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DaveySmithy (107 KP) rated Stardust in Books

May 16, 2017  
Stardust
Stardust
Neil Gaiman | 2005 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.4 (35 Ratings)
Book Rating
A very creative fairy story (2 more)
The beautiful use of language
A fairy tale for adults
The character development was sometimes slow and flat (1 more)
Over-elaborate in parts
A great story of self discovery
  
Frozen II (2019)
Frozen II (2019)
2019 | Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Characters development (0 more)
Fantastic sequel
Frozen 2 is the very rare example of a sequel that meets your expectations! The story is one of self discovery for both Anna and Elsa; the soundtrack features some soon to be classic Disney anthems in 'into the unknown' and of course 'lost in the wood'
  
The Passengers
The Passengers
John Marrs | 2019 | Contemporary, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
8
9.3 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel is in every way original, thrilling and compelling. The issues of morality, ethics, politics and self-interest come across clearly and are thought about long after the book has been read. The fact that this novel can accomplish all that while delivering a truly interesting and plausible concept in a page turner is nothing short of genius. While the character development may be a little one dimensional and the writing stilted and trite at times the plot propels this story forward much like an uncontrollable self-driving car.
  
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Christine Allard (22 KP) rated The Animators in Books

Jan 30, 2018 (Updated Jan 30, 2018)  
The Animators
The Animators
Kayla Rae Whitaker | 2017 | Contemporary
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Premise, bold female characters, Swift pace (0 more)
A story of passion, friendship, obsession, and self-discovery
Give yourself a few hours to dip into the creative world of animation—one you haven’t likely given much thought to in the past.

This novel is rich with character details and development, while holding back as much as the characters hold from themselves.


It’s an unfolding of the creative process, of friendship and love and loyalty, with a shadow of darkness and feminism. It could have become strident, but Whitaker strikes a balance of advancing the story while leaving the reader to draw their conclusions about self-exploration and the exploitation of others.
  
Parks and Recreation  - Season 2
Parks and Recreation - Season 2
2009 | Comedy
A much longer series of half-hour episodes following the Parks dept's daily struggles with and against the public. The pit and park development that took centre stage in the first series is just a footnote here, as each episode is more of a self-contained story. While for me it isn't laugh-out-loud funny, the quirky comedy and occasional slapstick moments is first class. Moments that feel quite ad-libbed add to the comedy.
  
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Lee (2222 KP) Jul 26, 2018

I remember not being a big fan of season 1 but felt that season 2 is where it really found its feet. Ended up being one of my favourite shows ever by the end of it's last season

Those People
Those People
Louise Candlish | 2019 | Thriller
7
7.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel was many times funny, though it was not meant to be. The self-absorption and narcissistic nature of most, if not all, the characters make this a sort of parody of the situation. The character development and the clear agenda each one has feels very color-by-numbers and, even though they are one-dimensional, they are very realistic and relatable. The concept is novel although the plot is a bit discombobulated. I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings this book evoked in me perhaps more than the book itself. The exploration into the human condition and how the relationships begin to break down was fascinating.
  
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Sarah (7799 KP) rated Snatched (2017) in Movies

Mar 20, 2018  
Snatched (2017)
Snatched (2017)
2017 | Comedy
Just plain bad
I'm starting to wonder if Trainwreck was a one hit wonder for Amy Schumer. This film is absolutely terrible. It doesn't start off well as it introduces Amy's character as such a detestable self obsessed person that you have no interest in her wellbeing and really can't stand her. So her development over the space of the film is wasted. There's barely anything truly funny in this film, most of it is just cringingly bad. The only decent scenes are those with the brother and the US state department agent, but sadly those are few and far between.

The only good thing about this film is it's thankfully short running time.
  
Gemini Man (2019)
Gemini Man (2019)
2019 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Smith v Smith
The script for this movie has been languishing in development hell for nearly 20 years I believe and having finally made it to the big screen it's nothing short of a disappointment.

First the de-aging process applied to Will Smith's to create his younger self is poor to say the least,it looks like someone is wearing a cut out plastic mask of smith.The story itself feels rushed and the script is horrible and the flaws are easily noticed.The action scenes are predictable,though the sequence on the motorbikes was fairly good.

Add to that a pretty mediocre and predictable ending and this is a really disappointing film.
  
The Book of Gates (Galenor #1)
The Book of Gates (Galenor #1)
Audrey Verreault | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A well written, thoroughly enjoyable read. Galenor has everything you'd hope for in a young adult fantasy. Danger, self -discovery, love, coming of age... the list goes on! I was enveloped in a new world that kept me guessing as to what would happen next.


At times tense, deep and shocking and others light-hearted and fun, which creates a great base for character development and relationship building. JudyAnn makes me smile, she takes things in her stride and is open to learning. She's likeable and I feel like I'd definitely pick her as a friend.


A fab weekend read that will transport you to another world!

 @Merissa
  
S(
Stormbird (Wars of the Roses, #1)
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have a great interest in late medieval and early modern history, so this one was bought for me as a present, thinking it would be right up my street.

Overall, it wasn't badly written, but I was less than halfway through and couldn't wait for it to be over (I'm far to stubborn to give up part way through!). We lurch from one battle, to a nice bit of torture and a bit of violence and some more blood and another battle..... you get my drift! And no, I don't think I have an unrealistic view of the past and it was bloody and those in power would have been what we might call self serving but they would probably though of as pragmatic, but this seemed to concentrate on the violence to the exclusion of just about everything else.

I'm not sure if Iggulden anticipated the reader feeling sympathy with any of the characters, but I found this difficult as there wasn't a great deal of character development, as it tended to get in the way of the blood letting. Everyone seemed to be self serving and the expression 'smug' was used on a number of occasions - not exactly endearing!

I don't think I'll bother with the rest of the series and just go back to my non-fiction books on the period.