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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Atomic Blonde (2017) in Movies
Dec 16, 2017 (Updated Dec 16, 2017)
Great soundtrack (1 more)
Fabulous action
Charlize Theron makes this movie
This is definitely one of those marmite movies, in which you either love or hate it. At times, the female protagonist Lorraine, played by Charlize Theron, echoed Uma Thurman's character in Kill Bill - stylized sequences, strong female lead, a great 1980's soundtrack and cinematography - made for a good watch.
Where it fell short was the plot. It dragged in the middle of the film, where there seemed to be mindless violence for no apparent reason. The story follows Lorraine Broughton, who is sent to Berlin to find and deliver some priceless information back to MI6. She meets the local station chief David Percival and they get caught up in the normal Iron Curtain spy business you'd expect with people getting killed left right and centre.
The only problem with this is that if Theron’s character Lorraine Broughton had been a man, it wouldn't have changed a single frame of the film. I'd like to see an action film where the female lead isn't trying to be a man replacement or scantily-clad for the male gaze, I'd love to see a female lead being female.
Despite the incredible cast - Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman - the acting was adequate for the kind of film this was, but it could have been so much better.
Where it fell short was the plot. It dragged in the middle of the film, where there seemed to be mindless violence for no apparent reason. The story follows Lorraine Broughton, who is sent to Berlin to find and deliver some priceless information back to MI6. She meets the local station chief David Percival and they get caught up in the normal Iron Curtain spy business you'd expect with people getting killed left right and centre.
The only problem with this is that if Theron’s character Lorraine Broughton had been a man, it wouldn't have changed a single frame of the film. I'd like to see an action film where the female lead isn't trying to be a man replacement or scantily-clad for the male gaze, I'd love to see a female lead being female.
Despite the incredible cast - Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman - the acting was adequate for the kind of film this was, but it could have been so much better.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Mass Effect: Andromeda in Video Games
Jul 19, 2017
A Perfect Continuation of the Mass Effect Series
I could seriously gush like a fan-girl about this game for hours, so I'll try to keep it brief :p The graphics are astounding, the storyline is a work of art and the characters are really awesome. There are tons of side missions to keep you busy after you finish the main story line, all aspects are really fantastic, the game mechanics are great, shooting, jumping, running, driving, it's all aces. You can be any type of Ryder you like, romantic, logical, casual, professional, or a mix of all. Romances for both male and female Ryder are good, probably the best (or my favourites at least) are Jaal and Vetra. The downside are the romance cut scenes. You can tell Bioware put more effort into some and others not so much (particularly Cora, Jaal and Peebee had the best romance scenes). Disappointments? Not many. The romance scene for Vetra was bs, I was really pissed that they didn't put much effort into it. Also, three characters I fell in love with but couldn't romance, Evfra, Kandros, and Drack. So Bioware, if ya'll are listening, give me my Krogan romance damnit! The biggest disappointment? That the game had to end. I LOVED it! Can't wait for the DLC!
Verner Latskin (74 KP) rated Mr. Robot - Season 2 in TV
Jul 21, 2017
The final scenes of the season are nearly jaw dropping (4 more)
A shootout sequence that ranks up there with the best single shot sequences of anything on a screen big or small
Contains yet another episode that would fit right in with Lynch's canon
Alf
One of best Casablanca references ever made
Barely any Tyrell (1 more)
Dealing with the consequences of something is never as fun as the thing itself
Even though it didn't quite live up to the standard set by season 1, it was still one of the best sophomore seasons in television history
Contains spoilers, click to show
After one of the best seasons of television ever made, season 2 was bound to disappoint somewhat, but it does nothing to diminish season and actually manages to deepen it.
While the show really misses the presence of the male Tyrell, it deepens his lady MacBeth in unexpected ways and introduces another fascinating new character in the form of an FBI agent investigating the case against Elliot. In fact this season is all about the ladies, giving every female character new depth and agency. In fact, Angela maybe the new series MVP - her final scene of the season had me actively gasping out loud.
There is no show I'm more excited about right now than this, and believe me, that's almost hard to admit considering how much I'm in love with the new "Twin Peaks".
While the show really misses the presence of the male Tyrell, it deepens his lady MacBeth in unexpected ways and introduces another fascinating new character in the form of an FBI agent investigating the case against Elliot. In fact this season is all about the ladies, giving every female character new depth and agency. In fact, Angela maybe the new series MVP - her final scene of the season had me actively gasping out loud.
There is no show I'm more excited about right now than this, and believe me, that's almost hard to admit considering how much I'm in love with the new "Twin Peaks".
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones in Books
Jul 22, 2017
I hated almost every minute I wasted reading this.
Read in May 2013
The more I thought about this book after finishing it the lower my rating got. While reading the characters and plot were okay nothing all that special or really memorable about half way through I was just reading so I could finish and see if some of my guess were right...and yeah they were. The writing style was okay also nothing all that special or memorable about it just came off as childish.
First and foremost the reason why I hated this book so much was Clary and Jace they are both two of the most unlikable characters I have ever read. Clary is your typical female protagonist that complains about her looks,get jealous through out the whole book and is all around just so unlikable I wanted to jump in and strangle her.
Jace is also your typical leading brooding teen male that is so popular right now, I really couldn't find a single thing I like about him or really even remember.
The only character and really the only reason I even bothered to rate the book was Magnus he was interesting flamboyant and I think I kept reading just hoping he would pop up again.
The more I thought about this book after finishing it the lower my rating got. While reading the characters and plot were okay nothing all that special or really memorable about half way through I was just reading so I could finish and see if some of my guess were right...and yeah they were. The writing style was okay also nothing all that special or memorable about it just came off as childish.
First and foremost the reason why I hated this book so much was Clary and Jace they are both two of the most unlikable characters I have ever read. Clary is your typical female protagonist that complains about her looks,get jealous through out the whole book and is all around just so unlikable I wanted to jump in and strangle her.
Jace is also your typical leading brooding teen male that is so popular right now, I really couldn't find a single thing I like about him or really even remember.
The only character and really the only reason I even bothered to rate the book was Magnus he was interesting flamboyant and I think I kept reading just hoping he would pop up again.
Merissa (12827 KP) rated The Iron Butterfly (Iron Butterfly #1) in Books
Aug 9, 2017
The Iron Butterfly (Iron Butterfly #1) by Chanda Hahn
This book throws you straight in with the action as you are immediately in a cell with Thalia as she tries to recover from the latest round on a torture machine. She has no memories of anything before her life locked up.
Through the help of another prisoner she is able to escape and then with the help of another pair of characters, she manages to put some distance between herself and where she was being held.
This story will lead you on a twisted journey as you travel with Thalia as she tries to understand who or what she is, what's been done to her and how she tries to deal with and live with the consequences.
There are the two male leads in this, one is a golden boy and one is dark and brooding. Her relationship with both of these could have gone into a bit more detail but even on the information given, Joss is solid but Kael's the guy for me. Actually, out of all of them, I think I'd stick with Faraway!
If you like fantasy and want to try something a little bit different, then why not try this one.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ November 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Through the help of another prisoner she is able to escape and then with the help of another pair of characters, she manages to put some distance between herself and where she was being held.
This story will lead you on a twisted journey as you travel with Thalia as she tries to understand who or what she is, what's been done to her and how she tries to deal with and live with the consequences.
There are the two male leads in this, one is a golden boy and one is dark and brooding. Her relationship with both of these could have gone into a bit more detail but even on the information given, Joss is solid but Kael's the guy for me. Actually, out of all of them, I think I'd stick with Faraway!
If you like fantasy and want to try something a little bit different, then why not try this one.
* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ November 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
How To Flirt with a Naked Werewolf was a cute fun quick read. I was sucked into the story right away by the fun witty voice of the interior monologue, relaxed writing style, and likeable characters (oh ok and drool-worthy male protagonist). I don't often find such a fun writing style or voice from romance novels, but Molly Harper has surprised me. She used creative descriptions, character, and personality in her writing.
(minor spoiler alert, this paragraph only!) The plot itself was a little "twilight-esque" with the whole "we can't be together so I'm going to leave and be emo" thing, the "I'm too dangerous for you" thing, and the constant nausea and realizing she's pregnant thing. But I liked Mo a lot better than Bella (who, can I just say, deserved an emo masochist) so I'm not too bothered by it. Plus, these 370 pages had just as much plot—and maybe more—than the entire twilight saga combined. Then again that's not hard to do.
I really enjoyed this book and would pick up the next ones in the series if I had money and a job. Alas, I have $0.70 in my checking account and no income. I'll have to pick it up over the summer when I get my job back…
Content: some sex, mild language. Ages 18+
(minor spoiler alert, this paragraph only!) The plot itself was a little "twilight-esque" with the whole "we can't be together so I'm going to leave and be emo" thing, the "I'm too dangerous for you" thing, and the constant nausea and realizing she's pregnant thing. But I liked Mo a lot better than Bella (who, can I just say, deserved an emo masochist) so I'm not too bothered by it. Plus, these 370 pages had just as much plot—and maybe more—than the entire twilight saga combined. Then again that's not hard to do.
I really enjoyed this book and would pick up the next ones in the series if I had money and a job. Alas, I have $0.70 in my checking account and no income. I'll have to pick it up over the summer when I get my job back…
Content: some sex, mild language. Ages 18+
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror in Books
May 17, 2018 (Updated May 18, 2018)
So this JUST came out. I'd had my eye on it for a few months, and put a request in as soon as my library ordered it. The author recently came out as trans, so it's also part of my effort to read more inclusively. Ortberg definitely played with gender and sexuality in several of these tales; in one of them people decided whether to be the husband or the wife, independent of their gender, in their marriage. (One party to the marriage in the story stated "I've been trained for both roles.") In another all of a man's daughters used male pronouns and that was never explored further. That was slightly odd.
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
These were dark, twisted versions of these stories. "Our Friend Mr. Toad," for example, involved gaslighting and psychologically torturing poor Mr. Toad. I found that one particularly disturbing. I enjoyed the title story, Ortberg's version of Beauty and the Beast, which has a very different ending from expected. I also really liked "The Daughter Cells", inspired by The Little Mermaid. I LOVED "Fear Not: An Incident Log."
I think this was a great, albeit strange, little book. It's unique, for sure, and a quick read. If you're looking for a fairy tale collection that is VERY different, try this one.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Shadow Kiss in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This book took a much more central focus of the relationship between Rose and Dimitri, as well as Rose's own unique abilities, thanks to her bond with Lissa. This book delved more into what harnessing the elements could do in practical terms, which I have been very curious about. In some ways, I feel like Mead is holding back in terms of telling the reader all the ways that Spirit can be used, but that is writer's privilege. My favorite part of the books is always Rose's relationship with Dimitri, so much so that I feel everything that she feels, laugh when she laughs, etc. Without spoiling the ending, I can definitely say I felt just as much as she did at the end.
It is interesting to see the effect that Rose and Lissa are collectively having on the political and social structures of this world that Mead has constructed. Unwritten rules that previously were unquestioned are now being broken repeatedly - and not just by Rose. Other Moroi are trying to wield compulsion, male Dhampirs are refusing to become guardians, Moroi are learning to wield their abilities offensively and train under guardians, and so on. Lissa falls under many exceptions, being the only Dragomir, which ironically puts Rose even more in the spotlight of society and allows her to be a catalyst for change.
It is interesting to see the effect that Rose and Lissa are collectively having on the political and social structures of this world that Mead has constructed. Unwritten rules that previously were unquestioned are now being broken repeatedly - and not just by Rose. Other Moroi are trying to wield compulsion, male Dhampirs are refusing to become guardians, Moroi are learning to wield their abilities offensively and train under guardians, and so on. Lissa falls under many exceptions, being the only Dragomir, which ironically puts Rose even more in the spotlight of society and allows her to be a catalyst for change.
Merissa (12827 KP) rated Venus Trap (Hidden Portals Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2019
Venus Trap (Hidden Portals Trilogy #1) by Maya Daniels
Venus Trap is the first book in the Hidden Portals series, and we start off with a storm, a death, and a mad king. Sounds good, right? Wrong! This is brilliant.
Artemis is a Fae, Raphael is a vampire. We also meet with other Fae, Humans, Witches, Vampires, and Demons are mentioned. So right there, we have different species, all with their own history and thoughts, and pitted against each other. Who is telling the truth? Who will fight with who?
We find out more about Artemis' history as the story progresses, and the reasons she has for feeling the way she does. Raphael has distanced himself from the rest of his race, partly due to his friend, Claude, otherwise known as the mad king.
With intrigue, steam, action, wit, and a strong, sassy female paired with a strong, opinionated male, this book has something for everyone. There were no editing or grammatical errors I noticed, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
With an epic finishing line, this will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Artemis is a Fae, Raphael is a vampire. We also meet with other Fae, Humans, Witches, Vampires, and Demons are mentioned. So right there, we have different species, all with their own history and thoughts, and pitted against each other. Who is telling the truth? Who will fight with who?
We find out more about Artemis' history as the story progresses, and the reasons she has for feeling the way she does. Raphael has distanced himself from the rest of his race, partly due to his friend, Claude, otherwise known as the mad king.
With intrigue, steam, action, wit, and a strong, sassy female paired with a strong, opinionated male, this book has something for everyone. There were no editing or grammatical errors I noticed, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
With an epic finishing line, this will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Night Sins in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.
I read this novel after reading another title by the same author called Amber Fire. Even though both stories are shorter (<100 pages), that the writing in Night Sins felt more skilled and refined. The author said a lot with a little and set the tone for the rest of the novel within the first few pages.
There is a little blurb in the beginning describing Watchers, and it threw me off. The blurb makes the Watchers out to be more than the author made the heroine out to be. I got the feeling the Watchers were suppose to be powerful female defenders, yet right off the bat, I felt the heroine needed protecting. I am not sure if this was intentional for the purpose of adding that element to the hero and heroines dynamic.
Unlike the other novel I read, I felt that this heroine was stubborn. While I enjoyed the story overall, I felt it was the stereotypical story of a powerful male vampire protecting his intended mate. The alpha vampire and one true mate tropes really dont do it for me, but I found the novel an enjoyable quick read filled with steamy scenes. While the story was nothing new, its been awhile since I have read a vampire romance, and I liked it.