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Bob Mann (459 KP) rated The Children Act (2018) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
“And the Oscar goes to”… (or should go to)… “Dame Emma Thompson”.
Given my last review was for “The Equalizer 2“, where Denzel was judge, jury and executioner, it’s a nice seque that this film follows the life of a senior judge in London’s Law Courts: trying to do the justice job, but in the right way!
Judge Maye (Thompson) is a childless wife to her loving husband Jack (Tucci), but is also a workaholic. This is driving the long-term couple to the point of infidelity: a fact the ever-focused Fiona – whose life, to her, probably feels to be in a perfect if selfish equilibrium – is oblivious to. With Fiona’s intense but comfortable world about to cave in around her, her increasing stress is not helped by the latest case she is working on: one where Adam ( Fionn Whitehead from “Dunkirk“), a Jehovah’s Witness boy and a minor, is refusing on religious grounds the blood transfusion he desperately needs to fight his leukaemia. Fiona’s decisions in the months ahead go much further than a simple judgement on the case.
Two acting giants – one born in London; one born in New York – tower over this Ian McEwan adaptation like leviathons. I bandy around the phrase “national treasure” a lot in these reviews but, if there was a league table of national treasures, Emma Thompson would qualify for the Champion’s League every season. Here she is simply breathtakingly powerful in the lead role of Judge Fiona Maye, exhibiting such extremes of emotion that you would like to think that an Oscar nomination would be assured. (However, before I run out and put a £10 bet on her to win, the film is such a small British film that unfortunately both a nomination and a win seem unlikely! THIS IS A CRIME! So I have added the tag #OscarBuzz to this post…. please share and lobby people, lobby! Perhaps at the very least we can hope for some BAFTA recognition).
Sometimes a masterly lead performance can make a co-star performance seem unbalanced, but no such danger here. Stanley Tucci makes a perfect acting foil for Thompson: if he were a wine he would be described as “exasperation, frustration, compassion with strong notes of respect”. And he carries it off with perfection.
This is an incredibly intelligent film, working on so many different levels and subject to so much interpretation. Fiona’s feelings for the troubled teenager feel more maternal than sexual, but when those feelings become returned and escalate the whole piece develops a queasily oedipal quality. Many films have focused on illicit attractions between teacher and pupil, but here lies a new variation, with Maye fighting against her best professional insticts to ‘do the right thing’. “I’m frightened of myself” she eventually wails to a colleague.
In his opening hospital scenes*, Adam seems completely other-wordly compared to a typical teen and this comes across as utterly false. That is, until you consider the oddness of his family background and Jehovah’s Witness upbringing. As such, the film just about gets away with it. Whitehead does a good job with a difficult role. (*It took my wife to point out – after the film, thank goodness – the similarities between this hospital scene and a famous guitar-playing scene in “Airplane” at which I dissolved into guffaws!).
If you’ve been in a court, you’ll know that there is something regal and magical about a judge in full regalia entering a packed courtroom. So it’s unusual to see the view from the other side of the door… a non-descript office corridor and a non-descript door. Helping the judge on this side of the door is her PA Nigel, played by the brilliant Jason Watkins: a TV regular (e.g. “Line of Duty”, “W1A”) but seen far less at the movies.
As a story of obsessive fixation, it borders on McEwan’s disturbing earlier work “Enduring Love”. And it has the potential to go in lots of interesting directions as a sort of bonkers platonic love triangle (“He wants to live with US?” splutters Tucci). Where the story does end up going was not particularly to my liking, and a melodramatic concert scene was – for me – a little overdone. However it does give rise to a scene (the ‘sopping wet’ scene) that shows Thompson at her most brilliant: if she DID get Oscar or BAFTA nominated then this will be her pre-announcement snippet.
It’s a great film for showcasing acting talent, but beware: it’s not got a “lot of laffs”. As such it’s very much a “Father Ted film” that takes a while to recover from.
Judge Maye (Thompson) is a childless wife to her loving husband Jack (Tucci), but is also a workaholic. This is driving the long-term couple to the point of infidelity: a fact the ever-focused Fiona – whose life, to her, probably feels to be in a perfect if selfish equilibrium – is oblivious to. With Fiona’s intense but comfortable world about to cave in around her, her increasing stress is not helped by the latest case she is working on: one where Adam ( Fionn Whitehead from “Dunkirk“), a Jehovah’s Witness boy and a minor, is refusing on religious grounds the blood transfusion he desperately needs to fight his leukaemia. Fiona’s decisions in the months ahead go much further than a simple judgement on the case.
Two acting giants – one born in London; one born in New York – tower over this Ian McEwan adaptation like leviathons. I bandy around the phrase “national treasure” a lot in these reviews but, if there was a league table of national treasures, Emma Thompson would qualify for the Champion’s League every season. Here she is simply breathtakingly powerful in the lead role of Judge Fiona Maye, exhibiting such extremes of emotion that you would like to think that an Oscar nomination would be assured. (However, before I run out and put a £10 bet on her to win, the film is such a small British film that unfortunately both a nomination and a win seem unlikely! THIS IS A CRIME! So I have added the tag #OscarBuzz to this post…. please share and lobby people, lobby! Perhaps at the very least we can hope for some BAFTA recognition).
Sometimes a masterly lead performance can make a co-star performance seem unbalanced, but no such danger here. Stanley Tucci makes a perfect acting foil for Thompson: if he were a wine he would be described as “exasperation, frustration, compassion with strong notes of respect”. And he carries it off with perfection.
This is an incredibly intelligent film, working on so many different levels and subject to so much interpretation. Fiona’s feelings for the troubled teenager feel more maternal than sexual, but when those feelings become returned and escalate the whole piece develops a queasily oedipal quality. Many films have focused on illicit attractions between teacher and pupil, but here lies a new variation, with Maye fighting against her best professional insticts to ‘do the right thing’. “I’m frightened of myself” she eventually wails to a colleague.
In his opening hospital scenes*, Adam seems completely other-wordly compared to a typical teen and this comes across as utterly false. That is, until you consider the oddness of his family background and Jehovah’s Witness upbringing. As such, the film just about gets away with it. Whitehead does a good job with a difficult role. (*It took my wife to point out – after the film, thank goodness – the similarities between this hospital scene and a famous guitar-playing scene in “Airplane” at which I dissolved into guffaws!).
If you’ve been in a court, you’ll know that there is something regal and magical about a judge in full regalia entering a packed courtroom. So it’s unusual to see the view from the other side of the door… a non-descript office corridor and a non-descript door. Helping the judge on this side of the door is her PA Nigel, played by the brilliant Jason Watkins: a TV regular (e.g. “Line of Duty”, “W1A”) but seen far less at the movies.
As a story of obsessive fixation, it borders on McEwan’s disturbing earlier work “Enduring Love”. And it has the potential to go in lots of interesting directions as a sort of bonkers platonic love triangle (“He wants to live with US?” splutters Tucci). Where the story does end up going was not particularly to my liking, and a melodramatic concert scene was – for me – a little overdone. However it does give rise to a scene (the ‘sopping wet’ scene) that shows Thompson at her most brilliant: if she DID get Oscar or BAFTA nominated then this will be her pre-announcement snippet.
It’s a great film for showcasing acting talent, but beware: it’s not got a “lot of laffs”. As such it’s very much a “Father Ted film” that takes a while to recover from.
Merissa (13772 KP) rated The Caretaker (The Sin Bin #2) in Books
Aug 3, 2017
The Caretaker (The Sin Bin #2) by Dahlia Donovan
The Caretaker takes us back to Cornwall, this time via Cardiff. Freddie has finally managed to leave home where his loving but interfering dads constantly try to suffocate him. Unfortunately, there are a couple of homophobic idiots living in the same house as him, and they delight in making his life a misery. This is something he doesn't need, not on top of his very stressful job. Freddie is the 'happy bunny' that was able to support Graham and BC through his cancer in The Wanderer. Of course, being a happy bunny for others doesn't mean that Freddie doesn't have deep emotions, it's just that he tries to keep everyone else's spirits high, to the detriment of his own at times. Taine is one of BC's rugby buddies, and sees Freddie for the first time at the hospital as he drops in to try and cheer up the young children on the oncology ward. Taine is convinced that Freddie is too young for him, but feels an attraction to him anyway. The attraction only deepens the more time they spend with each other. However, the interfering dads strike again and it could all be over before it really got started.
With appearances from old favourites, there is an abundance of characters in this book that will delight and frustrate you. It is very well written, showing Freddie's depths of emotions plus everything else that he is dealing with too. Taine is a bit of fool in parts of this, but to be fair, I could understand how he felt, given the insult that was thrown at him. The Caretaker is very well written, and draws you back into the world of The Sin Bin. Now we know what they are going to do with the name, so I'm sure it will be interesting reading in the future, to say the least!
Filled with humour and emotions, this book is a wonderful addition to both The Sin Bin series, and Dahlia Donovan's collective works. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=24681
With appearances from old favourites, there is an abundance of characters in this book that will delight and frustrate you. It is very well written, showing Freddie's depths of emotions plus everything else that he is dealing with too. Taine is a bit of fool in parts of this, but to be fair, I could understand how he felt, given the insult that was thrown at him. The Caretaker is very well written, and draws you back into the world of The Sin Bin. Now we know what they are going to do with the name, so I'm sure it will be interesting reading in the future, to say the least!
Filled with humour and emotions, this book is a wonderful addition to both The Sin Bin series, and Dahlia Donovan's collective works. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=24681
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Me Before You in Books
May 10, 2018
<u>Me Before You</u> is an intense story about Will Traynor, a quadriplegic who is not happy about the current status of his life; and Louisa "Lou" Clark, his caregiver, hired by Will's parents for a term of six months.
Louisa Clark had never had any caregiver experience before working with Will Traynor. She had spent the past six years of her life working in a cafe called The Buttered Bun. When the owner decides to retire to a happier place, Lou is without a job and prospects for find one are very low in the town she lives in.
Will Traynor lived his life almost opposite of Louisa. Grabbing life by the horns and trying a new adventure all the time. When Will is involved in a terrible accident that changes his life forever, nothing will stop him from making the one and only decision he is capable of handling on his own.
<u>Me Before You</u> is a story about love and the lengths we will go through to support the ones that we love. Before Will met Louisa, he spent his days inside his home or never venturing far from it for anything more than a doctor's appointment or a trip to the hospital. When Louisa entered his life, she showed him that being in a wheelchair didn't have to be the only thing that defined his life. He could still live the adventurous life he used to, just under different circumstances. Before Louisa met Will, she had never traveled far from their small town. Will showed her all that the world had to offer and that she was worthy enough and deserved to enjoy all that was out there.
This book has been the subject of controversy because of the act of assisted suicide. No one can ever understand another person's turmoil. We all know that is wrong to kill, including killing yourself. In my opinion, Will's life was immensely enriched when Louisa came into it and he had so much to live for. But I could never imagine what he went through mentally and I could never imagine wanting to kill myself.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to finding out what happens next for Louisa Clark.
Louisa Clark had never had any caregiver experience before working with Will Traynor. She had spent the past six years of her life working in a cafe called The Buttered Bun. When the owner decides to retire to a happier place, Lou is without a job and prospects for find one are very low in the town she lives in.
Will Traynor lived his life almost opposite of Louisa. Grabbing life by the horns and trying a new adventure all the time. When Will is involved in a terrible accident that changes his life forever, nothing will stop him from making the one and only decision he is capable of handling on his own.
<u>Me Before You</u> is a story about love and the lengths we will go through to support the ones that we love. Before Will met Louisa, he spent his days inside his home or never venturing far from it for anything more than a doctor's appointment or a trip to the hospital. When Louisa entered his life, she showed him that being in a wheelchair didn't have to be the only thing that defined his life. He could still live the adventurous life he used to, just under different circumstances. Before Louisa met Will, she had never traveled far from their small town. Will showed her all that the world had to offer and that she was worthy enough and deserved to enjoy all that was out there.
This book has been the subject of controversy because of the act of assisted suicide. No one can ever understand another person's turmoil. We all know that is wrong to kill, including killing yourself. In my opinion, Will's life was immensely enriched when Louisa came into it and he had so much to live for. But I could never imagine what he went through mentally and I could never imagine wanting to kill myself.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to finding out what happens next for Louisa Clark.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated A Stranger in the House in Books
May 10, 2018
Karen and Tom Krupp have been married for two years and they are very much in love. When Tom comes home from work one night, he finds his front door unlocked and dinner half way done in the kitchen, but his wife and her car are no where to be found. After calling her best friend and neighbor Brigid and having no luck with where Karen, might be, Tom calls the police to report her missing. Shortly after, the police arrive at his door to let him know that Karen has been in a terrible accident and is in the hospital. Tom is instantly worried because none of these actions sound like his wife. But does Tom now Karen as well as he thinks? Is she keeping secrets from him?
Let me just say that female thriller writers are hitting it out of the park this year. I don't think I've read one bad one yet. <u>A Stranger in the House</u> was incredible. From the very beginning it grips you and pulls you into the story. It was so hard to put down.
Karen Krupp is your typical housewife with a part-time job. Dinner is on the table at the same time each night. But lately, things haven't been quite right. Things are moved in the house that neither she or Tom have moved. After her accident she has amnesia and can't remember what happened that night and with her mind still foggy from the concussion she's not sure if she's going crazy or if things really are being moved. She is living in constant fear of her past and the police since a body was found near the scene of her accident. Will she be able to lean on Tom for the support she needs during this difficult time? Will she be able to count on her friend Brigid to be a shoulder to cry on?
There was only one thing I saw coming in this book the rest took me by surprise. There were twists and turns around each corner. I wasn't sure which way I wanted the story to go, but I was eager to figure out who did what to who and how and why. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend it.
Let me just say that female thriller writers are hitting it out of the park this year. I don't think I've read one bad one yet. <u>A Stranger in the House</u> was incredible. From the very beginning it grips you and pulls you into the story. It was so hard to put down.
Karen Krupp is your typical housewife with a part-time job. Dinner is on the table at the same time each night. But lately, things haven't been quite right. Things are moved in the house that neither she or Tom have moved. After her accident she has amnesia and can't remember what happened that night and with her mind still foggy from the concussion she's not sure if she's going crazy or if things really are being moved. She is living in constant fear of her past and the police since a body was found near the scene of her accident. Will she be able to lean on Tom for the support she needs during this difficult time? Will she be able to count on her friend Brigid to be a shoulder to cry on?
There was only one thing I saw coming in this book the rest took me by surprise. There were twists and turns around each corner. I wasn't sure which way I wanted the story to go, but I was eager to figure out who did what to who and how and why. This is by far one of the best books I have read this year and I highly recommend it.
Gamer bunnz (4 KP) rated New Amsterdam in TV
May 22, 2019
Bring the tissues
Contains spoilers, click to show
I watched the whole first series in about two weeks, at first I thought it was going to be another grey anatomy where we see drama, love lost and betrayal, we do see some of these but in a more subtle way, the main focus in on max and how he can turn things around for new Amsterdam and put the patience’s first not money which is how it should be, whilst trying to mix things up max starts to battle a personal health issues and save his marriage after he promised to settle down and give up such a demanding job to help bring up his unborn baby girl. We see max make changes to the hospital that not everyone agrees with but he pushes for it anyways and we watch him slowly begin to lose his fight with throat cancer but still battles on. All the actors/actress bring there own style to the show and you can’t help but full in love with them, unlike other tv series there wasn’t a character I didn’t like, I enjoy watching their own stories unfold along with max’s And when things happened to them I felt all the emotions that went along with it, I laugh, I cried(quite a bit) I got anger at things that happened and felt sad when I was down the final two episodes I was sad it was ending but the final episode didn’t disappoint it left me hoping a second season will be made and all the characters return for it but with the cliff hanger we was left on, I am unsure if all will be returning if they make a second. All in all the series was surprising and different from other medical program there wasn’t to many Far-fetched medical scenes or silly medical terms that don’t get used in real life,don’t get me wrong there was some but it wasn’t t litter with it, I would recommend this to anyone looking for something more than just another modern day ER, who doesn’t have time to watch the multi seasons of grey anatomy, it different in its own right and it Will certainly take you on a emotional rollercoaster.
Yvonne (12 KP) rated The House of Secrets (The Sarah Bennett Mysteries, #2) in Books
Jun 11, 2019
A good addition to the series
The House of Secret by Terry Lynn Thomas
Published by HQ Digital on 11th April 2019
252 pages
Following on from Sarah Bennett’s father’s murder trial, Sarah gets given a job working with psychiatrist Dr Matthew Geisler. With his fascination into the supernatural, Sarah sees it as a chance to escape the public eye.
Whilst I have read The Spirit of Grace, you don’t have to, to enjoy this story. Anything that was relevant from book 1 was explained in detail, without spoiling the flow. I liked that Sarah was still inquisitive and even having suffered a life-threatening accident, it didn’t stop her trying to help Minna, who was having a really bad time at the Geisler’s Institute. Although there were times that Sarah was put under a lot of pressure from Zeke, Dr Geisler and even Alysse, she was still determined to find out who was behind the threats.
Whilst Zeke being housed in the hospital for his injuries pleased Sarah, as he was so close to her, there were moments that she doubted the real reason he was there. At times it did get annoying as Sarah knew what Zeke did for a living and should have understood that there were occasions that she could not be his No1 priority. However, this did not detract from the mystery and they did work well together.
Whilst the story centred around the characters already mentioned, there were some other characters, that had their own story to tell. Mr Collins, an accomplished pianist, Cynthia Forrester whilst being Sarah’s friend was also a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle and Aunt Lillian, an eccentric older lady who was Cynthia’s aunt.
The supernatural element was stronger in this story as Sarah was adjusting to her gift and it helped that she had a fan in Dr Geisler. The mystery was well plotted and whilst I had my suspicions who was behind the threats, I could not work the reasons behind them. The story built up to a dramatic ending, with everything explained in detail.
This series can keep going and I hope there will be more to come. If you like historical fiction with an element of supernatural then this is a series for you.
Published by HQ Digital on 11th April 2019
252 pages
Following on from Sarah Bennett’s father’s murder trial, Sarah gets given a job working with psychiatrist Dr Matthew Geisler. With his fascination into the supernatural, Sarah sees it as a chance to escape the public eye.
Whilst I have read The Spirit of Grace, you don’t have to, to enjoy this story. Anything that was relevant from book 1 was explained in detail, without spoiling the flow. I liked that Sarah was still inquisitive and even having suffered a life-threatening accident, it didn’t stop her trying to help Minna, who was having a really bad time at the Geisler’s Institute. Although there were times that Sarah was put under a lot of pressure from Zeke, Dr Geisler and even Alysse, she was still determined to find out who was behind the threats.
Whilst Zeke being housed in the hospital for his injuries pleased Sarah, as he was so close to her, there were moments that she doubted the real reason he was there. At times it did get annoying as Sarah knew what Zeke did for a living and should have understood that there were occasions that she could not be his No1 priority. However, this did not detract from the mystery and they did work well together.
Whilst the story centred around the characters already mentioned, there were some other characters, that had their own story to tell. Mr Collins, an accomplished pianist, Cynthia Forrester whilst being Sarah’s friend was also a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle and Aunt Lillian, an eccentric older lady who was Cynthia’s aunt.
The supernatural element was stronger in this story as Sarah was adjusting to her gift and it helped that she had a fan in Dr Geisler. The mystery was well plotted and whilst I had my suspicions who was behind the threats, I could not work the reasons behind them. The story built up to a dramatic ending, with everything explained in detail.
This series can keep going and I hope there will be more to come. If you like historical fiction with an element of supernatural then this is a series for you.
Saerie_Faerie (18 KP) rated Downsizing (2017) in Movies
Jan 27, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I saw the trailer for this movie I was very intrigued by the premise and I still am if I am honest. I also really like Matt Damon as an actor and was expecting to see him in a more serious role, though The Martian was fairly serious. It started out fine and made sense but as soon as his wife leaves him small and stays big nothing is ever resolved after that. The movie even ends on an odd note that, to me felt like they ran out of time and literally could not cut any more and it was mildly necessary for the story so left it. I do believe the reactions to "downsizing" is realistic though in my opinion which was really nice.
Spoilers from here forward.
Ngoc Lan's prosthetic is never mentioned again after her and Paul have sex. Really? Walking around on a peg leg and having really bad chafing but doesn't mention it? Unrealistic.
Paul takes a random pill from a girl at a party and has crazy visions of his wife and friends but never has to do anything about his underlying feelings.
Paul's neighbor has some weird career supplying the small people with "luxury" items, but no one ever actually talks about them or uses them? Like huge bottles of vodka just exist and don't get used and get left out from the safe underground bunker? Just a convenient plot device for them to go to Norway.
Ngoc Lan illegally enters America and the only thing that happens to her is she goes to the hospital to get treated? Absolutely completely unrealistic.
Also I don't think any women have a conversation besides once without Paul or without it being about a dude. Not sure how I feel about that; or about Ngoc Lan being a house cleaner because of course she is a house cleaner, probably with a side of being a nail artist.
This movie was totally disappointing to me and it could have been awesome. They tried too hard to have it make sense, address all the possible problems with it, have it be funny, and have it be serious at the same time that it just turned muddy. Will probably write a fic to fix it for myself at a later.
Spoilers from here forward.
Ngoc Lan's prosthetic is never mentioned again after her and Paul have sex. Really? Walking around on a peg leg and having really bad chafing but doesn't mention it? Unrealistic.
Paul takes a random pill from a girl at a party and has crazy visions of his wife and friends but never has to do anything about his underlying feelings.
Paul's neighbor has some weird career supplying the small people with "luxury" items, but no one ever actually talks about them or uses them? Like huge bottles of vodka just exist and don't get used and get left out from the safe underground bunker? Just a convenient plot device for them to go to Norway.
Ngoc Lan illegally enters America and the only thing that happens to her is she goes to the hospital to get treated? Absolutely completely unrealistic.
Also I don't think any women have a conversation besides once without Paul or without it being about a dude. Not sure how I feel about that; or about Ngoc Lan being a house cleaner because of course she is a house cleaner, probably with a side of being a nail artist.
This movie was totally disappointing to me and it could have been awesome. They tried too hard to have it make sense, address all the possible problems with it, have it be funny, and have it be serious at the same time that it just turned muddy. Will probably write a fic to fix it for myself at a later.
Debbiereadsbook (1659 KP) rated Destiny Collides Past and Present (The Manx Cat Guardians #2) in Books
Jun 17, 2018
much MUCH better read than book one!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy if this book.
This is book two in the Manx Cat Guardians series, and I would recommend that you read book one, Seeing Beyond the Scars, first. Brad and Martin play a huge part here, there is some overlap of the two stories and you need to know what Brad suffered.
I enjoyed this far FAR more than book one. The major issue I had with that book was it had not been edited properly and it had a massive impact on my reading experience. I saw no sign of that problem here, and it made for a much more pleasurable read.
Stuart is a work colleague of Martin (although I'm still not entirely sure what ANY of the guys do for work!) and he moves to the island to help Martin while Brad is in hospital. Cat sitting wasn't his best decision. Joe is hiding from his abusive ex, and lodging at Stuart's seemed like a good idea. Falling in love wasn't something either of them had in mind.
I'm still not sure about the cat, Princess! I said in my review for book one that I wanted more of the history of her "people" and I STILL want that, I NEED it, I think, to get the full picture. That Max turns up with Aadan, gives a little bit, but no where near enough for me! I'm just greedy, I know!
I do think again, that Joe would have been a bit more skittish, jumping into something so soon after he managed to get away, but he does push Stuart away when Stuart says something that Joe hated.
I loved Aadan, and the fact that he pushed Joe and Stuart into something they maybe hadn't thought about, but ran with it anyway.
I see book three laid out for me, and I REALLY ant to read that now! Max has upset Aadan, when he saves Princess and Aadan has some paranormal power that isn't fully explained here, it's just hinted at. Something has happened between Aadan and Greg, Stuart's secretary, and I really NEED to know what!
Since this was a much MUCH better read, and I saw no editing errors that plagued book one....
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the Manx Cat Guardians series, and I would recommend that you read book one, Seeing Beyond the Scars, first. Brad and Martin play a huge part here, there is some overlap of the two stories and you need to know what Brad suffered.
I enjoyed this far FAR more than book one. The major issue I had with that book was it had not been edited properly and it had a massive impact on my reading experience. I saw no sign of that problem here, and it made for a much more pleasurable read.
Stuart is a work colleague of Martin (although I'm still not entirely sure what ANY of the guys do for work!) and he moves to the island to help Martin while Brad is in hospital. Cat sitting wasn't his best decision. Joe is hiding from his abusive ex, and lodging at Stuart's seemed like a good idea. Falling in love wasn't something either of them had in mind.
I'm still not sure about the cat, Princess! I said in my review for book one that I wanted more of the history of her "people" and I STILL want that, I NEED it, I think, to get the full picture. That Max turns up with Aadan, gives a little bit, but no where near enough for me! I'm just greedy, I know!
I do think again, that Joe would have been a bit more skittish, jumping into something so soon after he managed to get away, but he does push Stuart away when Stuart says something that Joe hated.
I loved Aadan, and the fact that he pushed Joe and Stuart into something they maybe hadn't thought about, but ran with it anyway.
I see book three laid out for me, and I REALLY ant to read that now! Max has upset Aadan, when he saves Princess and Aadan has some paranormal power that isn't fully explained here, it's just hinted at. Something has happened between Aadan and Greg, Stuart's secretary, and I really NEED to know what!
Since this was a much MUCH better read, and I saw no editing errors that plagued book one....
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Silence of the Grave in Books
Sep 1, 2018
Bleak atmosphere, excellent writing and story
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Spoilers you have been warned***
I loved Jar City because of the dark bleak mood setting that’s described in Erlandur’s world. This one proves to be just the same. Coupled with a well written mystery that goes back into the past, this one lived up to the previous.
The book goes back and forth in time. It features on the past of a woman and her family and the horrendous abuse she endures. It leads up to the mystery surrounding the body found in the present. It’s good background storytelling and put in the missing pieces gradually as you progress in the book. Then as it goes forward to present day, you have Erlandur and his crew attempting to figure out the mystery but it also focuses on Erlandur’s past, and his attempt at patching things up with Eva Lind as she’s in a coma at the hospital.
Don’t expect twists and turns or any special revelations in this novel. It’s a subtle mystery but so well written that it’s a quick read and you’re so immersed into the book that the pages do fly by. It’s the writing style that makes it so good. The mood and setting is again, dark as usual. It’s more bleak than the previous one due to the subject matter and with what Erlandur experiences.
Admittedly, this isn’t for everyone. The physical, mental, emotional abuse featured in this book is hard to read. You sympathize with the mother and her children and Grimur is just one awful piece of garbage. Erlandur’s ghosts from the past is also revealed in this book and he’s got quite a lot of baggage on his shoulders (not including his ex wife and Eva Lind) but it gives his character more substance and he’s not just a presence in the novel. You also learn more about his colleagues (although I’d like to learn more about Elinborg) as they have their lives as well. I like this aspect of the novel as it shows what they do out of duty and gives them a more realistic human feel to the book.
Not much of a mystery but makes for really good reading, not only do the characters flesh out more but the writing is so well done. Recommended and I’ll be moving onto the next book after this one.
I loved Jar City because of the dark bleak mood setting that’s described in Erlandur’s world. This one proves to be just the same. Coupled with a well written mystery that goes back into the past, this one lived up to the previous.
The book goes back and forth in time. It features on the past of a woman and her family and the horrendous abuse she endures. It leads up to the mystery surrounding the body found in the present. It’s good background storytelling and put in the missing pieces gradually as you progress in the book. Then as it goes forward to present day, you have Erlandur and his crew attempting to figure out the mystery but it also focuses on Erlandur’s past, and his attempt at patching things up with Eva Lind as she’s in a coma at the hospital.
Don’t expect twists and turns or any special revelations in this novel. It’s a subtle mystery but so well written that it’s a quick read and you’re so immersed into the book that the pages do fly by. It’s the writing style that makes it so good. The mood and setting is again, dark as usual. It’s more bleak than the previous one due to the subject matter and with what Erlandur experiences.
Admittedly, this isn’t for everyone. The physical, mental, emotional abuse featured in this book is hard to read. You sympathize with the mother and her children and Grimur is just one awful piece of garbage. Erlandur’s ghosts from the past is also revealed in this book and he’s got quite a lot of baggage on his shoulders (not including his ex wife and Eva Lind) but it gives his character more substance and he’s not just a presence in the novel. You also learn more about his colleagues (although I’d like to learn more about Elinborg) as they have their lives as well. I like this aspect of the novel as it shows what they do out of duty and gives them a more realistic human feel to the book.
Not much of a mystery but makes for really good reading, not only do the characters flesh out more but the writing is so well done. Recommended and I’ll be moving onto the next book after this one.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Patient Seven (2016) in Movies
Oct 24, 2019
Characters – Dr Daniel Marcus is the man trying to learn about six disturbed patients at a mental hospital, each story needs to be broken down in a different way, he is doing research for his book, but leaving us wondering what his motives are is the biggest mystery in this film. we do meet the different patients which all have different stories and we follow the events of their stories each different from the rest. We do meet the doctors, but as the film is an anthology we just don’t get enough time to look into their characters.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.
Performances – Michael Ironside is the star of this film with his calming presence while interviewing the patients that can turn on them in a heartbeat. We have a couple of known names in the supporting cast with Alfie Allen in the second story being the highlight of the rest of the performances, while no one is bad in their roles here, they just don’t get the time they deserve.
Story – The story here is told like an interview process to give us seven short horror stories, the fact each one goes in a different direction helps the audience find one they can enjoy even if the previous one isn’t for them. Vampires, ghost, spirits, serial killers and zombies are the main topics each one feels short enough to be entertaining, even if one did make me want to see a feature film about that character. For a horror anthology this does check the boxes well and is one that can be enjoyed.
Horror – The horror in the story comes from the different stories, while we don’t always get the best build up to the horror moments, we do follow the horror guidelines well.
Settings – Each story does take us to a new setting which helps make the film feel fresh, though I don’t quiet understand how the crimes from England, New Zealand and Iceland ended up in an American mental home.
Special Effects – The effects in the film across the different stories are great and make you feel like you are part of them.
Scene of the Movie – The second story.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Some of the stories are slightly too short though.
Final Thoughts – This is a good horror anthology even if the ending feel slightly flat, we get plenty going on and can enjoy the different ideals of horror.
Overall: Horror anthology does correctly.