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Akward (448 KP) rated Pandemic in Tabletop Games
May 24, 2018
Cooperative (1 more)
Thematically interesting
Pandemic is a lot of board gamers first cooperative game, and for that it has a lot of value. A lot of people have fond memories getting destroyed over and over, feeling that their first win was a big accomplishment. Unfortunately, after your first few wins, the game loses a lot of its charm. You start to recognize the patterns, and can pretty much tell within the first few terms if your group is going to win. As a result, this game is likely gathering dust in a lot of people's collections: too nostalgic to sell, but not good enough to play.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
The game also suffers a lot of the basic problems of cooperative games. Experienced players quarterbacking is common. The randomness of the cards drawn is frustrating. The roles drawn don't always work well together (and can largely dictate if you win).
Overall, I would still recommend this to a new board gamer. But I would still probably recommend the Legacy versions more highly.
Deborah (162 KP) rated My Brilliant Friend in Books
Feb 4, 2019
Simply Dull
I can't remember the last time I was so glad to finish a book, and I only finished this one as it was a book club pick - I could happily have left it at any point!
I did wonder if it was just me, but I noted plenty of Amazon reviews from other people having to read it for the same reason and having the same problems!
I'd like to put some of it down to the translation, but really my problem was that this was just DULL. Stuff happened, but I didn't feel any emotional impact from us. The beginning of the book has pages and pages of characters listed, but I didn't really care for any of them.
The beginning is also odd and doesn't get picked up on again. Mind you, there are apparently another three books in the series..... needless to say I won't be reading those! The ending was also quite abrupt.
Now I have book club to go to and don't know what to say other than it was really dull!
I did wonder if it was just me, but I noted plenty of Amazon reviews from other people having to read it for the same reason and having the same problems!
I'd like to put some of it down to the translation, but really my problem was that this was just DULL. Stuff happened, but I didn't feel any emotional impact from us. The beginning of the book has pages and pages of characters listed, but I didn't really care for any of them.
The beginning is also odd and doesn't get picked up on again. Mind you, there are apparently another three books in the series..... needless to say I won't be reading those! The ending was also quite abrupt.
Now I have book club to go to and don't know what to say other than it was really dull!
Villainous Vee (53 KP) rated Sex Education in TV
Feb 10, 2019
Gillian Anderson (2 more)
All the main cast
Scripting
Sex Education Season 1
Otis (Asa Butterfield) may seem like your typical socially awkward high school student except that he lives with his mum Jean (Gillian Anderson) who is sex therapist. When social outcast and bad girl Maeve (Emma Mackey) find out about this she decides they are going to set up an underground sex therapy service for the students of their school, Otis agrees hoping the boost his popularity.
This show has a large story line that runs through all the episodes, but each episode is its own story focusing in on different students and their problems.
The script is funny and down to earth and the casting is phenomenal. The whole show has a slight 80's vibe to it but could quite easily be in modern day life as well.
I am so glad they have decided that this show is worthy of a second season and I can't wait to see what they do with it.
This show has a large story line that runs through all the episodes, but each episode is its own story focusing in on different students and their problems.
The script is funny and down to earth and the casting is phenomenal. The whole show has a slight 80's vibe to it but could quite easily be in modern day life as well.
I am so glad they have decided that this show is worthy of a second season and I can't wait to see what they do with it.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated A Whole New World in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Pros:
▪ Strong storyline
▪ Loveable characters
Cons:
▪ White pages
▪ Some gore
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from the start, it grasped my interest and held onto it throughout. The story line is brilliant and keeps it's high standards throughout.
Honestly it made me fall in love all over again with Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, the Genie and of course new names.
This has definitely been retold for the interest of adults, reason I say that is because there are quite a few parts that contains violence and grim details so I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, don't be falled by it being Disney!
The only other con I had for this was that the pages are white, when I first opened it, it took my eyes some time to adjust to the black on white contrast, I have vision problems so the general standard of cream pages are much more easy on the eyes. The white pages do look much more brighter and clean though in terms of overall presentation.
▪ Strong storyline
▪ Loveable characters
Cons:
▪ White pages
▪ Some gore
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from the start, it grasped my interest and held onto it throughout. The story line is brilliant and keeps it's high standards throughout.
Honestly it made me fall in love all over again with Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, the Genie and of course new names.
This has definitely been retold for the interest of adults, reason I say that is because there are quite a few parts that contains violence and grim details so I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, don't be falled by it being Disney!
The only other con I had for this was that the pages are white, when I first opened it, it took my eyes some time to adjust to the black on white contrast, I have vision problems so the general standard of cream pages are much more easy on the eyes. The white pages do look much more brighter and clean though in terms of overall presentation.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Umbertouched (Rosemarked, #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
As the cover suggests this book is more about umbertouched and the ways to become so. Zivah and Dineas have escaped the capital but not the continent. This follows their progress back to their homeland and what happens afterwards. Can they still fit in and where is their place now.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Just Add Magic - Season 1 in TV
Feb 9, 2018
There are far worse kid shows to be stuck watching
While I can't say I'm exactly a rabid fan of Just Add Magic, it's not horrible. In comparison to some of the other stuff I've had to listen to while my child gets her allotted TV time, I will happily choose this show.
The three girls are a nice range of personalities. Their older parallels are equally interesting. There are some problems, of course, like the Hispanic one of the older trio of course being the sneaky one. However, that can generate discussion with your child about stereotypes, so you can gripe about it and not watch the show and watch something like Spongebob instead – or you can use it as a reason to have a dialogue with your child about stereotypes and go from there.
The dialogue doesn’t make me want to scrub out my ears. The cinematography is pleasing. My 8 year old loves it. It gives her hints on how doing stuff like trying to take the easy way out never works out well. So, it’s a win for me.
The three girls are a nice range of personalities. Their older parallels are equally interesting. There are some problems, of course, like the Hispanic one of the older trio of course being the sneaky one. However, that can generate discussion with your child about stereotypes, so you can gripe about it and not watch the show and watch something like Spongebob instead – or you can use it as a reason to have a dialogue with your child about stereotypes and go from there.
The dialogue doesn’t make me want to scrub out my ears. The cinematography is pleasing. My 8 year old loves it. It gives her hints on how doing stuff like trying to take the easy way out never works out well. So, it’s a win for me.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
What a sweet story this book is. Emma and her brother Ryan start out on a steamer boat. They are attack by pirates. Emma see that the steam boat catch fire. Emma and Ryan jump into the lake and are now trying to survive. Patrick see the steam boat catch fire.
Things start to happen once they arrive to the island. Patrick is in need of a wife to watch over his son Joisah. There are secrets and a romance and a traveling preachers believe they may be answers to each other problems. Can they find the true meaningful word of wife and husband. Will Emma find her own home? Though for having faith you need to believe in god himself and not believe in people. You can not put all your faith in people you love to have all that you need. Does Patrick, Emma or Ryan find that faith? Do they find Joisah? To know these answer and more you need to read the book. Will Patrick get over his Past?
Things start to happen once they arrive to the island. Patrick is in need of a wife to watch over his son Joisah. There are secrets and a romance and a traveling preachers believe they may be answers to each other problems. Can they find the true meaningful word of wife and husband. Will Emma find her own home? Though for having faith you need to believe in god himself and not believe in people. You can not put all your faith in people you love to have all that you need. Does Patrick, Emma or Ryan find that faith? Do they find Joisah? To know these answer and more you need to read the book. Will Patrick get over his Past?
Awix (3310 KP) rated Lust for a Vampire (1971) in Movies
Feb 17, 2018 (Updated Feb 17, 2018)
I Was A Teenage Lesbian Vampire in a Girl's Boarding School
Largely risible Hammer vampire movie. After the censors objected to all the not-very-subtly-implied lesbianism in The Vampire Lovers, the studio replaced that with a story about a schoolteacher becoming infatuated with one of his pupils and starting a torrid romance with her, which apparently was seen as less problematic (it was the 70s, I suppose).
Initially conceived as another vehicle for Ingrid Pitt and Peter Cushing, to be directed by Terence Fisher; in the end Pitt did Countess Dracula instead, Cushing passed due to family problems, and Fisher was replaced by Jimmy Sangster. The result is a prurient melodrama largely untroubled by subtlety, style, or acting talent (Ralph Bates is not too bad in the role earmarked for Cushing). The sex and nudity which is essentially the film's sine qua non feels very tame by modern standards; the pop song on the soundtrack will make discriminating viewers want to rip their own ears off.
Initially conceived as another vehicle for Ingrid Pitt and Peter Cushing, to be directed by Terence Fisher; in the end Pitt did Countess Dracula instead, Cushing passed due to family problems, and Fisher was replaced by Jimmy Sangster. The result is a prurient melodrama largely untroubled by subtlety, style, or acting talent (Ralph Bates is not too bad in the role earmarked for Cushing). The sex and nudity which is essentially the film's sine qua non feels very tame by modern standards; the pop song on the soundtrack will make discriminating viewers want to rip their own ears off.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla Vs Mothra (1992) in Movies
Mar 1, 2018 (Updated Mar 1, 2018)
Barnstorming monster movie delivers everything you want from this kind of film, as well as reintroducing Mothra for a new generation. Meteorite manages to stir up Godzilla, Battra, and Mothra simultaneously (crikey, that's unlucky); explorer Takuya must help the benevolent Mothra and its fairy spokespersons protect humanity (while also sorting out his family problems: it's that kind of a movie).
Essentially a remake of both Mothra (1961) and Mothra Vs Godzilla (1964); as such Godzilla doesn't turn up properly until quite near the end. The storyline with Mothra and Battra is still very engaging, though, and the various call-backs to the 60s movies are fun. Excellent special effects, banging soundtrack, and the tone is pitch-perfect for this kind of film - dramatic without being absurdly serious. You could possibly argue that Battra is a fairly dull monster and superfluous to proceedings; apart from that, in every area that matters this is as good a Godzilla (or Mothra) movie as you can find. A highlight of the franchise.
Essentially a remake of both Mothra (1961) and Mothra Vs Godzilla (1964); as such Godzilla doesn't turn up properly until quite near the end. The storyline with Mothra and Battra is still very engaging, though, and the various call-backs to the 60s movies are fun. Excellent special effects, banging soundtrack, and the tone is pitch-perfect for this kind of film - dramatic without being absurdly serious. You could possibly argue that Battra is a fairly dull monster and superfluous to proceedings; apart from that, in every area that matters this is as good a Godzilla (or Mothra) movie as you can find. A highlight of the franchise.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Apollo 13 (1995) in Movies
Jul 21, 2018
No problems here!
Everyone was waiting to see what Tom Hanks would do next after winning his back-to-back Oscars for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. It ended up being another wondrous film about the true story of the doomed space mission and the many people who banded together to help save the lives of the three astronauts.
Everything about the film is fantastic including the acting, screenplay and special effects. If this film were made today, I think filmmakers would have tried to go too high tech and CGI when this is a human story and a triumph of the human spirit vs. something more savvy.
I really miss Bill Paxton most of all. His performance in the film was magnificent and hilarious, just like all his memorable characters. I truly miss him every day.
Through my melancholies, I was able to enjoy a perfect film like this. You know you are watching something truly awe-inspiring when you know how it's going to end and it still chokes you up.
Everything about the film is fantastic including the acting, screenplay and special effects. If this film were made today, I think filmmakers would have tried to go too high tech and CGI when this is a human story and a triumph of the human spirit vs. something more savvy.
I really miss Bill Paxton most of all. His performance in the film was magnificent and hilarious, just like all his memorable characters. I truly miss him every day.
Through my melancholies, I was able to enjoy a perfect film like this. You know you are watching something truly awe-inspiring when you know how it's going to end and it still chokes you up.