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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) in Movies
Nov 6, 2019
Nothing new
When the first Zombieland came out in 2009, it was a wonderful and brilliant surprise and such a sleeper hit. There have been cries for a sequel for some time now and whilst 10 years is a big gap, I actually think this works in the films favour despite the fact that overall it's nothing new.
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...

Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated Alien: Covenant (2017) in Movies
Nov 19, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Covanant colony mission is interrupted and discover a distress signal coming from a nearby planet. Liking the look of it more than going back into a dangerous hyper sleep, they go down to check it out. Down there they discover an alien species completely destroyed by causes unknown. The traditional saga formula insues: someone gets infected, the aliens reek havoc and the humans appear to have won.
Here we seem to have another reboot, posing as a sequel/ prequel, in that the format is very much like the first Alien film, back in 79'. Following a distress signal, lending on a planet, issues with a storm, evil company synthetic, alien inhabits host and ends up back on the ship, takes them.out one by one, juat wjen you think it is over, its not, Alien is blown out into space, heroine survives.
All making sence as it is Mr Scott back at the helm.
That is not this one does not have it's own flare, this film takes place after Prometheus, but before it's 79'older brother, so we see more of the creation and evolution of the Xenomorph (big happies for lovers of that horror puppy) and it keeps you fence throughout, like the originals.
There are some odd pacing issues with some parts, though it feels more like a bit of condensed editing to cut the film down (though what is with the flute scene?!?!?!)
Aliens (the Cameron 86' sequel) is one of my all time favourite films, and as a fan of the series, I did enjoy watching this film, but do hope for something truly compelling in the next instalment.
Here we seem to have another reboot, posing as a sequel/ prequel, in that the format is very much like the first Alien film, back in 79'. Following a distress signal, lending on a planet, issues with a storm, evil company synthetic, alien inhabits host and ends up back on the ship, takes them.out one by one, juat wjen you think it is over, its not, Alien is blown out into space, heroine survives.
All making sence as it is Mr Scott back at the helm.
That is not this one does not have it's own flare, this film takes place after Prometheus, but before it's 79'older brother, so we see more of the creation and evolution of the Xenomorph (big happies for lovers of that horror puppy) and it keeps you fence throughout, like the originals.
There are some odd pacing issues with some parts, though it feels more like a bit of condensed editing to cut the film down (though what is with the flute scene?!?!?!)
Aliens (the Cameron 86' sequel) is one of my all time favourite films, and as a fan of the series, I did enjoy watching this film, but do hope for something truly compelling in the next instalment.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Frozen II (2019) in Movies
Dec 7, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Aliens (1986) in Movies
Feb 13, 2020

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) in Movies
Jul 19, 2020
After the runaway success of the first Friday the 13th a mere year earlier, Part 2 is the first of many sequels spaffed out in a short space of time. The sequels are mostly ok, certainly watchable, with only a couple that I would say step into crappy territory.
Part 2 is one of the half decent ones, and for better or worse, I actually quietly love it.
Not too dissimilar to its predecessor, it's overflowing with over acting. This time around, the dialogue is pretty much balls awful and cheesy, but it's not enough to stop me from enjoying what is a damn fun horror sequel.
It set the stage for what slasher follow ups would become known for - more gore, more victims, more nudity, more silliness. It's just the way these things go and Friday the 13th Part 2 arguably introduced these sequel tropes to the world.
Of course, this is our first proper introduction to Jason, pre hockey mask, and I've always found Part 2 Jason to be quite intimidating. The hockey mask is undoubtedly iconic, and cemented Jason as a horror icon, but here he dons some dungarees and a potato sack over his face. There's something truly unsettling about a big dude in that get up, chasing people with a massive pick axe.
The closing moments of the movie boasts a memorable 'gotcha' moment once again, whilst showing off the decent make up and effects work, and a returning Harry Manfredini is present once again to provide a jarring music score.
Part 2 is trashy in parts but I can't help but love it. 💀
Part 2 is one of the half decent ones, and for better or worse, I actually quietly love it.
Not too dissimilar to its predecessor, it's overflowing with over acting. This time around, the dialogue is pretty much balls awful and cheesy, but it's not enough to stop me from enjoying what is a damn fun horror sequel.
It set the stage for what slasher follow ups would become known for - more gore, more victims, more nudity, more silliness. It's just the way these things go and Friday the 13th Part 2 arguably introduced these sequel tropes to the world.
Of course, this is our first proper introduction to Jason, pre hockey mask, and I've always found Part 2 Jason to be quite intimidating. The hockey mask is undoubtedly iconic, and cemented Jason as a horror icon, but here he dons some dungarees and a potato sack over his face. There's something truly unsettling about a big dude in that get up, chasing people with a massive pick axe.
The closing moments of the movie boasts a memorable 'gotcha' moment once again, whilst showing off the decent make up and effects work, and a returning Harry Manfredini is present once again to provide a jarring music score.
Part 2 is trashy in parts but I can't help but love it. 💀

Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Frame-Up (The Golden Arrow Mysteries Book 1) in Books
Apr 16, 2020
Great idea but could've been executed better
When I first saw the synopsis of this book, I thought it sounded great - superheroes, geeks and comic books is right up my street. However what is a great idea for a story isn't executed very well.
My main problem is the character of MG herself. A female geek character is a great idea, but my issue is that I found MG very unlikeable. Her attitude and actions started off fairly well, but by the end I found myself getting so irritated by her inability to listen to other people and her stubborn and rash attitude. The romance aspect of this novel doesnt help matters - it sounds like every geeks dream and so farfetched and ridiculous it's laughable. This could not be any more predictable and cliched than it already is. Matteo as a character too seems fairly undeveloped and comes across as a rather one dimensional love interest.
This is a shame as the idea behind the story is quite interesting and rather fun to read. There's also some very decent minor characters like Lawrence who are a lot more intriguing and fun that should've been featured more. I also loved the references to geek and pop culture, and overall this aspect of the book was a lot of fun. I did find the lack of resolution in some parts of the story frustrating - your typical sequel baiting. I do have the sequel to read which I probably will read as I enjoyed this book enough, but I pray for a resolution as I doubt this series will hold my attention enough longer than that.
My main problem is the character of MG herself. A female geek character is a great idea, but my issue is that I found MG very unlikeable. Her attitude and actions started off fairly well, but by the end I found myself getting so irritated by her inability to listen to other people and her stubborn and rash attitude. The romance aspect of this novel doesnt help matters - it sounds like every geeks dream and so farfetched and ridiculous it's laughable. This could not be any more predictable and cliched than it already is. Matteo as a character too seems fairly undeveloped and comes across as a rather one dimensional love interest.
This is a shame as the idea behind the story is quite interesting and rather fun to read. There's also some very decent minor characters like Lawrence who are a lot more intriguing and fun that should've been featured more. I also loved the references to geek and pop culture, and overall this aspect of the book was a lot of fun. I did find the lack of resolution in some parts of the story frustrating - your typical sequel baiting. I do have the sequel to read which I probably will read as I enjoyed this book enough, but I pray for a resolution as I doubt this series will hold my attention enough longer than that.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Movie Watch
Avengers: Endgame is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team...

Guacamelee 2
Video Game
Head back to the Mexiverse in this sequel to Guacamelee! Uppercut your way to victory across...

Maddie (37 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) in Movies
Nov 16, 2017
Character development (2 more)
Creativity that added new elements to the world
Soundtrack on point
Lived up to the hype
Man, I love this movie. I actually would watch it before most of the Harry Potter films. Just everything about it hit the right chords for me. I loved the new characters and found them just as lovable as the original trio. The fresh setting of New York is also a welcome change of pace.
I thought that this film balanced the darkness and humor so well, which is something Rowling has always done well...I should never have doubted her! Far from a die-hard fan, but am more than pleased that this film lived up to my expectations. Looking forward to the sequel (although I have my reservations about Depp and Law).
I thought that this film balanced the darkness and humor so well, which is something Rowling has always done well...I should never have doubted her! Far from a die-hard fan, but am more than pleased that this film lived up to my expectations. Looking forward to the sequel (although I have my reservations about Depp and Law).

Maddie (37 KP) rated An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors in Books
Nov 30, 2017
Thoughtful Characters (2 more)
Unique World
Intelligent Prose
Thoroughly enjoyable and intelligent
I had a sudden craving for sci-fi/fantasy one day and stumbled across this book just days after it had been released. The lead character was a strong, boundary-defying female with her own flaws to overcome - and she was handled very well in terms of development and realistic emotion.
The writing was wonderful, I was sucked in and finished the book in less than a few days (with my busy schedule, that really is a feat!). The villains were not so easy to identify, making the tale of political intrigue that much more interesting.
If you're looking for a story of magic and a rebel heroine, then look no further. I cannot wait for the sequel!
The writing was wonderful, I was sucked in and finished the book in less than a few days (with my busy schedule, that really is a feat!). The villains were not so easy to identify, making the tale of political intrigue that much more interesting.
If you're looking for a story of magic and a rebel heroine, then look no further. I cannot wait for the sequel!