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Sarah (126 KP) rated The Martian (2015) in Movies

Jul 30, 2018

The Martian (2015)

2015 | Sci-Fi

8.0

(93 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Brilliant Movie

I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this film half as much as I did. It wasn't my choice to watch and one I put off until we couldn't think of anything else to put on one night.

In fact, I actually loved it! I laughed, my heart was racing with fear and excitement, and I cried for the character played by Matt Damon and the struggles he faced.

The premise doesn't sound particularly thrilling, one man stranded alone on a planet, and yet seeing how he copes with the difficulties thrown at him and the problems that he and the team trying to get him home have to overcome make it an extremely watchable and enjoyable film.

I've watched this now a few times and, even though I know what's coming and how it ends, I still get the same feelings of apprehension and relief, and I've still cried at exactly the same points.

I normally shy away from giving a 10/10, as there's always something that can be improved, but (bearing in mind I haven't read the book of this one, so can't put the film into context in that regard), I don't think there's anything I would change about this.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Murder Flies the Coop in Books

Sep 26, 2018

Can Edwina and Beryl Catch a Flighty Killer?

Lifelong friends Beryl and Edwina are still trying to figure out how to earn more income when they hit on the idea of opening an enquiry agency. And their first case comes from the local vicar. It seems a member of the local pigeon racing club has vanished, along with club funds and several birds. Did the man take off with everything? If so, can Beryl and Edwina find him?

It was wonderful to be visiting this dynamic duo again in 1921 England. Beryl and Edwina are such opposites, but their differences really make them a great team, and the third person narration from their points of view show cases that perfectly. I'm loving watching Edwina come out of her shell. I don't feel we are getting quite as much character development for Beryl, or I'm just not seeing it, but that is a minor complaint. The mystery is strong and manages to bring in some issues from the time period in an organic way without lecturing us. There are some good twists and surprises to the story and a logical climax. The entire thing is wrapped in a sense of fun that comes from Beryl and Edwina themselves, who are enjoying their new vocation.

Kudos

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ill Wind (Weather Warden, #1) in Books

Aug 5, 2019

Better second time round

Some Weather Wardens control fire, others control earth, water, or wind -- and the most powerful can control more than one element. Without Wardens, Mother Nature would wipe humanity off the face of the earth...

Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Usually, all it takes is a wave of her hand to tame the most violent weather. But now Joanne is trying to outrun another kind of storm: accusations of corruption and murder. So she's resorting to the very human tactic of running for her life.

Her only hope is Lewis, the most powerful Warden. Unfortunately, he's also on the run having stolen not one but three bottles of Djinn -- making him the most wanted man on earth. Still, Joanne and her classic Mustang are racing hard to find him -- because there's some bad weather closing in fast...

<strong>Second time round</strong>

I remember trying to read this a few years ago and seriously struggled so after finishing the Morganville series I decided to try again. I struggled again at first but actually stick with it and quite enjoyed it. It was fast paced and a bit patchy in places but well worth sticking with.
This time round I will be going on to book 2!

⭐⭐⭐