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Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Jan 12, 2018
A good sequel
Most sequel's leave bored or really disappointing but, in this case I was very happy with it. The movie is made to be more modern. Instead of a board game it is made into a video game and has great cast. 4 High School teens that are from 4 different cliques are given detention and find an old video game and of course hook it up to an old tv and get sucked into the game. Well their lives do a complete 180 for characters of the the game (the nerd who is weak is strong and fearless, The jock who was strong is the small and weak sidekick, The popular pretty girl is now a fat older man lol and the shy girl is now the kick ass hot girl) and have to work together to use their particular set of skills to return the jewel of Jumanji to it's rightful place. The movie is filled with a great cast who is not only funny but have to kind of change their own selves to mimic the kids that they have become. To me Jack Black has the greatest range and to play the character he does shows how far he can go.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Another fun Pepper Martin mystery that's as good as the first and better than the second in the series. Again, the ghost is the best character, this time a 60s rocker who possibly died of an overdose forty years ago. I couldn't help but think he was a Jim Morrison prototype, especially with some of the lyrics.
Pepper was thankfully brighter in this book and figured things out at a good pace. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to figure out whodunnit early on in this series, for lack of suspects, but I liked how the author had Pepper go about it anyway.
I could do without the constant who-wears-what, how Pepper's hair or nails are done, everything she wears at every given moment, and most of all, I get annoyed at her overactive libido every time a hot guy - dead or alive - comes into contact with her. Get it together girl! What's your problem. Luckily, it looks as if she might (finally) get her act together for the fourth book. Hopefully it is not Quinn, because he is a boring, cut-out character that adds nothing to this series. However, I still look forward to the next book and hope it continues to get better.
Pepper was thankfully brighter in this book and figured things out at a good pace. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to figure out whodunnit early on in this series, for lack of suspects, but I liked how the author had Pepper go about it anyway.
I could do without the constant who-wears-what, how Pepper's hair or nails are done, everything she wears at every given moment, and most of all, I get annoyed at her overactive libido every time a hot guy - dead or alive - comes into contact with her. Get it together girl! What's your problem. Luckily, it looks as if she might (finally) get her act together for the fourth book. Hopefully it is not Quinn, because he is a boring, cut-out character that adds nothing to this series. However, I still look forward to the next book and hope it continues to get better.
Merissa (13816 KP) rated Living on a Dare (Shore Thing #1) in Books
Apr 26, 2019
Living on a Dare (Shore Thing #1) by Grace Kilian Delaney
Living on a Dare is the first book in the Shore Thing series, and we start off with two friends, Draven and Julien. Draven is gay, and has known it for years. Julien is struggling to come to terms with his bi-sexuality, and as such, pushes Draven away until he is sure. Both of these have had feelings for the other for years, but neither thought anything would come of it. It takes a dare to bring their feelings to the surface, but even then, there is a lot of confusion going on.
This was a great story, with plenty of action and steam. I loved how these two worked together, although I could also slap them upside the head at times! There is a great cast of supporting characters too. I actually loved Julien's mum, and the role she played. This is the first in the series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
A sweet, hot, humorous story that I definitely recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a great story, with plenty of action and steam. I loved how these two worked together, although I could also slap them upside the head at times! There is a great cast of supporting characters too. I actually loved Julien's mum, and the role she played. This is the first in the series, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
A sweet, hot, humorous story that I definitely recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Apr 27, 2019 (Updated Apr 27, 2019)
Still more dinosaurs...
I'm not sure what a 5th "Jurassic" film can say that wasn't said in the previous 4 films, but they tried anyways.
After a volcano spews hot lava and ash on the original Jurassic island, humanity is left with the choice whether to save the prehistoric beasts or let them become extinct again maybe as it was supposed to be.
One of John Hammond's original partners is involved in trying to relocate several species from the dying island to a new home where they can be free of tourists and left to live their lives out in peace. Of course evil animal poachers seeking to weaponize the ferocious beasts intervene and only Chris Pratt (overrated) and Bryce Dallas Howard (not sure if she wore high heels the entire film this time) are here to stop them.
Not enough new material here to keep the film exciting and fresh. The same people running, getting eaten, etc is present here and I was bored.
Some cool visuals during the first half with our heroes trying to escape the volcanic habitat were compelling, however, the second half was way too predictable and not very exciting.
This franchise should now become extinct.
After a volcano spews hot lava and ash on the original Jurassic island, humanity is left with the choice whether to save the prehistoric beasts or let them become extinct again maybe as it was supposed to be.
One of John Hammond's original partners is involved in trying to relocate several species from the dying island to a new home where they can be free of tourists and left to live their lives out in peace. Of course evil animal poachers seeking to weaponize the ferocious beasts intervene and only Chris Pratt (overrated) and Bryce Dallas Howard (not sure if she wore high heels the entire film this time) are here to stop them.
Not enough new material here to keep the film exciting and fresh. The same people running, getting eaten, etc is present here and I was bored.
Some cool visuals during the first half with our heroes trying to escape the volcanic habitat were compelling, however, the second half was way too predictable and not very exciting.
This franchise should now become extinct.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Pleasure Dome in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This novel had such potential. After reading the synopsis, this novel sounded right up my alley and I couldnt wait to read it. Sadly, the leads ruined it for me. My main beef concerns a wishy washy female lead who is so indecisive I want to slap her. I felt that she wanted her cake and eat it too. After a couple chapters of this and her jerking the mail lead around, I couldnt take much more. The story is filled with interesting characters, creatures, and planets and I would love to read more about them. However, I just cant deal with the female lead. I couldnt relate to her at all or understanding why she went from hot to cold in a matter of sentences. It was aggravating to read about her teasing the male lead then when he comes to see her, she hides. Dont play with fire if you cant handle the heat! Overall, her personality was just abrasive to me.
It wasnt just her either. I felt that the author introduced the male lead with a very specific demeanor and personality as well, but did not stick with it. As soon as they had sex, he became a completely different character than originally described.
It wasnt just her either. I felt that the author introduced the male lead with a very specific demeanor and personality as well, but did not stick with it. As soon as they had sex, he became a completely different character than originally described.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The God Delusion in Books
Mar 15, 2018
To start with, the whole point of this book is to explain that God does not exist. Not just the Christian God that most Americans favor, but any God (or Gods) from any religion from anywhere in the world or throughout history. If that notion offends you, well I'm not going to say you shouldn't read this book, but just don't be surprised if it makes you more than a little angry. Alternatively, it presents such a powerful argument for the case against God, that you shouldn't be surprised if it has you questioning, or even renouncing, your current beliefs. Mr. Dawkins is a great writer who easily sustained my attention throughout (most of the time) and largely managed to keep a book about such a hot button topic among many feeling relatively friendly and conversational. That's not to say there aren't a few passages that seem more that a little angry, but that's too be expected given the subject matter. Unfortunately, the sections that are largely devoted to science can be a little bit too dry, but luckily they pass fairly quickly. Not a perfect book, but certainly a very interesting one, that will likely continue to anger some people for many years to come.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Too Big to Die (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #12) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Too Big to Die by Sue Ann Jaffarian (Odelia Grey #12) – 5
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-to-big-to-die-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
One Saturday, Odelia and Greg’s errands are interrupted when they see a dog trapped in a car on a hot day. They rescue the dog, but the dog’s owner is less than happy with them. She turns out to be former reality TV star Marla Kingston, and her husband is a client of the law firm where Odelia works. While he makes Odelia’s work life difficult, the man who stopped to help them winds up dead. What have Odelia and Greg gotten into now?
Any fan of this long running series will tell you to expect a fast-moving case, and that’s exactly what we find here as well. One of the complications that arises here involves a series regular; that part of the book will appeal most to fans of the series. Zee is a strong character in this book, and I always love seeing her, although all the series regulars get a scene or two to shine. A suspenseful climax caps another fantastic book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-to-big-to-die-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Gail (4 KP) rated Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor's Story in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Common Ground by Alice Rachel
Four Star
What if one day we wake up and the world wasn’t the same? You wake up and realize you can no longer do what you want or be who you truly are. Or you wake up and you already know that this is as far as you go. That no matter how hard you work your dreams don’t matter. This book made me really sad. To think that after we have moved so far ahead we end up right back where we started. Women with no rights, Gay's hiding from the world and men calling all the shots. Your daughters married off for status and the poor treated as if they’re scum under your boots. This book made you think about all the advantage we have now and how people fought to be free. The author did really well with how she presented her characters. There was too much tragedy for me. I don’t think Kayla should’ve had to go through her heartache to understand or join the cause. Taylor was hot and so mysterious. His character had you constantly guessing on what he would do next or how he would respond. A very interesting read.
Four Star
What if one day we wake up and the world wasn’t the same? You wake up and realize you can no longer do what you want or be who you truly are. Or you wake up and you already know that this is as far as you go. That no matter how hard you work your dreams don’t matter. This book made me really sad. To think that after we have moved so far ahead we end up right back where we started. Women with no rights, Gay's hiding from the world and men calling all the shots. Your daughters married off for status and the poor treated as if they’re scum under your boots. This book made you think about all the advantage we have now and how people fought to be free. The author did really well with how she presented her characters. There was too much tragedy for me. I don’t think Kayla should’ve had to go through her heartache to understand or join the cause. Taylor was hot and so mysterious. His character had you constantly guessing on what he would do next or how he would respond. A very interesting read.
Gail (4 KP) rated This is Me. in Books
Jun 4, 2018
The story is centered on Chloe and Rogan. A human girl and her assist. The gray area between appropriate and inappropriate. C.E. Wilson toed that line and said forget your right this is my world and love is love. This is Me was a great read. I enjoyed the way the author weaved in and out of the two relationships.
Rogan struggled through the whole book trying to understand emotions that were not programmed into his system. Things that only humans should feel. I know he isn’t real but he is HOT. The piercings the tattoos yummy. I wasn’t a big fan of Chloe. She was a little pushover. She let gossip and the voices of others sway her.
C.E. Wilson wrote about discrimination and it’s effects on all people. Just because someone is different from you doesn’t mean they should be treated with less respect. It’s 2016 and people still are discriminated against because of religion, sexual orientation, color and appearance. We are one and we just need to LOVE each other. Thank you C.E. Wilson for writing a story that showed that with love you could do anything. Well with the help of a lot of friends too.
Rogan struggled through the whole book trying to understand emotions that were not programmed into his system. Things that only humans should feel. I know he isn’t real but he is HOT. The piercings the tattoos yummy. I wasn’t a big fan of Chloe. She was a little pushover. She let gossip and the voices of others sway her.
C.E. Wilson wrote about discrimination and it’s effects on all people. Just because someone is different from you doesn’t mean they should be treated with less respect. It’s 2016 and people still are discriminated against because of religion, sexual orientation, color and appearance. We are one and we just need to LOVE each other. Thank you C.E. Wilson for writing a story that showed that with love you could do anything. Well with the help of a lot of friends too.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Darkest Hour (2011) in Movies
Jun 2, 2018 (Updated Jun 2, 2018)
Ferociously generic hot-young-things-are-chased-by-high-concept-monsters movie. (Winston Churchill does not appear, by the way.) Various American, Australian and Swedish characters bump into each other in a Moscow nightclub, hit it off (or not), then find the evening takes a bit of a turn when aliens made of invisible electricity arrive and start eating people. Lots of sneaking about and tension; it's not that difficult to guess who the aliens are going to chow down on before the end of the film, and in what order.
I suppose it looks okay, and many members of the cast have gone on to marginally better things (remakes of Judge Dredd and Robocop, plus TV work for Marvel), but the whole thing seems to be actively trying to be as forgettable as possible. The film's big innovation - the Moscow setting - ends up contributing nothing to the film, really; actual Russian characters are kept peripheral. Ultimately just a very, very bland film: Olivia Thirlby deserves some kind of mention for actually making you care slightly about her character. Apart from that this is the kind of SF film that brings science fiction into disrepute. And science. And quite probably fiction, come to that.
I suppose it looks okay, and many members of the cast have gone on to marginally better things (remakes of Judge Dredd and Robocop, plus TV work for Marvel), but the whole thing seems to be actively trying to be as forgettable as possible. The film's big innovation - the Moscow setting - ends up contributing nothing to the film, really; actual Russian characters are kept peripheral. Ultimately just a very, very bland film: Olivia Thirlby deserves some kind of mention for actually making you care slightly about her character. Apart from that this is the kind of SF film that brings science fiction into disrepute. And science. And quite probably fiction, come to that.