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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Breadcrumbs in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book was an okay read. I went into it with really no expectations so I guess an okay is pretty good.
The story telss of 2 5th grade best friends, Hazel and Jack. Jack made Hazel feel like she had a place in the world until one day he just up and changed on her. Her turnd into a jerk in the blink of an eye. The interesting part comes when reality turns to fantasy as Jack takes off into the woods on a sleigh pulled by white wolves. And of course no one sees it except Tyler, Hazel's archenemy when it comes to matters involving Jack.
The best writing comes as Hazel takes off into the woods to bring Jack home. The real world part of the story tends to drag a bit and the writing is much more simplistic. The fantasy part is the real meat of the stoey in terms of writing quality and plot.
The story telss of 2 5th grade best friends, Hazel and Jack. Jack made Hazel feel like she had a place in the world until one day he just up and changed on her. Her turnd into a jerk in the blink of an eye. The interesting part comes when reality turns to fantasy as Jack takes off into the woods on a sleigh pulled by white wolves. And of course no one sees it except Tyler, Hazel's archenemy when it comes to matters involving Jack.
The best writing comes as Hazel takes off into the woods to bring Jack home. The real world part of the story tends to drag a bit and the writing is much more simplistic. The fantasy part is the real meat of the stoey in terms of writing quality and plot.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word (2016) in Movies
Sep 7, 2017
Disappointing even though it's based on a terrifying true story
I was looking forward to watch this film given that the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is on par with the real life mysteries of Amityville and The Omen. However, the film completely missed the point and went straight to a Rob Zombie type horror film.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
May 16, 2018
Humorous, insightful and fascinating
We all know about the NHS and doctors and hospitals, yet I'm sure for the majority of us that don't work in this sector, we don't have the slightest idea what goes on in reality.
Adam Kay's book is a fascinating insight into the NHS and the real working life of a doctor. It's ridiculously funny, emotional, heartwarming and also depressing to think this is the state of our health service. I dare you to read this and not feel anything. You can't say a bad word about the NHS after reading this (not that I ever did). I feel glad that Adam has provided such an insightful and thought provoking view of the NHS. I shed a tear when I reached the end and I would have quite happily read a lot more of his stories and anecdotes, they're fascinating.
A must read for anyone in the UK.
Adam Kay's book is a fascinating insight into the NHS and the real working life of a doctor. It's ridiculously funny, emotional, heartwarming and also depressing to think this is the state of our health service. I dare you to read this and not feel anything. You can't say a bad word about the NHS after reading this (not that I ever did). I feel glad that Adam has provided such an insightful and thought provoking view of the NHS. I shed a tear when I reached the end and I would have quite happily read a lot more of his stories and anecdotes, they're fascinating.
A must read for anyone in the UK.
So I think this was actually the first book I had read by Cecelia Ahern, which led me to read all of her books in the short time afterwards!
I was never into dystopia (but that seems to have changed now) but I fancied trying it out anyway. I love the view on the justice system in this – that when someone does something wrong they are marked for life for their mistakes. It’s strangely close to society at the moment (minus the branding) which I think is what really pulled me in.
Celestine could be a little bit annoying, but who wouldn’t complain when they are being punished for helping someone and acting out of the kindness in their heart?
I loved that the action never stopped or even slowed down. It really kept the story going and helped me keep my attention on the plot.
The story of social justice was really gripping and the closeness to reality was scary and it kept me reading.
I was never into dystopia (but that seems to have changed now) but I fancied trying it out anyway. I love the view on the justice system in this – that when someone does something wrong they are marked for life for their mistakes. It’s strangely close to society at the moment (minus the branding) which I think is what really pulled me in.
Celestine could be a little bit annoying, but who wouldn’t complain when they are being punished for helping someone and acting out of the kindness in their heart?
I loved that the action never stopped or even slowed down. It really kept the story going and helped me keep my attention on the plot.
The story of social justice was really gripping and the closeness to reality was scary and it kept me reading.
Asiza Tait (139 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Apr 12, 2019
Writing is excellent (2 more)
Full of well developed characters
Very believable
If I had been a teenager in the 80s I’m sure I would be absolutely loved the constant references to familiar games, but the 90s was my decade so a great deal went straight over my head. That said the future envisioned by the author is compelling and if I may say, utterly frightening. To not have any future in the real world and to only live in a virtual reality is my worst nightmare come to life. I enjoy playing games but having it BE my life is a step too far. The level of despair I could feel in the book was fascinating. The characters and plot were well developed, believable and realistic. By the time I put this book down, though satisfied with the ending I was relieved to get back to the real world.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 3, 2019
Monster Mash
I didn't see many reviews before seeing this so had an open mind. So long as there was plenty of action I think I would be satisfied. I saw it on Screen X which was good, although only some keys scenes are on the extra screens as well. I used to enjoy the old Godzilla vs films back in the day, so wanted something that captured the spirit of those films.
The biggest problem for me is for a 2 hour film you'd expect tons of action scenes and Godzilla battles. In reality there are only a few. They are very good, but bogged down in between human story content that slows the pace down. It needed to have a couple of more monster fights really. Compared to other recent similar films like Rampage or the Pacific Rim films it didn't add anything new. A decent action film that could have been shorter and better.
The biggest problem for me is for a 2 hour film you'd expect tons of action scenes and Godzilla battles. In reality there are only a few. They are very good, but bogged down in between human story content that slows the pace down. It needed to have a couple of more monster fights really. Compared to other recent similar films like Rampage or the Pacific Rim films it didn't add anything new. A decent action film that could have been shorter and better.
Audrey Bloom is excited when the reality TV show Fix My Wedding is coming to town, especially when she gets to design the bridal bouquet. Okay, so the bride is a bit bell obsessed, but she can make it work. Unfortunately, that becomes the least of her problems when one of the hosts of the show is killed and the police begin to suspect Audrey’s former boyfriend, a production assistant on the show.
This series is already on my favorites list after just two books. The characters are wonderful and the so real. This applies to the series regulars and the suspects in this book. The plot is intriguing and kept the surprises coming until the end. Add in a dash of humor, and you’ve got another winner.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-for-whom-bluebell-tolls-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series is already on my favorites list after just two books. The characters are wonderful and the so real. This applies to the series regulars and the suspects in this book. The plot is intriguing and kept the surprises coming until the end. Add in a dash of humor, and you’ve got another winner.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-for-whom-bluebell-tolls-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Network (1976) in Movies
Feb 16, 2018 (Updated Feb 16, 2018)
Acclaimed satirical comedy-drama; impressively prescient look at American media. Long-serving newscaster is victim of falling ratings, has breakdown and threatens to commit suicide on live TV: network execs are appalled until it transpires this has caused a spike in viewing figures, so they give him a job as a ranting news gimp.
Smartly written and well-performed; slight tendency towards speechifying rather than actual dialogue in the closing stages, but at least the speeches are good. Movie predicts rise of reality TV and collapse in news values with eerie accuracy, also the potential power of rabble-rousing TV demagogues (chief rabble-rouser does not complain about fake news, but it's a near thing). On another level, film is basically just cinema being snotty about how television is a more juvenile and morally bankrupt medium - 1976 was one of the very last years they could do this without it seeming like massive hypocrisy.
Smartly written and well-performed; slight tendency towards speechifying rather than actual dialogue in the closing stages, but at least the speeches are good. Movie predicts rise of reality TV and collapse in news values with eerie accuracy, also the potential power of rabble-rousing TV demagogues (chief rabble-rouser does not complain about fake news, but it's a near thing). On another level, film is basically just cinema being snotty about how television is a more juvenile and morally bankrupt medium - 1976 was one of the very last years they could do this without it seeming like massive hypocrisy.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Mar 15, 2018
One of the most moving books I've ever read. The story of two teenagers falling in love is hardly anything new, but the fact that one has survived cancer (and lost a leg in the process) and the other is suffering from an almost certainly uncurable cancer adds a new, and heartbreaking wrinkle to the story. The characters all come off as very grounded in reality, and while capable of some witty dialogue, don't come off as unbelievably clever as say, the teens in "Juno". The illness itself is treated very realistically as well, with every bit of suffering arising throughout the book, while never being allowed to take over entirely. Due to the somewhat brief length of the book and also largely to how addictively well-written it is, I finished it in 2 sittings. One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read, and one that will stick with me for a long time to come.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Accountant (2016) in Movies
Mar 11, 2018 (Updated Mar 17, 2018)
Really-not-that-bad-at-all action thriller with Ben Affleck doing a surprisingly good job of playing a brilliant accountant-stroke-hitman. The film kind of dodges around the implication that Affleck's character is autistic, but the inference is clear and while this is still Movie Autism (never mind the crippling downsides, you get super powers!!!), it is still sympathetic and has at least a few vestiges of reality to it.
The plot eventually ends up being completely gonzo, involving corruption in the robotics industry and duelling assassins, but the movie fends off the moment when you shout 'this is all utterly ridiculous!' for a surprisingly long time. Eclectic cast includes Affleck, John Lithgow, Jon Bernthal, and Anna Kendrick (who appears to be about three feet tall in a few of her scenes). A fun and engaging movie; not a particularly great thriller but all the peripheral weirdness keeps it watchable.
The plot eventually ends up being completely gonzo, involving corruption in the robotics industry and duelling assassins, but the movie fends off the moment when you shout 'this is all utterly ridiculous!' for a surprisingly long time. Eclectic cast includes Affleck, John Lithgow, Jon Bernthal, and Anna Kendrick (who appears to be about three feet tall in a few of her scenes). A fun and engaging movie; not a particularly great thriller but all the peripheral weirdness keeps it watchable.