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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.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (2015) in Movies
Jun 6, 2018
Indie drama (with occasional mildly comic overtones) with a rather convoluted genesis (I'm not going through that again). Lonely Japanese woman believes she can change her life by locating the lost ransom money from the (wholly fictional) movie Fargo, sets off for Minnesota.
Brilliant, vanity-free performance by Rinko Kikuchi, who draws you in as a troubled but still engaging character; there are many moving moments. Much of the film is set in urban Tokyo and captures a real sense of the alienation which has such a negative impact on many people in Kumiko's situation. The US end of the film is slightly lighter in tone, equally well written, directed and performed.
Still, even if you've seen Fargo, I imagine this is a rather different and unsettling film, particularly the conclusion. It's ultimately about isolation, delusion, madness and death, and cheerful writing and polished production can only mitigate that so much. But still a very watchable oddity.
Brilliant, vanity-free performance by Rinko Kikuchi, who draws you in as a troubled but still engaging character; there are many moving moments. Much of the film is set in urban Tokyo and captures a real sense of the alienation which has such a negative impact on many people in Kumiko's situation. The US end of the film is slightly lighter in tone, equally well written, directed and performed.
Still, even if you've seen Fargo, I imagine this is a rather different and unsettling film, particularly the conclusion. It's ultimately about isolation, delusion, madness and death, and cheerful writing and polished production can only mitigate that so much. But still a very watchable oddity.
Sarah (126 KP) rated The Sixth Sense (1999) in Movies
Jul 28, 2018
One for the Must-See List
I remember when I first saw this film how completely shocked I was with the twist at the end. I'm not one for trying to guess what the ending is, whodunnit, etc. so it was a big surprise for me.
It's not a film I would class as a horror; although there are some moments that might make you jump, it's not scary in a traditional sense. The scares are more psychological (although there is some gore), and the story is actually quite moving in some ways; I found myself quite upset at the stories of some of the ghosts, and when reflecting after the "twist in the tale".
I think this is certainly a film that everyone should watch at least once. On a second watching, even though you are aware of the 'surprise' you are able to look out for more clues and hints as to what is to come, so it definitely stands up to repeated viewings.
It's not a film I would class as a horror; although there are some moments that might make you jump, it's not scary in a traditional sense. The scares are more psychological (although there is some gore), and the story is actually quite moving in some ways; I found myself quite upset at the stories of some of the ghosts, and when reflecting after the "twist in the tale".
I think this is certainly a film that everyone should watch at least once. On a second watching, even though you are aware of the 'surprise' you are able to look out for more clues and hints as to what is to come, so it definitely stands up to repeated viewings.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Oct 14, 2018
Not too bad
This Netflix original series turned out better than I expected. I started it with a hesitation... How could they make a series about a haunted house? I was sort of right in that it played out like one long movie and I don't see it being something that will carry on for more seasons. The acting wasn't bad-the characters well played. The effects and cinematography were pretty cool. The story was slow moving but interesting enough to keep me watching and the creep factor was definitely there. I never read the book but, as with most books-made-into-shows/movies, I'm sure it doesn't do it justice(they never do). However, I did enjoy it enough simply for what it was-an interesting haunted house story-to want to see it through to the end. While not the greatest series ever, it was definitely entertaining. Worth a watch.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Oct 24, 2018 (Updated Oct 24, 2018)
Unimaginatively-titled, probably-inevitable Queen movie doesn't really take many risks in telling the remarkable story of Farrokh Bulsara, a gay Asian baggage-handler at Heathrow Airport who reinvents himself as the supremely charismatic frontman of one of the most enduringly popular rock bands in history. Very much the family-friendly Hollywood version of the band's story, hitting all the beats you'd expect and soft-pedalling some of the excesses of Freddie Mercury's lifestyle.
That said, assuming you're okay with the fact that this is a rather fictionalised retelling of the tale (history is quietly rewritten throughout), there is a huge amount here to enjoy: the band are well-cast, it's not afraid of the odd Spinal Tap moment, and obviously the music is tremendous (assuming you're a Queen fan, and if you're not why would you be watching a Queen movie?). It's also unexpectedly moving in places, particularly in the closing stages. Not perfect by any means, but still a really good piece of entertainment.
That said, assuming you're okay with the fact that this is a rather fictionalised retelling of the tale (history is quietly rewritten throughout), there is a huge amount here to enjoy: the band are well-cast, it's not afraid of the odd Spinal Tap moment, and obviously the music is tremendous (assuming you're a Queen fan, and if you're not why would you be watching a Queen movie?). It's also unexpectedly moving in places, particularly in the closing stages. Not perfect by any means, but still a really good piece of entertainment.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated The Girl With All the Gifts (2017) in Movies
Dec 4, 2018
An enjoyable watch
I stumbled across this when I was looking for a zombie fix after The Walking Dead season had ended on a cliffhanger.
I wasn't disappointed. It jumps right into the story and lets you in on the secrets as you go along. The characters are believable and Glenn Close is very good in it.
This isn't the scary, violent blood everywhere zombie film. It is creepy though and leaves you feeling a little unnerved. It's a nice twist to an old genre that until The Walking Dead I thought had been overdone and should be put out to pasture. The revival of the zombie genre has seen some very inventive challenges to The Walking Dead's crown. This is one of them.
It can be a little slow moving, it's not gore and excitement all the time. It doesn't need to be though, the story makes up for the slow paced action.
I wasn't disappointed. It jumps right into the story and lets you in on the secrets as you go along. The characters are believable and Glenn Close is very good in it.
This isn't the scary, violent blood everywhere zombie film. It is creepy though and leaves you feeling a little unnerved. It's a nice twist to an old genre that until The Walking Dead I thought had been overdone and should be put out to pasture. The revival of the zombie genre has seen some very inventive challenges to The Walking Dead's crown. This is one of them.
It can be a little slow moving, it's not gore and excitement all the time. It doesn't need to be though, the story makes up for the slow paced action.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes? in Books
Dec 5, 2018
A moving insight into mental health
While it has a fairly fun and playful sounding title, this book is far from being fun and playful. It’s a very interesting but definitely serious take on mental health in teenagers. I’d dare anyone to read this and not find something in common with one of the characters currently residing at Camp Reset. Olive herself is a tormented yet intriguing main character, however she does make for difficult reading at times. As a reader, you can see what’s going on with her even thought she can’t see it herself, and it makes reading quite frustrating, although this is the true reality of mental illness. The book also has a very good message, and almost had me in tears at the end, especially with the letter from the writer Holly Bourne. This is definitely not a feel good story, but definitely one that gets you thinking.
David McK (3874 KP) rated Star Wars, Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Flagship entry in Marvel's take-over of the Star Wars comics, this is set between the events of 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' and, I have to say, is also a pretty enjoyable read!
It probably helps, of course, that the opening panels start with the iconic crawl, before moving to an expanse of space, with a spaceship then passing overhead - as close, in short, as you can get to the opening of the films in comic form! It also helps that all the main character - Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO and R2D2 all make a return, all looking pretty much as they did on the screen back then
OK, it's not perfect, with the reveal of Han's secret past (in particular) for me falling a bit flat, and with the story losing it's pace after the somewhat spectacular early pyrotechnics, but if this is anything to go on? We're in good hands.
It probably helps, of course, that the opening panels start with the iconic crawl, before moving to an expanse of space, with a spaceship then passing overhead - as close, in short, as you can get to the opening of the films in comic form! It also helps that all the main character - Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO and R2D2 all make a return, all looking pretty much as they did on the screen back then
OK, it's not perfect, with the reveal of Han's secret past (in particular) for me falling a bit flat, and with the story losing it's pace after the somewhat spectacular early pyrotechnics, but if this is anything to go on? We're in good hands.
David McK (3874 KP) rated The Long Earth in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Terry Pratchett has long been one of my favourite authors; I don't think I've ever really read any of Stephen Baxter.
I do know that Pratchett has collaborated with other authors before - Neil Gaiman springs immediately to mind (<i>Good Omens</i>) - but Pratchett is better known for his series of Discworld books. Unfortunately, Discworld this ain't: slow moving with not much happening and might as well end with three little words: To Be Continued ...
Truth be told, on reading this it didn't really get much of a Pratchett 'feel' to the story - there was only occassional hints of his touch on the contents. I can't speak for how much it felt like a Baxter work, not having read many of his before, but if this <b>is</b> predominately his feel, and based purely on this one book, he's not an author I would be looking out for.
In short: disappointing.
I do know that Pratchett has collaborated with other authors before - Neil Gaiman springs immediately to mind (<i>Good Omens</i>) - but Pratchett is better known for his series of Discworld books. Unfortunately, Discworld this ain't: slow moving with not much happening and might as well end with three little words: To Be Continued ...
Truth be told, on reading this it didn't really get much of a Pratchett 'feel' to the story - there was only occassional hints of his touch on the contents. I can't speak for how much it felt like a Baxter work, not having read many of his before, but if this <b>is</b> predominately his feel, and based purely on this one book, he's not an author I would be looking out for.
In short: disappointing.
David McK (3874 KP) rated The Road to Rome: (The Forgotten Legion Chronicles No. 3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Final part in Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy, this follows the same format as the previous two books ('The Forgotten Legion' and 'The Silver Eagle') in following it's protaganist section about, ending each section on a cliffhanger.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.
Whereas before this could be slightly jarring (moving from Rome to, eg, Alexandria, and then back to Rome), it works slightly better in this novvel as some of the characters are working their way back to the seat of the Roman Republic eventually taking it section about within the environs of the city.
As the series has been working up to, the novel also culminates in the fateful Ides of March, with the infamous assissination of Julius Caesar in the forum by a disgruntled group of nobles.
The series as whole was readable enough, and while I may read a few more by this author, I doubt I'll be going out of my way to look for them.