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AmandaF (4 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) in Movies
Jan 5, 2018
Grows on you
Contains spoilers, click to show
I can see why this movie gets such a mixed bag with its reviews. There are certainly elements that could make you dislike the movie and those moments will be different for everyone.
Yes Luke seems out of character, but he is older and has made mistakes. He has demons to deal with, he is human is flawed. We just don't always like to see our hero's that way. Leia can tap into the force to save herself from floating into space (the difficult moment for me). There are weird flying space penguins, and the force can let you talk to people across the galaxy.
As a whole though the Last Jedi captures the essence of a Star Wars film. If The Force Awakens was a homage to the original trilogy then this movie is the one clearing the ground for something new. Stars Wars is set in a huge galaxy, the stories cannot always be about Skywalkers. The Last Jedi creates the opening for Rey, Finn and the other new blood to make their own stories.
Yes Luke seems out of character, but he is older and has made mistakes. He has demons to deal with, he is human is flawed. We just don't always like to see our hero's that way. Leia can tap into the force to save herself from floating into space (the difficult moment for me). There are weird flying space penguins, and the force can let you talk to people across the galaxy.
As a whole though the Last Jedi captures the essence of a Star Wars film. If The Force Awakens was a homage to the original trilogy then this movie is the one clearing the ground for something new. Stars Wars is set in a huge galaxy, the stories cannot always be about Skywalkers. The Last Jedi creates the opening for Rey, Finn and the other new blood to make their own stories.
Destiny (8 KP) rated George's Marvellous Medicine in Books
Jan 5, 2018
Where I found this book: I read The BFG in 3rd grade and basically fell in love with Roald Dahl. I went to my local library very soon after and looked for any Roald Dahl book. I came back with George’s Marvelous Medicine and I’m the better for it.
How it’s written: From George’s perspective, you get to see how awful his grandmother is and his hilarious remedy for it. Then read as the madness continues when it’s time to give grandma more medicine.
What I like about this book: For me, it was one of the funniest things I had read up to that point. My own grandma would say rude things to me and my sisters, which I guess is why I was drawn to this book. A combination of the hilarious writing and the wonderful plot had me absorbed by this book when I was young.
Final Thoughts: There is always something so ridiculous and curious about Roald Dahl’s work. He really knew how to make reading fun.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, check out ificouldgo.com
How it’s written: From George’s perspective, you get to see how awful his grandmother is and his hilarious remedy for it. Then read as the madness continues when it’s time to give grandma more medicine.
What I like about this book: For me, it was one of the funniest things I had read up to that point. My own grandma would say rude things to me and my sisters, which I guess is why I was drawn to this book. A combination of the hilarious writing and the wonderful plot had me absorbed by this book when I was young.
Final Thoughts: There is always something so ridiculous and curious about Roald Dahl’s work. He really knew how to make reading fun.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews, check out ificouldgo.com
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Stay Alive (Scope #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I must admit that I am a huge Simon Kernick fan. I discovered him by accident when browsing at my local library and he fast became one of my favourite authors. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via www.netgalley.com in return for an honest and unbiased review.
To those who have read other novels by this author, Stay Alive sees a return of some familiar characters. For those who havent, where have you been? Stay Alive sends you on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, murder and mayhem from the very start and although the plot is not as complex as some of Simons other novels, it keeps you on your toes and provides you with those doh moments when you realise the clues have been drip-fed throughout the story but only come together at the end.
Some reviews I have read say that it is unbelievable - its not a non-fiction book people, it doesn't necessarily have to be believable to make it an enjoyable and engrossing read with guaranteed action delivered at breakneck speed.
http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/
To those who have read other novels by this author, Stay Alive sees a return of some familiar characters. For those who havent, where have you been? Stay Alive sends you on a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, murder and mayhem from the very start and although the plot is not as complex as some of Simons other novels, it keeps you on your toes and provides you with those doh moments when you realise the clues have been drip-fed throughout the story but only come together at the end.
Some reviews I have read say that it is unbelievable - its not a non-fiction book people, it doesn't necessarily have to be believable to make it an enjoyable and engrossing read with guaranteed action delivered at breakneck speed.
http://haziegaze.blogspot.co.uk/
Sarah (7798 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Gripping and thrilling
This book is an entirely unexpected revelation. I've seen the good reviews but just assumed it was yet another run of the mill crime/murder mystery thriller (I may have skim read the synopsis), but I couldn't have been more wrong.
It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.
My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.
My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
This is such a gentle, beautifully written book, about a harrowing, terrible subject. I had seen other reviews saying how much they'd enjoyed this, however based on the synopsis, I was hesitant at first: a mother kills her six year old daughter with a hatchet. What can be poetic or lyrical about that?
The story jumps back and forth in time as it follows the lives of the mother, father, the daughters and Ann, the 'new' wife. It isn't confusing though, surprisingly. The murder isn't one of those protracted descriptions, it's more of an aside. I don't even think that it comes across as something that was done on purpose.
This book is about the repercussions of this single act and how it affects all those involved, even those who weren't there.
I was captivated. I know that seems like a big thing to say about a book, but once I got going (real life and it's distractions, eh!) the end seemed to come around all too quickly.
I would highly recommend this - but make sure you have a box of Kleenex to hand. It's achingly sad in places.
The story jumps back and forth in time as it follows the lives of the mother, father, the daughters and Ann, the 'new' wife. It isn't confusing though, surprisingly. The murder isn't one of those protracted descriptions, it's more of an aside. I don't even think that it comes across as something that was done on purpose.
This book is about the repercussions of this single act and how it affects all those involved, even those who weren't there.
I was captivated. I know that seems like a big thing to say about a book, but once I got going (real life and it's distractions, eh!) the end seemed to come around all too quickly.
I would highly recommend this - but make sure you have a box of Kleenex to hand. It's achingly sad in places.
Dracoria Malfoy (690 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Mar 20, 2019
i gotta say, this book has been given so many good reviews, i was super hyped. unfortunately, although it was a worthwhile read, i was kindaverymuch let down. the lack of diversity was a start; it was incredibly off-putting. of the 4 mains, only one was a POC, two of the others were your classic blonde hair, light-eyed perfect TV show type high schoolers. and i know that may have been a bit deliberate, but,,,,, cmon. the fact that one of the characters was queer was more of a plot point as opposed to actual rep. another con is that the characters seemed incredibly flat, especially at the beginning. if i'm gonna spend 300 pages reading about these characters, i wanna enjoy them
BuT tHiS iS aBoUt LoVe
so pros. THis was definitely an intriguing read. although slightly predictable, it still sometimes left you guessing as to why something happened. that romance got me screaming, we stan an enemies to friends-in-a-situation to friends to lovers.
so yeah, i truly did enjoy this book, even though it doesnt look like it. it was a good read, and maybe i'll pick it up again? who knows.
BuT tHiS iS aBoUt LoVe
so pros. THis was definitely an intriguing read. although slightly predictable, it still sometimes left you guessing as to why something happened. that romance got me screaming, we stan an enemies to friends-in-a-situation to friends to lovers.
so yeah, i truly did enjoy this book, even though it doesnt look like it. it was a good read, and maybe i'll pick it up again? who knows.
Stephen (210 KP) rated The Dark (2018) in Movies
Mar 26, 2019
After watching the trailer for this, I had really high hopes. However, this turned out to be one of the worst films I have ever seen.
I don’t like writing bad reviews in general, but after sitting through this movie I felt compelled to express my views.
Remember that’s exactly what they are - MY views. I’m sure many others would enjoy this film, it’s just not for me.
For a start, the subject matter sets the story line up to fail, I don’t see how anyone could have achieved what the director was setting out to do.
The two main characters have both been subjected to terrible abuse, however only the female character’s history is fully explained - details of the male character’s abuse is merely hinted at.
I can honestly say that there was absolutely nothing I could find to like in this movie, and I really struggled to sit through it. And, like so many other movies of this genre, the ending was really confusing.
As I have previously stated, these are just my honest opinions - but I would be interested to know what other people think after watching this.
I don’t like writing bad reviews in general, but after sitting through this movie I felt compelled to express my views.
Remember that’s exactly what they are - MY views. I’m sure many others would enjoy this film, it’s just not for me.
For a start, the subject matter sets the story line up to fail, I don’t see how anyone could have achieved what the director was setting out to do.
The two main characters have both been subjected to terrible abuse, however only the female character’s history is fully explained - details of the male character’s abuse is merely hinted at.
I can honestly say that there was absolutely nothing I could find to like in this movie, and I really struggled to sit through it. And, like so many other movies of this genre, the ending was really confusing.
As I have previously stated, these are just my honest opinions - but I would be interested to know what other people think after watching this.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Huntress in Books
May 4, 2019
To start out with, I wish I could give this a perfect 10, but one of the main characters, Nina, was completely insufferable and easily, her chapters could have been cut out.
Alright, so, I don't consider books post WWI to be historical fiction, and I normally steer clear of WWII/aftermath fiction because bookstores and goodreads are inundated with hundreds of novels. But, I decided to pick up this book anyway.
Essentially, it's a Nazi hunt. There are three viewpoints from three different characters. As I mentioned, Nina was insufferable. Most of the reviews I read talked about their love of this character and the origin of the Night Witches (AKA female, Russian pilots). Ian was one of the other main characters, a former war correspondent who's a Nazi hunter, trying to find 'The Huntress', who murdered his brother. Then, there's Jordan, an American teenager whose father marries a mysterious German woman with a daughter.
I won't spoil the plot, but basically, you can work out the entire plot within the first few chapters. What kept me reading was the writing style, and every other character but Nina.
Alright, so, I don't consider books post WWI to be historical fiction, and I normally steer clear of WWII/aftermath fiction because bookstores and goodreads are inundated with hundreds of novels. But, I decided to pick up this book anyway.
Essentially, it's a Nazi hunt. There are three viewpoints from three different characters. As I mentioned, Nina was insufferable. Most of the reviews I read talked about their love of this character and the origin of the Night Witches (AKA female, Russian pilots). Ian was one of the other main characters, a former war correspondent who's a Nazi hunter, trying to find 'The Huntress', who murdered his brother. Then, there's Jordan, an American teenager whose father marries a mysterious German woman with a daughter.
I won't spoil the plot, but basically, you can work out the entire plot within the first few chapters. What kept me reading was the writing style, and every other character but Nina.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Nations in Tabletop Games
Mar 8, 2018
As you can see from my reviews, the older I get, the more I appreciate quick, loud, light games. Nations isn’t any of those – this is a tried-and-true brain-burner on the longish side of things. I’ve tried many of those games and hated them (Agricola, Village, Trajan, ….) The difference here, as well as in hits like Eclipse and Castles of Burgundy, is that the rules are so simple and streamlined that you feel like you are not doing homework. In those other games, wrapping my head around playing the game was too much of a struggle to feel like it was enjoyable. Here, the game really just comes down to buying a bunch of cards from a row and then placing guys on them. The iconography and gameplay is so intuitive (and fitting with the theme) that I could easily begin to think about how to outmaneuver my opponents, even in the first game. Several days after my last play, I’m still eagerly thinking about the game, and that’s high praise.
Orignal Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Derek Thompson
Read the Full review here: http://meepletown.com/2014/02/review-nations/
Orignal Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Derek Thompson
Read the Full review here: http://meepletown.com/2014/02/review-nations/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated A Perfect Manhattan Murder in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nic and Nigel Martini are back in Manhattan for the Broadway premier of their friend Patty’s play. While Nic is happy to see Patty and their mutual friend Harper, she is less enthused about seeing Harper’s husband Dan, a Broadway critic who is as boorish in real life as his reviews are harsh. The morning after the play’s premier, Dan is found dead, and the police quickly zero in on Harper as their prime suspect. Nic is certain that her friend is innocent, but can she prove it?
Once again, we are treated to a fantastically fun story. We get to know Dan and meet the suspects before he dies, which means we don’t waste any time diving into questioning suspects. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. The characters are a little on the thin side, but I don’t mind. The quips and banter flies fast here, and I was constantly laughing. This series continues to be a wonderful homage to The Thin Man.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-perfect-manhattan-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Once again, we are treated to a fantastically fun story. We get to know Dan and meet the suspects before he dies, which means we don’t waste any time diving into questioning suspects. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. The characters are a little on the thin side, but I don’t mind. The quips and banter flies fast here, and I was constantly laughing. This series continues to be a wonderful homage to The Thin Man.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-perfect-manhattan-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.