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Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
1998 | Action, Family, Sci-Fi
This is the Trek movie that I’ve probably seen least often. It’s one that is very “planet-bound” ones (another of those is still to come in the series), and as such it has never grabbed my interest in the same way as many of the others. Having watched it again, it’s actually better than I remember it. The rejuvenating capabilities of the planet on Geordi LeForge’s eyes leads to a genuinely moving sunset scene. And love is in the air too. Firstly, between Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the ‘older woman’ Anij (Donna Murphy): very tastefully and nicely done. And secondly, the relationship is also rekindled between Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Riker (Jonathan Frakes), though you have to wonder if Frakes pulled ‘director’s privilege’ in getting the naked bath scene with Sirtis – lucky dog!

That being said, and despite the heavyweight involvement of F. Murray Abraham and Anthony Zerbe. the “First Contact” magic is rather missing here. There’s a sense of desperation when a previously unknown ‘Captain’s Yacht’ hoves into view (as if!) and when the Enterprise’s “manual steering column” (a PS/2 joystick!) pops up!

So, will the TNG era end with a bang or a whimper?
  
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Merissa (13696 KP) rated Midnight Sun (Arctic Love, #3) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Midnight Sun (Arctic Love, #3)
Midnight Sun (Arctic Love, #3)
T.T. Kove | 2014
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

This is Frey's story - we've had Andreas and Varg's and now it's time for the 'quiet' twin. I have been enjoying this series. It's light but still manages to convey emotions and connections. I have been intrigued by Frey's story with the snippets we have already heard so I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately for me, this one seemed to fall a bit flat. I don't know if it's because of the short length, although this didn't seem to be a problem with the other books, or what. For me, the bare bones of the story was there but the meat was missing. It felt like the story was just skimmed over, rather than allowing the reader a bit more of an explanation and chance to digest.

I still liked the story and feel that Frey and Jørgen make a brilliant pair but I also feel a bit sorry that their story wasn't as good as I thought and hoped it would be.


December 18, 2018
  
Jaws 2 (1978)
Jaws 2 (1978)
1978 | Thriller
Put simply, Jaws 2 is a rehash of the first film, just nowhere near as memorable. It definitely set an ongoing trend of unnecessary sequels made because money exists.
For what it's worth, it's not too shabby all things considered. It's nice to see Roy Scheider back for another turn, even if he was reluctant to do so. The group of teens that the main bulk of the film focuses on are likable enough, even if they're somewhat forgettable. There are a few nice shots scattered throughout, and some fun sequences - An early boat chase that ends with the shark aflame, and the boat blowing the fuck up is a ridiculous highlight, and John Williams also returns to provide another great score.
Otherwise, it's just lacks a lot that makes the original such a classic. It's nowhere near as terrifying for instance, and is missing the character chemistry that was such a big part of Jaws' second half.

Jaws 2 definitely has some entertainment value that's worth exploring, but like so many sequels that followed in its wake, it was never going to step out of the shadow of its predecessor, nothing more, nothing less.
  
Farm to Fabre
Farm to Fabre
Dahlia Donovan | 2022 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A warm and gentle love story
FARM TO FABRE is a gentle love story between two asexual people during a time when the world was in crisis. Andie and Doc had a moment under the apple trees before Doc fled. Andie carried on as usual as Doc travelled the world, trying to understand what happened and find his missing words.

I loved the pacing of this story. It continually moves you forward, without the frantic scenes that sometimes happen. Andie is a wonderful character who doesn't hold grudges, accepts people for who they are, and tries to make the best of any situation. This is completely character-driven, with Andie, Doc, and Rupert being the main ones we interact with. The other characters are seen through zoom, email, or mentioned in passing.

A brilliant standalone story that mentions covid but doesn't allow it to take centre stage. Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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!