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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 (17789 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 (2423 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>.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated LiE by Mudhoney in Music
Feb 13, 2018
The grunge survivors leap back into the moshpit of time on a live album culled from their 2016 tour of Europe.
As anyone—or at least anyone over the age of 30—will tell you, the world is moving way too fast. Five weeks ago might as well be five years ago in today’s news cycle. Our social feeds are loaded with “want to feel old?” listicles of stuff that really isn’t that old. The avalanche of music now available at our fingertips—with our virtual listening piles growing exponentially by the second—can feel overwhelming. But then you remember that Mudhoney are still around, doing what Mudhoney have always done: laying down a fuzz-punk sludge that’s murky and quicksand-thick enough to stop time itself. And suddenly it’s as if order in the universe has been restored. Because in a world where everything is constantly changing, Mudhoney’s decision to endure and staunch refusal to evolve feel less like a case of comfort-zoned arrested development than a valorous act of defiance.
By Stuart Berman
Original Score - 6.9
Read The Full Review Here - https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/mudhoney-lie/
By Stuart Berman
Original Score - 6.9
Read The Full Review Here - https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/mudhoney-lie/
Much like Weir's first book, I absolutely devoured this one. I haven't read a book this fast in a while. His style of writing makes for easy and relatable reading and despite having a lot of scientific concepts it doesn't make the reader feel dumb, nor catered to. It's a style few seem to manage.
Jazz's inner monologues were interesting and funny. The only thing that bothered me sometimes was the repeated 'she's a total genius' moments all the way through. That gave it a bit of a YA novel vibe when they came up. Especially at one point where she monologues something about having an amazing memory. The comment just felt unnecessary and was just chucking it on the laundry list of feats she is capable of.
I see other reviews taking great umbrage with his portrayal of a female character but I didn't have any issues with that. Anyone expecting a woman to act or think in a certain way is missing the point a little bit. There is no one way for a woman to be. Everyone is different. This is Jazz Bashara.
Jazz's inner monologues were interesting and funny. The only thing that bothered me sometimes was the repeated 'she's a total genius' moments all the way through. That gave it a bit of a YA novel vibe when they came up. Especially at one point where she monologues something about having an amazing memory. The comment just felt unnecessary and was just chucking it on the laundry list of feats she is capable of.
I see other reviews taking great umbrage with his portrayal of a female character but I didn't have any issues with that. Anyone expecting a woman to act or think in a certain way is missing the point a little bit. There is no one way for a woman to be. Everyone is different. This is Jazz Bashara.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Daughter's Secret in Books
Nov 14, 2018
__ <b>2 Snail Paced Stars</b>
After reading some really positive reviews I must admit that I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book more. The blurb sounded interesting and different to what I would usually go for but I'm very open minded when it comes to books.
What got to me the most about this book was that it was so very slow, my eyes would start to glaze over after every couple of pages, it would repeat itself and the jumping forwards and backwards in time got a bit confusing. The main characters were unique but others got swept under the rug and many questions were left unanswered. I would of liked to know more about Stephie's dad and why he was...well...the way he was.
If the mother wasn't so anxious and didn't question everything in life then I feel that we may not have had much of a story.
The prejudice towards tattooed people and the gothic subculture left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth...because they're just as bad as paedophiles right? <I>*Grumble*</I>
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.
After reading some really positive reviews I must admit that I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book more. The blurb sounded interesting and different to what I would usually go for but I'm very open minded when it comes to books.
What got to me the most about this book was that it was so very slow, my eyes would start to glaze over after every couple of pages, it would repeat itself and the jumping forwards and backwards in time got a bit confusing. The main characters were unique but others got swept under the rug and many questions were left unanswered. I would of liked to know more about Stephie's dad and why he was...well...the way he was.
If the mother wasn't so anxious and didn't question everything in life then I feel that we may not have had much of a story.
The prejudice towards tattooed people and the gothic subculture left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth...because they're just as bad as paedophiles right? <I>*Grumble*</I>
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.
Courtney (149 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Nov 29, 2018
Keep track of your reading (5 more)
Meet people interested in the same things as yourself
Set yourself reading challenges
Discover new books
Giveaways
Links with kindles
My favourite app (sorry Smashbomb)
I’ve been a member of goodreads for a fair few years now and I quite honestly cant stand the thought of not having it now.
It’s a brilliant place to keep track of all your reading, make ‘shelves’ to save books you like the look of, books you have, books you’ve read.. the possibilities are endless!
As well as this, there are features such as adding friends (and having little competitions to see who can reach their reading goal first), setting yearly reading challenges, looking up a book you might like and seeing the reviews to decide if to get it. There are groups to speak to likeminded people.
Many a time I have spent *cough* hours *cough* just sat scrolling through books and I LOVE it.
If there are any readers out there who haven’t discovered the joys of Goodreads yet then what are you waiting for?? Go!!
(Also feel free to add me on there;))
It’s a brilliant place to keep track of all your reading, make ‘shelves’ to save books you like the look of, books you have, books you’ve read.. the possibilities are endless!
As well as this, there are features such as adding friends (and having little competitions to see who can reach their reading goal first), setting yearly reading challenges, looking up a book you might like and seeing the reviews to decide if to get it. There are groups to speak to likeminded people.
Many a time I have spent *cough* hours *cough* just sat scrolling through books and I LOVE it.
If there are any readers out there who haven’t discovered the joys of Goodreads yet then what are you waiting for?? Go!!
(Also feel free to add me on there;))
Darren (1599 KP) rated 2 Lava 2 Lantula! (2016) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Verdict: Lacklustre Sequel
Story: 2 Lava 2 Lantula starts as the characters from the first film are living off their fame as Colton West (Guttenberg) now trying to be a big movie star once more. When the Lavalantulas return Colton must work with Marty (Winslow) to try and save his stepdaughter Raya (Weaver) and kill all the Lavalantulas before they take over the world.
2 Lava 2 Lantula does everything you want it too but unlike the Sharknados this time we get a sequel that knows it is a sequel but it feels like it is once movie too early to be acting like this already. I will say this is a fun easy watch but you do feel like this could be really clutching at straws with trying to give us new ways to create kills in the world created. We don’t get too much original material to work with but it is easy enough to watch.
Overall: This isn’t the greatest addition to the film and it doesn’t reach the levels the first did.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/08/22/movie-reviews-101-midnight-horror-2-lava-2-lantula-2016/
Story: 2 Lava 2 Lantula starts as the characters from the first film are living off their fame as Colton West (Guttenberg) now trying to be a big movie star once more. When the Lavalantulas return Colton must work with Marty (Winslow) to try and save his stepdaughter Raya (Weaver) and kill all the Lavalantulas before they take over the world.
2 Lava 2 Lantula does everything you want it too but unlike the Sharknados this time we get a sequel that knows it is a sequel but it feels like it is once movie too early to be acting like this already. I will say this is a fun easy watch but you do feel like this could be really clutching at straws with trying to give us new ways to create kills in the world created. We don’t get too much original material to work with but it is easy enough to watch.
Overall: This isn’t the greatest addition to the film and it doesn’t reach the levels the first did.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/08/22/movie-reviews-101-midnight-horror-2-lava-2-lantula-2016/
Debbiereadsbook (1533 KP) rated The Arts of Love: Stories of Sensual Creativity in Books
Dec 10, 2018
a fabulous little collection!
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
16 short stories, written by the same author, based around love and the Arts. Music, acting, writing and everything inbetween.
A 16 book collection was never going to get 16 individual reviews, so here's what I thought about them all, as a whole.
I rather enjoyed it!
It's a great collection of shorts, average about 15 pages each, some a little shorter or longer, but that gives you just enough for each story, I thought, to give you a brief connection, a glimpse into these people's lives.
Some stories are a bit more explicit, some almost clean, in my opinion. Mostly written from one person's view, in the third person.
Each short is well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I'd like to read more. Something much longer than these shorts, just to see what they can do with more pages!
A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon spent reading, thank you.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
16 short stories, written by the same author, based around love and the Arts. Music, acting, writing and everything inbetween.
A 16 book collection was never going to get 16 individual reviews, so here's what I thought about them all, as a whole.
I rather enjoyed it!
It's a great collection of shorts, average about 15 pages each, some a little shorter or longer, but that gives you just enough for each story, I thought, to give you a brief connection, a glimpse into these people's lives.
Some stories are a bit more explicit, some almost clean, in my opinion. Mostly written from one person's view, in the third person.
Each short is well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I'd like to read more. Something much longer than these shorts, just to see what they can do with more pages!
A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon spent reading, thank you.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Andy K (10823 KP) Mar 26, 2019