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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Fighter (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Based on a true story, The Fighter tells the tale of two brother boxers. Retired and addicted to drugs, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) lives life as the town hero while dreaming of a comeback career. Meanwhile his talented younger brother Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is reaching his fighting apex. That is, if he can choose to move past family ties that are holding him from success.
The surprising sibling chemistry of actors Bale and Wahlberg is the successful binding force in the The Fighter. The skill of these two brings relevance to the film for an audience that might otherwise step past a sports story by giving it heart.
Also leading the cast is Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming, a bartender and the love interest of Micky. Charlene threatens to challenge Micky’s already rocky relationship with his family and while this is not Adam’s most impressive role it does display a stretch from her previous body of work.
The supporting cast, consisting of the Micky and Dicky’s sisters and a number of coach and agent figures, adds a much-needed comedic element to a film. Yet it is the small character choices that create emotion in the story, from Micky’s beat-up low budget automobile to the numerous half intelligent one-liners delivered from an increasingly unstable Dicky. This instability combined with gritty shots, constantly moving camera angles, and drab colors provide the audience with a full view of the challenges faced by both brothers in the struggle to survive as boxers.
Unlike the majority of sports stories turned into film The Fighter tackles a much more realistic portrayal of both the sport and the human complexities of the characters involved. The Fighter is more a movie about being a boxer than one about the sport itself, resulting in much of the story occurring outside of the ring. However, there is no denying that The Fighter is a tried and true sports film that overcomes the overplayed story through compelling acting and quality plot.
The surprising sibling chemistry of actors Bale and Wahlberg is the successful binding force in the The Fighter. The skill of these two brings relevance to the film for an audience that might otherwise step past a sports story by giving it heart.
Also leading the cast is Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming, a bartender and the love interest of Micky. Charlene threatens to challenge Micky’s already rocky relationship with his family and while this is not Adam’s most impressive role it does display a stretch from her previous body of work.
The supporting cast, consisting of the Micky and Dicky’s sisters and a number of coach and agent figures, adds a much-needed comedic element to a film. Yet it is the small character choices that create emotion in the story, from Micky’s beat-up low budget automobile to the numerous half intelligent one-liners delivered from an increasingly unstable Dicky. This instability combined with gritty shots, constantly moving camera angles, and drab colors provide the audience with a full view of the challenges faced by both brothers in the struggle to survive as boxers.
Unlike the majority of sports stories turned into film The Fighter tackles a much more realistic portrayal of both the sport and the human complexities of the characters involved. The Fighter is more a movie about being a boxer than one about the sport itself, resulting in much of the story occurring outside of the ring. However, there is no denying that The Fighter is a tried and true sports film that overcomes the overplayed story through compelling acting and quality plot.
The Lifeboat Service in England: The South West and Bristol Channel: Station by Station
Book
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution was established in 1824 and has a long and proud tradition...
Lights on the Sea
Book
"Miquel Reina's Lights on the Sea is an absolutely lovely, beautiful novel with a dreamy, fable-like...
Debbiereadsbook (1449 KP) rated Percolation Play ( Leather and Lattes #3) in Books
Mar 20, 2025
It proper crept up on me!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Kai is new in town, and being paired with Ezra and Sloan in a class at Whipped, the local kink cafe, sets off a chain reaction, one he never saw coming. Sloan and Ezra are already known to each other, as friends and play partners. Kai throws a bit of a spanner in the works, but these three are drawn to each other again and again. The Ezra and Sloan's past comes crashing back into their lives and all three are fighting to keep the other afloat.
The thing I loved most about this, was that all three were blindsided by the need they all had for each other, and NOT the smex. Oh don't get me wrong, the smexy thimes here are high level, as we are accustomed for the staff at Whipped, but the emotional connection grew from that, and they never saw it coming.
In all honesty, I LOVED the way Ezra and Sloan's past collided! I did not see that coming, and then again when it affects a Whipped member. Absolutely well played there, Ms McIntyre!
I loved that kai doesn't question what he's feeling, he just goes with it, and finally feels at home. He lets himself just be open to everything and Ezra and Sloan are super open about what they want, and they want Kai. Well, they want each other as well as Kai, and that they be a threeway.
The emotions that Sloan and Ezra let loose are painful reading. I cried for them both, when their stories came out. What they both suffered. How they are dealing (or not) with it now, and how they can all move forward.
I could gush all day, but I might end up with spoilers and I really don't wanna, so I'll just say this:
I bloody LOVED this book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kai is new in town, and being paired with Ezra and Sloan in a class at Whipped, the local kink cafe, sets off a chain reaction, one he never saw coming. Sloan and Ezra are already known to each other, as friends and play partners. Kai throws a bit of a spanner in the works, but these three are drawn to each other again and again. The Ezra and Sloan's past comes crashing back into their lives and all three are fighting to keep the other afloat.
The thing I loved most about this, was that all three were blindsided by the need they all had for each other, and NOT the smex. Oh don't get me wrong, the smexy thimes here are high level, as we are accustomed for the staff at Whipped, but the emotional connection grew from that, and they never saw it coming.
In all honesty, I LOVED the way Ezra and Sloan's past collided! I did not see that coming, and then again when it affects a Whipped member. Absolutely well played there, Ms McIntyre!
I loved that kai doesn't question what he's feeling, he just goes with it, and finally feels at home. He lets himself just be open to everything and Ezra and Sloan are super open about what they want, and they want Kai. Well, they want each other as well as Kai, and that they be a threeway.
The emotions that Sloan and Ezra let loose are painful reading. I cried for them both, when their stories came out. What they both suffered. How they are dealing (or not) with it now, and how they can all move forward.
I could gush all day, but I might end up with spoilers and I really don't wanna, so I'll just say this:
I bloody LOVED this book!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Secrets (Beauties from Ashes, #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Every girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find–but the demons already have.
Four girls. Four sets of secrets. Four searching for answers.
Mackenzie is the shy, awkward new girl at school, depressed and desperate for a real friend. When she stumbles upon the deepest secret of a sarcastic, angry-at-the-world track star, Krystal, they become instant enemies-especially about the flirtatious baseball player, Bryce.
Tammi, a gloomy singer/musician who couldn’t care less about what others think of her, meets Sadie, a dancer and a people-pleaser with a cotton candy disposition. They have nothing in common until their lives begin to collide in more ways than one.
As the girls’ worlds begin to converge, their secrets rather than their similarities draw them together. Meanwhile, all that’s kept hidden has left them vulnerable to a battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep the girls chained to their pasts while angels of light work to free them.
Can good ever come from evil? Can beauty ever arise from ashes?
My Thoughts: This is an amazing story of how 4 teenage girls deal not only with every day teenage issues, but with a war with demons. There is a war waging around us that we can not see and this book illustrates this extremely well. Do we think of where our bad moods and thoughts come from? This is an intense and creative novel that truly illustrates what goes on in a realm that we cannot see. This novel teaches us that with God, we can be set free from our past and win the battle against evil.
In this story-line, not only did the girls had to deal with some issues from their past, from abuse, arents dealing with depression and alcoholism; they had their usual teenage issues to deal with as well. We as readers learn how they all came together to face these demons controlling them and winning the war.
While reading this book, it made me think what is happening around me when I have a bad thought or a bad mood; those demons in this book will come to my mind to remind me that all I need to do is turn to God in prayer.
The unbelievers are given the gospel and learn how to trust in God and learn how prayer works in their lives.
This was an amazing book, those who enjoy reading about the spiritual realm around us will certainly enjoy this book as much as I did. I am looking forward to her next book in the Beauty from the Ashes series "The Uninvited".
Four girls. Four sets of secrets. Four searching for answers.
Mackenzie is the shy, awkward new girl at school, depressed and desperate for a real friend. When she stumbles upon the deepest secret of a sarcastic, angry-at-the-world track star, Krystal, they become instant enemies-especially about the flirtatious baseball player, Bryce.
Tammi, a gloomy singer/musician who couldn’t care less about what others think of her, meets Sadie, a dancer and a people-pleaser with a cotton candy disposition. They have nothing in common until their lives begin to collide in more ways than one.
As the girls’ worlds begin to converge, their secrets rather than their similarities draw them together. Meanwhile, all that’s kept hidden has left them vulnerable to a battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep the girls chained to their pasts while angels of light work to free them.
Can good ever come from evil? Can beauty ever arise from ashes?
My Thoughts: This is an amazing story of how 4 teenage girls deal not only with every day teenage issues, but with a war with demons. There is a war waging around us that we can not see and this book illustrates this extremely well. Do we think of where our bad moods and thoughts come from? This is an intense and creative novel that truly illustrates what goes on in a realm that we cannot see. This novel teaches us that with God, we can be set free from our past and win the battle against evil.
In this story-line, not only did the girls had to deal with some issues from their past, from abuse, arents dealing with depression and alcoholism; they had their usual teenage issues to deal with as well. We as readers learn how they all came together to face these demons controlling them and winning the war.
While reading this book, it made me think what is happening around me when I have a bad thought or a bad mood; those demons in this book will come to my mind to remind me that all I need to do is turn to God in prayer.
The unbelievers are given the gospel and learn how to trust in God and learn how prayer works in their lives.
This was an amazing book, those who enjoy reading about the spiritual realm around us will certainly enjoy this book as much as I did. I am looking forward to her next book in the Beauty from the Ashes series "The Uninvited".
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Little Fires Everywhere in Books
Nov 11, 2017
An evocative and complex portrait of suburbia
A highly readable, wonderfully absorbing tale about motherhood, secrets and lies, set in the affluent, verdant perfection of Shaker Heights - a purpose built suburb on the edge of Cleveland, Ohio.
The plot centres around two families, the well-heeled, comfortably complacent Richardsons - mother, father and four children - and the hard-up Warrens, single mother Mia and her daughter Pearl, tenants of the Richardsons with little known past. In between is a tug-of-love court case surrounding an abandoned Chinese baby adopted by friends of the Richardsons. This sparks high and conflicting emotions in Shaker Heights, forcing the town to take sides between the baby's birth mother, a desperate Chinese immigrant, and the McCulloughs. It leads nearly into the unwanted revealing of well-concealed secrets for both the Warrens and the Richardsons.
The story is skilfully told, weaving various narratives together. It is a character-led tale, well observed. The novel opens at the end, as the Richardsons' perfect home burns to the ground then takes us back to the beginning when the Warrens first arrive. The plot picks up pace as events take their toll and deeds have dire consequences. Lives begin to unravel and skeletons are revealed, and perfection of the family structure splits apart. It is a multifaceted novel full of interesting dimensions.
The plot centres around two families, the well-heeled, comfortably complacent Richardsons - mother, father and four children - and the hard-up Warrens, single mother Mia and her daughter Pearl, tenants of the Richardsons with little known past. In between is a tug-of-love court case surrounding an abandoned Chinese baby adopted by friends of the Richardsons. This sparks high and conflicting emotions in Shaker Heights, forcing the town to take sides between the baby's birth mother, a desperate Chinese immigrant, and the McCulloughs. It leads nearly into the unwanted revealing of well-concealed secrets for both the Warrens and the Richardsons.
The story is skilfully told, weaving various narratives together. It is a character-led tale, well observed. The novel opens at the end, as the Richardsons' perfect home burns to the ground then takes us back to the beginning when the Warrens first arrive. The plot picks up pace as events take their toll and deeds have dire consequences. Lives begin to unravel and skeletons are revealed, and perfection of the family structure splits apart. It is a multifaceted novel full of interesting dimensions.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Just Let Go (Harbor Pointe #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Oh my goodness, that cover! So gorgeous! And the story inside? It's most definitely one that you don't want to miss. Mrs. Walsh creates fabulous characters that come to life in her stories. The story line is captivating and instantly hooks the reader from the first page.
Quinn and Grady are magnificent characters! I loved them both so much! They both stole a piece of my heart instantly and I felt them come to life through the story. I felt like I was truly a part of the lives, watching the scenes play out like a movie. I felt their emotions, their needs, all of it as if they were truly a part of me. That was a phenomenal feeling!
This story of second chances, romance, and letting go of the pain of the past is absolutely breath taking. You'll be swept away to Harbor Pointe and taken on a whirlwind roller coaster ride. The messages woven into the story line bring the reader not only closer to the characters, but to our Heavenly Father. This is definitely a 5 star worthy novel and one that I will keep on my shelf to read over and over again. Bravo, Mrs. Walsh! Can't wait for more!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Quinn and Grady are magnificent characters! I loved them both so much! They both stole a piece of my heart instantly and I felt them come to life through the story. I felt like I was truly a part of the lives, watching the scenes play out like a movie. I felt their emotions, their needs, all of it as if they were truly a part of me. That was a phenomenal feeling!
This story of second chances, romance, and letting go of the pain of the past is absolutely breath taking. You'll be swept away to Harbor Pointe and taken on a whirlwind roller coaster ride. The messages woven into the story line bring the reader not only closer to the characters, but to our Heavenly Father. This is definitely a 5 star worthy novel and one that I will keep on my shelf to read over and over again. Bravo, Mrs. Walsh! Can't wait for more!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Book of Life in Books
Mar 2, 2019
The best of the trilogy
Wow, this was literally absorbing from start to finish and it is my favourite of the trilogy; it is not often that the final book achieves the highest rating. This truly is a story and a bunch of characters that have built and built.
So much change came to Diana and Matthew's lives in this book, more than in book two in the past. I found the plot to be fantastically planned, intricate and well-researched. There were details for days but not so that I got lost.
Family was more central to THE BOOK OF LIFE than any other book and it was the side characters that enriched the read so fully. I have the biggest soft spot for Gallowglass and I want a book just about him. What was subtly fascinating was the meeting of the human and creature world in this book the crossing of threads, meeting of similarities and shared-being.
The narration was excellent, Ikeda can even sing beautifully in French and German as part of the story. Again, sadness that she doesn't narrate any more.
If you are like me and you found book two a bit of a hard trudge, please don't let that put you off the final instalment, it was the best of the three.
So much change came to Diana and Matthew's lives in this book, more than in book two in the past. I found the plot to be fantastically planned, intricate and well-researched. There were details for days but not so that I got lost.
Family was more central to THE BOOK OF LIFE than any other book and it was the side characters that enriched the read so fully. I have the biggest soft spot for Gallowglass and I want a book just about him. What was subtly fascinating was the meeting of the human and creature world in this book the crossing of threads, meeting of similarities and shared-being.
The narration was excellent, Ikeda can even sing beautifully in French and German as part of the story. Again, sadness that she doesn't narrate any more.
If you are like me and you found book two a bit of a hard trudge, please don't let that put you off the final instalment, it was the best of the three.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated The Moth and Moon in Books
Mar 23, 2018
In 1780, Blashy Cove is a very progressive town, with running water and legal same sex marriages. An unexpected hurricane drives most of it residents into the cavernous the Moth & Moon, local tavern and inn. While they wait out the storm, fisherman Robin Shipp is forced to face demons from his past. Can the town and Robin pull together in the aftermath of the storm and pick up from the devastation to their homes and lives?
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars
AH
A History of American Consumption: Threads of Meaning, Gender, and Resistance
Book
The United States has been near the forefront of global consumption trends since the 1700s, and for...