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Get ready for the mobile platformer that literally plays like a dream. Bean Dreams is an...
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Spiderhead (2022) in Movies
Jun 26, 2022
Weak Script Sinks This Flick
The history of cinema is littered with tales of the Mad Scientist who gets too caught up in their own experiments to the detriment of all. Once the human cost of the experiment is revealed to this seemingly sane inventor, he (it usually is a he) turns with a wild-eyed look and justifies the human expense in the name of science.
Such is the case with the Netflix Original movie SPIDERHEAD with Chris Hemsworth as the mad scientist in this scenario and Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett as 2 of the prisoners who trade in their life sentences to be used as guinea pigs in his experiment.
It’s an interesting enough premise - one that is not new - so it is always the execution of this concept that makes (or breaks) this type of film.
Unfortunately for SPIDERHEAD, Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are unable to elevate the premise (based on a short story by George Saunders) into anything new, unique or interesting.
Director Joseph Kosinski (TOP GUN: MAVERICK) does a yeoman’s job trying to elevate this material to something better than it is. But…kind of like trying to get me to be a Prima Ballerina…Kosinski just cannot make something out of raw material that is fundamentally flawed. He uses a few interesting camera moves and draws out suspense in enough areas to catch the audience’s interests…but not much else.
He is helped by the casting of some top notch talent. Chris Hemsworth is engaging and charismatic (initially) as the Elon Musk/Steve Jobs-esque new age inventor who is trying out some new medical serums on prisoner/volunteers. The problem with Hemsworth - who I think is a pretty good actor - is that once you start seeing the cracks in his character’s façade (and those cracks appear early on), Hemsworth’s performance turns fairly one-dimensional and he becomes a caricature of the “crazed scientist”.
The surprises to me here are the performances of Miles Teller (TOP GUN: MAVERICK) and Jurnee Smollett (LOVECRAFT COUNTRY). These are 2 performers who I’ve always felt were good but not great, but they are intriguing to watch in this. They have strong chemistry with each other and they are 2 protagonists that are easy to root for against crazed antagonist Hemsworth.
In look and feel and tone, this film reminded my of the 2014 Alex Garland marvel EX MACHINA, but where that film easily was lifted by a tremendously strong script and ideas by Garland (check it out if you haven’t seen it - it is well worth your time), SPIDERHEAD, ultimately, sinks into the chasm of a weak script with no real strong ideas/themes behind it.
Letter Grade B+ (for the Direction of Kosinksi and the performances of Teller and Smollett)
6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Such is the case with the Netflix Original movie SPIDERHEAD with Chris Hemsworth as the mad scientist in this scenario and Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett as 2 of the prisoners who trade in their life sentences to be used as guinea pigs in his experiment.
It’s an interesting enough premise - one that is not new - so it is always the execution of this concept that makes (or breaks) this type of film.
Unfortunately for SPIDERHEAD, Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are unable to elevate the premise (based on a short story by George Saunders) into anything new, unique or interesting.
Director Joseph Kosinski (TOP GUN: MAVERICK) does a yeoman’s job trying to elevate this material to something better than it is. But…kind of like trying to get me to be a Prima Ballerina…Kosinski just cannot make something out of raw material that is fundamentally flawed. He uses a few interesting camera moves and draws out suspense in enough areas to catch the audience’s interests…but not much else.
He is helped by the casting of some top notch talent. Chris Hemsworth is engaging and charismatic (initially) as the Elon Musk/Steve Jobs-esque new age inventor who is trying out some new medical serums on prisoner/volunteers. The problem with Hemsworth - who I think is a pretty good actor - is that once you start seeing the cracks in his character’s façade (and those cracks appear early on), Hemsworth’s performance turns fairly one-dimensional and he becomes a caricature of the “crazed scientist”.
The surprises to me here are the performances of Miles Teller (TOP GUN: MAVERICK) and Jurnee Smollett (LOVECRAFT COUNTRY). These are 2 performers who I’ve always felt were good but not great, but they are intriguing to watch in this. They have strong chemistry with each other and they are 2 protagonists that are easy to root for against crazed antagonist Hemsworth.
In look and feel and tone, this film reminded my of the 2014 Alex Garland marvel EX MACHINA, but where that film easily was lifted by a tremendously strong script and ideas by Garland (check it out if you haven’t seen it - it is well worth your time), SPIDERHEAD, ultimately, sinks into the chasm of a weak script with no real strong ideas/themes behind it.
Letter Grade B+ (for the Direction of Kosinksi and the performances of Teller and Smollett)
6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated The Fourth Courier in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Are you a Crime Fan or even a detective Fan? Well you may be missing out on another amazing book. This book is called “The Fourth Courier” by Timothy Jay Smith. I enjoyed this book once I got into it.
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
The setting is set in Poland. You will learn a bit of the lifestyle. I never been dropped into Poland in a book setting or any historical fiction book. This author does this and I can see myself walking along the sidewalks.
The author does wonderful for his crime and detective of this book. It even got a thriller to it. I just love the way this book grabs you and take you for a ride. I am now wanting to learn more about Poland and it effects on it people and landscape.
Amazing and riving is my way to describe this book in all. Though I suggest children be at least aware that there a murders and a murder and some sex scenes in it. Nothing to bad but I would suggest children be at least the age of 14 and up. It up the parents to decide for there own children though.
We got a adventure with and FBI agent and an agent that in the embassy in Poland. Will they find the missing bomb and it Courier? Will they be able to stop and save Poland from an Atomic bomb or will be the end of their new world?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2271 KP) rated Killer Thriller in Books
Mar 10, 2019
Ian and Margo are in for Another Thrill Ride
Bestselling author Ian Ludlow is heading to Hong Kong on business – promotion for a film based on one of his books and research for his next one – and Margo French is joining him as his research assistant. Neither of them realize that their arrival in Hong Kong has attracted the wrong kind of attention thanks again to one of Ian’s books. Will they recognize the danger they are in before it is too late?
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first in the series. There is plenty of humor as events progress, some coming from the circumstances and some coming from a skewering of Hollywood thanks to the movie Ian is there to help promote. I did feel some of the humor fell into the adolescent male category, which I didn’t always appreciate, but this isn’t something new for this author. Thanks to well done multiple viewpoint storytelling, we know the slow burn that is happening before Ian and Margo realize they’ve attracted the wrong attention, but once the book really takes off, it becomes impossible to put down. I love the fact that Ian is not a typical thriller hero since he is an overweight, middle age, writer. He and Margo are great main characters. If you are looking for a fun mix of humor and thrills, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first in the series. There is plenty of humor as events progress, some coming from the circumstances and some coming from a skewering of Hollywood thanks to the movie Ian is there to help promote. I did feel some of the humor fell into the adolescent male category, which I didn’t always appreciate, but this isn’t something new for this author. Thanks to well done multiple viewpoint storytelling, we know the slow burn that is happening before Ian and Margo realize they’ve attracted the wrong attention, but once the book really takes off, it becomes impossible to put down. I love the fact that Ian is not a typical thriller hero since he is an overweight, middle age, writer. He and Margo are great main characters. If you are looking for a fun mix of humor and thrills, this is the book for you.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Better Than I Know Myself in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Did you ever have a friend who was more like family? For Regina Foster, Jewel Prescott, and Carmen Webb this is exactly true. Better Than I Know Myself starts in the late 70's when the girls are seniors in high school and making the decision on where to go to college. Three different girls from three very different backgrounds. Jewel, a former child star. Regina, the daughter of two college educated parents and little sister to older brothers who had all attended and graduated from college. And Carmen whose parents had left her at a young age.
The story progresses through their meeting in New York at Barnard and continues through their graduation. Regina and Jewel were already roommates when they met Carmen at the university library. They all got stuck in an elevator together and as they say, "The rest is history." They lived together through the early 80's as they grew into women and started to become independent.
The book covers twenty years of friendship and sisterhood and all the trials and tribulations that entails.
This book made me laugh out loud and brought a tear or two to my eyes. It also made me want to get together with my closest girlfriends. This is a book that you have to read until the end.
I listened to this book through the iPod and Overdrive. The audio was read by Lisa Renee Pitts.
The story progresses through their meeting in New York at Barnard and continues through their graduation. Regina and Jewel were already roommates when they met Carmen at the university library. They all got stuck in an elevator together and as they say, "The rest is history." They lived together through the early 80's as they grew into women and started to become independent.
The book covers twenty years of friendship and sisterhood and all the trials and tribulations that entails.
This book made me laugh out loud and brought a tear or two to my eyes. It also made me want to get together with my closest girlfriends. This is a book that you have to read until the end.
I listened to this book through the iPod and Overdrive. The audio was read by Lisa Renee Pitts.
It would be silly of me to repeat that this is an Asian version of Cinderella, since so many others do it. I am just annoyed that every story is compared to Cinderella considering rags to riches, marrying the prince is nothing new and Cinderella was certainly not the first of its kind. If you read the author's note, it says she was inspired by some Chinese students telling their native fairy tales.
All in all, I liked the novel. Xing Xing is crafty and clever unlike Cinderella who has a fairy godmother to do everything for her. No, Xing Xing takes care of not only herself but her father's second wife and half sister as well. You cannot really say the second wife is evil because she is only doing what any Chinese mother would do for her daughter in that day in age. To us, it may seem archaic and barbaric, but that is how it was back then.
Xing Xing is a strong heroine who does not just do the second wife's every whim. And when Xing Xing finally flat out defies her, it ultimately leads to Xing Xing's freedom and salvation.
I forgot how annoying yet efficient Napoli's style is. It seems so juvenile but is perfect for its purpose. I do not think the story would have been the same if it had been written any other way.
All in all, I liked the novel. Xing Xing is crafty and clever unlike Cinderella who has a fairy godmother to do everything for her. No, Xing Xing takes care of not only herself but her father's second wife and half sister as well. You cannot really say the second wife is evil because she is only doing what any Chinese mother would do for her daughter in that day in age. To us, it may seem archaic and barbaric, but that is how it was back then.
Xing Xing is a strong heroine who does not just do the second wife's every whim. And when Xing Xing finally flat out defies her, it ultimately leads to Xing Xing's freedom and salvation.
I forgot how annoying yet efficient Napoli's style is. It seems so juvenile but is perfect for its purpose. I do not think the story would have been the same if it had been written any other way.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cherry Chapstick - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an attractive contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “Cherry Chapstick”, produced by Jayjay.
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/
JT (287 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
As the end credits rolled I sat back and contemplated what I had just witnessed – this was the most fucked up piece of cinema I’d seen in some time. Burdened by a horrific tragedy Dani (Florence Pugh) turns to boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) for support, who is unsure himself that their relationship can continue.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.
Sago Mini Superhero
Education
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KAPOW! Jack the rabbit bursts into the sky as the Sago Mini Superhero! Fly with Jack as he lifts...
Reading Comprehension Practice Grades 3 and 4
Education
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Improve reading skills the fun and easy way! All stories are followed with multiple choice questions...