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Andy K (10821 KP) created a poll
Oct 23, 2019
Lenard (726 KP) rated The Kitchen (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
Hell's Kitchen 1977... the Irish mob takes care of the neighborhood, but times are tough these days. The economy created a new term: stagflation where prices rise, unemployment increases, and the economic growth slows. The supply of gas was cut off. There was a serial killer on the loose. The Irish mob had just experience a change in leadership that changed the dynamic of the neighborhood. The old leader was arrested doing a job as well as his associates. The mob could not afford to take care of the "widows." Using the education of one, the street sense of another, and the killer instinct of the third, they begin to operate their own gang in the neighborhood. A gang that will actually protect the neighborhood from street thugs. But going against the Irish mob is never a good idea no matter how weak they are, so a couple of pacts are sealed and Fate is tempted.
"The Kitchen" is based on a graphic novel series. Multiple story threads and divergent schemes are explored. The whole thing is much better suited for a miniseries or limited series than a feature film. Nowadays there is a cinematic quality to certain shows on pay channels so it wouldn't even lose the visual quality Andrea Berloff wants. This is the only problem with the film. The acting is top-notch, especially character actor Bill Camp. The writing is good. The story just needed a lot more space to grow. Ruby is an extremely complex character that would have benefited from character development inherent in a long-form series. A girl from Harlem who had the softness beaten out of her who has a long game which could have been explored in more depth especially considering the co-conspirators she acquires.
"The Kitchen" is based on a graphic novel series. Multiple story threads and divergent schemes are explored. The whole thing is much better suited for a miniseries or limited series than a feature film. Nowadays there is a cinematic quality to certain shows on pay channels so it wouldn't even lose the visual quality Andrea Berloff wants. This is the only problem with the film. The acting is top-notch, especially character actor Bill Camp. The writing is good. The story just needed a lot more space to grow. Ruby is an extremely complex character that would have benefited from character development inherent in a long-form series. A girl from Harlem who had the softness beaten out of her who has a long game which could have been explored in more depth especially considering the co-conspirators she acquires.
Ashley Hunt (0 KP) created a post
Feb 8, 2018
Kasi Lemmons recommended Do the Right Thing (1989) in Movies (curated)
Amanda Reicks Watson (1 KP) rated The Woman in the Window in Books
May 15, 2018
A fun page-turner
The protagonist is an alcoholic shut-in who suffers from PTSD. For entertainment, she watches old movies and spies on her neighbors. When she sees the woman next door get murdered, she begins to spiral out of control. Did she really see a murder, or did her medications cause her to hallucinate? Is she losing her mind or is something really wrong in the neighborhood?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Last Light (Restoration #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Branning Family has found themselves stuck in the suburbs with no modern convinces. The entire world has been hit, and nothing electric works. But even worse, there's a killer in their neighborhood. This Christian novel grabbed me, and I loved it. Unfortunately, the characters were a bit shallow.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-last-light-by-terri.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-last-light-by-terri.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) in Books
Jun 19, 2019
Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) by A.M. Arthur
Melting For You is the first book in the Neighborhood Shindig series. This is decidedly lower angst than previous books by Ms. Arthur I have read, and we meet Joel and Isaiah. Joel has had the dirty done to him by his (ex) partner, in both his personal and professional lives. Isaiah has returned home to look after his dad after he had a heart attack, and also, hopefully, to build a better relationship with him.
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Amber Tamblyn recommended Mercurochrome in Books (curated)
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Jul 13, 2019
Spider-Man: Far From Home was amazing! Great follow up to not only Homecoming, but also Endgame. Can't really say too much about the movie itself as I don't want to give any spoilers, but great story. Loving Tom Holland as Peter Parker and Jake Gyllenhaal was amazing as always as Mysterio. I'll tell you what's not a mystery, that you should get to your friendly neighborhood theater to see Far From Home. Oh, and definitely hang around for a couple of key post credit scenes.
Jaine usually gets along well with her neighbors, but no one gets along well with Cryptessa Muldoon the star of an old one season sitcom. But when someone kills Cryptessa during a Halloween party while wearing Jaine's costume, she leaps to the top of the suspect list. Can she clear her name? As always, this is a fun and funny mystery. I was laughing at some of the sub-plots while wondering what secret and twist Jaine would uncover next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-death-of-neighborhood-witch.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-death-of-neighborhood-witch.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.