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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Treasure, Darkly in Books
Aug 16, 2019
Jordan Elizabeth tackles steampunk fiction in her new young adult series Treasure Chronicles. In the first book of the series, Treasure, Darkly we are introduced to seventeen-year-old Clark Treasure who pinches a bottle of what he assumes is absinthe from a captain's pocket. After drinking it, however, Clark discovers he has ingested a liquid that gives him the power to awaken the dead. Wanted by the army to be experimented on, Clark goes into hiding and searches for the man he believes to be his father - one of the wealthiest men in the world, Garth Treasure.
On the Treasure ranch, Clark receives a warm welcome from his supposed father and step-mother, however, his half-brothers are not so keen on his arrival. His half-sister Amethyst, on the other hand, is an entirely different battle. Romance blossoms between the two siblings, which Clark has to fight... or perhaps there is a chance he is not really her brother?
Being on a Wanted list and coping with an illicit relationship is only part of Clark's troubles. The liquid he stole also allows him to see the dead and some of them have unfinished business, with which only Clark can help them. Full of adventure, danger, love and science fiction, Treasure, Darkly is a story packed with twists and turns. The characters evoke emotion in readers, causing us to either love or hate them but, ultimately, wish for Clark's success and safety.
Treasure Chronicles promises to be an exciting, engaging series for those who love fantasy, science fiction, romance and historical stories. With never a dull moment, Clark Treasure's plight will attract new and old readers of Jordan Elizabeth.
On the Treasure ranch, Clark receives a warm welcome from his supposed father and step-mother, however, his half-brothers are not so keen on his arrival. His half-sister Amethyst, on the other hand, is an entirely different battle. Romance blossoms between the two siblings, which Clark has to fight... or perhaps there is a chance he is not really her brother?
Being on a Wanted list and coping with an illicit relationship is only part of Clark's troubles. The liquid he stole also allows him to see the dead and some of them have unfinished business, with which only Clark can help them. Full of adventure, danger, love and science fiction, Treasure, Darkly is a story packed with twists and turns. The characters evoke emotion in readers, causing us to either love or hate them but, ultimately, wish for Clark's success and safety.
Treasure Chronicles promises to be an exciting, engaging series for those who love fantasy, science fiction, romance and historical stories. With never a dull moment, Clark Treasure's plight will attract new and old readers of Jordan Elizabeth.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Walking Dead - Season 3 in TV
Aug 16, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
Contains spoilers, click to show
The third season of The Walking Dead is fairly up and down.
It's not as consistent as the first two for sure.
It's still pretty decent television however.
There's a large Shane shaped hole left after the finale of season 2 - filled by none other than The Governor. He's a piece of work for sure.
I enjoyed The Governor throughout season 3, although a lot of my friends who are fans of the comic protest that he's a far cry from the source material. As someone who is yet to catch up with the comic series, this wasn't a problem for me. He's played with aplomb by David Morrissey, who's obviously having a great time. On the surface, he's a nice guy, who's trying to help his people thrive in a post apocalyptic world - but there's certainly something sinister underneath.
We're also given back Merle, which is great because Michael Rooker. No other reason needed!
After a very brief appearance at the end of season 2, we also get a lot of fan favourite Michonne here, one of my favourite characters in the whole show, played by Danai Gurira.
As in the first two seasons, the cast are pretty great all round. No complaints from me in that respect.
It's the story which takes a bit of a hit. The majority of the season is set in a Prison, and the Governor's story is pretty slow burning as he grows to hate Rick. Some of the episodes feel like filler, with some really strong episodes dotted throughout (the fourth episode in particular is a blinder)
This is an issue that becomes more obvious as the series draw on but at this point isn't severe enough to make a huge impact.
It's still good, gory, bleak, fun? I guess?
#Justice4HershelsFoot
It's not as consistent as the first two for sure.
It's still pretty decent television however.
There's a large Shane shaped hole left after the finale of season 2 - filled by none other than The Governor. He's a piece of work for sure.
I enjoyed The Governor throughout season 3, although a lot of my friends who are fans of the comic protest that he's a far cry from the source material. As someone who is yet to catch up with the comic series, this wasn't a problem for me. He's played with aplomb by David Morrissey, who's obviously having a great time. On the surface, he's a nice guy, who's trying to help his people thrive in a post apocalyptic world - but there's certainly something sinister underneath.
We're also given back Merle, which is great because Michael Rooker. No other reason needed!
After a very brief appearance at the end of season 2, we also get a lot of fan favourite Michonne here, one of my favourite characters in the whole show, played by Danai Gurira.
As in the first two seasons, the cast are pretty great all round. No complaints from me in that respect.
It's the story which takes a bit of a hit. The majority of the season is set in a Prison, and the Governor's story is pretty slow burning as he grows to hate Rick. Some of the episodes feel like filler, with some really strong episodes dotted throughout (the fourth episode in particular is a blinder)
This is an issue that becomes more obvious as the series draw on but at this point isn't severe enough to make a huge impact.
It's still good, gory, bleak, fun? I guess?
#Justice4HershelsFoot
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated 500 Days of Summer (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
The ever-quirky Zooey Deschanel stars alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt reemerging from “10 Things I Hate About You” in the odd tale “(500) Days of Summer”.
This is the story of Tom an unhappy greeting card writer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls for his boss’s personal assistant, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). As the two become friends Summer reveals to the infatuated Tom that she does not believe in love. Dispute her disbelief the two begin spending time together and eventually friendship blossoms into an intimate relationship. This must be love, right?
Summer and Tom begin an on again off again romance, that centers around Tom’s constant optimism that she is indeed the one for him. But Summer’s inconsistent reactions and lack of desire for commitment leave the audience wondering how the scenario is going to work out.
The film uses a five hundred day counter to expose the story in a non-linear fashion, which would have been interesting if it had anything to do with the plot. There was no mystery unearthed or even character traits exposed through the wacky timeline, it simply kept viewers constantly aware of Tom’s unfortunate situation.
Among the film’s highlights are a choreographed dance sequence, interesting split screen photography, and sensational employment of color. Additionally simple yet strong costume choices, artistic use of architecture, fun music and witty interpersonal banter carry this otherwise depressing film.
Creating an overall disenchantment with relationships and a seething dislike for Summer make this film is far from jovial, but it does offer a darker perspective into the realistic nature of relationships.
Both leads deliver strong performances but the film was unexpectedly melancholy. “(500) Days of Summer” is simply trying too hard and making viewers feel bad in the process.
This is the story of Tom an unhappy greeting card writer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls for his boss’s personal assistant, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). As the two become friends Summer reveals to the infatuated Tom that she does not believe in love. Dispute her disbelief the two begin spending time together and eventually friendship blossoms into an intimate relationship. This must be love, right?
Summer and Tom begin an on again off again romance, that centers around Tom’s constant optimism that she is indeed the one for him. But Summer’s inconsistent reactions and lack of desire for commitment leave the audience wondering how the scenario is going to work out.
The film uses a five hundred day counter to expose the story in a non-linear fashion, which would have been interesting if it had anything to do with the plot. There was no mystery unearthed or even character traits exposed through the wacky timeline, it simply kept viewers constantly aware of Tom’s unfortunate situation.
Among the film’s highlights are a choreographed dance sequence, interesting split screen photography, and sensational employment of color. Additionally simple yet strong costume choices, artistic use of architecture, fun music and witty interpersonal banter carry this otherwise depressing film.
Creating an overall disenchantment with relationships and a seething dislike for Summer make this film is far from jovial, but it does offer a darker perspective into the realistic nature of relationships.
Both leads deliver strong performances but the film was unexpectedly melancholy. “(500) Days of Summer” is simply trying too hard and making viewers feel bad in the process.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The Grinch (2018) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
This iteration of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic is from Universal Studios and Illumination (the creators that brought you “Despicable Me” and “Minions”). You may recognize the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch (The Grinch), Rashida Jones (Donna Who, Cindy-Lou Who’s mother), Kenan Thompson (Mr. Bricklebaum The Grinch’s closest, by distance, neighbor), Pharrell Williams (The Narrator) and Angela Landsbury (The Mayor).
The storyline follows the original story loosely, focusing on The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. We are given a look at how The Grinch came to hate Christmas. The back story credibly explains why he despises the holiday and all that goes with it. We do get to see his relationship with his loyal dog Max. The Grinch is portrayed as a grump, but he is endearing to his dog.
Cindy-Lou Who has a plan to execute in order to accomplish her Christmas wish. We learn that her wish is for her mom and she feels it important to get her message to Santa in time for Christmas day. With her best friend Axl and the rest of her gang, they hatch a plan for Cindy to catch Santa and give him the message. Meanwhile, The Grinch has his own Christmas plans to put together.
The movie has the basic framework of the Seuss holiday tale, the animated feature gives the characters more of a personality than the original. We are endeared to Cindy-Lou Who and her friends that support her dreams as well as seeing The Grinch showing that he loves his dog, the loyal companion and helper. He is not all bad and is redeemable.
“The Grinch” is a cute, charming family film that brings the audience into the Holiday Season. It is a movie that the little ones can appreciate and the adults can enjoy as well. This is a good, kid friendly, animated feature.
The storyline follows the original story loosely, focusing on The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. We are given a look at how The Grinch came to hate Christmas. The back story credibly explains why he despises the holiday and all that goes with it. We do get to see his relationship with his loyal dog Max. The Grinch is portrayed as a grump, but he is endearing to his dog.
Cindy-Lou Who has a plan to execute in order to accomplish her Christmas wish. We learn that her wish is for her mom and she feels it important to get her message to Santa in time for Christmas day. With her best friend Axl and the rest of her gang, they hatch a plan for Cindy to catch Santa and give him the message. Meanwhile, The Grinch has his own Christmas plans to put together.
The movie has the basic framework of the Seuss holiday tale, the animated feature gives the characters more of a personality than the original. We are endeared to Cindy-Lou Who and her friends that support her dreams as well as seeing The Grinch showing that he loves his dog, the loyal companion and helper. He is not all bad and is redeemable.
“The Grinch” is a cute, charming family film that brings the audience into the Holiday Season. It is a movie that the little ones can appreciate and the adults can enjoy as well. This is a good, kid friendly, animated feature.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Girls of Paper and Fire in Books
Jan 26, 2019
A fresh YA fantasy
Natasha Ngan created a fascinating world in GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE, it was complex and yet not difficult to grasp a hold of. It is a world of castes, paper, moon, steel and demon, with the Demon King at the head. Lei is paper caste, the most lowly of the castes but there is something special about her, her eyes. She is kidnapped and brought to be one of the honoured paper girls that the king gets to choose and bed for a year as he wishes. A grim life for a 17 year old.
This is a tale of politics, war, oppression, slavery and fear. Lei embarks in a journey from fearful new paper girl to a young woman who has a streak of fearless bravery, almost foolish at times. The land of the Demon King was colourful and diverse, the descriptions were excellent and my mind supplied all the mental pictures that I needed. The characters were a range of sweet, fiery, plain mean and evil.
The diversity elements of this book were fabulous. I welcomed the relationship between Lei and Wren and yet sometimes I struggled to connect with their coupling because the chemistry lacked a little something. This being a first in the series, I am hoping for more of a a build in the relationship between these two. The sisterly relationships of the paper girls were almost like a high school corridor with the resident mean girl, Blue. In addition, I loved to hate the Demon King, he really was vile.
This had both a sense of completion and an “oh heck, what” moment at the end. I am definitely looking forward to catching up with these characters again and finding out what happens in this world.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
This is a tale of politics, war, oppression, slavery and fear. Lei embarks in a journey from fearful new paper girl to a young woman who has a streak of fearless bravery, almost foolish at times. The land of the Demon King was colourful and diverse, the descriptions were excellent and my mind supplied all the mental pictures that I needed. The characters were a range of sweet, fiery, plain mean and evil.
The diversity elements of this book were fabulous. I welcomed the relationship between Lei and Wren and yet sometimes I struggled to connect with their coupling because the chemistry lacked a little something. This being a first in the series, I am hoping for more of a a build in the relationship between these two. The sisterly relationships of the paper girls were almost like a high school corridor with the resident mean girl, Blue. In addition, I loved to hate the Demon King, he really was vile.
This had both a sense of completion and an “oh heck, what” moment at the end. I am definitely looking forward to catching up with these characters again and finding out what happens in this world.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Lighthouse (2019) in Movies
Nov 7, 2019
Just when you thought it wasn't possible for Willem Dafoe's expressions to haunt you in your dreams they go and cast him as a crazed lighthouse keeper in a moody black and white film.
This won't be like any of my other reviews because honestly I'm mainly done with this film.
There's no denying that the look of the film was amazing and it captured an "authentic" oldie feel. The film was shot in 1.19:1 ratio which left you with an almost square frame. I have no problem with that as an idea but it's not like the rest of the screen disappears, if it was shown on that sized screen then fine but it's not, it's shown on modern wise screen and it's distracting.
Dafoe gave nothing less than you'd expect, though I don't know if I was sad or relieved to learn that they added his farts in post. Pattinson, despite that accent, gave a good performance and I honestly never thought I'd say that out loud.
Despite these great performnces I couldn't have cared less about the story and anything that happened. I'd say it felt pretentious but I really feel like this was a short that somehow got away with itself.
Two final things:
A24 have not managed to change my love/hate relationship with their movies.
Pattingson as Winslow does something that I think everyone in Bristol has thought about doing at least once with a seagull.
What you should do
I imagine you're all going to watch it regardless of what I say.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
You can take anything you want about this film, I don't want it.
This won't be like any of my other reviews because honestly I'm mainly done with this film.
There's no denying that the look of the film was amazing and it captured an "authentic" oldie feel. The film was shot in 1.19:1 ratio which left you with an almost square frame. I have no problem with that as an idea but it's not like the rest of the screen disappears, if it was shown on that sized screen then fine but it's not, it's shown on modern wise screen and it's distracting.
Dafoe gave nothing less than you'd expect, though I don't know if I was sad or relieved to learn that they added his farts in post. Pattinson, despite that accent, gave a good performance and I honestly never thought I'd say that out loud.
Despite these great performnces I couldn't have cared less about the story and anything that happened. I'd say it felt pretentious but I really feel like this was a short that somehow got away with itself.
Two final things:
A24 have not managed to change my love/hate relationship with their movies.
Pattingson as Winslow does something that I think everyone in Bristol has thought about doing at least once with a seagull.
What you should do
I imagine you're all going to watch it regardless of what I say.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
You can take anything you want about this film, I don't want it.
Leigh J (71 KP) rated American Psycho (2000) in Movies
Nov 10, 2019
Hip to be square... and psychotic?!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Patrick Bateman has everything; a high rank Mergers and Acquisitions job at Pierce and Pierce, a gorgeous (expensive) Apartment, a beautiful Fiancee and an extremely active social life. But, he's psychotic, and, after a few cheeky murders of Co-Workers and complete strangers alike, is on the verge of snapping completely. This is his descent into madness...
Based on the Novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis; American Psycho is a very chic, bloodsplattered love letter to the '80s. I love the New Wave Soundtrack which complements the film perfectly; especially when paired with Music fan Bateman's own two cents about certain Bands and tracks. The Cast are absolutely amazing; I love how connected they are to each other yet also hopelessly disconnected because of their jobs and knowing so many people (for example, when Patrick says the name Ed Gein, one of his "friends" says "The maitre 'd at Canal Bar?") that Bateman can get away with murder because they swear he was having Dinner with them the night of the murder! One thing that really does stick out to me about American Psycho (and still bothers me to this very day) is the HUGE ambiguity, which will make some people scratch their heads and question everything. I like ambiguity and I think American Psycho makes it work, and definitely sparks a conversation, but some people hate the Movie for those moments. It doesn't detract from how wonderful the Movie is though, and American Psycho is a cinematic beauty that should be watched by everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return some Videotapes...
Based on the Novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis; American Psycho is a very chic, bloodsplattered love letter to the '80s. I love the New Wave Soundtrack which complements the film perfectly; especially when paired with Music fan Bateman's own two cents about certain Bands and tracks. The Cast are absolutely amazing; I love how connected they are to each other yet also hopelessly disconnected because of their jobs and knowing so many people (for example, when Patrick says the name Ed Gein, one of his "friends" says "The maitre 'd at Canal Bar?") that Bateman can get away with murder because they swear he was having Dinner with them the night of the murder! One thing that really does stick out to me about American Psycho (and still bothers me to this very day) is the HUGE ambiguity, which will make some people scratch their heads and question everything. I like ambiguity and I think American Psycho makes it work, and definitely sparks a conversation, but some people hate the Movie for those moments. It doesn't detract from how wonderful the Movie is though, and American Psycho is a cinematic beauty that should be watched by everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return some Videotapes...
Erika (17788 KP) rated Bombshell (2019) in Movies
Jan 19, 2020
I had zero expectation going into this film. I like Charlize Theron, so that was the main reason I watched it. Her prosthetics did make her look exactly like Megyn Kelly.
My biggest issue was the subject matter. My parents are super conservative, so Fox News is what I grew up watching (and always questioned). It's obvious everyone in Hollywood (aside from a few), hate Fox News so much that it's palpable. Personally, I can detect bias and think for myself, so I think all news channels are terrible. I want to know where the Harvey Weinstein movie is.... I believe the saying is, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Anyway, that was my biggest hitching point. I am so glad that they just talked about the harassment, and did not show most of it. I believe instead of using the fake, made up character of 'Kayla' was unnecessary. I would have preferred the use of someone who had actually been harassed. Kate McKinnon was annoying as ever, and she added absolutely nothing to the film.
Honestly, it held my attention, even though it was semi-eye roll inducing. Personally, I know why Megyn Kelly did not speak up until years later, because I've been harassed at 2 different employments. You just block it out and get through the day. I did think the trouser thing was hilarious, not allowing the females to wear them. I had an employer tell me that once, and my response was to tell them to go suck an egg.
So, I guess in summation, the aspects I liked of it were situations I could relate to. The hype for this film is not justified, in my eyes.
My biggest issue was the subject matter. My parents are super conservative, so Fox News is what I grew up watching (and always questioned). It's obvious everyone in Hollywood (aside from a few), hate Fox News so much that it's palpable. Personally, I can detect bias and think for myself, so I think all news channels are terrible. I want to know where the Harvey Weinstein movie is.... I believe the saying is, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Anyway, that was my biggest hitching point. I am so glad that they just talked about the harassment, and did not show most of it. I believe instead of using the fake, made up character of 'Kayla' was unnecessary. I would have preferred the use of someone who had actually been harassed. Kate McKinnon was annoying as ever, and she added absolutely nothing to the film.
Honestly, it held my attention, even though it was semi-eye roll inducing. Personally, I know why Megyn Kelly did not speak up until years later, because I've been harassed at 2 different employments. You just block it out and get through the day. I did think the trouser thing was hilarious, not allowing the females to wear them. I had an employer tell me that once, and my response was to tell them to go suck an egg.
So, I guess in summation, the aspects I liked of it were situations I could relate to. The hype for this film is not justified, in my eyes.
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated A Serious Man (2009) in Movies
Jan 21, 2020
Old Movie Revisited: A Serious Man. A friend just asked me what I was watching, I said A Serious Man, a Coen Brothers movie. The reply, I hate them... I freaking love them. Who else can tell the tale of a man and his life totally unraveling and still be able to laugh at it, like the Coen Bros. Oh well... The movie tells the tale of Larry Gopnik, and like I said, his life is falling apart. It all starts one day as he's sitting in his office, a college psychics teacher, and a student tries to bribe him for a passing grade, goes home, his neighbor is going over property lines with a lawnmower and making things look shitty, his brother is living with them because someone has a gambling problem, his daughter is stealing money from his wallet to save up for a nose job, and his son owes 20 bucks to the fat drug dealer up the street. And of course right before dinner, his wife lets him know she wants a quickie divorce so she can be with a another man, a good friend of the family. And thats the first 20 minutes. For the rest of the flick, it seems Larry just wants to make everyone happy tho his own life is going insanely out of control, all while staying within the confines of his religion. And thanks to the Coen brothers the Jewish faith looks totally insane (Being fair, all religion to me is insane) It really was an awesome movie, pulls you in with a great story and great acting, Michael Stuhlbarg, not exactly a household name, was excellent as Larry!! And right before the credits roll. It kicks you in the balls one last time, its great!
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Fifty Shades Freed (2018) in Movies
Jan 15, 2020
I think this may be a first for me - I think I liked the movie more than I liked the book. *GASP* I know. I am usually the last person to say that. There are several movie adaptations of books that I hate because they just miss the mark. This isn't one. If you've read my review of the book, then you know that there's a whole section of the book that I think is useless involving Ana's stepdad, Ray. (No spoilers, but it's useless. Literally adds nothing to the story.) I'm so happy that they didn't end up putting that in the film. It would've added probably 30 minutes of dead footage that wouldn't have advanced the plot in any way.
In terms of the acting and the dialogue, as well as the plot, I think this is the best of all three of them. Not only is it the climax of the plot between the three films, but I also think that it showcases Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan far better than any of the other films. Jamie has even said that Christian is hard to like in the first film and he is, I think Ana is too. But to see the story unfold, round out, and finish, it's incredibly satisfying. Of course, there are things that they had in the book that they didn't have in the movie - I would've loved the full epilogue to be shot - but overall, I think that this movie is the one that comes out on top, along with the novel. Definitely a guilty pleasure and I'm sure I'll find myself watching it every couple of months just for a good time.
In terms of the acting and the dialogue, as well as the plot, I think this is the best of all three of them. Not only is it the climax of the plot between the three films, but I also think that it showcases Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan far better than any of the other films. Jamie has even said that Christian is hard to like in the first film and he is, I think Ana is too. But to see the story unfold, round out, and finish, it's incredibly satisfying. Of course, there are things that they had in the book that they didn't have in the movie - I would've loved the full epilogue to be shot - but overall, I think that this movie is the one that comes out on top, along with the novel. Definitely a guilty pleasure and I'm sure I'll find myself watching it every couple of months just for a good time.