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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) in Movies
Jun 20, 2020
Another crying dog movie... just what my life needs.
Denny picks up a golden retriever puppy from a farm and the two become firm friends. Enzo learns all about racing and is a constant fixture at the track, it's going to be the two of them forever feeling the wind in their faces.
Then one day Eve comes along, she's there a lot and it doesn't look like she's leaving. Can Enzo adapt to family life?
The card on the film states "scenes of emotional upset"... accurate, and right from the very start too. This was made by a savage person. Originally I had a quadruple bill planned but I wasn't sure I could do this film followed by The Sun Is Also A Star and come out the other end as anything but a gibbering wreck so I split it out. That was probably one of the most sensible things I've ever done, there was so much crying.
The way they show Enzo reacting to everything is spot on. If you've watched those dog videos on Facebook where they subtitle in what the dog's thinking, it's just like that but Enzo has a much better grasp of the English language and the sultry tones of Kevin Costner. Some of the moments are wonderful and it made me wonder if my dog did any of them, and then I cried a bit more.
Milo Ventimiglia plays out leading human, Denny, and he's very convincing with the obsession Denny has for racing. The flipside with the struggle of having to be a dad came across too and there are some poignant scenes that came off beautifully.
I wasn't overly engaged with Amanda Seyfried as Eve until the midpoint of the film. Perhaps I was indifferent about her on Enzo's behalf, we may never know, but at the point where it all turned I thought she gave a wonderful and respectful performance.
There's not a huge extended cast, but it's filled with talented actors who bring something great to their characters, Kathy Baker and Martin Donovan were particularly good as Eve's parents, though you can't help but hate them.
It's nicely done overall, nothing seems out of place, there weren't any frivolous scenes. The way we get to engage with the racing is brilliantly executed, especially the scene at the beginning where he actually races in the rain, very exciting to watch. It's a lovely crying dog film (at what point do we declare this an actual genre?), is it predictable? Yes, but it's still a nice easy watch if you've got a box of tissues handy.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-art-of-racing-in-rain-movie-review.html
Denny picks up a golden retriever puppy from a farm and the two become firm friends. Enzo learns all about racing and is a constant fixture at the track, it's going to be the two of them forever feeling the wind in their faces.
Then one day Eve comes along, she's there a lot and it doesn't look like she's leaving. Can Enzo adapt to family life?
The card on the film states "scenes of emotional upset"... accurate, and right from the very start too. This was made by a savage person. Originally I had a quadruple bill planned but I wasn't sure I could do this film followed by The Sun Is Also A Star and come out the other end as anything but a gibbering wreck so I split it out. That was probably one of the most sensible things I've ever done, there was so much crying.
The way they show Enzo reacting to everything is spot on. If you've watched those dog videos on Facebook where they subtitle in what the dog's thinking, it's just like that but Enzo has a much better grasp of the English language and the sultry tones of Kevin Costner. Some of the moments are wonderful and it made me wonder if my dog did any of them, and then I cried a bit more.
Milo Ventimiglia plays out leading human, Denny, and he's very convincing with the obsession Denny has for racing. The flipside with the struggle of having to be a dad came across too and there are some poignant scenes that came off beautifully.
I wasn't overly engaged with Amanda Seyfried as Eve until the midpoint of the film. Perhaps I was indifferent about her on Enzo's behalf, we may never know, but at the point where it all turned I thought she gave a wonderful and respectful performance.
There's not a huge extended cast, but it's filled with talented actors who bring something great to their characters, Kathy Baker and Martin Donovan were particularly good as Eve's parents, though you can't help but hate them.
It's nicely done overall, nothing seems out of place, there weren't any frivolous scenes. The way we get to engage with the racing is brilliantly executed, especially the scene at the beginning where he actually races in the rain, very exciting to watch. It's a lovely crying dog film (at what point do we declare this an actual genre?), is it predictable? Yes, but it's still a nice easy watch if you've got a box of tissues handy.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-art-of-racing-in-rain-movie-review.html
Ross (3282 KP) rated Go For Broke in Tabletop Games
Apr 4, 2018
The antithesis of monopoly
This game really is the opposite of monopoly - you start with £1m and have to go round the board trying to lose money as fast as you can, like Brewster's Millions the board game. Exciting trips to the casino and horse racing and spending on the stock exchange give you extra chances to blow your dough. I loved this game growing up, and have bought a second hand version to play with my kids, who also love it. Truly an enjoyable family game trying to get rid of as much money as you can (which my kids are great at IRL!).
Dean (6924 KP) rated the Xbox version of Need for Speed: Underground 2 in Video Games
Aug 26, 2018
Cool graphics (2 more)
Big map
Great soundtrack
A great racing game
The first Need for Speed game I remember playing on the old Xbox. Quite different at the time as you had a fair bit of free roam to do your own thing. The customisation was very good to give your car different looks. You could pose it in a photo mode to make the cover of a car mag in the game.
Along with a great soundtrack with some big tunes it also had voice acting by Kelly Brook and Brooke Burke as well.
Definitely one of the best early Need for Speed games.
Along with a great soundtrack with some big tunes it also had voice acting by Kelly Brook and Brooke Burke as well.
Definitely one of the best early Need for Speed games.
Dean (6924 KP) rated Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans '66) (2019) in Movies
Nov 21, 2019 (Updated Sep 13, 2020)
Great cast (2 more)
Awesome racing scenes
Cool cinematography
If this were a beauty pageant we've just lost
This looked a class act just from the trailer and the full film doesn't disappoint. Based on the true story of how 2 men helped Ford design a Car to challenge the dominance of Ferrari. The chemistry between the Damon and Bale is great. The driving and race scenes look great, giving you the feel as if you are behind the wheel at times. It's a quality and all round well made film. If you liked @Rush (2013) check this out as it has a similar feel to it.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Fast Five (2011) in Movies
Jun 1, 2021
It's finally happened...I think....I think I...like these movies
All joking aside, Fast Five is a well paced, and well executed action film. The humble street racing elements of the first few movies have been pretty much dropped at this point. There's a bit where Vin Diesel and his crew are taking down a whole army of bad guys with military grade weapons, and I just found myself thinking "how the fuck did we get here" and you know what? I'm not even mad.
Also, Diesel shouting "THIS IS BRAZIL" right in Dwayne Johnson's inexplicably sweaty bald face is next level unintentionally hilarious and I love it.
All joking aside, Fast Five is a well paced, and well executed action film. The humble street racing elements of the first few movies have been pretty much dropped at this point. There's a bit where Vin Diesel and his crew are taking down a whole army of bad guys with military grade weapons, and I just found myself thinking "how the fuck did we get here" and you know what? I'm not even mad.
Also, Diesel shouting "THIS IS BRAZIL" right in Dwayne Johnson's inexplicably sweaty bald face is next level unintentionally hilarious and I love it.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans '66) (2019) in Movies
Sep 13, 2020
The more films I see by James Mangold, the more I like him.
Ford v Ferrari (or Le Mans '66 as it's titled in the UK) is an outstanding movie in every way.
Based on a true story, FvF follows car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and race driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) after they are commissioned by Ford to create a new race car capable of beating the notorious Ferrari team during the Le Mans endurance race in France.
I'm not really into racing - I'm not a big sports guy full stop - but this film balances the amount of racing action and heartfelt and frequently humourous drama perfectly.
Both Matt Damon and Christian Bale just bought everything they have to this, and straight up deserved Oscars - I would actually go as far as saying this is arguably Bales' best performance to date.
The supporting cast are fantastic as well, especially Caitriona Balfe as the wife of Ken Miles, Mollie. The chemistry between her and Bales' character is believable and sweet.
I also enjoyed Josh Lucas as smarmy Ford executive Leo Beebe, and detested his character with a passion. And of course Jon Bernthal - I'm yet to see him in anything where he is less than great.
The story is inspiring to say the least, and the screenplay is clever in the way that it focuses on the every day character like Ken Miles, has you rooting for him against the suits, people who put money and profit in front of knowledge. It's a relatable feeling.
As I mentioned, I'm not a big sports guy, so taking this into account, the racing scenes (of which there are a fair few) were nothing short of thrilling. They're really well shot, with seamless special effects, and full of tension. In fact, every inch of Ford v Ferrari feels like it's had so much love, attention, and detail poured into it. It's an all round great experience.
I haven't a single bad word to say about Ford v Ferrari, it's spectacular, full of soul, and easily one of the best films of 2019.
Ford v Ferrari (or Le Mans '66 as it's titled in the UK) is an outstanding movie in every way.
Based on a true story, FvF follows car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and race driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) after they are commissioned by Ford to create a new race car capable of beating the notorious Ferrari team during the Le Mans endurance race in France.
I'm not really into racing - I'm not a big sports guy full stop - but this film balances the amount of racing action and heartfelt and frequently humourous drama perfectly.
Both Matt Damon and Christian Bale just bought everything they have to this, and straight up deserved Oscars - I would actually go as far as saying this is arguably Bales' best performance to date.
The supporting cast are fantastic as well, especially Caitriona Balfe as the wife of Ken Miles, Mollie. The chemistry between her and Bales' character is believable and sweet.
I also enjoyed Josh Lucas as smarmy Ford executive Leo Beebe, and detested his character with a passion. And of course Jon Bernthal - I'm yet to see him in anything where he is less than great.
The story is inspiring to say the least, and the screenplay is clever in the way that it focuses on the every day character like Ken Miles, has you rooting for him against the suits, people who put money and profit in front of knowledge. It's a relatable feeling.
As I mentioned, I'm not a big sports guy, so taking this into account, the racing scenes (of which there are a fair few) were nothing short of thrilling. They're really well shot, with seamless special effects, and full of tension. In fact, every inch of Ford v Ferrari feels like it's had so much love, attention, and detail poured into it. It's an all round great experience.
I haven't a single bad word to say about Ford v Ferrari, it's spectacular, full of soul, and easily one of the best films of 2019.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2086 KP) rated City of Fortune in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Racing to Pull off a Con
Elizabeth Bates is accompanying her new husband, Gideon, to the race track. One of his clients wants Elizabeth’s help in making his daughter, Irene Nolan, fit for society, which is funny since Elizabeth is still learning how to fit in herself. The day of horse racing doesn’t go the way the Nolan’s had planned however, when neither of their horses do well. But as Elizabeth gets to know Irene, Elizabeth realizes that Irene needs more help than fitting into society. In fact, Elizabeth’s skills as a conwoman might prove to be extremely helpful. Can she come up with a way to solve Irene’s real problems?
Obviously, this is more a caper than the typical mysteries I read, and I enjoyed the change of pace. I did feel the plot could have used an additional twist or two and some personal stakes for Elizabeth to truly draw me in, but I still really enjoyed it. And there are a couple of twists, one I didn’t see coming. The characters are strong. Elizabeth and Gideon are great lead characters, and we continue to get to know them well as we see the story unfold from both of their points of view. There are some funny moments that come from the characters including one line that really made me laugh. The 1919 setting is brought to life wonderfully as well. This is a fun addition to a fun series.
Obviously, this is more a caper than the typical mysteries I read, and I enjoyed the change of pace. I did feel the plot could have used an additional twist or two and some personal stakes for Elizabeth to truly draw me in, but I still really enjoyed it. And there are a couple of twists, one I didn’t see coming. The characters are strong. Elizabeth and Gideon are great lead characters, and we continue to get to know them well as we see the story unfold from both of their points of view. There are some funny moments that come from the characters including one line that really made me laugh. The 1919 setting is brought to life wonderfully as well. This is a fun addition to a fun series.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Century: Eastern Wonders in Tabletop Games
Aug 5, 2018
Multiple direction trading (3 more)
Modular board
Tactical moving
Easy to understand trading
Century spice road in another dimension
Ok finally played this one. If century spice road feels like splendor to you. This will be a better version. Now you move around a board “sailing” island to island setting up markets with trading posts. You have to set up combos in order and also claim them before other people. But moving more than one space costs you resources so it has to be worth it. There is very little blocking so it’s mostly just a racing game. Around making conversions and trades. Working toward a goal and beating the other players to it. I liked it.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans '66) (2019) in Movies
Jan 21, 2020 (Updated Jan 21, 2020)
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!!!!!
I finally got the chance to watch this movie and oh boy it was excellent, the chemistry between Bale and Damon is phenomenal, the plot is fantastic, the racing is like your actaully their. James Mangold did a perfect job directing this movie.
The Plot: American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
A must watch film, if you havent seen it yet.
The Plot: American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
A must watch film, if you havent seen it yet.
David McK (3222 KP) rated Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) in Movies
Jul 31, 2021
OK, I now have a new bar set for complete over the top ridiculousness in this spin off from the Fast and Furious movies (as an aside, I remember when they actually used to be about illegal street racing).
Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham (Hobbs and Shaw respectively) reprise their roles from the later F&F films, here reluctantly teaming up in a plot that also involves Idris Elba's cyborg soldier (who even goes so far as to call himself a Black Superman at one point) and Shaw's sister Hattie, who has been framed for stealing a deadly virus.
Over the top? Absolutely.
(but the cast all seem to be having great fun)
Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham (Hobbs and Shaw respectively) reprise their roles from the later F&F films, here reluctantly teaming up in a plot that also involves Idris Elba's cyborg soldier (who even goes so far as to call himself a Black Superman at one point) and Shaw's sister Hattie, who has been framed for stealing a deadly virus.
Over the top? Absolutely.
(but the cast all seem to be having great fun)