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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated The Fifth Witness (Mickey Haller #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Mickey has had to start taking on foreclosure cases to keep his firm growing, but when his first foreclosure client is accused of murder, Mickey finds himself once again practicing criminal law. His client is the easy suspect, and the case seems pretty circumstantial. But will he be able to get her off?
Naturally, the book is filled with twists and turns, and the outcome is never really that certain. The characters are great as well, especially Mickey who is so complex. Honestly, itโs so easy to root for him, flaws and all. I did feel the courtroom finagling slowed things down a little at times, especially when it was rehashing things we already knew, but overall, this is another strong book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-fifth-witness-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Naturally, the book is filled with twists and turns, and the outcome is never really that certain. The characters are great as well, especially Mickey who is so complex. Honestly, itโs so easy to root for him, flaws and all. I did feel the courtroom finagling slowed things down a little at times, especially when it was rehashing things we already knew, but overall, this is another strong book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-fifth-witness-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Robocop (1987) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Murphy's Law
Heavy metal action satire from Dutch director Paul Verhoeven that established him as one of the world's leading SF directors. The story is functional, if hardly original - dedicated cop is shot to pieces by bad guys, rebuilt as an armoured cyborg by heartless corporation, struggles to reclaim his humanity - but what makes it special is Verhoeven's ability to turn the movie on a dime, switching the mood from black comedy to sincere drama in a moment.
The setting is futuristic, but few films capture the look and feel of the 80s quite as effortlessly as Robocop. There are a few wobbles in the plotting and some uninspired supporting performances, but this is directed with heart and intelligence. At least as good as The Terminator or Aliens; would probably be much better remembered if any of the sequels had been any good.
The setting is futuristic, but few films capture the look and feel of the 80s quite as effortlessly as Robocop. There are a few wobbles in the plotting and some uninspired supporting performances, but this is directed with heart and intelligence. At least as good as The Terminator or Aliens; would probably be much better remembered if any of the sequels had been any good.

Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated Pop Goes the Weasel (Alex Cross, #5) in Books
Jun 19, 2018
I can't tire of this series
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, I purposely took my time reading it only reading small bits at a time so I could really appreciate and take on what I was reading. James Patterson is an incredible writer who can set the scene and create amazing characters. He has the ability to make you feel as though you are part of the story as you begin to become invested in the characters and their lives. Alex cross being in love is one of my favourite things and the cases he faces are disturbing to say the least. James has an incredible imagination and understanding of the law. As I got towards the end of the book I realised I could not put it down until I knew what had happened.

Kristin (149 KP) rated The Profiler: My Life Hunting Serial Killers and Psychopaths in Books
Dec 7, 2018
I really like how this was presented: Each case was described, evidence was provided as to who Brown believed was the likely suspect, and the status of the case where it sits now was noted (basically, dormant). I just received my Master's in Forensic Psychology, so reading how Brown became a profiler and how she uses her knowledge to work on "cold" cases was both intriguing and helpful for me. I especially liked her idea of creating a suspect bank through ViCAP that could be accessed across the nation, in the event that a suspect in one crime crosses jurisdictions and is interviewed in relation to another crime. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the Forensic Psychology or Criminology fields, or for those who like such TV shows as the "Law and Order," "Criminal Minds," or "CSI" franchises.

Paul Smedley (141 KP) rated How It Ends (2018) in Movies
Jul 14, 2018
Special effects (1 more)
Acting
How it ends? It doesnโt!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Most disaster films nowadays are made with the notion of concentrating on the story arc of the characters and donโt feel the need to explain the reasoning behind the disaster.
This film is no exception!
For a road movie it is fantastic. Lots of suspense and thrills built on trust issues and a road trip for a father and son-in-law who are trying to get to their daughter/partner, starting as two people who donโt see eye to eye and gradually becoming friends.
However, I was left wanting more from the final scenes and disappointed with the last frame.
If youโre stuck for something to watch on Netflix then give it a go but remember that nothing will be explained (and I mean nothing!!)
This film is no exception!
For a road movie it is fantastic. Lots of suspense and thrills built on trust issues and a road trip for a father and son-in-law who are trying to get to their daughter/partner, starting as two people who donโt see eye to eye and gradually becoming friends.
However, I was left wanting more from the final scenes and disappointed with the last frame.
If youโre stuck for something to watch on Netflix then give it a go but remember that nothing will be explained (and I mean nothing!!)

Watchman (19 KP) rated Beast (2017) in Movies
Jan 9, 2019 (Updated Feb 15, 2019)
Outstanding acting (1 more)
Unpredictable
A chilling fairytale
A girl with a dark past, the black sheep of the family with a perfect sister, a strict, overbearing mother and an ill father, starts a red-blooded affair with a local boy, an enigma with history of run ins with the law.... and now a suspect in the worst of crimes.
Set in the gorgeously filmed isle of Jersey, Michael Pearce has directed on his debut a real nail biter. This take on the search for a serial killer of young girls, intertwined with a forbidden love story is an uncomfortable, disturbing watch at times.... but hypnotic. And newcomer Jessie Buckley is mesmerising, its hard to take your eyes off her.
Brilliant script, plot, pacing and ominous soundtrack.
A must watch for any fan of dark psychological thrillers.
Set in the gorgeously filmed isle of Jersey, Michael Pearce has directed on his debut a real nail biter. This take on the search for a serial killer of young girls, intertwined with a forbidden love story is an uncomfortable, disturbing watch at times.... but hypnotic. And newcomer Jessie Buckley is mesmerising, its hard to take your eyes off her.
Brilliant script, plot, pacing and ominous soundtrack.
A must watch for any fan of dark psychological thrillers.
More adventures in the wizarding world
Contains spoilers, click to show
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two part play written by Jack Thorne, based on an original story by J. K. Rowling which continues directly where the last one ended, 19 years after the battle of Hogwarts.
The story follows Harry Potter, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to begin his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
After discovering that his father was present the night Cedric diggory died, Albus decides to right his father's wrongs by making sure Cedric never dies?!
What follows is truly unforseen....
This was some amazing story telling that genuinely had me hooked, a story about communication, trust & sacrifices.
The story follows Harry Potter, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to begin his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
After discovering that his father was present the night Cedric diggory died, Albus decides to right his father's wrongs by making sure Cedric never dies?!
What follows is truly unforseen....
This was some amazing story telling that genuinely had me hooked, a story about communication, trust & sacrifices.

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) in Movies
Apr 23, 2020 (Updated Apr 23, 2020)
Play Your Cards Right
Jack Reacher- Never Go Back, is a good movie i give it that. Other than that, ehh. I mean the plot, the action was good, other than that i cant remember anything about, every though i just watched it today. And that happens sometimes when you watch a okay/decent you complety forgive about it five minutes later.
The plot: Investigator Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) springs into action after the arrest of Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), an Army major accused of treason. Suspecting foul play, Jack embarks on a mission to prove that the head of his old unit is innocent. After crossing paths with the law, Reacher must now go on the lam to uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy that involves the death of U.S. soldiers.
Its a so-so action thriller
The plot: Investigator Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) springs into action after the arrest of Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), an Army major accused of treason. Suspecting foul play, Jack embarks on a mission to prove that the head of his old unit is innocent. After crossing paths with the law, Reacher must now go on the lam to uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy that involves the death of U.S. soldiers.
Its a so-so action thriller

Chloe (778 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Apr 22, 2020
Good story (2 more)
Space theme
Its marvel!
The female lead (1 more)
Rushed
Contains spoilers, click to show
I love marvel but have not committed to watching them all yet, what better time to do this than in lockdown?
Decided to go for the chronological order with this being my second one. I love the plot mentions to other films and the clever way they have fit it into the universe. The makeup and space parts of the film are great.
Also Jude Law....... ๐
I felt the concept of her regaining her memory could have been better explained and a longer process. Although I understand why it isn't. I found either the scripting or the acting for Brie Larsson to be quite false and the humourous/sassy sections forced. I was fully up for Captain Marvel being my next female icon but she didnt hit the mark (sorry).
Decided to go for the chronological order with this being my second one. I love the plot mentions to other films and the clever way they have fit it into the universe. The makeup and space parts of the film are great.
Also Jude Law....... ๐
I felt the concept of her regaining her memory could have been better explained and a longer process. Although I understand why it isn't. I found either the scripting or the acting for Brie Larsson to be quite false and the humourous/sassy sections forced. I was fully up for Captain Marvel being my next female icon but she didnt hit the mark (sorry).

Skidoo: A Journey Through the Ghost Towns of the American West
Book
In the company of bank robbers and grave diggers, desperados and cunning Indians, brewers and...