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The Town (2010)
The Town (2010)
2010 | Action, Drama, Mystery
First half is flawed, as clichéd as a bank heist movie could possibly get - but that second half is a goddamned powerhouse (the only *half* conventional ending notwithstanding). Just sucks it took that long to become what it wanted to be the whole time. There's a really terrific story in here about parasitic men on both sides of the law playing with the lives of women like toys to either save their own asses, bring them down with them, or simply just because they can - all encased in a seedy, abusive popcorn heister of bullets and gracious amounts of Boston expletives - but I'm not sure this was ready to fully be that film. Think I'm willing to mostly forgive for how amazing Affleck is in this, and how amazing *everyone* is in this for that matter - along with how admittedly rousing the second hour is. But for the most part this takes nearly every predictable route you'd expect it to. Not really much more or less generic than 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘉𝘺 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, just a lot less gutted.
  
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Kristina (502 KP) rated Six of Crows in Books

Dec 7, 2020  
Six of Crows
Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
6
9.2 (45 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've seen recommendations for Six of Crows repeatedly throughout the last year or two. Favorite Series? Six of Crows. Best female assassin? Six of Crows. Best fantasy book? Six of Crows. There has been a lot of hype around this series, from what I've seen. I finally decided to give it a try - it's not necessarily part of my usual read, but I figured, if I could love the Throne of Glass series, then certainly I could get into this. I did. I enjoyed it, even with the many different point of views and third person perspective. However - and here is where I make my enemies - I didn't absolutely love it. Perhaps, like TOG, it gets better with each book, but while this first installment gets 3 stars from me (and it's a steady 3 stars, honestly), I don't believe I could rate it any higher than that. I do plan on continuing the series, full of hope that I might eventually begin to love it, but until then, I suppose I'll have to go with: "I liked it."
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated So Lucky in Books

Oct 28, 2020  
So Lucky
So Lucky
Dawn O'Porter | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Very enjoyable
This is the second book of Dawn O'Porter's that I've read after first trying The Cows, and I enjoyed both of them equally. Both of these books have similar themes but yet completely different stories, and O'Porter is obviously on a mission to promote female empowerment and strength (and rightly so).

The writing style in this is very good. I was gripped from the start and couldn't put this down. The main characters are all relatable in different ways, and even if you haven't necessarily experienced exactly the same things as them there's still a lot of yourself that you can recognise in all of them. To begin with, Ruby and Beth aren't exactly likeable characters mainly because as readers, we can see the problems with how they treat themselves (and others) and it's a bit frustrating. However you soon grow to love them and whilst the story itself is entirely predictable, it's still a joy to read. It promotes such a powerful message about loving and accepting yourself and about female empowerment, and you can't really go wrong with this.
  
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)
2020 | Action, Adventure, Animation
Not all of these DC animated movies are going to be as good as The Dark Knight Returns and Knights & Dragons is solid proof of that.
Its a straight down the middle entry for DC, it's got some enjoyable action sequences and the animation looks decent enough, although recently, a lot of these movies are starting to look the same. It doesn't have a unique feel to it in that regard.

Deathstroke has always been a compelling anti-hero, but compelling enough to carry a full length feature? I'm not so sure, and I still remain unsure. There's a fair amount of depth on show here concerning his family life, but honestly, the plot is a bit of a snore fest at times, although I did like to see some more minor characters such as Lady Shiva and Bronze Tiger get some screentime.

Its not the worst DC animated film out there, and is still worth a watch for fans of the brand, but it's not essential viewing.
  
The Mandalorian - Season 2
The Mandalorian - Season 2
2020 | Sci-Fi
Better than the first season (1 more)
Less filler episodes
This season was considerably better than the first. I decided to do a spoiler - free review. There were introductions of a lot of Clone Wars/Rebels characters, all of which I really liked. There was also the return of an original trilogy character that was teased in the first season. They've also included some EU content, which is now canon, and referred to Operation Cinder.
We've also finally gotten the Child's name, so that ridiculousness of 'Baby Yoda' can go away now, please.

I had issues with how they presented a very well-known, central character, introduced into the series. I think that they should have used the voice of the original character and cast someone who is younger and looks extremely similar to the elder actor. I hope that if they continue showing this central character, that they consider casting the actor (cough cough, he's already got a Disney contract) to play the correctly-aged character, rather than a slightly-shoddy digital version over some rando actor.
  
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu  (2019)
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
2019 | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
First, I confess I had no interest in Pokemon, the cards, the games, the plush toys, or anything related to the Pocket Monsters and Gotta Catch Em All Fever. I thought Bulbasaur was a Squirtle and Cubone was a member of the Mewtwo phenomenon. However, unlike the animated film, I was slightly impressed by the live action/animated hybrid. While the central mystery Detective Pikachu is on the trail of is a red herring, the story is heartwarming and almost made me miss my dad. Tim, after his mom died, spends a lot of time alone and dreams of being a Pokemon trainer, but as we see his emotionlessness inhibits his ability to connect to the little monsters. HIs dad, a world famous detective, tries to connect with him, but he is a constantly absent presence in his life. When Harry is reported dead from a car accident, Tim comes to Ryme City and meets Harry's Pokemon Pikachu who believes Harry didn't die. The true story is very incisive about the lengths we go to protect the things and people we love.
  
The 15:17 To Paris (2018)
The 15:17 To Paris (2018)
2018 | Drama, History, Thriller
Three Americans discover a terrorist plot aboard a train while in France.



This was an interesting movie. I liked the fact that the actual people involved played their parts, it made it feel a little rough but also made it seem a lot more real. I can't really pick it apart too much, I enjoyed the progression and you engage well with the main players... but I do have one point to raise that ruined the end of the film for me, and lost it a star...

The last thing we see is the reenactment of the Legion Of Honour ceremony where they were presented with medals by French president François Hollande. They spliced in original file footage of the event with the film, which had it just been added at the end would have made a lovely ending. What they did was mix it with "re-shot" footage so that they could get the actor family reaction shots in, which meant a different quality of film and a very dodgy stand in for Hollande.
  
Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)
Unfriended: Dark Web (2018)
2018 | Horror
After seeing Searching I was left enjoying the format of watching something from the perspective of the screen. This film managed to undo that enjoyment. Even though both, by the nature of the story lines, had people walking in and out of shot, Dark Web was a lot more chaotic and at times quite difficult to focus on with there being several people involved in each scene.

It's a passable horror film (it doesn't really feel like a horror film, but I'm at a loss as to where else is could be classified), and while I didn't see where the ending was going to go, you can make an educated guess that it's only going to come out one way... badly.

The story intrigued me enough to let me sit through the film, but I don't think I'd need to see it again. With the back and forth on the screen and the annoying digitised baddie appearing I don't think I would actually be able to see it again without getting a headache.
  
My Time At Portia
My Time At Portia
2018 | Casual, Simulation
Relaxing And Fun Game
I love this game because of how much there is to do in it, but it gives you a relaxed feel like Stardew Valley. If you like Stardew Valley and Minecraft you will like this game. The game allows you the freedom to explore and take your time with it. There are fun festival days and you can get to know your neighbors as well as romance specific characters with your male or female character. There are a few build missions that are timed, but the game doesn't really punish you if you miss the deadline. There are fun mini games too as well as dungeon crawl areas where you can battle monsters and earn rewards. The game has a ton of things to do and it can feel a little overwhelming, but if you take your time with it you find a rhythm that works. I found I really liked just gathering materials for my workshop and crafting. It's a fun and relaxing game that offers a lot of different things for everyone.
  
Stan & Ollie (2018)
Stan & Ollie (2018)
2018 | Biography, Comedy, Drama
Laurel & Hardy were one of the world's greatest comedy duos to ever step, or stumble, rumble, and dance rather, in front of audiences. I'll be honest, I've never really watched a lot of their work, I was always more of an Abbott and Costello guy myself, but you don't have to know or love their work to love this movie. Stan & Ollie gives a beautiful look into the real lives of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy at the end of their career. Their friendship and career, often like the hats on their heads, had its ups and downs, but they had a true chemistry and bond that could not be broken; whether their wives liked it or not. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly each give one of their best performances to date. And a huge tip of the hat to the special effects, makeup, and costuming department of this film. What are you waiting for? Don't make me give you a swift kick to the butt to dance away and add this to your watch list.