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Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated Vikings - Season 1 in TV
May 15, 2017
Historically Accurate in terms of culture (2 more)
Doesn't hold back on the gore and grim nature of Vikings
Great Character development
A Historically accurate fantasy series
Vikings was a show that I didn't begin watching until it was already 3 seasons in. However it is a show that I instantly fell in love with because it was very different from any show like it.
Many shows these days such as Game Of Thrones and Vikings, etc. are becoming more daring with reaching a specific audience rather than the wider audience gained through less graphically violent shows. These shows are not afraid to show us a blade slicing through someones flesh or the blood pouring out of the wounds.
Vikings, as known throughout history, have been recorded as violent and brutish warriors who slaughtered hundreds of men and women during their travels to England and other European lands. The show does not hold back when it comes to portraying their brutality in battle. It is not all brutality and war though, as the drama aspect of this show, is shown through the main cast in their homeland of Scandinavia.
Ragnar is definitely a great character to follow as we watch him rise to become Jarl of his home town. Portrayed by Travis Fimmel (Warcraft: The Beginning / The Baytown Outlaws), the character of Ragnar Lothbrok is one we see develop in many different ways. Based upon the legend of a man of the same name, who, though recorded throughout history, is a character that some historians are unsure existed, thought his sons are definitely recorded to have existed. The only way I can explain this is that his legend is so incredible that there are some who chose to believe it and others who chose to believe it is simply stories made up by travelers and poets.
Either way, this show is a brilliant fantasy drama that combines fiction with historical accuracy. This first season follows Ragnar as he begins his journey to defy the Jarl of Kattegat and sail towards England to raid, pillage and bring back treasure unlike anything the north had ever seen.
The soundtrack to the series is also brilliant and really brings the scenes of the films to life, and give them a beautiful atmosphere that sucks you into the moment, and leaves you on the edge of your seat.
With a great cast, excellent writers and great directing and cinematography, Vikings is beautiful, thrilling and horrifying and certainly, in my opinion, one of the greatest shows I have ever watched.
Many shows these days such as Game Of Thrones and Vikings, etc. are becoming more daring with reaching a specific audience rather than the wider audience gained through less graphically violent shows. These shows are not afraid to show us a blade slicing through someones flesh or the blood pouring out of the wounds.
Vikings, as known throughout history, have been recorded as violent and brutish warriors who slaughtered hundreds of men and women during their travels to England and other European lands. The show does not hold back when it comes to portraying their brutality in battle. It is not all brutality and war though, as the drama aspect of this show, is shown through the main cast in their homeland of Scandinavia.
Ragnar is definitely a great character to follow as we watch him rise to become Jarl of his home town. Portrayed by Travis Fimmel (Warcraft: The Beginning / The Baytown Outlaws), the character of Ragnar Lothbrok is one we see develop in many different ways. Based upon the legend of a man of the same name, who, though recorded throughout history, is a character that some historians are unsure existed, thought his sons are definitely recorded to have existed. The only way I can explain this is that his legend is so incredible that there are some who chose to believe it and others who chose to believe it is simply stories made up by travelers and poets.
Either way, this show is a brilliant fantasy drama that combines fiction with historical accuracy. This first season follows Ragnar as he begins his journey to defy the Jarl of Kattegat and sail towards England to raid, pillage and bring back treasure unlike anything the north had ever seen.
The soundtrack to the series is also brilliant and really brings the scenes of the films to life, and give them a beautiful atmosphere that sucks you into the moment, and leaves you on the edge of your seat.
With a great cast, excellent writers and great directing and cinematography, Vikings is beautiful, thrilling and horrifying and certainly, in my opinion, one of the greatest shows I have ever watched.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Mist (2007) in Movies
Jan 6, 2018
The creatures (2 more)
The feud
The ending
When walking into The Mist, I was hopeful and skeptical at the same time.
I knew director Frank Darabont could product a great film as he did with The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Even being comfortable with Stephen King material was a plus. However, I just thought another lame creature feature with no real development or point and just a lot of senseless gore.
I could not have been more wrong.
The visual effects, creatures and scares in this film are definitely A+ for sure, but what makes the film work without a doubt is the fantastic screenplay.
When people start dying, it doesn't really matter unless you care about them first as people and get invested in their circumstance and fate. Once the townspeople are trapped by the mist in the grocery store, some of their true personalities start to emerge as the tension builds.
Much has been written about the ending whether plausible, not necessary, too much of a coincidence or just right. In the day of carbon copy, nonoriginal storytelling, I would definitely reward a film that takes risks vs. one that doesn't.
The risks in this film pay off big time.
I knew director Frank Darabont could product a great film as he did with The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Even being comfortable with Stephen King material was a plus. However, I just thought another lame creature feature with no real development or point and just a lot of senseless gore.
I could not have been more wrong.
The visual effects, creatures and scares in this film are definitely A+ for sure, but what makes the film work without a doubt is the fantastic screenplay.
When people start dying, it doesn't really matter unless you care about them first as people and get invested in their circumstance and fate. Once the townspeople are trapped by the mist in the grocery store, some of their true personalities start to emerge as the tension builds.
Much has been written about the ending whether plausible, not necessary, too much of a coincidence or just right. In the day of carbon copy, nonoriginal storytelling, I would definitely reward a film that takes risks vs. one that doesn't.
The risks in this film pay off big time.
Lisa-Lou (28 KP) rated The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) in Movies
Jul 10, 2017
Really interesting, fresh & freaky horror offering
I'm a lover of horror movies, so there's not too much worth seeing in that genre that hasn't played in my house. Generally, these days, most horrors are disappointing, lack lustre, devoid of any depth of storyline and are cast with people who seem not to have had a sniff at acting in their lives. This movie surprised me. The acting was pretty solid, the casting was good. Everyone was believable & likeable. The autopsy footage itself didn't shy away from the needful, but wasn't gore hungry. I wasn't left frustrated and wanting to see more nor was a balking at a bloodbath before me. A big complaint of mine with horrors these days is the lack of fear factor or not feeling sufficiently creeped out. This little movie did achieve its potential with me. I did feel the old pulse quickening a few times, which was a pleasant surprise for me as everything seems to have been done again and again in horror, so a scare is always welcome.
Fans of big budget mainstream horror probably won't find anything of interest here. Purveyors of all kinds of horrors and lovers of all movies in general should check this one out.
Fans of big budget mainstream horror probably won't find anything of interest here. Purveyors of all kinds of horrors and lovers of all movies in general should check this one out.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Viper in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book was engaging from the very first page. I was left guessing right up to the very end! Some books in the crime/suspense genre leave a bitter taste in your mouth when you finish, but this one did not.
I was intrigued from page one because right off the bat one of the main characters is in the hospital in a semi-coma. Fredrik is lying there & his detective partner is talking to him while his wife looks on. Then suddenly they are in the middle of the investigation into a billionaire's death. The plot bounces back & forth between the present time & the past few months when the investigation was taking place. It wasn't hard to follow at all despite the jumps in time frame. In fact, I think that part was a big reason why the book was so engaging.
There was also plenty of blood & gore, but it wasn't to the point that I was grossed out. It fit seamlessly in with the plot. The characters are well written & believable, not too out in left field. The plot was suspenseful & there was a lot of great police work mixed in with a healthy dose of luck, just like a real investigation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I was intrigued from page one because right off the bat one of the main characters is in the hospital in a semi-coma. Fredrik is lying there & his detective partner is talking to him while his wife looks on. Then suddenly they are in the middle of the investigation into a billionaire's death. The plot bounces back & forth between the present time & the past few months when the investigation was taking place. It wasn't hard to follow at all despite the jumps in time frame. In fact, I think that part was a big reason why the book was so engaging.
There was also plenty of blood & gore, but it wasn't to the point that I was grossed out. It fit seamlessly in with the plot. The characters are well written & believable, not too out in left field. The plot was suspenseful & there was a lot of great police work mixed in with a healthy dose of luck, just like a real investigation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Escape Room (2019) in Movies
Feb 12, 2019
Better than expected
Having seen a previous film effort about an escape room, I went into this with very low expectations but I actually came out pleasantly surprised.
Yes it's a little bit predictable, and the flashforward of the ending right at the start of the film really doesn't help matters. However I found most of this film ridiculously tense and I was completely enthralled and entertained. This may just be because I've played quite a few escape rooms and recognised a lot of familiar things, but I don't really care as it was very enjoyable to watch. I was also glad that it didn't rely on jump scares or over the top gore like other films, which was quite refreshing. Some of the rooms are great, others not so but the film passes by so quickly it's difficult to find time to dwell. Other than some of the rooms not being as well thought out, my only other issue is the ending itself. Whilst i can tell it was trying to be interesting, it came across as a little bit much and too farfetched. Didn't ruin the film completely, but did take something away from it. But aside from that this is a surprisingly good and tense film.
Yes it's a little bit predictable, and the flashforward of the ending right at the start of the film really doesn't help matters. However I found most of this film ridiculously tense and I was completely enthralled and entertained. This may just be because I've played quite a few escape rooms and recognised a lot of familiar things, but I don't really care as it was very enjoyable to watch. I was also glad that it didn't rely on jump scares or over the top gore like other films, which was quite refreshing. Some of the rooms are great, others not so but the film passes by so quickly it's difficult to find time to dwell. Other than some of the rooms not being as well thought out, my only other issue is the ending itself. Whilst i can tell it was trying to be interesting, it came across as a little bit much and too farfetched. Didn't ruin the film completely, but did take something away from it. But aside from that this is a surprisingly good and tense film.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Santa Clarita Diet - Season 1 in TV
Apr 14, 2019
A comedy with bite
My wife watched this when it first came out and I didn't bother. Kinda looked like a lame rom com. That was until I caught the end of a season 3 episode she was watching and laughed my arse off. So I went and watched season 1 in 2 days - its soooooo good. IRS the story of a nice suburban family Drew Barrymore & Timothy Olyphant with their teenage daughter. They are real estate agents and have a good if simple life. This all changes when Barrymore, after feeling a bit unwell, vomits (A Lot) during a house viewing. So much so she dies however then comes back to life - except shes now undead and can only eat human flesh. The star of the show is Olyphant. He has never really been a comedic actor but he is hilarious as Joel coming to terms with his wife's new condition and (trying) to help her find food is brilliant. Also there is a lot of really good gore. Like REALLY good and is often unexpected which adds to the comedy. At 30 mins an episode this is perfect for binge watching and will leave you hungry for more!!
gayga (2128 KP) rated Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) in Movies
May 8, 2019
Zac Efron CAN Really Act
Contains spoilers, click to show
I’d been looking forward to this ever since hearing about it and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed!
I suppose after watching Zac Efron grow up in High School Musical films and then more grown up (but still musical) in The Greatest Show, I was wondering if he was going to pull it off but he’s certainly shed his teen idol status in this film.
Took me half the film to realise the fat, bearded one was Haley Joel Osment and to think of Jim Parsons as anything other than Sheldon. However he was great and not a bit camp. I really loved Lily Collins performance but I wanted to slap the CarolAnn character cos she was such a drip.
I was amazed that they could make a film of Ted Bundy without violence and gore. Apart from one very tame instance they managed it without it detracting from the film.
It’s a film that I would want to watch again and again, if not for Zac Efrons amazing performance, then to enjoy him getting naked!! As Bridget Jones would say he has a genuinely gorgeous bottom (and all his other parts!!)
I suppose after watching Zac Efron grow up in High School Musical films and then more grown up (but still musical) in The Greatest Show, I was wondering if he was going to pull it off but he’s certainly shed his teen idol status in this film.
Took me half the film to realise the fat, bearded one was Haley Joel Osment and to think of Jim Parsons as anything other than Sheldon. However he was great and not a bit camp. I really loved Lily Collins performance but I wanted to slap the CarolAnn character cos she was such a drip.
I was amazed that they could make a film of Ted Bundy without violence and gore. Apart from one very tame instance they managed it without it detracting from the film.
It’s a film that I would want to watch again and again, if not for Zac Efrons amazing performance, then to enjoy him getting naked!! As Bridget Jones would say he has a genuinely gorgeous bottom (and all his other parts!!)
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Upgrade (2018) in Movies
May 20, 2019
Unexpectedly good
Well I have to say that this film was rather a pleasant surprise. I’d been expecting a rather low budget trashy sci-fi but instead I got an action packed, gory and strangely humorous film - which was a complete surprise until I saw it had been directed by Leigh Whannell, then it all made a little more sense.
Don’t get me wrong, this is quite like a good old B movie and does have a slightly dodgy script at times but the rest of the film more than makes up for it. The whole interaction between Grey and Stem is brilliant, very quick and witty and often pretty funny, and the camera work and robotic style of the fight scenes works really well, especially with the blood and gore thrown in too. The acting too from Logan Marshall Green is very good, and he isn’t an actor I’ve seen much from. My only criticism is the ending, I wouldn’t say it was entirely predictable but it didn’t come as a huge surprise. But then I’ve read far too many books and seen far too many films.
Also, was I the only one wishing Alan Tudyk did the voice of Stem? He’s such a good voiceover actor.
Don’t get me wrong, this is quite like a good old B movie and does have a slightly dodgy script at times but the rest of the film more than makes up for it. The whole interaction between Grey and Stem is brilliant, very quick and witty and often pretty funny, and the camera work and robotic style of the fight scenes works really well, especially with the blood and gore thrown in too. The acting too from Logan Marshall Green is very good, and he isn’t an actor I’ve seen much from. My only criticism is the ending, I wouldn’t say it was entirely predictable but it didn’t come as a huge surprise. But then I’ve read far too many books and seen far too many films.
Also, was I the only one wishing Alan Tudyk did the voice of Stem? He’s such a good voiceover actor.
Not just about the zombies
To be totally honest, I was expecting a cheesy zombie novel especially as it was a free download from Amazon but I was pleasantly surprised; it kept me entertained from start to finish.
I don't need to go into detail about the story itself as it's clearly described in the blurb above but what I will say is that I found it different to the usual zombie books that are around in that it's not just about blood, guts and gore which, I'm not going to lie, there is some graphic scenes of death but this is not the main focus of the book.
The main character, Jack, is an interesting one. He did take time to grow on me because I felt like he was wasting time rather than trying to figure out what the heck was going on but once he did, his police instinct kicked in and that determination to get to the bottom of the dire situation in which he finds himself in came to the fore.
Written at great pace, this is an easy book to read. There are a few grammatical errors but it didn't distract me from enjoying it and I will certainly be reading more by this author.
I don't need to go into detail about the story itself as it's clearly described in the blurb above but what I will say is that I found it different to the usual zombie books that are around in that it's not just about blood, guts and gore which, I'm not going to lie, there is some graphic scenes of death but this is not the main focus of the book.
The main character, Jack, is an interesting one. He did take time to grow on me because I felt like he was wasting time rather than trying to figure out what the heck was going on but once he did, his police instinct kicked in and that determination to get to the bottom of the dire situation in which he finds himself in came to the fore.
Written at great pace, this is an easy book to read. There are a few grammatical errors but it didn't distract me from enjoying it and I will certainly be reading more by this author.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Rape Van in Books
Jun 9, 2018
It's what you think
Contains spoilers, click to show
THE VAN (RAPE VAN? I'm unsure what the title of this book officially is) is about a group of idiots who get into a car crash, get picked up by a group of serial killers, who get picked up by another group of serial killers. Even the book points out how ridiculous this premise is, so I'm inclined to give it a pass. Miller has a solid, no-frills kind of style that appeals to me, and he's never short on the gore. Of the extreme horror authors that are swarming Amazon, he's probably my favorite because he's the least pretentious (Matt Shaw, looking at you) and unflinching.
THE VAN is a quick read--a bit of junk food for your brain. You probably won't remember it a few days after you read it. One thing I wish authors would stop doing is letting the bad guy win and acting like the audience should be shocked. Some authors can pull that off as social commentary or whatever, but if you're churning these out month after month on Amazon, you probably can't. There's nothing wrong with writing something just for entertainment. Not everything needs to have a message.
THE VAN is a quick read--a bit of junk food for your brain. You probably won't remember it a few days after you read it. One thing I wish authors would stop doing is letting the bad guy win and acting like the audience should be shocked. Some authors can pull that off as social commentary or whatever, but if you're churning these out month after month on Amazon, you probably can't. There's nothing wrong with writing something just for entertainment. Not everything needs to have a message.