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David McK (3248 KP) rated Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) in Movies
Apr 28, 2024
The most recent of the Mad Max movies (as of early 2024) and with Tom Hardy replacing Mel Gibson in the lead role, this is essentially one long car chase movie.
And the best, IMO, since 'The Road Warrior'.
This one also stars Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa - soon to have a spin-off movie of her own (albeit recast) - with a strong argument that this is really *her* movie instead of belonging to Max Rockatansky.
It helps, of course, that a lot of the (insane) stunts are real rather than SFX - for example, the polevaulters on top of cars? Real stuntmen.
And the best, IMO, since 'The Road Warrior'.
This one also stars Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa - soon to have a spin-off movie of her own (albeit recast) - with a strong argument that this is really *her* movie instead of belonging to Max Rockatansky.
It helps, of course, that a lot of the (insane) stunts are real rather than SFX - for example, the polevaulters on top of cars? Real stuntmen.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated River Road in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Nan Lewis is a creative writing professor at a state school in upstate New York. She lives alone after the tragic death of her young daughter, Emmy--an incident which her marriage could not survive. She's recently been denied tenure by her school and is upset and agitated the university's holiday party. On her way home, she hits a deer, but cannot find the animal when she goes to check on it. Nan eventually makes it back home in a snowstorm, leaving her car at the bottom of her icy, unplowed driveway. But when she wakes in the morning, she learns that one of her prized students, Leia, was killed in a hit-and-run the night before on River Road: the exact road where Nan hit the deer. Because her car was damaged from hitting the deer, Nan is the prime suspect, and she quickly loses the support of her colleagues, who point out that she has become a functioning alcoholic since her daughter's death. Even worse, Nan starts seeing signs that remind her of Emmy's death. Are Emmy and Leia's deaths related? How much did Nan have to drink the night she hit the deer? Will she clear her name before her entire life is destroyed?
I'm honestly not sure why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It had several things working against it: 1) an unlikable narrator who drinks heavily; 2) a storyline that heavily involved dead children and pets (why?!); and 3) an easily guessed villain. Still, I found this one compulsively readable and stayed up far past my bedtime to finish the second half of the book. Nan grew on me, and I found myself almost protective of her. The lead policeman in the novel, Joe, was a favorite of mine. While I figured out the villain fairly early, I didn't understand the motives, so the plot kept me guessing until the end. Goodman weaves several storylines together--which intersect, but loosely--and somehow they all work. There are several supporting characters, including the woman who killed Nan's daughter and a young single mother from one of Nan's classes, who give the novel a surprising depth.
Anyway, despite some of the craziness, I found myself enjoying the book and racing to finish it. I first fell in love with Goodman due to her novel [b:The Lake of Dead Languages|120274|The Lake of Dead Languages|Carol Goodman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320554718s/120274.jpg|3159707]. That book was impressive and still sits on my bookshelf to this day. If you haven't read it, I certainly recommend it. However, [b:River Road|25111007|River Road|Carol Goodman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454544060s/25111007.jpg|44804735] is a fun thriller and a worthy diversion.
I'm honestly not sure why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It had several things working against it: 1) an unlikable narrator who drinks heavily; 2) a storyline that heavily involved dead children and pets (why?!); and 3) an easily guessed villain. Still, I found this one compulsively readable and stayed up far past my bedtime to finish the second half of the book. Nan grew on me, and I found myself almost protective of her. The lead policeman in the novel, Joe, was a favorite of mine. While I figured out the villain fairly early, I didn't understand the motives, so the plot kept me guessing until the end. Goodman weaves several storylines together--which intersect, but loosely--and somehow they all work. There are several supporting characters, including the woman who killed Nan's daughter and a young single mother from one of Nan's classes, who give the novel a surprising depth.
Anyway, despite some of the craziness, I found myself enjoying the book and racing to finish it. I first fell in love with Goodman due to her novel [b:The Lake of Dead Languages|120274|The Lake of Dead Languages|Carol Goodman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320554718s/120274.jpg|3159707]. That book was impressive and still sits on my bookshelf to this day. If you haven't read it, I certainly recommend it. However, [b:River Road|25111007|River Road|Carol Goodman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454544060s/25111007.jpg|44804735] is a fun thriller and a worthy diversion.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Rules of the Road in Books
Oct 17, 2021
This is a great horror book that had a slow tension and you don't want to read on the lonely road. The cheery voice of Buck Hensley interrupts the late night drive of our narrator, and leads us down a rabbit hole of short stories containing urban legends about other people's encounters and their rules.
It's a creepy read. There are three different fonts that are used Italics, bold, and regular so it's a little confusing at the beginning until you get used to it. Definitely something new.
It's a creepy read. There are three different fonts that are used Italics, bold, and regular so it's a little confusing at the beginning until you get used to it. Definitely something new.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Hit & Run (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
In this fast passed action comedy, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are a young couple who live in the small town of Milton. Charlie Bronson (Dax Shepard) has a sordid past that prevents him from leaving the small town that he and his girlfriend live in. Charlie’s past includes a bank robber without a name (Bradley Cooper) and he is out to seek revenge against Charlie for testifying against him in an older bank robbery case.
After Annie gets a promotion outside of Milton in L.A., the couple end up heading on a road trip as Charley is determined to get her to her new job on time. Little does she know the road trip to her future may be the end of her relationship, a crazy adventure or a new beginning.
This movie is nothing short of hilarious. In my opinion Tom Arnold who plays Charlie’s protection makes this entire movie worth watching and that is saying something.
While I was not a fan of the cinematography used in this film , the humor makes up for it for sure. This film should not be missed especially if you like really fast cars.
After Annie gets a promotion outside of Milton in L.A., the couple end up heading on a road trip as Charley is determined to get her to her new job on time. Little does she know the road trip to her future may be the end of her relationship, a crazy adventure or a new beginning.
This movie is nothing short of hilarious. In my opinion Tom Arnold who plays Charlie’s protection makes this entire movie worth watching and that is saying something.
While I was not a fan of the cinematography used in this film , the humor makes up for it for sure. This film should not be missed especially if you like really fast cars.
David McK (3248 KP) rated Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) in Movies
Oct 10, 2021
I knew I'd seen the original Zombieland movie.
Probably about 5, 6 years ago or so (roughly 4 years after it was released).
I also don't really remember all that much about it, other than - as the name gives away! - it's a comedy horror, and *that* cameo.
As such, I wondered whether or not I would be able to follow this one, or if it required knowledge of said earlier film.
While that may help, it doesn't really need that knowledge - I'm sure there's a few in-jokes and references (do a 'Bill Murray') that you won't get without it, but all in all you could probably watch this on its own.
This is set roughly 10 years or so after the earlier flick, and starts with Tallahasee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock now all settled down in their new home (The White House). However, events soon see them all back on the road again - hence the subtitle I've occasionally seen ('Road trip'), encountering new breeds of Zombies and some very familiar characters.
'tis an OK film: not one I'd be in any hurry to (re)watch, but nor is it the worst I've ever seen.
Probably about 5, 6 years ago or so (roughly 4 years after it was released).
I also don't really remember all that much about it, other than - as the name gives away! - it's a comedy horror, and *that* cameo.
As such, I wondered whether or not I would be able to follow this one, or if it required knowledge of said earlier film.
While that may help, it doesn't really need that knowledge - I'm sure there's a few in-jokes and references (do a 'Bill Murray') that you won't get without it, but all in all you could probably watch this on its own.
This is set roughly 10 years or so after the earlier flick, and starts with Tallahasee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock now all settled down in their new home (The White House). However, events soon see them all back on the road again - hence the subtitle I've occasionally seen ('Road trip'), encountering new breeds of Zombies and some very familiar characters.
'tis an OK film: not one I'd be in any hurry to (re)watch, but nor is it the worst I've ever seen.
Susie Bright recommended Two-Lane Blacktop (1971) in Movies (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Wind Chill (2007) in Movies
Dec 29, 2020
Stuggle To Survive
Wind Chill- is a good horror flick, that does have twist and turns all thoughout the flick. Its slow at first, but it does get intresting in the middle and end. Emily Blunt is really good in this film.
The plot: Just before their university campus goes quiet for the winter break, a young woman (Emily Blunt) asks a classmate (Ashton Holmes) for a lift home. The two students set off on their trip and begin to get to know each other. But, when a reckless motorist drives them off the road, they find themselves stranded in the snow on a remote highway. As the night grows colder, the two are confronted by a horde of menacing apparitions -- and struggle to escape with their lives.
Its a good movie.
The plot: Just before their university campus goes quiet for the winter break, a young woman (Emily Blunt) asks a classmate (Ashton Holmes) for a lift home. The two students set off on their trip and begin to get to know each other. But, when a reckless motorist drives them off the road, they find themselves stranded in the snow on a remote highway. As the night grows colder, the two are confronted by a horde of menacing apparitions -- and struggle to escape with their lives.
Its a good movie.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated 806 in Books
May 23, 2018
Reads Like a Pop Song
Fast, funny, and frequently surprising (even in spite of its contrivances), Cynthia Weil's rollicking YA road trip novella 806 centers on a trio of very different high school students who discover that they share the same unknown sperm donor father.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
Gruff Rhys recommended People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm by A Tribe Called Quest in Music (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Death Race 2000 (1975) in Movies
Sep 20, 2019
The Fast and The Furious
Death Race 2000- is one of stallone's earliest roles.
The Plot: In the year 2000, America is a totalitarian regime on the brink of collapse. The most popular sport in this dystopia is the Transcontinental Road Race, where teams earn points for logging the fastest time and for mowing over the most innocent pedestrians in the process. This year's competitors include Frankenstein (David Carradine), who is rumored to be more machine than man, and the tough-as-nails "Machine Gun" Joe Viterbo (Sylvester Stallone). Some have a plan to stop the race.
I would highly reccordmend this movie. Its fun, action-packed, set in the future and more.
The Plot: In the year 2000, America is a totalitarian regime on the brink of collapse. The most popular sport in this dystopia is the Transcontinental Road Race, where teams earn points for logging the fastest time and for mowing over the most innocent pedestrians in the process. This year's competitors include Frankenstein (David Carradine), who is rumored to be more machine than man, and the tough-as-nails "Machine Gun" Joe Viterbo (Sylvester Stallone). Some have a plan to stop the race.
I would highly reccordmend this movie. Its fun, action-packed, set in the future and more.