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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Those Across the River in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads. I was very much anticpating its arrival and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed!
If you are not afraid of being out in the woodsat night, you will be after you read this book! Hell you may even be scared of forests in the daylight too. The characters throughoutbthe book are weel developed. While there were a few "typical" characters many of them were shown to have quirks or traits thatnare not typical of a suspense novel.
The plot was well paced. The suspense factor was always high...I found myself constantly wondering who would be next. Yet at the same time it wasn't too over the top. The story contained enough events that were reality based that you even found yourself convinced that the fantastical elements were just as likely to be real.
If you are not afraid of being out in the woodsat night, you will be after you read this book! Hell you may even be scared of forests in the daylight too. The characters throughoutbthe book are weel developed. While there were a few "typical" characters many of them were shown to have quirks or traits thatnare not typical of a suspense novel.
The plot was well paced. The suspense factor was always high...I found myself constantly wondering who would be next. Yet at the same time it wasn't too over the top. The story contained enough events that were reality based that you even found yourself convinced that the fantastical elements were just as likely to be real.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Alternative 3 in TV
May 4, 2019 (Updated May 4, 2019)
One of the great TV hoaxes, from back when such things were still considered an acceptable jape. Made, for the most part, with great care and attention to detail, the result is very convincing and unsettling viewing - although the presence of fairly well-known actors in a couple of roles does kind of blow the gaffe a bit, long before the end.
Some people will argue that claims that this is a hoax are just a smokescreen and the makers either stumbled onto the truth or were trying to blow the whistle on a real conspiracy, which is why this show vanished into obscurity for a long while after its transmission. I really don't know, but parts of the story here do seem eerily close to reality, 40 years on, and the questions Alternative 3 raises about how much to trust the media are still pertinent today.
Some people will argue that claims that this is a hoax are just a smokescreen and the makers either stumbled onto the truth or were trying to blow the whistle on a real conspiracy, which is why this show vanished into obscurity for a long while after its transmission. I really don't know, but parts of the story here do seem eerily close to reality, 40 years on, and the questions Alternative 3 raises about how much to trust the media are still pertinent today.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies
Feb 4, 2018
Could have been so much better
I'm a little disappointed with this film. On paper it sounds great, but in reality it's very badly executed.
It's very similar to Black Mirror, although nowhere near as dark or good. The idea is a good one and one very close to home considering how advanced technology is nowadays. It is a good take on social media and technology companies, it just doesn't quite work although at times it does make you feel rather uncomfortable at how all this is used. The problem is it comes across as a little boring and unengaging at times, and characters actions seem a bit bizarre. Tom Hanks and John Boyega are greatly underused although Emma Watson doesn't do too badly as the lead. I didn't get the ending either, it just didn't seem to fit and was a little confusing.
It's very similar to Black Mirror, although nowhere near as dark or good. The idea is a good one and one very close to home considering how advanced technology is nowadays. It is a good take on social media and technology companies, it just doesn't quite work although at times it does make you feel rather uncomfortable at how all this is used. The problem is it comes across as a little boring and unengaging at times, and characters actions seem a bit bizarre. Tom Hanks and John Boyega are greatly underused although Emma Watson doesn't do too badly as the lead. I didn't get the ending either, it just didn't seem to fit and was a little confusing.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Second Chance at Murder (A Love Or Money Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgia and Scott are back to compete on a second reality show, this one a race across Europe with challenges along the way. But the night before the race even begins, Scott disappears and a woman is murdered. With the police certain that Scott is a killer, Georgia must find him and prove his innocence. Can she do it?
This was a wonderfully creative cozy. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the disappearance added a nice element to the story. The characters were strong as well. The race aspect was kept as a sub-plot, and the location in Spain was brought to life so much that I now want to visit.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-second-chance-at-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a wonderfully creative cozy. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the disappearance added a nice element to the story. The characters were strong as well. The race aspect was kept as a sub-plot, and the location in Spain was brought to life so much that I now want to visit.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/01/book-review-second-chance-at-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Gripping episodes (2 more)
Solid cast
Gritty Brit drama
Only 6 episodes (1 more)
Not the ending I was hoping for
Knew I would be hooked when I saw "From the makers of Line Of Duty"
Contains spoilers, click to show
I like how the show addresses an important fact that in reality it's very easy these days for people to influence others with the use of the internet/social media.
When I saw the trailer for this series I thought it was just going to be another typical kidnap style show but I like the fact that Lennie James' character is actually arrested on suspicion of kidnapping his own daughter who he hasn't seen in over 10 years, and eventually becomes the character who does the most to try and find his daughter.
The ending was not what I was expecting and could probably have been worked differently but I appreciate they have set it up for another series.
When I saw the trailer for this series I thought it was just going to be another typical kidnap style show but I like the fact that Lennie James' character is actually arrested on suspicion of kidnapping his own daughter who he hasn't seen in over 10 years, and eventually becomes the character who does the most to try and find his daughter.
The ending was not what I was expecting and could probably have been worked differently but I appreciate they have set it up for another series.
Relatable Main Character (1 more)
Quick Listen
Fun Futuristic Story
I listened to Warcross on Audible instead of reading it, so I am reviewing based on that:
Warcross is an extremely fun, fast paced book with a lot of action. I immediately felt connected with Emika Chen as I can remember being so poor I was living off ramen trying to figure out how to make more money. As I understood more about Warcross the game, I couldn't help but wonder how close we are to this type of technology. I also couldn't help but think of how similar this is to Ready Player One in the sense that it is all virtual reality. The added hacker aspect was pretty intriguing, however. It also loosely reminded me of 50 Shade of Grey, minus the sex scenes. The relationship between Emika and Hideo, the billionaire, seems unrealistic.
Warcross is an extremely fun, fast paced book with a lot of action. I immediately felt connected with Emika Chen as I can remember being so poor I was living off ramen trying to figure out how to make more money. As I understood more about Warcross the game, I couldn't help but wonder how close we are to this type of technology. I also couldn't help but think of how similar this is to Ready Player One in the sense that it is all virtual reality. The added hacker aspect was pretty intriguing, however. It also loosely reminded me of 50 Shade of Grey, minus the sex scenes. The relationship between Emika and Hideo, the billionaire, seems unrealistic.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Tag (2018) in Movies
Jun 24, 2018
The main sticking point for me in this movie was the fact that the friendship between the main characters seemed completely superficial. But, I don't think that in reality the relationship between the guys was that way, so I'll give a pass on that.
The cast in the film was amazing, and the comedic timing, in most cases, really worked. I'll watch Jon Hamm in anything, honestly.
Some of the scenes were shot very much like Guy Ritchie scenes, and it was really hilarious given the situation.The CGI on Jeremy Renner's arms was really good, considering he had two broken arms during the shooting.
The thing I think I liked the most is that at the end, they actually showed videos of the real-life friends tagging each other. And, the movie actually utilized some of the costumes, it was great to see.
The cast in the film was amazing, and the comedic timing, in most cases, really worked. I'll watch Jon Hamm in anything, honestly.
Some of the scenes were shot very much like Guy Ritchie scenes, and it was really hilarious given the situation.The CGI on Jeremy Renner's arms was really good, considering he had two broken arms during the shooting.
The thing I think I liked the most is that at the end, they actually showed videos of the real-life friends tagging each other. And, the movie actually utilized some of the costumes, it was great to see.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Wonderstruck in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'll begin by saying the cover is fantastic; I couldn't stop looking at it! That being said, it's that feeling, the one that every picture has a story to tell, that is the inspiration behind the stories in this anthology. They go from "drabbles" of 100 words to short stories and novellas, and each is as unique as the author who wrote it. It's amazing how so many people can look at the same picture and yet draw a completely different tale from it, all the while bringing those thoughts and images into reality for the reader. I hope this idea will be continued into another book (or several!), using different pictures, or perhaps with each author being given an opening line and having to write a story from that. Loved it!! =)
5 stars
I'll begin by saying the cover is fantastic; I couldn't stop looking at it! That being said, it's that feeling, the one that every picture has a story to tell, that is the inspiration behind the stories in this anthology. They go from "drabbles" of 100 words to short stories and novellas, and each is as unique as the author who wrote it. It's amazing how so many people can look at the same picture and yet draw a completely different tale from it, all the while bringing those thoughts and images into reality for the reader. I hope this idea will be continued into another book (or several!), using different pictures, or perhaps with each author being given an opening line and having to write a story from that. Loved it!! =)
5 stars
Insanely good!
Words cannot describe how much I love this fantasy series by Anne Bishop, but I'm gonna try anyway. First, the characters are fully formed. From the cover one would think that Jaenelle is the main character, and in a way that is true, but in reality each of the players are equally important with rich backstories and thus become real people to the reader.
The world Bishop created in this series is intricate, deadly, wonderful, and beautiful. The books handle some pretty intense subjects, like child abuse, rape, and prostitution, which sounds bad as I write this, but Bishop handles it beautifully. They aren't extra things thrown into the story for attention--each horror is a catalyst for the characters to grow into their destinies. If you read these books, you will love them forever, I promise. These have a special place on the shelf.
The world Bishop created in this series is intricate, deadly, wonderful, and beautiful. The books handle some pretty intense subjects, like child abuse, rape, and prostitution, which sounds bad as I write this, but Bishop handles it beautifully. They aren't extra things thrown into the story for attention--each horror is a catalyst for the characters to grow into their destinies. If you read these books, you will love them forever, I promise. These have a special place on the shelf.
Jackjack (877 KP) rated The Hunt (2020) in Movies
Apr 10, 2020 (Updated Apr 10, 2020)
Pretty good
I've been waiting forever to watch this film, but it's not as I expected, so many people die so quick and there was alot of humour in throughout too.
Standard film a bunch of rich folk hunting down your average everyday person, but each person has badmouthed the rich and so they make what's being said about them a reality, fair is fair. The film concentrates and is mainly about one person, Betty Gilpin. She gives most the humour I found her character hilarious there was just no facial expression no matter the situation she was just badass 😎. The film is definitely worth the watch but as per usual like most films the ending annoyed me the film was good the final scene was good but I am one of the people I want to see what happened next but that's never the way.
Standard film a bunch of rich folk hunting down your average everyday person, but each person has badmouthed the rich and so they make what's being said about them a reality, fair is fair. The film concentrates and is mainly about one person, Betty Gilpin. She gives most the humour I found her character hilarious there was just no facial expression no matter the situation she was just badass 😎. The film is definitely worth the watch but as per usual like most films the ending annoyed me the film was good the final scene was good but I am one of the people I want to see what happened next but that's never the way.