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Awix (3310 KP) rated Booksmart (2019) in Movies
May 20, 2019 (Updated May 20, 2019)
Olivia Wilde's directorial debut is a frantic, absurd, very funny farce. Two diligent high-schoolers are appalled to discover their more-laid back peers have got into colleges just as good as theirs, and resolve to make up for years of focused hard work by having a wild night of partying before they graduate.
The relentless pace of the film and the hit-rate of its stream of gags is hugely impressive; the film manages to make jokes at the expense of many aspects of modern life without seeming cynical or negative. However, the depiction of friendship is affecting, the emotional beats of the film are genuinely moving, and it's genuinely refreshing to see a film with such an upbeat vibe to it and a cast of characters who are all likeable. Anyone who has been a teenager will be able to relate to this; one of the funniest films of the year so far.
The relentless pace of the film and the hit-rate of its stream of gags is hugely impressive; the film manages to make jokes at the expense of many aspects of modern life without seeming cynical or negative. However, the depiction of friendship is affecting, the emotional beats of the film are genuinely moving, and it's genuinely refreshing to see a film with such an upbeat vibe to it and a cast of characters who are all likeable. Anyone who has been a teenager will be able to relate to this; one of the funniest films of the year so far.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated BlacKkKlansman (2018) in Movies
May 25, 2019
Powerful
I have to be honest, I haven't seen a lot of Spike Lee's work although I loved Inside Man when that came out. So I wasnt entirely sure what to expect with this film, but I was pleasantly surprised.
This is definitely a strange film. It packs a powerful message but then is full of moments of sheer hilarity, which is definitely welcome in otherwise heavy scenes. But for the most part this doesn't detract from the true story this is telling. To be frank, some of this film is very disturbing to watch and the last 5/10 minutes that link to more recent events is harrowing and almost verging on overkill. The acting is second to none, especially Adam Driver and John David Washington, and the script and dialogue are very clever and witty. I do think this may be a little heavy handed at times and a little too long, but it's still a powerful and moving film.
This is definitely a strange film. It packs a powerful message but then is full of moments of sheer hilarity, which is definitely welcome in otherwise heavy scenes. But for the most part this doesn't detract from the true story this is telling. To be frank, some of this film is very disturbing to watch and the last 5/10 minutes that link to more recent events is harrowing and almost verging on overkill. The acting is second to none, especially Adam Driver and John David Washington, and the script and dialogue are very clever and witty. I do think this may be a little heavy handed at times and a little too long, but it's still a powerful and moving film.
Soulful Baker: From highly creative fruit tarts and pies to chocolate, desserts and weekend brunch with Julie Jones, and Lisa Linder is one of those gorgeous cookery books that is great for any time of year, but especially for people who like to cook more around Christmas.
This is more than a cookery book, it’s actually a lovely reminder of how the author and her mum began cooking together again, after her mum was diagnosed with dementia. As a form of mutual therapy they shared their joint love of cooking over on Instagram and gained many followers.
These are simple recipes but done in such an elaborate way, I too was managed to fool people I was good at cooking! There are detailed ingredients and easy to understand methods to follow. Plus there are many equally tasty looking colourful photos to inspire you.
Beautiful and moving. Not the usual thing you’d say about a cookbook, right?
“Soulful Baker” is a bakery book with heart.
This is more than a cookery book, it’s actually a lovely reminder of how the author and her mum began cooking together again, after her mum was diagnosed with dementia. As a form of mutual therapy they shared their joint love of cooking over on Instagram and gained many followers.
These are simple recipes but done in such an elaborate way, I too was managed to fool people I was good at cooking! There are detailed ingredients and easy to understand methods to follow. Plus there are many equally tasty looking colourful photos to inspire you.
Beautiful and moving. Not the usual thing you’d say about a cookbook, right?
“Soulful Baker” is a bakery book with heart.
Sapphire Jane Sawkins (3 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean in Video Games
Jan 28, 2018
Fast paced (2 more)
Lots of goals to achieve
Doesn't matter that you haven't seen the movie
Controls can sometimes stick (1 more)
Other tag along characters can get in the way
I have only ever played this game 2 player, it's a great fast moving game with lots to try and achieve. Sometimes things can be a bit confusing as to what you need to do, however with a bit of perseverance you can usually work it out.
I like that it's a good old fashioned game in that you need to collect things and pick up things along the way in order to achieve the end goal.
There can be moments of annoyance when the characters that are following you get in your way and cause you to fall of things, losing treasure that you have collected.
All around great game that keeps you entertained for hours, it doesn't even matter that you haven't seen the movie
I like that it's a good old fashioned game in that you need to collect things and pick up things along the way in order to achieve the end goal.
There can be moments of annoyance when the characters that are following you get in your way and cause you to fall of things, losing treasure that you have collected.
All around great game that keeps you entertained for hours, it doesn't even matter that you haven't seen the movie
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Bring Me Back in Books
Mar 2, 2018
Unnerving with lots of twists
B. A. Paris returns once again with a deeply troubling psychological thriller following a couple and a woman, who disappeared 12 years ago.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Jethro and Joel Were a Troll in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The two-headed troll Jethro and Joel have a problem. While Jethro is quite content to spend his days raising the turnips they love to eat, Joel wants to be terrorizing people. When Jethro finally gives in and allows Joel to have control of their body for one day, what will happen?
I’ve always loved the title of the book, and I still find the story fun. The way he builds up to that final sentence will please adults, and the fast moving story and pictures will entertain the target picture book audience. What surprised me while reading this as an adult is the clear allegory about the dangers of giving in to what you know is wrong. Oh, don’t worry, this is a picture book with a happy ending, and it never slows down the story to lecture us.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-jethro-and-joel-were-troll.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve always loved the title of the book, and I still find the story fun. The way he builds up to that final sentence will please adults, and the fast moving story and pictures will entertain the target picture book audience. What surprised me while reading this as an adult is the clear allegory about the dangers of giving in to what you know is wrong. Oh, don’t worry, this is a picture book with a happy ending, and it never slows down the story to lecture us.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-jethro-and-joel-were-troll.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Eggnog Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #23.5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A collection of three Christmas novellas set in Maine and starring the series sleuths by the authors. We get two murder by eggnog, and one missing moving truck and winds up with a dead body. Will these mysteries be solved by Christmas?
All three of these stories will get you in the Christmas spirit with a dead body along the way. We do get some time enjoying holiday traditions (recipes included with all three stories), some of them unique to Maine, which is a lot of fun. The mysteries are all good, although the first seems to wander quite a bit before it gets fully engaging. If you are a fan of one of these authors, here is a good way or sample some others while catching up with your favorite sleuth at Christmas time.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-eggnog-murder-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
All three of these stories will get you in the Christmas spirit with a dead body along the way. We do get some time enjoying holiday traditions (recipes included with all three stories), some of them unique to Maine, which is a lot of fun. The mysteries are all good, although the first seems to wander quite a bit before it gets fully engaging. If you are a fan of one of these authors, here is a good way or sample some others while catching up with your favorite sleuth at Christmas time.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-eggnog-murder-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Mar 15, 2018
One of the most moving books I've ever read. The story of two teenagers falling in love is hardly anything new, but the fact that one has survived cancer (and lost a leg in the process) and the other is suffering from an almost certainly uncurable cancer adds a new, and heartbreaking wrinkle to the story. The characters all come off as very grounded in reality, and while capable of some witty dialogue, don't come off as unbelievably clever as say, the teens in "Juno". The illness itself is treated very realistically as well, with every bit of suffering arising throughout the book, while never being allowed to take over entirely. Due to the somewhat brief length of the book and also largely to how addictively well-written it is, I finished it in 2 sittings. One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read, and one that will stick with me for a long time to come.
Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Marvel's Iron Fist - Season 1 in TV
Mar 16, 2018
Rand vs. Hand
This show isn't nearly as bad as I had heard. It does have its moments, though.
Throughout the season, Danny Rand swings between two opposing mentalities. He's either moving forward in self-righteous pursuit (one born of being the Iron Fist) or wracked by crippling doubt (which happens whenever he's proven, or told, that he is wrong). That, combined with a shell game of villains, makes this show a little more difficult than the others (Netflix/MARVEL) to concentrate on. I found myself easily distracted while viewing at times.
On the plus side, the action was decent. The villains were good, as numerous as they were (it's almost like they took their turns), and even some of the featured Hand fighters offered promise. There were a couple that I wished had bigger roles than just set-piece obstacles.
All in all, it was entertaining. Hopefully a second season will offer a more captivating story.
Throughout the season, Danny Rand swings between two opposing mentalities. He's either moving forward in self-righteous pursuit (one born of being the Iron Fist) or wracked by crippling doubt (which happens whenever he's proven, or told, that he is wrong). That, combined with a shell game of villains, makes this show a little more difficult than the others (Netflix/MARVEL) to concentrate on. I found myself easily distracted while viewing at times.
On the plus side, the action was decent. The villains were good, as numerous as they were (it's almost like they took their turns), and even some of the featured Hand fighters offered promise. There were a couple that I wished had bigger roles than just set-piece obstacles.
All in all, it was entertaining. Hopefully a second season will offer a more captivating story.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The 5th wave (2016) in Movies
Jun 13, 2018
Thick-headed attempt to secure a slice of that lucrative post-Hunger Games YA demographic pie wastes the talents of Chloe Grace Moretz, Liev Schrieber, and various CGI technicians. Aliens show up and start conquering the world really slowly, starting by shutting down Instagram and moving on to floods, bird flu, etc etc. Plucky teenage girl sets out to save her young sibling while juggling the attentions of a couple of carefully-differentiated young hunks.
Painfully obvious and derivative, leadenly assembled; mostly just plain bad. What moves it beyond the inept and into the realms of the regrettable is a plotline about child soldiers - if this is trying to make a real-world point it does so with incredible crassness, though it may well be the film simply doesn't operate on that level of awareness. So-so box office returns means it appears we may be spared the threatened sequels; who know, maybe there is a God.
Painfully obvious and derivative, leadenly assembled; mostly just plain bad. What moves it beyond the inept and into the realms of the regrettable is a plotline about child soldiers - if this is trying to make a real-world point it does so with incredible crassness, though it may well be the film simply doesn't operate on that level of awareness. So-so box office returns means it appears we may be spared the threatened sequels; who know, maybe there is a God.