Search
Search results

Dana (24 KP) rated Snow like Ashes in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I was very interested by this book. I had gotten it as a Christmas present from one of my family members, but I had never actually picked it up to read. So when I decided to, I was pleasantly surprised.
I have been reading a lot of high fantasy novels as of late, and this had may similarities to them, but they were good commonalities.
I have been falling more and more in love with the kick ass lead female character in novels. It has been really great to see strong females emerging more and more each year.
The characters were fleshed out very well, but in the next book, I would like to see more of what they are doing and why they are doing it. I want to see the consequences of their actions. It was fun to see how the characters interacted with one another.
One of my favorite parts of high fantasy novels is the character names. I love how unique they are and this novel had just that. The creativity of the names is very refreshing.
Even though there was a bit of a love triangle, it was very tastefully done. It was refreshing to see that the entire story wasn't centered around the love triangle and that the main character was making choices, not based on the guys in her life, but what would be best for her and her people.
I loved the idea of the novel and how there were eight realms, the four seasons and the four other places. To add to this I loved how the names of the capitals were named after months in those seasons.
Even though I called the ending before I read it, it was still interesting to see how it would all play out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes high fantasy novels, the different magical abilities people can have, or if they just want a great read.
I can't wait until the next novel!
I have been reading a lot of high fantasy novels as of late, and this had may similarities to them, but they were good commonalities.
I have been falling more and more in love with the kick ass lead female character in novels. It has been really great to see strong females emerging more and more each year.
The characters were fleshed out very well, but in the next book, I would like to see more of what they are doing and why they are doing it. I want to see the consequences of their actions. It was fun to see how the characters interacted with one another.
One of my favorite parts of high fantasy novels is the character names. I love how unique they are and this novel had just that. The creativity of the names is very refreshing.
Even though there was a bit of a love triangle, it was very tastefully done. It was refreshing to see that the entire story wasn't centered around the love triangle and that the main character was making choices, not based on the guys in her life, but what would be best for her and her people.
I loved the idea of the novel and how there were eight realms, the four seasons and the four other places. To add to this I loved how the names of the capitals were named after months in those seasons.
Even though I called the ending before I read it, it was still interesting to see how it would all play out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes high fantasy novels, the different magical abilities people can have, or if they just want a great read.
I can't wait until the next novel!

Merissa (12969 KP) rated Sidney’s Triple Shot (Apache Crossing #1) in Books
Jul 3, 2018
Sidney’s Triple Shot (Apache Crossing #1) by Lori King
Sidney's Triple Shot is the first book in the Apache Crossing series, and I honestly can't wait to read more in what I am sure will be an amazing series.
Sidney escapes from an abusive relationship and zig-zags across America, trying to leave her ex-fiance behind. The trigger for her leaving may come as a surprise, as she suffered through something even worse and stayed. I guess it was the straw that broke the camel's back. She makes her way to Apache Crossing, and finds work as a bartender at the Triple Shot. She is understandably nervous, especially around the brothers who own the bar.
Xavier, Tyce, and Noah, are all very different, but they all agree to go after Sidney. They see something in her that intrigues them, and brings out their protective instincts. Which is a good thing, as she is going to need them.
This was a well-paced story that is both heart-breaking in places, and also full of love and hope. I did find Sidney to be annoying at times, even as I tried to make allowances for her. For someone so scared of being caught by Robert, she has no problem doing stupid things, even after she thinks she is being watched. The three guys had more patience with her than I would have!
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a wonderful cast of characters, and I hope to read their stories too. Steamy in places, tender in others, this book has a bit of something for everyone. Definitely 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!
Sidney escapes from an abusive relationship and zig-zags across America, trying to leave her ex-fiance behind. The trigger for her leaving may come as a surprise, as she suffered through something even worse and stayed. I guess it was the straw that broke the camel's back. She makes her way to Apache Crossing, and finds work as a bartender at the Triple Shot. She is understandably nervous, especially around the brothers who own the bar.
Xavier, Tyce, and Noah, are all very different, but they all agree to go after Sidney. They see something in her that intrigues them, and brings out their protective instincts. Which is a good thing, as she is going to need them.
This was a well-paced story that is both heart-breaking in places, and also full of love and hope. I did find Sidney to be annoying at times, even as I tried to make allowances for her. For someone so scared of being caught by Robert, she has no problem doing stupid things, even after she thinks she is being watched. The three guys had more patience with her than I would have!
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a wonderful cast of characters, and I hope to read their stories too. Steamy in places, tender in others, this book has a bit of something for everyone. Definitely 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!

Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Inspired By Murder in Books
Sep 18, 2018
a good book, just not one for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my coy of this book.
Jumping straight in here, cos this may not make sense but I'll do my best!
Ordinarily, I LOVE getting into the minds of the bad guys. LOVE it, because it happens so rarely. I love being able to follow their twisted convoluted thinking (sometimes, anyway!) and actually being able to follow just WHY they do their thing.
Ordinarily.
But here? Not so much. I don't know if it is the subject matter, or just the way the author tells her tales (first one I've read of this author) or maybe just Eric himself. I dunno. I just didn't (and this is going to sound like I need some serious help!) connect very well with Eric!
He is an aspiring author, but needs the perfect crime. So, why not commit one to get it right?? So he does! He has it all planned out, and carries it off, and then the police start asking questions about his secretary? He is a little thrown off but pulls himself together enough to get justice for her, even if it isn't correct.
Stephenson, the detective in charge of solving the murders of a New York Times best selling romance author and his wife, knows Eric did it, he just has to give him enough rope.
But Eric has some tricks up his sleeve, and some secrets in his closet that throw the whole thing wide open, world wide open! And I DID like that! The man was three steps ahead of Stephenson every step of the way, and Cole pulls a blinder of a plot twist I did not see coming!
I did like the way the story unfolds, the way Eric unravels (sorta) I just don't think THIS particular book did very much for me.
So
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Jumping straight in here, cos this may not make sense but I'll do my best!
Ordinarily, I LOVE getting into the minds of the bad guys. LOVE it, because it happens so rarely. I love being able to follow their twisted convoluted thinking (sometimes, anyway!) and actually being able to follow just WHY they do their thing.
Ordinarily.
But here? Not so much. I don't know if it is the subject matter, or just the way the author tells her tales (first one I've read of this author) or maybe just Eric himself. I dunno. I just didn't (and this is going to sound like I need some serious help!) connect very well with Eric!
He is an aspiring author, but needs the perfect crime. So, why not commit one to get it right?? So he does! He has it all planned out, and carries it off, and then the police start asking questions about his secretary? He is a little thrown off but pulls himself together enough to get justice for her, even if it isn't correct.
Stephenson, the detective in charge of solving the murders of a New York Times best selling romance author and his wife, knows Eric did it, he just has to give him enough rope.
But Eric has some tricks up his sleeve, and some secrets in his closet that throw the whole thing wide open, world wide open! And I DID like that! The man was three steps ahead of Stephenson every step of the way, and Cole pulls a blinder of a plot twist I did not see coming!
I did like the way the story unfolds, the way Eric unravels (sorta) I just don't think THIS particular book did very much for me.
So
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated The Wilderness (Lavender Shores #8) in Books
Sep 26, 2018
the weakest one, for me
(Verified purchase, Sept 12 2018)
This is book 8 in the Lavender Shores series, and you don't NEED to have read the others before this one. I would, however, probably recommend that you read book 6, The Glasshouse. You'll get a better picture of what Will suffered, and it gives a hint to this book!
Will was left at the altar in font of a multi million viewing audience. Andre's wife passed away. Together, they get themselves through a really tough period. But it's not until Will decides to run clear across the world, does Andre realise what Will means to him, and just how much his heart would break, if he lost him.
For me? The weakest of the series, and I've no idea why! And you KNOW how much that pains me!!
I loved the other books, all 4 and 5 stars reads, and I really was looking forward to this one, especially after that hint in book 6, and I really don't know why in falls flat *insert wailing*
It's well told, from both Will and Andre's point of view, in the first person, just like the rest. It's extremely well written and well delivered and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. And I DID read it in one sitting, just like the rest!
It has very early (internal) professions of love, from both guys, and I don't usually like that but its quite some time before they SAY the words. It's a bit more . . . whats the word . . . lovey dovey . . . hearts and flowers . . . . .type of thing, than the rest, or at least I thought so? Maybe that's it?? **insert more wailing**
I just don't know WHY this one didn't hit the spot, and for that I'm sorry. But still a nice read and a good addition to the series.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 8 in the Lavender Shores series, and you don't NEED to have read the others before this one. I would, however, probably recommend that you read book 6, The Glasshouse. You'll get a better picture of what Will suffered, and it gives a hint to this book!
Will was left at the altar in font of a multi million viewing audience. Andre's wife passed away. Together, they get themselves through a really tough period. But it's not until Will decides to run clear across the world, does Andre realise what Will means to him, and just how much his heart would break, if he lost him.
For me? The weakest of the series, and I've no idea why! And you KNOW how much that pains me!!
I loved the other books, all 4 and 5 stars reads, and I really was looking forward to this one, especially after that hint in book 6, and I really don't know why in falls flat *insert wailing*
It's well told, from both Will and Andre's point of view, in the first person, just like the rest. It's extremely well written and well delivered and I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading. And I DID read it in one sitting, just like the rest!
It has very early (internal) professions of love, from both guys, and I don't usually like that but its quite some time before they SAY the words. It's a bit more . . . whats the word . . . lovey dovey . . . hearts and flowers . . . . .type of thing, than the rest, or at least I thought so? Maybe that's it?? **insert more wailing**
I just don't know WHY this one didn't hit the spot, and for that I'm sorry. But still a nice read and a good addition to the series.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Take It All in Books
Oct 11, 2018
smut, in its most pure and beautiful form!
I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the authors, that I write a review was not required.
Quin and Perin write. smut. Pure and simple, down and dirty SMUT. If you don't like smut, steer clear cos let me tell ya, this here is one excellent SMUT book!
Now, I've decided that daddy kink really doesn't do anything for me, not really, but I did read The One With Daddy, since it's the first one in this little smut-fest. It's well written, but from only Dave's point of view. It's sexy, it's hot, HAWT, but it's not really my thang.
The One With The Politician, however, was right up my street! Again, told only from The Politician's point of view, it's all about him getting his rocks off since his wife ain't giving him what he really needs. And boy does he get them off! Hot, HOT HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!
The One With The Jock? I need more of these two! I feel there is a longer story that they need to tell, a story out there, somewhere, in the minds of Quin and Perin and I hope they write it! Please write it!
Then there is a bonus read, that I also feel needs a longer drawn out tale! Reece and Elijah clearly have chemistry, even if they have yet to touch!
These four stories are NOT romances: they are purely and simply sex. And I make NO apologies for loving books such as these! Sometimes, you just need to read about two guys who have explosive chemistry getting down and dirty with each other!
Keep em coming, please God, keep these sorts of books coming at me, cos I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED them in my life!
S0, only because they are so bloody short, and only because one character in each pairing has a say...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Quin and Perin write. smut. Pure and simple, down and dirty SMUT. If you don't like smut, steer clear cos let me tell ya, this here is one excellent SMUT book!
Now, I've decided that daddy kink really doesn't do anything for me, not really, but I did read The One With Daddy, since it's the first one in this little smut-fest. It's well written, but from only Dave's point of view. It's sexy, it's hot, HAWT, but it's not really my thang.
The One With The Politician, however, was right up my street! Again, told only from The Politician's point of view, it's all about him getting his rocks off since his wife ain't giving him what he really needs. And boy does he get them off! Hot, HOT HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!
The One With The Jock? I need more of these two! I feel there is a longer story that they need to tell, a story out there, somewhere, in the minds of Quin and Perin and I hope they write it! Please write it!
Then there is a bonus read, that I also feel needs a longer drawn out tale! Reece and Elijah clearly have chemistry, even if they have yet to touch!
These four stories are NOT romances: they are purely and simply sex. And I make NO apologies for loving books such as these! Sometimes, you just need to read about two guys who have explosive chemistry getting down and dirty with each other!
Keep em coming, please God, keep these sorts of books coming at me, cos I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED them in my life!
S0, only because they are so bloody short, and only because one character in each pairing has a say...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated Bishop Ridge (Sawyer's Ferry #2) in Books
Nov 30, 2018
a far more engaging read than book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the Sawyer's Ferry series. It's not really necessary to read book one, Alaska, first but I would personally say you should. Gage and Holden play a huge part here. And their story is really rather good too!
Jackson walks into Logan's clinic and sparks fly. I mean, even Logan was thinking about going against his doctor/patient rules. But Logan passes Jackson's case to Holden and all bets are off. But both men have a no-repeat rule. So just why are they going for round two, three and more?
Logan is Gage's partner at the hospital and best friend. We met him in Alaska. I'm glad he got his story!
It is again told from both men's point of view in the first person. Not my favourite, but Ms Ashwood seems to somehow negate that fact and I really am enjoying this series.
I loved the fact that this . . . Non-relationship kinda creeps up on both the guys. Its very much a slow burn in regards to the emotions involved for them both. Steam and passion? Immediate and powerful but the emotions creep up on them and it takes a while for them to see. Loved that they both fought it, hard.
Loved how Logan made Jackson admit to his feelings but not what got them to that point! Scary, I was worried!
We never did get to the story about how Jackson has a gunshot wound from 6 years ago, but it's only when typing this up that I realised that!
I gave Alaska 4 stars, but I found myself far more engaged with Logan and Jackson, than I was with Gage and Holden, so. . .
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the Sawyer's Ferry series. It's not really necessary to read book one, Alaska, first but I would personally say you should. Gage and Holden play a huge part here. And their story is really rather good too!
Jackson walks into Logan's clinic and sparks fly. I mean, even Logan was thinking about going against his doctor/patient rules. But Logan passes Jackson's case to Holden and all bets are off. But both men have a no-repeat rule. So just why are they going for round two, three and more?
Logan is Gage's partner at the hospital and best friend. We met him in Alaska. I'm glad he got his story!
It is again told from both men's point of view in the first person. Not my favourite, but Ms Ashwood seems to somehow negate that fact and I really am enjoying this series.
I loved the fact that this . . . Non-relationship kinda creeps up on both the guys. Its very much a slow burn in regards to the emotions involved for them both. Steam and passion? Immediate and powerful but the emotions creep up on them and it takes a while for them to see. Loved that they both fought it, hard.
Loved how Logan made Jackson admit to his feelings but not what got them to that point! Scary, I was worried!
We never did get to the story about how Jackson has a gunshot wound from 6 years ago, but it's only when typing this up that I realised that!
I gave Alaska 4 stars, but I found myself far more engaged with Logan and Jackson, than I was with Gage and Holden, so. . .
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Carma (21 KP) rated When I Lost You in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Logan was looking for a woman who wasnt after him just for this money. Apparently that was just too hard of a mission to accomplish. Taking his 2 friends to Mexico for a guys vacation before Russell gets married was the least he could do for them, and himself. He wasnt expecting to find everything hed ever wanted for himself the first night inside a local club.
Cassie was on vacation with her 2 friends before their lives split them up for a while. Naomi was heading to New York to start her real estate firm and Cassie wanted to soak up every last minute with her best friends before she left. Renting an Airbnb in Mexico seemed like the perfect solution. That first night heading to the club she never imagined she would find the love of her life while standing at the bar.
Logan hid who he really was from Cassie all week while getting to know her and letting her see almost totally who he was, minus the billions. As we all know, lies backfire, even lies by omission. He loses her for 5 years in the blink of an eye.
Now they are both in New York but Cassie isnt Cassie anymore. Aside from calling herself Sandra she is cold, hard and aloof. Not his precious Cassie anymore. He will finally do whatever it takes to never let her go again. Too bad her ex boyfriend is a psycho who wants her back, no matter the cost.
Logan and Cassie overcome misunderstandings and too many lost years to make a perfect team. They will finally know what it is like to no longer be alone. A great read from this author earning 4 ½ stars from this reader. I read an advanced copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Cassie was on vacation with her 2 friends before their lives split them up for a while. Naomi was heading to New York to start her real estate firm and Cassie wanted to soak up every last minute with her best friends before she left. Renting an Airbnb in Mexico seemed like the perfect solution. That first night heading to the club she never imagined she would find the love of her life while standing at the bar.
Logan hid who he really was from Cassie all week while getting to know her and letting her see almost totally who he was, minus the billions. As we all know, lies backfire, even lies by omission. He loses her for 5 years in the blink of an eye.
Now they are both in New York but Cassie isnt Cassie anymore. Aside from calling herself Sandra she is cold, hard and aloof. Not his precious Cassie anymore. He will finally do whatever it takes to never let her go again. Too bad her ex boyfriend is a psycho who wants her back, no matter the cost.
Logan and Cassie overcome misunderstandings and too many lost years to make a perfect team. They will finally know what it is like to no longer be alone. A great read from this author earning 4 ½ stars from this reader. I read an advanced copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
"That's impossible! How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?"
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.

Merissa (12969 KP) rated Rain (A Stranger in the Woods, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Rain is the first book in the A Stranger in the Woods series, and it starts off with a bang. Rose is looking after her younger siblings as her mother struggles to live. There is a plague that has decimated her village, it has already claimed her father, and numerous friends. The person who has been there for Rose throughout is Gunner. They have been best friends for years, but Gunner thinks that he wants to take it further. Everyone else is expecting it, but when it does happen, it's not as Rose imagined. Whilst this is going on, we meet Ryder, a Guardian, who is instantly attracted to Rose for reasons he doesn't really comprehend. Only time will tell how these three will work things out.
Now, where do I start? This story is fresh and original, it is compelling, it is heartbreaking, it is hopeful. India R. Adams has a way of writing that draws you in, that makes you want to read more, even at stupid o'clock! I will admit to be slightly worried at the start as love triangles aren't really my thing, but how this story was told... well, it all just makes sense! I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Of course, I mean that generally as there are parts that had me sobbing. With feisty families, fabulous friends, gorgeous Guardians, and more 'bad guys' than you can shake a stick at, there is something here for everyone.
This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. I really can't recommend it highly enough, if you are looking for a fresh paranormal/fantasy romance. Absolutely brilliant! Also, have you SEEN that cover? Simply stunning, I love it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, where do I start? This story is fresh and original, it is compelling, it is heartbreaking, it is hopeful. India R. Adams has a way of writing that draws you in, that makes you want to read more, even at stupid o'clock! I will admit to be slightly worried at the start as love triangles aren't really my thing, but how this story was told... well, it all just makes sense! I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Of course, I mean that generally as there are parts that had me sobbing. With feisty families, fabulous friends, gorgeous Guardians, and more 'bad guys' than you can shake a stick at, there is something here for everyone.
This book was extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow. I really can't recommend it highly enough, if you are looking for a fresh paranormal/fantasy romance. Absolutely brilliant! Also, have you SEEN that cover? Simply stunning, I love it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Nov 25, 2019 (Updated Nov 26, 2019)
And the Oscar goes to...
First things first, you can not start a review of Joker without mentioning the lead performance from Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. I would say he is probably an evens favourite to take home the best actor Oscar at next years ceremony.
As for the movie itself, Tod Phillips take on Joker almost feels like a tribute to early Martin Scorsese movies, with the most obvious being Taxi Driver & The King of Comedy, both starring Robert De Niro who also appears here. This is certainly not a bad thing as they are brilliant pieces of cinema, that will stand the test of time. As will Joker in my opinion for it's excellent cinematography & gritty authenticity, I think people will still be talking about this movie for many years to come.
There are a few very slight flaws that I could point out. The first being that because it is so Scorsese like, for me it loses the feeling of being set in Gotham city and just feels very much like we are in New York city. Secondly the Wayne's and Alfred are very much portrayed as the bad guys in this movie, in my opinion I felt myself siding with Arthur/Joker a little too much maybe, which makes you lose all sympathy for the reason Batman became the Dark Knight in the first place. Last but not least the very controversial choice of adding a Gary Glitter song at a pivotal point of the movie, is a strange choice to say the least.
Overall Joker is an exceptional character study of a very disturbed individual with many mental health issues, add to that a superb performance by Joaquin Phoenix and I think you have a movie that will only get better with time and become a genre classic. With the huge box office success, I just hope DC keep this grim, very true to life approach for their future Batman projects.
As for the movie itself, Tod Phillips take on Joker almost feels like a tribute to early Martin Scorsese movies, with the most obvious being Taxi Driver & The King of Comedy, both starring Robert De Niro who also appears here. This is certainly not a bad thing as they are brilliant pieces of cinema, that will stand the test of time. As will Joker in my opinion for it's excellent cinematography & gritty authenticity, I think people will still be talking about this movie for many years to come.
There are a few very slight flaws that I could point out. The first being that because it is so Scorsese like, for me it loses the feeling of being set in Gotham city and just feels very much like we are in New York city. Secondly the Wayne's and Alfred are very much portrayed as the bad guys in this movie, in my opinion I felt myself siding with Arthur/Joker a little too much maybe, which makes you lose all sympathy for the reason Batman became the Dark Knight in the first place. Last but not least the very controversial choice of adding a Gary Glitter song at a pivotal point of the movie, is a strange choice to say the least.
Overall Joker is an exceptional character study of a very disturbed individual with many mental health issues, add to that a superb performance by Joaquin Phoenix and I think you have a movie that will only get better with time and become a genre classic. With the huge box office success, I just hope DC keep this grim, very true to life approach for their future Batman projects.