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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2) in Books
Nov 27, 2019
The second part of the original epic fantasy starts where the first part ends. The Fellowship of the Ring is broken and scattered but thanks to Frodo and Sam the Ring is still heading towards Mordor. Meanwhile Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas persue the band of orcs that have captured Merry and Pippin.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
This book carries on with the darker tone that The Fellowship Of The Ring developed as it went on though with Tolkien's grasp of narrative, story and saga it is always an engrossing read. More if Middle Earth is explored, from the horror of the Dead Marshes to the rolling plains of Rohan. Tolkien also keeps the twists coming, from alliances forged by desperation to unexpected allies.
This also features the first full scale battle of the saga - Helm's Deep. A desperate defence that in so many ways is the template for all the battles that have come after in fantasy books, a breathless and intense part of the story that really evokes the sense of grim determination in the combatants.
As with the whole of the trilogy, for something that is very much the genesis of a whole style of story telling there is so much that is complete, and still with that sense of massive depth of history that many of its imitators lack.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) in Movies
Jan 11, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
Well JJ Abrams certainly had a helluva job to do here, wrapping up a 42 year saga whilst addressing the criticisms made of episode 8 and creating an entertaining movie. Whilst this isn't a complete disaster like the 'Game Of Thrones' ending I still couldn't help but come out of this feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. I wanted wow instead it was just ok and completely lacking in the magic and memorable moments we have come to expect from the series. The first half of the film felt very muddled and disjointed, it did get better in the second half but overall the storytelling felt very safe. I think that was particularly reflected in the decision to resurrect Emperor Palpatine which personally I didn't like. Whilst certainly the weakest of the new trilogy it's not boring, it's a fast paced adventure that does answer some unanswered questions and there's still plenty of fun to be had seeing all the spectacular effects millions of Disney dollars can buy. Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley also continue to turn in decent performances as Rey and Kylo Ren (shame the same can't really be said for the rest of the cast). So as the finale to the 9 film Star Wars saga it's sorely lacking but as a bog standard action blockbuster it's reasonably entertaining.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Outlaw King (2018) in Movies
Nov 25, 2018
There are two ways to do historical films; either show a lot about a little, or a little about a lot. This film opted for a little about a lot, glazing over some things, dwelling on others, then leaving the rest of the saga up to text at the end. I love history, but I was almost bored during it.
The accents were all over the place, which was slightly annoying. The acting was good, for the most part. Also, for all of the big hype over the full-frontal nudity... It was a weird thing to hype, and a weird time in the film to place it.
The accents were all over the place, which was slightly annoying. The acting was good, for the most part. Also, for all of the big hype over the full-frontal nudity... It was a weird thing to hype, and a weird time in the film to place it.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin's Creed 2 in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Best saga ever
I played the first Assassins Creed and thought it was great if a little repetetive, but this one oh wow.
They really stepped it up in terms of gameplay and story, this game felt so immersive.
Almost as if you were in renaissance Italy.
From the start in Florence to the middle part in Monteriggioni to the final part in Rome this game just draws you in.
Lots of interesting history to pick up as well from the Pazzi to the Borgias, and of course the interesting interjections from Leonardo da Vinci.
Requiescat in pace Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
They really stepped it up in terms of gameplay and story, this game felt so immersive.
Almost as if you were in renaissance Italy.
From the start in Florence to the middle part in Monteriggioni to the final part in Rome this game just draws you in.
Lots of interesting history to pick up as well from the Pazzi to the Borgias, and of course the interesting interjections from Leonardo da Vinci.
Requiescat in pace Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
Otway93 (567 KP) rated Resident Evil (2002) in Movies
Oct 21, 2019
Casting (2 more)
Acting
Story
A Promising Start to the Saga!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Resident Evil is a good start to the 6 film series, though could it have been better? Yes.
The film is loosely based on the first Resident Evil game, starting in the notorious mansion (albeit for about 5 minutes) before moving to the underground Umbrella facility, the site of the "incident", and carrying on in the traditional "investigation gone wrong" style, with lots of zombies, dogs and not much else.
The film is a fun action film that can be considered as an mediocre standalone movie, or a good start to a 15 year franchise.
The film is loosely based on the first Resident Evil game, starting in the notorious mansion (albeit for about 5 minutes) before moving to the underground Umbrella facility, the site of the "incident", and carrying on in the traditional "investigation gone wrong" style, with lots of zombies, dogs and not much else.
The film is a fun action film that can be considered as an mediocre standalone movie, or a good start to a 15 year franchise.
Otway93 (567 KP) rated Star Wars: Master & Apprentice in Books
Dec 2, 2019
Story (2 more)
Convoluted
Unadventurous
Canon, but not really worth the read.
Contains spoilers, click to show
One spoiler ahead that doesn't really add much but it's nice to know, if we didn't know it already.
A pretty poor attempt at a Star Wars story, especially as it's considered canon.
This may be the second earliest installment in the Star Wars canon, but it fails to add anything to the saga, apart from we find out that Count Dooku was Qui-Gon Jin's master.
The story is mainly based around an adventure featuring Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan involving something about a princess and some jewel thieves...pretty uninspiring characters in terms of originality.
A pretty poor attempt at a Star Wars story, especially as it's considered canon.
This may be the second earliest installment in the Star Wars canon, but it fails to add anything to the saga, apart from we find out that Count Dooku was Qui-Gon Jin's master.
The story is mainly based around an adventure featuring Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan involving something about a princess and some jewel thieves...pretty uninspiring characters in terms of originality.
William Finnegan recommended Invisible Man in Books (curated)
Erika (17788 KP) rated Trust in TV
May 30, 2020
I was excited, initially, to start watching this series; it took me four months to finish. It was too long, and too drawn out. I made it through episode 4, and finally just skipped to the 10th (last) episode.
I honestly didn't miss much by doing that, because you know how the kidnapping saga ended. Brendan Fraser was the best part of the whole thing. The last episode is the best, and Fraser is the one guiding you through it. So, it ended on a good note.
if you want a slow, rollicking, and, quite frankly, boring ten episode explanation of the Getty III kidnapping, this is for you. Otherwise, avoid.
I honestly didn't miss much by doing that, because you know how the kidnapping saga ended. Brendan Fraser was the best part of the whole thing. The last episode is the best, and Fraser is the one guiding you through it. So, it ended on a good note.
if you want a slow, rollicking, and, quite frankly, boring ten episode explanation of the Getty III kidnapping, this is for you. Otherwise, avoid.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fae: The Realm of Twilight ( The Riven Wyrde Saga book 2) in Books
Mar 10, 2022
43 of 230
Kindle
Fae: The Realm of Twilight ( The Riven Wyrde Saga book 2)
By Graham Austin-King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Riven Wyrde saga continues...
The Wyrde is dead and gone, its protection passed into the ether. The fae have been loosed upon the world as they begin their wild hunt, a nightmare from fables and legend made flesh. At Hesk, in the heart of the Barren Isles, Ylsriss must confront a reality she never could have imagined when her son is stolen from her by the fae. Her desperate attempts to reclaim him lead her far from this world and deep into the Realm of Twilight where a still darker truth awaits her. As the Bjornmen invaders drive their way deeper into Anlan, King Pieter refuses to act. Selena is forced to confront him directly as Devin and Obair flee Widdengate and begin a search for answers, seeking help from a woman who may be little more than a memory.
Now this was so much better than book 1. It was non stop following each of the characters journeys. From start to finish I just enjoyed every bit! The world building was just so beautiful and so worth pushing through book one as it all makes sense. If I had one thing that annoyed me was the abrupt ending I mean really? Just stop like that? I guess it on to book 3!!
Kindle
Fae: The Realm of Twilight ( The Riven Wyrde Saga book 2)
By Graham Austin-King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Riven Wyrde saga continues...
The Wyrde is dead and gone, its protection passed into the ether. The fae have been loosed upon the world as they begin their wild hunt, a nightmare from fables and legend made flesh. At Hesk, in the heart of the Barren Isles, Ylsriss must confront a reality she never could have imagined when her son is stolen from her by the fae. Her desperate attempts to reclaim him lead her far from this world and deep into the Realm of Twilight where a still darker truth awaits her. As the Bjornmen invaders drive their way deeper into Anlan, King Pieter refuses to act. Selena is forced to confront him directly as Devin and Obair flee Widdengate and begin a search for answers, seeking help from a woman who may be little more than a memory.
Now this was so much better than book 1. It was non stop following each of the characters journeys. From start to finish I just enjoyed every bit! The world building was just so beautiful and so worth pushing through book one as it all makes sense. If I had one thing that annoyed me was the abrupt ending I mean really? Just stop like that? I guess it on to book 3!!
Ross (3282 KP) rated The Shadow Rising in Books
Sep 22, 2017
Excellent 4th instalment of the Wheel of Time series. Rand tries to win the respect and following of the battle-savvy Aiel by entering mystical city Rhuidean. The events within this section of the book really are key for the saga as a whole, and Mat is gifted with the tools and knowledge he needs to become the true hero he is. Meanwhile Perrin tries to return to his old life, but things have moved on and he ends up leading an army in battle.
This book probably contains the biggest development in the main characters, all of Rand, Mat, Perrin, Nynaeve and Moiraine learn new things or undergo significant changes that will last throughout the series.
This book probably contains the biggest development in the main characters, all of Rand, Mat, Perrin, Nynaeve and Moiraine learn new things or undergo significant changes that will last throughout the series.