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Awix (3310 KP) rated Widows (2018) in Movies
Nov 18, 2018 (Updated Nov 18, 2018)
Based on a TV show that most people will probably have either forgotten or never heard of in the first place, the new film from Steve McQueen (not that one) exchanges the existential historical misery of his last one for existential present-day corruption and despair. When a crew of robbers are killed on a job-gone-wrong and the leader's widow is menaced by the target, demanding his money back, she decides to recruit the widows of the other men to execute her former husband's planned next heist in order to meet her obligations.
Smartly written and well played, there is a lot going on here apart from the obvious genre stuff - various subplots explore the lives of women in modern America, police violence, institutional racism, and so on. However, the problem is that the film seems to get lost in exploring all of this and the meat-and-potatoes stuff about the heist kind of gets a bit lost as a result - the robbery, when it finally arrives, feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. Still, this is a quality movie with lots to commend it.
Smartly written and well played, there is a lot going on here apart from the obvious genre stuff - various subplots explore the lives of women in modern America, police violence, institutional racism, and so on. However, the problem is that the film seems to get lost in exploring all of this and the meat-and-potatoes stuff about the heist kind of gets a bit lost as a result - the robbery, when it finally arrives, feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. Still, this is a quality movie with lots to commend it.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Trapstar - Single by Mexcco in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Mexcco is an emerging rapper from San Pedro, California. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Trapstar” single.
“Told her I’m a boss even though the b*tch know it. If the sh*t about money, then you know that I’m on it. Talkin’ about a pack if it’s dope I’ma roll it. I just got a pint and you know I’ma pour it.” – lyrics
‘Trapstar’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who hustles in a trap house to make ends meet.
Apparently, he’s a very successful trap star, and his main concern is making money and plenty of it.
‘Trapstar’ will be featured on Mexcco’s upcoming debut album, entitled, “In The Trap”, available Summer 2019.
The likable tune contains an edgy street narrative, gangster raps, and melodic instrumentation flavored with a West Coast hip-hop aroma. Also, it was produced by Cypress Moreno (Shoreline Mafia’s official producer).
Mexcco has been rapping for 6 months and has no shortage of life experience to rap about.
So far, he has received a lot of industry cosigns as well as features from Shoreline Mafia, Icewear Vezzo, AD, and Mozzy.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mexcco-trapstar/
“Told her I’m a boss even though the b*tch know it. If the sh*t about money, then you know that I’m on it. Talkin’ about a pack if it’s dope I’ma roll it. I just got a pint and you know I’ma pour it.” – lyrics
‘Trapstar’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who hustles in a trap house to make ends meet.
Apparently, he’s a very successful trap star, and his main concern is making money and plenty of it.
‘Trapstar’ will be featured on Mexcco’s upcoming debut album, entitled, “In The Trap”, available Summer 2019.
The likable tune contains an edgy street narrative, gangster raps, and melodic instrumentation flavored with a West Coast hip-hop aroma. Also, it was produced by Cypress Moreno (Shoreline Mafia’s official producer).
Mexcco has been rapping for 6 months and has no shortage of life experience to rap about.
So far, he has received a lot of industry cosigns as well as features from Shoreline Mafia, Icewear Vezzo, AD, and Mozzy.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mexcco-trapstar/
Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated Now You See Me (2013) in Movies
Dec 14, 2018
Mind blowing
I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this film. Whilst, I scored it an 8 (it's hard to get a 10 rating out of me), there was a lot of spins and twists in this film. There were points where I was staring at the television trying to work out how they performed certain magic tricks. Whilst everything is eventually explained to you it does still leave you questioning. This is probably the vaguest review I've ever written but I don't want to spoil it for anyone or take the magic out of what a wonderful and unique film this really is. The only criticism I could say is that at the start when Henley is in the box and the piranhas are going to fall down, it was a bit predictible. However, that is the only real piece of criticism I can give. Even though I was tired, when the movie ended, I began desperately searching to watch the second one (to no avail). Looking forward to watching the second film and seeing what tricks they have up their sleeves next!
Natalia (73 KP) rated Siege and Storm in Books
Jan 26, 2019
I suppose I should make this quick: after enjoying the first so much, it's hard not to go into this book and not love every moment.
There's plenty of action, and the first chapters contain far more than I had anticipated, though, this was extremely welcomed. A lot of the time I find myself disappointed in the second book of a series, especially within trilogies, but this was not the case - rather than the plot slowing down, the entirety of the book feels purposeful following a largely similar structure to the first. Alina's character feels like she becomes far more developed, more than two-dimensional, and some of my favourite characters of the Grishaverse are introduced in this book: these also being ones that most fans are fond of, in case you need something more to look forward to.
Overall, this book beat the expectations I had of it, having gone into the series blind as I usually try and do. Whether you're a fan of the first book or not, it's worth continuing with the series, and if you loved it then I doubt your opinion will change on it at all.
There's plenty of action, and the first chapters contain far more than I had anticipated, though, this was extremely welcomed. A lot of the time I find myself disappointed in the second book of a series, especially within trilogies, but this was not the case - rather than the plot slowing down, the entirety of the book feels purposeful following a largely similar structure to the first. Alina's character feels like she becomes far more developed, more than two-dimensional, and some of my favourite characters of the Grishaverse are introduced in this book: these also being ones that most fans are fond of, in case you need something more to look forward to.
Overall, this book beat the expectations I had of it, having gone into the series blind as I usually try and do. Whether you're a fan of the first book or not, it's worth continuing with the series, and if you loved it then I doubt your opinion will change on it at all.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Alien Hunters (Alien Hunters, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Hmmm ... I'm not quite sure how to classify this.
Science-fiction? Certainly.
Comedy? In parts, yes.
Perhaps some classification in line with [b: The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy|372299|The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy A Trilogy in Five Parts|Douglas Adams|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322913171s/372299.jpg|42028477], or even with [b: Red Dwarf: infinty Welcomes Careful Drivers|70956|Red Dwarf Omnibus (Red Dwarf Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers & Better Than Life) |Grant Naylor|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348229137s/70956.jpg|68744].
I actually picked this up as part of a freebie the author was doing when I felt like a change of pace after reading several heavy(ish), 'serious' books in a row, more out of a sense of curiosity than anything else.
This was definitley a lot lighter fare than any of the books I had read in recent memory - I think I zipped through it in something like 2 or 3 days - raising the occassional wry chuckle, but failing to leave any permanent mark on my memory.
In food terms, like eating a biscuit rather than a full meal - tides you over, but never fully satisfies!
Science-fiction? Certainly.
Comedy? In parts, yes.
Perhaps some classification in line with [b: The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy|372299|The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy A Trilogy in Five Parts|Douglas Adams|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322913171s/372299.jpg|42028477], or even with [b: Red Dwarf: infinty Welcomes Careful Drivers|70956|Red Dwarf Omnibus (Red Dwarf Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers & Better Than Life) |Grant Naylor|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348229137s/70956.jpg|68744].
I actually picked this up as part of a freebie the author was doing when I felt like a change of pace after reading several heavy(ish), 'serious' books in a row, more out of a sense of curiosity than anything else.
This was definitley a lot lighter fare than any of the books I had read in recent memory - I think I zipped through it in something like 2 or 3 days - raising the occassional wry chuckle, but failing to leave any permanent mark on my memory.
In food terms, like eating a biscuit rather than a full meal - tides you over, but never fully satisfies!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated X2: X-Men United (2003) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019 (Updated Jun 20, 2019)
A strong follow up
X-Men 2 builds upon the first in pretty much every way possible - were introduced to new characters (Brian Cox as William Stryker being a stand out here) and some really thrilling set pieces.
Notable amongst them - the opening scene of Nightcrawler attacking The White House (set to Mozart's Requiem in D Minor) is honestly one of my top scenes in a comic book film ever.
The scene where the mansion is attacked at night - we see Wolverine a lot more feral here than in the first film, and we're introduced to Colossus.
And the almost everything on Alkali Lake - the glimpses into the Weapon X project, the hints at Dark Phoenix - are all comic book ticks (until they were a bit shat on in future sequels)
There are still faults - the biggest one here for me is Lady Deathstroke - second X-Men movie in a row that backbenches a classic Wolverine villain in favour of a fairly useless mute version.
I remember and appreciate X-Men 2 for what it was at the time - a movie for a young franchise brimming with future possibilities. It still stands strong as far as Marvel adaptions go.
Notable amongst them - the opening scene of Nightcrawler attacking The White House (set to Mozart's Requiem in D Minor) is honestly one of my top scenes in a comic book film ever.
The scene where the mansion is attacked at night - we see Wolverine a lot more feral here than in the first film, and we're introduced to Colossus.
And the almost everything on Alkali Lake - the glimpses into the Weapon X project, the hints at Dark Phoenix - are all comic book ticks (until they were a bit shat on in future sequels)
There are still faults - the biggest one here for me is Lady Deathstroke - second X-Men movie in a row that backbenches a classic Wolverine villain in favour of a fairly useless mute version.
I remember and appreciate X-Men 2 for what it was at the time - a movie for a young franchise brimming with future possibilities. It still stands strong as far as Marvel adaptions go.
Otway93 (567 KP) rated Resident Evil 2: The Board Game in Tabletop Games
Oct 25, 2019
Game (4 more)
Pieces
Expansions Available
1-4 Players
Tension
Cost (1 more)
Packaging
Excellent game, though far too expensive!
A truly superb game that thoroughly surprised me!
At first I was a little sceptical about how Resident Evil 2 would translate to a board game, but the creators managed to capture the story and the horror perfectly, somehow making everybody involved absolutely terrified, just like the game!
The game is slightly complicated for those new to dice based games (me included), but I believe it to be an excellent starter for beginners.
The game is also unusually for 1-4 players, though I can't imagine it being much fun solo.
Another plus is the number of expansions, all enjoyable, but just like the core game, they are all considerably expensive for what's involved.
The cost is the main issue with this game, the core game costing between £60-80, and expansions anywhere between £15-30 each.
The expansions, with the exception of the rather good B-Files Expansion, contain very little, and add very little. They contain very little and still use the same amount of packaging, using a lot of plastic and wasting paper and cardboard.
At first I was a little sceptical about how Resident Evil 2 would translate to a board game, but the creators managed to capture the story and the horror perfectly, somehow making everybody involved absolutely terrified, just like the game!
The game is slightly complicated for those new to dice based games (me included), but I believe it to be an excellent starter for beginners.
The game is also unusually for 1-4 players, though I can't imagine it being much fun solo.
Another plus is the number of expansions, all enjoyable, but just like the core game, they are all considerably expensive for what's involved.
The cost is the main issue with this game, the core game costing between £60-80, and expansions anywhere between £15-30 each.
The expansions, with the exception of the rather good B-Files Expansion, contain very little, and add very little. They contain very little and still use the same amount of packaging, using a lot of plastic and wasting paper and cardboard.
ClareR (5556 KP) rated To Keep You Safe in Books
Oct 16, 2019 (Updated Mar 5, 2020)
An entertaining read!
Jenni is a maths teacher in a secondary school, and used to be in the armed forces. When one of her students, Destiny, arrives at school with a black eye, Jenni decides that she needs help - radical help, in fact, after a man turns up to collect Destiny from school with a gun tucked in to his belt. Jenni believes she must help Destiny to escape from a seriously dangerous situation. However, there’s much more to this story.
In fact, there is a lot to think about in this story: the way children are treated in the care system, the support for ex-servicemen and women, and human trafficking.
I liked the different perspectives that this was told in: Jenni, Destiny, and a couple of chapters told from the point of view of the Headteacher of Jenni and Destiny’s school. The different perspectives don’t always tell the same story though - and this is an important part of the whole story.
I liked this. It was an uncomfortable read at times, but I felt well entertained! And as usual, I enjoyed the whole Pigeonhole experience!
In fact, there is a lot to think about in this story: the way children are treated in the care system, the support for ex-servicemen and women, and human trafficking.
I liked the different perspectives that this was told in: Jenni, Destiny, and a couple of chapters told from the point of view of the Headteacher of Jenni and Destiny’s school. The different perspectives don’t always tell the same story though - and this is an important part of the whole story.
I liked this. It was an uncomfortable read at times, but I felt well entertained! And as usual, I enjoyed the whole Pigeonhole experience!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Official Secrets (2019) in Movies
Oct 18, 2019
Superior based-on-fact thriller with Keira Knightley leading a strong cast. Huge demonstrations fill the streets of London but are totally ignored by the government, the British Prime Minister is a smirking liar, and the US administration is hugely embarrassed by a whistleblower. How very different things were 15 years ago. Said whistleblower (Knightley) reveals an attempt by the US and UK to blackmail members of the UN security council into authorising an otherwise-illegal invasion of Iraq, bringing the whole power of the establishment down on her head.
There's a lot going on here, plotwise, with various strands following Knightley's personal situation, the attempts of journalists to verify and publish her story, and the court case that ensued, but the story is always engrossing and never difficult to follow. Knightley's performance is possibly a little overcooked, but she is extremely well supported by a cast including Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Rhys Ifans. Raises some serious issues about the rights of a government to keep secrets from its secrets; stirs up some recent history, too, for what it's worth. An excellent piece of intelligent entertainment.
There's a lot going on here, plotwise, with various strands following Knightley's personal situation, the attempts of journalists to verify and publish her story, and the court case that ensued, but the story is always engrossing and never difficult to follow. Knightley's performance is possibly a little overcooked, but she is extremely well supported by a cast including Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Rhys Ifans. Raises some serious issues about the rights of a government to keep secrets from its secrets; stirs up some recent history, too, for what it's worth. An excellent piece of intelligent entertainment.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated It (2017) in Movies
Jul 18, 2019
I'm floating right now. Not in the sewers, but on cloud nine kazillion after experiencing all of the awesomeness that is the new IT movie. They didn't clown around with this new one. Okay, puns out of the way(for now), it was a fantastic film. Not only was justice served to the original adaptation, but I truly feel it surpassed it and rose above all of the excitement and expectations surrounding it. The kids couldn't have been casted any better I don't think, direction that resulted in a look and feel that was amazing, huge thumbs up on costuming, make-up, and effects, and very well written with that perfect balance of horror and humor; I laughed a lot. The new Pennywise is to die for. What Tim Curry's version did for my generation and taking fear of clowns to a whole new level, Bill Skarsgard's will do the same for the current generation. To this day I feel uneasy when I see sewer drains and do my damnedest to avoid them. In summary, IT was well made(pun intended) and is a must see.