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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Apr 6, 2018
Good but completely unnecessary
We've had 3 versions of Spiderman and 6 films in the space of 15 years. That's not good. Despite the few years in between, it's beginning to feel like Spidey is rarely off our screens. And I'm getting a little Spiderman-ned out.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.

Sam (74 KP) rated The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Jerome is a lovely man who has the Baudelaires best interests in mind. Esmé, on the other hand, has the orphans for a style purpose and nothing more. To her, the orphans are expendable items, just something else she will get rid of within an instant if it goes out of fashion.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.
The Ersatz Elevator is the most unpredictable book in the series so far. Unlike the other books, the title isn’t as relevant so it’s harder to tell what’s going to happen. Without going into too much detail and spoiling it, there are also a lot of different plot twists, a few of them are massive towards the future plot of the series.
As good as the plot twists were, it definitely wasn’t one of the best books in the series. Count Olaf’s appearance was expected, like in every other book, and I just find that it’s getting a bit too same-y how Olaf is always close to whoever is the Baudelaires’ guardian at the time and the guardian never believes them. I feel like a change is probably on the way in the books because I can’t see this theme carrying on throughout the whole series.

HLD (99 KP) rated The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
Not something you would watch everyday (2 more)
So peculiar you won't forget it any time soon
It's weird, and that's a good thing. At least the director stuck to his vision no matter how it came across to viewers
You may have no idea how to feel about it (1 more)
Don't be afraid to Google the hell out of the story to understand what they are trying to achieve
Prepare to be confused
My girlfriend put this film on without informing me of what it was about. The deadpan acting was something I was sure was on purpose; but I had to Google the film to convince myself this was so.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.
I've no idea who the target audience for this film is. I definitely enjoyed myself. The story is intriguing, and every scene appears so clean and 'perfect', perhaps a mirror of the life Colin Farrell's character wishes to portray.
This is such a different kind of viewing experience that it's best you watch it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I would, however, think twice before calling this a comedy, or assuming that it falls anywhere near the comedy genre.

The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated The Alienist - Season 1 in TV
Mar 29, 2018
Costumes (2 more)
Landscapes and Environments are exquisite
Cinematography
The Acting (4 more)
The Subject
Creepy upon creepy
Unlikable characters
Not enough happens
The production quality is very high, everything else is very low...
This show is very pretty to look at, and I can only imagine all the work that went into making it that way. This is really the only reason it gets any marks at all. I really believe I'm in a historical time period. The camera work is great too. Problem is everything else is a let down to say the least. The Characters are unlikable and borderline uninteresting. Even if they explain what the Alienist means, it's not enough. It's a terrible name. There is a genuine lack of humanity going on here and all the interactions are so cold and sterile of feeling, which I suppose could be on purpose, but doesn't do the show any favors. The characters dance around each other but don't connect. I realize on some level I'm not the target audience because I don't like creepy, and I don't like horror, and I'm not a fan of showing the seedy underside of society with young boys dressed as girls in a brothel.

Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Feb 23, 2018
I didn't intend to read this book, as I'd largely heard snark about it. A dear friend recommended it, though, so I finally gave it a read.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Nightfall: Keeper of the Lost Cities in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This book picks up moments after book five in the series ends as Sophie is dealing with the fact that the Neverseen have kidnapped her human parents. After getting her human sister hidden away, Sophie begins to hunt for them. The only clue is Nightfall, a clue that leads to Keefe’s mother, Lady Gisela. But can she be trusted? Or is she using Sophie and her friends for her own purpose?
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Lindsay (1760 KP) rated What the Bishop Saw (The Amish Bishop Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Review: What the Bishop Saw What the Bishops Saw is a really good mystery in itself. You are guessing from the time you open the book and the last page you turn. Who killed Veron Fry? Did someone murder Vernon Fry on purpose? Is it Amish and English.I am still surprised with the ending. The Englisher needs help as she does not get to bottom of the case or any closes. Will the bishop help save an innocent man and catch the culprit? What is Henry talent and is it good or is bad. To find out this you need to read the book.I am still wondering why this person did what he or she did towards the Amish when they did not do anything to have it happen. Vannetta Chapman gets you hooked and wanting more. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it. It pages turner for you. Will Henry take a leap a faith and use these talents. Find out by reading What the Bishop Saw. It a compelling story and one I hope to follow more of Henry and this community in Colorado Valley.

Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Kings of the Wyld in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book! From the minute I read the synopsis a couple months ago I absolutely could not wait to read it. Having just finished it, I can't come up with any sort of criticism for the purpose of this review lol it was truly a superb fantasy adventure. The author went above and beyond creating a world so richly detailed and immersive that I half expected to see some of the creatures running around outside any time I was forced to put the book down. The characters were all well developed and relatable. The writing style was great, it had me hooked from the start and was detailed without being bogged down with unnecessary information and had me laughing out loud numerous times. The story develops at a nice pace, everything falls into place without feeling rushed or drawn out and the action never lets up. Kings of the Wyld is definitely one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure stories! I would love to see it as a tv series. Super excited to read the next book in the series!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*

Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Teeth Marks in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Teeth Marks is a chilling collection of southern gothic horror. In fact, it’s because of its setting in the south that I read it–I’m rather partial to my home. With several stories ranging from normal, every day people to monsters and ghosts, there’s a story in Teeth Marks for just about every horror fan.
There are twelve stories total in this collection, each one with a different theme. My favorites were “Suburban Facebreaker”, “Cookies”, “The Red Card”, and “Waist Deep”–which is particularly gory. “Suburban Facebreaker” deals with badly behaving parent figures. “Cookies” reminds readers in the reality of karmic justice. “The Red Card” has a decidedly Twilight Zone feel to it, and “Waist Deep” deals with the effects of gossip. All of these are really great tales.
My only complaint with this collection is that it was surprisingly void of colloquialism. There were places where popular Southern phrases would have fit better. Alas, this is not enough for me to take a star away from the collection, as it was amazing.
I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book for the purpose of unbiased review.
There are twelve stories total in this collection, each one with a different theme. My favorites were “Suburban Facebreaker”, “Cookies”, “The Red Card”, and “Waist Deep”–which is particularly gory. “Suburban Facebreaker” deals with badly behaving parent figures. “Cookies” reminds readers in the reality of karmic justice. “The Red Card” has a decidedly Twilight Zone feel to it, and “Waist Deep” deals with the effects of gossip. All of these are really great tales.
My only complaint with this collection is that it was surprisingly void of colloquialism. There were places where popular Southern phrases would have fit better. Alas, this is not enough for me to take a star away from the collection, as it was amazing.
I’d like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book for the purpose of unbiased review.

Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Red Dwarf in TV
Jun 22, 2019
The boy's from the dwarf
Red Dwarf is a British science fiction comedy franchise which primarily consists of a television sitcom that aired on BBC Two between 1988 and 1999, and on Dave since 2009, gaining a cult following.
The show follows Dave Lister, a chicken-soup-machine repairman, who is the only human survivor of a radiation leak on his mining space ship and possibly the last living human. Having come out of time stasis 3,000,000 years into the future, Lister has very little company, one in the form of a hologram of his dead shipmate, Rimmer, self obsessed Cat, who has evolved from the descendants of Lister's pregnant cat, senile ship computer Holly and Kryten an Android whose sole purpose is to serve and clean.
This masterpiece was created by Rob grant & doug naylor (GrantNaylor) and has spawned 12 series (Back to Earth counted as the unofficial 9th and a 13th series heavily rumoured) multiple books, audio books, collectibles, magazines and a mobile game.
I'm still hoping for a mainstream console game, but until then, enjoy SmegHeads!
The show follows Dave Lister, a chicken-soup-machine repairman, who is the only human survivor of a radiation leak on his mining space ship and possibly the last living human. Having come out of time stasis 3,000,000 years into the future, Lister has very little company, one in the form of a hologram of his dead shipmate, Rimmer, self obsessed Cat, who has evolved from the descendants of Lister's pregnant cat, senile ship computer Holly and Kryten an Android whose sole purpose is to serve and clean.
This masterpiece was created by Rob grant & doug naylor (GrantNaylor) and has spawned 12 series (Back to Earth counted as the unofficial 9th and a 13th series heavily rumoured) multiple books, audio books, collectibles, magazines and a mobile game.
I'm still hoping for a mainstream console game, but until then, enjoy SmegHeads!
Erika (17789 KP) Apr 6, 2018