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Kyera (8 KP) rated Batman: Nightwalker - DC Icons Book 2 in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Batman: Nightwalker gives us an origin story for the Caped Crusader that we didn't know we needed - even if it doesn't feel like the dark, gritty Batman we know from the Dark Knight or the comics. Bruce is an eighteen-year-old boy who is still trying to figure out who he is in a world where his parents were murdered when he was a child and he has just come into their vast fortune. He struggles to figure out how to live up to his parents' legacy and finds himself in a dangerous situation.
If you go into this book expecting Batman, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. This is a teenaged boy who is realizing that he wants to do more for his city and is coming to the conclusion that Bruce Wayne might not be enough. This book is his real origin story and Marie Lu brings his transformation back to its roots. We meet the boy who will one day become Batman, not the man we are familiar with as the Dark Knight.
I really enjoyed getting to know young Bruce in this story, although Alfred certainly stole the show. You could feel the bond that they had with one another, which translated so much more authentically than some of the other relationships in the story. I felt that Diane and Harvey were a little underdeveloped in the story, so I never really formed a connection with them. I really enjoyed the little cameos from characters we're familiar with and the characterization of people that we know are much more important in the Batman mythology in later years.
Superhero books are definitely difficult to write because they're so action heavy and as a result, visual, but I feel that Lu managed to capture the kinesthetic nature of the book well. She definitely delved more into Batman's detective nature, which was really nice because we don't see that as often as his fighting bad guys schtick. If you're interested in seeing the detective Batman dig into mysteries and try to foil a criminal organization than you should enjoy this book - just don't expect giant action-packed fight scenes.
I have really enjoyed the DC Icons series thus far because it brings the characters we've grown familiar with back to their roots. They're teenagers who are still figuring out who they are in the world, regardless of their future superhero journey. They are fragile and unsure, yet with a thirst for justice that one day will allow them to grow into the superheroes we know and love.
If you go into this book expecting Batman, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. This is a teenaged boy who is realizing that he wants to do more for his city and is coming to the conclusion that Bruce Wayne might not be enough. This book is his real origin story and Marie Lu brings his transformation back to its roots. We meet the boy who will one day become Batman, not the man we are familiar with as the Dark Knight.
I really enjoyed getting to know young Bruce in this story, although Alfred certainly stole the show. You could feel the bond that they had with one another, which translated so much more authentically than some of the other relationships in the story. I felt that Diane and Harvey were a little underdeveloped in the story, so I never really formed a connection with them. I really enjoyed the little cameos from characters we're familiar with and the characterization of people that we know are much more important in the Batman mythology in later years.
Superhero books are definitely difficult to write because they're so action heavy and as a result, visual, but I feel that Lu managed to capture the kinesthetic nature of the book well. She definitely delved more into Batman's detective nature, which was really nice because we don't see that as often as his fighting bad guys schtick. If you're interested in seeing the detective Batman dig into mysteries and try to foil a criminal organization than you should enjoy this book - just don't expect giant action-packed fight scenes.
I have really enjoyed the DC Icons series thus far because it brings the characters we've grown familiar with back to their roots. They're teenagers who are still figuring out who they are in the world, regardless of their future superhero journey. They are fragile and unsure, yet with a thirst for justice that one day will allow them to grow into the superheroes we know and love.
Debbiereadsbook (1554 KP) rated Hard To Let Go (Haven's Cove #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2018
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jumping straight in, cos this is gonna be hard to write, so bare with me, okay??
Freaking LOVED this book! And if THIS class of writing is what a first time author can produce, I so very much want to be on the end of the next book!
Because, let me tell ya, there I was, merrily plodding along, reading away, thinking 4 stars, balancing across between 4 and 5, back to 4. Great book, extremely well written from both Owen and Brody's point of view.
Some sexy parts, some emotional parts, even a few funny ones, with Owen's female family members. A good book, just not quite hitting THAT spot yet, you know??
And then it hits, FULL in the face, just why Brody is back in town. I mean, I READ why he was there, I KNEW why he was there, but for some reason it didn't really sink in, you know?? Am I making sense?? Probably not, but I read the words, and then shit got real. And I was faced with a sledgehammer upside the head and I sobbed my bloody socks off. Because I've been there, where Brody was, that dark place, waiting, waiting. You know what's coming, there ain't nothing you can do to stop that freight train, but Lord you wish you could. Just one more day, one more hug. Just one MORE, you know? And its been 11 years, ELEVEN years since I had to sit through that and still, here I am, sobbing while writing this.
I've read two, very different, emotionally heavy books that connected to me on a very personal level. I had two very fluffy romance books before them, and stoopid me wrote the fluffy reviews before tackling these two heavier ones. So I've spent most of this afternoon in tears!
So, when you've read a book that you CANNOT fault, a book that grabs your heart, chews it up, and spits it out again, a book that does that to its characters too. A book that is FLAWLESS in its delivery, its flow. A book that lays out, very nicely, thank you very much, a view of the second book: a window into what's to come, and please Lord let me get the chance to read it, because Gabe and Nate have a story to tell that I really wanna read.
A book such as that can only get.....
5 full stars! Outstanding debut novel from Ms Quinn!
Jumping straight in, cos this is gonna be hard to write, so bare with me, okay??
Freaking LOVED this book! And if THIS class of writing is what a first time author can produce, I so very much want to be on the end of the next book!
Because, let me tell ya, there I was, merrily plodding along, reading away, thinking 4 stars, balancing across between 4 and 5, back to 4. Great book, extremely well written from both Owen and Brody's point of view.
Some sexy parts, some emotional parts, even a few funny ones, with Owen's female family members. A good book, just not quite hitting THAT spot yet, you know??
And then it hits, FULL in the face, just why Brody is back in town. I mean, I READ why he was there, I KNEW why he was there, but for some reason it didn't really sink in, you know?? Am I making sense?? Probably not, but I read the words, and then shit got real. And I was faced with a sledgehammer upside the head and I sobbed my bloody socks off. Because I've been there, where Brody was, that dark place, waiting, waiting. You know what's coming, there ain't nothing you can do to stop that freight train, but Lord you wish you could. Just one more day, one more hug. Just one MORE, you know? And its been 11 years, ELEVEN years since I had to sit through that and still, here I am, sobbing while writing this.
I've read two, very different, emotionally heavy books that connected to me on a very personal level. I had two very fluffy romance books before them, and stoopid me wrote the fluffy reviews before tackling these two heavier ones. So I've spent most of this afternoon in tears!
So, when you've read a book that you CANNOT fault, a book that grabs your heart, chews it up, and spits it out again, a book that does that to its characters too. A book that is FLAWLESS in its delivery, its flow. A book that lays out, very nicely, thank you very much, a view of the second book: a window into what's to come, and please Lord let me get the chance to read it, because Gabe and Nate have a story to tell that I really wanna read.
A book such as that can only get.....
5 full stars! Outstanding debut novel from Ms Quinn!
Louise (64 KP) rated The Raven Boys in Books
Jul 2, 2018
This book is quite a big deal in the book community at the moment, it appears everyone is reading it and loving it!.... apart from ME! So I don't hate this book and I don't love it..... it was just MEH! Here's why:
Blue was annoying, she has been told by her mother, aunts and other psychics that her first true love will die when she kisses him, to me the idea of this was like ummmm the mum is just saying this so she doesn't kiss any boys at all.
Throughout the whole book she is sort of starting a relationship with Adam the less privileged of the Raven boys although she has seen Gansey's future which is bleak you can tell she doesn't know who decide to fall in love with and it's just annoying, because she know's they will die if she does, it just gets a bit tedious.
Adam is the less privileged of the Raven boys, he is a local boy studying hard and paying his own way through private school and has a pretty rough time with an abusive father (I am starting to see a trend *rolls eyes*). He appears very genuine, not wanting hand outs and to make something of himself.
Ronan is a boy who has some issues, his father was killed on the doorstep of their house. Since then he is a very angry young man, who wants to vent his anger on his brother and not complete his studies, Ronan definitely grew on me by the end of it and has a softer side to him.
Gansey is the leader of the gang, with money, sophistication and an insatiable desire to find they Ley lines and wake the Raven king. He appears to act much older than his years, but a very mysterious character I don't know why but I can't explain him, his moods seem to change all the time.
The book was very slow to start with it was only the last third that it started getting interesting for me, the twist in the book did have my jaw on the floor......WTF!! that was the best bit.
There are fantasy elements to the book but not heavy. The world building in the book was well done and the character development was very strong. Stiefvater did a good job and her writing is very easy to read.
Do I continue with the series? Does it get better? Please tell me I am not the only one that had these thoughts.
Overall I rated this 3.5 stars out of 5
Blue was annoying, she has been told by her mother, aunts and other psychics that her first true love will die when she kisses him, to me the idea of this was like ummmm the mum is just saying this so she doesn't kiss any boys at all.
Throughout the whole book she is sort of starting a relationship with Adam the less privileged of the Raven boys although she has seen Gansey's future which is bleak you can tell she doesn't know who decide to fall in love with and it's just annoying, because she know's they will die if she does, it just gets a bit tedious.
Adam is the less privileged of the Raven boys, he is a local boy studying hard and paying his own way through private school and has a pretty rough time with an abusive father (I am starting to see a trend *rolls eyes*). He appears very genuine, not wanting hand outs and to make something of himself.
Ronan is a boy who has some issues, his father was killed on the doorstep of their house. Since then he is a very angry young man, who wants to vent his anger on his brother and not complete his studies, Ronan definitely grew on me by the end of it and has a softer side to him.
Gansey is the leader of the gang, with money, sophistication and an insatiable desire to find they Ley lines and wake the Raven king. He appears to act much older than his years, but a very mysterious character I don't know why but I can't explain him, his moods seem to change all the time.
The book was very slow to start with it was only the last third that it started getting interesting for me, the twist in the book did have my jaw on the floor......WTF!! that was the best bit.
There are fantasy elements to the book but not heavy. The world building in the book was well done and the character development was very strong. Stiefvater did a good job and her writing is very easy to read.
Do I continue with the series? Does it get better? Please tell me I am not the only one that had these thoughts.
Overall I rated this 3.5 stars out of 5
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) in Movies
Jan 10, 2019 (Updated Jan 10, 2019)
A winning anthology
I am NOT a Coen Brothers apologist. For every good/great film that they have made (like FARGO, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN or underrated THE HUDSUCKER PROXY) there are duds/movies that didn't work for me (like O' BROTHER WHER ART THOU, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS and the movie I ranked as the worst film of 2016, HAIL, CAESAR). So when I heard that the latest Coen Brothers flick was going straight to Netflix AND (like HAIL, CAESAR), it was a film anthology of 6 short stories, I dragged my feet in checking this out.
But...I am glad I finally got around to it...for THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS is a strong film, taking on a heavy subject (death) in a variety of ways - light-hearted, poignant and deadly (pun intended) serious. The tone of this film - or, more accurately, these 6 short films - worked for me and I felt they wove together very well to tell an overarching story of man's relationship with death - as seen through the eyes of Wild, Wild West characters.
And what characters they are! From Tim Blake Nelson's titular character, Buster Scruggs, to James Franco's hapless (but lucky) Outlaw to Liam Neeson's traveling theatrical show to Tom Waite's grizzled prospector to Zoe Kazan's lonesome Prairie Widow to the group of passengers on the Stagecoach in the last vignette, all are interesting to watch, and listen to.
Credit, of course, needs to go to Joel and Ethan Cohen. These characters are interesting to watch, because these two put wonderful scenes and scenery up on the screen with dialogue (or lack of dialogue) that perfectly reflects what is going on and what the characters are feeling. In my opinion, the Coen Brothers are at their best when they focus on gritty subjects with poignancy (BARTON FINK) but fail when they try to get "wacky" or "over-serious" (BURN AFTER READING, A SERIOUS MAN), this film is full of the former and has very little of the latter.
I'm sure, like all Coen Brothers films, that this anthology of short films is not for everyone - and not every film will work for everyone - but they did for me. I thought each short film was the better than the one before it. I caught the vibe of what the Coen's were after and I fell under their spell.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars out of 10 and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
But...I am glad I finally got around to it...for THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS is a strong film, taking on a heavy subject (death) in a variety of ways - light-hearted, poignant and deadly (pun intended) serious. The tone of this film - or, more accurately, these 6 short films - worked for me and I felt they wove together very well to tell an overarching story of man's relationship with death - as seen through the eyes of Wild, Wild West characters.
And what characters they are! From Tim Blake Nelson's titular character, Buster Scruggs, to James Franco's hapless (but lucky) Outlaw to Liam Neeson's traveling theatrical show to Tom Waite's grizzled prospector to Zoe Kazan's lonesome Prairie Widow to the group of passengers on the Stagecoach in the last vignette, all are interesting to watch, and listen to.
Credit, of course, needs to go to Joel and Ethan Cohen. These characters are interesting to watch, because these two put wonderful scenes and scenery up on the screen with dialogue (or lack of dialogue) that perfectly reflects what is going on and what the characters are feeling. In my opinion, the Coen Brothers are at their best when they focus on gritty subjects with poignancy (BARTON FINK) but fail when they try to get "wacky" or "over-serious" (BURN AFTER READING, A SERIOUS MAN), this film is full of the former and has very little of the latter.
I'm sure, like all Coen Brothers films, that this anthology of short films is not for everyone - and not every film will work for everyone - but they did for me. I thought each short film was the better than the one before it. I caught the vibe of what the Coen's were after and I fell under their spell.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars out of 10 and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</i>
<i>The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky</i> by David Litwack is set in a world similar to our own, however there have been many wars as a result of religion and the people have separated themselves into believers and non-believers. Helena Brewster and Jason Adams live on the republic where the people rely heavy on reason and reject the supposedly irrational ramblings of the zealots who live on the “Blessed Lands”. One day a nine-year-old girl, Kailani, escapes from the Blessed Land and sails over to the republic where Helena and Jason find her. Kailani is immediately captured and questioned by the authorities that want to send her to a correctional facility to undo the brainwashing of the zealots.
In the meantime, as it is several months until her tribunal, Helena and Jason become Kailani’s legal guardians and take her to live at Glen Eagle Farm away from the main population of the busy towns. Kailani is loved and admired by the inhabitants on the farm, however there are people on the Blessed Land that want her back.
This is certainly an interesting story that explores a range of themes. For Helena there is the grief she is suffering as a result of the recent death of her father, and the feelings she has towards her mother whom she felt abandoned by. Between Jason and Helena there is also a developing romance as the two connect in their determination to protect Kailani. The most important theme, however, is that of the antagonism between the believers and non-believers. Those living on the Blessed Land want to indoctrinate everybody with their ideals about the soul whereas on the republic this is forbidden as they insist on living a life ruled through fact. As the story goes on certain characters begin to understand the need for both realism and religion. One person even suggests, “In our pursuit of reason, we’ve become as unreasonable as the other side.”
Kailani is a lovable character, which makes the novel a joy to read. It is interesting to compare how a child brought up under a strict religion innocently views the world in comparison with adults who have no faith what so ever. Although written for adults it is suitable for young teens to read too who, although may not understand the significance of the two different sides, are sure to love and enjoy reading about Kailani.
<i>The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky</i> by David Litwack is set in a world similar to our own, however there have been many wars as a result of religion and the people have separated themselves into believers and non-believers. Helena Brewster and Jason Adams live on the republic where the people rely heavy on reason and reject the supposedly irrational ramblings of the zealots who live on the “Blessed Lands”. One day a nine-year-old girl, Kailani, escapes from the Blessed Land and sails over to the republic where Helena and Jason find her. Kailani is immediately captured and questioned by the authorities that want to send her to a correctional facility to undo the brainwashing of the zealots.
In the meantime, as it is several months until her tribunal, Helena and Jason become Kailani’s legal guardians and take her to live at Glen Eagle Farm away from the main population of the busy towns. Kailani is loved and admired by the inhabitants on the farm, however there are people on the Blessed Land that want her back.
This is certainly an interesting story that explores a range of themes. For Helena there is the grief she is suffering as a result of the recent death of her father, and the feelings she has towards her mother whom she felt abandoned by. Between Jason and Helena there is also a developing romance as the two connect in their determination to protect Kailani. The most important theme, however, is that of the antagonism between the believers and non-believers. Those living on the Blessed Land want to indoctrinate everybody with their ideals about the soul whereas on the republic this is forbidden as they insist on living a life ruled through fact. As the story goes on certain characters begin to understand the need for both realism and religion. One person even suggests, “In our pursuit of reason, we’ve become as unreasonable as the other side.”
Kailani is a lovable character, which makes the novel a joy to read. It is interesting to compare how a child brought up under a strict religion innocently views the world in comparison with adults who have no faith what so ever. Although written for adults it is suitable for young teens to read too who, although may not understand the significance of the two different sides, are sure to love and enjoy reading about Kailani.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Toy Story 4 (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2019 (Updated Jun 21, 2019)
Beyond
Toy Story 4 takes the series to the deepest places of the human psyche yet & as a result makes this instalment the darkest & hardest of them all to stomach as its themes are so relatable & current. There were moments in this film where i found myself looking down from the screen deep in thought about my own life, thinking back to mistakes I'd made & friends I've lost along the way. Toy Story 4 had successfully hit me hard in my heart & mind using ways & on levels no animated film has managed before & although this made me extremely sad I left the cinema fulfilled, happy & with a new outlook on life. Themes of finding a purpouse, not knowing who you are, suicided, relationships, letting go, moving on, finding happiness, feeling lost, cofidence, depression, self worth are all brought up here & gone into with such depth I was wondering if this film was actually intended more for adults than kids. What got to me the most is the stuff on relationships which is portrayed with Woody's hanging on to Andy & still not being able to let him go & move on, its extremely tuff to watch & although animated every inch of his pain is felt. Theres such a lot here about feeling lost in life & wanting a purpose which does get extremely heavy but the film also teaches & up lifts showing that as long as you keep your friends around you the world is a big exciting place with so much to do & see that wasting time being hung up on the past is silly. Also the stress of being a parent & how toys are also a crucial part of a childs up bringing, seriously its ridiculous how much theyve crammed in here. Amination is staggering from the insane dust particles, lighting & water effects to the textures of the plastic pixar out does every animated film that came before it. Sound design is also top tear with a moment of silence at one stage so on point it literally took my breath away. Comedy is also perfect with jokes hitting constantly & theres actually quite a bit of horror this time around which is done better than most horror films of today. I also loved seeing how Woody has progressed as a character too he has a deep sadness about him but also takes way more risks with being seen which also adds great tension. I simply can not recomend you see this film enough.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Tank 432 (Belly of the Bulldog) (2016) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Reeves is one of the younger members of the unit, he seems like the newest member often making rookie mistakes in the eyes of other members of the unit. Capper is the injured member of the unit, he is left to defend for himself as the unit needs to move out quickly. Karlsson is the medic in the unit needing to take care of the injuries to Capper and the mental state of the random girl they find. The soldier all hit the generics of what you expect without giving too much about their lives outside of the unit away.
Performances – The performances across the board are good enough for the film, with most of the cast trapped inside the tank it doesn’t give them much to do other than sit around talk and searching for answers.
Story – The story follows the unit as they look to survive from an unknown enemy, this is where a lot of this films story falls apart because, we don’t know their mission, where it is or what they are running from. It spends too long inside the tank trying to figure out a way out without any threat coming from the outside, for this film to hit the marks we needed to see more of the nightmare effects of whatever is meant to be going on which would explain the fear they are facing but not enough is revealed until the final act.
Action/Horror – The action isn’t as heavy as we would like it too be, we have random shooting and a driving sequence the rest is waiting for something to happen. The horror is there just not as much as we would like it to be, the moments of the vision offer something but don’t deliver in the final punch.
Settings – Most of the film is set inside the vehicle, which I can accept being good for a confined setting waiting for an enemy but we don’t see the enemy do anything against them.
Special Effects – The effects are used well when needed but the film doesn’t turn to them, which is a good thing.
Scene of the Movie – Capper’s return.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not enough happens.
Final Thoughts – This is a horror that disappoints in the most part, it doesn’t hit the levels it could and we are left wondering just where the film was meant to be going for the most part.
Overall: Disappoint horror that misses the chances it had.
Performances – The performances across the board are good enough for the film, with most of the cast trapped inside the tank it doesn’t give them much to do other than sit around talk and searching for answers.
Story – The story follows the unit as they look to survive from an unknown enemy, this is where a lot of this films story falls apart because, we don’t know their mission, where it is or what they are running from. It spends too long inside the tank trying to figure out a way out without any threat coming from the outside, for this film to hit the marks we needed to see more of the nightmare effects of whatever is meant to be going on which would explain the fear they are facing but not enough is revealed until the final act.
Action/Horror – The action isn’t as heavy as we would like it too be, we have random shooting and a driving sequence the rest is waiting for something to happen. The horror is there just not as much as we would like it to be, the moments of the vision offer something but don’t deliver in the final punch.
Settings – Most of the film is set inside the vehicle, which I can accept being good for a confined setting waiting for an enemy but we don’t see the enemy do anything against them.
Special Effects – The effects are used well when needed but the film doesn’t turn to them, which is a good thing.
Scene of the Movie – Capper’s return.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not enough happens.
Final Thoughts – This is a horror that disappoints in the most part, it doesn’t hit the levels it could and we are left wondering just where the film was meant to be going for the most part.
Overall: Disappoint horror that misses the chances it had.
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Lords of Chaos (2018) in Movies
Nov 19, 2019
Let the Churches Burn
I feel I need to mention that I was into the Black Metal scene when all this was going down.
Oysten "Euroymous" Aarseth is a young Metalhead who thinks Metal isn't extreme enough, so he starts an extreme "Black" Metal band called Mayhem. Mayhem are heavy, screechy, blasphemous and absolutely shocking, resulting in them being an instant hit with the other Metal fans of Norway. Black Metal is born! Unfortunately, their lead vocalist, aptly named Dead suffers from severe bouts of suicidal depression and it leads to his self inflicted demise. Upon discovering Dead's corpse, Euronymous does the very Black Metal thing of taking pictures of his dead body (which appeared then on Mayhem's "Dawn of the Black Hearts" album), and also taking parts of his bone and brain to put on a Necklace.
Euronymous shortly after opens Helvete Records, which attracts a newcomer to the scene called Kristian "Varg" Vikernes. At first, Euronymous scoffs at Varg and thinks he's just a poser... but he soon starts paying attention when Varg's one man band Burzum starts getting more notoriety than Mayhem. Also, Varg is admitting responsibility for a series of Church Burnings in the area, and Euronymous starts to also get involved. Will Euronymous and Vargs constant need to one-up each other go too far? Who in the Black Metal scene will also be dragged in to their crimes? And will their volatile relationship reach a breaking point?
As mentioned, I was (and still am) into the Black Metal scene when this was all happening and I have also read "Lords of Chaos" by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind a few times. Don't get me wrong, there are a few... embellishments in the Movie, but there is also a large portion that is true. I really enjoyed Lords of Chaos because I'm glad they've done a Movie about this Scene... even if some of it is fictional. I think the people who are really trashing this are taking it more seriously than they should, honestly. It's well acted, great cinematography and is an interesting story! I feel like this appeals to a wide audience, not just those of us who are partial to a bit of the ol' True Norwegian Black Metal. My only hang-up is that I think there are a few unnecessary scenes in the Movie that serve no purpose and just make the Movie feel long. But for me, it's a nice piece of fucked up nostalgia from my own Black Metal loving days!
Oysten "Euroymous" Aarseth is a young Metalhead who thinks Metal isn't extreme enough, so he starts an extreme "Black" Metal band called Mayhem. Mayhem are heavy, screechy, blasphemous and absolutely shocking, resulting in them being an instant hit with the other Metal fans of Norway. Black Metal is born! Unfortunately, their lead vocalist, aptly named Dead suffers from severe bouts of suicidal depression and it leads to his self inflicted demise. Upon discovering Dead's corpse, Euronymous does the very Black Metal thing of taking pictures of his dead body (which appeared then on Mayhem's "Dawn of the Black Hearts" album), and also taking parts of his bone and brain to put on a Necklace.
Euronymous shortly after opens Helvete Records, which attracts a newcomer to the scene called Kristian "Varg" Vikernes. At first, Euronymous scoffs at Varg and thinks he's just a poser... but he soon starts paying attention when Varg's one man band Burzum starts getting more notoriety than Mayhem. Also, Varg is admitting responsibility for a series of Church Burnings in the area, and Euronymous starts to also get involved. Will Euronymous and Vargs constant need to one-up each other go too far? Who in the Black Metal scene will also be dragged in to their crimes? And will their volatile relationship reach a breaking point?
As mentioned, I was (and still am) into the Black Metal scene when this was all happening and I have also read "Lords of Chaos" by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind a few times. Don't get me wrong, there are a few... embellishments in the Movie, but there is also a large portion that is true. I really enjoyed Lords of Chaos because I'm glad they've done a Movie about this Scene... even if some of it is fictional. I think the people who are really trashing this are taking it more seriously than they should, honestly. It's well acted, great cinematography and is an interesting story! I feel like this appeals to a wide audience, not just those of us who are partial to a bit of the ol' True Norwegian Black Metal. My only hang-up is that I think there are a few unnecessary scenes in the Movie that serve no purpose and just make the Movie feel long. But for me, it's a nice piece of fucked up nostalgia from my own Black Metal loving days!
365Flicks (235 KP) rated Pitching Tents (2017) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019
If you have ever taken the time to listen to our Podcast you will have figured out that I am a big fan of Kevin Smith, John Hughes, Cameron Crowe dialogue heavy story driven movies. Throw one of those coming of age end of summer type movies and ill eat them up like a bowl of Shreddies (Other cereals are available I just happen to be eating a bowl as I write this).
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Love and vice A multi-author erotic collection in Books
Jan 22, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
So I've done a small comment on each but overall most of the were pretty good! I have several new authors to read and loved a select few! If you are looking for pure naughtiness it's definitely in this book!
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely 😍
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy 🙈🤣
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too 🤣🤣. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book 😍😍
12a
Feathers by Petra j knox
Wow this was hot and heavy. Kicks off this collection nicely 😍
12b
All the devils are here by Kendra Moreno
Ok so that made Lucifer even more attractive. Will be reading more of Kendra.
12c
Doctors orders by Golden Angel
Ok do classes like this exist?? I think I'd play doctor with mitch.
12d
Her Alien Renegades by Lucy Carter Anderson
Ok well not sure what to make of this one big blue aliens and a crazy human ready to accept her fate so easy 🙈🤣
12e primal: The first hunt by Kinkaid knight
Apart from almost a page of her describing his dick it wasn't too bad. I will give her her books ago I'm interested enough to want to read more.
12f
Desire In her reflection by Nichole Riley
Well that's not like any ladies nights I've been too 🤣🤣. I'll be looking into Nichole more!
12g
Bow by N.K. Stackhouse
Think I like this one and I'd definitely be the Dom!!
12h
Picture purr- fect by Emma Cole
So far this has to be my favourite! It was brilliantly written for a short and wow!!!
Will definitely be reading more by Emma Cole!
12i
Primal innocence by Caia Daniels
I kinda got bored just a little. It was a rather sweet way to lose her virginity though.
12j
Rebel by Savannah Rose
Well that was a super fast read not sure how much you can get from it
12k
Snatch me by C.F. Rabbiosi
Another good one personally I love the idea of this shirt lol I'll be looking her up!
12L
The good girl by Chloe Jane
Very much shirt and sweet
12m
Voyeur by Bea Paige
Ok so I now have a new favourite!! That was just soooo good!!
12n
What a show by Jennifer Stone
Not one I enjoyed something about it just didn't click with me
12o
When night and day collide by Kandi vale
The best till last!! The whole reason I brought the book and I'm so glad I did! What a birthday present for Kisa! Any excuse to get me some Dolor and I'm there! I'm no patiently waiting for Kandi Vale s next book 😍😍