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Fred (860 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
May 3, 2018 (Updated Jul 12, 2018)
I found myself many times during the movie wondering if there was ever going to be anything superhero-like in this superhero movie. I understand this is an origin story, but at some point, it needs to move along. It just dragged on too long. Could have been an hour long. There was also too much with the fighting that wasn't Panther. The girls were kicking more ass than Black Panther himself. It was ridiculous. Negatives aside, the acting was really good by everyone, with a great performance by Andy Serkis, of course. The Korea chase scene was fantastic. It's too bad there weren't more scenes like it. The battle scene at the end was very predictable. Bottom line is I did like it. I thought the story was well enough, but should have moved along at a better pace.
Jessica Cashen (1 KP) rated True Storm (True Born Trilogy, #3) in Books
May 16, 2018
Awesome read. Well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. Twins Lucy and Margot are safe and together in Dominion City, coping with the aftermath of Margot’s time held captive in Russia and reeling from all of the betrayal. Margot’s experiences have clearly changed her, but Lucy is happy to have her twin back and is hopeful that their close bond will heal over time.
The twins have recently learned that almost everyone in their lives has kept secrets from them. They’re even keeping secrets from each other now. Finally, all of these secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered. True Storm is full of plot twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. I wish there was another book to tell what kind of life Lucy has after evertything she has been fighting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
The twins have recently learned that almost everyone in their lives has kept secrets from them. They’re even keeping secrets from each other now. Finally, all of these secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered. True Storm is full of plot twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. I wish there was another book to tell what kind of life Lucy has after evertything she has been fighting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
AT (1676 KP) rated Skyline (2010) in Movies
Feb 3, 2019 (Updated Feb 3, 2019)
Contains spoilers, click to show
What in the alien nation did I just sit through?! I can't get those couple of hours back. I love sci-fi, but this was disappointing, to say the least. It was just too cheesy for me, especially in the end. So...are they just going to live inside the alien forever, now? Is he going to keep fighting off the tentacles? I mean, she can't just climb down or easily jump out to safety. Pretty soon the alien is going to notice something's up with him. ...And frankly, I would've kicked the "new" guy out of the group! He was annoying! I'm kind of surprised that he didn't turn out to be an alien. That probably would have fit into the movie just fine. Damn it! The guy never should have let the roof door swing shut in the beginning! It could've been a completely different movie! I blame him. Lol
Awix (3310 KP) rated On the Basis of Sex (2018) in Movies
Mar 1, 2019
Legal bio-pic has a title that makes it sound like a recipe for a failed marriage; unfortunately it's not as interesting as that. Felicity Jones plays a young Ruth Bader Ginsberg, battling the patriarchy first at Harvard and then in the courts, aided by her husband Marty (it's Armie Hammer time!).
Well-mounted and with some decent performances, and there are some startling revelations (sex discrimination was not considered unconstitutional in the US until fairly recently), but the actual story of the main case covered by the film is not that gripping (a lot of discussion of legal procedure and tax law), and the earnestness of the film also threatens to make it a bit indigestible: of course RBG is an important figure fighting for a good cause, but that doesn't mean any film about her has to feel like The Lives of the Saints. The documentary about Ginsberg is also flawed, but more peppy than this.
Well-mounted and with some decent performances, and there are some startling revelations (sex discrimination was not considered unconstitutional in the US until fairly recently), but the actual story of the main case covered by the film is not that gripping (a lot of discussion of legal procedure and tax law), and the earnestness of the film also threatens to make it a bit indigestible: of course RBG is an important figure fighting for a good cause, but that doesn't mean any film about her has to feel like The Lives of the Saints. The documentary about Ginsberg is also flawed, but more peppy than this.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Triangle (2009) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
Warped
Contains spoilers, click to show
This was an interesting, small budget Sci Fi/Horror flick. It is revealed at an early point during the story that this is primarily a time bending loop narrative, following a small group of people who board an apparently abandoned ocean liner after a storm.
There is some set up at the beginning which introduces the star, Melissa George as she makes her way to meet the rest of the group. Once they board the ship they are fighting for their lives, with varied levels of success and the a time loop takes hold.
This is a well told, acted and directed Twilight Zone episode that just about manages not to out stay it's welcome. The premise is simple but the execution is a little more complex and to an extent, this borders on contrived but overall this an effective thriller.
The twists and turns, though for the most part expected, are generally delivered well and there are certainly memorable moments. Recommended.
There is some set up at the beginning which introduces the star, Melissa George as she makes her way to meet the rest of the group. Once they board the ship they are fighting for their lives, with varied levels of success and the a time loop takes hold.
This is a well told, acted and directed Twilight Zone episode that just about manages not to out stay it's welcome. The premise is simple but the execution is a little more complex and to an extent, this borders on contrived but overall this an effective thriller.
The twists and turns, though for the most part expected, are generally delivered well and there are certainly memorable moments. Recommended.
Rigormortus (15 KP) rated Gloomhaven in Tabletop Games
Mar 13, 2019 (Updated Apr 25, 2019)
The more the merrier
When i first recieved this game it was heavier than expected, it blew my mind how much could be packed in such a massive box. The setup was alittle overwhelming and punching out everything took some time, but well worth it I had to invest in some card protectors for regular card sizes and euro style card sizes, but trust me it is well worth it as much as this thing costs. Once we went through the heavy rulebook and some gameplay on youtube we gained a easier understanding and couldn't wait for our start. Trying this game it gets you sucked in as it makes you feel you are in this fanasty world fighting the baddies. I tell you what if you what this is well worth the money just make sure you pack a lunch and have time as it takes at least 2hrs for a scenerio.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019) in Movies
Mar 21, 2019
Nancy Drew first starting investigating mysteries in River Heights in 1930. She has changed little in all of her connotations. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I met her young in life. This new movie tried to mix her wholesome identity with some millenial ingenuity with very bad results. It isn't that she is no longer relevant, just her Hidden Staircase story is. The film plays very much like a Scooby-Doo mystery with all Velma and no Shaggy or Scooby. A stubborn old woman played by the still vibrant Linda Lavin's house is being haunted. Also, River Heights is a potential site for a new train. Nancy Drew is introduced as a viligante fighting for the less popular girls. All of this makes for a movie that is of little interest to modern girls or women who grew up on Nancy Drew in the 80s. Luckily, little was spent to market this dud.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Entangled Lives in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In Entangled Lives by Imran Omer we meet orphan Raza, and his pregnant girlfriend who are forced apart when Raza is sent to Afghanistan to join the Taliban. Growing up his life was hard, and it seems it’s not getting any easier with age. As the story unfolds, reporter Rachel Brown gets first hand experience of the horrors of war, and through her point of view were are given her part of the story, and what happens when their paths cross, not just once, but twice.
My heart went out to Raza, as we see the extreme extent of the cause; a poor and vulnerable Pakistani boy fighting not only western society and their prejudices, but a tragic fate that’s controlled by money and power.
I enjoyed reading this, sometimes harrowing, tale that’s realistic and very topical for the current climate. The stark contrast between Raza’s life, and the entitled American reporter, Rachel, is portrayed well, and reveals the depth of this story with compassion and humanity.
My heart went out to Raza, as we see the extreme extent of the cause; a poor and vulnerable Pakistani boy fighting not only western society and their prejudices, but a tragic fate that’s controlled by money and power.
I enjoyed reading this, sometimes harrowing, tale that’s realistic and very topical for the current climate. The stark contrast between Raza’s life, and the entitled American reporter, Rachel, is portrayed well, and reveals the depth of this story with compassion and humanity.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated His to Love (Fireside, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another novel that I am not sure why I requested it. Maybe because it sounded like a bad girl good guy trope that I have been interested in lately.
I felt the couple naturally meshed well together. Their chemistry was palpable, their conversation realistic and well written. As a whole, the story was intense and well written. I wasnt ready for such a severe, emotional read but that was what I got. While it was a powerful read, I felt like it was too emotional for me to enjoy. I tend to get caught up in stories, and they wreck me. At this time in my life (nursing school), I am not equipped to handle this.
Overall, there wasnt a lot action in terms of fighting, shooting, or crime stuff in general. I recommend it to all the Law and Order, CSI buffs out there who are looking for a good romance.
Another novel that I am not sure why I requested it. Maybe because it sounded like a bad girl good guy trope that I have been interested in lately.
I felt the couple naturally meshed well together. Their chemistry was palpable, their conversation realistic and well written. As a whole, the story was intense and well written. I wasnt ready for such a severe, emotional read but that was what I got. While it was a powerful read, I felt like it was too emotional for me to enjoy. I tend to get caught up in stories, and they wreck me. At this time in my life (nursing school), I am not equipped to handle this.
Overall, there wasnt a lot action in terms of fighting, shooting, or crime stuff in general. I recommend it to all the Law and Order, CSI buffs out there who are looking for a good romance.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Predator (1987) in Movies
Feb 13, 2018
Testosterone-drizzled SF action movie. Elite team of mercenaries - 'veer wescuers, not assahseens!' declares Arnie at one point - are dropped into Latin American jungle on shady political mission, proceed to kill everyone in sight (maybe they need to reconsider how they think of themselves), discover formidable alien big game hunter has plans to turn them all into trophies.
The cast is charismatic, the action is exceedingly well-staged, and there's a very good monster (Jean Claude van Damme was originally supposed to play the Pred but was sacked for complaining about the suit and not being beefy enough). There's also a surprisingly understated subtext about the Vietnam War, for which fighting an invisible monster in the jungle is a not-unreasonable metaphor. Not far off the quality of the other big-name 80s SF movies; inability to produce an equally memorable follow-up suggests the Predator is a one-trick pony, however.
The cast is charismatic, the action is exceedingly well-staged, and there's a very good monster (Jean Claude van Damme was originally supposed to play the Pred but was sacked for complaining about the suit and not being beefy enough). There's also a surprisingly understated subtext about the Vietnam War, for which fighting an invisible monster in the jungle is a not-unreasonable metaphor. Not far off the quality of the other big-name 80s SF movies; inability to produce an equally memorable follow-up suggests the Predator is a one-trick pony, however.