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ClareR (5950 KP) rated Muse of Nightmares in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Just read this book
This is so good. Ok, I could stop right there with this review, really. If you haven't read Strange the Dreamer, then what are you doing here? Go and read it immediately, then come back and read this one. You won't regret it (well, if you don't like Fantasy, you might. I can't say as I haven't tried to convince you though!).
Two new characters pop up in this book: Kora and Nova, and I couldn't for the life of me work out why. Of course it all becomes clear as the book goes on. I loved the way their story was woven into the story of Lazlo, Sarai, Minya, Ruby, Sparrow and Feral.
Laini Taylor writes beautifully, I love her style. It's dreamlike, really.
I'll leave you with a bit from the blurb, because it says it all so well:
"Must heroes always slay monsters, or is is possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to Strange the Dreamer"
They're right: it is gorgeous. Just read it and see.
Two new characters pop up in this book: Kora and Nova, and I couldn't for the life of me work out why. Of course it all becomes clear as the book goes on. I loved the way their story was woven into the story of Lazlo, Sarai, Minya, Ruby, Sparrow and Feral.
Laini Taylor writes beautifully, I love her style. It's dreamlike, really.
I'll leave you with a bit from the blurb, because it says it all so well:
"Must heroes always slay monsters, or is is possible to save them instead? Love and hate, revenge and redemption, destruction and salvation all clash in this gorgeous sequel to Strange the Dreamer"
They're right: it is gorgeous. Just read it and see.

Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot (2018) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019
The best Nazi/Bigfoot movie you'll see this year!
I was intrigued when I first read about this film. Not since "Saving Private Ryan" has a movie's plot been so well conveyed in its title alone.
I never thought I would be watching a story about love and regret based on the film's premise and first act. The movie is all over the place at times and doesn't really know what type of film it wants to be, but if you just accept the unusual premise the film works as entertainment alone.
The old man regrets some of the choices he has made in his life, but also stands by them at the same time.
The movie is told both present day 1987 and in flashback during World War II. The premise being the man who killed the head of the Nazi party who spread disease throughout the world is again called upon to eliminate another menace threatening global safety.
I could see how some could totally hate the idea and execution of this, but I found it different and delightful.
I never thought I would be watching a story about love and regret based on the film's premise and first act. The movie is all over the place at times and doesn't really know what type of film it wants to be, but if you just accept the unusual premise the film works as entertainment alone.
The old man regrets some of the choices he has made in his life, but also stands by them at the same time.
The movie is told both present day 1987 and in flashback during World War II. The premise being the man who killed the head of the Nazi party who spread disease throughout the world is again called upon to eliminate another menace threatening global safety.
I could see how some could totally hate the idea and execution of this, but I found it different and delightful.

Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated RuPaul's Drag Race in TV
Jan 5, 2020 (Updated Mar 27, 2020)
The Shade! (2 more)
The T
Get those nuts away from MY face!
Such good watching Queen
Gag me with a Delorian! This is some dam good TV. It's a wounderfull look into the world of drag, and the culture around it.
You love some queens, you hate some others, and it can be an emotional rollercoaster.
The Smash Game is the one I look forward to, and gurl! Does it deliver!!!
There is so much brutal honesty and the mix of love and confirm is great. Yes, it is edited, yes, there is a lot we do not see. But instead of think about the fun and the joy of watching this program, and think instead of the acceptance and mainstream love for this community that has come out of this program. Introducing an entire generation to drag and teaching us that love is love!
Oh and Ru and Michelle are so funny! Please see What's The T! Review to follow.
If you can't love yourself, how in the he'll are you gonna love somebody else?
Can I get an Amen!?
You love some queens, you hate some others, and it can be an emotional rollercoaster.
The Smash Game is the one I look forward to, and gurl! Does it deliver!!!
There is so much brutal honesty and the mix of love and confirm is great. Yes, it is edited, yes, there is a lot we do not see. But instead of think about the fun and the joy of watching this program, and think instead of the acceptance and mainstream love for this community that has come out of this program. Introducing an entire generation to drag and teaching us that love is love!
Oh and Ru and Michelle are so funny! Please see What's The T! Review to follow.
If you can't love yourself, how in the he'll are you gonna love somebody else?
Can I get an Amen!?

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Mar 22, 2020
Could've been better
Shazam has been on my box to watch for quite some time, and after finally being persuaded to watch it I have to say I'l was a little unimpressed.
This is a very child orientated and almost childish film, which for me was a surprise considering it's set in the DC universe. Understandable to a point as the main character is a 14 year old child, but some of the silly childish jokes and the very super cheesy family friendly final act made me cringe. There were some decent laughs and these mainly came from Zachary Levi acting like a teenager. Levi shines in this film and if it wasn't for him this film would've been pretty dire. Even the usually reliable Mark Strong was wasted in this, and his villain wasn't particularly evil - although the effects used for the seven deadly sins were quite impressive.
Overall this was a rather underwhelming film that dragged on for a little too long. Whilst I didnt hate it as it did at least raise a few laughs, it's not a film I'd rush to watch again.
This is a very child orientated and almost childish film, which for me was a surprise considering it's set in the DC universe. Understandable to a point as the main character is a 14 year old child, but some of the silly childish jokes and the very super cheesy family friendly final act made me cringe. There were some decent laughs and these mainly came from Zachary Levi acting like a teenager. Levi shines in this film and if it wasn't for him this film would've been pretty dire. Even the usually reliable Mark Strong was wasted in this, and his villain wasn't particularly evil - although the effects used for the seven deadly sins were quite impressive.
Overall this was a rather underwhelming film that dragged on for a little too long. Whilst I didnt hate it as it did at least raise a few laughs, it's not a film I'd rush to watch again.

Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Dracula in TV
Apr 10, 2020
I missed this over Christmas so was quite chuffed to win a copy in a Smashbomb give away.
After watching all 3 episodes I have to say it takes some serious liberties with the source material (particularly in the devisive third episode) but as a whole I really enjoyed this. I am a fan of Sherlock (particularly the early episodes) so I liked what the team did here. The look is suitably gothic with a nice stream of dark humour running through. The production values and special effects were also quite impressive for a beeb production. I had never heard of Claes Bang before this but I have to say he was a brilliant bit of casting as Dracula.. charismatic and brooding.
Allot of people seem to hate episode 3 bringing Dracula to the present day but I personally found that episode allot of fun and an improvement over the slightly slow 2nd episode. (The first was the best by far though)
Overall though the series isn't quite something that will be regarded as a classic in years to come but I had fun watching it and will certainly recommend it.
After watching all 3 episodes I have to say it takes some serious liberties with the source material (particularly in the devisive third episode) but as a whole I really enjoyed this. I am a fan of Sherlock (particularly the early episodes) so I liked what the team did here. The look is suitably gothic with a nice stream of dark humour running through. The production values and special effects were also quite impressive for a beeb production. I had never heard of Claes Bang before this but I have to say he was a brilliant bit of casting as Dracula.. charismatic and brooding.
Allot of people seem to hate episode 3 bringing Dracula to the present day but I personally found that episode allot of fun and an improvement over the slightly slow 2nd episode. (The first was the best by far though)
Overall though the series isn't quite something that will be regarded as a classic in years to come but I had fun watching it and will certainly recommend it.

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) in Movies
Apr 23, 2020 (Updated Apr 24, 2020)
Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, is the fifth installment of the mission: impossible franchise. This one is better than the fourth one in my opinon. The plot is better, the action is better, the villian is better and the risk/higher steaks are better. I will rank the films after i watch the 6th one, but right now as it stands it goes... 3, 5, 1, 4 and 2.
The plot: With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat -- called the Syndicate -- soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation.
Sean Harris was excellent as the villian, second to phillip seymour hoffman. You really got to hate his guts. Such a badass villian.
A excellent movie, a huge plus from the 4th one.
The plot: With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat -- called the Syndicate -- soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation.
Sean Harris was excellent as the villian, second to phillip seymour hoffman. You really got to hate his guts. Such a badass villian.
A excellent movie, a huge plus from the 4th one.

Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) in Movies
Apr 30, 2020
I am surprised at how much I liked this film. I think there is just as much to love as there is to hate - just like the first one - but I think the love outweighs a bit more! I think Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are what make this film. Their chemistry and their acting are incredible and one that can't be beaten by any other characters in this film.
The action scenes were fun to watch - Times Square, the power grid, the clock tower - but I do agree with some other reviewers in that it does start slow. Despite everything, I am really bummed that they didn't finish out the trilogy. My biggest pet peeve when it comes to film is when a studio starts a series and then doesn't finish it. I'd almost be happier to see it be done and be bad, than have it not be done at all. But what do I know?
I can't say I'll ever watch this film again unless I find myself weirdly craving Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man (which seems unlikely), but I am glad I watched it.
The action scenes were fun to watch - Times Square, the power grid, the clock tower - but I do agree with some other reviewers in that it does start slow. Despite everything, I am really bummed that they didn't finish out the trilogy. My biggest pet peeve when it comes to film is when a studio starts a series and then doesn't finish it. I'd almost be happier to see it be done and be bad, than have it not be done at all. But what do I know?
I can't say I'll ever watch this film again unless I find myself weirdly craving Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man (which seems unlikely), but I am glad I watched it.

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