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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Stabbed in the Baklava in Books
Aug 29, 2018
Best Man Stabbed at the Reception
Lucy has taken over managing her family’s Mediterranean restaurant in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and she is thrilled when they are hired to cater the wedding of socialite Scarlet Westwood. However, in the middle of the reception, Lucy’s chef and ex-boyfriend, Azad, gets into a fight with the best man, Henry. As the night is winding down, Azad finds Henry’s body in the back of their locked catering van. Naturally, the police think he is a great suspect, but Lucy disagrees. Can she figure out what happened?
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
It was great to be back in Ocean Crest, and I felt like we got to see a bit more of this resort town. I loved it, and I’d love to be able to visit in real life, just maybe between the murders. The mystery here is very strong, with several viable and well-developed suspects. I followed along with Lucy’s thoughts as she investigated figuring that her current theory would turn out to be wrong, but when she finally figured out the truth, it made perfect sense. Most of the characters are strong, although a few of the supporting characters still seem to be a bit weak, and the way that Lucy’s mother focuses on her love life annoyed me. The love triangle is still going strong here, although I have a feeling I know where it will go. There are three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. Overall, this is a fun second in the series.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Deep Blue Sea (1999) in Movies
Jan 2, 2020
Fun in parts, but showing its age
The premise for Deep Blue Sea is painfully simple - it's Jurassic Park in the ocean.
A deep sea research facility, housing genetically modified great white sharks, is compromised during a tropical storm - everyone panics, people get eaten.
Like I said - Jurassic Park in the ocean. Unfortunately, the execution and quality is nowhere near the same level as it's dinosaur counterpart.
Deep Blue Sea is fun for sure. It's a sure fire way to mindlessly enjoy a couple of hours. At the time of it's release, it was firmly in the so-bad-its-great category, but as the years have gone by, the film has ages terribly in terms of special effects. The sharks look horrible these days. Like, original PlayStation cut scene kind of horrible. When films like JP, and Terminator 2 still look more than passable, it's hard to defend!
The dialogue is cheesy as all hell, and the whole thing is shot in a pretty sub-standard action film style - in summary, it's pretty awful.
That being said, it's a difficult film to hate too much. The cast are pretty fun for the most part - Thomas Jane, Samuel L. Jackson, Stellan Skarsgård and even LL Cool J are all pretty entertaining (apart from that god awful Head is Like a Sharks Fin song) and there are some genuinely gory and tense moments (as tense as people being chased by shiny pixels can be).
Is definitely an ok-crap film but the chances are that I'll watch it when it's on TV...
A deep sea research facility, housing genetically modified great white sharks, is compromised during a tropical storm - everyone panics, people get eaten.
Like I said - Jurassic Park in the ocean. Unfortunately, the execution and quality is nowhere near the same level as it's dinosaur counterpart.
Deep Blue Sea is fun for sure. It's a sure fire way to mindlessly enjoy a couple of hours. At the time of it's release, it was firmly in the so-bad-its-great category, but as the years have gone by, the film has ages terribly in terms of special effects. The sharks look horrible these days. Like, original PlayStation cut scene kind of horrible. When films like JP, and Terminator 2 still look more than passable, it's hard to defend!
The dialogue is cheesy as all hell, and the whole thing is shot in a pretty sub-standard action film style - in summary, it's pretty awful.
That being said, it's a difficult film to hate too much. The cast are pretty fun for the most part - Thomas Jane, Samuel L. Jackson, Stellan Skarsgård and even LL Cool J are all pretty entertaining (apart from that god awful Head is Like a Sharks Fin song) and there are some genuinely gory and tense moments (as tense as people being chased by shiny pixels can be).
Is definitely an ok-crap film but the chances are that I'll watch it when it's on TV...
Justin Hawkins recommended Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin in Music (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated On the Lamb in Books
Mar 16, 2021
Bonfire Body
Spring is in the air in Ocean Crest, New Jersey, and with it, changes. Lucy Berberian has gotten her own place, and it’s near the beach and her family’s Mediterranean restaurant, which she manages. The worst part is dealing with her landlady’s nephew, Gilbert, who is determined to get his aunt into a retirement home so he can get his hands on the valuable piece of land. A rare Saturday night to enjoy a bonfire on the beach ends when Lucy and her friends find Gilbert’s body in the sand. Lucy’s friend Melanie becomes the prime suspect, and she begs Lucy to figure out what is going on. Can she clear her friend?
It had been a while since I read the previous book in the series, but it wasn’t long before I was caught up with Lucy and the rest of the cast again. I was happy to see relationships and characters continuing to grow. The mystery is good, with several viable suspects and plenty of secrets for Lucy to uncover. The climax was logical and suspenseful. I did have some problems with logic in other places, like character’s ages. I can make it work, but it would have been nice having things like that actually spelled out for us. I would love to visit Ocean Crest if it were real. Even at the down time of Spring, when this book is set, it sounds like a fun town. We get another three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. If you’ve enjoyed the previous entries in the series, you’ll be happy you to catch up with Lucy and the gang again here.
It had been a while since I read the previous book in the series, but it wasn’t long before I was caught up with Lucy and the rest of the cast again. I was happy to see relationships and characters continuing to grow. The mystery is good, with several viable suspects and plenty of secrets for Lucy to uncover. The climax was logical and suspenseful. I did have some problems with logic in other places, like character’s ages. I can make it work, but it would have been nice having things like that actually spelled out for us. I would love to visit Ocean Crest if it were real. Even at the down time of Spring, when this book is set, it sounds like a fun town. We get another three delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. If you’ve enjoyed the previous entries in the series, you’ll be happy you to catch up with Lucy and the gang again here.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
Moana (pronounced MoWAHnah) is a spirited and determined young daughter of an overprotective father who happens to be the chief of Motunui Island.
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated The Abyss (1989) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
James Cameron makes his second appearance on this list with 1989’s The Abyss. This terrifying film that gave countless children nightmares for months follows a civilian diving team as they are enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine. Unbeknownst to them, danger lurks in the deep when they encounter an alien aquatic species.
The special effects may look dated by today’s standards, but The Abyss is over 25 years old and still looks pretty darn good, even in 2019 when CGI has come on so far. Ed Harris puts in a fantastic performance and the eerie depths of the ocean are only matched by the blankness of space in modern-day sci-fi movies. Truly horrifying.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/08/films-set-at-sea-top-5/
The special effects may look dated by today’s standards, but The Abyss is over 25 years old and still looks pretty darn good, even in 2019 when CGI has come on so far. Ed Harris puts in a fantastic performance and the eerie depths of the ocean are only matched by the blankness of space in modern-day sci-fi movies. Truly horrifying.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/08/films-set-at-sea-top-5/
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated Ocean's Eleven (2001) in Movies
Feb 9, 2018
Fantastically Enjoyable Heist Movie
Danny Ocean (Clooney) is released from jail on parole, and heads straight off to rob the un-robbable : not one, but three Vegas casinos. The casinos are, of course, owned by the nastiest bloke in town (Garcia), who coincidentaly - or maybe not - is the new man-in-the-life of Clooney's ex-wife (Roberts).
Clever plot, nicely done.
Clooney, Pitt, Damon and Garcia are excellent, as usual. Highly dubious British accent from Don Cheadle, but y'know were 'e's comin' from.
And you know where this film is going, right from the start. There are no surprises, but who cares?
Lacks the Rat Pack charisma of the original for purists, but has enough merit to stand on it's own and should be enjoyed as an 'also' rather than an 'instead of'.
Clever plot, nicely done.
Clooney, Pitt, Damon and Garcia are excellent, as usual. Highly dubious British accent from Don Cheadle, but y'know were 'e's comin' from.
And you know where this film is going, right from the start. There are no surprises, but who cares?
Lacks the Rat Pack charisma of the original for purists, but has enough merit to stand on it's own and should be enjoyed as an 'also' rather than an 'instead of'.
Jonathan Donahue recommended Inside The Kremlin by Ravi Shankar in Music (curated)
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Night Ocean in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received an ARC for an unbiased review of THE NIGHT OCEAN by Paul La Farge.
This is not a book one can pick up and put down to come back to in a few days, nor is it really a book one can read in a location where there are much distractions. I would find myself having to back up over a few pages to try to remember the where/who/what of the current place in the book.
La Farge has a unique writing style, intertwining the voices of several narrators almost seamlessly, allowing us to believe, as readers, that an entire section is true, only to be told in the next section, that large pieces of it were...in fact...a lie. It was an absolute mindfuck and totally worth the time it took to read it.
This is not a book one can pick up and put down to come back to in a few days, nor is it really a book one can read in a location where there are much distractions. I would find myself having to back up over a few pages to try to remember the where/who/what of the current place in the book.
La Farge has a unique writing style, intertwining the voices of several narrators almost seamlessly, allowing us to believe, as readers, that an entire section is true, only to be told in the next section, that large pieces of it were...in fact...a lie. It was an absolute mindfuck and totally worth the time it took to read it.