Wasn’t sure if S2 would be as good, but i think it’s just as good if not better. And we know how rare that can be. I’m not gonna go into everything about the show as I think you just need to clear a big chunk of space in your free time and binge them all. S3 and 4 cant come soon enough!!
Li Hughes (285 KP) rated Retribution (C.J. Townsend #1) in Books
Aug 6, 2017
The pros: This is a quick read that has some interesting legal theory and fairly smooth writing. Little of what's written would likely fly in the real world, but it's still interesting.
Cons: The plot is a mess of serial killer, legal eagle, Cuban, and rape case cliches. The rapist is a mysogonistic caricature who has so little control over himself that any personal setback should have landed him in jail years ago. ASA Townsend is strong and well-respected to the point of Mary Sue status, yet falling apart inside and seems to be discovering that having sex with the right man can help heal her trauma. (Blech.) No rape or murder is ever 'run of the mill', but these are Hannibal Lecter-esque in their brutality. There are multiple Hispanic/Latin characters and they are cocky, rude, gross, and have hilariously terrible fashion sense: none are likable. And there is a 'twist ending' out of nowhere just when you think the case is wrapped up.
In conclusion: If you're stuck without anything else to read, this isn't horrific. But I personally wouldn't recommend searching it out.
Cons: The plot is a mess of serial killer, legal eagle, Cuban, and rape case cliches. The rapist is a mysogonistic caricature who has so little control over himself that any personal setback should have landed him in jail years ago. ASA Townsend is strong and well-respected to the point of Mary Sue status, yet falling apart inside and seems to be discovering that having sex with the right man can help heal her trauma. (Blech.) No rape or murder is ever 'run of the mill', but these are Hannibal Lecter-esque in their brutality. There are multiple Hispanic/Latin characters and they are cocky, rude, gross, and have hilariously terrible fashion sense: none are likable. And there is a 'twist ending' out of nowhere just when you think the case is wrapped up.
In conclusion: If you're stuck without anything else to read, this isn't horrific. But I personally wouldn't recommend searching it out.
Sam (74 KP) rated The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Jerome is a lovely man who has the Baudelaires best interests in mind. Esmé, on the other hand, has the orphans for a style purpose and nothing more. To her, the orphans are expendable items, just something else she will get rid of within an instant if it goes out of fashion.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Phantom Thread (2017) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018 (Updated Feb 9, 2018)
Not a Fun Guy to Be With
Yet another reissue of the controversial 1999 movie, but this time George Lucas has taken out all the stuff with taxation and Jar Jar Binks in favour of fashion design... ha ha, I jest.
Daniel Day-Lewis plays an obsessional creative genius who throws himself completely into his work and is very demanding of everyone around him, and is occasionally prone to hallucinating dead family members (so perhaps this role was less of a stretch for him than many).
Initially this comes across as a slightly so-what romantic drama about the relationship between a powerful, privileged man and a much younger woman, with him as a manipulative user and her, essentially, as a victim, but it eventually turns into a dark and even slightly twisted tale of what it sometimes takes to make a relationship work.
Day-Lewis is good, obviously, but so is Vicky Krieps as the woman in his life; presumably it's only her obscurity that's kept her from getting awards nods as she is really as good as he is.
Probably not for everyone, but Paul Anderson's most satisfying and accessible film for some years.
Daniel Day-Lewis plays an obsessional creative genius who throws himself completely into his work and is very demanding of everyone around him, and is occasionally prone to hallucinating dead family members (so perhaps this role was less of a stretch for him than many).
Initially this comes across as a slightly so-what romantic drama about the relationship between a powerful, privileged man and a much younger woman, with him as a manipulative user and her, essentially, as a victim, but it eventually turns into a dark and even slightly twisted tale of what it sometimes takes to make a relationship work.
Day-Lewis is good, obviously, but so is Vicky Krieps as the woman in his life; presumably it's only her obscurity that's kept her from getting awards nods as she is really as good as he is.
Probably not for everyone, but Paul Anderson's most satisfying and accessible film for some years.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Paris is Burning (1990) in Movies
Jun 4, 2018
There's a lot to say about this movie. It's a documentary about the various and often dueling houses of pre-Giuliani New York subculture. We're introduced to people like Dorian Corey, who has become a figure of respect and pride in the LGBTQ+ community. We hear their stories, often tragic ones. But we also see a celebration of style, fashion, and self in the balls that were thrown in underground clubs and dives. I can't recommend this movie more highly. One of my favorite quotes comes from Dorian Corey in this documentary:
"I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you've made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you've left a mark. You don't have to bend the whole world. I think it's better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you."
"I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you've made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you've left a mark. You don't have to bend the whole world. I think it's better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you."
Ginger (3 KP) rated Wish - Shopping Made Fun in Apps
Oct 18, 2018
It is not bad
They have so many little neat things, my nephews and nieces love getting presents and Christmas stockings from us. We have about 30 kids we buy for, so this little jem makes showering them with gifts affordable. It has great stuff for grownups too, just remember--this is an Asian based country-- smaller bodies all the way around, including feet. The clothes are sometimes not the best quality and judging sizes(especially for curvy or plus)is rough. And as I said--sometimes you get exactly what you pay for -- a 3 dollar dress is probably not going to look like red carpet fashion. So buyer beware. They have electronics, tech, kitchen ware, craft supplies, curtains, rugs, bedding etc. Just remember to use your best judgement.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated The Swan's Road (The Atheling Chronicles #1) in Books
Feb 4, 2020
The Swan's Road is the first book in the The Atheling Chronicles, which details the life of Harald and his father, Cnute. If you have read any Viking literature then these names will sound familiar. This story may have a basis in truth or it may be completely made up by the author. Either way, you will have a great historical novel to read.
Harald is the main character and he is travelling with his father. Excitement, adventure, love and sorrow, all wait for him as by his choices, he becomes separated from the main group.
This is full of action and adventure, in a medieval fashion. The characters grow throughout the book and behave true to themselves. I loved how it all worked out together, whilst keeping the reader on tenterhooks at the same time.
A brilliant medieval read in a series I hope to continue with. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Harald is the main character and he is travelling with his father. Excitement, adventure, love and sorrow, all wait for him as by his choices, he becomes separated from the main group.
This is full of action and adventure, in a medieval fashion. The characters grow throughout the book and behave true to themselves. I loved how it all worked out together, whilst keeping the reader on tenterhooks at the same time.
A brilliant medieval read in a series I hope to continue with. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Straight On Till Morning (1972) in Movies
Mar 8, 2021
Rather atypical Hammer psycho-horror is much stronger on dour naturalism than the usual gothic fantasy. A slightly unstable young woman moves to present-day London in search of her dreams and winds up moving in with a handsome serial killer (late-period Hammer star Shane Briant, in his first film for the company). Things eventually get a bit fraught.
It would be nice to think the change in style was the result of a decision by Hammer to experiment, but the fact the film was clearly made on a punishingly low budget suggests otherwise: the reason it's largely a two-hander, mostly taking place in a single flat, is presumably simply to keep production costs down. The atmosphere throughout is dingy and a bit grim; appalling early-70s fashion doesn't help much. There's a conceit about Peter Pan which is never really resolved (hence the title); the film's most distinctive feature is the editing, which is jarring, almost subliminal, and gets rather annoying very quickly. Good performances from the leads, I suppose, but this doesn't make up for the fact the story is implausible, uninvolving, and doesn't really go anywhere.
It would be nice to think the change in style was the result of a decision by Hammer to experiment, but the fact the film was clearly made on a punishingly low budget suggests otherwise: the reason it's largely a two-hander, mostly taking place in a single flat, is presumably simply to keep production costs down. The atmosphere throughout is dingy and a bit grim; appalling early-70s fashion doesn't help much. There's a conceit about Peter Pan which is never really resolved (hence the title); the film's most distinctive feature is the editing, which is jarring, almost subliminal, and gets rather annoying very quickly. Good performances from the leads, I suppose, but this doesn't make up for the fact the story is implausible, uninvolving, and doesn't really go anywhere.