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Rachel King (13 KP) rated If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Norman Geisler takes a very systematic approach to a very broad and generalized question by breaking down the topic of evil into all its facets, such as nature, origin, and purpose. He also works in related topics like miracles and expands on the topics in three appendices. He uses both the rules of logic and debate as well as Bible scripture to support his conclusions.
I have read other books in the realm of Christian Apologetics, but nothing quite so detailed on a single topic as this book. While I was previously familiar with the arguments regarding the problem of evil, this book taught me why those arguments either work or don't work. Without getting into the specifics of what each argument entailed, I can safely say that Geisler did a thorough job of laying to rest the title question and addressing every possible side.
This book would be an excellent addition to any theology book collection.
I have read other books in the realm of Christian Apologetics, but nothing quite so detailed on a single topic as this book. While I was previously familiar with the arguments regarding the problem of evil, this book taught me why those arguments either work or don't work. Without getting into the specifics of what each argument entailed, I can safely say that Geisler did a thorough job of laying to rest the title question and addressing every possible side.
This book would be an excellent addition to any theology book collection.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2091 KP) rated The Mystery of the Antique Doll (Trixie Belden, #36) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A new antique shop has opened in Sleepyside, and when Trixie and Honey visit the shop, they find Carl, the owner, rude. But Trixie really gets suspicious when he asks them to do him a favor on a weekend trip to Paris, and they find themselves being followed after doing it. What have they stumbled into?
While not among my least favorites in the series, I certainly do see the flaws. The plot drives the book more than logic and the author has to twist things around in pretty painful ways to get to the climax. Having said that, I do enjoy the climax, and I think the idea behind the mystery was good. Some of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and this is the infamous books where Trixie knits.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-mystery-of-antique-doll-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While not among my least favorites in the series, I certainly do see the flaws. The plot drives the book more than logic and the author has to twist things around in pretty painful ways to get to the climax. Having said that, I do enjoy the climax, and I think the idea behind the mystery was good. Some of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and this is the infamous books where Trixie knits.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-mystery-of-antique-doll-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Smiley (2012) in Movies
Jul 23, 2018
The ending couldn't save the rest of the movie (3 more)
Cliche plot you have seen before
Bad acting
Annoying characters
The internet's bloody mary
This was a terrible movie
Bloody mary meets unfriended? It feels like a typical supernatural slasher you have seen plenty of times.
None of the characters are likeable, if anything they are actually annoying right from the first start especially the main girl. Again there is no logic, it's not creepy or gory and I found it just boring.
Don't get me wrong I love urban legends when it is done right.
The killer was not designed well, not shown enough and not creepy enough. Only a few deaths that were not scary or gory.
I couldn't wait for this movie to end but I'm happy I watched it so that you don't have to. It was paced horribly and even a good twist at the end couldn't save this movie.
Bloody mary meets unfriended? It feels like a typical supernatural slasher you have seen plenty of times.
None of the characters are likeable, if anything they are actually annoying right from the first start especially the main girl. Again there is no logic, it's not creepy or gory and I found it just boring.
Don't get me wrong I love urban legends when it is done right.
The killer was not designed well, not shown enough and not creepy enough. Only a few deaths that were not scary or gory.
I couldn't wait for this movie to end but I'm happy I watched it so that you don't have to. It was paced horribly and even a good twist at the end couldn't save this movie.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Feb 28, 2020
Shame about the humans
This film felt like it slipped in and out of cinemas here with very little attention drawn to it. Blink and you'll miss it, and I barely even remember the trailer either. Having now seen the film, I can see why it's pretty forgettable.
The main enjoyment in this film comes from the monster battles. Whenever the monsters are fighting each other on screen, it's hugely entertaining and these fights are impressively done. It's just a shame that Godzilla seems fairly lacking on screen until the finale, and that some of the CGI is patchy in parts. The humans are the biggest annoyance in this film. There's a great cast in this but they're let down by a cheesy script and a rather silly plot with a few gaps in the science & logic. And the ending is an obvious set up to yet another sequel.
Overly it was vaguely entertaining but dragged whenever the monsters weren't on screen, and ultimately a little forgettable.
The main enjoyment in this film comes from the monster battles. Whenever the monsters are fighting each other on screen, it's hugely entertaining and these fights are impressively done. It's just a shame that Godzilla seems fairly lacking on screen until the finale, and that some of the CGI is patchy in parts. The humans are the biggest annoyance in this film. There's a great cast in this but they're let down by a cheesy script and a rather silly plot with a few gaps in the science & logic. And the ending is an obvious set up to yet another sequel.
Overly it was vaguely entertaining but dragged whenever the monsters weren't on screen, and ultimately a little forgettable.
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) in Books
Apr 30, 2021
This was a great continuation of the story, however, I feel it suffered a bit from middle book syndrome - ie, where is purpose is to move the overall series plot forward, and so neglected to find its own internal arch. This resulted with a slightly unsatisfying feelings. This won't matter in the long run, as I'm still intrigued and captured by the series plotting, but as a stand alone it lacks a little bit of spark. Also, still no world building as to what causes Cyborgs to be reviled, though still not a deal breaker it would be nice if this was explained. Prejudices generally don't stem from pure revulsion. There's always some kind of warped logic or distortion of history. In my head canon it's that cyborg technology came about following the fourth world war, and the disgust at the horrors of that war, linked to all the now cyborg ex soldiers fueled the prejudice.
Cal Brown (53 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Jul 7, 2017
Great alternative perspective on the marvel universe. (4 more)
Great casting. Love the racial diversity and equality of characters.
Amazing references to the original films and the MCU.
Tom Holland's performance and presence is incredible.
Air-gasping plot twists.
The aspect ratio of the smartphone-video diary doesn't make sense. (1 more)
A few minor logic flaws.
Spider-teen
Contains spoilers, click to show
Spiderman, a superhero that has been the go-to Halloween costume for the past 15 years and rightly so. With this being the 6th Spiderman movie, most would expect a drained and exhausted movie. I try to go into the cinema with an unbiased opinion on any movie, but even I expected it. However, it was a replenishing surprise to see a cinematic and equally entertaining Marvel film.
I loved seeing an alternative, somewhat more realistic, perspective on the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Hearing the 'voice of the people' and what students think of the avengers was a quirky amusement.
As a filmmaker, it was incredulous to see a specific inter-textual reference within one of the scenes. Night draws and the Vulture is driving the car with Peter Parker in the back. Things are getting tense as he realises that Peter Parker is Spiderman. The car is stationary at a set of traffic lights. The light turns green, cut to a close up of the Vulutre's face as he replicates the Green Goblin's expression and speaks the exact same words to Spiderman that the Green Goblin did in the very fist movie.
It's hard to believe that Tom Holland (Peter Parker) was born and raised in London as his American accent is spot on! This was complimented by his excellent and energetic performance.
The casting for this film was noteworthy. The racial diversity and equality of characters was great.
There were a few logic flaws within the film, but they're not worth enough value to even discuss them as the story and value of the film overall was excellent. I'm content with giving this film an almost perfect 9/10 as there were a few parts of the story where I felt like it was getting repetitive and the plot was starting to feel a bit 'back-and-forth'.
I loved seeing an alternative, somewhat more realistic, perspective on the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Hearing the 'voice of the people' and what students think of the avengers was a quirky amusement.
As a filmmaker, it was incredulous to see a specific inter-textual reference within one of the scenes. Night draws and the Vulture is driving the car with Peter Parker in the back. Things are getting tense as he realises that Peter Parker is Spiderman. The car is stationary at a set of traffic lights. The light turns green, cut to a close up of the Vulutre's face as he replicates the Green Goblin's expression and speaks the exact same words to Spiderman that the Green Goblin did in the very fist movie.
It's hard to believe that Tom Holland (Peter Parker) was born and raised in London as his American accent is spot on! This was complimented by his excellent and energetic performance.
The casting for this film was noteworthy. The racial diversity and equality of characters was great.
There were a few logic flaws within the film, but they're not worth enough value to even discuss them as the story and value of the film overall was excellent. I'm content with giving this film an almost perfect 9/10 as there were a few parts of the story where I felt like it was getting repetitive and the plot was starting to feel a bit 'back-and-forth'.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle in Books
Dec 25, 2018
Great page-turning read!
Really enjoyed this! It was my pick for our book club and I think it will generate plenty of discussion. It's just over 500 pages long and we would usually try and stick with a maximum of 400 pages, but this was just so easy to read and so engrossing I got through it really quickly.
It's confusing at first, but I think you are supposed to feel the confusion of the protagonist. There are quite a few characters and the time-travel-body-hoping element can be a little confusing, but there is an internal logic to the book. There were one or two things at the end that weren't quite clear or weren't explained, but overall this is a cracking good read. I think it would be great to read again and try and spot the 'clues' along the way, although I don't think it's a solution you are going to guess, but just enjoy the ride!
It's confusing at first, but I think you are supposed to feel the confusion of the protagonist. There are quite a few characters and the time-travel-body-hoping element can be a little confusing, but there is an internal logic to the book. There were one or two things at the end that weren't quite clear or weren't explained, but overall this is a cracking good read. I think it would be great to read again and try and spot the 'clues' along the way, although I don't think it's a solution you are going to guess, but just enjoy the ride!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Mort in Books
Nov 20, 2019
In lots of ways Mort is the first book which feels like a 'proper' Discworld novel, fusing the fantasy setting, humour and allegorical commentary together into a delightful, coherent whole.
The story itself is a good one: Death takes on Mort as an apprentice so he can take a break. When Mort breaks the rules he causes a wound in space/time that needs to be healed. And the more Mort does the job of Death the more the job begins to take its toll on him.
There is so much to like about this book. The humour is spot-on with some great one-liners, characters and footnotes. The exploration of the mechanics of how Death really operates on the Discworld fits perfectly with the logic of how the rather unique world operates and is the first glimpse into just how complex and rich the series of books could be.
The Discworld was still evolving rapidly at this point and Mort represents a real statement of intent for the future.
The story itself is a good one: Death takes on Mort as an apprentice so he can take a break. When Mort breaks the rules he causes a wound in space/time that needs to be healed. And the more Mort does the job of Death the more the job begins to take its toll on him.
There is so much to like about this book. The humour is spot-on with some great one-liners, characters and footnotes. The exploration of the mechanics of how Death really operates on the Discworld fits perfectly with the logic of how the rather unique world operates and is the first glimpse into just how complex and rich the series of books could be.
The Discworld was still evolving rapidly at this point and Mort represents a real statement of intent for the future.
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Apr 20, 2020
More of The Rock in a jungle.
412. Jumanji: The Next Level. There's actors out there that say they will never do sequels. And there's the ones that do nothing but. Dwayne Johnson, is back, again, in another sequel to Jumanji. This time around, one of the gang, Spencer is depressed and goes back home on school break and disappears into the game, when the rest of em all come looking for him, they get sucked into the game, but this time, there's old people!! Danny DeVito and 'I'm too old for this shit' Danny Glover play old people in this that also get sucked into the game. There's really no logic behind any of this. They become The Rock and Kevin Hart and they say all the old person in young body jokes that you've seen in the trailers, don't worry they are all there. They set off on a safe, family friendly adventure to find Spencer, which leads to a rather boring and predictable ending. Filmbufftim on FB
