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Lenard (726 KP) rated Men in Black International (2019) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Men in Black International expands the world of the galaxy defenders even though it already opened up the universe. The film itself is a huge missed opportunity. Similar to the first film, it is the story of a trainee on an important mission to save the universe. Instead of a hidden galaxy, there is a secret weapon located on Earth that needs to be protected from aliens (Bugs/The Hive, a Borg-esque collective that insinuates all life into its society). Very similar to the earlier Captain Marvel, the villains are not who you think they are--the people who look like the villain turn out to be trying to save themselves. The biggest problem is that the most important relationships are never really formed. There is a prince who is supposed to be a great friend to Agent H, but all he really tells us is that H changed in the ensuing years which given what happens leaves many questions unanswered. Second is this "Queen" who was in a romantic relationship with H, but we never see much of their history to show why she may or may not hate him. The movie is also too predictable. Early in the film, we see Mollie save an alien which will obviously save her. And, it seemed obvious that the events of Paris 2016 would reveal that the Hive took someone over, but why wait three years to come back. As Will Smith stated in the first MIB, the effects of the neuralizer would mess with a man's brain (I just rewatched it last night). But why would an agent ever allow another agent to neuralize him/her? This is the better movie.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated The Mersey Girls in Books
Jun 15, 2019
Soul Warming
Now, I don't want to spoil anything as I really hope other avid readers will have a read of this book.
One of the main characters in the beginning sort of, fizzles out which is a shame as, it was that character that started the story.
The chapters are so long and I like to stop at a chapter as it's a good stopping point but the whole 394 pages is split into a mere 13 chapters.
The book involves two sides that run concurrently quite well, similarities and differences are seen easily but the timeline is difficult to keep up with.
Although it's lovely that it includes some traditional Irish names, it's hard to read as someone who isn't familiar with them. I also had to google some words and phrases to just make sure I know what it is. For example: Clodagh is a name of a character and I am still not 100% how that is pronounced and what a curragh is.
The plot is very serene - meaning theres no massive things happening just lots of little ones. Not massive drama and although it is slightly romantic, it's quite bland in that, a love story is intruded and that's sort of it, it doesn't seem to cook up it goes from raw to cooked so to speak. The stories core plot is ended sweetly yet kind of anti-climactic. Made me smile but it wasn't as wonderful as I feel it could have been.
Despite this I found the read pleasant, certainly something someone should read if they are a fan of Historical Romances.
One of the main characters in the beginning sort of, fizzles out which is a shame as, it was that character that started the story.
The chapters are so long and I like to stop at a chapter as it's a good stopping point but the whole 394 pages is split into a mere 13 chapters.
The book involves two sides that run concurrently quite well, similarities and differences are seen easily but the timeline is difficult to keep up with.
Although it's lovely that it includes some traditional Irish names, it's hard to read as someone who isn't familiar with them. I also had to google some words and phrases to just make sure I know what it is. For example: Clodagh is a name of a character and I am still not 100% how that is pronounced and what a curragh is.
The plot is very serene - meaning theres no massive things happening just lots of little ones. Not massive drama and although it is slightly romantic, it's quite bland in that, a love story is intruded and that's sort of it, it doesn't seem to cook up it goes from raw to cooked so to speak. The stories core plot is ended sweetly yet kind of anti-climactic. Made me smile but it wasn't as wonderful as I feel it could have been.
Despite this I found the read pleasant, certainly something someone should read if they are a fan of Historical Romances.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Geekerella is a modern day retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Our protagonist is Ella and the most important thing in her life is fandom, specifically her love of Starfleet. It was a show that she watched on re-runs with her dad and fell in love with. Her father even started a convention called Excelsicon because of his love of Starfleet. After her mother died when she was a small child, it was just Ella and her dad. Unfortunately, her father got remarried and later died in a car accident leaving Ella with her step-mother and two step-sisters. They didn’t understand her love of the sci-fi cult hit and treated her more like a servant than a sister.
Geekerella is a cute contemporary novel that will speak to your fandom loving heart. Even if you’re not super into sci-fi, comics, comic con, cosplay or those types of things, I think you will enjoy the classic human experience portrayed in this book. The Cinderella retelling aspect of the story was the least relevant to my reading experience. I personally enjoyed the development of friendly and romantic relationships, the geeking out over fandoms and the personal growth seen in this novel.
The main characters are likable and relatable, despite the fact that one of them is famous. He alternates between wanting to be normal, or down to earth, and succumbing to the intoxicating appeal of being famous. Even though you generally know the bones of the story if you’re familiar with Cinderella, the story itself doesn’t feel incredibly formulaic and can surprise you at times.
Highly recommended to young adult/teen fan of contemporary books, teen romance, nerd/geekdom, comic con, cosplay, fairytale retellings and simple, cute reads.
Geekerella is a cute contemporary novel that will speak to your fandom loving heart. Even if you’re not super into sci-fi, comics, comic con, cosplay or those types of things, I think you will enjoy the classic human experience portrayed in this book. The Cinderella retelling aspect of the story was the least relevant to my reading experience. I personally enjoyed the development of friendly and romantic relationships, the geeking out over fandoms and the personal growth seen in this novel.
The main characters are likable and relatable, despite the fact that one of them is famous. He alternates between wanting to be normal, or down to earth, and succumbing to the intoxicating appeal of being famous. Even though you generally know the bones of the story if you’re familiar with Cinderella, the story itself doesn’t feel incredibly formulaic and can surprise you at times.
Highly recommended to young adult/teen fan of contemporary books, teen romance, nerd/geekdom, comic con, cosplay, fairytale retellings and simple, cute reads.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Angelmonster in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I am just going to come out and say that I though this novel was terrible. Not because it was written poorly or because it was unbelievable, but because it just made one feel depressed and dark reading it.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.
Kyera (8 KP) rated This Adventure Ends in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This Adventure Ends started off by speaking to my little sarcastic, witty heart and introducing us to a funny, female character. Its crazy, but yes girls can be funny. The humorous person in your novel does not have to be a guy. It is your classic high school story where a new girl moves to town and makes friends but of course, the friends all have drama and secrets.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Sloane is also a singer and loves to read, so basically, this is starting to sound like my life. I joke, sort of, but she is a relatively normal, relatable high school girl. It really made me miss taking voice lessons even though theyre not expressly featured in the book. A lot of the events are more just telling the reader that it happened, than showing them what happened.
Im sure most readers can relate to this line in the book:
He looks at me for a moment and then says, Maybe Ill just watch the movie.
Those are fighting words, I say.
It just speaks to how relatable the author makes the book, from fanfics and fandom to high school sports and friends. This book gives you feels and might even cause a tear of joy. All of the effort that Sloane goes through, the love that Vera and Gabe have for their mother, just comes together in one poignant moment and its beautiful.
The friendships are authentic, from their ups and downs to the simple fun they have together. The characters are likable and relatable and although theres some typical, adorable teen romantic cuteness, it fits in the story and I approve.
Recommended to teen/young adult readers who enjoy cheery contemporary novels about family, friendship and high school.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle, #2) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
The Dream Thieves, the second book in The Raven Cycle series, was not what I expected. I assumed there would be a lot of romantic tensions between the characters (especially since that is so prevalent in these kinds of books) but there wasn't which was so refreshing!
I loved how the characters interacted and how their relationships evolved with the actions of the previous book. It was cool to see them all starting to grow into their own roles in their quest to find Glendower.
The first few chapters that the Grey Man narrated were jarring. I was not used to his voice, so it seemed very slow. They did become more interesting as we were given more information on him throughout the book.
One thing I wish was more obvious was the distinction between who is speaking as the narrator at any given time. They all have very similar voices, so just a bit more differentiation would make it easier to read, at least in my opinion.
I loved how we got more information about Ronan, his gift, and his background. (Spoilers ahead for the rest of the paragraph. You have been warned.) Also, I am giddy over how, though Ronan's sexuality is (finally) shown to be not straight, his entire character does not revolve around that! It is mentioned, and I assume is going to be explored more in the future books. I am so happy!
I am excited to see more of the magic and more of the background of the other characters and of Cabeswater itself. I want to see more of how Adam and Persephone will have their relationship grow and evolve with their newfound commonalities in their power.
I am super excited to be able to read the next book (but I have to buy it first, lol)!
I loved how the characters interacted and how their relationships evolved with the actions of the previous book. It was cool to see them all starting to grow into their own roles in their quest to find Glendower.
The first few chapters that the Grey Man narrated were jarring. I was not used to his voice, so it seemed very slow. They did become more interesting as we were given more information on him throughout the book.
One thing I wish was more obvious was the distinction between who is speaking as the narrator at any given time. They all have very similar voices, so just a bit more differentiation would make it easier to read, at least in my opinion.
I loved how we got more information about Ronan, his gift, and his background. (Spoilers ahead for the rest of the paragraph. You have been warned.) Also, I am giddy over how, though Ronan's sexuality is (finally) shown to be not straight, his entire character does not revolve around that! It is mentioned, and I assume is going to be explored more in the future books. I am so happy!
I am excited to see more of the magic and more of the background of the other characters and of Cabeswater itself. I want to see more of how Adam and Persephone will have their relationship grow and evolve with their newfound commonalities in their power.
I am super excited to be able to read the next book (but I have to buy it first, lol)!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated True Romance (1993) in Movies
Mar 25, 2018
Original Romantic Action Film
An unlikely pair fall in love and find themselves on the run with a luggage full of cocaine.
Acting: 10
True Romance is littered with star power and each of them deliver. With a who's who of Hollywood actors and actresses it's no surprise that even the supporting roles left you with something to remember. The late James Gandolfini was my personal favorite playing the role of Virgil. He's a brooding gangster who looks like he's about to snap in every single scene that he's in. You hate him, yet you appreciate his ruthlessness at the same time.
Beginning: 10
The film gets off to a very intriguing start in its first ten minutes. Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) and Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) get off to a fast start that ultimately sets the tone for the rest of the film. You're given a small taste of what's to come which makes you want more.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
Conflict: 10
Genre: 10
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
My wife and I went back and forth on this. She thought the ending was improbable. I thought that, considering the rest of the movie as a whole, the ending was exactly what it needed to be. Their entire relationship was improbable so the insanity of how the movie concludes was the improbable cherry on top. Well done.
Overall: 96
True Romance is one of those films you don't expect to like, then you end up loving it. The awesome gun battle at the end is not only absolute bedlam, but it one of those scenes you remember for a long time. You won't forget it, nor will you forget Christopher Walken's intense interrogation scene. I can see now why this film made an all-time Top 100 list.
Acting: 10
True Romance is littered with star power and each of them deliver. With a who's who of Hollywood actors and actresses it's no surprise that even the supporting roles left you with something to remember. The late James Gandolfini was my personal favorite playing the role of Virgil. He's a brooding gangster who looks like he's about to snap in every single scene that he's in. You hate him, yet you appreciate his ruthlessness at the same time.
Beginning: 10
The film gets off to a very intriguing start in its first ten minutes. Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) and Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) get off to a fast start that ultimately sets the tone for the rest of the film. You're given a small taste of what's to come which makes you want more.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
Conflict: 10
Genre: 10
Memorability: 9
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
My wife and I went back and forth on this. She thought the ending was improbable. I thought that, considering the rest of the movie as a whole, the ending was exactly what it needed to be. Their entire relationship was improbable so the insanity of how the movie concludes was the improbable cherry on top. Well done.
Overall: 96
True Romance is one of those films you don't expect to like, then you end up loving it. The awesome gun battle at the end is not only absolute bedlam, but it one of those scenes you remember for a long time. You won't forget it, nor will you forget Christopher Walken's intense interrogation scene. I can see now why this film made an all-time Top 100 list.
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Jun 23, 2018
The music is back, the dinosaurs are back, the chaos is back!
Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorite movie series. There are so many iconic moments in the original movie and I love that this latest addition to the series makes some of those moments come alive for both long-time fans and a new generation of fans. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom brings fans all of the music and action they've fallen in love with over the years and mixes into that a whole new conundrum. With an active volcano threatening to wipe out all of the dinosaurs that have been abandoned on Isla Nublar, the world must decide if they want to step in and rescue the dinosaurs or let nature run its course.
Jeff Goldblum returns to the franchise as the famous mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm, and if you've seen any of the original movies you can probably guess where he stands on the matter. Chris Pratt and Dallas Bryce Howard also resume their former roles, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing respectively. The pair disagrees on what the outcome for the dinosaurs should be, but they team up nonetheless and their romantic tension provides a lot of comic relief throughout the movie.
Overall, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom does a wonderful job of blending the old with the new (in terms of themes, characters, etc). A number of well-placed twists keeps the audience in suspense. There are heart-wrenching moments that make you want to cry, celebratory moments that make you want to cheer, action-filled moments that make your heart rate skyrocket, and plain old funny moments that make you laugh. What more can you ask for in movie? Flock to a nearby theater, hold onto your butts, and watch it today!
Jeff Goldblum returns to the franchise as the famous mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm, and if you've seen any of the original movies you can probably guess where he stands on the matter. Chris Pratt and Dallas Bryce Howard also resume their former roles, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing respectively. The pair disagrees on what the outcome for the dinosaurs should be, but they team up nonetheless and their romantic tension provides a lot of comic relief throughout the movie.
Overall, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom does a wonderful job of blending the old with the new (in terms of themes, characters, etc). A number of well-placed twists keeps the audience in suspense. There are heart-wrenching moments that make you want to cry, celebratory moments that make you want to cheer, action-filled moments that make your heart rate skyrocket, and plain old funny moments that make you laugh. What more can you ask for in movie? Flock to a nearby theater, hold onto your butts, and watch it today!
Darren (1599 KP) rated 50/50 (2011) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Verdict This comedy drama will make you laugh but it will also make you cry. The actor from everyone is among some of the best you will see with ever character being a believable and someone who everyone could have in their own lives. I found the comedy level is the perfect level to complement the serious nature of the movie. This is a movie that everyone will enjoy it has everything you need in a good movie without have to have anything over the top happening, you should watch this movie.
Story Mark 10/10 Perfect story
Comedy Mark 9/10 Light heart comedy on serious issue
Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 Adam and Kyle look like lifelong friends
Romantic Chemistry Mark 9/10 Adam chemistry with Katherine work perfectly and you can see Adam and Rachael falling apart
Star Performances Joseph Gordon Levitt he put in one of the best performance of the year and of his career so far.
Anna Kendrick great performance to keeping up her good record of strong performances
Seth Rogen most likely his best performance of his career right up there with his performance in Funny People.
Favourite Character I have to go with Adam just seeing how he deals with the situation is just incredible.
Least Favourite Character Rachael watch and you will see why.
Best Part It’s pretty much perfect never to funny or sad.
Worst Part Hard to find one
Best Quote Adam ‘’See, but… that’s bullshit. That’s what everyone has been telling me since the beginning. “Oh, you’re gonna be okay,” and “Oh, everything’s fine,” and like, it’s not… It makes it worse… that no one will just come out and say it. Like, “hey man, you’re gonna die.”
Similar Too – Funny People
https://moviesreview101.com/2011/11/23/5050-2011/
Story Mark 10/10 Perfect story
Comedy Mark 9/10 Light heart comedy on serious issue
Friendship Chemistry Mark 10/10 Adam and Kyle look like lifelong friends
Romantic Chemistry Mark 9/10 Adam chemistry with Katherine work perfectly and you can see Adam and Rachael falling apart
Star Performances Joseph Gordon Levitt he put in one of the best performance of the year and of his career so far.
Anna Kendrick great performance to keeping up her good record of strong performances
Seth Rogen most likely his best performance of his career right up there with his performance in Funny People.
Favourite Character I have to go with Adam just seeing how he deals with the situation is just incredible.
Least Favourite Character Rachael watch and you will see why.
Best Part It’s pretty much perfect never to funny or sad.
Worst Part Hard to find one
Best Quote Adam ‘’See, but… that’s bullshit. That’s what everyone has been telling me since the beginning. “Oh, you’re gonna be okay,” and “Oh, everything’s fine,” and like, it’s not… It makes it worse… that no one will just come out and say it. Like, “hey man, you’re gonna die.”
Similar Too – Funny People
https://moviesreview101.com/2011/11/23/5050-2011/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Now and Forever (Wild at Heart, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Romance and suspense in the mountains of Idaho Territory, 1866.
Shannon Wilde, the middle sister, has a soft spot for animals. She cares for her flock of sheep on her homestead. When her life takes a dramatic turn off of a cliff with Matthew Tucker, she finds herself married to the rugged mountain man. Shannon is a strong independent woman who is not used to being protected by a man. But as attacks begin to try and drive her off her land, maybe she needs that protection after all. The attacker picked the wrong family to mess with, Tucker's fury is not something to trifle with. But will he be able to protect the wife that he is falling in love with? Will her past drive a wedge between them? Find out on another adventure with the Wilde family!
Mary Connealy is quickly becoming one of my favorite western authors. Her romantic comedy has a side of action and terror, which makes her books well balanced. Now & Forever is not for squeamish stomachs however. I found myself grimacing as I read through a couple of the scenes. I was hooked from the start though, and I couldn't put it down through all of the action and suspense. It really felt like Criminal Minds meets the Old West as they try to find out who is behind the attacks. I enjoyed watching as Shannon and Tucker's relationship developed, turning into love and respect for one another. After experiencing unbelievable horrors in he Civil War, Shannon's faith is on shaky ground. Tucker helps her through her journey of reestablishing that faith in God. Even with their challenging upbringings and pasts, they learn to work through their differences, becoming a team that is inseparable.
I received a free copy of Now & Forever from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Shannon Wilde, the middle sister, has a soft spot for animals. She cares for her flock of sheep on her homestead. When her life takes a dramatic turn off of a cliff with Matthew Tucker, she finds herself married to the rugged mountain man. Shannon is a strong independent woman who is not used to being protected by a man. But as attacks begin to try and drive her off her land, maybe she needs that protection after all. The attacker picked the wrong family to mess with, Tucker's fury is not something to trifle with. But will he be able to protect the wife that he is falling in love with? Will her past drive a wedge between them? Find out on another adventure with the Wilde family!
Mary Connealy is quickly becoming one of my favorite western authors. Her romantic comedy has a side of action and terror, which makes her books well balanced. Now & Forever is not for squeamish stomachs however. I found myself grimacing as I read through a couple of the scenes. I was hooked from the start though, and I couldn't put it down through all of the action and suspense. It really felt like Criminal Minds meets the Old West as they try to find out who is behind the attacks. I enjoyed watching as Shannon and Tucker's relationship developed, turning into love and respect for one another. After experiencing unbelievable horrors in he Civil War, Shannon's faith is on shaky ground. Tucker helps her through her journey of reestablishing that faith in God. Even with their challenging upbringings and pasts, they learn to work through their differences, becoming a team that is inseparable.
I received a free copy of Now & Forever from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.