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Karica Truebenbach (156 KP) rated Origin in Books
Oct 4, 2018
Learning new things (1 more)
Puzzles
Anti-climactic reveal (1 more)
Kinda lame
Same book, different name
I didn't hate it. The big reveal was a huge letdown for me, and IMHO, would not have caused a huge crisis for religious leaders. The killer was fairly obvious to me, also. That was super disappointing for me because I love a good twist, but this one didn't have it. Also, the whole mess with the royal family (aside from the touching scene at the end with the bishop) seemed kind of messy and superfluous.
Honestly, I haven't loved these last 2 Dan Brown books. The trivia and puzzles are great, and I love "accidentally" learning new things, but perhaps the same old, same old formula is wearing on me.
Honestly, I haven't loved these last 2 Dan Brown books. The trivia and puzzles are great, and I love "accidentally" learning new things, but perhaps the same old, same old formula is wearing on me.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Cable & Deadpool Vol. 1: If Looks Could Kill in Books
Oct 9, 2018
Good Cable book, not so much Deadpool
Note that this is "Cable & Deadpool", NOT the other way round. This is first and foremost a Cable book, with Deadpool along for the ride. Deadpool is hired to help a strange French religious sect steal a virus that changes how people look - they want everyone in the world to look the same - blue. It starts off as a decent irreverent Deadpool story but once Cable gets embroiled it all gets more serious. There are fun moments, such as when the stars have to share their DNA in order to recover from the virus (which all gets a bit pseudo-science mumbo jumboey) with quite amusing results.
This is far from Deadpool at his best, but it is still enjoyable.
This is far from Deadpool at his best, but it is still enjoyable.
Millie (22 KP) rated Duck the Halls (Meg Langslow, #16) in Books
Jan 27, 2020
So, I started this book around Christmas and am just now finishing it. I think that was a result not so much of the book itself - it wasn't poorly written or anything, I just kept picking up other books instead. Overall, it was a nice, fluffy, cozy mystery that I probably would have enjoyed more if I had read the whole thing at Christmastime. Yes, there were a lot of religious undertones, but I sort of expected that with a Christmas book. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a book to get into the Chistmas mood.
*Although I did receive this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, all of my thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Although I did receive this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, all of my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emma Watson recommended The Complete Persepolis in Books (curated)
Sjon recommended Stranger Magic in Books (curated)
Tim Burton recommended The Omega Man (1971) in Movies (curated)
Dean (6925 KP) rated Mary Queen of Scots (2018) in Movies
Aug 29, 2020 (Updated Aug 29, 2020)
Saoirse Ronan (1 more)
Costumes and locations
Queen takes Queen
This isn't the type of film I normally watch but the cast swung me. It's the type of film that will win awards for the costume department and production. Saoirse Ronan really carries the film and without her I would score it a bit lower. Margot Robbie is sadly under used in this.
Tied up in a political, religious and royal game of real life chess as to whom will be heir to the throne of England. There is plenty of scheming and treason by both Royal courts. It's interesting but also at times a little dull. If you like slow period dramas you'll love it, if not you're not missing much.
Tied up in a political, religious and royal game of real life chess as to whom will be heir to the throne of England. There is plenty of scheming and treason by both Royal courts. It's interesting but also at times a little dull. If you like slow period dramas you'll love it, if not you're not missing much.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Life of Pi in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So Life of Pi, a story of Indian boy castaway in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for 277 days. This is a story of human endurance and spiritual belief. The story is beautifully written and being a non-religious person I enjoyed that fact that this young boy embraces all religions he comes across and values them all equally and sees the best in each. I was slightly worried the religious aspects would be off putting for me but I believe they added depth and beauty to this story.
Unfortunately I came to read this book after having seen the film so I found it hard not to picture what I had already seen. Also, it meant I already knew how the story ended. I wish I had read the book before seeing the film as I think the story would have been better leaving the ending unknown. It was hard to get caught up with the revelations when they are revealed before you begin. I kept applying what I knew of the story’s ending to the book as I read.
I enjoyed that the story was written as if Pi himself were telling it to me, other than a couple of brief chapters were the journalist is making observations about Pi and his home. It isn’t hard to feel for Pi and knowing he survives to tell his story allows you to fully immerse in his pain and suffering. I would recommend this book, if you haven’t seen the film yet please read the book first so as not to ruin the story and how it unfolds.
Unfortunately I came to read this book after having seen the film so I found it hard not to picture what I had already seen. Also, it meant I already knew how the story ended. I wish I had read the book before seeing the film as I think the story would have been better leaving the ending unknown. It was hard to get caught up with the revelations when they are revealed before you begin. I kept applying what I knew of the story’s ending to the book as I read.
I enjoyed that the story was written as if Pi himself were telling it to me, other than a couple of brief chapters were the journalist is making observations about Pi and his home. It isn’t hard to feel for Pi and knowing he survives to tell his story allows you to fully immerse in his pain and suffering. I would recommend this book, if you haven’t seen the film yet please read the book first so as not to ruin the story and how it unfolds.
Gareth von Kallenbach (974 KP) rated Midnight Special (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
As children, we often fantasize about what it would be like to possess superpowers or some trait that sets us further apart from our peers. We imagine ourselves as being able to become invisible, fly, or command animals. The film Midnight Special introduces us to a young boy who is blessed with a special gift that no one can quite comprehend. A religious cult seeks the boy as their savior. The government wants to use him as a weapon. His father wants to protect him.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
The film gives the audience enough suspense and relevant issues to keep them fully engrossed in the story. The opening of the film leaves us with very little background of the events that have taken place which for many films would be a grand weakness in the storytelling, however, for this film it is essential in shaping the dramatic moments as it builds to the climax. Midnight Special features strong performances from Adam Driver and Michael Shannon. Director Jeff Nichols does a superb job in weaving a story that is both original and imaginative. The film itself is a journey involving various elements that drive the story. For some, it will make them more skeptical of the government and religious fanaticism. For others, they will have a new take on the road film genre which is filled with peril, tension, friendship, and love.
Midnight Special is one of those rare movies that allows the viewers to become fully involved in the story and characters involved. With the suspense, humor, and interactions, the actors and director have made a complete film. It stays with you and makes you want more.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated One Of Us (2017) in Movies
Oct 24, 2017 (Updated Oct 24, 2017)
How religious dogma can appear under any situation
A heartbreaking documentary following three ex-Hasidic Jews, who are attempting to fight fanaticism within the ultra-orthodox community. From ex-communication, to rape, abuse, and kangaroo justice, the film shows how a wall of secrecy allows discrimination and zealotry to thrive.
In one story, a woman with seven children, who was abused by her husband and even at one point was run down whilst on her bicycle, because she tried to get a divorce through the court system. It's grim to say the least. Another young adult describes being raped as a child by a teacher, who was allowed to continue to work despite the claims.
The documentary is truly shocking and shows that extremism is reactive and can breed under any society and circumstance.
In one story, a woman with seven children, who was abused by her husband and even at one point was run down whilst on her bicycle, because she tried to get a divorce through the court system. It's grim to say the least. Another young adult describes being raped as a child by a teacher, who was allowed to continue to work despite the claims.
The documentary is truly shocking and shows that extremism is reactive and can breed under any society and circumstance.