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David McK (3562 KP) rated Peace Talks (The Dresden Files, #16) in Books
Mar 23, 2022
It was, what something like 5 years? 6? Between the release of the last book in the series (Skin Game) and this.
Long enough for me to go back and re-read the entire thing from scratch, anyway.
I'd also seen several reviews (on Amazon, mainly) bemoaning the fact that this is more like half a book: first impressions, upon receiving it, where that they were right: this was roughly half the size of that previous novel.
Having said that, there was also an argument to be made that those later novels (from around Changes onward) had themselves become too bloated, unlike the earlier entries in the series when Harry was (mainly) a detective.
Now that I've finished reading this, I can see where some of those reviews were coming from: more than any other I can think of in the series, this definitely sets up the next (Battle Ground, cutting off just as it 'tees up' the conflict to come and how the supernatural community is going to react to it.
After having conspicuously being absent in the previous, this also see's the return of Thomas Raith (and his sister Lara), both of whom play a large role in the proceeding within this, as does Harry's mentor Ebenezer McCoy, with the concept of family coming to the fore.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.
Do I feel slightly cheated by the fact that it sets up but doesn't resolve the conflict to come, meaning I would have to buy the next book?
Also yes.
(I was going to anyway, having made it - and mainly enjoying them - this far)
Long enough for me to go back and re-read the entire thing from scratch, anyway.
I'd also seen several reviews (on Amazon, mainly) bemoaning the fact that this is more like half a book: first impressions, upon receiving it, where that they were right: this was roughly half the size of that previous novel.
Having said that, there was also an argument to be made that those later novels (from around Changes onward) had themselves become too bloated, unlike the earlier entries in the series when Harry was (mainly) a detective.
Now that I've finished reading this, I can see where some of those reviews were coming from: more than any other I can think of in the series, this definitely sets up the next (Battle Ground, cutting off just as it 'tees up' the conflict to come and how the supernatural community is going to react to it.
After having conspicuously being absent in the previous, this also see's the return of Thomas Raith (and his sister Lara), both of whom play a large role in the proceeding within this, as does Harry's mentor Ebenezer McCoy, with the concept of family coming to the fore.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.
Do I feel slightly cheated by the fact that it sets up but doesn't resolve the conflict to come, meaning I would have to buy the next book?
Also yes.
(I was going to anyway, having made it - and mainly enjoying them - this far)
Dean (6927 KP) rated REC (2007) in Movies
Jan 7, 2018
One of the best found footage films (1 more)
Genuinely scary
Scary
A great little Spanish horror film that has a realism about it you just don't get in many horror films. This did so well the Western remake was done just a few months later and also got good reviews @Quarantine (2008) . It's very short at 70mins but brutal and shocking after a slow opening. Filmed from the point of view of a local TV camera man, it's a found footage film like Blairwitch and Cloverfield, making a documentary about the local fire service. They go out on a call to a local apartment block, beginning a series of shocking events.
There are 2 sequels that are worth checking out and a sequel to the American version as well.
There are 2 sequels that are worth checking out and a sequel to the American version as well.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Wrongful Death (David Sloane, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This was a good read for sure! I think I've found a new author worthy of my reading time thanks to this Goodreads Giveaway win.
The reviews compare Dugoni to John Grisham. When I first saw that I wasn't too thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Grisham. He just isn't one of my favorite go-to authors, not 1 I always count on for an engrossing read. There are similarities in their styles...legal thrillers, lawyers as main characters, etc. But to me, Dugoni's action is more captivating. This book got me thinking, but it also wasn't too over my head with "legal speak." The characters are well written, believable with a mix of the incredible...just like real life.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Dugoni's work!
The reviews compare Dugoni to John Grisham. When I first saw that I wasn't too thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Grisham. He just isn't one of my favorite go-to authors, not 1 I always count on for an engrossing read. There are similarities in their styles...legal thrillers, lawyers as main characters, etc. But to me, Dugoni's action is more captivating. This book got me thinking, but it also wasn't too over my head with "legal speak." The characters are well written, believable with a mix of the incredible...just like real life.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Dugoni's work!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Triple 9 (2016) in Movies
Aug 9, 2017
Forgettable In Every Way
I've seen some awful reviews of Triple 9, ripping the movie apart and claiming it to be the worst movie of 2016. These people clearly haven't seen Independence Day: Resurgence.
It's not a bad movie, nor is it a good movie, it's just nothing. Totally forgettable and unremarkable in every way. These movies are actually the hardest to review, because I have nothing passionate to say either for or against the film. The script is mediocre, the performances are generic, especially for such a talented cast, the direction is functional and the resulting quality of the movie overall is plainly middle of the road as a result.
Give this one a skip, it's not the worst movie that you will ever see, but it's utterly forgettable.
It's not a bad movie, nor is it a good movie, it's just nothing. Totally forgettable and unremarkable in every way. These movies are actually the hardest to review, because I have nothing passionate to say either for or against the film. The script is mediocre, the performances are generic, especially for such a talented cast, the direction is functional and the resulting quality of the movie overall is plainly middle of the road as a result.
Give this one a skip, it's not the worst movie that you will ever see, but it's utterly forgettable.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated 47 Ronin (2013) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Entertaining
I've read reviews of this movie and they mostly were not good. I honestly don't know why. Perhaps people were trying to take it too seriously? Anyway, I enjoyed it very much. A fun fantasy story filled with magic, monsters, samurai and of course, sword fights. I have always enjoyed samurai movies(Seven Samurai is my absolute favorite). This one was just a lot of fun. The acting and cinematography were well done and the story flowed nicely. Plenty of intense action and it even had a love story. Didn't have the happiest of endings but not all movies do. Supposedly based on a historical group of samurai in Japan but, of course, with some great fantastical story telling weaved throughout. This one is definitely worth a watch!
Tawnyblue (0 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Mar 2, 2018
The Greatest Showman
I loved this film, I was nearly put off by some of the reviews I had read but I'm so glad I decided to make my own mind up about it. Did I say I loved it, well I did, it was great, at one point in the film I wanted to get up and clap the only thing that stopped me is my daughter and grand-daughter would have killed me.
I will watch this film again and again and it is now one of my favourite films. A real feel good film with some deep underlying messages too.
I will watch this film again and again and it is now one of my favourite films. A real feel good film with some deep underlying messages too.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Panzer '44 in Tabletop Games
Mar 7, 2018
Interactive Magic had the opportunity to exploit the wide-open market for a serious World War II tank simulation. Unfortunately, those who pinned their hopes on this game are in for a major disappointment.
For years, armor fans have been waiting for a realistic World War II tank simulation. Most publishers have followed in the tracks of MicroProse's 1989 classic game, M1 Tank Platoon, basing their simulations primarily on the American M1 Abrams. In 1995, it appeared that MicroProse would break through with its World War II game, Across the Rhine. However, as a simulation, it was a disaster and not well received as a tactical real-time game.
Original rating: 3.3
Critic: Gamespot Staff
Read the full review here: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ipanzer-44-review/1900-2535531/
Original rating: 3.3
Critic: Gamespot Staff
Read the full review here: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ipanzer-44-review/1900-2535531/
Lee (2222 KP) rated Red Sparrow (2018) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
Far too long, far too dull
So, I guess I'm one of those people who were warned by other reviews not to go into this expecting to see a Black Widow movie and ignored the advice. I kind of did expect something along those lines, just a little bit, and I was therefore seriously disappointed. I'm not adverse to a lack of action and don't mind having to use my brain when watching a movie but this just didn't grab me at all and felt like it was trying too hard to be too many different things, while not really achieving any of them.
Jennifer Lawrence does an incredible job, in what is a very demanding role. But, this is just far too long and far too dull.
Jennifer Lawrence does an incredible job, in what is a very demanding role. But, this is just far too long and far too dull.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
May 31, 2018
A great app to organize and share book recommendations
I have used Goodreads for years, and when they came out with an app I immediately downloaded it and it has made things much easier! The fact that I can just go to the library or a bookstore and scan into the app to add it my lists is very convenient! Hook up with friends or other book lovers, join groups and follow reviews, both of friends and authors alike. I wish there wasn't so much confusion as to verisons of books, some books are listed several times whether its the kindle version, or hardcover... and it's a bit difficult sometimes to find new books. But overall, really pleased with the app!
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Ramblers in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I wish we could give half stars in reviews, as I feel this one is more than a 4 but not quite at 5. Its a beautiful story, wonderful in its simplicity, about relationships and emotions and just being human. You can relate to all the characters, their fears and struggles and joys and challenges in figuring out who they are and their place in the world and just life in general. It was also a trove of information about birds and NYC that was interesting and helped the story instead of weighing it down. I expected it to be more along the lines of chick lit type fluff and was pleasantly surprised to find that it went much deeper. All in all it was a very satisfying read.