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Awix (3310 KP) rated Ghost Stories (2018) in Movies
Mar 18, 2019
Loving and very scary update of the classic British anthology horror film. A skeptical parapsychologist is challenged to investigate three cases of the supernatural and prove there was nothing unearthly involved: a security guard, a teenager, and a wealthy businessman all recount their tales of dark forces - but is there something else going on?
Possibly a bit mannered and old fashioned for today's younger generation (mutter, grumble, etc), but a film made with enormous care and attention to detail, with terrific performances from the cast (okay, it's a bit white-male-centric; get your blazing torches out if you really must). The kind of film where, once you've seen the ending, you reflect on the rest of it and recognise all the subtle ways in which the film was tipping you off all along. And, as mentioned, a properly frightening experience when watched in a darkened cinema, but in a good way.
Possibly a bit mannered and old fashioned for today's younger generation (mutter, grumble, etc), but a film made with enormous care and attention to detail, with terrific performances from the cast (okay, it's a bit white-male-centric; get your blazing torches out if you really must). The kind of film where, once you've seen the ending, you reflect on the rest of it and recognise all the subtle ways in which the film was tipping you off all along. And, as mentioned, a properly frightening experience when watched in a darkened cinema, but in a good way.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Mouthful of Birds in Books
Apr 11, 2019
An interesting collection of stories.
When I read an anthology of short stories, I don’t expect to like all of them, and I did have my favourites in this collection, with titles such as: ‘Headlights’, ‘Mouthful of Birds’ and ‘Preserves’. These, and the rest of the stories in this collection, all start off as being quite ‘normal’, nothing overly startling, but they’re lulling you in to a false sense of security. They are all decidedly quirky, uncomfortable, menacing stories.
I think collections of stories like this are generally better as books that are dipped in and out of, and used as a palate cleanser every now and again. To read them all one after the other doesn’t do them the justice that they deserve.
I am very interested to see where Schweblin goes with her next novel, she has a very interesting imagination!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Oneworld Publications, for my copy of this book.
I think collections of stories like this are generally better as books that are dipped in and out of, and used as a palate cleanser every now and again. To read them all one after the other doesn’t do them the justice that they deserve.
I am very interested to see where Schweblin goes with her next novel, she has a very interesting imagination!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Oneworld Publications, for my copy of this book.
Ross (3282 KP) rated Designated Survivor - Season 1 in TV
Feb 15, 2018
Right from the first episode we are thrown into the thick of it as Tom Kirkman, an architect appointed to the US cabinet, is the appointed "designated survivor" - a member of government securely housed elsewhere during important events in case of a large scale attack. As he is watching the State of the Union Address, the unthinkable happens and the capitol building, with every other serving member of government inside, is blown up.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
Georgie Jay Abbotts (52 KP) rated Stalker in Books
Jan 27, 2020
This is my first Lisa stone book I'm definitely going to read the rest of her books. It's about a man who works for a CCTV company called home security. He installs CCTV systems into clients homes he calls them his extended family and after he finishes work he goes to his bedroom to watch the live streams and as soon as he sees something he doesn't like he sends automated messages to the clients to warn them to check there windows and doors and to alert the police. The police question Derek flint as there seems to be break-ins where he's installed the CCTV and police think he's behind all the break ins but it turns out to be one of his ex aprentices who is behind all the things that have gone on I would highly recommend this book it had me on the edge of my seat more than once
John Taylor recommended Gimme Shelter (2014) in Movies (curated)
Ben Foster recommended Dr. Strangelove (1964) in Movies (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Clemency (2019) in Movies
Sep 1, 2020
Heavy
Clemency- is a heavy hitter meaning the subject of the movie is heavy. Its a sad movie, but also a good movie as well. Alfre Woodard does a excellent job in this film. Her performance is fantasic and phenomenal. Its sad that 1.no one has heard of this film, 2. No one has seen this film and 3. It got no nominations at the oscars.
The plot: Bernadine Williams is a prison warden who, over the years, has been drifting away from her husband while dutifully carrying out executions in a maximum security prison. When she strikes up a unique bond with death-row inmate Anthony Woods, a layer of emotional skin is peeled back, forcing Bernadine to confront the complex-and often contradictory-relationship between good intentions, unrequited desires, and what it means to be sanctioned to kill.
Like i said its a heavy hitter with drama and suspense. Go watch it, its on Hulu.
The plot: Bernadine Williams is a prison warden who, over the years, has been drifting away from her husband while dutifully carrying out executions in a maximum security prison. When she strikes up a unique bond with death-row inmate Anthony Woods, a layer of emotional skin is peeled back, forcing Bernadine to confront the complex-and often contradictory-relationship between good intentions, unrequited desires, and what it means to be sanctioned to kill.
Like i said its a heavy hitter with drama and suspense. Go watch it, its on Hulu.
Intriguing and thought provoking
An interesting and intriguing story that not only entertains but is thought provoking.
The first few pages are pretty tame, I'll be honest they pulled me into a false sense of security but oh my was I was hit with a surprise! It definitely had me invested in Charlie Adamson, his development and role within the story.
Each page is expertly written to keep you hooked and waiting for more. Although a work of fiction there are many aspects that are either rooted in facts or at the very least have a glimmer of truth that keeps you thinking throughout.
This is one of the stories that once I've started reading I can't bare to put it down as I need to know what happens. Also, I'd be happy if it was made into a movie or series (with nothing removed please!)
I'd recommend for mature young adults onwards and definitely a great book club read, the discussions would be brilliant!
An interesting and intriguing story that not only entertains but is thought provoking.
The first few pages are pretty tame, I'll be honest they pulled me into a false sense of security but oh my was I was hit with a surprise! It definitely had me invested in Charlie Adamson, his development and role within the story.
Each page is expertly written to keep you hooked and waiting for more. Although a work of fiction there are many aspects that are either rooted in facts or at the very least have a glimmer of truth that keeps you thinking throughout.
This is one of the stories that once I've started reading I can't bare to put it down as I need to know what happens. Also, I'd be happy if it was made into a movie or series (with nothing removed please!)
I'd recommend for mature young adults onwards and definitely a great book club read, the discussions would be brilliant!
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated His Untameable Wickedness (Untameable #1) in Books
Dec 9, 2022
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Leo is a highly regarded businesswoman that has fought tooth and nail for what she has. She has done things she's not proud of to protect the ones she loves, her mother - who is in a maximum security prison - ends up in a coma through an overdose of an illegal substance. It's up to Leo and the few people she trusts to get to the bottom of what happened.
This book is not for the faint-hearted there is quite a bit of dark stuff in here that could be a trigger for some people as there is abuse mentioned. I did enjoy the story once I got into it. I just found it a bit backward and forward to start with but then you travel farther into the story and it gets easier to comprehend.
A recommendation by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Leo is a highly regarded businesswoman that has fought tooth and nail for what she has. She has done things she's not proud of to protect the ones she loves, her mother - who is in a maximum security prison - ends up in a coma through an overdose of an illegal substance. It's up to Leo and the few people she trusts to get to the bottom of what happened.
This book is not for the faint-hearted there is quite a bit of dark stuff in here that could be a trigger for some people as there is abuse mentioned. I did enjoy the story once I got into it. I just found it a bit backward and forward to start with but then you travel farther into the story and it gets easier to comprehend.
A recommendation by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated If I Can’t Have You in Books
Jun 1, 2024
108 of 220
Kindle
If I Can’t Have You
By Charlotte Levin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After fleeing Manchester for London, Constance Little attempts to put past tragedies behind her and make a fresh start. When she embarks on a relationship with the new doctor at the medical practice where she works, she’s convinced she’s finally found the love and security she craves.
Then he ends it.
But if life has taught her anything, it’s that if you love someone, you should never let them go.
That's why for Constance Little, her obsession is only just beginning . . .
This was a really really good read. I mean from that first chapter you are hooked and need to know how she ended up in the situation, you will not be disappointed! This is a tragic story of loss and obsession it leaves you feeling uneasy and unsure of who to feel bad for. Really good read.
Kindle
If I Can’t Have You
By Charlotte Levin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After fleeing Manchester for London, Constance Little attempts to put past tragedies behind her and make a fresh start. When she embarks on a relationship with the new doctor at the medical practice where she works, she’s convinced she’s finally found the love and security she craves.
Then he ends it.
But if life has taught her anything, it’s that if you love someone, you should never let them go.
That's why for Constance Little, her obsession is only just beginning . . .
This was a really really good read. I mean from that first chapter you are hooked and need to know how she ended up in the situation, you will not be disappointed! This is a tragic story of loss and obsession it leaves you feeling uneasy and unsure of who to feel bad for. Really good read.
Stephen (210 KP) Mar 18, 2019
Awix (3310 KP) Mar 18, 2019